Exploring the use of clay pots as sustainable storage containers to improve water quality.

BACKGROUND: Currently, tap water consumption is not highly preferred in Egypt and around the world. People prefer to consume bottled water because they believe that it is much safer and tastes better than tap water. Unfortunately, this preference can create an economic burden for many people, especially in developing countries. Clay pots can be used to provide cool, alkaline drinking water because of their porous micro-texture, which traps pollutants. This study aimed to investigate the use of clay pots to store tap water and its impact on the requirements for drinking water quality. This is done with the intent to decrease the need for bottled water as a means of offering a more sustainable and economical option. METHODS: In this study, the efficiency of clay pots as sustainable storage containers for drinking water was tested by measuring physicochemical parameters (pH, TDS, EC, turbidity, DO, ammonia, chloride, total hardness, Ca hardness, Mg hardness, chlorine, Zn, and CaCO3) and biological parameters (TPC and Legionella). RESULTS: After 7 days of storage, the quality of the water stored in clay pots met the standards set by the Egyptian law with a significant difference (p < 0.05) before and after the storage of water It was found that the dissolved oxygen increased from 6.17 ppm to 7.52 ppm after 7 days. As for total hardness, it declined from 195 to 178 ppm. There was also a significant drop in terms of TDS from 338 to 275 ppm. Furthermore, clay pots effectively filtered out both total viable bacteria and Legionella. CONCLUSION: This study proved the efficiency of using these containers with respect to some indicator values for tap water and tank water analysis. Clay pots are an excellent, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for storing water.

A comparative study of surfactant distribution and fate (western and eastern) Egyptian Mediterranean coasts focusing on its environmental toxicity.

One of the most difficult-to-manage new contaminants constantly released into the environment is linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS), an anionic surfactant. Significant volumes of LAS are received by the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. The current study is a comprehensive assessment of the environmental fate of the LAS 1505 km off the Mediterranean coast of Egypt in the fall of 2023 in order to track its geographic spread and eventual demise in the water column. Critical analysis of LAS revealed that it is vertically distributed in various ways according to sources, uses, production amounts, and salinity levels. The vertical variation of LAS can be explained by its amphiphilic structure. A significant increase in surfactant concentration (>300 µg/L) was recorded in 66% and 43% of the total samples, ranging from 301.128 to 455.36 and from 304.556 to 486.135 for the western and eastern sides along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast, respectively. Evaluation of the average acute and chronic risk quotient (RQ) along the investigated locations revealed that fish were the most susceptible to LAS in both long and short exposure periods. The presented results also indicated significant LAS toxicity to three trophic levels (RQ values > 1). LAS toxicity to marine organisms was greater in the western than in eastern coastal regions according to acute and chronic mixture risk characterization ratios (RCRmix). The three trophic levels in the study area had the following order of acute relative contribution (RC) to LAS toxicity: fish > invertebrates > algae. The ANOVA test results showed that in both the western and eastern regions, LAS varied significantly (p < 0.05) with salinity (1.04E-60 and 5.44E-42) and depth (6.02E-65 and 1.59E-47), respectively. In addition, a significant difference was observed using the ANOVA test between the eastern and western regions of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast.

Comprehensive risk assessment and interactions of fluoride and boron ions in the water-sediments interface: The Red Sea, Egypt.

This study presents a baseline evaluation of the distribution, human and ecotoxicological risk, and the potential interactions of fluoride and boron in the water-sediment interface in 25 locations from incredible Red Sea tourist destinations. Results showed comparable levels of B and F in the water and sediments with previous literature. Significant positive correlation was found between B and F (r = 0.57; P<0.01). Based on the sediment/liquid partition coefficient (Kd), F is more likely to be released from the sediment into seawater (logKd< 3) than B (3< logKd< 4). pH and alkalinity may affect water-sediment interactions of B and F, respectively, while SO42- and Cl- ions had no significant effect on adsorption ability of F and B. The majority of minerals had average saturation Index (SI) > 1 referring to the over saturation of seawater with these minerals and their inability to dissolve. The formation of CF, FAP, and CFAP may be related to the high correlation between Fw (r = 0.928, P< 0.01; r = 0.527, P< 0.01; r = 0.608, P< 0.01) and Bw (r = 0.38, P< 0.05; r = 0.38, P< 0.05; r = 0.397, P< 0.05). Total hazard quotient (THQ) for children and adults were <1, revealing no health risks from exposure to B and F through ingestion and skin contact while swimming. The risk characterization ratio; RCRmix(MEC/PNEC) showed high short-term risks to aquatic organisms. Further investigations might emphasis on emerging mitigation strategies to address these concerns.

Impact of land development along the western Mediterranean coast of Egypt regarding surfactant sources, interfering elements and ecotoxicity.

The effect of recent land development of the western side of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast on the fates, behaviors, interactions, and ecotoxicology of surfactant (LAS), F, Br, B, Ca, Mg, and P was studied. Samples of seawater and sediments were collected from 15 stations at different depths representing, 5 perpendicular sectors. Elevated levels of LAS were identified in seawater columns in the El-Hamam (467.3 ± 220.8 µg/L) and El-Dabaa (480.0 ± 314.1 µg/L) stations. LAS homologue in sediment was in the range of 0.013-0.024, 0.042-0.184, 0.086-0.402, and 0.025-0.058 µg/g for C10, C11, C12, and C13, respectively. Studied parameters showed mixture risk characterization ratios RCRmix > 1 for algae, invertebrates, and fish in seawater and sediments, except for P, which showed low risk (RCRmix ≤ 1) in sediment. Acute relative contribution (RC) of LAS reflected that fish were the most sensitive species (RCFish = 48.5), followed by algae (RCAlgae = 44.4) and invertebrates (RCInvert = 7.1).

Phosphate kinetic modeling as an estimate of daily ingested phosphate in hemodialysis patients with or without residual kidney function.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Daugirdas suggested a 2-pool phosphate kinetic model based on his previously established urea kinetic model. The current study aims to assess the level of agreement between the modeled daily ingested phosphorus (DIP) values and the routine method of dietary recall calculations in hemodialysis patients. METHOD: The study was conducted on 100 hemodialysis patients; 50 were anuric, and the others had residual kidney function (RKF). The level of correlation and agreement between the dietary calculated and modeled DIP were assessed in both study groups. RESULTS: A statistically significant positive correlation existed between the calculated and modeled DIP (r = 0.79 for the anuric group, r = 0.84 for the RKF group, p < 0.001). There was a significant level of agreement between calculated and modeled DIP in RKF patients only. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that phosphate modeling can estimate phosphate intake in RKF patients and be cost-effective in their management.

Abnormal fluoride distribution, human health risk assessment, predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) and environmental hazards in an Egyptian lake connected to the Mediterranean Sea.

Fluoride can affect the metabolism and physiological functioning of humans and aquatic organisms like any hazardous substance when it exceeds its permissible limits and PNEC values. The fluoride content of the lake water and sediment samples collected from different locations was determined to assess its risks to humans and its ecological toxicity in Lake Burullus. Statistical analyses show that the proximity of the supplying drains had an impact on the fluoride content. Fluoride ingestion and skin contact in lake water and sediment during swimming for child, female and male were evaluated at 95, 90, and 50%. The values of hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard quotient (THQ) for children, females and males were less than one, reflecting that exposure to fluoride through ingestion and skin-to-skin contact while swimming poses no risks to human health. PNEC values for fluoride in lake water and sediment were estimated using the equilibrium partitioning method (EPM). The ecological risk assessment of fluoride for acute and chronic toxicity was performed for the three trophic levels based on the PNEC, the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50), the median lethal dose (LC50), the no-observed effect concentration (NOEC), and the 5% lethal concentration (EC05). The risk quotient (RQ), mixture risk characterization ratios (RCRmix), relative contribution (RC), toxic unit (TU), and sum of toxic units (STU) were estimated. The acute and chronic RCRmix(STU) and RCRmix(MEC/PNEC) produced similar values for the three trophic levels in lake water and sediment, indicating that invertebrates are the most sensitive species to fluoride. These results of evaluating the environmental risks of fluoride in lake water and sediments reflected its significant impact on aquatic organisms living in the lake area in the long term.

A comparative study, distribution, predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) and contamination assessment of phenol with heavy metal contents in two coastal areas on the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast.

This study comparing the expected pollution status of phenol along with heavy metals in sediments of two economic regions on the Mediterranean Sea coast using equilibrium partitioning method (EPM) as well as exposure of fishermen and populations to these sediments through ingestion and skin contact while swimming. El-Dekhila (ED) and Abu Talat (AT) regions were different in sediment texture and pollution sources. The expected ecological hazards of phenol in the studied areas were carried out using the equilibrium partitioning method (EPM) by which the partition coefficient of organic carbon-water, KOC (logKOC> 0.95-3.49), octanol-water coefficient, KOW (logKOW> 1.46-1.48) and sediment/liquid partition coefficient, Kd (log Kd < 3) detected high availability amounts of phenol in seawater. Risk quotient (RQ) for phenol in ED region ranged from high to moderate risk, while for AT region was low risk (<0.1); whereas, RQ values of heavy metals in sediments of two studied areas reflected the overall low risk without human hazards (HQ & HI < 1). RQAcute and RQChronic values were above 1 for phenol and heavy metals (Cu and Zn) reflecting that fish were the most sensitive to them in the two regions. Interestingly, this current investigation predicts future contamination of the studied areas especially phenol contamination and its relationship to heavy metals using some reasonable information and allowing the managers to manage how they decide on and protect these two areas. Thus, there is a constant need to use relatively simple tools capable of ensuring protection objectives with a quantity of information with realistic feasibility.

Relation between carotid intimal medial thickness and left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass indices in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a risk factor of cardiovascular morbidity in dialysis patients. The association between LV mass and carotid intimal medial thickness (CIMT) could be due to increased hemodynamic load in dialysis patients. The relationship between CIMT and LVM indices in hemodialysis (HD) patients was investigated. This is a cross-sectional study including 65 HD patients, divided into two groups: Group 1 with CIMT ≤ 1 mm (N = 29), Group 2 with CIMT > 1 mm (N = 36). Echocardiographic evaluation of the LVM, CIMT measurement using B-mode ultrasonography, patients' basic clinical and biochemical data were recorded. Patients with CIMT > 1 mm (Group 2) showed significantly higher LVM, LVM/BSA (body surface area), and LVM/Ht2.7 (height). Regarding linear regression, CIMT was found to be an independent predictor for LVM, LVM/BSA, and LVM/Ht2.7 . LVM, LVMI, and LVM/Ht2.7 are significantly elevated in HD patients with CIMT > 1 mm group. CIMT was found to be the independent predictor for LVH in maintenance HD patients.

Relation of Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitors (Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1) to Left Ventricular Mass Index in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. It predicts poor prognosis. Several inhibitors regulate Wnt canonical pathways like Dickkopf-related protein-1 (Dkk-1) and sclerostin. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between serum sclerostin, Dkk-1, left ventricular mass (LVM), and LVM index (LVMI) in HD patients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including 65 HD patients in our HD unit. Patients were divided into two groups according to LVMI (group 1 with LVMI < 125 gm/m2 (N = 29) and group 2 with LVMI > 125 gm/m2 (N = 36)). Echocardiographic evaluation of the LVM, aortic, and mitral valves calcification (AVC and MVC) was done. Serum levels of sclerostin and Dkk-1 and patients' clinical and biochemical data were recorded. RESULTS: Group 2 showed significantly higher age, blood pressure, AVC, and MVC and significantly lower hemoglobin, sclerostin, and Dkk-1 levels. LVM and LVMI had a significant linear negative correlation to both serum sclerostin and Dkk-1 (r = -0.329 and -0.257, P=0.01 and 0.046 for LVM; r = -0.427 and -0.324, P=0.001 and 0.012 for LVMI, resp.). Serum Dkk-1 was an independent negative indicator for LVM and LVMI in multiple regression analyses (P=0.003 and 0.041 with 95% CI = -0.963 to -0.204 and -0.478 to -0.010, resp.). CONCLUSION: Serum sclerostin and Dkk-1 were significantly lower in HD patients with increased LVMI > 125 gm/m2, and both had a significant linear negative correlation with LVM and LVMI. Dkk-1 was a significant negative independent indicator for LVM and LVMI in HD patients.

Ferritin levels in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: relationship with microvascular complications and glycemic control.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate ferritin levels in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus and its relation to diabetic microvascular complications, and metabolic control. METHODS: This study included 180 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with a mean age of 14.9 ± 3.1 years and 180 apparently normal children matched for age and sex (control group). All children were evaluated with full history taking, thorough clinical examination, laboratory assessment of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and evaluation of the presence of microvascular complications. Serum ferritin levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of microvascular complications. RESULTS: Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in patients with T1DM in both groups compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). Additionally, patients with microvascular complications had higher serum ferritin concentrations than those without microvascular complications (p < 0.001). Patients with microalbuminuria showed higher ferritin levels compared with patients without microalbuminuria (p < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that levels of HbA1c and urinary albumin excretion were independently related to ferritin levels (p < 0.001 for both). On receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a ferritin cutoff value of 163.6 ng/mL differentiated patients with microvascular complications from those without microvascular complications with a sensitivity of 92.1% and specificity of 93.4%. CONCLUSION: Serum ferritin levels are elevated in T1DM, particularly in patients with microvascular complications.

Spatiotemporal distribution of some dissolved salts and minerals in Lake Edku connected to Mediterranean Sea: in relation to different pollutant inputs.

Regarding the generally accepted view of the minerals formed in solving the problem of ecosystem pollution, this research aims to track the role of seasonal minerals in overcoming widespread pollution problems in Lake Edku. At eleven locations inside Lake Edku and three locations in the outside the water inlets, some physical and chemical parameters that affect the formation of minerals and salts were detected seasonally. As a result of human activities from 1972 to 2020, the applied remote sensing technology showed a decrease in the area of Edku Lake by 13.3%. The saturation index (SI) of twelve minerals formed in fifty-six seasonal water samples collected from fourteen locations inside and outside the lake was estimated. The saturation index (SI) of anhydrite (ANH), gypsum (GYP), calcium phosphate (CP), magnesium phosphate (MP), calcite (CAL), aragonite (ARG), dolomite (DOL), magnesite (MGS), fluorapatite (FAP), hydroxyapatite (HAP), octacalcium phosphate (OCP), and carbonate-fluorapatite (CFAP) was calculated. The presented SI values of apatite and phosphate minerals including FAP (SI 30.63-65.65), CFAP (SI 28.14-40.02), HAP (SI 24.83-31.81), Ca3(PO4)2 (SI 23.99-25.95), OCP (SI 19.96-25.47), and Mg3(PO4)2 (SI 15.80-17.46) were high. Palmer-Roger's diagram and piper ternary diagram models reflected the abundance of NaCl in lake water with 30, 40, 46, and 75% in winter, spring, summer, and autumn, respectively. Using correlation matrix, multiple stepwise regression and cluster analysis for statistical analysis, the relationship between sedimentary minerals and outflow and drainage, as well as the role of sedimentary minerals in reducing pollution in the lake area, was outlined.

Human Health Implication of Major and Trace Elements Present in Commercial Crustaceans of a Traditional Seafood Marketing Region, Egypt.

The present study focused on the distribution of some major and trace elements (S (as SO42-), Na, K, B, Ca, Mg, F, Li, Al, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Co, Cd, and Pb) in both flesh (Fl) and total cephalon/exoskeleton (C/E) tissues of selected crustacean species obtained from an Egyptian traditional seafood marketing region. The sequence of studied elements in (Fl) and (C/E) tissues in descending orders was S (as SO42-) > Na > K > B > Mg > Ca > Li > F > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu > Pb > Ni > Mn > Co > Cd, and S (as SO42-) > Na > B > K > Mg > Ca > F > Li > Al > Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd, respectively. Both length-weight relationship and Fulton's condition factor showed the physical and biological statuses of the crustaceans. Ion quotient calculations of the studied tissues pointed to their importance in decreasing hypertension, preeclampsia, and heart disease. Human health risk due to the consumption of the crustacean species was determined using some guideline limits, metal pollution index (MPI), estimated daily intake (EDI), health comparison values (CVs), dietary intake (DRI-ULs), target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), and provisional tolerable weekly intake (%PTWI). MPI values of cephalon/exoskeleton tissues were greater than those of the flesh with ranges between 11.4-24.0 and 4.6-14.3, respectively. Interestingly, the calculations of TTHQ of toddler and adult were lesser than one and not expected to pose any risk concern to human from crustaceans' consumption.

Halogen content relative to the chemical and biochemical composition of fifteen marine macro and micro algae: nutritional value, energy supply, antioxidant potency, and health risk assessment.

Marine algae have made a strong contribution to global food security in the future. This study is the first report describing the concentration, pathways, and interactions of halogens in 15 species of marine algae collected from the Eastern Harbor in Alexandria, Egypt, relative to 22 key variables. The relationship between halogen content and chemical and biochemical parameters was studied through multivariate analysis. Among all the tested algae, the iodine content was the lowest (2.53-3.00 µg/g). The range of fluoride and chloride in macroalgae (1.12-1.70 and 0.10-0.46 mg/g) was smaller than that of microalgae (0.10-0.46 and 1.48-3.17 mg/g). The bromide content in macroalgae (0.36-5.45 mg/g) was higher than that in microalgae (0.40-0.76 mg/g). The halogen content in macroalgae was arranged in the order of Br > F > Cl > I. In addition, the biochemical parameters such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and certain heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, Ni, Co, Cd, and Cr) were determined. Calories, energy, total antioxidant activity (TAC), K/Na, and ion quotient amounts were estimated. The results showed that the green seaweed species had the highest TAC content. In most of the studied algal species, the calculated ion quotient referred to their likelihood of overcoming high blood pressure. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of algae showed no adverse effects on human health. Most of the research variables are below the acceptable WHO/FAO level. Generally, the calorie content of the selected algae is less than 2 kcal, which makes the algae considered an alternative source of healthy food to reduce obesity.Graphical abstract.

Ferritin levels in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: relationship with microvascular complications and glycemic control

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate ferritin levels in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus and its relation to diabetic microvascular complications, and metabolic control. Subjects and methods: This study included 180 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with a mean age of 14.9 ± 3.1 years and 180 apparently normal children matched for age and sex (control group). All children were evaluated with full history taking, thorough clinical examination, laboratory assessment of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and evaluation of the presence of microvascular complications. Serum ferritin levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of microvascular complications. Results: Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in patients with T1DM in both groups compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). Additionally, patients with microvascular complications had higher serum ferritin concentrations than those without microvascular complications (p < 0.001). Patients with microalbuminuria showed higher ferritin levels compared with patients without microalbuminuria (p < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that levels of HbA1c and urinary albumin excretion were independently related to ferritin levels (p < 0.001 for both). On receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a ferritin cutoff value of 163.6 ng/mL differentiated patients with microvascular complications from those without microvascular complications with a sensitivity of 92.1% and specificity of 93.4%. Conclusion: Serum ferritin levels are elevated in T1DM, particularly in patients with microvascular complications.

Epicardial Fat Thickness in Children with Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Its Relationship to Subclinical Atherosclerosis: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Thyroid hormones (TSH) play a key role in the working of the cardiovascular system, with direct effects on cardiac function, vascular system, and atherosclerotic factors. Epicardial adipose tissue, the visceral fat of the heart, has emerged as a new cardiometabolic risk marker because of its close anatomical proximity to the myocardium and coronary artery. This study aimed to evaluate epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in children with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and its relation to early atherosclerotic changes. METHODS: The study included 32 children with SH due to autoimmune thyroiditis and 32 healthy children matched for age and gender as control group. Patients and controls underwent anthropometric evaluation and measurement of fasting lipids, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). TSH, free thyroxine (FT4 and FT3) and antithyroid autoantibodies (antithyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies) were also measured. Conventional echo-cardiography was used to assess EFT. Noninvasive ultrasound was used to measure carotid intima-media thickness and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses. RESULTS: Compared to controls, patients had higher atherogenic index (AI) and hs-CRP (p = 0.001 for each). Conventional echocardiography revealed that patients with SH had higher EFT (p = 01) and significantly lower FMD response compared with the control (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, EFT values were significantly correlated with TSH (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.04-1.34; p = 0.01), hs-CRP (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.09-1.14; p = 0.001, AI (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.17-2.03; p = 0.001), and FMD response (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.14-2.53; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that EFT is higher in children with SH compared with controls and associated with FMD responses. Measurement of EFT by echocardiography in children with SH may help to identify those at high risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis.

Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vivo Anti-Cancer Activity of New Metal Complexes Derived from Isatin-N(4)antipyrinethiosemicarbazone Ligand Against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cells.

The current study aimed to synthesize new metal coordination complexes with potential biomedical applications. Metal complexes were prepared via the reaction of isatin-N(4)anti- pyrinethiosemicarbazone ligand 1 with Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II), and Fe(III) ions. The obtained metal complexes 2-12 were characterized using elemental, spectral (1H-NMR, EPR, Mass, IR, UV-Vis) and thermal (TGA) techniques, as well as magnetic moment and molar conductance measurements. In addition, their geometries were studied using EPR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. To evaluate the in vivo anti-cancer activities of these complexes, the ligand 1 and its metal complexes 2, 7 and 9 were tested against solid tumors. The solid tumors were induced by subcutaneous (SC) injection of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in mice. The impact of the selected complexes on the reduction of tumor volume was determined. Also, the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cysteine aspartyl-specific protease-7 (caspase-7) in tumor and liver tissues of mice bearing EAC tumor were determined. Moreover, their effects on alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin, and glucose levels were measured. The results revealed that the tested compounds, especially complex 9, reduced tumor volume, inhibited the expression of VEGF, and induced the expression of caspase-7. Additionally, they restored the levels of ALT, AST, albumin, and glucose close to their normal levels. Taken together, our newly synthesized metal complexes are promising anti-cancer agents against solid tumors induced by EAC cells as supported by the inhibition of VEGF and induction of caspase-7.

A critical study of interactive fluoride adsorption by raw marine organisms and a synthetic organic 2-amino-3-cyano-4(4-nitrophenyl)-6-phenylpyridine as adsorbent tools.

Defluoridation process using raw marine organisms and synthetic organic adsorbents was accurately studied. The marine adsorbents (algae, bivalves, sea star, brittle star, and coral reef) were collected from the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea. The organic adsorbent of 2-amino-3-cyano-4(4-nitrophenyl)-6-phenylpyridine was synthesized. The influence of pH, shaking time, effect of temperature and adsorbent's weight was studied. A complete fluoride removal by marine adsorbents was gained within 15-20 min. Fluoride removal procedure was evaluated by some adsorption isotherm models of linear two-parameter ((Freundlich, Tempkin, Langmuir, Flory-Huggins, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Non-ideal competitive adsorption (NICA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and Generalized)), nonlinear two-parameter (Langmuir and Freundlich), and nonlinear three-parameter (Redlich-Peterson, Khan, Generalized, and Toth). The most appropriate models were evaluated by error functions and statistical tests like coefficient (R2) and chi-square (χ2). Additionally, the kinetic and thermodynamic variables were calculated at variable temperatures. The results indicated that the pseudo-second-order model fitted better than the pseudo-first-order one. The negative ΔG° values confirmed that the adsorption process was favorable and spontaneous. Interestingly, this study indicated the great removal capacity of the raw organisms.

Obesity may be erythropoietin dose-saving in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: In dialysis patients, the obesity-survival paradox still requires an explanation. Anemia and high doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are associated with worse outcomes in the hemodialysis (HD) population. In the present study, we explored the relation between obesity and anemia control in a sample of maintenance HD patients in Egypt. METHODS: This multicenter observational study included 733 patients on maintenance HD from 9 hemodialysis centers in Egypt. Clinical and laboratory data as well as average doses of ESAs and parenteral iron were recorded. The erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) was calculated. RESULTS: Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2, was present in 22.6% of the studied population. The target hemoglobin level (10.0-11.5 g/dL) was achieved in 27.3% of non-obese and 25.3% of obese patients, with no significant difference. The median serum ferritin and the values of transferrin saturation index did not differ significantly between these two groups. The weekly ESA dose was significantly lower in obese than in non-obese patients (P = 0.0001). A trend toward higher ESA doses and ERI values was observed in patients with lower BMIs (P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression revealed that the BMI and urea reduction ratio were the strongest predictors of the ERI. CONCLUSION: Our study adds more evidence to obesity-associated advantages in HD patients. BMI may determine ESA response, with better responses observed in patients with higher BMIs.

Modeling adsorption kinetic of crystal violet removal by electrocoagulation technique using bipolar iron electrodes.

This paper studies the removal of crystal violet (CV) dye by electrocoagulation (EC) process using bipolar iron electrodes. Numerous operating parameters such as initial CV solution concentration, speed of agitation, number of electrodes, type and quantity of supporting electrolyte, temperature- and initial pH were investigated. A complete removal of 10 mg/L CV was achieved within 10 min at pH 7, 0.5 g NaCl, 1 LCV, 750 rpm, 9 sheets, 17.36 mAcm2, and 25 °C. The performed energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirmed the adsorption of CV onto the insoluble iron hydroxide flocs. Amongst the studied adsorption isotherms models, Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich were the most applicable. The kinetic of adsorption of CV onto flocs during the EC operation was studied using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticulate diffusion models, with results affirming that the adsorption process proceeded according to the pseudo-second-order model. The study of thermodynamic parameters (ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0,) of the CV removal at different temperatures reflected the feasibility of the spontaneous randomness of endothermic adsorption, especially at lower temperatures. The multiple regression equation of the removal of CV by EC technique under the different studied conditions was predicted.

Adsorption isotherms and kinetic studies for the defluoridation from aqueous solution using eco-friendly raw marine green algae, Ulva lactuca.

The defluoridation from aquatic medium by raw marine algae, Ulva lactuca, was investigated. The element components and adsorbent's properties were determined. The influence of pH, contact period, and Ulva sp. weight on the deflouridation was achieved. The complete defluoridation of 10 mg F-/l solution was obtained within 10 min at definite pHs. Fourteen adsorption isotherms and four kinetic models (pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusivity) were studied. The most adequate model was performed by using five error functions. The application of chi-squared test indicated that the nonlinear isotherm models (two and three parameters) were more applicable than the linear ones. The adsorption kinetic proceeded by pseudo-first-order model. The adsorption mechanism was very complex; thus, the solute distribution step was not the only dominant one during the process. The adsorption seemed to be a physical negative binding cooperative type with activation energy and free energy of 3.16 and - 1.672 kJ/mol, respectively. Thus, raw marine algae, Ulva lactuca, can be used as an adsorbent in solving the fluoridation problem in aquatic mediums throughout the world due to their fast procedure, high efficiency, low effort, and high economic value.