Regular Blood Donors Research Articles

Pattern Of Blood Donation And Reasons For Deferral Of Blood Donors In A Tertiary Health Facility In Northeastern Nigeria

Bbackground: Blood transfusion is an essential lifesaving procedure in medical practice. The source of blood for donation can be from Voluntary Non-remunerated Donors (VNRDs), Family Replacement Donors, Commercial/Paid donors and Autologous Donors. The VNRD has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The situation in developing countries like Nigeria is different as there is scarcity of VNRDs which can be attributed to ignorance, fear, misconceptions regarding blood and blood products donation and transfusion. Objective: This study aimed to determine the pattern of blood donations and reasons for deferral in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study where records of blood donors that presented to the Blood Bank of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi from January, 2018 to December 2019 were collected. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel 2016. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Research and Ethics committee of ATBUTH Bauchi. Results: There were 19,406 prospective donors who presented for donation during the period under review. Of the 19,406 prospective donors, 24.7% (4,786/19406) were deferred from donation for various reasons including seropositivity to transfusion transmissible pathogens (70.3%), low blood level (anaemia) (20.5%), low weight (1.3%), among others. Females constituted only 2.4% (354/14,620) of the blood donors. Ninety eight percent (14,423/14,620) were family replacement donors while no commercial donors were seen during the period under review. Conclusion and Recommendations: There is a low rate of voluntary and female blood donation as well as a high donor deferral rate in our environment. We therefore recommend increased advocacy for regular voluntary non-remunerated blood donation by the community as well as encouraging more female participation in blood donation.

FACTORS RELATED TO THE INTENTION ON VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION IN BLOOD DONOR SERVICE (UDD) INDONESIAN RED CROSS (PMI) YOGYAKARTA

Background: Blood transfusion is a valuable aid to handle patients with severe anemia, inherited blood disorders, severe injury, surgery, liver disease, and reduce maternal mortality. In Indonesia, about 500,000 pregnant women die each year, 28% of them due to loss of blood. Theory of planned behavior Ajzen is used to study the intention to donate blood on a regular voluntary blood donors.
 Objective: to know the relationship between attitude, subjective norm and PBC with intention to donate blood regularly in blood donor service (udd) Indonesian Red Cross (pmi) Yogyakarta
 Method: This is an observational Study with cross sectional design. The Sample uses a systematic random sampling method with 276 respondents. The Measuring instruments are a questionnaire to take explanatory test and test-try questionnaire. Analysis of data used a product moment correlation and multiple linear regression.Results: Respondents had positive attitude, subjective norm and PBC to the intention. Significant relationship with intention on attitude variables (r-value = 0.330, p = 0.000), subjective norm (r-value = 0.341, p = 0.000), and PBC (r-value = 0.362, p = 0.000). The role of each variable based on regression coefficients obtained by the equation to donate blood regularly = 7.682 + 0.175 attitude + 0.215 subjective norms + 0.191 PBC. Adjusted R Square value of 0.20 indicates a 20% change of intention is influenced by attitude, subjective norm and PBC.Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between attitude, subjective norm and PBC with intention to donate blood regularly. Subjective norm has the largest positive effect (0.215) to the intention compared with PBC (0191) and attitudes (0175).
 

Seroprevalence of IgG Anti-SARS-CoV-2 among Voluntary Blood Donors in Dubai: Demographic and Risk Factors

Background and Objectives: During the pandemic of CO­VID-19, additional blood donor eligibility criteria have been added to ensure safety of donors and donations. The aim of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in eligible donors and to study the demography and lifestyle of asymptomatic cases. Materials and Methods: One thousand four hundred eighteen eligible donors were enrolled in this study in the Dubai Blood Donation Center from August to December 2020. Blood samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibody. Donors’ demographic characteristics and lifestyle were studied further. The χ² test was used to analyze the data association. Results: 88.4% of the studied group were males, 85% were from age 17 to 45 years, and 53% were regular donors. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody was 13.5% and significantly related to gender, frequency of donation, collection site, type of donation, and more frequent when donors shared transport and accommodation. Blood group and age had no significant association. 5.5% were found to have cough/fever or a history of contact with positive COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody was 13.5% among eligible blood donors, and hence the current eligibility criteria allow asymptomatic COVID-19 patients to donate blood. The seroprevalence was seen more in first time donors, suggesting that regular blood donors are safer. Additional risk factors related to lifestyle can be identified to ensure safety of transfusion during COVID-19 pandemic.

Blood donation during the coronavirus pandemic

<p><b>Introduction: </b>Despite years of research and scientific work, it has not yet been possible to produce such a valuable medication as blood. The pandemic does not reduce the need for blood, quite the opposite. However, due to the pandemic, the number of blood donors has dropped dramatically across the country. The aim of the study was to find out the opinions and attitudes of the respondents towards blood donation during the pandemic period and to assess their knowledge of the principles related to safe blood donation during this period. <p><b>Material and methods: </b>The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey method and the tool was our own research questionnaire. The study was conducted in February 2021, using Google Forms platform. In total, data were collected from 150 individuals (females: 60.6%, males 39.4%) aged between 16 and 73 years (mean 31.4 ± 12.4 years). Statistical analyses used a significance level of p = 0.05.<p><b> Results: </b>Nearly 39.7% of the respondents were regular blood donors, 12% of the respondents donated blood several times (12.3%). Blood was donated more often by men, people aged over 30 years, urban residents, and people with higher education (p < 0.001). Most people continued to donate blood despite the COVID-19 pandemic (49.7%). Respondents who have donated blood so far still mostly want to donate blood after the pandemic (90%), among those who have not done so 38% want to do so after the pandemic (p < 0.001). The vast majority of respondents believed it was safe to donate blood during the pandemic (93%), and most were aware that symptoms of infection disqualify a blood donor (83.2%). Only 43.2% knew that “Convalescents who donate plasma are entitled to a blood donation deduction”. <p><b>Conclusions: </b>The current pandemic situation is not an obstacle to donating blood. Blood donations should not be withheld unless there are health contraindications. Due to additional procedures, it is still safe to donate blood. Efforts to promote blood donation during the Covid-19 pandemic should be continued.

Sociodemographic characteristics of blood donors from the Varna region

Introduction: Blood transfusion continues to play an important role in modern healthcare. In order to meet the need for a safe and efficient blood supply, it is essential not only to retain regular donors, but also to constantly recruit new donors. Aim: The aim of the present study is to establish a profile of the average blood donor in the Varna region based on the sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: Through an anonymous survey and after filling in an informed consent, 3000 blood donors who passed through the RCTH–Varna were examined. Blood donors were examined according to age, sex, education, sequence of blood donation and blood donation by family members. The results were statistically processed with SPSS v. 20.0, using variation, comparison and correlation analyses. Results: According to the obtained data and the results from the literature, it can be said that the average blood donor is a young male at an age of up to 24 years with secondary education. If a gender profile is made, it can be said that male blood donors are mostly young up to 24 years of age with lower education (primary or secondary), while female blood donors are in the age group over 30 years with higher education. Characteristic of all is that a positive example of blood donation in the family is an important factor in attracting regular blood donors. Conclusion: The results of the present study show that the sociodemographic factors that are most strongly associated with blood donation are age and education, with personal example of blood donation in the family being a behavioral factor, but with a major role in retaining regular blood donors.

Developing a databank for multiple transfusion patients: Rh antigen and phenotype distribution among 3000 regular blood donors in Iran

BackgroundRhesus (Rh) blood group system is clinically the most significant protein-based grouping system. The Rh system is of vital importance in blood transfusion, and incompatibility between the donor and recipient leads to alloimmunization. Alloimmunization is commonly seen in multiple-transfusion recipients (e.g. thalassemia patients). There are a few studies about the prevalence of Rh antigens, except for D, in Iran; and regarding the high prevalence of thalassemia in the country, in this study we have determined antigens and phenotypes of the Rh among population of regular blood donors with the aim of developing a detailed Rh databank. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study randomly enrolled 3000 regular blood donors from three provinces of Sistan-Balouchestan, Khuzestan and Gilan in Iran, from September 2018 to May 2019. A fully automated system, based on hemagglutination, was used to Rh typing of blood samples. ResultsThe prevalence of Rh antigens were as follows: D: 88.9 %; E: 30.9 %; C: 74.1 %; e: 96.2 %; and c: 72.8 %. The most common antigen and phenotype were "e" and R1r (DCcee), respectively. ConclusionDue to the high rate of alloimmunization incidence against Rh blood group antigens among multiple transfusion recipients, development of regular blood donor's Rh databank can facilitate extensive matching for the Rh antigens and it likely reduces the risk of alloimmunization.

The impact of blood donation on blood counts and ferritin levels: A multi-center study from the Eastern Mediterranean region

Regular donation of whole blood may lead to iron deficiency. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of frequent whole blood donation on hematological parameters. Whole blood donors were enrolled from four blood banks located in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Libya and Oman, between 2016 and 2017. SPSS version 21.0 was used to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. A total number of 3096 blood donors were screened (males 93.8 %, females; 6.2 %), with a mean donor age of 35.29 ± 9.31 years. For male blood donors, the majority (1073) had 1−3 previous donations. Increased frequency of donations was significantly associated with increases in age and weight, decreases in Hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin measures, and increases in Red Blood Cells (RBC) counts. A General Linear Model (GLM) adjusted for age and weight indicated negative impacts on White Blood Cells (WBC) counts and ferritin. A weak correlation between the Hb and ferritin levels was observed (r = 0.160, P > 0.001). For female donors, the majority (63 out of 114) were first time donors. Increased frequency of donations was significantly associated with an increase in age and a decrease in HCT readings. A GLM adjusted for age and weight indicated a negative impact on ferritin. A strong correlation was observed between the Hb and ferritin levels for the most frequent female donors (r = 0.636, P > 0.001). In conclusion, regular whole blood donation impacts hematological parameters in particular the levels of ferritin in the serum.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Oral Iron Protein Succinylate in the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Adults with Diverse Pathologies

An increasing number of prevalent conditions in the adult population associated with absolute or/and functional iron deficiencies (ID) may predispose to iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Oral iron formulations, especially ferrous salts, are generally regarded as the first line therapies for adult-onset ID and IDA according to several current guidelines. However, they have been frequently associated with gastrointestinal side effects, and with a subsequent high treatment discontinuation. Iron protein succinylate (IPS) is an iron complex containing 5% of ferric iron engulfed in a succinylated casein shell that precipitates in acid pH and becomes soluble at neutral to alkaline pH, gradually releasing iron into the intestinal lumen, and, hence, overcoming the gastric and intestinal problems of the ferrous compounds, as well as improving intestinal iron absorption. Besides, IPS has shown to prevent the up regulation of the expression of hepcidin or to induce its expression at a smaller extent when compared with ferrous sulphate (FS). This narrative review addresses the efficacy and safety profiles of IPS for the treatment of ID and IDA in adult patients with a wide range of clinical conditions, such as preoperative and postoperative ID, elderly ID, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Hypothyroidism, regular blood donors, and ID developed in young athletes. In conclusion, IPS compares favorably in efficacy and safety with other currently available oral iron preparations, showing a fast and steady improvement in hematologic parameters (that reflect a better iron absorption), and a lower incidence of adverse events.

Knowledge and attitudes regarding voluntary blood donation in Navi Mumbai

Majority of blood donation is done by the young population of the society. Knowledge about their attitudes and information regarding blood donation helps to formulate policy towards blood donation. Methods: Our study is a cross-sectional observational study analysing questionnaires filled up by the general population of the city of Navi Mumbai in India.Results: Our study consisted of 489 participants. 33.74% of participants had ever done a blood donation. Only 2.82% of participants do regular blood donations every 3 months. 11.04% of patients have undergone blood transfusion themselves. Majority of participants (63.7%) have a positive attitude towards blood donation. 40.70% of participants were ready to donate blood as replacement if they had a relative or friend who would need blood transfusion. Only 24.74% of participants were of the opinion that they would voluntarily donate blood with altruism in mind towards society. Discussion: Majority of patients agree to donate blood for their relatives or friends. Positive knowledge and attitudes towards blood donation will help for adequate blood availability in blood banks.

Relationship between the ABO blood group and COVID-19 susceptibility, severity and mortality in two cohorts of patients.

Several articles reported the existence of an association between ABO blood groups and COVID-19 susceptibility. Group A and group O individuals showed a higher and lower risk, respectively, of becoming infected. No association was observed between ABO groups and mortality. To verify this association, we performed a retrospective study of two cohorts of patients with different demographic and clinical characteristics. A total of 854 regular blood donors were recruited for convalescent plasma donation after recovering from a mild COVID-19 infection, and a group of 965 patients more severely affected who were transfused during hospitalisation were also included. We also investigated the potential role of the different risk factors on patient outcome and death. To eliminate the confounding effect of risk factors on mortality, a propensity score analysis was performed. Blood group A and blood group O COVID-19 blood donors showed a higher and lower risk, respectively, for acquiring COVID-19. In contrast, this association was not found in the group of patients transfused during hospitalisation, probably due to the great differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups. Regarding severity, age was one of the most significant risk factors. ABO blood groups were also seen to represent important risk factors for COVID-19 severity and mortality. Mortality risk in group A individuals was significantly higher than in group O individuals (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.22-2.51). The association between the ABO blood groups and the susceptibility to acquire COVID-19 infection was confirmed in the group of blood donors. ABO blood groups were also associated to COVID-19 severity and mortality in the group of patients transfused during hospitalisation. Therefore, blood groups A and O are two important factors to be considered when evaluating the prognosis of patients with COVID-19.

Iron status among blood donors deferred due to low haemoglobin level

Background/Aim. Haemoglobin (Hb) determination is a routine part of the blood donor selection process. Previously reported studies have revealed that iron deficiency is common in frequent donors. This prospective investigation was aimed at examining iron status among blood donors with low circulating Hb and evaluating correlation between Hb values determined by capillary methods and those obtained by reference method from venous blood count (BC), as well as ferritin level. Methods. Between February 2017 and December 2018, 200 consecutively recruited regular blood donors with low Hb, aged 19 to 64 years (median 39), were included. Hb level was determined using the copper sulphate method, the HemoCue capillary method, and also from venous blood within the complete blood count (CBC) test. Plasma ferritin was determined turbidimetrically. Results. In 42.7% of men and 57.3% of women, ferritin concentration was low (p = 0.008). The relative numbers of males and females, with levels < 12 ?g/L (p = 0.023) or > 50 ?g/L (p = 0.022), differed. Comparison of the values obtained with the capillary methods with reference Hb levels obtained from the CBC test showed that the copper sulphate procedure gave false fails in 10.5% of cases (p < 0.001). Hb values from HemoCue were significantly correlated with Hb values from the CBC test, but no correlation was observed between ferritin levels and Hb levels determined by both capillary method. Conclusion. Low ferritin was observed in 51.5% of Serbian blood donors deferred due to low Hb. Based on our results, the determination of the algorithm in the iron deficiency detection is necessary, while the capillary method (HemoCue) represents a more convenient method for Hb testing prior to blood donation.

Prevalence of major blood group antigens in blood donors at a main donation center in United Arab Emirates.

Abstract Blood transfusion is a common practice in hospitals. In many diseases, transfusion of red blood cells can be a life-saving measure. Knowing the blood group phenotypes of the donors in any population is important to improve health care services and to better serve patients. We aimed to determine the blood group phenotypes of the regular donors visiting the main blood donation center in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 500 regular blood donors were included, and blood group antigens were tested using serologic methods. Major blood group systems included in this testing were ABO, Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy, Lewis, Lutheran, MNS, and P1PK. The most prevalent ABO/D blood type was group O, D+ (29.6%), with the most prevalent phenotype in the Rh blood group system reported as R1r (34.4%). In the Kell system, the K–k+ phenotype was reported in 92.4 percent of individuals tested. The rare Duffy null phenotype, Fy(a–b–), was reported in 11.0 percent of the cohort. Most donors (99.0%) were Lu(b+). In the Lewis system, the phenotype Le(a–b+) was seen in 61.8 percent of the donors. MNS system phenotypes were comparable to the reports from Saudi Arabia and India, with M+N+S–s+ being the most prevalent (21.2%). The prevalence of many major blood group phenotypes in the UAE blood donor population showed similarities to results from populations in neighboring countries, but other phenotype prevalences were unique to this population. This finding can be used to build a blood group registry for the local population that can better serve hospitals’ transfusion requirements.

Malaria Seroprevalence in the Blood Donors of Malaria Endemic Regions of Northern Andhra Pradesh, India.

Introduction: Transmission of malaria through blood transfusion continues to be a major threat tosafe blood transfusion practice. Transfusion-transmitted malaria occurs at an estimated rate of 0.25cases per 1 million blood units collected. It is significantly more common in endemic areas. Aim: Tostudy the Seroprevalence of Malaria among the blood donors in the endemic areas of NorthernAndhra Pradesh. Materials and methods: The present survey was carried out at the blood bank ofMaharaja institute of medical sciences, Vizianagaram. This includes the analysis of seroprevalence ofMalaria in the blood donors during the period of 1 year from February 2018 to January 2019. Two mlof the blood sample was collected in the labeled pilot tube at the time of collection of blood fromdonor tubing of the blood bag. The serum was separated. The samples were tested for Malaria byrapid antigen detection test. Results: Out of the total of 3096 blood donors, replacement donors(86.91%) were more in comparison to voluntary donors (13.08%). The seroprevalence among thereplacement blood donors was more compared to voluntary blood donors. Conclusion: Voluntaryblood donation, increasing awareness about blood donation in the general population, selection ofrepeat, non-remunerated, regular voluntary blood donors and diligent donor selection, sensitivescreening tests are most important to increase blood safety and prevent transmission of Malariathrough blood transfusion.

Post-donation variations in various hematological parameters, serum ferritin and Hba1c level in diabetic and non-diabetic donors: A study report

Introduction: Whole blood donation is almost obsolete in developed country but still it’s the main stay of transfusion practice in developing countries. Iron deficiency is a complication of regular blood donation. Objective: To study the various hematological parameters along with serum ferritin & HBA1C level in non-diabetic and diabetic blood donor population. Materials and Methods: Complete blood count was performed using six part analyser, serum ferritin using ELISA and HBA1C using HPLC method. Results: In our study there was a decrease in level of some of the hematological parameters, serum ferritin and HBA1C level after donation. Conclusion: From our study we conclude that only hemoglobin estimation in blood donors is not sufficient for acceptance of donations and serum ferritin level should be measured in regular blood donors. For diabetic donors on oral medication at least HBA1C level should be repeated after two months of donation. Keywords: Iron deficiency, Blood donation, Hematological parameters, Serum Ferritin, HBA1C level.

Blood Donation Practice and Associated Factors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background Blood donation is a novel act to save the lives of people who face serious medical and surgical conditions. Since the demand for blood supply is too high, there is a shortage of blood which causes significant morbidity and mortality. To increase blood supply and maintain adequate quantity of blood, regular and volunteer blood donation practice is needed, which meets the increased demand for blood. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at assessing the prevalence of blood donation practices and associated factors in Ethiopia. Method PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and published and unpublished articles from the Ethiopian University repository were searched to find articles. Cochrane I2 statistics and Egger's test with funnel plots were done to check heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. Subgroup analysis by region, study subjects, study setting, and sample size was done due to heterogeneity, as well as sensitivity analysis. Result Twenty studies from different regions with a total study subject of 8546 were included in the final review. The pooled prevalence of blood donation practice in Ethiopia was 25.82% (95% CI: 21.45-30.19). Having good knowledge of blood donation (AOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 2.33-3.48) and favorable attitude (AOR = 4.35; 95% CI: 2.93-6.45) were factors associated with blood donation practice in Ethiopia. Conclusion The pooled prevalence of blood donation practices in Ethiopia was short of the demand for blood due to the increase in serious medical conditions and road traffic accidents. Knowledge and attitude towards blood donation were significantly associated with blood donation practice. Therefore, awareness creation and health education programs targeting blood donation practice should be strengthened.

Look-Back Study of Transfusion-Transmitted Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Iran

Background: With the identification of blood donors with a subsequent positive result in HCV screening and the possibility of HCV transmission via their previous negative donations, the role of look-back investigation has been crucial in enhancing blood safety. A retrospective study was conducted to identify the fate of blood components from donors subsequently found to be confirmed HCV positive cases with previous negative donations. Objectives: This look-back study aimed to determine the transfusion-induced hepatitis C virus infection through previous HCV-negative donations of subsequent HCV positive blood donors in Iran. Methods: In this study, all serologically confirmed HCV positive blood donors across the country from December 2015 to June 2017 were included. A look-back process was conducted by tracing back previous HCV negative donations of subsequent HCV-positive blood donors to specific recipients, according to the IBTO instructions. The HCV RNA testing was carried out using an in-house one-step TaqMan real-time RT-PCR assay. Results: During the study period, 280 serologically confirmed HCV-positive blood donors were included, with 267 as first-time, nine as repeated, and three as regular donors. Of the participants, the first-time donors were excluded, the repeated donors were not eligible, and only the regular donors were selected for the look-back study. The HCV RNA was detected in one regular donor, but HCV infection was not detected in his previous donation recipient. In addition, more than two HCV risk factors were reported by each regular blood donor. Conclusions: According to the results, evidence of HCV transmission via previous blood transfusions and the risk of HCV infection was not observed among recipients. Due to the reporting of some HCV risk factors by the subjects, paying proper attention to the donor selection process is highly recommended.

Evaluation of the effi ciency of the activity of the register of potential donors of hematopoietic stem cells

Introduction. One of the problems in providing Russian transplant clinics with unrelated hematopoietic steam cells (HSCs) is the lack of an interaction scheme “Registry — HSC collection center — Transplant center”. In order to ensure effective operation at the donor activation stage, registries need regulated and stable cooperation with the Collection center with a clear distribution of duties and responsibilities for both parties. Aim: to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kirov Registry.Materials and methods. Since 2009, the Kirov Registry has been systematically working with HSC donors (as of 25/11/2019, the total number of donors was 46,922, of which 43 % male, 57 % female; 49 % regular blood donors, 51 % volunteers from donor actions) since 2013. The Registry has its own Collection Center. The effectiveness of the Registry was evaluated by indicators: the number of donations, donor activation time, the number of refusals at the stages of preliminary activation and donation of cellular material. Results. As of 25/11/2019, more than 1,000 preliminary activations of potential HSC donors were performed, of which 175 were completed by collection of HSCs. The use of the created and validated activation model with the employment of the Registry and the Collection Center currently provides the following activation times: the period for sending a sample for confi rming HLA typing does not exceed 14 days; the total time to satisfy the transplant center request for cellular material does not exceed 2 months. A detailed analysis of the causes of refusals at the stages of preliminary activation and after receiving a request for the collection of cell material was carried out. Conclusion. Between 2009 and 2019 the Kirov registry has developed a model of effective work with the donors of the HSCs at all stages of the chain “Registry — HSC collection center — Transplant center”. The effectiveness of the work is confi rmed by the demand for donors, observance of the donor activation time, and a relatively low percentage of refusals from donations.

Relationship between dietary fats and serum antioxidants with atheromatic index in regular blood donors.

Nutritional choices, which include dietary fatty acids (FA), vitamins and sugars, have an important significant impact on the development of atheromatic index levels. Controversial opinions exist in the literature regarding the role of different fat types and their association with atheromatic index. We investigated the relationship between dietary intake with different atheromatic index groups of volunteer regular blood donors (rBDs) recognizing them as a healthy population excluding drug and supplements intake and we correlated their values with serum total antioxidant status (sTAS). 150 individuals used in this study were divided in 3 groups according to their atheromatic index (AI=Total cholesterol/HDL) (AI): Group 1 (AI<3.5) comprised of 50 rBDs, Group 2 (AI 3.5-4.49) of 52 rBDs and Group 3 of 48 rBDs (AI>4.5). Dietary intake was assessed using the 3 day food recall and the Food Processor, computer program for nutrient analysis. sTAS was measured in all samples and correlated with atheromatic index too. Our study showed that rBDs with low dietary intake of all vitamins, Ω3 fatty acids, trans fatty acids and dietary cholesterol presented an increased atheromatic index. On the other hand rBDs with high dietary intake of saturated fat, total fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and sugar showed increased atheromatic index. In addition, groups with the higher atheromatic index presented statistically significant higher total antioxidant status. Trans FA are also positively associated with sTAS and on the other hand dietary cholesterol is negatively associated with sTAS and positively in groups B and C. The results of the present study showed that dietary intake of different types of fatty acids should be used separately as atheromatic index predictors. Moreover, sTAS is correlated with dietary intake of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, Cholesterol, Trans FA and sugar. Finally, the measurement of each fatty acid would be of great value for the screening of lipid metabolism disorders in atheromatic index control.

SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence in blood donors located in three different federal states, Germany, March to June 2020.

Most cases of coronavirus disease 2019 are mild or asymptomatic. Therefore, many cases remain unrecorded. We determined seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 3,186 regular blood donors in three German federal states between 9 March and 3 June 2020. The IgG seroprevalence was 0.91% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58–1.24) overall, ranging from 0.66% (95% CI: 0.13–1.19) in Hesse to 1.22% (95% CI: 0.33–2.10) in Lower-Saxony.

Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children Residing in High and Low-Income Countries: Risk Factors, Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy.

Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) affects approximately two billion people worldwide, and most of them reside in low- and middle-income countries. In these nations, additional causes of anemia include parasitic infections like malaria, other nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, hemoglobinopathies, and lead poisoning. Maternal anemia in resource-poor nations is associated with low birth weight, increased perinatal mortality, and decreased work productivity. Maintaining a normal iron balance in these settings is challenging, as iron-rich foods with good bioavailability are of animal origin and either expensive and/or available in short supply. Apart from infrequent consumption of meat, inadequate vitamin C intake, and diets rich in inhibitors of iron absorption are additional important risk factors for IDA in low-income countries. In-home iron fortification of complementary foods with micronutrient powders has been shown to effectively reduce the risk of iron deficiency and IDA in infants and young children in developing countries but is associated with unfavorable changes in gut flora and induction of intestinal inflammation that may lead to diarrhea and hospitalization. In developed countries, iron deficiency is the only frequent micronutrient deficiency. In the industrialized world, IDA is more common in infants beyond the sixth month of life, in adolescent females with heavy menstrual bleeding, in women of childbearing age and older people. Other special at-risk populations for IDA in developed countries are regular blood donors, endurance athletes, and vegetarians. Several medicinal ferrous or ferric oral iron products exist, and their use is not associated with harmful effects on the overall incidence of infectious illnesses in sideropenic and/or anemic subjects. However, further research is needed to clarify the risks and benefits of supplemental iron for children exposed to parasitic infections in low-income countries, and for children genetically predisposed to iron overload.