Hematological Findings Research Articles

Assessment of factors affecting flicker ERGs recorded with RETeval from data obtained from health checkup screening.

To determine the factors significantly associated with the amplitudes and implicit times of the flicker electroretinograms (ERGs) recorded with the RETeval system by analyzing the comprehensive data obtained during a health checkup screening. Flicker ERGs were recorded with the RETeval system from 373 individuals who had a normal fundus and optical coherence tomography images. The sex, age, anthropometric, ophthalmologic, and hematologic data were collected from all participants who were 40- to 89-years-of-age. Univariable and multivariable linear mixed effects regression analyses were performed to identify factors that were significantly associated with the implicit times and amplitudes of the RETeval flicker ERGs. Univariable linear mixed effects regression analysis showed significant correlations between the implicit times and the best-corrected visual acuity, the age, the axial length, the blood sugar level, and the blood urea nitrogen level. Analyses by multivariable linear mixed effects regression identified that the axial length (β = 0.28), the age (β = 0.24), and the blood sugar level (β = 0.092) were three independent factors that were significantly correlated with the implicit times of the RETeval flicker ERGs. Univariable linear mixed effects regression analysis also showed significant correlations between the amplitudes of the RETeval flicker ERGs and the age, the platelet count, and the creatinine level. Multivariable linear mixed effects regression models identified the age (β = -0.092), the platelet count (β = 0.099), and the creatinine level (β = -0.12) as three independent factors that were significantly correlated with the amplitudes of the RETeval flicker ERGs. However, the smoking habits, body mass index, and the blood pressure were not significantly correlated with either the implicit times or amplitudes of the RETeval flicker ERGs. Our results indicate that the age and some ophthalmologic and hematologic findings but not the anthropometric findings were significantly associated with the implicit times and amplitudes of the RETeval flicker ERGs. Thus, clinicians should remember these factors when analyzing the RETeval flicker ERGs.

Clinical, hematological and molecular evaluation of piroplasma and Anaplasma infections in small ruminants and tick vectors from Kurdistan province, western Iran

Tick-borne haemoparasite infections are a major challenge in small ruminant (SR) production across tropical areas. The present study evaluated the prevalence of Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma in SRs and their tick vectors and estimated the association between pathogen prevalence with clinical hematological findings among SR populations in Kurdistan province, western Iran. In total, 250 blood samples and 250 tick species (one per animal) were collected from SR populations, along with clinical and hematological examinations. Microscopy of blood smears and molecular analysis were performed to detect potential infection with Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma. Moreover, haemoparasites were explored in the isolated ticks using semi-nested PCR. Based on microscopy, the prevalence of Theileria, Anaplasma and Babesia infections was 91.2%, 23.2% and 2.4%, respectively. Semi-nested PCR analysis of blood samples demonstrated 86.8%, 78.8% and 14% prevalence for T. ovis, A. ovis and B. ovis, respectively. Dermacentor marginatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus were predominant isolated tick vectors from SR, while D. marginatus was the most contaminated tick in all investigated counties. There were, also, a statistically significant association between the estimated molecular prevalence rates with semi-yellow conjunctiva (A. ovis), body temperature (T. ovis and A. ovis), heart rate (T. ovis and B. ovis), mean white blood cell count (T. ovis and A. ovis), mean red blood cell count (T. ovis and B. ovis), as well as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in all haemoparasite infections. Future studies are recommended to reveal the epidemiology of such infections in SRs in Iran.

An overview on COVID-19 and vaccines: findings and learnings from the pandemic.

The coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to create global impact and continues to stand divided on the mask mandate, the vaccine passport, and the continuous testing process. The focus of this review is to highlight the hematological findings in COVID-19, complications, as well as impact of vaccinations. A detailed literature review has been conducted using keywords including "coronavirus disease", "COVID-19", "COVID-19 vaccinations", "COVID-19 hematological complications" to list a few. The findings highlight mutations in the non-structural proteins NSP2 and NSP3 to be crucial. With over fifty potential vaccine candidates in trial, prevention and symptom management continue to be the primary clinical challenge. Clinical studies have detailed the hematological complications of COVID-19, including coagulopathy, lymphopenia, and changes in levels of platelet, blood cells, and hemoglobin, to state a few. Further, we also discuss the impact of vaccination on hemolysis, on multiple myeloma patients, as well as thrombocytopenia.

Multizentrisches B-Zell-Lymphom bei einem 8 Wochen alten Kalb

The presented report describes a case of sporadic bovine leukosis and its disease progression in an 8-week old, male cross-breed calf (Red Holstein Fleckvieh). The calf was initially presented due to suspect pulmonary infection. However, generalized enlargement of the subcutaneous lymph nodes was noticed, which is untypical for this disease. Based on the hematologic findings of highly increased numbers of lymphoblasts in peripheral blood as well as the sonographic examination of the lymph nodes, sporadic bovine leukosis was suspected. The calf died suddenly, three weeks after initial presentation. Pathohistological examination revealed a high-degree enlargement of all lymph nodes as well as an infiltration of nearly all organs and tissues with a monomorphic round cell population. These cells were also detected in bone marrow cytology. Immunhistochemical examination was performed and the cells reacted positive for the B-cell markers Pax 5 and CD20. Virologic examination for enzootic bovine leukosis was negative. In conjunction with the diagnosis of multicentric B-cell lymphoma, the test results indicated a juvenile form of sporadic bovine lymphoma.

The first study on clinicopathological changes in cats with feline infectious peritonitis with and without retrovirus coinfection.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an infectious, immune-mediated, and fatal disease in cats caused by a mutant feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are two common retroviruses that play a role in reducing feline immune function with opportunistic retrovirus infection being a predisposing factor for the development of FIP. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological parameters of FIP in cats with and without retrovirus coinfection. In total, 62 cats presenting with pleural and/or peritoneal effusion at the Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, were selected for the study. Effusion samples were collected and a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was performed on all samples using the 3' untranslated region primer. All FCoV-positive cats were tested for retrovirus infection using a commercial kit (Witness FeLV-FIV [Zoetis]; United States). Clinical signs, hematological, and biochemical parameters of these cats were investigated and grouped. Of the 62 cats with pleural and/or peritoneal effusion, FCoV was detected in 32, of which 21 were highly suspicious for FIP. The cats suspected of FIP were divided into three subgroups following viral detection. A total of 14 had only FCoV infection (Group A), four had FCoV and FeLV infection (Group B), and three had FCoV, FeLV, and FIV infection (Group C). Of the rest, 11 had definitive diagnoses, which included three being FCoV and FeLV-positive (Group D), and eight were retrovirus-negative (Group E). Mild anemia and lymphopenia were found in cats infected with these three viruses. An albumin-to-globulin ratio lower than 0.5 was found in FIP cats with only FCoV infection. Typically, cats with clinical effusion and FIP, with and without retrovirus coinfection, had similar hematological findings. Clinical signs, blood parameters, fluid analysis with cytological assessment, and RT-PCR assays could identify better criteria to diagnose FIP with and without retrovirus coinfection.

Hematological findings in COVID-19 and their correlation with severity of Disease.

To evaluate the efficacy of hematological parameters to predict severity of COVID-19 patients. This was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted at Central Park Teaching Hospital, Lahore in COVID ward and COVID ICU between April 23, 2021 to June 23, 2021. Patients of all ages and both genders with positive PCR admitted in the COVID ward and ICU during this time span of two months were included in the study. Data was collected retrospectively. This study included 50 patients with male to female ratio of 1.38:1. Though males are more affected by COVID-19 but the difference is not statistically significant. The mean age of the study population was 56.21 and the patients in the severe disease group have higher age. It was observed that in severe/critical group the mean values of total leukocyte count 21.76×103 μI (p-value= 0.002), absolute neutrophil count 71.37% (p-value=0.045), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) 12.80 (p-value=0.00) and PT 11.9 seconds (p-value=0.034) and the difference was statistically significant. While in severe/critical group, the mean values of hemoglobin 12.03g/dl (p-value=0.075), lymphocyte count 28.41% (p-value=0.8), platelet count 226×103 μI (p-value=0.67) and APTT 30.7 (p-value=0.081) and the difference was not significantly different between groups. It can be concluded from the study that total leucocyte count, absolute neutrophil count and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio can predict in-hospital mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 patients.

Traversing Their Path to the Peripheral Smear: The Journey of Traumatized Red Blood Cells.

Background Thrombotic microangiopathy encompasses a wide range of conditions, of which thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura being a medical emergency requires prompt intervention, with schistocytes being a reliable morphological indicator of microvascular injury. However, there are conditions other than thrombotic microangiopathic anemia where schistocytes can be seen in large numbers. These nonthrombotic microangiopathic conditions are broadly grouped under cytoskeletal abnormalities, mechanical damage, and thermal injuries. Automated methods in schistocyte evaluation have shown varied reproducibility requiring manual identification. International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) recommends standardized morphological criteria and quantitative assessment as a percentage after counting at least 1,000 red blood cells in optimal areas of smear to reduce interobserver variability. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantitate schistocytes in thrombotic microangiopathic and nonthrombotic microangiopathic groups using ICSH guidelines and to evaluate interobserver reproducibility of manual schistocyte count. Materials and Methods Overall, 157 peripheral blood smears showing schistocytes were studied by two independent observers using ICSH recommendations on light microscopy. The hematological findings were correlated with clinical diagnosis and other relevant investigations. Results Schistocytes were observed in five cases of thrombotic microangiopathic anemia and 152 cases of nonthrombotic microangiopathic anemia. Schistocyte count in thrombotic microangiopathic anemia and nonthrombotic microangiopathic anemia groups with mean (±standard deviation) value was 2.28 ± 2.65% and 0.76 ± 0.67%, respectively ( p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient between the two observers was 0.59 (confidence interval = 0.966-1.346) showing an excellent agreement on the reproducibility of schistocytes by application of ICSH guidelines. Conclusion Percentage of schistocytes more than 1% is a robust morphological indicator for diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathic anemia in adults. Strict application of ICSH guidelines reduces interobserver bias.

UTILITY OF URINE ANTIGEN TESTING FOR DIAGNOSIS OF BLASTOMYCOSIS IN NONDOMESTIC FELIDS.

Blastomycosis caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis has been reported to cause disease in numerous species of nondomestic felids. Diagnosis of blastomycosis in domestic species often relies on the combination of clinical signs, radiographic findings, and commercial urinary antigen testing. In this report, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for urine blastomyces antigen testing for use in nondomestic felids were examined and compared with findings on postmortem examination. The study showed a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 91.86%, positive predictive value of 50%, and negative predictive value of 100% for urine antigen testing. Furthermore, radiographic and hematologic findings were compared with those of animals diagnosed with blastomycosis. Radiographic evidence consistent with blastomycosis was found in those animals diagnosed via urine antigen testing, but no significant differences in plasma biochemistry parameters between diseased and nondiseased animals were found. This study provides evidence that a positive blastomycosis antigenuria test result should be combined with other diagnostic methods to confirm the presence of infection with B. dermatitidis, whereas a negative antigenuria test result is 100% effective in predicting the absence of disease.

Brusellozda Kas İskelet Tutulumunda Manyetik Rezonans Görüntüleme ve İnflamatuar Belirteçlerin Tanıya Katkısı

Objective: Musculoskeletal involvement in brucellosis is very important. This study aimed to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and hematological parameters as a predictive value for the diagnosis of musculoskeletal brucellosis. Methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted between June 2011 and November 2019 in a university hospital. Ninety-nine patients with the confirmed diagnosis of brucellosis without musculoskeletal involvement and forty-three brucellosis patients with musculoskeletal involvement were examined. The hematological, biochemical parameters, and radiological imaging findings of both groups were recorded. These parameters were statistically compared between the two groups. Results: The mean age of the patients (non-involvement group) and musculoskeletal involvement groups was 44.04 ± 23.11 and 37.92 ± 24.80 years, respectively (P = 0.062). C-reactive protein (CRP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were significantly higher in the musculoskeletal involvement group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The lower lymphocyte level was statistically significant in this group. Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 65% for ALP, 77% and 58% for CRP, 83% and 45% for lymphopenia, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the other hematological and biochemical parameters. Spondylodiscitis (34.8%) was the most common MRI finding in patients with musculoskeletal involvement. Conclusions: Our study results show that CRP, ALP, and lymphopenia can be used as valuable markers in the preliminary diagnosis of musculoskeletal brucellosis.

Scanning Electron and Atomic Force Microscopic Analysis of Erythrocytes in a Cohort of Atopic Asthma Patients—A Pilot Study

Background: Non-communicable diseases are often associated with chronic inflammation, placing patients suffering from these conditions at a higher risk of thrombosis and other complications. The pathophysiology of asthma and/or atopic asthma is also linked to chronic inflammation, which consequently may alter blood parameters including erythrocyte structure and function. Methodology: The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in erythrocytes between patients with atopic asthma (n = 30) and healthy individuals (n = 30) by evaluating routine haematological parameters; structures and axial ratios of erythrocytes using light microscopy; erythrocyte membrane elasticity using atomic force microscopy; and erythrocyte ultrastructure using scanning electron microscopy. Results: The haematological findings of healthy participants and patients suffering from asthma were within normal clinical ranges together with significantly higher levels of circulating monocytes (p = 0.0066), erythrocytes (p = 0.0004), haemoglobin (p = 0.0057), and haematocrit (p = 0.0049) in asthma patients. The analysis of eosin-stained erythrocytes by light microscopy showed more echinocytes, acanthocytes, and ovalocytes compared to controls and a significant difference in axial ratios (p &lt; 0.0001). Atomic force microscopy findings showed reduced erythrocyte membrane elasticity in asthmatic erythrocytes (p = 0.001). Ultrastructural differences in erythrocytes were visible in the asthma group compared to controls. Conclusion: Altered erythrocyte ultrastructural morphology and a significant change in the haematological profile are evident in atopic asthma and may influence common complications associated with asthma. The impact of these changes on the physiological mechanisms of coagulation and the pathophysiology of asthma needs to be further elucidated.

PDGFRα monoclonal antibody: Assessment of toxicity in juvenile mice administered a murine surrogate antibody of olaratumab.

Olaratumab (Lartruvo™) is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that specifically binds PDGFRα. In order to support use of Lartruvo in pediatric patients, a definitive juvenile animal study in neonatal mice was conducted with a human anti-mouse PDGFRα antibody analog of olaratumab (LSN3338786). A pilot study was used to set doses for the definitive juvenile mouse study. In the definitive study, juvenile mice were administered vehicle, 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg LSN3338786 by subcutaneous (SC) injection every 3 days between postnatal days (PND) 1 and 49, for a total of 17 doses. Blood samples were collected on PND 49 for antibody analysis and toxicokinetic evaluation. Tissues were collected on PND 52 for histopathologic examination. Results of the pilot study indicated that dosing neonatal mice starting on PND 1 via SC administration every 3 days was logistically feasible, produced exposures consistent with prior animal studies, and the selected dose levels were well tolerated by juvenile mice. In the definitive juvenile study, there were no LSN3338786-related deaths, clinical findings, and no effects on mean body weights, body weight gains, or food consumption. Additionally, there were no adverse LSN3338786-related hematology findings, and no macroscopic, organ weight, or microscopic findings of note. The highest dose evaluated, 150 mg/kg, was considered the NOAEL for juvenile toxicity. In conclusion, the juvenile animal studies did not identify any new toxicities or increased sensitivities for the intended pediatric patient population. The use of the surrogate antibody approach in a standard rodent model enabled the de-risking of theoretical concerns for toxicity in pediatric patients due to disruption of the PDGFRα pathway during early human development, such as pulmonary development.

Hereditary spherocytosis: review of cases and discussion of hematologic characteristics and updated diagnostic testing

Hereditary spherocytosis is a common inherited type of hemolytic anemia that results from abnormal morphology of erythrocytes. It has a high occurrence in North Americans and northern Europeans with a prevalence of 1/2000. There is a wide range in age and symptoms at presentation with some individuals being asymptomatic and others having severe diseases requiring blood transfusions. Based on the severity of symptoms, management may vary from simple observation to frequent blood transfusions, cholecystectomy for gallstones, and splenectomy. Timely diagnosis may be critical to minimize complications. Diagnostic tests have been available with varying degrees of accuracy. However new diagnostic tests with greater specificity and sensitivity are now available for more accurate diagnosis of Hereditary Spherocytosis in individuals of all ages including newborns. Illustrative cases are presented that show the variability in presentation, symptoms, complications, and care. Information is presented updating diagnostic testing that allows earlier diagnosis of children with hereditary spherocytosis. Additionally, the hematologic findings suspicious and consistent for this diagnosis are presented, serving as a guide when testing should be initiated.

Health and welfare assessment of beef cattle during the adaptation period in a specialized commercial fattening unit

Beef cattle welfare and health status are influenced by housing and management systems. The present study aimed to assess the welfare and health status in the first 15 days after arrival of Limousine bulls imported from France and fattened in a commercial fattening unit in Italy. A total of 264 bulls were included in the study. Welfare, biosecurity, and major hazard and warning system were assessed on days 2 (T1) and 15 (T2) after arrival to the unit. At T1 and T2 an inspective clinical examination was performed on all bulls. At T1 and T2 blood samples were collected from 88 bulls for haematological analysis. Both at T1 and T2, the welfare, biosecurity, and major hazards and warning systems were classified with a general score of medium but with a decrease on animal-based measurements in T2. At T1 and T2 the clinical examination revealed a significant increase (p-value≤0.05) of skin lesions and lameness in T2. A high incidence of respiratory disease was noticed in both assessed times. Leucocytes and all differentials count, and platelets were significantly increased (p-value≤0.05) at T2, while the fibrinogen was significantly decreased. The haematological changes suggest that the bulls were under higher stress in T2 when compared with T1 linked with a difficult adaptation response to the fattening unit. A multi-factorial approach that integrates the indicators of the checklist and the clinical and haematological findings of animals can be a useful method to deepen the assessment of welfare in beef cattle.

The Effect of Virus-Specific Vaccination on Laboratory Infection Markers of Children with Rotavirus-Associated Acute Gastroenteritis

Rotavirus (RV) is one of the most common and important causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in newborns and children worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the RV vaccine on the natural history of RV infections using the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) as hematological indexes, clinical findings, and hospitalization. Children aged 1 month to 5 years who were diagnosed with RV AGE between January 2015 and January 2022 were screened, and 630 patients were included in the study. The SII was calculated by the following formula: neutrophil × platelet/lymphocyte. Fever and hospitalization were significantly higher and breastfeeding was significantly lower in the RV-unvaccinated group than in the RV-vaccinated group. The NLR, PLR, SII, and CRP were significantly higher in the RV-unvaccinated group (p < 0.05). The NLR, PLR, and SII were significantly higher both in the non-breastfed group than in the breastfed group and in the hospitalized group than in the not hospitalized group (p < 0.05). CRP was not significantly different in either the hospitalization group or the breastfeeding group (p > 0.05). SII and PLR were significantly lower in the RV-vaccinated group than in the RV-unvaccinated group in both the breastfed and non-breastfed subgroups. For NLR and CRP, while there was no significant difference according to RV vaccination status in the breastfed group, there was a significant difference in the non-breastfed group (p value: <0.001; <0.001). Despite the low level of vaccine coverage, the introduction of RV vaccination had a positive impact on the incidence of RV-positive AGE and related hospitalizations in children. These results showed that breastfed and vaccinated children were less prone to inflammation because their NLR, PLR, and SII ratios were lower. The vaccine does not prevent the disease 100%. However, it can prevent severe disease with exsiccation or death.

Experimental Yellow Fever in the Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri spp.): Hematological, Biochemical, and Immunological Findings

Between 2016 and 2018, Brazil experienced the largest sylvatic epidemic of yellow fever virus (YFV). Despite to the magnitude and rapid spread of the epidemic, little is known about YFV dispersion. The study evaluated whether the squirrel monkey is a good model for yellow fever (YF) studies. Methods: Ten animals were infected with 1 × 106 PFU/mL of YFV, with one negative control. Blood samples were collected daily during the first 7 days and at 10, 20 and 30 days post infection (dpi) for detection of viral load and cytokines by RT-qPCR; measurements of AST, ALT, urea and creatinine were taken; IgM/IgG antibodies were detected by ELISA, and hemagglutination inhibition and neutralization tests were performed. The animals exhibited fever, flushed appearance, vomiting and petechiae, and one animal died. Viremia was detected between 1 and 10 dpi, and IgM/IgG antibodies appeared between 4 and 30 dpi. The levels of AST, ALT and urea increased. The immune responses were characterized by expression of S100 and CD11b cells; endothelial markers (VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and VLA-4), cell death and stress (Lysozyme and iNOS); and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β). The squirrel monkeys showed changes similar to those described in humans with YF, and are a good experimental model for the study of YF.

Oxidative stress parameters in dogs naturally infected with sarcoptic mange

Background: Scabies is one of the most common diseases in dogs. It threatens both animals and humans due to its zoonotic potential. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant balance with hematological findings in dogs infested with sarcoptic mange. Methods: The animals evaluated in this study consisted of 32 mixed-breed dogs between 1 and 2 years of age. The dogs were allocated into two groups: a control group (infestation-free animals; n=10), and a sarcoptic mange-infected group (Sarcoptes, n=22). Dogs in the Sarcoptes group showed infestation signs such as intense itching, excoriations, alopecia, and blistering of the elbow and auricular margins. Results: Significant increase (p&lt;0.01) levels were observed in total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidative stress index (OSI), and nitric oxide (NO), while glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels in dogs infested with Sarcoptes decreased significantly (p&lt;0.01). In addition, a significant increase (p&lt;0.01) of WBC count in dogs in the sarcoptic group in comparison with the control was found. Conversely, there was significant decrease (p&lt;0.01) in RBC, HGB, and PCV counts in Sarcoptes-infested dogs. Conclusions: Our study suggests a possible relationship between oxidant/antioxidant imbalance and hematological findings in dogs infested with sarcoptic mange. Furthermore, in addition to MDA, TAS, TOS, and OSI markers, NO as well as GSH might be also used to assess the oxidative stress in dogs naturally infected with Sarcoptes scabiei.

Biochemical and Hematological Findings of Halabja Victims: 34 Years after Sulfur Mustard Exposure.

The city of Halabja situated in Kurdistan-Iraq faced a deadly attack using chemical warfare including the use of sulfur mustard (SM) in 1988. The survivors of this attack also faced the consequences of exposure to the toxic chemical SM in the form of multiple health complaints. The aim of this study is focused to gather data about the biochemical and hematological findings of Halabja victims who suffered from Sulfur Mustard (SM) exposure after completing 34 years of the attacks. A total of Twenty-five non-smoker patients (f: m19:6, mean age 59.2 years (range 35-85) and ten non-smokers control, healthy people (f: m 3:7, mean age 25.3 years (range 20-37) were interviewed and subjected to be tested. A purposive sampling strategy was adopted to recruit the study participants in August 2022. There were no significant differences between patients and controls regarding thyroid function markers. The levels of total protein and total albumin were significantly lower in the victims than in the controls (total protein: 7.67 ± 0.55 g/dL, P < 0.05, albumin: 4.30 ± 0.26 g/dL, P < 0.01). In addition, the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was decreased significantly in patients compared to control groups (43.02 ± 8.15 mg/dL, P < 0.01). Moreover, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol were not considerably increased in the patients. On the other hand, hematological parameters did not show a significant difference except for the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) level significantly lower in the victims than in the controls (33.48 ± 0.56 g/dL, P < 0.01). Finally, there were significant differences in total iron and ferritin levels in the groups. From this study, it was concluded that some of the victim's biochemical factors can be influenced owing to the long-term consequences of SM. From the similarity of functional test results of thyroid and hematology between groups, it is also stated that biochemical changes detected may be due to a patient's delayed respiratory complications.

Estimated Prevalence and Clinical Manifestations of UBA1 Variants Associated With VEXAS Syndrome in a Clinical Population

VEXAS (vacuoles, E1-ubiquitin-activating enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a disease with rheumatologic and hematologic features caused by somatic variants in UBA1. Pathogenic variants are associated with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Knowledge of prevalence, penetrance, and clinical characteristics of this disease have been limited by ascertainment biases based on known phenotypes. To determine the prevalence of pathogenic variants in UBA1 and associated clinical manifestations in an unselected population using a genomic ascertainment approach. This retrospective observational study evaluated UBA1 variants in exome data from 163 096 participants within the Geisinger MyCode Community Health Initiative. Clinical phenotypes were determined from Geisinger electronic health record data from January 1, 1996, to January 1, 2022. Exome sequencing was performed. Outcome measures included prevalence of somatic UBA1 variation; presence of rheumatologic, hematologic, pulmonary, dermatologic, and other findings in individuals with somatic UBA1 variation on review of the electronic health record; review of laboratory data; bone marrow biopsy pathology analysis; and in vitro enzymatic assays. In 163 096 participants (mean age, 52.8 years; 94% White; 61% women), 11 individuals harbored likely somatic variants at known pathogenic UBA1 positions, with 11 of 11 (100%) having clinical manifestations consistent with VEXAS syndrome (9 male, 2 female). A total of 5 of 11 individuals (45%) did not meet criteria for rheumatologic and/or hematologic diagnoses previously associated with VEXAS syndrome; however, all individuals had anemia (hemoglobin: mean, 7.8 g/dL; median, 7.5 g/dL), which was mostly macrocytic (10/11 [91%]) with concomitant thrombocytopenia (10/11 [91%]). Among the 11 patients identified, there was a pathogenic variant in 1 male participant prior to onset of VEXAS-related signs or symptoms and 2 female participants had disease with heterozygous variants. A previously unreported UBA1 variant (c.1861A>T; p.Ser621Cys) was found in a symptomatic patient, with in vitro data supporting a catalytic defect and pathogenicity. Together, disease-causing UBA1 variants were found in 1 in 13 591 unrelated individuals (95% CI, 1:7775-1:23 758), 1 in 4269 men older than 50 years (95% CI, 1:2319-1:7859), and 1 in 26 238 women older than 50 years (95% CI, 1:7196-1:147 669). This study provides an estimate of the prevalence and a description of the clinical manifestations of UBA1 variants associated with VEXAS syndrome within a single regional health system in the US. Additional studies are needed in unselected and genetically diverse populations to better define general population prevalence and phenotypic spectrum.

Retracted: Hematological Findings among COVID-19 Patients Attending King Khalid Hospital at Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/4620037.].

Single-step production of autologous bovine platelet concentrate for clinical applications in cattle.

Platelet concentrate (PC) is an alternative therapy to treat mastitis in dairy cattle and is an alternative treatment for reproduction problems such as endometritis. Unfortunately, double-centrifugation processing methods described are time-consuming, require specialized laboratory equipment, and are usually done in a heterologous way, which risks herd health. To overcome this limitation, we evaluated single-step bovine PC processing methods readily applicable to a farm setting using an autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) production system. We investigated the hematologic findings, cytokines, and growth factors of the obtained PC samples. Autologous conditioned plasma was prepared using whole blood (WB) from 4 cows (group 1) using single-step centrifugation and 16 different processing methods. The 2 protocols that yielded the highest ratio of platelet to white blood cell (WBC) concentration were ACP-1 [720 × g (2,200 rpm), 5 min] and ACP-2 [929 × g (2,500 rpm), 3 min]. They were subsequently reproduced and compared using WB from 8 cows (group 2). Hematologic findings were quantified, IL-1β (cytokine) and growth factors [platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, bovine fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF)] were measured, and enrichment factors were compared between samples and processing methods. Hematological characteristics and platelet enrichment varied markedly among tested protocols and all were statistically different from WB. Protocol ACP-2 resulted in significantly greater platelet enrichment (mean 169% of WB) than ACP-1 (125% of WB). We found no significant difference between the 2 ACP preparation protocols with regard to leukocyte reduction (7.53-9.75% WBC compared with WB) or growth factor enrichment (124-125% PDGF, 95-100% TGF-β, 102-104% b-FGF, and 56-74% IL-1β compared with WB). In conclusion, both ACP protocols yielded a platelet concentration shown to promote healing for clinical applications in cattle, and the ACP-2 protocol resulted in a greater degree of platelet enrichment. Therefore, this protocol could be used for ACP production for clinical applications in cattle.