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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common comorbidity in COVID-19 subjects. Hyperglycemia at hospital admission identified as a major risk factor and is responsible for poor prognosis. Hematological and inflammatory parameters have been recognized as predictive markers of severity in COVID-19. In this clinical study, we aimed to assess the impact of hyperglycemia at hospital admission on hematological and several inflammatory parameters in COVID-19 patients. A total of 550 COVID-19 subjects were primarily categorized into two major groups (normoglycemic and hyperglycemic) based on random blood sugar levels. On the first day of hospitalization, subjects' oxygen saturation, random blood sugar, hematological variables, and inflammatory parameters were recorded. The hyperglycemic group exhibited higher levels of serum ferritin, total leukocyte count (TLC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neutrophil count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). In contrast, oxygen saturation and lymphocyte count were lower compared to the normoglycemic group. Significantly elevated levels of hematological variables (TLC, neutrophil count, NLR) and inflammatory parameters (serum ferritin) were observed in the hyperglycemic group. Among inflammatory parameters, only serum ferritin levels showed statistical significance. This study supports the clinical association between hyperglycemia and an increased severity of COVID-19. Consequently, the identification of these parameters is a crucial and valuable prognostic indicator for assessing disease severity in hyperglycemic subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 24‐h ultramarathon (UM) race is one of the most demanding competitive sports in terms of muscular and physiological exertion. In this context, predictors of UM athletes' physical performance are in high demand; however, data on the predictive capabilities of hematological variables are still sparse. In the present paper, we retrospectively took into consideration the pre‐race blood biomarker levels (including basic blood count, leukocyte subpopulations, markers of inflammation and organ function, metabolic profile, and electrolytes) of 50 UM athletes (M = 33, F = 17) who completed a 24‐h competition in order to identify a combination of analytes capable of predicting the athletic performance in terms of distance covered during the 24‐h run. The multiple regression analysis produced a model that explained a significant portion of the variance in the dependent variable, with an adjusted R‐squared value of 0.783 (F(13, 36) = 14.58, p < 0.001). A greater race distance was correlated with higher pre‐race values of hematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol, HDL/LDL ratio, and triglycerides and lower levels of monocytes, eosinophils, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), total proteins, and sodium. This study represents the first of its kind conducted on 24‐h UM athletes that investigated the association between blood markers and endurance performance. Our model, given its promising predictive power, would serve as a starting point that will require refinement and integration with other traditional performance prediction measures, in order to support athletes and coaches in better managing the training loads during the race‐approaching phases. Highlights: A combination of pre‐race hematological parameters was found to predict the 24‐h ultramarathon race distance in ultra‐endurance athletes.A greater race distance was correlated with higher pre‐race values of hematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, HDL/LDL ratio, and triglycerides, and lower levels of monocytes, eosinophils, alanine aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, total proteins, and sodium.The predictive model generated by the multiple regression analysis explained a significant portion of the variance in the dependent variable (race distance), with an adjusted R‐squared value of 0.783. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common comorbidity in COVID-19 subjects. Hyperglycemia at hospital admission identified as a major risk factor and is responsible for poor prognosis. Hematological and inflammatory parameters have been recognized as predictive markers of severity in COVID-19. In this clinical study, we aimed to assess the impact of hyperglycemia at hospital admission on hematological and several inflammatory parameters in COVID-19 patients. A total of 550 COVID-19 subjects were primarily categorized into two major groups (normoglycemic and hyperglycemic) based on random blood sugar levels. On the first day of hospitalization, subjects’ oxygen saturation, random blood sugar, hematological variables, and inflammatory parameters were recorded. The hyperglycemic group exhibited higher levels of serum ferritin, total leukocyte count (TLC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neutrophil count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). In contrast, oxygen saturation and lymphocyte count were lower compared to the normoglycemic group. Significantly elevated levels of hematological variables (TLC, neutrophil count, NLR) and inflammatory parameters (serum ferritin) were observed in the hyperglycemic group. Among inflammatory parameters, only serum ferritin levels showed statistical significance. This study supports the clinical association between hyperglycemia and an increased severity of COVID-19. Consequently, the identification of these parameters is a crucial and valuable prognostic indicator for assessing disease severity in hyperglycemic subjects.

Background: A cerebrovascular accident or stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the world. Several risk factors have been detected and extensively studied and are part of preventive strategies. Emerging risk factors for ischemic that have recently acquired interest are vitamin B-12 and homocysteine levels. A study has been conducted in a tertiary hospital in Chennai to evaluate the levels of vitamin B-12, homocysteine, and hematological variables. Aims: The objective of the study was to estimate the serum levels of homocysteine and vitamin B-12 in patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack and to analyze hematological parameters, including complete blood counts and peripheral smear and correlate with vitamin B-12. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 individuals with either ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were included in the study. Vitamin B-12, homocysteine, complete blood counts, and peripheral smear were analyzed for the patients. Results: Either frank or subclinical vitamin B-12 deficiencies were noted in 59 (73.8%) of the study population. Fifty-seven (71.2%) of the study population had elevated homocysteine. Fifty (62.5%) had a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N:L) ratio and 52 (65%) had elevated red cell distribution width. Conclusion: High homocysteine levels are prevalent among ischemic stroke patients and this elucidates that homocysteine has a role in the thrombus formation and is a risk factor for the development of the stroke. It was also noted that vitamin B-12 deficiency, either frank or subclinical, is prevalent among these patients and can be a target for supplementation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Heat stress induces oxidative stress that negatively affects the fertility rate in farm animals, as it may disrupt normal follicular development and preimplantation embryogenesis. Although indigenous sheep breeds may exhibit adaptation to a certain level in high summer temperatures, their reproductive competence is still compromised under extreme severe heat stress conditions. Thus, the administration of melatonin is suggested, as an antioxidant regime, for improving the fertility rate and redox balance in heat-stressed ewes. The influence of environmental thermal stress in conjunction with melatonin treatment on hematological variables and cortisol secretion was also investigated. In this respect, melatonin seems to enhance the progressive adaptation of indigenous-breed ewes to environmental heat stress. The preovulatory follicles and preimplantation stage embryos are found to be rather sensitive to heat stress due to their low potential for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of melatonin administration on redox status and hematological variables during the preovulatory period and early stages of embryogenesis in heat-stressed ewes in vivo. Forty Karagouniko-breed ewes were divided in two groups, the melatonin (M, n = 20) group and control (C, n = 20) one. All animals were subjected to heat stress throughout the study, which lasted forty days (D0 to D40). In M group, melatonin implants were administered on D0. Then, oestrous synchronization was applied (D19-D33). On D34, six rams were introduced into the ewe flock for mating. Ultrasonographic examination was conducted on D73 for pregnancy diagnosis. The temperature humidity index (THI), the rectal temperature (RT), and the number of breaths per minute (BR) were evaluated twice daily. Redox biomarkers, namely total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were assayed in blood samples collected on D0, D33, and D40. In addition, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBCs), leukocyte differential count, and cortisol assessment were conducted in blood samples on D33 and D40. The results indicated improved fertility rate and mean number of lambs born per ewe due to improved redox status (p < 0.05) in ewes that received melatonin implants 34 days approximately before the onset of oestrus. The PCV decreased in both groups between the two time-points (p < 0.05). However, the NEU/LYMPH ratio decreased (p < 0.05) only in group M. The low cortisol levels and the decreased NEU/LYMPH ratio in both groups support the hypothesis that ewes of the indigenous Karagouniko breed may exhibit adaptation to environmental thermal stress. The administration of melatonin as an antioxidant regime may improve the reproductive competence of heat stressed ewes and may also enhance their ability to adapt at high ambient temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enrofloxacin (ENR) is a veterinary medicine extensively used in aquatic farming, the abuses of antibacterials can lead to drug residues and toxicity to aquatic animals. Nevertheless, its toxicological effects on the Pelodiscus sinensis remain unclear. The objective of this work was to study the toxic effects of ENR on male P. sinensis following multiple oral administration. For hematological, antioxidant status, histological and ultrastructural analyzed, male P. sinensis were orally administrated with ENR for 5 consecutive days, each at the dose of 15 (recommended dose, 1×), 45 (3 times the recommended dose, 3×), and 75 (5 times the recommended dose, 5×) mg/kg body weight (BW) daily. The effect of ENR on P. sinensis by changes in the intestinal microbiota using high-throughput sequencing technology was also investigated. Samples of blood and fresh tissue (liver, spleen, intestine, muscle, spermary, testes, heart, lung, and kidney) were collected after 24 h of drug withdrawal. The results showed that multiple oral administration of ENR induced immunosuppression (lowered total proteins, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin), hepatic-renal dysfunction (elevated aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, urea nitrogen, K+ and Ca2+), and lowering the hepatic and splenic antioxidant functions (higher MDA, and declines in the activities of SOD, CAT, and NOS) in 3× ENR-dosed or 5× ENR-dosed groups. Noteworthy, histopathological and ultrastructural examination of tissue samples revealed adverse effects with increasing oral dosage of ENR. The 16S sequencing analysis showed that the ENR treatment can greatly change the intestinal microbial diversity and abundance in P. sinensis , but more probiotics such as Cetobacterium , Lactococcus , and Paraclostridium were retained in the short-term period. The findings may provide new insights into the toxicity of ENR to P. sinensis , and help to determine the dose to ensure the safety of aquatic food products. • The toxicological of ENR was evaluated on Pelodiscus sinensis for the first time. • ENR caused hematologic and bacterial community changes and increased oxidative stress. • ENR exposure caused significant damage to the reproductive system of male P. sinensis. • Providing baseline data for the drug administration protocol and determined the safe dose (15 mg/kg) for P. sinensis farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian colibacillosis is the most common bacterial disease in poultry. Vaccination has been extensively used in order to protect birds from colibacillosis infection. The aims of this study were to assess hematological alterations in commercial layer pullets after intratracheal challenge with a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli as well as to investigate the differences observed between birds vaccinated with different vaccination schemes against avian colibacillosis. Four groups of conventional pullets were reared in the same house following different vaccination protocols against colibacillosis. Birds in group A received no vaccination. Birds in group B received 3 applications of a commercial live O78 vaccine. Birds in group C received 2 intramuscular applications of an autogenous vaccine consisting of an O78, an O111, and an O18 E. coli strain, while birds in group D received 2 applications of the commercial vaccine and one application of the autogenous. All birds were inoculated intratracheally with a pathogenic O78 E. coli strain. Whole blood samples were collected before challenge and 1 week after and hematological evaluations of packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell count (TWBC), differential leukocyte count, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, and cell morphology were performed. Only slight alterations occurred in PCV in all groups. After challenge, a significant elevation was observed in TWBC and number of heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio in all four groups. Furthermore, toxic heterophils were more frequently observed after challenge in groups A and B. Those results indicate that birds in groups C and D were better protected from E. coli infection in comparison to groups A and B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive fish cultivation has a high incidence of infection, which is often controlled by administering antibiotics. Florfenicol (FF) is one of the two antimicrobial drugs permitted for aquaculture in Brazil. Due to their intensive use, potentially harmful effects on aquatic organisms are of great concern. In this sense, we investigated whether the presence of FF in cultivation water could change the health parameters of Nile tilapia. For this, we evaluated hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCHC) concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), total plasma protein (TPP), number of circulating red blood cells and leukocytes, as lipid peroxidation levels, catalase activity and glutathione S-transferase activity of fish exposed to 11.72 mg L−1 of FF in water for 48 h. The fish were divided into two groups: Nile tilapia in water with FF or without FF (control). Exposure to FF in cultivation water for a short period didn't change the hematological variables analyzed, but caused changes in liver ROS (Reactive oxygen species) markers of the Nile tilapia, which was revealed by lipid peroxidation levels, catalase activity, and glutathione S-transferase. The 48h exposure period was enough to induce oxidative stress in hepatocytes, causing cellular oxidative damage. Therefore, the antibiotic florfenicol may cause toxicity to organisms and aquatic ecosystems, even at a sublethal concentrations near 1/100 LC50-48h for fish species.

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This study investigated the effects of nonylphenol (NP) on hematological and immunological parameters in both male and female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were randomly distributed into six groups and administered with NP (10, 50 and 100 μg g-1 week-1 BW) and a single dose of 17-β estradiol (E2; 2 μg g-1 week-1 BW, positive control). The solvent controls received ethanol and coconut oil as a vehicle, while the controls were not injected. Red blood cells (RBCs) count, hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBCs), and lymphocytes demonstrated a NP dose-dependent decrease, whereas mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), monocytes, and neutrophils showed an increasing trend in both male and female fish 21 days post-treatment. Also, RBCs, Hb, MCHC, WBCs, and lymphocytes were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in E2 treated fish. Lysozyme, complement components (C3 and C4) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were increased in fish sera subjected to 10 and 50 μg g-1 NP, while these decreased in groups administered with 100 μg g-1 NP and 2 μg g-1 E2. Except for C4 level at 10 μg g-1 NP, no significant differences were observed in hematological and immunological parameters of male and female in each treatment. Overall, a frequent exposure to NP could lead to adverse effects on fish immune-physiological functions which may cause serious ecological threats of fish natural population sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Vulnerable animals to heat stress have been described as ones with dark or black hides due to increasing absorption of solar radiation. The effect of coat color in pluriparous contemporary Holstein cows in a hot environment (mean annual temperature 24.6 °C), on body surface temperature (infrared thermography), physiological and hematological variables as well as milk yield and reproductive performance was assessed using 178 Holstein pluriparous cows (74 predominantly white and 104 predominantly black). Data were collected in the morning and afternoon in July (mean temperature-humidity index 82 units). Body condition score at mid-lactation (128 ± 32 days in milk at the start of the experiment) was higher (P < 0.01) in predominantly white than in black cows (3.3 vs. 3.2). Respiration rate did not differ between groups (72 ± 23 vs. 73 ± 20 breaths/min for white and black cows, respectively, sampling time combined). In contrast, rectal temperature of black cows was 0.1 °C higher (P ≤ 0.01) than white cows, regardless of sampling time. The only significant hematologic change was a slight increase in mean corpuscular volume in black cows (54.7 fL, P < 0.01) compared to white cows (53.8 fL), but it remained within the reference range. Differences due to coat color did not alter body surface temperatures at any time of the day. Conception rates, services per conception, calving intervals and fetal losses were not associated with hair coat color, but cows with predominantly white coat produced 394 kg more (P < 0.01) fat-corrected milk in 305 days compared to cows with predominantly black coat. It was concluded that in this hot-arid environment with cows housed in facilities with extensive cooling, black hair coat moderately reduces 305-d milk yield without affecting milk composition, body surface temperature, and reproductive performance. Highlights • Body condition score of predominantly white cows was greater than black cows at mid-lactation. • White and black cows had similar surface temperatures in all body parts studied. • Milk composition did not differ among white and black cows. • Conception rates to all services were not influenced by hair coat color. • White cows produced 394 kg more energy-corrected milk than black cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the goals of altitude training is to increase blood oxygen-carrying capacity in order to improve sea-level endurance performance in athletes. The elevated erythropoietin (EPO) production in hypoxia is a key factor in the achievement of enhanced hematological variables. The level of the EPO increase and acceleration of erythropoiesis depend on the duration of exposure and degree of hypoxia. Furthermore, many other factors may affect the hematological response to altitude training.Aim: The purpose of this narrative review was to: (1) analyze the kinetics of EPO and hematological variables during and after altitude training; (2) summarize the current state of knowledge about the possible causes of individual or cohort differences in EPO and hematological response to altitude training; (3) formulate practical guidelines for athletes to improve the efficiency of altitude training.Methods: A narrative review was performed following an electronic search of the databases PubMed/MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus via EBSCO for all English-language articles published between 1997 and 2017.Results: Complete unification of results from studies on EPO kinetics was difficult due to different time and frequency of blood sampling by different researchers during and after altitude training, but the data presented in the reviewed literature allowed us to detect certain trends. The results of the reviewed studies were divergent and indicated either increase or no change of hematological variables following altitude training. Factors that may affect the hematological response to altitude training include hypoxic dose, training content, training background of athletes, and/or individual variability of EPO production.Conclusions: Despite the potential benefits arising from altitude training, its effectiveness in improving hematological variables is still debatable. Further research and better understanding of factors influencing the response to altitude, as well as factors affecting the suitable measurement and interpretation of study results, are needed.

Background: One of the goals of altitude training is to increase blood oxygen-carrying capacity in order to improve sea-level endurance performance in athletes. The elevated erythropoietin (EPO) production in hypoxia is a key factor in the achievement of enhanced hematological variables. The level of the EPO increase and acceleration of erythropoiesis depend on the duration of exposure and degree of hypoxia. Furthermore, many other factors may affect the hematological response to altitude training. Aim: The purpose of this narrative review was to: (1) analyze the kinetics of EPO and hematological variables during and after altitude training; (2) summarize the current state of knowledge about the possible causes of individual or cohort differences in EPO and hematological response to altitude training; (3) formulate practical guidelines for athletes to improve the efficiency of altitude training. Methods: A narrative review was performed following an electronic search of the databases PubMed/MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus via EBSCO for all English-language articles published between 1997 and 2017. Results: Complete unification of results from studies on EPO kinetics was difficult due to different time and frequency of blood sampling by different researchers during and after altitude training, but the data presented in the reviewed literature allowed us to detect certain trends. The results of the reviewed studies were divergent and indicated either increase or no change of hematological variables following altitude training. Factors that may affect the hematological response to altitude training include hypoxic dose, training content, training background of athletes, and/or individual variability of EPO production. Conclusions: Despite the potential benefits arising from altitude training, its effectiveness in improving hematological variables is still debatable. Further research and better understanding of factors influencing the response to altitude, as well as factors affecting the suitable measurement and interpretation of study results, are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objectives The purpose of the study was to evaluate the acute hematological response to a sprint interval testing protocol in cyclists. Methods Sixteen cyclists executed 4 sets of maximal intensity cycling separated by 20–40 min active recovery. Each set involved four 30 s maximal sprints interspersed with 90 s low-intensity recovery. Power output was recorded. Red and white blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels were obtained at baseline and 2 min after each set. Percentage change in plasma volume was calculated. Body composition and mass were measured pre- and post-sprint interval testing protocol. Results Power output was maintained at similar level throughout all sets of exercise. Respective increases compared with baseline were observed in each consecutive set for red blood cell (by 8.4%, 6.8%, 5.6%, 3.8%), white blood cell (by 107.8%, 119.6%, 284.3%, 339.2%), hemoglobin (by 7.5%, 6.1%, 4.1%, 2.0%), and hematocrit (by 9.2%, 7.5%, 7.0%, 3.7%). There was a reduction in plasma volume (by −14.5%, −11.7%, −9.2%, −5.4%) compared with baseline. Body mass and water content decreased post- sprint interval testing protocol. Conclusions While sprint interval testing protocol induced acute hypovolemia, the magnitude difference progressively decreased with consecutive sets of exercise, suggesting plasma volume expansion during active recovery between-sets. Significant white blood cell increases in subsequent sets of maximal exercise suggests an inflammatory response and may hinder microcirculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se estudiaron 59 pacientes mayores de 18 años con anemia drepanocítica distribuidos en: grupo 1 (23) sin síndrome torácico agudo (STA), priapismo, ni úlceras maleolares; grupo 2 (39) que han presentado alguna de las complicaciones anteriores. En el grupo 2 se observó disminución significativa de la hemoglobina (Hb) y la Hb fetal, así como aumento de plaquetas, deshidrogenasa láctica (LDH), aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), alanino aminotransferasa (ALT), bilirrubina total (BT), directa (BD) e indirecta (BI), fosfatasa alcalina (FAL), creatin kinasa-MB (CK-MB) y de la frecuencia de accidente vascular encefálico. La frecuencia de STA, úlceras maleolares y priapismo en el grupo 2, fue del 83,3; 33,3 y 50 %, respectivamente. El análisis de regresión lineal múltiple en el total de enfermos tomando como variable dependiente la LDH, mostró correlación negativa significativa para la Hb y el Hto y positiva para creatinina, AST, ALT, BT, BD, BI, FAL y CK-MB. La frecuencia de hipertensión pulmonar fue del 18,2 % (n= 10). Estos estudios pueden ser útiles en el diagnóstico precoz de complicaciones relacionadas con la hemólisis.A total of 59 patients aged over 18 with sickle cell anemia were studied distributed in: group 1 (23) without acute thoracic syndrome (ACS), priapism and malleolus ulcers; group 2 (39) with some of above complications. In group 2 there was a significant decrease of hemoglobin (Hb) and the fetal Hb and a platelet increase, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), alkaline phosphatase (APH), creatine kinase-MB (ck-MB) and of encephalic stroke frequency. The frequency of AST, malleolus ulcers and priapism in group 2 was of 83.3 %, 33.3 % and 50 %, respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis in all patients considering the LDH as a negati ve correlation significant for Hb and the Hto and positive for creatinine, AST, ALT, TB, DB, IB, APH and CK-MB. The pulmonary hypertension frequency was of 18.2 % (n= 10). These studies may be useful in the early diagnosis of hemolysis-related complications.

Development of the capacity to mitigate potential disturbances to blood physiology in bird embryos is incompletely understood. We investigated regulation of acid-base and hematology in day 15 chicken embryos exposed to graded intrinsic hypercapnic hypoxia created by varying degrees of water submersion. Metabolic acidosis with additional respiratory or metabolic acidosis occurred at 2 h according to magnitude of submersion. Acid-base disturbance was partially compensated by metabolic alkalosis at 6 h, but compensatory metabolic alkalosis was absent at 24 h. Following submersion with only air cell exposed to air, both hypercapnic respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis occurred within 10 min. Subsequently, both forms of acidosis created lethal levels of [HCO 3 -] at ∼120 min. Blood hematology showed small but significant effects associated with induced acid-base disturbance. Increased Hct occurring during partial egg submersion lasting 24 h was attributed to an increase in MCV. By day 15 of development chicken embryos are able to partially compensate for and withstand all but severe induced internal hypoxic hypercapnia. [Display omitted] • Graded levels of internal hypoxia and hypercapnia were induced in Day 15 chicken embryos using water submergence. • Embryos withstand all but severe induced internal hypoxic hypercapnia, indicating presence of acid-base regulation abilities. • Hypoxic hypercapnia had little effect on blood hematology (e.g. hematocrit, red blood cell and hemoglobin concentrations). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horse trekking is a noncompetitive physical activity conducted as a recreation and leisure experience, but so far potential effects on physiological changes in horses have not been investigated. The aim of the present research was to study whether trekking would affect plasma serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) concentrations in platelet poor plasma samples, together with its precursor tryptophan, and other hematological and functional variables. The study was carried out on 28 clinically healthy horses, habitually used for trekking, of which 18 participated in a 2-day trekking event, and 10 were used as the control group. The results obtained showed a significant effect of exercise on the serotonin, red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet, hematocrit, hemoglobin, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature changes. These effects are probably related to a combination of submaximal exercise and some degree of dehydration. Prolonged and aerobic exercise, like that involved in trekking, could affect both the release of 5-HT from the stores in the blood stream as well as hematological and functional adaptations in response to physical effort. Moreover, results confirm a physiological influence of 5-HT in the regulation of the vascular system, induced by exercise. The present findings imply that assessment of plasma 5-HT as well as hematological and functional variables may be proposed as an additional tool to evaluate the physiological adjustment in response to physical activity in trained horses that may influence their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated serial changes in routine hematological and biochemical analysis in the follow-up samples collected from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients ( n = 17) at admission (0 h) and 24, 48, 72 and 144 h after admission, respectively, to determine their prognostic significance. Blood samples from age and sex matched healthy control subjects ( n = 12) were also collected. We observed significant changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count (WBC), polymorph, lymphocyte, and total protein levels in discharged and expired AIS patients. These changes were more in expired AIS patient throughout the follow-up. Similarly low hemoglobin (Hb) and globulin were observed only in expired AIS patient. Thus ESR, WBC, polymorph, lymphocyte, and total protein may be used as a predictor for severity of AIS. Similarly low Hb and globulin in AIS patient may be used as a predictive biomarker for short-term mortality after AIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of sodium bicarbonate (BC) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, live yeast culture (yea sacc1026, YS) on ruminal fermentation and blood variables. Four Kivircik rams with ruminal cannula were used in a Latin square design, during 27-day periods (20 days for adaptation and 7 days for collection). They received 0 (control group), 5 g/day (i.e. 25 × 109 CFU) of YS or 10 g/day of sodium BC or 10 g/day of BC and 5 g/day of YS (BC + YS) (treatment groups). The cultures and sodium BC were added to the ration in a grain mix. The ration consisted of 70% grain mix and 30% lucerne hay. Rumen contents were collected before and 3 h and 6 h after morning feeding on days 1 and 7 in each collection period and were analyzed. Blood samples were also collected on the same days. Ruminal pH at 3 h (p ≤ 0.1) and 6 h (p ≤ 0.05) after feeding were higher when rams were fed BC and BC + YS than when they were fed CG and YS. Addition of YS to the diet did not modify the proportions of the different protozoa types; only Diplodinium at 0 h tended to be lower (p < 0.1) when rams were fed YS, BC and BC + YS than when they were fed CG. Plasma sodium value decreased by YS and BC + YS. Other biochemical and haematological variables were not affected by treatments. Also total volatile fatty acid, NH3-N concentrations and protozoa counts in the ruminal fluid were not affected by treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anaplasmosis is caused by gram negative obligate intracellular bacterium of the genus Anaplasma. • First report on molecular occurrence of anaplasmosis in naturally affected domestic cats in Pakistan. • The study isolates showed high resemblance (99%) with isolates from Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines and India. Feline anaplasmosis is considered as an emerging tick-borne disease of zoonotic potential. The aim of current study was to investigate the molecular prevalence of anaplasmosis, associated risk factors, and alterations in hematological parameters of domestic cats from Lahore, Pakistan. Blood samples of 100 domestic cats from district Lahore were examined microscopically and the extracted genomic DNA from each sample was processed for the amplification of 16 S rRNA gene of Anaplasma. PCR confirmed isolates were purified for sequencing. The data regarding the risk factors was collected in a predesigned questionnaire and statistically analyzed by logistic regression analysis. The study found a molecular prevalence of 13% (13/100) among analyzed blood samples. The nucleotide analysis of Anaplasmataceae species sequences amplified by PCR showed high resemblance (99%) with isolates from Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, and India. The potential risk factors found to be significantly associated (p < 0.05) with disease dynamics based on the Chi-Square test were tick infestation on studied animals, previous tick history, tick control status, house hygiene, and housing type. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the number of platelets, erythrocytes, hemoglobin level, and pack cell volume was observed in cats suffering from anaplasmosis compared to the healthy ones. The current study is the first report of Anaplasma infection in domestic cats of Pakistan. This study will be effectual in designing the control strategies for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplasmosis is a widespread vector-borne disease affecting dogs, and Anaplasma platys is the major etiological agent of the disease. The study examines anaplasmosis molecular prevalence, related risk factors, and alteration of hematological variables in Anaplasma-affected dogs. A total of 150 blood samples were collected from dogs in the district of Lahore, Pakistan. The samples were screened with PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma. Sequencing of samples that were found positive after performing PCR was conducted. A questionnaire was developed to collect epidemiological data on subject dogs, and the information was analyzed with a logistic regression model using SPSS. The current study revealed an 11.34% (17/150) prevalence of anaplasmosis in dogs based on PCR detection. Tick infestation, previous tick history, house hygiene, and tick control status were major risk factors linked with disease occurrence. Red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and platelet count were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in Anaplasma-infected dogs. Phylogenetically, the 2 isolates of the current study clustered together, and that cluster was very similar to A. platys isolates from India, Malaysia, and Thailand., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2021.)