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Edible film biocomposite (EFB) is a kind of materials able to substitute the non-biodegradable plastics. This idea is one of the breakthroughs in reducing plastic waste which is not environmentally friendly. EFB is an environmentally-safe and biocompostable material. This research explores and fabricate EFB from tapioca starch, soy lecithin and sugarcane bagasse fiber (SBF). The SBF was varied by 1, 2, and 3% (from dry starch) into the cassava starch/soy lecithin matrix. The production of EFB was solution casting. A tensile machine and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observed the tensile properties and fracture surface characteristics. The results present that the highest value of tensile strength is in EFB (2% SBF) of 0.823 MPa. The tensile modulus shows a similar trend in values for this EFB of 0.523 MPa. In addition, the fracture surface provides information that a rough surface indicates a good bond between the matrix and the fiber. These two observations confirm that the matrix has successfully transferred the tensile load to the reinforcement. Meanwhile, the results of resistance to moisture resistance also experienced an increasing trend of around 4% from unreinforced specimens.

The objectives of this paper were to investigate the existence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in different types of cheese (Mozzarella, Thalaga, and Romy cheeses, 40 samples each) sold in Assiut dairy shops and to evalute antibacterial properties of chitosan and its nanoparticles against isolated strains. L. monocytogenes was isolated in higher percentage from Mozzarella cheese (25%) followed by Thalaga and Romy cheese samples. L. monocytogenes isolates were validated by PCR utilising the 16S rRNA gene. Zeta-sizer and TEM were used to characterise nano-chitosan. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of chitosan and nano-chitosan on L. monocytogenes were detected by MIC test. Nano-chitosan (3.125%) could prevent organism growth in cheese as early as the third week. The findings revealed that 3.125% nano-chitosan had a sufficient effect on L. monocytogenes while also providing good consumer satisfaction; therefore, nano-chitosan should be utilised as a natural food additive in Egyptian dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the effect of dapagliflozin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic rats by studying the histopathological structure of the liver and detecting possible underlying mechanisms for this impact by evaluating the potential anti-inflammatory action of dapagliflozin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 albino rats were used in this work and divided into five equal groups: group I (Control group), group II (Control diabetic group), group III (was administered dapagliflozin, 0.75 mg/kg, p.o.), group IV (was administered dapagliflozin, 1.5 mg/kg, p.o.), and group V (was administered dapagliflozin, 3 mg/kg, p.o.). RESULTS: In our study, the total body weight, liver weight, liver index, blood glucose level, insulin level, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes, IL-1 ß, and MDA were significantly higher in the control diabetic group than the normal group. The dapagliflozin reduced all the above variables significantly in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control diabetic group (p-value = 0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Dapagliflozin may be a promising novel treatment strategy for treating T2DM-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and dyslipidemia where it possesses anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-dyslipidemic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to study the propagation of surface waves in generalized magneto-thermoelastic media under influence of magnetic field and rotation and its applications in Engineering, Geophysics, and Petroleum extracting. The governing equations are considered for generalized thermoelastic problem under magnetic field and rotation and solved to obtain the general solution in x-z plane. The Lame's potential method considering harmonic functions for the physical quantities is used to obtain the secular equation and then the velocity and attenuation coefficient for the types of waves: Stoneley, Love, and Rayleigh. The appropriate boundary conditions at an interface between two dissimilar half-spaces are satisfied with appropriate particular solutions to obtain the frequency equation of the surface wave in the medium. Some special cases as: Stoneley waves, Rayleigh and Love waves also discussed and presented graphically to show the physical meaning of the external parameters effect on the petroleum extracting phenomena and its contributions in KSA vision 2030 in crystal, Iron and steel. A comparison is made with the previous results considering LS model and the absence of rotation that deduces to the previous results as a special case from the present study. Also, if the magnetic field and rotation vanish, the results obtained in the present work are discussed. Experimentally, the results obtained agree with the labs results obtained. The results obtained indicate to a significant impact of the magnetic field and rotation on the waves propagation phenomenon that contributes on the industries and related topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out during two successive seasons of 2018 / 2019 and 2019/ 2020 on 15-year-old date palm trees of Zaghloul cv. grown in sandy soil in a private orchard in El-Behira governorate, Egypt. The research aimed to investigate the effect of nitrogen and potassium nano-fertilizers on yield and fruit quality compared with conventional mineral fertilizers. Four doses of nitrogen and potassium nano-fertilizer (75, 150, 300 and 600g/ palm/ year) were applied compared to the conventional nitrogen and potassium mineral fertilizers as a control. Different fertilization treatments significantly affected palm yield and fruit quality during both seasons. Treatment of 600g of nano N and K fertilizers produced higher values of tree yield and bunch weight, fruit volume, and fruit length in both seasons. Meanwhile, 600g of nano-fertilizer and control treatments gave the highest fruit and flesh weight. The obtained results also showed fruit content of total soluble solids, total and reducing sugars was significantly increased by nano-fertilizer treatment at 600 and 300g per palm and improved significantly N, P, and K content. Whereas treatment with 75 and 150g nano-fertilizer gave higher values of total tannins and phenol contents in Zaghloul fruits in both seasons. In the presnet study, nano-fertilizers have demonstrated their remarkable ability to enhance date palm yields, elevate fruit quality, and improve nutritional richness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbamazepine is one of the hydrophilic compounds identified in aquatic environments. Due to toxicity and bio-stability of this psychotropic pharmaceutical in the environment and humans, its removal efficiency and mineralization are important. In this study, synthesized Fe@Fe2O3 nanowires were applied to improve Fenton oxidation process using FeCl3.6H2O and NaBH4. The effects of different parameters such as initial pH, H2O2, FeSO4.7H2O, carbamazepine concentrations, oxidation time, and nanowires dose were evaluated using response surface methodology. After scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffract meter analysis, Fe@Fe2O3 morphology was synthesized in the form of nanowires with diameters of about 40-80 nm. The optimum oxidation conditions for carbamazepine were established at pH= 4.3, reaction time of 45.9 min, nanowire dose of 179.4 mg/L as well as H2O2, FeSO4.7H2O and carbamazepine concentrations of 22, 52.2 and 7.7 mg/L, respectively. The oxidation efficiency (99.5%) achieved under the optimum condition, which was determined by the model, was consistent with the efficiency predicted by the model. The multiparameter models showed good calibration and prediction abilities with R² = 0.922, R²adj= 0.907, R²pred= 0.868. According to the results, the carbamazepine degradation rate increased with the increase of Fe2+ due to the synergistic effect between Fe@Fe2O3 and Fe2+ on the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 and generation of OH•. It was concluded that the Fenton process based on the Fe@Fe2O3 nanowires can increase the carbamazepine oxidation rate in aqueous solutions. This method can also be used as an effective and pre-treatment process in the conventional treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At least 90% of the research on bioremediation has been based on the use of materials in cometabolism and/or as electron donors. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate biodegradation rates of explosives in soil in terms of economics and feasibility. Two lab-scale bioreactors were operated in this study, and results showed biodegradation rates of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) at 84 and 67% after 60 days compared with rates of 46 and 29% without the monorhamnolipid contribution. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was monitored during bioremediation and showed that reduction in COD concentration was directly proportional to desorption of intermediates from the soil matrix and their degradation, along with degradation of the parent compounds. Results also showed that the anaerobic condition for nitroaromatic bioreduction as the sole source of nitrogen was time consuming. The monorhamnolipid overcomes this challenge via enhanced biodegradation efficiency of nitroaromatics. Furthermore, application of the monorhamnolipid as in situ explosive bioremediation is feasible, suitable, environmentally friendly, and economical, especially in hot and wet areas with extensive contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the hepato and neuroprotective activity of Daflon and low-dose γ radiation on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver damage and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in rats. Effect of daily Daflon treatment (100 mg/kg body weight, Per OS (p.o.) for consecutive 3 days) and/or fractionated low-dose γ-radiation (LDR; 0.25 Gy, twice the total dose of 0.5 Gy at the 1st and 3rd day, respectively) was evaluated against TAA (300 mg/kg, intraperitoneal × 3) induced liver damage and HE in rats. Serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, γ-glutamyltransferase, total bilirubin, ammonia, and manganese were estimated to evaluate liver function. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were determined to assess antioxidant capacity in liver tissue. Moreover, hepatic apoptotic markers (cysteine-dependent aspartate-directed proteases 3, 8 (caspase-3, 8) and cytochrome C) were estimated to indicate hepatic apoptosis. HE was evaluated through the determination of whole brain ammonia, manganese, MDA, GSH, GPX, SOD, CAT, and caspase-3. The cognitive and locomotor deficits were assessed via step through passive avoidance test, activity cage (actophotometer), γ-aminobutyric acid, and N-methyl-d-aspartate/adenosine triphosphate–neuronal nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate axis in rats’ cerebella and hippocampi. The involvement of hypoxia inducible factor-1α, aquaporine-4, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in association with the brain water content (%) in the whole brain as an index for brain edema was also evaluated. The obtained results showed a marked amelioration of the aforementioned biochemical parameters and behavioral tasks which is supported by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. It could be concluded that Daflon and LDR afforded hepatoprotection and neuroprotection against TAA-induced acute liver damage and HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vermicompost tea (VCT) applications at the rate of 5ml/pot three or four times with irrigation water gave the best reduction of onion white rot with 30.0% infection, while the fungicide Folicure gave 10.0% infection compared with 70.0% infection at non-treated plants. In field experiments all tested treatments reduced the percentage of infection compared with non-treated plants. The best treatment in reducing onion white rot was VCT at the rate of 15 L/fed four times with irrigation water that gave 20.0% infection, while the fungicide Folicure gave 8.3% infection. On other hand, VCT treatment at the rate of 15L/fed four times with irrigation water increased onion yield, plant height, no. of leaves/plant, onion fresh and dry weight more than all other treatments even Folicure treatment. Also, all VCT treatments increased total count of soil bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes Compered with control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research work was performed to investigate the immunogenicity of Salmonella vaccine produced at LPVRPC, BAU Mymensingh. The vaccination was performed at the Phenix Hatchery Ltd. Gazipur in Hy-sex brown and HY-sex white chicken designated as group A and group B respectively. Group A and B were subdivided into A1, A2, A3, B1, B2 and B3 groups containing eight birds each. Group C was maintained as unvaccinated control. Birds were immunized following schedule of the LPVRPC. Each bird was vaccinated SC at six weeks of age followed by a subsequent booster dose after 45 days. After four weeks of primary vaccination the mean PHA antibody titres were 96.00±34.21 in group A1 and 96.00±34.21 in B1 group. Prebooster vaccination the mean PHA antibody titres were 88.00±33.12 in group A2 and 88.00±33.12 in B2 group. At four weeks of booster vaccination the mean PHA antibody titres were 104.00±33.12 in group A3 and 104.00±33.12 in B3 group. The mean ± PHA antibody titre in chickens of group C was ≤ 4.0±0.00. Salmonella vaccine prepared at (LPVRPC) Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, BAU induces satisfactory level of antibody in chickens determined by PHA test conducted in an on-farm study of layer chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to study phytochemical screening and analgesic activity of ethanol extract of Oroxylum indicum. The dried powder of the barks of the plant was extracted with 95% ethanol and was subjected to various phytochemical tests to ascertain the principle constituents contained in the extract. The result revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides in the ethanol extract of Oroxylum indicum. The extract was screened for analgesic activity by using hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin test. The ethanol extract of the plant at two different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) showed significant (P<0.05) analgesic effect in all test methods (hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin). The analgesic activity was compared with a standard drug (ketorolac at 10 mg/kg). Based on the present findings and previous literature review it can be concluded that flavonoids and tannins might be responsible for the analgesic activity. We suggest that ethanol extract of Oroxylum indicum might have potential chemical constituents that could be used in the future for the development of novel analgesic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The successful replacement of missing tooth by titanium implants duly integrated into the tissues is a major breakthrough in Dentistry. From the moment that implant systems with rigorous scientific methodology were introduced, eliminating the pre-existent empiricism, long-term studies of effectiveness have been presented. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rates of osseointegrated implants and implant-supported prostheses performed by students of implant dentistry at the Brazilian Dental Association - Goiás Section - between 2006 and 2007. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients who received 232 implants were evaluated. These patients were followed up by clinical and radiographic examination to evaluate the survival rate of implants and prostheses. Also, the patients answered a questionnaire regarding their satisfaction with the treatment. Results: Clinical signs and radiographic findings showed the following: No implant had mobility, one patient reported pain in the region of one implant, eight implants had exposure of the head, one patient complained of paresthesia mandibular, five implants had exudate, one implant had exposure of the threads, and no implant showed radiolucency in radiographic image. 57.9% of patients who answered the questionnaire considered the treatment "excellent." The complications of prostheses showed the occurrence of fracture of porcelain in two prostheses, fracture of the resin in one prosthesis, loosening of one screw implant, abutment misfit in three prostheses, two abutments released from the crown, and and there was oral exposure of the abutments teeth in 2 prostheses. Of the 232 implants evaluated in 60 patients, 4 implants were lost and removed, corresponding to a survival rate of 98.28%. Conclusions: The use of Brånemark system implants seems to be a successful alternative in the treatment of various types of edentulism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Aerobic sludge granulation is an advanced phenomenonin which its mechanisms have not been understood. Granulation can be a promising and novel biological wastewater treatment technology to eliminate organic and inorganic materials in future. High salinity is a parameter which leads to plasmolisatian and reduction of the cell activity. This could be a problem for biological treatment of the saline wastewater. Aerobic granule was formed and investigated during this study. Materials and Methods: This study is an intervention study on the treatment of wastewater with 500-10000 mg/L concentration of NaCl by sequencing batch reactor. Asynthesized wastewater including nutrient required for microorganism's growth was prepared. Input and output pH and EC were measured. Range of pH and DO varied between 7-8, and 2-5 mg/L, respectively. SEM technology was used to identify graduals properties. Results: In terms of color, granules divided into two groups of light brown and black.Granule ranged in 3-7mm with the sediment velocity of 0.9-1.35 m/s and density of 32-60 g/L. Properties of granules were varied. Filamentous bacteria and fungi were dominant in some granules. However non filamentous bacteria were dominant in others. EDX analysis indicated the presence of Ca and PO4. Conclusion: Granules with non filamentous bacterial were compact and settled faster. Presence of different concentrations of salinity leaded to plasmolysis of the bacterial cells and increased concentrations of EPS in the system as a result of which granulation accelerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-layered gum tablet (1800 mg), containing 200 mg of Fenoprofen Calcium (Fn) with an inner core containing the drug, and two external layers containing antiadherent lubricant, has been prepared using direct compression. A 23 factorial plan has been designed to evaluate the effect of formulation variables namely, Pharmagum® M concentration, Maltodextrin type, and Co-adjuvant type on the release characteristics of Fn from the prepared tablets. The formula consisting of 65% Pharmagum® M, 75% Maltodextrin DE 39 and 5% Talc comparatively exhibited the highest release (66.59% ± 2.39) in the mouth after 5 min of chewing. Binary and ternary β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) complexation was adopted to enhance the release of Fn from the selected gum tablet. The highest significant release ( p < 0.05) was achieved from the lyophilized ternary complex containing 100 mg of Fn in presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K25), exhibiting a release of 88.25% ± 0.93 after 5 min of chewing. The relative bioavailability of the selected gum tablet was found to be 166.06% compared to Nalfon® 200 mg capsules. Reduction of the dose to 100 mg exhibited faster absorption rate than Nalfon® capsules. The obtained results suggest the possibility of reducing the dose of Fn in chewing gum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composting is a reliable technology for production of stabilized organic matter that is suitable for agriculture, but this process should be carefully monitored with appropriate indices. Quality of compost is important from maturity and stability viewpoint, but in most compost factories proper attention is not paid to it. This study was designed to evaluate the stability indices in municipal solid waste composting, for selecting the best index in quality monitoring of the wastes. Processed and shredded municipal solid waste from Isfahan compost plant was used as raw material in an in-vessel composting process. A cylindrical reactor with 1 m height and 50 cm diameter made of Pyrex glass was designed. Air was supplied at a specifically flow rate 0.2 L/min.kg to maintain aerobic condition. NH4+/NO3 ratio, dehydrogenase enzyme activity (DA), pH, oxidation reduction potential (ORP or Eh) and specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) were used as stability indices. These parameters were measured during 40 days of composting process. Changes in these parameters during this period were surveyed and analyzed. Statistical analysis was carried out to choose best of them. Results showed that among the indices, SOUR can show the different stages of microbial decomposition and a numerical value for compost stability also SOUR value less than 2 mg O2/gVS.h can show the full stability of compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the efficiency of magnetic nanoparticles for removal of trivalent arsenic from synthetic industrial wastewater was evaluated. The nanoparticles was prepared by sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray methods including XRD, XRF, and SEM, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results showed that synthesized nanoparticles were in the size range of 40-300 nm, purity of about 90%, and magnetization of nanoparticles was 36.5emu/g. In initial conditions including: pH=7, As(III) concentration of 10 mg/L, nanomagnetite concentration of lg/L, shaking speed of 250 rpm and 20 minute retention time, 82% of As (III) was removed. Competition from common coexisting ions such as Na+, Ni2+, Cu2+, SO42-, and CI- was ignorable but for NO3-was significant. The adsorption data of magnetite nanoparticles fit well with Freundlich isotherm equations. The adsorption capacity of the Fe3O4 for As (III) at pH=7 was obtained as 23.8 mg/g. It was concluded that magnetite nanoparticles have considerable potential in removal of As(III) from synthetic industrial wastewaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biokinetic coefficients and efficiency for three activated sludge processes including conventional, extended aeration, and contact stabilization were determined in pilot-scale for six months in Isfahan south municipal wastewater treatment plant. These systems were operated under two different MLSS concentrations in aeration tank. For each MLSS, five periods were considered in base of flow rate and sludge retention time (SRT). The samples from the influent wastewater, reactor and effluent were collected periodically and experimented by the Standard Methods. The data were analyzed by the Excel and SPSS softwares. The investigation showed that the yield coefficient (Y), decay coefficient (kd), maximum specific growth rate and saturation constant (Ks) for conventional activated sludge process were in the range of 0.48-0.8 mgVSS/mg sCOD, 0.0189-0.026 1/day, 0.95-0.98 1/day and 52-71 mg sCOD/L, extended aeration: 0.6174-1.2512 mgVSS/mg sCOD0.0198-0.0309˓ 1/day 1.96-3.17 ˓ 1/day and 311.7-508 mg sCOD/L and for contact stabilization: 0.6322-0.713 mgVSS/mg sCOD1 0.0172-0.0387 ˓/d0.23-1 0.42/d and 13.8-50.8 mg sCOD/L, respectively. In the conventional and contact stabilization processes values of the coefficients were within the range of those reported in the literature. However, in the extended aeration process, values of Ks and Y in MLSS of 5000mg/L were out of ranges. The sensitivity analysis of changes in the biokinetic coefficients showed direct relationship of kd and Ks with the concentration of the effluent substrate. Whereas µmax is inversely related to concentration of the effluent substrate. In addition, regardless of the type of substrate and MLSS concentration, the effluent substrate concentration is more sensitive to µmax than kd and Ks. The results also showed a COD removal efficiency ranging for conventional process between 83 and 92.5%, for extended aeration process between 88 and 93.8%, and for contact stabilization process 77 and 92%. The effluent COD was simulated using the biokinetic coefficients determined during the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the Cold War, the concept of international security underwent a modification. Among the most important components of such a transformation, the consolidation of 'environmental security', a topic in international security, can be taken into account. Environmental security deal with threats that are not only the unintentional result of social and economic activities but are very slow in comparison with military threats and thus, the timing horizons for necessary political planning to confront them are significantly extensive. This article also reviews the status and role of the environmental threats in creating regional integration using the content analysis method and surveying them. The results indicate that 33/4% of regional integration was created according to the non-geographical variables yet and environmental threats don't play any roles in the so organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium (VI) adsorption behavior and capacity by surface modified nanozeolite A has been investigated. Surface modification was performed and the morphology of modified and unmodified nanozeolite was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Adsorption isotherms were studied under different conditions (pH, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration and interaction time). The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity (qm) was found to be 14.16 mg Cr(VI) per gram at pH = 3.0 at room temperature. Chromate adsorption on surface modified nanozeolite A was found to be inversely proportional to the pH. Effect of competitive ions was studied and it was found that there is no significant competition between chromate adsorption and presence of competitive ions. Results revealed that Langmuir model is in good agreement with experimental re-sults. Results of examinations on a polluted natural sample showed that surface modified nanozeolite A could reduce chromium (VI) concentration to acceptable criteria. Based on results, surface modified nanozeolite A is an effective sorbent for removing chromate from aquatic solution and the adsorption ability is enhanced by surface modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to undertake a spatial analysis of total organic carbon, electrical conductivity and nitrate, in order to produce a pollution dispersion and prediction map for the investigated area in the province of Isfahan in Iran. The groundwater samples were collected from a zone as a pilot study area of 80 km², including 25 water wells, based on the criteria of vulnerability assessment projects, that is, about one well per 3 km², during four seasons in 2008-09. In order to make any inferences about the areas that did not have well data, a statistical relationship between explanatory total organic carbon, electrical conductivity and nitrate variables related to well coordination was developed. The probability of the presence of elevated levels of the three compounds in the groundwater was predicted using the best-fit variogram model. According to spatial analysis, the highest R²=0.789 achieved was related to electrical conductivity and followed the exponential model with 0.266 for NO3- (spherical model) and 0.322 for total organic carbon (exponential model) in the spring 2009. This showed the high confidence level for electrical conductivity dataset and forecasted trends. The results of the spatial analysis demonstrated that the transfer trends of electrical conductivity in the groundwater resources followed the route of groundwater movement in all seasons. However, for nitrate and total organic carbon, a definite trend was not obtained and pollution dispersion depended on many parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorinated phenols in many industrial effluents are usually difficult to be removed by conventional biological treatment processes. Performance of the aerobic sequencing batch reactor treating 4-chlorophenol containing wastewater at different loadings rates from 0.0075 to 1.2 g4CP/L.d was evaluated. The sequencing batch reactor was operated with fill, react, settle and decant phases in the order of 10:370:90:10 min, respectively, for a cycle time of 8 h at 10 days solid retention time and 16 h hydraulic retention time in the stable period. The effects of 4-chlorophenol loadings on the 4-chlorophenol and chemical oxygen demand removal percents, yield coefficient (Y), biomass variation and sludge volume index were investigated. High chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies (95±3.5%) and approximately complete 4-chlorophenol removal (>99%) were observed even in the absence of growth substrate. The degradation of 4-chlorophenol led to formation of 5-chloro-2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde, which was more oxidized, indicating complete disappearance of 4-chlorophenol via metacleavage pathway. A compact sludge with excellent settleability (sludge volume index=47±6.1 mL/g) developed during entire acclimation period. High removal efficiencies with sequencing batch reactor may be due to enforced short term unsteady state conditions coupled with periodic exposure of the microorganisms to defined process conditions which facilitate the required metabolic pathways for treating xenobiotics containing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single particle Schrödinger fluid is applied to study the rotational motion of independent nucleon systems. Accordingly, we have applied the description of this Sehrödinger fluid to the calculations of the moments of inertia of the axially deformed nuclei. As examples for the application of this concept to the calculations of the nuclear moments of inertia we have calculated the cranking-model, the rigid body-model and the equilibrium moments of inertia of the axially deformed nuclei 24[SUBMg], 25[SUBAl], 27[SUBAl], 183[SUBW] and 238SUB[Pu]. The variations of the moments of inertia of these nuclei with the deformation parameter β have also been given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Chronic kidney disease and atherosclerosis are considered to be inflammatory process in which T cells and cytokines participate. This study determines the effect of statin therapy as an anti-inflammatory agent on the level of CD4+CD28null T lymphocyte population, and subsequently on atherosclerosis in patients with chronic renal disease. Methods: We recruited 90 chronic kidney disease patients. The patients were divided into three groups according to carotid intimal medial thickness (CIMT) as an indicator of atherosclerosis. Two groups (group A in whom CIMT above 0.95mm and B in whomCIMT below 0.95mm) were given statin (atorvastatin 20mg) while the third group (group C in whom CIMT below 0.95mm) continue only on the conservative treatment for CKD patients. CD4+CD28null T cells was measured in the three groups at the beginning of the study and after 6 months of statin therapy. Results: CD4+CD28null T cells was decreased in statin groups (group A and B) when compared to no-statin group (group C) at the end of the study. Multivariable regression analysis for the effect of statin therapy showed that statin can independently increase the percentage of decrease both CD4+CD28null cells at the end of our study (p-value <0.0001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that statins reduce CD4+CD28null T cells in CKD patients especially with atherosclerosis suggesting that statins may help in altering the inflammatory process that lead to atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cisplatin is one of the most important antineoplastic drugs used in the treatment of many cancers; however the main dose-limiting side effect of cisplatin is nephrotoxicity. It has multiple cellular targets and modes of action that lead to nephrotoxicity. The present study aims to test whether bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) may play a therapeutic role in the treatment of nephrotoxicity. Material and methods: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (SD), were divided into four groups. The first group was injected (i.p) with 1ml normal saline alone and kept as control, the second group was injected (i.p) with 1ml normal saline containing 5mg/kg cisplatin, the third group was injected (i.p) with 1ml normal saline containing 5mg/kg cisplatin and 0.5 ml of culture media containing 5 x106 BM-MSCs into the tail vein in the first day post cisplatin injection and the fourth group was injected with 1ml normal saline containing 5mg/kg cisplatin and 0.5 ml of culture media into the tail vein in the first day post cisplatin injection. Results: Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance and malonadialdehyde were decreased in the kidney that received BM-MSCs while; superoxide dismutase and glutathione were increased to reach the normal values. Infusion of BM-MSCs ameliorated the renal dysfunction and enhanced tissue injury caused by cisplatin. Conclusion: The present study shows BM-MSCs can exert a protective effect on cisplatin nephrotoxicity and suggests that BM-MSCs might be a new therapeutic approach for patients with kidney injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim was to investigate the effect of dapagliflozin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic rats by studying the histopathological structure of the liver and detecting possible underlying mechanisms for this impact by evaluating the potential anti-inflammatory action of dapagliflozin., Materials and Methods: 100 albino rats were used in this work and divided into five equal groups: group I (Control group), group II (Control diabetic group), group III (was administered dapagliflozin, 0.75 mg/kg, p.o.), group IV (was administered dapagliflozin, 1.5 mg/kg, p.o.), and group V (was administered dapagliflozin, 3 mg/kg, p.o.)., Results: In our study, the total body weight, liver weight, liver index, blood glucose level, insulin level, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes, IL-1 β, and MDA were significantly higher in the control diabetic group than the normal group. The dapagliflozin reduced all the above variables significantly in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control diabetic group (p-value = 0.001 for all)., Conclusions: Dapagliflozin may be a promising novel treatment strategy for treating T2DM-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and dyslipidemia where it possesses anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-dyslipidemic effects.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is one of the important infectious causes of Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO). The objective of the present study was to determine the seropositivity and molecular detection of human brucellosis among the patients with pyrexia of unknown origin on both risk and non-risk group of individuals in greater Mymensingh. A total of 400 blood samples were randomly collected from pyretic patients started from September 2018 to August 2019. Questionnaires were used to collect data on both risk and non-risk group of individuals. All samples were initially screened for anti-Brucella antibodies using the Brucella-specific latex agglutination test. For accurate investigation, seropositive as well as seronegative serum samples were tested by BCSP31 Brucella genus-specific TaqMan real-time PCR. Overall 32(8%) cases were positive out of 400 samples by Brucella-specific latex agglutination test and/or BCSP31 Brucella genus-specific real-time PCR. Brucella-specific latex agglutination test documented 7% (28/400) positivity for brucellosis. 22(5.5%) samples found Brucella genus-specific real-time PCR positive out of 400 samples. Most real-time PCR positive cases were found from sero-positive samples of risk group population (15/32). Sero-negative but real-time PCR positive cases also found only from risk group population (4/32). There were 10 seropositive cases where real-time PCR was negative. In addition to Brucella-specific latex agglutination test as a screening test, Brucella genus-specific real-time PCR was performed for confirmation and also to avoid unjustified costs, drug toxicity, and masking of other potentially dangerous diseases.

Scrub typhus is a mite-borne rickettsial disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is endemic in Asia Pacific region. In this study, infection rate and molecular epidemiologic traits of O. tsutsugamushi was investigated in Mymensingh, located in north-central Bangladesh. Among the blood samples from 453 febrile patients who visited Mymensingh medical college hospital in 2018, the 47 kDa protein gene of O. tsutsugamushi was detected in 78 samples (17.2%) by nested PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of the O. tsutsugamushi 56 kDa protein gene (18 samples) revealed a predominance of Karp-related genotype (89%), while the remaining belonged to Gilliam genotype. Samples of the Karp-related genotype mostly clustered with those of China, Taiwan, Thailand and India, etc., in emergent subgroups clades 2 and 4, which were distinct from clade 1, including prototype Karp strains. Among the 18 samples, three variable domains (VD) of 56 kDa type-specific antigen had different types of sequence diversity; VDI contained two or three repeats of eight amino acid units, while VDII and VDIII had amino acid substitution, deletion or insertion. The present study documented a potentially high prevalence of genetically diverse O. tsutsugamushi in north-central Bangladesh., (© 2019 The Author(s).)

Summary: Background. Studies proposed a link between gut microbiota and airway tract. Objective. Study the diversity and density of gut microbiota in healthy and asthmatic patients. Method. Semi-quantitative stool cultures were performed from fecal samples collected from 80 adult asthmatic patients and 40 healthy individuals. Data on gender, age, dietetic history, clinical examination and investigations as skin prick test and pulmonary function testing were also collected. Results. Lactobacilli were found to be higher among patient group than control group. E. coli density was statistically higher in patient than control group. No significant difference was detected between male and female patients or controls. Lactobacilli were statistically more prevalent in stool culture of male cases than that of male controls. No difference was found between female cases and controls. There was no relationship between type of microbial growth and disease related parameters including age, duration of illness, number of allergens and pulmonary function test in cases. Conclusion. Atopic asthma is significantly associated with gut microbiota Lactobacilli and E. coli . It is important to determine the organism involved, to focus on microbiome-driven disease and therapies.

Background: Attentional bias to affective information and reduced cognitive control may maintain the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and impair cognitive functioning. However, the role of content specificity of affective stimuli (e.g., trauma-related, emotional trauma-unrelated) in the observed attentional bias and cognitive control is less clear, as this has not been tested simultaneously before. Therefore, we examined the content specificity of attentional bias to threat in PTSD., Methods: PTSD participants (survivors of a multistory factory collapse, n=30) and matched controls (n=30) performed an Eriksen Flanker task. They identified the direction of a centrally presented target arrow, which was flanked by several task-irrelevant distractor arrows pointed to the same (congruent) or opposite direction (incongruent). Additionally, participants were presented with a picture of a face (neutral, emotional) or building (neutral=normal, emotional=collapsed multistory factory) as a task-irrelevant background image., Results: We found that PTSD participants produced overall larger conflict effects and longer reaction times (RT) to emotional than to neutral stimuli relative to their healthy counterparts. Moreover, PTSD, but not healthy participants showed a stimulus specific dissociation in processing emotional stimuli. Emotional faces elicited longer RTs compared to neutral faces, while emotional buildings elicited faster responses, compared to neutral buildings., Conclusions: PTSD patients show a content-sensitive attentional bias to emotional information and impaired cognitive control., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been exploited to simulate brain disorder in animal model. Prenatal LPS-exposure has shown elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the early stages of the postnatal period. This study determines the effect of prenatal LPS-exposure on oxidative stress (OS) in the distinct brain regions in the early postnatal stages. LPS (50 μg/kg, i.p.) and water for injection (100 μl, i.p.) were given to the experimental (n=5) and control (n=5) group of pregnant Swiss albino mice respectively on gestational day (GD)-16 and 17. Animals were decapitated on postnatal day (PnD) - 1, 7, 14 and 21 to assay levels of oxidative markers from 6 distinct brain regions. When compared with the control, prenatal LPS-exposure alters levels of OS markers: (i) on PnD-1, glutathione (GSH) level is raised and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity is dropped, (ii) on PnD-7, advanced oxidation of protein product (AOPP) level is elevated, (iii) on PnD-14, lipid peroxidation (MDA) and activity of catalase (CAT) are enhanced, (iv) on PnD-21, increased MDA continued. The hippocampus (HC) and cerebellum (CB) were mostly susceptible to OS in the early postnatal development. Levels of MDA and activity of CAT enzyme were increased on PnD-14 in the cortex, HC and CB. Except MDA, all OS markers recovered and returned to the level of control animals on PnD-21. Taken together, these results suggest that prenatal LPS-exposure induces age- and region-specific OS in the early postnatal stage., (Copyright © 2016 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objective of the present study was to control the release of freely water-soluble salbutamol sulphate (SS) over a prolonged period of time by embedding the drug into slowly eroding waxy matrix materials such as Precirol® ATO5, Compritol® 888 ATO, beeswax, paraffin wax, carnauba wax, and stearyl alcohol. The matrices were prepared by either direct compression or hot fusion techniques. The compatibility of the drug with the various excipients was examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A factorial design was employed to study the effect of polymer type, polymer concentration (15% and 35%), and filler type (Avicel® PH101 and dibasic calcium phosphate dehydrate (DCP) on the in vitro drug release at 6 h. Results of DSC confirmed drugexcipient compatibility. Increasing the polymer ratio resulted in a significant retardation of drug release. The use of DCP resulted in significant retardation and incomplete drug release while the use of Avicel did not. The hot fusion method was found to be more effective than the direct compression method in retarding SS release. A Precirol formulation, prepared using the hot fusion technique, had the slowest drug release, releasing about 31.3% of SS over 6 h. In contrast, Compritol, prepared using the direct compression technique, had the greatest retardation, providing sustained release of 59.3% within 6 h. A hydrophobic matrix system is thus a useful technique for prolonging the release of freely water-soluble drugs such as salbutamol sulphate.

A serological survey was conducted on sheep and goats in Saudi Arabia to detect humoral antibodies against the orf virus. The ELISA technique was superior to the AGID and CFT in detecting such antibodies. Of the 239 abattoir serum samples examined, 60 per cent had orf antibodies by ELISA while 94.8 per cent of the convalescent sera had antibodies detectable by ELISA. With the lack of vaccination and the reports that the clinical disease is commonly seen in different parts of the Kingdom, it may be that orf is becoming enzootic in this country. Recommendations for implementing a satisfactory vaccination regimen are given.

Two groups of day-old ducklings were infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M anatis respectively by air sac inoculation. Clinical disease was not produced but air sacculitis was produced by both infections. M gallisepticum could be recovered readily from respiratory tissue 10 and 30 days after infections but RSA tests were negative. M anatis was not reisolated from these tissues or from the cloaca but a positive RSA test was observed on the serum of a few ducklings.

Lysozyme production is an essential character of the potentially pathogenic staphylococci. In the present work 88 strains of animal origin and 40 strains of human origin were tested. Of 103 strains isolated from pathogenic cases of human and animal origin 89 (86.4%) were lysozyme producers and 86 (83.5%) were coagulase positive. Out of 75 strains isolated from pathogenic cases of animal origin 75 (100%) were lysozyme producers and 71 (94.6%) were coagulase positive. On the other hand out of 28 strains isolated from pathogenic human cases 14 (50%) were lysozyme producers and 15 (53.6%) were coagulase positive. This indicates that lysozyme production could be a better index of pathogenic staphylococci than the coagulase measurement specially in cases of animal origin strains. The method used in this work for the determination of the lysozyme production seems to be a simple one if compared with other used methods.

1 In an uncontrolled clinical trial, carried out in 11 psychiatric patients with the clinical diagnoses of anxiety neurosis and depressive neurosis, clobazam, a new benzodiazepine preparation, in the dosage range 10-60 mg daily produced statistically significant improvement in the total and both factor scores of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). The lowest mean total HAM-A scores occurred with a mean clobazam dosage of 48 mg daily. 2 Results of the uncontrolled clinical trial were further substantiated in a standard-controlled clinical study in which no statistically significant difference between the therapeutic effectiveness of clobazam and diazepam could be revealed. The lowest mean total HAM-A scores occurred with a mean clobazam dosage of 49 mg daily. There was a lower incidence of adverse effects reported in patients receiving clobazam than in those taking the control drug (diazepam).

A 5-day study, forming the initial part of two 32-day clinical trials and involving 22 unipolar depressed inpatients, was designed to determine the relationship between response to sleep deprivation and 24-hour urinary MHPG levels. A statistically significant, positive relationship was noted between the sleep deprivation, modified total HAM-D scores and MHPG levels at postsleep deprivation, indicating that the greater the severity of depression during sleep deprivation the higher were the MHPG levels after the sleep deprivation period.