长期危险饮酒者3项红细胞指标的研究

目的 探讨长期危险饮酒者血液中平均红细胞体积(MCV)、平均红细胞血红蛋白(MCH)、平均红细胞血红蛋白浓度(MCHC)的变化, 从而对长期危险饮酒提供一个监测参考指标.方法 按世界卫生组织的饮酒分类标准[1]:危险饮酒,男性＞14杯/周或1次饮酒＞4杯;女性＞7杯/周或1次饮酒＞3杯(1杯=12 g乙醇,相当于360 ml啤酒,或180 ml葡萄酒,或45 ml 90标准度乙醇饮品).按平均饮白酒＞100 ml/d,或饮啤酒＞750 ml/d,或葡萄酒＞360 ml/d,从本院体检中心选出符合以上条件者116例(A组),非饮酒者126例(B组),然后用全自动血液分析仪对以上两组受试者的MCV、MCH、MCHC 3个指标进行检测,并对两组数据进行了分析和比较.结果 A组与B组的结果比较,两组的MCHC无明显变化,而长期危险饮酒者的MCV、MCH显著升高(P＜0.01).结论 红细胞的MCV、MCH的检测可以作为长期危险饮酒的一个监测参考指标.     

Oral toxicological studies of black soybean (Glycine max) hull extract: Acute studies in rats and mice, and chronic studies in mice

Black soybean (Glycine max) has been used for traditional medicine and food in Asian countries, but safety of its hull has not been studied. We conducted acute and chronic oral toxicity studies. For the acute study, an extract of black soybean hull (BE; 2.5 g/kg body weight) was administered singly by intragastric intubation to Sprague–Dawley rats and C57BL/6 mice. There was no death or significant decrease in body weight in rats and mice, and the oral LD₅₀ of BE was >2.5 g/kg body weight. In the chronic study, BE was administered at dietary levels of 0% (control), 2.0%, and 5.0% to male and female C57BL/6 mice for 26 weeks. No mortality or toxicologically significant clinical changes were observed through the experimental period. Although body weights, as well as abdominal fat, blood levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in 5.0% males were significantly lower than that in control and 2.0% groups, these changes were considered not to be adverse. Hematology and histopathological observation revealed no toxicologically significant changes. The no-observed adverse-effect-level of BE was estimated to be 5.0% in the diet (5074.1 mg/kg body weight/day for males and 7617.9 mg/kg body weight/day for females).     

Monensin potentiates lead chelation efficacy of MiADMSA in rat brain post chronic lead exposure

The present study evaluates combination therapy with a chelating agent, MiADMSA and a Na⁺ ionophore, monensin against sub-chronic lead toxicity in rats. Animals were exposed to 0.1% lead in drinking water for 16 weeks and then treated with either MiADMSA at 50 mg/kg body weight, or monensin at 10 mg/kg, or both in combination for a period of 5 days was administered. Biomarkers indicative of oxidative stress like ROS, GSH, GSSG and TBARS demonstrated lead-induced toxic manifestations in blood, kidney and brain. Antioxidants like SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase along with specific lead biomarker, blood ALAD were also severely depleted in lead intoxicated animals. Serum parameters and histopathological findings supported the said results. MiADMSA treatment during both mono- and combination therapy with monensin, restored the antioxidant status and recovered biochemical and haematological variables due to lead. However, monensin alone was not found to be effective in the given scenario. Interestingly, combination therapy in its ability to revert lead-induced overall systemic toxicity was only found at par with the MiADMSA monotherapy except for its chelation potential. Monensin given in combination with MiADMSA potentiated its lead chelation ability especially from brain, along with maintaining the normal copper concentrations in the organ unlike MiADMSA monotherapy.     

Subchronic (13-week) oral toxicity study of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) oil in rats

Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) is one of the essential fatty acids, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. To assess the toxicity of a novel DGLA oil produced by the fungus Mortierella alpina, we examined it in the Ames test and in acute and subchronic oral toxicity tests in rats. In the Ames test, no mutagenicity was found up to 5000 μg/plate. The acute toxicity test revealed no toxicity related to DGLA oil at 10 g/kg. In the subchronic toxicity test, DGLA oil (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) was orally administered. Water and soybean oil (2000 mg/kg) were used for the no-oil control and soybean oil control groups, respectively. There was no death in either sex. Because of administration of large amounts of oil, food consumption was low in the soybean oil control and the three test groups, which appeared to mildly decrease urinary excretion of Na, K, and Cl, as well as total serum protein, albumin, and blood urea nitrogen levels. There were no toxicological changes in body weight, food consumption, ophthalmological examination, urinalysis, hematological examination, blood biochemical examination, necropsy, organ weight, or histopathological examination. These findings show that the no-observed-adverse-effect level of the DGLA oil was 2000 mg/kg.     

Increasing influenza vaccine uptake in children: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundInfluenza vaccine is not included in the Hong Kong Government’s universal Childhood Immunisation Programme but eligible children can receive subsidised vaccine through the private sector using the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS). This study examined whether a simple intervention package can increase influenza vaccine uptake in Hong Kong children.MethodsTwo study samples were enrolled: families of children who had participated in a previous knowledge, attitudes and practices study; and mother-infant pairs recruited from postnatal wards. Control groups received publicly available leaflets about VSS. Intervention groups additionally received: (1) a concise information sheet about influenza and its vaccine; (2) semi-completed forms to utilise the subsidy; (3) contacts of VSS clinics that did not charge above the subsidy; and (4) text message reminders for vaccination. Enrolled mothers were contacted when children were approximately 1 and 2 years old to determine influenza vaccination status of the families and their plan to vaccinate their children. Mothers’ attitudes towards influenza vaccine were assessed at enrolment and at the end of the study.ResultsA total of 833 eligible mother-infant pairs were enrolled from the two samples. The intervention package improved influenza vaccine uptake by 22% at one year and 25% at two years of age. Maternal influenza vaccine uptake in intervention group was higher during this two-year period in those who had never been previously vaccinated. Mothers’ self-efficacy regarding the use of influenza vaccine in her child i.e. belief and confidence in her own ability to make a good decision, was also improved with the intervention.ConclusionsA four-component intervention package could improve influenza vaccine uptake in Hong Kong children and their mothers during the first two years of life and depending on vaccine effectiveness could potentially reduce influenza-associated hospital admissions in children below 2 years old by 13–24%.     

Laboratory preparation and evaluation of a multiparameter hemocytometry control

A protocol for the laboratory preparation of a multiparameter hemocytometry control is given. Human platelets, stabilized by a basically simplified and inexpensive fixation procedure, are added to our previously described white and red blood cell control. Evaluation of this multiparameter control shows good precision characteristics and acceptable mechanical stability for at least 7 weeks, as measured in the Coulter counter Model S Plus-II. The control can basically contribute to the realization of the essence of internal quality control: continuous self-auditing and continuous attempts at improvement of performance.     

Long-term ethanol consumption and macrocytosis: diagnostic and pathogenic implications

Although excessive alcohol consumption is known to elevate the mean cell volume (MCV) of erythrocytes, the relationships among the intensity of ethanol exposure, the generation of abnormal red blood cell indices, and the underlying pathogenic mechanisms have remained unclear. The authors examined 105 alcoholics with a wide range of ethanol consumption (40-500 g of ethanol/day), 62 moderate drinkers (mean consumption 1-40 g/day), and 24 abstainers, who underwent detailed interviews, measurements of blood cell counts, markers of liver status, and circulating antibodies against ethanol-derived protein modifications. Follow-up information was collected from healthy volunteers with detailed records on drinking habits. Data from the NORIP project for laboratory parameters in apparently healthy moderate drinkers or abstainers (n = 845) were used for reference interval comparisons. The highest MCV (P < 0.001) and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) (P < 0.01) occurred in the alcoholics. However, the values in the moderate drinkers also responded to ethanol intake such that the upper normal limit for MCV based on the data from moderate drinkers was 98 fl, as compared with 96 fl from abstainers. Follow-up cases with carefully registered drinking habits showed parallel changes in MCV and ethanol intake. Anti-adduct IgA and IgM against acetaldehyde-induced protein modifications were elevated in 94% and 64% of patients with high MCV, respectively, the former being significantly less frequent in the alcoholics with normal MCV (63%) (P < 0.05). The data indicate dose-related responses in red blood indices upon chronic ethanol consumption, which may also be reflected in reference intervals for hematological parameters in health care. Generation of immune responses against acetaldehyde-modified erythrocyte proteins may be associated with the appearance of such abnormalities.     

Twenty-eight days repeated oral dose toxicity study of gemifloxacin in Wistar albino rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential toxicity of gemifloxacin by 28-day repeated oral dose in Wistar albino rats. The test article, was administered daily by gavage to male and female rats at dose levels of 0, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day. At the end of treatment period, 12 rats/sex/group was sacrificed, while six extra rats/sex in the vehicle control and highest dose groups sacrificed after 14 days recovery period. During the treatment and recovery periods, clinical signs, mortality, body weights, food and water consumption, ophthalmoscopy, urinalysis, phototoxicity, hematology, serum biochemistry, synovial fluid biochemistry, electrocardiogram (ECG), gross findings, organ weights, microscopic examination of synovial fluid, and histopathology were examined. Hematological and serum biochemical investigations revealed a dose-dependent increase in the total white blood cell (WBC), total bilirubin (T-BIL), glucose (GLU), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and significant decreases in total protein (TP) were observed in both sexes at the same dose, at the end of treatment period, but the levels returned toward normal during the recovery period. Histopathology of talar joint showed that erosion of the articular surface of that joint in both sexes at the end of treatment period at the dose level of 200 mg/kg/day. Degenerative changes in tendinocytes were observed in Achilles tendon of both sexes at the high dose level at the end of treatment period. In histopathological study shows partial effacement of liver architecture and focal ulceration in gastric mucosa at the high dose level at the end of treatment period. Based on these results, it was concluded that 28 days repeated oral dose of gemifloxacin caused increases in the liver weight, WBC count, T-BIL, glucose level, ALT, decreasing the TP, cause chronic hepatitis and acute gastritis, erosion of the articular surface of joint and histopathologic changes in Achilles tendon in rats at the dose level of 200 mg/kg/day.     

Toxicological effects of arsenate exposure on hematological,biochemical and liver transaminases activity in an Indian major carp, Catla catla

The impact of acute and sublethal toxicity of arsenate on hematological, biochemical and enzymological parameters of an Indian major carp Catla catla were estimated. The median lethal concentration of sodium arsenate to the fish Catla catla for 96 h was found to be 43.78 mg/L. During acute treatment (43.78 mg/L), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), plasma glucose, plasma protein, liver aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT) levels decreased, whereas corpuscular indices like mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) increased in arsenate treated fish. In sublethal treatment (4.378 mg/L), Hb, Ht, RBC, plasma protein levels decreased while MCHC and plasma glucose levels increased throughout the exposure period. A biphasic trend was noticed in WBC, MCV, MCH, liver AST and ALT levels. The alterations of these parameters can be effectively used as a rapid method to assess health of fish exposed to arsenate in the aquatic environment.     

末梢血红细胞参数和网织红细胞计数对新生儿缺铁性贫血的临床指导价值

目的 探讨末梢血红细胞参数(MCV、MCH、MCHC、RDW)与网织红细胞计数联合筛选新生儿缺铁性贫血的临床价值.方法 采集经诊断为IDA的75例新生儿末梢血应用SYSMEX KX-21N血液分析仪测定红细胞参数和采用煌焦油兰染色法手工进行网织红细胞计数,并与60例同期非IDA贫血新生患儿进行比较.结果 对135例贫血新生儿末梢血红细胞MCV、MCH、MCHC、RDW和Ret进行检测,在IDA组中阳性率分别为88.0%、82.7%、84.0%、93.3%和90.7%,以RDW为最高,Ret次之;MCV、MCH、MCHC、RDW和Ret 对IDA的诊断敏感性分别为87.3%、89.4%、88.6%、91.3%、90.7%,以RDW最高;Ret的诊断敏感性稍低于RDW,但其特异性及阳性预测值均较高,分别为90.7%和96.3%;MCV 阴性预测值最高,为88.3%.联合检测敏感性可达97.6%,但特异性下降仅为66.8%.结论 新生儿期存在缺铁性贫血现象,红细胞参数与网织红细胞计数综合分析有助于早期诊断,及时治疗以保障新生儿的健康成长.