RSM integrated GWO, Driving Training, and Election-Based Algorithms for optimising ethylic biodiesel from ternary oil of neem, animal fat, and jatropha.

The worldwide exploration of the ethanolysis protocol (EP) has decreased despite the multifaceted benefits of ethanol, such as lower toxicity, higher oxygen content, higher renewability, and fewer emission tail compared to methanol, and the enhanced fuel properties with improved engine characteristics of multiple-oily feedstocks (MOFs) compared to single-oily feedstocks. The study first proposed a strategy for the optimisation of ethylic biodiesel synthesis from MOFs: neem, animal fat, and jatropha oil (NFJO) on a batch reactor. The project's goals were to ensure environmental benignity and encourage the use of totally biobased products. This was made possible by the introduction of novel population based algorithms such as Driving Training-Based Optimization (DTBO) and Election-Based Optimization (EBOA), which were compared with the widely used Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The yield of NFJO ethyl ester (NFJOEE) was predicted using the RSM technique, and the ideal transesterification conditions were determined using the DTBO, EBOA, and GWO algorithms. Reaction time showed a strong linear relationship with ethylic biodiesel yield, while ethanol-to-NFJO molar ratio, catalyst dosage, and reaction temperature showed nonlinear effects. Reaction time was the most significant contributor to NFJOEE yield.The important fundamental characteristics of the fuel categories were investigated using the ASTM test procedures. The maximum NFJOEE yield (86.3%) was obtained at an ethanol/NFJO molar ratio of 5.99, KOH content of 0.915 wt.%, ethylic duration of 67.43 min, and reaction temperature of 61.55 °C. EBOA outperforms DTBO and GWO regarding iteration and computation time, converging towards a global fitness value equal to 7 for 4 s, 20 for 5 s and 985 for 34 s. The key fuel properties conformed to the standards outlined by ASTMD6751 and EN 14,214 specifications. The NFJOEE fuel processing cost is 0.9328 USD, and is comparatively lesser than that of conventional diesel. The new postulated population based algorithm models can be a prospective approach for enhancing biodiesel production from numerous MOFs and ensuring a balanced ecosystem and fulfilling enviromental benignity when adopted.

An epidemiological investigation of a multisource outbreak of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Gujarat.

It all started with the report from Shalby Hospital, Ahmedabad of two deaths with unusual presentation on Jan 18, 2011. Immediately investigations were carried out; to identify the etiological agent, source of outbreak, and mode of transmission, as well as, to propose a control measure based on the findings of the investigation. Extensive literature search, discussion with various scientific institutions, scientists and laboratory diagnosis suggested it to be case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). Accordingly a Case definition was worked out to further investigate the episode/outbreak. Door-to-door survey was carried out and hospital records were scrutinized. Collected data was analyzed in terms of time, place, and person. Laboratory investigation reports of case patients were also collated. We conducted environment investigation to find out the source of Infection. A total 13 case patients of CCHF were identified out of which 9 are positive for CCHF virus, 2 were negative for CCHF virus and in 2 instances, samples could not be taken because of early deaths of the cases. Among these 13 cases, 30.76% mortality rate was noted. Cases were reported in middle age group only. Environmental investigation also confirmed the presence of CCHF virus in Ticks. The outbreak was due to CCHF virus. State wide sero surveillance in animals is needed to identify prevalence of disease in Gujarat.

Rapid determination of oxidation state of unbound 99mTc and labeling yield in 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals.

Current techniques for determining the radiochemical purity of 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals are limited by the variety of compounds that can be tested or the length of time required to complete the test. A chromatographic method, based on the use of two solvents (0.9% saline and acetone) and a stationary phase made of silica-coated cellulose strips, solves these problems for water-soluble 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals. With this method, the oxidation state of unbound 99mTc and the labeling yield of 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals can be quickly determined: the whole procedure takes only a few minutes to run. This system compares favorably with lengthier procedures and with a commercially available kit.

Effects of ionic and nonionic contrast media on in vitro and in vivo platelet activation.

An increased incidence of thromboembolic events has been associated with nonionic contrast media. Although it has been demonstrated that nonionic contrast media cause significant platelet activation in vitro, there is no reported evidence of contrast-induced platelet activation in vivo. This study investigated the effect of a nonionic contrast agent, iohexol (Omnipaque), versus an ionic contrast agent, diatrizoate meglumine+diatrizoate sodium (MD-76), on both in vitro and in vivo platelet activity. Blood from normal subjects (n = 12) was incubated in vitro for 15 to 60 seconds with varying proportions of contrast media or saline solution, and analyzed by flow cytometry for markers of platelet degranulation (P-selectin) and platelet GPIIb-IIIa receptor activation (PAC-1). In vivo activation after Omnipaque was measured in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in peripheral blood before and after contrast (n = 5), and in coronary sinus blood before and after left coronary injections (n = 8). In vitro data showed that Omnipaque incubated for 60 seconds with whole blood at ratios of 1:1 resulted in a greater percentage of platelets expressing P-selectin (median/range) than did MD-76 (68%/38% to 90% vs 17%/1% to 53%, respectively, p < 0.01). Similarly at a contrast: blood ratio of 1:3, Omnipaque caused greater P-selectin expression than did MD-76 (49%/19% to 83% vs 3%/0% to 5%, respectively, p < 0.05). There was no significant increase in platelet degranulation observed with concentrations of contrast more dilute than 1:3. In addition, there was significantly less activation seen even at contrast:blood ratios of 1:1 when exposure time was < 60 seconds (p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dustiness, silicosis & tuberculosis in small scale pottery workers.

Studies were carried out in eight small scale potteries to find out the airborne dust concentrations and the prevalence of dust related diseases like silicosis and tuberculosis in 292 workers. Chest radiography revealed that 44 (15.1%) pottery workers were suffering from silicosis and an equal number showed radiological evidence of tuberculosis. The environmental study showed that the concentrations of airborne dust, containing free silica, in the work environment of all departments (except packing department) of potteries were higher than threshold limit values (TLVs). The prevalence of silicosis and tuberculosis correlated with the levels of airborne dust. The prevalence of tuberculosis increased with radiological severity of silicosis. Dust control measures combined with pre-employment and periodical medical examinations are recommended for the control of silicosis and tuberculosis in the pottery industry.

Visualization of the liver, gallbladder, and intestine on bone scintigraphy.

Images of the liver, gallbladder, and/or intestine were visualized on bone scans on several occasions. Radiopharmaceutical quality control data, including molybdenum-99 and aluminum ion content in the Tc-99m eluate, free unbound Tc-99m, and hydrolyzed reduced Tc-99m in the labeled MDP, were all satisfactory. A minor defect in the quality of the Tc-99m generator was considered to be the probable cause of the unusual localization of the bone imaging agent.

The correlation of chest radiograph and pulmonary function tests in asbestos miners and millers.

An environmental-cum-medical survey was carried out in asbestos mines and milling units at Pullivendalla, Cuddaph (A.P.) India. This was done in two mines and six milling units with 95% of the total work force being surveyed. Out of a total of 633 registered workers, 329 (52%, all males) were employed in mines while 135 (21.4%) workers of whom 114 (84%, all females) were employed in the milling units. All subjects underwent limited medical examination, spirometry and chest radiographs. The levels of asbestos fiber concentration was much below threshold limit value (TLV) in underground mines but several times higher than TLV in milling units. The percentage of workers with abnormal pulmonary function tests (PFT) and chest radiographs increased with duration of exposure in smokers as well as non-smokers. Restrictive pattern of lung functions (159 workers-16.27%) was more common than obstructive (33 workers-5.21%) and combined type (22 workers-3.4%). Similarly, the parenchymal changes (156 workers-24.6%) were more common than pleural (27 workers-4.3%). As most of the males were employed in mines, where the fiber levels were much below TLV, the number of male workers with normal PFT and chest radiographs were ten times (61.3%) more than male workers with both the parameters abnormal (6.3%). As most of the females (114 our of 120--95%) were employed in milling units, where the levels of fibers were several times higher than TLV, the number of females having both the parameters normal 29 (24.1%) or abnormal 35 (29.2%) were similar.

The relation of exposure to asbestos and smoking habit with pulmonary function tests and chest radiograph.

Environmental cum medical study was conducted in asbestos cement factory. The environment was evaluated for asbestos fiber by the methods recommended by BIS. Total 355 exposed and 312 suitably matched control workers were investigated by spirometer, Wright's peak flow meter and full sized postero-anterior chest radiograph. The levels of asbestos fiber were 2 to 3 times higher than TLV i.e. 2 f/ml in pipe cutting dept., crude fiber grinding inlet count was more than the ACGIH recommended limit i.e. 5 mpccf of air in pipe cutting dept. and silica mill. In the rest of the department, fiber level as well as dust particle count were below prescribed limit. The comparison of mean values of PFT parameters of workers with 16-20 years exposure history with control one was showing statistically significant decline in mean values of FVC only suggesting restrictive type of PFT impairment in this group of workers. But in workers with more than 20 years exposure, the mean values of all the parameters studied were reduced as compared to control one suggesting combined type of PFT impairment. When the mean values of PFT parameters of exposed smokers were compared with exposed non-smokers there was statistically no significant difference. This can be due to marginal contribution of smoking habit in impairment of PFT parameters of exposed smokers. The percentages of workers with parenchymal and pleural changes due to asbestos exposure were nearly two times more in more than 20 years exposure groups as compared to 11-20 years exposure groups. The parenchymal and pleural changes due to asbestos exposure were more common in exposed smokers as compared exposed non-smokers. However the detailed analysis revealed that if smoking contributes to the development of interstitial fibrosis, the contribution is a marginal one in comparison to the effect of asbestos dust exposure.

Aspirin does not increase homologous blood requirements in elective coronary bypass surgery.

Studies have demonstrated increased homologous blood product requirements in patients on aspirin (ASA) undergoing cardiac surgery. We reexamined the influence of ASA therapy on hemorrhage and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass (CAB) surgery in light of recent transfusion-sparing practices and autologous cell salvaging techniques. Records from 197 patients who underwent reinfusion of postoperatively shed mediastinal autologous whole blood were retrospectively reviewed, including 87 patients who received ASA within 1 wk prior to surgery and 110 control patients. Patients undergoing repeat cardiac operations were excluded from the study. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration, procedure length, aortic cross-clamp time, and number of grafts performed did not differ significantly between groups. None of the patients required reexploration for bleeding. There was significantly more mediastinal tube drainage in the ASA group (27%), but it did not affect homologous blood component requirements because this blood was autotransfused. In addition, there were no significant differences in platelet, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate use between the groups. Thus, ASA did increase bleeding but did not increase homologous blood transfusion requirements in elective CAB surgery.

Silicosis in slate pencil workers: I. An environmental and medical study.

An environmental and medical survey was undertaken in the slate-pencil industry in the central part of India. The industrial hygiene survey revealed that concentrations of free silica dust were very high. The medical survey, involving 593 workers, revealed that the prevalence of silicosis in this industry was 54.6%. Of these, 17.7% of workers had conglomerate silicosis (progressive massive fibrosis, PMF). The radiologic appearance of simple and conglomerate silicosis resembled closely the simple pneumoconiosis and progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) among other occupational groups exposed to free silica and also found in coal workers. The pulmonary lesions were detectable after a relatively short duration of exposure. The short latent period of development and the high prevalence of silicosis observed among these workers are related to exposure to high concentrations of siliceous dust in the work environment.