Optimization and enhancement of CO2 sequestration in industrial wastes for environmental applications

This paper explores carbon capture and storage (CCS) through carbide lime waste (CLW), a by-product of acetylene production, under different conditions. This process is specifically designed to provide an onsite waste management solution for several industries that can easily be integrated into existing systems. In addition, the effect of the carbonation process on collected solids morphology and average particle size was studied. The structural and chemical characteristics of the carbonated carbide lime samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, TGA analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of carbonation conditions on the total dissolved solids and change in pH was studied. All carbonated products exhibited a calcite crystal structure with a specific morphology at each carbonation condition. High CLW concentration helped to form singular long rods and agglomerated spheroidal particles. In contrast, low CLW concentration promoted truncated prismatic morphology. The maximum pH reduction was honored at the highest CLW to water ratio. In addition, a maximum conductivity reduction of 96.87% was obtained at pH 12.7, and a CLW to water ratio of 1:10. Raman analyzer, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the minimum CO 2 uptake value for the higher carbide lime to distilled water ratio. This is due to the increase in the concentration of calcium species in the CLW–water mixture, which will form a thin carbonation layer that is distributed among calcium species

The Lateral Distortional Buckling of I-Plate Girders

This paper presents a numerical study for lateral distortional buckling of I-plate girders (LDBIPGs) by using the general-purpose finite element package ABAQUS (version 6.13) software. 3-D finite element (FE) models for simply supported IPGs subjected to two cases of loading are built. The first case of loading was uniform end moment that was introduced by a couple of forces applied at the top and bottom flanges of the IPGs. The second case of loading was a concentrated load at the shear center in the mid-span. First, shell finite element models are validated by comparing the FE critical bending moment (������,����) by the critical bending moment in EC3 code (������,��,������). The results indicate that the ������,���� was in good agreement with ������,��,������. Secondly, a preliminary analysis is conducted to the relative girder slenderness (��) where the LDB too place. Finally, a parametric study is carried out on simply supported IPGs regarding to the span length, the flange cross-section dimensions and the thickness of the web. The results showed that increasing the length of girders decreases ������.���� and increase in the bending coefficient factor (����). Also, decreasing in the web plate slenderness ratio (��������⁄) works on increasing in ������.���� values and ����. The results also showed that the increasing in the thickness of flange increases ������.���� and increase the value of ���� with small value. As a result of parametric study, the mean value and standard deviation of ���� for LDB mode are 1.16 and 0.08 respectively for �� limits (90:130). For �� limits (131:175), the mean value and standard deviation of ���� are 1.27 and 0.03 respectively. As for �� limits (176:221), the mean value and standard deviation of ���� are 1.32 and 0.02 respectively

The phytochemical and biological investigation of Jatropha pelargoniifolia root native to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Extensive phytochemical analysis of different root fractions of Jatropha pelargoniifolia Courb. (Euphorbiaceae) has resulted in the isolation and identification of 22 secondary metabolites. 6-hydroxy-8-methoxycoumarin-7-O-β-d-glycopyranoside (15) and 2-hydroxymethyl N-methyltryptamine (18) were isolated and identified as new compounds along with the known diterpenoid (1, 3, 4, and 7), triterpenoid (2 and 6), flavonoid (5, 11, 13, 14, and 16), coumarinolignan (8–10), coumarin (15), pyrimidine (12), indole (17, 18), and tyramine-derived molecules (19–22). The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities were evaluated for fifteen of the adequately available isolated compounds (1–6, 8–11, 13, 14, 16, 21, and 22). Seven (4, 6, 10, 5, 13, 16, and 22) of the tested compounds showed a significant analgesic effect ranging from 40% to 80% at 10 mg/kg in two in vivo models. Compound 1 could also prove its analgesic property (67.21%) when it was evaluated on a third in vivo model at the same dose. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was also recorded where all compounds showed the ability to scavenge nitric oxide (NO) radical in a dose-dependent manner. However, eight compounds (1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 13, 16, and 22) out of the fifteen tested compounds exhibited considerable in vivo anti-inflammatory activity which reached 64.91% for compound 10 at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Moreover, the tested compounds exhibited an antipyretic effect in a yeast-induced hyperthermia in mice. The activity was found to be highly pronounced with compounds 1, 5, 6, 10, 13, and 16 which decreased the rectal temperature to about 37 °C after 2 h of the induced hyperthermia (~39 °C) at a dose of 10 mg/kg. This study could provide scientific evidence for the traditional use of J. pelargoniifolia as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic

Modulatory role of chelating agents in diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats

AbstractIntroductionHypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. Chelating agents may play a modulatory role in atherosclerosis by removal of calcium from atherosclerotic plaques.AimThe present study aimed to explore the effects of calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (CaNa2EDTA) and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats using simvastatin as a reference standard.MethodsHypercholesterolemia was induced by feeding rats with cholesterol-rich diet for six weeks. Rats were divided into five groups (n=8): normal control, hypercholesterolemic control, simvastatin (20mg/kg; p.o.), CaNa2EDTA (100mg/kg; i.p.) and DMSA (100mg/kg; i.p.). Treatments continued daily for the six weeks of diet feeding.ResultsDiet-induced hypercholesterolemia resulted in alterations in the lipid profile markers and a state of oxidative stress coupled by compensatory increase in serum nitric oxide (NO) level and decreased aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity parallel to increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, aortic calcium content and aortic wall thickness. Treatment with simvastatin, CaNa2EDTA and DMSA improved lipid profile and oxidative stress markers. In addition, they attenuated hypercholesterolemia-induced changes in serum NO level, aortic eNOS and iNOS activities, calcium content and aortic wall thickness.ConclusionPretreatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with simvastatin, CaNa2EDTA or DMSA attenuated most of the changes induced by feeding rats with cholesterol-rich diet owing to their observed anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties

Surgical treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture using a single small lateral approach

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of semi-open reduction and minimal internal fixation through a single small lateral approach as a minimally invasive technique for treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. This prospective study was conducted on eighteen patients (16 men and 2 women). The average age was 37.7 (22–55). The most common cause of injury was a fall from height in fourteen patients. Patients were operated on within a mean time of 4.8 days of admission (1–11 days) and were followed up for an average period of 24.1 months (6–39 months). Patients were evaluated clinically using the Creighton-Nebraska Heath Foundation Assessment score of Crosby and Fitzgibbons (J Bone Joint Surg (Am) 72-A:852–859, 1990). The scoring system proposed by Knirk and Jupiter was used for radiological assessment of the posterior subtalar joint (Knirk and Jupiter in J Bone Joint Surg (Am) 68-A: 647–659, 1986). The skin incision healed in all cases without necrosis, infection, or sural nerve injury. All fractures healed after an average of 8 weeks (7–10 weeks), and patients returned to the routine daily activities after an average time of 4.3 months (3–7 months). In conclusion, semi-open reduction and minimal internal fixation through a small lateral approach is an effective treatment for carefully selected cases of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Seminavis aegyptiaca sp. Nov., a new amphoroid diatom species from estuary epilithon of the river–nile damietta branch, Egypt

During a recent floristic–taxonomic study on the algal flora, including diatoms, from the estuary of the Damietta Branch of the Nile in Egypt, an interesting epilithic diatom species belonging to the genus Seminavis (Naviculaceae) was collected and investigated using both light and scanning electron microscopy. This new diatom species shares morphologically some taxonomic diagnostic features with other related taxa such as S. insignis, S. robusta, and S. ventricosa. However, it still differs by having ventral central striae that are shorter and more or less straight in the middle of the smaller frustules to be clearly radiate in the larger ones and then become geniculate and only radiate near the poles, the central raphe endings are externally more distantly spaced than in the similar species, the elongate central nodule is internally less prominent, and the areola density is much denser. Therefore, we here describe it as Seminavis aegyptiaca sp. nov. Hydrochemical analyses revealed that S. aegyptiaca commonly inhabits typical marine, with a weak tendency towards brackish water, habitats. It was found to be tolerant to meso–eutrophic, nutrient–enriched conditions, based on the data available on seasonal concentrations of N and P compounds. These findings not only contribute to the inventory of Egyptian diatoms, but also increase our understanding of the autecology and distribution of this relatively poorly–known diatom genus

Diagnostic value of CD14+ CD16+ monocytes in neonatal sepsis

Background: The majority of monocytes (MO) are strongly positive for CD14 and negative for CD16. The phenotype and function of peripheral blood monocytes change after trauma and during sepsis. CD14+CD16+ monocytes, identified as a minor population of monocytes which constitute a potent phagocytosing and antigen-presenting monocyte subpopulation that expands during acute and chronic infections. Objective: To evaluate monocyte expression of CD14 and CD16 in preterm neonates and to assess it as a possible marker for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis as the early clinical signs are often insidious and non-specific. Methods: This study was carried out on 45 preterm neonates (1-3 days old ) with a mean gestational age of 34.5 ± 1.03 weeks . They were classified into three groups. Group I included 15 neonates with proven sepsis. Group II included 15 neonates with possible or suspected infection. Group III (control group) included 15 healthy age and sex matched neonates. The neonates with possible infection were followed up. Nine of them developed sepsis later on (proved clinically and by laboratory) and they were considered as patients with early sepsis at the time of admission. History taking and clinical examination were performed as well as laboratory investigations including, complete blood count, blood culture and sensitivity (for patients only), measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) and CD14 and CD16 expression on monocytes by flow cytometry. Results: The proportion of CD14+ CD16+ MO within all circulating monocytes was significantly higher in patients with proven (75.2±13.1%), early (63.9±17.9%) or possible sepsis (55.1±26.8%) than controls (3.86±2.53%) (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.001, respecctively). It was higher in neonates with proven than possible sepsis (p > 0.05), whereas it was comparable in the groups of proven and early sepsis (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD16+ MO and CRP (p < 0.01) and a significant negative correlation between it and the platelet count (p < 0.05) among patients. When neonates with early sepsis were followed up after 48 hours a significant increase in CRP levels and MFI of CD16 expression on monocytes was noted (p < 0.01 for both). The sensitivity and negative predictive value of CD14+ CD16+ MO% and MFI of CD16+ MO were higher than that of CRP. Specificity and positive predictive value of CD14+CD16+ MO% were similar to those of CRP. The cut off point (obtained from the ROC curve) for CD14+ CD16+ MO% was 8.6% and that for MFI of CD16+ MO was 9. Conclusion: The measurement of the percentage of CD14+ CD16+ MO among circulating MO is a promising rapid and sensitive test for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and exclusion of infection in neonates with high risk to develop sepsis. NICU costs as well as unnecessary antibiotic use can be thus reduced.Keywords: CD14, CD16, monocyte, neonate, sepsisEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2004; 2(1): 16-2

Seminavis aegyptiaca sp. nov., a new amphoroid diatom species from estuary epilithon of the River-Nile Damietta Branch, Egypt

[EN] During a recent floristic–taxonomic study on the algal flora, including diatoms, from the estuary of the Damietta Branch of the Nile in Egypt, an interesting epilithic diatom species belonging to the genus Seminavis (Naviculaceae) was collected and investigated using both light and scanning electron microscopy. This new diatom species shares morphologically some taxonomic diagnostic features with other related taxa such as S. insignis, S. robusta, and S. ventricosa. However, it still differs by having ventral central striae that are shorter and more or less straight in the middle of the smaller frustules to be clearly radiate in the larger ones and then become geniculate and only radiate near the poles, the central raphe endings are externally more distantly spaced than in the similar species, the elongate central nodule is internally less prominent, and the areola density is much denser. Therefore, we here describe it as Seminavis aegyptiaca sp. nov. Hydrochemical analyses revealed that S. aegyptiaca commonly inhabits typical marine, with a weak tendency towards brackish water, habitats. It was found to be tolerant to meso–eutrophic, nutrient–enriched conditions, based on the data available on seasonal concentrations of N and P compounds. These findings not only contribute to the inventory of Egyptian diatoms, but also increase our understanding of the autecology and distribution of this relatively poorly–known diatom genusSIThis work was a part of the PhyBiO project funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) to the MUSE Post–Doc Abdullah A. Saber for the academic year 2018/201