A Study of Sectionally Related Dispersion and Chemical Reaction Effects

This theoretical investigation is aimed at finding the influence ofthe cross-section on the equivalent dispersion coefficient of a solute in a non-Newtonian medium flowing through a channel by considering the Power law, Bingham plastic, Casson models of fluids and it has been noted that in the case of the first two, there is a steep rise with the increase of the width of the channel, but in the case of Casson model, equivalent dispersion coefficient attains a maximum atRla = 1.7. Some explanation is offered for this behaviour of the fluid

Ion channels, long QT syndrome and arrhythmogenesis in ageing.

Ageing is associated with increased prevalences of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, reflecting disruption of the normal sequence of ion channel activation and inactivation generating the propagated cardiac action potential. Experimental models with specific ion channel genetic modifications have helped clarify the interacting functional roles of ion channels and how their dysregulation contributes to arrhythmogenic processes at the cellular and systems level. They have also investigated interactions between these ion channel abnormalities and age-related processes in producing arrhythmic tendency. Previous reviews have explored the relationships between age and loss-of-function Nav 1.5 mutations in producing arrhythmogenicity. The present review now explores complementary relationships arising from gain-of-function Nav 1.5 mutations associated with long QT3 (LQTS3). LQTS3 patients show increased risks of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias particularly after 40 years of age consistent with such interactions between the ion channel abnormailities and ageing. In turn clinical evidence suggests that ageing is accompanied by structural, particularly fibrotic, as well as electrophysiological change. These abnormalities may result from biochemical changes producing low-grade inflammation resulting from increased production of reactive oxygen species and superoxide. Experimental studies offer further insights into the underlying mechanisms underlying these phenotypes. Thus, studies in genetically modified murine models for LQTS implicated action potential recovery processes in arrhythmogenesis resulting from functional ion channel abnormalities. In addition, ageing WT murine models demonstrated both ion channel alterations and fibrotic changes with ageing. Murine models then suggested evidence for interactions between ageing and ion channel mutations and provided insights into potential arrhythmic mechanisms inviting future exploration.KJ is funded by the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS/2/2014/SKK01/PERDANA/02/1), Ministry of Education, Malaysia and the Research Support Fund, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey. KC was funded by the Physiological Society, United Kingdom. HV is funded by the Wellcome Trust Research Training Fellowship (105727/Z/14/Z) and Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), UK. SA is funded by a Medical Research Council Research Fellowship (MR/M001288/1). AG is funded by the McVeigh Benefaction and Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), UK. CLHH is funded by the Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation and McVeigh Benefaction

A rare case of paediatric astroblastoma with concomitant MN1-GTSE1 and EWSR1-PATZ1 gene fusions altering management

In a case of astroblastoma, methylation analysis was uninformative, with no clustering with known CNS-HGNET-MN1 cases. Whole genome sequencing however identified a novel MN1-GTSE1 gene fusion (image), confirming the diagnosis of astroblastoma, as well as an EWSR1-PATZ1 gene fusion. Whole genome sequencing, alongside methylation profiling and conventional neuropathology, will continue to lead to improved diagnostics and prognostication for children with brain tumours

Age-dependent atrial arrhythmic phenotype secondary to mitochondrial dysfunction in Pgc-1β deficient murine hearts

Introduction: Ageing and several age-related chronic conditions including obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and represent independent risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). Materials and methods: Atrial arrhythmogenesis was investigated in Langendorff-perfused young (3–4 month) and aged (>12 month), wild type (WT) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β deficient (Pgc-1β ) murine hearts modeling age-dependent chronic mitochondrial dysfunction during regular pacing and programmed electrical stimulation (PES). Results and discussion: The Pgc-1β genotype was associated with a pro-arrhythmic phenotype progressing with age. Young and aged Pgc-1β hearts showed compromised maximum action potential (AP) depolarization rates, (dV/dt) , prolonged AP latencies reflecting slowed action potential (AP) conduction, similar effective refractory periods and baseline action potential durations (APD ) but shortened APD in APs in response to extrasystolic stimuli at short stimulation intervals. Electrical properties of APs triggering arrhythmia were similar in WT and Pgc-1β hearts. Pgc-1β hearts showed accelerated age-dependent fibrotic change relative to WT, with young Pgc-1β hearts displaying similar fibrotic change as aged WT, and aged Pgc-1β hearts the greatest fibrotic change. Mitochondrial deficits thus result in an arrhythmic substrate, through slowed AP conduction and altered repolarisation characteristics, arising from alterations in electrophysiological properties and accelerated structural change.We acknowledge financial support from the Medical Research Council (MR/M001288/1), the Wellcome Trust (105727/Z/14/Z), British Heart Foundation (PG/14/79/31102 and PG/15/12/31280), Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) UK, The McVeigh Benefaction and the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme, Ministry of Education, Malaysia (FRGS/2/2014/SKK01/PERDANA/02/1)

Gender differences in beliefs about health:A comparative qualitative study with Ghanaian and Indian migrants living in the United Kingdom

Background There is a well-established association between migration to high income countries and health status, with some groups reporting poorer health outcomes than the host population. However, processes that influence health behaviours and health outcomes across minority ethnic groups are complex and in addition, culture ascribes specific gender roles for men and women, which can further influence perspectives of health. The aim of this study was to undertake a comparative exploration of beliefs of health among male and female Ghanaian and Indian migrants and White British participants residing in an urban area within the UK. Methods Thirty-six participants (12 each Ghanaian, Indian and White British) were recruited through community settings and participated in a semi-structured interview focusing on participant’s daily life in the UK, perceptions of their own health and how they maintained their health. Interviews were analyzed using a Framework approach. Results Three super ordinate themes were identified and labelled (a) beliefs about health; (b) symptom interpretation and (c) self-management and help seeking. Gender differences in beliefs and health behaviour practices were apparent across participants. Conclusions This is the first study to undertake a comparative exploration of health beliefs among people who have migrated to the UK from Ghana and India and to compare with a local (White British) population. The results highlight a need to consider both cultural and gender-based diversity in guiding health behaviours, and such information will be useful in the development of interventions to support health outcomes among migrant populations

WPA position statement on prisoner mental and public health care

As a group, prisoners have a tendency not to engage effectively with healthcare services while they are in the community because they have so many other competing priorities. Other priorities may include access to adequate finance, finding a place to sleep that is dry and safe, having sufficient food for themselves and their families, or the need to meet existing addictions. However, as a group, they present with high levels of health morbidity across domains of physical and mental health and addictions. It is widely established that screening people for healthcare conditions at the point when they are received into prison can assist in identifying a range of medical conditions. Although the process has limitations, the practice of screening is recommended internationally. After screening has taken place, healthcare services are meant to be provided in prisons to the same extent and quality as would be available in the community, yet across the world, there have often been problems in ensuring the adequacy of prison healthcare systems. Prison healthcare departments have often lagged behind regarding funding, and many countries have reported problems with the quality and consistency of delivery. Also, issues with training and continuous professional development are often cited as problematic in this area. This curriculum has been prepared to assist countries in ensuring that systems are in place for the effective training and continuous professional development of staff. It is meant to assist those who design such programs for local use