Langzeittelemetrie der K?rpertemperatur mit synchroner Bestimmung des Energiestoffwechsels beim Blaunackenmausvogel (Urocolius macrourus) unter Normal- und Lethargiebedingungen (Torpor)

Ohne Zusammenfassung

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Long-term telemetry of body temperature with synchronous measurement of metabolic rate in torpid and non-torpid Blue-naped Mousebirds (Urocolius macrourus)

     

Lower haematocrit,haemoglobin and red blood cell number in zebra finches acclimated to cold compared to thermoneutral temperature

Thermoregulation constitutes an important share of the energy budget of endotherms. Elevated thermoregulatory requirements must be met by oxygen supply through the blood, as heat is produced mainly via aerobic processes. In contrast to mammal studies, it remains unclear whether elevated thermoregulatory needs are followed by changes in haematological variables in birds. We investigated haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin content per volume of blood (HGB), number of red blood cells (RBC_count), and size of the erythrocytes (RBC_area) in zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata acclimated to either cold or thermoneutral ambient temperatures under laboratory conditions. Seventy‐nine females were maintained for six weeks either in cold (T = +12°C) or thermoneutral (T = +32°C) ambient temperature prior to blood collection. On average, HGB, HCT and RBC_count were significantly lower by about 10% in cold acclimated compared to thermoneutral acclimated birds. Only RBC_area was not different between the two acclimation temperatures. Mean HCT, one of the most commonly measured haematological variable for example was 53 ± 0.9% (LSM ± SEM) in thermoneutral and 49 ± 0.8 % (LSM ± SEM) in cold acclimated zebra finches. On first sight, the observed lower values for three out of the four determined haematological variables in response to acclimation to cold question oxygen supply to be indeed a limiting factor for heat production. However, higher demands of oxygen supply due to increased thermoregulation in birds may instead require specific optimisation of blood viscosity and modulation by other cardiovascular properties. Nucleated red blood cells in birds may pose different strain on blood viscosity compared to non‐nucleated mammalian erythrocytes and explain the contrasting response in haematological variables to temperature acclimation between birds and mammals.     

Influence of hot environments on some blood variables of sheep

Thirty-two Polwarth sheep of ages up to 1 year were observed under temperatures varying from 10.5 to 46.5°C. The following blood cell counts were made: erythrocyte (RBC), leucocyte (WBC), eosinophil (EOS), neutrophil (NEU), lymphocyte (LYM) and monocyte (MON). Other traits measured were: haemoglobin (HB), haematocrit (HT), blood glucose (GLU) and serum protein (PROT). Multivariate analysis of variance was used and the results showed a significant (P<0.001) effect for the interaction of shearing and temperature treatment. Under temperatures >25°C, sheep presented a decrease of RBC, WBC, HB and HT, these differences being greater in the shorn than in the unshorn animals. Unshorn animals presented higher variations in EOS, NEU, LYM, MON and GLU. Blood glucose increased under high temperatures in the shorn animals (from 56.36±0.65 mg/100 ml to 60.52±0.69 mg/100 ml) as in the unshorn animals (from 54.72±0.74 mg/100 ml to 57.56±0.77 mg/100 ml).     

EARLY PLIOCENE COLIIDAE (AVES,COLIIFORMES) FROM LANGEBAANWEG,SOUTH AFRICA

Rich, P. V. & Haarhoff, P. J. 1985. Early Pliocene Coliidae (Aves, Coliiformes) from Langebaanweg, South Africa. Ostrich 56: 20–41.

Members of the Coliiformes (mousebirds) are osteologically unique, clearly distinct from all other orders of birds. They have a strikingly enlarged and broadened pygostyle, and may represent an ancient group that arose from piciform-coraciiform stock in the early Tertiary. A review of the osteology of the Coliidae indicates that the subgenera Colius (Colius) and C. (Urocolius) warrant generic rank. The mousebird remains from the early Pliocene Varswater Formation at Langebaanweg, Cape Province, represent at least one new species, Colius hendeyi, that is closely related to C. colius and C. striatus.     

Plasma tocopherol,retinol, and carotenoid concentrations in free-ranging Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in Chile

Plasma retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were measured in heparinized blood samples collected from 51 free-ranging adult Humboldt penguins (Sphenicus humboldti) residing at two colonies off the Chilean coast. Thirty samples were collected in April 1992 from penguins inhabiting the Ex-islote de los Pájaros Niños in Algarrobo, Chile. In September 1992, 21 samples were collected from birds inhabiting Isla de Cachagua, Chile. Samples were assayed for retinol, retinyl palmitate, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene, and β-carotene. Retinol, α-tocopherol, and lutein were detected in all samples, while lycopene and γ-tocopherol were not detected in any. A significantly higher percentage of samples had detectable levels of retinyl palmitate and α-carotene in April (P < 0.001): for β-cryptoxanthin the percentage was higher in September (P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol and lutein were higher in September. Alpha-tocopherol concentrations were 1,877.1 ± 99.0 (SEM) μg/dl in April compared to 2.289 ± 122.3 μg/dl in September (P < 0.05); lutein concentrations were 4.16 ± 0.43 μg/dl in April vs. 10.68 ± 1.02 μg/dl in September (P < 0.001). Retinol concentrations were not significantly different (117 ± 8.0 μg/dl in April vs. 105.3 ± 7.6 μg/dl in September). Both physiologic changes associated with season, and the change in locale may have contributed to the differences seen in the assay means and the number of samples with detectable levels. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Torpor und Nahrungsausnutzung bei 4 Mausvogelarten (Coliiformes)

Zusammenfassung Gestreifter Mausvogel(Colius striatus), Rotrückenmausvogel(Colius castanotus), Brillenmausvogel(Urocolius indicus) und Blaunackenmausvogel(Urocolius macrourus) zeigen einen ausgeprägten Tagesgang des Energiestoffwechsels, der mit dem Licht-Dunkel-Wechsel korreliert ist. Bei Fütterung ad lib. beträgt der Energiestoffwechsel während der Lichtphase 60–100 J/g · h (Umgebungstemperatur 23 °C). Während der Ruhephase sinkt er um 40–45 % auf 30–60 J/g · h ab. Läßt man Mausvögel hungern, sinkt das Niveau des Stoffwechsels kontinuierlich mit der fallenden Körpermasse ab. Wird eine bestimmte Gewichtsgrenze unterschritten, zeigen alle Mausvögel in der Nacht Torpor. Der Stoffwechsel sinkt dabei um 80–88 % gegenüber dem Lichtstoffwechsel. Im Extrem betrug der Energiestoffwechsel 1,26 J/g · h 98 % Reduktion beim Gestreiften Mausvogel. Der Ruhestoffwechsel von nicht hungernden Mausvögeln liegt im Mittel um + 4,5 % über dem errechenbaren Erwartungswert für kleine Nonpasseres. Mausvögel nutzen ihre Bananennahrung mit stark schwankender Effizienz von 30–70 %. Die Ausnutzungsrate der Nahrung steigt unter Hungerbedingungen an. Die höchste ermittelte Assimilationseffizienz betrug über 72 % beim Rotrückenmausvogel. Hungernde Mausvögel bauen Körpersubstanz ab, um daraus Energie zu gewinnen. Der Energiegewinn betrug bei allen untersuchten Arten zwischen 19 und 23 kJ pro g verlorener Körpermasse.

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Torpor and utilization of food (metabolizable energy) in 4 species of mousebirds (Coliiformes)

Summary The Speckled Mousebird(Colius striatus), the Red-necked Mousebird(Colius castanotus), the Blue-naped Mousebird(Urocolius macrourus), and the Red-faced Mousebird(Urocolius indicus) show a diurnal cycle of energy metabolism correlated with the L:D-cycle. Fed ad libitum the level of activity metabolism (day time) is 60–100 J/g · h (ambient temperature 23°C). The level of resting metabolism decreases by 40–45 % to 30–60 J/g · h. Fasting leads to a gradual decrease of energy metabolism following continuously the loss of body mass. After reaching a distinct level of body mass all species show torpor during night. Metabolism decreases by 80–88 % in comparison to the activity levels. The lowest reduction observed was 98 % 1,26 J/g · h in the Speckled Mousebird. Mean resting metabolism of non-fasting mousebirds is about 4,5 % above the theoretically expected value for nonpasserine birds ( in the same range). The mousebirds utilize the metabolizable energy of bananas with greatly changing efficiencies of 30–70 %. Utilization efficiency increases during fasting conditions. The maximum rate observed was 72 % in the Red-nekked Mousebird. Fasting mousebirds show a catabolism of body mass for energy profit. This profit laid in all species investigated between 19–23 kJ per g body-mass loss.

     

Thin-blooded Antarctic fishes: a rheological comparison of the haemoglobin-free icefishes Chionodraco kathleenae and Cryodraco antarcticus with a red-blooded nototheniid, Pagothenia bernacchii

The icefishes (family Channichthyidae) comprise a unique group of teleost fishes endemic to Antarctic and sub-antarctic seas. All members of the family totally lack haemoglobin. Haematological parameters and viscosity were determined for blood from 11 specimens of two channichthyid species (Chionodraco kathleenae Regan, 1914; Cryodraco antarcticus Dollo, 1900), and 14 specimens of a red-blood Antarctic nototheniid species (Pagothenia bernacchii (Boulenger, 1902)), captured near the Italian research station at Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, Antarctica. Channichthyid blood contained only a small number of non-pigmented cells (10 000-40 000 cells μI^?1, depending on species) in contrast to nototheniid blood (360 000-450 000 cells μI^?1 in unstressed specimens). Blood viscosity was measured by cone plate viscometry over a range of shear rates (11.3-450s ^?1), at six temperatures between – 1.8°C and + 15°C. At the ambient Antarctic seawater temperature of – 1.8° C, and at low shear rate (22.5 s^?1), the viscosity of channichthyid blood was relatively low (3.99 ± 0.40 cP) compared with blood taken from unstressed P. bernacchii, which was about 25% more viscous (4.91 ± 0.59 cP). The viscosity of channichthyid blood was almost independent of shear rate, approximating an ideal Newtonian fluid, while the viscosity of nototheniid blood was much more dependent upon both shear rate and temperature, increasing sharply at low shear rates and low temperatures. Viscosity of nototheniid blood varied with haematocrit, which was in turn strongly influenced by stress. Blood samples taken from P. bernacchii under moderate stress induced by handling during acute caudal venepuncture had haematocrit values in the range 15–20% and viscosities of 8-l0cP, while undisturbed specimens sampled through a venous cannula yielded haematocrits of 8–10%. The viscosity of nototheniid plasma did not differ significantly from that of channichthyid whole blood or channichthyid plasma. The higher viscosity of nototheniid blood is attributable to cell content, and in stressed specimens possibly also to adrenergic swelling of erythrocytes. The absence of erythrocytes in channichthyid blood avoids the great increases in viscosity which are induced in corpusculate blood by sub-zero seawater temperatures.     

Biochemical values of blood serum in the female silvered leaf-monkey,Presbytis cristatus

Thirteen days after capture, the blood serum of eight anesthetized female leaf-monkeys,Presbytis cristatus (3.86 kg of mean body weight), were analyzed for hematocrit (35.6±6.7 %), total protein (6.7±0.8 g/dl), albumin (3.61±0.77 g/dl), α-1 globulin (0.13±0.04 g/dl), α-2 globulin (0.73±0.18 g/dl), β globulin (0.87±0.27 g/dl), γ globulin (1.36±0.55 g/dl), A/G ratio (1.23±0.38), Na (161±6.14 mEq/l), K (5.61±0.74 mEq/l), LDH (575±257 IU/l), GOT (93±67 IU/l), GPT (34±33 IU/l), CPK (250±200 IU/l), ALP (613±633 IU/l), LAP (115±68 IU/l), γ-GTP (28±30 IU/l), TG (47±24 mg/dl), T-Cho (141±31 mg/dl), BUN (29.0±5.7 mg/dl), T-bil (0.21±0.07 mg/dl), and IP (3.4±2.0 mg/dl).     

An integrated assessment of lead exposure in children: Correlation with biochemical and haematological indices

BackgroundLead (Pb) is a worldwide concern due to its persistent property in the environment. However, due to diminutive evidence and elusiveness, the impact of lead exposure on the biochemical and haematological parameter in school-age children is not well established.AimThis study primarily aimed to investigate blood lead (BL) in children and its association with haematological and biochemical parameter.MethodsA total of 43 children (4–12 years) were recruited in each control and study group. Furthermore, the study group were subdivided into two groups (group A (<10 μg/dl) and group B (>10 μg/dl)). BL level, haematological parameter including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, total leukocytes count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets in the whole blood and biochemical parameter such as liver function test (total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein, albumin) and kidney function test (sodium, potassium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine) in serum were measured using anodic stripping voltammeter (ASV), Cell-Dyn Ruby Haematology analyser, Beckman coulter Unicel Dxc 800 Synchron Clinical analyser respectively.ResultsThe arithmetical mean of BL level was 19.93 ± 9.22 μg/dl (median: 17.5 μg/dl; range 9.1–37.4 μg/dl). Only 21 % children had BL levels <10 μg/dl and there were 79 % children with BL levels >10 μg/dl. Blood mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Neutrophils, Monocytes were significantly higher between the control and study group. Additionally, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume intensities were significantly lower in >10 μg/dl group whereas total leukocytes count, neutrophils, monocytes, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets levels were statistically higher (p < 0.001).Serum alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, total protein, were higher (p < 0.05) and sodium, albumin were significantly lower in the study group. The mean value of sodium, potassium, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein and blood urea nitrogen, creatinine in two groups (<10 μg/dl and >10 μg/dl) was not significantly different. Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase level was significantly higher (p = 0.015) while albumin levels were significantly lower (p = 0.034) in >10 μg/dl group. A statistically significant correlation of BL levels with all haematological parameters was also observed. Creatinine is positively and albumin was negatively correlated with BL levels.ConclusionThe outcomes specify that high BL levels were significantly associated with higher haematological and biochemical indices in exposed children. However, lead like noxious metals severely affected the haematological, kidney and liver health of children.     

Haematological profile of common carp spawners of various breeds

The goal of this study was to determine the basic haematological profile of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) spawners of eight breeds reared under identical conditions and sampled in spring after overwintering. Significant differences were found among the breeds for haemoglobin level (Hb), haematocrit value (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) values. The number of red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), number of leukocytes (WBC) and leukocyte differential count (WBC DIFF) did not differ significantly among the respective breeds. The highest Hb, PCV and MCH values were found for Ropsha scaly carp (ROP) and Amur wild carp (AS) (Hb 109 ± 17 and 106 ± 15 g l^?1; PCV 0.40 ± 0.06 and 0.40 ± 0.06 l l^?1; MCH 69 ± 7 and 69 ± 9 pg, respectively). The AS specimens and breeds that originated [ROP, Ukraine scaly carp (US), and Northern mirror carp (M72)] showed significantly higher values of Hb (P < 0.01), PCV (P < 0.01), MCV (P < 0.05) and MCH (P < 0.05), compared to the other four breeds: Hungarian mirror carp (M2), Israeli mirror carp (Dor 70), South Bohemian mirror carp (BV) and Tata scaly carp (TAT). Males showed significantly higher PCV, Hb and RBC values within individual breeds. This study demonstrated that Amur wild carp and breeds originating from it had significantly higher values of erythrocyte profile in comparison with the other breeds studied.     

Haematological and biochemical studies in tigers (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Panthera tigris tigris</Emphasis>)

Haematological and biochemical studies were conducted on 12 clinically healthy tigers of Central India. The range and mean (with one standard deviation), respectively for the parameters examined were: red blood cells, 4.66 to 9.15, 7.9 ± 1.42, 10⁶/μl; haemoglobin, 7.8 to 13.8, 12.8 ± 1.65 g/dl; packed cell volume, 36 to 45, 38 ± 2.54; icterus index, 2 to 5, 2 ± 1.51 U; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 14 to 26, 21 ± 4.21 mm at 1 h; white blood cells, 6.2 to 11.05, 8.5 ± 1.49, 10³/μl; neutrophils, 57 to 75, 60 ± 5.08%; lymphocytes, 18 to 35, 30 ± 4.56%; monocytes, 2 to 6, 5 ± 1.21%; eosinophils, 2 to 6, 4 ± 1.3; basophils, 0 to 4, 1 ± 1.21; plasma albumin, 2.1 to 4.6, 3.5 ± 0.99 mg/dl; total protein, 3.7 to 8.7, 6.4 ± 1.88 mg/dl; total bilirubin, 0.4 to 3.2, 1.9 ± 1.21 mg/dl; creatinine, 1.6 to 4.6, 2.90 ± 1.03 mg/dl; blood urea nitrogen, 6.5 to 48.2, 27.90 ± 13.77 mg/dl; glutamic pyruvic transaminase, 21.2 to 109.0, 67.88 ± 27.84 IU/L and glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase, 14.4 to 84, 57.96 ± 17.27 IU/L; index conspicuous erythrocyte sedimentation rate; absence of reticulocytes and predominance of neutrophils.     

Book Reviews

Adams, N.J., Kerley, G.I.H. & Watson, J.J. 1999. Disturbance of incubating African Black Oystercatchers: is heating of exposed eggs a problem? Ostrich 70(3&4): 225–228.

We measured temperatures of incubated and exposed eggs of African Black Oystercatchers Haematopus moquini nesting in coastal dunes, Algoa Bay, South Africa through three of the 10 hottest days of summer during the 1994/95 breeding season. Mean incubation temperature was 34.4 ± 0.7°C (range: 32.2–37.0; n=3). The average maximum temperature attained by exposed dummy eggs, averaged higher at 37.4 ± 2.7°C (n=5). The absolute maximum recorded for exposed eggs was 40.1°C. These temperatures are within lethal limits measured for other birds and suggests that heating of exposed eggs after disturbance of incubating was not a direct factor in explaining variation in breeding success of oystercatchers in the Alexandria Dunefield, Algoa Bay.     

The efficacy of field techniques for obtaining and storing blood samples from fishes

Prompted by the dramatic increase in the use of blood analyses in fisheries research and monitoring, this study investigated the efficacy of common field techniques for sampling and storing blood from fishes. Three questions were addressed: (1) Do blood samples taken via rapid caudal puncture (the ‘grab‐and‐stab’ technique) yield similar results for live v. sacrificed groups of fishes? (2) Do rapidly obtained caudal blood samples accurately represent blood properties of fishes prior to capture? (3) Does storage of whole blood in an ice slurry for a working day (8·5 h) modify the properties of the plasma? It was shown that haematocrit, plasma ions, metabolites, stress hormones and sex hormones of caudal blood samples were statistically similar when taken from live v. recently sacrificed groups of adult coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch. Moreover, this study confirmed by using paired blood samples from cannulated O. kisutch that blood acquired through the caudal puncture technique (mean ±s.e . 142 ± 26 s after capture) was representative of fish prior to capture. Long‐term (8·5 h) cold storage of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka whole blood caused significant decreases in plasma potassium and chloride, and a significant increase in plasma glucose. Previous research has suggested that these changes largely result from net movements of ions and molecules between the plasma and erythrocytes, movements that can occur within minutes of storage. Thus, blood samples from fishes should be centrifuged as quickly as practicable in the field for separation of plasma and erythrocytes to prevent potentially misleading data.     

Depression,changes in peripheral blood cell count,and changes in selected biochemical parameters related to lead concentration in whole blood (Pb-B) of women in the menopausal period

The aimThe aim of this study was to assess the severity of depression, vasomotor symptoms, changes in peripheral blood cell count, and selected biochemical parameters in relation to the concentration of lead in whole blood of women in the perimenopausal period.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 233 women from the general population of the West Pomeranian Province (Poland) in age between 44–65 years. The intensity of menopausal symptoms was examined using the Blatt-Kupperman Index, and the severity of depression using the Beck Depression Inventory. The following biochemical data were evaluated: concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, HDL, C-reactive protein, glycated haemoglobin, cortisol, insulin, blood cell count, and lead concentration in whole blood (Pb-B).ResultsA whole blood Pb concentration below 5 μg/dl was found in 55 subjects (23.61 %), in 142 women (60.94 %) it ranged from 5 to 10 μg/dl, while in 36 women (15.45 %) was higher than 10 μg/dl. There was a strong positive correlation between Pb concentration in the blood of the examined women and the severity of depressive symptoms (Rs=+0.60, p = 0.001). The lowest mean values for total leukocytes (5.07 ± 1.22 thousand/μl) and neutrophils (2.76 ± 0.86 thousand/μl) were found in women with Pb concentration above 10 μg/dl (p < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between the number of total leukocytes (r=-0.45, p = 0.002) and neutrophils (r=-0.50, p = 0.001) and blood Pb concentration. Analysis showed statistically significant differences in glucose concentration (p < 0.05) between groups. Blood glucose was higher in women with Pb-B <5 and between 5−10 μg/dl than in women with Pb-B >10 μg/dl.ConclusionExposure to Pb may be a factor playing a significant role in the development of depressive symptoms in menopausal women. It may also be associated with glucose metabolism disorders and immunosuppression in women during this period of life.     

Effect of red mold rice on antifatigue and exercise-related changes in lipid peroxidation in endurance exercise

This study evaluated the effect of red mold rice supplementation on antifatigue and exercise-related changes in lipid peroxidation of male adult Wistar rats through swimming exercise. Thirty 16-week-old rats were studied by dividing them into three groups (ten for each group). Other than the control group (CD), the other two groups were divided into a high-dose (HD) treatment group (5 g red mold rice/kg body weight for the HD group), and a low-dose (LD) group (1 g red mold rice/kg body weight for the LD group). Swimming endurance tests were conducted after 28 days of red mold rice supplementation, and the result showed that the treatment group showed a higher exercise time (CD, 78.0±6.4; LD, 104.2±9.6; and HD, 129.4±10.9 min; p<0.05) and a higher blood glucose concentration (CD, 76.67±8.08; LD, 111.34±8.50; and HD, 117.67±11.06 mg/dl; p<0.05) than the CD. Moreover, the blood lactate (CD, 45.00±0.90; LD, 31.41±1.80; and HD, 28.89±1.62 mg/dl; p<0.05), blood urea nitrogen (CD, 21.87±0.75; LD, 20.33±0.83; and HD, 20.53±1.09 mg/dl; p<0.05), and hemoglobin (CD, 14.20±0.21; LD, 13.70±0.55; and HD, 13.28±0.35 g/dl; p<0.05) were also significantly lower than those of the CD. Besides, the result suggested that the red mold rice supplementation may decrease the contribution of exercise-induced oxidative stress and improve the physiological condition of the rats.     

In vivo effect of aluminium upon the physical properties of the erythrocyte membrane

Aluminium (Al (III)) is a metal with no biological function. Its organic accumulation can lead to toxic effects. To elucidate the in vivo effect of Al (III) upon the rheological properties of the erythrocyte membrane, male adult Wistar rats have been submitted to periodical injections of Al(OH)3 during three months. Significant decreases in haematocrit (34+/-0.37% versus 36+/-0.20%, p<0.0001) and blood haemoglobin concentration (10.7+/-0.15 g/dl versus 12.3+/-0.49 g/dl, p<0.005) have been found. Haemolysis curves shifted towards the left, indicating that erythrocytes became more resistant to hypotonic haemolysis. Significant increments in rigidity index (29.6+/-1.59 versus 9.2+/-0.40, p<0.0001), relative viscosity at native haematocrit (3.6+/-0.03 versus 3.5+/-0.03, p<0.04), and relative viscosity at standard haematocrit (4.5+/-0.06 versus 3.9+/-0.05, p<0.0001) have been observed. The decrease in the erythrocyte aggregate size (1.6+/-0.01 versus 1.7+/-0.01, p<0.002) and the aggregation rate (0.5+/-0.02 versus 0.6+/-0.03, p<0.002) indicated a significantly dropped aggregability process. In conclusion, Al (III) disorganised the erythrocyte membrane by altering its mechanical properties, suggesting a reduction of the middle life of circulating erythrocytes, which could play a major role in the anaemia of these animals.     

A Pilot Internet‐Based Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention with or without Commercially Available Portion‐Controlled Foods

Objective : To evaluate the short‐term impact of portion‐controlled food provision in combination with an Internet behavioral weight loss program on weight, blood cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. Design and Methods : Fifty participants, mean age 46 ± 10.7 years and mean body mass index 35.1 ± 3.8 kg/m², were randomized to one of two study groups, an Internet behavioral weight loss program (Internet‐alone; n = 25) or an Internet behavioral weight loss program plus a commercially available portion‐controlled diet (Internet + PCD; n = 25) for 12 weeks. Results : An intent‐to‐treat analysis found that the mean weight change in the Internet + PCD group was ?5.7 ± 5.6 kg and in the Internet‐alone group (n = 25) was ?4.1 ± 4.0 kg (P = 0.26). Participants in the Internet + PCD group achieved significantly greater improvements in blood glucose (?2.6 ± 5.7 vs. 1.4 ± 11.0 mg/dl; P = 0.05) and LDL cholesterol (?8.2 ± 18.0 vs. ?0.6 ± 21.0 mg/dl; P = 0.04), compared with Internet‐alone group. Conclusions : These data suggest that there may be short‐term clinical benefit in using a PCD in conjunction with a behavioral Internet‐based weight loss program to enhance weight loss and improve health indicators.     

Total body haematocrit iron kinetics and erythrocyte life span in pigeons (Columba livia)

1. The mean pigeon erythrocyte life span was found to be 17-25 days by Cr51-labeled erythrocytes and 21 +/- 3.4 days by iron kinetics. 2. Total red blood cell volume has been calculated by Cr51-labeled erythrocytes while total plasma volume was determined both by a dye method and iron kinetic data. From these results total blood volume and total body haematocrit were found to be 0.090 +/- 0.002 ml/g body wt and 36 +/- 4.3%, respectively. 3. Venous haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, plasma iron and red blood cell iron have also been measured. 4. A significant difference between total body and venous haematocrit and a short mean red blood cell life span, due to ageing and to random destruction of erythrocytes were shown. 5. The above observations are compared with analogous available data for human beings and their physiological significance is discussed.     

The relationship between albumin, other plasma proteins and variables, and age in the acute phase response after liver resection in man

Summary. A large series of plasma albumin (ALB, g/dl) and simultaneous blood and clinical measurements were prospectively performed on 92 liver resection patients, and processed to assess the correlations between ALB, other plasma proteins, additional variables and clinical events. The measurements were performed preoperatively and at postoperative day 1, 3 and 7 in all patients, and subsequently only in those who developed complications or died. In patients who recovered normally ALB was 4.3 ± 0.4 g/dl (mean ± SD) preoperatively, 3.7 ± 0.7 at day 1 and 3, and 3.9 ± 0.4 at day 7. In patients with complications its decrease was more prolonged. In non-survivors it was 3.4 ± 0.4 preoperatively, 3.0 ± 0.4 at day 1, and then decreased further. Regression analysis showed direct correlations between ALB and pseudo-cholinesterase (CHE, U/l, nv 5300-13000), cholesterol (CHOL, mg/dl), iron binding capacity (IBC, mg/dl), prothrombin activity (PA, % of standard reference) and fibrinogen, an inverse correlation with blood urea nitrogen (BUN, mg/dl) for any given creatinine level (CREAT, mg/dl), and weaker direct correlations with hematocrit, other variables and dose of exogenous albumin. An inverse relationship found between ALB and age (AGE, years) became postoperatively (POSTOP) also a function of outcome, showing larger age-related decreases in ALB associated with complications (COMPL: sepsis, liver insufficiency) or death (DEATH). Main overall correlations: CHE = 287.4(2.014)^ALB, r = 0.73; CHOL = 16.5(1.610)^ALB (1.001)^ALKPH, r = 0.71; IBC = 68.6(1.391)^ALB, r = 0.64; PA = 13.8 + 16.0(ALB), r = 0.51; BUN = 21.3 + 20.2(CREAT) – 6.2(ALB), r = 0.91; ALB = 5.0–0.013(AGE) – {0.5 + 0.003(AGE) _COMPL + 0.012(AGE) _DEATH } _POSTOP , r = 0.74 [p < 0.001 for each regression and each coefficient; ALKPH = alkaline phosphatase, U/l, nv 98-279, independent determinant of CHOL; discontinuous variables in italics label the change in regression slope or intercept associated with the corresponding condition]. These results suggest that altered albumin synthesis (or altered synthesis unable to compensate for albumin loss, catabolism or redistribution) is an important determinant of hypoalbuminemia after hepatectomy. The correlations with age and postoperative outcome support the concept that hypoalbuminemia is a marker of pathophysiologic frailty associated with increasing age, and amplified by the challenges of postoperative illness.     

Could Selenium Administration Alleviate the Disturbances of Blood Parameters Caused by Lithium Administration in Rats?

Lithium is widely used in medicine, but its administration can cause numerous side effects. The present study aimed at the evaluation of the possible application of selenium, an essential and antioxidant element, as a protective agent against lithium toxicity. The experiment was performed on four groups of Wistar rats: I (control)—treated with saline, II (Li)—treated with lithium (Li₂CO₃), III (Se)—treated with selenium (Na₂SeO₃) and IV (Li?+?Se)—treated with lithium and selenium (Li₂CO₃ and Na₂SeO₃) in the form of water solutions by stomach tube for 6 weeks. The following biochemical parameters were measured: concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, glucose, total protein and albumin and activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum as well as whole blood superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Morphological parameters such as red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, platelets, white blood cells, neutrophils as well as lymphocytes were determined. Lithium significantly increased serum calcium and glucose (2.65?±?0.17 vs. 2.43?±?0.11; 162?±?31 vs. 121?±?14, respectively), whereas magnesium and albumin were decreased (1.05?±?0.08 vs. 1.21?±?0.15; 3.85.?±?0.12 vs. 4.02?±?0.08, respectively). Selenium given with lithium restored these parameters to values similar to those observed in the control (Ca—2.49?±?0.08, glucose—113?±?26, Mg—1.28?±?0.09, albumin—4.07?±?0.11). Se alone or co-administered with Li significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase and glutathione peroxidase. The obtained outcomes let us suggest that the continuation of research on the application of selenium as an adjuvant in lithium therapy seems warranted.