Showing papers in "International Blood Research & Reviews in 2020"

Anemia and Other Blood Symptoms Related Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis: An Internet Approach of Systematic Literature Study Reported Across Indonesia

Abstract: ackground/Aim: Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) is still a global major problem, affecting billion vulnerable people of marginalized and unfortunate communities from low to middle level social economic countries. Poor personal hygiene and sanitary practice facilitates its transmission. Children and pregnant women are the most vulnerable group. It causes spectrum of clinical conditions from completely asymptomatic to severe, but anemia and nutritional derangement are the most prominent. Anemia related STH itself was already a huge problem, especially when affected susceptible individuals. In the internet, the data on Indonesia’s prevalence of anemia and other blood symptom related STH with its contributing factors are always considered sparse and incomplete. The aim of this systematic literature study was to provide that data by doing the internet literature searching on Indonesia’s electronic data regarding this condition. Methods: A systematic review was done using popular search engine in the internet. All kind of research study, no matter the design (cross sectional, case control or prospective cohort), that fit with inclusion criteria which is anemia or other blood related symptoms (e.g. eosinophilia) related to STH were included. Result: There were 37 studies found on this issues, from 2001 until 2020. Most studies reported anemia that developed during the course of the disease with the clinical spectrum varies from asymptomatic to severe form. Intestinal parasite, epidemiology, neglected tropical disease, iron deficiency, chronic, hemoglobin

Mineral Content and Antisickling Activity of Annona senegalensis, Alchornea cordifolia and Vigna unguiculata Used in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease in the Kwilu Province (Congo, DR)

Abstract: Aims: To determine the mineral composition of some plants (Annona senegalensis Pers., Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. and Vigna unguiculate (L.) Walp.) used in the management of sickle cell disease by traditional practitioners in Kwilu province and to evaluate their antisickling activity in vitro. Original Research Article Kitadi et al.; IBRR, 11(3): 18-27, 2020; Article no.IBRR.60415 19 Study Design: Plant collection in the Kwilu province, sample preparation, antisickling tests and fluorescence spectrometric analysis. Place and Duration of Study: This work was performed at the Faculty of Science, University of Kinshasa, Congo DR, from October 2016 to January 2018. Methodology: These three plants were harvested in the province of Kwilu in Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mineral composition analysis was carried out using the fluorescence spectrometric method while the in vitro antisickling activity was evaluate using Emmel and hemolysis tests. Results: Twenty three mineral elements were identified in each of these three plants: Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Sulphur (S), Chlorine (Cl) and trace elements as: Aluminum (Al), Silicon (Si), Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Brome (Br), Molybdenum (Mo), Tin (Sn), Iodine (I), Barium (Ba) and Lead (Pb). Annona senegalensis Pers., Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg. and Vigna unguiculate (L.) Walp. aqueous extracts showed the capacity to prevent the sickling and the hemolysis of red blood cells. Conclusion: The obtained results confirm the antisickling activity thus justifying the use of these plants in Traditional Medicine for the management of sickle cell disease. The presence of some mineral elements like Fe, Zn, Mg and Se are useful for sickle cell disease patients.

What a Clinical Hematologist Should Know about T Cells

Abstract: T cell’s journey begins from the bone marrow and ends in the peripheral tissues by either fighting the infections or residing in the secondary lymphoid organs as memory T cell. Thymus plays most important role in transforming a docile T cell precursor into a warrior. T cell is one of the most important cells in health and disease. Various diseases originate from qualitative or quantitative defects in T cells leading to various inherited and acquired diseases. This simple and short review is focused on the basic understanding and clinical hematologist’s perspective of T cells.

L-PRF Membrane (Fibrin Rich in Platelets and Leukocytes) and Its Derivatives (A-PRF, i-PRF) are Helpful as a Basis of Stem Cells in Regenerative Injury Treatment: Trial Work on the Horse

Abstract: Developing a multidisciplinary field of tissue engineering aims to recover, improve or supplant typically damaged or missing tissues for a collection of conditions brought about by trauma, malady and old age. To guarantee that tissue engineering techniques are generally relevant in the clinical setting, it is important to adjust them so that they are promptly accessible and moderately simple to use in the everyday clinical schedule. Consequently, the steps between preparation and application Review Article Crisci et al.; IBRR, 10(2): 1-14, 2019; Article no.IBRR.54363 2 must be limited and improved to make them practical in application. The general objective of creating platelet concentrates of natural origin can be delivered near the patient to quicken the implantation procedure, being monetarily practical for the patient and the health framework. Fibrin rich in platelets and leukocytes (PRF) and its derivatives (L-PRF, A-PRF, i-PRF) has been utilized in a wide collection of medical fields for delicate tissue restoration. Practically all platelets (> 97%) are missing within test-tubes in groups tested after PRF membrane extraction. Growth Factors liberated by platelets contained in derivatives of L-PRF induce and control the proliferation and migration of other cell types, associated with tissue repair, similar to smooth cell muscles (SMCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Conclusively, the outcomes of this work feature the positive effects of PRF on wound healing after regenerative treatment for the administration of different delicate tissue defects found in wound care.

Studies on Plasmodium falciparum Infection Rates among Patients Attending General Hospitals in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract: Plasmodium falciparum is the most virulent and prevalent malaria parasite in Nigeria .This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria infection among patients at General Hospitals in Benue State. A total of 1200 patients were examined in this study. Blood samples were collected by finger prick onto clean slides and into the round sample well of PfRDTs. Thick and thin blood films were prepared for microscopic examination. The overall prevalence of malaria infection was 34.8%. A questionnaire was used to determine some demographic factors. Prevalence of malaria in relation to residence, rural area recorded higher prevalence of 42.2% than urban area with prevalence of 23.8%. Chi square analysis showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in prevalence in relation to residence. The Prevalence of malaria in relation to age groups, age between 6-10 and 7-15 recorded higher infection rate of 54.5% and 51.5% respectively. While, age group >46 recorded 17.5%. The female patients 36.2% were more infected than the males 33.1%.Patients that had informal education recorded higher prevalence rate of 89.2% and those that are farmers had 57.9%. Chi square analysis however showed that the difference was significant (p < 0.05). A significant Original Research Article Adulugba et al.; IBRR, 11(3): 1-8, 2020; Article no.IBRR.59986 2 difference (P<0.05) was observed between patients that used insecticide spray alone as malaria preventive methods (70.1%) compared to patients that used combined methods of prevention (17.2%). Malaria still remains prevalent among patients in Benue State, Nigeria.

Erythrocyte Phenotyping in ABO, RH and Kell Blood Group Systems in the Donor and Recipient of Blood Products at the Yaounde University and Hospital Center

Abstract: In order to prevent post transfusion alloimmunization, it is essential to give recipients compatible blood products. However in countries with limited income, blood grouping is limited to the ABO system and to the D antigen of the Rhesus system; however, there are other immunogenic antigens such as C, c, E, e and K to name a few. This should be the reason why a retrospective study by Tayou et al. at the blood bank of the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Yaoundé in 2009 on the erythrocyte phenotype in the donor and recipient of blood product only reported to us that data relate to the erythrocyte blood group system ABO and the Rh 1 antigen. We therefore found it expedient to carry out erythrocyte phenotyping in the ABO, RH and KELL blood group systems in the donor and recipient of blood products at the CHU of Yaoundé. A descriptive, transversal and prospective study was carried out at the blood bank of the CHU of Yaoundé over 6 months, from June 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. It was interested in the donorOriginal Research Article Chemegni et al.; IBRR, 11(1): 31-37, 2020; Article no.IBRR.56051 32 recipient couples of blood within which the recipient was a patient hospitalized at the CHU. Laboratory analyses of donor and recipient blood samples have allowed us to have the phenotypes in the ABO, RH, and KELL blood group systems. In the ABO system, the phenotypes obtained were 4: A1, A1B, B and O at 27.27%, 2.27%, 13.64% and 56.82% respectively among donors and 31.82%, 2.27%, 13.64% and 52.27% among recipients. In addition, from the Rhesus system, there were 5 phenotypes in donors: D + C + E + c + e +, D + C + E-c + e +, D + C-E + c + e +, D + CE-c + e +, DCE-c + e + respectively at 2.27%, 11.36%, 9.09%, 75.00% and 2.27% and in recipients 4 phenotypes, namely: D + C + E + c + e +, D + C-E + c + e +, D + CE-c + e +, DCE-c + e + at 15.91%, 27.27%, 54.55% and 2.27% respectively. In the KELL system, the K antigen was present in 4.55% of donors and 2.27% of recipients. An antigen supply from the donor to the recipient was evaluated at 6.82% for C, 4.54% for E, 2.27% for K and 2.27% for K, C, E at the same time. This gave us an estimate of the average risk of alloimmunization at 15.9%. Erythrocyte phenotyping would therefore be of major benefit during blood transfusion and would considerably prevent the risks of alloimmunization.

Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis by FibroScan in β-Thalassemia Children Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Before and After Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir Therapy

Abstract: Background: Thalassemic children develop liver fibrosis because of liver iron overload and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Transient elastography (FibroScan) can be a reliable non-invasive method for evaluating liver fibrosis in thalassemic patients. Treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LED/SOF) direct acting antiviral agents can significantly affect liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by FibroScan. Original Research Article Yosef et al.; IBRR, 11(3): 9-17, 2020; Article no.IBRR.60361 10 Aims: To assess liver fibrosis by non-invasive FibroScan through LSM before and after generic LED/SOF therapy in multi-transfused β-thalassemic children infected with HCV. Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Hematology Unit, Tanta University Hospital, from November 2017 to May 2019. Methodology: Fifty multi-transfused β-thalassemic treatment-naϊve children (aged 12-18 years and weighing ≥35kg) with chronic HCV infection were subjected to clinical evaluation, quantitative HCV PCR assay, FibroScan examination, and calculation of APRI, FIB4 index and AST/ ALT ratio. In addition to standard therapy, generic LED/SOF (90/400 mg) treatment was given for 12 weeks’ duration with follow up for further 12 weeks after end of treatment. Results: A positive HCV PCR was changed into negative for all studied patients starting from week 4 after treatment. There was highly significant reduction in the LSM values by FibroScan in the studied patients after therapy (p-value <0.001) with median reduction of 19.4 %. The significant reduction in LSM values was particularly prominent in patients with significant (F2) and advanced (F3) liver fibrosis stages as well as cirrhotic patients (F4). There was significant reduction in the values of other non-invasive liver fibrosis markers FIB-4 index, APRI score and AST/ ALT ratio (pvalue <0.001, <0.001 and 0.020 respectively) after therapy. Conclusion: Generic LED/SOF therapy for 12 weeks’ duration resulted in eradication of HCV infection that was associated with significant decrease in LSM by FibroScan particularly those with higher baseline liver fibrosis stages.

Beta Thalassemia Major: Overview of Molecular Etiology, Pathophysiology, Current and Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Abstract: Major beta thalassemia is a severe form of thalassemia caused by the alteration of two beta globin genes resulting in a defective synthesis of hemoglobin. It is characterized by chronic severe anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis (IE) and iron overload. However although the thransfusion and chelation assosciated constitute the basis of the traitement curently recommended, they do not allow always to control the iron overload induced by pathology and repeated transfusions. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has proven to be a definitive treatment for beta thalassemia. However, this procedure is confronted to immunological complications and the small nomber of histocompatible donors. In the face of these therapeutic blocks, much research has been undertaken in recent years leading to the development of a number of promising therapeutic strategies in order to reduce the constraints linked to current chronic treatments, and to move towards an access to healing for all patients. Among other three approaches are envisaged and are in the experimental phase: Gene therapy to restore globin chain imbalance, Improve ineffective erythropoiesis and Improve iron dysregulation. In this article we give a view on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, genetic origin of beta-thalassaemia major. The second part presents the therapeutic arsenal currently used, and its limits leading to therapeutic impasse. The last part explores the scientific tracks that present a real therapeutic potential in β-Thalassemia.

Platelet Volume Indices in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract: Background & Aims: Acute coronary syndrome is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and platelet hyperactivity with local platelet activation plays a crucial role in its genesis. As there is discrepancy regarding the significance of deranged platelet parameters, we aimed to study the role of platelet volume indices in the spectrum of coronary artery syndrome and to correlate them clinically. Study Design: The study was conducted by collecting the data of patients with Myocardial infarction from the Cardiac care unit registry along with their clinical history and investigations. Stable coronary artery cases were collected from the Catheterization Lab and compared with Age and Sex matched controls. All CBCs of the above groups were processed by a 5-part counter and the data generated was transferred to a master chart for statistical analysis. Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted in the Central Laboratory & Department of Pathology at D.Y. Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India in collaboration with the Cardiac Care Unit and Catheterisation Lab of the hospital for a period of two years. Original Research Article Paramjit et al.; IBRR, 11(2): 1-5, 2020; Article no.IBRR.55817 2 Methods: A total of 122 cases were studied and grouped into 5 groups according to presentation and the platelet volume indices of these were compared with 38 matched controls and statistically analysed. Results: Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width of patients with ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and Non ST elevation Myocardial Infarction(NSTEMI) were increased marginally in number when compared to Stable Coronary Artery Disease(SCAD) and Control group, however this was not statistically significant. Platelet Large Cell Ratio (PLCR) was significantly raised in STEMI cases only (P = 0.09), so it may prove to be a better marker for the disease (P = 0.09). Platelet counts in various groups when compared with controls gave inconsistent results i.e SCAD vs Control significantly decreased (P = 0.07) and STEMI vs Control significantly increased (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The platelet volume indices in suspected acute coronary syndrome cases showed various changes, but present data failed to be diagnostically significant. However this data may later help to characterise further relationship between Acute coronary syndrome and platelet function in subsequent studies.

Kell Blood Group Antigens Not Found in Indigenes of Ogoni Ethnic Group of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of occurrence and percentage distribution of Kell blood group antigens in indigenes of Ogoni ethnic group of Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among indigenes of Ogoni whose first generational parental origin is Ogoni. A total of 101 subjects (49 females and 52 males), within the age of 30–60 years were recruited for the study and they were apparently healthy and free from transfusion transmissible infections upon serological screening. Place and Duration of Study: Ogoniland is located in an area along the Niger Delta Eastern edge, Original Research Article Christian et al.; IBRR, 11(1): 1-5, 2020; Article no.IBRR.54577 2 and to the north-east of the Imo River and Port Harcourt city. Ogoniland covers about 1036 Sq Km and borders the Bay of Guinea. All participants were recruited in Bori. Bori is the traditional headquarter of Ogoni. Bori is located on latitude: 4 0 40ʹ34.64ʺ N and longitude: 7 0 21ʹ54.68ʺ E. The analysis was carried out at the Post Graduate Laboratory of Rivers State University, NkpoluOroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, is located on latitude 4.75N and longitude 7.00E and lies along Bonny River in the Niger Delta. All subjects were recruited the same day and their blood samples collected on 2 nd October, 2019, and analysis conducted on 3 October, 2019. Methodology: Identification of Kell blood group antigens was done using Anti-Kell monoclonal reagent, prepared by Lorne Laboratories Ltd, UK. Lot No: 76090-A5; Expiry Date: 2021/02/21. Phenotyping of red cells was done using tube method as described by Lorne Laboratory Ltd. Results: The result showed zero frequency of occurrence and percentage distribution of Kell blood group antigen in the studied population (49 males and 52 females). Conclusion: The presence of Kell blood group antigens in indigenes of Ogoni recruited for the study which serve as representative of the Ogonis was rare. It is therefore necessary to take into cognizance that haemolytic transfusion reactions due to Kell antigens and antibodies will rarely occur, and as such Kell blood group is not significant in blood transfusion and in antenatal and blood group serology amongst the Ogonis.

Sickle Cell Disease - A Comprehensive Study and Usage of Technology for Diagnosis

Abstract: Sickle cell is haematological disorder (haematology is a study of blood in health and diseases) which may lead to an organ damage, heart strokes and serious complications. It may also reduce human life span. Most of the sickle cells are observed in new born babies. At the start of sickle cells in human people though it’s a kind of feature in tribal people but it has spread over the world. Sickle cell Symptoms are observed in human beings as episodes of pains (crisis), Vision problems, swelling of hands and Feet. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) can harm patient’s spleen (slightly pain at left Ribs). If one organ is affected in human body, then slowly it affects the entire body by spreading into Brain, Lungs, Heart, Liver, Kidneys, Joints, Eyes, Penis, Skin or Bone. This paper is aimed at presenting the complete details of the SCD with its properties, symptoms, signs, treatment for this disease. This is also a comprehensive study and characteristics of this disease with other similar diseases. The technological implications and usage in the field of SCD for better accuracy of identification of the disease is presented.

Review on Jatropha tanjorensis (Hospital too far); Significance as an Anti-Anaemia Plant

Abstract: Anaemia is a blood disorder which is a direct result of decreased hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and or red blood cell numbers (RBC) which culminates to loss of physiological potentials. It is a major public health problem in developing countries orchestrated by an imbalance between erythrocyte loss relative to production which occurs as a result of ineffective or deficient erythropoisis, nutritional deficiency, inflammation or genetic hemoglobin (Hb) disorder and or excessive loss of erythrocytes due to hemolysis, blood loss or both. An estimated 30-80% preschool age children at the age 1 year suffer from anaemia. Anaemia imposes deleterious consequences such as stunted physical and cognitive development, impaired language coordination and motor skill equivalent to a 5-10 points deficit in intelligent quotient (IQ). Anaemia in pregnancy translates to decreased productivity through energy loss and consequent lack of working capacity and consequent declination in household food security and income. Long before now, many plants had been used successfully to address anaemia locally, one of which is Jatropha tanjorensis dubbed Review Article Ansari et al.; IBRR, 11(4): 1-7, 2020; Article no.IBRR.62292 2 “Hospital too far” a name it acquired as a result of its unverified perceived exceptional anti-anaemic property. Therefore, this review aims at evaluating the veracity of the impression on Jatropha tanjorensis as an exceptional anti-anaemic plant using data derived from studies on anti-anaemic plants.

Effects of Aqueous Extract of Terminalia catappa L. on Membrane Stability of Sickle Cell Erythrocytes

Abstract: Background: The effects of 800 mg% aqueous extract of T. catappa on membrane stability of human erythrocytes of HbSS genotype were investigated using in vitro studies. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the membrane stabilizing potential of aqueous extract of T. catappa on sickle cell erythrocytes. Study Design: Laboratory Experimental Design was used in this study. Place and Duration: Department of Biochemistry, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria. The study was carried out between November, 2010 and May, 2011. Materials and Methods: Spectrophotometric method was employed in determining the osmotic fragility index of HbSS erythrocytes. The mean corpuscular fragility (MCF) of the control was 0.422 ± 0.80 g/100 ml, whereas that of the test sample was 0.36 ± 0.014 g/100 ml. The percentage stabilization for the HbSS erythrocytes, which was calculated using the MCF values, was 14.28%. The MCF values of the control and the test showed significant difference (p < 0.05). Results: The result showed that aqueous extract of T. catappa exhibited an increasing capacity to stabilize HbSS erythrocytes membrane. Conclusion: The present study showed that aqueous extract of T. catappa L. exhibited membrane stability potential on sickle cell erythrocytes.

Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease among University Students in Port Harcourt

Abstract: Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary haemoglobinopathy that has been related with significant mortality in Nigeria. Knowledge on cause, prevention and risk factors are important for adequate control of the occurrence of SCD. Methods: A cross sectional study on the awareness of SCD was carried out among undergraduate students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was interviewer-administered to 146 students. Results: The study showed that 97.9% claim to have heard about sickle cell, while 68.5% indicated that the source of information on sickle cell was in school. One hundred and twenty-seven (87%) indicated that SCD describes abnormal blood cells. In 68.5% the source of information on SCD was in school. Only 42% had a good awareness on SCD. Students of male gender, of less than 20 years, with less average family income were more likely to have poor awareness of SCD. Conclusion: The study shows the need for improved awareness on SCD and increased awareness campaigns on every available media platform. Original Research Article Abiye et al.; IBRR, 11(1): 22-30, 2020; Article no.IBRR.56324 23

Distribution of ABO, Rhesus D and Subgroups of ABO among Blood Donors in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria

Abstract: ABO, Rhesus D and subgroups of ABO are highly immunogenic and are the common cause of antibody production in mismatched blood transfusions, haemolytic transfusion reaction and maternal alloimmunization. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of ABO, Rh D and subgroups of ABO among blood donors attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria. ABO, Rhesus D and subgroups of ABO antigen status of 176 blood donors with mean age of 30.44 ± 8.210 years Original Research Article Ibrahim et al.; IBRR, 11(1): 6-13, 2020; Article no.IBRR.54795 7 attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto were determined using tile method for ABO and Rh D and conventional tube method for antiA1, antiH reagents for ABO subgroups respectively. Among the 176 subjects tested, blood group O+ was the most frequent group with 93 (52.8%), 39 (22.2%) were blood group B+, 37(21.0%) were blood group A+, 5 (2.8%) were blood group AB+, 2 (1.1%) were blood group O-. No data was obtained for A-, Band ABblood groups. Out of 37 A blood groups obtained, 31 (83.8%) had A1 antigens and 6 (16.2%) had A2 antigens. Out of the 5 AB blood groups, all had A1B antigens. The study also shows that there was statistically significant difference between blood group A and ethnic groups (Hausa, Fulani and Yoruba) (p<0.05). Blood group O was found to be the most frequent followed by B, A and AB except among Hausa which revealed a pattern of O> A> B> AB. ABO, subgroups shows majority had A1 followed by A2 and A1B respectively.

Comparative Study of Fibrinolytic Response amongst Malarious Pregnant and Non Malarious Subjects in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: Aim: The study was designed to comparatively assess the degree of fibrinolytic response amongst malaria-positive pregnant women, and non-malaria positive subjects in Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: The study area covered University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt [UPTH] and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, [RSUTH] both in Port Harcourt metropolis Rivers State. It was a cross-sectional study carried out on a total of two hundred and forty female attendees at the obstetrics and gynecology clinics of the two hospitals. The subjects were grouped into three comprising of eighty subjects in each group; malarious pregnant women, nonmalarious pregnant women and apparently healthy non-pregnant women. Venous blood sample measuring 5 milliliter volume was drawn from each subject, The sample was dispensed into two separate EDTA anticoagulant bottles, 3 milliliter and 2 milliliter meant for measuring the levels of markers of Original Research Article Stella et al.; IBRR, 11(2): 34-45, 2020; Article no.IBRR.59396 35 fibrinolysis which were Plasminogen, Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, Plasminogen activator inhibitor-2, Tissue Plasminogen activator, alpha-2-antiplasmin, D-dimers and fibrinogen, and preparation of blood films for malaria microscopy respectively. Results: Fibrinogen result; 760.44±16.18 ng/ml of malaria-positive pregnant women was elevated compared to the malaria-negative women; 697.70±18.84 ng/ml and the non-pregnant control values of 704.73±15.25 ng/ml. These values were significantly different [P<.011] between the study groups. Results of tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]; 46.39±2.69 ng/ml, D-dimer; 77.64±6.94 ng/ml, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1]; 89.73±2.14 ng/ml, plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 [PAI2]; 568.00±12.51 ng/ml, plasminogen; 23.82±0.75 ng/ml and 2-antiplasmin; 1314.06±34.64 ng/ml of the malaria-positive pregnant women were significantly different [P=0.0001] from non-positive pregnant women; tPA; 28.87±1.38 ng/ml, D-dimer; 53.90±1.18 ng/ml., PAI-1; 80.00± 1.81 ng/ml, PAI-2; 456.31±5.94 ng/ml, Plasminogen; 16.63±0.67 ng/ml and 2-antiplasmin; 1130.61±29.74 ng/ml . Both results were significantly different [P=0.0001] from the non-pregnant control group; tPA; 31.34±1.64 ng/ml, D-dimer; 30.24±1.04 ng/ml, PAI-1; 65,47±2,33 ng/ml, PAI-2; 427.86±6.95 ng/ml, plasminogen; 16.49±0.04 ng/ml and 2-antiplasmin; 1016.98±24.51 ng/ml. Conclusion: The study witnessed significantly high concentrations of fibrinolytic markers in malariapositive pregnant women. This could be due to compromised endothelial cell function resulting to overproduction of biomarkers of fibrinolysis. The implication is thrombus formation and excessive bleeding in pregnancy which could lead to miscarriages, fetal death or maternal mortality.

Simple, Fast and Reliable Method of Taking Photograph with Small Sized Cellotape Assisted Smartphone on Light Microscope: The Urip Susiantoro Approach in Limited Resources Setting

Abstract: Documenting an object seen in a light microscope is a challenge, especially in limited setting area, for an example when doing field trip for environmental sampling. Taking photographs directly using smartphone, or so called microscopic photography, is not easy. Here we proposed a simple, fast and reliable method of taking photograph with small sized cello tape assisted smartphone on light microscope. We named this procedure “the Urip Susiantoro approach”, methods can be practiced in limited resources setting.

Transfusion Transmitable Infections and Reasons for Release of Total Blood to the Blood Bank of the Yaounde Centrall Hospital

Abstract: Blood banks in sub-Saharan Africa regularly face shortages of blood products (PS). Several factors are responsible for this, including transfusion-transmissible infections (ITT) and deficiencies in the transfusion system. This study aims to determine the prevalence and the various reasons for rejection at the blood bank of the Central Hospital of Yaoundé. We first conducted a retrospective study at the blood bank of the Central Hospital of Yaoundé for 12 months between January 01, 2014 and December 31, 2014.Secondly, we carried out a prospective study in October 2015. Five milliliters (05 ml) of venous blood were taken from each participant in a tube without anticoagulant; patient samples were stored at -24°C. A rapid screening test and ELISA were used to test for HIV, HCV, HBs and syphilis on the samples taken. Approximately 15,028 bags of whole blood were drawn in 2014, of which 3,688 bags were rejected. This equates to a rejection rate of 24.54%. Discards for non-infectious reasons represented 3.51% and rejections for infectious reasons 21.03%. During the prospective study, among those selected, there were 95.74% men and 4.26% women. The average age of the participants was 30 years. Among the 705 people in this investigation, 185 blood bags were rejected. Infectious causes represented 22.55% (Hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis with a respective prevalence of 9.08%, 0.71% 6.95% and 5.82%) and nonOriginal Research Article Bernard; IBRR, 11(2): 15-22, 2020; Article no.IBRR.57155 16 infectious causes represented 3.68 % (clots, insufficient volume of PST, hemolysis and expiration with a respective prevalence of: 1.84%, 0.71 0.14% and 0.99%).The association between rejection of blood bags and qualitative variables was assessed. There emerged a significant association between the risk of rejection of a blood bag and the type of donor; condom use, number of partners, history of STIs. At the Yaoundé Central Hospital blood bank, the reasons for rejecting blood bags are divided into two categories: Mainly infectious and non-infectious. Also, certain risk variables such as not using a condom, multiple sexual partners and a history of STIs are risk factors that can encourage rejection of blood bags.

Blood Donation Practices of Tertiary Level Students in South Eastern Nigeria: Prevalence and Determinants

Abstract: Introduction: Safe and adequate blood donation is critical in saving millions of lives annually. In many developing including Nigeria, there is paucity of blood donors. Aim: In this study, we assessed the blood donation practices of tertiary level students in Imo State, South East Nigeria as well as its prevalence and determinants. Methodology: Multistage sampling technique was used. Stage one involved the stratification of the institutions into universities and non-universities. In stage two, one university and one non university was selected using simple random method. Stage three involved the selection of study participants from the student registry using systematic sampling method. Self-administered Original Research Article Duru et al.; IBRR, 10(2): 1-12, 2019; Article no.IBRR.53461 2 questionnaire was the study instrument. Data analysis was with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM – SPSS) version 20. Results: Six hundred (600) undergraduates participated in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 21.3 ± 5.0 years. The one year prevalence of blood donation in this study was 13.8% and 63.1% of the non-donors were willing to donate. Respondents aged 15 – 29 years more willing to donate blood compared to those aged 30 – 44 years (OR = 3.03, p = 0.0003), those that were single were 4 times more willing to donate in comparison to those that were married/divorced (OR = 4.02, p < 0.0001). Respondents that were of Catholic faith were also more willing to donate compared to those that were of Pentecostal/Orthodox denomination (OR = 2.72, p = <0.0001). Class distribution and residence were not independent predictors of willingness to donate blood. Conclusion: From the findings in this study, it was obvious that the willingness to donate blood is far greater than the actual act of donating blood. There is need to continue to reach out to those willing to donate but do not know how to go about it.

Bing-Neel Syndrome – A Challenging Diagnosis: Case Report

Abstract: Bing-Neel syndrome is a rare neurologic complication of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, characterized by infiltration of the central nervous system by clonal lymphoplasmacytes. We present a rare clinical case of a patient, who one year after the diagnosis of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, progressed with diverse neurologic presentation and cerebrospinal fluid involvement. The diagnosis was based on magnetic resonance imaging and flow cytometry detection of clonal B-cells in the cerebrospinal fluid. Bing-Neel syndrome should be considered in patients with neurologic symptoms and a history of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.