Red Cells Research Articles

The effect of garlic formulation on some hematological parameters and organ weight of male and female Wister albino rats

The study was conducted to investigate the impact of garlic formulation on certain haematological parameters and organ weights in both male and female rats. Haematological data, including the count of red blood corpuscles (RBC), the volume of packed cells (PCV), the count of white blood corpuscles (WBC), and the count of platelets, were evaluated using a fully automated haematology analyser. The liver, right kidney, left kidney, heart, and spleen of the rats were weighed to determine their respective organ weights. A total of thirty (30) albino Wister rats, consisting of both males and females, were randomly assigned to five groups, with six animals in each group. Group 1 acted as the positive control and was given 100% standard feed. Group II rats were given a mixture of 10% garlic and 90% feed. Group III animals were provided with a diet consisting of 20% garlic and 80% feed. Group IV received a diet containing 40% garlic and 60% feed. The final group, Group V, was fed a diet consisting of 80% garlic and 20% feed daily for a period of 21 days. The feed formulation was assessed at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, and 80 g/dl, based on the weight of the animal. The findings indicated a noteworthy (P<0.05) reduction in white blood cell count (WBC) and lymphocyte count (LYM). There were no statistically significant changes (P>0.05) observed in the levels of haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) when compared to the control group. Furthermore, there was a noteworthy (P<0.05) reduction in HGB, MCV, and MCH when the rats reached a body weight of 80 g/100dl. The results indicated a statistically significant (P<0.05) reduction in the weight of the left kidney, heart, and spleen, as well as in the liver and right kidney weights at 20, 40, and 80 g/dl body weight. There were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in the body weight of the liver and right kidney, which were both 10g/dl. Ultimately, the use of garlic formulation in appropriate dosages can impact certain haematological markers and the weights of organs.

Breakpoint regions of an RHD-CE(4-9)-D allele and a rare JK allele in a Pacific Islander individual.

Among 710 RHD alleles, 3 alleles have been shown to express CcEe antigens and, among 67 hybrid alleles of the RHD gene, 2 alleles have evolved to include RHCE exons 4-9. No breakpoint region had been described for such RHD-CE(4-9)-D hybrid alleles. In the Kidd blood group system, the JK*02N.01 null allele is found with high prevalence in the Polynesian population. We investigated a self-identified Pacific Islander with discrepant serologic and molecular results for his C and Jkb antigens. Another 8 samples with genotype-phenotype discrepancies in the Kidd blood group system were assessed. A combination of published molecular methods and commercial kits were applied to analyze the RHD, RHCE, and SLC14A1 gene sequences, as were hemagglutination tests to determine the serologic phenotypes. Nucleotide sequencing of the RHD gene in the index case, including relevant intron stretches, and cDNA identified an RHD-CE(4-9)-D hybrid allele. Nucleotide sequencing of his RHCE gene confirmed the presence of 2 RHCE*ce alleles despite expressing the C antigen. Sequencing of his SLC14A1 gene documented the JK*02N.01 null allele. In the other 8 samples, 5 previously known SLC14A1 nucleotide substitutions were identified. The JK*02N.17 allele was determined to be Jkb-positive. We determined the 2 breakpoint regions of his RHD-CE(4-9)-D hybrid allele, which was likely distinct from the 2 previously published hybrid alleles due to the differences in the linked RHCE allele. His RHD variant was shown to express the C antigen. An SLC14A1 substitution was underlying his unexpected Jkb-negative phenotype. In a quality improvement project, we resolved 8 samples with similarly discrepant results between Jk serology and red cell genotyping.

Enhanced coagulation cascade activation and styptic effects of Zn@SiO2 nanocomposite

Humans often have bleeding, which exerts substantial selective pressure on the coagulation system to optimize hemostasis in a variety of situations. Uncontrolled hemorrhage due to severe trauma leads to morbidity and mortality. Although nonbiological surfaces such as silicates can activate coagulation factor XII (FXII), the presence of Zn (Zinc) in the material stimulates and activates the various steps in the coagulation cascade. This results in blood clotting. The Zn@SiO2 nanocomposite has an excellent hemostatic property that establishes hemostasis by activating the factors responsible for the formation of a stable clot called fibrin mesh. This can be used as a hemostatic agent during surgeries and in any other trauma condition related to bleeding. Zn@SiO2 was synthesized and characterized with XRD, FTIR and HRTEM. It is analyzed for its RBC (Red Blood Corpuscles) aggregation and Platelet adhesion ability, fibrin formation, thrombus formation and prothrombin time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), D-dimer for its ability to activate the coagulation cascade to achieve stable clotting.

The rheology of interactions between leukocytes, platelets and the vessel wall in thrombo-inflammation.

Leukocytes and platelets must adhere to the wall of blood vessels to carry out their protective functions in inflammation and haemostasis. Recruitment is critically dependent on rheological variables (wall shear rate and stress, red cell aggregation and haematocrit) which affect delivery to the vessel wall as well as velocities and forces experienced there. Leukocyte recruitment is efficient only up to wall shear rates of about 300s-1 and usually restricted to low-shear post-capillary venules in inflammation. Being smaller, platelets experience lower velocities and shear forces adjacent to the wall and can adhere at much higher shear rates for haemostasis in arteries. In addition, we found quite different effects of variations in haematocrit or red cell aggregation on attachment of neutrophils or platelets, which also assist their separate recruitment in venules or arteries. However, it has become increasingly evident that inflammatory and thrombotic responses may occur together, with platelets promoting the adhesion and activation of neutrophils and monocytes. Indeed, it is 30 years since we demonstrated that platelets could cause neutrophils to aggregate in suspension and, when attached to a surface, could support selectin-mediated rolling of all leukocytes. Thrombin-activated platelets could further induce neutrophil activation and immobilisation. In some conditions, platelets could bind to intact endothelial monolayers and capture neutrophils or monocytes. Subsequently, we found that extracellular vesicles released by activated platelets (PEV) fulfilled similar functions when deposited on surfaces or bound to endothelial cells. In murine models, platelets or PEV could act as bridges for monocytes in inflamed vessels. Thus, leukocytes and platelets are rheologically adapted for their separate functions, while novel thrombo-inflammatory pathways using platelets or PEV may underlie pathogenic leukocyte recruitment.

Gradient Hydrogels Spatially Trapped Optical Cell Profiling for Quantitative Blood Cellular Osmotic Analysis.

The quantitative exploration of cellular osmotic responses and a thorough analysis of osmotic pressure-responsive cellular behaviors are poised to offer novel clinical insights into current research. This underscores a paradigm shift in the long-standing approach of colorimetric measurements triggered by red cell lysis. In this study, we engineered a purpose-driven optofluidic platform to facilitate the goal. Specifically, creating photocurable hydrogel traps surmounts a persistent challenge─optical signal interference from fluid disturbances. This achievement ensures a stable spatial phase of cells and the acquisition of optical signals for accurate osmotic response analysis at the single-cell level. Leveraging a multigradient microfluidic system, we constructed gradient osmotic hydrogel traps and developed an imaging recognition algorithm, empowering comprehensive analysis of cellular behaviors. Notably, this system has successfully and precisely analyzed individual and clustered cellular responses within the osmotic dimension. Prospective clinical testing has further substantiated its feasibility and performance in that it demonstrates an accuracy of 92% in discriminating complete hemolysis values (n = 25) and 100% in identifying initial hemolysis values (n = 25). Foreseeably, this strategy should promise to advance osmotic pressure-related cellular response analysis, benefiting further investigation and diagnosis of related blood diseases, blood quality, drug development, etc.

Association Between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and Coronary Calcification in Patients Referred for Invasive Coronary Angiography.

This study aimed to determine whether red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with coronary calcification. A total of 4796 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography and subsequent invasive coronary angiography were consecutively enrolled. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS), demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from electronic medical records. RDW were expressed in two forms, as a coefficient of variation (CV) or as a standard deviation (SD). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate the association of RDW with CACS grades (CACS 0-99, 100-399, 400-999, and >1000). A significant association was found between elevated RDW-SD and higher CACS grades after full adjustment (adjusted OR per 1-SD increase: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.18; P < .001), while no significant association was found between RDW-CV and CACS grades. When RDW-SD was analyzed as a categorical variable, it was primarily the 4th quartile of RDW-SD that was associated with elevated CACS grades compared with the 1st quartile (adjusted OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07-1.46; P = .006), while the 2nd and 3rd quartiles showed no significantly higher risk. RDW-SD is a more robust biomarker for coronary calcification compared with RDW-CV.

A prospective observational study of red cell distribution width (RDW) as an outcome marker in Critically ill children admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary care hospital in central India

Background Critically ill pediatric patients often present with a broad spectrum of conditions, and early prognostic markers are essential for guiding clinical decisions. Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), a measure of the variability in red blood cell size, has been associated with various health conditions. Methods The study will be conducted over two years at a tertiary care hospital in Central India. Critically ill children between the ages of 1 month and 18 years admitted to the PICU will be consecutively enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Demographic data, vital signs, diagnoses, laboratory results, and relevant scores (PELOD-2 and SOFA) will be recorded. Outcome variables will be documented, including ICU stay duration, mechanical ventilation days, ionotrope usage, development of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), renal replacement therapy, and outcome (death or discharge). Statistical analysis will involve t-tests, chi-square tests, ROC curve analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value calculations. Expected results The study aims to provide insights into the potential of RDW as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in critically ill pediatric patients. Comparison with established scoring systems will contribute to understanding the practical significance of RDW in clinical decision-making.

Combined delta neutrophil index and red blood cell distribution width as a new biomarker to predict endometriosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of delta neutrophil index (DNI) in predicting endometriosis. A retrospective, case-control study was performed in a tertiary care center. DNI, red cell distribution width (RDW), and other blood parameters obtained from complete blood counts of 267 patients, consisting of 122 (45.7%) endometriosis patients with proven pathology reports of stages 3-4, and a control group of 145 women who underwent laparoscopy for simple ovarian cyst and/or diagnostic purposes and had normal histopathology, were compared. Receiver operating characteristic and logistic regression analyses were performed. DNI and RDW were significantly higher in endometriosis patients than in the control group (p=0.034 and p=0.003, respectively). Other parameters obtained from complete blood counts (leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocytes, and platelet counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), did not differ (p>0.05). For DNI, at a cut-off value of 0.025, area under the curve (AUC) was 0.572 and it was statistically significant [p=0.042; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.503-0.642, sensitivity: 45.9%, specificity: 67.6%, Youden’s index: 0.135]. For RDW, AUC: 0.601 for cut-off value of 13.65 was statistically significant (p=0.004, 95% CI: 0.553-0.669, sensitivity: 50.8%, specificity: 67.6%, Youden’s index: 0.184). The logistic regression model established with the combined marker obtained by multiplying the DNI and RDW was statistically significant (p<0.001, Nagelkerke R2=0.72, 95% CI: 2.58-47.26, B: 2.40, negative predictive value: 78.6%, positive predictive value: 37.7%). DNI, a new inflammatory marker, and RDW, known to be associated with inflammation, may be useful minimally invasive biomarkers of endometriosis.

Prognostic value of bone marrow and tumor 18 F-FDG uptake on PET/CT in patients with oropharyngeal cancer and the interplay between inflammation and FDG uptake.

To examine the prognostic value of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the bone marrow (BM) for disease recurrence and survival in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OP-SCC). The secondary aims were to evaluate the prognostic value of PET/CT parameters for the primary oropharyngeal tumor and total tumor burden, and to assess the correlation between FDG uptake variables and serum inflammatory markers. This was an observational study of 91 patients with OP-SCC who underwent pretreatment FDG-PET/CT. The patients' blood samples were collected before treatment, and treatment was administered with the intention to cure. The median follow-up time was 40 months. The PET parameters measured were SUVmean BM for the assessment of BM FDG uptake, SUVmean , SUVmax , total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) for the evaluation of primary oropharyngeal tumor and total tumor burden. Blood samples were analyzed to determine each patient's white cell, red cell, and platelet cell counts, hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein level. In a subgroup of 33 patients, blood serum was analyzed to evaluate the expression of serum immune proteins using a proximity extension assay (Olink Proteomics). The univariate analysis revealed that SUVmean BM and tumor-specific parameters (SUVmax tumor, SUVmean total, SUVmax total, MTVtotal, TLGtotal) were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS). After adjusting for age, sex, and stage only SUVmean BM remained significantly associated with RFS. Spearman's correlation identified several correlations between PET parameters and inflammatory markers. Our results show that several FDG-PET/CT parameters may have a prognostic value of treatment outcome in patients with OP-SCC. However, SUVmean BM was the only independent PET parameter that showed a prognostic value for RFS in the study cohort. Moreover, the study findings might suggest an association between systemic inflammation and the metabolic activity in the BM.

Association between Red cells distribution width and glycemic control among people with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: To evaluate Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in people with type 2 diabetes and its relationship with glycemic control. Study Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Baqai Medical University. Demographic, Clinical and Biochemical Data were retrieved from hospital management system of BIDE. Period: September 2018 to April 2019. Material &amp; Methods: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of BIDE. Based on the HbA1c values, patients were divided into two groups, HbA1c &lt; 7.0% and HbA1c ≥ 7.0%. RDW calculated from RBC histogram in Nihon Kohden fully automated analyzer. Results: RDW found 13.9±1.88 and 13.57±1.64 (p-value 0.018) in good and poorly controlled glycemic groups respectively. Poor glycemic group had higher levels of white cell count (9.58±4.34) and Triglycerides (170.12±129.13) (p-value &lt;0.05), whereas controlled glycemic group demonstrated higher levels of BMI (29.03±6.01), MCV (84.36±7.81) and HDL (33.75±12.31). RDW was directly correlated with gender (p-value &lt;0.0001) and duration of diabetes (p-value 0.01), and showed significant and inverse correlation with HbA1c. Age, blood pressure, duration of diabetes, serum LDL cholesterol, and the CBC values demonstrated no significant differences between the both groups. Conclusion: We found significant correlation between RDW and glycemic control.

Rosetta gen. nov. (Chlorophyta): Resolving the identity of red snow algal rosettes.

Thick-walled rosette-like snow algae were long thought to be a life stage of various other species of snow algae. Rosette-like cells have not been cultured, but by manually isolating cells from 38 field samples in southern British Columbia, we assigned a variety of rosette morphologies to DNA sequence. Phylogenetic analysis of Rubisco large-subunit (rbcL) gene, ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) rRNA region, and 18S rRNA gene revealed that the rosette-like cells form a new clade within the phylogroup Chloromonadinia. Based on these data, we designate a new genus, Rosetta, which comprises five novel species: R. castellata, R. floranivea, R. stellaria, R. rubriterra, and R. papavera. In a survey of 762 snow samples from British Columbia, we observed R. floranivea exclusively on snow overlying high-elevation glaciers, whereas R. castellata was observed at lower elevations, near the tree line. The other three species were rarely observed. Spherical red cells enveloped in a thin translucent sac were conspecific with Rosetta, possibly a developmental stage. These results highlight the unexplored diversity among snow algae and emphasize the utility of single-cell isolation to advance the centuries-old problem of disentangling life stages and cryptic species.

Adverse transfusion reactions following transfusion of blood and blood products in a tertiary care hospital: A step toward hemovigilance

Background: Transfusion of blood and blood products is a double-edged sword, so it should be used judiciously. The primary aim of the centralized hemovigilance program is to improve transfusion safety. Aims and Objectives: To determine the frequency, distribution, and types of transfusion reactions (TRs) occurring in patients, reported to the blood center in a tertiary care hospital in North East India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in State of The Art Model Blood Center, Assam Medical College and Hospital for 1 year from July 2022 to June 2023. Data were collected from TR records as per the hemovigilance reporting format and analyzed. Results: During the study, 38,165 blood products were issued. 41 (0.11%) TRs were recorded, out of which 25 (61%) occurred with packed red cell transfusion followed by whole blood transfusion (39%). The most common type was febrile non-hemolytic TR (51.2%) followed by allergic reactions (39%). Conclusion: The frequency of adverse TRs was low (0.11%), which may be due to the management of a few cases by the treating clinician itself. Most reactions occurred with packed red blood cells (PRBC) transfusion, the most common type being febrile non-hemolytic TR, which may be due to the presence of leukocytes, inflammatory mediators in leftover plasma during PRBC preparation, which can be standardized by the use of leukoreduced blood products. Hemovigilance will help to strengthen the quality and safety of blood transfusion.

Influence of Frequent Phlebothomy on Blood Iron Concentration, Haematological, Metabolic and Endocrine Parameters in Rams

Abstract Frequent phlebotomies, even when only a small volume of blood is taken for diagnostic purposes, can lead to the development of iron deficiency with hematological and metabolic changes. The study aimed to determine the influence of frequent blood loss by phlebotomy on blood iron concentration (Fe), hematology, metabolic and endocrine parameters and their relationships. Blood samples were collected from 30 blood donor rams for 6 consecutive weeks, with approximately 10% of blood collected weekly. Such chronic blood loss resulted in a decrease in Fe. Indicators of iron transport in the bloodstream changed, so the value of total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) increased, while the value of transferrin saturation percentage (TS%) decreased. Hematological changes included a decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin, mean red blood cell volume and hematocrit and a tendency for reticulocyte count and red cell distribution width to increase. Chronic blood loss resulted in a specific metabolic response that included the increase in glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate-aminotransferase, and insulin resistance, while thyroxine, triiodothyronine and cortisol decreased and there was a tendency for lactate to increase and BHB to decrease. The mentioned blood parameters correlated with Fe and additionally showed greater changes when Fe was extrapolated to the level of clinical deficit (Fe=9μmol/L). These correlations suggest the need to monitor the metabolic and endocrine status during chronic blood loss, in addition to Fe and erythrocyte indices. Compared with previous results in other animal species, Fe may have a direct influence on metabolic processes in rams.

Association between biomarkers of inflammation and dyslipidemia in drug resistant tuberculosis in Uganda

BackgroundActive tuberculosis (TB) significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammation biomarkers and dyslipidemia in patients with drug-resistant TB (DR-TB).MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional multi-center study in Uganda conducted 2021. Participants underwent anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests included a lipid profile, full haemogram and serology for HIV infection. Dyslipidemia was defined as total cholesterol > 5.0 mmol/l and/or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol > 4.14 mmol/l, and/or triglycerides (TG) ≥ 1.7 mmol/l, and/or high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) < 1.03 mmol/l for men and < 1.29 mmol/l for women. Biomarkers of inflammation were leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts, as well as neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte, and lymphocyte/monocyte (LMR) ratios, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) (neutrophil × platelet/lymphocyte). Modified Poisson Regression analysis was used for determining the association of the biomarkers and dyslipidemia.ResultsOf 171 participants, 118 (69.0%) were co-infected with HIV. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 70.2% (120/171) with low HDL-c (40.4%, 69/171) and hypertriglyceridemia (22.5%, 38/169) being the most common components. Patients with dyslipidemia had significantly higher lymphocyte (P = 0.008), monocyte (P < 0.001), and platelet counts (P = 0.014) in addition to a lower MCV (P < 0.001) than those without dyslipidemia. Further, patients with dyslipidemia had lower leucocyte (P < 0.001) and neutrophil (P = 0.001) counts, NLR (P = 0.008), LMR (P = 0.006), and SII (P = 0.049). The MCV was inversely associated with low HDL-C (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.97, 95% CI 0.94–0.99, P = 0.023) but was positively associated with hypertriglyceridemia (aPR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.08, P = 0.052).ConclusionsIndividuals with dyslipidemia exhibited elevated lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts compared to those without. However, only MCV demonstrated an independent association with specific components of dyslipidemia. There is need for further scientific inquiry into the potential impact of dyslipidemia on red cell morphology and a pro-thrombotic state among patients with TB.

Pemberian SABU (Serum Anti-Bisa Ular) untuk Kasus Gigitan Ular Awitan Lama dengan Komplikasi Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Background: Snakebite is a neglected disease in subtropical and tropical countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Snakebite is one of the most common venomous animal bites in the world. Case: A 34-year-old male presented with a history of snakebite two days before with a swollen left gluteus and spontaneous gum bleeding. At the emergency room, the patient was fully conscious with blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg, temperature of 36.8oC, pulse rate of 80 beats per minute, and respiration rate of 18 times per minute. Blood studies showed prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia, low hemoglobin, and elevated renal function test. The patient's condition was improved after administration of anti-snake venom, vitamin K injection, transfusion of fresh frozen plasma and packed red cells. He was discharged after three days of hospital stays. Conclusion: Antivenom is the only specific antidote to snake venom; in Indonesia, there is only one local antivenom, commonly known as SABU (serum anti-bisa ular). Inappropriate use of antivenom should be strongly discouraged. Administration of the antivenom should be accompanied by preparedness for anaphylaxis risk.

Causes of Hospitalizations in Pediatric Patients with Thalassemia under the National Health Coverage Scheme in Thailand

Thalassemia is a hereditary hemolytic anemia that is prevalent in Southeast Asia. The primary treatment for severe thalassemia involves red cell transfusion, iron chelation, and the treatment of long-term complications, leading to frequent hospital visits and admissions. This study aims to delineate the causes and characteristics of hospital admissions among thalassemia patients under the National Health Coverage (NHC) scheme in Thailand. This cross-sectional analysis (2015–2019), conducted using the National Health Security Office database, identified 336,054 admissions among 41,237 patients, with alpha-thalassemia at 12.5%, beta-thalassemia at 61.5%, other thalassemia at 0.5%, and unclassified thalassemia at 25.5%. The overall admission rate was 3.74 per 100 NHC admissions in the pediatric age group. Infections predominated in younger patients, whereas cardiac complications, diabetes mellitus, and cholecystitis/cholelithiasis were more common in older patients. Hospital admissions for cardiac complications and diabetes mellitus in pediatric patients with thalassemia decreased over the study period. The annual hospital admission cost ranged from 8.19 to 12.01 million US dollars, with one-third attributed to iron chelation. In summary, thalassemia poses a significant healthcare challenge in Thai children, characterized by high admission rates and costs. While infections predominate in younger patients, cardiac complications and diabetes mellitus are more common in older individuals. The diminishing admissions for these complications suggest the successful implementation of iron chelation medications.

Utilization of Shea Caterpillar (Cirina butyrospermi) Larvae Meal as Organic Feed Resource for Broiler Chickens

Aims: The increasing feed cost of poultry production makes a search for suitable alternatives essential. A five-week study was conducted to determine the outcome of dietary shea caterpillar larvae meal (SCM) on growth performance, haematological and blood biochemical characteristics of broiler chickens. Study Design: A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used for the experiment. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Science Education (Poultry Section of the Animal farm) of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Development, Asante Mampong, Ghana. The study lasted for five weeks. Methodology: Ninety 4-week-old sexed Cobb 500 broiler chickens were assigned to five dietary treatments with three replicates. Each treatment had 18 birds with 6 birds per replicate in a male to female ratio of 4:2. Five dietary treatments were formulated to replace anchovy at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% with shea caterpillar larvae meal and designated as SCM0% (The Control), SCM25%, SCM50%, SCM75%, and SCM100% respectively. Data collected included proximate and amino acid analysis of shea caterpillar meal, growth performance, blood profile and cost benefit analysis. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance with General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS for windows, version 7). Results: The proximate and amino acids results showed that shea caterpillar meal contains 60.42 % crude protein, a crude fibre of 7.90 %, and 3306.76 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy as well as fifteen amino. There was a significant difference (P=0.05) among all the treatment means for daily feed and water intake, final body weight and total weight gain. For mean daily feed intake, SCM0% was similar to SCM25%, but statistically different from SCM50%, SCM75% and SCM100%. Birds fed dietary SCM25% (5134 g/bird) consumed more feed while the least was recorded from birds fed SCM75% (4615g/bird). Similar trend was observed for total water intake. Mean Final weight and total weight gain, birds fed SCM0%, SCM25% and SCM50% were similar, but statistically better than SCM75% and SCM100%. It was noticed that final weight and total weight gain decreases as the inclusion levels of shea caterpillar meal increases. The haematological and biochemical attributes were not significant except for red cell distribution width coefficient of variation and globulin respectively. The red cell distribution width coefficient of variation values of birds on all the treatments was similar and more than twice the value obtained for the control treatment SCM0%. The globulin values of the birds fed the control, were similar to SCM25% and SCM50% but were significantly different from birds fed SCM75% and SCM100%. Conclusion: It was concluded that the substitution of SCM for fish meal at a level not exceeding 50% had no detrimental effect but improved growth performance.

Can System Inflammation Response Index or Systemic Immune Inflammation Index predict gestational diabetes mellitus in the first trimester? A prospective observational study.

To evaluate System Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) and Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII), which are the inflammatory indices, for the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the first trimester. This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary center from April 2023 to September 2023. Ninety-four pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 107 healthy pregnant women were included. The two groups were compared according to first-trimester SIRI and SII values. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off levels of SII and SIRI in predicting GDM. Significantly higher first-trimester SII and SIRI values were present in the gestational diabetes group (P < 0.001). Optimal cut-off values in the prediction of gestational diabetes were found to be 1.58 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.71, 67% sensitivity, 65% specificity, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64-0.78, P < 0.001) and 875 (AUC 0.70, 66% sensitivity, 65% specificity, 95% CI 0.63-0.77, P < 0.001) for SIRI and SII, respectively. Neutrophil counts, mean platelet volume (MPW), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) were significantly higher in the GDM group (P < 0.001, P = 0.02, P = 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively). Novel inflammatory indices SII and SIRI may be useful in the prediction of GDM in the first trimester, but their utility in the prediction of insulin requirement is questionable. They may be used as additional tools in routine clinical practice.

Influence of Blood Components on Neuroinflammation, Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown, and Functional Damage After Acute Subdural Hematoma in Rats.

A central component of injury development after acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is the increased intracranial pressure and consecutive mechanical reduction of cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, the role of different blood constituents in ASDH as additional lesioning factors remains unclear. This study examines the influence of blood components on neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, and functional deficits in a rat model of ASDH. We infused corpuscular (whole blood, whole blood lysate, and red cell blood) and plasmatic (blood plasma, anticoagulated blood plasma, and aqueous isotonic solution) blood components into the subdural space while CBF was monitored. Rats then underwent behavioral testing. Lesion analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed 2 days after ASDH. Inflammatory reaction was assessed using staining for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein, interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and membrane attack complex. Integrity of the BBB was evaluated with albumin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) staining. We observed a significant drop in CBF in the corpuscular group (75% ± 7.5% of baseline) with distinct post-operative deficits and larger lesion volume compared to the plasmatic group (13.6 ± 5.4 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4 mm3). Further, inflammation was significantly increased in the corpuscular group with stronger immunoreaction. After whole blood infusion, albumin and MMP9 immunoreaction were significantly increased, pointing toward a disrupted BBB. The interaction between corpuscular and plasmatic blood components seems to be a key factor in the detrimental impact of ASDH. This interaction results in neuroinflammation and BBB leakage. These findings underscore the importance of performing surgery as early as possible and also provide indications for potential pharmacological targets.

Estimated median density identifies donor age and sex differences in red blood cell biological age.

Donors possess heterogeneous red cell concentrates (RCCs) in terms of the biological age of their red blood cells (RBCs) as a direct result of various donor-dependent factors influencing rates of erythropoiesis. This study aimed to estimate the median biological age of RBCs in RCCs based on donor age and sex to investigate inherent differences in blood products' biological ages over hypothermic storage using estimated median densities (EMDs). Sixty RCCs were collected from four donor groups; male and female teenagers (17-19 years old) and seniors (75+ years old). A Percoll density-based separation approach was used to quantify the EMDs indicative of biological age. EMD and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCHC) were compared by correlation analyses. Differences in the median biological age of RCC units were observed with male donors having significantly higher EMDs compared to females (p < .001). Teen male donors possessed the highest EMDs with significantly elevated levels of biologically aged RBCs compared to both female donor groups, regardless of storage duration (p < .05). Throughout most of the 42-day storage period, senior donors, particularly senior females, demonstrated the strongest correlation between EMD and MCHC (R2 > 0.5). This study provides further evidence that there are inherent differences between the biological age profiles of RBCs between blood donors of different sex and age. Our findings further highlight that biological age may contribute to RBC quality during storage and that donor characteristics need to be considered when evaluating transfusion safety and efficacy.