AB Group Research Articles

Blood group O is associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome in outpatients with a low comorbidity index

Background ABO blood group system modulates the inflammatory response and has been implicated in COVID-19. Group O protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there are no data regarding post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Our aim was to assess this possible association. Methods Case–control study in a community setting, with subjects who had experienced mild COVID-19. Cases were PCS+, controls were PCS-, and the exposure variable, group O. We collected age, sex, BMI, smoking, comorbidities, inflammatory markers, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, blood type and clinical data. Five composite inflammatory indices were developed. Multivariate analyses were performed. Results We analysed 121 subjects (56.2% women), mean age 45.7 ± 16 years. Blood group frequencies were 41.5%, 7.9%, 5.9%, and 44.5% for A, B, AB and O, respectively. Thirty-six patients were PCS+, without significant differences between cases and controls. Compared to non-O, a higher prevalence of PCS (p = .036), and number of symptoms of PCS (p = .017) were noted in group O. Concerning biomarkers, PCS + and PCS- showed no differences in A, B, and AB groups. In contrast, group O PCS + patients had significantly lower albumin-to-globulin ratio and higher lymphocyte count, fibrinogen, CRP levels, and higher percentages of 3 composite indices, than PCS- subjects. Group O showed a 6-fold increased risk of PCS, compared to non-O (adjusted OR = 6.25 [95%CI, 1.6-23]; p = .007). Conclusions Group O has shown a consistent relationship with PCS, characterised by a more intense inflammatory burden than the other blood groups. Blood group O could be part of the immunological link between acute COVID-19 and PCS.

Evaluation of Association between Blood Phenotypes A, B and AB and Feline Coronavirus Infection in Cats.

Cats are susceptible to feline coronavirus (FCoV), a highly contagious virus with fecal–oral transmission. In people, susceptibility to coronavirus infection, such as SARS-CoV infection, has been associated with the ABO blood group, with individuals with blood group O having significantly lower risk of SARS-CoV infection. This study evaluated a possible association between feline blood group phenotypes A, B and AB and serostatus for antibodies against FCoV. We also investigated risk or protective factors associated with seropositivity for FCoV in the investigated population. Feline populations were surveyed for AB group system blood types and for presence of antibodies against FCoV. Blood phenotype, origin, breed, gender, reproductive status and age of cats were evaluated as protective or risk factors for coronavirus infection. No blood type was associated with FCoV seropositivity, for which being a colony stray cat (p = 0.0002, OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.14–0.54) or a domestic shorthair cat (p = 0.0075, OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.09–0.69) were protective factors. Based on results of this study, feline blood phenotypes A, B or AB do not seem to predispose cats to seropositivity for FCoV. Future studies on other feline blood types and other infections could clarify whether feline blood types could play a role in predisposing to, or protecting against, feline infections.

Using Shotgun Sequencing to Describe the Changes Induced by In-Feed Zinc Oxide and Apramycin in the Microbiomes of Pigs One Week Postweaning.

ABSTRACTPostweaning diarrhea (PWD) is a relevant problem associated with early weaning on pig farms. For decades, in-feed antibiotics and therapeutic zinc oxide (ZnO) have been widely used to prevent PWD in piglets. The European Union is banning both strategies in 2022 due to antimicrobial resistance and environmental contamination concerns, respectively. Understanding the effects of these products on the pig microbiome is crucial for correcting potential microbial disbalances that would prompt PWD. Using shotgun sequencing, three trials were carried out to explore the impact of in-feed apramycin and ZnO, combined with different farm hygiene protocols, on the fecal microbiomes of piglets 7 days postweaning. In trial 1, 28-day-old piglets were allocated to one of three groups: control diet (Ct), Ct + ZnO (Zn), and Ct + apramycin (Ab). In trials 2 and 3, piglets were allocated to the same treatments, but the trials also included different cleaning protocols, achieving different hygiene levels. In-feed treatments impacted the richness, diversity, and relative abundance of the piglets’ microbiome more than hygiene. Pigs in the Ct group showed higher species richness than pigs in the Ab and Zn groups. A clustering analysis evidenced a link between Enterobacteriaceae in the Ct group; Lactobacillaceae and Veillonellaceae mainly in the Ct group; and Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Oscillospiraceae, Acidaminococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae in the Ab and Zn groups. Functional data analysis revealed a higher abundance of virulence genes in the Ct group microbiomes and heavy metal and antimicrobial resistance-related functions in the Zn treatment group. The results demonstrate that alternatives to Ab and ZnO should balance the microbial abundance and stimulate the growth of commensals to outcompete potential pathogens.IMPORTANCE Weaning is a critical period for piglets, during which potentially harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli can increase in abundance in the intestine, creating digestive problems and diarrhea. In-feed antibiotics, the most frequent administration route for antibiotics in livestock, and therapeutic doses of zinc oxide (ZnO) help to control diarrhea but prompt secondary problems such as antimicrobial resistance and soil pollution from heavy metals. Understanding how these strategies impact the gut microbiota is crucial for establishing health biomarkers and designing successful replacement strategies. Using shotgun sequencing, this study compares the microbiota of pigs after early weaning when treated with in-feed antibiotics, ZnO, or treatment-free diets to describe differences that could define the susceptibility to infections, providing the basis for future research on improving intestinal resilience through microbiota-based strategies.

Syntactic awareness matters: uncovering reading comprehension difficulties in Hong Kong Chinese-English bilingual children.

This study examined whether syntactic awareness was related to reading comprehension difficulties in either first language (L1) Chinese or second language (L2) English, or both, among Hong Kong Chinese-English bilingual children. Parallel L1 and L2 metalinguistic and reading measures, including syntactic word-order, morphological awareness, phonological awareness, vocabulary, word reading, reading comprehension, and cognitive measures of nonverbal intelligence and working memory, were administered to 224 fourth-graders. Five groups of comprehenders were identified using a regression approach: (1) 12 poor in Chinese-only (PC), (2) 18 poor in English-only (PE), (3) six poor in both Chinese and English (PB), (4) 14 average in both Chinese and English (AB), and (5) seven good in both (GB). The results of multivariate analyses of covariance showed that (1) the PB group performed worse than the AB and GB groups in both L1 Chinese and L2 English syntactic awareness; (2) the PC and PE groups performed worse than the AB and GB groups in Chinese syntactic awareness; (3) the PE group had lower performance than the PC, AB, and GB groups in English syntactic awareness; and (4) no significant group difference was found in L2 morphological awareness or vocabulary across both languages. By suggesting that weakness insyntactic awareness can serve asa universal indicator for identifying poor comprehenders in either or both L1Chinese and L2English among Hong Kong Chinese-Englishbilingual children, these findings demonstrate the fundamental role of syntacticawareness in bilingual reading comprehension.

ABO Blood Group in Relation to COVID-19 Susceptibility and Clinical Outcomes: A Retrospective Observational Study in the United Arab Emirates.

(1) Background: The association between ABO blood groups and COVID-19 outcomes was investigated in several studies. The results were controversial. This study aimed to explore the association between ABO blood groups and COVID-19 outcomes. (2) Methods: This retrospective study included 303 COVID-19 patients treated at the NMC Royal Hospital in the United Arab Emirates between 8 April 2020 and 30 June 2020. (3) Results: The mean age of patients included in the study was 39.3 ± 10.7 years, and 72.9% of patients were males. The prevalence of blood groups O, A, B, and AB was 40.3%, 27.7%, 25.1%, and 6.9%, respectively. The correlation between ABO blood groups and COVID-19 outcomes was insignificant except in the AB group, with significantly higher odds of disease severity. Increased age, higher body mass index (BMI), and being of male gender increased the risk for pneumonia among all blood groups. Both increased age and higher BMI increased the risk of mortality, and increased age increased the risk of disease severity. Troponin and platelet counts were significantly different in the A group compared to the non-A groups. Time to viral clearance was not different among blood groups. However, adjustment for Rh groups resulted in a significantly shorter time in the B group. (4) Conclusions: There was no significant association between ABO blood groups and COVID-19 outcomes, with the exception of group AB.

Corticomuscular Connectivity during Walking in Able Bodied and Individuals with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury.

This exploratory study used EEG as mobile imaging method to study cortico-muscular connectivity (CMC) during walking in able-bodied individuals (AB) and individuals with spinal cord injury (iSCI), while walking with and without exoskeleton walking robot (EWR) assistance. We also explored change in CMC after intensive training using EWR assistance in iSCI. Results showed no different in CMC within the AB group during walking with and without robot assistance. However, before training the iSCI subjects showed lower CMC during walking with robot assistance. The intensive 40 hours of walking training with EWR improved the walking function in iSCI participants allowing them to walk with robot assistance set to lower assistance level. This decrease in assistance level and improvement in walking function correlated with increase in CMC, reducing the difference in CMC during walking with and without EWR assistance. The findings suggest that high level of robot assistance and low walking function in iSCI correlates with weaker connectivity between primary motor cortices and lower extremity muscles. Further research is needed to better understand the importance of intention and cortical involvement in training of walking function using EWRs. Clinical Relevance - This study provides innovative data on CMC during walking and how it changes with EWR assistance and with training. This research is important to the clinical field to provide recommendations of how training of walking function can be delivered to maximize cortical engagement and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Is the Development of Gestational Diabetes Associated With the ABO Blood Group/Rhesus Phenotype?

AimsThere are few published data on the putative association between the ABO blood group/rhesus (Rh) factor and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Our aim was to explore the link between each one factor and GDM development.MethodsAll women having given birth at Lille University Medical Center (Lille, France) between August 1st, 2017, and February 28th, 2018, were tested for GDM, using the method recommended in the French national guidelines. The risk of GDM was assessed for each ABO blood group, each Rh phenotype and combinations thereof, using logistic regression models.Results1194 women had at least one GDM risk factor. The percentage of GDM varied with the ABO group (p=0.013). Relative to group O women, group AB women were more likely to develop GDM (OR = 2.50, 95% CI [1.43 to 4.36], p=0.001). Compared with the Rh-positive O group, only the Rh-positive AB group had an elevated risk of developing GDM (OR = 3.02, 95% CI [1.69 to 5.39], p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results showed that Rh-positive group AB women have a greater risk of GDM. With a view to preventing GDM, at-risk individuals could be identified by considering the ABO blood group phenotype either as a single risk factor or in combination with other risk factors.

ABO and Rhesus Blood Group Distribution in Mogadishu, Somalia

PurposeOur aim in this study is to reveal the blood group distribution by investigating retrospectively the blood types of around 60 thousand patients and donors who applied to Mogadishu Somalia Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital between 2018 and 2021.Patients and MethodsThe blood group data of 59,442 people were included in this study. 20,414 (34.35%) of the study’s participants were female, 39,023 (65.65%) were male. The blood groups of participants were determined using the slide method and the gel column technique. The frequencies and percentages of O, A, B, AB and Rh blood groups were calculated.ResultsThe frequencies of ABO blood group distribution indicated that blood group O and Rh+ were predominant in Mogadishu O group: 60.30%, A group: 26.50%, B group: 11.27%, AB group: 1.93%, Rh+ group: 96.49%, Rh− group: 3.43%.ConclusionThis is the first study about blood group distribution in Mogadishu based on a large number of blood type tests and hospital data. The findings of our study can guide the blood center administrators make decisions concerning blood stocking and supply. This study can give an idea about how much fluctuations may occur in the frequency of blood group types in emigrant populations over many years.

Biomechanic and biochemical analysis of the effects of local Ankaferd Blood Stopper® application on osseointegration of titanium implants

Aim: Investigations into Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) on bone healing have revealed positive bone regeneration effects. The exact mechanism of this positive bone tissue metabolism effect is unknown. This study’s aim is a biomechanic and biochemical investigation of the effects of local ABS application on the osseointegration of titanium implants. Methodology: Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups of ten rats each. The control group (n=20) received no treatment during the experimental period, while the ABS group (n=20) had ABS applied locally during the surgical application of the titanium implant before insertion into the bone sockets. After 2 (controls n=10 and ABS n=10) and 4 weeks (controls n=10 and ABS n=10) experimental periods, the rats were sacrificed and implants with surrounding bone tissues were removed for reverse torque analysis (Newton), blood sample collection, and biochemical analysis. Results: The biomechanic bone implant contact ratio detected was higher in week 4 than in week 2 in the ABS group (p&lt;0, 05). Lower phosphor levels were detected in the ABS group than in the 4-week controls (p&lt;0, 05). Conclusion: According to the biomechanical parameters, ABS is more effective after four weeks than after two weeks when locally applied. How to cite this article: Özcan EC, Gül M, Tanık A, Yıldırım TT, Özkan M, Bozoğlan A, Özdemir HE, Dündar S. Biomechanic and biochemical analysis of the effects of local Ankaferd Blood Stopper® application on osseointegration of titanium implants. Int Dent Res 2022;12(1):27-33. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2022.vol12.no1.5 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

ABCD approach at the #7119 center, telephone triage system in Tokyo, Japan; a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe algorithm and protocol of the #7119 telephone triage in Tokyo, Japan, had been originally established and consists of three steps. In this study, we investigated the outcome of patients treated with physiological abnormality (ABCD approach: A, airway; B, breathing; C, circulation, and D, dysfunction of central nervous system) in step 2 during the #7119 telephone triage and clarified the meaning of evaluation of this approach.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from the Tokyo Fire Department from January 2016 to December 2017. Almost all the patients triaged using the ABCD approach were transferred to the hospital by ambulance and assigned severity by a physician. We divided patients into groups with combinations of 15 patterns including A, B, C, D, AB, AC, AD, BC, BD, CD, ABC, ABD, ACD, BCD, and ABCD. We compared the proportion of severe cases in each group using a Fisher's exact test, followed by residual analysis.ResultsWe analyzed 13,793 cases triaged using the ABCD approach. In this analysis, 31% of total cases were assessed as severe cases. Groupwise analysis showed that the proportion of severe cases was significantly higher in the AD, BC, CD, ABD, and ABCD groups, while it was significantly less in the C and AB groups than in the total cases.ConclusionAt the #7119 telephone triage, we can pick up the severe cases by the ABCD approach. This may contribute to the prompt transportation of severe patients to hospitals by dispatching ambulance cars using the #7119 telephone triage methods.

ABO and Rh blood groups, demographics, and comorbidities in COVID-19 related deaths: A retrospective study in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia

BackgroundBlood group phenotypes have been associated with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. This study aimed to examine ABO/Rh blood group distribution in COVID-19-related deaths considering demographics and pathological conditions. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study at the University Hospital Center Split, Croatia, that included 245 COVID-19 positive individuals that died from April 8, 2020, to January 25, 2021. We extracted data on their blood groups, demographics, and pre-existing comorbidities and compared findings with general population data from blood group donations (n = 101,357) and non-COVID-19 deaths from 2019 (n = 4968). ResultsThe proportion of dead males was significantly higher than in non-COVID-19 cases (63.7% vs. 48.9%, P < 0.001), while the proportion of older individuals did not differ. The prevailing pre-existing diseases were hypertension (59.6%), diabetes (37.1%), heart failure (28.8%), digestive disorder (26.5%), and solid tumor (21.6%). The ABO distribution in the deceased and donors' group showed significant differences, with the higher prevalence of A/AB group and lower prevalence of 0, but with individual differences significant only for AB and non-AB groups. There was a reduced proportion of females within the deceased with group 0 (P = 0.014) and a higher proportion of AB individuals with coronary heart disease (P = 0.024). ConclusionThe study confirmed a higher risk of death in males. The lower proportion of type 0 in deceased individuals was greater in females, implying that group 0 is not necessarily an independent protective factor. Coronary heart disease was identified as a potential risk factor for AB individuals.

Prospective randomized controlled trial of the closure of gastrojejunal anastomosis in RYGB with absorbable and inabsorbable thread

Introduction: The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is, currently, the most performed technique in Brazil. Suture threads are classified according to their degradation properties. Objective: To analyze the influence on the size of the gastrojejunal anastomosis performed in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, as well as the main complications with the use of absorbable or inabsorbable thread. Methods: This study followed a prospective and randomized clinical trial, initially with 40 participants, with only 37 participants being duly selected, 19 of whom underwent gastrojejunostomy closure with an absorbable (Abs) polydioxanone suture (PDS II®) and 18 with the inabsorbable (Inb) ETHIBOND®. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA and logistic regression tools (p&lt;0.05 significant). Results: General complications and Upper Digestive Endoscopy (UDE) were less frequent at the end of 12 months in both groups. At the end of twelve months, the number of complications of the Inb thread decreased considerably, while the number of complications of the Abs thread showed an increase in other complications, including marginal ulcer and intrusive thread. Despite this, there was no significant difference between groups in terms of total weight loss. There was no statistically significant difference between the final values of the anastomotic diameter. The percentage of weight loss over the 12 months was 33.77 ± 6.97% for the Inb group and 36.10 ± 4.89% for the Abs group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Both suture threads (Inb and Abs) presented similar complications and did not present significant differences between the values of weight, gastrojejunal anastomosis, and pouch.

Comparative Study of Ultrasound Guided Popliteal Fossa Block versus Ankle Block as Primary Anaesthesia for Forefoot Operative Procedure

Regional anaesthesia can be used as the primary anaesthesia method and also as an adjunct to control postoperative pain following forefoot surgeries. The purpose of this study was to compare the overall efficacy of ultrasound guided popliteal fossa block to ankle block as the primary anaesthesia for forefoot surgeries. It was an observational study including 112 participants. They were divided into 2 groups, Group PFB: popliteal fossa block with 20 ml 0.5%bupivacaine and 10ml2% lignocaine (total 30ml) &amp; Group AB: ankle block with 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine and 10ml 2% lignocaine (total 30ml). The primary outcome variables were VAS score and rescue analgesia and secondary outcome variables were hemodynamics (heart rate, MAP). P value &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Our study showed a reduction in post-operative visual analogue scale scores in PFB group (5.21± 0.834) as compared to AB group (7.09 ± 0.815) with a P value of 0.0001 which was statistically significant. The mean first rescue analgesia time for PFB group was 12.46±1.59 while for AB group was 6.93± 0.82 with P value of 0.0001 which was statistically significant. Both AB and PFB provides sufficient anaesthesia for forefoot surgeries. However, popliteal fossa block is preferred over ankle block for forefoot surgeries due to longer post-operative analgesia

Prevalence of Blood Group A2 in Northern Pakistan

Objective: To determine the prevalence of A1 and A2 subgroups of blood group A in healthy blood donors of northern Pakistan.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Sep to Dec 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: The blood samples of donors reported during the study period at Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion were collected. ABO typing was performed and those in group A and AB were further subtyped using anti-A1 lectin and thus the individuals were labelled as A1 (and A1B) or A2 (and A2B). The serum of individuals with groups A2 and A2B was tested for anti-A1 based on the reaction with A1 red cells.&#x0D; Results: Out of total 4485 donors, 1116 (24.88%) were of blood group A and 422 (9.41%) individuals were of AB group. Out of 146 (13.08%) individuals among 1116 blood group A donors were of subgroup A2. While out of 422 of blood group AB, 80 (18.95%) were A2B. 21 (14.38%) out of 146 individuals of A2 blood group, had anti-A1 antibody while among 80 individuals with A2B blood group only 2 (2.50%) had anti-A1 antibody in their serum.&#x0D; Conclusion: Blood group A2 is quite prevalent in our population. Although anti-A1 is present in significant fraction of A2 blood group individuals, the routine testing is not needed to identify the A2 group and cross match compatibility is the only requirement as anti-A1 is rarely active at 37° C.

Expression of Interleukin-2 receptor subunit gamma (IL-2Rγ) and its binding with IL-2 induced activation of CD4 T lymphocytes in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), as the specific ligand of interleukin-2 (IL-2), binds to IL-2 and transmits signals and then can induce the proliferation of T lymphocytes in mammals. In this paper, the subunit of IL-2R in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), interleukin-2 receptor subunit gamma (IL-2Rγ) was cloned, and polyclonal antibodies (Abs) against its extracellular region were produced, then the expression of flounder IL-2Rγ (fIL-2Rγ) at transcriptional and cellular levels were characterized. Moreover, the interaction of flounder IL-2 (fIL-2) with fIL-2Rγ was investigated, and the variations on CD4+/IL-2Rγ+ cells in flounder after treatment with recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2), anti-IL-2Rγ Abs were detected, respectively. The results showed that fIL-2Rγ protein had a typical fibronectin type III (FN3) domain. The Abs could specifically recognize native fIL-2Rγ molecules at 39.9 kDa. FIL-2Rγ was localized on both T and B lymphocytes, and the percentages of CD4+/IL-2Rγ+ and IgM+/IL-2Rγ+ lymphocytes were high in spleen. In addition, pBiFC-VN173-IL-2Rγ plasmids could bind to pBiFC-VC155-IL-2 plasmids. The percentage of CD4+/IL-2Rγ+ lymphocytes was significantly decreased after blocking with anti-IL-2Rγ Abs both in vivo and in vitro. In the meantime, four T cell markers genes and six IL-2-IL-2R pathway genes were down-regulated in anti-IL-2Rγ Abs group. These results first demonstrated that fIL-2Rγ molecules were expressed on both T and B lymphocytes in flounder, and the bond between fIL-2Rγ and fIL-2 activated the CD4 T lymphocytes. This study gave a new sight into the exploration of IL-2R function on T lymphocytes proliferation in fish.

Blood Donation in Lebanon: A Six-Year Retrospective Study of a Decentralized Fragmented Blood Management System.

IntroductionIn developing countries, the lack of a sufficient and safe blood supply is a significant impediment to providing health care. Lebanon is notable for its absence of a Donor Management System to ensure continuous donor recruitment and scheduling. Herein, we report the findings of Lebanon's first large retrospective population-based study to investigate blood types and donation that is critical for managing community blood supply.MethodsThe non-remunerated voluntary blood donors were recruited by the non-profit organization “Donner Sang Compter”. The study spanned six years, from August 2015 to May 2021, and included 36,002 people from 18 districts throughout Lebanon's nine governorates.ResultsThe most prevalent blood type was A (42%), followed by O (37.48%), B (13.86%), and the AB group (6.84%). RhD+ groups were predominant (88.45%), with A+ being the most (37.84%) and AB- being the least prevalent (1.05%). Furthermore, blood type and donation profiling revealed a substantial geographical variation in the frequency of blood groups, despite the relatively small country’s area. As for blood donation, when gender and age were considered, young male donors dominated the pool across the country.ConclusionThis study on blood type prevalence and blood donor demographics may pave the way for the development of a more coherent and integrated blood management system in Lebanon, as opposed to the fragmented and decentralized system now in existence. These findings also provide crucial clinical information for the country's future transfusion medicine policies and practices, which is vital in such a precarious part of the world.

Blood Group Distribution Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients in Xinjiang

To analyze and summarize ABO and Rh(D) blood group distribution and related indicators of COVID-19 patients, and understand the relationship between blood group and disease course of COVID-19 patients in Xinjiang. A total of 831 patients with confirmed or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection treated in People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from July 2020 to August 2020 were enrolled as study group, and 2 778 healthy people in a third Grade A hospital in the region during the same period were selected as control group. ABO and Rh(D) blood group antigens were identified, and relevant medical data were collected for statistical analysis. The proportion of O-type population and Rh(D) positive population in the study group was 24.79% and 96.27%, which were lower than those in the normal control group (29.73% and 97.73%) (P<0.05). The proportion of AB type and Rh(D) negative population was 14.20% and 3.73%, which was higher than that in control group (10.62% and 2.27%) (P<0.05). The proportion of female patients in Type O group was lower than that in control group. The proportion of female patients in AB group was higher than that in control group (P<0.01), while the proportion of type O patients in the age group less than or equal to 45 years old and greater than 60 years old was lower. Different blood groups of Uygur population showed their own characteristics in different sex, but there was no statistical significance due to the limited sample (P>0.05). Moreover, the course of disease and clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 patients were different among different blood groups (P<0.05). This study found that the blood type distribution of COVID-19 patients in Xinjiang has its own characteristics, and the blood type is related to the course and clinical diagnosis of COVID-19. In the future, the data can be widely included in people from different ethnic groups and different regions to improve relevant studies.

In vitro fertilization as an independent risk factor for perinatal complications: Single-center 10 years cohort study.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has made great strides in the past forty-years, but no medical treatment comes without side effects. Despite several studies reporting high incidences of perinatal complications, the association is inconclusive. Also, the effect of racially and ethnically distinguished Asian population undergoing ART on perinatal outcomes is not well studied. Therefore, this study attempts to compare various perinatal outcome parameters in ART, and spontaneously conceived singleton pregnancies from a single high-volume tertiary care center. This is a retrospective cohort study from a single tertiary infertility center, carried out from January 2011 to September 2020. The study included 1,125 IVF conceived babies (AB group) and 7,193 spontaneous conceived babies (SB group). The groups were compared using the Pearson Chi-square test and adjusted odds ratio, calculated using the multivariate analysis. Most of the perinatal complications, such as preterm birth (PTB), early preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW), extremely low birth weight, small for gestational age, large for gestational age babies, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, need for surfactant, meconium aspiration syndrome, neonatal seizures, intraventricular hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and patent ductus arteriosus was significantly increased in the AB group when compared to the SB group (p<0.05). In-vitro fertilization (IVF) independently increases the risk of LBW (aOR 2.530; 95% CI 2.194-2.917), PTB (aOR 4.004; 95% CI 3.496-4.587), NICU admission (aOR 2.003; 95% CI 1.610-2.492) and neonatal seizures (aOR 9.805; 95% CI 5.755-16.706).Conclusions: All ART-conceived pregnant patients should receive antenatal counselling regarding perinatal complications and should deliver at a tertiary care center with appropriate NICU support.

Platelet additive solution suspended apheresis platelets in a tertiary care hospital: A step toward universal single donor platelets.

Transfusion of ABO-compatible single donor platelets (SDP) is preferable for better outcomes over group switchover SDP. The use of SDP containing ABO-incompatible plasma is associated with a risk of allergic and acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. Moreover, high titer O group donors SDP impose a further threat to patient safety. Platelet additive solution (PAS) is used worldwide for the storage of platelets which reduces plasma volume available in SDP. SSP + (Macopharma) is one such PAS which can provide improved availability, logistical management, decrease wastage, and improvement in patient safety. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using PAS to obtain low titer SDP units which can be utilized across a larger patient population and to study quality control parameters of these units. The study was performed in the department of Transfusion Medicine from June 2017 to January 2018 after clearance from the Institutional Review Board. The study design comprised two cohorts (A and B). In cohort A, the temporal trend of in-vitro changes in the quality parameters was tested and analyzed for PAS modified and unmodified products on days 1, 5 and 7. In cohort B, the original plasma from the SDP donors of all blood group donors except the AB group was tested for antibody titers before (prepreparation) and after modification (postpreparation) by PAS. In cohort A, in the control group, there was a significant change in the mean platelet volume, potassium, and bicarbonate levels from day 1 to day 7, whereas no significant change in the biochemical parameters was noted in the study group where PAS was used. In cohort B, on comparing the anti-A and anti-B, before and after modification of SDP with PAS, there was a significant reduction in the median titers across all the groups studied. PAS added SDP is an efficient strategy to reduce the ABO-antibody levels significantly. PAS added SDP also helps in the better inventory management of available groups.

Types of Fingerprints Characteristics and their Association with Gender and Blood Groups in Sudan

Background: Studies have shown different results on the association between fingerprints, gender and blood groups in the different settings. There is one published article in Sudan. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of fingerprints characteristics and to assess if there is an association between fingerprints and gender or ABO blood groups and rhesus blood types in Sudan. Results: A total of 394 participants were enrolled in the study. Their age ranged between 19 to 24 years with a mean (standard deviation) of 21 (3) years. Of these 394, 114 (28.9%) and 280 (71.1%) participants were males and females, respectively. Of 394 participants, 111 (28.2%), 63 (15.9%), 13(3.3%), and 207(52.5%) had blood group A, blood group B, blood group AB and blood group O, respectively. While 373(94.7%) participants had rhesus positive blood, only 21 (5.3%) had rhesus negative blood. Of 394 fingerprints, 2476 (62.84%) were loop, 1278(32.44%) were arch and186 (4.72%) were whorls. Fingerprints were significantly between males and females and between the different blood groups and rhesus factors. Conclusion: loop, (62.84%) and arch (32.44%) were they common fingerprints. Fingerprints characteristics were significantly between males and females and between the different blood groups and Rhesus factor.