Hemoglobin Research Articles

Effects of PM2.5 exposure on hematopoiesis and coupled immune disorder in adult male mice

Fine particulate matter, namely PM2.5, increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in various systems, including the hematopoietic and immune systems. However, there is limited experimental evidence supporting the association between PM2.5 exposure and hematopoietic outcomes as most studies focus on epidemiological data. In this study, adult male mice were exposed to PM2.5 for a long time to investigate hematopoietic toxicity. There were significant increases in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and white blood cells (WBC) in peripheral blood after 5-month real-environmental PM2.5 exposure, indicating elevated circulatory inflammation and potential hematopoietic abnormality. Moreover, we observed abnormal proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), along with altered mRNA levels of hematopoietic genes and increased proinflammatory factors in the bone marrow (BM). Transcriptomic analysis of BM cells suggested that PM2.5 exposure activated immune responses associated with lymphocytes. Then, PM2.5 exposure via intratracheal instillation was performed for 8 weeks to verify the toxic effect. The results of the complete blood count were similar to those of real-environmental exposure, with drastic changes in the number and function of HSPCs, as well as mRNA levels of the hematopoietic genes and increased inflammatory factors in the BM being detected. Furthermore, lymphocyte subsets changed significantly in the BM and spleen, confirming immune disorder following PM2.5 exposure. In conclusion, PM2.5 interfered with the process of BM hematopoiesis by triggering inflammation and leading to immune disorder. Our study provided experimental evidence for the hematopoietic toxicity of PM2.5 and highlighted the significance of reducing air pollution.

Comparison of sensitivity between blood parameters and a genotoxic biomarker at low blood Pb levels: A population-based study

BackgroundPrevious studies reported that lead (Pb) exposure induced adverse health effects at high exposure concentrations, however, there have been limited data on sensitivity comparisons among different health outcomes at low blood Pb levels. ObjectivesTo compare sensitivity between blood parameters and a genotoxic biomarker among workers exposed to low blood Pb levels (< 20 µg/dl), and to estimate a benchmark dose (BMD). MethodsPb-exposed workers were recruited from a lead-acid storage battery plant. Their blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured. Blood parameters and micronuclei (MN) frequencies were determined. Multivariate linear or Poisson regression was used to analyze relationships between blood parameters or MN frequencies with BLLs. Two BMD software were used to calculate BMD and its 95 % lower confidence limit (BMDL) for BLLs. ResultsThe median BLL for 611 workers was 10.44 µg/dl with the 25th and 75th percentile being 7.37 and 14.62 µg/dl among all participants. There were significantly negative correlations between blood parameters and BLLs. However, MN frequencies correlated positively with BLLs (all P<0.05). Results from the two BMD software revealed that the dichotomous model was superior to the continuous model, and the BMDL for BLL derived from red blood cell (RBC) was 15.11 µg/dl, from hemoglobin (HGB) was 8.50 µg/dl, from mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was 7.87 µg/dl, from mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was 3.98 µg/dl, from mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 11.44 µg/dl, and from hematocrit (HCT) was 6.65 µg/dl. The conservative BMDL obtained from the MN data was 7.52 µg/dl. ConclusionOur study shows that low dose Pb exposure caused decrease of blood parameters and increase of MN frequencies. The genotoxic biomarker was more sensitive than most blood parameters. BMDLs for BLL derived from MN frequencies and the red blood cell indicators should be considered as new occupational exposure limits. Our results suggest that MN assay can be considered as a part of occupational health examination items.

Hypolipidemial potentials of selected seed oils on high-fat fed adult albino rats

Annually, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claim the lives of more than 17 million individuals. In this study, hypolipidemia potential of Persea americana, Moringa oleifera, Chrysophyllum albidum and Capsicum annuum seed oils were evaluated. Fifty adult Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 120 and 170 g were grouped into ten, with five animals in each group. The animals were stabilized for one week prıor to the induction period. The seed oils were administered in their meal for fourteen days. Blood samples were collected through a cardıac puncture into heparinized tubes centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 10 minutes and were used for haematological and lipid profile assays. Comparatively between the analyte and control groups, the result showed no significant difference (p≥0.05) in haemoglobin (HB) with a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the packed cell volume (PCV) level of the rats. In addition, there were significant reductions in the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. Among the male rats of the analyte and control group, there was a significant increase (p&lt;0.5) in the level of high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol ın their blood samples. This study reveals that the rich essential fatty acid reported in the seed oils has hypolipidemic effect potential.

Prevalence and Regional Distribution of Beta-Hemoglobin Variants in Saudi Arabia: Insights from the National Premarital Screening Program”

BackgroundHemoglobinopathies are among the most prevalent inherited disorders globally, with carrier prevalence varying significantly across regions. In Saudi Arabia, high rates of consanguineous marriages amplify the risk of these disorders.AimThis study aims to assess the burden of hemoglobinopathies by evaluating the prevalence and regional distribution of beta-hemoglobin variants, including rare variants, among couples participating in the national premarital screening program.MethodsData were collected from the premarital genetic screening program and entered into the SEHA platform, covering the 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Blood samples underwent various screening tests for infectious and genetic diseases. Hemoglobin electrophoresis samples were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), or a combination of both methods.ResultsFrom 2011 to 2018, 1,871,184 individuals were included in the study, with 49.8% male and 50.2% female. The average age was 30.2 years. Hemoglobin S (HbS) was identified in 88,431 individuals (4.7% of the tested population and 78.5% of abnormal screening results), primarily as a sickle cell trait. β-thalassemia was the second most common disorder, identified in 22,420 individuals (1.2% of the population and 19.9% of hemoglobin disorders). HbC and HbD were each detected in 0.04% of cases, while HbO-Arab was identified in 0.007% and HbG in 0.006%. Hemoglobin E and hemoglobin Lepore were found to be extremely rare.ConclusionThe study demonstrates regional variation in the prevalence of hemoglobin genetic variants in Saudi Arabia. To effectively mitigate this risk, it is imperative to strengthen public education and awareness, particularly focusing on genetic screening and counseling.

Multi-resonance plasmonic refractive index sensor based on maze-shaped resonators for biological applications

Herein, a plasmonic refractive index (RI) sensor based on a metal–insulator–metal waveguide coupled with maze-shaped resonators is proposed and numerically investigated using finite element method. Various geometrical parameter impacts on the transmission spectrum are examined to optimize the sensor’s performance. Additionally, the effect of using SiO2 as a dielectric material instead of air has been investigated. The proposed sensor can achieve maximum RI sensitivity, figure of merit, and sensing resolution of 3340 nm RIU−1, 143.33 RIU−1, and 2.99 × 10−6 RIU, respectively, in the 500–3500 nm wavelength range. The designed structure is investigated for potential applications in different biological fields, including detecting cancer cells, determining blood hemoglobin (HB) levels, and glucose concentrations. This sensor can detect MCF-7 cancer cells with a maximum sensitivity of 3543 nm RIU−1 and can achieve the sensitivity of 0.407 nm·l g−1 for glucose concentration and 3329.41 nm RIU−1 for blood HB level. The structure presented in this study has promising specifications, making it suitable for use in optical integrated circuits, particularly in highly sensitive sensors.

Evaluation of serum ferritin level and hepatitis b and hepatitis c viral infection in chronic hemodialysis patients.

The most popular treatment for end-stage renal illness is hemodialysis (HD). The study aimed to assess serum ferritin levels and their connection to Epoetin alfa resistance, along with exploring the link between hepatitis C virus, iron overload, and the prevalence of hepatitis C and B infections in chronic HD patients. This was a descriptive-analytical study conducted on 50 Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who were on regular HD in the dialysis unit of Ibin Sina Teaching Hospital in Mosul City, Iraq. Out of 50 patients, 26 (52%) tested positive for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody, 10 (20%) for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg), and 14 (28%) tested negative for both. Higher serum iron and ferritin levels were found in HCV antibody-positive patients (p < 0.05). Despite Epoetin alfa treatment, patients with elevated ferritin levels exhibited lower Hemoglobin (HB) and Packed Cell Volume (p < 0.05). Non-diabetics exhibited significantly higher serum ferritin, Hemoglobin, Blood urea, and serum creatinine than diabetics (p < 0.05). A noteworthy association was seen between the quantity of blood transfusions and elevated levels of serum ferritin and total serum iron (p < 0.05). Most HD patients were anemic, with Hepatitis B and C prevalent. The main CKD causes were diabetes and hypertension. HCV-positive patients often showed mild to moderate iron overload, and high serum ferritin was linked to poor Epoetin alfa response. Dialysis can elevate blood urea, ferritin, and creatinine, worsening anemia. High ferritin levels may hinder response to Epoetin alfa and iron replacement. Excessive blood transfusions can lead to iron overload and inhibit erythropoiesis. Maintaining HB at 110-120 g/l improves quality of life and reduces anemia-related risks.

Effect of ginger-partitioned moxibustion combined with ringheaded thumb-tack needle stimulation on gastrointestinal reactions of malignant tumor patients undergoing chemotherapy.

To observe the efficacy and safety of ginger-partitioned moxibustion combined with ringheaded thumb-tack needle stimulation in the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with malignant tumors. Patients with malignant tumors and suffering from chemotherapy were randomly divided into control group (35 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and observation group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients of the control group were treated by orally taking ondansetron hydrochloride tablets 8 mg/time, 3 times a day for 3 d, and those of the observation group treated by ginger-partitioned moxibustion combined with ringheaded thumb-tack needle stimulation of Zusanli(ST36), Neiguan(PC6), Tianshu(ST25), Zhongwan(CV12) and Guanyuan(CV4) once a day for a total of 3 d, based on the treatment of the control group. The patients' gastrointestinal reaction degree after the 1st , 2nd and the 3rd day of treatment were recorded. The Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score (0-100 points) was used for assessing the patients' quality of life. The TCM syndrome score (4 grades：no, mild, medium and severe, i.e. 0, 2, 4 and 6 points) was given according to the patients' severity of symptoms of spleen (stomach) qi deficiency (nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension after eating, belching, loss of appetite, weakness and laziness to speak, fatigue, and loose stool). The safety of the treatment was assessed by examining the patients' blood routine, liver function and kidney function, and the adverse reactions including blisters, allergies, burns and fainting during acupuncture treatment. After the 2nd and 3rd day of treatment, the patients conditions of vomiting and nausea in the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group (P<0.05). The TCM syndrome score and KPS score were significantly decreased in comparison with those of pre-treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the TCM syndrome score was obviously lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the KPS score after the treatment , and in the levels of white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), platelets (PLT), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine(Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The use of ginger-partitioned moxibustion combined with ringheaded thumb-tack needle stimulation is safe for CINV patients, and can effectively relieve nausea and vomiting and alleviate digestive symptoms.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of Chinese pediatric and adult patients with hereditary spherocytosis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the clinical features, pathogenic gene variants, and potential genotype–phenotype correlations in Chinese patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS).MethodsRetrospective analysis of clinical data and molecular genetic characteristics was conducted on patients diagnosed with HS at Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Pingxiang People's Hospital and The Third People's Hospital of Jingdezhen between November 2017 and June 2023. Statistical analyses were performed to compare and analyze the red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) data between and within groups based on different mutations and age groups (< 14 and ≥ 14 years).ResultsA total of 34 HS patients were included in this study, comprising 22 children (64.70%) and 12 adults (35.30%). The probands who underwent genetic testing were derived from 34 unrelated families. Thirty-two variants were tested and 9 of them are novel. Eighteen cases had ANK1 variants, 15 had SPTB variants, and 1 had SLC4A1 variant. 25 patients performed core family members underwent genetic testing, 17 (68.0%, 17/25) were de novo, 5 (20.0%, 5/25) were maternally inherited, and 3 (12.0%, 3/25) were paternally inherited. ANK1-HS patients exhibited more severe anemia compared to cases with SPTB-HS, showing lower levels of RBC and HB (P < 0.05). Anemia was more severe in patients diagnosed in childhood than in those diagnosed in adulthood. Within the ANK1-HS group, MCH levels in adult patients was significantly higher than those in children (P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in RBC, HB, MCV, and MCHC levels between two groups. Adult patients with SPTB-HS had significantly higher levels of RBC, HB, and MCH than pediatric patients (P < 0.05), while MCV and MCHC levels showed no significant statistical differences.ConclusionThis study conducted a comparative analysis of phenotypic characteristics and molecular genetics in adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with HS, confirming that pediatric ANK1-HS patients exhibit a more severe anemic phenotype compared to SPTB-HS patients, while the severity of HS in adults does not significantly differ between different causative genes.

Gender differences in the association between anemia and osteoporosis: findings from a large-scale prospective analysis.

Osteoporosis (OP) is characterized by a gradual onset and an increased susceptibility to osteoporotic fractures. Previous retrospective studies have suggested that hemoglobin (HGB) levels could be a potential diagnostic marker for OP. However, the relationship between OP and anemia remains uncertain. This prospective study aimed to investigate the association between HGB levels and OP. Leveraging data from the UK Biobank, a cohort of 452 778 individuals was analyzed. Employing a modified Cox proportional hazards model that accounted for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and health-related factors, we examined the links between incident OP and sex. Moreover, we investigated the impact of OP with or without a pathological fracture. Following a median follow-up period of 5.85years, 4294 participants were diagnosed with OP. After adjusting for a comprehensive range of pertinent confounders, individuals with anemia exhibited a 2.15-fold higher risk of OP in males and a 1.41-fold higher risk in females. Moreover, each unit increase in HGB concentration corresponded to a 0.83-fold decrease in OP risk for men and a 0.94-fold decrease for women. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between HGB levels or anemia and OP, with males demonstrating a greater susceptibility compared to females. The risk of OP decreased with higher HGB concentrations in both sexes, although this effect was more pronounced in males. It is recommended to conduct longitudinal studies to investigate the causality of the observed connections and experimental studies to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Genetic characterization of Tibetan pigs adapted to high altitude under natural selection based on a large whole-genome dataset

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a valuable genetic resource pool, and the high-altitude adaptation of Tibetan pigs is a classic example of the adaptive evolution of domestic animals. Here, we report the presence of Darwinian positive selection signatures in Tibetan pigs (TBPs) using 348 genome-wide datasets (127 whole-genome sequence datasets (WGSs) and 221 whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip datasets). We characterized a high-confidence list of genetic signatures related response to high-altitude adaptation in Tibetan pigs, including 4,598 candidate SNPs and 131 candidate genes. Functional annotation and enrichment analysis revealed that 131 candidate genes are related to multiple systems and organs in Tibetan pigs. Notably, eight of the top ten novel genes, RALB, NBEA, LIFR, CLEC17A, PRIM2, CDH7, GK5 and FAM83B, were highlighted and associated with improved adaptive heart functions in Tibetan pigs high-altitude adaptation. Moreover, genome-wide association analysis revealed that 29 SNPs were involved in 13 candidate genes associated with at least one adaptive trait. In particular, among the top ten candidate genes, CLEC17A is related to a reduction in hemoglobin (HGB) in Tibetan pigs. Overall, our study provides a robust SNP/gene list involving genetic adaptation for Tibetan pig high-altitude adaptation, and it will be a valuable resource for future Tibetan pig studies.

The study of single nucleotide polymorphism in a promoter region of ACE-2 receptor gene in the samples of Iraqi population with COVID-19.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an essential receptor on the host cell's cell membrane. It's interesting to note that the entry point receptor ACE2 protein and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus are correlated. This study aimed to determine the influence of the ACE gene genotype and explore the effects of genetic variation in the promotor region of the ACE-2 gene receptor in SARS COV-2 patients. The 225 participants were categorized into two groups (75 infected and 150 control) according to the results of Real Time -polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), IgM, and IgG, also included two types of samples were collected for diagnosis hematological and molecular study. The hematological and biochemical parameters showed significant differences between the two studied groups according to D. dimer, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cells (WBC), lymphocyte, packed cell volume (PCV) (P˂0.0001), also red blood cell (RBC) (P = 0.0034). While the results of hemoglobin (HB) and platelet displayed non-significant differences between the two groups (p value 0.6811 and 0.9201 respectively). In addition, the sequencing result in the promotor of the ACE-2 gene detected novel eight polymorphisms and recorded them in NCBI under no. (ON959139). The ACE D/D polymorphism associated with increased levels of ACE could represent a genetic risk factor in addition the discovery stems from the prospect that genetic differences could lead to differing responses to COVID-19 therapies.

Assessment of Hematological Parameters and Glycated Hemoglobin of Diabetic Patients in Zliten Center for Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia that leads to long term macrovascular and microvascular complications. Several studies have shown that DM affects the morphology and functioning of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, which is reflected as aberrations in routine hematological parameters. The main objective of this study was to assessment of hematological parameters and glycated hemoglobin of diabetic patients in Zliten center for diabetes. This study was directed from march 2022 to September 2022 on 400 diabetic patients (220 male, 55%) and (180 female, 45%), with a mean age of 40 years. The results of this study show that, the prevalence of anemia in this study was (50%). The mean of hemoglobin (HB) in female was 9g\dl, while the mean of HB in male was 10g\dl. The average of Mean Cell Volume (MCV) in female was 75fl., Whereas was in male 77fl., and the mean of Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH) was in female 23pg., Although was in Male 24pg. Average of White blood cells (WBCs) count in these patients were 12\ mcL in male while were 11\ mcL in female and mean of lymphocytes in male were 28%, mean of lymphocytes in female were 26%, mean of neutrophils in male were 58% and mean of neutrophils in female were 55% respectively. The mean of Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) in female was 8%, while the mean of HbA1c in male was 9%.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN BUAH NAGA (Hylocerreus polyrhizus) TERHADAP PENINGKATKAN KADAR HEMOGLOBIN PADA IBU HAMIL DI PUSKESMAS NARAS

Anemia in pregnancy is a problem that requires special treatment because its prevalence is still high. According to WHO 2017, anemia in pregnancy is a condition in which a mother has a hemoglobin level of &lt;11 gr% in the first and third trimesters, while in the second trimester the hemoglobin level of pregnant women is &lt;10.5 gr. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of giving dragon fruit (hylocerreus polyrhizus) on increasing hemoglobin levels in pregnant women in the Naras Health Center Work Area. This type of research uses an experimental method with a one group pre-test and post-test design. The sample in the study was 15 pregnant women who had anemia. Statistical tests using the Paired Sample Test. The results of the study were obtained before giving dragon fruit to pregnant women in the Naras Health Center Work Area, Pariaman City 2023 with a moderate anemia category, namely 8 respondents (53.0%). After giving dragon fruit with a mild anemia category, namely 11 respondents (73.3%). In conclusion, there is a significant effect on increasing hemoglobin (HB) levels in pregnant women with anemia after being given dragon fruit in the Naras Health Center work area, Pariaman City, with a P value of 0.001 (p&lt;0.05).

Biomarkers in periodontal health and diseases

Cause of tooth loss in world is periodontitis which is a bacterial infection whose pathogenesis has complex immune response. The diagnosis is based upon patient’s periodontal health, full mouth bleeding score, full mouth plaque score, probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, recessions, mobility, and migration. For early diagnosis of periodontitis chair side diagnostic tests are available which are used by periodontist. There are many biomarkers for periodontitis which help in early detection like: MMP-8 (Metalloproteinase-8), MIP-1α (Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha), IL-1 β (Interleukin-1beta), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), and HB (Hemoglobin), and their combinations.

Red cell exchange modulates neutrophil degranulation responses in sickle cell disease.

Neutrophils in sickle cell disease (SCD) are activated, contributing to disease. Red cell exchange (RCE), with the goal of lowering hemoglobin S (HbS), is an important part of therapy for many SCD patients. Whether RCE impacts neutrophil reactivity is unknown. To determine the effect of RCE on neutrophil activation, SCD patients undergoing RCE in steady-state were enrolled. Neutrophil degranulation responses were examined before/after RCE. Kinetic studies were completed to determine the duration of the effect of RCE on neutrophil function. Degranulation results were examined in relation to white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and HbS levels. The effect of RCE on RBC phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure was examined as a possible contributor to modulation of neutrophil function by RCE. Twenty-two patients with SCD, genotype SS, who underwent RCE (average pre-RCE HbS 33 ± 14%) were included for the study. RCE significantly decreased neutrophil degranulation responses. The effect of RCE on neutrophil activation was unrelated to cell count and instead directly correlated with HbS. The effect of RCE on neutrophil activation was sustained over several days post-apheresis. Furthermore, while increased RBC PS exposure results in increased neutrophil degranulation, RCE decreases RBC PS exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that RCE significantly decreases neutrophil activation in a sustained HbS-dependent manner. Modulation of PS exposure by RCE may be a contributing mechanism by which RCE modulates neutrophil activation. These studies raise the possibility that modulation of neutrophil activation contributes significantly to the therapeutic effect of RCE.

Correlation between Heart Rate Variability and Disease Severity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the variations in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) among individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and to explore the relationship between HRV, respiratory parameters, and disease severity. Methods: This prospective study included sixty participants diagnosed with OSA. Polysomnography (PSG) was utilized to assess HRV parameters, including time-domain and frequency-domain measures. Participants were categorized based on the severity of OSA, and data on hemoglobin (HGB), C-reactive protein (CRP), triglyceride (TG) levels, and nocturnal oxygen desaturation (NOD) were collected. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlations between HRV, respiratory parameters, and disease severity. Results: Among the participants, 23 (38%) had severe OSA, while 17 (28%) were habitual snorers (HS). Hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in patients with severe OSA and NOD compared to HS individuals (p=0.002). Increased Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores were associated with higher heart rates during sleep in severe OSA patients compared to HS individuals. NOD (+) patients exhibited statistically higher heart rates during sleep compared to NOD (-) patients (p=0.008). Individuals with an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) &gt;30, NOD (+), and the lowest SpO2 percentage overnight had significantly lower HRV compared to HS and NOD (-) individuals. Conclusions: In addition to AHI, NOD and the lowest overnight SpO2 are significant markers of elevated cardiovascular risk and are useful for assessing HRV. These findings suggest that cardiovascular risks in OSA patients are heightened both during sleep and wakefulness. Therefore, individuals with severe symptoms, especially those with excessive daytime sleepiness, high levels of NOD, and low nocturnal SpO2 percentages, should be prioritized for treatment, alongside those with high levels of severe OSA.

Regional Disparities in Maternal Blood Parameters during Pregnancy: A Comparative Analysis across Four Provinces of Pakistan

Objective: A comparative analysis of hemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and ferritin levels among pregnant women from all four provinces in Pakistan: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Methods: It was a Cross-sectional Observational study. The study was conducted at four centers in Karachi, Quetta, Kharian and Mardan Pakistan for 1 year from 1St Feb 2022 to 31st Jan 2023. Maternal blood parameters were measured and compared across different regions of Pakistan to identify potential regional differences due to factors such as ethnicity, socio-economic status, and other factors. Results: The mean hemoglobin levels were 10.95 g/dL in Balochistan, 11.04 g/dL in KPK, 10.82 g/dL in Punjab, and 10.36 g/dL in Sindh. The mean MCV values was 80.56 FL in Balochistan, 79.70 FL in KPK, 77.94 FL in Punjab, and 80.89 FL in Sindh. The mean serum ferritin levels were 16.00 ng/mL in Balochistan, 23.84 ng/mL in KPK, 33.92 ng/mL in Punjab, and 20.93 ng/mL in Sindh. Conclusions: Overall, the results showed significant variation in the mean values for the different variables across the four provinces. We also noticed that gestational anemia is very common health issue all over Pakistan. This study provides valuable insights into regional differences in maternal blood parameters during pregnancy in Pakistan and may help in the development of regionally targeted interventions to address maternal anaemia. Keywords: Gestational Anaemia, Pregnancy, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Maternal Health

The effect on the equilibrium sickle cell allele frequency of the probable protection conferred by malaria and sickle cell gene against other infectious diseases

If a mutated gene with heterozygous advantage against malaria, e.g., hemoglobin S (HbS) gene, is introduced in a small tribe, the gene (allele) frequency (fgene) increases until it reaches a steady state value (feq) where the total mortality from malaria and sickle cell disease is a minimum. This is a classic example of balanced-polymorphism named malaria hypothesis. In a previous in silico study, assuming realistic initial conditions, it has been shown that the feq is around 14%, far less than the fgene observed in certain parts of Africa, 24%. It seems that the malaria hypothesis, per se, could not explain such a high fgene, unless it is assumed that malaria and HbS gene can provide protection against other diseases. Using Monte-Carlo simulation, the current study was conducted to examine the effect on feq of five scenarios was examined. The studied scenarios consisted of different combinations of mortality of other diseases and the possible amounts of protections conferred by malaria and HbS gene against the diseases. Taking into account other diseases causing mortality in the population makes the fgene rate of change steeper over generations. feq is an increasing function of the amount of protection conferred by HbS gene against other diseases. The effect of protection provided by malaria against other diseases on feq, is however, variable—depending on the amount of protection conferred by HbS gene against other diseases, it may increase or decrease feq. If malaria and HbS gene provide protections of 1.5-fold and threefold against other diseases, respectively, the feq is around 24%, the amount reported in certain tribes of Africa. Under certain scenarios, the feq attained is even higher.

Sex-specific association of peripheral blood cell indices and inflammatory markers with depressive symptoms in early adolescence

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported the correlation of dysregulated blood cell indices and peripheral inflammatory markers with depression in adults but limited studies have examined this correlation in early adolescents. MethodsThis study used data from the Chinese Early Adolescents Cohort Study, which was conducted in Anhui, China. Students' depression symptoms were repeatedly measured using the Chinese version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children. Students' blood samples were collected in September 2019 and September 2021. The peripheral blood cell counts and inflammatory marker levels were determined using routine blood tests. Multivariable regression models were used to explore the associations between blood cell indices and adolescent depressive symptoms in both the whole sample and the sex-stratified samples. ResultsThe white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count (NC), platelet (PLT) count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were positively correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms during follow-up. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean hemoglobin (HGB) volume (MCH), and mean corpuscular HGB concentration (MCHC) exhibited negative temporal correlations with depressive symptoms. Additionally, several sex-specific blood cell markers were correlated with depression. Male adolescents with increased red blood cell (RBC) and female adolescents with decreased HGB levels and upregulated WBC, NC, NLR, and SII levels exhibited severe depressive symptoms at follow-up. ConclusionsThese findings suggested the potential usefulness of peripheral blood cell indices in the assessment of depression in early adolescents.

Hematological Parameters in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis and its Presentation among Favorable and Unfavorable Treatment Outcomes.

Tuberculosis (TB) management continues to be a challenge globally; weakened immunity plays a significant role in the reactivation of TB. There is limited information on hematological parameters in patients with pulmonary TB and its association with outcome. We present hematological parameters of newly diagnosed sputum-positive pulmonary TB patients enrolled in a randomized, clinical trial that assessed the efficacy and safety of 3 and 4 regimens using moxifloxacin. Blood hematological parameters at baseline, comparison of the baseline and end of treatment values, including the monocytes by lymphocytes ratio (M/L), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (N/L), and platelet lymphocyte ratio (P/L) between the patients with favorable and unfavorable TB treatment outcome, and among different age group and sex presented in this paper. Among the total 1059 patients, 782 were males, the mean hemoglobin (HB) ± standard deviation (SD) was 11.5 g/dL ± 2.0, the mean white blood cell (WBC) count ± SD was 9800 ± 3009 and the mean platelet count (in lakhs) ± SD was 4.24 ± 1.42 cells/uL. There was an increase from baseline in the mean hemoglobin, eosinophil, and lymphocyte count and a decrease in mean neutrophil, monocyte counts to the end of treatment. There was a decrease in baseline mean total WBC count posttreatment, both in favorable (10,271 cells/uL ± 3007 SD to 6689 cells/uL ± 1837 SD, [P ≤ 0.001]), and unfavorable TB outcome patients. An increase in HB, and a decrease in WBC count, M/L, N/L, and P/L ratio is possible at the end of TB treatment and future studies to correlate blood hematology parameters with TB treatment outcome.