Hemoglobin Research Articles

Comparative study of hematological parameters among smokers and nonsmokers in Basra city, Iraq

BackgroundHematological parameters are significantly affected by both immediate and prolonged exposure to smoking. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the influence of cigarette smoking on hematological parameters among male students enrolled at Basrah University in Iraq. MethodsThe study comprised a total of seventy male participants, divided into two groups: smokers (n = 35) and nonsmokers (n = 35). Each participant provided a 5 ml venous blood sample to analyze the complete blood count using a hematology analyzer (Spinreact, Spincell 3). ResultsCigarette smokers exhibit notably elevated levels of Red Blood Cells (RBC) counts, Hemoglobin (HGB), Red Cell Distribution Width-CV (RDW-CV), granulocytes%, and platelets%, whereas Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and lymphocytes% are notably lower among smokers. On the other hand, Hematocrit percentage (HCT), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), and White Blood Cells (WBC) counts show no significant difference between cigarette smokers and nonsmokers. In contrast, Red Cell Distribution Width-SD (RDW-SD), Mid-range cell percentage (MID%), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Distribution Width (PDW), Platelet Plateletcrit percentage (PCT), Platelet-Lymphocyte Cell Ratio (P_LCR) and Platelet-Lymphocyte Cell Count (P_LCC) demonstrate no substantial variance between the two groups at the statistical significance threshold. ConclusionThis investigation concludes that tobacco cigarette smoking leads to detrimental alterations in hematological parameters, posing health risks.

Advancing Protein Detection and Analysis Based on Ag/Au PHCN for Enhanced SERS Sensitivity and Specificity in Biomolecular Diagnostics.

In the realm of disease diagnostics, particularly for conditions such as proteinuria and hemoglobinuria, the quest for a method that combines accurate, label-free detection of protein compositions and their conformational changes remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we introduce an innovative Ag/Au plasmonic hybrid coupling nanoarray (Ag/Au PHCN) architecture marked by sub-10 nm interparticle gaps. These nanoarrays, leveraging plasmonic hybrid coupling and synergistic enhancement mechanisms, create a plethora of uniform surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) hotspots. The Ag/Au PHCN substrates demonstrated unparalleled sensitivity in the unmarked detection of hemoglobin (HGB), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and cytochrome C (Cyt.C) in bodily fluids, incorporating the advantages of high sensitivity, high reproducibility, durability, recyclability, and biocompatibility. Notably, the detection limits for BSA and HGB are unprecedented at 0.5 and 5 ng/mL, respectively. This achievement sets a new benchmark for label-free protein detection using two-dimensional nanostructures. Crucially, the Ag/Au PHCNs possess the novel capability to discern protein conformational changes post denaturation, underscoring their potential in probing protein functionalities. Most importantly, these nanoarrays can differentiate between normal and proteinuria-affected urine samples and monitor protein content variations over time, heralding a new era in clinical diagnostics with particular relevance to proteinuria and hemoglobinuria detection.

Evaluating the Effects of Prostate Radiotherapy Intensified with Pelvic Nodal Radiotherapy and Androgen Deprivation Therapy on Myelosuppression: Single-Institution Experience.

Prostate cancer (PCa) management commonly involves the utilization of prostate radiotherapy (PRT), pelvic nodal radiotherapy (PNRT), and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, the potential association of these treatment modalities with bone marrow (BM) suppression remains inadequately reported in the existing literature. This study is designed to comprehensively evaluate the risk of myelosuppression associated with PRT, shedding light on an aspect that has been underrepresented in prior research. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 600 patients with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with prostate radiotherapy (PRT) at a single oncology center between 2007 and 2017. Patients were categorized into four cohorts: PRT alone (n = 149), PRT + ADT, (n = 91), PRT + PNRT (n = 39), and PRT + PNRT + ADT (n = 321). To assess the risk of myelosuppression, we scrutinized specific blood parameters, such as hemoglobin (HGB), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYM), and platelets (PLT) at baseline, mid-treatment (mRT), immediately post-RT (pRT), 1 month post-RT (1M-pRT), and 1 year post-RT (1Y-pRT). The inter-cohort statistical significance was evaluated with further stratification based on the utilized RT technique {3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)}. Significant statistical differences at baseline were observed in HGB and LYM values among all cohorts (p < 0.05). Patients in the PRT + PNRT + ADT cohort had significantly lower HGB at baseline and 1M-pRT. In patients undergoing ADT, BMS had a significant impact at 1M-pRT {odds ratio (OR) 9.1; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 4.8-17.1} and at 1Y-pRT (OR 2.84; CI 1.14-7.08). The use of 3D-CRT was linked to reduced HGB levels in the PRT + PNRT + ADT group at 1 month pRT (p = 0.015). Similarly, PNRT significantly impacted BMS at 1M-pRT (OR 6.7; CI 2.6-17.2). PNRT increased the odds of decreased WBC counts at 1Y-pRT (OR 6.83; CI: 1.02-45.82). Treatment with any RT techniques (3D-CRT or IMRT), particularly in the PRT + PNRT and PRT + PNRT + ADT groups, significantly increased the odds of low LYM counts at all time points except immediately pRT (p < 0.05). Furthermore, NEUT counts were considerably lower at 1M-pRT (p < 0.05) in the PRT + PNRT + ADT group. PLT counts were significantly decreased by PRT + PNRT + ADT at mRT (OR 2.57; 95% CI: 1.42-4.66) but were not significantly impacted by the RT technique. Treatment with PRT, ADT, PNRT, and 3D-CRT is associated with BMS. Despite this statistically significant risk, no patient required additional interventions to manage the outcome. While its clinical impact appears limited, its importance cannot be underestimated in the context of increased integration of novel systemic agents with myelosuppressive properties. Longer follow-up should be considered in future studies.

Sexual dimorphism in physiological responses of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L) under acute hypoxia and reoxygenation

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a crucial factor throughout fish life cycle. In this study, the hematology, hepatic antioxidant levels, histomorphology of the liver and gill were determined in both female and male turbot under acute hypoxia to evaluated the underlying mechanisms and potential sexual dimorphism difference. Results showed that acute hypoxia stress treatment for 3 h significantly increased plasma cortisol, glucose, hemoglobin (HGB), cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, red blood cell count (RBC) number, hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) activity in both male and female turbot. Male obtained higher plasma CHO, TG and LDL contents, GSH-Px and SOD activity than female under hypoxia. Meanwhile, hypoxia increased gill respiratory frequency, secondary lamellar length, secondary lamellar width, perimeter, lamellar surface area and gill surface area and decreased interlamellar distance. Acute hypoxia induced clubbing, hyperplasia, hypertrophy of gill filaments and hepatic vacuolization in both male and female turbot. The aforementioned parameters were recovered to normal levels after reoxygenation for 12 h. In conclusion, sex dimorphism difference of turbot hematological (RBC, HGB) and biochemical (glucose, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA) parameters were observed under hypoxia stress, while male demonstrated more hypoxia tolerance than female. These results help understand turbot hypoxia tolerance mechanisms and provide more data for management in captivity.

A new approach to detect the imbalance of hemoglobin and methemoglobin levels in human plasma based on a fluorescent modified nanocellulose chemosensor

This work has developed a new, rapid, highly sensitive, and precise approach to identify the imbalance levels of hemoglobin and methemoglobin through fluorescence emission spectroscopy. A study on a new Schiff base-modified nanocellulose (PY-PDA-DANC) applied as a fluorescent chemosensor is reported. To prepare the chemosensor, nanocellulose (NC) was first converted into 2,3-dialdehyde nanocellulose (DANC), and then modified by grafting o-phenylenediamine (PDA), followed by 1-pyrenecarboxaldehyde giving rise to the new blue-fluorescent complex PY-PDA-DANC. All the synthesized products were characterized using FTIR, 1H NMR, XRD, EDX and UV–vis spectroscopy. The fluorescence response of PY-PDA-DANC against various metal ions (Co2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Hg2+, K+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Na+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+) in DMSO/H2O media was evaluated using PL spectroscopy. The fluorescent sensor showed high and selective quenching response to both Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions with low limit of detection (LOD). PY-PDA-DANC was also successfully applied for sensing of heme–iron coordinated to hemoglobin (HB) and methemoglobin (MHB), displaying a LOD of 28.45 nM and 65.36 nM, respectively. Subsequently, it was applied for the analysis of [Fe2+@HB] and [Fe3+@MHB] in human plasma sample with good recoveries.

Association of the systemic inflammation and anthropometric measurements with cancer risk: a prospective study in MJ cohort.

To investigate the specific role of inflammation in the connection between obesity and the overall incidence of cancer. A total of 356,554 participants in MJ cohort study were included. Systemic inflammation markers from blood samples and anthropometric measurements were determined using professional instruments. The Cox model was adopted to evaluate the association. Over a median follow-up of 8.2 years, 9,048 cancer cases were identified. For individual systemic inflammation biomarkers, the overall cancer risk significantly escalated as blood C-reactive protein (CRP) (hazard ratio (HR)=1.036 (1.017-1.054)) and globulin (GLO) (HR=1.128 (1.105-1.152)) levels increased, and as hemoglobin (HEMO) (HR=0.863 (0.842-0.884)), albumin (ALB) (HR=0.846 (0.829-0.863)) and platelets (PLA) (HR=0.842 (0.827-0.858)) levels decreased. For composite indicators, most of them existed a significant relationship to the overall cancer risk. Most indicators were correlated with the overall cancer and obesity-related cancer risk, but there was a reduction of association with non-obesity related cancer risk. Most of indicators mediated the association between anthropometric measurements and overall cancer risk. Systemic inflammatory state was significantly associated with increased risks of cancer risk. Inflammation biomarkers were found to partly mediate the association between obesity and cancer risk.

The Influence of Specific Pathogen-Free and Conventional Environments on the Hematological Parameters of Pigs Bred for Xenotransplantation.

Blood analysis plays a pivotal role in assessing the health of laboratory animals, including pigs. This study investigated the hematological profiles of transgenic pigs of the MGH breed for xenotransplantation, focusing on the effect of housing conditions on blood parameters. A cohort of pigs was longitudinally monitored from 6 to 18 months of age in both conventional and specific pathogen-free (SPF) environments. Red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (HGB), and white blood cells (WBCs) were analyzed using standardized hematology analyzers. The results revealed that RBC and HGB levels were consistently higher in SPF-housed pigs. Notably, WBC counts were significantly lower in SPF-housed pigs, suggesting that reduced pathogen exposure under SPF conditions effectively diminished immune system activation. These findings raise a novel question as to whether distinct hematological parameters of specific and/or designated PF pigs would be advantages for the success of clinical xenotransplantation trials.

Impact of Chronic Beryllium Exposure on Liver and Lung Function and Hematologic Parameters

Beryllium is a lightweight metal that is toxic to humans. The critical health effects related to beryllium exposure are liver toxicity, immune system toxicity, and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). This study investigated the effects of occupational beryllium exposure on liver and lung function and hematologic parameters among beryllium smelter workers. A cross-sectional study was performed by comparing 65 exposed workers and 34 non-exposed workers. Health information was collected through questionnaire surveys and biochemical tests. The concentration of urinary beryllium was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The findings indicated that the urinary beryllium levels of the exposed workers and the controls were 0.48 (0.115, 1.19) μg/mL and 0.0125 (0.005, 0.005) μg/mL, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Compared with the controls, the exposed workers showed a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, hemoglobin (HGB) concentration, white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the HGB concentration and ALT level were significantly correlated with the concentration of beryllium in urine (p &lt; 0.05). The exposed workers had increased urinary concentrations of beryllium, in contrast to the control subjects. Moreover, the urinary beryllium levels among the exposed workers are much higher than that in the Chinese general population. Beryllium-exposed workers may be at risk of liver and hematologic impairments.

Global awareness of antigenic peptides - Unraveling the impact on sickle cell anemia patients in the presence of pathogens: A narrative review.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS), leading to sickle-shaped red blood cells and various complications, including increased susceptibility to infections. The presence of antigenic peptides, short amino acid sequences derived from pathogens or altered self-proteins, plays a crucial role in immune responses. This review explores the global awareness of antigenic peptides, their role in immune responses in SCA patients, and the challenges and opportunities in managing infections within this vulnerable population. Antigenic peptides are central to the adaptive immune response, facilitating the recognition and elimination of pathogens by T-cells. In SCA, altered antigen presentation and impaired T-cell responses due to chronic inflammation, functional asplenia, and ongoing hemolysis contribute to increased susceptibility to infections. Pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae pose significant risks to SCA patients, highlighting the importance of robust immune responses mediated by antigenic peptides. Strategies such as vaccination and immunotherapy aim to enhance immune function by targeting specific antigenic peptides, thereby reducing infection rates and improving patient outcomes. Advances in genomics and proteomics offer insights into individual variations in antigen presentation and immune responses, guiding the development of tailored therapeutic interventions. Global collaborations are essential to address disparities in healthcare access and implement effective preventive measures, ensuring equitable outcomes for SCA patients worldwide.

Application of the pancreatic body suspension technique in laparoscopic splenectomy combined with selective pericardial varicosity dissection: An observational study.

To investigate the safety of pancreatic body suspension (PBS) technique in laparoscopic splenectomy combined with pericardial devascularization for patients. A retrospective study inclusive of 16 patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy combined with pericardial devascularization from 2017 to 2022 was performed. A total of 5 patients underwent PBS technique and 11 underwent the traditional technique. There was no significant difference in age, sex, body mass index (BMI), preoperative serum white cell count (WBC), platelets (PLT), hemoglobin (HB), albumin (ALB), prothrombin time (PT), total bilirubin (TBIL), or spleen size between the 2 groups (P > .05). In the PBS group, the operation time was 280 minutes. The estimated intraoperative blood loss (EBL) was 250 mL. The mean postoperative hospitalization length was 11.2 days. There was no conversion to an open procedure or postoperative bleeding. In the traditional method group, the mean operation time was 240.91 minutes. The EBL was 290.91 mL. There were 2 cases of conversion to open, 3 cases of postoperative bleeding, and 1 reoperation. The incidence of postoperative short-term complications (postoperative bleeding, reoperation) was significantly higher in the traditional method group than in the PBS group (36.36% vs 0%, P = .034). PBS technique improved the safety of laparoscopic splenectomy combined with pericardial dissection and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Hemoglobinopathy for Malaria Protection: A Comprehensive Review

Hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia, are inherited disorders that affect hemoglobin structure and function, leading to significant health implications. However, these genetic conditions also confer a degree of protection against malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent malaria parasite. This comprehensive review examines the relationship between hemoglobinopathies and malaria protection, exploring how genetic mutations in hemoglobin subunits influence susceptibility to malaria. Sickle cell trait (HbAS) provides notable protection against severe malaria, with mechanisms including reduced parasite growth, enhanced immune clearance, and microvascular obstruction. Although homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS) does not confer protection and leads to severe complications, the high prevalence of HbS in malaria-endemic regions underscores an evolutionary balance. Thalassemia, both alpha and beta types, also offers partial malaria protection by altering the red blood cell environment, though the precise mechanisms remain less understood. Additionally, other hemoglobin variants, such as hemoglobin C (HbC) and hemoglobin E (HbE), demonstrate varying degrees of malaria resistance. The review highlights the evolutionary and epidemiological evidence supporting the protective effects of these genetic traits, emphasizing their role in malaria-endemic regions. Public health implications include the need for genetic counseling and targeted malaria control strategies. Future research directions include elucidating mechanistic pathways, exploring regional variations, and assessing the impact on malaria vaccine efficacy. By integrating insights from hemoglobinopathy research into public health interventions, more effective malaria control strategies can be developed, ultimately improving health outcomes for affected populations. Keywords: Hemoglobinopathies, Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, Malaria Protection, Plasmodium falciparum.

EVALUATION OF HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND DIAGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE IN H. PYLORI INFECTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is globally recognized for its role in various gastrointestinal diseases and extra gastric conditions, including hematological anomalies. Understanding the correlation between H. pylori infection and hematological parameters could provide insights into its broader health impacts. Objective: This study evaluated the correlation between H. pylori infection and various demographic, socioeconomic, and hematological parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled patients diagnosed with H. pylori and a matched control group without the infection. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematological parameters, including white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW). Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests where appropriate, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: The study included patients with statistically significant differences in hematological parameters between the H. pylori-infected and healthy groups. Notably, the infected group showed lower mean HGB (12.41±1.38 g/dl vs. 14.32±1.46 g/dl), RBC count (4.12±0.62x10^6/µL vs. 4.87±0.53x10^6/µL), and HCT (39.17±3.87% vs. 44.52±4.51%), and higher RDW (13.51±2.10% vs. 13.87±1.32%) compared to the control group (all p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate significant hematological changes associated with H. pylori infection, suggesting a potential impact on the overall health status of affected individuals. These results highlight the importance of considering H. pylori infection in the differential diagnosis of hematological abnormalities and underscore the need for further research to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.

Analysis of the relationship between epistaxis and homocysteine and climatic factors in ultra-high altitude area

Objective:To analyze the related influencing factors of epistaxis in extremely high altitude area, and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of epistaxis in extremely high altitude area. Methods:From January 2021 to December 2022, 206 outpatients with epistaxis, 54 inpatients with epistaxis and 69 inpatients withoutepistaxis in theDepartment of Otorhinolarygology, Naqu People's Hospital were collected. The previous history, drinking history, smoking history, serum homocysteine（Hcy）, white blood cell count（WBC）, red blood cell count（RBC）, hematocrit（HCT）, hemoglobin（HGB） and mean hemoglobin concentration（MCHC） were compared between inpatients with or without epistaxis. The factors with significant differences were analyzed by binary Logistic regression. The monthly average temperature,air pressure, humidity and 2-minute wind speed were collected from January 2021 to December 2022 in Naqu City to analyze the correlation between epistaxis and climate factors. Results:The number of patients with hypertension in the case group was more than that in the control group, and the difference was significant（P=0.013）. Serum Hcy level in the case group was higher than that in the control group（P<0.001）. RBC, HCT, HGB and MCHC were lower than that in the control group（P=0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.039）, and the difference was significant. History of hypertension and Hcy were risk factors for epistaxis. Patients with a history of hypertension were 3.713 times more likely to suffer from epistaxis than those without a history of hypertension（P=0.022）. Each 1 increase in Hcy concentration increased the risk of epistaxis by 13.1%（P=0.001）. Conclusion:Patients with epistaxis in Naqu area had higher serum Hcy level and lower RBC, HCT, HGB and MCHC. History of hypertension and Hcy were risk factors for epistaxis. Patients with a history of hypertension were 3.713 times more likely to suffer from epistaxis than those without a history of hypertension. Every 1 increase in Hcy concentration increased the risk of epistaxis by 13.1%. Active intervention of hypertension and serum Hcy can effectively prevent the incidence of epistaxis.

Effects of Altitude Training and Sea-Level Training Programs on the Physiological and Performance of Elite Chinese Male Marathon Runners

Background and Aims: Examining the differences between sea-level training programs and altitude offers important new perspectives on how environmental influences affect physiological adaptations and athletic performance. By being aware of these variations, coaches and athletes can tailor training plans to the unique conditions of altitude, which may improve performance in terms of endurance, oxygen use, and general athletic ability. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of altitude training on physiological adaptation and performance in Chinese elite male marathon runners compared to plains training. By comparing the results of altitude training with those of sea-level training, this study sought to determine whether altitude training has a significant advantage in terms of physiological adaptation and performance enhancement for the Chinese elite male marathoner. In addition, exploring the variability of altitude training responses will help to inform an in-depth understanding of training strategies affecting elite marathoners and help to optimize performance enhancement methods in endurance sports. Methodology: Thirty-two Chinese elite male marathon runners will be recruited and subjected to a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which they will be assigned to either a high altitude or plains training group. SPSS was used to perform independent samples t-tests and paired samples t-tests on the data of technical indicators. Both groups will receive structured and standardized training for a predetermined period, with the altitude of the high-altitude training set at 2366 m for 8 weeks. Results: (1) In the experimental group, the differences in red blood cells (RBC), maximal heart rate (HRmax), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and full marathon performance before the altitude experiment compared to after the altitude experiment were significant (P=0.001); the differences in maximal anaerobic power and hemoglobin (HB) before the experiment were substantial (P&lt;0.005); and the differences in maximal heart rate (HRmax) between the 28 days of the experiment and the post-experiment were substantial. (HRmax) difference was substantial (P=0.001). (2) The red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group compared with the control group (P &lt; 0.005) Conclusion: The results of the study showed that eight weeks of altitude training at an altitude of 2,366 meters above sea level could improve the athletes' performance in the marathon and aerobic capacity, and could be used in the training of marathon runners.

Characterization and catalytic performance of rGO-enhanced MnFe2O4 nanocomposites in CO oxidation

In this work, different weight ratio of reduce graphene oxide (rGO) incorporated manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) is successfully prepared using reduction photolysis method. To have good spacing of layer, expanded graphite was employed for synthesis of graphene oxide by Hummer modified method. The synthesized rGO/MnFe2O4 nanocomposite was characterized by FTIR, EDX, Raman, XRD, BET, XPS, TGA, TPR and FESEM, while the magnetic properties are investigated employing VSM technique. The catalytic results demonstrated that the MnO2 and Fe2O3 have low catalytic activity and it is not active at temperature lower than 130 °C. The highest efficiency was noted for the MnFe2O4 nanocomposite. The demonstrated results appeared that the doped of rGO inter MnFe2O4 considerably improved the efficiency for oxidation of CO. On the other hand, the highest conversion was obtained for the 1 wt% rGO doped MnFe2O4 and it displayed a CO conversion of 100 % at 80 °C. 1 wt% rGO/MnFe2O4 with conversion 98% CO demonstrated higher activity compared with Fe2O3 and MnFe2O4. On the other hand, the results exhibited that the 1 wt% rGO/MnFe2O4 pretreated under oxidizing conditions appeared higher activity compared with synthesized catalyst dealt under reductive conditions, which assign to the higher adsorption capacity of O2, as well as, the results also appeared that the catalyst showed high stability under wet and dry conditions.

Highly sensitive SPR based PCF sensor for broader analyte detection range including blood compositions detection

In this manuscript, a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based sensor working on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) concept, which is polished at both the sides and consisting of semi-circular grooves is presented for the detection of a broad range of analytes with refractive index (RI) from 1.17 to 1.40. Also, the analysis is carried out for the diagnosis of different blood compositions such as water, plasma, white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (HB) and red blood cells (RBCs). Plasmonic material gold is coated in the semi-circular grooves, which causes the strong SPR effect due to reduced distance between core and analyte resulting in excellent detection of the analytes. Thus, the optimum wavelength sensitivity and resolution in the case of broad analyte range detection with RI from 1.17 to 1.40 is obtained as 13000 nm/RIU and 7.7×10−6 RIU respectively. Also, blood composition detection using the proposed sensor results in excellent sensing performance with the maximum wavelength sensitivity for hemoglobin-RBCs as 11,500 nm/RIU with finer resolution of 8.69×10−6 RIU.

Effects of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content from paint on automobile paint workers in Nsukka, South Eastern Nigeria

BackgroundVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) fume in the workplace can act as an inducing agent to many health disorders. ObjectivesThis work investigated the effects of exposure to VOCs content from paint on the automobile paint workers in South Eastern Nigeria. MethodsA total of fifty (50) respondent participated in the study. Following the completion of informed consent form and well-structured questionnaire, blood samples were drawn and used for biochemical analysis. ResultsThe results of the haematological analysis showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in white blood cell (WBC) cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), and platelet (PLT), and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (HB), lymphocytes (LYM) and eosinophil (EOS) of the exposed automobile paint workers compared to the control (unexposed workers). Results also showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in liver marker indices; alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TB) and albumin (ALB) as well as significant (p < 0.05) decrease in Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), direct bilirubin (DB). There was significant (p < 0.05) increase in urea, creatinine, potassium (K+), uric acid and nitric oxide concentrations and decrease in sodium (Na+) and bicarbonate (HCO3−) Again, results showed significant increase in Glutathione (GSH), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and significant (p < 0.05) decrease in Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). The Malondialdehyde MDA concentration showed varied significant (p < 0.05) difference based on ages. There was significant (p < 0.05) increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the Testosterone (TET) concentrations of the exposed automobile paint workers compared to the unexposed workers. ConclusionsResult of this study suggests a toxic outcome due to exposure to VOCs in spray paint workers.

Effect of rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) contained tissue intake on rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) mortality and blood cell distribution

Rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) is one of the highly priced cultured marine fish in Korea. Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) outbreaks in aquaculture farms may involve environmental factors, co-infection with other pathogenic microorganisms and grounded (raw) fish feed. This study evaluated the effects of RBIV-containing tissue intake on mortality and oral transmission in rock bream. Virus-containing tissues administered to rock bream [50 mg (1.53 × 108/major capsid protein, MCP gene copies) to 2400 mg (7.34 × 109)] held at 23 °C lead to 100 % mortality by 27 days post administration. Interestingly, the mortality rates were not viral dose- or concentration dependent. Further, high MCP gene copy numbers were observed in the gill, liver, intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, kidney, brain and muscle tissues (viral load range of 3.03 × 106 to 4.01 × 107/mg, average viral load 1.70 × 107/mg) of dead rock bream. Moreover, a high viral load was detected in the intestine and stomach, where the virus was directly administered. This indicated that the intake of RBIV-containing tissue feed weakens the intestinal mucosal immunity and increases viral load in the intestine. Moreover, the levels of complete blood cell count (CBC) indicators, such as red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) significantly decreased from 15 dpi with red blood cell distribution width (RDW), and white blood cells (lymphocyte, monocyte and granulocyte) significantly increased from the initial to later stage of infection. These results highlight the significance of blood-mediated indicators against RBIV infection in rock bream. We demonstrate the existence of an oral transmission route for RBIV in rock bream. Our findings indicate that pathogen-containing feed is an important risk factor for disease outbreaks in rock bream.

The effect of regular exercise combined with quantitative nutritional support on immune function indicators such as CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and nutritional status in dialysis patients.

Abstract. To study the effect of regular exercise and quantitative nutri-tional support on dialysis patients’ immune function indicators and nutritional status, 100 uremic patients who underwent hemodialysis treatment in our hos-pital from February 2021 to February 2023 were selected as the study subjects. They were divided into a control group (n=50) that received regular exercise and routine nutritional support, and a research group (n=50) that received regular exercise and quantitative nutritional support. This study compared the baseline levels of nutritional indicators such as prealbumin (PA), transferrin (TF), serum albumin (SAB), and hemoglobin (HB); cellular immune indicators such as CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+; as well as humoral immune indicators such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) at enrollment and after three months of intervention. At the time of enrollment, there were no significant differences in nutritional indicators be-tween the two groups of patients (p&gt;0.05), nor in the levels of cellular immune indicators (p&gt;0.05) or humoral immune indicators (p&gt;0.05). After three months of intervention, nutritional indicators such as PA in all patients in the experiment grew (p&lt;0.05), and those in the research group exceeded the con-trol group (p&lt;0.05). Similarly, the levels of CD3+ and other cellular immune indicators and the concentrations of IgA and other humoral immune indicators increased in both groups after three months of intervention (p&lt;0.05). Howev-er, these increases were higher in the research group than in the control group (p&lt;0.05). Regular exercise combined with quantitative nutritional support can effectively improve hemodialysis patients’ nutritional index levels, nutritional status, immune index levels, and immune function.

A predictive model for L-T4 dose in postoperative DTC after RAI therapy and its clinical validation in two institutions.

To develop a predictive model using machine learning for levothyroxine (L-T4) dose selection in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after resection and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy and to prospectively validate the accuracy of the model in two institutions. A total of 266 DTC patients who received RAI therapy after thyroidectomy and achieved target thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level were included in this retrospective study. Sixteen clinical and biochemical characteristics that could potentially influence the L-T4 dose were collected; Significant features correlated with L-T4 dose were selected using machine learning random forest method, and a total of eight regression models were established to assess their performance in prediction of L-T4 dose after RAI therapy; The optimal model was validated through a two-center prospective study (n=263). Six significant clinical and biochemical features were selected, including body surface area (BSA), weight, hemoglobin (HB), height, body mass index (BMI), and age. Cross-validation showed that the support vector regression (SVR) model was with the highest accuracy (53.4%) for prediction of L-T4 dose among the established eight models. In the two-center prospective validation study, a total of 263 patients were included. The TSH targeting rate based on constructed SVR model were dramatically higher than that based on empirical administration (Rate 1 (first rate): 52.09% (137/263) vs 10.53% (28/266); Rate 2 (cumulative rate): 85.55% (225/263) vs 53.38% (142/266)). Furthermore, the model significantly shortens the time (days) to achieve target TSH level (62.61 ± 58.78 vs 115.50 ± 71.40). The constructed SVR model can effectively predict the L-T4 dose for postoperative DTC after RAI therapy, thus shortening the time to achieve TSH target level and improving the quality of life for DTC patients.