Alterações leucocitárias ocasionadas pelo estresse toxicológico agudo do óleo diesel em juvenis de tilápia-do-nilo / Change in leukocyte by acute toxicological stress of diesel oil in juveniles of Nile tilapia

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o estresse e as alterações no leucograma dos juvenis de Oreochromis niloticus submetidos à toxicidade aguda do óleo diesel. A toxicidade foi avaliada em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco diluições (20, 25, 30, 35 e 40%) e um controle, ambos com três repetições. Para a avaliação dos níveis glicêmicos e alteração no leucograma, foi retirado sangue por punção caudal dos peixes moribundos. Dessa forma, conclui-se que o óleo diesel pode apresentar riscos ao ecossistema aquático, provocando toxicidade aos organismos aquáticos e alterações fisiológicas.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the stress and changes in white blood cell count of juveniles Oreochromis niloticus subjected to acute toxicity of diesel oil. The toxicity was evaluated in a completely randomized design with five dilutions (20, 25, 30, 35 and 40%) and one control, both with three replicates. For the assessment of blood glucose levels and changes in white blood cell count, blood was drawn by caudal puncture of the dying fish. It was concluded that diesel oil can present risks to aquatic ecosystem, causing toxicity and physiological changes to fish.(AU)

Potencial de produção de biodiesel com espécies oleaginosas nativas de Rondônia, Brasil / Potential of biodiesel production with oil seed native species from Rondônia, Brazil

The plan for sustainable use of Forest Products, especially the native oil seed species, has the function of maintaining the forest, environmental conservation and income production in rural communities. Thus, this paper aimed to evaluate the potential production of biodiesel from native oil seed species. For the identification, five oil seed species sampling units were selected in areas with primary forest using the Fixed Area method. The extraction of oil from oil seed species was carried out and those with higher levels of lipids were used for the production of biodiesel. The results showed that species andiroba (Carapa guianensis), babassu (Orbignya phalerata), Brasil nut (Bertholletia excelsa), "tucumã-do-Amazonas" (Astrocaryum tucuma) all of them have potential for biodiesel production. Especially "tucumã-do-Amazonas" for its high level of lipids (21.5%) and the quality of the produced biodiesel. In addition, there was already a trade for this oil seed in the region. However, it becomes essential to study the productive chain of these species as a strategy to minimize the loss of native vegetation and maintaining the environmental function of the areas to be explored.

O plano de utilização sustentável de Produtos Florestais, especialmente as espécies oleaginosas nativas tem como função a manutenção da floresta, a preservação do meio ambiente e a geração de renda em comunidades rurais. Neste sentido, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a potencialidade de produção de biodiesel a partir de espécies oleaginosas nativas do estado de Rondônia. Para a identificação das espécies oleaginosas foram selecionadas cinco unidades amostrais em áreas com mata primária com o auxílio do método da Área Fixa. A extração do óleo das espécies oleaginosas foi realizada e aquelas com maior teor de lipídeos foram usadas para a produção de biodiesel. Os resultados mostraram que as espécies andiroba (Carapa guianensis), babaçu (Orbignya phalerata), castanha do Brasil (Bertholletia excelsa), tucumã-do-Amazonas (Astrocaryum tucuma) possuem potencial de produção de biodiesel. Especialmente o tucumã-do-Amazonas, por seu alto teor de lipídios (21,5%) e a qualidade do biodiesel produzido. Além disso, já havia um comércio para esta oleaginosa na região. Entretanto, torna-se imprescindível o estudo da cadeia produtiva destas espécies como estratégia para minimização na perda da cobertura vegetal nativa e na manutenção da função ambiental das áreas a serem exploradas.

GPo1 alkB gene expression for improvement of the degradation of diesel oil by a bacterial consortium

To facilitate the biodegradation of diesel oil, an oil biodegradation bacterial consortium was constructed. The alkane hydroxylase (alkB) gene of Pseudomonas putida GPo1 was constructed in a pCom8 expression vector, and the pCom8-GPo1 alkB plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α. The AlkB protein was expressed by diesel oil induction and detected through SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The culture of the recombinant (pCom8-GPo1 alkB/E. coli DH5α) with the oil biodegradation bacterial consortium increased the degradation ratio of diesel oil at 24 h from 31% to 50%, and the facilitation rates were increased as the proportion of pCom8-GPo1 alkB/E. coli DH5α to the consortium increased. The results suggested that the expression of the GPo1 gene in E. coli DH5α could enhance the function of diesel oil degradation by the bacterial consortium.

Work-related COPD after years of occupational exposure

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is known as the most important risk factor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, occupational exposure to other substances can result in COPD. CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old man with occupational exposures to mixtures of silica dust, gas, and fumes for 10 years and with a 25 pack-year smoking history was diagnosed with COPD. His computed tomogram scan revealed some hyperinflation with emphysematous change in both upper lobes. In the pulmonary function tests, his post-bronchodilator forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC% were 2.20 L (67% of the predicted value), 1.12 L (52% of the predicted value), and 51%, respectively, indicating moderate COPD. This case of COPD was confirmed as a work-related disease by the Occupational Lung Disease Research Institute in Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service. CONCLUSION: Exposure to various substances such as silica dust, gas, and fumes from furnace and boiler installation was likely the cause of COPD in this patient. Thus, occupational exposure should be considered an important risk factor of COPD.

Revisão: propriedades físico-químicas do biodiesel / Physicochemical properties of biodiesel: a review

Esta revisão de literatura teve como objetivo descrever aspropriedades físico-químicas do biodiesel obtido a partir de diferentesmatérias-primas. Foram estudados dados de viscosidade, densidade,número de cetanos, ponto de fulgor, ponto de fluidez, ponto de névoae poder calorífi co de biodiesel obtido de óleo de soja, de coco, farelode arroz, algodão, pequi, babaçu, mamona, palma, dendê, girassol,milho, canola, pinhão manso e karanja. Considerando a diversidadede fontes vegetais e animais que podem gerar biodiesel ressaltasea carência de dados de propriedades físico-químicas para asmatérias-primas ainda inexploradas. Espera-se com este trabalhocontribuir para a criação de banco de dados de propriedades físicoquímicasdo óleo e do biodiesel de diferentes fontes, o que permitiráprojetar e dimensionar tanto os equipamentos necessários à linhade produção quanto motores alternativos.

Comparison of biostimulation and bioaugmentation for remediation of soil contaminated with spent motor oil

Aerobic fixed bed bioreactors were used to study and compare biostimulation and bioaugmentation for remediation of soil contaminated with spent motor oil. Bioaugmentation using consortium of bacteria and biostimulation using inorganic fertilizer and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate were investigated. The bioremediation indicators used were the oil and grease content removals, total heterotrophic bacteria counts and carbon dioxide respiration rates. Results showed that biodegradations were very effective with 50, 66 and 75% oil and grease content removal efficiencies for control, bioaugmentation and biostimulation respectively after ten weeks. Carbon dioxide respiration followed similar pattern as the oil and grease content removals. Biostimulation option has the highest carbon dioxide generation [6 249 mg/kg] and the control with the least [4 276 mg/kg]. Therefore, the biostimulation option can be used to develop a realistic treatment technology for soils contaminated with spent motor oil

Contaminación del agua en fuentes cercanas a campos petrolíferos de Bolivia / Water pollution in sources close to oil-producing fields of Bolivia

OBJETIVO: Determinar las concentraciones de compuestos petroquímicos en las fuentes de agua de consumo para comunidades cercanas a campos petrolíferos del Chaco Boliviano. MÉTODOS: Se recogieron datos sobre concentraciones de hidrocarburos totales de petróleo (HTP), 16 hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP), incluidos el benceno, tolueno, etilbenceno y xilenos (BTEX), y 22 metales en muestras de 42 fuentes de agua de consumo humano situadas a menos de 30 km de un campo de extracción de petróleo. Se analizó la distribución de la concentración y el cumplimiento de los estándares definidos en las normativas boliviana, europea y estadounidense, así como en las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. RESULTADOS: En 76,19 por ciento de las muestras se halló algún contaminante petroquímico en concentraciones superiores a alguna de las cuatro normativas de referencia. Las muestras de agua que presentaron mayor contaminación fueron las provenientes de grifos y ríos. Los contaminantes más frecuentes fueron HTP, HAP, aluminio, arsénico, manganeso y hierro. CONCLUSIONES: Las comunidades del Chaco Boliviano ubicadas en un radio de 30 km alrededor de los campos de extracción de petróleo consumen agua con concentraciones de HTP, HAP y metales muy por encima de los niveles permitidos por la normativa boliviana y los estándares internacionales, poniendo en grave riesgo la salud pública de sus habitantes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentrations of petrochemical compounds in the drinking water sources of communities located near oil-producing fields in the Bolivian Chaco region. METHODS: Data were collected on total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), and 22 metals in samples from 42 sources of water for human consumption located less than 30 km from an oil-producing field. Distribution of the concentration and adherence to the standards contained in the Bolivian, European, and United States regulations, as well as the recommendations of the World Health Organization, were analyzed. RESULTS: In 76.19 percent of the samples, some petrochemical contaminant was found in concentrations higher than permissible in any of the four sets of regulations mentioned. The water samples with the highest contamination levels were from faucets and rivers. The most common contaminants were TPH, PAH, aluminum, arsenic, manganese, and iron. CONCLUSIONS: Communities within a 30 km radius of the oil-producing fields in the Bolivian Chaco region consume water with TPH, PAH, and metal concentrations well above the levels permitted in the Bolivian regulations and international standards, putting the public health of their residents at serious risk.

Análise da situação de saúde dos trabalhadores expostos ao metanol no processo de fabricação de biodiesel / Analysis of the health status of workers exposed to methanol in the biodiesel manufacturing process

O metanol é um agente químico com características neurotóxico utilizados como matéria prima para a fabricação do biodiesel. Acredita-se que os efeitos após exposição crônica sejam semelhantes àqueles da exposição aguda, porém menos severos. Estes efeitos incluem distúrbios visuais e sob o sistema nervoso central. Por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa foram identificadas as principais fontes de exposição ao metanol, população exposta e sinais e sintomas recentes num universo de 42 trabalhadores de uma usina de processamento de biodiesel no município de Quixadá, Brasil. Foram identificados oito possíveisfontes de emissão e grupo de trabalhadores potencialmente expostos ao metanol. Entre os grupos expostos, encontram-se os trabalhadores da equipe de operadores, técnicos emmanutenção, apoio operacional, auxiliares de laboratório e, ainda, o pessoal que desempenha as atividades durante o descarregamento do produto em questão. A análise da situação desaúde dos trabalhadores revelou que a maioria dos indivíduos potencialmente expostos já apresenta sintomatologias pré- existentes tais como dores de cabeça, formigamento, azia equeimação. Irritação (38,1 por cento), ansiedade (35,7 por cento), insônia (64,3 por cento) e, principalmente, dor de cabeça (64,35 por cento) são as queixas recentes mais importantes associadas aos sintomas neurotóxicos. Por outro lado, os sinais e sintomas recentes, que podem estar relacionados à exposição de metanol foram irritação nos olhos (38,1 por cento), dificuldades para respirar (23,8 por cento) ecâimbras (19 por cento).

Methanol is a chemical agent with neurotoxic characteristics used as chief component for biodiesel production. It is believed that symptoms developed from chronic exposure of methanol are similar to those of acute exposure, however less severe. The symptoms identified include visual and central nervous system disorders. The main sources and symptoms related to exposure to methanol were identified by means of a qualitative research conducted with a population of 42 workers from a biodiesel processing plant in the region of Quixadá, Brazil.Eight possible emission sources were identified among workers who were “potentially exposed” to methanol. These workers held jobs as operators, operations support, maintenancetechnicians, lab assistants and loading dock workers. A health examination analyses revealed that the majority of the “potentially exposed” workers already show pre-existing symptoms such as headaches, paraesthesia, heartburn and acid reflux. Irritability (38.1%), anxiety (35.7%), insomnia (64.3%) and predominantly, headaches(64.35%) are the recent most important complaints associated with neurotoxic symptoms. Other recent symptoms that could be associated with exposure to methanol are eye irritation (38.1%) shortness of breath (23.8%) and cramps (19%).

Reduction of environmental pollution through optimization of energy use in cement industries

Industrial development has lead to higher energy consumption, emission of greenhouse gases, as well as air pollutants. Cement factories play an important role in over all greenhouse emissions. This study aims to investigate the role of Iranian cement industries and their contribution of greenhouse gases contribution. The measured emission factors for oil and fuel gas shows that carbon dioxide contribution from fuel oil based cement industries is almost 2.7 times higher than gas based cement factories. The strength, weakness, opportunity and threat technique analysis showed that the best strategy to combat greenhouse gases from Iranian cement factory is to implement energy efficiency measures. Further, strategic position and action evaluation matrix analysis indicates that Iranian cement industries fall within invasive category. Therefore, exploitation of opportunities must carefully be used. One of these opportunities is the utilization of financial assistance provided by clean development mechanism. The results show that replacement of ball mills with vertical roller mill can reduce the electricity consumption from 44.6 to 28 kWh/ton. As a result of such substitution about 720 million kWh/y of electricity would be saved [almost a power plant of 125 MW capacities]. Though implementation of new mills may not be economic for the cement industries' owner, but the overall gain for the government of Iran will be about US$ 304 million. If the duration of such efficiency measure is considered as about 12 y, then the overall CO2 reduction/phase-out would be around 4.3 million tons

Bacterial contamination of automotive fuels in a tropical region: the case of Costa Rica

Microbial contamination of fuel has been the cause of several problems in transportation and storage of these products. Due to the lack of previous studies related to these problems in Costa Rica, bacterial quality was evaluated biannually in automotive fuels stored in the four oil distribution facilities of the Costa Rican Petroleum Refinery (RECOPE). In 12 oil storage tanks, for a total of 96 samples, mesophilic, heterotrophic aerobic/facultative counts (ASTM D6974-04) and identification of bacteria presented in regular gas, premium gas and diesel from the bottom and superior part of the tanks were done; in the samples containing an aqueous phase, sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) were also quantified by the most probable number technique (MPN), according to the ASTM D4412-84 standard. The higher contamination was shown at the bottom of the tanks (populations up to 10(4) UFC/l), especially if there was accumulated water, in which case populations reached 10(8) UFC/l. The most contaminated fuel was diesel (counts up to 10(4) UFC/l), whereas the less contaminated was premium gas. The less contaminated fuels were from the facilities of La Garita and Barranca, whereas the most contaminated were from Ochomogo. Nevertheless, the quantified populations did not cause significant alteration in quality physicochemical parameters in the samples analyzed. A total of 149 bacterial strains were isolated, 136 (91.3%) Gram positive and 13 (8.7%) Gram negative. The most frequent genera were Staphylococcus (24.0%), Micrococcus (21.9%), Bacillus (18.8%) and Kocuria (11.5%) among Gram positive bacteria and Pseudomonas (7.3%) among Gram negative bacteria. The majority of these genera have been found as fuel contaminants or even as degraders of this kind of products; nevertheless, some species for which their appearance or growth in hydrocarbons have not been described were found with low frequencies. SRB were present in counts up to 10(5) MPN/l in 42.9% of water containing samples (including all from diesel tanks), indicating biocorrosion processes risk in fuel transport and storage systems. From the findings in this study it is recommended to give a frequent maintenance to fuel containers, based on continuous drainage and removal of accumulated water, antimicrobial agent addition and microbial quality monitoring in country’s fuels. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (3): 489-504. Epub 2009 September 30.

Se evaluó semestralmente durante dos años la calidad bacteriana de los combustibles almacenados en los cuatro planteles de la Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo (Costa Rica). Para un total de 96 muestras se realizaron recuentos (norma ASTM D6974-04) e identificación de las bacterias presentes en gasolina regular, gasolina súper y diesel en los niveles superior e inferior de los tanques contenedores; en las muestras con fase acuosa se cuantificaron las bacterias reductoras de sulfato (SRB, norma ASTM D4412-84). La mayor contaminación se observó en el fondo de los tanques, sobretodo si se presentó una capa de agua almacenada. El diesel fue el combustible más contaminado, sin embargo, no se observó alteración importante en los parámetros fisicoquímicos de las muestras evaluadas. Se aislaron 149 cepas, 136 (91.3%) Gram positivas y 13 (8.7%) Gram negativas; los géneros más frecuentes fueron Staphylococcus (24.0%), Micrococcus (21.9%), Bacillus (18.8%), Kocuria (11.5%) y Pseudomonas (7.3%). Con bajas frecuencias se encontraron algunas especies para las que no se ha descrito su aparición o crecimiento en hidrocarburos. Las SRB se presentaron con recuentos de hasta 105 MPN/l en un 42.9% de las muestras con agua residual, principalmente en diesel, lo cual es indicativo de alerta por biocorrosión. A partir de los resultados se recomienda dar un mantenimiento frecuente a los contenedores, la adición de compuestos antimicrobianos y el monitoreo de la calidad microbiana de los combustibles del país.

Producción científica de la Universidad de La Habana en el Web of Science, 2000 - 2006 / Havana University scientific production in the Web of Science, 2000-2006

Se analizó la producción científica de la Universidad de La Habana (UH) publicada en revistas de corriente principal en la bases de datos de Thomson Scientific, antiguo Institute for Scientific Information, en el período 2000-2006. Se determinó la productividad de los investigadores de Universidad de La Habana, sobre la base de su estructura institucional. Se pudo determinar que las Facultades de Física, Química y Biología; el Instituto de Materiales y Reactivos, el Centro de Biomateriales y el Centro de Investigación y Evaluaciones Biológicas son los que muestran un mayor índice de productividad.

The study analyzed the behaviour of the scientific production of the University of Havana (UH) published in mainstream journals in the databases of Thomson Scientific, former Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), from 2000 to 2006. The productivity of the researchers of the University of Havana was determined on the basis of its institutional structure. It was found that the Faculties of Physics, Chemistry and Biology; the Institute of Materials and Reagents; the Center of Biomaterials; and the Center of Research and Biological Evaluations show the highest index of productivity.

new process approach for ultra-low sulfur fuel

Carbon-based CoMo catalyst was synthesized and investigated for adsorption of the sulfur containing compounds as well as hydrodesulfurization of the straight run gas oil. The catalyst is effective on extracting selectively most of the sulfur containing compounds and nitrogen containing compounds as well. The adsorption was performed at ambient temperature and under atmospheric pressure. Although, the catalyst showed a high affinity on adsorbing the most refractory sulfur containing compounds from the gas oil, it exhibited no tendency on adsorbing benzothiophene and like species. A new process that uses the bi-functionality advantages of the catalyst being both active adsorbent and catalyst is proposed. A reactor with multiple bed sections is essentially required to achieve ultra low sulfur over the present dual functional catalyst. Treatment of the gas oil by adsorption followed by hydrodesulfurization under moderate practical conditions reduced substantially the sulfur content as low as

Monitoramento de indicadores geoquímicos e avaliação de biodegradação em área contaminada com óleo diesel / Monitoring of geochemical indicators and biodegradation evaluation at a site contaminated with diesel oil

A biorremediação natural da água subterrânea contaminada com óleo diesel em um posto de combustíveis foi avaliada mediante o monitoramento de indicadores geoquímicos e ensaios laboratoriais de biodegradação. Durante um período de dois anos foram realizadas quatro coletas de água subterrânea para a avaliação de diversos parâmetros físico-químicos e a concentração de hidrocarbonetos. As análises microbiológicas consistiram na contagem de bactérias heterotróficas totais, na verificação da presença de bactérias hidrocarbonoclásticas e no teste de biodegradabilidade utilizando o indicador redox DCPIP. Foi possível identificar fatores que corroboram o emprego da técnica de biorremediação natural para o tratamento da água subterrânea, contudo, a presença de hidrocarbonetos retidos no solo representa uma fonte contínua de contaminação, por isso se faz necessário o monitoramento a longo prazo.

The natural bioremediation of the groundwater contaminated with diesel oil at a petrol station was evaluated by monitoring geochemical indicators and biodegradation tests in laboratory. During two years the groundwater was collected four times. Different physic-chemical parameters and the concentration of hydrocarbons were evaluated. Microbiological analyses consisted of total heterotrophic bacteria counting, verification of the presence of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria and the biodegradability test using the redox indicator DCPIP. It was possible to identify factors that confirm the use of the natural bioremediation technique as a treatment to the groundwater, however, hydrocarbons retained in the soil represent a continuous source of contamination, and for this reason, a long term monitoring is necessary.

[Assessment of factors associated with explosion of gas-fuel in fire-tube boilers]

There are many factors with different degrees of importance in explosion of fire-tube boilers and hence, reorganization, assessment and ranking of such factors by an accurate analytical method could be used as a guideline for experts related to safety programs. This study was planned to determine all effectual factors associated with explosion of oil fuel, the probability of occurrence in a specific area of industry, and also ranking of basic events. Fault tree analysis method was used in studying four fire-tube boilers located in one of the factories of Alborz Industrial City [Qazvin, Iran] to determine the effective events for occurring expected explosion accident and also to show their association. All basic events were further ranked by qualitative method. Developed fault tree showed 76 events which were connected through 42 logical gates. There were 36 basic events ranked in 11 levels according to their qualitative importance. Ranking of basic events showed that the human error factor [in management planning level] has the highest order among the factors with potential to cause boiler explosion

Estimativa dos poluentes emitidos pelos ônibus e microônibus de Campo Grande/MS, empregando como combustível diesel, biodiesel ou gás natural / Estimation of the atmospheric pollutants emitted in Campo Grande/MS, by buses and minibuses which employ diesel, biodiesel or natural gas as fuels

É apresentada uma estimativa do total de poluentes emitidos mensalmente por ônibus e microônibus em Campo Grande (MS), empregando-se diesel, biodiesel ou gás natural como combustíveis. O método "bottom-up" foi utilizado para os cálculos das emissões gasosas. Os estudos realizados permitem inferir que a substituição do diesel pelo biodiesel resultaria em diminuição das emissões de poluentes, geração de novos postos de empregos a partir de atividades agrícolas e industriais, e a diminuição na importação de petróleo, já que o Brasil importa petróleo, basicamente, para suprir a demanda de diesel.

The present work deals with the estimation of the atmospheric pollutants emitted monthly in Campo Grande/MS by buses and minibuses, which employ diesel, biodiesel or natural gas as fuels. For the gaseous emissions calculations was used a "bottom-up" technique. The results obtained show that the substitution of diesel by biodiesel would diminish the emissions of pollutants, create novel job opportunities from agricultural and industrial activities, and reduce the Brazilian petroleum imports, which are basically used for meeting the demands in diesel.

Trajectories with velocity corrections in the impulsive transfer orbits

The main goal of this paper is to acquire the precise final elliptic orbit stemming from an initial orbit via an optimal transfer orbit, by applying small tangential impulses at peri-apse and apoapse. We consider two systems; the generalized Hohmann and the generalized bi-elliptic transfer orbits. For the first system, we obtain the four relationships connecting the increments in major axes and eccentricities with the correctional increments in velocities delta vA and delta vB at points A, B. For the second system, we derive the three relationships, connecting slight changes in major axes with small increments in velocities at points A, B and C due to motor thrusts. Forminimum fuel consumption, we consider the initial impulse applied at periapse of initial orbit

study on using a local clay in treatment of aqueous oil spill

Aswan clay which is used in ceramic and cement industries in Egypt, its untreated as well as its thermally and chemically treated forms were employed in studying the sorption of petroleum oil from oil contaminated water at different conditions, such as pH, temperature, loading weight and some anions and cations concentrations. Thermal and chemical treatments were studied to demonstrate the role of non-crystalline and crystalline oxide contaminants on the oil adsorption efficiency

Cod liver oil and liquid paraffin oil induced exogenous lipoid pneumonia in albino rats

This work was carried out on 30 adult albino rats of both sexes, divided into 3 numerically equal groups, 10 animals per each. The study aimed to highlighten the pathological features of cod liver oil and liquid paraffin induced exogenous lipoid pneumonia and increase the awareness of pediatricians and physicians about it to be kept in consideration in the differential diagnosis of various lung conditions, especially if there is history of chronic constipation and chronic intake of oil based laxatives. Cod liver oil group [Group II] received 0.5 ml/kg/day oral cod liver oil and liquid paraffin group [Group III] received 0.66 ml/kg/day oral liquid paraffin in a single daily dose for 12 successive weeks. Pathological specimens were taken from both lungs and examined, by hematoxylin and eosin, wilder silver, orcein and Prussian blue stains. Results revealed extensive pulmonary parenchymal damage and disturbed lung architecture in the form of consolidation, granulomatous formation, fibrosis, lymphocytic and foam cells infiltration. Group II showed more extensive and diffuse consolidation while Group III showed more extensive fibrosis and more abundant granulomatous masses

Application of E-commerce in local home shopping and its consequences on energy consumption and air pollution reduction

Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether [MTBE] is one of the ether oxygenates which its use has been increased within the last twenty years. This compound is produced from isobutylene and methanol reaction that is used as octane index enhancer and also increases dissolved oxygen in gasoline and decreases carbon monoxide emission in four phased motors because of better combustion of gasoline. High solubility in water [52 g/L], high vapor pressure [0.54 kg/cm3], low absorption to organic carbon of soil and presence of MTBE in the list of potentially-carcinogens of U.S EPA has made its use of great concern. The culture media used in this study was Mineral Salt Medium [MSM]. The study lasted for 236 days and in three different concentrations of MTBE of 200, 5 and 0.8 mg/L. A control sample was also used to compare the results. This research studied the isolation methods of microbial consortium in the MTBE polluted soils in Tehran and Abadan petroleum refinery besides MTBE degradation. The results showed the capability of bacteria in consuming MTBE as carbon source. Final microbial isolation was performed with several microbial passages as well as keeping consortium in a certain amount of MTBE as the carbon source

A Case of Subconjunctival Oil Granuloma caused by a High Pressure Injection Injury by Bunker Fuel Oil C

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of subconjunctival oil granuloma caused by a high-pressure injection injury that showed excellent cosmetic result after tissue resection and conjunctival autograft. METHODS: A 49-year-old male was injured by the high-pressure sprouting of bunker fuel oil C in his right eye during ship work. Temporal bulbar conjunctival laceration and subconjunctival oil involving the nasal subconjunctival area were observed on the initial examination. Irrigation and aspiration of subconjunctival oil was performed, but the result was not satisfactory. After wound healing of the conjunctiva, radical resection and biopsy of the conjunctival and tenon tissue that formed the fibrotic adhesion around laceration wound was performed. Then, the superotemporal bulbar conjunctiva of contralateral eye was grafted to the lesion. RESULTS: Bunker fuel oil C in the subconjunctival space did not invade the intraocular area. However, excisional biopsy of the scarred lesion showed chronic granulomatous inflammation. Satisfactory cosmetic outcome was achieved after conjunctival autograft without any complications.