Association between vitamin D level and blood eosinophil count in healthy population and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with blood eosinophil count in healthy population and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).@*METHODS@#We analyzed the data of a total 6163 healthy individuals undergoing routine physical examination in our hospital between October, 2017 and December, 2021, who were divided according to their serum 25(OH)D level into severe vitamin D deficiency group (< 10 ng/mL), deficiency group (< 20 ng/mL), insufficient group (< 30 ng/mL) and normal group (≥30 ng/mL). We also retrospectively collected the data of 67 COPD patients admitted in our department from April and June, 2021, with 67 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination in the same period as the control group. Routine blood test results, body mass index (BMI) and other parameters were obtained from all the subjects, and logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between 25(OH)D levels and eosinophil count.@*RESULTS@#The overall abnormal rate of 25(OH)D level (< 30 ng/mL) in the healthy individuals was 85.31%, and the rate was significantly higher in women (89.29%) than in men. Serum 25(OH)D levels in June, July, and August were significantly higher than those in December, January, and February. In the healthy individuals, blood eosinophil counts were the lowest in severe 25(OH)D deficiency group, followed by the deficiency group and insufficient group, and were the highest in the normal group (P < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis showed that an older age, a higher BMI, and elevated vitamin D levels were all risk factors for elevated blood eosinophils in the healthy individuals. The patients with COPD had lower serum 25(OH)D levels than the healthy individuals (19.66±7.87 vs 26.39±9.28 ng/mL) and a significantly higher abnormal rate of serum 25(OH)D (91% vs 71%; P < 0.05). A reduced serum 25(OH)D level was a risk factor for COPD. Blood eosinophils, sex and BMI were not significantly correlated with serum 25(OH)D level in patients with COPD.@*CONCLUSION@#Vitamin D deficiency is common in both healthy individuals and COPD patients, and the correlations of vitamin D level with sex, BMI and blood eosinophils differ obviously between healthy individuals and COPD patients.

Efeito do probiótico lactobacilus casei adjunto a terapia periodontal em modelo experimental de periodontite: uma relação entre periodonto e intestino / Effect of the probiotic lactobacilus casei as an adjunct to periodontal therapy in an experimental model of periodontitis: a relationship between periodontium and intestine

A periodontite é uma condição crônica inflamatória que pode influenciar a microbiota intestinal. O tratamento padrão ouro para a periodontite inclui a raspagem e o alisamento corono-radicular (RACR), porém em casos complexos pode-se utilizar terapias adjuvantes, como os probióticos. A utilização deste tratamento adjuvante poderá contribuir para a melhoria da condição periodontal e a simbiose intestinal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito na inflamação periodontal e intestinal da utilização do Lactobacillus casei (LC) adjunto a RACR em camundongos Balb/c com periodontite, induzida por ligadura. Este estudo é um ensaio pré-clínico, in vivo, randomizado, cego e controlado por placebo, constituído por 36 camundongos Balb/c machos. Os animais foram submetidos a indução da periodontite por colocação de ligadura com fio de seda 4.0 ao redor do segundo molar superior direito, sendo divididos em 4 grupos,o grupo controle: Sem Periodontite e sem RACR (n=8); Grupo Ligadura: Com Periodondite e sem RACR (n=10); Grupo raspagem: Com Periodontite e com RACR (n=10) ; Grupo raspagem + L.casei (n=8): Com Periodontite e com RACR + administração de LC, por gavagem, durante 30 dias. Foram realizadas análises de citocinas pelo método ELISA no tecido gengival (IL-6), intestinal (IL-1ß, IL-6 e IL-10) e sanguíneo (IL-1ß e IL-6), além de análises bioquímicas (TGO, TGP, ureia e creatinina) e contagem diferencial de leucócitos do sangue. Foram coletados fragmentos do intestino grosso desses animais e analisados quanto a biomarcadores do estresse oxidativo (SOD, GSH e MDA), atividade da acetilcolinesterase (AChE) e foi realizada contagem da população de Bactérias Produtoras de Ácido Láctico das fezes dos animais. A utilização do LC adjunto a RACR resultou em uma redução na expressão da IL-6 no tecido gengival de camundogos com Periodontite (p < 0,05). Para as inteleucinas séricas (IL-1ß e IL-6), não houve diferenças entre os grupos (p > 0,05). Já para as citocinas intestinais houve uma redução na expressão de IL-10 (p < 0,05), para os grupos em que foi induzida a Periodontite. Com relação ao estresse oxidativo intestinal os animais do Grupo raspagem e raspagem + LC tiveram uma redução dos níveis de MDA (p < 0,05), para a SOD e o GSH, não houve diferenças significativas entre os 4 grupos pesquisados (p < 0,05). Conclui-se que o uso de LC adjunto a RACR em camungongos com periodontite induzida por ligadura pode reduzir a liberação de IL-6 no tecido gengival. Com relação aos efeitos intestinais foi observada a modulação da resposta inflamatória, com a redução de MDA, nos animais que receberam o tratamento periodontal. E a redução da expressão da IL-10, nos animais com Periodontite (AU).

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can influence the gut microbiota. The gold standard treatment for periodontitis includes scaling and crown-root planing, but in complex cases adjuvant therapies such as probiotics can be used. The use of this adjuvant treatment may contribute to the improvement of periodontal condition and intestinal symbiosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on periodontal and intestinal inflammation of the use of Lactobacillus casei (LC) adjunct to scaling and root planing (RACR) in Balb/c mice with ligature-induced periodontitis. This study is a preclinical, in vivo, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial consisting of 40 male Balb/c mice. The animals were submitted to periodontitis induction by placing a 4.0 silk suture ligature around the upper right second molar. The sample was divided into 4 groups, each with 10 animals: Group I: Without Periodontitis and without RACR; Group II: With Periodontitis and without RACR; Group III: With Periodontitis and with RACR; Group IV: With Periodontitis and with RACR + gavage of LC, for 30 days. Cytokine analyzes were performed by the ELISA method in gingival tissue (IL-6), intestinal tissue (IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10) and blood (IL-1ß and IL-6), the blood was also subjected to analysis biochemical (TGO, TGP, urea and creatinine) and differential leukocyte count. Fragments of the large intestine of these animals were collected and analyzed for biomarkers of oxidative stress (SOD, GSH and MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and the population of Lactic Acid-Producing Bacteria in the animals' feces was counted. The use of LC adjunct to RACR resulted in a reduction in the expression of IL-6 in the gingival tissue of mice with Periodontitis (p < 0.05), for the blood inteleukins (IL-1ß and IL-6), there were no differences between the groups (p > 0.05). As for intestinal cytokines, there was a reduction in the expression of IL-10 (p < 0.05), for the groups that presented Periodontitis. Regarding intestinal oxidative stress, the animals in Groups III and IV had a reduction in MDA levels (p < 0.05), for SOD and GSH, there were no significant differences between the 4 groups studied (p < 0.05 ). It is concluded that the use of LC adjunct to RACR in mice with ligation-induced periodontitis can reduce the release of IL-6 in the gingival tissue. Regarding the intestinal effects, two effects were found: The first related to the modulation of the inflammatory response, with the reduction of MDA, in the animals that received periodontal treatment. And the second related to a pro-inflammatory effect, with the reduction of IL-10 expression (AU).

Parámetros del líquido amniótico para diagnóstico de respuesta inflamatoria en parto pretérmino / Amniotic fluid parameters for the diagnosis of inflammatory response in preterm delivery

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el rendimiento del Gram, la glucosa y los leucocitos en líquido amniótico para el diagnóstico de respuesta inflamatoria fetal y materna en pacientes con parto pretérmino. MÉTODO: Estudio de rendimiento de pruebas diagnósticas. Se incluyeron 63 pacientes a quienes se les realizó amniocentesis por sospecha de infección intraamniótica. Se estudió la placenta y se comparó con el Gram, la glucosa y el recuento de leucocitos en líquido amniótico para ver su relación con la respuesta inflamatoria. Se evaluaron la sensibilidad, la especificidad, las razones de verosimilitud (LR, likelihood ratio), los valores predictivos y el valor de kappa. RESULTADOS: Las pruebas con mejor rendimiento fueron en conjunto la glucosa 50/mm3 en líquido amniótico, con una especificidad del 94,3% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 84,6-98,1), LR + 8,83 (IC95%: 2,5-31,2) y kappa de 0,48 (IC95%: 0,15-0,82). También se consideró la propuesta de un nuevo punto de corte para el recuento de leucocitos en líquido amniótico en la respuesta inflamatoria fetal. CONCLUSIONES: La combinación del recuento de leucocitos en líquido amniótico y los valores de glucosa mejora el rendimiento para el diagnóstico de respuesta inflamatoria fetal en comparación con la histopatología de la placenta, lo que proporciona información útil para el enfoque de los recién nacidos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of Gram, glucose and leukocytes in amniotic fluid for the diagnosis of fetal and maternal inflammatory response in patients with preterm delivery. METHOD: A diagnostic performance test study was carried out. Sixty-three patients with preterm labor were included who underwent amniocentesis due to suspected intra-amniotic infection. Histopathology of the placenta was studied and compared with the Gram result, glucose and leukocyte count in amniotic fluid, and their relationship with the maternal and fetal inflammatory response. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, predictive values, and kappa were evaluated. RESULTS: The tests with the best performance were overall glucose 50/mm3 in amniotic fluid for the diagnosis of the fetal inflammatory response, with a specificity of 94.3% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 84.6-98.1%), likelihood positive ratio 8.83 (95% CI: 2.5-31.2) and kappa of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.15-0.82). A new cut-off point for leukocyte count in amniotic fluid to diagnose fetal inflammatory response was proposed. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of amniotic fluid leukocyte count and amniotic fluid glucose values improves performance for the diagnosis of inflammatory response compared with placental histopathology, providing useful information for newborns approach.

Investigation and case analysis of an occupational chronic benzene poisoning accident / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

This article investigated an occupational chronic benzene poisoning incident that occurred in a sealing material factory in Hebei Province in September 2019, analyzed the clinical data of workers, to explore the causes of occupational chronic benzene poisoning, and summarize the diagnosis and treatment characteristics and treatment outcome. According to GBZ 68-2013 "Diagnosis of Occupational Benzene Poisoning", a total of 12 cases of occupational chronic benzene poisoning were diagnosed among the 20 workers, including 2 cases of occupational chronic mild benzene poisoning, 7 cases of moderate benzene poisoning, and 3 cases of severe benzene poisoning. Both mild and moderate poisoning patients had recovered after treatment. Severely poisoned patients had recovered more slowly, and the white blood cell count was still 2.0×10(9)-3.0×10(9)/L during the 1-year follow-up. This benzene poisoning incident was caused by illegal operations. The responsibility of the employer, the supervision of the administrative agency, and the awareness of personal protection of employees should be strengthened to avoid or reduce the occurrence of poisoning incidents and ensure the health of workers.

Relationship between nutritional factors and clinical outcome in children with tuberculous meningitis / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To investigate the relationship between nutritional risk status and clinical outcome in children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Methods: The clinical data (basic information, clinical symptoms and laboratory test results) of 112 patients with TBM, who were admitted to Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases of West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University,from January 2013 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the nutritional risk group and the non-nutritional risk group according to the assessment of the nutritional risk by the STRONGkids Scale. The variables of basic information, clinical symptoms and laboratory test measurements etc. were compared between the two groups by using Student t test, Rank sum test or Chi-square test. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze nutritional risk factors. Results: Among 112 patient with TBM, 55 were males and 57 females. There were 62 cases in the nutritional risk group and 50 cases in the non-nutritional risk group. The proportion of cases with nutritional risk was 55.4% (62/112). Patients in the nutritional risk who lived in rural areas, had symptoms of brain nerve damage, convulsions, emaciation and anorexia, with a diagnosis time of ≥21 days, and the level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein were all higher than those in the non-nutritional risk group ((50 cases (80.6%) vs. 32 cases (64.0%), 20 cases (32.3%) vs.8 cases (16.0%), 33 cases (53.2%) vs. 15 cases (30.0%), 30 cases (48.4%) vs. 2 cases (4.0%), 59 cases (95.2%) vs. 1 case (2.0%),41 cases (66.1%) vs.18 cases (36.0%), 1 406 (1 079, 2 068) vs. 929 (683, 1 208) mg/L, χ2=3.91, 3.90, 6.10, 26.72, 98.58, 10.08, Z=4.35, all P<0.05). The levels of serum albumin,hemoglobin,lymphocyte count, white blood cell count, and CSF glucose were significantly lower in patients with nutritional risk ((36±5) vs. (41±4) g/L, (110±17) vs. (122±14) g/L, 1.4 (1.0, 2.0)vs. 2.3 (1.6, 3.8)×109/L, 7.8 (6.3, 10.0)×109 vs. 10.0 (8.3, 12.8)×109/L, 1.0 (0.8, 1.6) vs. 2.1 (1.3, 2.5) mmol/L, t=-6.15, -4.22, Z=-4.86, -3.92, -4.16, all P<0.05).Increased levels of serum albumin (OR=0.812, 95%CI:0.705-0.935, P=0.004) and lymphocyte count (OR=0.609, 95%CI:0.383-0.970, P=0.037) may reduce the nutritional risk of children with TBM; while convulsions (OR=3.853, 95%CI:1.116-13.308, P=0.033) and increased level of CSF protein (OR=1.001,95%CI:1.000-1.002, P=0.015) may increase the nutritional risk of children with TBM. Similarly, the rate of complications and drug-induced liver injury was higher in the nutritional risk group (47 cases (75.8%) vs. 15 cases(30.0%), 31 cases (50.0%) vs.8 cases (16.0%), χ2=23.50, 14.10, all P<0.05). Moreover, the length of hospital stay was also longer in the nutritional risk group ((27±13) vs. (18±7) d, t=4.38, P<0.05). Conclusions: Children with TBM have a high incidence of nutritional risk. Convulsive, the level of serum albumin, the level of lymphocyte count and CSF protein may affect the nutritional risk of children with TBM. The nutritional risk group has a high incidence of complications and heavy economic burden.It is necessary to carry out nutritional screening and nutritional support for children with TBM as early as possible.

Stress induced by pre-slaughter farm conditions in pigs / [Estresse induzido pelas condições da fazenda pré-abate em suínos]

Cortisol is a steroid hormone, one of the glucocorticoids, made in the cortex of the adrenal glands and then released into the blood, which transports it in the entire body. Almost every cell contains receptors for cortisol and so cortisol can have lots of different actions depending on which sort of cells it is acting upon. These effects include controlling the body's blood sugar levels and thus regulating metabolism, acting as an anti-inflammatory product, controlling salt and water balance and influencing blood pressure. The study was conducted over a period of 3 months, between March-August 2020, in 2 swine farms in Iasi county, Romania, on a total of 46 pigs, 3 to 4 months old, both males and females, in order to investigate stress levels in finishing facilities. The study revealed higher levels of cortisol while eosinophil counts severely decreased, changes which are associated with a strong reaction to stress for individuals that were housed in finishing facilities.(AU)

O cortisol é um hormônio esteroide, um dos glicocorticoides, produzido no córtex das glândulas suprarrenais e, em seguida, liberado no sangue, que o transporta por todo o corpo. Quase todas as células contêm receptores para o cortisol e, portanto, ele pode ter muitas ações diferentes, dependendo do tipo de célula sobre a qual atua. Esses efeitos incluem controlar os níveis de açúcar no sangue do corpo e, assim, regular o metabolismo, atuando como um produto anti-inflamatório, controlando o equilíbrio de sal e água e influenciando a pressão arterial. O presente estudo foi realizado durante um período de três meses, entre março-agosto de 2020, em duas granjas de suínos no condado de Iasi, Romênia, em um número total de 46 porcos, de três a quatro meses de idade, machos e fêmeas, a fim de investigar níveis de estresse nas instalações de acabamento. O estudo revelou níveis mais elevados de cortisol, enquanto a contagem de eosinófilos diminuiu severamente, mudanças que são consideradas associadas a uma forte reação ao estresse para indivíduos que foram alojados em instalações de acabamento.(AU)

The critical function of miR-1323/Il6 axis in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Abstract Objective: Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is a common respiratory infection in children. Tumor necrosis factor-cx (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and IL-6 have correlation with Mycoplasma pneumoniae lung infection and MPP pathogenesis. Method: miRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of various diseases by regulating the development and differentiation of the immune cell. Blood was collected and total RNA was isolated. miRNA microarrays were performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in MPP patients. The levels of relative miRNAs and mRNAs were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Results: There are 23 differentially expressed miRNAs in MPP children's plasma, 15 miRNAs had enhanced expression and 8 had depressed expression. MPP patients showed lower mir-1323 level in blood samples than healthy controls. MPP patients with pleural effusion had much higher Il6 and Il17a mRNA levels than those without pleural effusion. The expression level of Il6 had a negative correlation with miR-1323 level. In the human THP-1 cell line, the level of miR-1323 was significantly reduced through lipopolysaccharides treatment. In THP-1 cells, overexpression or silencing of miR-1323 significantly reduced or promoted Il6 expression. Conclusion: In conclusion, miR-1323 targets the mRNA of Il6 and inhibits the expression of Il6. The pathogenesis of MPP inhibits the expression of miR-1323 in macrophages, triggers the overexpression of Il6, and enhances inflammation response.

ABCG2 polymorphism, age and leukocyte count may contribute to oral mucositis in oncopediatric patients

Abstract The study investigated the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and the development of oral mucositis in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy involving methotrexate. A longitudinal study was conducted with 64 patients, and oral mucositis was evaluated by the modified Oral Assessment Guide, which aims to diagnose and classify oral mucositis. Epithelial cells were obtained by mouthwash and DNA was extracted. The polymorphisms MTHFR (rs1801133), DNMT3B (rs2424913), ABCC2 (rs717620), ABCG2 (rs2231137) and ABCG2 (rs2231142) were analyzed by PCR-RFLP method. Demographic, hematological and biochemical data were collected from medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software adopting a p-value of 0.05. Male sex predominated (56.2%), and the mean age was 10.8 years (± 4.9). Oral mucositis affected 65.6% of the patients, of which 61.9% developed the severe form of the disease. For the ABCG2 gene (rs2231142), the rare A allele and CA genotype were more frequent in individuals with mucositis (p= 0.02; RR = 0.60; CI = 0.387 - 0.813). The severity of the disease was mainly observed in younger patients (median = 9 years; p=0.02). Patients with severe oral mucositis presented lower leukocytes count (median = 2.150 mm3) compared to patients with the mild/moderate form (median = 4.200 mm3; p=0.03). Female patients and each 10,000-platelet increase were protective factors against the onset of oral mucositis (p=0.02). It is concluded that rs2231142 polymorphism increases the likelihood of oral mucositis and younger patients and patients with low leukocytes counts are more likely to develop severe form.

Resumo O presente estudo investigou a relação entre cinco polimorfismos genéticos e o desenvolvimento de mucosite oral em pacientes pediátricos recebendo quimioterapia com metrotexato. O estudo longitudinal foi conduzido com 64 pacientes e a mucosite oral avaliada pelo Oral Assessment Guide modificado, que tem como objetivo diagnosticar e classificar a mucosite oral. Células epiteliais bucais foram obtidas por bochecho e o DNA foi extraído. Os polimorfismos MTHFR (rs1801133), DNMT3B (rs2424913), ABCC2 (rs717620), ABCG2 (rs2231137) e ABCG2 (rs2231142), foram analisados pela técnica de PCR-RFLP. Dados demográficos, hematológicos e bioquímicos foram coletados a partir de registros médicos. Análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o software SPSS adotando um valor de p=0,05. Observou-se que, o sexo masculino foi predominante (56,2%), e a idade média foi de 10,8 anos (± 4.9). A mucosite oral acometeu 65,6% dos pacientes, dos quais, 61,9% desenvolveram a forma grave da doença. Para o gene ABCG2 (rs2231142), o alelo raro A e o genótipo CA foram mais frequentes em indivíduos com mucosite (p= 0.02; RR = 0.60; CI = 0.387 - 0.813). A gravidade da doença foi observada principalmente em pacientes mais jovens (mediana = 9 anos; p=0.02). Além disso, os pacientes com mucosite oral grave apresentaram menor contagem de leucócitos (mediana = 2150 mm3) em comparação aos pacientes com a forma leve/moderada (mediana = 4200 mm3; p=0.03). Pacientes do sexo feminino e aumento a cada 10.000 plaquetas foram fatores de proteção contra o aparecimento de mucosite oral (p=0.02). Concluiu-se que a presença do polimorfismo rs2231142 aumenta o risco de o paciente desenvolver a mucosite oral, bem como pacientes mais jovens e menor contagem de leucócitos contribui com a severidade.

Age-associated hemogram and ultrastructural leukocyte morphology in Pygocentrus nattereri (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) from the Brazilian Pantanal

Pygocentrus nattereri is a carnivorous fish widely distributed in the Brazilian wetland and occupies different river strata. Based on the sexual maturity, the standard length (SL) has been used to categorize age and physiological attributes. However, hematological parameters and their relationship with age and growth features are unknow. Here, the aim was to evaluate the hematological profile and leukocyte data of juvenile and adult specimens, associating it with SL. Specimens of both sexes were weighted, and SL were measured for classify as juveniles (SL ≤16.0 cm) and adults (SL ≥16.1 cm). Blood was collected to perform the hemogram, for leukocyte quantification and ultrastructural descriptions. In general, hemogram values and leukocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts were high in juveniles. Hemogram variables were negatively correlated with SL. Thrombocyte and neutrophil counts were higher in adults than in juveniles. SL was correlated with leukogram variables. Ultrastructural analysis showed that granular leukocyte count in P. nattereri was similar another fishes. PAS-positive granular leukocytes are slightly smaller than neutrophils and are characterized by dense elongated and semi-lunar shapes in the cytoplasm. Our results suggest that age-based SL may be useful for the analysis of the relationship between P. nattereri health status and wetland aquatic environments.(AU)

Pygocentrus nattereri é um peixe carnívoro amplamente distribuído no pantanal brasileiro e ocupa diferentes estratos de rios. Com base na maturidade sexual, o comprimento padrão (CP) tem sido usado para categorizar a idade e os atributos fisiológicos. No entanto, os parâmetros hematológicos e sua relação com a idade e características de crescimento são desconhecidos. O objetivo foi avaliar o perfil hematológico e leucocitário de espécimes juvenis e adultos, associando-o ao CP. Espécimes de ambos os sexos foram pesados e os CPs foram medidos para classificação em juvenis (CP ≤16,0 cm) e adultos (CP ≥16,1 cm). Foi coletado sangue para realização do hemograma, perfil e morfologia dos leucócitos. Em geral, os valores do hemograma e as contagens de leucócitos, linfócitos e monócitos foram maiores nos jovens. A contagem de trombócitos e neutrófilos foi maior em adultos do que em jovens. A análise ultraestrutural mostrou que a contagem de leucócitos granulares em P. nattereri foi semelhante a outros peixes. Os leucócitos granulares PAS-positivos são menores do que os neutrófilos, sendo caracterizados por formas alongadas e semilunares densas no citoplasma. Nossos resultados sugerem que CP é útil para a análise da relação entre o estado de saúde de P. nattereri em ambientes aquáticos alagados.(AU)

Mepolizumab in hypereosinophilic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mepolizumab (MEP) in the management of hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). A systematic search was performed, and articles published until March 2021 were analyzed. The primary efficacy results evaluated were hospitalization rate related to HES, morbidity (new or worsening), relapses/failure, treatment-related adverse effects, prednisone dosage ≤10 mg/day for ≥8 weeks, and eosinophil count <600/μL for ≥8 weeks. A meta-analysis was conducted, when appropriate. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with a total of 255 patients, were included. The studies contemplated the use of MEP 300 mg/SC or 750 mg/IV. According to the evaluation of the proposed outcomes, when relapse rates/therapeutic failures were assessed, there was a 26% reduction with MEP 300 mg/SC (RD=-0.26; 95% CI: -0.44 to -0.08; p=0.04) and 48% reduction with MEP 750 mg/IV (RD=-0.48; 95% CI: -0.67, -0.30; p<0.00001). For the outcomes, prednisone dosage ≤10 mg/day for ≥8 weeks was 48% (RD=0.48; 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.62; p<0.00001), and the eosinophil count <600/μL for ≥8 weeks was 51% (RD=0.51; 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.63; p<0.00001), both showed a reduction with MEP 300 mg/IV and 750 mg/IV. No statistically significant differences in treatment-related adverse effects outcomes were observed for either dosage (RD=0.09; 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.24; p=0.20; RD=0.09; 95% CI: -0.11 to 0.29; p=0.39). Despite the positive effects observed for the studied outcomes, the exact significance remains unclear.

Early hematological parameters as predictors for outcomes in children with dengue in northern India: A retrospective analysis

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Dengue presents with a variable clinical course, ranging from mild illness to potentially fatal hemorrhage and shock. We aimed to evaluate the capabilities of various hematological parameters observed early in the course of illness for predicting the clinical outcomes of illness. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of children admitted in the pediatric inpatient services of the institute with dengue between 2017 and 2019. We determined the relationships between the hematological parameters observed during the first evaluation and the various clinical outcomes. RESULTS: We evaluated data from 613 patients (age range, 26 days to 17 years). Of these, 29.85% exhibited fever with warning signs, and 8.97% had severe dengue. Lower values of hemoglobin, platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mean platelet volume, and higher values of total leukocyte count (TLC), hematocrit, and red cell distribution width variably correlated with numerous clinical outcomes-duration of hospital stay, development of complications, requirement of blood component transfusion, inotropic support, and mortality. Among the parameters, TLC ≥20,000/mL and initial platelet count ≤20,000/mL significantly associated with mortality, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 11.81 (4.21-33.80) and 5.53 (1.90-16.09), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hematological parameters observed early during dengue infection may predict its clinical outcomes in infected children. Initial high TLC and low platelet count are potential predictors of fatal outcomes in the course of disease.

The Diagnostic Value of Peripheral Blood Cell Parameters for Early Recognition of Myelodysplastic Syndrome / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the diagnostic value of peripheral blood cell parameters for early recognition of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients.@*METHODS@#The clinical and laboratory data of 86 patients with MDS and 72 patients with non-malignant clonal anemia treated in first diagnosed in the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. The peripheral blood cell parameters of the patients in two groups were analyzed, generated the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) from the statistically significant parameters, the binary logistic model was build to calculate and compare the area under the ROC curve (AUC) combined with multiple indicators and individual indicators, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic accuracy, the diagnostic efficacy of the patients was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Compared with patients in the non-malignant clonal anemia group ,white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil percentage (NE%), eosinophil percentage (E%), eosinophil absolute value (E#), platelet count (PLT), platelet specific volume (PCT%) in the MDS patients were significantly reduced; while percentage of lymphocytes (LY%), basophilic percentage (B%), and the width of platelet distribution (PDW) significantly increased. The several ROC curves with the above indicators were established, which showed that AUC@*CONCLUSION@#PDW, B% and LY% in peripheral blood cell parameters have certain diagnostic value for early recognition of MDS.

Peripheral Blood Inflammation Indicators as Predictive Indicators in Immunotherapy of Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death, of which non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have now become one of the main treatments for advanced NSCLC. This paper retrospectively investigated the effect of peripheral blood inflammatory indexes on the efficacy of immunotherapy and survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, in order to find strategies to guide immunotherapy in NSCLC.@*METHODS@#Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who were hospitalized in The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from October 2018 to August 2019 were selected to receive anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab, sintilimab or toripalimab) monotherapy or combination regimens. And were followed up until 10 December 2020, and the efficacy was evaluated according to RECIST1.1 criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were followed up for survival analysis. A clinical prediction model was constructed to analyze the predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) based on NLR data at three different time points: before treatment, 6 weeks after treatment and 12 weeks after treatment (0w, 6w and 12w), and the accuracy of the model was verified.@*RESULTS@#173 patients were finally included, all of whom received the above treatment regimen, were followed up for a median of 19.7 months. The objective response rate (ORR) was 27.7% (48/173), the disease control rate (DCR) was 89.6% (155/173), the median PFS was 8.3 months (7.491-9.109) and the median OS was 15.5 months (14.087-16.913). The chi-square test and logistic multi-factor analysis showed that NLR6w was associated with ORR and NLR12w was associated with ORR and DCR. Further Cox regression analysis showed that NLR6w and NLR12w affected PFS and NLR0w, NLR6w and NLR12w were associated with OS.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, NLR values at different time points are valid predictors of response to immunotherapy, and NLR <3 is often associated with a good prognosis.

Therapeutic Effect of Spleen Low Molecular Weight Extracts on Leukopenia Caused by Epirubicin in Mice and Its Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the therapeutic effect of spleen low molecular weight extracts on epileptics hydrochloride-induced leukopenia in mice and explore its mechanism.@*METHODS@#The model of leukopenia in mice was established by the injection of epirubicin hydrochloride (10 mg/kg). After the injection of chemotherapeutic drugs, leukocytopenia mice were treated with different doses of spleen low molecular weight extract, Ganoderma oral solution and recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). The general survival status indicators such as body weight, coat color and athletic ability of mice in each group were recorded; the tail vein blood of mice in each group was collected and the white blood cell count in them was calculated; bone marrow of mice was taken and bone marrow smears were observed.@*RESULTS@#In the model group, the weight of the mice gradually decreased in the later period, their coat became dark and rough, and the ability to exercise decreased, while the mice in the treatment groups showed different degrees of improvement in their survival status except for the mice treated by rhG-CSF. There was no significant fluctuation in the white blood cell count of the blank control mice. After injection of epirubicin, the white blood cell count of peripheral blood in the model mice and treated mice were decreased. The white blood cell count was lower in the mice treated with high-dose low molecular weight extract and rhG-CSF than that in other experimental groups. Bone marrow smear showed that the proportion of bone marrow nucleated cells in the mice treated with the low molecular weight extract of the spleen was significantly higher than that of model mice (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The low molecular weight spleen extracts can significantly improve the hematopoietic state of mouse bone marrow, promote the proliferation of inhibited bone marrow cells, and thus has the effect of treating leukopenia in mice.

Risk factors for neutropenia of late newborns / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the risk factors and treatment for neutropenia of late newborns (NLN).@*METHODS@#Related clinical data were collected from the preterm infants and critically ill neonates who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from July 2019 to January 2020. A total of 46 newborns with a blood absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 37 weeks. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence rates of gestational hypertension, premature rupture of membranes > 18 hours and intrauterine distress, 5-minute Apgar score, the duration of positive pressure ventilation, the incidence rate of early-onset sepsis, and the type of initially used antibiotics (@*CONCLUSIONS@#The risk of NLN increases with the presence of late-onset sepsis and the increase in the duration of antibiotic use. NLN is generally a benign process. G-CSF appears to be safe and effective for NLN with severe disease conditions or severe reduction in ANC.

Utilidad de los índices neutrófilo/linfocito, monocito/linfocito y linfocito/plaqueta para el pronóstico de complicaciones asociadas a COVID-19 / Usefulness of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, monocyte-to-lymphocyte and lymphocyte-to-platelet ratios for the prognosis of COVID-19-associated complications

Resumen Introducción: Diversos biomarcadores basados en conteos sanguíneos han sido de utilidad para el pronóstico de los pacientes en estado crítico por COVID-19. Objetivo: Describir la utilidad de los índices neutrófilo/linfocito (INL), monocito/linfocito (IML) y linfocito/plaqueta (IPL) para el pronóstico de la mortalidad y necesidad de soporte ventilatorio por COVID-19. Método: Cohorte retrospectiva de registros clínicos de pacientes con COVID-19 que requirieron atención hospitalaria. Resultados: Se analizaron 125 casos, la edad media fue de 51 años y 60 %, del sexo masculino; 21.6 % padecía diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y 18.4 %, hipertensión. La media de leucocitos fue 9.5 × 103/mL y la de neutrófilos, de 8.0 × 103/mL. La media del INL fue de 12.01; del IML, de 0.442 y del IPL, de 373.07. Respecto al área bajo la curva se registraron los siguientes valores en cuanto a mortalidad: INL, 0.594; IML, 0.628 e ILP, 0.505; en cuanto a ventilación mecánica: INL, 0.581; IML, 0.619 e ILP, 0.547. En el análisis univariado, INL > 13 (RM = 2.750, p = 0.001) e IML > 0.5 (RM = 2.069, p = 0.047) se asociaron a mortalidad; ILP no mostró impacto en la mortalidad ni en el soporte respiratorio. Conclusión: INL e IML son de utilidad para predecir la mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19.

Abstract Introduction: Various biomarkers based on blood counts have been useful for the prognosis of patients critically ill with COVID-19. Objective: To describe the usefulness of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR) and lymphocyte-to-platelet ([LPR) ratios for the prognosis of mortality and ventilatory support requirement for COVID-19. Method: Retrospective cohort of clinical records of patients with COVID-19 who required hospital care. Results: One-hundred and twenty-five cases were analyzed; mean age was 51 years, and 60 % were of the male gender; 21.6 % had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 18.4 % had hypertension. Mean leukocyte count was 9.5 × 103/mL, with a neutrophil mean of 8.0 × 103/mL. Mean NLR was 12.01, while for MLR it was 0.442, and for LPR, 373.07. Regarding the area under the curve, the following values were recorded for mortality: 0.594 for NLR, 0.628 for MLR and 0.505 for LPR; as for mechanical ventilation, the values were 0.581 for NLR, 0.619 for MLR and 0.547 for LPR. In the univariate analysis, an NLR value > 13 (OR: 2.750, p = 0.001) and an MLR of > 0.5 (OR: 2.069, p = 0.047) were associated with mortality. LPR showed no impact on mortality or respiratory support. Conclusion: NLR and MLR are useful for predicting mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Niveles de proteína C reactiva, bilirrubina y leucocitos como predictores de evolución anatomopatológica apendicular / Levels of C-reactive Protein, Bilirubin and Leucocytes as Predictors of Anotomopathological Appendicular Evolution

RESUMEN Introducción: La apendicitis aguda es la urgencia quirúrgica más frecuente en cualquier hospital del mundo. Aunque la mayoría de las veces se trata de un proceso intrabdominal banal, en ocasiones presenta una no desdeñable morbilidad y todavía en la época actual. Esta morbimortalidad se asocia, en la mayoría de los casos, a estados avanzados de afección apendicular. Objetivo: Predecir, con la cifra de bilirrubina, la proteína C reactiva y el recuento leucocitario, el estado del proceso apendicular agudo que presentaban los pacientes. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo en el que se han incluido aquellos pacientes intervenidos por sospecha de apendicitis aguda durante un periodo de 3 años (2017-2019) que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Se analizó, como datos de laboratorio, la cifra de leucocitos, proteína C reactiva y bilirrubina. Resultados: Se observó un aumento de las cifras de proteína C reactiva y bilirrubina en los casos apendiculares avanzados, al igual que otros autores han evidenciado en la literatura. Así mismo, estos dos valores han resultado ser un factor de riesgo para presentar formas graves. El nivel de leucocitos sin embargo no ha demostrado relacionarse con la gravedad del proceso. Conclusiones: Vemos relevante el uso de los biomarcadores estudiados para predecir la gravedad apendicular con el objetivo de mejorar la asistencia en estos enfermos y disminuir las complicaciones derivadas del retraso terapéutico(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute appendicitis is the most frequent surgical emergency in any hospital worldwide. Although most of the time it is a trivial intraabdominal process, sometimes it presents an unneglectable morbidity. This morbidity and the subsequent mortality are associated, in most cases, with advanced stages of an appendicular disease. Objective: To predict, using the value corresponding to bilirubin, C-reactive protein and leukocyte count, the state of acute appendicular process presented by patients. Methods: A descriptive observational study was carried out, including patients operated on for suspected acute appendicitis during a period of three years (2017-2019) and who met the inclusion criteria. The values for leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, and bilirubin were analyzed as laboratory data. Results: An increase in the values of C-reactive protein and bilirubin levels was observed in advanced appendicular cases, as other authors have shown in the medical literature. Likewise, these two values ​​have turned out to be a risk factor for presenting severe forms. However, the level of leukocytes has not been shown to be related to the severity of the process. Conclusions: We consider the use of the biomarkers studied as relevant to predict appendicular severity in view of improving care of these patients and reducing complications derived from therapeutic delay(AU)

Sanitary conditions of the Goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara in captivity on estuarine environment: case report / Condições sanitárias do mero Epinephelus itajara em cativeiro em ambiente estuarino: relato de caso

This study aimed to report the sanitary conditions through the hematological analysis of grouper E. itajara reared in captivity on estuarine conditions. Seven Goliath groupers (1,881.5±1,246.03g) were captured and kept in two tanks located on estuary. After 20 days, fish were collected for morphologic and hemato-physiologic evaluation. Two fish had clinical signs such as hemorrhagic spots and loss of scale due to agonistic behavior. Blood samples were collected, and the hematological parameters (biochemical, erythrogram and leukogram) were determined. Blood cells were characterized by their size, color and shape. Univariate statistic and principal components analysis were used to identify a hematological standard between fish with or without clinical signs. Four leukocyte types were found: lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil and basophil. Regardless of the clinical signs the cell morphology did not present any difference among the fish. However, there is a significant correlation between erythrocyte and lactate on fish with clinical signs. Thus, agonistics encountered among the fish is a stressing factor in captivity conditions making it necessary to have adequate management related to the size of fish and stocking density.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou as condições sanitárias do peixe mero E. itajara mantido sob cativeiro, em condições estuarinas, pelas análises hematológica e morfológica. Sete peixes (1.881,5±1.246,03g) foram capturados e mantidos em tanques localizados no estuário. Após 20 dias, os peixes foram coletados para avaliações morfológica e hematológica. Dois peixes tiveram sinais clínicos, como manchas hemorrágicas e perda de escamas devido ao comportamento agonístico entre os peixes. Amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas dos peixes anestesiados com auxílios de seringas umedecidas com EDTA 3%. Determinaram-se os parâmetros hematológicos (bioquímico, eritrograma e leucograma). Células sanguíneas foram caracterizadas por seu tamanho, cor e padrão. Estatística univariada e análises de componentes principais foram usadas para identificar um padrão hematológico entre os peixes com e sem sinais clínicos. Quatro tipos de leucócitos foram encontrados: linfócito, monócito, neutrófilo e basófilo. Os sinais clínicos não apresentaram diferença entre os peixes e a morfologia celular. Contudo, observou-se uma correlação entre os peixes com sinais clínicos e a quantidade de eritrócitos e lactato. Assim, encontros antagônicos entre os peixes são um fator estressante em condições de cativeiro, tornando-se necessário um manejo mais adequado relacionado ao tamanho dos indivíduos e à densidade de estocagem.(AU)

Evaluation of protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 after vaccination of the calves with bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 combo inactivated vaccine / Avaliação da proteção contra o vírus da diarreia viral bovina tipo 2 após vacinação de bezerros com vacina combinada inativada do vírus da diarreia viral bovina tipo 1

This study was designed to evaluate the extent of the protection for bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 (BVDV-2) infection, afforded by vaccination with a combo inactivated vaccine, which contains bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV). Five 3-4-month-old calves were intramuscularly vaccinated with a single dose of the combo vaccine and boosted with same dose three weeks after the first vaccination, with five mock immunized calves serving as a control group. Twenty-one days after the second vaccination, all calves were challenged with BVDV-2 SX08 strain by spray into nostril. The unvaccinated animals developed typical clinical signs of high rectal temperature, diarrhoea with erosions and a dramatic drop in leukocyte counts. These signs occured markedly less in all vaccinated animals, the rectal temperature, leukopenia and virarmia of which, were significantly less than the mock immunized calves. It can be concluded that vaccination with the combo inactivated vaccine affords cross-protection against clinical effects of a challenge-infection with BVDV-2 SX08 strain, although it was part protection.(AU)

Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a extensão da proteção contra a infecção pelo vírus da diarréia viral bovina tipo 2 (BVDV-2) através da vacinação com uma vacina combinada inativada contendo o vírus da diarréia viral bovina tipo 1 (BVDV-1) e vírus da rinotraqueíte de bovinos infecciosos (IBRV). Cinco bezerros com 3 a 4 meses de idade foram vacinados via intramuscular com uma dose única da vacina combinada e reforçados com a mesma dose três semanas após a primeira vacinação, com cinco bezerros imunizados em simulação servindo como grupo controle. Vinte e um dias após a segunda vacinação, todos os bezerros foram desafiados com a cepa BVDV-2 SX08 por spray na narina. Os animais não vacinados desenvolveram sinais clínicos típicos, como alta temperatura retal, diarréia com erosões e queda drástica na contagem de leucócitos. Estes sinais tiveram ocorrência significativamente menor em todos os animais vacinados, cuja temperatura retal, leucopenia e virarmia eram significativamente menores do que os bezerros simulados. É possível concluir que a vacinação com a vacina combinada inativada proporciona proteção cruzada contra os efeitos clínicos de uma infecção provocada pela cepa BVDV-2 SX08, embora tenha sido parcialmente protegida.(AU)