A Rare Case of Renal Tubular Acidosis (type 1 Distal) in Pregnancy

Distal renal tubular acidosis (type 1 RTA) is associated with systemic non-anion gap metabolic acidosis. It is predominantly due to impaired hydrogen ion secretion and impaired bicarbonate reabsorption in the distal nephrons of the kidney. RTA is rarely encountered during pregnancy and is associated with potential risks for the mother and fetus due to alterations in maternal acid-base status and electrolytes. Anesthetic management aims to ensure the well-being of the mother and fetus. We report, the anesthetic management of a 28-year-old, full-term G4P0A3 (gravida 4, para 0 and abortions 3) female with distal renal tubular acidosis (type 1 RTA) with recurrent history of familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis in the background of ultrasonography detected morphological disorder of both the kidneys and hypothyroidism who was posted for emergency LSCS

Genetic Algorithm Based Feature Selection In a Recognition Scheme Using Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Techniques

The problem of feature selection consists of finding a significant feature subset of input training as well as test patterns that enable to describe all information required to classify a particular pattern. In present paper we focus in this particular problem which plays a key role in machine learning problems. In fact, before building a model for feature selection, our goal is to identify and to reject the features that degrade the classification performance of a classifier. This is especially true when the available input feature space is very large, and need exists to develop an efficient searching algorithm to combine these features spaces to a few significant one which are capable to represent that particular class. Presently, authors have described two approaches for combining the large feature spaces to efficient numbers using Genetic Algorithm and Fuzzy Clustering techniques. Finally the classification of patterns has been achieved using adaptive neuro-fuzzy techniques. The aim of entire work is to implement the recognition scheme for classification of tumor lesions appearing in human brain as space occupying lesions identified by CT and MR images. A part of the work has been presented in this paper. The proposed model indicates a promising direction for adaptation in a changing environment

Wastewater sludge management options for Honduras

Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2009.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-50).Sludge management is a fundamental area of concern across wastewater treatment systems in Honduras. The lack of timely sludge removal has led to declining plant performance in many facilities throughout the country. In addition to maintaining treatment efficiency, proper sludge management is important for mitigating pathogen levels and providing opportunities for safe beneficial reuse of biosolids. Based on analyses of data collected at waste stabilization ponds in the municipalities of Puerto Cortes and La Lima, sludge was characterized with respect to quantities generated (accumulation rates) and quality (helminths and heavy metals content). A review was conducted of appropriate sludge treatment technologies including sludge drying beds, alkaline stabilization, acid stabilization, anaerobic digestion, and composting. These options were evaluated based on a set of selected criteria. Anaerobic digestion, alkaline stabilization, and composting were all found to be suitable methods of sludge treatment. Alkaline stabilization and composting are well suited to facilities with sufficient land. Anaerobic digestion was recommended for areas with land constraints. Treated biosolids can be beneficially used within the community and/or at a regional scale. Potential regional end-uses include soil amendment in agriculture and forestry, or for land reclamation of mined lands. Public participation and acceptance is essential for the success of a biosolids reuse program. Potential strategies for engaging the community and addressing public concerns regarding biosolids were identified.by Mahua Bhattacharya.M.Eng

Sources of sedimentary PAHs in tropical Asian waters: differentiation between pyrogenic and petrogenic sources by alkyl homolog abundance

We collected surface sediment samples from 174 locations in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines and analyzed them for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and hopanes. PAHs were widely distributed in the sediments, with comparatively higher concentrations in urban areas (∑PAHs: ∼1000 to ∼100 000 ng/g-dry) than in rural areas (∼10 to ∼100 g-dry), indicating large sources of PAHs in urban areas. To distinguish petrogenic and pyrogenic sources of PAHs, we calculated the ratios of alkyl PAHs to parent PAHs: methylphenanthrenes to phenanthrene (MP/P), methylpyrenes + methylfluoranthenes to pyrene + fluoranthene (MPy/Py), and methylchrysenes + methylbenz[a]anthracenes to chrysene + benz[a]anthracene (MC/C). Analysis of source materials (crude oil, automobile exhaust, and coal and wood combustion products) gave thresholds of MP/P = 0.4, MPy/Py = 0.5, and MC/C = 1.0 for exclusive combustion origin. All the combustion product samples had the ratios of alkyl PAHs to parent PAHs below these threshold values. Contributions of petrogenic and pyrogenic sources to the sedimentary PAHs were uneven among the homologs: the phenanthrene series had a greater petrogenic contribution, whereas the chrysene series had a greater pyrogenic contribution. All the Indian sediments showed a strong pyrogenic signature with MP/P ≈ 0.5, MPy/Py ≈ 0.1, and MC/C ≈ 0.2, together with depletion of hopanes indicating intensive inputs of combustion products of coal and/or wood, probably due to the heavy dependence on these fuels as sources of energy. In contrast, sedimentary PAHs from all other tropical Asian cities were abundant in alkylated PAHs with MP/P ≈ 1–4, MPy/Py ≈ 0.3–1, and MC/C ≈ 0.2–1.0, suggesting a ubiquitous input of petrogenic PAHs. Petrogenic contributions to PAH homologs varied among the countries: largest in Malaysia whereas inferior in Laos. The higher abundance of alkylated PAHs together with constant hopane profiles suggests widespread inputs of automobile-derived petrogenic PAHs to Asian waters