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These results indicate that elbow CT is a feasible method for detecting clinically relevant lesions in adult Warmblood horses with elbow pain. I This retrospective clinical study by i Meredith Rudnick I and co-workers at the University of Florida, USA, examined the effects of age, disease and type of surgery on long-term survival in horses after surgical treatment of small intestinal strangulating diseases over periods relevant to the expected lifespan of a horse i . Equine ophthalmic pain scale I This study by i Flaminia Ortolani I and co-workers in Italy describes the development and preliminary validation of a composite pain scale, the Equine Ophthalmic Pain Scale (EOPS), to assess ocular pain in horses i . [Extracted from the article]

Thirty patients with haematological malignancies received peripheral blood stem cells from human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-identical sibling donors after non-myeloablative conditioning with fludarabine and total body irradiation. Twenty-seven patients received the transplant as an outpatient procedure. All patients engrafted. The probability of acute graft- versus-host disease (GVHD) grades II–IV and extensive chronic GVHD was 57% and 80%, respectively. Patients alive on day +365 experienced a median of 44 d (range 4–151) of hospitalization during the first year. In the entire cohort, GVHD accounted for 22%, infections for 18%, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) for 16% and engraftment syndrome for 14% of the time in hospital. The 1-year risk of TTP was 26%. Acute GVHD was a risk factor for the development of TTP ( P = 0·008). With a median follow-up of 602 d, the 2-year estimates for overall survival, progression-free survival, non-relapse mortality and relapse related mortality were 68%, 43%, 22% and 13%, respectively. This transplantation regimen is feasible and induces long-term remissions in heavily pretreated patients. The procedure can be performed in the outpatient setting, but complications could result in a substantial number of admissions during the first year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 15% of patients undergoing non-myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietical cell transplantation (NMHCT) develop steroid-refractory acute-graft versus host disease (aGVHD), a usually fatal complication. We encountered 18 cases of steroid-refractory aGVHD in 146 patients, undergoing NMHCT from a related human leucocyte antigen-compatible donor following cyclophosphamide/fludarabine-based conditioning. Our initial cohort of steroid-refractory aGVHD patients treated with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and mycophenolate mofetil (regimen-1: n = 6) had high GVHD-related mortality. Therefore, we investigated an alternative strategy for subsequent patients developing this complication (regimen-2: n = 12), consisting of daclizumab (alone or combined with infliximab/ATG) and targeted broad spectrum antibacterial and aspergillus prophylaxis in conjunction with rapid tapering of steroids to minimize opportunistic infections. In a retrospective analysis, patients receiving regimen-2 were significantly more likely to have complete resolution of GVHD compared with those receiving regimen-1 [12/12 (100%) vs. 1/6 (17%); P < 0·001]. When compared with those receiving regimen-1, regimen-2 patients also had a higher probability of survival at day 100 (100% vs. 50%) and day 200 (73% vs. 17%) post-transplant, and improved overall survival (median 453 d vs. 42 d from aGVHD onset; P < 0·0001). GVHD-related mortality was 89% for regimen-1 patients vs. 17% for regimen-2 patients ( P < 0·0001). These data suggest that a co-ordinated approach using immunoregulatory monoclonal antibodies, pre-emptive antimicrobial therapy and judicious steroid withdrawal can dramatically improve outcome in steroid-refractory aGVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated whether intracellular signal transduction molecules can be used as immunohistological markers of normal and neoplastic human leucocytes in routine tissue sections. We obtained selective labelling of white cells for eight such molecules (the ‘linker’ molecules SLP-76 and BLNK, the Src family kinases Lyn, Fyn, Syk and Hck, and the phospholipases PLC- γ1 and PLC- γ2). Antibodies to SLP-76 and PLC- γ1 selectively labelled T cells, and antibodies to BLNK, Lyn, Fyn, Syk and PLC- γ2 labelled B cells (although Fyn immunostaining was restricted to mantle zone B cells). Antibodies to the Syk and Hck kinases labelled probable thymocyte precursors at the periphery of the thymic cortex. In addition to lymphoid cells, several other leucocyte types were immunostained (e.g. SLP-76, Lyn, Syk and Hck were found in megakaryocytes, myeloid cells and/or macrophages, and PLC- γ2 was detected in arterial endothelium). SLP-76 and PLC- γ1 were found in most T-cell lymphomas studied, and some B-cell lymphomas were also positive for PLC- γ1 (e.g. diffuse large cell and Burkitt's lymphoma). The five B cell-associated markers were found in most B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, although some diffuse large B-cell lymphomas were negative (e.g. for Lyn) and anti-Fyn tended not to stain small B-cell neoplasms. The observation that a range of leucocyte signalling molecules can be detected in routine biopsies offers new possibilities for studying normal and neoplastic human white cells in diagnostic tissue samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 110 patients, aged 64 years or over, with de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and white blood cell counts <50 × 109/l were treated with 3 d of cytarabine 1 g/m2 twice daily, mitoxantrone 12 mg/m2 and etoposide 200 mg/m2, randomized with or without the addition of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) 200 μg/m2. The primary aim was to evaluate the effect of GM-CSF on the remission rate. Secondary aims included comparison of duration of remission, survival and infectious complications and the impact of maintenance therapy with thioguanine. Complete remission (CR) was achieved by 64% of patients without GM-CSF, and by 65% of patients who received GM-CSF, the median remission duration was 13 vs. 6 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 14 vs. 9 months, the mean time to neutrophil recovery was 25 vs. 17 d ( P = 0·03) and the number of positive blood cultures was 46 vs. 39 ( P = 0·05) respectively. The impact of thioguanine remains unanswered since only 30 patients remained in CR after consolidation therapy. We conclude that induction therapy is feasible with acceptable toxicity in elderly patients with AML, albeit with a high relapse rate and short OS. GM-CSF prior to, and in combination with, induction treatment reduced the time to neutrophil recovery and the number of neutropenic septicaemia cases but did not improve the OS of AML in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time quantitative (RQ) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to determine the number of residual leucocytes in leucocyte-reduced platelet concentrates (LR-PCs), which should contain < 3·3 leucocytes/µl. In this study we investigated the extent to which cell-free DNA, known to be present in plasma, might interfere with this determination. In this study, RQ-PCR was employed to determine the following: the influence of filtration of platelet concentrates (PCs) on the amount of cell-free DNA; the variation in concentration of cell-free DNA between the buffy coats (BCs) of different donors; and the amount of cell-free DNA during storage and processing of whole blood. PCs were sampled before and after filtration ( n = 5), BCs were sampled ( n = 100) and whole blood units were sampled < 2 h and 16–20 h after collection, and the BCs were also sampled after processing the whole blood ( n = 10). Samples were centrifuged to obtain cell-free plasma in which the amount of cell-free DNA was determined using an RQ-PCR for the albumin gene. The amount of cell-free DNA was not influenced by filtration of the PCs [1·7 ± 0·8 vs. 1·5 ± 0·8 leucocyte-equivalents (eq)/µl]. However, the amount of cell-free DNA in plasma of the BCs varied considerably, from 0·1 to 18·2 leucocyte-eq/µl (median = 1·5 leucocyte-eq/µl; mean ± SD: 2·2 ± 2·4 leucocyte-eq/µl). In 18% of the BCs the amount cell-free DNA was > 3·3 leucocyte-eq/µl. The amount of cell-free DNA increased during storage, from 0·3 ± 0·3 leucocyte-eq/µl (< 2 h after collection) to 0·9 ± 0·6 leucocyte-eq/µl (16–20 h after collection) and, after processing the whole blood, to 2·0 ± 2·0 leucocyte-eq/µl. Variable amounts of cell-free DNA in plasma will interfere if RQ-PCR is applied to estimate leucocyte numbers in leucocyte-reduced PCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 24‐h ultramarathon (UM) race is one of the most demanding competitive sports in terms of muscular and physiological exertion. In this context, predictors of UM athletes' physical performance are in high demand; however, data on the predictive capabilities of hematological variables are still sparse. In the present paper, we retrospectively took into consideration the pre‐race blood biomarker levels (including basic blood count, leukocyte subpopulations, markers of inflammation and organ function, metabolic profile, and electrolytes) of 50 UM athletes (M = 33, F = 17) who completed a 24‐h competition in order to identify a combination of analytes capable of predicting the athletic performance in terms of distance covered during the 24‐h run. The multiple regression analysis produced a model that explained a significant portion of the variance in the dependent variable, with an adjusted R‐squared value of 0.783 (F(13, 36) = 14.58, p < 0.001). A greater race distance was correlated with higher pre‐race values of hematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol, HDL/LDL ratio, and triglycerides and lower levels of monocytes, eosinophils, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), total proteins, and sodium. This study represents the first of its kind conducted on 24‐h UM athletes that investigated the association between blood markers and endurance performance. Our model, given its promising predictive power, would serve as a starting point that will require refinement and integration with other traditional performance prediction measures, in order to support athletes and coaches in better managing the training loads during the race‐approaching phases. Highlights: A combination of pre‐race hematological parameters was found to predict the 24‐h ultramarathon race distance in ultra‐endurance athletes.A greater race distance was correlated with higher pre‐race values of hematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, HDL/LDL ratio, and triglycerides, and lower levels of monocytes, eosinophils, alanine aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, total proteins, and sodium.The predictive model generated by the multiple regression analysis explained a significant portion of the variance in the dependent variable (race distance), with an adjusted R‐squared value of 0.783. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the papers presented in the eleventh annual meeting of the Sacndinavian Society for Immunology. Some of the abstracts are: Immunochemical Characterization of Human Plasminogen Activators. The 32,000 and 54,000 MW forms of human urokinase were purified to homogeneity, and the human vascular plasminogen activator was partially purified. Rabbit antisera were prepared against all three plasminogen activators. Another abstract is Sendai Virus-Induced Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity In Vitro: The Role of Viral Glycoprotein in the Initiation of Cytotoxicity. The natural cytotoxicity of human peripheral blood lymphocytes is enhanced by brief exposure to small amounts of purified Sendai virions.

Reports developments related to veterinary medicine in Great Britain as of June 2004. Examination of the role of PrP protein in copper metabolism; Production of the acute phase proteins; Analysis of the prevalence of canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency in Irish setters.

Background and Aims: The study aimed to collect and compare clinical and laboratory findings of children with severe and nonsevere COVID‐19 in Kermanshah City, located in the west of Iran. Methods: The study was conducted on 500 children with COVID‐19 hospitalized in Mohammad‐Kermanshahi Hospital in Kermanshah City. Pediatric COVID‐19 was confirmed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test using respiratory secretion samples. Medical records were reviewed and information related to demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and chest computed tomography (CT) scans were all extracted from electronic and paper records. Patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of the disease: mild, moderate, and severe. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between the groups and the collected data were analyzed by statistical methods. Results: Out of 500 patients, 286 were boys and 214 were girls. Of the patients, 321 cases were only COVID‐19, while 179 patients were diagnosed as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS‐C) positive. The average age of COVID‐19 patients was 3.85 ± 4.48 and of MIS‐C patients was 3.1 ± 3.5. In order, fever, cough, and heart disorders were the most common symptoms in patients with COVID‐19 and MIS‐C, respectively. In terms of disease severity, 246 patients had mild disease, 19 patients had moderate disease, and 56 patients had severe disease. In severe patients, the average number of white blood cells (WBC) was higher, while the average number of lymphocytes was lower. Also, in these patients, the average age was lower, and most of them had respiratory distress. In mild patients, often cough, diarrhea, and vomiting were observed. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that laboratory factors such as WBC count, lymphocyte count, CT findings, Respiratory distress, cough, diarrhea, and vomiting can be used to evaluate the severity of COVID‐19 in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various reviews and meta‐analyses have shown the positive effects of mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) on the mental health of cancer patients and survivors. Some studies have also investigated the impact of MBIs on physiological markers of health in oncology, but a systematic review has not been conducted in this field. The current paper aims to fill this gap in the literature. Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses 2020 guidelines, data were obtained from the databases of Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science in May 2022. Twenty‐five studies were included. Globally, 35 biomarkers were employed in these studies and were categorized 8 groups (cortisol; blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and respiratory rate; C‐reactive protein; telomere length and telomerase activity (TA); genetic signature; cytokines and hormones; leucocyte activation; leucocyte count and cell subpopulation analysis). In seven of these categories of biomarkers, positive effects of MBIs were observed. The most promising results were obtained for cortisol, BP, TA and pro‐inflammatory gene expression. However, the generally low number of studies per single biomarker limits the possibility to draw reliable conclusions. The present review presents a comprehensive state‐of‐the‐art for MBIs in oncology on biomarkers, confirming MBIs' potential for improving physiological health in cancer patients and survivors besides those already shown in literature on psychological well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A peripheral blood smear is a basic test for hematological disease diagnosis. This test is performed manually in many places worldwide, which requires both time and qualified staff. Large laboratories are equipped with digital morphology analyzers, some of which are based on deep learning methods. However, it is difficult to explain to scientists how they work. In this paper, we proposed to add an explanatory factor to enhance the interpretability of deep learning models in leukocyte classification. Methods: 10 297 single images of leukocytes obtained from peripheral blood smears were included in this study. Pre‐trained and fully trained VGG16 and VGG19 models were used to classify the leukocytes, and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) DeepExplainer was applied to visualize the area of cells that were significant for classification. The output images from the DeepExplainer were compared with cellular elements that are essential to laboratory practice. Results: The accuracy of our fully trained models was 99.81% for VGG16 and 99.79% for VGG19. It achieved slightly better results than the partially trained model, which scored 98.67% for VGG16 and 98.33% for VGG19. Their SHAP explanations indicated the significance of cellular structures in microscopic examination. Explanations in the pre‐trained models have proved the cell and nucleus contours to be relevant to classification, while explanations in the fully trained models pointed to the cytoplasm area. Conclusion: Despite different SHAP DeepExplainer explanations for fully and partially trained models, this method appears to be helpful for the verification of leukocyte classification in automated peripheral blood smear examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article lists several papers related to immune system that are to be published in the December 2004 issue of the journal "Immunology." Some of the papers are "Phenotypic and Functional Heterogeneity of Porcine Blood Monocytes and Its Relation With Maturation," by Sonia Chamorro, Concepcion Revilla, Belen Alvarez, Fernando Alonso, Angel Ezquerra, Javier Dominguez; "Influence of Pathological Progression on the Balance Between Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses in Bovine Tuberculosis," Michael Welsh, Rodat Cunningham, David Corbett, R. Martyn Girvin, James McNair, Robin Skuce, David Bryson, John Pollock.

In recent years, deep learning techniques have been increasingly utilized to automate and reduce human errors in leukocyte classification. However, reliability and accuracy issues remain a challenge. This paper proposes CAB‐Net, an end‐to‐end deep learning‐based model that integrates a convolutional neural network with an attention mechanism and BLSTM. The model uses a stack of convolutional and pooling layers to extract initial features from input images, which are then fed into the attention block to generate class‐specific discriminative features and BLSTM employed to model deterministic class correlations between highlighted discriminative features and labels. Experimental results show that CAB‐Net outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods in term of accuracy, precision, recall, F1‐Score, and AUC‐ROC. In addition, the CAB‐Net model demonstrates good performance even with low‐resolution images. Consequently, CAB‐Net can be considered as the current state‐of‐the‐art prediction model for improving leukocyte classification in clinical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular therapy nowadays includes various products from haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) collected from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood to more complex adoptive immune therapy for the treatment of malignant diseases, and gene therapy for inherited immune deficiencies. Broader utilization of cellular therapy requires extensive quality testing of these products that should fulfil the same requirements regarding composition, purity, and potency nevertheless they are manufactured in various centres. Technical improvements of the flow cytometers accompanied by the increased number of available reagents and fluorochromes used to conjugate monoclonal antibodies, enable detailed and precise insight into the function of the immune system and other areas of cell biology, and allows cell evaluation based on size, shape, and morphology or assessment of cell surface markers, as well as cell purity and viability, which greatly contributes to the development and progress of the cell therapy. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the current use and challenges of flow cytometry analysis in quality assessment of cellular therapy products, with regard to basic principles of determining HSC and leukocyte subpopulation, assessment of cells viability and quality of thawed cryopreserved HSC as well as the importance of validation and quality control of flow cytometry methods according to good laboratory practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a rule, fluid could not be recovered on paper strips placed in the orifice of the gingival crevice in cases of clinically healthy gingivae. This is taken to indicate that abnormal permeability of the dento-gingival blood vessels does not occur in healthy gingivae. An indication that a minor variation in permeability might occur, however, was observed in the specimens. Using the vascular labelling method, punctate deposits of carbon were seen in the wider vessels, pointing to a minor increase of permeability of these vessels when compared to the other vessels of the crevicular plexus. Likewise, the phenomenon of adhesion of "carbon leucocytes" to the walls of venules was observed, which was interpreted as being a response to a low grade irritant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) is a critical chemokine regulating immune cells' chemotaxis as well as their physiological or pathological activations. In fish cells, recombinant IL‐8 proteins induced transcriptions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Nonetheless, the exact mechanisms underlying the function of fish IL‐8 as a pro‐inflammatory cytokine are still unclear. In this paper, the authors first prepared recombinant grass carp IL‐8 (rgcIL‐8) using an Escherichia coli expression system, and later confirmed rgcIL‐8 increased gene expression of il8, il1β and tumour necrosis factor alpha (tnfα) in grass carp head kidney leukocytes (HKLs). Using signalling pathway inhibitors, the authors showed that rgcIL‐8 regulated transcriptions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines via MAPK and/or NF‐κB signalling pathways. They cloned gcIL‐8‐specific receptor CXCR1 and subsequently discovered that gcIL‐8 could increase the activity of NF‐κB and the transcription of IL‐1β via CXCR1. Simultaneously, antibody neutralization assay showed that endogenous IL‐8 is partially relevant to the self‐regulation of IL‐1β. Moreover, rgcIL‐8 led to the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase gene, causing an accumulation of nitric oxide in the culture medium of HKLs, suggesting the potential of gcIL‐8 to mediate inflammatory response. This study not only enriched the function of IL‐8 in teleost but also revealed it as a potential target for the inflammatory control in grass carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the papers accepted by the "Scandinavian Journal of Immunology" periodical for publication in issues after the October 1974 edition. "Human Secretory Component," by P. Brandtzaeg; "Effect of Human Leukocyte Interferon on the Response of Lymphocytes to Mitogenic Stimuli In Vitro," by H. Blomgren and colleagues; "Surface Markers on Human B and T Lymphocytes," by M. Jondal.

Introduction: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a chronic inflammatory breast disease of unknown etiology, and erythema nodosum (EN) is a rare extramammary manifestation of this entity characterized by reddish, tender nodules of the lower legs. We aimed to investigate whether the association of IGM with EN has a role as a prognostic indicator. There are few case reports, and only 1 original article including 12 IGM patients with EN has been reported. Methods: We present 43 women with IGM coexisting with EN and 43 with a diagnosis of IGM only, who were randomly selected from 610 patients for a control group. To the best of our knowledge, this paper comprises the first comparative study of the coexistence of IGM and EN to be reported in the literature. Results: Our findings show that the association of IGM with EN indicates a more aggressive disease course. White blood cells, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C‐reactive protein were significantly higher in the EN‐positive group (P <.05). Arthralgia, breast feeding, fistula distribution and recurrence distributions were significantly higher in the EN‐positive group (P <.05). Conclusion: Since fistula distribution and recurrence rates were higher in EN‐positive group, association of IGM with EN may be an indictor of a worse prognosis. The present study highlights the importance of dermatological care. All physicians should not neglect questioning breast complaints in patients with EN since EN may be caused by IGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern immunology has seen an apparent revolution with the recognition that human immune defense is not only the responsibility of bone marrow-derived leucocytes, but also dependent on a coordinated network of many cell types including epithelial cells, fibroblasts and neural elements. This classic paper by Alexander Fleming and V.D. Allison (British J of Exp Path, 111, 1922, 252) was largely forgotten for 75 years and describes the discovery that epithelia produce a protein with direct antimicrobial activity. Thus, this paper represents the birth of the field now referred to as innate immunity and first describes an antimicrobial protein ( AMP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New short-lived strains of mice (SAM-P), which have been developed by Takeda et al. (1981), show a defective antibody response to T dependent (TD) antigen in vitro, as demonstrated in the accompanying paper (see page 419). In the present study, we investigated the cellular site of the defect, using a cell culture system. In this paper, it is demonstrated that T-helper (Th) cell activity for the antibody response to TD antigen is impaired, while other cellular immune responses, e.g. mixed leucocyte reaction, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response, and delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, are normal. These results suggest that the defect in T-helper subset is limited in helper function for the antibody response, and that the helper function for the cell-mediated immune responses is intact. These two functions of the T-helper subset are apparently regulated in a different manner. The SAM-P strains of mice may thus serve as an appropriate model for studying functional heterogeneity in T-helper/inducer cell subsets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired regulation of immune function characterised by chronic inflammation together with a declining protective immune response is a major challenge to healthy ageing. It is therefore important to understand the mechanisms that regulate immune function and the impact of ageing upon such processes. Appropriate induction and resolution of the immune response require adequate availability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for incorporation into cell membranes. However, humans are unable to synthesise PUFAs de novo and are dependent upon dietary intake for pre‐formed PUFAs or synthesis by the liver from the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n‐6) and alpha‐linolenic acid (aLNA, 18:3n‐3). We have shown that activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells increases PUFA biosynthesis from essential fatty acids via a mechanism that involves altered epigenetic regulation of a key gene in the pathway. Moreover, induction of PUFA synthesis is directly involved in the regulation of lymphocyte activation and proliferation. The aim of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council responsive mode award described in this paper, 'How does polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis regulate T‐lymphocyte function?', is to determine how PUFA biosynthesis regulates T‐cell function and the effect of ageing on this process. The project will identify points of regulation in the biosynthetic pathway and how these might influence the capacity for up‐regulation of PUFA synthesis in older individuals. We will use stable isotope tracers of LA and aLNA to determine whether newly synthesised PUFAs are preferential substrates for synthesis of lipid mediators and whether they are involved in formation of membrane microdomains that mediate cell signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apheresis in children with low body weight is technically limited by their tolerance of the extracorporeal blood volume. Study design and methods: This paper presents a single‐center experience with 23 procedures in 12 children with weights between 5.2 and 9.5 kg using the Spectra Optia mononuclear cell (MNC) protocol with blood priming. Results: The average procedure duration was 158 minutes, and the median processed blood volume was 316 mL/kg. The white blood cell (WBC), platelet (PLT), and hemoglobin (HGB) values showed a downward trend with increased volume of processed blood. The post‐apheresis HGB concentration was increased in all procedures due to initial priming with packed red blood cells (PRBCs), but this effect disappeared at a level of ~400 mL of processed blood/kg. The median volume of the cellular product was 36 mL, the WBC count was 153 K/μL, the hematocrit (HCT) was 1.5%, the PLT count was 602 K/μL, the WBC collection efficacy (CE2) was 13.2%, and the PLT CE2 was 9.5%. The median CD34+ CE2 was 28%, and interpolation of the CD34+ CE2 yielded a Y‐intercept value of 32%. Higher pre‐collection CD34+ counts resulted in higher CD34+ yields. No correlation was found between the pre‐collection CD34+ results and CD34+ CE2. CONCLUSION: The analyzed data demonstrated the feasibility and safety of apheresis in very low‐weight children. The laboratory abnormalities were asymptomatic and citrate toxicity was mild. Visual control of clogging with manual adjustment of the citrate infusion rate is important to reduce exposure to citrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate antidiarrheal potential of prickly pear cladode and its hepatoprotective role in different groups of diarrhea‐induced mice. Mice received cefixime (4 mg/kg of bw) and different concentrations of aqueous cladode extract (250 mg/kg of bw, 500 mg/kg of bw and 1000 mg/kg of bw). Feces Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 was used to assess antidiarrheal potential and hematological, biochemical parameters, and histopathological analyses were carried out for 17 days. The results showed that administration of Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 in mice produced liver injuries with histological damage, whereas 1000 mg/kg of bw cladode extract reduced the Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430 load of feces earlier as compared to the other groups during 17 days. Hematological parameters, like red blood cells (RBCs) (6.19 ± 1.85 × 106/mm3) and hemoglobin (Hb) (10.06 ± 2.03 g/dL), of negative control group decreased, while white blood cells (WBCs) (13.46 × 106/mm3) increased from reference values. In lipid profile, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (9.0 ± 2.41 mg/dL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (6.07 ± 2.45 mg/dL) and total cholesterol (TC) (35.22 ± 8.29 mg/dL) of negative control group decreased, while triglycerides (TG) (168.35 ± 71.75 mg/dL) increased from reference values. Alanine transferase (ALT) (60.30 ± 20.33 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (359.9 ± 100.05 IU/L) and aspartate transferase (AST) (168.77 ± 66.61 IU/L) of negative control group increased from reference values. Urea (27.36 ± 10.54 mmol/L) and creatinine (35.29 ± 12.15 mmol/L) of the negative control group increased. Cefixime also ameliorated injuries due to the administration of Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430. Conclusively, these findings indicated that pure aqueous extract of cladode showed more promising results regarding antidiarrheal potential. Hence, cladode might be used in food and supplement formulations as a functional ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenotypes and receptors of the intraepithelial lymphocytes which are a major component of the mucosal immune system are of considerable interest. Intraepithelial lymphocytes, especially those of the intestines, are well documented. The nasal intraepithelial lymphocytes probably play a key role in the immune defense of the entire respiratory tract. However, documentation of these lymphocytes is limited to only a few nondescriptive studies by immunohistological methods. In our previous paper, we examined the subsets of the nasal intraepithelial lymphocytes by two-color flow cytometry after culture with monoclonal antibody against CD3 and PMA. The mucosal immune system, which comprises the lymphoid tissue associated with the mucosal surface, consists of lymphocyte populations from both the epithelium and the lamina propria. In this paper (a sequel to our previous study), we have carried out a comparative study of the intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria lymphocytes of the human nasal mucosa. In the 42 patients (with allergic rhinitis/infectious hypertrophic rhinitis) whom we examined, T lymphocytes were predominant in the epithelium as well as the lamina propria. B lymphocytes were detected only in the lamina propria. CD8 + T cells (suppressor/cytotoxic) and CD4-8 - (double-negative) (DN) comprised the major population of the intraepithelial lymphocytes. The CD4 +/CD8 + ratio was 0.5 ± 0.1. In contrast, the lamina propria showed a predominance of CD4 + T cells (helper/inducer), with a CD4 +/CD8 + ratio of 1.3 &plusmnn; 0.2. CD3 + 4-8 - (double-negative T cells) were comparable in number in the epithelium and the lamina propria. CD8 + T cells of the epithelium were predominantly cytotoxic T cells, and CD4 + T cells were predominantly helper T cells. In the lamina propria, CD8 + T cells were predominantly of the suppressor type. In the analysis of the T-cell receptors of the epithelium and the lamina propria, there was a predominance of the αβ receptor-bearing T cells in both. However, in the double-negative T-cell population of the epithelium, αβ heterodimer predominated over αβ. In order to verify the influence of culture conditions on the percentages of the individual subsets of lymphocytes, we examined the peripheral blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry before and after culture under the same conditions. We found no significant change in the different subsets caused by culture except a slight reduction in the percentage of suppressor T cells as well as a significant increase in activated T cells. We therefore wish to emphasize that the nasal intraepitheial lymphocytes are heterogenous in phenotype, and are dominated by double-negative cells and CD8 + T cells. Moreover, the nasal lamina propria lymphocytes are also heterogenous in phenotype, and differ in proportion from the intraepithelial lymphocytes. What is of utmost interest is the preferential location of the αβ receptor-bearing T cells in the epithelium and their relative absence in the lamina propria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of plasma fibrinogen and serum haptoglobin and the white blood cell count (WBC) were assessed in 17 thoroughbreds. All horses were trained for 80 days, six days a week, with one day of rest per week. Blood samples were collected from each animal by jugular venepuncture, at 06.00, every 20 days for a period of 80 days, and the fibrinogen and haptoglobin concentrations and WBC were determined. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance, followed by the Bonferroni test, was used to determine significant differences. Training was associated with a significant increase in the concentrations of plasma fibrinogen (P<0.01) and serum haptoglobin (P<0.0005), but had no significant effect on the WBC count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemokines are cytokines that are involved in the movement of leukocytes and the occurrence of immune responses. It has recently been noted that these cytokines play a role in the movement of cancer cells to different parts of the body and create a suitable environment [i.e. (pre) metastatic niche] for their growth and proliferation. We studied the role of chemokines in the metastasis of cancer cells, as well as their involvement in the proliferation and growth of these cells. Relevant literature was identified by a PubMed search (2005–2017) of English language papers using the terms ‘chemokine,’ ‘metastasis niche,’ and ‘organotropism.’ Based on the nature of cancer cells, the expression of chemokine receptors on these cells leads to metastasis to various organs, which ultimately causes changes in different signaling pathways. Finally, the targeting of chemokines on cancer cells could prevent the metastasis of cancer cells toward different organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Astaxanthin is the most prevalent carotenoid in the marine environment and is widely used as an additive in formulated aquafeeds. Objectives: A 60‐day feeding trial was conducted to consider the effect of dietary nanoliposome‐coated astaxanthin (NA) on haematological parameters, serum antioxidant activities and immune responses of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Methods: A total of 450 healthy fish weighing 31.00 ± 2.09 g were randomly assigned in triplicate (30 fish per replicate) to 5 dietary treatments: 0 (control), 25.00, 50.00, 75.00, and 100.00 mg kg−1 NA. Results: Fish fed the diet supplemented with 50.00 mg kg−1 NA exhibited the highest values of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit of 1.64 ± 0.01 × 106 mm−3, 5.54 ± 0.21 × 103 mm−3, 8.73 ± 0.24 g dL−1 and 46.67% ± 0.88%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those fed the basal diet (p < 0.05). The lowest and highest percentages of lymphocytes (67.67% ± 0.33%) and neutrophils (27.33% ± 1.20%) were also obtained in fish fed 50.00 mg kg−1 NA compared to those fed the basal diet (p < 0.05). Fish receiving diet supplemented with 50.00 mg kg−1 NA revealed the highest serum activity in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme and alternative complement and the lowest level of total cholesterol, cortisol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase than fish receiving the basal diet (p < 0.05). Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) and ACH50 contents significantly increased with increasing dietary NA supplementation to the highest values of 43.17 ± 1.46 and 293.33 ± 2.03 U mL−1, respectively, in fish fed diet supplemented with 50 mg kg−1 NA (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Supplementation of NA in rainbow trout diet at 50 mg kg−1 exhibited a positive effect on haematological parameters, antioxidant capacity and immune responses. Administration of such dosage can enhance rainbow trout immune responses against unfavourable or stressful conditions, for example disease outbreaks, hypoxic condition, thermal stress and sudden osmotic fluctuations, which usually happen in an intensive culture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical site infections (SSIs) following radical mastectomy in breast cancer patients can significantly affect patient recovery and healthcare resources. Identifying and understanding the risk factors for postoperative wound infections (PWIs) are crucial for improving surgical outcomes. This retrospective study was conducted from June 2020 to June 2023, including 23 breast cancer patients who developed PWIs post‐radical mastectomy and a control group of 46 patients without such infections. Comprehensive patient data, including variables such as intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay duration, body mass index (BMI), operation time, anaemia, drainage time, diabetes mellitus, cancer stage, white blood cell (WBC) count, serum albumin levels and preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, were meticulously gathered. Statistical analyses, including univariate and multivariate logistic regression, were performed using SPSS software (Version 27.0). The univariate analysis identified several factors significantly associated with an increased risk of PWIs, including preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, low serum albumin levels, advanced cancer stage, diabetes mellitus and reduced WBC count. Multivariate logistic regression highlighted anaemia, prolonged drainage time, diabetes mellitus, advanced cancer stage, reduced WBC count, hypoalbuminemia and preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy as significant contributors to the increased risk of PWIs. Anaemia, extended drainage time, diabetes mellitus, advanced cancer stage, low WBC count, hypoalbuminemia and preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy are key risk factors for SSIs post‐radical mastectomy. Early identification and proactive management of these factors are imperative to reduce the incidence of postoperative infections and enhance recovery outcomes in breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study assessed apoptosis in peripheral blood leucocytes ( PBL) from β-thalassaemia patients receiving chronic transfusions and chelation therapy (deferasirox or deferoxamine) at baseline, 1, 6, and 12 months. At baseline, thalassaemic PBLs presented 50% greater levels of Bax ( BAX), 75% higher caspase-3/7, 48% higher caspase-8 and 88% higher caspase-9 activities and 428% more nucleosomal DNA fragmentation than control subjects. Only neutrophils correlated significantly with apoptotic markers. Previously, we showed that over the treatment year, hepatic iron declined; we now show that the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 ( BCL2), (−27·3%/year), and caspase-9 activity (−13·3%/year) declined in both treatment groups, suggesting that chelation decreases body iron and indicators of PBL apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The role of the calcium-conducting ion channel transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) in macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) induced migration of mouse neutrophils was investigated. Methods: Neutrophil granulocytes isolated from murine bone marrow of wild-type (TRPC6+/+) and TRPC6 knockout (TRPC6−/−) mice were tested for the presence of TRPC6 channel expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions and immunocytochemistry. The effect of different stimuli (e.g. MIP-2, 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanin) on migration of isolated neutrophils was tested by two-dimensional (2D) migration assays, phalloidin staining and intracellular calcium imaging. Results: We found that neutrophil granulocytes express TRPC6 channels. MIP-2 induced fast cell migration of isolated neutrophils in a 2D cell-tracking system. Strikingly, MIP-2 was less potent in neutrophils derived from TRPC6−/− mice. These cells showed less phalloidin-coupled fluorescence and the pattern of cytosolic calcium transients was altered. Conclusions: We describe in this paper for the first time a role for transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in migration of native lymphocytes as a new paradigm for the universal functional role of TRPs. Our data give strong evidence that TRPC6 operates downstream to CXC-type Gq-protein-coupled chemokine receptors upon stimulation with MIP-2 and is crucial for the arrangement of filamentous actin in migrating neutrophils. This is a novel cell function of TRP channel beyond their well-recognized role as universal cell sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Max Schultze published the first accurate and convincing description of platelets as part of a study devoted mainly to the white blood cells in 1865. He recognised them as a normal constituent of the blood and ‘enthusiastically recommended’ them as an object for further study by ‘those concerned with the in-depth study of the blood of humans’. In 1882, Bizzozero demonstrated the value of this recommendation in his much more comprehensive study. He observed them microscopically in the circulating blood of living animals and in the blood removed from the blood vessels. In well-planned experiments, he showed that they were the first component of the blood to adhere to damaged blood vessel walls in vivo and, in vitro, that they were the first components of the blood to adhere to threads that subsequently became covered with fibrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on the role of leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 (LECT2) in pathophysiology and its future in clinical medicine. The study reportedly involved research papers on medical databases that were published in 2016. The results revealed that LECT2's role in the human body is complex with numerous crucial functions.

In modeling of elastic objects in a flow such as red blood cells, white blood cells, or tumor cells, several elastic moduli are involved. One of them is the area conservation modulus. In this paper, we focus on spring network models, and we introduce a new way of modeling the area preservation modulus. We take into account the current shape of the individual triangles and find the proportional allocation of area conservation forces, which would for individual triangles preserve their shapes. The analysis shows that this approach tends to regularize the triangulation. We demonstrate this effect on individual triangles as well as on the complete triangulations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of bacteria in the initiation of periodontitis is well-documented and the end result, destruction of the alveolar bone and periodontal connective tissue, is readily observed; but the events occurring between these two points in time remain obscure and are the focus of this paper. Bacteria induce tissue destruction indirectly by activating host defense cells, which in turn produce and release mediators that stimulate the effectors of connective tissue breakdown. Components of microbial plaque have the capacity to induce the initial infiltrate of inflammatory cells including lymphocytes, macrophages, and PMNs. Microbial components, especially lipopolysaccharide (LPS), have the capacity to activate macrophages to synthesize and secrete a wide array of molecules including the cytokines interleukin-l (IL-l) and tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandins, especially PGE,. and hydrolytic enzymes. Likewise, bacterial substances activate T lymphocytes and they produce IL-I and lymphotoxin (LT), a molecule having properties very similar to TNF-α. These cytokines manifest potent proinflammatory and catabolic activities, and play key roles in periodontal tissue breakdown. They induce fibroblasts and macrophages to produce neutral metalloproteinases such as procollagenase and prostromelysin, the serine pro- teinase urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), tissue inhibitor of metallo- proteinase (TIMP), and prostaglandins. u-PA converts plasminogen into plasmin, which can activate neutral metalloproteinase proenzymes. and these enzymes degrade the extracellular matrix components. TIMP inactivates the active enzymes and thereby blocks further tissue degradation. Several amplification and suppression mechanisms are involved in the process. While LPS activates macrophages to produce IL-I. IL-I is autostimulatory and can therefore amplify and perpetuate its own production. Interferon-γ (IN F-γ') suppresses autostimulation, but it enhances LPS-induced IL-I production. PGE- exerts a control over the whole process by suppressing production of both IL-I and TNF-α. Furthermore, the activated cells produce an IL-I receptor antagonist that binds to the IL-I receptor but does not induce the biologic consequences of IL-I binding. Other cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF- β) suppress production of metalloproteinases and u-PA. Thus the progression and extent of tissue degradation is likely to be determined in major part by relative concentrations and half-life of IL-I, TNF-α, and related cytokines, competing molecules such as the IL-I receptor antagonist, and suppressive molecules such as TGF-β and PGE2. These molecules control levels of latent and active metalloproteinase and u-PA, and the availability and concentration of TIMP determines the extent and duration of degradative activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the proceedings of the twenty fourth annual meeting of the Australian Society for Experimental Pathology. The symposium has been organized to honor the memory of the Society's founding President, professor Don Wilhelm. In of the papers included in the symposium, many aspects of the behavior of leukocytes in the microcirculation which lead to their accumulation in inflammatory lesions have been discussed. Another research paper asserted that chemotaxis is the active movement of cells according to ambient concentration gradients of chemicals.

The binding of early pregnancy factor (EPF) to lymphocytes stimulates the release of soluble effector molecules. Studies in mice have shown that it is these factors rather than EPF as such which are inhibitory in the T cell-dependent reactions, the adoptive transfer of contact sensitivity and the rosette inhibition test. Two factors have been identified: mEPF-S1 (Mr ∼15 000) is major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted while mEPF-S2 (Mr ∼55 000) is restricted to a locus (or loci) outside the MHC. In the present paper, evidence is presented which shows that EPF also induces the release of soluble mediators from human lymphocytes. With the rosette inhibition test two factors have been detected, both of similar size and genetic restriction to those described previously in the mouse. One factor, designated hEPF-Si (Mr 14-18 000), is human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted and the other, hEPF-S2 (Mr 50-60 000), appears to be restricted to a locus (or loci) outside the HLA complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts of various papers presented in the tenth meeting of the Scandinavian Society for Immunology. One of the papers presented is "HLA-DR matching and B-cell cross-match tests in cadaveric renal transplantation," by D. Albrechtcen, B.G. Solheim, N. Winter and E. Thorsby. Another paper "In vitro antibody synthesis in human cord blood lymphocyte cultures," by U. Andersson, A.G. Bird and S. Briuon analyzes the ability of human full-term cord blood lymphocytes to respond by antibody synthesis in vitro to various polyclonal B-lymphocyte activators.

Introduction: Pleural effusions are known to occur in many cases of COVID‐19. Data on typical characteristics of COVID‐19‐associated pleural effusions are limited. The goal of this project was to characterize the pleural fluid from patients with COVID‐19. Methods: We retrospectively collected electronic medical record data from adults hospitalized at a large metropolitan hospital system with COVID‐19 infection who had a pleural effusion and a thoracentesis performed. We assessed pleural fluid characteristics and applied Light's criteria. Results: We identified 128 effusions from 106 unique patients; 45.4% of the effusions had fluid/serum protein ratio greater than 0.5, 33.9% had fluid/serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) greater than 0.6, and 56.2% had fluid LDH greater than 2/3 of the serum upper limit of normal. Altogether, 68.5% of effusions met at least one of these three characteristics and therefore were exudative by Light's criteria. The white blood cell (WBC) differential was predominantly lymphocytic (mean 42.8%) or neutrophilic (mean 28.7%); monocytes (mean 12.7%) and eosinophils (mean 2.5%) were less common. Conclusion: We demonstrate that 68.5% of pleural effusions in patients with COVID‐19 infection were exudative and hypothesize that COVID‐19‐associated pleural effusions are likely to be exudative with WBC differential more likely to be predominantly lymphocytic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the treatment of choice in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. This study aims to evaluate predictors of in‐hospital and long‐term mortality among patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. Methods: In this registry‐based study, we retrospectively analyzed patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI enrolled in the primary angioplasty registry of Sina Hospital. Independent predictors of in‐hospital and long‐term mortality were determined using multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Results: A total of 1123 consecutive patients with STEMI were entered into the study. The mean age was 59.37 ± 12.15 years old, and women constituted 17.1% of the study population. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 5.0%. Multivariate analyses revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.10), lower ejection fraction (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.92–0.99), lower mean arterial pressure (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98), and higher white blood cells (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06–1.29) as independent risk predictors for in‐hospital mortality. Also, 875 patients were followed for a median time of 21.8 months. Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated older age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.06), lower mean arterial pressure (HR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–1.00), and higher blood urea (HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02) as independent predictors of long‐term mortality. Conclusion: We found that older age and lower mean arterial pressure were significantly associated with the increased risk of in‐hospital and long‐term mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Our results indicate a necessity for more precise care and monitoring during hospitalization for such high‐risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the predictive role of laboratory indicators for the phenomenon of no flow is unclear. Hence, our objective was to conduct a meta‐analysis to investigate the association between laboratory parameters and the risk of the no‐reflow phenomenon in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This, in turn, aims to offer valuable insights for early clinical prediction of no‐reflow. We searched Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the establishment of the database to October 2023. We included case‐control or cohort study that patients with STEMI following primary PCI. We excluded repeated publication, research without full text, incomplete information or inability to conduct data extraction and animal experiments, reviews, and systematic reviews. STATA 15.1 was used to analyze the data. The pooled results indicated that elevated white blood cell (WBC) count (odds ratio [OR] = 1.061, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.013–1.112), neutrophil count (OR = 1.324, 95% CI: 1.128–1.553), platelet (PLT) (OR = 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000–1.005), blood glucose (OR = 1.005, 95% CI: 1.002–1.009), creatinine (OR = 1.290, 95% CI: 1.070–1.555), total cholesterol (TC) (OR = 1.022, 95% CI: 1.012–1.032), d‐dimer (OR = 1.002, 95% CI: 1.001–1.004), and fibrinogen (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.005–1.015) were significantly associated with increased risk of no‐reflow. However, elevated hemoglobin was significantly associated with decreased risk of no‐reflow. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis highlights the predictive potential of various parameters in assessing the risk of no‐reflow among STEMI patients undergoing PCI. Specifically, WBC count, neutrophil count, PLT, blood glucose, hemoglobin, creatinine, TC, d‐dimer, and fibrinogen emerged as significant predictors. This refined risk prediction may guide clinical decision‐making, allowing for more targeted and effective preventive measures to mitigate the occurrence of no‐reflow in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onions (Allium cepa L.) contain various flavonols, including quercetin, kaempferol, anthocyanin, luteolin, and myricetin. Quercetin in onions is considered the primary bioactive component. To assess the impact of quercetin on hyperuricemia in healthy Wistar albino rats, this study used high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) to identify and measure quercetin in onion powder. Twenty‐four 160 ± 10 g, six wistar albino male rats in each group were kept: NC (control sample, no onion powder), OT1, OT2, and OT3, which contained 11.13, 14.84, and 18.61 g/100 g onion powder, respectively. The treatment lasted 28 days, during which the last 7 days were for urine, feces, and blood collection. The results showed a trend of decreasing levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein in rats fed OT1, OT2, and OT3 diets. Improvements were observed in feed, water, and nutrient intake, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency ratio, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, body weight, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels (p ≤.05). In contrast, high‐density lipoprotein, triglycerides, serum total protein, neutrophils, and lymphocytes did not change (p ≥.05). White blood cells, red blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin, and monocytes showed an upward trend. Based on our calculations, we determined the optimal human dosage from the most effective amount of onion powder. By taking into account the ratio of human‐to‐rat surface area, we estimate that the equivalent human dose of onion is 181.04 grams with 204 mg of quercetin. Additionally, when factoring in the dry matter content, the recommended dose of onion is 29.19 grams with 220 mg of quercetin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that according to a 2012 paper by the European Commission's Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS), the European population is sensitized to fragrance ingredients. Topics discussed include views of Pelle Moos from European Consumer Organization BEUC, on sensitization, consumer health issue such as skin sensitization and Eosidin as an extract of the unripe citrus unshiu.

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), newly renamed metabolic dysfunction‐associated liver disease (MASLD), is a leading cause of liver disease in children and adults. There is a paucity of data surrounding potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, especially in pediatric NAFLD. Leukocyte cell‐derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is a chemokine associated with both liver disease and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Our aim was to determine associations between LECT2 and common clinical findings of NAFLD in pediatric patients. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum LECT2 concentrations in children (aged 2–17 years) with and without NAFLD. LECT2 concentrations were then correlated to clinical parameters in NAFLD. Mean LECT2 was significantly elevated in children with NAFLD versus healthy controls (n = 63 vs. 42, 5.83 ± 1.98 vs. 4.02 ± 2.02 ng/mL, p < 0.005). Additionally, LECT2 had strong correlations with body mass index (BMI) (Pearson r = 0.301, p = 0.002). A LECT2 concentration of 3.76 mg/mL predicts NAFLD with a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 54.8%. Principal component analysis and logistic regression models further confirmed associations between LECT2 and NAFLD status. This study demonstrates increased serum LECT2 concentrations in pediatric NAFLD, which correlates with BMI and shows strong predictive value within these patients. Our data indicate that LECT2 is a potential diagnostic biomarker of disease and should be further investigated in pediatric as well as adult NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 25 trillion erythrocytes (red blood cells) circulate in the bloodstream of an adult human, surpassing the number of circulating leukocytes (white blood cells) by a factor of about 1000. Moreover, the erythrocyte turnover rate accounts for approximately 76% of the turnover rate of all circulating blood cells. This simple math shows that the hematopoietic system principally spends its telomere length‐dependent replicative capacity on building and maintaining the erythrocyte blood pool. Erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) is thus the principal cause of telomere shortening with age in hematopoietic cells (HCs), a conclusion that holds significant implications for linking telomere length dynamics in HCs to health and lifespan of modern humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will summarize the experimental and clinical literature on the pathogenesis of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Several mechanisms by which leukocyte antibodies including, HLA class I, HLA class II, and HNA-3a antibodies, induce TRALI have been unraveled, although some aspects remain a matter of debate. Significant advances have also been made in the field of recipient-related factors that contribute to the development of TRALI. In contrast, the pathomechanism behind antibody-negative TRALI (associated with the transfusion of blood components which do not contain antibodies) is less well understood, and further research is urgently required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of intact fibrillar human elastin to human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G. Elastin is a vital protein of the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, and provides exceptional properties including elasticity and tensile strength to many tissues and organs, including the aorta, lung, cartilage, elastic ligaments and skin, and is thus critical for their long-term function. Mature elastin is an insoluble and extremely durable protein that undergoes very little turnover, but sustained exposure to proteases may lead to irreversible and severe damage, and thus to functional loss of the elastic fiber network. Hence, it is a key issue to understand which enzymes actually initiate elastolysis under certain pathological conditions or during intrinsic aging. In this paper, we provide a complete workflow for isolation of pure and intact elastin from very small tissue samples to test enzymes for their elastolytic potential. This workflow was applied to skin samples from variously aged individuals, and it was found that strong differences exist in the degradability of the elastins investigated. In summary, human leukocyte elastase was unable to degrade intact elastin fibers but hydrolyzed elastin derived from the skin of old people. However, cathepsin G cleaved all elastin samples, even those derived from younger individuals. These results indicate that human leukocyte elastase is not a driving force for elastolysis, but may nevertheless promote further breakdown of elastic fibers after the action of other enzymes such as cathepsin G. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Jin X-L, Li X-H, Zhang L-M, Zhao J. The interaction of leukocytes and adhesion molecules in mesenteric microvessel endothelial cells after internal capsule hemorrhage. Microcirculation 19: 539-546, 2012. Abstract Objective: To explore the correlation between hemorheological variations and the expression of cell adhesion molecules in mesenteric microvessel endothelial cells after internal capsule hemorrhage. Methods: We established an internal capsule hemorrhage model. Then leukocyte-endothelium interaction was observed and hemorheological variations in mesenteric microvessels were evaluated in the following aspects: blood flow volume, diameter of microvessels, blood flow rate, and shear rate. We also measured the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-l and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in mesenteric microvessel endothelial cells with immunohistochemistry stain. Results: Leukocyte-endothelium interaction intensified after internal capsule hemorrhage. Besides, blood flow volume and velocity decreased, diameter narrowed, and shear rate reduced. Immunohistochemical staining of vascular cell adhesion molecule-l and ICAM-1in mesenteric microvessel endothelial cells was stronger. Conclusions: VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in mesenteric microvessels increased as a result of decreased wall shear stress in stress state following internal capsule hemorrhage, and then further shear stress change from interaction of enhanced production of CAMs and leukocytes created a vicious cycle of leukocytes margination, adhesion, and transmigration that could ultimately result in stress gastrointestinal ulcer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Schneider M, Broillet A, Tardy I, Pochon S, Bussat P, Bettinger T, Helbert A, Costa M, Tranquart F. Use of intravital microscopy to study the microvascular behavior of microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents. Microcirculation 19: 245-259, 2012. Abstract Purpose: The study describes the use of intravital microscopy (IVM) to assess the behavior of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs), including targeted UCAs, in the microcirculation of rodents. Materials and Methods: IVM was performed on various exteriorized organs: hamster cheek pouch, rat mesentery, liver, spinotrapezius muscle, and mouse cremaster muscle. A dorsal skin-fold chamber with MatBIII tumor cells was also implanted in rats. Nontargeted UCAs (SonoVue® and BR14) and targeted UCAs (BR55 and P-selectin targeted microbubbles) were tested. IVM was used to measure microbubble size, determine their persistence, and observe their behavior in the blood circulation. Results: Intravenous and intra-arterial injections of high doses of UCAs did not modify the local microvascular hemodynamics. No microbubble coalescence and no increased size were observed. Adhesion of some microbubbles to leukocytes was observed in various microcirculation models. Microbubbles are captured by Kupffer cells in the liver. Targeted microbubbles were shown to adhere specifically to endothelial receptors without compromising local blood flow. Conclusion: These results support the safety of both targeted and nontargeted UCAs as no microvascular flow alteration or plugging of microvessels were observed. They confirm that binding observed with targeted microbubbles are due to the binding of these microbubbles to specific endothelial receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Zhao H-P, Feng J, Sun K, Liu Y-Y, Wei X-H, Fan J-Y, Huang P, Mao X-W, Zhou Z, Wang C-S, Wang X, Han J-Y. Caffeic acid inhibits acute hyperhomocysteinemia-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in mouse cerebral venules. Microcirculation 19: 233-244, 2012. Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of CA on acute HHcy-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in mouse cerebral venules. Methods: Male C57 BL/6J mice were injected with DL-Hcy (50 mg/kg) and CA (10 mg/kg). The effect of CA on HHcy-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in cerebral vessels was assessed using intravital microscopy. Plasma cytokines and chemokines were evaluated by cytometric bead array. ROS production in HUVECs and adhesion molecule expression on leukocytes were determined by flow cytometry. E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression in cerebrovascular endothelium was detected by immunohistochemistry. CD18 phosphorylation and the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes were determined by confocal microscopy and Western blot. Results: CA inhibited HHcy-elicited leukocyte rolling and adhesion, decreased ROS production in HUVECs, and reduced plasma KC, MIP-2, and MCP-1 levels. CA reduced the E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression on cerebrovascular endothelium and CD11b/CD18 on leukocytes caused by HHcy. Of notice, CA depressed CD18 phosphorylation and the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes. Conclusions: CA inhibited HHcy-provoked leukocyte rolling and adhesion in cerebral venules, ameliorating adhesion molecule expression and activation, which is related to the suppression of the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]