Thermal decomposition and kinetics of plastic bonded explosives based on mixture of HMX and TATB with polymer matrices

This work describes thermal decomposition behaviour of plastic bonded explosives(PBXs) based on mixture of 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane(HMX) and 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene(TATB)with Viton A as polymer binder. Thermal decomposition of PBXs was undertaken by applying simultaneous thermal analysis(STA) and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) to investigate influence of the HMX amount on thermal behavior and its kinetics. Thermogravimetric analysis(TGA) indicated that the thermal decomposition of PBXs based on mixture of HMX and TATB was occurred in a three-steps. The first step was mainly due to decomposition of HMX. The second step was ascribed due to decomposition of TATB, while the third step was occurred due to decomposition of the polymer matrices. The thermal decomposition % was increased with increasing HMX amount. The kinetics related to thermal decomposition were investigated under non-isothermal for a single heating rate measurement. The variation in the activation energy of PBXs based on mixture of HMX and TATB was observed with varying the HMX amount. The kinetics from the results of TGA data at various heating rates under non-isothermal conditions were also calculated by Flynn—Wall—Ozawa(FWO) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose(KAS)methods. The activation energies calculated by employing FWO method were very close to those obtained by KAS method. The mean activation energy calculated by FWO and KAS methods was also a good agreement with the activation energy obtained from single heating rate measurement in the first step decomposition.

Identification and quantitative estimation of Emodin in Rhei Emodi Wall.Rhizome and the relevant polyherbal ayurvedic formulation

The present study explored quality control of plant drug and polyherbal formulation using HPTLC and HPLC fingerprinting.The study combined qualitative analysis of Emodin and Rhein biomarker compound in Rhei Emodi Wall.rhizome extract and polyherbal formulation extract by HPTLC method with quantitative estimation of Emodin by HPLC method,aiming to help in accurate identification of Emodin and Rhein in plant materials,polyherbal formulations.This study also checked adulteration,with the purpose of improving bio-efficacy of ayurvedic formulation.All the samples showed characteristic peaks of Emodin at same retention time as that of standard Emodin.According to the HPTLC fingerprinting results,the Rf values of Rhein reference standard at 0.42 and Emodin at 0.62 were observed in test solution of Rhei emodi Wall.rhizome extract and polyherbal formulation extract and both were found comparable.The quantitative evaluation of Emodin present in the polyherbal formulation and Rhei emodi Wall.rhizome extracts were 0.0177% and 0.3106% respectively.

Key molecules of Mucorales for COVID-19-associated mucormycosis:a narrative review

Mucormycosis is a lethal human disease caused by fungi of the order Mucorales.Mucormycosis is caused by fungi mainly belonging to the genera Mucor,Rhizopus,and Lichtheimia,all of which belong to the order Mucorales.The number of individuals with mucormycosis-causing disorders has increased in recent years,hence,leading to the spread of mucormycosis.Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,numerous cases of mucormycosis in COVID-19-infected patients have been reported worldwide,and the illness is now recognized as COVID-19-associated mucormycosis,with most of the cases being reported from India.Immunocompromised patients such as those with bone marrow sickness and uncontrolled diabetes are at a greater risk of developing mucormycosis.Genes,pathways,and other mechanisms have been studied in Mucorales,demonstrating a direct link between virulence and prospective therapeutic and diagnostic targets.This review discusses several proteins such as high-affinity iron permease(FTR1),calcineurin,spore coat protein(CotH),and ADP-ribosylation factors involved in the pathogenesis of mucormycosis that might prove to be viable target(s)for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods.