bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of ABH secretor status among voluntary blood donors in a tertiary care hospital of South India
Authors: Thulasiram Nallagondla , Kulkarni Rajendra G. , Sahoo Dibyajyoti 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
The importance of secretor status is being studied not only to confirm or resolve ABO blood groups for grouping, transplantation, etc., but has become essential for oncologists, dentists, dermatologists, and immunologists, to know the prognosis and outcome of the disease. It also aids in medicolegal aspects immensely with new molecular studies. Testing for secretor has a high value in resolving ABO blood group discrepancies and confirmation of Le (b), Bombay, and para-Bombay groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This was a prospective cross-sectional analytical study conducted in our blood center for 2 years. The type of sampling was conventional sampling. Secretor/nonsecretor status was determined by hemagglutination test.

RESULTS:
Out of the total 27,014 donors, 318 participants were selected by convenient sampling during the study period. All donors were nonreactive to TTI. In our study, secretors were 229 (72%), and nonsecretors were 89 (28%). The highest secretors were found in the 18-25 age group 77 (24.1%) and weight group 60 - 75 kgs. Seventy one percentage of males were secretor. Among repeat donors 135 (72.9%) were secretors, and in blood groups, ’O’ had majority secretors ie 85 (66.4%).

CONCLUSION:
Testing for secretor status using saliva is a little cumbersome and time-consuming process. It has an important role in any laboratory center for resolving blood group discrepancies, confirming Bombay, para-Bombay blood groups.
A comparison of serological phenotyping and molecular genotyping for Kell, Kidd, and Duffy antigens in multi-transfused thalassemia patients
Authors: Sonker Atul , Dubey Anju , Mohan Yatendra 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:
In multi-transfused thalassemia patients, serological phenotyping fails to test patient's actual blood group antigen profile due to the presence of donor red blood cell (RBC) in the circulation. This limitation of serological tests can be overcome by genotype determination using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. The aim of this study is to compare the serological phenotyping of Kell, Kidd, and Duffy blood group systems with molecular genotyping in the normal blood donors and multi-transfused thalassaemia patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Blood samples from 100 normal blood donors and 50 thalassemia patients were tested using standard serological techniques and PCR-based methods for Kell (K/k), Kidd (Jka/Jkb), and Duffy (Fya/Fyb) blood group systems. The results were compared for concordance.

RESULTS:
Genotyping and phenotyping results were 100% concordant for normal blood donors whereas those for thalassemia patients showed 24% discordance. The frequency of alloimmunization in thalassemia patients was 8%. The results of genotyping were used to provide Kell, Kidd, and Duffy matched blood for transfusion therapy to thalassemia patients.

CONCLUSION:
The actual antigen profile in multitransfused thalassaemia patients can be reliably determined using genotyping. This would benefit in providing better antigen matched transfusion therapy to such patients hence reducing the rate of alloimmunization.
Evaluation of the consumption of blood products after the patient blood management implementation in a tertiary referral hospital within five consecutive years
Authors: Chegini Azita , Jamalian Ali , Alavi Ali Boroujerdi , Rasouli Mahboobeh , Maghari Amirhossein 
Published: August 2024

Abstract:

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:
Patient blood management (PBM) is a multimodal scheme with several principles in the perioperative period which improves the outcome for patients. We prospectively evaluated the blood consumption situation during and after the years of implementation of PBM.

METHODS:
A 5 years’ prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2016 and May 2020 in a tertiary referral hospital (Shahid Lavasani Hospital, Tehran, Iran). The outcome includes utilization rate of blood and its components (red blood cell [RBC], plasma and platelet [PLT]), transfused units per active hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) bed, the cross-match to transfusion ratio, transfusion index (TI), were evaluated before and after PBM implementation. The data were analyzed by the SPSS version 21. One-way repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman test were used.

RESULTS:
During 5 consecutive years, 6290 patients needed blood transfusions and entered to PBM protocol after their consent. Consumption of whole blood ceased in the initial year following PBM establishment. In 2017, RBC product usage (including whole blood and RBCs) decreased by 14.1% compared to 2016. This trend continued with further declines in 2018 (71.22%), 2019 (65.2%), and 2020 (59.10%) compared to 2016 (P < 0.001). The reduction in the number of plasma transfused over time was statistically significant (P < 0.001), as was the decrease in PLT transfusions (P < 0.001). RBC usage per active hospital bed per year declined from 22.83 to 3.61, and the TI showed a significant decrease. The highest RBC usage was observed in surgical departments during this period. RBC utilization per bed in the ICU was 57.7 in 2017, 25 in 2018, 22.7 in 2019, and 11.3 in 2020.

CONCLUSION:
With the implementation of the PBM program, the consumption of blood products in the hospital gradually decreased. The initial reductions in blood product consumption were observed in whole blood, plasma, and then RBCs.
Clinical spectrum of anti-E: A thought for transfusion services
Authors: Basu Debapriya , Sinha Ayesha , Basheela Najla Hannefa , Biswas Durba , Datta Suvro Sankha 
Published: August 2024

Abstract:
The rhesus system antigens are of immense clinical importance in transfusion medicine. They can stimulate the production of clinically significant antibodies. Anti-E is one of the most common alloantibodies reported in multi-transfused patients in India which is known to cause delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). This antibody can have different clinical presentations and persist for a prolonged period in the plasma. In this case series, we report five such cases where anti-E antibodies were identified in different clinical settings. The clinical scenarios consist of HDFN, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and blood donors, where the anti-E antibody was detected during the immunohematological workup. The patients were managed according to the clinical spectrum of the antibody.
Comparative study of the prevalence of HIV using the third- and fourth-generation HIV ELISA in blood donors in South India
Authors: Paudel Purshotam , Sahoo Dibyajyoti , Basavarajegowda Abhishekh , Singh Rakesh , Kulkarni Rajendra G. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION:
Different generations of ELISA have evolved over the years. With the introduction of the fourth-generation ELISA, there is a claim of higher sensitivity over the third-generation HIV ELISA kits. However, few literatures suggest false positive issues. The present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of HIV and to see the level of agreement between the third- and fourth-generation ELISA for HIV detection.

METHODOLOGY:
Prospective cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital from November 2021 to May 2023. All positive samples by either the third- or fourth-generation ELISA were included in the study. If any sample was positive in one generation, and the same whole batch was repeated in another generation ELISA. All positive samples were subjected to molecular testing by polymerase chain reaction. Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used to see the level of agreement between the thrid and fourth-generation HIV ELISA.

RESULTS:
Seventeen samples were positive by the third-generation ELISA versus 50 samples were positive by the fourth-generation ELISA. The prevalence of HIV was found to be 0.9% by the fourth-generation ELISA and 0.3% by the third-generation ELISA. There was a fair level of agreement between the third- and fourth-generation HIV ELISA. Both generations have a sensitivity of 100%, whereas specificity with the third generation was 91% and the fourth was 24%.

CONCLUSION:
Both the fourth- and third-generation ELISA are highly sensitive; however, the specificity of the fourth-generation kit is less, leading to more false positive results.
Minimizing the error in the hemoglobin estimation of blood donors as an articulate step toward donors’ blood management
Authors: Roy Manisha , Kumari Sangeeta , Sachdev Suchet , Sharma Ratti Ram 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
Hemoglobin (Hb) estimation in blood donors is conducted using capillary samples on portable hemoglobinometers, representing measurement methods in practice. The reference standard is conducted using a venous sample on a hematology analyzer, representing the mentor measurement method or the true value. The correction involves the calculation of the secondary adjustment factor (SAF) to mitigate the difference between the two values.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:
A cross-sectional study enrolled 187 blood donors after approval from the institute’s ethics committee. On each donor, capillary Hb was performed on the first drop and the second drop of blood using the hemoglobinometer (HCC-1 & 2) and venous Hb using the hemoglobinometer (HC-V) and hematology analyzer (HA-V) consecutively. The secondary adjustment factor was derived from the slope of the regression equation by calculating the ratio of change in HA-V to the corresponding change in HCC -1 & 2.

RESULTS:
The Hb on HCC-1 & 2 was 15.02 ± 1.30 g/dL & 15.03 ± 1.34 g/dL, whereas the Hb on HC-V & HA-V was 15.00 ± 1.24 g/dL & 14.41 ± 1.19 g/dL respectively. No difference in means of Hb between HCC-1 & HCC-2 was observed. The equation to calculate SAF was HA-V = 3.25 + 0.74 × HCC-1 and HA-V= 3.58 + 0.72 × HCC-2 respectively.

CONCLUSION:
The study highlights the need for Hb cut-off for blood donors specific for the type of sample, the drop of blood in case of capillary sample and use correction with secondary adjustment to strengthen quality assurance.
Patient outcome in antibody-positive systemic vasculitis treated with therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Tiwari Aseem Kumar , Setya Divya , Tanna Dhaval , Arora Dinesh , Aggarwal Geet , Gupta Rajiva , Bansal Shyam Bihari , Sethi Sidharth Kumar 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:
Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been advocated as an adjunct to steroids and cytotoxic drugs in treating patients suffering from vasculitis and presenting with active disease, but we still have insufficient evidence on its effectiveness in improving the clinical response, especially in India. This study was planned to study the clinical outcome in severe vasculitic presentations treated with TPE as an adjunctive therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A retrospective analysis of TPE procedures performed from July 2013 to July 2017 in the department of transfusion medicine at a large tertiary care hospital was done. All consecutive patients admitted with new diagnosis of systemic vasculitis presenting with active disease and severe presentations such as advanced renal failure or severe respiratory abnormalities or life-threatening vasculitis affecting the gastrointestinal tract, neurological and musculoskeletal system; who needed TPE for removal of preformed antibodies, were included in the study.

RESULTS:
There were a total of 31 patients in whom TPE was performed for severe systemic vasculitis; 26 adults and five pediatric. Six patients tested positive for perinuclear fluorescence, 13 for cytoplasmic fluorescence (cANCA), two for atypical antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody, seven for anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies, two for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and one patient tested positive for ANA as well as cANCA before the augmentation of TPE. Out of 31, seven patients showed no clinical improvement and succumbed to the disease. At the end of desired number of procedures, 19 tested negative and five tested weak positive for their respective antibodies.

CONCLUSION:
Favorable clinical outcomes were observed with TPE in patients with antibody-positive systemic vasculitis.
Current updates in Restless Legs Syndrome: A pragmatic review
Authors: Makharia Archita , Agarwal Ayush , Srivastava Achal Kumar , Garg Divyani 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRestless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis–Ekbom disease (WED), affects approximately 3% of the global population, with higher incidence in Caucasians and women. This review explores the latest advancements in the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of RLS, and it highlights the recent changes in diagnostic criteria that improve specificity. The diagnostic spectrum now includes atypical presentations involving the upper limbs and other body parts. The new diagnostic specifiers categorize RLS more effectively into chronic-persistent or intermittent types, and a clinical significance specifier has been introduced to better address the disorder’s effects on daily life. RLS management has shifted toward a balanced approach with non-pharmacological strategies and lifestyle changes, supported by updated pharmacological treatment protocols including iron therapy designed to mitigate risks such as augmentation. Notably, gabapentinoids have emerged as a superior treatment option over dopamine agonists owing to their lower risk of augmentation and superior safety profile. Innovative treatments, such as the FDA-approved tonic motor activation device and new pharmacological agents, serve as alternatives for treating medication-refractory RLS, thereby expanding the therapeutic landscape. Additionally, this review addresses the specific considerations for managing RLS in special groups, including pregnant women, individuals with chronic kidney disease, and patients with comorbid conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. We emphasizes the dynamic nature of RLS research and highlight the critical need for ongoing studies to further elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying RLS, as well as to refine the treatment modalities to enhance patient outcomes.
Mitochondrial ataxia - Unravelling the puzzle
Authors: Pandita Neha , Ganguly Jacky , Kumar Hrishikesh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Primary mitochondrial diseases (PMDs) can be caused by a defect in any of the mitochondrial metabolic pathways, due to mitochondrial or nuclear DNA mutations, or occurring de novo. Ataxia is one of the most common presentations in mitochondrial disorders and may present as pure cerebellar, sensory or mixed ataxia. Understanding the basic mitochondrial physiological mechanisms, the classification of mitochondrial ataxias, phenotypic heterogeneity, and respective diagnostic evaluation methods is paramount to recognize this disorder. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using the PubMed database before July 1, 2024, to synthesize this narrative review, focusing on various aspects of primary mitochondrial disorders, particularly those associated with ataxia.
Levisticum officinale extract protects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity through anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and antioxidant properties in rats
Authors: Ghaedi Nahid , Pouraboli Iran , Mirtadzadini Mansour , Moeini-aghtaie Mohammad-mehdi 
Published: August 2024

Objective:
To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Levisticum officinale extract on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

Methods:
Different doses of Levisticum officinale extract were given orally to rats for 10 days, then rats received a single dose of CCl4 (2.5 mL/kg, 50% v/v in liquid paraffin). Biochemical and histopathological assays were performed to assess the effects of the extract on liver function and architecture. Moreover, antioxidant and oxidative markers as well as inflammatory and fibrotic indicators were measured.

Results:
Pretreatment with Levisticum officinale extract significantly mitigated CCl4-induced damage to liver structure, improved serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, total bilirubin, and total protein, enhanced glutathione content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the liver, as well as decreased plasma and hepatic malondialdehyde levels. Immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the extract reduced Ki-67 and α-SMA expression and Masson’s trichrome staining revealed decreased liver collagen in rats treated with Levisticum officinale extract. Moreover, Levisticum officinale extract markedly decreased the gene expressions of TNF-α, 1L-6, TGF-β1, MCP-1, and COX-2.

Conclusions:

Levisticum officinale extract exerts hepatoprotective effects on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities.
Flavone improves liver damage in nicotine-exposed rats via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Elsayed Nora A. , Moawed Fatma SM , Ahmed Esraa SA , Hammad Ahmed , Abo-Zaid Omayma AR 
Published: August 2024

Objective:
To assess the hepatoprotective effects of flavone on nicotine-induced liver damage.

Methods:
Thirty-six rats were allocated into six groups: the control group, the nicotine group, the flavone alone groups (10 and 25 mg/ kg/body weight), and the nicotine groups treated with flavone (10 and 25 mg/kg/body weight). Liver function, oxidative stress, Nrf2 pathway (HO-1, Nrf2, and Keap-1), and inflammatory markers (IL-17, TNF-α, and NF-κB) were evaluated. Additionally, a histopathological examination of liver tissues was performed.

Results:
Nicotine increased liver damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, flavone suppressed nicotine-induced liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and inflammation, as manifested by increased antioxidants and decreased malondialdehyde level, liver enzymatic activities, and inflammatory markers. Flavone (10 and 25 mg/kg/body weight) also reduced the level of Keap-1 and increased HO-1 and Nrf2 levels in the liver of nicotine-exposed rats.

Conclusions:
Flavone has hepatoprotective properties and may slow the progression of liver injury by reducing oxidative stress, liver enzymes, and inflammation possibly via the Nrf2 pathway.
Immunomodulatory activity of polycaprolactone nanoparticles with calcium phosphate salts against Leishmania infantum infection
Authors: Kelleci Kübra , Allahverdiyev Adil , Bağırova Melahat , Ihlamur Murat , Abamor Emrah Şefik 
Published: August 2024

Objective:
To prepare and characterize polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles loaded with sonicator fragmented (SLA) and freeze- thaw Leishmania antigens (FTLA) and to investigate the in vitro immunogenicity of antigen-encapsulated nanoparticles with calcium phosphate adjuvant.

Methods:
The water/oil/water binary emulsion solvent evaporation method was used to synthesize antigen-loaded PCL nanoparticles. Particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and zeta potential measurements. Their cytotoxicity in J774 macrophages in vitro was determined by MTT analysis. In addition, the amount of nitric oxide and the level of cytokines produced by macrophages were determined by Griess reaction and ELISA method, respectively. The protective effect of the developed formulations was evaluated by determining the infection index percentage in macrophages infected with Leishmania infantum.

Results:
Compared to the control group, SLA PCL and FTLA PCL nanoparticles with calcium phosphate adjuvant induced a 6- and 7-fold increase in nitric oxide, respectively. Additionally, the vaccine formulations promoted the production of IFN-γ and IL-12. SLA PCL and FTLA PCL nanoparticles combined with calcium phosphate adjuvant caused an approximately 13- and 11-fold reduction in infection index, respectively, compared to the control group.

Conclusions:
The encapsulation of antigens obtained by both sonication and freeze-thawing into PCL nanoparticles and the formulations with calcium phosphate adjuvant show strong in vitro immune stimulating properties. Therefore, PCL-based antigen delivery systems and calcium phosphate adjuvant are recommended as a potential vaccine candidate against leishmaniasis.
Plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 as a predictive marker of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in Egyptian patients
Authors: El-Bawab El-Saeid M.E.-S. , Alomairi Mostafa M.M. , El- Kabeer Ashraf M. , Abd-Allah Sayed F.A. 
Published: August 2024

Background
The study investigates the relationship between Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels and the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The fibrinolytic system is impaired in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to elevated PAI-1 levels, increasing the potential for renal fibrosis and worsening nephropathy.

Patients and methods
The research involved 196 type 2 DM patients and 50 healthy control individuals divided into four groups based on Urinary albumin excretion (UAE).

Results
The diabetic group had significantly higher PAI-1 levels than the control group. The study also found that diabetic patients with macroalbuminuria had higher PAI-1 levels than the control group. Patients with higher UAE and PAI-1 levels had significantly higher serum creatinine concentrations. The study found a significant negative link with creatinine clearance and a significant positive correlation between PAI-1 and serum creatinine and 24-h urine albumin in terms of PAI-1.

Conclusions
There was a notable positive association with the 24-h UAE, suggesting that increases in PAI-1 were linked to a decline in renal function.
Serum amyloid A protein as a predictor of severity in coronavirus disease 2019-infected Egyptian patients
Authors: Negm Dalia A.E.M.A.E.R. , Elzefzafy Wafaa M.A.E.-W. , El Raheem Sabah E.A. , El Deen Nessren M.B. 
Published: August 2024

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein secreted during the acute phase of inflammation and can be used to predict the severity of COVID-19 disease. When inflammatory stimuli occur, levels of SAA increase within hours and the magnitude of response becomes great and may be greater than that of C-reactive protein (CRP).

Aim
Assessment of the level of SAA in COVID-19 Egyptian patients to predict the severity of the disease.

Patients and methods
This was an observational case–control study conducted on 80 participants: 60 patients with RT-PCR positive and computed tomography chest for COVID-19 disease classified into three groups according to disease severity: group I (20 patients) mild cases, group II (20 patients) moderate cases, and group III (20 patients) severe cases, and 20 participants as a control group. All participants were investigated for complete blood count, Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT), Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), blood urea, serum creatinine, CRP, D-dimer and SAA.

Results
There is no statistical significance among the comparison groups as regards SAA.
There was a high statistically significant decrease in the number of lymphocytes in COVID-19 patient groups compared with the control group. There was a statistically significant difference as regards platelet count, CRP, D-dimer, serum urea, and creatinine among the groups (I, II, and III) compared with the control group.

Conclusion
Single use of SAA during the pandemic could not achieve prediction of severity or the prognosis of COVID-19.