Feasibility of cord blood bank in high altitude Abha: preclinical impacts

We explored the possibility of the cryo-storage of cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (CBHPSC) with respect to the quantity, quality and biologic efficacy of high altitude (HA) region Abha against sea level (SL) region. The results of the post-processed total nucleated cell count was 8.03 ± 0.31 × 10⁷ and 8.44 ± 0.23 × 10⁷ cells in the HA and SL regions respectively. The mean post processing viability of the nucleated cells was about 87.03 ± 1.39 (HA) and 88.33 ± 1.55% (SL) while post thaw cells were 85.61 ± 1.44 (HA) and 86.58 ± 1.61% (SL) after transient cryo-storage. The proliferation of CBHSCs after thawing were comparable between the HA and SL regions. The results of the colony forming unit (CFU) assays of CFU-E, CFU-GEMM, CFU-GM and BFU-E were comparable between HA and SL in both fresh and post thaw, while a declining trend with viability was significant. The differentiation capability of post thaw samples into adipocytes and osteocytes were comparable between HA and SL regions. Overall from the results, it can be evidenced that HA cord blood collection, processing or storage does not hinder the quality or biological efficacy of the CBHPSC.

Hepatitis B and C Viral Infections in Tihamet Aseer, South-Western Saudi Arabia: Are There Gender Differences?

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic in Saudi Arabia. Many studies have shown varying results in gender differences in HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of this study was to determine if gender differences exist in HBV and HCV infection and to elucidate any related risk factors in Tihamet Aseer, south-western Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods

The study was a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of males and females in Tihamet Aseer, south-western Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive questionnaire was completed by all participants. Blood samples were taken and sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and HCV antibodies by fourth-generation enzyme immunoassays.

Results

The study included 1532 participants from the Tihamet Aseer area. An overall seroprevalence of 7.9% and 1.7% was found for HBV and HCV infections, respectively. In logistic regression analysis, no gender differences were found for HBV seroprevalence. Identified risk factors for HBV infection included a history of blood transfusion and lack of hepatitis B vaccination. On the other hand, females were more prone to become seropositive for HCV (adjusted odds ratio = 5.034, 95% confidence interval: 1.042-9.321). Other identified risk factors for HCV infection were illiteracy and a history of blood transfusion.

Conclusion

The prevalence and HBV and HCV infection is high compared to the national figures. Gender differences were only observed in HCV infection. It is recommended to have an active educational and media campaign. A "catch-up" vaccination program against HBV should be introduced for adults as a strategy to achieve the herd immunity effect in the affected area.

Choledochocele: the disputed origin

Choledochocele is classified as a type III choledochal cyst according to Alonso-Lej classification. Although it is anatomically related to the common bile duct, it does not share the strong premalignant potential of the more common types of choledochal cysts. In addition, duodenal mucosa has been found lining many of these cysts. These findings pose certain disputes about their possible origin, necessitating revision of the current inclusion of choledochocele with choledochal cysts.