Hematological Measurements Research Articles

Role of Biomarkers in COVID-19: an Updated Review

Biomarkers can identify viral infection before the onset of symptoms or at an early stage, which can facilitate early diagnosis and isolation of patients, thereby reducing the spread of the virus. In addition, the monitoring of biomarker levels allows the assessment of disease severity, progression, and treatment response, thereby providing key information for making clinical decision. This document provides a comprehensive review of various COVID-19 biomarkers. It discusses how biomarkers can enable early detection of viral infection, monitoring of disease severity and progression, and assessment of treatment effectiveness. This article reviews and evaluates the biomarkers of COVID-19. Key biomarkers included serologic measures, such as IgM and IgG antibodies, and general hematologic measures, such as white-cell count, lymphocyte count, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and interleukin-6. These markers are usually closely related to virus infection, replication, and the body's immune response. The potential for using salivary biomarkers, such as albumin, for COVID-19 diagnosis is also mentioned in this document.

PEG-PLGA core–shell nanoparticles for the controlled delivery of picoplatin–hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex in triple-negative breast cancer: In vitro and in vivo study

Abstract In this study, we prepared an inclusion complex of picoplatin (Pc) with 2-hydroxy propyl β cyclodextrin (HPCD) to improve its hydrophilicity, yielding Pc-HPCD. The Pc-HPCD complex was encapsulated into PEG-PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) using the emulsion–solvent evaporation method, yielding Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA core–shell NPs. The inclusion complex was assessed using 1HNMR spectroscopy and a phase solubility study. In addition, the average hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of the Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA NPs were 190.2 ± 8.7 nm, 0.14 ± 0.02, −13.97 ± 0.67 mV, and 80.7 ± 2.4%, respectively. In vitro release study showed a pH-triggered release manner. Furthermore, the biological evaluation of Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA NPs revealed a significantly potent cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 1.6 ± 0.24 µg/ml) against triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC), surpassing that of Pc-HPCD (IC50 = 5.3 ± 0.93 µg/ml) and Pc (IC50 = 7.5 ± 0.4 µg/ml). Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA NPs induced significant apoptosis and the ability to arrest cells at the sub-G1 phase in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, in an in vivo model established using SEC-bearing mice, treatment with Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor proliferation (67.2%). This was accompanied by improvements in hematological and biochemical measurements, as well as histopathological examination, which indicated a reduction in cellular and nuclear pleomorphism. Our study demonstrated the potential of Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA NPs to be employed as an effective and safe therapy capable of conquering TNBC.

COVID-19 inflammatory signature in a Mozambican cohort: unchanged red blood series and reduced levels of IL-6 and other proinflammatory cytokines

SummaryBackgroundAlterations in haematological, biochemical parameters and cytokine levels, were reported in patients with COVID-19, however, there is an underrepresentation of the African population, which could provide evidence for understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and useful tools for clinical management of cases. In this study, we aimed to determine the haematological, biochemical and cytokine profile in Mozambican individuals with SARS-CoV-2.MethodsA cohort of 85 Mozambican individuals with RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 results, was stratified into negative, asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe categories. Haematological, biochemical and cytokines measurement were performed on samples from the study participants. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify similar patterns among the study cases. Comparisons between groups were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analysis were conducted to evaluate the ability of these parameters to distinguish severe from non-severe cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in peripheral blood absolute counts of total lymphocytes and eosinophils, below the reference values along with no abnormal change (p > 0.05) in red blood cell count, haemoglobin, platelets and other red series parameters. At the serum level, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increase in serum levels of C-reactive protein (C-RP) and glucose above the reference values and to a significant reduction a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in levels of interferon-gamma (INF-γ), Tumour Necrosis Factor alfa (TNF-α) and the interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 in severe cases, when compared to negative cases. Haematological, biochemical and cytokine profiles segregate severe from non-severe cases of COVID-19 with an excellent performance of C-RP (AUC = 0.95; p < 0.001) and good performance of lymphocytes (AUC = 0.88; p < 0.001) and IL-15 (AUC = 0.86; p < 0.001).ConclusionThe lack of variation in red and platelet series, coupled with a decrease in the levels of classical pro-inflammatory in severe cases, deviates from what has been reported in other contexts suggesting, that there may be peculiarities in COVID-19 manifestation within the context of this study population. Furthermore, these results identify parameters with potential for clinical management of COVID-19 and therefore good resource allocation, particularly for severe cases.

Effects of Bulgarian bag training on bio-motor fitness, physiological, haematological, and performance in young adult male Kabaddi players

Kabaddi demands high bio-motor fitness and physiological robustness in players. The Bulgarian Bag, known for its dynamic training potential, offers multi-planar movements to enhance strength, endurance, and coordination. However, its impact on Kabaddi players still needs to be explored. To assess the effects of Bulgarian Bag training (BBT) on bio-motor fitness, physiological, hematological, and performance measures in young adult Kabaddi players. A total of 30 participants were randomly assigned to either the BBT Group (BBTG) (n = 15; age = 20.73 ± 1.83 years; weight = 72.56 ± 7.27 kg; height = 175.20 ± 6.03 cm) or the active Control Group (CG) (n = 15; age = 20.80 ± 1.69 years; weight = 71.86 ± 4.75 kg; height = 171.46 ± 6.06 cm). The training intervention lasted 12 weeks and was conducted during the in-season period. All outcome parameters tests were conducted before and after the intervention, including agility (AG), explosive strength (ES), shoulder strength (SS), muscular strength (MS), resting heart rate (RHR), VO2max, red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HG), and playing ability (PA). The ANCOVA analysis revealed significant between-group differences in all physical fitness measures at post-test. Specifically, the BBTG showed significant improvements in AG, ES, SS, MS, RHR, VO2Max, RBC, WBC, HG, and PA (d = 0.75 to 3.28; Δ0.50% to 16.37%). Moreover, the BBTG group significantly reduced resting heart rate (d = 0.75; Δ-3.31%). In contrast, no significant changes were reported in the Control Group (CG) between pre- and post-tests (d = 0.00 to 0.78; Δ-0.08% to 4.59%). Integrating BBTG into the training program of young adult male Kabaddi players yielded beneficial effects across multiple parameters of bio-motor fitness, physiological, hematological, and playing ability. The findings reveal the potential of BBTG as a valuable training method for enhancing Kabaddi performance and overall athletic conditioning. Keywords: Kabaddi Player, Bulgarian bag training, bio motor, physiological, haematological

A study of pre- and post-treatment hematologic markers of immune response in patients undergoing radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma.

This study investigates the impact of pre- and post-treatment hematologic markers, specifically neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), on treatment outcomes in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT). Data from 64 patients who underwent RT for curative management of STS were reviewed. Pre-RT and post-RT hematologic measures were evaluated for associations with survival outcomes. A normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) curve for predicting ΔPLR ≥ 75 was modeled using a probit function. Elevated baseline NLR was associated with worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), while elevated PLR was associated with worse DFS. Post-RT, elevated PLR was linked to worse OS and DFS. Increasing PLR change post-RT was associated with worse OS and DFS. Receiver operating characteristics analysis determined ΔPLR ≥ 75 to be a robust cutoff associated with worse DFS. Bone V10Gy ≥362 cc corresponded to a 50% risk of developing ΔPLR ≥ 75. These results suggest that hematologic markers could serve as prognostic biomarkers in both pre- and post-treatment settings for STS patients undergoing RT. Future studies can consider using bone V10Gy < 362 cc as a potential cutoff to reduce the risk of increased PLR after RT.

A-143 Comparative Evaluation of K2EDTA Performance in Multinational Vacutainers: A Case Study of “DBO” by Schraubg and “BD” by Becton, Dickinson

Abstract Background This research paper presents a thorough comparison of the anticoagulant properties of K2EDTA in two multinational vacutainer brands, “DBO” by Schraubg and “BD” by Becton, Dickinson, with a specific focus on critical hematological parameters. The study encompassed the analysis of 50 samples, spanning a wide range of values from 60 fl to 110 fl, evaluating key parameters such as Hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrit (HCT), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), and Red Blood Cell (RBC) count. Methods Peripheral blood samples were gathered from 50 outpatient participants using the specified tubes. The samples underwent assessment for six hematological analytes, including RBC Count, hemoglobin, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC. Comparative analysis was performed using the paired t-test. Differences exceeding the total allowable error were considered clinically significant. To assess stability, initial results were compared with those obtained from samples preserved for a duration of 2 hours Results Our findings indicate that the use of “DBO” vacutainers resulted in slightly higher values for Hb, HCT, MCV, MCHC, and RBC count compared to the “BD” vacutainers. Notably, the statistical significance was observed in MCV, HCT, and MCHC across nearly all samples, while Hb and RBC parameters showed no significant changes. Given the crucial role of K2EDTA as an anticoagulant in maintaining the hypotonicity of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), ensuring accurate hematological analyses is imperative. Conclusions Although the T-value for Hemoglobin did not exhibit statistical significance, the study identified notable differences in Hematocrit (HCT) and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV). This underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate vacutainer brand to ensure reliability and accuracy in hematological measurements, particularly when assessing MCV, where even slight variations can carry clinical implications. The results underscore the necessity for clinicians and laboratories to carefully consider the choice of vacutainers based on their specific requirements and the critical nature of the hematological parameters under analysis.

Evaluation of Immuno-Hematological Parameters of Severe and Mild COVID-19 Cases in Babylon Province, Iraq

The hematopoietic system plays a very important role in contracting the corona virus infection. Hematology indicators are among the factors related to the clinical results of patients with covid-19 due to their cost-effectiveness, availability, speed and convenience of testing. The aim of this study was comparing hematological parameters including the number of Red Blood Cells (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count among mild and severe COVID-19 patients. Methods: The study was conducted on 100 Iraqi patients COVID-19 patients. Subjects were classified into two groups with mild (n= 50) and severe (n=50) COVID-19 infection symptoms based on the clinical criteria. The hematological parameters measurement included Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Hemoglobin (Hb) levels, White Blood Cell (WBC) count, Platelet count (PLT), Hematocrit (HCT) levels, Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV). An independent sample T-test was used to compare the means of hematological parameters between two groups. Results: The RBC count was significantly lower in severe group compared to mild group (P ≤ 0.05). HCT levels were significantly reduced in the severe group compared to mild group (P ≤ 0.05). The severe patients had a significantly lower PLT than mild patients (P ≤ 0.05). No significant difference in Hb levels was observed between severe and mild patients. The severe patients had a significantly higher PDW than mild patients (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, the severe patients had a significantly higher MPV than mild patients (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that complete blood count measurements can be used as useful biomarkers to assess the severity of Covid-19. Early identification of severe COVID-19 patients using these markers can help to better manage and accelerate the treatment process for COVID-19 patients.

PSIX-11 Effects of black soldier fly larvae on the serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of healthy adult cats

Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) serve as an alternative protein source for pet food products. Even though BSFL are one of many insect species being added to dog foods and treats, knowledge of its effects in cats remains limited. Further investigations are imperative to delineate the effects of BSFL-based ingredients in cats. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of BSFL on serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of adult cats. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois IACUC prior to experimentation. Adult cats [n = 25; 17 females, 8 males; 6.28 ± 0.27 yr of age; 4.50 ± 0.18 kg body weight (BW)] were used in a completely randomized design. The study was composed of a 21-d baseline phase and a 70-d experimental phase. During the baseline phase, all cats were fed a control diet based on chicken meal (35% of diet). After baseline, cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental diets: control diet (n = 12) or BSFL-containing diet (20% whole BSFL meal and 24% chicken meal; n = 13). At baseline, teeth were cleaned by a veterinary dentist. Breath samples were analyzed for volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), salivary pH was measured, and blood samples were collected for serum chemistry and hematology at baseline and after 35 d and 70 d on treatment. At baseline and after 70 d on treatment, fecal samples were scored and collected for pH, dry matter, and metabolite measurement. Gingivitis, plaque, and calculus scores were performed by a veterinary dentist after 70 d on treatment. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Diet, time, and diet*time interaction effects were tested, with P &amp;lt; 0.05 being considered significant. Over time, VSC increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) in all cats, but was unaffected by diet. Diet*time interactions were observed for fecal pH, fecal scores, and blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Blood cholesterol concentrations increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) over time in cats fed the control diet, but remained stable in cats fed the BSFL diet. The opposite effect was observed with blood triglycerides. Triglyceride concentrations increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in cats fed the BSFL diet over time, but were stable in cats fed the control diet. Cats consuming BSFL had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal pH, dry matter content, and protein catabolite concentrations, but increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations and fecal scores. Overall, 20% BSFL dietary inclusion had comparable effects as chicken meal, suggesting that it will serve as a suitable replacement in cat foods.

Dietary impact of West African black pepper (Piper guineense) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemical profile, and oxidative stress markers of broiler chickens

This study evaluated the dietary impact of West African black pepper (WABP; Piper guineense) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemical profile, and oxidative stress markers of broiler chickens. A total of 200 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to 4 dietary treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, T4) of 5 replicates (10 birds per replicate) in a completely randomised design for a 49-day study. Broiler birds in T1 (control) were fed basal diet (BD), T2 (BD + 5 g turmeric/kg), T3 (BD + 5 g WABP/kg), and T4 (BD + 2.5 g turmeric and 2.5 g WABP/kg). This study found (p < 0.05) that feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly altered during the starter phase, while no significant effect was observed in body weight gain (BWG). BWG, FI, and FCR were not significantly affected (p > 0.05) during the finisher and overall phases. Except for haemoglobin and red blood cell count in the finisher phase, haematological measures were not affected (p > 0.05). During the starter phase, aspartate aminotransferase decreased (p < 0.05) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased (p < 0.05) across the treatment groups fed Piper guineense and Curcuma longa compared with those in the control group. In the finisher phase, all the serum biochemistry parameters, except for the serum protein content were significantly (p < 0.05) impacted. Piper guineense and Curcuma longa significantly (p < 0.05) increased superoxide dismutase and reduced (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde during the starter phase across the treatment groups, with no significant (p > 0.05) effect on catalase and glutathione. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione were significantly (p < 0.05) increased while malondialdehyde significantly decreased (p < 0.05) during the finisher phase when compared to the control group. Conclusively, these findings suggest the potential health benefits of these dietary additives in broiler chicken nutrition to enhance overall health and performance.

Heat Suit Training Preserves the Increased Hemoglobin Mass after Altitude Camp in Elite Cyclists.

Altitude training is a common strategy used with the intent to increase hemoglobin mass (Hb mass ) in athletes. However, if the Hb mass is increased during altitude camps, it seems to decline rapidly upon returning to sea level. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of three weekly heat training sessions over a 3.5-wk period after a 3-wk altitude camp on the maintenance of Hb mass in elite cyclists. Eighteen male cyclists (maximal oxygen consumption: 76 ± 5 mL·min -1 ·kg -1 ) underwent a 3-wk altitude training camp at ~2100 m above sea level. After the camp, participants were divided into one group performing three weekly heat sessions that were subtracted from their usual training (HEAT) while the other continuing usual training (CON). Training characteristics were recorded during the intervention, whereas hematological measurements were recorded before the camp as well as 2 d and 3.5 wk after the altitude camp. The 3-wk altitude camp led to an overall increase in total Hb mass of 4.1%. Afterward, HEAT maintained Hb mass (0.2%, P = 0.738), whereas CON group experienced a significant reduction (-3.3%, P < 0.001) (ΔHEAT vs ΔCON, P < 0.001). Moreover, HEAT increased plasma volume (PV) by 11.6% ( P = 0.007) and blood volume (BV) by 5.8% ( P = 0.007), whereas CON only showed an increase in PV (5.5%, P = 0.041). Exercise intensity and training load were not different between groups during the maintenance period. This study suggests that incorporating three weekly heat training sessions into the usual training routine preserves a moderately increased Hb mass in elite cyclists after an altitude camp.

Evidence of obesity-induced inflammatory changes in client-owned cats.

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are common health issues in obese (OB) cats. In humans, obesity leads to alterations in adipokine and proinflammatory cytokine secretion, causing persistent inflammation. The inflammatory impact of obesity in cats remains unproven. This study investigated associations between obesity and inflammatory and metabolic changes in three groups of client-owned Brazilian domestic shorthair cats: naturally lean, overweight (OW), and OB. Cats from the Veterinary Hospital of Professor Sylvio Barbosa e Cardoso (FAVET/UECE) were clinically evaluated. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical profile measurements, and part of the serum was used for measuring adipokine and inflammatory cytokines using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In both the OW and OB groups, serum cholesterol and insulin concentrations increased, while triglyceride concentrations were notably elevated in the OB group. In the OW and OB groups, serum adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β levels were elevated, and leptin levels were significantly higher in the OB group. This study is the first in Brazil to reveal increased serum levels of inflammatory markers in OW and OB client-owned felines. OW cats exhibited higher proinflammatory marker levels, implying obesity-induced inflammation.

The individual and combined impacts of pre-existing diabetes and dementia on ischemic stroke outcomes: a registry-based cohort study

BackgroundIndividually, diabetes mellitus and dementia are associated with poorer outcomes after stroke. However, the combined impact of these pre-existing factors on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) outcomes has not been examined.MethodsAll consecutive patients with AIS admitted to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals between 2003 and 2016 (catchment population ~ 900,000) were divided into four groups: those with neither diabetes nor dementia (reference), with diabetes without dementia, with dementia without diabetes, and with both co-morbidities. In-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay (LoS), and disability outcomes were analysed using logistic regressions. Post-discharge mortality and recurrence were assessed using Cox regressions. Additionally, interaction terms were added to the models for the short-term outcomes and long-term mortality to test for synergistic effects of diabetes and dementia. Models were adjusted for age, sex, Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification, comorbidities, hematological and biochemical measures, and antithrombotic medications.ResultsThe cohort was 10,812 patients with 52% females and a median age of 80. The median follow-up was 3.8 years for stroke recurrence and 5.5 years for mortality. No significant differences between the four groups existed for in-hospital mortality and post-stroke disability. Patients with dementia had significantly longer LoS (OR 2.25 [95% CI: 1.34–3.77] and 1.31 [1.02–1.68] with and without diabetes, respectively). Patients with both comorbidities had the highest risk of stroke recurrence (HR 2.06 [1.12–3.77]), followed by those with only dementia (1.59 [1.15–2.20]) and only diabetes (1.25 [1.06–1.49]). Similarly, the patient group with both diabetes and dementia had the highest long-term mortality risk (1.76 [1.33–2.37]). The hazard ratios for patients with only dementia and only diabetes were 1.71 [1.46–2.01] and 1.19 [1.08–1.32], respectively. No significant interactions were seen between diabetes and dementia with regards to their effects on the outcomes.ConclusionIndividual and cumulative impacts of the two conditions on long-term mortality and stroke recurrence were notable. However, no synergistic impact of the two comorbidities were seen on the stroke outcomes tested in our study. Therefore, tailoring the management of stroke patients based on additional requirements associated with each pre-existing condition will be more impactful towards improving outcomes.

Non-invasive optical and laboratory hematologic biomarkers correlate in patients with sickle cell disease.

The goal of this study is to identify non-invasive optical hemodynamic biomarkers that can index laboratory hematology measurements in sickle cell disease (SCD). We acquired frequency-domain NIRS (FD-NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) data from the forearms and foreheads of 17 participants in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating effects of isoquercetin (IQ) on thromboinflammation in SCD. We observed multiple, significant correlations between optical and hematology biomarkers including cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) and hematocrit (HCT); oxyhemoglobin ([O2Hb]) recovery rate and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1); and blood flow index (BFI) reperfusion rate and coagulation index (CI). The potential of these non-invasive optical biomarkers for assessing vascular pathophysiology for the management of SCD warrants further exploration.

Quantifying dilated perivascular spaces in children with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD)-related neurological effects are particularly devastating. Dilated perivascular spaces (dPVS) are a well-described component of cerebral small vessel disease in older adults without SCD. However, the burden and association of dPVS with neurological complications in children with SCD have not been described. In this study, we used the international consensus criteria to quantify dPVS in the centrum semiovale and basal ganglia in T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) of children with SCD who were randomized as part of the Silent Cerebral Infarct Transfusion (SIT) trial. We examined the relationship between global and/or regional dPVS burden and presence or area of silent cerebral infarctions, hematological measures, demographic variables, and full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) scores. The study included 156 SIT trial participants who had pre-randomization and study exit MRI. Their median age was 9.6 (5-15) years, 39% were female, and 94 (60%) participants had a high dPVS burden. Participants randomized to the blood transfusion arm and who had a high dPVS burden at baseline had a moderate decline in dPVS score over 36months compared to no change in the observation group. On multivariable logistic regression, intelligence quotient was not associated with dPVS burden. Children with SCD included in the SIT trial have a high burden of dPVS compared to children without SCD. However, dPVS do not appear to have the same pathophysiology of silent cerebral infarcts. Further study is needed to determine both their etiology and clinical relevance.

Development of machine learning models predicting mortality using routinely collected observational health data from 0-59 months old children admitted to an intensive care unit in Bangladesh: critical role of biochemistry and haematology data

IntroductionTreatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) generates complex data where machine learning (ML) modelling could be beneficial. Using routine hospital data, we evaluated the ability of multiple ML models...

An in vivo investigation on the effects of stent implantation on hematological and hemorheological parameters.

Even though cardiovascular stenting is widely used for the treatment of coronary artery disease, information on how it can affect the hematological and hemorheological profile is scarce in the literature. Most of the work on this issue is based on theoretical or computational fluid dynamics models, lacking in-depth in vitro and in vivo experimental verification. This work investigates, in an in vivo setting, the effects of stenting and the implantation time-course on hematological and hemorheological parameters that could potentially compromise the device's functionality and longevity. Custom-made self-expanding nitinol stents were implanted in the common carotid artery of male CD1 mice. Whole blood samples were collected from control (non-stented) and stented animals at 5 and 10 weeks post-implantation. Hematological measurements and blood viscosity, red blood cell aggregation, and deformability were performed using standard techniques. Implant-induced changes were observed in some of the hematological and hemorheological indices. Blood viscosity seems to have been negatively affected by an increased hematocrit and reduced RBC deformability, at 10 weeks post-implantation, despite a slight decrease in RBC aggregation. Although the alterations observed may be the result of the peri-implant inflammatory response, the physiological consequences due to hemorheological changes need to be further investigated.

GENETIC ABLATION OF THE C-TYPE LECTIN RECEPTOR CLEC2D INCREASES PERITONITIS MORTALITY, INFLAMMATION, AND PHYSIOLOGY WITHOUT DIMINISHING ORGAN INJURY.

Background: Sepsis accounts for substantial morbidity and mortality motivating investigators to continue the search for pathways and molecules driving the pathogenesis of the disease. The current study examined if the novel C-type lectin receptor (CLR), Clec2d, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Methods: Clec2d knockout (KO) mice were fully backcrossed onto the C57/BL6 background. Acute endotoxemia was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Sepsis was induced in two different models, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. Both models were treated with antibiotics and fluid resuscitation. In the sepsis models, physiologic and hematologic measurements were measured at 24 h by collecting a small sample of peripheral blood. Mortality was followed for 14 days. Results : A total of 197 mice were studied, 58 wild type (WT) and 54 knock-out (KO) in the LPS model; 27 wild type and 21 KO mice in the CLP model; and 22 WT and 15 KO mice in the pneumonia model. Clec2d KO mice had greater mortality in the LPS and CLP studies but not the pneumonia model. There were significant differences in multiple parameters determined 24 h post sepsis between mice who subsequently died and those lived. Consistent with previous reports in the CLP model, higher concentrations of IL-6, increased numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes and greater renal injury were found in the dying mice. In contrast, in the pneumonia model, IL-6 was higher in the surviving mice; however, the IL-6 levels in the pneumonia model (0.6 ± 0.3 ng/mL mean ± SEM) were less than 2% of the IL-6 levels of mice that died in the CLP model (41 ± 9 ng/mL, mean ± SEM). There were no differences in the lymphocyte count or renal injury between living and dying mice in the pneumonia model. In both sepsis models, dying mice had lower heart rates, respiratory rates, and body temperatures. These values were also lower in the KO mice compared to the WT in CLP, but the breath rate and body temperature were increased in the KO pneumonia mice. Conclusion: The C-type lectin receptor Clec2d plays a complicated role in the pathogenesis of sepsis, which varies with source of infection as demonstrated in the models used to study the disease. These data highlight the heterogeneity of the responses to sepsis and provide further evidence that a single common pathway driving sepsis organ injury and death likely does not exist.

Effects of chlorpyriphos on haematological parameters in freshwater fish Anabas testudineus

Haematological measures are frequently employed as stress indicators in fish and to evaluate their overall health. This study evaluated the sublethal effects of the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyriphos on a number of haematological parameters in freshwater fish, specifically Anabas testudineus. Based on comparisons between control and experimental groups exposed to sublethal amounts of chlorpyrifos (0.125 and 0.250) at 7, 14, and 21 days, the effect was evaluated. Red blood cell counts, haemoglobin levels, WBC, and thrombocyte counts were found to decline as chlorpyrifos concentrations and days increased. White blood cell counts rose on the seventh day of exposure but fell on the fourteenth and twenty-first days when chlorpyrifos concentrations rose. According to the study, chlorpyrifos had a major negative effect on the fish's health, and haematological measures might be used as a diagnostic tool to determine whether A. testudineus has been exposed to chlorpyrifos.. KEYWORDS :A. testudineus, Chlorpyrifos, haemoglobin, Rbc, Wbc, haematological.

Physiological stress responses in horses participating in novice endurance rides

Horses participating in endurance events encounter enormous physical challenges. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) have been reported before and after endurance rides, but these have not been determined during the rides. Moreover, the modulation in HRV and haematology in horses with different ride results (completed a course or disqualified due to irregular gait) have not been elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate changes in HR, HRV, and haematological parameters during novice endurance rides and to compare these parameters between horses that successfully completed the course (SC) or were disqualified for irregular gait (FTQ-GA). Beat-to-beat (RR) intervals of 16 healthy horses (aged 6–14 years) were recorded before and throughout the approximately 40 km endurance event. Blood samples were taken at the pre-ride inspection and after passing each veterinary inspection. HRV and haematology measures were determined from nine SC and seven FTQ-GA horses. Horses with different ride results demonstrated distinctive physiological stress responses. Increases in PCV, RBC, WBC and neutrophils after completing the ride were found only in SC horses, implying that they were ridden with greater effort than FTQ-GA horses. A reduction in HRV during warm-up, followed by a significant reduction during the first and second riding phases, was observed. HRV returned to baseline at the compulsory rest period of both phases. FTQ-GA horses experienced lower RR intervals, RR triangular index, modified deceleration capacity, very-low-frequency band, and parasympathetic nervous system index, coinciding with higher HR and sympathetic nervous system and stress indices than SC horses. These results indicated that endurance horses revealed a shift toward sympathetic activity during the ride. Lower parasympathetic activity in FTQ-GA horses suggests they were under more stress or discomfort than SC horses in novice endurance rides. These results have welfare implications, indicating the need for additional rest breaks in FTQ-GA horses.

Hematological and physiological responses in polo ponies with different field-play positions during low-goal polo matches.

Strenuous exercise in traditional polo matches creates enormous stress on horses. Hematological and physiological measures may vary across different field-play positions. This study aimed to investigate the effort intensity and the impact of exertion on hematology and heart rate variability (HRV) in polo ponies with different positions. Thirty-two ponies, divided equally into eight teams, were studied. Each comprises forwards (number 1), midfielders (numbers 2 and 3), and defenders (number 4). Team pairs played the first chukka in four low-goal polo matches. Percent maximum heart rate (%HRmax), indicating ponies' effort intensity, was classified into five zones, including zones 1 (<70%), 2 (70-80%), 3 (80-90%), 4 (90-95%) and 5 (>95%). Hematological and HRV parameters were determined before, immediately after, and at 30-minute intervals for 180 minutes after chukkas; HRV variables were also obtained during warm-up and exercise periods. Results indicated that the number two ponies spent more time in zone 4 (p < 0.05) but less in zone 2 (p < 0.01) than the number four ponies. Cortisol levels increased immediately and 30 minutes afterward (p < 0.0001 for both) and then returned to baseline 60-90 minutes after exertion. Other measures (Hct, Hb, RBC, WBC, neutrophils, and CK enzyme) increased immediately (p < 0.0001 for all) and lasted at least 180 minutes after exertion (p < 0.05-0.0001). HRV decreased during the chukka until approximately 90 minutes afterward (p < 0.05-0.0001). The stress index increased during the chukka and declined to baseline at 60 minutes in number 1-3 ponies but lasted 90 minutes in those at number four. Effort intensity distribution differed among field-play positions. Decreased HRV indicated reduced parasympathetic activity during exercise, extending to 90 minutes after exertion in polo ponies. Defenders seem to experience more stress than those in other positions.