Red Blood Cell Count Research Articles

Influencing factors of occupational health of clinical nuclear medical staff

Objective: To analyze the characteristics and its influencing factors of occupational injury among clinical nuclear medicine staff, and to put forward suggestions for formulating relevant radiation protection intervention measures. Methods: In March 2022, a study was conducted involving 12 medical institutions engaged in nuclear medicine in Gansu Province. The occupational health examination data of 1451 clinical nuclear medicine staff were analyzed. The study subjects were divided into two groups based on the median annual effective dose of external exposure in 2022: Group A (annual effective dose ≤0.2 mSv, n=927) and group B (annual effective dose >0.2 mSv, n=524). The effects of annual effective dose, age, seniority, gender and occupational category on occupational health of clinical nuclear medicine staff were analyzed. Classification variables between groups were compared with Pearson χ(2) test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of the abnormal results. Results: The abnormal rates of white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobin (HGB) in female clinical nuclear medical staff were higher than those in males, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). The abnormal rates of WBC and HGB in clinical nuclear medicine staff of different occupational categories were statistically significant (P<0.05). The abnormal rates of RBC and HGB of clinical nuclear medicine staff in annual effective dose group B were higher than those in group A, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that the abnormal risks of RBC in annual effective dose group B was 2.465 times of that in group A, the abnormal risks of RBC, WBC and HGB in females were 9.354, 2.939 and 6.760 times of those in males, respectively. The abnormal risk of WBC in the radiotherapy group was 2.334 times of that in general radiotherapy group. The abnormal risk of lens in nuclear medicine group was 2.459 times of that in general radiotherapy group. The abnormal risk of ECG and lens in ≥35 years old age group were 1.814 times and 1.969 times of those in <35 years old age group, respectively. The abnormal risk of lens of the ≥10 working years group was 1.899 times of that in the <10 working years group. The risk of lymphocyte micronucleus abnormality in the interventional group was 1.481 times of that in the general radiotherapy group, the risk of lymphocyte micronucleus abnormality in females was 2.215 times of that in males. The risk of lymphocyte micronucleus abnormality and lymphocyte chromosome aberration in ≥35 years old age group were 2.552 and 2.266 times of those in <35 years old age group, respectively. The risk of lymphocyte micronucleus abnormality in the group with≥10 working years was 1.443 times of that in<10 working years group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Long-term low-dose ionizing radiation has a certain effect on the lens and genetic indexes of clinical nuclear medicine staff.

Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Status.

Background and Objectives: Obesity is associated with numerous co-morbidities, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Bariatric surgery is the mainstay of treatment for obesity as the only method with confirmed long-term effects in weight reduction and the remission of comorbidities. Postoperative recommendations leading to changes in dietary habits and changes in digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract after bariatric surgery may additionally influence the levels of laboratory parameters that reflect the metabolic and nutritional status. The purpose of the study was to analyze the possible influence of changes in dietary habits after bariatric surgery on those laboratory results that reflect the metabolic and nutritional status. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 88 patients with a history of bariatric surgery. Data were gathered from before the surgery and at 6 months after the surgery and included diet structure and selected laboratory parameters reflecting the metabolic and nutritional status, i.e., levels of fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, proteins, ferrum, ferritin, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D and calcium, the red blood cell count and the hematocrit. Results: Postoperative festive glucose levels were reduced by 14% and were more significant in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. There was an increase of 22% in concentrations of high-density lipoproteins. Triglyceride concentrations were reduced by 32%. Aminotransferase levels decreased by 43% for alanine aminotransferase and by 14% for aspartate aminotransferase. Among the changes in dietary habits, post-bariatric patients had a reduced consumption of red meat and an increased consumption of fish, milk and dairy products and wholegrain products. Vitamin D and ferrum levels were higher after the surgery, whereas vitamin B12 and folic acid levels remained unchanged. Conclusions: Improved dietary habits of patients after bariatric surgery may lead to changes in laboratory parameters that reflect the ameliorated metabolic and nutritional status of patients after bariatric surgery.

Impact of Chaetomorpha aerea-enriched diet on growth, feed utilization, and haemato-immunological responses in Clarias batrachus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

The bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila, which causes motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS), is dangerous to aquaculture because it affects the fish's well-being and production. As the aquaculture industry seeks sustainable and effective methods to enhance fish immunity and growth, natural supplements such as marine algae have gained attention. This study explored the potential benefits of incorporating the green marine algae Chaetomorpha aerea into the fish diet, focusing on disease resistance, growth, feed utilization, and hematological and immunological responses. Five diets were prepared, varying concentrations of C. aerea (0 control, T1: 1 g/kg; T2: 2 g/kg: T3: 5 g/kg: and T4: 10 g/kg) and administered to fish over 30 days. Following the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to A. hydrophila, and their survival rates were observed for the next 14 days. The findings demonstrated that the final weight, weight gain, relative growth rate, specific growth rate, and daily growth rate were all positively impacted by a diet containing 5 g/kg of C. aerea. Additionally, fish in the 5 g/kg C. aerea group demonstrated improved feed conversion efficiency compared to the control group. While there were no significant changes in red and white blood cell counts on the initial day, serum lysozyme activity and overall resistance to infection were enhanced in fish receiving C. aerea at 2 and 5 g/kg. These results imply that C. aerea supplementation with fish supplements may be a useful immunostimulant, boosting improved health and growth in sustainable aquaculture practices.

Validation of the Sysmex XN-V hematology analyzer for feline specimens.

The Sysmex XN-V is derived from the new Sysmex XN series of human hematology analyzers. The main changes from the previously validated XT-2000iV analyzer include an optic-fluorescent analysis for platelets and a nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) count. We aimed to validate the Sysmex XN-V for feline blood following the American College for Veterinary Clinical Pathology and International Council for Standardization in Hematology recommendations. Feline EDTA blood specimens were analyzed on the Sysmex XN-V to evaluate repeatability, linearity, comparison with the XT-2000iV analyzer and manual methods, stability, and to verify the previously established Sysmex XT-2000iV RIs. Repeatability was excellent for most variables. Visually determined linearity was excellent or good for most variables except eosinophils and platelet variables. The correlation between the XN-V and XT-2000iV analyzers was good (≥0.82) for all variables except reticulocyte indices. Correlations between the Sysmex XN-V and manual differential counts were good to excellent for most variables, acceptable for neutrophils, and fair for monocytes and NRBC. The previously established Sysmex XT-2000iV RIs can be used to interpret results from the Sysmex XN-V analyzer for most variables except red cell distribution width and reticulocyte variables. The RI for platelet variables could not be evaluated because of platelet clumps. Changes in the Sysmex XN-V measurements after storage at 4 and 24°C were similar to those described for the Sysmex XT-2000iV analyzer. The performance of the Sysmex XN-V analyzer was good and compared favorably with the Sysmex XT-2000iV analyzer.

Clinical efficacy and immune response of BCL-2 inhibitors combined with hypomethylating agents in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia

ObjectiveAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant clonal proliferative disease with a high mortality rate. The combination therapy of BCL-2 inhibitor Venetoclax (VEN) and hypomethylating agents (HMAs) has significant anti-leukemia activity.MethodsWe analyzed the efficacy, safety and immune response characteristics of AML patients who were unfit for high-dose chemotherapy and accepted the medication of VEN + HMAs.ResultsAfter VEN + HMAs treatment, 31 newly diagnosed AML patients had the morphologic leukemia-free state rate (MLFS%) of 80.6% (25/31), complete response rate (CR%) of 54.8% (17/31), the minimal residual disease negative rate (MRD-%) of 51.6% (16/31), and the median progression-free survival (PFS) of 14 months. After treatment, the proportion of bone marrow primitive cells, the MRD level, white blood cell (WBC) count, fibrinogen (FIB) level and the proportion of B cells were significantly decreased. The red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HGB) level, platelet count (PLT) count, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), the proportion of total T cells, CD8 + T cells and the IFN-γ level were significantly increased. After VEN + HMAs treatment, 12 relapsed AML patients had a MLFS% of 50% (6/12), CR% of 33.3% (4/12), MRD-% of 25% (3/12), and a median PFS of 7 months. After treatment, the proportion of bone marrow primitive cells and MRD level were slightly decreased, the proportions of CD8 + T cells and NK cells were significantly increased, the proportion of B cells and IL-10 level were significantly decreased. 12 AML patients who receive microtransplantation (MST) treatment using VEN + HMAs as a pretreatment regimen had a PFS of 20.5 months, which was much greater than VEN + HMAs group alone. Hematological recovery was better in the MST group with significantly increased RBC count, HGB level and PLT count. The most common adverse events were myelosuppression, agranulocytosis, infection and cardiovascular toxicity. No fatal adverse events were reported.ConclusionThe combination of BCL-2 inhibitors and HMAs had good efficacy and safety in AML patients who were unfit for high-dose chemotherapy, which may improve the immune microenvironment and enhance anti-leukemia immune response.

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

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

Ameliorative effects of silymarin on aflatoxin B1 toxicity in weaned rabbits: impact on growth, blood profile, and oxidative stress

Natural plant extracts offer numerous health benefits for rabbits, including improved feed utilization, antimycotic and antiaflatoxigenic effect, antioxidants, immunological modulation, and growth performance. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of silymarin on the performance, hemato-biochemical indices, antioxidants, and villus morphology. A total of 45 Moshtohor 4 weeks old weaned male rabbits were randomly allocated into three groups (15 rabbit/each) each group with 5 replicates. The first group served as the control group feed on an infected diet by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) 0.02 mg/kg BW, while the second and third groups received an infected diet by AFB1 (0.02 mg/kg BW) and was treated with Silymarin 20 mg/kg BW/day or 30 mg/kg BW/day, respectively. Regarding the growth performance, silymarin supplementation significantly improved the final body weight compared with the control group. Physiologically, silymarin induced high level of dose-dependent total red blood cell count, hematocrit, eosinophils, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, superoxid dismutase, catalase activity, total antioxidant capacityand intestinal villi width and length. Moreover, silymarin significantly restricted oxidative stress indicators, malondialdehyde, Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglyceridein rabbits treated with (AFB1). In conclusion, silymarin supplementation to AFB1 contaminated rabbit diet may mitigate the negative effect of AFB1 on the rabbit performance and health status and increase growth performance, average daily gain, immunological modulation and antioxidants and provide a theoretical basis for the application of silymarin in livestock production.

PSX-27 Growth performance and immune response dynamics in weaned lambs with subclinical Haemonchus contortus parasite infection

Abstract Parasite infections, particularly from Haemonchus contortus, hinder sheep production in Canada by reducing weight gain and immunity. Current diagnosis and treatment methods rely on observing symptoms and the blind administration of anthelmintic drugs, resulting in escalating costs and the development of drug-resistant parasites. This study aimed to identify the exact time-point when subclinical H. contortus parasite infection affects growth performance and triggers an immune response. A total of 60 Rideau Arcott ewe lambs (~7-8 mo old), confirmed to be parasite-free, were randomly assigned in a 2 x 2 factorial design assessing inoculation treatment (TRT): oral inoculation (IN) with a solution containing 5,000 L3 strain of H. contortus or sham inoculation (CT) using water solution as control; and drench (DRENCH) administration: oral drench (D), 28-days post-inoculation, with a combination of 0.08% ivermectin solution (200 mcg per kg of BW; Durvet®) and 10% oral suspension of fenbendazole (2.5 mL per 50 kg of BW; Safe-guard®), or water solution (non-drenched, ND), resulting in four treatment groups: IN-D, IN-ND, CT-D, and CT-ND (n=15/treatment). Lambs were equally assigned to four feedlot pens (two replicates/treatment) for 57 days (d) with ad libitum access to a grain-based total mixed ration and water. Animals were individually weighed (BW) and blood sampled on days -1 and 0 (baseline), as well as on days 7, 21, 28, 35, 42, 56, and 57 post-inoculations (DAY); average daily gain (ADG) was calculated for the entire experimental period. White blood cells count (WBC) was used as an indicator of infection and red blood cell count (RBC) as indicator of anemia. Data was analyzed using a mixed-effects model including TRT, DRENCH, DAY (and their interactions) as fixed effects. Overall, CT lambs were heavier (TRT effect; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and had a tendency of greater (TRT effect; P = 0.08) ADG than IN lambs. The IN lambs had a tendency of greater (TRT*DAY; P = 0.07) WBC on d 7 than CT lambs. Additionally, IN-ND had lower (TRT*DRENCH; P &amp;lt; 0.05) WBC than IN-D lambs (1.9 and 2.0 ± 0.042 x 109/L, respectively). A significant (TRT*DRENCH*DAY; P &amp;lt; 0.01) interaction was found on RBC. The CT-D had lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) RBC on d 7 and greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on d 28, 35, 42, and 57 than IN-ND as well as on d 28 than IN-D. Furthermore, CT-ND had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) RBC on d 21, 28 and 35 than IN-D and from d 21 to 57 than IN-ND. The IN-D had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) RBC from d 35 to 57 than IN-ND. These findings suggest compromised growth in both drenched and non-drenched infected groups. Infection slightly peaked in the infected lambs on d 7 post-inoculation, but drench administration was effective at mitigating overall infection by day 21 and the anemia by day 35.

Comparison of Eliminating Artificial Hydronephrosis and Creating Artificial Hydronephrosis in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Oblique Supine Position

Introduction: The safety and effectiveness of percutaneous nephroscopic surgery without artificial hydronephrosis remain controversial, and there are few relevant studies. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of two different methods of eliminating and creating artificial hydronephrosis in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the oblique supine position. Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 162 patients who underwent PCNL in an oblique supine position at our hospital were divided into two groups according to the surgical method: the free artificial hydronephrosis group (group A) and the artificial hydronephrosis group (group B). Group A was directly treated with PCNL under ultrasound guidance, and group B was treated with artificial hydronephrosis before PCNL. Several outcomes were measured, including procedure time, stone clearance rate, and incidence of complications. Results: The procedure time in group A lower than that in group B, and the incidence of sepsis was significantly lower in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in stone clearance rate, success rate of primary establishment of puncture channel, unilateral change in perioperative red blood cell count, change in perioperative renal function, and perioperative complications (except sepsis) between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: For experienced physicians, PCNL without artificial hydronephrosis in an oblique supine position can be attempted to reduce the number of surgical steps without affecting the stone clearance rate and increasing the occurrence of complications.

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

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

Panax notoginseng Saponins Ameliorate Gamma Radiation-Mediated Damages in Human Peripheral Blood Monocytes and Swiss Albino Mice.

In this study, the protective effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) against gamma radiation-induced DNA damage and associated physiological alterations in Swiss albino mice were investigated. Exposure to gamma radiation led to a dose-dependent increase in cytokinesis-blocked micronuclei (CBMN) double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs), dicentric aberrations (DC), formation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, pretreatment with PNS at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 µg/mL significantly attenuated the frequencies of DC and CBMN in a concentration-dependent manner. PNS administration before radiation exposure also reduced radiation-induced DSBs in BL, indicating protection against reactive oxygen species generation and DNA damage. Notably, pretreatment with PNS at 10 µg/mL prevented the overexpression of γ-H2AX, proteins associated with DNA damage response, in irradiated mice. In addition, in vivo studies showed intraperitoneal administration of PNS (25 mg/kg body weight) for 1 h before radiation exposure mitigated lipid peroxidation levels and restored antioxidant status, countering oxidative damage induced by gamma radiation. Furthermore, PNS pretreatment reversed the decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) content, white blood cell count, and red blood cell count in irradiated mice, indicating preservation of hematological parameters. Overall, PNS demonstrated an anticlastogenic effect by modulating radiation-induced DSBs and preventing oxidative damage, thus highlighting its potential as a protective agent against radiation-induced DNA damage and associated physiological alterations. Clinically, PNS will be beneficial for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, but their pharmacological properties and toxicity profiles need to be studied.

The impact of hypoxic training at different altitudes on human physiology, biochemistry, and cytogenetics

This study investigated the impact of dosed hypoxic normobaric exercises on the physio-biochemical parameters of blood and lymph circulation, as well as cytogenetic changes in red blood cells (RBC), using a Sprague Dawley Rat Model. Hypoxic training was conducted in an animal hypoxic chamber. The session lasted 34-35 minutes. The O2 content was 20.5% at the beginning of the session; then, it dropped to 14.8% within 4-5 minutes, corresponding to a rise to an altitude of 2,900-3,000 m, and was maintained at that level until the end of the session. The hypoxic training cycle increased the RBC count by 4.1%, the hemoglobin count by 4.2%, the blood oxygen capacity by 8.3%, the circulating blood volume by 16.7%, and interstitial metabolism and lymph circulation by 30.6%. A cytogenetic study revealed an increase in erythropoiesis-reticulocyte count by 40.3% and a slightly higher frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes. We observed economization of the heart, respiration, activation of glucose transport by 33.5%, increased lipid utilization, and increased antioxidant protection. These parameters especially changed when hypoxic training was combined with physical activity. Hypoxic training with physical activity expands the body’s compensatory and adaptive capabilities by increasing the reserves of the respiratory, cardiovascular, and lymphatic systems.

Bioaccumulation of Deltamethrin and Piperonyl butoxide in Labeo rohita fish

Deltamethrin (DLM), in combination with the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO), is extensively used in pest control programs due to its potent pesticidal properties and appreciable safety margin. However, various research studies report their adverse effects on non-target organisms. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of DLM, PBO, and a DLM-PBO (3:1) combination on Labeo rohita (L. rohita) fish fingerlings. Fish behavior and mortality rates were recorded at different time intervals up to 96 h for concentrations of 0.003, 0.007, 0.015, 0.031, and 0.062 µg/mL, respectively. Biochemical, hematological, and histopathological studies were carried out. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect and quantify residues in fish samples. The LC50 values after 48 h for DLM, PBO, and DLM-PBO exposed fish fingerlings were found to be 0.028, 0.066, and 0.007 µg/mL, respectively. At a concentration of 0.003 µg/mL of DLM, PBO, and DLM-PBO, the treated fish fingerlings exhibited similar behavior to the control group. Hematological parameters, such as red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, were reduced in the treated groups compared to the control. Biochemical parameters showed increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), while total serum protein levels decreased in DLM, PBO, and DLM-PBO treated fingerlings. Histopathological examination of liver, gill, and heart tissues revealed lesions with hydropic degeneration in the liver and fusions of gill lamellae in the treated tissues. Fish fingerlings exposed to the DLM-PBO combination appeared highly prone to toxicity compared to those treated with DLM and PBO separately.

Hypertension in children and adolescents: perspectives in Japan.

Hypertension in children and adolescents is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. Therefore, preventing hypertension among children and adolescents is an important public health objective worldwide. Although the importance of hypertension in children and adolescents has increasingly been recognized, the field of research is relatively new and evidence for etiologies, prevention and treatment is sparse. This review mainly summarizes the content regarding hypertension in children and adolescents published in Hypertension Research in 2023/24. Highlights include the following: The prevalence of hypertension was higher in female than male Japanese junior high school students (13.7% vs. 4.7%), but there was no significant gender difference among Japanese senior high school students (7.4% vs. 5.4%). Hematological parameters, including red blood cell counts, hemoglobin counts, hematocrit and iron levels, were positively associated with blood pressure (BP) levels in healthy children and adolescents. Higher-risk longitudinal BP trajectories in early life were associated with increased risk of target organ damage (TOD) and higher combined TOD load in midlife. BP phenotypes (e.g., masked hypertension, white-coat hypertension) assessed using office and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring were not highly reproducible in children. The salt check sheet was a useful tool for evaluating the approximate dietary salt intake in Japanese children and adolescents. It is recommended that healthcare providers screen for hypertension in children and adolescents and recognize the importance of early intervention for those with elevated BP levels. Beginning in childhood, continuous education on hypertension and proper dietary salt intake are key to reducing the risk of hypertension and decreasing the burden of CVD in adulthood.

Internal blood lead exposure levels in permanent residents of Jiangxi Province and its effects on routine hematological and biochemical indices.

Lead exposure levels are closely linked to human health and can cause damage to multiple organ systems, including the blood system and liver. However, due to insufficient evidence, the effects of lead exposure on hematological and biochemical indices have not been fully established. This study aims to explore the blood lead levels of permanent residents in Jiangxi Province and analyze the factors affecting blood lead levels and the impact of blood lead levels on hematological and biochemical indices. We conducted a cross-sectional study including questionnaires, health examinations, and blood sample examinations on 720 randomly selected permanent residents (3-79 years) in Jiangxi Province in 2018. The blood lead levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Routine hematological and biochemical tests were determined by qualified medical institutions using automated hematology analyzers and biochemistry analyzers. The geometric mean of blood lead concentration in permanent residents of Jiangxi Province was 20.45 μg/L. Gender, age, annual household income, smoking, and hypertension were the influencing factors for blood lead levels. For each 1 μg/L increase in blood lead, the risks of elevated red blood cell count (from low to high), platelet volume distribution width, alkaline phosphatase (from low to high), and cholesterol increased by 2.4, 1.6, 3.6, and 2.3%, respectively, whereas the risks of elevation of direct bilirubin and total bilirubin both decreased by 1.7%. The blood lead level in permanent residents of Jiangxi Province is higher than the national average. Higher blood lead levels were found in men than in women; blood lead levels were positively correlated with age but negatively correlated with annual household income; smoking and hypertension are risk factors for elevated blood lead; and blood lead levels affect routine hematological and biochemical markers such as red blood cell count, platelet volume distribution width, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol.

Rare Complication of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation-Liver Injury.

Background and Objectives: Liver injury is a rare complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Correct and early diagnosis and treatment are essential. The clinical signs of injury may be masked by the cardiac arrest. We present a single-centre retrospective observational study of traumatic liver injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the patients treated for liver injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation was conducted. Demographic data, the cause of resuscitation, the duration of restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and the surgical approach were analysed. Results: We have treated nine patients with severe liver injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The diagnosis was made on the basis of cardiopulmonary instability, a fall in the erythrocyte count in eight cases, and was confirmed by CT or ultrasound examination. The last one was diagnosed accidentally on MR. Surgery, in cases of unstable patients, was followed immediately after a diagnosis. We combined liver sutures and intra-abdominal packing with a planned second-look surgery. Five of the nine patients survived. Conclusions: Liver injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation is rare and is associated with high mortality. The recurrence of cardiopulmonary instability and/or a low or falling red blood cell count are the main signs of this injury. Bedside ultrasound and CT scans are the most important methods to confirm the diagnosis. The rule of surgical repair is the same as in all liver injuries, regardless of aetiology. The key factors for survival include early diagnosis, together with the length of restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Reduced heart rate variability is associated with altered clinical laboratory profile in people living with HIV

BackgroundWe compared heart rate variability (HRV) indices between people living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV-negative individuals to ascertain the independent association between HIV infection and reduced HRV, and further investigated whether distinct clinical laboratory profiles exist between PLWH with and without reduced HRV. MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis included 304 PLWH and 147 HIV-negative individuals with comparable age and sex. Thirty-two routine clinical laboratory indices (including hematology and biochemistry) closest to the survey were extracted from the Electronic Medical Record System. HRV indices were divided into two categories: low (lowest quartile, Q1) and moderate-to-high (combined, Q2‒Q4). ResultsThe time domain indices, ln(SDNN), ln(RMSSD), and ln(PNN50), as well as the frequency domain indices, ln(HF), ln(LF), and ln(VLF), were all significantly reduced in PLWH versus HIV-negative individuals (all p < 0.05). These associations remained for ln(SDNN), ln(PNN50), ln(HF) and ln(LF) even after adjusting for potential confounders in multivariable models. PLWH with low HRV indices exhibited distinct clinical laboratory profiles that were characterized by an elevation in fasting plasma glucose, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil%, and a reduction in albumin, total protein, urine creatinine, lymphocyte%, red blood cell count (RBC) and nadir CD4 count. The final stepwise logistic regression models for low SDNN included older age, decreased total cholesterol levels, elevated neutrophil count, and the use of antidiabetic medications, whereas the final model for low LF included older age, reduced RBC and the use of antidiabetic medications. ConclusionPLWH exhibit impaired parasympathetic activity, as evidenced by reduced SDNN, PNN50, LF and HF. Furthermore, PLWH who have reduced HRV indices exhibits distinct clinical laboratory profiles that are related to systematic inflammatory response and diabetes.

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

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

Dietary impact of West African black pepper (Piper guineense) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemical profile, and oxidative stress markers of broiler chickens

This study evaluated the dietary impact of West African black pepper (WABP; Piper guineense) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemical profile, and oxidative stress markers of broiler chickens. A total of 200 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to 4 dietary treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, T4) of 5 replicates (10 birds per replicate) in a completely randomised design for a 49-day study. Broiler birds in T1 (control) were fed basal diet (BD), T2 (BD + 5 g turmeric/kg), T3 (BD + 5 g WABP/kg), and T4 (BD + 2.5 g turmeric and 2.5 g WABP/kg). This study found (p < 0.05) that feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly altered during the starter phase, while no significant effect was observed in body weight gain (BWG). BWG, FI, and FCR were not significantly affected (p > 0.05) during the finisher and overall phases. Except for haemoglobin and red blood cell count in the finisher phase, haematological measures were not affected (p > 0.05). During the starter phase, aspartate aminotransferase decreased (p < 0.05) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased (p < 0.05) across the treatment groups fed Piper guineense and Curcuma longa compared with those in the control group. In the finisher phase, all the serum biochemistry parameters, except for the serum protein content were significantly (p < 0.05) impacted. Piper guineense and Curcuma longa significantly (p < 0.05) increased superoxide dismutase and reduced (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde during the starter phase across the treatment groups, with no significant (p > 0.05) effect on catalase and glutathione. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione were significantly (p < 0.05) increased while malondialdehyde significantly decreased (p < 0.05) during the finisher phase when compared to the control group. Conclusively, these findings suggest the potential health benefits of these dietary additives in broiler chicken nutrition to enhance overall health and performance.

Frequency of Nutritional Megaloblastic Anemia among Students in Khartoum, Sudan

Background: Megaloblastic anemia is a generative macrocytic anemia characterized by nuclear dysmaturity and the nucleus immature appearance in comparison to the cytoplasm due to a defect in DNA synthesis anemia is a rare ailment in children that is usually caused by a vitamin deficiency or gastrointestinal disorder Objectives: The main objective of this study was to detect the frequency of nutritional megaloblastic anemia in male elementary-school children by measuring hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), and serum folate levels. Methods: This study examined 300 male primary-school children in Khartoum, Sudan. A 2.5-ml of blood was drawn from each student and placed in an ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) vial to estimate the Hb level, RBC count, and HCT using an automated blood analyzer. Another 2.5 mL of blood were drawn from the same students into a plain container and examined for serum folate. Results: The mean Hb was 12.7 g/dl (two standard deviations), the RBC count was 4.71012 cells/L, and the mean packed cell volume (PCV) was 37.2%, and the mean serum folate was 4.4 ng/L. Conclusion: The blood parameters and serum folate were found to be within normal ranges. According to the findings, the nutritional status of the primary-school students was good, and megaloblastic anemia was not common. This type of research should be done on a frequent basis to assess children's nutritional health.