Synthesis and physico-chemical studies of some polymers for removing of some heavy metal ions of industrial wastewater

The chemical contaminations of wide range of toxic derivatives in water, in particular heavy metal ions and dyes is a serious environmental problem owing to their potential human toxicity. Therefore, there is a need to develop technologies that can remove toxic pollutants from the wastewater. Adsorption is one of choices used for treating industrial effluents and a useful tool for protecting the environment. In particular, adsorption on synthetic, natural polymers and their derivatives is known to remove pollutants from water. The importance of the synthetic polymers has increased due to their high selectively, stability at elevated temperature and sensitivity to the high concentration of ions. One of the major applications of epoxy and its many derivatives is based on its ability to bind strongly heavy and toxic metal ions. This study will focus on the synthesis of two types of polymers, the first one was carried by suspension polymerization of epoxy resin, methyl methacrylate [MMA] and divinyl benzene [DVB] mixtures which have been modified though epoxy functions in two steps: [i] by treating with polyamine and [ii] by subsequent reaction with potassium chloroacetate. The second type which is a new low cost adsorbent was prepared by modified polysaccharides for example resin was polymerized epoxy resin and cross linked starch mixtures in two steps; [i] by treating with polyamine and [ii] by subsequent reaction with potassium mono chloroacetate, that to increase the efficient sorbet for removal of Cu[II] and Ni[II] ions

Simultaneous determination of the two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Diflunisal and Naproxen in their tablets by chemometric spectrophotometry and HPLC

Chemometric spectrophotometry and HPLC were applied to the simultaneous determination of the two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; diflunisal [I] and naproxen [II]. The applied chemometric techniques are multivariate methods including classical least squares [CLS], principal component regression [PCR] and partial least squares [PLS]; and the second derivative of the ratio spectra [2Dr] method. To develop the multivariate methods, the UV absorption spectra of the standard solutions of the training and validation sets in methanol were recorded in the range of 242-274 nm at 2 nm intervals. The specificity of the studied multivariate methods has been tested. In the 2Dr method, analytical signals at 235 and 259 nm were selected for the determination of [I] and [II], respectively. The HPLC method depends on reversed-phase separation using C18 column. The mobile phase consists of a mixture of acetonitrile - acetate buffer [pH 4.2; 50 mM] [60:40, v/v]. The UV detector was set at 255 nm. The developed methods were validated and successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of [I] and [II] in their tablets. The assay results obtained using the chemometric methods were statistically compared to those of the HPLC method and good agreement was observed

Knowledge and attitude regarding AIDS among health college students in Bandar Abbas 2006

At present, no any vaccine or effective treatment is available for aids. According to the WHO, today Aids is an important health problem for youths. This study is done to determine the knowledge and attitude of Health college students of Bandar Abbas towards Aids. This is a descriptive study. Samples were consisting of 150 students and data collection was done through a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and statistical methods like frequency, mean and student T-test and considering significant values of p<0.05. Results indicated that, 17.3% of students had good knowledge, 80.7% moderate and 2.0% had poor knowledge about Aids. There was significant relation between knowledge and field of study and marriage status [p=0.07]. Most of the study groups had positive attitude regarding the transmission ways and prevention of Aids. Results showed that, only 17.3% of students, had good knowledge about Aids, therefore, necessity of conducting educational programs regarding ways of transmission and prevention of Aids in order to increase knowledge quality and quantity of students is felt

GIS-based prediction of malaria risk in Egypt

Environmental variables in a malaria geographic information system [GIS] database were analysed to discriminate between governorates at high and low risk of malaria. Only Fayoum governorate was categorized as a high risk area for malaria during the last 2 decades. Discriminant models correctly classified 96.3% of the risk categories and indicated that the most important predictor of risk is hydrogeology. Further GIS spatial analysis indicated that the high malaria risk in Fayoum is associated with a unique environmental envelope of biotic [presence of both efficient malaria vectors] and abiotic [hydrogeology and soil] variables. Recommendations for surveillance and control are discussed

Studies on the molluscicidal and larvicidal properties of Solanum nigrum L. leaves ethanol extract

Toxicological studies on three ethanol extract preparations of Solanum nigrum L. leaves were made on Biomphalaria alexandrina. Extract [A], made by soaking leaves powder over night in cold 70% ethanol, has the highest activity, [LC[50] 3.37mg/L within 24 hr]. This extract also showed larvicidal activity against larvae of two mosquito species, Aedes caspius and Culex pipiens, [LC[50] 51.29 and 125.89 mg/L within 24 hr, and 21.38 and 38.11mg/L within 48 hr, respectively]. Sunlight, pH, and turbidity did not affect the activity of this extract, but the molluscicidal activity seems to be correlated with the increase of temperature. The concentrated extract [1000mg/L] can be stored at room temperature for six months without any change in its activity, but diluted solutions of this extract lost their activity after four weeks

Biochemcial studies on Alitame, a dipeptide non-nutritive sweetner on healthy and diabetic rats compared to aspartame

In this study, different biochemical parameters were investigated in 90 albino adult rats, Sprague-Dawely strain, divided into two groups [healthy and diabetic]. They were supplied with alitame and aspartame at 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day for five weeks. No significant changes were reported in both groups in serum glucose, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio and lipid pattern of healthy rats treated with alitame or aspartame at levels of 10 and 50 m/gkg body weight/day. However, a significant elevation was reported in serum glucose, total protein, globulin and A/G ratio at 100 mg/kg body weight/day for both sweeteners in healthy rats. Glucose was significantly decreased in diabetic rats fed alitame when compared with their corresponding control groups. Regarding liver enzymes, both sweeteners significantly elevated aspartate transaminase [AST] levels in healthy and diabetic groups. Alanine transaminase [ALT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] levels also increased in aspartame fed diabetic group. There were no statistical differences between the effect of alitame or aspartame on the biochemical aspects of healthy and diabetic rats except for liver enzymes level

effect of theophylline on serum erythropietin in premature neonates and older children

To study the effect of theophylline on erythropoietin, 4 groups were included in this work: group I [theophylline treated prematures], group II [theophylline untreated prematures for comparison], group III [theophylline treated children] and group IV [theophylline untreated children] for comparison. For all subjects, serum level of erythropoietin, haemoglobin concentration, red cell count, haematocrit value and serum level of theophylline [for treated subjects only] were performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. The results obtained showed a significant elevation in erythropoietin, Hb, RBCs and haematocrit values in group I as compared with group II as well as a significant decrease in erythropoietin level, Hb, RBCs and haematocrit value in group III as compared with group IV. We concluded that there is a discrepancy in the effect of theophylline therapy on serum erythropoietin level between prematures and older children. This may be due to the altered tissue oxygenation seen in apnea of prematurity which may have a more potent stimulatory effect on erythropoietin production than does the depressant effect of theophylline in this population. Also, the effect of theophylline on erythropoietin production may change by age and thus may differ between prematures and older children

Free radicals scavenging enzymes and some micronutrients in rheumatoid arthritis

Oxygen free radicals are probably involved in pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. The enzymes involved in protection against oxygen free radicals, superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G-6-PD] were measured in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and age matched healthy subjects [control]. Lipid peroxides, serum levels of selenium, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and protein electrophoretic pattern were also assessed. The results showed that lipid peroxides, alpha and gamma-globulins were significantly increased in patients with RA, while GSH-Px and SOD activities, serum selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, albumin and A/G ratio were significantly decreased in the same group than in corresponding matched healthy controls. In the meantime, a nonsignificant change was observed in the activity of G-6-PD and serum levels of total protein, alpha-1 and beta-globulins. Increased lipid peroxidation and depletion of chain breaking antioxidants may contribute to increase risk of RA. So, the rise of antioxidant enzymes activities and supplementation with certain micronutrients which acting as antioxidants and free radical scavengers provide protection against RA

Pituitary-gonadal hormones in insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetic Egyptian males with and without neuropathy or retinopathy

Few prospective data are available regarding the association of pituitary-gonadal hormones, and the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Therefore, FSH, LH and prolactin were determined in types I and II diabetic male Egyptian patients with and without complications [neuropathy or retinopathy] and nondiabetic healthy controls, testosterone was also assessed. All patients and controls underwent laboratory investigations, including fasting and post-prandial blood sugar level, serum levels of cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL-C and LDL-C

Plasma thromboxane-B2, proaccelerin activity and free fatty acids pattern in chronic liver disease, a correlative study

The aim of this study was to show the possible biochemical changes and abnormalities in different stages of liver disease and relate these parameters to the degree of liver cell affection. Seventy patients of chronic liver diseases were included in this study and classified into three groups according to the severity of liver cell affection. All the cases and the healthy control subjects were studied for plasma thromboxane-B2 [TXB2] and proaccelerin activity. Plasma free fatty acids levels using gas liquid chromatographic technique were also studied in all cases. It was clear that plasma TXB2 level, proaccelerin activity, oleic and linoleic acids levels in hepatic patients were positivity correlated. Also, the levels of these biochemical parameters were related to the extent of liver cell affection. So, these parameters can be used as a good indicator for the severity of liver disease

evaluation of a photo-electronic oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement [Omron HEM 815F]

Readings from an Omron HEM 815F portable blood pressure monitor and a Dinamap 8100 are compared to those obtained from a mercury column sphygmomanometer in this study. Results showed a bias of -3.6 and -2.8 mmHg for systolic and diastolic readings respectively with the Omron HEM 815F, compared to Dinamap 8100 which showed bias of +11.9 and -3.2 mmHg. The limits of agreement for the systolic readings were +/- 23.8 mmHg from the bias [mean difference] with the Omron HEM 815F, compared to +/- 21.8 mmHg with the Dinamap 8100. The Omron HEM 815F is a small monitoring device that produces readings of comparable accuracy to those produced by the Dinamap 8100

Heat as an immuno-suppressive agent on the in vivo production of antibodies in mature male rats

Thirty male mature albino rats arranged in three equal groups [A, B and C] were used in this experiment. Prior to the test, group B was subjected to heat [38 degree +/- 2] four hrs. daily for 14 days in their immature life. During the whole experiment, both groups B and C were exposed to heat [38 degree +/- 2] 4 hours daily for 30 days [the time of experiment] while group A was kept under comfortable climate [25 degree +/- 2]. The three groups were injected intravenously in their tail vein with sheep red blood corpuscles at 0 and 21 days of experiment; at 30 days their sera were collected and the anti sheep antibodies were assayed by the tube agglutination method. The antibody titre decreased significantly in both groups compared to control, this decrease was more evident in group B which was exposed to heat during immature life also. This result denoted that heat has an in-vivo immuno-suppressive effect on the murine humoral response, this effect was more pronounced after longer exposure, earlier exposure or both

Prevention of rebreathing in the brain system during spontaneous respiration by using adequate FGF

The effect of changing the fresh gas flow [FGF] [70, 100 and 150 ml/kg/min.] in the Bain system during spontaneous respiration was studied in 55 adult male patients [ASA 1] after using the standard Magill system [control] for 20 minutes at a fixed FGF of 70 ml/kg/min. Bain system at FGF [Vf] of 100 ml/kg/min. was comparable with Magill with the least percentage of change in PaCO3 and expired minute volume [V]. VF/VE ratio showed a insignificant correlation coefficient [r=-0.35] when correlated with PaCO2 values. Therefore, it was recommended that FGF of 100 ml/kg/min. is ideal for Bain system to prevent rebreathing during spontaneous respiration. Also, the FGF should be expressed in an absolute value, i.e. ml/min. and not as a multiple of minute volume

Anaesthetic management of patients with homocystinuria undergoing lensectomy for ectopia lentis

Eight patients with homocystinuria who received general anesthesia for lensectomy were studied. Homocystine, because of its effect of platelet adhesiveness, may result in serious thromboembolic phenomena, especially following general anesthesia. To minimize these risks, special attention must be paid to fluid administration and the avoidance of dehydration and hypovolemia, the reduction in blood viscosity and platelet aggregation and the maintenance of good venous return and early ambutation of the patient. Recognition and control of this condition before surgery could reduce the anesthetic morbidity and mortality of these already burdened patients

Effect of heat on the pattern of distribution of immunoglobulins

Eighteen male healthy volunteers were exposed to 40 degree C and 40 percent Relative Humidity [R.H.] for 80 minutes [test time] in an acclimatization chamber, this was proceeded by a period of 60 minutes at 25 degree C [control time] and 40 percent R.H. in the same chamber. The three major immunoglobulins, IgG, IgA and IgM, were estimated by the immuno diffusion plates, total protein. Albumin and Hb were also estimated at control and test time. No relation was shown between rise of body temperature and IgM or IgA contrary to IgG. The relation between body temperature and IgG was evident irrespective to total globulins and blood volume calculated from haemoglobin. Rise of body temperature above 0.5 degree C showed major changes in IgG level