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This study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of both raw and pure bentonite as a coagulant/adjuvant in treating raw water from the Al Hoceima plant. The focus of this study lies in the evaluation of two distinct coagulant combinations with bentonite: aluminum sulfate/bentonite and chitosan/bentonite. Additionally, an assessment is made on the contrasting efficiencies of pure and raw bentonite in coagulation-flocculation processes. The potential link between Alzheimer's disease and aluminum has raised concerns due to the presence of aluminum residues after the treatment of raw water. By employing a natural organic coagulant, it becomes possible to mitigate environmental and human health risks. The experimentation involved various sections of jar tests. These tests encompassed the addition of sole coagulants (either aluminum sulfate or chitosan) as well as tests utilizing coagulant/adjuvant combinations (either aluminum sulfate or chitosan/bentonite) for raw water treatment. Key parameters under scrutiny included turbidity, pH, aluminum, and oxidizability. Results underscore that the inclusion of 30 mg/L of bentonite as an adjuvant alongside aluminum sulfate led to a 95.11% reduction in turbidity and a 56.75% decrease in oxidizable content. Similarly, the incorporation of 250 mg/L of bentonite with chitosan resulted in a 95.26% decrease in turbidity and a 57.39% reduction in oxidizable matter. Moreover, a comparative analysis between raw and pure bentonite in conjunction with coagulants was performed. Bentonite exhibited a discernible impact on the coagulation/flocculation process, contributing to larger floc formation, enhanced sedimentation rates, and influencing pH levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the environmental pollution caused by plastic packaging films and the health concerns caused by micro-plastic migration into food, development of degradable food packaging films (DFPFs) based on biopolymers with enhanced properties and via nano-additives is a popular stream in the food science field. Many studies have shown that DFPFs containing silica (SiO 2) are potential alternatives to replace plastic packaging materials. This work covers the development in DFPFs containing SiO 2 in the last decade, focusing on the effects of SiO 2 on different DFPFs in terms of light barrier, gas barrier, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties along with water sensitivity. In addition, the effect of SiO 2 on the controlled release of other bioactive compounds and the application of DFPFs containing SiO 2 for fresh food preservation are summarized. The addition of SiO 2 could improve the performance of DFPFs comprehensively. The effect of SiO 2 on the properties of DFPFs is mainly related to the concentration of SiO 2 , its dispersion state in the films, and the interaction forces between SiO 2 and the film matrix. There is a key "optimum" concentration for the incorporation of SiO 2. Due to the mesoporous properties of SiO 2 , it can be loaded with other bioactive for co-application and enhancing the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of DFPFs by improving the controlled release of bioactive in them. Importantly, DFPFs/coatings containing SiO 2 have shown surprising effects in preserving a variety of fresh foods. [Display omitted] • SiO 2 is an excellent filler for biodegradable food packaging films (DFPFs). • SiO 2 addition can improve the physical and mechanical properties of DFPFs. • The content and dispersion state of SiO 2 are critical to the properties of DFPFs. • SiO 2 can act as a controlled release carrier for bioactive compounds in DFPFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batch measurements were conducted to assess the adsorption performance of raw and acid-activated bentonite with various operating conditions, including pH, initial Bisphenol A (BPA) concentration, contact time, and temperature. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the structure and morphology of bentonite. On a laboratory scale, isotherm experiments were carried out, and the results were compared to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir model fits the equilibrium data well. The optimum conditions for the removal of BPA within the experiment range of variables studies were 1 g/L of initial BPA concentration, pH value of 3, 0.25 g/100 mL of adsorbent dose and 180 min of contact time. The maximum removal efficiency was 51.8% under these conditions. The experimental results indicate that the adsorption was degraded by increasing the pH. The decrease of adsorbent characteristics with increasing temperature from 25°C to 65°C was observed in this work, indicating exothermic and chemical adsorption in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene, RES) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin widely studied in the recent years due to its known several biological activities. In spite of the potential benefits of RES, its use is restricted because of its photosensitivity, low solubility, and fast metabolism, which intensely challenge its bioactivity and bioavailability. As RES is unstable against environmental conditions and due to its low bioavailability, multiple methods have been provided for the encapsulation of RES to facilitate its practical application in various fields. Encapsulation is introduced as an appropriate strategy in order to maintain stability, high absorption, and sustained release rate of RES. This review attempts to discuss the recent techniques used in loading RES in micro/nano-carriers and explain their wide applications in food and biomedical industries. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to observe the effectiveness of bentonite as a coagulation adjuvant on water treatment quality at Ait Baha station. In our case, bentonite is used as a source of turbidity and is not an adsorbent. Jar tests were performed on raw water samples of low turbidity according to the approach applied in the laboratory. The performance of the bentonite was tested in mixtures: raw water/bentonite, raw water/coagulant and coagulant/bentonite. The main objectives of this study are to verify whether bentonite acts as a coagulation aid for water treatment, and then to minimize the dose of aluminum sulfate while respecting the treatment yield of the station. Indeed, the results obtained showed that the addition of bentonite doses of 20 mg/L can eliminate 96.72% of the turbidity and 60% of the oxidizable material. Also the increase of the dose of bentonite decreases the pH more than the use of aluminum sulfate alone, which makes the water pH optimal for coagulation–flocculation, but also to improve the coagulation and flocculation processes to obtain a good quality effluent and the rapid sedimentation of the flocs formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to produce a nano-hybrid mat based on electrospun gelatin nanofibers (EGNFs) reinforced with electrosprayed zein nanoparticles (EZNPs) containing tarragon essential oil (TEO). TEO was first loaded at10%, 15%, and 20% w/w in the structure of EZNPs and used as a nano-biofiller to reinforce EGNFs mats. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that using 15% w/w of the TEO in the structure of EZNPs led to the formation of particles with a uniform morphology and a smooth surface. Also, FESEM images revealed that increasing the level of nanoparticles from 0% to 10% w/w significantly reduced the diameter of EGNFs from 305.6 to 160.9 nm. The successful encapsulation of the TEO in the structure of EZNPs and the successful arrangement/incorporation of nanoparticles in the structure of EGNFs were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR). The EZNPs containing 15% w/w of TEO were employed in the EGNFs at 5%, 10%, and 15% w/w, and the used nanoparticles at10% w/w reinforced the tensile strength and Young's modulus of mats. The successful placement of EZNPs containing TEO in the EGNFs and the increase in thermal stability of TEO were confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry. In vitro release of TEO in simulated media proved that the dominant release mechanism is Fickian diffusion, and the best model describing the release behavior is Peleg's model. Using 10% EZNPs loaded with TEO is recommended to improve the mechanical properties and sustain the release of the essential oil in food systems and food packaging. [Display omitted] • Nanoparticles containing tarragon essential oil (TEO) were produced. • Electrosprayed zein nanoparticles (EZNPs) containing TEO were produced. • EZNPs containing TEO were loaded into the structure of electrospun gelatin fibers. • The mechanical properties of gelatin nanofibers containing EZNPs were enhanced. • The Peleg's model was the best model describing the TEO release behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A straightforward and flexible method for the preparation of ligands based on the pyrrolidine scaffold is presented. The synthetic strategy involves a diastereoselective allylation of phenylglycinol-derived imines, followed by a cyclization promoted by a hydrozirconation/halogenation sequence. Enantioselectivities of up to 84% ee in the asymmetric allylic allylation were obtained using these ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Envenomation by Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) is associated with local necrosis, followed by systemic manifestations. In this work the LD50 of H. lepturus venom were determined by subcutaneous (SC) injection in white Balb/c mice (5 mg/kg). Histopathological alterations in organs such as kidney, heart, liver, lungs, stomach and intestine were determined in 3, 6, 12 and 24 h following experimental (SC) envenoming injection of one LD50 of the venom in Balb/c mice. Histological studies showed degenerative changes in the kidney with disorganized glomeruli and necrotic tubular in 3 h and reached to its climax in 6 h. Myocardium showed massive myocytolysis with interstitial necrosis in 3 h and reached to its peak after 6 h past envenoming. Bowels showed edema of lamina propria and slight villous necrosis. The enzymatic activities of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased in the serum in 9 h. No necrotic lesion observed in lungs and liver. The results indicate that the venom of H. lepturus is a highly cytotoxic, and induces massive tissue damages in specific organs, starting from the heart and kidney as the first target in 3 h and ends to the bowels in 6 h post envenomation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Epidemiological and clinical survey of scorpion envenomation was carried out by statistical method of stratified cluster random sampling in Khuzestan, the southern province of Iran, cross-sectionally. We analyzed 12,150 cases recorded in Emergency Unit of the hospitals of six cities in Khuzestan province during the year 2003. The prevalence rate of human scorpion stings in the province is 3.1/1000 inhabitants. The percentage of prevalence in selected cities was as follows: Masjed-Soleiman (27.1%), Ramhormoz (26.6%), Izeh (15.3%), Shush (12%), Baghmalek (11.7%), and Behbahan (7.3%). The scorpions, responsible for the majority of stings in Khuzestan province of Iran were identified as 53.3% yellow (Mesobuthus eupeus, Hottentotta saulcyi, Odonthobuthus doriae and Hemiscorpius lepturus), and 17.4% black (Androctonus crassicauda and Hottentotta schach), and 29.3% unknown colors. Most stings occurred throughout the year, however, the highest and lowest frequency occurs in June (16.0%) and February (0.6%), respectively. Nocturnal envenomations (60.9%) were more common than diurnal (39.1%), and 39.3% of stings were on the hands and 37.3% on the feet. Most envenomings were mild (74.5%) that all evolved to cure, except for three deaths. Envenomation was characterized by local pain (63.3%), erythema (10.1%), vomiting (1.3%), restlessness (0.6%), hyperthermia (0.5%), sweating (0.4%), and spasmic (0.3%). With respect to the outcoming results, scorpionism in Khuzestan province of Iran is a public health problem, which needs to be monitored carefully by the government. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]