Autoanalyzer Research Articles

Continuous-Flow Analysis of δ17O, δ18O, and δD of H2O on an Ice Core from the South Pole

The δD and δ18O values of water are key measurements in polar ice-core research, owing to their strong and well-understood relationship with local temperature. Deuterium excess, d, the deviation from the average linear relationship between δD and δ18O, is also commonly used to provide information about the oceanic moisture sources where polar precipitation originates. Measurements of δ17O and “17O excess” (Δ17O) are also of interest because of their potential to provide information complementary to d. Such measurements are challenging because of the greater precision required, particularly for Δ17O. Here, high-precision measurements are reported for δ17O, δ18O, and δD on a new ice core from the South Pole, using a continuous-flow measurement system coupled to two cavity ring-down laser spectroscopy instruments. Replicate measurements show that at 0.5 cm resolution, external precision is ∼0.2‰ for δ17O and δ18O, and ∼1‰ for δD. For Δ17O, achieving external precision of <0.01‰ requires depth averages of ∼50 cm. The resulting ∼54,000-year record of the complete oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios from the South Pole ice core is discussed. The time series of Δ17O variations from the South Pole shows significant millennial-scale variability, and is correlated with the logarithmic formulation of deuterium excess (dln), but not the traditional linear formulation (d).

Effect of Single Session of High Intensity Interval Exercise on Some Immune and Inflammatory Factors in Male Athletes and the Risk of Infection to Coronavirus

Introduction: High Intensity exercise is one of the effective factors on immune and inflammatory factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the single session of high intensity interval exercise (CrossFit) on levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, lactic acid and C- reactive protein (CRP) of male athletes to make decision for doing this exercise in coronavirus prevalence period. Methods: In this Causal-comparative study, 32 male athletes were selected as participants (with mean of age 26.9±4.7 year, height 177 ± 5 cm, weight 80.7±6.4 kg). Exercise session included a 400-meter running on treadmill, triple dead lift movement, pull-up (30 repetition), swing of kettlebell (30 kg) and throwing of 20 sand balls. Blood sampling, CBC and biochemistry auto analyzer tests were used for measuring leukocytes, lactic acid and CRP. In addition, ANOVA with repeated measure, Friedman, Wil-kaksun and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to examine the differences between variables in resting position, post-exercise, and after modify the results by consideration of plasma volume changes using SPSS version 16 software. Results: The results showed significant increase in lactic acid (P<0.001), CRP (P=0.006), leukocytes (P<0.001) and lymphocytes (P=0.001), but the increase of monocytes was no significant (P=0.705). In addition, the results of study showed significant decrease in neutrophils (P=0.005) and plasma volume (P<0.001). Furthermore, the significant results of some indices were removed by consideration of plasma volume change (P>0.05). Conclusion: The single session of high intensity interval exercise makes disorder in immune and inflammation responses in athletes. Therefore, it has been suggested not to do intensive exercise at coronavirus prevalence period and consider enough time for recovery after high intensity exercise.

PREVALENCE OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN JAIPUR DISTRICT: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Globally anemia accounts for a majority of the nutritional problem and it is principally engendered by deficiency of iron. Its prevalence is inordinately higher among developing nations, because of low socioeconomic status and poor access to healthcare services. In developing countries, the adolescent group is more exposed to nutritional challenges and adolescent girls are more vulnerable to the disease. This survey is intended to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among adolescent girls in age group of 12-15 year in Jaipur district, this survey also generated the anemic cases in the adolescent girls of age 12-15 year. A cross sectional study was conducted from August 2019 to January 2020 by attending health check-up camps at various areas situated within 20 kilometers in Jaipur district. Hemoglobin estimation was done by using three-part auto analyzer method. Statistical analysis was done using Percentages and Chi-square Test. 75.39% girls were found anemic. Statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found in anemia in adolescent girls with the history of receiving iron folic acid (IFA) supplementation, deworming, age, habitat, family type and status of menarche. Present study reveals that 75.39% girls were found anemic and the problem is significantly associated with status of IFA supplementation, deworming and family type.

DETERMINATION OF REFERENCE INTERVAL OF LIVER FUNCTION TESTS DURING PREGNANCY IN URBAN AREA OF DISTRICT RAWALPINDI PAKISTAN

Objective: To determine the reference Interval of liver function tests during uncomplicated pregnancy inpopulation of Rawalpindi and assess their correlation over first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
 Study Design: Cross sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology & Endocrinology Armed Forces Institute ofPathology Rawalpindi from Feb 2017 to Jun 2018.
 Methodology: Seven hundred and fifty four pregnant women with uncomplicated, single intrauterine pregnancy were recruited from Rawalpindi. Thirteen patients with known history of Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, liver disease, renal disorders and those on anti-epileptics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids were excluded from the study. Blood sample was taken from each subject to analyze serum bilirubin, albumin, total alkaline phosphates and alanine aminotransferase on random access discrete auto analyser, ADVIA 1800 Chemistry system manufactured in Japan for Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. Data for serum bilirubin, albumin, ALP and ALT were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. As the reference data followed the Gaussian distribution, therefore the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were estimated by values approximately 2SD on each side of mean.
 Results: After analysis of serum samples of 754 subjects, the reference intervals for bilirubin, albumin, ALP andALT during first trimester were; bilirubin 3-9 µmol/l, albumin 31-45 g/L, ALP 122-224 U/l and ALT 3-35 U/l, while of second trimester were: bilirubin 2- 7µmol/l, albumin 28-45 g/L, ALP131-300U/l and ALT 1-33U/l.
 Conclusion: First and second trimester wise reference values of Liver Function Tests have been determined inpregnancy in this study. This would not only........

Mechanism involved in the Circulation of oxidized LDL and its Ratio; An Early Risk Marker in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Subjects with Coronary Heart Disease

Under oxidative stress hardening of arteries is linked to oxidative variations in low density lipoproteins and imaginably more than one mechanism is involved in the atherosclerosis, where LDL is oxidized in all the cells of intimal wall during the progression of CHD. Ox-LDL act as a prognosticator of dysfunction in endothelium along with pro-thrombotic, pro-apoptotic, pro-inflammatory properties in subjects suffering from oxidative stress. Circulating ox-LDL is associated with the development of atherosclerosis but also numerous degenerative and age related disease. The objective of our study is to assess the levels of circulating oxidized LDL and its ratio in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Subjects with CHD. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of General Medicine and Master Health check-up OP of SRM Medical College and Research Centre, Tamil Nadu, India. Totally 273 subjects in that 91 CHD patient without Diabetes, 91 CHD patient with diabetes and 91 healthy control in age group of 30 to 55 years and were age and sex matched. After overnight fasting blood samples were collected for analysis. ox-LDL were measured by ELISA method and Lipid Profile is measured using Auto Analyser AU480. Statistical analysis was done using student ‘t’ test and Pearson correlation analysis for the comparison between two groups. When compared to controls the mean level Low Density Lipoprotein and Plasma Oxidized LDL was significantly elevated in CHD group. Significantly positive correlation was observed between plasma oxidized LDL an LDL. The study concludes that increased circulating ox-LDL and its ratio are early risk marker and useful predictor of mortality in patients with CHD.For the diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease an appropriate method that reveal the mechanisms which increase circulating LDL and ox-LDL is needed.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation at Diagnosis in Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia

Background: Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a life threatening complication frequently observed in acute leukemia. Among the morphological varieties of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APL) is well established to cause DIC. But there have been reports noted that abnormal DIC parameters also commonly observed in the patients with non-APL AML. This study evaluated the DIC parameters & DIC score according to International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) in newly diagnosed non-APL AML patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Haematology, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 48 newly diagnosed non-APL AML patients were enrolled. Platelets count was measured by auto analyzer (Sysmax XT 2000i/Pentra ABX-120DX) as well as checked manually. Prothrombin time, fibrinogen, D-Dimer were measured using STAGO Coagulation analyzer. The ISTH-DIC scoring system was used to calculate DIC score. The statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0 for Windows. Chi-Square test & Fisher exact test was used for categorical variables. Unpaired t-test was used to compare mean between groups. For all statistical tests, p-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: By analyzing 48 newly diagnosed patients with non-APL AML, found that DIC developed in 14.6% patients at presentation. Among the DIC parameters, PT and D-dimer were significantly higher in patients presented with DIC. Patients with DIC exhibit lower expression of CD117, CD34, HLA-DR and statistically significant association with negative expression of HLA-DR (p-value 0.034). No significant association was found between presence of DIC and age, gender, bleeding at presentation, morphological type, WBC count or peripheral blast percentage. Conclusion: Abnormalities of DIC parameters in common in patients with AML. A significant portion of patients with DIC have no apparent symptom or bleeding. So, routine screening of DIC parameter at presentation is recommended for early diagnosis & effective management of DIC.

Study on electrolytes variation in middle aged type 2 diabetics and hypertensive diabetics in comparison with normal individuals

Background: Chronic hypertension, cellular dehydration, features of renal failure, and lack of certain important electrolytes - all show an interconnected pattern of development during courses of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Aim and Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the electrolytes changes in short-term, middle-aged Type 2 diabetics and in diabetics, also associated with primary hypertension so as to evaluate the association of diabetes and hypertension on electrolytes metabolism. Materials and Methods: In the present study, estimation of fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin was done by automatic analyzer. Similarly, serum electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and phosphorus were estimated in different groups in the central laboratory, using auto analyzer. Results: It is evident in the present study that serum sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, phosphorus, and glycosylated hemoglobin showed a statistical significant variation in hypertensive diabetics compared to control and other groups. Whereas, serum creatinine is unchanged in any group. However, all these variations are within the normal expected range of the parameters, studied. Conclusion: Variation observed with all the electrolytes even in the initial stage of treatment in hypertensive, diabetics, and in hypertensive diabetics, suggesting to maintain electrolytes balance by alteration in dietary habits to prevent their deficiency/excess in these patients. Providing magnesium supplementation to these patients in the early diagnose phase may prevent further complications related to it.

Assessment of COVID-19 Cases by Haematological and Biochemical Markers: A Tertiary Care Hospital Study in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: On 8 March 2020 the first COVID-19 case was detected in Bangladesh. Day by day this disease is changing its own nature and dimension. So, it is very difficult to define the exact risk factors associated with such ferocious diseases. In this situation, haematological and biochemical analysis of COVID-19 patients may play an important role in the current and future planning of COVID treatment. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the COVID-19 status of Covid patients by haematological and biochemical markers. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted among 350 participants who attended the Bashundhara Ad-Din Medical College Hospital, Hasnabad, South Keranigonj, Dhaka, Bangladesh after confirmation by RT-PCR. Using 5 ml fasting venous blood samples different haematological and biochemical biomarkers were analyzed. These were analyzed in auto analysis using a standard protocol as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, results were analyzed using standard statistical calculation by% positivity, confidence interval, p values where p≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In this study, in critical participant group, the mean (±SD) HBC, RBC, TLC, PCV, NLR, Platelet Counts, SGOT and SGPT were found 11.56±2.07, 3.64±2.82, 12372±2920, 29.17±7.84, 2.8±0.32, 98743±32127, 67.91±31.54 and 71.39±33.74 respectively. On the other hand, in non-critical patient group those reading were found 12.78±2.17, 4.02±2.90, 10956±2744, 35.03±8.22, 2.7±0.28, 129544±51228, 65.68±27.96 and 67.55±26.57 respectively. In analyzing the haematological and biochemical parameters among participants we found ‘extremely significant correlations’ between critical and non-critical groups in HBC, TLC, PCV, Platelet Counts, S. Creatinine and D-Dimer test results where p values were <0.0001. On the other hand, we found only ‘significant correlation’ between critical and non-critical groups in NLR, CRP, Serum Ferritin and LDH test results where the p values were <0.05. The average age of the total participants was 47.27±14.66 years. In the critical group, it was 54.19±15.23 and in the non-critical group, it was 43.03±13.68 years. So, the mean age of critical patients was higher than that of non-critical patients. Conclusion: Haematological and biochemical markers may be considered as the most potential parameters in assessing the severity of COVID-19 infection. But, advanced training required for laboratory personnel’s who are responsible for collecting, transporting and handling biological samples and carrying out the various laboratory tests for patients with COVID-19 is recommended.

Role of Resistin with Endothelium Dysfunction in STEMI and NSTEMI Patients and Its Correlation with Cardiac Markers Troponins

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide comprised with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). A cross sectional study for a period from March 2015 to June 2016 was designed to find out the role of resistin in endothelium dysfunction in STEMI and NSTEMI patients and its correlation with cardiac markers troponins. 100 consented patients with diagnosed STEMI and NSTEMI with age range 40 to 70 years were included in the study. 50 age matched healthy subjects were taken as controls. Base line blood tests fasting blood sugar, blood urea, serum creatinine, serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride were estimated by auto analyzer using standard kits. Special tests including serum resistin, cardiac troponin T and cardiac troponin I were estimated by the technique of ELISA. Results were analyzed by SPSS 20 and found that the base line parameters except serum creatinine were significantly raised in patients as compare to controls. Level of resistin and cardiac biomarkers cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were significantly raised in STEMI patients as compared to NSTEMI patients. A significant positive correlation of resistin with cardiac troponin T and I was observed in STEMI patients only. It is therefore concluded that increased level of resistin along with cardiac markers may be presented as a predictor of injury of myocardium and in turn indicate the severity of AMI in STEMI patients.

Effect of Scomberomorus niphonius peptide on the characteristics of resveratrol.

Resveratrol has a variety of physiological activities, but its bioavailability in the body is low. In this study, the interaction between the peptide SH, prepared from Scomberomorus niphonius, and resveratrol was judged by fluorescence spectroscopy. Then, SHa1 was obtained by the purification of SH, and its effect on the characteristics of resveratrol was studied. SHa1 interacted with resveratrol at 37 °C for 30 min to obtain the complex SHa1-R, which then showed an obviously stronger inhibition on B16 cells than resveratrol using the MTT assay after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The solubility and digestive stability of SHa1-R were higher than that of free resveratrol. The intestinal absorption rate of SHa1-R was also increased compared with resveratrol according to the non-inverted rat intestinal sac model. The structure of SHa1 was analyzed by UPLC, auto amino acid analysis, and UPLC-MS/MS. The molecular weight of SHa1 was mainly concentrated under 1000 Da, and it was rich in glutamic acid, aspartic acid, lysine, and leucine. Eighteen possible peptides were identified from SHa1. The results suggested that the peptide SHa-1 may help to increase the bioavailability of resveratrol by increasing the solubility, digestive stability and intestinal absorption of resveratrol, thereby promoting its inhibitory effect on B16 cells.

A case–control study to evaluate the role of mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width in acute ischemic stroke

Background: Ischemic stroke is known to be one of the foremost causes of long-term disability and death, and platelets play a pivotal role in its pathophysiology. However, the platelet indices having a role in ischemic stroke are not routinely reported in the available literature. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the potential role of mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in the development of ischemic stroke, especially in the South Indian region. Materials and Methods: This case–control study was conducted on 80 patients who were broadly divided into two groups: the case group (patients with ischemic stroke) and the control group (patients without ischemic stroke). Platelet indices were measured using Mindray BC-5200 auto hematology analyzer, and the results were analyzed using Student's t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum Test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.001) in the MPV and PDW values between the two groups. The difference between the area under the curve for both MPV and PDW was also found to be statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001) in the receiver operating characteristic curve. However, the differences in the values of MPV and PDW across different age groups, genders, and various comorbid conditions were not found to be significant. Conclusion: The elevated platelet indices may be associated with the development of ischemic stroke. The MPV and PDW can be prospective biochemical markers for predicting the onset of ischemic stroke.

Effect of Environmental Sustainability Cost on the Financial Position of Quoted Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria: Evidence from Healthcare Sector

This study empirically explored the effect of environmental sustainability cost on the financial position of quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria with evidence from the healthcare sector. In achieving the research target, the study estimated the effect of community development cost, employee benefit cost and raw material cost on the profit after tax of the selected healthcare manufacturing sector. Research design adopted was ex-post facto design while analytical tools employed were descriptive statistics and vector auto regression analysis techniques. Relevant diagnostic tests such as panel unit root (stationarity) test and co-integration test. Findings revealed that environmental sustainability cost operationalized by community development cost, employee benefit cost and raw material cost contributes positively to the long-run sustainable growth and development of healthcare manufacturing firms in Nigeria. On this background, the study suggested that healthcare manufacturing firms in Nigeria should consider investing in their workers through engaging them in various educational training and other beneficial skills for improved performance and organizational productivity. The firms should equally consider investment in community development projects of their host communities since they lead to more patronage which makes the company to thrive.

Association of Healthy Eating Index and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index with the cell blood count indices.

Objectives:There is an association between diet quality and markers of inflammation. We aimed to investigate the relationship between diet quality with complete blood count (CBC) and inflammatory indices such as red cell distribution width (RDW) and white blood cell count (WBC).Study Design:A total of 367 male subjects aged 20-69 yrs, who were employees of Shahid Hasheminejad Gas Processing Company (SGPC) completed the study.Methods:All participants completed a questionnaire that contained questions about demographic factors. Standard protocols were used for measuring anthropometric indices in all subjects. Blood samples were collected after a 12 hrs fast from all participants. Biochemical parameters were determined in all participants using an auto-analyzer (Eppendorf, Germany). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. CBC was measured using the Sysmex auto analyser system (KX-21 N). The HEI/AHEI scores extracted from a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to evaluate the diet quality. Data analyses were performed using SPSS 16 (SPSS Inc., IL, and USA).Results:A total of 367 men (aged 43.68±9.09 yrs) completed the study. The CBC indices were not significantly different between the HEI/AHEI classifications among the Iranian men (p-value >0.05 for all variables). Moreover, there was no association between HEI/ AHEI with the CBC indices in our population (p-value >0.05 for all variables).Conclusions:In summary, there was no association between the diet quality with the cell blood count parameters among Iranian men.

Assessment of Platelet Numbers and Prevalence of Thrombocytopenia among Children with Severe Malaria at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital

Background: Thrombocytopenia plays an important role in the diagnosis of malaria in most countries because of the rapid decrease of platelets during malaria onset and also in severe forms of the disease. The study sought to assess platelet numbers and determine the prevalence of malarial thrombocytopenia among children with febrile malaria at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study carried out in the Department of Child Health and the Polyclinic of KBTH from April to July 2018. A total of 100 children aged from 1 to 12 years who tested malaria positive for both thick and thin blood film and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) were recruited into the study. Venous blood sample was obtained from the children and analyzed for platelet count using a haematology auto analyzer. Parasite speciation and quantification was used to classify the disease into mild, moderate and severe, and platelet numbers were also categorized into low, normal and high. Data obtained was then analyzed for prevalence of malarial thrombocytopenia in severe malaria. Results: The total studied participants were 100, 61 (61%) were males whiles 39 (39%) were females. Both severe malaria and thrombocytopenia were mostly seen in children less than 5 years of age and the males recorded more thrombocytopenia (66%) and normal platelet numbers 34 (64.2%) than the females. There was a significant higher percentage of malaria children with thrombocytosis being females (64%) as compared to those being males (36%). 53 (53%) children had normal platelet numbers, 33 (33%) had thrombocytopenia, and 14 (14%) had thrombocytosis. The prevalence of uncomplicated malaria and complicated malaria were 80% and 20% respectively. The overall prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 33%, and the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in uncomplicated and severe malaria was 18.8% and 90% respectively. The prevalence of malaria types among children with thrombocytopenia was assessed. Out of the 33 (33%) patients who had thrombocytopenia, 15 (45.5%) of them had uncomplicated malaria and 18 (54.5%) of them had complicated or severe malaria. No child was found to have thrombocytosis during complicated malaria. Conclusion: The study indicates a significant higher prevalence of thrombocytopenia in severe malaria among children at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and this could be used as a useful indicator to investigate malaria or as a diagnostic clue for malaria in children.

Effect of Live Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Feeding on Milk Composition and Gross Profit Margin of Crossbred Dairy Cattle at Khumaltar, Nepal

This study was carried out to assess the effect of live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NutrifermTM) inclusion in feed and its effects on milk composition and gross profit-margin from crossbred dairy cattle at Khumaltar, condition. An Experiment was carried out at National Cattle Research Program station of Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Khumaltar, Lalitpur of Nepal for 28 days from 19 March 2015 to 15 April 2015. Twenty crossbred cattle were selected randomly and divided into five treatment groups with each, group having four cows arranged in Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Five type of ration was composed to experimental animals; T1 : 0.5kg/MT, T2: 1 kg/MT, T3: 1.5 kg/MT, T4 : 2 kg/MT and T5 as control. Milk samples were collected during milking and Lactoscan auto analyzer was used to measure fat, solid not fat (SNF), lactose, protein along with the volume for four weeks’ experimental period. Data was analyzed using Split plot ANOVA method. Mean fat percentage between treatments was found non-significant but there was significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in mean fat percentage across different time periodS in day 1st and 28th day being statistically significant. In this experiment, changes SNF, protein, and lactose in milk were found to be non-significant. Gross profit-margin of the milk production was done with the market price of raw milk and it was found to be significant (P&lt;0.05) for 1st and 28th days of experiment. Supplementation of liveyeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NutrifermTM) @ 2 kg/ 1000 kg feed with standard feeding diet enhanced the milk production, improved fat content in milk and generate profit margin.

Assessment of Some Heavy Metals and Iron Parameters amongst Dumpsite Scavengers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the levels of some heavy metals, namely Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pd), and Iron (Fe) in waste scavengers in port-Harcourt, Nigeria&#x0D; Study Design: This study is a cross-sectional observational study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between March, 2019 and October, 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 170 subjects of ages between 16 to 43 years. Of this, 100 were dumpsite scavengers while 70 were apparently healthy control subjects. The subjects involved in this study gave their informed consent and had no history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and renal and hepatic disorders, and have been in scavenging activity for at least one year. Three milliliters (3ml) of blood was taken from each subject and put in plain bottles. The serum obtained was put in plain bottles and stored at -200C prior to analysis. The heavy metals were assayed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) while the hepatic parameters were assayed using Mindray Biochemistry auto analyzer (Model BS120, Shenzhen, China). Serum ferritin was assayed using enzyme immunoassay while serum transferrin was done using colorimetric method. Data obtained were analyzed using Student’s t test and Pearson’s correlation.&#x0D; Results: The body mass index (BMI) of the scavengers were significantly lower than that of the control subjects (p=.0001). The activities of the liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP were significantly higher in the scavengers compared to the control subjects (p=.0001). The levels of total proteins, albumin and globulin of the scavengers were significantly lower than those of the control subjects (p=.0001). The levels of serum iron, transferrin and ferritin were similarly lower in the scavengers compared to the control subjects (p=.0001). However, the levels of cadmium and lead were significantly higher in the scavengers compared to the control subjects (p=.0001).&#x0D; Conclusion: These findings indicate possible biochemical derangements in the scavengers due to their exposure to the hazards associated with the scavenging activity.

Comparative study of renal function test and thyroid hormone in chronic kidney disease

Introduction: Biochemical parameters (urea, creatinine, uric acid, T3, T4, TSH) important inprognosis, monitoring of thyroid dysfunction, and chronic kidney disease. The present study wasattempted to analyze these parameters in CKD patients and a healthy control group. Materials andmethods: Fifty healthy control and 5o were chronic kidney disease subjects were taken serum urea,creatinine uric acid analyzed on the auto analyzer and T3, T4, TSH estimated on immunoassayanalyzer. Ethical permission was taken from the institutional ethical committee. Results: Level ofurea, creatinine, uric acid, and thyroid hormone T3, T4, TSH were found to be significant in thepresent study when compared with the control group. (Þ&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: It was observedthat levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, and T3, T4, TSH deranged value found in chronic kidneydisease subjects.

Study on Role of Nitric Oxide and High Sensitive C - reactive protein in subjects with Coronary Heart Disease

Nitric Oxide (NO) where produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme which are inhibited by C-reactive protein (CRP) which causes endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular events. In the current study, we evaluated the association of NO with hs-CRP in subjects with coronary heart disease. This Case-Control study was conducted 60 CHD patients and 60 healthy controls in age group of 30 to 55 years at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre on subjects attending the Cardiology and medicine OP. Blood samples were collected after overnight fasting for analysis of Lipid Profile, High sensitive C-reactive protein. Nitric Oxide and High sensitive C-reactive protein is measured by ELISA method and Lipid Profile is measured using Auto Analyzer AU480. Statistical analysis was done using Student ‘t’ test and Pearson correlation analysis used to the variable between two groups. The mean level of LDL-C (161.9±27.46) and hs-CRP (6.80±1.35) were significantly elevated in CHD subjects when compared to the normal healthy controls. And the mean level of Nitric Oxide (12.97±1.20) were decreased significantly in CHD group when compared to controls. Increased oxidative stress associated with low grade inflammation lead to diminished bioavailability of nitric oxide.

Determination of low environmental free cyanide concentrations in freshwaters

Cyanide compounds are naturally emitted into the environment in low levels by degradation processes or emitted from anthropogenic sources. In surface water, complex cyanide compounds as well as “free cyanide” are present. The latter term covers hydrogen cyanide and cyanide compounds which easily liberate hydrogen cyanide under slightly acidic conditions. Especially free cyanide may cause adverse effects in the environment. To exclude negative impacts on freshwater systems, in the context of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), preventive regulatory activities for free cyanide are currently under discussion. However, established analytical methods for quantification of free cyanide only obtain limits of quantification (LOQs) in the range of 1 μg L−1. Thus, these methods are not sufficiently sensitive for a potential environmental quality standard (EQS) compliance monitoring at water concentrations below the current predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) level of free cyanide. In the present study, a standardized continuous flow analysis (CFA) method for quantification of low free cyanide concentrations was adapted by applying a special system which allows an ultra-sensitive photometric detection of a colored cyanide derivative. By this means, LOQs in a range of one magnitude below the PNEC are achievable. The method was validated according to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Free cyanide concentrations in tested surface water samples from a small river and a barrier lake with low anthropogenic influences were very low and clearly below the PNEC. The results prove that the adapted CFA method is suitable for the analysis of low concentration free cyanide in freshwaters and appropriate for a possible EQS compliance monitoring.

Cross sectional study on patterns of lipid profiles in obese and normal children in south Indian private schools

Introduction: Childhood obesity affects both developed and developing countries of all socio-economic groups, irrespective of age, sex or ethnicity. Objective: to study the patterns of lipid profiles in obese and normal children. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 healthy children between the age group of 10-15 years were selected from private schools in Kurnool City. Schools were selected based on simple random sampling method. The study was conducted after taking clearance from Kurnool Medical College ethical committee. Then fasting blood samples of children were collected in the morning under aseptic conditions for the estimation of lipid profile. Lipid profile was estimated in Central Clinical Laboratory of Government General Hospital Kurnool with the Semi- Auto Analyzer using the CHOD POD method. Results: Total Cholesterol (TC), Serum Triglycerides (S.TG), High Density Lipoproteins (HDL–C), Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL-C) and TC/HDL ratio levels are significantly higher in obese children compared to normal children in the present study was noted.| Conclusion: Increased levels of Lipid profile in obese children may be due to high calorie intake and decreased physical activity of the children. The present study suggests that school children should take a balanced diet, try to avoid intake of fat food and increase their physical activity by playing outdoors. Keywords: Children, Lipid profile, Obesity.