The effects of drone transportation on routine laboratory, immunohematology, flow cytometry and molecular analyses.

OBJECTIVES: Transportation of medical samples between laboratories or hospital sites is typically performed by motorized ground transport. Due to the increased traffic congestions in urban environments, drone transportation has become an attractive alternative for fast shipping of samples. In accordance with the CLSI guidelines and the ISO 15189 standard, the impact of this transportation type on sample integrity and performance of laboratory tests must be thoroughly validated. METHODS: Blood samples from 36 healthy volunteers and bacterial spiked urine samples were subjected to a 20-40 min drone flight before they were analyzed and compared with their counterparts that stayed on the ground. Effects on stability of 30 routine biochemical and hematological parameters, immunohematology tests and flow cytometry and molecular tests were evaluated. RESULTS: No clinically relevant effects on blood group typing, flow cytometry lymphocyte subset testing and on the stability of the multicopy opacity-associated proteins (Opa) genes in bacterial DNA nor on the number of Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 (abl) housekeeping genes in human peripheral blood cells were seen. For three of the 30 biochemistry and hematology parameters a statistically significant difference was found: gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and thrombocyte count. A clinically relevant effect however was only seen for potassium and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). CONCLUSIONS: Multi-rotor drone transportation can be used for medical sample transportation with no effect on the majority of the tested parameters, including flow cytometry and molecular analyses, with the exception of a limited clinical impact on potassium and LDH.

Experimental Correction of Homeostasis Changes during Alloxan-Induced Diabetes by Implantation of Islet Cells Cultured in Fibrous TiNi-Based Scaffold.

The use of fibrous scaffolds made of titanium nickelide and carrying islet cells (IC) after a course of alloxan administration was studied in vivo. Scanning electron microscopy showed good adhesion of IC in the pore space of the scaffolds. In 28 days, mature tissue comprising both cellular and fibrous components filled the inner space of the scaffold by 90%. The advantage of intraperitoneal implantation of IC in vitro seeded in fibrous titanium nickelide scaffolds in comparison with injection of IC (6×105 cells) to Wistar rats was demonstrated in the dynamics of pancreatic function recovery (normalization of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations by day 21 of the experiment), regeneration of the white hematopoietic lineage cells, and lengthening (by 2 times) of the lifespan of animals with alloxan-induced diabetes. Injection of IC improved rat survival by only 40%. Thus, the hybrid tissue-engineered construct (fibrous titanium nickelide scaffold+IC) is biocompatible when administered intraperitoneally, stimulates regeneration in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes, improves blood glucose utilization processes, and restores suppressed leukopoiesis. It is assumed that hepatocytes can be the main target cells of the hybrid tissue-engineering construct.

The biotoxic effects of heavy metals exposure in miners and non-miners.

Since little is known about the comparison of the biotoxic effects of heavy metals exposure on biochemical and hematological parameters in miners and non-miners, the current study aimed to compare the effects of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) in both groups. Demographic information and blood samples were collected from all participants and measures of As, Pb and Cu were obtained using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. As and Pb mean concentrations in miners and Cu concentration were greater in non-miners. Miners also showed significantly higher level of RBC, HBG and HCT. In the adjusted model, cholesterol showed a positively association with Pb and Cu levels. Triglycerides, GGT, ALP, WBC and PLT positively and HDL-cholesterol negatively were associated with Cu. Creatinine was negatively associated with group variable. In conclusion, miners' high blood heavy metals concentrations can impact biochemical and hematological indices. These observations make monitoring of heavy metals necessary in miners.

Assessment of the digestibility, growth performance, hematological and serum biochemical profile of Bandjock Local Pigs (BLP) and Duroc X Large White pigs (DLW).

The study aimed to assess the digestibility, growth performance, and selected biochemical and hematological parameters of Bandjock Local pigs (BLP) and Duroc X Large White pigs (DLW). We hypothesize that the use of local ingredients in diet formulation associated to improved rearing conditions, enhance the growth performance, digestibility, biochemical and hematological parameters of BLP. The trial involved dividing twenty-four eight-week-old weaner pigs into two groups. Each group was randomly assigned to separate pig units. Animal management and feeding were consistent between both groups. The trial lasted for 120 days during which the growth performance, the digestibility of ingested nutrients, and biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated. The results indicate that DLW pigs registered a weight gain (46.56±5.19 kg) significantly higher than BLP pigs (34.02), with a statistically similar feed conversion ratio. Except for albumin which was significantly higher in DLW and urea in BLP, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in total protein, cholesterol, globulin, triglycerides, creatinine, AST, and ALT as well as hematological parameters between the breeds. However, the exotic DLW had a relatively high mean blood platelets and white blood cell concentration. Although the fecal nitrogen was higher in BLP and the urinary nitrogen was lower in the DLW, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) for urine, fecal, and total excreted nitrogen in both breeds. The lowest scores in nutrient digestibility were recorded with BLP compared to DWL, except for crude fibers. The results of this study demonstrated that using diet formulated with local ingredients and improved rearing conditions, Cameroonian local indigenous pigs have a better productivity compared to exotic breeds. It suggests that efforts should be made by authorities to promote and valorize the rearing of indigenous pigs in complement to exotic pig breeds in view of strengthening the Cameroonian pig industry.

The effect of soursop-flower-enriched fried palm olein on some biochemical and hematological parameters of rats.

This work set out to, first, assess the role of soursop flower extracts (SFE) in limiting palm olein oxidation during the production of plantain chips, before ascertaining the effect of these soursop-flower-enriched fried palm olein on some biochemical and hematological parameters of rats. The extracts were added to 1.5 kg of oil at 1000, 1400, and 1800 ppm, while BHT at 200 ppm served as a positive control (PO+BHT), and the oil without additives was the negative control (PO). The samples were subjected to 15 frying cycles. Total oxidation values varied between 5.94 ± 0.0 and 31.58 ± 0.37; 8.08 ± 0.25 and 28.24 ± 0.00 and 13.71 ± 0.24 and 42.71 ± 0.40 respectively for palm olein enriched with SFE, for PO+BHT and for PO. Twenty-one groups each comprising five rats received, through dietary supplementation, oils subjected to 0, and 5, 10 and 15 frying cycles for a duration of 30 days. The alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase of rats fed with oils enriched with SFE at fresh states and at 5 frying cycles was comparable to that of the neutral control group (23.45 ± 2.65 and 93.10 ± 3.53 U/L) and lower than that of the negative control group (52.15 ± 2.01 and 124.07 ± 1.89 U/L). The HDL cholesterol of these animals was also comparable to that of the neutral control group (67.82 ± 4.06 mg/dl) and higher than that of the negative control group (50.25 ± 5.20 mg/dl). White blood cells and mean corpuscular volume of rats fed with fried olein previously enriched with SFE were lower than those fed with fried olein without additives. These extracts are recommended as natural antioxidants for the stabilization of palm olein.

Evaluation of histophysiological alterations associated with ketoprofen administration in albino NMRI mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes caused by the administration of ketoprofen to albino NMRI mice on some hematological, biochemical, and structural parameters. For this purpose, the mice were divided into two lots: a control batch and an experimental batch to which ketoprofen was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight per day for 7 days. A decrease in erythrocyte number and hemoglobin was observed altogether with the increase in white blood cells. Blood biochemistry indicates increased blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Enzyme values (AST, ALT, and ALP) show a significant increase. Hepatic pathology reveals the enlargement of sinusoidal capillaries, the presence of leukocyte infiltrates associated with necrosis zones.

Bee Pollen Supplementation to Aged Horses Influences Several Blood Parameters.

In humans and animals, aging leads to a decrease in immune function and an increased susceptibility to infection. Decreased immunity and an increase in the incidence of infectious diseases are particularly notable during the autumn. Bee pollen supplementation improves immunity and antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as general performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bee pollen supplementation during the autumn on blood parameters in aged horses. The study was performed on 16 warmblood horses aged 15-26 years. Half of this group received 60 g of bee pollen (soaked in water) daily for 30 days during the autumn season. Blood samples were taken from all horses before and after the supplementation period. Numerous hematological and plasma biochemical parameters including indicators of oxidative stress were determined. The data collected after the supplementation were compared with data collected before the experiment using one-way analysis of variance and paired Student's t-test. In the control group, there was a decline in the total number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit and an increase in some lipid parameters, urea, total plasma proteins, and sulfhydryl groups. Supplementation with bee pollen prevented the variation of these parameters, except for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We believe that bee pollen supplementation for aged horses during autumn has beneficial effects because it inhibited some of the adverse changes observed in the control horses during this season.

Evaluation of health status of horses immunized with snake venom and montanide adjuvants, IMS 3012 (nanoparticle), ISA 206 and ISA 35 (emulsion based) during polyvalent snake antivenom production: hematological and biochemical assessment.

Several biochemical and hematological changes in horses are observed during production of snake antivenom. Although conventional adjuvants like Freund's (Complete and Incomplete) are good immunopotentiators, they produce considerable local reactions in animals. Variety of commercial adjuvants, like montanide adjuvants, having high immunopotentiation and showing lesser side effects are available. The prime objective during antivenom production is to strike a balance between safety of immunized horses and efficacy of the product. In our earlier work, efficacy of montanide group of adjuvants in antivenom production has already been established. The aim of the present work was to assess the safety parameters in horses, viz.: biochemical and hematological, during production of snake antivenom. In the present study, 33 new horses were randomly divided into four groups and hyperimmunized using mixture of snake venoms, viz.: Cobra venom, Russell's viper venom, Krait venom and Echis venom along with montanide adjuvants, IMS 3012, ISA 206, ISA 35 and Incomplete Freund's adjuvant as a control adjuvant; through subcutaneous route at intervals of two weeks. During the immunization period, biochemical and hematological parameters were monitored at 0th, 14th, 21st, 30th and 42nd weeks. The mean hemoglobin values dropped slightly during initial immunization but subsequently regained to normal levels. The mean serum total protein values and globulin levels showed an increment in all the four groups, compared to day zero, vice-versa a slight drop was observed in albumin levels. No significant changes were observed in serum creatinine, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and blood urea nitrogen values. Finally, we conclude that montanide adjuvants could be a safer alternative to the conventional adjuvants for primary phase of immunization in antivenom production.

Parámetros bioquímicos, hematológicos y productividad de conejos alimentados con dietas normo e hipoproteica / Biochemical and hematological parameters and productivity of rabbits fed low and normo-protein diets / Parámetros bioquímicos, hematológicos e produtividade de coelhos alimentados com dietas normoproteica e hipoproteica

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar un modelo experimental con la finalidad de evaluar la bioquímica sanguínea, hematología e índices de productividad de conejos alimentados con dietas normo e hipoproteica. Los conejos (n= 24), con distintos grados de cruzamiento entre raza Californiana y Neocelandesa, destetados, edades (rango) de 30-34 días, pesos corporales (rango) de 730-770 g fueron separados aleatoriamente en dos grupos (NP y HP). El grupo NP fue alimentado con balanceado comercial (17% PB) y el HP con un alimento formulado con cereales y algunos de sus subproductos, de manera que su porcentaje de proteína bruta (PB) fuera de 12,2%. A los animales se los pesó semanalmente, se estimó el consumo semanal de alimento y se reco­lectaron muestras sanguíneas cada 14 días durante 8 semanas. Los índices productivos (crecimiento, rendimiento, conformación, despiece de la canal) fueron diferentes entre los animales de las dieta NP vs. HP (p < 0.05). El contenido de urea en plasma fue el parámetro bioquímico que permitió rela­cionar la alimentación normo e hipoproteica y la producción. En conclusión, los resultados obtenidos mostraron que el nivel de proteínas en la dieta de conejos produce modificaciones en sus índices de productividad.

The objective of this work was to study growth, yield, conformation, carcass cutting and representative biochemical and hematological parameters of protein metabolism in an experimental model in rabbits fed on low-protein and normal protein diets. Rabbits (n= 24), with varying degrees of cross between California and New Zealand breeds, weaned at 30-34 days (range), with 730-770 g body weight (range) were randomly separated into two groups (NP and HP). HPs were fed on a diet of grain and some of their by-products so that their percentage of crude protein (CP) was 12.2%. NPs were fed commercial feed (17% CP). The animals were weighed weekly, weekly food consumption was estimated, and blood samples were collected every 14 days until the end of the trials (8 weeks). Productive parameters (growth, yield, conformation, cutting of the carcass) were significantly different between NP vs HP animals (p < 0.05). Urea content in plasma was the biochemical parameter that made it possible to relate hypoproteic and normal diet and production. The results confirm that the level of protein in rabbit diet causes changes in their productivity.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar um modelo experimental com a finalidade de avaliar a bio­química sanguínea, hematologia e índices de produtividade de coelhos alimentados com dietas normoproteica e hipoproteica. Os coelhos (n= 24), com diversos graus de cruzamento entre raça Californiana e Neozelandesa, desmamados, idades (faixa) de 30-34 dias, pesos corporais (faixa) de 730-770 g foram separados aleatoriamente em dois grupos (NP e HP). O grupo NP foi alimentado com balanceado comercial (17% PB) e o HP com um alimento formulado com cereais e alguns de seus subprodutos, de maneira que seu percentual de proteína bruta (PB) fosse de 12,2%. Os animais foram pesados semanalmente, estimou-se o consumo semanal de alimento e foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas a cada 14 dias durante 8 semanas. Os índices produtivos (crescimento, rendimento, conformação, separação da carcaça em partes) foram diferentes entre os animais das dietas NP vs. HP (p < 0.05). O conteúdo de ureia em plasma foi o parâmetro bioquímico que permitiu relacionar a alimentação normoproteica e hipoproteica e a produção. Em conclusão, os resultados obtidos mostraram que o nível de proteínas na dieta de coelhos produz modificações em seus índices de produtividade.