Production and characterization of biodiesel obtained from transesterification of lipid from goat tallow

Aim: The present study was conducted to optimise the production of biodiesel from goat tallow by chemical and biological transesterification and to analyse the fuel characteristics of biodiesel. Methodology: Lipid from goat tallow was extracted after subjecting the tallow to ultrasonication and microwave heating. The lipid obtained was converted to biodiesel by chemical and biological transesterification processes. Results: Microwave heating of goat tallow with hexane produced 550 ml of oil whereas ultrasonication method produced 350 ml and 430 ml with Hexane and Hexane : Isopropanol (3:2) as solvent mixture, respectively. When one litre of this oil was subjected to transesterification reaction, 750 ml and 640 ml of biodiesel was produced by chemical and biological methods under optimized conditions (temperature 60oC for chemical and 35oC for biological transesterification). GC-MS analysis of transesterified oil indicated linolenic acid, pentadecanoic acid and stearic acid as major lipid components in goat tallow. Fuel properties were tested as per ASTM standards. Interpretation: The biological process (either with the enzyme or with organism), if properly designed can definitely be an advantageous as this process is cost effective and environmental friendly. Goat tallow can be a potential candidate for the production of biodiesel, an alternate to fossil fuel, which is the need of the hour.

Bilateral combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion in a 3-year-old child with nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common disease of childhood but ophthalmic manifestations are seldom reported. We report a rare occurrence of bilateral combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion in a 3-year-old with NS. The child presented with bilateral painless loss of vision, central pallid retinae with cherry red spots, vascular tortuosity, and retinal hemorrhages. There was delayed filling of the arteriolar circulation and a delay in arteriovenous transit time on angiography and increased central retinal thickening on optical coherence tomography. She was treated with oral steroids, subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin, and oral acetylsalicylic acid. The central retinae showed resolution of the hemorrhages, tortuosity, edema, and pallor within 3 weeks. Visual acuity recovered bilaterally to 20/360, 20/190, and 20/40 at 1, 3, and 6 weeks, respectively. We discuss the possible reasons for good recovery in our patient. Though bilateral combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion is rare in pediatric NS, the treating physician should be aware of this entity as it can be successfully managed.

Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty by Antegrade Technique in a Postoperative Patient Who Underwent Dacron Patch Closure of ASD.

A patient who underwent open-heart surgery for closure of secundum atrial septal defect and later developed rheumatic mitral stenosis has been subjected to balloon valvuloplasty by puncturing the interatrial septum in the standard fashion. This report discusses the pros and cons of the procedure.