Awareness and knowledge of integrated counselling and testing centres (ICTC) counsellors about depression among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): A descriptive study from Karnataka.

Background: Depression among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) is highly prevalent and it is associated with increased morbidity, poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and poor psychosocial outcomes. To address this, integrated counselling and testing centres (ICTC) counsellors provide psychosocial support to PLHIV. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of ICTC counsellors about depression and its management. A total of 338 (n = 452) ICTC counsellors participated in the study. A demographic data sheet and a semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data. Results: More than half of the participants reported that biochemical imbalances cause depression. 71.60% and 79.59% of participants reported that depression was common among PLHIV and required immediate attention. 92.60% of counsellors reported that a combination of counselling and medication would be effective to treat depression. 86.98% and 81.95% of counsellors were confident and actively screened for depression among PLHIV, and 78.11% of counsellors had access to a psychiatrist. In contrast. One-third of participants had difficulties working with PLHIV, and 55.56% of participants expressed that addressing issues of PLHIVs' depression to be left to mental health professionals. Conclusion: ICTC counsellors had adequate knowledge about depression and its symptoms. However, lack of knowledge on intervention strategies, time constraints and work targets are significant barriers. These findings suggest that training on mental illness screening; brief intervention strategies may help counsellors to assist PLHIV in overcoming depression complications.

Relationship of personality, psychological distress, and substance use with social network characteristics of college going young adults.

Background: Causes of substance use are multifactorial. Factors such as personality, psychological distress, and the person's social ties contribute to the understanding of substance use problems of college students. Aim: The current study aimed to investigate the association between personality traits and psychological distress with ego-centric social networks of substance-using and non-using college students. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 902 undergraduate students from the government (n = 2) and government-aided (n = 9) colleges. The socio-demographic data sheet, Big Five Personality Inventory, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the semi-structured Ego-centric Social Network Questionnaire were used to collect data. Results: Of 902 participants, 26.9% of participants used substances. The mean score of anxiety (P < 0.002) and depression (P < 0.002) was significantly higher among the substance users compared with non-users. Agreeableness (P < 0.001) and conscientiousness (P < 0.001) scores were significantly higher among non-users. Depression (P < 0.01), anxiety (P < 0.01), and stress (P < 0.01) correlated positively with the total number of substance users in the network. Agreeableness (P < 0.01) and conscientiousness (P < 0.01) were positively correlated with parents and siblings in the network. Stress emerged as a predictor (OR 1.61, CI 1.09-3.04, P < 0.001) for considering substance users to the social network. Conclusion: Personality and psychological distress are associated with an individual's social network and significantly contribute to student substance use problems.

How men with alcohol use disorder perceive communication, couple satisfaction, relational boredom, and quality of life compared to wives: Findings from a hospital-based study.

In India, use of alcohol between 10 and 70 years is increasing significantly as per the Government of India, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Chronic alcohol use in men can potentially disrupt their relationships with their wives in several ways, leading to poor communication, trust issues, emotional disconnection, physical abuse, financial strain, and neglecting responsibilities. These factors may reduce the quality of life of the couple and negatively impact the couple's overall well-being. This cross-sectional study assesses the communication, couple satisfaction, relational boredom, and quality of life of wives with alcoholic husbands admitted to inpatient psychiatry services (patients: n = 30; wives: n = 30). A social demographic data sheet, self-perceived communication in couples, couple satisfaction, relational boredom scale, and the World Health Organization's quality of life scales were used to collect data. All participants were chronic alcohol users and had used alcohol for over 10 years. The mean scores of couple satisfaction (p < .001) and quality of life were greater among husbands. In contrast, wives scored significantly higher in communication (p < .001) and relational boredom (p < .001) compared to husbands with alcohol use disorder. Furthermore, communication, couple satisfaction, relational boredom, and quality of life domains were negatively correlated (p < .001). In contrast, communication and relational boredom were positively correlated (p < .001). Men with alcohol use disorder perceived a satisfactory relationship and higher quality of life than did their wives.

Regression analysis for thermal properties of Al2O3/H2O nanofluid using machine learning techniques.

Nanofluids possess higher thermal properties than the other conventional base fluids. Many investigators suggested that the nanofluids have the potential to apply in various engineering fields. In real time situation it is challenging to determine the thermal conductivity of nanofluids with accuracy as they have many depending factors. Moreover, numerous experimental tests are required to acquire the thermal conductivity of nanofluids accurately. In this research paper, thermal conductivity ratio and dynamic viscosity ratio of Al2O3/H2O nanofluid are predicted accurately by using Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) methods. The input predictor variables used in this model are temperature, volume fraction and size of the nanoparticles. 222 experimental data sets are taken to predict the thermal conductivity ratio (TCR), dynamic viscosity ratio (DVR) and also the effectiveness of the predictor variables in predicting the response variables are extensively studied and found that the temperature is the crucial factor to enhance the thermal conductivity ratio. The proposed modeling is performed by using MATLAB software. The predictions were evaluated by various evaluation criterions. It is observed that an optimized Gaussian process regression (GPR) method with matern kernel function shows an accurate agreement with experimental data with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value of 0.000126 for TCR and squared exponential kernel function show good agreement with experimental data with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value of 0.000045 for DVR. Regression coefficient value (R2) is 0.99; nearer to one hence the predicted results are reliable.

Numerical evaluation of cooling performances of semiconductor using CuO/water nanofluids.

Now a days Very-Large-Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits are facing critical issues to satisfy the cooling demand because of shrinking the semiconductors. In this numerical work, the surface temperature of the chip, heat transfer rate, thermal resistance, power consumption and reliability are studied by using CuO/water nanofluids as coolant and compared the nanofluids results with the results of water. The CuO/water nanofluids at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% volume concentration are used for this investigation. The modelling, meshing and simulation are carried out by CATIAv5 and ANSYS Fluent v12 CFX software package. It is observed that the heat transfer rates of semiconductor using the coolant CuO/water nanofluid at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% volume concentrations are 25%, 43%, and 57% respectively higher than that of water. Found that the surface temperature of the semiconductor is lowered by 3%, 6%, and 8%, the thermal resistances decrease up to 6%, 10%, and 13%, and the Nusselt number increases by 25%, 43%, and 56%, when compared to water. It is also studied that the power consumption of the semiconductor reduces by 3%, 6%, and 8% at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% volume concentration respectively than water as coolant. It is also found that the failure rate of the semiconductor of using CuO/water nanofluids at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% volume concentration are 69%, 76%, and 84% respectively smaller than the water.

CFD analysis on heat and flow characteristics of double helically coiled tube heat exchanger handling MWCNT/water nanofluids.

Double helically coiled tube heat exchangers are used in different heat transfer utilization due to higher heat transfer capabilities and with their compactness. The double helically coiled tube heat exchanger increases the turbulence and enhances the maximum heat transfer rate than the straight tubes. In this investigation, the heat transfer and pressure drop of the double helically coiled heat exchanger handling MWCNT/water nanofluids have been analyzed by the computational software ANSYS 14.5 version. The computational analysis was carried out under the laminar flow condition in the Dean number range of 1300-2200. The design of new shell and double helically coiled tube heat exchanger was done by using standard designing procedure and 3D modeling was done in Cre-O 2.0 parametric. The Finite Element Analysis software ANSYS Workbench 14.5 was used to perform CFD analysis under the standard working condition. The MWCNT/water nanofluids at 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% volume concentrations have been taken for this investigation. The major factors like volume concentrations of nanofluids and Dean Number are considered for predicting the heat transfer rate and pressure drop. The simulation data was compared with the experimental data. It is studied that the heat transfer rate and pressure drop increase with increasing volume concentrations of MWCNT/water nanofluids. It is found that the Nusselt number of 0.6% MWCNT/water nanofluids is 30% higher than water at the Dean number value of 1400 and Pressure drop is 11% higher than water at the Dean number value of 2200. It is found that the simulation data hold good agreement with the experimental data. The common deviation between the Nusselt number and pressure dropof CFD data and the Nusselt number and pressure drop of experimental data are found to be 7.2% and 8.5% respectively.

Experimental investigation on convective heat transfer and pressure drop of cone helically coiled tube heat exchanger using carbon nanotubes/water nanofluids.

This study investigates the heat transfer and the pressure drop of cone helically coiled tube heat exchanger using (Multi wall carbon nano tube) MWCNT/water nanofluids. The MWCNT/water nanofluids at 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% particle volume concentrations were prepared with the addition of surfactant by using the two-step method. The tests were conducted under the turbulent flow in the Dean number range of 2200 < De < 4200. The experiments were conducted with experimental Nusselt number is 28%, 52% and 68% higher than water for the nanofluids volume concentration of 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5% respectively. It is found that the pressure drop of 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5% nanofluids are found to be 16%, 30% and 42% respectively higher than water. It is studied that the prepared MWCNT/water nanofluids show good stability even after 45 days of preparation and there is no considerable deposit of nanotubes on the tube inner wall. It is also studied that there is no immediate risk of handling MWCNT and studied that there is no significant erosion of coiled tube inner wall surface even after several test runs. Therefore the MWCNT/water nanofluids are the alternate heat transfer fluids for traditional fluids in the cone helically coiled tube heat exchanger to improve the heat transfer with considerable pressure drop.

Performance and emission characteristics of compression-ignition engine handling biodiesel blends with electronic fumigation.

Many research works are being carried out to enhance the performances of internal combustion engines to meet out the current energy demand and to reduce the emission with the alternate fuels. In this experimental investigation, the performances and emission characteristics of compression ignition engine were studied by using electronic fuel fumigation method. The lemongrass biodiesel blended with 20% of biodiesel and 80% of diesel (B20) was used as primary fuel and 1-propanol is used as secondary fuel for fumigation. The Kirlosker, single cylinder four stroke, direct injection, and water cooled engine was taken for conduction of tests. The speed of the engine is maintained constant and the engine load was varied in the range of 0%-100% and fumigation injection timing is varied in the range of 1 ms, 3 ms and 5 ms to study the engine parameters. It is studied that the brake thermal efficiency of fumigation fuel at 5 ms is 6.7% higher than diesel and at 3 ms is 3.1% higher than the diesel fuel at 100% load. The specific fuel consumption at 5 ms is 16 % higher than the reference diesel fuel. The 5 ms 1-propanol fumigation produces the maximum HC and CO with minimum smoke and NO because of lower combustion temperature and incomplete combustion. The SFC of fumigation fuel at 5 ms is 18.6% higher than diesel at 100% load and 23 % higher than diesel at 80% load. The net heat release of fumigation fuel (1-propanol) at 1 ms produces 2% higher than the reference diesel at crank angle of 360°. The fumigation fuel (1-propanol) injection timing at 5 ms produces more percentage of CO at different load conditions. It is also studied that the minimum level of CO is 0.38 % at 40% load condition. The fumigation fuel at 5 ms injection timing produces minimum percentage of CO2 at different load conditions. The minimum level of CO2 is 9.3% at 80% load condition. The other emissions are also analyzed and recorded the levels based on the load condition.

Development of taste masked caffeine citrate formulations utilizing hot melt extrusion technology and in vitro-in vivo evaluations.

The objective of this study was to develop caffeine citrate orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulations utilizing hot-melt extrusion technology and evaluate the ability of the formulation composition to mask the unpleasant bitter taste of the drug using in vitro and in vivo methods. Ethylcellulose, along with a suitable plasticizer, was used as a polymeric carrier. Pore forming agents were incorporated into the extruded matrix to enhance drug release. A modified screw configuration was applied to improve the extrusion processability and to preserve the crystallinity of the API. The milled extrudates were subjected to dissolution testing in an artificial salivary fluid and investigations using e-tongue, to assess the extent of masking of bitter taste of the API. There was an insignificant amount of drug released from the formulation in the salivary medium while over 80% of drug released within 30 min in 0.1N HCl. ODTs were also developed with the extrudate mixed with mannitol and crospovidone. The quality properties such as friability and disintegration time of the ODTs met the USP specifications. The lead extrudate formulations and the ODTs prepared using this formulation were subjected to human gustatory evaluation. The formulations were found to mask the unpleasant taste of caffeine citrate significantly.

Reliability of Broadrick flag in determination of curve of Spee in Indian population.

INTRODUCTION: Occlusion and occlusal plane is the primary criteria in fabrication of posterior restorations. The simplest method of establishment of occlusal plane is through the use of Broadrick occlusal plane analyzer. AIMS: This study aims to know the reliability of Broadrick flag in determination of curve of Spee with different proposed radii in different skeletal relation in Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male and female dentulous subjects were selected randomly. Maxillary and mandibular full arch impressions were made; casts were prepared and mounted in semiadjustable articulator using face bow transfer. Broadrick occlusal plane analyzer was mounted on upper member of articulator. Analysis was done using the proposed radii of curvature. The same procedure was repeated by taking different radii with variations of ½ inch, difference was measured by metal caliper, tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that Indian subjects show minor variations in radii, but most of the subjects confirmed the radii, which was proposed by the Lynch CD and McConnell RJ. CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis confirmed that proposed radii confirms to existing occlusal plane for different skeletal relationships. Broadrick occlusal plane analyzer is a reliable tool with the proposed radii for Indian population.

Failure of pentavalent antimony in visceral leishmaniasis in India: report from the center of the Indian epidemic.

In India, 320 patients with visceral leishmaniasis (209 in the state of Bihar and 11 in the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh) received identical pentavalent antimony (Sb) treatment. Sb induced long-term cure in 35% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28%-42%) of those in Bihar versus 86% (95% CI, 79%-93%) of those in Uttar Pradesh. In Bihar, the center of the Indian epidemic, traditional Sb treatment should be abandoned.

Rapid accurate field diagnosis of Indian visceral leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: A firm diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) requires demonstration of the parasite in organ aspirates or tissue biopsy samples. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the diagnostic usefulness of non-invasive testing for antibody to the leishmanial antigen K39 by means of antigen-impregnated nitrocellulose paper strips adapted for use under field conditions. METHODS: One drop of peripheral blood is applied to the hitrocellulose strip. Three drops of test buffer (phosphate-buffered saline plus bovine serum albumin) are added to the dried blood. The development of two visible bands indicates presence of IgG anti-K39. 323 consecutive patients with suspected kala-azar referred to two specialist units in India, and 25 healthy controls, provided fingerstick blood samples for the test. Spleen aspirates were taken from 250 patients. FINDINGS: Kala-azar was confirmed by microscopy of spleen-aspirate smears in 127 patients. The K39 strip test was positive in all 127; the estimated sensitivity was therefore 100% (95% CI 98-100). Four patients had positive strip tests but negative aspirate smears; all four responded to treatment for leishmaniasis. 217 individuals, including the 25 healthy controls, 73 patients with malaria or tuberculosis, and 119 spleen-aspirate-negative patients who had presumed malaria or cirrhosis (79) or no final diagnosis (40), had negative strip-test results. None of the 119 aspirate-negative patients developed evidence of kala-azar during 3-6 months of follow-up. The estimated specificity of the strip test was 98% (95-100; 217/221). INTERPRETATION: Detection of anti-K39 by immunochromatographic strip testing is a rapid and non-invasive method of diagnosing kala-azar, which has good sensitivity and specificity and is well suited for use in field conditions.