A Suggestive Diagnostic Technique For Early Identification Of Acyanotic Heart Disorders From Infant’s Cry

Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) are the critical heart disorders that can be observed at the birth stage of the infants. These are classified mainly into two, Cyanotic and Acyanotic. The present paper concentrates on the Acyanotic heart disorders. Acyanotic heart disorder cannot be observed on external checkup, whereas bluish skin is the indication for the infant affected with Cyanotic disorder. Acyanotic heart disorder can only be diagnosed using chest X-Ray, ECG, Echocardiogram, Cardiac Catheterization and MRI of the Heart. The present work aims at estimating the fundamental frequency (pitch) and the vocal tract resonant frequencies (formants) from the cry signal of the infants. The pitch frequency and formant frequencies are estimated using frequency domain (Cepstrum) and Linear Prediction Code (LPC) methods. The results show that the fundamental frequency of the cry signal was between 600Hz-800Hz for the infants with Acyanotic heart disorders. This fundamental frequency helps in identifying Acyanotic heart disorders at an early stage

Development of Poly (Ester Amide-Urethanes) from De-saturated Thevetia peruviana Seed Oil-FAMEs

This study present the synthesis of eco-friendly poly(ester amide-urethane) coating from Thevetia peruviana seed oil (TPSO). FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral analyses were used in confirming the structure of compounds. Physico-chemical properties of desaturated N,N'-bis (2- hydroxyethyl) Thevetia peruviana seed oil fatty amide (DHETA), poly(ester amide) (PESA) and poly(ester amide urethanes) (PESAU), as well as chemical resistance, antibacterial studies and thermal analysis of PESAU were also examined. Aims: To evaluate the thermal stability and antibacterial activities of PESAU. Study Design: Extraction of seed oil from the air-dried seedlings of Thevetia peruviana seeds and preparation of polyol through urea fractionation. Followed by urethane synthesis using 4,4'- diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane (H12MDI). Result: The 46.4 g ICI/100g Iodine value (I.V.) of the amide (DHETA) base polyol was reduced to 10.5 g ICI/100 g value for the urethane (PESAU). The zero percent value for PESAU hydroxyl value (H.V.) is an indication of complete reaction of the hydroxyl functional groups on PESA with H12MDI. Spectroscopic examinations carried out confirm the formation of synthesized compounds. Conclusion: The synthesized urethane (PESAU) shows excellent inhibitive activities against tested organisms

Thermal Stability and Antibacterial Activity of a Newly Prepared Organic Coating from a De-saturated Seed Oil of Thevetia Peruviana

Air drying polyesteramide-urethanes resins were synthesized from de-saturated fatty methyl ester (FAME) of Thevetia peruviana seed oil commonly known as Yellow oleanda (a tropical ornamental shrub) having about 68.8% unsaturated and 30.9% saturated fatty acids. Urea fractionation method was used to optimize the percentage of functional groups (in this case double bonds) by physio-sorption of the saturated fatty acids. The physico-chemical characterization of the optimized unsaturated FAME such as hydroxyl value, iodine value, saponification value, refractive index, inherent viscosity were carried out using standard methods. Through condensation reaction the N,N- bis(2-hydroxyethyl) Thevetia peruviana (HETA) prepared from the FAME react with isophthalic acid to form polyesteramide. The latter undergo urethanation with H1 • 2 MDI. The structural elucidation of the moisture cured polyesteramide-urethane urethane coating was based on FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic methods. The coatings films were evaluated for its antibacterial activity and thermal stability properties on TGA and DSC. SEM of the coating films was also examine

Optimización mediante el diseño Box Behnken del proceso de extracción con dióxido de carbono supercrítico (SC-CO2) de aceite de germen de trigo en relación al rendimiento, contenido de fósforo y tocoles

The supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction technique has emerged as one of the best possible alternatives to organic solvent (hexane) extraction. However, very limited information is available on process optimization for this extraction technique and the lack of available engineering data is causing the slow growth of this technique. In the present investigation, SC-CO2 extraction was carried out to extract the oil from wheat germ under various operating conditions and the oil samples were characterized for properties such as phosphorous and tocol contents (vitamin E). A three-level Box Behnken design from response surface methodology was applied to optimize the SC-CO2 extraction parameters such as pressure, temperature and CO2 flow rate with an objective to obtain high oil yield, rich tocol contents and low phosphorous content. The process parameters were maintained between 30 to 50 MPa, 40 to 60 °C and a flow rate of 10 to 30 g·min-1 in a Box Behnken design matrix. Three different second order polynomial models were obtained for oil yield, phosphorous content and tocol contents with high R2 values. The optimum conditions were found to be 50 M Pa, 60 °C and 30 g·min-1 where the predicted oil yield, phosphorous content and tocol contents were found to be 8.87%, 31.86 mg·Kg-1 and 2059.92 mg·Kg-1 respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the experimental oil yield, phosphorous content and tocol contents obtained were found to be very close to the values predicted by the model.La técnica de extracción mediante dióxido de carbono supercrítico (SC-CO2) ha surgido como una de las mejores alternativas posibles a la extracción con solventes orgánicos (hexano). Sin embargo, se dispone de información muy limitada sobre la optimización del proceso y la falta de disponibilidad de datos de ingeniería es la causa del lento crecimiento de esta técnica. En la presente investigación, la extracción con SC-CO2 se llevó a cabo para obtener aceite de germen de trigo en diversas condiciones operacionales. Los aceites se caracterizaron mediante sus contenidos en fósforo y tocoles (vitamina E). Se aplicó el diseño Box Behnken de tres niveles a partir de la metodología de superficie de respuesta para optimizar los parámetros de la extracción, presión, temperatura y flujo de CO2 para obtener un alto rendimiento de aceite, alto contenido de tocoles y bajo contenido de fósforo. Los parámetros del proceso se mantuvieron entre 30 - 50 MPa, de 40 a 60 °C y de 10 a 30 g·min-1 de caudal de CO2 en la matriz de diseño Box Behnken. Se obtuvieron tres modelos polinomiales de segundo orden diferentes para rendimiento de aceite, contenido de fósforo y contenido de tocoles, con altos valores de R2. Las condiciones óptimas fueron: 50 M Pa, 60 °C y 30 g·min-1 donde el rendimiento de aceite, el contenido de fósforo y el contenido de tocoles previstos fueron 8.87%, 31,86 mg·Kg-1 y 2059,92 mg·Kg-1 respectivamente. Bajo las condiciones óptimas, el rendimiento de aceite, el contenido de fósforo y el contenido de tocoles presentaron valores muy cercanos a los predichos por el modelo

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyamide-Urethane/Clay Nanocomposites from Yellow Oleanda (Thevetia Peruviana) Seed Oil

Thevetia peruviana commonly known as yellow oleanda or lucky nut seed oil was harvested in EmureEkiti, southwestern Nigeria. The extraction of the seed oil was carried out using n-hexane in a soxhlet extractor. The seed oil with high contents of 18:1 (48.24%), 16:0 (22.25%), 18:2 (19.76%) fatty acids and having the following physico-chemical parameters (I.V, 75.4; S.V, 192.5; P. V, 1.9; A.V, 2.0; specific gravity, 0.91175; density, 0.90905. The seed oil was used in the preparation of diethanolamide. The diethanolamide was subsequently used in the preparation of polyurethane/clay nanocomposite. The formation of the hybrid polymeric coating was monitored and confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (Ff-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (IH-NMR and 13C-NMR), Electronspin ionization-mass spectroscopy (ESIMS), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The thermal stability of the product was studied by Thermal gravimetic analyser (TGA), Dynamic and mechanical thermal analyser (DMTA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

Metastability and Transient Effects in Vortex Matter Near a Decoupling Transition

We examine metastable and transient effects both above and below the first-order decoupling line in a 3D simulation of magnetically interacting pancake vortices. We observe pronounced transient and history effects as well as supercooling and superheating between the 3D coupled, ordered and 2D decoupled, disordered phases. In the disordered supercooled state as a function of DC driving, reordering occurs through the formation of growing moving channels of the ordered phase. No channels form in the superheated region; instead the ordered state is homogeneously destroyed. When a sequence of current pulses is applied we observe memory effects. We find a ramp rate dependence of the V(I) curves on both sides of the decoupling transition. The critical current that we obtain depends on how the system is prepared.Comment: 10 pages, 15 postscript figures, version to appear in PR

Current progress on removal of recalcitrance coloured particles from anaerobically treated effluent using coagulation–flocculation

The palm oil industry is the most important agro industries in Malaysia and most of the mills adopt anaerobic digestion as their primary treatment for palm oil mill effluent (POME). Due to the public concern, decolourisation of anaerobically treated POME (AnPOME) is becoming a great concern. Presence of recalcitrant-coloured particles hinders biological processes and coagulation–flocculation may able to remove these coloured particles. Several types of inorganic and polymers-based coagulant/flocculant aids for coagulation–flocculation of AnPOME have been reviewed. Researchers are currently interested in using natural coagulant and flocculant aids. Modification of the properties of natural coagulant and flocculant aids enhanced coagulation–flocculation performance. Modelling and optimization of the coagulation–flocculation process have also been reviewed. Chemical sludge has the potential for plant growth that can be evaluated through pot trials and phytotoxicity test

Withanolides and related steroids

Since the isolation of the first withanolides in the mid-1960s, over 600 new members of this group of compounds have been described, with most from genera of the plant family Solanaceae. The basic structure of withaferin A, a C28 ergostane with a modified side chain forming a δ-lactone between carbons 22 and 26, was considered for many years the basic template for the withanolides. Nowadays, a considerable number of related structures are also considered part of the withanolide class; among them are those containing γ-lactones in the side chain that have come to be at least as common as the δ-lactones. The reduced versions (γ and δ-lactols) are also known. Further structural variations include modified skeletons (including C27 compounds), aromatic rings and additional rings, which may coexist in a single plant species. Seasonal and geographical variations have also been described in the concentration levels and types of withanolides that may occur, especially in the Jaborosa and Salpichroa genera, and biogenetic relationships among those withanolides may be inferred from the structural variations detected. Withania is the parent genus of the withanolides and a special section is devoted to the new structures isolated from species in this genus. Following this, all other new structures are grouped by structural types. Many withanolides have shown a variety of interesting biological activities ranging from antitumor, cytotoxic and potential cancer chemopreventive effects, to feeding deterrence for several insects as well as selective phytotoxicity towards monocotyledoneous and dicotyledoneous species. Trypanocidal, leishmanicidal, antibacterial, and antifungal activities have also been reported. A comprehensive description of the different activities and their significance has been included in this chapter. The final section is devoted to chemotaxonomic implications of withanolide distribution within the Solanaceae. Overall, this chapter covers the advances in the chemistry and biology of withanolides over the last 16 years.Fil: Misico, Rosana Isabel. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos Aplicados a la Química Orgánica (i); ArgentinaFil: Nicotra, V.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Química Orgánica; ArgentinaFil: Oberti, Juan Carlos María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Química Orgánica; ArgentinaFil: Barboza, Gloria Estela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Gil, Roberto Ricardo. University Of Carnegie Mellon; Estados UnidosFil: Burton, Gerardo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos Aplicados a la Química Orgánica (i); Argentin

Restoration of Podocyte Structure and Improvement of Chronic Renal Disease in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Renin

Proteinuria is a major marker of the decline of renal function and an important risk factor of coronary heart disease. Elevated proteinuria is associated to the disruption of slit-diaphragm and loss of podocyte foot processes, structural alterations that are considered irreversible. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether proteinuria can be reversed and to identify the structural modifications and the gene/protein regulation associated to this reversal.We used a novel transgenic strain of mouse (RenTg) that overexpresses renin at a constant high level. At the age of 12-month, RenTg mice showed established lesions typical of chronic renal disease such as peri-vascular and periglomerular inflammation, glomerular ischemia, glomerulosclerosis, mesangial expansion and tubular dilation. Ultrastructural analysis indicated abnormal heterogeneity of basement membrane thickness and disappearance of podocyte foot processes. These structural alterations were accompanied by decreased expressions of proteins specific of podocyte (nephrin, podocin), or tubular epithelial cell (E-cadherin and megalin) integrity. In addition, since TGFbeta is considered the major pro-fibrotic agent in renal disease and since exogenous administration of BMP7 is reported to antagonize the TGFbeta-induced phenotype changes in kidney, we have screened the expressions of several genes belonging in the TGFbeta/BMP superfamily. We found that the endogenous inhibitors of BMPs such as noggin and Usag-1 were several-fold activated inhibiting the action of BMPs and thus reinforcing the deleterious action of TGFbeta.Treatment with an AT1 receptor antagonist, at dose that did not decrease arterial pressure, gradually reduced albuminuria. This decrease was accompanied by re-expression of podocin, nephrin, E-cadherin and megalin, and reappearance of podocyte foot processes. In addition, expressions of noggin and Usag-1 were markedly decreased, permitting thus activation of the beneficial action of BMPs.These findings show that proteinuria and alterations in the expression of proteins involved in the integrity and function of glomerular and renal epithelial phenotype are reversible events when the local action of angiotensin II is blocked, and provide hope that chronic renal disease can be efficiently treated

Quercetin and Allopurinol Ameliorate Kidney Injury in STZ-Treated Rats with Regulation of Renal NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Lipid Accumulation

Hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia and inflammation are associated with diabetic nephropathy. The NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation is recently recognized in the development of kidney injury. Urate and lipid are considered as danger signals in the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Although dietary flavonoid quercetin and allopurinol alleviate hyperuricemia, dyslipidmia and inflammation, their nephroprotective effects are currently unknown. In this study, we used streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy model with hyperuricemia and dyslipidemia in rats, and found over-expression of renal inflammasome components NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein and Caspase-1, resulting in elevation of IL-1β and IL-18, with subsequently deteriorated renal injury. These findings demonstrated the possible association between renal NLRP3 inflammasome activation and lipid accumulation to superimpose causes of nephrotoxicity in STZ-treated rats. The treatment of quercetin and allopurinol regulated renal urate transport-related proteins to reduce hyperuricemia, and lipid metabolism-related genes to alleviate kidney lipid accumulation in STZ-treated rats. Furthermore, quercetin and allopurinol were found to suppress renal NLRP3 inflammasome activation, at least partly, via their anti-hyperuricemic and anti-dyslipidemic effects, resulting in the amelioration of STZ-induced the superimposed nephrotoxicity in rats. These results may provide a basis for the prevention of diabetes-associated nephrotoxicity with urate-lowering agents such as quercetin and allopurinol