Explore the vast range of titles available.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum iron status and its relation to hematological indexes in cyclic mares. Blood samples were taken from 40 Spanish Purebred mares on days − 5, 0, + 5 and + 16 of their cycle. Concentration of transferrin (TRF) was significantly lower on day 0 than on days + 5 and + 16, transferrin saturation (TSAT) decreased significantly on days 0 and + 16 compared to day − 5, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) on day + 16 was significantly higher than those on days − 5 and 0, and on day + 5 it was also significantly higher than that on day 0, unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) was reduced on day + 16 compared to days − 5 and 0, red blood cell (RBC) count on day + 16 was higher than that on days − 5 and 0 (p < 0.05), with no differences in the concentration of hemoglobin (HB) and packed cell volume (PCV). TRF and TIBC (r = 0.95), RBC and HB (r = 0.64), RBC and PCV (r = 0.78), and HB and PCV (r = 0.63) were positively and significantly correlated (P < 0.05). The estrous cycle in the Spanish Purebred mare is characterized by an increase in TRF and TIBC during the follicular phase and an increase in TSAT, UIBC and RBC in the luteal phase, without changes in other hematological parameters. The coordinated activity of these parameters guarantees an adequate iron (Fe) transfer and utilization during follicular development, ovulation, and the luteal period in the mare. Therefore, the estrous cycle must be considered in the evaluation of the mare’s iron status, in light of significant changes observed both in early and at late luteal phases. The magnitude of these changes and the meaning to the physiology of the mares showed that in cyclic mares, hematological parameters and indicators of iron status evolve differently depending on the phase of the cycle, and their interpretation can help to veterinarians involved in equine practice.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common toxic mycotoxin and is detectable in pregnant women. Animal studies have revealed that AFB1 caused the lysis of erythrocytes and a decrease in hemoglobin. We conducted a prospective cohort study in Guangxi, China, in order to evaluate the association between AFB1 exposure and anemia in pregnant women during the entire pregnancy. A total of 616 pregnant women from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort were included in the study. Serum AFB1-albumin (AFB1-ALB) adduct levels were measured. The effect of AFB1-ALB adducts on hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were analyzed by using multivariable linear regression. The risks of anemia from AFB1-ALB adduct exposure were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. We found that the AFB1-ALB adduct was significantly associated with a decrease in Hb (β = −4.99, 95% CI: −8.42, −1.30), MCV (β = −4.58, 95% CI: −7.23, −1.94), MCH (β = −1.86, 95% CI: −2.87, −0.85), and MCHC (β = −5.23, 95% CI: −8.28, −2.17) in the first trimester with the third tertile of AFB1-ALB adducts when compared with the first tertile. Furthermore, the third tertile of the AFB1-ALB adduct significantly increased the risk of anemia by 2.90 times than compared to the first tertile in the first trimester (OR = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.67, 9.14). A significant positive does–response relationship existed between AFB1-ALB adduct levels and anemia risk (Ptrend = 0.001). When dividing anemia types, we only found that the third tertile of AFB1-ALB adduct increased the risk of microcytic hypochromic anemia (MHA) in the first trimester (OR = 14.37, 95% CI: 3.08, 67.02) and second trimester (OR = 4.75, 95% CI: 1.96, 11.51). These findings demonstrate the correlation between maternal AFB1 exposure during early pregnancy and risk of anemia, especially MHA, and during different trimesters in Southern China. More efforts should be made to diminish AFB1 exposure for pregnant women.

Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) and fumonisin B 1 (FB 1 ) are poisons that contaminate poorly stored staple foods in resource-limited settings. Antenatal AFB 1 and FB 1 exposure may cause anaemia. We aimed to determine the associations of urinary aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1 ) and FB 1 , biomarkers of AFB 1 and FB 1 exposure, respectively, with erythrocyte parameters and anaemia. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 68 HIV-infected and 61 HIV-uninfected pregnant women ≥ 20 weeks gestational age in Harare, Zimbabwe. AFM 1 and FB 1 were measured in urine via competitive ELISA, and levels were grouped into tertiles. The erythrocyte parameters assessed were haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell (RBC), haematocrit (HCT), and red blood cell distribution width. Associations of urinary AFM 1 and FB 1 with erythrocyte parameters, and anaemia were assessed in a multiple regression controlled for potential confounders. The presence of FB 1 in urine decreased Hb levels in all women (β= −0.98, 95% CI: −1.94, 0.02) and HIV-uninfected (β= −1.99, 95% CI: −3.71, −0.26). FB 1 tertile 3 decreased Hb levels (β= −0.88, 95% CI: −1.74, 0.01) and HCT levels (β= −2.65, 95% CI: −5.26, 0.03) in HIV-infected. AFM 1 tertile 2 decreased RBC levels in HIV-infected (β= −0.34, 95% CI: −0.71, −0.03). The presence of FB 1 in urine increased anaemia risk in HIV-uninfected (OR: 10.68 95% CI: 1.02, 112.34). AFM 1 tertile 2 increased macrocytic anaemia risk in HIV-infected (OR: 13.72, 95% CI: 0.92, 203.55). There is need to ensure food safety through monitoring and nutritional interventions to improve maternal-infant health outcomes. 

Background G-protein coupled receptor 68 (Gpr68) was enriched in long-term hematopoietic stem cells, indicating a potential role of Gpr68 in the HSC function. However, there is no significant phenotype in the HSC biology of Gpr68 whole-body KO mice, which may be counteracted by compensation. To study an intrinsic function of Gpr68 in hematopoiesis, Gpr68 flox/flox ;Vav-cre + mouse model where the Gpr68 gene was specifically deleted in hematopoietic cells was generated and monitored here (C57BL/6 J genetic background). Methods We used complete blood counting and flow cytometry to determine the number and frequency of mature cells in normal hematopoiesis. We evaluated the number and function of stem cells after competitive bone marrow transplantation using cell surface immune markers. Biological functional experiments were used to explore the related cellular mechanisms. Results Apart from a slightly increased megakaryocyte erythroid progenitor subpopulation, the number of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells was unaltered in young and mid-aged Gpr68 flox/flox ;Vav-cre + mice compared with age-matched Vav-cre + mice. However, the stem cell function was enhanced in mid-aged Gpr68 flox/flox ;Vav-cre + mice, represented by increased donor-derived chimerism compared with age-matched Vav-cre + mice. As enhanced chimerism was traced to LT-HSC, it revealed an increased LT-HSC activation due to loss of Gpr68 in hematopoietic cells upon aging. Consistently, reduced Gpr68 expression was observed in LT-HSC of old C57BL/6 WT mice compared with young WT mice, validating the specific role of Gpr68 in responding to aging. Besides, the Annexin V staining and active caspases in Gpr68 down-expression mice, i.e., Gpr68 flox/flox ;Vav-cre + mice and old C57BL/6 WT mice, were decreased when compared with their control mice, respectively. Conclusion Loss of Gpr68 in hematopoietic tissues enhances LT-HSC function upon aging by inhibiting a cell apoptosis. Graphical abstract

ObjectiveIncreasing studies have reported that erythrocyte parameters, including red blood cells (RBCs), haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW), are associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults worldwide. However, the association, stratified by sex, remains to be elucidated, particularly in the Pearl River Delta region of China. Therefore, our aim was to explore the association of erythrocyte parameters with MetS, stratified by sex, in the Pearl River Delta region of China.MethodsIn this cross sectional study, 2161 men and 2511 women were enrolled. MetS was diagnosed using a modified version of the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate adjusted ORs of erythrocyte parameters associated with MetS stratified by sex.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS was higher in women than in men (35.2%vs26.7%). RBC, HCT, Hb and RDW values increased linearly with the number of MetS components from 0 to 5 identified in both men and women. Among men, the ORs of MetS risk increased across the tertiles of Hb (Q2: OR=1.921, 95% CI=1.170 to 3.151; Q3: OR=1.992, 95%CI=1.198 to 3.312). Men in the highest tertiles of RDW had a 2.752-fold increased risk of suffering from MetS compared with those in the reference group. Among women, the ORs of MetS risk also increased across the tertiles of Hb (Q2: OR=1.538, 95%CI=1.008 to 2.348; Q3: OR=1.665, 95%CI=1.075 to 2.578). Women in the highest tertiles of RBC had a 1.718-fold increased risk of experiencing MetS compared with those in the reference group.ConclusionsMetS was more prevalent in women than in men. The association between erythrocyte parameters and MetS differed between the sexes. RBC and Hb were identified as risk factors for MetS in women and Hb and RDW as risk factors in men.

The link between exposure to a particular heavy metal or metalloid and the development of anemia is well established. However, the association between combined exposure to multiple heavy metal(loid)s and anemia in children is still lacking in evidence. In this study, a total of 266 children aged 3 to 7 were recruited from Guiyu, China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure blood heavy metal(loid) concentrations. Blood cell count, hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hematocrit (HCT), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were measured by an automated hematology analyzer. Erythrocyte-related parameters were negatively correlated with the Cu and Cu/Zn ratios and positively correlated with Cr, Ni, Zn, and Se by Spearman correlation analysis. Only blood Cu level was negatively correlated with HGB [β = −2.74, (95% Cl: −4.49, −0.995)], MCH [β = −0.505, (95% Cl: −0.785, −0.226)], MCV [β = −1.024, (95% Cl: −1.767, −0.281)], and MCHC [β = −2.137, (95% Cl: −3.54, −0.734)] by multiple linear regression analysis. The Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) model analysis indicated a negative correlation between the combined exposure to Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr and MCH and MCV. The single-factor analysis showed a considerable statistical difference only with Cu on MCV, MCH, and HGB. Furthermore, the interaction analysis highlighted the interdependent effects of Cu and Zn, Pb and Zn, and Cr and Zn on MCH and MCV levels. Additionally, the oxidation and/or antioxidation reactions may play a significant role in the development of metal(loid)-induced anemia risk. It is crucial to investigate the effects of co-exposure to multiple heavy metal(loid) elements on anemia, especially the interrelationships and mechanisms among them.

Sickle cell disease is a complex genetic disease involving cell adhesion between red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and endothelial cells, inducing painful vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). We assessed reticulocyte and erythrocyte parameters in a cohort of confirmed SCD patients, and investigated whether a combination of these routine laboratory biomarkers of haemolysis could be used to predict VOC development. Reticulocyte and erythrocyte parameters were evaluated using the Sysmex XN-9000 analyser. A total of 98 patients with SCD were included, 72 in steady state and 26 in VOC. Among the 72 patients in steady state, 22 developed a VOC in the following year (median: 3 months [2–6]). The following parameters were increased in SCD patients with VOC development compared to SCD patients without VOC development in the following year: reticulocyte count (94.6 10 9 /L [67.8–128] vs. 48.4 10 9 /L [24.9–87.5]), immature reticulocyte count (259 10 9 /L [181–334] vs. 152 10 9 /L [129–208]) reticulocyte/immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) ratio (6.63 10 9 /(L * %) [4.67–9.56] vs. 4.94 10 9 /(L * %) [3.96–6.61]), and medium fluorescence reticulocytes (MFR) (19.9% [17.4–20.7] vs. 17.1% [15.95–19.75]). The association of a reticulocyte count of >189.4 10 9 /L and an MFR of >19.75% showed a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 88% to predict VOC development in the following year. Based on our findings, a combination of routine laboratory biomarkers, as reticulocyte count, immature reticulocyte count and fluorescent reticulocyte fraction at steady state, could be used to predict VOC development in SCD.

R725; 目的 评估红细胞及血小板参数对儿童脓毒症严重程度的预测价值.方法 选取河北医科大学附属河北省儿童医院重症医学科(PICU)2015年12月-2020年12月收治的213例脓毒症患儿,根据脓毒症严重程度分为脓毒症组(152例)与脓毒性休克组(61例).比较两组患儿的一般资料、诊断脓毒症24 h内的红细胞及血小板参数、患儿入住PICU 24 h内的急性生理学与慢性健康状况评分Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)及序贯器官衰竭评分(SOFA).利用四分位法计算患儿红细胞分布宽度(RDW)及血小板分布宽度(PDW)的中位数及四分位间距,并据此将213例患儿进行分层.比较不同RDW、PDW分层患儿的性别、年龄、PICU住院时间、连续性肾脏替代治疗(CRRT)、机械通气情况,以及脓毒性休克发生情况;使用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估RDW及PDW对患儿脓毒症严重程度的预测价值.结果 脓毒性休克组的RDW[17.03％(16.17％,18.72％)]、PDW[24.25 fl(23.25 fl,26.60 fl)]、APACHEⅡ评分[(19.06±3.78)分]及SOFA评分[(7.35±2.62)分]均高于脓毒症组[分别为15.28％(14.23％,16.39％)、21.28 fl(18.84 fl,23.40 fl)、(15.73±3.89)分、(5.68±2.40)分],差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);不同RDW分层的辅助通气时间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),不同PDW分层的PICU住院时间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);不同RDW、PDW分层的脓毒症严重程度差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);RDW评估脓毒症严重程度的临床价值最高,PDW评估脓毒症严重程度的敏感度最高.结论 RDW及PDW可作为评估儿童脓毒症严重程度的重要指标.

Analyses of the hematological statuses of animals inhabiting areas of anthropogenic pollution may provide valuable insights into the extent of disturbance of their living conditions and the mechanisms of adaptation to various environmental stressors. The current work compares the erythrogram and erythrocyte-metric parameters of marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) inhabiting the polluted sedimentation lake of Brikel TPP in southern Bulgaria to those in frogs inhabiting a relatively clean habitat (reference population). The study includes a total of 120 individuals (30 females and 30 males from each site). For all of them, total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, and MCHC were evaluated via standard laboratory techniques. All erythrocyte metrics were determined microscopically in two blood smears from each animal. Our study reveals alterations in the erythrogram parameters and the erythrocyte sizes in marsh frogs living in conditions of chronic pollution with industrial wastewater compared to the animals from the reference site. The mean values for all erythrocyte morphology parameters are significantly lower in both female and male individuals inhabiting the polluted area compared to those originating from the reference one. Conversely, three erythrogram parameters—erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit—appeared significantly higher in females and males from the polluted site. The observed changes in the erythrogram parameters and erythrocyte sizes result from the deteriorated water quality of the sedimentation lake.

In female Wistar rats, we studied the effects of daily 20-day administration of intragastric suspension of nanosized calcium oxide on hematological indices (the counts of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, stab/segmented neutrophils, and the eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) and morphometric parameters of erythrocytes (equivalent Feret’s diameter, sphericity, aspect ratio, and convexity). The study revealed significantly (up to 3.1 times) decreased levels of hemoglobin, platelets, hematocrit, averaged content of hemoglobin in erythrocyte, and platelet volume relatively to the control values. The established morphometric parameters of blood erythrocytes attested to predominance of spherocytes, which can be regarded as systemic response of the body to calcium oxide nanoparticles fraught with possible deterioration of perfusion in microvasculature and hypoxia in the tissues.