Changes In Blood Hemoglobin Research Articles

Efficacy of different doses of daily prophylactic iron supplementation in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionSeveral randomized controlled trials (RCT) have been conducted in the past to determine the optimum dose of iron supplementation during pregnancy, but there is a lack of consensus among different guidelines regarding the appropriate dosage of iron for prophylaxis during pregnancy. MethodsRelevant electronic databases were searched to identify publications describing RCTs comparing different daily dosages of iron supplementation during pregnancy. Meta-analysis for various efficacy and safety outcomes such as changes in blood hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum iron, and serum transferrin saturation, as well as the frequency of adverse effects, was performed using random and fixed effect models suitably depending on the degree of heterogeneity. Two groups were compared: those receiving 60 mg elemental iron or less and those receiving more than 60 mg elemental iron per day. Additionally, the efficacy of those receiving 30 mg elemental iron per day and those receiving 60 mg elemental iron per day were also compared. ResultsA to total of 15 RCTs comprising 2726 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Change in blood hemoglobin levels was comparable between the ≤60 mg/day and >60 mg/day group (pooled estimate for mean difference, 0.01 [-0.11, 0.09], p=0.86, I2=96%), but serum ferritin, iron level, and serum transferrin saturation change were higher in the >60 mg group (p<0.0001, 0.008, and 0.02, respectively). Change in blood hemoglobin level was better in the 60 mg/day group compared to the 30 mg/day group (pooled estimate for mean difference, -0.11 [-0.21, 0.00], p=0.04, I2=90%), as well as changes in serum ferritin and serum transferrin saturations (p=0.004 and 0.0004, respectively). ConclusionDaily supplementation of 60 mg elemental iron is more efficacious than daily supplementation of 30 mg elemental iron for the prophylaxis of anemia in pregnant women (certainty of evidence-moderate), and daily supplementation of ≤60 mg elemental iron is equally efficacious compared to daily supplementation of >60 mg elemental iron for the prophylaxis of anemia in pregnant women (certainty of evidence-moderate). PROESPERO registration NoCRD42023455485

Feasibility of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Monitoring Hemodynamic Changes in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Treated with Mitapivat

Background: Continuous inflammation and vasculopathy underlies the pathology of sickle cell disease (SCD). Therapeutics intervening the different stages in the pathophysiological cascade - polymerization of hemoglobin S (HbS) and "sickling" of the red blood cells (RBCs), vaso-occlusion and inflammation- are under development. Sickled RBCs initiate vaso-occlusion and have altered biomechanical properties that impact the rheology and hemodynamics in patients with SCD. There is an unmet need for robust, compact technologies that can non-invasively characterize the microvascular hemodynamics in SCD. Such a tool would be a valuable adjunct for clinicians both for broadening understanding of as well as monitoring therapeutic changes. However current clinical approaches can be time- and resource- intensive which limit their utility. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive, optical technique for quantifying microvascular hemodynamics including hemoglobin concentration, tissue oxygen saturation, and blood flow (Cerussi et al, 2005). Here, we evaluate the sensitivity of NIRS to hemodynamic changes in patients with SCD undergoing treatment with Mitapivat (AG-348), a pyruvate kinase activator under clinical development to determine how well NIRS parameters compare with standard hematology markers. Methods: We studied patients currently enrolled in a Phase I/II clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04610866) that evaluates the long-term safety and tolerability of Mitapivat in the SCD population. We performed tissue hemodynamic assessments by affixing NIRS probes to the forearm and forehead of the subjects at baseline (prior to drug initiation) and over the course of three months of treatment with Mitapivat totaling five measurement visits per patient. The optical hemodynamic assessment consisted of resting baseline measurements followed by a brachial cuff occlusion and a recovery period. We acquired optical measures of hemodynamic markers, such as the concentration of oxy- and deoxy- hemoglobin and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2). Additionally, we calculated measures of vascular reactivity by analyzing the post-occlusion reactive hyperemic response. These metrics are compared for each patient across time to determine if there are any significant changes compared to baseline. Optical metrics were compared against changes in blood hemoglobin (Hb) level, an expected therapeutic effect of Mitapivat (Xu et al, 2022). Nine patients with complete NIRS data at baseline and spanning 3 months of Mitapivat were analyzed. Results: We calculated optical hemodynamic metrics for all 45 measurement visits; one visit was excluded due to poor NIRS data quality. Figure 1A shows a typical measurement setup with NIRS probes acquiring simultaneous measurements from the forehead and forearm, which reflect tissue hemodynamics in the prefrontal cortex and skeletal muscle respectively. Figure 1B compares the mean Hb level, mean forehead StO2, and mean forearm StO2 across the first three months of treatment. On average, forehead StO2 acquired by NIRS trended similarly to the Hb level acquired by blood draws over the first three months. We observed that 7/9 patients exhibited a sustained increase in blood Hb compared to baseline; the mean Hb increase for all patients compared to baseline was 1.2 g/dL at the end of three months. Similarly, forehead StO2 measured by NIRS also showed a similar, sustained increase. The mean forehead StO2 increase after three months compared to baseline was 4.0%. Discussion: We have demonstrated that NIRS could be a promising adjunct for non-invasively monitoring hemodynamics in patients with SCD undergoing treatment with Mitapivat. NIRS can provide objective measures of tissue composition and metabolism and vascular reactivity which can be performed in a simple, non-invasive measurement. Future analysis will include analyzing optical metrics of vascular reactivity and blood flow. While this initial cohort is small, the preliminary results are encouraging and warrant continued study into NIRS as a tool for monitoring hemodynamic changes promoted by other therapies for SCD. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Hemoglobin concentration in ill neonates in early neonatal period

Background: Abnormal changes in blood hemoglobin (Hb) levels depend on maternal and neonatal factors, and could be an important indicator to evaluate the progression of neonatal diseases. This study aims to describe the hemoglobin concentration in ill neonates and to identify several factors associated with anemia and polycythemia status in newborns in early neonatal period. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive was conducted. A convenient sample included 169 ill neonates less than 7 day-old at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from July 2021 to May 2022. Results: Mean gestational age in study group was 38.5 ± 2.2 weeks. The mean Hb concentration of study group was 180 ± 26.4 g/l. Prevalence of anemia and polycythemia were 18.9% and 6.5%, respectively. The mean Hb level in common diseases such as early-onset neonatal sepsis (EOS), meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), ABO hemolytic disease of newborn (ABO HDN) was 181.7 ± 24.5 g/l, 164.5 ± 20.5g/l and 136.2 ± 18.5g/l, respectively. The incidence of anemia in EOS was 18.8%, in ABO HDN was 80.0%, in MAS was 33.3%. Factors significantly associated with neonatal anemia were ABO HDN (OR = 17.9, p &lt; 0.05), maternal anemia (OR = 3.57, p &lt; 0.05). Low birth weight neonates (&lt; 2500 gram) increased the risk of polycythemia with OR = 3.94 (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The abnormal changes of hemoglobin concentration appears in 25.4% of ill neonates. The hemoglobin level should be screened to evaluate the disease characteristics of neonates. Key words: ill neonates, neonatal anemia, polycythemia.

Protective effects of the combination Bifidobacterium longum plus lactoferrin against NSAID-induced enteropathy.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can exert detrimental effects in the lower digestive tract. The aim of this study was to examine the protective effects of a combination of the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (Bifidobacterium) with the prebiotic lactoferrin in a rat model of diclofenac-induced enteropathy. Enteropathy was induced in 40-wk-old male rats by intragastric diclofenac (4 mg/kg twice daily for 14 d). Lactoferrin (100 mg/kg twice daily), Bifidobacterium (2.5 × 106 CFU/rat twice daily) or their combination were administered 1 h before diclofenac. At the end of treatments, the ileum was processed for the evaluation of histologic damage, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as the expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR-2/-4) and the activation of downstream signaling molecules (MyD88 and nuclear factor [NF]-κB p65). Blood hemoglobin and fecal calprotectin were also assessed. Diclofenac induced intestinal damage, along with increments of MPO and MDA, overexpression of TLR-2, TLR-4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65, increased fecal calprotectin and decreased blood hemoglobin levels. Lactoferrin or Bifidobacterium alone prevented diclofenac-induced enteric damage, and the changes in blood hemoglobin, MPO, MDA, fecal calprotectin, and NF-κB p65. Bifidobacterium, but not lactoferrin, decreased TLR-4 expression, although none of them affected MyD88 overexpression. TLR-2 expression was slightly enhanced by all treatments. The combined administration of lactoferrin and Bifidobacterium reduced further the intestinal damage, and restored MPO and blood hemoglobin levels. Diclofenac induced ileal mucosal lesions by activation of inflammatory and pro-oxidant mechanisms. These detrimental actions were prevented by the combination of lactoferrin with Bifidobacterium likely through the modulation of TLR-2/-4/NF-κB proinflammatory pathways.

Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Molidustat for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: DIALOGUE Extension Studies

Background: Molidustat, a novel hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, is being investigated for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The efficacy and safety of molidustat were recently evaluated in three 16-week phase 2b studies. Here, we report the results of two long-term extension studies of molidustat. Methods: Both studies were parallel-group, open-label, multicenter studies of ≤36 months’ duration, in patients with anemia due to CKD, and included an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent as active control. One study enrolled patients not receiving dialysis (n = 164), and the other enrolled patients receiving hemodialysis (n = 88). The primary efficacy variable for both studies was change in blood hemoglobin (Hb) level from baseline to each post-baseline visit, and safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs). Results: In patients not on dialysis, the mean ± SD Hb concentrations at baseline were 11.28 ± 0.55 g/dL for molidustat and 11.08 ± 0.51 g/dL for darbepoetin. The mean ± SD blood Hb concentrations throughout the study (defined as mean of each patient’s overall study Hb levels) were 11.10 ± 0.508 and 10.98 ± 0.571 g/dL in patients treated with molidustat and darbepoetin, respectively. Similar proportions of patients reported at least one AE in the molidustat (85.6%) and darbepoetin (85.7%) groups. In patients on dialysis, mean ± SD Hb levels at baseline were 10.40 ± 0.70 and 10.52 ± 0.53 g/dL in the molidustat and epoetin groups, respectively. The mean ± SD blood Hb concentrations during the study were 10.37 ± 0.56 g/dL in the molidustat group and 10.52 ± 0.47 g/dL in the epoetin group. Proportions of patients who reported at least one AE were 91.2% in the molidustat group and 93.3% in the epoetin group. Conclusions: Molidustat was well tolerated for up to 36 months and appears to be an effective alternative to darbepoetin and epoetin in the long-term management of anemia associated with CKD.

Evaluation of Noninvasive Hemoglobin Monitoring in Trauma Patients with Low Hemoglobin Levels.

Bleeding is a leading cause of death among trauma patients. Delayed assessment of blood hemoglobin level might result in either unnecessary blood transfusion in nonindicated patients or delayed blood transfusion in critically bleeding patients. In this study, we evaluate the precision of noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring in trauma patients with low hemoglobin levels. We included trauma patients with low hemoglobin levels (less than 8 g/dL) scheduled for surgical intervention. Blood samples were obtained on admission and after each blood unit with concomitant measurement of serum hemoglobin using radical-7 Masimo device. The change in blood hemoglobin after every transfused blood unit was also assessed by both methods (change in noninvasive Masimo hemoglobin [Delta-Sp-Hb] and change in laboratory hemoglobin [Delta-Lab-Hb]). The precision of Masimo hemoglobin level (Sp-Hb) compared with Laboratory hemoglobin level (Lab-Hb) was determined using both Bland-Altman and Pearson correlation analyses. One hundred eighty-four time-matched samples were available for final analysis. Bland-Altman analysis showed excellent accuracy of Sp-Hb compared with Lab-Hb with mean bias of 0.12 g/dL and limits of agreement between -0.56 g/dL and 0.79 g/dL. Excellent correlation was reported between both measures with Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.872. Excellent agreement was also reported between both Delta-Sp-Hb and Delta-Lab-Hb with mean bias of -0.05 and limits of agreement from -0.62 to 0.51 CONCLUSIONS:: Sp-Hb showed accurate precision in both absolute values and trend values compared with Lab-Hb measurement in trauma patients with low hemoglobin levels.

Mini mental state examination and evaluation of factors associated with cognitive decline in HIV/AIDS-infected people

Neuropsychiatric complications are present in almost one third of patients diagnosed with AIDS who show wide variations in their clinical symptoms, featuring a spectrum of disorders ranging from minor cognitive-motor impairments to profound dementia. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is one of the most used and studied cognitive tests around the world and evaluates cognitive function and screening of dementia. Current experiment applies the MMSE to HIV/AIDS patients to screen possible dementia factors in the sample and to evaluate the association of scores that are positively associated with the emergence of cognitive impairment and possible dementia. The study population consisted of 100 HIV/AIDS patients attended at the 15 th and 17 th Regional Health Centers covering 50 municipalities in the northwestern region of the state of Parana, Brazil. Whereas patients were classified with cognitive impairment and patients without cognitive impairment, the factors assessed included depression, body mass index, haematocrit, hemoglobin levels, rate of lymphocytes T CD4+, viral load and gender. Twenty-seven (27%) patients had scores lower than expected and were considered cognitively impaired. There was a significant positive association between cognitive impairment and changes in blood hemoglobin and haematocrit, age and depression.

Changes in blood hemoglobin and blood gases PaO2 and PaCO2 in severe COPD overa three-year telemonitored program of long-term oxygen treatment.

BackgroundInformation on the effects of long-term oxygen treatment (LTOT) on blood hemoglobin (Hb) in severe COPD are limited. The aim was to assess blood Hb values in severe COPD, and investigate the time-course of both Hb and blood gas changes during a 3-year telemetric LTOT.MethodsA cohort of 132 severe COPD patients (94 males; 71.4 years ± 8.8 sd), newly admitted to the tele-LTOT program, was investigated. Subjects were divided according to their original blood Hb: group A: <13 g/dL; group B: ≥13 < 15 g/dL; group C: ≥ 5 < 16 g/dL; group D: ≥16 g/dL. Blood Hb (g/dL), PaO2 and PaCO2 (mmHg), SaO2 (%), and BMI were measured at LTOT admission (t0), and at least quarterly over three years (t1-t3). Wilcoxon test was used to compare t0 vs. t1 values; linear regression to assess a possible Hb-BMI relationship; ANOVA to compare changes in Hb time-courses over the 3 years.ResultsLTOT induced a systematic increase of PaO2, and changes were significant since the first year (from 52.1 mmHg ± 6.6sd to 65.1 mmHg ± 8.7 sd, p < 0.001). Changes in SaO2 were quite similar. Comparable and equally significant trends were seen in all subgroups (p < 0.001). PaCO2 dropped within the first year of LTOT (from 49.4 mmHg ± 9.1sd to 45.9 mmHg ±7.5 sd, p < 0.001): the t0-t1 comparison proved significant (p < 0.01) only in subgroups with the highest basal Hb, who showed a further PaCO2 decline over the remaining two years (p < 0.001). Hb tended to normalization during LTOT only in subgroups with basal Hb > 15 g/dl (ANOVA p < 0.001); anemic subjects (Hb < 13 g/dl) ameliorated not significantly in the same period (ANOVA = 0.5). Survival was independent of the original blood Hb. Anemia and polyglobulia are differently prevalent in COPD, the latter being the most represented in our cohort. LTOT affected both conditions, but to a different extent and according to different time-courses. The most striking Hb improvement was in polyglobulic patients in whom also PaO2, PaCO2 and SaO2 dramatically improved. In anemic subjects effects were smaller and slower, oxygenation being equally ameliorated by LTOT.ConclusionsLTOT effects on Hb and PaCO2 are regulated by an Hb-dependent gradient which seems independent of the original impairment of blood gases and of effects on oxygenation.

Changes in blood hemoglobin and blood gases PaO2 and PaCO2 in severe COPD over a three-year telemonitored program of long-term oxygen treatment

Background: Information on the effects of long-term oxygen treatment (LTOT) on blood hemoglobin (Hb) in severe COPD are limited. The aim was to assess blood Hb values in severe COPD, and investigate the time-course of both Hb and blood gas changes during a 3-year telemetric LTOT. Methods: A cohort of 132 severe COPD patients (94 males; 71.4 years ± 8.8 sd), newly admitted to the tele-LTOT program, was investigated. Subjects were divided according to their original blood Hb: group A: &lt;13 g/dL; group B: ≥13&lt;15 g/dL; group C: ≥ 5&lt;16 g/dL; group D: ≥16 g/dL. Blood Hb (g/dL), PaO2 and PaCO2 (mmHg), SaO2 (%), and BMI were measured at LTOT admission (t0), and at least quarterly over three years (t1-t3). Wilcoxon test was used to compare t0 vs. t1 values; linear regression to assess a possible Hb-BMI relationship; ANOVA to compare changes in Hb time-courses over the 3 years. Results: LTOT induced a systematic increase of PaO2, and changes were significant since the first year (from 52.1 mmHg± 6.6sd to 65.1 mmHg± 8.7 sd, p&lt;0.001). Changes in SaO2 were quite similar. Comparable and equally significant trends were seen in all subgroups (p&lt;0.001). PaCO2 dropped within the first year of LTOT (from 49.4 mmHg± 9.1sd to 45.9 mmHg ±7.5 sd, p&lt;0.001): the t0-t1 comparison proved significant (p&lt;0.01) only in subgroups with the highest basal Hb, who showed a further PaCO2 decline over the remaining two years (p&lt;0.001). Hb tended to normalization during LTOT only in subgroups with basal Hb&gt;15 g/dl (ANOVA p&lt;0.001); anemic subjects (Hb&lt;13 g/dl) ameliorated not significantly in the same period (ANOVA = 0.5). Survival was independent of the original blood Hb. Anemia and polyglobulia are differently prevalent in COPD, the latter being the most represented in our cohort. LTOT affected both conditions, but to a different extent and according to different time-courses. The most striking Hb improvement was in polyglobulic patients in whom also PaO2, PaCO2 and SaO2 dramatically improved. In anemic subjects effects were smaller and slower, oxygenation being equally ameliorated by LTOT. Conclusions: LTOT effects on Hb and PaCO2 are regulated by an Hb-dependent gradient which seems independent of the original impairment of blood gases and of effects on oxygenation.

Short-term effects of tolvaptan on renal function and volume in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Tolvaptan and related V(2)-specific vasopressin receptor antagonists have been shown to delay disease progression in animal models of polycystic kidney disease. Slight elevations in serum creatinine, rapidly reversible after drug cessation, have been found in clinical trials involving tolvaptan. Here, we sought to clarify the potential renal mechanisms to see whether the antagonist effects were dependent on underlying renal function in 20 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) before and after 1 week of daily split-dose treatment. Tolvaptan induced aquaresis (excretion of solute-free water) and a significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The serum uric acid increased because of a decreased uric acid clearance, and the serum potassium fell, but there was no significant change in renal blood flow as measured by para-aminohippurate clearance or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). No correlation was found between baseline GFR, measured by iothalmate clearance, and percent change in GFR induced by tolvaptan. Blinded post hoc analysis of renal MRIs showed that tolvaptan significantly reduced total kidney volume by 3.1% and individual cyst volume by 1.6%. Preliminary analysis of this small cohort suggested that these effects were more noticeable in patients with preserved renal function and with larger cysts. No correlation was found between changes of total kidney volume and body weight or estimated body water. Thus, functional and structural effects of tolvaptan on patients with ADPKD are likely due to inhibition of V(2)-driven adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate generation and its aquaretic, hemodynamic, and anti-secretory actions.

Nutritive value of false yam (Icacina oliviformis) tuber meal for broiler chickens

False yam (Icacina oliviformis syn. Icacina senegalensis) is a drought-resistant plant in West and Central Africa that produces a large tuber with a high starch content, but it contains antinutritive factors (terpenes). The objective was to evaluate its feed value for broilers when the tuber was sun-dried (SFYTM) or boiled (BFYTM). In experiment 1, the tubers were peeled, diced, sun-dried (5 d), and milled. In experiment 2, the diced tubers were boiled (2 h), dried (8 d), and milled. Each meal was substituted for corn (Zea mays, wt/wt basis) at levels of 0, 3, 6, and 9% in a basal broiler grower diet (21% CP; 2,967 kcal/kg of ME) and fed to broiler chicks from 21 to 56 d of age, using a completely randomized design (4 treatments, 3 replicates). Each replicate had 10 chicks. Nutrient concentrations (% of DM) of SFYTM were CP (5.41), ether extract (1.60), NDF (28.61), starch (48.63), ash (2.19), and gross energy (4,067 kcal/kg of DM), and those of BFYTM were CP (6.46), ether extract (0.98), NDF (32.37), starch (43.12), ash (2.76), and gross energy (4,139 kcal/kg of DM). The contents of total resins in the meals ranged from 2.28% (BFYTM) to 3.75% (SFYTM). In experiment 1, increasing the dietary level of SFYTM linearly (P < 0.001) decreased feed intake (P < 0.001), BW gain (P = 0.004), G:F (P = 0.041), and dressed carcass yield (P = 0.011). However, in experiment 2, no differences were observed in growth performance (P > 0.05) between any of the dietary treatments. In both experiments, mortality was 2.00% or less (P > 0.05). Inclusion of each meal in the diets did not affect the health of the birds, and no adverse changes in blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood cells were observed.

SOME BIOLOGICAL RISKS IN RATS AS A RESULT OF COOKING IN ALUMINUM UTENSILS

The effects of cooking and / or storage for 7 days of fresh green peas using aluminum kitchen utensils at three different pH values with or without adding sodium chloride in comparison with stainless steel utensils were examined. Biological demonstration in rats revealed the effects of consuming aluminum contaminated diet on hematological measurements RBC’s, WBC’s, platelets counts and erythrocyte indices. Further more the biochemical changes in blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, and the levels of serum iron, calcium and aluminum, as well as the oxidative stress status and tibia characteristics were also investigated. The results showed that using aluminum utensils at acidic medium significantly increased aluminum concentrations in cooked and / or stored peas samples by about 11.5% and 18.7% , respectively, while adding NaCl dose,.3g/20g peas resulted in progressive increment reaching 14.45% and 26.9% respectively. The levels of aluminum were also elevated markedly in the stored samples with or without adding NaCl in both neutral and alkaline medium, while it’s increment ranged between 4 to 5% in cooked samples in case of adding NaCl or not. Aluminum accumulation decreased hematological measurements due to its toxic effects. The decrease of hemoglobin and hematocrit reached 30.0% and 8.36%, respectively, accompanied by decreasing the levels of iron and calcium in serum by about 6.35% and 18.3%, respectively. In contrast, there was 21% elevation in serum aluminum concentration which significantly lowered the antioxidant mechanisms as shown in plasma level of malondialdehyde (5.76 ± 0.24 nmol/ml) as compared to (1.64 ± 0.10 nmol/ml) associated with decreased level of erythrocytes super oxide dismutase by about 19.4%.Tibia characteristics showed a significant increase in weight and density as aluminum accumulation with calcium demineralization at the end of the experiment (12 week). It could be concluded that aluminum leaching from aluminum utensils, especially during storage of acidic foods, in hematological measurements and its physiological function roles also, will cause undesirable changes in oxidative stress and bone dysfunction.

Serum heavy metals and hemoglobin related compounds in Saudi Arabia firefighters

BackgroundFirefighters are frequently exposed to significant concentrations of hazardous materials including heavy metals, aldehydes, hydrogen chloride, dichlorofluoromethane and some particulates. Many of these materials have been implicated in the triggering of several diseases. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of fire smoke exposure on serum heavy metals and possible affection on iron functions compounds (total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation percent, ferritin, unsaturated iron-binding capacity blood hemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin,).Subjects and methodsTwo groups of male firefighter volunteers were included; the first included 28 firefighters from Jeddah city, while the second included 21 firefighters from Yanbu city with an overall age rang of 20–48 years. An additional group of 23 male non-firefighters volunteered from both cities as normal control subjects. Blood samples were collected from all volunteer subjects and investigated for relevant parameters.ResultsThe results obtained showed that there were no statistically significant changes in the levels of serum heavy metals in firefighters as compared to normal control subjects. Blood carboxyhemoglobin and serum ferritin were statistically increased in Jeddah firefighters, (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05 respectively) and Yanbu firefighters, (p < 0.005 and p < 0.001 respectively) as compared to normal control group while serum TIBC and UIBC were statistically decreased in Yanbu firefighters as compared to Jeddah firefighters, (p < 0.005 and p < 0.005 respectively) and normal control group, (p < 0.005 and p < 0.01 respectively). On the other hand, serum transferrin saturation percent was elevated in only Yanbu firefighters, (p < 0.05) as compared to Jeddah firefighters. Besides, there was no statistically significant change in blood hemoglobin and serum iron on comparison between all studied groups.ConclusionSuch results might point to the need for more health protective and prophylactic measures to avoid such hazardous health effects (elevated Blood carboxyhemoglobin and serum ferritin and decreased serum TIBC and UIBC) that might endanger firefighters working under dangerous conditions. Firefighters must be under regular medical follow-up through standard timetabled medical laboratory investigations to allow for early detection of any serum biochemical or blood hematological changes.

The Usefulness of Day-Service in Maintaining General Nutritional Status in Elderly Japanese: A Longitudinal Study

Day-service, commuting service for elderly people requiring care at home, is one healthcare option in Japan. To date, however, there exist no studies that have examined the effects of day-service use on health outcomes in Japan. The objective of the present longitudinal study was to determine whether there is an association between day-service use and various physical and mental health outcomes in elderly people requiring care. The subjects were 61 elderly persons who required between 25 and 49 min of assistance per day and used long-term care insurance. Measurements included demographic characteristics, activities of daily living, frequency of day-service use, body weight, height, grip strength, thigh muscle volume, degree of depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), the mini-mental state examination, and serum albumin and blood hemoglobin levels in the baseline and follow-up surveys two years later. In the day-service user group, the mean changes in serum albumin concentrations using day-service once, twice and three < or = times/week were -0.2, -0.3, and 0 g/dl, respectively, and the mean changes in blood hemoglobin were -0.7, -0.5, and 0.2 g/dl, respectively. The two-year change in serum albumin concentrations was less (p = 0.024) in subjects using day-service "three < or = times" (0 g/dl) than "twice" (-0.3 g/dl). The two-year change in blood hemoglobin was also less (p = 0.043) in subjects using day-service "three < or = times" (0.2 g/dl) than "twice" (-0.5 g/dl). The present study has shown that frequent use of day-service is useful in maintaining general nutritional status in elderly people.

링거액 주입시의 부피팽창 효과에 대한 모델링

In this work the kinetics of volume changes of fluid spaces associated with infusion of Ringer`s solution are analyzed using the body fluid space model. During infusion of Ringer`s solution, the human body is assumed to be characterized by the fluid space model into which fluid is fed and from which fluid is left. Various infusion types were tested to accommodate different medical situations. Volunteers were given Ringer`s solution and the changes in blood hemoglobin were detected. From the comparison with experimental data, the single- and two-fluid space models were found to represent adequately the kinetics of human volume expansion during infusion of Ringer`s solution.

Kinetics of volume expansion during infusion of Ringer’s solution based on single volume model

In this work mathematical models were developed to represent the kinetics of volume changes of fluid spaces associated with infusion of Ringer’s solution. During infusion of Ringer’s solution, the human body is assumed to be characterized by the two-fluid space model which has second volume space in addition to the first volume so that fluid exchanges between these two spaces are possible. Various infusion types were tested to accommodate different medical situations. Volunteers were given Ringer’s solution and the changes in blood hemoglobin were detected. From the comparison with experimental data, the two-fluid space model was found to represent adequately the kinetics of human volume expansion during infusion of Ringer’s solution.

Modelling the Expandable Body Fluid Space after I.V. Fluid Infusion

Background: Changes in the volume of the fluid space expanded by i.v. infusion of crystalloid solution have been analysed recently using mathematical models. The models are based on the assumption that the body strives to maintain volume homeostasis of fluid spaces and that the rate of restoration is a function of deviation from resting volume. Methods: In this work mathematical models were developed to represent the kinetics of volume changes of fluid spaces associated with infusion of Ringer's solution. Based on the characteristics of fluid transportation, two expansion models were tested. The single-fluid space model has a single volume into which fluid is fed and from which fluid is left, and the two-fluid space model has another space in addition to the first volume so that fluid exchanges between these two spaces are possible. Volunteers (six men) were given Hartman's solution for 30 min and the changes in blood hemoglobin were detected. Results: From the comparison with experimental data, the single-fluid space model was found to represent adequately in all volunteers, however, two-fluid space model was found to represent 75% of volunteers. Conclusions: These models may be useful in the description and analysis of the effects of i.v. fluid therapy.

Methionine Supplementation Did Not Augment Oxidative Stress, Atherosclerotic Changes and Hepatotoxicity Induced by High Cholesterol Diet in C57BL/6J Mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a high-methionine plus cholesterol diet (HM+HC) on plasma, erythrocyte, liver and aorta lipid, lipid peroxide levels, and the liver antioxidant system, as well as hepatic and aortic histopathology in CS 7BL/6J mice, and to compare these results to those observed following administration of a high-methionine (HM) or high-cholesterol diet (HC) alone. Mice were fed diets containing 1.5% methionine, 1.5%, cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid, or a combination of the two diets, for 4 mo. The HM diet did not alter cholesterol or diene conjugate (DC) levels in the plasma or aorta, but this diet caused increases in cholesterol, triglyceride, malondialdehyde (MDA) and DC levels and a decrease in a-tocopherol levels without any change in the levels of glutathione and ascorbic acid or the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase in the liver of mice. However, the HC diet alone was found to further increase cholesterol, triglyceride. MDA and DC levels in the plasma and liver together with changes in hepatic antioxidant system elements, but aortic cholesterol and DC levels remained unchanged as compared to the control group. There were no changes in blood hemoglobin and erythrocyte MDA levels or erythrocyte hemolysis values in both the HM and HC groups. However, the parameters related to lipid and lipid peroxide and antioxidant systems did not change in the plasma or tissues of the HM+HC and HC groups. Only plasma cholesterol was observed to increase in the HM+HC group as compared to the HC group. In addition, histopathological findings in the liver and aorta were similar in the HC and HM+HC groups. In conclusion, our results indicate that the addition of methionine to the HC diet did not augment oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity or atherosclerotic changes induced by the HC diet in mice.

Characteristics of Blood in Common Carp,Cyprinus carpio, Exposed to Low Temperatures

Changes in blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, leucocrit, osmolarity, lactate, glucose and cortisol concentrations were monitored in common carp, Cyprinus carpio, exposed to decreasing temperatures (from 24°C to 4°C). Two experiments [rapid change (acute) and slow change (chronic)] were conducted. In the acute experiment, it took 3 days for the decrease of water temperatures from 24°C to 4°C. In the chronic experiment, it took 33 days for the decrease of water temperatures from 24°C to 4°C. Blood lactate and hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit, and leucocrit significantly (P 0.05) in the cold-treated common carp in both acute and chronic exposure. Data indicate that levels of blood lactate, hematocrit...

Effect of latent iron deficiency on the levels of iron, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, cadmium and lead in liver, kidney and spleen of growing rats

Feeding a marginally low iron content diet (18-20 mg iron/kg diet) to weaned (21-day-old) rats for 8 weeks produced a significant decrease in liver non-heme iron (66%, p less than 0.001) but no change in blood hemoglobin. Total iron contents of liver (56%, p less than 0.01), spleen (20%, p less than 0.05), and kidney (19%, p less than 0.05) were also found to decrease along with increased zinc, copper, calcium, manganese lead and cadmium in various organs. The magnitude of alteration of a metal was different in different organs. However, liver was found to be the most affected organ. Two weeks of rehabilitation with iron-sufficient diet (390 mg iron/kg diet) normalized these altered levels.