Experimental and techno-economic investigation of industrial para-xylene plant revamping to produce meta-xylene.

In this research, the feasibility study of revamping of simulated moving bed for paraxylene separation in ELUXYL process to produce meta-xylene using industrial Ba-faujasite exchanged adsorbent by changing operating condition (temperature and pressure) were examined experimentally and theoretically. Two different mixed-xylene feed cases (with and without presence of para-xylene) were considered. Different sets of temperature and pressure were evaluated with the help of equilibrium and dynamic experiments to obtain optimum operating condition in a favor of separation of meta-xylene. Results confirm that in the presence of para-xylene in a feed, selectivity of the adsorbent could not change towards meta-xylene. But, in the absence of para in some pressure and temperature meta-xylene was more selective than ortho and ethylbenzene. Finally, by the means of statistical experimental design method the results of all experiments were compered and an optimum temperature and pressure were found. Breakthrough experiment in optimum condition showed MX/OX and MX/EB selectivity as 1.83 and 1.15, respectively. Furthermore, the design and simulation of the real industrial SMB plant was performed in Aspen Chromatography and HYSYS software to evaluate the real performance of MX separation. Simulation results showed the final purification in SMB plant can be reached to 83.91%. At the end, for the aim of promoting purity by considering extra distillation towers the purity of meta-xylene was achieved by 96%. The economical investigation showed that by considering 700$/ton for feed supplied, the process can be satisfactory from economical point of view.

Unexpected high frequency of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies in Golestan province, Iran.

Background: Anti-TPO antibodies are one of the characteristic factors in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Previous studies reported a high prevalence of anti-TPO antibodies (Abs) in Iran. We have therefore assessed the prevalence of anti-TPO Abs in Gorgan, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from 2015 to 2018 in Gorgan city, Northeast of Iran. The Participants included women with Poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOs), celiac patients, men with hepatitis C infection, and age and sex-matched controls. ELISA method was used for the analysis of laboratory tests. Results: The number of enrolled subjects in PCOs, celiac disease, and Hepatitis C infection groups were 76, 67, and 60, respectively. Anti-TPO Abs positivity was significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in the control group (18.4% vs. 0.00%; p = 0.000). There were no significant differences in the frequency of anti-TPO Abs positive cases between CD patients and the controls (26.9% vs. 21.1% p =0.413). The incidence of anti-TPO Abs positivity was significantly higher in the control group (10% vs. 25%; P = 0.031). Conclusion: Very high level of anti-TPO Abs was observed in both patients and healthy population in Golestan province. Considering this rate and its association with autoimmune disorders, it is suggested to prioritize screening programs for related disease in this area.

Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in COVID-19 Patients and its Association with the COVID-19 Manifestations.

COVID-19 is a systematic disease that frequently implies neurological and non-neurological manifestations, predominantly by inducing hypoxia. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key factor in regulating functions of nervous and respiratory systems and has been strongly related to hypoxia. Therefore, this study planned to investigate BDNF association with the COVID-19 manifestations especially neurological impairments and the infection-induced hypoxia. We enrolled sixty-four COVID-19 patients and twenty-four healthy individuals in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, with and without neurological manifestations, and their serum BDNF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). COVID-19 patients had significantly lower BDNF levels than healthy individuals (p = 0.023). BDNF levels were significantly lower in patients with neurological manifestations compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.010). However, we did not observe a statistically significant difference in BDNF levels between patients with and without neurological manifestations (p = 0.175). BDNF's levels were significantly lower in patients with CNS manifestations (p = 0.039) and higher in patients with fever (p = 0.03) and dyspnea (p = 0.006). Secondly, BDNF levels have a significant negative association with oxygen therapy requirement (p = 0.015). These results strongly suggest the critical association between dysregulated BDNF and hypoxia in promoting COVID-19 manifestations, particularly neurological impairments.

Pharmacological and Molecular Evidence of Neuroprotective Curcumin Effects Against Biochemical and Behavioral Sequels Caused by Methamphetamine: Possible Function of CREB-BDNF Signaling Pathway.

INTRODUCTION: The neuroprotective impact of curcumin and the role of CREB (Cyclic AMP Response Element Binding protein)-BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) signaling pathway was evaluated in Methamphetamine (METH)-induced neurodegeneration in rats. METHODS: Sixty adult male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. While normal saline and 10 mg/kg METH were administered intraperitoneally in groups 1 and 2, groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 received METH (10 mg/kg) and curcumin (10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg, respectively) simultaneously. Morris water maze test was administered, and oxidative hippocampal, antioxidant, inflammatory, apoptotic, and CREB and BDNF were assessed. RESULTS: We found that METH disturbs learning and memory. Concurrent curcumin therapy (40 and 80 mg/kg) decreased cognitive disturbance caused by METH. Multiple parameters, such as lipid peroxidation, the oxidized form of glutathione, interleukin 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and Bax were increased by METH therapy, while the reduced type of glutathione, Bcl-2, P-CREB, and BDNF concentrations in the hippocampus were decreased. CONCLUSION: Different doses of curcumin adversely attenuated METH-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation but enhanced the concentrations of P-CREB and BDNF. The neuroprotection caused by curcumin against METH-induced neurodegeneration is mediated through P-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway activation.