Background
Rapid and accurate markers to aid diagnosis of sepsis are needed in neonatal foals. The CBC variable red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to platelet ratio (RPR) is associated with ...inflammatory response and linked to poor outcomes of sepsis in human patients.
Hypothesis
Explore the correlation of RPR with sepsis in neonatal foals and evaluate RPR predictive and prognostic value.
Animals
Three hundred seventeen hospitalized neonatal foals ≤7 days of age that had a CBC and physical exam performed at admission between 2012 and 2021.
Methods
Retrospective case‐control study. Clinical records were used to calculate sepsis scores and define groups. Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was calculated and compared between groups (septic vs nonseptic) based on Kruskal‐Wallis and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. A multivariate logistic regression model to predict sepsis was created. The cutoff for RPR was obtained based on the maximal Youden Index. The Kaplan‐Meier method and the log‐rank test were used to estimate survival curves and compare survival rates based on RPR.
Results
Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was significantly higher in septic foals (Median = 0.099, confidence interval CI 0.093; 0.108) than in sick nonseptic (0.085, CI 0.083; 0.089) and healthy foals (0.081, CI 0.077; 0.086; P < .0001). Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was able to predict sepsis with high accuracy (AUC = 82.1%). The optimal RPR cutoff for sepsis was 0.09.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio calculation is practical, inexpensive, and based on CBC‐derived data. Calculation of RPR along with CBC can aid in the diagnosis of sepsis and estimation of outcome.
We investigated the association between circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) potentially involved in the lung inflammatory process and fibrosis development among COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress ...syndrome (ARDS) survivors. At 4 ± 2 months from clinical recovery, COVID-19-related ARDS survivors matched for age, sex, and clinical characteristics underwent chest high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) and were selected based on imaging pattern evolution into fully recovered (N = normal), pulmonary opacities (PO) and fibrosis-like lesions (FL). Based on the previous literature, we performed plasma miRNA profiling of exosomal miRNAs belonging to the NLRP3-inflammasome platform with validated (miR-17-5p, miR-223-3p) and putative targets (miR-146a-5p), miRNAs involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of acute phase cytokines (miR128-3p, miR3168, miR125b-2-3p, miR106a-5p), miRNAs belonging to the NLRP4-inflammasome platform (miR-141-3p) and miRNAs related to post-transcriptional regulation of the fibrosis process (miR-21-5p). miR-17-5p, miR-223-3p, and miR-146a-5p were significantly down-regulated in patients with FL when compared to patients with PO. miR-146a-5p was also down-regulated in patients with FL than in N. The expression of the remaining miRNAs did not differ by group. In patients with long-term pulmonary radiological sequelae following COVID-19-related ARDS, a down-regulation of miR-17-5p, miR-146a-3p, and miR-223-3p correlated to fibrosis development in patients showing persistent hyper-reactivity to inflammatory stimulation. Our results support the hypothesis that NLRP3-Inflammasome could be implicated in the process of fibrotic evolution of COVID-19-associated ARDS.
•Thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after SARS-CoV-2 viral vector vaccine suggests vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT).•Thrombosis in unusual sites (splenic, portal, mesenteric, ...adrenal) is typical of VITT.•Anti-PF4 antibody tests, if available, should be undertaken rapidly for diagnosis.•Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) could mask functional tests to confirm a diagnosis of VITT.•Treatment with IVIg may be associated with false-negative functional tests.
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) has emerged as a rare side effect of adenoviral vector-based vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and is most frequently reported after use of the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine. This report describes a case of severe thrombocytopenia associated with massive pulmonary embolism and portal vein thrombosis occurring 13 days after the administration of the single-dose adenoviral vector-based vaccine Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen Vaccines). Based on early clinical suspicion, the patient quickly received treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, followed by a rapid increase in platelet count that allowed timely administration of full-dose anticoagulation. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, however, could mask the ability of anti-platelet factor 4-heparin antibodies to bind and activate platelets in the presence of heparin, leading to false-negative results on the immunoassay functional test. Therefore, if VITT is suspected, blood samples for diagnostic confirmation should be collected prior to any treatment to improve diagnostic performance.
The aim of this study was to assess the body condition score (BCS) and metabolic profile of finalists in the Freio de Ouro competition, stratified by sex. This study examined 84 Crioulo horses, ...comprising 43 non-pregnant mares and 41 stallions. Morphometric measurements, including BCS, cresty neck score (CNS), neck and heart girth, and assessments of fat depth at the neck and at the tail base, were conducted. Additional derived measurements such as the percentage of body fat (%BF), body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), heart girth:height ratio (HG:HW), and neck circumference:height ratio (NC:HW) were calculated. A subgroup of 53 animals was selected for the evaluation of metabolic parameters, including triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and adiponectin.In terms of BCS, 21% of participants were classified as overweight, with 49% having CNS≥3. Females exhibited greater fat deposition at the tail base and neck, along with higher %BF, FM, and HG:HW ratio, and lower NC:HWcompared to males. Among metabolic variables, females showed higher concentrations of LDH, LDL, CK, and lower concentrations of adiponectin than males. No differences were observed in morphometric measurements between participants that qualified for the final day of the competition and those which were disqualified. The study revealed that despite the rigorous physical demands and preparation required for the Freio de Ouro competition, a percentage of participants were overweight, displaying increased regional fat deposition in the neck. Although no metabolic changes related to increased adiposity were identified, the findings indicate a predisposition to the development of metabolic alterations. Additionally, females exhibited a greater accumulation of fat than males.
•Accumulating evidence suggest that treatment with high-titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) may be effective in immunocompromised COVID-19 patients.•Recent randomized clinical trials exploring ...the effectiveness of treatment with CCP in immunocompetent individuals with COVID-19. However, a simil level of evidence in selected cohorts of patients with primary or secondary impaired immune response is lacking and might be highly warranted.•Results from this case report suggest that the host T-cell specific response to SARS-CoV-2 might not be sufficient to reduce viral load in the absence of neutralizing antibodies.•Acquired immune antibodies and/or related components passively infused with CCP might have a key role in boosting the plasma recipient response to the virus and promoting complete viral clearance.
Management of immunocompromised COVID-19 patients is the object of current debate. Accumulating evidence suggest that treatment with high-titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) may be effective in this characteristic clinical scenario.
A 52-years old immunocompromised female patient, previously treated with rituximab for low grade B-cell lymphoma, showed prolonged SARS-CoV-2 shedding and a long-term course of signs of severe COVID-19. A first cycle of treatment with remdesivir, a nucleotide analogue prodrug effective in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication, did not provide fully and sustained clinical remission. A second hospitalization was deemed necessary after 10 days from the first hospital discharge due to recrudescence of symptoms of severe COVID-19 and the evidence of bilateral interstitial pneumonia at the chest-CT scan. Clinical and radiological findings completely disappeared after CCP administration. The viral culture confirmed the absence of SARS-CoV-2-related cytopathic effect. The clinical evaluation, performed two months after hospital discharge, was unremarkable.
Findings from our case report suggest that the host T-cell specific response to SARS-CoV-2 is not sufficient to reduce viral load in the absence of neutralizing antibodies. Acquired immune antibodies and/or related components passively infused with CCP might help in boosting the plasma recipient response to the virus and promoting complete viral clearance.
Independently from negative results in immunocompetent individuals, the potential effectiveness of CCP infusion in selected cohorts of patients with primary or secondary impaired immune response should be tested. Further research about mechanisms of host response in immunocompromised patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection is required.
Solid storage medium prevents cellular sedimentation, reduces metabolic demand via limiting movement, and avoids the modification of an extender composition in the sedimentary microenvironment. It ...has been proven to prolong spermatozoa viability in mammalians.
This experiment aims to evaluate the effect of cool storage in solid phase extender on stallion sperms.
Semen was collected from 10 Crioulo stallions (n=30) and submitted to treatments: control group (semen extender) and groups with gelatin addition in different concentrations (semen extender + 1%, 2% and 3%). Seminal analyses included motility, mitochondrial functionality, plasma membrane integrity, DNA and acrosome at 0; 24; 48 and 72 hours during cooled storage at 5 degree C.
Motility, mitochondrial functionality, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity declined during storage time, with no statistical difference between treatments. DNA integrity did not significantly change during storage period.
Solid medium was not harmful and did not improved stallion sperm parameters during cooled storage.
Body and testicular biometry of Crioulo stallions Santos, Fernanda Carlini Cunha dos; Curcio, Bruna da Rosa; Nogueira, Carlos Eduardo Wayne
Ciência rural,
01/2022, Letnik:
52, Številka:
3
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Brazilian Association of Crioulo Horse Breeders (ABCCC) establishes minimal and maximal body biometrics evaluation; although, nothing is mentioned about testicular measurements. Body and testicular ...growth are associated and related to age. We described data regarding body and testicular biometry of Crioulo stallions, with a comparative study between young and adult categories. Evaluation was performed in 56 stallions, Crioulo breed, split in: youngsters (3 and 4 years-old, n=16) and adults (above 5 years-old, n=40). Body biometry included weight, height, cannon bone and chest circumference, body score condition and neck fat accumulation. Testicular biometry included height, length, width, volume, combined volume and daily sperm output (DSO). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistic, Pearson correlation, comparison between means by Kruskal Wallis, being P < 0.05 considered significant. There was no significant difference between the parameters of body and testicular biometrics between categories young and adult. In relation to height, the average was very close to the lower limit established, while chest and cannon bone circumference were above the minimum recommended by ABCCC. Cannon bone circumference presented a positive correlation with height. Most of stallions presented excessive body fat, with a body score condition above 8 (scale 1-9). Neck fat accumulation presented a positive correlation with body score condition. Testicular height, length, width and volume presented a positive correlation between the ipsi and contralateral testicle, total testicular volume and DSO. In conclusion, no difference in the body and testicular biometric evaluation was observed between young and adult Crioulo stallions. Testicular and body growth are associated and also related to age, so our finding suggested that after 3-4 years-old most of Crioulo stallions have already reached maximum growth.
RESUMO: A Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Cavalos Crioulos (ABCCC) define parâmetros mínimos e máximos para algumas aferições biométricas no corpo do animal, embora nada seja mencionado sobre medidas testiculares. O crescimento corporal e testicular estão associados e relacionados a idade do animal. Objetivamos descrever parâmetros relacionados a biometria corporal e testicular de garanhões Crioulos, comparando o grupo de jovens e adultos. Foi realizada avaliação em 56 garanhões Crioulos, divididos em: jovens (três e quatro anos, n=16) e adultos (acima de cinco anos, n=40). A biometria corporal incluiu peso, altura, circunferência de canela, perímetro torácico, escore corporal e acúmulo de gordura no pescoço. A biometria testicular incluiu altura, comprimento, largura, volume de cada testículo, volume combinado dos testículos e estimativa de produção diária de espermatozoides (DSO). Com os dados, foi realizada estatística descritiva, correlação de Pearson, comparação entre médias com Kruskal Wallis, sendo considerado significativo quando P < 0,05. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre as avaliações biométricas e testiculares de garanhões das categorias jovens e adultos. Em relação à altura, a média foi muito próxima ao limite inferior estabelecido, enquanto a circunferência torácica e de canela estavam acima do limite mínimo recomendado pela ABCCC. A circunferência de canela apresentou correlação positiva com altura. A maioria dos garanhões apresentou alta deposição de gordura, com condição corporal acima de 8 (escala 1-9). O acúmulo de gordura no pescoço apresentou correlação positiva com escore corporal. A altura, largura, comprimento e volume testicular apresentaram correlação positiva com testículo ipsi e contralateral, volume testicular total e DSO. Em conclusão, não houve diferença entre dados de biometria corporal e testicular de garanhões Crioulos adultos e jovens. O crescimento corporal e testicular estão associados e relacionados a idade, sendo assim, nossos resultados sugerem que após 3-4 anos de idade, a maioria dos garanhões Crioulos já atingiu seu pico de desenvolvimento.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
BackgroundNeonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal death during the first-week postfoaling. Despite recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in the newborn foal, the ...non-specific clinical signs and subtle nature of this disease may result in delayed diagnosis until severe progression of the disease; thus, early detection of sepsis remains critical for a favourable outcome. This study aimed to identify early blood markers as predictive of sepsis on foals.MethodsThirty-five foals were allocated into three groups: healthy control foals (n=7) and foals born from mares with placentitis: septic foals (n=9) and non-septic foals (n=19). Blood samples were obtained immediately after foaling and at 12, 24 and 48 hours. All samples were assessed for glucose, lactate, triglycerides, total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, total solids, fibrinogen, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum amyloid A (SAA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations.ResultsAt foaling, glucose and GGT concentrations were lower in septic foals (P<0.001). Of interest, SAA, AFP, creatinine and total cholesterol were higher in septic foals at parturition (P<0.05). At 12 hours, lactate, triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations were higher in septic foals. When evaluated at 24 and 48 hours, higher concentrations of SAA and AFP were found in placentitis foals than in the control group.ConclusionsTotal cholesterol and lactate appear to be suitable markers for sepsis during the first 24 hours postpartum. Septic foals displayed altered energy metabolisms as determined by increased triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations, hypoglycaemia at birth and reduced activity of the GGT and increased lactate and urea concentrations. Sepsis was associated with high concentrations of SAA and AFP.
Primary telencephalic lymphoma in a horse Marcolongo-Pereira, Clairton; Curcio, Bruna Da Rosa; Oliveira, Douglas Pacheco ...
Semina. Ciências agrárias : revista cultural e científica da Universidade Estadual de Londrina,
12/2015, Letnik:
36, Številka:
6
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
A case of T small cell type lymphoma in the brain of a horse is described. A 20-year-old female Crioulo equine showed neurological signs characterized by ataxia, circling and partial loss of smell ...and sight. During necropsy, a whitish, firm, unencapsulated mass compressing the structures of the nervous tissue was observed, extending from the olfactory bulb to the internal capsule of the right telencephalon. Microscopic examination showed the proliferation of round cells with a small to moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm. Nuclei were centrally located, irregularly round and occasionally cleaved and hyperchromatic. Immunohistochemistry for CD3 showed a moderate diffuse cytoplasmic staining. This is a rare primary central nervous system lymphoma in horses, with few reports in the veterinary literature. Nevertheless, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in equines with neurological signs.
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