Comparative evaluation of immunochromatographic card tests with enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay for the detection of hepatitis C virus antibody

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global prevalent pathogen causes both acute and chronic hepatitis and leading to serious liver damage. Correct and rapid diagnosis is pivotal for the management of HCV disease. Rapid card tests are superior alternatives for the large-scale screening of HCV infection. Methods: The present observational study evaluates analytical performance of four different anti-HCV rapid tests. A total of 200 ELISA confirmed, HCV positive (n=100) and HCV negative (n=100) clinical specimens were selected and re-tested for anti-HCV antibodies by using commercially available four different immunochromatography cards (Meriscreen, Accurate, Oscar and Biolab). Results: Among all, Biolab rapid card test shown highest (98%) sensitivity. On the other hand, all rapid card test kits showed identical 100% specificity. Conclusions: Overall BioLab anti-HCV rapid card tests found to be superior in the present study and strongly suggest in house validation of rapid card tests before their diagnostics use on clinical specimens.

Comparison of Serum Biochemical and Mineral Profiles of Cattle Reared Under Island and Coastal Ecosystem

The present study was conducted in the Department of Animal Reproduction Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, OUAT, BBSR in collaboration with ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Portblair (Andaman and Nicobar Island). Crossbred cattle with the history of anoestrus and repeat breeding were considered for the present investigation. The basic difference in serum biochemical and mineral profiles of cattle reared under two quite different ecosystems namely Island and coastal ecosystem was estimated which might be due to the variability in rainfall, ambient temperature, day light length and humidity. The incidence of different infertility conditions in both the ecosystems also might vary as per the environment. Serum samples were collected for estimations of biochemical parameters like total protein, glucose, cholesterol, Ca, P and Ca:P ratio. The overall incidence of infertility was recorded to be 47.62 % in island and 45.90 % in coastal ecosystem. No significant difference in serum levels of total protein, glucose, cholesterol, zinc, copper and manganese could be observed in between cattle reared in both ecosystems. It was concluded that the variations in humidity, ambient temperature, rain fall and day light length between Portblair, Andaman and coastal climate of Odisha, did not have much effect on reproduction of cattle

Renal & prostatic disorders in the elderly.

The population of aged people is increasing in number all over the world along with the problems associated with senescence. The functional and morphological changes that occur with ageing are accompanied by an increased risk of certain conditions like drug-induced nephrotoxicity and acute tubular necrosis. Elderly patients of end-stage renal disease can undergo renal replacement therapy with acceptably good results. If free from any medical and other illnesses, elderly persons can be considered for kidney donation without any increased risk for surgery or anaesthesia. However, such kidneys are functionally not as good as kidneys from young individuals. Prostatic diseases like prostatic hyperplasia and cancer are more a concern of the aged than the younger population. Besides, there is an apprehension about the increased risk of anaesthesia due to the frequent presence of other co-existent illnesses in the senile population. Less morbid therapeutic methods are available to deal with prostatic disorders but one should not hesitate to undertake major open or endoscopic surgeries in such patients, should it be necessary.