Removing arsenic from groundwater in Cambodia using high performance iron adsorbent

In Cambodia, groundwater has been contaminated with arsenic, and purification of the water is an urgent issue. From 2010 to 2012, an international collaborative project between Japan and Cambodia for developing arsenic-removing technology from well water was conducted and supported by the foundation of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, Japan. Quality of well water was surveyed in Kandal, Prey Veng, and Kampong Cham Provinces, and a monitoring trial of the arsenic removal equipment using our patented amorphous iron (hydr)oxide adsorbent was performed. Of the 37 wells surveyed, arsenic concentration of 24 exceeded the Cambodian guideline value (50 μg L(-1)), and those of 27 exceeded the WHO guideline for drinking water (10 μg L(-1)). Levels of arsenic were extremely high in some wells (>1,000-6,000 μg L(-1)), suggesting that arsenic pollution of groundwater is serious in these areas. Based on the survey results, 16 arsenic removal equipments were installed in six schools, three temples, two health centers, four private houses, and one commune office. Over 10 months of monitoring, the average arsenic concentrations of the treated water were between 0 and 10 μg L(-1) at four locations, 10-50 μg L(-1) at eight locations, and >50 μg L(-1) at four locations. The arsenic removal rate ranged in 83.1-99.7%, with an average of 93.8%, indicating that the arsenic removal equipment greatly lower the risk of arsenic exposure to the residents. Results of the field trial showed that As concentration of the treated water could be reduced to <10 µg L(-1) by managing the As removal equipment properly, suggesting that the amorphous iron (hydr)oxide adsorbent has high adsorbing capacity for As not only in the laboratory environment but also in the field condition. This is one of the succeeding As removal techniques that could reduce As concentration of water below the WHO guideline value for As in situ.

Effect of Physalis peruviana L. on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Cadmium (Cd) stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species and causes tissue damage. We investigated here the protective effect of Physalis peruviana L. (family Solanaceae) against cadmium-induced testes toxicity in rats. Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups (n=7). Group 1 was used as control. Group 2 was intraperitoneally injected with 6.5 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of cadmium chloride for 5 days. Group 3 was orally treated with 200 mg/kg bwt of methanolic extract of physalis (MEPh). Group 4 was pretreated with MEPh before cadmium for 5 days. Changes in body and testes weights were determined. Oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and testosterone level were measured. Histopathological changes of testes were examined, and the immunohistochemical staining for the proapoptotic (caspase-3) protein was performed. The injection of cadmium caused a significant decrease in body weight, while a significant increase in testes weight and testes weight index was observed. Pretreatment with MEPh was associated with significant reduction in the toxic effects of Cd as shown by reduced testicular levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and caspase-3 expression and increased glutathione content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and testosterone were also increased. Testicular histopathology showed that Cd produced an extensive germ cell apoptosis, and the pretreatment of MEPh in Cd-treated rats significantly reduced Cd-induced testicular damage. On the basis of the above results, it can be hypothesized that P. peruviana L. has a protective effect against cadmium-induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis in the rat.

Rapid rituximab infusion, local center experience

Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody (MoAb) targeting CD20 has been widely used in the management of B-cell lympho-proliferative disorders.(1-3) The usual recommended schedule of regular administration over 3 to 4 hours requires considerable healthcare resources and oftentimes inconvenient for patients. Literature shows the availability of published reports proving the safety and feasibility of rapid infusion of rituximab. This study explored the safety and tolerability of rituximab infusion over a shorter total infusion time. A total of 24 patients diagnosed with CD20+ Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and planned to receive rituximab at a dose of 375mg/m2 in combination with standard chemotherapy regimens were included in the study from January 2009 to December 2009. The administration of first rituximab dose was unaltered and given as per standard practice of 3-4 hours infusion. The second and subsequent doses were delivered over a total infusion time of only 90 minutes (20% of dose in the first 30 minutes, remaining 80% over the next 60 minutes). These patients, aged between 15 and 79 years, received a total of 152 rituximab infusions with an average of 6.33 (+/-2.37) infusions per patient. Grade 1 infusion related toxicity was reported in 5 infusions (3.2%), and there were no acute reactions or G3/4 toxicity in any infusion episode. A rapid infusion of rituximab is well tolerated, feasible and safe when administered as second and subsequent infusions in the course of therapy for those who tolerate the first dose without significant infusion related toxicity. This shortened infusion method results in a substantial reduction in resource utilization. Our institution has now adopted this as a routine practice.

KEYWORDS

Rituximab, Short infusion, Oman.

Solid State and Dissolution Rate Characterization of Co-Ground Mixtures of Nifedipine and Hydrophilic Carriers

Co-ground powders of the poorly water-soluble drug nifedipine and a hydrophilic carrier, [partially hydrolyzed gelatin (PHG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), urea or Pluronic F108] were prepared in order to improve the dissolution rate of nifedipine. The effects of type of grinding equipment, grinding time, and type of hydrophilic carrier on the crystallinity of nifedipine (x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry) on the interaction between drug and carriers (differential scanning calorimetry), on the particle size and appearance (scanning electron microscopy), on the wettability (contact angle measurements), and on the drug release were investigated. Grinding nifedipine together with these carriers improved the dissolution rate. PHG-ground mixtures resulted in the fastest dissolution rate followed by PVP, SDS, HPMC, Pluronic, urea, and PEG. This effect was not only due to particle size reduction, which increased in the order PHG<PEG=SDS<Pluronic<drug<urea<HPMC<PVP, but also resulted from the ability of some carriers (PVP and HPMC) to prevent reaggregation of the finely divided drug particles. PVP, HPMC, and PHG formed a powder with amorphous drug. The carriers improved the wettability of the ground products in the order HPMC<drug<urea<PVP<SDS<PHG<PEG<Pluronic. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements gave valuable information about the nature of drug crystallinity and the interactions with the carriers within the ground mixtures.

Preparation, characterization and optimization of probucol self-emulsified drug delivery system to enhance solubility and dissolution

The main purposes of this work were to prepare, characterize and optimize a self-emulsified drug delivery system of probucol (PBSEDDS) with enhanced dissolution and better chance for oral absorption. The methods included determination of the solubility of probucol in different oils, surfactants and co-surfactants using saturation solubility method and HPLC for drug analysis. The ingredients showing high drug solubility were used to prepare PBSEDDS after being tested for physical and chemical compatibility with the drug using DSC and FTIR. The prepared formulations were evaluated for droplet size, turbidity, spontaneity of emulsification and dissolution in water. Optimization was performed using a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken experimental design. The results showed high drug solubility and compatibility with soybean oil (solvent), Labrafil M1944CS (surfactant) and Capmul MCM-C8 (cosurfactant). Oil to surfactant/co-surfactant ratio showed large influence on the characteristics of PBSEDDS. Several fold improvement of drug dissolution was observed compared to drug solution in soybean oil alone. Optimization study showed that observed and predicted values of cumulative percent drug dissolution after 60 min were in reasonable agreement. The experimental design applied helped in understanding the effects and the interaction effects between the independent factors. The prepared PBSEDDS may have the potential to enhance the therapeutic bioavailability of probucol.

A chloroplastic inner envelope membrane protease is essential for plant development

Regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) is a fundamental mechanism for controlling a wide range of cellular functions. Cleavage of membrane embedded proteins results in soluble fragments exerting their function, e.g., as transcription factors and thereby regulating gene expression. This process is highly conserved throughout all kingdom of life as are the involved proteases. RIP has been described in eukaryotes, bacteria and archea though until recently not in plant organelles. Here we describe a chloroplastic membrane protease which belongs to the conserved S2P family of membrane metallo proteases. We show that this protease is localized in the inner envelope membrane and is essential for plant development. It could function in a RIP like process regulating the concordant action in the plant cytosol, nucleus and plastids.

Inner envelope protein 32 is imported into chloroplasts by a novel pathway

The 32 kDa chloroplast inner envelope protein (IEP32) is imported into the organelle in the absence of a cleavable N-terminal pre-sequence. The ten N-terminal amino acids form an essential portion of this targeting information as deduced from deletion mutants. Recognition and translocation of IEP32 is not catalysed by the general chloroplast outer envelope translocon subunits Toc159, Toc75III and Toc34, because IEP32 import is neither inhibited by proteolytic removal of Toc34 and Toc159 nor by inhibition of the Toc75 import channel by CuCl(2) or spermine. Import of IEP32 only requires ATP concentrations of below 20 microM indicating that stromal chaperones are not involved in the process, but that IEP32 might be directly inserted from the intermembrane space into the inner envelope by a so far unidentified pathway. IEP32 may require the assistance of Tic22, an intermembrane space translocon subunit for import as indicated by the presence of a chemical crosslinked product between both polypeptides.

Evaluation of natural radionuclides at Um-Greifat area, eastern desert of Egypt

Air borne radiometric maps and remote sensing techniques were used to explore for the occurrence of radioactive materials. The previous techniques recorded radioactive mineralization for the first time along the NW-SE trending fault zones within the Miocene clastic-carbonate sediments. In the present study, gamma-ray spectrometry was used to confirm the presence of this mineralization. Concentrations of radionuclides, associated within the iron ochre at Um-Greifat area, have been measured, using a hyper-pure germanium spectrometer. The variation in concentration of radionuclides for the area under investigation can be classified into A, B and C regions of high, medium and low natural radioactivity. In region A, average concentration in Bqkg(-1) has been observed to range from 1858 to 4062 for 238U, between 29 and 151 for 232Th, from 60 to 136 for 235U and between 46 and 409 Bqkg(-1) for 40K. Radium equivalent activities (Ra(eq)) in addition to external and internal hazard indices (H(ex), H(in)) have also been determined. Ra(eq) varies between 1901 and 4307Bqkg(-1), which exceeds the permitted value (370Bqkg(-1)) and H(ex) and H(in) are higher than 1. The high activity concentration within region A points to an environmental hazard, while regions B and C have less exposure effect on human beings.

Elemental investigation of some Egyptian vehicle motor alloys using neutron activation analysis

Six samples of different Egyptian motor vehicle alloys have been investigated by neutron activation analysis to estimate the concentrations of their elemental constituents, which affect their quality. A single high resolution hyper-pure germanium HPGe gamma-ray detector and a multichannel analyzer are used to collect the gamma-ray spectra. A HPGe-HPGe coincidence spectrometer was also used to confirm the identity of certain peaks. Thirteen trace elements (Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, Sn, Sb, La, Sm, Eu, Hf, Pt and Au) were observed in the spectra and their concentrations were determined. A comparative study on the element concentrations for the six samples is given.

Dietary cancer risk from conditional cancerogens (tumor promoters) in produce of livestock fed on species of spurge (Euphorbiaceae). IV. Toxicologic and pathophysiologic observations in lactating goats and their suckling kids fed on the irritant herbs Euphorbia nubica and Euphorbia helioscopia: an etiologic model for investigations on the putative risk of cancer by consumption of food p

The feeding of lactating goats on usual green fodder, contaminated with Euphorbia helioscopia or E. nubica, results in poisoning of the dams as well as their suckling kids. General signs of toxicity were emaciation, depression, shedding of body hair, arching of back, and possible death. Post-mortem changes of dams and dead suckling kids included congestion and hemorrhage in cardiac muscle, lung, liver, and kidneys. Blood analyses of goats exposed to these contaminants showed an increased level of serum alanine amino transferase compared to control samples, indicating cellular destruction in the liver. The latter was confirmed by histopathological changes in the organ which include severe congestion, necrosis, and degenerative changes. The goats also suffered from deterioration of renal function as indicated by increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. In histopathologic inspections of kidney, severe congestion, hemorrhage in the cortex and medulla, as well as necrosis of epithelial cells of kidney tubules were noticed. Considerable degenerative changes were also observed in heart and lung. The pathophysiological appearances indicate that by feeding on the Euphorbia species mentioned above, the goats are poisoned in a way similar to the case of E. peplus reported previously. Such intoxication most likely is due to irritant and hyperplasiogenic diterpene ester (DTE) toxins, usually present in the aerial parts of Euphorbia species and well known as tumor promoters in mouse skin. After ingestion of the toxic plant parts by the goats, the DTE toxins might be metabolized and thereby partially detoxified. Yet, at least in part, they may show up in the milk of the goats, as indicated by severe poisoning of their suckling kids. As discussed previously in lactating goats fed on fodder contaminated with E. peplus, tumor promoters of the DTE type may enter the human food chain via this source of milk. Such milk may be considered a valuable etiologic model for the investigation of economic, ecologic, and public health problems raised by human diet polluted with tumor promoters, i.e., conditional (non-genotoxic) cancerogens.

Heavy metals and rare earth elements source-sink in some Egyptian cigarettes as determined by neutron activation analysis

Heavy metals and rare earth elements in two types of cigarettes were studied. The contents of trace elements were determined by using delayed neutron activation analysis. In the present study 11 elements have been detected in popular and fine brand cigarettes marketed in Egypt. Evaluation of these elements with their potential hazards for smokers is briefly discussed. The material balance (source and sink) for each element was determined. Also the ratio of element recovery to the total amount was assessed.

Study of environmental isotope distribution in the Aswan High Dam Lake (Egypt) for estimation of evaporation of lake water and its recharge to adjacent groundwater

Oxygen-18 ((18)0) and deuterium isotopes were used to estimate the evaporation from the Aswan High Dam Lake and to investigate the inter-relation between the lake water and adjacent groundwater.According to stable isotopic analysis of samples taken in 1988 and 1989, the lake can be divided into two sections. In the first section extending between Abu Simbel and a point between EI-Alaki and Krosko, a remarkable vertical gradient of (18)0 and deuterium isotopic composition was observed. The second northern sector extending to the High Dam is characterised by a lower vertical isotopic gradient. In this sector in general, higher values of (18)O and deuterium contents were found at the top and lower values at the bottom. Also a strong horizontal increase of the heavy isotope content was observed. Thus, in the northern section evaporation is of dominating influence on the isotopic composition of the lake water.With the help of an evaporation pan experiment it was possible to calibrate the evaporative isotope enrichment in the lake and to facilitate a preliminary estimate of evaporative losses of lake water. The evaporation from the lake was estimated to be about 19% of the input water flow rate.The groundwater around the lake was investigated and samples from production wells and piezometers were subjected to isotopic analysis. The results indicate that recent recharge to the groundwater aquifer is limited to wells near to the lake and up to a maximum distance of about 10 km. The contribution of recent Nile water to the groundwater in these wells was estimated to range between 23 and 70%. Beyond this distance, palaeowater was observed with highly depleted deuterium and (18)0 contents, which was also confirmed by 14c dating. The age of palaeo groundwater in this area can reach values of more than 26,000 years.Recommendations are given for efficient water management of the lake water.

[BCG vaccination of the newborn infant with the 131 Copenhagen strain]

From October 1, 1979 to September 30, 1981 a prospective study on the side-effects of BCG inoculation was conducted in the cities of Duisburg, Essen, and Mülheim, in very close cooperation with practising pediatricians, public health authorities, and obstetric departments. Particular consideration was given to suppurating regional lymphadenitis. In the period covered by the study 21.294 infants from 23.390 live births (i.e., 89%) were BCG-vaccinated using the Copenhagen 1331 strain manufactured by Behringwerke. A suppurating regional lymphadenitis occurred in 66 cases, i.e., a complication rate of 0.3%. The conversion ratio was high. Out of 8.144 documentation forms that could be assessed 6.840 (84%) attested to a positive tuberculin reaction caused by prophylactic test U 4. If the result of this test was negative a second test, after Mendel-Mantoux, strength 10, was used. According to this a total of 7.311, i.e., altogether 98.4% of the inoculation results evaluated, were positive. Both the conversion ratio as well as the incidence of ulcers at the vaccination site depend to a slight degree on the concentration of units in the vaccine which are capable of reproduction, to the extent that at higher concentrations the conversion ratio increases, as does the number of ulcers at the vaccination site.

Rupture of the calcaneal tendon. Treatment by external fixation

Thirty-three consecutive patients with complete ruptures of the calcaneal tendon were treated by external fixation. The patients were assessed both objectively and subjectively, and the results classified as excellent, good, fair and poor. In 30 patients the result was excellent or good. There were no infections or re-ruptures. Two patients with fair results had sural nerve injury. The only patient with a poor result had Sudeck's atrophy. It is felt that this operation satisfies the need for a new technique which is simple and combines the advantages of both surgical and non-surgical treatment without their major complications.