Blood transfusion is associated with increase resource utilization and bacterial infection

To observe the association of blood transfusion and clinical outcome in cardiac surgery patients. Forty patients underwent cardiac surgery during a period of two months in a single institution. Coronary artery bypass surgery [CABG] was performed in 21 [52.5%] patients, Mitral valve replacement [MVR] in 15 [37.5%] patients, aortic valve replacement [AVR] in 2 [5%] patients and Atrial septal defect [ASD] was closed in 2 [5%] patients. The mean age of the patients were 41.7 +/- 18 years, 80% were male. Twenty five [62.5%] patients required blood transfusion. Transfusion group showed chest wound infection [7.5%], pulmonary oedema [12.5%] and shortness of breath [10%]. Total leukocyte count and platelets count were significantly lower in transfusion group. We conclude that blood transfusion is associated with increased rate of infection and pulmonary oedema, with high cost and resource utilization. Blood transfusion should be used with appropriate caution

Solid state copolymerization of acrylamide and cinnamic acid under UV radiation

Solid state copolymerization of acrylamide [r1] and cinnamic acid [r2] was accomplished under UV radiation at a temperature 68°C below the melting point of monomers. It is noted that yield of the product does not repeat but trend remains the same. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined to be r1=1.6 and r2= 0. Molecular weights of the product samples range between 11205 - 72770. All copolymer samples are off-white solid substances that become light yellow at 140°C

Grafting of acrylonitrile outo rice starch-super absorbent polymer

Grafting of acrylonitrile [AN] onto rice starch was accomplished using ceric ammonium nitrate [CAN] as catalyst. The effect of monomer, backbone, catalyst concentration on rate of conversion of monomer [Rp], rate of graft copolymerization [Rg], grafting effeciency [GE], grafting ratio [GR] is discussed. The absorption of water obtained from different sources by saponified product of graft copolymer was determined. The increment in absorbancy [g H2O g-1] is due to the formation of carboxyl anions [- COO-] in the polymer network which develops strong electrostatic forces. The effect of aqueous sodium chloride on saponified product is also discussed