BACKGROUND: In developing countries, the safety of blood transfusions remains an important public health concern as it is associated with a higher risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). In this study, we aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Africa and assess the temporal trends and regional differences within the continent through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS: Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, HINARI, Global Index Medicus and Clinical.
METHODS: gov) were searched for relevant studies for our research. We included all primary studies that estimated the seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Africa with an age population from 16 to 65 years old, without language restrictions, from inception up to March 1st 2024. The pooled seroprevalence was estimated through the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. The temporal trends and regional differences were assessed through subgroup and meta-regression analysis.
RESULTS: We obtained 122 studies that met our inclusion criteria, comprising 7,814,996 blood donors tested for HIV. Sixty-six percent of the studies were from Western and Eastern Africa. The pooled seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Africa was 2.66% (95% CI: 2.17-3.20%; I2 = 99.80%, p < 0.01). The highest prevalence was observed in the Central African region, 3.28% (95% CI: 2.57%-4.06%), followed by the Eastern 3.21% (95% CI: 2.12%-4.52%), and the Western 2.66% (95% CI: 1.93%-3.49%) regions. Lower prevalences were observed in the Northern region, 0.57% (95% CI: 0.0%-2.10%), followed by the Southern African region with 0.45% (95% CI: 0.16%-0.86%). We observed a temporal decreased trend of HIV prevalence.
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HIV infection among African blood donors remains high and is not homogeneous across the continent. Efficient measures to strengthen HIV testing and prevent HIV transmission through blood transfusion are needed in Africa. Systematic review protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD42023395616.
BACKGROUND: This article was supported by National Funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia,I.P., within CINTESIS, R&D Unit (reference UIDP/4255/2020).

Introducción: El síndrome metabólico (SM) está asociado a un incremento del riesgo cardiovascular. Los donantes de sangre son una población aparentemente sana en donde ciertas características cardiometabolicas no son evaluadas en su selección, existiendo limitada información sobre su presencia.
OBJECTIVE: Determinar la frecuencia de síndrome metabólico y sus características metabólicas en donantes de sangre. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en 244 donantes de sangre entre 18 y 55 años que acudieron al Servicio de Hemoterapia y Banco de sangre del Hospital Cayetano Heredia en Lima- Perú, durante el mes de mayo del 2023. Se realizó el diagnóstico de SM según los criterios del Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). Se realizó un análisis bivariado entre el SM y características metabólicas con el sexo y se consideró un nivel de significancia del 5%.
RESULTS: El 63.9% de los donantes de sangre fueron del sexo masculino. El 43.6 % de la población presentó SM. Las características más frecuentes fueron la hipertrigliceridemia (54.5%), obesidad abdominal (51.2%) y lipoproteina de alta densidad (HDL) bajo (48.8%). El rango de edad de 40 a 49 años presentó la mayor frecuencia de SM (14.3%). La hipertrigliceridemia y presión arterial elevada estuvieron asociadas al sexo masculino (p=0.003 y p=0.019 respectivamente), mientras que el HDL bajo al sexo femenino (p <0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Los donantes de sangre presentan una frecuencia elevada de SM. La detección de SM en poblaciones aparentemente sanas como parte de la atención primaria podría permitir formular estrategias de detección temprana de factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection on hematological parameters of adult blood donors and the suitability of apheresis platelet donation, the changes of the hematological parameters in blood donors with mild infection of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant strain were evaluated.
METHODS: Seventy-two blood donors with mild COVID-19 symptoms who donated consecutive apheresis platelets for 3 times from December 2022 to January 2023, 42 cases among which were included in the infection-positive group, and 30 cases in the suspected infection group. Forty-two donors un-vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, un-infected, and donated three consecutive apheresis platelets from October to November 2022 were included in the control group. The changes of blood routine testing in the positive group and the suspected infection group were retrospectively compared before (Time1) and after (Time2 and Time3) the onset of symptoms, three consecutive times (Time1, Time2, Time3) in the control group by repeated measures analysis of variance. The Bayesian discriminant method was used to establish a discriminant equation to determine whether the recent infection of SARS-CoV-2 occurred or not.
RESULTS: Simple effect of the number times of tests in the positive and suspected infection groups was significant（ Finfection-positive group=6.98, P < 0.001, partial η2=0.79, Fsuspected infection group=4.31, P < 0.001, partial η2=0.70）. The positive group and the suspected infection group had lower RBC, HCT, and HGB, and higher PLT and PCT at Time2 compared to Time1 and Time3(P < 0.05). The positive group and the suspected infection group showes RDW-CV and RDW-SD at Time3 higher than Time1 and Time2 (P < 0.001). The simple effect of the number times of tests in the control group was not significant ( F=0.96, P =0.55, partial η2=0.34). The difference of the whole blood count parameters in the control group for three times was not statistically significant (P >0.05). We established a discriminant equation to determine whether the recent infection of SARS-CoV-2 occurred or not. The equation had an eigenvalue of 0.22, a canonical correlation of 0.43 (χ2=27.81, P < 0.001), and an analysis accuracy of 72.9%.
CONCLUSIONS: The hematological indicators of RBC, HCT, HGB, PLT, PCT, RDW-CV and RDW-SD in blood donors who had infected with mild COVID-19 showed dynamic changes. The discriminant equation for whether they are infected recently with COVID-19 has a high accuracy rate.
UNASSIGNED: 新冠病毒轻型感染对献血者血液学指标及捐献单采血小板适宜性的影响.
UNASSIGNED: 通过对新冠病毒Omicron变异株轻型感染献血者血液学指标的变化分析，探讨新冠病毒轻型感染对成人血液学指标的影响，进而评估其对捐献单采血小板适宜性的影响。.
UNASSIGNED: 以2022年12月-2023年1月期间出现新冠病毒轻型感染症状、连续捐献单采血小板3次的72例献血者（其中阳性组42例，疑似感染组30例）和2022年10月-11月期间未接种新冠疫苗、未感染新冠病毒、连续捐献3次单采血小板的42例献血者（对照组）为研究对象，通过重复测量方差分析法回顾性比较阳性组和疑似感染组出现症状前（Time1）后（Time2和Time3）及对照组连续3次（Time1、Time2、Time3）的血常规变化，并采用贝叶斯判别法建立近期是否感染新冠病毒的判别方程式。.
UNASSIGNED: 阳性组和疑似感染组组内测量次数的简单效应显著（ F阳性组=6.98，P < 0.001，偏η2=0.79； F疑似感染组=4.31，P < 0.001，偏η2=0.70）；阳性组、疑似感染组Time2与Time1、Time3血常规指标相比较，RBC、HCT、HGB降低，PLT与PCT明显升高（P < 0.05），阳性组、疑似感染组Time3的RDW-CV、RDW-SD与Time1、Time2相比均明显升高（P < 0.001）。对照组组内测量次数简单效应不显著（ F=0.96，P =0.55,偏η2=0.34）；组内3次血常规指标差异无统计学意义（P >0.05）。建立“近期是否感染新冠病毒”的判别方程式，方程特征值是0.22，典型相关性为0.43（χ2=27.81，P < 0.001），分析正确率为72.9%。.
UNASSIGNED: 新冠病毒轻型感染献血者血液学指标中RBC、HCT、HGB、PLT、PCT、RDW-CV和RDW-SD呈动态变化，近期是否感染新冠病毒的判别方程式有较高的准确率。.

Our group generated two induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines for in vitro red blood cell (RBC) production from blood donors with extensively known erythrocyte antigen profiles. One line was intended to give rise to RBCs for transfusions in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), while the other was developed to create RBC panel reagents. Two blood donors were selected based on their RBC phenotypes, further complemented by high-throughput DNA array analysis to obtain a more comprehensive erythrocyte antigen profile. Enriched erythroblast populations from the donors\' peripheral blood mononuclear cells were reprogrammed into iPSCs using nonintegrative plasmid vectors. The iPSC lines were characterized and subsequently subjected to hematopoietic differentiation. iPSC PB02 and iPSC PB12 demonstrated in vitro and in vivo iPSC features and retained the genotype of each blood donor\'s RBC antigen profile. Colony-forming cell assays confirmed that iPSC PB02 and iPSC PB12 generated hematopoietic progenitors. These two iPSC lines were generated with defined erythrocyte antigen profiles, self-renewal capacity, and hematopoietic differentiation potential. With improvements in hematopoietic differentiation, these cells could potentially be more efficiently differentiated into RBCs in the future. They could serve as a complementary approach for obtaining donor-independent RBCs and addressing specific demands for blood transfusions.

We analyzed West Nile Virus (WNV) exposure from 1,222 blood donors during 2017-2018 from an area of south-central Spain. Results revealed WNV seroprevalence of 0.08% (95% CI 0.004%-0.4%) in this population. Our findings underscore the need for continued surveillance and research to manage WNV infection in this region.

The high number of D variants can lead to the unnecessary use of Rh immune globulin, overuse of D- RBC units, and anti-D allommunization. D variant prevalence varies among ethnic groups, and knowledge of the main variants present in a specific population, their behavior in serologic tests, and their impact on clinical practice is crucial to define the best serologic tests for routine use. The present study aimed to explore the serologic profile of D variants and to determine which variants are most associated with false-negative D typing results and alloimmunization. Donor samples were selected in two study periods. During the first period, D typing was performed on a semi-automated instrument in microplates, and weak D tests were conducted in tube or gel tests. In the second period, D typing was carried out using an automated instrument with microplates, and weak D tests were performed in solid phase. Samples from patients typed as D+ with anti-D were also selected. All samples were characterized by molecular testing. A total of 37 RHD variants were identified. Discrepancies and atypical reactivity without anti-D formation were observed in 83.4 percent of the samples, discrepant D typing results between donations were seen in 12.3 percent, and D+ patients with anti-D comprised 4.3 percent. DAR1.2 was the most prevalent variant. Weak D type 38 was responsible for 75 percent of discrepant samples, followed by weak D type 11, predominantly detected by solid phase. Among the D variants related to alloimmunization, DIVa was the most prevalent, which was not recognized by serologic testing; the same was true for DIIIc. The results highlight the importance of selecting tests for donor screening capable of detecting weak D types 38 and 11, especially in populations where these variants are more prevalent. In pre-transfusion testing, it is crucial that D typing reagents demonstrate weak reactivity with DAR variants; having a serologic strategy to recognize DIVa and DIIIc is also valuable.

暂无摘要。

Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is resurging globally. Molecular typing allows for the investigation of its epidemiology. In Pakistan and other nations, T. pallidum subsp. pallidum has developed widespread macrolide resistance in the past decade. A study at the Peshawar Regional Blood Centre from June 2020-June 2021 analyzed serum samples from 32,812 blood donors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, to assess circulating T. pallidum strains and antibiotic resistance. Blood samples were initially screened for T. pallidum antibodies using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). CMIA-reactive samples underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeted the polA, tpp47, bmp, and tp0319 genes. PCR-positive samples were further analyzed for molecular subtyping using a CDC-developed procedure and tp0548 gene examination. All PCR-positive samples were analyzed for the presence of point mutations A2058G and A2059G in 23S rRNA, as well as the G1058C mutation in 16S rRNA. These mutations are known to impart antimicrobial resistance to macrolides and doxycycline, respectively. Out of 32,812 serum samples, 272 (0.83%) were CMIA-reactive, with 46 being PCR-positive. Nine T. pallidum subtypes were identified, predominantly 14d/f. The A2058G mutation in 23S rRNA was found in 78% of cases, while G1058C in 16S rRNA and A2059G in 23S rRNA were absent. The research found donor blood useful for assessing T. pallidum molecular subtypes and antibiotic resistance, especially when chancres are not present. The prevalent subtype was 14d/f (51.85%), and the high macrolide resistance of 36 (78%) indicates caution in using macrolides for syphilis treatment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The objective of this research undertaking was to examine the attitudes of King Khalid University undergraduates enrolled in various health disciplines regarding blood donation. Undergraduates of health disciplines participated in this study. The survey questions were administered through Google Forms, and the data was imported into GraphPad Prism for visualization and analytical purposes. A greater proportion of participants were male, with males accounting for 63.2% of the sample, while females accounted for 36.8%. The findings given in this research illustrate a wide range of attitudes regarding the practice of blood donation. A notable percentage of the participants had a favorable predisposition towards engaging in voluntary blood donation. Nevertheless, a significant degree of variability was observed among individuals with regards to their attitudes toward several variables, including fear, motivation, and their preferred location for making donations. The participants expressed negative attitudes against the practice of importing blood and the recognition of personal accountability in engaging in blood donation for the sake of society. One potential solution to address the unfavorable attitudes among students towards blood donation is the implementation of educational programs focused on blood donation and its associated benefits. Additionally, incorporating motivational strategies could further enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives. As a result, this could have a positive impact on students and those in their immediate vicinity.
L\'objectif de cette entreprise de recherche était d\'examiner les attitudes des étudiants de premier cycle de l\'Université King Khalid inscrits dans diverses disciplines de la santé concernant le don de sang. Des étudiants de premier cycle des disciplines de la santé ont participé à cette étude. Les questions de l\'enquête ont été administrées via Google Forms et les données ont été importées dans GraphPad Prism à des fins de visualisation et d\'analyse. Une plus grande proportion de participants étaient des hommes, les hommes représentant 63,2 % de l\'échantillon, tandis que les femmes représentaient 36,8 %. Les résultats de cette recherche illustrent un large éventail d’attitudes concernant la pratique du don de sang. Un pourcentage notable de participants avaient une prédisposition favorable au don de sang volontaire. Néanmoins, un degré important de variabilité a été observé parmi les individus en ce qui concerne leurs attitudes envers plusieurs variables, notamment la peur, la motivation et le lieu préféré pour faire des dons. Les participants ont exprimé des attitudes négatives à l\'égard de la pratique consistant à importer du sang et ont reconnu la responsabilité personnelle de s\'engager dans le don du sang pour le bien de la société. Une solution potentielle pour lutter contre les attitudes défavorables des étudiants à l’égard du don de sang consiste à mettre en œuvre des programmes éducatifs axés sur le don de sang et ses avantages associés. De plus, l’intégration de stratégies de motivation pourrait encore améliorer l’efficacité de ces initiatives. Cela pourrait ainsi avoir un impact positif sur les étudiants et leur entourage immédiat.

BACKGROUND: Despite word-of-mouth (WOM) and electronic WOM (eWOM) influencing people\'s willingness to donate blood, no research has explored this behavior among blood service employees who are also donors. This underexplored segment is highly important, as they are generally committed to both the organization and the cause and are likely more informed on the topic of blood donation than the average donor.
METHODS: This study comprised six online focus groups with 26 Australian Red Cross Lifeblood employees who are also donors. Questions covered a range of blood donation and WOM topics, including when they became blood donors, if they had engaged in WOM about blood donation, what they had talked about and with whom, and what were audience reactions. Thematic analysis was then used to explore how responses related to the employees\' motivations, opportunities, and abilities to engage in WOM and eWOM about blood donation.
RESULTS: While most employee-donors saw alignment in their employee and donor roles, advocating for blood donation was not considered a necessary part of either role. Educating others about blood donation was a common goal of employee-donor WOM and eWOM, and almost all employees engaged in reactive WOM, triggered by events (e.g., recent donations) or questions about their work. Employee-donors in donor-facing roles (e.g., communications and collections staff) felt more aware of the importance of encouraging others to donate blood and were also more likely to be proactive in their WOM activity. Along with these perceived advantages of having a dual role, employee-donors also identified some disadvantages, such as unrealistic expertise expectations and negative audience responses that can be difficult to navigate.
CONCLUSIONS: Being an employee-donor is a double-edged sword. For example, increased opportunities to talk about blood donation and access to more information can be offset by having to respond to more challenging questions/comments and expectations, while appropriately representing their employer. More research is needed among those in employee-donor roles within the healthcare and/or non-profit sectors, to determine whether these are issues faced more broadly, and how those in dual roles can be most effectively supported to engage in positive WOM and eWOM.