Phase-field simulations of viscous fingering in shear-thinning fluids

A phase-field model for the Hele-Shaw flow of non-Newtonian fluids is developed. It extends a previous model for Newtonian fluids to a wide range of shear-dependent fluids. The model is applied to perform simulations of viscous fingering in shear- thinning fluids, and it is found to be capable of describing the complete crossover from the Newtonian regime at low shear rate to the strongly shear-thinning regime at high shear rate. The width selection of a single steady-state finger is studied in detail for a 2-plateaux shear-thinning law (Carreau law) in both its weakly and strongly shear-thinning limits, and the results are related to previous analyses. In the strongly shear-thinning regime a rescaling is found for power-law (Ostwald-de-Waehle) fluids that allows for a direct comparison between simulations and experiments without any adjustable parameters, and good agreement is obtained

A study of association of vitamin D deficiency and coronary artery disease

Background: Recently vitamin D has received great interests for its multiple effects on inflammatory system and potential role in atherothrombosis. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the common causes of death and disability in developed countries. Experimental evidence points to the involvement of multiple factors in coronary plaque formation, including vitamin D. The study aimed to examine the association of coronary artery disease with vitamin D level.Methods: 140 patients of CAD (coronary artery disease) and 101 age and sex matched control were enrolled in the study and 25-hyroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration was measured. All participants were evaluated for presence of conventional risk factors for coronary artery disease. Association of vitamin D level was established after adjusting other risk factors using logistic regression analysis.Results: In our study vitamin D level is significantly lower in patient group (CAD patients) compared with control group (18.2±10.9 vs 28.8±21ng/mL). Vitamin D deficiency was present in 81.4% patient in CAD patients whereas 57.7% in control group. Vitamin D deficiency was found to be an independent predictor of CAD after adjusting effect of other risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, high blood cholesterol and level of physical activity with adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 2.695 (1.148-6.330).Conclusions: In present study patients of coronary artery disease had significantly low level of vitamin D as compared to individual without coronary artery disease. Vitamin D deficiency was found to be an independent predictor of CAD after adjusting other risk factors emphasizing that vitamin D can be a potential risk factor for development of coronary artery disease. 

A study on relationship of facebook and game addictive behaviour with personality traits among medical students

Background: Use of social networking sites and playing internet games are more common web activities among adolescents. Students are more prone to internet abuse for several reasons- natural affinity towards internet, free and unlimited access, flexible schedules, and freedom from parental interference and psychological immaturity.  The aim was to study on relationship of facebook and game addictive behaviour with personality characteristics among medical students.Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study, carried out on 140 medical students. All the students were taken randomly. Assessment of sociodemographic details was done with the help of semi-structured performa, bergen facebook addiction scale, game addiction scale and big five inventory were used to see facebook and game addictive behavior and personality traits. Statistical analysis used for comparison of dichotomous variables chi-square test. Correlation and Linear regression was applied to see association. Data analysis was done with the help of statistical software SPSS 23. 0.Results: Mean score of facebook addiction scale among medical students was 39.94 (S.D. 13.133) and mean score of Game addiction scale was 11.19 (S.D. 04.966). It was found that agreeableness (β= -0.275, p=0.000) and extraversion (β = -0.368, p = 0.000) displayed significant associations with FB Total. While neuroticism (β=0.277, p=0.001) and agreeableness (β= -0.177, p=0.029) displayed significant associations with game addictive behavior.Conclusions: In our study we conclude that students with high agreeableness, high neuroticism and low extraversion were more related with Facebook and game addictive behavior. Extraversion was the most powerful predictor of Facebook addiction and neuroticism for gaming addiction.

Pattern of macrovascular disease phenotypes amongst newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients in a rural institute in Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: The objective of current study was to determine the proportion of Macrovascular Disease (MVD) phenotypes amongst newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients in our institute by dividing the cases into sub-groups according to the MVD sites involved (NMVD - no macrovascular disease; NSCS - non-significant carotid stenosis; CBVD - cerebrovascular disease; CAD - coronary artery disease; PAD - peripheral artery disease; PVD - polyvascular disease) and studying the anthropometric, clinical and laboratory parameters in each group.Methods:The study included a cohort of 136 newly diagnosed patients with T2 DM. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were included in analyses. Standardized procedures were used to assess the risk factors of associated metabolic syndrome (MetS).Results:The proportion of patients with MVD was 27.94% amongst the participants in the study. The majority of patients with MVD were in the CAD group (15.44%). Age, male sex and smoking history were independent risk factors in the CAD and PAD groups (P <0.01). A low HDL-C value was an independent risk factor in the CAD and PVD group P = 0.03). Very high frequencies of MetS were observed in the PAD and PVD groups (90% and 91.7% respectively). Prevalence of PVD was three times more common in males as compared to that in females. All patients with PAD had associated CAD also.Conclusion: This study projects a high proportion of MVD amongst newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetics in rural sub-population in Uttar Pradesh. High rates of mortality and morbidity in these patients due to macroangiopathy warrant early screening of MVD to ensure timely preventive and therapeutic measures.

In-vitro scolicidal activity of Mallotus philippinensis (Lam.) Muell Arg. fruit glandular hair extract against hydatid cyst Echinococcus granulosus

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate new scolicidal agent from natural resources to cope with the side effects associated with synthetic drugs in Echinococcosis.MethodsThe scolicidal potential of methanolic fruit powder extract (10 and 20 mg/mL) of Mallotus philippinensis (M. philippinensis) was investigated. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed by trypan blue exclusion method, where mortality was observed at concentration of 10 and 20 mg/mL in 60 min treatment against Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus), under in-vitro conditions with reference to the known standard drug Praziquantel®.ResultsAt concentration 10 and 20 mg/mL, the mortality rate was observed 97% and 99% respectively for 60 min treatment; while up to 93% mortality was observed with 20 mg/mL for only 10 min treatment. The concentration above 20 mg/mL for above 2 h showed 100% mortality, irrespective of further incubation.ConclusionsAs compared with the standard anti-parasitic drug Praziquantel our extract has significant scolicidal activity with almost no associated side effects

Notes on the distribution of an alien weed Hyptis brevipes (Lamiaceae) in India

Hyptis brevipes Poit. is a native weed species of South and Central America and has been introduced and naturalized in many parts of SE Asia. It was reported from India for the first time in 1940 from Andaman and Nicobar Islands and then in 2012 from Darjeeling Himalaya. In the present study the authors have noticed the occurrence of the species in the wild in the Dima Hasao district of Assam and the Dampa Tiger Reserve of Mizoram. The study reveals that the species has naturalized in India in some parts of the Northeast region in cultivated lands along roadsides. The detailed taxonomic account of the species along with its distribution, phenology, uses and photographs is provided to confirm its identity and to take stock on its control from its further spread to some other regions, because due to the invasive nature it may affect the growth of crop plants

Solvent extraction of hexavalent chromium from electroplating waste solution with TBP

Solvent extraction of hexavalent chromium from electroplating waste solution with TB