Evaluation of blood donor deferrals in a government teaching hospital

Background: Blood transfusion is a life-saving intervention. Blood should be accepted from non-remunerated and healthy donors. Proper donor screening procedure minimizes the risk of transfusion transmitted Infections and also wastage of blood and blood products and thus screening of donors is a prerequisite for blood donation. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in blood bank center in the Department of Pathology in a Government teaching hospital, Shivamogga from January 2022 to June 2022. All the voluntary and replacement donors were evaluated by the standard questionnaire and medical examination including demographic profile, anthropometry, blood group, vital signs and hemoglobin estimated by cyanmethemoglobin method were collected from the donation requisition forms and online deferred list. The data were represented in the form of percentage, descriptive statistics and analysed. Results: Out of 3,449 blood donors, 252 were deferred. The deferral rate was 7.31%. Among the ineligible donors, males 245 (97.22%) outnumbered females 7 (2.8%). 242 donors (96.03%) were temporarily rejected among which high blood pressure constituted to 23.02% followed by alcohol consumption (11.11%) whereas 10 donors (3.96%) were deferred permanently. 9 donors (3.57%) had low haemoglobin level. Conclusions: Temporary deferrals are more than permanent deferrals thus temporarily deferred donors should be instructed to return for blood donation after their period of deferral days to retain the pool of blood donors.

Thermo-resistant enzyme-producing microorganisms isolated from composting / Microrganismos produtores de enzimas termo-resistentes isolados de compostagem

Organo-mineral fertilizers supplemented with biological additives are an alternative to chemical fertilizers. In this study, thermoresistant microorganisms from composting mass were isolated by two-step procedures. First, samples taken at different time points and temperatures (33 days at 52 ºC, 60 days at 63 ºC, and over 365 days at 26 ºC) were pre-incubated at 80 oC for 30 minutes. Second, the microbial selection by in vitro culture-based methods and heat shock at 60 oC and 100 oC for 2h and 4h. Forty-one isolates were able to grow at 60 °C for 4h; twenty-seven at 100 °C for 2h, and two at 100 °C for 4h. The molecular identification by partial sequencing of the 16S ribosomal gene using universal primers revealed that thirty-five isolates were from eight Bacillus species, one Brevibacillus borstelensis, three Streptomyces thermogriseus, and two fungi (Thermomyces lanuginosus and T. dupontii). Data from amylase, phytase, and cellulase activity assays and the enzymatic index (EI) showed that 38 of 41 thermo-resistant isolates produce at least one enzyme. For amylase activity, the highest EI value was observed in Bacillus licheniformis (isolate 21C2, EI= 4.11), followed by Brevibacillus borstelensis (isolate 6C2, EI= 3.66), Bacillus cereus (isolate 18C2, EI= 3.52), and Bacillus paralicheniformis (isolate 20C2, EI= 3.34). For phytase, the highest EI values were observed for Bacillus cereus (isolate 18C2, EI= 2.30) and Bacillus licheniformis (isolate 3C1, EI= 2.15). Concerning cellulose production, B. altitudinis (isolate 6C1) was the most efficient (EI= 6.40), followed by three Bacillus subtilis (isolates 9C1, 16C2, and 19C2) with EI values of 5.66, 5.84, and 5.88, respectively, and one B. pumilus (isolate 27C2, EI= 5.78). The selected microorganisms are potentially useful as a biological additive in organo-mineral fertilizers and other biotechnological processes.

Os fertilizantes organo-minerais suplementados com aditivos biológicos são uma alternativa aos adubos químicos. Neste estudo, microrganismos termoresistentes foram isolados de compostagem por procedimentos de duas etapas. Inicialmente, as amostras tomadas em diferentes períodos e temperaturas (33 dias a 52 ºC, 60 dias a 63 ºC e mais de 365 dias a 26 ºC) foram pré-incubadas a 80 oC por 30 minutos. Posteriormente, a seleção microbiana foi conduzida por métodos baseados em cultura in vitro e choque térmico a 60 oC e 100 oC por 2h e 4h. Quarenta e um isolados foram capazes de crescer a 60 °C por 4h; vinte e sete a 100 °C por 2h e dois a 100 °C por 4h. A identificação molecular por sequenciamento parcial do gene ribossomal 16S usando primers universais revelou que trinta e cinco isolados eram de oito espécies de Bacillus, um Brevibacillus borstelensis, três Streptomyces thermogriseus e dois fungos (Thermomyces lanuginosus e T. dupontii). Os dados dos ensaios de atividade de amilase, fitase e celulase e o índice enzimático (IE) mostraram que 38 dos 41 isolados termorresistentes produziram pelo menos uma enzima. Para a atividade da amilase, o maior valor de IE foi observado em Bacillus licheniformis (isolado 21C2, IE = 4,11), seguido por Brevibacillus borstelensis (isolado 6C2, IE = 3,66), Bacillus cereus (isolado 18C2, IE = 3,52) e Bacillus paralicheniformis (isolado 20C2, IE = 3,34). Para a fitase, os maiores valores de IE foram observados para B. cereus (isolado 18C2, IE = 2,30) e B. licheniformis (isolado 3C1, IE = 2,15). Em relação à produção de celulose, B. altitudinis (isolado 6C1) foi o mais eficiente (IE = 6,40), seguido por três Bacillus subtilis (isolados 9C1, 16C2 e 19C2) com valores de IE de 5,66, 5,84 e 5,88, respectivamente, e um B. pumilus (isolado 27C2, IE = 5,78). Pode-se inferir que os microrganismos selecionados são potencialmente úteis como aditivos biológicos em fertilizantes organo-minerais e outros processos biotecnológicos.

Thermo-resistant enzyme-producing microorganisms isolated from composting

Abstract Organo-mineral fertilizers supplemented with biological additives are an alternative to chemical fertilizers. In this study, thermoresistant microorganisms from composting mass were isolated by two-step procedures. First, samples taken at different time points and temperatures (33 days at 52 ºC, 60 days at 63 ºC, and over 365 days at 26 ºC) were pre-incubated at 80 oC for 30 minutes. Second, the microbial selection by in vitro culture-based methods and heat shock at 60 oC and 100 oC for 2h and 4h. Forty-one isolates were able to grow at 60 °C for 4h; twenty-seven at 100 °C for 2h, and two at 100 °C for 4h. The molecular identification by partial sequencing of the 16S ribosomal gene using universal primers revealed that thirty-five isolates were from eight Bacillus species, one Brevibacillus borstelensis, three Streptomyces thermogriseus, and two fungi (Thermomyces lanuginosus and T. dupontii). Data from amylase, phytase, and cellulase activity assays and the enzymatic index (EI) showed that 38 of 41 thermo-resistant isolates produce at least one enzyme. For amylase activity, the highest EI value was observed in Bacillus licheniformis (isolate 21C2, EI= 4.11), followed by Brevibacillus borstelensis (isolate 6C2, EI= 3.66), Bacillus cereus (isolate 18C2, EI= 3.52), and Bacillus paralicheniformis (isolate 20C2, EI= 3.34). For phytase, the highest EI values were observed for Bacillus cereus (isolate 18C2, EI= 2.30) and Bacillus licheniformis (isolate 3C1, EI= 2.15). Concerning cellulose production, B. altitudinis (isolate 6C1) was the most efficient (EI= 6.40), followed by three Bacillus subtilis (isolates 9C1, 16C2, and 19C2) with EI values of 5.66, 5.84, and 5.88, respectively, and one B. pumilus (isolate 27C2, EI= 5.78). The selected microorganisms are potentially useful as a biological additive in organo-mineral fertilizers and other biotechnological processes.

Resumo Os fertilizantes organo-minerais suplementados com aditivos biológicos são uma alternativa aos adubos químicos. Neste estudo, microrganismos termoresistentes foram isolados de compostagem por procedimentos de duas etapas. Inicialmente, as amostras tomadas em diferentes períodos e temperaturas (33 dias a 52 ºC, 60 dias a 63 ºC e mais de 365 dias a 26 ºC) foram pré-incubadas a 80 oC por 30 minutos. Posteriormente, a seleção microbiana foi conduzida por métodos baseados em cultura in vitro e choque térmico a 60 oC e 100 oC por 2h e 4h. Quarenta e um isolados foram capazes de crescer a 60 °C por 4h; vinte e sete a 100 °C por 2h e dois a 100 °C por 4h. A identificação molecular por sequenciamento parcial do gene ribossomal 16S usando primers universais revelou que trinta e cinco isolados eram de oito espécies de Bacillus, um Brevibacillus borstelensis, três Streptomyces thermogriseus e dois fungos (Thermomyces lanuginosus e T. dupontii). Os dados dos ensaios de atividade de amilase, fitase e celulase e o índice enzimático (IE) mostraram que 38 dos 41 isolados termorresistentes produziram pelo menos uma enzima. Para a atividade da amilase, o maior valor de IE foi observado em Bacillus licheniformis (isolado 21C2, IE = 4,11), seguido por Brevibacillus borstelensis (isolado 6C2, IE = 3,66), Bacillus cereus (isolado 18C2, IE = 3,52) e Bacillus paralicheniformis (isolado 20C2, IE = 3,34). Para a fitase, os maiores valores de IE foram observados para B. cereus (isolado 18C2, IE = 2,30) e B. licheniformis (isolado 3C1, IE = 2,15). Em relação à produção de celulose, B. altitudinis (isolado 6C1) foi o mais eficiente (IE = 6,40), seguido por três Bacillus subtilis (isolados 9C1, 16C2 e 19C2) com valores de IE de 5,66, 5,84 e 5,88, respectivamente, e um B. pumilus (isolado 27C2, IE = 5,78). Pode-se inferir que os microrganismos selecionados são potencialmente úteis como aditivos biológicos em fertilizantes organo-minerais e outros processos biotecnológicos.

Genomics and epidemiology of the P 1 SARS-CoV-2 lineage in Manaus, Brazil

Cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Manaus, Brazil, resurged in late 2020 despite previously high levels of infection. Genome sequencing of viruses sampled in Manaus between November 2020 and January 2021 revealed the emergence and circulation of a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern. Lineage P.1 acquired 17 mutations, including a trio in the spike protein (K417T, E484K, and N501Y) associated with increased binding to the human ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor. Molecular clock analysis shows that P.1 emergence occurred around mid-November 2020 and was preceded by a period of faster molecular evolution. Using a two-category dynamical model that integrates genomic and mortality data, we estimate that P.1 may be 1.7- to 2.4-fold more transmissible and that previous (non-P.1) infection provides 54 to 79% of the protection against infection with P.1 that it provides against non-P.1 lineages. Enhanced global genomic surveillance of variants of concern, which may exhibit increased transmissibility and/or immune evasion, is critical to accelerate pandemic responsiveness.

Bacterial pretreatment of paddy straw for enhancing biogas production

Aim: Increasing the digestibility of paddy straw and biogas production by pretreating it with bacterial culture, Delftia sp. PP4_S3. Methodology: The chopped (3-5 cm) and soaked paddy straw in different sets (each with 250 g PS) were pretreated with bacterial culture i.e., Delftia sp. PP4_S3 suspension for different durations and was further utilized for biogas production. Results: Biogas yield was highest (180 l kg-1 PS) in paddy straw treated with Delftia sp. PP4_S3 for 3 days showing an increase of 66.1% from untreated paddy straw. Chemical analysis approximately showed that maximum reduction of lignin (45.7%) and silica (17.7%) occurred in 5 days of pretreatment. Interpretation: Treatment of paddy straw with Delftia sp. PP4_S3 enhance the digestibility of paddy straw by lowering the lignin and silica content. These observations showed that Delftia sp. PP4_S3 is a good lignocellulosic degrader and can be efficiently used for enhancing biogas production

Potencial leiteiro de animais da raça Pantaneira na região do Alto Pantanal do Mato Grosso do Sul / Dairy potential of pantaneira breed upper region of pantanal of Mato Grosso Sul

The Pantaneira breed is in danger of extinction. Due to the lack of scientific information on the Pantanal milk potential, this work had the objective of determining the lactation period and a physical-chemical composition of the milk of cows in second order of parturition. The animals were managed in a pasture system rotated in mombaça grass (Panicum maximum) and individually supplemented with concentrate. The milking was performed mechanically twice a day and the milk weighed daily. The physical-chemical characteristics of the milk were evaluated by the ultrasound method and the lactation curves were estimated using the univariate parameter. The average milk yield was 5.34kg/milk/ day and the fat, protein, lactose and total non-fat solids contents were 5.3, 3.7, 6.0 and 10.7%, respectively. Lactation of the cows in second order of calving ended naturally at 180 days and the peak of milk production was reached between 51 and 60 days. Furthermore, there was no difference in milk composition in the different lactation periods.(AU)

Investigation of relationship of iris color with retinal nerve fiber layer, macula and choroid thickness in healthy individuals / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To determine whether there was a significant relationship between eye iris color with axial length, intraocular pressure, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness and choroidal thickness.METHODS:A prospective cross-sectional study involving 92 eyes of 92 healthy volunteers.These were divided into dark colored-eye (DCE) and light-colored eye (LCE) groups according to iris color.The RNFL and macular thicknesses were analysed with standard optical coherence tomography (OCT) protocol while choroidal thickness was analysed with electronic data interchange (EDI) protocol in all subjects.Choroidal thickness was measured at the fovea, 1500 μm nasal and 1500 μm temporal to the fovea in a horizontal section.RESULTS:Of the 92 eyes included, 62 (67.4%) were dark-colored while 30 (32.6%) were light-colored.The mean age was 29.22±5.86y in the subjects with DCE and 28.86±6.50y in those with LCE.No significant difference was detected in mean age, axial length, macular thickness, choroidal thickness and intraocular pressure (IOP) between the groups (P>0.05).However, RNFL thicknesses varied depending on the quadrant measured, and were lower in both global and the nasal and temporal quadrants for individuals with LCE (P≤0.022).CONCLUSION:No significant differences were found in IOP, macular thickness and choroid thickness between individuals with DCE and LCE.Meanwhile, the RNFL thickness is lower.

Association of interleukin‑28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms with sustained viral response in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 and 3 infected patients from the Indian subcontinent.

Background: Polymorphisms of the IL28B gene (rs12979860 and rs8099917) have been shown to impact treatment responses in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. The association of these polymorphisms with sustained viral response (SVR) has been studied in HCV genotype 3 infected patients in India, but not in genotype 1. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the association of IL28B gene polymorphisms and other host and viral factors with treatment response in patients with HCV genotype 1 and 3 infection. Materials and Methods: DNA from 42 HCV‑infected patients on antiviral therapy was analysed for the IL28B polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction‑restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‑RFLP). Bidirectional sequencing was performed on a subset of samples for verification of PCR‑RFLP results. Information on age, weight, height, diabetic status, pre‑treatment viral load and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels was obtained from clinical records. The IL28B genotypes and the other factors were analysed for their association with SVR. Results: The frequency distribution of rs12979860 CC/CT/TT genotypes was found to be 66.7%, 26.2% and 7.1%, respectively. For rs8099917 genotype, the TT/GT/GG distribution was 73.8%, 21.4% and 4.8%, respectively. SVR was seen in 61.9% of cases (55.6% in genotype 1 and 62.5% in genotype 3). CC genotype at rs12979860 and TT genotype at rs8099917 were significantly higher in responders (P = 0.013 and 0.042, respectively). Lower baseline ALT and rapid viral response were also found to be associated with SVR. On logistic regression analysis, CC genotype at rs12979860 emerged as the most powerful predictor of treatment response. Conclusion: IL28B polymorphisms are strong predictors of SVR in patients from the Indian subcontinent infected with HCV genotype 3 and genotype 1.

Estimation of Stature from Some Selected Cephalofacial Parameters among Teenage Indigenes of Ogoja Local Government Area Cross River State.

Estimation of stature from body segment parameters finds usefulness in forensic sciences and other medical applications. However, these parameters are highly, sex, race and age dependent. The present study measured some cephalofacial parameters with a view to providing cephalofacial anthropometric parameter that could be used in estimation of stature among teenage indigenes of Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State. A total of 300 teenagers (13-19 years), comprising 150 males and 150 females were used. Maximum stature, head circumference, nasal height and nasal width were obtained by direct measurement. The findings of the study showed that males mean values are significantly higher (p<0.05) than females for all parameters: Stature (males, 157.30±6.81; females, 155.70±5.71), head circumference (males, 55.38±1.55; females, 54.62±1.52), nasal height (males, 4.54±0.43; females, 4.39±0.44) and nasal width (males, 4.95±0.50; females, 4.74±0.58). Results of this study reveals that male head circumference significantly (p<0.05) correlate with stature. Hence only male head circumference (HC) could be employed in the estimation of stature using the linear regression equation (11.48 × HC + (-478.70)). The analysis of the measured parameters shows that nasal height and width are not reliable tools for stature prediction amongst Ogoja teenage population.

Zika vírus in the americas: early epidemiological and genetic findings

Brazil has experienced an unprecedented epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV), with ~30,000 cases reported to date. ZIKV was first detected in Brazil in May 2015, and cases of microcephaly potentially associated with ZIKV infection were identified in November 2015. We performed next-generation sequencing to generate seven Brazilian ZIKV genomes sampled from four self-limited cases, one blood donor, one fatal adult case, and one newborn with microcephaly and congenital malformations. Results of phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses show a single introduction of ZIKV into the Americas, which we estimated to have occurred between May and December 2013, more than 12 months before the detection of ZIKV in Brazil. The estimated date of origin coincides with an increase in air passengers to Brazil from ZIKV-endemic areas, as well as with reported outbreaks in the Pacific Islands. ZIKV genomes from Brazil are phylogenetically interspersed with those from other South American and Caribbean countries. Mapping mutations onto existing structural models revealed the context of viral amino acid changes present in the outbreak lineage; however...(AU)

Eficiência produtiva ao desmame de vacas Nelore criadas no pantanal / Productive efficiency to weaning of Nellore cows raised in the pantanal

O trabalho objetivou avaliar a eficiência produtiva de vacas ao desmame de acordo com seu tamanho (peso) e estimar correlação fenotípica entre as características peso do bezerro ao desmame (PBD), peso da vaca ao desmame do bezerro (PVD) e relação desmame (RD = PBD/ PVD) de animais da raça Nelore criados no Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul. Foram utilizadas 706 observações para pares de dados de pesos de vacas e de bezerros da raça Nelore ao desmame criados em regime de pastejo. Foram formados seis grupos com base no peso de vaca ao desmame (GPVD) a partir dos desvios (40,73kg) de peso em relação à média geral do rebanho (420,56kg). Os grupos de vacas com menores pesos obtiveram maiores RD. As correlações fenotípicas entre PVD e PBD variaram de 0,05 a 0,26, enquanto para PVD e RD as correlações foram negativas e com variação de 0,11 a 0,25. As correlações fenotípicas entre PBD e RD apresentaram-se positivas e de alta magnitude (0,91 a 0,98). As maiores eficiências produtivas foram determinadas para vacas de pequeno a médio porte (327,20 a 438,62kg), além de estas serem menos exigentes quanto a nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). A seleção de vacas de tamanho médio (379, 83 a 461,29kg) apresenta-se mais vantajosa por gerar menor custo de mantença que as vacas maiores e produzir bezerros mais pesados que as vacas menores.

The study aimed to evaluate the productive efficiency of cow at weaning according to their size (weight) and estimated phenotypic correlation between the characteristics of weaning weight of calf and cow and weaning ratio of Nellore cattle raised in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul. 706 observations were used to weight data pairs of cow and calves at weaning. Six groups were formed based on the weight of cow at weaning from deviations (40.73kg) of weight in relation to the overall mean of the herd (420.56kg). The groups of cows with lower weaning weight have the highest weaning ratio. Phenotypic correlations of cow weight at weaning and weaning of calf weight ranged from 0.05 to 0.26, cow weight at weaning and weaning ratio were negative correlations ranging from -0.11 to -0.25. Phenotypic correlations between weaning of calf and weaning ratio were positive and of high magnitude (0.91 to 0.98). The highest efficiencies were determined for cows between 327.20 and 438.62kg, and are less demanding on total digestible nutrients (TDN). A selection of medium sized cows (379, 83 to 461.29kg) appears more interesting because it has lower maintenance costs than larger cows, and produces heavier calves than the smaller cows.

Diversity Analysis of Some Traditional Rice Genotypes in Sri Lanka.

Aims: To study the diversity of traditional rice genotypes in Sri Lanka using cluster analysis and principle component analysis. Study Design: The experiment was carried out using one hundred rice genotypes with six modern rice cultivars and ninety four traditional rice cultivars. Rice genotypes were planted according to a randomized complete block design with four replications and 20 plants per plot with 15 cm X 20 cm spacing. Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was carried out during 2011/2012 Maha season and 2012 Yala season at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Methodology: Plant height (cm), number of tillers/plant and number of productive tillers/plant were measured before harvesting. Panicle length (cm), panicle weight (g), number of spikelets/panicle, number of fertile spikelets/panicle, 100 grain weight (g) and yield/plant (g) were measured after harvesting and drying of grains for 14% moisture content. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed using SPSS statistical software. Results: Among nine studied variables three principal components exhibited more than one Eigen value and showed about 89.6 % variability. The principal components (PC) 1, 2 and 3 had 51.07%, 22.08% and 16.46% variability among the genotypes for the evaluated traits respectively. The first PC was more related to panicle weight, number of spikelets/panicle, number of fertile spikelets/panicle, spikelet fertility percentage and yield (g/plant). Number of tillers/plant, number of productive tillers/plant and yield (g/plant) were more related traits in the second principal component. The highest contribution in third principal component was from the panicle weight, 100 grain weight and yield (g/plant). Based on the nine yield and yield attributing characters, the genotypes were grouped in to seven clusters in cluster analysis. The genotypes under cluster V recorded the highest divergence among them as it exhibited the highest intra-cluster distance. The lowest intracluster distance was recorded in the cluster VI. The modern rice cultivar BG 379/2 was fallen in to the cluster VI with 3 traditional rice cultivars namely Karayal I, Bathkiri el and Hondarawala. Conclusion: One hundred rice genotypes were grouped in to divergent groups by principle component analysis and cluster analysis. This clustering pattern can be used for the selection of parental materials with diverse characters.

Distribution and diversity of aquatic insects of Vellayani lake in Kerala.

The diversity of insect fauna of Vellayani lake in Kerala was represented by 60 species classified under 37 families and 8 orders. Among the entomofauna collected from the lake, the order Coleoptera was diverse in number of genera (22). Shannon index was highest in station 2 (3.214) and lowest (2.839) in station 4. The higher richness index was also recorded in station 2 (6.331), though the lowest species richness was observed in Station 1 (5.205). The order Ephemeroptera is represented in Vellayani lake by the families Baetidae and Caenidae, which are considered as an indicator of water quality. Of the 15 metrices selected, taxa richness, Composition measures, Tolerance and Intolerance and Functional groups were also found out for all the stations. In the present study, the percentage of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) taxa richness and diversity remained high in Station 1, 2 and 3 but reduced drastically in stations 4 and 5. The high HBI value recorded at station 4 is due to the abundance of pollution tolerant taxa such as Chironomidae, Tabanidae, Culicidae and Anophilinae. The results of the study reveal greater diversity of aquatic entomofauna in Vellayani freshwater lake and suggest the possibility of using insects effectively for biomonitoring programmes.

An audit on transfers from peripheral hospitals to a paediatric unit, Teaching Hospital, Kandy.

Introduction: Many patients are transferred to Teaching hospital, Kandy (THK) from peripheral hospitals for investigation and specialized management. Objectives: To study the pattern of transfers from peripheral hospitals to a paediatric unit in THK and the outcome of management of these transfers. Method: A prospective observational study based on questionnaires was carried out from May to July 2007on children transferred from peripheral hospitals to a paediatric unit in THK. Questionnaires were completed by one of the investigators on admission and on discharge. Results: The study population comprised 146 transferred children, 84% from district and rural hospitals and 16% from base and general hospitals. Forty five percent were admitted outside working hours and 75% were preschoolers. Eighty six percent of transfers were for further management. Fifty nine percent were transferred on the first day of admission. Thirty one percent had respiratory tract infections, 14% febrile convulsions and 10% gastroenteritis. Seventy percent needed basic medical treatment on admission. Only 3% needed intensive care. Fifteen percent had basic investigation results on admission. Sixty five percent were discharged during first two days. Forty eight percent had respiratory tract infections as the final diagnosis. Forty one percent of the transfer forms were well completed with necessary information. In 19% the designation of the transferring officer was not mentioned. Conclusions: Most transfers were from rural and district hospitals and the main reason for transfer was investigation and further management of respiratory tract infection. Transferring officers need to pay more attention to essential information when filling the forms.

Cardiac and renal effects induced by different exercise workloads in renovascular hypertensive rats

We examined the effect of exercise training (Ex) without (Ex 0 percent) or with a 3 percent workload (Ex 3 percent) on different cardiac and renal parameters in renovascular hypertensive (2K1C) male Fisher rats weighing 150-200 g. Ex was performed for 5 weeks, 1 h/day, 5 days/week. Ex 0 percent or Ex 3 percent induced similar attenuation of baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP, 119 ± 5 mmHg in 2K1C Ex 0 percent, N = 6, and 118 ± 5 mmHg in 2K1C Ex 3 percent, N = 11, vs 99 ± 4 mmHg in sham sedentary (Sham Sed) controls, N = 10) and heart rate (HR, bpm) (383 ± 13 in 2K1C Ex 0 percent, N = 6, and 390 ± 14 in 2K1C Ex 3 percent, N = 11 vs 371 ± 11 in Sham Sed, N = 10,). Ex 0 percent, but not Ex 3 percent, improved baroreflex bradycardia (0.26 ± 0.06 ms/mmHg, N = 6, vs 0.09 ± 0.03 ms/mmHg in 2K1C Sed, N = 11). Morphometric evaluation suggested concentric left ventricle hypertrophy in sedentary 2K1C rats. Ex 0 percent prevented concentric cardiac hypertrophy, increased cardiomyocyte diameter and decreased cardiac vasculature thickness in 2K1C rats. In contrast, in 2K1C, Ex 3 percent reduced the concentric remodeling and prevented the increase in cardiac vasculature wall thickness, decreased the cardiomyocyte diameter and increased collagen deposition. Renal morphometric analysis showed that Ex 3 percent induced an increase in vasculature wall thickness and collagen deposition in the left kidney of 2K1C rats. These data suggest that Ex 0 percent has more beneficial effects than Ex 3 percent in renovascular hypertensive rats.

Infection with hepatitis C virus genotype 3 - Experience of a tertiary health care centre in south India.

To analyse the response rate and the predictive values of virological, biochemical and histological factors on HCV antiviral therapy in HCV genotype 3 infected patients, we retrospectively studied 21 HCV genotype 3 infected patients, who underwent HCV antiviral therapy. Low (57%) sustained viral response (SVR) rate and significant association of SVR with normalization of alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were observed in our study. Absence of early viral response (EVR) showed high (80%) predictive value on SVR. Absence of EVR and normalisation of the ALT levels can predict the outcome of HCV antiviral therapy.