Scientific Journal of

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Major β thalassemia has been reported as a high prevalence genetic disorder in Iran with some oromaxillofacial complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of oromaxillofacial disorder in thalassemia patients at Kerman province.

 

 Materials and Methods

 In this research, 208 patients with major β thalassemia were under study. Data were obtained by oral examination and analyzed by statistical programs of SPSS 13.5, t- test, and χ² test.

 

 Results

 Out of 208 patients with major β thalassemia, 103 were male and 105 female. The mean age was 12.48 with the range of 1-26 years. The most prevalent facies appearance in these patients was pale face (47.3%) and lower jaw protrusion had the minimum prevalence. From data analysis, it was found that 46.6% of patients had protrusion of maxilla. Results of the present study showed that the most prevalent location with pigmentation into oral cavity was gingival of labial and the locations with less prevalence were lateral border of tongue, soft palate, and floor of mouth.

 

 Conclusions

 This study showed that about 84.2% (175 cases) of all patients under consideration complained from changes in oral and Maxillofacial complications including upper and lower jaw protrusion, saddle nose, space between anterior teeth, anterior teeth protrusion, posterior malocclusion and frontal bossing. Also, it was revealed that the rate of prevalence for oral and Maxillofacial complications decreases when patients receive blood at younger ages.

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) transplantation has been used for treating hematological disorders, immunodeficiencies, metabolic disorders and auto immune disease. In clinical application, the number of HSCs infused proved to be the major prognostic factor for engraftment and survival however, cord blood transplantation is limited in adults cause of their low number of cells. Consequently, we evaluated the potential of cell expansion and differentiation of cord blood cells in presence of different combination of cytokines.

 

 Materials and Methods

 In this interventional experimental study, umblical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB MNC) were taken from apparently healthy mothers without any historical sign of diabetes during their pregnancy. We quantified and characterized an ex vivo expansion capacity of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB MNC) in IMDM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and various combination of SCF, TPO, Flt-3, GM-CSF and IL-3 as FSG3 T, FS3T, and FST for 3 weeks. Immunophenotyping and colony forming assay were performed at day 0, 7, 14 and 21 to characterize expanded cells in different groups.

 

 Results

 Total cell number was multiplied 5 times by all groups after 14 days of culture and the group with three cytokines of SCF, TPO, Flt-3 was shown to produce the highest percentage of hematopoitic stem cells and myeloid precursor cells among all groups during 2 weeks.

 

 Conclusions

 In this study, we showed an economical method for the expansion of umbilical cord blood stem cells with usage of UCB MNC and combination of SCF, TPO, and Flt-3.

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 Key words : Fetal blood, Hematopoietic Stem Cell, Cytokines, Interlukin-3, Granulocyte-macrophage Colony, Stimulating factor

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of selected training on hematological indexes in women. Thirteen girls of Ray Branch of Azad University were selected non-randomly.

 

 Materials and Methods

 In this research, the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training including 40-minute running twice a week with 60% to 65% reserve heart rate on hematocrit, RBC, hemoglobin, blood indexes (MCH,MCV,MCHC), serum iron, transferrin concentration, serum ferritin and TIBC were examined. For data collection, blood samples before and after performance of the eight week training were obtained. The methods used were Sianoment colorimetric method to measure Hb, MCH, MCV, and MCHC, automatic machines to measure iron, and ferritin IRMA kit to measure ferritin concentration. Finally, the data were analyzed by t-student method.

 

 Results

 The results showed that eight weeks of aerobic training caused decrease in Hct, RBC, Hb, serum iron, transferring concentration and serum ferritin in girls (p< 0.05).

 

 Conclusions

 Aerobic training can place a reduction impact on some hematological indexes in women.�

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 Key words : Aerobic Exercise, Red Blood Cells, Transferrin, Ferritins

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Umbilical cord blood has been used successfully as a source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation. Knowing that cord blood could be bacterially contaminated at the time it is being obtained and afterwards during the time it is being processed, we decided to perform the present study to determine any possible bacterial contamination and find out the root causes in Royan Cord Blood Bank (RCBB).

 

 Materials and Methods

 RCBB during 3 years received 3074 cord blood units (CBUs) upon which relevant investigation was made. In order to determine the root cause of the bacterial contamination, 800 CBUs were tested out of each of which two samples were taken. The data were analyzed with Chi-square by SPSS 16.

 

 Results

 Out of 3074 CBUs, 93 units (3.02%, CI 95%=2.3-3.6) were shown to have bacterial contamination. Out of the 800 units tested to detect the root cause, 26 samples (3.3%) were proved to be bacterial culture positive out of which 25 (96.2%) were shown to be contaminated at the time they were obtained and 1 (3.8%) during processing. The isolated bacteria were aerobic in 19 cases (73.1%) and anaerobic in 7 (26.9%).

 

 Conclusions

 The results show that bacterial contamination mostly is caused at the time blood is obtained from the cord in hospital obstetrics wards and most of the isolated bacteria were shown to be skin flora. Given the high value of cord blood stem cells and the risk of septic transplantation, it is necessary to prepare training programs for midwives and phlebotomists.

 

  Key words : Blood Banks, Cryopreservation, Umbilical Cord Blood

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 In recent years we have been faced with more precise, multi-stage, and highly stringent blood donor screening criteria. The present study aimed at evaluating these criteria through comparing the rate of infection in blood donations with deferral rate for high-risk behaviors.

 

 Materials and Methods

 This descriptive analytic study was carried out in Esfahan Blood Transfusion Organization (EBTO) with census method through 2004 to 2009. Annual deferral rate due to high-risk behaviors and major viral markers were analyzed separately by using Pearson correlation. The data were obtained by Negareh software.

 

 Results

 The viral markers frequencies were 54, 45, 34, 25, 22 and 22 percent in volunteers that referred to EBTO from 2004 to 2009. Overall deferral rates due to high-risk behaviors were 3.69, 4.71, 5.29, 5.19, 3.93, and 4.04 percent, respectively. It had a slightly negative correlation with HBV (r=0.148 p=0.78) and HCV (r=0.165 p=0.75) markers.

 

 Conclusions

 Data showed that recent procedures of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization declined viral markers considerably. However, slightly negative correlation of deferral rate due to TTDs with hepatitis B and C markers makes it necessary for donor selection criteria to be reviewed. More appropriate counselling procedures and post-donation counselling can help improve blood safety.

  

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 The production of a sufficient number of pancreatic endocrine cells that function similarly to primary islets is one of the methods in treatment of diabetes. The CD133⁺ cells derived from cord blood (UCB-CD133) express some embryo specific markers such as SSEA-4 and OCT4 and so it can be a candidate for differentiation into insulin secreting cells. Therefore, here we attempt to determine the differentiation potential of UCB-CD133⁺ cells into insulin secreting cells in vitro.

 

 Materials and Methods

  UCB-CD133+ cells were isolated by MACS and differentiated into insulin secreting cells using the medium containing DMEM/F12, bFGF, Nicotinamid, and supplement B27 N2 for 9 days. The expression of insulin and c-peptide protein was detected by immonocytochemistry. The expression of insulin, Nkx6.1, Pdx1, and Glocagon genes was analyzed by RT-PCR ELISA was performed to analysis the function of differentiated cells in different glucose concentrations (5 and 27 mM).

 

 Results

 Our results determined that UCB-CD133⁺ cells expressed insulin and c-peptide at protein level after 9 days of culture. However, the insulin, Nkx6.1, Pdx1, and Glocagon genes were not detected in differentiated cells and they could not respond to different concentrations of glucose.

 

 Conclusions

 We suggested that UCB-CD133⁺ cells can differentiate into insulin secreting cells in vitro however, they are not functional and need to receive more signals in vivo.

 

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Umblical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cells having high cell counts are suitable candidates for benign and malignant disease transplantation but often UCBs have low counts. In this study, ex vivo expansion of these cells was performed using suspension bioreactor with vertical agitation.

 

 Materials and Methods

 UCB Mononuclear cells were cultured with 1.07 × 10⁶ cells/ml density in total 206 ml of culture medium in the suspension bioreactor with vertical agitator and the static group with same density was cultured in T-flasks for 14 days. At the days 0, 3, 7 and 14 of culture, sampling was performed for further analysis.

  

 Results

 During the 3 days of culture, differentiated cells were lost and then the number of cells increased again from 0.42 × 10⁶ cells/ml up to 1.2 × 10⁶ cells/ml and from 0.6 × 10⁶ up to 2.9 × 10⁶ in bioreactor and static culture, respectively. The percentage of CD34⁺ cells and colony forming potential significantly increased in bioreactor.

 

 Conclusions

 Hematopoietic stem cells in the bioreactor while retaining their self-potential are expanded. However, due to the increasing shear stress in the environment, the total number of cells did not increase. Therefore, further studies are required.

 

  

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Abstract Background and Objectives Selection of healthy blood donors is an important process to identify high risk volunteers. Monitoring and evaluation of the deferral procedure is of the highest importance to balance blood availability and safety. The aim of the current study was to compare the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV serologic markers between deferred donors and eligible blood donors to assess the value of the current donor selection process. Materials and Methods Six hundred and nineteen voluntary blood donors in Ahvaz city were included. Serum samples from deferred and eligible donors were examined for serologic markers of HBV, HCV, and HIV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All positive samples were confirmed using confirmatory tests. Results The prevalence rates of HBV infection among deferred and eligible blood donors were estimated to be 0.5% and 0.2%, respectively. Anti-HCV reactivity was detected among 1.3% of deferred blood donors. Moreover, the prevalence of anti-HIV among deferred and eligible blood donors was 0.2% and 0.05%, respectively. We found that the overall prevalence rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV in the deferred blood donors are significantly higher than those in the eligible blood donors. Conclusions The results of this study indicate the high prevalence rate of blood borne infections. Moreover, it seems that the current donor selection process is effective to identify healthy blood donors. However, the effectiveness of some of the currently used deferral questions in reducing viral risks warrants further study.

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Abstract Background and Objectives For people with Bombay phenotype due to the expression of strong IgM Anti H in their sera, transfusion with ABO group O blood will cause acute hemolytic reactions. Therefore, it is important to detect them. Case Following O blood type transfusion to a blood group O Rh positive patient with multiple trauma, acute hemolytic transfusion reaction happened. The reaction was recognized by the trained nurse in the haemovigilance system. In serologic studies, a high level of anti-H, anti-A, and anti-B was detected in the patient blood. Conclusions This case increased the number of Bombay phenotypes in Iran to 16. Therefore, using antibody screening test and existence of trained nurses and physicians with haemovigilance system in order exact management of transfusion reactions should be considered necessary.

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Iron deficiency anemia might appear in donors particularly in women following blood donation. The present study compared the efficacy and consequences of iron intake compared with iron plus vitamin C supplements.

 

 Materials and Methods

 One hundred thirty eligible female donors were included in the study. The iron supplement group (IS) receiving 150 mg/day in a 10-day course of oral ferrous sulfate, divided in 3 doses were compared with the group who received iron supplement plus vitamin C (750 mg/day) in a 10-day course, divided in 3 doses, orally (AIS group). Ferritin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were checked in both groups at the first visit before donation and 4 months after donation.

  

 Results

 TIBC levels increased in both groups of donors (p< 0.01). Ferritin level in IS group decreased (p= 0.036) from 25 ± 24 (ng/ml ) to 22 ± 21, and in AIS group (p= 0.031) from 16.5 ± 17 to 13.5 ± 13 after donation. Iron storage levels were similar in the both groups (p> 0.05). Gastrointestinal disturbances was seen in 9% (12) of supplement consumers. There are no differences between the two groups (p< 0.05).

 

 Conclusions

 Addition of Vitamin C to ferrous sulfate supplements neither had any impact on body iron load nor placed any adverse effects on blood donors. Moreover, the decline of ferritin level in all volunteers might be due both to the time duration between the first and the second sampling and the menstural period .

 

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Packed cells and blood products are requested according to the rate of bleeding in operations. Extra requests of blood cause extra payments. The average price of a blood unit was between 61,000 to 118,000 Rials in 2002 and the cost of a single cross-match in 2014 was about 85,000 Rials. This study evaluates the use of packed red blood cells and the wasted costs of unnecessary crossmatches.

 

 Materials and Methods

 This study was done retrospectively on the data collected monthly in four hospitals for three years. The information included units requested, units cross-matched, units transfused, units returned unutilized, and C/T ratio then, unnecessary crossmatch costs were calculated. For statistical analysis, IBM SPSS Statistics 21 was used.

 

 Results

 The total number of the requested blood units was 548568 out of which 35.7% were crossmatched 42% of all crossmatched were transfused and 68% returned. C/T ratio of the hospitals was 2.38, the proportion of transfusion to the number of beds was 16, and the total cost of unnecessary crossmatches was a billion Rials.

 

 Conclusions

 The findings show that unnecessary crossmatching costs can be minimized by providing training to ordering physicians to request blood according to MSBOS and use standard methods in blood grouping, antibody screening, and electronic crossmatch to save blood and time.

 

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

Medical personnel play an important role in the safe use of blood and blood products. The efficacy and safety of blood transfusion is dependent on the knowledge and skills of medical personnel that have assumed responsibility. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and performance of medical personnel on proper procedures for blood transfusion in hospitals of Gonabad.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study was done on 165 personnel of Gonabad hospitals in 1392. The data were collected through a questionnaire. The questionnaire was confirmed by content validity and its reliability using Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.7 was measured. The findings were analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistics.

Results

Knowledge scores of medical personnel associated with blood transfusion showed that the majority of personnel (49.1%) had moderate knowledge. The medical personnel knowledge of 8.9 ± 2/2 represents 60% of the total score. While they reported an average 37.4 ± 3.5 for the performance that represents 90% of the total score. The difference between knowledge and performance of personnel was approximately 30%.

Conclusions

The knowledge level of the majority of the personnel was not desirable; thus, they need to have more knowledge about the complications of blood transfusion and to improve the performance for patient care.  Likewise, educational programs and monitoring seem to be necessary.

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