bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of metallic trace elements contamination in a mining area of the processing of Djebel Onk phosphate ore (Algeria)
Authors:   Academy of Engineering, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia, BOUMAZA Bilal , CHEKUSHINA Tatyana Vladimirovna ,   Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
Published: April 2021

Research relevance. Phosphate mining activities are one of the main sources of contamination by heavy metals since they harmfully affect the soil and lead to the degradation of the ecosphere. Research aim. This study aims at characterizing and evaluating the metallic contamination of soils in the vicinity of the Djebel Onk mine in the town of Bir El Ater (Wilaya of Tébessa) in eastern Algeria, and particularly focusing on estimating the spatial variability of this contamination and the extent of the contaminated area. Methodology. The physicochemical characteristic (pH) was determined by pH-meter, whereas AAS was used for the determination of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd) in the examined soil Research results. The results reveal that soils that are close to the mine site studied and even those that are far away are heavily contaminated with heavy metals — lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd); the results also point out to a high variability of concentrations not only between sampling sites but also within the same mine site. The analysed soil pollution index is generally high even for soils sampled downstream more than 30 km from the mine site, whereas it is extremely high on the surface of the tailings slopes, underlining the fact that tailings are considered perennial sources of heavy metal contamination in their current state. Conclusion. The unhealthy area affected by metal pollution from mining sites in the Djebel Onk is very large as a result of the dispersion, by wind and water transport, of residual pollutants from the mine wastes abandoned on site. Remediation measures must be put into place to immobilize the pollutants and limit their spread to the environment Keywords: Soil contamination, Algeria, heavy metals, phosphate mine, pollution index.
Calculating of dumps stability laying on weak gently dipping interface
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Ekaterinburg, Russia, ZHABKO Andrey Viktorovich
Published: April 2021

Relevance of the research. Stable parameters of dumps are critical in mining operations ensuring their safety and economic efficiency. This problem is particularly acute for mining enterprises engaged in surface mining and for coal open pit mines, in particular. One of the main problems of this issue is related to the substantiation of rigorous methods for assessing stability and determining the limiting parameters of external and internal dumps filling an embankment on weak gently dipping interface. In the technical and regulatory literature, this issue has been considered for a long time. However, there are no specific recommendations for finding the most dangerous sliding surfaces on slopes, as well as methods for calculating shearing and restraining forces along these surfaces. All the signs are that the reason for the stability loss of operated dumps is the absence of theoretically substantiated design schemes, respectively, there are errors in the design of dumping. Purpose of the work is to develop reliable methods for calculating the limiting parameters of dumps on weak gently dipping interface. The main idea of the work is to apply a new, not previously used scheme for calculating the stability of dumps on weak gently dipping interface. Research methods. The work deals with the apparatus of flow mechanics and more specifically, the rigid-plastic model (the method of limit equilibrium), and the variational, integral and differential branches of calculus act as a mathematical apparatus. Results and conclusions. Based on the results of previous studies, a new scheme for calculating the stability of the dump during its destruction along weak interface was proposed, which implies the absence of a curved section of the sliding surface under the slope and the convex shape of the sliding surface under the berm. In contrast to the existing calculation schemes, such a calculation scheme predicts significantly lower values of the critical parameters of dumps. It means that the use of the proposed scheme will prevent the destruction of dumps by landslides along the dumpbasement interface and increase the economic efficiency of enterprises. Because a sufficiently large overestimation of the critical parameters of dumps at weak interface limited by current regulatory documents has been determined, it is recommended to revise these parameters for the designed and operated dumps using the proposed schemes for calculating their stability.
Does working capital management impact an enterprise’s profitability? Evidence from selected Nigerian firms
Authors: Olubukola Otekunrin Adegbola , Ikechukwu Nwanji Tony , Damilola Fagboro Gabriel , Kolawole Olowookere Johnson , Adenike Oladipo
Published: April 2021

This study examined the impact of working capital management on the profitability of selected quoted agricultural and agro-allied companies (from 2012 to 2016) in Nigeria. Secondary data were extracted from eighteen quoted agricultural and agro-allied companies in Nigeria, four of which are agricultural companies out of the twenty-three in Nigeria. Descriptive research design and regression analysis were used. Working capital management was measured using the trade receivables collection period, trade payables, payment period, inventory turnover period, and cash conversion cycle, while profit before interest and tax measured profitability. This study found that working capital management and profitability are related to the agriculture and agro-allied sector in Nigeria. The result shows the trade receivables collection period and profitability are negatively related. The result also shows the trade payables payment period and profitability are positively related. The result shows that the inventory turnover period and profitability are related, the cash conversion cycle and profitability are positively related. The conclusion is that working capital management and profitability are related. If the management of firms takes efficient and effective decisions in managing the company’s working capital, all things being equal, the maximization of the firm’s profitability, value, and shareholders’ wealth can be guaranteed. Consequently, agency costs asserted by agency theory would be eliminated automatically.
AcknowledgmentAll researchers and non-researchers that contributed to this paper are highly appreciated.
Paikem Model Pembelajaran Alternatif Bagi Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Afrih Lia Naila Fikrina , Sekar sari Setyo
Published: April 2021

The Active, Innovative, Creative, Effective and Fun Learning Model (PAIKEM) is one of the various child centered learning models. The PAIKEM model is appropriate to be implemented in PIAUD institutions because it is in accordance with the characteristics of early childhood. PIAUD educator needs to fully understand the essence of PAIKEM to create a quality learning. This research uses literature study method with the formulation of the problem how the PAIKEM model design and implementation in the PIAUD institution. The results showed that the PAIKEM model is appropriate to be implemented in PIAUD institutions because the characteristics of the PAIKEM model are in accordance with the psychological development of early childhood where children play while learning. Educators can also optimize the potential of the surrounding environment as a creative and innovative learning resource, as well as create childfriendly, learning media by providing effective and fun games so that children become more active, innovate, and be creative to add to their experiences.
Recent Advances of Small Molecule Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) Inhibitors as Promising Anticancer Therapeutics
Authors: Lv Pengcheng , Chen Kun , Zhu Hai-Liang
Published: April 2021

Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase involved in
the process of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. It has become a
promising therapeutic target for the treatment of human metastatic cancers due to its overexpression
and/or activation in multiple cancer types. Since FAK is emerging as a potential
cancer target because of its overexpression at both the transcriptional and translational
level in cancer, different types of FAK inhibitors with diversified scaffolds have been
discovered in the past few years. In this review, the progress of recently discovered small
molecule FAK inhibitors was summarized. Major efforts have been focused on the rational
design and synthesis of small molecule FAK inhibitors, and their structure-activity relationship
(SAR) analysis wasalso discussed. Among them, while type I inhibitors remain
as the major focuses, type II inhibitors and novel allosteric FAK inhibitors (type III inhibitors)
have been developed to improve both potency and selectivity. Meanwhile, novel
strategies, such as targeting FAK using inhibitors of protein-protein interactions, were
also discovered. Lastly, some insights and perspectives on the future development of
FAK inhibitors as anticancer therapeutics have been provided.
Recent Advancements on Benzimidazole: A Versatile Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Alzhrani Zohor Mohammad Mahdi , Alam Mohammad Mahboob , Nazreen Syed
Published: April 2021

Benzimidazole is a nitrogen-containing fused heterocycle which has been extensively explored
in medicinal chemistry. Benzimidizole nucleus has been found to possess various biological activities
such as anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitubercular and antidiabetic. A
number of benzimidazoles such as bendamustine, pantoprazole have been approved for the treatment of
various illnesses, whereas galeterone and GSK461364 are in clinical trials. The present review article
gives an overview of the different biological activities exhibited by the benzimidazole derivatives as well
as different methods used for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives in the past ten years.
Nutrigenomics and Lifestyle Facet- A Modulatory Molecular
Evidence in Progression of Breast and Colon Cancer with
Emerging Importance
Authors: Ray Suman Kumar , Mukherjee Sukhes
Published: April 2021

:

Legitimate nutrition assumes a significant role in preventing diseases and, in this way, nutritional interventions establish vital strategies in the area of public health. Nutrigenomics centres on the different genes and diet in an individual and how an individual’s genes influence the reaction to bioactive foodstuff. It targets considering the genetic and epigenetic interactions with nutrients to lead to a phenotypic alteration and consequently to metabolism, differentiation, or even apoptosis. Nutrigenomics and lifestyle factors play a vital role in health management and represent an exceptional prospect for the improvement of personalized diets to the individual at risk of developing diseases like cancer. Concerning cancer as a multifactorial genetic ailment, several aspects need to be investigated and analysed. Various perspectives should be researched and examined regarding the development and prognosis of breast and colon cancer. Malignant growth occurrence is anticipated to upsurge in the impending days, and an effective anticipatory strategy is required. The effect of dietary components, basically studied by nutrigenomics, looks at gene expression and molecular mechanisms. It also interrelates bioactive compounds and nutrients because of different 'omics' innovations. Several preclinical investigations demonstrate the pertinent role of nutrigenomics in breast and colon cancer, and change of dietary propensities is conceivably a successful methodology for reducing cancer risk. The connection between the genomic profile of patients with breast or colon cancer and their supplement intake, it is conceivable to imagine an idea of personalized medicine, including nutrition and medicinal services.
Magnesium Aluminium Silicate-Metformin Hydrochloride Complexes - The Use of Isothermal Calorimetry for Probing Clay and Drug Nanocomplexations
Authors: Totea Ana-Maria , Dorin Irina , Laity Peter R. , Conway Barbara R. , Waters Laura , Asare-Addo Kofi
Published: April 2021

:

This study reports the use of Isothermal Calorimetry (ITC) in understanding the complexation process occurring between Magnesium Aluminium Silicate (MAS) and metformin hydrochloride (MET), as a potential controlled release drug delivery system. The calorimetric results confirmed the binding between MET and MAS at various pHs (5, 7 and 9) and temperatures (25 ºC and 37 ºC). The overall change in enthalpy was found to be exothermic with a comparatively small entropic contribution to the total change in Gibbs free energy, implying that the binding was an enthalpically driven process. These findings suggest that the binding process was dominated by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. pH and temperature variation did not have a great impact on the binding, as observed from the similarity in enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS) or Gibbs free energy (ΔG), with the reaction being only slightly more exothermic at pH 5 and at 37 ºC. MAS and MET complex dispersions and particles were also formulated and analysed successfully using DSC, XRPD, ATR-FTIR, SEM/EDX, digital microscopy. 2D-SAXS. 2D-SAXS was able to differentiate between MAS particulates and MAS-MET complexes when analysed in their liquid form suggesting the importance of appropriate methodology and instrumentation used in characterisation.
Cruzain and Rhodesain Inhibitors: Last Decade of Advances in Seeking for New Compounds Against American and African Trypanosomiases
Authors: dos Santos Nascimento Igor José , de Aquino Thiago Mendonça , da Silva-Júnior Edeildo Ferreira
Published: April 2021

:

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of approximately 20 diseases that affect part of the population in Sub- and Tropical countries. In the past, pharmaceutical industries and governmental agencies have invested in the control, elimination and eradication of such diseases. Among these diseases, Chagas disease (CD) and Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) are a public health problem, mainly in the countries from the American continent and sub-Saharan African. In this context, the search for new therapeutic alternatives against such diseases has been growing in recent years, presenting cysteine proteases as the main strategy to discover new anti-trypanosomal drugs. Thus, cruzain and rhodesain enzymes are targets widely studied, since the cruzain is present in all stages of the parasite's life, related to the stages of proliferation and differentiation and infection of macrophages; while the rhodesain is related to the immune defense process. In addition, knowledge about the amino acid sequences and availability of X-ray complexes have stimulated the drug searching against these targets, mainly through molecular modeling studies. Thus, this review manuscript will be addressed to cruzain and rhodesain inhibitors developed in the last 10 years, and which could provide basis for new lead compounds in the discovery of new trypanocidal drugs. We found 117 studies involving inhibitors of cruzain and rhodesain, being thiosemicarbazones, semicarbazones, N-acylhydrazones, thiazoles-hydrazone, thiazolidinones-hydrazones, oxadiazoles, triazoles, triazines, imidazoles, peptidomimetic, and others. All references were obtained using “cruzain” or “rhodesain” and “inhibitor” as keywords in Science Direct, Bentham Science, PubMed, Espacenet, Springer, ACS Publisher, Wiley, Taylor and Francis, and MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute) databases. Finally, we highlighted all these chemical classes of molecules to provide valuable information that could be used to design new inhibitors against Chagas disease and sleeping sickness in the future.
β-Lactone Derivatives and Their Anticancer Activities: A Short Review
Authors: Wang Jun , Shi Yumin , Jiang Dan
Published: April 2021

:

Cancers, a set of genetic diseases that can change the behavior and cell growth in body
tissues, are the second leading cause of death across the world. Several treatment approaches, such
as radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy, can be applied to cure cancer, and among them,
chemotherapy is one of the primary treatments for cancer, in which chemotherapeutic drugs are
used. Great achievements have been made in the development of novel anticancer agents, but drug
resistance is usually generated quickly, making overcoming drug resistance or developing more effective
anticancer agents an imperative challenge. β-Lactones (2-oxetanones) are chemically diverse
and often referred to as privileged structures for the discovery of new drugs, including anticancer
agents. Marizomib (Salinosporamide A), a naturally occurring β-lactone proteasome inhibitor
derived from the marine actinobacterium Salinispora tropica, has been termed as an orphan
drug against multiple myeloma. Therefore, β-lactones are useful scaffolds for the discovery of novel
anticancer agents. This review is an endeavour to highlight the advances in β-lactone derivatives
with anticancer potential. The synthetic strategies, structure-activity relationships, as well as modes
of action, are also discussed to pave the way for further rational design.
The Role of ASIC1a in Epilepsy: A Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Cheng Yu , Zhang Wuqiong , Li Yue , Jiang Ting , Mamat Buhajar , Zhang Yunhai , Wang Famin , Meng Hongmei
Published: April 2021

Background:

Epilepsy represents one of the most common brain diseases among humans.
Tissue acidosis is a common phenomenon in epileptogenic foci. Moreover, its role in epileptogenesis
remains unclear. Acid-sensing ion channel-1a (ASIC1a) represents a potential way to
assess new therapies. ASIC1a, mainly expressed in the mammalian brain, is a type of protein-gated
cation channel. It has been shown to play an important role in the pathological mechanism of various
diseases, including stroke, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

Data were collected from Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, through searching for these
keywords: "Acid-sensing ion channels 1a" or "ASIC1a" and "epilepsy" or "seizure".

Results:

The role of ASIC1a in epilepsy remains controversial; it may represent a promising therapeutic
target of epilepsy.

Conclusion:

This review is intended to provide an overview of the structure, trafficking, and molecular
mechanisms of ASIC1a in order to elucidate the role of ASIC1a in epilepsy further.
siRNA Therapeutics: Future Promise for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Amiri Atefeh , Barreto George , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: April 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND), as a group of central nervous system (CNS) disorders,
are among the most prominent medical problems of the 21st century. They are often associated with
considerable disability, motor dysfunction and dementia and are more common in the aged population.
ND imposes a psychologic, economic and social burden on the patients and their families. Currently,
there is no effective treatment for ND. Since many ND result from the gain of function of a
mutant allele, small interference RNA (siRNA) can be a potential therapeutic agent for ND management.
Based on the RNA interference (RNAi) approach, siRNA is a powerful tool for modulating
gene expression through gene silencing. However, there are some obstacles in the clinical application
of siRNA, including unfavorable immune response, off-target effects, instability of naked
siRNA, nuclease susceptibility and a need to develop a suitable delivery system. Since there are
some issues related to siRNA delivery routes, in this review, we focus on the application of siRNA
in the management of ND treatment from 2000 to 2020.
Ionic Liquids in Analytical Chemistry: Applications and Recent Trends
Authors: Merone Giuseppe Maria , Tartaglia Angela , Rosato Enrica , D’Ovidio Cristian , Kabir Abuzar , Ulusoy Halil Ibrahim , Savini Fabio , Locatelli Marcello
Published: April 2021

Background:

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a unique class of compounds consisting exclusively
of cations and anions that possess distinctive properties such as low volatility, high thermal stability,
miscibility with water and organic solvents, electrolytic conductivity and non-flammability.
Ionic liquids have been defined as "design solvents", because it is possible to modify their physical
and chemical properties by appropriately choosing cations and anions, in order to meet the specific
characteristics based on their potential application.

Introduction:

Due of their tunable nature and properties, ILs are considered as the perfect candidates
for numerous applications in analytical chemistry including sample preparation, stationary
phases in liquid or gas chromatography, additives in capillary electrophoresis, or in mass spectrometry
for spectral and electrochemical analysis. In the last years, the number of publications
regarding ILs has rapidly increased, highlighting the broad applications of these compounds in various
fields of analytical chemistry.

Results:

This review first described the main physico-chemical characteristics of ionic liquids, and
subsequently reported the various applications in different subdisciplines of analytical chemistry,
including the extraction procedure and separation techniques. Furthermore, in each paragraph the
most recent applications of ionic liquids in the food, environmental, biological, etc. fields have been
described.

Conclusion:

Overall, the topic discussed highlights the key role of ionic liquids in analytical chemistry,
giving hints for their future applications in chemistry but also in biology and medicine.
SARS-CoV-2 Spread Dynamics in Italy: The Calabria Experience
Authors: Abenavoli Ludovico , Cinaglia Pietro , Procopio Anna Caterina , Serra Raffaele , Aquila Isabella , Zanza Christian , Longhitano Yaroslava , Artico Marco , Larussa Tiziana , Boccuto Luigi , Ricci Pietrantonio , Luzza Francesco
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

The first case of infection by SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., COVID-19) has been officially
recorded by the Italian National Health Service on February 21st, 2020. Lombardy was the
first Italian region to be affected by the pandemic. Subsequently, the entire Northern part of Italy recorded
a high number of cases, while the South was hit following the migratory waves. On March
8th, the Italian Government has issued a decree that imposed a total lockdown, defining it as a state
of isolation and restricting access in Lombardy and the other 14 provinces of Northern Italy.

Methods:

We analyzed the virus trend in the period between February 24th and September 8th,
2020, focusing on Calabria, with regards to the following items: new positives, change of total positives,
and total cases. Furthermore, we included other information, such as the incubation period,
symptom resolution period, quarantine period.

Results:

On March 27th, the epidemic curve spiked with 101 new positive cases validating the hypothesis
that this abnormal event was related to the displacement of non-residents people, living in
the Northern part of Italy, to the home regions in the South. The epidemic curve showed a decreasing
trend in the period after lockdown, proving the effectiveness of this measure. From the end of
the lockdown May 04th to September 8th, the registered trend was -94.51%. A negative growth rate
indicates that the number of new positive cases is lower than the number of healed patients.

Conclusion:

This study describes the effectiveness of the Italian Government policy, particularly
the role of lockdown, for the containment of SARS-CoV-2 contagion in Calabria, a region with a
low SARS-CoV-2 infection rate within the registered period.
Nilotinib, A Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Suppresses the Cell Growth and Triggers Autophagy in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Meng Lei , Zhao Pengxin , Hu Zhigang , Ma Weiyuan , Niu Yong , Su Jingwei , Zhang Yubo
Published: April 2021

Background:

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) represents the most common thyroid cancer. Until recently, treatment options for PTC patients are limited. Nilotinib is the second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and has been widely used in the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).

Objectives:

We aimed to explore whether nilotinib is effective for the suppression PTC cancer progression and the underlying mechanisms.

Results:

In this study, the three human PTC cell lines (KTC-1, BCPAP, and TPC1) were used to verify the effects of nilotinib on cell growth. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated according to the growth curve post nilotinib treatment at different concentrations. Cell counting kit-8 and colony formation analysis were used to monitor cell growth after nilotinib treatment. Cell apoptosis and autophagy related proteins and phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR were detected by Western blotting analysis.

Methods:

Nilotinib treatment could effectively inhibit PTC cell growth, which was accompanied by an increase in apoptosis and induction of autophagy. Mechanistically, nilotinib treatment repressed the phosphorylation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Conclusion:

Collectively, our results demonstrated that nilotinib may display anti-tumor effect against PTC via inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and inducing apoptosis and autophagy.
Withdrawal Notice: Therapeutic role of nanoparticles in skin diseases: A
brief review
Authors: Singh Joina G , Singh Deepika
Published: April 2021

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editor’s requests to provide the edited version.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

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Production and Characterization of Admixture Nano-Flux Welding
Powder from Agro-Waste (Banana Peel)
Authors: Afolalu Adeniran Sunday , Eterigho Emetere Moses , Etse Sunny-Ekhalume
Published: April 2021

Background:

Owing to the rising trend of agro wastes, efforts are being geared towards
producing environmentally friendly welding flux. This project developed a nano-flux powder
(MnO) from banana peel using nano-technology. For the first time, manganese was synthesized
from banana peel ash. After that, the nano mixtures were centrifuged and calcinated to obtain nano
flux powder.

Methods:

The surface morphology and physio-chemical properties of the nanopowder produced
and control were determined using X-ray Powder Diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy,
and Scanning Electron Microscopy along with Elemental Dispersive X-ray to analyze its composition.
Also, the particle size was obtained using the Digmizer image.

Results:

The developed nano-flux powder has a mean area of 407.72 nm2, a mean perimeter of
51.02 nm, and a length of 3.89 nm less than the commercial flux. The FTIR revealed the maximum
peak of wave number 415z.00 cm-1, which shows a broad high concentration than the control
with wavenumber 3546 cm-1. XRD result shows that manganese oxide is present in the powder
with the highest intensity at MnO (110) with Quartz at 2Ɵ = 26o, having a current of 9.26A and
hematite at 2Ɵ = 28% having a current 5.34A over the control. From the EDS of qualitative analysis
of the powders, manganese and oxygen were present in high quantities in the developed flux
with 29.45% and 38.70% than in control with 3.15% and 23.30%, which confirmed the nano-flux
as Manganese Oxide (MnO). The results show that nano-flux powder can be produced from agrowaste
with better properties and applications.

Conclusion:

From the results and discussion, banana peel was used to develop Manganese oxide
flux powder, using nanotechnology, and it was characterized alongside commercial flux powder as
a control.
Study on Separation Performance of Gas-Liquid Cyclone Separator with
Pulsating Feeds
Authors: Lu Guangrong , Hou Yongjun , Wu Xianjin , Wu Hang , Jiang Rui , Du Mingjun
Published: April 2021

Background:

In recent years, a kind of drilling method of solid-liquid separation combined
with pulsating vacuum formed by vibrating screen and compressed air injection has emerged in oil
drilling, which profoundly improves the gas, solid, and liquid separation ability of the drilling fluid
vibration screen.

Objective:

Based on the above ideas, a kind of hydrocyclone used for gas-liquid separation with the
pulsating feed boundary was proposed. The separation performance of gas-liquid hydrocyclone may
change significantly due to the mixed pulsation of the gas-liquid fluid transported by the jet pump.
Therefore, the flow characteristics of the pulsating feed hydrocyclone need to be analyzed and explored
to provide basic data for further improvement of the structure.

Methods:

The development status of cyclone separators are summarized through related literature and
patent investigation. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS Fluent 2019 R3 is
used to analyze the flow field characteristics and optimize the parameters of the hydrocyclone with
stable feed. Then, the programming by the User-Define-Function (UDF) of Fluent is used to simulate
the flow field of the separator under the condition of pulsating feed. Meanwhile, the flow field analysis
and parameter optimization are carried out accordingly.

Results:

The optimal parameters in a stable state and pulsed state are obtained from the analysis of the
efficiency curve. The results show that the flow field can be stabilized in the pulsating feed state, and
the sinusoidal pulsing with a frequency of 0.4 Hz is used to achieve the highest separation efficiency,
i.e., 85.5%.

Conclusion:

The separators with pulsating feed and stable feed have similar flow field characteristics,
and the optimal structural parameters under pulsating feed are obtained. Compared with the stable feed
condition, the pulsating feed condition can connect multiple cyclone separators, which can separate
more drilling fluid in unit time and improve the work efficiency. It has strong practicability, which
provides a critical foundation for structure optimization in the future.
Efficacious One-pot Synthesis of 2-thiazolines and 2-oxazolines Under Solvent and Metal-Free Conditions
Authors: Talbi Wassima , Kraiem Jamil , Kacem Yakdhane , Marrot Jérôme , Marque Sylvain
Published: April 2021

Background:

2-oxazolines and 2-thiazolines are important heterocycles due to their extensive
applications in chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology. Most of the precedent methods
for preparing these heterocycles involve one or more drawbacks, including harsh reaction conditions,
long reaction times, low yields of products, high temperature, and toxic solvents.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop a new and eco-efficient method for the preparation
of 2-oxazolines and 2-thiazolines.

Methods:

Amino alcohols were condensed with nitriles in a sealed tube under solvent-free and metal-
free conditions.

Results:

Our procedure appears to be highly eco-efficient and promotes quantitative access to 2-oxazolines
and 2-thiazolines using simple and minimum manipulation.

Conclusion:

This simple approach allows high conversion for different nitriles yielded from 78 to
99% and easy isolation of the targeted products without further purification. To the best of our
knowledge, our procedure is the most efficient and fast method reported to date in terms of chemical
yields, number of steps, and atom economy.
Mathematical Modelling of Extraction Yield, Glycosaponin and Eurycomanone
Content from Eurycoma longifolia Roots
Authors: Segaran Abirame , Chua Lee Suan , Kumaresan Sivakumar
Published: April 2021

Aim:

The technique of modeling was used to predict the performance of herbal extraction.

Background:

Eurycoma longifolia is a traditional herb that is widely used to promote overall well-
being by local folks in South East Asia.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to model the extraction yield, glycosaponin and eurycomanone
content from the roots of E. longifolia in a reflux system.

Methods:

The effects of processing parameters (extraction temperature and particle size) were investigated
using a factorial experimental design. The experiments were carried out for 60 min using
three categories of particle sizes: S1 (0.50 - 0.99 mm), S2 (1.00 - 1.99 mm), and S3 (2.00 - 2.80
mm) at 70, 80, and 90 °C. The extraction was carried out using the water to solid ratio of 10:1 in a
reflux system.

Results:

A quadratic model is well-fitted to the yield of extraction, while a linear model is proposed
for the extraction of eurycomanone, which is significantly affected by temperature. The single
step of the reflux process revealed that glycosaponin extraction behaves linearly with temperature
and particle size but in an inverse direction. However, further reflux process using crude extract
prior to gravimetric precipitation could produce higher content of glycosaponin, which can be
explained using a quadratic model.

Conclusion:

The extraction of eurycomanone was faster than glycosaponin because the mass transfer
and diffusion coefficients of eurycomanone were about two times larger than glycosaponin.

Other:

This could be due to the larger molecular size of glycosaponin, and thus higher mass transfer
is a limitation when diffusing plant cells into the solvent during extraction.
Computational Methods and Molecular Modelling for Some Predicted Tautomers of Pyrimidine Compounds
Authors: Masoud Mamdouh S. , Abd El-Kaway Marwa Y.
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Several molecular modelling techniques and quantum chemical methods
have been performed to correlate the chemical structures of the compounds with their physical
molecular properties.

Methods:

Using theoretical parameters help to characterize the molecular structure of the investigated ligands and to study their equlibria mechanism. Molecular modelling data such as the bond length, bond order, bond angles and dihedral angles values were estimated for some pyrimidine compounds, where the data suggested the presence of tautomerism and a dynamic equilibria are deduced between all the detected tautomers in the solid state.

Results:

Four main tautomers were predicted for barbital and thiobarbituric acid, while three
tautomers were for thiouracil. Quantum chemical parameters such as the highest occupied
molecular orbital energy (EHOMO), the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy (ELUMO), energy
gap (ΔE), dipole moment (μ), sum of the total negative charge (STNC), electronegativity (χ),
chemical potential (Pi), global hardness (η) and softness (σ) were calculated.

Conclusion:

These studies display a good correlation between the theoretical and experimental data.
Photocatalytic Membranes in Degradation of Organic Molecules
Authors: Abdi G.
Published: April 2021

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a technology widely applied to water puriﬁcation and wastewater treatment under ultraviolet (UV) or even sunlight irradiation for the removal of a variety of environmental pollutants into harmless species. Application of membrane for immobilization of semiconductors and their suitability in photocatalytic degradation of dyes have recently been developed. Integration of photocatalysis with membrane processes signiﬁcantly improve the membrane separation performance with reducing membrane fouling and improving permeate quality. This paper reviews recent progress in the photocatalytic membranes for wastewater treatment and water puriﬁcation with an emphasis on the type of membranes, membrane fabrication, and applications in pollutant removal.
Photocatalytic and Adsorptional Removal of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water using Nanohybrids
Authors: Guleria A.
Published: April 2021

Water contaminated with heavy metals is a major menace for aquatic life and human health consequently its efficient removal remains a crucial challenge for researcher. The utilization of various photocatalytic nanohybrids to synergistically photo-reduce and adsorb heavy metals is a potent strategy to combat water pollution. This book chapter give an overview of the fundamental principle of photocatalysis and various single, binary, ternary and quaternary nanohybrids employed for simultaneous photoreduction and adsorption of heavy metals with its mechanistic insight. Further, conclusion and future prospective as well as limitation of available nanohybrids were addressed. We hope that this book chapter dispenses some noticeable information to heavy metal ions removal from polluted water.
Succesvolle eliminatie van dysenterie met tylvalosine (Aivlosin®) op een gesloten varkensbedrijf
Authors: Vyt P. , Vandepitte L. , Dereu A. , Roozen M.
Published: April 2021

Varkensdysenterie veroorzaakt ernstige economische verliezen op aangetaste bedrijven. De eliminatie van het oorzakelijk agens, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, wordt problematisch als er resistentie is tegenover pleuromutilinen. In deze studie wordt het gebruik van tylvalosine (Aivlosin®) geëvalueerd voor de eliminatie van dysenterie op een gesloten bedrijf. Daarnaast worden de technische parameters en het antibioticumgebruik vergeleken vóór en na de eliminatie. Op een gemengd bedrijf met 200 zeugen en 1500 vleesvarkens met een chronisch dysenterieprobleem was het geïsoleerde B. hyodysenteriae-isolaat resistent tegenover pleuromutilinen en gevoelig voor tylvalosine (minimum inhibitorische concentratie, MIC, 2 μg/ml). Naast een grondige knaagdierbestrijding en strikte hygiëne werden de zeugen dagelijks gedurende vier weken behandeld met 4,25 mg/kg LG tylvalosine. Eén week na aanvang van de behandeling werden de dieren gewassen en in een gereinigde stal gehuisvest. Biggen geboren uit de aldus behandelde en gewassen zeugen werden als niet-besmet beschouwd en gescheiden gehouden van de oudere biggen en vleesvarkens. Via maandelijkse staalnamen van zeugen en vleesvarkens werd het resultaat van het eliminatieprotocol opgevolgd. Na de behandeling werden geen klinische symptomen waargenomen bij de zeugen of bij de biggen geboren na de behandeling. De meststalen bleven negatief op PCR voor B. hyodysenteriae gedurende veertien maanden na het einde van de behandeling en ook nadien werden geen klinische symptomen meer vastgesteld. De voederconversie verbeterde met 12%, de mortaliteit bij de vleesvarkens daalde met 37% en de medicatiekost van antibiotica op het ganse bedrijf daalde met 71% . Uit de gegevens van deze studie kan besloten worden dat de eliminatie van dysenterie op gesloten bedrijven mogelijk is door het gebruik van tylvalosine (Aivlosin®) in combinatie met een grondige knaagdierbestijding en een goede hygiëne. Verder wordt in deze studie de grote invloed van dysenterie op de technische parameters en de medicatiekost gedocumenteerd door de gegevens vóór en na het uitvoeren van het eliminatieprotocol te vergelijken. Veranderingen in het management kunnen echter eveneens deze parameters beïnvloeden.
Osteochondritis dissecans van de knie bij een Duitse herder
Authors: François M. , Van Vynckt D. , Saunders J. , Van Ryssen B.
Published: April 2021

Kreupelheid ten gevolge van orthopedische problemen in de achterhand komt frequent voor bij de hond. De belangrijkste oorzaak van manken bij jongvolwassen dieren van grote hondenrassen is heupdysplasie. Indien het probleem zich in de knie situeert, dan moet naast patellaluxatie en vroege voorste kruisbandrupturen steeds aan osteochondritis dissecans gedacht worden. Aan de hand van een klinisch geval van osteochondritis dissecans bij een jonge Duitse herder worden de diagnostische bevindingen en de behandeling geïllustreerd.
Idiopathische eosinofiele bronchopneumonie bij een cavalier king charles spaniël: een casereport en differentiaaldiagnose met Pneumocystis carinii infectie
Authors: Opdenakker S. , Van der Vekens E. , Jennes M. , Bavegems V.
Published: April 2021

In deze casuïstiek wordt een hond met eosinofiele bronchopneumonie besproken. De hond werd op consultatie aangeboden op de Vakgroep Geneeskunde en Klinische Biologie van de Kleine Huisdieren van de Faculteit Diergeneeskunde te Merelbeke, met de klacht van hoesten en benauwdheid. Op basis van het signalement, de anamnese, het klinisch onderzoek, bloedonderzoek en radiografisch onderzoek werd een vermoedelijke diagnose van Pneumocystis carinii gesteld. De hond werd behandeld met trimethoprim-sulfadiazine. Omdat er geen verbetering optrad, werd een bronchoalveolaire lavage uitgevoerd en werd de serum IgG- en IgM- concentratie bepaald. Het cytologisch onderzoek van de bronchoalveolaire lavage toonde zeer veel eosinofielen. Het IgG bleek binnen de normaalwaarden te vallen en het IgM was sterk verhoogd. Hierdoor kon besloten worden dat de hond niet aan pneumocystosis leed en de definitieve diagnose van eosinofiele bronchopneumonie werd gesteld. Prednisolone werd aan de therapie toegevoegd. De hond werd met een therapie van trimethoprim-sulfadiazine en een prednisolone-afbouwschema naar huis gestuurd. Op controle, zes weken later, hoestte de hond nog maar af en toe en nog eens drie maanden later was de patiënt hoestvrij.
Co-infectie met Mycoplasma haemofelis en ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ bij een kat met immuungemedieerde hemolytische anemie in België
Authors: van Geffen C.
Published: April 2021

Een jonge, mannelijke huiskat werd aangeboden voor zwakte en anorexia die reeds twee dagen aanhielden. Op klinisch onderzoek werden bleke slijmvliezen gezien, veroorzaakt door erge, regeneratieve, Coombs’ positieve, hemolytische anemie. Een bloeduitstrijkje toonde epicellulaire organismen aan, compatibel met Mycoplasma (vroeger bekend als Haemobartonella felis). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) op EDTA-bloed identificeerde deze organismen als Mycoplasma haemofelis en ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’. Ondanks de blijvende aanwezigheid van de organismen in het bloed, reageerde de kat goed op antibioticatherapie met doxycycline, samen met een immunosuppressieve dosis corticosteroïden.
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Van Soom A. , Watteyn A. , De Schutter P.
Published: April 2021

Herhaaldelijke vroeggeboorte bij een teef
Gebruik van geneesmiddelen bij ezels
Praktische benadering van salmonellose op een rundveebedrijf
Embryotransplantatie bij het paard: onmisbaar in de moderne fokkerij
Authors: Vandenberghe L T. M. , Govaere J. , Nelis H. , Hoogewijs M. , Daels P. , Van Soom A.
Published: April 2021

Embryotransplantatie bij het paard is een voortplantingstechniek waarbij een embryo van een waardevolle donormerrie wordt uitgespoeld en overgeplant in een draagmerrie. Dit heeft tal van voordelen. Praktisch behelst deze techniek verschillende aspecten. Vooraf dient de cyclus van de draagmerrie gesynchroniseerd te worden met die van de donor. Daarna dient men op het juiste tijdstip het embryo uit de baarmoeder van de drachtige donormerrie te spoelen. Na het opzoeken en wassen van het embryo wordt het ingeplant bij de draagmerrie of receptor. Na de geboorte wordt het veulen nog geruime tijd door de receptor gezoogd. Bij het spoelen van de donormerrie wordt in ongeveer 50% van de gevallen een embryo gecollecteerd en na het overplanten van een embryo wordt uiteindelijk gemiddeld 70% van de receptormerries drachtig. Uiteraard worden deze percentages in de praktijk door verschillende factoren beïnvloed. Deze factoren hebben zowel betrekking op de donor als op de receptor.
Diergeneeskundig gebruik van cardiogene biomarkers : focus op het gebruik bij paarden
Authors: Van Der Vekens N. , Decloedt A. , De Clercq D. , Veheyen T. , van Loon G.
Published: April 2021

Cardiale biomarkers, zoals natriuretische peptiden en troponinen, worden reeds routinematig in de humane geneeskunde gebruikt voor de diagnose, prognose en monitoring van hartaandoeningen. Hoewel ze ook in de kleine huisdierensector regelmatig bepaald worden om cardiologische en niet-cardiologische aandoeningen van elkaar te onderscheiden, is de literatuur omtrent het gebruik bij paarden beperkt. Bij paarden werd reeds een significante correlatie aangetoond tussen het ‘atrial natriuretic peptide’ (ANP), N-terminal ANP (NT-proANP) en de voorkamergrootte. Specifieke equine testen voor ‘brain natriuretic peptide’ (BNP) of ‘N-terminal BNP’ (NT-proBNP) bepaling ontbreken echter nog steeds. Troponinen (vooral troponine I) zijn meer uitgebreid bestudeerd bij het paard. Ze worden reeds gebruikt voor de diagnose van myocardschade en vervangen de minder specifieke lactaatdehydrogenase en creatinekinase iso-enzymen, waardoor het gebruik van deze laatste niet meer gerechtvaardigd is. Een laatste mogelijk belangrijke biomarker is aldosteron, maar aangezien slechts één studie bij paarden een correlatie aangetoond heeft tussen de aldosteronconcentratie en hartaandoeningen is uitgebreider onderzoek nodig.
Unilaterale sino-orbitale en subcutane aspergillose bij een kat
Authors: Declercq J. , Declercq L. , Fincioen S.
Published: April 2021

Een jonge kattin werd na een periode van niezen en conjunctivitis aangeboden voor onderhuidse zwellingen op de linkerzijde van de kop en hyperemische conjunctiva met protrusie van het derde ooglid. Het onderzoek van de mondholte toonde een zwelling aan labiaal van de gebitselementen en in de pterygopalatine fossa. De linker submandibulaire lymfeknoop was opgezet. De kat niesde af en toe maar er was geen neusvloei. De huidletsels hadden een opvallende gele kleur. Het cytologisch onderzoek van de huidzwelling toonde een pyogranulomateuze ontsteking aan met eosinofielen. Alleen een diepe bemonstering bevatte representatief weefsel voor cytologisch, histopathologisch en mycologisch onderzoek. Op basis van de morfologische kenmerken van de mycologische cultuur werd Aspergillus sectie fumigatus gediagnosticeerd en met moleculaire technologie geïdentificeerd als Aspergillus viridinutans. De definitieve diagnose was sino-orbitale aspergillose met een uitgebreide subcutane invasie. Gezien het ernstig progressief verloop ondanks behandeling werd de kat geëuthanaseerd.
Het belang van een degelijk colostrummanagement op moderne rundveebedrijven
Authors: Meganck V. , Laureyns J. , Opsomer G.
Published: April 2021

Het pasgeboren kalf is afhankelijk van de absorptie van colostrale immunoglobulinen of antistoffen. Een goed colostrummanagement is een van de belangrijkste preventieve maatregelen tegen infectieuze ziekten bij jonge kalveren. Toch worden hier nog veel fouten tegen gemaakt of bestaan er nog veel misvattingen. Bovendien is ook meer en meer bewijs voorhanden dat colostrum niet alleen van levensbelang is voor de aanvoer van antistoffen maar evenzeer voor de aanvoer van andere substanties, zoals groeifactoren en immuuncellen.