Haematological reference intervals of the south american rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus, Laurenti, 1768) in captivity

Blood samples were taken from 180 healthy specimens of South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) kept in captivity. The red blood cell count (RBC), haematocrit value, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) obtained were within the normal values reported for other Crotalid, Viperid and Elapid species. Total leucocyte (WBC) counts were within the range described in other ophidian species. No significant changes were observed as a function of sex and age. The period of the year (seasonal variation) was the only factor which had a significant influence on the haematological parameters. RBC counts, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, MCV, MCH and MCHC were 17–30% higher during winter-time (p<0.01), whereas the WBC and thrombocyte counts were 15–20% higher (p<0.01) during the summer.     

Hematological reference intervals in argentine lizard <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tupinambis merianae</Emphasis> (Sauria—Teiidae)

In order to establish referential hematological parameters, blood samples were taken from 100 healthy specimens of the Argentine tegu lizard (Tupinambis merianae) by means of venipuncture of ventral coccigeal vein. The determination of red blood cells, leukocyte and thrombocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, hematometric index and differential leukocyte count were performed, and compared with other saurian species. No statistically significant changes were observed as function as sex and age (p > 0.01). During winter, high values of red blood cell counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin were observed (p < 0.01), while in summer significantly increased leukocyte and thrombocyte counts were observed (p < 0.01). The differential leukocyte counts were not affected by the studied factors.     

Identification of the new HLA-A*31:48 allele in an Italian patient

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I sequence-based typing (SBT) for hematopoietic unrelated donor searching in an Italian Caucasian patient showed the presence of a novel HLA-A allele defined as A*31:48. HLA-A*31:48 has one nucleotide change from A*31:01:02 at nt 727 from C to T, resulting in an amino acid change at codon 219 of exon 4 from Arg to Trp.     

Osmotic Fragility and Erythrocyte Size in Iguana iguana (Sauria – Iguanidae) in Captivity

The erythrocyte size and osmotic fragility were studied in blood samples from adult (n= 40) and juvenile (n= 40) specimens of Iguana iguana. In fresh preparations the erythrocytes were large, oval cells. The largest diameters were 17.06 ± 2.5 mm (juvenile) and 16.20 ± 1.25 mm (adults), and the smallest diameters were 8.23 ± 1.87 mm (juvenile) and 9.00 ± 1.00 mm (adults). In fixed and stained preparations, the largest erythrocyte diameters were 15.28 ± 3.3 mm (juvenile) and 15.51 ± 1.3 mm (adults), and the smallest were 7.82 ± 0.65 mm (juvenile) and 7.85 ± 0.8 mm (adults). The haematocrit value for both juvenile and adult specimens was 27 ± 2%; the red blood cell counts were 1.3 ± 0.43×10¹²/l (juvenile) and 1.2 ± 0.35×10¹²/l (adults). Although no significant differences were observed in the cumulative osmotic curves, the derivative curve of adult specimens indicates the presence of at least two erythrocyte populations with osmotic fragilities at about 70 and 60 mm NaCI, representing 27% and 73% of the total cells, respectively. In samples from juvenile specimens, a major peak at about 70 mm NaCI was observed, which represented 85% of the total cell population. The difference in osmotic resistance between these erythrocyte subpopulations is correlated with their respective geometrical parameters, and compared to that of erythrocytes from other vertebrates.     

Airway and body surface sensors for triggering in neonatal ventilation

Failure of neonatal patient triggered ventilation may reflect a delay in delivery of flow relative to the inspiratory effort of the infant. Transmission of diaphragmatic contraction to the sensor site (patient delay) and further transmission to and within the sensing device (device delay) both contribute to the delay in triggering. Patient and device delays were studied for different sensing systems in 36 infants, 24 of whom were intubated. Device delay was long (<40 ms) with a conventional apnoea monitor compared with sensors placed at the airway opening (2 ms), the inspiratory (12 ms) and expiratory (3 ms) pressure transducers of the ventilator, the Graseby capsule (8 ms), strain gauges (3 ms) and oesophageal pressure (6 ms). In near normal infants, the sum of patient and device delays for the latter sensors was less than 20 ms and a minor component of the total delay. However, in severe lung disease the total delay may be more than 100ms even for airway sensors.     

Rate and types of fractures in corticosteroid-treated multiple sclerosis patients.

In a retrospective study of 103 corticosteroid-treated MS patients, the average rate of fracture events was 3.2% of the patients per year over 7.1 (+/- 5.7 SD) years at risk. Fractures of the ribs, pelvis, hip, or vertebrae occurred in 11 patients and became most common 5 years after starting steroids. Relatively high or low cumulative doses of steroids did not correlate predictably with the occurrence of fractures.     

Parkinson's disease: in vivo assessment of disease progression using positron emission tomography

Over the past two decades, positron emission tomography (PET) has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of nigrostriatal degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Furthermore, it allows the in vivo assessment of disease progression and the evaluation of treatment interventions. In this review, we shall discuss some of the issues and concerns that arise with the use of PET as a surrogate marker of disease progression in Parkinson's disease.     

Effect of treatment interruption monitored by CD4 cell count on mitochondrial DNA content in HIV-infected patients: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: HIV infection per se and HAART can alter mitochondrial functionality, leading to a decrease in mitochondrial DNA content. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether treatment interruption monitored by CD4 cell count can restore mitochondrial DNA content in peripheral blood lymphocytes. METHODS: Mitochondrial DNA content was measured in platelet-free CD4 and CD8 T cells by real-time polymerase chain reaction; flow cytometry was used to identify and quantify activated CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes. RESULTS: The 30 patients had been treated for a mean of 107 months (range, 27-197). Median CD4 cell count at discontinuation was 702 cells/microl (range, 547-798). Median observational time from HAART discontinuation was 11.3 months (range, 4-26). Discontinuation of treatment provoked significant increases in mitochondrial DNA in CD8 T cells, which started only 6 months after therapy discontinuation [5.12 copies/cell per month from 0 to 6 months (P = 0.37) and 26.96 copies/cell per month from 6 to 12 months (P < 0.0001)]. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first showing that mitochondrial DNA content can increase in peripheral blood lymphocytes during treatment interruption, but only after at least 6 months of interruption. Consequently, interruptions of shorter periods, whether by clinician or patient decision, are unlikely to allow restoration of mitochondrial DNA and so decrease HAART-related toxicity.