Normal values for blood immunoglobulins in the beagle dog

 The measurement of circulating immunoglobulins in laboratory animals may be a valuable tool to check their immune status and to ensure that the animals were not exposed to pathogens prior to their incorporation into preclinical safety studies. The aim of this study was to establish normal values for total immunoglobulins G, M and E in young beagle dogs purchased from an external breeder and to evaluate the possible variations between batches and the effect of a 3-week acclimatisation period under our own housing conditions. Immunoglobulins were measured by radial immunodiffusion using commercially available canine-specific assays on three successive batches at two sampling time points after their arrival in our facilities. There were no clear differences between batches and sampling time points (1 and 4 weeks after arrival). IgG was found to be the dominant class of immunoglobulin, followed by IgM and IgE. A slight sex-related difference was found for IgG and IgM, but not for IgE. Overall, the values we obtained were lower than those given in the literature for clinically normal companion animals of various strains and ages. This was interpreted to reflect the relative young age of our dogs and/or the strictly controlled environmental conditions of their housing. Based on our findings, comprehensive reference values are provided in this article. Received: 14 October 2002 / Accepted: 20 February 2003 Acknowledgements The authors wish to thank Mrs Anne Paquignon and Mr Damien Thierry for their outstanding technical assistance.     

Some hematological reference values estimated by the reference values advisor in the Iraqi Awassi sheep

The hematological parameters in domestic animal can be affected by several factors such as the sex, age, breed, and nutrition. There is a few published data on hematological reference values of the Iraqi Awassi sheep. Hence, the study aimed to determine hematological reference interval (RI) for the Awassi sheep to establish a basis for clinical interpretation. In the present study, a total 130 healthy Awassi sheep for both sex with two ages (2–5 years) were selected randomly from five regions (Shula, Abu-Ghraib, Mahmoudia, Yousifia, and Alameel) West and South of Baghdad during the period from December to February 2015–2016. Hematological parameters were measured by parametric and nonparametric methods using Reference Value Advisor. The RI of hematological parameters obtained in this study includes the following: the white blood cell count (WBC) (6.00–12.41 × 103/μl), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (25.70–41.03 g/dl), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (6.65–15.48 pg), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (21.14–43.83 fl), red blood cells (RBC) (4.44–11.95 × 106/μl), hemoglobin (Hb) (7.08–11.04 g/dl), and packed cell volume (PCV) (19.53–20.43 %). The results also revealed that the low limits reference intervals of the hematological parameters in the Awassi sheep were lower than lower limits of the general reference values for all parameters except the WBC, while the upper limits were within the general reference values in three parameters (RBC, Hb, and PCV). The statistical analysis confirmed that the effect of age was not significant on all parameters whereas the effect of sex was significant (P < 0.05) on RBC and Hb where the estimations in males (8.33 × 106/μl, 11.09 g/dl) superior to females (7.19 × 106/μl, 8.89 g/dl). In conclusion, the results of this study indicated a considerable difference between reference interval of Awassi sheep and general reference values, besides the results confirmed the importance of establishing a local reference interval to be a more accurate guide to assess the animal status and to assist the clinician to reach a definitive diagnosis.     

Serum immunoglobulins: Methods for the determination of normal values in international units

This paper describes the proper statistical methods for the determination of the range of normal values of serum immunoglobulins in any population and for the conversion of those ranges, or any serum immunoglobulin value, from mg per ml to World Health Organization International Units. In determining the normal range, it is argued that the analysis should be based upon the logarithms of the serum immunoglobulin values and that the range of normal values about the mean should be determined by the application of tolerance limits, rather than the more familiar but incorrect confidence limits. For converting normal ranges from mg per ml to International Units, methods of parallel line bioassay (for IgG and IgA) and non-linear bioassay (for IgM and IgD) are used. For both bioassay methods, graphical techniques are described.     

人类免疫缺陷病毒1型RNA定量参考品的研制

目的　研制人类免疫缺陷病毒 1型 (HIV 1)RNA核酸国家参考品及制定相应标准。方法　收集各地HIV感染者阳性血浆和HIV非感染者血浆 ,应用HIV、HCV抗体和HBsAg检测试剂进行筛选 ,对HIV抗体筛查阳性者用新加坡Genelabs公司的HIVBLOT 2 2确证试剂进行确证。以世界卫生组织 (WHO)推荐的HIVRNA标准品对国家HIV核酸参考品中定量样品进行标定 ,并对其稳定性进行研究。结果　经过筛选 ,选出 8份样品为阴性参考品 ,8份样品为阳性参考品 ,3份为定量参考品 ,6份为灵敏度参考品 ,5份为线性参考品。几次独立标定 ,得到定量参考品HIVRNA的国际单位(IU) ,其中b1～b3的国际单位的对数值在 x±s以内 ,表明结果可靠。稳定性实验数据表明 ,该核酸参考品在 4℃以下可存放 4d。结论　初步建立了HIV核酸参考品 ,这将对HIV核酸诊断试剂的质量评价提供重要依据     

Paediatric reference values for the peripheral T cell compartment

Immunophenotyping of blood lymphocyte subpopulations is an important tool in the diagnosis of immunological and haematological diseases. Paediatric age-matched reference values have been determined for the major lymphocyte populations, but reliable reference values for the more recently described T lymphocyte subpopulations, like different types of memory T lymphocytes, recent thymic emigrants, regulatory T cells and CXCR5(+) helper T lymphocytes, are not sufficiently available yet. We determined reference values for the absolute and relative sizes of T lymphocyte subpopulations in healthy children using the lysed whole blood method, which is most often used in diagnostic procedures. When the absolute numbers of some or all T lymphocyte subpopulations fall outside these reference ranges, this may indicate disease. The reference values show the course of T lymphocyte development in healthy children. Absolute T lymphocyte numbers increase 1.4-fold during the first months of life, and after 9-15 months, they decrease threefold to adult values; this is mainly caused by the expansion of recent thymic emigrants and naive cells. Helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes show the same pattern. Regulatory T cells increase in the first 5 months of life and then gradually decrease to adult values, although the absolute numbers remain small. The relative number of CXCR5(+) cells within the CD4(+) CD45RO(+) T lymphocytes increases during the first 6 months of life and then remains more or less stable around 20%.     

Establishment of a reference interval for highly sensitive CRP by exclusion of individuals with abnormal values in related laboratory tests

In November, 1999, U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a highly sensitive CRP(hs-CRP) assay that could assist medical doctors to predict the risk of cardiovascular accidents. Many doctors are now interested in the assay and trying to elucidate the relationship between serum CRP levels and cardiovascular diseases. In the past, it was difficult to establish a valid reference interval of serum CRP because of the poor analytical sensitivity and difficulty in sampling reference individuals. We have established a reference interval of serum CRP for the hs-CRP assay(Dade Behring). The study population consisted of 7,224 individuals(21-81 years old) who received a regular medical check-up. Potentially abnormal samples were excluded, depending on the results of other laboratory tests related to serum CRP variation. The upper limit of the reference interval was 0.15 mg/dl. The serum CRP was higher in smokers than in non-smokers, especially in men.     

Calculation of reference values for lung function tests

The powerful computers that are now available enable calculation of reference values by endless permutations of regression models that are not always biologically meaningful. The aim of this study was to test the ability of simple regression models to describe data that has been collected for calculation of reference values. Healthy non-smoking females (n = 74) and males (n = 51) were studied with 22 commonly used lung function tests. If the data were logarithmically transformed, there was a satisfactory reduction of residual variation and the assumption of normality was fulfilled. Furthermore, the difference between males and females could be described by a binary sex-variable that is independent of interactions with other variables such as age, height and weight. Logarithmic transformation of lung function measurements followed by linear regression is recommended as a simple standard method for calculation of reference values.     

Immunohematological reference values for healthy adults in Burkina Faso

Reference ranges for peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were generated for 186 healthy adults in Burkina Faso using single-platform flow cytometry. CD4(+) T-cell counts ranged from 631 to 1,696 cells microl(-1); they were lower in males (n = 97) than in females (n = 89), whereas natural killer cell counts were higher.     

Blood chemistry reference values for use in columbine hepatology

Reference values of nine plasma chemical variables considered to be of potential use for the (differential) diagnosis of hepatobiliary disease in racing pigeons (Columba livia domestica) were determined. Enzymes included creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate amino-transferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, glutamate dehydrogenase, gamma glutamyl transferase and cholinesterase. Plasma bile acid concentrations were also measured.     

Percentiles as reference values for laboratory data.

It has been suggested that laboratory results be reported, not only in conventional units, but also in terms of equivalent percentiles from a reference population. This would afford the clinician an easily interpretable measure of how unusual such a result would be in the reference population. This paper describes a modified method for estimation of reference percentiles. This method does not require any assumption about the distribution of the reference population, but it has a smaller variability than that from earlier methods based on interpolation. This method is now being used to furnish percentile values for spirometric data in the authors' laboratory.     

Spirometric reference values in Estonian schoolchildren.

This study was conducted to describe the relationship between anthropometric parameters and lung function in Estonian children, to determine the reference values for spirometry, and to compare these results with other data sets. The results are based on 1170 healthy non-smoking children (643 girls and 527 boys), aged 6-18 years. The spiroanalyser Pneumoscreen II (Jaeger) was used to register dynamic lung parameters. Natural logarithmic values of lung volumes, standing or sitting height and age were used in the final regression model. Prediction equations for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory flows when 50 and 75% of FVC has been exhaled, and mean forced expiratory flow over the middle 50% of the FVC for both sexes are presented. In comparison with recent data from European children the reference values were close for FVC, the differences were bigger for FEV1 and forced expiratory flows, especially in taller children.     

Spirometric reference values for children and adolescents from Kazakhstan

BACKGROUND: Spirometric parameters are influenced by several factors and many reference data are available in the literature. However, no spirometric data are available for children and adolescents from Central Asia. AIM: The study aimed to calculate spirometric reference curves on the basis of anthropometry, ethnicity (Kazakh vs. Russian) and living environment (urban vs. rural). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Spirometry (FEV1, FVC and FEF25-75%) was performed and anthropometric measurements taken for 1926 male and 1967 female Kazakh children aged 7-18 years. RESULTS: Height explained almost all the variance of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) for both sexes, while age and inspiratory circumference contributed slightly to the prediction. Moreover, FVC and FEV1 were greater in Russians than in Kazakhs and ethnicity did enter the prediction model for these parameters. The living environment had a marginal effect on spirometry. In fact, forced expiratory flow 25-75% (FEF25-75%) was slightly higher in urban than in rural females, FVC was slightly higher in rural than in urban males, while FEV1 was not affected. Finally, among several spirometric equations available in the literature, those performing better in our children were obtained in developed countries. CONCLUSION: Anthropometry was the most important predictor of spirometry. Age and ethnicity were also predictors, while the contribution of the living environment was more limited.     

Serum biochemical and hematological reference values for lactating buffaloes

Serum biochemical and hematological reference values are used to establish normality and to diagnose disease and physiological alterations. Up till now, there are no reference values for different blood biochemical and hematological variables in buffaloes, consequently the current study aimed to establish those reference values in non-pregnant lactating buffaloes. In total, 202 lactating buffaloes (5–10 years old) were examined at buffalo farms that belong to Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Seventy buffaloes did not meet the selection criteria and were excluded from study. The remaining buffaloes (N?=?132) were included in the study. A total of 55 hematological and serum biochemical constituents were measured in blood of lactating buffaloes. Mean reference values, reference intervals (2.5 and 97.5 percentiles) and their 90 % confidence intervals, for the measured hematological and serum biochemical constituents were statistically calculated. It could be concluded that reference values for hematological and serum biochemical constituents in lactating buffaloes were estimated in this study, these values will be helpful in interpreting laboratory results, diagnosis of diseases, and checking the health status of non-pregnant lactating buffaloes.     

Spirometric reference values for children and adolescents from Kazakhstan

Background: Spirometric parameters are influenced by several factors and many reference data are available in the literature. However, no spirometric data are available for children and adolescents from Central Asia.

Aim: The study aimed to calculate spirometric reference curves on the basis of anthropometry, ethnicity (Kazakh vs. Russian) and living environment (urban vs. rural).

Subjects and methods: Spirometry (FEV1, FVC and FEF25–75%) was performed and anthropometric measurements taken for 1926 male and 1967 female Kazakh children aged 7–18 years.

Results: Height explained almost all the variance of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1?s (FEV1) for both sexes, while age and inspiratory circumference contributed slightly to the prediction. Moreover, FVC and FEV1 were greater in Russians than in Kazakhs and ethnicity did enter the prediction model for these parameters. The living environment had a marginal effect on spirometry. In fact, forced expiratory flow 25–75% (FEF25–75%) was slightly higher in urban than in rural females, FVC was slightly higher in rural than in urban males, while FEV1 was not affected. Finally, among several spirometric equations available in the literature, those performing better in our children were obtained in developed countries.

Conclusion: Anthropometry was the most important predictor of spirometry. Age and ethnicity were also predictors, while the contribution of the living environment was more limited.     

Proposed reference values for nine methods for measurement of free thyroxin

In connection with a comparative study of nine kits for the measurement of free thyroxin, we determined reference values in a adult control group of 81 women and 73 men. The correlations observed between the kits are associated with very large differences in the results obtained. The reference ranges are more or less broad according to the kits, but narrower than those offered by the manufacturers.     

Age-matched reference values for B-lymphocyte subpopulations and CVID classifications in children

Age-matched reference values are generally presented with 5th and 95th percentiles as 'normal' reference range. However, they are mostly determined in relatively small groups, which renders this presentation inaccurate. We determined reference values for B-lymphocyte subpopulations in healthy children with the statistical method of tolerance intervals that deals far better with the relatively small numbers tested, and compared these to the cut-off values used in the currently used EUROclass classification for common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID) in children. CVID is a heterogeneous group of primary immunodeficiency diseases characterized by low serum immunoglobulin levels and inadequate response to vaccination. Disease-modifying heterozygous amino acid substitutions in TACI are found in around ±10% of CVID patients. Interestingly, we found that age is the primary determinant of TACI-expression on B-lymphocytes, independent of switched memory B-lymphocyte numbers. Immunophenotyping of B-lymphocyte subpopulations is increasingly used to classify patients with CVID into subgroups with different clinical prognosis according to the composition of their B-lymphocyte compartment. These classifications were mainly developed with data obtained in adults. Because of the maturing paediatric immune system, they may not be equally applicable in children: our and other age-matched reference values show great changes in the composition of the B-lymphocyte compartment during development. Although the greatest changes in B-lymphocyte subpopulations occur below the age of 2 years, when the diagnosis of CVID cannot yet be made, it is likely that a classification developed in adults cannot be used to classify the prognosis of children.