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Animal Bioscience May 2024This study was conducted to determine the effects of capsaicin (CAP) on productive performance, blood profile, intestinal morphology, carcass and meat quality of...
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to determine the effects of capsaicin (CAP) on productive performance, blood profile, intestinal morphology, carcass and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs.
METHODS
Two experimental diets were offered to 36 crossbred barrows: basal diet (0% CAP) and basal diet with CAP at 0.02%. Each experimental group consisted of 18 pigs, with six replications (three each).
RESULTS
Supplementation of CAP at 0.02% decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI; p = 0.003) and feed cost/gain (FCG; p = 0.056), increased return on investment (ROI; p = 0.052) and increased gain:feed ratio (p = 0.037) during the growing period. There was no effect of CAP on the growth rate. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and nitrogen (N) levels in faeces tended to decrease (p = 0.093 and p = 0.087), whereas the basophil level increased with CAP supplementation (p = 0.029). In addition, dietary CAP supplementation decreased crypt depth (p = 0.022) and tended to increase the villus height/crypt depth ratio in the segment of the jejunum (p = 0.084). Backfat (BF) thickness (p = 0.047) was reduced by supplementing CAP. Whereas the protein content increased with CAP supplementation (p = 0.021). Using CAP in the diet of growing pigs increased the pH at 6 h post-mortem (p = 0.046) and tended to increase the springiness value (p = 0.078) of the meat. In terms of meat color, CAP supplementation increased the yellowness (p = 0.029).
CONCLUSION
Supplemental CAP improves gut morphology and blood profiles, consequently promoting productive performance as well as carcass and meat quality.
PubMed: 38754848
DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0541 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... 2024COVID-19 infection poses significant risks, including life-threatening consequences and fungus synchronization, making it a significant concern. This study seeks to...
OBJECTIVE
COVID-19 infection poses significant risks, including life-threatening consequences and fungus synchronization, making it a significant concern. This study seeks to assess the effect of concurrent infection of COVID-19 with Thrush Candida albicans on the patient's health state by measuring the proportion of immune cells and certain interleukins such as IL-8, -10, -17, and -33.
METHODS
The study involved 70 patients (30 patients with COVID-19, 17 patients with thrush candidiasis, and 23 patients with Thrush Candida albicans) and 50 healthy individuals as a control group. COVID-19 was identified using RT-PCR, while C. albicans were identified through culture media, biochemical testing, and oral swabs. Ruby equipment and ELISA kits were used for blood counts and interleukin detection.
RESULTS
COVID-19, thrush candidiasis, and Thrush Candida albicans infections occur in a wide range of age groups (4-80 years), with no significant differences between sexes (p>0.05). Immunologically, our study found that Thrush Candida albicans patients had the highest rate of neutrophils (89.6%) and basophils (2.01%), while corona patients had the highest percentage of lymphocytes (70.12%) and eosinophils (7.11%), and patients with thrush candidiasis had the highest percentage of monocytes. Thrush Candida albicans patients showed increased IL-8 (56.7 pg/mL) and IL-17 (101.1 pg/mL) concentrations, with the greatest concentration of IL-33 (200.5 pg/mL) in COVID-19, and a decrease in the level of IL-10 in patient groups compared with controls.
CONCLUSION
Patient groups showed increased neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and IL-8 levels, with a significant linear association between proinflammatory interleukins and these cells.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Biomarkers; Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; Case-Control Studies; Coinfection; SARS-CoV-2; Candidiasis, Oral; Interleukins; Aged, 80 and over; Candida albicans; Child; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38747876
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230845 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024The objective of this study is to study the adverse effects of coal mining environment on workers to discover early effective biomarkers.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study is to study the adverse effects of coal mining environment on workers to discover early effective biomarkers.
METHODS
The molecular epidemiological study was conducted with 502 in-service workers, who were divided into miner and auxiliary. We measured the individual levels of dust exposure for participants. Clinical examinations were conducted by qualified doctors. Peripheral blood was collected to measure biochemistry, hemogram, and karyocyte apoptosis.
RESULTS
All workers were healthy who have not found with any diseases that can be diagnosed medically in the physical examination and showed no difference in dust exposure level, age, height, weight, and body mass index between groups. The working years of miners were lower than that of auxiliaries ( < 0.001). Compared with auxiliaries, the concentration and percentage of lymphocytes ( = 0.040, = 0.012), basophils ( = 0.027, = 0.034), and red blood cells ( < 0.001) and the concentration of hemoglobin of miners were lower ( < 0.001). The percentage of neutrophils ( = 0.003), the concentration of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration ( = 0.002), and the proportion of karyocyte apoptosis in miners were higher ( 0.001). Miners presented higher blood urea nitrogen ( < 0.001), ratio of blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ( < 0.001), the high density lipoprotein cholesterol ( < 0.001), lower creatinine ( < 0.05), and cholesterol ( < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The coal mining environment impacted mining workers' immune function, renal function, and the hematopoietic system, including BUN/CRE, HGB, RBC, and LYMPH, which could be used as early biomarkers to screen the health of coal miners.
Topics: Humans; Coal Mining; Occupational Exposure; Male; Adult; Dust; Middle Aged; Biomarkers; Female; China
PubMed: 38741904
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1368557 -
Nutrients Apr 2024Food allergy (FA) has become a common global public health issue, with a growing prevalence in the modern world and a significant impact on the lives of patients, their... (Review)
Review Comparative Study
Food allergy (FA) has become a common global public health issue, with a growing prevalence in the modern world and a significant impact on the lives of patients, their families, and caregivers. It affects every area of life and is associated with elevated costs. Food allergy is an adverse immune reaction that occurs in response to a given food. The symptoms vary from mild to severe and can lead to anaphylaxis. This is why it is important to focus on the factors influencing the occurrence of food allergies, specific diagnostic methods, effective therapies, and especially prevention. Recently, many guidelines have emphasized the impact of introducing specific foods into a child's diet at an early age in order to prevent food allergies. Childhood allergies vary with age. In infants, the most common allergy is to cow's milk. Later in life, peanut allergy is more frequently diagnosed. Numerous common childhood allergies can be outgrown by adulthood. Adults can also develop new IgE-mediated FA. The gold standard for diagnosis is the oral provocation test. Skin prick tests, specific IgE measurements, and component-resolved diagnostic techniques are helpful in the diagnosis. Multiple different approaches are being tried as possible treatments, such as immunotherapy or monoclonal antibodies. This article focuses on the prevention and quality of life of allergic patients. This article aims to systematize the latest knowledge and highlight the differences between food allergies in pediatric and adult populations.
Topics: Humans; Food Hypersensitivity; Child; Adult; Age Factors; Quality of Life; Immunoglobulin E; Infant; Child, Preschool; Skin Tests
PubMed: 38732564
DOI: 10.3390/nu16091317 -
Acta Neurochirurgica May 2024The pathophysiology of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) remains to be fully understood. Basic knowledge of the composition and features of cells in the CSDH fluid may...
INTRODUCTION
The pathophysiology of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) remains to be fully understood. Basic knowledge of the composition and features of cells in the CSDH fluid may contribute to the understanding of the seemingly complex processes involved in CSDH formation and recurrence. This study is the first to examine the composition of cells and of cellular features in both systemic blood and subdural fluid from CSDH patients. We hypothesized that the cellular composition and features in the hematoma fluid may be; 1) different from that in the systemic blood; 2) different between patients with and without recurrence; 3) and different between the first and second operation in patients with recurrent CSDH.
METHODS
Systemic blood and subdural hematoma fluid were collected from CSDH patients with and without recurrent CSDH at the time of primary and secondary surgery. Analyses of cells and cellular features included total number of white blood cells, erythroblasts, reticulocytes, platelets, neutrophilocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, reticulocytes, immature granulocytes, mean corpuscular cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, hemoglobin and hematocrit.
RESULTS
Of the 85 included patients, 20 patients were operated for a recurrent CSDH within 90 days follow-up. All cells found in the systemic blood were present in the CSDH fluid, but the composition was different (p < 0.0001). MCV was higher in the hematoma fluid from the primary operation of patients later developing a recurrent CSDH compared to patients not developing recurrence (p = 0.009). Also, the percentage distribution of inflammatory cells in hematoma fluid from patients with recurrent CSDH was different between the first and second operation (p = 0.0017).
CONCLUSION
This study is the first to investigate the cellular composition of CSDH fluid. Compared to systemic blood and to a reference distribution, an increased number of immune cells were present in the hematoma fluid, supporting an inflammatory component of the CSDH pathophysiology. MCV was higher in the subdural fluid at time of the first operation of CSDH patients later developing recurrence.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was approved by the Scientific Ethical Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (Journal no. H-20051073.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic; Recurrence
PubMed: 38724806
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-024-06101-2 -
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease May 2024The basophil activation test is an emerging clinical tool in the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy (CMA). The aim was to assess the association between the basophil...
BACKGROUND
The basophil activation test is an emerging clinical tool in the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy (CMA). The aim was to assess the association between the basophil allergen threshold sensitivity to the major milk protein casein (casein-specific CD-sens), the levels of milk- and casein-specific Immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE-ab), and the severity of allergic reactions at milk challenges.
METHODS
We enrolled 34 patients aged 5-15 (median 9) years who underwent a double-blind placebo-controlled milk-challenge (DBPCMC) as screening before inclusion in an oral immunotherapy study for CMA. The severity of the allergic reaction at the DBPCMC was graded using Sampson's severity score. Venous blood was drawn before the DBPCMC. Milk- and casein-specific IgE-ab were analyzed. Following in vitro stimulation of basophils with casein, casein-specific CD-sens, was determined.
RESULTS
Thirty-three patients completed the DBPCMC. There were strong correlations between casein-specific CD-sens and IgE-ab to milk (r = 0.682, p < .001), and between casein-specific CD-sens and IgE-ab to casein (r = 0.823, p < .001). There was a correlation between the severity of the allergic reaction and casein-specific CD-sens level (r = 0.395, p = .041) and an inverse correlation between casein-specific CD-sens level and the cumulative dose of milk protein to which the patient reacted at the DBPCMC (r = -0.418, p = .027). Among the 30 patients with an allergic reaction at the DBPCMC, 67% had positive casein-specific CD-sens, 23% had negative casein-specific CD-sens, and 10% were declared non-responders.
CONCLUSION
Two thirds of those reacting at the DBPMC had positive casein-specific CD-sens, but reactions also occurred despite negative casein-specific CD-sens. The association between casein-specific CD-sens and the severity of the allergic reaction and cumulative dose of milk protein, respectively, was moderate.
Topics: Humans; Basophils; Caseins; Milk Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Female; Male; Child; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Allergens; Animals; Milk; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 38722265
DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1265 -
Scientific Reports May 2024This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the immune system status and hematological disturbances among individuals who abuse amphetamines and cannabis. Substance...
This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the immune system status and hematological disturbances among individuals who abuse amphetamines and cannabis. Substance abuse, particularly of amphetamines and cannabis, has been associated with various adverse effects on the body, including potential impacts on the immune system and hematological parameters. However, limited research has been conducted to comprehensively assess these effects in a cross-sectional design. Additionally, fungal infections are on the rise internationally, and immune-compromised people are particularly susceptible. The study will recruit a sample of amphetamine and cannabis abusers (n = 50) at the Eradah Hospital in the Qassim Region of Buraydah and assess their sociodemographic and biochemical variables, including blood indices and differential WBC indices, liver, and kidney profiles. Additionally, 50 sputum samples in total were cultured for testing for fungus infections. To obtain the descriptive statistics, the data was imported into Microsoft Excel and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 22.0. Amphetamine and cannabis abuser's sociodemographic variables analysis observed that the majority (52%) were aged 18-30, with 56% in secondary school. Unemployment was a significant issue, and most had no other health issues. The majority (50%) had 5-10 years of abuse, while 32% had less than 5 years, and only 18% had been drug abusers for more than 10 years. There were significant changes (p < 0.001) in all different leukocyte blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Furthermore, a microscopic examination of blood films from individuals who misuse the combination of the medications "amphetamine and cannabis" reveals hazardous alterations in Neutrophils. Out of 50, 35 sputum samples showed positive growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol antibiotic, indicating a unicellular fungal growth. The present study explores the immune system and hematological disturbances linked to amphetamine and cannabis abuse, providing insights into health risks and targeted interventions. The findings complement previous research on drug users' hematological abnormalities, particularly in white blood cells. Routine hematological tests help identify alterations in homeostatic conditions, improving patient knowledge and preventing major issues. Further research is needed on multi-drug abuse prevention, early detection, and intervention. The cross-sectional design allows for a snapshot of the immune system and hematological status among abusers, laying the groundwork for future longitudinal studies. Key Words: Drug Effect, Immunity, Epidemiology, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Male; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Young Adult; Adolescent; Marijuana Abuse; Saudi Arabia; Immune System; Amphetamine-Related Disorders; Amphetamine
PubMed: 38719969
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61182-4 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... May 2024Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a non-protein polymer that is present in its native (unbound) form as an excipient in a range of products, and is increasingly being...
BACKGROUND
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a non-protein polymer that is present in its native (unbound) form as an excipient in a range of products, and is increasingly being utilised clinically in the form of PEGylated liposomal medications and vaccines. PEG is the cause of anaphylaxis in a small percentage of drug reactions, however diagnosis of PEG allergy is complicated by the variable and poor diagnostic performance of current skin testing protocols.
OBJECTIVE
We assessed the diagnostic performance of PEGylated lipid medications as an alternative to currently described tests that use medications containing PEG excipients.
METHODS
Nine patients with a strong history of PEG allergy were evaluated by skin testing with a panel of PEG-containing medications, and with a PEGylated lipid nanoparticle vaccine (BNT162b2). Reactivity of basophils to unbound and liposomal PEG was assessed ex vivo, and specificity of basophil responses to PEGylated liposomes was investigated with a competitive inhibition assay. For detailed Methods, please see the Methods section in this article's Online Repository.
RESULTS
Despite compelling histories of anaphylaxis to PEG-containing medications, only two out of nine patients (22%) returned a positive skin test to purified PEG or their index-reaction indicated PEG-containing compound. Conversely, nine out of nine patients (100%) were skin test positive or basophil activation test positive to PEGylated liposomal BNT162b2 vaccine. Concordantly, PEGylated liposomal drugs (BNT162b2 vaccine and PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin), but not purified PEG2000, consistently induced basophil activation ex vivo in patients with PEG allergy but not in non-allergic controls. Basophil reactivity to PEGylated nanoparticles competitively inhibited by pre-incubation of basophils with native PEG2000.
CONCLUSION
We demonstrate that presentation of PEG on the surface of a lipid nanoparticle increases its in vivo and ex vivo allergenicity, and improves diagnosis of PEG allergy.
PubMed: 38718949
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.03.030 -
Indian Journal of Hematology & Blood... Apr 2024Modern automated laboratory haematology analysers use various methods to measure different haematological parameters. These parameters are useful in the diagnostic and...
Modern automated laboratory haematology analysers use various methods to measure different haematological parameters. These parameters are useful in the diagnostic and clinical interpretation of patient symptoms. So, it is very important to compare the performance of different analysers measuring the same parameter. Hence, a comparison of complete blood counts analysed by Sysmex XN 3000 and Horiba Yumizen H2500 was performed. Total 296 EDTA anti-coagulated blood samples were processed in both the analysers in duplicate within 4 h of collection. The white blood cell count, red blood cell count, erythrocyte indices, differential leukocyte count, platelet count and platelet indices and reticulocyte count were compared. A good level of correlation and agreement between different parameters were obtained. A strong correlation was observed (r > 0.9) between Sysmex XN 3000 and Yumizen H2500 for WBC (0.997), RBC (0.997), Haemoglobin (0.999), haematocrit (0.974), MCV (0.902), MCH (0.99),, platelet count by impedance (0.989), mean platelet volume (0.954), plateletcrit (0.971), platelet distribution width (PDW) (0.916), neutrophils (0.997), lymphocytes (0.989), monocytes (0.943), and eosinophils (0.991) counts. A moderate correlation was observed for RDW-CV (0.75). The basophils count showed poor correlation (r < 0.5) possibly because of sample selection with mostly low basophils count. An acceptable bias was observed for most of the parameters like WBC, RBC, Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, platelet counts, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocytes. The studied instruments ensured satisfactory interchangeability except for few parameters, thus facilitate substitution of one analyser by another without affecting the clinical decision making.
PubMed: 38708164
DOI: 10.1007/s12288-023-01687-6 -
BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... May 2024Older adults experience chronic dysregulation of leukocytes and inflammatory cytokines, both at rest and in response to resistance training. Systemic hypoxia modulates...
TRIAL DESIGN
Older adults experience chronic dysregulation of leukocytes and inflammatory cytokines, both at rest and in response to resistance training. Systemic hypoxia modulates leukocytes and cytokines, therefore this study characterized the effects of normobaric hypoxia on the leukocyte and cytokine responses of older adults to resistance training.
METHODS
20 adults aged 60-70 years performed eight weeks of moderate-intensity resistance training in either normoxia or normobaric hypoxia (14.4% O), consisting of two lower body and two upper body exercises. Venous blood was drawn before and after the training intervention and flow cytometry was used to quantify resting neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, in addition to the subsets of lymphocytes (T, B and natural killer (NK) cells). Inflammatory cytokines were also quantified; interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Acute changes in leukocytes and cytokines were also measured in the 24 h following the last training session.
RESULTS
After the intervention there was a greater concentration of resting white blood cells (p = 0.03; 20.3% higher) T cells (p = 0.008; 25.4% higher), B cells (p = 0.004; 32.6% higher), NK cells (p = 0.012; 43.9% higher) and eosinophils (p = 0.025; 30.8% higher) in hypoxia compared to normoxia, though the cytokines were unchanged. No acute effect of hypoxia was detected in the 24 h following the last training session for any leukocyte population or inflammatory cytokine (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Hypoxic training caused higher concentrations of resting lymphocytes and eosinophils, when compared to normoxic training. Hypoxia may have an additional beneficial effect on the immunological status of older adults.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR).
TRIAL NUMBER
ACTRN12623001046695. Registered 27/9/2023. Retrospectively registered. All protocols adhere to the COSORT guidelines.
PubMed: 38698481
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00890-w