Study of Trajectory of Spin-Stabilised Artillery Projectiles

Equations of motion for conventional spin-stabilised artillery projectile have been derived using a pseudo-stability axes system in addition to body-fixed and space-fixed axes systems. The aerodynamic forces and moments have been represented by their respective coefficients and the effects of Mach number and Reynolds number have been suitably accounted. The magnus terms which are significant at high rates of spin are estimated using a simple model. The set of equations have been partly linearised and solved numerically for a typical projectile using NAG system routines. Various trajectory parameters are computed and compared with the range-table data for the projectile. A parametric study had been carried out varying the aerodynamic coefficients to understand the sensitivity of the results obtained

Effect of Methylprednisolone in Periarticular Infiltration for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty on Pain and Rehabilitation

Background: Optimal pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is important to ensure timely rehabilitation and patient satisfaction. This study examines the efficacy of adding corticosteroid in periarticular infiltration cocktail with relation to postoperative pain management and rehabilitation in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA. Methods: Fifty patients with symptomatic end-stage bilateral knee osteoarthritis undergoing bilateral TKA under the same anesthetic were recruited. More painful knee was operated first, and the study solution containing ropivacaine, clonidine, epinephrine, and ketorolac with methylprednisolone was infiltrated in one knee and an identical mixture but without methylprednisolone was infiltrated in the second knee. Outcome measures included comparison of visual analogue scale on movement of each knee and range of motion achieved during the first three days after surgery. Results: Differences in visual analogue scale score and range of motion at day one and three between the two groups of knees were significant (P < .05). Postoperative inflammation and the ability to straight leg raise showed better trends in the knees receiving prednisolone although this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Addition of methylprednisolone to periarticular infiltration cocktail for patients undergoing TKA has significant influence on reduction of pain in the early postoperative period and patients are able to regain knee flexion more quickly

Particle Shape Enhances Specificity of Antibody-Displaying Nanoparticles

Monoclonal antibodies are used in numerous therapeutic and diagnostic applications; however, their efficacy is contingent on specificity and avidity. Here, we show that presentation of antibodies on the surface of nonspherical particles enhances antibody specificity as well as avidity toward their targets. Using spherical, rod-, and disk-shaped polystyrene nano- and microparticles and trastuzumab as the targeting antibody, we studied specific and nonspecific uptake in three breast cancer cell lines: BT-474, SK-BR-3, and MDA-MB-231. Rods exhibited higher specific uptake and lower nonspecific uptake in all cells compared with spheres. This surprising interplay between particle shape and antibodies originates from the unique role of shape in determining binding and unbinding of particles to cell surface. In addition to exhibiting higher binding and internalization, trastuzumab-coated rods also exhibited greater inhibition of BT-474 breast cancer cell growth in vitro to a level that could not be attained by soluble forms of the antibody. The effect of trastuzumab-coated rods on cells was enhanced further by replacing polystyrene particles with pure chemotherapeutic drug nanoparticles of comparable dimensions made from camptothecin. Trastuzumab-coated camptothecin nanoparticles inhibited cell growth at a dose 1,000-fold lower than that required for comparable inhibition of growth using soluble trastuzumab and 10-fold lower than that using BSA-coated camptothecin. These results open unique opportunities for particulate forms of antibodies in therapeutics and diagnostics

The dilemma of arranged marriages in people with epilepsy. An expert group appraisal

INTRODUCTION: Matrimony remains a challenging psychosocial problem confronting people with epilepsy (PWE). People with epilepsy are less likely to marry; however, their marital prospects are most seriously compromised in arranged marriages. AIMS: The aim of this study was to document marital prospects and outcomes in PWE going through arranged marriage and to propose optimal practices for counseling PWE contemplating arranged marriage. METHODS: A MEDLINE search and literature review were conducted, followed by a cross-disciplinary meeting of experts to generate consensus. RESULTS: People with epilepsy experience high levels of felt and enacted stigma in arranged marriages, but the repercussions are heavily biased against women. Hiding epilepsy is common during marital negotiations but may be associated with poor medication adherence, reduced physician visits, and poor marital outcome. Although divorce rates are generally insubstantial in PWE, divorce rates appear to be higher in PWE undergoing arranged marriages. In these marriages, hiding epilepsy during marital negotiations is a risk factor for divorce. CONCLUSIONS: In communities in which arranged marriages are common, physicians caring for PWE are best-equipped to counsel them about their marital prospects. Marital plans and aspirations should be discussed with the family of the person with epilepsy in a timely and proactive manner. The benefits of disclosing epilepsy during marital negotiations should be underscored

Mapping Site-Specific Changes that Affect Stability of the NTerminal Domain of Calmodulin

Biophysical tools have been invaluable in formulating therapeutic proteins. These tools characterize protein stability rapidly in a variety of solution conditions, but in general, the techniques lack the ability to discern site-specific information to probe how solution environment acts to stabilize or destabilize the protein. NMR spectroscopy can provide site-specific information about subtle structural changes of a protein under different conditions, enabling one to assess the mechanism of protein stabilization. In this study, NMR was employed to detect structural perturbations at individual residues as a result of altering pH and ionic strength. The N-terminal domain of calmodulin (N-CaM) was used as a model system, and the 1H-15N heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) experiment was used to investigate effects of pH and ionic strength on individual residues. NMR analysis revealed that different solution conditions affect individual residues differently, even when the amino acid sequence and structure are highly similar. This study shows that addition of NMR to the formulation toolbox has the ability to extend understanding of the relationship between site-specific changes and overall protein stability