ABSTRACT
Microalgae-based biodiesel synthesis is currently not commercially viable due to the high costs of culture realizations and low lipid yields. The main objective of the current study was to determine the possibility of growing Nannochloropsis oceanica on Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast wastewater for biodiesel generation at an economical rate. N. oceanica was grown in Guillard F/2 synthetic medium and three dilutions of yeast wastewater (1, 1.25, and 1.5%). Biodiesel properties, in addition to carbohydrate, protein, lipid, dry weight, biomass, lipid productivity, amino acids, and fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) content, were analyzed and the quality of the produced biodiesel is assessed. The data revealed the response of N. oceanica to nitrogen-deficiency in the three dilutions of yeast wastewater. N. oceanica in Y2 (1.25%) yeast wastewater dilution exhibited the highest total carbohydrate and lipid percentages (21.19% and 41.97%, respectively), and the highest lipid productivity (52.46 mg L-1 day -1) under nitrogen deficiency in yeast wastewater. The fatty acids profile shows that N. oceanica cultivated in Y2 (1.25%) wastewater dilution provides a significant level of TSFA (47.42%) and can be used as a feedstock for biodiesel synthesis. In addition, N. oceanica responded to nitrogen shortage in wastewater dilutions by upregulating the gene encoding delta-9 fatty acid desaturase (Δ9FAD). As a result, the oleic and palmitoleic acid levels increased in the fatty acid profile of Y2 yeast wastewater dilution, highlighting the increased activity of Δ9FAD enzyme in transforming stearic acid and palmitic acid into oleic acid and palmitoleic acid. This study proved that the Y2 (1.25%) yeast wastewater dilution can be utilized as a growth medium for improving the quantity of specific fatty acids and lipid productivity in N. oceanica that affect biodiesel quality to satisfy global biodiesel requirements.
ABSTRACT
We report a young Omani male who developed severe and persistent anaemia after a kidney transplantation while being on immunosuppression therapy, standard practice to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney. His bone marrow aspirate showed the classic morphological changes of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), induced by parvovirus B19 infection which is the presence of giant proerythroblasts with viral inclusions. The virus was also demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction in the blood along with IgM antibodies to parvovirus B19. He responded dramatically to high dose immunoglobulin with a normalisation of his haemoglobin level in two weeks and remained normal until seven months later. Parvovirus B19 induced PRCA can be cured. This aetiology must be kept in mind especially when a chronic anaemia, refractory to treatment, is accompanied by a reticulocytopenia. The latter reflects the lysis of the proerythroblasts, preventing maturation of the erythroid cells causing anaemia. Early recognition and prompt treatment spares the patient unnecessary exposure to blood transfusions, erythropoietin and renal disease caused by the virus. PRCA secondary to parvovirus B19 infection following kidney transplantation is reported in the literature, but not in the Omani population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such report in Oman.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Increased oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy. Angiotensin II is a know factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The protective effects of ACEIs is known in diabetic nephropathy. Thus, Angiotensin receptor antagonists may have the same role. In this study, possible antidiabetic effect of Telmisartan and its tissues antioxidant effect in (STZ) induced diabetic rats, were studied METHODS: The present study was done on 40 rats. They were divided into 2 main groups. Group I: 10 rats as control group, received distilled water. Group II: 30 rats subdivided into 3 equal subgroups as follow: Subgroup IIA: control diabetic group, received 55 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally. Sub group IIB: diabetic rats, received 10 mg/kg telmisartan daily intragastrically. Sub group IIC: diabetic rats received 10mg/kg gliclazide daily intragastrically. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg STZ for 8 weeks evidenced by significant increase in serum glucose, HBA(1c) and decreased Hb levels. RESULTS: Diabetic rats showed a significant increase in tissue TBARs and a significant decrease in tissue (GSH) and (SOD) enzymes. Telmisartan or Gliclazide in diabetic rats produced a beneficial effect on serum glucose, Hb, HBA(1c) and restored tissue GSH and SOD with a fall in tissues TBARS. CONCLUSION: Telmisartan might be proved useful in the treatment of diabetes and its complications, as Gliclazide is restricted by its secondary failure rate and side effects.
