Haematological and Biochemical Indices of Finisher Broiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels of Spurge Weeds (Euphorbia heterophylla) Leaf Meal

The study aimed to investigate the Haematological and Serum Biochemical indices of finisher broiler chickens fed graded levels of Euphorbia heterophylla leaf meal (EHLM) also known as spurge weed. The birds were allotted into six dietary treatments of ten birds segregated into three replicates each. The diets formulated with EHLM were included at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% levels in diets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively to replace soybean. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Uncoagulated blood samples were collected from the birds at the end of the 56 days feeding trial and analysed for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentrate (Hb), red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC). The mean corpuscular haemoglobin volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils were calculated using PCV, RBC and Hb. The blood meant for serological analysis was centrifuged at 1000 G for 10 minutes, after which the serum was separated and used for determining serum total protein (Tp), Albumin, Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). The results revealed that the control group had significantly higher values of PCV, RBC, and Hb compared to other treatment groups. However, the values of MCV, MCH, lymphocytes, heterophils, and eosinophils were similar to the control. The biochemical parameters showed significant differences among treatment groups, but not significantly different from the control. The study concluded that EHLM may not pose a health challenge to broiler chickens at levels of 5 - 15 percent, but improved health, immunity and performance can be achieved at the 15% inclusion level.

HIV-1 RNA Viral Load, CD4 Count and Some Haematological Parameters of People Living with HIV in the Enugu Metropolis

Background: It is widely known that the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) induces biochemical and physiological changes in affected persons. Consequently, the overall aim of this study was to evaluate the HIV-1 RNA viral load, CD4 count, and certain haematological parameters among HIV treatment-na?ve subjects in the Enugu metropolis of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 252 HIV-infected, ART-native subjects (≥18) attending the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu were recruited for this study and were made up of 157 (62.3%) females and 95 (37.7%) males. A total of 250 HIV-negative subjects were used as control subjects (100 males and 150 females). Blood samples were collected from all the participants and their HIV-1 status was confirmed by an immunoblot confirmatory test. Their haematological parameters and CD4 count were evaluated, while the HIV-1 viral load was only assessed on confirmed HIV-positive subjects. Results: There was female predominance (62.3%) among these HIV-positive subjects. The mean age of HIV-positive subjects was 39.16 ± 10.08 years while the mean age of the control subjects was 34.8 ± 8.6 years. The age group of 31 - 40 years (102/252 (40.5%)) constituted most of the test subjects. The total white blood cells (TWBC) (6.05 ± 5.46), lymphocyte counts (36 ± 14), haemoglobin concentrations (Hb) (9.85 ± 7.36) and the CD4 counts (242 ± 228) of the HIV-infected subjects showed a significant difference when compared with their control counterpart values of TWBC (4.5 ± 0.568), lymphocytes (39.67 ± 8.2), Hb (13.48 ± 1.5), and CD4 counts (807 ± 249) (p 0.05). Anaemia, lymphocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia were the haematological abnormalities seen in the HIV-positive subjects. HIV viral load correlated with haemoglobin concentration, CD4 count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count (p Conclusion: Prognostic factors, such as haemoglobin concentrations, CD4 counts, lymphocyte counts, and neutrophil counts can be used to monitor patients’ viral loads since they correlate with the latter;furthermore, age is a factor that should be considered in the management of HIV-positive patients.

Some Haematological Parameters in Primary Hypertensive Subjects Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is a persistent elevation of blood pressure in the arteries which if not properly managed can lead to stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease and other life threatening outcomes. This study investigated some haematological parameters of Primary hypertensive subjects. Objectives: To compare some haematological parameters (haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, Platelets count, White Blood Cells count, red blood cell count and Red Cells Indices between hypertensive and normotensive subjects. Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected from 76 known hypertensive subjects between 30 - 70 years attending the Cardiology clinic of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada. Another 37 normotensive subjects between 30 - 65 years served as the control. All subjects gave their consents. Platelets count, Haemoglobin estimation, Packed Cell Volume, Red Blood Cell Count, Mean Cell Volume, Mean Cell Haemoglobin, Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration and White Blood Cell count were determined using Mythic 22 five parts haematology analyzer. Results: Results for Hypertensive and Control subjects were, White Blood Cell, 5.76 ± 1.45 × 109/l and 4.76 ± 1.03 × 109/l, Platelet count, 248.7552.45 × 109/l and 284.95 ± 27.66 × 109/l, Mean Cell Volume, 91.81 ± 3.05 fl and 85.68 ± 6.48 fl, Mean Cell Haemoglobin, 30.59 ± 1.04 pg and 27.922 ± 2.74 pg, Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration, 33.34 ± 0.61 g/dl and 32.32 ± 0.93 g/dl, Red Blood Cell, 4.33 ± 0.39 × 109/l and 4.50 ± 0.52 × 109/l, Packed Cell Volume, 39% ± 3.15% and 40% ± 4.41% and Haemoglobin, 13.21 ± 1.10 g/dl and 13.50 ± 1.63 g/dl respectively. Mean Cell Volume, Mean Cell Haemoglobin, Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (Red cells indices) were significantly higher in hypertensive compared to normotensive subjects (P 0.05), total White Blood Cell count was also higher in hypertensive than normotensive but not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, Platelet counts, Red Blood Cell, Packed Cell Volume and Haemoglobin were significantly lower in hypertensive compared to normotensive (P 0.05). All the parameters were within established reference ranges for the age and sex of the subjects. Our findings show that hypertension may lead to haematological derangement, if not properly managed. Conclusively, haematological parameters can be used to monitor the prognosis of the disease and manage hypertensive related complications. It is important to assess haematological parameters for hypertensive individuals which may help to prevent complications associated with haematological disorders.

Evidence of voriconazole pharmacokinetic variability in children and adolescents with haematological disease: proposal for therapeutic drug monitoring optimisation

Objective:Voriconazole(VCZ)is a triazole antifungal agent widely used in immunocompromised patients with suspected or proven invasive fungal infections.The achievement of therapeutic range(1-5 mg/L)is essential to maximize VCZ efficacy,as its pharmacokinetics is characterized by a wide inter-and intra-individual variability.This study aims to quantify the variability of VCZ trough concentrations in children and adolescents with haematological diseases and optimize therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical practice.Methods:We analysed the monitoring concentrations of all children(<18 years old)treated with VCZ in the Haematology Department of Robert DebréHospital between January 2014 and December 2016.Demographic,clinical data,and VCZ dosing and monitoring concentrations measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection(HPLC-UV)were analysed.Non-parametric tests were performed using SPSS IBM 24.0.Results:380 trough VCZ concentrations at steady-state(Ctrough,ss)were available in 79 children:45.6%had first Ctrough,ss in the therapeutic range at first monitoring,46.8%had Ctrough,ss below 1 mg/L and 7.6%had Ctrough,ss over 5 mg/L.Forty-one patients were treated with recommended doses but only 53%of them reached the therapeutic range.There was no impact of age,sex,biological parameters,or indication of VCZ on Ctrough,ss values.The number of Ctrough,ss in the therapeutic range increases with the number of monitoring per patient following dosage adaptations.Conclusion:The wide inter-and intra-individual variability of VCZ trough concentrations at recommended doses confirm the need to standardize VCZ monitoring and identify factors to be considered to prospectively adapt treatment for each patient.

Antidiabetic and haematological effect of aqueous extract of stem bark of Afzelia africana(Smith) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Objective:To investigate the antidiabetic properties of aqueous extract of stem bark of Afzelia africana(A.africana)and its beneficial effect on haematological parameters in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.Methods:A total of 30 rats including 24 diabetic and 6 normal rats were used for this study.Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.After being confirmed diabetic,animals were orally treated with distilled water or extracts at 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 10 days.The haematological parameters including red blood and white blood cells and their functional indices were evaluated in diabetic treated groups compared with the controls.Results:The extract significantly reduced the blood glucose levels while the best result was obtained at 200 mg/kg body weight The feed and water intake in diabetic rats were significantly reduced while weight loss was minimized at both dosages.Similarly,the levels of red blood,white blood cells and their functional indices were significantly improved after extract administration at both doses.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of bark of A.africana possesses antihyperglycemic properties.In addition,the extract can prevent various complications of diabetes and improve some haematological parameters.Further experimental investigation is needed to exploit its relevant therapeutic effect to substantiate its ethnomedicinal usage.

Parameters Influencing Haematological, Serum and Bio-Chemical References in Livestock Animals under Different Management Systems

Serum bio-chemical and haematological indices constitute important panels in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of livestock diseases via the investigations of myriads of parameters influencing these blood and serum bio-chemical indices. Serum bio-chemical indices, haematological indices and blood electrolytes are critical physiological indices which have health implications on the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of livestock diseases especially in animals bred under different management systems. It is important to stress that cascades of parameters of both genetic and non-genetic origin greatly have direct and in-direct health implications on serum bio-chemical indices and blood electrolytes in livestock animals and subsequently on their health/ production performances. Laboratory blood tests would be a vital tool to help detect any deviation from normal state of wellbeing in animals. Therefore, this review intends to provide base line information to establish certain haematological and serum bio-chemical indices as standard references which can be employed as alternative therapy for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cascades of diseases plaguing livestock animals bred under different management systems especially under the harsh condition of the tropics. Hence, it is important to establish standard values for the various blood and serum bio-chemical indices base on parameters of non-genetic origin;age, sex, physiological state, stress level, management systems, medication, health status, nutrition, hormone, climate, etc. and genetic parameters which include the breed and genotype of the animal among others obviously affect the blood and serum profile of healthy animal which subsequently influence their production performance and efficiency.

Effects of physical exercise on the quality-of-life of patients with haematological malignancies and thrombocytopenia:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Annually,there are an estimated 1187000 new patients worldwide diagnosed with haematological malignancies.Effective strategies are needed to alleviate side effects and prevent the physical and psychosocial degeneration of patients in active treatment for haematological malignancies.AIM To explore the effects of physical exercise on quality of life(Qo L)of patients with haematological malignancies and thrombocytopenia.METHODS Cochrane Library,Pub Med and Embase were searched for all relevant articles reporting randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that were published up to 31 July 2021.Two authors independently selected articles in accordance with the inclusion criteria,evaluated their quality,and collected information.Any controversy was resolved through discussion with a third senior author.The PRISMA 2009 checklist was followed.RESULTS Seven RCTs were selected in the systematic review and three were included in the final meta-analysis.There were significant differences in Qo L between physical exercise groups[mean score difference=8.81;95%confidence interval(CI):1.81-15.81,P=0.01],especially in emotional functioning(mean score difference=12.34;95%CI:4.64-20.04,P=0.002)and pain(mean score difference=–12.77;95%CI:-3.91 to-21.63,P=0.005).CONCLUSION Physical exercise has clinical effects on Qo L and improves emotional function and pain indices of patients with haematological malignancies and thrombocytopenia.

Biochemical and Haematological Effects of the Leaf Extract of <i>Newbouldia laevis</i>in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Dichloromethane-methanol (1:1) extract (DME) of N. laevis leaves was prepared by cold maceration. The effects of the extract on the haematological and some biochemical parameters of alloxan-induced diabetic rats were investigated. The results showed that the oral administration of the extract (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) caused a significant (P < 0.5) and dose-dependent increase in red blood cell count (RBC) and its indices, as well as a significant (p 0.05) and dose-dependent reduction in the platelet count and the white blood cells (WBC). The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly (p 0.05) decreased. This effect was not dose related. The serum levels of total bilirubin, urea and creatinine were significantly (p 0.05) decreased. The serum total protein and total antioxidant status (TAS) significantly (p 0.05) increased dose dependently. Overall, administration of DME has significant ameliorative effect on alloxan-induced anaemia and other haematological alterations in diabetes and this may be of immense benefits in the management of diabetes and its associated haematological complications. Improved liver and kidney functions as well as improved antioxidant status are beneficial in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

The Haematological Profile of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis experience various disabilities, depending on the number and placement of lesions in the brain. Red blood cells with impaired membrane fluidity, as has been reported in patients with multiple sclerosis are known to be further targeted by phospholipase A2 during inflammatory activation. Objectives: The objective of the present study was therefore to investigate the haematological profile of patients with multiple sclerosis and to correlate this with their functional disability and inflammatory status. Methods: Differential full blood counts of 31 patients with multiple sclerosis and 30 age- and gender-matched control subjects were determined on a Beckman Coulter. The functional disability status of each patient was measured using the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale. C-reactive protein was determined on a Beckman auto-analyser. Results: The haemoglobin was significantly decreased in patients: 13.9 ± 1.40 g/dl, controls: 14.7 ± 1.60 g/dl, P = 0.01, while platelets were increased in patients: 292 ± 133 × 109/l, controls: 258 ± 88.0 × 109/l, P = 0.04. The number of red blood cells correlated inversely with the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (R = –0.41;P = 0.02). Platelets correlated inversely with the haemoglobin (P = 0.04) and positively with Visual and Brainstem Scores (P < 0.01, P = 0.07 respectively), but inversely with the Sensory Score (P = 0.02). Conclusions: It is not clear from the results whether the compromised red blood cell profile in patients was due to unknown agents involved in the disease aetiology or from the resulting inflammatory responses, but the inverse correlation between the red blood cell count and the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale, a measure of neuronal function, suggested a relationship between red blood cell count and disease outcome. Furthermore, the inverse correlation of platelets with the haemoglobin suggested immunological involvement. Platelets, similar to white blood cells, supply fatty acids for pro-inflammatory eicosanoid synthesis.

Relationship between pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines profiles and some haematological parameters in some Cameroonians infected with Onchocerca volvulus

Objective:To investigate the relationship between white blood cells,lymphocytes,monocytes, and Interleukin(IL)-1α,IL-6.IL-10 and IL-13 production in Cameroonians with Onchocerca volvulus(O.volvulus) infection.Methods:A lolal of 357 individuals from five sites at Upper Sanga.Lekkie.Nyoug.Kelle and Sanaga Maritime divisions and located along Sanaga valley of Sanaga River in South Cameroon were screened for the presence of O.volvulus using the skin snip.The levels of the interleukins(IL-) namely IL-1α,IL-6,IL-10 and IL-13 were evaluated using enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay techniques.Haematological parameters were evaluated using standard laboratory automated analyser.Results:O.volvulus microfilariae were found in skin tissues of 85(23.81%) volunteers.The mean interleukin(IL-) levels in the 0,volvulus control and infected individuals were IL-1αin(1.65±0.79 and 2.31±0.5) pg/ml.:IL-6 in(278.36±55.34 and 20l.74±34.56) pg/ml.:IL-10 in(436.03±208.64 and 418.49±I47.88) pg/ml.and IL-13 in(8.98±7.28 and 3S.06±11.92) pg/mL.There was a negative correlation between monocyte counts and IL-10 concentration in positive individuals.A negative correlation of IL-6 with while blood cell and lymphocyte counts was observed(P【0.05).The level of IL-13 was positively associated with microfilaria]load(P【0.05).Conclusions:We observed depressed IL-6 and raised IL-13 concentrations in the sera of individuals with onchocerciasis which implicate these interleukins in the immunological responses of the disease.Therefore,these IL-6 and IL-13 are associated with O.volvulus infection among Cameroonians.

<i>Moringa oleifera</i>Diets Effect on Haematological Parameters of Rat (<i>Ratus norvegicus</i>)

With aim of place at the disposal of the laboratories nonconventional food with food values and which do not have impact on the system haematopoietic of the rats of laboratory in particular the rat of the species Rattus norvegicus, the study of the haematologic parameters of rats nourished with nonconventional food makes containing powder of Moringa oleifera was undertaken. Indeed, analysis of the blood taking away carried out following the administration of five diets container various rates of powder of Moringa oleifera (0% (Control food), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) respectively codified L3P, L3P25, L3P50, L3P75 and L3P100. These different food formulations were administered to rats (Ratus norvegicus) during three months. The weight of these animals was daily taken, followed by blood samples every 30 days for the determination of the blood count. The results of the study were shown differences between the various food formulations for each period of blood samples in biological parameters. These differences were more significant for platelets. During the three months of study, the hematocrit, platelets, MCV and outside the control group, were reported a slight progressive increase. The leukocyte parameters of all the rats in the investigation, indicated an increase in the second month. In conclusion, the study shows that during the three months of investigation, the tested foods do not disturb the haematological parameters except for thrombocytes which reveal a modification.

Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Haematological and Haemostatic Parameters among the Exposed Workers at Generator Servicing Centres in Benin City

Objectives: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless and highly toxic gas produced from incomplete combustion of fuel. This gas has capacity to bind with haemoglobin to compete for oxygen uptake when inhaled, thereby altering the blood physiology. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of carbon monoxide on haematology and haemostasis parameters among the exposed workers at gasoline generators service centre in Benin City. Methodology: Eighty-eight participants (workers n = 44 and;controls n = 44) took part in this study. Carbon monoxide used for this study was sourced from the smoke being emitted by gasoline generators during repairs. The participants’ haematological parameters were analysed using haematology autoanalyzer (Sysmex Poch 100i model, Germany), while PT and PTTK were assayed using standard methods. Results: The mean values of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width coefficient variation (RDW-CV) observed in both the workers at generator service center and their controls fell within normal ranges, but the mean red cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD) of workers at generator service center fell below normal as against the normal value for controls. There were no significant differences in serum concentrations of lymphocytes (p = 0.134), and granulocytes (p = 0.584). In contrast, significantly (p Conclusion: In this study, carbon monoxide emitted during repairs has no deleterious effects on haematological and haemostasis parameters of the exposed workers at generator service centre in Benin City. However, PT and PTT exceeded normal value in the workers at the generator service centre compared to the controls. More work needs to be done especially on longer duration of exposure and at various concentrations of carbon monoxide exposure.

Effects of coat colour genes on body measurements, heat tolerance traits and haematological parameters in West African Dwarf sheep

With 178 West African Dwarf sheep aged 1 to 3 years, a study was conducted to investigate the effects of coat colour genes on body measurements, heat tolerance traits and haematological parameters. Body measurements considered included body length, hair length, ear length, hip width, tail length, height at withers, rump height, fore cannon bone length, chest depth, heart girth and body weight. Heat tolerance traits considered were skin temperature, rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate. Blood samples were collected for the evaluation of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin cell (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW), platelets (PLT), mean platelets volume (MPV), platelets distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrits (PCT). Results showed that coat colour gene (CCG) had significant (P < 0.01) effect on rump height and tail length. Animals with black (BB) coat colour had the highest mean value for rump height (57.80 ± 1.29 cm) and tail length (22.10 ± 0.89 cm), while brown (Bb) coat colour had the least value of 53.00 ± 6.00 cm for rump height and 17.50 ± 0.50 cm for tail length. The CCG had significant (P < 0.01) effect on body temperature and pulse rate, with the grey/mouflon (Ag) colour possessing the highest body temperature (38.90°C ± 0.22°C), and Bb having the least value of 37.20°C ± 0.35°C. White/tan (Awt) had the highest pulse rate of 28.90 ± 0.66 beats/min and Bb had the least value of 20.00 ± 2.00 beats/min. The CCG had significant (P < 0.01) effect on RBC and MPV with brown (Bb) colour having the highest RBC counts (18.20 ± 0.00 L) and badgerface (Ab) having the least value (11.50 ± 0.62 L). The Bb had the highest value (5.60 ± 0.00 fL) for MPV and Ab had the least value (4.70 ± 0.15 fL). Sheep with Bb and Ab were found to withstand heat stress better than others.

Effect of Disulfiram/Copper Gluconate Combination on Haematological Indices in Rodents

The chronic toxicological profile of disulfiram/copper gluconate (DSF/CG) combination was investigated in a 90 day time and dose dependent study. A total of 148 rats weighing 260 - 300 g were used for this study;60 for the pilot study and 88 for the chronic toxicity test. 88 rats divided into eleven groups consisting of 8 rats each were used for the main experiment. Groups 1 and 2 served as control groups and received normal saline as placebo and 99.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (Solvent control), respectively. Drugs were administered orally via a 1 ml syringe. Animals were given three doses (1/5th, 1/10th and 1/20th) of the calculated LD50 of 373 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg for disulfiram and copper gluconate respectively. Dosing was done daily with that of the combination given 12 hours apart. Blood samples were obtained via cardiac puncture on days 30, 45, 60 and 90 for analysis. Haematological parameters showed a significant (p < 0.05) dose- and time-dependent decrease in the packed cell volume, red blood cell count, white blood cell count and platelet count respectively. The results indicate bone marrow depression evidenced by anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia in the experimental animals. The DSF/CG combination appears to exhibit a synergistic dose-dependent haematotoxicity.

Haematological and Biochemical Variations in Cervico-Facial Cellulitis of Dental Origin in the City of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Background: Cervicofacial cellulitis is a severe infection and is responsible for a major disruption of host homeostasis. The aim of this work was to describe the haematological and biochemical variations of cervico-facial cellulitis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from 1 January to 31 December 2020. All patients hospitalized for cervico-facial cellulitis of dental origin were included in the study. The usual parameters of descriptive statistics were estimated for each variable. Results: Our sample consisted of 166 patients. The average age of patients with cervicofacial cellulitis in our study was 39.9 ± 15.39 years. Red blood cell count was low in 55.5% of patients and hyperleukocytosis was noted in 89.16% of patients. Platelets were normal in 43.14% of patients and 78.43% of patients had a low haematocrit (haemodilution). Anemia was noted in 64.7% of patients. In addition, 61.0% of patients had elevated uricemia and 31.17% had elevated creatinemia. Conclusion: Cellulitis is still a common condition in less privileged environments. Its diagnosis can be guided by clinical and biological findings. Consistent education of the population on oral health, and the control of biological disorders that result from it, are sufficient to greatly reduce its prevalence and the appearance of complicated forms.

Effects of the Incorporation of <i>Dracaena arborea</i>Roots Powder on Growth Performance and Some Haematological Parameters in Guinea Pigs (<i>Cavia porcellus</i>)

The present study was assigned to evaluate the Effect of Dracaena arborea roots powder in ration on growth performances and some hematological parameters in the guinea pig on diet supplemented with graded levels of incorporation. A total of 40 guinea pigs weaned of local breed and aged 3 weeks were divided into 4 identical batches. Each of the groups was randomly assigned one of 4 rations containing different levels of the powder from Dracaena arborea (Da) roots: Da0;Da0.25;Da0.5 and Da0.75. The results at the 11th week of breeding showed that the highest intake (21.13 g/d) was obtained with the Da0.5 ration. The highest live weight (372.50 g) and total weight gains were obtained with the Da0.25 ration. In addition, the highest commercial (161.75 g) and conventional (307.75 g) carcass weights and large intestine length (99.5 cm) were obtained with the D0.25 ration. The highest values for granulocytes (0.250.103/μl), platelets (805.103/μl) and lymphocytes (6.92.103/μl) were respectively, obtained with the rations containing Da0;D0.5 and D0.75. In view of the above, Dracaena arborea roots powder can be used at a rate of 0.25% in the ration, to improve the productivity of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus).

Clinical Features and Haematological Indices of Neonatal Septicaemia in Poor Resource Setting

Background: The burden of neonatal septicaemia has remained high worldwide and even more severe in the developing countries like ours. Clinical manifestation is variable and non-specific thereby resulting in delay in diagnosis. Blood culture which is the gold standard for diagnosis of neonatal septicaemia (NNS) has many drawbacks due to long waiting time for culture process, low yield, improper inoculation adding to the problem of late diagnosis. Haematological parameters have been utilized in rapid and early diagnosis of NNS and prompt treatment thus circumventing problems associated with drawbacks in blood culture. Objective: The study was to identify the common clinical features of neonatal septicaemia and haematological indices that were commonly utilized in rapid diagnosis of NNS, and also to determine their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive value. Materials and Methods: The study was prospective and neonates that had clinical features suggestive of neonatal septicaemia were enrolled consecutively into the study. The patients were appropriately investigated including blood cultures, CSF cultures and urine among others, also blood sample for packed cell volume (PCV), total white cell count (TWBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute platelet count (APC). Immature to mature neutrophil ratio (I/MNR), immature to total neutrophil ratio (I/TNR) and micro-ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) was also done and analyzed. Results: The common clinical symptoms were fever 39.5%, poor feeding 33.6%, excessive cry 38.7%, difficulty in breathing 50.0%, yellowish skin 26.9%, while the common physical signs were hyper/hypothermia 41.1%, tachypnoea 41.2%, septic umbilical stump 64.0%, hepatomegally 37.3% and convulsions 42.0%. Blood culture yield was positive in 41.82% and mortality was as high as 28.00%, the incidence of NNS was 5.9/1000 live births. The haematological parameters as marker of NNS PCV, TWBC, ANC, APC, I/MNR, I/TNR and micro-ESR individually were statistically significant (P < 0.05), also their individual sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were highly associated with neonatal septicaemia. However, when they were tested in combinations these markers of neonatal septicaemia had low sensitivity, specificity and their predictive values were weak in excluding NNS. Conclusions: The need for early and rapid diagnosis of NNS is pertinent, culturing of the appropriate specimens remains the only way to identify the aetiological organisms, but is associated with delay. Haematological indices are excellent markers of NNS and analysis is rapid and can easily be done in our laboratory settings, and when utilized efficiently, it would circumvent the delay associated with blood culture for long waiting period for the result, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.

Performance and Haematological Characteristics of Broiler Finisher Fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets

To investigate the effects ofMoringa oleifera leaf meal （MOLM） on the performance and haematology of broiler finisher using 120 Cobb chicks of 4 weeks old broiler chicks. The birds were assigned randomly into four dietary treatments containing MOLM at 0, 6%, 8%, and 10% （treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4） inclusion levels, respectively, in a complete randomized design experiment. The effect of the dietary treatments on the growth performance and blood parameters of the broiler finisher was determined. MOLM at a rate of 6% （T2）, 8% （T3）, and 10% （T4） of the diets （as fed basis） to replace 3.2%, 5.6% and 8.6% of the crude protein （CP） of the control diet. The daily feed, dry matter and CP intake of the chicks fed MOLM diets were higher （p〈0.05） than those fed the control diet. Average weight gain （AWG） of birds fed MOLM diets reduced as inclusion levels increases 09〈0.05） than those fed the control diet. Chicks fed T2 showed higher （p〈0.05） AWG than those on T3 and T4. Feed conversion ratios （FCR, weight gain/g and feed intake） were higher for chicks fed MOLM. MOLM showed minimal deleterious effects in birds. However, birds fed T2 （6%） diets recorded significantly （p〈0.05） the highest body weight gain. There were significant differences （p〈0.05） among groups in packed cell volume （PVC） of birds. The haemoglobin （Hb）, mean corpuscular volume （MCV）, mean corpuscular haemoglobin （MCH） and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration （MCHC） counts showed no significant difference （p〉0.05） among treatments. The results indicated that at 10% in the diets of broiler finisher chick, MOLM could be substituted with expensive conventional protein sources without any deleterious effects on performance and blood parameters of broiler finisher chicken.

Haematological Changes of Half-Marathon Runners in the Sub-Saharan African Environment

Background: Measurement of haematological parameters has been historically helpful in the diagnosis of many diseases in endurance sportsmen. The modifications of these parameters during endurance race have not yet been evaluated in many African countries. Objectives: To determine haematological values before and immediately after a half-marathon event, as well as within 24 hours after the race and to analyze the changes observed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 to 21 August 2018 at Brazzaville, Congo. All measurements were confined to 76 male participants (39 specialists vs 37 no specialists of endurance race) in the Brazzaville half-marathon (21.1 km), aged between 19 - 39 years (mean age: 26.7 ± 2.6 years). Coulter profiles with differential white cell counts and haptoglobin levels were determined in venous sample before and after competitive half-marathon race. The same measurements were performed during the 24 hrs following the competition. Results: In the pre-race sample, mild anemia was detected in 12 subjects and mild thrombocytopenia in 7 subjects. Haptoglobin levels were reduced in 5 subjects. Haematological values, all post-race, varied significantly before and after race, particularly for RBC, Hb, Hct, PLT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC, neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts, monocyte counts, basophil counts, eosinophil counts and haptoglobin. These differences between specialists and no specialists were statistically (p Conclusion: Our data may help sport physicians, sport physiologists and trainers to better follow-up haematological reactions associated with the half-marathon race.

Comparative study of haematological,serum electrolyte and nonelectrolyte parameters of male and female Persian sturgeon(Acipenser persicus)brood stocks

Sturgeons are the most important principal market species in the Caspian Sea. In the present study, measurement of blood parameters was carried out with the aim of evaluating the normal value of hematological and serum biochemical parameters of brood stocks Acipenser persicus during spawning season. Blood samples were collected from 36 brood stocks of A. persicus（18 males and 18 females） during the spawning season. Higher value of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit was observed in male breeders with significant differences between female breeders（p〉0.05）. Haemoglobin and haematocrit value in this study was within the range of 8.70 to 9.2 g/d L and 29.73% to 30.26%, respectively. The statistically significant differences between mean corpuscular volumes, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, lymphocyte and neutrophil percentages, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase were observed in the male and female brood stocks.It is concluded from this study, some of the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of male and female A. persicus breeders were significantly varied from each other. In comparative investigation with earlier reports,the values of red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit are highly varied due to age variations of fish.However, further studies are necessary to understand the impact of sexual, age, size, length, and season and habitat variation. Serum biochemical parameters can be used for confirming the maturity of A. persicus and monitoring any changes in the water quality parameters and soil.