Hematology and serum biochemistry of free-ranging mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) at La Pacifica, Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: Hematologic and blood biochemical values are key tools for assessing primate health. A long-term behavioral study of howler monkeys at a single site (La Pacífica, Guanacaste, Costa Rica), afforded the opportunity to develop baseline values for a large group of animals, evaluating differences between adult males and females and comparing to a report in the same population two decades later. METHODS: In 1998, 64 free-ranging mantled howler monkeys were anesthetized and sampled for hematologic and biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Blood analysis is reported for 29 adult females, 9 juvenile females, 19 adult males and 3 juvenile males. Four adults were excluded due to external injury or disease. There were few significant differences between adult females, juvenile females, and adult males. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline blood parameters are useful for determining normal values for howler monkey populations. The values for total protein, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, liver enzymes and potassium differed from a later study in 2019 may indicate changes that are influencing howler monkey health.

Retrospective analysis of reference intervals for dried blood spot based ms/ms newborn screening programs in Chinese preterm neonates: a nationwide study.

OBJECTIVES: Although recent discoveries regarding the biomarkers of newborn screening (NBS) programs by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) highlight the critical need to establish reference intervals (RIs) specifically for preterm infants, no such RIs has been formally published yet. This study addressed the gap by offering a comprehensive set of reference intervals (RIs) for preterm neonates, and illustrating the dynamic changes of each biomarker with age. DESIGN AND METHODS: The NBS data of 199,693 preterm newborns (< 37 weeks of gestation) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from the NNSCP database were included in study analysis. The birth weight stratified dynamic trend of each biomarker were captured by their concentrations over age. Reference partitions were determined by the method of Harris and Boyd. RIs, corresponding to the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles, as well as the 0.5th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 99.5th percentiles were calculated using a non-parametric rank approach. RESULTS: Increasing birth weight is associated with an elevation in the levels of arginine, citrulline, glycine, leucine and isobarics, methionine, ornithine, phenylalanine, and valine, whereas the levels of alanine, proline and tyrosine decrease. Additionally, two short-chain acylcarnitines (butyrylcarnitine + isobutyrylcarnitine and isovalerylcarnitine + methylbutyrylcarnitine) and a median-chain acylcarnitine (octenoylcarnitine) decrease, while four long-chain acylcarnitines (tetradecanoylcarnitine, palmitoylcarnitine, palmitoleylcarnitine and oleoylcarnitine) increase with increasing birth weight. Age impacts the levels of all MS/MS NBS biomarkers, while sex only affects the level of malonylcarnitine + 3-hydroxybutyrylcarnitine (C3-DC + C4-OH) in very low birth weight preterm neonates. CONCLUSION: The current study developed reference intervals (RIs) specific to birth weight, age, and/or sex for 35 MS/MS biomarkers, which can help in the timely evaluation of the health and disease of preterm neonates.

Growth charts for children aged 6-17 years in Shanxi, China: comparison with other cities of China and WHO.

BACKGROUND: Growth charts are an important method for evaluating a child's health, growth, and nutritional status. It is essential to monitor the growth of children and adolescents using growth charts. OBJECTIVES: To present body mass index (BMI)-for-age references reflecting children's growth in Shanxi. We also compare our new data with growth references of other cities of China and World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards. METHODS: A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to recruit 5461 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. The LMS method was used to calculate the percentile values of body mass index by sex and age. Smoothed BMI-for-age growth curves were presented for both sexes and compared with reference data from other cities of China and WHO. RESULTS: BMI centiles increased with age but with different patterns in both boys and girls. The centile curves from the 3rd to the 50th had a slight increase, while a sharp increase was seen from 11 to 17 years in boys and from 6 to 14 years in girls in the higher centiles. In comparison with other cities of China, the values for the 50th percentile are higher than those reported for children from China 2009, Shanghai, Changsha and China 2010 in both sexes. In comparison with WHO growth references, Chinese girls and boys had higher values in all percentiles, whereas curves of girls look roughly the same. The medians for BMI in Shanxi increase linearly from 6 to 17 years in boys. CONCLUSIONS: The BMI percentiles of children aged 6-17 years in Shanxi differed significantly from the growth reference curves of other cities of China and WHO. Recommending the provision of BMI reference curves for local children and adolescents to assess their growth and development and monitor their nutritional status. Early detection of overweight and obesity in children provides a scientific basis for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in children.

Increasing region of interest width reduces neonatal circumferential strain.

OBJECTIVE: There is growing interest in speckle tracking echocardiography-derived strain as a measure of left ventricular function in neonates. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the effect of image acquisition and processing parameters on circumferential strain measurements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using different region of interest (ROI) widths on speckle tracking derived circumferential strain in healthy neonates. METHODS: Thirty healthy-term-born neonates were examined with speckle-tracking echocardiography in the short-axis view. Circumferential strain values were acquired and compared using two different ROI widths. Furthermore, strain values in the different vendor-defined wall layers were also compared. RESULTS: Increasing ROI width led to a decrease in global circumferential strain (GCS) in the midwall and epicardial layers, the respective decreases in strain being -23.4 ± .6% to -22.0 ± 1.1%, p < .0001 and 18.5 ± 1.7% to -15.6 ± 2.0%, p < .0001. Segmental analyses were consistent with these results, apart from two segments in the midwall. There was no statistically significant effect on strain for the endocardial layer. A gradient was seen where strain increased from the epicardial to endocardial layers. CONCLUSION: Increasing ROI width led to a decrease in GCS in the midwall and epicardium. There is an increase in circumferential strain when moving from the epicardial toward the endocardial layer. Clinicians wishing to implement circumferential strain into their practice should consider ROI width variation as a potential confounder in their measurements.

Clinical Impact of Assessment of Myocardial Flow Reserve in Identifying the Cause of Chest Discomfort. / Impacto Clínico da Avaliação da Reserva de Fluxo Miocárdico na Identificação da Causa do Desconforto Torácico.

BACKGROUND: Gamma cameras with cadmium-zinc telluride (CZT) detectors allowed the quantification of myocardial flow reserve (MBF), which can increase the accuracy of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) to detect the cause of chest discomfort. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical impact of MBF to detect the cause of chest discomfort. METHODS: 171 patients with chest discomfort who underwent coronary angiography or coronary CT angiography also underwent MPS and MBF in a time interval of <30 days. The acquisitions of dynamic imaging of rest and stress were initiated simultaneously with the 99mTc injection sestamibi (10 and 30mCi, respectively), both lasting eleven minutes, followed by immediately acquiring perfusion images for 5 minutes. The stress was performed with dipyridamole. A global or per coronary territory MBF <2.0 was classified as abnormal. RESULTS: The average age was 65.9±10 years (60% female). The anatomical evaluation showed that 115 (67.3%) patients had coronary obstruction significant, with 69 having abnormal MPs and 91 having abnormal MBF (60.0% vs 79.1%, p<0.01). Among patients without obstruction (56 - 32.7%), 7 had abnormal MPS, and 23 had reduced global MBF. Performing MBF identified the etiology of the chest discomfort in 114 patients while MPS identified it in 76 (66.7% vs 44.4%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: MBF is a quantifiable physiological measure that increases the clinical impact of MPS in detecting the cause of chest discomfort through greater accuracy for detecting obstructive CAD, and it also makes it possible to identify the presence of the microvascular disease.

FUNDAMENTO: Gama-câmaras com detectores de telureto-cádmio-zinco (CZT) permitiram a quantificação da reserva de fluxo miocárdico (RFM), podendo aumentar a acurácia da cintilografia miocárdica de perfusão (CMP) para detectar a causa do desconforto torácico. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto clínico da RFM para detectar a causa do desconforto torácico. MÉTODOS: 171 pacientes com desconforto torácico que foram submetidos a coronariografia ou angiotomografia de coronárias também realizaram CMP e RFM num intervalo de tempo <30 dias. As aquisições das imagens dinâmicas de repouso e estresse foram iniciadas simultaneamente à injeção de 99mTc sestamibi (10 e 30mCi, respectivamente), ambas com duração de onze minutos, seguidas imediatamente pela aquisição das imagens de perfusão durante 5 minutos. O estresse foi realizado com dipiridamol. Uma RFM global ou por território coronariano <2,0 foi classificada como anormal. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 65,9±10 anos (60% do sexo feminino). A avaliação anatômica mostrou que 115 (67,3%) pacientes apresentavam obstrução coronariana significativa, sendo que, 69 apresentavam CMP anormal e 91 apresentavam RFM anormal (60,0% vs. 79,1%, p<0,01). Dentre os pacientes sem obstrução (56 ­ 32,7%), 7 tinham CMP anormais e 23 tinham RFM global reduzida. A realização da RFM identificou a etiologia do desconforto torácico em 114 pacientes enquanto a CMP identificou em 76 (66,7% vs. 44,4%, p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A RFM é uma medida fisiológica quantificável que aumenta o impacto clínico da CMP na detecção da causa do desconforto torácico através de uma maior acurácia para detecção de DAC obstrutiva e ainda possibilita identificar a presença de doença microvascular.

Ectopic fat in muscle and poor glycemic control are negatively associated with trabecular bone score in type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is associated with fractures, despite preserved Bone Mineral Density (BMD). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between BMD and trabecular bone score (TBS) with the reallocation of fat within muscle in individuals with eutrophy, obesity, and T2D. METHODS: The subjects were divided into three groups: eutrophic controls paired by age and sex with the T2D group (n = 23), controls diagnosed with obesity paired by age, sex, and body mass index with the T2D group (n = 27), and the T2D group (n = 29). BMD and body fat percentage were determined using dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry. TBS was determined using TBS iNsight software. Intra and extramyocellular lipids in the soleus were measured using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS: TBS was lower in the T2D group than in the other two groups. Glycated hemoglobin (A1c) was negatively associated with TBS. Body fat percentage was negatively associated with TBS and Total Hip (TH) BMD. TH BMD was positively associated with intramuscular lipids. A trend of negative association was observed between intramuscular lipids and TBS. CONCLUSION: This study showed for the first time that the reallocation of lipids within muscle has a negative association with TBS. Moreover, these results are consistent with previous studies showing a negative association between a parameter related to insulin resistance (intramuscular lipids) and TBS.

Defining blood hematology reference values in female pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) using the Isolation Forest algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Pig-tailed macaques (PTMs) are commonly used as preclinical models to assess antiretroviral drugs for HIV prevention research. Drug toxicities and disease pathologies are often preceded by changes in blood hematology. To better assess the safety profile of pharmaceuticals, we defined normal ranges of hematological values in PTMs using an Isolation Forest (iForest) algorithm. METHODS: Eighteen female PTMs were evaluated. Blood was collected 1-24 times per animal for a total of 159 samples. Complete blood counts were performed, and iForest was used to analyze the hematology data to detect outliers. RESULTS: Median, IQR, and ranges were calculated for 13 hematology parameters. From all samples, 22 outliers were detected. These outliers were excluded from the reference index. CONCLUSIONS: Using iForest, we defined a normal range for hematology parameters in female PTMs. This reference index can be a valuable tool for future studies evaluating drug toxicities in PTMs.

Analytical and clinical performance evaluation of a new NT-proBNP assay.

BACKGROUND: The study evaluated the performance of the Mindray N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in a healthy population in China, focusing on creating a reference range for future clinical applications adjusted according to different demographics. METHODS: The study measured NT-proBNP in 2277 healthy individuals. We analyzed age and sex-stratified data, performed precision, accuracy, linearitcvy, and detection limit studies, and evaluated method comparison and consistency between Roche and Mindray assays on 724 serum samples. We used Excel 2010, Medcalc, and GraphPad Prism 9. RESULTS: In males, the 97.5th centile NT-proBNP concentration at age < 45, 45 to 54, 55 to 64, 65 to 74 and ≧ 75 were 89.4 ng/L, 126 ng/L, 206 ng/L, 386 ng/L and 522 ng/L, respectively. In females, the concentration of NT-proBNP at the same age was 132 ng/L, 229 ng/L, 262 ng/L, 297 ng/L and 807 ng/L, respectively. The repeatability precision coefficient of variation (CV%) for NT-proBNP was between 0.86 and 1.65 in analytical performance. In contrast, the reproducibility precision (CV%) for NT-proBNP was between 1.52 and 3.22, respectively. The study found a bias of accuracy of 3.73% in low-value samples (concentration: 148.69) and 7.31% in high-value samples (concentration: 1939.08). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 125 ng/L were 96.6%, 92.3%, 84.2%, and 98.5%, respectively. In contrast, those of 300 ng/L were 94.0%, 98.2%, 95.7% and 97.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Mindray NT-proBNP assay showed increased levels in both males and females with age, with higher levels in women. It performs well and aligns with manufacturer specifications. We recommend adjusting cutoff values based on demographic factors.

Harnessing the Power of Big Data Analytics-Estimation of Reference Intervals for Neonatal Serum TSH in Pakistan Using RefineR Algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the population-specific reference intervals (RIs) for neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in Pakistani neonates, utilising the refineR algorithm. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from 17th May to 30th November 2023. METHODOLOGY: A data mining analysis was conducted on serum TSH results of neonates (≤1 month) over a period of six years, following approval from the Institutional Ethical Review Committee. Two subgroups were assessed based on the age as 0 - 5 days and 6 - 30 days. The refineR algorithm was implemented using refineR package (version 1.0.0), ensuring accurate analysis and insights. RESULTS: A total of non-duplicate 82,299 neonatal serum TSH tests were retrieved, including 70,788 (88%) aged 0 - 5 days and 11,511 (12%) aged ranging from 6 - 30 days. The estimated RI was from 0.67 µIU/mL (90% CI 0.641 - 0.72) to 15.0 µIU/mL (90% CI 13.2 - 17.3) for the first age group and 0.65 µIU/mL (90% CI 0.6 - 0.84) to 8.6 µIU/mL (90% CI 8.05 - 9.71) for the second age group. CONCLUSION: Reference intervals for neonatal serum TSH of the Pakistani population were estimated, considering the genetic differences of this demographic in comparison to the Western population. Results aligned with global literature, validating the refineR indirect approach's applicability. KEY WORDS: Reference intervals, Neonatal, Thyroid stimulating hormone, RefineR algorithm, Big data, Pakistan.

Reference Interval Creation for Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) in Healthy Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona ventralis) and Quaker Parrots (Myiopsitta monachus).

Renal disease is often identified as a cause of morbidity and mortality in avian patients. However, currently, early antemortem detection of renal disease in avian patients is difficult. Anatomical and physiological differences between mammals and birds mean the use of commonly employed diagnostic testing (ie, measurement of blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and serum creatinine, urinalysis, and ultrasonography) are either nondiagnostic or difficult to achieve. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is considered a more sensitive marker for renal disease in humans, dogs, and cats. However, SDMA has not yet been assessed for diagnostic use in any psittacine species. In this study, we establish reference ranges for SDMA in both Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis, HAP) and Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus, QP). Blood was collected from 23 Amazon parrots and 32 Quaker parrots maintained in research facilities. Measurement of SDMA through a commercially available immunoassay (IA-SDMA) as well as creatinine, BUN, uric acid, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium, and chloride were determined through IDEXX Laboratories. Plasma SDMA concentrations ranged from 6 to 15 µg/dL and 3 to 15 µg/dL for the HAP and QP, respectively. Sex was a confounding factor for the QP population, but sex did not have a significant effect on SDMA for the HAP population. No significant correlations were identified between SDMA concentrations and other parameters in either psittacine species. Our results show proof of concept for the IA-SDMA and provide reference intervals for SDMA in HAP and QP. Further investigation is required to determine the validity of this assay and the predictive power of SDMA in the detection of renal impairment for parrots and other common companion birds.

Impact of pre-treatment extracellular volume fraction measured by computed tomography on response of primary lesion to preoperative chemotherapy in abdominal neuroblastoma.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively investigate the impact of pre-treatment Extracellular Volume Fraction (ECV) measured by Computed Tomography (CT) on the response of primary lesions to preoperative chemotherapy in abdominal neuroblastoma. METHODS: A total of seventy-five patients with abdominal neuroblastoma were retrospectively included in the study. The regions of interest for the primary lesion and aorta were determined on unenhanced and equilibrium phase CT images before treatment, and their average CT values were measured. Based on patient hematocrit and average CT values, the ECV was calculated. The correlation between ECV and the reduction in primary lesion volume was examined. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to assess the predictive performance of ECV for a very good partial response of the primary lesion. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between primary lesion volume reduction and ECV (r = -0.351, p = 0.002), and primary lesions with very good partial response had lower ECV (p < 0.001). The area under the curve for ECV in predicting the very good partial response of primary lesion was 0.742 (p < 0.001), with a 95 % Confidence Interval of 0.628 to 0.836. The optimal cut-off value was 0.28, and the sensitivity and specificity were 62.07 % and 84.78 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of pre-treatment ECV on CT images demonstrates a significant correlation with the response of the primary lesion to preoperative chemotherapy in abdominal neuroblastoma.

Determination of Reference Intervals of Some Biochemistry Tests by the Bhattacharya and Hoffmann Methods.

BACKGROUND: Clinical laboratory tests are being evaluated with reference intervals (RI). Therefore, it is important that each laboratory determines and classifies its own reliable RI for each test to ensure an accurate and effective interpretation. The proposed method for determining RI is the "direct" approach, but it is a difficult, troublesome, time-consuming, and expensive method. An alternative approach is the "indirect" approach. In this study, we aimed to compare the RI values determined by the indirect method from the Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Phosphate (P), 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D (25(OH)D), and Parathyroid hormone (PTH) test results with the RI provided by the manufacturer. METHODS: A total of 1,520,314 Ca, Mg, P, 25(OH)D, and PTH test results, which were studied in our laboratory between January and November 2022, were included in the study. Data cleaning was done for individuals between the ages of 18 - 89, and only one record was allowed. The Tukey method was used to determine and exclude extreme values. Ca and Mg tests were divided into age groups (18 - 59 and 60 - 89 years), P, 25(OH)D, and PTH tests were divided into female - male groups. RI was calculated by using the Bhattacharya and Hoffmann methods. CLIA 19 acceptable limits were used to evaluate the compliance with the manufacturer's RI. RESULTS: The RI results obtained by applying the Bhattacharya and Hoffmann methods were found to be significantly consistent and compatible with each other. According to the manufacturer's RI, Ca and Mg were compatible with RI in both methods, P was considered compatible with PTH and 25(OH)D upper reference limit in the Bhattacharya method, P was considered compatible with 25(OH)D lower reference limit and PTH upper reference limit in the Hoffmann method, while 25(OH)D lower reference limit was found to be different in the Bhattacharya method, and 25(OH)D upper reference limit and PTH lower reference limit were found to be different in the P male group in the Hoffmann method. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that it is of great importance for each laboratory to determine the RI specific for the population they serve and to choose the analytical method they use according to age and gender while periodically updating them to interpret the test results correctly.

Evaluating age-and gender-related changes in brain volumes in normal adult using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Normal aging is associated with brain volume change, and brain segmentation can be performed within an acceptable scan time using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aimed to investigate the brain volume changes in healthy adult according to age and gender, and provide age- and gender-specific reference values using synthetic MRI. METHODS: A total of 300 healthy adults (141 males, median age 48; 159 females, median age 50) were underwent synthetic MRI on 3.0 T. Brain parenchymal volume (BPV), gray matter volume (GMV), white matter volume (WMV), myelin volume (MYV), and cerebrospinal fluid volume (CSFV) were calculated using synthetic MRI software. These volumes were normalized by intracranial volume to normalized GMV (nGMV), normalized WMV (nWMV), normalized MYV (nMYV), normalized BPV (nBPV), and normalized CSFV (nCSFV). The normalized brain volumes were plotted against age in both males and females, and a curve fitting model that best explained the age dependence of brain volume was identified. The normalized brain volumes were compared between different age and gender groups. RESULTS: The approximate curves of nGMV, nWMV, nCSFV, nBPV, and nMYV were best fitted by quadratic curves. The nBPV decreased monotonously through all ages in both males and females, while the changes of nCSFV showed the opposite trend. The nWMV and nMYV in both males and females increased gradually and then decrease with age. In early adulthood (20s), nWMV and nMYV in males were lower and peaked later than that in females (p < .005). The nGMV in both males and females decreased in the early adulthood until the 30s and then remains stable. A significant decline in nWMV, nBPV, and nMYV was noted in the 60s (Turkey test, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides age- and gender-specific reference values of brain volumes using synthetic MRI, which could be objective tools for discriminating brain disorders from healthy brains.

Alanine aminotransferase predicts incident steatotic liver disease of metabolic etiology: Long life to the old biomarker!

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) serum levels increase because of hepatocellular damage. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which identifies steatotic liver disease (SLD) associated with ≥ 2 metabolic abnormalities, has prominent sexual differences. The Metabolic Syndrome defines a cluster comprising abdominal obesity, altered glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Male sex, body mass index, glucose, lipids, ferritin, hypertension, and age independently predict ALT levels among blood donors. Over the last few decades, the reference range of ALT levels has been animatedly debated owing to attempts to update sex-specific reference ranges. With this backset, Chen et al have recently published a study which has two main findings. First, > 80% of individuals with MAFLD had normal ALT levels. Second, there was a linear increasing trend in the association between cumulative excess high-normal ALT levels and the rate of incident MAFLD. This study has biologically credible findings. However, it inaccurately considered sex differences in the MAFLD arena. Therefore, future studies on SLD owing to metabolic dysfunction should adopt locally determined and prospectively validated reference ranges of ALT and carefully consider sex differences in liver enzymes and MAFLD pathobiology.

Normative Cognitive Scores in Western India, Stratified by Age, Rurality, Cognitive Domains, and Psychiatric Comorbidity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Indian ethnic and educational diversities necessitate obtaining normative cognitive data in different populations. We aimed to evaluate cognitive scores using a Marathi translation of the Kolkata cognitive battery (KCB) and to study the association of KCB components with depression and sociodemographic variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 2,651 individuals aged ≥40 years without preexisting neuropsychiatric conditions from urban (Mumbai) and rural districts of Maharashtra. For each component of KCB, the lowest 10th percentile score was used to define cognitive impairment. RESULTS: We studied 1,435 (54%) rural and 1,216 (46%) urban residents equally divided by gender (1,316 women and 1,335 men), average age 54 years. KCB scores were significantly lower with female sex, older age, illiteracy, and depression. The largest effect sizes attributable to these factors were in the domains of calculation (gender), visuoconstructional ability (VCA) (rurality), and verbal fluency (VF) (depression). Scores remained significantly lower in rural residents after controlling for age, sex, and education, particularly for VCA, immediate recall, and calculation. CONCLUSION: This Marathi KCB, having been validated on large urban as well as rural samples, may be used to study cognition in Marathi-speaking populations with appropriate cutoffs tailored to the degree of urbanization of the population.

PREVALENCE OF OCULAR ABNORMALITIES AND NORMAL DIAGNOSTIC PARAMETERS IN TWO GROUPS OF PANAMANIAN GOLDEN FROGS (ATELOPUS ZETEKI).

Panamanian golden frog (PGF) (Atelopus zeteki) is a critically endangered species. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore houses two groups of PGF originating from distinct geographic locations as an assurance colony, with the goal of upholding genetics for future release of individuals back to their native environment. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to characterize the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in these two zoo-housed populations of PGF as well as to establish normal parameters for selected diagnostic tests in these groups. Twenty-five females and 25 males were randomly selected from each group (100 PGF; 200 eyes in total) to undergo ocular examination using slit lamp biomicroscopy and direct ophthalmoscopy. Endodontic absorbent paper point test (EAPPT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) and Rose Bengal stain diagnostic tests were also performed. Reference ranges for tear production (EAPPT, 0.5-3 mm/min) and IOP (14-26 mmHg) were calculated in the nondiseased PGF eyes (n = 160 eyes). Rose Bengal stain uptake was negative on all eyes. In total, 40 eyes of 30 PGF were found to have some form of ocular abnormality (28% of PGF, 20% of eyes). The most frequently observed ocular abnormalities were cataract (9% of PGF, 6% of eyes) and keratitis (nonlipid keratopathy; 10% of PGF, 5.5% of eyes). There was no significant difference in overall ocular abnormality prevalence between the two groups studied (P = 0.37) or between the sexes (P = 0.76). The median age of an eye with cataract and keratitis (nonlipid keratopathy) was 10.35 and 7.7 yr, respectively. Ocular abnormalities are common in these two populations of PGF. Documentation of these ocular abnormalities and establishment of diagnostic reference ranges have not previously been published and may be important for maintaining the health of this endangered species.

PLASMA PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS IN THE WHITE STORK (CICONIA CICONIA): AGREEMENT BETWEEN AGAROSE GEL VERSUS CAPILLARY ZONE METHODS AND DEVELOPMENT OF REFERENCE INTERVALS.

The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a ciconiiform species widely represented in zoological institutions. Plasma protein electrophoresis is widely used in avian patients for assessment of inflammatory conditions, but reference intervals for this testing modality are lacking for the white stork. The two main electrophoretic methods are agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). This study assessed fresh plasma samples of healthy adult white storks (n = 30). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate agreement between AGE and CZE. Typical electrophoretic fractions were obtained from both methods (prealbumin, albumin, α1, α2, ß, γ1, and γ2). The AGE and CZE methods were not equivalent for determining major electrophoretic fractions (except ß-globulins) and albumin:globulin ratio on plasma samples. An additional prealbumin fraction was seen with CZE. Reference intervals were established for each method as the smallest n group was 27 individuals for a given value; most values had normal distribution, and robust or parametric methods were used on the data.

RETROSPECTIVE HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF RING-TAILED LEMURS (LEMUR CATTA) ON ST. CATHERINES ISLAND, GEORGIA, USA.

Annual health records were retrospectively analyzed for a colony of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) inhabiting St. Catherines Island, Georgia, USA to establish baseline hematological and serum biochemical parameters and determine sex- and age-related differences. Summarized complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel results are presented for 85 blood samples collected from 54 lemurs at annual health exams during 1998-2003. Within each of four age classes (infant, <1 yr; juvenile, 1-5 yr; adult, ≥ 6 yr), data were stratified and summarized based on sex. Lemur age was a significant positive predictor of mean corpuscular hemoglobin; absolute concentrations of neutrophils, monocytes, and band cells; serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, globulins, lipase, and total protein; and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity. Lemur age was a significant negative predictor of albumin:globulins ratio; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity; and serum concentrations of calcium, cholesterol, glucose, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and triglycerides. Neutrophil proportions increased with aging and lymphocyte proportions decreased with aging, particularly in females. Recent steep population declines of wild ring-tailed lemurs make their successful husbandry and medical care an increasingly pressing concern. These biomedical data will aid in clinical diagnosis and treatment of lemurs in human care, and support conservation efforts for this species.

Normative value of deep neck flexors muscle strength measurement using pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer: An observational study.

PURPOSE: To find out the normative value of deep neck flexor muscles strength using pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer. METHODS: The healthy individuals both male and female aged between 18 and 25 years were recruited by stratified random sampling method from a tertiary hospital. The procedure is performed with the patient in supine lying with the neck in a neutral position. To check strength, pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer were placed under occiput and ask the individual to do the movement is genteelly and slowly as a head nodding action (chin tuck). The performance was scored via the pressure level that patient achieves 3 repetitions for 10 s hold and interval timing for 10 s. And the pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer inflated with 40 mmHg and took three reading respectively. RESULT: Our result shows, in decreased of deep neck cervical flexor muscle Strength with age group 21 (20-22) in normal adult and underweight with age group 21 (19-23) and with BMI 21 (20.1-22.4) and 16.6 (16.1-17.6) respectively. In our study, the deep neck flexor strength of overweight adults with age group 22 (21-23) and with BMI 27.8 (25.9-29.4) is stronger is than the normal and underweight adults. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the maximal Deep neck cervical flexor strength of overweight Adults is stronger than normal and underweight Adults. The difference is maintained in all age groups. The maximal Deep neck cervical flexor strength, for flexion is developed at neutral position of neck.

Sonographic imaging of the stellate ganglion in healthy adults: An observational study.

The aim of this study is to estimate the normal cross-sectional area and diameter of the stellate ganglion (SG) by ultrasound (US) in healthy adults. The study sample included 80 stellate ganglia in 40 participants (15 males, 25 females), mean age 38 years, mean height 162.5 cm, mean weight 67.8 kg, mean body mass index 25.4 kg/m2. Two radiologists separately obtained US images of the bilateral SG. Each participant was scanned 3 times bilaterally to assess for intra-observer reliability. The mean diameter of the SG was 1 mm (range: 0.1-2). The mean CSA of the bilateral SG was 1.3 mm2 (range: 0.6-3.9). The SG diameter positively correlated with age. Our study demonstrates the ability of US to image the SG and estimate its normal diameter and CSA. Knowledge of how to identify and measure the SG during ultrasound-guided procedures would be expected to decrease the risk of associated complications and help establish normal reference values.