Variables In Blood Research Articles

Injecting postpartal gilts or sows with a supraphysiological dose of oxytocin: effects on sow and piglet performances.

The goal of this project was to determine the effects of a supraphysiological dose of oxytocin given to gilts or multiparous sows 8 to 12h after the end of farrowing on the performance of their progeny. Sows from three parity groups (1 = parity 1; 2 = parities 2, 3, and 4; 3 = parities 5 to 14) received no injection (CTL, controls; n = 17, 27, and 23 for parity groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively) or one intramuscular injection of 75 IU of oxytocin (OXY, n = 17, 24, and 26 for parity groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively) 8 to 12h after birth of the last piglet. Colostrum samples were obtained 8h after oxytocin injection in 18 sows from parity group 2 (CTL, n = 10; OXY, n = 8). Standard milk composition was measured as well as the Na/K ratio, and IGF-1, IgG, and IgA concentrations. The same sows were used to obtain blood samples from four male piglets of average litter body weight (BW) 8h post-treatment to measure concentrations of IGF-1, IgG, and IgA. Piglets and sows were weighed at farrowing and weaning (day 21) and sow feed intake and piglet mortality were recorded. There was no effect of OXY on sow or piglet BW at any measured times and percent preweaning piglet mortality was not affected by OXY or parity. First-parity sows had lower BW than multiparous sows at both times (P < 0.001), and piglet average daily gain from birth to weaning was greater in parity group 2 compared with first-parity litters (P < 0.05). Average daily sow feed intake over the first week of lactation tended to be greater in OXY vs CTL sows (P = 0.07), and multiparous sows consumed more feed than first-parity sows on all weeks of lactation (P < 0.001). Eight hours after treatment, there was a tendency for colostral Na to be greater in OXY vs CTL sows (P = 0.06), and none of the measured variables in piglet blood were affected by treatment. In conclusion, injecting 75 IU of oxytocin 8 to 12h after the birth of the last piglet did not prolong the period of colostrogenesis or improve the growth or survival of piglets and this was consistent across parities.

Peripheral blood nutrient indices as biomarkers for anti‑PD‑1 therapy efficacy and prognosis in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Immunotherapy offers survival benefits for patients with advanced gastric cancer, but not all populations can benefit from immunotherapy. Good nutritional status is fundamental to a patient's immune function and may have an impact on the efficacy of immunotherapy. The present study aimed to investigate changes in prognostic nutritional index (PNI), advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) and albumin-globulin ratio (AGR) values before and after immunotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The study also aimed to determine the potential association of the aforementioned values with patient outcomes and prognosis. Body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, total protein, peripheral blood lymphocyte, neutrophil, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen19-9 (CA19-9) and a-fetoprotein (AFP) data were collected from 195 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent immunotherapy from January 2020 to October 2021. In addition, PNI, ALI and AGR values were calculated based on variables in blood collected from the patients within 3 days prior to immunotherapy and 3 weeks after immunotherapy. The results demonstrated that low PNI was associated with elevated CEA levels. Moreover, low ALI levels were associated with reduced BMI levels, elevated AFP levels, PD-L1 negative and first-line treatment. Comparison of responding and non-responding groups revealed that patients who responded to immunotherapy had higher PNI and AGR values than patients who did not respond, both before and after treatment, but had lower CEA and CA19-9 levels after treatment. Furthermore, in the non-responding group, PNI and AGR values were decreased and CEA values were increased following treatment compared with those prior to treatment. The objective response and disease control rates were higher in the high PNI and AGR groups compared with the low PNI and AGR groups, respectively. Moreover, PNI and AGR were found to be independent predictors of the short-term efficacy of immunotherapy for advanced gastric cancer, with cut-off values of 47.18 and 1.29, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that ALI was associated with the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients, while multivariate analysis demonstrated that baseline PNI and AGR were independent predictors of PFS. In conclusion, tumor progression leads to a decline in the nutritional level of patients, and the present study indicated that effective immunotherapy may alleviate this deterioration to a certain extent. Furthermore, PNI and AGR exhibit potential in predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy and the prognosis of patients with advanced gastric cancer, and may exhibit potential as biomarkers in clinical practice.

Prognostic significance of inflammation-related and electrolyte laboratory variables in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a kind of pleural cancer characterized by low incidence but high invasiveness. There is heterogeneity in survival among patients with MPM. Inflammation-related and electrolyte laboratory variables were previously reported as potential predictors of survival. We evaluated the relationship between overall survival and pre-treatment biomarkers. Patients diagnosed with MPM in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital for more than 10 years were screened for this study. All basic, clinical, radiologic and laboratory variables were collected. The COX univariable and multivariable analysis were used to explore prognostic related risk factors. Ninety patients with MPM were included. The median follow-up of all patients was 57 months [interquartile range (IQR): 27-100 months]. The median survival time was 24 months (IQR: 12-52 months). Univariate survival analyses indicated that age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status, treatment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, calcium, lymphocyte, hemoglobin, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-white blood cell ratio (MWR) were significantly related to survival. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that age [hazard ratio (HR), 2.548; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.145-5.666; p = 0.022], calcium (HR, 0.480; 95% CI 0.270-0.855; p = 0.013), PLR (HR, 2.152; 95% CI 1.163-3.981; p = 0.015), and MWR (HR, 3.360; 95% CI 1.830-6.170; p < 0.001) might have a significant impact on the prognosis. Calcium, MWR, and PLR might be related to the prognosis of MPM patients. Analyzing the relationship between the results of inflammation-related and electrolyte laboratory variables in peripheral blood and prognosis could help clinicians evaluate the situation of patients.

A method for measuring meaningful physiological variables in fish blood without surgical cannulation

Gaining meaningful blood samples from water-breathing fish is a significant challenge. Two main methods typically used are grab ‘n’ stab and surgical cannulation. Both methods have benefits, but also significant limitations under various scenarios. Here we present a method of blood sampling laboratory fish involving gradual induction of anaesthesia within their home tank, avoiding physical struggling associated with capture, followed by rapid transfer to a gill irrigation system to maintain artificial ventilation via adequate gill water flow and then followed by sampling the caudal vasculature. This method negates many blood chemistry disturbances associated with grab ‘n’ stab (i.e., low pH and oxygen, elevated lactate, CO2 and stress hormones) and generates results that are directly comparable to cannulated fish under a wide range of experimentally-induced acid–base scenarios (acidosis and alkalosis). Crucially this method was successful in achieving accurate acid–base blood measurements from fish ten times smaller than are typically suitable for cannulation. This opens opportunities not previously possible for studies that relate to basic physiology, sustainable aquaculture, ecotoxicology, conservation, and climate change.

VARIABLES RELATED TO GINGIVITIS IN CHILDREN WITH PYELONEPHRITIS AND NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Purpose: The purpose of the research is to be investigated and assessed the significance of variables related to gingivitis in children with diagnosed pyelonephritis and nephrotic syndrome. Materials and Methods: The subject of the study is represented by participants in the age interval from 0 to 18 years. They are divided into two main groups, namely a group of 92 children with diagnosed pyelonephritis and 24 children with nephrotic syndrome. There is a group of 41 healthy children. Clinical, para-clinical, sociological and statistical methods are implemented in association with the study’s aim. The model of the research is based on an investigation of the significance of definite variables: gingival index GI Lõe-Silness, level of salivary leucocytes, salivary blood and salivary glucose. In addition to these indicators are recorded some patterns of environmental matter. Results: Among the participants with the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is recorded the maximal value of GI= 2.04. A similar maximal value of GI=2.00 corresponds to the group of children with pyelonephritis. In both of the subgroups of children suffering from renal disorders is registered the considerable maximal value of salivary blood equal to 250.00 RBC/µl, compared to the maximal value of 50.00 RBC /µl for healthy participants. It is ascertained that the variables of salivary blood and salivary leucocytes correspond to the condition of gingivitis in children with diagnosed pyelonephritis and nephrotic syndrome. Conclusion: A definite impingement of excretory system disorders upon gingiva, especially among children suffering from nephrotic syndrome, is ascertained.

The Effect of Two Methods of Aerobic and Parallel Training on Selected Blood Biomechanical Variables in Bilateral Femoral Artery in the 40-65-Year Old Patients After Coronary Angioplasty

Background and Aims: Considering the exclusive effects of different training programs on structural, functional, and physiological responses of heart, vessels, and blood, cardiac rehabilitation programs have rehabilitated and therapeutic usage after heart attacks or angioplasty to reduce the rate of deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases. The research aims to examine the effects of two methods, aerobic and parallel exercises, on selected biomechanical variables of blood in the bilateral femoral artery in patients 40-65 years old after coronary angioplasty. Methods: The research method is semi-experimental and prospective. The research was performed as pretest-posttest, with 90 male and female patients with coronary heart disease who had undergone angioplasty divided into three experiments (aerobic and parallel) and control groups. Forty minutes of aerobic exercise based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines followed by 20 minutes of resistance training twice a week was performed in the parallel exercise group. The Mean±SD was used for data description, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used for reviewing data distribution, Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric and Mann–Whitney post hoc test were used for abnormal variables, and ANOVA, Welch’s test, and Tukey post-hoc test were used for standard variables at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results showed a significant difference in diastolic blood pressure of the left femoral after performing aerobic and parallel exercises. A significant difference was also seen in the velocity of blood flow in the left femoral’s diastole phase and blood pressure of the left femoral in the systole phase after performing parallel exercises. Comparing the effect of two training methods on selected biomechanical variables of blood, no significant difference was observed between the two methods. Conclusion: It is recommended to use the beneficial effects of aerobic and parallel exercises to improve biomechanical variables of blood with appropriate intensity and duration in patients 40 to 65 years old following coronary angioplasty.

Evaluation of Kidney Histological Images Using Unsupervised Deep Learning

IntroductionEvaluating histopathology via machine learning has gained research and clinical interest, and the performance of supervised learning tasks has been described in various areas of medicine. Unsupervised learning of histological images has the advantage of reproducibility for labeling; however, the relationship between unsupervised evaluation and clinical information remains unclear in nephrology.MethodsWe propose an unsupervised approach combining convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and a visualization algorithm to cluster the histological images and calculate the score for patients. We applied the approach to the entire images or patched images of the glomerulus of kidney biopsy samples stained with hematoxylin and eosin obtained from 68 patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy. We assessed the relationship between the obtained scores and clinical variables of urinary occult blood, urinary protein, serum creatinine (SCr), systolic blood pressure, and age.ResultsThe glomeruli of the patients were classified into 12 distinct classes and 10 patches. The output of the fine-tuned CNN, which we defined as the histological scores, had significant relationships with assessed clinical variables. In addition, the clustering and visualization results suggested that the defined clusters captured important findings when evaluating renal histopathology. For the score of the patch-based cluster containing crescentic glomeruli, SCr (coefficient = 0.09, P = 0.019) had a significant relationship.ConclusionThe proposed approach could successfully extract features that were related to the clinical variables from the kidney biopsy images along with the visualization for interpretability. The approach could aid in the quantified evaluation of renal histopathology.

Diagnostic Utility of Cell Block Technique As an Adjunct to Cytological Smears in Evaluation of Thyroid Aspirates on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Background: Direct smears and cell blocks prepared from residual tissue fluids complement each other for establishing a conclusive cytopathologic diagnosis in thyroid lesions. Aim of the Study: Evaluation of the diagnostic utility of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) alone and in combination with cell blocks in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective longitudinal study was conducted in which 100 thyroid smears were categorized as neoplastic, nonneoplastic and inadequate using FNAC and cell block technique. All specimens were classified using point scoring system modified by Mair et al. Direct smears were compared with cell-block specimens on variables of cellularity, background blood and clot, cellular degeneration and retention of appropriate architecture using Fisher's exact and unpaired t-test. Results: Sixty-two percent of cell block specimens showed a moderate amount of background material (P = 0.01), display of excellent architecture was also significantly more in cell block (20%) technique than direct smears (9%), and degree of cellular degeneration was minimal in significantly more cell blocks (26%) than direct smears (12%), thereby making diagnosis easy as opposed to FNAC which yielded more cellular material than cell blocks (P = 0.02). Four cases showing hemorrhagic material on direct smears were diagnosed on cell block as one case each of colloid goiter and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and two cases of adenomatous goiter and two cases showing hemorrhagic material on cell block were diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on direct smears. Conclusion: FNAC and cell block complement each other and combining both techniques improves the diagnostic yield and facilitates accurate diagnosis. It is advisable to perform cell-block for each case of FNAC of thyroid lesions.

The influence of packed cell volume versus plasma proteins on thromboelastographic variables in canine blood.

Determine the correlation between kaolin-activated thromboelastography (TEG) variables (R, K, angle, and maximum amplitude [MA]) and PCV, fibrinogen concentration (FC), and total fibrinogen (TF) in an ex vivo model. Two healthy adult mixed-breed dogs. Citrated whole blood was obtained and separated into packed red cells, platelet rich plasma, and platelet poor plasma (PPP). An aliquot of PPP was heated to denature heat labile proteins (fibrinogen, factor V, factor VIII). Blood components were recombined for analyses of 6 physiological scenarios: anemia with low fibrinogen; anemia with moderate fibrinogen; anemia with normal fibrinogen; anemia with normal saline; normal PCV and normal fibrinogen; and normal PCV and low fibrinogen. A Kruskal-Wallis test, along with linear regressions on pairwise combinations of TEG variables, was used to determine the correlation between TEG variables and PCV, FC, and TF. Maximum amplitude correlated with FC (R2 0.60, P< 0.001) and TF (R2 0.57, P< 0.001) but not PCV (R2 0.003, P= 0.7). Angle and K time were moderately correlated with FC ([angle: R2 0.53, P< 0.001]; [K: R2 0.55, P< 0.001]) and TF ([alpha angle: R2 0.52, P< 0.001]; [K: R2 0.51, P< 0.001]) but not PCV. The R time was weakly correlated with PCV (R2 0.15, P< 0.009) but not FC or TF. In an ex vivo model, plasma proteins but not PCV impacted TEG variables. This suggests that TEG changes noted with anemia are imparted by changes in available fibrinogen in a fixed microenvironment rather than artifact of anemia.

In vitro effects of lactated Ringer's solution, hypertonic saline, hydroxyethyl starch, hypertonic saline/hydroxyethyl starch, and mannitol on thromboelastographic variables of canine whole blood.

To assess the in vitro effects of crystalloid and colloid IV fluids on the thromboelastographic (TEG) variables of canine whole blood. In vitro experimental study. Veterinary teaching hospital. Twenty-two healthy dogs. Citrated whole blood samples collected from healthy dogs were diluted with 3.4% hypertonic saline (HTS 3.4), 7% hypertonic saline (HTS 7), and 20% mannitol at 8% and 16% dilutions; hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (HES 130/0.4) at 16% dilution; lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) at 16%, 33%, and 66% dilutions; and HTS 7-HES 130/0.4 at 25% and 50% dilutions. Kaolin-activated TEG analysis was concurrently performed on diluted and control (undiluted) samples. Dilution of canine whole blood with LRS compared to control reduced α angle and MA at both 33% (P = 0.009 and P = 0.011, respectively) and 66% dilution (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively), and prolonged K time at 66% dilution (P = 0.003). At 16% dilution, HTS 3.4, prolonged R time (P = 0.007), while mannitol, a fluid iso osmolar to HTS 3.4, prolonged K time (P = 0.006), reduced α angle (P<0.001), MA (P = 0.046), and LY60 (P = 0.015). At 8% dilution, HTS 7, a fluid of high osmolarity and tonicity, prolonged R time (P = 0.009) and reduced MA (P = 0.015), while all measured TEG variables were altered at the 16% dilution (P<0.01 for all variables). HES 130/0.4 reduced α angle (P = 0.031) and MA (P = 0.001) and increased LY60 (P<0.001) at 16% dilution. Comparing different fluid types, HES 130/0.4 and HTS 3.4 had no to minor, mannitol intermediate, and HTS 7 profound effects on TEG variables (P<0.05) when compared to LRS at the same dilution. In vitro dilution of canine whole blood with commonly used IV fluids leads to thromboelastographic changes consistent with hypocoagulability in a dose dependent manner for all fluid types tested. Viscoelastic changes are also influenced by fluid characteristics, specifically tonicity and osmolarity.

Impact of omega-3 fatty acid oral therapy on healing of chronic venous leg ulcers in older adults: Study protocol for a randomized controlled single-center trial

BackgroundThis trial addresses the global problem of chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLUs), wounds that cause significant infirmity for an estimated 9.7 million people annually, mainly older adults with comorbidities. Advanced therapies are needed because standard topical therapies are often ineffective or yield only short-term wound healing. Thus, we are testing a new oral therapy containing the bioactive elements of fish oil, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for targeting and reducing the high numbers of activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in wound microenvironments that keep CVLUs “trapped” in a chronic inflammatory state.MethodsThis double-blind RCT will include 248 eligible adults ≥ 55 years of age with CVLUs receiving standard care at a large Midwest outpatient wound clinic. Participants are randomized to two groups: 12 weeks of daily oral therapy with EPA + DHA (1.87 g/day of EPA + 1.0 g/day of DHA) or daily oral therapy with placebo. At 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, across the two groups, we are pursuing three specific aims: Aim 1. Compare levels of EPA + DHA-derived lipid mediators, and inflammatory cytokines in blood and wound fluid; Subaim 1a. Compare inflammatory cytokine gene expression by PMNs in blood; Aim 2. Compare PMN activation in blood and wound fluid, and PMN-derived protease levels in wound fluid; Aim 3. Compare reduction in wound area, controlling for factors known to impact healing, and determine relationships with lipid mediators, cytokines, and PMN activation. Subaim 3a. Compare frequency of CVLU recurrence and levels of study variables in blood between the randomly assigned two subgroups (continuing EPA + DHA therapy versus placebo therapy beyond week 12) within the EPA + DHA group with healed CVLUs after 3 months of therapy. Subaim 3b. Compare symptoms of pain at all time points and quality of life at first and last time points across the two groups and two subgroups.DiscussionThis trial will provide new evidence about the effectiveness of EPA + DHA oral therapy to target and reduce excessive PMN activation systemically and locally in patients with CVLUs. If effective, this therapy may facilitate healing and thus be a new adjunct treatment for CVLUs in the aging population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03576989; Registered on 13 June 2018.

Heavy Metals Concentration and Biochemical Parameters in the Blood and Nails of Industrial Workers

This study amied to measure the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd) and certain biochemical variables in blood and nails of(50) samples(male and female) of workers (who were in risk of exposition to these heavy metals) from Northern Gas Company in Kirkuk city/Iraq. Flame atomic absorption spectrometer was used for measuring these elements. The results showed significant differences (P &lt; 0.01) in the concentration of lead and cadmium in the studied samples (whole blood and nails) of workers compared to the control group. The concentration of lead and cadmium were higher in blood and Nails. As of the biochemical variables, significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) showed in the concentration of antioxidant enzyme (SOD) in serum. As of oxidative stress (MDA), results showed significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) in serum, the highest value of (MDA) was recorded in serum samples.

Forecasting the Amount of Blood Ordered in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward with the Data Mining Approach.

Preoperative blood ordering is frequently used in the obstetrics and gynecology ward of university hospitals in Iran, even for surgeries that rarely require blood transfusions. This routine procedure is an inefficient use of resources and rising costs, wasting time and cause shortage for essential patients. So this study was carried out to propose a new optimal system based on data mining techniques for ordering blood. This cross-sectional study examined the number of units cross-matched and transfused during surgery in the obstetrics and gynecology ward from 2013 to 2015. Data was collected for 1097 patients. Statistical analyzing was applied on data to prove that; the current blood ordering was not optimal. So with use of blood indices, C/T ratio, the new blood ordering variable was introduced. Then decision tree was applied on data with use of Rapid miner. Decision tree evaluation measures were rMSE and accuracy. A total of 1097 patients were examined for which 9747 units of blood were ordered. There was a significant difference between the number of cross-matched and transfused units according to all variables. The new method reduced the cross-matched units about 71.50%. The accuracy of proposed decision tree based on new blood ordering variable (according to C/T index) was 96.10%. The effective variables of blood ordered were type of surgery, blood group and amount of hemoglobin. The recent blood ordering variable prevent blood shortages, reduce costs. Excessive blood ordering is common in the obstetrics and gynecology department. According to proper results of new ordering variable, we suggest to apply this procedure in all hospitals in order to reduce extra costs and the optimal management of blood ordering.

PF797 APAC, A DUAL ANTIPLATELET AND ANTICOAGULANT ‐ TOWARDS A LOCAL, VASCULAR TARGETING ANTITHROMBOTIC

Background:APAC, is developed as a mimic of heparin proteoglycans, and has unique antiplatelet and anticoagulant action (collagen and thrombin) in several in vitro and in vivo models (Lassila &amp; Jouppila, Semin Thromb Hemost, 2014). APAC as the only anticoagulant in blood inhibits both platelet and fibrin accumulation on collagen and tissue factor under a high shear rate (1000 1/s), and retains primary adhesion (Chen et al. Thromb Res, 2018). Moreover, APAC protects kidneys from ischemic reperfusion injury (Tuuminen et al. Clin Exp Nephrol 2017). APAC is eliminated via kidneys and liver as unfractionated heparin.Aims:We present APAC and its antithrombotic data on platelet aggregation and global coagulation in vitro, vascular targeting and antithrombotic role in vivo, including toxicology margins.Methods:1. Blood was collected from healthy volunteers. APAC was studied in human platelet aggregation in response to collagen and ristocetin in whole blood (Multiplate), platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and in rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) compared with citrated (3.2%) blood and spiking. APAC's antiplatelet efficacy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was estimated in collagen‐, arachidonic acid (AA)‐ or ADP‐induced platelet aggregation in PRP or whole blood, 2. Porcine arterio‐venous fistula of femoral arterial and venous anastomosis sites and balloon denudation of iliac and carotid arteries were exposed to biotin‐labelled APAC to study APAC binding and localization. 3. Single and repeated dose toxicology of rodents and monkeys was assessed.Results:APAC dose‐dependently attenuates platelet aggregation to collagen and ristocetin, unlike heparin, in citrated whole blood at 150 μg/mL by 58 ± 15% (n = 6) (mean ± SD) and by 25 ± 2%, respectively. In PRP, inhibition of collagen‐induced aggregation was 55 ± 31% at 1 μg/mL APAC and 85 ± 11% at 30 μg/mL APAC (n = 9). APAC alone, also dose‐dependently attenuated aggregation and ROTEM variables in whole blood. In ROTEM, APAC alone (at 3–16 μg/mL) reduces intrinsic pathway of coagulation (INTEM), and acts as a broad platelet‐dependent procoagulant. ASA dose‐dependently inhibited collagen‐induced platelet aggregation, clearly potentiated by APAC requiring up to 4‐fold higher collagen concentration to induce aggregation in PRP. In turn, ADP‐ or AA‐induced aggregation was unaffected. APAC co‐localized with Von Willebrand Factor and laminin in porcine arterial injuries, but not with intact endothelium, which stained positive for PECAM or podocalyxin. Upon targeting vessels, APAC locally decreased platelet accumulation and overt thrombosis in a rat model of anastomosis, but retained at anastomosis sites despite high shear blood flow. Single and multiple (7–14 day) doses (3–20 mg/kg in monkeys and rodents) indicate wide safety without APAC accumulation in the toxicology program.Summary/Conclusion:APAC, inhibits collagen‐ and ristocetin‐, but not ADP‐induced, platelet aggregation in citrated blood and PRP, and synergizes with ASA. In citrated whole blood, and if used as a sole anticoagulant, APAC globally attenuates platelet procoagulant activity and fibrin elasticity. With APAC's unique profile, local integration and inhibition of platelet‐mediated thrombosis may benefit vascular interventions.

Hematological, biochemical, and blood gas alterations of goat whole blood stored in CPDA-1 and CPD/SAG-M plastic bags

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematological, biochemical, and blood gas alterations of goat whole blood stored in different blood bags. Seven male, adult, crossbreed goats were used, weighing 62±1.8 kg. Nine hundred milliliters of whole blood from each animal was collected and stored in blood bags (450 ml in each), CPDA-1 (citrate phosphate dextrose-adenine) and CPD/SAG-M (citrate phosphate dextrose with saline-glucose-mannitol) as additive solutions, and kept refrigerated (2-4 ºC) for 42 days. Blood samples were collected from the plastic bags at baseline (T0) and after seven, 14, 21,28, 35, and 42 days for hematological, biochemical, blood gas, and microbiological evaluations. Free hemoglobin, degree of hemolysis, lactate, and pO2were increased in both bags, whereas hydrogen potential (pH) and the total hemoglobin concentration decreased overtime(P&lt;0.05). The red blood cell count, glucose, sodium, and potassium remained stable, compared to the baseline. The CPD/SAG-M bag presented a lower red cell count, globular volume, total hemoglobin, and sodium, and a higher degree of hemolysis and plasma hemoglobin, compared with the CPDA-1 bag. The whole goat blood remained viable for therapeutic use; although, there were some important changes in the variables of the 42-day stored blood in relation to fresh blood (T0). We concluded that the CPDA-1 bag is more suitable for use in the storage of goat blood because of its lower commercial value.

Relationships Between Concentrations of Biological Variables in Eye Fluids and Blood After Exercise in Lidia Cattle

Abstract Lidia cattle are a heterogeneous Iberian cattle population known for its natural aggressiveness and resistance to traditional handling procedures making in vivo blood sampling and biological fluid collections extremely difficult. Blood variables are influenced by physical exertion and stressful situations; consequently, post-mortem blood analysis does not reflect basal concentrations for this species. Nevertheless, ocular fluids (aqueous and vitreous humour) maintain their stable composition after death and maybe could be used to estimate ante-mortem blood concentrations. So, 15 bulls which had fought (for 15-20 minutes) and, subsequently after death, blood, aqueous and vitreous humour were sampled. Total protein, albumin, triglycerides, uric acid, urea, AST, ALT, GGT, AP, CK, LDH, cholesterol, creatinine, glucose and lactate were measured. Statistical analysis and correlation coefficients between the three fluids were carried out. All variables showed high plasma concentrations of glucose, uric acid, LDH and CK, compared with normal bovine concentrations. Apart from urea, all plasma concentrations were greater than those found in ocular fluids. The measured enzymes activities were higher in the vitreous than in the aqueous humour, but only marked differences in uric acid, lactate, AP and AST were found. There was a significant correlation between creatinine in the plasma and aqueous humour, and between albumin and GGT in the plasma and vitreous humour. Glucose, creatinine and urea exhibit a high correlation between ocular fluids. All plasma concentrations were clearly modified, however ocular fluids do not seem affected, thus establishing important correlations between the blood and intraocular fluids.

In vitro investigation of the effects of exogenous sugammadex on coagulation in orthopedic surgical patients

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that sugammadex resulted in the prolongation of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of exogenous sugammadex on the coagulation variables of whole blood in healthy patients who underwent orthopedic surgery.MethodsThe effects of sugammadex on coagulations were assessed using thromboelastography (TEG) in kaolin-activated citrated blood samples taken from 14 healthy patients who underwent orthopedic surgery. The in vitro effects of three different concentrations of sugammadex (42, 193, and 301 μg mL− 1) on the TEG profiles were compared with those of the control (0 μg mL− 1). Previous studies indicated that these exogenous concentrations correspond to the approximate maximum plasma concentrations achieved after the administration of 4, 16, and 32 mg kg− 1 sugammadex to healthy subjects.ResultsIncreased sugammadex concentrations were significantly associated with reduced coagulation, as evidenced by increases in reaction time (r), coagulation time, and time to maximum rate of thrombus generation (TMRTG), and decreases in the angle, maximum amplitude, and maximum rate of thrombus generation. Compared with the control, the median percentage change (interquartile range) in the TEG values of the samples treated with the highest exogenous sugammadex concentration was the greatest for r, 53% (26, 67.3%), and TMRTG, 48% (26, 59%).ConclusionsThis in vitro study suggests that supratherapeutic doses of exogenous sugammadex might be associated with moderate hypocoagulation in the whole blood of healthy subjects.Trial registrationidentifier: UMIN000029081, registered 11 September 2017.

Do athletes have a right to access data in their Athlete Biological Passport?

The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) refers to the collection of data related to an individual athlete. The ABP contains the Haematological Module and the Steroidal Module, which are used for the longitudinal monitoring of variables in blood and urine, respectively. Based on changes in these variables, a statistical model detects outliers which indicate doping use and guide further targeted testing of the athlete. Presently, athletes can access their data of the Haematological Module in the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS). However, granting athletes access to this data has been a matter of debate within the anti-doping community. This article investigates whether an athlete has a right to access the contents of their ABP profile. We approached this discussion by comparing the nature of ABP data with that of forensic and medical data and touched on important concerns with ABP data disclosure to athletes such as potentially allowing for the development of alternative doping techniques to circumvent detection; and making athletes vulnerable to pressure by the media to publicly release their data. Furthermore, given that ABP data may contain medically relevant information that can be used to diagnose disease, athletes may over-interpret its medical significance and wrongly see it as a free health check. We argue that safeguarding the integrity of the ABP system must be seen as the most essential element and thus a departure from immediate data disclosure is necessary. Two different strategies for delayed data disclosure are proposed which diminish the chances of ABP data being misused to refine doping techniques.

The early diagnostic value of different inflammatory factors in elderly female patients with blood stream infection

Objective To investigate the expression of different inflammatory variables, such as procalcitonin(PCT), C-reactive protein(CRP), D-dimer(DD), fibrinogen(FIB), white blood cell(WBC), neutrophils and platelet(PLT)in septic elderly female patients with bacterial bloodstream infection, in order to assess the early diagnostic value of these variables. Methods A total of 308 elderly female patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS)were enrolled for this prospective study in Beijing Hospital between January 2014 and December 2015.Patients were divided into the sepsis group(n=210)and non-sepsis group(n=98)based on the diagnostic criteria of sepsis.The early inflammatory variables in blood, including PCT, CRP, DD, FIB, WBC, neutrophils and PLT, were detected within 6 hours of bloodstream infection, and their correlations were analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve of inflammatory variables for the diagnosis of bloodstream infection was plotted, and the area under ROC curve(AUC)was calculated and used to evaluate diagnostic value for bloodstream infection.The best diagnostic cut-off points were identified based on the best(largest)AUC and the best sensitivity and specificity of inflammatory variables for bloodstream infection. Results The levels of all the inflammatory variables were significantly higher in the sepsis group than in non-sepsis group(all P<0.05). Additionally, PCT and CRP were independent factors for diagnosis of blood stream infection.AUC of the combination of two biomarkers of PCT and CRP was 0.694 for diagnosis of sepsis, which was higher than the either biomarkers alone with AUC of 0.628 for PCT and 0.627 for CRP.The combination group of PCT and CRP showed better values of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive(86.2%, 59.1%, 65.1%, 81.3%), as compared with those used individually(63.4%, 58.2%, 60.3%, 61.4% for PCT; and 62.4%, 58.2%, 59.9%, 60.7% for CRP, respectively). Conclusions The combination assay of PCT and CRP enhances the diagnostic ability for bacterial bloodstream infection. Key words: Chemokines; Bacterial infections

Effect of solvent/detergent-treated pooled plasma on fibrinolysis in reconstituted whole blood.

Hyperfibrinolysis has been observed in patients heavily transfused with solvent/detergent-treated pooled plasma (S/D plasma). We compared coagulation and fibrinolytic variables in blood containing S/D plasma with blood containing fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), with and without α2-antiplasmin or tranexamic acid (TXA) supplementation. Whole blood samples were reconstituted from red blood cells, platelet (PLT) concentrates, and varying mixtures of FFP and S/D plasma. Hematocrit and PLT count of reconstituted whole blood samples were varied. For a subset of runs, α2-antiplasmin or TXA was added to S/D plasma whole blood samples. Thromboelastography (TEG) analysis was performed to assess 50% clot lysis time (CLT50% ), maximum amplitude (MA), and initial clotting time (R-time). The change in CLT50% of whole blood as the plasma compartment transitions from FFP to S/D plasma was -52% (95% confidence interval [CI], -60% to -45%; p < 0.001). PLT count strengthened the effect, leading to an additional change in CLT50% of -8% (95% CI, -14% to -2%; p = 0.012) as PLT count increased from 10 × 109 to 150 × 109 /L. MA and R-time were not associated with fraction of S/D plasma in whole blood. α2-Antiplasmin and TXA restored clot lysis time in S/D plasma whole blood. Whole blood with S/D plasma has shorter clot lysis times in vitro compared to whole blood with FFP. α2-Antiplasmin and TXA restore clot lysis time of S/D plasma whole blood to that of FFP whole blood. Clinicians should be aware of the decreased clot lysis time associated with S/D plasma transfusion.