Hematological Indices Research Articles

A study of some physiological parameters in patients previously infected with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a potentially fatal illness brought on by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), had emerged posing a threat to public health throughout the world. The aim of study is evaluation the effect of Covid-19 disease on some physiological and hematological indicators of Covid-19 patients and to use as a parameter for monitoring the disease severity. This study as retrospective study was performed at the Al-Imam Hussein Teaching Hospital (January 2021 - April 2021) including 30 Covid-19 patients who were in between the ages of 18 and 84 (15 male and 15 female patients) and another 30 individuals patients who were in between the ages of 18 and 82 (15 male and 15 female individuals) as control group. The patients were previously diagnosed with Covid-19 disease using PCR. Our findings demonstrated that values of physiological and blood markers in COVID-19 varied significantly, where the random blood sugar was the highest parameter with a significant significance based on the chi-square test (P-value = 0.03) and the age group, most affected by the high concentrations of clinical parameters was 63-77 years old, while the least affected age group was 18-32 year. Our findings showed an increase in the concentrations of clinical parameters in males compared to females, where the random blood sugar was of a significant difference based on the chi-square test (P-value = 0.036). This study found that various physiological and blood indicators significantly increased in Covid-19 patients, where they suffer from an increase in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, ferritin random blood sugar as a result of the virulence of the virus and its attack on pulmonary and renal cells, So, monitoring the increase in these parameters may contribute to know the severity of disease.

Concomitant determination of hematological indices supported the application of the albumin-bilirubin score in non-malignant liver diseases.

The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score is a useful prognostic marker that predicts mortality in patients suffering from terminal diseases. Recently, it has been reported that ALBI score is a predictor of non-malignant liver diseases. The cutoff point of the ALBI score that distinguishes hepatocellular carcinoma from non-malignant liver disease is still not identified. Therefore, the ALBI score is a sensitive rather than a specific predictor of the poor outcomes of liver diseases. There are many hematological indices and ratios that are utilized as prognostic biomarkers. Among these biomarkers are the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and platelet-hemoglobin ratio (PHR), which are useful discriminating prognostic biomarkers for liver diseases, e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis, liver fibrosis, etc. There is evidence that PLR and PHR are prognostic biomarkers that predict the poor outcomes of diseases. Therefore, concomitant measurements of ALBI score and PHR or ALBI score and PLR will improve the predictive value that can differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from non-malignant diseases.

Novel prediction model of early screening lung adenocarcinoma with pulmonary fibrosis based on haematological index

BackgroundLung cancer (LC), a paramount global life-threatening condition causing significant mortality, is most commonly characterized by its subtype, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Concomitant with LC, pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) contribute to an intricate landscape of respiratory diseases. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in association with LC has been explored. However, other fibrotic interrelations remain underrepresented, especially for LUAD-PF and LUAD-ILD.MethodsWe analysed data with statistical analysis from 7,137 healthy individuals, 7,762 LUAD patients, 7,955 ILD patients, and 2,124 complex PF patients collected over ten years. Furthermore, to identify blood indicators related to lung disease and its complications and compare the relationships between different indicators and lung diseases, we successfully applied the naive Bayes model for a biomarker-based prediction of diagnosis and development into complex PF.ResultsMales predominantly marked their presence in all categories, save for complex PF where females took precedence. Biomarkers, specifically AGR, MLR, NLR, and PLR emerged as pivotal in discerning lung diseases. A machine-learning-driven predictive model underscored the efficacy of these markers in early detection and diagnosis, with NLR exhibiting unparalleled accuracy.ConclusionsOur study elucidates the gender disparities in lung diseases and illuminates the profound potential of serum biomarkers, including AGR, MLR, NLR, and PLR in early lung cancer detection. With NLR as a standout, therefore, this study advances the exploration of indicator changes and predictions in patients with pulmonary disease and fibrosis, thereby improving early diagnosis, treatment, survival rate, and patient prognosis.

Hematological abnormalities in liver cirrhosis.

Hematological abnormalities are common in cirrhosis and are associated with various pathophysiological mechanisms. Studies have documented a prevalence of thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia in patients with compensated cirrhosis of 77.9%, 23.5%, and 21.1%, respectively. These abnormalities carry significant clinical implications, including considerations for invasive procedures, infection risk, bleeding risk, and prognosis. Previously, cirrhosis was believed to predispose patients to bleeding due to alterations observed in classical coagulation tests such as prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio, and thrombocytopenia. However, this understanding has evolved, and cirrhosis patients are now also acknowledged as being at a high risk for thrombotic events. Hemostasis in cirrhosis patients presents a complex phenotype, with procoagulant and anticoagulant abnormalities offsetting each other. This multifactorial phenomenon is inadequately reflected by routine laboratory tests. Thrombotic complications are more prevalent in decompensated cirrhosis and may correlate with disease severity. Bleeding is primarily associated with portal hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, mechanical vessel injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation, endotoxemia, and renal injury. This review comprehensively outlines hematologic index abnormalities, mechanisms of hemostasis, coagulation, and fibrinolysis abnormalities, limitations of laboratory testing, and clinical manifestations of bleeding and thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Evaluation of antimalarial compounds in Prosopis africana stem bark fractions against Plasmodium berghei

Prosopis africana, a traditional medicinal plant for malaria treatment, requires further scientific evidence. This study aimed to assess the antimalarial potential of Prosopis africana stem bark fractions in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice and identify the responsible compounds. The aqueous extract underwent partitioning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, followed by antimalarial evaluation. F5 was the most potent fraction based on its antimalarial potential. The study pooled 36 chromatographic separation sub-fractions into five using TLC analysis Rf values. In Plasmodium berghei-infected mice, fraction F5 at 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) was tested for antimalarial activity. Compound analysis of F5 utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupolar mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis employed Analysis of Variance and Duncan's multiple range tests (p < 0.05). The methanol, n-hexane, and ethylacetate extracts displayed suppression of P. berghei by 90%, 72.2%, and 73.6%, respectively. Methanol, n-hexane, and ethylacetate extracts suppressed P. berghei by 90%, 72.2%, and 73.6% respectively. F5 showed significantly higher chemo-suppression (67.21%) than F1 (63.94%), F2 (6.99%), F3 (2.81%), and F4 (37.3%). At 12.5 mg/kg bw, F5 suppressed P. berghei by 91.09%, surpassing chloroquine (87.79%), and restored altered hematological indices and CD4+ counts. Compounds identified in F5 included caffeate, linalool, terpinene-4-ol, quinovic acid, quercetin, prosopinine, catechin, and apigeninin. In conclusion, the fraction F5 of P. africana stem bark exhibited higher antimalarial activity than chloroquine and the identified compound might likely contribute to its activity.

Ameliorative Effect of Hydrocotyle Verticillata and Laportea Aestuans Leave Extracts on Hematological, Biochemical and Histopathological Indices on 7, 12-dimethylbenz (α) Anthracene (DMBA) Induced-Leukemia in Rats

Ameliorative Effect of Hydrocotyle Verticillata and Laportea Aestuans Leave Extracts on Hematological, Biochemical and Histopathological Indices on 7, 12-dimethylbenz (α) Anthracene (DMBA) Induced-Leukemia in Rats

Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Neem Leaf and Ginger Rhizome on Growth Performance and Haematological Parameters of Pure and Crossbred Chickens

Neem leaf and ginger rhizome contain numerous chemical components that are biologically active and are widely utilized in medications to treat various illnesses. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effect of aqueous neem leaf and ginger rhizome extracts on the growth performance and hematological parameters in the three breeds of chicken. A total of 360 one-day-old chicks from 3 genetic groups consisting of 120 Noiler chicks, 120 Heavy Ecotype chicks, and 120 main cross chicks were considered for this study. Each breed of chickens was randomly distributed into four groups, with three replications per group. Each replication consisted of eight females and two males, raised in a deep litter system. A 3×4 factorial arrangement was employed, involving four levels of plant extracts: a control group receiving the basal diet without any extract, a group receiving 200 ml of neem extract (NE200), a group receiving 200 ml of ginger extract (GE200), and a group receiving 100 ml of neem + 100 ml of ginger extract (NE100+GE100). The chickens were evaluated for growth parameters such as initial weight (IW), final weight (FW), average daily gain (ADG), average feed intake (AFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) as well as some haematological parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (P), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Noiler chickens receiving NE100+GE100 and GE200 showed the highest final body weight and daily weight gain. The results of the haematological indices revealed that the interaction effect of genotype and plant extracts on all the treatment groups were significantly different for haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet (P). Some haematological indices such as Hb, PCV, WBC, and platelet were better for chickens receiving GE200 and NE100+GE100 compared to NE200 and control groups. In conclusion, the interaction of GE200 and NE100+GE100 with Noiler and main cross chickens was beneficial, with no adverse effects on the physiological traits and health status of the chickens 16 weeks of age. Keywords: Haematology, Heavy ecotype, Heterosis, Noiler, Performance, Plant extracts

A Multicenter Retrospective Chart Review Study Estimating the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Infants, Toddlers, and Children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional disorder affecting children worldwide, leading to potential long-term cognitive and developmental deficits. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IDA among healthy children attending Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital Group in Riyadh, SAU, and explore the relationship between IDA and various demographic factors, including age, gender, and nationality. Methodology A retrospective chart review was conducted from July 2023 to August 2023 at Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital Group, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included 498 children aged 0.58 to 17 years, selected through a cluster sampling technique. Data on demographic characteristics and laboratory results, including hemoglobin (Hb) levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW), ferritin, and RBC, were collected. Iron deficiency anemia was diagnosed based on Hb levels and other hematological indices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The prevalence of IDA among the study population was 9.2%, with 72.3% of the cases classified as mild and 27.7% as moderate. No cases of severe anemia were found. Infants had the highest prevalence of IDA (16.9%), followed by toddlers (12.0%), preschool children (7.2%), and school-age children (0.8%). Gender analysis revealed a prevalence of 9.7% in males and 8.6% in females, with no significant difference between genders (p = 0.659). All non-Saudi participants were free of IDA, whereas 9.3% of Saudi participants had IDA, though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.761). Conclusion The study found a relatively low prevalence of IDA among healthy children attending Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital Group in Riyadh, SAU, with the highest prevalence observed among infants. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to prevent IDA, particularly in younger children. Routine screening and early treatment are crucial to mitigate the potential long-term effects of IDA on child development. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to validate these findings and explore additional factors influencing IDA prevalence.

Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Growth, Immune Responses and Histopathological Alterations in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer, Bloch 1790) under Low-Salinity Conditions.

In the present study, Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer, Bloch) fingerings were used as an animal model to investigate the toxicological effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) under 5 ppt estuarine conditions. The fish were exposed to 0, 1, 5 or 50 ppm ZnO NPs for 8 weeks. It was found that ZnO NP concentrations of 5-50 ppm negatively affected several growth rate parameters, such as the weight and total length of the fish. Additionally, 5 and 50 ppm ZnO NPs led to 32.55% and 100% mortality, respectively, after 8 weeks after exposure (WAE). Furthermore, compared with the control, exposure to 1-50 ppm ZnO NPs strongly affected hematological indices, such as total blood cells, red blood cells, leukocytes and hematocrit, and suppressed lysozyme activity, superoxide anion production and bactericidal activity. High Zn concentrations accumulated in the head kidney, gills and liver, whereas low levels were detected in the gut, skin and muscle. Expression analysis of immune-related genes via quantitative real-time RT-PCR revealed that 5 and 50 ppm ZnO NPs significantly upregulated the cc and cd4 genes at 1 WAE. In contrast, 50 ppm ZnNPs downregulated the expression levels of the cd8, cc, hsp70, hsp90, tcrα, lyz and igmh genes at 1 WAE (p < 0.05). Finally, at 8 WAE, histopathological analysis revealed that 5 and 50 ppm ZnO NPs severely induced alterations in the head kidney, gills and liver.

Hematological ratios as markers of lupus activity in Paraguayan patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction: The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are markers of inflammation and prognosis in systemic diseases. This study determined the association between hematological indices, and disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: This prospective, observational and analytical cross-sectional study included 87 Paraguayan patients diagnosed with SLE, according to the ACR/EULAR 2019 criteria. We investigate four hematological indices: neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio (ELR), and monocytes/lymphocyte ratio (MLR). Results: Eighty-seven percent were female, with a median age of 34.9 ±12.3 years. SLEDAI mean of 3.68 ± 4.76 was found. SLEDAI mean was 3.68 ± 4.76. Positivity of anti-DNAds was found in 52% of the patients. CRP mean was 3.5 ± 4.6. Regarding values of hematological indices, we found: NLR mean of 2.4 ± 1.6 was obtained, ELR 0.07 ± 0.09, MRL 0.07 ± 0.07 and PLR 155.89 ± 80.69. A significant positive correlation was found with SLEDAI and NLR (r=0.34, p=0.001). Based on the ROC curve, the best cut-off value for our patient cohort capable of predicting patients with high activity is for NLR values ? 2.283 (AUC: 0.66). Conclusion: NLR could be a valuable and accessible biomarker to identify elevated activity in patients with SLE.

Impact of graded doses of enrofloxacin on the safety and biological responses of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

The cultivation of tilapias, the third most farmed fish group globally, has been rapidly growing, especially in Southeast Asia. This surge in tilapia farming intensification has led to increased use of antibiotics to control bacterial diseases. This study investigated the safety implications of administering graded doses of enrofloxacin (ENF) at 0 (control), 10, 30, 50 and 100 mg/kg biomass/day orally to Oreochromis niloticus. The 43-day study comprised 7 days of pre-dosing, 15 days of ENF-dosing, and a 21-day recovery period with a periodical assessment of the biological responses of fish. The results revealed that the overdosed groups experienced up to 21% reduction in feed consumption, 11% mortalities, and adverse impacts on hematology, including a decrease in erythrocytes, and monocytes and an increase in leukocytes, thrombocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Haematological indices like mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin decreased, while mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration increased. The plasma biochemical parameters including glucose and liver and kidney enzymes unveiled a significant dose- and time-dependent increase, while calcium and chloride levels decreased. Erythrocytes displayed several erythrocyte cellular and nuclear abnormalities. The frequency of micronucleus increased with dose and time, suggesting potential genotoxicity of ENF. Additionally, a dose-dependent increase in residues in the tissues with the highest accumulation in muscle was documented. Nevertheless, the recovery of the measured parameters upon dose termination indicated that the ENF-induced alterations are reversible. The study affirmed the safety of ENF at the recommended dose (10 mg) in O. niloticus and their adoptive responses to higher doses.

Assessment of the relationship between hematological indices and remission duration in patients with inflammatory spondyloarthropathies treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

Assessment of the relationship between hematological indices and remission duration in patients with inflammatory spondyloarthropathies treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

Industry Perspective on First-in-Human and Clinical Pharmacology Strategies to Support Clinical Development of T-Cell Engaging Bispecific Antibodies for Cancer Therapy.

T-cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (TCEs) that target tumor antigens and T cells have shown great promise in treating cancer, particularly in hematological indications. The clinical development of TCEs often involves a lengthy first-in-human (FIH) trial with many dose-escalation cohorts leading up to an early proof of concept (POC), enabling either a no-go decision or dose selection for further clinical development. Multiple factors related to the target, product, disease, and patient population influence the efficacy and safety of TCEs. The intricate mechanism of action limits the translatability of preclinical models to the clinic, thereby posing challenges to streamline clinical development. In addition, unlike traditional chemotherapy, the top dose and recommended phase II doses (RP2Ds) for TCEs in the clinic are often not guided by the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), but rather based on the integrated dose-response assessment of the benefit/risk profile. These uncertainties pose complex challenges for translational and clinical pharmacologists (PK/PD scientists), as well as clinicians, to design an efficient clinical study that guides development. To that end, experts in the field, under the umbrella of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, have reviewed learnings from published literature and currently marketed products to share perspectives on the FIH and clinical pharmacology strategies to support early clinical development of TCEs.

Seasonal variations in haematological and biochemical parameters of healthy Gambian adults: Retrospective study 2018-2022.

The objectives of this study were to determine the presence and effect of seasonal variations and provide insights into trend from 2018 to 2022 in a comprehensive set of routine haematological indices and biochemical measurements in Gambian adults with no known underlying health condition. We retrieved five years of data from an electronic database and analysed 493 full blood counts and 643 biochemical data from different individuals. In this study, we focused on data from individuals with no known underlying health condition who visited the clinical diagnostic laboratory for routine medical examinations or assessments.Our study found a positive association between seasonality (wet season as the reference) and Hb (HB: 0.014(0.015), P<0.05), White blood cells (WBC) (WBC: 0.243(0.163), p = 0.0014), and neutrophils (neutrophils: 0.271(0.131), P<0.05) with exception to red blood cells (RBC) (RBC: - 0.184(0.061), P< 0.003) that showed negative association. Despite the association, the seasonal effects on our derived reference intervals for haematological indices and biochemical measurements from wet season to dry season were not statistically significant (P>0.05). In addition, we observed in our heatmap result that some laboratory parameters, including HB, RBC, haematocrit (HCT), urea, liver enzymes, and potassium, showed seasonal variation patterns throughout the year, with median levels being normal to slightly low during the dry season and normal to high during the wet season. We also found no significant difference (P>0.05) among the median values for all parameters from 2018 to 2022. Additionally, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) parameters showed a consistent declining trend from 2018 to 2022. Our study found no seasonal effects on the derived reference intervals of haematological indices and biochemical measurements. However, we observed changes in patterns for certain parameters particularly HB, RBC, liver enzymes, and potassium based on seasonality.

An Innovative Approach to Optimize First-In-Human Minimal Anticipated Biological Effect Level Based Starting Dose in Oncology Trials for Bispecific T-Cell Engagers: Experience from A Solid Tumor Bispecific T-Cell Engager.

Bispecific T-cell engagers (Bi-TCEs) have revolutionized the treatment and management of both hematological and solid tumor indications with opportunities to become best-in-class therapeutics for cancer. However, defining the dose and dosing regimen for the first-in-human (FIH) studies of Bi-TCEs can be challenging, as a high starting dose can expose subjects to serious toxicity while a low starting dose based on traditional minimal anticipated biological effect level (MABEL) approach could lead to lengthy dose escalations that exposes seriously ill patients to sub-therapeutic dosing. Leveraging our in-depth and broad clinical development experience across three generations of Bi-TCEs across both liquid and solid tumor indications, we developed an innovative modified MABEL approach for starting dose selection that integrates knowledge based on the target biology, indication, toxicology, in vitro, in vivo pharmacological evaluations, and translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling, together with anticipated safety profile. Compared to the traditional MABEL approach in which high effector to target (E:T) cell ratios are typically used, our innovative approach utilized an optimized E:T cell ratio that better reflects the tumor microenvironment. This modified MABEL approach was successfully applied to FIH dose selection for a half-life extended (HLE) Bi-TCE for gastric cancer. This modified MABEL approach enabled a 10-fold higher starting dose that was deemed safe and well tolerated and saved at least two dose-escalation cohorts before reaching the projected efficacious dose. This approach was successfully accepted by global regulatory agencies and can be applied for Bi-TCEs across both hematological and solid tumor indications for accelerating the clinical development for Bi-TCEs.

Hematological biomarkers of systemic inflammation in predicting long-term treatment response of temporomandibular disorders

BackgroundChronic systemic inflammation has been proposed as the underlying mechanism of pain chronicity in several pain conditions. In spite of the growing evidence supporting the role of systemic inflammatory markers as a diagnostic tool, their role has not been analyzed in a well-defined group of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients until now. This study aimed to investigate the association between various clinical features and comorbidity levels of TMD in relation to hematological markers and seek its association with long-term treatment response.MethodsClinical features and hematological indices including those for systemic inflammation were assessed in TMD patients (n = 154). Examinations were re-done after 6 months of conservative treatment. Patients were divided into pain improved and unimproved groups based on ≥ 2 numeric rating scale improvement in pain intensity at 6 months for final analysis.ResultsThe portion of patients with low lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (p = 0.026), total protein (p = 0.014), hemoglobin (p = 0.040), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.042) values showed significant differences according to prognosis groups. Low hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with unfavorable response to long-term treatment (β = 1.706, p = 0.018). High pre-treatment pain intensity (β=-0.682, p < 0.001) and low Graded Chronic Pain Scale (β = 1.620, p = 0.002) could predict significant pain improvement with long-term treatment.ConclusionsHematologic assessment could be considered in addition to clinical examination to better determine long-term prognosis in TMD patients.

Effects of Sophora flavescens dietary supplementation on the growth performance, haematological indices, and intestinal bacterial community of Oreochromis niloticus.

Sophora flavescens is considered to be of various medicinal and economic importance. Previous studies have shown that it has antibacterial, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing functions. To explore the full potential of S. flavescens in fish feed development, we investigated the effects of different levels of S. flavescens added to the diet on the growth performance, haematological indices, and the intestinal bacterial community of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The feeding trial lasted for 56 days, and the initial weight of the fish was 40.00 ± 5.00 g. Nile tilapia were randomly divided into six groups: a control group (CN) and five S. flavescens supplementation groups (0.02%, 0.04%, 0.08%, 0.16%, and 0.3% [w/w] of S. flavescens in diet). The growth performance of fish increased first and then decreased with the increase of S. flavescens supplemental level. Compared with other experimental groups, the growth performance of fish supplemented with 0.08% S. flavescens was significantly improved (p < 0.05). Haematological indices exhibited that erythrocyte (RBC), along with leucocyte (WBC) indices, exhibited a secondary trend of increasing and then decreasing with the increase of S. flavescens, reaching the highest level at 0.08% (p < 0.05). However, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) exhibited a secondary trend of first decreasing and then increasing with the increase of S. flavescens and reached the lowest value at 0.08% (p < 0.05). Compared with the CN, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) significantly decreased and changed when the additional amount of S. flavescens was 0.04% in each treatment group (p < 0.05). In another way, the gut microbial profiles revealed that Bacteroides dominated the gut communities, and compared with the control group, two uncultured bacteria were suppressed. In addition, when the supplemental level of S. flavescens was more significant than 0.04%, the proliferation of Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Solibacillus silvestris, and Escherichia sp. in the gut of Nile tilapia was promoted. The results revealed that S. flavescens, as an additive to the Nile tilapia diet with levels ranging from 0.04% to 0.08%, can enhance the growth performance and immunity and promote the proliferation of intestinal beneficial bacteria of Nile tilapia.

REPLACEMENT VALUE OF ENZYME FORTIFIED FEATHER MEAL ON HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF LAYER CHICKENS

The study was conducted to investigate the replacement value of enzyme fortified feather meal on haematological and serum biochemical indices of layer chickens. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) Isa brown layers were used for the experiment. The birds were randomly assigned to five treatment groups in a completely randomized design, which was further replicated three times. Experimental diets 1,2,3,4,5, were formulated such that diet 1 contained 0% enzyme fortified feather meal, 2,3,4,5 contained 1, 2, 3 and 4% levels of enzyme fortified feather meal respectively. Blood samples were collected from the birds, one sample from each replicate making a total of nine samples per treatment for haematological and biochemical assessment. Results obtained showed significant difference (P&lt;0.05) on all haematological indices and for serum biochemical indices except for albumin, globulin, creatinine, K, bicarbonate and chloride ions which recorded non-significant difference. The study suggested that enzyme fortified feather meal could be used in layer’s diet up to 4% without any adverse effect.

Hematologic Indices and Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Single-Center Cohort Study.

Objective Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is common, predominantly affects the elderly, often recurs after treatment, and can have serious complications, including death. Inflammation plays an important role in cSDH and it has been previously shown that some laboratory indices are useful as prognostic markers. The aim was to research the role of hematologic and inflammatory markers in cSDH. Materials and Methods A single-center archival database review to retrieve data on cSDH cases operated on between 2018 and 2020, including: (1) sociodemography (age, gender), (2) clinics (Glasgow Coma Score [GCS], anticoagulants, chronic conditions), (3) laboratory (leukocyte, neutrophil, platelet, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, red cell distribution width [RDW], neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR], systemic immune-inflammatory index [SII]), (4) cSDH (size, location, midline shift), and (5) treatment (craniotomy/craniostomy, drainage). Primary outcome was Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at discharge and at 1 year, and secondary outcomes were 1 year mortality, resurgery, and recurrence. Hematological and inflammatory indices were compared across two cSDH thickness groups. Results Seventy-two patients were included, 25 women and 47 men, median age 77 years. Seventeen (23.6%) patients had chronic anticoagulant treatment. The majority had a chronic comorbidity: 19 (26.4%) diabetes, 48 (66.7%) hypertension, and 56 (77.8%) other chronic diseases. Median preoperative GCS was 15. Median cSDH thickness was 22.9 mm, sidedness was equally distributed, and midline shift occurred in 60 (83.3 %) patients, with median midline shift of 8.4 mm. The majority of patients underwent a single craniostomy ( n = 44, 61.1%), and in all patients a subdural drainage was placed. Median GOS at discharge and at 1 year postoperatively was 5. Mortality was 11.1%, and 16.7% of patients were lost to follow-up. Within the 1-year follow-up, 27.8% of patients had disease recurrence, 25% underwent a repeat surgery. In the "above" versus "below" 15 mm cSDH thickness group there were significant differences in P count (211.5 vs. 279.5 × 10 9 /L, p = 0.009), RDW (13.3 vs. 12.6, p = 0.031), SII (1782 vs. 2653, p = 0.025), and PLR (26.2 vs. 36.7, p = 0.042). Conclusion Hematological indices bear a diagnostic and prognostic potential in cSDH management.

HAEMATOLOGY AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF FINISHER BROILERS FED VARYING LEVELS OF CASSAVA PEEL MEAL ENRICHED WITH ENZYME AND METHIONINE

Poultry feeding with most non-conventional feedstuffs, high dietary fibre is associated with negative connotation in relation to voluntary and nutrient digestibility. Supplementation of cassava peel with enzymes and methionine improve broilers performance. Haematological indices and carcass characteristics of broilers fed varied level of cassava peel meal (CPM) enriched with methionine and enzyme was studied. A total of 96 broiler chickens were used in the research work. The birds were randomly allotted to four experimental treatments, each having four replicates of eight birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four experimental diets were compounded to include cassava peel meal at 0, 15, 30, and 45% maize replacement in diets designated as T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively. Haematological indices and carcass characteristics parameters of broilers fed were determined. Significant variations were observed in the haematological indices of white blood cells (WBC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and neutrophils, with values ranges from 228.14 to 239.31 x109/L, 31.87 to 33.50g/dL, 2.33 to 2.88% respectively. However, no significant variations were observed for the values obtained with birds fed diets 1, 2, and 3. A similar trend in observed values was obtained for carcass characteristics. No significant variation was observed in the birds fed diets 1, 2, and 3 for live weight, bled weight, eviscerated weight, and dressing percentage. Also, no toxic effect of CPM was observed from the viscerals at all levels of inclusion used in this experiment. Therefore, CPM replacement of maize at a 30% replacement level be encouraged.