Solid-state properties of pink clay from Jequitinhonha Valley in Brazil for pre-formulation study

Abstract Clay minerals are still widely used in pharmaceutical products for human health and cosmetic purposes. Pre-formulation studies were conducted to identify solid-state properties of pink clay, a sample from Diamantina, Brazil. Among the solid properties to be analyzed, we have selected type identification, iron phases, crystallinity, powder flow characteristics, thermal behavior, and non-isothermal phase transition kinetics. The pink clay is composed of (1:1) clay type and kaolinite as the main component. The Mössbauer spectrum of pink clay shows Fe3+(α-Fe2O3) Clay minerals are still widely used in pharmaceutical products for human health and cosmetic purposes. Pre-formulation studies were conducted to identify solid-state properties of pink clay, a sample from Diamantina, Brazil. Among the solid properties to be analyzed, we have selected type identification, iron phases, crystallinity, powder flow characteristics, thermal behavior, and non-isothermal phase transition kinetics. The pink clay is composed of (1:1) clay type and kaolinite as the main component. The Mössbauer spectrum of pink clay shows Fe3+(α-Fe2O3) hematite, Fe2+, and Fe3+ with large Δ/2ξq of about 2.80 and 2.69 mm.s-1 respectively, related to iron silicates, most likely pyroxene, and a superparamagnetic Fe3+. Pink clay exhibits poor flow properties. The thermal behavior indicates a phase-transition between 400 - 600 ºC associated with the dehydroxylation of the pink clay system requiring ~300 kJ mol-1, being constant until the process reaches a conversion of ~50% when the energy is enhanced to ~530 kJ mol-1, concluding the whole dehydroxylation process (α=80%). Solid-state properties and characteristics found for the pink clay must be considered for the proper design of formulations. This type of clay shows unique pharmaceutical properties that can be favorably exploited by the cosmetic industry

Aloe Vera (L. ) como floculante para remoción de turbidez de aguas superficiales / Aloe Vera (L. ) as a flocculant to remove turbidity from surface water

El acceso al agua potable por red pública es un problema de la población rural en el departamento de Huánuco, por ende, se suele realizar el consumo de este recurso sin previo tratamiento, produciéndose así enfermedades estomacales. El uso de agentes naturales como el Aloe vera (L.) (Sábila) viene a ser una alternativa como floculante para el tratamiento convencional del agua, por tal motivo, en esta investigación se visualizaron experimentalmente las características y reacciones del gel de A. vera como floculante en la remoción de la turbidez. La turbidez del agua se simuló con el caolín, y se determinó la concentración óptima de alúmina y sábila (1%) a valores diferentes de pH y turbidez iniciales, con los datos resultantes se optimizó las dosis mediante el modelo matemático de superficie de respuesta, para después realizar su respectiva validación mediante métodos gráficos e índices matemáticos; los resultados reflejaron que la turbidez inicial, pH inicial y la dosis del coagulante influyen significativamente en la remoción de la turbidez de agua, de forma individual, concluyendo según el modelo de superficie de respuesta que el volumen óptimo de sábila al 1% alcanza su mayor eficiencia a 0,1 mL y 0,4 mL por cada 500 mL, dosis que varía de acuerdo a su pH y turbidez inicial, este modelo matemático se ajusta para aguas superficiales de la ciudad de Tingo María(AU)

Access to drinking water through the public network is a problem for the rural population in the department of Huánuco, therefore, this resource is usually consumed without prior treatment, thus producing stomach illnesses. The use of natural agents such as Aloe vera (L.) becomes an alternative as a flocculant for conventional water treatment, for this reason, in this investigation the characteristics and reactions of the A. vera gel were visualized experimentally as a flocculant in the removal of turbidity. The turbidity of the water was simulated with kaolin, and the optimum concentration of alumina and aloe vera (1%) was determined at different values of initial pH and turbidity. With the resulting data, the doses were optimized using the mathematical model of the response surface. to later carry out their respective validation through graphic methods and mathematical indices; The results showed that the initial turbidity, initial pH and the dose of the coagulant significantly influence the removal of the turbidity of the water, individually, concluding according to the response surface model that the optimal volume of aloe at 1% reaches its highest level. efficiency at 0.1 mL and 0.4 mL per 500 mL, a dose that varies according to its pH and initial turbidity, this mathematical model is adjusted for surface waters of the city of Tingo María(AU)

Susceptibility of Alabama argillacea and Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae to Beauveria bassiana associated with kaolin / Susceptibilidade de larvas de Alabama argillacea e Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a Beauveria bassiana associada com caulim

Abstract The mortality of the Alabama argillacea and Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae caused by the kaolin inert powder and the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana were determined under laboratory conditions. Using the caterpillar submersion method, the CG 138 B. bassiana isolate was more pathogenic to A. argillacea than the CG 70, GC 82, ESALQ 634, and ESALQ 645. All five tested isolates caused similar mortality of C. includens. The mortality of first-instar larvae of A. argillacea and C. includens by feeding on leaf-disc impregnated with B. bassiana (CG 138) and kaolin was also determined. Higher A. argillacea mortalities were observed in the B. bassiana (CG 138) treatments, regardless of the presence of kaolin. However, the activity of kaolin + B. bassiana (CG 138) against C. includens was higher than each ingredient alone, indicating an additive action against C. includes larvae. The mortality of A. argillacea and C. includens larvae treated with kaolin + B. bassiana (CG 138) was similar, and the A. argillacea mortality was higher than that of C. includens with kaolin and B. bassiana (GC 138) separated. The treatment kaolin + B. bassiana (CG 138) is promising for the simultaneous management of these two defoliator pests, mainly A. includes. In addition, the monophagous A. argillacea is more susceptible to both kaolin and B. bassiana (GC 138) than the polyphagous C. includens, suggesting that the nutritional ecology plays an important role in the susceptibility of these defoliator species to alternative insecticides.

Resumo A mortalidade de larvas de Alabama argillacea e Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), causada pelo pó inerte do caulim e pelo fungo entomopatogênico Beauveria bassiana, foi determinada em condições de laboratório. Usando o método de submersão da lagarta, o isolado CG 138 de B. bassiana foi mais patogênico para A. argillacea que os CG 70, GC 82, ESALQ 634 e ESALQ 645 desse fungo. Os cinco isolados testados causaram mortalidade semelhante de C. includens. A mortalidade de larvas de primeiro ínstar de A. argillacea e C. includens pelo método de alimentação em discos foliares impregnados com B. bassiana (CG 138) e caulim foi, também, determinada. A mortalidade de A. argillacea foi maior nos tratamentos com B. bassiana (CG 138), independentemente da presença do caulim. A atividade do caulim + B. bassiana (CG 138) contra C. includens foi maior que cada ingrediente isolado, indicando ação aditiva contra larvas desse Lepidoptera. A mortalidade de larvas de A. argillacea e C. includens, com caulim + B. bassiana (CG 138), foi semelhante e as de A. argillacea maiores que as de C. includens com caulim e B. bassiana (GC 138) isoladamente. O tratamento caulin + B. bassiana (CG 138) é promissor para o manejo simultâneo dessas duas pragas desfolhadoras, principalmente A. includens. Além disso, a monófaga, A. argilacea, é mais suscetível ao caulim e à B. bassiana (GC 138) que a polífaga, C. includens, sugerindo que a ecologia nutricional desempenha papel importante na suscetibilidade dessas espécies desfolhadoras a inseticidas alternativos.

Infuence of kaolin application on most important fruit and leaf characteristics of two apple cultivars under sustained defcit irrigation

BACKGROUND: Apple is one of the oldest and most valuable fruits. Water restriction is one of the major problems in the production of this fruit in some planting areas. METHODS: Effects of kaolin spray treatments were studied on two early apple cultivars of Golab and Shafi-Abadi under sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) in Alborz province, Iran during 2017 and 2018. Irrigation treatments were 100%, 85%, and 70% ETc and kaolin application were concentrations of 0, 3 and 6% in 2017 and 0, 1.5 and 3% in 2018. RESULTS: Results showed that 85% ETc treatment compared to other irrigation treatments improved apple tree crown volume in 2017. Deficit irrigation treatments significantly reduced fruit weight in both years. Application with 6% kaolin resulted in 33.3% increase in apple fruit weight compared to non-kaolin treatment at 100% ETc irrigation in the first year. Severe deficit irrigation (70% ETc) significantly reduced apple fruit length in both years, but 6% kaolin increased fruit length in both apple cultivars in 2017. Severe deficit irrigation treatment increased the firmness of apple fruit compared to control and mild deficit irrigation (85% ETc) in the first year of experiment. There was no significant difference between irrigation treatments for apple fruit firmness in the second year of experiment. Kaolin treatments of 1.5% and 3% at full irrigation increased the soluble solids content of apple fruit by 36.6% and 44.1% in 2018, respectively. Deficit irrigation treatments significantly increased leaf proline content compared to control in both years. In the first year, kaolin treatments increased leaf proline but in the second year, leaf proline was not significant. Deficit irrigation treatment of 70% ETc and 6% kaolin had the highest amount of glycine betaine content, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in apple leaf in the first year of experiment. CONCLUSIONS: Severe deficit irrigation stress (70% ETc) increased the activity of nonenzymatic defense systems of apple trees. Kaolin as a drought stress reducing agent can be recommended in apple orchards of Golab and Shafi-Abadi cultivars as an effective and inexpensive method to improve tolerance to drought stress conditions.

Survival, development and reproduction of Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on kaolin-treated cotton / Sobrevivência, desenvolvimento e reprodução de Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) em algodão tratado com caulim

Abstract The mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a cotton pest widespread in several cotton growing regions of Brazil, particularly in the semi-arid region of southwestern Bahia. The impact of kaolin on survival, development and reproduction of P. solenopsis was evaluated in the laboratory. The experiment was developed in a completely randomized design with two treatments: immature or newly emerged adults of P. solenopsis sprayed with kaolin and fed with cotton leaf discs treated with kaolin suspension (with kaolin) (T1) and immature or newly emerged adults of P. solenopsis sprayed with distilled water and fed with cotton leaf discs treated with distilled water (without kaolin) (T2). The kaolin suspension shortens the life cycle, increases the reproductive potential and population growth of the cotton mealybug, P. solenopsis and, therefore, it should be used with caution on cotton plants in regions with a history of occurrence of this pest.

Resumo A cochonilha Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) é uma praga de algodão, amplamente, difundida em várias regiões produtoras do Brasil, particularmente, na região semiárida do sudoeste da Bahia. O impacto do caulim na sobrevivência, desenvolvimento e reprodução de P. solenopsis foi avaliado em laboratório. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos: imaturos ou adultos recém-emergidos de P. solenopsis alimentados com discos foliares de algodão tratados com caulim (com caulim) e pulverizadas com este produto (T1) e imaturos ou adultos recém-emergidos de P. solenopsis alimentados com discos foliares de algodão tratados com água destilada (sem caulim) e pulverização dos insetos com água destilada (T2). A suspensão do caulim encurtou o ciclo de vida, aumentou o potencial reprodutivo e o crescimento populacional da cochonilha-do-algodoeiro, P. solenopsis e, portanto, deve ser utilizado com cautela em plantas de algodão em regiões com histórico de ocorrência desta praga.

Effects of deficit irrigation and kaolin application on vegetative growth and fruit traits of two early ripening apple cultivars

BACKGROUND: Drought is one of the main serious problems for agriculture production which its intensity is increasing in many parts of the world, hence, improving water use efficiency is a main goal for sustainable agriculture. RESULTS: Growth indices including relative shoot length growth (SL), relative stem diameter increase (SD) and relative trunk cross sectional area growth (TCSA) measured at the start and end of the season decreased by reducing the irrigation level. Chlorophyll index (CI) was decreased at 70% crop evapotranspiration, however water use efficiency (WUE), leaf and fruit total phenolic content (TPC), and fruit anthocyanin content (AC) were among the traits that showed increment by water deficit stress in both cultivars. Shafi-Abadi cultivar showed to be more sensitive to the water stress than 'Golab' Kaolin treatment improved SL, SD and CI traits, but this increase was statistically significant only for SD at 5% level. Kaolin had no significant effect on yield and water use efficiency (WUE), however, it had negative effect on yield efficiency (YE). Kaolin treatments also significantly increased fruit and leaf TPC (P< 0.01) but had no effect on leaf and fruit total antioxidant activity (AA), as well as fruit anthocyanin content (AC) and soluble proteins (SP). CONCLUSIONS: Irrigation at 85% ETc showed better results than 100% and 70% ETc levels for yield attributes. It seems that the more pronounced effect of kaolin on vegetative traits but not on the fruits, might be attributed to the early ripening and harvest time of the examined cultivars.

Syndrome occlusif au décours d'une ingestion chronique de Kaolin ("Kew"). A propos d'une observation

Le pica est un trouble du comportement alimentaire fréquemment rencontré chez les femmes et les enfants. Il se caractérise par l'ingestion d'objets ou de substances non-comestibles comme la craie, le charbon, le savon, le métal, le sable etc... Nous rapportons une observation d'une patiente de 20 ans avec notion d'autisme depuis l'enfance et d'addiction à la géophagie (Kaolin appelé "kéw" au Sénégal) depuis plusieurs années qui a eu à consulter pour des douleurs abdominales associées à des ballonnements abdominaux, une hématémèse et un arrêt complet des matières et des gaz. Son examen clinique avait objectivé un abdomen légèrement sensible sans défense ni cris de l'ombilic et le toucher rectal avait objectivé un fécalome de consistance dure. Le bilan biologique était normal en dehors d'une légère hypokaliémie, le test de Wide était négatif. La radiographie de l'abdomen sans préparation avait objectivé des micro calcifications en amas au niveau du rectum confortée par la tomodensitométrie abdomino-pelvienne qui avait en plus infirmé l'existence d'une perforation d'organe et de souffrance viscérale. Un traitement évacuateur mécanique consistant en la mise en place d'une sonde d'intubation orotrachéale charnière n°6 au niveau du rectum avec ballonnet gonflé et irrigation par 500 ml de sérum savonneux stérile suivi d'une évacuation au doigt avait permis d'évacuer la quasi-totalité des corps étrangers endorectaux confirmée par la radiographie de contrôle. Devant la constatation d'une ré-ingestion au bout d'une semaine avec une radiographie de l'abdomen sans préparation qui avait montré des images quasi-superposable, la patiente a été adressée en consultation psychiatrique pour un suivi

Expression of Aquaporin 1 and 4 in the Choroid Plexus and Brain Parenchyma of Kaolin-Induced Hydrocephalic Rats / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Aquaporin (AQP) is a recently discovered protein that regulates water homeostasis. The present study examines changes in AQP 1 and 4 in kaolin induced experimental hydrocephalic rats to elucidate the pathophysiology of water homeostasis in the disease. METHODS: Hydrocephalus was induced by percutaneous intracisternal injection of kaolin. The brain parenchyma and choroid plexus were obtained at 3, 7, 14 and 30 days after injection. Protein expressions of AQP 1 and 4 were measured by western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) stains. RESULTS: In the choroid plexus of the kaolin-induced hydrocephalus group, AQP 1 expression identified by western blot exhibited sharp decrease in the early stage (55% by the 3rd day and 22% by the 7th day), but indicated a 2.2-fold increase in the later stage (30th day) in comparison with control groups. In the parenchyma, a quantitative measurement of AQP 4 expression revealed variable results on the 3rd and 7th days, but indicated expression 2.1 times higher than the control in the later stage (30th day). In addition, the IHC and IF findings supported the patterns of expression of AQP 1 in the choroid plexus and AQP 4 in the parenchyma. CONCLUSION: Expression of AQP 1 decreased sharply in the choroid plexus of acute hydrocephalus rats and increased at later stages. Expression of AQP 4 in the brain parenchyma was variable in the early stage in the hydrocephalus group, but was higher than in the control in the later stage. These findings suggest a compensating role of AQPs in water physiology in hydrocephalus.

Development of an experimental model of neurocysticercosis-induced hydrocephalus. Pilot study

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To develop an experimental model of neurocysticercosis-induced hydrocephalus METHODS: There were used 17 rats. Ten animals were inoculated with Taenia crassiceps cysts into the subarachnoid. Five animals were injected with 0.1ml of 25% kaolin (a standard solution for the development of experimental hydrocephalus) and two animals were injected with saline. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate enlargement of the ventricles after one or three months of inoculation. Volumetric study was used to quantify the ventricle enlargement. RESULTS: Seven of the 10 animals in the cyst group developed hydrocephalus, two of them within one month and five within three months after inoculation. Three of the five animals in the kaolin group had hydrocephalus and none in the saline group. Ventricle volumes were significantly higher in the 3-months MRI cyst subgroup than in the 1-month cyst subgroup. Differences between cyst subgroups and kaolin group did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The developed model may reproduce the human condition of neurocysticercosis-related hydrocephalus, which exhibits a slowly progressive chronic course.

Ameliorative effect of Armillariella tabescens on cisplatin-induced gastrointestinal tract reaction in the rat / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of Armillariella tabescens on cisplatin chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal tract reaction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into control group, model group, low dose Armillariella tabescens group, middle dose Armillariella tabescens group, high dose Armillariella tabescens group and ondansetron group. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with cisplatin to induce pica, and observe the effect of Armillariella tabescens on consumption of kaolin, food, water and body weight.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>24-72 h after cisplatin administration, in the middle dose Armillariella tabescens group, the high dose Armillariella tabescens group and the ondansetron group, the kaolin intake was significantly lower than that in the model group, respectively (P<0.05). The most significant difference was between the high dose Armillariella tabescens group [(0.58 +/- 0.23) g/24 h] and the control group [(2.16 +/- 0.98) g/24 h] at 24 h after cisplatin administration. The variables, such as consumption of food during 48-72 h (P<0.05), water during 48-72 h (P<0.05), and body weight at 72 h (P<0.05) in the middle dose Armillariella tabescens group were significantly higher than those in the model group, but no statistically significant difference between the ondansetron group and the model group (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Armillariella tabescens can effectively inhibit the cisplatin-induced pica response, and the middle dose Armillariella tabescens group is significantly better than the model group in improving the food intake reduction, water intake reduction and body weight loss.</p>

Changes caused by hidrocephalus, induced by kaolin, in the corpus callosum of adult dogs / Alterações causadas pela hidrocefalia, induzida por caulim, no corpo caloso de cães adultos

PURPOSE: To analyze the ventricular enlargement and myelination of the corpus callosum in adult dogs after four and eight weeks of kaolin-induction of hydrocephalus. METHODS: 36 dogs were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1 - without hydrocephalus, 2 - kaolin-induction of hydrocephalus until the fourth week, and 3 - kaolin-induction of hydrocephalus until the eighth week. Ventricular ratios and volumes were calculated using magnetic resonance images, and myelination of the corpus callosum were histologically evaluated using solocromo-cianin stain. RESULTS: Radiological hydrocephalus was observed in 93.75 percent and overall mortality was 38.4 percent. Ventricular volumes and ratios were higher in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1 and similar when measures in the fourth and eighth weeks were compared in the group 3. Indices of luminescence in the knee and in the splenium of the corpus callosum were higher in group 2 than in group 1 indicating that there was loss of myelin in group 2, and similar in groups 1 and 3, showing a tendency to remyelination after 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: The corpus callosum of dogs with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus responds with demyelination of the knee and splenium by the fourth week with a tendency to remyelination by the eighth week.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a dilatação ventricular e a mielinização do corpo caloso em cães adultos após quatro e oito semanas da indução de hidrocefalia por caulin. MÉTODOS: 36 cães foram aleatoriamente divididos em 3 grupos: 1- sem hidrocefalia, 2- quatro semanas de hidrocefalia induzida por caulin, 3- oito semanas de hidrocefalia induzida por caulin. As razões e volumes ventriculares foram calculados utilizando imagens de ressonância magnética, e, a mielinização do corpo caloso por estudo histológico (coloração com solocromo- cianina). RESULTADOS: Hidrocefalia foi observada radiologicamente em 93,75 por cento e a mortalidade global foi de 38,4 por cento. Os volumes e as razões ventriculares foram maiores nos grupos 2 e 3 em relação ao grupo 1 e semelhantes nas quarta e oitava semanas no grupo 3. Índices de luminescência no joelho e no esplênio do corpo caloso foram maiores no grupo 2 em relação ao grupo 1, indicando que houve perda de mielina no grupo 2, e semelhantes nos grupos 1 e 3, mostrando uma tendência à remielinização em torno de 8 semanas. CONCLUSÃO: O corpo caloso de cães com hidrocefalia induzida por caulin responde com desmielinização no joelho e esplênio em torno de quatro semanas com tendência à remielinização em torno da oitava semana.

[Determination of aerosol emission and bag filter efficiency in fire-proof products industries]

Today, the environmental pollution caused by fire-proof break producing factories is one of the critical and challenging issues in our country. Aerosols emission concentration of the factory stacks and determining of bag filters efficiency were aims of this study. In this research, the concentration of emitting dust from 6 stacks related to Kaolin preparation, Calcinatory, Shamout, Specific mass, Extrude Furnace and Shuttle Furnace units were measured during 2006-2008. Also, the efficiency of bag filters of Kaolin preparation, Calcinatory, Shamout, Specific mass units were determined in 2008. Devices M9096 Particulate Sampling Train and DURAG model [D-RC 80] were used in this research. The rates of dust concentrations in years 2006-9 in Kaolin unit were; 284, 112 and 12.5 mg/m3, in Shamout unit were; 120, 140 and 73 mg/m3, in Calcinatory were; 178, 179 and 173 mg/m3, Specific Mass were; 291, 283 and 60 mg/m3, in Shuttle Furnace were; 14.7, 14.3 and 14.8 and in Extrude Furnace were; 12.6, 13.7 and 12.7 mg/ m[3]. Efficiency of bag filters was 99.896% for Kaolin unit, 06.499% for Shamout unit, 92.348% for Calcinatory and 99.782% for Specific Mass unit. During 2006 and 2007 the rate of dust emission in Kaolin preparation, Calcinatory and specific mass have exceeded than the national emission standard but in 2008, the rate of dust emission from Kaolin Preparation and Specific Mass units were extensively reduced to the lower than national emission standard limit due to proper maintenance and replacing of damaged parts in time. Efficiency of bag filters has been ideal in Kaolin unit and Specific Mass unit but it was low in Shamout and Calcinatory units

In vitro anticoagulation monitoring of low-molecular-weight heparin / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Although low-molecular-weight heparin has replaced unfractionated heparin to become the primary anticoagulation drug for treatment of acute coronary syndrome, there is no convenient bedside monitoring method. We explored the best laboratory monitoring method of low-molecular-weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin, and nadroparin) by use of the Sonoclot coagulation analyzer to monitor the activated clotting time.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 20 healthy volunteers were selected and 15 ml of fasting venous blood samples were collected and incubated. Four coagulants, kaolin, diatomite, glass bead, and magnetic stick, were used to determine the activated clotting time of the low-molecular-weight heparins at different in vitro anti-Xa factor concentrations. A correlation analysis was made to obtain the regression equation. The activated clotting time of the different low-molecular-weight heparins with the same anti-Xa factor concentration was monitored when the coagulant glass beads were applied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The activated clotting time measured using the glass beads, diatomite, kaolin, and magnetic stick showed a linear correlation with the concentration of nadroparin (r = 0.964, 0.966, 0.970, and 0.947, respectively). The regression equation showed that the linear slopes of different coagulants were significantly different (glass beads 230.03 s/IU, diatomite 89.91 s/IU, kaolin 50.87 s/IU, magnetic stick could not be calculated). When the concentration of the anti-Xa factor was the same for different low-molecular-weight heparins, the measured activated clotting time was different after the application of the glass bead coagulant.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The glass bead coagulant is most feasible for monitoring the in vitro anticoagulation activity of nadroparin. The different effects of different low-molecular-weight heparins on the activated clotting time may be related to the different anti-IIa activities.</p>

investigation on the efficiency of electro kinetic coupled with carbon active barrier to remediate nickel contaminated clay

There have been increasing interests in finding new and innovative solution for removal of contaminants from soils recently. In the present investigation, electro kinetic [EK] process coupled with activated carbon barrier to remove Nickel from kaolinite clayey soil is investigated. Laboratory tests were performed by applying a constant voltage to nominal electric field strength of 1 and 1.25 V/cm with initial Ni concentration [500 mg/kg] for 3 and 7 days. Results revealed that, the coupled technology of EK with barrier when filled with activated carbon could effectively prevent the reverse electro osmotic flow which has adverse effect on the Ni removal from soil. In addition, 20-50% of Nickel migration towards the cathode during the tests was achieved

Changes of protein kinase C activity in experimental presyrinx state in rabbits / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes of protein kinase C (PKC) activity and its role in the development of presyrinx state in rabbits.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Presyrinx state was established in 56 rabbits by intra-cisternal injection of kaolin. At 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after the injection, the water content in the upper cervical spinal cord was measured, its pathological changes observed microscopically and the PKC activity determined with substrate phosphorolysis kinase assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Spinal cord edema occurred in rabbits one day after kaolin injection, with water content of (68.35-/+0.70)%, which increased to (72.70-/+0.88)% on day 3, reaching the peak level of (72.92-/+0.86)% on day 7, followed by gradual decline after 3 weeks [(70.03-/+0.77)%]. The membrane PKC activity increased from 5.67-/+0.26 pmol.mg(-1).min(-1) on day 1 after the injection to reach the peak level on day 7 (13.27-/+3.15 pmol.mg(-1).min(-1)), which was maintained till day 14 with subsequent decrease to 8.85-/+1.56 pmol.mg(-1).min(-1) on day 21. The cytoplasmic PKC activity showed changes of a reverse pattern.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In rabbits with experimental presyrinx state, PKC translocation and activation is involved in ischemic spinal edema.</p>

The Cross Effects of Needle Electrical Stimulation according to Electrode Placements on the Analgesia in Arthritic Rat Model

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the analgesic effect of needle electrical stimulation (NES) according to the electrode placement in acute arthritic rat model. METHOD: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (120 rats, 250+/-50 g) were injected with a mixture of 3% carrageenan and 3% kaolin into the right knee joint. Rats were randomly assigned into one of four groups: Group I, control group (n=30); Group II, arthritic limb-induced control group (n=30); Group III, NES application group on the ipsilateral arthritic limb (n=30); Group IV, NES application group on the contralateral arthritic limb (n=30). We applied the NES (2 Hz, 200micro s, 20 min) to group III and IV. We assessedthe change of paw withdrawal latency (PWL) and the immunoreactivity of c-fos by immunohistochemistry at baseline, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after induction of arthritis. RESULTS: NES was more effective in Group III and IV than group II 8 hours after the induction of arthritis (p < 0.001) based on the results of PWLs and c-fos immunoreactivity. The analgesic effects of Group III were greater than those of group IV (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Contralateral NES on arthritic limb reduced pain in arthritic rat model as effectively as ipsilateral NES.

Screening and characterization of a bioflocculant produced by Aeromonas sp / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To isolate the bioflocculant-producing bacteria from activated sludge and investigate the flocculating characteristics of the newly isolated bioflocculant.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bacteria were screened from activated sludge samples to isolate bioflocculant-producing bacteria. Flocculating activity was used as a measure of the flocculating capability of the bioflocculant.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A novel bioflocculant-producing bacterium was isolated, which was identified to belong to genus Aeromonas and named as Aeromonas sp. N11. Flocculating activity increased in the presence of K+, Na+, or Ca2+. The highest flocculating activities for kaolin suspension were obtained in acidic pH ranges, and optimum pHs for it were 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 with 1 mmol/L K+, Ca+, and Na+ present, respectively. The highest flocculating activities for soil suspension were observed at pH 8.0. The bioflocculant had a good flocculating activity and could achieve a flocculating activity of 92.4% for kaolin suspension at a dosage of only 1 mgxL(-1), and its activity in kaolin suspension was decreased by only 9.2% after heating at 100 degrees C for 60 min.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The bioflocculant produced by Aeromonas sp. N11 has strong flocculating activity and high stability, which affords high possibility of its practical use.</p>

FTIR study of some Egyptian bentonitic clays

The miocene clay deposits at G. Hamza- G. Um Qamar off the Cairo Ismailia Road are texturally classified as silt bearing, clay-rich mudstones. X-Ray powder diffraction analysis indicates that the main clay minerals present are montmorillonite and kaolinite. Urn Qamar mudstones contain higher percentages of montmorillonite and lower proportions of Kaoloinite than those of G. Hamza. The IR absorption bands of these clay minerals in the OH and Si-O stretching regions, as well as those in the OH and Si-O bending regions have been studied in detail. The FTIR analysis indicates that Mg[II] and Fe [II] are present in minor amounts in the montmorillonite structure

Lucigenin chemiluminescence assay as an adjunctive tool for assessment of various stages of inflammation: a study of quiescent inflammatory cells.

A simple, fast, precise and biologically relevant toxicity assay for screening cytotoxicity of minerals would have distinct advantages due to its cost benefits and relative savings in time. Furthermore, a bioassay to differentiate acute and chronic in vivo pulmonary reactions could have potential value as predictors of fibrogenicity and pathogenicity. In this study we examined the potential use of lucigenin as a probe to evaluate the correlation between chemiluminescence (CL) generated by alveolar macrophages with the known cytotoxicity and patho genicity by conventional bioassays. In this study, we used small doses of dust (20 microg) to minimize cellular overload and to maintain homeostasis. Crystalline silica a highly fibrogenic dust was used as positive control and results are compared with those for bentonite, kaolin and talc. Among the three minerals compared with silica, bentonite was more reactive (27%) in CL assay and declined sharply compared to other minerals. This sudden decline in bentonite CL is caused by cytotoxicity leading to cell death. CL-induced by talc was comparable to silica and declines slowly. Kaolin on the other hand produced relatively a weaker (25%) CL compared to silica. Our data using relatively low doses of dust suggest that the CL assay may have a better predictive value in cytotoxicity evaluations compared to conventional toxicity assays.

Study of corpus callosum in experimental hydrocephalic wistar rats

Purpose: Hydrocephalus causes countless cerebral damages, especially on the structures around the ventricles. Hydrocephalic children present deficiencies in the nonverbal skills more than in the verbal skills, and not always revertible with an early treatment. As the coreus callosum has an important role in the nonverbal acquisition it is possible that the injuries in this structure are responsible for the cognitive dysfunctions of these children. This present study tries to establish the alterations caused by hydrocephalus on the corpus callosum of developing Wistar rats, induced by intracisternal injection of kaolin. Methods: Seven, fourteen and twenty one days after the injection, the animais were killed, and the corpus callosum was dissected and prepared for the study of the axonal fibers. Results and Conclusion: The seven-day old rats in hydrocephalus development presented a delay in myelination in relation to the control rats. With the fourteen-day old rats in hydrocephalus development the coreus callosum showed a recovery of myelin, but with the twenty one-day old rats in hydrocephalus development the axonal fibers were damaged and reduced in number.