Haemoglobin Type, Haematology and Morphometric Characteristics of Muscovy Ducks Reared in Calabar, Nigeria

This study determined the haemoglobin polymorphism, haematology and morphometric characteristics of Muscovy ducks. A total of 80 adult Muscovy ducks (40 per sex) respectively were used for the study which lasted 60 days. Blood samples of the ducks were collected and analysed for haemoglobin type and haematological traits while body weight (BWT) and body parts such as body girth (BG), wing length (WL), keel length (KL), shank length (SL), body length (BL), thigh length (TL) and Body circumference (BC) were taken and subjected to one –way ANOVA. Drakes exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher values in body girth, body length and thigh length than the ducks. Average values recorded were BWT (2040 g), BC (30.43cm), KL (25.75cm), BL (25.78cm) and TL (4.85cm). Haemoglobin types found among the ducks were Hb AA, AB and BB, males being predominantly of Hb BB and females of Hb AA. Gene frequencies of 0.5435 and 0.4565 were recorded for alleles A and B respectively among the ducks. Genotype frequencies were AA (39.14%), AB (30.43%) and BB (30.43%). Some average haematological values recorded were Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (29.86%), Erythrocytes Sedimentation Rate (ESR) (7.34mm/hr), Haemoglobin Concentration (HBC) (11.93g/dl), Red Blood Cell Counts (RBC) (2.4 × 106/L) and White Blood Cell (WBC) (1.98 × 103/L). Results of body morphometry from this research could serve as an important basis for characterization, conservation and improvement of this duck breed in the study location. The establishment of the haemoglobin types of ducks in Calabar is a precursor to the determination of its relationship(s) with economic traits in the birds. Haematological values recorded in this study showed that the ducks were in normal condition of health and growth.

Blood Donors’ Age, Haemoglobin Type, G6PD Status, and Blood Group Impact Storability of CPDA-1 Banked Whole Blood: A Repeated-Measure Cohort Study in Cape Coast, Ghana

Background. The high prevalence of haemoglobin variants and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase disorder (G6PDd) in sub-Saharan Africa means that substantial proportions of donor blood units carry these red cell abnormalities. Aim. This study investigated the impact that inherited haemoglobin variants and/or G6PD status have on whole blood banked at 4–6°C for 35 days. Method. This repeated-measure cohort study was undertaken on 103 donor blood units collected into blood bag containing CPDA-1 anticoagulant. On days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 35, full blood count, osmotic-induced haemolysis, and plasma K+ levels were estimated. Also, on day 0, G6PD status, haemoglobin variants, % foetal haemoglobin, and blood group of donor units were determined using methaemoglobin reductase, cellulose acetate electrophoresis, modified Bekte alkali denaturation assay, and slide haemagglutination test, respectively. Result. Overall, although plasma K+ levels increased during storage, donor units from individuals ≥20 years, G6PD normal, Hb AC, or blood group B had comparatively higher percentage change in plasma K+ during storage. Osmotically induced haemolysis of donor units was significantly decreased in Hb AC (compared with Hb A or AS) donor units on days 7, 14, 21, and 35 (p<0.0001 in each case). G6PDd donor units had comparatively reduced osmotic-induced lysis compared with G6PD normal units, reaching a statistical significance on day 35 (p=0.043). Also, Hb AC units had comparatively nonstatistically higher plasma K+ at all time points (compared with Hb A or AS). Furthermore, whereas donor units from individuals ≥20 years showed significantly higher median free haemoglobin on day 21 (compared to donor <20 years), when donor units were stratified per Hb variants, only Hb AS units had median free haemoglobin below the 0.8% threshold after 35 days’ storage. Conclusion. Age of donor, blood group, Hb AC variant, and G6PD status may be important considerations in the storability of whole blood.

Vascular access and its complications in patients with chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis: a retrospective analysis

Background: Inadequate vascular access in patients on haemodialysis is a major cause of hospitalization leading to life threatening complications. This study evaluated the types of vascular access, location and associated complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on haemodialysis.Methods: Patients with CKD stage V on haemodialysis were included in the study. The data was retrospectively collected including demographic details, comorbidities, serum creatinine, haemoglobin, type and site of access and associated complications.Results: A total of 82 patients with mean (SD) age of 56.6(13.9) years were included with 50 (60.9%) patients on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) access and remaining 32 (39.1%) on dual-lumen catheter (DLC). Hypertension (42.6%) was the most common comorbidity reported followed by diabetes (24.3%) and chronic glomerulonephritis (13.4%). In AVF access, 25 (50.0%) had wrist as site of access, 10 (20.0%) had forearm, 11(22.0%) had brachiocephalic and four (8.0%) brachiobasilic. Of 32 DLC access, 27(84.4%) had jugular vein and four (12.5%) femoral vein. One patient with AVF access reported venous hypertension; however, the complications reported in patients with DLC access were infection (n=6, 18.8%) and hematoma and venous hypertension (n=1, 3.7%, each).Conclusions: This study with limited sample size showed that the most common access site for AVF and DLC was wrist and jugular vein, respectively. Infection was the most common complication in patients with DLC. AVF is comparatively safe option for haemodialysis; however, DLC should be used only as a temporary option.

Risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction in individuals with diabetes or elevated blood glucose

Aims To determine the risk of dementia in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and in individuals with glycosylated haemoglobin, type A1C (HbA1c) of ⩾48 mmol/mol, which is the diagnostic limit for diabetes. Methods We included the following cohorts: all incident diabetes cases aged 15 or above registered in the National Diabetes Registry (NDR) from January 2000 through December 2012 (n = 148 036) and a reference population, adult participants from the Glostrup cohort (n = 16 801), the ADDITION Study (n = 26 586) and Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank (CAMB) (n = 5408). Using these cohorts, we analysed if a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes in the NDR or HbA1c level of ⩾ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) in the cohorts increased risk of dementia in the Danish National Patient Registry or cognitive performance assessed by the Intelligenz-Struktur-Test 2000R (IST2000R). Results A diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes in the NDR was associated with increased risk of dementia diagnosed both before or after age 65 as well as across different subtypes of dementia. Self-reported diabetes or high HbA1c levels were associated with lower cognitive performance (p = 0.004), while high HbA1c was associated with increased risk of dementia (HR 1.94 (1.10–3.44) in the Glostrup cohort but not in the ADDITION Study (HR 0.96 (0.57–1.61)). Conclusions Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of dementia, while the importance of screening-detected elevated HbA1c remains less clear.

Haematological parameters and plasma levels of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α in malaria-sickle cell co-morbidity: A cross sectional study

IntroductionMalaria and sickle cell disease (SCD) co-morbidity have previously been reported in Ghana. However, there is paucity of data on haematological profiles and oxidative stress in comorbidity states. This study identified novel inflammatory biomarkers associated with malaria in SCD and analyzed the levels of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α oxidative stress biomarker in malaria-SCD co-morbidity in Ghanaian patients.MethodsBlood (5ml) was collected from malaria patients into K3-EDTA tube. Malaria parasites speciation and quantification were then done according WHO guidelines. All eligible samples were assayed for haematological profile, sickle cell phenotyping, infectious markers (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis and HIV 1&2) and plasma levels of 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α..ResultsPrevalence of malaria in SCD (malaria-SCD) was 13.4% (45/335). Male: female ratio was 0.8:1 (X2=1.43, p=0.231). Mean ages for malaria in normal haemoglobin type (malaria-HbAA) and malaria-SCD were 12.79±4.91 and 11.56±3.65 years respectively (p=0.048). Geometric mean of parasite density was higher in malaria-HbAA (20394 parasites/μl vs. 9990 parasites/μl, p=0.001) whilst mean body temperature was higher in malaria-SCD (39.0±0.87°C vs. 37.9±1.15°C, p=0.001). Mean leukocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, platelets and platelet indices values were significantly elevated in malaria-SCD. Significant reduction in RBC and RBC indices in malaria-SCD were also observed. Eosinophils-to-basophils ratio (EBR) and monocytes-to-basophils ratio (MBR) were novel cellular inflammatory biomarkers which could predict malaria in SCD. The sensitivities of cut-off values of EBR>14, MBR>22 and combined use of EBR>14 and MBR>22 were 79.55%, 84.09% and 91.11% respectively. Mean 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α was 338.1pg/ml in malaria-HbAA and 643.8pg/ml in malaria-SCD (p=0.001). 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α correlated with parasite density (r=0.787, p=0.001), temperature (r=0.566, p=0.001) and leucocytes (r=0.573, p=0.001) and negatively correlated with RBC (r=−0.476, p=0.003), haemoglobin (r=−0.851, p=0.001) and haematocrit (r=−0.735, p=0.001).ConclusionPlasmodium falciparum parasitaemia increases oxidative damage and causes derangement haematological parameters. Cut of values of EBR>14 and MBR>22 could predict malaria in SCD.

Survivability of lambs in relation to their dam’s haemoglobin variants

A total of 65 Yankasa, 23 Uda and 16 Balami ewes were mated to 4 Yankasa, 3 Uda and 3 Balami rams in a diallel breeding pattern to produce 192 lambs within 9 genotypes, which were used to study survivability of lambs in relation to their dam?s haemoglobin variants. Blood samples (5ml) were collected from 104 ewes and 10 rams through jugular venepuncture. Electrophoresis was carried out in a Shandon electrophoresis tank on cellulose acetate strips. Each of the 9 lamb genotypes had very high proportion of HbAB. The dam?s haemoglobin type BB (HbBB) were only found in YK X YK, UD X UD, YK X UD, BL X YK and BL X UD lambs at birth and 90-Day. Survivability of lamb that were given birth to by dams with haemoglobin type (HbAB) is highest in the studied populations from birth to 360-Day. Lambs with Hbshould be selected for improved survivability of sheep in Northern Nigeria.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase status and severity of malarial anaemia in Nigerian children

Introduction: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (Gd-) contributes to morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa but recent data on the interaction between Gd- and malaria among children is scarce. We hypothesised that, being a haemolytic factor, Gd- makes severe malarial anaemia (SMA) more common and even more severe. Methodology: We selected 930 children aged 0.5-12 years attending a reference hospital with microscopically proven falciparum malaria. G6PD and haemoglobin were typed by the fluorescent spot test and electrophoresis, respectively. Molecular typing by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion was also performed on 15% of randomly selected samples. Haematocrit (PCV) values, haemoglobin type, blood group, presence of sickle cell trait (HbAS), and parasite counts were compared between G6PD-normal and deficient children. Results: Prevalence of Gd- was 16.4% and 8.1% among boys and girls with malaria, respectively. Mean PCV was 22.8% in deficient children compared with 21.0% in normal children (p=0.041). In boys, 2.7% of Gd- had PCV ≤10%, as compared to 13.6% in Gd+ (p = 0.005). Similarly, 21.3% of Gd- had PCV ≤15% compared with 39.4% in Gd+ (p=0.003). No such difference was found among girls. Overall, HbAS was typed in 7.6% and was more common in Gd- (13.0%) than in Gd+ (6.8%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.058). The mean parasite counts were significantly lower in Gd- (15477.5/μl) than in Gd+ (19784.4/μl; p=0.013), and it was independent from HbAS. Conclusion: Gd- males but not females were significantly less likely to develop severe malarial anaemia.

ESTUDO DO TIPO DE HEMOGLOBINA COMO AUXILIAR NA SELEÇÃO DE OVINOS RESISTENTES E SUSCEPTÍVEIS AOS HELMINTOS GASTRINTESTINAIS

A criação de ovinos vem adquirindo, ao longo do tempo, importância econômica e social no Estado do Paraná. As parasitoses gastrintestinais tornam-se muitas vezes fatores limitantes desta cultura, principalmente quando associadas ao sistema intensivo de criação e à resistência dos parasitas aos diferentes princípios ativos. Com o objetivo de buscar alternativas ao controle da verminose ovina, estudou-se, em um rebanho do município de Curitiba-PR, a relação do tipo de hemoglobina (Hb) com a resistência dos animais aos helmintos gastrintestinais. A determinação do tipo de Hb foi feita por meio de eletroforese em gel espesso de amido. Dos 141 animais testados, 80,14% eram do tipo BB; 17,02% do tipo AB e apenas 2,84% dos ovinos eram do genótipo AA, resultando na freqüência alélica de 0,11 e 0,89 para os alelos A e B, respectivamente. Quando estes animais foram classificados em resistentes e susceptíveis aos helmintos gastrintestinais, através da contagem de ovos nas fezes, observou-se que esta classificação ocorreu independente do tipo de Hb. Abstract Sheep production has been showing, these days, a greater economical and social importance in the State of Paraná, Brazil. The gastrointestinal nematodes are the major problem causing widespread clinical disease and productivity losses, mainly when associated with the high intensive husbandry system and the critic situation of anthelminthic resistance. In order to find alternative or complementary control methods to combat parasitism, one sheep flock of 64 ewes and 77 lambs was monitored to study whether there is a relationship between haemoglobin type and genetic resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes. Haemoglobin typing was performed by starch gel electrophoresis. In 141 animals examined, it was found that 80,14% were haemoglobin BB type; 17,02% were AB type; and only 2,84% showed a genotype AA, resulting in an allelic frequency of 0,11 and 0,89 for the alleles A and B, respectively. When these animals were classified into resistant and susceptible to gastrointestinal nematodes, using faecal egg counts, it was observed that this classification was done independently of the haemoglobin type.