Blood Bank Donors Research Articles

Prevalence and Factors Associated with transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in Arua regional blood bank, Uganda

BackgroundBlood transfusion services play a very key role in modern health care service delivery. About 118.5 million blood donations were collected globally in 2022. However, about 1.6 million units of blood are destroyed annually due to transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). There is a very high risk of TTIs through donated blood to recipients if safe transfusion practices are not observed. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with TTIs among blood donors in Arua regional blood bank, Uganda.MethodsThis study was a retrospective cross-sectional design that involved a review of a random sample of 1370 blood donors registered between January 1st, 2018 and December 31st, 2019 at Arua regional blood bank, Uganda. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the blood donors. The binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with TTIs.ResultsThe majority of the blood donors were male (80.1%), and the median donor age was 23 years (IQR = 8 years). The overall prevalence of TTIs was found to be 13.8% (95%CI: 12.0-15.6%), with specific prevalences of 1.9% for HIV, 4.1% for HBV, 6.6% for HCV and 2.8% for treponema pallidum. Male sex (AOR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.32–3.36, p-value = 0.002) and lapsed donor type compared to new donor type (AOR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.13–0.87, p-value = 0.025) were found to be associated with TTIs.ConclusionThe prevalence of TTIs among blood donors of West Nile region, Uganda was found to be significantly high, which implies a high burden of TTIs in the general population. Hence, there is need to implement a more stringent donor screening process to ensure selection of risk-free donors, with extra emphasis on male and new blood donors. Additionally, sensitization of blood donors on risky behaviors and self-deferral will reduce the risk of donating infected blood to the recipients.

Transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors of Kamenge Teaching Hospital blood bank in Burundi.

The current risk of contracting a transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) is unknown in Burundi. The aim of this study was to assess sociodemographic profiles of blood bank donors at Kamenge Teaching Hospital, the prevalence and associated risk factors of HIV, syphilis, HBV and HCV from 2015 to 2020. We conducted a cross-sectional study including all blood donors of Kamenge Teaching Hospital blood bank. During this study, 1370 blood samples were screened for HIV, Syphilis, HBV and HCV. We calculated prevalence of TTIs and performed logistic regression to know associated risk factors. Blood donors were males at 77% and 23% females. They were mostly students (54.2%). On screening, 83 blood samples (6.06%) were seropositive for at least one TTI. The overall prevalence rate of HIV, Syphilis, HBV and HCV among blood donors was 1.3%, 0.2% ,1.6%, 2.9% respectively. There was difference in distribution of the four TTIs among blood donors which is statistically significant (x2=33.997, ϱ-value<0.001). Private donors were associated with a high risk of syphilis and being a first-time donor was associated with a high HBV risk factor. The prevalence of TTIs found still to be high; mandatory and continuous screening is necessary.

Analyzing Blood Cells of High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients Using Interferometric Phase Microscopy and Fluorescent Flow Cytometry.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are a group of potentially deadly diseases that affect the morphology and function of neutrophils. Rapid diagnosis of MDS is crucial for the initiation of treatment that can vastly improve disease outcome. In this work, we present a new approach for detecting morphological differences between neutrophils isolated from blood samples of high-risk MDS patients and blood bank donors (BBDs). Using fluorescent flow cytometry, neutrophils were stained with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF), which reacts with reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Hoechst, which binds to DNA. We observed that BBDs possessed two cell clusters (designated H and L), whereas MDS patients possessed a single cluster (L). Later, we used FACS to sort the H and the L cells and used interferometric phase microscopy (IPM) to image the cells without utilizing cell staining. IPM images showed that H cells are characterized by low optical path delay (OPD) in the nucleus relative to the cytoplasm, especially in cell vesicles containing ROS, whereas L cells are characterized by low OPD in the cytoplasm relative to the nucleus and no ROS-containing vesicles. Moreover, L cells present a higher average OPD and dry mass compared to H cells. When examining neutrophils from MDS patients and BBDs by IPM during flow, we identified ~20% of cells as H cells in BBDs in contrast to ~4% in MDS patients. These results indicate that IPM can be utilized for the diagnosis of complex hematological pathologies such as MDS.

ABO and Rh (D) blood group phenotype distribution pattern among blood donors at the Nekemte Blood Bank, Oromia, West Ethiopia: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

To determine the distribution of ABO and Rh (D) blood group phenotypes among blood donors. This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled blood donors whose socio-demographic and blood group phenotype data were collected from blood bank donor records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the number and percentage distribution of categorical variables. To determine if the distributions of the ABO and Rh phenotypes differed, a chi-square test was employed. Of 14,887 blood donors with a median age of 20 years (interquartile range = 18-30 years), 72.8% were males, and young donors (age range = 18-24 years) accounted for 61.7%. Group O (45.6%) was the most prevalent ABO blood phenotype, followed by A (29.5%), B (20.2%), and AB (4.7%). The dominant blood group was O positive (42.4%), followed by A positive (27.4%), B positive (18.9%), AB positive (4.3%), O negative (3.2%), A negative (2.1%), B negative (1.3%), and AB negative (0.4%). The overall Rh (D)-negative distribution rate was 7.0%. This study showed that blood group O was the most common ABO phenotype, followed by A, B, and AB. Overall, 93.0% of the donors were Rh (D)-positive. These findings may help guide blood transfusion programmes.

The Prevalence of Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases Among Blood Donors in the Central Blood Bank in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Background This study aimed to analyze the health and demographic characteristics of blood donors in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and assess the prevalence and correlation of two markers related to hepatitis B infection: hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis B virus surface antibody (HBsAb). Materials and methods The study used a retrospective design and collected data from the Central Blood Bank in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2022. The sample size was 7,875 blood donors. The study used various methods, such as serological testing, nucleic acid testing (NAT), and statistical analysis. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation to examine the relationships between different variables. Results The predominant age group was 29-39 years, accounting for 46.9% of the total donors. In terms of blood types, O+ve was the most common, representing 40.3% of the donors. The investigation into infectious markers revealed overall low levels of reactivity among donors. For HBsAg, a marker of active hepatitis B infection, only 0.36% of the units were reactive. Conversely, the anti-HBsAb, which indicates immunity to hepatitis B, was reactive in 6.83% of the units. The correlation analysis illuminated some critical relationships. The total number of units tested had a statistically significant, albeit weak, positive relationship with HBsAg reactivity, shown by a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.030 and a p-value of 0.008. Conversely, the total number of units tested and anti-HBsAb reactivity showed a moderate negative correlation, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.437 and a p-value of less than 0.001. However, no significant correlation was identified between HBsAg and anti-HBsAb reactivity, indicating that active infection and immunity status might not be directly linked. Conclusion This extensive study provides in-depth insights into the sociodemographic characteristics of blood donors and the prevalence of key infectious markers within this population. It underlines the imperative of rigorous screening of blood units, particularly given the low immunity levels to hepatitis B identified. Also, the study showed the importance of screening blood units and vaccinating people against hepatitis B. It also suggested the need for more research on blood safety and infection-immunity relationships.

#5536 CIRCULATING LEVELS OF COPEPTIN, GROWTH DIFFERENTIATION FACTOR 15 (GDF15) AND INTERLEUKIN 6 (ILA-6) IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract Background and Aims The search for new serum biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with CKD is relevant to improve the monitoring of these patients. Copeptin is a glycopeptide that is released equimolarly with arginine-vasopressin. GDF-15 is a cytokine involved in macrophage activation processes and is a marker of response to oxidative stress, and IL-6 as a marker of systemic inflammation. Objective: To study the serum levels of copeptin, GDF-15 and IL-6 in patients with advanced CKD. Method Cross-sectional study in 32 patients with advanced CKD. In all patients, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was determined by CKD-EPI, the albumin/creatinine ratio (CrAI) and the serum concentrations of copeptin (immunofluorescence, Thermo Fisher), GDF-15 (chemiluminescence, Roche Diagnostics International) and IL-6 (Siemens Healthineers). Results were compared to laboratory reference values (RVs) for copeptin (VN&amp;lt;4.2 pmol/L) and IL-6 (VN&amp;lt;4.4 pg/mL). The VR of GDF-15 (708±227 pg/ml) corresponds to own data from 10 Blood Bank donors. Results for copeptin and GDF-15 (normal distribution) are shown as mean ± SD. IL-6 results (without normal distribution) as median and interquartile range. Results In CKD we observed an increase in copeptin (26.9±22 pmol/l, 90% &amp;gt;4.2 VR) and GDF-15 (4703±2683 pg/ml p&amp;lt;0.0001 vs. control population). Median IL6 3.2 pg/ml (IQR: 2.7-5.1, 35% &amp;gt;4.4 VR). We did not find differences in the levels of copeptin, GDF-15 or IL-6 based on age, sex and presence or absence of diabetes. A significant correlation was found between GDF15 levels and eGFR (r=-0.54 p&amp;lt;0.002). Conclusion Serum levels of copeptin and GDF-15, but not IL6, are increased in CKD patients. Our data suggest a significant inverse relationship between GDF15 and eGFR. More studies are needed to know the possible role of GDF-15 on the progression of kidney damage and cardiovascular complications in patients with CKD.

Electrolyte Abnormalities in Patients Hospitalised with COVID-19 in the Southern Gaza Strip, Palestine: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), has caused, nearly 18 million deaths worldwide, many more hospitalisations, and severe economic and social disruption, as of March 2022. Malnutrition and electrolyte imbalance can lead to immune system dysfunction, which can increase the risk of infection. Aim: To evaluate the electrolyte imbalance and other biomarkers in COVID-19 patients and also, to compare these parameters with healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at European Gaza Hospital, Southern Gaza Strip, Palestine. The duration of the study was four months, from February 2022 to May 2022. A total of 200 participants were included in the study, out of which 100 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test and 100 healthy individuals were recruited from blood bank donors and comprehensive Screening Department. Biochemical profile; Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), urea, Creatinine (Cr), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), total Creatinine Kinase (CK-total), Creatine Kinase (CK) isoenzyme CK and electrolytes (Na, K, phosphorous, and Mg, ionised calcium, total calcium, and Cl) were assayed. Data were statistically analysed using Student’s t-test and Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 54.1±12.2 years for cases and 54.3±12.4 years for controls. A total of 200 subjects, both the groups had 34 (34.0%) males and 66 (66.0%) females, which was not statistically significant (p-value&gt;0.05). COVID-19 patients had significantly higher values of Na (141.9±4.6 vs 139.7±3.1; p&lt;0.001), K (4.6±0.9 vs 4.3±0.5; p-value=0.001), Cl (108.7±5.3 vs 101.1±4.0; p&lt;0.001), P (4.6±0.6 vs 4±1.4; p&lt;0.001), and Mg (2.1±0.2 vs 1.7±0.3; p&lt;0.001). However, they had lower Ca ionised (1.0±0.1 vs 1.1±0.1; p&lt;0.001) and total Ca (8.4±0.9 vs 9.1±1.1; p&lt;0.001). Furthermore, COVID-19 patients had significantly higher levels of biomarkers of other biochemical profiles compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: As compared to healthy individuals, patients hospitalised with COVID-19, exhibited alterations in their electrolyte balance and other biochemical markers. Management of these parameters to get homeostasis, could that warrant opportunities to reduce morbidity and mortality of disease.

Epidemiologic profile of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in apparently healthy blood bank donors

Epidemiologic profile of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in apparently healthy blood bank donors

Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in apparently healthy blood bank donors: metabolic, alcohol, and combined damage

Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in apparently healthy blood bank donors: metabolic, alcohol, and combined damage

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among Blood Donors from Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a highly contagious virus, is a circular partial double-stranded DNA virus. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus with a major blood-borne infection worldwide. Infection of HBV and HCV among blood donors is an important public health problem. Objective. To assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and associated factors among blood donors at Bahir Dar Blood Bank, Northwest Ethiopia. Method. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Bahir Dar Blood Bank from May 18, 2020 to July 27, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 426 participants. Variables having a p value of &lt;0.05 with 95% CI and AOR were considered statistically significant. Results. From 426 proposed participants, 418 (98.1%) of them completed the face-to-face interview. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among study participants was 4.07% and 0.48%, respectively. Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 10.356: 95% CI: (2.277–47.099)), having a family history of hepatitis (AOR = 8.106: 95% CI: (1.278–51.403)), and having sharp materials sharing experience (AOR = 11.313, 95% CI: (1.144–111.864)) have a significant association with HBV infection. No risk factors were found for HCV infectious markers. Conclusion and Recommendations. This study showed that the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections confirmed with positive tests among voluntary blood donors in Bahir Dar Blood Bank was 4.07% and 0.48%, respectively. HBV seroprevalence among blood donors in this study has remained stable when compared to a study done in 2013 in the same population. Strict donor selection, safe sex practice, using proper safety precautions when offering care to a family member, and immunization of people at risk could constitute an important package of a prevention program.

Kynurenine serves as useful biomarker in acute, Long- and Post-COVID-19 diagnostics.

IntroductionIn patients with SARS-CoV-2, innate immunity is playing a central role, depicted by hyperinflammation and longer lasting inflammatory response. Reliable inflammatory markers that cover both acute and long-lasting COVID-19 monitoring are still lacking. Thus, we investigated one specific inflammatory marker involved as one key player of the immune system, kynurenine (Kyn), and its use for diagnosis/detection of the Long-/Post-COVID syndrome in comparison to currently used markers in both serum and saliva samples.Material and methodsThe study compromised in total 151 inpatients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalized between 03/2020 and 09/2021. The group NC (normal controls) included blood bank donors (n=302, 144f/158m, mean age 47.1 ± 18.3 years (range 18-75)). Two further groups were generated based on Group A (n=85, 27f/58m, mean age 63.1 ± 18.3 years (range 19-90), acute admission to the hospital) and Group B (n=66, 22f/44m, mean age 66.6 ± 17.6 years (range 17-90), admitted either for weaning or for rehabilitation period due to Long-COVID symptoms/syndrome). Plasma concentrations of Kyn, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured on admission. In Group B we determined Kyn 4 weeks after the negative PCR-test. In a subset of patients (n=11) concentrations of Kyn and CRP were measured in sera and saliva two, three and four months after dismission. We identified 12 patients with Post-COVID symptoms >20 weeks with still significant elevated Kyn-levels.ResultsMean values for NC used as reference were 2.79 ± 0.61 µM, range 1.2-4.1 µM. On admission, patients showed significantly higher concentrations of Kyn compared to NC (p-values < 0.001). Kyn significantly correlated with IL-6 peak-values (r=0.411; p-values <0.001) and CRP (r=0.488, p-values<0.001). Kyn values in Group B (Long-/Post-COVID) showed still significant higher values (8.77 ± 1.72 µM, range 5.5-16.6 µM), whereas CRP values in Group B were in the normal range.ConclusionSerum and saliva Kyn are reflecting the acute and long-term pathophysiology of the SARS-CoV-2 disease concerning the innate immune response and thus may serve a useful biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring both Long- and Post-COVID syndrome and its therapy.

Establishing the First COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Biobank in Jordan.

Background: Antibodies with the specialized ability to fight infection can be found in the blood of individuals who have recovered from or have been vaccinated against COVID-19. As a result, plasma from these individuals could be used to treat critically ill patients. This treatment is known as convalescent plasma (CCP) therapy. Methods: Plasma units from 1555 consented healthy blood bank donors were collected from February to September 2021. Blood units were tested for the quantitative determination of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus using one of the following assays based on the availability of the kits: The LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG assay or the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay. Results: Among the tested donors, 1027 participants tested positive for neutralizing anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies (66.04%). There were 484 donors whose plasma qualified to be used for CCP therapy (47.13%) and 214 CCP units were stored in the COVID-19 convalescent biobank. Conclusion: We were able to identify and store 214 fresh frozen plasma units qualified for CCP-plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients according to World Health Organization standards. Hence, we established the first COVID-19-convalescent plasma data and plasma biobank for treating COVID-19-infected cancer patients in Jordan and the region.

Blood transfusion malaria among blood donors in the Central Blood Bank in Kassala State, Sudan

Background and aims:&#x0D; Although blood transfusion is generally believed to save human lives, blood can be a vehicle for the transmission of some infectious and parasitic diseases including malaria. So, this study aims to determine the prevalence of blood transfusion malaria among blood donors in the Central Blood Bank in Kassala State, according to age and blood groups.&#x0D; Materials and methods:&#x0D; A cross-sectional study was carried out in the central blood bank in Kassala State among blood donors; this study involved one hundred blood samples, collected from donors aged from 18 to 41 years. &#x0D; Results:&#x0D; The results showed that 1 (1%) of the donors was infected with the malaria parasite. The results also showed that the species of the malaria parasite was Plasmodium falciparum; the other Plasmodium species were not found. The results revealed that most donors were blood group O, while AB was the least common blood group; the blood group that harbored the malaria parasite was blood group O, and the other blood groups tested negative. The results also showed the highest number of blood donors was found in the age group of 24-29, and the positive donor was found in the same age group. &#x0D; Conclusions:&#x0D; Both the blood films and immune chromatography test showed one positive result for the donor and the percentage of blood transfusion malaria was 1%.

The Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infections among Blood Donors in Blood Bank of Zawia Teaching Hospital and the Assessment of Some Related Factors

Infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is transmissible and is considered a public health issue which affects people of all ages. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infections among blood donors and to assess the correlation of different lifestyles with H. pylori infections in addition to considering the prevalence of infections among blood Donor in regards to age. This study was conducted at the blood bank at Zawia Hospital, Libya, from the first of March until the end of May 2021. One hundred male donors aged between 22-61years were included in the study. The results showed that 37 persons (37%) were positive for H. pylori, and the remaining 63 (63%) were negative. The highest level of infections was among cases aged (32– 41) with a total of 15 infections (40.54%). It can be concluded that infection with Helicobacter pylori is prevalent in asymptomatic people of Zawia city.

Natural Exposure- and Vaccination-Induced Profiles of Ex Vivo Whole Blood Cytokine Responses to Coxiella burnetii.

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the highly infectious Gram-negative coccobacillus, Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). The Q fever vaccine Q-VAX® is characterised by high reactogenicity, requiring individuals to be pre-screened for prior exposure before vaccination. To date it remains unclear whether vaccine side effects in pre-exposed individuals are associated with pre-existing adaptive immune responses to C. burnetii or are also a function of innate responses to Q-VAX®. In the current study, we measured innate and adaptive cytokine responses to C. burnetii and compared these among individuals with different pre-exposure status. Three groups were included: n=98 Dutch blood bank donors with unknown exposure status, n=95 Dutch village inhabitants with known natural exposure status to C. burnetii during the Dutch Q fever outbreak of 2007-2010, and n=96 Australian students receiving Q-VAX® vaccination in 2021. Whole blood cytokine responses following ex vivo stimulation with heat-killed C. burnetii were assessed for IFNγ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNFα, IL-1β, IP-10, MIP-1α and IL-8. Serological data were collected for all three cohorts, as well as data on skin test and self-reported vaccine side effects and clinical symptoms during past infection. IFNγ, IP-10 and IL-2 responses were strongly elevated in individuals with prior C. burnetii antigen exposure, whether through infection or vaccination, while IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα responses were slightly increased in naturally exposed individuals only. High dimensional analysis of the cytokine data identified four clusters of individuals with distinct cytokine response signatures. The cluster with the highest levels of adaptive cytokines and antibodies comprised solely individuals with prior exposure to C. burnetii, while another cluster was characterized by high innate cytokine production and an absence of C. burnetii-induced IP-10 production paired with high baseline IP-10 levels. Prior exposure status was partially associated with these signatures, but could not be clearly assigned to a single cytokine response signature. Overall, Q-VAX® vaccination and natural C. burnetii infection were associated with comparable cytokine response signatures, largely driven by adaptive cytokine responses. Neither individual innate and adaptive cytokine responses nor response signatures were associated retrospectively with clinical symptoms during infection or prospectively with side effects post-vaccination.

Assessment of dengue virus threat to blood safety and community health: A single center study in northern Egypt

BackgroundThe risk of transfusion transmitted dengue (DENV) is increasingly recognized and poses a risk to blood safety as well as spreading into non-immune communities. ObjectivesTo determine dengue serological profile, environmental risk, knowledge, and preventive measures among blood donors in a national blood bank in northern Egypt. MethodsA total of 500 blood donors were enrolled into this study between June and September 2018. Socio-demographic and medical data were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. Blood samples were screened for anti-DENV IgM, anti-DENV IgG and non-structural protein 1 antigen (DENV-NS1 antigen). ResultsHistory of past dengue exposure was identified in 10.2% of blood donors. No samples (0.0%) tested positive for anti-DENV IgG, IgM or NS1 antigen. At the time of blood donation, no individuals had any symptoms suggestive of a dengue-related illness. Dengue exposure strongly correlated with travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Sudan and the El-Quseir outbreak area in Egypt. Knowledge of dengue and prevention methods was found to be substantially deficient, and the relatively higher level of knowledge among exposed donors did not translate into appropriate preventative measures. ConclusionsOur risk assessment shows the impact of travel on DENV exposure and highlights its potential threat to disease spread in Egypt. Dengue awareness programs are urgently needed for effective prevention of transmission.

Alcohol Dysregulates CD4 T Cell Mitochondrial Homeostasis

CD4 T cell differentiation to pro‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive subsets requires distinct metabolic pathways. Pro‐inflammatory CD4 subsets rely on glycolysis, while immunosuppressive (Treg cells) subsets, require functional mitochondria for their differentiation and function. Previous studies have shown that binge alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) administration increased Tbet‐expressing (Th1) and decreased FOXP3‐expressing (Treg) CD4 T cells in the colons of mice. We tested the hypothesis that EtOH dysregulates normal CD4 T cell differentiation, after stimulation, by impairing mitochondrial homeostasis. Human naïve CD4 T cells were isolated from buffy coats from blood bank donors (N = 6) using MACS sorting. Cells were stimulated using anti‐CD3‐coated dishes in the presence of anti‐CD28 and IL‐12, and exposed to EtOH (0 and 50 mM) for 3 days. Mitochondrial content was measured with Mitotracker Deep Red. Gene expression indicative of: autophagosome formation (ATG5, ATG7, ATG13, MAP1LC3B, BECN1, BNIP3L, ULK1), mitophagy (PINK1, PRKN),mitochondrial fusion (MFN1, MFN2, OPA1), mitochondrial fission (MFFand FIS1), and mitochondrial biogenesis (PPARC1A, PPARC1B, TFAM) was determined by RT2 profiler arrays. EtOH‐treated CD4 T cells had increased mitochondrial content (p = 0.0008) with Tregs accounting for the greatest increase in mitochondria (p = 0.04). There was a main effect of stimulation (p &lt; 0.05) to increase ATG5, ATG13, MAP1LC3B, BECN1, BNIP3L, ULK1, MFF, PPARC1B, and TFAM, and a main effect of EtOH (p &lt; 0.05) to increase PINK1 and decrease ATG7. There was a main effect of both EtOH and stimulation (p &lt; 0.05) to increase MFN2, and OPA1.Taken together, these results indicate that EtOH increases mitochondrial content in Treg cells and dysregulates mitochondrial gene expression important for mitochondrial repair and mitophagy. These EtOH‐mediated alterations in gene expression could result in an inability of CD4 T cells to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and remove damaged mitochondria that is required for normal differentiation and function of anti‐inflammatory Treg cells.

Microarray analysis of autoantibodies can identify future Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients

ObjectiveReliable early ascertainment in patients with SLE is important to prevent the accumulation of irreversible organ damage. Autoantibodies are often present in the serum of patients before the first symptoms arise, therefore they are of potential use as early diagnostic tools. MethodsWe used a custom-made antibody microarray containing 57 autoantigens to analyze serum samples of 1519 patients previously tested for anti-dsDNA and 361 samples of self-reported healthy blood bank donors (BBD). The 1519 patients included 483 patients with SLE, 346 patients with other immune mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID), 218 patient controls without relevant clinical symptoms (Non-IMID), and 472 patients that did not fit in any of the previous groups (Rest). The Non-IMID and BBD groups were used individually to create multivariable prediction models to distinguish samples of patients with SLE from these control groups. We subsequently used these models to predict the outcome for samples of patients who developed SLE while in follow-up (pre-SLE). ResultsOut of 1036 patients with no diagnosis of SLE at the moment of sample collection, 17 patients developed SLE while in follow-up (mean time to diagnosis 7.2 months). The best performing model (AUC 0.83) identified 9 out of 17 (53%) pre-SLE samples as SLE, with a specificity of 94%. ConclusionSerum samples of patients who will develop SLE in the future already show a shift of the autoantibody profile prior to diagnosis. In this study, we show that these autoantibody profiles can be used to identify these future SLE patients.

Comparison of the effectiveness and duration of anti-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody response between different types of vaccines: Implications for vaccine strategies

Background and objectivesLittle is known about the efficacy and durability of anti-RBD IgG antibodies induced by certain SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. It has been shown that neutralizing antibodies are associated with the protection against re-infection. This study aims to compare the mean titers, duration, and efficacy of generating protective anti-RBD IgG antibody response among recipients of Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, we aimed to compare the susceptibility of getting COVID-19 breakthrough infections after various types of vaccines. Materials and methodsSamples from 2065 blood bank donors and healthcare workers at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) were collected between February and September 2021. Anti-Spike/RBD IgG levels were measured using Chemiluminescent microparticle-immunoassay (CMIA) (ARCHITECT IgG II Quant test, Abbott, USA). ResultsThe mean titer of anti-RBD IgG levels was significantly diverse among different types of vaccines. The highest titer level was seen in participants who took a third booster vaccine shot, followed by Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm vaccine. The mean titer levels of anti-RBD IgG antibodies in the Pfizer vaccinated group was the highest after vaccination but started to drop after 60 days from vaccination unlike AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccine-induced antibodies where the mean titers continued to be stable until 120 days but their levels were significantly lower. Most of the breakthrough infections were among the Sinopharm vaccinated group and these breakthroughs happened at random times for the three main types of vaccines. ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that the mean-titer of anti-RBD IgG levels drop after four months which is the best time to take the additional booster shot from a more potent vaccine type such as mRNA vaccines that might be needed in Jordan and worldwide.

Monitoring iron stores in Icelandic blood donors from 1997 through 2019.

To estimate the frequency of iron deficiency (ID) and anaemia in blood donors in Iceland and the impact of serum ferritin (SF) testing policy change. Blood donations contribute to ID and/or anaemia in whole blood donors (WBD). SF may be used to monitor blood donor iron stores. The study included WBD and new donors (ND) in the Icelandic Blood Bank in 1997-2019. SF was measured for ND and intermittently for WBD until October 2017, but thereafter for all WBD and ND at every visit. In January 2018, the SF threshold increased from 14 to 16 μg/L for ND and from 8 to 10μg/L for WBD. The study included 85 370 SF results from 243 369 visits of 32 910 donors. Median SF was higher for males than females, both for ND (88.0 vs. 31.2 μg/L, p < 0.001) and WBD (before 2018: 43.0 vs. 22.0 μg/L, p < 0.001). After the policy change in 2018, median SF increased for both male WBD (to 45.2μg/L, p < 0.001) and female WBD (to 25.7μg/L, p < 0.001). ID (SF <15 μg/L) was present in 10.6% of female ND and 0.5% of male ND. After policy change, the proportion of WB donations associated with ID decreased for males (from 6.4% to 4.0%) and females (from 18.9% to 14.1%). ID anaemia was present at some time in 3.7% of female WBD and 1.2% of male WBD. This nationwide study showed that ID in WB donors is common, especially among females, but monitoring SF may improve donor management.