ABSTRACT
Aim: In this study, effectiveness of alkali pretreatment of banana pseudostem for the production of biobutanol by fermentation using Clostridium sporogenes under strict anaerobic conditions was studied. Methodology: Banana pseudostem was pretreated by alkali soaking at constant temperature (30, 50 and 70°C) and concentration of 0.25 to 2% (w/v) at solid to liquid ratio of 1:10 for 24 hr to depolymerize the lignocellulosic biomass. Further to increase delignification, the alkali soaked samples were subjected to thermal treatment at 121°C for 15 min. The hydrolysates were subjected to acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation using Clostridium sporogenes to produce butanol. Results: Maximum delignification of 92% was obtained at 30°C soaking temperature with 2% NaOH (w/v). Increase in temperature led to increase in delignification but also resulted in reduced recovery of cellulose. Maximum glucose yield of 524 mg g-1 glucan was obtained from the pretreated biomass. Fermentation of hydrolysate obtained from alkali soaking pretreatment by C. sporogenes under anaerobic condition resulted in 10.12 g l-1 of butanol with a yield of 0.326 g g-1 of total sugar consumed and it was much higher compared to untreated biomass. Interpretation: Alkali soaking pretreatment at 30°C and alkali concentration of 1.5% (w/v) was effective to depolymerize the biomass to obtain maximum sugar and butanol yield from banana pseudostem. Thermal treatment was not effective in increasing the production of butanol due to pseudo lignin formation and presence of inhibitors.
ABSTRACT
Background: Early assessment of the oral health status of children has the potential to reduce or even eliminate oral diseases. Paediatricians are considered a perfect and reliable source for oral health control and prevention. In dentistry, clinical practice is directed towards attitudes that promote oral health and the paediatricians occupy a privileged position in this process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and awareness of paediatricians in the prevention of dental caries in 3 district quarters, India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 123 registered paediatricians in Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) Karnataka directory and digest 2011-2013, Karnataka society. Out of which, 42 did not participate as their email address were not available. 29 sets of questions were mailed to all 81 paediatricians. Results: The response rate of the survey was 90% (70 out of 81), a total of 59% felt that the frequency of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in their O.P.D was at least once a week. 51% responded that bacteria causing dental caries cannot be transmitted between mother and child. 53% felt that 1 year would be ideal for first dental visit. 64% of pediatricians were not aware that fluoride dentifrices and dental sealants will prevent dental caries. Conclusions: In general, pediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes and awareness regarding oral health and prevention of dental caries was not satisfactory. It is essential to develop oral health information programs to pediatricians.
ABSTRACT
Although the terms lateral secondary and accessory canals are often used interchangeably they mean different things. The accessory canal is derived from the secondary canal branching off to the periodontal ligament in apical sections. Different methodology was used to study the accessory canals. Decalcification method appeared to the important in studying the accessory canals as compared to digital radiography and histological sectioning.