Comparing modified Lee and White method against 20-minute whole blood clotting test as bedside coagulation screening test in snake envenomation victims

Abstract Background: Twenty-minute whole blood clotting test (20WBCT) and Modified Lee and White (MLW) method are the most routinely employed bedside tests for detecting coagulopathic snake envenomation. Our study compared the diagnostic utility of MLW and 20WBCT for snakebite victims at a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala, South India. Methods: This single-center study recruited 267 patients admitted with snake bites. 20WBCT and MLW were performed simultaneously at admission along with the measurement of Prothrombin Time (PT). The diagnostic utility of 20WBCT and MLW was determined by comparing the sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios, and accuracy at admission with an INR value > 1.4. Results: Out of 267 patients, 20 (7.5%) patients had VICC. Amongst those who had venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC), MLW was prolonged for 17 patients, (Sn 85% 95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.1-96.0) whereas 20WBCT was abnormal for 11 patients (Sn 55%, 95% CI: 32.04-76.17). MLW and 20WBCT were falsely positive for the same patient (Sp 99.6%, 95% CI: 97.4-99.9%). Conclusion: MLW is more sensitive than 20WBCT to detect coagulopathy at the bedside amongst snakebite victims. However, further studies are necessary for standardizing bedside coagulation tests in snakebite cases.

Puesta al día sobre transfusión masiva / Massive transfusion update / Atualização sobre transfusão maciça

La transfusión masiva plantea desafíos clínicos, organizacionales y logísticos para el personal de la salud en general y los servicios de Medicina Transfusional en particular. No existe una definición universalmente aceptada de transfusión masiva, las definiciones más comúnmente utilizadas se basan en el número de unidades de sangre administradas dentro de un cierto período de tiempo. La mayoría de los eventos de transfusión masiva ocurren en el contexto de hemorragias graves en pacientes quirúrgicos, politraumatizados, con hemorragia gastrointestinal u obstétrica. La reanimación de control de daños y los protocolos de transfusión masiva son las estrategias más utilizadas actualmente para el tratamiento inicial, seguidas de un tratamiento personalizado, dirigido por objetivos, mediante la monitorización de la coagulación en tiempo real mediante estudios viscoelásticos. Existen una serie de controversias alrededor del tratamiento óptimo, incluyendo el uso de sangre total, la relación de hemocomponentes a utilizar, el uso de concentrados de factores de la coagulación, y la indicación óptima del ácido tranexámico. El estudio de los productos ideales para el tratamiento de los pacientes con sangrado masivo se ha convertido en un área de gran interés de la investigación científica. El contexto clínico en el que ocurrió el evento hemorrágico, el número de hemocomponentes transfundidos, la edad del paciente y las comorbilidades son los predictores más importantes de la sobrevida a corto y largo plazo. Esta revisión narrativa explora el estado actual del conocimiento sobre la transfusión masiva, así como los avances que podemos esperar en el futuro cercano.

Massive transfusion poses clinical, organizational and logistic challenges for the health staff in general, and the Transfusion Medicine Services in particular. There is no universally accepted definition for massive transfusion, the most widely used being based on the number of blood units administered in a certain period of time. Most massive transfusion events occur in the context of severe hemorrhage on surgical or multiple-trauma patients or patients with gastrointestinal or obstetric bleeding. Today, damage control resuscitation and massive transfusion protocols are the most common strategies for initial treatment, followed by personalized therapy, goal-directed, my means of monitoring coagulation in real time with viscoelastic studies. There are disputes as to the best surgical treatment, including using whole blood, the relation of blood components to be used, the use of coagulation factor concentrates and the optimal indication of tranexamic acid. The study of ideal products to treat patients with massive hemorrhage has become an area of great interest for scientific research. The clinical context of the hemorrhagic event, the number of blood components transfused, patient's age and comorbilities are the most important predictors for survival in the short and long term. This narrative review explores the current state of affairs on knowledge about massive transfusion, as well as progress to be expected in the near future.

A transfusão maciça apresenta desafios clínicos, organizacionais e logísticos para o pessoal de saúde em geral e para os serviços de Medicina Transfusional em particular. Não existe uma definição universalmente aceita de transfusão maciça; as definições mais comumente usadas são baseadas no número de unidades de sangue administradas em um determinado período de tempo. A maioria dos eventos de transfusão maciça ocorre no contexto de sangramento maior em pacientes cirúrgicos, politraumatizados, com sangramento gastrointestinal ou obstétrico. Atualmente, a ressuscitação para controle de danos e os protocolos de transfusão maciça são as estratégias mais usadas para o tratamento inicial, seguidos por tratamento personalizado e orientado por objetivos usando monitoramento de coagulação em tempo real usando testes viscoelásticos. Há uma série de controvérsias em torno do tratamento ideal, incluindo o uso de sangue total, a proporção de componentes sanguíneos a serem usados, o uso de concentrados de fator de coagulação e a indicação ideal de ácido tranexâmico. O estudo dos produtos ideais para o tratamento de pacientes com sangramento maciço tornou-se uma área de grande interesse na pesquisa científica. O contexto clínico em que ocorreu o evento hemorrágico, o número de hemocomponentes transfundidos, a idade do paciente e as comorbidades são os preditores mais importantes de sobrevida a curto e longo prazo. Esta revisão narrativa explora o estado atual do conhecimento sobre transfusão maciça, bem como os avanços que podemos esperar no futuro próximo.

Investigation on whole blood collection in Tianjin after fully lifting COVID-19 prevention and control measures / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the situation of whole blood collection in Tianjin after COVID-19 prevention and control measures were fully lifted. 【Methods】 The relevant data on whole blood collection of voluntary blood donors in Tianjin 15 days before Spring Festival (2023.01.07-2023.01.21, when China has managed COVID-19 with measures against Class B infectious disease instead of Class A infectious diseases) and 15 days before Spring Festival in 2018 (2018.02.01- 2018.02.15) and 2019 (2019.01.21-2019.02.04) before the breakout of COVID-19 were retrospectively collected and compared. 【Results】 The comparison between the above period in 2023, 2018 and 2019 was as follows: the number of blood donors was 6 124 vs 3 940 vs 4 069; blood collection volume (U) was 9 623 vs 7 378 vs 7 808; the proportion of first-time blood donors, local blood donors and group blood donors was 69.17% (4 236/6 124) vs 65.86% (2 595/3 940) vs 62.05% (2 525/4 069), 59.31% (3 632/6 124) vs 23.27% (9170) vs 18.19% (740/4 069) and 43.42% (2 659/6 124) vs 8.05% (317/2 595) vs 0.15% (6/4 069) (all P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The adjustment of COVID-19 prevention and control policy has a significant impact on voluntary blood donation, and the corresponding adjustment of blood donor recruitment strategy in blood centers should be conducted to increase the whole blood collection.

Demographic difference and influencing factors of motivations between whole blood and plasmapheresis donors: a comparative study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the difference of demographics and influencing factors of motivations between whole blood donors and plasmapheresis donors, so as to provide scientific reference for effective recruitment strategy. 【Methods】 A total of 200 whole blood donors from Guangyuan Blood Center and 200 plasmapheresis donors from Jiange Plasmapheresis Station were selected in August 2021 for on-site questionnaire survey using the method of cross-sectional survey. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression. 【Results】 There were significant differences in gender, age, occupation, education level and annual family income between whole blood donors and plasmapheresis donors (P<0.05). Males accounted for a large proportion of whole blood donors(124/196, 63.3%), whereas females accounted for a large proportion of plasmapheresis donors(117/198, 59.1%). There was little difference in the number of whole blood donors in different age groups, while the age of plasmapheresis donors was concentrated in 40~59 years old (167/198, 84.3%). In terms of occupation, civil servants (including public institutions) accounted the highest proportion in whole blood donors (41/196, 20.9%), and farmers accounted the highest proportion (152/198, 76.8%) in plasmapheresis donors. The number of whole blood donors increased with the education level, and donors with college/university and above degree accounted the largest proportion (80/196, 40.8%). Plasmapheresis donors with junior middle school education and college/university and above accounted the largest and smallest proportion (49.5% vs 4.5%). The annual family income of whole blood donors ranged from 30 000 to 80 000 yuan accounted the largest proportion (109/196, 55.6%), and the annual family income of plasmapheresis donors less than 30 000 yuan accounted the largest proportion (132/198, 66.7%). 【Conclusion】 There were significant statistical differences in gender, age, education level, occupation and annual family income between whole blood and plasmapheresis donors. Therefore, targeted recruitment strategies should be formulated.

Analysis on the willingness of whole blood donors to donate apheresis platelets and its influencing factors / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the willingness of whole blood donors to donate apheresis platelets and analyze its influencing factors. 【Methods】 A total of 400 whole blood donors from Kunshan Blood Station and Leshan Blood Station from January to May, 2023 were surveyed by random sampling, and their willingness to donate apheresis platelets were analyzed by univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis. 【Results】 A total of 386 valid questionnaires were collected, with a recovery rate of 96.5%. Among the 386 whole blood donors, 177 were willing to donate apheresis platelets, accounting for 45.9%. Univariate analysis showed that gender, age, education level, blood donation times, average blood donation volume, adverse reactions to blood donation, understanding of platelets, and family members' attitude towards blood donation were the main factors affecting the willingness of whole blood donors to donate platelets, and binary logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, blood donation times, average blood donation volume, understanding of platelets and family members' attitude towards blood donation were the main factors. 【Conclusion】 Targeted recruitment of whole blood donors should be conducted to recruit more apheresis platelet donors, so as to meet clinical demand of apheresis platelets.

Practice of paper-free whole blood collection system in constructing intelligent blood station / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To establish a paper-free system of the total whole blood donation flow in constructing intelligent blood stations, and build digitalized whole blood donation system for practice. 【Methods】 A paper-free whole blood collection system was constructed through information process reforming, system frame designing and data network transportation constructing, and was applied in various blood donation scenario. 【Results】 Fixed blood collection sites carried out 49 063 donations via paper-free information system from November 2022 to July 2023, and 24 822 donations( group blood donation) were conducted via paper-free system from April to July 2022. Compared with the traditional paper-based model, paper-free system is safer, more standardized and more convenient, effectively enhancing the experience of blood donors. 【Conclusion】 The construction of paper-free whole blood collection system effectively enhances the experience of blood donors, improves the safety, accuracy, traceability of the data, and has good social value and economic value, which is worth popularizing.

Characteristics of whole blood donors from 26 blood stations before and after the outbreak of COVID-19:a multicenter study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the basic characteristics of whole blood donors from blood stations before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. 【Methods】 After excluding invalid data, data related to the basic characteristics of whole blood donors collected from 26 blood stations in China during 2018 to 2021 were statistically analyzed, including the trend of total whole blood donors, the number of repeated blood donors, the frequency of blood donation, the average age of donors and the recruitment of first-time blood donors. 【Results】 Affected by the epidemic, 8 out of 14 indicators were with large variations, accounting for 57%. The overall growth rate of total whole blood donors during the epidemic was higher than before the epidemic (P<0.05).The number of repeated blood donors has shown an increased trend, with a higher number during the epidemic than before (P<0.05). The frequency of blood donation was lower during the epidemic than before(P<0.05).Average ages of blood donors and female blood donors fluctuated widely during the epidemic, both higher than those before the epidemic(P<0.05).The donation rate of first-time blood donors <25 years old and ≥25 years old varied widely and irregularly during the epidemic (both P<0.05). The percentage of first-time blood donors fluctuated irregularly during the epidemic, with overall percentage lower than that before the epidemic(P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Whole blood donors from 26 blood stations increased after the outbreak of COVID-19, and some indicators in certain areas showed significant fluctuations during the epidemic.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood supply: A comparative cross-sectional study of the pre-pandemic and pandemic era

Objective@#The study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local blood supply management in the Davao Region, Philippines from 2019 to 2021 through the analysis of trends in blood supply in Davao Region, Philippines.@*Methodology@#Secondary data from two blood centers in the Davao Region for the years 2019 to 2021 were used to determine the trends on blood donation supply. To evaluate trends, the overall number of blood donors and the quantities of various types of blood components in whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFPs) and platelet concentrate have been compared between pre-pandemic, pandemic periods and as restrictions eased.@*Results@#A substantial decrease of 51.6% in the number of blood donors was seen during 2021 in comparison with 2019. The trend in collection by blood components also showed a significant trend from 2019 to 2021, whole blood (200.8%), packed RBCs (37.1%), fresh frozen plasma (113.6%). While the platelet concentrate supply declined by 34.9% from 2019 to 2020, an increase of 10.7% was noted onwards to 2021.@*Conclusion@#The results demonstrate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a major reduction in donation and supply of blood. The challenges faced by blood banks in ensuring a stable and sufficient blood supply are highlighted by the decrease in the number of donors and by the different trends in the supply of blood components. The targeted efforts to promote blood donation and enhance the resilience of the blood supply during and after the pandemic is important.

Comparison of six nutrient elements status in whole blood of older adults among four areas with different soil selenium levels / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To analyze the differences in whole blood selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and iron (Fe) levels of rural older adults among areas with different soil selenium levels, and explore the main factors associated with the six nutrient elements status, so as to provide a basis for further evaluating the health risks of people in areas with different soil selenium levels.Methods:Four administrative villages were randomly selected from the Se-deficient (soil Se content < 0.175 mg/kg), Se-sufficient (soil Se content 0.175 - < 0.400 mg/kg), Se-rich (soil Se content 0.400 - < 3.000 mg/kg) and Se-excessive (soil Se content ≥3.000 mg/kg) areas, respectively, in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (Enshi Prefecture) of Hubei Province in 2017 - 2018. And 100 elderly people aged 60 years or older (half male and half female) were randomly selected as the survey subjects in each servey site. The basic information such as general demography and lifestyle was collected through face-to-face questionnaires. Physical examination was performed and fasting venous blood was collected in the morning. The contents of blood Se, Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca, and Fe were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The main factors associated with the six nutrient elements status were analyzed.Results:A total of 416 subjects were included, including 208 males and 208 females, whose average age was (72.43 ± 5.25) years, and body mass index (BMI) was (22.67 ± 3.49) kg/m 2. There were significant differences of blood Se, Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca and Fe levels between the areas with different Se levels ( Z/F = 288.30, 3.24, 14.81, 29.14, 131.28, 3.37, P < 0.05). Compared with Se-deficient and Se-sufficient areas, blood Se level was higher in Se-rich and Se-excessive areas and blood Zn level was lower in Se-excessive area ( P < 0.05); compared with Se-sufficient area, blood Cu level was lower in Se-deficient, Se-rich and Se-excessive areas, but blood Mg and Ca levels were higher ( P < 0.05), and the blood Fe level was lower in Se-excessive area ( P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the deficiency rates of Se, Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca and Fe among the elderly in different Se level areas (χ 2 = 140.83, 15.39, 31.90, 17.49, 157.60, 30.33, P < 0.01). There were significant differences in blood Zn, Cu, Ca and Fe levels between two gender groups ( P < 0.05); the blood Zn and Fe levels of the smokers were higher than those of the non-smokers, and the blood Cu level was lower than that of the non-smokers ( P < 0.05); the blood Zn and Fe levels of the drinkers were higher than those of the non-drinkers ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The levels of six nutrient elements in the whole blood of the elderly in areas with different soil Se levels are different. To assess the health risks of the population in areas with different soil Se levels, it is necessary to consider the levels of multiple nutrient elements at the same time.

Differential expression of microRNAs profile in the peripheral blood of children with drug-resistant epilepsy / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To study the profile of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the peripheral blood of children with drug-resistant epilepsy, and to find diagnostic biomarkers for early identification of drug-resistant epilepsy in children.Methods:Retrospective study.Five peripheral blood samples were collected from children in drug-resistant epilepsy group (group R), drug-responsive epilepsy group (group F) composed of the children with epilepsy in pediatric neurology clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to June 2019 and healthy control group (group J) composed of healthy children who underwent physical examination in the children′s health care clinic at the same time for analyzing miRNA profiles by high-throughput sequencing.In addition, peripheral blood samples were collected from children in R′ group (5 cases), F′ group (7 cases) and J′ group (6 cases) similarly for validating expression levels of 11 candidate miRNAs by quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted to analyze the diagnostic potential of 7 targeted miRNAs in distinguishing children with drug-resistant epilepsy from drug-responsive epilepsy.Target genes of the 7 validated miRNAs were predicted using online databases, which were then analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO). Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was used for comparison among the three groups.Results:High-throughput sequencing found that compared with group F, there were 68 differentially expressed miRNAs in group R, involving 22 up-regulated and 46 down-regulated miRNAs.qPCR results showed that, expression trends of 7 miRNAs (let-7f, miR-99a-5p, miR-99b-5p, and miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-142-5p, miR-100) were consistent with high-throughput sequencing results among the 11 selected miRNAs.ROC analysis found that when the cut-off values of miR-99a-5p, miR-99b-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-142-5p and miR-100 were greater than 0.56, 1.00, 3.17, 2.24, 2.09 and 0.59, respectively, their area under curve (AUC) (≥0.871), sensitivity (≥80.0%) and specificity (≥85.7%) were relatively high, which were expected to be diagnostic marker for drug-resistant epilepsy in children.Among them, the diagnostic potential of miR-125b-5p was the best.Bioinformatics analysis found that miR-125b-5p was enriched in the regulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, pluripotent stem cell signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, sphingomyelin signaling pathway, neurotrophic protein signaling pathway and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway.Conclusions:The miRNA profile in the whole blood of children with drug-resistant epilepsy is significantly different from that in children with drug-responsive epilepsy.miR-125b-5p is expected to be a potential biomarker of drug-resistant epilepsy in children.

A nested case-control study on zinc levels in maternal whole blood and fetal cord blood and risk of congenital heart disease in offspring / 环境与职业医学

Background Zinc is a trace element essential for normal fetal heart development, and excess zinc can be toxic. The relationship between maternal and fetal zinc levels and the development of congenital heart disease (CHD) in the offspring is unclear. Objective To study the effects of maternal and neonatal zinc exposure levels on the risk of developing CHD in the offspring. Methods The data and biological samples of the study subjects were derived from the birth cohort established by Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital in Lanzhou from 2010 to 2012. Questionnaire surveys were conducted at baseline in the first trimester and at follow-up visits in the second trimester, the third trimester, and 42 d after delivery. Maternal venous blood during the third trimester and neonatal umbilical venous blood at delivery were collected, and information on their birth outcomes was extracted from medical records. Ninety-seven children with CHD diagnosed by echocardiography at birth and confirmed at the follow-up after 42 d were selected as the case group, and 194 healthy full-term infants were selected as the control group, 1∶2 matched for maternal age and geographical location from the database. The zinc concentrations in whole blood of pregnant mothers and umbilical cord blood of fetuses in both groups were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. According to the quartiles P25 and P75 of zinc levels in the whole blood of pregnant mothers and neonatal cord blood in the control group, zinc exposure was divided into three groups: low, medium, and high. After adjusting for maternal vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy, pre-pregnancy folic acid and vitamin supplementation, birth weight, and umbilical cerclage confounders, a multiple conditional logistic regression model was applied to analyze the associations between maternal whole blood and fetal umbilical cord blood zinc levels and the risk of CHD in the offspring, and a further subgroup analysis was performed by disease classification. Results The medians (P25, P75) of maternal whole blood zinc levels in the case group and the control group were 5.034 (3.456, 6.644) and 4.693 (3.411, 5.646) mg·L−1, respectively, with significant differences between the two groups (P=0.029). The medians (P25, P75) of neonatal cord blood zinc level was 2.153 (1.479, 2.405) mg·L−1 in the case group and 1.636 (1.304, 1.979) mg·L−1 in the control group, with significant differences between the two groups (P<0.001). The zinc levels of maternal whole blood and neonatal cord blood in the simple CHD group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The multiple conditional logistic regression model showed that compared with the maternal medium zinc exposure level group (3.41-5.65 mg·L−1), the risk of offspring CHD was 2.225 times of the high exposure level group (>5.65 mg·L−1) (OR=2.225, 95%CI: 1.017-4.868). Compared with the neonatal medium zinc exposure level group (1.30-1.98 mg·L−1), the neonatal high exposure level group (>1.98 mg·L−1) also had an increased risk of CHD (OR=4.132, 95%CI: 1.801-9.480). The subgroup analysis results showed that compared with corresponding medium exposure level groups, the risk of simple CHD in the offspring of the maternal high zinc exposure level group was increased (OR=4.081, 95%CI: 1.427-11.669), and the risks of simple CHD (OR=7.122, 95%CI: 2.126-23.854) and complex CHD (OR=5.165, 95%CI: 1.859-14.346) of neonates of the neonatal high zinc exposure level group were increased. Conclusion Under the exposure levels of the study population, high concentrations of zinc exposure in pregnant mothers and neonates may be associated with the incidence of CHD.

Introduction and evaluation of multidisciplinary collaborative blood glucose management mode of the whole hospital with the participation of clinical pharmacists / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To intr oduce multidisciplinary collaborative blood glucose management mode （hereinafter referred as to blood glucose management mode of the whole hospital ）of the whole hospital with the participation of clinical pharmacists ，and to evaluation it effects on the blood glucose management of perioperative diabetes patients. METHODS The process of blood glucose management mode of the whole hospital in Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Nanjing University and the work content of clinical pharmacists were introduced. Three hundred patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent elective surgery were included and randomly divided into general consultation group （control group ）and hospital-wide glucose management group （intervention group ）. The effect of glucose management and indicators such as preoperative waiting time and total length of stay were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS In the blood glucose management team of the whole hospital ，the physicians，clinical pharmacists and nurses of blood glucose management in endocrinology department were the core members ，and the management process was divided into initial management ，daily management ，discharge management and follow-up. As the team secretary ，the clinical pharmacists were mainly responsible for daily summarizing and managing the blood glucose level and special conditions of patients ，regularly evaluating the management effect ，carrying out pharmaceutical ward rounds ，medical order review， pharmaceutical care ， timely assessing the blood glucose of patients and guiding the rational use of drugs. Compared with before intervention ， after 3 days ofintervention，the levels of fasting plasma glucose （FPG）and postprandial blood glucose （PBG） were decreased significantly in 2 groups（P＜0.05）；intervention group was significantly lower than control group （P＜0.05）. Compared with control group ， the fluctuation of blood glucose in intervention group was significantly reduced （P＜0.05），standard deviation of blood glucose had reached the targeted control level ， and the postprandial glucose excursion and the largest amplitude of glycemic excursion were close to the targeted control level ；the rate of bl ood glucose reaching the standard before operation and at discharge were significantly increased （P＜0.05）；the preoperative waiting time and hospitalization days were significantly shortened （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The multidisciplinary collaborative blood glucose management mode of the whole hospital with the participation of clinical pharmacists can control the blood glucose level of diabetic patients in the perioperative period more stably and effectively ，and has practical significance for the disease treatment and prognosis of patients.

Detection of Treponema pallidum in whole blood samples of patients with syphilis by the polymerase chain reaction

ABSTRACT Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The diagnosis is based on clinical data and serological analysis; however, the sensitivity and specificity of such tests may vary depending on the type of test and stage of the infection. In order to overcome this premise, this study utilized the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of T. pallidum DNA in whole blood samples of patients with syphilis. The blood samples from patients with or without symptoms of syphilis, but with positive results in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were included in this study. A venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test was performed for all collected sera samples. For PCR, the T. pallidum DNA was extracted from the collected blood samples and a specific primer set was designed to amplify 131 nucleotides of polA (Tp0105). The specificity of the primers was evaluated with the DNA of 17 different pathogens. From a total of 314 blood samples reactive in ELISA, 58.2% (183/314) of the samples were reactive in the VDRL test. In the PCR, 54% (168/314) of the ELISA-reactive samples were positive. In both tests (VDRL and PCR) 104 samples were positive. Of 104 positive samples for both tests, 71 were at the latent stage. Based on these results, it can be concluded that PCR with the designed set of primers can be utilized as a diagnostic method for T. pallidum detection in blood samples of patients with syphilis, especially those with latent infection. In addition, it can be utilized as a supplement for serological methods to improve the diagnosis of syphilis.

Sangre total leucorreducida y filtro ahorrador de plaquetas preserva su función hemostática por 21 días: ¿La resucitación hemostática podría ser una realidad en Colombia? / Leukoreduced whole blood and platelet-sparing filter preserves its hemostatic function for 21 days: Could hemostatic resuscitation become a reality in Colombia?

Introducción. La resucitación hemostática es una estrategia para compensar la pérdida sanguínea y disminuir el impacto de la coagulación inducida por trauma. Debido a que la disponibilidad de transfundir una razón equilibrada de hemocomponentes es difícil de lograr en el entorno clínico, la sangre total ha reaparecido como una estrategia fisiológica, con ventajas logísticas, que le permiten ser accesible para iniciar tempranamente la resucitación hemostática. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades celulares, coagulantes y viscoelásticas de la sangre total almacenada por 21 días. Métodos. Las unidades de sangre total fueron obtenidas de 20 donantes voluntarios sanos. Se procesaron mediante un sistema de leucorreducción ahorrador de plaquetas y fueron almacenadas en refrigeración (1-6°C) sin agitación. Se analizaron los días 0, 6, 11 y 21. Las bolsas fueron analizadas para evaluar las líneas celulares, niveles de factores de coagulación y propiedades viscoelásticas mediante tromboelastografía. Resultados. El conteo eritrocitario y la hemoglobina se mantuvieron estables. El conteo de plaquetas tuvo una reducción del 50 % al sexto día, pero se mantuvo estable el resto del seguimiento. Los factores de coagulación II-V-VII-X, fibrinógeno y proteína C se mantuvieron dentro del rango normal. La tromboelastografía mostró una prolongación en el tiempo del inicio de la formación del coágulo, pero sin alterar la formación final de un coágulo estable. Conclusiones. La sangre total leucorreducida y con filtro ahorrador de plaquetas conserva sus propiedades hemostáticas por 21 días. Este es el primer paso en Colombia para la evaluación clínica de esta opción, que permita hacer una realidad universal la resucitación hemostática del paciente con trauma severo.

Background. Hemostatic resuscitation is a strategy to compensate blood loss and reduce the impact of trauma-induced coagulopathy. However, balanced resuscitation presents challenges in its application in the clinical setting. Whole blood has re-emerged as a physiologic strategy with logistical advantages that offer the opportunity for early initiation of hemostatic resuscitation. The study aims to evaluate the cellular, coagulation, and viscoelastic properties of whole blood preserved for 21 days. Methods. Whole blood units were donated by 20 healthy volunteers. These units were processed using a platelet-sparing leukoreduction filtration system. Units were stored under refrigeration (1-6°C) without agitation and were sampled on days 0, 6, 11, 16, and 21. The units were tested to assess its cellular properties and coagulation factors levels. In addition, viscoelastic features were tested using tromboelastography.Results. Red blood cells count and hemoglobin levels remained stables. Platelet count had a 50% reduction on day 6, and then remained stable for 21 days. Factors II-V-VII-X, fibrinogen, and protein C remained within normal range. Tromboelastrography test showed that the reaction time of clot formation is prolonged, but the final clot formation is not altered. Conclusion. Whole blood retains its hemostatic properties for 21 days. This is the first step to evaluate the use of whole blood in the resuscitation protocols for Colombia allowing hemostatic resuscitation become a universal reality.

The preparation and evaluation of human whole blood control materials for point-of-care glucose testing / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To prepare the control materials of point-of-care(POC) glucose testing and evaluate their homogeneity, stability and matrix effects.Methods:The high, medium and low concentration control materials were prepared from patient leftover whole blood, which was centrifuged, fixed, washed, filtered, and aliquoted. The homogeneity and stability of the control materials were evaluated according to CNAS (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment, CNAS) GL29:2010"Reference materials-General and statistical principles for certification". The control materials were used to evaluate the matrix effects in POC glucose detection systems by Deming regression, according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP14-A3. Meanwhile, these control materials were used as the internal quality control, and their coefficients of variation ( CV) were calculated. One-way ANOVA and t-Test were used to analyze the results. Results:The homemade materials at three concentrations showed good homogeneity[ F< F0.05(9, 20)]. When the control materials were stored at 2-8 ℃, the stable phases for the opened and closed bottles were 10 days and 15 days, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between the results of the first day( P>0.05). The control materials at three concentrations also showed good applicability and there were no matrix effects in 10 POC glucose systems. When the control materials were detected in the internal quality control, the CVs of the high, medium and low concentrations were 0.63%, 0.66% and 1.65%, respectively, which were all below 7.5%. Conclusions:The homemade human control materials of POC glucose testing showed good homogeneity, stability and applicability. They met the requirements of quality control in hospital settings, which provided a good application prospect of the quality management of POC glucose testing.

Prevalence of blood donation related vasovagal reactions in China: a systematic review and Meta-analysis / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To systematically evaluate the incidence of donation related vasovagal reactions (DRVR) in China by Meta-analysis method and discuss the risk factors of DRVR, so as to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of DRVR. 【Methods】 Cochrane Library, PubMed, WanFang Data CNKI and other electronic databases were retrieved to collect research literature concerning the incidence and risk factors of DRVR among whole blood donors in mainland China, with the publishing duration setting from 1998 to 2020. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then Stata was used for Meta-analysis. 【Results】 A total of 63 studies involving 6 043 945 donors were included. The prevalence of DRVR was 1.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9%~1.1%, I2=99.7%, P<0.01). The prevalence of DRVR in females (1.4%, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8%, I2=99.6%, P<0.01) was higher than that in males (1.1%, 95 % CI: 0.8-1.4%, I2=99.6%, P<0.01). The incidence of DRVR was 1.3% (95%CI: 0.8-1.8, I2=97.9%, P<0.01), 0.8% (95%CI: 0.5-1.0, I2=95.0%, P<0.01), 0.4% (95%CI: 0.3-0.5, I2=88.5%, P<0.01) and 0.3% (95%CI: 0.1-0.6, I2=96.1%, P<0.01) in the age groups of 18-25, 26-35, 36-45 and 46-55, respectively, and the incidence of DRVR decreased with age(P<0.01). From 1998 to 2020, the incidence of DRVR decreased year by year (P<0.01). The prevalence in first-time donors (1.5%, 95% CI: 1.3-1.8, I2=98.6%, P<0.01) was higher than that of regular donors (0.6%, 95% CI: 0.5-0.7%, I2=97.2%, P<0.01). Anxiety was the major risk factor for DRVR. 【Conclusion】 Our results indicate that blood centers should strengthen the monitoring of DRVR. More attention should be paid to young women, more comfort given to first-time blood donors, and a more perfect system developed to reduce the occurrence of DRVR.

Field blood preservation and DNA extraction from wild mammals: methods and key factors for biodiversity studies / Preservación en campo y extracción de ADN en sangre de mamíferos silvestres: métodos y factores claves para estudios de biodiversidad

ABSTRACT Studies on public health and wild mammal biodiversity include a genetic component. For blood samples, there must be optimal sample collection conditions since these can affect DNA preservation and extraction. This study evaluated the use of liquid and dry DNA preservation methods and commercial and non-commercial DNA extraction methods on field-collected blood samples. For this, 264 total blood samples were collected from wild mammals. A first group of samples was preserved in guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) and DNA was extracted using six commercial kits: Bioline, Norgen, Invitrogen, Promega, and Qiagen, in addition to phenol-chloroform isoamyl alcohol (PC) and guanidine thiocyanate (GIT). Another group of samples was preserved in Whatman® FTA® cards and DNA was extracted with PC and GIT. The extractions with GIT and PC showed the highest values (ng/µL) and variation in DNA concentration, while the commercial kit showed low variation. Sample preservation in Whatman® FTA® cards provided low variation and quantity of the extracted DNA compared with the use of GuHCl. Concerning DNA quality, the commercial kits yielded higher purity, while GIT and PC-based protocols provided highly variable results. Furthermore, the use of GIT and PC yielded a higher amount of DNA, yet, of variable quality. Overall, extraction based on commercial kits and Whatman® FTA® preservation allowed obtaining more standardized DNA qualities and quantities.

RESUMEN Los estudios sobre salud pública y biodiversidad de mamíferos silvestres incluyen un componente genético. Para las muestras de sangre, se debe tener condiciones óptimas de colección, ya que pueden afectar la preservación y la extracción del ADN. Este estudio evaluó el uso de métodos de preservación de ADN líquido y seco y métodos de extracción de ADN comerciales y no comerciales, en muestras de sangre, recolectadas en campo. Para ello, se recogieron 264 muestras de sangre totales de mamíferos salvajes. Se preservó un primer grupo de muestras en clorhidrato de guanidina (GuHCl) y se extrajo el ADN, utilizando seis kits comerciales: Bioline, Norgen, Invitrogen, Promega y Qiagen, además de dos protocolos no comerciales: fenol-cloroformo isoamil alcohol (PC) y guanidina tiocianato (GIT). Otro grupo de muestras, se preservó en tarjetas Whatman® FTA® y se extrajo el ADN, con PC y GIT. Las extracciones con GIT y PC mostraron los valores y variaciones más altas en la concentración de ADN (ng/µL), mientras que el kit comercial mostró una baja variación. La preservación de la muestra en tarjetas Whatman® FTA® proporcionó una baja variación y cantidad de ADN extraído, en comparación con el uso de GuHCl. En cuanto a la calidad del ADN, los kits comerciales produjeron una mayor pureza (A260/280), mientras que los protocolos basados en GIT y PC proporcionaron resultados muy variables. Además, el uso de GIT y PC originó una mayor cantidad de ADN, pero de calidad variable. En general, la extracción basada en kits comerciales y la conservación Whatman® FTA® permitió obtener calidades y cantidades de ADN más estandarizadas.

Stability of IgE in Postmortem Plasma and Hemolyzed Samples / 法医学杂志

Objective To investigate the stability of IgE in postmortem plasma and hemolyzed samples under different storage conditions and freezing-thawing. Methods Thirty nine cardiac blood samples were collected from non-frozen corpses with the postmortem interval of less than 48 hours, including 20 plasma samples and 19 hemolyzed samples taken from whole blood. The samples were stored at -20 ℃, 4 ℃ and 25 ℃ for 28 d and at -80 ℃ for 1 year to evaluate the stability of IgE under different storage conditions. Repeated freezing-thawing treatment was conducted for 5 times to explore the stability of IgE in postmortem plasma and hemolyzed samples. IgE concentration in plasma and hemolyzed samples was detected by electroluminescence before and after treatment. Results The degradation rates of IgE in plasma samples under the three storage conditions, -20 ℃, 4 ℃ and 25 ℃ were close. After 28 d, the mean value was about 15%, the degradation speed of IgE in hemolyzed samples was faster than that of plasma under the same condition （P<0.05） and the degradation rate was faster than other two conditions under 25 ℃ （P<0.05）. The differences in the concentration of plasma samples after freezing at -80 ℃ for 1 year and that before freezing had no statistical significance （ P>0.05）, while the concentration of hemolyzed samples was degraded after freezing at -80 ℃ for 1 year （P<0.05）. The differences between the detection results of plasma and hemolyzed samples after repeated freezing-thawing for 5 times and that before freezing-thawing showed no statistical significance （ P>0.05）. Conclusion IgE has good freezing-thawing stability in postmortem plasma and hemolyzed samples. Stability of IgE is better in postmortem plasma samples than hemolyzed samples, thus it is recommended to separate plasma from postmortem blood samples as soon as possible in forensic practice.

Analysis of reasons of insufficient blood collected in Guangzhou during 2018~2020 / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To retrospectively analyze the reasons of insufficient blood collected, to provide evidences for further taking targeted measures, to reduce the discard of insufficient whole blood and prevent the loss of blood donors. 【Methods】 Calculate the total number of whole blood donors and the number of whole blood donors donating insufficient blood during 2018~2020 annually in Guangzhou Blood Center Information System, and the data was analyzed in SPSS (22.0) software for χ2test and linear trend test. 【Results】 During 2018~2020, the incidence of insufficient blood collected was 0.066 4%(531/799 439), and the incidence of insufficient blood collected because of poor blood flow, needle-sickness and other reasons were 0.048 7%(389/799 439), 0.010 6%(85/799 439) and 0.007 1%(57/799 439). Furthermore, the incidence of insufficient blood collected of the three above reasons had statistically significant difference between the years respectively (P<0.05), meanwhile the incidence of insufficient blood collected because of poor blood flow was in a general rising trend significantly (0.036 3%<0.038 2%<0.072 7%, P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The incidence of insufficient blood collected because of poor blood flow was in the rising trend and further precautions should be considered. Under the normalization of the novel corona-virus pneumonia (COVID-19), the professional knowledge of epidemic prevention and control should be learned and trained, in addition the puncture technique, the ability of offering psychological care and dealing with adverse events during blood collection should be also improved among nurses continually, so as to provide high quality services for blood donors.

Levofloxacin-induced acute hemolytic anemia: A clinical case report / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To study the clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with acute hemolytic anemia crisis induced by levofloxacin. 【Methods】 The levofloxacin antibody was detected by the microcolumn gel method and scored by the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale(APS). Patients suffered from acute hemolysis anemia induced by levofloxacin was rescued by whole blood exchange(WBE) and therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE). 【Results】 The patient was diagnosed as acute hemolysis induced by levofloxacin as levofloxacin antibody was yielded, and 7 points scored by the Naranjo APS. After WBE and TPE treatment, the patient′s clinical symptoms and signs improved rapidly. Supplemented with immunoglobulin and hormone therapy, the patient was discharged on d 10 after treatment. 【Conclusion】 Levofloxacin can induce acute hemolytic anemia crisis, and WBE and TPR are effective rescue methods.