ABO Blood Group Research Articles

Analysis of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in 100 pregnant women with Rh-negative blood type

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore variations in prenatal care, delivery methods, influencing factors, and neonatal outcomes among Rh-negative pregnant women, so as to improve pregnancy healthcare for this demographic, raise the quality of maternal–fetal management, and safeguard the health of both mother and infant.MethodsThis study included 200 women who received routine prenatal care, exhibited no other pregnancy complications, and were admitted for delivery. They were divided into an observation group (100 Rh-negative blood type) and a control group (100 Rh-positive blood type). The study examined differences in pregnancy management, clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes between the two groups.ResultsThe results indicated that singleton pregnancies in Rh-negative mothers are associated with significantly higher rates of postpartum blood loss (305.1 ± 183.8 vs. 246.1 ± 84.9 mL, P = 0.004), neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (39% vs. 23%, P = 0.014), low birth weight (11% vs. 2%, P = 0.01), and NICU admission (30% vs. 18%, P = 0.046) compared to the control group. Among Rh-negative mothers, subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed a higher incidence of fetal distress in the other ethnic groups compared to the Han and Zhuang groups (16.7%, 0, 6.5%, respectively, P = 0.025). Subgroup analysis based on ABO blood type within Rh-negative mothers did not show any statistical significance in various outcomes (all P > 0.05). Infants with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia born to Rh-negative mothers experienced a quicker resolution of hyperbilirubinemia compared to those whose mothers did not receive intramuscular anti-D immunoglobulin [1.0 (1.0, 1.5) vs. 5.0 (1.5, 10.0), P = 0.002].ConclusionsThe Rh-negative blood type is linked to higher risks of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, low birth weight, and increased postpartum hemorrhage, resulting in detrimental pregnancy outcomes. Administering anti-D immunoglobulin speeds up the resolution of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Thus, prudent and efficient use of anti-D immunoglobulin can mitigate adverse outcomes for both mothers and newborns.

The Plasma Proteome and Risk of Future Venous Thromboembolism-Results from the HUNT Study.

This study aimed to identify novel plasma proteins associated with first-lifetime venous thromboembolism (VTE) and molecular pathways involved in VTE pathogenesis. A case-cohort comprising incident VTE cases (n = 294) and a randomly sampled age- and sex-weighted subcohort (n = 1,066) was derived from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3, n = 50,800). Blood samples were collected and stored at cohort inclusion (2006-2008), and participants were followed up to 5 years. Proteome-wide analyses was performed using the 7k SomaScan® proteomics platform, and weighted Cox-regression models adjusted for age, sex, and sample batch were conducted, with the Bonferroni method applied to account for multiple testing. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were applied on the top-ranked 200 proteins associated with VTE. Out of 7,288 human proteins, 7 proteins were significantly associated with higher VTE risk with p-value <6.9 × 10-6 (hazard ratios per 1 standard deviation increase in protein levels ranging from 1.39 to 1.86). Except for coagulation factor VIII and tumor necrosis factor soluble receptor II, these proteins were novel associations and included collagen alpha-3(VI):BPTI/Kunitz inhibitor, histo-blood group ABO system transferase, peroxidasin, human epididymis protein 4, and regulator of G protein signaling 3. KEGG analyses of the top-ranked 200 proteins revealed significant pathway enrichment of nine proteins in the complement (mainly lectin pathway) and coagulation (mainly intrinsic pathway) cascades. Our proteome-wide analysis led to discovery of five novel protein candidates associated with 5-year risk of future VTE. KEGG analyses supported an interplay between the complement and coagulation pathways in the pathogenesis of VTE.

The Use of Novel Therapies in the Management of Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN): Scientific Impact Paper No. 75.

Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is a rare condition that causes a baby to develop anaemia while growing inside the woman; or after birth. Left untreated, this may lead to stillbirth or neonatal death. HDFN is caused when the pregnant woman's antibodies cross the placenta, enter the baby's circulation, and attach to proteins called antigens (inherited from the father) on the baby's haemoglobin containing red blood cells, and cause them to break apart, causing fetal anaemia. Women routinely have their blood tested at the start of pregnancy to assess their ABO blood group and Rh antigens. There are five main Rhesus antigens: D, C, c, E, e; with anti-D being responsible for most cases of HDFN. If a woman is found to be Rh D negative; a 'non-invasive' blood test is performed to assess if the fetal blood group is the same as the woman's. If a woman is found to be Rh D negative, and the baby is found to be D positive, the baby is at risk. This is because the baby has inherited the D antigen from the father; so-called Rhesus incompatibility. Other red blood cell antibodies such as anti-Kell or anti-Duffy can also cause fetal anaemia. Women at highest risk of developing HDFN are those who have had at least one previous birth or a sensitising event (such as abdominal trauma) in a current or previous pregnancy, causing the woman and baby's blood to mix. Current treatment for haemolytic disease of the fetus involves giving fetal blood transfusions, with a small risk of early labour or pregnancy loss. If anaemia develops later in pregnancy, early delivery of the baby may be recommended; which could lead to complications of prematurity. In cases of mild HDFN, the baby may only require light therapy for neonatal jaundice. However, if the anaemia occurs earlier in pregnancy and is severe, the baby may need blood transfusions while still in the womb - and after birth may require an exchange transfusion, to remove the woman's antibodies from their circulation and to treat the anaemia. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a potential non-invasive method to prevent or delay the onset of severe anaemia. It is a blood product given intravenously every week to women who have been deemed at very high risk of early onset HDFN. It can be started at the end of the first trimester until birth, or until anaemia develops. This paper will discuss the evidence behind IVIG and other novel therapies during pregnancy, including the risks and the benefits. The developers of the paper include obstetricians, neonatologists and haematologists to provide different opinions on this topic.

ABO Blood Groups, Rhesus Factor, and Rheumatoid Arthritis

The ABO and Rhesus blood group systems play critical roles in clinical practice, particularly concerning their associations with autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ABO blood types, Rh factors, and RA in a Georgian population. A total of 157 participants were included, comprising 93 RA patients and 64 healthy controls. Blood samples were analyzed for ABO and Rh D blood group determination, revealing that blood type O was the most prevalent among RA patients (50.5%), followed by type A (35.5%), while the control group exhibited similar distributions (O: 54.7%, A: 34.4%). The Rh factor analysis indicated a slightly higher prevalence of Rh-positive individuals in the RA group (84 patients) compared to Rh-negative individuals (9 patients). The overall distribution of blood types in RA patients closely mirrored that of the general population, indicating no significant link between ABO blood types and RA. Further research is warranted to explore these associations and their implications for RA pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

Is there a correlation between A, B, and O blood group system and dental anxiety in pediatric dental patients? An observational study.

Anxiety and fear are significant challenges in pediatric dentistry, often leading to avoidance of dental treatment. Some studies suggest a potential link between the dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene and the ABO gene. As ABO blood group type is determined genetically, it could serve as a bioindicator for assessing the impact of genetics on personality traits. The association between blood types and personality characteristics has long been debated. Eighty eligible children, meeting the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in the study. Blood group data were obtained from parents/guardians. Dental anxiety assessment was done using the RMS-Picture scale and pulse oximeter. The collected data were analyzed statistically. The study found no correlation between dental anxiety and ABO blood grouping.

The link between ABO and Rh(D) blood groups with transfusion-transmitted infections in a public blood center in a Brazilian metropolitan area

The link between ABO and Rh(D) blood groups with transfusion-transmitted infections in a public blood center in a Brazilian metropolitan area

Relationship between ABO Blood Groups and Rh Factor with COVID-19 in Nineveh Governorate

ABO blood types and the Rh factor have recently been linked to an increased risk of developing the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in individuals of different ethnic backgrounds. The conducted current study aimed to comprehend the relationship between this polymorphic apparatus and illness risk in Nineveh patients and healthy individuals. Recovery or death and two COVID-19 outcomes were also investigated. Many individuals including COVID-19 Nineveh patients had their ABO blood type and Rh factors determined. Thus, four groups (under therapy, rehabilitative, death, and healthy donors) were created from the research samples. The diagnosis kit RNA (PCR-Fluorescence Probing) was used to diagnose 2019 novel coronavirus (2019nCoV) for patients. The data was gathered from hospital records. The purpose of this study was to highlight significant data related to COVID-19 patients’ infection, symptoms and prognosis with respect to ABO blood type and Rh factor. Results of the current study included links between Rh factor and ABO blood types with increased infection potential, longer incubation times and fatal acute outcomes. Knowing that COVID-19 predisposing factors might help with patient survival, illness treatment and studying viral path physiology. A total of 2480 samples were ،distributed to control group and hospitalized patients with definite COVID-19 infection in isolation in the hospital in Mosul City for the period between 2nd December 2021 and 5th March 2022. The blood samples were obtained from patients and healthy donors by using kit for blood type identification, while the blood types of the deceased were taken from the hospital records. Several statistical tests were also conducted to find out the differences between the aforementioned groups. ANOVA was performed to investigate the correlation of ABO blood types with incidence of COVID-19 patients. The variables adopted in the analysis were age and sex. The study found that the difference between the association of each blood group with that of cases was significantly correlated (p = 0.00001). Out of total 975 patients 30.2% had blood group A, 27.3% had group B, 26.8% had group O and 15.7% had blood group AB. The study found that the number of recovered patients in 18-30 years age group was not significant among male and female population, while number of patients in other age groups in both male and female patients who finally recovered, was significantly lesser among patients with blood groups A and AB. There was a significant number of patients with blood group B in all the age groups except 31-35 years old. The study concluded that blood group B patients were severely affected by COVID-19.

Assessing Abo and Kell Blood Group Phenotypes and Antigens in Donated Blood Units at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Assessing Abo and Kell Blood Group Phenotypes and Antigens in Donated Blood Units at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Association of ABO blood group with risk of coronary stent thrombosis

BackgroundABO blood group's influence on cardiovascular risk, particularly in venous thromboembolism and coronary artery disease (CAD), is well-studied, with non-O blood groups associated with heightened CAD risk. However, its impact on stent thrombosis remains an unexplored area, prompting the question of whether ABO blood groups are also associated with risk of early stent thrombosis. ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to analyze the impact of ABO blood groups on the occurrence of early (≤30 days) stent thrombosis. MethodsThe study included 10,714 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with implantation of drug-eluting stents (DES) at a tertiary care hospital. Among these, 78 patients (0.73 %) experienced early stent thrombosis. Propensity score matching was conducted using cardiovascular risk factors and predictors of stent thrombosis, including age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterinemia, and clinical presentation. ResultsThe presence of non-0 blood groups (blood groups A, B and AB; OR 1.48; 95 % CI 0.74–2.97; p = 0.27) and of A-antigen (blood groups A, AB; OR 0.93; 95 % CI 0.51–1.84; p = 0.89) was not associated early stent thrombosis, respectively. In contrast, patients with B-antigen (blood groups B, AB) were at higher risk of early stent thrombosis as compared to patients with blood group 0 (OR 2.48; 95 % CI 1.08–5.69; p = 0.019). ConclusionThe presence of blood group antigen B (blood groups B and AB) emerged as a significant factor associated with early stent thrombosis. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the specific biological mechanisms through which ABO blood group antigens could influence stent thrombosis.

HLA Compatibility and Graft Survival Rates Among Related and Unrelated Donors in Renal Transplantation

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility between donors and recipients plays a critical role in graft survival in renal transplantation. This study evaluates the impact of HLA mismatching on graft survival and rejection among renal transplant patients with related and unrelated donors, considering factors such as age, sex, ABO blood type, and anti-HLA antibodies. We investigated graft survival rates between related and unrelated donors in a prospective cohort study conducted from 2018 to 2020 at Cho Ray Hospital and People's Hospital 115 in Vietnam, involving 126 related and 82 unrelated donor-recipient pairs. Over a 32-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in the rates of suspected graft rejection (p=0.75) or graft loss (p=0.095) between the two groups. However, related donors exhibited significantly higher overall survival (p=0.0086) and better event-free survival (p=0.0025) compared to unrelated donors. HLA matching and ABO type did not show any association with suspected graft rejection in either group. Notably, unrelated donors older than five years increased the risk of suspected graft rejection (HR=4.22), and positive anti-HLA antibodies also increased this risk (HR=4.5). Conversely, male-male donor-recipient pairs significantly reduced the risk of graft rejection by 88% compared to female-female pairs. The study concludes that while HLA matching is not difference for related and unrelated donor groups, factors such as donor age, same-sex pairs, and the presence of anti-HLA antibodies are significant risk factors for graft rejection in unrelated donors. Enhancing monitoring and developing strategies for unrelated donors are essential to improve graft survival outcomes in renal transplantation.

Gene Frequency and Prevalence of ABO and Rh D Blood Group Systems among Libyan Donors and Patients of Jabal Nafusa Region, Libya

The ABO and Rh D/d blood group systems have significant medical and genetic importance. In Libya, several studies had been conducted on the distribution of the ABO and Rh D/d blood group systems in different regions of the country. However, there are many regions in Libya that have not yet been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the gene frequency and prevalence of ABO and Rh D/d blood group systems among Libyan donors and patients of Jabal Nafusa region in Zintan, Alrujban, and Jadu cities north western of Libya; in addition to Tripoli city. This was a retrospective study that included only Libyans attending the Central Blood Bank in Zintan, Alrujban Clinic in Alrujban, Jadu Medical Analysis Laboratory in Jadu, and Al-Khadra Hospital in Tripoli. The ABO grouping and the Rh typing was done by the standard slide method using commercial blood grouping anti-A, anti-B and anti-D. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium law. The overall results of this study show that the most prevalent ABO blood group was O (33.68%), followed by A (26.27%), B (21.31%), and AB (18.74%); which cluster into three categories: O&gt;A&gt;B&gt;AB (Zintan and Alrujban cluster), A&gt;O&gt;B&gt;AB (Tripoli cluster), O&gt;AB&gt;B&gt;A (Jadu cluster). The highest prevalence of A+ (29.35%), B+ (19.73%) and A- (8.74%), B- (9.47%) was found in Tripoli and Jadu, respectively. Jadu had the highest prevalence of AB+ (14.86%) and AB- (11.37%). The highest percentage of O+ (46.92%) and Rh D+ (91.64%), O- (12.97%) and Rh d- (42.56%) was observed in Zintan and Jadu, respectively. The occurrence of considerable percentages of O- and AB- blood groups in Jadu indicated significant medical implications for healthcare blood transfusion services. The gene frequency of ABO and Rh D for A, B, O, D+, and d- alleles respectively are: 0.1795, 0.1025, 0.7180, 0.7109, and 0.2891 in Zintan; 0.2013, 0.0762, 0.7225, 0.5817, and 0.4183 in Alrujban; 0.1860, 0.1892, 0.6248, 0.3476, and 0.6525 in Jadu; 0.2693, 0.1885, 0.5422, 0.5660, and 0.4340 in Tripoli. Significant difference in ABO and Rh D allele frequencies was found in Jadu, which indicated that Jadu’s population is not in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. This is the first study that documents the gene frequency for ABO and Rh D alleles and their prevalence of Jabal Nafusa region in Libya. The data in this study are of great importance to blood banks, blood transfusion services, genetics and anthropological studies in Libya.

Antigen Presentation in an Artificial and Cell Membrane: Blood Group A Glycan Recognition.

Glycosphingolipids (GSL) are functionally important components of the cell membrane and recognition of their glycan "head" by the immune system is a key part of normal and pathological processes. Recognition of glycolipid antigens on a living cell, their structure, "context" (microenvironment and clustering), presentation including orientation and distance from the plasma membrane, as well as molecular dynamics are important. GSL antigens are targets for the development of anticancer vaccines and therapeutic antibodies, therefore, control of the presentation of their glycans by synthetic methods opens up new possibilities in medicine. In this work, we synthesized 13 GSL analogues as function-spacer-lipids (FSLs) with the same head (blood group A tetrasaccharide, ABO system) but each either differing in the structure of the lipid tail, or the length of the region between the head and the tail, or cluster organization of the head (from 2 to 4 tetrasaccharides in a cluster). The insertion of these FSLs into an artificial and erythrocyte membranes was compared, and their interaction with antibodies was studied, including erythrocyte agglutination. The results give further insight into knowledge of the membrane presentation of GSLs (some results can be extrapolated to glycoproteins) and factors involved in their interaction with antibodies.

Relation Between Anemia and ABO Blood Group in Pregnant Women: Retrospective Observational Study in Tobruk, Libya

Anemia is one of the most common complications related to pregnancy. Normal physiologic changes in pregnancy affect the hemoglobin (Hb), and there is a relative or absolute reduction in Hb concentration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of anemia among pregnant women and its relation to blood group and occurrence of anemia, so that preventive measures can be taken to combat anemia in women who are more susceptible to it. The retrospective study was conducted on 2469 pregnant who are in the age group of 18-45 years in Tobruk Medical Center. Blood samples were determined using tube method using antisera A, B and D and the Hemoglobin concentration analysis was estimated using Sysmex XP-300. In our study we found that women with blood group A+ and O+ (36%) were more prone for anemia, followed by B+ (20%), AB+ (7 %). Chi-square value exhibited 26.538 with a p-value of 0.143 which was showing non-significant (&gt; 0.05) association between anemia and all blood groups. We can conclude that pregnant with blood groups A and O were more prone to anemia followed by blood group B and least with blood group AB. Additional research is required to determine the causes and related factors of anemia among pregnant women. The exact mechanisms behind the relationship between ABO blood group and anemia are not fully understood. However, it is hypothesized that the antibodies produced by different blood groups may interact with red blood cells in ways that impact their lifespan or production. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing targeted interventions to manage anemia in pregnant women, ensuring better maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Association of ABO and RH Blood Group with Dengue Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rawalpindi

Association of ABO and RH Blood Group with Dengue Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rawalpindi

IMMUNOLOGICAL REACTIVITY AND REACTIVE RESPONSE OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD NEUTROPHILIC GRANULOCYTES IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 DEPENDING ON THEIR BLOOD GROUP

At the onset of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a potential link between ABO blood type and susceptibility to the disease was reported. The evidence supporting this link is strengthening as the volume and quality of research expand. Recently, interest has shifted from merely examining susceptibility to exploring the severity of the disease and the immune response characteristics of patients in relation to their blood groups. Objective: to investigate the immunological reactivity and reactive response of peripheral blood neutrophilic granulocytes in patients with COVID-19 patients based on their blood group. Materials and methods. This prospective study included 198 patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia of mild, moderate, and severe degrees. The cohort comprised 50.51% (100) men and 49.49% (98) women, with an average age of 54.18 ± 7.25 years (range: 18 to 80 years). The distribution of blood groups according to the ABO system was as follows: 0 (I) - 37.37% (74 patients), A (II) - 37.37% (74 patients), B (III) - 18.18% (36 patients), and AB (IV) - 7.07% (14 patients). The immunological reactivity and reactive response of neutrophilic granulocytes were assessed through the analysis of 14 integral leukocyte indices, including the leukocyte shift index, the ratio of the absolute number of leukocytes to the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), the lymphocyte-granulocyte index, the lymphocyte index, the index of immunological resistance, and reactivity, among others. Results. In moderate and severe coronavirus infection, the indices of cellular and total immune reactivity and resistance are significantly lower compared to mild coronavirus infection: 1.35-3.08 times (p≤0.042-0.001) for resistance, 2.02-3.87 times (p&lt;0.001) for reactivity, respectively, showing the highest activity among them in the owners of blood group 0 (I), with significantly lower values for A (Ⅱ), B (Ⅲ) and AB (Ⅳ) group variants by 3.94-19.10%. Whereas, with increasing severity of the disease, the reactive response of neutrophilic granulocytes, on the contrary, increases significantly compared to the mild degree: in moderate disease by 43.79-87.62% (p≤0.018-0.005), in severe disease by 1.62-2.11 times (p≤0.012-0.001), with the highest average value in AB (Ⅳ) blood group owners – by 46.69-68.44% (p≤0.017-0.005). Conclusions. The highest index of immunological reactivity is observed in individuals with blood group AB (IV) experiencing a mild clinical course of the disease. Conversely, the lowest index of immunological reactivity is found in patients with blood group A (II) who have a moderate clinical course. Additionally, the reactive response of neutrophilic granulocytes significantly increases in patients with a severe clinical course, with the highest average value recorded in those with blood group AB (IV).

Genetic analysis of a blood donor with combined FUT1 and ABO dual blood group gene variants resulting in para-Bombay and A2 subtype blood types and a literature review

To investigate the serological and molecular genetic characteristics of a voluntary blood donor with combined FUT1 and ABO blood group gene variants causing para-Bombay and A2 subtype, and to review relevant literature on para-Bombay blood types carrying alleles such as FUT101W.37 and FUT101W.23. A blood donor with para-Bombay and A2 subtype who participated in voluntary blood donation at the Dongguan Blood Center in August 2023 was selected as the study subject. Serological tests were performed to identify the ABO blood group, Lewis blood group antigens, and unexpected serum antibodies in the donor. Adsorption-elution test was conducted to detect trace antibodies in the blood donor's plasma to trace the A, B and H antigens on the red blood cell surface. Sanger sequencing was carried out to analyze the sequences of the FUT1 and ABO genes. Using keywords such as "para-Bombay" "FUT1*01W.37" and "FUT1*01W.23" both in Chinese and English, relevant literature on para-Bombay blood type subjects carrying FUT1*01W.37 and FUT1*01W.23 alleles was retrieved from the CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and PubMed databases, and the retrieval time was set as from the establishment of database to December 2022. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Dongguan Blood Center (No. 2022005), and informed consent of blood donation was obtained from the blood donor. Serological testing of the blood donor revealed inconsistent results between forward and reverse ABO blood typing, negative H antigen on the red blood cell surface, Le(a-b+) secretor type for Lewis blood group, and unexpected anti-H antibodies in the plasma, indicating a suspected para-Bombay type. Absorption-elution test suggested the blood type of the blood donor to be para-Bombay and A subtype. Sanger sequencing showed that the donor has harbored homozygous FUT1*(c.35T+c.803A)/(c.35T+c.803A) variant, with the FUT1*(c.35T+c.803A) allele containing a dual nucleotide variant unrecorded by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) FUT1 gene variant database, which was similar to the weakly functional allele of FUT101W. 37(c.803G>A) as recorded by the ISBT database. The ABO genotype was heterozygous ABOA2.05/O.01.02. Combining the results of serological and genetic testing, the blood type of the blood donor was determined to be para-Bombay and A2 subtypes. Literature review has identified a pregnant women from Qingdao carrying the FUT1*01W.37 allele and 2 individuals carrying a heterozygous FUT1*01W.23 allele. This study has discovered a blood donor with coexisting para-Bombay and ABO subtype blood groups. Based on the characteristics of red blood cell surface antigens, the FUT1*01W.37 as classified as an FUT1 null allele.

Upregulation of interferon gamma gene expression among asymptomatic malaria adults in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Despite concerted efforts, malaria remains a global public health problem. Treatment for asymptomatic malaria will reduce the health care burden of malaria. However evidence-based data for the presence of systemic pathology in asymptomatic malaria, which might inform treatment remains limited. The present study investigated the current prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in Bayelsa State, Nigeria and differences in interferon gamma (IFNγ) mRNA expression between asymptomatic malaria individuals (AMIs) and uninfected individuals (UIs), in relation to ABO blood groups and hemoglobin genotype (Hb) variants. A cross-sectional design was employed to randomly select 146 non-febrile participants from Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State. Plasmodium falciparum infection was determined using high-resolution melting analysis and participants were grouped into UIs and AMIs. Hb, blood groups, and IFNγ mRNA expression were determined using electrophoresis, agglutination, and real-time PCR method respectively. Logistic regression and t-test were used to determine significant differences between groups at p < 0.05. The current prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in Bayelsa State was found to be 89.73 %. Age and sex were associated with asymptomatic malaria (p < 0.05). Plasmodium falciparum DNA melt curves for AMIs aligned at 83.89 ± 0.34 °C, while the amplification cycle thresholds were below 30 cycles. Compared with UIs, the gene expression of IFNγ mRNA was significantly (p < 0.001) higher among AMIs. Also, among AMIs those with A, B, and AB blood groups expressed significantly higher levels of IFNγ mRNA compared with blood groups O AMIs. Furthermore, AMIs with HbAA expressed significantly higher levels of IFNγ mRNA compared with HbAS AMIs. The novelty of the present study is the demonstration of the existence of systemic pathology in asymptomatic malaria and the demonstration that the intensity of systemic pathology is dependent on blood types and haemoglobin genotype variants. Findings of the present study have implications for policy creation towards asymptomatic malaria treatment.

The relics of Jesus and Eucharistic miracles: scientific analysis of shared AB blood type.

Various relics ascribed to have been in physical contact with the historical Jesus of Nazareth have been evaluated for the presence of blood, including the Tunic of Argenteuil, the Sudarium of Oviedo, and most famously, the Shroud of Turin. Interestingly, the blood type on all three textiles was found to be AB by serological testing; a similar result was observed for various modern Eucharistic miracles, in which consecrated hosts are reported to change into human cardiac tissue and blood. As AB is a relatively rare blood type, these collective observations have been used in numerous contemporary media outlets to support the idea that all such objects share a common origin. Here, the scientific validity of mutual blood type expression is evaluated. As discussed, AB antigens are not unique to human red blood cells but are also expressed in bacteria, providing a practical connection between such varied objects. Moreover, this article clarifies that the communal presence of specific and unique polymorphic markers would be required to validate that bloodstains associated with such items truly originate from a single source.

An investigation into the contributing factors to survival of ARDS patients supported by veno-venous ECMO.

This study aimed to identify characteristics associated with survival during and post Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy, in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective observational study on 94 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19 induced ARDS supported by ECMO was carried out 49/94 (52.7%) patients survived to hospital discharge. Non-survivors were found to have significantly (p < .05) higher: Pre-ECMO International normalized ratios (INR), carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) scores and blood urea levels. Also, lower pre-ECMO peak inspiratory pressures (PIP), mean arterial pressure, saturation of arterial oxygen (SaO2), blood bicarbonate levels (HCO3), blood Ph and fewer trials off ECMO with shorter combined trial off times. Patients that did not survive were more likely to have renal impairment and have received peri-ECMO haemofiltration. Poor prognosis was significantly associated with: receiving pre-ECMO nitric oxide (HR = 3.047, CI = 1.247-7.447, p = .015), renal impairment (HR = 3.023, CI = 1.586-5.763, p < .001), AKI of 2 (HR = 3.611, CI = 1.382-9.441, p = .009) or 3 (HR = 3.275, CI = 1.235-8.685, p = .017), peri-ECMO haemofiltration (HR = 2.412, CI = 1.310-4.442, p = .005) and the ABO blood group B (HR = 3.103, CI = 1.335-7.212, p = .008). pre-ECMO high CO2 (HR = 1.134, CI = 1.031-1.248, p = .010), blood lactate (HR = 1.350, CI = 1.156-1.576, p < .001), INR (HR = 2.571, CI = 1.438-4.598, p=<0.001) and lower blood Ph (HR = 0.023, CI = 0.002-0.210, p < .001). Commonly used mortality scores may not be of use in a COVID-19 cohort of ECMO patients. The initiation of ECMO needs to be implemented prior to metabolic derangements, renal and fulminant respiratory failure.

Distribution of ABO Blood Groups and Rhesus Factor in Critical Care Patients and Its Association with Mortality and Morbidity

Distribution of ABO Blood Groups and Rhesus Factor in Critical Care Patients and Its Association with Mortality and Morbidity