Impact of Regular Blood Donation on Body Iron Stores at Saudi Blood Donors

Introduction: One of the most frequent observations in long-term blood donation is chronic iron deficiency, which can develop into anaemia. The majority of blood screening methods employed by blood banks do not incorporate iron-status markers, which may result in potential subclinical iron deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated blood donation on the levels of iron in the body and to guide blood donors in preventing the depletion of iron stores. Methods: Regular blood donors were categorised into distinct groups according to the number of donations they gave, and then the correlation between these groups and their bodies’ iron levels was examined. Different parameters were employed to identify iron deficiency and iron depletion in blood donors: serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and serum iron. Results: The study included 300 individuals who regularly and willingly donated blood. There were no iron insufficiency cases among those donating blood for the first time (Group I). However, 15.5% of individuals who had donated once before (Group II) had ferritin levels of 15 - 30 μg/dl (ng/ml), indicating reduced iron stores. The rate increased to 18% (37 out of 206 individuals) among regular blood donors (Groups III, IV, and V). Iron deficiency (depletion) prevalence among regular blood donors in Groups III, IV, and V was 5.9% (12 out of 206) and 50.4% (100 out of 206). Donors who had donated blood most frequently had the lowest levels of haematological markers MCH, MCHC, and TIBC. Provide the p-values representing the differences between the means of MCV, MCH, iron, TIBC, and ferritin levels when comparing donor groups with the control group (Group I) based on the frequency of donations. Indicate statistically significant differences where the p-value is less than 0.0125. This significance level is adjusted based on the Bonferroni method, considering multiple independent tests. The result shows that the Iron parameter for the comparison between Group I and Group III and Group I and Group IV suggests a statistically significant difference in iron levels between these donor groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that a higher times of donations lads to a higher occurrence of depleted iron stores and subsequent erythropoiesis with iron deficiency by one donor from every three healthy donors. The iron and ferritin concentrations were within the normal range in group one (Control group) and reduced in the other four groups (G-2 to G-5). However, the level of haemoglobin remained within an acceptable range for blood donation. This outcome suggests that it may be necessary to reassess the criteria for accepting blood donors. The average serum ferritin levels were examined in all five groups (G-1 to G-5), both for males and females, and significant variations were seen among the groups under study. This study found that 35% of the individuals who regularly donate blood have iron-deficient anaemia (sideropenia). This suggests that it would be beneficial to test for serum ferritin at an earlier stage, ideally after three donations.

Quality of Life in Living Kidney Donors Grenoble Teaching Hospital (France)

Context: Kidney transplantation is today the standard treatment for patients suffering from chronic end-stage renal failure. Living kidney donation offers many advantages for the recipient, but requires a subject without comorbidities to undergo surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life and psychosocial experience of living kidney donors after donation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with an analytical aim, involving living kidney donors during the period from January 2016 to April 2019 at CHUGA. (University Hospital Center of Grenoble Alpes in France). Results: Our study shows that out of 88 donors, 70 responded to our questionnaires, representing a prevalence of 80.5%. The average age of our donors was 55.6 years with a female predominance. Seven out of eight domains of the SF36 score had a good quality of life after donation and the donation did not alter their psychosocial experience. The majority of our donors expressed their pride and enthusiasm, did not regret having saved a life, and this experience was considered positive. Conclusion: Kidney donation does not have a negative impact on quality of life and psychosocial life. The majority of donors do not regret their donation. The dissemination of such results could make it possible to increase the number of kidney transplants from living donors in France, especially in our African countries where the management of ESRD remains a real public health problem.

Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B in Blood Donors at the N’Zérékoré Regional Blood Transfusion Centre in Guinea

Blood transfusion saves lives and reduces morbidity and mortality for a large number of diseases and clinical conditions, but it is not without danger. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV and hepatitis B in blood donors received at the regional Blood Transfusion Centre of N’Zérékoré (Guinea). This was a 5-year retrospective analytical study. We included records of blood donors aged 18 to 60 years admitted to the N’Zérékoré Regional Blood Transfusion Centre for blood donation from January 2016 to December 2020. We performed a descriptive analysis followed by Chi-2 or Fish-er-exact tests and the Student or Wilcoxon test, followed by multivariate logistic regression. In this study, donor age ranged from 18 - 60 years, with a pre-dominance of donors aged 25 - 34 (44.2%). Male donors were the most represented in our study (79.0% versus 21.0% female). More than half of the donors were blood group O (55.6%). We observed a seroprevalence of 3.6% for HIV, 13.4% for HBsAg and 0.2% for co-infection. In our series, age 25 - 34 (OR = 1.89 and P = 0.001) and 35 - 44 for HIV (OR = 2.01 and P = 0.001), HBsAgserostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR of 3.04 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HIV positivity (P < 0.05). In our study, HIV serostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR = 0.01 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HBsAgseropositivity. We reported a high prevalence of HIV and HBsAg. Sex, serological status and blood donation history were associated factors.

Does the use of double hormone replacement therapy for trauma patient organ donors improve organ recovery for transplant

BACKGROUND With an ongoing demand for transplantable organs,optimization of donor management protocols,specifically in trauma populations,is important for obta-ining a high yield of viable organs per patient.Endocrine management of brain-dead potential organ donors(BPODs)is controversial,leading to heterogeneous clinical management approaches.Previous studies have shown that when levo-thyroxine was combined with other treatments,including steroids,vasopressin,and insulin,BPODs had better organ recovery and survival outcomes were increased for transplant recipients.AIM To determine if levothyroxine use in combination with steroids in BPODs increased the number of organs donated in trauma patients.METHODS A retrospective review of adult BPODs from a single level 1 trauma center over ten years was performed.Exclusion criteria included patients who were not solid organ donors,patients who were not declared brain dead(donation after circulatory death),and patients who did not receive steroids in their hospital course.Levothyroxine and steroid administration,the number of organs donated,the types of organs donated,and demographic information were recorded.Univariate analyses were performed with P<0.05 considered to be statistically significant.RESULTS A total of 88 patients met inclusion criteria,69(78%)of whom received levothyroxine and steroids(ST/LT group)vs 19(22%)receiving steroids without levothyroxine(ST group).No differences were observed between the groups for gender,race,pertinent injury factors,age,or other hormone therapies used(P>0.05).In the ST/LT group,68.1%(n=47)donated a high yield(3-5)of organ types per donor compared to 42.1%(n=8)in the ST group(P=0.038).There was no difference in the total number of organ types donated between the groups(P=0.068).CONCLUSION This study suggests that combining levothyroxine and steroid administration increases high-yield organ donation per donor in BPODs in the trauma patient population.Limitations to this study include the retrospective design and the relatively small number of organ donors who met inclusion criteria.This study is unique in that it mitigates steroid administration as a confounding variable and focuses specifically on the adjunctive use of levothyroxine.

Reasons and effects of the decline of willing related potential living kidney donors

BACKGROUND Although the availability of related living donors(LDs)provides a better chance for receiving kidney transplantation(KT),the evaluation protocols for LD selection remain a safeguard for the LD’s safety.These protocols are variable from one center to another,resulting in variable rates of decline of the potential LDs(PLDs).The decline of willing PLDs may occur at any stage of evaluation,starting from the initial contact and counseling to the day of operation.AIM To identify the causes of the decline of PLDs,the predictors of PLD candidacy,and the effect on achieving LDKT.METHODS A retrospective study was performed on the willing PLDs who attended our outpatient clinic for kidney donation to their related potential recipients between October 2015 and December 2022.The variables influencing their candidacy rate and the fate of their potential recipients were studied.Two groups of PLDs were compared:Candidate PLDs after a completed evaluation vs non-candidate PLDs with a complete or incomplete evaluation.A multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the factors contributing to the achievement of PLD candidacy.RESULTS Of 321 willing PLDs,257 PLDs(80.1%)accessed the evaluation to variable extents for 212 potential recipients,with a mean age(range)of 40.5±10.4(18-65)years,including 169 females(65.8%).The remaining 64 PLDs(19.9%)did not access the evaluation.Only 58 PLDs(18.1%)succeeded in donating,but 199 PDLs(62.0%)were declined;exclusion occurred in 144 PLDs(56.0%)for immunological causes(37.5%),medical causes(54.9%),combined causes(9.7%),and financial causes(2.1%).Regression and release occurred in 55 PLDs(17.1%).The potential recipients with candidate PLDs were not significantly different from those with non-candidate PLDs,except in age(P=0.041),rates of completed evaluation,and exclusion of PLDs(P<0.001).There were no factors that independently influenced the rate of PLD candidacy.Most patients who failed to have KT after the decline of their PLDs remained on hemodialysis for 6 mo to 6 years.CONCLUSION The rate of decline of willing related PLDs was high due to medical or immunological contraindications,release,or regression of PLDs.It reduced the chances of high percentages of potential recipients in LDKT.

Extended criteria brain-dead organ donors:Prevalence and impact on the utilisation of livers for transplantation in Brazil

BACKGROUND Despite its association with higher postoperative morbidity and mortality,the use of extended criteria donor(ECD)livers for transplantation has increased globally due to the high demand for the procedure.AIM To investigate the prevalence of ECD in donation after brain death(DBD)and its impact on organ acceptance for transplantation.METHODS Retrospective analysis of DBD organ offers for liver transplantation between 2017 and 2020 in a high-volume transplant centre.The incidence of the Eurotransplant risk factors to define an ECD(ET-ECD)among DBD donors and the likelihood of organ acceptance over the years were analysed.The relationship between organ refusal for transplantation,the occurrence,and the number of ET-ECD was assessed by simple and multiple logistic regression adjustment.RESULTS A total of 1619 organ donors were evaluated.Of these,78.31%(n=1268)had at least one ET-ECD criterion.There was an increase in the acceptance of ECD DBD organs for transplantation(1 criterion:from 23.40%to 31.60%;2 criteria:from 13.10%to 27.70%;3 criteria:From 6.30%to 13.60%).For each addition of one ETECD variable,the estimated chance of organ refusal was 64.4%higher(OR 1.644,95%CI 1.469-1.839,P<0.001).Except for the donor serum sodium>165 mmol/L(P=0.310),all ET-ECD criteria increased the estimated chance of organ refusal for transplantation.CONCLUSION A high prevalence of ECD DBD was observed.Despite the increase in their utilisation,the presence and the number of extended donor criteria were associated with an increased likelihood of their refusal for transplantation.

Occurrence of Salmonella Enteric Serovar Typhi Antibodies among Blood Donors in Ghana

Background: Donated blood contaminated with S. Typhi can cause post-transfusion sepsis. This study aimed to determine the correlation between some risk factors of typhoid fever and seroprevalence of antibodies against S. Typhi among blood donors. Methodology: Following informed consent, socio-demographic and information on risk factors of typhoid infection was obtained using pre-structured questionnaires from 400 apparently healthy blood donors at the Tema General Hospital. Blood was also collected for serology and cultured for identification of pathogens by standard bacteriological method. Results: Blood culture did not reveal any S. Typhi isolate out of the tested 400 (348 males and 52 females) samples from apparently healthy blood donors. However, IgM and IgG antibody seroprevalence of 9.3% and 3.5% were detected. Age group of 17 - 24 years was the highest risk group, persons with a history of typhoid infection, and sources of drinking water were major risk factors for typhoid infection. It was also observed that prevalence of IgM was highest among new donors (62.2%), but lower in donors with a history of 1 to 3 blood donations (32.4%) and least among regular donors (>3 donations (5.4%)). In addition, typhoid prevention awareness and typhoid knowledge (knowledge about typhoid transmission) among the donors were poor (4.3% and 5.9% respectively). Conclusions: This study has shown an overall seroprevalence of 9% and 3.5% for IgM and IgG antibodies respectively among blood donors in the Tema area in Ghana. We advocate for the mandatory screening of donor units intended for transfusion for S. Typhi. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for the health education of all persons in Ghana on preventive measures and the spread of S. Typhi.

Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C among Blood Donors at the Agadir Regional Transfusion Center

Introduction: The prevention of transmission of infections transmitted by blood transfusion depends on the correct selection of donors and the performance of adequate serological tests for the detection of pathogens, in particular viral hepatitis B and C viruses. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the seroprevalences of viral markers B and C in blood donors in the Agadir region. The secondary objectives were to evaluate these prevalences according to the socio-demographic characteristics of the donors and to evaluate the seroprevalence of other markers, in particular the human immunodeficiency virus. Methods: A retrospective analysis of files from the blood donor registers of the Agadir regional transfusion center, covering the period from 1 January to 31 December 2020, was conducted. Results: The study included 13,092 donors, the mean age was 34 ± 11, the M/F sex ratio was 2.6. The overall seroprevalences of HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV were respectively: 1.3%, 0.2% and 0.3% respectively. For HBsAg, the prevalence was higher in men (p = 0.007). The prevalence of anti-HCV was higher in rural areas than in urban areas (p Conclusion: The low prevalences of viral markers B and C in our study compared to those recorded in the general Moroccan population reflect the effectiveness of preventive measures with regard to donor selection.

Superior aggregation, morphology and photovoltaic performance enabled by fine tuning of fused electron-deficient units in polymer donors

Copolymerization of an electron-rich donor(D)unit with an electron-deficient acceptor(A)unit to construct efficient D-π-A-πtype donors is an effective strategy for organic solar cell applications.The electron-deficient unit fusion,endows extendedπ-conjugation plane and insures excellent photoelectronic property,has great advantages to build A moiety and gradually receives considerable attention.In this work,we adopt benzo[2,1-b:3,4-b’]dithiophene and benzopyrazine(BP),benzothiadiazole(BT)and benzoselenadiazole(BS)to cleverly construct a series of fused A units with different electrondeficient ability,and further synthesize three polymer donors PBDP-BP,PBDP-BT,and PBDP-BS,respectively.The relationships between structure and performance were systematically investigated.PBDPBT shows a moderate aggregation behavior in both solution and film,and the highest hole mobility among the three polymers.After blending with Y6,the PBDP-BT:Y6-based film has the strongest absorption,favorable compatibility,superior crystallinity,and uniform phase separation morphology compared with PBDP-BP or PBDP-BS based blend films.Thus,the device based on PBDP-BT:Y6 has the highest and balanced charge mobility,suppressive recombination,reduced energy loss and achieves an outstanding PCE of 15.14%,which is superior to PBDP-BP:Y6(8.55%)and PBDP-BS:Y6(6.85%).These results provide learnable guidelines for future fused electron-deficient unit-based donor design for photovoltaic application.

Post-transplant biliary complications using liver grafts from deceased donors older than 70 years:Retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND The shortage of liver grafts and subsequent waitlist mortality led us to expand the donor pool using liver grafts from older donors.AIM To determine the incidence,outcomes,and risk factors for biliary complications(BC)in liver transplantation(LT)using liver grafts from donors aged>70 years.METHODS Between January 1994 and December 31,2019,297 LTs were performed using donors older than 70 years.After excluding 47 LT for several reasons,we divided 250 LTs into two groups,namely post-LT BC(n=21)and without BC(n=229).This retrospective case-control study compared both groups.RESULTS Choledocho-choledochostomy without T-tube was the most frequent technique(76.2%in the BC group vs 92.6%in the non-BC group).Twenty-one patients(8.4%)developed BC(13 anastomotic strictures,7 biliary leakages,and 1 nonanastomotic biliary stricture).Nine patients underwent percutaneous balloon dilation and nine required a Rouxen-Y hepaticojejunostomy because of dilation failure.The incidence of post-LT complications(graft dysfunction,rejection,renal failure,and non-BC reoperations)was similar in both groups.There were no significant differences in the patient and graft survival between the groups.Moreover,only three deaths were attributed to BC.While female donors were protective factors for BC,donor cardiac arrest was a risk factor.CONCLUSION The incidence of BC was relatively low on using liver grafts>70 years.It could be managed in most cases by percutaneous dilation or Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy,without significant differences in the patient or graft survival between the groups.

Investigation and Analysis of HIV Infection among Unpaid Blood Donors in Wuzhou City

Objective: To take the unpaid blood donors in Wuzhou City as the research object, analyze the characteristics and prevalence of HIV infection, further explore its epidemiological characteristics, and lay a solid foundation for the recruitment of unpaid blood donors and the safety of blood transfusion, so as to reduce the risk of HIV transmission through blood transfusion. Methods: This paper collected the anti-HIV test results of unpaid blood donors and the confirmation results of reactive samples from 2015 to 2020, and carried out statistical analysis on the relevant information of positive samples. Result: From 2015 to 2020, a total of 233,242 unpaid blood donors were tested, and the positive rate of anti-HIV initial screening was 0.057% (132/233,242), and the positive rate of anti-HIV confirmed was 0.022% (51/233,242);the comparison of positive rates in each year was P < 0.05. Among the total number of infections, 76.47% (39/51) of confirmed positive persons were infected with HIV alone, followed by combined TP infection, accounting for 15.69% (8/51);for the people between 46 and 55 years old, the infection rate was the highest, reaching 37.3%;and more men (90.2%) were infected than women. In terms of education background, junior high school and below were the majority, accounting for 58.83% of the total;in terms of marital status, the number of unmarried people was 27, accounting for 52.9%. In terms of occupation, there were two main groups: farmers and workers, accounting for 66.7% of the total number of infections, and students accounting for 15.7%. Among the confirmed positives, the proportion of first-time blood donors and whole blood donors was higher than that of those who donated blood again or donated component blood. Conclusion: The situation of HIV infection among unpaid blood donors in Wuzhou City was relatively stable from 2015 to 2020, with no significant change in the absolute number of infected people compared to the previous period (the HIV infection rate from 2010 to 2013 was 0.03%), and most of them were males, unmarried people and those with low education. Therefore, attention must be paid to the consultation and recruitment of blood donors before blood donation, as well as the HIV screening in the laboratory after blood donation, so as to ensure the safety of clinical blood use.

Health-related quality of life of pediatric living donor liver transplantation donors who undergone donation surgery for 10 years

Objective:To investigate the quality of life(QOL)of living donor liver transplantation(LDLT)donors.Methods:The Euro Qol 5-dimensional questionnaire(EQ-5D)was used to measure the QOL of donors.Results:One donor repor ted“a little problem”of mobility(MO),and 2 donors(9.1%)repor ted“a little problem”of usual activities(UA).Moreover,there were 8 donors(36.4%)and 7 donors(31.8%)declaring“a little problem”of pain/discomfor t(PD)and anxiety/depression(AD),respectively.And both dimensions have a donor repor ting“moderate problem.”The mean visual analog scale(VAS)was 83.1±12.4.Conclusions:Donors can gain a stable and preferable QOL after donation in both the shor t and long terms.ED-5D application in the field of liver transplant could be an effective choice in QOL studies.

Renal allograft procurement from living unrelated donors in Iran: What falls under the eclipse

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for end stage kidney disease.However,despite all the efforts to expand the donor pool,the shortage of donors is increasing and as a consequence,there has been a significant increase in the number of patients on transplant waiting lists globally.Societies worldwide have employed different methods to address this,each with specific ethical concerns surrounding them.Over three decades ago,a governmentally regulated program of kidney transplantation from living unrelated donors was introduced in Iran and since practiced which has been the subject of hot debate in the literature.Nevertheless,despite all these extensive discussions and publications,several key aspects of the program have still not been properly elucidated and addressed.In this article,the author aims to illuminate some dark corners related to this issue that have largely escaped the notice of ethicists.

Haemodynamic management in brain death donors:Influence of aetiology of brain death

BACKGROUND In brain death donors(BDDs),donor management is the key in the complex donation process.Donor management goals,which are standards of care or clinical parameters,have been considered an acceptable barometer of successful donor management.AIM To test the hypothesis that aetiology of brain death could influence haemodynamic management in BDDs.METHODS Haemodynamic data(blood pressure,heart rate,central venous pressure,lactate,urine output,and vasoactive drugs)of BDDs were recorded on intensive care unit(ICU)admission and during the 6-h observation period(Time 1 at the beginning;Time 2 at the end).RESULTS The study population was divided into three groups according to the aetiology of brain death:Stroke(n=71),traumatic brain injury(n=48),and postanoxic encephalopathy(n=19).On ICU admission,BDDs with postanoxic encephalopathy showed the lowest values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure associated with higher values of heart rate and lactate and a higher need of norepinephrine and other vasoactive drugs.At the beginning of the 6-h period(Time 1),BDDs with postanoxic encephalopathy showed higher values of heart rate,lactate,and central venous pressure together with a higher need of other vasoactive drugs.CONCLUSION According to our data,haemodynamic management of BDDs is affected by the aetiology of brain death.BDDs with postanoxic encephalopathy have higher requirements for norepinephrine and other vasoactive drugs.

Haematology Parameters of Apparently Healthy Prospective Whole Blood Donors in a Nigerian Hospital Setting

Background: Adequate selection of a prospective whole blood donor protects his health and safety of the recipient. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the haematology parameters of apparently healthy prospective whole blood donors. Participants and Methods: This was a hospital based prospective study carried out from August to October 2020 at the blood transfusion unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Nigeria. A structured pretested questionnaire was used for data collection. The socio demographic status and the haematology parameters of apparently healthy prospective whole blood donors who tested negative for HIV, hepatitis B and C markers were captured. Obtained data were analysed with the statistical package for the social scientist software version 20. Results: One hundred male (97.1%) and three female (2.9%) apparently healthy prospective whole blood donors were studied. The median age of study subjects was 30 years. Obtained median haematology parameter values were 13 g/dl, 40%, 4.9/nl and 203.9/nl for haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, total white cell and platelet counts respectively. The median values for the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of participants were 32.6 g/dl, 27.7 pg and 85.7 fl respectively. Observed prevalence of subnormal haematology parameters for haemoglobin concentration, total white cells, platelets were 12.6%, 25.2%, and 13.6% respectively. Also subnormal values for MCHC, MCH, MCV were 11.7%, 26.2%, and 16.5% respectively among prospective whole blood donors in this study. No higher than normal haematology parameter values were observed. Median values for erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 8.4 mm/hr. Conclusion: A significant percentage of apparently healthy prospective whole blood donors had subnormal haematology parameters values. Obtained normal values in our study are comparable with local reference range reports from previous studies in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. 124947 .

Effects of maternal methyl donor intake during pregnancy on ileum methylation and function in an intrauterine growth restriction pig model

Background Intrauterine growth retardation(IUGR)affects intestinal growth,morphology,and function,which leads to poor growth performance and high mortality.The present study explored whether maternal dietary methyl donor(MET)supplementation alleviates IUGR and enhances offspring’s growth performance by improving intestinal growth,function,and DNA methylation of the ileum in a porcine IUGR model.Methods Forty multiparous sows were allocated to the control or MET diet groups from mating until delivery.After farrowing,8 pairs of IUGR and normal birth weight piglets from 8 litters were selected for sampling before suckling colostrum.Results The results showed that maternal MET supplementation tended to decrease the IUGR incidence and increased the average weaning weight of piglets.Moreover,maternal MET supplementation significantly reduced the plasma concentrations of isoleucine,cysteine,urea,and total amino acids in sows and newborn pig-lets.It also increased lactase and sucrase activity in the jejunum of newborn piglets.MET addition resulted in lower ileal methionine synthase activity and increased betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase activity in the ileum of newborn piglets.DNA methylation analysis of the ileum showed that MET supplementation increased the methyla-tion level of DNA CpG sites in the ileum of newborn piglets.Down-regulated differentially methylated genes were enriched in folic acid binding,insulin receptor signaling pathway,and endothelial cell proliferation.In contrast,up-regulated methylated genes were enriched in growth hormone receptor signaling pathway and nitric oxide biosyn-thetic process.Conclusions Maternal MET supplementation can reduce the incidence of IUGR and increase the weaning litter weight of piglets,which may be associated with better intestinal function and methylation status.

Perceptions of Mothers with Preterm Babies towards Donor Breast Milk at Women and Newborn Hospital,Lusaka Zambia

Breast milk offers essential nutrients crucial for the development of the preterm immune system, thus reducing the incidence of infection and mortality often associated with prematurity. In the absence of breast milk, the preferred option is donated breast milk, the best alternative for hospitalized neonates whose mothers have insufficient breast milk or are unavailable. In Zambia, donor breast milk is unavailable. Instead, the protocol recommends the administration of formula milk. However, the use of formula milk in preterm babies is associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis. Zambia needs to establish a donor milk bank, hence the need to understand the perception of mothers towards donated breast milk. A qualitative descriptive case study utilized 10 focus group discussions with in-depth interviews, purposively selected using a variation strategy. Data was thematically analysed. Participants demonstrated potential acceptance to donor breast milk utilization, as more nutritional compared to formula despite lack of awareness. Concerns related to safety, quality, fear of disease transmission and discomfort feeding from a different bloodline were identified as hinderance to possible utilisation. These perceptions underscore the importance of educational initiatives aimed at dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding donor breast milk and establishing donor breast milk programs. Therefore, the study recommends educational initiatives tailored to raise awareness to mothers about donor breast milk.

High donor-number and low content electrolyte additive for stabilizing zinc metal anode

The aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs)are thought as promising competitors for electrochemical energy storage,though their wide application is curbed by the uncontrollable dendrite growth and gas evolution side reactions.Herein,to stabilize both zinc anodes and water molecules,we developed a modified electrolyte by adding a trace amount of N,N-diethylformanmide(DEF)into the ZnSO_(4)electrolyte for the first time in zinc ion batteries.The effectiveness of DEF is predicted by the comparison of donor number and its preferential adsorption behavior on the zinc anode is further demonstrated by several spectroscopy characterizations,electrochemical methods,and molecular dynamics simulation.The modified electrolyte with 5%v.t.DEF content can ensure a stable cycling life longer than 3400 h of Zn‖Zn symmetric cells and an ultra-reversible Zn stripping/plating process with a high coulombic efficiency of 99.7%.The Zn‖VO_(2)full cell maintains a capacity retention of 83.5%and a 104 mA h g^(-1)mass capacity after 1000cycles.This work provides insights into the role of interfacial adsorption behavior and the donor number of additive molecules in designing low-content and effective aqueous electrolytes.

Influence of donor age on liver transplantation outcomes: A multivariate analysis and comparative study

BACKGROUND The growing disparity between the rising demand for liver transplantation(LT)and the limited availability of donor organs has prompted a greater reliance on older liver grafts.Traditionally,utilizing livers from elderly donors has been associated with outcomes inferior to those achieved with grafts from younger donors.By accounting for additional risk factors,we hypothesize that the utili-zation of older liver grafts has a relatively minor impact on both patient survival and graft viability.AIM To evaluate the impact of donor age on LT outcomes using multivariate analysis and comparing young and elderly donor groups.METHODS In the period from April 2013 to December 2018,656 adult liver transplants were performed at the University Hospital Merkur.Several multivariate Cox propor-tional hazards models were developed to independently assess the significance of donor age.Donor age was treated as a continuous variable.The approach involved univariate and multivariate analysis,including variable selection and assessment of interactions and transformations.Additionally,to exemplify the similarity of using young and old donor liver grafts,the group of 87 recipients of elderly donor liver grafts(≥75 years)was compared to a group of 124 recipients of young liver grafts(≤45 years)from the dataset.Survival rates of the two groups were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test was used to test the differences between groups.RESULTS Using multivariate Cox analysis,we found no statistical significance in the role of donor age within the constructed models.Even when retained during the entire model development,the donor age's impact on survival remained insignificant and transformations and interactions yielded no substantial effects on survival.Consistent insigni-ficance and low coefficient values suggest that donor age does not impact patient survival in our dataset.Notably,there was no statistical evidence that the five developed models did not adhere to the proportional hazards assumption.When comparing donor age groups,transplantation using elderly grafts showed similar early graft function,similar graft(P=0.92),and patient survival rates(P=0.86),and no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications.CONCLUSION Our center's experience indicates that donor age does not play a significant role in patient survival,with elderly livers performing comparably to younger grafts when accounting for other risk factors.

Development of donor specific antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination:What do we know so far?

Vaccination against Coronavirus disease-19(COVID-19)was pivotal to limit spread,morbidity and mortality.Our aim is to find out whether vaccines against COVID-19 lead to an immunological response stimulating the production of de novo donor specific antibodies(DSAs)or increase in mean fluorescence intensity(MFI)of pre-existing DSAs in kidney transplant recipients(KTRs).This study involved a detailed literature search through December 2nd,2023 using PubMed as the primary database.The search strategy incorporated a combination of relevant Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords:"COVID-19","SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination","Kidney,Renal Transplant",and"Donor specific antibodies".The results from related studies were collated and analyzed.A total of 6 studies were identified,encompassing 460 KTRs vaccinated against COVID-19.Immunological responses were detected in 8 KTRs of which 5 had increased MFIs,1 had de novo DSA,and 2 were categorized as either having de novo DSA or increased MFI.There were 48 KTRs with pre-existing DSAs prior to vaccination,but one study(Massa et al)did not report whether pre-existing DSAs were associated with post vaccination outcomes.Of the remaining 5 studies,35 KTRs with pre-existing DSAs were identified of which 7 KTRs(20%)developed de novo DSAs or increased MFIs.Overall,no immunological response was detected in 452(98.3%)KTRs.Our study affirms prior reports that COVID-19 vaccination is safe for KTRs,especially if there are no pre-existing DSAs.However,if KTRs have pre-existing DSAs,then an increased immunological risk may be present.These findings need to be taken cautiously as they are based on a limited number of patients so further studies are still needed for confirmation.