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A highly efficient photo-Fenton catalyst iron silicate glass was successfully prepared by a simple sol–gel method. The characterization results (XRD, Mössbauer spectroscopy, TEM, and FT- IR) showed that fayalite, clinoferrosilite and hematite nanoparticles were precipitated in the glass system. The catalytic activity of the glass samples was evaluated by measuring the degradation efficiency for organic dyes as well as for a typical persistent organic pollutant phenol, under visible light irradiation, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) were measured to see the progress in degradation of phenol. The results showed that the catalyst containing 20% iron had good catalytic properties for the degradation of both types of organic contaminants with superior stability for the degradation of methylene blue dye even after six cycles. Finally, a possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.

Photocatalysis is one of the most effective advanced oxidation processes to remove residual pharmaceuticals from the aquatic environment. β-Blockers are the group of pharmaceuticals commonly found in the environment and are showing potential risk to the aquatic and terrestrial organisms. This paper provides an overview of different photocatalytic procedures found in the literature for the abatement of β-blockers. Keywords: Photocatalysis, β-Blockers, Aquatic environment

The relationship between local structure and visible-light activated photocatalytic effect of simulated domestic waste slag glass–ceramics (R-NaWSFe) was investigated. The largest pseudo-first-order rate constant of 9.75 × 10−3 min−1 was estimated for methylene blue decomposition test under the visible-light irradiation using R-NaWSFe with additional 30 mass% of Fe2O3 heat-treated at 900 °C for 100 min. The reason for the high photoactivity of this sample was mainly due to nanoparticles of CaFe2O4 and α-Fe2O3 confirmed by the Mössbauer spectrum measured at 77 K. It is concluded that the nanoparticles of magnetic components in silica are essential for exhibiting visible-light activated catalytic effect.

The glass samples with the composition of 40Fe2O3-xAl2O3-(60−x)SiO2 were prepared by sol-gel method. The samples were characterized by XRD, 80 K 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy, TEM, FTIR and impedance spectroscopy. In the glass samples with less than 10% alumina, fayalite and hematite were crystallized by addition of hercynite. Whereas nanoparticles of hematite (α-Fe2O3) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) doped with Al were confirmed with the increase of alumina contents (15% and 20%). The glass samples exhibit the electronic conduction which is explained by the polaronic conduction mechanism. It is noticed that the catalysts containing a mixture of hematite and maghemite nanoparticles showed higher photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye than those containing hematite alone. It is suggested from the characterizations of newly developed iron-containing aluminosilicate glass samples that the materials with several bandgaps and without dissolving itself should be developed in the future for water purification under visible light irradiation.

The effects of three hydrophilic polymers, namely, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poloxamer-188 (PXM-188) on the solubility and dissolution of diflunisal (DIF) in complexation with &beta, cyclodextrin (&beta, CD) or hydroxypropyl &beta, cyclodextrin (HP&beta, CD), were investigated. The kneading method was used at different drug to cyclodextrin weight ratios. Increases in solubility and drug release were observed with the DIF/&beta, CD and DIF/HP&beta, CD complexes. The addition of hydrophilic polymers at 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0% w/w markedly improved the complexation and solubilizing efficiency of &beta, CD and HP&beta, CD. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) showed that DIF was successfully included into the cyclodextrin cavity. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) confirmed stronger drug amorphization and entrapment in the molecular cage of cyclodextrins. The addition of PVA, CMC-Na or PXM-188 reduced further the intensity of the DIF endothermic peak. Most of the sharp and intense peaks of DIF disappeared with the addition of hydrophilic polymers. In conclusion, PXM-188 at a weight ratio of 10.0% w/w was the best candidate in enhancing the solubility, stability and release of DIF.

A relationship between local structure and electrical property of xNa2O·10P2O5·(90−x)V2O5 glass (x = 5, 25 and 45 mol%, abbreviated as xNPV) was investigated by means of 57Fe-Mossbauer spectroscopy(FeMS), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), impedance spectroscopy (IS), and cathode active performance test of Na-ion battery (SIB). XAFS of xNPV glasses showed that the oxidation number of the vanadium in xNPV glasses was reduced after the heat treatment. FeMS of xNa2O·10P2O5·(89−x)V2O5·57Fe2O3 glass showed a decrease in the isomer shift and quadrupole splitting with an increase of Na2O content. DC conductivity was decreased with increasing Na2O content and the glass samples exhibit electronic conduction which is explained by the polaronic conduction mechanism. The charge-discharge capacity of xNPV glasses showed a larger initial capacity than that of heat-treated samples. A large initial capacity of 184 mAh g−1 was recorded for 25NPV glass, suggesting that the sodium phospho-vanadate glass can be used as a good cathode of SIB.

Background and study aim: Egypt is one of the highest prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the world, estimated nationally at 6.3%. Applying best treatment protocol has a great impact on the national disease burden. DAAs open the door to decrease HCV prevalence as well as to treat infected subjects. Patients and Methods: In this study 1000 patients treated by Pegylated interferon, Sofosbuvir and weight adjusted Ribavirin. Another group of 1000 patients treated by Sofosbuvir and weight adjusted Ribavirin. Results: Two groups showed sustained virological response : 90.1% and 72.3% respectively. Both groups approved that previous treatment status and viral load has no impact on response prediction. Both showed that males are more likely to respond than females. Conclusion: Addition of Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs), like sofosbovir, to the standard treatment with interferon and ribavirin improved the duration of the treatment and the sustained virological response (SVR). Treating of cirrhotics byPEGINF+SOF+RBV and SOF+RBV leads to decrease success rates. Validation of SVR once will be a golden rule.

A series of novel N-phenylpyrazole containing acyl derivatives 3a, b, N-methylimidiazole 4, thiazole derivatives 6a-d, benzimidiazole derivatives 7a-c pyrane and pyridine 8, 9a, b, tetrazole 10, pyridodipyrimidine 11, and dihydronaphthaline derivatives 15 have been synthesized. The structure of the newly synthesized compounds was elucidated by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Mass spectra and Elemental analysis. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antitumor activity against three tumor cell lines, liver cancer (HepG2), human colonic carcinoma cell line (HCT-116), and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7). Compounds 6d, 7b, c, 9b and 11 exhibited higher antitumor activity compared with the reference drug Doxorubicin.

Doxorubicin is a commonly used anticancer agent, which may cause cardiac toxicity. The present study designed to evaluate Phoenix dactylofera (dates) in doxorubicin (DXR) induced cardiac toxicity and cardiac remodeling in Wistar albino rats. The experimental rats procured, acclimatized and finally divided into five groups (n = 6). Group I served as normal controls, group II served as disease controls and groups 3, 4 & 5 served as therapeutic groups (Phoenix dactylofera 5%, 10%, and 15% respectively). Cardiac remodeling and toxicity in the rats were induced by administration of DXR (1.25 mg/kg i.p. in 16 divided doses/month). At the end of protocol, effect of Phoenix dactylofera on cardiac remodeling was evaluated by measuring parameters like haemodynamics, heart weight, anatomy, Troponin T, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), calcium ion Ca2+, sodium ion Na+, potassium ion K+, intracellular enzymes like Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The disease control groups showed significantly elevated (p dactylofera significantly (p 2+, Na+, K+ levels to a normal value. Further, the histological studies of the cardiac tissues demonstrated that the normal architecture of the cardiac cells was restored in the animals fed with dietary Phoenix dactylofera as compared to disease controls. The findings show that the administration of Phoenix dactylofera has the potential to prevent the toxicity induced by doxorubicin in the experimental rats.

Context: Clinicians face one of the most common bacterial infections in developing countries that is urinary tract infection (UTI). Current knowledge on antimicrobial susceptibility pattern is essential for selecting appropriate therapy. Aims: In this study, we investigated the various bacteria causing UTI and determined the sensitivity and resistance of antibiotics pattern against most prevalent uropathogens isolated from patients at tertiary hospital, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective study of urine culture conducted in King Fahad Hospital at Al-Baha in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Laboratory reports and patient medical files of both inpatient and outpatient were collected between June 2017 and May 2018, targeting both male and female of age above 18 years of age, who had been treated for UTI. Results: A total of 349 patients’ urine report was studied to identify the uropathogens. Escherichia coli was the main etiologic agent in community and hospital-acquired infections. The majority of the bacteria was isolated from female (60%), whereas the remaining (40%) was from male. The most common isolates were E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, E. coli Extended spectrum beta-lactamases, Pseudomonas, and K. pneumoniae ESBL (these represented 37.82%, 19.20%, 10.89%, 10.32%, 6.59%, and 3.72%, of isolate, respectively). UTI due to E. coli was at a higher rate during summer than during winter. This study showed that ciprofloxacin (20.29%) and cefuroxime (16.14%) are most prescribed medications, followed by ceftriaxone (12.96%) and then tazocin (8.80%). Imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, vancomycin, tigecycline, linezolid, and colistin were highly sensitive for most types of bacteria, but gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to ampicillin. Gram-positive bacteria showed highly resistance to cefoxitin. Conclusion: The microbial culture and sensitivity of the isolates from urine samples should be carried out as a routine before starting the antimicrobial therapy. Current knowledge of the antibiotic sensitivity/resistance patterns of uropathogens at a particular geographical region is a guiding factor for choosing an appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment rather than following universal guidelines.

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds often referred to as secondary metabolites. Thirty three bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified in the methanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis. The identification of phytochemical compounds is based on the peak area, retention time molecular weight and molecular formula. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of C. colocynthis revealed the existence of the methyl 6-oxoheptanoate, hexanoic acid, 2-isopropyl-2-methyl- 5-oxo-, methyl ester, dodecanoic acid, 3-hydroxy, benzofuran,2,3-dihydro, 1,1-Cyclopropanedimethanol, 2-methyl-α-phenyl, 1,1-cyclopropanedimethanol, 2-methyl-α-phenyl, 12,15-octadecadiynoic acid, methyl ester, (5ß)pregnane-3,20ß-diol, 14α,18α-[4-methyl-3-oxo-(1-oxa-4-azabutan, 3-(N,Ndimethyllaurylammonio) propanesulfonate, 2H-1-benzopyran-3,4-diol,2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)- 3,4dihydro-6-met, 11,13-dihydroxy-tetradec-5-ynoic acid, methyl ester, Cyclopenta[1,3]cyclopropa[1,2]cycloheptan-3(3aH)-one,1,2,3b,6,7, 4-(2,4,4-trimethyl-cyclohexa-1,5- dienyl)-but-3-en-2-one, 1-tetradecanamine,N,N-dimethyl, α-D-glucopyranoside, O-α-D-glucopyranosyl- (1,fwdarw.3)-ß-D-fructo, acetamide, N-methyl-N-[4-(3-hydroxypyrrolidinyl)-2-butynyl]-, 9- octadecenamide,(z)-, butyrophenone,2´,3,4´,6´-tetramethyl-, ethyl 5,8,11,14,-eicosatetraenoate, 9,12,15- octadecatrienoic acid, 2,3,-dihydroxypropyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)-, 1H-cyclopropa[3,4]benz[1,2-e]ezulene - 5,7b,9,9a 476.241018tetrol,1a,1b,4,4a, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 9,10-Secocholesta -5,7,10(19)- triene-3,24,25,-triol,(3ß,5Z,7E)-, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid,2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)-, triazido-(1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopenta-2,4-dienyl)-german, ethyl iso-allocholate, α-N-Normethadol, Octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, phthalic acid , decyl oct-3-yl ester, 1,2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid , bis(8-methylnonyl)ester, phthalic acid, di(6-ethyl-3-octyl)ester, y-tocopherol, 1,4-ethanonaphthalene -6,9(4H)-dione,1,4a,5,8a-tetrahydro-4,5,7,10 and vitamin E. Methanolic extract of bioactive compounds of C. colocynthis was assayed for in vitro antibacterial activity against Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aerogenosa, P. mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia by using the diffusion method in agar. The zone of inhibition was compared with different standard antibiotics. The diameters of inhibition zones ranged from 4.91±0.260 to 1.03±0.200 mm for all treatments.Key words: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, phytochemicals, Citrullus colocynthis.

The main objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition in the leaves of Coriandrum sativum, using methanolic extraction and report the main functional components by using IR technique. The phytochemical compounds in the extract were then screened by GC-MS method. Seven bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified in the methanolic extract of C. sativum: 1,6-octadien-3-ol, 3,7-dimethyl, 1,6-octadien-3-ol,3,7-dimethyl, 2-aminobenzoate, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one,1,7,7-trimethyl., geranyl vinyl ether, 9,10-secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-triene-3,24,25-triol., ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate and 7aH-cyclopenta[a] cyclopropa[f]cycloundecene. Thirteen bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified in the methanolic extract of Melia azedarach. In the present investigation, a variety of compounds have been detected in M. azedarach including trichloromethane, propanedioic acid, diethyl ester, 2-pyrrolidinyl-methylamine, butanedioic acid, diethyl ester, 2-piperidimethanamine, butanedioic acid, hydroxyl-, diethyl ester, 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-dihydroperoxide, dithiocarbamate, s-methyl-,n-(2-methyl-3-oxobutyl), triethyl citrate, y-sitosterol, ethyl 9,12,15-octadecatrienoate, hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, and octadecane, 3-ethyl-5-(2-ethylbutyl). It contains chemical constitutions which may be useful for various herbal formulation as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, cardiac tonic and antiasthamatic. C. sativum is highly active against Aspergillus terreus 6.01 ± 0.200. Bioactive compounds of C. sativum and M. azedarach were assayed for in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aerogenosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia using the diffusion method in agar. The zone of inhibition was compared with different standard antibiotics. The diameters of inhibition zones ranged from 5.60 ± 0.320 to 1.96 ± 0.200 mm for all treatments. Key words: Anti-bacterial, antifungal activity, Coriandrum sativum, GC-MS analysis, Melia azedarach, phytochemicals.

Medicinal plants are potential sources of natural compounds with biological activities, and therefore attract the attention of researchers worldwide. The objective of this research is to determine the chemical composition of methanolic seed extract. The phytochemical compound screened by spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Sixteen bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified in the methanolic extract of Origanum vulgare. The identification of phytochemical compounds is based on the peak area, retention time molecular weight, molecular formula, MS Fragment- ions and pharmacological actions. GC-MS analysis of O. vulgare revealed the existence of the 1,7-Dioxaspiro[5,5]undec-2-ene, 2,4-Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-39(2H)-furan-3-one, 2,4-Difurobenzene, 1-benzyloxy, α-D-Glucopyranoside, O-α- Glucopyranosyl, 4-Hexenal, 6-hydroxy-4-methyl,dimethyl acetal, acetate, 4H-pyran-4-one,2,3,-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, Benzofuran, 4-Amino-1,5-pentandioic acid, 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, d-Mannose, 7-Isopropyl-10-methyl-1-oxo-1,5-dithia-spiro[5,5]undecane-2-carboxy, Phytol, Cis-Vaccenic acid, N-Methyl-Nbenzyltetradecanamine, 3,8,8-Trimethoxy-3-piperidyl-2,2-binaphthalene-1,1,4,4-tetrone, and 17-(1,5-Dimethylhexyl)10,13-dimethyl. The FTIR analysis of O. vulgare seeds proved the presence of alkenes, aliphatic fluoro compounds, alcohols, ethers, carboxlic acids, esters and hydrogen bonded alcohols, phenols. Key words: GC/MS, bioactive compounds, FT-IR, O. vulgare.

This paper describes studies of functionalized mesoporous silica employed as adsorbent for Mn(II) from aqueous solutions. The surface area of MCM-41 and diethylenetriamine functionalized-MCM-41 used in this study were 760 and 318 m(2) g(-1) (N2 adsorption). A strong dependence on pH in the Mn(II) adsorption capacity and best results were obtained at pH 6.5-7. The adsorption onto the diethylenetriamine functionalized-MCM-41 followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the highest reaction rate 0.324 min(-1) was observed at low initial concentration 10 ppm. The equilibrium data showed excellent correlation with the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacity of Mn(II) reached 88.9 mg/g for DETA-MCM-41 indicating that the adsorption occurs on a homogeneous surface by monolayer sorption without interaction between the adsorbed ions. These data contribute to the understanding of mechanisms involved in mesoporous silica and provide some practical clues to improve the adsorption efficiency (uptake capacity and kinetics) of Mn(II) ions.

Mercury is recognized internationally as an important pollutant since mercury and its compounds are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic, and pose human and ecosystem risks. A critical aspect of mercury cycling is its bioaccumulation, mainly as methylmercury, along the contaminated water with mercury resulting in high risk of human. Adsorption of mercury from water samples on mesoporous silica, mercaptopropyl functionalysed-SBA-15 (MP-SBA-15) and diethylenetriamine functionalysed-SBA-15 (DETA-SBA-15) has been studied. SBA-15 was prepared by using Pluronic P123, PEO20PPO70PEO20 and tetraethylorthosilicate. Surface modification of SBA-15 was carried out by MP-TMS or DETA-TMS to produce MP-SBA-15 or DETA-SBA-15, respectively. SBA-15 and functionalised SBA-15 materials were characterised for BET surface area, pore size and pore volume. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms of functionalised SBA-15 for mercury were investigated. Results revealed that the adsorption kinetics were fitted by a pseudo-second-order reaction model and the adsorption thermodynamic parameters ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔE° were 42.08 kJ/mol, 210.3 J/mol.K and 7.20 kJ/mol, respectively for DETA-SBA-15; 101.85 kJ/mol, 397.7 J/mol.K and 23.28 kJ/mol, respectively for MP-SBA-15. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were also applied to analyse the experimental data and to predict the relevant isotherm parameters. The best interpretation for the experimental data was given by the Langmuir isotherm equation. The results indicate that the structure of the materials affects the adsorption behavior. These materials show a potential for the application as effective and selective adsorbents for Hg(II) removal from water.

The equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) is the basic parameter to evaluate the binding property of the chemical structure of compounds. Thus, a variety of analytical methods have been established to determine the KD values, including radioligand binding assay, surface plasmon resonance method, fluorescence energy resonance transfer method, affinity chromatography, and isothermal titration calorimetry. Here we present a detailed overview of the dissociation equilibria of Eberconazole nitrate (EBZ) in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, focusing primarily on methods that are based on spectrophotometrically of the dissociation reaction. The Dissociation equilibria of Eberconazole nitrate (EBZ) in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems were studied spectrophotometrically in Britton-Robinson’s (BR) buffer at 25°C. Acidity constant of EBZ in BR buffer was found to be 9.5. The effect of anionic, cationic and non-ionic surfactants applied in the concentration exceeding critical micellar concentration (cmc) on acid – base properties of EBZ were also examined. The results revealed a shift of pKa values in micellar media comparing to the values obtained in BR buffer. These shifts in pKa values are more in cationic and anionic micellar media compared with that of non-ionic. The observed differences in pKa values between micellar media and BR buffer solution ranged between -6.0 to -2.0 units. The micellar-mediated pKa shifts can be attributed to the differences between the mean intrinsic solvent properties of the interfacial and bulk phases, with an additional contribution from the electrostatic micellar surface potential in the case of the charged aqueous micellar solutions.

Adsorbents were synthesized to obtain novel silica nanoparticles with a broad pore-size distribution (herein referred to as USG-41). The material demonstrated fast adsorption rates with highest adsorption capacities following Langmuir adsorption. Kinetic data best fit the intraparticle diffusion model demonstrating a two-step, surface and pore, adsorption process with pore diffusion being the rate determining step. This data provides key evidence of internal pore chelation of dichromate ions by USG-41. In contrast silica adsorbents (SBA-15 and MCM-41) prepared with similar average pore sizes to USG-41, but with narrow pore-size distributions, had lower adsorption capacities and their kinetic date best fit pseudo-second order diffusion models indicating a one-step, surface only, adsorption process. This study clearly demonstrated that pores size distribution, not the surface area or the average pore size, was central to ensure optimum adsorbent performance for removal of Cr (VI) from contaminated water.

This work consists of assessing the degree of pollution caused by wastewater, Power station discharge pipe and petroleum port in the gulf of Tobruk-Libya. This study is based on the analysis of the physicochemical parameters, the parameters indicating pollution and the determination of pH, DO, BOD, OOM, phenol, Salinity, nutrients (PO4, SiO3, NO2, NO3 and NH3), sodium and potassium on seawater samples taken from the site. The sampling was carried out during the April of year 2015. The results obtained show significant values in physicochemical parameters, pollution indicator parameters. The results of the pollution indicator parameters show the presence of important pollution at the site studied. It is clear from the determination of physicochemical parameters that the site under investigation shows a high contamination of seawater according to pollution caused by wastewater, Power station discharge pipe and petroleum port near the gulf of Tobruk-Libya. The absence of treatment and the long-term exposure to these discharges will lead to dangerous levels which maybe lead to destruction of marine life may affect people living near the port.

Secondary failure of platelet engraftment occurs in 20% of patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT and is associated with poor outcome. Currently, there are no guidelines for treatment of late thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion is the mainstay of treatment. Here, we describe the use of Eltrombopag to treat secondary failure of platelet recovery following HSCT in a child with severe aplastic anemia. Eltrombopag resulted in recovery of platelet count with no need for platelet transfusion support with no reported side effects. Eltrombopag may be used successfully in children with secondary failure of platelet recovery post-HSCT for SAA.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ROS such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide are overproduced by activated macrophages in RA. As scavengers of ROS, enzymatic proteins such as catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) have a great therapeutic potential; however, in vivo application is limited especially when they are orally administered. Although, the oral route is the most convenient for drug administration, therapeutic proteins are easily degraded in vivo by the harsh conditions of gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Here, we introduce a novel drug delivery system composed of zein, a plant storage protein derived from maize. We demonstrate that zein nanoparticles can protect therapeutic proteins, catalase and SOD, from the harsh conditions of GI tract. Folate-conjugated catalase or SOD in zein nanoparticles can target the activated macrophages and scavenge the ROS generated by macrophages in vitro. This novel drug delivery system will be applicable to other orally administered treatments based on the protective property in the harsh conditions of GI tract.

Silica sorbents, based on mesoporous crystalline material-41 (MCM-41), were functionalised using mercaptopropyl (MP) or diethylenetriamine (DETA) to extract mercury (II) ions from water. MP-MCM-41 is an extremely efficient and selective sorbent for the removal of mercury (II) from samples of distilled water doped with heavy metal ions and additionally from more complex matrices including tap and river water. In contrast DETA-MCM-41 preferentially removes hard metal ions (chromium, manganese, lead and zinc) over soft metal ions such as mercury. During extraction, the influence of pH on adsorption capacity was examined; a maximum adsorption capacity of 1245 μmol g(-1) was achieved for MP-MCM-41 even at pH values as low as 3. Significantly, a method has been developed for the first time to remove Hg (II) from loaded MP-MCM-41 allowing this analyte to be selectively recovered from water contaminated with a wide range of heavy metal ions. The regeneration method does not disrupt the chelating agent which remains on the surface of the silica permitting reuse of the sorbent in further extractions.

A room temperature method to create large pore size and pore volume ordered mesoporous silica (MCM-41) is demonstrated. Template removal was achieved with a microwave digestion procedure using a solution of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The silica product exhibited an ordered hexagonal mesostructure, large pore volume (up to 0.99 cm(3)/g), and large pore size (up to 6.74 nm) indicating its potential as a high capacity adsorbent. Surface modification, to enhance the ability of the material to extract potentially toxic metals (PTMs) from water was performed using different amino- and mercapto-functional groups. This paper reports on the extraction of lead ions from aqueous solution to demonstrate the material's significant improvement in adsorption capacity (up to 1000 μmol g(-1) for lead). Moreover, methods have been developed to regenerate the sorbent allowing 100% recovery of Pb and reuse of the sorbent material in subsequent extractions. The performance of the material was also demonstrated for environmental samples containing relatively high concentrations (ppmv) of mixed metal ions reducing them to lower values (

Photoinitiated Polymerization with Dialkoxy Thiocarbonyl Disulfides – a Polymerization Reaction with Primary Radical Termination The photoinduced free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and some other vinyl monomers using dialkoxy thiocarbonyl disulfides (1–4) as photoinitiators was studied. The photolysis of these initiators leads to cleavage of the SS bond, which was determined by spin trapping experiments with phenyl tert-butyl nitrone. No evidence was found for a further thermal decomposition of the primary alkoxy thiocarbonyl sulfide radicals (R·) at room temperature. In the absence of scavengers the primary radicals react back exclusively to the initial compounds, due to a strong cage effect. By means of UV spectroscopic measurements and in the presence of MMA the quantum yields of the initiator decomposition were detected to be 0.8. The polymerization of acrylic and methacrylic derivatives can be initiated by the R·, contrary to the situation with fumarates and maleates. The mechanism of MMA polymerization depends on the light intensity absorbed by the initiators. At high intensities the combination of primary and polymer radicals terminates the chain reaction. This follows from the measured monomer exponent of α = 2, the light intensity exponent of β = 0,2 and the number of thiocarbonyl end groups of 2 in the polymers isolated. Contrary to this, in the low intensity region the experimental data obey the ideal kinetic equation. Kinetic modelling gives evidence for an interaction of the monomer with the cage radicals.

Indoor air can become polluted with VOCs, and understanding the factors which affect adsorption of VOCs from indoor air is important for: (i) the accurate measurement of VOCs, and (ii) to apply mitigation strategies when high analyte concentrations are measured. In this study four VOCs (toluene, ethylbenzene, cumene and dichlorobenzene) were generated as a constant and controlled polluted air stream of VOCs from a dynamic atmospheric chamber. The effects of relative humidity, and sampling flow rate, on adsorption onto Tenax TA and the relatively new silica adsorbents SBA-15 or MCM-41 were studied. Air samples were collected and analyzed by thermal desorption followed by GC/MS. All sorbents were shown to be affected by changing the RH conditions from 25 to 80% RH, and sampling flow rates from 25 to 200 cm3 min−1, even when pollutant concentrations and sampled air volumes remained consistent. Although further work is required to examine the effect of the full RH range on scavenging potential, in this study Tenax TA was shown to provide best performance in high RH conditions whereas silica sorbents were more effective at low RH. Moreover it was shown that to provide accurate measurements in the field (e.g., when humidity conditions are fixed) it is suggested that Tenax TA is the preferred sorbent of choice as the masses of VOCs collected were less affected by changing the sampling flow rates.

Summary: Venous blood was obtained from 100 consecutive and unselected Saudi Arabian mothers and their neonates within 48 h after delivery. Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and total calcium were measured in paired samples. Fifty-nine mothers and 70 neonates had subnormal (less than 10 ng/ml) 25-OHD levels. Plasma Ca concentrations were low in 61% of the mothers and 59% of the newborns consisting of 10 preterm and 38 full term babies. There were significant correlation between the plasma levels of maternal and neonatal 25-OHD (r = 0.54; P = 0.0001), maternal 25-OHD and Ca (r = −0.22; P = 0.03), neonatal 25-OHD and Ca (r = −0.28; P = 0.0009), and maternal and neonatal calcium levels (r = 0.46; P = 0.0001). Nevertheless, maternal 25-OHD was not invariably higher than that in the infant. Normocalcemia was observed in 29 neonates and 26 mothers (20 mother/baby pairs) in the presence of subnormal maternal 25-OHD. Twenty babies and 16 mothers including nine mother/baby pairs had hypocalcemia in the presence of normal levels of 25-OHD. This indicates that vitamin D plays a crucial, but not exclusive, role in calcium homeostasis during pregnancy. This study revealed that vitamin D deficiency is very prevalent during pregnancy in Saudi Arabia. It also showed that asymptomatic hypocalcemia in full term babies is far commoner than is generally appreciated. It is considered that vitamin D deficiency is primarily due to lack of exposure to sunlight. Encouragement to obtain sunlight exposure and fortification of food are the only alternative measures.