Development of inorganic and mixed matrix membranes for application in toxic dyes-contaminated industrial effluents with in-situ treatments.

Dyes are the most ubiquitous organic pollutants in industrial effluents. They are highly toxic to both plants and animals; thus, their removal is paramount to the sustainability of ecosystem. However, they have shown resistance to photolysis and various biological, physical, and chemical wastewater remediation processes. Membrane removal technology has been vital for the filtration/separation of the dyes. In comparison to polymeric membranes, inorganic and mixed matrix (MM) membranes have shown potentials to the removal of dyes. The inorganic and MM membranes are particularly effective due to their high porosity, enhanced stability, improved permeability, higher enhanced selectivity and good stability and resistance to harsh chemical and thermal conditions. They have shown prospects in filtration/separation, adsorption, and catalytic degradation of the dyes. This review highlighted the advantages of the inorganic and MM membranes for the various removal techniques for the treatments of the dyes. Methods for the membranes production have been reviewed. Their application for the filtration/separation and adsorption have been critically analyzed. Their application as support for advanced oxidation processes such as persulfate, photo-Fenton and photocatalytic degradations have been highlighted. The mechanisms underscoring the efficiency of the processes have been cited. Lastly, comments were given on the prospects and challenges of both inorganic and MM membranes towards removal of the dyes from industrial effluents.

A review on carbon-based biowaste and organic polymer materials for sustainable treatment of sulfonamides from pharmaceutical wastewater.

Frequent detection of sulfonamides (SAs) pharmaceuticals in wastewater has necessitated the discovery of suitable technology for their sustainable remediation. Adsorption has been widely investigated due to its effectiveness, simplicity, and availability of various adsorbent materials from natural and artificial sources. This review highlighted the potentials of carbon-based adsorbents derived from agricultural wastes such as lignocellulose, biochar, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes graphene materials as well as organic polymers such as chitosan, molecularly imprinted polymers, metal, and covalent frameworks for SAs removal from wastewater. The promising features of these materials including higher porosity, rich carbon-content, robustness, good stability as well as ease of modification have been emphasized. Thus, the materials have demonstrated excellent performance towards the SAs removal, attributed to their porous nature that provided sufficient active sites for the adsorption of SAs molecules. The modification of physico-chemical features of the materials have been discussed as efficient means for enhancing their adsorption and reusable performance. The article also proposed various interactive mechanisms for the SAs adsorption. Lastly, the prospects and challenges have been highlighted to expand the knowledge gap on the application of the materials for the sustainable removal of the SAs.

Promoting the suitability of graphitic carbon nitride and metal oxide nanoparticles: A review of sulfonamides photocatalytic degradation.

The widespread consumption of pharmaceutical drugs and their incomplete breakdown in organisms has led to their extensive presence in aquatic environments. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics, such as sulfonamides, has contributed to the development of drug-resistant bacteria and the persistent pollution of water bodies, posing a threat to human health and the safety of the environment. Thus, it is paramount to explore remediation technologies aimed at decomposing and complete elimination of the toxic contaminants from pharmaceutical wastewater. The review aims to explore the utilization of metal-oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) and graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) in photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides from wastewater. Recent advances in oxidation techniques such as photocatalytic degradation are being exploited in the elimination of the sulfonamides from wastewater. MONP and g-C3N4 are commonly evolved nano substances with intrinsic properties. They possessed nano-scale structure, considerable porosity semi-conducting properties, responsible for decomposing wide range of water pollutants. They are widely applied for photocatalytic degradation of organic and inorganic substances which continue to evolve due to the low-cost, efficiency, less toxicity, and more environmentally friendliness of the materials. The review focuses on the current advances in the application of these materials, their efficiencies, degradation mechanisms, and recyclability in the context of sulfonamides photocatalytic degradation.

Graphene Nanocomposites as Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion-Design and Headways.

This review mainly addresses applications of polymer/graphene nanocomposites in certain significant energy storage and conversion devices such as supercapacitors, Li-ion batteries, and fuel cells. Graphene has achieved an indispensable position among carbon nanomaterials owing to its inimitable structure and features. Graphene and its nanocomposites have been recognized for providing a high surface area, electron conductivity, capacitance, energy density, charge-discharge, cyclic stability, power conversion efficiency, and other advanced features in efficient energy devices. Furthermore, graphene-containing nanocomposites have superior microstructure, mechanical robustness, and heat constancy characteristics. Thus, this state-of-the-art article offers comprehensive coverage on designing, processing, and applying graphene-based nanoarchitectures in high-performance energy storage and conversion devices. Despite the essential features of graphene-derived nanocomposites, several challenges need to be overcome to attain advanced device performance.

Improving Weak Subgrade Soil Using Different Additives.

Weak subgrade is the main problem facing most highway projects. Therefore, this study focuses on trying to improve the properties and increase the strength of weak, clayey, swelling soil for use as a subgrade for pavement structural sections. This trial was developed using a mix of granular and chemical stabilization for the soil. Granular stabilization was applied firstly by mixing natural sand at different percentages of 20%, 35%, and 50% of the total weight of clayey, swelling soil samples to find the minimum percentage that could be added to improve it to sandy, clayey soil, which is acceptable as a subgrade according to the Egyptian highway specification code. Secondly, chemical stabilization was applied to enhanced sandy, clayey soil to increase its strength properties. This was performed by adding chemical additives (lime, cement kiln dust (CKD), fiberglass, Addicrete 11, and gypsum) at different ratios of 2%, 4%, and 6% of the total weight of the samples of enhanced sandy, clayey soil. An experimental program was conducted consisting of characteristics and consistency tests, the California bearing ratio (CBR) test, a proctor test, and a consolidated-drained (C-D) tri-axial shear test. The results showed that 50% sand was the minimum percentage that could be mixed with swelling, clayey soil for granular stabilization to be enhanced and become sandy, clayey soil, which is accepted as a subgrade layer according to the Egyptian highway specification code. In addition, using a mix of granular and chemical stabilization increased the compressive strength of this enhanced subgrade by adding 6% lime or cement kiln dust (CKD) of the total sample weight. They enhanced the strength of the soil and reduced its plasticity. Adding 6% fiberglass and polymers could slightly enhance the desired properties; however, it is not recommended to use them due to their slight effect and economic cost. In addition, it is not recommended to use gypsum at more than 4% due to its negative effect on CBR.

Substantial Proton Ion Conduction in Methylcellulose/Pectin/Ammonium Chloride Based Solid Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes: Effect of ZnO Nanofiller.

In this research, nanocomposite solid polymer electrolytes (NCSPEs) comprising methylcellulose/pectin (MC/PC) blend as host polymer, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) as an ion source, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as nanofillers were synthesized via a solution cast methodology. Techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were employed to characterize the electrolyte. FTIR confirmed that the polymers, NH4Cl salt, and ZnO nanofiller interact with one another appreciably. EIS demonstrated the feasibility of achieving a conductivity of 3.13 × 10-4 Scm-1 for the optimum electrolyte at room temperature. Using the dielectric formalism technique, the dielectric properties, energy modulus, and relaxation time of NH4Cl in MC/PC/NH4Cl and MC/PC/NH4Cl/ZnO systems were determined. The contribution of chain dynamics and ion mobility was acknowledged by the presence of a peak in the imaginary portion of the modulus study. The LSV measurement yielded 4.55 V for the comparatively highest conductivity NCSPE.

State-of-the-Art of Polymer/Fullerene C60 Nanocomposite Membranes for Water Treatment: Conceptions, Structural Diversity and Topographies.

To secure existing water resources is one of the imposing challenges to attain sustainability and ecofriendly world. Subsequently, several advanced technologies have been developed for water treatment. The most successful methodology considered so far is the development of water filtration membranes for desalination, ion permeation, and microbes handling. Various types of membranes have been industrialized including nanofiltration, microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration membranes. Among polymeric nanocomposites, nanocarbon (fullerene, graphene, and carbon nanotubes)-reinforced nanomaterials have gained research attention owing to notable properties/applications. Here, fullerene has gained important stance amid carbonaceous nanofillers due to zero dimensionality, high surface areas, and exceptional physical properties such as optical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, and other characteristics. Accordingly, a very important application of polymer/fullerene C60 nanocomposites has been observed in the membrane sector. This review is basically focused on talented applications of polymer/fullerene nanocomposite membranes in water treatment. The polymer/fullerene nanostructures bring about numerous revolutions in the field of high-performance membranes because of better permeation, water flux, selectivity, and separation performance. The purpose of this pioneering review is to highlight and summarize current advances in the field of water purification/treatment using polymer and fullerene-based nanocomposite membranes. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of fullerene embedded into a variety of polymer membranes (Nafion, polysulfone, polyamide, polystyrene, etc.) and effects on the enhanced properties and performance of the resulting water treatment membranes. Polymer/fullerene nanocomposite membranes have been developed using solution casting, phase inversion, electrospinning, solid phase synthesis, and other facile methods. The structural diversity of polymer/fullerene nanocomposites facilitates membrane separation processes, especially for valuable or toxic metal ions, salts, and microorganisms. Current challenges and opportunities for future research have also been discussed. Future research on these innovative membrane materials may overwhelm design and performance-related challenging factors.

Relations between vitamin D3, total and specific IgE for house dust mites in atopic dermatitis patients.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease. There are a lot of evidences on the importance of vitamin D and house dust mite (HDM) allergens in the etiology and course of AD. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the relation between vitamin D3 level and house dust mites (HDM) Dermatophagoidspecies sensitization in pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Cross-sectional design study was conducted on 50 atopic dermatitis patients. Blood analysis were done to determine level of vitamin D3, total IgE by fluorescent immunoassay & specific IgE for HDM (d1, d2) & other inhalant allergens by ELISA test. There was significant high negative correlation with the specific IgE for HDM (r = -0. 62, p < 0.001) and vitamin D3. & there was non-significant minimal negative correlation with the specific IgE and other inhalant allergens (r = - 0.10, p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant relation between level of vitamin D3 and atopic dermatitis severity and sensitization to HDM and other allergens.

Seminal and serum leptin levels in male patients with varicocele and isolated asthenozoospermia before and after repair.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Leptin that has a role in sperm motility may have a role of varicocele. We aimed to study the effect of varicocelectomy on the serum and seminal leptin in patients with asthenozoospermia and the correlation between leptin levels, sperm parameters and varicocele grade. METHODS: Thirty-six male patients with varicocele having isolated asthenozoospermia were included in this study. Thirty normal fertile controls were included. Semen analysis, serum and seminal leptin measurements were performed for all participants at baseline and for patients three months after varicocelectomy. Microsurgical varicocelectomy has been performed for patients. RESULTS: Seminal and serum leptin levels were significantly higher in patients than controls. Seminal leptin was positively correlated with varicocele grade (r = 0.357, p < .05) while no correlation was found between serum leptin varicocele grade (r = 0.056, p = .37). Both seminal and serum leptin were inversely correlated with sperm motility (r = -0.92 and r = -0.87, p < .001; respectively). Seminal and serum leptin were significantly improved after varicocelectomy. CONCLUSION: Varicocele is associated with higher levels of seminal and serum leptin especially in higher grads and this was correlated with negative effects on sperm motility. Leptin levels were significantly decreased after repair.

Diagnosis of onychomycosis clinically by nail dermoscopy versus microbiological diagnosis.

Diagnosis of onychomycosis requires microbiological studies, which are time-consuming. Dermoscopy is non invasive, easy and coastless method. To evaluate the diagnostic role of dermoscopy in onychomycosis and comparing its findings with microbiological results. Eighty patients with onychomycosis and 40 controls were studied for nail dermoscopic finding, and microbiological examinations in the form of microscopic examination by 20% KOH, Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), and HiCrome Candida Differential Agar. 72.5% of the patients were females. Most of the patient were presented with one finger (35%) and two fingers (35%). 85% of the patient were presented clinically with distal lateral subungual onychomycosis followed by total dystrophic onychomycosis (12.5%) and lastly with superficial white onychomycosis (2.5%). 52.5% and 75% of the patients were positive by direct microscopic examination with 20%KOH and SDA, respectively. Dermatophytes isolated from 7.5% of the patient, non-dermatophytes (Aspergillus) was isolated from 2.5%, and 65% had Candida by SDA. C. albicans was the commonest species (75%), followed by C. tropicalis (17.3%), and lastly C. krusei (7.7%). Dermoscopic examinations of patients showed nail spikes, longitudinal striations, and color changes in 75%, 82.5%, and 95%, respectively, with statistically significant P value (P < 0.001). There was significant difference regarding long striations and yellow coloration dermoscopic finding with positive KOH patients. All patients with positive culture showed nail spikes on dermoscopic examination. Dermoscopy is a rapid tool for diagnosis of onychomycosis. Longitudinal striations is the best diagnostic dermoscopic finding. Microbiological test are still needed for accurate and reliable diagnosis.

Fractional Erbium-YAG Laser and Platelet-Rich Plasma as Single or Combined Treatment for Atrophic Acne Scars: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Acne scarring is a common undesirable complication of acne vulgaris. Fractional erbium-yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) 2940 nm laser and platelet-rich plasma have been used in treating acne scars with variable outcomes. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of fractional erbium-YAG 2940 nm laser and platelet-rich plasma as a single line of treatment in comparison with combined treatment in atrophic postacne scars. METHODS: Seventy-five patients were included in this trial and randomized into three equal groups (25 each). Group A was subjected to six sessions of erbium-YAG laser for 6 months, group B was treated with 12 sessions of platelet-rich plasma over the same period, and group C was subjected to six sessions of erbium-YAG laser plus 12 sessions of platelet-rich plasma over the same period. Each subject was evaluated by acne scar grading, photography, and subjective evaluation. RESULTS: Both treatment modalities showed improvement of acne scars, but the improvement with combined treatment was better than that with erbium-YAG laser or platelet-rich plasma alone regarding scar grade improvement (P = 0.007 and 0.001), clinical improvement (P = 0.001 and 0.001), and patient satisfaction (P = 0.005 and 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of platelet-rich plasma plus erbium-YAG laser is superior to either treatment alone for acne scars, with trivial side effects for all treatment modalities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier; NCT03933033.

Topical calcipotriol vs narrowband ultraviolet B in treatment of alopecia areata: a randomized-controlled trial.

Alopecia areata is a chronic relapsing autoimmune inflammatory hair disorder with no novel therapy. The objectives of this study are to compare the efficacy of topical calcipotriol vs narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy (NB-UVB) in the treatment of alopecia areata and its correlation with serum vitamin D3 levels. A randomized-controlled trial has been conducted on 60 patients with scalp alopecia areata randomized into four groups; topical calcipotriol, NB-UVB, both and placebo. All patients were evaluated by assessment of severity of alopecia areata by severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score at baseline and 3 months after treatment and vitamin D3 levels at baseline and after 3 months. SALT score and vitamin D3 levels were significantly improved in all groups except placebo after treatment with (P = 0.026, P = 0.005, P = 0.004, P = 0.140) and (P = 0.028, P = 0.011, P = 0.003, P = 0.725), respectively. Combined therapy showed non-significant improvement in SALT score (P = 0.530, P = 0.643), respectively, and significant improvement in serum vitamin D3 levels than each line alone with (P = 0.021, P = 0.044), respectively. Both topical calcipotriol and NB-UVB are effective therapies in the treatment of AA and associated with improvement of SALT score and vitamin D3 levels.

Platelet Indices as a marker for early prediction of erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients.

Erectile dysfunction is one of the major concerns in diabetic patients. Platelet Indices including mean platelet volume, platelet count and platelet distribution width are important biomarkers for platelet activation and pathophysiology of atherothrombosis. Measurement of Platelet Indices may early predict erectile dysfunction in diabetic men. This study aimed to measure Platelet Indices in diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction and to correlate between them and erectile dysfunction especially of vasculogenic type. The study included 30 diabetic patients with diagnosed erectile dysfunction and 20 normal males as a control. Each patient was evaluated by history, International Index of Erectile Function-5, general and local examination, HbA1c, pharmaco-penile duplex ultrasonography and blood sample to measure Platelet Indices. Platelet distribution width and mean platelet volume were significantly higher in patients than controls (p < 0.001). Their levels were significantly higher in vasculogenic erectile dysfunction than other types (p < 0.001). No statistically significant association regards the platelet count (p > 0.05). We concluded that Platelet Indices are high in diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction especially those with vasculogenic aetiology. They can predict erectile dysfunction in diabetic men early, and so they may be considered as cheap, available and useful biomarker for early diagnosis of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients.

Psychometric evaluation of the Arabic version of the nomophobia questionnaire: confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis - implications from a pilot study in Kuwait among university students.

BACKGROUND: In the past decades, thanks to the widespread use of the new information and communication technologies, nomophobia has emerged as a contemporary psychological disorder. More in detail, it has been defined as the modern fear of feeling disconnected, being out of mobile phone contact, and being unable to access information and/or communicate with others. Few authors have used an Arabic version of the Nomophobia Questionnaire, even though its psychometric properties are not well known and have been poorly investigated from a formal rigorous standpoint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our research objective was to develop and validate the Arabic version, administering it to a sample of adolescents and young adults in a country characterized by a high mobile network coverage. A total of 512 subjects (aged 21.62±4.33 years, median 20 years), equally distributed between males and females, and based in Kuwait, volunteered to take part in the study. RESULTS: The confirmatory factor analysis did not show a completely satisfactory fitting with the original factor structure. The exploratory factor analysis showed that four factors had 57.24% variance. Overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.879. However, the coefficient increased from 0.645 to 0.849 with respect to the original factor structure. Scores (and mean scores) were 4.25±1.59 (21.23±7.95), 2.95±1.33 (17.68±7.97), 4.48±1.78 (8.96±3.56), and 4.98±1.52 (34.84±10.67) for factors I, II, III, and IV, respectively, whereas the overall score (and mean overall score) was 4.14±1.13 (82.71±22.68). CONCLUSION: In our sample, no subject (0.0%) was without nomophobia, with 92 (18.0%) and 288 individuals (56.2%) reporting mild and moderate nomophobia levels, respectively. Approximately a quarter of the recruited sample (132 subjects, 25.8%) had severe nomophobia level.

Investigations of trace and toxic elements of kidney stones from two different Sudanese areas by µ-PIXE using Nuclear Microprobe (NMP).

In this study 14 kidney stones (oxalate and phosphate stones) collected from two Sudanese hospitals Particle Induced X ray Emission (µ-PIXE). This technique was used to investigate the matrix as well as the trace element compositions of kidney stones on a microscopic scale using 1.5MeV proton energy. Significant differences in elements content across the groups were found by applying statistical methods. Trace elements such as P,Ca, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, Br, and Pb showed a possible linear relationship of the mean profile for trace elements for each group of stones. This study shows that micro analysis of urinary stones can provide complementary information on patients' exposure to epidemiological risk factors such as geography, diet and drinking water.

Antifungal activity of wide band gap Thioglycolic acid capped ZnS:Mn semiconductor nanoparticles against some pathogenic fungi.

The manganese doped zinc sulfide nanoparticles were synthesized by simple aqueous chemical reaction of manganese chloride, zinc acetate and thioacitamide in aqueous solution. Thioglycolic acid is used as capping agent for controlling the nanoparticle size. The main advantage of the ZnS:Mn nanoparticles of diameter ~2.73nm is that the sample is prepared by using non-toxic precursors in a cost effective and eco-friendly way. The structural, morphological and chemical composition of the nanoparticles have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The nanosize of the prepared nanoparticles was elucidated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FTIR result ensures that Thioglycolic acid is well bonded on the surface of ZnS:Mn NPs. The antifungal effects of Thioglycolic acid capped ZnS:Mn nanoparticles exhibited a potent antifungal activity against tested fungal strains, so deserving further investigation for clinical applications. The antifungal property of manganese doped zinc sulphide nanoparticles is attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species due to the interaction of nanoparticles with water. Additionally, the presence of Zn and S in the zone of inhibition area leads to perturbation of fungi cell membranes resulting in growth inhibition.

PIXE study on the effects of parathyroid hormone on elemental content in rat bones.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has attracted considerable interest as a bone anabolic agent. PTH plays a central role in regulating calcium phosphate metabolism and its increases in production in response to low serum calcium levels. A continuous hypersecretion of PTH, as occurs in primary hyperparathyroidism, leads to bone resorption. In this study, the effect of different doses of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone mineral content (BMC) in rats was investigated by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). This study will help in investigating further the toxicity of extremely high doses of PTH on BMC. For this study, PTH at doses of 15, 45, or 135µg/kg/day were applied to 9-month-old male and female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The concentrations of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn) were measured for bone treatment of PTH. From the results of the research, it was revealed that the biomechanical characteristics of the bone as well as the bone mass were enhanced after the treatment. It was further found that the concentrations of other elements also increased, excluding Zn. This research proved that PTH assists in the treatment of osteoporosis as revealed by the characteristics of different elements. PIXE can be used to determine the concentrations of bone mineral content.

Characterization of human kidney stones using micro-PIXE and RBS: a comparative study between two different populations.

The micro-PIXE and RBS techniques are used to investigate the matrix as well as the trace elemental composition of calcium-rich human tissues on a microscopic scale. This paper deals with the spatial distribution of trace metals in hard human tissues such as kidney stone concretions, undertaken at the nuclear microprobe (NMP) facility. Relevant information about ion beam techniques used for material characterization will be discussed. Mapping correlation between different trace metals to extract information related to micro-regions composition will be illustrated with an application using proton energies of 1.5 and 3.0 MeV and applied to a comparative study for human kidney stone concretions nucleation region analysis from two different population groups (Sudan and South Africa).

Brucellosis in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Darfur, Western Sudan.

In a field outbreak of brucellosis in 21 camels mixed with cattle, sheep and goats, five camels, three of which showed clinical signs, were serologically positive. In a subsequent abattoir survey of apparently healthy camels, six animals were seropositive, albeit with titres that tended to be lower than those found in the field outbreak. Of the six seropositive slaughtered camels, five were shown to have lymph nodes (prescapular and supramammary) infected with brucellae (Brucella melitensis biovar 3, two camels; Brucella abortus biovar 6, three camels). Infection of camels with B. abortus biovar 6 had not previously been reported. Infection of the supramammary lymph nodes presents a potential hazard to those who consume raw camels' milk, a common practice in nomadic camel owners.