Despite exhaustive search, no drug is in sight for AD. Earlier, we reported that reserpine, an antihypertensive and antipsychotic drug, ameliorates Amyloid beta (Aβ-AD causing peptide) toxicity and confers several po...Despite exhaustive search, no drug is in sight for AD. Earlier, we reported that reserpine, an antihypertensive and antipsychotic drug, ameliorates Amyloid beta (Aβ-AD causing peptide) toxicity and confers several positive enhancements in the C. elegans model system. Here, we evaluate whether reserpine can provide protection against working memory and against AD in the mouse model. Reserpine (0.08 mg) was administered orally on alternate days to the non-Tg and accelerated Aβ deposition (at 2 months of age)and cognitive deficit (4 months of age) developing 5XFAD AD Tg mouse model expressing mutant human APP (3 familial mutations) and human Presenilin1(2 familial mutations) in the neurons, and follow their working memory for 2 months using the spontaneous Y-maze alteration behavioral paradigm. Reserpine enhanced working memory in non-Tg mice and improved the cognitive deficit in the 5XFAD AD Tg mice. Hence, reserpine can be considered for a detailed evaluation in the 3X Tg AD mouse model and a pilot study in AD patients.展开更多
The petroleum compounds were photocatalytically remediated from water using graphene (G)- titanium oxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) nanocomposite material in visible light radiation. The G-TiO<sub>2</sub&g...The petroleum compounds were photocatalytically remediated from water using graphene (G)- titanium oxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) nanocomposite material in visible light radiation. The G-TiO<sub>2</sub> nanocomposite was synthesized using sol-gel technique, and its structural & morphological properties were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle analyzer and UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) measurement techniques. Various petroleum-based chemicals (toluene, naphthalene and diesel) were remediated, and samples were analyzed using optical and gas chromatography (GC) techniques. The mechanism of photocatalytic remediation of petroleum compounds using G-TiO<sub>2</sub> nanomaterials is understood and well compared with data available in literature.展开更多
Background: Health care workers are respected in every society and have a strong influence on the behaviour of the community. In order to reduce the shisha dependence in the Pakistani population, it is necessary to ev...Background: Health care workers are respected in every society and have a strong influence on the behaviour of the community. In order to reduce the shisha dependence in the Pakistani population, it is necessary to evaluate the perspective of future doctors and pharmacists regarding this addiction as they become role models for the future generations. Objective: The aim is to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of shisha use among medical students and pharmacy students in order to assess their support in the anti-shisha campaigns of Pakistan. Methodology: Cross sectional study was performed in four major medical universities of Karachi, Pakistan through a modification of the WHO global health survey questionnaire. Result: 398 medical students and 470 pharmacy students were included in the study which showed that currently 9.6% pharmacy students and 4.8% medical students used shisha daily (p = 0.000). Pharmacy students started shisha use in less than 15 years of age while this number was 29.5% among medical students (P = 0.000). Moreover, 44.6% pharmacy students and 50% medical students were not planning to quit this addiction within the next six months. 14% of pharmacy students and 20.4% in medical students (P = 0.002) were unaware that passive smoking caused lung cancer, while 23.4% pharmacy students and 33.5% medical students rejected it as cause of heart diseases (p = 0.006). Conclusion: A significant number of medical and pharmacy students were unaware about some of the serious consequences of shisha smoking. Therefore, both groups of students need to be educated about the health hazards of shisha use, in order to control this growing menace.展开更多
The Tibetan Plateau (TP), located at a height of nearly 4000 m above sea level, has a unique setting that effects the environment of the whole of northern hemisphere. It acts as the “water reservoir” of Asia as seve...The Tibetan Plateau (TP), located at a height of nearly 4000 m above sea level, has a unique setting that effects the environment of the whole of northern hemisphere. It acts as the “water reservoir” of Asia as several important rivers originate from this region. Therefore, even slight alternations in the TP’s hydrological cycle may have profound ecological and social impacts. However, it is experiencing a significant increase in accumulation of dust from local and global sources. The impact of dust on the region’s climate has become an active area of research. Further, the study of sources of dust arriving at the TP is also critical. Accumulation of dust is impacting temperature, snow cover, glaciers, water resources, biodiversity and soil desertification. This manuscript tries to provide a comprehensive summary of the impact of dust on weather, climate, and environmental components of the TP. The impact of dust on clouds, radiative energy, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, snow and ice cover, soil, air quality, and river water quality of the TP are discussed. It further discusses the steps immediately needed to mitigate the devastating impact of dust on the fragile ecosystem of the TP.展开更多
Research and results: Contemplative practises use positive electromagnetic vibrations to speed up mental health recovery, while spirituality and religion bring love, hope, happiness, and compassion. Self-transcendence...Research and results: Contemplative practises use positive electromagnetic vibrations to speed up mental health recovery, while spirituality and religion bring love, hope, happiness, and compassion. Self-transcendence increases cortisol and serotonin receptor binding, suppresses norepinephrine, and reduces mental health issues. Mental health professionals must respect preferences, record religious beliefs, provide spiritual materials, and encourage socialisation. Self-determination, autonomy, and choice should be prioritised in mental health care. This therapy’s significant, long-term, and undeniable effect is undisputed. Research purpose: To publicise mental health-promoting spiritual and religious practises. Methods and tools: The author, a psychologist with 20 years of introspective training, summarises the findings after being cured of psychopathology, with only the relevant insight points. “Contemplative Practice” is an integrated therapy for psychiatric patients and health care providers that promotes mental health through spiritual and religious activities. Self-analysis and, theoretically, a Google Scholar literature search help the author create the therapy. Result: The author develops a contemplative science research methodology. Conclusion: Positive psychology and metaphysical contemplation can miraculously improve mental health.展开更多
Research and Results: Schizophrenia begins with nasal obstruction, disrupting supraschalemic nucleus output and lateralized ultradian body rhythms. If one nostril is blocked, vaso-choking occurs in the ipsilateral bra...Research and Results: Schizophrenia begins with nasal obstruction, disrupting supraschalemic nucleus output and lateralized ultradian body rhythms. If one nostril is blocked, vaso-choking occurs in the ipsilateral brain hemisphere cortex, which has vesicles connected to the nose. This disturbs the ultradian balance of the body and brain hemispheres causing abnormal behavior and bizarre thinking. The brain has a bidirectional connection and communication with the body via the nervous system. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), and vagus nerve are linked. ANS lateralization can switch from parasympathetic to sympathetic due to vagus nerve changes. Schizophrenia is characterized by Basic Rest Activity Cycle (BRAC) energy balance disruption. Let’s examine how a disruption in the lateralization of the nasal cycle can lead to pathology in the mind. Purpose and Method: A literary search is conducted in comparison with authors’ introspective insights to summarize schizophrenia’s genesis after curing this disease to fill the knowledge gap between a few relevant theories to build a percept of the disease through this (mini) narrative review. Conclusion: Nasal cycle and vagus nerve toning can play roles in mental health.展开更多
The impact of the electromagnetic waves (EM) on human neurons (HN) has been under investigation for decades, in efforts to understand the impact of cell phones (radiation) on human health, or radiation absorption by H...The impact of the electromagnetic waves (EM) on human neurons (HN) has been under investigation for decades, in efforts to understand the impact of cell phones (radiation) on human health, or radiation absorption by HN for medical diagnosis and treatment. Research issues including the wave frequency, power intensity, reflections and scattering, and penetration depths are of important considerations to be incorporated into the research study. In this study, computer simulation for the EM exposure to HN was studied for the purpose of determining the upper limits of the electric and magnetic field intensities, power consumption, reflections and transmissions, and the change in temperature resulting from the power absorption by human neurons. Both high frequency structural simulators (HFSS) from ANSYS software, and COMSOL multi-physics were used for the simulation of the EM transmissions and reflections, and the temperature profile within the cells, respectively. For the temperature profile estimation, the study considers an electrical source of 0.5 watt input power, 64 MHz. The EM simulation was looking into the uniformity of the fields within the sample cells. The size of the waveguide was set to be appropriate for a small animal model to be conducted in the future. The incident power was fully transmitted throughout the waveguide, and less than 1% reflections were observed from the simulation. The minimum reflected power near the sample under investigation was found to be with negligible reflected field strengths. The temperature profile resulting from the COMSOL simulation was found to be near 0.25 m°K, indicating no change in temperature on the neuro cells under the EM exposure. The paper details the simulation results for the EM response determined by HFSS, and temperature profile simulated by COMSOL.展开更多
The possible features of photo acoustic tomography (PAT) in medical research and practice, including applications in orthopedics and cardiovascular areas, among others, have motivated the emphasis of this study toward...The possible features of photo acoustic tomography (PAT) in medical research and practice, including applications in orthopedics and cardiovascular areas, among others, have motivated the emphasis of this study towards human bone applications. PAT modality is an emerging approach that features safety and greater penetration depth compared to other modalities such as X-ray and microwave. The high-resolution images and safety related to PAT modality are attributed to the scattering properties of ultrasound as compared to light within a human tissue. PAT brought considerable attention from the medical research community to target optimum parameters for practical models. It includes source frequency penetration depth, dynamic temperature responses, and acoustic pressure throughout the multilayer structure of the human tissues. In this work, the acoustic pressure and the bio-heat equations were analyzed for power distribution and penetration depth, covering the basic principles of PAT within the human body. Three sources with three dif-ferent heat energy pulses;1 s, 3 s, and 5 s, were considered in order to study the rise time and fall time dynamic responses inside the bone material. The computer simulation was designed to simu-late the human tissue at 1 MHz with an acoustic pressure of 1 MPa. A penetration depth for all sources was estimated to be near 4 cm with a temperature change from 0.5 K to near 1 K over a pe-riod of 10 s. The simulation data provide promising results when taken to the next level of practical implementation. The 4 cm penetration depth range may enable the researchers to investigate mul-tiple layers within the human body, leading to non-invasive deterministic approach. The simulation presented here will serve as a pilot study towards photoacoustic applications in orthopedic applica-tions.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">A series of colossal magneto resistance (CMR) materials with compositional formula Pr</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.5<...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">A series of colossal magneto resistance (CMR) materials with compositional formula Pr</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.5</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Sr</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.5</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Mn</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">1-x</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cr</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">x</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">O</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were prepared by sol-gel technique using pure metal nitrates as the starting materials. These samples were characterized structurally by X-ray diffraction, FTIR and SEM. All the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">samples exhibit orthorhombic structure without any detectable impurities.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The bulk den</span><span></span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sities for all the compositions were measured from the pellets. The Young’s and Rigidity moduli, Poisson’s ratio and Debye temperature of all the compositions were calculated with the experimentally measured ultra</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sonic longitudinal and shear velocities at room temperature using pulse</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> transmission technique. As the materials are porous, zero porous elastic moduli have also been calculated using a well-known Hasselmann and Fulrath model. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The observed variation of elastic moduli with varying chromium doping</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> concentration has been studied qualitatively.</span></span></span>展开更多
Purpose: Right mini thoracotomy has been evaluated in many studies for mitral valve repair mainly in degenerative valvular disease but not in rheumatic heart disease. Mitral valve repair is more challenging in rheumat...Purpose: Right mini thoracotomy has been evaluated in many studies for mitral valve repair mainly in degenerative valvular disease but not in rheumatic heart disease. Mitral valve repair is more challenging in rheumatic etiology due to complexity of lesions. This prospective randomized case control study was designed to evaluate repair through mini right thoracotomy and to compare the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes with sternotomy in rheumatic patients. Methods: 25 patients of rheumatic heart disease underwent mitral valve repair through mini right thoracotomy (group I). Various clinical and functional parameters were compared with 25 patients of mitral valve repair through sternotomy (group II). On follow up the results were compared in both groups for clinical and echocardiographic parameters. Results: The various pre-operative demographic parameters were comparable in two groups. Equal rate of mitral valve repair (group I-21/25, 84% and group II-21/25, 84%) was achieved in both groups. The various intra-operative and post-operative clinical parameters were better in group I .There were equivalent functional and valve related outcomes in both groups in term of NYHA class (1.28 ± 0.613 vs 1.08 ± 0.276, P = 0.144), post-operative mitral valve area (2.43 ± 0.891 vs 2.82 ± 0.662, P = 0.090), incidence of more than mild mitral regurgitation (0) and mean pressure gradient across mitral valve (4.98 ± 3.33 vs 4.23 ± 1.5, P = 0.309). Conclusion: Mitral valve repair through mini right thoracotomy approach in rheumatic etiology is feasible and safe with equivalent rate of successful repair as compared to median sternotomy. It is associated with lesser morbidity, cosmetic advantage and lesser resource utilization.展开更多
In this paper, we have considered a fully developed flow of a viscous incompressible fluid in a rectangular porous duct saturated with the same fluid. The duct is heated from the bottom for forced and mixed convection...In this paper, we have considered a fully developed flow of a viscous incompressible fluid in a rectangular porous duct saturated with the same fluid. The duct is heated from the bottom for forced and mixed convection. The Brinkman model is used to simulate the momentum transfer in the porous duct. Using the momentum and thermal energy equations, the entropy generation has been obtained due to the heat transfer, viscous and Darcy dissipations. It is found from the mathematical analysis that the entropy generation is double when the viscous as well as the Darcy dissipations terms are taken in the thermal energy equation in comparison when the viscous as well as the Darcy dissipations terms are not taken in the thermal energy equation. This result clearly shows that there is no need of taking the viscous and Darcy dissipations terms in the thermal energy equation to obtain the entropy generation.展开更多
Objective: To compare the yield from Gastric lavage (GL) and Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) samples in adult patients suspected case of Tuberculosis but not producing sputum. Methodology: 80 adults with suspected case ...Objective: To compare the yield from Gastric lavage (GL) and Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) samples in adult patients suspected case of Tuberculosis but not producing sputum. Methodology: 80 adults with suspected case of tuberculosis but not producing sputum were recruited. 72 patients were then subjected to one gastric lavage followed by Broncho-alveolar lavage in the same morning. The collected samples were subjected to GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. Result: Of the 72 patients samples, the mean age was 38.6 years. 41 (56.9%) were male and 31 (43.1%) were female. History of TB contact was present in 25 (34.7%) patients. 37 (51.4%) patients had GeneXpert MTB/RIF positive on BAL and/or GL samples. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF of BAL fluid was positive on 35 (48.6%), which was not significantly greater than that for specimens from GL, which was 28 (38.9%) (p > 0.05). In 26 (36.1%) cases, GeneXpert MTB/RIF was positive in both BAL and GL samples. Conclusion: This study showed the yield of GeneXpert MTB/RIF in GL was comparable to BAL to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Patients who can’t produce sputum, GL can be a good alternative to BAL to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in resource poor areas and patients who do not tolerate Bronchoscopy.展开更多
This paper proposes a methodology using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style=...This paper proposes a methodology using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">FLUENT to simulate the dispersion of particulate matter </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">releasing</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> from a biosolid applied agricultural field and predict the particulate concentrations for different ranges of particle sizes. The discrete phase model</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Lagrangian</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Eulerian</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> approach) was used in combination with each of the four turbulence models:</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Standard </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">kε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">kε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">), Realizable </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">kε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rkε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">),</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Standard </span><i><span style="font-famil展开更多
KY Boost Converter, a modern invention in the field of non-isolated DC-DC boost converter is identified for minimum voltage ripple. KY boost converter is the com- bination of KY converter and traditional boost convert...KY Boost Converter, a modern invention in the field of non-isolated DC-DC boost converter is identified for minimum voltage ripple. KY boost converter is the com- bination of KY converter and traditional boost converter. Such a converter has con- tinuous input and output inductor current, different from the traditional boost con- verter. And hence this converter is very suitable for very low-ripple applications. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based controller, FUZZY based controller and open loop KY boost converter are designed in MATLAB/Simulink model. The simu- lated results show a reduction in output ripple from 1.18 V of the existing open loop KY boost converter output to 0.54 V in the FUZZY logic controlled converter out- put. Further reduction in output ripple to 0.29 V is achieved in the proposed PSO based converter. The simulated results also show the variation of switching pulses based on the different existing and proposed method.展开更多
文摘Despite exhaustive search, no drug is in sight for AD. Earlier, we reported that reserpine, an antihypertensive and antipsychotic drug, ameliorates Amyloid beta (Aβ-AD causing peptide) toxicity and confers several positive enhancements in the C. elegans model system. Here, we evaluate whether reserpine can provide protection against working memory and against AD in the mouse model. Reserpine (0.08 mg) was administered orally on alternate days to the non-Tg and accelerated Aβ deposition (at 2 months of age)and cognitive deficit (4 months of age) developing 5XFAD AD Tg mouse model expressing mutant human APP (3 familial mutations) and human Presenilin1(2 familial mutations) in the neurons, and follow their working memory for 2 months using the spontaneous Y-maze alteration behavioral paradigm. Reserpine enhanced working memory in non-Tg mice and improved the cognitive deficit in the 5XFAD AD Tg mice. Hence, reserpine can be considered for a detailed evaluation in the 3X Tg AD mouse model and a pilot study in AD patients.
文摘The petroleum compounds were photocatalytically remediated from water using graphene (G)- titanium oxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) nanocomposite material in visible light radiation. The G-TiO<sub>2</sub> nanocomposite was synthesized using sol-gel technique, and its structural & morphological properties were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle analyzer and UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) measurement techniques. Various petroleum-based chemicals (toluene, naphthalene and diesel) were remediated, and samples were analyzed using optical and gas chromatography (GC) techniques. The mechanism of photocatalytic remediation of petroleum compounds using G-TiO<sub>2</sub> nanomaterials is understood and well compared with data available in literature.
文摘Background: Health care workers are respected in every society and have a strong influence on the behaviour of the community. In order to reduce the shisha dependence in the Pakistani population, it is necessary to evaluate the perspective of future doctors and pharmacists regarding this addiction as they become role models for the future generations. Objective: The aim is to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of shisha use among medical students and pharmacy students in order to assess their support in the anti-shisha campaigns of Pakistan. Methodology: Cross sectional study was performed in four major medical universities of Karachi, Pakistan through a modification of the WHO global health survey questionnaire. Result: 398 medical students and 470 pharmacy students were included in the study which showed that currently 9.6% pharmacy students and 4.8% medical students used shisha daily (p = 0.000). Pharmacy students started shisha use in less than 15 years of age while this number was 29.5% among medical students (P = 0.000). Moreover, 44.6% pharmacy students and 50% medical students were not planning to quit this addiction within the next six months. 14% of pharmacy students and 20.4% in medical students (P = 0.002) were unaware that passive smoking caused lung cancer, while 23.4% pharmacy students and 33.5% medical students rejected it as cause of heart diseases (p = 0.006). Conclusion: A significant number of medical and pharmacy students were unaware about some of the serious consequences of shisha smoking. Therefore, both groups of students need to be educated about the health hazards of shisha use, in order to control this growing menace.
文摘The Tibetan Plateau (TP), located at a height of nearly 4000 m above sea level, has a unique setting that effects the environment of the whole of northern hemisphere. It acts as the “water reservoir” of Asia as several important rivers originate from this region. Therefore, even slight alternations in the TP’s hydrological cycle may have profound ecological and social impacts. However, it is experiencing a significant increase in accumulation of dust from local and global sources. The impact of dust on the region’s climate has become an active area of research. Further, the study of sources of dust arriving at the TP is also critical. Accumulation of dust is impacting temperature, snow cover, glaciers, water resources, biodiversity and soil desertification. This manuscript tries to provide a comprehensive summary of the impact of dust on weather, climate, and environmental components of the TP. The impact of dust on clouds, radiative energy, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, snow and ice cover, soil, air quality, and river water quality of the TP are discussed. It further discusses the steps immediately needed to mitigate the devastating impact of dust on the fragile ecosystem of the TP.
文摘Research and results: Contemplative practises use positive electromagnetic vibrations to speed up mental health recovery, while spirituality and religion bring love, hope, happiness, and compassion. Self-transcendence increases cortisol and serotonin receptor binding, suppresses norepinephrine, and reduces mental health issues. Mental health professionals must respect preferences, record religious beliefs, provide spiritual materials, and encourage socialisation. Self-determination, autonomy, and choice should be prioritised in mental health care. This therapy’s significant, long-term, and undeniable effect is undisputed. Research purpose: To publicise mental health-promoting spiritual and religious practises. Methods and tools: The author, a psychologist with 20 years of introspective training, summarises the findings after being cured of psychopathology, with only the relevant insight points. “Contemplative Practice” is an integrated therapy for psychiatric patients and health care providers that promotes mental health through spiritual and religious activities. Self-analysis and, theoretically, a Google Scholar literature search help the author create the therapy. Result: The author develops a contemplative science research methodology. Conclusion: Positive psychology and metaphysical contemplation can miraculously improve mental health.
文摘Research and Results: Schizophrenia begins with nasal obstruction, disrupting supraschalemic nucleus output and lateralized ultradian body rhythms. If one nostril is blocked, vaso-choking occurs in the ipsilateral brain hemisphere cortex, which has vesicles connected to the nose. This disturbs the ultradian balance of the body and brain hemispheres causing abnormal behavior and bizarre thinking. The brain has a bidirectional connection and communication with the body via the nervous system. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), and vagus nerve are linked. ANS lateralization can switch from parasympathetic to sympathetic due to vagus nerve changes. Schizophrenia is characterized by Basic Rest Activity Cycle (BRAC) energy balance disruption. Let’s examine how a disruption in the lateralization of the nasal cycle can lead to pathology in the mind. Purpose and Method: A literary search is conducted in comparison with authors’ introspective insights to summarize schizophrenia’s genesis after curing this disease to fill the knowledge gap between a few relevant theories to build a percept of the disease through this (mini) narrative review. Conclusion: Nasal cycle and vagus nerve toning can play roles in mental health.
文摘The impact of the electromagnetic waves (EM) on human neurons (HN) has been under investigation for decades, in efforts to understand the impact of cell phones (radiation) on human health, or radiation absorption by HN for medical diagnosis and treatment. Research issues including the wave frequency, power intensity, reflections and scattering, and penetration depths are of important considerations to be incorporated into the research study. In this study, computer simulation for the EM exposure to HN was studied for the purpose of determining the upper limits of the electric and magnetic field intensities, power consumption, reflections and transmissions, and the change in temperature resulting from the power absorption by human neurons. Both high frequency structural simulators (HFSS) from ANSYS software, and COMSOL multi-physics were used for the simulation of the EM transmissions and reflections, and the temperature profile within the cells, respectively. For the temperature profile estimation, the study considers an electrical source of 0.5 watt input power, 64 MHz. The EM simulation was looking into the uniformity of the fields within the sample cells. The size of the waveguide was set to be appropriate for a small animal model to be conducted in the future. The incident power was fully transmitted throughout the waveguide, and less than 1% reflections were observed from the simulation. The minimum reflected power near the sample under investigation was found to be with negligible reflected field strengths. The temperature profile resulting from the COMSOL simulation was found to be near 0.25 m°K, indicating no change in temperature on the neuro cells under the EM exposure. The paper details the simulation results for the EM response determined by HFSS, and temperature profile simulated by COMSOL.
文摘The possible features of photo acoustic tomography (PAT) in medical research and practice, including applications in orthopedics and cardiovascular areas, among others, have motivated the emphasis of this study towards human bone applications. PAT modality is an emerging approach that features safety and greater penetration depth compared to other modalities such as X-ray and microwave. The high-resolution images and safety related to PAT modality are attributed to the scattering properties of ultrasound as compared to light within a human tissue. PAT brought considerable attention from the medical research community to target optimum parameters for practical models. It includes source frequency penetration depth, dynamic temperature responses, and acoustic pressure throughout the multilayer structure of the human tissues. In this work, the acoustic pressure and the bio-heat equations were analyzed for power distribution and penetration depth, covering the basic principles of PAT within the human body. Three sources with three dif-ferent heat energy pulses;1 s, 3 s, and 5 s, were considered in order to study the rise time and fall time dynamic responses inside the bone material. The computer simulation was designed to simu-late the human tissue at 1 MHz with an acoustic pressure of 1 MPa. A penetration depth for all sources was estimated to be near 4 cm with a temperature change from 0.5 K to near 1 K over a pe-riod of 10 s. The simulation data provide promising results when taken to the next level of practical implementation. The 4 cm penetration depth range may enable the researchers to investigate mul-tiple layers within the human body, leading to non-invasive deterministic approach. The simulation presented here will serve as a pilot study towards photoacoustic applications in orthopedic applica-tions.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">A series of colossal magneto resistance (CMR) materials with compositional formula Pr</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.5</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Sr</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.5</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Mn</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">1-x</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cr</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">x</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">O</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were prepared by sol-gel technique using pure metal nitrates as the starting materials. These samples were characterized structurally by X-ray diffraction, FTIR and SEM. All the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">samples exhibit orthorhombic structure without any detectable impurities.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The bulk den</span><span></span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sities for all the compositions were measured from the pellets. The Young’s and Rigidity moduli, Poisson’s ratio and Debye temperature of all the compositions were calculated with the experimentally measured ultra</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sonic longitudinal and shear velocities at room temperature using pulse</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> transmission technique. As the materials are porous, zero porous elastic moduli have also been calculated using a well-known Hasselmann and Fulrath model. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The observed variation of elastic moduli with varying chromium doping</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> concentration has been studied qualitatively.</span></span></span>
文摘Purpose: Right mini thoracotomy has been evaluated in many studies for mitral valve repair mainly in degenerative valvular disease but not in rheumatic heart disease. Mitral valve repair is more challenging in rheumatic etiology due to complexity of lesions. This prospective randomized case control study was designed to evaluate repair through mini right thoracotomy and to compare the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes with sternotomy in rheumatic patients. Methods: 25 patients of rheumatic heart disease underwent mitral valve repair through mini right thoracotomy (group I). Various clinical and functional parameters were compared with 25 patients of mitral valve repair through sternotomy (group II). On follow up the results were compared in both groups for clinical and echocardiographic parameters. Results: The various pre-operative demographic parameters were comparable in two groups. Equal rate of mitral valve repair (group I-21/25, 84% and group II-21/25, 84%) was achieved in both groups. The various intra-operative and post-operative clinical parameters were better in group I .There were equivalent functional and valve related outcomes in both groups in term of NYHA class (1.28 ± 0.613 vs 1.08 ± 0.276, P = 0.144), post-operative mitral valve area (2.43 ± 0.891 vs 2.82 ± 0.662, P = 0.090), incidence of more than mild mitral regurgitation (0) and mean pressure gradient across mitral valve (4.98 ± 3.33 vs 4.23 ± 1.5, P = 0.309). Conclusion: Mitral valve repair through mini right thoracotomy approach in rheumatic etiology is feasible and safe with equivalent rate of successful repair as compared to median sternotomy. It is associated with lesser morbidity, cosmetic advantage and lesser resource utilization.
文摘In this paper, we have considered a fully developed flow of a viscous incompressible fluid in a rectangular porous duct saturated with the same fluid. The duct is heated from the bottom for forced and mixed convection. The Brinkman model is used to simulate the momentum transfer in the porous duct. Using the momentum and thermal energy equations, the entropy generation has been obtained due to the heat transfer, viscous and Darcy dissipations. It is found from the mathematical analysis that the entropy generation is double when the viscous as well as the Darcy dissipations terms are taken in the thermal energy equation in comparison when the viscous as well as the Darcy dissipations terms are not taken in the thermal energy equation. This result clearly shows that there is no need of taking the viscous and Darcy dissipations terms in the thermal energy equation to obtain the entropy generation.
文摘Objective: To compare the yield from Gastric lavage (GL) and Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) samples in adult patients suspected case of Tuberculosis but not producing sputum. Methodology: 80 adults with suspected case of tuberculosis but not producing sputum were recruited. 72 patients were then subjected to one gastric lavage followed by Broncho-alveolar lavage in the same morning. The collected samples were subjected to GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. Result: Of the 72 patients samples, the mean age was 38.6 years. 41 (56.9%) were male and 31 (43.1%) were female. History of TB contact was present in 25 (34.7%) patients. 37 (51.4%) patients had GeneXpert MTB/RIF positive on BAL and/or GL samples. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF of BAL fluid was positive on 35 (48.6%), which was not significantly greater than that for specimens from GL, which was 28 (38.9%) (p > 0.05). In 26 (36.1%) cases, GeneXpert MTB/RIF was positive in both BAL and GL samples. Conclusion: This study showed the yield of GeneXpert MTB/RIF in GL was comparable to BAL to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Patients who can’t produce sputum, GL can be a good alternative to BAL to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in resource poor areas and patients who do not tolerate Bronchoscopy.
文摘This paper proposes a methodology using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">FLUENT to simulate the dispersion of particulate matter </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">releasing</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> from a biosolid applied agricultural field and predict the particulate concentrations for different ranges of particle sizes. The discrete phase model</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Lagrangian</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Eulerian</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> approach) was used in combination with each of the four turbulence models:</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Standard </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">kε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">kε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">), Realizable </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">kε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rkε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">),</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Standard </span><i><span style="font-famil
文摘KY Boost Converter, a modern invention in the field of non-isolated DC-DC boost converter is identified for minimum voltage ripple. KY boost converter is the com- bination of KY converter and traditional boost converter. Such a converter has con- tinuous input and output inductor current, different from the traditional boost con- verter. And hence this converter is very suitable for very low-ripple applications. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based controller, FUZZY based controller and open loop KY boost converter are designed in MATLAB/Simulink model. The simu- lated results show a reduction in output ripple from 1.18 V of the existing open loop KY boost converter output to 0.54 V in the FUZZY logic controlled converter out- put. Further reduction in output ripple to 0.29 V is achieved in the proposed PSO based converter. The simulated results also show the variation of switching pulses based on the different existing and proposed method.
