Ht Values Research Articles

Curcumin Ameliorates Lead (Pb(2+))-Induced Hemato-Biochemical Alterations and Renal Oxidative Damage in a Rat Model.

This study aims to evaluate the protective role of curcumin (Curc) against hematological and biochemical changes, as well as renal pathologies induced by lead acetate [Pb (CH3COO)2·3H2O] treatment. Male albino rats were intraperitoneally treated with Pb(2+) (25mg of lead acetate/kg b.w., once a day) alone or in combination with Curc (30mg of Curc/kg b.w., twice a day) for 7days. Exposure of rats to Pb(2+) caused significant decreases in hemoglobin (Hb) content, hematocrit (Ht) value, and platelet (Plt) count, while Pb(2+)-related leukocytosis was accompanied by absolute neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphopenia, and eosinopenia. A significant rise in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a marked drop of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evident in the kidney, liver, and serum of Pb(2+) group compared to that of control. Furthermore, significantly high levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and a sharp drop in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) level were also seen in blood after injection of Pb(2+). Additionally, hepatorenal function tests were enhanced. Meanwhile, Pb(2+) produced marked histo-cytological alterations in the renal cortex. Co-administration of Curc to the Pb(2+)-treated animals restored most of the parameters mentioned above to near-normal levels/features. In conclusion, Curc appeared to be a promising agent for protection against Pb(2+)-induced toxicity.

The lead accumulation and hematological findings in juvenile rock fish Sebastes schlegelii exposed to the dietary lead (II) concentrations

Juvenile rockfish (mean length 14.2±1.9cm, and mean weight 57.3±5.2g) were exposed for 4 weeks with the different levels of dietary lead (Pb2+) at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240mg/L. The exposure concentration and period of Pb have induced significant amount of it the specific tissues of rockfish. The highest Pb accumulation was observed in the kidney tissue by the dietary lead exposure. The growth rate and hepatosomatic index were considerably inhibited over 120mg/kg. The hematological parameters such as red blood cell (RBC) counts, hematocrit (Ht) value, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were significantly decreased over 60mg/kg Pb concentration. In the inorganic components, the values of calcium and magnesium in plasma were significantly decreased. The glucose and cholesterol values were notably increased, whereas total protein was decreased. The enzyme components, glutamic oxalate transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT), were significantly elevated by the dietary lead exposure, but no change was observed in alkaline phosphatase (ALP).

Short-term pretreatment with a dual 5α-reductase inhibitor before bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B-TURP): evaluation of prostate vascularity and decreased surgical blood loss in large prostates.

To investigate if short-term treatment with dutasteride (8 weeks) before bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B-TURP) can reduce intraoperative bleeding, as dutasteride a dual 5α-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) blocks the conversion of testosterone into its active form dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and reduces prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, while increasing urinary flow rate. In all, 259 patients were enrolled and randomised to two groups: Group A, receiving placebo and Group B, receiving dutasteride (0.5 mg daily for 8 weeks). Blood samples were taken before and after B-TURP for serum chemistry evaluation. In particular we evaluated blood parameters associated with blood loss [haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Ht)] and prostate vascularity [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunoreactivity and microvessel density (MVD) using cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) immunoreactivity]. Total testosterone, DHT, PSA level and prostate volume were evaluated and with the exception of DHT and PSA level there was no statistically significant differences between the groups. When comparing changes in Hb and Ht between Group A and Group B before and after B-TURP, there was a statistically significant difference only in patients with large prostates of ≥50 mL (ΔHb 3.86 vs 2.05 g/dL and ΔHt 4.98 vs 2.64%, in Groups A and B, respectively). There was no significant difference in MVD and VEGF index in prostates of <50 mL, conversely in large prostates the difference become statistically significant. Dutasteride was able to reduce operative and perioperative bleeding only in patients with large prostates (≥50 mL) that underwent B-TURP. Our findings are confirmed by Hb and Ht values reported before and after the B-TURP and reductions in the molecular markers for VEGF and CD34 in the dutasteride-treated specimens.

Iron oxide nanoparticles to an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita: Impacts on hematology, iono regulation and gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity

In this study, the chronic toxicity effects of iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) (500mgl−l) on certain hematological, ionoregulatory and gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity of an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita were estimated for a period of 25days under static bioassay. A significant increase in hemoglobin (Hb) content, red blood cell (RBC) count and hematocrit (Ht) value was noticed throughout the study period when compared to control groups. In contrast, mean cellular volume (MCV), mean cellular hemoglobin (MCH) (except on 5th day) and mean cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts were found to be decreased during the above study period. Fe2O3 NPs also caused alterations in iono regulation resulting in hyponatremia (Na+), hypochloremia (Cl−) (except on 5th day) and hypokalemia (K+) (except up to 15th day). A biphasic trend in gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity was noticed during the above treatment period. Our results demonstrate that high Fe2O3 NP concentrations in the aquatic environment may have adverse physiological effects on fish. These data may be useful to assess the environmental risk posed by NPs. However the toxicity of various sizes of the nanoparticle could be evaluated using different aquatic organisms.

Research on radiation exposure from CT part of hybrid camera and diagnostic CT

Research on radiation exposure from CT part of hybrid camera in seven different Departments of Nuclear Medicine (DNM) was conducted. Processed data and effective dose (E) estimations led to the idea of phantom verification and comparison of absorbed doses and software estimation. Anonymous data from about 100 examinations from each DNM was gathered. Acquired data was processed and utilized by dose estimation programs (ExPACT, ImPACT, ImpactDose) with respect to the type of examination and examination procedures. Individual effective doses were calculated using enlisted programs. Preserving the same procedure in dose estimation process allows us to compare the resulting E. Some differences and disproportions during dose estimation led to the idea of estimated E verification. Consequently, two different sets of about 100 of TLD 100H detectors were calibrated for measurement inside the Aldersnon RANDO Anthropomorphic Phantom. Standard examination protocols were examined using a 2 Slice CT- part of hybrid SPECT/CT. Moreover, phantom exposure from body examining protocol for 32 Slice and 64 Slice diagnostic CT scanner was also verified. Absorbed dose (DT,R) measured using TLD detectors was compared with software estimation of equivalent dose HT values, computed by E estimation software. Though, only limited number of cavities for detectors enabled measurement within the regions of lung, liver, thyroid and spleen–pancreas region, some basic comparison is possible.

The selenium accumulation and its effect on growth, and haematological parameters in red sea bream, Pagrus major, exposed to waterborne selenium

Juvenile Pagrus major (mean length 15.8±1.6cm, and mean weight 90.4±4.7g) were exposed for 4 weeks with waterborne selenium concentration (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400µg/L). The profile of Se accumulation among tissue in P. major is dependent on the exposure periods and Se concentration. After 4 weeks, the highest accumulation of Se was observed in the kidney, and the order of Se accumulation in tissues was kidney≈liver>spleen>intestine>gill>muscle. Se decreased the growth rate, and there was an inverse proportion between growth and Se concentration. The major hematological findings were significant decrease in the RBC count, Ht value, and Hb concentration exposed to ≥100µg/L Se concentrations. Se exposure (≥100µg/L) led to significant increase in the glucose, GOT, and GPT levels, whereas the levels of calcium, magnesium, cholesterol, and total protein did not increase. The results suggest that waterborne Se exposure can induce significant Se accumulation in tissues, inhibition of growth, and hematological alterations.

Arsine toxicity is induced by inhalation but not by percutaneous exposure in hairless mice

Arsine (AsH₃) is used in many industries, but there is insufficient knowledge about the potential for percutaneous absorption. In order to examine possible percutaneous absorption of arsine, we conducted inhalation studies. Arsine was generated by reducing arsenic trioxide with NaBH₄. Male 5-week-old Hos:HR-1 hairless mice were subjected to a single percutaneous exposure or whole-body inhalation exposure of ca. 300 ppm arsine for 5 min. The examination was performed 0-6 hr after the exposure. Total arsenic in whole blood and hematocrit (Ht) values were measured. Generation of an arsenic-hemoglobin (As-Hb) adduct in the blood was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HPLC-ICP-MS). Ht values in the inhalation group significantly decreased after 3 hr, but those in the percutaneous exposure group did not. Total arsenic in the inhalation group was 9.0-14.2 mg/l, which was significantly higher than that in the percutaneous group. The As-Hb adduct was detected only in mice in the inhalation group. Histopathological changes were noted only in the inhalation group, with marked deposition of eosinophilic globules in the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidneys, the Kupffer cells of the liver, and the red pulp in the spleen, but not in the lungs. Immunohistochemically, these eosinophilic globules were stained positively by hemoglobin (Hb) antibody. In the present study, arsine-induced hemolysis and deposition of Hb occurred in the kidney via the inhalation route but not via percutaneous exposure. The presence of As-Hb adduct may be a useful indicator for confirming arsine poisoning.

FORMALDEHİT UYGULANAN GÖKKUŞAĞI ALABALIĞI (Oncorhynchus mykiss)' NDA BAZI HEMATOLOJİK VE ANTİOKSİDAN PARAMETRELERİN ARAŞTIRILMASI

In this study, effect of formaldehyde (CH2O), which is widely used in the treatment of fish dis-eases and as a disinfectant, on some haematological and antioxidant parameters was investigat-ed. For this purpose, fish were exposed to 40 and 120 ppm of formaldehyde for 30 min during 4 days. After 24 hours the last treatment, blood and tissue (liver, kidney and gill) samples were collected from fish. Haematocrit (Ht) value, red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and erythrocyte indexes; mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentra-tion (MCHC) were investigated in the blood samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, glutathi-one peroxidise (GSH-Px) and glutatyon-S-transferase (GST) activity as well as the reduced glutathione concentration were examined in the tissue samples. All of the haematological pa-rameters decreased in the groups treated formaldehyde compared to that of the control group (p

저산소 노출에 따른 감성돔(Acanthopagrus schlegelii)의 생리학적 스트레스 반응

The black seabream Acanthopagrus schlegelii is an important species for aquaculture in Korea. There are, however, no reports on the physiological responses to hypoxia in this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute hypoxia on the physiological stress responses (plasma cortisol as the primary response, and plasma glucose, hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), sodium, chloride, osmolality, AST, ALT and total protein as the secondary responses) of the fish. The experimental fish were exposed to 0.5 ppm dissolved oxygen (DO) in the seawater via two methods (progressive stepwise decline (Exp. I), and direct decline (Exp. II)). A highly significant increase was detected in plasma cortisol levels due to the hypoxia treatments, and fish in Exp. I had hormone levels that were significantly higher than the fish in Exp. II. For plasma glucose, there was no significant difference between the Exp. I fish and the control fish, whereas Exp. II fish showed significantly higher plasma glucose levels than Exp. I fish and control fish. Ht values increased in both hypoxia treatments; however, Hb concentrations increased only in Exp. I. Although plasma chloride levels were unaffected by acute hypoxia, plasma sodium and osmolality levels increased in Exp. I. Progressive hypoxia (Exp. I fish) increased plasma AST, ALT and total protein. These results suggest that the value and direction of changes to the investigated parameters can be used to determine the resistance of black seabream to acute hypoxia.

Effective dose in percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage examination using PCXMC2.0 and MCNP5 Monte Carlo codes

ObjectivesTo estimate the organ equivalent doses and the effective doses (E) in patient undergoing percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) examinations, using the MCNP5 and PCXMC2 Monte Carlo-based codes. MethodsThe purpose of this study is to estimate the organ doses to patients undergoing PTBD examinations by clinical measurements and Monte Carlo simulation. Dose area products (DAP) values were assessed during examination of 43 patients undergoing PTBD examination separated into groups based on the gender and the dimensions and location of the beam. ResultsMonte Carlo simulation of photon transport in male and female mathematical phantoms was applied using the MCNP5 and PCXMC2 codes in order to estimate equivalent organ doses. Regarding the PTBD examination the organ receiving the maximum radiation dose was the lumbar spine. The mean calculated HT for the lumbar spine using the MCNP5 and PCXMC2 methods respectively, was 117.25 mSv and 131.7 mSv, in males. The corresponding doses were 139.45 mSv and 157.1 mSv respectively in females. The HT values for organs receiving considerable amounts of radiation during PTBD examinations were varied between 0.16% and 73.2% for the male group and between 1.10% and 77.6% for the female group. E in females and males using MCNP5 and PCXMC2.0 was 5.88 mSv and 6.77 mSv, and 4.93 mSv and 5.60 mSv. ConclusionThe doses remain high compared to other invasive operations in interventional radiology. There is a reasonable good coincidence between the MCNP5 and PCXMC2.0 calculation for most of the organs.

Effect of the Cellular-Type Artificial Oxygen Carrier Hemoglobin Vesicle as a Resuscitative Fluid for Prehospital Treatment

The hemoglobin vesicle (Hb-vesicle) is a cellular-type artificial oxygen carrier showing a resuscitative effect comparable to that of blood transfusion in several animal models. However, the efficacy of Hb-vesicles for resuscitation when the hemorrhage cannot be controlled remains unclear. Therefore, we used Hb-vesicles in a rat hemorrhagic shock model caused by continuous bleeding. For inducing uncontrolled hemorrhage, animals were heparinized and bled from the caudal artery. Fluid resuscitation was subsequently performed with five materials: Hb-vesicle suspension in a 5% albumin (Alb) solution (HbV), washed red blood cells (wRBC) in a 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution, 5% Alb, 6% HES, and saline (Sal). During the experiment, all animals in the HbV and wRBC groups survived, whereas all those in the Alb and HES groups died. In the Sal group, five of seven animals died. In the HbV and wRBC groups, the heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and blood lactic acid levels were stabilized during resuscitation. Meanwhile, the hematocrit levels of the HbV, Alb, and HES groups showed sharp decreases (HbV: 6.8% ± 1.7%, Alb: 6.8% ± 0.8%, HES: 5.5% ± 0.7% at 100% total circulated blood volume; final hematocrit of the HbV group: 1.5% ± 0.5%). These results suggest that shocked animals can survive longer when the Hb-vesicle supply is maintained and that HbV showed a similar effect to wRBC in maintaining the circulating volume and oxygen metabolism. Continuous infusion of Hb-vesicles may extend the survival of trauma victims with uncontrolled hemorrhage until they have reached a trauma center.

An unknown cause of aortic valve stenosis: polycythemia vera

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in red blood cells. The involvement of the heart during the course of the illness represents a common cause of morbidity and it is linked to an increased thrombogenic risk subsequent to higher blood viscosity. In our study we evaluated by echocardiography a PV patient population. Our study enrolled 44 patients affected by PV. 17 of them were women and 27 were men. Mean patient age was 66.7. The average follow-up period was 5 years and the average duration of the illness was 5.7 years, since the time of diagnosis. All patients were evaluated quarterly by a cardiovascular objective examination and an ultrasound of the heart, with regard to platelet count and hematocrit (Ht) variations during the follow-up period, according to the therapy administered. Patients were treated with hydrossiurea and pipobroman and they underwent an eritrocitoapheresis in emergency conditions in which Ht levels rose too much, in spite of the myelosuppressive therapy. The echocardiographic assessment of the heart structure and function by the B mode technique revealed the presence of a sclerocalcific degeneration of the aortic valve in 58% of patients, involving the aortic root more then the valve. An average trans-aortic flow velocity of 1.92 m/s was detected by Doppler technique; a stenosis was demonstrated in 11 patients (25.5% of the entire population). After diagnosing the presence of a stenosis, we researched a possible cause of it. PV is a systemic disease well-known causing coronary thrombosis in a more or less high percentage of patients according to the record of cases taken into account. In our experience, more then thrombotic disease, found only in 13.4% of patients, we detected a high prevalence and incidence of mild to severe aortic stenosis, found in 25.5% of the sample studied. About all possible causes of stenosis, nowadays this results dependent of Ht values at moment of diagnosis, in the light of these results, it is reasonable to infer that aortic valve stenosis could depend by high haemodynamic stress on valve that is characteristic of polycythemic patients without chemotherapy.

Toxicity bioassay and effects of sub-lethal exposure of malathion on biochemical composition and haematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus

Clarias gariepinus were exposed to different concentrations of malathion to determine the 96 h LC50 value and its sub-lethal effects on haematological parameters and biochemical composition were also investigated. The 96 h LC50 value concluded was 8.22 mg/L. Specimens of C. gariepinus were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L) of pesticide for 4 weeks, which revealed that the pesticide had an adverse effects on various blood parameters. Red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and haematocrit (Ht) values decreased after the exposure of malathion. Plasma glucose level was elevated as plasma protein decreased. Liver and muscle glycogen also decreased in the fish exposed to Malathion. Alanine amino transferase (ALT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activities increased in the fish exposed to malathion. Magnesium and calcium ions were also affected, but the effects were insignificant.

Divert to ULTRA: Differences in Infused Volumes and Clearance in Two On-Line Hemodiafiltration Treatments

Mixed diffusive-convective dialysis therapies offer greater removal capabilities than conventional dialysis. The aim of this study was to compare two different on-line, post-dilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatments with regard to achieved convective volume and middle-molecule dialysis efficiency: standard volume control (sOL-HDF) and automated control of the transmembrane pressure (TMP) (UC-HDF). We enrolled 30 ESRD patients (55.9 ± 14.0 years, 20/10 M/F) in a randomized, prospective, cross-over study. The patients received a 3-month period of sOL-HDF followed by UC-HDF for a further 3 months, or vice versa, using the same dialysis machine. In sOL-HDF, fixed exchange volumes were set according to a filtration fraction greater than or equal to 25%. In UC-HDF therapy, the exchanged volume was driven by a biofeedback system controlling the TMP and its set point in a double loop. Patients maintained their treatment time, dialyzer, blood flow rate, and anticoagulant regimen unchanged throughout the study. Greater convective volumes were achieved in UC-HDF than in sOL-HDF (23.8 ± 3.9 vs.19.8 ± 4.8 L; p<0.001) with high pre-dialysis Ht value (sOL-HDF 34.0 ± 4.5% and UC-HDF 34.0 ± 4.4%; p = 0.91). The average clearance values of ß2m and P were higher in UC-HDF than in sOL-HDF (respectively 123 ± 24 vs. 111 ± 22 ml/min, p<0.002 and 158 ± 26 vs. 152 ± 25 ml/min, p<0.05). Moreover, the UC-HDF mode led to a significantly increased rate of call-free sessions from 88% to 97% (p<0.0001). This study showed that the biofeedback module, applied to the automatic control of TMP in on-line HDF, results in higher convective volumes and correspondingly higher ß2m and P clearances. By making the HDF treatment more automated and less complex to perform, it significantly reduced the staff workload.

VALORES HEMATOLÓGICOS DEL MACHÍN NEGRO (Cebus apella) MANTENIDO EN CAUTIVERIO

The objective of the present study was to determine referential hematological values of the tufted capuchin (Cebus apella) maintained in captivity at the Patronato del Parque de Las Leyendas, Lima. A total of 32 primates (25 males and 7 females), among juveniles, sub adults and adults, in apparent good conditions were used. The primates were i.m. anesthetized with a combination of ketamine (10 mg/kg/bw) and xylazine (1 mg/kg/bw). The samples were obtained by puncture of the femoral vein using vacutainers with EDTA as anticoagulant. The red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count were performed using the chamber of Neubauer, the platelet count and differential using the Wright stain, the hemoglobin (Hb) with the cianometahemoglobin method, the hematocrit (Ht) with the microhematocrit method and the eritrocitic indexes applying standard formulas with RBC, Hb and Ht values. The average values were RBC: 5.12 x 106/μl, WBC: 7.2 x 103/μl, neutrophils: 50.8%, lymphocytes: 47.6%, monocytes: 0.15%, eosinophils: 1.06%, basophils: 0.4%, platelets: 227 x 103/μl, Hb: 12.4 g/dl, Ht: 37.97%, VCM: 76.04 fl, HCM: 24.8 pg, CHCM: 32.6 g/dl. There were not significant differences due to age or sex.

Intravenous Administration of Glutamate Ionotropic Antagonists in Healthy Rats, Induces Lymphopenia and Affects Their Hematological Profile

Background: Glutamate is one of the primary endogenous amino acids of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Research over the last years has proven the existence of glutamate subunit receptors in additional non-neuronal tissues outside CNS such as the hematopoietic system.The purpose of this paper is to define the possible in vivo effect of glutamate ionotropic antagonists MK-801and NBQX in the hematopoietic system as well as their possible use in the cure of hematopoietic diseases and on their use on patients with co-existing neurological and hematopoietic disorders. Methods : Glutamate ionotropic antagonists MK-801 and NBQX were administrated intravenously in male wistar rats of 250 - 350 g weight. Animals treated with glutamate antagonists (n = 24) were compared to a control group (n = 10). The following parameters were evaluated 12 h and 24 h after drug administraton: Full blood count with differential, aggregation intensity, plus CD3, CD54 and CD49a expression on T-lymphocytes with flow cytometry. Bone marrow was assessed with bone marrow smears. The results were analyzed by unpaired t-test. Results : Both ionotropic antagonists reduced white blood cells with early lymphopenia (P less than 0.05), whereas NBQX also increased Ht and Hb values (P < 0.05), but reduced platelet aggregation (P less than 0.05). T-cell surface activation markers, CD3, CD49a were reduced (P less than 0.05), whereas CD54 was increased (P less than 0.05) 12 h after both antagonists’ administration but 24 h after NBQX all markers were increased (P less than 0.05). Bone marrow cells were influenced in a way that peripheral blood changes and segmented cells showed a possible expression of glutamate receptors. Conclusions : It is concluded that glutamate ionotropic antagonists affect the hematological profile and bone marrow of healthy intact rats as well as blood elements functions. Further research is needed in order to define the in vivo effect of glutamate and glutamate receptor antagonists on hematopoietic system either as a toxic agent or as a therapeutical one. doi:10.4021/jh101e

Impact of feeding juvenile tench (Tinca tinca (L.)) feeds supplemented with vegetable oils on hematological indexes and liver histology

The aim of the study was to identify the impact of feeding juvenile tench commercial feed supplemented with fish oil, linseed oil, arachide oil, and rapeseed oil on the hematology, cytology, and histology indexes of the liver. The fish were reared in a recirculating system and fed feed containing 470 g protein kg -1 feed and 120 g fat kg -1 feed (1000 g of base feed containing 70 g fat kg -1 feed was supplemented with 50 g of additional fat, i.e., fish oil (FO) or vegetable oils - linseed oil (LO), arachide oil (AO), or rapeseed oil (RO)). Statistically significant inter-group differences were noted for hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) counts, and other red blood cell indexes, including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P < 0.05). The lowest Ht and Hb values were noted in fish fed feed supplemented with fish oil (group FO), while the highest was noted in the tench from group AO. These differences were mainly caused by the occurrence of smaller erythrocytes in the peripheral blood of the fish from the FO group. No pathological changes were observed in the blood cells, which was in contrast to the parenchymal cells of the liver. Congestion, lipid vacuolization in hepatocytes, regressive changes in cytoplasm density, nuclear chromatin, and nucleus disintegration were observed in all fish. These changes were more pronounced in groups LO and AO. The fish from these groups were characterized by smaller hepatocytes and significantly higher nucleocytoplasmic ratios (P < 0.05).

English

In the simple ISO&nbsp;9164 calculation procedure for transmission heat loss coefficient, HT, it is unclear, and undefined for floor or roof-wall sections, how the parameters in the equations will be calculated. In this paper, a method is proposed for the calculation of ISO&nbsp;9164 parameters for roof-wall sections. The results obtained by the proposed method for typical roof sections are compared with those obtained by the EN&nbsp;832/EN&nbsp;13789/EN&nbsp;ISO&nbsp;14683 methods and with the L2D&nbsp;values from 2D analysis. A comparison of the floor and roof behaviour is realized using the results of the present and the previous works of the authors. The HT&nbsp;values obtained by the proposed model using the sum of qy&nbsp;through the beam are harmonised with the L2D&nbsp;for floors, which are significantly different from the L2D&nbsp;for roofs with parapet. The results indicate that the L2D&nbsp;values cited in EN&nbsp;10211-1 are sensitive to the 2D heat flows for floor sections. However, the L2D&nbsp;is not sufficiently sensitive to heat flow from the beam to the parapet and the interactions between the zones within the beam section, whereas the proposed method is more sensitive to the 2D heat flows. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Thermal bridges, 2D thermal analysis, heat loss, heat transmittance coefficient, thermal analysis.

The ~4-ka Rungwe Pumice (South-Western Tanzania): a wind-still Plinian eruption

The ~4-ka trachytic Rungwe Pumice (RP) deposit from Rungwe Volcano in South-Western Tanzania is the first Plinian-style deposit from an African volcano to be closely documented focusing on its physical characterization. The RP is a mostly massive fall deposit with an inversely graded base. Empirical models suggest a maximum eruption column height HT of 30.5–35 km with an associated peak mass discharge rate of 2.8–4.8 × 108 kg/s. Analytical calculations result in HT values of 33 ± 4 km (inversion of TEPHRA2 model on grain size data) corresponding to mass discharge ranging from 2.3 to 6.0 × 108 kg/s. Lake-core data allow extrapolation of the deposit thinning trend far beyond onland exposures. Empirical fitting of thickness data yields volume estimates between 3.2 and 5.8 km3 (corresponding to an erupted mass of 1.1–2.0 × 1012 kg), whereas analytical derivation yields an erupted mass of 1.1 × 1012 kg (inversion of TEPHRA2 model). Modelling and dispersal maps are consistent with nearly no-wind conditions during the eruption. The plume corner is estimated to have been ca. 11–12 km from the vent. After an opening phase with gradually increasing intensity, a high discharge rate was maintained throughout the eruption, without fountain collapse as is evidenced by a lack of pyroclastic density current deposits.

Blood Loss Related to Participation in Pharmacokinetic Study in Preterm Neonates

Background: The amount of blood that can be safely drawn from a preterm neonate for scientific purposes is poorly established. Objectives: To provide scientific evidence on the amount of blood that can be drawn from very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates for study purposes. Methods: We performed a post-hoc analysis of a pharmacokinetic (PK) study of penicillin-G, enrolling 18 neonates with a birth weight of <1,200 g, gestational age of <28 weeks and postnatal age of <5 days, with a risk of early onset sepsis. A median of 2.3 ml/kg of blood was collected from each neonate for the PK analysis. Hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Ht), basic hemodynamic parameters, total fluid intake, number of blood component transfusions and number of blood analysis for clinical indications were recorded. The control group consisted of 35 gestational age-, postnatal age- and birth weight-matched neonates who had not participated in a PK study. Results: We did not observe significant differences in any studied safety parameter, including Hgb and Ht values, between the two groups. Median number of blood component transfusions (n = 2 in both groups), median volume of transfused red blood cells (22 vs. 24 ml/kg in study vs. control group) and total daily fluid requirement were similar. The median calculated blood loss on clinical indications was 1.9 ml/24 h in the control group and 1.66 ml/24 h in the study group. Conclusions: In VLBW neonates, up to 2.3 ml/kg of blood (corresponding to 2.4% of calculated circulating blood volume) can be drawn for scientific purposes without compromising basic hemodynamic parameters, Hgb and Ht values, blood component transfusions or fluid requirements.