A Low-Cost Process for Fabricating Reinforced 3D Printing Thermoplastic Filaments.

Low-cost desktop-sized fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers have been widely embraced by small to large-scale institutions and individuals. To further enhance their utility and increase the range of materials that they can process, this work proposes a low-cost solution that adapts to low-cost desktop-sized extruders and enables them to fabricate filaments comprising a wide range of nonorganic reinforcing particles. This solution will fill a gap in the field, as low-cost fabrication techniques for reinforced filaments have been lacking. In the proposed solution, particles are heated and deposited on thermoplastic pellets to form a coating. Coated pellets are subsequently extruded using a low-cost desktop single-screw extruder. The effectiveness of the process is demonstrated by fabricating polylactic acid (PLA) filaments reinforced with two types of reinforcements, namely, dune sand and silicon carbide. Filaments' stiffness and strength were measured, and their microstructure along their lateral and longitudinal directions were investigated. Improvements in tensile strength (up to 8%) and stiffness (up to 4.5%) were observed, but at low reinforcement levels (less than 2 wt%). Results showed that the proposed process could be used to fabricate filaments with multiple types of particles. The produced filaments were successfully used to fabricate 3D parts using a commercial desktop FDM printer.

Predicting Breast Tumor Malignancy Using Deep ConvNeXt Radiomics and Quality-Based Score Pooling in Ultrasound Sequences.

Breast cancer needs to be detected early to reduce mortality rate. Ultrasound imaging (US) could significantly enhance diagnosing cases with dense breasts. Most of the existing computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems employ a single ultrasound image for the breast tumor to extract features to classify it as benign or malignant. However, the accuracy of such CAD system is limited due to the large tumor size and shape variation, irregular and ambiguous tumor boundaries, and low signal-to-noise ratio in ultrasound images due to their noisy nature and the significant similarity between normal and abnormal tissues. To handle these issues, we propose a deep-learning-based radiomics method based on breast US sequences in this paper. The proposed approach involves three main components: radiomic features extraction based on a deep learning network, so-called ConvNeXt, a malignancy score pooling mechanism, and visual interpretations. Specifically, we employ the ConvNeXt network, a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) trained using the vision transformer style. We also propose an efficient pooling mechanism to fuse the malignancy scores of each breast US sequence frame based on image-quality statistics. The ablation study and experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves competitive results compared to other CNN-based methods.

Indonesia DIA-RAMADAN Study: A Real-life, Prospective and Observational of Gliclazide MR in Type-2 Diabetes Patients During Ramadan Fasting.

BACKGROUND: Sulfonylureas (SUs) have been widely used in many countries for T2DM treatment. Gliclazide is one of the SUs with the lowest risk of hypoglycemia; however, the safety and effectiveness of gliclazide MR during Ramadan has not yet been reported in Indonesia. This study aimed to assess safety, efficacy, and tolerability of gliclazide modified release (MR) during Ramadan fasting. METHODS: The study was a part of DIA-RAMADAN study, a prospective observational study with subjects of T2DM patients aged >18 years, who had either controlled or sub-optimally controlled blood glucose level, performed Ramadan fasting. Subjects had been treated with gliclazide MR for at least 90 days prior the study, and were examined for their body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c levels 6 to 8 weeks before Ramadan (V0) and 4 to 6 weeks after the end of Ramadan (V1). RESULTS: Out of 198 subjects participating in the study, there were only two subjects (1.0%) who reported symptomatic HEs (either confirmed or not confirmed) and no severe HEs had been reported. There were no significant changes in HbA1c and FPG levels (p>0.05). Interestingly, there was a reduction of bodyweight (-0.4kg) from pre- to post-Ramadan (p < 0.001). Almost no subjects reported discontinuation of gliclazide MR throughout the entire study; however, there was one subject who reported a change of diabetic treatment into diet only. CONCLUSION: gliclazide MR is safe, well tolerated and can maintain glycemic control effectively for Indonesian patients with T2DM who perform Ramadan fasting.

Palladium(II) Schiff base complex arrests cell cycle at early stages, induces apoptosis, and reduces Ehrlich solid tumor burden: a new candidate for tumor therapy.

Although many cancer drugs are clinically approved, they still suffer from no adequate efficiency or drug resistance, or bad side effects. Therefore, developing safer alternatives of competitive efficiency is needed. This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the antitumor and apoptotic activities of palladium(II) 2-hydroxyimino-3-(2-hydrazonopyridyl)-butane complex against Ehrlich carcinoma. In vitro, EAC cells were incubated with the complex, and the cells' viability, caspase 8 activity, and cell cycle changes were evaluated. In vivo, eighty adult female Swiss albino mice were distributed randomly in the following groups (n = 10): Normal, EAC, EAC + Cisplatin, and four groups EAC + Complex as well as Normal + Complex. Bodyweight changes were noted. On day 22 mice were sacrificed. Tumors' volume and weight were recorded. Blood picture was routinely investigated. The median survival time (MST) and percent increase in life span (%ILS) were monitored. In vitro, the complex reduced the %viable EAC cells, increased caspase 8 activity, arrested cell cycle at G0/G1, and reduced G2(M) population indicating antiproliferative and antitumor activities via inducing apoptosis. Treatment with the complex in a dose-dependent mode significantly decreased tumor volume and weight, extended the MST and the %ILS, increased mice body weight gain, and improved the blood indexes. Treatment of EAC-bearing mice with the complex highest dose showed more desirable outcomes than treatment with cisplatin. The Normal + Complex group showed no pathological changes indicating safety. In conclusion, our outcomes recommend the Pd(II) complex as a new optimistic candidate for tumor therapy after further studies for validation.

Schiff base 4-ethyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl) thiosemicarbazide up-regulates the antioxidant status and inhibits the progression of Ehrlich solid tumor in mice.

Cisplatin is an approved cancer therapeutic drug used to treat many solid tumors but its accumulation in the kidney, which causes nephrotoxicity, limits its clinical use. Therefore, investigators seek new alternatives to cisplatin that may be more effective and/or safer. Thiosemicarbazides are of great significance due to their expected biological activity including anticancer activities. The aim of this work is the study of the antitumor effect of Schiff base 4-ethyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl) thiosemicarbazide (HEPTS) on Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing mice in comparison to cancer therapeutic drug cisplatin. The experiment was run using sixty adult female Swiss albino mice. Mice were allocated into six groups (n = 10 mice). Healthy control, EAC control (untreated tumor), EAC + cisplatin, EAC + HEPTS, Healthy + HEPTS, and Healthy + solvent. After scarification, blood samples, liver organs, and solid tumors were collected. Tumor weights and volumes were registered. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), SOD, catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), uric acid, creatinine, and urea were assessed. Median survival time (MST) and the percentage increase in lifespan (%ILS) were also calculated. Treatment of tumorized mice with HEPTS significantly reduced both tumor volume and weight while it significantly increased the MST, antioxidant marks and prolonged the %ILS. It also, significantly reduced MAD, creatinine, urea, uric acid, and NO levels. Compared to cisplatin, HEPTS effects were better. Our results recommend HEPTS as one of the probable cisplatin-alternatives for tumor treatment after more validation.

Differential effects of gender and patient background diversity on the changes in metabolic and biophysical profiles in people with type-2 diabetes from different ethnicities who fast during Ramadan (H1439); a prospective study from Qatar.

OBJECTIVE: The 'PROspective Study of dose adjustment of multiple anti-diabetic therapy for Type-2 diabetic patients FASTing the Month of Ramadan aimed to assess the biophysical and metabolic effects of fasting during Ramadan, including HbA1c, weight, blood pressure and lipid profile. STUDY DESIGN METHODS: We performed a prospective study of people with Type-2 diabetes who were on ≥3 drugs for lowering glucose before and after Ramadan of H1438 (May-June 2017) in Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. We enrolled 228 participants, of whom 181 completed the study and were included in the analysis. RESULTS: There were 115 (63.5%) men and 66 (36.5%) women, mean age 53.6 ±â€¯9.7 years and mean diabetes duration of 10 ±â€¯6 years. Both HBA1c [7.8% (62 mmol/mol) vs. 7.6% (60 mmol/mol); p = 0.004]; and diastolic BP (75.7 ±â€¯8.55 vs. 68.8 ±â€¯23.1 mmHg, P = 0.001) improved significantly after Ramadan while there was an increase in total cholesterol (3.94 ±â€¯0.89 mmol/l vs 4.11 ±â€¯1.02 mmol/l; p = 0.008) and triglycerides (1.55 ±â€¯0.72 mmol/l vs 1.71 ±â€¯0.9 mmol/l; p = 0.012). Subgroup analysis showed that patients on sulphonylurea, South Asians and males had a significant reduction in both HBA1c and weight. CONCLUSION: Patients with Type 2 diabetes who fast during Ramadan show an improvement in glycaemic control and diastolic blood pressure, but a worsening of total cholesterol and triglycerides, particularly those of South Asian origin and men.

Incidence of hypoglycaemia in patients with type-2 diabetes taking multiple glucose lowering therapies during Ramadan: the PROFAST Ramadan Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of hypoglycemia in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on three or more anti-diabetic medications during Ramadan. STUDY DESIGN METHODS: We have studied people with T2DM on three or more glucose-lowering drugs during Ramadan of H1438 (May-June 2017). The dose of each drug was adjusted according to a pre-specified protocol. The incidence of symptomatic or blood glucose confirmed hypoglycemia was recorded during the study. RESULTS: We enrolled 228 people with T2DM; 181 completed the study, and data on hypoglycaemia was available in 172 subjects. There were 115 males and 66 females, (mean age ± SD) 53.6 ± 9.7 years, diabetes duration 10 ± 6 yrs. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was 16.3% (28/172). Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of hypoglycaemia was increased in Arab subjects compared to Qatari; in those with longer duration of diabetes; and in those on four or more anti-diabetic medications compared to those on three anti-diabetic medications. CONCLUSION: Despite the tailored advice, there is a high incidence of hypoglycemia in people with T2DM taking multiple glucose lowering therapies whilst fasting during Ramadan. Guidelines should address the increased complexity in anti-diabetic medications in patients who fast during Ramadan. Healthcare providers should individualize the modifications in anti-diabetic medications during Ramadan.

Nickel(II) diacetyl monoxime-2-pyridyl hydrazone complex can inhibit Ehrlich solid tumor growth in mice: A potential new antitumor drug.

The chief chemotherapeutic drug, cisplatin had common bad effects such as nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity and bone marrow depression. This led us to develop a new potential anticancer drug based on nickel metal ion that may be less toxic. Nickel(II) diacetyl monoxime-2-pyridyl hydrazone complex cytoprotective effect, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity and anticancer activities were studied. In vitro, the complex showed SOD-like activity of 86.62%. It was capable to kill 90.2% of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells and to protect 92.48% of human RBCs. In vivo, the complex lowered the tumor burden markedly in a concentration-dependent manner. Noticeably, solid tumor growth was suppressed; tumor volume and weight were reduced and mice life span was lengthened. The hematological indices were improved, catalase activity was re-elevated and malondialdehyde (MDA) level was reversed towards normal. Nucleic acids, cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes, urea and creatinine contents were reduced to near normal ranges. Glutathione (GSH), SOD, albumin and total protein levels were increased. In conclusion, our results revealed that the complex has the ability to suppress Ehrlich solid tumor growth in mice with minimal side effects. This may possibly via its redox activity. Surprisingly, nickel complex antitumor activities were more potent than those of cisplatin.

Solid Phase Extraction and Preconcentration of Trace Gallium, Indium, and Thallium Using New Modified Amino Silica.

Amino silica gel functionalized with 2-hydroxy-5 -(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)benzoic acid was synthesized, characterized and used as adsorbent for the removal of Ga3+, In3+ and Tl3+ from aqueous solution prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Experimental parameters that affect the separation process were investigated in both batch and column modes. The maximum adsorption capacities of the sorbent are 61.7 mg g-1, 81.3 mg g-1 and 133.0 mg g-1 for Ga3+, In3+ and Tl3+, respectively. The preconcentration factor is 200 and the limits of detection of Ga3+, In3+ and Tl3+ are 4.10 µg L-1, 1.55 µg L-1 and 1.21 µg L-1, respectively. Interference by Al3+ can be masked by the addition of F-; and that of Fe3+ by its reduction to Fe2+ using 10% ascorbic acid. The method was successfully applied for the determination of these ions in water, sediments and liquid crystal display samples.

Regression of murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma using synthesized cobalt complex.

Cisplatin as a chief chemotherapy has nephro-toxicity and so we have tried to develop a novel antitumor drug based on a combination of cobalt metal ion with an organic moiety. The antitumor activity of the complex was tested in vitro and in vivo against murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Antioxidant capacity and nucleic acids content were determined. Cobalt(ii) diacetyl monoxime-2-hydrazinopyridine complex significantly diminished tumor load. It decreased the tumor proliferation rate and obviously increased the life span of EAC-bearing mice. It reversed the haematological parameters back towards normal, reduced liver enzymes and urea, and increased albumin and total protein. Antioxidant parameters levels were reversed towards normal. An assessment was conducted by comparing these results with those obtained using the standard drug, cisplatin. The results suggest that the cobalt complex can be considered as a potent anticancer agent as it showed appreciable antitumor activity in EAC-bearing mice that was almost analogous to that of the reference standard, cisplatin.

Mixed Micelle-mediated Extraction and Separation of Scandium from Yttrium and Some Lanthanide Ions.

A simple mixed-micelle mediated extraction was elaborated for the preconcentration and determination of scandium(III) by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Scandium(III) was complexed with Alizarin Red S and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide at pH 3 to form hydrophobic chelates, which could be extracted with Triton X-114 at room temperature (25°C) in the presence of KI as a salting-out electrolyte. The main parameters of the extraction procedure were investigated in regard to the extraction efficiency of scandium(III). Under the optimum conditions, a linear range of 0.5 - 150 ng mL(-1) and a detection limit of 0.2 ng mL(-1), along with a preconcentration factor of 100, were achieved. Furthermore, the interference of diverse ions accompanying scandium(III) was extensively studied. The obtained results indicate the high selectivity of the proposed procedure. The accuracy of the procedure was verified through recovery experiments on spiked water samples and synthetic mixtures. The procedure was successfully applied to a scandium(III) determination in clay samples.

Hepatoprotective effect of cold-pressed Syzygium aromaticum oil against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

UNLABELLED: Contexts: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) causes liver injuries. There are claims that extracts from Syzygium aromaticum (Linn.) Merrill & L.M.Perry, (Myrtaceae) protects from such injuries. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the protective effects of cold-pressed S. aromaticum oil (CO) against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CO was orally administered to rats in two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) along with CCl4 (1 mL/kg in olive oil) for 8 weeks. Indices of liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, and peroxidation were evaluated in rats' serum and tissues. Fatty acids and bioactive lipids of CO were analyzed. RESULTS: High levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (39.7%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (42.1%) were detected in CO. The oil contained high amounts of tocols and phenolics. The LD50 value at 24 h was approximately 5950 mg/kg. Treatment with 200 mg/kg CO resulted in a decrease of creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels to 0.86, 32.6, and 2.99 mg/dL, respectively. Levels of TL, TC, TAG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C were decreased to 167, 195.3, 584.5, 74.6, and 39.0 mg/L, respectively, after 8 weeks of treatment. Hepatic malondialdehyde levels were reduced and glutathione levels were elevated in CO-treated rats. CO reduced the activities of AST, ALT, and ALP as well as kidney function markers, protein, and lipid profiles, respectively. Histopathological examination of liver indicated that CO treatment reduced fatty degenerations, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and necrosis. CONCLUSION: CO possessed a protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, mediated possibly by the antioxidant properties of the oil.

Health-promoting value and food applications of black cumin essential oil: an overview.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds and its essential oil have been widely used in functional foods, nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical products. Analysis of Nigella sativa essential oil using GC and GC-MS resulted in the identification of many bioactive compounds representing ca. 85 % of the total content. The main compounds included p-cymene, thymoquinone, α-thujene, longifolene, ß-pinene, α-pinene and carvacrol. Nigella sativa essential oil exhibited different biological activities including antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant potentials. Nigella sativa essential oil showed complete inhibition zones against different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including Penicillium citrinum Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The essential oil showed stronger antioxidant potential in comparison with synthetic antioxidants (i.e., BHA and BHT) in a rapeseed oil model system. The oil exhibited also stronger radical scavenging activity against DPPH·radical in comparison with synthetic antioxidants. The diversity of applications to which Nigella sativa essential oil can be put gives this oil industrial importance.

Application of Cloud Point Extraction for Cadmium in Biological Samples of Occupationally Exposed Workers: Relation Between Cadmium Exposure and Renal Lesion.

Cadmium (Cd) level in blood and urine of soldering iron workers (n=49) and 41 matched healthy controls has been assessed. Cloud point extraction was employed for preconcentration of Cd. The Cd ions formed hydrophobic complex with 9,10-phenanthraquinone monoethyl thiosemicarbazone that was extracted by surfactant-rich phases in the nonionic surfactant Triton X-114. The surfactant-rich phase was diluted with 1 M HNO3 in methanol prior to its analysis by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the proposed method, such as solution pH, amount of complexing agent, surfactant concentration, temperature, and incubation time, were optimized. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the detection limit and the enrichment factor were 0.04 µg L(-1) and 61, respectively. Relative standard deviation of 10 µg L(-1) Cd was less than 3.0%. The accuracy of the method was examined by analysis of certified reference materials. It was observed that soldering iron workers are liable to Cd overload as indicated by higher levels of Cd in blood and urine when compared with the controls. This exposure may lead to kidney damage indicated by elevation of urinary excretion of both N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase and ß2-microglobulin.

Resistin, visfatin, adiponectin, and leptin: risk of breast cancer in pre- and postmenopausal saudi females and their possible diagnostic and predictive implications as novel biomarkers.

The mechanisms of obesity-induced breast carcinogenesis are not clear. One hypothesis is that high levels of adipokines could promote breast cancer (BC) development. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of resistin, visfatin, adiponectin, and leptin with BC risk in pre- and postmenopausal females. A total of 82 BC newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed patients and 68 age and BMI matched healthy controls were enrolled. Both groups were subdivided into post- and premenopausal subgroups. Resistin, visfatin, adiponectin, and leptin were measured by ELISA. There were significantly higher levels of leptin, resistin, and visfatin in postmenopausal BC patients than their respective controls. Only in postmenopausal subgroups, leptin, resistin, and visfatin levels were positively correlated with TNM staging, tumor size, lymph node (LN) metastasis, and histological grading. In postmenopausal females, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and resistin were risk factors for BC. Our results suggested that serum resistin, leptin, adiponectin, and visfatin levels as risk factors for postmenopausal BC may provide a potential link with clinicopathological features and are promising to be novel biomarkers for postmenopausal BC.

Soft cheese supplemented with black cumin oil: Impact on food borne pathogens and quality during storage.

Black cumin seed oil (BCSO) was tested for its inhibitory effect against some pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Listeria monocytogenes Scott A and Salmonella enteritidis PT4) in Domiati cheese during cold storage. Physical, chemical and sensorial changes in cheese during storage were recorded. Pasteurized milk was inoculated before renneting with a mixed culture of bacteria at ca. 4 log CFU mL(-1). In vitro and in situ supplementation with BCSO showed antimicrobial impact on the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, L. monocytogenes and S. enteritidis inoculated into media and cheese samples. Supplementing of cheese with BCSO (0.1% or 0.2%, w/w) significantly reduced the counts of the inoculated pathogens by ca. 1.3 log and 1.5 log CFU g(-1) after 21 days of storage. In addition, BCSO controlled the development of titratable acidity, limited the changes in ripening indices, flavor components and kept considerable physicochemical and sensorial properties of cheese.

Bioactive lipids, radical scavenging potential, and antimicrobial properties of cold pressed clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil.

Health promoting cold pressed oils may improve human health and prevent certain diseases. It is hard to find any research concerning the composition and functional properties of cold pressed clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil (CO). Cold pressed CO was evaluated for its lipid classes, fatty acid profiles, and tocol contents. In addition, antiradical and antimicrobial properties of CO were evaluated. The amounts of neutral lipids in CO was the highest (∼94.7% of total lipids), followed by glycolipids and phospholipids. The main fatty acids in CO were linoleic and oleic, which comprise together ∼80% of total fatty acids. Stearic and palmitic acids were the main saturated fatty acids. α- and γ-tocopherols and δ-tocotrienol were the main detected tocols. CO had higher antiradical action against DPPH• and galvinoxyl radicals than virgin olive oil. The results of antimicrobial properties revealed that CO inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms. CO had a drastic effect on the biosynthesis of proteins and lipids in cells of Bacillus subtilis. In consideration of potential utilization, detailed knowledge on the composition and functional properties of CO is of major importance.

Oxidative stability of vegetable oils as affected by sesame extracts during accelerated oxidative storage.

In vitro antioxidant activities and protective effects of sesame cake extract in stabilising sunflower and soybean oils were tested. Total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents in the extract of sesame cake were 1.94 ± 0.02 (mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g(-1) dry weight (DW)), 0.88 ± 0.02 (mg quercetin equivalent (QE) g(-1) DW), and 0.40 ± 0.02 (mg QE g(-1) DW), respectively. Protective effects of sesame cake extract in stabilizing sunflower and soybean oils were tested, compared to synthetic antioxidants, by measuring their peroxide values (PV), conjugated dienes (CD), conjugated trienes (CT), and p-anisidine value during accelerated storage. Results indicated that sesame cake extract exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than BHT and BHA. However, its antioxidant activity was less than that of TBHQ.

Study of organically-modified montmorillonite clay for the removal of copper(II).

2-Oxyhydrazino-N-(2-methylen-yl-hydroxyphenyl)pyridinium (OMHP) ion was immobilized onto Na-montmorillonite clay (MMT). The modified clay (OMHP-MMT) was used for the removal of Cu(II). Experiments were carried out as a function of solution pH, stirring time, effect of some common ions and eluent type, concentration and volume. MMT, OMHP-MMT, and OMHP-MMT-loaded Cu(II) were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, electronic and infrared spectra, and elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. OMHP is suggested to be intercalated into MMT parallel to the aluminosilicate layers, with a capacity of 56.4 mEq/100g. OMHP-MMT shows good stability in 0.1-1 mol L(-1) hydrochloric or nitric acids, ammonia hydroxide, concentrated Na(+), K(+), NH(4)(+), Cl(-) or SO(4)(2-). It shows good removal efficiency and selectivity towards Cu(II) at pH 3.0-8.0 and stirring time 10 min with an removal capacity of 119 mEq/100g. Most common ions do not interfere with the removal process except Fe(3+). Extracted Cu(II) could be quantitatively recovered by 10 mL 1% thiourea in 0.1 mol L(-1) HCl with 100-fold preconcentration factor. OMHP-MMT was successfully applied to recover Cu(II) from different samples.

Immobilization of methylene blue onto bentonite and its application in the extraction of mercury (II).

Methylene blue was immobilized onto bentonite (BNT). The modified clay (MB-BNT) was used to extract Hg(2+) at pH 6.0 yielding Hg-MB-BNT. BNT, MB-BNT and Hg-MB-BNT were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, infrared spectra, and elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. MB is suggested to be intercalated into the major phase of BNT; montmorillonite mineral (MMT), lying parallel to the aluminosilicate layers, with a capacity of 36 mequiv./100g. MB-BNT shows good stability in 0.1-1M hydrochloric or nitric acids, ammonium hydroxide, and concentrated Na(+), K(+) or NH(4)(+) chlorides or iodides. It shows good selectivity towards Hg(2+) with an extraction capacity of 37 mequiv./100g in the presence of I(-) giving rise to a ratio of MB/Hg(2+)/I(-) 1:1:3 in the clay phase. Extracted Hg(2+) could be quantitatively recovered by ammonia buffer at pH 8.5. MB-BNT was successfully applied to recover Hg(2+) from spiked natural water and cinnabar mineral samples using the optimum conditions; pH 6.0, time of stirring 10 min and 10 mL of 0.05 M NH(4)Cl/NH(4)OH at pH 8.5 as eluent.