Dual-fuel gas-diesel engines present an environmentally attractive substitute for conventional diesel engines that operate with a finite resource petroleum fuel and emit large amount of harmful ...emissions. However, this engine configuration, in which the gaseous fuel is used as a primary fuel while the diesel fuel is used as an ignition source, suffers from lower thermal efficiency, slower burning rate, and higher CO (carbon monoxide) and HC (unburned hydrocarbon) emissions; particularly at part loads. Prolonged ignition delay and increased tendency to knock are other negative aspects of these engines.
The addition of oxygen to the intake air, commonly known as oxygen-enrichment, is expected to partially resolve these problems. In the present experimental study, a single-cylinder DI (direct injection) diesel engine has been properly modified to run on dual-fuel mode with natural gas as a main fuel and diesel fuel as a pilot; with the ability to enrich the intake air with variable amounts of oxygen. Comparative results are given for both plain dual-fuel (without oxygen-enrichment), and dual-fuel with different percentages of oxygen-enrichment of the intake air, at different load conditions; revealing the effect of adding oxygen to the intake air on engine performance, emissions, and knock tendency.
•Oxygen enriched air combustion in a dual fuel engine is experimentally investigated.•The work is carried out on a modified single cylinder DI diesel engine.•The engine uses natural gas as a main fuel and diesel injection as a pilot.•The tests are conducted for engine performance, emissions, and knock tendency.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPUK
Despite the considerable amount of data generated with respect to biochar application in the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge, there is a research gap for correlations linking biochar ...physico-chemical parameters to anaerobic digestion performance. In the current study, cumulative methane production (CMP) from anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge amended with biochar is modeled by an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) (2 hidden layers, 12 neurons each) based on data compiled from 51 published biomethane potential tests (BMP). The model reflects the effects of 13 operational parameters covering physico-chemical properties of biochar, sludge characterization and operating conditions. Various types of sewage sludge and biochar under both mesophilic and thermophilic conditions have been successfully modeled with an R2 of 0.9924. An importance analysis is conducted to evaluate the significance of the model input parameters to CMP. Results indicate that operating conditions are more significant to CMP and that CMP is strongly correlated with biochar physical properties and chemical composition where chemical composition has the dominant effect. Overall, this study proves that biochar physico-chemical parameters are correlated to CMP and enables its forecasting under unexamined conditions thus assisting in process optimization, scale up and techno-economic analyses without resorting to BMP tests.
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•An ANN model for anaerobic digestion of sludge amended with biochar is developed.•Methane yield is predicted for various biochars and operating conditions.•Thirteen independent process parameters are considered for the first time.•Biochar physico-chemical properties are strongly correlated to methane yield.•Dominant effect of biochar chemical composition on cumulative methane production.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
To evaluate whether misoprostol oral is as effective as vaginal tablets for cervical ripening.
Randomized controlled trial involving a parallel, double-blinded study (Canadian Task Force ...Classification IB).
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cairo University Hospital, between January 2014 and January 2016.
Patients undergoing operative hysteroscopy for various indications.
At 12 hours before hysteroscopy, the oral group received a 400-μg misoprostol tablet and 2 vaginal starch tablets. The vaginal group received 400 μg of misoprostol and 2 oral starch tablets. The control group received 2 oral starch and 2 vaginal starch tablets as placebo. Preoperative preparation was the same in all patients.
The main outcome measures were width of the endocervical canal, ease of dilatation, time to dilatation, and adverse effects. All subjects eligible for operative hysteroscopy (n = 430) were invited to participate. Twenty subjects refused, and 20 subjects were excluded. The enrolled subjects (n = 390) were randomized to oral misoprostol, vaginal misoprostol, or placebo. The differences in mean width of the endocervical canal between the oral and the control groups (4.79 ± 1.07 mm vs 3.92 ± 0.92 mm), and also between the vaginal and the control groups (4.25 ± 0.71 mm vs 3.92 ± 0.92 mm) were significant (p < .001 for both). Moreover, the difference in mean width of the endocervical canal between the oral and the vaginal groups was significant (4.79 ± 1.07 mm vs 4.25 ± 0.71 mm; p = .009). Cervical entry was easier in the oral and vaginal groups compared with the control group (mean Likert score, 4.25 ± 0.64 vs 4.22 ± 0.74 vs 2.55 ± 0.87; p < .001). In addition, the ease of cervical entry did not differ significantly between the oral and vaginal groups (p = .998). The mean time to dilatation was shorter in the oral group and the vaginal group (compared with the control group (48.98 ± 12.6 seconds vs 46.55 ± 15.32 seconds vs 178.05 ± 74.18 seconds; p < .001), but the difference between the oral and vaginal groups was not significant (p = .987). Adverse effects were comparable between groups (p > .05).
We found no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of cervical priming between oral misoprostol and vaginal misoprostol.
Septic shock is a major public health concern. However, the clinical and laboratory criteria for sepsis overlap with those for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and their differentiation can ...be challenging. The aim of this study was to compare HLH criteria among patients diagnosed with neonatal sepsis and childhood sepsis and to study the outcomes in patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for HLH. A cross-sectional study included 50 neonates and children with severe sepsis and/or septic shock. Clinical and laboratory data and HLH diagnostic criteria were studied in relation to patients outcome. Of all patients, 18% fulfilled three of the eight HLH diagnostic criteria, 2% fulfilled four criteria, and 4% fulfilled five criteria. All patients who fulfilled three or more of the criteria died. Mortality was higher in the presence of more positive HLH criteria and in pediatric age groups. However, the distributions of the HLH criteria were comparable for pediatric and neonatal patients with severe sepsis/septic shock, and their mortality rates were not significantly different when based on the criteria.
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DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
•Kerosene combustion with flue gas recirculation (FGR) was experimentally studied.•A stable flame is achieved with recycling of flue gas up to 40%.•Reduction of NO emissions up to 90% can be achieved ...by FGR.•The flame length, color, and temperature are strongly depending on recycling ratio.
The pollutant emissions resulting from combustion devices are considered one of the main concerns of many researchers due to their impact on the environment and people. Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are considered two of the most important pollutant emissions. The present study is an experimental study to investigate the effect of flue gas recirculation (FGR) on non-premixed combustion for NOx reduction and CO2 capture and storage (CCS) using oxygen mixed with recycled flue gas as an oxidizer instead of fresh air. Flame stability, flame appearance, two-dimensional flame temperature, and exhaust gas analysis were investigated with different FGR percentages. The results show that the flame is stable up to 40% recycled flue gas, but the flame temperature is reduced by about 25%, and there is a reduction of NOx from 90 ppm to 5 ppm. By using oxy-fuel combustion, the flame exhibits the same general appearance for different FGR% and has the main characteristics of air combustion without FGR.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Diabetes Mellitus is a multisystem chronic pandemic, wound inflammation, and healing are still major issues for diabetic patients who may suffer from ulcers, gangrene, and other wounds from ...uncontrolled chronic hyperglycemia.
contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics that support wound healing via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Our study aimed to develop a combination of eco-friendly formulations of green synthesis of ZnO-NPs by
extract and further incorporate them into 2% chitosan (CS) gel.
First, develop eco-friendly green Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and incorporate them into a 2% chitosan (CS) gel. In-vitro study performed by UV-visible spectrum analysis showed a sharp peak at 390 nm, and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry showed a peak of zinc and oxygen. Besides, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) was used to qualitatively validate biosynthesized ZnO-NPs, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed spherical nanoparticles with mean sizes of 76 nm and Zeta potential +30mV. The antibacterial potential of A.O.-ZnO-NPs-Cs was examined by the diffusion agar method against Gram-positive (
and
) and Gram-negative bacteria (
and
). Based on the zone of inhibition and minimal inhibitory indices (MIC). In addition, an in-silico study investigated the binding affinity of
. major components to the expected biological targets that may aid wound healing.
, A.O-ZnO-NPs group showed reduced downregulation of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α and increased IL-10 levels compared to the control group signaling pathway expression levels confirming the improved anti-inflammatory effect of the self-assembly method.
and histopathological analysis revealed the superiority of the nanoparticles in reducing signs of inflammation and wound incision in rat models.
These biocompatible green zinc oxide nanoparticles, by using
chitosan gel ensure an excellent new therapeutic approach for quickening diabetic wound healing.
Improving the treatment of psoriasis is a serious challenge today. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin condition affecting 125 million people worldwide. It is commonly treated with cyclosporine-A ...(CsA) and dithranol (DTH). CsA suppresses the activation of T-cells, immune cells involved in forming psoriatic lesions. Meanwhile, DTH is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drug that effectively reduces the severity of psoriasis symptoms such as redness, scaling, and skin thickness. CsA and DTH belong to BCS class II with limited oral bioavailability. We aim to develop a drug delivery system for topical co-delivery of CsA and DTH, exploring its therapeutic potential.
Firstly, we developed a niosomal drug delivery system based on ceramide IIIB to form Cerosomes. Cerosomes were prepared from a mixture of Ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and edge activator using a thin-film hydration technique. To co-deliver CsA and DTH topically for the treatment of psoriasis. These two hydrophobic drugs encapsulated into our synthesized positively charged particle cerosomes.
Cerosomes had an average particle size of (222.36 nm± 0.36), polydispersity index of (0.415±0.04), Entrapment Efficiency of (96.91%± 0.56), and zeta potential of (29.36±0.38mV) for selected formula. In vitro, In silico, in vivo, permeation, and histopathology experiments have shown that cerosomes enhanced the skin penetration of both hydrophobic drugs by 66.7% compared to the CsA/DTH solution. Imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriatic mice model was topically treated with our CsA/DTH cerosomes. We found that our formulation enhances the skin penetration of both drugs and reduces psoriasis area and severity index (PASI score) by 2.73 times and 42.85%, respectively, compared to the CsA/DTH solution. Moreover, it reduces the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6 compared to CsA/DTH solution administration.
The Cerosomes nano-vesicle-containing CsA/DTH represents a more promising topical treatment for psoriasis, giving new hope to individuals with psoriasis, compared to commercial and other conventional alternatives.
Canagliflozin (CFZ) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2) that lowers albuminuria in type-2 diabetic patients, cardiovascular, kidney, and liver disease. CFZ is classified as class IV ...in the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) and is characterized by low permeability, solubility, and bioavailability, most likely attributed to hepatic first-pass metabolism. Nanocrystal-based sublingual formulations were developed in the presence of sodium caprate, as a wetting agent, and as a permeability enhancer. This formulation is suitable for children and adults and could enhance solubility, permeability, and avoid enterohepatic circulation due to absorption through the sublingual mucosa. In the present study, formulations containing various surfactants (P237, P338, PVA, and PVP K30) were prepared by the Sono-homo-assisted precipitation ion technique. The optimized formula prepared with PVP-K30 showed the smallest particle size (157 ± 0.32 nm), Zeta-potential (-18 ± 0.01), and morphology by TEM analysis. The optimized formula was subsequently formulated into a sublingual tablet containing Pharma burst-V® with a shorter disintegration time (51s) for the
study. The selected sublingual tablet improved histological and biochemical markers (blood glucose, liver, and kidney function), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and protein kinase B (AKT) pathway compared to the market formula, increased CFZ's antidiabetic potency in diabetic rabbits, boosted bioavailability by five-fold, and produced faster onset of action. These findings suggest successful treatment of diabetes with CFZ nanocrystal-sublingual tablets.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a multisystem chronic pandemic, wound inflammation, and healing are still major issues for diabetic patients who may suffer from ulcers, gangrene, and other wounds ...from uncontrolled chronic hyperglycemia. Marshmallows or Althaea officinalis (A.O.) contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics that support wound healing via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Our study aimed to develop a combination of eco-friendly formulations of green synthesis of ZnO-NPs by Althaea officinalis extract and further incorporate them into 2% chitosan (CS) gel. Method and Results: First, develop eco-friendly green Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and incorporate them into a 2% chitosan (CS) gel. In-vitro study performed by UV-visible spectrum analysis showed a sharp peak at 390 nm, and Energy- dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry showed a peak of zinc and oxygen. Besides, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) was used to qualitatively validate biosynthesized ZnO-NPs, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed spherical nanoparticles with mean sizes of 76 nm and Zeta potential +30mV. The antibacterial potential of A.O.-ZnO-NPs-Cs was examined by the diffusion agar method against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Based on the zone of inhibition and minimal inhibitory indices (MIC). In addition, an in- silico study investigated the binding affinity of A.O. major components to the expected biological targets that may aid wound healing. Althaea Officinalis, A.O-ZnO-NPs group showed reduced downregulation of IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha and increased IL-10 levels compared to the control group signaling pathway expression levels confirming the improved anti-inflammatory effect of the self-assembly method. In-vivo study and histopathological analysis revealed the superiority of the nanoparticles in reducing signs of inflammation and wound incision in rat models. Conclusion: These biocompatible green zinc oxide nanoparticles, by using Althaea Officinalis chitosan gel ensure an excellent new therapeutic approach for quickening diabetic wound healing. Keywords: wound healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, chitosan, wound concentration, wound incision
A serious consequence of diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy (DN) which causes gradual damage to the kidneys. Dietary changes, blood pressure control, glucose control, and hyperlipidemia are all ...important components of DN management. New research, however, points to microRNAs (miRNAs) as having a pivotal role in DN pathogenesis. Miniature non-coding RNA molecules such as miRNAs control gene expression and impact several biological processes. The canonical and non-canonical routes of miRNA biogenesis are discussed in this article. In addition, several important signaling pathways are examined in the study of miRNA regulation in DN. A deeper knowledge of these regulatory mechanisms would allow for a better understanding of the molecular basis of DN and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Finally, miRNAs show tremendous potential as DN diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets, opening up promising avenues for further study and potential clinical use.
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IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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