Hemolysin test as a tool to screen high-titer Group O platelet apheresis donors: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Minor ABO-incompatible apheresis platelet transfusion poses a risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions in non-Group O recipients when donor's plasma possesses unusual high titers for anti-A and anti-B. The aim was to determine whether the hemolysin test can be used as a screening tool to predict high-titer Group O platelet apheresis donors.

METHODS

A prospective study, with Group O platelet donor's samples, was tested for hemolysin test and antibody titration test in parallel. Antibody titration was also performed on products suspended in platelet additive solution (PAS). Hemolysin test was assessed for diagnostic accuracy against antibody titration. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to determine the relationship between the hemolysin test and antibody titration.

RESULTS

Among 107 Group O platelet donations, median anti-A and anti-B titers in donors were 32 (8-128) and 32 (4-256), respectively. High titer (≥128) for ABO antibodies was seen in 18% of donations, whereas hemolysin test was positive in 69% of donations. Hemolysin test results differ significantly with antibody titration results (P = 0.03). Hemolysin test had higher sensitivity (89%) with a strong negative predictive value (94%). None of the products suspended in PAS had high-titer antibodies.

CONCLUSION

Adopting hemolysin test as a screening tool may label a large number of units (69%) unsuitable for ABO-incompatible platelet transfusion. Alternatively identifying donors with high antibody titer or positive hemolysin test and selectively suspending their product in PAS may be a cost-effective approach and certainly prevent high-titer antibodies in the product.

Assessment of biological risk among dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A cross-sectional study

Background

The health and life of a healthcare worker are repeatedly under threat due to the rising number of epidemics and pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic is said to be fatal in people with a risky biological, demographic profile and working environment. This study is the first of its kind carried out on the dentist population from India, who were most affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims and Objective

The present study aims to assess the biological risk of dentists based on the objective risk stratification (ORS) tool developed by Strain et al.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of dentists in government dental colleges of Kerala using the online form of the ORS tool consisting of questions which included certain demographic characteristics and comorbid conditions of the individual. An additional question was added to the tool, to categorise the work of the dentist depending on the exposure to aerosol (non-aerosol, minimal aerosol and aerosol).

Results

Out of the 74 dentists, 48.6% reported high aerosol and 31% with minimal aerosol. The median score of the study participants was 2 (ranging from 1 to 12). Using the ORS tool, 16.2% had medium risk and only 2.7% had high risk. When the ORS tool was stratified with the aerosol generation, 5.4% had minimal and 6.7% had significant with medium-risk scores. Also, 2.7% with a high-risk score had minimal aerosol generation.

Conclusion

Identifying the high-risk category to allocate duties accordingly and decrease the morbidity and mortality among dentists has to be kept a top priority in the event of a pandemic.

Predicting donor-related factors for high platelet yield donations by classification and regression tree analysis

INTRODUCTION

Collecting high-dose (HD) or double-dose (DD) apheresis platelets units from a single collection offers significant benefit by improving inventory logistics and minimizing the cost per unit produced. Platelet collection yield by apheresis is primarily influenced by donor factors, but the cell separator used also affects the collection yield.

OBJECTIVES

To predict the cutoff in donor factors resulting in HD and DD platelet collections between Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ apheresis equipment using Classification and Regression Trees (CART) analysis.

METHODS

High platelet yield collections (target ≥ 4.5 × 10¹¹ platelets) using MCS+, Trima Accel and Spectra Optia were included. Endpoints were ≥ 6 × 10¹¹ platelets for DD and ≥ 4.5 to < 6 × 10¹¹ for HD collections. The CART, a tree building technique, was used to predict the donor factors resulting in high-yield platelet collections in Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ equipment by R programming.

RESULTS

Out of 1,102 donations, the DDs represented 60% and the HDs, 31%. The Trima/Spectra Optia predicted higher success rates when the donor platelet count was set at ≥ 205 × 103/µl and ≥ 237 × 103/µl for HD and DD collections. The MCS+ predicted better success when the donor platelet count was ≥ 286 × 103/µl for HD and ≥ 384 × 103/µl for DD collections. Increased donor weight helped counter the effects of lower donor platelet counts only for HD collections in both the equipment.

CONCLUSIONS

The donor platelet count and weight formed the strongest criteria for predicting high platelet yield donations. Success rates for collecting DD and HD products were higher in the Trima/Spectra Optia, as they require lower donor platelet count and body weight than the MCS+.

Determination of mononuclear cell count using peripheral smear and flow cytometry in peripheral blood stem cell products: A retrospective study from an Indian cancer center

BACKGROUND:

Mononuclear cells (MNCs) are considered equivalent to hematopoietic stem cells, and differential count using peripheral smear was routinely practiced to enumerate MNC. Flow cytometry plots used for CD34 enumeration assay can also be used in MNC enumeration as it counts more WBC events than manual methods. The aim was to determine the relationship and degree of agreement between peripheral smear and flow cytometry in MNC enumeration of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) products.

METHODS:

In 63 patients, 73 PBSC products were collected between January 2017 and September 2019. The differences in MNC count estimated by peripheral smear method and from flow cytometry plots used for CD34 enumeration were analyzed using Mann–Whitney test. Agreement between the two methods for MNC enumeration was determined by regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to determine MNC threshold in peripheral blood and PBSC product for adequate mobilization and harvest.

RESULTS:

There was no difference in enumeration of median MNC count between peripheral smear and flow cytometry (52% vs. 59%, P = 0.185) in PBSC product. However, regression analysis indicated a constant and proportional difference between the methods with r = 0.52. Cumulative sum test for linearity showed deviation from linearity (P = 0.04). MNC counts in peripheral blood failed to achieve discrimination capacity in predicting adequate CD34+ yield/kg body weight in product.

CONCLUSION:

Peripheral smear estimated lower MNC counts than flow cytometry with weaker agreements between the two methods. Hence, MNC count derived from flow cytometry plot can substitute peripheral smear method for MNC dose calculations. MNC dose at 3.4 × 10⁸/kg consistently predicted >2 × 10⁶/kg CD34+ cells collected.

Analysis of red blood cell irradiation practices from South India

INTRODUCTION

Age of red blood cell (RBC) units at the time of irradiation is important and prolonged storage of preirradiated units is detrimental. The objectives were to determine RBC age at irradiation, days from expiry (DFE), and percentage of late transfusions of irradiated RBC. To estimate the concordance on expiry of irradiated RBC units with present American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)/Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), New Delhi over British Committee for Standards in Hematology (BCSH) and Council of Europe (CE) guidelines.

METHODS

All the RBC units irradiated for a 1 year period were included. Retrieved data included date of collection, irradiation, revised expiry, and issue of blood. Late transfusions are units transfused in the last 2 week of RBC's shelf-life and wastage due to expiry was determined. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for comparisons between the guidelines.

RESULTS

Out of 1303 RBC units irradiated, the median age for irradiation was 2 (0-36) days and 99.3% units irradiated within day +14. Median DFE for these units transfused was 26 (0-28) days. 2.8% units expired as per local standards. Late transfusions happened in 121 (9.3%) units transfused. AABB/DGHS practice was not concordant with CE standards for 86 (6.6%) units and with BCSH 94 (7.2%) units. Overall discordance between the present practices was CE and BCSH was seen in 130 (10%) events.

CONCLUSION

Median RBC irradiation age and DFE was two and 26 days respectively at our center. Only 90% concordance was observed between AABB/DGHS and CE/BCSH guidelines with 9.3% units transfused as late transfusions. Restricting late transfusions of irradiated RBC can act as surrogate to improve the quality of units transfused through an inexpensive strategy.

Case report and strategies to mitigate passive hemolysis with platelet transfusions in children

Mismatched platelet concentrate transfusion due to inadequately maintained inventories is relatively common and in most instances do not cause any untoward event in adults. The cases of passive hemolysis following a mismatched apheresis platelet transfusion are common but are relatively rare with platelet concentrates. We report here a case of a nine year old boy who received three units of mismatched platelet concentrates(PC) followed by acute hemolysis. On further investigation, one of the donors of the PC, who was typed as O positive, found to have high anti-A and anti-B titres of 1:128. This highlights the importance of matched platelet transfusions or modifying the product in pediatric setting, who are susceptible for passive hemolysis.

Extent of transfusion support in a developing country in managing a bleeding acute myeloid leukemia patient with platelet transfusion refractoriness

Conventional platelet transfusion may not be adequate to deal with platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR), and therefore human leukocyte antigen (HLA) or human platelet antigen (HPA) matched and platelet crossmatch compatible units are recommended. However, in developing countries, finding a unit that is HLA or HPA matched or platelet crossmatch poses a challenge. Hence, easier and cost-effective alternatives such as massive platelet transfusion and continuous platelet transfusion were attempted to manage bleeding in PTR. A 31-year-old male presented with acute myeloid leukemia relapse and chloroma in bladder underwent FLAG salvage chemotherapy. Despite almost daily platelet transfusion with single donor platelets (SDPs), patient presented with hematuria and low corrected count increment at 1 h and 24 h suggesting both immune and nonimmune refractoriness to platelet transfusion. The patient received SDP transfusion twice daily from day 19 to day 21 to maintain hemostasis. The patient had persistent hematuria, so massive platelet transfusion in the form of double adult doses of SDP given every 12^th hourly for three events. Despite these measures, there was persistent hematuria and refractoriness to platelet transfusion. As HLA or HPA matched or crossmatch compatible platelets were unavailable, continuous platelet transfusion was started for this patient from day 23 to day 28. After 4 days of continuous platelet transfusion, hematuria subsided. In resource-constrained clinical settings, continuous platelet transfusion can be an effective alternative to HLA/HPA-matched platelets in the management of PTR.

Adopting a vein assessment tool improves procedural outcomes in double dose platelet collections - A prospective study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to determine the phlebotomy and procedural outcomes using a vein assessment tool (VAT) in Double Dose Platelet (DDP) collections by apheresis.

METHODS

VAT was based on assessing vein visibility, palpation and size with maximum score of 12 and the least being 0 and the scores were graded as adequate and inadequate. A vein-viewer was used for studying cubital vein patterns (type 1-5). Phlebotomy outcome was defined based on need for re-puncture. Procedural outcomes in terms of target yield attained and RBC reinfusion completed. Chi square test and Mann- Whitney U test were used to assess the vein score and pattern against phlebotomy and procedural outcome.

RESULTS

Out of 200 DDP collections, the phlebotomy was successful in 88 % with good procedural outcome in 94 % donations. The cut off in VAT scores for successful phlebotomy was ≥8 (AUC: 70 %). Median vein scores of the arm selected for phlebotomy was 9 and graded adequate in 154 (77 %) donations.Odds for successful phlebotomy was 3.7 times higher when donors had an adequate VAT grades(p = 0.003). Procedural outcomes was favourable when at least one arm had adequate VAT grade when compared to both arms being inadequate (98 % vs 82 %; p < 0.001). Phlebotomy failure was more with first time apheresis donors than repeat apheresis donors (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that a VAT score with a cut off of ≥8 had better phlebotomy and procedural outcomes in DDP collections and that donor with at least one arm having the VAT score of ≥8 are preferred for DDP collections.

New distribution records of two little known plant species, Hedychium longipedunculatum A.R.K. Sastry & D.M. Verma (Zingiberaceae) and Mazus dentatus Wall. ex Benth. (Scrophulariaceae), from Meghalaya, India

The present paper deals with the two new report of little known species Hedychium longipedunculatum  A.R.K. Sastry & D.M. Verma (Zingiberaceae) and Mazus dentatus Wall. ex Benth. (Scrophulariaceae) in Meghalaya.  Photographic illustration, citation, detailed description along with distribution details and ecology were provided here for easy identification and future reference. 

Assessment of biogrowth assemblages with depth in a seawater intake system of a coastal power station

Marine biogrowth infestation of a seawater intake system was investigated. A digital camera fixed onto a skid was used to record the biogrowth at intervals of 5 m up to a depth of 55 m. Divers inspected the intake shaft and collected the biogrowth samples for biomass estimation. A biomass density of 7.5 kg m^-2 and 28.2 kg m^-2 was recorded at 5 and 30 m depths respectively. Inspection by the divers revealed that hard-shelled organisms such as oysters and brown and green mussels were observed in plenty up to a thickness of 15 cm and bryozoans grew as epibionts. At lower depths (<40 m), hydroids grew on the shells of green mussels along with silt accumulation. The biofouling community was composed of 46 organisms, exhibiting variation in distribution and abundance. The study explains the extent and type of marine biogrowth phenomena with depth and describes biofouling preventive methods.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08927014.2021.1933457 .

Modeling predonation testing strategies in platelet donations - Approach from low throughput apheresis blood center from India

BACKGROUND:

Hospital-based blood centers in India adopt pre-donation testing for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI) before plateletpheresis donations. However, the WHO emphasizes on TTI tests be performed on samples collected during the donation process. The study objective was to determine whether cost implications by adopting product testing along with predonation testing or only product testing strategy in platelet donation in Indian blood centers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Cross-sectional study on registered plateletpheresis donors, strategy-1 with predonation testing using rapid tests and product testing using chemiluminescence (CLIA) were compared with alternate models: Strategy-2 (predonation test using CLIA and product testing with rapid test) and strategy-3 (product testing). For strategy-1 and 2, donors wait for predonation test to complete or visit blood center twice, while strategy-3 donors donate plateletpheresis immediately. The cost implications of these strategies were compared among registered plateletpheresis donors.

RESULTS:

Out of 560 donors registered with strategy-1, three donors were reactive in predonation tests and six platelet units were discarded at product testing. After modeling, for strategy-2, nine donors would be identified as sero-reactive at pre-donation test only, while in strategy-3, nine units would be discarded in product testing. Only 506 donations were completed in strategy 1 after donor attrition. Recoverable costs was greater for strategy-3 (INR 5,146,500) than strategy-2 (INR 5,120,000) and strategy-1 (INR 5,069,000).

CONCLUSION:

Strategy-3 appears cost-effective but requires regulatory changes in the Indian setting. Testing apheresis procedures using Strategy 2 had greater cost recovery, and also prevents infectious donations and thereby enhances blood safety with the present guidelines.

Recurrent hyperhemolytic transfusion reaction in myelodysplastic syndrome- A case based approach

We present here a case report of a 27 year old female, with myelodysplatic syndrome suspected to have recurrent hyperhemolytic transfusion reactions (HHTR). Patient was transfusion dependent for ten years and was transfused with leukodepleted and irradiated Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC). She presented with signs and symptoms of acute intravascular hemolysis, deranged coagulation profile with post transfusion Hb lower than baseline. Post transfusion workup was uneventful. She was managed conservatively with fluid support and methylprednisolone initially. After few uneventful transfusions, patient developed second episode of HHTR with compatible unit.Immunophenotype favored an inflammatory response possibly induced by monocytic lineage. As transfusion dependent, the patient required methylprednisolone as premedication and all subsequent transfusions were uneventful.

Threats and Emerging Developments in Cyber Security

Cyber security plays a significant role in science. Data or information security is one of the crucial issues facing the world, when there is discussion about the rapidly growing cyber-crimes, the government and many corporations are taking many steps to stop such crimes. Driven by several different measures, cybercrime continues to expand day by day. In this review, the problems confronting cyber security from emerging technological advances and developments are briefly discussed and, in turn, the paper also reflects on the newest cyber security technologies, trends and other ethics throughout the cyber security field.

A Study on Influence of Donor Hematocrit on the Procedural Parameters of Concentrated Single Donor Platelets Collected by Two Apheresis Devices

With improvements in apheresis collection, platelet additive solution (PAS) is steadily replacing plasma as the storage medium in single donor platelets (SDP). Concentrating platelets in SDP with one-third of plasma and two-thirds of PAS is referred as Concentrated-SDP (C-SDP). We studied the influence of donor hematocrit (Hct) in C-SDP procedures. A retrospective study, consisting of 124 and 95 plateletpheresis donors in MCS+ and Trima respectively. We compared two apheresis equipments MCS+ and Trima with regard to donor hematocrit on procedural parameters such as collection efficiency (CE), collection rate (CR), yield per hour (Y/H), yield per litre (Y/L) and percentage blood volume processed (%BV) during C-SDP procedures. Donors were categorized into two groups with Group A (Hct ≤ 46%) and Group B (Hct > 46%) based on mean baseline Hct of the study population. Among the 219 procedures, the overall CE was significantly higher for Trima over MCS+ equipment (77 vs 56, P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in procedural outcomes like CE, Y/L, Y/H, CR with MCS+ or Trima equipment between groups. %BV processed had a negative correlation with hematocrit in MCS+ (r = - 0.305, P = 0.001) and no difference was observed with Trima equipment. Donor Hct influences C-SDP collection only in processed blood volume with MCS+ equipment. Trima had statistically better performance over MCS+ equipments in all procedural parameters during C-SDP procedures. The data will guide apheresis centre to choose equipments based on donor characteristics.

Flow cytometric enumeration of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells: A comparison between single- versus dual-platform methodology using the International Society of Hematotherapy and Graft Engineering protocol

BACKGROUND

Flow cytometric enumeration of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is the reference point for undertaking apheresis and evaluation of adequacy for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) engraftment.

AIMS

To determine whether single platform correlates with dual platform methods in CD34+ enumeration using ISHAGE protocol.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of CD34 Enumeration assays on both peripheral blood and PBSC product samples using Beckman Coulter FC500 Flow Cytometer. The t test and correlation study was used to study the difference between single and dual platform methods in CD34+ enumeration.

RESULTS

We present our data on 152 samples comprising 41 peripheral blood samples collected before apheresis procedure and 111 samples collected from PBSC product. We observed strong positive correlation between single and dual platform methods for CD34+ counts in peripheral blood sample (r = 0.92; P < 0.001) and PBSC product sample (r = 0.85; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In our study, both single versus dual platform had similar results in CD34+ cell counts. The single platform provides rapid results with ease of procedure. Errors with dual platforms are relatively common with respect to denominator. We recommend to use mean of total leukocyte count from two different hematology analyzer to minimize variation in dual platform.

Impact of stored red cells on clinical outcome in critically ill

BACKGROUND

The use and benefit of fresh blood and leuco-reduced blood for critically ill patients has been inconclusive. In this study we have tried to observe the same, in patients admitted to intensive care unit.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Prospective study was done to observe the effect of transfusion in critically ill patients in a tertiary care hospital. Clinical condition in cases and controls was assessed with the help of Simplified Acute Physiology Score II scoring tool. Clinical outcome among patients who received blood was compared using two cutoffs, 14 and 21 days of shelf life to delineate fresh from old blood. Length of hospital stay, length of stay in ICU, number of days on ventilator and number of hospital acquired infections were used as the surrogate markers for morbidity.

RESULTS

Of the 558 critically ill patients admitted during the study period, 427 received (cases) while 131 did not receive the transfusion (controls). Mean SAPS II scores of cases and controls were comparable. We observed a significantly higher rate of mortality among patients who received RBC units over 21 days. However morbidity parameters were affected even when the cutoff of 14 days is considered. Buffy-coat reduced blood did not influence the outcome in the study group.

CONCLUSION

Critically ill patients may be prioritized for receiving fresher units of packed red cells preferably less than 21 days old. Transfusion is an independent risk factor for morbidity. Hence the risk to benefit ratio should be carefully assessed for every red cell transfusion in critically ill patients.

Clinical and equipment-related factors associated with the adequate peripheral blood stem cell collection in autologous transplant at a tertiary cancer center in Kerala - A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

PBSC collection using apheresis is the preferred source of hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. However, apheresis procedures fail to harvest adequate CD34 yield in 5 to 40% of patients during the first collection. Therefore, this study aimed to study both the clinical- and equipmentrelated factors influencing CD34 yield among the autologous patients and to compare the collection efficiency of two apheresis equipments(Haemonetics MCS+ and Terumo Spectra Optia).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 69 patients underwent PBSC collection from 2015 to 2018. Frequency, clinical- and equipment-related factors responsible for adequate CD34+ cells (≥2 x106 cells/kg) yield during the first collection was studied. Factors such as collection efficiency, percentage platelet loss and percentage hemoglobin loss were considered to compare the two apheresis system.

RESULTS

Two-third (72%) patients of the study population had adequate CD34 stem cells yield during the first collection. Factors such as exposure to lenalidomide-based pretreatment regimen, peripheral blood WBC count and CD34 count are associated with the adequate CD34 yield. Optia had a slightly better collection efficiency than MCS+ (50 and 44; p=0.37). Optia had lower product volume (237 vs 298 ml) and lesser procedure duration (277 vs 360 min), whereas the median Hb loss (3.0% and 2.3%) and mean platelet loss (49% and 34%) were higher with MCS.

CONCLUSION

This study infers that the collection efficiency of both the equipments in collecting CD34 stem cells was similar. However, during PBSC collection, procedures using Optia can be preferred to MCS+ on the patients with risk of anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Effect of plasma component transfusion on conventional coagulation screening tests

BACKGROUND:

Conventional coagulation screening tests such as Prothrombin time, International normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time are often used to predict bleeding in various clinical situations. We aimed to observe the effect of Fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) on these parameters.

Methods:

Patients' demographics, pre- and post-transfusion coagulation parameters were noted to assess the level of correction. The magnitude of improvement in INR was determined using the formula given by Holland and Brooks. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.

RESULTS:

Among 2082 episodes, 4991 units of FFP were transfused at an average of 5 units per patient. Median dose of FFP administered per episode was 10 mL/kg (5.8–13.4). The mean change in INR following transfusion was 8.9% of the pre-transfusion INR and thus considered to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION:

FFP transfusions as a prophylactic measure especially in patients with mildly deranged conventional coagulation screening tests without any empirical evidence of clinical bleeding needs further scrutiny. Reduction in INR following FFP transfusions was better in cohort having higher pre-transfusion INR value (> 3.0).

Effect of pre-donation fluid intake on fluid shift from interstitial to intravascular compartment in blood donors

BACKGROUND

Fluid shifts from interstitial to intravascular space during blood donation helps in compensating the lost blood volume. We aimed to determine the volume of fluid shift following donation in donors with and without pre-donation fluid intake.

METHODS

We studied the fluid shift in 325 blood donors prospectively. Donors were divided in groups- with no fluid intake (GI) and either water (GII) or oral rehydrating fluids (GIII) before donation. Fluid shift following donation was calculated based on the difference between the pre and post donation blood volume. The influence of oral fluid intake, age, gender and body mass index (BMI) on volume of fluid shift was analyzed.

RESULTS

The fluid shift was significant between donors without fluids (GI: 127 ± 81 ml) and donors with fluid intake (GII & III: 96 ± 45 ml) (p < 0.05). The difference was not significant between donors with water intake (GII: 106 ± 52 ml) and oral rehydrating fluid intake (GIII: 87 ± 41 ml). The shifted fluid volume increased with increasing BMI and decreased with increasing age in females. The fluid shift increased in females than in males.

CONCLUSION

The age, gender, BMI and VVR did not significantly contribute to the volume of fluid shift following donation. As per our observation, the oral fluids before donation might not contribute to increase in fluid shift in blood donors after donation.

Orthotopic models of pediatric brain tumors in zebrafish

High-throughput screens (HTS) of compound toxicity against cancer cells can identify thousands of potential new drug-leads. But only limited numbers of these compounds can progress to expensive and labor-intensive efficacy studies in mice, creating a 'bottle neck' in the drug development pipeline. Approaches that triage drug-leads for further study are greatly needed. Here we provide an intermediary platform between HTS and mice by adapting mouse models of pediatric brain tumors to grow as orthotopic xenografts in the brains of zebrafish. Freshly isolated mouse ependymoma, glioma and choroid plexus carcinoma cells expressing red fluorescence protein were conditioned to grow at 34 °C. Conditioned tumor cells were then transplanted orthotopically into the brains of zebrafish acclimatized to ambient temperatures of 34 °C. Live in vivo fluorescence imaging identified robust, quantifiable and reproducible brain tumor growth as well as spinal metastasis in zebrafish. All tumor xenografts in zebrafish retained the histological characteristics of the corresponding parent mouse tumor and efficiently recruited fish endothelial cells to form a tumor vasculature. Finally, by treating zebrafish harboring ERBB2-driven gliomas with an appropriate cytotoxic chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil) or tyrosine kinase inhibitor (erlotinib), we show that these models can effectively assess drug efficacy. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that mouse brain tumors can grow orthotopically in fish and serve as a platform to study drug efficacy. As large cohorts of brain tumor-bearing zebrafish can be generated rapidly and inexpensively, these models may serve as a powerful tool to triage drug-leads from HTS for formal efficacy testing in mice.

Pyrroloquinolines, Part III [1] Synthesis of lH-Pyrrolo(2,3-b)quinolines

A new route to synthesis of pyrrolo(2,3-b)quinolines is described based on the use of 2-chloro-3-vinylquinolines as well as 2-chloro-3-(1ʹ,2ʹ-dibromoethyl)quinolines.

Bioelectrocatalysis of Acetobacter aceti and Gluconobacter roseus for current generation

Acetobacter aceti and Gluconobacter roseus, which are known to be responsible for the spoilage of wine, are used for current generation in batch-type microbial biofuel cells and it has been shown for the first time that these two microorganisms do not require mediators for the transfer of electrons to the anode. Three biofuel cells were constructed with two cells containing the pure cultures of each of the microorganisms as the biocatalyst (A-MFC, G-MFC) and the third cell was constructed with the mixed culture of these two microorganisms as the biocatalyst (AG-MFC). The performance of the biofuel cells was evaluated in terms of open circuit voltage (OCV), fuel consumption rate, internal resistance, power output, and coulombic efficiency. The mixed culture cell (AG-MFC) exhibits a better overall performance compared to the other cells.

Direct electron transfer with yeast cells and construction of a mediatorless microbial fuel cell

The direct electron transfer exhibited by the yeast cells, Hansenula anomala has been demonstrated using the electrochemical technique cyclic voltammetry by immobilizing the microorganisms by two different methods viz., physical adsorption and covalent linkage. The analysis of redox enzymes present in the outer membrane of the microorganisms has been carried out in this work. This paper demonstrates that yeast cells with redox enzymes present in their outer membrane are capable of communicating directly with the electrode surface and contribute to current generation in a mediatorless biofuel cells. The efficiency of current generation has been evaluated using three anode materials.

Renal capsular PEComa--a rare cause of surgically correctable renal hypertension

We report a 40-year-old lady who presented with severe headaches, persistent microscopic haematuria and hypertension requiring anti-hypertensive medication. Investigations for secondary hypertension were all normal except for a CT scan. This indicated a complex cystic lesion, measuring 2.4 x 5 x 10 cms , arising from the right kidney. She underwent an open right partial nephrectomy. The patient made an un-eventful postoperative recovery and her blood pressure returned to normal. The mass had a smooth outer surface and the cut surface showed firm whitish tissue with a few small cysts. Microscopy showed a bland spindle cell lesion staining positively for SMA, desmin, caldesmon, focally for HMB45 amd very focally for S100. The mass was reported as a Perivascular Epitheloid Cell (PEC) lesion (PEComa) arising from the renal capsule. Perivascular Epitheloid Cell tumor (PEComa), a recently defined tumor, is extremely rare. The lesion presents a distinct muscular immunophenotype (actin+, desmin+), with co-expression of the melanogenesis marker (HMB45). This combined immunophenotype is a characteristic feature of the Perivascular Epitheloid Cell (PEC) lesions. PEComa's are usually benign, but cases have been reported in the literature which has an unfavourable outcome with metastatic dissemination. We report this case because of its rarity and also Renal Capsular PEComa should be considered as a rare cause of renal hypertension, which can be surgically cured.

Ethnobotanical studies on the wild edible plants used by the tribals of anaimalai hills, the Western ghats

The present paper deals with the results of a preliminary survey of the wild edible plants used by different ethnic groups in the Anaimalai hills of the Western Ghats in Coimbatore district. Tribals of various ethnic groups dominate the wooded habitat of this hilly region. About 53 plants species belonging to 32 families are used as edible by the tribes. Of these, the leaves of 25 plant species are consumed as green and about 20 wild fruits are consumed raw. The rest of the plant species are used for their tubers, seeds and roots. The plant species, their families, vernacular names, parts used and their mode of usage were also reported.

A note on the commercially exploited medicinal plnts of the velliangiri hills, Coimbatore district, tamilnadu

Velliangiri hills is inhabited by many indigenous people mostly depending on ethnobotanical resources. Totally 41 species are found to be commercially exploited for medicines by these peoples. The pressure of commercial exploitation is seriously endangering many species.

Assessment of growth of Fusarium solani by cyclic voltammetry and possible bioanalytical applications

Fusarium solani, the fungus isolated from polyurethane waste scraps, was studied for its voltammetric response. The peak current values were obtained for different days and were plotted against time. This electrochemical method based on the voltammetric response showed all the four phases of the growth of the fungus. The growth curve obtained matched well with the conventional methodology, which is obtained by assessing the increase of dry weight of the organisms against time. The electrochemical method is more advantageous than the conventional method because the conventional method is very time consuming and difficult to work with. Further, the electrochemical method clearly shows the decline phase, which is generally not very well defined in the conventional method of assessment of the growth curve. It was confirmed by further experiments that the metabolites were responsible for the anodic peak and not the fungal biomass. Identification of the metabolites that are responsible for the anodic peak is presently being studied.

Formation of multilamellar vesicles ('onions') in peptide based surfactant

Concentration dependent morphological characteristics of a novel dipeptide derivative Lys-Asp-Lauryl.HBr (1) has been presented. Evidence for "onion" like vesicle formation at higher concentration (>8.2 x 10(-3) M) of peptide (1) in aqueous medium was obtained from conductance and 90 degrees light scattering measurements, and cryo-transmission electron microscopic studies.