Hematocrit Percentage Research Articles

EFFECT OF FLAXSEED OIL SUPPLEMENTION DURING PRE AND POSTPARTUM ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FRIESIAN COWS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of flaxseed oil supplementation into the ration of Friesian cows on their productive, somatic cell count (SCC), physiological and blood parameters during summer season. Twenty four dry pregnant Friesian cows averaged 607±22.5 kg live body weight (LBW) at 2-3 parities were randomly assigned into two groups (12 cows in each group). Cows in group 1st (G1) did not treatment and served as a control, while those in the 2nd were c received 2% of DM intake flaxseed oil from 45 days pre-partum until 120 days post-partum. Results revealed that body temperatures degrees of rectal (RT), skin at white (STW) and black (STB) as well as respiration rate (RR) during heat stress period in summer months (June, July, August and September) significantly (P<0.05) decreased with flaxseed oil as compared to the control group. Flaxseed oil diet improved (P<0.05) digestibility and rumen activity. Average daily dry matter intake (DMI) and DCP pre-partum were nearly similar for control and flaxseed oil treatment, while the intake of TDN increased significantly (P<0.05) with flaxseed oil supplementation compared to the control group. Cows of tested treatment On post partum state, DMI and TDN intake were significant higher with oil supplemental ration than the control group, but the difference did not significant between treatments respecting DCPI in this phase. Cows of treatments were higher in red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and haematocrit percentage (HCT, %) than those of the control group. Cows treatment were higher significantly lymphocytes and significantly lower moncytes than control group. All protein fraction concentrations were higher in treated than in control group (G1). Concentrations of high density lipoprotein and triglyceride were higher significantly (P<0.05) in G2 than the control group (G1), but, plasma low density lipoprotein concentrations were lower significantly (P<0.05) in G2 than the control group (G1). Daily milk yield and 4% fat corrected milk were higher significantly by 19.37 and 29.99%, respectively compared with control. The G2 had higher (P<0.05) percentages of fat, lactose and total solids as compared to G1, while protein and solids not fat percentages were similar to G1. Diet supplemented with flaxseed oil showed lower (P<0.05) somatic cell count in milk as compared to G1. Feed conversion improved (P<0.05) in G2 than in G1. Economic efficiency was higher with flaxseed oil- ration than that of control one free from oil. It could be concluded that flaxseed oil supplementation in diet of Friesian cows (2% /kg DMI) during pre- and post-partum period heat stress could be eliminated and improved digestibility, productive performance and economic efficiencies as well as immune-response of Friesian cows without adversity effects on haematological and biochemical parameters.

Coadministration of nematophagous fungi for biological control over gastrointestinal helminths in sheep in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate coadministration of Duddingtonia flagrans and Monacrosporium thaumasium in a sodium alginate matrix for controlling gastrointestinal helminths in young and adult sheep in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. An area of 1ha was divided into two paddocks, in which two experimental groups (fungus and control) were formed, each consisting of six adult females and ten young males. In each group, two subgroups were formed in accordance with the animal category (adult or young). In the fungus group, each animal received 3g of pellets containing 0.6g of fungal mycelium, with 0.3g of D. flagrans and 0.3g of M. thaumasium for each 10kg of body weight, in their feed twice a week, for six months. In the control group, each animal received 3g of pellets without fungus for each 10kg of body weight, in their feed twice a week, for six months, serving as a witness group. Reductions in numbers of eggs per gram of feces of 76% among the adult sheep in the fungus group and 83% among the young sheep in the fungus group were observed, in comparison with their respective control subgroups. The groups that received these fungi needed less salvage deworming and presented better packed cell volume percentages, better weight gain and lower levels of L3/kg dry matter in their paddock than the control groups. Thus, it was concluded that coadministration of D. flagrans and M. thaumasium was effective in controlling gastrointestinal helminths of adults and young sheep in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil.

Using genotoxic and haematological biomarkers as an evidence of environmental contamination in the Ocoa River native fish, Villavicencio-Meta, Colombia.

The studies evaluating the impact of environmental pollution on aquatic organisms have had a growing concern in recent decades. The Ocoa River runs through Villavicencio city, receiving the wastewater produced in the city. To date studies reporting the effect and the consequences of Ocoa River pollution on aquatic organisms inhabiting this water body are unknown. Haematological and genotoxicity biomarkers were evaluated in peripheral blood of two native fish species Astyanax gr. bimaculatus and Aequidens metae during rainy and dry season at three different sites of Ocoa River called Nacimiento (site 1, before entering the city), Centauros (site 2, inside the city), Caño Seco (site 3, after the city). Also, fish from a reference site with little likelihood of contamination were sampled. Alterations such as decrease in erythrocyte count, lymphocytes, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit percentage, and increased thrombocytes and neutrophils counts, together with nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes such as increased frequency of micronuclei, lobed, blebbed and notched nuclei and binucleate cells were observed in fish from the site 3, followed by the site 2 in rainy season. These results shown that during rainy season, sites 2 and 3 receive domestic and industrial wastewater leading to genotoxic and haematological changes in the monitored organisms.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40064-016-1753-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Interleukin-10 as a Marker of Disease Progression in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

To evaluate the plasma interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in patients suffering from dengue hemorrhagic fever between 4 to 7 days of onset of disease and 24 hours after the first sample, to find out the association of plasma IL-10 levels with the outcome. Analytical study. All major hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan, from August to November 2012. Participants included 50 registered patients of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) aged between 15 - 50 years. Plasma IL-10 concentrations were measured on above stated day. Outcome was described as recovery and shock. Platelet count and hematocrit percentages were also recorded. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 19. Ap-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. Plasma IL-10 levels were found to be raised in DHF patients and were associated with fatal outcome (p=0.004). In recovered DHF patients, plasma IL-10 levels decreased after 24 hours (mean 26.54 ± 16.03 pg/ml) as compared to admission time (mean 74.39 ± 61.69 pg/ml) but in case of DHF patients suffering from shock, plasma IL-10 was found to be higher after 24 hours (mean 87.69 ± 7.77 pg/ml) as compared to levels at admission time (mean 42.56 ± 28.09 pg/ml). ROC curve analysis revealed a change (30 units pg/ml) of plasma IL-10 concentration, within 24 hours of admission, raised from the base line to be 105 times more critical for shock in DHF patients (100% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity, p < 0.001). Elevated plasma IL-10 is a potential predictor of disease severity and fatal outcome in DHF patients.

Identifying Adult Dengue Patients at Low Risk for Clinically Significant Bleeding.

BackgroundClinically significant bleeding is important for subsequent optimal case management in dengue patients, but most studies have focused on dengue severity as an outcome. Our study objective was to identify differences in admission parameters between patients who developed clinically significant bleeding and those that did not. We sought to develop a model for discriminating between these patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 4,383 adults aged >18 years who were hospitalized with dengue infection at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore from 2005 to 2008. Patients were divided into those with clinically significant bleeding (n = 188), and those without (n = 4,195). Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables on admission were compared between groups to determine factors associated with clinically significant bleeding during hospitalization.ResultsOn admission, female gender (p<0.001); temperature >38°C (p<0.001); nausea/vomiting (p = 0.009) and abdominal pain/tenderness (p = 0.005); lower systolic blood pressure (p<0.001); higher pulse rate (p<0.001); increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC; p<0.001); reduced absolute lymphocyte count (ALC; p<0.001), haematocrit percentage (p<0.001) and platelet count (p = 0.04), and increased prothrombin time (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with clinically significant bleeding on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that independent variables in the final model were female gender (aOR 2.85; 95% CI: 1.9–4.33); temperature >38°C (aOR 1.81; 95% CI: 1.27–2.61), nausea/vomiting (aOR 1.39; 95% CI: 0.94–2.12), ANC (aOR 1.3; 95% CI: 1.15–1.46), ALC (aOR 0.4; 95% CI: 0.25–0.64), hematocrit percentage (aOR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92–1.002) and platelet count (aOR 0.993; 95% CI: 0.988–0.998). At the cutoff of -3.919, the model achieved an AUC of 0.758 (sensitivity:0.87, specificity: 0.38, PPV: 0.06, NPV: 0.98).ConclusionClinical risk factors associated with clinically significant bleeding were identified. This model may be useful to complement clinical judgement in triaging adult dengue patients given the dynamic nature of acute dengue, particularly in pre-identifying those less likely to develop clinically significant bleeding.

The Association of Malnutrition and Chronic Stress Models Does Not Present Overlay Effects in Male Wistar Rats

Chronic stress and protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) are both social problems resulting in physiological and behavioral alterations. In this present study an associative effects of PEM and chronic stress were evaluated through in Wistar rats. Four groups were established: standard diet– 19% of protein (Std); Std + stress; PEM–6% of protein and PEM + stress. In these groups were assessed physical, nutritional, hematological, histological parameters and anxiety-like behavior. There were a reduction of food intake, body mass and relative weight of the heart and thymus in the PEM group. The liver of the PEM animals presented a degenerative condition with steatosis and Kupffer cell hypertrophy and, additionally, a significant decrease in hematocrit percentages, in the number of red blood cells and in the concentration of hemoglobin and total protein. In those animals under stress and Std diet, there was observed an increase of the relative adrenal weights, an acute condition of leukocytosis with a predominance of neutrophils and an increase in the anxiety-like behavior. There was no overlapping/interaction among the anthropometric, biochemical, hematological and histological effects using PEM and stress in Wistar rats. The effects observed under experimental condition were those related to either PEM or stress, independently.

Correlates and predictors of frequency of blood transfusions among sickle cell anemia patients in a Tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Context: Blood transfusion is a central modality in the management of sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients. However, blood remains relatively scarce and the provision of safe, adequate, and timely transfusion services is still a challenge in Nigeria. Aims: To determine correlates and predictors of frequency of blood transfusions in SCA patients. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted. Convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 51 SCA patients attending the sickle cell clinic of ABUTH, Zaria Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: Age, sex, hematocrit, reticulocyte percentage, and 12-month recall of number of blood transfusions, pain episodes, and hospital admissions were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Statistical Analysis Used: Results were summarized as median (interquartile range [IQR]) or mean ± standard deviation (SD). Spearman correlation and multiple regression analyses were carried out. Level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Out of the 51 participants, 40 (78.43%) were females. The median (IQR) for age, number of pain episodes, number of hospital admissions, number of blood transfusions, and reticulocyte percentage was 23.00 (9.00) years, 2.00 (5.00), 0.00 (1.00), 0.00 (1.00), 8.60% (3.10%), respectively. Mean ± SD for hematocrit was 0.23 ± 3.41 L/L. Using frequency of blood transfusions as a reference, Spearman correlation analyses were performed for age (ρ = ­0.206, P = 0.148), pain episodes (ρ = 0.270, P = 0.055), hospital admissions (ρ = 0.373, P = 0.007), hematocrit (ρ = 0.055, P = 0.704), and reticulocyte percentage (ρ = ­0.122, P = 0.395). Backward multiple regression model to predict frequency of blood transfusions produced: F (2, 48) = 11.780, P < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.301. Only number of hospital admissions added statistically significant to the prediction (β = 0.542, P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Number of hospital admissions predicted frequency of blood transfusions in SCA patients in this study.

Comparison of Some Hematological Parameters Between Horses in an Endurance Competition

This study conducted to comparison of some blood constituents between horses participated an endurance racing. Jugular vein puncture was done to collect blood from15 horses (1 gelding, 2 mares, and 12 male). These horses had been classified to three breeds include 12Kurd, 1 pure Arab, 2cross-breed and participated in the endurance racing of 0 (before competition), 15 (After first loop) and 30 km (final loop). Horses were classified in three age-groups include below 5(n=1), 5-10 (n=10) and above 10years of age (n=4). Hematocrit and Hemoglobin percentage, Total protein concentration, Red blood cell and White blood cell counting, glucose and cortisol level were measured at before starting competition (0), 15 and 30 km. Data was analyzed by SPSS (version 22). Results showed significant difference in glucose level after 30 km (P 0.05). No significant difference was observed between cortisol concentration and age groups (P>0.05) but, there was significant difference between cortisol concentration and gender (P 0.05). HT and WBC counting were higher in Arab, cross breed and Kurd respectively. Hemoglobin percentage was found higher in Arab, Kurd and Cross breed respectively. Total protein concentration in Arab was higher than Cross breed and Kurd. In conclusion, in short distance endurance competition of horses, stress is not effect on metabolism of animal, furthermore, gender and breed could important in blood parameters alterations.

A Comparison of Hematologic Parameters in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Undergoing Red Cell Exchange Using Terumo BCT Spectra Optia and COBE Spectra Apheresis Systems

Introduction:Therapeutic red blood cell exchange (RBCX) is a process by which diseased red cells are replaced by healthy donor red blood cells. In patients with sickle cell disease, RBCX has been used to treat acute stroke, severe acute chest syndrome, multiorgan failure, priapism and splenic sequestration. It is also being used more commonly in the prevention of vaso-occlusive pain crises and for stroke prophylaxis for patients considered to be at high risk of stroke based on abnormal transcranial Doppler flow rates. In May 2014, we transitioned from the COBE Spectra apheresis system (Terumo BCT) to the next-generation Spectra Optia apheresis system (Terumo BCT) for all red cell exchange transfusions performed on our patients with sickle cell disease. A previous small study (n = 33 RBCX transfusions) compared the two instruments (Caridian BCT) and showed no difference between exchange volumes, processing time, pre and post-exchange hematocrit and HbS levels (Perseghin et al. Transfusion and Apheresis Science, 2013). However, other clinical parameters such as changes in white blood cell count and platelet counts were not examined. In order to determine if there were any differences in hematologic parameters between the 2 apheresis instruments, we measured the differences between pre and post-exchange HbS levels, white blood cell count (WBC), hematocrit (Hct), and platelet counts for all of our adult patients who underwent RBCX transfusions on both instruments.Methods:This was a single institution, retrospective chart review of all adult patients with sickle cell disease (HbSS n=17, HbS/β0 thalassemia n = 1, HbSC n =1) who underwent routine, monthly RBCX at Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland between November 2013 and February 2015. Indications for RBCX included a risk of stroke or a history of stroke, acute chest syndrome, or renal failure. All patients received RBCX transfusions on the COBE Spectra prior to May 2014 and were then transitioned to Spectra Optia in May 2014. Pre and post-exchange transfusion HbS levels, WBC, Hct, and platelet counts were measured for each procedure. All exchange transfusions were non-emergent and well tolerated. Statistical analyses using the student's t test and rank sum test were performed with Stata 14.0 software (College Station, Texas).Results:A total of 19 adult patients (mean average age 25 years old) underwent 153 red blood cell exchange transfusions (Spectra Optia n =87, COBE Spectra n = 66). There was a small increase in mean hematocrit percentage for both instruments (28.33 + 4.3 % to 29 + 3.06 % and 28.16 + 4.29% to 29.2 + 3.04% on the Spectra Optia and COBE Spectra, respectively). All other post-RBCX parameters decreased. The mean changes are shown in Table I. The HbS percent decreased from a combined mean of 39.86 + 12.11 % to 20.26 + 8.43 % for both instruments. The WBC decreased from a combined mean of 12.72 + 3.13 x 1000/ mm3 to 8.67 + 2.15 x 1000/ mm3. The platelet count decreased from a combined mean of 368.82 + 125.75 x 1000/ mm3 to 191.01 + 62.78 x 1000/ mm3. The mean parameter values for each patient correlated with the mean changes for each instrument based on statistical analysis using both the student's t test and rank sum test.Conclusions:The starting hematologic values were similar between the two instruments. There was no statistical difference between the raw pre and post-RBCX HbS, Hct, WBC, or platelet values or the mean changes in these parameters between the COBE Spectra and Spectra Optia instruments. There was also no statistical difference in the mean changes between the pre and post RBCX hematologic parameters amongst the 19 patients. Both instruments allowed for effective reduction in HbS percentage with comparable decreases in WBC and platelet counts while maintaining adequate hematocrit values for all 19 adult patients with sickle cell disease.Table 1Mean changes between Pre-RBCX and Post-RBCX.InstrumentChange in % HbSChange in WBC x1000/mm3Change in % HctChange in platelet count x1000/mm3Spectra OptiaN84878785Mean-20.28-4.010.67-172.44SD7.022.552.8676.98COBE SpectraN66666666Mean-19.18-4.121.09-178.02SD7.892.262.5781.02p-value0.370.780.340.67There are 3 missing values for HbS and 2 missing values for platelet count for Spectra Optia. SD = standard deviation, WBC = white blood cell count, Hct = hematocrit DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Utilização de eugenol como anestésico em juvenis de Geophagus brasiliensis

The eugenol is the active ingredient of clove oil and it has shown to be effective and safe as fish anesthetic. In this study were evaluated the effects of different concentrations of eugenol for anesthesia, recovery time, blood glucose and hematocrit percentage of pearl cichlid (Geophagus brasiliensis) juveniles. Concentrations of 50, 80, 100, 120, 150, 170 and 200 mg L-1 eugenol were evaluated in terms of time to achieve the different stages of anesthesia and recovery in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 12 repetitions. These results were tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test with subsequent Dunn test. The evaluated concentrations had anesthetic action of the deep induction 172.57 ± 25 s (50 mg L-1) and the period of full recovery of 516.25 ± 102 s (200 mg L-1), with statistical difference between the treatments at all the stages. The eugenol effect on blood glucose and on hematocrit percentage at 0 h after deep anesthesia was evaluated for concentrations of 0; 50; 80; 100; 150; 200 mg L-1, in a completely randomized design with five replications, and the results were assessed by One-Way ANOVA. Glucose and percentage of hematocrit: no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) were observed for these variables. All concentrations of eugenol showed to be effective as an anesthetic for G. brasiliensis and did not affect the survival, blood glucose and the percentage of hematocrit. To minimize adverse effects and achieve faster recovery is indicate the use of 50-80 mg L-1 of eugenol for pearl cichlid juveniles.

Effects of deltamethrin on some haematological parameters of Brown trout (Salmo trutta fario)

This study was to assess the effects of deltamethrin on some haematological parameters of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario). During the 4 day, 10 brown trout were exposed to two different concentrations of Deltamethrin which they were 20% (0.91 μg·L-1) and 40% (1.88 μg·L-1) respectively, (LC50=4.7 μg·L-1). The results obtained from this study showed that the White Blood Cell (WBC), Hemoglobin content (Hb), Hematocrit percentage (PCV), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) were decreased in two treated groups when compared to the control (p

Exploring the effect of specific packed cell volume upon bloodstain pattern analysis: blood drying and dry volume estimation

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) involves the interpretation of distinct blood patterns found at crime scenes after a bloodletting incident. Much time and research has been dedicated to the quantification and analysis of blood due to its occurrence at crime scenes, establishing ways in which to map the sequence of events and general movement within the crime scene. In this paper we explore the fundamental mechanism of drying blood and the effects of packed cell volume percentage (PCV%) upon BPA investigations. Since PCV% can fluctuate between 15–75%, and in turn directly affect blood viscosity, it is important to consider its impact when evaluating bloodstains. Specific packed cell volumes (PCV%) between 15 and 75% were investigated, relating to the highest and lowest levels found in potential victims or suspects. Observations illustrated the appearance of the “coffee-ring” effect as an important mechanism of drying blood, building a thicker outer ring of red blood cells as the drop evaporates and dries, the so-called the blood ring effect. There was also found to be a significant difference in the appearance of the final bloodstains when comparing PCV%. Owing to the lower PCV% being made up of mainly plasma, bloodstains became more transparent under microscopic observation. The opposite conclusions can be made for higher PCVs where bloodstains were much thicker around the periphery of the stain. Crime scene relatable drying studies were also considered; skeletonization (relating to drying time) and volume estimation were all investigated in relation to PCV%. Three volume estimation studies were performed: dry weight, scaled photographs and spectrophotometry. It was found that all were unsuitable for volume estimation, when considering PCV% and surface type. Since PCV% cannot be established in dried blood, these volume estimation methods should not be used as the errors would be too great. Skeletonization (drying time) was not altered by PCV%.

Influence of dietary glutamine supplementation on performance, biochemical indices and enzyme activities in broilers with cold-induced ascites

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary glutamine supplementation on performance and biochemical indices of broilers with cold-induced ascites. A total of 240 1-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to three treatment groups, with four replicate pens per treatment and 20 birds per pen. The control birds were kept in a thermoneutral chamber and fed a basal diet, whereas the other two experimental groups were kept in a cold chamber to induce ascites and fed the basal diet supplemented with either 0 or 100 mg of glutamine/kg. The cold-treated birds consumed less (P &lt; 0.05) feed and had lower (P &lt; 0.05) weight gain compared with the control birds. Dietary glutamine supplementation had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on broiler performance. The cold-treated birds had higher (P &lt; 0.05) right ventricle to total ventricle ratio and mortality due to ascites compared with the control birds. However, mortality due to ascites and right ventricle to total ventricle ratio was reduced (P &lt; 0.05) by dietary glutamine supplementation. The cold-treated birds had higher (P &lt; 0.05) red blood cell counts, haematocrit percentage and haemoglobin concentration compared with the control birds at 21 and 42 days of age. The activities of plasma lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were increased (P &lt; 0.05) in cold-treated birds compared with the control birds at 42 days of age, but dietary glutamine supplementation reduced (P &lt; 0.05) the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase near to the control levels. The plasma and liver glutathione peroxidase activities were increased (P &lt; 0.05) in cold-treated birds compared with the control birds at 21 and 42 days of age, whereas the reverse was true for malondialdehyde concentrations. The glutathione peroxidase activity was increased (P &lt; 0.05), whereas the malondialdehyde concentration was decreased (P &lt; 0.05) by dietary glutamine supplementation compared with the cold-treated birds at 42 days of age. The results indicated that the beneficial effect of glutamine is probably related to its ability to maintain near to normal free radical scavenging enzymes and the level of glutathione peroxidase bioactivity, thereby protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage via decreased lipid peroxidation.

Difficulties in hematopoietic progenitor cell collection from a patient with TEMPI syndrome and severe iatrogenic iron deficiency

Collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by apheresis (HPC-A) requires separation of cells by density. Previous studies highlighted the challenges of HPC-A collection from patients with abnormal red blood cells (RBCs). TEMPI syndrome is a recently described condition defined by teleangiectasias, elevated erythropoietin and erythrocytosis, monoclonal gammopathy, perinephric fluid collections, and intrapulmonary shunting. Patients with TEMPI syndrome have responded to therapies used to treat plasma cell dyscrasias and may benefit from autologous HPC transplantation. We report HPC-A collection from a patient with TEMPI syndrome that was complicated by severe iron deficiency. The patient received granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and plerixafor for HPC mobilization and underwent 3 days of HPC-A collection. The patient presented for collection with a microcytic erythrocytosis. Over 3 days, approximately 50 L of whole blood was processed, and 2 × 10(8) CD34+ cells were collected (2.8 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg). The mean collection efficiency (CE), percentage of mononuclear cells, hematocrit (Hct), and RBC count were 18%, 90%, 14%, and 9 × 10(11) , respectively. Altering collection variables to avoid RBC contamination reduced CE. Ficoll preparations of the products after freeze-thaw showed RBC contamination and hemolysis. Postthaw viability exceeded 95%. The products were not RBC reduced or washed. There were no adverse reactions during or after infusion. HPC-A collection from a patient with TEMPI syndrome was complicated by microcytic erythrocytosis, leading to RBC contamination and hemolysis in the product. Adequate HPCs were collected and the patient tolerated infusion without RBC depletion or washing. Our report highlights difficulties of HPC-A collection from iron-deficient patients.

Hematological and biochemical characters of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758) cultivated using methyltestosterone

The use of steroid-treated feeds as 17 α-methyltestosterone for the production of all-male populations is widespread in tilapia aquaculture. The aim of the present study was to investigate the misuse effects of methyltestosterone on monosex farmed Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus by evaluation of hematological and biochemical values. The fishes were obtained from four localities (Assiut as a control, Beheira, Alexandria and Kafr el-Sheikh: three farms from each governorate as farmed monosex produced using methyltestosterone). The total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin rate, hematocrit percentage, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cell count, blood platelets, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophils and basophils were determined. The results showed that there were changes in the erythrocytic series and in the defense white blood cells. Activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose, cholesterol, total protein, uric acid and creatinine were determined for biochemical study. These alterations are considered an indication for performance and health of fish in the monosex culture medium indicating the side effects of overdose induction of MT.

Hematological and histopathological changes in Hoplias malabaricus from the São Francisco River, Brazil caused by larvae of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda, Anisakidae)

Summary Until now studies in Brazil of the pathological action of Contracaecum sp. larvae in Hoplias malabaricus have been rare. The aim of the present study was to analyze and describe histopathological changes in the stomach of H. malabaricus caused by different intensities of infection by larvae of Contracaecum sp., and the hematological effects of such infection. The mean intensity of infection by L3 larvae of Contracaecum sp. correlated positively with Hematocrit percentage (Hct%) and correlated negatively with mean corpuscular volume (MCV). These findings are possibly related to the passage of larvae from the stomach to the mesentery, potentially due to hemorrhaging t. Fish with high infection intensity had larvae of Contracaecum sp in the submucosal of the stomach, which caused destruction of Type I and Type III collagen (finer and more delicate collagen fibers which do not form beams and are permeated by fundamental substances) around the parasite. Microscopic analysis showed that crypts were arranged regularly throughout the stomach mucosal, varying in number, size and depth, depending on the region of the stomach.

Effects of Agaricus Blazei Extract Plus Lactoferrin or Lactoferrin Alone on Tumor Growth and UFT-Induced Adverse Reactions in Sarcoma 180- or Highly Metastatic Osteosarcoma LM8-Bearing Mice

Objective: The protective effects of Agaricus blazei extract (ABE) and lactoferrin (LF) on 5-FU derivative-induced adverse reactions remain unclear. We examined the effects of a combination of ABE and LF on tumor growth and metastasis, as well as UFT-induced adverse reactions using a highly metastatic model in osteosarcoma LM8-bearing mice. Methods: In this study, we examined the antitumor activity and adverse reactions, such as myelotoxicity and body-weight loss, of the cancer chemotherapy drug a 5-FU derivative, UFT (50 mg/kg) when given with ABE (9:1, w/w; 0.43 or 1.4 g/kg, twice daily) and LF (100 or 300 mg/kg, twice daily) in sarcoma 180- or osteosarcoma LM8-bearing mice. Key Findings: ABE-LF or LF inhibited tumor growth and metastasis to the lung without causing adverse reactions in LM8-bearing mice. ABE-LF or LF prevented the reductions induced in the number of red blood cells, leukocytes, and platelets, as well as hemoglobin levels and the hematocrit percentage by UFT without affecting the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of UFT. Since neither ABE nor LF inhibited the phosphorylation of 5-FU, the protective effects of ABE-LF or LF on UFT-induced myelotoxicity (reductions in red blood cell numbers) could not be attributed to the inhibition of 5-FU phosphorylation. Conclusion: These results suggest that the protective effects of LF and/or ABE-LF on the adverse events induced by UFT toxicity such as myelotoxicity may be partly due to the myelopoietic actions of LF. Keywords: Adverse reaction, Agaricus blazei extract, Myelotoxicity, Lactoferrin, UFT (tegafur/uracil).

Factors associated with neurocognitive test performance at baseline: a substudy of the INSIGHT Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial.

We describe neuropsychological test performance (NP) in antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve HIV-positive individuals with CD4 cell counts above 500 cells/μL. In a neurology substudy of the International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) study, eight neurocognitive tests were administered. The primary measure of NP was the quantitative NP z-score (QNPZ-8), the average of the z-scores for the eight tests. Associations of baseline factors with QNPZ-8 scores were assessed by multiple regression. Mild neurocognitive impairment (NCI) was defined as z-scores < -1 in at least two of six cognitive domains. A total of 608 participants had a median age of 34 years; 11% were women and 15% were black; the median time since HIV diagnosis was 0.9 years; the median CD4 cell count was 633 cells/μL; 19.9% had mild NCI. Better NP was independently associated with younger age, being white, higher body mass index (0.10 per 10 kg/m(2) higher), and higher haematocrit percentage (0.19 per 10% higher). Worse NP was associated with longer time since HIV diagnosis (-0.17 per 10 years), diabetes (-0.29) and higher Framingham risk score (-0.15 per 10 points higher). QNPZ-8 scores differed significantly between geographical locations, with the lowest scores in Brazil and Argentina/Chile. This is the largest study of NP in ART-naïve HIV-positive adults with CD4 counts > 500 cells/μL. Demographic factors and diabetes were most strongly associated with NP. Unmeasured educational/sociocultural factors may explain geographical differences. Poorer NP was independently associated with longer time since HIV diagnosis, suggesting that untreated HIV infection might deleteriously affect NP, but the effect was small.

The effect of drinking thyme essence on proteins, enzymatic activity, serum biochemical parameters and hematological characteristics in broiler chicks

This experiment was performed to investigate serum biochemical profile and hematological characteristics of broiler chicks supplemented with different levels of drinking thyme essence (DTE). Five hundred one-day old male chicks (Ross-308) were assigned based on a completely randomized design (CRD) and divided into 4 treatments with 5 replicates. Treatments were arranged in: Control group (plain water), 0.1 ml/lit (0.1%), 0.15 ml/lit (0.15%), and 0.2 ml/lit (0.2%) of thyme essence added to drinking water. At 21 and 42 days of age blood samples were collected from wing vein. According to the results, comparing to control group all treatments significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) but glucose was increased significantly (p<0.05). Also response of serum total protein, albumin and globulin to different levels of DTE were significantly higher than control group (p<0.05). Serum calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, hepatic enzymes activity including ALT, AST and ALP were not significantly differing than control. Hemoglobin (HG), hematocrit percentage (HCT %), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and heterophile (HT) counts were significantly (p<0.05) increased by treatments at both 21 and 42 days. In contrast lymphocyte (LY) count was decreased significantly (p<0.05) at both period in experimental groups than control. As a final result, use of 0.1 ml/lit of DTE initially, and afterward the levels of 0.15 or 0.2 ml/lit of DTE in broiler nutrition can improve the blood biochemical and hematological parameters as well as serum proteins without any detrimental effect on liver and health of the birds.

The genotoxicity and systemic toxicity of a pharmaceutical effluent in Wistar rats may involve oxidative stress induction.

There is scarcity of information on the possible mechanisms of pharmaceutical effluent induced genotoxicity and systemic toxicity. This study investigated the genotoxicity and systemic toxicity of a pharmaceutical effluent in Wistar rats. Rats were orally treated with 5–50% concentrations of the effluent for 28 days. At post-exposure, blood, liver, kidney and bone marrow cells were examined for alterations in serum biochemical parameters and hematological indices, histopathological lesions and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes formation (MNPCE). The effluent caused concentration independent significant (p < 0.05) alterations in aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), total and direct bilirubin and creatinine. There was reduction in red blood count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), platelets, percentage hematocrit (HCT), white blood count (WBC) and mean corpuscle hemoglobin (MCH) except mean corpuscle hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), which increased in the treated rats. Histopathological lesions observed in the liver and kidney of the effluent treated rats were thinning of the hepatic cord, kuffer cell hyperplasia, vacuolation of the hepatocytes and renal cells, multifocal inflammatory changes, necrosis and congestion of the renal blood vessels and central vein. MNPCE significantly increase in the bone marrow of the treated rats compared to the negative control. The concentration of some toxic metals and anions in the effluent were above standard permissible limits. These findings showed that the pharmaceutical effluent caused somatic DNA damage and systemic toxicity in rats may involve induction of oxidative stress, suggesting environmental contamination and health risks in wildlife and humans.