Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory finishing of cotton by microencapsulation using three marine organisms.

This work is a small effort in the production of an eco-friendly natural based antibacterial and anti-inflammatory finished cotton fabrics using the ethanolic extracts (Ex) of the sea grass Halophila stipulacea (H. stipulacea) and marine macroalgae [Colbomenia sinuosa (C. sinuosa) and Ulva fasciata (U. fasciata)]. The extracts were phytochemically screened for their constituents. These extracts were used to finish cotton fabrics by a variety of methods. Concerning this, fabrics (F) were singly treated with ethanolic extracts (ExF) of these marine organisms by the dip technique and the extract encapsulated with sodium alginate or meypro gum. The encapsulated fabric (EnF) was further finished individually with citric acid (CA), (EnF/CA) and mono-tert-butyl ether of glycerol (MTBG) binder (EnF/Bin) by the pad-dry-cure technique. The fabrics so-finished were evaluated for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities without washing (control) and after different washing cycles. The results obtained showed that, both EnF/CA and EnF/Bin inhibit the bacterial growth by about 90% after 10 washing cycles for both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The anti-inflammatory activity, the potency% reached to 88.3% for the fabric encapsulated with microcapsules of sodium alginate/H. stipulacea sea grass and the EnF/CA.

Synthesis, characterization, release kinetics and toxicity profile of drug-loaded starch nanoparticles.

The current research work focuses on the medical application of the cost-effective cross-linked starch nanoparticles, for the transdermal delivery using Diclofenac sodium (DS) as a model drug. The prepared DS-cross-linked starch nanoparticles were synthesized using nanoprecipitation technique at different concentrations of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) in the presence of Tween 80 as a surfactant. The resultant cross-linked starch nanoparticles loaded with DS were characterized using world-class facilities such as TEM, DLS, FT-IR, XRD, and DSc. The efficiency of DS loading was also evaluated via entrapment efficiency as well as in vitro release and histopathological study on rat skin. The optimum nanoparticles formulation selected by the JMP(®) software was the formula that composed of 5% maize starch, 57.7mg DS and 0.5% STPP and 0.4% Tween 80, with particle diameter of about 21.04nm, polydispersity index of 0.2 and zeta potential of -35.3mV. It is also worth noting that this selected formula shows an average entrapment efficiency of 95.01 and sustained DS release up to 6h. The histophathological studies using the best formula on rat skin advocate the use of designed transdermal DS loaded cross-linked starch nanoparticles as it is safe and non-irritant to rat skin. The overall results indicate that, the starch nanoparticles could be considered as a good carrier for DS drug regarding the enhancement in its controlled release and successful permeation, thus, offering a promising nanoparticulate system for the transdermal delivery non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Alginate mediate for synthesis controllable sized AgNPs.

A new method to prepare silver nanoparticles was reported. Alginate colloidal solution containing chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was investigated regarding the nanoparticles stabilization and possibilities for production of alginate based nanoparticles. The formation of AgNPs has been confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy and monitoring of reducing sugars in the reaction was carried out. The morphology of synthesized silver nanoparticles was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the morphology of Ag nanoparticles is spherical and the main size is about 1-4 nm.

Facile size-regulated synthesis of silver nanoparticles using pectin.

Monodispersed silver nanoparticles capped by pectin were prepared by the reaction of silver nitrate with alkali hydrolyzed pectin at 70 °C for 30 min. Spherical and size-regulated silver nanoparticles were prepared using alkali hydrolyzed pectin as a reducing and particle-stabilizing agent. This approach is facile, effective, rapid, and convenient for the large scale preparation of silver nanoparticles. UV-visible spectral analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles consisted of metallic silver. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to estimate particle size and size distribution of the produced silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy and size distribution analysis revealed the presence of spherical silver nanoparticles with a main diameter of 5-10nm and have a narrow size distribution. The concentration of reducing sugars was monitored by using dinitrosalicylic acid. A comprehensive schematic mechanism for the formation of silver nanoparticles using pectin is proposed.

Surface modification of cotton fabrics for antibacterial application by coating with AgNPs-alginate composite.

In recent years nano-sized particles have been focused on bacteriostasis. We investigated antimicrobial activities by applying AgNPs-alginate composite on cotton fabric, using a simple one-step rapid synthetic route by reduction of silver nitrate using alkali hydrolyzed alginate solution which acts as both reducing and capping agent. FTIR spectra, color coordinates, silver content, silver release percent and SEM images of treated fabric samples confirmed the successful physical deposition of AgNPs-alginate composite on the fabric. The treated fabrics demonstrated an excellent antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A slight decrease in the antibacterial feature of the cotton fabrics was observed after successive washings. However, an efficient antibacterial activity still remained on the fabrics.

Characterization of nanosilver coated cotton fabrics and evaluation of its antibacterial efficacy.

An ecological and viable method for coating of cotton fabrics with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been carried out. Nanocoated fabrics were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and infrared spectroscopy. Color coordinates and silver release were assessed and the impact of repeated washings was evaluated. Silver contents were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy and were 109.07 and 97.85 mg/kg for the fabrics treated with 100 ppm of AgNPs in presence and absence of binder respectively. Antibacterial activities of the cotton fabrics coated by AgNPs were evaluated qualitatively and quantatively, and the results explored that, regardless of the concentration of AgNPs used, the biocidability was always higher without washing. However, for all coated fabrics, a sufficient antibacterial action still observed after 20 washings. The results revealed that valuable antibacterial textiles which are required in different medical textile fields could be successfully produced.

Antimicrobial wound dressing and anti-inflammatory efficacy of silver nanoparticles.

Powdered silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully prepared through addition of AgNO3 to alkali dissolved starch followed by precipitation with ethanol. AgNPs aqueous suspensions were prepared from powder AgNPs by dispersion and dilution with water. Wound dressings were obtained by treating cotton fabrics with different concentrations of AgNPs aqueous suspensions (60, 125 and 250 ppm). The as prepared AgNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size analyzer, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential. The prepared AgNPs powder had particle size value (22 nm), polydispersity index (0.163) and zeta potential (-28 mV) indicating the formed AgNPs had small and well stabilized particles. The treated cotton fabrics were characterized by making use of SEM-EDX. Cotton fabrics containing 250 ppm AgNPs were more effective against different species of organisms than those containing 60 and 125 ppm. The results of potent healing using fabrics treated with 250 ppm AgNPs indicate that it leads to similar results compared with that of the Dermazin cream. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect AgNPs is nearly similar to 20 ml dose of the reference indomethacin drug.

Facile Precursor for Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Alkali Treated Maize Starch.

Silver nanoparticles were prepared by using alkali treated maize starch which plays a dual role as reducer for AgNO3 and stabilizer for the produced AgNPs. The redox reaction which takes a place between AgNO3 and alkali treated starch was followed up and controlled in order to obtain spherical shaped silver nanoparticles with mean size 4-6 nm. The redox potentials confirmed the principle role of alkali treatment in increasing the reducibility of starch macromolecules. The measurements of reducing sugars at the end of reaction using dinitrosalicylic acid reagent (DNS) were carried out in order to control the chemical reduction reaction. The UV/Vis spectra show that an absorption peak, occurring due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR), exists at 410 nm, which is characteristic to yellow color of silver nanoparticles solution. The samples have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which reveal the nanonature of the particles.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using polysaccharides extracted from marine macro algae.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles that have environmentally acceptable solvent systems and eco-friendly reducing agents is of great importance. The aim of this work was to synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using water soluble polysaccharides extracted from four marine macro-algae, namely, Pterocladia capillacae (Pc), Jania rubins (Jr), Ulva faciata (Uf), and Colpmenia sinusa (Cs) as reducing agents for silver ions as well as stabilizing agents for the synthesized AgNPs. The formed Ag-NPs have been confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR analysis and TEM. The resultant Ag-NPs colloidal solutions were applied to cotton fabrics in presence and absence of citric acid (CA) or a binder (B). The antimicrobial activity of the treated fabrics was evaluated. The results revealed that the antimicrobial activity depends on type of the fabric treatment, size of the synthesized Ag-NPs and the algal species used for polysaccharides extraction.

Bio-synthesis and applications of silver nanoparticles onto cotton fabrics.

Recently, biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles has drawn considerable attention due to environment-ecofriendly and sustainable methods. Herein, fungus Fusarium solani was selected as candidate for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Factors affecting the biomass concentration, pH of the reaction medium, AgNO(3) concentration and the ratio of AgNO(3) to biomass concentration on the production of AgNPs were extensively studied. Optimum conditions for biosynthesis of AgNPs could be attained using biomass of F. solani (10 g/100ml); AgNO(3) (0.078 g/100 ml); pH, 12; temperature, 25 °C and duration, 24h. Under these conditions, the maximum concentration of well stabilized AgNPs obtained was 2000 ppm with a mean diameter range of 8-15 nm. Such solution is unequivocally feasible for industrial applications. A diluted solution containing 50 ppm AgNPs was applied to cotton fabrics which imparts antibacterial activity to the fabric with 97% and 91% reduction of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively.

Effect of diarrhoeal disease control on infant and childhood mortality in Egypt. Report from the National Control of Diarrheal Diseases Project.

The effect of the National Control of Diarrheal Diseases Project, started in 1983, on infant and childhood mortality in Egypt was assessed by means of national civil registration data, nationwide cluster sample surveys of households, and local area studies. Packets of oral rehydration salts are now widely accessible; oral rehydration therapy is used correctly in most episodes of diarrhoea; most mothers continue to feed infants and children during the child's illness; and most physicians prescribe oral rehydration therapy. These changes in the management of acute diarrhoea are associated with a sharp decrease in mortality from diarrhoea, while death from other causes remains nearly constant.

Some intermediate of fertility in Egypt.

PIP: Intermediate variables associated with high fertility rates among low socioeconomic groups in suburban areas in Egypt were identified. 220 women with children between the ages of 0-3 years were randomly selected from Maternal Health Center patients. The average total births for the group was 4.3 and the average total live births was 3.3. High rates of wastage are a suspected motivation for high fertility rates. The mean age at marriage for the group was 17.9 years; however, more than 60% were married at the age of 15. Lactation practices were irregular for a majority of women and may have some effect on resumption of ovulation. In 31.8% of the patients, menstruation began at 6-12 weeks postpartum usually at the beginning of weaning. The mean interpregnancy interval was shorter than 2 years. A majority of women, 71.8%, reported resuming sexual intercourse before the 40th day postpartum, which is prohibited among Moslims. Many women thought that lactation would prevent pregnancy and contraceptives were not widely used at this time. Among the group, noncontraceptors were in the majority, 58.2%. Oral contraceptives (OCs), used by 34.1% of the women, and IUDs, used by 5.9%, were the most common methods used. The use of OCs is thought to be related to early weaning. The results emphasixe the need for a postpartum program which offers contraceptive measures which do not interfere with the lactation practices among low socioeconomic groups.^ieng

Clinically diagnosed poliomyelitis in a presumably vaccinated population.

Vaccination against poliomyelitis has been compulsory all over Egypt since 1968. Therefore, it is presumed that all infants and children below six years have already been vaccinated. This study is planned to estimate the magnitude of paralytic poliomyelitis in Egypt after six years compulsory vaccination. The cases studied were investigated with regard to socioeconomic status and history and place of vaccination, association of vomiting and diarrhoea or breast feeding within two hours of vaccination, and blood grouping. These results were compared with those of a control group of non-paralytic cases chosen at random from patients who visited the same hospital. Samples of the vaccine were collected from different centres in which children received vaccination and were titrated to estimate their potency at Agouza Laboratories for Vaccines and Sera. The results revealed that still we have a high incidence of poliomyelitis viz : 985/100,000 out-patients, also males are more affected than females with sex ratio 3:2. Of the paralytic cases 22% had proper vaccination while improper vaccination was found in 78%. There was predominance of blood group O among the paralytic cases. The detailed results and discussion of paralytic cases compared to the control has been also fulfilled. Tiltration of the vaccine revealed a lower than the accepted standard indicating altered potency.

Determinants of family planning acceptance in a low socioeconomic group of women.

PIP: The factors associated with acceptance by women of family planning devices in the postpartum period were investigated. 334 women in the low socioeconomic class received family planning instruction during the last trimester of pregnancy as well as during the postpartum period. Only 72 accepted the service for an acceptance rate of 21%. Acceptance for both pills and loops was nearly equal (45.8% and 54.2%). Women who were less than 20 years of age or had been married for fewer than 5 years accepted less frequently than older women and women who had been married for a longer period of time. A majority of the women were illiterate so the effect of education on attitude and practice of family planning was not marked. However, acceptance was found statistically higher in women whose husbands had more than 6 years of education. Acceptors of service were higher in the group whose income was 25 pounds or more. Women who had previously used contraceptives were more likely to become acceptors. Acceptance of the service increased after the fifth pregnancy. In the group of women who had neonatal death or a livi ng but sick baby, acceptors outnumbered nonacceptors, but the difference was not significant.^ieng