Melting Flow in Wire Coating of a Third Grade Fluid over a Die Using Reynolds' and Vogel's Models with Non-Linear Thermal Radiation and Joule Heating.

Wire coatings are necessary to provide protection from the aggressive environment and to add mechanical strength to wires and cables. In this study, we investigated the effect of radiative linear as well as non-linear heat transfer on the wire coating in response to joule heating, using a third grade fluid as the coating material. For the temperature dependent viscosity, two models namely-Reynolds' and Vogel's-were used. The non-linear ordinary differential equations were solved analytically by the Homotropy Analysis Method (HAM). Numerical technique was also applied for comparison and good agreement was found. It is interesting to note that the temperature parameter had a remarkable effect on the temperature distribution and heat transfer characteristics in the flow region within the die. It was observed that the velocity of the fluid within the die decreased as the magnetic parameter increased, while the magnetic field had an accelerating effect on the temperature distribution. Near the surface of the wire, the velocity of the coating material accelerated as the temperature parameter and radiation parameter increased. Analysis also showed that the temperature of the coating material decreased with increasing radiation and temperature parameters.

Prevalence and molecular basis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Afghan populations: implications for treatment policy in the region.

BACKGROUND: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD), an x-linked inherited enzymopathy, is a barrier to malaria control because primaquine cannot be readily applied for radical cure in individuals with the condition. In endemic areas, including in Afghanistan, the G6PD status of vivax patients is not routinely determined so the drug is rarely, if ever, prescribed even though it is included as a recommended treatment in local, regional and global guidelines. This study assessed the prevalence and genotype of G6PD deficiency in Afghan populations and examined the need for routine G6PD testing as a malaria treatment and control tool. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted using random sampling in five Afghan cities to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Afghan ethnic groups. Filter-paper blood spots were analysed for phenotypic G6PD deficiency using a fluorescent spot test. Molecular analysis was conducted to identify the genetic basis of the disorder. RESULTS: Overall, 45/1,436 (3.1%) people were G6PD deficient, 36/728 (5.0%) amongst males and 9/708 (1.3%) amongst females. Amongst males the prevalence was highest in the Pashtun ethnic group (10%, 26/260) while in Tajik males it was 8/250 (3.2%); in Hazara males it was 1/77 (1.3%) and in Uzbek males is was 0/125. Genetic testing in those with deficiency showed that all were of the Mediterranean type (Med-) characterized by a C-T change at codon 563 of the G6PD gene. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Afghanistan varies considerably by ethnic group and is predominantly of the Mediterranean type. G6PD deficient individuals are susceptible to potentially severe and life-threatening haemolysis after standard primaquine treatment. If the aim of increasing access to radical treatment of vivax is to be successful reliable G6PD testing needs to be made routinely available within the health system.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an audit of 500 patients.

BACKGROUND: The Gold standard treatment for symptomatic gallstone disease is laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) since 1990. LC can be performed safely as a day case procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in symptomatic gall stones disease in terms of length of hospital stay, complications, morbidity and mortality. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study was carried out in Department of General & Laparoscopic Surgery, AK CMH, Muzaffarabad. Notes of all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the department over a 26 month period were reviewed from department register. Demographics as well as details of cases, conversion to open operation and complications of surgery and anaesthesia were reviewed from clinical notes and departmental register and noted on a designed Performa. Data were analysed using SPSS-18 and results compared with international studies. RESULTS: Out of 500 patients, 443 (88.6%) were females and 57 (11.4%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 42.47 +/- 11.43 years. Mean operative time was 40.09 +/- 11.16 minutes. Seven (1.4%) patients developed port site wound infection. Sixteen (3.2%) cases were converted to open surgery in face of obscured anatomy of Calot's triangle. Two (0.4%) cases has cystic duct stoma leak secondary to missed Common duct stones and were dealt with ERCP and stone extraction. There was no case of bile duct injury, major haemorrhage or bowel injury. There was no mortality associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our series. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective management of gall stone disease. Better training, careful case selection, meticulous technique and high standard equipment are of paramount importance for ensuring good results in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.