Mean Serum Total Protein Research Articles

Proteinuria in predicting adverse outcomes in women with severe features of pre-eclampsia from a developing country: Aprospective cohort study.

To study the adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with severe pre-eclampsia (SPE) among different ranges of proteinuria. This prospective cohort study was conducted in Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, India. After obtaining informed written consent, the 202 singleton women fulfilling the criteria of severe features of pre-eclampsia were stratified based on the value of urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPCR) as mild, moderate, severe, and massive proteinuria during pregnancy. Clinical outcomes were assessed and patients were followed up until 12 weeks postpartum to identify persistent proteinuria and hypertension. Of the 202 women with SPE, adverse maternal outcomes were seen in 34.65% (n = 70) and adverse perinatal outcomes in 75.74% (n = 153). The demographic and clinical factors were similar among women with increasing severity of proteinuria, except for mean systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine and total serum protein. UPCR was found to have a significant correlation with composite adverse perinatal outcome (P < 0.001) and individual outcomes of neonatal intensive care unit admission for >48 h (P = 0.01) and neonatal sepsis (P = 0.02) but not adverse maternal outcomes (P = 0.201). The optimum UPCR cutoff for adverse perinatal outcomes was 1.6 (sensitivity, 73.2%; specificity, 52.7%). In addition, 14.85% of the women had a persistently elevated UPCR and 3.96% had hypertension at 3 months postpartum. In women with SPE, severe and massive proteinuria were related to composite adverse perinatal outcome but not composite adverse maternal outcome. Moreover, antenatal 24-h proteinuria was significantly associated with persistent proteinuria. Significant proteinuria in women with SPE poses a risk for chronic renal dysfunction, requiring follow-up.

ASSOCIATION OF MATERNAL SERUM TOTAL PROTEIN AND ALBUMIN LEVEL WITH BIRTH WEIGHT OF NEWBORN

Background: Low birth weight is a leading cause of Neonatal Mortality. Lack of Nutrients and less intake of Nutrients and minerals during pregnancy is associated with Low birth weight of newborn. To Evaluate the Ass Objective: ociation of Maternal serum Total protein and Albumin levels with birth weight of newborn. A Total of 75 Healthy Mothers of Newborns wi Methods: th Low Birth weight (Birth weight &lt;2.5 Kgs.) were selected as cases and 75 Healthy Mothers of Newborns with Normal Birth weight (Birth weight&gt;2.5 Kgs.) were selected as controls. Serum Total proteins and Serum Albumins were measured in all study subjects. Serum Total proteins were done by Biuret Method and Albumins by BCG Dye Method. Birth weight of Newborns were taken by Beam Balance Scale method at the time of Birth. The study found that the mean levels of Results: Serum Total protein and Serum Albumin in cases (Mothers having LBW newborns) were signicantly lower than the Controls (Mothers having NBW newborns). Mean Serum Total protein and Serum Albumin in cases were 4.98±0.57 gm/dL and 2.65±0.29 gm/dL respectively, while in controls 6.90±0.61gm/dL and 4.06±0.63 gm/dL respectively. Birth weight of newborns showed a posit Conclusion: ive, Signicant and strong Correlation with Maternal Serum Total Protein ('r' = 0.985, p&lt;0.0001) and Maternal Serum Albumin ('r' = 0.961, p&lt;0.0001)

Analysis of influencing factors of serum total protein and serum calcium content in plasma donors.

The adverse effects of plasma donation on the body has lowered the odds of donation. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abnormal serum calcium and total serum protein related to plasma donation, identify the influencing factors, and come up with suggestions to make plasma donation safer. Donors from 10 plasmapheresis centers in five provinces of China participated in this study. Serum samples were collected before donation. Serum calcium was measured by arsenazo III colorimetry, and the biuret method was used for total serum protein assay. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to conduct serum calcium and total serum protein tests. The mean serum calcium was 2.3±0.15 mmol/L and total serum protein was 67.75±6.02 g/L. The proportions of plasma donors whose serum calcium and total serum protein were lower than normal were 20.55% (815/3,966) and 27.99% (1,111/3,969), respectively. There were significant differences in mean serum calcium and total serum protein of plasma donors with different plasma donation frequencies, gender, age, regions, and body mass index (BMI), (all p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that donation frequencies, age, BMI and regions were significantly associated with a higher risk of low serum calcium level, and donation frequencies, gender, age and regions were significant determinants factors of odds of abnormal total serum protein. Donation frequencies, gender, age, regions, and BMI showed different effects on serum calcium and total serum protein. More attention should be paid to the age, donation frequency and region of plasma donors to reduce the probability of low serum calcium and low total serum protein.

Nutritional impact on quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS: An observational study

Limited evidence exists about the relation between nutrition, and quality of life among PLHIV. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of under-nutrition, identify risk factors and assess correlations with PLHIV and their quality of life. The proper implementation of nutritional support and its integration with the highly active antiretroviral therapy package demands a clear picture of the magnitude and associated factors of malnutrition. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among PLHIV.Institutional based observational study conducted on PLHIV. Anthropometry indices and biochemical parameters such as serum total protein, serum albumin, serum globulin, albumin: globulin ratio and CD4 cell count were analyzed and expressed as Mean ± standard deviation and p value less than 0.05 was considered to be significant.: This study contained 208 PLHIV with almost equal proportion of both the gender. It was found that the males had better BMI than females. The mean serum total protein levels, mean albumin levels and CD4 cell count were lower than the normal range showing impaired nutritional status of PLHIV. It was also found that there was direct correlation between serum albumin levels and CD4 cell count.Nutritional status was found to be positively correlated with quality of life. The results prove that the existing care for PLHIV is impaired for their well-being. Nutritional support should form a fundamental part of treatment for PLHIV, including more efforts.

Augmenting Fertility in Anestrus and Subestrus Cows with Hormonal Interventions and Their Effect on Blood Biochemical Profile

A study was carried out on forty-four problem breeder cows to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of GnRH and PGF2α for estrus induction response, treatment to estrus induction interval and conception rate and its effect on biochemical profile. Thirteen true anestrus cows were treated with GnRH (Inj. Receptal, 2.5 ml, IM, once), twenty three subestrus cows were treated with PGF2α (PGF2α, Inj. Estrumate, 2 ml, IM, once) and eight animals kept as untreated anestrus control. The estrus induction response, treatment to estrus induction interval, overall conception rate and service per conception in GnRH treated, PGF2α treated and positive control cows were 84.62%, 28.27±6.46 days, 72.73%, 3.13; 91.30%, 3.52±0.46 days, 71.43%, 2.53 and 50%, 48.25±10.8 days, 50%, 3.5 respectively. The plasma P4 level was significantly lower in all three groups as compared to other two periodic values (d-0 &amp; d-20-22 post AI) which were due to luteal demise. The mean serum total protein was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in untreated anestrus (8.57±0.36 g/dl) as compared to GnRH (9.75±0.28 g/dl) and PGF2α (9.62±0.31 g/dl) treated cows. However, total cholesterol was numerically lowest in control cows than those of treated contemporaries but did not differ significantly (168.22±17.22; 208.46±14.71; 163.84±10.64 mg/dl; in GnRH, PGF2α and control group respectively, p&lt;0.05). In conclusion, anestrus and subestrus cows can be well managed with GnRH and PGF2α therapy. The normal hormonal and biochemical milieu is essential for normal functioning of reproductive system.

Amelioration of Chemical Induced Hepatic Injury by Vitex agnus castus ExtractAmelioration of Chemical Induced Hepatic Injury by Vitex agnus castus Extract

Objective: The liver is the major organ of detoxification of ingested materials such as food, beverages and drugs, thus it is prone to toxicity with attendant pathologies. We studied the ability of Vitex agnus castus plant extract to ameliorate the biochemical and structural alterations in Wistar rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury.&#x0D; Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were allotted into eight equal groups. Group1 was normal control (NC); Group 2 Liver injury without extract (LI). The remaining six groups were paired composite group of varying dosage of the plant extract (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg). Only one member of each pair had induced liver injury. Consequently, the groups were Low extract without liver injury (LE), Low extract with liver injury (LEL); Medium extract without liver injury(ME)&#x0D; Medium extract with liver injury (MEL) and High extract without liver injury (HE),High extract with liver injury (HEL).The biochemical parameters evaluated were the liver function test {Total protein plus globulin and albumen fractions; liver enzymes- alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase}. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the activities of antioxidants namely; Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx).Histology of the harvested liver specimens was used to assess the structural alterations.&#x0D; Results: The mean liver weight was highest in the HEL group and significantly different from that of its control (HE) and NC.The mean serum total protein of all the groups were significantly higher than that of the NC.The mean aspartate amino transferase levels of the LEL, ME and MEL groups were significantly lower than that of the control while that of the HEL was significantly higher than those of the LEL and MEL. The results of alanine amino transferase were similar to those of aspartate amino transferase. The alkaline phosphatase levels in all the experimental groups were significantly depressed when compared with the control. Amongst the experimental groups, the serum alkaline phosphatase level was significantly raised than those of the LEL, and MEL groups.&#x0D; The glutathione (GSH) activities of LE, HE and HEL were significantly lower. While the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity of the control was significantly lower to those of groups LEL, ME, MEL and HEL.Histopathology of the liver showed preservation of the liver architecture with normal hepatocytes in all the groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Vitex agnus castus was able to reduce the severity of carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in wistar rats.

Changes in serum biochemical parameters of experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected Nigerian indigenous dogs administered multispecies probiotic and diminazene aceturate.

Trypanosomosis is an infectious disease with great economic impact on livestock production. In this study, the effects of probiotic on serum biochemical changes of Nigerian indigenous dogs experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei were investigated. Twenty (20) healthy dogs of both sexes (6-10kg body weight) following screening, were randomly divided into 5 groups of 4 dogs each. Dogs in group I (uninfected and untreated); group II (uninfected + multi species (Pet dophillus®) probiotic); group III (infected + multi species probiotic); group IV (infected + diaminazene aceturate); and group V (infected + probiotic + diminazene aceturate). Dogs were fed probiotic for 21 days before infection, and up to the last day post-infection (PI). Dogs in infected groups were inoculated intraperitonially with 2.5 × 106 trypanosomes on day 21 and diminazene aceturate was administered on day 5 post-infection (PI). Prepatent period and parasitaemia were determined. Blood was collected in plain sample bottles and serum harvested for serum biochemical analyses. Prepatent periods of T. brucei brucei were 4.75 ± 0.25 days (group III), 4.00 ± 0.41 days (group IV) and 4.25 ± 0.49 days (groups V); and parasitaemia was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in groups IV and V compared to group III post-treatment. Mean serum total protein was significantly increased in group III from day 28 up to the end of the study. No significant (P > 0.05) differences existed in the mean serum albumin and creatinine levels in all groups of dogs. The mean serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased significantly (P < 0.05) in group III post infection up to the end of the study. In conclusion, the multispecies probiotic enhanced the efficacy of diaminazene aceturate in mitigating the serum biochemical changes due to experimental T. brucei brucei infection in dogs.

MO317DETERMINANTS OF LENGHT OF HOSPITAL STAY (LOS) IN NEPHROTIC SYNDROME PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Generalized edema, non responsive to oral diuretics, is one of the main causes of hospital admission for nephrotic syndrome patients. Although hospital length of stay (LOS) may vary widely, in 2017 the average LOS in acute-care hospitals was lower than 8 days in OECD countries. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors commonly associated with a longer LOS in patients admitted for edema due to nephrotic syndrome in the Nephrology Unit of ICS Maugeri, Pavia, Italy Method In this retrospective study we reviewed the medical records of all patients admitted for nephrotic syndrome between 2012-2020 in the Nephrology Unit of ICS Maugeri. Inclusion criteria were the following: age between 18-85 years of age; severe edema non responsive to oral, low dose diuretics; patients with heart failure, serum creatinine &amp;gt; 3.5 g/dl or on dialysis treatment were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the length of stay: ≤ 7 days or ≥ 8 days. Age, gender, serum protein concentration, creatinine, and hemoglobin; serum cholesterol and tryglicerides, urinary protein excretion rate; types of glomerular disease, weight loss were recorded. Student T tests and one-way Anova were performed to evaluate the differences between the means. Results 60 patients (42 male, 18 female) with a total number of hospital accesses of 93 were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 66.8 ± 13.07 years. Average LOS was 9.02 ± 7.4 days. Protein excretion rate was 6.7 ± 3.6 g/24 hours at the admission and was not statistically changed at discharge. Mean total serum protein and creatinine concentration at the admission were 4.7 ± 0.8 g/dl and 1.8 ± 1.1 mg/dl respectively. Patients with LOS &amp;lt; 7 days were younger (64 ± 11.9 vs 69 ± 13.6 years, p &amp;lt;0.05), had a lower serum creatinine (1.55 ± 0.92 vs 2.08 ± 1.2 mg/dl, p&amp;gt;0.001) and a significantly higher total serum protein concentration (5.02 ± 0.77 vs 4.65 ± 0.76 g/dl, p&amp;lt; 0.001) and haemoglobin (12.6 ± 1.8 vs 11.4 ± 1.8 g/dl, p&amp;lt; 0.05) compared to patients with longer LOS. Proteinuria was not significantly different between the two groups (6.27 ± 3.36 vs 7.1 ± 3.9 g/24 hours, p= NS). While serum cholesterol and tryglicerides were higher in the group of patients with longer LOS, weight loss was similar in the two groups at discharge. Although the difference was not significant, the group with longer hospitalization had a greater number of patients with a diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) Conclusion Our results demonstrate that age, total serum protein concentration, serum creatinine, higher lipids and probably the diagnosis of FSGS may affect the hospital length of stay of patients with nephrotic syndrome admitted for severe edema. A more aggressive diuretic treatment may be needed in elderly nephrotic syndrome patients with lower GFR and total serum protein concentration.

SEASONAL VARIATION IN THE LEVELS OF SOME CHEMICAL AND HAEMATOLOGICAL COMPONENTS IN THE BLOOD OF WHITE FULANI COWS IN WESTERN NIGERIA

Haematological and some biochemical determinations were made on the blood of six White Fulani heifers monthly for a period of twelve months in order to investigate any normal seasonal variations in the levels of some of these components. It was found that packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red cell count values were higher during the relatively dry months of the year than the wet months. These changes can possibly be explained by change in the water content of the serum since body water content would decrease with decrease in haemoconcentration. Total leucocyte count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and total serum protein tended to increase during the rains and were lower in the dry months, while there were no appreciable seasonal differences observed in the levels of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, inorganic phosphorus and calcium. However, mean corpuscular volume appeared to increase with increasing age

Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Duodenal Histomorphology, and Cecal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens Fed on Diets Supplemented with Cinnamon Bark Powder at Prestarter and Starter Phases

Simple SummaryDuring the first days of chicks’ lives, chicks are still developing the thermoregulatory system, the gut function, and the immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental Cinnamomum verum as a phytogenic feed additive in the starter diet. Our findings suggested that the addition of Cinnamomum verum at 2000 mg/kg might increase body weight gain over 1–10, 1–14, and 1–21 days of age by improving relative breast weight, elevating serum albumin concentrations, duodenal villus height, and goblet cell density at prestarter period.Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 240) aged 1 day were assigned to five groups for eight replicates (six chicks for each) (3♂ and 3♀). Basal dietary groups were supplemented by 2000, 4000, and 6000 mg/kg cinnamon (CN) for 21 days. Basal diet alone was used as a negative control, and basal antibiotic diet (Colimox) was used as a positive control. At 10, 14, and 21 days of age, chicks that received 2000 mg CN and Colimox had a higher body weight, resulting in an increase in body weight gain. CN also resulted in the maximum improvement in the feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency over 1–21 days at the level of 2000 mg/kg. At days 10, the maximum relative breast weight was 2000 mg/kg of CN. Mean serum albumin concentrations, duodenal villus height, and goblet cell density increased (p < 0.05) by 2000 mg/kg of CN, and mean serum globulin and total protein concentrations and crypt depth increased (p < 0.05) by 6000 mg/kg of CN compared with control. Increased cecal Escherichia coli number was CN dose-dependent. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 2000 mg/kg CN can be applied as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics for broiler starter diet.

Hot topic: Accuracy of refractometry as an indirect method to measure failed transfer of passive immunity in dairy calves fed colostrum replacer and maternal colostrum

Serum total protein (STP) refractometry is a widely used indicator of failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI), defined as serum IgG concentrations of <10 mg/mL or STP levels <5.2 g/dL measured at 24 h of life. However, recent reports have demonstrated that refractometry could be inaccurate at estimating serum IgG concentrations and FTPI when calves are fed colostrum replacer (CR). The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of STP measurements to estimate FTPI in calves fed CR compared with calves fed maternal colostrum. Blood was collected from dairy calves fed maternal colostrum (n = 927) or colostrum-derived CR (n = 1,258) and analyzed for STP and serum IgG. Serum total protein was measured with a digital refractometer, whereas radial immunodiffusion was used to determine IgG concentrations. Calves fed maternal colostrum had a mean STP of 5.80 ± 0.72 (standard deviation) g/dL and a mean IgG concentration of 22.81 ± 10.14 mg/mL, respectively, whereas calves fed CR had a mean STP and IgG concentration of 5.14 ± 0.50 g/dL and 12.78 ± 4.60 mg/mL, respectively. Rates of FTPI for calves fed maternal colostrum or CR were 4.2% and 27.26%, respectively. Calves were considered to have FTPI if their IgG postcolostrum feeding was <10 mg/mL. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to determine cutoff points and existent relationships between STP and IgG. Serum total protein and IgG for calves fed maternal colostrum were highly correlated. In contrast, STP and IgG for calves fed CR were lowly correlated. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that an STP cutoff point that could predict FTPI when calves are fed CR would be 4.9 g/dL (sensitivity = 0.68; specificity = 0.75). This study suggests that current cutoff points used for STP inflates the number of calves estimated to have FTPI when they are fed CR.

Clinical biochemistry profile of Leptospira IgG seropositive trade horses

Background: Trade horses in Nigeria are not vaccinated against leptospirosis. Clinical biochemistry profile of Leptospira IgG (LEP-IgG) seropositive trade horses, alongside the effect of physiological factors (age, sex and pregnancy) were determined in this study. Methods and materials: Blood samples were collected via jugular veins of 129 horses of varying ages and sex at the Obollo Afor horse lairage. The harvested sera were subjected to qualitative test for LEP-IgG antibodies by sandwich ELISA method, and serum biochemistry evaluation which followed standard procedures. Results: A total number of 16 (12.4%) trade horses were recorded to be Leptospira seropositive. A significant association was recorded between the presence of LEP-IgG antibodies and age (p = 0.025), sex (p = 0.005), and pregnancy (p = 0.009). The mean serum total protein, albumin and total cholesterol values of the Leptospira seropositive trade horses were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of seronegative horses. Also, the mean blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of seronegative horses. The mean serum ALT, AST, ALP and total protein values of the seropositive stallions were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the Leptospira seropositive mares. The mean serum albumin and creatinine values of the Leptospira seropositive stallions were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the Leptospira seropositive mares. The serum ALP of the seropositive young horses was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the adult and horses. The mean serum albumin of young horses was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of old trade horses. The mean serum ALP value of the pregnant mares was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the non-pregnant mares. The mean serum albumin value of seropositive pregnant mares was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the non-pregnant seropositive mares. Also, the serum globulin and creatinine values of seropositive pregnant mares were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the non-pregnant seropositive mares. Conclusion: Therefore, it was concluded that the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in trade horses was 12.4%. LEP-IgG seropositive horses were hypoproteinaemic, hypoalbuminaemic, hypocholesterolemic, with elevated levels of BUN. This suggests that the level of anti-LEP IgG is less protective and leptospirosis in horses is more associated with hepatic than renal involvement.

Does giving dairy calves with diarrhoea a combination of milk and rehydration fluids result in a faster recovery?

### Bottom line One of your dairy clients calls you as he is worried about a few calves starting to scour in the preweaned calf shed. After you have discussed...

Effect of Season on Biochemical Profile of Osmanabadi Goat under Agro-Climatic Conditions of Chhattisgarh Plains

The current study was undertaken at Goat Unit of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Durg located within the campus of College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg. Blood samples were collected from 20 adult female goats every month during summer (n=80), rainy (n=80) and winter (n=80) season to investigate the blood biochemical parameters in Osmanabadi goat. The results obtained during the investigation revealed the significant seasonal variation (P< 0.01) in all the biochemical parameters studied, i.e. serum glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, Albumin: Globulin ratio and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The mean total serum protein for summer was significantly higher (P< 0.01) than rainy and winter season. A similar trend was recorded in case of serum globulin and BUN values, but the reversed trend was observed in the mean values of serum albumin, A:G ratio and serum glucose. Thus, the observations of the study could able to establish the seasonal variation in biochemical parameters and could serve as reference values for Osmanabadi goat reared under the agro-climatic conditions of Chhattisgarh plains lies in the central zone of India.

Passive immunity and colostrum management practices on Ontario dairy farms and auction facilities: A cross-sectional study

Failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in dairy calves has substantial health consequences, but there have been no recently published estimates of the prevalence of FTPI on Ontario dairy farms. The major objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the level of FTPI in dairy calves across the province of Ontario and to determine colostrum management practices used. A convenience sample of 109 dairy farms in Ontario were visited from June to August 2019, along with 4 auction facilities from January to February 2019. At the single visit to each dairy farm, an in-person questionnaire was administered, and all calves between 24 h and 9 d of age had a blood sample collected to determine the levels of serum total protein (STP). At the auction facility, a blood sample was collected on all calves that arrived on the day of the visit. The dairy farms were distributed throughout Ontario, and the farms milked on average 151 dairy cows. Of the 444 calves sampled on Ontario dairy farms, 46% were male, 54% were female, and the mean weight and age at sampling were 46.3 kg and 4.4 d, respectively. The mean STP of calves sampled on the dairy farm was 5.69 g/dL (standard deviation = 0.78), and 107 calves (24%) had FTPI. The likelihood of FTPI was not associated with sex (female vs. male, risk ratio = 0.89, 95% confidence interval = 0.64-1.24), age (per day, risk ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 0.94-1.11), or weight (per kg, risk ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval = 0.96-1.01). In contrast, at the auction facilities, 386 male dairy calves were sampled and had a mean STP of 5.79 g/dL (standard deviation = 0.83). Using a cut point of ≥5.2 g/dL, 91 calves (24%) had FTPI. From the in-person questionnaire administered on the dairy farms, it was reported that the median time to first feeding of colostrum was 2.5 h (range = 0-12 h). The farms reported providing a mean of 3.3, 2.9, and 3.4 L of colostrum from 0 to 6 h after birth, 6 to 12 h after birth, and 12 to 24 h after birth, respectively. Ninety-one farms (83%) fed colostrum from the dam of the calf as their predominant source of colostrum. The most common method used to deliver the first feeding of colostrum was a nipple bottle (89 farms, 82%). Twenty-seven farms (25%) reported managing colostrum differently for male calves, which included a different colostrum source, use of poorer quality colostrum, a smaller quantity of colostrum, a longer time from birth to feeding, and generally having a lower focus on colostrum management for male calves. The prevalence of FTPI on Ontario dairy farms appears to have decreased since previous estimates, and substantial room for improvement remains. Although no overall differences were found in FTPI between male and female calves, differential reported colostrum management by sex indicates this may be a risk for male calves on a proportion of Ontario dairy farms.

Evaluation of Pretreatment Serum Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Parvovirus Infection

A pretreatment albumin (ALB)-to-globulin (GLB) ratio (AGR) with a predictive significance has been used as an indispensable marker among cancer types for recurrence and prognosis in human patients. This study aims to determine whether the pretreatment AGR and total calcium (tCa), magnesium (Mg), ionised phosphorus (iP), total protein (TP), and haematology parameters—as bedside markers—differs in dogs with naturally occurring parvovirus infection (PVI). Fourteen client-owned dogs aged 2-8 months that were naturally infected with parvovirus (PV) were enrolled as the study group. Seven client-owned, healthy dogs of the same age formed the control group. Pretreatment mean complete blood counts, serum tCa, Mg, iP, TP, ALB, globulin GLB and AGR values, were compared between groups. The pretreatment mean WBC, NEU, LYM, EOS, GLB, and TP levels were found to be significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05) in the study group, when compared to the control group. On the other hand, pretreatment AGR with iP was found to be statistically higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the study group, when compared to the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between mean serum GLB and WBC levels in the current study. A significant positive correlation between mean serum TP and WBC levels was also found. This preliminary study demonstrates that pretreatment serum GLB levels and the AGR—as easy, inexpensive, objective, and non-invasive biomarkers—could be the new prognostic marker candidates in dogs with naturally occurring PVI.

PARAMETERS FOR IDENTIFYING FAILURE OF PASSIVE TRANSFER IN SITATUNGA (TRAGELAPHUS SPEKII )

Failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) leads to increased calf morbidity and mortality and requires intensive, time-sensitive, and often expensive management for nondomestic ruminants. Without species-specific information with which to make informed decisions, neonatal data from domestic ruminants are often extrapolated to nondomestic zoo-housed species. To date, there have been no studies evaluating FPT in sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii). The goal of the present study was to establish parameters to characterize adequate passive transfer in sitatunga calves and compare them to published reference intervals in other species. Medical records of 22 sitatunga calves (12 female, 10 male) were reviewed. Seventeen of these calves were defined as "healthy," having survived at least 60 days without colostrum administration or a plasma transfusion. Calf weight, serum glucose, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein (TP), globulin concentrations, and results of a zinc sulfate turbidity test (ZSTT) were noted where possible. Mean birth weight of healthy calves at 24 hr was 4.5 kg (range: 3.76.5 kg, n = 12). The mean blood glucose in healthy calves was 152 mg/dl (range: 80-182, n = 16), mean serum TP concentration was 5.9 g/dl (range: 4.9-7.5, n = 16), mean serum globulin concentration was 3.3 g/dl (range: 1.7-4.7, n = 17), and mean serum GGT concentration was 466 U/L (range: 91-1901, n = 16). A ZSTT was performed for 10 healthy calves, resulting in four negative ZSTT results despite having no clinical signs of FPT and the calves having been observed nursing before testing. Sitatunga appear to have lower values for normal FPT parameters than those developed for domestic cattle. This study illustrates the difficulty of cross-species comparisons, as even closely related species can vary greatly in biologic parameters.

Impact of Enterobius vermicularis infection on biochemical parameters in the blood of children in Erbil Province, Iraq

BackgroundEnterobius vermicularis is an intestinal helminthic parasite that causes a gastrointestinal infection called enterobiasis. Children are more susceptible to infection than adults. The current study aimed to explore the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection among children in Erbil City concerning demographic factors and certain blood parameters.MethodsA cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted on 505 children (3–10 years). Cellophane tape samples and blood samples were taken from participants. The cellophane tape samples were examined microscopically, whereas blood samples were examined using the auto-analyzer and Cobas.ResultsThe overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infection was 27.13%, and the infection rate was non-significantly (P = 0.371) higher in females (28.85%) than in males (25.31%). The incidence of enterobiasis was directly proportional to family size. This study demonstrated that the mean serum total protein and iron levels were significantly decreased in infected children, while other trace element levels were not significantly affected.ConclusionsThe prevalence of E. vermicularis is relatively lower than that in previous studies. Serum total protein and iron levels significantly decreased in the enterobiasis-positive group.

Study of Effect of Various Grades of Exercise on Serum Proteins in Healthy Young Indian Adults

Serum total protein levels changes occur as a result of various grades of exercise intensity. The mainobjective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different grades of exercise on the serum levels ofproteins in healthy young Indian adults. Fifty six healthy students (28 each, male and female) with an agerange of 18–27 years were subjects in this study. The participants performed an exercise test of moderate tovigorous intensity on bicycle ergometer. The serum concentrations of total serum proteins were measuredby colorimetric method. The results show significantlysignificantly different and lower (9.9%) total serumprotein level after moderate exercise (7.10 ± 0.18 vs. 6.40 ± 0.14, mean difference=0.70, q=4.78, p&lt;0.01)and higher (7.9%) after severe exercise (7.10 ± 0.18 vs. 7.72 ± 0.12, mean difference=0.61, q=4.18, p&lt;0.05)as compared to baseline was observed. Further, the mean total serum protein level also increases (17.0%)significantly after severe exercise as compared to after moderate exercise (6.40 ± 0.14 vs. 7.72 ± 0.12, meandifference=1.31, q=8.96, p&lt;0.001). These results support the different grades of exercise affect serum totalproteins.

Adult nephrotic syndrome in the Niger delta sub region: a single centre study at the university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital

Background: Adult nephrotic syndrome is a common cause of chronic kidney disease globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria there are only few studies on adult nephrotic syndrome, mostly from the south-western Nigeria and rarely from the Niger delta sub-region of Nigeria. This study aims at contributing to the National data on adult nephrotic syndrome, from the perspective of the Niger delta sub-region.Methods: Retrospective analysis of five-year clinical data (January 2007 to December 2011) of adult nephrotic syndrome patients in the University of Port Harcourt teaching hospital was conducted.Results: Forty-four patients, representing 1% of medical admissions and 7.3% of adult renal cases were seen during the period, with mean age of 27.7±8.5 years. There were 32 males (72.7%). Mean duration of illness was 25.3±30.3months. Peak age group was the 20-29 year age group, accounting for 52.3% of cases. Hypertension was seen in 45.5%. Mean e-GFR was 73.5±33.8 ml/min/1.73m2 with CKD 1-3 constituting 93.2% of cases. Mean 24-hour urinary protein excretion was 13.6±8.4 grams/day. Protein excretion &gt;10grams/day was observed in 65.8% of the patients. Mean total serum protein, albumin and total cholesterol were 51.4±11.7g/dl, 22.5±9.9 g/dl and 8.1±3.0 mmol/L, respectively. Anemia was common (68%) and histology showed MCGN (52.6%), MCD (21.1%), membranous (15.8%) and FSGS (10.5%). Though response to therapy was generally poor, immunosuppressive therapy showed better outcomes.Conclusions: The prevalence and pattern of adult nephrotic syndrome in the Niger delta sub-region is similar to that in other parts of Nigeria. It is predominantly a disease of young adult males with high prevalence of hypertension, and poor histologic categories.