@article { author = {Korir, Benjamin and Kibet, Joshua and Mosonik, Bornes}, title = {A Review of the Current Trends in the Production and Consumption of Bioenergy}, journal = {Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {109-133}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Sami Publishing Company}, issn = {2676-7090}, eissn = {2645-6133}, doi = {10.22034/pcbr.2021.126117}, abstract = {With the current traditional fossil fuels depleting at an alarming rate coupled with environmental degradation because of toxic emissions, there is a mounting desire in search of renewable and sustainable energy resources. In this regard, bioenergy is considered one of the greatest potential to address the global energy demands in order to foster confidence in energy security, economic sustainability, and environmental protection. Global use of biomass to generate electricity and enhanced green energy transport is expected to increase in the near future. Accordingly, the demand for renewable energy is aimed at minimizing energy poverty and mitigation against climate change. Bioenergy despite bioconversion challenges is one of the key solutions to the world’s current energy demands. Model bioenergy plant sources – Croton megalocarpus, palm oil, Jatropha, and soybeans are briefly discussed in this review as major sources of bioenergy. The increased focus on bioenergy has been necessitated by high oil and gas prices, and the desire for sustainable energy resources. Nonetheless, corrupt practices and lack of political goodwill has hampered efforts towards achieving the full utilization of bioenergy. Corruption has been widely cited as a major setback to bioenergy development in a range of global jurisdictions. In order to minimize environmental damage, carbon trade has been projected as a necessary action by developing countries to reduce carbon emissions. Generally, the analysis of the use of fossil fuels across the world shows a strong interrelationship involving energy utilization, degradation of air quality, and environmental health concerns.}, keywords = {Bioenergy,carbon trade,climate change,Corruption,energy poverty}, url = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_126117.html}, eprint = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_126117_36c706de7b7265cc67b1273faa0a1626.pdf} } @article { author = {Oladipupo, Akolade and Alaribe, Chinwe and Akintemi, Tolulope and Coker, Herbert}, title = {Effect of Phaulopsis falcisepala (Acanthaceae) Leaves and Stems on Mitotic Arrest and Induction of Chromosomal Changes in Meristematic Cells of Allium Cepa}, journal = {Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {134-147}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Sami Publishing Company}, issn = {2676-7090}, eissn = {2645-6133}, doi = {10.22034/pcbr.2021.256993.1163}, abstract = {< p>Phaulopsis falcisepala is an herb found in the forest zone of West Africa. It is applied ethnomedicinally for treating wounds and cancer. This study investigated the chemical constituents, cytotoxicity, and antimitotic activity of P. falcisepala leaves and stems. Chemical constituents were evaluated using phytochemical methods. Cytotoxicity was investigated using brine shrimp lethality and Allium cepa root growth inhibition assays. Antimitotic activity and induction of chromosomal aberrations were assessed by cytological examination of treated A. cepa meristematic cells. Chemical investigation revealed the presence of diverse bioactive chemical groups, including alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins in various extracts of the leaves and stems of P. falcisepala. Aqueous and methanol extracts contained copious amounts of the phytochemicals while ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts contained moderate to trace amounts. The extracts demonstrated toxicity against brine shrimps, with LC50 values in the range 13.1–52.2 µg/mL. The extracts significantly inhibited A. cepa root growth, with IC50 values in the range 63.91–87.4 µg/mL and 45.34– 81.15µg/mL for 24 and 48 h treatments. The extracts (IC50 values in the range 46.2–94.23 µg/mL and 30.79–75.81 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h treatments) produced significant antimitotic effect comparable to or greater than that of methotrexate (IC50 value >125 µg/mL). Cytological examinations revealed that the extracts induced mitotic arrest and chromosomal changes. This study reports for the first time the phytoconstituents and cytotoxic activity of P. falcisepala supporting its ethnomedicinal use and could serve as the basis for further pharmacological studies and isolation of bioactive principles.}, keywords = {Phaulopsis falcisepala,Cytotoxicity,Antimitotic,Allium cepa,Chromosome aberration,cancer}, url = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_127052.html}, eprint = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_127052_92e48fa14b76f3b830ea7e70fd57ef6b.pdf} } @article { author = {Saadatmand, Mahindokht and Abbasi, Fatemeh}, title = {Evaluating Factors Affecting Reproductive Success by Intrauterine Fertilization: The Cases in Qom University Jihad Center, 2018-2019}, journal = {Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {148-159}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Sami Publishing Company}, issn = {2676-7090}, eissn = {2645-6133}, doi = {10.22034/pcbr.2021.267183.1171}, abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the success of the IUI method in couples referred to the Jihad University Infertility Center in Qom province who used it. Classification of groups and their comparison is done through Descriptive, T-test and ANOVA tests through SPSS software version 23 and p}, keywords = {IUI (intrauterine insemination),Reproductive Success,Infertile Couples,ANOVA}, url = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_127740.html}, eprint = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_127740_f7d2264bc359bbc8988f92b1a3793a95.pdf} } @article { author = {Saadatmand, Mahindikht and Momenzadeh, Fatemeh and Khosravi, Mohsen and Sharifzadeh, Nasrin}, title = {Adequacy of Prenatal Care in Pregnant Women Referring to Health Centers}, journal = {Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {160-176}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Sami Publishing Company}, issn = {2676-7090}, eissn = {2645-6133}, doi = {10.22034/pcbr.2021.268792.1172}, abstract = {The aim of this study was to determine the adequacy of prenatal care in pregnant women referring to health centers in Qom in 2016. The type of applied research and a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was that data collection using a questionnaire consisting of four sections of pregnancy care characteristics (time of first care and number of care and calculation of care adequacy), demographic characteristics, midwifery and medical records, and factors preventing the correct receipt of prenatal care. The statistical population was 261 mothers who had referred to health centers in Qom in 2016 for prenatal care and stratified sampling method was used. Information about this study was analyzed using SPSS software. The results showed that 26.1% of pregnant women with insufficient care adequacy, 18.8% with moderate adequacy, 50.2% with adequate care and 5% with excessive adequacy of pregnancy care. Regarding the demographic characteristics of mothers, there was no significant difference between the adequacy of prenatal care for employed and housewives, Iranian and non-Iranian women, women living in rented houses and private homes. The adequacy of maternal antenatal care was not significantly related to any of the variables of midwifery and medical records. Only mothers with a history of natural childbirth had a higher rate of pregnancy adequacy than others. There was no significant difference between the adequacy of prenatal care and the factors that prevented this care.}, keywords = {pregnant woman,Pregnancy Care,mother,Adequacy of pregnancy Care}, url = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_127741.html}, eprint = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_127741_a5887bd8b7f5f9acc492a0ad69caf60e.pdf} } @article { author = {Talavari, Adel and Ghanavati, Bijan and Azimi, Alireza and Sayyahi, Soheil}, title = {PVDF/ MWCNT hollow fiber mixed matrix membranes for gas absorption by Al2O3 nanofluid}, journal = {Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {177-190}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Sami Publishing Company}, issn = {2676-7090}, eissn = {2645-6133}, doi = {10.22034/pcbr.2021.270178.1177}, abstract = {The study aims to investigate mixed matrix membranes for absorption of CO2in gas-liquid contacting process by AL2O3 nanofluid as liquid absorbent. PVDF/MWCNT hollow fiber mixed matrix membranes were fabricated absorbent and characterized via relevant characterizations. This study showed that the addition of MWCNT to the matrix led macro cavities to be expanded at the cross section of the membrane. According to the results of gas permeation, surface porosity experienced an increasing trend and in contrast surface pore size reduced. By placing the CNTs in porous PVDF, an increase in the surface contact angle and hydrophobicity of the composite membranes was revealed which could be related to the hydrophobic nature of the added nanopaticles as well as increasing the absorbent average surface roughness.}, keywords = {Mixed Matrix Membranes,Al2O3,Nano fluid,MWCNT,Hydrophobicity}, url = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_128607.html}, eprint = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_128607_bada60d409446d183b8cdf5822ee45f5.pdf} } @article { author = {Mirnezami, Seyedeh Masoomeh sadat and Zare Kazemabadi, Fatemeh and Heydarinasab, Amir}, title = {Sulfur Production by Hydrogen Sulfide Biological Removal from Pollutants}, journal = {Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {191-206}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Sami Publishing Company}, issn = {2676-7090}, eissn = {2645-6133}, doi = {10.22034/pcbr.2021.277907.1182}, abstract = {Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of the polluting gases that enter the atmosphere during the natural gas processing of coal and furnace oil consumption. One of the best ways to remove H2S is to absorb H2s in the liquid phase and remove it biologically by sulfur bacteria in the liquid phase. This process considers the transfer of H2S and O2 between liquid and gas phases, biological oxidation of H2s to sulfate and elemental sulfur, and chemical oxidation to thiosulfate in the liquid phase. Due to the presence of sulfur bacteria in natural sulfur sources, the sulfur sources of sewage of Shahid Tondgooyan Oil Refining Co. in Tehran, Iran, and Mahallat Hot Spring in Iran, which contain sulfur compounds, were sampled in this study and were transferred to the laboratory for examination. Thiobacillusthioparus – one of the significant bacteria consuming sulfur compounds – was evaluated as a control sample. Further, the performance of bacteria in different culture conditions (carbon source and aeration conditions) was evaluated, and suitable conditions for their growth were determined. Sodium sulfide was used to create the sulfide medium. Next, sulfide consumption was evaluated by bacteria, and appropriate bacteria were selected. Finally, the production of sulfur during the process was evaluated using the ANOVA data analysis method. Then, the optimal points for sulfur production were predicted using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM)}, keywords = {Biological removal of hydrogen sulfide,Thiobacillusthioparus,sulfur production,Response surface methodology (RSM)}, url = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_129252.html}, eprint = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_129252_5b50871092fc5c352fef7ce6b7d0e868.pdf} } @article { author = {Bozorgian, Alireza}, title = {Possibility of Using Gas Injection Method for Increasing Pressure in Well A: the Case of Oil Fields in Southern Iran}, journal = {Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {207-219}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Sami Publishing Company}, issn = {2676-7090}, eissn = {2645-6133}, doi = {10.22034/pcbr.2021.257998.1165}, abstract = {The hydrocarbon reservoir is a porous and permeable structure in the basement that houses a natural accumulation of hydrocarbons in liquid or gaseous form and is separated from the surrounding area by impermeable rocks. In a more concrete description, hydrocarbon reservoirs can be likened to an air-filled kite, in which the shell plays the role of the same impermeable rock, and as soon as this balanced medium is pierced, reservoir fluids, as air exits the kite rapidly by forces. The wells are driven. Of course, the strength of this natural drift decreases simultaneously with the production of the reservoir; Iranian reservoirs are, for example, said to have an average annual 10-8% natural drop in reservoir pressure and drop in production flow from the well - drop in production flow from the well with direct reservoir pressure drop. The correct division of a reservoir requires knowledge of the thermodynamic behavior of the phases in the reservoir, i.e. liquid, gas, solid, as well as knowledge of the forces affecting the production mechanism}, keywords = {Reservoir,Operation,Hydrocarbon,Fluid,pressure}, url = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_129255.html}, eprint = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_129255_bae3f04a4287bc7013c568ab10482a6d.pdf} } @article { author = {Hatami, Ali and Azizi Haghighat, Zeinab}, title = {Evaluation of Application of Drug Modeling in Treatment of Liver and Intestinal Cancer}, journal = {Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {220-233}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Sami Publishing Company}, issn = {2676-7090}, eissn = {2645-6133}, doi = {10.22034/pcbr.2021.277514.1181}, abstract = {In drug delivery systems, mathematical modeling plays an important role in more clearly explaining the important mechanisms of drug release profiles, so as to facilitate the development of new drug products with a regular approach rather than trial and error. Mathematical models related to known drug release mechanisms fall into three categories: infiltration, controlled inflation systems, and erosion. In the case of liposomal nanoparticles as a biodegradable nanocarrier matrix, the release control is by hydrolysis gap in the polymer chain which will lead to matrix erosion, although penetration due to slow erosion may be still predominant. On the other hand, in the case of biodegradable nanocarriers, drug release is due to the concentration gradient either in the penetration or in the penetration enhancement system by erosion. This classification allows mathematical models to be developed in different ways for each type of system. Mathematical modeling of drug release can provide good insight into chemical processes and modes of delivery in drug delivery as well as the effect of design parameters. In both biodegradable and non-biodegradable nanocarriers, design parameters such as drug loading can significantly affect drug release mechanisms. Therefore, the optimized nano-carrier design for the required drug release profile can be predicted using a regular method with a minimum number of experimental studies. Thus, mathematical modeling can help predict drug release rates; as a result, researchers can come up with much more effective drug formulations and more accurate methods that will save time and money.}, keywords = {Nanoparticles,penetration,Design Parameter,Drug Delivery,Modeling}, url = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_129264.html}, eprint = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_129264_d4cb778cd2e4ee59ef3d4b55457ddeae.pdf} } @article { author = {Oyugi, Albert and Korir, Benjamin and Kibet, Joshua and Ngari, Silas}, title = {The Possible Abuse of Catha edulis and its Associated Health and Socio-economic Impacts}, journal = {Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {234-253}, year = {1999}, publisher = {Sami Publishing Company}, issn = {2676-7090}, eissn = {2645-6133}, doi = {10.22034/pcbr.2021.266100.1168}, abstract = {With increasing stress levels, disease burden and harsh economic times, drug abuse has increased significantly. Currently, control measures aimed at curbing drug abuse have been applied by various authorities with little success. This paper focuses specifically on one of the emerging drug substances that have been ignored for centuries – Catha edulis. The consumption of khat (Catha edulis) is mainly through chewing of young fresh shoots, sprinkling dry crushed leaves of khat on already prepared food, smoking, and boiling dried khat leaves in water to form Abyssinian tea. The use of khat has spread to many communities of the world such as the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. This has been brought about by a high number of immigrants notably from East Africa and the Middle East, improved road and air transport networks, and improved preservation methods. Chronic and excessive use of khat may result in serious medical concerns among khat users. The medical effects of khat depends on the amount and potency of the chemical cathinone and cathine that is taken in or being absorbed. This work, therefore, reviews the current knowledge on the health effects of khat, social benefits, and possible negative impacts of khat use. Moreover, this work also clearly outlines cessation strategies towards curbing chronic khat abuse, withdrawal symptoms, and pharmacology. It also identifies and recognizes the role of government authorities, non-governmental institutions, and society in addressing the medical problems associated with the consumption of khat.}, keywords = {cessation strategies,cathinone,medical problems,impacts,khat chewing}, url = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_129569.html}, eprint = {https://www.pcbiochemres.com/article_129569_f5a6f56f07c0abf79d310ceb2db54f44.pdf} }