Experience from an immunohematology reference testing center.

Blood Centres in India lack infrastructure to investigate immunohematology problems. Reference Testing Center (RTC) was established in 2014 to investigate Immunohematological problem as it is not possible for small blood centers to go for complete immunohematology work up due to lack of financial and technical resources in remote and rural areas. Objective of this study is to share our experience as RTC of past 6 years so that more RTC are established across Indian subcontinent. 1456 Discrepant samples received from various hospitals of South India for Immunohematology problems were analysed in 6 years. Maximum requisitions obtained in 2014 were more than 40 years of age and then 21-40 years of age group in 2015 and same was observed till 2020.75% of total samples received were for antibody identification followed by blood group discrepancy resolution, investigation of positive DAT, red cell phenotype and pre-natal evaluation & antibody titration. Single allo-antibodies were identified in 773 cases whereas multiple allo-antibodies were found in 118 cases. Most common single and multiple antibody found was anti D and Anti-D+C. Weak D subgroup was the most common blood group discrepancy.22 cases & 4 cases of Bombay and para-bombay were also investigated.

The Ominous beginning" Perceptions of Smokeless Tobacco Initiation among the Paniya Tribes of Wayanad: A qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of tobacco chewing, and related oral mucosal lesions is alarmingly high amongst the Paniya tribes of Wayanad. A deeper understanding of their socio-cultural factors, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours would shed greater insights into the indiscriminate use of smokeless tobacco and related products in this community. METHODS: Ethnography was the theoretical framework adopted with network and convenience sampling. Fifteen in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions were conducted among the key informants from within the tribal colonies of Cheepram and Madikkunnu. The data was audio recorded and converted into verbatim transcripts. Thematic content analysis was done using an inductive approach performed using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (NVivo). RESULTS: This study is suggestive of parental influence and peer pressure as the key factors for smokeless tobacco initiation amongst the adolescent. There was a greater predisposition for women to be chewers of tobacco, particularly after marriage. The key factors influencing initiation of the habit amongst men include peer pressure and availability of tobacco at workplace. The role of contextual factors such as enculturation, marginalization and perceived health benefits also play a substantial role in development of this habit. CONCLUSION: Targeted strategies for effective tobacco control can be developed through an understanding of the socio-cultural factors leading to initiation of smokeless tobacco use among disadvantaged communities.

Development and validation of a RP-HPLC method for the quantitation of tofacitinib in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.

A novel, simple, specific, sensitive and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of tofacitinib in rat plasma. The bioanalytical procedure involves extraction of tofacitinib and itraconazole (internal standard, IS) from rat plasma with a simple liquid-liquid extraction process. The chromatographic analysis was performed on a Waters Alliance system using a gradient mobile phase conditions at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and C18 column maintained at 40 ± 1 °C. The eluate was monitored using an UV detector set at 287 nm. Tofacitinib and IS eluted at 6.5 and 8.3 min, respectively and the total run time was 10 min. Method validation was performed as per US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 182-5035 ng/mL (r(2) = 0.995). The intra- and inter-day precisions were in the range of 1.41-11.2 and 3.66-8.81%, respectively, in rat plasma. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.

Development and validation of an RP-HPLC method for the quantitation of Orteronel (TAK-700), a CYP17A1 enzyme inhibitor, in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.

A novel, simple, specific, sensitive and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of Orteronel in rat plasma. The bioanalytical procedure involves extraction of Orteronel and phenacetin (internal standard) from rat plasma with a simple liquid-liquid extraction process. The chromatographic analysis was performed on a Waters Alliance system using a gradient mobile phase conditions at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and a C18 column maintained at ambient room temperature. The eluate was monitored using a photodiode array detector set at 242. Orteronel and internal standard eluted at 4.8 and 6.2 min, respectively and the total run time was 9 min. Method validation was performed as per US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 100-3149 ng/mL (r(2) = 0.995). The intra- and inter-day precisions were in the ranges of 0.31-7.87 and 3.97-6.35, respectively, in rat plasma. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of Orteronel in rats.