Sorption of cesium and gadolinium ions onto zirconium silico antimonate sorbent from aqueous solutions.

Using a batch equilibrium technique, the sorption of 137Cs and 153Gd onto synthesized zirconium silico antimonate (ZrSiSb) sorbent was examined. The new sorbent was prepared by precipitation technique and characterized by diverse analytical tools. The influence of shaking time, pH, metal ion concentrations, temperature, and a real sample was carried out. The data indicate that ZrSiSb has a very fast equilibrium time (30 min). The distribution coefficient values as a function of pH have sequence order; Cs(I) > Gd(III). The reaction kinetic obeys the pseudo-2nd-order model. The saturation capacity is 69.8 and 27.2 mg/g for Cs(I) and Gd(III), respectively. Equilibrium data were analyzed by various sorption isotherm models. Desorption studies showed that the best eluents for complete recovery (about 99%) of the selected ions are KCl for Cs(I) and CaCl2 for Gd(III). The sorption effectiveness of the new ZrSiSb to remove 137Cs and 153Gd from real low-level radioactive waste was examined. The results obtained showed that the prepared new composite can be applied as a hoped sorbent material to get rid of these radionuclides from different wastewaters.

Sorption of some radionuclides from liquid waste solutions using anionic clay hydrotalcite sorbent.

129I and 79Se are potentially important anionic radionuclides in safety assessments due to their high mobility, radiotoxicity, and long half life's (1.7 × 107 and 3.27 × 105 years, respectively). This study is interested in the sorption of 131I and 75Se radionuclides onto magnesium iron hydrotalcite (Mg/Fe HTlc). Mg/Fe HTlc was prepared by co-precipitation technique and characterized using different analytical tools such as FT-IR, XRD, XRF, TGA & DTA, SEM, and BET. Results obtained from this study showed that the adsorption process was a very fast equilibrium time (20 min). The distribution coefficient values as a function of pH have high separation factors for 131I at all different pHs. Reaction kinetic obeys the pseudo-second-order model. Maximum sorption capacity for 131I and 75Se has the values 21.45, and 9.25 mg/g respectively. Sorption isotherms are more relevant to a Langmuir isotherm. The % removal of 131I is decreased by increasing the concentration of competing species. The investigation evidenced that the prepared sorbent is suitable for the removal of 131I and 75Se from radioactive waste and could be considered potential material for purification of effluent polluted with these radionuclides.

The forgotten oral microbial transplantation for improving the outcomes of COVID-19.

Ever since the uncovering of the severe discrepancy of COVID-19 manifestations, irrespective of viral load, scientists have raced to locate and manage factors contributing to the genesis of a critical state. Recent evidence delineates the role of oral dysbiosis in the development of low-grade inflammation, characterized by the increase of inflammatory cytokines common to those fundamental to the development of severe COVID. Furthermore, high periodontopathic bacteria were recorded in severe acute respiratory syndrome in COVID patients, as well as its common provoking comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. This can be explained by the immigration and elimination of oral bacteria into the airways, which, in the context of an injured lung, allows for their preferential overgrowth familiar to that, causing the progression to advanced lung diseases. This is why we indicate the promising usage of oral microbiome transplantation as a treatment of oral microbial dysbiosis, not only associated with the worst outcomes of COVID-19 but also in other disorders of low-grade inflammation.

Preparation, characterization and application of Mg/Fe Hydrotalcite as gamma sealed source for spectroscopic measurements.

A feasibility study was conducted to prepare, characterize and apply Mg/Fe Hydrotalcite composite as a core material of γ-sealed source used in spectroscopic measurements. Co-precipitation method was used to prepare the composite. To understand and define the physicochemical properties of the prepared composite, different analytical techniques were used. Optimum conditions for the use of the prepared composite as a core material for a radioactive sealed source were obtained. Finally, radiometric analysis has been done, in addition to testing of both physical and mechanical properties for the prepared sealed source.

Assessment of nano-sized stannic silicomolybdate for the removal of 137Cs, 90Sr, and 141Ce radionuclides from radioactive waste solutions.

Synthesized nano-sized stannic silicomolybdate was tested for the adsorption of 137Cs, 90Sr, and 141Ce radionuclides from radioactive waste solutions using batch experimentations in single metal solution. The sorption examinations were performed under the effect of some key parameters such as (pH, contact time, initial metal concentration, adsorbent weight, and temperature). Isothermal records were found to be well fitted with Langmuir adsorption model. The evaluated mean adsorption energy from the D-R isotherm model has been achieved as 18.25, 34.92, and 37.47 kJ mol-1 for 137Cs, 90Sr, and 141Ce radionuclides respectively, further conferring to the chemical process of the adsorption. The adsorption interaction of 137Cs, 90Sr, and 141Ce radionuclides onto SnSiMo obeyed pseudo-second-order rate equation. The adsorption process was controlled by particle diffusion mechanism, while intraparticle diffusion was not only the rate-limiting step. The positive values obtained for the entropy of activation suggest that there is an important change occurring in the internal structure of SnSiMo throughout the adsorption procedure.

Assessment of the Medial Longitudinal Arch in children with Flexible Pes Planus by Plantar Pressure Mapping.

INTRODUCTION: Plantar Pressure mapping was introduced as a new modality for assessment of the height of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Therefore, the aim of this study is to correlate the plantar pressure mapping readings of arch index contact force ratio (AICFR) in children with flexible pes planus with radiographic measurements and static plantar footprints in order to determine the reliability of pressure mapping as a modality for the assessment and follow up of the flat foot deformity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Radiographic measurements, foot prints, and pressure mapping scans were recorded for each foot at initial presentation and at latest follow up in 28 children (56 feet) with flexible pes planus. RESULTS: A positive correlation of pressure mapping results was found with the talo-first metatarsal angle, the calcaneal pitch angle, as well as the footprint scans (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that plantar pressure mapping is a reliable and effective tool in screening, diagnosis, and follow up of children with flexible pes planus.

Hip preservation surgery for adolescents and young adults with Post-Perthes Sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Impingement ensures a narrow arc of pathologic loading in adolescent hips with sequelae of Perthes Disease. Proper surgical interference when the hip is still in the pre-arthritic stage restores function and protects the young hip from early degenerative changes. METHODS: Osteochondroplasty at the femoral head-neck junction and relative lengthening of the femoral neck by distal transfer of the greater trochanter was performed for 12 adolescents with combined intra-articular/extra-articular impingement due to sequelae of Perthes disease in terms of coxa magna, coxa plana, coxa brevis, with an overriding greater trochanter. The safe surgical hip dislocation approach was performed in all cases. Patients were followed for an average of 24 months. RESULTS: The Harris hip scores improved from an average of 58 preoperatively (range 50 to 69) to 94 postoperatively (range 91 to 97) at latest follow up. The range of hip flexion improved from a preoperative value of 84.2° (range, 60 to 105°) to value of 120.8° (range, 95 to 130°). Changes in hip flexion averaged 28.6° (range, 15 to 45°). Mean internal rotation increased to 26° ± 12°, and abduction to 38° ± 11°. Alpha angle improved to 40° ± 8°. The mean of center-trochanteric distance improved from an average of -18 mm to -1 mm. No osteonecrosis or chondrolysis was noted up to the time of the latest follow up. CONCLUSION: Elimination of narrow arc of pathologic loading due to impingement is the main advantage of the proposed surgical technique. Other advantages include increased abductor lever arm and restoration of hip joint range of motion with normalization of the loading conditions, and hence future development of degenerative arthritis and the anticipated need for a future joint replacement surgery could be prevented or delayed. Femoral head vascularity is well maintained with the proven safety of the presented surgical approach.

Impact of the mode of delivery on female sexual function after childbirth.

This cohort study aimed to assess the effect of the mode of delivery on female sexual function (FSF) after childbirth. Out of 256 primiparous women, 200 subjects that completed the study were divided into two groups; women that delivered vaginally and women that had elective cesarean section (CS). They were subjected to a translated version of female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire evaluating desire, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain both antenatally and 12 weeks postpartum. The mean FSFI total score of the two investigated groups demonstrated nonsignificant difference 12 weeks after delivery compared with these scores antenatally. Women that delivered vaginally demonstrated significant decreases in the scores of desire, arousal and lubrication domains 12 weeks after delivery compared with these scores antenatally where other scores demonstrated nonsignificant differences. Women that delivered by CS demonstrated a significant difference in desire domain 12 weeks after delivery compared with these scores antenatally where other scores demonstrated nonsignificant differences. It is concluded that the mode of delivery has nonsignificant effect on the FSF 12 weeks after childbirth. Specifically, vaginal delivery is associated with significant decrease in the desire, arousal and lubrication domains where elective CS is associated with significant decrease in the desire domain.

BAALC and ERG expression in acute myeloid leukemia with normal karyotype: impact on prognosis.

Cytogenetic aberrations are important prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). About 45% of de novo AML lack cytogenetic abnormalities, so identification of predictive molecular markers might improve therapy. We studied the prognostic impact of brain and acute leukemia, cytoplasmic (BAALC) and ETS-related gene (ERG) expression in AML with normal karyotype. Pretreatment bone marrow samples from 30 cytogenetically normal AML patients were analysed for BAALC and ERG expression using real time RT-PCR. The patients were dichotomized at BAALC and ERG mean expression into low and high expression. BAALC showed high expression in 70% of patients and its expression did not correlate with the clinical parameters of patients. ERG was high in 33.3% of patients and its expression was associated with lower ages and higher white cell counts. With follow-up for 2 years, patients with high BAALC and high ERG had low rates of clinical remission (P < 0.005) and inferior overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001 and <0.002 for BAALC and ERG respectively). No significant association was observed between the increase in BAALC and ERG expression (P = 0.398). Multivariable analysis confirmed high BAALC expression as an independent risk factor for OS. Overexpression of BAALC and ERG either separate or concomitant predict adverse clinical outcome and may define important risk factor in cytogenetically normal AML.

Determination of REEs distribution in monazite and xenotime minerals by ion chromatography and ICP-AES.

Ion chromatographic techniques were investigated for the separation and the quantitative determination of some rare earth elements (REEs) in monazite and xenotime minerals. The influences of selected eluents containing complexing acids including oxalic and alpha-hydroxy isobutyric acid (alpha-HIBA) on the retention and hence the separation efficiency of REEs was studied. Different variables affecting the separation of different REEs such as pH, type, and concentration of the mobile phase were investigated. Gradient elution, using an advanced gradient pump, was controlled automatically by the Dionex AI-450 computer software. Separation of REEs was carried out using an Ion Pac CS5A column followed by a post column derivatization reaction with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) and UV-VIS spectrophotometric detection. Mineral dissolution was carried out using sulfuric acid. A comparative evaluation of REE distribution in monazite and xenotime minerals using both ion chromatography (IC) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometric (ICP-AES) techniques was carried out.

MRI in multiple sclerosis of the spinal cord: evaluation of fast short-tan inversion-recovery and spin-echo sequences.

We compared the sensitivity of T2-weighted spin-echo (FSE) and fast short-tau inversion-recovery (fSTIR) sequences in detection of multiple sclerosis of the spinal cord in 100 consecutive patients with clinically confirmed multiple sclerosis (MS); 86 patients underwent also brain MRI. In all, 310 focal lesions were detected on fSTIR and 212 on T2-weighted FSE, spinal cord lesions were seen better on fSTIR images, with a higher contrast between the lesion and the normal spinal cord. In 24 patients in whom cord plaques were shown with both sequences, the cranial study was normal or inconclusive. Assessment of spinal plaques can be particularly important when MRI of the brain is inconclusive, and in there situations fSTIR can be helpful.

Spectrophotometric determination of nitrite and nitrate using phosphomolybdenum blue complex.

A method for spectrophotometric determination of nitrite and nitrate is described. This method is based on the reduction of phosphomolybdic acid to phosphomolybdenum blue complex by sodium sulfide. The obtained phosphomolybdenum blue complex is oxidized by the addition of nitrite and this causes a reduction in intensity of the blue color. The absolute decrease in the absorbance of the blue color or the rate of its decrease is found to be directly proportional to the amount of nitrite added. The absorbance of the phosphomolybdenum blue complex is monitored spectrophotometrically at 814 nm and related to the concentration of nitrite present. The effect of different factors such as acidity, stability of the complex, time, temperature, phosphate concentration, molybdenum concentration, sodium sulfide concentration and the tolerance amount of other ions have been reported. Maximum absorbance is at 814 nm. The range of linearity using the conventional method is 0.5-2.0 ppm with molar absorptivity of 1.1 x 10(4) l mol(-1) cm(-1). and a relative standard deviation of 2.6% for five measurements. The range of linearity using the reaction rate method is 0.2-3.6 ppm with a relative standard deviation of 2.4% for five measurements. The method is applied for determination of nitrite and nitrate in water, meat products and vegetables.

Expression of early growth response genes in human prostate cancer.

Early growth-response (EGR) genes are nuclear transcription factors that are implicated in regulating cell proliferation. Because these genes show divergent expression in various human tumors, we sought to determine their expression in nonmalignant and malignant prostate tissues. Total RNA extracted from prostate tissues was probed with EGR-1, EGR-2, and EGR-alpha cDNA for Northern blots and digoxigenin-labeled cRNA for in situ hybridization. Both Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses demonstrated increased EGR-1, but not EGR-2 or EGR-alpha expression, in malignant prostate tissue as compared with weak expression in nonmalignant tissue. EGR-1 mRNA was quantified in 96 prostate specimens (86 adenocarcinomas representing different Gleason scores and 10 benign tissues showing no histological manifestation of benign prostatic hypertrophy) using in situ hybridization with an 35S-labeled cRNA probe. EGR-1 mRNA was expressed at significantly higher levels in cancer than in normal prostate (P < 0.001). In cancer with Gleason scores 8-10, the expression of EGR-1 was higher compared with those of lower Gleason scores (P < 0.005). Immunohistochemical staining showed predominately basal cell nuclear EGR-1 protein in prostatic acini. Nuclear staining was weak in nonmalignant tissues, more intense in moderately differentiated carcinoma, and most intense in poorly differentiated carcinoma. These results show that EGR-1 is overexpressed in prostate cancer and suggest a role for EGR-1 in prostate cancer growth.

A retrospective study on the relationship between miswak chewing stick and periodontal health.

Chewing sticks have been used for centuries as a tooth cleaning device. One of the most commonly used types is known as the miswak. Despite its wide use, few studies have examined its effects on the gingival health. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between miswak and gingival health in terms of pocket depths, periodontal disease severity and gingival recession. The incisors, canines and premolars were examined in a total of 264 patients who were seen for routine periodontal treatment. Information regarding the use of the miswak, oral hygiene habits, as well as clinical measurements of pocket depth, periodontal disease and gingival recession were obtained from patients charts. Patients were divided into two groups: a miswak group and a Toothbrush group. The results of this study indicated that the use of miswak may influence periodontal health and may be considered as a factor contributing to gingival recession. It is suggested that additional research is needed to examine the relationship between miswak and periodontal health.

High-performance liquid chromatographic and derivative ultraviolet spectrophotometric determination of amoxycillin and dicloxacillin mixtures in capsules.

Two rapid assay procedures based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and derivative ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry have been developed for the simultaneous determination of amoxycillin and dicloxacillin in two-component capsule formulations. The HPLC determination was carried out on a reversed-phase C8 column with use of a mobile phase consisting of methanol-0.02 mol dm-3 ammonium acetate (pH 5) (50 + 50) at a flow rate of 1.0 cm3 min-1, with UV detection at 230 nm. The fourth-derivative spectrophotometric procedure depends on the measurement of the derivative amplitudes, in 0.1 mol dm-3 NaOH, at 308.5 and 275 nm for amoxycillin and dicloxacillin, respectively. For both procedures, the calibration graphs were linear in the ranges 20-200 and 20-140 micrograms cm-3 for the HPLC and UV derivative methods, respectively, with an almost zero intercept and a correlation coefficient of 0.999. Commercial capsules and laboratory-prepared mixtures containing both penicillins in different proportions were assayed by the developed procedures. The results were of comparable accuracy as indicated by a statistical analysis of the data, using both t- and F-tests.

A clinical trial on the effectiveness of professional toothbrushing using dentifrice and water.

The purpose of this trial was to compare the plaque removal effectiveness of professional toothbrushing with dentifrice and with only water. Fifty three subjects were divided into a dentifrice and a water group. Both groups had their teeth professionally brushed for one minute using either dentifrice or water. Plaque scores were recorded before and immediately after brushing. The results of this trial show that toothbrushing with dentifrice was more effective in removing plaque compared to brushing with water alone. The amount of plaque reduction was low, and varied with tooth surfaces. The mid buccal surface had the greatest reduction of plaque. No significant differences were observed on the distobuccal and distolingual surfaces when the dentifrice group was compared with the water group.

The relationship between chewing sticks (Miswak) and periodontal health. 3. Relationship to gingival recession.

Aggressive or improper toothbrushing techniques may have a detrimental impact on the gingiva. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between chewing sticks (Miswak) and gingival recession. Gingival recession was measured on the mid facial surfaces of the incisors, canines, and premolars in 238 patients presenting for routine dental appointments. All patients had been interviewed previously regarding their oral hygiene habits and use of Miswak. Patients were divided into three groups: Miswak group, toothbrush group, and Miswak/toothbrush group. The Miswak users had significantly more (P less than or equal to .05) sites gingival recession than did the toothbrush users. Furthermore, the severity of the recession was significantly more (P less than or equal to .05) pronounced in the Miswak users than it was in the toothbrush users.

The relationship between chewing sticks (Miswak) and periodontal health. 2. Relationship to plaque, gingivitis, pocket depth, and attachment loss.

For centuries, chewing sticks have been used as a tooth-cleaning device. One of the most commonly used types is known as the Miswak. Despite its common use, few studies have examined possible effects on the gingiva and the surrounding structures. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Miswak and periodontal health. The incisors, canines, and premolars were examined in 236 patients. All patients were interviewed regarding their demographic data, oral hygiene habits, and use of Miswak. Clinical examination included scoring of plaque, gingival inflammation, pocket depths, attachment loss, and gingival recession. Patients were divided into three groups: a Miswak group, a toothbrush group, and a Miswak/toothbrush group. The results of this study indicated that use of the Miswak may influence plaque accumulation and periodontal health.

Relationship between chewing sticks (Miswak) and periodontal health. Part 1. Review of the literature and profile of the subjects.

For more than 1,000 years, Moslems all over the world have used chewing sticks (Miswak) as an oral hygiene aid. In spite of the introduction of modern oral hygiene devices, many Moslems still prefer to use the natural Miswak. Despite its common use, there is a paucity of data bout its effects on the periodontal structures. This is the first of a three-part series examining the relationship between Miswak and periodontal health. Part I presents a review of the current literature and a demographic profile of the study population. Patients presenting for routine dental appointments were subjected to a comprehensive interview regarding their demographic data, oral hygiene habits, and use of Miswak. Clinical examination included scoring of plaque and periodontal health.