Blood Biochemical Values Research Articles

Effects of Oregano Aromatic Water (Oreganum onites L.) Supplementation on Diets of Lactating Dairy cows on Milk Production Performance, Metabolic Health and Antioxidative Defense Mechanism

This study aimed to validate the effect of oregano aromatic water (OAW) on blood parameters, oxidative stress, and production and composition of milk when used as a feed additive. Thirty lactating Holstein cows (average 570 kg), average 74 days in milk and 2.44 lactation number, were randomly divided into three groups for a period of 60-days. These groups included: (G1) control ration, (G2) control ration + OAW (10 mg/kg of DM), (G3) control ration + OAW (20 mg/kg of DM). Milk production (MP) were unaffected by OAW doses (P>0.05). The supplementation of OAW did not affect the milk composition, and somatic cell count (SCC) (P>0.05). OAW supplementation did not affect blood biochemical values except ketone and glucose. The glucose value increased as the ketone decreased with OAW supplementation (P<0.05). The hematological blood values were not found to be significant. OAW significantly decreased Total oxidant capacity (TOC) and oxidative stress index (OSI) while increasing Total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The current study's findings indicated that OAW can be used as a feed additive to improve cow health and milk production.

Fresh Human Umbilical Cord Arteries as a Potential Source for Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts.

The demand for small-diameter vascular grafts has been globally increased but still lacks optimal solutions in this category. This study evaluated the feasibility of utilizing human pretreated fresh and nondecellularized umbilical cord arteries (hUCAs) as vascular grafts without needing any immunosuppression process. A mixed lymphocyte reaction assay revealed that hUCAs did not induce lymphocyte proliferation or cytokine production. To assess the in vivo inflammatory response, hUCAs were buried in fatty tissue under the skin of the abdominal wall in the left and right iliac fossas of rats. The average sizes of the implanted hUCAs remained consistent at 30 days post implantation. To evaluate xenogeneic transplantation, hUCAs were grafted to the abdominal aorta below the kidney of Wister rats. Remarkably, all rats exhibited positive revascularization and perfusion, maintaining blood pressure values of around 110/70 mmHg. Doppler ultrasound consistently indicated good circulation, with the three separate echogenic layers corresponding to the three arterial wall layers throughout the assessment period. Grafted rats exhibited normal motor behavior, accompanied by positive responses to thermal and pain stimulation. Blood biochemical values and whole blood cell counts showed no significant differences between pre and post-transplantation. Histological analysis of the grafts revealed no calcification or thrombosis, and a mild chronic inflammatory response was presented. In conclusion, hUCAs maintained their structural and functional properties after transplantation in rats without immunosuppression. This highlights their potential as a source for allogeneic, readily accessible, small-diameter vascular grafts.

Practicability of Serum Kallistatin Levels as a Biomarker in the Diagnosis of Tubo-Ovarian Abscess.

Objective: This study investigates the practicability of serum kallistatin as a biomarker in the diagnosis of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) because C-reactive protein (CRP) is insufficiently specific for diagnosis. Methods: Thirty patients (control group) who presented for elective gynecological surgeries and 30 who were hospitalized due to TOA (study group) at the Antalya Training and Research Hospital Gynecology Clinic, Türkiye, between January 1 and December 31, 2022, were included in the study. Blood samples were collected for the calculation of complete blood count, biochemistry, CRP, and serum kallistatin values, and the results were recorded in a database. Results: Although no significant differences were observed between the control and study groups in terms of age or body mass index, significant differences were observed in terms of marital status, number of pregnancies, parity number, intrauterine device history, and previous surgical history (p > 0.05). Serum hemoglobin levels (12.61 ± 1.30 vs. 11.47 ± 1.77; p = 0.008), white blood cell (7.9 [6.15 ± 9.7] vs. 17.0 [11.6-19.6]; p < 0.001), neutrophil (4.6 [3.6-6.12] vs. 13.6 [9.25-16.1]; p < 0.001), lymphocyte (2.51 ± 0.71 vs. 2.33 ± 0.69; p = 0.307), and platelet counts (285.63 ± 78.0 vs. 407.03 ± 131.96; p < 0.001), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (2.11 ± 0.93 vs. 6.18 ± 2.20; p < 0.001), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (123.16 ± 52.63 vs. 184.39 ± 63.90; p < 0.001), hs-CRP (1.20 [5.55-1.92] vs. 240 [138.25-291.0]; p < 0.001), kallistatin (7.18 ± 3.15 vs. 3.83 ± 3.69; p = 0.006), and urine leukocyte values (1 [0.75-3] vs. 3 [1-6.5]; p = 0.038) also differed significantly between the control and study groups. Conclusion: The study findings show that serum kallistatin levels can be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of TOA. Further studies involving more participants are now needed to test the accuracy of our results.

In vivoHyperpolarized Metabolic Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Related Hepatitis to Liver Fibrosis.

This study aimed to assess metabolic changes to monitor the progression from normal liver to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatitis and liver fibrosis using hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hepatitis was induced in mice (n = 16) via hydrodynamic injection of HBV 1.2 plasmid (25μg). Among them, liver fibrosis was induced in the mice (n = 8) through weight-adapted administration of thioacetamide with ethanol. Normal control mice (n = 8) were injected with a phosphate buffer solution. Subsequently, a hyperpolarized 13C MRI was performed on the mouse liver in vivo. The level of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in blood serum was measured. Statistical analysis involved comparing the differential metabolite ratios, blood biochemistry values, and body weight among the three groups using the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance. HBsAg was absent in the normal and fibrosis groups, while it was detected in the hepatitis group. The ratios of [1-13C] lactate/pyruvate, [1-13C] alanine/pyruvate, [1-13C] lactate/total carbon, and [1-13C] alanine/total carbon were significantly lower in the normal control group than in the hepatitis and fibrosis groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, these ratios were significantly higher in the fibrosis group than in the hepatitis group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in either [1-13C] pyruvate-hydrate/pyruvate or [1-13C] pyruvate-hydrate/total carbon among the three groups. The levels of [1-13C] lactate and [1-13C] alanine in vivo may serve as valuable indicators for differentiating between HBV-related hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and normal liver.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of free-ranging mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) at La Pacifica, Costa Rica.

Hematologic and blood biochemical values are key tools for assessing primate health. A long-term behavioral study of howler monkeys at a single site (La Pacífica, Guanacaste, Costa Rica), afforded the opportunity to develop baseline values for a large group of animals, evaluating differences between adult males and females and comparing to a report in the same population two decades later. In 1998, 64 free-ranging mantled howler monkeys were anesthetized and sampled for hematologic and biochemical analysis. Blood analysis is reported for 29 adult females, 9 juvenile females, 19 adult males and 3 juvenile males. Four adults were excluded due to external injury or disease. There were few significant differences between adult females, juvenile females, and adult males. Baseline blood parameters are useful for determining normal values for howler monkey populations. The values for total protein, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, liver enzymes and potassium differed from a later study in 2019 may indicate changes that are influencing howler monkey health.

#2805 The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal hygiene behaviours and the frequency of peritonitis in patients with peritoneal dialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Peritonitis is the most important complication encountered in patients with Peritoneal Dialysis (PD). It is very important to follow the rules of personal hygiene to prevent peritonitis. The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) epidemic has led to the improvement of personal hygiene behaviours. In this study, we aimed to show the awareness created by the COVID-19 pandemic on personal hygiene behaviours in PD patients and to investigate the effect on the incidence of peritonitis. Method Fifty-two PD patients were included in our study. The personal hygiene behaviours of the patients were evaluated with a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions. The medical history, chronic diseases, height, weight and educational status of each patient were questioned. In addition, the averages of complete blood count and biochemical values of the patients before and after COVID-19 were noted and compared. The culture results of the patients who had peritonitis and the microorganisms grown were noted. Results Demographic characteristics of patients are summarized in Table 1. A significant difference was found in 11 personal hygiene behaviours, especially in the frequency of hand washing after the COVID-19 pandemic (p &amp;lt; 0.05). After the pandemic, there was a decrease in the rates of peritonitis, but no significant difference could be reached (22 (42.9%) vs. 7 (13.5%) peritonitis rates, p &amp;lt; 0.05). A decrease was also observed in gram (+) peritonitis case rates (Table 2). After the pandemic, the frequency of hand washing before attaching the transfer set (p = 0.014) and the frequency of daily/every other day dressing of the exit site (p = 0.026) were found to be higher in those who did not have peritonitis. Conclusion Due to a significant improvement in personal hygiene behaviours after the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in the rates of peritonitis and infection with gram (+) microorganisms was observed. In our study, it has been shown that the frequency of hand washing before attaching the transfer set and daily/every other day dressing of the exit site reduce the risk of peritonitis. Trainings for improving personal hygiene behaviours in PD patients should be expanded.

Effect of Breed on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Apparently Healthy Dogs Infected with Zoonotic Pathogens Endemic to the Mediterranean Basin.

Dogs are considered the main reservoir of several zoonoses endemic to the Mediterranean Basin. In this study, a prevalence of infections and coinfections of canine vector-borne diseases was analyzed in apparently healthy dogs of different canine pure breeds in Sicily (Italy), where these diseases are endemic. The seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum, Ricketsia ricketsii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Erlichia canis was assessed, as single and coinfections. Biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated, and epidemiological factors, including sex, age, and canine breed, were recovered. The most frequent infection was L. infantum (45.61%), following R. ricketsii (36.84%), both as single, double, or triple coinfections. Coinfections change the biochemical and hematological parameters of the host, and canine breeds are related to the infection frequency and the parameters observed during infections. Changes in the complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical values also differ between canine breeds, with the Cirneco dell'Etna dogs infected with L. infantum being the animals presenting the most interesting results in our study. High values of RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, and albumin and low levels of β-2 globulin and γ-globulin were found only in this canine breed, suggesting some resistance to infection in these dogs. Future studies about the immune response of this canine breed could be interesting to determine their possible resistance to zoonotic pathogens, such as L. infantum.

Comparison of the blood biochemical values of foraging and nesting Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Sinaloa, Mexico

Our study aimed to establish reference values for nesting females and compare them with those previously reported to understand olive ridley turtles' health status and contribute to long-term health assessment and monitoring in foraging and nesting areas from the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. In August and September 2018, morphometric data and biochemical profiles were collected from 33 nesting olive ridley turtles from Ceuta Beach Sanctuary (CBS) and 14 foraging female turtles captured at the foraging site, Navachiste Marine Area (NMA). Nesting turtles sampled had greater CCL (65.86 ± 1.70 cm) than those from the foraging area (61.54 ± 1.22) (p < 0.05). Regarding biochemical profiles, post-nesting turtles had higher packed cell volume (PCV), albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cholesterol, triglycerides, and calcium than turtles from the foraging area (p < 0.05). Phosphorus levels were higher in foraging turtles than in nesting turtles (p = 0.001), while the remaining parameters showed no significant differences. The present study describes for the first time the blood biochemical values of nesting turtles from the Ceuta Beach Sanctuary in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, similar to those of foraging turtles from the north of the state. The significant differences observed between the two analysis groups may be due to the energy reserves and reproductive and nesting activity of the nesting turtles, so the blood biochemistry values described in this study can be used as a standard reference blood value for the olive ridley turtle population of Sinaloa, Mexico.

Study on the Alleviation of Muscle Fatigue After Wushu Sanda Exercise by a Nutritional Product Containing American Ginseng

The study aimed to assess the impact of an American ginseng nutritional product on relieving muscle fatigue post-Wushu Sanda exercise. Twenty Sanda athletes were randomly assigned to groups A and B for a 30-day Wushu Sanda training. Each participant was administered three capsules twice daily, either American ginseng and Acanthopanax senticosus or a placebo. Body composition, ratings of perceived exertion, and blood biochemical values were compared. No significant disparities in body composition and ratings of perceived exertion were observed between group A and group B before or after the experiment. However, the increase in ratings of perceived exertion for group A was slightly less pronounced compared to that of group B. On the first day of the experiment, no significant differences were observed in glucose, blood lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen, and creatine kinase between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). On the 15th and 30th days of the experiment, blood glucose levels were significantly higher in group A, while levels of creatine kinase, blood lactic acid, and blood urea nitrogen were lower, with statistically significant variances observed (P &lt; 0.05). The American ginseng nutritional product can effectively alleviate muscle fatigue post-Wushu Sanda exercise and can be considered a nutritional supplement in sports training.

Oral Supplementation of Dragon Power® Polygonatum had Beneficial Effects on Testosterone's Relationship with Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Erection: a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

As age increases, the concentration of testosterone (male hormone) in the body gradually decreases, causing various aging conditions, such as physical strength. Among them, the Chinese herbal medicine Polygonatum kingianum (PK) can very well improve physical strength and resist fatigue. The purpose of this study is to explore whether PK can increase testosterone's relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness and erection. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the placebo group (n=25) or the PK group (n=25). Subjects were required to ingest 50 mL of the test product daily for a duration of 4 weeks. Cardiorespiratory endurance and blood biochemical values were analyzed at week 0, week 2, and week 4. After the subjects took it for 4 weeks, the results showed that PK extract drink increased testosterone 14% compared to the placebo group, and without any side effects on liver and kidney function. After taking PK extract drink for 2 and 4 weeks, the cardiorespiratory endurance index was significantly improved by 3.7% and 6.2%, and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) expression was significantly decreased by 23.3% and 28.9% compared to placebo group. PK extract drink increased testosterone and was harmless to humans, and improved physical strength, erectile function.

Effects of temperament during handling and social rank on the blood biochemical parameters of common eland (Taurotragus oryx)

Large herbivores are subject to handling and social stress in captivity. These may affect blood biochemical values, which motivated this research. Twelve healthy common eland (Taurotragus oryx) were monitored for 12 months. The animals were handled monthly, and blood samples were collected. Samples from every second month were analysed for 14 blood biochemical parameters. Temperament throughout the handling, as the summation of various behavioural responses, was calculated as a proxy of the stress generated during handling. Social behaviour was recorded each month, and the agonistic interactions were used to calculate the social rank, which was considered a proxy of social stress. Generalised Linear Mixed Models were designed to test the effects of temperament and social rank on the blood biochemical parameters while keeping sex, age, body condition, and body weight as covariates. The results show that the temperament during handling influences blood levels of albumin, alkaline phosphate, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, total bilirubin, and total protein; however, social rank has little influence, affecting just albumin. The ranges observed in the values of these biochemical parameters were still within their reference intervals, implying the absence of pathology or physiological problems during the study. The results suggest that blood biochemical values of physically restrained common eland should be carefully interpreted, even in animals already habituated to routine handling. On the contrary, social rank has low effects on the blood biochemical parameters.

Safety profile assessment of standardized root extract of Potentilla fulgens in Wistar rats: Acute and sub-acute dermal toxicity study

Potentilla fulgens Wall (Rosaceae), a well-known medicinal plant native to Asian regions has a rich history of traditional use for treating skin, gastrointestinal tract, and various metabolic disorders. Research has addressed that the plant is applied topically to treat conditions such as wounds, ulcers, and other skin ailments. Surprisingly, no prior investigation has explored the dermal toxicity of this plant. Therefore, the study was set to conduct the acute and sub-acute toxicity assessments on the ethyl acetate (EAPF) and methanol (MEPF) extracts of P. fulgenson Wistar rats. In the acute dermal toxicity study, rats received a single dose and were monitored for 14 days, while in the sub-acute study; they received a daily dose for 28 days. 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg were tested by applying them to the shaved dorsal skin. Throughout the experiments, changes in physical appearance, behavior, and histological alterations were monitored. The results unequivocally revealed no abnormal physical or physiological changes, behavioral deviations, or mortality in any of the rats in both acute and sub-acute dermal toxicity assessments. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences (nsp &gt; 0.05) in body weight, kidney, liver, spleen weights, hematological parameters, or blood biochemistry values between the treatment and control groups. These findings were further substantiated by the normal macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the rats’ skin, kidneys, liver, and spleen. In conclusion, our study affirms that the application of EAPF and MEPF to the skin does not induce acute or sub-acute skin irritation nor elicit systemic toxic responses in rats.

The Role of Dietary Proteins During Infection with Covid-19 and the Effect of Infection on the Balance of Oral Microbiota in Different Regions of Iraq

This study was conducted in the laboratories of the Department of Life Sciences - College of Sciences - Tikrit University and laboratories of the Department of Food Sciences - College of Agriculture - University of Anbar and public health laboratories - Anbar for the period from December 2021 to February 2022 AD. The study included 150 people from three Iraqi governorates (Baghdad, Anbar, and Erbil). (30 infected people and 20 healthy people from each governorate, with ages ranging from 18-80 years, randomly, men and women. The results of the blood biochemical parameters values when infected with the SARS-COV2 virus showed a significant decrease at the probability level (p<0.05) in the concentration of albumin in the group of patients who were in quarantine and using artificial respiration, compared with the group of patients outside the quarantine and the healthy group from the mentioned governorates. The concentrations are 26.3, 30.4, and 34.7 (g/l). It also caused a significant decrease in the total protein and albumin concentration in all patients compared to the healthy subjects. In contrast, globulin concentration decreased slightly to be close to its value in the healthy group. Cultural, phenotypic, biochemical, and confirmatory tests through the Vitec2 compact diagnostic system showed that oral bacterial isolates purified from patients in the three provinces were Gram-positive Staphylococcus and Enterococcus versus four Gram-negative genera: Sphingomonas, Rhizobium, Aeromonas, and Ochrobactrum, compared with isolates purified from healthy subjects, which belongs to four genera of Gram-positive Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Kocuria, and Leuconostoc, and one genus of Gram-negative Pseudomonas.

Hemoparasite occurrence and hematological/serum chemistry variations in Podocnemis vogli turtles: A comparative analysis between wild-residing infected specimens and captive non-infected counterparts.

Reptiles show a high occurrence of hemoparasites in the wild; however, little is known about the impact of such infections on their hosts' physiology and health status. Podocnemis vogli is an ancient turtle distributed in South America, frequently infected by blood parasites. Specifically, we analyzed the hematological and serum chemistry parameters of 78 wild turtles. We compared these values with those obtained from non-infected turtles of the same species in ex-situ conditions, considering factors such as sex and coinfections. Two orders of hemoparasites were detected under microscopic analyses: Adelorina, represented by Haemogregarina sp. (98.72±0.28%), and Haemosporida, represented by Haemocystidium sp. (30.77±1.16%), the latter genus being always in coinfection with Haemogregarina. Significant differences were observed in 20 parameters between infected (free living) and uninfected (living in captivity) turtles. The ALP, PCV, Hb, and MCV were significantly different by sex; albumin, cholesterol, creatinine, percentage of heterophils, lymphocytes, and basophils differed in coinfection. This is the first report of reference intervals of P. vogli in the wild and the first study comparing hematological and blood biochemistry values between hemoparasite-infected and uninfected P. vogli turtles. However, the limited knowledge of these parameters in wild reptiles and the wide range of interval values makes it difficult to determine any significant impact on turtle health. Nevertheless, this study highlights the need for more in-depth research to explore the potential effects of blood parasite infections on turtles, including immune response and coevolution studies.

Heritability and Genetic Correlation Between Productive and Biochemical Traits of White Japanese Quail

Studying heritability and genetic correlation between traits is important to improvement genetic programs and indirect selection, for that, this study was conducted in the poultry field of Animal Production department - College of Agriculture - University of Kirkuk for the period from 28/3/2022 to 15/1/2023, to study heritability and genetic correlation between production and biochemical traits of white Japanese quail. One day hatched white quail chicks were obtained from College of Agriculture - University of Kirkuk, and reared for 35 days until reaching sexual maturity. Then chicks were randomly distributed to 30 families, with a male and a female for each family for two generations. Simple correlation between productive traits and blood biochemical were estimated, and heritability using full sibs method by variance between dam and total variances. The results of the study showed that there was a highly and significant genetic correlation between estrogen hormone in blood serum, egg production and egg mass, while a negative and highly significant genetic correlation was found between estrogen hormone and feed conversion ratio. Heritability values for productive and blood biochemical traits ranged from 0.22 to 0.42 and they considered within mediate heritability. The study recommended to use of selection programs and indirect genetic improvement based on some blood biochemical values (estrogens, total protein and glucose) due to their positive and significant association with productive traits of white Japanese quail.

The V-shaped curve relationship between fasting plasma glucose and human serum albumin in a large health checkup population in China

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and human serum albumin (HSA) in a large health checkup population in China.MethodsIn this cross-sectional health checkup study, we enrolled a population of 284,635 subjects from Wuhu between 2011 and 2016. All participants completed the physical examination, blood biochemical examination, and blood routine examination.ResultsThe prevalence of diabetes in men and women was 6.11% and 2.98%, respectively. The average level of HSA and FPG was significantly higher in men than in women (48.44 ± 3.25 vs. 47.14 ± 3.22, P < 0.0001; 5.50 ± 1.26 vs. 5.26 ± 0.94, P < 0.0001). There were significant differences in blood biochemistry and blood routine values by gender. After adjusting for confounding factors, the results showed that FPG and HSA were a V-shaped curve, and the threshold value of HSA was 40.7 mmol/L. FPG and HSA still showed a V-shaped curve after stratification by gender and age. In the male group, FPG decreased with HSA when HSA<42.3 mmol/L, and increased when HSA ≥ 42.3 mmol/L. In the female group, FPG decreased with HSA when HSA<35.7 mmol/L, and increased when HSA ≥ 35.7 mmol/L. In the age<65 group, FPG decreased with HSA when HSA<37.5 mmol/L, and increased when HSA ≥ 37.5 mmol/L. In the age ≥ 65 group, FPG decreased with HSA when HSA<43.2 mmol/L, and increased when HSA ≥ 43.2 mmol/L.ConclusionsA V-shape relationship exists between fasting plasma glucose and human serum albumin among the Chinese health checkup population studied.

Health assessment of Holstein calves born after in vitro fertilization, biopsy-based genotyping at the blastocyst stage and subsequent embryo transfer

Establishing methods for evaluating genomic estimated breeding values of bovine embryos can potentially increase the efficiency of breeding programs by transferring only embryos with a high genomic estimated breeding value. This may be achieved by analyzing DNA from trophectoderm biopsies. However, manipulation of bovine embryos is associated with a risk of impaired conceptus health. More knowledge on the health implications of embryonic handling procedures is required. In this study, we followed pregnancies after transfer of in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos and assessed the health of the offspring during the first 2 weeks of life. Three groups of calves were studied: i) freshly transferred non-biopsied embryos (39 transfers, 17 calves; Group B-/C-); ii) biopsied and freshly transferred IVP embryos (42 transfers, 21 calves; Group B+/C-); iii) biopsied and cryopreserved IVP embryos (17 transfers, 6 calves; Group B+/C+). Blood biochemical and hematologic values were compared between groups and to a control group of 13 calves produced by conventional artificial insemination. The pregnancy rate on day 50 and the calving rate did not differ among the groups, but the average gestation length of the B+/C+ group was significantly shorter and with wider variation than the two other groups. There was a tendency toward a higher average body weight at birth in group B+/C+ (45.1 kg) and the standard deviation in body weight was larger (11.7 kg) compared to the B-/C- (39.5 kg; 3.2 kg) and B+/C- (41.8 kg; 6 kg) groups. Body weight on day 14 was higher in the B+/C+ calves compared to the other groups. There was no difference in the biochemical and hematological values at birth between the groups and these were within the normal range. However, when compared to a group of calves produced by standard artificial insemination, significantly higher concentrations were found for the hepatic-related enzymes ALAT, ASAT, ALP, and GGT in group B-/C-and B+/C-, while only higher ALP concentrations were found in B+/C+ calves. The biochemical findings indicate higher heterogeneity in IVP calves compared to calves produced by artificial insemination. The more manipulated IVP embryos also showed increased heterogeneity in body weight at birth, with a shift toward heavier calves, which calls for closer attendance at parturition to handle dystocia in a timely manner and minimize fetal losses.

Bleeding profile and safety of a levonorgestrel 13.5 mg intrauterine device versus Nova T copper 380 mm2 intrauterine device: Results of a 3-year, single-center, randomized phase 4 study

ObjectiveTo assess the bleeding profiles of the levonorgestrel 13.5 mg intrauterine device (LNG13.5-IUD) and Nova T copper 380 mm2 IUD (Cu380-IUD). Study designSingle-center, evaluator-masked, randomized study conducted in women aged 18–45 years starting these methods. Primary outcomes were number of bleeding days, self-reported bleeding intensity, Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC) score, and blood biochemical values at baseline, months 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 per 90-day reference periods except for PBAC (months). Secondary objectives were presence/duration/intensity of dysmenorrhea and tolerability. ResultsWe included 106 women aged 32.5 ± 6.7 years: 55 with LNG13.5-IUD and 51 with Cu380-IUD. Data for LNG13.5-IUD versus Cu380-IUD at baseline and month 36 (both respectively) were as follows: (1) median (25th; 75th percentile) number of bleeding days: 12 (9.0; 15.0) versus 12 (9.0; 15.0), p = 0.82, and 4 (0; 13.7) versus 15 (14.2; 20.0), p < 0.001; (2) mean bleeding intensity: 1.7 for both, p = 0.66, and 0.7 and 2.2, p < 0.001. Forty percent versus 0% presented with amenorrhea at month 36; (3) mean PBAC score (95% Confidence interval (CI): 50.7 (16.6; 84.7) versus 130.4 (95.7; 165.0) at month 1, and 7.9 (−26.7; 42.6) versus 126 (90.7; 161.2), p < 0.001; (4) median (25th; 75th percentile) ferritin levels (Ug/L) 33 (19; 53) versus 30 (19; 45), p = 0.70, and 59 (42; 84) versus 21 (8; 39). We did not observe changes or differences between groups in hemoglobin and hematocrit. The duration and intensity of dysmenorrhea were significantly lower with LNG13.5-IUD versus Cu380-IUD. Adverse events were those expected. ConclusionsLNG13.5-IUD is associated with a significant reduction in blood loss and dysmenorrhea compared with Cu380-IUD. ImplicationsWomen eligible for a levonorgestrel 13.5 mg intrauterine device (IUD) or a copper 380 mm2 IUD should be informed of the differences in bleeding profiles—one of the main causes for IUD discontinuation—so they can compare this information against their bleeding expectations.

Inhaled nitric oxide as rescue therapy in severe ARDS cases due to COVID-19 pneumonia: a single center experience.

Inhaled NO (iNO) has been recommended as rescue therapy in acute respiratory stress syndrome (ARDS) cases. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of iNO as a rescue therapy in patients with severe ARDS due to COVID-19. This retrospective study included patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 who were treated with iNO between March 2020 and January 2022 in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Inonu University. Patients' files were reviewed retrospectively, and demographic data, APACHE II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, initiation day of iNO and duration of iNO treatment, length of stay in hospital/ICU, blood biochemistry values, complete blood counts, inflammatory parameters, arterial blood gas values, lactate, PaO2/FiO2 ratios, anti-inflammatory drugs and outcome were recorded. Data from 16 patients were reached. iNO was given at a dose of 20 ppm continuously. The mean duration of treatment with iNO was 3.5 days. All patients took the prone position except a single patient. While all patients received steroid therapy, four patients received anti-cytokine therapy, and five patients received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. All patients were in severe ARDS with a mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 58 before iNO therapy. A significant increase in PaO2/FiO2 values was detected with the use of iNO (p<0.05). While three patients (19%) were discharged from the ICU, thirteen patients died. In our study, it was determined that iNO applied as a rescue treatment in patients with severe ARDS improved oxygenation. Although the effect of iNO on survival was low, it may be interpreted as clinically significant considering the severity of the general clinical condition of the patients.

The relationship between thoracic CT findings and C-reactive protein and ferritin levels in COVID-19 patients

Aim: In this study, we aimed to establish the relationship between thoracic computed tomography (CT) findings at initial presentation and CRP and ferritin levels in 232 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. &#x0D; Material and Method: 232 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and underwent a thoracic CT examination at our hospital between Apr 2020 and Aug 2021 were enrolled in this study. The study group was selected from among individuals aged 18-45 years without any chronic diseases and comorbidities. The patients' complaints, RT-PCR test results and blood biochemistry values from the medical records system, and CT imaging from the PACS system were reviewed retrospectively. Parenchymal lesions, ground-glass area, consolidation and combination of ground-glass area and consolidation observed on thoracic CT were considered typical findings. Blood samples were analyzed in the laboratory using standard methods. Routine blood tests were performed to measure serum C-reactive protein and ferritin levels. &#x0D; Results: Out of the 232 patients infected with COVID-19, 118 were female and 114 were male. While the mean age of all patients was 34.9, the mean ages of men and women were 34.9 and 35.2, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the ages of patients with and without lung involvement (32.9, 37.9, p=0.903, respectively). CT scan showed typical parenchymal findings in 140 patients out of whom 65 were male and 75 were female. With regard to the morphologic features observed on CT, ground-glass density was the most common (74 patients), followed by a combination of ground-glass density and consolidation (34 patients) and finally consolidation (32 patients). In statistical analysis, no significant differences were found in CRP values between patients with and without lung involvement, whereas a significant difference was noted in ferritin values (p=0.196 and p