An increase in abundance and activity of N‐methyl D‐aspartate receptors (NMDAR) was previously reported for red blood cells (RBCs) of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Increased Ca2+ uptake through the receptor supported dehydration and RBC damage. In a pilot phase IIa‐b clinical trial MemSID, memantine, a blocker of NMDAR, was used for treatment of four patients for 12 months. Two more patients that have enrolled into the study did not finish it. One of them had psychotic event following the involuntary overdose of the drug, whereas the other had vertigo and could not comply to the trial visits schedule. Acute and durable responses of RBCs of SCD patients to daily oral administration of memantine were monitored. Markers of RBC turnover, changes in cell density, and alterations in ion handling and RBC morphology were assessed. Acute transient shifts in intracellular Ca2+, volume and density, and reduction in plasma lactate dehydrogenate activity were observed already within the first month of treatment. Durable effects of memantine included (a) decrease in reticulocyte counts, (b) reduction in reticulocyte hemoglobinization, (c) advanced membrane maturation and its stabilization as follows from reduction in the number of NMDAR per cell and reduction in hemolysis, and (iv) rehydration and decrease in K+ leakage from patients’ RBC. Memantine therapy resulted in reduction in number of cells with sickle morphology that was sustained at least over 2 months after therapy was stopped indicating an improvement in RBC longevity.

Background Tube feeding is a common procedure in neonatology. In humans, tube misplacement reportedly occurs in up to 59% of all cases and may lead to perforation in 1.1% of preterm intubated neonates. While numerous studies on optimal tube placement have been performed in human neonates, current recommendations on tube feeding in canine and feline neonatology are based, at best, on studies performed in adult animals. Herein, we aimed to test ultrasonography as a tool to verify tube placement in puppies and kittens and to compare different anatomical predictive markers used in human, canine and feline neonates. Results The predictive tube length when held bent between the last rib and the mouth may induce trauma compared to when held straight. A strong positive linear correlation was observed between birthweight and gastric cardia localization. Ultrasonography findings were similar to coeliotomy findings. Stomach volume was less than 2 mL per 100 g in the less-than-one-day-old studied puppies (n = 25) and kittens (n = 28). Conclusions A weight-based equation was calculated to help predict appropriate tube placement. Ultrasonography can be used to control gastric tube placement, and neonates less than one-day-old have a smaller stomach capacity. Further studies are required to evaluate whether more-than-one-day-old puppies follow the same linear correlation with their weight. Further in vivo studies are warranted to determine the gold standard procedure for tube feeding in neonatal puppies and kittens.

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Highlights High mortality rates and oocyst excretion are found in weaner rabbits. Gastrointestinal disorders have multifactorial origin. Coccidiostats are commonly used in most rabbitries. Improve understanding of the use of alternatives to robenidine in the form of natural supplements.

Background: Tube feeding is a common procedure neonatology. In humans, tube misplacement is reported to occur up to 59% and may lead to perforation in 1.1% of preterm intubated neonates. While numerous studies on optimal tube placement have been performed in human neonates, the current recommendations on tube feeding in canine and feline neonatology are based, at best, on studies made in adults. Our aim is to test ultrasonography as a tool, and to compare different anatomical predictive markers used in human, canine and feline neonates.Results: Predictive tube length when held bent between the last rib to the mouth may induce trauma compared to when held straight. A strong positive linear correlation was found between the birthweight and the localization of the gastric cardia. Ultrasonography, compared to coeliotomy findings were similar. Stomach volume was less than 2 ml per 100 g in the less than one-day-old studied puppies (n= 25) and kittens (n=28).Conclusion: A weight-based equation is proposed to help predicting appropriate tube placement. Ultrasonography can be used as tube placement control. Less than one-day-old neonates have a lower stomach capacity. Further studies are required to evaluate whether older growing animals follow the same correlation compared to the weight. Further in vivo studies are warranted to determine a gold standard procedure for tube feeding in neonatal puppies and kittens.