Blood Values Research Articles

Comparison of hypothermic and normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Objectives: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery operations accompanied by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are the most prominent treatment options. One of the basic application principles of the CPB system is the protection of vital organs by reducing metabolic rate and oxygen consumption with hypothermia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of normothermia and hypothermia applications on clinical outcomes in CABG operations performed with CPB. Methods: This single-center study was planned retrospectively. Patients who underwent isolated CABG operation with CPB at Şanlıurfa Mehmet Akif İnan Training and Research Hospital between January 01, 2020, and January 01, 2022, were included. A total of 120 patients, 60 of whom underwent hypothermic and 60 normothermic cardiac bypass, were included in the study after applying the exclusion criteria. Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction, and body surface area characteristics (P>0.05). In the normothermia group, urea, creatinine, direct bilirubin, and lactate levels were significantly higher in the first postoperative day blood values (P=0.003, P=0.04, P=0.028, P=0.005, and P<0.001, respectively). Positive inotropic agent requirement and defibrillation requirement after cross-clamping were significantly higher in the hypothermia group (P=0.006 and P=0.045, respectively). Conclusions: In CABB operations performed with CPB, normothermia and hypothermia applications may have beneficial effects on different clinical situations.

Evaluation of sarcopenia's relationship with overall survival and treatment toxicity in soft tissue sarcomas.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia, overall survival (OS), and chemotherapy toxicity in patients with unresectable/metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treated with adriamycin and ifosfamide. Patients with unresectable/metastatic STS over the age of 18, diagnosed between 2015 and 2023, were included in the study. The study was conducted retrospectively in a single center. Total muscle volume at the lumbar 3 (L3) vertebra level was measured from the patient's computer tomography (CT) images. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated for each patient. Additionally, the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was calculated for each patient using blood values. Fifty-eight patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 51years, Thirty-six (62.1%) were female and 22 (37.9%) were male. The SMI median was 49 cm2/m2 in male patients. ROC analysis demonstrated a statistically significant prediction of OS when the SMI index was < 49.2 cm2/m2. In female patients, the median SMI was 40 cm2/m2. ROC analysis demonstrated a statistically significant prediction of OS when the SMI index was < 40.3 cm2/m2. Median OS in the SMI < 49 cm2/m2 male group was 9months (95% CI 7.99-10.08). In the SMI ≥ 49 cm2/m2 male group, the median OS was 30.2months (95% CI 0.0-66.66). OS was statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.003). The median OS in the SMI < 40 cm2/m2 female group was 20.5months (95% CI 7.69-33.30). In the SMI ≥ 40 cm2/m2 female group, the median OS was 59.1months (95% CI 21.36-96.98). OS was statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.025). The relationship of SMI, as well as PNI, age, and EasternCooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) with OS, was assessed. The relationship between SMI and chemotherapy toxicity was also evaluated. Chemotherapy-related toxicity was found to be significantly higher in sarcopenic patients (male SMI < 49 cm2/m2, female SMI < 40 cm2/m2) (p = 0.025). A significant relationship was found between SMI and OS, but no significant relationship was found between PNI and OS. A significant relationship was also detected between SMI and treatment toxicity. Our study reveals that evaluating ECOG PS and sarcopenia in addition to grade and histological subtype when making treatment decisions will be associated with longer survival and less toxicity.

Impact of intravenous CT contrast agents on internal calibration techniques to determine trabecular BMD of the lumbar spine.

Contrast agents are frequently administered in computed tomography (CT) scans used for opportunistic screening of osteoporosis. The objective of this study is to compare the impact of contrast-related bone mineral density (BMD) increase between phantom-based and internal CT calibration techniques. Phantom-based and internal CT calibration techniques were used to determine trabecular BMD in 93 existing clinical CT scans of the lumbar spine of 34 subjects, scanned before and after administration of contrast agents. BMD differences between native (Nat) and contrast-enhanced scans in arterial (Art) and portal venous (PV) phases were compared among calibration methods. Three pairs of internal reference materials were investigated: blood/air, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT)/air and muscle tissue/air. Contrast agents increased CT values of blood in the aorta and the inferior vena cava in the Art phase by 210±99HU and 47±35HU, respectively and in the PV phase by 110±49HU and 73±28HU, respectively. Effects on CT values of muscle and SAT were<5HU in the Art phase and<10HU in the PV phase. BMD obtained with phantom calibration increased significantly (p<0.01) in Art and PV phases by 8.6±14.7mg/cm3 and 14.4±16.3mg/cm3, respectively. If SAT/air or muscle/air were used as internal reference materials, increases in internally calibrated BMD (<12mg/cm3 in AT phase and<17mg/cm3 in PV phase) did not significantly differ (p>0.1 for Art and PV phases) from increases of phantom-calibrated BMD. Although CT values of internal reference materials increased following the administration of contrast, internal calibration was unable to mitigate the contrast-related BMD increases observed in phantom-based calibration.

Hyperuricemia prevalence and its risk factors in uremic patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

BackgroundTo explore the prevalence of hyperuricemia and its associated factors in uremic patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).MethodsTwo hundred two uremic patients undergoing MHD for ≥ 3 months, in Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, were enrolled. Pre-dialysis blood samples were tested during March 1st, 2023 to April 30th, 2023. Demographic characteristics were recorded. The prevalence of hyperuricemia, defined as serum uric acid (SUA) ≥ 420 μmol/L, was investigated. Individuals were divided into hyperuricemia (HUA) and non-hyperuricemia (n-HUA) groups. The demographic characteristics, residual kidney function, nutritional status, acid–base metabolism, electrolyte and lipid metabolism were compared between groups. The associated factors for hyperuricemia in MHD patients were identified by logistic regression.ResultsThe median SUA level of the enrolled patients was 458.50 (392.25, 510.75) μmol/L. 134 (66.34%) candidates met the diagnostic criteria of hyperuricemia. The median SUA level in HUA group was 491.00 (459.50, 543.50) μmol/L. Compared to those in n-HUA group, subjects in HUA group showed lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and blood CO2 level, but higher levels of body mass index, geriatric nutritional risk index, plasma phosphate, potassium, pre-albumin, albumin, serum creatinine (Scr) and urea nitrogen. Logistic regression indicated that Scr (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.001–1.004, P = 0.003), albumin (OR 1.165, 95%CI 1.011–1.342, P = 0.035), and blood potassium (OR 1.673, 95% CI 1.009–2.773, P = 0.046) were associated factors for hyperuricemia in uremic patients undergoing MHD.ConclusionHyperuricemia was highly prevalent among uremic MHD patients. Elevated levels of Scr, albumin and plasma potassium were independent associated factors for hyperuricemia.

P-1247. Cerebrospinal Fluid Penetration of Multiple Antibiotics in Patients With Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Prospective, Observational, Clinical Study

Abstract Background External ventricular drains (EVD) are used for acute hydrocephalus in intracranial hemorrhage(ICH), potentially causing ventriculostomy-associated cerebrospinal fluid infection (VAI). Variable meningeal inflammation in VAI can result in unpredictable antibiotic penetration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This observational study aimed to assess CSF penetration of intravenous antibiotics for suspected VAI treatment in neurosurgical patients. Time to concentrations in CSF and plasma among the patients. The figure presented the concentrations of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measured at different time points for each patient. REVD right-sided external ventricular drain. LEVD left-sided external ventricular drain. Methods Adults with EVD for ICH who were receiving antibiotics, including vancomycin, ceftazidime, cefepime and meropenem, for VAI from January 2023 to April 2024 in two north Taiwan medical centers were enrolled in this study. The primary outcome was the area under the concentration (AUC) ratio between CSF and plasma (AUCCSF/plasma). Factors influencing CSF concentration was also investigated. In addition, the probability of target attainment (PTA) of anti-Pseudomonal antibiotics were calculated. A summary of the permeability of vancomycin into the cerebrospinal fluid in this study. ARC augmentation renal clearance. L Left-side external ventricular drain R Right-side external ventricular drain. a. AUC was calculated from the first observation point to the last observation point. b. It was resistant to vancomycin. Results A total of 9 patients (6 male) with VAI were enrolled, and contributed 7 vancomycin, 3 ceftazidime, 2 cefepime and 2 meropenem treatment courses. One patient provided two courses. The ranges of AUCCSF/plasma for vancomycin, ceftazidime, cefepime, or meropenem were as follows 0.85-15.61%, 6.74-15.61%, 0.16-128.73%, and 0.09-13.24%, respectively. The CSF to plasma concentration ratio at the end of vancomycin infusion and at the middle of dosing interval showed good correlation with AUCCSF/plasma (Spearman's coefficient 0.8 and 0.783, p-value ≦0.01) For ceftazidime, both CSF and plasma achieved at least 98% fT &amp;gt;MIC=8 under 2 gram every 8 hours regimen. For meropenem, the fT &amp;gt;MIC=2 for CSF and plasma were 0-100 % and 95.7-99.8% under 2 gram every 8 hours regimen, respectively. For cefepime, the fT &amp;gt;MIC=16 for CSF and plasma were 0-100% and &amp;gt;97%, respectively. Conclusion This is the first study to report real-world data of antibiotic CSF penetration in neurosurgical population in Taiwan. Ceftazidime showed adequate penetration and achieved sufficient PTA in the CSF. Additionally, the single-point ratio of vancomycin at the end of infusion and during the mid-dosing interval may serve as a surrogate for AUCCSF/plasma. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Association Between Plasmodium Infection and Blood Count Values: Implications for Malaria Diagnosis in Resource-Limited Settings

PurposeMalaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), contributing substantially to mortality and morbidity rates. In resource-limited settings, access to specialized diagnostic tests is often restricted, making basic blood analysis a valuable diagnostic tool. This study investigated the correlation between malaria infection and full blood count values in a rural region of Ghana during the 2022 rainy season, aiming to highlight diagnostic insights available from routine blood analyses.MethodsA retrospective case-control analysis was conducted on 544 confirmed malaria cases, comparing their blood values with those of matched malaria-negative controls.ResultsParasitaemia levels peaked during the rainy season, with July showing the highest values. Malaria-positive patients exhibited lower levels of haemoglobin, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and platelets, but higher neutrophil counts compared to controls. Middle-aged women had significantly lower haemoglobin levels than men, and younger individuals showed higher parasitaemia levels. A negative correlation was found between Plasmodium density and haemoglobin and platelet counts, while positive correlations were observed with white blood cell and neutrophil counts.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant burden of malaria in rural Ghana during the rainy season and underscores the impact of infection on blood values. Routine full blood count analysis provides a practical and accessible diagnostic tool in resource-limited settings. The findings emphasise the importance of targeted interventions for high-risk groups, particularly children and women, to improve patient management and reduce malaria-related morbidity.Graphical

Study on influencing factors of age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index in patients with Alzheimer's disease based on machine learning model

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread neurodegenerative disease, often accompanied by multiple comorbidities, significantly increasing the risk of death for patients. The age adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (aCCI) is an important clinical tool for measuring the burden of comorbidities in patients, closely related to mortality and prognosis. This study aims to use the MIMIC-V database and various regression and machine learning models to screen and validate features closely related to aCCI, providing a theoretical basis for personalized management of AD patients.MethodsThe research data is sourced from the MIMIC-V database, which contains detailed clinical information of AD patients. Multiple logistic regression, LASSO regression, random forest, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models were used to screen for feature factors significantly correlated with aCCI. By comparing model performance, evaluating the classification ability and prediction accuracy of each method, and ultimately selecting the best model to construct a regression model and a nomogram. The model performance is evaluated through classification accuracy, net benefit, and robustness. The feature selection results were validated by regression analysis.ResultsMultiple models have performed well in classifying aCCI patients, among which the model constructed using LASSO regression screening feature factors has the best performance, with the highest classification accuracy and net benefit. LASSO regression identified the following 11 features closely related to aCCI: age, respiratory rate, base excess, glucose, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), whole blood potassium, hematocrit (HCT), phosphate, creatinine, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). The column chart constructed based on these feature factors enables intuitive prediction of patients with high aCCI probability, providing a convenient clinical tool.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that the features screened by LASSO regression have the best predictive performance and can significantly improve the predictive ability of aCCI related comorbidities in AD patients. The column chart constructed based on this feature factor provides theoretical guidance for personalized management and precise treatment of AD patients.

The association between blood selenium and metabolic syndrome in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies.

Although the relationship between selenium and metabolic syndrome (MetS) was previously investigated, the findings were inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis to summarize the association between blood selenium and MetS in adults. A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline (PubMed), ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and motor engineering of Google Scholar up to October 1st, 2024. Observational studies which reported the risk of MetS in relation to blood selenium in adults were included. The protocol of the current analysis was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42024486035. Overall, 16,779 participants and 6,471 cases with MetS from 5 cross-sectional and 7 case-control studies were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis. The findings showed that participants with the highest blood values of selenium (mean: 268.5 μg/L) in comparison to those with the lowest values (mean: 75.27 μg/L) had 40% higher risk of MetS. Nevertheless, this association was not significant (95%CI: 0.99-1.97). Due to a significant between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 90.4%, p < 0.001), subgroup analysis was conducted based on potential confounders. However, this association was only significant in a few subgroups with low number effect sizes. Linear dose-response analysis illustrated each 50 μg/L increment in circulating selenium was related to 7% higher risk of MetS (RR: 1.07, 95%CI: 0.99, 1.15) However, this association was not statistically significant. Additionally, non-linear dose-response analysis indicated a U-shaped association between blood selenium and risk of MetS with the lowest risk at 160 ug/L of blood selenium (p < 0.001). There is a U-shaped relationship between blood selenium levels risk of MetS. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to verify the causality of findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Prediction of urinary tract infection using machine learning methods: a study for finding the most-informative variables

BackgroundUrinary tract infection (UTI) is a frequent health-threatening condition. Early reliable diagnosis of UTI helps to prevent misuse or overuse of antibiotics and hence prevent antibiotic resistance. The gold standard for UTI diagnosis is urine culture which is a time-consuming and also an error prone method. In this regard, complementary methods are demanded. In the recent decade, machine learning strategies that employ mathematical models on a dataset to extract the most informative hidden information are the center of interest for prediction and diagnosis purposes.MethodIn this study, machine learning approaches were used for finding the important variables for a reliable prediction of UTI. Several types of machines including classical and deep learning models were used for this purpose.ResultsEighteen selected features from urine test, blood test, and demographic data were found as the most informative features. Factors extracted from urine such as WBC, nitrite, leukocyte, clarity, color, blood, bilirubin, urobilinogen, and factors extracted from blood test like mean platelet volume, lymphocyte, glucose, red blood cell distribution width, and potassium, and demographic data such as age, gender and previous use of antibiotics were the determinative factors for UTI prediction. An ensemble combination of XGBoost, decision tree, and light gradient boosting machines with a voting scheme obtained the highest accuracy for UTI prediction (AUC: 88.53 (0.25), accuracy: 85.64 (0.20)%), according to the selected features. Furthermore, the results showed the importance of gender and age for UTI prediction. ConclusionThis study highlighted the potential of machine learning strategies for UTI prediction.

Hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome and adrenal hyperplasia: finding differences to make a specific diagnosis.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are two pathologic conditions sharing several clinical features (hirsutism, acne, polycystic ovary morphology, metabolic alterations, ovulatory dysfunctions) and especially hyperandrogenism as a common clinical hallmark. Therefore, making a differential diagnosis of the two conditions still remains a great medical challenge. In particular, the comparison discussed in this review referred to non-classical form of adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH), which regards the adult population, and the Endocrine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), following the new set of PCOS diagnostic criteria proposed by the Experts Group on Inositol and Clinical Research, and on PCOS (EGOI-PCOS). To support this review, a literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science, supplemented by articles known to the authors. Keywords included: polycystic ovary syndrome, non-classical adrenal hyperplasia, hyperandrogenism, and 17-Hydroxyprogesterone. Considering the different pathophysiology of the two conditions, the recommended strategy to differentiate diagnosis is testing the blood values of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) in fertile aged women with suspicious hyperandrogenism. Basal values of 17-OHP higher than 2ng/mL likely indicate NCAH, while values lower than 2ng/mL exclude the diagnosis of NCAH; in case of borderline values stimulation test with adrenocorticotropic hormone may eventually confirm the diagnosis. This review contributes to make the differential diagnosis between hyperandrogenic PCOS and NCAH clearer, thus also aiming to achieve tailored therapeutic approaches for patients with hyperandrogenism.

Blood phosphorylated Tau181 reliably differentiates amyloid-positive from amyloid-negative subjects in the Alzheimer's disease continuum: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Blood-based biomarkers seem promising for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the potential of blood phosphorylated Tau181 (p-tau181) to differentiate amyloid-positive (A+) and amyloid-negative (A-) subjects. Two meta-analyses were conducted, showing the mean p-tau values in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the A+ and A- group, and the second comparing the mean p-tau concentrations in blood and CSF among A+ versus A- participants, by laboratory assessment method. Eighteen studies (2764 A+ and 5646 A- subjects) were included. The single-group meta-analysis showed mean higher blood p-tau181 values in the A+ than in the A- group. In the head-to-head meta-analysis, blood p-tau reliably differentiated A+ patients from A- participants. Regardless of the laboratory technique, blood p-tau181 reliably differentiates A+ and A- subjects. Therefore, it might have important applications for early diagnosis and inclusion in clinical trials for AD patients. The role of blood-based biomarkers in discriminating AD patients is still uncertain.Blood p-tau181 distinguishes among amyloid-positive and amyloid-negative subjects.Blood p-tau181 might allow early diagnosis and inclusion in clinical trials.

A retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics of 63 patients with vestibular neuritis

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the results of auditory examination,vestibular function examination and laboratory examination of 63 patients diagnosed as vestibular neuritis.Methods:A total of 63 patients diagnosed with vestibular neuritis hospitalized in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, from October 2012 to December 2022 were recruited. All patients met the diagnostic criteria for the 2022 Bárány association vestibular neuritis. Clinical data and the results of pure tone audiometry, electrocochleogram, video electronystagmogram, caloric test, cervical vestibuloevoked myogenic potential（cVEMP）, ocular vestibuloevoked myogenic potential（oVEMP）, video head impulse test（vHIT） was collected.A total of 63 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects in the physical examination center were randomly selected as the control group. The differences of blood indexs and lipid metabolism indexes between the two groups were compared. Results:In patients with vestibular neuritis, 50 out of 63 patients presented normal threshold in pure tone audiometry, 8 out of 63 patients had bilateral high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss and 5 out of 63 patients had unilateral mild high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, 56 out of 63 cases completed the electrocochleogram, of which 3 cases had a binaural-SP/AP amplitude ratio≥0.4, 5 cases had monaural amplitude ratio ≥0.4. Fifty-five out of 63 patients completed the caloric test with CP values greater than 30% in all. The ratio of patients completed cVEMP, oVEMP and vHIT were 46 cases, 22 cases and 30 cases, respectively. 17 out of 63 cases completed all the four vestibular function tests. According to these tests, 49 patients could determine the extent of injury，including 27 cases with unilateral superior vestibular nerve injury, 21 cases with unilateral superior and inferior vestibular nerve injury and 1 case with unilateral inferior vestibular nerve injury. There were significant differences in neutrophil value（P<0.001）, lymphocyte value（P<0.005）, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio（P<0.001） and apolipoprotein A1（P<0.001） between patient group and control group. Inflammatory markers were risk factors for patients with vestibular neuritis. The OR values of neutrophil value and blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were 1.81（1.38-2.37, P<0.001） and 2.11（1.41-3.16, P<0.001）, respectively. Apolipoprotein A1 was a protective factor for patients with vestibular neuritis, and the OR value was 0.004（0.001-0.042, P<0.001）. Conclusion:Electrocochleogram could be used in vestibular neuritis patients with normal pure tone threshold to test whether there is hidden hearing loss in these patients. Neutrophil value, lymphocyte value, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and apolipoprotein A1 were correlated with vestibular neuritis. The Neutrophil value and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were risk factors for morbidity.

Packed Cell Volume and Plasma Chemistry Reference Intervals for Eurasian Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo) in a Rehabilitation Setting in South Korea before Release.

Rehabilitation and release of wild birds hinge upon a comprehensive understanding of both biologic and nonbiologic factors, including the medical and physical fitness of the animal. The objectives of this study were to determine reference intervals of packed cell volume and plasma chemistry values for healthy Eurasian Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo) and to compare blood values between age and sex classes. There were significant differences between males and females in total protein and globulin mean values, with males having higher values than females. Adult and juvenile Eagle Owls differed significantly in the mean values of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and uric acid, with juveniles having higher values than adults. The calculated reference intervals for Eagle Owls can be used in Eurasian Eagle Owls admitted to rescue centers to assist veterinarians and wildlife managers to clinically evaluate and monitor the health of Eagle Owls and make decisions about when to release them after treatment.

Considerations in assessing blood glucose in mice: coping with interferences of intraperitoneal injection, noise, fasting, housing and blood sampling

Abstract Background Blood glucose levels can fluctuate for many reasons. This study is to discuss conditions in assessing blood glucose in C57BL/6J mice, providing references to help increase the success of blood glucose testing in mouse experiments. Methods Animals were fed common chow or high-fat diet, without fasting or with a fasting duration of 6 h in the daytime or overnight before the test. During the test, animals were awake or under good anesthesia induced by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of sodium pentobarbital, interfered by a record of construction noise or not, in grouped cages or individual cages. Blood glucose measurements by glucose meters and insulin tolerance tests (ITT) were performed. Results Both IP injection and noise independently raised blood glucose levels in conscious mice, while neither of these two interferences affected blood glucose levels in mice under good anesthesia. In an ITT, a fasting of 6 h in the daytime worked well, while an overnight fasting was at higher risk of hypoglycemia. During conscious ITT, animals housed in isolated cages were more likely to have smoothly decreased levels of blood glucose with a lower minimal value as compared to those in social cages. Blood glucose tested during different stages of blood sampling varied greatly, where values of blood collected by inferior vena cava puncture were significantly higher than those of tail-tip blood, and values of serum samples after immediate centrifugation of blood were the highest, followed by those of serum samples underwent a common clotting process of 2 h. Conclusions Interferences of IP injection and noise can be reduced by anesthesia. 6-h fasting in the daytime is suitable for mouse ITT. Single housing works better than group housing during serial measurements of blood glucose in conscious mice. Tail-tip blood rather than serum or blood from sampling processes with big surgery invasion is recommended for blood glucose testing.

Pathway mapping of exhaled volatile organic compounds associated with blood and ruminal fluid metabolites to describe the nutritional and metabolic status of lactating dairy cows.

Exhaled breath offers an interesting matrix of low invasive sampling of potentially relevant information about the organism's metabolism in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOC). The VOC can be exhaled by the ructus (Islam et al., 2023) or passed the blood-lung barrier for expiration through the lungs. In this work, we consider exhaled breath as a mixture of VOC derived from the lungs and from the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, the informative value of exhaled breath in ruminants remains largely unstudied. The aim of this study was to identify exhaled VOC that could be used to assess the nutritional and metabolic status of dairy cows. To do so, we performed untargeted analysis of exhaled VOC from dairy cows, investigated their correlations with commonly analyzed blood and ruminal fluid metabolites and the calculated energy balance (EB), and explored the underlying pathways of correlated exhaled VOC. This was done as part of a feeding experiment in which 32 lactating Holstein dairy cows were assigned to 2 basal diets for 12 weeks. Half of the cows were fed a hay-based diet, and the other half were fed a silage-based diet. During experimental wk 1-8, half of the cows in each basal diet group were supplemented with a control concentrate, and the other half received an experimental concentrate containing essential oils. During experimental wk 9-12, all cows received the control concentrate. Exhaled breath, blood, and ruminal fluid samples were collected every 4 experimental weeks (W4, 8, and 12) on 3 consecutive sampling days. Exhaled breath was analyzed for VOC, ruminal fluid for VFA and ammonia, and serum samples for albumin, total protein, urea, glucose, cholesterol, BHB, and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. Pearson correlations were calculated to assess the associations between exhaled VOC and concentrations of blood and ruminal fluid metabolites and the calculated EB. Fifteen correlations were found between exhaled VOC (tetradecanal and γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), 3-penten-2-one, 4-hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one, 2-ethylhexanal, 2-ethylhexan-1-ol, p-cymene) and ruminal fluid (acetate, butyrate, valerate, and ammonia) and blood metabolite concentrations (BHB, NEFA, glucose, urea, and cholesterol) across the cow groups. The underlying pathways of 3-penten-2-one, GHB, and tetradecanal were mainly related to fat and protein catabolism and therefore to the actual animal metabolism. The correlations with the other 4 exhaled VOC, 4-hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one, p-cymene, 2-ethyl-hexan-1-ol, and 2-ethylhexanal, were diet- or time-related, specifically due to differences in feed ingredients. The results demonstrate the associations of single exhaled VOC with the nutritional and metabolic status of healthy dairy cows. Their potential as new biomarkers should be further investigated in cows in various nutritional and metabolic states.

Enhancing stroke risk stratification in atrial fibrillation through non-Newtonian blood modelling and Gaussian process emulation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia, linked to a five-fold increase in stroke risk. The left atrial appendage (LAA), prone to blood stasis, is a common thrombus formation site in AF patients. The LAA can be classified into four morphologies: broccoli, cactus, chicken wing and windsock. Stroke risk prediction in AF typically relies on demographic characteristics and comorbidities, often overlooking blood flow dynamics. We developed patient-specific non-Newtonian models of blood flow, dependent on fibrinogen and haematocrit, to predict changes in LAA viscosity, aiming to predict stroke in AF patients. We conducted 480 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using the non-Newtonian model across the four LAA morphologies for four virtual patient cohorts: AF + Covid-19, AF + pathological fibrinogen, AF + normal fibrinogen, and healthy controls. Gaussian process emulators (GPEs) were trained on this in silico cohort to predict average LAA viscosity at near-zero computational cost. GPEs demonstrated high accuracy in AF cohorts but lower accuracy when the chicken wing GPE was applied to other morphologies. Global sensitivity analysis showed fibrinogen significantly influenced blood viscosity in all AF cohorts. The chicken wing morphology exhibited the highest viscosity, while the AF + Covid-19 cohort had the highest viscosity. Our non-Newtonian model in CFD simulations confirmed fibrinogen's substantial impact on blood viscosity at low shear rates in the LAA, suggesting that combining blood values and geometric parameters of the LAA into GPE training could enhance stroke risk stratification accuracy. KEY POINTS: Fibrinogen has a significant effect on blood viscosity in the left atrial appendage (LAA) at low shear rates. Gaussian process emulators (GPEs) can predict the viscosity of blood in the LAA at near-zero computational cost. Out of all LAA morphologies, the chicken wing morphology exhibited the highest average blood viscosity. High average blood viscosity in the LAA of atrial fibrilation + Covid-19 patients was observed due to high fibrinogen levels in this cohort. Combining blood values and geometric parameters of the LAA into GPE training could enhance stroke risk stratification accuracy.

RENAL FUNCTION PARAMETERS OF HEALTHY CAPTIVE AND SEMICAPTIVE AMAZONIAN MANATEES (TRICHECHUS INUNGUIS).

Evaluating renal function is essential for managing captive wild animals, particularly threatened species like the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) in rehabilitation and prerelease programs. A series of urine diagnostic tests, such as gross appearance, semiquantitative chemical analyses, microscopic review of sediments, and quantitative analyses of urea and creatinine, were performed in 57 free-catch urine samples. On the same occasion, 52 serum samples from the same individuals were analyzed for creatine kinase activity, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations; serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) was measured for the first time in the species. Females had higher urine creatinine concentration (21.7 ± 11.8 mg/dl) and specific gravity (1.003 ± 0.003 mg/dl) than males (11.9 ± 8.5 mg/dl and 1.001 ± 0.002 mg/dl) (P < 0.01 for both). Males presented higher urine creatinine:urea ratio than females (24.8 ± 29.2 and 20.5 ± 29.2, respectively) (P < 0.05). Urine pH was lower in manatees from the semicaptive area (7.8 ± 0.6) than in manatees under human care (8.5 ± 0.6) (P = 0.02) using the benchtop pH meter but showed no difference between areas in the dipstick reaction (P = 0.71), given its lower sensitivity and narrower range detection. Furthermore, 18 and 75% of urine samples were positive for the presence of blood and/or nitrite, respectively, in the dipstick reaction, possibly because of sample contamination. Significant correlation was observed between serum blood urea nitrogen and urine urea concentrations (P = 0.02), and between serum and urine creatinine concentrations (P = 0.01). Serum SDMA did not differ between sex or between captive and semicaptive individuals. However, it positively correlated with urine (P = 0.02) and serum creatinine (P = 0.01) demonstrating its potential as a bioindicator of kidney function. The renal function of Amazonian manatees can be effectively assessed by urinalysis, especially when combined with serum biochemistry.

Determination of ethanol and acetic acid content in local brands of apple vinegar: gas chromatography test for halal requirements

Apple vinegar is commonly made from fermented apple juice, which involves two consecutive stages of fermentation: alcoholic and acetic acid fermentation. Both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Acetobacter acetii are involved in fermentation. Apple vinegar has various benefits, such as stabilizing blood pressure, treating rheumatism, and detoxifying toxins. Excessive consumption of this product may cause damage to the esophagus, low blood potassium levels or hypokalemia, diarrhoea, and ulcers due to the high acetic acid content. Moreover, the ethanol content also needs to be determined. It should be lower than 0,5% to fulfil the halal requirements for certification. The local brands of apple vinegar in Indonesia are generally produced by small-medium enterprises (SMEs), especially in Malang, Indonesia. Commercial brands of various apple vinegar, XCJO, YSW, THT, NTF, and BST, were sampled for their ethanol and acetic acid content in one method of analysis: gas chromatography, utilizing the high volatility properties of ethanol and acetic acid. The samples contain 17.73%, 11.45%, 6.43%, 2.67%, and 1.49% v/v of acetic acid, respectively, for XCJO, YSW, THT, NTF, and BST. At the same time, the ethanolic content is 0.11 and 0.02% v/v for XCJO and YSW, respectively, which are lower than the label value informed. Meanwhile, the rest of the brands' content is 4.00%, 2.39%, and 3.21% ethanol for THT, NTF, and BST, respectively. In addition, the acetic acid content of XCJO is high. A consumer should be aware of dilution before consuming the XCJO apple vinegar. It is unnecessary in the case of YSW, THT, NTF, and BST. Keywords: Analysis, Fermentation, Halal, Small-medium enterprises

HEMATOLOGY AND BIOCHEMICAL REFERENCE INTERVALS AND SEROPREVALENCE OF HEMORRHAGIC DISEASES FOR FREE-RANGING MULE DEER (ODOCOILEUS HEMIONUS) IN WEST TEXAS.

Wildlife species are routinely captured for translocation, general health monitoring, and research-based pursuits to guide wildlife management. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were captured for various research projects and management actions in the Trans-Pecos and Panhandle regions of Texas from 2015 to 2019. The objective of this study was to develop hematologic and biochemical parameters for free-ranging mule deer in Texas and to develop a health monitoring system for current and future mule deer population management. Blood samples were collected from 364 mule deer (male = 81; female = 283) and complete blood counts and serum biochemical profiles were performed by Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. A subset of 263 individuals, deemed healthy based on several inclusion criteria, were used to establish normal reference intervals for the species. The deer were also tested for serologic evidence of previous exposure to bluetongue virus (BTV) and/or epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) to further characterize the health status of the population. Several variables associated with deer capture and/or health status, including the use of anesthetic drugs, elevated body temperature, capture location, and sex, affected mean blood values; however, the development of separate reference intervals by class was not warranted because of the lack of any clinically relevant change. Antibodies to BTV and EHDV were identified in 76% (277/364) and 78% (285/364) of the population, respectively, and 71% (258/364) had antibodies to both diseases. This study provides hematologic and biochemical reference intervals based on a subpopulation of apparently healthy free-ranging mule deer that should guide wildlife managers in decision-making for future conservation and restoration objectives.

Real-time Monitoring of Peripheral Blood After Electrochemical Therapy by Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy: A Clinical Trial Study

Background: Electrochemical therapy (EChT) is a well-known tumor destruction method, but entering byproducts into the peripheral blood can be a concern. In recent decades, the electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique has been noticed to help significantly analyze biological materials in real time. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of the EIS technique for the first time in real-time monitoring of peripheral blood after EChT. Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 19 women with breast cancer who were routinely treated with EChT between 2022 and 2023 at Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Accurate real-time monitoring of dielectric properties of peripheral blood, including Hematologic Factors, blood ions, apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and the balance of peripheral blood properties before and after EChT was measured using EIS in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 500 kHz. Results: peripheral blood impedimetric parameters before and after EChT, based on EIS findings, were similar at all measured frequencies. EIS analysis did not show a significant difference in the mean level of potassium, sodium and calcium ions in the peripheral blood before and after EChT. Also, there was no significant difference in the level of red blood cells (RBC), platelets, and hemoglobin (HGB) before and after EChT. Although the level of white blood cells (WBC) after EChT decreased by about 15%, this difference was not statistically significant. In addition, peripheral blood smear showed no changes in the appearance of peripheral blood cells, and peripheral blood properties were maintained in balance after EChT. Conclusions: EIS can be used as a real-time method to monitor the patient's peripheral blood status without disturbing hematological factors and peripheral blood balance during EChT in breast cancer patients.