The sensitivity of antibody detection testing using pooled versus unpooled reagent red cells

Evaluation of paternity (alleged father, mother, and child) can range from a straightforward resolution to a complex problem that cannot be resolved without family studies. We present a case of disputed paternity in which tests for crossreactive groups (CREcS) and antigen subtypes (splits) within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system could not be used confidently to prove or disprove paternity. Further analysis, red cell enzyme tests, enabled a final verdict and confirmed the current reliability of HLA antisera defining splits.     

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in association with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis: Views over hidden possibilities

Background  

CD4+ T lymphocyte (CD4) cell count testing is the standard method for determining eligibility for antiretroviral therapy (ART), but is not widely available in sub-Saharan Africa. Total lymphocyte counts (TLCs) have not proven sufficiently accurate in identifying subjects with low CD4 counts. We developed clinical algorithms using TLCs, hemoglobin (Hb), and body mass index (BMI) to identify patients who require ART.     

Adenosine deaminase in cord blood as an immunoenzyme marker in low birth weight neonates

Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) levels were estimated in cord blood of 30 neonates born with birth weight less than or equal to 2.5 kg and 30 neonates born with birth weight greater than 2.5 kg. The mean ADA levels in low birth weight (LBW) group was found to be 6.94 U/L and in normal birth weight group the mean ADA levels were 14.37 U/L which was statistically significant. Therefore ADA may be useful in assessing CMI status in low birth weight infants.     

Kinetices of polymerization of 1-octene with the catalyst system VOCl3-AlEt3 (or AlEt2Br)

Kinetic studies of the polymerization of 1-octene with the Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems VOCl₃—AlEt₃ (I) and VOCl₃—AlEt₂Br (II) are reported. The effect of the various parameters such as the Al/V ratio, catalyst and monomer concentrations, reaction time, aging time and temperature on rate of reaction and molecular weight of polymer were studied. Each of these parameters has a profound effect on the polymer yield and the rate of the reaction for both systems. The rate of polymerization increases linearly with increasing temperature, catalyst and monomer concentrations. The reaction is first order with respect to both the monomer and the catalyst concentration in the two catalyst systems studied. From the Arrhenius plot the overall activation energy of polymerization for the two systems was found to be 51,2 and 43,5 kJ/mol, respectively. The mechanism of polymerization is discussed on the basis of the dependence of the polymerization rate on the alkylaluminium concentration.     

Survival prediction of glioblastoma patients—are we there yet? A systematic review of prognostic modeling for glioblastoma and its clinical potential

Glioblastoma is associated with a poor prognosis. Even though survival statistics are well-described at the population level, it remains challenging to predict the prognosis of an individual patient despite the increasing number of prognostic models. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature on prognostic modeling in glioblastoma patients. A systematic literature search was performed to identify all relevant studies that developed a prognostic model for predicting overall survival in glioblastoma patients following the PRISMA guidelines. Participants, type of input, algorithm type, validation, and testing procedures were reviewed per prognostic model. Among 595 citations, 27 studies were included for qualitative review. The included studies developed and evaluated a total of 59 models, of which only seven were externally validated in a different patient cohort. The predictive performance among these studies varied widely according to the AUC (0.58–0.98), accuracy (0.69–0.98), and C-index (0.66–0.70). Three studies deployed their model as an online prediction tool, all of which were based on a statistical algorithm. The increasing performance of survival prediction models will aid personalized clinical decision-making in glioblastoma patients. The scientific realm is gravitating towards the use of machine learning models developed on high-dimensional data, often with promising results. However, none of these models has been implemented into clinical care. To facilitate the clinical implementation of high-performing survival prediction models, future efforts should focus on harmonizing data acquisition methods, improving model interpretability, and externally validating these models in multicentered, prospective fashion.

     

Nutritional status of pre-school chidren in Manipur

Anthropometric standards were employed to assess the nutritional status of 452 newborns and 2210 additional children under 5 years of age, from both urban and semi-urban areas of Manipur, India. According to the Indian Standard, 86.3% of these children had normal weight-for-age and 73.8% had weights exceeding 100% of this standard. However, when the US (Harvard) standard was used, 64% were classified as having low weight-for-age and 66% had protein-energy malnutrition. In terms of height, 90% were normal according to the Indian Standard, compared to only 64.7% by the Harvard standard. Mid-upper arm circumference was 90% of the US standard. Chest and head circumference ratios exceeded 1 by the second year of life, while 6 months is the expected time for this development. Malnutrition was more prevalent among girls than boys. Recurrent infections and parasite infestations are presumed to have a cumulative negative effect on child nutritional status in this population.     

Intraventricular tuberculous abscess: a case report

Ventricles can be involved in different ways in neurotuberculosis, however, the occurrence of intraventricular abscess has been rarely reported. We report a young woman who had intraventricular tubercular abscess. Cranial computed tomographic scan showed hypodense ring enhancing lesion in the right lateral ventricle with unilateral hydrocephalus. She underwent parasagittal craniotomy with total excision of the lesion. The pus obtained from the lesion was teeming with acid fast bacilli.     

Evaluation of anti-tumor efficacy of injectable Centchroman in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

Anti-tumor efficacy of Centchroman formulated as niosomes and gel implant was evaluated in Swiss albino mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma at 10 mg/kg body weight dose given subcutaneously. Median day of death, percentage increase in host life span and changes in body weight were studied. Centchroman significantly (P < 0.05) increased the median day of death both in free and formulated systems. Also, injectable formulations exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) increase in host life span compared to free drug, hence, enhanced anti-tumor efficacy against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.     

Poverty and resistance to family planning

Nonacceptors of family planning in the area covered by the Government Maternity Hospital, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, were analyzed. Among the 3901 eligible couples in the area, 3314 (85%) were nonacceptors. Among those with fewer than 2 children, more than 93% were nonacceptros; among those with 3, 84%; among those with 4 or 5 children, 71%. Even after 6 children 69% refused contraception. Most were poor, illiterate, and were either ignorant of any method or had doubts about the method. These people dream of 2 meals a day and live in unsanitary conditions. If a child is born, there is no guarantee it will live. In such situations, an extra child makes little difference in living conditions and after 3 or 4 years can actually make a contribution to the family. To get more nonacceptors to increase their interest in smaller families, basic changes must be made in economic conditions, education, health care, and old age insurance and pensions. Until a certain threshold level of social and economic development is reached, there will not be a sustained drop in the birthrate.