Modeling the effect of entrained sand particles on pressure transverse in a flowing gas well

Purpose The production of natural gas from the reservoir is always associated with entrained solid particle of different sizes mainly sand particles and crystalline salts. Entrained solid transport along the gas phase has been a great concern for gas production engineer, as the detrimental consequences are often associated to a desirable high operational parameters such rate and pressure transverse in producing well. Design/methodology/approach A variety of models for predicting pressure transverse in flowing gas wells have been reported in the literatures. Most of the models were based on steady state fluid flow equation that did not consider time factor which results in inaccurate at early production time. Some of the early investigators overlooked the effect of the entrained solid on the pressure transverse phenomena in a gas well. Hence, there is a need for developing a more realistic model for estimating pressure transverse at all times in flowing solid-gas vertical well. Findings This study presents equation for pressure drop in flowing vertical well without neglecting any term in the momentum equation by the inclusion of accumulation and kinetic term. The solution of the resulting differential equation gives functional relationship between solid-gas flow rates and pressure at any point in flowing well at any given production time

INFLUENCE OF BOTANICALS ON SOIL FERTILITY POTENTIALS, SEED GERMINATION AND PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS) VARIETIES UNDER LOW FERTILE CONTINUOUSLY-CROPPED SOIL CONDITIONS

It is not unreasonable to state that, even before the introduction of organic agriculture, African local farmers have numerous of undocumented environment-friendly, nature-inclined indigenous techniques for boosting soil fertility and enhancing crop yield. However, despite the versatility of indigenous knowledge, setback is always experienced from western science, which tags such knowledge as being non-scientific and not worthy of scholarly engagements. A field experiment was carried out in the year 2013, at the Teaching and Research Farms, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, to assess the soil fertility and yield promoting potentials of some indigenous plant species’ botanicals used as pre-planting treatments on different maize varieties. It was a 3 by 5 factorial experiment. The treatments introduced were: Three (3) maize varieties (V1 = ACR-DMR-SR-Y, V2 = Local EM-W and V3 = Suwan Solo Yellow and five (5) other treatments (comprising pre-sowing botanical treatments of: Kigelia africana only, Glyphea brevis only, combination of Kigelia africana and Glyphea brevis only, NPK fertilizer application (as a reference) and the control (treated with ordinary water only). The trial was laid out in Split Plot in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated three times. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters, and the data collected were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). All the botanical treatments significantly influenced germination, growth, yield and nutrient uptakes of maize, compared to the control. Either of the botanicals tested (with ordinary basal manure application of the pre-existing plant residues on the field), competed effectively with NPK fertilized plants. Hence, since maize responded better to sole treatments of either Kigelia africana or Glyphea brevis extracts, irrespective of varieties than the combined treatment of the two botanicals, any of the maize varieties is therefore recommended as being suitably compatible with either of the sole botanical treatments, in the study area. Thus, this research is reasonable, particularly in the aspects of fertilizer economy, environment-friendliness, organic farming and more profitable crop production in the tropics, where soils are continuously cropped and marginal

GCMS fingerprints and phenolic extracts of Allium sativum inhibit key enzymes associated with type 2 diabetes

المخلص: أهداف البحث: تم الإبلاغ عن تثبيط إنزيمات هضم الكربوهيدرات (ألفا أميلاز وألفا غلوكوزيداز) في الدراسات كنهج علاجي تجاه التحكم أو علاج السكري من النمط ٢ بسبب قدرته على خفض ارتفاع السكر في الدم بعد الأكل. أثبتت الدراسات السابقة احتمالية مكافحة السكري باستخدام الثوم ضد السكري. لذلك، في هذه الدراسة، قمنا بتقييم الإمكانات المضادة لمرض السكر للثوم عند مقرن فحص الإنزيم في المختبر واكتشاف الأدوية الحاسوبية. طرق البحث: استخدمنا في المختبر اختبار تثبيط ألفا أميلاز وألفا غلوكوزيداز لتقييم احتمالية مكافحة السكري وبعد ذلك تم استخدام التحليل الطيفي الكتلي للغاز، لتحديد وقياس المركبات المنشطة حيويا للمستخلص النباتي. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، تم توجيه المركبات المنشطة حيويا المحددة إلى الالتحام وتقييم الحرائك الدوائية. النتائج: تظهر نتائجنا أن المستخلص الفينولي للثوم له إمكانات مثبطة عالية لألفا أميلاز وألفا غلوكوزيداز ذات دلالة إحصائية معتبرة وبطريقة تعتمد على الجرعة. ومن المثير للاهتمام، أن المستخلص ثبط ألفا غلوكوزيداز إلى نصف التركيز المثبط الأقصى من ٥٣.٧٥ ميكروغرام/مل وهو أعلى مما تم الحصول عليه للأكاربوز القياسي. كشفت محاكاة الالتحام عن موريلينول (قيم تقارب متوسطة تبلغ −٧.٣ كيلو كالوري/مول) وفينتولامين (قيم تقارب متوسطة تبلغ −٧.١ كيلو كالوري/مول) كأفضل روابط ألفا غلوكوزيداز. لم يكن لهذه المركبات تقارب جيد مع بقايا الموقع النشط للإنزيم فحسب، بل لها أيضا خصائص ممتازة تشبه الأدوية والحرائك الدوائية التي يمكن أن تستخدم في العيادة. الاستنتاجات: يؤكد بحثنا على احتمالية الثوم كغذاء وظيفي للتحكم بالسكري من النمط الثاني ويحث على النظر في موريلينول وفينتولامين لتطوير الأدوية. Abstract: Objectives: Inhibition of carbohydrate digestion enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) has been reported in studies as a therapeutic approach for the management or treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, owing to its potential to decrease postprandial hyperglycemia. The anti-diabetic potential of Allium sativum (also known as garlic) against diabetes mellitus has been established. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the antidiabetic potential of A. sativum using in vitro enzyme assays after which we explored computational modelling approach using the quantified GC-MS identities to unravel the key bioactive compounds responsible for the anti-diabetic potential. Methods: We used in vitro enzyme inhibition assays (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) to evaluate antidiabetic potential and subsequently performed gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds of the plant extract. The identified bioactive compounds were subjected to in silico docking and pharmacokinetic assessment. Results: A. sativum phenolic extract showed high dose-dependent inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the extract inhibited α-glucosidase with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 53.75 μg/mL, a value higher than that obtained for the standard acarbose. Docking simulation revealed that morellinol and phentolamine were the best binders of α-glucosidase, with mean affinity values of −7.3 and −7.1 kcal/mol, respectively. These compounds had good affinity toward active site residues of the enzyme, and excellent drug-like and pharmacokinetic properties supporting clinical applications. Conclusions: Our research reveals the potential of A. sativum as a functional food for the management of type 2 diabetes, and suggests that morellinol and phentolamine may be the most active compounds responsible for this anti-diabetic prowess. Therefore these compounds require further clinical asessment to demonstrate their potential for drug development

HPTN 083-02: factors influencing adherence to injectable PrEP and retention in an injectable PrEP study

HPTN 083 demonstrated the superiority of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) versus daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF/FTC) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men (MSM/TGW). HPTN 083 provided the first opportunity to understand experiences with injectable PrEP in a clinical trial. Participants from two US sites (Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA) and one international site (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were purposively sampled for individual qualitative interviews (N = 40), between November 2019 and March 2020, to explore trial experiences, barriers to adherence and other factors that may have impacted study implementation or outcomes. The blinded phase ended early due to efficacy; this analysis includes interviews conducted prior to unblinding with three groups defined by adherence (i.e. injection visit attendance): adherent (n = 27), non-adherent (n = 12) and early discontinuers (n = 1). Data were organized using NVivo software and analysed using content analysis. Participants (mean age: 27) were primarily cisgender MSM (90%) and Black/African American (60%). Reasons for trial enrolment and PrEP use included a preference for using HIV prevention medication versus treatment in the event of HIV acquisition; the ability to enhance health via study-related education and services; access to a novel, convenient HIV prevention product at no cost; and contributing to MSM/TGW communities through research. Participants contrasted positive experiences with study staff with their routine clinical care, and emphasized increased scheduling flexibility, thorough communication, non-judgemental counselling and open, affirming environments (e.g. compassion, less stigma) as adherence facilitators. Injection experiences were positive overall; some described early injection-related anxiety, which abated with time and when given some measure of control (e.g. pre-injection countdown), and minimal injection site discomfort. Some concerns and misperceptions about injectable PrEP were reported. Barriers to adherence, across all adherence categories, included structural factors (e.g. financial constraints, travel) and competing demands (e.g. work schedules). Respondents viewed injectable PrEP trial participation as a positive experience and a means of enhancing wellbeing. Study site flexibility and affirming clinic environments, inclusive of non-judgemental counselling, were key facilitators of adherence. To support injection persistence, interventions that address structural barriers and promote flexible means of injection delivery may be most effective

HPTN 083-02: factors influencing adherence to injectable PrEP and retention in an injectable PrEP study.

INTRODUCTION: HPTN 083 demonstrated the superiority of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) versus daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF/FTC) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men (MSM/TGW). HPTN 083 provided the first opportunity to understand experiences with injectable PrEP in a clinical trial. METHODS: Participants from two US sites (Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA) and one international site (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were purposively sampled for individual qualitative interviews (N = 40), between November 2019 and March 2020, to explore trial experiences, barriers to adherence and other factors that may have impacted study implementation or outcomes. The blinded phase ended early due to efficacy; this analysis includes interviews conducted prior to unblinding with three groups defined by adherence (i.e. injection visit attendance): adherent (n = 27), non-adherent (n = 12) and early discontinuers (n = 1). Data were organized using NVivo software and analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: Participants (mean age: 27) were primarily cisgender MSM (90%) and Black/African American (60%). Reasons for trial enrolment and PrEP use included a preference for using HIV prevention medication versus treatment in the event of HIV acquisition; the ability to enhance health via study-related education and services; access to a novel, convenient HIV prevention product at no cost; and contributing to MSM/TGW communities through research. Participants contrasted positive experiences with study staff with their routine clinical care, and emphasized increased scheduling flexibility, thorough communication, non-judgemental counselling and open, affirming environments (e.g. compassion, less stigma) as adherence facilitators. Injection experiences were positive overall; some described early injection-related anxiety, which abated with time and when given some measure of control (e.g. pre-injection countdown), and minimal injection site discomfort. Some concerns and misperceptions about injectable PrEP were reported. Barriers to adherence, across all adherence categories, included structural factors (e.g. financial constraints, travel) and competing demands (e.g. work schedules). CONCLUSIONS: Respondents viewed injectable PrEP trial participation as a positive experience and a means of enhancing wellbeing. Study site flexibility and affirming clinic environments, inclusive of non-judgemental counselling, were key facilitators of adherence. To support injection persistence, interventions that address structural barriers and promote flexible means of injection delivery may be most effective

Phase 3 Safety and Efficacy of AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) Covid-19 Vaccine

BackgroundThe safety and efficacy of the AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccine in a large, diverse population at increased risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2&nbsp;(SARS-CoV-2) infection in the United States, Chile, and Peru has not been known.MethodsIn this ongoing, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 clinical trial, we investigated the safety, vaccine efficacy, and immunogenicity of two doses of AZD1222 as compared with placebo in preventing the onset of symptomatic and severe coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) 15 days or more after the second dose in adults, including older adults, in the United States, Chile, and Peru.ResultsA total of 32,451 participants underwent randomization, in a 2:1 ratio, to receive AZD1222 (21,635 participants) or placebo (10,816 participants). AZD1222 was safe, with low incidences of serious and medically attended adverse events and adverse events of special interest; the incidences were similar to those observed in the placebo group. Solicited local and systemic reactions were generally mild or moderate in both groups. Overall estimated vaccine efficacy was 74.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65.3 to 80.5; P&lt;0.001) and estimated vaccine efficacy was 83.5% (95% CI, 54.2 to 94.1) in participants 65 years of age or older. High vaccine efficacy was consistent across a range of demographic subgroups. In the fully vaccinated analysis subgroup, no severe or critical symptomatic Covid-19 cases were observed among the 17,662 participants in the AZD1222 group; 8 cases were noted among the 8550 participants in the placebo group (&lt;0.1%). The estimated vaccine efficacy for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection (nucleocapsid antibody seroconversion) was 64.3% (95% CI, 56.1 to 71.0; P&lt;0.001). SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding and neutralizing antibodies increased after the first dose and increased further when measured 28 days after the second dose.ConclusionsAZD1222 was safe and efficacious in preventing symptomatic and severe Covid-19 across diverse populations that included older adults. (Funded by AstraZeneca and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04516746.)