Hemoglobin Concentration Values Research Articles

COLOFIT: Development and Internal‐External Validation of Models Using Age, Sex, Faecal Immunochemical and Blood Tests to Optimise Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer in Symptomatic Patients

ABSTRACTBackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the United Kingdom and the second largest cause of cancer death.AimTo develop and validate a model using available information at the time of faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) in primary care to improve selection of symptomatic patients for CRC investigations.MethodsWe included all adults (≥ 18 years) referred to Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust between 2018 and 2022 with symptoms of suspected CRC who had a FIT. Predicted 1‐year CRC diagnosis were calculated, and externally validated, using Cox proportional hazards modelling with selected multiple fractional polynomial transformations for age, faecal haemoglobin concentration (f‐Hb) value, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelet count and sex.ResultsAt a CRC risk threshold of 0.6% (equivalent to f‐Hb = 10 μg Hb/g (μg/g)) overall performance of the validated model across age strata using Harrell's C index was ≥ 0.91% (overall C‐statistic 93%, 95% CI 92%–95%) with acceptable calibration. Using this model yields similar numbers of detected and missed cancers, but requires ~20% fewer investigations than a f‐Hb ≥ 10 μg/g strategy. For approximately 100,000 people per year with symptoms of suspected CRC, we predict it might save > 4500 colonoscopies with no evidence that more cancers would be missed if we used our model compared to using FIT f‐Hb ≥ 10 μg/g.ConclusionsIncluding age, sex, MCV, platelets and f‐Hb in a survival analysis model to predict the risk of CRC yields greater diagnostic utility than a simple binary cut off f‐Hb ≥ 10 μg/g.

Diagnostic value of hemoglobin concentration in identifying Meckel's diverticulum in pediatric lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

To assess the diagnostic performance of hemoglobin concentration for Meckel's diverticulum (MD) and evaluate if hemoglobin levels could be useful in the surgical decision-making process of children with lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). Retrospective cohort study of children with LGIB attending the emergency department between 2011 and 2021. Episodes of LGIB were divided into two groups: MeckD (MD diagnosed by surgery) and non-MeckD. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Comparisons between groups were made using the χ2 and the Mann-Whitney U tests. The diagnostic performance of hemoglobin for MD was studied using ROC curves. Eight hundred and nineteen episodes of LGIB were considered. Blood samples were obtained in 233 cases (31 with MD). There were differences between MeckD and non-MeckD in hemoglobin concentration (8.7 vs. 12.6; U = 592; p < 0.01), hematochezia (83.9% vs. 50.5%; χ2 = 12.1; p < 0.01), absence of other symptoms (61.3% vs. 39.6%; χ2 = 5.2; p < 0.02) and blood transfusions (41.9% vs. 9.9%; χ2 = 74.8; p < 0.01). Hemoglobin levels ≤ 8.3g/dL obtained a specificity ≥ 99.01% and a positive likelihood ratio ≥ 35.8 for MD. The area under the curve was 0.91 (95% CI 0.86-0.94). Hemoglobin showed a good diagnostic performance for MD. Low hemoglobin levels could guide surgical indications in the management of children with LGIB.

Evaluation of Some Haemorheologic Parameters amongst Automotive Spray Painters in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background/Objectives: Automotive Spray-Painters are at a higher risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – benzene inclusive, and heavy metals which may cause adverse health outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate effect of exposure to spray paints on some haemorheological parameters in individuals involved in automotive spray painting within Port Harcourt Metropolis. Method: This case control study recruited 52 participants: 30 automotive spray-painters and 22 controls. The study was carried out in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria. Venous blood samples were drawn from the participants (age 20 to 65 years) and examined for packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen and haemoglobin. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from participants. Result: Participants from painting occupation had significantly higher ESR (p = 0.0450) as a result of increase in number of years in Automotive Spray-Painting. Increased ESR may be an indication of inflammation in the body. There was no statistical significance between Automotive Spray-Painters and control subjects when values of haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, fibrinogen concentration and erythrocyte concentration was compared in Automotive Spay-Painters, however, their values were increased than that control subjects at p&lt;0.05. Conclusion: The study revealed that prolonged inhalation of benzene and other aromatic toxic compounds in paints caused slight increase in haemorheological parameters (PCV, HB, ESR and fibrinogen) of Automotive Spray-Painters due to exposure to paint fumes, a risk factor for inflammation of vital organs, venous thrombosis and thromboembolism; and predisposes Spray-Painters to many health disorders which can affect their lungs, heart, blood vessels, and ultimately the transport of oxygen to the brain.

Effect of Prophylactic Tranexamic Acid on Peripartum Changes in Hemoglobin Concentration After Vaginal Delivery

Objective: To evaluate the effect of prophylactic intravenous tranexamic acid on postpartum hemoglobin concentration values compared to control. Methods: This is a randomized controlled study involving 80 parturients with no apparent risk for PPH in a tertiary hospital who were grouped into two of 40 each. Group A received 10iu of oxytocin intramuscularly with 1000mg of intravenous tranexamic acid within one minute of having vaginal delivery of the baby while group B received intramuscular oxytocin 10iu with 10mls of sterile water and served as the control group. The primary outcome measure was the difference in admission and postpartum hemoglobin concentration (Hemoglobin change). Result: During the study period, 80 parturients that were recruited, completed the study. The characteristics of the parturients in the two groups had no significant statistical difference in their demographic characteristics and admission parameters (P&gt;0.05). The mean postpartum hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher in the tranexamic acid plus oxytocin group compared to placebo plus oxytocin group (10.28+ 0.59ml) versus (9.44+0.62ml) p&lt;0.005. There was no major maternal side effect in both groups. Conclusion: When compared with placebo plus oxytocin, tranexamic acid plus oxytocin was more effective in reducing postpartum hemoglobin drop after vaginal delivery. Tranexamic acid plus oxytocin is therefore recommended to be part of the active management of the third stage of labor.

The Growth Performance, Haematological Parameters and Serum Biochemistry of the Flathead Grey Mullet Mugil cephalus Under Recirculating Aquaculture System and Traditional Culture Systems.

The present investigation explored the growth performance, haematological parameters and serum biochemistry of flathead grey mullet under recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and traditional culture systems. Nine hundred healthy fish, weighing 43.80 ± 3.55 g and length 16.54 ± 0.82 cm were randomly distributed to three treatments of RAS and traditional culture systems (T1: 20% of water changed daily; T2: once-through system 250 L/h; T3: RAS-20% of water changed weekly) in nine concrete tanks of 4000 L at stocking density of 100 fish/tank and each treatment had three replicates. Fish were fed (33.1% crude protein, 3 mm pellets) twice a day at a rate of 3% for 12 weeks. These findings suggest that the T3 followed by T2 led to notable improvements in growth performance compared to other culture systems. Significantly elevated values of weight gain, length gain, specific growth rate, average daily gain and survival % were observed in T3. The RBCs exhibited a significant decrease under T2. Haemoglobin concentrations and WBC counts significantly increased under RAS. Significant values of mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration were recorded in T2. Total protein, albumin and globulin enhanced significantly under RAS, whereas the highest values of cortisol were observed in T2 and T3. These findings demonstrate that the RAS followed by once-through system significantly improve growth performance, feed efficiency and survival, as well as enhancing the haematology and serum biochemical status of flathead grey mullet. In conclusion, RAS provides ideal conditions for optimizing physiological functions, growth performance and fish health.

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.

Does the frequency of hunting dogs’ activity influence their oxidative stress status subsequent to endurance?

Oxidative stress is implied in various pathological conditions in both humans and animals, and recent studies have suggested its role in performance, recovery, immunity, and health. This study’s objective was to investigate whether the higher frequency of activity by hunting dogs influences the oxidative stress indicators subsequent to endurance. The research involved forty-one hunting dogs, with equal representations of Alpine Brack Dachshund, Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound, and Posavina Hound. The dogs were categorized into higher frequency activity (n=22) and lower frequency activity (n=19) groups. Endurance was defined as a wild-boar hunt lasting for eight hours at an outside air temperature amounting to 10°C. Endurance had an impact on several parameters: an increased white blood cell count, neutrophils, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration values, but decreased values of eosinophils and lymphocytes. Non-enzymatic biochemical indicators revealed higher energy expenditure (decreased glucose, total protein, and albumin concentration), hemoconcentration (decreased iron concentration), and elevated enzyme activity (AST, ALT, ALP, and CK-MB) but lower catalase activity. In terms of activity frequency, enzyme biomarker activity showed significant differences. ALT activity in both low- and high-frequency activity canines was notably higher (P&lt;0.05) post-endurance compared to pre-endurance levels. ALP activity was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) post intense physical activity in higher frequency activity canines, yet lower (P&lt;0.05) in lower activity frequency canines compared to their pre-endurance status. In conclusion, both tested canine groups demonstrated notable signs of oxidative stress subsequent to endurance, without differences between activity frequencies.

Acute effects of apnea bouts on hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT López-Rebenaque O, Solís-Ferrer, Fierro-Marrero J, Asís-Fernández F. Acute effects of apnea bouts on hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2024 Second Quarter; 51(2):173-184. Objective: This study aimed to systematically analyze the existing literature and conduct a meta-analysis on the acute effects of apnea on the hematological response by assessing changes in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and hematocrit (Hct) values. Methods: Searches in Pubmed, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were carried out for studies in which the main intervention was voluntary hypoventilation, and Hb and Hct values were measured. Risk of bias and quality assessments were performed. Results: Nine studies with data from 160 participants were included, involving both subjects experienced in breath-hold sports and physically active subjects unrelated to breath-holding activities. The GRADE scale showed a “high” confidence for Hb concentration, with a mean absolute effect of 0.57 g/dL over control interventions. “Moderate” confidence appeared for Hct, where the mean absolute effect was 2.45% higher over control interventions. Hb concentration increased to a greater extent in the apnea group compared to the control group (MD = 0.57 g/dL [95% CI 0.28, 0.86], Z = 3.81, p = 0.0001) as occurred with Hct (MD = 2.45% [95% CI 0.98, 3.93], Z = 3.26, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Apnea bouts lead to a significant increase in the concentration of Hb and Hct with a high and moderate quality of evidence, respectively. Further trials on apnea and its application to different settings are needed.

Predictiveness of preoperative laboratory values for postoperative delirium.

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common postoperative complication, especially in patients over 60 years, with an incidence ranging from 15% to 50%. In most cases, POD manifests in the first 5 days after surgery. Multiple contributing risk factors for POD have been detected. Besides the predisposing factors such as higher age, cognitive impairment, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and past stroke, pathophysiological mechanisms like neuroinflammation are also considered as contributing factors. In a subanalysis of the "PRe- Operative Prediction of postoperative DElirium by appropriate SCreening" (PROPDESC) study, the preoperative laboratory values of sodium, potassium, total protein, hemoglobin concentration (Hgb), and white blood cells as well as the biomarkers creatinine, HbA1c, NT-pro-BNP, high sensitive Troponin T (hsTnT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed to investigate a possible relationship to the occurrence of POD. After correction for age, physical status classification, surgery risk after Johns Hopkins, and operative discipline (cardiac surgery vs. noncardiac surgery), male patients with a Hgb <13 g/dL had significantly higher odds for POD (p = 0.025). Furthermore, patients with CRP ≥ 10 mg/L, HbA1c value ≥ 8.5% as well as patients with hypernatraemia (>145 mmol/L) presented significantly higher odds to develop POD (p = 0.011, p < 0.001, and p = 0.021, respectively). A raised (>14-52 ng/L) or high (>52 ng/L) hsTnT value was also associated with a significantly higher chance for POD compared to the patient group with hsTnT <14 ng/L (p < 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively). Preoperative Hgb, CRP, HbA1c, sodium, and hsTnT could be used to complement and refine the preoperative screening for patients at risk for POD. Further studies should track these correlations to investigate the potential of targeted POD protection and enabling hospital staff to initiate POD-preventing measures in time.

Effect on performance, serum biochemistry and haematological components of feeding “japanese quails” phytogenic feed additions comprising Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves

This experiment was carried out to examine the effect on performance, serum biochemistry and haematological components of feeding quails phytogenic feed additions comprising Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves. A total of 400-1 day old “japanese quails” were randomly distributed into five treatments and each treatment had four replicates (20 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. Basal diets were adequate in all nutrients and quails in treatment 1 was fed basal diet with no antibiotics, treatment 2 was fed basal diet supplemented with neomycin at 0.2 g/kg-1 while treatment 3, 4 and 5 were fed basal diet supplemented with M. macrostachyum leaf meal (MML) at 2 g, 4 g and 6 g/kg-1 respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days, feed and fresh clean water were offered ad libitum. Experimental result showed that MML contained several phyto-constituents viz: tannins (318.62 mg/g-1), terpenoids (620.11 mg/g-1), flavonoids (1205.3 mg/g-1), steroids (51.79 mg/g-1), glycosides (42.55 mg/g1-), alkaloids (200.8 mg/g-1) and phenols (1402.4 mg/g-1). Average daily weight gain was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in treatment 4 (3.00 g/bird-1) and 5 (3.02 g/bird-1) relative to the other treatments. Similarly, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in treatment 4 and 5, intermediate in treatment 2 and lowest in treatment 1 and 2. Mortality was recorded only among birds in treatment 1 (2.56%) and 2 (1.16%) (P &lt; 0.05). Red blood cell, white blood cell, haemoglobin, pack cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes and heterophil values were influenced (P &lt; 0.05) by the treatments except for monocyte count (P &gt; 0.05). Total protein, Creatinine, alanine phosphatase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were not significantly (P &gt; 0.05) influenced by the diet. However, all values were within the established ranges for healthy quails. In conclusion, MML can be supplemented up to 6 g/kg-1 in the diet of quails without causing any deleterious effect on the health status and performance of birds.

Prognostic Value of Hemoglobin Concentration on Renal Outcomes with Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study [Letter

Prognostic Value of Hemoglobin Concentration on Renal Outcomes with Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study [Letter

Evaluation of Age and Gender-Related Patterns in Clinical Features and Hematological Findings Among Hypothyroidism Patients in the Al-Jouf Region of Saudi Arabia: A Hospital-Based Study.

The prevalence of hypothyroidism is high in Saudi Arabia and the contributing factors are iodine deficiency and lack of balanced nutrition. This study aims to correlate the gender, age, and presence of co-morbidities with the laboratory findings and clinical presentation. A cross-sectional study was done in the hospitals of the Al-Jouf region. The files of the patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism from the last two years were retrieved by non-probability consecutive sampling technique.IBMSPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23, (Released 2015;IBMCorp., Armonk, New York, United States) was used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and proportions (for qualitative variables) and mean and standard deviation (SD) (for continuous data). Associated factors were identified through a chi-square test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Most of the patients were females within the age group of 36 to 50 years. Significant differences were observed between male and female patients with respect to the FT4 levels, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values, and RBC counts (p-values of <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed between male and female patients in the TSH levels and hematocrit values. Most of the patients were euthyroid (77.24%). The pattern of thyroid function status did not show significant differences with respect to the gender of participants and the different age groups (p-values of 0.447 and 0.775, respectively). The most common co-morbidities observed were diabetes and hypertension. No significant association between the co-morbidities and the pattern of thyroid function status was observed. The most common symptoms were epigastric pain, fatigue, constipation, drowsiness, altered bowel habits, and weight gain. This hospital-based study provides valuable insights into some epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, and hematological findings in hypothyroidism patients of the Al-Jouf region. Significant differences were observed between male and female patients with respect to the FT4 levels, Hb levels, MCV, MCH, MCHC values, and RBC counts. The findings strengthen the existing knowledge base and emphasize the importance of timely detection and management of hypothyroidism in this population. Implementation of salt iodination programs and a timely evaluation of the hematological parameters is recommended. Further research is warranted to delve into the hidden mechanisms and long-term ramifications of hematological changes associated with hypothyroidism.

Correlation of Blood Hemoglobin Values with Non-Invasive Co-Oximetry Measurement of SpHb in Dogs Undergoing Elective Ovariohysterectomy.

Cardiovascular function monitoring has been suggested as a key parameter to determine patient stability during the anesthetic process. However, the use of pulse co-oximetry has been suggested as a technology to complement the monitoring of this system as a direct way to assess hemoglobin (Hb) blood concentration. Therefore, this study aimed to correlate and determine the measurement bias between Hb blood levels with continuously determined blood hemoglobin concentration (SpHb) and arterial oxygen content values (SpOC), both obtained by noninvasive co-oximetry in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy (OVH). A total of 85 clinically healthy bitches of different breeds that were admitted for elective OVH surgery were evaluated. These animals underwent SpHb and SpOC capture after the in vivo setting for the duration of the surgical procedure. Likewise, five minutes before the end of the surgical procedure, a blood sample was obtained directly from the jugular vein to determine the blood concentration of Hb (HbLAB). The Bland-Altman analysis showed 95% limits of agreement from -4.22 to 4.99 g/dL with a BIAS (mean difference) of 0.384 ± 2.35 g/dL (r = 0.401). SpHb recordings were correlated with oxygen saturation (SpO2) (r = 0.995), SpOC (r = 0.992) and with perfusion index (PI) (r = 0.418). Therefore, SpHb presents a moderate positive correlation with direct blood concentration of Hb. This possibly shows that continuous measurement of SpHb by noninvasive co-oximetry is a reliable and advanced alternative for monitoring Hb concentration in dogs under anesthesia.

Prognostic Value of Hemoglobin Concentration on Renal Outcomes with Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients with anemia face an elevated risk of glomerular filtration rate decline. However, the association between hemoglobin and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) progression remains to be elucidated. A retrospective cohort of 815 subjects with DKD was followed from January 2010 to January 2023. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was utilized to explore the predictive role of hemoglobin in renal outcomes. Renal outcomes were defined as a composite endpoint, including a 50% decline in eGFR from baseline or progression to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). To unveil any nonlinear relationship between hemoglobin and renal outcomes, Cox proportional hazard regression with cubic spline functions and smooth curve fitting was conducted. Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed to identify specific patient populations that might derive greater benefits from higher hemoglobin. Among the 815 DKD subjects, the mean age was 56.482 ± 9.924 years old, and 533 (65.4%) were male. The mean hemoglobin was 121.521±22.960 g/L. The median follow-up time was 21.103±18.335 months. A total of 182 (22.33%) individuals reached the renal composite endpoint during the study period. After adjusting for covariates, hemoglobin was found to exert a negative impact on the renal composite endpoint in patients with DKD (HR 0.975, 95% CI [0.966, 0.984]). A nonlinear relationship between hemoglobin and the renal composite endpoint was identified with an inflection point at 109 g/L. Subgroup analysis unveiled a more pronounced association between hemoglobin and renal prognosis in males. Hemoglobin emerges as a predictive indicator for the renal prognosis of diabetic kidney disease in China. This study reveals a negative and non-linear relationship between hemoglobin levels and the renal composite endpoint. A substantial association is noted when hemoglobin surpasses 109 g/L in relation to the renal composite endpoint.

Increased MCHC*RDW-SD interaction values: indicators of neurological impairment in lead-poisoned children.

The neurotoxic effects of lead in children can have long-lasting and profound impacts on the developing nervous system. This study aimed to identify a reliable and easily accessible biomarker to monitor neurological impairment in lead-poisoned children. We analyzed hematological data from 356 lead-poisoned children, comparing them with age and gender-matched healthy controls. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were employed to identify and evaluate potential biomarkers for neurological damage. Significant changes in erythrocyte parameters were observed in lead-poisoned children. Upon further analysis, increased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD) interaction values were found to be significantly associated with neurological impairment. The MCHC*RDW-SD interaction model demonstrated an AUC of 0.76, indicating its effectiveness in reflecting neurological damage. Additionally, the MCHC*RDW-SD Interaction value showed weak or no correlation with other erythrocyte parameters, suggesting its independence as an indicator. Our findings propose the increased MCHC*RDW-SD interaction value as a robust and independent biomarker for detecting neurological impairment in lead-poisoned children. This underscores the potential of utilizing specific erythrocyte parameters for screening the neurotoxic effects of lead exposure in pediatric populations.

THE COMPARISON OF MEAN CORPUSCULAR HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION (MCHC) VALUES BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL AND ELECTRIC SMOKERS IN KEMBARAN DISTRICT

Smoking is a frequent and hazardous activity for health as it can lead to various diseases include lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is known to cause an increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values. With the advancement of time, types of cigarettes can be classified into conventional and electric cigarettes. This study aims to compare the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values between conventional and electric smokers in Kembaran District. This study uses an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consists of 26 male respondents, aged 17-25 years, who are conventional smokers and electric smokers in Kembaran Sub-District, selected using purposive sampling. MCHC values were measured using a hematology analyzer and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The results of this study show a comparison of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values in conventional smokers and electric smokers in Kembaran District. This is evidenced by the p-value of 0.000 (p 0.05).

ERYTHROCYTE PROFILES OF RANA DALMATINA AND PELOPHYLAX RIDIBUNDUS (AMPHIBIA: RANIDAE)

The research on the erythrocyte profile was conducted on a total of twenty-eight frog individuals, out of which fourteen were Pelophylax ridibundus and also fourteen were Rana dalmatina. The aim of this study was to determine the erythrocyte parameters in the two frog species mentioned, in order to compare the obtained results. The individuals used in the study were captured in the area of Mrkonjić Grad municipality near Lake Balkana. After capture, all individuals were transported to laboratory conditions where they underwent a 15-day adaptation period. Following the adaptation period, blood samples were collected, and erythrocyte parameters were determined, including the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and MCV, MCH and MCHC parameters. Based on the obtained results, the study showed that the Pelophylax ridibundus species had significantly higher values of erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and MCHC compared to the values obtained in the Rana dalmatina.

Attached compared with unattached surface probes for monitoring flap perfusion in microvascular head and neck reconstruction: a feasibility study

Unattached surface probes are commonly used with the O2C analysis system (LEA Medizintechnik, Germany) to monitor microvascular free flap perfusion. This study compared attached and unattached surface probes for extraoral free flaps. The study included 34 patients who underwent extraoral microvascular head and neck reconstruction between 2020 and 2022. Flap perfusion was monitored postoperatively using the O2C analysis system at 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h, with an attached surface probe at 3 mm tissue depth and an unattached surface probe at 2 mm and 8 mm tissue depths. Clinical complications, technical errors, and perfusion measurement values were compared. No clinical complications (attachment suture infections) or technical errors (probe detachment) occurred. Flap blood flow values of the probes were partially different (3 mm vs. 2 and 8 mm: p < 0.001; p = 0.308) and moderately correlated (3 mm with 2 and 8 mm: r = 0.670, p < 0.001; r = 0.638, p < 0.001). Hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation values were generally different (3 mm vs. 2 and 8 mm: all p < 0.001) and variably correlated (3 mm with 2 and 8 mm: r = 0.756, r = 0.645; r = 0.633, r = 0.307; all p < 0.001). Both probes are comparable in terms of technical feasibility and patient safety, with flap perfusion values dependent on tissue measurement depth.

Do immunomodulatory substances facilitate recovery from stress caused by feed changes in juvenile brown trout (Samo trutta m. fario L.)?

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the influence of feeds with or without β-glucan-based immunomodulatory supplements (groups BF and UB or B and U, respectively; feeding period 14 and 28 days) on the welfare of brown trout. The diets tested did not influence the rearing indices. The type of feed and the feeding period were confirmed to have a significant influence on the white blood cell (WBC) count. WBC counts were lower than those in the initial sample particularly on day 14 of the experiment. Red blood cell (RBC) counts and hematocrit (HCT) were determined by feeding period, and the values of these parameters decreased the longer the tested feeds were applied. These changes were accompanied by increases in the values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Feed type determined levels of chloride ion (Cl-) and ammonia (NH3) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and feeding period affected sodium (Na+) and albumin (ALB) concentrations, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity depended on both factors. Changes in leukograms were noted in all the groups, inter alia, significant increases in the share of lymphocytes, and after changing diets, decreases in the percentage of neutrophils, myeloperoxidase activity (AMPO) in phagocytes and cidal ability (CA). After day 28, AMPO and CA values increased and were significantly higher in groups BF and UB.

The dependence of maximum oxygen uptake and utilization (V̇O2 max) on hemoglobin-oxygen affinity and altitude.

Oxygen transport from the lungs to peripheral tissue is dependent on the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. Recent experimental data have suggested that the maximum human capacity for oxygen uptake and utilization (V̇O2 max) at sea level and altitude (~3000 m) is sensitive to alterations in hemoglobin-oxygen affinity. However, the effect of such alterations on V̇O2 max at extreme altitudes remains largely unknown due to the rarity of mutations affecting hemoglobin-oxygen affinity. This work uses a mathematical model that couples pulmonary oxygen uptake with systemic oxygen utilization under conditions of high metabolic demand to investigate the effect of hemoglobin-oxygen affinity on V̇O2 max as a function of altitude. The model includes the effects of both diffusive and convective limitations on oxygen transport. Pulmonary oxygen uptake is calculated using a spatially-distributed model that accounts for the effects of hematocrit and hemoglobin-oxygen affinity. Systemic oxygen utilization is calculated assuming Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The pulmonary and systemic model components are solved iteratively to compute predicted arterial and venous oxygen levels. Values of V̇O2 max are predicted for several values of hemoglobin-oxygen affinity and hemoglobin concentration based on data from humans with hemoglobin mutations. The model predicts that increased hemoglobin-oxygen affinity leads to increased V̇O2 max at altitudes above ~4500 m.