Synthesis and characterization of iron oxide-commercial activated carbon nanocomposite for removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) ions and Mordant Violet 40 (MV40) dye.

Iron Oxide-commercial activated carbon nanocomposite (CAC-IO) was prepared from commercial activated carbon (CAC) by the co-precipitation method, and the resulting nanocomposite was used as an adsorbent to remove hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) ions and Mordant Violet 40 (MV40) dye from wastewater. The produced materials (CAC, CAC after oxidation, and CAC-IO) were comparatively characterized using FTIR, BET, SEM, EDX TEM, VSM, and XRD techniques. The adsorption mechanism of Cr6+ ions and MV40 dye on CAC-IO was examined using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models.. Different models were applied to know the adsorption mechanism and it was obtained that Pseudo-second order fits the experimental data better. This means that the adsorption of the adsorbate on the nanocomposite was chemisorption. The maximum removal percent of Cr6+ ions by CAC-IO nanocomposite was 98.6% determined as 2 g L-1 adsorbent concentration, 100 mg L-1 initial pollutant concentration, solution pH = 1.6, the contact time was 3 h and the temperature was room temperature. The maximum removal percentage of Mordant Violet 40 dye (C.I. 14,745) from its solutions by CAC-IO nanocomposite was 99.92% in 100 mg L-1 of initial dye concentrations, 1.0 g L-1 of adsorbent concentration, solution pH = 2.07, the contact time was 3 h. The MV40 dye adsorption on CAC-IO was the most fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity was calculated according to the Langmuir model as 833.3 mg g-1 at 2 g L-1 of adsorbent concentration and 400 mg L-1 of initial MV40 dye concentration. The Cr6+ ions adsorption on CAC-IO was more fitted to the Freundlich model with Qmax, equal to 312.50 mg g-1 at 1 g L-1 adsorbent concentration and 400 mg L-1 of Cr6+ ions initial concentrations.

Unveiling the interplay between NSAID-induced dysbiosis and autoimmune liver disease in children: insights into the hidden gateway to autism spectrum disorders. Evidence from ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical studies.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a diverse group of neuropsychiatric conditions, and recent evidence has suggested a connection between ASD and microbial dysbiosis. Immune and gastrointestinal dysfunction are associated with dysbiosis, and there are indications that modulating the microbiota could improve ASD-related behaviors. Additionally, recent findings highlighted the significant impact of microbiota on the development of autoimmune liver diseases, and the occurrence of autoimmune liver disease in children with ASD is noteworthy. In the present study, we conducted both an in vivo study and a clinical study to explore the relationship between indomethacin-induced dysbiosis, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and the development of ASD. Our results revealed that indomethacin administration induced intestinal dysbiosis and bacterial translocation, confirmed by microbiological analysis showing positive bacterial translocation in blood cultures. Furthermore, indomethacin administration led to disturbed intestinal permeability, evidenced by the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasomes pathway and elevation of downstream biomarkers (TLR4, IL18, caspase 1). The histological analysis supported these findings, showing widened intestinal tight junctions, decreased mucosal thickness, inflammatory cell infiltrates, and collagen deposition. Additionally, the disturbance of intestinal permeability was associated with immune activation in liver tissue and the development of AIH, as indicated by altered liver function, elevated ASMA and ANA in serum, and histological markers of autoimmune hepatitis. These results indicate that NSAID-induced intestinal dysbiosis and AIH are robust triggers for ASD existence. These findings were further confirmed by conducting a clinical study that involved children with ASD, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and a history of NSAID intake. Children exposed to NSAIDs in early life and complicated by dysbiosis and AIH exhibited elevated serum levels of NLRP3, IL18, liver enzymes, ASMA, ANA, JAK1, and IL6. Further, the correlation analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between the measured parameters and the severity of ASD. Our findings suggest a potential link between NSAIDs, dysbiosis-induced AIH, and the development of ASD. The identified markers hold promise as indicators for early diagnosis and prognosis of ASD. This research highlights the importance of maintaining healthy gut microbiota and supports the necessity for further investigation into the role of dysbiosis and AIH in the etiology of ASD.

Removal of Cr6+ ions and mordant violet 40 dye from liquid media using Pterocladia capillacea red algae derived activated carbon-iron oxides.

In recent years, water pollution has become one of the most dangerous problems facing the world. Pollution of water with heavy metals and different dyes has caused many harmful effects on human health, living organisms and our environment. In this study, iron oxide nanomagnetic composite from Pterocladia Capillacea red algae-derived activated carbon (PCAC-IO) was synthesized by co-precipitation method using different iron salts and different base solutions. The synthesized nanocomposite was investigated with various characterization techniques such as FTIR, BET, SEM-EDX, TEM, XRD, and VSM. The obtained PCAC-IO adsorbent was used for Cr6+ ions and Mordant Violet 40 (MV40) dye removal. The adsorption mechanism of Cr6+ ions and MV40 dye on PCAC-IO was examined using several adsorption and kinetic isotherm models. Langmuir and Freundlich models were investigated using experimental data. Pseudo-first-order (PFO), Pseudo-second-order (PSO) and intraparticle diffusion models (IPDM) were applied to identify the adsorption mechanism. It has shown that the PSO kinetic model fits better with the experimental data obtained from PCAC-IO. This result can be interpreted as the adsorption of the adsorbate on the nanocomposite as chemical adsorption. The optimum conditions for maximum Cr6+ ions removal (96.88%) with PCAC-IO adsorbent occur at room temperature, 5 g L-1 adsorbent concentration, 100 mg L-1 initial pollutant concentration, pH 1 and at the end of 180 min, while maximum MV40 dye removal (99.76%), other conditions being the same, unlikely it occurred at pH 2.06 and after 45 min. The most suitable model for Cr6+ ions removal under the conditions of 1 L-1 g adsorbent concentration and 400 mg L-1 adsorbate concentration was Langmuir (Qmax = 151.52 mg g-1), while for MV40 removal it was Freundlich (Qmax = 303.03 mg g-1). We propose the use of activated carbon-supported iron oxide prepared from bio-waste material, especially from Pterocladia Capillacea red algae, as a promising adsorbent with high efficiency in the removal of Cr6+ ions and MV40 dye from aqueous media.

Polymeric Electrochemical Sensor for Calcium Based on DNA.

Plastic membranes containing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as an electroactive material were acting as Ca2+ selective sensors. Diethyl phthalate (DEP), dioctyl Phthalate (DOP), or nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) were used as plasticizers and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was the membrane matrix. A sensor with a membrane composition of 120 mg PVC, 60 mg DOP plasticizer, and 2 mg DNA ionophore (DNA: DOP: PVC, 1.0:29.2:0.1 mole) was found to have the best performance. The slope of the calibration graph was 30 mV decade-1. The optimum pH range was 5.7-9.5 for 0.01 M Ca2+. The sensor response time was fast (2-3 s) with a long working period (up to 3 weeks). Excellent selectivity for Ca2+ was indicated by the values of selectivity coefficients for different selected interference. The sensor was used effectively for the estimation of calcium in real samples (fruits, calcium syrup, milk, and dairy products).

Tuning the structural and catalytic properties of copper(II)-based complexes containing pyridine-2,6-diimines.

Four mononuclear penta coordinated copper(II) chelates, [CuLnBr2] nH2O, containing the tridentate neutral ligands, pyridine-2,6-diimine (Ln), were prepared via the template technique. Analytical and several physicochemical methods have been used to characterize the prepared metal chelates. Square-pyramidal stereochemistry was described to the current copper(II) complexes. DFT technique has been applied to optimize the structure of the running diimines and their corresponding copper-based compounds. Ligand substitution study performed to link the catalytic potency of the candidate oxidase mimics and their lability characters. Spectral investigations reveal that nature of substituents of the chelated ligands effectively tuning the Lewis acidity of copper(II) centers. Biomimetics of redox proteins specifically containing copper were examined towards the aerobic oxidation of polyphenol. Kinetic studies with the stopped-follow technique showed a close association between the Lewis acidity of the copper(II) nuclei of the prepared chelates and their oxidase-like activity. The catalytic activity of the natural enzyme (catechol oxidase from sweet potatoes) measured and compared with that for the present CuII chelates. The thermodynamic parameter drive force (ΔG° or λ) of the performed oxidation processes was determined from the values of redox potential of the chemical species involved in these catalytic reactions. The proposed catalytic reactions pathways have been discussed based on the outcomes of the kinetic investigations.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Spectral, thermal, antimicrobial studies for silver(I) complexes of pyrazolone derivatives.

BACKGROUND: Synthesize new complexes of Ag(I) to enhance efficacy or stability and also, pharmacological activities on the operation of pyrazolone's biological properties. RESULTS: Efficient and high yielding pathways starting from the versatile and readily available 3-methyl-1-phenyl-5-pyrazolone by Knoevenagel condensation of a sequence of 4-arylidene-3-methyl-1-phenyl-5-pyrazolone derivatives (2a-c) have been formed by the reaction of various substituted aromatic aldehydes Used as ligands to synthesize Ag(I) chelates. Synthesized compounds and their complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic and spectroscopic methods (IR, 13C, 1HNMR, mass) and thermal analysis. The spectrophotometric determinations suggest distorted octaedral geometry for all complexes. Both ligands and their metal complexes have also been tested for their antibacterial and antifungal efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Newly synthesized compounds have shown potent antimicrobial activity. The results showed that the complex 's high activity was higher than its free ligands, and that Ag(I)-L3 had the highest activity.

Novel lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles incorporated in thermosensitive in situ gel for intranasal delivery of terbutaline sulphate.

AIM: The present work aimed to improve the bioavailability of terbutaline sulphate (TS) and to prolong its nasal residence time for the treatment of asthma. METHODS: Chitosan/pectin polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (CS/PC) were prepared by ionic gelation method and coated with phospholipid (PL) and then incorporated into optimised thermosensitive in situ gel. RESULTS: The optimal PL-coated nanoparticle formulation (LP1) showed the smallest particle size (345.5 nm), the highest zeta potential (32.9 mV) and the greatest percent drug released after 6 h (71%). The optimum in situ gel loaded with LP1 (NG3) showed three times greater permeation through nasal mucosa than aqueous solution of TS and revealed about 94% and 92% of the effect of IV injection of drug solution on tidal volume and peak expiratory flow in histamine treated rats, respectively. CONCLUSION: The developed PL-coated CS/PC/in situ gel could be considered as a promising intranasal formulation of TS for asthma management.

Land cover classification and change detection analysis of Qaroun and Wadi El-Rayyan lakes using multi-temporal remotely sensed imagery.

The Qaroun Lake, Wadi El-Rayyan, and Wadi El-Hitan are some of the most promising ecotourism destinations in Egypt due to their natural mineral resources, wildlife, and biodiversity in addition to their historic heritage that dates back to the age of The Pharos. These natural resources should be managed and maintained without affecting the needs of future generations. Land use/land cover change is the most important factor in causing biodiversity loss. Accordingly, the objectives of this study are to identify, quantify, and model future land cover changes using remote sensing and GIS techniques. To fulfill the objectives of the study, a hybrid image classification is employed using the combination of unsupervised and supervised classification methods to detect land cover types. Post-classification comparison is used to map changes in land cover between 2000 and 2017. Markov model is applied to analyze, predict, and simulate future land cover changes from 2017 to 2050. This is in order to safeguard against the adverse effects and negative consequences of land cover changes, preserve the natural resources, and consequently achieve goals of sustainable development. The outcome of this study can provide policy makers and urban planners with the required information regarding the status of the environment and subsequently reduce pressure on natural resources in order to facilitate conservation planning and sustainable development.

Potential tsunami risk assessment to the city of Alexandria, Egypt.

Tsunami extreme events present a highly significant hazard and considerable risk to the coastal communities. The continued occurrence of tsunami incidents, together with population growth, increases the risk in coastal communities. Two known catastrophic historic tsunamis in Alexandria occurred in the years 365 and 1303 AD, with reported wave heights of 1 m and 2.9 m, respectively. Approximately 5000 people lost their lives and 50,000 homes were destroyed in the city after the earthquake in 365. The 1303 tsunami destroyed the great lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In order to avoid such events in the future, a detailed knowledge about the tsunami phenomenon and its potential risk is needed. In this paper, the vulnerability and risk to the city of Alexandria will be examined by remote sensing and GIS techniques considering three scenarios. Methodology used depends on building a comprehensive GIS in addition to recent satellite images. After digitizing raster data, it was then stored into a vector format. A digital parcel map was created; attributes (like distance to shore line, elevation, land use/cover, and population) for each polygon were added. Using the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission images, a digital elevation model was created, to test all the tsunami scenarios (based on 5 m, 9 m, and 20 m wave's height). Finally, vulnerability analysis including physical as well as social and economic constraints was executed for the determination of the vulnerability level of elements. Results indicated that Alexandria city is highly vulnerable to tsunami hazard. Very high risk covers the biggest portion of the area in Alexandria (49.16% and 58.71%), followed by high risk (30% and 28.41%), medium risk (13.61% and 7.76%), and low and very low risk (20.82% and 12.88%).

Serum Interleukin-33 in Behcet's Disease: Its Relation to Disease Activity and Clinical Manifestations.

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by a course of remissions and exacerbations of unpredictable frequency and duration . Pro- inflammatory cytokines seem to be responsible for the enhanced inflammatory response in BD. AIM OF THE WORK: This study aimed to investigate serum levels of IL-33 in patients with Behcet's disease (BD) and their relationship to disease activity and clinical manifestations. Thirty patients with BD were enrolled and subjected to assessment of disease activity according to Behcet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) score. Serum IL-33 levels were determined using Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Thirty age and sex matched rheumatoid arthritis patients and thirty healthy volunteers were included in this study as control groups. Serum IL-33 level was 132.5±19 pg\ml, 101.2±20.1 pg\ml and 31.5±10.5 pg\ml in RA, BD and healthy control groups respectively. IL-33 was significantly higher in BD patients (101.2±20.1pg/ml) as compared to healthy controls (31.5±10.5 pg/ml) but lower than rheumatoid arthritis patients (132.5±19.1 pg/ml). Levels of IL-33 were significantly increased in BD patients with skin lesions (Erythema nodosum & Acneiform lesions) and ocular lesions (retinal vasculitis) (P<0.05), and a positive correlation was found between BDCAF score and IL-33serum levels (r=0.9, P<0.001). In conclusions, serum IL-33 level is elevated in active BD patients with skin and ocular affection and correlates with disease activity.

Production and characterization of antimicrobial active substance from Spirulina platensis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The present work was carried out to investigate the ability of Spirulina platensis to produce antimicrobial substance against bacteria and fungi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cells of the cyanobacterium were subjected to different extractions and the purified antagonistic compound proved to be effective against broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. The antagonistic compound was purified using thin layer chromatography. RESULTS: The results indicated that the IR spectrum showed bands at 1269 cm(-1), 1414 cm(-1) (C-O-C), 1643 cm(-1) (CO of amide),1563 cm(-1) (C = C) and broad band 3441 cm(-1) (of OH and NH)., (1)HNMR showed δ 0.8 (-CH3), δ 1.2 (-CH2), δ 4.2(-OH), δ 7.2(-NH), δ 7.4 and δ 7.7 (aromatic CH)., Mass spectrum showed molecular ion beak at m/z = 341 (abundance (0.03%). Also, the elemental analysis gave molecular formula,C15H18NO8. CONCLUSION: The purified antimicrobial compound produced by S. platensis was more active against Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and unicellular fungi, C. albicans. The highest biological activity was recorded against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger. The results of this investigation proved that cyanobacteria could be a good source for production of antimicrobial agents which could be effective when compared with contemporary antimicrobial compounds.

Spectroscopic, thermal and antitumor investigations of sulfasalazine drug in situ complexation with alkaline earth metal ions.

The complexes of sulfasalazine (H(3)Suz) with some of alkaline metals Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II) and Ba(II) have been investigated. Sulfasalazine complexes were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic tools; infrared spectra, electronic and mass spectra. The IR spectra of the prepared complexes were suggested that the H(3)Suz behaves as a bi-dentate ligand through the carboxylic and phenolic groups. The molar conductance measurements gave an idea about the non-electrolytic behavior of the H(3)Suz complexes. The thermal decomposition processes for metal(II) complexes of H(3)Suz viz: [M(HSuz)(H(2)O)(4)] (where M = Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II) or Ba(II)) have been accomplished on the basis of TG/DTG and DTA studies, and the formula conforms to the stoichiometry of the complexes based on elemental analysis. The kinetic analyses of the thermal decomposition were studied using the Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger equations. The antitumor and antimicrobial activities of the H(3)Suz and their alkaline metal(II) complexes were evaluated.