Randomized controlled trial to enhance psychosocial adjustment of asthmatic childern

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a psychosocial patient education program on the psychological adjustment of asthmatic children between 11 and 18 years old. One hundred children attending the outpatient health insurance clinic were randomly selected and randomized to experimental and control groups. Children's asthma knowledge, self-esteem, asthma severity and psychological adjustment were assessed for both groups before and after the intervention. An intervention program was developed and introduced to the experimental group. The program consisted of sixteen sessions of Information giving and cognitive-behavioral strategies for the children. The results revealed significant differences in the mean percentage change of the intervention and control groups regarding self-esteem, knowledge and asthma severity [Z=2.83, Z=4.75 and Z=2.24 respectively, P< 0.05]. Statistical significant differences were found between the mean percentage change of the intervention and control groups regarding, dependency, hostility, productivity and withdrawal domains as well as the total PARS Ill score. In conclusion, the study demonstrated positive effect of the intervention in promoting the adjustment of asthmatic children. It is suggested that similar interventions can be directed to children with any chronic illness and can be implemented in a variety of pediatric settings

Pan bread quality as affected by supplementation of brewing by-products

Different solid by-products obtained from El-Ahram Company for Beverages [rootlets, dried husk, malt husk and malt culms] were used as a source of fiber, total dietary fiber, protein and mineral contents for fortification of pan bread after passing the detection analysis for aflatoxins compounds [B1, B2, G1 and G2]. Levels of 5, 10 and 20% of by-products were used. The effect of this supplementation on the rheological properties of the resulting dough was investigated using the farinograph and extensograph as objective methods for quality assessment of the final product. Physical properties, chemical and mineral composition, amino acid analysis and sensory evaluation were studied for produced pan bread. Farinograph results indicated that, water absorption, dough development, arrival time, dough weakening and mixing tolerance increased while, dough stability decreased as a result of by-product flour addition differented levels. It was found that, there was reduction in dough energy and dough resistance to extension values by 6.78-49.15% and 3.21-26.92% respectively from control. While, dough extensibility values increased due to fortification with different levels except 10 and 20% rootlets flour addition, which caused reduction by 4.44-5.93% over the control. Chemical analysis of pan bread showed high protein, ash contents in samples containing rootlets flour, while, high contents of fat, fibers and total dietary fibers were found at all levels of addition. The level of all mineral elements in fortified pan bread samples increased and the highest percent occurred in samples containing rootlets flour. Total amino acids content increased as the levels of fortification increased, except for the malt culms flour at 5 and 10% levels. Also, total essential amino acids content was increased as the level of fortification increased except samples fortified with dried husk, malt husk and malt culms flours at 5% level. Samples of pan bread containing 20% rootlets flour were the highest in essential amino acids content. Sensory evaluation results showed that, rootlet flour at all levels [5, 10 and 20%] was the best fortification for the manufacture of pan bread with no significant differences in all evaluated sensory properties

Physico-chemical studies on acidity functions in mixed solvents II Studies on the pH of potassium hydroxide solutions in ethanol-, n-propanol-, Iso-propanol- and ethylene glycol water mixtures

The slope factors of the lines relating the electromotive force E of the pH-meter cell with the pH reading R agree consistently with the theoretical values for all test solutions at 25 degree. This may be considered as an indication of the proper function of the glass electrode as a standard hydrogen electrode. A discussion is made of the factor governing the glass electrode function such as chemical composition, water content, alkali and acid errors. The validity of Dole 's theory is examined by plotting the voltage deviation E against-log H2O of the solvent mixtures and determining the number of water molecules associated with proton in its migration from the solution into the surface of the electrode glass membrane. Deviation of the experimental points from the fitted least squares -lines proves that the theory is not valid, particularly for solutions of potassium hydroxide in ethylene glycol-water mixtures. Although the availability of the transferable protons is considerably affected by changes of the activity of water, it seems unlikely that the transfer of water through the surface of the galss membrane plays any part in the electrochemical process responsible for the development of the pH response. Calculated values of the operational pHx and liquid-junction potentials Ej are obtained for the different test solutions. Variation of the pHx with solvent composition is explained in terms of solvent-solvent and ion-solvent interactions

Physio-chemical studies on acidity functions in mixed solvents III Studies on the optical absorption characteristics of p-nitroaniline, phenol and thioacetamide in solutions of potassium hydroxide

The ultraviolet absorption properties of the four above indicators in solutions of potassium hydroxide of different concentrations in ethanol water mixture are studied. The absorption spectra so obtained disclose absorption peaks of situation dependent on alkali concentration and alcohol content of the medium. The peaks are slightly shifted towards higher wave lengths with rise in alkali concentrations. The results substantiate that the different indicators with the OH-ions present in the solution by proton loss rather than by hydroxide addition. Calculations are made of the molar extinction coefficients epsilon, epsilon A. and epsilon HA. of, respectively, the partially ionised, completely ionised, and unionized forms of each indicator. The values of these coefficients are then used for the computation of the indicator ratios I of the different indicators in the various solutions. In additions, the pka values of the indicators in questions are obtained by plotting [log I -log COH-] against COH[-] and extrapolating to zero concentration. These values of T and pKA are of importance in the evaluation of the acidity function H- of the different solutions

Physico-chemical studies on acidity functions in mixed solvents IV Studies on the optical absorption characteristics of p-nitroaniline

The ultraviolet absorption spectra of p-nitroaniline in the 1 different alkaline solutions support the idea that the indicator reacts with the OH- ions existing in solution by proton loss rather than by hydroxide ion addition. Straight lines are obtained by plotting the molar extinction coefficients epsilon of the partially ionized form of the indicator against the reciprocals of the molar concentrations of the alkali in every solvent, with intercepts equal to the values of the molar extinction coefficient epsilon A- of the completely ionized form of the indicator. The values of the ratio R of the intercept to the slope of each line as well as of the equilibrium constant K['] are derived. The observed variations in K['] may be attributed to changes in the ratio fOR-/ fOH- or the ratio fA-/ fOR. FAH, or in both ratios. Also, a procedure is developed for the determination of the equilibrium constants K'm for the indicator in solutions of Li OH, KOH and NaOH in pure methanol, with the assumption that this constant is a true thermodynamic constant independent of solvent composition. The same procedure is followed for the estimation of the values of the equilibrium constants K' and K'm for the same indicator in solutions of potassium hydroxide in ethanol-water mixtures. The attempt is also made to calculate the equilibrium constant K degree of p nitroaniline in solutions of LiOH, KOH, and NaOH in methanol-water mixtures containing from 10-70 percent by weight of methanol. The calculated values of the constant K degree are subsequently used for the evaluation of the fraction OH-/Cb of the base present as OH- ions

Physico-chemical studies on acidity functions in mixed solvents V Studies on the acidity function H of solutions of LioH, NaOH and KOH in methanol-water mixtures using p-nitroaniline as indicator

The limited range of the operational pH[x] from 0 14 is a drawback of this acidity function. The validity of Hammett function H0 in solutions of strong acids in alcohol -water mixtures stands behind the desire to construct a scale of acidity in solutions of strong alkalies in these mixtures which are frequently used. For this purpose, calculations are made to calculate the values of H- from the spectrophoto-metrically determined molar extinction coefficients epsilon,, epsilon A- and epsilon HA of p-nitroaniline in solutions of LiOH, NaOH and KOH in methanol-water mixtures. By plotting log. H- against the reciprocal of the stoichiometric molar concentration C of every alkali solution, straight lines are obtained whose intercepts and slopes are computed by use of the least-squares method. These values facilitate the derivation of the value of H- for any of the solutions studied by interpolation. On the other hand, the plots relating H. with medium composition disclose several maxima and minima the location of which does depend on alkali concentration and identity. This reflects the medium effect on the trend of variation of H- in the different solutions. The basic strength in water and pure methano1 increases according to the order KOH>NaOH> LiOH, whereas in methanol-water mixtures is a composite function of alkali concentrations and medium composition. These findings are explained in terms of variations in s Ivation and medium effect with addition of alcohol to aqueous solution. Hence, the solvation factor[r-p-I]and medium effect of log f[mlH] are estimated for the I M solution of the three alkalies. Besides, the values of the O H- ion concentration in solution, the autoprtolysis constant pK[m] and the parameter Beta are given and the validity of H- is emphasized by plotting the logarithm of the indicator ratio I against H- where linear plots are obtained with unit slope

Physico-chemical studies on acidity functions in mixed solvents VI Studies on the acidity function H of solutions of KOH in ethanol water mixtures

The values of H[-] are computed for solutions of different concentrations of KOH in ethanol-water mixtures, from the spectrophotometric measurements of ultraviolet absorption of p-nitroaniline, o-nitroaniline, phenol and thioacetamide which arc structurally different indicators. The mean values H[-] and their standard deviations are given together with these deviations expressed in percent. The values of S mean fall between +/- 0.12 percent and +/- 2.05 percent, depending on alkali hydroxide concentration and solvent composition. These reasonable values of S mean denote that H[-] is more or less independent of the indicator used, which may be taken as an evidence in support of the validity of HEI as a measure of acidity in the investigated solutions. Such a validity is also emphasized by the linear plots of unit slope, relating the logarithm of the indicator ratio I and H[-] for the four indicators in solutions of different concentrations of KOH in ethanol water mixtures. The parameters of the linear relationship between H[-] and the reciprocal of the KOH concentrations are also computed by the use of the least-squares method. These parameters facilitate the calculation of the value of H[-] for any other concentration of KOH in the same mixtures. The plots of H[-] against alcohol content in mole percent disclose several peaks and minima the location of which depend on the base concentration and indicator used for the determination of H[-]. This is explained in terms of solvent-solvent and solute-solvent interactions. The values which are computed for K['],K degree, [OH[-]], [r-p-I], and log f[f/m] reflect the effects of these interactions in defining the basicity of the different solutions examined

Physico-chemical studies on acidity functions in mixed solvents VII Studies on the acidity function H of solution of KOH in propanol-, Iso-P ropanol-, and ethylene glycol-water mixtures

Values of the acidity function H[-] arc determined, using p-nitroaniline as indicator, for the 1.0 M solutions of KOH in n-propanol-and iso-propanol-water matures, as well as for solutions of different concentrations of the same alkali hydroxide in ethylene glycol-water mixtures. The plots of H[-] against" alcohol content exhibit several maxima and minima, denoting that the function is affected by several factors and interactions taking part in the whole system. For one and the same KOH concentration, the variation of H[-] with the length and branching of the alcohol chain, as well as with the presence of two OH groups instead of one in ethylene glycol, do not follow a definite order. The validity of the function is emphasized by plotting the logarithm of the indicator ratio I against H[-] where linear plots are obtained. The change; in H[-] with medium completion are explained in terms of the chemical and physical properties of the mixtures in question, as well as changes in solvation, activity coefficient, medium effect log. F[m/H] and autoprotolysis constant pK[m] as a result of addition of alcohol or glycol to the purely aqueous solutions of the alkali hydroxide

Physico-chemical studies on activity functions in some mixed solvents I Studies on lithium sodium and potassium hydroxide solutions in methanol water mixtures

The function of glass electrode, as a measure of acidity in terms of pH value, was studied for LiOH, NaOH and KOH solutions in methanol-water mixtures of different composition. The slopes of linear plots relating e.m.f. and pH values at different temperatures agreed well with those calculated theoritically. This indicated that the glass electrode behaved strictly as H2 electrode in all test solutions. The validity of Dole's theory of acid error delta E for the glass electrode indifferent alkali solutions was investigated. The number of water molecules associated with .the proton, in its migration from the solution into the glass surface, was determined and found to be unity. An attempt was also made to calculate the deviation delta of the pH-meter readings R[x] from the operational pH[j] values and the corresponding liquid junction potentials E[j] as well. delta and E[j] were found to be complex functions of alkali content, solvent composition and temperature probably due to changes in solvation and acidity coefficients of the ions in solution and also to the dielectric constant and basicity with additions of methanol to the purely aqueous solutions

Kinetics of the acid-cleavage of some organomercuric compounds in pure and mixed solvents: Part I methanol water mixtures

The rates of reaction of a series of trans-2-hyrdoxy and 2-alkoxy. cyclohexylmercuric bromides with hydrochloric acid in methanol-water mixtures have been investigated. It was found by plotting the rate constant K[r] as a function of mole percent methanol, that the plots exhibit minima whose locations are disclosed within the range 30-75 mole percent methanol. The rate constant values were used to calculate the number of water molecules involved in the transition states. The least distance of approach between solvated hydrogen proton and trans-2-ethoxycyclohexylmercuric bromides were calculated from linear plots of logarithm of rate constant versus reciprocal of dielectric constant at 288 degree, 293 degree, and 298 degree K. The rate constants are closely related to Hammett's acidity function of the reaction solution in accord with bimolecular mechanism suggested. From the validity of Taft's and isokinetic relationships in methanol water mixtures, we assume a single deoxymercuration mechanism for all compounds under investigation. Activation energies [E[a]] together with enthalpies [delta H], entropies [delta S], and free energies delta G of activation have been computed for the organomercurials under investigation. The correlation of these values with solvent composition are discussed in terms of changing solvation of the polar transition state. The common mechanism of the deoxymercuration reaction of organomercurials under investigation in all methanol-water matures is shown by the presence of a compensating effect between the enthalpies of activation [delta H] and entropies of activation delta S] The feasibility of Taft's equation is verified and fairly linear plots were obtained at all methanol-water mixtures

Kinetics of the acid-cleavage of trans-2-hydroxy and trans-2-alkoxycyclohexymercuric bromides in pure and mixed solvents Part II ethanol-water mixtures

DEOXYMERCURATION reactions of trans-2-hydroxy-and trans-U2-alkoxycyclohexylmercuric bromides by hydrochloric acid in ethanol-water mixtures were carried out at temperatures 288 degree, 293 degree, and 298 degree K. The bimolecular rate constant decreased while the free energy of activation increased with ethanol additions to aqueous medium until a shallow minim whose locations are disclosed within the range 20 - 80 mole percent ethanol, then the values of free energy of activation increased again in more rich alcohol content. The least distance of approach between solvated proton and trans-2-ethoxy-cyclohexylmercuric bromide was calculated at 288 degree, 293 degree, and 298 degree K. The effect of chloride ion was studied and its effect on the termination step was discussed. The thermodynamic properties of the activated complexes were discussed in relation to the variation of the solvent composition. A single deoxymercuration reaction mechanism was suggested for all organo-mercurials under investigation in ethanol-water mixtures