Hemoglobin Concentration Research Articles

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical outcomes in adult patients with COVID-19: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a major global health crisis. Vitamin D, a crucial fat-soluble vitamin, has been recommended for COVID-19 patients, though evidence of its effectiveness is inconsistent. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on COVID-19-related outcomes. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Primary outcomes included mortality and hospital length of stay, while secondary outcomes encompassed C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, D-dimer, hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, and lymphocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts. Data analysis was performed using Stata™ Version 14. A total of 16 trials were analyzed. The meta-analysis revealed that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced hospital length of stay (mean difference = -1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.23, -0.09; p = .033) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 69.2%, p = .002). Subgroup analysis showed a more pronounced reduction in studies with vitamin D dosages ≤10 000 international units (IU) (mean difference = -1.27; 95% CI: -1.96, -0.57; p < .001) and in patients over 60 years old (mean difference = -1.84; 95% CI: -2.53, -1.14; p < .001). Additionally, vitamin D significantly reduced CRP concentrations in older adults (>60 years) (mean difference = -1.13; 95% CI: -2.07, -0.18; p = .019). No significant changes were found in ferritin, D-dimer, Hb concentrations, or in lymphocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts (p > .05). In conclusion, while vitamin D supplementation did not significantly affect most COVID-19-related biomarkers, however, it reduces the length of hospital stay.

Impact of iron deficiency anemia on academic achievement among female university students in Saudi Arabia.

Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia (IDA), is a prevalent health issue globally and in Saudi Arabia, especially among young adult females. This study investigates the association between anemia and academic achievement among female students at the Female Health Campus of Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study included 118 randomly selected participants aged 18-22. A validated questionnaire was administered to the study participants. The participants underwent blood tests for complete blood count (CBC) parameters and iron profile analysis. The study reported that 52.5% of the female students had anemia and low serum iron levels. Regarding academic performance, significant positive correlations were found between various CBC parameters including white cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, and serum iron. However, no significant correlations were observed between red blood cell count and platelet count with academic performance. Demographic variables were also associated with a higher odds ratio of anemia. The study highlights the prevalence of anemia among female students and its potential impact on academic achievement. The current study underscores the importance of addressing anemia in young adult females and implementing appropriate interventions to improve their educational outcomes.

Iron supplementation post-blood donation in Vietnam: Impact on hemoglobin, red cell indices, and iron reserves

Background. Regular blood donation plays a pivotal role in mitigating the formation of free radicals by regulating iron accumulation. However, frequent blood donation can lead to chronic iron deficiency. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of daily iron supplementation as an intervention to expedite hemoglobin (Hb) recovery among frequent blood donors at a hospital in Vietnam. Methodology. Conducted longitudinally within the Hematology Department of a Hanoi hospital from February to July 2023, our study involved 104 eligible participants. They received a daily iron supplement comprising 100 mg of elemental iron, 0.75 mg of folic acid, and 5 mg of zinc sulfate for a minimum of 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at three key time points: before blood donation during recruitment, immediately after donation, and at least 8 weeks post-donation. Results. Our findings revealed moderate, statistically significant positive correlations between elemental iron administration and changes in platelet count (PLT), hematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (r = 0.753, p &lt;0.001; r = 0.887, p &lt;0.001; and r = 0.703, p &lt;0.001, respectively). Additionally, weak but significant correlations were observed between elemental iron administration and red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width coefficient of variation (RDWC), and red cell distribution width standard deviation (RDWS) (r = 0.260, p = 0.002; r = 0.302, p = 0.005; r = 0.160, p = 0.010; r = 0.120, p = 0.020; and r = 0.400, p &lt;0.001, respectively). Conclusion. Over an eight-week duration, the regimen of daily iron supplementation yielded significant improvements in both red cell variables, red cell indices, and iron study variables, demonstrating its potential clinical impact.

Pre-exercise supplementation with curcuma xanthorrhiza roxb has minimal impact on red blood cell parameters but reduces oxidative stress: a preliminary study in rats

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of longterm pre-exercise &lt;i&gt;Curcuma xanthorriza&lt;/i&gt; Roxb supplementation on red blood cell indices along with circulating malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in response to endurance exercise to address previously inconsistent findings.[Methods] Male Wistar rats (&lt;i&gt;Rattus norvegicus&lt;/i&gt;; n = 20, aged 12–16 weeks) were divided equally into an exercise-only group (C) and three groups supplemented with &lt;i&gt;Curcuma&lt;/i&gt; extract at dosages of 6.75 (T1), 13.50 (T2), and 20.25 mg (T3). &lt;i&gt;Curcuma&lt;/i&gt; extract supplementation was administered for 28 d immediately prior to exercise.[Results] Following 28 d of exhaustive swimming, the hematocrit and erythrocyte count increased by 15% (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.06). Pre-exercise &lt;i&gt;Curcuma&lt;/i&gt; supplementation did not significantly affect mean corpuscular volume or mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Longterm exercise intervention resulted in elevated MDA levels by 41% (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt;0.001), while &lt;i&gt;Curcuma&lt;/i&gt; supplementation (13.50 mg) attenuated this increase by 16.6% (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.09). Additionally, &lt;i&gt;Curcuma&lt;/i&gt; supplementation resulted in a dose-dependent increase in SOD levels, with an 82.6% increase observed at 20.25 mg (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.028).[Conclusion] Our preliminary findings indicated that pre-exercise supplementation with &lt;i&gt;Curcuma&lt;/i&gt; extract had a negligible effect on changes in red blood cell markers, but it mitigated the increase in oxidative stress induced by exercise training. Our future research direction will involve applying the findings to humans.

Toxoplasma gondii infection affects the complete blood count and disturbs the markers of oxidative stress from the vital organs of wild rodents

Rodents are the synanthropic mammals that are existing in close proximity to humans and their belongings and have the potential to act as the reservoir for a variety of parasites having zoonotic potential. Present study was designed to report the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii in the blood samples of four wild rodent species [Rattus rattus (N = 122), Mus musculus (N = 64), Rattus norvegicus (N = 57) and Dryomys nitedula (N = 1)] that were trapped during May 2022 till July 2023 from three districts in Punjab (Jampur, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan) and three districts (Upper Dir, Mardan and Bunar) in Pakistan. Results revealed that 44/244 (18%) rodents amplified ITS-1 gene of Toxoplasma gondii through PCR. Parasite prevalence varied between the rodent species. Highest rate of infection was found in Rattus norvegicus followed by Rattus rattus and Mus musculus. For both rat species, Toxoplasma gondii infection significantly varies between the sampling districts. DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in rodent blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Pakistani isolates were genetically diverse and clustered with the isolates that were reported from worldwide countries. Complete blood count analysis revealed that parasite infected rodents had disturbed lymphocyte, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume (and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Markers of oxidative stress analysis revealed that infected rodent had elevated malondialdehyde levels in liver and kidney while disturb catalase concentrations in kidney and heart as compared to uninfected animals. In conclusion, we are reporting a relatively high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pakistani rodents. Infection leads to disturbed complete blood count and markers of oxidative stress in the vital organs. We recommend large scale studies in various geo-climatic regions of Pakistan to report the incidence and prevalence of this pathogen among the rodents in order to prevent their infections in local people as well as in livestock.

Efficient purification of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products from Sus scrofa lung tissue and synthesis of its binding ligand, glycated bovine serum albumin

A receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has emerged as a crucial player in various pathological conditions due to its involvement in inflammation and cellular dysfunction. Its soluble isoform, sRAGE, has garnered significant attention for its competitive inhibitory effects and potential therapeutic applications. However, obtaining sRAGE with appropriate glycosylation patterns for binding to glycated proteins has been challenging, often requiring costly expression systems. Here, we present a novel approach for producing and purifying sRAGE from Sus scrofa lungs, bypassing the need for expensive expression systems. Previous protocols for sRAGE extraction faced reproducibility issues due to high viscosity and haemoglobin content of the solution. To address this, we developed a method for selective haemoglobin precipitation using a zinc-containing buffer, enabling purification via various chromatographic methods. Through a combination of chromatographic techniques, we obtained sRAGE in suitable purity, identified using HPLC-MS/MS. Additionally, producing glycated proteins for RAGE receptor activation often involved lengthy protocols or inadequate separation from reactants. Thus, we devised a rapid method for producing and purifying pure BSA glycated with ribose, addressing a critical gap in the field. Functional studies, conducted using Native PAGE, demonstrated the capability of purified proteins to bind to each other.

Investigating Skeletal Muscle Pump Function Using Thigh EMG, Thigh NIRS, And Stroke Volume Data In The FRAILMatics Physiological Cohort

Abstract Background The pioneering female physiologist Frances Hellebrandt first highlighted the significance of the skeletal muscle pump in circulation in the 1930s. However, the mechanisms underlying the muscle pump's function remain elusive, particularly in older individuals. It is thought that during muscle contraction, increased intramuscular pressure facilitates the expulsion of blood from the muscle's veins, aiding venous return. This contraction-induced pressure gradient assists in pushing blood towards the heart, increasing preload, and subsequently stroke volume (SV). In this study we investigated muscle pump activity using continuous measurements of thigh muscle activity, thigh total haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and cardiac SV. Methods 22 individuals (aged 70.8±5.3 years, 77.3% female) recruited from a Falls and Syncope Unit (St James’s Hospital, Dublin) underwent non-invasive measurements of Hb (NIRS PortaLite, Artinis Medical Systems, The Netherlands), electromyography (EMG) (Shimmer3, Research Ltd, Ireland), and SV (Finapres Nova, Finapres Medical Systems, The Netherlands) during a 10-second thigh squeeze test. Pre-processing involved data quality checks, alignment, and resampling. 60-second regions of interest were extracted, normalised, and processed using MATLAB (R2023a, TheMathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA, USA). Cross-correlation and Granger causality analyses were conducted to explore relationships between signals. Results Thigh Hb and EMG signals lagged 8.4 and 8.5 seconds behind SV, respectively. Granger Causality analysis revealed a significant causal relationship from both Hb and EMG to SV in 68% of participants at measured lags. Conclusion The observed ~8.5-second lag between thigh measurements and SV implies a plausible temporal relationship between muscle activation and venous return, further supported by significant causal relationships found in a substantial portion of participants using Granger causality analysis. These findings underscore the importance of continued research in this area, not only for advancing our understanding of physiological mechanisms but also for informing potential clinical applications aimed at optimising cardiovascular health and function.

Age affects the association of red blood cell indices with efficacy of remote ischemic conditioning in patients with acute moderate ischemic stroke

We conducted a post hoc analysis of Remote Ischemic Conditioning for Acute Moderate Ischemic Stroke (RICAMIS) to investigate whether red blood cell (RBC) indices are associated with efficacy of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), and whether the association is affected by age. In this post hoc analysis, patients with RBC indices at admission were enrolled. RBC indices including RBC count, hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were analyzed. According to the median of these RBC indices, eligible patients were divided into high and low groups, which were further subdivided into RIC and control subgroups. Primary endpoint was excellent functional outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–1 at 90 days, which was used to evaluate RIC efficacy. RIC efficacy as well as effect of age on RIC efficacy were analyzed across the high and low groups of different RBC indices, and the interaction effects of RBC indices on RIC efficacy were evaluated. A total of 1640 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. In overall patients, no significant interaction effects of RIC intervention by all RBC indices were found, although there was a trend in interaction effect of RIC intervention by MCH (p = 0.116). However, we found an effect of age on the association of MCH with RIC efficacy. In patients over 60 years old, MCH significantly affected RIC efficacy (p = 0.006) and RIC significantly produced a higher proportion of primary outcome in high MCH (72.6% vs. 59.1%, P < 0.001) vs. low MCH group (61.2% vs. 62%, P = 0.829), which was not identified in patients under 60 years old. Furthermore, RIC efficacy decreased with increasing age in patients with low MCH with significant interaction effect (p = 0.012), while RIC efficacy increased with increasing age in patients with high MCH although no significant interaction (p = 0.126). No significant interaction effects of RIC intervention by RBC count, HCT, MCV, HB, and MCHC were found regardless of age. This secondary analysis of RICAMIS suggested that RIC exhibited more obvious benefit in AIS patients over 60 years old with high MCH compared with those with low MCH group, but RBC count, HCT, MCV, HB, and MCHC were not associated with the efficacy of RIC treatment regardless of age.

Red cell size factor is a sensitive index in the early diagnosis of nondigestive tract cancer-related anemia: An observational study.

Cancer-related anemia (CRA) is a common comorbidity in cancer patients, and it can lead to a worse prognosis. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the clinical value of the red cell size factor (Rsf) in the early diagnosis of nondigestive tract CRA. A total of 231 patients with nondigestive tract solid cancer were included, and they were divided into anemic and nonanemic subjects according to the hemoglobin (Hb) levels. A BC-7500 blood analyzer was used to detect the indices of red blood cell and reticulocyte, and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean reticulocyte volume (MRV), reticulocyte hemoglobin (RHE) content, and reticulocyte production index were observed. Subsequently, the Rsf was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the identifying power of Rsf for anemia diagnosed by the combination of RHE and reticulocyte production index. The adjusted-multivariate analysis and quartiles were used to assess the relation of reduced Rsf level with the risk and incidence of anemia diagnosed by combining the MCV, MCH, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), respectively. Rsf levels showed no statistical differences between anemia and nonanemia subjects grouped by Hb (P > .05). Rsf has a high correlation with the RHE level (R > 0.900, P < .001), or MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCHC in anemia patients (r: 0.435-0.802, P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that Rsf had the highest overall area under curve of 0.886 (95% confidence interval: 0.845-0.927) in identifying anemia of cancer patients (P < .001). When the optimal cutoff values of Rsf were set at 97.05 fl in males and 94.95 fl in females, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 and 0.76, and 0.98 and 0.75, respectively. Being treated as a categorical variable, Rsf had a highest odds ratio value of 30.626 (12.552-74.726; P < .001) for the risk of anemia. The increment of Rsf quartiles was highly associated with the decreased incidence of overall anemia (P trend < 0.001). The study suggests that decreased Rsf level is a potentially powerful predictor of overt anemia in nondigestive tract cancer, and it can be used as a convenient, practical, cost-free, and sensitive index in early diagnosis of nondigestive tract CRA.

Identifying the hidden parasitic intruders: Molecular insights into the health of common Myna

Birds are known to act as the parasite reservoir and can transmit them to other organisms through food chains. This study aims to report the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic evaluation of various blood borne pathogens (Toxoplasma gondii, Isospora spp., Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp., Leucocytozoan spp. and Neospora caninum) in blood samples of common Myna (Acridotheres tristis: N = 80) collected from four region (Jhang, Khanewal, Multan and Muzaffargarh) in Punjab Pakistan. Effect of pathogens on the complete blood count of the host was also determined. Results revealed by 2/80 Myna (2.5 %) amplified ITS-1 gene of Toxoplasma (T.) gondii (confirmed by DNA sequencing) while 2/80 (2.5 %) birds amplified 18S rDNA gene and Isospora spp. Phylogenetic analysis of both pathogens showed that Pakistani isolates were clustered together and were closely related to isolates that were reported from worldwide countries.Risk factor analysis revealed that prevalence of both pathogens was not restricted to a particular sampling site or a particular bird sex (P > 0.05). T. gondii infected birds had elevated red cell distribution width while Isospora sp. infected birds had elevated % monocytes and platelet distribution width while decreased mean cell hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelets hematocrit than their respective uninfected birds. In conclusion, we are reporting the presence of T. gondii and Isospora sp. among Pakistani common Myna that had disturbed the complete blood count parameters that may have affected their normal physiology.

Toxic Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Hematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters in Fish: A Review.

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential trace element that poses significant toxic effects on fish. This review focuses on hematological and plasma biochemical parameters as key indicators of fish health under Cd exposure. Hematological parameters, such as red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and hematocrit (Ht), were selected for their critical role in oxygen transport and their sensitivity to Cd-induced disruptions, which often result in anemia and impaired oxygen delivery to tissues. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) provide further insights into erythropoiesis and hemoglobin synthesis, both of which are essential for assessing Cd toxicity. Plasma biochemical parameters, including calcium, magnesium, glucose, cholesterol, total protein, and liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), are crucial for understanding ionic balance, metabolic regulation, and organ function, especially in fish exposed to Cd. These biomarkers offer a comprehensive view of the physiological stress and organ damage caused by Cd toxicity. This review synthesizes literature findings on the toxic effects of Cd on these parameters. It also discusses potential mitigation strategies, including dietary supplementation with antioxidants and trace elements, to counteract the harmful effects of Cd exposure.

The Effect of Lower Limb Pressotherapy Treatment on Selected Rheological and Biochemical Indices of Blood in Young, Healthy Women.

Background: Intermittent pneumatic compression is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its potential use in many areas of medicine. It can be successfully used alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how a series of pressotherapy treatments on the lower limbs affects the rheological properties of blood (blood count, red blood cell deformability and aggregation, and blood viscosity), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein), and renal profile (urea, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate) in young, healthy women. Methods: The study group consisted of 15 healthy women aged 20-26 (22.5 ± 1.5), without chronic diseases and not practicing competitive sports. The participants underwent a series of 10 lower limb pressotherapy treatments. A single treatment lasted 30 min and each time the pressure used during the treatment was individually selected according to the participants' preference. The first blood test was performed a week before the treatments; the second on the day of the start of treatment, but before the pneumatic massage; the third after the completed series of pressotherapy treatments; and the fourth a week after the completed series of treatments. Results: In the conducted study, the analysis of the values of the complete blood count showed the following: a significant decrease in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, average hemoglobin concentration in erythrocytes, average red blood cell volume, average hemoglobin mass in red blood cells; a significant increase in average red blood cell volume; and an average hemoglobin mass in red blood cells. The analysis of the values of rheological parameters showed the following: a significant decrease in elongation indices 0.58, 1.13, 4.24, 15.95, 30.94, and 60.00; blood viscosity; the aggregation index; the degree of complete aggregation; and a significant increase in elongation indices 0.30, 1.13, 8.23, 30.94, 60.00; blood viscosity; the degree of complete aggregation; and the half-time of complete aggregation. A decrease in the concentration of low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein fractions was also noted. No significant changes were found in the values of total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as in renal profile elements. Conclusions: The application of a series of 10 lower limb pressotherapy treatments has a beneficial effect, with a decrease in blood viscosity and the aggregation index, and an increase in the elongation index at shear stress from 0.30 [Pa] to 8.23 [Pa] in young, healthy women. A series of 10 lower limb pressotherapy treatments may affect the decrease in the values at high shear stress forces of 30.95 [Pa] and from 60.00 [Pa] in young, healthy women. The use of a series of 10 lower limb pressotherapy treatments increases the values of hemoglobin, the average red blood cell volume, and the average hemoglobin concentration in erythrocytes, and also reduces the values of red blood cell count, average hemoglobin mass in red blood cells and low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins in young, healthy women (it also does not cause any adverse changes). The use of pressotherapy on the lower limbs seems to be an effective element of the multi-component prevention of circulatory system diseases.

Exploring the impact and influence of melanin on frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy measurements.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive optical method that measures changes in hemoglobin concentration and oxygenation. The measured light intensity is susceptible to reduced signal quality due to the presence of melanin. We quantify the influence of melanin concentration on NIRS measurements taken with a frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy system using 690 and 830nm. Using a forehead NIRS probe, we measured 35 healthy participants and investigated the correlation between melanin concentration indices, which were determined using a colorimeter, and several key metrics from the NIRS signal. These metrics include signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), two measurements of oxygen saturation (arterial oxygen saturation, , and tissue oxygen saturation, ), and optical properties represented by the absorption coefficient ( ) and the reduced scattering coefficient ( ). We found a significant negative correlation between the melanin index and the SNR estimated in oxy-hemoglobin signals ( , ) and levels ( , ). However, no significant changes were observed in the optical properties and ( , ). We found that estimated SNR and values show a significant decline and dependence on the melanin index, whereas and optical properties do not show any correlation with the melanin index.

Cortical activation in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease dementia during working memory tasks: a multichannel fNIRS study.

This study aimed to investigate cortical activation and functional connectivity in the cortex during working memory (WM) tasks in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). A total of 17 older adults with AD and 17 cognitively normal (CN) participants were recruited. fNIRS was utilized to monitor oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) concentrations in the frontotemporal lobe, while participants performed WM tasks to examine WM impairments in subjects with AD. Student's t-test for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables were used to compare the clinical and HbO variables between the AD and CN groups. Functional connectivity was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient between the time series of each channel-to-channel pair. The changes in HbO concentrations and cortical activations during the WM task showed that the HbO concentration curve of the CN group was higher than that of the AD group during the encoding and maintenance phases of the WM task. Although in the brain region scale, there were no significant differences in average HbO concentrations between the two groups, many channels located in the frontal and temporal lobes showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the average HbO (channels 7 and 32) and slope HbO values (channels 7, 8, 9, 23, 30, 34, and 38) during the WM task. The average functional connectivity of the AD group was significantly lower than that of the CN group (p < 0.05). The functional connectivity was stronger in the frontopolar (FP) region than in other areas in both groups. This study revealed there were significant differences in HbO concentration in older adult patients with AD compared to CN during the WM task. The characteristics of HbO measured by the fNIRS technique can be valuable for distinguishing between AD and CN in older adults.

Faecal haemoglobin concentration and colorectal cancer site, stage and grade in a symptomatic cohort.

Minimal evidence exists regarding faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) for colorectal cancer (CRC) site, stage and grade in symptomatic patients. The primary aim is to determine any association between faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) (analysed with OC-Sensor™ Pledia) and these prognostic factors. The secondary aim is to determine the association between f-Hb and anaemia, microcytosis and iron deficiency (Hb, mean corpuscular volume [MCV] and ferritin). Symptomatic 2-week wait CRC patients with FIT were included (July 2019-October 2022). Median f-Hb and interquartile range according to sex, stage, grade and site (right-sided, caecum to transverse colon, R-CRC; left-sided, splenic flexure to rectum, L-CRC) were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Hb, MCV and ferritin were categorized into two groups and the median f-Hb was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. In all, 114 patients (57 women, 57 men) were studied; 46 had R-CRC (f-Hb = 113 μg Hb/g) and 68 had L-CRC (f-Hb = 342 μg Hb/g) (P = 0.07). Sixty-nine were moderately differentiated CRC (f-Hb = 183 μg Hb/g) and 29 were poorly differentiated (f-Hb = 866 μg Hb/g) (P = 0.04). By T-stage, 35 were early (T1/2) (f-Hb = 170 μg Hb/g) and 79 were advanced (T3/4) (f-Hb = 200 μg Hb/g) (P = 0.06). The relationship between f-Hb and Hb, MCV and ferritin was not significant. Poorly differentiated (P = 0.04) and later stage (P = 0.02) R-CRC had significantly lower f-Hb compared to L-CRC. Right-sided CRC is associated with lower f-Hb than left. Poorly differentiated and later staged L-CRC had higher median f-Hb. These data add to existing evidence suggesting that FIT may be less sensitive for right-sided CRC. Strategies to mitigate the potential for missed or FIT-negative right-sided CRC are required.

A Recombinant Lentiviral Vegfr2-Silencing Vector Attenuates Roxarsone-Promoted Growth of Rat Vascular Endothelial Cells and Angiogenesis in Matrigel Plug and B16F10 Xenograft Models.

Roxarsone (ROX) is widely used as a feed addictive for livestock and poultry. ROX promotes angiogenesis, which can lead to health problems, and it is necessary to identify methods to counter this angiogenic effect of ROX. The VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway is involved in the growth and reconstruction of new blood vessels during angiogenesis. In this study, a recombinant lentiviral vector encoding Vegfr2 shRNA was transfected into rat vascular endothelial cells and used in mouse matrigel plug and melanoma xenograft models to investigate its potential to regulate ROX-induced angiogenesis and tumor growth. Treating endothelial cells with ROX increased cell proliferation, migration, and a tube-like structure of growth relative to the control group. The addition of the lentiviral Vegfr2-silencing vector significantly attenuated the effects of ROX on endothelial cells. The hemoglobin content of mouse matrigel plugs treated with ROX was increased significantly. This effect was dramatically attenuated by the co-administration of shRNA targeting Vegfr2. The volume, weight and CD34 staining of the melanoma xenograft tumors increased by ROX were also attenuated by Vegfr2 silence. These results indicate that the down-regulation of VEGFR2 protein plays an inhibitory role in the ROX-promoted angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. These data support the targeting of Vegfr2 gene as an effective means to treat ROX-induced angiogenesis and tumor growth.

Hematological and performance adaptations to altitude training (2,320m) in elite middle-distance and distance swimmers.

Elite swimmers often schedule altitude training camps ahead of major events in an attempt to maximize performance. However, the relationships between altitude-induced hematological changes, markers of training adaptation, and performance changes in such context are unclear. This study assessed hematological status, markers of daily adaptation, and swimming performance in elite middle-distance and distance swimmers during a 22-day altitude training camp at 2,320m, 2weeks prior to World Championship qualification competition. Venous blood was obtained and total hemoglobin mass (tHbmass) measured (CO rebreathing) in 7 elite swimmers (4 females, 3 males) 8days before and on day 22 of the altitude camp. Resting heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, urinary specific gravity, body mass, fatigue and self-reported sleep duration and quality were monitored daily during the altitude camp. Swimming performance was assessed through a standardized set (6 sets of 4 maximal repetitions of 100m front crawl) on days 3, 10 and 17 of the camp, and at sea level competitions (200m-1,500m) immediately after the camp, and 2weeks later. tHbmass (+5.6 ± 3.3%; range: 2.1%-11.0%; p < 0.05), red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit increased at the end of the training camp (p < 0.05). Performance at altitude improved throughout the camp (+1.4 ± 0.4%; range: 0.7%-2.5%; p < 0.05). No significant relationship was noted between hematological changes, the change in altitude performance and any of the monitored daily markers of adaptation during the camp. Compared to the swimmers' previous personal best, competition performances did not improve immediately (2.5% ± 1.9% slower times) and 2weeks after altitude (1.2% ± 1.4% slower times). The 22-day altitude training camp at 2,320m was beneficial for elite swimmers' tHbmass, hematological status and performance at altitude, but these benefits did not clearly translate into enhanced sea level performance immediately after or 2weeks later. The present study confirms the large inter-individual variability in hematological responses to altitude training, and that the improvement in performance at altitude and sea level may depend on factors other than the increase in tHbmass alone.

A Multicenter Retrospective Chart Review Study Estimating the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Infants, Toddlers, and Children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional disorder affecting children worldwide, leading to potential long-term cognitive and developmental deficits. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IDA among healthy children attending Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital Group in Riyadh, SAU, and explore the relationship between IDA and various demographic factors, including age, gender, and nationality. Methodology A retrospective chart review was conducted from July 2023 to August 2023 at Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital Group, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included 498 children aged 0.58 to 17 years, selected through a cluster sampling technique. Data on demographic characteristics and laboratory results, including hemoglobin (Hb) levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW), ferritin, and RBC, were collected. Iron deficiency anemia was diagnosed based on Hb levels and other hematological indices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The prevalence of IDA among the study population was 9.2%, with 72.3% of the cases classified as mild and 27.7% as moderate. No cases of severe anemia were found. Infants had the highest prevalence of IDA (16.9%), followed by toddlers (12.0%), preschool children (7.2%), and school-age children (0.8%). Gender analysis revealed a prevalence of 9.7% in males and 8.6% in females, with no significant difference between genders (p = 0.659). All non-Saudi participants were free of IDA, whereas 9.3% of Saudi participants had IDA, though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.761). Conclusion The study found a relatively low prevalence of IDA among healthy children attending Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital Group in Riyadh, SAU, with the highest prevalence observed among infants. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to prevent IDA, particularly in younger children. Routine screening and early treatment are crucial to mitigate the potential long-term effects of IDA on child development. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to validate these findings and explore additional factors influencing IDA prevalence.

Haemolysis overestimates plasma oxidative stress biomarkers in free-ranging roe deer

Quantifying oxidative stress has garnered extensive interest in evolutionary ecology and physiology since proposed as a mediator of life histories. However, while the theoretical framework of oxidative stress ecology is well-supported by laboratory-based studies, results obtained in wild populations on oxidative damage and antioxidant biomarkers have shown inconsistent trends. We propose that red blood cell lysis could be a source of bias affecting measurements of oxidative stress biomarkers, distorting the conclusions drawn from them. Using an experimental approach consisting of enriching plasma from roe deer with lysed red blood cells, we show that the values of commonly used oxidative stress biomarkers linearly increase with the degree of haemolysis – assayed by haemoglobin concentration. This result concerns oxidized proteins (carbonyls) and lipids (TBARS), as well as enzymatic (superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic (trolox assay, OXY assay) antioxidant markers. Based on 707 roe deer blood samples collected in the field, we next show that the occurrence of haemolysis in plasma samples is negatively related to age. Finally, we illustrate that considering the variance explained by age-related haemolysis improves explanatory models for inter-individual variability in plasma oxidative stress biomarkers, without substantially altering the estimates of the parameters studied here. Our results raise the question of the veracity of the conclusions if the degree of haemolysis in plasma is not considered in animal models such as roe deer, for which the occurrence and severity of haemolysis vary according to individual characteristics. We recommend measuring and controlling for the degree of haemolysis be considered in future studies that investigate the causes and consequences of oxidative stress in ecophysiological studies.

Hemoglobin-based transfusion strategies for cardiovascular and other diseases: restrictive, liberal, or neither?

AbstractA “restrictive” red blood cell transfusion threshold, a hemoglobin concentration <7 to 8 g/dL, has long been recommended for most hospitalized patients including anemic patients with stable cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although no threshold recommendation is given for acute coronary syndromes (ACSs), recent evidence suggests that “liberal” rather than “restrictive” transfusion strategies are associated with significantly improved safety for hospitalized patients with stable CVD and/or ACS. This finding suggests that previously available data were misinterpreted. Conclusions drawn from earlier transfusion trigger trials have been confounded by unintentional trial design and analysis flaws that have contributed to erroneous recommendations regarding the safety of a restrictive threshold. Subsequently, these conclusions have been incorporated into widely accepted guidelines and clinical practice. Management with a restrictive vs liberal transfusion strategy (<10 g/dL) increases the risk of new-onset ACS in patients with CVD by ∼2%. We estimate that since 2019, using hospital databases and a recent meta-analysis, this practice may have resulted in ∼700 excess ACS events per year in orthopedic surgical patients. Given these findings, transfusion practices in other clinical conditions, particularly those derived from similar transfusion trigger trials, should be questioned. Restrictive and liberal transfusion policies merit a general reconsideration. Rather than a single numerical transfusion trigger, transfusion therapy should be personalized. Consideration of an individual patient’s age, clinical status, and comorbidities is integral to transfusing. To avoid making similar errors, future trials of transfusion therapy should determine common practices before study inception and incorporate them as a usual-care “control” comparator arm into the trial design. Such studies should more reliably improve current transfusion practice.