Neoteric Algorithm Using Cell Population Data (VCS Parameters) as a Rapid Screening Tool for Haematological Disorders

Hitherto, there has been no comprehensive study on the usefulness of cell population data (CPD) parameters as a screening tool in the discrimination of non-neoplastic and neoplastic haematological disorders. Hence, we aimed to develop an algorithm derived from CPD parameters to enable robust screening of neoplastic from non-neoplastic samples and subsequently to aid in differentiating various neoplastic haematological disorders. In this study, the CPD parameters from 245 subtypes of leukaemia and lymphoma were compared against 1103 non-neoplastic cases, and those CPD parameters that were vigorous discriminants were selected for algorithm development. We devised a novel algorithm: [(SD-V-NE*MN-UMALS-LY*SD-AL2-MO)/MN-C-NE] to distinguish neoplastic from non-neoplastic cases. Following that, the single parameter MN-AL2-NE was used as a discriminant to rule out reactive cases from neoplastic cases. We then assessed CPD parameters that were useful in delineating leukaemia subtypes as follows: AML (SD-MALS-NE and SD-UMALS-NE), APL (MN-V-NE and SD-V-MO), ALL (MN-MALS-NE and MN-LMALS-NE) and CLL (SD-C-MO). Prospective studies were carried out to validate the algorithm and single parameter, MN-AL2-NE. We propose these CPD parameter-based discriminant strategies to be adopted as an initial screening and flagging system in the preliminary evaluation of leukocyte morphology.

Age-associated hemogram and ultrastructural leukocyte morphology in Pygocentrus nattereri (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) from the Brazilian Pantanal

ABSTRACT Pygocentrus nattereri is a carnivorous fish widely distributed in the Brazilian wetland and occupies different river strata. Based on the sexual maturity, the standard length (SL) has been used to categorize age and physiological attributes. However, hematological parameters and their relationship with age and growth features are unknow. Here, the aim was to evaluate the hematological profile and leukocyte data of juvenile and adult specimens, associating it with SL. Specimens of both sexes were weighted, and SL were measured for classify as juveniles (SL ≤16.0 cm) and adults (SL ≥16.1 cm). Blood was collected to perform the hemogram, for leukocyte quantification and ultrastructural descriptions. In general, hemogram values and leukocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts were high in juveniles. Hemogram variables were negatively correlated with SL. Thrombocyte and neutrophil counts were higher in adults than in juveniles. SL was correlated with leukogram variables. Ultrastructural analysis showed that granular leukocyte count in P. nattereri was similar another fishes. PAS-positive granular leukocytes are slightly smaller than neutrophils and are characterized by dense elongated and semi-lunar shapes in the cytoplasm. Our results suggest that age-based SL may be useful for the analysis of the relationship between P. nattereri health status and wetland aquatic environments.

Leukocyte subgroup distribution and morphology in blood of premature and full-term newborn babies studied by the cell microarray

Both the ratio of different leukocyte subgroup content and the leukocyte morphology in peripheral blood of newborns are important in diagnosis of several diseases including combined immunodeficiency and neonatal septicemia. There is a need for development of screening methods for parallel study of the leukocyte morphology and population structure in the newborn peripheral blood. We aimed to determine the relative abundance of different leukocyte subsets and to study their morphology in full-term and premature newborn babies and healthy adult volunteers using the cell-binding microarray – a transparent support with immobilized antibodies against leukocyte cluster-of-differentiation antigens. The work was supported by the Scientific council and approved by the ethical committee of the Centre. We have studied the peripheral blood of 12 full-term newborns (38–40 weeks gestation), 9 premature newborns (22–32 weeks gestation) and 18 healthy adults. The relative abundance of the leukocyte and their morphology were determined using the cell-binding microarray including antibodies against CD2, СD3, СD4, CD5, СD7, CD8, CD10, СD11b, CD11c, CD13, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD25, CD33, CD38, CD41a, CD45, CD45RA, CD45RO, CD61, CD64, CD117, CD123, HLA-DR. The percentage of leukocytes positive for every of the studied surface CD antigens among the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of full-term and preterm newborn babies and healthy adults determined on the cell–binding microarray are in good agreement with published flow cytometry data. CD11b+ leukocytes both in premature and full-term newborns included up to 21% myelocytes and 27% metamyelocytes. The reported data can be used as reference values in cell-binding microarray application in diagnosis of combined immunodeficiency or neonatal septicemia.

Evaluating the leukogram in the dog and cat

Leukogram, an important part of complete blood count, includes the total count, absolute differential counts and leukocyte morphology. For a valid interpretation of the leukogram, proper blood sampling and post-sampling handling is considered a prerequisite. Total leukocyte counts in the clinically healthy adult dog and cat usually range from 6000 to 17000 /μΐ and from 5500 to 19500 /μΐ, respectively. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and rarely basophils are the leukocytes recognized in the peripheral blood of these animal species. Leukocytosis and leukopenia may reflect pathological or physiologic responses to various endogenous or exogenous factors. Morphologic leukocyte changes may indicate an underlying inflammatory process (i.e. toxic changes), congenital and/or hereditary hematological abnormalities (i.e. Pelger-Hüet anomaly, Chediak-Higashi syndrome) and immune-mediated (i.e. systemic lupus erythematus) or neoplastic (i.e. lymphoid/myeloid leukemias) diseases. Detection of canine distemper virus inclusion bodies, Ehrlichia sp. morulae, Hepatozoon canis gamonts etc. in the cytoplasm of the various types of leukocytes is the most objective way to diagnose the relevant infectious diseases in the domestic carnivores.

The haematology of six species of native catfish from northern Australia

Haematology has the potential to be a valuable tool in determining the health status of wild fish populations and wider ecosystem health. However, limited haematological data are available for wild Australian fish species, and the interpretation and nomenclature of leukocytes is variable and inconsistent in fish. The morphology and cytochemical reactions of erythrocytes, thrombocytes and leukocytes of 189 wild eel-tailed catfish (Tandanus tandanus), Wet Tropics tandan (Tandanus tropicanus), Hyrtyl’s tandan (Neosilurus hyrtlii), black catfish (Neosilurus ater), lesser salmon catfish (Neoarius graeffei), and silver cobbler (Neoarius midgleyi) are described. Erythrocytes, thrombocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes and heterophils in all six species are morphologically similar to those reported in other Siluriformes. Basophils and eosinophils are rarely reported in fish; however basophils were observed in peripheral blood smears of T. tropicanus and N. ater, and eosinophils were observed in N. graeffei. Periodic acid Schiff positive granular leukocytes were observed in N. graeffei, N. midgleyi, N. ater and T. tandanus. This is the first report on the leukocyte morphology and cytochemistry of any native Australian catfish species, and provides useful baseline data for future assessments of fish health and ecosystem integrity in Australia.