Capillary Blood Samples Research Articles

Comparison of plasma fatty acid binding protein 4 concentration in venous and capillary blood.

Circulating fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is associated with various diseases and simple and less invasive techniques for assessment of FABP4 concentration are required in clinical research setting. The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation of plasma FABP4 concentration between venous and capillary blood in healthy young adults. Twenty-eight healthy young adults aged from 20 to 26 years (mean age, 22.2 ± 1.4 years, 14 males and 14 females) were included. Paired resting blood samples were taken from the cubital vein (venous) and fingertip (capillary) blood. Plasma FABP4 concentration in both blood was analyzed by enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay. Plasma FABP4 concentration did not differ significantly between venous and capillary blood (−0.11± 0.75 ng/mL, p = 0.447, 95%CI: -0.402–0.182). Pearson’s correlation coefficient for plasma FABP4 concentration between venous and capillary blood samples suggests strong correlation (r = 0.961, p < 0.001). The Bland & Altman plot showed a non-significant bias (−0.11 ± 0.75 ng/mL, p = 0.684) and the 95% limits of agreement ranged from −1.59 to 1.37 ng/mL. FABP4 concentration in both venous and capillary blood was significantly higher in females than in males (venous blood: p = 0.041; capillary blood: p = 0.049). These results suggest that capillary blood sampling can detect gender difference and is useful for the assessment of FABP4 concentration.

DETERMINATION OF THE QUANTITATIVE CONTENT OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2ALPHA AS A MENSTRUCTURAL MARKER

Relevance. The issue of determining the origin of blood on material evidence is of fundamental importance to criminal investigations. But today in forensic practice there is no reliable method for determining the blood of menstrual origin. Therefore, it is important to look for a criterion that would be a reliable marker of menstrual blood.&#x0D; Objective: To investigate the possibility of using prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2α) as a marker of menstrual blood origin.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Practically healthy women (n = 51) of reproductive age were examined. In group 1 (n = 28) were women 18-29 years, in group 2 (n = 23) - 30-45 years. During the examination in the women's consultation, a sample of vaginal contents during menstrual period on a tampon, a sample of vaginal contents in the extra-menstrual period and a sample of capillary blood on gauze were removed. The removed objects were dried. Prostaglandins in the samples were determined by the method of preparative isolation and systematic analysis of prostaglandins obtained by the method of biosynthesis. The quantitative content of PGF2α in the blood was evaluated directly on chromatograms, taking into account the relationship between spot area and object mass. The resulting digital material was processed statistically by variational statistics methods, with mean, deviation, mean error, Student's t-test of significant differences. The contents of PG F2α in different liquids were compared. The differences between the liquids were considered significant under the condition P &lt;0.001.&#x0D; Results. There is a dependence of PGF2α content on women's age and on the regional origin of the fluid. In women 30-45 years, the content of PGF2α is always higher in all fluids than in women 18-29 years (p &lt;0.001): in the vaginal fluid - by 11%; in menstrual blood - by 6%; in capillary blood - by 3%.The content of PGF2α is highest in menstrual blood, compared to vaginal fluid and capillary blood. This is true for women of both ages: in women 30-45 years PGF2α content is 2.6 times higher in menstrual blood than in capillary blood, and 1.4 times higher than in vaginal fluid; in women 18-29 years PGF2α content is 2.7 times higher in menstrual blood than in capillary blood, and 1.5 times higher than in vaginal fluid.&#x0D; Conclusion. A content of PGF2α above 13.1 ng / mg of dry blood tissue is a sure sign of menstrual blood origin.

Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Micro-lancet (ML) for Minimizing Lancing Pain

Patients with diabetes are required to lance their fingers daily for self-monitoring their blood glucose level. Patients might be reluctant to use commercial lancets with thick outer diameters due to lancing pain; this results in the worsening of their health. A metallic microneedle is an ideal substitute to the commercial lancet system and offers a minimally invasive and patient friendly approach for capillary blood extraction. However, reports regarding the performance of sufficient long and high stiffness microneedles for innocuous and efficient capillary blood sampling for conducting clinical trials are rare. Here, we developed a novel micro-lancet (ML) that is 3 mm long and has a 130 µm outer diameter and a sharp beveled 15° tip. ML induced lesser tissue damage than the commercial ACCU-CHEK Softclix in a porcine skin test. Through a clinical study, we demonstrated that the pain scores using the commercial lancet and ML were 3.4 and 0.8 the numeric pain rating scale, respectively. The average blood volume drawn using the ML was 0.96 µL, which satisfies the minimum requirement (0.3 µL) for glucose detection. This novel ML may improve patient compliance to blood glucose monitoring procedures by reducing lancing-related pain.

Glycemic Index and Microstructure Evaluation of Four Cereal Grain Foods.

To determine the glycemic index (GI) of selected cereals and association with their microstructure. The GI of whole grain pilaf (WGP), instant brown rice (IBR), whole maize ugali (MWU), and refined maize ugali (RMU) was assessed in a randomized trial. Fourteen healthy participants with mean age of 25 years were administered 50g portions of available carbohydrates from glucose and various test foods after an overnight fast on separate occasions. Capillary blood samples of participants were used to measure blood glucose over 2 hr. The GI was calculated as per standard protocol. The microstructure of test foods, determined by scanning electron microscopy was evaluated to understand the measured GI values. The GI (mean ± standard error) of IBR was the highest (87.8±6.8) followed by RMU (74.7±6.5) and WMU (71.4±5.1). WGP had medium GI (58.9±5.1; P <0.01vs. IBR). Microstructure examination of IBR revealed disruption of bran layer and presence of fissures indicating loss of intactness of bran. Stereozoom images for WGP revealed intact bran and germ. For RMU and WMU, the grain was milled leading to loss of integrity. IBR, RMU, and WMU have high GI values, which is likely due to disruption of bran layer, endosperm modification (IBR), and loss of grain matrix (WMU, RMU). WGP has medium GI probably due to fairly intact bran and germ. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Wholegrain or whole meal flour may not necessarily be low in glycemic index (GI; low GI <55; medium 55 to 69 and high GI ≥70). "Ugali" a commonly consumed cereal staple food in Tanzania made from either refined or whole meal maize flour was found to be a high GI food. Intact whole grain foods, such as whole grain pilaf (mixed intact whole grains) is a healthier alternative to milled whole grains such as whole meal maize flour. Instant quick cooking brown rice exhibited a high GI, due to the processing method, suggesting that regular brown rice may be a healthier option.

Direct capillary electrophoresis analysis of basic and acidic drugs from microliter volume of human body fluids after liquid-phase microextraction through nano-fibrous membrane.

In the present work, a disposable microextraction device with a polyamide 6 nano-fibrous supported liquid membrane (SLM) is employed for the pretreatment of minute volumes of biological fluids. The device is placed in a sample vial for an at-line coupling to a commercial capillary electrophoresis instrument with UV-Vis detection (CE-UV) and injections are performed fully automatically from the free acceptor solution above the SLM with no contact between the capillary and the membrane. Up to 4-fold enrichment of model basic (nortriptyline, haloperidol, loperamide, and papaverine) and acidic (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac) drugs is achieved by optimizing the ratio of the donor to the acceptor solution volumes (16 to 4 μL, respectively). The actual setup enables SLM extractions from less than a drop of sample and is suitable for pretreatment of scarce human body fluids. Two unique methods are reported for efficient clean-up and enrichment of the basic and acidic drugs from capillary blood (formed as dried blood spot), serum, and urine samples, which enable their determination at therapeutic and/or toxic levels. The hyphenation of the SLM extraction with CE-UV analysis provides good repeatability (RSD, 2.4-14.9%), linearity (r2, 0.988-1.000), sensitivity (LOD, 0.017-0.22 mg L-1), and extraction recovery (ER, 20-106%) at short extraction times (10 min) and with minimum consumption of samples and reagents. Graphical abstract.

Anaemia among men in India: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

Population-based studies on anaemia in India have mostly focused on women and children, with men with anaemia receiving much less attention despite anaemia's adverse effect on health, wellbeing, and economic productivity. This study aimed to determine the national prevalence of anaemia among men in India; how the prevalence of anaemia in men varies across India among states and districts and by sociodemographic characteristics; and whether the geographical and sociodemographic variation in the prevalence of anaemia among men is similar to that among women to inform whether anaemia reduction efforts for men should be coupled with existing efforts for women. In this cross-sectional study, we analysed data from a nationally representative household survey carried out from January, 2015, to December, 2016, among men aged 15-54 years and women aged 15-49 years in all 29 states and seven Union Territories of India. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using the portable HemoCue Hb 201+ (HemoCue AB, Ängelholm, Sweden) and a capillary blood sample. In addition to disaggregating anaemia prevalence (separately in men and women) by state and age group, we used mixed-effects Poisson regression to determine individual-level and district-level predictors of anaemia. 106 298 men and 633 305 women were included in our analysis. In men, the prevalence of any anaemia was 23·2% (95% CI 22·7-23·7), moderate or severe anaemia was 5·1% (4·9-5·4), and severe anaemia was 0·5% (0·5-0·6). An estimated 21·7% (20·9-22·5) of men with any degree of anaemia had moderate or severe anaemia compared with 53·2% (52·9-53·5) of women with any anaemia. Men aged 20-34 years had the lowest probability of having anaemia whereas anaemia prevalence among women was similar across age groups. State-level prevalence of any anaemia in men varied from 9·2% (7·7-10·9) in Manipur to 32·9% (31·0-34·7) in Bihar. The individual-level predictors of less household wealth, lower education, living in a rural area, smoking, consuming smokeless tobacco, and being underweight and the district-level predictors of living in a district with a lower rate of primary school completion, level of urbanisation, and household wealth were all associated with a higher probability of anaemia in men. Although some important exceptions were noted, district-level and state-level prevalence of anaemia among men correlated strongly with that among women. Anaemia among men in India is an important public health problem. Because of the similarities in the patterns of geographical and sociodemographic variation of anaemia between men and women, future efforts to reduce anaemia among men could target similar population groups as those targeted in existing efforts to reduce anaemia among women. Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

Measurement accuracy of two professional-use systems for point-of-care testing of blood glucose.

Background The professional-use systems HemoCue® Glucose 201+ (HC201+) and HemoCue® Glucose 201 RT (HC201RT) are widely used for point-of-care testing (POCT) of blood glucose (BG). HC201RT utilizes unit-use microcuvettes which can be stored at room temperature, whereas HC201+ microcuvettes have to be stored at <8 °C. In this study, system accuracy of HC201+ and HC201RT was evaluated using capillary and venous blood samples. Methods For each system, two reagent system lots were evaluated within a period of 2 years based on testing procedures of ISO 15197:2013, a standard applicable for self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) systems. For each reagent system lot, the investigation was performed by using 100 capillary and 95 to 99 venous blood samples. Comparison measurements were performed with a hexokinase laboratory method. Accuracy criteria of ISO 15197:2013 and POCT12-A3 were applied. In addition, bias was analyzed according to Bland and Altman, and error grid analysis was performed. Results When measuring capillary samples, both systems fulfilled accuracy requirements of ISO 15197:2013 and POCT12-A3 with the investigated reagent system lots. When measuring venous samples, only HC201+ fulfilled these requirements. Bias between HC201+ and reference measurements was more consistent over venous and capillary samples and microcuvette lots than for HC201RT. Error grid analysis showed that clinical actions might have been different depending on which system was used. Conclusions In this study, HC201+ showed a high level of accuracy irrespective of the sample type (capillary or venous). In contrast, HC201RT measurement results were markedly affected by the type of sample.

Design and measurement in a study of war exposure, health, and aging: protocol for the Vietnam health and aging study

BackgroundSurvivors of war throughout the world experience illnesses and injuries that are crucial to understand, given the ongoing treatment and adaptation they demand. In developing countries like Vietnam, where population aging and chronic disease burdens are rapidly rising, aging populations have seen a disproportionate share of armed conflict and related casualties. This paper describes the Vietnam Health and Aging Study (VHAS), a unique resource for investigating mechanisms of association between diverse exposures to armed conflict during the Vietnam War and multiple dimensions of older adult health among survivors of that war.MethodsThe VHAS utilizes a longitudinal design, the first wave of data collection conducted in 2018 among 2447 older adults. A second wave of follow-up data collection, scheduled to take place in 2021, will examine life course, social relational and health and mortality transitions. The VHAS was conducted in four northern Vietnamese districts purposively selected to represent a spectrum of war exposure as indicated by intensity of bombings. Additionally, VHAS uses random sampling within gender and military service subdomains to permit unique gender-specific analyses of military service, trauma exposure and health.The VHAS’ face-to-face interviews include modules detailing war and military service experiences; warzone stressors; and multiple dimensions of health such as chronic disease, functional limitation, disability, health behaviors, cognition and psychological health. Biomarker data collected for the full VHAS sample includes anthropometric and functional tests such as grip strength and blood pressure, hair samples for cortisol assay, and capillary blood samples to assay C-reactive protein, cholesterol, HbA1c, and other markers of interest for cardiovascular and other disease risks and for testing the impact of early life stressors on later life health. Blood samples will also permit epigenetic analysis of biological aging.DiscussionFuture VHAS investigations will examine dynamic linkages between war exposure, mortality and morbidity, while taking into account the selective nature of each of these processes. Longitudinal analyses will examine late-life health transitions and war-related resiliency.

Correlación del polimorfismo rs1815739 del gen ACTNIII con el resultado de dos tratamientos ortopédicos en maloclusión clase II

La presencia de variaciones polimórficas en el gen ACTNIII influye en el rendimiento muscular y en el tipo fibras Alfa-actinina-3, presentando consecuencias funcionales de gran importancia clínica en el complejo estomatognático. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la frecuencia del polimorfismo rs1815739 del gen ACTNIII y su correlación con el resultado de dos tratamientos ortopédicos en maloclusión clase II (MoCII). Se realizó un estudio transversal comparativo en 66 alumnos, diagnosticados previamente con MoCII, de ocho escuelas secundarias generales en la ciudad de Durango, Durango. Se realizó la toma de muestra de sangre capilar del dedo índice para su posterior análisis y genotipificación bajo la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con curvas de fundido de alta resolución (PCR-HRM, por sus siglas en inglés). Los participantes fueron agrupados de acuerdo con el genotipo y el tipo de mordida. Los resultados muestran que, aunque no se encontró una correlación estadísticamente significativa (S = 0.057, p = 0.650) entre las variables en estudio, se observa que uno de cada tres sujetos presenta el genotipo de riesgo homocigoto mutado (TT) (42%).

Unhealthy Snack Food and Beverage Consumption Is Associated with Lower Dietary Adequacy and Length-for-Age z-Scores among 12–23-Month-Olds in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

ABSTRACTBackgroundConsumption of unhealthy snack foods and beverages (USFBs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is rising, with global awareness increasing about risks of overnutrition. However, little is known about the relation between USFB consumption and young children's diet/nutritional outcomes in contexts where nutrient density of complementary foods is often low.ObjectivesThis study assessed the association of high USFB consumption, compared with low consumption, with nutrient intakes, dietary adequacy, iron status, and growth in young children in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of 745 primary caregivers of children aged 12–23 mo. Food consumption was measured through quantitative 24-h recalls, and child anthropometric measurements and capillary blood samples were collected. Using adjusted linear/logistic regression models, nutrient intakes, dietary adequacy, length-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores (LAZ and WLZ, respectively), and iron status were compared between lowest and highest tertiles of consumption based on the contribution of USFBs to total energy intakes (TEIs). Mediation of the relation between USFB consumption and LAZ via lowered dietary adequacy was explored using structural equations modeling.ResultsOn average, USFBs contributed 46.9% of TEI among the highest tertile of consumers, compared with 5.2% of TEI among the lowest. Compared with low-USFB consumers, high-USFB consumers had lower nutrient intakes and a greater proportion were at risk of inadequate intakes for 8 nutrients. Mean LAZ was nearly 0.3 SD lower among high-USFB consumers than low consumers (P = 0.003), with this relationship partially mediated through dietary adequacy. No associations were found with stunting prevalence or iron status. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was low.ConclusionsIn this LMIC context, high USFB consumption among young children was associated with inadequate micronutrient intakes, which can contribute to poor growth outcomes. Addressing increased availability of USFBs in LMIC food systems should be a priority for policies and programs aiming to safeguard child nutrition.

Validation of Point of Care Hemoglobin Estimation Among Pregnant Women Using Digital Hemoglobinometers (HemoCue 301 and HemoCue 201+) as Compared with Auto-Analyzer.

Accurate and reliable point of care tests (POCTs) for hemoglobin estimation is essential for early diagnosis and management of anemia. This study was aimed to assess the reliability and validity of two versions of digital hemoglobinometer (HemoCue 201+ and HemoCue 301) compared to the gold standard Sysmex autoanalyzer for hemoglobin estimation. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of Primary Health Centre and a Sub Divisional Hospital in Haryana, India, were recruited. After obtaining consent, capillary blood samples were collected and tested for hemoglobin levels with digital hemoglobinometers (HemoCue 201+ and HemoCue 301). Among same pregnant women venous blood was collected and hemoglobin levels were estimated using autoanalyzer. Validity and reliability of POCTs compared to Sysmex autoanalyzer were reported. Of the 102 pregnant women included in the study, 44 (43%) were primigravida, with mean (SD) age of 23.3 (3.4) years. The mean (SD) of difference in hemoglobin levels using HemoCue 201+ was - 0.53 (1.01) and using HemoCue 301 was - 0.25 (0.85) g/dL as compared to auto-analyzer. Lin's concordance coefficient was 0.80 for HemoCue 201+ and 0.85 for HemoCue 301. Weighted Cohen's Kappa indicated moderate degree of agreement with the gold standard. Sensitivity (HemoCue 201+: 93%; HemoCue 301: 90%) and specificity (HemoCue 201: 76% HemoCue 301: 80%) for detecting anemia was similar for both the POCT devices. The digital hemoglobinometers used in the study had moderate degree of agreement and concordance with the autoanalyzer for hemoglobin estimation. HemoCue 301 had higher validity as compared to HemoCue 201+.

Sodium citrate ingestion protocol impacts induced alkalosis, gastrointestinal symptoms, and palatability.

To compare the effect of 500 mg·kg−1 body mass (BM) sodium citrate ingested in solution or capsules on induced alkalosis, gastrointestinal symptoms and palatability. Twenty‐four healthy and active participants completed two testing sessions, ingesting 500 mg·kg−1 BM sodium citrate within solution or capsules. Capillary blood samples were collected pre‐ingestion, and every 30‐min for 240‐min post‐ingestion; samples were analyzed for blood pH and [HCO3 −]. A validated questionnaire was used to quantify gastrointestinal symptoms at the same 30‐min intervals. Palatability was quantified immediately after ingestion using a validated scale. There was a greater peak and change from baseline for capsules versus solution for blood pH (P < 0.001) and [HCO3 −] (P = 0.013). Blood pH and [HCO3 −] time to peak was 199 and 204 min, respectively, after capsule ingestion, both significantly later than after solution (P = 0.034, P = 0.001). Gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly elevated above baseline for both ingestion modes at each time point between 30 and 120 min after ingestion (P = 0.003), with no differences between modes at any time point (P = 0.644). Capsules were significantly more palatable than solution (P < 0.001). We recommend 500 mg·kg−1 BM sodium citrate ingestion in capsules, at least 200 min before exercise, to achieve greater alkalosis, minimize gastrointestinal symptoms, and maximize.

Continual decrease in blood lead levels in children of Hoboken (Antwerp, Belgium)

TPS 621: Exposure to metals, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 26, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background: In the early 1970s, in the district northeast of a non-ferrous metallurgy in Hoboken, health problems were observed and related to environmental heavy metal exposure. As a result, lead exposure in children living in the neighbourhood of this industry has been monitored via blood tests twice a year since 1978. The study focuses on children because they have both higher health risk at lower doses and higher exposure risk e.g. due to more frequent hand-to-mouth contact and higher intestinal absorption. Method: From 1978 to 2018, all children between the age of 1 and 12 years living in the district approximate to the metallurgy were invited for a blood test at school or at a service centre. Capillary blood samples were obtained through a finger prick. A control school was included since autumn 1993. Results: Over the last thirty years, the mean blood lead level declined from 21.5 µg/dl to 3.9 µg/dl. Blood lead levels were higher in children living in the zone close to the factory and in the youngest age group (preschool children). In the most recent campaign, i.e. in autumn 2018, 206 of the 404 children from the district were investigated. The mean blood lead level of children living in the district was significantly higher than the control group (district: 3.9 μg/dl; control: 1.9 µg/dl). Twenty-three percent of the children living in the district had a blood lead level above the reference value of 5 μg/dl. Conclusion: Even though the levels of lead in blood are decreasing over time, we still observe elevated blood lead levels in children living in the neighbourhood compared to those living outside the neighbourhood. A quarter of the children exceeds the health-based guideline. Therefore, continuous monitoring in hotspot areas is important and further actions are needed to promote and protect public health.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HEMOPHILIA A VERSUS HEMOPHILIA B IN GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE, KADAPA

Introduction: Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of clotting factor VIII (Hemophilia A) or Factor IX (Christmas disease) or Factor XI (Hemophilia C). Hemophilia is a X linked recessive trait with defective F8 an F9 genes in long arm of X chromosome. Hemophilia can also be acquired due to development of antibodies directed against the clotting factors. Aim: To compare the prevalence of Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B. Materials and Methods: The present study is done over a period of two years i.e., from 2016 to 2018. During the above period 130 cases were studied. Among these 112 cases (86.1%) were Hemophilia A and 18 cases (13.8%) were Hemophilia B. Requirement of materials: Capillary tubes, Blotting paper, Blood samples, Sprit and cotton. Results: In the present study we registered 130 cases of Hemophilia. Among these 112 cases (86.1%) were Hemophilia A and 18 cases (13.8%) were Hemophilia B.&#x0D; Keywords: Blood sample, Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, Kadapa

Application of volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) to measure multidimensional anti-influenza IgG antibodies by the mPlex-Flu assay.

Introduction: Recently, volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) has been used for accurate sampling of a fixed peripheral blood volume (10 µL) on a volumetric swab, and long-term sample storage. The mPlex-Flu assay is a novel, high-throughput assay that simultaneously measures the concentration of antibodies against the hemagglutinin (HA) proteins from multiple influenza virus strains with ≤5 µL of serum. Here we describe combining these two methods to measure multidimensional anti-influenza IgG activity in whole blood samples collected by a finger stick and VAMS, with correction for serum volume based on simultaneous hemoglobin measurement. Methods: We compared capillary blood samples obtained from a finger stick using a VAMS device with serum samples collected by traditional phlebotomy from 20 subjects, with the influenza antibody profiles measured by the mPlex-Flu assay. Results: We found that results with the two sampling methods were highly correlated within subjects and across all influenza strains (mean R 2 = 0.9470). Adjustment for serum volume, based on hemaglobin measurement, was used to estimate serum volume of samples and improved the accuracy. IgG measurements were stable over 3 weeks when VAMS samples were stored at room temperature or transported using a variety of shipping methods. Additionally, when volunteers performed finger-stick VAMS at-home by themselves, the comparison results of anti-HA antibody concentrations were highly consistent with sampling performed by study personnel on-site (R 2 = 0.9496). Conclusions: This novel approach can provide a simple, accurate, and low-cost means for monitoring the IgG anti-influenza HA antibody responses in large population studies and clinical trials.

Association between blood omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the gut microbiota among breast cancer survivors.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential nutrients demonstrated to have health benefits, such as decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease, improving parameters associated with metabolic syndrome, and decreasing anxiety symptoms and depression risk. Previous intervention studies indicated the association between blood or tissue PUFA levels and the gut microbiota; however, the details remain incompletely elucidated. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the association between PUFAs and the gut microbiota among breast cancer survivors. Adults who had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer more than one year ago and were not currently undergoing chemotherapy were enrolled. Capillary blood and faecal samples were obtained to assess the blood PUFA levels and gut microbiota compositions. The mean age (n=124) was 58.7 years, and 46% of the participants had a history of chemotherapy. Multiple regression analysis controlling for possible confounders indicated that an increased relative abundance of Actinobacteria was significantly associated with increased levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, beta=0.304, q<0.01). At the genus level, the abundance of Bifidobacterium was positively associated with the level of DHA (beta=0.307, q<0.01). No significant association between omega-6 PUFAs and the relative abundances of gut microbiota members was observed. In addition, analyses stratified by the history of chemotherapy indicated significant associations of PUFA levels with the abundance of some bacterial taxa, including the phylum Actinobacteria (DHA, beta=0.365, q<0.01) and Bacteroidetes (EPA, beta=-0.339, q<0.01) and the genus Bifidobacterium (DHA, beta=0.368, q<0.01) only among participants without a history of chemotherapy. These findings provide the first evidence of positive associations between the abundances of Bifidobacterium among the gut microbiota and the levels of omega-3 PUFAs in the blood. Further studies are required to gain additional insight into these associations in healthy subjects as well as into the causality of the relationship.

Acute Pain Assessment in Prematurely Born Infants Below 29 Weeks: A Long Way to Go.

Neonates born extremely prematurely are at high risk of acute and prolonged pain. Effective treatment requires reliable pain assessment, which is currently missing. Our study explored whether existing pain assessment tools and physiological indicators measure pain and comfort accurately in this population. We prospectively collected data in 16 neonates born at less than 29 weeks' gestational age during 3 conditions: skin-to-skin care, rest, and heelstick procedure for capillary blood sampling in the incubator. The neonates were video recorded in these situations, and recordings were coded using 5 observational pain assessment tools and numeric rating scales for pain and distress. We simultaneously collected heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial oxygen saturation, regional cerebral oxygenation, and the number of skin conductance peaks. All measures across the 3 conditions were compared using general linear modeling. The median gestational age was 27.1 weeks (range: 24.1 to 28.7). Forty measurement periods across the 3 conditions were analyzed. Heart rate was significantly higher during heelstick procedures compared with during rest, with a mean difference of 10.7 beats/min (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7-18.6). Oxygen saturation was significantly higher during skin-to-skin care compared with during heelstick procedures with a mean difference of 5.5% (95% CI: 0.2-10.8). The Premature Infant Pain Profile-revised (PIPP-R) score was significantly higher during heelstick procedures compared with skin-to-skin care with a mean difference of 3.2 points (95% CI: 1.6-5.0). Pain measurement in clinical practice in prematurely born infants below 29 weeks remains challenging. The included behavioral and physiological indicators did not adequately distinguish between a painful situation, rest, and skin-to-skin care in premature neonates.

Overall Similarities and a Possible Factor Affecting Plasma Metabolome Profiles Between Venous and Capillary Blood Samples From 20 Healthy Human Males

Amino acids and lipids are biomarkers used to assess the presence and severity of disease, as well as the toxicological response to drugs. Although upper-extremity venipuncture is a well-used standard technique, fingertip capillary sampling is a more convenient procedure. Delineating the global differences in amino acid and lipid levels in capillary and venous blood samples is paramount for expanding the application of capillary blood tests in biomarker assays. We recruited 20 healthy male subjects and collected plasma obtained from both fingertip capillary and antecubital venous blood. The samples were analyzed to determine the overall profiles of amino acids and lipids and to test for differences in their levels between both vessel types. The results demonstrated that the differences between capillary and venous blood had a lower impact than interindividual variations; however, trends of separation between them were observed for amino acids. The levels of 5 out of 28 amino acids scored fold changes over 30%, while 9 out of 498 lipids had a fold change over 30%. The time required for fingertip blood collection could be a factor for the differences in 3 metabolites. These findings provide useful information for the application of fingertip capillary blood sampling in biomarker assays.

Early and late effects of remote ischemic preconditioning on spirometry and gas exchange in healthy volunteers

PurposeRemote ischemic preconditioning (RIP) may protect remote organs from ischemia-reperfusion-injury (IRI) in surgical and non-surgical patients. There are few data available on RIP and lung function, especially not in healthy volunteers. The null-hypothesis was tested that RIP does not have an effect on pulmonary function when applied on healthy volunteers that were breathing spontaneously and did not experience any intervention. After approval of the Ethics Committee and informed consent of the study subjects, 28 healthy non-smoking volunteers were included and randomized in either the RIP group (n = 13) or the control group (n = 15). In the RIP group, lower limb ischemia was induced by inflation of a blood pressure cuff to a pressure 20 mmHg above the systolic blood pressure. After five minutes the blood pressure cuff was released for five minutes rest. The procedure was repeated three times resulting in 40 min ischemia and reperfusion. Capillary blood samples were taken, and lung function tests were performed at baseline (T1) and 60 min (T2) and 24 h (T3) after RIP. The control group was treated in the same fashion, but the RIP procedure was replaced by a sham protocol. Results60 min after RIP capillary pO2 decreased significantly and returned to baseline level after 24 h in the RIP group. This did not occur in the control group. Capillary pCO2, variables of lung function tests and pulmonary capillary blood volume remained unchanged throughout the experiment in both groups. ConclusionOxygenation is impaired early after RIP which is possibly induced by transient ventilation-perfusion inequality. No late effects of RIP were observed. The null hypothesis has to be rejected that RIP has no effect on respiratory variables in healthy volunteers.

Blood Biomarkers of Recovery Efficiency in Soccer Players.

Physical exercise strongly affects human metabolism and causes biochemical changes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between routine plasma biomarker levels and recovery efficiency in soccer players during an entire competitive match season. The players participating in the study were divided into a midfielder/defender group (seven midfielders and seven defenders) and a goalie/substitute group (six persons—goalkeepers and players with a short cumulative match-time). The fasting capillary blood samples were taken 17–24 h after each competitive match. The blood plasma was used to determine the creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, iron and magnesium levels of the athletes. The levels of (AST) (aspartate aminotransferase), (ALT) (alanine aminotransferase) and (Cr) creatinine were higher in the midfielder/defender group than in the control group, but only AST and Cr significantly varied over time (AST decreased, and Cr increased with time). The (LDH) (lactate dehydrogenase) activity and urea level were significantly lower in the midfielder/defender group than in the goalie/substitute group, and it significantly varied over time (LDH decreased, and urea increased with time). No differences in the (CK) creatine kinase and (ALP) alkaline phosphatase activities between the groups was found, although CK increased significantly with time in the midfielder/defender group (particularly midfielders in the spring round). In midfielders, the AST activity and the iron level were significantly lower in the spring than in the autumn round. On the contrary, ALT, CK, urea and magnesium levels were significantly higher in the spring than in autumn round. A long-term measurement of biochemical parameters in elite soccer players indicated that AST, CK, LDH and creatinine levels, when analyzed together, could constitute a useful set of markers for monitoring recovery periods.