Towards a circular economy: valorization of banana peels by developing bio-composites thermal insulators.

The building construction materials are responsible for a large amount of energy and natural resource consumption. In light of the current challenges of resource scarcity and global climate change, the circular economy (CE) is a promising strategy to mitigate pressure on the environment, improve supplying of raw materials, and increase new market and employment opportunities. Developing eco-friendly thermal insulation materials based on agro-waste is a new waste management trend to achieve the sustainability of the resource and energy consumption in the construction sectors. In this work, banana-polystyrene composites were prepared by mixing the banana peels powder (BP) with polystyrene (PS) in different weight ratios (90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40). The physical and thermal properties such as thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), crystallographic structures of the fibers, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were carried out on BP and BP-PS1 that were prepared with ten wt.% and 20 wt.% of polystyrene powder (BP-PS2). The bio-composites results showed low thermal conductivity ranging from 0.028 to 0.030 W/m.K. The BP-PS2 exhibited a lower thermal conductivity of 0.027 W/m.K, while the pure peel powder demonstrated notable thermal stability, indicated by a total weight loss of 66.4% and a high crystallinity value of 56.1%. Furthermore, the thermal analysis (TGA) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) demonstrated that the pure banana peel has the highest thermal stability and crystallinity. These findings indicate that using banana peel-polystyrene composites represents an innovative solution for thermal insulation in buildings as an alternative to conventional materials to reduce energy and resource consumption.

Applying novel economic simple green sample preparation procedures on natural and industrial specimens for chromatographic determination of insecticidal residues.

Spraying a tertiary blend of the insecticides (hexythiazox, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam), on tomato fruits, is a routine in agriculture-attentive countries. A simple green sample preparation technique was developed and applied to the field samples. Specific HP-TLC and RP-HPLC methodologies are established to estimate the residual insecticides and applied to the prepared field specimens. In the planner chromatographic methodology, methanol:chloroform:glacial acetic acid:triethyl amine (8.5:1.5:0.2:0.1, v/v) is recommended as a mobile system. The other one is columnar chromatography; acetonitrile: water (20:80, v/v), pH 2.8, is recommended as a mobile system. The validation parameters were examined following the ICH rules. The means percentages and standard deviations of the accuracy of the HP-TLC method for the determined compounds were 99.66 ± 0.974, 99.41 ± 0.950, and 99.89 ± 0.983, correspondingly. The values were 99.24 ± 0.921, 99.69 ± 0.681, and 99.20 ± 0.692, correspondingly, when they were determined by the RP-HPLC method. The relative standard deviation percentages of the methods' repeatability and intermediate precision ranged from 0.389 to 0.920. Both methods were highly specific having resolution factors of ≥ 1.78 and selectivity factors of ≥ 1.71. They were applied to the field samples perfectly.

High adsorption of sodium diclofenac on post-synthetic modified zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks: Experimental and theoretical studies.

Water pollution by pharmaceuticals is currently a great concern due to their ecological risks. In this study, zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (UiO-66-(COOH)2) were used for removal of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac sodium (DCF). They have been synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Copper and iron metal ions were incorporated in the framework using post-synthetic modification techniques to produce UiO-66-(COOCu)2 and UiO-66-(COOFe)2. The resulted MOFs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning/transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller. The effects of the pH, initial concentration, and adsorption time on the adsorption process of diclofenac were studied. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained on UiO-66-(COOH)2, UiO-66-(COOCu)2, and UiO-66-(COOFe)2 were 480.5, 624.3, and 769.1 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption of diclofenac was found to be better fitted with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The adsorption mechanism was investigated using XRD, FT-IR, density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulation, in which the latter method was used to calculate the adsorption energies and determine the possible interactions between diclofenac and the adsorbents. UiO-66-(COOH)2, UiO-66-(COOCu)2, and UiO-66-(COOFe)2 exhibited good recyclability for diclofenac removal, which confirms the sustainability of these materials.

Determination of Sulphasalazine and Its Related Compounds by Simple, Smart, Validated, Green Spectrophotometric Methods.

BACKGROUND: Sulphasalazine (SZ) is a prodrug. Its active metabolite (mesalazine, MZ), which is also available in pharmaceutical formulations, and the major active metabolite of MZ (N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid, AS) are commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. OBJECTIVE: Two accurate, precise, sensitive, and specific spectrophotometric methods were developed and validated for determination of the studied components. METHODS: The first method is a modified ratio difference spectrophotometric method. In this method, SZ was determined by measuring the peak area from 410-500 nm, while MZ and AS were determined by measuring the difference of the selected amplitude values. The second method is a mean centering of ratio spectra spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: The developed methods were linear over the concentration ranges of 2-35, 2-30 and 1-25 µg/mL for SZ, MZ and AS, respectively. CONCLUSION: The developed methods were validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. They were successfully applied for determination of studied analytes. A greenness assessment was undertaken using three different tools. HIGHLIGHTS: Spectrophotometric methods were developed for determination of SZ and its related compounds for the first time. They were designated to be green and eco-friendly and their greenness profiles were evaluated using green solvents to keep the environment clean.

Evaluation of vinburnine in pharmaceuticals by smart spectrophotometric methods; full stability study.

Vinburnine (VNB) is a vinca alkaloid used as a vasodilator to enhance cerebral circulatory insufficiency. It is a cyclic amide containing drug which is expected to be sensitive to hydrolytic degradation. The degradation profile of VNB was studied in this work following ICH recommendations for stability study. The drug was sensitive only to degradation with NaOH with the formation of the carboxylic acid derivative, identified by IR and 1H NMR analyses as 2-((1S,12bS)-1-ethyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b-octahydroindolo[2,3-a] quinolizin-1-yl) acetic acid, (DEG). In this study five simple, smart and univariate stability indicating spectrophotometric methods were developed and validated for simultaneous determination of VNB and DEG for the first time. The developed methods include; Dual Wavelength Method (DWM), Dual Wavelength Resolution Method (DWRM), Factorized Absorbance Difference Method (FADM), Advanced Absorbance Subtraction Method (AASM), and Derivative Amplitude Factor Method (DAFM). These methods were capable of determination of VNB and DEG over the ranges of 1-30 and 3-50 µg/mL, respectively. The proposed methods were simple, smart, specific, and could be applied for analyzing synthetic mixtures of VNB and DEG and were successfully applied for determination of the drug in commercially available capsules. The obtained results of these methods were statistically compared with the reported HPLC one using student's-t and F- tests, where no significant difference was observed. Validation of the developed methods was applied according to ICH recommendations and all the results were within the acceptable limits.

Mustard Seed (Brassica nigra) Extract Exhibits Antiproliferative Effect against Human Lung Cancer Cells through Differential Regulation of Apoptosis, Cell Cycle, Migration, and Invasion.

Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and development of novel lung cancer preventive and therapeutic agents are urgently needed. Brassica nigra (black mustard) seeds are commonly consumed in several Asian and African countries. Mustard seeds previously exhibited significant anticancer activities against several cancer types. In the present study, we have investigated various cellular and molecular mechanisms of anticancer effects of an ethanolic extract of B. nigra seeds against A549 and H1299 human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. B. nigra extract showed a substantial growth-inhibitory effect as it reduced the viability and clonogenic survival of A549 and H1299 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. B. nigra extract induced cellular apoptosis in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion as evidenced from increased caspase-3 activity. Furthermore, treatment of both A549 and H1299 cells with B. nigra extract alone or in combination with camptothecin induced DNA double-strand breaks as evidenced by upregulation of γH2A histone family member X, Fanconi anemia group D2 protein, Fanconi anemia group J protein, ataxia-telangiectesia mutated and Rad3-related protein. Based on cell cycle analysis, B. nigra extract significantly arrested A549 and H1299 cells at S and G2/M phases. Additionally, B. nigra extract suppressed the migratory and invasive properties of both cell lines, downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP9, and Snail and upregulated the expression of E-cadherin at mRNA and protein levels. Taken together, these findings indicate that B. nigra seed extract may have an important anticancer potential against human lung cancer which could be mediated through simultaneous and differential regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage, cell cycle, migration, and invasion.

Resolution of the spectra of acetamiprid, flutolanil and etofenprox residues for their analysis in tomato fruits.

This study involves spectroscopic analysis of pesticide residues extracted from tomato, one of the most freshly eaten fruit all over the world. In Egypt, tomato can be protected against pests infection by concomitantly spraying three pesticides namely, acetamiprid (AC), flutolanil (FL) and etofenprox (ET). The three pesticides have been simply and efficiently extracted from the fruits and analyzed by applying the following methods: Differential dual wavelength method, where AC, FL and ET were determined by amplitudes subtraction at 264.8-277 nm, 229-241 nm and 225.6 and 243 nm, respectively after obtaining their first derivative spectra. Modified ratio difference method, where the difference in amplitude values at 261.2 and 241 nm, 273.4 and 236.8 nm and 269.8 and 232 nm was used for determination of AC, FL and ET, respectively. The third method includes recording the amplitudes at 284, 293 and 224 nm for AC, FL and ET, respectively, after mean centering of their spectra. The linear ranges were 1-11, 0.2-2.5 and 0.2-2.5 µg mL-1 for AC, FL and ET, respectively. The methods were proven to be green regarding the Eco-Scale calculations. The methods were efficiently applied for determination of AC, FL and ET in their commercial forms and field trials, where the residues were approximately equal to or below their specified maximum residue limits.

Ecofriendly chromatographic methods for determination of co-prescribed drugs, olanzapine and metformin, in rat plasma.

Background: Olanzapine (OLZ) is one of most recommended drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia while metformin (MET) is the most commonly used hypoglycemic agent. Aim: Development and validation of two green, sensitive and accurate chromatographic methods for the simultaneous determination of OLZ along with the co-prescribed, MET. Materials & methods: TLC-densitometric method with a developing system consisting of methylene chloride:methanol:ethyl acetate:triethylamine (4:4:5:0.1, by volume) and a reversed-phase (RP)-HPLC method where the chromatographic separation was performed using ethanol:water mixture (50: 50, v/v) as a mobile phase. Results: TLC-densitometric method had linearity over concentration ranges of 160-4000 ng/band for OLZ and 150-4500 ng/band for MET, while RP-HPLC method was linear and validated over concentration range of 300-20000 ng/ml for OLZ and MET. Conclusion: Pharmacokinetic study was successfully performed and suggested the possibility of co-administration of MET with OLZ and their further formulation in one pharmaceutical preparation to enhance patient's compliance.

Influence of Benz[a]anthracene on Bone Metabolism and on Liver Metabolism in Nibbler Fish, Girella punctata.

It has been reported that spinal deformity was induced in developing fish by the addition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To examine the mechanism of the disruption of fish bone metabolism, the effect of benz[a]anthracene (BaA), a kind of PAH, on plasma calcium, inorganic phosphorus, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts was investigated in this study. We also measured several plasma components to analyze the toxicity of BaA on other metabolisms. BaA (1 or 10 ng/g body weight) was intraperitoneally injected (four times) into nibbler fish during breeding, for 10 days, and it was indicated, for the first time, that injecting high doses of BaA to nibbler fish induced both hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia. Furthermore, in the scales of nibbler fish treated with high doses of BaA, both osteoclastic and osteoblastic marker messengerRNA (mRNA) expressions decreased. These results are a cause of disruption of bone metabolism and, perhaps, the induction of spinal deformities. In addition, we found that total protein, metabolic enzymes in the liver, total cholesterol, free cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly decreased in BaA-injected fish. These results indicate that BaA may affect liver diseases and emphasize the importance of prevention of aquatic PAH pollution.

Chromatographic determination of sulfasalazine and its active metabolites: greenness assessment and application to spiked human plasma.

Green TLC-densitometric and RP-HPLC methods were developed and validated for the determination of the active prodrug sulfasalazine (SZ), its active metabolite mesalazine (MZ) and the major active metabolite of mesalazine, N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid (AS). In the developed TLC-densitometric method, chromatographic separation was carried out on TLC silica gel plates 60 F254 using a developing system consisting of ethyl acetate-methanol-ammonia solution 33% (8:2.5:0.3, by volume) and then scanning the separated bands at 215 nm using hydrochlorothiazide as an internal standard with linearity ranges of 0.4-3, 0.4-2.4 and 0.3-2 for SZ, MZ and AS, respectively. The developed RP-HPLC method depended on chromatographic separation using a C18 column with a solvent mixture of methanol-aqueous acetic acid solution (pH 5) as a mobile phase with gradient elution mode and UV scanning at 243 nm using pyrazinamide as internal standard with linearity ranges of 5-50, 5-40, and 3-20 for SZ, MZ and AS, respectively. US Food and Drug Administration guidelines were followed during validation of the methods. The greenness of the developed methods was estimated using the greenness profile and the Eco-Scale approach. Both methods passed the four quadrants of the greenness profile and had Eco-Scale score ˃75, thus they were considered to be green according to these approaches.

Development and validation of two robust simple chromatographic methods for estimation of tomatoes specific pesticides' residues for safety monitoring prior to food processing line and evaluation of local samples.

Combination of pesticides; acetamiprid, flutolanil and etofenprox are usually used for tomato fruits for protecting them against pest infection. Generally, pesticides, residues could be one of the health hazard sources. Two specific simple sensitive chromatographic methods are developed for simultaneous estimation of the concerning pesticides' residues using simple economic steps of field sample preparation. The first method is HP- TLC method. Hexane: methanol: acetone: glacial acetic acid (8:2:0.5:0.1, by volume) is proposed as a developing system. The second one is RP- HPLC. Acetonitrile: water (75:25, v/v) is proposed as a mobile phase. The recommended methods are completely validated regarding ICH guidelines. Their means percentages and standard deviations of accuracy range 100.32 ±â€¯0.89 to 99.27 ±â€¯0.9. The methods' repeatability and intermediate precision relative standard deviation percentages range 0.395-0.894. They are successfully applied for estimating the pesticides in pure and commercial forms and field samples.

Risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and trace metals in River Nile up- and downstream of a densely populated area.

Cairo city is the largest populated area along the whole course of River Nile with a wide range of anthropogenic activities. Efforts to restore fish habitat and recreational use of the river have raised concerns about its water, sediment and biota quality. This study provides a baseline data on the levels of PCBs and trace metals in River Nile along Cairo sector and implements the formulation of monitoring activities of the river's pollution status. Water, sediment and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) samples were collected during summer season, 2013 from two sites, up- and downstream, for detection and determination of 11 PCB congeners (PCBs 28, 44, 52, 70, 101, 105, 118, 138, 152, 180 and 192) as well as six trace metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb and Fe). Evidences of long- or short-term exposures to these contaminants as well as its accumulation tendency were assessed by integrating the obtained analytical results of biotic and abiotic components of this aquatic ecosystem. All calculated lifetime cancer risk values for PCBs showed unacceptable risk of cancer for human consumers at both normal and subsistence fish consumption rates. The calculated hazard index for total PCBs indicates that fish are not safe for human consumption except in site 1 at normal consumption rate. Meanwhile, trace metals do not pose unacceptable risks at both consumption rates except for Pb in site 1 at subsistence consumption rate.

Risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in River Nile up- and downstream of a densely populated area.

A biomonitoring study was conducted to evaluate levels of eleven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water, sediment and wild Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) samples collected up- and downstream of Cairo sector of the River Nile, Egypt. The scaled mass index (SMI), as a fish body mass-length relationship, performed better in indicating the ecosystem and fish conditions. The total PAHs in water samples had a range of 0.0156-0.0269 mg/L, while that in sediment samples ranged from 0.723 to 1.078 mg/kg dry weight and that in fish muscles ranged from 4.065 to 10.033 mg/kg wet weight. Pollutant source appraisal was determined by diagnostic ratios and proved the predominance of pyrogenic sources in water, petrogenic sources in fish, and mixed source origin in sediment. Human health risks associated with fish consumption showed that non-cancer adverse health effects are not expected to occur but the calculated lifetime cancer risk (LCR) for the total PAHs proved that the fish muscles are not safe for human consumption at both sites. Regular monitoring programs and mitigation efforts should be considered in the near future along such areas heavily influenced by human activities.

Chemoprevention of Diethylnitrosamine-Initiated and Phenobarbital-Promoted Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats by Sulfated Polysaccharides and Aqueous Extract of Ulva lactuca.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common cancers and lethal diseases worldwide. Both oxidative stress and chronic inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC. Because of limited treatment options and a grave prognosis of HCC, preventive management has been emphasized. The marine macroalgae Ulva lactuca (Ulvaceae) is consumed by humans and livestock because of its nutritional value. Recent studies showed that various extracts of U. lactuca possess antiviral, antiplasmodial, antinephrotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, very limited information is available on anticancer potential of U. lactuca with no reports on liver cancer chemopreventive efficacy of this marine algae. Accordingly, the present study was initiated to evaluate the possible antihepatocarcinogenic effects and antioxidant mechanisms of action of various U. lactuca extracts against a clinically relevant rodent model of HCC. Initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis was performed in Sprague-Dawley rats by a single injection of dietary carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DENA, 200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), followed by promotion with phenobarbital (0.05%) in drinking water. The rats were fed with daily oral dose (50 mg/kg) of polysaccharide sulfate or aqueous extract of U. lactuca for 2, 12, and 24 weeks. At these timepoints, blood samples were taken to measure hepatic injury markers, including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and bilirubin. The liver tissue was harvested for measurement of hepatic oxidative indices, including lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase. Hepatic histopathology, immunohistochemical analysis of cell proliferation and apoptosis by DNA fragmentation assay were performed. Our results clearly indicate that sulfated polysaccharides of U. lactuca exert a marked chemoprevention of DENA-initiated hepatocarcinogenesis through inhibition of abnormal cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. A modest inhibition rat liver carcinogenesis was observed with the aqueous extract. The sulfated polysaccharides altered serum parameters of hepatic damage and modulated various components of the hepatic enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense systems. The sulfated polysaccharides from U. lactuca may have unique properties of providing protection against DENA-induced oxidative stress which could contribute to chemoprevention of experimental hepatocarcinogenesis. U. lactuca sulfated polysaccharides could be developed as chemopreventive and therapeutic drug against human HCC.

Phytic Acid Exposure Alters AflatoxinB1-induced Reproductive and Oxidative Toxicity in Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus).

The increased use of feed in Egypt's aquaculture and animal industries raises concerns about the possible presence of mycotoxins in feedstuffs. The use of alternative medicine, such as botanicals and nutritional supplements, has become popular with inflammatory cases. The present study aimed to testify the role played by phytic acid (IP6) in enhancing the reproductive and oxidative toxicity induced in aflatoxinB1 (AFB1) treated white male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) throughout treatment and withdrawal periods. One hundred and twenty white male albino rats were grouped into four groups. Group 1, was injected with 300 mug kg(-1) body wt of AFB1 once every 3 days for 15 days and left uninjected for another 15 days to study the withdrawal effect. Group 2, was injected with 300 mug kg(-1) body wt of AFB1 once every 3 days for 15 days and treated simultaneously with IP6 daily for another 15 days. Group 3, was treated daily with IP6 (40 mg kg(-1) body wt) for 15 days and with no treatment for other 15 days. Group 4, injected with equivalent volume of sterile phosphate buffer saline solution as a control group. Sera were taken at the experimental intervals and assayed for testosterone hormone, follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to determine the toxicological impact of AFB1 and the possibility of amelioration by phytic acid on the reproductive performance of the studied animal. The effects of AFB1 treatment on the absolute and relative weight of testis as well as its histopathologic effect on the testis and the possibility of amelioration by IP6 treatment were evaluated. The activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidants, in addition to lipid peroxidation were measured in the testis' homogenate of AFB1-treated rats. A decrease in sex hormone levels, an increase in testicular lipid peroxidation product levels and a significant decrease in testicular glutathione content, catalase and total peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were recorded. The histopathologic alterations revealed a degeneration and highly mitotic division within the spermatogenic nuclei, in addition to some karyomegaly and nuclear pyknosis. It is concluded that the reduction in the toxicity of free radicals by phytic acid might be responsible for the protective influence observed.