Corrector estimates and numerical simulations of a system of diffusion-reaction-dissolution-precipitation model in a porous medium

A system of diffusion-reaction equations coupled with a dissolution-precipitation model is discussed. We start by introducing a microscale model together with its homogenized version. In the present paper, we first derive the corrector result to justify the obtained theoretical results. Furthermore, we perform the numerical computations to compare the outcome of the effective model with the original heterogeneous microscale model.Comment: 17 pages, 23 figure

Pattern of adverse drug reactions reporting in two medical colleges of Tripura, India: a cross sectional study

Background: India as an important clinical trial hub in the world. In clinical trials, many of the drug issues related to the safety are inadequately studied in highly selected and limited number of patients. Due to introduction of many new drugs in the country, it has become essential to have an effective Pharmacovigilance system nationwide. Under reporting of ADRs is widespread and a daunting challenge in Pharmacovigilance programme of India (PvPI).Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for two months with the objective to study the pattern of ADRs reporting in two teaching hospitals of Tripura. The data were collected in “Suspected ADR reporting forms” of Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). Suspected ADRs were assessed for causality using Naranjo ADR probability scale.Results: 44 ADR reporting forms were received with 58 ADRS. Among them, Gastrointestinal System ADRs were the highest (25.86%). More ADRs were seen in males than females (52.27% vs 47.72%). 68.18% cases had the medication through oral route. Out of all ADRs, 67.24% were Type A reactions. Most of the reactions reported, were mild (90.9%) based on modified Hartwig severity scale. Most of the ADRs reported were of probable causality (score 5-9) measured by Naranjo’s Algorithm.Conclusions: This study would definitely give an insight into the pattern of ADRs in tertiary health care centers and may help to increase awareness of health care provider for further Pharmacovigilance studies

Amphiphilic peptide-based supramolecular, noncytotoxic, stimuli-responsive hydrogels with antibacterial activity

A series of peptides with a long fatty acyl chain covalently attached to the C-terminal part and a free amine (-NH2) group at the N-terminus have been designed so that these molecules can be assembled in aqueous medium by using various noncovalent interactions. Five different peptide amphiphiles with a general chemical formula [H2N-(CH2)nCONH-Phe-CONHC12 (n = 1–5, C12 = dodecylamine)] have been synthesized, characterized, and examined for self-assembly and hydrogelation. All of these molecules [P1 (n = 1), P2 (n = 2), P3 (n = 3), P4 (n = 4), P5 (n = 5)] form thermoresponsive hydrogels in water (pH 6.6) with a nanofibrillar network structure. Interestingly, the hydrogels obtained from compounds P4 and P5 exhibit potential antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Dose-dependent cell-viability studies using MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) by taking human lung carcinoma (A549) cells vividly demonstrates the noncytotoxic nature of these gelator molecules in vitro. Hemolytic studies show nonsignificant or little hemolysis of human erythrocyte cells at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these tested bacteria. Interestingly, it has been found that these antibacterial noncytotoxic hydrogels exhibit proteolytic resistance toward the enzymes proteinase K and chymotrypsin. Moreover, the gel strength and gel recovery time have been successfully modulated by varying the alkyl chain length of the N-terminally located amino acid residues. Similarly, the thermal stability of these hydrogels has been nicely tuned by altering the alkyl chain length of the N-terminally located amino acid residues. In the era of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, the discovery of this new class of peptide-based antibacterial, proteolytically stable, injectable, and noncytotoxic soft materials holds future promise for the development of new antibiotics

Understanding reproductive health challenges during a flood: insights from Belkuchi Upazila, Bangladesh [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Background: Bangladesh is exposed to natural hazards such as floods, cyclones and droughts. As such, its health systems and health infrastructure are exposed to recurrent disasters. Research studying the impacts of natural disasters on reproductive health in particular is lacking. This research contributes to this knowledge gap by studying the challenges related to menstrual regulation and post-abortion care at both the facility and community levels, and the care-seeking patterns of pregnant women during the 2016 flood in Belkuchi, Bangladesh. Methods: Six government-run primary health care facilities were assessed using a structured assessment tool prior to the flood of 2016. In total, 370 structured interviews were conducted with women in three unions of Belkuchi (Belkuchi Sadar, Daulatpur and Bhangabari) 4 months after the 2016 flood. Results: The main challenges at the facility level are a lack of services and a shortage of medicines, equipment and trained health workers. The main challenges at the community level are displacement, high rates of self-diagnosed spontaneous abortion and a lack of treatment for post-abortion complications. A majority of the interviewed women (48%) sought menstrual regulation from the residence of a nurse or family welfare visitor. In total, 73.2% of the women who experienced post-abortion complications sought medical care. Conclusion: To overcome the challenges at the facility level, it is important to construct flood-resistant health infrastructure and train health workers in menstrual regulation and post-abortion care, so that these services can be made available during a flood. At the community level, more research is required to understand the reasons for spontaneous abortions so that these, and the subsequent chronic conditions/complications women experience, may be avoided. Context specific interventions that can overcome local challenges (both at the community and facility levels) are required to promote disaster resilience at primary health care facilities

Etiology of vaginal/cervical discharge syndrome: Analysis of data from a referral laboratory in eastern India

Context: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) constitute important public health problem worldwide. Syndromic diagnosis of vaginal/cervical discharge (VCD) is often inaccurate leading to over- or under-treatment. Aims: This study aimed to ascertain the laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of VCD and their relative frequency in a group of patients presenting to a STI clinic in eastern India and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of clinical diagnosis. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Data of 5301 consecutive patients with VCD were analyzed for etiological diagnosis and the findings were compared with laboratory data of 3110 asymptomatic cases. Statistical Analysis Used: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of clinical diagnosis of vaginal discharge syndrome were obtained considering the results of the laboratory diagnosis as gold standard. The strength of agreement was computed using Kappa statistic. Results: Of 5301 cases of VCD, 90.83% had STI/RTIs. The most prevalent infection was trichomoniasis (35.23%), followed by bacterial vaginosis (33.05%) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (19.67%). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of vaginal discharge as an indicator of STI/RTI were 85.5%, 99.0%, 99.3%, and 80%, respectively, with agreement of 90.49% and kappa value of 0.8, indicating “almost perfect” agreement. Many cases with VCD also suffered from other STIs such as herpes simplex virus-2, hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency syndrome, and syphilis and some asymptomatic cases suffered from one or more STIs. Conclusions: All patients with VCD with high-risk behavior should preferably undergo laboratory evaluation of the VCD syndrome to avoid over- or under-treatment

Hydrothermal synthesis of defect-induced pristine alpha-NaCe(WO4)(2): a novel material for solid state lighting and gas sensing

Triclinic NaCe(WO4)(2) with oxygen monovacancies and divacancies has been successfully prepared via a facile cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)-assisted hydrothermal technique. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy have been employed to determine the unit cell and microstructure of the NaCe(WO4)(2). The oxygen vacancies, structural distortion etc. have been investigated using Fourier-transform infrared, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The synthesized samples exhibit an intense blue emission at 434 nm due to the 5d-4f transition of Ce3+ within the CeO8 dodecahedra, while the emission at 485 nm is ascribed to the 5d-4f transition within CeO7. It has also been identified that two emissions at 451 and 520 nm come from CeO6. Additionally, we find that the temperature of the hydrothermal reaction guides the formation of CeO7 and CeO6. In contrast to a previous ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-assisted synthesis of NaCe(WO4)(2) that results in a predominant green emission, our samples exhibit strong violet emissions indicating that less CeO7 and CeO6 is formed when using CTAB. We have also conducted ab initio calculations using density-functional theory, which reveals that the valence and conduction bands comprise of the O(2)p orbitals and a O(2)p-Ce 5d hybridization, respectively. The Ce(5)dz(2), 5dyz and 5dxz orbitals mostly facilitate the 5d-4f transition within the CeO7 and CeO6 polyhedra. Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage coordinates are found in the blue region with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of similar to 7715 K indicating the potential for a-NaCe(WO4)(2) to be used in cold solid state lighting applications. Finally, we also observe that the oxygen vacancies can act as active centers for the adsorption of molecular oxygen, which in consequence leads NaCe(WO4) 2 to have gas sensing properties

Proceedings: Launch of a global campaign: International Awarness Day for Avoidable Deaths

The Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN) is a global membership network of experts, practitioners and researchers interested in avoiding human deaths from natural hazards, naturally triggered technological hazards, and human-made disasters in low- and middle-income countries. The Avoidable Deaths Network’s purpose is to help policymakers and practitioners make better decisions to save lives and reduce injuries for sustainable development.</p