Search Results (135)

Background: COVID-19 is associated with coagulopathy and increased mortality. The ABO blood group system has been implicated in modulating susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity, but its relationship with viral RNAemia, spike gene mutations, and thrombosis remains underexplored. Methods: We analyzed 446 hospitalized COVID-19 patients between 2021 and 2022. SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia was assessed via RT-qPCR on whole blood, and spike gene mutations were identified through whole-genome sequencing in RNAemia-positive samples. ABO blood groups were determined by agglutination testing, and thrombotic events were evaluated using coagulation markers. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and Kruskal–Wallis tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: RNAemia was detected in 26.9% of patients, with no significant association with ABO blood group (p = 0.175). Omicron was the predominant variant, especially in blood group A (62.5%). The N501Y mutation was the most prevalent in group O (53.2%), and K417N was most prevalent in group B (36.9%), though neither reached statistical significance. Thrombotic events were significantly more common in blood group A (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.3–3.4, p = 0.002), particularly among RNAemia-positive patients. Conclusions: ABO blood group phenotypes, particularly group A, may influence thrombotic risk in the context of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia. While no direct association was found between blood group and RNAemia or spike mutations, the observed trends suggest potential host–pathogen interactions. Integrating ABO typing and RNAemia screening may enhance risk stratification and guide targeted thromboprophylaxis in COVID-19 patients. Full article

Background and Objectives: The relationship between ABO or Rh blood groups and susceptibility to Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize available evidence on this association. Materials and Methods: Studies reporting ABO and/or Rh blood groups and CHIKV infection were searched through PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Ovid, ProQuest, and Google Scholar up to 8 July 2025. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate pooled odds ratios (Ors) with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics. Subgroup analyses were performed based on study design and study quality. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using a leave-one-out method. Publication bias was evaluated via funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results: Seven studies, including 24,828 participants, were included. No significant associations were observed between blood groups A, B, AB, or Rh(D) and CHIKV infection. However, blood group O was significantly associated with an increased risk of CHIKV infection (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01–2.29, p = 0.043, I² = 95.38%) compared to non-O blood groups. Subgroup analyses showed stable results. Nevertheless, the sensitivity analysis indicated that certain studies had a greater influence on the overall results. In addition, significant publication bias was also detected. Conclusions: Current evidence indicates that blood group O is significantly associated with an increased susceptibility to CHIKV infection. In contrast, no consistent associations were observed for other ABO or Rh blood groups. Due to substantial heterogeneity and methodological limitations, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further well-designed, large-scale studies with standardized diagnostics are needed to clarify these associations and underlying mechanisms. Full article

Protocol biopsies are a fundamental component in the management of kidney transplant recipients, offering critical insights into graft health by detecting subclinical pathological changes undetectable through routine clinical and laboratory assessments. Conducted at predetermined intervals, these biopsies enable early identification of subclinical rejection, chronic allograft nephropathy, drug-induced toxicities, viral infections such as BK polyomavirus nephropathy, and recurrence of primary glomerular diseases. Early detection facilitates timely therapeutic interventions, including immunosuppressive regimen adjustments, which are pivotal in preserving graft function and improving long-term outcomes. While the optimal timing and frequency of protocol biopsies vary, early post-transplant biopsies within the first year are widely advocated. High-risk groups, including ABO- and HLA-incompatible recipients and those with recurrent primary nephropathies, particularly benefit from surveillance biopsies. Despite the invasive nature and associated risks of biopsy procedures, most experts agree that the benefits outweigh the risks in selected populations. However, the role of routine protocol biopsies in low-risk patients remains debated due to unclear long-term outcome improvements and resource considerations. Retrospective observational studies have demonstrated the ability of protocol biopsies to detect subclinical pathological changes such as rejection, drug toxicity, viral infections, and recurrent diseases before clinical or laboratory abnormalities appear. These studies also highlight the impact of biopsy-guided interventions on graft survival and management in high-risk groups (e.g., HLA- and ABO-incompatible recipients, and patients at risk for disease recurrence). Furthermore, randomized controlled trials provide higher-level evidence showing that protocol biopsy-guided interventions improve graft function, reflected by better serum creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rates, compared to indicated biopsies alone. They also emphasize the importance of both early and late surveillance biopsies for predicting long-term outcomes. Expert opinion and consensus acknowledge the benefits of protocol biopsies for early detection and tailored management but also highlight ongoing debates regarding their routine use in low-risk patients due to risks, costs, and resource considerations. Overall, protocol biopsies represent a valuable tool for personalized graft monitoring and management, aiding in early detection of complications, guiding immunosuppressive therapy, and enhancing graft longevity. Further multicenter randomized trials are needed to refine guidelines and optimize their clinical utility. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of identifying factors influencing disease susceptibility and severity. This study investigates the association of ABO blood groups, the D antigen, and comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes with COVID-19 severity among hospitalized patients in one Croatian center. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed on 1687 moderately and severely ill COVID-19 patients and 7086 voluntary blood donors. We used medical records from PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized at University Hospital Center Osijek in Osijek, Croatia, and compared their ABO, RhD, and comorbidity profiles with those of voluntary blood donors. Key clinical data and outcomes, such as mortality and comorbidities, were assessed. Results: Our findings reveal a statistically significant association between blood group A and severe COVID-19 outcome and mortality. Conversely, D antigen status showed no significant impact. The combined presence of hypertension and diabetes emerged as a significant predictor of mortality. Conclusions: These results suggest that blood group A and specific comorbidities may be associated with worse outcomes, but age remained the strongest independent predictor of mortality. Blood group typing could still support risk stratification when interpreted alongside other clinical factors. Full article

Third-generation sequencing (TGS), also known as long-read sequencing, has become a promising tool in clinical and research laboratories because it delivers high-resolution results with unmatched throughput. Specialised immunohematology laboratories currently employ sequencing-based methods to characterise rare ABO blood group phenotypes that cannot be identified through serology and genotyping methods. However, routine clinical application of these methods remains elusive due to the absence of validated laboratory protocols and bioinformatics tools. In this study, we have developed and validated a TGS-based workflow for comprehensive determination of the clinically relevant ABO phenotypes from DNA isolated from buccal swabs or whole blood. The region spanning exons 2 to 7 of the ABO gene were amplified and sequenced on MinION 10.4.1 flow cells. Predicted ABO phenotypes were initially determined based on single-nucleotide variants at gDNA261 (rs8176719), gDNA796 (rs8176746), and gDNA803 (rs8176747). However, certain O subtypes lacked the distinguishing deletion (rs8176719) and instead exhibited variations in exon 7 at gDNA802 (rs41302905) and gDNA805, caused by gDNA804 (rs782782485), which differentiate them from A alleles sharing the same nucleotides at gDNA261, gDNA796, and gDNA803. These additional variants were added to the analysis pipeline to identify the additional subtypes. DNA sequence data were sufficient to distinguish between the four clinically relevant ABO blood group phenotypes based on five polymorphic positions. While high sequencing coverage allowed for higher resolution genetic analysis, as few as 20 reads are sufficient for determining the ABO genotype and predicted phenotype of an individual. Typing results generated by this pipeline showed remarkable concordance with both serological results and molecular typing results by an independent laboratory, indicating its accuracy and reliability. This study demonstrates a comprehensive characterisation of clinically relevant ABO blood genotypes and predicted phenotypes using TGS methods. The approach provided a scalable and precise method for routine ABO blood group screening and aided in the development of pioneering bioinformatics tools suitable for clinical and research application. Full article

Background: Hepatic resection is performed for liver lesions and requires careful preoperative planning to minimize bleeding. Blood type O, associated with lower von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels, may increase bleeding risk. This study investigates the relationship between the ABO blood type and perioperative bleeding in partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Methods: Out of 563 patients who underwent hepatectomy, 135 cases were analyzed for CRLM at Carmel Medical Center (2013–2023). Patients were categorized into blood type O (61 patients) and non-O (74 patients) groups. Data on perioperative hemoglobin levels, blood loss, coagulation parameters, transfusion needs, and complications were assessed using χ², t-tests, and ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: No significant differences were observed for estimated blood loss (474.3 ± 696 mL for O vs. 527.8 ± 599 mL for non-O; p = 0.29), intraoperative hemoglobin drop (p = 0.613), or transfusion rates (24.59% for O vs. 28.37% for non-O; p = 0.698). Although non-O patients had a higher postoperative INR (p = 0.035), this did not correlate with increased bleeding or transfusion needs. Conclusions: Blood type O does not significantly affect perioperative bleeding or transfusion requirements in partial hepatectomy for CRLM. Further research is needed to better understand the significance of the ABO blood type. Full article

Background: Colonic diverticulosis is a common condition, particularly in the elderly population. While dietary habits, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity contribute to its pathogenesis, emerging evidence highlights a genetic predisposition affecting extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, inflammation, and connective tissue integrity. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize genetic determinants of colonic diverticulosis. Methods: The PubMed^® database was searched for original studies in humans. The inclusion criteria were named genetic factor and confirmed diverticulosis. Patients with diverticulitis and diverticular diseases were excluded from this review. Results: Out of 137 publications, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria: six large association studies (GWAS) and four cross-sectional studies. The genes regulating ECM turnover, including TIMP1, MMP3, and MMP9, are involved in diverticulosis development. The TIMP1 (rs4898) T allele has been associated with increased susceptibility, potentially due to its role in ECM remodeling. Similarly, MMP3 (rs3025058) and MMP9 (rs3918242) polymorphisms contribute to altered collagen degradation. The COL3A1 (rs3134646) variant coding modified collagen type III may promote diverticular formation. Other genes, such as ARHGAP15 (rs4662344, rs6736741), affect cytoskeletal dynamics. Identified in GWAS studies, gene candidates may be grouped into blood group and immune system-related genes (ABO, HLA-DQA1, HLA-H, OAS1, TNFSF13, FADD), extracellular matrix and connective tissue genes (COL6A1, COLQ, EFEMP1, ELN, HAS2, TIMP2), signaling and cell communication (BMPR1B, WNT4, RHOU, PHGR1, PCSK5), nervous system and neurodevelopment (BDNF, CACNB2, GPR158, SIRT1, SCAPER, TRPS1), metabolism and transporters (SLC25A28, SLC35F3, RBKS, PPP1R14A, PPP1R16B), lipids and cholesterol (LDAH, LYPLAL1, STARD13), transcription and gene regulation (ZBTB4, UBTF, TNRC6B), apoptosis (FADD, PIAS1), and poorly characterized genes (C1TNF7, ENSG00000224849, ENSG00000251283, LINC01082, DISP2, SNX24, THEM4, UBL4B, UNC50, WDR70, SREK1IP1). Conclusions: There are a number of gene variants that probably predispose to colonic diverticulosis. Detailed characterization of the multigene background of diverticulosis will enable appropriate therapeutic or preventive interventions in the future. Full article

The weaning period is a critical phase for nursery pigs that is characterized by rapid growth and alterations in the intestinal microbiome associated with nutrient utilization. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of halquinol, when used as an antibiotic (ABO), on the growth performance, diarrhea incidence, coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD), fecal volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and microbiota in pigs. A total of 210 healthy weaned pigs with an average initial weight of 6.9 kg and aged 28 ± 2 days were assigned to five treatments (six pens/treatment) in a complete randomized design, including a control group (T1, CON; feed with no ABO), a colistin group (T2, CLT; feed containing 120 ppm colistin), and three halquinol groups (T3 to T5, HAL; feed containing 180, 240, and 360 ppm halquinol, respectively). The experiment period lasted for 10 days. Field recordings, observation, and feces collection were performed on D1, D5, and D10. CATTD and VFA assessments were conducted on D10. The composition of the fecal microbiota was analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the Illumina Miseq platform. The results demonstrated that the in-feed ABO groups exhibited a significantly lower ADFI (p < 0.01). Pigs fed the T3 and T4 diets had the lowest FCR (p < 0.01) on D5 and D10 and, thus, had reduced ADFI (p < 0.01). A quadratic contrast was found in ADFI and FCR on D5 and D10, indicating a negative correlation with HAL concentration (p < 0.01). Pigs fed CLT and HAL had significantly reduced levels of coliform (p < 0.01) and E. coli (p < 0.01). Moreover, pigs receiving ABO also had a lower fecal score compared to those on the CON diet (p < 0.01). Dietary in-feed ABO had no effect on all the parameters of the CATTD on D10 (p > 0.05), except for fat digestibility in pigs that received T4 (p < 0.01). Pigs fed the T4 and T5 diets had higher propionate concentrations and lower A/P ratios than pigs fed T1, T2, and T3 (p < 0.01). The microbial diversity shifted quickly through the early weaning period. The relative abundance of beneficial Enterococcus microbes increased in pigs fed in-feed ABO, whereas the relative prevalence of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia and Klebsiella, decreased. Escherichia and Bacteroides were negatively correlated with carbohydrate digestibility and butyric and valeric acid production (p < 0.05). Overall, the appropriate HAL dosage was 240 ppm (T4), and this antimicrobial can potentially be characterized as an in-feed colistin replacer that improves feed efficiency and fat digestion, enhancing VFA production, alleviating post-weaning diarrhea, and protecting ABO-resistant piglets. Full article

The presence of mosquitoes in a certain area is sufficient evidence of the transmission of diseases, in addition to the inconvenience and harassment they cause to the population. In order for mosquito control to be successful, there must be sufficient reports and information about the extent of the distribution and spread of the mosquito in this area. This study was conducted seasonally to calculate the distribution and abundance of mosquitoes and to initially detect hepatitis C virus in the most abundant species collected in some localities: Kafr Saqr (Hanot, El-Kodah, Abo Shokok, El-Hagarsa); Abo Kebeer (Manshat Radwan, Bane Aiat, Al-Rahmania, Horbat); Diarb Negm (Safor, El-Asaied, Karmot Sahbara, Saft Zreka); and El-Zakazik (Om El-Zein, Bany Amer, Al-Zankalon, Shanbrt El-Mimona) along Sharkia Governorate. According to the results, 12 mosquito species belonging to two genera were recorded in four stations (16 sites). The species Culex pipiens was found to be the most abundant across the majority of locations. It is reaching its peak in Al-Zankalon with a maximum count of 139 ± 7.61 individuals. C. antennatus exhibited a significant level of abundance (p < 0.001), especially in Al-Rahmania (82.5 ± 4.3). Species such as C. perexiguus and An. pharoensis were found in moderate-to-low numbers. The prevailing species is C. pipiens in all locations and seasons, especially during the summer. Other species like C. antennatus and An. pharoensis are also important, although their significance is somewhat less pronounced. Clusters of sites with similar features indicate that specific locations or species exhibit consistent patterns of activity or abundance throughout several seasons. These clusters represent groups of locations that share similar characteristics, as determined by the principal components. The findings of detecting hepatitis C virus in C. pipiens (the most abundant species) collected samples showed negative results for the presence of HCV during the summer season in Sharkia Governorate. Full article

Background and Objectives: The Rh blood group system is highly polymorphic, and accurate classification of Rh(D) variants is critical in transfusion medicine to prevent alloimmunization and optimize blood utilization. Despite the advances in conventional serologic testing, weak and partial Rh(D) phenotypes still remain challenges in Transfusion Medicine practice. The objective is to implement and assess the impact of RHD genotyping in classifying Rh(D) antigen status. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at the University of South Alabama Medical Center and Children and Women’s Hospital between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024 to assess the impact of RHD genotyping in cases with discrepant Rh(D) typing, Rh(D)-positive patients with anti-Rh(D) antibodies, and neonates with positive weak Rh(D) tests. ABO and Rh(D) antigen typing was performed on 12,994 patients, including 3767 newly tested individuals. Weak Rh(D) testing was performed on newly tested individuals using automated microplate direct agglutination, followed by molecular genotyping. Results: Among the 25 patients with weak or discrepant Rh(D) phenotypes, weak Rh(D) variants were observed in 52% of cases, with Weak Type 2 being the most common, particularly in pediatric (age < 18 years old) patients. Partial Rh(D) phenotypes were identified in 40% of cases, predominantly among Black individuals. Three patients were reclassified as Rh(D)-positive based on genotyping and received 615 Rh(D)-positive RBC units without evidence of alloimmunization, while four patients were confirmed at risk of alloimmunization and remained classified as Rh(D)-negative. Fisher’s exact test demonstrated a significant association between ethnicity and Rh(D) classification (p < 0.01), and the McNemar exact test confirmed a significant reclassification of cases from Rh(D)-negative to Rh(D)-positive (p < 0.01). Conclusions: RHD genotyping enhances the accuracy of Rh(D) antigen classification, mitigating alloimmunization risks and the unnecessary use of Rh Immunoglobulin and optimizing blood product utilization. The reclassification of patients to Rh(D)-positive alleviates pressure on Rh(D)-negative blood supplies, particularly during critical shortages. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating molecular RHD testing into routine transfusion medicine practices to improve patient safety and resource management. Full article

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are a promising tool for drug delivery due to their unique chemical properties that make them biocompatible and easy to functionalize. However, when AuNPs are introduced into biological systems, they are coated by the so-called protein corona (PC), which affects their biodistribution and limits their therapeutic efficacy. The functionalization of AuNPs with endogenous carbohydrates can be a possible strategy to reduce immune recognition, thus enhancing their biocompatibility and circulation time. Suitable candidates for this approach are the ABO blood sugar antigens, di- and tri-saccharides that represent the terminal portion of some glycolipids and glycoproteins present on the surface of human red blood cells and other tissues. In this work, we illustrate the synthesis of trisaccharide antigen A derivative, whose last step is worthy of investigation. During the final hydrogenolysis reaction, intended to remove protecting groups, an unexpected side reaction occurred, the isolated product bearing an N,N-dimethyl moiety on the anomeric propyl linker. This side reaction might be ascribed to the in situ formation of formaldehyde and successive imine formation and reduction. The obtained compound can be used as a monomeric control compound in biochemical and structural biology studies involving ABO blood sugar antigens. Full article

Efficient and fair allocation of donated blood depends on multiple factors, like medical urgency, donor/recipient compatibility, blood availability, geographic location, limited shelf life, etc. Due to the limited supply of blood and its critical role in healthcare, fair distribution protocols are essential. This study builds upon previous authors’ research that proposed a general mathematical model for fair blood allocation, taking as inputs the universal blood compatibility chart and the assumption of allocating equal shares of the donated blood from each blood type to recipients with respectively compatible blood types. The sum normalization technique was performed (twice, first per recipients and then per donors) for the purpose of balancing between donation needs and options. The result was an indicative blood allocation reference framework in support of the decision making in transfusion haematology. In the present paper, we tailor that general model by introducing as model variables the actual blood group frequencies of a given population. Additional customization is proposed by adding weight coefficients to the values along the framework’s main diagonal that represent ABO-identical transfusions, preferred to non-identical transfusions for minimizing the risks of hemolytic reactions. The model is further elaborated via intervalization of the estimations in the resultant blood allocation framework, thus making the model more flexible and usable. While demonstrated with Bulgarian blood group distributions from 2023, the model can be adapted to other populations and contexts. Full article

While there is enormous interest in studying oxide perovskites with stoichiometries based upon or derived from ABO₃, including oxygen-deficient compositions and organometallics, other closely related topologies have been overlooked. Hydroxyperovskites are such a group. Their structures are perovskite-like octahedral frameworks with vacant cavity A sites, and all oxygen atoms form hydroxyl groups. There are fifteen naturally occurring hydroxyperovskites and numerous synthetic analogues. There are two stoichiometries: BB′(OH)₆ and B(OH)₃. The former consist of alternating divalent and tetravalent cations (B = Mg, Ca, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn; B′ = Sn, Ge). B(OH)₃ structures have only trivalent cations (Al, Fe³⁺, Ga). The properties and behavior of solid solutions in hydroxyperovskites are largely unexplored. This article summarizes our current knowledge of the crystallography and crystal chemistry of hydroxyperovskites and suggests productive areas of research in relation to their potential as functional materials. It should be evident that much of the findings remains to be discovered. Full article

Background. Naturally occurring human antibodies against glycans recognize and quickly eliminate infectious bacteria, viruses and aberrantly glycosylated neoplastic malignant cells, and they often initiate processes that involve the complement system. Methods. Using a printed glycan array (PGA) containing 605 glycoligands (oligo- and polysaccharides, glycopeptides), we examined which of the glycan-binding antibodies are able to activate the complement system. Using this PGA, the specificities of antibodies of the IgM and IgG classes were determined in the blood serum of healthy donors (suggested as mostly natural), and, then, using the same array, it was determined which types of the bound immunoglobulins were also showing C3 deposition. Results. It was found that about 30% of anti-glycan antibodies in human serum detected by the PGA did not activate the complement. They were mostly IgGs and directed to bacterial O-antigens; no apparent common structural motif within their target polysaccharides was found. Antibodies to blood group systems ABO and Forssman, xeno-antigens, a number of polysaccharides from various strains of S. enterica, E. coli and P. alcalifaciens, as well as small fragments of bacterial polysaccharides were recognized by complement-activating antibodies as expected. A complement-activating antibody was affinity-isolated on glycan-Sepharose from human serum, and, in the presence of the complement, it lysed red blood cells coated with the same glycan (kodecytes, where glycans expressed on biological membranes), while an isolated complement non-activating antibody did not, which confirms the validity of the solid-phase PGA results. Conclusions. Thus, ~30% of human anti-glycan antibodies lack the ability to activate the complement system. The function of the widely represented immunoglobulins that do not cause C3 deposition remains unclear. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study was conducted to determine whether a structured clinical pathway can help to safely implement minimally invasive surgery (MIS) as the standard approach in surgery for acute bowel obstruction (ABO). Methods: A prospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients undergoing MIS for ABO at a single center in 2021 and 2022. Prior to the study onset, a structured treatment pathway was defined to apply MIS in all patients. The rate of success in the MIS and patient-, surgeon- and outcome-specific parameters with a focus on complication and conversion rates were analyzed. Results: Compared to a historical control group, the conversion rate from MIS to open surgery (OS) nearly doubled from 20.4% to 36.4% (p = 0.14). The complication rate in converted patients was 43.8% vs. 7.15% in non-converted patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A structured clinical pathway, including technical standardization and preoperative decisional processes, can be used to implement MIS as a primary surgical treatment in ABO. This is accompanied by high conversion rates and a significant increase in postoperative complications in patients undergoing conversion. Individual decision-making concerning the surgical approach remains paramount to prevent complications and high conversion rates. Full article