Estimating of gases emission from waste sites to generate electrical energy as a case study at Al-Hillah City in Iraq.

Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas resulting from human activities, especially landfills, and it has many potential environmental issues, such as its major role in global warming. On the other hand, methane can be converted to liquid fuel or electricity using chemical conversion or gas turbine generators. Therefore, reusing such gases could be of great environmental and economic benefit. In this context, this study aims to estimate the emissions of methane gas from the landfills in Al-Hillah City, Iraq, from 2023 to 2070 and the producible electric energy from this amount. The estimating process was carried out using the Land GEM model and compared with traditional models. The obtained results demonstrated that the total estimated landfill methane emissions for 48 years are 875,217 tons, and the average annual methane emission is 18,234 tons based on a yearly waste accumulation rate of 1,046,413 tons and a total waste amount of 50,227,808 tons. The anticipated loads of methane gas can be utilized to generate about 287,442 MW/year of electricity from 2023 to 2070. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study could be evidence of the potential environmental and economic benefits of harvesting and reusing methane gas from landfills.

Radioreceptor assay of human chorionic gonadotropin: detection of early pregnancy.

A rapid, sensitive, and specific radioreceptor assay for the determination of human chorionic gonadotropin and luteinizing hormone in plasma is described. Plasma membranes of bovine corpora lutea of early pregnancy, which bind biologically active labeled human chorionic gonadotropin, have been used as receptor. Pregnancy could be detected by assaying the gonadotropin in plasma samples obtained from day 6 to 8 after conception.

Biosorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution using A. hydrophila in up-flow column: optimization of process variables.

In the present study, continuous up-flow fixed-bed column study was carried out using immobilized dead biomass of Aeromonas hydrophila for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Different polymeric matrices were used to immobilized biomass and polysulfone-immobilized biomass has shown to give maximum removal. The sorption capacity of immobilized biomass for the removal of Cr(VI) evaluating the breakthrough curves obtained at different flow rate and bed height. A maximum of 78.58% Cr(VI) removal was obtained at bed height of 19 cm and flow rate of 2 mL/min. Bed depth service time model provides a good description of experimental results with high correlation coefficient (> 0.996). An attempt has been made to investigate the individual as well as cumulative effect of the process variables and to optimize the process conditions for the maximum removal of chromium from water by two-level two-factor full-factorial central composite design with the help of Minitab version 15 statistical software. The predicted results are having a good agreement (R (2) = 98.19%) with the result obtained. Sorption-desorption studies revealed that polysulfone-immobilized biomass could be reused up to 11 cycles and bed was completely exhausted after 28 cycles.

Diagnostic value of clot examination for malignant cells in serous effusions.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value of clot examination for satisfactory processing and confirmation of malignancy in serous effusions in routine cytological evaluation and compare the results with those of conventional smear and cell block preparations. METHODOLOGY: Body cavity fluids (n = 600) received in our laboratory were processed according to a pre-designed protocol for the study as follows: Day1: on receipt of the specimen, smears were made and a cell block was prepared from the sediment. Day2: after overnight sample storage of the remaining specimen at 2-8 degrees C all fluids were examined for the presence of a clot at the bottom of the container. Fluids in which clot had formed were fixed in formalin. The clot was then placed on a lens paper, wrapped and processed routinely. Diagnostic yields were compared. RESULTS: In this study, we included 600 cases of serous fluids from pleural, pericardial and peritoneal effusions. In 73% (n = 437) of samples, clot formation was seen, while in 27%, (n = 163) no clot had formed. Routine smear and cell block preparations showed malignant cells in 9.6% (n = 42). However, with the addition of the clot preparation, the number of cases in which atypical/malignant cells were seen increased from 42 to 85 (19.4%), with a P < 0.001. Special stains and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were also performed on clot preparations in 10 difficult cases. CONCLUSION: Clot preparation from body cavity fluids on the second day can be used as an adjunct to smear and routine cell block preparation to improve the accuracy and yield of the cytological diagnosis and may also be of great help for special studies such as IHC staining.

Organophosphorus Compounds Poisoning in a Neonate: A Case Report.

Organophosphorus compounds (OPC) are widely used insecticides. Such poisoning is very rare in neonate. A 23 days old infant was admitted with severe respiratory distress, excessive secretion from nose and mouth, bluish discoloration of extremities and poor feeding for 4 hours. He was pale, cyanosed and lethargic with gasping respiration. Frothing was coming through mouth and nose. There was watering of eyes, pupils were pin pointed and light reflex was sluggish. The baby was hypothermic, hypotonic with altered sensorium. Capillary refill time was <3 sec. The neonate was gasping; there was crepitation over lung fields. Precordium and abdomen was normal. An odor of OPC was smelt on clothing and secretions of the infant. The baby was wrapped with a cloth that was ware during pesticide spraying in the field. In addition to general measures, decontamination of skin and clothing and gastric lavage was done. Empirical antibiotic, injection atropine and pralidoxime were given. Patient showed clinical improvement with disappearance of cholinergic signs. The baby was discharged on 7th day of admission after full recovery.

Congenital Eventration of Diaphragm Presenting As Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Case Report.

Eventration of diaphragm is an abnormal elevation of diaphragmatic musculature while retaining normal attachments to the sternum, ribs and dorsolumber spine. It is a rare anomaly where the continuity of diaphragm remains intact. Pathological process can affect either all or only a portion of hemidiaphragm. Symptoms vary according to size of the defect. Large defect may mimic diaphragmatic hernia. The present case represents a full term female newborn that developed respiratory distress, cyanosis and feeding difficulties since 1st day of life. Clinical features and chest imaging of this case was assumed to be left sided diaphragmatic hernia which was found wrong in the operation theater. She was found to have left sided eventration of diaphragm to create symptom. Successful plication of ipsilateral diaphragm was done on 13th day of life. Supervised post operative ventilatory support along with other postoperative care improved the condition of this neonate. A large defect with eventration of diaphragm may be life threatening but a timely good management can save neonate from such condition.

Factorial design for the optimization of enzymatic detection of cadmium in aqueous solution using immobilized urease from vegetable waste.

Free as well as alginate immobilized urease was utilized for detection and quantitation of cadmium (Cd2+) in aqueous samples. Urease from the seeds of pumpkin (Cucumis melo), being a vegetable waste, was extracted and purified to apparent homogeneity (Sp. Activity 353 U/mg protein; A280/A260=1.12) by heat treatment at 48+/-0.1 degrees C and gel filtration through Sephadex G-200. The homogeneous enzyme preparation was immobilized in 3.5% alginate leading to 86% immobilization and no leaching of the enzyme was found over a period of 15 days at 4 degrees C. Urease catalyzed urea hydrolysis by both soluble and immobilized enzyme revealed a clear dependence on the concentration of Cd2+. The inhibition caused by Cd2+ was non-competitive (Ki=1.41 x 10(-5) M). The time dependent inhibition both in the presence and in absence of Cd2+ ion revealed a biphasic inhibition in the activity. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for the parametric optimization of this process was performed using two-level-two-full factorial (2(2)), central composite design (CCD). The regression coefficient, regression equation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was obtained using MINITAB 15 software. The predicted values thus obtained were closed to the experimental value indicating suitability of the model. In addition to this 3D response surface plot and isoresponse contour plot were helpful to predict the results by performing only limited set of experiments.

Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions using agricultural waste 'maize bran'.

Novel biosorbent 'maize bran' has been successfully utilized for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, sorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were investigated and maximum uptake of Cr(VI) was 312.52 (mgg(-1)) at pH 2.0, initial Cr(VI) concentration of 200mgL(-1) and temperature of 40 degrees C. Effect of pH showed that maize bran was not only removing Cr(VI) from aqueous solution but also reducing toxic Cr(VI) into less toxic Cr(III). The sorption kinetics was tested with first order reversible, pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order reaction and it was found that Cr(VI) uptake process followed the pseudo-second order rate expression. Mass transfer of Cr(VI) from bulk to the solid phase (maize bran) was studied at different temperatures. Different thermodynamic parameters, viz., DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees have also been evaluated and it has been found that the sorption was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The Langmuir and Freundlich equations for describing sorption equilibrium were applied and it was found that the process was well described by Langmuir isotherm. Desorption studies was also carried out and found that complete desorption of Cr(VI) took place at pH of 9.5.

Sorption of cadmium and zinc from aqueous solutions by water hyacinth (Eichchornia crassipes).

The water hyacinth (Eichchornia crassipes) has been successfully utilized for the removal of Zn(II) and Cd(II) as well as their admixture from samples of aqueous solutions. The growth of the plant after 16 days of exposure to the metal ions showed an increasing trend up to 2.5 ppm of Cd(II) and 6.0 ppm of Zn(II) concentrations, however, the growth became nondetectable or inhibited above these concentrations. The overall metal uptake by the plant was dependent upon the concentration of the metal and the duration of the exposure time. The metal uptake from a mixture of Cd(II) and Zn(II) was reflected by a rate constant quite different from those solutions containing only one metal ion. An analysis of metal in roots and tops of the plants showed that more Zn(II) was accumulated in the root when compared to Cd(II). However, the accumulation factor for the tops and the roots for Cd(II) and Zn(II) was higher than those obtained admixture of Zn(II) and Cd(II). The rate of metal mobility in the root was slower than that in the top of the plant for Zn(II) and Cd(II). A water hyacinth based system can be used to remove Cd(II) and Zn(II) from water/wastewater.

Photo-induced biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from aqueous extract of Dunaliella salina and their anticancer potential.

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via green route, using biological entities is an area of interest, because one of the potential applications in the nanomedicine. In the present study, we have developed photo-induced, ecofriendly, low cost method for biosynthesis of the stable silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Dunaliella salina (AED) which act as both reducing as well as stabilizing agent. Biosynthesis of the AgNPs was optimized as: sunlight exposure (30min), AED (5% (v/v)) and AgNO3 (4mM). Biosynthesis of AgNPs was monitored by using UV-Vis spectroscopy which exhibited sharp SPR band at 430nm after 30min of bright sunlight exposure. SEM and TEM analyses confirmed the presence of spherical AgNPs with average size of 15.26nm. Crystalline nature of AgNPs was confirmed by SAED and XRD analyses where Braggs reflection pattern at (111), (200), (220) and (311) corresponded to face centered cubic crystal lattice of metallic silver. FTIR analysis revealed the involvement of various functional groups present in AED. AFM analysis confirmed the average surface roughness of synthesized AgNPs as 8.48nm. AgNPs were also screened for anticancer potential using assay of calcein AM/PI, Annexin/PI and cancer biomarkers against cancer cell line (MCF-7), while normal cell line (MCF-10A) were kept as control. Interestingly, anticancer potential was comparable to the known anticancer drug (Cisplatin), and was not detrimental to the normal cell line. Therefore, such green synthesized AgNPs may be explored as anticancer agent.

Low cost bio-sorbent 'wheat bran' for the removal of cadmium from wastewater: kinetic and equilibrium studies.

Novel bio-sorbent wheat bran has been successfully utilized for the removal of cadmium(II) from wastewater. The maximum removal of cadmium(II) was found to be 87.15% at pH 8.6, initial Cd(II) concentration of 12.5 mg l-1 and temperature of 20 degrees C. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were investigated. Dynamics of the sorption process were studied and the values of rate constant of adsorption, rate constant of intraparticle diffusion and mass transfer coefficient were calculated. Different thermodynamic parameters viz., changes in standard free energy, enthalpy and entropy have also been evaluated and it has been found that the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The applicability of Langmuir isotherm showed of monolayer coverage of the adsorbate on the surface of adsorbent. A generalized empirical model was proposed for the kinetics at different initial concentrations.

Removal of lead from aqueous solutions by agricultural waste maize bran.

Maize bran is a low cost biosorbent that has been used for the removal of lead(II) from an aqueous solution. The effects of various parameters such as contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were examined. Optimum removal at 20 degrees C was found to be 98.4% at pH 6.5, with an initial Pb(II) concentration of 100 mg l(-1). Dynamics of the sorption process and mass transfer of Pb(II) to maize bran were investigated and the values of rate constant of adsorption, rate constant of intraparticle diffusion and the mass transfer coefficients were calculated. Different thermodynamic parameters viz., changes in standard free energy, enthalpy and entropy were evaluated and it was found that the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir isotherm. A generalized empirical model was proposed for the kinetics at different initial concentrations. The data were subjected to multiple regression analysis and a model was developed to predict the removal of Pb(II) from an aqueous solution.

Removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater using rice bran.

The novel biosorbent rice bran has been successfully utilized for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater. The maximum removal of Cr(VI) was found to be 99.4% at pH 2.0, initial Cr(VI) concentration of 200 mg l(-1), and temperature 20 degrees C. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium, and temperature was investigated. The adsorption kinetics was tested for first-order reversible, pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order; reaction and the rate constants of kinetic models were calculated. Mass transfer of Cr(VI) from the bulk to the solid phase (rice bran) was studied at different temperatures. Different thermodynamic parameters, viz., changes in standard free energy, enthalpy, and entropy, have also been evaluated and it has been found that the reaction was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The Langmuir and Freundlich equations for describing adsorption equilibrium were applied to data. The constants and correlation coefficients of these isotherm models were calculated and compared. Desorption studies was also carried out and found that complete desorption of Cr(VI) took place at pH of 9.5. The data were also subjected to multiple regression analysis and a model was developed to predict the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater.

Removal of cadmium from wastewater using agricultural waste 'rice polish'.

A novel biosorbent rice polish has been successfully utilized for the removal of cadmium(II) from wastewater. The maximum removal of cadmium(II) was found to be 9.72 mg g(-1) at pH 8.6, initial Cd(II) concentration of 125 mg l(-1) and temperature of 20 degrees C. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were investigated. Dynamics of the sorption process were studied and the values of rate constant of adsorption, rate constant of intraparticle diffusion and mass transfer coefficient were calculated. Different thermodynamic parameters, viz., changes in standard free energy, enthalpy and entropy have also been evaluated and it has been found that the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The applicability of Langmuir isotherm showed monolayer coverage of the adsorbate on the surface of adsorbents. A generalised empirical model was proposed for the kinetics at different initial concentrations. The data were subjected to multiple regression analysis and a model was developed to predict the removal of Cd(II) from wastewater.

Diurnal variation of serum progesterone, but not relaxin, prolactin, or estradiol-17 beta in the pregnant bitch.

The concentrations of progesterone (P), relaxin (Rlx), estradiol (E2) and PRL were measured by specific RIAs in serum samples collected twice daily at 8:00 am and 3:00 pm at weekly intervals after mating and until whelping in five Labrador Retriever bitches. From weeks 3 to 6 of pregnancy, P exhibited a conspicuous and statistically significant diurnal pattern (P less than 0.05), its serum concentration being approximately twice as high at 8:00 am as at 3:00 pm. A similar but nonsignificant trend was observed weeks 2, 7, and 8, and the overall ratio of the am/pm P concentrations was 2.4 +/- 0.28 (P less than 0.001). Rlx, E2, and PRL did not show a diurnal pattern at any time during pregnancy. The glandular sources and regulation of secretion of Rlx were further investigated. Rlx bioactivity was detected in canine placentas and ovaries, providing supportive evidence that these organs may be a dual source of the hormone in canine pregnancy. Injection of ovine PRL in three pseudopregnant bitches significantly increased serum P concentration as compared with seven untreated pseudopregnant controls, but Rlx was not detectable in serum before, during or after PRL treatment. The data support the view that Rlx and P are independently regulated in the bitch; PRL may be a regulator of P, but not of Rlx secretion. However, as PRL showed no diurnal changes in concentration, it does not appear to be directly responsible for the diurnal pattern exhibited by P.

Homologous radioimmunoassay for canine prolactin and its application in various physiological states.

The purification of canine prolactin and the development of an homologous radioimmunoassay including several physiological studies in the Beagle dog are described. The assay measured immunoreactive canine prolactin with a sensitivity limit of 0-6 ng/ml. Purified canine luteinizing hormone gave no significant inhibition in the assay whereas purified canine growth hormone inhibited the binding of 125I-labelled canine prolactin to antiserum only at very high dose levels. In Beagle dogs. basal serum prolactin concentrations were in the range 1-2 ng/ml in normal male, normal female (metoestrus and anoestrus) and oophorectomized-hysterectomized female dogs. The prolactin concentration in one sample of amniotic fluid was in the same range, while in hypophysectomized male dogs no serum prolactin could be detected by our assay system. Serum prolactin concentrations tended to increase during late pregnancy and parturition, remaining high during the first 9 days of lactation. In consequence, a negative correlation was suggested between serum prolactin and serum progesterone concentrations.

Involvement of the adrenal glands in the prolactin rise induced in the female rat by an antiprogestin, onapristone.

The present study was undertaken to investigate our recent finding that the peripheral levels of prolactin are elevated after the treatment of intact tumor-bearing rats with antiprogestins, like ONAPRISTONE (ON) and MIFEPRISTONE (MI). In ovariectomized rats, s.c. administration of ON (10 mg/kg/day for 5 days) induced a significant increase in the peripheral levels of prolactin without stimulating uterine growth or suppressing LH secretion. Additionally, treatment with ON enhanced the estradiol-induced increase in the serum prolactin levels, suggesting different mechanism(s) for the effects of ON and estradiol on prolactin secretion. In the castrated animals treated with ON we also found a significant increase in the serum levels of aldosterone and corticosterone, but no measurable amount of estradiol and no significant change in the levels of serum androstenedione. Accordingly, we supposed that the effect of ON on prolactin secretion may be induced by suppression of the known activity of adrenal corticosteroids in inhibiting the prolactin secretion. In a further study using ovariectomized and adrenalectomized rats we, in fact, found no appreciable effect of ON on the serum prolactin levels at all. By contrast, dexamethasone (DEX) (0.15 mg/kg for 5 days, s.c.) significantly decreased the prolactin levels which were elevated after adrenalectomy. This effect of DEX was partially reversed by a simultaneous application of ON. From the present observations, it is anticipated that the increase in the peripheral prolactin levels found after treatment with ON is partly due to the antiglucocorticoid effect of the compound.

Reversibility of antigestagenic action of antiprogestin onapristone by exogenous progestagens during early pregnancy in guinea pig.

Ability of progesterone, gestodene, promegestone and cyproterone acetate (CPA) to reverse antigestagenic action of onapristone in adult female guinea pigs was investigated. Onapristone (10 mg/kg, s.c.) administered on post-conception days 8-11 caused resorption of implantations and vaginal bleeding in all animals. Simultaneous administration of progesterone, gestodene or promegestone on days 7-13 successfully reversed antigestagenic action of this antiprogestin, since most animals supplemented with these progestagens had viable implantations at autopsy on day 14. CPA was, however, ineffective and animals supplemented with it had only resorbed implantations and blood in uterus and vagina like that in onapristone per se treated animals. High plasma progesterone and low PGFM concentration were generally observed in all pregnant animals bearing viable implantations. PGFM (13, 14-dihydro-15-keto PGF2 alpha) was significantly elevated by day 14 in onapristone-treated (Group II) and CPA-supplemented (Group X) animals. No discernible effect on pregnancy or post-implantation embryonic development was observed in animals treated per se with these progestagens.

Continuous oral low-dosage cyproterone acetate for fertility regulation in the male? A trend analysis in 15 volunteers.

PIP: The effects of cyproterone acetate (CPA), administered orally in dos es of either 10 or 20 mg/day for 26 weeks, were studied in 15 healthy male volunteers. During treatment, there was a decrease in sperm density and in normal-shaped sperm and an increase in pathological and immature forms, an increase in dead spermatozoa, reduced motility of spermatozoa, an in vitro decrease in the speed of sperm transport, and decreased ability of spermatozoa to penetrate ovulatory cervical mucus. Blood plasma levels of testosterone declined to about 40% of basal values, though there were no effects on sex behavior. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were unaltered, while seminal plasma alkaline phosphatase values were considerably increased. Seminal plasma levels of fructose and sialic acid levels were unchanged, while the cortisol-binding capacity of transcortin was markedly increased. The results indicate that CPA has potential as a fertility control agent in males, though further study on a mass phase 3 scale is required before final conclusions can be made.^ieng

Assessment of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in proliferative conditions of the liver.

To overcome the diagnostic dilemma in proliferative conditions of the liver which sometimes pose a problem to the working pathologist especially when the material is inadequate, a special staining technique (AgNOR) has been applied. By using this technique, nucleolar organizer regions were counted which determine the proliferative status of the cells. This prospective study included 65 cases of randomly selected liver core and fine needle aspiration biopsies. AgNOR staining was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections NOR dots were counted in 100 randomly selected hepatocytes at x100 oil immersion objective, and the mean count per cell was calculated for each case. Statistical analysis was done by using the Mann Whitney U test. AgNOR count results were later compared with the histologic diagnosis. The study revealed a gradual increase in mean AgNOR counts from normal liver through cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. The difference in NOR counts was significant in these three groups. The hepatocellular carcinomas were graded according to the Edmondson-Steiner histological grading system. The Grade I hepatocellular carcinomas show AgNOR counts ranging between 5-6/cell, a score which is much higher than in the normal liver, where it ranges between 1.2-2.0/cell. This technique can be used to assess the lesions where the distinction between normal liver and Grade I hepatocellular carcinoma is difficult with the use of routine methods. AgNOR counts in normal liver and chronic hepatitis cases were insignificant, but there was an appreciable difference between cases of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In view of the results of this study, the AgNOR staining method is found to be a useful diagnostic tool to differentiate between normal liver, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and also to precisely discriminate between cases of normal liver and Grade I hepatocellular carcinoma.