Mean Hematocrit Research Articles

Impact of Guided Nutrition Intervention on the Anthropometric and Biochemical Profile of Non-Communicable Disease Patients in Nigeria; A Multi Facility Based Study

ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess the impact on guided nutrition intervention on the anthropometry and biochemical profile control of patients with non-communicable diseases in Nigeria. MethodsNinety-two in-patients suffering from non-communicable diseases with metabolic complications were recruited from six Nigerian tertiary health care institutions using a quasi-experimental design and purposive sampling technique. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained. The respondents were subjected to six months of guided/individualised nutrition interventions which comprised; nutrition counselling, formulation/administration of disease appropriate therapeutic diets and close monitoring/follow up. Descriptive statistics were computed for the continuous variables, paired t-test was used to evaluate the impact of the intervention. ResultsResults showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in respondents’ weight (78.07 to 76.05 kg) and Body Mass Index (28.68–27.82 kg/m2) status. Mean systolic (135.41 to 129.52 mmHg) and diastolic (84.17 to 78.05 mmHg) blood pressure values dropped significantly after the intervention. Fasting blood sugar of the subjects significantly (t = 4.84; p = 0.00) declined (136.19 to 120.82 mg/dl), while a significant (t = –2.48; p = 0.02) elevation in mean packed cell volume of the patients was recorded. There was no significant (p < 0.05) effect of the intervention on the serum electrolytes except chloride (101.66 to 95.24 mmol/l) which recorded a significant (t = 2.16; p = 0.42) reduction. ConclusionsAppropriate nutrition/dietary interventions significantly improved the health and nutritional status of the patients. Longitudinal studies and clinical trials that will validate the impact of nutrition interventions on the health outcomes of NCD patients in sub-Saharan Africa should be conducted. Funding SourcesNone

Gender based deficiency of vitamin B12 in patients on metformin for diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To determine deficiency of vitamin B12 among patients on metformin due to type II diabetes mellitus. Study Design: Cross Sectional Observational study. Setting: Department of General Medicine, Naz Memorial Hospital, Lahore. Period: April 2020 to March 2021. Material &amp; Methods: After ethical approval and informed consent patients of type II diabetes on single oral hypoglycemic drug metformin for at least six months, in-between 25-60 years of age, on 850 mg metformin twice a day were included. Patients with history of metformin use in addition to another oral hypoglycemic drug were excluded. SPSS was used for data analysis. Quantitative data was expressed as mean and standard deviation and qualitative variables as frequency and percentages. Chi-square test was applied keeping p-value &lt;0.05 as statistically significant. Results: From 240 patients with mean age of patients was 44.62 ± 5.5 years with a mean BMI of 30.91 ± 2.74 kg/m2. Mean hemoglobin was 11.5 ± 1.3 g/dl and mean hematocrit of 34.77 ± 5.58%, mean glycosylated hemoglobin 7.34 ± 0.73%, mean duration of diabetes mellitus 2.60 ± 0.7 years, mean use of metformin 1.99 ± 0.7 years. Mean level of vitamin B12 was 240 ± 76.6 pg/ml. Normal vitamin B12 level, &gt;300 pg/ml was observed in 41 (17.1%), borderline level in 97 (40.4%) while deficiency in 102 (42.5%) of patients. Conclusion: Majority of patients were found to have either borderline or deficiency of vitamin B 12. Furthermore, amongst the patients having vitamin B 12 deficiency, a significant difference in-between the deficiency of vitamin B 12 was found among females when compared to males.

Effect of Placental Cord Blood Drainage on Duration of Third Stage of Labour

Objective: Current study was conducted to explore placental drainage effect on the 3rd stage of labour. Methodology: This randomized controlled clinical trial was directed at normal labour unit at Sahiwal Medical College using non-probability consecutive sampling technique to enroll 112 patients undergoing normal vaginal delivery. Results: This study was conducted from 15th March 2021 till 14th September 2021 after approval of hospital ethical committee. In our study total 112 patients were enrolled and divided in two groups. Mean age of 30.98±4.727 years in PCD group and 32.18±3.298 years in control group. Mean gestational age was 39.187±0.8123 in PCD group and 39.148±0.8123 in control group. Mean pre-delivery hemoglobin levels and hematocrit was also comparable in both groups with p-value more than 0.05. Duration of third stage of labor was significantly shorter in PCD group i.e. 8.53±2.7 minutes as compared to control group i.e. 10.7±5.3 minute, p-value was significant 0.001. There was less blood loss in PCD group, p-value 0.039. post-delivery hematocrit was low in control group, p-value 0.021. There was no relation of age, gender and parity on duration of third stage of labour. Conclusion: Placental Cord Blood Drainage is secure, and effective noninvasive intervention that may help in improving 3rd stage progress. Keywords: Placenta Cord Drainage, Third Stage of Labour, Postpartum Hemorrhage.

Internal quality control of blood &amp; blood components - Two years study at a standalone blood centre, Ahmedabad

Internal Quality Control (IQC) describes steps taken by the blood centre to ensure that tests are performed correctly and as per the guidelines. Primary goal of Quality Control is transfusion of safe quality of blood components to give optimal benefit to patients. The aim of study was to ensure supply of safe and efficient blood component to patients.Quality control of blood components prepared between December 2019 to November 2021 were included in our study. Monthly Quality control (QC) of the blood components were done as per the national guideline, 1% of total components prepared or minimum 4 units. Packed red cell units were evaluated for haematocrit, random donor platelet concentrates for yield and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryoprecipitate were evaluated for volume, factor VIII and fibrinogen concentrations.A total of 1302 units were tested for IQC. The mean hematocrit of RBC was 58.8%. In PLT, mean yield was 6.9 × 10/cu mm. Mean factor VIII and fibrinogen levels were found to be 377 IU/bag and 851.60 mg/bag in FFP respectively. Mean factor VIII and fibrinogen levels were found to be 311.81 IU/bag and 1694.4 mg/bag in cryoprecipitate respectively.In the present era, Quality Control is very important step in maintaining quality of blood components and the quality objectives of the blood centre, so that we ensure most efficient blood transfusion to patient. The IQC of blood components at our blood centre is in overall compliance and met recommended national standards. Implementation of standard operating procedures, accomplishment of standard guidelines, proper documentation with regular audit and staff competencies can improve the quality performance of the transfusion services.

Взаимосвязи гормонального статуса и показателей красной крови с кардиореспираторной выносливостью у спортсменов и нетренированных юношей

The aim of this paper was to study red blood cell parameters and levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and cortisol, as well as their correlations in young male athletes and non-athletes, depending on their cardiorespiratory endurance. Materials and methods. The study involved 18 athletes (weightlifting, kickboxing) with the ranks ranging from First-Class Sportsman to Candidate for Master of Sport and 38 non-athletes. Hormone concentrations in the blood (cortisol, TSH, FT4) and blood parameters (haemoglobin, red blood cell count (RBC), their mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and haematocrit (НСТ)) were determined. The subjects’ physical endurance was assessed by calculating the cardiorespiratory index (heart rate divided by the respiratory rate). Results. In young men not involved in sports, no statistically significant differences between red blood cell parameters and hormonal status depending on the cardiorespiratory index were observed. At the same time, athletes with low exercise tolerance had statistically significantly lower MCV, MCHC, FT4, and TSH as well as elevated cortisol levels compared to endurance athletes. In young male non-athletes, we established an inverse correlation of TSH with RBC (r = –0.27) and HCT (r = –0.31) as well as of FT4 with RBC (r = –0.35), HCT (r = –0.28) and cardiorespiratory index at rest (r = 0.29). In athletes, cortisol correlated with exercise tolerance (r = 0.74), while FT4 correlated with cardiorespiratory index after exercise (r = 0.69). Thus, a decrease in thyroxine and an increase in cortisol blood levels in athletes correlate with lower cardiorespiratory endurance and exercise tolerance, while in non-athletes, with the activation of the erythropoietic function.

Response of Rambouillet Lambs to an Artificial Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection.

Simple SummaryMeat, milk, and fiber produced from sheep are vitally important resources to society around the world. One of the major challenges to sheep health and performance are parasites, specifically gastrointestinal nematodes. This study was designed to identify the variable responses of a popular breed in the United States, Rambouillet, when inoculated with the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus. Identification of Rambouillet sheep that have greater natural resistance to H. contortus is the first step in breeding sheep that can withstand this parasite. Genetic selection for this trait is critical because H. contortus is an extremely prolific parasite that can build up anthelmintic resistance, which leads to reduced efficacy of dewormers. Our results indicate that fecal egg counts, the primary tool for estimating worm population inside the sheep, can have wide variation amongst Rambouillet lambs that were artificially challenged with a known amount of H. contortus. We also provide evidence that this difference in fecal egg count is reflective of their sire’s estimated breeding value for this trait. While we describe the response of Rambouillet lambs to H. contortus, more research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanism behind resistance and susceptibility of Rambouillet sheep to gastrointestinal nematodes.Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) threaten the productivity and health of sheep worldwide, prompting the need for genetic selection to reduce GIN susceptibility. Fecal egg count (FEC), packed-cell volume (PCV), and various production traits were examined in parasitized Rambouillet sheep and compared to sire FEC estimated breeding value (EBV). Rambouillet lambs (n = 77) were inoculated with 10,000 H. contortus L3 larvae. Subsequently, FEC, PCV, and body weight (BW) were captured at seven-day intervals for six weeks. Lambs were sired by one of two rams with post-weaning FEC EBV of −9% or +9%. Mean FEC differed (p = 0.0132) with lambs from the lower EBV sire (“Sire L”) being reduced, versus those from the higher EBV sire (“Sire H”), being 2135 ± 211 vs. 2912 ± 207 eggs per gram, respectively. Males and females did not differ for FEC, but females exhibited a higher mean PCV than males, (33.74 vs. 29.65%, p < 0.0001). Lambs were shorn ~120 d post artificial infection and wool measurements were captured. A negative correlation between FEC and grease fleece weight was observed. Our results describe the response of Rambouillet lambs to artificial H. contortus infection and suggest FEC EBV can reduce susceptibility to GIN in this breed.

Control of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes on pasture in the tropical semiarid region of Brazil, using Bioverm® (Duddingtonia flagrans).

We aimed to evaluate a Brazilian commercial formulation of the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans (Bioverm®) for controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep kept on native pasture in the Caatinga biome, in the semiarid region of Brazil. Twenty ewes, aged between 12 and 18months, were divided into two groups. In the treated group, each animal received 1g of the Bioverm® product for each 10kg of live weight, daily, together with commercial feed, for 6months. In the control group, the animals received feed without Bioverm®. Each group remained throughout the experiment in a 1.2-ha paddock. Monthly counts of eggs per gram (EPG) of feces, fecal cultures, packed cell volume (PCV), weight measurements, and collection of leaf mass from the pasture were performed. There was greater reduction in EPG, greater weight gain, and less infestation by infective larvae in the paddock of the Bioverm® group, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) in the mean PCV percentage between the Bioverm® and control groups. In coprocultures, Haemonchus sp. was the most prevalent helminth. Bioverm® (D. flagrans) was efficient for biological control of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes in the semiarid region of Brazil.

Genetic Knock-out of TNFR1 and TNFR2 in a JAK2-V617F Polycythemia Vera Mouse Model.

Genetic Knock-out of TNFR1 and TNFR2 in a JAK2-V617F Polycythemia Vera Mouse Model.

Farmer-led protected zero-grazed dairy cattle initiative in tsetse-infested areas of Southeast Uganda

A farmer-led protected zero-grazed dairy cattle initiative, involving pyrethroid treated netting around zero-grazing cowsheds, was implemented over a four-year period in tsetse-infested areas of Southeast Uganda. The pyrethroid treated netting was intended to prevent dairy cattle against tsetse bites and consequently transmission of trypanosomosis, while boosting milk production as an economic venture. A longitudinal study was conducted in six districts, including Budaka, Busia, Iganga, Manafwa, Mayuge and Tororo, during which a total of 184 protected zero-grazing units holding 289 dairy cattle were visited five times. The prevalence of trypanosomosis, mortality, mean packed cell volume (PCV), status of netting, spraying practices, and pasture and legume feed status, cowshed hygiene status, and milk yield were monitored. The findings revealed low prevalence of trypanosomosis among dairy cattle (1.0-5.5%), due to Trypanosoma brucei (0.0-0.4%), Trypanosoma congolense (0.0-0.7%) and Trypanosoma vivax (0.4-3.4%) infections. Only 25 adult cattle and 40 calves were reported dead. Dairy cattle had good health, given high mean PCV values (27.7 - 30.6). 99.2% and 100.0% of the zero-grazing units had lost netting by visit IV and V, respectively. By the second to the fourth year, prevention of dairy cattle from tsetse or tick bites hugely relied on spraying because all zero-grazing units had lost netting. Dual tsetse and tick control was practised by 66.9% of the 184 zero-grazing units, while only 33.1% of the units applied tick-selective control. Correct spraying intervals were observed by 57.8% of the zero-grazing units. Most zero-grazing units (range 67.9-97.5%) had sufficient pasture, while few units (range 17.9-34.8%) had sufficient legumes. Poorest cowshed hygiene was observed in zero-grazing units in Budaka district (93.1%), followed by Busia district (33.3%), Iganga district (31.1%), Mayuge district (12.1%), Tororo district (10.0%) and Manafwa district (6.3%).The best average milk yield per cow per day was registered in Iganga district (6.2 L-8.7 L), followed by Mayuge district (4.5 L- 8.2 L), Manafwa district (4.5 L-6.2 L), Busia district (4.0 L-6.3 L), Tororo district (3.3 L-6.7 L), and Budaka district (3.7 L-6.0 L). Overall average milk yield per cow per day of 5.0 L to 6.4 L across visits with a minimum of 0.5 L and maximum of 19.0 L per cow per day were achieved. In conclusion, pyrethroid treated netting around zero-grazing units supplemented with spraying of cattle effectively protected dairy cattle against trypanosomosis and maintained their good health. However, farmers’ observation indicated that as netting became older, it became more fragile. Larger nets of 1.5 m high had a longer duration of 6 to 8 months than smaller nets of 1.0 m high (shorter duration of 3 to 4 months). Replacement of netting for all zero-grazing units was desirable after the first year of installation, however, farmers could not afford the cost of 100,000 Uganda shillings (approx. USD 30) per zero-grazing unit.

Remifentanil pretreatment attenuates brain nerve injury in response to cardiopulmonary bypass by blocking AKT/NRF2 signal pathway

Objective This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of remifentanil on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)-induced cerebral nerve injury. Methods After pretreating with remifentanil, or dexmedetomidine (DEX), SD rats were subjected to the CPB for 2 h. The data of body temperature, blood gas and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and hematocrit (HCT) were recorded at different time points. The cerebral tissue water content of rats was determined and immunohistochemical (IHC) and H&E assays on the hippocampal CA1 region of rats was performed. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, soluble protein-100β (S100β) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were analyzed by ELISA, and those of the indexes for oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were detected by the commercial kits. Morris water maze was used to evaluate the learning and memory abilities. Western blot/qRT-PCR were used to detect the protein/mRNA expressions in hippocampus. Results CPB increased the levels/expressions of IL-6, IL-10, S100β, NSE, MDA, cleaved caspase-3, Bax and decreased those of Bcl-2, SOD, p-AKT, HO-1, in serum and parietal cortex tissue, with increased brain water content, lesions in the hippocampal CA1 area, swimming distance, brain nerve injury and decreased escape latency, retention time on platform and times of crossing the platform of rats. The preconditioning of remifentanil or DEX partially attenuated CPB-induced injury and -decreased expressions on p-AKT and HO-1, while further promoting CPB-induced expression of nuclear Nrf2 expression and inhibiting that of cytoplasm Nrf2. Conclusion This paper demonstrates that remifentanil preconditioning could partially attenuate CPB-induced brain nerve injury of rats.

Nephrotoxicity evaluation and proteomic analysis in kidneys of rats exposed to thioacetamide

Thioacetamide (TAA) was administered orally at 0, 10, and 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) daily to Sprague–Dawley rats aged 6–7 weeks for 28 consecutive days. Nephrotoxicity and proteomics were evaluated in the kidneys of rats exposed to TAA. The BW decreased, however, the relative kidneys weight increased. No significant histopathologic abnormalities were found in the kidneys. The numbers of monocytes and platelets were significantly increased. However, the mean corpuscular volume and hematocrit values were decreased significantly in rats exposed to 30 mg/kg BW TAA. The expression levels of Kim-1 and NGAL were increased 4 to 5-fold in the kidneys, resulting in significant nephrotoxicity. Proteomic analysis was conducted and a total of 5221 proteins spots were resolved. Of these, 3 and 21 protein spots were up- and downregulated, respectively. The validation of seven proteins was performed by Western blot analysis. The expression level of ASAP2 was significantly upregulated, whereas RGS14, MAP7Dl, IL-3Rα, Tmod1, NQO2, and MUP were reduced. Sixteen isoforms of MUP were found by the 2DE immunoblot assay and were significantly downregulated with increasing exposure to TAA. MUP isoforms were compared in the liver, kidneys, and urine of untreated rats and a total of 43 isoforms were found.

Assessment of Fish Health: Seasonal Variations in Blood Parameters of the Widely Spread Mediterranean Scorpaenid Species, Scorpaena porcus

The measurement of haematological and biochemical parameters is essential for monitoring the health status of wild fish. More specifically, blood parameters provide crucial information on the physiological changes that occur in fish in response to various fluctuations in their environment. This study presents reference ranges and seasonal variations for 15 blood parameters of the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus, as a species of high value for ecosystem monitoring in the Mediterranean. The mean haematocrit (HCT) values differed significantly between seasons, with the highest value recorded in winter. In addition, six plasma parameters varied significantly during the year. Cholesterol (CHOL), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations were notably higher during the spring/summer period and at their lowest levels in autumn/winter. On the contrary, levels of glucose (GLU) were highest during autumn and lowest during the spring season. The post hoc Tukey test revealed that there were significant differences in HCT values for winter vs. spring, in CHOL for spring vs. all other seasons, in NEFA for summer vs. autumn and summer vs. spring, in GLU for spring vs. summer, in AST for autumn vs. spring, in ALP for winter vs. all other seasons and in SOD for summer vs. all other seasons (p &lt; 0.05 in all cases). A total of nine blood parameters showed a significant relationship with fish size throughout different seasons. Our results suggest that monitoring blood parameters may serve as a useful biomarker, and we provide a reliable basis for the future monitoring of the health status of the investigated S. porcus. Considering significant seasonal variations, the use of season-specific reference ranges is recommended for this scorpaenid species.

Totally tubeless single access tract mini-percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in treatment of large burden\u2009>\u20092-cm and/or complex renal stones: a case series of 62 patients

BackgroundLimited literature has focused on the use of totally tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of large renal stones. We present our findings of treating patients with large and/or complex renal stones using single renal access totally tubeless mini-PCNL.MethodsFrom March 2018 to May 2021, 62 consecutive cases in which single tract totally tubeless mini-PCNL was used to treat complex renal stones were enrolled, all with calculi > 2 cm. All procedure of puncture and dilation were guided by fluoroscope. The complexity of stones was assessed according to the Guy’s Scoring System (GSS). The surgical duration, length of hospital stay, analgesia requirement, stone-free rate, and perioperative morbidity were assessed.ResultsThe mean preoperative stone burden was 36.69 ± 19.76 mm (above 2 cm in all cases), mean surgical duration was 61.93 ± 40.84 min (range 15–180 min), and mean hematocrit reduction was 4.67 ± 2.83%. Postoperative Nalbuphine was used in 6 patients. The mean length of stay was 2.46 ± 1.19 days (range 2–8 days), and the postoperative stone-free rate was 83.9% (52/62), and 87.1% (54/62) after auxiliary ESWL. The overall complication rate was 14.5%, the majority of complications being postoperative transient fever.ConclusionFor the treatment of large bursen > 2 cm and/or complex renal stones, totally tubeless single tract mini-PCNL ensures a feasible SFR, low morbidity and short hospital stay. According to the low complication rate in our study, the totally tubeless manner was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity, and patients benefited from decreased postoperative analgesics use.

The Effect of Route of Testosterone on Changes in Hematocrit: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

ABSTRACT Introduction Testosterone therapy (TT) is known to be associated with secondary erythrocytosis. Previous studies have shown that method of administration and formulation may result in variances in hematocrit (Hct) increases. Given the increasing demand for TT and newer formulations becoming available, an updated review and meta-analysis of relative increases in hematocrit is warranted. As head-to-head trials are rare, network meta-analysis of the contemporary studies is the only way to compare hematocrit changes by testosterone type, including topical gels and patches, injectables (both short-acting and long-acting) and oral tablets. Objective We aimed to characterize hematocrit changes by testosterone type, including gel, patch, oral testosterone undecanoate (TU), intramuscular (IM) TU, and IM testosterone enanthate/cypionate (TE/C) through a review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) on this topic. Methods We conducted a thorough search of listed publications in Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Twenty-nine placebo-controlled randomized trials (3,393 men) met inclusion criteria for analysis of mean hematocrit change after testosterone therapy. Randomized controlled trial data for the following formulations of testosterone were pooled via network meta-analysis: gel, patch, oral testosterone undecanoate, intramuscular testosterone undecanoate, and intramuscular testosterone enanthate/cypionate. Results All types of testosterone therapies result in statistically significant increases in mean hematocrit when compared with placebo. Meta-analysis revealed all formulations, including gel (3.0%, 95% CI 1.8-4.3%), oral testosterone undecanoate (4.3%, 0.7-8.0%), patch (1.4%, 0.2-2.6%), intramuscular testosterone enanthate/cypionate (4.0%, 2.9-5.1%), and intramuscular testosterone undecanoate (1.6%, 0.3-3.0%) result in statistically significant increases in mean hematocrit when compared with placebo. When comparing all formulations against one another, intramuscular testosterone cypionate/enanthate were associated with a significantly higher increase in mean hematocrit compared to patch, but no differences in hematocrit between other formulations were detected. Conclusions All types of testosterone are associated with increased hematocrit; however, the clinical concern of this increase remains questionable, warranting future studies. This is the first network meta-analysis to quantify mean hematocrit change and compare formulations, given the absence of head-to-head trials. Disclosure No

Clinico-Demographic characteristics, morbidity and mortality patterns of sickle cell disease in a tertiary institution

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hereditary hematological disorder in Nigeria with an annual incidence of more than 100,000 new births which contributes to the high Nigerian under-five childhood morbidity and mortality. Sufferers of the disease are frequently admitted into emergency rooms for presentations and complications such as pain crisis, anemia, stroke, and acute chest syndrome, in addition to other childhood infections such as severe malaria, sepsis, and acute respiratory tract infections. The aim of the study was to describe the clinicodemographic features and morbidity and mortality patterns of children with SCD in a tertiary institution. Methods: The study was a retrospective review of case records of children with SCD admitted with various diagnoses. Results: Complete records of 460 patients were reviewed and this constituted 10.1% of all new admissions during the period. There were more males, 286 (62%), than females, 174 (38%). The mean age was 6.3 ± 5.1 years and 249 (54.1%) were under the age of 5 years. The most common admitting diagnosis was a pain crisis comprising 168 cases (36.5%). The mean packed cell volume was 20.6 ± 4.1 inclusive of hemoglobin SC phenotype, and 197 (42.8%) had simple top-up transfusion, while 28 (6.1%) had exchange transfusion. A total of 438 (95%) patients were discharged, 21 (4.6%) died, and the highest mortality was from severe anemia (47.6%). Conclusion: This study describes the high burden of SCD constituting 10.1% of admissions, as well as the pattern of morbidity and mortality largely from severe anemia in the area under study.

Efficacy and Toxicity Studies of Oxytetracycline-loaded Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles in Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Infected BALB/C Mice

Background: Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) is an important bacterial disease in goats, caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The disease is highly prevalent worldwide and causes significant economic losses to the cattle industry. Currently, the treatment of this disease with antibiotics remains largely unsuccessful due to the nature of the bacteria and the resultant resistance to the drugs. Methods: Thirty apparently healthy female BALB/c mice, aged 5-6 weeks old were used to assess the efficacy of oxytetracycline loaded in calcium carbonate nanoparticle (OTC-CS-CaCO3NP) and toxicity of calcium carbonate nanoparticle (CS-CaCO3NP). The mice were randomly divided into five groups of six each and were exposed to the following treatments: Group 1: received sterile distilled water; Group 2: received 0.2 ml C. pseudotuberculosis; Group 3: received 0.2 ml C. pseudotuberculosis and 10mg/kg OTC; Group 4: was given 0.2 ml C. pseudotuberculosis and 10mg/kg OTC-CS-CaCO3NP; and Group 5: was administered 20mg/kg CS-CaCO3NP. Results: The clinical signs of infection with C. pseudotuberculosis in the mice were significantly reduced after treatment with OTC-CS-CaCO3NP. The haematology results showed an insignificant reduction in the mean RBC count, Hb and haematocrit levels in Group 2 (infected controls) compared to the mice treated with oxytetracycline loaded nanoparticles. The biochemical analyses revealed no significant changes among the treatment groups. No histopathological lesions were found in the organs of the mice, treated with 20mg/kg CS-CaCO3NP, suggesting the absence of toxicity in vivo. Conclusion: The results from this study indicate the potentials of OTC-CS-CaCO3NP as becoming a nano-antibiotic formulation for the treatment of caseous lymphadenitis infection in mice.

Prevalence and Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Men with Polycythemia on Testosterone Therapy

ABSTRACT Introduction Polycythemia is independently associated with both testosterone therapy (TTH) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of OSA in men who experience polycythemia while on TTH. Methods Study population included men who had polycythemia [hematocrit (HCT) &amp;gt;50%] while on TTH for TD, with total and free T levels within the normal range. Men completed screening questionnaires for OSA and daytime sleepiness, respectively: STOP-BANG (SB, range 0-8) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS, range 0-24). Men whose scores demonstrated intermediate to high risk of OSA proceeded to a diagnostic sleep study which recorded the following parameters: apnea hypoxia index (AHI, normal &amp;lt;5 events/h), total duration SpO2 saturation &amp;lt;88% and SpO2 nadir. Descriptive statistics are presented. Results 73 men had a mean age of 60±11.5 years. Mean HCT pre-TTH and on TTH were 45±3% and 52±1.5%, respectively, for a mean increase of 6.6±3.6%. Mean on-treatment total T level 686±285 ng/dL. Median STOP-BANG score was 4 (IQR 3-5), median ESS score was 5 (IQR 3-9). 63% of patients screened positive for OSA on questionnaires. 81% of sleep studies confirmed OSA; mean AHI of the group was 15.4±13.2 events/hour (range 1.6-54.6 events/hour). 36% of men had AHI≥15 events/hour and 14% ≥30 AHI events/hour. Mean SpO2 nadir was 83±5% (range 69%-93%). 67% of men with OSA had an oxygen nadir in the 80s, 19% in the 70s and 3% in the 60s. Total duration of hypoxia (SpO2 ≤88%) was 32±50 minutes (range 0.1-202 minutes), 46% of men having hypoxia &amp;lt;10 minutes, 8% 10-20 minutes, 19% 70-150 minutes. Conclusions Men on TTH who are eugonadal that experience polycythemia have high rates of OSA. 80% of the patients undergoing sleep study had OSA. These data suggest that men with polycythemia on TTH should be screened for OSA. Disclosure No

Effects of tank color on the growth, survival rate, stress response, and skin color of juvenile hybrid catfish (Clarias macrocephalus × Clarias gariepinus)

This study focused on the effects of tank color on the growth, survival rate, stress response, and skin color of juvenile hybrid catfish (Clarias macrocephalus × Clarias gariepinus) reared in tanks of 5 different colors (white, red, green, blue, and black). Experiments were performed in triplicate with a duration of 8 weeks. Growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, survival rates, stress levels (as indicated by hematocrit, blood glucose, and plasma cortisol levels), and skin color parameters were evaluated in this study. Fish reared in red tanks exhibited a significantly higher mean final body weight (FBW) (27.50 ± 0.26 g), greater weight gain (WG) (18.57 ± 0.30 g), and a higher specific growth rate (SGR) (2.08 ± 0.03% per day) than those reared in tanks of other colors (P < 0.05). In addition, fish reared in red tanks had the lowest mean feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.23 ± 0.05), which was significantly different from those reared in green (1.86 ± 0.10), blue (1.88 ± 0.04), and black (1.88 ± 0.16) tanks (P < 0.05). Fish reared in red (95.55 ± 2.22%) and blue tanks (95.56 ± 4.44%) had higher survival rates (SR) than fish reared in white (93.33 ± 3.85%), green (84.44 ± 5.88%), and black (80.00 ± 3.85%) tanks. The survival rates of fish reared in red and blue tanks were significantly higher than those reared in black tanks (P < 0.05). The stress indicators revealed the highest levels of hematocrit for fish reared in green tanks (41.80 ± 2.26%), followed by those reared in black (37.86 ± 2.19%), blue (37.76 ± 4.24%), red (36.38 ± 2.39%), and white (31.06 ± 4.45%) tanks. Of these, the fish reared in green tanks had a significantly higher mean hematocrit level than those reared in white tanks (P < 0.05). The plasma cortisol levels of fish reared in red tanks (18.73 ± 4.48 nmol/L) were lower than those reared in tanks of other colors. The skin color of fish reared in white tanks was the lightest (grayish–brown and yellowish–white), followed by fish reared in red, green, blue, and black tanks, which had the darkest skin color (black). This study demonstrated that the lightness (L*) of the tank color had an effect on fish skin color (74%). The assessment of growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, survival rate, stress responses, and skin color indicated that red is the most appropriate tank color for rearing hybrid catfish.

Optical method to determine in vivo capillary hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and 3-D network geometry in skeletal muscle.

The aim of this study was to develop a tool to visualize and quantify hemodynamic information, such as hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit, within microvascular networks recorded in vivo using intravital video microscopy. Additionally, we aimed to facilitate the 3-D reconstruction of the microvascular networks. Digital images taken from an intravital video microscopy preparation of the extensor digitorum longus muscle in rats for 25 capillary segments were used. The developed algorithm was used to delineate capillaries of interest, calculate the optical density for each pixel in the image, and reconstruct the 3-D capillary geometry using the calculated light path-lengths. Subsequently, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit for these capillaries were calculated. We evaluated the hematocrit values determined by our methodology by comparing them to those obtained using a previously published method. The hematocrit values from the proposed optical method were strongly correlated with those calculated using published methods r2 (25)=.92, p<.001, and demonstrated excellent agreement with a mean difference of 1.3% and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 11%. The average MCHC, hemoglobin concentration, and light path-lengths were 23.83g/dl, 8.06g/dl, and 3.92µm, respectively. The proposed methodology can quantify hemodynamic measurements and produce functional images for visualization of the microcirculation in vivo.

Clinicopathological Parameters and Sialyltransferase Activity in Trypanosoma Congolense-Infected Sheep

Cleavage of erythrocyte surface sialic acid (SA) by the sialidase produced by trypanosomes is implicated in the pathogenesis of anaemia in African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT). Sialyltransferase (ST) mediates the attachment of SA to cell surface glycoproteins and glycolipids of desialylated erythrocytes. ST activities in Trypanosoma congolense-infected sheep and control groups were investigated and variations in their physio-biochemical properties were evaluated. Six (6) apparently healthy Nigerian Yankassa breed of sheep comprising of T. congolense-infected (n=3) and non-infected (n=3) groups were used for the experiment. Parasitaemia and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined daily over a 5-week period. Enzyme kinetics of partially purified ST from the thyroid gland were also evaluated. Anaemia (mean PCV= 18.83±0.71%) was observed in the T. congolense-infected sheep when compared with the non-infected control group (mean PCV 39.75±0.35%) and the observed differences were significant (p &lt; 0.05) after five weeks post infection. Variations were also observed in the physio-biochemical properties (pH, temperature, activation energy) of the ST isolated from the T. congolense-infected and control sheep. This finding is believed to have been an induced response by the host to parasite’s activity and could be exploited further as a possible target in the control of AAT.