Kyung-Hwa Shin, M.D., In-Suk Kim, M.D., Hyun Ji Lee, M.D., Hyung-Hoi Kim, M.D., Chulhun L. Chang, M.D., Young Mi Hong, M.D., Ki Tae Yoon, M.D., and Mong Cho, M.D.. Ann Lab Med 2017;37:204-12. https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2017.37.3.204

Shin KH, et al. Ann Lab Med. 2020 Jan;40(1):40-47. https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2020.40.1.40

Despite the advantages of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), secondary catheter infection remains a major concern during ECMO support. In this study, to clarify the mechanism of ECMO catheter-related infection, we evaluated the impact of infection on biofilm formation on the surfaces of ECMO catheters, and we investigated clinical factors associated with biofilm formation. Catheters used for ECMO were prospectively collected aseptically from the femoral vein, internal jugular vein, and femoral artery of 81 patients with acute cardiorespiratory failure between January 2015 and October 2016. Prepared catheter sections were investigated by fluorescence microscopy, confocal scanning laser microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and using semiquantitative culture methods. Of the 81 patients, 51 were assigned to the infection group and 30 to a control group. Biofilms were identified in 43.1% patients in the infection group, and in 20% controls (p = 0.034). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow, systemic infection, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infection were associated with biofilm formation in a univariate analysis (odds ratio [OR]: 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.00, p = 0.007; OR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.06–8.69, p = 0.039; OR: 9.60, 95% CI: 2.94–31.30, p < 0.001, respectively). However, of these factors, only CRAB infection was found to independently predict the presence of a biofilm by a multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR: 9.60, 95% CI: 2.94–31.30; p < 0.001). Biofilms were more prevalent in patients with an infection than in uninfected controls. Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infection was identified as an independent risk factor for biofilm formation on ECMO catheters.

Blood transfusions hold an indispensable part in the modern healthcare system. Up to date, the blood supply is largely dependent on donations. Unfortunately, collecting the clinical-grade blood products has become a challenging mission due to accelerated population aging, which not only increases the need for blood transfusions but also decreases the number of healthy donors. Moreover, individuals with severe hematological abnormalities or rare blood phenotypes need alternative therapeutic approaches instead of conventional blood transfusion. In these aspects, the concept ofin vitro/ex vivoproduction of blood cells has been emerging and many attempts have been focused on manufacturing mature erythrocytes, so-called red blood cells (RBCs), the most common and important component among the blood derivatives. In this review, we provide a general overview regarding the current strategies for generating RBCs from various stem cell sources including pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) as well as circulating blood stem cells and the remaining challenges that must be overcome prior to their practical application.

Shin KH, et al. Ann Lab Med. 2013 Jul;33(4):268-273. https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2013.33.4.268