Blood Group Research Articles

ABO blood groups and platelet reactivity in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention treated with clopidogrel

Abstract Background The association between ABO blood groups and the risk of thrombosis and bleeding in patients with coronary artery disease has been of interest for many years, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Aim To investigate the relationship between the ABO blood groups and the platelet reactivity in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treated with clopidogrel. Methods We examined 10,724 consecutive PCI patients in China from January 2013 to December 2013.Among them, 6,740 patients had the results of thromborlastogram (TEG) and the ABO blood groups. Low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LTPR) was defined as adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet maximum amplitude of TEG<31mm. Results A total of 6,740 PCI patients (mean age, 58.23±10.27; male, 77.6%) treated with clopidogrel were finally enrolled for analysis. There were 2560 (37.98%) patients in LTPR group. In this group, the multivariate logistic regression showed that the blood group A (OR: 0.885, 95%CI 0.789-0.993, p=0.038) was independent protective factor in the A/non-A model (model 1). Then, we further divided the non-A groups into B, O, AB groups to set the model 2. In model 2, compared to A, multivariate logistic regression showed that only the blood group B (OR: 1.157, 95%CI 1.015-1.320, p=0.030) was independent risk predictors for LTPR, representing a higher risk of bleeding. Conclusions In the large sample real-world study, we reported the relationship between ABO blood groups and platelet reactivityin PCI patients treated with clopidogrel for the first time. Blood group A was an independent protective factor for LTPR, representing a lower risk of bleeding, whereas blood group B was an independent risk factor for LTPR, representing a higher risk of bleeding. These results provide an interesting perspective on blood groups and individualized antithrombotic therapy in patients with coronary artery disease, and further elucidation of the mechanisms is still needed in the future.

ABO Blood Type and Short-Term Mortality in Patients With Infection-Associated Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a devastating disease of the coagulation system. We examined the association between ABO blood type and short-term mortality in patients with infection-associated DIC. The study cohort was drawn from the Danish Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DANDIC)cohort. Our subcohort was restricted to patients with infection-associated DIC. All-cause 30-day and 90-day mortality were computed by Kaplan-Meier estimates and odds ratios between ABO blood types were examined using logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, and location of infection. Blood type O was used as a reference. The DANDIC cohort included 3023 patients with DIC. Among these, 1853 (61%) had infection-associated DIC. Data on ABO blood type were unavailable in 34 patients (1.8%), who were excluded. The median age was 68 years and 58.2% were males. The 30-day mortality ranged between 38.6% and 42.5% and the 30-day mortality odds ratios were 1.15 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92-1.42) for blood type A; 0.84 (95% CI, 0.49-1.43) for AB; and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.67-1.33) for B compared to blood type O. We found no clinically meaningful difference in short-term mortality between the various ABO blood types in patients with infection-associated DIC.

Long-term outcomes of heart re-transplantation from HCV-viremic donors based on UNOS registry

Abstract Background The use of hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremic donors increased the heart donor pool, and reduced waitlist time and mortality among first-time single-organ heart transplant (HT) candidates without compromising their post-transplant survival. The outcomes of heart re-transplantation (re-HT) with the use of HCV-viremic donor grafts have not been investigated. Methods Using the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) Registry we analyzed all adult patients who underwent single-organ heart re-HT in the United States between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2022. HCV-viremic donors were defined by a positive nucleic acid amplification test (NAT+). Graft survival rates between HCV-viremic and HCV-non-viremic donor graft recipients were compared using a log rank test. Results During the study period, of 18,259 HTs performed, 427 (2.3%) constituted single-organ heart re-transplantations. Recipients of NAT+ grafts (n=19) compared to NAT- grafts (n=408) were more often male (84.2% vs 61.3%, p=0.04). Otherwise, there were no significant differences between the two groups in age, ethnicity, BMI, blood type, history of diabetes rates or stroke, creatinine or bilirubin levels, reason for re-HT, hemodynamics, use of mechanical circulatory support, and waitlist time. Ischemic time, frequency of female donors, HLA, ABO, CMV mismatch rates, and calculated panel reactive antibodies levels were comparable across the two groups. There were no significant differences in demographics or comorbidities rates between HCV-viremic and HCV-non-viremic donors apart from the cause of death. Among the donors of HCV-viremic grafts brain anoxia was reported more often (89.5%) than among HCV-non-viremic donors (40%), p <0.01. Rates of acute rejection treated in the first year after re-HT were comparable across the two groups. Over a mean follow-up of 3.0±2.1 and 3.3±1.8 years after re-HT from NAT- and NAT+ organ donors, respectively, graft survival rate at 1 year was 82% vs. 95% (p=0.3) and at 3 years 79% vs. 89%, respectively (p=0.6) (Figure). Conclusion Graft survival rates at 1 and 3 years post-heart re-HT in adult recipients of HCV-viremic donor grafts were comparable to those of recipients of HCV-non-viremic donor grafts. The current study provides compelling preliminary evidence that HCV-viremic donors constitute a viable donor pool for patients in need of heart re-transplantation.

Peripheral immune landscape of pediatric fulminant myocarditis revealed by single-cell sequencing

Abstract Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is one of the most feared diseases in children because of its fulminant nature and high mortality rate. However, the precise pathological immune subsets and molecular changes in FM are unknown. Here, we present the first comprehensive cellular and transcriptomic profiling of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of children in FM acute and recovery phases using Single-cell RNA sequencing. 21 cell clusters are identified among 79542 cells. The proportion of T cells and NK cells increase, while myeloid cells and B cells reduce in acute phase, which were consistent with our flow cytometry data of 35 FM patients. Several unique cell types in peripheral blood are identified, including regulatory B cells, MAIT cells, adaptive NK cells and CD8+Tpex cells. The transcriptomic analysis exhibited elevated expression levels of chemokine receptor CXCR4 and S100A family genes almost in all cell types in FM acute phase, as well as MHC-II molecules in antigen-presenting cells. TCR and BCR exhibit remarkable amplification and obvious skewed usages of V genes in FM. Ligand receptor analysis show myeloid cells maintained active communication with other immune cells. Considering that CXCR4 may play an important role in myocarditis, we designed experiments to explore its function in mouse model. Vital myocarditis (VMC) mouse model was constructed using Coxsackie virus type3（CVB3）.We found that myocardial inflammation and myocardial injury of VMC mice were alleviated when treated with CXCR4 blocker. CXCR4 may be a potential therapeutic target for myocarditis. Our study will provide useful insights into key immune cell subsets and transcriptomic profiles implicated in pediatric fulminant myocarditis acute phase and recovery phase, thus providing several potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for this disease.

Alginate-chitosan hydrogel formulations for VEGFA expressed baculovirus delivery promoting angiogenesis for wound healing and revascularization

Abstract Background Baculoviruses, engineered to express growth factors, offer a promising avenue for short-term gene therapy, such as wound dressings, due to their safety and specificity. Encapsulation in natural polymers like alginate and chitosan addresses limitations like serum inactivation and fragility, while promoting sustained delivery and shielding from immune inactivation. Wound healing involves complex processes that can be enhanced by maintaining an antimicrobial, moist environment, which promotes cell migration and angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial cell growth factor A (VEGFA) is known to be one of the most potent pro-angiogenic factors and plays a key role in wound healing. Purpose This investigation seeks to enhance wound healing and angiogenesis, support the revascularization process, and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects. Additionally, it aims to assess the preclinical efficacy and safety of the approach. Methods Ionic cross-linking was used for virus encapsulation under aseptic conditions. The capsules were assessed for their surface morphology, particle size, zeta potential, and in vitro release profile. Additionally, their therapeutic potential was studied using cell lines. The efficacy of hydrogel delivery of VEGFA-expressing baculoviruses in promoting cell migration and angiogenesis for wound healing applications was investigated on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Hydrogel morphology, swelling, and encapsulation efficiency were evaluated, along with endothelial tube formation assays and hemocompatibility studies on HUVECs. Results Encapsulation of baculovirus expressing the VEGFA gene in alginate and chitosan–alginate hydrogels achieve a high encapsulation efficiency of 99.9%. This allows for prolonged virus delivery and an increased therapeutic window. The encapsulated baculovirus maintains activity and is released over eight days, with a transduction efficiency of over 40%. This promotes tube formation, cell proliferation, and cell migration for angiogenesis, particularly beneficial for chronic wound-healing applications. The hydrogels also prevented E. coli and C. albicans growth directly below and inhibited C. albicans growth surrounding the alginate–chitosan hydrogels. The hydrogels demonstrated no cytotoxicity and good blood compatibility. Conclusion This proof of concept underscores the potential of encapsulated baculovirus delivery systems for various gene therapy applications including cardiovascular tissue regeneration and revascularization.

Effect of Donor/Recipient ABO Mismatch on Outcome of Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children: Single-Center Study.

ABO blood group mismatch between donor and recipient is thought to be associated with several immunopharmacological complications but is not considered a major contraindication to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, the impact of such a mismatch on overall survival, transplant-related mortality, graft-versus-host disease, and time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment seems to be conflicting. This retrospective cohort was carried out on children and adolescents who underwent allogenic HSCT between January 2016 and January 2023. ABO compatibility state was assessed and grouped into compatible, minor, major, and bidirectional incompatible groups. The effect of ABO compatibility on various transplantation outcomes was assessed. Forty-three children (25 males and 18 females) with different diagnoses were included. More than half of the patients had no ABO mismatch. Major ABO mismatch was found to be associated with a higher incidence of acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD), whereas near significantly higher mortality was observed in the minor mismatch group. Otherwise, no association was found between ABO mismatch and platelet or neutrophil engraftment. ABO mismatch does not affect the overall survival or the posttransplant engraftment of patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT. aGVHD was observed to be the only factor affected by ABO compatibility.

PIRCHE-II: a new tool to predict rejection in cardiac transplantation?

Abstract Aim This retrospective observational study aims to compare patients diagnosed with antibody-mediated or cell-mediated rejection with patients without episodes of rejection and study any predictors of rejection at follow-up with particular attention to PIRCHE-II scores. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data of heart transplant patients from January 2022 to August 2023, at a single hospital. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative parameters are collected anonymously in our institutional database used for internal quality control. The primary endpoint was the incidence of rejection in one of three control endomyocardial biopsies. As pre-operative data, age, sex, BSA, blood group mismatch, risk such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, COPD, previous cardiac surgery, PRA, ischemia time and post-operative infections. We evaluated patients at a mean follow-up of 106 (78 – 180) days. In patients who tested positive for cell-mediated or antibody-mediated rejection, the PIRCHE-II score was calculated. Results There were 45 patients with no diagnosis of rejection and they were aged 61 [50-65]; 22.2% were women, with a mean BSA of 1.87 ± 0.19. 22.2% had a blood type mismatch. They had a mean PIRCHE-II of 111.88 ± 43.6. There were 15 patients diagnosed with rejection and they were 63 years old [52 – 66]; 20.0% were women, with a mean BSA of 1.84 ± 0.23. 13.3% had a blood type mismatch. They had a mean PIRCHE-II of 113.70 ± 33.90. In multivariable analysis, the main predictors of rejection were plasma transfusions [OR 0.053, 95% CI, p=0.02], post-operative infections [OR 0.076, 95% CI, p=<0, 02] and the PIRCHE – II [OR 3.284, 95% CI, p=0.04]. The mean PIRCHE-II of patients who presented antibody-mediated or cell-mediated rejection was 113.70 ± 33.90 and that of patients who did not present any rejection was 111.88 ± 33.90; Conclusion According to the results obtained, the PIRCHE-II algorithm could be a tool in immunological risk stratification in patients undergoing cardiac transplantation. It is necessary, however, to apply PIRCHE-II to a larger number of patients and should also be considered in light of other factors such as the immunological status of the recipients, the immediate post-operative course (infections, CMV reactivation, blood component transfusions), which could constitute an immunological trigger and patient compliance in immunosuppressive therapy.Patients' featuresResuts

The Effect of Human Blood and Platelet-rich Fibrin on the Surface Microhardness of Hydraulic Calcium Silicate-based Cements

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of human blood and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the surface microhardness of hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements (OrthoMTA and RetroMTA). Materials and Methods: Two types of mineral trioxide aggregate, OrthoMTA and RetroMTA, were mixed and placed into cylindrical molds. The lower surfaces of all cements were exposed to saline. The upper surfaces of cements were exposed to human blood, PRF, or phosphate buffer saline (PBS). After storage for 7 days in fully saturated humidity at 37°C, the microhardness of cement surface exposed to blood, PRF, or PBS was measured using the Vickers microhardness test. The data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tamhane’s T2 test. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: Exposure to blood and PRF significantly decreased the surface microhardness of OrthoMTA and RetroMTA. The microhardness of PBS-contacted cements was significantly higher than that of blood or PRF groups (P<0.001). The microhardness values for OrthoMTA exposed to PRF were significantly higher than the blood group (P=0.020). There were no significant differences between RetroMTA contacted with blood or PRF groups (P=0.985). When exposed to blood or PBS, RetroMTA had a significantly higher microhardness than OrthoMTA (P<0.001 for blood, P=0.002 for PBS). Conclusion: Exposure to blood or PRF decreased the surface microhardness of both cements. Blood-contaminated RetroMTA showed significantly higher surface microhardness than OrthoMTA contacted with blood. No significant difference was found between PRF-contacted OrthoMTA and RetroMTA.

Health Benefits of Yerba Mate Consumption on Cardiovascular Health

Background: Yerba mate is a Paraguayan kind of herbal tea prepared from the dried and roasted leaves of trees called Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill. It is known for high content of polyphenols, methylxanthines and saponins. According to the studies products rich in those nutrients may have a positive influence on the humans cardiovascular health. Materials and methods: We reviewed publications obtained from PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were selected based on keywords such “yerba mate’’, “Ilex paraguariensis’’, “cardiovascular diseases’’. For the final analysis, qualified articles were published from 2005 to 2024. Results: Confirming positive impact on serum lipid levels individuals using mate tea. Long – term positive influence on blood pressure. Moreover subjects with obesity took advantages of Yerba beverage by decreasing waist-to-hip ratio. Patients with diabetes were observed to have a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose level and HbA1c concentration. Conclusions: Most of the cited researches support the hypothesis of benefits coming from drinking mate infusions for patients with elevated lipid serum levels, obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes mellitus. All of mentioned health issues can lead to the cardiovascular problems therefore using mate infusions can prevent CVDs. Taking everything into consideration, medical professionals might recommend Yerba mate tea for their patients especially as a replacement of a coffee.

Pemeriksaan Golongan Darah pada Anak dan Pemeriksaan Gula Darah pada Kelompok Usia Lanjut di Gereja Katolik Santu Petrus Pariti Kabupaten Kupang Tahun 2024

This community service activity was conducted at the Catholic Church of Santu Petrus Pariti, Kupang Regency, involving 124 participants for blood type examinations and 69 participants for blood pressure and glucose level tests. The event began with a retreat by the Medical Laboratory Technology students aimed at raising community awareness about health. A positive response was observed through the enthusiasm of the community, who actively asked questions, indicating that they gained new knowledge related to health examinations. In blood type examinations conducted at TK Santa Maria Pariti and SEKAMI, it was found that among 18 female and 22 male children, 5 participants had blood type A, 15 had blood type B, 17 had blood type O, and 1 had blood type AB. Additionally, glucose level tests revealed that 4 participants had normal glucose levels, while 65 had abnormal levels. Blood pressure tests among the elderly showed 16 with abnormal readings and 53 with normal readings. The examination results provided an initial overview of the health status of the local community, highlighting variations in blood types, glucose levels, and blood pressure conditions. This activity is expected to enhance awareness of the importance of regular health check-ups among the community.

Common Contaminants Of Blood Group Factors And Its Effect On Blood Groups In Blood Samples, Collected At Scene Of Crime

For detection of crime in Forensic medicine blood group studies& its application plays an important role. The study of blood grouping gives important information regarding identification and details of Crime Investigation. The most common trace evidence is blood which is obtained from the crime scene. Blood grouping & typing can point to a group of people that have the same blood type rather than pointing particular person. When blood is properly collected and preserved, blood as an evidence can establish a strong link between a criminal and the criminal act. We can trust the blood grouping of blood stains in detection of crime. Randomly A, B, AB, Rh positive blood samples were taken in duplicates and rusted pins, dust particles, detergent, staphylococci are added to it respectively. The common contaminants in blood stains are dust, rust, bacteria and detergent. So an effect of these on blood groups was studied in detail.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

Keeping your brain sharp as you age has a lot to do with your heart — and the younger you start taking better care of it, the better — according to a new scientific statement published by the American Heart Association (AHA), CNN Health reported Oct. 10. “Dementia is commonly seen as an incurable and relentless disease that cannot be prevented,” said Fernando Testai, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of neurology and rehabilitation at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, in a statement. “Evidence shows, however, that adopting a healthy lifestyle and identifying and treating vascular risk factors early may help preserve normal brain function and reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias,” said Testai, who chaired the statement writing group. Nearly 130 million adults in the United States have some form of heart disease, according to the AHA. The disease also takes a toll on the brain. The narrowing of arteries that occurs with coronary heart disease and high blood pressure can reduce blood flow and cause damage to the small blood vessels in the brain, resulting in cognitive impairment, the AHA said. High blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the brain and increase inflammation, leading to cognitive decline and dementia. Having coronary heart disease raises the risk of future dementia by 27% compared with people without heart disease, the AHA statement said.

Malaria Infection in relation to parasitological indices, blood group and anaemia in pregnant women attending two health facilities in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Decline of maternal immunity and susceptibility to malaria had posed a detrimental effect on the maternal health and foetal outcomes. A cross-sectional study was carried out in two different secondary health facilities at General Hospital Ganye and Cottage Hospital Toungo with the aim of determining the malaria burden in relation to parasite species, parasite density, blood group and anaemia in pregnant women who booked for antenatal care as first timer irrespective of their gestational stage. A total of 471 randomly selected pregnant women who consented to the study were enrolled for the study. Blood samples were collected from each of the consented pregnant women. Thick and thin blood smear were prepared using Giemsa and examined microscopically to detect malaria parasite and infecting species, respectively. The overall prevalence of malaria was 22.9% (n=108). Plasmodium falciparum and P. malariae were the two malaria species encountered with a prevalence of 78.7% and 19.4%, respectively. Mixed infection had a 1.9% prevalence. Parasite density was recorded as low (67.6%), moderate (11.1%) and severe (21.3%) with a statistical significance (P=0.000). Prevalence of malaria in relation to blood group showed that pregnant women with blood group O (51.9%) had the highest burden of malaria infection and blood group AB (6.5%) had the least, although there was no statistical significance. Non-anaemic pregnant women recorded the highest infection prevalence (37.0%). This study revealed that malaria infection is significantly associated with the infecting parasite species and parasite density. It was discovered that P. falciparum was the most predominant species in the region during the period of this research.

Immuno-RCA for highly sensitive detection of the antigen-antibody complex in the blood group antigen model

The problem of detecting tiny quantities of analytes by immunochemical methods has been tried for a long time. One approach is to use nucleic acid amplification methods to amplify the signal from a single antigen-antibody interaction. An amplification method suitable for microarrays is the rolling circle amplification reaction. The principle of the method is usage of a conjugate of a detecting antibody with a primer and subsequent isothermal amplification. The generation of a huge single-stranded reaction product starts after adding the necessary components for amplification reaction: circular oligonucleotides, which serves as a template for amplification and phage phi29 polymerase with the other components. This reaction product consists of a lot of repeats of a nucleotide sequence, that is complementary to the circular template. The fluorescent DNA probe can hybridize to each repeat on the product molecule, resulting in a significantly higher level of fluorescence than with fluorescently labeled antibody or streptavidin development systems. In addition, the reaction product remains immobilized on the surface, allowing usage of this approach for the detection of antigen-antibody interactions in other solid-phase analysis systems, such as microarrays. A common problem with such approaches is the nonspecific sorption of components of the immunochemical reaction or amplification reaction, leading to a high background. It is obvious that no matter how highly sensitive the analysis is in theory, a high background will reduce the entire potential of the method to nothing. Herein, we have developed a method that makes it possible to detect small amounts of antibodies to glycans in blood serum and in swabs from tumor cells in a microarray format using a model of blood group antigens. It was possible to obtain a 30 to 70-fold increase of fluorescence level from a specific interaction compared to the use of fluorescently labeled streptavidin. The method we are developing is promising, as it allows us to significantly increase the signal from the specific antigen/antibody interaction in the glycochip format, which will make it possible to detect antibodies to glycans in samples with a very low concentrations of antibodies, for example, in washes from tumor cells.

A plain language summary of the final analysis of the GRIFFIN study of daratumumab plus lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone for people with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

This summary describes the final analysis of the GRIFFIN study. In this study, participants were newly diagnosed with a type of blood and bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma, had never received any treatment, and were able to undergo an autologous stem cell transplant. The GRIFFIN study looked at adding the drug daratumumab (D) to a combination of standard treatments called RVd (lenalidomide [R], bortezomib [V], and dexamethasone [d]) during the treatment phases induction and consolidation, followed by daratumumab and lenalidomide (D-R) maintenance. Participants also received an autologous stem cell transplant to further help reduce multiple myeloma. The GRIFFIN study looked at whether D-RVd followed by D-R maintenance was better at killing multiple myeloma cells compared with RVd on its own followed by R maintenance on its own, and if treatments were safe. This summary also describes results from 2 other GRIFFIN publications: one that looked at participants with certain multiple myeloma characteristics or demographic factors that are associated with worse outcomes, and another that looked at how treatments impacted the participants' quality of life. At the time of the final analysis of GRIFFIN, participants who were treated with D-RVd followed by D-R maintenance had very low (undetectable) levels of multiple myeloma cells and multiple myeloma markers (biological signs) and were more likely to be alive without the multiple myeloma getting worse or coming back compared with participants who received standard RVd treatment followed by R maintenance. There was also a pattern of similar benefits achieved by participants who were at risk for worse outcomes. Additionally, participants who received D-RVd treatment followed by D-R maintenance reported less pain, less fatigue (extreme tiredness), and greater improvements in their ability to conduct daily physical activities. While some side effects (unwanted or unexpected effects of treatment) were higher with D-RVd, side effects in both groups were as expected, and adding daratumumab did not reduce a participant's ability to handle treatment. Results of the GRIFFIN study showed that D-RVd treatment followed by D-R maintenance was better at treating multiple myeloma than the standard treatment of RVd followed by R maintenance in adults with a new diagnosis of multiple myeloma who were able to receive an autologous stem cell transplant, with no unexpected side effects of treatment.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02874742 (GRIFFIN) (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Evaluation effect of alginate hydrogel containing losartan on wound healing and gene expression.

Skin tissue engineering has become an increasingly popular alternative to conventional treatments for skin injuries. Hydrogels, owing to their advantages have become the ideal option for wound dressing, and they are extensively employed in a mixture of different drugs to accelerate wound healing. Sodium alginate is a readily available natural polymer with advantages such as bio-compatibility and a non-toxicological nature that is commonly used in hydrogel form for medical applications such as wound repair and drug delivery in skin regenerative medicine. Losartan is a medicine called angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that can prevent fibrosis by inhibiting AT1R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor). In this research, for the first time, three-dimensional scaffolds based on cross-linked alginate hydrogel with CaCl2 containing different concentrations of losartan for slow drug release and exudate absorption were prepared and characterized as wound dressing. Alginate hydrogel was mixed with 10, 1, 0.1, and 0.01mg/mL of losartan, and their properties such as morphology, chemical structure, water uptake properties, biodegradability, stability assay, rheology, blood compatibility, and cellular response were evaluated. In addition, the therapeutic efficiency of the developed hydrogels was then assessed in an in vitro wound healing model and with a gene expression. The results revealed that the hydrogel produced was very porous (porosity of 47.37 ± 3.76µm) with interconnected pores and biodegradable (weight loss percentage of 60.93 ± 4.51% over 14days). All hydrogel formulations have stability under various conditions. The use of CaCl2 as a cross-linker led to an increase in the viscosity of alginate hydrogels. An in vitro cell growth study revealed that no cytotoxicity was observed at the suggested dosage of the hydrogel. Increases in Losartan dosage, however, caused hemolysis. In vivo study in adult male rats with a full-thickness model showed greater than 80% improvement of the primary wound region after 2weeks of treatment with alginate hydrogel containing 0.1mg/mL Losartan. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis showed a decrease in expression level of TGF-β1 and VEGF in treatment groups. Histological analysis demonstrated that the alginate hydrogel containing Losartan can be effective in wound repair by decreasing the size of the scar and tissue remodeling, as evidenced by future in vivo studies.

Predictive Value of Cord Blood Bilirubin for Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Neonates with ABO Incompatibility

Introduction: Jaundice affects 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm neonates. Feto-maternal ABO incompatibilities occur in 20-25% of pregnancies, but severe haemolytic disease develops in only 10%. ABO-incompatible babies have doubled the risk of jaundice requiring treatment and a 5-10 times increased risk of exchange transfusions. Objective: Aim of this study was to determine if cord blood bilirubin (CBB) can predict hyperbilirubinemia in term babies with ABO setup prior to discharge that would help to decrease readmission and subsequently complications due to jaundice. Methods: A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted at Patan Hospital. Cord blood group and bilirubin levels were collected from newborns of O positive mothers. Babies with A positive and B positive blood groups had their CBB levels measured and were followed daily for 72 hours. Serum bilirubin was tested based on clinical judgment to detect hyperbilirubinemia and treated per NICE guidelines. Data were analysed using SPSS v21.0, Mann-Whitney test, ANOVA, and ROC analysis. Results: Among 66 cases, significant hyperbilirubinemia was seen in 7 neonates (10.6%). It was more common in B positive babies (12.2%) compared to A positive (8%). Mean CBB was 3.45 ± 0.57 in those developing significant hyperbilirubinemia. A CBB of 2.95 mg/dL had the highest sensitivity (86%), specificity (94%), and negative predictive value (98%) for predicting hyperbilirubinemia in ABO setup babies. Conclusion: Term babies with ABO incompatibility and CBB<2.95 mg /dL are unlikely to need further evaluation, while those with cord bilirubin level ≥2.95 mg/dL should have frequent early follow-ups.

Study on Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Blood Group among Individuals Suffering from Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Clinicians confront heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) as the most pertinent pathological relationship. Antibodies directed against complexes of heparin molecules and platelet factor 4 (PF4) are the cause of this immune-mediated phenomena. HIT is a significant adverse event that affects individuals with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Objective: To assess the frequency of HIT in patients presenting with ACS. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out the Northeast Medical College's Department of Cardiology in Sylhet from June 2021 to December 2022. A total of 234 individuals aged 40 to 70 years old presented with ACS within 24 hours of symptom onset. This study excluded patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), aplastic anemia, myeloproliferative diseases, or pre-existing thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia was evaluated using medical records and a full blood count (CBC), with isolated thrombocytopenia (platelets <150 x109/L) prior to heparin administration. Results: Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, a history of ACS, and obesity were the most frequent comorbidities, accounting for 41.03%, 33.76%, 43.16%, and 14.96%, respectively. The incidence of HIT in NSTEMI and STEMI was higher than in unstable angina, although still comparable. The delayed presentation of ACS > 12 hours was also strongly correlated with the occurrence of HIT (p<0.05). Unstable angina and middle age (50–60 years) were found to have a significant relationship with HIT (p<0.05). Conclusion: HIT is more common in patients who have had a myocardial infarction or who have had symptoms for more than 12 hours at the time of hospitalization. Cardiologists and internal medicine experts must take extra precautions when administering heparin to high-risk patients to prevent problems.

Cholesterol Checking Tool and Blood Type Prototype with Telegram Notification System

Cholesterol Checking Tool and Blood Type Prototype with Telegram Notification System

Increasing prevalence of galactose-α-1,3-galactose sensitization in the Danish general adult population.

Alpha-gal syndrome is a novel food allergy to the oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) present in mammalian meat. Tick bites are considered an important route of sensitization to alpha-gal. Data on alpha-gal sensitization in the general population is scant. We utilized a unique data source of repeated population-based health examination studies to assess prevalence, time trends, risk factors, and characteristics of alpha-gal sensitization. Alpha-gal sensitization was assessed in >11.000 adults from four health examination studies of randomly invited residents in the Copenhagen region conducted in 1990-1991, 2011-2012, 2012-2015, and 2016-2017. Alpha-gal sensitization was defined as serum specific IgE (sIgE) to alpha-gal ≥0.1 kUA/L; ≥0.35 kUA/L; ≥0.7 kUA/L; ≥3.5 kUA/L. The population was characterized according to genetically determined ABO blood group, aeroallergen sensitization, and pets at home. The prevalence of sIgE to alpha-gal ≥0.1 kUA/L was 1.3% in 1990-1991, 3.7% in 2012-2015 and 3.2% in 2016-2017. Of those sensitized to alpha-gal >97% reported to consume red meat at least once a week, even for sIgE to alpha-gal ≥3.5 kUA/L. Male sex, older age, aeroallergen sensitization, cat at home, and blood group A were associated with increased odds of alpha-gal sensitization. The known protective effect of blood group B was confirmed. In this general adult population, the prevalence of alpha-gal sensitization had doubled from 1990-1991 to 2016-2017. This could potentially be due to increased tick exposure and an increased atopic predisposition.