Cloning and sequencing of α-2u globulin of rat preputial gland to assess its longevity in the context of developing an effective rodent trap

433-438α-2u globulin, a pheromone binding protein found majorly in the preputial gland, was reported to involve in chemo-communication of rats. The biosynthesis of this pheromone binding protein is under complex multihormonal control and its regulation takes place at transcription level. Assessing and increasing the longevity of this protein may retain the volatility of pheromone. So far nearly 20 isoforms of α-2u globulin in rat have been studied. The present study was aimed to extend the longevity of pheromone compound by cloning and sequencing of the mRNA which codes for α-2u globulin in the preputial gland of Rattus novergicus. Unexpectedly, this study resulted in a new isoform, which is similar in function with α-2u globulin protein with some different exons removed. Further analysis with this isoform may pave a way for rodent pest management

MHD Analysis of Couple Stress Nanofluid through a Tapered Non-Uniform Channel with Porous Media and Slip-Convective Boundary Effects

The current research addresses the peristaltic transport mechanism that propels fluid through a conduit through rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the conduit walls, a phenomenon evident in numerous biological systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. Motivated by applications in nano-pharmacological drug delivery and thermo-biomagnetic therapy, a mathematical and computational analysis of radiative heat transfer in peristaltic pumping of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) couple stress nanofluid through a tapered asymmetric passage, with the influences of a porous medium and wall slip, is presented. Buongiorno's two-component nanoscale model is deployed and the Stokes couple stress non-Newtonian model utilized. Physically the porous medium is modelled with a drag force formulation and simulates the presence of obstructions and deposits in the gastric tract and blood vessels. The governing equations for the couple stress nanofluid are reduced by employing the long-wavelength approximation and the low Reynolds number condition, both standard approaches in fluid dynamics research. Analytical solutions are derived for axial velocity, temperature profile, nanoparticle concentration, stream function, and pressure gradient, providing a comprehensive understanding of the flow dynamics. Furthermore, numerical integration methods are utilized to calculate the average pressure increase (ΔP) and the heat transfer coefficient (Z). The impact of critical parameters namely the Hartmann number (M), Brownian motion parameter (í µí± í µí±), thermophoresis parameter (í µí± í µí±¡), Prandtl number (Pr), slip parameter (L) and radiation parameter (Rn) on fluid dynamics is examined through comprehensive graphical representations. The findings indicate that peristaltic pumping efficiency is superior in a uniform channel relative to a non-uniform channel, underscoring the influence of channel geometry on flow performance. Moreover, the synergistic effects of thermophoresis and Brownian motion result in a substantial 2 2 elevation of fluid temperature, enhancing thermal energy transfer throughout the system. Increasing wall slip parameter diminishes the friction between the fluid and the channel walls, facilitating smoother fluid flow and decreasing thermal resistance. Stronger radiative heat flux promotes energy absorption in the system, resulting in accelerated fluid cooling at the boundary of the conduit (channel). Increasing non-uniformity parameter associated with asymmetry (m) leads to a diminished nanoparticle concentration. Increasing Brownian motion nanoscale parameter elevates nanoparticle concentrations. A strong modification is also computed with thermophoretic nanoscale parameter. Heat transfer coefficient displays oscillatory behavior attributable to the contraction and expansion of the channel walls. The complete flow zone is categorized into four quadrants (peristaltic pumping zone, increased flow zone, free pumping zone and retrograde pumping zone) based on the pressure difference (í µí»¥í µí±) and time average of the flux over one period of the wave (í µí»©), each indicating a distinct flow behavior. Increasing Hartmann magnetic number augments peristaltic pumping. An increase in Grashof number (Gr) i.e. thermal buoyancy parameter correlates with enhanced pumping throughout all four quadrants. This study offers significant insights into enhancing peristaltic transport processes in industrial, medicinal, and environmental contexts, especially concerning MHD nanofluids inside intricate geometries featuring porous media and slip circumstances

Measuring tuberculosis patient perceived quality of care in public and public-private mix settings in India: an instrument development and validation study.

BACKGROUND At present, there are no validated quantitative scales available to measure patient-centred quality of care in health facilities providing services for tuberculosis (TB) patients in India and low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS Initial themes and items reflective of TB patient's perceived quality of care were developed using qualitative interviews. Content adequacy of the items were ascertained through Content validity Index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR). Pilot testing of the questionnaire for assessing validity and reliability was undertaken among 714 patients with TB. Sampling adequacy and sphericity were tested by Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett's test, respectively. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was undertaken to test validity. Cronbach's α and test-retest scores were used to test reliability. RESULTS A 32-item tool measuring patient-perceived quality of TB distributed across five domains was developed initially based on a CVI and CVR cut-off score of 0.78 and cognitive interviews with patients with TB. Bartlett's test results showed a strong significance f (χ=3756 and p1 which accounted for 60.9% of the total variance of items. Correlation (z-value >1.96) between items and factors was highly significant and Cronbach's α was acceptable for the global scale (0.76) for the four factors. Intraclass correlation coefficient and the test retest scores for four factors were (<0.001) significant. CONCLUSION We validated a measurement tool for patient-perceived quality of care for TB (PPQCTB) which measured the patient's satisfaction with healthcare provider and services. PPQCTB tool could enrich quality of care evaluation frameworks for TB health services in India