Correlation of Age, Gender, ABO Blood Group and Rh Factor in COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

BACKGROUND: The ABO blood group has long been recognized as a significant factor influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases. Numerous studies have explored the links between ABO blood types and both the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 and the severity of the infection, yielding conflicting results. AIM: This study intends to determine the influence of age, gender, the ABO blood group, and Rh factor on the potential development of COVID-19 infection. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional, observational study collected data including age, gender, the ABO blood group, and Rh factor from 80 healthcare professionals at R. R. Dental College and Hospital in Udaipur with a positive history of COVID-19 infection via Google Forms (Google LLC, Mountain View, California, United States). Chi-square statistics assessed the distribution of blood types and antibodies within the samples. Odds ratio (OR) assays were used to assess the probability of a certain blood type or Rh factor with version 21.0 of the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: In this study, the blood group type O was 45.2% (n = 33), type A was 21.9% (n = 16), type B was 24.7% (n = 18), and type AB was 8.2% (n = 6). Rh-positive samples were 87.7% (n = 64) and Rh-negative samples were 12.3% (n = 9). There was a statistically significant correlation between Type A (p = 0.001) and Type O (p = 0.049). Thirty-one participants (42.5%) were aged 20-30 years, 26 (35.6%) were aged 31-40 years, and 16 (21.9%) were aged 41-50 years. The statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant distinction among the age groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The patients' gender, age, and concurrent disorders are crucial risk variables that determine the severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. There is growing data indicating that the ABO blood group has a significant role in disease biology at physiological and biochemical levels. Hence, this study adds valuable information to strengthen and establish the potential role of factors, such as age and gender, in the possible pathogenicity of COVID-19 infection.

Cognitive Effects of Toxoplasma and CMV Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study of 557 Young Adults Considering Modulation by Sex and Rh Factor.

One-third of humanity harbors a lifelong infection with Toxoplasma gondii, and probably about 80% are infected with human cytomegalovirus (CMV). This study aims to delineate the associations between toxoplasmosis and cognitive abilities and compare these to the associations with CMV. We evaluated the cognitive performance of 557 students, who had been examined for Toxoplasma and CMV infections, using intelligence, memory, and psychomotor tests. The results indicated cognitive impairments in seropositive individuals for both pathogens, with variations in cognitive impact related to sex and the Rh factor. Specifically, Toxoplasma infection was associated with lower IQ in men, whereas CMV was predominantly associated with worse performance by women when testing memory and reaction speeds. Analysis of the antibody concentrations indicated that certain Toxoplasma-associated cognitive detrimental effects may wane (impaired intelligence) or worsen (impaired reaction times) over time following infection. The findings imply that the cognitive impairments caused by both neurotropic pathogens are likely due to pathological changes in the brain rather than from direct manipulative action by the parasites.

Investigating the Association Between ABO Blood Groups and Rhesus Factors with Dengue and Chikungunya Virus Infections During the 2017 Outbreak in Bangladesh.

This retrospective study was conducted in 2017 during the dual dengue and chikungunya outbreak in Bangladesh. Febrile participants underwent blood tests for chikungunya, dengue, and ABO groups and rhesus (Rh) factors. Blood grouping information was gathered from healthy donors. Males and those aged between 18 and 49 years had a higher risk of contracting dengue and chikungunya. Blood group O exhibited the highest infection rates at ∼50%, whereas group AB had the lowest at ∼9% among the participants in the study. Yet, when considering the general population's blood group distribution, the combined odds of infection were 2.0, 3.5, and 1.4 times higher in groups B, O, and AB, respectively, than in group A. Infection rates were greater in Rh-negative people. Blood groups B, O, and AB showed higher susceptibility than blood group A according to adjusted odds ratios. Blood groups ABO and Rh factor hold significance in disease susceptibility and vaccine effectiveness. Keeping these implications in mind, further investigations are necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying these connections and their effects on the efficacy of dengue and chikungunya vaccines.

The impact of ABO blood types on humoral immunity responses and antibody persistency after different COVID-19 vaccine regimens.

This study evaluated the possible effects of blood types on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine immunogenicity and antibody (Ab) persistency. Five different vaccinated groups against COVID-19 were investigated at Pasteur Institute of Iran from April 2021 to December 2022. Anti-Spike IgG and neutralizing Ab rise were tracked on Day 21 as well as the humoral immune persistency assessment 180 after booster shots. Late adverse events up to 6 months after the booster dose were collected. The results showed that blood type A, led to a significantly higher anti-Spike Ab rise in AstraZeneca primed recipients in comparison with Sinopharm primed ones in heterologous regimens (p: 0.019). Furthermore, blood type O was a great co-effector in homologous AstraZeneca recipients regarding neutralizing Ab rise (0.013). In addition, blood type O led to a better anti-Spike Ab persistency in the Sinopharm homologous group whereas type A had the best effect on neutralizing Ab durability in the same vaccine group. What is more, Rh-positive individuals in AstraZeneca + PastoCovac Plus group had a higher rate of anti-Spike Ab rise (p = 0.001). Neutralizing Ab rise was also induced in AstraZeneca homologous and heterologous regimens of Rh-positive individuals significantly higher than Sinopharm primed cases. The present study showed the potential impact of blood types A/O and Rh-positive on a better humoral immune responses and Ab persistency. It is proposed that blood type A and Rh-positive could increase the Ab rise in AstraZeneca vaccinated individuals. Moreover, blood type O might be a better co-effector of anti-Spike Ab persistency in Sinopharm recipients.

Investigating the Correlation Between HLA-II Gene Polymorphism and RhE Alloimmunization in Pregnant Chinese Women.

The Rhesus (Rh) blood group is a significant and complicated biological system in humans. Incompatible transfusion or pregnancy with Rh antigens can lead to the production of alloantibodies, among which the anti-E antibody is prevalent. The relationship between Anti-E antibody and HLA-II gene polymorphism in Chinese pregnant women is worth exploring. Our aim in this study was to verify the correlation between HLA-II gene polymorphisms and RhE alloimmunization in pregnant Chinese women through HLA-II typing and DR-RhE structural prediction. In total, 94 anti-E-negative pregnant women and 103 anti-E-positive pregnant women were enrolled from Southwest China Second Hospital, and HLA-II genotyping was performed using next-generation sequencing. NetMHCpan software was used to predict the binding of E -derived anchoring peptides to HLA-DRB1 molecules. AlphaFold was used to analyze the differences in antigen presentation based on the structure of major histocompatibility complex peptides. The HLA-DRB1*09:01-DQA1*03:02-DQB1*03:03 haplotype showed a significant positive association with anti-E. One E-derived anchoring peptide (219FWPSVNSPL227) was predicted to bind to the HLA-DRB1*09:01 molecule. The interaction between the 60Ser of DR9 and 226pro of RhE comprised one hydrogen bond. This study demonstrated that HLA-II haplotypes are associated with allo-anti-E antibodies in pregnant women from Sichuan Province, China. The HLA-DRB1*09:01-DQA1*03:02-DQB1*03:03 phenotype may enhance the formation of anti-E alloantibodies, and the HLA-DRB1*09:01 molecule may play a key role in alloimmunity.

Assessment of the Relation Between Patterns of Third-Molar Impaction and Blood Group: A Retrospective Study.

Background The prevalence of impacted third molars is high in the global general population. The etiology of impacted third molars is not fully understood, but it is thought to result from combined genetic and environmental factors. Some studies have suggested a link between the blood group and the risk of impacted third molars. This study aimed to investigate the association between the blood group and the presence of impacted third molars and its pattern. Method A total of 856 panoramic radiographs were included in the study. The third molars were evaluated for the pattern of third-molar impaction and blood characteristics recorded as ABO group and presence or absence of Rhesus antigen. Results The results showed no significant association between the blood group and the presence of impacted third molars. The prevalence of at least one impacted the third molar was 34.6%. The most common angulation of impacted third molars was vertical (V) (45.1%), followed by mesioangular (MA) (33.7%), distoangular (DA) (13.8%), and horizontal (H) (7.4%). There was no significant association between the blood group and the number of impacted third molars nor between the blood group and the angulation of the impacted third molars. Conclusion This study suggests that the blood group is not a major factor in the development of impacted third molars. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.

ABO Blood Grouping and Rhesus Factor Determination From Dental Pulp Tissue: A Forensic Research.

Introduction Collection of blood samples from mass disaster victims and blood grouping is a challenging task. This can be attributed to various reasons. From the forensic odontology perspective, teeth and bones are one of the noteworthy remains that can be derived from such sites. Aims and objectives The aim of our study is to detect ABO blood groups and Rhesus (Rh) factor from extirpated pulp tissue of the extracted teeth at zero, three, and six months' time interval by absorption-elution technique. Materials and methods The study consisted of 90 freshly extracted teeth as suggested by a biostatistician. Thirty teeth were analyzed immediately and 60 teeth were stored in vials without any preservative at room temperature. The pulp tissue was extirpated and studied at zero months, three months, and six months to determine blood groups and Rh factors. The extraction socket blood was tested to identify the blood group of that patient and used as a control reference. The blood grouping was done at respective time periods through the absorption-elution method and matched with the control. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test were done. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Pulp showed the highest sensitivity for blood groups at zero months but it could be identified up to six months, although the sensitivity and specificity gradually decreased. ABO blood grouping showed higher sensitivity than the Rh factor as time progressed. Conclusion In cases where teeth are the only remains in a forensic condition, the dental pulp can be an authentic source for blood group detection.

Correlation between blood group, Rh, and obesity with colorectal carcinoma among patients attending Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital/Baghdad: a case-control study.

Several studies had been conducted on the association between blood group ABO and the risk of gastrointestinal malignancies, such as gastric and pancreatic cancer. Studies have also been conducted on the risk of obesity with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). It is unclear whether there is an association between blood group ABO and CRC and which group is more affected. Aim: The aim of this study was to show an association between the ABO blood group, Rh factor, and obesity with CRC. Patients and Methods: One hundred and two patients with CRC were included in our case-control study. Blood group, Rh factor, and BMI were estimated and compared with a control group of 180 Iraqis who came to the Endoscopy Department of Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital for preoperative control colonoscopy between January 2016 and January 2019. Results: The overall distributions of ABO and Rh factor were comparable between patients (41.17% A+, 5.88% A-, 6.86% B+, 2.94 B-, 1.96% AB+, 1.96% AB-, 37.25% O+, and 1.96% O-) and controls (26.66% A+, 1.11% A-, 20% B+, 1.11 B-, 13.3% AB+, 1.11% AB-, 34.44% O+, and 2.22% O-). Statistically, there were significant differences between patients with CRC and control subjects in terms of their blood groups. The A+ group was found in 42 cases (41.17%), followed by O+ in 38 cases (37.25%). Their BMI ranged from 18.5 to 40 kg/m2. Overweight patients were more common in 46 cases (45%) followed by obesity class І 32 cases (32.37%) with a P-value of 0.00016. Sixty-two of the patients with CRC (60.78%) were male and 40 cases (39.21%) were female. Their ages ranged from 30 to 79 years with a mean age of 55.49 years. CRC 37 cases occurred in the age group of 60-69 years (36.27). Conclusion: In this study, a statistically significant association was found between the occurrence of CRC and patients with blood group A+, O+, overweight, and obesity class І.

Prevalence of ABO and Rh Blood Group Among Volunteer Blood Donors at the Blood and Tissue Bank Service in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: The discovery of the ABO blood group system and testing of blood donors highly reduced the fatalities associated with blood transfusion reactions and improved the safety of blood transfusion. Blood group antigens are found on the surface of red blood cells that are inherited biological characteristics that do not change throughout life in healthy individuals. Objective: To determine the prevalence ABO and Rh blood groups Among Volunteer Blood Donors at Ethiopian blood and tissue bank service (EBTBS), Addis Ababa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2022 to May 2022, on 1700 volunteer blood donors to assess prevalence of ABO and Rh blood groups among volunteer blood donors at the Ethiopian blood and tissue bank service. All tests were performed using fully automated immunohematology analyzer (Galileo Neo Immucor). Data processing and analysis were undertaken by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. An ethical clearance letter was obtained from Addis Ababa University and informed consent was also obtained from the participants of the study. Results: A total of 1700 donors were included, of which 57% of donors were males. The majority of the donors belonged to the age group between 18 and 25 years old (53%). The antigen frequencies of ABO and Rh(D) blood group system showed that O was the most prevalent blood group 44.65% followed by A (28.41%), B (21.24%), and AB (5.71%). The Rh-positive donors were more prevalent (94.82%) as oppose to the Rh-negative (5.18%). Conclusion: The knowledge of the distribution of blood groups is very important for blood banks and transfusion services which play an important role in the patient's health care. The findings of the ABO blood group in this study were comparable to other studies conducted in Ethiopia.

The effects of 105 biological, socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental factors on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a severe course of COVID-19: a prospective, explorative cohort study.

The confirmed number of SARS-CoV-2 infections up to 18 October 2022 is 626 million worldwide, but information about factors affecting the probability of infection or a severe course of COVID-19 remains insufficient and often speculative. Only a small number of factors have been rigorously examined, mostly by retrospective or cross-sectional studies.We ran a preregistered study on 5164 Internet users who shared information with us about their exposure to 105 risk factors and reported being COVID-19 negative before the beginning of the fourth wave of COVID-19 in the Czech Republic. After the fourth wave, in which 709 (13.7%) of participants were infected, we used a partial Kendall test controlled for sex, age, and urbanization to compare the risk of infection and a severe course of the disease in subjects who initially did and did not report exposure to particular risk factors.After the correction for multiple tests, we identified 13 factors - including male sex, lower age, blood group B, and larger household size - that increased the risk of infection and 16 factors - including mask-wearing, borreliosis in the past, use of vitamin D supplements, or rooibos drinking - that decreased it. We also identified 23 factors that increased the risk of a severe course of COVID-19 and 12 factors that decreased the risk.This preregistered longitudinal study is of explorative nature. Therefore, although the observed effects were strong and remained highly significant even after correction for multiple tests, it will be necessary to confirm their existence in future independent studies.

Relationship between ABO blood group and Rh factor with oral potentially malignant disorder.

Introduction: Oral cancer is the most life threatening of all oral diseases. It has a prolonged natural history with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) as the precursor. Recognition and diagnosis of OPMD will help in early treatment, patient survival and in reducing morbidity related to treatment of oral cancer. OPMDs has multifactorial etiologies and is significantly associated with risk factors of the individual's lifestyle, particularly, chronic use of tobacco, spicy food, alcohol and smoking. Genetic factors also play an important role in the etiology of OPMDs. It is proven by many studies like Dermatoglyphics, Salivary miRNA, micronuclei in buccal mucosa etc., one of such kind is ABO blood group and Rh factor. OBJECTIVE: Aim of our study is to evaluate if any of the ABO blood group and Rh factor is associated with an increased risk for OPMDs. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in Sri Rajiv Gandhi College of Dental Sciences included 55 patients with clinical and histopathologically proven OPMD's. Blood grouping was determined for all the patients using standardised agglutination method. Result: This study showed that people with blood group B+ are 1.46 times at a greater risk to develop OPMDs. Conclusion: Our study concludes that subjects with B+ blood group and habit of tobacco chewing and smoking are at higher risk to develop OPMDs than subjects with other blood groups.

Alterations in Clinical Characteristics of Blood Donors Post COVID-19 Recovery.

BACKGROUND: Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19), a current worldwide pandemic is the cause of serious concern. Risk-adjusted differences in outcomes of the patients are not well characterized. Therefore, susceptibility to infection with respect to blood group, blood pressure, pulse rate, hemoglobin, age, and BMI is analyzed in this study. METHODS: Blood donors of all ages and gender, who recovered from COVID-19 infection, were selected for the study. Samples were collected from the regional laboratory and the central blood bank of Hafr al Batin, Saudi Arabia. Out of 1508 healthy blood donors, 134 had recovered from corona without any preexisting diseases. RESULTS: Major donors were male (85.1%). 28% of donors were in the age range of 26-35 years. O+(32.8%) donors were in majority. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate elevated significantly in the age group 46-55 (p<0.05) and 56-65 (p<0.001). Systolic blood pressure in males (134.13 ± 9.57) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than in females (129.35 ± 10.61). Donors with Rh+ had significantly higher systolic (p<0.05) and pulse rate (p<0.05) as compared to Rh-. DISCUSSION: O+ donors were found to be highly susceptible. Blood pressure, pulse rate and Hb altered with age. Males exhibited higher variation in systolic blood pressure, with the Rh+ factor playing a predominant role. Donors above 45-years of age and with a high BMI had significantly elevated blood pressure and pulse. These results are challenging or contradictory to the results of Turkish and Chinese studies where blood group A+ was more predominantly affected by the SARS-CoV-2 with the minimum infection rate in females and Rh- donors. CONCLUSION: Factors like blood group, age, physical characteristics and BMI should be taken into account before initiating any therapeutic approach to obtain the best possible outcomes with minimum adverse effects from the current drugs utilized for SARS CoV-2 treatment, especially with the age group of 45 years and above.

Effects of ABO blood groups and RH-factor on COVID-19 transmission, course and outcome: A review.

ABO and Rh blood grouping systems are two of the non-modifiable risk factors that play an important role in the susceptibility, severity and outcomes of COVID-19 infection. This review explores these associations all over the world, in an attempt to conclude a clear idea for future reference in clinical practice. In the present review, a link has been drawn between blood groups and COVID-19 transmission, course and prognosis, as literature suggests that blood group O plays a protective role against the infection, while blood group A exhibits a higher risk of exacerbation. In contrast with Rh negative individuals, Rh positive individuals are prone to more severe infection and complications, despite the fact that the underlying mechanisms of this association remain understudied. Nevertheless, the connection remains subject to controversy; since some studies report doubts about it. Thus, this association requires further investigation.

Clinical Impact of the ABO Blood Type in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: Is there a Link to the ABO and Rhesus?

OBJECTIVES: Several studies have shown associations of ABO and Rh blood groups with various diseases; however, the relationship of ABO and Rh blood groups with rheumatic diseases are scarce. The aim of the present study was to examine whether there is an association between ABO and Rh blood groups and the types of rheumatic diseases. METHOD: In this multi-centre cross-sectional study, sociodemographic data, type of rheumatic disease, and type ABO and Rh blood groups were examined for patients with different rheumatic diseases. RESULTS: A total of 304 patients; 207 (68.1%) were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and 40 (13.2%) had systemic lupus erythematosus. The patients were assessed for blood types; 37.8% patients had A type, 27.6% had B type, 19.1% had O type, and 15.4% had AB type. The Rh (+) blood group was more prevalent (89.1%) than Rh (-). Blood group A was more prevalent in patients with rheumatic disease, followed by B, O, and AB respectively, although there was no significant difference in the distribution of ABO groups among rheumatic diseases. Female gender, smoking, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide are significantly different between the blood groups within rheumatic diseases. CONCLUSION: The A and Rh (+) blood groups were more commonly observed in patients with rheumatic diseases. There was lack of association between types of rheumatic diseases and ABO blood groups. The study provides knowledge for the interaction between ABO blood groups and several risk factors related to rheumatic diseases and may serve a guide for future clinical studies.

AB0 and rhesus blood groups as a risk factor for ARVI COVID-19.

The frequency of AB0 and Rhesus blood groups was studied in 12120 patients with COVID-19, 5180 convalescent plasma donors and 118801 healthy donors from Moscow, Smolensk, Yakutsk, Minsk and Gomel. In infected individuals, the frequency of blood group A was significantly higher than in uninfected individuals (41,54 % and 34,39 % respectively, p<0,05), and the frequency of blood group 0, on the contrary, was significantly lower (27,69 % and 36,71 %, p<0,05). The frequency of blood group A was particularly high among patients who died from ARVI COVID-19 - 45,51 % vs. 34,39 %, p=0,008. In some groups of patients, there was a decrease in the frequency of Rh-negative individuals (2,23 % vs. 8,30 %, p<0,001).

COVID-19 and blood groups: A six-months observational study in Ferrara, Italy.

The current literature still gives a little information about the relationships between the ABO blood group system and the immune response to the virus or the different disease outcomes. Hypothesizing the presence of a predisposition by some blood groups to COVID-19, we searched for differences between patients towards the different outcomes of disease.We enrolled 330 inpatients with a diagnosis of COVID-19, determining both their ABO blood group system and Rh factor, collecting demographic, clinical and laboratory data. We searched for relationships with COVID-19 outcomes within an observation period of 180 days (Intensification of Care - IoC, Inhospital death, 180-days mortality). The most frequent ABO blood group was A (45.8%); a minor part was represented by group O (38.8%), B (11.5%), AB (3.9%). As for the Rh factor, 86.7% of patients were Rh-positive. There were no significant differences between blood groups and Rh factors as for age, length of hospital stays (LoS), or Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), nor we found significant relationships between the ABO groups and COVID-19 outcomes. A significant relation was found between AB group and IoC (p=0.03) while as for the Rh factor, the patients with Rh factor positive died with less frequency during the stay (p=0.03). Cox regression analyses showed substantial differences in the survival functions concerning the Rh factors. The Rh factor seems to be involved in the 180-day prognosis. The survival functions of patients with Rh factor positive show, in fact, significantly better curves when compared to those with Rh factor negative.

ABO and Rhesus Blood Group Distribution and Blood Donation Willingness Among First-Year Health Students in a Saudi University.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the distribution of blood groups and blood donation willingness in a population is crucial in managing blood banks and transfusion services. Moreover, awareness of one's own blood group is essential especially in emergencies that mandate blood donation. This study aimed to determine the distribution of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups among health students, the students' knowledge about their blood group, and their willingness to donate blood. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included all newly accepted health students in a large university in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (N=1145) during August 2020. The data included a self-administered questionnaire and the serology results of ABO and Rh factors. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were performed followed by a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis which identified the predictors of willingness of blood donation. RESULTS: Blood group O was the most frequent type among students (51.1%), followed by group A (24.5%) and B (20.4%). The majority (93.3%) of students had Rh-positive factor. When we compared students' answers with their sample results, most students (75.5%) correctly reported their ABO and Rh blood groups. Male students and those with a previous history of blood donation correctly reported their blood group more than others. Of the total sample, 47.3% were willing to donate blood within the next year. Positive predictors of the willingness of student to donate blood included being male, and those with a history of blood donation. Interestingly, students with a family member in the healthcare field were significantly less likely to donate blood. CONCLUSION: Blood group O and Rh positive were the most frequent blood groups. Most students had a good knowledge about their blood groups, and about half of students were willing to donate blood. Efforts to encourage the young population to participate in blood donation are crucial.

Changes to medication abortion clinical practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To document medication abortion clinical practice changes adopted by providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal descriptive study, comprised of three online surveys conducted between April to December, 2020. We recruited sites from email lists of national abortion and family planning organizations. RESULTS: Seventy-four sites opted to participate. We analyzed 55/74 sites (74%) that provided medication abortion and completed all three surveys. The total number of abortion encounters reported by the sites remained consistent throughout the study period, though medication abortion encounters increased while first-trimester aspiration abortion encounters decreased. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, sites reduced the number of in-person visits associated with medication abortion and confirmation of successful termination. In February 2020, considered prepandemic, 39/55 sites (71%) required 2 or more patient visits for a medication abortion. By April 2020, 19/55 sites (35%) reported reducing the total number of in-person visits associated with a medication abortion. As of October 2020, 37 sites indicated newly adopting a practice of offering medication abortion follow-up with no in-person visits. CONCLUSIONS: Sites quickly adopted protocols incorporating practices that are well-supported in the literature, including forgoing Rh-testing and pre-abortion ultrasound in some circumstances and relying on patient report of symptoms or home pregnancy tests to confirm successful completion of medication abortion. Importantly, these practices reduce face-to-face interactions and the opportunity for virus transmission. Sustaining these changes even after the public health crisis is over may increase patient access to abortion, and these impacts should be evaluated in future research. IMPLICATIONS STATEMENT: Medication abortion serves a critical function in maintaining access to abortion when there are limitations to in-person clinic visits. Sites throughout the country successfully and quickly adopted protocols that reduced visits associated with the abortion, reducing in-person screenings, relying on telehealth, and implementing remote follow-up.

ABO Blood Groups, Rh Factor, and Thyroid Cancer Risk: To 'B' or Not to 'B'.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate ABO blood groups and Rh factor in patients with thyroid cancer.Methods: Demographical and clinical features, cytological results, ABO blood groups, and Rh factor status of patients with benign and malignant thyroid disease were evaluated. Histopathological features of thyroid cancer were compared in Rh positive and negative patients, and patients with different ABO blood groups.Results: Histopathological diagnosis was benign in 1,299 (63.5%) and malignant in 744 (36.5%) patients. There was no significant difference between benign and malignant patients in terms of age, sex, thyroid autoantibody positivity, and ABO blood groups (p > .05 for each). A significantly higher rate of patients with malignant disease were Rh positive compared to patients with benign disease (91.8% vs. 88.1%, p = .046). In thyroid cancer patients, extrathyroidal extension and advanced stage (3-4) were observed more frequently in patients with B compared to non-B blood groups (p = .028 and 0.042, respectively). The likelihood of the extrathyroidal extension was 4.272 (95%: 1.816-10.049) times higher in B blood group compared to non-B blood groups in patients with multifocal disease (p < .001). Patients with O blood group had lower rate of capsular invasion than patients with non-O blood groups (p = .018).Conclusion: Patients with B blood group had higher risk of extrathyroidal extension and advanced stage compared to patients with non-B blood group.

Correlation and Comparison of Cheiloscopy and Dactyloscopy with Blood Groups ­ An Institutional Study

Background: The most crucial evidence that is left behind at the crime scenarios that might narrow down the suspect pool are lip prints and fingerprints. These are undoubtedly the most reliable and valuable evidence till date in the court of law. One more biological record that remains unchanged throughout the lifespan of a person is the blood group. Aim and Objectives: To study, correlate and compare cheiloscopy and dactyloscopy with blood group among dental students in the Western Maharashtra population. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 dental students with age groups ranging between 18-25 years were included in the study. Lip print pattern, fingerprint pattern and ABO blood groups were collected and compared. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyse the data. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between lip prints and ABO - Rh (χ2 37.56, P < 0.05) as well as between fingerprints and ABO-Rh blood groups (χ2 30.6, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Hence, this study concluded that fingerprints-ABO blood group and lip prints-ABO blood groups are valuable evidence that can be relied upon in forensic investigations for the identification of the suspect in crime.