The effects of smoking on blood lipids, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine in young patients with ischemic stroke

Objective:To investigate clinical significance of the effects of smoking on blood lipids, C-reactive protein,and homocysteine in young ischemic stroke patients.Methods:The clinical data of 423 young stroke patients in the department of neurology at Taihe Hospital in Shiyan City, China were retrospectively analyzed, including age,gender,drinking history,family history,and atrial fibrillation history. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they smoked,and the blood lipids, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine were compared between groups.Results:The proportion of smokers was 41.83%.The levels of total cholesterol,triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and homocysteine were higher in patients who smoked than in those who did not(P < 0.05). High density lipoprotein (HDL) was lower in the smoking group (P < 0.05). C-reactive protein test results were divided into groups according to whether the levels exceeded the normal range or not, and no correlation was found between C-reactive protein levels and smoking(P>0.05). Conclusion:Total cholesterol, TG, LDL, HDL, and homocysteine were significantly different between stroke patients who smoked and those who did not. We therefore suggest that smoking cessation take place as soon as possible and that it be avoided entirely in order to reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis and stroke.

Application of Cystatin C Combined with Homocysteine Detection in AIDS and Tuberculosis Complicated with Hypertension

Objective: To investigate the application of cystatin C combined with homocysteine detection in AIDS and tuberculosis complicated with hypertension. Methods: 57 patients with AIDS complicated with hypertension and 52 patients with tuberculosis complicated with hypertension from Guangxi Infectious Diseases Hospital Nanning Fourth People’s Hospital/Guangxi AIDS Clinical Treatment Center (Nanning) from October 2022 to March 2023, and 196 patients with simple hypertension from Guangxi Cardiovascular Diseases Hospital Nanning Third People’s Hospital were selected as research objects. And then the difference in the detection results of cystatin C and homocysteine among the three groups was compared. Results: The detection results of serum cystatin C and homocysteine in AIDS patients with hypertension and tuberculosis patients with hypertension were higher than those in the simple hypertension group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the detection results of cystatin C or homocysteine between the AIDS hypertension group and the tuberculosis hypertension group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The detection of cystatin C combined with homocysteine has high clinical application value in AIDS with hypertension and tuberculosis with hypertension. When AIDS is combined with hypertension or tuberculosis is combined with hypertension, cystatin C and homocysteine are at a high level, while the concentration levels of cystatin C and homocysteine are relatively low in simple hypertension. Therefore, cystatin C combined with homocysteine detection can provide better laboratory evidence for clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and is worth promoting and applying.

Evaluation of Plasma Homocysteine Levels in Type II Diabetes and Hypertensive Patients Attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Homocysteine is an important non-protein amino acid, very useful in all methylation reactions occurring in the body as the precursor of the sole methyl group donor S-Adenosyl-methionine (SAM). However, elevated plasma homocysteine levels have been reported to contribute to epithelial damage leading to coronary artery disease and other metabolic syndromes. This study was aimed at evaluating the concentration of plasma homocysteine in diabetics and hypertensive patients in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methods: The study population included 60 Type II diabetes mellitus and Hypertensivesubjectsas group (I), 60 Type II diabetes mellitus and Normotensive subjects as group (II), 60 Hypertensive subjects as group (III), and 60 healthy subjects as control group within the age range of 30 - 70 years. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to quantitatively measure homocysteine in the serum sample, glycated haemoglobin were determined quantitatively using sandwich immunodetection and blood pressure was determined using mercury sphygnanometer. Statistics: The statistical analysis was done using GraphPad Prism version 9.4.1, and statistical significance was determined by a P Results: The results showed significantly higher plasma homocysteine levels in diabetics and hypertensive comorbidity patients when compared to healthy controls, P Conclusion: Our result shows an increase in plasma homocysteine levels in diabetics and hypertensives when compared to controls, and comorbidity instigates a higher increase in plasma levels when compared with the single morbidity.

Astrocytes dynamically regulate the blood-brain barrier in the healthy brain

The blood-brain barrier(BBB)(discovered and defined by Max Lewandowsky and Lina Stern,and not,as it is universally,and yet erroneously believed,by Paul Ehrlich(Verkhratsky and Pivoriunas,2023))that separates the nervous system from the circulation is evolutionarily conserved from arthropods to man.The primeval BBB of the invertebrates and some early vertebrates was made solely by glial cells and secured(in invertebrates)by septate junctions.

Mendelian randomization study to investigate the causal relationship between plasma homocysteine and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND:Several observational studies have shown an association between homocysteine(Hcy)levels and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),but causal relationships are not clear.Our study aimed to explore the causal relationship between plasma Hcy and COPD by two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR).METHODS:A two-sample MR study was performed to infer the causal link.Genetically predicted plasma Hcy was selected as an instrumental variable(Ⅳ)from published genome-wide association study(GWAS)meta-analyses.COPD with different etiologies was extracted as outcome variables from other GWAS meta-analyses.The main MR analysis was performed using the inversevariance weighted(IVW)method.Additional analyses were further performed using Cochran’s Q-test and MR-Egger regression to evaluate the heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy of our findings.RESULTS:MR analysis showed no significant association between plasma Hcy and COPD.The results of the groups were consistent with the sensitivity analysis and repeated analysis,without heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.The IVW results showed COPD hospital admissions(odds ratio[OR]1.06,95%confidence interval[CI]0.91-1.24,P=0.42),asthma/COPD(OR 0.97,95%CI0.89-1.06,P=0.55),COPD-related chronic infection(OR 1.50,95%CI 0.57-3.99,P=0.41),COPDI asthma/interstitial lung disease(ILD)-related pneumonia or pneumonia-derived septicemia(OR 0.93,95%CI 0.86-1.02,P=0.13),and COPD-related respiratory insufficiency(OR 1.00,95%CI 0.7-1.44,P=0.99).CONCLUSION:There is no direct causal relationship between plasma Hcy and COPD in our study.As Hcy is known to have deleterious effects on endothelial function and vascular homeostasis,further studies are needed to investigate whether additional factors mediate the association between Hcy and COPD.

Association between Hyperhomocysteinemia and Microangiopathic Complications (Neuropathy and Nephropathy) in Subjects with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

This prospective case-control study aimed to assess the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and explore its potential correlation with microangiopathic complications, specifically nephropathy and neuropathy, in a cohort of both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Conducted at the Marc Sankalé Center of Abass Ndao Hospital in Dakar from June to September 2018, the study enrolled a total of 106 diabetic patients, comprising 93 type 2 diabetics and 13 type 1 diabetics, who were matched with control subjects free from clinically detectable pathologies, based on sex and age ± 2 years. The mean age of type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients was 24.46 ± 8.41 years and 57.28 ± 11.28 years, respectively. Our findings revealed a statistically significant elevation in mean homocysteine levels among patients when compared to controls (12.63 vs. 9.88;p < 0.0001). Hyperhomocysteinemia was observed in 24.5% of the patients, exclusively among those with type 2 diabetes. Within the hyperhomocysteinemia subgroup, 58% were male, and 42% were female. The analysis of neuropathy and nephropathy frequencies among type 2 diabetic patients, stratified by homocysteine concentrations, demonstrated a notably higher prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia compared to those with normohomocysteinemia (23.07% vs. 8.75%;p = 0.052). Similarly, diabetic neuropathy exhibited a significantly greater frequency in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia as opposed to normohomocysteinemia (80.76% vs. 50%;p = 0.005). Furthermore, our results established a significant positive correlation between homocysteine concentrations and both age (r = 0.402;p < 0.0001) and creatinine levels (r = 0.461;p < 0.0001). Bivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that patients with hyperhomocysteinemia faced 3 times and 6 times higher risks of developing neuropathy (OR = 3.5;p = 0.061) and diabetic nephropathy (OR = 6.092;p = 0.014), respectively.

In vivo label-free measurement of blood flow velocity symmetry based on dual line scanning third-harmonic generation microscopy excited at the 1700 nm window

Measurement of bloodflow velocity is key to understanding physiology and pathology in vivo.While most measurements are performed at the middle of the blood vessel,little research has been done on characterizing the instantaneous bloodflow velocity distribution.This is mainly due to the lack of measurement technology with high spatial and temporal resolution.Here,we tackle this problem with our recently developed dual-wavelength line-scan third-harmonic generation(THG)imaging technology.Simultaneous acquisition of dual-wavelength THG line-scanning signals enables measurement of bloodflow velocities at two radially symmetric positions in both venules and arterioles in mouse brain in vivo.Our results clearly show that the instantaneous bloodflow velocity is not symmetric under general conditions.

Blood-brain barrier pathology in cerebral small vessel disease

Cerebral small vessel disease is a neurological disease that affects the brain microvasculature and which is commonly observed among the elderly.Although at first it was considered innocuous,small vessel disease is nowadays regarded as one of the major vascular causes of dementia.Radiological signs of small vessel disease include small subcortical infarcts,white matter magnetic resonance imaging hyperintensities,lacunes,enlarged perivascular spaces,cerebral microbleeds,and brain atrophy;however,great heterogeneity in clinical symptoms is observed in small vessel disease patients.The pathophysiology of these lesions has been linked to multiple processes,such as hypoperfusion,defective cerebrovascular reactivity,and blood-brain barrier dysfunction.Notably,studies on small vessel disease suggest that blood-brain barrier dysfunction is among the earliest mechanisms in small vessel disease and might contribute to the development of the hallmarks of small vessel disease.Therefore,the purpose of this review is to provide a new foundation in the study of small vessel disease pathology.First,we discuss the main structural domains and functions of the blood-brain barrier.Secondly,we review the most recent evidence on blood-brain barrier dysfunction linked to small vessel disease.Finally,we conclude with a discussion on future perspectives and propose potential treatment targets and interventions.

Effect of sodium nitroprusside on the microrheological properties of red blood cells in different media

Red blood cell(RBC)aggregation as well as their deformation significantly affects blood microrheology.These processes depend on various factors,one of which is concentration of the nitric oxide,one of the main signaling molecule in the bloodstream.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nitric oxide on the microrheological properties of red blood cells(RBCs)in RBC samples of various media after the addition of nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside in vitro.Microrheological properties were measured using laser aggregometer and ektacytometer based on diffuse light scattering and diffraction of laser light on a suspension of RBCs,respectively.The study found that heparin-stabilized blood showed increased RBC aggregation and deformation with sodium nitroprusside concentrations of 100,and 200M,while EDTA-stabilized blood showed slightly decreased aggregation and unchanged deformation.With washed RBCs in dextran solution,the addition of sodium nitroprusside(in the concentrations of 100,and 200M)resulted in decreased aggregation and increased deformation.These-ndings aid in our understanding of nitric oxide's effect on RBC microrheological properties.

Clinical nursing value of predictive nursing in reducing complications of pregnant women undergoing short-term massive blood transfusion during cesarean section

BACKGROUND Cesarean hemorrhage is one of the serious complications,and short-term massive blood transfusion can easily cause postoperative infection and physical stress response.However,predictive nursing intervention has important clinical significance for it.AIM To explore the effect of predictive nursing intervention on the stress response and complications of women undergoing short-term mass blood transfusion during cesarean section(CS).METHODS A clinical medical record of 100 pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during sections from June 2019 to June 2021.According to the different nursing methods,patients divided into control group(n=50)and observation group(n=50).Among them,the control group implemented routine nursing,and the observation group implemented predictive nursing intervention based on the control group.Moreover,compared the differences in stress res-ponse,complications,and pain scores before and after the nursing of pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during CS.RESULTS The anxiety and depression scores of pregnant women in the two groups were significantly improved after nursing,and the psychological stress response of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The heart rate and mean arterial pressure(MAP)of the observation group during delivery were lower than those of the control group,and the MAP at the end of delivery was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,different pain scores improved significantly in both groups,with the observation group considerably less than the control group(P<0.05).After nursing,complications such as skin rash,urinary retention,chills,diarrhea,and anaphylactic shock in the observation group were 18%,which significantly higher than in the control group(4%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Predictive nursing intervention can effectively relieve the pain,reduce the incidence of complications,improve mood and stress response,and serve as a reference value for the nursing of women undergoing rapid mass transfusion during CS.

Diagnostic and prognostic implications of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and homocysteine levels for cognitive impairment in thalamic infarction

BACKGROUND Patients with thalamic infarction experience abnormal blockages of multinuc-leated vessels,affecting the body and thereby the thalamus.Most patients with thalamic infarction have an adverse prognosis,which seriously affects their safety.Therefore,it is essential to analyze the independent risk factors that influence the prognosis of patients with thalamic infarction and develop corresponding preventive measures.AIM To explore the effect of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(non-HDL-C)and Homocysteine(Hcy)levels in cognitive impairment in thalamic infarction.METHODS From March 2019 to March 2022,80 patients with thalamic infarction were divided into a group with cognitive impairment[Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)score<26;35 patients]and a group with normal cognitive function(MoCA score of 26-30;45 patients)according to the MoCA score.In addition,50 healthy people in the same period were selected as the control group.A correlation between the non-HDL-C and Hcy levels and the MoCA score and receiver operating characteristic curve was observed,and the serum non-HDL-C and Hcy levels were analyzed for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction.According to the Modified Rankin Scale(MRS)score,80 patients with thalamic infarction were divided into a good prognosis group(MRS score≤2)and a poor prognosis group(MRS score>2).RESULTS The non-HDL-C and Hcy levels were significantly higher in the group with cognitive impairment than in the group with normal cognitive function(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the non-HDL-C level between the control group and the group with normal cognitive function(P>0.05).The MoCA scores of the group with cognitive impairment were significantly lower than those of the group with normal cognitive function and the control group(P<0.05).There was a significant difference between the control group and the group with normal cognitive function(P<0.05).The non-HDL-C and Hcy levels were correlated with the MoCA score(P<0.05),cognitive impairment[areas under the curve(AUC)=0.709,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.599-0.816],the non-HDL-C level,and could predict cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction(AUC=0.738,95%CI:0.618-0.859).Hcy combined with non-HDL-C levels can predict cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction(AUC=0.769,95%CI:0.721-0.895).RESULTS There were 50 patients in the good prognosis group and 30 patients in the poor prognosis group.Compared with the good prognosis group,in the poor prognosis group,the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score,non-HDL-C level,Hcy level,large-area cerebral infarction,atrial fibrillation,and activated partial prothrombin time were statistically significant(P<0.05).The non-HDL-C level,the Hcy level,the NIHSS score,extensive cerebral serum,and atrial fibrillation may all be independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with thalamic infarction(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Non-HDL-C and Hcy levels are positively correlated with cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction.Non-HDL-C and Hcy levels can be used in the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in patients with thalamic infarction,and the combined detection effect is better.The main factors affecting the prognosis of patients with thalamic infarction are the non-HDL-C level,the Hcy level,the NIHSS score,large-area cerebral infarction,and atrial fibrillation.Clinically,corresponding preventive measures can be formulated based on the above factors to prevent poor prognosis and reduce mortality.

Preoperative blood markers and intra-abdominal infection after colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates among digestive tract tumors.Intra-abdominal infection(IAI)is a common postoperative complication that affects the clinical outcomes of patients with CRC and hinders their rehabilitation process.However,the factors influencing abdominal infection after CRC surgery remain unclear;further,prediction models are rarely used to analyze preoperative laboratory indicators and postoperative complications.AIM To explore the predictive value of preoperative blood markers for IAI after radical resection of CRC.METHODS The data of 80 patients who underwent radical resection of CRC in the Anorectal Surgery Department of Suzhou Hospital affiliated with Anhui Medical University were analyzed.These patients were categorized into IAI(n=15)and non-IAI groups(n=65)based on whether IAI occurred.Influencing factors were compared;general data and laboratory indices of both groups were identified.The relationship between the indicators was assessed.Further,a nomogram prediction model was developed and evaluated;its utility and clinical applic-ability were assessed.RESULTS The risk factors for IAI after radical resection of CRC were neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)levels.NLR was correlated with PLR and SII(r=0.604,0.925,and 0.305,respectively),while PLR was correlated with SII(r=0.787).The nomogram prediction model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.968[95%confidence interval(CI):0.948-0.988]in the training set(n=60)and 0.926(95%CI:0.906-0.980)in the validation set(n=20).The average absolute errors of the calibration curves for the training and validation sets were 0.032 and 0.048,respectively,indicating a good model fit.The decision curve analysis curves demonstrated high net income above the 5%threshold,indicating the clinical practicality of the model.CONCLUSION The nomogram model constructed using NLR,PLR,SII,and CEA levels had good accuracy and reliability in predicting IAI after radical resection of CRC,potentially aiding clinical treatment decision-making.

Latest advances in epigenetic mechanisms of nutrients in breast cancer and the relation of homocysteine mechanism

The incidence rate of breast cancer is the second highest of all cancers.Alterations to one's epigenome are among the most critical factors in breast cancer control.In breast cancer,nutrients can influence epigenetic pathways and homocysteine(Hcy)levels.Hcy has been related to cognitive decline,Alzheimer's disease,and cancer.Similar to how altered Hcy metabolism is strongly influenced by genetic,epigenetic,and environmental factors,it is significantly linked to cancer.This review aims to discuss the relationship between the levels of Hcy in breast cancer and the effects of nutrients on epigenetic processes.Dietary interventions have the ability to control epigenetic processes,and the Hcy levels are associated with both epigenetic mechanisms and nutritional supplements in breast cancer.Certain nutrients have been discovered to have an impact on these processes.Altered Hcy metabolism is influenced by genetic,epigenetic,and environmental factors and has a substantial link to the emergence of cancer.Nutrients,such as folic acid,vitamin B12 and many phytonutrients that have been found to affect the epigenetic processes in breast cancer may alter DNA methylation and histone modification,which in turn may affect how cancer cells behave.The review emphasizes the need for additional studies to fully comprehend nutrition's potential for the epigenetic mechanism and the relation between Hcy metabolism in breast cancer.

The effectiveness of physical activity interventions on blood pressure in children and adolescents:A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background:High blood pressure(BP)is a major contributor to mortality and cardiovascular diseases.Despite the known benefits of exercise for reducing BP,it is crucial to identify the most effective physical activity(PA)intervention.This systematic review and network meta-analysis(NMA)aimed to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of various PA interventions for reducing BP and to determine their hierarchy based on their impact on BP.Methods:A search of PubMed,SPORTDiscus,PsycINFO,Web of Science,CINAHL,Cochrane,and Eric databases was conducted up to December 2022 for this systematic review and NMA.Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies targeting healthy children and adolescents aged 6-12 years old were included in this study.Only studies that compared controlled and intervention groups using PA or exercise as the major influence were included.We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines.Three independent investigators performed the literature screening,data extraction,and risk of bias assessment.We used Bayesian arm-based NMA to synthesize the data.The primary outcomes were systolic BP and diastolic BP.We calculated the mean differences(MDs)in systolic BP and diastolic BP before and after treatment.Mean treatment differences were estimated using NMA and random-effect models.Results:We synthesized 27 studies involving 15,220 children and adolescents.PA combined with nutrition and behavior change was the most effective intervention for reducing both systolic BP and diastolic BP(MD=-8.64,95%credible interval(95%CI):-11.44 to-5.84;MD=-6.75,95%CI:-10.44 to-3.11),followed by interventions with multiple components(MD=-1.39,95%CI:-1.94 to-0.84;MD=-2.54,95%CI:-4.89 to-0.29).Conclusion:Our findings suggest that PA interventions incorporating nutrition and behavior change,followed by interventions with multiple components,are most effective for reducing both systolic BP and diastolic BP in children and adolescents.

The Correlation between Morning Blood Pressure Surge, Homocysteine and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Elderly Patients with Primary Hypertension

Objective: To investigate the correlation between morning blood pressure surge, homocysteine (Hcy) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in elderly patients with primary hypertension. Method: 215 cases of patients with hypertension from January 2015 to June 2016 were randomly selected from TianYou Hospital attached to WUST.Blood pressure was monitored 24 hours;according to the results, patients were divided into 81 cases of morning blood pressure surge group (study group) and 134 cases of non-morning blood pressure surge group (control group). Biochemical indicators of the two groups were measured, such as Hcy, Glu, blood lipid (TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C). The ventricular structure index (IVST, LVDD, LVPWT, LVMI) were measured by color doppler ultrasound.Result: 1) The IVST, LVDD, LVPWT and LVMI were significantly higher in study group than in control group (P 0.05), and the incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (74.1%) was significantly higher in study group than in control group (22.4%) (P 0.05). 2) There was no statistical difference in TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C between the two groups (P > 0.05). The serum levels of Hcy [(16.89 ± 5.84) mmol/L] in study group were significantly higher than those in control group [(10.88 ± 4.07) mmol/L] (P 0.05). 3) Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that morning blood pressure surge and Hcy were the risk factors of left ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusion: In elderly patients with?hypertension, the higher the morning blood pressure surge and Hcy level, the more probability of left ventricular hypertrophy and the more obvious degree.

Association of Thyroid Nodules with Various Elements in Urine and Blood Serum: A Case-Control Study

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem caused by various factors,including environmental and nutritional factors and genetic background.The environment can modulate and influence not only the risk of thyroid nodules but also the severity of disease in humans[1].The environment is awash with elements,and all mineral elements,including heavy metals and trace elements,are considered potentially toxic.A significantly higher incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported in populations exposed to low doses of metallic elements in volcanic areas over a long period[2].As research on thyroid disorders continues,it is becoming clear that abnormalities in trace elements in the body can affect the development of thyroid-related disorders.

Sex Disparities in the Association of Blood Pressure Parameters and Arterial Sclerosis Risk

Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is the leading cause of death worldwide[1].Arterial sclerosis(AS)and hypertension are the main risk factors and pathological bases of CVD.Higher pulse wave velocity(PWV)measurements could reflect early progression of atherosclerosis.Based on the structure-function properties of the vascular wall and hemodynamics,strong evidence suggests that any increase in blood pressure levels can mechanically impair the ability of the endothelium to maintain vascular homeostasis[2].High levels of blood pressure parameters,such as systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),pulse pressure(PP),and mean arterial pressure(MAP)have been identified as essential risk biomarkers for atherosclerosis.

Identification of Key Blood Biomarkers Linking Di(2-ethylhexyl)Phthalate and Autoimmune Diseases in Adolescents Mice

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP)is a widely used plasticizer known for its reproductive developmental and immune system toxicity,mainly through esophagal,dermal,and respiratory exposure^([1-3]).Maternal exposure to DEHP during pregnancy can lead to adverse birth outcomes in offspring,including impacts on the thyroid system of adolescent offspring^([2-4]).

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.

Blood biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease:important considerations for use in clinical practice

Introduction:Fluid and positron emission tomography(PET)biomarkers that enable the detection of the hallmark proteins of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)(amyloid and tau)have revolutionized our approach to the diagnosis of AD.The evolution of AD diagnostic criteria to include biological characterization(Alzheimer’s Association Working Group,2023)provides an appropriate framework to reduce levels of clinico-pathologic mismatch and improve in-vivo diagnostic accuracy.As the therapeutic landscape for neurodegenerative disease evolves,it is increasingly incumbent on clinicians to provide timely,and pathologically precise diagnoses for patients.However,the expensive and invasive nature of these tests limits their scalability.