60 research outputs found
Fuel parameter testing, quality assessment and engine emissions evaluation of biodiesel (B100), diesel (D100) and its 20% blend (B20) under long term storage conditions
No full textDiesel-powered vehicles have contributed to the emission of greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere. Using biodiesel as a combustion fuel for use in diesel engines is advocated by engineers, environmentalists, industry and government for numerous reasons, including that it is derived from a renewable fuel source and can generate lower emissions than petroleum derived diesel fuel. However, biodiesel has reduced storage stability and is more prone to degradation reactions that can affect its fuel quality and cause changes in its fuel properties.
The long-term ageing under real-time conditions of two different biodiesel (B100)
fuels (from soybean oil and waste vegetable oils), two petroleum derived diesel (D100) fuels and their 20% vol. or B20 fuel blend was studied by storing these blends under cool (6 °C), ambient outdoor (X °C) and warm temperature (40 °C) conditions. The aged fuel samples were monitored via characterization of several fuel properties in accordance to ASTM and EN regulation standards up to 180 days and 300 days, in some cases. The purpose to meet the standards (e.g., ASTM, EN) is to ensure safe operation, good fuel quality and industrial longevity.
The acid number (AN), kinematic viscosity (KV) and cetane number (CN) of the soy
methyl ester (SME) after 300 days of ageing at 6 °C, X °C and 40 °C and waste methyl ester (WME) after 180 days of ageing at 6 °C and X °C did not change significantly. WME showed an increasing change in AN and KV after 180 days of ageing at 40 °C. Many of the fuel properties of aged SME and WME were comparable to its initial, un-aged values and were within the limits of technical specifications. The correlation between oxidative stability (OS) and iodine number (IN) was poor for both biodiesels. The analysis of the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles demonstrated the ineffectiveness of employing IN as a total measure of unsaturation for biodiesel fuels. The cloud point (CP) of WME was higher than SME and like KV, CN and OS; it strongly depended on the saturation and unsaturation content of the FAME. The D100 fuels displayed a near zero change in AN, minor increases in KV and adequate stability during storage. The CN of D100 decreased slightly and the measures were within the ASTM limits pre- and post-storage. Many fuel properties of the B20 pre-mix samples differed from the B20 after-mix samples, but these differences are not significant enough to conclusively deduce which B20 blend showed better stability. CN's of B20 were calculated from the measured cetane data of B100 and D100 and compared to the measured cetane data of B20.
Select blends of aged Bl 00, D100 and B20 aged at 6 °C and 40 °C were tested for
regulated pollutant emissions (HC, CO, NOx, CO₂) in a 1987 Volkswagen Jetta and a 2005 Mercedes Benz Smart Car. The vehicles were driven by the same driver for all test runs at cold start conditions. The effect of certain fuel properties and fuel composition was investigated on emission production. Relative to D100, the B100 and B20 fuels tested in the 1987 VW Jetta produced significantly lower emissions, with reductions in HC and CO of at least 40% and 15%, respectively. The B100 fuels showed a 12% increase in NOx. Storage temperature appeared to affect the produced emissions, particularly for B100 blends, but this effect is not as significant as the variations between the different fuel types (e.g., B100 versus D100). The emissions of B100 and B20 aged at 40 °C in the Smart car did not differ significantly and the results indicate the effect of fuel on emissions is small.Applied Science, Faculty ofChemical and Biological Engineering, Department ofGraduat
Study of Morphokinetics in Day 3 Embryo with Implantation Potential and Effect of Sperm Cryopreservation on Embryogenesis
No full textABSTRACTAimIn recent past, many studies had come up with the combination of time-lapse (TL) imaging of embryo morphokinetics as a noninvasive means for improving embryo selection andin vitrofertilization (IVF) success. The primary objective of the study was to find out if there is significant variation in morphokinetics of embryos with different implantation potential and also to study the effect of sperm freezing on time points of embryogenesis events in embryos with implantation potential.Materials and methodsKinetic data and cycle outcomes were analyzed retrospectively in 142 patients who had undergone IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles using semen with normal parameters and embryo transfer (ET) on day 3. For the surety of specificity of morphokinetics, only cases with single ET cycles were included in the study. Timing of specific events, from the point of ICSI, was determined using TL imaging. Kinetic markers like time to syngamy (t-pnf), t2, time to two cells (c), 3c (t3), 4c (t4), 5c (t5), 8c (t8), tMor, CC2, CC3, t5–t2, t5–t4, s1, s2, and s3 were calculated. The cleavage synchronicity from the 2–8 cell stage (CS2–8), from 4 to 8 cell stage (CS4–8), and from 2 to 4 cell stage (CS2–4) were calculated as defined elsewhere. Deoxyribonucleic acid replication time ratio (DR) was also included in the comparison. Analysis of variance test was used for comparison of the mean timing of cell division and cell cycle intervals.ResultsMorphokinetics t-pnf, t2, t8, CC2, S2, S3, CS2–8, CS4–8, and CS2–4 differed significantly between embryos with and without implantation potential, when embryos were developed using fresh semen, while t3, t4, t5, CC2, S2, t5–t2, CS2–4, and DR differed significantly between the embryos with and without implantation potential when frozen semen was used. No significant difference was found in mean value of any of the above-stated parameters when comparison was done between implanted embryos fertilized by either fresh or cryopreserved sperm.ConclusionMany morphokinetics parameters of embryogenesis vary significantly between embryos with different ability to implant; therefore, the criteria developed in our IVF lab can be useful for selection of suitable embryo even at day 3 of development with more chances of implantation.Clinical significanceStudy indicates necessity of development of individualized selection model based on morphokinetics for every IVF lab and also confirms freezing as an important tool for fertility preservation of males as it does not affect events of embryogenesis.How to cite this articleBhadarka HK, Patel NH, Patel KB, Sodagar NR, Jadeja YD, Patel NH, Patel MN, Patel AV, Patel DH, Patel JS. Study of Morphokinetics in Day 3 Embryo with Implantation Potential and Effect of Sperm Cryopreservation on Embryogenesis. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2017;8(2):61-67.</jats:sec
Embryo genome profiling by single-cell sequencing for successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis in a family harboring COL4A1 c.1537G>A; p.G513S mutation
No full textCONTEXT: Genetic profiling of embryos (also known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis) before implantation has dramatically enhanced the success quotient of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in recent times. The technology helps in avoiding selective pregnancy termination since the baby is likely to be free of the disease under consideration. AIM: Screening of embryos free from c.1537G>A; p.G513S mutation within the COL4A1 gene for which the father was known in before be in heterozygous condition. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Processing of trophectoderm biopsies was done from twelve embryos for c.1537G>A; p.G513S mutation within the COL4A1 gene. DNA extracted from isolated cells were subjected to whole genome amplification using an isothermal amplification and strand displacement technology. Oligonucleotide primers bracketing the mutation were synthesized and used to amplify 162 base pairs (bp) polymerase chain reaction amplicons originating from each embryo which were subsequently sequenced to detect the presence or absence of the single base polymorphism. RESULTS: Three out of 12 embryos interrogated in this study were found to be normal while 9 were found to harbor the mutation in heterozygous condition. Implantation of one of the normal embryos following by chorionic villus sampling at 11 th week of pregnancy indicated that the baby was free from c.1537G>A; p.G513S mutation within the COL4A1 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Single-cell sequencing is a helpful tool for preimplantation embryo profiling. This is the first report from India describing the birth of a normal child through IVF procedure where a potential pathogenic COL4A1 allele was avoided using this technology
A CASE REPORT ON PSORIASIS VULGARIS WITH KNOWN CASE OF REITERS'S SYNDROME AND PSORIASIS ARTHRITIS WITH SPLEENOMEGALY AND HERPES PROGENITALIS
No full textPsoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease with systemic dermatosis characterized by hyperproliferation and inflammation of the skin. Psoriasis Arthritis (PsA) is arthropathy which includes numerous “domains”, such as axial disease, peripheral arthritis, enthesis’s, dactylitis, and skin or nail disease. Reiter’s syndrome also known as reactive arthritis, is the classic triad of conjunctivitis, urethritis, and arthritis occurring after an infection. Splenomegaly is enlargement of the spleen measured by size or weight. Herpes progenitalis is sexually transmitted infection which is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) or herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The patient had multiple disease conditions. Despite on standard therapy with Methotrexate and topical corticosteroids and other symptomatic relieving agents the patient was unable to recover, leading to disease progression. Hence, it becomes necessary to evaluate the balance between benefits and risks of therapeutic agents, while developing strategies on how to fill up the gaps between characteristics of any individual patient along with presence of complex disease related aspects.Corresponding Author
Priyancy Patel
Department of Pharmacy
Practice, Parul Institute of
Pharmacy & Research, Parul
University, Vadodara,
Gujarat, Indi
Blood Donor notification and counseling of reactive test result in Blood Bank of South Gujarat: A better approach to prevent reactive donors from donating blood again
No full textBackground: Besides all other measures like predonation donor screening and testing for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) on donated blood, another tool for preventing disease transmission by transfusion is to inform and counsel reactive donors about the status of TTIs reactivity and prevent them for donating blood in future.
Materials and Methods: The present observational study was carried out in blood bank of Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion at a Tertiary Care Government Hospital in South Gujarat over a period of 3 years involving total 25,020 donors including 353 reactive donors. The reactive donors were informed by the blood bank counselor about an abnormal test result with an advice to report to the blood bank for one-to-one counseling and repeat testing, as well as for referral to the respective department/integrated counseling and testing center/sexually transmitted disease clinics of the hospital for further management. The response rate of TTIs reactive donors after notification of their abnormal test results was evaluated.
Results: Of the 353 TTIs marker-reactive donors, 320 (90.65%) reactive donors could be contacted and of which 261 (81.56%) responded positively to the notification calls and attended counseling at the blood bank and 59 (18.44%) informed donors did not respond at all.
Conclusions: In the study, due to incorrect or changed contact details, 33 (9.35%) reactive donors could not be contacted and among 59 nonresponded reactive donors, the major reasons were donor's busy schedule, out of city residence, and not willing to visit the blood bank again
Comparative Evaluation of the Tensile Bond Strength of Custom and Pre-Fabricated Posts - An in Vitro Study
No full textAim: To evaluate the effect of cyclic loading on the tensile bond strength and retention of custom ‑fabricated cast posts, prefabricated metal posts and glass fiber posts.
Materials and Method: Thirty extracted human maxillary central incisors were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and randomly divided into three groups (n=10). Specimens were instrumented and obturated. Twenty four hours after obturation, post space was prepared upto no. 5 Peeso Reamer. Groups A, B and C were restored using custom cast post and core, Para Post (Whale dent) and Reforpost (Angelus) respectively thereafter. Five specimens from each group were subjected to cyclic loading. Tensile bond strength (TBS) of teeth before and after cyclic loading was evaluated.
Results: For both, with and without loading, Groups A and B were not significantly different from each other but Group C was significantly different from Groups A and B. The results indicated that cyclic loading reduces retention potential of all three types of post, but it was minimum in group C.
Conclusions: Cyclic loading reduced the retention of all posts but was comparatively lesser for the glass fiber post. This system provides sufficient retention required for clinical success
THE STUDY OF PLATELET VOLUME INDICES IN PLATELET APHAERESIS PROCEDURE: AN EXPERIENCE OF 271 PLATELET APHAERESIS PROCEDURES
Full text linkBackground: Platelet activity can be assessed by platelet volume indices like MPV, PDW & P-LCR.
Aim: To develop an approach in blood bank professional, a habit of looking at platelet indices in hematology analyzer report of aphaeresis donors & QC samples of platelet aphaeresis products.
Methods and materials: A retrospective data analysis was done for 271 platelet aphaeresis procedures conducted on CS3000 plus with AMS cell separator, Fenwal, USA& COM.TEC, Fresenius Kabi, Germany. Samples of the donors were collected before aphaeresis & 1 to 2 ml sample from each bag was collected in the satellite pouch attached to bag & analysis was done on day 0 & day 7. Platelet parameters were measured on automated hematology analyzers SYSMEX KX-21 & Horiba Micros 60.Statistical analysis: Statistical analysis was done by calculating ‘r value’ & a paired t test at 95 % confidence interval. A P value of <0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: The mean platelet yield was 3.39±0.88 x 1011/unit. The platelet yield correlated negatively with MPV, PDW and PLCR (r value -0.224, -0.045 & -0.159 respectively for correlation between MPV, PDW & PLCR with the yield, P <0.0001).The mean values of PVI of SDP were significantly smaller than that of donor pre-donation samples (paired t test P value < 0.05).The size of stored single donor platelet on day 7 were significantly larger than that of day 0 (P value < 0.05).
Conclusion: The platelet indices are useful to study - selectively smaller platelet separation by automated cell separators, storage lesions & yield prediction
A novel role of C-terminus in introducing a functionally flexible structure critical for the biological activity of botulinum neurotoxin
No full textAbstractBotulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is responsible for botulism, a clinical condition resulting in flaccid muscle paralysis and potentially death. The light chain is responsible for its intracellular toxicity through its endopeptidase activity. Available crystal structures of BoNT/A light chains (LCA) are based on various truncated versions (tLCA) of the full-length LCA (fLCA) and do not necessarily reflect the true structure of LCA in solution. The understanding of the mechanism of action, longevity of intoxication, and an improved development of endopeptidase inhibitors are dependent on first having a better insight into the structure of LCA in solution. Using an array of biophysical techniques, we report that the fLCA structure is significantly more flexible than tLCA in solution, which may be responsible for its dramatically higher enzymatic activity. This seems to be achieved by a much stronger, more rapid binding to substrate (SNAP-25) of the fLCA compared to tLCA. These results suggest that the C-terminus of LCA plays a critical role in introducing a flexible structure, which is essential for its biological function. This is the first report of such a massive structural role of the C-terminus of a protein being critical for maintaining a functional state.</jats:p
Partial phenotyping in voluntary blood donors of Gujarat State
No full textIntroduction: Partial phenotyping of voluntary blood donors has vital role in transfusion practice, population genetic study and in resolving legal issues.The Rh blood group is one of the most complex and highly immunogenic blood group known in humans. The Kell system, discovered in 1946, is the third most potent system at triggering hemolytic transfusion reactions and consists of 25 highly immunogenic antigens. Knowledge of Rh & Kell phenotypes in given population is relevant for better planning and management of blood bank; the main goal is to find compatible blood for patients needing multiple blood transfusions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of Rh & Kell phenotype of voluntary donors in Gujarat state. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted by taking 5670 samples from random voluntary blood donors coming in blood donation camp. Written consent was taken for donor phenotyping. The antigen typing of donors was performed by Qwalys-3(manufacturer: Diagast) by using electromagnetic technology on Duolys plates. Results: Out of 5670 donors, the most common Rh antigen observed in the study population was e (99.07%) followed by D (95.40%), C (88.77%), c (55.89%) and E (17.88%). The frequency of the Kell antigen (K) was 1.78 %. Discussion: The antigen frequencies among blood donors from Gujarat were compared with those published for other Indian populations. The frequency of D antigen in our study (95.4%) and north Indian donors (93.6) was significantly higher than in the Caucasians (85%) and lower than in the Chinese (99%). The frequencies of C, c and E antigens were dissimilar to other ethnic groups while the ′e′ antigen was present in high frequency in our study as also in the other ethnic groups. Kell antigen (K) was found in only 101 (1.78 %) donors out of 5670. Frequency of Kell antigen in Caucasian and Black populations is 9% & 2% respectively. The most common Kell phenotype was K-k+, not just in Indians (96.5%) but also in Caucasians (91%), Blacks (98%) and Chinese (100%). Conclusion: Phenotype and probable genotype showed wide range of variations in different races and religion. Reliable population based frequency data of Rh & Kell antigens has vital role in population genetic study, in resolving medico legal issues and in transfusion practice
Optimization of HPTLC densitometric method for curcuminoids and polyphenolics in an ayurvedic Emblica officinalis and Curcuma longa based Nishamalaki formulation by Box-Behnken design
No full text719-728The present study focuses on developing a simplified, specific, and accurate high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for the quantitative and qualitative determination of ellagic acid, gallic acid, and curcuminoids (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin) in Nishamalaki Ayurvedic formulation. Pre-coated silica gel 60 F254 aluminum-backed plates were used as the stationary phase in the chromatographic technique development, and the optimized mobile phase was toluene: dichloromethane: glacial acetic acid: formic acid (6:4:1.6:0.9% v/v/v/v) with double development in linear ascending mode. The detection wavelength for quantification for ellagic and gallic acid was 280 nm, and curcuminoids (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin) were 430 nm. The optimized mobile phase showed optimum separation between peaks for ellagic acid, gallic acid, and curcuminoids (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin) at RF of 0.12±0.02, 0.21±0.02, 0.55±0.02, 0.69±0.02 and 0.82±0.02 respectively. Chromatographic conditions were optimized using the Box-Behnken design. Various variables, such as, the volume of formic acid and glacial acetic acid, and chamber saturation time, that are likely to impact RF were identified for further optimization. The volume of glacial acetic acid may be regarded as a critical method parameter, which caused the greatest change in the RF value and was the important factor among the three factors. The linear range was 600-1800 ng/band for all markers (r2 greater than 0.98). The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) measured indicated the method’s sensitivity. For all markers, the recovery percentage reveal acceptable accuracy, and the method was repeatable and reproducible from precision measurements with less than a 2% relative standard deviation. The optimized method was precise, specific, accurate, robust and reproducible for quantifying ellagic acid, gallic acid, and curcuminoids (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin) in the quality-control testing of botanical extract along with Nishamalaki ayurvedic formulation
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