The Polar Fluid Model for Blood Flow through a Tapered Artery with Overlapping Stenosis: Effects of Catheter and Velocity Slip.

The blood flow through an overlapping clogged tapered artery in the presence of catheter is discussed. Since cholesterol deposition is resulting in the stenosis formation, velocity slip at the arterial wall is considered. The equations governing the fluid flow have been solved analytically under the assumption of the mild stenosis. The analysis with respect to various parameters arising out of fluid and geometry considered, on physiological parameters such as impedance and wall shear stress at the maximum height of the stenosis as well as across the entire length of the stenosis has been reported. A table summarizing the locations of extreme heights and the corresponding annular radii is provided. It is observed that the wall shear stress is the same at both the locations corresponding to the maximum height of the stenosis in case of nontapered artery while it varies in case of tapered artery. It is also observed that slip velocity and diverging tapered artery facilitate the fluid flow. Shear stress at the wall is increasing as micropolar parameter is decreasing and the trend is reversed in case of coupling number. The results obtained are validated by comparing them with the experimental and theoretical results.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of pyridinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolyldihydroisoxazoles as potent inhibitors of tubulin polymerization.

Three series of compounds; pyridinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazoles, pyridinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolylisoxazoles and pyridinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolyldihydroisoxazoles with TMP moiety were designed, synthesized and screened for their anti-cancer and anti-tubulin properties. By sequentially designing three series of compounds comprising of dihydroisoxazole in the linker, a small substituent like chlorine on one side (R(1)) and aromatic group (R) on the pyridine ring, we have optimized the anti-cancer as well as anti-tubulin activity. Pyridinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolyldihydroisoxazoles 28b and 28c were found to be potent anti-cancer agents against all the cell lines tested with a concomitant accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Molecular modeling suggests that the trimethoxyphenyl ring in 28b and 28c occupies the cholchicine binding domain of ß-tubulin, whereas, the dihydroisoxazole extends towards the interface of α,ß-tubulin.

Fluid filled scleral contact lens in pediatric patients: challenges and outcome.

PURPOSE: To study the indications and the challenges while fitting scleral contact lens (ScCL) filled with fluid prior to lens insertion in pediatric patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients of 16 years or less who received ScCL (PROSE - Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem, Boston Foundation for Sight, Needham Heights, MA, USA) that were filled with fluid (Normal saline) before lens insertion during July 2006 to April 2010. The main goal of ScCL fitting was to improve vision in patients having keratoconus (KC) and improve the ocular microenvironment in ocular surface disease (OSD). Visual acuity before and after lens wear was noted. RESULTS: Fluid-filled ScCL were dispensed to 15 patients (20 eyes). The indications for ScCL fitting were KC (n = 3 eyes), Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS, n = 13 eyes), radiation keratopathy (n = 1 eye), combined KC and SJS (n = 1 eye) and KC and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC, n = 2 eyes). Mean age of the patients was 12.85 years. The average daily lens wear was 9 h. The vision improved by 2 lines or more in 85% and dropped by 2 lines or more in 45% eyes after 4 h of lens wear due to tear debris collection. None of the patients had any complications. Patients were self sufficient inserting and removing ScCL. Two patients had broken lenses during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: ScCL are useful for pediatric patients who have OSD, irregular astigmatism or the two coexisting; KC combined with VKC or SJS, helping to maintain the health of the ocular surface and improves vision in these patients.

The effects of topical (gel) astemizole and terfenadine on wound healing.

OBJECTIVE: To develop topical gel preparations of astemizole and terfenadine and to investigate the actions of the gels on the healing of incision and excision wounds in male albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gels containing 1% astemizole, with varying concentrations of carbopol 934 (polymer), were prepared. Similarly, 1% terfenadine gels were made. The formulations were evaluated for release rate and stability. Incision and excision wounds were inflicted on male albino rats under ketamine anesthesia, taking aseptic precautions. The animals were divided into two groups. They were given a topical application of either astemizole or terfenadine gel, at a dose of 100 mg per wound, once daily, for 10 days in the case of incision wounds and till the time of complete closure in the case of excision wounds. On the 11(th) day, breaking strength of the incision wound was measured. In the excision wound model, wound closure rate, epithelization time, scar features and hydroxyproline content of scar tissue were studied from the day of wounding till the day of the scab falling off, with no residual raw area. RESULTS: Gels prepared using 0.8% carbopol 934 and 1% of drug in gel base were found to be stable. The gels of astemizole and terfenadine significantly (P < 0.05) promoted the phases of healing such as collagenation (in incision wounds), wound contraction and epithelization (in excision wounds). CONCLUSION: The gels of astemizole and terfenadine might play an important role in wound management program.