HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AMONGST ACUTE STROKE PATIENTS MANAGED AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN ABAKALIKI NIGERIA: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY.

Introduction: Changes in the haematological indices could have implications for stroke risk, management plan, and outcome. There are limited data on the pattern of haematological parameters of acute stroke patients in Nigeria despite its impact on stroke risk, management, and outcome. Objectives: To determine the pattern and the prognostic implications of the haematological parameters in acute stroke patients managed over a nine-year period at a Tertiary Hospital in Abakaliki Nigeria. Methodology: This was a retrospective hospital-based case-control study of the haematological parameters of acute stroke patients seen over a nine-year period at a tertiary hospital in Abakaliki Nigeria. Results: The mean total white blood cell count and percentage neutrophil in the case group were significantly higher than the control group while the mean packed cell volume did not show any significant difference. Further analysis of the case group revealed that the mean PCV was significantly lower among female folks, elderly age group, those with low education attainment, impaired renal status, short admission duration, haemorrhagic stroke, and admitting hypertension. On the other hand, mean total WBC count and differential neutrophils were significantly elevated among female folks, working-class age group, low educational status, longer admission duration, mortality, and haemorrhagic stroke. Conclusions: Elevated total white blood cell count and differential neutrophilia were significantly associated with acute stroke. Changes in haematological parameters have implications for stroke risk and outcome.

CORRELATION BETWEEN SERUM ALBUMIN LEVEL AND PACKED CELL VOLUME IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN BAUCHI, NORTH-EASTERN, NIGERIA.

Introduction: Though some studies showed biochemical and haematologic derangements in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), but information with regards to the correlation between serum albumin and packed cell volume (PCV) is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between serum albumin level and PCV in newly diagnosed patients with PTB at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, Northeastern Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of consecutive newly diagnosed patients with PTB who were Sputum smear-positive as determined by Gene Expert/Rif MTB machine and HIV-negative by 'Determine' test, that were recruited from the medical outpatient department (MOPD) and directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) clinic of ATBUTH, Bauchi. The study was conducted between 2019-2022. Three milliliters of blood sample was analyzed at ATBUTH laboratory for serum albumin and PCV. Extracted data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.0 software. Result: There were 61 patients studied comprising 46 (75.4%) males and 15 (24.6%) females with male to female ratio of 3:1. Their ages range from 14-64 years old. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of the patients was 32.21 ± 13.67 years. The mean ± SD of serum albumin and PCV were 2.99 ± 0.55 g/dl, 33.42 ± 5.66 % respectively. Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient (r) was +0.475, p = 0.000 which was statistically significant at the 0.01 level suggesting a positive correlation between serum albumin and PCV. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between serum albumin level and PCV in the patients studied.

The Effects of Critical Care Nutrition on Weight Gain in African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) Chicks.

Nutritional support in malnourished animals is an essential aspect of wildlife rehabilitation; this support is especially relevant when providing lifesaving nutrition to endangered species such as the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). This study investigated the short-term effects of a commercially available, semi-elemental, critical care diet compared with a hand-made fish formula. Twenty-one African penguin chicks were selected on admission to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Costal Birds in Cape Town, South Africa, in November 2015. Initial assessment included body weight, a full clinical exam, white blood cell count, packed cell volume, and total plasma protein. Ten animals received the commercial critical care diet, whereas a control group of 11 animals were fed hand-made formula for the 2-week study period. All animals were weighed daily and blood sampling was repeated after 14 days. The median weight of both groups increased significantly over 14 days (critical care diet χ2 = 10.1, P = 0.002; control χ2 = 7.4, P = 0.006). The difference was not significant between the groups for start weight (χ2 = 0.1, P = 0.725) or end weight (χ2 = 0, P = 1.000) and was not significantly different in the change over time for either absolute numbers (χ2 = 1.7, P = 0.193) or percent gain (χ2 = 0.8, P = 0.36). The values for packed cell volume, total plasma protein, and white blood cell count increased in all animals after the 14-day study period was complete. On the basis of the results of this study, it was determined that the differing diets led to similar weight gain.

Accuracy of Crit-Line® monitors in predicting hematocrit and change in blood volume of dogs during hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Ultrafiltration (UF) is an extracorporeal technique for treating fluid overload and is monitored with noninvasive blood volume monitors. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine the accuracy of Crit-Line® III and IV noninvasive blood volume monitors to estimate canine packed cell volume (PCV) and changes in blood volume during UF. A secondary aim was to determine accuracy of targeted ultrafiltration rates (UFR) compared to calculated delivered UFR. METHODS: An ex vivo study with a single Phoenix® X36 platform and canine packed red blood cells (pRBC) was performed. Through dilution and UF, clinically applicable PCV values were obtained and compared to Crit-Line® hematocrit (Hct). Blood volume was constantly measured and compared to targeted UFR. Systematic and proportional bias were calculated using a Bayes method. RESULTS: Crit-Line® III and IV reported Hct was significantly lower than PCV (n = 140, median 26%, range, 8%-50%) when PCV was >25% and >30%, respectively. Crit-Line® III and IV calculated change in blood volume (ΔBV%) was significantly different from measured blood volume changes at ΔBV% ±20% and >-20%, respectively. Comparing targeted and delivered UFR (mL/h), less than targeted UFR was removed at UFR100 through UFR400 and UFR0 adding volume. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Crit-Line® III and IV monitors provide accurate estimates of canine PCV and UF volume change within specific ranges and are useful in monitoring canine UF and hemodialysis. Veterinary hemodialysis services should evaluate individual machines for UFR inaccuracies, which can meaningfully affect small animals.

Hematological Indices in Patients With Goiter: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India.

Introduction A wide range of haematological abnormalities have been observed in patients with goitre. The aim of the study was to evaluate the abnormalities in haematological parameters among patients with goitre in a tertiary care hospital in south India. Methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the pathology department of Chengalpattu Medical College from April 1 to June 30, 2019. The lab reports, including the complete blood count (CBC) and serum thyroid profile that included thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) of all the patients with goitre, were retrieved from the laboratory records. Results were tabulated and analysed. Results Out of a total of 200 patients with thyroid dysfunction, 12 (6%) were males and 188 (94%) were females, with the majority (51.5%) of them in the age group of 30-60 years. Serum TSH levels showed a statistically significant association with red cell distribution width (RCDW) (P-value = 0.000), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (P-value = 0.020), and total white blood cell (WBC) count (P-value = 0.003) among the patients with goiter. There was no significant association between TSH and other parameters like haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, and platelet (PLT) count. Conclusions Red cell distribution width and mean corpuscular volume are useful haematological parameters that will help clinicians in the early diagnosis and proper treatment of haematological abnormalities seen in patients with goitre.

Clinical Chemistry and Haematology Values of a Captive Population of Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti).

Reference intervals for clinical chemistry and haematology analytes are essential for the interpretation of blood results, but limited data are available for Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in zoological collections as well as in the wild. The aim of the present study was therefore to establish reference intervals for a series of clinical chemistry and haematology analytes in a single zoological population of Humboldt penguins. Furthermore, possible variations of the analytes influenced by the age and sex of the individuals were investigated. Lithium heparinized plasma and whole blood samples from 39 animals were analysed and statistically evaluated. The following clinical chemistry analytes were significantly higher in females: glutamate dehydrogenase (p = 0.0003), alanine transaminase (p = 0.0005), alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.0245), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.0043), creatine kinase (p = 0.0016), lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.0001), inorganic phosphorus (p = 0.0223), and sodium (p = 0.0415). No significant differences between males and females were found for any haematology analyte. Cholesterol (p = 0.0233; -0.39), white blood cell count (p = 0.0208; -0.40), and absolute heterophiles (p = 0.0148; -0.42) had significant negative correlations with the age of the penguins. The results indicate that the factors of sex and age should be considered when interpreting the results of haematological and clinical biochemistry assays, and further studies are needed to determine whether there are more differences in other age groups or seasons.

A case of equine piroplasmosis in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Equine piroplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. A competition horse that had been imported to the Equestrian Park for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and had a fever over 40°C and severe anemia was diagnosed with equine piroplasmosis by blood smear and direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for Theileria equi. Treatment with protozoan anthelmintics and whole blood transfusion diminished the fever, improved the anemia, and allowed the horse to return home safely. Preparation for routine cases of this infection should include the development of a system that allows accurate and prompt international dissemination of information and implementation of quarantine measures.

Effect of a preventive strategic control program, with imidocarb dipropionate, against tick fever agents in dairy calves.

Chemoprophylaxis with dipropionate imidocarb (IMD) is a method adopted to prevent cattle tick fever (TF). Sixty weaned dairy heifers (±60 days old), without previous exposure to Rhipicephalus microplus ticks, were housed in Tifton paddocks and were subsequently exposed to R. microplus ticks and monitored up to 315 days old. Thirty animals were kept as controls (T01) and 30 received five preventive strategic treatments with IMD at 21-day intervals (T02). The heifers were monitored weekly by means of packed cell volume (PCV) and blood smears to evaluate the presence of TF agents. Salvage treatments (ST) with diminazene and enrofloxacin were administered when animals showed PCV ≤ 24%. The A. marginale prevalence was 39.3% and 37.7%, B. bovis 6.0%, and 7.3%, and B. bigemina 16.3% and 13.7% for T01 and T02, respectively. Regarding PCV values, group T01 showed lower PCV than group T02, between 119 and 161 days of life, but when animals were 196, 210, 217, and between 252 to 301 days old, an inversion occurred. The IMD treatment protocol was effective in group T02 from day 91 to 175 while treatment was being administered, but from day 182 to 315 after the IMD treatment protocol was completed, the number of salvage treatments against TF agents performed in T02 group increased significantly. The sequential application of IMD treatments with intervals less than 21 days is not recommended.

Tick-borne Pathogen Detection and Its Association with Alterations in Packed Cell Volume of Dairy Cattle in Thailand.

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) massively impact bovine production. In endemic countries, animals are often subclinically infected, showing no signs of the illness. Anemia is a hallmark of TBDs, but there is inadequate information on its presence in infected Thai cattle. In the present study, 265 cattle from four provinces in Thailand were surveyed to identify tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and to evaluate the changes in the packed cell volume (PCV) values associated with detection. Microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were also compared for TBP detection. Babesia/Theileria/Hepatozoon was detected in 33.58% (89/265) of the cattle samples. Specifically, Babesia bovis (9/265), B. bigemina (12/265), Theileria orientalis (62/265), and Anaplasma marginale (50/265) were identified using species-specific assays. Significant decreases in the mean PCV levels were observed in cattle that were positive for at least one TBP (p < 0.001), Babesia/Theileria/Hepatozoon (p < 0.001), T. orientalis (p < 0.001), and A. marginale (p = 0.049). The results of PCR and microscopy for the detection of TBPs suggested slight and fair agreement between the two detection tools. The present findings contribute to a better understanding of TBDs in the field and shall facilitate the formulation of effective control for TBDs in Thailand.

Comparative valuation of the chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, and lambda-cyhalothrin toxicity and their hematological and histopathological consequences in pigeons.

Globally agrochemicals are widely used in the agricultural sectors, posing potential eco-toxicological risks and disrupting various lifeforms including birds. Thus, the current work was conducted to compare the acute toxic impacts of pesticides (e.g., chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, and lambda-cyhalothrin) on the pigeon's health. In total 50 adult pigeons were purchased from a local market where these pigeons were fed on pollution-free food. Post adaptation period (15 days), the pigeons were arbitrarily separated into five distinct groups after having been identified in this manner by chance (each group containing 10 pigeons). Control group (group 1) was not treated with any pesticide while the remaining groups (groups 2, 3, and 4) were treated with 0.25-mg/kg body weight of chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and a mixture of all three pesticides (group 5), respectively. After 36 days of exposure, the groups that had been exposed to the pesticide showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in both the total number of platelets and the number of white blood cells (WBCs), in comparison to the control group. On the other hand, the groups that were exposed to the insecticides had significantly lower levels of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) (p < 0.05). The value of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in acetamiprid-exposed group, while a significant increase was observed in other pesticide-exposed groups. Obvious histopathological changes were observed in the tissues of control group and no such changes were reported by control group. Necrosis, pyknosis, lymphocyte infiltration, congestion of blood, dissolution of plasma membrane, and vacuolation were observed in the livers of pesticide-treated pigeons. The intestinal study showed the formation of goblet cells, villi rupturing, degeneration of serosa, necrosis, and pyknosis in treated groups. Renal alterations, dilation of renal tubules, reduction of glomerulus tissue, and edema were observed. This study manifests that the uncontrolled use of pesticides impairs ecosystems and poses a substantial health risk to wildlife and ultimately to human.

Determinants for Anemic Retinopathy.

Objectives: To study the prevalence of fundus lesions in anaemics and define the hematological risk factors for retinopathy using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Methods: For this retrospective study, patients ≥18 years and diagnosed with anemia with dilated fundus examination by a retina specialist from May 2019-April 2020 were included. Anemic retinopathy (AR) was present if hemorrhages in different layers of the retina, Roth's spots, exudates, cotton wool spots, retinal edema, and optic disc changes were noted. Patients with secondary anemia were excluded. Two groups were identified: Group 1: Patients with AR; Group 2: Patients with no AR with normal fundus. Demographic features, fundus findings, and hematological parameters were noted. Results: 38 (30%) eyes of 23 patients had AR; 90 (70%) eyes of 47 patients had no AR. The mean age in Group 1 and Group 2 was 54.7±18.9 and 58.6±15.3 years, respectively. Low hemoglobin (Hb) [mean = 7.82±1.64 gm/dl, p=<0.001] and hematocrit [mean = 26.93±5.22 %, p=0.002] values were noted in the AR group. AUC values for Hb (0.737) and hematocrit (0.719) were higher for the AR group. Hb < 8.95g/dl could predict AR with 85.8% sensitivity and 68.9% specificity, and hematocrit < 30.5% could predict AR with 80% sensitivity and 53.2% specificity. On regression analysis, Hb (p<0.001) and hematocrit (p=0.000) were associated with AR. Conclusion: Retinopathy is frequently seen in severe anemic patients. It is recommended that patients having low anemia should undergo a retinal examination.

Agreement between hematocrit values determined by the Cobas b121 blood gas analyzer and the microhematocrit method in dogs, cats, and horses.

BACKGROUND: Packed cell volume (PCV) is important for assessing a patient's health status. Some blood gas analyzers measure hematocrit, and the agreement with PCV varies among different analyzers. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the agreement between PCV measured by microcentrifugation and hematocrit measured by the Cobas b121 blood gas analyzer in dogs, cats, and horses. METHODS: Whole blood samples for PCV and blood gas analysis were collected in lithium-heparin syringes and analyzed within 10 min of collection. Agreement and association between the PCV and Cobas b121 generated hematocrit were assessed by the Bland-Altman method, Pearson's correlation, Deming regression analysis, and paired t tests. A total allowable error of 10% was used for the analysis. RESULTS: This study included 45 dogs, 45 cats, and 33 horses. The respective mean ± SD (minimum-maximum) of PCVs and hematocrits were: dogs, 34.9 ± 9.9% (9.0-55.0) and 32.5 ± 8.8% (10.4-50.6); cats, 29.0 ± 9.6% (11.0-51.0) and 26.9 ± 9.3% (10.2-50.9); horses, 34.2 ± 6.5% (24.0-47.0) and 34.1 ± 6.0% (22.5-46.1). There were no significant differences between the methods. The bias ± SD was: dogs, -2.4 ± 2.6%; cats, -2.2 ± 2.3%; horses, -0.1 ± 2.4%. Pearson's correlation coefficients were > 0.90 for all species (P < 0.0001). In 60%, 49%, and 85% of the samples for dogs, cats, and horses, respectively, the percentage differences between the methods were within 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The Cobas b121 blood gas analyzer provided accurate estimates of PCVs in horses. However, in dogs and cats, there was a large frequency of unacceptable differences between the methods.

Continuous fluid infusion per rectum compared with intravenous fluid infusion in pigs.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood vessels in pigs are not easily accessible, making placement of intravenous catheters difficult. Alternative methods to intravenous administration of fluids, such as administering fluids via the rectum (proctoclysis), are warranted in pigs. HYPOTHESIS: Administration of polyionic crystalloid fluids via proctoclysis results in hemodilution changes similar to intravenous administration. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the tolerance for proctoclysis in pigs and compare analytes before and after intravenous or proctoclysis therapy. ANIMALS: Six healthy, growing, academic institution-owned pigs. METHODS: Randomized, cross-over design clinical trial, with 3 treatments (control, intravenous, and proctoclysis) with a 3-day washout period. The pigs were anesthetized and jugular catheters were placed. A polyionic fluid (Plasma-Lyte A 148) was administered at 4.4 mL/kg/h during the intravenous and proctoclysis treatments. Laboratory analytes, including PCV, plasma, and serum total solids, albumin, and electrolytes were measured over 12 h at T0 , T3 , T6 , T9 , and T12 . Effects of treatment and time on analytes were determined by analysis of variance. RESULTS: Proctoclysis was tolerated by pigs. Albumin concentrations decreased during the IV treatment between T0 and T6 (least square mean of 4.2 vs 3.9 g/dL; 95% CI of mean difference = -0.42, -0.06; P = .03). Proctoclysis did not significantly affect any laboratory analytes at any time points (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Proctoclysis did not demonstrate hemodilution similar to intravenous administration of polyionic fluids. Proctoclysis might not be an effective alternative to the intravenous administration of polyionic fluids in healthy euvolemic pigs.

Trypanosome Infections and Anemia in Cattle Returning from Transhumance in Tsetse-Infested Areas of Cameroon.

The objective of this work was to assess the anemic status and the use of an immunological test and PCR-based methods to determine the infection rates of trypanosomes species. Transhumance aims to provide cattle with greener pastures and greater water resources than in the Djerem region during the dry season. Two criteria were used to assess the health status of the animals, the prevalence of trypanosomiasis and the level of anemia. In addition, we have evaluated the effectiveness, in trypanosomiasis detection, of the Very Diag Kit (CEVA Santé animale), a Rapid diagnosis test (RDT) based on immunological identification of T. congolense s.l. and T. vivax, responsible for AAT. Four trypanosome species (Trypanosoma congolense savannah type (Tcs), T. congolense forest type (Tcf), T. brucei s.l. (Tbr) and T. vivax (Tvx)) were identified in cattle sampled in four villages. The overall infection rate determined by PCR (68.6%) was much higher than those generally reported in cattle from the Adamawa region (35 to 50%). Infections (including mixed infections) by Tc s.l. (Tcs + Tcf) were predominant (45.7%). The infection rates were also determined using the Very Diag Kit allowing us to identify Tc s.l. and Tvx in the field in less than 20 min. This method provided, for the global infection, a higher rate (76.5%) than that determined by PCR (68.6%), although it is supposed to be less sensitive than PCR. Tc s.l. infection rate (37.8%) was similar to that (38.8%) determined by PCR (Tcs + Tcf single infections). In contrast, the prevalence of Tvx single infections measured by RDT (18%) was nearly two-fold higher than that (9.4%) measured by PCR. Thus, further comparative analyses seem to be needed in order to more accurately assess the sensitivity and specificity of the Very Diag test under our conditions of use on blood samples. The mean PCVs in trypanosome-infected as well as in uninfected cattle were below 25%, the threshold below which an animal is considered anemic. Our study shows that cattle return from transhumance in poor health. It raises questions about its real benefit, especially since the herds are themselves likely to become vectors of trypanosomiasis and possibly of other diseases. At least, effective measures have to be undertaken to treat all cattle coming back from transhumance.

Meta-analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on enhancement of growth performance, rumen fermentation and haemato-biochemical characteristics of growing goats.

The use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) feed additives to improve animal performance are on the increase; however, the results of the action of SC supplementation on goats performance indices are conflicting. Thus, the thrust of this meta-analysis was to examine the influence of dietary SC intervention on the growth performance, haemato-biochemical indices and ruminal fermentation characteristics of growing goats fed total mixed ration (TMR). The search conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus databases using several keywords yielded 500 studies of which 16 full-text articles were utilised for study. Response variables were aggregated via a random-effects model. The results showed that goats fed SC experienced higher average daily gain (ADG) than the controls (as standardized mean difference, SMD = 2.14; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.40 to 2.89). In converse, dietary SC intervention had a small impact on dry matter intake (DMI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that SC type (active vs inactive) improved FCR and ADG in growing goats. Results suggested that SC preparation increased blood glucose, white blood cell (WBC), ruminal propionate and total volatile fatty acid levels. There is heterogeneity among the articles used in the study, and aspects of studied covariates explained the variation. In conclusion, this study indicated that dietary yeast can positively influence growth performance, haemato-biochemical indices, and rumen fermentation parameters of growing goats.

Relationship between faecal egg count and health status in Nguni goats reared on semi-arid rangelands.

Gastrointestinal parasitism is a major constraint to goat productivity, particularly in resource-limited production systems. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between faecal egg count and the health status of different classes of Nguni goats. Body condition score (BCS), packed cell volume (PCV), FAMACHA score, and faecal egg count (FEC) were measured in 120 goats of different classes (weaners, does and bucks) across seasons. The identified gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) were Strongyloides (30 %), Haemonchus contortus (28 %), Trichostrongylus sp. (23 %), Oesophagostomum sp. (17 %) and Ostertagia (2 %), which showed higher prevalence at the hot-wet season compared to other seasons. An interaction (P<0.05) between class and season on BCS was observed. Lower PCV were observed in weaners (24.6 ± 0.79) in the post-rainy season, whereas does 27.4 ± 0.86 and bucks (29.3±1.03) had the highest PCV in the same season. Higher FAMACHA scores were observed in the hot seasons for all goat classes, while lower in the cool-dry season. Linear relationships between FAMACHA scores and FEC were observed in all seasons. The rate of change in FAMACHA score was higher in the post-rainy season (P<0.01) than in other seasons as FEC increased in weaners and does. Bucks had a higher rate of change in FAMACHA in the hot-wet season (P<0.0001) as FEC increased. The rate of BCS decline was higher in the post-rainy season in weaners and does (P<0.01) and bucks (P<0.05) than in other seasons. The decline in PCV was faster during the wet than in the dry seasons. It can be concluded that class and season affected BCS, FAMACHA, and PCV. A linear relationship between FEC and FAMACHA score suggests that FAMACHA could be a good indicator of GIN burden.

The clinical effect of experimental infection with Trypanosoma congolense on Dutch belted rabbits.

The clinical effect of Trypanosoma congolense infection on Dutch belted (does) rabbits was investigated. Sixteen Dutch belted rabbits weighing between 1.6 and 1.8 kg were grouped into two groups of eight each. Animals were accessed for packed cell volume (PCV), total leucocyte count (TLC), rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), and body weight (BW) before infection as well as 18, 25, and 58 days post inoculation (PI). The level of parasitaemia was estimated on a weekly basis and was graded by number of parasites/field. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the mean PCV between treatment and control groups of the rabbits on all days PI. The other parameters were not significantly different between uninfected controls and treatment group although the rectal temperature fluctuated. The mean PCV of infected rabbits was 36.0 ± 0.53%, 35.3 ± 0.19%, and 28.0 ± 0.89% at days 18, 25, and 58 PI, while for uninfected, the mean PCV was 40.8 ± 0.11%, 41.8 ± 0.19%, and 41.3 ± 0.08% across the same time periods. Parasitaemia was detected at 6th day PI and remained high to the end of the study. The study suggests that the use of haematinics and anti-pyrexia treatments as part of disease management for rabbits would be useful.

Devising and validating a pen-side hematological formula for hemoglobin estimation in Cholistani cattle.

The present study has been designed to devise a pen-side hematological formula for estimation of hemoglobin (Hb) from packed cell volume (PCV) in Cholistani breed of cattle being reared under pastoralism in Cholistan desert, Pakistan. It also aims to validate the soundness of rule of calculating Hb concentration as one-third of PCV and vice versa as being used in human medicine. Cholistani cattle (n = 364) were bled for PCV determination (microhematocrit) method and Hb estimation (hematology analyzer) (HbD) as well as through calculation being one-third of PCV (HbC). The independent-sample t-test was implied for deducing difference between HbD and HbC, and between HbD and corrected Hb (CHb) for all study groups. The CHb was deduced through regression prediction equation attained from linear regression model. Scatter-plots were drawn and linear regression was carried out between various studied hematological attributes. Significantly (P ≤ 0.01) positive correlation coefficient was noticed for all study groups being highest for female adult stock (r = 0.893; adjusted R-square = 0.79) between HbD and PCV and between HbD and HbC. The regression equation for overall results attained, i.e., Hb = 0.13 (PCV) + 6.3 was used to deduce CHb. A non-significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference was noticed between HbD and CHb. In conclusion, a convention of human clinical medicine that Hb concentration is third of PCV and vice versa cannot be implied for Cholistani cattle. A different equation, i.e., Hb (g/dL) = 0.13 (PCV) + 6.3 may provide reliable results for Hb estimation from the PCV in cattle.

Cervical leiomyosarcoma in a teenage girl: A rare form of uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Sarcomas arising from the cervix are rare, and the reported prevalence is 0.20-0.55%. A 15-year-old Para 0+0 secondary school student presented to the emergency department in shock with a 1-year history of painless vaginal protrusion, vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, occasional passage of blood clots, fatigue, fainting episodes, and weight loss. She was resuscitated with intravenous fluids and blood transfusions. General examination revealed a young girl with a 16-week sized abdominal mass. Vaginal examination revealed a large mobile fleshy mass 14 cm by 10 cm with an offensive discharge and odour. It was externally friable, bled actively on contact, had areas of tissue necrosis, and was oedematous. It was difficult to determine the adnexa structures because of tenderness. Examination under anaesthesia showed that the mass was continuous with the cervix and was not attached to the vagina or vulva. The histology report of the biopsied specimens showed features consistent with cervical leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Cervical LMS was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed as definitive treatment. Postoperative hormone replacement therapy was initiated. The patient's postoperative condition was stable and there was no tumour recurrence for >2 years on follow-up. Making a diagnosis and instituting surgical and adjuvant treatments for LMS in a low-resource setting are challenging. This is due to lack of access to universal healthcare coverage. A multidisciplinary approach with early diagnosis and complete surgical resection of the tumour provides the most favourable possibility of an improved survival and quality of life.

Techniques for monitoring dairy calves against the tick fever agents: a comparative analysis.

Data regarding parasitemia (blood smears), rectal temperature (RT), packed cell volume (PCV) and vaginal mucosa coloration (VMC) of Gyr x Holstein female calves between 3-7mo were accessed to evaluate different techniques for monitoring the bovine tick fever agents (TFA). The 1st experiment determined the correlation between the TFA parasitemia with RT and PCV. The 2nd, evaluated the associated risk of A. marginale parasitemia with RT and PCV in relation to the Gyr/Holstein genetic proportion (5/8,3/4,7/8 and 15/16) using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC). The 3rd, two groups were performed: cattle monitored by RT (T01) and by PCV (T02), during their 80-210 days of age, data regarding TFA parasitemia, RT, PCV, VMC and weight were registered. In 1st experiment, RT showed weak correlation with TFA parasitemia, while PCV showed a strong correlation with A. marginale and B. bigemina, but not with B. bovis parasitemia. In experiment 2, the ROC curve analysis showed that when the genetic proportion of B. t. taurus increased, least reliable RT was to monitor calves infected with A. marginale. The PCV for monitoring A. marginale was the best technique, showing sensitivity of 74.2% and specificity of 97.0% than other techniques that used RT and VCM as a monitoring tool. In general, calves monitored by PCV (T02) showed higher PCV values, lower A. marginale parasitemia, less pneumonia as co-infection and less salvation treatment were performed than in animals monitored by RT (T01). Furthermore, animals from T02 gained 23.5 kg more than those from T01. The low frequency of B. bovis and B. bigemina found in this study made impossible to compare the monitoring techniques for these pathogenic agents.