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THIS BLOOD GROUP CONTAINS NO RH ANTIGEN  

The golden blood type or Rh null blood group contains no Rh antigens (proteins) on the red blood cell (RBC). This is the rarest blood group in the world, with less than 50 individuals having this blood group. It was first seen in Aboriginal Australians.

The worry with the golden blood group is that the donations of Rh null are incredibly scarce and difficult to obtain. An Rh null person has to rely on the cooperation of a small network of regular Rh null donors around the world, if they need the blood. Throughout the world, there are only nine active donors for this blood group.

RAREST BLOOD GROUP

This makes it the world’s most precious blood type, hence the name golden blood. Our red blood cells have proteins called antigens on their surface. Depending on the antigen present, we have either A, B, O, or AB blood type. The ABO system has a further distinction as Rh-positive or Rh-negative depending on the presence or absence of the ‘Rh-D factor on the cells. In the golden blood group, the individual lacks all the Rh antigens whereas a person with Rh-negative blood group lacks only RhD antigen.

WHY SOME PEOPLE HAVE GOLDEN BLOOD TYPE

The golden blood group seems to be a result of genetic mutation (spontaneous change in the gene.) It is commonly seen with mutations in the RHAG gene, which codes the Rh-associated glycoprotein. This protein is required for directing the Rh antigens to the RBC membrane. RHAG mutation is often associated with a disease called hereditary stomatocytosis. These individuals can have long-term, mild, haemolytic anaemia and increased RBC breakdown.

The Rh-null phenotype can also be seen in the case of certain anaemias a person may be born with. The following conditions may put you at a higher risk of golden blood group:

Consanguineous marriage (marriage between cousins, brother-sister, or anybody who is a near or distant relative).

Autosomal genes (abnormal genes, which have disease traits, passed down through families).

Changes or complete deletion of certain genes, which are RHD and RHCE or RHAG.

COMPLICATIONS OF GOLDEN BLOOD TYPE

The people with Rh null or golden blood type usually may have-

Mild to moderate haemolytic anaemia since birth: This leads to faster destruction of RBCs. This may cause low haemoglobin levels causing paleness and weariness. This occurs due to structural defects in RBCs like-

Mouth-like or slit-Like shape; Less elastic structure of red cells; Abnormal red cell covering; Increased fragility due to the lack of Rh antigen and Altered blood cell volume.

BLOOD TRANSFUSION CHALENGES

These people might face challenges during a blood transfusion. If this person’s blood they readily form corresponding autoantibodies and there may be severe transfusion reaction. Therefore, for these types of patients, hospitals need to have special protocols set and quick response management.

Rh incompatibility during pregnancy: If the mother has Rh null and the baby has Rh-positive blood type and if the mother’s blood gets sensitized by the baby’s positive blood. Then mother’s blood may produce protective proteins called antibodies that could target future pregnancies or lead to abortion or miscarriage.

Haemolytic crisis Several studies have found that any infection or sepsis in such individuals has precipitated massive haemolysis, subsequent kidney failure, and other complications.

GOLDEN BLOOD TYPE CAN BE DONATED

Yes. golden blood can be donated, Because of the absence of antigens on RBCs, a person with Rh null blood is considered to be a universal donor, and this blood can be donated to anyone with rare blood types within the Rh systems. This blood is excellent for transfusion because it lacks common antigens, and it can be accepted by anyone who needs a transfusion without the risk of a blood transfusion reaction. However, due to its rarity, it gets extremely difficult to find this type. Conversely, Rh null is usually not so good for the people who have it. If they ever require a blood transfusion, receiving any blood that does have the Rh antigen may inevitably cause a transfusion reaction.

BY OFFERING AMENDMENTS CENTRE ACCEPTS FARM LAWS ARE FLAWED

Amendment Proposals by the centre on issues raised by farm unions:

Uniform policy of taxes, fee, and cess:

The farmers unions have objected to creation of private markets along with agriculture produce Market Committees (APMC). It will lead all agriculture businesses towards private markets. The result will be the end of government markets and intermediary (commission agent) systems as well as APMC systems.

After that only big traders and giant companies will operate in the markets and procure farm produce at incidental prices. The government has proposed that there will be uniform policy of taxes, fee, and cess both for government and private markets.  But the governments would deliberately delay procurement as in case of paddy and turn the public markets inefficient and redundant. Indian and foreigner corporate sectors are hell bent to destroy APMC, distribution system and subsidies in India, though the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Peasant organisations are not only apprehensive but fully convinced that the new agricultural acts are brought to dismantle APMC. Therefore, they are demanding that the union government should employ a comprehensive act of MSP for the whole country and for all crops. But the government is dragging its feet to bring legislation on this issue and only talking for a written assurance. The farmers’ organisations have rejected the government proposal of written assurance and insisted on repeal of these anti-farmers acts.

No provision in the new acts to regulate the traders:

There is no provision in the new acts to regulate the traders. These acts give permission to any PAN Cardholder to procure grains from the markets at wishful prices and make hoarding. There is a general phenomenon of cheating and embezzlement in a capitalist country like India. Instead of making provisions of registration to regulate the traders, the central government is trying to pass the buck on the state governments to regulate the traders. Hence it is not ready to take any responsibility on this issue. This is also being proposed under the pressures of farmer organizations.

The farmers organizations are apprehensive of grabbing the farmers land by the large corporations under the contract farming. The Union Government has put a proposal to allay the fears of farmers by saying that there will be no sale, lease, and transfer of land during the period of contracts agreement. But the history of contract farming has many examples of nonpayment by the companies making various excuses.

Contract farming has displaced farmers all over the world:

It has happened in the case of sugarcane where payments were held for many years or cases of non procurement making excuses of poor quality. It has pushed the farmers into a debt trap. In such cases farmers are unable to repay the loans and have no option other than to lose their lands. The contract farming has resulted in displacing and destroying the farmers all over the world. Even in the U S A, where huge subsidies are given for the agriculture sector the farmers are forced to commit suicides.

Intent to discontinue power subsidies to the farmers:

In the proposed power bill-2020 the Modi Government wants to control the power sector by taking it from the jurisdiction of states. It wants to discontinue the subsidies to the farmers. The WTO has given repeated instruction to Indian Government to discontinue the subsidies. Therefore the Modi government wants to bring the power sector under the Central control. The farmers are opposing this move. Under the pressure of farmer organizations, the government is proposing to exclude subsidies from this bill and saying that power subsidy will be transferred to farmers in cash.

The union government thinks that stubble burning of paddy is responsible for pollution in Delhi and enacted legislation of stringent punishments and heavy fines for the alleged violators. Now under the pressure of farmer organizations the government is proposing for amendments but the farmer organizations are determined to continue the united struggle till the repeal of these acts.

THE REASON THAT ONE SITS UPRIGHT IS HEALTHY SPINE

Are you glad you can stand or sit upright? Thank your spine, a stack of little bones called vertebrae along the center of your back, from seat to your neck. It supports your head, shoulders, and upper body. Your spine plays another key role: The vertebrae make a tunnel for your spinal cord. That’s the set of nerves that connect your brain to most of your body.

SLIPPPED DISK

A cushion called a disk sits between each of your vertebrae, so they don’t scrape against each other. As you age, the disks start to dry out. If you put too much stress on back, a disk may tear or break. Doctors call this a herniated disk. You may not notice. But your arms or legs might hurt, or they could feel numb or tingly. Usually, exercise and painkillers help. If not, you may need an operation.

CERVICAL SPONDYLYSIS

It’s the result of the gradual breakdown in your neck as you get older. You could get a slipped disk there, or the vertebrae may sprout extra bone called spurs to try to boost strength. The ligaments that connect the vertebrae can get stiff and tight. Regardless of the cause, your neck may hurt or be harder to move. If disks or vertebrae squeeze nerves and nerve roots a lot, you could have permanent damage.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Your vertebrae have slippery tissue on each end that helps your back flex without friction. If that cartilage gets rough or wears down, the vertebrae start to rub against each other, and it makes your back painful or stiff. Women are more prone than men to get osteoarthritis in their backs, and it tends to get worse over time. Your doctor can’t reverse it. But painkillers, therapy, and exercise help ease the symptoms.

SPINAL STENOSIS

Your spine has spaces in it for your spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it. When those spaces shrink, bones can press against nerves. You might not even notice it, but any time nerves are messed with, you could have pain, tingling, or numbness, or your muscles might seem weak. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of spinal stenosis. When it’s severe, a surgeon goes in and makes more room for the nerves.

SCIATICA

If pain shoots down from your lower back, through your bottom, and into your leg, the culprit may be your sciatic nerve. A herniated disk, bone spur, or some other spine problem can put pressure on it. Doctors call this sciatica. It usually affects only one side of your body. Hot packs, cold packs, stretching, and painkillers can help you feel better, but you may need a doctor to fix the cause.

TUMOR

Sometimes, cancer spreads from the spot where it starts to form a new growth in your spine. Lung, breast, prostate, and bone cancers are more likely to go there. A few non-cancer conditions can create a spine tumor, too. Your back might hurt, with the pain spreading through your body. Your arms or legs might be numb or weak. Part of your body could even be paralyzed. Your doctor may recommend surgery, radiation, or chemo.

SCOLIOSIS

Scoliosis is one of the conditions that can twist your spine out of shape. The most common type affects children during their growth spurt before puberty, bending the spine sideways. If your child has scoliosis, their shoulders might be uneven, or one shoulder blade might stick out more than the other. Nobody knows what causes this. Scoliosis can get worse and cause problems, but a brace may help prevent that and the need for surgery to correct it.

KYPHOSIS

This condition bends your spine forward. It usually happens, when your vertebrae crack or mash down. Older women get it most often, but it can also affect children whose spines develop wrong. It can cause pain and other problems, and in severe cases, it bends your whole body out of shape. Depending on how curved your spine is, treatment might include painkillers, exercise, or surgery.

ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

This type of arthritis typically starts off making your low back and hips stiff and sore, especially in the morning, Over time, it can spread up your spine and to other joints and organs. Vertebrae and bones in your rib cage could fuse, leaving you hunched over. Young men get it more often than women, and it may run in families. Early treatment with exercise and medication helps slow the progress.

SPINAL CORD INJURY

An injury most often comes from an accident (like a fall, car crash, or sports mishap) or from a gunshot. In most cases, the spinal cord gets bruised, or part of its blood supply is cut off. That may keep your brain from controlling part of your body, so it can be very serious. The higher on your spine, the more of your body is affected. Your chance of getting better depends on how bad the injury is.

BROKEN NECK OR BACK

Accidents and injuries can also break bones. When that happens to one of the top seven vertebrae, just below your skull, it’s called a broken neck; farther down is a broken back. Bone loss because of age can make your back weak, too, and you might get a break that happens slowly over time. In that case, a back brace or surgery may help. Broken vertebrae could also hurt your spinal cord.

SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

Vertebrae might slide sideways, so that they don’t line up with the ones above and below them. Spondylolisthesis is a main cause of lower back pain. It happens as your body ages, but it also can affect young people who do sports that stress the lower back, like football, gymnastics, and weightlifting. Rest should help. If the pain keeps up, you may need surgery.

CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

The nerves that branch out from your spine in your lower back help your brain control your legs and the organs in your pelvis. A herniated disk, fracture, or other condition could put pressure on this group of nerves, called the cauda equina, causing this rare but dangerous ailment. You need surgery right away to restore any loss of feeling, movement, or control of your bladder and bowels.

SYRINGOMYELIA

In rare cases, a little fluid-filled sac called a cyst can form in your spinal cord. It could happen when brain tissue pushes down from your skull into your spinal cord, or from an injury or tumor. Syringomyelia may not give you any problems. But if the cyst keeps growing, it can injure your spinal cord, and you could end up needing surgery.

WHEN TO CALL A DOCTOR

If you’re lucky, a spine condition doesn’t do anything you notice. But if you do feel something wrong, pay attention. Call right away if your arms or legs feel weak or numb or you suddenly can’t hold your pee or poop. Check with your doctor if you’ve had cancer or if you have pain that doesn’t come from hard work, doesn’t go away, hurts more at night, or gets worse.

FARM PROTESTS: THE MOST PEACEFUL PROTEST EVER

A lot has been said and written about the farmers protest taking place in India, but still it’s not enough. It never will be because it is deemed to be the biggest protest in the history of humans and also the most peaceful. Yes, you heard it right- the most peaceful too. These are two contradictory things but the farmers have made it possible in their own might and set a popular peasants’ paradigm which will be etched in history and followed around the world.

I’m no one to comment on minimum support price (MSP), neither am I  an authority on economics nor a political commentator but as a human it gives me jitters  and raises my hair when I see the innocent old beating the severe  cold along with the dreadful corona to save their lands and livelihood. As a wife of a farmer and a daughter of the soil I too have a voice and I need to bring forth that we are much more than our flamboyant lifestyles and flashy clothes.

The big question is why cannot the powerful people sitting in Delhi just a few miles away from Singhu border hear their cries? Why cannot they see the sea of people although the new surveillance cameras have been deployed to keep them abreast with the latest? 

Punjabis all around the world have come together in their support. Without even asking for any help they have been flooded with food not the bare minimum to survive but talk about nutrition- ghee, pinnis and almonds. The latest to join the bandwagon are the umpteen number of foot-massage machines along with footwear and woolens.

Do we even have words to acknowledge ‘tractor da langar’?

Where else in history did we hear of that?

Isn’t it time we acknowledge the heroism and the soul of Punjabiyat and not just make jokes about it?

The old and young are altogether in this, uniting everyone , transcending boundaries, sitting on the roads in thousands having left their homes, children and loved ones behind they are there for a common cause not only their own. The forces tearing their eyes with tear gas have been unsuccessful to tear through their perseverance. Nevertheless, they still are serving langar to them with the same spirit of service Guru Nanak had imparted them. . 

They too could have sat in the comfort of their homes but they place service of the society before their self.

So stop classifying as stupid, selfish, terrorists, shirkers, uneducated and mere drug-addicts!

Stop labeling us with all that comes to your mind!!!

The Punjabi people professed as ‘garam khoon’ have shown themselves as the most naram. Today, they have proven to be the most patient portraying commendable class of character as if beating Gandhi at his own game.

As, I drive past the farms on the highway, there are toll plazas that have been set free as the farmers are protesting there since months.  I slow down my car to pass by my brethren, my eyes get glued to those of a lonely old farmer standing amid his farm. I wonder what he is thinking. Is he brooding about his miseries and future or is he thinking about his brothers at the border representing his soul? A slight but confident smile on his furrowed face provides me the answer – ‘Abh Delhi Door Nahin!’

Mr. PM are you listening? 

(A proud daughter of the soil and a farmer’s wife)