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Reported here is a coding-complete genome sequence of a SARS CoV-2 variant obtained from raw wastewater samples at the University of Tennessee—Knoxville campus. This sequence provides insight into SARS CoV-2 variants that circulate on large college campuses but remain mostly undetected.

Summary The CD3 + CD5— subpopulation of T cells has been shown to be increased in patients following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, and a statistical association has been found with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We studied this population in renal transplant recipients. There was no correlation with rejection episodes but we found an increase in this CD3 + CD5 — population in patients on cyclosporin, and we suggest that these cells may be involved in the mechanism of action of this drug. In patients on azathioprine the absolute number of CD3 + CD5 — lymphocytes is reduced, along with other lymphoid subpopulations.

Summary. Laboratory classification of red cell disorders uses the red cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW) and information gleaned from microscopic evaluation of a blood film. Additional red cell information is now available using the H series of automated blood cell analysers (Ames Technicon Division of Bayer Diagnostics). This study involved the development of a discriminant rule which would differentiate between three causes of macrocytosis (vitamin B12/folate deficiency, alcohol excess/liver disease and a reticulocytosis) using the information available on Research Screen 1 and Report Screen 3 of the H*1 instrument (Report Screen 3 is a graphical display of the trimmed scattergram of red cell volume and red cell haemoglobin concentration and Research Screen 1 displays the associated numerical data). Three methods of analysis were assessed to define a suitable discriminant rule. The percentages of patients correctly classified by the three methods were: 92.1%, 82.0% and 89.2% for Methods 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Method 1 involved the application of quadratic discrimination to transformed variables and produced the best results. Although complex, it could easily be applied using the microprocessor capability of the average multiparameter haematology analyser.

Patients who require a bone marrow transplant (BMT) for leukaemia, lymphoma or other haematological disorders receive large quantities of blood products, including red cell concentrates, during the transplant period. Many receive red cell transfusions as part of treatment prior to BMT, adding to the potential iron load. However, organ dysfunction as a consequence of the transfused iron load would be surprising given the amounts of iron transfused. We studied 76 survivors of allogeneic and autologous BMT who were at least 1 year post-transplant and found that the majority (88%) had raised ferritins. Impaired liver function was common in these patients and in half was unexplained by viral hepatitis, veno-occlusive disease or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), suggesting that iron overload may be an important contributing factor to liver disease in the stable post-transplant setting. This view is supported by the observation of improving liver function tests in 10 patients after a trial of venesection therapy.

The risk of overwhelming septicaemia, most commonly due to encapsulated organisms, is well recognised post-splenectomy. Although a similar risk is documented in hyposplenic patients, many physicians do not routinely give prophylaxis here. We report the case of a 41 year old woman with adult onset coeliac disease who developed pneumococcal meningitis resulting in severe residual disability and suggest that prophylaxis should be given to such individuals who have evidence of reduced splenic function.

Although most circulating T cells in normal subjects express both CD3 and CD5 antigens on the cell surface, a small number lack the CD5 antigen. Recipients of allogeneic bone marrow transplants develop increased numbers of CD3+ CD5- cells, particularly those who develop graft versus host disease (GVHD). This CD3+ CD5- population may rise transiently in patients who have received an autologous bone marrow transplant (BMT) and in patients following completion of intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). These findings suggest that these CD3+ CD5- cells are a normal component of the regenerating lymphoid system after BMT or chemotherapy.