Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences最新文献

Background

Presently, the proper disposal of E-waste is a major challenge for all nations. Portland cement and aggregates continue to play a major role in the construction industry's operations. Meanwhile, natural resources like gravel (aggregates) are becoming scarce. Thus, E-waste is now offering the building industry a chance to replace traditional aggregates. The main goal of the current study is to determine the highest amount of E-waste that may be replaced with 10-mm coarse aggregates with a nano-silica associated ternary blend in M-60 grade high-strength concrete while still maintaining the designed concrete's mechanical, durability, microstructural and workability characteristics.

Results

When compared to normal concrete, concrete with 15% E-waste replacement maintained the design-required compressive, flexural and tensile strength properties. When the E-waste plastic component percentage is considerably high (15–30%), there is a significant decremental performance regarding the mechanical properties and the decremental rate is found to be in the range of 13–23%. Even the microstructure characteristics of concrete validate the mechanical performance of concrete. Nevertheless, the durability characteristics of E-waste incorporated concrete were found to be promising.

Conclusions

The overall outcome of the study recommends 15% as the optimal replacement percentage of E-waste for conventional concrete, and it is recommended to adopt for real-time practices.

Background

Wound healing represents a complex clinical challenge, necessitating the selection of appropriate wound dressings to facilitate an efficient healing process. This study aims to explore an effective approach to enhance wound healing by investigating the therapeutic potential of a nanocellulose-based anthraquinone derived from marine fungi.

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups, including a control group and various four treatment groups. The wound healing process was assessed by measuring the wound area at different time points.

Results

The results showed promising outcomes in terms of wound healing progression. The group treated with anthraquinone and nanocellulose demonstrated the most favorable results, with normal epidermal architecture, marked hyperkeratosis, and minimal dermal edema. This study provides comprehensive evidence supporting the efficacy of this novel alternative therapy through histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses conducted on a rat model.

Conclusion

By addressing the limitations associated with conventional wound dressings, our research contributes to the development of innovative strategies for optimizing wound healing outcomes. The findings presented herein underscore the potential of nanocellulose-based anthraquinone as a promising therapeutic option for promoting skin wound healing. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and establish the clinical viability of this alternative therapy.

Background

The concept of near open sets is a potent tool that empowers researchers to achieve a more encompassing approximation of rough sets, thereby enhancing the accuracy of measurements. The evolution of rough set theory into various generalized forms, based on topological structures, has emerged as a significant approach in the realm of knowledge discovery within databases.

Results

This paper’s primary contribution lies in the introduction of a novel category of generalized near open sets, termed “inverse simply open sets,” within the context of the (text{j})-neighborhood space. The paper proposes diverse methods for extending the Pawlak’s rough approximations leading to the definition of new approximations in the (text{j})-neighborhood space. By employing these newly introduced generalizations, we establish fresh connections between two pivotal theories, namely “general topology and rough set theory”. Through a comprehensive investigation, we conduct multiple comparisons between our methodology and classical approaches. Furthermore, we showcase practical applications of these techniques within real-life scenarios, demonstrating their utility in decision-making processes.

Conclusions

We reduced the data’s ambiguity while increasing its accuracy measure. As a result, we may conclude that the proposed approximations were more precise than earlier techniques and contributed to the elimination of data ambiguity in real-world scenarios requiring accurate decisions.

Background

Inserting ureteral stents is a routine intervention that often results in problems. The cornerstone for treating stent-related symptoms is pharmacological therapy. This study was conducted to evaluate and to compare the effectiveness of mirabegron, tamsulosin, solifenacin and control in reducing double-J stent-related symptoms.

Results

Patients were evaluated preoperatively, one week after stent insertion and two weeks after the start of medications by the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) and visual analogue pain scale (VAPS). Solifenacin and mirabegron groups had significantly lower sexual scores after the 1st and 2nd weeks post-operatively (PO) when compared with the control group. Mirabegron group had significantly lower sexual scores after 1st and 2nd weeks PO when compared with patients in tamsulosin and solifenacin groups. Patients in mirabegron group had significantly fewer additional problems after the 1st and 2nd weeks PO when compared with patients in the control and tamsulosin groups.

Conclusions

To sum up, mirabegron was found to be superior to solifenacin in lowering urinary symptoms scores, sexual performance scores and work performance scores at both first and second weeks post-operatively. Mirabegron is a good alternative choice for SRSs when tamsulosin or solifenacin is ineffective or not tolerated.

Background

A new approach based on the Newton–Gauss method is used to find the Weibull parameters.

Results

A Python program was developed to employ the Newton–Gauss method. It is implemented to find Weibull parameters and wind potential of Pakistan’s eight cities (Hyderabad, Khuzdar, Multan, Quetta, Bahawalpur, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar). Wind speed data recorded at an interval of ten minutes for 2016 is used to implement a Python program to calculate wind potential. To compare the values of the parameters, five known methods, the empirical method, method of moments, energy pattern factor method, maximum likelihood method, and modified maximum likelihood method, were also used to model and determine the wind potential. The root mean square error, mean absolute error, coefficient of determination, and Akaike information criterion were calculated to compare values of wind parameters and average wind speed. The correlation between recorded and modeled Weibull pdf was almost 99% for each city.

Conclusions

The new method only caters to those wind speeds that contribute to the wind potential; therefore, the average value of the wind speed is the least in the case of the new method. The maximum wind potential was observed for Hyderabad.

Background

Microsponges are one of the advanced drug delivery systems that facilitates precise and controlled release of active ingredients that are suitable for topical and oral use. These porous microspheres are typically sized between 5 and 300 μm, offer benefits including controlled release, stability, and minimized side effects. Manufacturing techniques like quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion and liquid–liquid suspension polymerization are usually employed to prepare microsponges, although various challenges arise from the use of potentially hazardous organic solvents.

Main body

Microsponges possess distinct traits such as extended drug release, formulation flexibility, and high drug loading capacity. Entrapment of drugs requires considerations of solubility, stability, and miscibility, while evaluation methods encompass production yield and particle size analysis. Their applications range from dermatological to biopharmaceutical delivery, with diverse products utilizing this technology. Ongoing innovations about microsponges are evident in patents concerning medical dressings and hyaluronic acid delivery systems.

Conclusion

Microsponges present a promising avenue in drug delivery, despite many challenges. Current review addresses on limitations and diverse products highlighting commercial viability. Patent activity signifies continued interest, suggesting significant potential for enhancing patient care.

Background

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) constitutes a considerable nutritional problem in Egyptian preschool children. Moreover, IDA limits physical activity performance and interferes with children's development. Accordingly, we aim to investigate the correlation between IDA and hand dexterity and pinch grip strength in preschool children.

Results

This observational cross-sectional study encompassed the participation of 87 children, comprising both genders, with an age range of 5–6 years. The cohort was initially stratified into three distinct groups: Group A comprised 36 non-anemic children, group B included 25 children with mild iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), and group C consisted of 26 children with moderate IDA. After group delineation, comprehensive laboratory analyses were performed on all participants to assess for IDA, involving a thorough examination of their complete blood picture, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, serum iron levels, and serum ferritin levels. The evaluative metrics employed in this study encompassed the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition (BOT-2) and the Baseline Mechanical Pinch Gauge. These instruments were utilized to assess manual dexterity and pinch strength, specifically tip-to-tip and tripod strength. This investigation revealed a positive correlation between Hb, serum iron, and serum ferritin levels with both manual dexterity and pinch strength across all three groups.

Conclusion

This study highlights that IDA negatively affects hand dexterity and pinch grip strength in preschool children. Managing IDA early is crucial for improving their physical performance and overall development.

Background

Vaccine development against tuberculosis remains a global health imperative, necessitating robust immunogenicity and safety profiles. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems offer promising avenues to enhance vaccine efficacy while ensuring tolerability. This study explores the utilization of chitosan micelles as a delivery platform for immune complex vaccination against tuberculosis. Leveraging two key antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, namely HspX and Mpt51, known for their relevance in latent tuberculosis and its co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, immune complexes were synthesized in vitro using antibodies raised against these antigens. The immune complexes were then conjugated onto chitosan micelles, characterized for their physicochemical properties, and evaluated for their biocompatibility and immunogenicity.

Results

Chitosan nanoparticles conjugated with either antigen or its immune complexes were synthesized as micelles and physicochemical characterizations confirm the formation of micelles without altering the polymer composition. These immune complex-conjugated chitosan micelles were found to be safe, exhibiting no significant hemolytic and cytotoxic activity even at a higher concentration of 400 µg/ml. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells upon stimulation with immune complex-conjugated chitosan micelles showed enhanced cellular uptake and one to two-fold increased expression of key immune markers—interferon gamma and CD-86.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the potential of chitosan nanoparticles as a versatile delivery platform for immune complex vaccination against tuberculosis. While limitations exist, such as including only two markers of immune modulation, this study lays a foundation for future investigations into immune complex vaccine potential in animal models. In conclusion, chitosan micelles carrying immune complexes of HspX and Mpt51 tuberculosis antigens exhibit promising immunogenicity, highlighting their potential as a platform for multi-antigenic vaccine components warranting further in vivo studies.

Background

The goal of this study is to develop a feasible and sustainable solution to manage the use of industrial wastes of ground granulated blast-furnace steel slag (GGBS) activated by cement kiln dust (CKD) and quicklime (QL). Using activated GGBS in the manufacture of stabilized green bricks is still uncommon in Egypt in such applications. Five clay-based mixtures, each with varying replacement ratios (5–10, wt.%) of CKD and QL, were studied. Laboratory tests were conducted on cylindrical specimens made from these mixtures, which were left to cure for periods of up to 60 days. The raw materials and lab-made specimens were analyzed using particle size analysis, differential thermal analysis, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The physical and mechanical properties of the cured specimens were also determined and evaluated according to standard specifications. Furthermore, the durability of the cured specimens was evaluated against collapsibility in water.

ResuIts

It has been observed that adding QL and CKD to the stabilized green specimens of different mixes can enhance their engineering properties with curing age increasing. This is due to the pozzolanic reaction, which fills the pore structure with calcium silicate hydrates and calcium aluminate hydrates gel. The ratio of QL and CKD used significantly affected the engineering properties of the specimens. The study found that using 20% GGBS and 5% QL led to an increase in compressive strength (266 kg/cm²) at the density of (2.15 g/cm³), while also water absorption was reduced (8%) to give superior results. When GGBS and CKD were combined, a higher content of CKD (10 wt.%) gave better results compared to (5 wt.%) CKD. Furthermore, the physical and mechanical properties of the tested specimens (MD 1, MD II, MD III and MD IV) met the acceptable limits of dry compressive strength (30–70 kg/cm²), water absorption (8–15%), and density (1.7–2 gm/cm³), as specified by the Egyptian standard specifications for buildings used compressed earth blocks.

Conclusion

The CKD and QL act as alkali activators for GGBS and can be utilized in masonry construction.

Background

Coconut oil, a natural component abundant in terpenoids, possesses various physiological functions. The global concern over the spread of viral infections and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and fungi has highlighted the need for novel treatments. Coconut oil, with its known antimicrobial properties, presents an attractive candidate for combating these pathogens. This study aims to investigate the potential of coconut oil-loaded silica nanoemulsion (ON@SiO₂) as a novel therapeutic agent against viral, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and fungal pathogens.

Results

The study synthesized coconut oil-loaded silica nanoemulsion (ON@SiO₂) using an eco-friendly, cost-effective method with native coconut oil (CO). Characterization confirmed successful synthesis on the nanoscale with good distribution. Three nanoemulsion samples (ON-1@SiO₂, ON-2@SiO₂, and ON-3@SiO₂) were prepared, with average particle sizes of 193 nm, 200 nm, and 325 nm, respectively. Evaluation of cytotoxicity on Vero-E6 cell lines indicated safety of ON-0@SiO₂ and ON-3@SiO₂, with CC50 values of 97.5 mg/ml and 89.1 mg/ml, respectively. ON-3@SiO₂ demonstrated anti-Herpes I and II (HSV1 and HSV2) activity, with IC50 values of 1.9 mg/ml and 2.1 mg/ml, respectively. Additionally, ON-3@SiO₂ exhibited promising antibacterial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and B. subtilis, with MIC values of 25 mg/ml, 12.5 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, and 3.12 mg/ml, respectively.

Conclusions

ON-3@SiO₂ showed potential antifungal activity against C. albicans, a unicellular fungus, with an MIC of 12.5 mg/ml. Overall, ON@SiO₂ possesses antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.