Effect Of Coagulation Research Articles

Experimental studies on the effects of coagulation and adsorption as a pretreatment process on the microfiltration of oily wastewater

Abstract To improve the performance of the membrane process in the treatment of oily wastewater, the combined effects of pretreatment, membrane modification, and optimization of operating parameters on the microfiltration membrane system were investigated. First, coagulation and adsorption were used as pretreatment steps. Polyaluminium chloride and ferric chloride were employed as coagulants, and granular activated carbon was used as an adsorbent. In the optimal coagulation condition (1 g/L polyaluminium chloride, pH 7.5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) was reduced by 96%, while in the optimal adsorption condition, in which large amounts of activated carbon were utilized, 48% of COD was eliminated. A membrane of polyethersulfone containing SiO2-g-polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) nanoparticles was then prepared by the non-solvent-induced phase separation method. To reduce fouling and increase the flux of the membrane, the SiO2 nanoparticles were first activated with amine groups and then PMAA was grafted onto the surface of the particles. Subsequently, the operating parameters were studied to optimize the performance of the polyethersulfone (PES)/SiO2-g-PMAA membrane using the response surface methodology (RSM) method. The results indicated that the flux of the modified membrane for pretreated wastewater was 72.2% higher than that of the PES membrane and non-pretreated wastewater at an optimum pressure of 2 bar and a flow rate of 3.5 L/min.

Neutralization of toxic activities of Bothrops asper venom by plants of ethnomedical use in Central America: plants collected in Guatemala

There are few scientific studies that explore the use of medicinal plants for snakebite envenoming in Central America, although plant-based therapies have been traditionally used in the region. This work reviews the studies conducted in Central America to assess the ability of extracts obtained from plants of local ethnomedical use to inhibit toxic activities of the venom of Bothrops asper, the snake responsible for approximately half of the snakebite envenomings in these countries. The search prioritized the description of the plants used in Guatemala since most of the studies described in this work were conducted in that country, although references to other countries are included. Information concerning secondary metabolites and other pharmacological activities of these plant species, relevant to the treatment of snakebites, was also described. The literature search was conducted in the Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases and completed with locally available literature. It was found that extracts of 12 plant species inhibited the hemorrhagic effect of the venom and three neutralized the edema-forming activity, while inhibition of proteolytic and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities was achieved by three and one plant species, respectively. Only Brownea rosa-de-monte was able to effectively counteract the in vitro coagulant effect of the venom. Some plant extracts screened in Guatemala demonstrated procoagulant or anti-thrombin intrinsic effects that might aggravate the coagulopathy induced by the venom. These findings underscore the need to carry out scientific studies aimed at validating the inhibitory potential of Central American plant extracts and their metabolites against B. asper venom

Efficient treatment of the starch wastewater by enhanced flocculation–coagulation of environmentally benign materials

The high concentration, complexity and refractory of organic pollutants in actual starch wastewater are becoming major obstacles to realizing efficient water purification. Herein, bentonite was selected from four kinds of clay minerals (i.e. kaolin, zeolite, attapulgite and bentonite) as coagulant aids, and chitosan-modified bentonite combined with polyglutamic acid was used for enhanced coagulation treatment for starch wastewater. Among them, bentonite can adsorb soluble pollutants in starch wastewater, chitosan modification can enhance the coagulation effect, and the flocculant of polyglutamic acid is conducive to the removal of particulate matter through bridging effects. The combination of the three can effectively and deeply remove pollutants in starch wastewater. Under the optimal conditions, the removal rates of chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and turbidity can reach 86.2 %, 80.3 %, 52.3 % and 98.2 %, respectively, which are far higher than that of the vast majority of coagulants currently reported. Density functional theory calculation was carried out to reveal the mechanisms for the enhanced coagulation-flocculation system and explained the adsorption and coagulation mechanism, respectively. The electrostatic potential around aluminum in bentonite of 14.248 kcal.mol−1 is more conducive to the adsorption of negatively charged organic pollutants, and that bentonite has lower adsorption energy (-1.43 eV) than chitosan and polyglutamic acid.

Changes in the structural characteristics of EfOM during coagulation by aluminum chloride and the effect on the formation of disinfection byproducts

The effects of coagulation on the removal efficiency of different fractions of effluent organic matter (EfOM) from wastewater treatment plants were investigated to identify changes in their structural characteristics and the influences on trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) and haloacetic acid formation potential (HAAFP). The results indicated that coagulation performed better for the removal of hydrophobic base (HOB) and hydrophobic neutral (HON) fractions than hydrophilic (HI) and hydrophobic acid (HOA) fractions. The removal efficiency was higher under neutral than under acidic conditions for all fractions. As a result, lower levels of THMFP and HAAFP were detected at pH7. The excitation-emission matrix spectra indicated that the HI fraction contained humic acid-like substances that reacted with chlorine to form THMs. The HON fraction contained soluble microbial byproduct-like substances with a higher potential to create HAAs. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-pressure size exclusion chromatography (HP-SEC) of the raw and coagulated water indicated that a higher molecular weight, α-carbon, COOH, aromatic structures, and polysaccharides were associated with a higher production of disinfection byproducts (DBP). These results elucidate the coagulation efficiencies of EfOM fractions associated with different mechanisms and facilitate the prediction of DBP formation by each fraction based on specific structural characteristics.

Activated Protein C-Catalyzed Inactivation Pathway Down-Regulates NXT007-Mediated Hemostatic Function

Activated protein C (APC) together with protein S (PS) inactivates factor (F)Va and FVIIIa and efficient FVIIIa inactivation requires not only PS but also cofactor function of FV. Any impairment in these inactivation pathways is one of the most common risks of venous thrombosis. NXT007, emicizumab (Emi)-based engineered therapeutic bispecific antibody (Ab), is currently undergoing the phase 1 clinical trial. NXT007 increased coagulation potential of FVIII-deficient plasma up to the similar level to healthy controls in tissue factor (TF)-triggered thrombin generation (TG; Yamaguchi, ASH 2020). Additionally, concomitant use of NXT007 and bypassing agents could be useful for improving coagulation potentials in FVIII-deficient samples (Ogiwara, ASH 2021). However, the role of APC-dependent inactivation in NXT007-mediated hemostasis reactions remains to be investigated. Here, we examined the regulatory effects by APC in NXT007-driven hemostasis using a purified FXa generation assay and TF/ellagic acid-triggered thrombin generation assay (TGA). We firstly investigated coagulation potentials in FVIII-deficient plasma (ΔFVIII) spiked with NXT007 (3-100 μg/mL) or Emi (50 μg/mL). Peak thrombin (PeakTh) in ΔFVIII spiked with NXT007 was increased in a NXT007 dose-dependent manner. ΔFVIII spiked with NXT007 (3 μg/mL) showed higher PeakTh (355±74 nM) than emicizumab (50 μg/mL; 274±48 nM). PeakTh in ΔFVIII after the addition of NXT007 (10, 30, and 100 μg/mL) were 419±12, 454±13, and 484±10 nM, respectively. The coagulant effects of NXT007 (30 and 100 μg/mL) were comparable to pooled normal plasma (PNP). To evaluate the impact of APC-mediated down regulation on the hemostatic enhancement by NXT007 in ΔFVIII, TGA in ΔFVIII reacted with NXT007 (10 μg/mL) in the presence of APC (0-16 nM) was examined. PeakTh was decreased in an APC-dose dependent manner. Comparing with PeakTh without and with APC (16 nM), PeakTh was reduced from 457±11 nM to 331±1.4 nM and the %inhibition was 28%. We next evaluated the effects of APC on TG in PNP with or without an anti-FVIII polyclonal Ab (FVIIIAb) (10 BU/mL). The %inhibition of PeakTh in PNP with APC (16 nM) was 30%, indicating that the effect of APC-mediated inactivation was not disturbed by the presence of NXT007. To clarify the association of NXT007 alone with APC-catalyzed inactivation, we examined a purified FXa generation with NXT007 (10 μg/mL) or with FVIIIa (2 nM) after the addition of APC (0-2 nM) and PS (5 nM). FXa generation with FVIIIa was reduced by ~60% at maximum level in an APC dose-dependent manner, whereas that with NXT007 was not impaired, indicating that NXT007 itself was not affected by APC-catalyzed inactivation. To elucidate the contribution of APC-catalyzed inactivation of FV(a) in NXT007-catalyzed hemostatic regulation, we evaluated the effect of APC on the TG with NXT007 (10 μg/mL) and FV (7.5-30 nM; corresponded to 25-100% of physiological concentration) in the FV-deficient plasma with FVIIIAb (10 BU/mL). The PeakTh in the presence of NXT007 and FV (7.5-30 nM) without APC was 310-340 nM and the %inhibition of PeakTh by the addition of APC (16 nM) was ~35%, showing that NXT007 showed sufficient coagulation potential even at low concentration of FV and that the inhibition of TG by APC-catalyzed FV(a) inactivation was not disturbed by the presence of NXT007 even at FV (7.5 nM). In addition, the influence on TG with APC in the FV-Leiden (FV-L) plasma without or with FVIIIAb and NXT007 (10 μg/mL) were investigated. The %inhibition of PeakTh by APC (16 nM) in FV-L plasma was ~20%. While, the %inhibition of PeakTh by APC (16 nM) in FV-L plasma with FVIIIAb and NXT007 was similar to FV-L plasma alone (~20%), indicating that APC could regulate NXT007-catalyzed hemostatic reaction by inactivation of FV(a) under the FV-L condition. We conclude that APC-catalyzed inactivation mechanisms could play a significant role on the down-regulation of coagulation in NXT007-mediated hemostasis.

Endovascular laser coagulation in varicose vein relapses in the lower extremities

Objective. To study the effectiveness of endovascular laser coagulation in patients with recurrent varicose veins in their lower extremities.Material and methods. Outcomes after the treatment of 54 patients with varicose vein relapses in the lower extremities were analyzed. Under the tumescent anesthesia, endovascular laser coagulation was made: in 5 patients – stump of the great saphenous vein; in 22 patients – recanalized, residual and preserved subcutaneous venous trunks; in 27 patients – insufficient communicating veins of the thigh and lower leg.Results and discussion. In average, surgery lasted for 31 ± 0.6 minutes; intensity of the postoperative pain syndrome was 3.4 ± 0.4 points. Early postoperative complications were registered in 1 (1.8 %) patient, side effects in the form of hyperpigmentation and paraesthesia – in 4 (7.4 %). In 12 months, all operated patients demonstrated an improvement in all parameters of their quality of life by 29.2– 40 %; cosmetic outcome after surgery was 7.8 points out of a ten-point scale. The long-term observation revealed the relapse in varicose veins only in 1 (1.8 %) patient.Conclusion. The justified use of endovasal laser coagulation in patients with relapses of varicose veins in the lower extremities allows to avoid manipulations in the area of scar-altered tissues, to reduce tissue damage and duration of surgery, to improve patients’ quality of life, to avoid additional incisions as well as to improve cosmetic outcomes after surgery.

The anti-snake activity of Nectandra angustifolia flavonoids on phospholipase A2: In vitro and in silico evaluation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLauraceae family includes Nectandra angustifolia a species widely used in the folk medicine of South America against various maladies. It is commonly used to treat different types of processes like inflammation, pain, and snakebites. Snakes of the Bothrops genus are responsible for about 97% of the ophidic accidents in northeastern Argentina. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the anti-snake activity of the phytochemicals present in N. angustifolia extracts, identify the compounds, and evaluate their inhibitory effect on phospholipase A2 (PLA2) with in vitro and in silico assays. MethodsSeasonal variations in the alexiteric potential of aqueous, ethanolic and hexanic extracts were evaluated by inhibition of coagulant, haemolytic, and cytotoxic effects of B. diporus venom. The chemical identity of an enriched fraction obtained by bio-guided fractioning was established by UPLC-MS/MS analysis. Molecular docking studies were carried out to investigate the binding mechanisms of the identified compounds to PLA2 enzyme from snake venom. ResultsAll the extracts inhibited venom coagulant activity. However, spring ethanolic extract achieved 100% inhibition of haemolytic activity. Bio-guide fractioning led to an enriched fraction (F4) with the highest haemolytic inhibition. Five flavonoids were identified in this fraction; molecular docking and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations indicated the binding mechanisms of the identified compounds. The carbohydrates present in some of the compounds had a critical effect on the interaction with PLA2. ConclusionThis study shows, for the first time, which compounds are responsible for the anti-snake activity in Nectandra angustifolia based on in vitro and in silico assays. The results obtained in this work support the traditional use of this species as anti-snake in folk medicine.

Selection and improvement of the method and tool for restoring the anatomical integrity of the retina after its detachment

Introduction. Retinal detachment (RD) is a common pathological condition that without timely surgical treatment leads to vision loss. The patients with significant RD undergo one of three retreatment procedures: Pneumatic Retinopexy, Scleral Buckling, and/or Pars Plana Vitrectomy. Techniques and tools for these procedures have been developed, but the methods themselves still have a significant number of complications. A possible alternative to their further improvement may be a fundamentally new method of treatment, coagulation of the retina with high-frequency electric current (HFEC), for which significant improvement of the tool is still possible. The purpose of the study was to determine a safer method of RD treating and to improve medical tools for restoring anatomical integrity and repositioning a detached retina under two conditions: firstly, obtaining a reliable chorioretinal adhesion, and secondly, minimizing the number of incidental effects of surgical intervention. Materials and methods. The bibliosemantic method, the system analysis method, an experiment on laboratory animals (rabbits) with RD simulation and its coagulation by HFEC, tissue biopsy of operated animals after their euthanasia on the 7th day after surgery, and the production of histological micro-preparations were used. Results. To fulfill the conditions for improving the method, a chorioretinal high-frequency electrocoagulation operation with suprachoroidal access, a modified EK-300M1 generator (Kyiv, Ukraine) with an electrode with a gold hemispherical tip of 25 gauge and electrical generation parameters of 66 kHz, 10‒16 V, 0.1 A was proposed, which causes chorioretinal adhesion in the place where the electrode is used. The method of calculating the parameters of heat transfer from the electrocoagulation tool to the tissues and fluids of the eye was selected: it was proposed to use the Fourier-Kirchhoff and Newton-Richmann equations. Destructive phenomena in the retina from the thermal effect of tissue coagulation in the form of the destruction of rods, cones, the development of cysts, the loss of bipolar, amacrine, horizontal and ganglion cells were noted. Atrophic changes in the retina were minimal at a voltage of 10‒12 V. Conclusions. The problem of improving the methods of restoring the anatomical position of the retinal layers has been relevant for many decades, but it does not lead to a significant reduction in the number of complications. The proposed method and tool for its application causes the creation of a reliable chorioretinal adhesion in a short period of time after surgical intervention with minimal thermal tissue damage. The use of the method of chorioretinal high-frequency electrocoagulation with suprachoroidal access is recommended in conditions of urgent restoration of vision, but not recommended for the prevention of retinal detachment in retinopathies. Keywords: retinal detachment, chorioretinal adhesion, high-frequency electrocoagulation, suprachoroidal access.

Effectiveness of laser coagulation in children with Coats’ disease

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of retinal laser coagulation in children with Coats disease.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 118 patients who were examined and treated from January 2017 to December 2021; 102 of them were boys (86.6%) and 16 were girls (13.4%). All children had unilateral disease. All children underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination. Laser coagulation was performed in 113 patients using a green laser (532 nm). The number of retinal laser coagulation sessions ranged from 2 to 13 (on average 5.22.36) with intervals from 1.5 to 6 months (on average 2.010.46).
 RESULTS: Generally, retinal laser coagulation was effective in CD in 85.8% of cases (in 97 of 113 children). Effectiveness was 100% for vascular malformations and exudates outside the macula, 97.3% for vascular and exudative retinal changes involving the macular zone, 92.3% for local retinal detachment, 90.5% for widespread retinal detachment, 60.0% for subtotal retinal detachment, and 30.0% for total. Only those who had peripheral Coats disease symptoms were found to have visual acuity of 0.6 or above, both before and after treatment. Visual acuity did not exceed 0.1 in 92% of patients with vascular and exudative changes in the periphery and in the macula and in 94% with local and widespread retinal detachment. After successful retinal laser coagulation, 11 children (13.4%) had visual acuity of 0.4 or higher, 13 children (15.9%) had visual acuity between 0.1 and 0.3, 45 children (54.9%) had finger count of 0.09, and 13 children (15.9%) lack objective vision.
 CONCLUSION: Retinal laser coagulation using a laser with a wavelength of 532 nm is an effective method for treating CD at all stages, including cases of the disease with the development of retinal detachment.

The study of visual evoked potentials in children with retinopathy of prematurity

Visual functions in children after retinopathy of prematurity depend not only on the degree of residual clinical changes in the fundus and structural features of the retina, but also on the state of the pathways and higher parts of the visual analyzer, which can be investigated by recording visual evoked potentials. This examination method involves recording the overall response of large populations of cortical neurons to the synchronous flow of impulses coming to them, arising in response to an afferent stimulus and reflecting mainly the electrical activity of the macular area. The registration of visual evoked potentials in the retinopathy of prematurity has an important diagnostic value for identifying the level and degree of damage to the pathways and higher parts of the visual analyzer. This literature review presents the data of foreign and domestic authors on the state of the pathways and higher parts of the visual analyzer in premature babies and children with retinopathy of prematurity using the registration of visual evoked potentials. It has been noted that the magnocellular system, which is activated in response to motor stimuli, is affected to a greater extent in preterm infants than the parvocellular system, which functions in response to pattern stimuli. A comprehensive ophthalmological examination with the registration of visual evoked potentials on the presentation of pattern-reversing stimuli and/or on a flash stimulus should be carried out in children with cicatricial stages of retinopathy of prematurity, in order to identify and confirm the concomitant pathology of the optic nerve. It has been established that the frequency of registration of pathologically altered visual evoked potentials as the severity of retinopathy of prematurity increases, indicating an increase in pathway dysfunction. The effect of laser coagulation of the retina and the volume of its implementation in retinopathy of prematurity on the functional state of the visual analyzer was studied.

A Combined Bioassay and Nanofractionation Approach to Investigate the Anticoagulant Toxins of Mamba and Cobra Venoms and Their Inhibition by Varespladib.

Envenomation by elapid snakes primarily results in neurotoxic symptoms and, consequently, are the primary focus of therapeutic research concerning such venoms. However, mounting evidence suggests these venoms can additionally cause coagulopathic symptoms, as demonstrated by some Asian elapids and African spitting cobras. This study sought to investigate the coagulopathic potential of venoms from medically important elapids of the genera Naja (true cobras), Hemachatus (rinkhals), and Dendroaspis (mambas). Crude venoms were bioassayed for coagulant effects using a plasma coagulation assay before RPLC/MS was used to separate and identify venom toxins in parallel with a nanofractionation module. Subsequently, coagulation bioassays were performed on the nanofractionated toxins, along with in-solution tryptic digestion and proteomics analysis. These experiments were then repeated on both crude venoms and on the nanofractionated venom toxins with the addition of either the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor varespladib or the snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) inhibitor marimastat. Our results demonstrate that various African elapid venoms have an anticoagulant effect, and that this activity is significantly reduced for cobra venoms by the addition of varespladib, though this inhibitor had no effect against anticoagulation caused by mamba venoms. Marimastat showed limited capacity to reduce anticoagulation in elapids, affecting only N. haje and H. haemachatus venom at higher doses. Proteomic analysis of nanofractionated toxins revealed that the anticoagulant toxins in cobra venoms were both acidic and basic PLA2s, while the causative toxins in mamba venoms remain uncertain. This implies that while PLA2 inhibitors such as varespladib and metalloproteinase inhibitors such as marimastat are viable candidates for novel snakebite treatments, they are not likely to be effective against mamba envenomings.

Effect of Magnetized Coagulants on Wastewater Treatment: Rice Starch and Chitosan Ratios Evaluation.

Coagulation with synthetic chemicals has been used to treat a wide range of industrial effluents. Herein, the unique characteristics of industrial effluents being detrimental to the environment warrants urgent resource-efficient and eco-friendly solutions. Therefore, the study investigated the use of two magnetized coagulants (chitosan magnetite (CF) and rice starch magnetite (RF)), prepared via co-precipitation in three different ratios (1:2, 1:1 and 2:1) of natural coagulants (chitosan or rice starch) and magnetite nanoparticles (F) as alternative coagulants to alum for the treatment of wastewater. A Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analyzer, an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyzer, and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy were used to characterize the surface area, crystal structure, and elemental composition of the coagulants. The influences of settling time (10–60 min) on the reduction of turbidity, color, phosphate, and absorbance were studied. This was carried out with a jar test coupled with six beakers operated under coagulation conditions of rapid stirring (150 rpm) and gentle stirring (30 rpm). Wastewater with an initial concentration of 45.6 NTU turbidity, 315 Pt. Co color, 1.18 mg/L phosphate, 352 mg/L chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 73.4% absorbance was used. The RF with a ratio of 1:1 was found to be the best magnetized coagulant with over 80% contaminant removal and 90% absorbance. The treatability performance of RF (1:1) has clearly demonstrated that it is feasible for wastewater treatment.

EFFECT OF AMAZON CACTUS (Cereus jamacaru) AS A NATURAL COAGULANT FOR THE REMOVAL OF TURBIDITY FROM SURFACE WATER

Background: Brazil suffers from a lack of basic sanitation in many regions, intensified in the Amazon region due to its difficult access. The application of natural coagulants is a promising alternative since it eliminates the use of chemicals, is a simple, low-cost method that is easy to reproduce, and is accessible to any community, thus promoting health and environmental improvements. On the other hand, the use of chemical coagulants can cause harm to the environment and human health. Aim: Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the coagulation effect of a species of Amazonian cactus applied in the treatment of water for human consumption. Methods: For the study, about 500 grams of the aerial part of the Cereus jamacaru was collected on the banks of the BR 174 in the region of Roraima. The spines were removed in the laboratory, the plant material was washed, cut to a thickness, dried in an oven at 60 °C for 36 hours, then ground and sieved until obtaining a powder, which was tested as a natural coagulant. The water used in the study was collected from the Branco River in Boa Vista, Roraima, and characterized its initial turbidity. Results: The dosage of 0.2g of the natural cactus coagulant showed a significant reduction in the turbidity of the study water, leaving it within the potability standards established for groundwater. Discussion: Coagulation in the sanitary context is evidenced by the removal of microscopic particles associated with pathogenic microorganisms, normally found in raw water and with very low sedimentation speed. Replacing polluting chemical substances with natural coagulants in the treatment of water for human consumption contributes to the quality of life. Conclusion: The Amazonian cactus Cereus jamacaru demonstrated coagulation efficiency for analyzing the turbidity parameter of water for human consumption.

Electrode Layout Optimization and Numerical Simulation of Cast Conductive Asphalt Concrete Steel Bridge Deck Pavement.

In order to obtain the optimal electrode layout and ice melting effect of cast conductive asphalt concrete steel bridge deck pavement, firstly, pouring conductive asphalt concrete was prepared; secondly, different electrode materials and layout methods were selected to test the heating rate of the specimen from start to 120 min, and the electrode materials and layout methods were optimized. Then, the finite element analysis software ANSYS was used to build the model for heating and ice melting simulation, and the indoor test was used to further verify the ice melting effect of the cast conductive asphalt coagulation with or without the insulation layer. Finally, the thermal-structural coupling analysis of cast conductive asphalt concrete steel bridge deck pavement was carried out using ANSYS finite element software. The results showed that the stainless steel electrode material had the best heating effect, and the electrode thickness in the range of 0.1~3mm had no effect on the heating effect. The intermediate heating rate of the upper surface of the stainless steel sheet electrode cast conductive asphalt concrete in the left and right external electrodes was 8 °C/h, while the intermediate heating rate of the upper surface of the stainless steel mesh electrode cast conductive asphalt concrete was 12.9 °C/h. The layout of the left and right buried stainless steel metal mesh was able to effectively improve the snow melting efficiency; ANSYS finite element ice melting simulation was used to obtain the variation law of ice melting efficiency and a temperature field of cast conductive asphalt concrete. The indoor ice melting test showed that when melting the same thickness ice layer at 50 V voltage, it took 240 min with an insulation layer and 720 min without an insulation layer, which was three times that of the ice with an insulation layer, which further verifies the superiority of its ice melting effect. The most unfavorable load position of pavement under load and temperature field was determined. The maximum tensile stress and compressive stress of the pavement surface were transverse, and the maximum shear stress of the pavement bottom was transverse.

Clinical effect of soft coagulation for air leak treatment during pulmonary lobectomy

BackgroundSoft coagulation using the VIO soft coagulation system is used to treat minor lung air leaks during pulmonary resection in Japan. We previously reported that it has a similar effect as the air leak treatment with fibrin glue. We evaluated the efficacy of soft coagulation using the VIO soft coagulation system for lung air leakage during pulmonary resection.MethodsIntraoperative air leaks from the interlobar lung parenchyma were observed in 42 of the 283 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy between 2016 and 2018. We retrospectively reviewed these 42 patients who were treated using the VIO soft coagulation system for air leaks. We classified the air leaks in to grades using the Macchiarini scale score and evaluated the surgical outcomes of air leak treatment.ResultsAir leaks from the interlobar lung parenchyma having Macchiarini scale scores 1, 2, and 3 occurred in 8, 17, and 17 patients, respectively. In all the 8 patients with score 1 air leaks (100%), the air leaks could be controlled using the VIO soft coagulation system alone, and none had delayed pneumothorax requiring intervention. Of the score 2 and 3 air leaks, 52.9% and 35.3% were controlled using the VIO soft coagulation system alone, respectively.ConclusionsMacchiarini scale score 1 air leaks from the interlobar lung parenchyma could be well controlled using the VIO soft coagulation system. Therefore, soft coagulation with this system may be an alternative method for treating minor air leaks during pulmonary resection surgery.

A Highly Efficient Biomass Compound Aerosol Suppressant in Purifying Radioactive Cesium Droplet Aerosols.

Nuclear accidents and decommissioning in the nuclear industry would release a large number of radioactive aerosols which endangers the natural environment and the health of workers. Therefore, there is an urgent need for environment-friendly aerosol suppressants to control and handle environmental pollution problems caused by radioactive aerosols. In this paper, sodium alginate (SA), a type of polyphenol material (TP), and alkyl glycosides (APGs) were selected as the components of the compound aerosol suppressant and the optimal proportion was generated via the method of D-optimal mixture design. Furthermore, the cesium aerosol sedimentation effect of the optimized compound aerosol suppressants was evaluated via sedimentation efficiency, the change in particle concentration cumulative concentration fraction of the cesium aerosol sedimentation process. The results showed that the aerosol sedimentation efficiency was 99.82% which was much higher than nature settlement, 18.6% and water spraying sedimentation, 43.3%. Moreover, after spraying the compound suppressant, it displayed a good effect on settling the cesium aerosol particles with a diameter of less than 1 µm, as the concentration of particles was reduced from 55.49% to 44.53%. Finally, the sedimentation mechanism of the compound aerosol suppressant and cesium aerosol particles, such as the coagulation effect, was analyzed using the particle size distribution.

A network pharmacology integrated pharmacokinetics strategy to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of absorbed components from crude and processed Zingiberis Rhizoma on deficiency-cold and hemorrhagic syndrome

Ethnopharmacological relevanceZingiberis Rhizoma (ZR) and Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata (ZRC), as two forms of ginger-based herbal drugs used in China for at least 2000 years, have been recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and applied for specific indications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Aim of the studyThe present study aimed to explore the underlying therapeutic and processing mechanism of the absorbed components of ZR and ZRC on deficiency-cold and hemorrhagic syndrome (DCHS) using network pharmacological technique combined with pharmacokinetics strategy. Materials and methodsIn this study, a rapid and sensitive approach was conceived to simultaneously determine the seven components (zingiberone, 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 6-paradol, diacetyl-6-gingerol and 10-gingerol) in rat serum by HPLC-DAD-MS. The network pharmacological technique was employed to evaluate the effect of the absorbed components of ZR and ZRC on DCHS. Also, the vitro experiments were carried out to validate the functions of the seven compounds on coagulation and other major haematological effects. ResultsThe values of intra-assay and inter-assay precision were determined to be less than 7.44%, with an accuracy value ranging from 83.64% to 107.99%. Analysis of rat plasma revealed that the extraction recoveries and matrix effects of the seven analytes were >85.76%. The method for validation following oral administration of ZR and ZRC to rats was proved to be a success in the pharmacokinetic study of the seven ingredients. Pharmacokinetics showed that ZR processing could enhance the absorption and utilization of 6-shogaol, 6-paradol and diacetyl-6-gingerol, meanwhile reduce the absorption of 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol. Through the pathway enrichment analysis, it was found that the significant biological process of ZR and ZRC on DCHS was primarily associated with complement, coagulation cascades and platelet activation pathways. The vitro experiments indicated that zingiberone, 6-paradol and diacetyl-6-gingerol had a hemostatic effect by upregulating the expression of one or more targets such as TNF-α, FⅩa, FⅫ, FⅧ, ICAM-1, vWF and ITGB3. While 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 8-gingerol and 10-gingerol played a critical role in promoting blood circulation by increasing the expression of TM and/or PORC, and/or reducing the expression of ITGB3. ConclusionIn brief, network pharmacological technique in combination with pharmacokinetics strategy provided an applicable method for pharmacological mechanism study of ZR and ZRC, which, also, could be used as reference for quality control of the two drugs. In a broader sense, this combined strategy might even be valuable in uncovering the therapeutic and processing mechanism of Chinese herbs on a systematic level.

Chicken pepsin: coagulant and proteolytic effects on milk caseins

Chicken pepsin: coagulant and proteolytic effects on milk caseins

Comparative Analysis of the Proximate Composition of Local Cheese Made from Soybean Milk and Cowmilk using Different Coagulants

This study was aimed at determining the proximate composition and the effects of two coagulants in the production of local cheese known as Awara using soybean and cow milk. Cow milk cheese using the tamarind coagulant had the highest weight at 492.7 g followed by cow milk cheese using the corn steeped liquor which was 484.3 g, while soybean cheese weighed 347.7 g and 323.4 g for tamarind and corn steeped liquor respectively. The results revealed a significant difference in the effect of different coagulants on the proximate composition of the cheese produced. Soybean cheese had the highest moisture content of (20.04 ± 0.015%) and (18.15± 0.13%), crude fiber (10.01 ± 0.01%) and (12.17 ± 0.15%), crude protein (10.33± 0.08%) and (7.88± 0.05%) and carbohydrate (46.78 ± 0.11%) and (49.16 ± 0.06%) while cow milk had the highest ash content (5.03 ± 0.03%) and (5.03 ±0.04%) and crude fat of (21.32 ± 0.28%) and (20.28 ± 0.25%) for corn steeped liquor and tamarind coagulants respectively. The sensory evaluation revealed that cheese produced from soybeans using the corn stepped liquor had the highest acceptability of 8.63±0.01, followed by cheese produced from cow milk using the corn steeped liquor 8.37±0.43, cow milk cheese using tamarind 7.50±0.54 and the cheese produced from soybeans had the least acceptability of 7.40±0.25. The results showed that cheeses made from soybeans with different coagulants were the most nutritious because they retained more of the product's nutritional content.

Utilization of Sludge from Textile Wastewater Treatment Plants as Raw Material for Iron Coagulant

Treatment of liquid waste using iron coagulant produces a by-product in the form of sludge which requires large handling costs. To reduce environmental pollution and sludge treatment costs, the sludge will be used as raw material for the manufacture of iron coagulant. This study aims to determine whether the sludge from textile WWTP can be used as raw material for iron coagulant. To determine the effectiveness of coagulants made from sludge, this study will compare the results of the coagulation-flocculation process using commercial iron coagulants and iron coagulants made from sludge as well as mixed coagulants with ratios of commercial iron coagulants to iron coagulants made from sludge of 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, and 30%. The water quality resulting from the coagulation-flocculation process was indicated by pH, color turbidity, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and Total Suspended Solid (TSS). The results showed that the water quality of the coagulation-flocculation process was worse when mixed coagulant was used with a smaller ratio of commercial iron coagulant to iron coagulant made from sludge. A mixture of commercial iron coagulant and iron coagulant made from sludge that meets the quality standard for the TSS parameter is a mixed coagulant with a v/v ratio of 70%, while those less than 70% do not meet the quality standard.