Cell Volume Values Research Articles

Control of Analyzer Slope and Intercept in the Measurement of Packed Red Cell Volume (PCV): Part I

ABSTRACTFive multichannel hematology analyzers (four different models) were evaluated to determine the ability of analyzers to correctly measure packed cell volume (PCV) values across the clinically relevant range. A sixth analyzer (fifth model) was subsequently included using archival data. Twenty-two different blood samples with PCVs ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 L/L were run in duplicate on each analyzer. Duplicate reference PCV determinations were also done using the recently described ICSH-recommended reference method. Simultaneously, a simpler “surrogate reference” procedure was performed in duplicate. Analyzer values were compared to ICSH reference and to surrogate reference PCV values using Deming regression analysis. Compared to either reference, all analyzers showed a slope of less than 1.0, thereby overestimating the PCV at 0.2 L/L and underestimating the PCV at 0.6 L/L to some extent. This outcome was surprising. Deming regression slopes would be expected to average at 1.0. Instruments whose slopes are significantly less than 1.0 will show decreased sensitivity to both anemic and polycythemic patients. We know of no inherent reason why multichannel analyzers should behave in this fashion.

The responses of eosinophil and packed cell volume (PCV) on sheep infected with Fasciola gigantica

The responses of eosinophil and packed cell volume (PCV) values were verified in infected sheep, in order to identify whether these parameters could be used to predict the flukes burden and their correlation with breed resistance. Fifteen Indonesian thin tail sheep (ET), 9 Merino sheep and 148 backcross sheep generated from mating of Merino sheep and F1 sheep (Merino X ET cross) were infected with 300 metacercariae of Fasciola gigantica . The blood samples were collected every 2 weeks by using EDTA venoject tubes in order to determine the amount of eosinophils and the PCV value. After 14 weeks of infection all of sheep were killed and the liver was collected in order to determine the number of flukes. The results showed that the amount of eosinophils increased 2 weeks after infection and reached the peak at week 4 after infection. The average of eosinophils in ET appeared higher than the other 2 breeds (Merino was the lowest and the backcross was in between). The correlation between the number of flukes recovered from the liver and the eosinophil counts were positive in ET and Merino, but negative in the backcross sheep. The PCV values remained constant along the trial, except at week 14 after infection; the PCV values were slightly decreased in backcross sheep and Merino sheep, but not in ET sheep. The correlation between number of flukes in the liver and the PCV values were negative in all breeds of sheep. These results suggested that the eosinophilic and PCV’s response of ET were higher compared to backcross and Merino sheep, thus that responses were thought to be associated with the resistant phenomenon. Key words: Fasciolosis , eosinophil, PCV, sheep

A polymeric gel cum auto combustion method for the lower temperature synthesis of SrR 2O 4 (R=Y, La, Sm, Eu, Gd, Er or Yb)

A polymeric gel cum combustion method, which is a hybrid of sol–gel and auto combustion methods, was employed for the synthesis of the analogous phase-pure inter-oxides of the type SrR 2O 4 (R=Y, La, Sm, Eu, Gd, Er or Yb) at temperatures as low as 1120 K. The refined orthorhombic lattice parameters were computed and these crystal structures were found to conform to the space group Pnam 〈62〉. The values of unit cell volume of these oxides showed a linear dependence on the radius of the R 3+ cation except for La 3+.

Current prevalence of adult Uncinaria spp. in northern fur seal ( Callorhinus ursinus) and California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus) pups on San Miguel Island, California, with notes on the biology of these hookworms

A prevalence survey for hookworms ( Uncinaria spp.) was done in northern fur seal ( Callorhinus ursinus) and California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus) pups on San Miguel Island, CA, in 2000. Intestines of dead pups were examined for adult hookworms in July. These parasites were found in 95% of 20 fur seal pups and 100% of 31 sea lion pups. The number of hookworms varied from 4 to 2142 ( x ̄ =760 ) in fur seal pups and from 20 to 2634 ( x ̄ =612 ) in sea lion pups. A direct relationship was evident between body condition and number of hookworms in the pups; that is, pups in poor condition had fewer hookworms than those in good condition. There was a decline in the number of hookworms in sea lion pups in 2000 compared to collections in 1996. Eggs of Uncinaria spp. were found in rectal feces (collected in late September and early October) of none of 35 (0%) live fur seal pups and 41 of 48 (85%) live sea lion pups. Packed cell volume values, determined for most of the same live pups, were essentially normal for C. ursinus but were much lower than normal for most Z. californianus. Hookworm larvae were not found in blubber of fur seal and sea lion pups or in rookery sand in July. Rookery sand, positive for live hookworm larvae when put in a refrigerator, was negative at removal 2.5 years later. The average number of eggs in utero of female hookworms was 285 for three specimens from a fur seal pup and 281 from three specimens from a sea lion pup. One hookworm larva was recovered from milk stripped from the teats of a stranded Z. californianus female at The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito, CA.

Evaluation of diagnostic criteria in polycythemia vera

There is no single diagnostic marker for the only known type of primary acquired erythrocytosis, polycythemia vera (PV). The Polycythemia Vera Study Group (PVSG) used a combination of major and minor diagnostic criteria. However, these guidelines have some limitations and in the presence of newer diagnostic tools, have been re-evaluated. The recommendations of the Radionuclide Panel of the International Council for Standardization Hematology based on surface area are recommended over red blood cell mass (RCM) mL/kg expressions. Absolute erythrocytosis can be assumed in males and females with packed cell volume (PCV) values greater than 0.60 and greater than 0.56, respectively. A satisfactory strategy of investigation for a secondary erythrocytosis must be used. Hypoxemia, as well as renal and hepatic pathology, must be excluded. In unexplained absolute erythrocytoses, pO 2 50 values and serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels should be examined. The latter can be disappointing in the confirmation of a secondary erythrocytosis, but elevated values contraindicate a diagnosis of a primary erythrocytosis. Establishment of a clonal marrow population supports a diagnosis of PV. Thus an acquired karyotypic abnormality is a major criterion. Palpable splenomegaly remains an important diagnostic marker. Scanning techniques to demonstrate splenic enlargement should be used with caution. Allowance must be made for interobserver and intraobserver differences and variation in normal spleen size with age and size of the subject. Splenomegaly demonstrated in this way should be taken as a minor criterion. An increased neutrophil count (> 10 × 10 9/L. and > 12.5 × 10 9/L. in smokers) is readily measurable and should replace total white blood cell count. The error in measurement of neutrophil alkaline phosphatase (NAP) score is large, making it an unsuitable diagnostic criterion. Neutrophil and platelet counts (> 400 × 10 9/L) should be taken as separate minor criteria. Endogenous erythroid colonies (EEC) grown from the peripheral blood have been used as a marker of PV, but it is an expensive technique that is not standardized and not totally specific for PV. Low serum EPO values found in the majority of patients with PV should hold a linked minor criterion position with EEC. Expert opinions should be obtained if bone marrow histology is to be used in the diagnosis of PV, but histology holds an important role in confirming the diagnosis.

Enhanced phagocytic activity of neutrophils caused by administration of egg white derivatives (EWD) in cats injected with cyclophosphamide (CPA).

To examine in vivo effects of egg white derivatives (EWD), the numbers of peripheral blood cells and neutrophil phagocytosis were evaluated in cats injected intramuscularly with cyclophosphamide (CPA). There were no changes in the number of red blood cells (RBC) or packed cell volume (PCV) values regardless of oral administration of EWD or injection of CPA, but the numbers of platelets, white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils in cats administered EWD significantly increased (p<0.05 to 0.01) when compared with those in control cats which received saline solution. In addition, the administration of EWD resulted in a significant enhancement in the phagocytic activity of neutrophils (p<0.01) when compared to control cats, suggesting that EWD has a stimulating effect on leukocyte progenitors. The numbers of platelets, WBC and neutrophils, and the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in cats injected with CPA alone were significantly lower (p<0.05 to 0.01) than those in control cats. However, co-administration of EWD to cats injected with CPA resulted in a significant increase in the numbers of platelets, WBC and neutrophils (p<0.05 to 0.01), and in the phagocytic response of neutrophils (p<0.01) when compared to cats injected with CPA alone. Therefore, these results suggest that co-administration of EWD may be effective in reducing some possible side effects in animals treated with immunosuppressive or antitumor agents.

Vaccination of Manchego lambs against Haemonchus contortus with a somatic fraction (p26/23) of adult parasites.

A low molecular weight fraction from adult Haemonchus contortus containing two peptides (p26/23) was used to vaccinate Manchego female lambs between 3.5 and 5 months of age. Immunizing injections were given three times on days 0, 14 and 28 of the experiment. On day 43, lambs were challenged with 400 third stage larvae/kg live weight. Vaccination induced a lengthening of prepatent periods, significant reduction (> 60%) in mean faecal egg counts and smaller variations in packed cell volume values. At necropsy, average worm burden in the vaccinated lambs was significantly lower (61.6%) than that found in unvaccinated challenged animals. A clear correlation was found between protection and serum antibody response in immunized lambs.

Adaptive Increase of Amino Acid Transport System A Requires ERK1/2 Activation

Amino acid starvation markedly stimulates the activity of system A, a widely distributed transport route for neutral amino acids. The involvement of MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathways in this adaptive increase of transport activity was studied in cultured human fibroblasts. In these cells, a 3-fold stimulation of system A transport activity required a 6-h amino acid-free incubation. However, a rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of ERK (extracellular regulated kinase) 1 and 2, and JNK (Jun N-terminal kinase) 1, but not of p38, was observed after the substitution of complete medium with amino acid-free saline solution. ERK1/2 activity was 4-fold enhanced after a 15-min amino acid-free incubation and maintained at stimulated values thereafter. A transient, less evident stimulation of JNK1 activity was also detected, while the activity of p38 was not affected by amino acid deprivation. PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK1/2 activation, completely suppressed the adaptive increase of system A transport activity that, conversely, was unaffected by inhibitors of other transduction pathways, such as rapamycin and wortmannin, as well as by chronic treatment with phorbol esters. In the presence of either L-proline or 2-(methylaminoisobutyric) acid, two substrates of system A, the transport increase was prevented and no sustained stimulation of ERK1/2 was observed. To identify the stimulus that maintains MAPK activation, cell volume was monitored during amino acid-free incubation. It was found that amino acid deprivation caused a progressive cell shrinkage (30% after a 6-h starvation). If proline was added to amino acid-starved, shrunken cells, normal values of cell volume were rapidly restored. However, proline-dependent volume rescue was hampered if cells were pretreated with PD98059. It is concluded that (a) the triggering of adaptive increase of system A activity requires a prolonged activation of ERK1 and 2 and that (b) cell volume changes, caused by the depletion of intracellular amino acid pool, may underlie the activation of MAPKs.

Use of tranexamic acid for an effective blood conservation strategy after total knee arthroplasty

We have investigated the effect of treatment with tranexamic acid, an inhibitor of fibrinolysis, on blood loss, blood transfusion requirements and blood coagulation in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 42 patients after total knee arthroplasty. Tranexamic acid 15 mg kg-1 (n = 21) or an equivalent volume of normal saline (n = 21) was given 30 min before surgery and subsequently every 8 h for 3 days. Coagulation and fibrinolysis values, blood loss and blood units administered were measured before administration of tranexamic acid, 8 h after the end of surgery and at 24 and 72 h after operation. Coagulation profile was examined (bleeding time, platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), plasminogen, beta-thromboglobulin and fibrinogen). Fibrinolysis was evaluated by measurement of concentrations of D-dimer and fibrinogen degradation products (FDP). Total blood loss in the tranexamic acid group was 678 (SD 352) ml compared with 1419 (607) ml in the control group (P < 0.001), and occurred primarily during the first 24 h after surgery. Thirteen patients received 1-5 u. of packed red blood cells in the control group compared with two patients in the tranexamic acid group, who received 3 u. (P < 0.001). Postoperative packed cell volume values were higher in the tranexamic acid group despite fewer blood transfusions. Postoperative concentrations of plasminogen were decreased significantly in the tranexamic acid group (P < 0.001). Platelet count, PT, aPTT, bleeding time, beta-thromboglobulin, fibrinogen and FDP concentrations did not differ between groups, but D-dimer concentrations were increased in the control group. Thromboembolic complications occurred in two patients in the control group compared with none in the tranexamic acid group.

Dynamics of red and white blood picture in dairy cows during the periparturient period

In veterinary medicine, haematological examinations present an effective tool in monitoring the health and nutritional status of animals. We investigated the haemogram during the periparturient period in Black and White dairy cows. Blood samples were taken from 60 cows 10 days before parturition, at parturition and on days 1, 2, 3 and 4 after parturition. Statistical results revealed that the values of the haemogram taken at the time of parturition were the most pronounced. The most significant erythrocyte parameter values were obtained from samples taken on the day of parturition. Mean erythrocyte (RBC) count was 6.70±0.65× 1012/l, which was significantly higher (p=0.014) compared to the mean RBC counts in the samples taken 4 days after parturition (6.30±0.64×1012/l) and 10 days before parturition (6.46±0.60×1012/l). Significantly (p<0.0001) the highest mean haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were found in the samples taken on the day of parturition (121.77±9.03 g/l), they then gradually decreased and 4 days after parturition reached the lowest mean Hb concentration of 113.68±8.62 g/l. The highest mean packed cell volume (PCV) value (0.38±0.04 l/l) was also recorded in cows at parturition. It was significantly (p=0.0007) higher compared to the mean values obtained at sampling 3 and 4 days after parturition (0.36±0.03 l/l). The highest total leucocyte (WBC) count was recorded at parturition (9.25±3.53×109/l) which was significantly (p<0.001) higher than mean values obtained from day 3 after parturition. At parturition the highest mean absolute value of segmented neutrophils (5020±1304) was also recorded; it was significantly higher (p<0.001) than the values obtained from four samplings performed after parturition. At parturition the lowest mean absolute value of eosinophils (409±379) was recorded; it was significantly lower (p<0.001) in comparison to mean values obtained 10 days before parturition (704±336) and 1 day (611±458) and 2 days (585±386) postparturition. At parturition a statistically significant (p<0.001) lowest mean absolute value of lymphocytes (3409±1116) was found. However, the periparturient period did not significantly affect the basophil counts (p=0.5113), band neutrophils (p=0.7639), monocytes (p=0.0986) and the erythrocyte indices; mean cell volume (MCV) (p=0.5271), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) (p=0.8910) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (p=0.6317).

The levels of some antioxidant vitamins, glutathione peroxidase and lipoperoxidase during the anaesthesia of dogs.

The aim of this investigation was to determine serum levels of vitamin A, E, beta carotene, glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and biochemical and haematological parameters during enflurane anaesthetised dogs. Ten kangal dogs were used and all animals were anaesthetised with enflurane for two hours and blood samples were taken before and 30, 120 minutes, 24 hours and 7 days during the anaesthesia. Vitamin E and beta carotene content were significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) higher before anaesthesia than after whereas serum GSHPx activity was not statistically different. However, serum levels of vitamin A and MDA were significantly (p<0.05) increased during the anaesthesia. In general, serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, glucose, urea and creatinine were significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) increased during anaesthesia and returned to near normal values after 7 days of anaesthesia, whereas the white blood cell count was significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) decreased during the anaesthesia. However, the red blood cell count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume values, and levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein and globulin were apparently not influenced by the anaesthesia. In conclusion, we observed that the serum level of vitamin E and beta carotene were significantly decreased, whereas serum MDA and vitamin A levels were significantly increased during the enflurane anaesthesia.

The area-wide epidemiology of bovine trypanosomosis and its impact on mixed farming in subhumid West Africa; a case study in Togo

This paper reports on an area wide study of all major variables determining the expression of trypanosomosis in cattle in the subhumid eco-zone of West Africa, taking Togo as an example. To enable systematic area-wide sampling, the country was divided in 311 grid-squares of 0.125 × 0.125 sides. Cross-sectional surveys were then conducted to generate maps or digital layers on cattle density, herd structure, ownership and breed. These data layers, except for the breed data, were subjected to a cluster analysis in order to define spatial patterns in animal husbandry systems. This analysis revealed two main systems: one is oriented towards integration with crop-agriculture and a second towards investment in cattle. These two systems could be further characterised by incorporating breed data. Zebu cattle and their crossbreeds are more favoured in the second system. The breed distribution map shows the actual situation but also serves to predict the outcome of progressive crossbreeding. An area wide trypanosomosis survey allowed the production of prevalence maps for Trypanosoma congolense, T. vivax and the associated packed cell volume (PCV) values. A simple curvi–linear relationship was established between vector density and disease prevalence. The regression between disease prevalence and PCV for taurine and zebu plus crossbreeds separately, revealed that taurine cattle maintain a comparatively high PCV level particularly in high prevalence scenarios. The relationship between the average herd PCV and cattle density suggests that herd PCV value may provide a mirror for the number of animals not kept because of the prevailing risk. The regression between agricultural intensity and cattle density subsequently in areas with decreasing herd PCV values reveals that the level of integration of cattle in crop production decreases with a decreasing PCV. Thus, despite the presence of taurine animals in Togo, the omnipresence of tsetse in particular Glossina tachinoides, remains a major obstacle to cattle raising and indirectly mixed farming development and intensification. It is argued that only with the present type of wide scale, spatial studies it becomes possible to clarify all the major variables influencing the expression of trypanosomosis. Spatial epidemiological studies at a macro level may form the basis for area wide trypanosomosis control in West Africa.

Erythropoietin deficiency in hyporeninemia.

The association of anemia and hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism (HRHA) in type 1 diabetes has been described, and erythropoietin deficiency has been proposed as the cause. Subjects with type 1 diabetes with (n = 8) and without HRHA (n = 11) were studied, as were subjects taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; n = 10). Renal function and sodium excretion were estimated with a 24-hour urine collection. Values for hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum erythropoietin, and red blood cell volume were determined. HRHA subjects were anemic (hemoglobin, 99 +/- 8 g/L ), and ACEI subjects had lower hemoglobin concentrations (120 +/- 4 g/L) compared with controls (134 +/- 3 g/L; P < 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). Also, the red cell mass in patients with HRHA was significantly less than that in controls (14.8 +/- 1.4 v 20.8 +/- 1.1 mL/kg; P = 0.004), indicating that the lower hemoglobin level in HRHA is not attributable to an expansion of extracellular volume. Erythropoietin levels in the HRHA (27% +/- 11% of predicted) and ACEI groups (43% +/- 9% of predicted) were low compared with controls (94% +/- 13% of predicted; P = 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). Renal function was greater than the levels at which anemia becomes a clinical feature in all groups, but creatinine clearance was less in the HRHA (63 +/- 12 mL/min/1.73 m2) and ACEI groups (76 +/- 11 mL/min/1.73 m2) compared with controls (123 +/- 9 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). The fractional sodium reabsorption was decreased in HRHA (98.7% +/- 0.3%) and ACEI groups (98.7% +/- 0.3%) versus controls (99.4% +/- 0.1%; P = 0.007 and P = 0.01, respectively). Subjects with type 1 diabetes with HRHA had low hemoglobin concentrations that were caused, at least in part, by inappropriately low serum erythropoietin levels.

Ab initio structural approach on polycrystalline Y2 – x Ca x BaNiO5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.33) compounds

Abstract The procedure of ab initio structure solution from conventional X-ray powder diffraction data is successfully applied to a series of Y2–x Ca x BaNiO5 compounds (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.33). The study aimed at understanding if the presence of dopants in polycrystalline Y2BaNiO5 compound can influence the success of the structure determination process and at quantifying the substitutional defect. The new code EXPO has been used to obtain the most accurate set of structure factor moduli and to perform the direct methods procedure. It is demonstrated that the substitution on a crystallographic site, as for the above mentioned compound, does not compromise the performance of direct methods. The structural parameters obtained for samples with different x values are compared with those reported in the literature. It is pointed out that the knowledge of the dependence of lattice parameter and cell volume values on the cation site occupancy factors allows the direct determination of the degree of substitution of calcium on yttrium site of the sample.

Structural Characterization of Ti-Silicalite-1: A Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Powder Diffraction Study

We present high-resolution X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data collected at the BM16 beamline at ESRF on a set of dehydrated Ti-silicalite-1 (TS-1) samples having Ti content (molar ratio)x=[Ti]/([Ti]+[Si]) in the range 0–0.022. The cell volume values resulting from Rietveld refinements of the powder diffraction data exhibit very good linear correlation (r=0.99994) with Ti content:V(x)=2093.0x+V(0) [V(0)=5335.8 Å3]. This work represents a continuation of the important characterization work of the EniRicerche group [J. Catal.137, 497 (1992)] performed on TS-1 previously treated with ammonium acetate, calcined, and measured in atmosphere (i.e., under partially hydrous conditions). Our results indicate that when XRPD measurements are performed under carefully controlled vacuum conditions a highly linear correlation betweenVandxis obtained without any need for sample pretreatment. Finally, the very high quality of our experimental data allows us to comment on the presence of some preferential framework T sites for Ti substitution. Such sites were recently proposed by two different groups on the basis of the results of molecular dynamics modeling.

Productive, physiological and biochemical changes in imported and locally born Friesian and Holstein lactating cows under hot summer conditions of Egypt.

Twenty each of healthy lactating Friesian and Holstein cows were studied. They were of similar age and body weight, nonpregnant in their third lactation and 80-100 days post partum. The investigation was carried out for 8 weeks on two farms at the same time during the hot summer season in Egypt. The first farm was in Demietta (North east of the Nile Delta, 31 degrees 40' N) on 20 Friesian cows and the second was in Fakous (East of the Nile Delta, 30 degrees 40' N) on 20 Holstein cows. On each of the two farms, 10 cows were newly imported and 10 were born in Egypt. The average daily milk yield and total milk production in the third lactation of the newly imported cows were significantly higher than those of the locally born cows for both Friesians and Holsteins. At the same time, the T4, T3, urea-N, haematological values and AST enzyme activity in the newly imported cows were significantly lower than those in the locally born ones in both breeds, while the locally born cows showed significantly lower values for rectal temperature and respiration rate, as well as for AST and Alk-P enzyme activities, than the newly imported cows of either breed. Holstein cows surpassed the Friesians in milk production, as well as thyroid hormone secretion and cholesterol, haemoglobin, packed cell volume and erythrocyte count values. The opposite was found for serum total protein, urea-N and creatinine concentrations, leukocyte count and AST, ALT and Alk-P enzyme activities.

The determination of the cellular volume of avian, porcine and bovine phagocytes and bovine mammary epithelial cells and its relationship to uptake of tilmicosin.

In order to compare the intracellular concentration of antimicrobial agents in phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells, the knowledge of their cell volume is essential. For the first time, the determination of the avian, porcine, and bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), monocyte-derived macrophages, macrophages, and bovine mammary epithelial cell volume was performed using [3H]-water and [14C]-carboxyinulin. The comparison of all the cells showed that the PMN have a size range between 3.58 and 4.04 microL per mg of protein, and are smaller than the monocyte-derived macrophages and mammary epithelial cells (4.32-5.01 microL per mg of protein). The macrophages show the largest size (5.84-6.57 microL per mg of protein). The cellular uptake of tilmicosin in these cells was then determined. The examination of the intracellular/extracellular concentration ratios (Ci/Ce) after 4 h of incubation with 10 mg/mL of [14C]-labelled tilmicosin revealed that tilmicosin was well accumulated and showed a ratio of 137, 169 and 193 in avian PMN, porcine PMN, and bovine alveolar macrophages, respectively. The cellular uptake data also demonstrated that tilmicosin accumulated in nonphagocytic bovine mammary epithelial cells. The importance of the use of the appropriate species and cell type specific cell volume values for calculations was exemplified by calculating the Ci/Ce of tilmicosin using cell volume data found in the literature for human and mouse cells. The subsequent comparison of these data with the Ci/Ce calculated with the actual cell volume appropriate for the species tested revealed an under evaluation of 3-13% in monocyte-macrophages, an over evaluation of 7-18%, 16-31% and 69% in PMN, macrophages, and epithelial cells, respectively. This study highlights the importance of the proper cell volume in order to determine the Ci/Ce. Moreover, the cell volumes determined here for avian, porcine and bovine cells should facilitate further in vitro and in vivo cellular studies by veterinary researchers.

Blood plasma levels of lipoperoxides, glutathione peroxidase, beta carotene, vitamin A and E in women with habitual abortion

The plasma levels of lipoperoxides, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduced glutathione (GSH), beta carotene, vitamin A, E, some plasma biochemical and blood haematological parameters were investigated in 40 women with habitual abortion (HA) and controls. The levels of GSH, vitamin A, E and beta carotene were significantly lower in women with HA than in controls. However, the plasma levels of lipid peroxidation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose and blood haemoglobin were significantly higher in HA than in controls. In addition, plasma levels of GSH-Px, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, sodium, potassium, calcium and number of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelet and values of packet cell volume showed no significant differences between HA and controls. According to the results of this study, we observed that the levels of lipid peroxidation were increased and plasma levels of vitamin A, E and beta carotene were decreased in HA. The decrease of those antioxidants may play a significant role in women with habitual abortion. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Blood plasma levels of lipoperoxides, glutathione peroxidase, beta carotene, vitamin A and E in women with habitual abortion

The plasma levels of lipoperoxides, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduced glutathione (GSH), beta carotene, vitamin A, E, some plasma biochemical and blood haematological parameters were investigated in 40 women with habitual abortion (HA) and controls. The levels of GSH, vitamin A, E and beta carotene were significantly lower in women with HA than in controls. However, the plasma levels of lipid peroxidation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose and blood haemoglobin were significantly higher in HA than in controls. In addition, plasma levels of GSH-Px, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, sodium, potassium, calcium and number of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelet and values of packet cell volume showed no significant differences between HA and controls. According to the results of this study, we observed that the levels of lipid peroxidation were increased and plasma levels of vitamin A, E and beta carotene were decreased in HA. The decrease of those antioxidants may play a significant role in women with habitual abortion.

Role of human leukocyte interferon-alpha in the treatment of patients with polycythemia vera.

Eighteen patients with polycythemia vera who were less than 60 years old received human leukocyte interferon-alpha subcutaneously at a starting dose of 3 MU three times a week. The interferon dose was escalated to 6 MU three times a week if it was well tolerated and disease was not controlled after 3 months of treatment at the lower dose. Hematologic response was defined as complete if the hematocrit was maintained at less than 45% in the absence of phlebotomy and partial if the hematocrit was kept at 45% to 50%, associated with a 50% or greater reduction of phlebotomy requirements; no response was defined as a response less than a partial response. Complete disease control was achieved in 11 patients, with partial control in a further six cases. One patient failed to respond. Median duration of response was 16 months (range 5 to 43 months), with 15 patients still under treatment. Therapy with human leukocyte interferon-alpha significantly improved (p <.01) phlebotomy requirements, the degree of splenomegaly, pruritus scores, iron stores and mean red cell volume values, and platelet and leukocyte counts. Interferon treatment did not produce remarkable side effects and no patient withdrew from the study because of intolerance. We conclude that subcutaneous human leukocyte interferon-alpha is an effective and well-tolerated therapy in the management of polycythemia vera-associated myeloproliferation and pruritus in patients less than 60 years old.