Nasal Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) with Bone Metastasis in a Dog

Background: Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a highly contagious round cell neoplasm that affects dogs, and it is usually transmitted through coitus. The tumor is mainly located in the genital area; however, the neoplasm can also be extragenital, affecting the nose, mouth, and eyes, as well as the skin and superficial lymph nodes. Cytological examination is the most commonly used method for definitive diagnosis due to its low cost and fast execution. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical resection, and other procedures such as cryosurgery are the possible treatment options. The objective of this report was to describe a case of extragenital TVT with nasal primary site and metastasis in the bone tissue in a dog treated at a private veterinary hospital in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil.Case: A 6-year-old male domiciliary Labrador Retriever dog, weighing 24.2 kg, received oncologic treatment in a private veterinary hospital in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil. The animal had a history of neoplastic disease, and he had undergone TVT resection associated with chemotherapy treatment more than 3 years ago. The clinical examination revealed a volume increase in the periorbital region, left lateral ocular displacement, left nostril excessive epistaxis, recurrent sneezing, cough, and pain signs, and tumor metastasis was suspected. Complementary exams of oncological cytology, computed tomography (CT), hemogram, and serum biochemistry were requested for diagnosis and staging of the condition, and supportive therapy was prescribed. The cytological report showed a dense population of neoplastic round cells with characteristics of TVT. CT indicated the presence of a heterogeneous hypodense mass with irregular contours and partially defined limits, with slight uptake of the intravenously injected contrast medium that obliterated the nasal cavity, maxillary recess, nasopharyngeal meatus, frontal sinus, and sphenoid sinus on the left side. The hematological analysis revealed mild anemia, neutrophilia, and lymphopenia, while the biochemical analysis only showed hypocalcemia. The prescribed therapy was amoxicillin + potassium clavulanate, omega-3, firocoxib, tranexamic acid, and finally chemotherapy with lomustine. Since the patient did not return for follow-up, the outcome could not be determined.Discussion: The patient described in this report was a domiciliary dog who did not live with other pets, but had access to the community environment and contact with other animals. The animal’s history, clinical signs, and cytological and imaging findings were consistent with those of TVT. In extragenital presentations of TVT, the inguinal and sublumbar lymph nodes, lungs, and abdominal organs are most commonly affected. Furthermore, bone involvement is rare, as this has not been commonly described in the literature as compared to the other sites of metastases. An abrasive brush was used for the cytological sample collection, because it provides slides with richer cells as compared to the imprint samples. CT is an important tool for the diagnosis of neoformations in the skeleton, and this method demonstrated high efficiency in identifying the bone involvement and the degree of the invasion and lesion in this case. The therapeutic agents used in this case were different from the usual, since the patient was given lomustine (40 mg/capsule, orally) in the metronomic chemotherapy. This drug has been previously used as an alternative in a canine TVT case resistant to vincristine.Keywords: neoplasm, extragenital, computed tomography, TVT.Título: Tumor Venéreo Transmissível (TVT) nasal com metástase óssea em um cãoDescritores: neoplasia, extragenital, tomografia computadorizada, TVT.

Korean Red Ginseng Enhances Immunotherapeutic Effects of NK Cells via Eosinophils in Metastatic Liver Cancer Model

Metastasis decreases the survival rate of patients with liver cancer. Therefore, novel anti-metastatic strategies are needed. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is often ingested as a functional food with an immune-boosting effect. We investigated a combination of KRG and natural killer (NK) cells as a novel immunotherapy approach. SK-Hep1 cells were injected into the tail vein of NRGA mice to establish an experimental metastasis model. KRG, NK cells, or a combination of KRG and NK cells were administered. Tumor growth was observed using an in vivo imaging system, and metastatic lesions were evaluated by histological analysis and immunohistochemistry. Bioluminescence intensity was lower in the KRG and NK cell combination group than in the other groups, indicating that the combination treatment suppressed the progression of metastasis. CD56 expression was used as a NK cell marker and hematological analysis was performed. The combination treatment also decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and the area of metastatic lesions in liver and bone tissues, as well as increased the eosinophil count. Expression of cytokines-related eosinophils and NK cells was determined by Western blotting analysis. The expression of interleukin 33 (IL33) was induced by the combination of KRG and NK cells. High IL33 expression was associated with prolonged overall survival in the Kaplan–Meier plotter. Our results suggest that KRG enhances the immune activity of NK cells by IL-33 through eosinophils and suppresses metastatic liver cancer progression.

Microfluidic Characterization of Red Blood Cells Microcirculation under Oxidative Stress

Microcirculation is one of the basic functional processes where the main gas exchange between red blood cells (RBCs) and surrounding tissues occurs. It is greatly influenced by the shape and deformability of RBCs, which can be affected by oxidative stress induced by different drugs and diseases leading to anemia. Here we investigated how in vitro microfluidic characterization of RBCs transit velocity in microcapillaries can indicate cells damage and its correlation with clinical hematological analysis. For this purpose, we compared an SU-8 mold with an Si-etched mold for fabrication of PDMS microfluidic devices and quantitatively figured out that oxidative stress induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide splits all RBCs into two subpopulations of normal and slow cells according to their transit velocity. Obtained results agree with the hematological analysis showing that such changes in RBCs velocities are due to violations of shape, volume, and increased heterogeneity of the cells. These data show that characterization of RBCs transport in microfluidic devices can directly reveal violations of microcirculation caused by oxidative stress. Therefore, it can be used for characterization of the ability of RBCs to move in microcapillaries, estimating possible side effects of cancer chemotherapy, and predicting the risk of anemia.

The Acute Toxicity of Rutin in Mice

Acute toxicity is a step to evaluate the toxicity of a substance. Rutin is one of the flavonoid compounds with a variety of pharmacological effects. The aim of the study is to calculate the lethal dose that affect fifty percent of the mice used in the experiment (LD50). Thirty Swiss albino male and 30 non-pregnant female mice have been divided equally and randomly into 5 treated groups and one control group (n=5) Rutin has been administered with concentrations 5, 2.5.1.25,0.625 and 0.312 g/kg administered as a single dose intraperitoneally (IP) while the control group received 1% DMSO (IP). Animals were observed for any morbidity and mortality for 14 days. After 14 days the animal blood collected for biochemical and hematological analysis then all animals are euthanized for histopathological evaluation. The results showed the LD50 was 1.51 g/kg for male mice while for female mice was1.49 g/kg. No significant changes were observed at dose of 1.25glkg (female) and 0.625, 0.312 glkg (both sexes) in body weight measurements and in biochemical or hematological assays. Moreover no significant histopathological changes were reported compared to control.. It can be concluded that Rutin is practically a non-toxic substance.

Assessment of Cytokine (α-TNF) with Erythropoietin and their Correlation in Pulmonary Tuberculosis with Anaemia

Globally tuberculosis is the 9th leading cause of death worldwide. As pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic disease, anaemia of inflammation due to bacterial burden play a vital role in pathophysiology of anaemia. Inflammation interferes with erythropoietin (EPO) function. Methods: The present study was an analytical type of case control study. The study included 100 newly diagnosed anaemic PTB cases and 50 newly diagnosed non anaemic PTB controls. The PTB was confirmed by microscopic examination of sputum specimen for the detection of Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB). Both cases and controls were subjected to hematological analysis by automated cell counter and serum α-TNF and EPO by ELISA method. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in levels of both α-TNF and EPO in anemic and non-anemic PTB groups (p<0.001). α-TNF (214.56±82.30) levels were found to be significantly higher in anaemic PTB group while EPO level (58.44 ±14.97) were found to be significantly higher in non anaemic PTB group. Significant inverse correlation (r1=cases, r2=controls) was observed between α-TNF and EPO (r=-0.257, p<0.05) and α-TNF and Hb (r=-0.202, p<0.05) in both the groups. Conclusion: Increased α-TNF with decreased EPO and hemoglobin infers that inflammation interferes with normal functioning of EPO and probably contributes in induction of anemia in tuberculosis patients.

Preoperative evaluation of coagulation status in neuromodulation patients

OBJECTIVE The incidence of hemorrhage in patients who undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is between 0.5% and 2.5%. Coagulation status is one of the factors that can predispose patients to the development of these complications. As a routine part of preoperative assessment, the authors obtain prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and platelet count. However, insurers often cover only PT/PTT laboratory tests if the patient is receiving warfarin/heparin. The authors aimed to examine their experience with abnormal coagulation parameters in patients who underwent neuromodulation. METHODS Patients who underwent neuromodulation (SCS, DBS, or intrathecal pump implantation) over a 9-year period and had preoperative laboratory values available were included. The authors determined abnormal values on the basis of a clinical protocol utilized at their practice, which combined the normal ranges of the laboratory tests and clinical relevance. This protocol had cutoff values of 12 seconds and 39 seconds for PT and PTT, respectively, and < 120,000 platelets/μl. The authors identified risk factors for these abnormalities and described interventions. RESULTS Of the 1767 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 136 had abnormal preoperative laboratory values. Five of these 136 patients had values that were misclassified as abnormal because they were within the normal ranges at the outside facility where they were tested. Fifty-one patients had laboratory values outside the ranges of our protocol, but the surgeons reviewed and approved these patients without further intervention. Of the remaining 80 patients, 8 had known coagulopathies and 24 were receiving warfarin/heparin. The remaining 48 patients were receiving other anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications. These included apixaban/rivaroxaban/dabigatran anticoagulants (n = 22; mean ± SD PT 13.7 ± 2.5 seconds) and aspirin/clopidogrel/other antiplatelet medications (n = 26; mean ± SD PT 14.4 ± 5.8 seconds). Eight new coagulopathies were identified and further investigated with hematological analysis. CONCLUSIONS New anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications are not monitored with PT/PTT, but they affect coagulation status and laboratory values. Although platelet function tests aid in a subset of medications, it is more difficult to assess the coagulation status of patients receiving novel anticoagulants. PT/PTT may provide value preoperatively.

Estimation of Hematological Parameters of Disease Severity in Iraqi Patients with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic disease with a substantial impact on the hematopoietic system and hemostasis. Neutrophilia is an early indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while lymphopenia acts as a biomarker of the severity of infection, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is the main indicator of cytokine storms. Thus, this study aimed to provide local data about hematological parameters among COVID-19 patients and estimate their correlation with viral load and other factors in severe cases. A total of 99 nasopharyngeal swabs and whole blood specimens were collected from individuals suspected with COVID-19 between October and December 2020. Samples were tested by real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay, COVID-19 IgG and IgM antibody tests, beside hematological analysis. The results showed a significant increase in neutrophils count and NLR, correlated with the severity of the disease Patients at older ages who are suffering from some comorbidity like hypertension and diabetes are at elevated risk to develop more severe disease outcome. The findings demonstrated a higher neutrophils count and higher death ratio in older ages. Also, the results suggest that NLR could be employed as a useful biomarker and potential prognostic tool supporting the importance of laboratory records in assessing case severity and disease progression.

Acute and Repeated Toxicological Study of Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Formula, Yeosinsan, in Rats

Yeosinsan, an herbal formula composed of roots of Paeonia lactiflora and tubers of Cyperus rotundus, was reported as a possible anti-inflammatory and pro-fertility drug. However, the safety of Yeosinsan has not yet been previously investigated. The possible acute and chronic oral toxicity of Yeosinsan was estimated using female and male Sprague Dawley rats. During the administration period, rats were monitored for mortality, body weight changes, food intake, clinical signs, and gross findings. Hematological analysis, serum biochemistry analysis, urinalysis, organ weight measurement, and histopathological examination were also conducted after sacrifice. Acute and chronic oral administration of Yeosinsan did not result in any signs of toxicity in the animals during the observation period. However, in the histopathological examination, several significant changes were observed in the stomach and spleen. In the high‑dose group, extramedullary hematopoiesis and increased pigmentation in the spleen and squamous cell hyperplasia in the forestomach were observed. In conclusion, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of the test material, Yeosinsan, was estimated at 1000 mg∙kg−1∙d−1 for both male and female rats. Therefore, our data suggest that Yeosinsan might be safe to use for treating female infertility.

Hematological analysis of hatchery-reared and wild juveniles of pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha and chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta in Sakhalin Region

State of blood cells is examined for juveniles of pink and chum salmon sampled from Lesnoy Pugachevsky, Taranaisky and Okhotsky hatcheries in Sakhalin in May-June of 2018 and 2019 and caught in the Ochepukha, Pugachevka and Taranay Rivers during their catadromous migration to the sea. Both hatchery and wild juveniles of both species were characterized by high adaptive capabilities evidenced with high content of young forms of erythrocytes in the blood (17.0–31.0 %), significant portion of lymphocytes (60.8–92.0 %), and small number of neutrophils. The high adaptive capabilities were confirmed in the experiment, when juveniles of pink salmon were placed in the seawater without preliminary acclimation, but noticeable changes in the state of blood cells were not revealed both for wild and hatchery-reared specimens. Proportion of different blood cells was highly variable for juveniles of both artificial and natural origin but was more similar between the fry hatched at the same hatcheries or in the same rivers. A case of increased number of neutrophils was noted in 2019 for certain groups of juveniles, with total increasing of platelets in the blood that was explained by an external influence on the juveniles.

Occurrence of tick-borne diseases in domestic dogs in Belém, Pará, Brazil

Tick-borne blood cell pathogens, which are challenging to diagnose, are primarily detected using molecular techniques. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the main infectious agents involved in 50 cases of suspected hemoparasitosis in dogs treated at the Veterinary Hospital Mário Dias Teixeira of the Federal Rural University of the Amazon. Hematological parameters were evaluated, and blood samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for DNA amplification of the following species: Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, and Babesia canis. The PCR test results indicated that the most prevalent infectious agent was E. canis, present in 12% (6/50) infected animals, followed by A. platys and B. canis, present in 8% (4/50) and 2% (1/50) infected animals, respectively. Regarding hematological analysis, the most relevant changes were anemia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, and leukopenia. The availability of molecular techniques allows the management of the most appropriate treatment to infected animals in a rapid and specific way.