Three dimensional free convection couette flow with transpiration cooling

INTRODUCTION In recent years, the subject of free convection flow has attracted the attention of a number of scholars because of its possible applications to several geophysical problems. In view of these applications, a series of investigations were made to study the flow past a vertical wall. Transpiration cooling can very effectively pro-tect certain structural elements in turbojet and rocket engines, like combustion chamber walls, exhaust nozzles or gas turbine blades from hot gases. …     

Study of Association of Leptin and Insulin Resistance Markers in Patients of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinological disorder among women of the reproductive age group with long term sequelae which include diabetes mellitus, hypertension and CAD. The present study was conducted to evaluate the association of leptin—an adipokine playing an important role in carbohydrate metabolism and markers of insulin resistance among women with PCOS. Sixty diagnosed cases of PCOS as per Rotterdam criteria were enrolled in this study after informed written consent. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). HOMA-IR was calculated as the product of the fasting plasma insulin value (mU/ml) and the fasting plasma glucose value (mg/dl), divided by 405 and HOMA β was calculated as 360 × [insulin]/([glucose] − 63) % (glucose in mg/dl). Estimation of serum leptin levels was done by ELISA using leptin ELISA kit from (DRG). A positive correlation of serum leptin levels was observed with markers of insulin resistance. Multiple regression analysis with HOMA-IR as dependent variable demonstrated a statistically significant contribution of fasting insulin levels. This study highlights the role of leptin in alterations in carbohydrate metabolism in patients with PCOS.     

Role of Oncofetal Protein CR-1 as a Potential Tumor Marker for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cripto-1 (CR-1) is an oncofetal protein with its role as a key factor in early process of carcinoma has been evaluated in cases of various cancers. However, very few studies have reported its role in oral cancer, which is the sixth most common cancer around the world, particularly with high prevalence in developing countries. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most predominant (90%) of all the histological types of oral cancer. Late detection, associated with increased morbidity and mortality, is mainly attributed to non-availability of a suitable biomarker for the disease. In the present pilot study, we have evaluated the role of soluble CR-1, in serum as a potential tumor marker for OSCC. CR-1 was estimated using sandwich ELISA in serum samples of 50 biopsy proven OSCC patients (pre and post treatment) along with age and gender matched healthy controls. Immunohistochemistry was also done in corresponding tumor tissue sections to check the expression of CR-1. Pre-treatment CR-1 was found to be 2.25-fold higher in serum of OSCC patients as compared to control (p < 0.0001***), which was reduced to 1.6 folds post treatment (p = 0.0006***). CR-1 levels were comparatively higher in early stage of disease. Upon IHC 80% of the cases were found to be positive for CR-1. This study provides evidence that serum levels of CR-1 are elevated in patients of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which decrease post treatment. Also, the association of expression of protein with tumor progression predicts CR-1 as a molecule that can be further evaluated as a potential tumor maker in OSCC.     

Induced charge electro-osmotic concentration gradient generator

Biomolecule gradients play an important role in the understanding of various biological processes. Typically, biological cells are exposed to linear and nonlinear concentration gradients and their response is studied for understanding cell growth, cell migration, and cell differentiation mechanisms. Recent studies have demonstrated the use of microfluidic devices for precise and stable concentration gradient generation. However, most of the reported devices are geometrically complex and lack dynamic controllability. In this work, a novel microfluidic gradient generator is presented which utilizes the induced charge electro-osmosis (ICEO) by introducing conducting obstacle in the microchannel. With the ICEO flow component, significant transverse convection can be generated within the microchannel, which can, in turn, be used to create nonlinear as well as asymmetric gradients. The characteristics of the developed concentration gradient are dependent on the interplay between fixed charge electro-osmotic and ICEO flows. It is shown that the proposed device can switch between linear and nonlinear gradients by just altering the applied electric field. Finally, the formation of user-defined concentration profiles (linear, convex, and concave) is demonstrated by varying the conducting obstacle size.     

Evaluation of Imprecision,Bias and Total Error of Clinical Chemistry Analysers

Context Two Biosystems analysers are used in our laboratory, a fully automated A25 and a semi-automated BTS-350. Internal quality control is done for both but external quality control only for A25. As BTS-350 is used for backup, it is important that the results of both analysers are not just comparable but also within predefined limits of systematic, random and total error (TE). Aim To evaluate the imprecision, bias and TE of the two Biosystem analysers. Materials and Methods Biosystems level-1 quality control sera lot number 70A was run in duplicate for 32 days on both the analysers. Between day imprecision (measured by the coefficient of variation), bias and TE were calculated for ten analytes and were checked to see whether they are within the acceptable minimum limits, desirable limits and optimum limits of allowable error based on specifications on Westgard’s website updated in 2014. Results On both the analysers, all the analytes except alkaline phosphatase were within the acceptable minimum limits of TE and most analytes were within the desirable limits of TE. Only TG on A25 was within the optimum limit of TE. Conclusion The two Biosystem analysers performed comparably with errors within acceptable limits for most analytes. BTS-350 was found to be a suitable and ready backup analyser for A25.     

Digital libraries initiatives in India

Abstract

Digital libraries (DLs) have evolved, and developments in information technology have changed the concept of the library from one of print and paper media to digital media. The success of a DL depends upon the computers, communication skills, and knowledge of library professionals in connection with modern technology. In the present scenario, we stand at a transition from the traditional library to a global DL. The technology-based idea is to provide universal access to digital content available only in a DL environment.

Today the emergence of digital technology and computer networks has provided a means whereby information can be stored, retrieved, disseminated and duplicated in a fast and efficient manner. On a global level, DLs have made considerable advances both in technology and its application. India still has far to go if the nation is to benefit from this movement. Only sporadic and partial attempts have been made towards DL initiatives in India.

The basic objective of DL initiatives in India has been to preserve the art, culture and heritage of this country. All projects aimed at creating DLs concentrate only on specialized collections. The DL initiative in India is still at a nascent or embryonic stage. But with the initiative like DL policy, it can also be said that the nation is serious about DL implementation.     

Rapid Detection of Mutation in RRDR of <Emphasis Type="Italic">rpo B</Emphasis> Gene for Rifampicin Resistance in MDR-Pulmonary Tuberculosis by DNA Sequencing

To detect the site of mutation in RRDR of rpo B gene for rifampicin resistance in MDR-TB by DNA sequencing. 50 MDR-TB patients were enrolled in our study after informed written consent. Mycobacterial DNA was extracted from sputum samples by Universal Sample Processing (USP) method and RRDR of rpo B gene was amplified by PCR using primers RP4T and RP8T and then sequenced by automated DNA sequencing. The nucleotide sequences of RRDR of rpo B gene were compared with the reference sequence. We observed three different types of mutation in the RRDR of rpo B gene. The frequency of mutation in codon 531 (TCG → TTG), 526 (CAC → TAC) and 516 (GAC → GTC) are 60, 26.6 and 6.6% respectively. Of the total cases studied, 6.6% cases, although resistant to rifampicin, did not show any mutation in the RRDR of rpo B gene. Codon 531 (TCG → TTG) is the most common site of mutation in RRDR of rpo B gene for rifampicin resistance in MDR-pulmonary tuberculosis followed by codon 526 (CAC → TAC) and codon 516 (GAC → GTC).     

Study on Relation of Metabolic Syndrome with Menopause

This study is carried out to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in 148 women between 36 to 65 years using the International Diabetes Federation criteria in the North-Eastern part of India. The prevalence of MS and all its individual components were found to be significantly higher among postmenopausal as compared to premenopausal and perimenopausal women. Various components of MS except waist circumference shows a significant increase and homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance also showed significant differences between the three groups. All the MS diagnostic markers (except serum high density lipoprotein) showed a strong positive correlation with MS score among the groups. Further MS score correlated with indicators of insulin resistance evaluated. This study concluded that MS is highly prevalent among North-East Indian postmenopausal women seeking primary health care and its determinant factors related to age and sedentary habits. Thus recognizing and treating MS early with proper intervention can minimize complication.