Fractals and the large-scale structure in the Universe

During the last decade it has been argued by some investigators that the distribution of galaxies in the Universe is a fractal. This is contrary to the standard view that the Universe is homogeneous and isotropic on large scales. In this article, the basic concepts of fractals and their characterization are introduced with the help of simple examples. The applications of these concepts in the context of cosmology will be discussed in the second part. A K Mittal is currently a visiting scientist at Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad, on leave from the University of Allahabad. His research interests include chaos, fractals and their applications, partleularly in cosmology and in weather prodiction. T H Seshadri is at the Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Delhi. He is presently on lien from Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad. Areas of his interest include cosmic microwave background radiation, large scale structures in the Universe and application of fractals in these.     

Association of Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) Gene -629C/A Polymorphism with Angiographically Proven Atherosclerosis

Association of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) Gene -629C/A Polymorphism with angiographically proven atherosclerosis CETP gene has been linked to CAD risk via its role in HDL and LDL metabolism. There is no agreement of whether CETP is atherogenic or not. Furthermore, various genotypes of CETP gene have been associated with CETP levels and thus with atherosclerosis risk. Our aim was to study the association of CETP -629C/A gene polymorphism with CETP and HDL levels and their association if any with atherosclerosis. Study population consisted of angiographically documented 50 cases with coronary artery atherosclerosis and 50 controls negative for atherosclerosis of coronary artery. Serum lipid profile was measured on SYNCHRON CX-9 using standard kits. Serum CETP levels were measured by ELISA method. CETP -629C/A gene polymorphism was studied using PCR–RFLP method. There was no significant difference in lipid profile of the two groups. However, serum CETP level was significantly higher (46.44 ± 21.75 ng/ml) in cases than controls (37.10 ± 21.92 ng/ml) with p value =0.035. The frequency of -629A allele was higher (0.85) in cases than that of controls (0.81). Homozygosity of A allele was more in subjects with atherosclerosis of coronary artery. We conclude that CETP is atherogenic and could be used as atherogenic risk predictor in angiographically proven atherosclerosis. Also A allele of -629C/A polymorphism is more prevalent in cases; indicating its effect on expression of CETP gene.     

Effect of arogh—A polyherbal formulation on the marker enzymes in isoproterenol induced myocardial injury

To study the protective role of Arogh on isoproterenol induced myocardial damage in rats. The effect of Arogh pretreatment on isoproterenol induced myocardial damage was assessed by studying the levels of lipid peroxides and changes in the activity of marker enzymes such as creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and transaminases in serum and heart tissue. In isoproterenol administered rats, a significant decrease was observed in the activity of marker enzymes in the heart with a corresponding increase in their levels in serum. Lipid peroxide levels increased significantly in the serum and heart. In rats pretreated with arogh, the level of lipid peroxides and the activity of marker enzymes were maintained at near normal values. Pretreatment with Arogh offered a protective effect against isoproterenol induced myocardial damage in rats as evidenced by LDH isoenzyme patterm and histopathological studies of heart tissue.     

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant vitamins in urolithasis

The present, study was conducted to determine the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an index of free radial induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant vitamins-vitamins A, vitamin C and vitamin E in 75 confirmed cases of urolithiasis. Significantly high level of MDA (p<0.001) with significantly low levels of vitamin E (p<0.001) and vitamin A (p<0.001) with no significant decrease in vitamin C (p>0.05) were observed in the plasma of urolithiasis cases as compared to normal controls. In conclusion, it appears that a role of lipid peroxidation and oxidative function exists in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis. But, the exact mechanism how this occurs remains to be elucidated.     

Fractals and the large-scale structure in the Universe

In Part 1 of this article, we had introduced the reader to some basic concepts of fractals and some operational algorithms to characterize them. We had also pointed out and clarified some common misconceptions about fractals. In this part we apply the fractal concepts to large-scale structures in the Universe. In particular we discuss the claim by some investigators that the distribution of galaxies in the Universe is a fractal. This is contrary to the standard view that the Universe is homogeneous and isotropic on large scales. Also discussed is the controversy as to whether the matter distribution in the Universe is a fractal on large-scales.     

Evaluation of urinary abnormalities in urolithiasis patients: A study from North India

Metabolic abnormalities were investigated in 44 stone patients with first time (group 1) and 56 with 2 times stone formation (group 2), and in 25 normal individuals. 24hr urine was analysed spectrophotometrically for oxalate, calcium, magnesium, citrate, uric acid, phosphate and creatinine. Hypocitraturia and hyperoxaluria were the common abnormalities in the stone formers. Stone patients had significantly higher urinary oxalate, calcium and uric acid and lower phosphate than normal individuals. Citrate/calcium and magnesium/calcium ratio were significantly high in normal individuals than stone formers. Patients in group 2 excreted significantly higher urinary calcium and lower citrate that patients in group 1. Citrate/calcium ratio was higher in group 1 than group 2. Hypocitraturia, hyperoxaluria, hypercalciuria and increased citrate/calcium and magnesium/calcium ratio seem to be an essential risk factor for stone formation. Patients with recurrent stone formation could be distinguished from patients with first time stone formation on the basis of urinary calcium and citrate.