Plasma Hemoglobin Concentration Research Articles

An 18-µm microaggregate blood filter does not cause hemolysis during in vitro whole blood transfusions in sea turtles.

Determine the hemolytic effect of an 18-µm microaggregate blood filter during in vitro sea turtle whole blood transfusions as well as describe the average diameter of leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) RBCs. 5 green (Chelonia mydas), 5 loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and 5 Kemp's ridley sea turtles (total n = 15). Heparinized sea turtle blood was infused at 60 mL/h through a microbore extension set without and then with a postsyringe, inline 18-µm microaggregate blood filter. Pre- and postfiltration PCV, Hct, total solids, sodium, chloride, potassium, glucose, and free plasma hemoglobin concentrations were measured. With the use of light microscopy and archived blood smears, the maximum and minimum diameter of 20 RBCs from each of the 5 leatherback and 5 Kemp's ridley sea turtles were measured with a calibrated ocular micrometer using 400X magnification. There were no significant differences between pre- and postfiltration samples for Hct, total solids, sodium, chloride, potassium, glucose, and free plasma hemoglobin concentrations; however, there was a significant median postfiltration decrease in PCV of approximately 4%, representing a 13% decrease of the total RBCs transfused. Average maximum diameters for leatherback and Kemp's ridley sea turtle RBCs were 19.7 and 16.1 µm, respectively. Although the 18-µm microaggregate blood filter does not hemolyze transfused sea turtle RBCs and is likely safe for in vivo blood transfusions, the filter's pores may retain a small proportion of infused RBCs given their diameter.

Improving olaparib exposure to optimize adverse effects management.

Olaparib is an inhibitor of the human poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase enzymes (PARP1/2) needed to repair single-strand DNA breaks. It is used in breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer. This work aimed to describe the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) relationship between olaparib plasma concentrations and common adverse effects (i.e. anaemia and hypercreatininaemia), in a real-life setting, to propose a target concentration for therapeutic drug monitoring. Two PK/PD models describing the evolution of haemoglobinaemia and creatininaemia as a function of time were developed, based on data from, respectively, 38 and 37 patients receiving olaparib. The final model estimates were used to calculate the incidence of anaemia and creatinine increase according to plasma trough concentrations for 1000 virtual subjects to define target exposure. The final models correctly described the temporal evolution of haemoglobinaemia and creatininaemia for all patients. The haemoglobinaemia PK/PD model is inspired by Friberg's model, and the creatininaemia PK/PD model is an indirect response model. Model parameters were in agreement with physiological values and close to literature values for similar models. The mean (population) plasma haemoglobin concentration at treatment initiation, as estimated by the model, was 11.62 g/dL, while creatinine concentration was 71.91 µmol/L. Using simulations, we have identified a target trough concentration of 3500-4000 ng/mL, above which more than 20% of patients would report grade ≥3 anaemia. Based on real-world data, we were able to properly describe the time course of haemoglobinaemia and plasma creatininaemia during olaparib treatment.

Effectiveness of locally produced ready to use supplementary food on hemoglobin, anthropometrics, and plasma micronutrients concentrations of 6 to 23 months age children: a non-randomized community-based trial from Pakistan.

Micronutrient deficiencies including vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc are highly prevalent in children below 5 years of age in low and -middle-income countries. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ready-to-use Lipid-based Nutrient Supplement-Medium Quantity (LNS-MQ) local name "Wawa-mum" on plasma micronutrient status, hemoglobin concentration and anthropometric measurements. A community-based non-randomized trial was conducted in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January 2018 to June 2019. A total of 110 children aged 6 to 23 months old were recruited and allocated to the intervention and control arm of the study. A total of 57 children in the intervention arm received a daily ration of 50 g of Wawa-mum, for one year. To assess the impact of the intervention on primary outcome measures, i.e., serum vitamin A, D concentration, plasma zinc, and hemoglobin concentration. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after one year following the intervention. The vitamins concentration in serum were assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and plasma zinc by atomic absorption spectrometry. The hemoglobin concentration was measured by an automated hematology analyzer. A 24-h dietary recall interview was used to assess the nutrient intake adequacy. Multivariate Linear regression models were used to analyze the outcomes while controlling for potential confounders. In the intervention arm, children had on average 6.2 μg/dL (95% CI 3.0-9.3, value of p<0.001) increase in the serum vitamin A concentration, 8.1 ng/mL (95% CI 1.3-14.9, value of p 0.02) increase in serum vitamin D concentration and 49.0 μg/dL (95% CI 33.5-64.5, value of p<0.001) increase in the plasma zinc concentration, and 2.7 g/dL (95% CI 2.0-3.3, value of p<0.001) increase in hemoglobin concentration while adjusted for covariates. An addition, length-for-age z-score (LAZ), weight-for-length z-score (WLZ), weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), and prevalence of undernutrition including stunting, wasting, and underweight were calculated as a secondary outcome to investigate the impact of micronutrients on growth parameters, that has been improved significantly after receiving the Wawa-mum. Wawa-mum (LNS-MQ) is an effective intervention to improve the micronutrient status, hemoglobin concentration, and growth parameters in 6 to 23 months children, which can be scaled up in the existing health system to address the alarming rates of under nutrition in Pakistan and other developing countries. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN94319790, ISRCTN94319790.

Haematological Trends and Transfusion during Adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Single Centre Study.

Patient demographics, haematological and coagulation parameters, plasma haemoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations, platelet count, the international normalised ratio (INR), the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and blood product transfusion data from 138 patients who received ECMO in a single high-volume centre were analysed. Ninety-two patients received venoarterial (VA) ECMO and 46 patients received venovenous (VV) ECMO. The median (IQR) duration of VA, and VV ECMO was 8 (5-13) days and 13 (8-23) days, respectively. There were significant reductions in haemoglobin, the platelet count, and the fibrinogen concentration upon initiation of ECMO. On average, over time, patients on VV ECMO had platelet counts 44 × 109/L higher than those on VA ECMO (p ≤ 0.001). Fibrinogen and APTT did not vary significantly based on the mode of ECMO (p = 0.55 and p = 0.072, respectively). A platelet count < 50 × 109/L or a fibrinogen level < 1.8 g/L was associated with 50% chance of PRBC transfusion, regardless of the ECMO type, and packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion was more common with VA ECMO. APTT was predictive of the transfusion requirement, and the decrement in APTT was discriminatory between VVECMO survivors and nonsurvivors. ECMO support is associated with reductions in haemoglobin, platelet count, and fibrinogen. Patients supported with VA ECMO are more likely to receive a PRBC transfusion compared to those on VV ECMO. Thrombocytopaenia, hypofibrinogenaemia, and anticoagulation effect the likelihood of requiring PRBC transfusion. Further research is needed to define optimal blood management during ECMO, including appropriate transfusion triggers and the anticoagulation intensity.

Alternative methods for calculating percentage haemolysis of red cell concentrates in peripheral blood banks in Sri Lanka.

Haemolysis - one of the major limiting factors of red cell concentrate quality - must be measured as a quality-monitoring requirement. According to international quality standards, percentage haemolysis must be monitored in 1.0% of red cell concentrates produced monthly and maintained under 0.8%. This study assessed three alternative methods for determining plasma haemoglobin concentration in peripheral blood banks that lack a plasma or low haemoglobin photometer - the gold-standard method - in Sri Lanka. A standard haemolysate was prepared using an unexpired whole blood pack of normal haemoglobin concentration. A concentration series from 0.1 g/dL to 1.0 g/dL was prepared by diluting portions of standard haemolysate with saline. The alternative methods, namely visual haemoglobin colour scale, spectrophotometric calibration graph, and standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison, were designed using this concentration series and were used to test red cell concentrates received at the Quality Control Department of the National Blood Center, Sri Lanka, from February 2021 to May 2021. A strong correlation was observed between the haemoglobin photometer method and the alternative methods (R = ~0.9). Based on the linear regression model, the standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison method was the best of the three alternative methods (R 2 = 0.974). All three alternative methods are recommended for use in peripheral blood banks. The standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison method was the best model.

Anemia prevalence among ethnic minority schoolchildren in an undeveloped city in southwest China

ObjectivesAnemia is one of the most important nutritional deficiency diseases among schoolchildren worldwide. More attention needs to be focused on anemia prevalence in ethnic minorities in the multiethnic country of China. This study was conducted in Mengzi City, Yunnan Province, which has the largest variety of ethnic minorities in China, to investigate the anemia prevalence among ethnic minority schoolchildren ages 6 to 15 y. MethodsThe plasma hemoglobin concentration of all participants was examined once a year from 2014 to 2020. Anemia was defined as a blood hemoglobin level below 11g/dL, 12g/dL, 13g/dL and 12g/dL for schoolchildren ages 5 to 11y, 12 to 14 y, ages 15 to 19 y males and females, respectively. ResultsThe overall anemia prevalence (7.3%) was higher than the national level (6.1%). The prevalence among ethnic minorities (8.2%) was higher than among Han Chinese (6.8%), and the prevalence was higher among 6-year-olds (12.2%), females (8.0%), those of Hani Nationality (8.7%), and underweight students (8.5%). The overall prevalence trend of ethnic minorities rose continuously from 2014 to 2020. Ethnic minorities had a higher risk of anemia than did Han Chinese. Overweight schoolchildren (odds ratio [OR], 0.816) and those with obesity (OR, 0.710) had a lower risk of anemia than did students with normal-weight status. ConclusionsAlthough the prevalence of anemia among schoolchildren in Mengzi is a mild public health problem, the rate among ethnic minorities is consistently higher than among Han Chinese and keeps rising. Measures to prevent and control anemia need to be prioritized in ethnic minorities, particularly those of Hani Nationality, females, and underweight schoolchildren.

Therapeutic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expressing Erythropoietin on Cancer-Related Anemia in Mice Model.

Cancer-related anemia (CRA) negatively influences cancer patients' survival, disease progression, treatment efficacy, and quality of life (QOL). Current treatments such as iron therapy, red cell transfusion, and erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) may cause severe adverse effects. Therefore, the development of long-lasting and curative therapies is urgently required. In this study, a cell and gene therapy strategy was developed for in vivo delivery of EPO cDNA by way of genetic engineering of human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs) to produce and secrete human EPO protein for extended periods after transplantation into the mice model of CRA. To evaluate CRA's treatment in cancer-free and cancerous conditions, first, a recombinant breast cancer cell line 4T1 which expressed herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK) by a lentiviral vector encoding HSV1-TK was developed and injected into mice. After three weeks, all mice developed metastatic breast cancer associated with acute anemia. Then, ganciclovir (GCV) was administered for ten days in half of the mice to clear cancer cells. Meanwhile, another lentiviral vector encoding EPO to transduce hWJMSCs was developed. Following implantation of rhWJMSCs-EPO in the second group of mice, peripheral blood samples were collected once a week for ten weeks from both groups. Analysis of peripheral blood samples showed that plasma EPO, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) concentrations significantly increased and remained at therapeutic for >10 weeks in both treatment groups. Data indicated that rhWJMSCs-EPO increased the circulating level of EPO, Hb, and Hct in both mouse subject groups and improved the anemia of cancer in both cancer-free and cancerous mice.

Relationship between creatine kinase and major bleeding in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

Objective: To investigate the relationship between creatine kinase (CK) and major bleeding in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients during hospitalization, and to analyze the predictive value of CK for major bleeding in NSTE-ACS patients during treatment. Methods: A total of 1469 NSTE-ACS patients admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were collected, including 1024 unstable angina pectoris patients and 445 non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients. Plasma CK and hemoglobin concentrations were measured after admission. The patients were divided into major bleeding group (n=31) and non-major bleeding group (n=1438) according to Thrombolysis In Myocardial Ischemia bleeding classification standard, and they were given routine treatment. Results: During the treatment period, major bleeding occurred in 31 of 1469 NSTE-ACS patients, accounting for 2.11%. CK value in major bleeding group was higher than that in non-major bleeding group (P&lt;0.001). According to the quartile, CK was divided into groups Q1-Q4, and the incidence of major bleeding in group Q4 was higher than that of the other three groups (P&lt;0.001). Plasma CK was positively correlated with major bleeding in NSTE-ACS patients (r=0.59, P&lt;0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of baseline CK value was 0.793 (SE=0.062, P=0.001, 95％CI 0.711-0.872) in NSTE-ACS patients during treatment. Conclusion: CK was associated with major bleeding in NSTE-ACS patients.

Impact of blood storage duration on hematologic, blood gas, biochemical, and oxidative stress variables in sheep undergoing allogeneic blood transfusions.

Hemotherapy in ruminants is limited to whole blood transfusions, sometimes with stored blood for up to 42days, but little attention has been given to the effect of blood storage times and recipient responses after transfusions. We aimed to evaluate the hematologic and serum biochemical effects after allogeneic blood transfusion with either fresh or stored blood in sheep. We also sought to examine hematologic and biochemical analyte changes in the store blood. Eighteen sheep underwent a single phlebotomy to remove 40% of their blood volume. The sheep were divided into three experimental groups, G0, G15, and G35, which included six animals, each receiving 20mL/kg of either fresh blood or blood stored in citrate, phosphate, dextrose, and adenine (CPDA-1) bags for 15 and 35days, respectively. Biochemical, hematologic, coagulation, blood gas, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress test evaluations were performed using the blood samples gathered at T0 (before transfusion), 30minutes (T30m), 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96hours (T6h-T96h), 8days (T8d), and 16days (T16d) after transfusions. Sheep exhibited increases in packed cell volumes, red blood cell counts, and total hemoglobin concentrations at T30m (P<.05). G35 animals had greater plasma hemoglobin concentrations at T12h and decreased blood pH values at T6h, characterized by slight metabolic acidemia. Regarding oxidative stress, G35 animals had decreased catalase activities from T0 at T30m, T6h, T12h, and T24h, indicating that hemolysis had occurred, which was supported by concomitant increases in bilirubin. Sheep transfused with 35-day stored blood exhibited greater hematologic, blood gas, biochemical, and oxidative alterations; however, anemic animals without comorbidities effectively reversed those alterations.

An Evaluation of the Levels of Subclinical Malaria Infection and Haemolysis among Residents of Opobo, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating the levels of subclinical malaria infection and haemolysis among the residents of Opobo, Rivers State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: A cross sectional study design was used. The subjects were grouped into males and females and comparisons were made between positive and negative subjects of the same gender and positive subjects of different gender.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study area was Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Nigeria. The study was carried out within August 2nd to August 26th, 2019 and a total of 89 apparently healthy subjects were recruited, 35 males and 54 females, aged between 16 – 70 years.&#x0D; Methodology: Malaria parasite identification was done by thick and thin film using Giemsa’s stain, packed cell volume was by microhaematocrit method, plasma haemoglobin concentration and whole blood haemoglobin concentration was determined by cyanmethaemoglobin method.&#x0D; Results: The result revealed a total of 24.72% positivity and 75.28% negativity for malaria parasite infection. Among the males, 17.14% positivity and 82.86% negativity for malaria parasite infection were observed while that of the females was 20.37% positivity and 79.63% negativity. In comparison of the studied parameters made between females infected with malaria parasites and those that were not infected with malaria parasites, there was no statistical significant difference at p&lt;0.05 in plasma haemoglobin and percentage haemolysis. In comparison of the studied parameters between males infected with malaria parasites and those not infected with malaria parasites, there was no statistical significant difference in plasma haemoglobin and percentage haemolysis. On gender based comparison, there was also no statistical significant difference in level haemolysis.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study has revealed a prevalence rate of 24.72% for subclinical malaria infection and the percentage haemolysis of red blood cells in malaria infected subjects residing in Opobo Town compared to subjects without malaria parasite was not statistically significant. Based on gender difference, males were affected more than females, but the level of red blood cell haemolysis was not statistically significant after comparison.

Evidence for communication of peripheral iron status to cerebrospinal fluid: clinical implications for therapeutic strategy

BackgroundIron is crucial for proper functioning of all organs including the brain. Deficiencies and excess of iron are common and contribute to substantial morbidity and mortality. Whereas iron’s involvement in erythropoiesis drives clinical practice, the guidelines informing interventional strategies for iron repletion in neurological disorders are poorly defined. The objective of this study was to determine if peripheral iron status is communicated to the brain.MethodsWe used a bi-chamber cell culture model of the blood–brain-barrier to determine transcytosis of iron delivered by transferrin as a metric of iron transport. In the apical chamber (representative of the blood) we placed transferrin complexed with iron59 and in the basal chamber (representative of the brain) we placed human cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples (N = 24) were collected via lumbar puncture. The integrity of the tight junctions were monitored throughout the experiments using RITC-Dextran.ResultsWe demonstrate that iron transport correlates positively with plasma hemoglobin concentrations but not serum ferritin levels.ConclusionsThe clinical ramifications of these findings are several- fold. They suggest that erythropoietic demands for iron take precedence over brain requirements, and that the metric traditionally considered to be the most specific test reflecting total body iron stores and relied upon to inform treatment decisions–i.e., serum ferritin–may not be the preferred peripheral indicator when attempting to promote brain iron uptake. The future direction of this line of investigation is to identify the factor(s) in the CSF that influence iron transport at the level of the BBB.

Assessment of Plasma Iron, Feritin, Blood Platelets and Hemoglobin Concentration in Rabbits Given Amoxicillin Overdose Supplemented with Raw Cucumber Juice

Background and Aim: Raw Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice contains substances of health promoting bioactivities. Plasma iron is stored in the liver and blood cells. Platelets are blood cells involved in blood clotting for homeostasis while haemoglobin (found on red blood cells) concentration is an index of anaemia and polycythemia. This work was therefore designed to assess plasma iron, feritin, blood platelets and hemoglobin concentration in rabbits given amoxicillin overdose supplemented with raw cucumber fruit Juice. Methods: Fifteen rabbits of the same sex weighing 0.9 – 1.4Kg divided into 3 groups of 5 rabbits each were used for the study. Group A- 5 control rabbits; Group B –5 rabbits given 30.0mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 hrs for 7 days which was followed by 30ml raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; Group C–5 rabbits given 30.0mg/ kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 hrs and raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days simultaneously. Plasma iron, ferritin and hemoglobin concentration were determined in the rabbits biochemically by spectrophotometry and immunoturbidometry while platelets were enumerated by haemocytometry. Results: There was a significant increase in plasma ferritin and iron with a significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration and blood platelets when the rabbits were given 30.0mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 hrs for 7 days compared with the results obtained from the control rabbits, their basal samples and when they were supplemented with30ml raw cucumber fruit juice for 14 days with p<0.05. There was a significant decrease in plasma ferritin and iron with a significant increase in haemoglobin concentration and blood platelets when they were supplemented with3 0ml raw cucumber fruit juice for 14 days compared with the results obtained when they were given 30.0mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 hrs for 7 days with p<0.05. Conclusion : There was a significant increase in plasma ferritin and iron with a significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration and blood platelets upon administration of amoxicillin overdose which was reversed when the supplement of raw cucumber fruit juice was given. Cucumber fruit juice possibly has a protective effect on blood cells and liver as there was no significant haematological alteration when amoxicillin overdose and raw cucumber fruit juice were co-administered.

EFFECT OF IN-OVO INJECTION WITH IRON–METHIONINE CHELATES OR IRON NANO-PARTICLES AND POST HATCH DIETARY FOLIC ACID ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF BROILER CHICKENS

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of in-ovo injection of iron–methionine chelates (Fe-Meth) or iron nano-particles (FeNPs) and post hatch feeding with diets fortified with folic acid on productive performance and some physiological responses of Ross broiler chickens. A total of 450 fertile eggs were allocated to 5 treatment groups in the incubator, each of which included 3 replicates (30 eggs each). Experimental treatments consisted of a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement design with 5 levels of in-ovo injection solutions at day seven of incubation and two dietary levels of folic acid (FA) (0.0 or 0.5g/kg, diet) after hatching. In-ovo injection treatments were divided into 5 groups: control non- injected (T1), injected with 0.1 ml physiological saline (T2), sham-injected control (T3),injected with 0.1 ml of 75 ppb of iron nano-particles (T4, FeNPs), while the last group (T5) was injected with 0.1 ml of 75 ppb organic iron (Fe- meth). Results showed that in-ovo injection of different iron sources significantly improved live body weight and weight gain of broiler chicks, and enhanced FCR at 3 and 5 weeks of age compared to other groups. Broilers fed folic acid fortified diets displayed significantly heavier Live body weight (LBW) and body weight gain (BWG) than the those fed the control un-supplemented diet. The combined interaction effect of in-ovo iron injection and dietary folic acid supplementation showed the best productive performance figures during the whole experimental period. Different iron sources had no significant effect on all plasma protein fraction, Lipids profile except a higher concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in plasma recorded in-ovo injection of different iron sources compared with different controls. Plasma hemoglobin, globulin fractions(α, β, and γ-globulin), transferrin and Tri-iodothyronine concentration were significantly higher in both injected groups compared to the different control groups. Birds fed FA treatment recorded the lower significant values of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL, but, the birds fed FA recorded the higher significant value of plasma HDL, plasma hemoglobin, globulin fractions(α, β, and γ-globulin), transferrin and tri-iodothyronine concentration levels compared with birds fed with or without FA. In conclusion, in-ovo injection of Fe-Meth. or FeNPs and fed the diet fortified with FA were sufficient to improve broiler performance or physiological response in broiler chickens.

Changes in Plasma Haemoglobin Concentration in Citrate Phosphate Dextrose Adenine-1(CPDA-1) Stored Blood

Aim: This study assessed the level of plasma haemoglobin concentration in CPDA-1 stored blood with a view to determine the extent of haemolysis during the 35 days storage period.&#x0D; Study Design: This is an observational and comparative case-control study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted using healthy male donors residing in Port Harcourt. Analysis was carried out at the Blood Bank of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, formerly Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from February 1st to March 8th, 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: Blood for transfusion was collected from prospective male blood donor found to be in good health, aged between 18 and 52 years, with haemoglobin level within the range of 13.5 g/dl – 16 g/dl, body weight within 55 kg – 75 kg, and body temperature within 37.0 to 37.50C / 99.50F, into plastic bags containing anticoagulant CPDA-1, and handled under strict sterile condition to prevent bacterial contamination. The blood was stored in a blood bank refrigerator with a constant temperature of +2 to +60C under proper inspection at intervals for colour, turbidity, haemolysis and clot formation. Two milliliters of the sample was collected aseptically at different interval days of collection from the blood bag and analyzed using the HemoCue photometer.&#x0D; Results: Results showed no significant changes in plasma haemoglogin from day 1, 5, and 10, while significant increase in haemolysis occurred from day 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 (p = 0.000), a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in plasma haemoglobin was observed from day 15 to day 35 of storage.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is pertinent therefore to note that the use of CPDA-1 does not completely stop the changes that occur in RBC as there are several changes occurring in stored blood collectively called “storage lesions”. Therefore, it is advisable that blood should be transfused within 14 days of storage to avoid transfusion of blood products that has lost most of its benefits to recipients, and where possible whole blood should be processed and components separated before storage to reduce the level of non-viable red blood cells.

Acute and chronic toxicity of nitrate to fat greenling (Hexagrammos otakii) juveniles

We evaluated the acute and chronic toxicity of nitrate to juvenile fat greenling Hexagrammos otakii. The 24‐, 48‐, 72‐, and 96‐hr LC50s of nitrate to 1.91 ± 0.7 g greenlings were 2,741, 2,413.5, 2,357.6, or 2,339.2 mg/L nitrate‐N, respectively. Greenlings (6.55 ± 1.83 g) were exposed to 5 mg/L (control) and 157 mg/L for 4 weeks in a recirculating aquaculture system. After 4 weeks, length, weight, feed conversion ratio, and specific growth rate were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower for nitrate‐exposed fish than for control fish. Elevated nitrate exposure was associated with decreased plasma hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count. Our results demonstrate that nitrate poses a threat to greenlings and provide information that is useful for establishing water quality criteria for early life stages of this cultured fish. The sensitivity of greenlings to elevated NO3− should be evaluated at other life stages to determine how chronic exposure might impact survival, growth, health, reproductive success, and harvest quality.

Intravascular Hemolysis Leads to Priapism Phenotype: Experimental Evidence

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) men display priapism. Berkeley and Townes SCD transgenic mice also display priapism phenotype associated with increased corpus cavernosum relaxation. Primary mechanism underlying priapism appears to be due to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, which leads to downregulation of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in the penis. Previous clinical studies reported that priapism is associated with increased intravascular hemolysis at SCD. Intravascular hemolysis releases components that impair nitric oxide signaling, such as hemoglobin, asymmetric dimethylarginine and arginase-1. It is well-established that nitric oxide scavenging by cell-free hemoglobin contributes to vascular dysfunction. However, no detailed study has investigated the role of intravascular hemolysis on pathophysiological alterations of erectile function. Since intravascular hemolysis can influence the biological activity of nitric oxide pathway, we hypothesized that excess concentration of plasma hemoglobin may contribute to priapism in SCD. Therefore, in the present study, we have used a murine model of intravascular hemolysis induced by phenylhydrazine (PHZ) to evaluate the effects of intravascular hemolysis on the nitric oxide-mediated corpus cavernosum relaxations.Methods: Intravascular hemolysis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of PHZ. C57BL/6 mice were injected with PHZ at 50 mg/Kg and then reinjected with 50 mg/Kg 8h later. Mice were killed in isoflurane chamber at 2 days after the first injection with PHZ. Strips of corpus cavernosum were mounted in isolated organ baths, and the relaxing responses to acetylcholine (ACh; endothelium-dependent response) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; endothelium-independent response), as well as electrical-field stimulation (EFS; nitrergic relaxation) were obtained in corpus cavernosum strips precontracted with the α1-adrenergic receptor agonist phenylephrine (10 µM).Results: Plasma hemoglobin was significantly higher in PHZ compared to control mice (11±1 and 4±1 µM, respectively; P<0.001), which demonstrate the increase in the rate of intravascular hemolysis in PHZ-treated animals. The cumulative addition of ACh (0.001-10 µM) produced concentration-dependent corpus cavernosum relaxations in both groups, but maximal relaxations were significantly higher in PHZ (59±4 %; P<0.05, n=7) compared to control mice (45±4%). Likewise, SNP (0.01-10 µM) produced concentration-dependent corpus cavernosum relaxations, but, again, the maximal relaxations induced by this agent were significantly higher in PHZ (87±2%, P<0.01) compared to the control group (74±1%, n=7). Similarly, the nitrergic relaxations caused by EFS were also significantly higher (P<0.05) in PHZ mice compared to control mice (32 Hz: 79±2 and 66± 1%, respectively; n=5).Conclusion: Our study shows that intravascular hemolysis leads to increased nitric oxide-mediated cavernosal relaxations, indicating that PHZ mice exhibit priapism phenotype. It is likely that hemoglobin act to inactivate nitric oxide, thus reducing the amount of bioavailable nitric oxide, which may lead to downregulation of PDE5 in the penis. One may speculate, therefore, that the reduced degradation of cGMP by PDE5 in PHZ mice may lead to the enhancement of nitric oxide-mediated cavernosal relaxations. To confirm this hypothesis, we will evaluate the expression of PDE5 and cGMP levels in PHZ mice penises.Financial Support: FAPESP. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Effects of nitrate on aquaculture production, blood and histological markers and liver transcriptome of Oplegnathus punctatus

Nitrate, the end-product of nitrification, tends to accumulate in recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs). We investigated the 96-h acute and 28-d chronic toxicity of nitrate-N to spotted knifejaw, Oplegnathus punctatus. We exposed juveniles (1.3 ± 0.6 g, 2.3 ± 0.7 cm TL) to seven different nitrate-N concentrations (11.3 (control), 673.1, 873.9, 1052.9, 1471.1, 1887.1, or 2368.3 mg/L) in a triplicated experimental design for 96 h; the estimated LC50 values for nitrate-N at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h were 774.4, 678.8, 586.3, and 484.5 mg/L nitrate-N − N, respectively. In an examination of chronic effects of elevated nitrate-N, juvenile O. punctatus (44.9 ± 7.0 g; 7.3 ± 0.6 cm) were exposed to 21.4 ± 4.4 mg/L (treatment 1), 165.5 ± 7.8 mg/L (treatment 2), or 299.4 ± 5.8 mg/L (treatment 3) nitrate-N in triplicated RASs, and the impact of nitrate-N on performance, blood, histological, and gene expression markers was evaluated. After 28 days, final length, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio did not differ (p > .05) among treatments. Final weight and mortality did not differ significantly between treatments 1 and 2, but was significantly (p < .05) different in treatment 3. Red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and plasma hemoglobin concentration were significantly (p < .05) lower for fish in treatment 3, and plasma nitrate-N concentration was higher. Plasma cortisol concentrations did not differ significantly among treatments. At the histological level, telangiectasia, hyperplasia, and lamellar shortening and fusion were observed in the gills of fish in treatments 2 and 3; blood congestion was observed in the sinusoids of liver and the hepatocytes exhibited vacuolation and atrophy. RNA-seq showed differential expression of genes in liver (p < .05) among treatments 1, 2, and 3. Gene ontology and assessment of relevant molecular pathways showed the involvement of the Wnt signaling pathway in fish response to nitrate-N exposure. Transcriptome analysis identified important stress response-related genes and signaling pathways that provide insights into mechanisms of response to nitrate-N toxicity. Our findings showed chronic health impacts upon juvenile Oplegnathus punctatus at 165 mg/L nitrate-N, and we recommend further toxicity trials at lower levels to inform prevention of chronic nitrate toxicity.

In vitro comparison of the hemocompatibility of two centrifugal left ventricular assist devices

ObjectivesShear stress from left ventricular assist devices induces von Willebrand factor degradation and platelet dysfunction, leading to nonsurgical bleeding. We characterized the hemostatic changes induced by 2 centrifugal left ventricular assist devices, the HeartMate 3 (Abbott Inc, Chicago, Ill) and the EVAHEART (Evaheart Inc, Houston, Tex), for comparison. MethodsWhole blood from 8 healthy volunteers was used ex vivo. Blood from the same donor was used for 6 hours of circulation in a miniature mock-loop system consisting of 2 identical extracorporeal circuits to compare the following experimental settings: (1) optimal revolutions per minute (rpm) for the HeartMate 3 (n = 4; 5000 rpm) and the EVAHEART (n = 4; 2500 rpm) and (2) equal rpm (3000 rpm for the HeartMate 3 and EVAHEART, n = 4 vs n = 4). For both settings, blood flow was adjusted to 1 mock-loop filling volume per minute (HeartMate 3 = 82 mL/min, EVAHEART = 100 mL/min). A panel of coagulation markers was analyzed to investigate hemostatic changes. ResultsThe free plasma hemoglobin concentration was significantly lower in the EVAHEART compared with the HeartMate 3 after 6 hours of mock-loop circulation under both settings (optimal: 37 ± 31 vs 503 ± 173 mg/dL, P < .0001; equal: 27 ± 4 vs 139 ± 135 mg/dL, P = .024). Loss of von Willebrand factor high-molecular-weight multimers occurred in both left ventricular assist devices and settings, but the von Willebrand factor:activity/von Willebrand factor:antigen ratio after 6 hours was significantly lower in optimal settings for the HeartMate 3 (P = .009). The thrombin-antithrombin complex level was significantly lower with the EVAHEART for both settings (P < .0001). ConclusionsThe EVAHEART left ventricular assist device caused less hemolysis, resulted in lower coagulation activation, and provided better preservation of von Willebrand factor functional activity compared with the HeartMate 3 device. These findings prove that left ventricular assist device design plays a major role in minimizing blood damage during left ventricular assist device support.

Plasma hemoglobin concentration among pregnant and non-pregnant women in Mwanza: are we using correct reference values to diagnose anemia in pregnancy?

IntroductionThe definition of anemia has attracted considerable interest because several studies have demonstrated that hematologic profile vary with ethnicity in addition to age, sex and altitude. This has led scholars to recommend the use of population specific hematologic reference values in diagnosing blood disorders. However, there is limited information about Tanzanians population specific hemoglobin (Hb) levels which can be used to set cut-off points to define anemia. This study aimed to determine plasma Hb concentrations among healthy Tanzanian women.MethodsThis cross sectional study was done in Mwanza. Sociodemographic data were collected using questionnaires and plasma Hb concentrations were measured by calorimetric method. Data were analyzed using SPSS.ResultsA total of 215 (162 pregnant, 53 non-pregnant) women with a mean age of 28.2 ± 6.54 years participated in the study. The mean plasma Hb concentrations were 12.0 ± 1.43 mg/dl and 11.9 ± 1.15 mg/dl for pregnant and non-pregnant women respectively. The Hb levels did not significantly vary between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Using WHO reference values, 45.3% non-pregnant and 26.5% pregnant women were found to be anemic while using the population specific reference, only 1.9% of pregnant and none of non-pregnant women would be classified as anemic.ConclusionMost Tanzanian women who are diagnosed to have anemia during pregnancy, often had developed lower Hb before pregnancy and operational thresholds for diagnosis of anemia observed in this study are lower than WHO recommended references values. We recommend a large scale study to determine hematological profile of Tanzanian.

Seroprevalence of human herpesvirus 8 and its impact on the hemoglobin level in patients of end stage of renal diseases.

The incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is increasing among renal transplant recipients. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are immunocompromised and are candidates for renal transplantation, but HHV8 seroprevalence in ESRD patients has not been well documented. A cross-sectional study of 286 ESRD patients and 281 matched subjects without kidney disease was conducted at the First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Zhejiang province to explore the epidemiologic features of HHV8 among ESRD patients in China. Blood samples were collected and HHV8 antibodies and serologic indices were measured. The seroprevalence of HHV8 was 15.3% for ESRD patients and 8.9% for the comparison group. A significant difference in the geometric mean titer (GMT) of the HHV8 antibodies was detected between ESRD patients and the comparison group (617.1 vs 291.7; P = 0.042). The average level of hemoglobin was 11.56 ± 1.78 g/dL for the ESRD group and 13.73 ± 1.42 g/dL for the comparison group, (P > 0.05). Multiple linear regression revealed a negative association between HHV8 infection and plasma hemoglobin concentration (β = -0.682, P = 0.036). We found a higher HHV8 prevalence and a higher level of HHV8 antibody GMT in ESRD patients than the comparison group, which indicate a high risk of posttransplantation KS.