Variable fluid properties analysis for thermally laminated 3-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic non-Newtonian nanofluid over a stretching sheet.

This article is mainly focused on the viscous flow of cu-water/Methanol suspended nanofluids towards a three-dimensional stretching sheet reformed by magnetohydrodynamic phenomenon. The viscous effect is considered as temperature dependent with water treated as a base fluid. Similarity conversions are employed to set forth the non-linear equations of this physical problem. An innovative model for 3D analysis for cu-water/Methanol nanofluid with an irregular viscosity is presented in the present study. Reynold's model of viscosity is considered in the present study. Moreover, shooting technique is employed to elaborate the non-linear coupled governing equations with the relevant boundary conditions. The physical interpretation of these numerical calculations is presented through a graphical specimen of velocity, Nusselt number, temperature, and skin friction etc. The results of present model are showing quality harmony with the results of existing model. This model is being used for manipulating and designing the surfaces such as stretching/shrinking wrapping and panting devices in nanotechnology. The results also show the significant changes in flow characteristics with changing the value of stretching parameter. It is observed that with an increasing in nanoparticles volume fraction boundary layer thickness decreases. Further, it is also observed that with an increase in viscosity parameter, temperature increases because here we are considering temperature dependent viscosity.

Heat Transfer of Hybrid Nanomaterials Base Maxwell Micropolar Fluid Flow over an Exponentially Stretching Surface.

A numerical investigation of three-dimensional hybrid nanomaterial micropolar fluid flow across an exponentially stretched sheet is performed. Recognized similarity transformations are adopted to convert governing equations from PDEs into the set ODEs. The dimensionless system is settled by the operating numerical approach bvp4c. The impacts of the nanoparticle volume fraction, dimensionless viscosity ratio, stretching ratio parameter, and dimensionless constant on fluid velocity, micropolar angular velocity, fluid temperature, and skin friction coefficient in both x-direction and y-direction are inspected. Graphical outcomes are shown to predict the features of the concerned parameters into the current problem. These results are vital in the future in the branches of technology and industry. The micropolar function Rη increases for higher values of the micropolar parameter and nanoparticle concentration. Micropolar function Rη declines for higher values of the micropolar parameter and nanoparticle concentration. Temperature function is enhanced for higher values of solid nanoparticle concentration. Temperature function declines for higher values of the micropolar parameter. The range of the physical parameters are presented as: 0.005<ϕ2<0.09, Pr=6.2, 0

Effects of temperature dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity on natural convection flow along a curved surface in the presence of exothermic catalytic chemical reaction.

The natural convection boundary layer flow of a viscous incompressible fluid with temperature dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity in the presence of exothermic catalytic chemical reaction along a curved surface has been investigated. The governing non dimensional form of equations is solved numerically by using finite difference scheme. The numerical results of velocity profile, temperature distribution and mass concentration as well as for skin friction, heat transfer rate and mass transfer rate are presented graphically and in tabular form for various values of dimensionless parameters those are generated in flow model during dimensionalization. From the obtained results, it is concluded that the exothermic catalytic chemical reactions is associated with temperature dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity. Further, it is concluded that the body shape parameter also plays an important quantitative role for change in velocity profile, temperature field and mass concentration behavior in the presence of exothermic catalytic chemical reaction.

Development of an Amperometric Glucose Biosensor Based on the Immobilization of Glucose Oxidase on the Se-MCM-41 Mesoporous Composite.

A new bioenzymatic glucose biosensor for selective and sensitive detection of glucose was developed by the immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOD) onto selenium nanoparticle-mesoporous silica composite (MCM-41) matrix and then prepared as a carbon paste electrode (CPE). Cyclic voltammetry was employed to probe the catalytic behavior of the biosensor. A linear calibration plot is obtained over a wide concentration range of glucose from 1 × 10-5 to 2 × 10-3 M. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor exhibits high sensitivity (0.34 µA·mM-1), low detection limit (1 × 10-4 M), high affinity to glucose (Km = 0.02 mM), and also good reproducibility (R.S.D. 2.8%, n=10) and a stability of about ten days when stored dry at +4°C. Besides, the effects of pH value, scan rate, mediator effects on the glucose current, and electroactive interference of the biosensor were also discussed. As a result, the biosensor exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic response to glucose as well as unique stability and reproducibility.

Prognostic value of ADAMTS13 in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

PURPOSE: ADAMTS13 level was evaluated as a predictor of mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, and compared with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Units of King Khalid University Hospital. Detailed clinical evaluations were performed on 84 patients (56.08±18.18 years of age) with severe sepsis and septic shock. ADAMTS13 levels were determined (three blood samples at 24 hours intervals) and APACHE II scores, hematological profiles, indices of organ hypo-perfusion, renal functions and coagulation profiles were recorded. Primary outcome was 30 days ICU mortality and secondary outcomes were its comparison with APACHE II score, length of ICU stay and use of vasopressor agents. RESULTS: Hypertension (53.6%) and diabetic mellitus (45.2%) were the commonest comorbidities. The median ADAMTS13 levels were 336.65, 339.35 and 313.9, respectively. ROC analysis showed maximum area under the curve for second ADAMTS13 (AUC=0.760) compared with first (AUC=0.660) and third samples (AUC=0.707) and APACHE II scores (AUC=0.662). Patients were divided into low and high ADAMTS13 groups according to the best cut-off point. Mortality was high in the low ADAMTS13 level group [OR=4.5]and was significantly associated with age, DBP, ADAMTS13, APACHE II score, DIC score and platelet count. ADAMTS13 (OR=5.3), APACHE II (OR=4.13) and DIC scores (OR=7.32) were significant risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Low ADAMTS13 was associated with increased mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and was comparable to APACHE II scores for predicting mortality.

Controlled Release of Lysozyme from Double-Walled Poly(Lactide-Co-Glycolide) (PLGA) Microspheres.

Double-walled microspheres based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) are potential delivery systems for reducing a very high initial burst release of encapsulated protein and peptide drugs. In this study, double-walled microspheres made of glucose core, hydroxyl-terminated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (Glu-PLGA), and carboxyl-terminated PLGA were fabricated using a modified water-in-oil-in-oil-in-water (w1/o/o/w2) emulsion solvent evaporation technique for the controlled release of a model protein, lysozyme. Microspheres size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, lysozyme in vitro release profiles, bioactivity, and structural integrity, were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that double-walled microspheres comprising of Glu-PLGA and PLGA with a mass ratio of 1:1 have a spherical shape and smooth surfaces. A statistically significant increase in the encapsulation efficiency (82.52% ± 3.28%) was achieved when 1% (w/v) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and 2.5% (w/v) trehalose were incorporated in the internal and external aqueous phase, respectively, during emulsification. Double-walled microspheres prepared together with excipients (PVA and trehalose) showed a better control release of lysozyme. The released lysozyme was fully bioactive, and its structural integrity was slightly affected during microspheres fabrication and in vitro release studies. Therefore, double-walled microspheres made of Glu-PLGA and PLGA together with excipients (PVA and trehalose) provide a controlled and sustained release for lysozyme.

Harmonizing the interpretation of genetic variants across the world: the Malaysian experience.

BACKGROUND: Databases for gene variants are very useful for sharing genetic data and to facilitate the understanding of the genetic basis of diseases. This report summarises the issues surrounding the development of the Malaysian Human Variome Project Country Node. The focus is on human germline variants. Somatic variants, mitochondrial variants and other types of genetic variation have corresponding databases which are not covered here, as they have specific issues that do not necessarily apply to germline variations. RESULTS: The ethical, legal, social issues, intellectual property, ownership of the data, information technology implementation, and efforts to improve the standards and systems used in data sharing are discussed. CONCLUSION: An overarching framework such as provided by the Human Variome Project to co-ordinate activities is invaluable. Country Nodes, such as MyHVP, enable human gene variation associated with human diseases to be collected, stored and shared by all disciplines (clinicians, molecular biologists, pathologists, bioinformaticians) for a consistent interpretation of genetic variants locally and across the world.

Management of pulmonary tuberculosis in health clinics in the Gombak district: How are we doing so far?

This audit report assessed the structure, processes and outcome of the pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) management in adults conducted at eight government health clinics within the high TB burden Gombak district. All newly diagnosed PTB patients from November 2012 to November 2013 were identified from the tuberculosis registry. Patients less than 18 years old, were transferred out or extrapulmonary tuberculosis was excluded from the study. The assessment criteria for PTB were defined according to the latest Malaysian TB clinical practice guidelines (TB CPG) 2012. A total of 117 patients were included in this report and data were extracted and analysed using SPSS version 20.0. The mean age of patients was 40.4 ± 14.4 SD. Majority was men (63.2%). Out of 117 patients, 82.1% were Malaysian citizens and 17.9% were foreigners. Malays were the majority (65%) followed by 7.7% Chinese, 10.3% Indian and 17.1% others. The most common clinical feature was cough (88.0%) followed by loss of weight (58.1%), loss of appetite (57.3%), fever (56.4%), night sweat (30.8%) and haemoptysis (32.5%). Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear was positive in 94% of cases. Chest X-ray and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening results were available for 89.1 and 82.1% cases respectively. The results for the sputum culture were available in 27.4% of patients and 54.7% were documented as done but pending results. The clinics have a successful directly observed therapy (DOT) program with 94.0% patients documented under DOT. Out of 53 patients on maintenance phase, 47.2% were identified as cured. Cure rate for those completed treatment was 100%. The defaulter rate was 17.1%. This audit demonstrated the attempt made by the clinics to adhere to the recommended guidelines. However, improvements are to be made in the documentation of medical records, tracing of investigation results and reduction of the number of defaulters.

Delayed spontaneous traumatic pneumocephalus.

Pneumocephalus or collection of air in the intracranial cavity can occur after trauma or surgery. However, delayed pneumocephalus occurring months after the initial injury is not common. We would like to report a case of spontaneous traumatic pneumoencephalocele presenting with transient recurrent hemiparesis 14 months after the initial trauma.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 induces a specific pattern of adaptation in remnant jejunum.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is an enteroendocrine hormone which is uniquely trophic for the intestine; a physiological role in regulating nutrient absorptive capacity is becoming apparent. GLP-2, independent of enteral feeding, stimulates a classical pattern of intestinal adaptation in terminal ileum following resection. Herein we investigate the effects of GLP-2 on the jejunal remant using a rat model of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Juvenile 250- to 275-g SD rats underwent 80% distal small bowel resection, leaving 20 cm of proximal jejunum and venous catheterization. Animals were maintained with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or TPN+10 microg/kg/hr GLP-2 (n=8 per group). After 7 days, intestinal permeability was assessed by urinary recovery of gavaged carbohydrate probes. Animals were euthanized, and the intestines taken for analysis of morphology, crypt cell proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of SGLT-1 and GLUT-5 transport proteins. GLP-2 treatment reduced intestinal permeability and increased in vivo glucose absorption, small intestinal weight, surface area, villus height, crypt depth, and microvillus height. Intestinal mucosal DNA and protein content per unit length of the small bowel were increased (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). However, in contrast to previous studies examining GLP-2's effects on remnant ileum, the jejunal crypt apoptotic index was increased in GLP-2-treated animals, with no increase in SGLT-1 or GLUT 5 expression. These results show that exogenous GLP-2 treatment of animals with jejunal remnant reduces intestinal permeability, increases glucose absorption, and stimulates morphological features of intestinal adaptation including increased micovillus height and surface area. However, the pattern of changes seen is different from that in remnant ileum. This suggests that GLP-2's effects are specific to different regions of the bowel. Nonetheless, remnant jejunum is responsive to GLP-2 in the absence of enteral nutrition. Further studies are warranted to establish the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of GLP-2 in modulating nutrient absorptive capacity.

Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis in Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia, 1992.

During March and April of 1992, the health surveillance system began detecting increasing numbers of cases of meningococcal disease (MCD) in the Islamic holy city of Makkah (Mecca). We identified 102 bacteriologically confirmed cases (CC) and 80 suspected cases (SC) of MCD. Neisseria meningitidis was identified as Group A, III-1 clone. The ratio of male:female cases was 2.9:1. All age groups of males were affected. There was only one case among women aged 10-30; 50% of the adult female cases were 55 or older. The case-fatality ratio (CFR) was 14.7% among CC. Pakistanis, who comprised about one-third of the CC, had a CFR of 26.7%. Fifty-nine percent of CC were religious visitors. CC in residents were most common in persons living near the Holy Mosque (Haram), where the carriage rate reached 86%. A mass vaccination program against MCD was instituted, using AC bivalent meningococcal vaccine (MCV). An abrupt drop, from a mean of 15 CC per week to 2 CC per week (only in visitors), coincided with vaccinating 600,000 persons over 2 weeks. Makkah residents who had been vaccinated against MCD were less likely to have contracted MCD (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.50). MCV was of no significant protective value if it had been administered 5 years before the outbreak. The main reason for not being vaccinated as stated by both cases (71%) and controls (45%) was not knowing about the disease. The age and sex differences probably relate to differences in exposures to crowded conditions. Health education should illuminate the seriousness of the disease and the importance of vaccination.