Artificial intelligence and its applications in digital hematopathology

The advent of whole-slide imaging,faster image data generation,and cheaper forms of data storage have made it easier for pathologists to manipulate digital slide images and interpret more detailed biological processes in conjunction with clinical samples.In parallel,with continuous breakthroughs in object detection,image feature extraction,image classification and image segmentation,artificial intelligence(AI)is becoming the most beneficial technology for high-throughput analysis of image data in various biomedical imaging disciplines.Integrating digital images into biological workflows,advanced algorithms,and computer vision techniques expands the biologist’s horizons beyond the microscope slide.Here,we introduce recent developments in AI applied to microscopy in hematopathology.We give an overview of its concepts and present its applications in normal or abnormal hematopoietic cells identification.We discuss how AI shows great potential to push the limits of microscopy and enhance the resolution,signal and information content of acquired data.Its shortcomings are discussed,as well as future directions for the field.

Cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography for variant hemoglobins and HbF/A2:What must hematopathologists know about methodology?

Cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography(CE-HPLC) is a widely used laboratory test to detect variant hemoglobins as well as quantify hemoglobins F and A2 for the diagnosis of thalassemia syndromes. It's versatility, speed, reproducibility and convenience have made CE-HPLC the method of choice to initially screen for hemoglobin disorders. Despite its popularity, several methodological aspects of the technology remain obscure to pathologists and this may have consequences in specific situations. This paper discusses the basic principles of the technique, the initial quality control steps and the interpretation of various controls and variables that are available on the instrument output. Subsequent sections are devoted to methodological considerations that arise during reporting of cases. For instance, common problems of misidentified peaks, totals crossing 100%, causes of total area being above or below acceptable limits and the importance of pre-integration region peaks are dealt with. Ultimately, CE-HPLC remains an investigation, the reporting of which combines in-depth knowledge of the biological basics with more than a working knowledge of the technological aspects of the technique.

Understanding Ehrlichia canis Infections in Dogs of Costa Rica: Hematological Findings and Indicative Clinical Signs

Background: A cross-sectional study combining different serological and molecular techniques for the detection of Ehrlichia canis in dogs was carried out to determine hemopathological findings and suggestive clinical signs associated with acute, subclinical and chronic infections in the dog population of Costa Rica. Objectives: The present study describes and analyzes, in a more representative sampling frame, the clinical and hematological presentation of E. canis infection in dogs of Costa Rica in all its clinical stages. Methods: A descriptive analysis of the clinical signs was performed from a 441-dog sample. Serological and molecular techniques for the detection of Ehrlichia canis in dogs were applied. One and two-way ANOVA were carried out to determine the effect of the infection status on the hematological parameters. Results: A total of 0.7% (3/407) dogs were found with acute (seronegative but PCR positive), 29.7% (121/407) with subclinical (seropositive and PCR negative), and 2.5% (10/407) with chronic (seropositive and PCR positive) E. canis infections. Significant hemopathological findings were determined in dogs with acute (thrombocytosis), subclinical and chronic (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) E. canis infections. Conclusions: Future studies must determine if dogs with subclinical E. canis infections eliminated the agent without any medication, or if they continue to be persistently infected, and will develop the chronic disease at some point in their lives.