ABSTRACT
Maintaining the quality of platelet products and increasing their storage time are priorities for treatment applications. The formation of platelet storage lesions that limit the storage period and preservation temperature, which can prepare a decent environment for bacterial growth, are the most important challenges that researchers are dealing with in platelet preservation. Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that has introduced novel solutions to resolve these problems. Here, we reviewed the reported effects of polymeric nanoparticles—including chitosan, dendrimers, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and liposome—on platelets in articles from 2010 to 2020. As a result, we concluded that the presence of dendrimer nanoparticles with a smaller size, negative charge, low molecular weight, and low concentration along with PEGylation can increase the stability and survival of platelets during storage. In addition, PEGylation of platelets can also be a promising approach to improve the quality of platelet bags during storage.
ABSTRACT
In older studies, the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus infection has been reported to be over 95% in Iranians. Most of these studies were performed on volunteer blood donors. Studies on the general population are sparse. The purpose of this study was to determine the current seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus infection in the general population of Iran. During 2006, 1869 subjects between 18 and 65 years of age were randomly selected from the general population of three Iranian provinces [Tehran, Golestan, and Hormozgan]. Subjects were interviewed and a plasma sample was obtained for serologic testing for anti-hepatitis A virus. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors. The seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus in Tehran, Golestan and Hormozgan was 85%, 99%, and 96%, respectively. The overall seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus in the general population of the three provinces studied was 86% and did not differ between the two genders. The prevalence in younger subjects and in urban populations was under 70%. In multivariate analysis, older age, being married, and level of the father's education was associated with hepatitis A virus seropositivity. The seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus still appears to be too elevated for recommending routine vaccination in the general population. However, the trend towards a lower prevalence in younger age groups and people from urban areas points towards the possible benefit of vaccination in these subgroups