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Purpose: To determine if gingival crevicular blood (GCB) could potentially be used as a reliable source to screen for diabetes control, this study compared glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) levels found in GCB and serum. Methods: Patients diagnosed (n= 29), with diabetes received a venipuncture on the finger and serum blood (control) obtained was tested for HbAlc status chair-side. GCB (test) was collected at site(s) with evidence of bleeding after probing and the HbAlc value was determined in the same manner as with the serum blood. Results: There was a significant correlation between serum blood and GCB using the HbAlc test. The Pearson correlation was 0.98 (P< 0.0001). The Altman-Bland bias was -0.21 (P= 0.0095), indicating that on average, the GCB method slightly underestimated the venipuncture serum (control) method for determining HbAlc values. The Altman-Bland 95% agreement interval ranged from -1.02 to 0.6. Furthermore, the HbAlc values were independent of the gingival sites used for collection with intra-patient GCB values exhibiting a correlation value between sites of 0.91 (P< 0.0001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyes are extensively used in textile coloration. Recently, pigment coloration has become more and more popular in the textile industry as it has more environmental advantages. However, the color uptake, colorfastness to crocking and levelness of pigment dyed fabric are not satisfactory, and modification is needed to obtain a better color quality. Plasma treatment is widely used for modifying heat sensitive material surfaces through active plasma species. Therefore, a comprehensive comparison of dye and pigment coloration and a review of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment have been conducted in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Raman confocal microscopy, combined with an optical stretcher, is used to study the spatial distribution and the oxidation state of hemoglobin in erythrocytes under stretching condition. In particular, a near infrared laser (λ = 1064 nm) is used to generate multiple time-sharing Optical Tweezers to trap and stretch a single erythrocyte, while a second laser (λ = 532 nm) acts as Raman probe. Our study demonstrates that stretching induces hemoglobin transition to the deoxygenated state. Moreover, by using Principal Component Analysis we prove the reversibility of the hemoglobin transition after application of the optically induced mechanical stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Storage of red cells causes a progressive increase in hemolysis. Inspite of the use of additive solutions for storage and filters for leucoreduction some amount of hemolysis is still inevitable. The extent of hemolysis however should not exceed the permissible threshold for hemolysis even on the 42nd day of storage. Study design and Methods: Eighty units of packed red cells, 40 stored in SAGM post leucoreduction and 40 in ADSOL without leucoreduction filters, were evaluated for plasma haemoglobin by HemoCue Plasma Haemoglobin analyzer on the day of collection and on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th and 42nd days thereafter. The haemoglobin and haematocrit were also noted for all these units by the Beckman & Coulter analyzer. Percentage Hemolysis was then calculated. Observations: Hemolysis progressively increased with the storage period in all the stored red cell units (SAGM as well ADSOL). However, on day 42nd of storage, free haemoglobin in all the red cell units was within the permissible level (which is 0.8% according to the Council of Europe guidelines and 1% as per the US FDA guidelines. The mean percentage hemolysis was slightly higher in the SAGM containing bags with an integral leucoreduction filter as compared to the bags containing ADSOL. However this difference was marginal and not statistically significant. Conclusion: Hemolysis of the red cells increases with storage. However, maximum hemolysis does not exceed the permissible limits at any time thereby indicating the effect of optimum processing and storage conditions on red cell hemolysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Archivos Venezolanos de Puericultura y Pediatría is the property of Sociedad Venezolana de Puericultura y Pediatria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Intensive aquaculture needs accurate advices regarding the detection and control of stress and/or disease conditions in order to ensure the health of fish. The fastest way to detect the manifestation of stress is the evaluation of blood parameters. The scope of this paper was the determination and analyses of the most important parameters of blood: haemoglobin concentration (Hb), haematocrit value (Hct), red blood cel counts (RBCc), as well as the values of erythrocyte constants: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) for cultured carp (Ineu, Frasinet and Ropsa races) and Japanese koi carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758), reared under conditions of an intensive system as enclosure type on CCDP Nucet. The haemoglobin concentration (Hb) tacked values between 9.58±1.68, 11.62±2.02 and 11.99±1.50 g/100 ml of blood for the races of cultured carp whereas on ornamental carp the mean level of haemoglobin concentration (Hb) is 6.94±1.6 g/100 ml of blood. The smallest values of MCHC have been noted on Japanese ornamental carp (21.60±3 .3gHb/100 ml of erythrocytes) comparatively with 26.82±4.99, 34.33±8.28 and 30.10±3.84 gHb/100 ml of erythrocytes, respectively on carp races. To determine the normale values of haematological parameters on carp, at intensive rearing, it is necessary the continuation of studies that could offer standards for physiological condition and for pathological inquest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Leukoaraiosis (chronic ischemic white matter changes) on preoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging is common in patients having aortic arch surgery. This study sought to determine whether it is associated with adverse neurologic outcome in the postoperative period. Methods: Data were collected from a retrospective chart review of 142 patients in whom total aortic arch replacement was planned at the Cleveland Clinic between April 2000 and December 2004. All patients had preoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. Leukoaraiosis severity was rated semiquantitatively using the Schelten’s scale. Postoperative neurologic injuries were investigated by clinical examination and appropriate neuroimaging. They were stratified as type 1 (focal ischemic stroke) and type 2 (nonfocal neurocognitive changes, generalized seizures) injuries. Results: The following were independent predictors of type 1 neurologic injury: age (odds ratio 1.06 [1.01-1.13], P = .02) and moderate to severe aortic atheroma (odds ratio 4.4 [1.4-9.7], P = .012). Total white matter scores (odds ratio 1.16 [1.06-1.27], P = .002) and higher preoperative hemoglobin A1c levels (odds ratio 1.8 [1.00-3.50], P = .05) were significantly associated with type 2 neurologic injuries. Survival was 96%, and 4.2% had persistent focal neurologic deficits at the time of hospital discharge. Conclusions: Leukoaraiosis is a significant independent predictor of nonfocal postoperative neurologic morbidity following aortic arch replacement surgery. Preoperative evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging allows identification of a patient subgroup at risk and implementation of strategies aimed at improving neurologic outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Néphrologie & Thérapeutique is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To examine the accuracy of oxygen saturation (SO2) in relation to blood oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) measurements with the effects of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) determined and their oxyhemoglobin dissociation curves. Method: Twenty neonates with gestational ages ranging from 25 to 34 weeks, who bad umbilical arterial or venous lines inserted, were investigated. Analyses were performed with 169 arterial and 41 venous blood samples from these infants by employing HbF- and HbA-mode (as controls) blood analyses, using a hemoximeter. Results: Without adjusting the effects of HbF when using HbA mode analyses, mean So, measurements were elevated for 5% (±1.38) compared with the results of HbF-mode analyses, with 3.5% elevated HbCO levels for the total blood samples. With left shifted oxyhemoglobin dissociation curves in neonates, for the critical values of oxygen tension values between 50 and 75 mm Hg, arterial HbO2 ranged from 94% to 96%, Sat), from 97% to 98%. and SpO2 from 96% to 97% (compared to 85%-94% in healthy adults). Conclusions: The left-shifted oxyhemoglobin curves warrant the importance of accurate measurements of oxygenation status for neonates, Fetel hemoglobin determination is essential for accurate SO2 measurements and the assessment of proper oxygenation status in neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemocyanins are large copper-containing respiratory proteins that play a role in oxygen transport in many molluscs. In some species only one hemocyanin isoform is present while in others two are expressed. The physiological relevance of these isoforms is unclear and the developmental and tissue-specific expression of hemocyanin genes is largely unknown. Here we show that two hemocyanin genes in the gastropod Haliotis asinina, which encode H. asinina hemocyanin (HaH1) and HaH2 isoforms, are developmentally expressed. These genes initially are expressed in a small number of mesenchyme cells at trochophore and pre-torsional veliger stages, with HaH1 expression slightly preceding HaH2. These cells largely are localized to the visceral mass, although a small number of cells are present in head and foot regions. Following metamorphosis the isoforms show overlapping as well as isoform-specific expression profiles, suggesting some degree of isoform-specific function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) has been successfully used for timing the first 2 transfusions in fetuses at risk for anemia because of maternal red cell alloimmunization. The objective of this study was to assess whether the correlation between the MCA-PSV and fetal hemoglobin is maintained in fetuses that had undergone 2 previous intrauterine transfusions. Study design: Doppler measurement of MCA-PSV was performed before cordocentesis in 39 fetuses. The timing of the third transfusion was based on traditional criteria. The values of MCAPSV and hemoglobin were expressed as multiples of the median (MOM). Anemia was defined as mild (hemoglobin <0.84 MoM for a given gestational age, moderate (hemoglobin <0.65 MoM), and severe (hemoglobin <0.55 MoM). Regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between the MCA-PSV MoM and fetal hemoglobin MoM. Results: Gestational age at Doppler study ranged from 22 to 35 weeks. Six fetuses (15%) had normal hemoglobin concentration; 21 (53%) had mild anemia; 7 (20%) had moderate anemia; and 5 (12%) had severe anemia. There was a linear correlation between fetal hemoglobin (y) and the MCA-PSV (x): y = 1.185 - 0.341x. Conclusion: Previously, concerns have been expressed about the accuracy of Doppler prediction of anemia after previous transfusions. Our data suggest that there is a good correlation between the MCA-PSV and fetal hemoglobin in fetuses that have undergone 2 previous transfusions. Our findings expand the clinical situation in which Doppler can be used to monitor red cell alloimmunized pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The only combined effort between the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in practice guideline development was in studying the use of erythropoietin in chemotherapy-related anemia and in myelodysplasia. This process began with an application to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR, now called the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, or AHRQ) jointly from ASH and ASCO. As part of a competitive review process, the topic was selected by the Agency for funding. Subsequently, as part of the Agency''s Evidence-based Practice program, funding to conduct the review was awarded to the Evidence-based Practice Center of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Technology Evaluation Center, which performed an extensive literature review using principals of evidence-based medicine and with input from representatives of ASH and ASCO. That evidence-based review was then shared with an ASH and ASCO guidelines committee funded by both organizations and made up of members from both organizations. The guideline was developed over a period of 21/2 years, culminating in simultaneous publication in both Blood and The Journal of Clinical Oncology in October 2002. This field is in flux and much of the guideline discussed potential future directions for research. Projected research topics include whether a hemoglobin level of 11g/dl as a clinical trigger point has clinical benefit; whether increasing hemoglobin levels greater than 12g/dL has clinical benefit; what role iron supplementation plays in erythropoietin treated patients; weekly versus more frequent dosing; and cost benefit analyses. Quality of life considerations are important, but the practice guideline committee felt that there was not enough data in this area to view it with the same importance as avoidance of transfusion or rises in hemoglobin value as therapeutic goals for patients being treated with erythropoietin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Blood management in the perioperative period of the total joint arthroplasty procedure has evolved over the last 3 decades. Strategies have changed and are changing based on a better understanding of blood loss and blood replacement options in this patient population. Patient-specific options based on preoperative hemoglobin levels and patient comorbidities as well as anticipated blood loss have been developed and studied. Patient-specific blood management programs have provided cost-efficient care with low morbidity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An in vitro model, using a modification of a technique devised by Freccia & Peters, was developed to investigate tooth staining following pulpal haemorrhage. Samples of whole blood, erythrocytes, plasma and platelet concentrate and saline were individually placed in the pulp chambers of groups of five teeth and centrifuged twice daily for 25 min over a period of 3 consecutive days. This confirmed that the blood pigment responsible for the staining was found only in those samples containing erythrocytes. Teeth stained with packed red cells were then prepared for histological examination and subjected to four histochemical tests: (1) benzidine, (2) zinc leuco. (3) Perl's and (4) Turnbull Blue to analyse some of the biochemical changes following haemorrhage into the pulp chamber. These tests showed that, following haemolysis of erythrocytes within dentine, haemoglobin was found either intact or as one of the haematin molecules with no further breakdown of the haem structure and no evidence of any free ferric ions or haemosiderin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A program of blood residue analysis at Çayönü Tepesi in SE Turkey was undertaken from 1984 to 1987. The research began as an investigation of the feasibility of detecting and identifying blood residues in a field setting with subsequent additional analyses and verification in the home laboratory. In-field and laboratory techniques included Labstix detection of hemoglobin, and the identification of species was done using hemoglobin crystallization. Immunological techniques were used in the laboratory to verify the identification of blood. The results are significant. Research centered on residue from the ‘skull building’ where the blood of Bos primigenius (the extinct progenitor of modern cattle), sheep, and goat were found in addition to human blood. The conjunction of animal and human blood in a structure where more than 90 human skulls as well as complete and partial skeletons were interred suggests some yet-unknown ritual/mortuary function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We performed a matched case–control study to analyze the placental angioarchitecture, in particular the diameter of arterio-arterial (AA) anastomoses in monochorionic placentas from pregnancies with spontaneous twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) compared to a control group of uncomplicated monochorionic placentas. Placental angioarchitecture was analyzed using colored dye injection. AA anastomoses were detected in 20% (3/15) of spontaneous TAPS placentas. The median diameter of AA anastomoses in the group with and without TAPS was 0.4 mm and 2.2 mm, respectively (p = 0.01). In conclusion, AA anastomoses are rarely detected in TAPS placentas. When present, the AA anastomosis is very small, preventing equilibration of hemoglobin levels between both twins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hemoglobin variants in which a frameshift results in chain elongation are not common. Hemoglobin Geneva (HbGeneva) is an unstable hemologin with abnormal elongation. This hemoglobinopathy is known for its high unstability. Concerning the pathogenesis of HbGeneva, the data indicate a change in codon 114 from CTG (Leu) to -GG that results in a frame shift and the presumed synthesis of an abnormal β-chain that is 156 residues long with a completely different C-terminal amino acid sequence. This abnormality causes a frame shift, which results in elongation of the β-chain amino acids. A bioinformatic analysis was performed to study the secondary and tertiary structures of those abnormal amino acid sequences. A computer-based study for protein structure modeling was performed. According to this study, the secondary structure analysis of the Hb Geneva showed many defects in helix and strand of the Hb Geneva compared with normal β-globin chains. On the basis of this information, the main alteration in the Hb Geneva might be due to these aberrations. With regard to the tertiary structure, the deterioration of folds, accompanied by the aberration in secondary structure of globin in Hb Geneva can be identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Manometry, blood gas analysis and colour of blood are often used as adjuncts to verify central venous access and rule out inadvertent arterial puncture. Several clinical scenarios may make these techniques unreliable. Two cases are presented involving patients with mature upper arm arteriovenous fistulas in which techniques to confirm correct central venous access contradicted ultrasound imaging findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most displays of laboratory test results include a standard reference range. For some patients (eg, those with chronic conditions), however, getting a result within the standard range may be unachievable, inappropriate, or even harmful.Objective: The objective of our study was to test the impact of including clinically appropriate goal ranges outside the standard range in the visual displays of laboratory test results.Methods: Participants (N=6776) from a demographically diverse Web-based panel viewed hypothetical glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test results (HbA1c either 6.2% or 8.2%) as part of a type 2 diabetes management scenario. Test result visual displays included either a standard range (4.5%-5.7%) only, a goal range (6.5%-7.5%) added to the standard range, or the goal range only. The results were displayed in 1 of the following 3 display formats: (1) a table; (2) a simple, two-colored number line (simple line); or (3) a number line with diagnostic categories indicated via colored blocks (block line). Primary outcome measures were comprehension of and negative reactions to test results.Results: While goal range information did not influence the understanding of HbA1c=8.2% results, the goal range only display produced higher levels of comprehension and decreased negative reactions to HbA1c=6.2% test results compared with the no goal range and goal range added conditions. Goal range information was less helpful in the block line condition versus the other formats.Conclusions: Replacing the standard range with a clinically appropriate goal range could help patients better understand how their test results relate to their personal targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electronic, personalized clinical decision support tools to optimize glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) screening are lacking. Current screening guidelines are based on simple, categorical rules developed for populations of patients. Although personalized diabetes risk calculators have been created, none are designed to predict current glycemic status using structured data commonly available in electronic health records (EHRs). Objective: The goal of this project was to create a mathematical equation for predicting the probability of current elevations in HbA1c (≥5.7%) among patients with no history of hyperglycemia using readily available variables that will allow integration with EHR systems. Methods: The reduced model was compared head-to-head with calculators created by Baan and Griffin. Ten-fold cross-validation was used to calculate the bias-adjusted prediction accuracy of the new model. Statistical analyses were performed in R version 3.2.5 (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing) using the rms (Regression Modeling Strategies) package. Results: The final model to predict an elevated HbA1c based on 22,635 patient records contained the following variables in order from most to least importance according to their impact on the discriminating accuracy of the model: age, body mass index, random glucose, race, serum non-high-density lipoprotein, serum total cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and smoking status. The new model achieved a concordance statistic of 0.77 which was statistically significantly better than prior models. The model appeared to be well calibrated according to a plot of the predicted probabilities versus the prevalence of the outcome at different probabilities. Conclusions: The calculator created for predicting the probability of having an elevated HbA1c significantly outperformed the existing calculators. The personalized prediction model presented in this paper could improve the efficiency of HbA1c screening initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on a research on improved hemorheological properties by Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with retinopathy. The primary focus was on retinal capillary blood flow and other measures of blood viscosity. Volunteers had diabetes for 6-11 years prior to the study and had a mean glycosylated hemoglobin Alc. Retinopathy, a noninflammatory, degenerative disease of the retina that can lead to blindness was confirmed by ophthalmoscopic and fluorescent angiographic examinations. Excluded from the study were diabetics with a history of hypertension, other systemic diseases, or known hypersensitivity to ginkgo preparations.

Presents a study that examined the initial absorption process of hemoglobin on glass surface using time-resolved absorption measurement of the evanescent wave using a slap optical waveguides (SOWG). Background on SOWG; Methodology; Results of the study.

The decision to transfuse a patient is not always clear and straightforward, particularly because no single number, neither extraction ratio nor hemoglobin level, can serve as an absolute indicator of transfusion need. Clinical assessment of the patient in conjunction with physiologic values helps in determining the appropriateness of transfusion before the advent of hypoxia or ischemia. The benefit of transfusion in relation to mortality and morbidity is discussed here based on an assessment of the literature, and transfusion guidelines from several organizations are summarized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]