Asymptotic stability of a viscoelastic elliptic shaft

A finite viscoelastic shaft whose model is based on the spring and dash-pot (Kelvin element) is asymptotically stable as long as its angular speed is less than or equal to the square root of the least eigenvalue of the system. We construct numerically the least eigenvalue by using an iteration method where a definite integral is evaluated by the GAUSQZ method. With this construction, we show that a viscoelastic elliptic shaped shaft with both ends pinned is more stable than the tapered shaft with both ends pinned, or with one end built in and the other end free.     

Modification of Jaffe’s kinetic method decreases bilirubin interference: A preliminary report

The negative interference of bilirubin on serum creatinine determined by the kinetic alkaline picrate (Jaffe) reaction is the unresolved problem. Though high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy have been proposed to be gold standards for creatinine estimation but they are not readily available in most of the clinical chemistry laboratories due to economic and technical constraints. Most of the present day analyzers use Jaffe’s kinetic method without deproteinization. Though enzymatic methods are now routinely used as most accurate method but they are not acceptable due to cost constraints. Hence this study was planned to find out a possible solution to the problem of bilirubin interference by a minor modification in the commonly used Jaffe method so that it is amenable for use on the currently used analyzers.     

Study of genetic, metabolic and inflammatory risk factors in patients of acute ischemic stroke

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and foremost cause of disability. Based on studies in CAD patients, a focus has been shifted on genetic and inflammatory markers as risk factors for stroke besides deranged lipid profile. The present study was aimed to ascertain the role of Lipoprotein (a), C-Reactive protein (CRP) levels and lipids in patients of ischemic stroke. The study was done in 82 subjects including 40 Computerized Tomography (CT) proven patients of ischemic stroke and 42 age and sex matched controls. Complete biochemical parameters including lipid profile were carried out on autoanalyzer using standard kits and reagents. Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] was determined by immunoturbidimetric assay. Atherogenic indices (Total cholesterol/ HDL, LDL/HDL and Lipid Tetrad Index) were calculated using these lipid parameters. The CRP levels were measured semi-quantitatively by latex agglutination test method. Out of 40 stroke patients, 38 had abnormalities in lipid profile (As per ATP III guidelines). A significant difference was seen in serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and atherogenic indices between the patients and controls. The difference in CRP levels in cases and control subjects was highly significant (4.78±0.72 mg/dl vs 0.76 ±0.70, p<0.001). 96.5% of patients with raised CRP had abnormal lipid levels also. CRP levels in stroke patients showed significant correlation with total cholesterol and LDL (p<0.001), Lp (a) (p=0.002) and atherogenic indices (p<0.05). Raised CRP levels in stroke patients were significantly associated with large territory infarcts, severe disability and poor functional outcome (p<0.05).Genetic [Lp(a)], metabolic (deranged Lipid profile) and inflammatory factors (CRP) together are instrumental in causing cerebrovascular arteriosclerosis leading to ischaemic stroke and can be used as important markers to identify patients at risk of severe stroke and to institute aggressive preventive strategies.     

An unusual case of familial hyperlipidaemia

A 40 days old male baby born to a consanguineous couple was found to have highly viscous and milky serum with caking of chylomicrons on refrigeration of serum. Cholesterol was 889.5 mg/dl (23.04mmol/L) and Triglycerides 12881 mg/dl (141.69mmol/L). He was active and did not have any hepatospleenomegaly, xanthomas or dysmorphic features. Thyroid functions were normal. Lipid electrophoresis showed thick chylomicron band. There was positive family history of hypertriglyceridemia in a first cousin. Both siblings and both parents of the index case had normal lipid profiles. This child was referred to higher centre where he was put on Lipid lowering drugs (Gemfibrozil), Iron drops and special formula for feeding containing medium chain fatty acids.     

Library Services for Divyangjan in the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons With Intellectual Disabilities

Disability is an increasing issue as never before. It is not just a health issue, it is a complex social phenomenon that separates a person from society. India, a country which is known for its multicultural diversity, leads as a top country in various assets. India is proactive in the disability sector ever since the subject of ‘disability’ was pointed out in the State List in the Seventh Schedule of Constitution. The Constitution of India mentions the word ‘citizen’ to cover all persons who legally belong to India. This article presents the library services provided by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (formerly National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped) for divyang users.