Integrated hydrochemical and ERT approach for seawater intrusion study in a coastal aquifer: a case study from Jafrabad Town, Gujarat State, India.

Hydrochemical and geophysical approach has been adopted to evaluate the seawater intrusion (SWI) in coastal aquifers of Jafrabad Town, Gujarat State, India. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (no. 9) was carried out with spread length of 160-400 m which provided penetration depth of about 23 to 76 m. Very low resistivity zone (0-3 Ω-m range) has been observed in the ERT profiles conducted in the study area. Parameters, namely, TDS, Na, and Cl, have been considered to examine the signature of SWI. The results obtained from ionic ratios, Piper plot, and Chaddha's diagram also confirm the influence of saline water within aquifer. The very low resistivity signature is correlated with the high TDS values in the nearby wells. SWI has been observed up to 9 km from the coast, and it is observed at a depth of 20-22 m in the existing limestone mines near the coast.

Single temperature liquefaction process at different operating pHs to improve ethanol production from Indian rice and corn feedstock.

Conventional grain ethanol manufacturing is a high-temperature energy-intensive process comprising of multiple-unit operations when combined with lower ethanol recovery results in higher production cost. In liquefaction, jet cooking accounts for significant energy cost, while strong acid or base used for pH adjustment presents a safety hazard. A need is felt for sustainable ethanol manufacturing process that is less hazardous, consumes lower energy, and operates in a low pH range of 4.50-5.50. A single temperature liquefaction (STL) process that could efficiently operate at lower liquefaction temperature over a pH range of 4.50-5.50 was developed using rice and corn feedstock. Ethanol recovery witnessed at pH 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5 are 481.2 ± 1.5, 492.4 ± 1.5, and 493.6 ± 1.5 L MT-1 rice, respectively. Similarly, ethanol recovery witnessed at pH 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5 are 404.6 ± 1.3, 413.9 ± 0.8, and 412.4 ± 1.8 L MT-1 corn, respectively. The improvement in ethanol recovery is attributed to higher starch conversion by alpha-amylase even at pH as low as 4.50. Thus, the STL process operated at pH lower than 5.20 is poised to enhance sustainability by offering dual advantage of energy as well as chemical saving.

Conventional process for ethanol production from Indian broken rice and pearl millet.

A conventional process for ethanol production involving liquefaction followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) under the yeast fermentation conditions, was investigated at 30 and 35% dry solid (DS) of Indian broken rice and pearl millet feedstocks. The study followed the typical conventional process currently in use by the Indian Ethanol Industry. Liquefaction was carried out using a thermostable alpha amylase, and whereas SSF with a glucoamylase with additional side activities of pullulanase and protease under the yeast fermentation conditions. To measure the enzyme efficacy in the liquefaction process, fermentable sugar and liquefact solubility (brix) were monitored at the end of the liquefaction process. The liquefact was subjected to SSF with yeast. Addition of an acid fungal protease at a concentration of 0.1 kg per metric ton of grain during SSF was observed to accelerate yeast growth and ultimately, ethanol yield with both feedstocks. With both concentrations of feedstocks, the fermentation efficiency and ethanol recovery were determined. This study assesses the potential of these enzymes for ethanol production with higher dry solid concentration (≥30% w/w DS) of both these feedstocks in the conventional process to achieve higher plant throughput without compromising fermentation efficiency and ethanol recovery.

Magnetic resonance imaging in Paget disease of the skull.

Four cases of Paget disease of the skull were studied with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. With optimal use of projection and technical factors, MR permits simultaneous demonstration of osseous deformity and its relation to the underlying soft tissues. Effects on the brain caused by thickened calvaria and brainstem compression from basilar impression can be detected readily on a single sagittal scan.

Impact of an acid fungal protease in high gravity fermentation for ethanol production using Indian sorghum as a feedstock.

This study evaluated the conventional jet cooking liquefaction process followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) at 30% and 35% dry solids (DS) concentration of Indian sorghum feedstock for ethanol production, with addition of acid fungal protease or urea. To evaluate the efficacy of thermostable α-amylase in liquefaction at 30% and 35% DS concentration of Indian sorghum, liquefact solubility, higher dextrins, and fermentable sugars were analyzed at the end of the process. The liquefact was further subjected to SSF using yeast. In comparison with urea, addition of an acid fungal protease during SSF process was observed to accelerate yeast growth (µ), substrate consumption (Q(s)), ultimately ethanol yield based on substrate (Y(p/s)) and ethanol productivity based on fermentation time (Q(p)). The fermentation efficiency and ethanol recovery were determined for both concentrations of Indian sorghum and found to be increased with use of acid fungal protease in SSF process.

Double-contrast examination of the postoperative stomach.

Radiological accuracy in evaluating the postoperative stomach conventionally ranges from 20 to 70% (as reported in the literature). Alternatively, a double-contrast examination can be performed using a high-density barium-suspension effervescent agent and glucagon. No intubation is required. In 40 patients who underwent gastric surgery, comparison of radiologic and endoscopic findings indicates that a high quality double-contrast study was very accurate. There were 7 radiologic errors (18%) in the 40 examinations. However, in the examinations assigned the highest confidence level there were no errors, while in those assigned the next highest level there was 1.

Peritoneal mesothelioma.

Five cases of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma are reported. Its radiographic manifestations consisted of a desmoplastic mesenteric process with or without a localized mass displacing gastrointestinal structures. Appreciation of the nature of this tumor permits pathologic-radiologic correlation and an understanding of the radiographic changes. Though numerous conditions may produce similar findings, combining a history of asbestos exposure or chest radiograph findings of asbestosis with gastrointestinal findings of desomplasia should narrow the diagnostic possibilities.

Mucosal surface patterns of the duodenal bulb. Subject review.

While the duodenal mucosa usually exhibits a smooth, featureless surface on the double-contrast barium examination, on occasion a fine mucosal pattern can be demonstrated. Several pathological processes, including erosive duodenitis, Crohn disease, and celiac disease, may produce subtle alterations in the normal surface pattern. Various normal and abnormal mucosal patterns are illustrated.

Double-contrast artifacts.

With the increasing use of double-contrast technique in radiological evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract, certain artifacts peculiar to this mode of examination need to be identified. These artifacts arise because of: (a) the characteristics of the barium suspensions used for double-contrast studies; (b) the see-through effect obtained on double-contrast studies whereby opacities lying in front of or behind the organ being examined may simulate pathologic lesions; (c) infolding of the mucosa which may simulate pathology; (d) extraneous or foreign material which is frequently detected and must be differentiated from intrinsic disease; (e) certain anatomical structures such as the cardia, pylorus, and retrogastric structures which are seen with unusual clarity and detail and which, in some cases, may simulate pathology. In general, these artifacts may simulate diffuse superficial ulceration, discrete ulceration, or polypoid lesions. Familiarity with the double-contrast technique and an understanding of these artifacts will help to avoid diagnostic errors.

Hypotonic examination of the colon with glucagon.

The authors report their experience with glucagon in the barium enema examination. Two milligrams of glucagon given intramuscularly was found to be safe and effective in overcoming functional spasm, permitting more detailed evaluation of organic narrowing. The relatively infrequent side effects and few contraindications seen with glucagon make it the drug of choice when reduction in intestinal tone is indicated.

Spontaneous pneumothorax: an uncommon manifestation of Wegener granulomatosis.

Pneumothorax is an unusual manifestation of Wegener granulomatosis. Two cases are presented which illustrate a definite association between the entities. Pneumothorax may be the initial and only pulmonary manifestation, or it may occur in combination with other evidence of the disease.

CT evaluation of mediastinal pseudocyst.

Rarely do pancreatic pseudocysts extend into the mediastinum. We recently evaluated a case exemplifying this phenomenon. Although ultrasonography demonstrated the nature of the mass, computed tomography (CT) allowed better definition of various anatomic relationships and afforded improved definition of the superior aspect of the pancreatic pseudocyst. The role of CT and its advantages over ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic pseudocyst are discussed.

Transverse folds in the human esophagus.

Fine transverse folds can be seen by double contrast technique in the human esophagus which are similar to those seen regularly in the feline esophagus. These folds are transient in nature and possibly represent contraction of the muscularis mucosae. This fold pattern can be seen in patients with gastroesophageal reflux and in those with no symptoms of esophageal disease. The marginal serration should not be mistaken for diffuse ulceration on barium filled views of the esophagus. Distortion of interruption of the normal fold pattern can be seen in patients with superficial ulceration due to reflux esophagitis or other invasive mucosal lesions. Although the pathophysiologic significance of this phenomenon is uncertain, the demonstration and recognition of these folds allows for better definition of mucosal surface abnormalities.

Candidiasis in the obstructed esophagus.

Four cases of esophageal candidiasis complicating functional or mechanical obstruction are described. The causes of the obstruction included achalasia, scleroderma, and postoperative fundoplication. None of the commonly recognized conditions predisposing to esophageal candidiasis was present. The findings on barium study ranged from plaque-like filling defects to extensive nodularity and roughening of the mucosal surface, which must be distinguished from ingested debris. It is suggested that esophageal stasis of any cause can lead to candidiasis.

Autopsy study correlating degree of osteoarthritis, synovitis and evidence of articular calcification.

Inflammation has been suggested as a component in the osteoarthritic process. We have examined 150 knees at autopsy to correlate the degree of osteoarthritis (OA) with synovial inflammation, and with radiographic or pathologic evidence of calcification as a possible source of crystal induced inflammation. Roentgenographic evidence of calcification and histologic finding of synovial reaction (proliferation or inflammation) were seen more frequently (p less than .05) in the knees of patients with more advanced OA. Perichondrocytic staining for calcium and phosphorus was seen in 93% of patients with severe OA and in only 24% of those with normal or minimal OA. Calcium hydroxyapatite crystals were identified by electron microscopy in perichondrocytic and other areas in 8 of 15 cartilage samples with moderate to severe OA and in none with normal appearing cartilage. In advanced OA, there were bone fragments embedded in cartilage and synovium. Although the pathogenetic sequences are uncertain, we speculate that calcium hydroxyapatite (and pyrophosphate) crystals and/or bone shards can contribute to both synovitis and cartilage degeneration.

Gastrointestinal complications of aortic bypass surgery.

Gastrointestinal bleeding following abdominal aortic bypass surgery is not uncommon, as approximately 20% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms have peptic ulcer disease. We have recently seen three patients who presented with gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to the complications of their surgery. The cause of the bleeding was aortoduodenal fistula, graft erosion into the sigmoid colon and ischaemic colitis respectively. The correct diagnosis was only considered in one patient, although in retrospect it should have been suggested in all three. Our experiences with these complications and their clinical and radiological presentation form the basis for this paper.