Hematological Variables Research Articles

Comparison of alfaxalone and propofol on haematological and serum biochemical variables in cats undergoing radiotherapy with sevoflurane maintenance

ObjectiveTo evaluate effects of repeated alfaxalone or propofol administration on haematological and serum biochemical variables in cats undergoing radiotherapy. Study designProspective, block-randomized, clinical trial. AnimalsA group of 39 client-owned cats. MethodsAfter butorphanol (0.2 mg kg–1) and midazolam (0.1 mg kg–1) sedation, cats were randomly assigned to receive either alfaxalone or propofol for induction of anaesthesia and sevoflurane maintenance. Cats were anaesthetized daily with the same induction agent for 10–12 days. Complete blood counts, reticulocytes, Heinz body score and serum biochemistry were performed before the first treatment (T1), at T6, T10 and 3 weeks after the final treatment (T21). Cumulative induction agent dose for each cat at each time point was evaluated for an effect on Heinz body score. Data are shown as mean ± standard deviation; p < 0.05. ResultsAt baseline there were no significant differences in signalment or blood variables between groups. A significant decrease in haematocrit of 2.3% ± 0.77 (p = 0.02) between T1-T6 and T1-T10 [mean 4.1% (± 0.78, p < 0.0001)] was detected, with a significant increase in haematocrit of 2.1% ± 0.80 (p = 0.046) between T6-T21 and 4.0% ± 0.8 (p < 0.001) between T10-T21. Heinz body score significantly increased by 1.86 ± 0.616 (p = 0.013) between T1-T10. In the propofol group, reticulocytes increased significantly between T1-T6 [mean 23,090 μL–1 ± 7670 (p = 0.02)] and T1-T10 [mean 27,440 μL–1 ± 7990 (p = 0.007)]. Mean cumulative dose at T10 was 19.65 mg kg–1 ± 5.3 and 43.4 mg kg–1 ± 14.4 for alfaxalone and propofol, respectively, with no significant effect on Heinz body formation at any time point. Conclusions and Clinical relevanceHaematocrit decreased in both groups with recovery after 3 weeks. Repeated alfaxalone and propofol administration was not associated with marked haematological or serum biochemistry changes.

Sub-lethal acute effects of environmental concentrations of inorganic mercury on hematological and biochemical parameters in walking catfish, Clarias batrachus

The acute toxicity of mercury to the air-breathing fish Clarias batrachus (Linn.) was determined in this study using hematological (including hemoglobin, hematocrit, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) and biochemical (including total serum protein, serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, albumin) biomarkers at predetermined exposure concentrations (0.069 and 0.139 mg/L). Although significant differences were observed between exposure groups for all hematological and biochemical variables, a distinctive reduction in hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, and total erythrocyte count in the mercury-exposed fish compared to the control was observed from 24 h–96 h. Similarly, marked differences in serum globulin, total serum protein and cholesterol levels were observed across exposure groups from 24 h–96 h. While the marked hematological responses strongly suggestive of toxicant-related anemia, the marked biochemical responses suggest immune-modulation and metabolic disruption. The magnitude of toxic effects under graded toxicant exposures for weighted scores of combined biomarker response index (IBR) indicated an approximately 3-fold deterioration in overall health of mercury-exposed fish compared to control group. Depictions of hematological and biochemical effects in hardy species like Clarias batrachus indicate an imminent onset of anemia, immune-modulation and metabolic disruption within 24hs of exposure to inorganic mercury. Such observations for portends greater deleterious effects to less hardy aquatic biota under acute inorganic mercury environmental exposures.

Intermediate Results of the Cornell Blood Coagulation in Cancer Study (COBLOCA-Study)

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thrombosis are common complications of cancer and cancer treatment. A history of VTE in cancer patients increases the mortality risk by more than 2-fold compared to patients without prior VTE. The risk of cancer-associated thrombosis depends on the type of cancer, anti-cancer treatment and patient related factors. Some cancers have a high risk of thrombosis including lung, pancreas, gastric and brain. Several cancer-related prediction scores, such as the Khorana score or the PROTECHT score are used to predict the risk of thrombosis. Many mechanisms have been proposed through which cancer-related thrombosis may occur, however it remains difficult to predict thrombotic events in individual patients. Thus, accurate prediction of thrombotic events would be useful in the clinic to identify which patient may benefit from pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis. Therefore, we aim to study whether VTE can be predicted in individual cancer patients using hematological parameters. Methods The Cornell Blood Coagulation in Cancer (COBLOCA) study is an ongoing prospective study of cancer patients seen in a large academic medical center with a follow-up duration of 2 years and a detailed documentation of thrombotic events. We aim to enroll 600 patients with cancer (500 without VTE and 100 with prior VTE). Demographics, type and stage of cancer, treatment, thrombotic events (prior and during study enrollment) and anticoagulation treatment are collected. The levels of fibrinogen, prothrombin, coagulation factor FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, and FXIII, antithrombin, protein C, protein S, von Willebrand Factor antigen and activity, and D-dimer levels were determined in the patient plasma samples. We present an intermediate analysis on the acquired data. Results A total of 76 patients with cancer have been enrolled in the study to date. The association of prior VTE and the levels of hematological variables in patients with cancer were explored in this intermediate analysis. At baseline, 24 patients (32%) had a prior VTE. Twenty-four patients were on anticoagulants at the time of enrollment, of which 54% were on apixaban, 21% on rivaroxaban, 21% on heparin, and 4% on warfarin. Seven patients used aspirin in addition to anticoagulants, and 10 patients only used aspirin. A history of VTE was most common in patients with lung or endometrial cancer. Patients with esophageal, gastric or hematologic neoplasm did not have a history of VTE at enrollment, although 1 patient with gastric cancer developed a VTE during follow-up. From the remaining patients, 67% of patients with pancreatic cancer, 50% of patients with breast, liver and renal cancer, 36% of patients with colon cancer, and 19% with prostate cancer, previously suffered from VTE (Figure 1). At the time of this intermediate analysis, 3 VTE events were reported during the ongoing follow-up period, 1 in a patient with lung cancer, 1 in a patient with gastric cancer and 1 in a patient with duodenal cancer and history of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Pro- and anticoagulant factor levels were compared between patients with and without a prior VTE. Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) antigen (+31%) and activity (+36%) levels were significantly increased in cancer patients with a history of VTE. The plasma level of FXI was significantly decreased in cancer patients with prior VTE. Additionally, plasma levels of fibrinogen, prothrombin, FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXII, FXIII, antithrombin, protein C, and protein S showed a trend towards lower levels in patients with a prior VTE, although these differences did not reach statistical significance (Figure 2). Moreover, D-dimer levels were significantly higher in cancer patients with prior VTE (551 μg/mL ± 942 μg/mL) than cancer patients without a history of VTE (332 μg/mL ± 451 μg/mL). Conclusion Both VWF antigen and activity were significantly increased in cancer patients with a history of VTE, indicating that the vessel wall plays an important role in cancer-associated thrombosis. Likewise, elevated D-dimer levels, and reduced levels of available coagulation factors in cancer patients with a history of VTE indicate that these patients might be in a more pro-coagulant state, resulting in (sub-clinical) consumption of coagulation factors and ongoing low grade intra-vascular coagulation. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

IPSS-M Is More Powerful for MDS Patients Older Than 60 Years Old

Introduction: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of heterogeneous hematological malignancies with complex molecular backgrounds mainly affecting the elderly. The incorporation of prognostic mutations into conventional risk scores, for example, the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R), can improve prognostic power. Recently, Bernard et al. developed a molecular IPSS (IPSS-M) on the basis of hematological variables and 31 putative genes. The aim of our study was to compare the prognostic value of IPSS-M with the IPSS-R. Methods: Our study consisted of 852 patients with de novo MDS from 8/2016-9/2021. IPSS-R and IPSS-M scores were calculated to define different prognostic subgroups in our cohort. A targeted gene sequencing of 141 genes was performed in 592 patients from 8/2016 to 3/2020 and a 267-gene panel for 260 patients from 4/2020-9/2021. The statistical predictive power of the prognostic models was assessed by the concordance index (C-index). A higher C-index indicates a better quality of discrimination. Results: 550 (64.6%) male and 302 (35.4%) female individuals were included. The median age was 56 years (inter-quartile ranges [IQR]: 44, 64 years) with 63.4% of subjects ≤ 60 years old. Compared with the IPSS-M group, patients in our group were younger (median age: 56 vs. 73 years, P<0.001), had higher IPSS-R scores (P<0.001) and worse IPSS-R-defined cytogenetics (P<0.001). Also, the hemoglobin levels, absolute neutrophil counts (ANC), and platelet counts were all significantly lower in Chinese subjects (P-values from 0.02 to <0.001). According to the IPSS-M, 21 patients (2.5%) were very low, 138 (16.2%) were low, 125 (14.7%) were moderate low, 113 (13.3%) were moderate high, 170 (20.0%) were high and 192 (22.5%) were very high, with a 3-year survival of 100%, 80%, 67.3%, 56.3%, 42%, 24.5% (P<0.0001, Figure 1). When analyzing the reclassification of patients from IPSS-R to IPSS-M, 247 (70.4%) were upstaged and 104 (29.6%) were downstaged. The median OS of intermediate IPSS-R patients reclassified as moderate, high and very high IPSS-M was not reached, 34 months and 13 months (P=0.014). The C-index for the IPSS-R and IPSS-M were 0.67 and 0.68 in the whole group (Figure 2). Then we compared the discriminative power of the two models in younger group (age≤ 60 years) and older group (age> 60 years). IPSS-R had a higher C-index in younger group (0.67 vs. 0.65) while IPSS-M had a higher C-index in the elderly (0.69 vs. 0.66, Figure 2), suggesting that the predictive power of IPSS-M was more reliable than IPSS-R in older group. To further analyze the differences between the younger and older ones, we compared the clinical, hematologic, cytogenetic and genetic data for both age groups. The older group was more likely to be male (72.1% vs. 60.2%, P<0.0001), had higher percentage of bone marrow blasts (P<0.0001) and worse IPSS-R karyotypes (P<0.0001). Considering the risk stratification, no significant difference was observed in IPSS-R categories between the younger and older ones (P=0.332). However, the elderly was enriched for very high IPSS-M category (27.9% vs. 19.4%, P=0.027). The incidence and distribution of mutations among the two age groups were strikingly different. The average number of genes (2.0 vs. 1.6, P=0.003) and IPSS-M mutated genes (1.6 vs. 1.3, P=0.006) in the older ones was higher than the younger ones. The most frequent genes were ASXL1 in older MDS patients (21.5%) and U2AF1 in the younger ones (26.1%). The elderly had a higher incidence of RUNX1 (16.0% vs. 9.4%, P=0.004), TP53 (14.1% vs. 7.6%, P=0.002), TET2 (11.9% vs. 5.9%, P=0.002), SRSF2 (11.2% vs. 3.0%, P<0.0001), DNMT3A (10.9& vs. 6.7%, P=0.030), STAG2 (7.1% vs. 1.9%, P<0.0001), EZH2 (5.8% vs. 2.6%, P=0.019) and DDX41 (4.8% vs. 0.9%, P<0.0001), with U2AF1 more frequently occurring in younger ones (26.1% vs. 15.4%, P<0.0001). Conclusion: The risk estimation differences between the IPSS-R and IPSS-M models in our cohort could be explained by study-specific factors, like unique ethnic groups and different population age. The IPSS-M could better stratify patients within the IPSS-R scoring system. With respect to an increased number of putative mutations and a different molecular profile in the elderly, IPSS-M model was more discriminative compared with IPSS-R in patients older than 60 years, but it had not been found to be more predictive in younger patients. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Haemoparasite Prevalence, Genetic Diversity of TLR2B Gene and Relationship with Haematological Parameters in Chicken

Haemoparasite constitute a major challenge in native chicken production in Africa. This study determines the genetic diversity and the effect of TLR2B gene polymorphism on haemoparasite and haematology of the chickens based on genotype and sex. 600 chickens of 25 weeks old consisting of Naked neck (NN), Normal feather (NF), and the Frizzle feather (FF) reared in battery cage-system were sampled for blood and analyzed for haematology, parasite occurrence and load, polymerase chain reaction, and gene sequencing. Polymorphisms were detected and their effect on haematology was determined. Results showed the occurrence of Plasmodium gallinacieum, Trypanosoma brucei, and Leucocytozoon schoutedeni with NF having the highest occurrence followed by NN and FF chicken genotype. There was a significant (P &lt;0.05) effect of genotype and sex on haematology. Seven of the eight polymorphism detected were singleton and found only in NF while parsimonious 656GA was detected in all the chicken genotypes with no relationship with haematology and haemoparasite. NF had the highest nucleotide (0.00114) and haplotype diversity (0.584). The study revealed the occurrence of genetic variation in TLR2B gene, haematology, and haemoparasite in FUNAAB Alpha chickens which could provide baseline information in future breeding programmes of the chicken for the tropical environment.

Haematological Variables of Patients with Amoebic Dysentery

Differential diagnosis of protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is of great clinical and epidemiological importance in the case of acute dysentery by microscopy. The present study was carried out from October 2009 to February 2010. This study focused on relationship between some parasitic infestations, anemia and blood picture. A total of 424 fecal samples were collected from patients. The stool specimens were examined by light microscopy (Direct slide smear, Iodine wet mount) to distinguish E. histolytica. Also venous blood sample collected from each patient was tested for hemoglobin concentration (Hb%), packed cell volume (PCV) and leukocyte count (WBCs differential). Overall 16% ( 68/424) of the examined patients had parasitic infestation with E.histolytica . For each of E.histolytica infestation , ≥ 65% of the infested patients were anemic.The results showed that the higher infection and the lower hemoglobin rate (anemia) in age (under 10 years old).The male was predominant. There was no significant difference in occurrence of anemia between genders ( X² = 0.58, P &lt; 0.05). This study has shown that some parasitic infestations, at least , contribute to anemic in Wasit province

Evaluation of inflammatory and hematological parameters in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

This study aims to research the effects of hematological and inflammatory parameters on the prognosis of COVID-19 disease and hospitalization duration. One hundred and eighty-six patients with COVID-19 and a control group consisting of 187 healthy individuals were included in the study. Hematological variables and inflammatory parameters of the patients were recorded on the first and the fifth days of hospitalization. White blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and platelet count were statistically lower, and mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) levels were higher in the patient group compared to the control group. It was observed that the neutrophil count and MPV level were lower, and the platelet count and ferritin level were statistically higher on the fifth day of follow-up compared to the admission day. In contrast, there was a significantly positive correlation between the duration of hospitalization and the fifth day D-dimer (r = 0.546, p &lt; 0.001) and ferritin (r = 0.568, p &lt; 0.001); in addition, there was a negative correlation between the duration of hospitalization and admission day lymphocyte count and the fifth-day lymphocyte count. Increased levels of ferritin and D-dimer, and decreased count of lymphocytes are among the important factors affecting the duration of hospitalization for COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we think that neutrophil count and MPV levels are low, and platelet count and ferritin levels are high during the disease. Therefore, these parameters can be used as prognostic indicators of the disease.

Frequency of Thrombocytopenia in Malaria Patient at Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Hematological disorders, including anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia are quite frequent among malaria patients. Objective: To assess the frequency of thrombocytopenia in malaria patient at tertiary care hospital Methodology: This study was descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out at the medicine department, Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, Nowshera for a period of six months from May 2022 to October 2022. Pre-designed proforma was used to collect patient information, such as demographics and medical history. A hematology analyzer was used to calculate the hematological variables from the CBC results. All the collected data was analyzed by using IBM SPSS version 23. Results: There were 83 (55.33%) males and 67 (44.77%) females. The overall frequency of thrombocytopenia amongst 150 patients with malaria was 90% (n=135). Amongst patients with thrombocytopenia, grade 1 thrombocytopenia was observed in 75 (50%) patients, grade 2 in 38 (25.33%) patients, grade 3 in 23 (15.33%) patients while grade 4 thrombocytopenia was observed in 14 (9.33%) patients. Conclusion: Our study concludes that thrombocytopenia is highly prevalent amongst patients with malaria. This leads us to the conclusion that the platelet count is a useful first-stage screening parameter in individuals with acute febrile illness. Keywords: Thrombocytopenia; Malaria; p.vivax; p.falsiparum

Establishment of a prognostic nomogram for patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma incorporating clinical characteristics and dynamic changes in hematological and inflammatory markers.

This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of changes in hematological and inflammatory markers during induction chemotherapy (IC) and concurrent chemo-radiation (CCRT), thus construct nomograms to predict progression free survival (PFS) of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC). 130 patients were included in this prospective analysis. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors. Three multivariate analyses integrating different groups of variables were conducted independently. Concordance indexes (c-index), calibration plots and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to evaluate the nomograms. Bootstrap validation was performed to determine the accuracy of the nomogram using 1000 resamples. The performances of proposed nomograms and TNM staging system were compared to validate the prognostic value of hematological and inflammatory markers. Pretreatment gross tumor volume of nodal disease (GTVn), Δe/bHGB (hemoglobin count at end of treatment/baseline hemoglobin count), and stage were selected as predictors for 3-year PFS in first multivariate analysis of clinical factors. The second multivariate analysis of clinical factors and all hematological variables demonstrated that ΔminLYM (minimum lymphocyte count during CCRT/lymphocyte count post-IC), pretreatment GTVn and stage were associated with 3-year PFS. Final multivariate analysis, incorporating all clinical factors, hematological variables and inflammatory markers, identified the following prognostic factors: pretreatment GTVn, stage, ΔmaxPLR (maximum platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) during CCRT/PLR post-IC), and ΔminPLT (minimum platelet count during CCRT/platelet count post-IC). Calibration plots showed agreement between the PFS predicted by the nomograms and actual PFS. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that patients in the high-risk group had shorter PFS than those in the low-risk group (P ≤ 0.001). The c-indexes of the three nomograms for PFS were 0.742 (95% CI, 0.639-0.846), 0.766 (95% CI, 0.661-0.871) and 0.815 (95% CI,0.737-0.893) respectively, while c-index of current TNM staging system was 0.633 (95% CI, 0.531-0.736). We developed and validated a nomogram for predicting PFS in patients with LANPC who received induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemo-radiation. Our study confirmed the prognostic value of dynamic changes in hematological and inflammatory markers. The proposed nomogram outperformed the current TNM staging system in predicting PFS, facilitating risk stratification and guiding individualized treatment plans.

Hematology Reference Intervals for Holstein Cows in Southern China: A Study of 786 Subjects.

Simple SummaryThe American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines recommend that hematology reference intervals (RIs) should be established based on specific animals in specific regions. However, the information on hematology RIs is still lacking for Chinese dairy cows, which account for a total number of more than 3 million. Thus, the aim of this study is to establish hematology RIs for Chinese dairy cows using a large sample size. After the collection of blood samples from 786 Holstein cows, we generated hematology RIs according to overall animals, different ages, different parities and different lactation stages. Our results provide important hematologic information for both clinicians and researchers to approach the health surveillance of Holstein cows in southern China.Hematology RIs help clinicians and researchers determine whether a hematology parameter is abnormal, which plays an important role in animal health surveillance. China is one of the largest dairy producers in the world, with millions of Holstein cows. However, there has been no published data on hematology RIs for dairy cows in China yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to establish updated and accurate RIs for Holstein cows in southern China. To increase the accuracy of the RIs, we collected blood samples from 786 Holstein cows and analyzed 25 hematologic variables. The RIs for Holstein cows were established using the 95% percentile RIs according to the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. The effects of different ages, parities and lactation stages were also checked in this study. The data of 21, 22 and 19 out of 25 hematology parameters were significantly different between different ages, parities and lactation stages, respectively. Furthermore, the hematology RIs of separate subclasses according to different ages, parities and lactation stages were generated. Hematology RIs according to ages and lactation stages, as well as parities and lactation stages, were also assessed. Together, our results confirm that hematology RIs for cows vary by ages, parities and lactation stages. The present study helps to fill the gap in hematology RIs for Holstein cows in southern China, and our data may serve as a very useful tool for monitoring the health and welfare of dairy cattle in China.

Mango extract in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) diet: an in vitro and in vivo study

ABSTRACT Two experiments were carried out in order to evaluate the functional effect of mango extract in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro assay evaluated the growth of Lactobacillus spp; different treatments with mango extract (1% and 3%), cellulose (1% and 3%) and a control group were used. In the in vivo test, 100 juvenile tambaquis were used, with an initial average weight of 57.03 ± 1.05 g, distributed in twenty 1000 L experimental units, in a water recirculation system with a biofilter. Five diets were tested, with different concentrations of mango extract (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 g kg−1 of diet). The in vitro assay showed that the addition of 3% mango extract presented functional-prebiotic potential against the Lactobacillus spp. strain. The recommended concentration of 40 g. kg−1 of mango extract in the diet for tambaqui improves performance. Some hematological variables showed significant variations but did not harm tambaqui. Mango extract improved muscle glycogen stores. Plasma albumin and nonspecific alkaline protease activity were responsive in fish fed mango extract. Mango extract increases the lactate concentration in the tambaqui intestine.

Effect of hypobaric hypoxia on hematological parameters related to oxygen transport, blood volume and oxygen consumption in adolescent endurance-training athletes

Background/ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of altitude on hematological and cardiorespiratory variables in adolescent athletes participating in aerobic disciplines. Methods21 females and 89 males participated in the study. All were adolescent elite athletes engaged in endurance sports (skating, running and cycling) belonging to two groups: permanent residents in either low altitude (LA, 966 m) or moderate altitude (MA, 2640 m). Hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), total hemoglobin mass (Hbt), blood, plasma and erythrocyte volumes (BV, PV and EV), VO2peak and other cardiorespiratory parameters were evaluated. ResultsSex differences were evident both in LA and HA skating practitioners, the males having higher significant values than the females in oxygen transport-related hematological parameters and VO2peak. The effect of altitude residence was also observed in Hct, [Hb], Hbt and EV with increased (14%–18%) values in the hematological parameters and higher EV (5%–24%). These results matched the significantly higher values of VO2peak measured in MA residents. However, BV and PV did not show differences between LA and MA residents in any case. Sports discipline influenced neither the hematological variables nor most of the cardiorespiratory parameters. ConclusionsLA and MA adolescent skaters showed sex differences in hematological variables. Endurance-trained male adolescent residents at MA had an increased erythropoietic response and a higher VO2peak compared to their counterparts residing and training at LA. These responses are similar in the three aerobic sports studied, indicating that the variables described are highly sensitive to hypoxia irrespective of the sports discipline.

The effects of administering different metaphylactic antimicrobials on growth performance and health outcomes of high-risk, newly received feedlot steers.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the primary animal health concern facing feedlot producers. Many antimicrobial mitigation strategies are available, but few studies have compared feedlot performance during both the receiving and finishing periods following application of different antimicrobials used as metaphylaxis at arrival. The objective of this study was to compare antimicrobial metaphylaxis methods on clinical health and growth performance across both the receiving and finishing periods. A total of 238 multiple-sourced steers in two source blocks were used in a generalized complete block design. The four treatments included: 1) a negative control, 5 mL of sterile saline injected subcutaneously (CON); 2) subcutaneous administration of florfenicol at 40 mg/kg of BW (NUF); 3) subcutaneous administration of ceftiofur in the posterior aspect of the ear at 6.6 mg/kg of BW (EXC); and 4) subcutaneous administration of tulathromycin at 2.5 mg/kg of BW (DRA). The morbidity rate for the first treatment of BRD was decreased for the DRA and EXC treatments compared to CON and NUF (P < 0.01). Additionally, average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and gain-to-feed (G:F) were greater (P ≤ 0.02) in the DRA treatment during the receiving period compared to all other treatments. The ADG was also greater (P < 0.05) for EXC than the CON treatment throughout the finishing period. Nonetheless, other growth performance variables did not differ among metaphylactic treatments during the finishing period (P ≥ 0.14). Likewise, no differences in carcass characteristics or liver abscess score were observed (P ≥ 0.18). All complete blood count (CBC) variables were affected by day (P ≤ 0.01) except mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.29). Treatment × time interactions were observed for platelet count, white blood cell (WBC) count, monocyte count and percentage, and lymphocyte percentage (P ≤ 0.03). However, there were no observed hematological variables that differed among treatment (P ≥ 0.10). The results indicate that some commercially available antimicrobials labeled for metaphylactic use are more efficacious than others in decreasing morbidity rate.

The impact of aquatic exercise programs on the systemic hematological and inflammatory markers of community dwelling elderly: A randomized controlled trial.

Evidence shows that physical exercise is important in maintaining an efficient immune system during ageing. However, there are few studies that test the impact of aquatic exercise programs on the immune system. This study aims to analyze the impact of different physical exercise programs in aquatic environment on the systemic hematological and inflammatory markers of community dwelling elderly. One hundred and two elderly were randomly allocated into four groups: a continuous aerobic exercise group (AerG) (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); an interval aerobic exercise group (IntG) (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); a combined exercise group (ComG) (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years); a control group (CG) (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). The AerG, IntG and ComG participants took part in three different aquatic exercise programs over a 28-weeks period. The CG participants maintained their usual routines during the same time period. Blood samples were collected from all participants in order to access hematologic indicators, by means of cell count, and the inflammatory profile by ELISA. After 28 weeks, significant differences were found for several hematologic variables in the AerG, IntG and ComG with increases in mean corpuscular hemoglobulin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobulin concentration (MCHC), and hemoglobulin (Hb). Decreases in TNF-α levels were found for all exercising groups. An increase in IL-10 levels, granulocytes to lymphocytes ratio (GLR) and a decrease in the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio, were found for the IntG. For the ComG decreases were also found for the TNF-α, IL-1ß/IL-1ra ratios. The present study suggests that aquatic exercise programs were able to improve the inflammatory profile of the participants. Those in the exercise intervention groups showed a shift towards lower pro-inflammatory levels while the non-exercising group showed the opposite behaviour. The IntG and the ComG aquatic exercise programs appeared to be more effective than the AerG program in decreasing chronic low-grade inflammation by mediating the production of higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, the differences found between the exercising groups were small and may not have clinical significance.

Prognostic Value of Novel Hematologic Biomarkers in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Objective: Pulmonary vascular remodeling and inflammation play a major role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Novel hematologic biomarkers have recently been recognized as a risk predictor for cardiovascular, oncologic, and inflammatory diseases. We aimed to investigate the association of hematologic biomarkers with mortality in PAH patients. Materials and Methods: Fourty-five patients diagnosed with PAH and 45 healthy volunteers were evaluated retrospectively. Concurrent data included clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic and hematologic variables. The study population was divided into subgroups based on admission neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), neutrophil to monocyte ratio (NMR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values. Results: The median NMR and NLR levels were lower in healthy subjects than in PAH patients (7.7 (7-8.8) vs 9.2 (6.5-11.6); p= 0.03 and 1.9 (1.4-2.9) vs 2.6 (1.9-3.3); p= 0.04) respectively). The estimated mean survival duration was longer in patients with low NMR levels (93 (95% CI, 86-100) vs. 67 (95% CI, 45-88) months (p=0.006) respectively). NMR independently predicted poor outcome and improved the power of the other prognostic markers (OR 1.4 (95% CI, 1-1.8) p= 0.04); (AUC= 0.91; p&lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: NMR levels alone or combined with other prognostic factors may predict mortality in patients with PAH.

Redox Status and Hematological Variables in Melatonin-Treated Ewes during Early Pregnancy under Heat Stress.

Simple SummaryHeat stress induces oxidative stress that negatively affects the fertility rate in farm animals, as it may disrupt normal follicular development and preimplantation embryogenesis. Although indigenous sheep breeds may exhibit adaptation to a certain level in high summer temperatures, their reproductive competence is still compromised under extreme severe heat stress conditions. Thus, the administration of melatonin is suggested, as an antioxidant regime, for improving the fertility rate and redox balance in heat-stressed ewes. The influence of environmental thermal stress in conjunction with melatonin treatment on hematological variables and cortisol secretion was also investigated. In this respect, melatonin seems to enhance the progressive adaptation of indigenous-breed ewes to environmental heat stress.The preovulatory follicles and preimplantation stage embryos are found to be rather sensitive to heat stress due to their low potential for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of melatonin administration on redox status and hematological variables during the preovulatory period and early stages of embryogenesis in heat-stressed ewes in vivo. Forty Karagouniko-breed ewes were divided in two groups, the melatonin (M, n = 20) group and control (C, n = 20) one. All animals were subjected to heat stress throughout the study, which lasted forty days (D0 to D40). In M group, melatonin implants were administered on D0. Then, oestrous synchronization was applied (D19-D33). On D34, six rams were introduced into the ewe flock for mating. Ultrasonographic examination was conducted on D73 for pregnancy diagnosis. The temperature humidity index (THI), the rectal temperature (RT), and the number of breaths per minute (BR) were evaluated twice daily. Redox biomarkers, namely total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were assayed in blood samples collected on D0, D33, and D40. In addition, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBCs), leukocyte differential count, and cortisol assessment were conducted in blood samples on D33 and D40. The results indicated improved fertility rate and mean number of lambs born per ewe due to improved redox status (p < 0.05) in ewes that received melatonin implants 34 days approximately before the onset of oestrus. The PCV decreased in both groups between the two time-points (p < 0.05). However, the NEU/LYMPH ratio decreased (p < 0.05) only in group M. The low cortisol levels and the decreased NEU/LYMPH ratio in both groups support the hypothesis that ewes of the indigenous Karagouniko breed may exhibit adaptation to environmental thermal stress. The administration of melatonin as an antioxidant regime may improve the reproductive competence of heat stressed ewes and may also enhance their ability to adapt at high ambient temperatures.

Comparative study of ovariectomy by laparoscopic and conventional open surgery methods in bitches

This study was designed to investigate feasibility of canine ovariectomy using laparoscopy under local conditions of Pakistan, in comparison with conventional open surgery method. Twelve adult, clinically healthy bitches were randomly divided into equal groups. Animals of group A were subjected to laparoscopic ovariectomy, using three portal technique, while dogs of group B were ovariectomized through open surgery, using ventral midline approach. Operative time and amount of blood loss in dogs of both groups were recorded immediately after completion of operation, while scar length was measured at day 7 after operation, Moreover, cardinal and hematological variables were recorded for dogs of each group before surgery and then at day 1, 3 and 7 after operation. Results showed that operative time in bitches of group A was significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) as compared to those of group B, whereas incision length and blood loss were higher in dogs of group B. However, there was no difference in cardinal variables between dogs of two groups before surgery and on day 1, 3 and 7 after operation. Among hematological variables, hemoglobin concentration and RBC count showed no variation between dogs of two groups and remained unchanged before and after surgery. Similarly, WBC count differed non-significantly between animals of two groups before and day 7 after surgery. However, it was higher in group B than group A on day 1 and 3 after surgery (P&lt; 0.05). In conclusion ovariectomy through laparoscopy is an efficient procedure and can be recommended instead of open surgery in bitches.

Biomarkers of lead in occupationally exposed persons in Gurara and Suleja areas, Niger State, Nigeria

Human exposure to lead could pose serious health challenges, especially among occupationally-exposed workers. Though several toxicological studies have been carried out on toxic lead exposure in humans regarding their levels, reactions and disease conditions; dearth data exists in terms of correlation of lead levels with their exposure markers and subsequent manifested disease conditions. This study therefore aims to investigate the association between lead exposure and specific biomarkers used in monitoring lead levels in some occupationally exposed individuals and comparing the values with non-exposed individuals. A total of 116 subjects (72 occupationally exposed and 44 non-exposed subjects) within the age range of 17– 50 years were studied in a cross-sectional study conducted between August 2021 and November 2021 in Gurara and Suleja areas, in Niger state, Nigeria. Blood lead levels, hepato-renal indices and hematological parameters were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and abacus 380 analyzer, respectively. The mean blood levels of lead were 26.8±5.4 μg/dL in occupationally-exposed subjects, while in non-exposed subject’s 3.7±2.1 μg/dL. The results showed that occupational exposure increases the blood level of lead, implicating hematological variables and elevating specific hepato-renal indices which consequently increase the health risk of occupationally exposed individuals. Therefore, taking note of other body burdens, the synergistic adoption of these indicative biomarker tests could be used to give an implicative assessment on lead exposure and toxicity.

Associations among sleep, hematologic profile, and aerobic and anerobic capacity of young swimmers: A complex network approach.

Although the link between sleep and hematological parameters is well-described, it is unclear how this integration affects the swimmer’s performance. The parameters derived from the non-invasive critical velocity protocol have been extensively used to evaluate these athletes, especially the aerobic capacity (critical velocity—CV) and the anaerobic work capacity (AWC). Thus, this study applied the complex network model to verify the influence of sleep and hematological variables on the CV and AWC of young swimmers. Thirty-eight swimmers (male, n = 20; female, n = 18) completed five experimental evaluations. Initially, the athletes attended the laboratory facilities for venous blood collection, anthropometric measurements, and application of sleep questionnaires. Over the 4 subsequent days, athletes performed randomized maximal efforts on distances of 100, 200, 400, and 800-m. The aerobic and anerobic parameters were determined by linear function between distance vs. time, where CV relates to the slope of regression and AWC to y-intercept. Weighted but untargeted networks were generated based on significant (p < 0.05) correlations among variables regardless of the correlation coefficient. Betweenness and eigenvector metrics were used to highlight the more important nodes inside the complex network. Regardless of the centrality metric, basophils and red blood cells appeared as influential nodes in the networks with AWC or CV as targets. The role of other hematologic components was also revealed in these metrics, along with sleep total time. Overall, these results trigger new discussion on the influence of sleep and hematologic profile on the swimmer’s performance, and the relationships presented by this targeted complex network can be an important tool throughout the athlete’s development.

Effects of different training intensities in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on maximal aerobic velocity, hematological and muscle-damage markers in healthy young adults

This study aimed to examine the effects of two high-intensity interval training programs (HIIT) on maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), hematological variations and muscle damage markers in young healthy adults. Twenty-nine male physical education students, aged 20.3 ± 3.3 years, volunteered to participate in this study, and were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 9) or two intervention groups (group 1 or 2). Intervention group 1 (n = 10) exercised at 100% of their MAV (EG100) while group 2 (n = 10) exercised at 110% MAV (EG110). Before and after the eight week training program, blood samples were drawn at rest, before, and after an intermittent exercise. Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), C reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK) concentrations and hematological parameters (white blood cells [WBC], monocytes [MO], lymphocytes [LY], neutrophil [NE]) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Post-hoc tests showed that MAV was significantly higher in EG110 compared to EG100 after HIIT (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.05), whilst ALAT, ASAT, and CPR were significantly lower (p < 0.01; 0.02 < ηp2 < 0.11) in EG110 compared to EG100. Moreover, post-hoc tests indicated that LY decreased significantly (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.21) only for EG110. Furthermore, there were significant positive correlations for both EG100 and EG110 between MAV and ALAT (r = 0.66, p = 0.044 and r = 0.64, p = 0.041 respectively), CK (r = 0.67, p = 0.031 and r = 0.86, p = 0.030, respectively), LDH (r = 0.74, p = 0.014, and r = 0.071, p = 0.021, respectively). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation for both, EG100 and EG110 between MAV and LY (r = 0.79, p < 0.01; r = 0.72, p < 0.05, respectively). Concerning the relationship between MAV and NE, there was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.66; p < 0.05) only for EG110. Findings from this study revealed that HIIT at 110% MAV was more efficient to improve MAV and reduce muscle damage. In addition, we observed significant associations between performance improvements (MAV) and markers of muscle damage.