Evaluation of platelet activation in leukocyte-depleted platelet concentrates during storage

Structural and functional changes in platelets during storage can lead to the loss of platelet reactivity and response. Our aim was to evaluate leukocyte-depleted platelet concentrates on storage days 0, 3 and 5, obtained by in-line filtration. In non-filtered platelet concentrates (NF-PC) group, 180 whole blood units were collected with quadruple blood bags and then compared to another group of 180 whole blood units (leukocyte-depleted platelet concentrates [LD-PC]), collected in Imuflex Whole Blood Filter Saving Platelets (WB-SP) bags with an integrated leukoreduction filter, with regard to the platelet quality and characteristics. The efficacy of the two techniques for platelet concentrate preparation was evaluated by white blood cell (WBC) and platelet count on day 0. The partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), pH, platelets positive for P-selectin (CD62P), CD63, cluster of differentiation 42b (CD42b), phosphatidylserine (PS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were analyzed during the storage in both groups. A significantly lower WBC count and higher platelet count was observed in LD-PC compared to NF-PC group, indicating the overall efficacy of the first technique. During the 5-day storage, pH and pO2 decreased in both groups. In LD-PC group, higher pH, increased pO2 and decreased platelet surface expression of CD62P, CD63 and PS were observed compared to NF-PC group. In both groups, the percentage of CD42b positive platelets and MMP did not change significantly during the 5-day period. The assessment of different markers of platelet activation may be an effective tool in evaluating the quality of platelets during storage. A better understanding of platelet activation may provide new insights for developing a novel therapeutic approach in the manipulation of platelet aggregation

The effect of using rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in broiler nutrition on production parameters, slaughter characteristics, and gut microbiological population

© TÜBİTAK. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the supplementation of different concentrations of rosemary in broiler diets from day 1 to 42 on growth performance, carcass quality, and cecal microbiological composition of chickens. The research was carried out with 1200 Ross 308 chickens, divided into 4 groups with 6 repetitions per group. The treatment groups were: control group (C) without rosemary, 0.2% rosemary group (0.2R), 0.4% rosemary group (0.4R), and 0.6% rosemary group (0.6R). Production parameters and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) were determined. At the end of the trial 12 chicks per group were selected and euthanised in order to determine the slaughtering properties and for the microbiological analysis of the cecum contents. The obtained results showed that the use of rosemary in diets leads to increase in average daily gain, feed conversion, and EPEF value. The share of abdominal fat in carcasses was lower (P < 0.05) in the 0.4R and 0.6R groups. Lactobacilli count was found higher in the 0.4R and 0.6R groups (P < 0.001) compared to the C group. These results demonstrate that addition of 0.4% rosemary powder to broiler feed could have positive effects on the gain, feed conversion, fat deposition, and cecal microbiological composition. Further increase in the amount of added rosemary had no additive effect in this research

TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS – A REPORT ON TWO CASES

Rheumatoid arthritis is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology.It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. Clinical characteristics of the rheumatoid hip are pain, limited range of motion, and rapid onset of cartilage destruction resulting in secondary changes in other lower limb joints and the spine. Radiography showed intensive osteoporosis and later protrusion of acetabulum. Treatment of rheumatoid coxitis is specific, which depends on the stage of disease, subjective and objective complications, and can be medicamentous, functional and operative.The study presents the treatment of two patients with rheumatoid arthritis with total hip arthroplasty at the Clinic of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Clinical Center Nis. In a fifty-five-old patient with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, the rheumatoid hip joint underwent a cementless total hip arthroplasty. In a sixty-eight-year old patient, the rheumatoid hip joint underwent total hip arthroplasty with cement. In both patients we obtained good functional results.Total hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid coxitis relieves pain and prevents invalidity conditioned by destruction of the hip joint