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This study aimed to evaluate the use of the Improvac® vaccine to avoid heat and pregnancies in queens and fertility in males during the breeding season. Twenty-eight intact animals were divided into treated males (G1, n = 7), treated females (G2, n = 18), and untreated males (G3, n = 3) that were untamed and could not be captured for immunization. In cats from the G1 group, the testicular volume (337.35 ± 95.74 mm3) and testosterone concentration (1.31 ± 0.49 ng/mL) reached the lowest value 16 weeks after the first vaccination. At week 40, all queens exhibited both estrus cytology and estrus behavior, with serum estrogen (38.5 ± 1.93 pg/mL) and progesterone (0.5 ng/mL) concentrations within the physiological range for the phase. Eleven queens received a third dose of the vaccine at week 40, and none became pregnant by week 64. The remaining queens (n = 7) did not receive the third dose of the vaccine and became pregnant by week 44. In cats from the G1 and G2 groups, the hematologic parameters were within the physiological range for the species. The results of this study indicate that the Improvac® vaccine is safe and effective in the short to medium term in preventing cat reproduction.

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Hemosporidians are intracellular pathogens that infect a range of endothermic and ectothermic hosts and are transmitted by dipteran vectors. These parasites are grouped into four families: Haemoproteidae, Plasmodiidae, Leucocytozoidae, and Garniidae, with the genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon being the most common in birds. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to detect the infection frequency of hemosporidians and to perform hematological and biochemical analyses in free-living turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in the Amazon biome, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from free-living C. aura specimens captured by the wildlife management team at Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport (Val-de-Cans) in Belém, Pará, Brazil. A total of 26C. aura specimens were examined. Parasitological and molecular analyses were conducted to detect hemosporidian infection, and hematological and biochemical analyses were also performed on all birds. Parasite forms suggestive of hemosporidians were observed in blood smears from 42.31 % (11/26) of the birds, while molecular analyses indicated 76.92 % (20/26) of the animals were positive. There was no significant difference in hematological values between the animals infected and those not infected by hemosporidians. In serum biochemistry, there was a significant difference in the albumin/globulin ratio, with higher values in uninfected vultures. It is concluded that Haemoproteus spp./Plasmodium spp. infections occur in C. aura in the Amazon biome. These infections did not cause evident deleterious effects on the health of the examined animals based on hematological results, but there were changes in the albumin/globulin ratio between infected and uninfected groups.

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Physiological and hematological traits and productive performance of Spanish Majorera and Palmera goats reared on the Island of Tenerife-Spain were assessed. 50 adult, clinically healthy, multiparous female goats were studied for 18 months. The data were analyzed in a two (breeds) x four (season) factorial scheme. Multivariate analysis and machine learning were used to assess the relationship between adaptive responses and climatic variables. There was no interaction effect between season of the year and breed for physiological responses (P > 0.05), except for coat surface temperature (P < 0.001). Respiratory rate and rectal temperature had no effect on breed c unlike heart rate and coat surface temperature. All thermoregulatory variables showed variations between seasons. The goats had a higher respiratory rate (P < 0.001) in summer and autumn. Rectal temperature was higher in spring (P < 0.001), but similar to winter (P > 0.05), whereas the heart rate was higher by 16.67% in winter when compared to other seasons (P < 0.001). The surface temperature of the coat presented higher values for the Majorera breed when compared to the Palmera in summer and spring. The Majorera breed showed greater productive performance (body weight; P < 0.05). In winter, the red blood series of Majorera goats showed higher values for hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (P < 0.05). The white blood series is similar between breeds (P > 0.05). There is a dynamic in the adaptive mechanisms used by Majorera and Palmera goats during the seasons. The temperate climate on Tenerife Island has a greater impact on Majorera goats (r2 canonical = 0.76; P < 0.001) when compared to Palmera goats (P = 0.68; P < 0.001). The surface temperature of the coat is the first activated thermoregulatory mechanism for both breeds (P < 0.001). However, only Majorera goats presented secondary mechanisms which are related to heart rate for lower coat surface temperature values, possibly due to vasoconstriction in winter; and for higher values of rectal temperature when the surface temperature of the coat increases in summer. It is concluded that both breeds are adapted to the temperate climatic conditions of the Island of Tenerife, but there is a seasonal adaptive dynamic. Majorera breed animals have greater body weight, but are less tolerant to the Island's climate. In the warmer seasons, these animals increase the surface temperature of the coat to dissipate endogenous heat and in the colder seasons they increase the number of red cells, which demonstrates their adaptability to the winter climate on the Island of Tenerife.

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The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens; MFB) is a widely distributed seabird. It has breeding areas in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean (extending along Central America up to Baja California) (Schreiber & Burger, 2001). The Fregata magnificens magnificens (MFB-Gal) subspecies is native to the Galápagos Islands. This is the first-time hematology and blood chemistry parameters have been published for the F. m. magnificens (MFB-Gal) from the Galápagos Islands. Analysis was run on blood samples drawn from n = 16 adult MFB-Gal captured by hand at their nests at North Seymour and Daphne Major Islands in the Galápagos Islands (n = 10 MFB-Gal in June 2017 and n = 6 MFB-Gal in July 2022). There were ten female birds and six male birds in total. A portable blood analyzer (iSTAT) was used to obtain near immediate field results for total carbon dioxide (TCO2), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), ionized calcium (iCa), total protein (TP), anion gap and glucose. Blood lactate was measured using a portable Lactate Plus™ analyzer. Average heart rate, respiratory rate, body weight, body temperature, biochemistry and hematology parameters were comparable to healthy individuals of other Fregatidae of the same species (magnificent frigatebird subspecies from Brazil, Fregata magnificens, likely F. m. rothschildi) or similar species (great frigatebird, Fregata minor, from the Galápagos Islands). There were some statistically significant differences between the males and females F. m. magnificens (MFB-Gal) in the Galápagos, including bill depth, bill width, wing length, weight, and chloride blood value. The reported results provide baseline data that can be used for comparisons among populations and in detecting changes in health status among Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds and other populations of magnificent frigatebirds.

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Combined progress in oncology and critical care medicine has led to new aspirations and discussions in advanced life support modalities in the intensive care unit. Over the last decade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, previously considered unsuitable for oncologic patients, has become increasingly popular, with more diverse applications. Nevertheless, mortality remains high in critically ill cancer patients, and eligibility for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be extremely challenging. This scenario is even more difficult due to the uncertain prognosis regarding the underlying malignancy, the increased rate of infections related to intensive care unit admission, and the high risk of adverse events during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. With advances in technology and better management involving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, new data on clinical outcomes can be found. Therefore, this review article evaluates the indicators for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in different types of oncology patients and the possible subgroups that could benefit from it. Furthermore, we highlight the prognosis, the risk factors for complications during this support, and the importance of decision-making based on a multidisciplinary team in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation indication.

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Background: Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a rare hematological disorder, characterized by blood and tissue eosinophilia, causing tissue damage and dysfunction. The onset of the disease is generally asymptomatic, being discovered incidentally. The objective of this article is to illustrate the rare clinical presentation in patients with chronic kidney disease. Clinical case: A 69-year-old male patient, with a history of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, was admitted to the internal medicine service with wasting syndrome under study, multiple urticarial skin lesions and peripheral blood cytopenias. During the approach to him, eosinophilia of more than 5.0 × 109 / L was evidenced, a bone marrow aspirate was performed, which revealed eosinophilic infiltration with dysplasia, biopsy of dermal lesions with mixed cellular infiltrate with a predominance of eosinophils; With the above, the diagnosis of idiopathic HES is made, after the exclusion of other evident eosinophilia etiologies. Systemic steroid treatment was started. Conclusions: Eosinophilic disorders represent a heterogeneous group of rare conditions, with multiple clinical manifestations, predominantly dermatological. An important association with the development of chronic kidney disease is reported, so a comprehensive approach must be carried out, with the aim of achieving an etiological diagnosis that allows early treatment and improves survival.

Introducción: el síndrome hipereosinofílico (SHE) es un trastorno hematológico poco frecuente, caracterizado por eosinofilia en sangre y tejidos, que provoca daño y disfunción de los tejidos. El inicio de la enfermedad es generalmente asintomático, siendo descubierto incidentalmente. El objetivo de este artículo es ilustrar la rara presentación clínica en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica. Caso clínico: paciente hombre de 69 años, con antecedente de diabetes tipo 2 e hipertensión arterial, ingresó al servicio de Medicina Interna con síndrome consuntivo en estudio, múltiples lesiones dérmicas urticariformes y citopenias en sangre periférica. Durante su abordaje se evidenció eosinofilia de más de 5.0 × 109/L, se realizó aspirado de médula ósea, que reveló infiltración eosinofílica con displasia, así como biopsia de lesiones dérmicas con infiltrado celular mixto con predominio de eosinófilos; con lo previo se realizó el diagnóstico de SHE idiopático, posterior a la exclusión de otras etiologías evidentes de eosinofilia. Se inició tratamiento con esteroide sistémico. Conclusiones: los trastornos eosinofílicos representan un grupo heterogéneo de afecciones poco frecuentes, con múltiples manifestaciones clínicas, predominantemente dermatológicas. Se reporta una importante asociación con el desarrollo de enfermedad renal crónica, por lo que se debe realizar un abordaje integral con el objetivo de lograr un diagnóstico etiológico que permita una terapéutica temprana y mejorar la sobrevida.

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Long coronavirus disease (COVID), also known as the post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PASC), is a significant concern since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it still manifests in individuals with persistent symptoms and complications beyond the acute phase of infection. Defining this disease is challenging, as it manifests as a spectrum of symptoms varying in severity among individuals who have previously tested positive for COVID-19. Long COVID is more prevalent in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and presents in various ways, ranging from pulmonary to extrapulmonary symptoms. This literature review examines the current body of research on long COVID with a focus on its effects on the cardiovascular, hematological, respiratory, renal, and neurological systems with systematically analyzed, peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the PubMed database. There have been several proposed pathophysiological mechanisms by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 affects the aforementioned organ systems; however, research on the definite mechanisms is lacking, especially when considering the management of long COVID in the perioperative setting. The impact of post-COVID sequelae necessitates individualized management strategies tailored to each symptomatic profile, particularly in patients with comorbidities. The COVID-19 pandemic affected millions of people and had a profound impact on those who developed PASC, lowering their quality of life and increasing potential surgical risks. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the specific risk factors for long COVID and who is most susceptible to it. Further research is required to fill these gaps and explore potential avenues for preventing PASC.

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Among the parasitic and infectious diseases affecting cats, those caused by vector-borne pathogens deserve attention due to their ability to cause nonspecific clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities. We studied the presence of Cytauxzoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in blood samples from 135 cats referred to the veterinary teaching hospital of the Federal University of Goiás in midwestern Brazil. We also investigated co-infections with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) as well as the correlation between Mycoplasma spp. infection and cat variables, including age, sex, breed, and complete blood count abnormalities. Upon PCR testing, 20.7% (28/135) of samples were positive for Mycoplasma spp., 1.5% (2/135) for Cytauxzoon spp., and none for Ehrlichia spp. Co-infections with Mycoplasma spp. and Cytauxzoon spp. were detected in the two cats with the latter infection. Mycoplasma spp. infection was statistically associated with the simultaneous presence of thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. This study confirms a high frequence of Mycoplasma spp. infection, with both M. haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' circulating in this cat population. The clinical significance of Mycoplasma spp. infection in cats should be further explored and this infection should eventually be included in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis in otherwise apparently healthy cats.

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The yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus, Linnaeus, 1766) is among the most consumed chelonian species in the Amazon region, raising concerns about its conservation status. Furthermore, few studies have been carried out on the parameters of physiological normality of this species in free-living conditions, making it difficult to assess the impact of environmental changes on the physiology of the group. The erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) test is a biomarker of environmental changes that cause membrane damage, decreasing erythrocyte resistance to osmotic stress. However, the physiology of the species is still poorly understood, and the reference ranges for hematological parameters and EOF is unknown for most species in natural conditions. Understanding the reference intervals of the physiological parameters of these animals have fundamental importance to assess when a population is under the effect of environmental stressors, such as xenobiotics, as well as to provide comparative parameters in clinical analyzes for the species. The lack of information on normal EOF values ​​makes it difficult to assess the effects of environmental and clinical changes on the physiology of the species. This study aimed to establish reference intervals for hematological parameters and EOF analysis for C. denticulatus, using thirty tortoises (n = 15 males and n = 15 females). The t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the hematological parameters between sexes, while the Kruskal-Wallis test was used in the EOF analysis, and the reference range was calculated for males and females together. No statistical differences were found in hematological values between sexes, nor in the hemolysis profile in the EOF analysis, demonstrating that in this population, these parameters of C. denticulatus are similar between sexes during the sampling period. According to the results of this study, we can consider the erythrocytes of these animals osmotically resistant, reflecting the stability of the cell membrane. This study reports for the first time hematological values and EOF analysis for the species C. denticulatus in the wild in a region of the far western Brazilian Amazon.

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The franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) is a small cetacean endemic to the coastal waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Due to its restricted distribution, it is subject to high bycatch mortality in the gillnets used for commercial and artisanal fishing. The rehabilitation of the franciscana is still a major challenge, as most attempts to rehabilitate stranded animals have failed. This study aims to present the case of the rehabilitation of a franciscana dolphin calf, stranded in San Clemente del Tuyú, Argentina, at the beginning of the predation period. The feeding strategy and nutritional profile at different stages during the 88 days of rehabilitation are meticulously detailed. Its diet was prepared by hand based on studies of milk composition, the feeding ecology of franciscana in Argentinean waters, and previous records of the Fundación Mundo Marino Rehabilitation Center. The diets were designed to meet the nutritional needs of franciscana dolphins. In addition, the hematological, cytological, and fecal analyses recorded during the rehabilitation are presented. Although the animal could not be released, due to its death, this report provides baseline information that can improve the ability of veterinarians to care for debilitated, live-stranded dolphins. This information may also be useful in the implementation and development of healthcare protocols for this species.

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Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy represents an innovative approach to immunotherapy and currently stands out, particularly for oncohematological patients refractory to traditional treatments. Ongoing trials are further expanding its clinical use for new oncological and non-oncological indications, potentially leading to newer treatment options soon. This new approach, however, also presents challenges, including cardiovascular toxicity. Little is reported in pivotal studies, and some recent retrospective observations suggest a non-negligible incidence of side effects with presentation ranging from mild adverse cardiovascular events to fatal complications in which, in most cases, there is a direct or indirect association with cytokine release syndrome. In this literature review, the hypotheses of an important interface between cytokine release syndrome and cardiotoxicity by chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy will be addressed, as will current knowledge about risk factors for cardiotoxicity and recommendations for pre-therapy evaluation, post-infusion monitoring and clinical management of these complications.

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Introduction: Vascular access teams often use guidelines or algorithms to determine the most appropriate vascular access device based on the patient's condition and the substance to be infused. These guidelines are intended to help identify the most qualified personnel for device insertion, but few studies collect information on the performance of these units. Objective: This study aims to identify the evolution and complication rate of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in patients requiring vascular access. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over three years. Continuous variables with normal distribution were compared using Student's t-test. Nonparametrically distributed variables were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test. For categorical variables, the two-tailed chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used. Regression analysis was performed for the dependent variable of complications. Results: Of the PICCs inserted, 61.99% (566) were in patients receiving oncologic treatment, with a mean dwell time of 136±127.51 days. PICCs inserted in hematologic patients had a mean dwell time of 144±141.3 days (p=0.438). The most frequent complications were accidental removal (3.50%, 32, OR 0.581), thrombosis (3%, 27, OR 0.752), and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) (2.10%, 19, OR, 0.113). Discussion: Complications related to PICCs were infrequent, with thrombosis being the most prevalent. Accidental removal was also frequent, a complication not thoroughly analyzed in other studies. Conclusions: PICC insertion and management by vascular access teams enables units to achieve a low complication rate in onco-hematological patients.

Introducción: Los equipos de acceso vascular suelen utilizar guías o algoritmos para determinar el dispositivo de acceso vascular más adecuado según el paciente y la sustancia que se va a administrar. Se supone que las guías permiten al personal identificar a la persona más calificada para insertar el catéter, pero pocos estudios recogen información sobre el desempeño de estas unidades. Objetivo: Este estudio busca identificar la evolución y la tasa de complicaciones de los catéteres centrales de inserción periférica (PICC) en pacientes que requieren acceso vascular. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo de tres años de duración. Las variables continuas con distribución normal se compararon mediante la prueba t de Student. Las variables distribuidas con distribución no paramétrica se analizaron con la prueba U de Mann-Whitney. Para las variables categóricas se utilizó la prueba chi cuadrado de dos colas o la prueba exacta de Fisher. Se realizó análisis de regresión para la variable dependiente "complicaciones". Resultados: El 61,99% (566) de los PICC fueron insertados en pacientes con tratamiento oncológico y una duración media de 136±127,51 días. Los PICC usados en pacientes hematológicos tuvieron una duración media de 144±141,3 días (p=0,438). Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron la remoción accidental (3,50%, 32, OR 0,581), trombosis (3%, 27, OR 0,752) bacteriemia asociada al catéter venoso central (2,10%, 19, OR, 0,113). Discusión: Las complicaciones relacionadas con los PICC fueron poco frecuentes, siendo la principal la trombosis. Las remociones accidentales fueron frecuentes, una complicación que no ha sido suficientemente analizada en otros estudios. Conclusiones: La inserción y manejo de los PICC por un equipo de acceso vascular permite a las unidades lograr una baja tasa de complicaciones en pacientes oncohematológicos.

Introdução: As equipes de acesso vascular geralmente usam diretrizes ou algoritmos para determinar o dispositivo de acesso vascular mais adequado de acordo com o tipo de paciente e a substância a ser infundida. Supõe-se que as diretrizes permitam que a equipe identifique a pessoa mais qualificada para a inserção do acesso, mas poucos estudos coletam informações sobre o desempenho dessa unidade. Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo reconhecer a evolução e a taxa de complicações de cateteres centrais de inserção periférica em pacientes com acesso vascular. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo observacional prospectivo durante três anos. As variáveis contínuas com distribuição normal foram comparadas usando o teste t de Student. As variáveis com distribuição não paramétrica foram analisadas com o teste de Mann-Whitney. Para variáveis categóricas, foi usado o teste de qui-quadrado bicaudal ou o teste exato de Fisher. A análise de regressão foi realizada para a variável dependente de complicações. Resultados: 61,99% (566) dos cateteres centrais de acesso periférico foram inseridos em pacientes tratados com abordagem oncológica, com uma vida útil média de 136±127,51 dias. Aqueles inseridos em pacientes hematológicos tiveram uma meia-vida de 144±141,3 dias (p=0,438). As complicações mais frequentes foram saídas acidentais (3,50%, 32, OR 0,581), trombose (3%, 27, OR 0,752) e infecção da corrente sanguínea associada à linha central (2,10%, 19, OD 0,113). Discussão: As complicações dos cateteres venosos centrais de acesso periférico foram baixas, sendo a trombose a principal complicação. As saídas acidentais foram frequentes, uma complicação não analisada em outros estudos. Conclusões: A inserção e o gerenciamento desses cateteres por uma equipe de terapia intravenosa permitem que as unidades alcancem um baixo índice de complicações em pacientes onco-hematológicos.

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Background: COVID-19 is still a global health issue, there is limited evidence in South America regarding laboratory biomarkers associated with severe disease. The objective of our study was to identify hematological and hemostatic changes associated with severe COVID-19. Methods: A total of 170 hospitalized patients with COVID19 were included in the study, defining their severity according to established criteria. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory (days 1, 3, 7, 15) data were obtained. We performed a statistical analysis, assuming significance with a value of p < 0.05. We analyzed the correlation between severity and biomarkers and established cut-off values for severe patients through ROC curves, estimating Odds Ratio associated with severe disease. Results: Day 1 was observed significant differences between moderate vs severe patients for leukocytes (WBC), Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and D-dimer, establishing cut-off points for each of them. The markers we found associated to risk of severe disease were WBC (OR=3.2396; p = 0.0003), NLR (OR=5.7084; p < 0.0001), PLR (OR=4.4094; p < 0.0001), Neutrophil (OR=4.1193; p < 0.0001), D-dimer (OR=2.7827; p = 0.0124). Conclusions: The results allow to establish basic laboratory biomarkers associated to severe disease, which could be used as prognostic markers.

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INTRODUCTION: The objective of the current study was to determine the survival probabilities of children and adolescents with acute lymphocytic leukemia treated with adapted Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) protocols and compare our results with the original BFM reports. METHODS: This retrospective study included 695 patients up to 19 years old treated with adapted BFM protocols between 1997 and 2018 in four hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. The 1997-2007 and 2008-2018 cohorts were analyzed separately. RESULTS: More than half of the patients were stratified into the high-risk BFM classification. Overall and event-free survivals were, in the 1997-2007 period, respectively, 88% and 80% (BFM standard risk group-SRG), 75% and 67% (intermediate risk group-IRG), and 48% and 33% (high-risk group-HRG). The corresponding numbers for the 2008-2018 period were 93% and 84% (SRG), 75% and 63% (IRG), and 64% and 57% (HRG). In the second period, both the OS (HR = 0.71, p = 0.011) and EFS (HR = 0.62, p < 0.001) were higher. Except for the intermediate-risk group, the latter results are comparable to the BFM. CONCLUSION: The BFM protocol adaptations can be safely implemented in developing countries, accounting for local specificities.

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BACKGROUND: Providing quality supportive therapy for children with cancer is essential to reduce the high mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries. Febrile neutropenia is the most common life-threatening complication of cancer in children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the 'Golden Hour' intervention in reducing the time to administer antibiotics and its impact on clinical outcomes in a Mexican hospital. METHODS: A comparative study of children with febrile neutropenia who attended the emergency department at the Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" was performed between January 2017 and December 2022. In May 2019, this center joined the collaborative 'Mexico in Alliance with St. Jude' project. An adapted improvement program was developed based on the implementation of an algorithm comprising institutional guidance, supplies kit, standardization of sample processing, training of healthcare providers, and patient education. The time to antibiotic administration was compared with clinical outcomes between the historical control and post-intervention groups. RESULTS: A total of 291 patients were included, 122 in the pre-intervention period and 169 in the intervention period. Only 5.7 % of the pre-intervention group received the first dose of antibiotics within 60 min of presenting to the emergency department compared to 84.6 % in the intervention group (p-value <0.000). The median times to antibiotic administration in the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods were 269.4 and 50.54 min, respectively (p-value <0.000). Clinical deterioration and admission to the pediatric intensive care unit decreased significantly from 6.6 % to 2.3 % (p-value = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Sustainability of the quality improvement project 'Golden Hour' in low- to mid-income countries demonstrated high effectiveness in reducing time to antibiotic administration among children with febrile neutropenia and improved clinical outcomes over three years of implementation.

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This study assessed qualitative and quantitative leukocyte evaluation as potential broiler chicken welfare indicators, contributing to the limited literature on white blood cell (WBC) morphology as a diagnostic tool for welfare. Broiler chicken welfare within four poultry houses (PH) 1 to 4, each on a different farm, was assessed using on-field indicators of affective states and health, and WBC morphology was examined. Affective states were evaluated using the Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA), with 25 behavioral expressions scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and grouped into two categories. Health indicators included assessments of lameness, footpad dermatitis, dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas, hock burn, and feather cleaning. Blood samples were collected, differential leukocyte counts were performed, and a cell score was created for the recognition, classification, and interpretation of morphologic diversity of heterophils and lymphocytes. The heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L) was also determined. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models for binomial responses were used to analyze the results. PH4 differed from the other farms, showing a higher frequency of birds within QBA group 1 ('Attentive'to 'Desperate'), while birds in PH1, PH2, and PH3 were more frequent in QBA group 2 ('Relaxed' to 'Positively occupied'). Elevated proportions of heterophils in birds from PH4 (0.61, CI95%: 0.58; 0.64) and PH3 (0.60, CI95%: 0.57; 0.63) suggested higher stress levels and inflammatory responses. Birds in PH2 and PH4 exhibited higher frequencies of health issues such as dermatitis and lameness, and higher proportions of abnormalities in WBC number and morphology. PH3 and PH4 exhibited higher H/L ratios of 3.03 and 2.58, respectively, consistent with the on-field health and behavioral indicators. Blood samples from birds in PH2 and PH4 showed a proportion of 90% toxic change in heterophils, while in PH1 and PH3 it was 70%, indicating high levels of abnormal WBC morphology across all PHs. The findings emphasize the multifactorial nature of welfare impairments, including environmental conditions, health, and affective states. This highlights the need for indicators that reflect multiple welfare impacts, such as WBC counts and morphological alterations, which can serve as powerful tools in the complex task of assessing animal welfare.

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Reptile white blood cell (WBC) morphological features are strikingly variable across species. In the Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae), red tegu (Salvator rufescens), and Savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus), previous reports described a WBC type with a single distinct, clear, linear- to ovoid- to crescent-shaped inclusion of presumptive monocytic origin. The objective of this study was to further investigate the origin of this unique WBC type with crescent-shaped inclusions. Blood samples from two Argentine black and white tegus, tegu 1, a 4-year-old female, and tegu 2, a 2-year-old presumed male, were submitted for routine hematological evaluation. Additional blood films were prepared and stained with these cytochemical stains: alkaline phosphatase (ALP; naphthol AS-MX phosphate substrate), alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase, alpha-chloroacetate esterase, myeloperoxidase, Periodic acid-Schiff, and Sudan black B. Blood films from tegu 1 were also stained with a second ALP stain (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl-phosphate and nitroblue tetrazolium substrate), Luna, luxol fast blue, and toluidine blue. The blood from tegu 1 was cytocentrifuged to isolate and fix the buffy coat in glutaraldehyde 2.5% aqueous solution for transmission electron microscopy. Six morphologically distinct WBC types were identified from tegu 1, including heterophils, basophils, monocytes, azurophils, lymphocytes, and the unique WBC type, which were identified as eosinophils with inclusions. WBC types in tegu 2 were similar; however, eosinophils lacked a discernable inclusion. Proper WBC identification will be useful in obtaining accurate hemogram data for this species.

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Continuing education in hematology is a key for stimulating the development around the world and improving patient outcomes. However, access to training and education is not equally distributed worldwide, and disparities in hematology exist for under-represented groups such as trainees living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To identify and review the different educational and career development opportunities offered by hematology-focused international academic societies directed at healthcare professionals in this field. We conducted an online search to screen the official websites of international hematology societies and extracted data regarding continuing education opportunities in hematology. Twenty hematology societies were identified with 850 continuing medical education opportunities extracted and reviewed. We recorded 55 grants and funding opportunities from 13 societies. More than half required a membership to apply, 9.1% were available globally, and 12.7% were designed for persons living in LMICs. The current state of continuing education in hematology offers numerous opportunities for healthcare trainees. However, disparities persist for LMICs.

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The rearing of calves is an essential activity of a dairy system, as it impacts the future production of these animals. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of diarrhea, performance, and blood parameters of suckling calves that received mineral-vitamin supplementation in milk plus virginiamycin that was offered in milk (via the abomasum) or by esophageal tube (via the rumen). Twenty-seven calves were used, from the first week to 60 days of age, submitted to the following treatments: CONTROL, without supplementation; MILK, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex with 100 mg of virginiamycin, diluted in milk; RUMEN, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex diluted in milk and 100 mg of virginiamycin in gelatin capsules via an esophageal applicator. MILK and RUMEN calves had lower fecal consistency scoring, fewer days with scores 2 and 3 throughout the experimental period, and lower spending on medication compared to the CONTROL animals. Supplemented calves had higher fat and protein intake and reached feed intake of 600 g earlier than CONTROL animals, but did not differ in performance and hematological parameters. Supplementation with virginiamycin and vitamin-mineral complex for suckling calves reduced the incidence and days of diarrhea, and reduced medication costs, with no difference in performance, but the supplemented animals had higher initial protein and fat intake and reached targeted feed intake earlier to begin the weaning process.

RESUMO

The steel industry is a significant worldwide source of atmospheric particulate matter (PM). Part of PM may settle (SePM) and deposit metal/metalloid and metallic nanoparticles in aquatic ecosystems. However, such an air-to-water cross-contamination is not observed by most monitoring agencies. The region of Vitoria City is the main location of iron processing for exports in Brazil, and it has rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas affected by SePM. We have evaluated the effects of SePM on a local representative fish species, the fat snook, Centropomus parallelus. After acclimation, 48 fishes (61.67 ± 27.83 g) were individually exposed for 96 h to diverse levels of SePM (0.0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 g/L-1). The presence of metals in the blood and several blood biomarkers were analyzed to evaluate the impact of SePM on stress signaling, blood oxygen transport capacity, and innate immune activity. Metal bioaccumulation was measured from blood in two separately analyzed compartments: intracellular (erythrocytes plus white blood cells) and extracellular (plasma). The major metals present at all contamination levels in both compartments were Fe and Zn, followed by Al and Cu, plus traces of 'Emerging metals': Ba, Ce, La, Rb, Se, Sr, and Ti. Emerging metals refer to those that have recently been identified in water as contaminants, encompassing rare earth elements and critical technology elements, as documented in previous studies (See REEs and TCEs in Cobelo-García et al., 2015; Batley et al., 2022). Multivariate analysis revealed that SePM had strong, dose-dependent correlations with all biomarker groups and indicated that blood oxygen-carrying capacity had the highest contamination responsiveness. Metal contamination also increased cortisol and blood glucose levels, attesting to increased stress signaling, and had a negative effect on innate immune activity. Knowledge of the risks related to SePM contamination remains rudimentary. However, the fact that there was metal bioaccumulation, causing impairment of fundamental physiological and cellular processes in this ecologically relevant fish species, consumed by the local human population, highlights the pressing need for further monitoring and eventual control of SePM contamination.