Lower versus higher hemoglobin threshold for transfusion in ARDS patients with and without ECMO.

BACKGROUND: Efficacy and safety of different hemoglobin thresholds for transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) in adults with an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are unknown. We therefore assessed the effect of two transfusion thresholds on short-term outcome in patients with ARDS. METHODS: Patients who received transfusions of RBCs were identified from a cohort of 1044 ARDS patients. After propensity score matching, patients transfused at a hemoglobin concentration of 8 g/dl or less (lower-threshold) were compared to patients transfused at a hemoglobin concentration of 10 g/dl or less (higher-threshold). The primary endpoint was 28-day mortality. Secondary endpoints included ECMO-free, ventilator-free, sedation-free, and organ dysfunction-free composites. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred ninety-two patients were eligible for analysis of the matched cohort. Patients in the lower-threshold group had similar baseline characteristics and hemoglobin levels at ARDS onset but received fewer RBC units and had lower hemoglobin levels compared with the higher-threshold group during the course on the ICU (9.1 [IQR, 8.7-9.7] vs. 10.4 [10-11] g/dl, P < 0.001). There was no difference in 28-day mortality between the lower-threshold group compared with the higher-threshold group (hazard ratio, 0.94 [95%-CI, 0.59-1.48], P = 0.78). Within 28 days, 36.5% (95%-CI, 27.0-46.9) of the patients in the lower-threshold group compared with 39.5% (29.9-50.1) of the patients in the higher-threshold group had died. While there were no differences in ECMO-free, sedation-free, and organ dysfunction-free composites, the chance for successful weaning from mechanical ventilation within 28 days after ARDS onset was lower in the lower-threshold group (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.36 [95%-CI, 0.15-0.86], P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion at a hemoglobin concentration of 8 g/dl, as compared with a hemoglobin concentration of 10 g/dl, was not associated with an increase in 28-day mortality in adults with ARDS. However, a transfusion at a hemoglobin concentration of 8 g/dl was associated with a lower chance for successful weaning from the ventilator during the first 28 days after ARDS onset. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03871166.

Pattern of haemoglobin phenotypes in newborn infants at the national hospital abuja using high performance liquid chromatography.

BACKGROUND: Haemoglobin (Hb) disorders are among the most common blood genetic disorders worldwide, and they constitute an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in Nigeria. Despite the clinical significance of early diagnosis, newborn screening for these conditions is not routinely done in Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to document the pattern of Hb phenotypes of newborn babies at the National Hospital Abuja and highlight the relevance of neonatal screening for early diagnosis of abnormal Hb phenotypes in Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of eligible newborn babies delivered in the hospital at the study site was undertaken following parental informed consent. Venous blood was collected from the babies into an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid sample bottles. The samples were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques, and the Hb phenotypes obtained were documented. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (IBM-SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: Three hundred and eleven newborns (male = 173, female = 138) aged 0-28 days were recruited. Two hundred and thirty-six (75.9%) babies had Hb AA (FA) phenotype, 63 (20.3%) Hb AS (FAS), 6 (1.9%) Hb SS (FS), 4 (1.3%) Hb AC (FAC) and 2 (0.6%) had abnormal HbA variants. The overall prevalence of abnormal Hb phenotype was 24.1%. The results showed a significant association of sex (P = 0.003) and ethnicity (P = 0.047) with Hb phenotype. CONCLUSION: There is a wide spectrum of abnormal Hb phenotypes in Nigeria, and these phenotypes can easily be detected at birth using HPLC. We, therefore, recommend routine neonatal screening for sickle cell disease by HPLC in Nigeria.

Comparative analysis of asexual and sexual stage Plasmodium falciparum development in different red blood cell types.

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) polymorphisms are suggested to influence the course of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Whereas some variants have been found to be protective, others have been found to enhance parasite development. This study evaluated the effect of variant haemoglobin (Hb) and ABO blood groups on P. falciparum merozoite invasion, multiplication rates as well as gametocyte development. METHODS: Approximately 2.5 mL of venous blood was collected from each participant. Flow cytometry was used to determine the in vitro merozoite invasion rates of NF54 parasites into the blood of 66 non-parasitaemic individuals with variant Hb genotypes (HbSS, HbSC) and blood groups (A, B, O), which were then compared with invasion into HbAA blood. The ex vivo asexual parasite multiplication and gametocyte production rates of parasites from 79 uncomplicated malaria patients with varying Hb genotypes (HbAS, HbAC and HbAA) were also estimated using microscopy. RESULTS: Merozoite invasion rates were significantly reduced by about 50% in RBCs containing HbSS and HbSC relative to HbAA cells. The presence of blood group O and B reduced the invasion rates of HbSS by about 50% and 60%, respectively, relative to HbSC but the presence of blood group A removed the inhibitory effect of HbSS. The initial parasite densities in uncomplicated malaria patients with Hb genotypes HbAS and HbAC cells were similar but significantly lower than those with genotype HbAA. The ex vivo parasite multiplication rate, gametocytaemia and gametocyte conversion rates followed a similar trend but did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Parasite invasion rate into erythrocytes is dependent on both erythrocyte blood group antigen and haemoglobin genotype as blood group O and B provided protection via reduced merozoite invasion in RBCs containing HbSS relative to HbSC. Regardless of haemoglobin type, greater than 70% malaria patients had circulating ring stage parasites that differentiated into stage II gametocytes in 4 days.

Comportamiento del patrón de alimentación y de la hemoglobina glicosilada en personas con diabetes tipo 2, al inicio y final de una intervención educativa / Feeding behavior pattern and glycosylated hemoglobin in people with type 2 diabetes at the beginning and end of an educational intervention

Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento del patrón de consumo de alimentos y de la hemoglobina glicosilada en personas con diabetes tipo 2, después de una intervención educativa. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo en personas mayores de 18 años, con diabetes tipo 2, participantes en la intervención educativa brindada en los establecimientos de salud de la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, bioquímicas y antropométricas. La hemoglobina glicosilada fue clasificada en buen control (≤ 7%), regular control (de 7,1 a 8%) y mal control (> 8%). Por medio del registro de dieta usual diaria se evaluó el patrón de consumo de alimentos, que contiene 11 criterios divididos en las siguientes categorías: mal cumplimiento (0-3 criterios), regular cumplimiento (4-7 criterios) y buen cumplimiento (8-11 criterios). Los datos obtenidos se procesaron en el programa SPSS versión 16. Se utilizó la prueba t de Student para muestras dependientes. El efecto de la intervención educativa en el control metabólico y en el patrón de consumo de alimentos se midió por medio de la prueba de McNemar con un nivel de significación del 5% para las pruebas de hipótesis. Resultados: Participaron 702 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 54,5 ± 11,6 años, el 73,8% mujeres. La media de hemoglobina glicosilada inicial fue de 8,8 ± 2,14% y al finalizar, de 7,8 ± 1,78%, (p < 0,05). Al inicio, el 23,9% de la población presentó hemoglobina glicosilada menor de 7%; al finalizar, aumentó esta proporción al 41,3%. Respecto al patrón de consumo de alimentos, la media de criterios cumplidos fue 6 ± 3, el cual aumentó a 9 ± 2 (p < 0,000). El promedio de la hemoglobina glicosilada mostró al inicio de la intervención un comportamiento similar en las 3 categorías del patrón de consumo de alimentos, al finalizar el cambio de la hemoglobina glicosilada en la categoría de mal y regular cumplimiento fue estadísticamente significativo (p < 0,022 y p < 0,000, respectivamente), no así en la categoría de buen cumplimiento (p < 0,065). Al finalizar la intervención, del 75,6% de la población ubicada en buen cumplimiento, el 41,3% presentó buen control metabólico (p < 0,0001). Por lo tanto, mediante la prueba de McNemar se determinó que el control metabólico y el patrón de consumo de alimentos se modificaron por efecto de la intervención educativa (p < 0,000). Conclusión: La intervención educativa tuvo un impacto positivo sobre el patrón de consumo de alimentos y el nivel de hemoglobina glicosilada, demostrando que la educación terapéutica forma parte del tratamiento de la diabetes para alcanzar los objetivos

Objective: To assess the changes in food consumption pattern and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes after an educational intervention. Materials and methods: A descriptive study in people over 18 years of age with type 2 diabetes receiving the educational intervention provided by the health facilities of the Costa Rican Social Security. Sociodemographic, biochemical, and anthropometric variables were collected. Glycemic control was classified as good (≤ 7%), fair (7.1-8%), and poor (> 8%). The usual daily diet record was used to assess the food consumption pattern based on the 11 criteria, divided into the following categories: poor compliance (0-3 criteria), fair compliance (4-7 criteria), and good compliance (8-11 criteria). Data collected were processed using SPSS version 16 software. A Student's t test was used for dependent samples. The impact of the educational intervention on metabolic control and food consumption pattern was determined using a McNemar test with a level of significance of 5% for hypothesis testing. Results: The study sample consisted of 702 patients with a mean age of 54.5 ± 11.6 years, 73.8% females. Mean initial glycosylated hemoglobin level was 8.8 ± 2.14%, while final level was 7.8 ± 1.78% (P < .05). Glycosylated hemoglobin levels less than 7% were found in 23.9% of the population at study start and in 41.3% at study end. As regard the food consumption pattern, the mean number of criteria met was 6 ± 3 at study start and 9 ± 2 at study end (P < .000). Mean glycosylated hemoglobin level showed at the start of intervention a similar behavior in all 3 categories of the food consumption pattern, and at the end the changes in glycosylated hemoglobin in the poor and fair compliance categories were statistically significant (P < .022 and P < .000 respectively), unlike in the good compliance category (P < .065). At the end of the intervention, of the 75.6% of the population with good compliance, 41.3% had good metabolic control (P < .0001). The educational intervention was significant (P < .000) using the McNemar test. Conclusion: The educational intervention approach to nutritional therapy had a positive impact on the food consumption pattern and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, showing that therapeutic education is part of the treatment of diabetes to achieve the objectives

De novo transcriptome analysis of stressed blood clam (Anadara broughtonii) and identification of genes associated with hemoglobin.

BACKGROUND: Blood clam (Anadara broughtonii) is a commercially important marine bivalve characterised by the red blood. Recently, the clams have been subjected to severe resource recession. Multiple environmental stressors are indispensable for the recession. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the transcriptome information of blood clam under environmental stressors. METHODS: Paired-end Illumina HiSeq™ 2500 sequencing technology was employed for cDNA library construction and Illumina sequencing. Several public databases were introduced for gene annotation, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database was used for pathways analyses. The Open Reading Frame of annotated hemoglobin (Hb) was predicted and validated by DNAMAN 6.0 and NCBI BLASTx, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 242,919 transcripts were generated, 116,264 unigenes were subsequently assembled with an average length of 747 base pairs, and 33,776 unigenes were successfully annotated. Gene Ontology (GO) categories indicated that the terms of cellular processes, metabolic processes, cell, cell part, binding, and catalytic activity were dominant. KEGG pathway analyses suggested ribosome, oxytocin, focal adhesion, Ras, and PI3K-Akt were the largest signaling pathway groups, and many presented pathways (Ras, Rap1, and MAPK, etc.) were related to apoptosis, immune and stress response. In addition, a total of 19,306 potential simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected in 15,852 sequences. Six hemoglobin-related genes with complete conserved domain sequences were identified and 3 of them were predicted as HbI, HbIIα, and HbIIß. CONCLUSION: This study provides transcriptome responses to multiple environmental stressors in blood clams and would provide interesting hints for further studies.

Southernmost records of Escarpia spicata and Lamellibrachia barhami (Annelida: Siboglinidae) confirmed with DNA obtained from dried tubes collected from undiscovered reducing environments in northern Chile.

Deep-sea fishing bycatch enables collection of samples of rare species that are not easily accessible, for research purposes. However, these specimens are often degraded, losing diagnostic morphological characteristics. Several tubes of vestimentiferans, conspicuous annelids endemic to chemosynthetic environments, were obtained from a single batch of deep-sea fishing bycatch at depths of around 1,500 m off Huasco, northern Chile, as part of an ongoing study examining bycatch species. DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and an intron region within the hemoglobin subunit B2 (hbB2i) were successfully determined using vestimentiferans' dried-up tubes and their degraded inner tissue. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequence identified the samples as Escarpia spicata Jones, 1985, and Lamellibrachia barhami Webb, 1969. These are the southernmost records, vastly extending the geographical ranges of both species from Santa Catalina Island, California to northern Chile for E. spicata (over 8,000 km), and from Vancouver Island Margin to northern Chile for L. barhami (over 10,000 km). We also determined a 16S rRNA sequence of symbiotic bacteria of L. barhami. The sequence of the bacteria is the same as that of E. laminata, Lamellibrachia sp. 1, and Lamellibrachia sp.2 known from the Gulf of Mexico. The present study provides sound evidence forthe presence of reducing environments along the continental margin of northern Chile.

Hemoglobina Lansing. Una variant de l'hemoglobina causant de baixa saturació d'oxigen detectada per pulsioximetria / Hemoglobina lansing. Una variante de la hemoglobina causante de baja saturación de oxigeno detectada por pulsioximetría / Hemoglobin lansing. A hemoglobin variant causing falsely low oxygen saturation in pulse oximetry

Introducció: Avui en dia hi ha més de mil variants de l'hemoglobina conegudes i probablement encara en resten moltes per conèixer. De vegades poden donar lloc a hemoglobines inestables que provoquen hemòlisi, alteracions en l'afinitat per l'oxigen, o poden no alterar la funció de la molècula, però sí ser causa de lectures anòmales per pulsioximetria, una eina molt estesa avui en dia en la nostra pràctica diària. Cas clínic: Presentem el cas d'un pacient asimptomàtic sense antecedents, del qual, a partir d'una falsa baixa saturació d'oxigen detectada per pulsioximetria al servei d'urgències, arribem al diagnòstic d'hemoglobinopatia tant del pacient com d'un dels seus familiars més propers. Comentari:. Cal conèixer les limitacions d'una eina tan utilitzada en la pràctica diària habitual com és el pulsioxímetre, així com considerar les variants de l'hemoglobina dintre del diagnòstic diferencial de la hipoxèmia, sobretot en el pacient asimptomàtic

Introducción: Hoy en día existen más de mil variantes de la hemoglobina conocidas y probablemente hay muchas más que están aún por conocer. En ocasiones, éstas pueden dar lugar a hemoglobinas inestables que producen hemólisis, alteraciones en la afinidad por el oxígeno, o pueden no alterar la función de la molécula, pero sí ser causa de lecturas anómalas por pulsioximetría, una herramienta muy extendida hoy en día en nuestros servicios de urgencias. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de un paciente asintomático y sin antecedentes del cual, a partir de una falsa baja saturación de oxígeno detectada en el servicio de urgencias, llegamos al diagnós-tico de variante de la hemoglobina, tanto en el paciente como en uno de sus familiares más cercanos. Comentarios: A raíz de este caso, el objetivo es hacer hincapié en la importancia de conocer las limitaciones de una herramienta tan extendida como el pulsioxímetro, así como en el hecho de considerar las hemoglobinopatías dentro del diagnóstico diferencial de la hipoxemia

Introduction: Currently, there are more than 1,000 known hemog-lobin variants and probably more variants that have yet to be identified. Some variants can result in unstable hemoglobin causing hemolysis and alterations in the oxygen affinity, or can also result in abnormal readings by pulse oximetry without any alteration in their function. Case report: We present the case of an asymptomatic patient and with no relevant personal or family medical history who was diagnosed with a hemoglobin variant after an abnormal reading in a pulse oximeter. Comments: This case highlights the importance of acknowledging the limitations of pulse oximetry, as well as the need to consider hemoglobinopathies in the differential diagnosis of hypoxemia, particularly in the asymptomatic patient

Changes in hemoglobin profile reflect autologous blood transfusion misuse in sports.

The changes in hemoglobin (Hb) profile following autologous blood transfusion (ABT) for the first time were studied for anti-doping purposes. Twenty-four healthy, trained male subjects (aged 18‒40) were enrolled and randomized into either the transfusion (T) or control (C) groups. Blood samples were taken from the T subjects at baseline, after withdrawal and reinfusion of 450 ml of refrigerated or cryopreserved blood, and from C subjects at the same time points. Hematological variables (Complete blood count, Reticulocytes, Immature Reticulocytes Fraction, Red-cell Distribution Width, OFF-hr score) were measured. The Hb types were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and the Hemoglobin Profile Index (HbPI) arbitrarily calculated. Between-group differences were observed for red blood cells and reticulocytes. Unlike C, the T group, after withdrawal and reinfusion, showed a significant trend analysis for both hematological variables (Hemoglobin concentration, reticulocytes, OFF-hr score) and Hb types (glycated hemoglobin-HbA1c, HbPI). The control charts highlighted samples with abnormal values (> 3-SD above/below the population mean) after reinfusion for hematological variables in one subject versus five subjects for HbA1c and HbPI. A significant ROC-curve analysis (area = 0.649, p = 0.015) identified a HbA1c cut-off value ≤ 2.7% associated to 100% specificity of blood reinfusion (sensitivity 25%). Hemoglobin profile changed in trained subjects after ABT, with abnormal values of HbA1c and HbPI in 42% of subjects after reinfusion. Future studies will confirm the usefulness of these biomarkers in the anti-doping field.

Developing a classification system for haemoglobin management in patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis: a secondary data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ongoing discussion on anaemia management and target haemoglobin (Hb) levels in patients on haemodialysis with erythropoietin treatment require a systematic approach in evaluating current practice. Aim of the present study was to develop a new classification system to easily monitor Hb trajectories and categorise patients on haemodialysis. METHODS: Routine data from five dialysis centres in the USA collected between 2010 and 2016. Data were anonymised and only those from patients with fortnightly Hb values were included in the analysis. Entries on blood parameters and medication were standardised to achieve overall comparability. Data from each patient was grouped in periods of 120 days. Hb values above or below the target level of 10-12 g/dL were counted for each period. Periods were then assigned to Hb-classes according to the number of Hb values out of range per period: Hb-class I with 0-2, Hb-class II for 3-5 and Hb-class III for ≥6 values out of range. RESULTS: Records from 3349 patients with fortnightly Hb values, information on haemodialysis data, laboratory parameters correlated to red blood cells and data on medication with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) were available. Patients were 64.4±15.9 years old; 55.0% were men. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between Hb-classes in all of the examined parameters, except erythrocytes mean corpuscular volume and C reactive protein above the threshold, with more critical values in higher Hb-classes. The usage of ESAs showed a mean difference between Hb-class III and Hb-class I of 6.4 units/day and kilogram body weight in a 120-day period. CONCLUSION: Our classification system allows an easily achievable overview of the patients' responsiveness and performance of Hb management. Integrated into a disease management programme or continuous quality improvement, the classification delivers an instant appraisal without complex statistical or mathematical processing.

"Bottom-up" in situ proteomic differentiation of human and non-human haemoglobins for forensic purposes by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE: The detection and identification of human blood on crime-related items are of particular relevance to many investigations because shed blood can provide evidence of violent contact between individuals. However, for any detection and identification technique, specificity is a critical performance characteristic to assess; that is, whether the technique has the capability to differentiate between human blood (which usually is of relevance to a criminal investigation) and non-human blood (which usually would not be associated with a crime but may be detected incidentally). METHODS: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) approaches using "top-down" (detection of intact proteins) and "bottom-up" (detection of tryptic peptide markers) were used to detect and identify haemoglobin in blood from humans and from a range of Australian native mammals; the technique could be carried out directly on blood stains without the need to extract proteins (i.e., in situ measurement). Imaging of haemoglobin was achieved in bloodied fingermarks, including those that had been enhanced using two "industry standard" fingermark enhancement processes. RESULTS: Differentiation of intact haemoglobin proteins in human and non-human blood using "top-down" MALDI-TOF-MS was difficult. However, in situ "bottom-up" approaches using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and de novo sequencing of tryptic digest peptides allowed unambiguous differentiation. Imaging mass spectrometry of human haemoglobin, even when it was mixed with animal blood, was achieved in bloodied fingermarks that had been enhanced using two common processes (staining with Amido Black or dusted with magnetic powder) and "lifted" using adhesive tape. CONCLUSIONS: The MALDI-TOF-MS-based in situ "bottom-up" proteomic methodology described here shows great promise for the detection of human blood and even imaging of blood in bloodied fingermarks. The approach is sensitive, can differentiate between human blood and that from many animals (including several Australian native animals), and can be implemented after traditional crime scene fingermark enhancement techniques have been carried out.

Hemoglobin concentrations and RBC transfusion thresholds in patients with acute brain injury: an international survey.

BACKGROUND: The optimal hemoglobin (Hb) threshold at which to initiate red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in patients with acute brain injury is unknown. The aim of this survey was to investigate RBC transfusion practices used with these patients. METHODS: We conducted a web-based survey within various societies of critical care medicine for intensive care unit (ICU) physicians who currently manage patients with primary acute brain injury. RESULTS: A total of 868 responses were obtained from around the world, half of which (n = 485) were from European centers; 204 (24%) respondents had a specific certificate in neurocritical care, and most were specialists in anesthesiology or intensive care and had less than 15 years of practice experience. Four hundred sixty-six respondents (54%) said they used an Hb threshold of 7-8 g/dl to initiate RBC transfusion after acute brain injury, although half of these respondents used a different threshold (closer to 9 g/dl) in patients with traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or ischemic stroke. Systemic and cerebral factors were reported as influencing the need for higher Hb thresholds. Most respondents agreed that a randomized clinical trial was needed to compare two different Hb thresholds for RBC transfusion, particularly in patients with traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The Hb threshold used for RBC transfusion after acute brain injury was less than 8 g/dl in half of the ICU clinicians who responded to our survey. However, more than 50% of these physicians used higher Hb thresholds in certain conditions.

Comparative genomics of canine hemoglobin genes reveals primacy of beta subunit delta in adult carnivores.

BACKGROUND: The main function of hemoglobin (Hb) is to transport oxygen in the circulation. It is among the most highly studied proteins due to its roles in physiology and disease, and most of our understanding derives from comparative research. There is great diversity in Hb gene evolution in placental mammals, mostly in the repertoire and regulation of the ß-globin subunits. Dogs are an ideal model in which to study Hb genes because: 1) they are members of Laurasiatheria, our closest relatives outside of Euarchontoglires (including primates, rodents and rabbits), 2) dog breeds are isolated populations with their own Hb-associated genetics and diseases, and 3) their high level of health care allows for development of biomedical investigation and translation. RESULTS: We established that dogs have a complement of five α and five ß-globin genes, all of which can be detected as spliced mRNA in adults. Strikingly, HBD, the allegedly-unnecessary adult ß-globin protein in humans, is the primary adult ß-globin in dogs and other carnivores; moreover, dogs have two active copies of the HBD gene. In contrast, the dominant adult ß-globin of humans, HBB, has high sequence divergence and is expressed at markedly lower levels in dogs. We also showed that canine HBD and HBB genes are complex chimeras that resulted from multiple gene conversion events between them. Lastly, we showed that the strongest signal of evolutionary selection in a high-altitude breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog, lies in a haplotype block that spans the ß-globin locus. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first molecular genetic characterization of Hb genes in dogs. We found important distinctions between adult ß-globin expression in carnivores compared to other members of Laurasiatheria. Our findings are also likely to raise new questions about the significance of human HBD. The comparative genomics of dog hemoglobin genes sets the stage for diverse research and translation.

Predictable convergence in hemoglobin function has unpredictable molecular underpinnings.

To investigate the predictability of genetic adaptation, we examined the molecular basis of convergence in hemoglobin function in comparisons involving 56 avian taxa that have contrasting altitudinal range limits. Convergent increases in hemoglobin-oxygen affinity were pervasive among high-altitude taxa, but few such changes were attributable to parallel amino acid substitutions at key residues. Thus, predictable changes in biochemical phenotype do not have a predictable molecular basis. Experiments involving resurrected ancestral proteins revealed that historical substitutions have context-dependent effects, indicating that possible adaptive solutions are contingent on prior history. Mutations that produce an adaptive change in one species may represent precluded possibilities in other species because of differences in genetic background.

Classify vertebrate hemoglobin proteins by incorporating the evolutionary information into the general PseAAC with the hybrid approach.

Hemoglobin is an oxygen-binding protein widely present in all kingdoms of life from prokaryotic to eukaryotic, but well established in the vertebrate system. An attempt was made to determine the Vertebrate hemoglobin (VerHb) protein on their animal classifications, based on general pseudo amino acid composition (PseAAC)'s evolutionary profiles and hybrid approach. The support vector machine (SVM) has been applied to develop all models, the prediction results further compared according to their animal classification. The performance of the approaches estimated using five-fold cross-validation techniques. The prediction performance was further investigated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and prediction score graphs. The prediction accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) were examined to find the accurate predictions on the threshold level. Based on the approach, a web-tool has been developed for identifying the VerHb proteins.

Top-down-assisted bottom-up method for homologous protein sequencing: hemoglobin from 33 bird species.

Ticks are vectors for disease transmission because they are indiscriminant in their feeding on multiple vertebrate hosts, transmitting pathogens between their hosts. Identifying the hosts on which ticks have fed is important for disease prevention and intervention. We have previously shown that hemoglobin (Hb) remnants from a host on which a tick fed can be used to reveal the host's identity. For the present research, blood was collected from 33 bird species that are common in the U.S. as hosts for ticks but that have unknown Hb sequences. A top-down-assisted bottom-up mass spectrometry approach with a customized searching database, based on variability in known bird hemoglobin sequences, has been devised to facilitate fast and complete sequencing of hemoglobin from birds with unknown sequences. These hemoglobin sequences will be added to a hemoglobin database and used for tick host identification. The general approach has the potential to sequence any set of homologous proteins completely in a rapid manner. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Estado nutricional relativo ao ferro e zinco de mães de recém-nascidos de risco / Nutritional status of iron and zinc in mothers of medium risk newborns

Objetivo: O presente estudo avaliou o estado nutricional relativo ao ferro e zinco em m�es de beb�s de risco. M�todos: Foi conduzido em 125 mulheres, que se encontravam no per�odo puerperal, com tempo m�dio de 10,2 dias. O estado nutricional do ferro foi avaliado por meio das concentra��es de hemoglobina, pelo m�todo da cianometahemoglobina, e da ferritina, por ensaio imunoenzim�tico. O zinco foi determinado no plasma e nos eritr�citos, por espectrofotometria de absor��o at�mica. O consumo diet�tico para macronutrientes, ferro e zinco, foi analisado no programa Dietsys, vers�o 4.01. Para compara��o das m�dias, foi utilizado o teste T student, adotando- se 5% como n�vel de signific�ncia. Resultados: A m�dia de hemoglobina nas m�es foi de 10,03�2,31 g/dL. A mediana da ferritina encontrada foi de 38,29 ng/mL, variando de 3,49 a 413,09 ng/mL. A m�dia do zinco plasm�tico foi de 56,20�13,10 ?gZn/dL e, nos eritr�citos, de 49,56�16,48 ?gZn/gHb, sendo, nestes �ltimos, mais elevada nas m�es de beb�s a termo do que nas m�es de prematuros (p = 0,001). Quanto ao consumo alimentar, as m�dias di�rias para energia, zinco e ferro foram de 2043,05�889,64 kcal, 10,73�6,89 mg e 17,66�8,40 mg, respectivamente. O consumo abaixo do recomendado para o per�odo gestacional foi identificado em 56,0% e 73,6% das mulheres, em rela��o ao zinco e ferro, respectivamente. Conclus�es: As baixas concentra��es de hemoglobina encontradas nas pu�rperas n�o refletiram na idade gestacional e no peso ao nascer. As m�dias de zinco nos eritr�citos estavam dentro dos valores de normalidade, sendo mais elevadas nas m�es de rec�m-nascidos a termo do que nas m�es de prematuros.

Objective: The present study assessed the nutritional status of iron and zinc in mothers of infants at risk. Methods: The study was conducted on 125 women, who were in the postpartum period, with a mean of 10.2 days. The nutritional status of iron was evaluated by means of hemoglobin by the cyanmethemoglobin method and ferritin by enzyme immunoassay. Zinc was determined in plasma and erythrocytes by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The dietary intake of macronutrients, iron and zinc was analyzed using the Dietsys program, version 4.01. The T student test, adopting a 5% significance level, was used for comparison of means. Results: The mean hemoglobin in mothers was 10.03 � 2.31 g / dL. The median ferritin was 38.29 ng / mL, ranging from 3.49 to 413.09 ng / ml. The means of zinc were 56.20 � 13.10 ?gZn / dL in plasma and 49.56 � 16.48 ?gZn / gHb in erythrocytes, with the latter being higher in mothers of term infants compared with mothers of preterm infants (p = 0.001). As for food intake, the daily averages for energy, zinc and iron were 2043.05 � 889.64 kcal, 10.73 � 6.89 mg, and 17.66 � 8.40 mg, respectively. Consumption below recommendations for pregnancy was identified in 56.0% and 73.6% of the women investigated for zinc and iron, respectively. Conclusions: The low hemoglobin concentrations found in the mothers assessed did not affect gestational age and birth weight. The mean of zinc in erythrocytes was within normal range, being higher in mothers of newborns at term than in mothers of preterm newborns.

Hemoglobins in the genome of the cryptomonad Guillardia theta.

Cryptomonads, are a lineage of unicellular and mostly photosynthetic algae, that acquired their plastids through the "secondary" endosymbiosis of a red alga - and still retain the nuclear genome (nucleomorph) of the latter. We find that the genome of the cryptomonad Guillardia theta comprises genes coding for 13 globin domains, of which 6 occur within two large chimeric proteins. All the sequences adhere to the vertebrate 3/3 myoglobin fold. Although several globins have no introns, the remainder have atypical intron locations. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses suggest that the G. theta Hbs are related to the stramenopile and chlorophyte single domain globins.

[Influence and analysis of seven kinds of hemoglobin variants on HbA1c detection].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of seven kinds of hemoglobin variants on two HbA1c detection methods. METHODS: Twenty-five hemoglobin variant samples (Hb D, S, Q, G, J, E & F) and 40 control samples were from February 2012 to April 2013 collected. All samples were tested by ion exchange-high performance liquid chromatography system (IE-HPLC) and affinity chromatograghy high performance liquid chromatography (AC-HPLC) respectively.We compared the coincidence between HbA1c results of two instruments and blood glucose and observed the difference between variant and control groups for two methods using statistic software SPSS 19.0. RESULTS: A high consistency existed between IE-HPLC and AC-HPLC in the control group with no hemoglobin variants (6.68% ± 1.87% vs 6.64% ± 1.99%, P > 0.05) . For the hemoglobin variants group, the results of HbA1c via IE-HPLC were interfered by hemoglobin variants (3.57% ± 3.51% than 4.95% ± 0.57%, P < 0.05). However, HbA1c detection of AC-HPLC had no interference with hemoglobin variants and it demonstrated an excellent correlation with blood glucose. CONCLUSIONS: The results of HbA1c in blood samples containing common hemoglobin variants may be interfered on IE-HPLC to be falsely lower or higher.Only detecting glycated hemoglobin with strong specificity,AC-HPLC is well-correlated with blood glucose and its results are not interfered by common variant hemoglobin.

Adult, embryonic and fetal hemoglobin are expressed in human glioblastoma cells.

Hemoglobin is a hemoprotein, produced mainly in erythrocytes circulating in the blood. However, non-erythroid hemoglobins have been previously reported in other cell types including human and rodent neurons of embryonic and adult brain, but not astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive tumor among gliomas. However, despite extensive basic and clinical research studies on GBM cells, little is known about glial defence mechanisms that allow these cells to survive and resist various types of treatment. We have shown previously that the newest members of vertebrate globin family, neuroglobin (Ngb) and cytoglobin (Cygb), are expressed in human GBM cells. In this study, we sought to determine whether hemoglobin is also expressed in GBM cells. Conventional RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, western blot analysis, mass spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy were used to investigate globin expression in GBM cell lines (M006x, M059J, M059K, M010b, U87R and U87T) that have unique characteristics in terms of tumor invasion and response to radiotherapy and hypoxia. The data showed that α, ß, γ, δ, ζ and ε globins are expressed in all tested GBM cell lines. To our knowledge, we are the first to report expression of fetal, embryonic and adult hemoglobin in GBM cells under normal physiological conditions that may suggest an undefined function of those expressed hemoglobins. Together with our previous reports on globins (Ngb and Cygb) expression in GBM cells, the expression of different hemoglobins may constitute a part of series of active defence mechanisms supporting these cells to resist various types of treatments including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.