Intravenous Blood Samples Research Articles

Serum C-Reactive Protein A Helpful Marker in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Objective: evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serum C-reactive protein levels in acute appendicitis (AA) Methodology: Two hundred suspicious cases of AA presenting with pain in right iliac fossa in addition to nausea/vomiting, direct tenderness in right iliac fossa of either gender in adult population were included. Intravenous blood sample was drawn for CRP evaluation. Appendectomy was performed in all these cases, and histopathological examination was done to confirm presence/absence of AA. Both the reports were evaluated and AA was considered positive if CRP levels are >6 μg/dl. A 2x2 table was drawn to analyze diagnostic accuracy of CRP. Results: The mean age was 27.11+10.42 years, 80.5% (n=161) cases were diagnosed as acute appendicitis on histopathology. The diagnostic accuracy of serum C-Reactive Protein levels shows 81.63% for sensitivity, 73.58% for specificity, 89.55% had positive predictive value, 50.09% negative predictive value while 79.50% had accuracy rate. Conclusion: serum C-reactive protein levels is a useful marker for diagnosing acute appendicitis and may be used in rural areas where USG and CT scan facility is not available. Keywords: Acute appendicitis, diagnosis, serum C-reactive protein, diagnostic accuracy

The effect of concurrent use of swaddle and sucrose on the intensity of pain during venous blood sampling in neonate: a clinical trial study

Background & objectiveInfants undergo painful procedures while receiving care and treatment. Blood sampling is the most common painful procedure for infants. Pain control plays a significant role in preventing unwanted physical and psychological effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of concurrent use of swaddle and sucrose taste on the pain intensity during venous blood sampling in neonates.MethodsIn this clinical trial study, 60 infants admitted to the neonatal ward of Amirkola Hospital were randomly divided into four groups of 15 patients. In the first group, the infants were swaddled before blood sampling. In the second group, sucrose was administered to infants. In the third group, the neonates were swaddled and given sucrose simultaneously, and in the fourth group (control), blood sampling was performed routinely. PIPP pain scale and demographic questionnaire were used to collect the data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS23.ResultsThe results showed a significant difference between the mean pain intensity in neonates in the sucrose-swaddle group (4.53 ± 1.30) and the sucrose (7.73 ± 2.73), swaddle (9.86 ± 33.33), and control (12.13 ± 2.06) groups during blood sampling (P < 0.001). Besides, after blood sampling, there was a significant difference between the mean pain intensity in neonates in the sucrose-swaddle group (4.33 ± 1.23) and the sucrose (8.13 ± 2.66), swaddle (7.73 ± 2.78), and control (10.00. ± 1.96) groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe present study showed that pain severity during and after venous blood sampling was lower in the swaddle-sucrose group than in other groups. Therefore, it is recommended that the combined method of swaddle-sucrose be used in infants as a better pain reliever when intravenous blood sampling is performed.

USP Potency Adjusted Bovine Mucosal Heparins are Comparable to Porcine Mucosal Heparin and May be Interchangeable for Anticoagulation

IntroductionMost of the heparins used clinically are derived from porcine intestinal mucosa. In contrast to the porcine mucosal heparin (PMH), the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of bovine mucosal heparin (BMH) exhibit a somewhat weaker USP potency as cross‐referenced against PMH. We hypothesized that at equivalent potencies as adjusted by using the USP reference, the BMH may exhibit comparable effects.Materials &amp; MethodsMolecular weight profile and in vitro anticoagulant and antiprotease assays were used to compare the BMH with PMH. USP potency was measured in the amidolytic assays. Potency adjustments in reference to USP standard were made by weight basis. Potency adjusted BMH and PMH were injected at identical dosages (50 U/kg and 100 U/kg) to groups of human primates (n=4) via intravenous route and blood samples were collected for a 6 hour period of time.ResultsBMH exhibited higher molecular weight profiles compared to PMH as determined by size exclusion chromatography {BMH (Mw) 18.6 ± 0.5 kDa and PMH 15.4 ± 0.4 kDa}. BMH showed a potency of 130 U/mg whereas PMH showed a potency of 190 U/mg. When the BMH was compared at a potency adjusted concentration with PMH, it showed identical calibration curves in the aPTT and anti‐protease assays. Mean t1/2 ranged from 54 ± 11 min &amp; to 71 ± 18 min for PMH &amp; BMH respectively (p=&gt;0.05). Mean AUC values based on anti‐Xa or anti‐IIa activities were comparable for both heparins. Mean Vd (~60 ml/kg) and Cl (~0.75 ml/kg/min) were also comparable for both heparins.ConclusionPotency adjusted based dosing results in comparable anticoagulants and pharmacokinetic profiles for BMH and PMH. Therefore, such dosing may provide uniform levels of anticoagulation for the parenteral indications for heparins. These observations suggest that potency equated BMH and PMH produced comparable anticoagulant effects and may be interchangeable.

Estimation of Haematological Parameters among Sudanese Worker Exposed to Pesticides

Background: Exposure to Pesticides may lead to high risk of toxicity, in which these chemical compounds can affect blood component causing chronic diseases and inflammations. Design: This descriptive case control study was conducted in Khartoum state from November to December 2021. Objectives: The goal is to measure the effect of pesticides on blood parameters among exposures compared to healthy individuals using the analysis of complete blood count. And to correlate between duration of work according to age and gender. Materials and Methods: 3 ml of intravenous blood samples were collected from 500 participants, 400 samples from men and 100 samples from women aged between 20-65 years, majority were dealers and the rest of them were working at farms and the structural questionnaire was used. Results: The results of these study show marked increase in red blood cells and absolute lymphocytes count accompanied by decreased in platelets count, platelets distribution width, mean platelets volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and red cells distribution width upon exposures to pesticides for long time. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is decrease in PLTs count, PDW, MPV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, and an increase in RBCs count and absolute lymphocytes count among pesticides exposures.

Impact of Polymorphism in Base Excision Repair and Nucleotide Excision Repair Genes and Risk of Cervical Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

Background:Last few years, several studies all over the world revealed the association of DNA repair genes with risk of developing different type of cancers, but were ambiguous to support the evidences in case of cervical cancer risk. These differences in earlier studies directed us to study the association of polymorphisms of BER genes (XRCC1, hOGG1, XPC) and NER genes (XPC, XPD) with cervical cancer susceptibility in the women of rural population of Maharashtra. Materials and Methods:The genetic polymorphism in BER and NER pathway genes was studied by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method using DNA isolated from intravenous blood samples of patients and normal controls. The study included 400 clinically confirmed cervical cancer patients and 400 healthy women from a tertiary care hospital (Krishna Hospital and Medical Research Centre) of south-western Maharashtra. The association of polymorphisms was confirmed by Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Results:The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of BER genes including XRCC1, hOGG1 and APE1 were analyzed and the results were noted that 27466AA (OR=4.88; 95% CI: 3.61- 6.60; p<0.0001) and 28152AA (OR=2.89; 95% CI: 1.57- 5.31; p=0.0005) genotypes of XRCC1 (rs25489, rs25487) were significantly associated with cervical cancer risk. The 1245GG genotype of hOGG1 (rs1052133) (OR=45.30; 95% CI: 3.76- 7.46; p=0.001) also showed significant correlation, whereas 2197GG genotype of APE1 (rs1130409) gene showed negative association with cervical carcinogenesis (OR=0.59; 95% CI: 0.35- 0.97; p=0.005). Similarly when we studied SNPs of NER genes including XPC and XPD genes, 21151TT genotype of XPC (rs 2228000) was positively associated with cervical cancer development and 23591AA genotype of XPD (rs1799793) showed negative association (OR=0.34; 95% CI: 0.17- 0.64; p=0.001). Conclusion:The findings from this study supported that rs25489, rs25487SNPs of XRCC1, rs1052133 of hOGG1 and rs2228000 of XPC may increase cervical cancer risk, whereas rs1130409 SNP of APE1 and rs1799793 SNP of XPD gene lower the risk of cervical cancer in the studied population.

Coagulation Disorders in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients and Relationship with Disease Outcome: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Evidence suggests that COVID-19 patients are subject to significant risks of thromboembolic complications. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate coagulation disorders in COVID-19 patients and determine their relationship with the disease outcome. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 106 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil, Iran. After the preliminary completion of the information forms, 3 cc of intravenous blood sample was taken from each patient to test for INR, PT, CBC, and D-dimer. Then, the patients were monitored, and clinical data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software, version 24. Results: Of 106 COVID-19 patients, 69 were discharged from the hospital, while 37 cases died. The mean age of the patients was 58.99 ± 15.94 years, and 56.6% were males. Significant differences were found between the surviving and deceased patients in D-dimer, LDH, PT, and INR levels (P &lt; 0.05). Based on logistic regression analysis, only D-dimer was a significant predictor of mortality such that each unit increase in the D-dimer level increased the mortality risk by 0.99%. Conclusions: D-dimer has a higher sensitivity than other coagulation markers in terms of intensity. As bleeding is not as common as thrombotic events, anticoagulant therapy is recommended.

Association between human leukocyte antigen class II (HLA-DRB and -DQB) alleles and outcome of exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a cross-sectional study in Nairobi, Kenya.

Introductionhuman leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles play an important role in the early immune response to tuberculosis (TB) by presenting antigenic peptides to CD4+ T cells, hence polymorphisms in those genes can influence the efficiency of the immune response to infection and progression to active disease.Methodsan analytical cross-sectional study of adult pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients at Mbagathi County Hospital, Nairobi and their HHCs. Sociodemographic data were captured on questionnaires and clinical data extracted from patient files. Intravenous blood samples were drawn for interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) to determine latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among HHCs, and for extraction of DNA used in typing of HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1 alleles by PCR sequence specific primer amplification. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the HLA type II allele frequencies of LTBI negative HHCs, LTBI positive HHCs and active TB patients. Logistic regression was used to adjust for HIV status.Resultsthe HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1 alleles were analyzed in 17 PTB and 37 HHCs. Nineteen (19) HHCs were LTBI positive, while 18 were LTBI negative. The frequency of DRB3*1 was 0.17-fold lower [95% CI=0.03-0.83] among PTB patients compared to HHCs before adjustment for HIV status (p=0.048). The frequency of the DRB5*2 allele was significantly higher (p=0.013) among PTB patients (23.5%) compared to HHCS (0.00%). After adjusting for HIV status, the frequency of DRB1*14 was 12-fold higher [95% CI=1.11-138.2] among PTB patients compared to HHCs (p=0.040).Conclusionthe higher frequencies of HLA-DRB5*2 and HLA-DRB1*14 alleles in PTB patients suggest a likely association with progression to active PTB. The higher frequency of HLA-DRB3*1 allele among LTBI negative HHCs shows its likely protective role against M. tuberculosis infection in this population.

Glycemic Responses by Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Jaggery and Cane Sugar (Saccharum officinarum): A Comparative Study

Aim: Cane sugar (Saccharum officinarum) and (Cocos nucifera) jaggery are prominent sweeteners. The aim of the this study is to evaluate Glycemic Indices (GI) of cane sugar and coconut jaggery using healthy human subjects.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted as a collaborative project with Coconut Research Institute Sri Lanka and National Hospital Colombo Sri Lanka, between 2019 to 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Starch fractions (Total starch - TS, Resistant starch – RS and Digestible starch – DS) and sugar profile of two test foods were analyzed. Thirty six (n=36) healthy volunteers were recruited and were subjected to health screening. Fifty grams of digestible carbohydrate containing test food portions were given for each subject who had been fasting for 8 - 12 hours. Intravenous blood samples were collected to analyze blood glucose concentration and GI of food.&#x0D; Results: Cane sugar contained high percentages of TS (95.86 ± 1.58%), DS (95.73 ± 1.59%) and RS was just 0.13± 0.02%. Coconut jaggery contained a lower percentage of sucrose (76.12±1.62%) and glucose (5.22±0.11%). Healthy volunteers (25.95±3.62 years) whom were having healthy fasting blood glucose concentrations (73.54±8.89 mg/dl) and HbA1c (5.05±0.35 %) were tested with glucose, and the two test foods.&#x0D; Conclusions: There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) between blood glucose response curves and GI of coconut jaggery (65.19±36.53) and cane sugar (60.76±35.80), where both can be considered as moderate GI sweeteners.

Carboxypeptidase U (TAFIa) Is Rapidly Activated and Deactivated Following Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy in Stroke Patients.

The antifibrinolytic enzyme carboxypeptidase U (CPU, TAFIa, CPB2) is an appealing target for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Increased insights in CPU activation and inactivation during thrombolysis (rtPA) with or without endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) are required to develop CPU inhibitors as profibrinolytic agents with optimal benefits/risks. Therefore, CPU kinetics during ischemic stroke treatment were evaluated. AIS patients with documented cerebral artery occlusion receiving rtPA (N = 20) or rtPA + EVT (N = 16) were included. CPU activation during thrombolysis was measured by an ultrasensitive HPLC-based CPU activity method and by an ELISA measuring both CPU and inactivated CPU (CPU + CPUi). Intravenous blood samples were collected at admission and throughout the first 24h. Additional in situ blood samples were collected in the rtPA + EVT cohort proximal from the thrombus. The NIHSS score was determined at baseline and 24h. CPU activity and CPU + CPUi levels increased upon rtPA administration and reached peak values at the end of thrombolysis (1h). High inter-individual variability was observed in both groups. CPU activity decreased rapidly within 3h, while CPU + CPUi levels were still elevated at 7h. CPU activity or CPU + CPUi levels were similar in in situ and peripheral samples. No correlation between CPU or CPU + CPUi and NIHSS or thrombus localization was found. The CPU system was rapidly activated and deactivated following thrombolysis and thrombectomy in stroke patients, suggesting that a CPU inhibitor would have to be administered during rtPA infusion and over the next few hours. The high CPU generation variability suggests that some patients may not respond to the treatment. EudraCT number2017-002760-41.

Attitudes of Health Care Professionals on Parental Presence During Invasive Procedures and Resuscitation: A Cross-sectional Study in Eastern Nepal

Introduction: Trends are changing to allow parents and families to be with their child during invasive procedures. Because of the intense workload, there is a tendency to overlook the parents’ feelings. Attitudes of physicians and nurses are the common obstacles for this.&#x0D; Objective: To determine health care professionals’ attitudes toward parental presence during invasive procedures.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the health professionals in the department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine of a tertiary care center in Eastern Nepal. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee of the institute. Total sample size was 112 (83 nursing staff and 29 physicians). Attitudes of physicians and nursing staff towards parental presence during various invasive procedures were recorded in the predesigned proforma. Data was entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS version 21.0. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, independent t-test and one-way ANNOVA were used for data analysis at p&lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: Simple procedures like intravenous blood sampling and the simple wound repair or suture majority of the health professionals (71.1% to 79.3%) agreed for parental presence. Other major procedures including resuscitations, majority (69.0 % to 85.5%) disagreed for the parental presence. The most important factors considered was the child’s request (62.1% to 80.7%) for parental presence. The major likely reason for declining was unjustly blaming the medical staff for common/ simple complications (69.9%). Only for the simple wound repair, statistically significant differences were noted between the physicians and the nursing staff (p= 0.033) on the basis of years of experiences where the physicians preferred for the parental presence.&#x0D; Conclusion: Both the physicians and the nursing staff preferred not to allow the parents in the major invasive procedures including resuscitations whereas when the level of invasiveness decreased, the rate of approval increased in both the groups.

Assessment of BNP and BDNF results in elective endovascular cerebral aneurysm treatment.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels increase with an increase in intracranial pressure. A decrease in BNP levels has been found to be associated with patient positive prognosis. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels decrease in patients with acute stroke. To compare the BNP and BDNF values in serum before and after elective endovascular cerebral aneurysm treatment (ECAT). A total of 50 patients who underwent elective ECAT were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were determined to be history of heart failure or heart attack (n = 8), renal failure (n = 5), subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 4), or previous aneurysm clip procedure (n = 3). Intravenous blood samples were obtained from 30 patients who underwent elective ECAT before and after treatment. After centrifugation, the BNP and BDNF values in serum were obtained with the ELISA method and compared. This study included 19 female and 11 male patients, aged between 24 and 75years. The average age of the patients was 51.27 ± 13.31years. The median BDNF values did not change significantly after ECAT (before the endovascular procedure: 3.1 ± 1.3pg/dl; after the endovascular procedure: 2.8 ± 0.9pg/dl, p = 0.16). Median BNP levels decreased significantly after ECAT (before the endovascular procedure: 617.50 ± 483.11pg/ml; after the endovascular procedure: 395.00 ± 352.15pg/ml, p < 0.001). After elective endovascular cerebral aneurysm treatment, the BNP values in serum decreased significantly, and the BDNF values in serum did not change significantly.

The effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids on DNA damage in bodybuilders’ blood lymphocytes

Background Nowadays bodybuilders use anabolic steroids frequently. Abuse of these substances can cause significant side effects; therefore, we aim to investigate the effect of anabolic steroids on DNA damage in bodybuilders’ blood lymphocytes. Methods and materials This case-control study was performed on 36 male bodybuilders in Gonabad. The case group included bodybuilders with a history of taking anabolic-androgenic steroids (n = 18), and the control group composed of bodybuilders who did not use anabolic-androgenic steroids (n = 18). Intravenous blood samples were obtained and then the lymphocytes, cells and electrophoresis of blood were extracted. Afterward, the coloured slides and DNA damage were measured using a fluorescent microscope and CometScore software. The DNA damage was compared using t-tests . Results Results showed that there was no significant difference between age, marital status, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the case and control group. However, parameters related to the DNA damage including tail length, percent tail DNA, and tail moment were significantly higher in the case group. Conclusion The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids increases DNA damage in the bodybuilders’ blood lymphocytes.

Malaria Prevalence and Its Demographic Determinants in Oyigbo Local Governement Area, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of malaria and how demographic factors influence malaria parasite transmission among persons attending primary health care facilities in Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Intra-venous blood samples were obtained from 190 participants who enrolled for the study. These blood samples were stored in ethylene diamine tetra acetate bottles (EDTA) and used to make thick and thin films for malaria parasite detection using standard parasitological techniques (Cheesbrough 1998). Questionnaires were administered to the participants to obtain their demographic data. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 and presented using descriptive statistics. Chi-square was used to obtain level of significance (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Results: Of the 190 persons examined, 109 were positive, giving a prevalence of 57.4%. Plasmodium falciparum was the only malaria parasite observed. Females 67 (59.82%) were more affected than males 42 (53.84%) but this difference was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). Age group 41-50 and those with Secondary education had higher prevalence. The difference observed in these groups was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Artisans had the highest prevalence whereas the unemployed had the least prevalence. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Demographic factors have been shown to influence malaria transmission. Therefore, malaria control efforts should be intensified, taking into cognizance, the role of demographic factors in transmission.

Effectiveness of Flippits and Virtual Reality Therapy on Pain and Anxiety Among Children Undergoing Painful Procedures.

IntroductionPain experienced by children during painful procedures may cause stress, fear, and anxiety. Currently, a number of interventions are used to reduce pain perception during medical procedures and distraction therapy is one of the most commonly used interventions.MethodA randomized control trial was conducted among 105 children aged between three years and 12 years undergoing painful procedures such as intravenous cannulation, blood sampling, and injections to evaluate the effect of flippits and virtual reality therapy (VRT) on pain and anxiety. Through a computerized random approach, 35 samples were allotted to each group. Experimental group -1 received VRT, experimental group -2 received flippit (distraction card) therapy during painful procedures, and the control group received the conventional intervention. Standard tools were used to assess the pain and anxiety.ResultTotal 128 children were admitted to the ward and 23 were not included in the study for various reasons. Total 105 children undergone randomization to three groups, 35 in each group. All were analyzed for primary and secondary outcomes. After adjusting for confounding factors using multiple logistic regression, it was found that pain scores of VRT and flippit groups were less than the control group (aOR, 95% CI 0.635, 0.504-0.799, P = 0.000 and aOR, 95% CI 0.705, 0.572-0.868, P = 0.001, respectively) and no difference was observed between VRT and Flippit group (aOR, 95% CI; 0.901, 0.723 - 1.123, P 0.353). Flippit group perceived less intensity of pain compared to control group (aOR, 95% CI 0.542, 0.322-0.912, P = 0.021) and children received VRT perceived less intensity of pain than both control and flippit groups of children (aOR, 95% CI 0.258, 0.132-0.503, P = 0.000 and aOR, 95% CI 0.476, 0.252-0.900, respectively). Children received VRT and flippit therapy perceived less anxiety compared to control group (aOR, 95% CI 0.589, 0.348-0.999, P = 0.050 and aOR, 95% CI 0.385, 0.217-0.682, P = 0.001, respectively). But, there was no difference between VRT and flippit groups (aOR, 95% CI 1.532, 0.940-2.498, P = 0.087).ConclusionFlippit therapy and virtual reality therapy were better than conventional therapy in reducing the perception of anxiety and pain in children, aged three to 12 years, undergone painful procedures. Virtual reality therapy had an edge over flippit therapy in reducing the worst hurt.

Aedes aegypti as potential vector of filariasis in Pekalongan, Central Java Province, Indonesia

Background: The filariasis elimination program in Indonesia has been conducted, but new cases and some chronic cases are still often found. Objective: This study aims to determine levels of endemicity and to identify filarial worm species in filariasis cases and s and their surrounding communities by using microscopic examination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and to examine levels of infection in vectors mosquito by surgery and PCR. Also to to determine that Ae. aegypti can act as vector of filariasis. Methods: This study was conducted at 10 locations in Pekalongan Regency, Central Java Province, with a cross sectional design. Intravenous blood sampling was conducted on 102 respondents consisting of 10 elephantiasis patients and 92 non-elephantiasis patients at night, starting at 8 pm, then examined microscopically and PCR. Mosquitoes in this study were collected by using a human landing collection method for 12 hours from 6 pm to 6 am by volunteers. Artificial infection of microfilaria W. bancrofti was held against Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae.aegypti from laboratory collection. Results: Results of this study found that there were 5.729 of mosquitos, consisting of 8 species, namely Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex vishnui, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles subpictus, Anopheles vagus, and Armigeres kesseli. Microfilarial (mf) rate was 0.89%, and and the blood PCR showed infection rate of 3.92% and the blood PCR showed infection rate of 3.92%. No larva was found in female mosquito dissection. The PCR results showed that the infection rate was 9.10% in Ae. aegypty pool respectively. Artificial infection results was negative both dissecting microscopis and PCR. Conclusion: This study revealed that the locations were low of filariasis endemicity. The mf rate was less than 1%, and there was a moderate density to high density of microfilaria in the patients. The low level of infection rates in mosquito is suggested as an alert to its potential transmission.

Evaluation of Methylation at Promoter Regions of Long Non-coding RNAs in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Introduction Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a fetal hematologic disorder that is mostly observed in children. Both B and T lymphocytes have been reported to play a role in ALL etiology. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are large regulatory molecules with more than 200 nucleotides that participate in various cellular processes. Methylation at the promoter regions of these regulatory molecules has been reported to vary between ALL patients and healthy controls. This study aimed to evaluate methylation status at promoter regions of lncRNAs between these two groups. Methods In the current study, 80 ALL patients and 80 healthy controls were enrolled. The intravenous blood samples were obtained from all patients and controls. The extracted DNA from blood samples underwent sodium bisulfite treatment. Thereafter, methylation levels in the promoter regions of lncRNAs RP11-137H2.4, RP11-624c23.1, RP11-203E8, RP11-446E9, and RP11-68118.10 were evaluated using methylation specific‑high resolution melting (MS‑HRM). Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to examine the sensitivity and specificity of the tests. Results The methylation levels of all studied lncRNAs including RP11-137H2.4 (P =0.001837), RP11-624c23.1 (P = 0.000003), RP11-203E8 (P = 0.000092), RP11-446E9 (P = 0.02447), and RP11-68118.10 (P =0.000086) were significantly increased. ROC curve analysis also showed that all lncRNAs could be used as diagnostic markers. Conclusion This study showed that methylation alterations of lncRNAs could be considered as novel biomarkers for early detection of ALL. Furthermore, owing to the possible role of studied lncRNAs as tumor suppressors, they could be reliable treatment targets for methylation modifications. Further research is still required to elucidate the role of these lncRNAs in ALL etiology.

Comparison of the effect of foot reflexology and body massage on physiological indicators and bilirubin levels in neonates under phototherapy

BackgroundHyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common problems in infancy in the world. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of foot therapy and body massage on physiological indicators and bilirubin levels in infants under phototherapy. MethodsThis study was a randomized clinical trial that conducted on 51 infants with jaundice at Imam Hussein Pediatrics’ Medical Center, Goldis Hospital in Isfahan (Iran). The samples randomly assigned to first intervention (reflexology), second intervention (body massage) and control groups using the block randomization. In the reflexology group, the relevant area on each foot was massaged for 15 min in a relaxed position. In the massage body group, the limbs were massaged with circular motion. The massage was performed once a day for 15 min and the control group did not receive any intervention. Physiological indicators were monitored using vital sign monitoring tools, and blood bilirubin levels were measured photo metrically (intravenous blood samples from the wrist). Finally, the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and SPSS software version 18. ResultsThe results showed that before the intervention there was no significant difference in the mean of physiological indicators and bilirubin level between the three groups (p > 0.05), but after the intervention the average percentage of arterial oxygen saturation and bilirubin levels were significantly improved in the intervention groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05), while the mean of heart rate and respiration rate between the three groups were not significant (p > 0.05). ConclusionThe results showed that reflexology and massage therapy can be effective in improving the condition of physiological indicators and blood bilirubin levels.

Evaluating Prevalence and Misdiagnosis of Plasmodium Using Microscopy Compared With Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: The accurate diagnosis of etiologic agents of diseases, including Plasmodium species, is a major challenge to effective control programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria misdiagnosis hinders prompt treatment of infected patients, which increases malaria morbidities and mortalities. Objectives: A study to evaluate the prevalence and misdiagnosis of Plasmodium species using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in two tertiary care hospitals in Rivers State was conducted. Methods: A cross-sectional randomized study involving 2,000 participants (age and sex were noted) was conducted from January 2016 to December 2017, and only patients arriving in the Outpatient Clinic of the selected tertiary care hospitals were recruited for this study. Intravenous blood samples (5 mL) were collected from all study participants and analyzed for the presence of Plasmodium species using Giemsa-microscopy and Real-time PCR technique. All data generated were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square test. A P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The only species of Plasmodium observed in this study was Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), and the overall prevalence in the study was 37.65% and 34.0% for microscopy and PCR, respectively (P &gt; 0.05). Microscopy had a 3.5% variation and misdiagnosis of 5.5% compared with PCR. P. falciparum misdiagnosis according to age was 6.6%, 4.8%, 3.2%, 7.3% and 6.7% for age groups 0-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31- 40, and &gt; 40, respectively while males and females had P. falciparum misdiagnosis of 6.9% and 4.5%, respectively (P &gt; 0.05). Microscopy had sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 95.8%, 94.3%, and 94.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Microscopy remains the gold standard for Plasmodium species diagnosis, and suspected malaria cases should be confirmed with an efficient laboratory diagnosis before treatment to prevent misdiagnosis or antimalarial drug resistance.

Spectrum of Haemoglobinopathies in Sikh population of Bangalore: A pilot study

Objectives: To study the burden of different Hemoglobinopathies in the Sikh community of Bangalore. To study their patterns on gel electrophoresis (EPH) and compare the results with hematological parameters and peripheral smear. To confirm the results by cation exchange- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (CE-HPLC) wherever necessary. Materials and Methods: A prospective pilot study was conducted on one hundred and fifty one cases who visited Gurudwara for a regular visit every Sunday. About 2-3 ml. intravenous blood samples were collected after obtaining informed consent from each individual. Background data of each individual were recorded like age, sex, caste, place of origin, consanguinity, etc. Hematological indices were measured using MS4 Cell Counter. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was carried out for the quantification of A2 fraction of hemoglobin by elution method. The use of high performance liquid chromatography is used to separate and quantify abnormal haemoglobin (Hb) fractions that were inseparable on Gel electrophoresis. Results: Most common hemoglobinopathies observed were β?thalassemia trait (5.3%), thalassemia major (0.6%), Hb D trait (1.9%), HbD-β?thalassemia (0.6%), sickle cell trait (0.6%), HbQ disease (0.6%). Conclusions: Proper screening camps and counselling needs to be done on the population at risk about awareness and detection of heterozygous carriers; to prevent the birth of homozygous Beta Thalassemia Major Child. Keywords: Sikh population, Hemoglobinopathies, Electrophoresis, High Power Liquid Chromatography.

The Role of Sex in Malaria-COVID19 Coinfection and Some Associated Factors in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Objectives Data on the coinfection of malaria and COVID-19 is highly limited especially in Africa due to the novel nature of the pandemic COVID-19. Malaria and COVID-19 share striking similarities in their symptoms. A cross-sectional randomized study was conducted to investigate the role of sex in the coinfection of malaria and COVID-19 as well as some associated factors in Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods Ethical approval was obtained from the Rivers State Health and Ethics Committee before the commencement of this study, and the study was conducted at the COVID-19 Treatment Center Medical Laboratory, Rivers State, Nigeria. Intravenous blood samples from three hundred randomly selected consenting study participants were examined for Plasmodium species using Giemsa microscopy, while pretested questionnaires were used to obtain data on sex, risk factors, and symptoms. All data generated were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test with a P < 0.05 value considered significant. Results All study participants had Plasmodium species (100% prevalence) with varying parasite loads, and P. falciparum was the only species observed. Study participants (irrespective of sex) with low and high parasitaemia had the highest and least prevalence, respectively (P > 0.05). Male study participants experienced more symptoms than females (P > 0.05) except for sore throat which had an equal value among males and females. Travel history was the only risk factor that showed significant association with sex, and males had a higher value than females (P < 0.05). Conclusion Malaria and COVID-19 are major public health issues in Nigeria; more researches on these diseases especially in epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine production are vital.