The Extension of RBC Longevity and Functionality in the Prevention of Graft Versus Host Disease

Given today’s current scientific method of preservation, red blood cells (RBCs) donated or drawn from live humans have a storage life of approximately 42 days, after which the blood will be discarded due to of degradation of the RBCs. The mechanism that drives said degradation is known as oxidative stress, in which the cells’ inability to balance out the creation and excretion of free radicals causes a conformational change in the shape and efficacy of RBCs. In order to counteract the oxidative actions upon the cells, it has been thought that the addition of reducing agents, specifically ascorbic acid, the reduced form of Vitamin C, to the matrix in which the cells are stored can push back the adverse effects of oxidation, allowing the cells to be stored for at least 56 days. The method by which we quantify the efficacy of the said ascorbic acid treatment involves the measurement of blood redox potential using Nanoporous Gold Electrodes (NPGs). By using nanoporous electrodes in contrast to the more conventional planar electrodes, we can minimize the effects of biofouling on the electrochemical response, giving us more reproducible and consistent results. Through Open Circuit Potential (OCP) measurements, we have measured the redox potential of packed RBCs in both large volumes (milliliters) and in single drops (sub-microliters) over a 56-day period. The general statistical trend of the results of the OCPs over the past few months seems to suggest that the ascorbic acid treatment does indeed help stabilize the redox potential of RBCs.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1260/thumbnail.jp

A cross-sectional study to assess knowledge, attitude and practice among healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 at a National Institute of North India

Background and Objectives. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the frontline warriors of the battle against COVID-19 and are at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among HCWs play a vital role in preventing and spreading COVID-19. Hence, the current study aimed to assess KAP among HCWs regarding COVID-19. Methods. This descriptive, cross-sectional study enrolled 171 HCWs of a national institute in North India. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess KAP among HCWs regarding COVID-19. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to compare and represent the level of association of KAP scores among HCWs. Results. Among HCWs (n=171), 106 (61.98%) were males, and 65 (38.01%) were females. Most (n=76; 44.44%) belonged to the 20-29 age group. The mean±S.D score of HCWs for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 42.76±2.14, 28.91±1.59 and 20.38±1.46, respectively. Excellent knowledge, attitude, and practice score were found in 66.1%, 69.1%, and 97.1% of HCWs, respectively. Knowledge score was maximum in resident doctors (44.09±1.13); however, multi-tasking staff (29.35±1.44), laboratory technicians (29.31±1.21), and ward boys (29.29±1.59) had better attitude scores. Nurses (28.44±1.69) and safaikaramacharis (28.11±1.96) had low attitude scores. The practice score of nurses and multi-tasking staff fared well than resident doctors. Knowledge and attitude scores were statistically associated with the profession and higher level of education. Conclusion. The study highlights that most HCWs have good KAP regarding COVID-19. Continuous dissemination of education on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 is advised among HCWs to improve their knowledge. Hence, it will strengthen the health workforce in the battle against COVID-19

Откриване и коригиране на повтарящи се ограничени пакетни грешки в подблокове

In this paper, we present bounds on check symbols required for the codes capable to detect as well as correct the restricted bursts errors that are repeating themselves in a single sub-block. For these codes the whole code length is considered to be subdivided into a certain number of mutually exclusive sub-blocks of equal length

Association of Number of Bidders and Minimum Bid Ratio (AEr) with Effect of E-bidding of Different Project

The purpose of this research is to analyze the relation between the number of bidders versus the minimum bid ratio (AEr)/percentage below the initial engineer’s estimate to type and size of project within Road Divisions Butwal and Shivapur. Bidding data of four consecutive fiscal years starting from 072/73 of two Road Divisions which are already completed its procurement stage were analyzed. The percentage below/contract awarded cost is directly proportional or a significant correlation was found with the number of the participated bidder in any project s of both divisions during the data study period. Bidders have to bid below 20% of the initial estimate that was found to get a project in hand by contractors and they are willing to bid low for the utilization of resources, types of equipment, manpower, and also to get experiences. This research revealed correlation coefficients between the number of bidders and percentage below engineers' estimates are 0.61 for the Butwal division and 0.67 for the Shivapur division. Correlation coefficients 0.82 and 0.83 was found in Nepalgunj and Mahendranagar. Percentage below engineers' estimate depends on 67 and 69% on the number of bidders in Nepalgunj and Mahendranagar respectively. E-bidding helped to promote competition along with low bidding. As there is 17% below with only hardcopy bidding but with e-bid the below percentages rises to 28% with more number of bidder per project. Improvement in existing offer granting framework with additional capability rules ought to be engaged by doling out the weight in the monitory term, soliciting a technique from the proclamation, upgraded e-offering framework, and affirmation for venture exhibitions of the undertaking before execution. This research would be useful for those who are involving in policy making and governing agencies like Public Procurement Monitoring Office and for making necessary amendments in existing rules

Association of Number of Bidders and Minimum Bid Ratio (AEr) with Effect of E-bidding of Different Project

The purpose of this research is to analyze the relation between the number of bidders versus the minimum bid ratio (AEr)/percentage below the initial engineer’s estimate to type and size of project within Road Divisions Butwal and Shivapur. Bidding data of four consecutive fiscal years starting from 072/73 of two Road Divisions which are already completed its procurement stage were analyzed. The percentage below/contract awarded cost is directly proportional or a significant correlation was found with the number of the participated bidder in any project s of both divisions during the data study period. Bidders have to bid below 20% of the initial estimate  that was found to get a project in hand by contractors and they are willing to bid low for the utilization of resources, types of equipment, manpower, and also to get experiences. This research revealed correlation coefficients between the number of bidders and percentage below engineers' estimates are 0.61 for the Butwal division and 0.67 for the Shivapur division. Correlation coefficients 0.82 and 0.83 was found in Nepalgunj and Mahendranagar. Percentage below engineers' estimate depends on 67 and 69% on the number of bidders in Nepalgunj and Mahendranagar respectively. E-bidding helped to promote competition along with low bidding. As there is 17% below with only hardcopy bidding but with e-bid the below percentages rises to 28% with more number of bidder per project. Improvement in existing offer granting framework with additional capability rules ought to be engaged by doling out the weight in the monitory term, soliciting a technique from the proclamation, upgraded e-offering framework, and affirmation for venture exhibitions of the undertaking before execution. This research would be useful for those who are involving in policy making and governing agencies like Public Procurement Monitoring Office and for making necessary amendments in existing rules  Keywords: E-bidding, Project Category, Percentage Below Bid, Bid ratio, E-bidding, Hard copy

Association of Number of Bidders and Minimum Bid Ratio (AEr) with Effect of E-bidding of Different Project

The purpose of this research is to analyze the relation between the number of bidders versus the minimum bid ratio (AEr)/percentage below the initial engineer’s estimate to type and size of project within Road Divisions Butwal and Shivapur. Bidding data of four consecutive fiscal years starting from 072/73 of two Road Divisions which are already completed its procurement stage were analyzed. The percentage below/contract awarded cost is directly proportional or a significant correlation was found with the number of the participated bidder in any project s of both divisions during the data study period. Bidders have to bid below 20% of the initial estimate that was found to get a project in hand by contractors and they are willing to bid low for the utilization of resources, types of equipment, manpower, and also to get experiences. This research revealed correlation coefficients between the number of bidders and percentage below engineers' estimates are 0.61 for the Butwal division and 0.67 for the Shivapur division. Correlation coefficients 0.82 and 0.83 was found in Nepalgunj and Mahendranagar. Percentage below engineers' estimate depends on 67 and 69% on the number of bidders in Nepalgunj and Mahendranagar respectively. E-bidding helped to promote competition along with low bidding. As there is 17% below with only hardcopy bidding but with e-bid the below percentages rises to 28% with more number of bidder per project. Improvement in existing offer granting framework with additional capability rules ought to be engaged by doling out the weight in the monitory term, soliciting a technique from the proclamation, upgraded e-offering framework, and affirmation for venture exhibitions of the undertaking before execution. This research would be useful for those who are involving in policy making and governing agencies like Public Procurement Monitoring Office and for making necessary amendments in existing rules

Emergence of non-albicans Candida species and antifungal resistance in intensive care unit patients

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology of candidiasis and the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species isolated from the intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods: The study used a qualitative descriptive design. Relevant samples depending on organ system involvement from 100 ICU patients were collected and processed. Identification and speciation of the isolates was conducted by the biochemical tests. Antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out as per CLSI-M27-A3 document. Results: Ninety Candida isolates were isolated from the different clinical samples: urine (43.3%), tracheal aspirate (31.1%), urinary catheter (12.2%), endotracheal tube (7.8%), abdominal drains (3.3%), sputum (2.2%). The incidence of candidiasis caused by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species (63.3%) was higher than Candida albicans (36.7%). The various NAC species were isolated as: Candida tropicalis (41.1%), Candida glabrata (10%), Candida parapsilosis (6.7%), Candida krusei (3.3%) and Candida kefyr (2.2%). The overall isolation rate of Candida species from samples was 53.3%. Antifungal susceptibility indicated that 37.8% and 7.8% of the Candida isolates were resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B, respectively. Conclusions: Predominance of NAC species in ICU patients along with the increasing resistance being recorded to fluconazole which has a major bearing on the morbidity and management of these patients and needs to be further worked upon

Allele Frequency of ABO Blood Group Antigen and the Risk of Esophageal Cancer

Background. ABO blood group and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus have been reported by many studies, but there is no discipline that had provided association with the genotype and gene frequency by population statics. Methods. We conducted a case-control study on 480 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and 480 noncancer patients. ABO blood group was determined by presence of antigen with the help of monoclonal antibody. Chi-square test and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by statistical methods, and gene frequencies were calculated by Hardy-Weinberg model. Results. We observed significant associations between ABO genotype and squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus. OR (95% CIs) was 1.69 (1.31–2.19) for presence of B antigen allele relative to its absence (P<0.0001); in female subgroup OR (95% CIs) observed at 1.84 (1.27–2.65) was statistically significant (P=0.001). SCC of esophagus shows significant difference in comparison to general population; blood group B is found to be higher in incidence (P=0.0001). Increased risk of cancer was observed with absence of Rh antigen (P=0.0001). Relatively increased gene frequency of q[B] allele is observed more significantly in female cancer patients (P=0.003). Conclusion. Statistically significant association between squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and ABO and Rh genotype is identified by this study. Sex and anatomical site of cancer also present with statistically significant relative association. However, larger randomised trials are required to establish the hypothesis