Haemato-biochemical changes in tuberculosis infected and healthy Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) from South India

Tuberculosis is known to be a disease of elephants for the past 2000 years. The main causative agent isolated from reported tuberculosis (TB) cases were Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The study focuses on the haematological and serum biochemical changes in the blood of TB infected Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Twelve apparently healthy elephants and twelve TB infected elephants (confirmed by trunk wash smear positive for acid fast bacilli) were selected for the study. Neonates, pregnant elephants and elephants in musth were not included in the study. The study animals were subjected to haematological and serum biochemical evaluation. The data were analysed statistically. The results showed a significant increase in total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, thrombocyte count and ESR in TB affected animals compared with apparently healthy animals. Serum creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, globulin was significantly high in TB affected animals compared with healthy controls. Assessment of haematological and serum biochemical parameters in TB affected elephants aid in diagnosis and tracking of the infection

Biochemical evaluation of grain quality parameters of soybean varieties from the world collection of VIR in the conditions of the Lower Volga region

In 2019-2020, biochemical evaluation of grain quality indicators of soybean varieties from the VIR collection by main groups of nutrients under the conditions of the Lower Volga region was conducted. The differences and peculiarities of the gross energy value of grain were revealed according to the results of the research. The samples with high content of protein and fat in the grain were selected for further use in various directions of selection work on this crop. The coefficient of variation of biochemical grain parameters in soybean varieties varied between 2.7-8.7 %, which indicates its low variability. Keywords: SOYBEAN, BREEDING, WORLD COLLECTION VIR, BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION, GRAIN QUALITY, GROSS ENERGY VALUE

Feminizing adrenal tumor identified by plasma steroid profiling

Summary Feminizing estrogen-secreting adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are exceedingly rare and carry a poor prognosis. The most common presenting trait is gynecomastia, but enlarged breasts are also a frequent clinical finding in healthy men. Biochemical evaluation may be challenging. As such, there is a high risk of delayed diagnosis and treatment opportunity. Here, we present a case with an estrogen-producing ACC where the abnormal steroid profile obtained at the time of initial workup was essential for the prompt diagnosis. Wider adoption of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based steroid assays has potential to improve early diagnosis of feminizing estrogen-secreting ACC. Learning points Feminizing estrogen-secreting adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are a rare, but an important differential diagnosis in men with rapidly developing gynecomastia. Biochemical evaluation is essential for a prompt diagnosis. Steroid hormone profiling using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry technology has the potential to improve early diagnosis of feminizing estrogen-secreting ACC.