Hematology and blood biochemistry profile of the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae as a tool for population assessment in artificial environments

Hematological and blood biochemical reference information is important to establish physiological status of freshwater stingray populations and improve care and management protocols in artificial environments. Here, we used a commercial freshwater stingray with high mortality rates in the market (Potamotrygon magdalenae), as an example to understand how artificial environments and handling protocols influence physiological status of captive freshwater stingrays. To this purpose, blood from five adult males and six adult females was collected to perform complete blood counts and blood chemistry analyses. All sampled animals showed good body condition with no differences between sexes. Differences between sexes were only found for the differential count of lymphocytes. Red blood results were consistent with previously studied potamotrygonids while white blood results showed higher values of leukocytes, thrombocytes, heterophils and lymphocytes in P. magdalenae compared to other Potamotrygonids. All types of leukocytes described for elasmobranchs were found except neutrophils and basophils. Blood metabolites showed an influence of ex situ diet in total protein, triglycerides and cholesterol. Glucose results were consistent while urea showed lower levels than those recorded for other freshwater stingrays. These results highlight the importance of physical, physiological and health analysis in freshwater stingrays as a part of welfare assessment to improve monitoring protocols and survival rates in public or private aquaria.

Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin and Leukocyte Differential Count in Children with Febrile Urinary Tract Infection

Purpose: We aimed to study the association of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (pNGAL) and leukocyte differential count in children with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI).Methods: Medical records of 154 children aged 1 month to 13 years with febrile UTI who were hospitalized were retrospectively reviewed. Associations between pNGAL levels and blood leukocyte differential count at admission and after 48 hours of treatment were investigated in children with or without acute pyelonephritis (APN).Results: The APN group (n=82) showed higher pNGAL levels, neutrophil count, monocyte count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), compared to the non-APN group (n=72) (all P<0.05). After adjustment for age and sex, pNGAL showed positive correlations with neutrophil count and NLR in both groups (all P<0.05). Additionally, it was correlated with the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) only in the APN group (P<0.05). Before and after treatment, pNGAL was positively correlated with neutrophil count, NLR, and MLR in patients with APN while it was related with neutrophil count and NLR in those without APN (all P<0.05). Areas under the receiver operating curve of pNGAL, neutrophil count, NLR, and MLR for predicting APN were 0.804, 0.760, 0.730, and 0.636, respectively (all P<0.05). Only pNGAL was independently associated with the presence of APN in a multivariable logistic regression analysis (P<0.05).Conclusion: In children with febrile UTIs, pNGAL might be associated with leukocyte differential count and the presence of APN.

Analysis of White Blood Cell Count and Its Differential Count in Gingival and Periodontal Conditions Associated with Bleeding Gingiva

Background: Bleeding gingiva is caused primarily due to the accumulation of plaque and calculus which eventually leads to gingivitis or periodontitis. Other causes of bleeding gingiva can be due to improper flossing, over brushing of the teeth and gingiva, hormonal changes due to pregnancy, ill-fitting dentures and any other dental appliances impinging the gingiva. The bleeding gingiva can also indicate serious health problems like leukemia, scurvy, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, vitamin k deficiency and any bleeding disorder. Persistent gingival bleeding is a sign of serious medical problems like leukemia and platelet disorders. Leukemia is a group of cancer where there is an increased number of immature or abnormal white blood cells. In this study, the WBC and their differential count is analyzed in patients with bleeding gingiva to check the possibilities for the patient to get cancer. Aim: To measure and observe the WBC count and its differentials by testing the blood from patients with bleeding gingiva. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the clinical pathology lab at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai. 100 subjects were subjected to the study. Subjects with chief complaint of bleeding gingiva, without systemic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and patients with the age of above 10 were included in the study. Results and Conclusion: This study was conducted to analyze the WBC count and differential count among the patients with bleeding gingiva. No significant correlation was found between bleeding gingiva and white blood cells & their differential count in this study.

Improving the aquatic organisms immune resistance with probiotics for the aquaculture sustainable development

One of the ways to strengthen the immunity of animals in aquaculture is the use of immunomodulators as a food supplement. This work presents a study on the effect of the probiotics Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis on the immunity of crayfish and fish. It was found that the use of the probiotic “Subtilis-C” as a feed supplement strengthened the immunity of narrow-clawed crayfish: the survival rate increased almost threefold in the presence of Saprolegnia parasitica in the water and the incidence of burn-spot disease (BSD) decreased. The average cytochemical coefficient (ACC) of the lysosomal cationic protein in hemocytes decreased. It appears that crayfish consume this cytotoxic protein for immune protection. In carp fed with the probiotic, the immunity to saprolegniosis was strengthened, the body weight gain increased significantly, the amount of hemoglobin increased by 15%, and the number of erythorocytes in the blood almost doubled. An increase in metamyelocytes was noted in WBC differential count of these fish.

Increased Monocyte/Lymphocyte Ratio as Risk Marker for Cardiovascular Events and Infectious Disease Hospitalization in Dialysis Patients

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> In dialysis patients, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and infectious disease contribute to poor clinical outcomes. We investigated if a higher monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) is associated with an increased risk of CVD events and infectious disease hospitalizations in incident dialysis patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In an ongoing observational prospective cohort study, 132 Japanese dialysis patients (age 58.7 ± 11.7 years; 70% men) starting dialysis therapy were enrolled and followed up for a median of 48.7 months. Laboratory biomarkers, including white blood cell count and its differential count, were determined at baseline. Event-free time and relative risks (RRs) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox models, respectively. <b><i>Results:</i></b> When divided into 2 groups according to median MLR (0.35 [range, 0.27–0.46]), the periods without CVD events were significantly shorter in the high MLR group than in the low MLR group (log-rank test = 5.60, <i>p</i> = 0.018). The RR of CVD events, after adjusting for age, sex, and diabetes, was 2.43 (1.22–4.84) in the high MLR group compared to the low MLR group. The periods without infections requiring hospitalization were also shorter (log-rank test = 4.16, <i>p</i> = 0.041). The RR of infections requiring hospitalization was 1.98 (1.02–3.83) after the same adjustments. The number of CVD events was higher in the high MLR group (18.6 events per 100 person-years at risk [pyr]) than the low MLR group (11.1 events per 100 pyr). The duration of infectious disease hospitalization was longer in the high MLR group (6.3 days per pyr) than in the low MLR group (2.8 days per pyr). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> A higher MLR is associated with increased risks of both CVD events and infectious disease hospitalization in dialysis patients.

Educational cost-effective intervention to reduce pathologist’s peripheral blood smears reviews with non-contributory findings: an academic institution experience

Peripheral blood smear (PBS) review by a pathologist is a necessary and invaluable diagnostic tool. However, innovative highly sophisticated haematology analysers that flag peripheral blood abnormalities have decreased the need for a PBS review. Ordering practices including PBS reviews lumped as part of an ‘order set’ or with complete blood count (CBC) constituted most PBS requests at our institution. A retrospective review of all PBS review orders from 1 April 2016 to 31 January 2017 was performed to investigate the ordering practices at our institution. A total of 2864 PBS were ordered during the above study period. In many cases, the PBS report did not add any significant clinical information beyond that acquired by the CBC and differential count. These findings inspired policy changes within our institution for pathologist PBS reviews. Within the electronic order system, all PBS orders for inpatients were linked to a pop-up window with criteria for peripheral smear review and instructions on the approval policy. Outpatient orders required clinicians to request pathology approval. This implementation reduced total number of PBS orders by 42.5% with no adverse effect on patient management. Empowering pathologists and clinicians with guidelines on PBS review orders is a beneficial educational exercise of resource utilisation. Discussion with physicians regarding clinical indications reduces non-contributory PBS reviews, provides guidance to appropriate testing, and aptly allocates pathologist and laboratory staff time and resources.

Relationship between LDH and Mg in Monitoring of Hematological and Non-Hematological Malignant Diseases

Relationship between LDH and Mg in Monitoring of Hematological and Non-Hematological Malignant Disease Aurelian Udristioiu, Titu Maiorescu University of Bucharest, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology ABSTRACT Background Magnesium, which is the second most abundant into-cellular cation after potassium, plays a key role in regulating many cellular functions and enzymes, including ion channels, metabolic cycles, and signaling pathways. Aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and magnesium (Mg) in patients diagnosed with hematological and non-hematological malignant diseases. Method We analyzed a cohort of patients (n = 75) comprising males (n = 36) and females (n =39) with a mean age of 57 years, who had cancer and were admitted to the oncology department. The biochemical parameters were measured running a Vitros 250 dry chemistry analyzer (Johnson & Johnson, USA) using the slides for multi-layer spectro-photometry measurements. These patients were closely monitored twice a week during treatment with specific cytostatic drugs and once a week during consolidation therapy, using specific tests for different types of cancer. In addition, with the cooperation of physicians and patients, they were performed along with hematological and biochemical tests, CBC with differential count and LDH and serum Mg levels, which can serve as markers for monitoring the progression of malignancies. Among the patients, 5 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer, 11 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer, 14 patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, 43 patients were diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 1 patient was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (LAM-3) and 1 patient was diagnosed with chronic monocytic leukemia (CML). The CBC with the differential count, biochemistry samples, body radiography, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) were used for the patient to establish the type of cancer diseases. An initial panel of monoclonal antibodies was used to determine the immune phenotypes of the subgroups of differentiated T cells and B cells. The diagnosis of LAM-3 was made based on blood smears, the examination of bone marrow (BM) aspirates, the evaluation of promyelocytes, (greater than 30% in BM), and the presence of a specific immune phenotype. Results The results were interpreted for each patient based on medical history, clinical and para-clinical examinations and other signs of malignant diseases. Among the patients in this study, 55 patients (73%) exhibited normal serum levels of Mg (normal range value = 1.60-2.3 mg/dL; mean value = 2.2 mg/dL; SD = 0.2; p = 0.02) following cancer therapy. Six patients (8%) exhibited low levels of Mg (range = 0.60-1.50 mg/dL; mean value = 1.05 mg/dL). However, 12 patients (16%) displayed high levels of serum Mg (range =2.6-3.27 mg/dL; mean value = 2.89 mg/dL). The levels of serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were also evaluated in patients newly diagnosed with cancer and in patients with unfavorable responses to the cancer therapy (range = 240-1330 U/L; mean value = 787 U/L; SD =1.33; p = 0.002; normal values 135-225 U/L), (Table 1). Discussions The serum Mg level is increased via Mg²+ release from malignant tissues in patients with malignant disease prior to treatment with cytostatic drugs. In the different malignant diseases, the serum Mg values were high, normal or low, independent of the serum LDH values. The LDH levels remained elevated after initial cytostatic treatment until cancer remission. The number of chromosome copies in malignant tumors can be correlated with the total serum LDH values. LDH levels in cancer patients are elevated due to high levels of LDH-3 isoenzyme in patients with malignancies and high levels of LDH-4 and LDH-5 isoenzymes, elevated patients with cancer of liver, muscle, lung and tissue tissues. conjunctive. High concentrations of serum LDH damage the cell membrane. Thereafter, malignant cells become invasive and metastasizes. Conclusions Normal levels of Mg with moderately increased LDH levels were observed in all patients who had cancer that was in the regression phase following good responses to a specific cancer therapy. Low levels of Mg with high levels of serum LDH were observed in all patients with poor prognosis and metastases. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Comprehensive Morphological Assessment of Cord Blood: Normal Values and the Prevalence of Morphologically Aberrant Leukocytes

Introduction: Cord blood (CB) is becoming a valuable source for stem cells utilized in a variety of cell therapy applications, as well as for newborn diagnostics. Some parameters of the CB cellular components can be provided by automated analyzers, while others, such as immature or aberrant cells, require blood film morphological assessment. The objectives of the study were to establish normal CB morphology, and to determine the prevalence of morphologically aberrant leukocytes in CB. Methods: We performed a comprehensive morphological analysis of 100 CB samples taken from healthy term and appropriate-for-gestational-age neonates born to healthy mothers, preterm neonates, neonates of diabetic mothers, and small-for-gestational-age neonates. Blood counts were assessed, and manual morphological analyses were performed by laboratory specialists. Results: The manual differential count of normal CB samples established the following values: 47.8±10.7% neutrophils, 31.2±9.8% lymphocytes, 10.0±4.0% monocytes, and 3.0±2.5% eosinophils, with no significant sex-related differences. Blasts were observed in 44/100 samples with an average of 0.5±0.7% per sample, and only a minor left shift was observed. There were significant populations of large granular lymphocytes (19.1±10.6% of the total lymphocytes) and morphologically aberrant lymphocytes (12.4±5.4% of the total lymphocytes) in the samples, irrespective of neonatal status. The differentials of preterm CB samples differ significantly from normal term CB samples, including the reverse of neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio, and the lack of basophils. Conclusions: Normal values and unique morphological features in the CB of neonates are described. The abundant morphologically aberrant lymphocytes in CB may represent an immature state of the immune system at birth.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor for Treatment of Patients with Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury: A Preliminary Pre-Post Study

Chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause permanent disability and thereby negatively affect patients, families, and society. Currently, there is no effective treatment for patients with chronic TBI. One possible option is granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), which has potential neuroregenerative and neuroprotective effects through its ability to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells and increase neurogenic growth factor levels. Previous studies have shown that G-CSF administration is safe for patients with neurological diseases such as stroke and dementia. The present study aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of G-CSF use in patients with chronic TBI. Methods: 38 patients with chronic TBI were administered 3-day rounds of G-CSF (10 μg/kg per day) once a month for 6 months. These patients were clinically evaluated using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS). Laboratory measures of the leucocyte counts and differential count percentage were also assessed. Results: At the 6-month follow-up, further assessment showed that patients tolerated the treatment well with only mild and transient side effects being observed. Further clinical evaluation showed significant improvements in mRS and KPS after G-CSF treatment. Laboratory results also confirmed the action of the medication, with increased leukocytosis and band forms. Conclusions: The results suggest that 6-month chronic G-CSF treatment is safe for patients with chronic TBI and may provide clinical benefits and neurological improvements. The adverse effects of the treatment, however, are transient and usually tolerable. Thus, these preliminary findings suggest that future clinical trials of G-CSF use in patients with chronic TBI are warranted.

Immediate and Residual Haematotoxicity in Mice Exposed to Wastewater from a Cocoa Processing Industry

This study investigated the constituents and haematotoxic potential of wastewater collected from a cocoa processing industry in mice. The mice were intraperitoneally injected for 5 consecutive days with 0.3mL of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50% concentrations of the wastewater. Blood was collected from some mice on the last day of the injection to assess the immediate effect of the wastewater on selected haematological parameters while blood was collected from others 21 days after the last injection to assess its residual effect. Blood collected were analyzed using an Abacus Reflotron machine. Haematological parameters including packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), heamaglobin (HGB), lymphocytes, erythrocyte indices: Mean corpuscular heamaglobin count (MCHC), mean corpuscular heamablobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV); leucocyte differential count: Neutrophils, Monocytes, Basophils and Eosinophils were analyzed. A significant decrease in basophils, MCH, MCHC, HGB, and PCV; and a significant increase in neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, MCV, total WBC count, and lymphocytes were observed in mice exposed to the wastewater compared to the negative control after 5 days. A similar trend of the alterations of the heamatological parameters was observed in mice 21 days after exposure, even though the values were numerically lower than in the 5 days exposed mice. Results further showed the presence of Zn, Cd, As, Mg, Ni, Cu, Fe, Cr, BOD, COD, and EC at concentrations higher than allowable limit by standard organization. Cocoa industry wastewater is capable of inducing hematotoxicity, therefore, proper waste management should be followed in the disposal of such toxic waste.