Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Processing and Sr-Doped ZnO/CNT Photocatalyst Decoration of Cotton Fabrics for Self-Cleaning Application

Nonthermal plasma processing is a chemical-free and environmentally friendly technique to enhance the self-cleaning activity of nanoparticle-coated cotton fabrics. In this research, Sr-doped ZnO/carbon nanotube (CNT) photocatalysts, namely, S10ZC2, S15ZC2, and S20ZC2 with different Sr doping concentrations, were synthesized using the sol-gel method and coated on plasma-functionalized fabric to perform the self-cleaning tests. The fabrics were treated with dielectric barrier discharge plasma in an open environment for 3 min to achieve a stable coating of nanoparticles. The energy band gap of the photocatalyst decreased with an increase in the level of Sr doping. The band gap of S10ZC2, S15ZC2, and S20ZC2 photocatalysts was estimated to be 2.85, 2.78, and 2.5 eV, respectively. The hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO was observed on the fabric surface composited with CNTs and Sr. The S20ZC2 photocatalyst showed better homogeneity and photocatalytic response on the fabric when compared with S10ZC2- and S15ZC2-coated fabrics. The S20ZC2 photocatalyst showed 89% dye degradation efficiency after 4 h of light exposure in methylene blue solution, followed by S15ZC2 (84%) and S10ZC2 (80%) photocatalysts.

Chemotherapeutic Activity of Imidazolium-Supported Pd(II) o-Vanillylidene Diaminocyclohexane Complexes Immobilized in Nanolipid as Inhibitors for HER2/neu and FGFR2/FGF2 Axis Overexpression in Breast Cancer Cells

Two bis-(imidazolium-vanillylidene)-(R,R)-diaminocyclohexane ligands (H2(VAN)2dach, H2L1,2) and their Pd(II) complexes (PdL1 and PdL2) were successfully synthesized and structurally characterized using microanalytical and spectral methods. Subsequently, to target the development of new effective and safe anti-breast cancer chemotherapeutic agents, these complexes were encapsulated by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to formulate (PdL1LNP and PdL2LNP), which are physicochemically and morphologically characterized. PdL1LNP and PdL2LNP significantly cause DNA fragmentation in MCF-7 cells, while trastuzumab has a 10% damaging activity. Additionally, the encapsulated Pd1,2LNPs complexes activated the apoptotic mechanisms through the upregulated P53 with p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively. The apoptotic activity may be triggered through the activity mechanism of the Pd1,2LNPs in the inhibitory actions against the FGFR2/FGF2 axis on the gene level with p < 0.001 and the Her2/neu with p < 0.05 and p < 0.01. All these aspects have triggered the activity of the PdL1LNP and PdL2LNP to downregulate TGFβ1 by p < 0.01 for both complexes. In conclusion, LNP-encapsulated Pd(II) complexes can be employed as anti-cancer drugs with additional benefits in regulating the signal mechanisms of the apoptotic mechanisms among breast cancer cells with chemotherapeutic-safe actions.

Methyl esters synthesis from Luffa cylindrica seeds oil using green copper oxide nanoparticle catalyst in membrane reactor

This study investigates the potential role of Juglans sp. root extract-mediated copper oxide nanoparticles of Luffa cylindrica seed oil (LCSO) into methyl esters. The synthesized green nanoparticle was characterized by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) spectroscopies to find out the crystalline size (40 nm), surface morphology (rod shape), particle size (80-85 nm), and chemical composition (Cu = 80.25% & O = 19.75%), accordingly. The optimized protocol for the transesterification reaction was adjusted as oil to methanol molar ratio (1:7), copper oxide nano-catalyst concentration (0.2 wt %), and temperature (90 °C) corresponding to the maximum methyl esters yield of 95%. The synthesized methyl esters were characterized by GC-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FT-IR studies to know and identify the chemical composition of newly synthesized Lufa biodiesel. The fuel properties of Luffa cylindrica seed oil biofuel were checked and compared with the American Biodiesel standards (ASTM) (D6751-10). Finally, it is commendable to use biodiesel made from wild, uncultivated, and non-edible Lufa cylindrica to promote and adopt a cleaner and sustainable energy method. The acceptance and implementation of the green energy method may result in favourable environmental effects, which in turn may lead to better societal and economic development.

Effect of Ionic Liquids on Mechanical, Physical, and Antifungal Properties and Biocompatibility of a Soft Denture Lining Material

This study aims to evaluate the effect of ionic liquids and their structure on the mechanical (tensile bond strength (TBS) and Shore A hardness), mass change, and antifungal properties of soft denture lining material. Butyl pyridinium chloride (BPCL) and octyl pyridinium chloride (OPCL) were synthesized, characterized, and mixed in concentrations ranging from 0.65-10% w/w with a soft denture liner (Molloplast-B) and were divided into seven groups (C, BPCL1-3, and OPCL1-3). The TBS of bar-shaped specimens was calculated on a Universal Testing Machine. For Shore A hardness, disc-shaped specimens were analyzed using a durometer. The mass change (%) of specimens was calculated by the weight loss method. The antifungal potential of ionic liquids and test specimens was measured using agar well and disc diffusion methods (p ≤ 0.05). The alamarBlue assay was performed to assess the biocompatibility of the samples. The mean TBS values of Molloplast-B samples were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) for all groups except for OPCL1. Compared with the control, the mean shore A hardness values were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) for samples in groups BPCL 2 and 3. After 6 weeks, the OPCL samples showed a significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) mass change as compared to the control. Agar well diffusion methods demonstrated a maximum zone of inhibition for 2.5% OPCL (20.5 ± 0.05 mm) after 24 h. Disc diffusion methods showed no zones of inhibition. The biocompatibility of the ionic liquid-modified sample was comparable to that of the control. The addition of ionic liquids in Molloplast-B improved the liner's surface texture, increased its hardness, and decreased its % mass change and tensile strength. Ionic liquids exhibited potent antifungal activity.

Biodiesel production from date seed oil using hydroxyapatite-derived catalyst from waste camel bone

Biodiesel is considered to be more friendly to the environment than petroleum-based fuels, cheaper and capable for producing greener energy which contributed positively in boosting bio-economy. A new non-edible feedstock utilized from date seed oil was analyzed for the synthesis of eco-friendly biodiesel using newly novel hydroxyapatite heterogeneous catalysts, obtaining from waste camel bones prepared from dried camel bone followed calcination under different temperature. This catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results showed that hydroxyapatite catalyst pore size reduced with increasing the calcination temperature. Optimize biodiesel yield (89 wt%) was achieved through the process of transesterification with optimum reaction conditions of 4 wt% catalyst, oil to ethanol molar ratio of 1:7 and temperature 75 °C for 3 h reaction time. The production of FAME was confirmed by using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Fuel properties of fatty acid ethyl ester complied with ASTM D 6751 which indicated that it would be an appropriate alternative form of fuel. As a result, using biodiesel made from waste and untamed resources to develop and implement a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy strategy is commendable. The acceptance and implementation of the green energy method may result in favorable environmental effects, which in turn may lead to better societal and economic growth for biodiesel industry at a larger scale.

Treatment of Saussurea heteromalla for biofuel synthesis using catalytic membrane reactor

Membrane technology has been adopted as a prospective and promising alternative to the standard technology used for biodiesel production since the time when it had some limitations. During this research project, the inedible seed oil generating feedstock known as Saussurea heteromalla was put through a biodiesel production process that utilized membrane technology with an effort to increase the yield of methyl ester. The transesterification process was mediated by zirconium oxide nanoparticles that were generated using an aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea leaf. With an oil to methanol ratio of 1:9, a catalyst concentration of 0.88 (wt. %), temperature of 87 °C, and reaction time of 180 min, the highest possible biodiesel yield of 93% was achieved. The findings of the catalyst characterization demonstrated the purity of the zirconium oxide nano particles and their nanoscale nature with average particle size of 31 nm. Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS), an examination of biodiesel revealed the presence of four different peaks of methyl esters. Using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance, we were able to verify that the production of methyl esters in the biodiesel sample was successful (NMR). Zerconium oxide nanoparticles were found reusable up to five consecutive cycles of transesterification. The fuel-related properties of methyl ester have been determined and are in line with the requirements of the international standards ASTM D-6571 and EN 14214. In the course of our ongoing research, we made use of membrane technology, which led to the production of biodiesel from the seed oil of Saussurea heteromalla that was better for the environment, more cost effective, and produced in greater quantities.

Ionic chitosan Schiff bases supported Pd(II) and Ru(II) complexes; production, characterization, and catalytic performance in Suzuki cross-coupling reactions

Taking the advantage of multifunctional characteristics of chitosan (CS), we have developed new scaffolds (imidazolium-vanillyl-chitosan Schiff bases (IVCSSBs)) for supporting Pd(II) and Ru(II) ions in catalyzing Suzuki coupling reactions. The structures of new materials were described based on their elemental, spectral, thermal, and microscopic analysis. The strong interactions between the binding sites of IVCSSB ligand (OH, H-C=N, and OCH₃ groups) and Pd(II) ions resulted in the formation of an excellent heterogeneous catalyst (Pd(II)IVCSSB1) with amazing catalytic activity (up to 99%) and highly stable in the reaction medium. The reusability experiments for Pd(II)IVCSSB₁ revealed that there is no appreciable decrease in its catalytic activity even after five consecutive operation runs. Furthermore, this heterogeneous catalyst showed an excellent selectivity toward the cross-coupling reaction where no homo-coupling byproducts were observed in the ¹H NMR spectra of the obtained products. Consequently, the present ionic catalytic system may open a new window for a novel generation of ionic bio-based catalysts for organic transformations.

Utilization of a low cost agro-residue for production of coagulant aids and their applications

Different samples of rice husk ash (RHA) and sodium silicate were prepared and characterized using FTIR, NFTIR and XRD. The selected sample of RHA was obtained by calcination of untreated rice husk (RH) in a semi-closed system at 650°C. Four novel polyinorganic coagulants were also prepared, namely, poly aluminum chloride silicate, poly hydroxy aluminum sulphate silicate, poly ferric chloride silicate and poly ferric aluminum chloride silicate. Applications were carried out for the removal of some pollutants from ground, sewage and industrial waste waters. It was found that the maximum percentages removal of Fe(2+) and Mn(2+) ions in ground water reached 99 and 97%, respectively, the maximum percentage removal of, Pb(2+) ion in industrial waste water reached 97%. In addition, the maximum percentages removal of COD, BOD and TSS in sewage waste water reached 90, 92, and 93%, respectively.

Removal of some heavy metals ions from wastewater by copolymer of iron and aluminum impregnated with active silica derived from rice husk ash

Recently because of increasing of the environmental awareness and demands, several attempts were carried out for the conversion of by-products of natural materials, especially agricultural wastes, to highly sorption capacity materials. In recent years, attention has been focused on the utilization of unmodified or modified agro-residues as sorbents for removal of pollutants. Various modifications have been reported to enhance sorption capacities for heavy metals. The present study deals with the adsorption equilibrium of iron, manganese, lead and arsenic ions from aqueous solutions on copolymer of Al(+3), Si(+4) and Fe(+3) using batch techniques. The influence of various parameters, such as agitation time, sorbent mass and pH of sorbate solution were investigated. Under this study the maximum adsorption capacity of iron and aluminum copolymer impregnated with silica (PAlFeClSi) for lead, iron, manganese and arsenic are found to be 416, 222, 158, 146 mg/g, respectively.

Chlamydial serology among patients with tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy in Alexandria, Egypt

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Little is known about the role of Chlamydia trachomatis in the etiology of tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy in Egypt.

GOAL OF THIS STUDY

To assess the association between past chlamydial infection, tubal factor infertility, and ectopic pregnancy in an Egyptian population.

STUDY DESIGN

This report consists of two concurrent case-control studies. First, 51 patients with tubal factor infertility were compared with 48 healthy subjects who did not have tubal factor infertility and 53 pregnant subject subjects. Second, 66 patients with ectopic pregnancy were compared with 51 pregnant control subjects.

RESULTS

Geometric mean titers for Chlamydia trachomatis were higher among patients with tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy, and they were more likely to have high antichlamydial titers (> or = 1:128 immunoglobulin G). Serum titer was significantly correlated with histologic evidence of salpingitis among the patients with an ectopic pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Our findings, similar to those from Western societies, suggest that among Egyptian women, prior chlamydial infection is associated with an increased risk of tubal factor infertility and possibly ectopic pregnancy.

Chlamydial serologic characteristics among intrauterine contraceptive device users: does copper inhibit chlamydial infection in the female genital tract?

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess the association between copper intrauterine contraceptive device use and the level of antichlamydial antibodies.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifty-four women (29 with history of ectopic pregnancy, 2 with non-tubal factor infertility, 1 with tubal factor infertility, and 22 with intact intrauterine pregnancies) with current or prior intrauterine contraceptive device use were compared with 60 prenatal control subjects with respect to antichlamydial antibodies.

RESULTS

When the intrauterine contraceptive device user group was subdivided into copper users and Lippes Loop device users, a significantly lower geometric mean serum antibody titer among copper intrauterine contraceptive device users was detected. The odds ratio estimates for past chlamydial exposure (> or = 1:64 immunoglobulin G, > or = 1:128 immunoglobulin G) in users of noncopper versus copper intrauterine contraceptive devices were 9.1 (95% confidence interval 1.9 to 43.0) and 10.5 (95% confidence interval 1.5 to 71.8), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The lower geometric mean serum antibody titer of antichlamydial antibody among copper versus Lippes Loop device users and the large association measured between past chlamydial infection and noncopper intrauterine contraceptive device use suggest that copper may have a protective effect against Chlamydia trachomatis infection or a suppressive effect on development of antichlamydial antibodies.

Human tubal fluid collection via vagina and its quantitative variations during the menstrual cycle

The culdoscope was used for easy approach to the fallopian tube, which was delivered into the vagina, and a Foley catheter (No. 8 French) was introduced through its fimbrial end for collection of human tubal secretion. It was left from one to eight days. The technique was successful in 54 cases out of 60, but we succeeded in collecting enough fluid in 44 cases only. The volume of human tubal fluid was studied in relation to the phase of the cycle. A peak of fluid volume was found to occur at the midcycle.