Physico-chemical Properties of Chloramine-T: Part III- Conductometric Study of the Interaction of Chloramine-T with Th(IV) & Zr(IV) Solutions

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Racial differences in human platelet PAR4 reactivity reflect expression of PCTP and miR-376c.

Racial differences in the pathophysiology of atherothrombosis are poorly understood. We explored the function and transcriptome of platelets in healthy black (n = 70) and white (n = 84) subjects. Platelet aggregation and calcium mobilization induced by the PAR4 thrombin receptor were significantly greater in black subjects. Numerous differentially expressed RNAs were associated with both race and PAR4 reactivity, including PCTP (encoding phosphatidylcholine transfer protein), and platelets from black subjects expressed higher levels of PC-TP protein. PC-TP inhibition or depletion blocked PAR4- but not PAR1-mediated activation of platelets and megakaryocytic cell lines. miR-376c levels were differentially expressed by race and PAR4 reactivity and were inversely correlated with PCTP mRNA levels, PC-TP protein levels and PAR4 reactivity. miR-376c regulated the expression of PC-TP in human megakaryocytes. A disproportionately high number of microRNAs that were differentially expressed by race and PAR4 reactivity, including miR-376c, are encoded in the DLK1-DIO3 locus and were expressed at lower levels in platelets from black subjects. These results suggest that PC-TP contributes to the racial difference in PAR4-mediated platelet activation, indicate a genomic contribution to platelet function that differs by race and emphasize a need to consider the effects of race when developing anti-thrombotic drugs

Social responsibility of hospitals: an Indian context

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived responsibilities of five not-for-profit hospitals in Bangalore, India, towards society. Design/methodology/approach – The method used is qualitative design with some quantitative elements. Data were collected through a survey of 79 physicians and 104 managers and other stakeholders of the hospitals. Findings – The analysis reveals the existence of highly significant differences in the perception about workplace responsibilities between the doctors and other stakeholders. It also highlights the importance of top management involvement with various stakeholders in effectively carrying out the overall social responsibilities of the hospitals. It was found that the hospitals must take into account the social, cultural and financial characteristics of the patients while fulfilling societal obligations. Training needs, environmental impact audit and encouragement for employees to join local voluntary organizations are the immediate needs for improving the CSR activities of the hospitals. Research limitations/implications – The study had a small sample and referred only to the perceptions of physicians/management personnel. Further studies should be done with larger samples, comparing different cohorts of stakeholders and, more importantly, patients/their carers. Practical implications – The study draws attention to issues that emerge from the social responsibilities of healthcare organizations. Its findings provide new insights into the meaning of social responsibility in the healthcare sector in an Indian context from a stakeholder perspective. Originality/value – The paper is based on an original study that addresses the current gap in the understanding of issues related to social responsibility by the various stakeholders of hospitals. It is particularly valuable for both the internal and external stakeholders of the healthcare organizations.Corporate image, Hospitals, Responsibilities, Social responsibility, Stakeholders

Effect of Weather Parameters on the Incidence of Thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman on Bt Cotton

The field experiments were conducted during kharif season of year 2014 & 2015 at Agricultural Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana state, India to study the influence of weather parameters on the incidence of thrips population on Bt cotton. The results revealed that the peak incidence of thrips population was recorded on 35th Standard Week i.e., last week of August (32.87 thrips leaf–1) during kharif, 2014 and two peaks i.e., 35th Standard Week i.e., last week of August (33.93 thrips leaf–1) and 40th  Standard Week i.e., the first week of October (40.40 thrips leaf–1) were recorded during kharif, 2015. Thereafter, its population declined gradually during both seasons. Correlations worked out between thrips population and weather parameters revealed that, one week (0.51*) and two weeks lag (0.65**) minimum temperature, one week lag (0.56**) morning relative humidity showed significant and positive influence, while one week lag (–0.44*) evaporation showed significant negative influence on thrips incidence. The prediction model developed for the thrips population revealed that the model explained the variation to an extent of 54 per cent in thrips incidence under the influence of minimum temperature and morning relative humidity