Silver Nanofibres by a Novel Electrospinning Process: Nanofibres with Plasmon Resonance in the IR Region and Thermal Hysteresis Electrical Conductivity Features

Barakat, Nasser A. M.,Farrag, Taha E.,Kanjwal, Muzafar A.,Park, Soo-Jin,Sheikh, Faheem A.,Yong Kim, Hak WILEY-VCH Verlag 2010 European journal of inorganic chemistry Vol.2010 No.10

<P>In this study, we have introduced electrospinning of a colloidal solution rather than the conventional sol–gel process as a novel strategy to produce silver nanofibres. Typically, a silver acetate/polyvinyl alcohol colloidal solution was successfully electrospun. Electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses have affirmed that the electrospun solution is a colloid with a ζ-potential of –2 mV and average particle diameter of 373 ± 1 nm. Moreover, FTIR analysis affirmed that neither the polymer nor silver acetate nanoparticles were affected during the electrospinning process. Calcination of the electrospun mats at 700 °C in an argon atmosphere produced smooth and unbroken pure silver nanofibres. Surface plasmon resonance of the resultant silver nanofibres was detected at 962 nm which is biologically beneficial. Furthermore, the synthesised silver nanofibres revealed thermal hysteresis in the electrical conductivity properties. These advantageous physical features strongly suggest utilising the prepared nanofibres in various fields.</P> <B>Graphic Abstract</B> <P>Electrospinning of a colloidal silver acetate solution rather than the conventional sol–gel process was introduced as a novel strategy to produce silver nanofibres. Electrophoretic light scattering and dynamic light scattering analyses have affirmed that theelectrospun solution is a colloid. Calcination of the electrospun mats produced smooth and unbroken pure silver nanofibres. The advantageous physical features of the fibres suggest utilising the prepared nanofibres in various fields. <img src='wiley_img_2010/14341948-2010-2010-10-EJIC200900453-fig000.gif' alt='wiley_img_2010/14341948-2010-2010-10-EJIC200900453-fig000'> </P>

Effect of dietary supplementation of garlic powder and phenyl acetic acid on productive performance, blood haematology, immunity and antioxidant status of broiler chickens

Ismail I. E.,Alagawany M.,Taha A. E.,Puvača N.,Laudadio V.,Tufarelli V. 아세아·태평양축산학회 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.3

Objective: The effect of garlic powder (GP) and phenyl acetic (PA) acid throughout the fattening period of broiler chickens on performance, blood parameters, immune, and antioxidant parameters as well as carcass traits was evaluated. Methods: A total of 210 day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into seven dietary treatments having five replications with six chicks per replicate. The first group (control) fed a basal diet without supplements, whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th group were fed basal diet plus 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g GP/kg diet, respectively and the group 5th, 6th, and 7th were fed on the basal diet plus 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g PA/kg diet. Results: Broiler body weight and gain at 21 and 42 days were increased (p<0.05) with diets supplemented with GP and PA. Red blood cells and hemoglobin were improved in chickens fed diets enriched with GP. Broiler chickens received diets containing either GP or PA recorded the higher values (p<0.05) of total protein, globulin, high-density lipoprotein, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and IgG, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity; while, blood total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, aspartate-aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde were lowered (p<0.05) compared to control-diet. Liver and immune-related organs weight were improved (p<0.05) in broilers fed diet supplemented with GP and PA. Conclusion: Feeding of GP or PA in diet had positive effects on performance traits and immunological, antioxidant and physiological status of broilers. Thus, the use of tested feed additives as an eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics produced a positive effect on animal health. Objective: The effect of garlic powder (GP) and phenyl acetic (PA) acid throughout the fattening period of broiler chickens on performance, blood parameters, immune, and antioxidant parameters as well as carcass traits was evaluated.Methods: A total of 210 day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into seven dietary treatments having five replications with six chicks per replicate. The first group (control) fed a basal diet without supplements, whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th group were fed basal diet plus 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g GP/kg diet, respectively and the group 5th, 6th, and 7th were fed on the basal diet plus 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g PA/kg diet.Results: Broiler body weight and gain at 21 and 42 days were increased (p<0.05) with diets supplemented with GP and PA. Red blood cells and hemoglobin were improved in chickens fed diets enriched with GP. Broiler chickens received diets containing either GP or PA recorded the higher values (p<0.05) of total protein, globulin, high-density lipoprotein, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and IgG, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity; while, blood total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, aspartate-aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde were lowered (p<0.05) compared to control-diet. Liver and immune-related organs weight were improved (p<0.05) in broilers fed diet supplemented with GP and PA.Conclusion: Feeding of GP or PA in diet had positive effects on performance traits and immunological, antioxidant and physiological status of broilers. Thus, the use of tested feed additives as an eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics produced a positive effect on animal health.

Histopathologic Biomarker Response of Clam, Ruditapes decussates, to Organophosphorous Pesticides Reldan and Roundup: A Laboratory Study

Nahla S. El-Shenawy,Tarak I. S. Moawad,Mahmoud E. Mohallal,Ismail M. Abdel-Nabi,Inas A. Taha 한국해양과학기술원 2009 Ocean science journal Vol.44 No.1

Clam Ruditapes decussates was used as a biomonitoring organism to measure the potential impact of pollution. The present study investigated histological alterations of R. decussates following a long-term exposure to a sublethal-level of pesticides Reldan and Roundup. The clams were taken to the laboratory and kept for days to adjust to a continuous closed flow system with quality water control. After the adjustment period, clams were exposed either to sublethal concentrations of Reldan (0.6 μl L−1) or Roundup (1.1 μl L−1) for 90 days. Clams were taken to determine the histological damage at 30, 60 and 90 days. Most histological alterations were highly localized in the glandular cells of the gills, mantle tissues and digestive gland; secretions of glandular cells were found to be increased by increasing the time of exposure. Histopathological results showed the activation of resistance mechanisms that allowed the clams to survive under sublethal stresses. Thus, histological changes on localized tissues were sensitive and they have positive correlation to the time of exposure to the pesticides, suggesting that they may serve as biomarkers for Reldan and Roundup exposures. Clam Ruditapes decussates was used as a biomonitoring organism to measure the potential impact of pollution. The present study investigated histological alterations of R. decussates following a long-term exposure to a sublethal-level of pesticides Reldan and Roundup. The clams were taken to the laboratory and kept for days to adjust to a continuous closed flow system with quality water control. After the adjustment period, clams were exposed either to sublethal concentrations of Reldan (0.6 μl L−1) or Roundup (1.1 μl L−1) for 90 days. Clams were taken to determine the histological damage at 30, 60 and 90 days. Most histological alterations were highly localized in the glandular cells of the gills, mantle tissues and digestive gland; secretions of glandular cells were found to be increased by increasing the time of exposure. Histopathological results showed the activation of resistance mechanisms that allowed the clams to survive under sublethal stresses. Thus, histological changes on localized tissues were sensitive and they have positive correlation to the time of exposure to the pesticides, suggesting that they may serve as biomarkers for Reldan and Roundup exposures.

Structural Behavior of Ultra-High Strength Concrete Columns Reinforced with Basalt Bars Under Axial Loading

Taha A. El-Sayed,Kareem S. Abdallah,Hossam E. Ahmed,Tamer H. El-Afandy 한국콘크리트학회 2023 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.17 No.6

The axial compressive behavior of Ultra-High Strength Concrete (UHPC) columns reinforced with basalt bars was investigated in this work. Only a few research projects have used basalt Reinforced Concrete Columns. Under axial stress, 12 columns of 150 × 150 mm in cross section and 1200 mm in height manufactured of M120 grade UHPC, incorporating glass powder lime powder, were tested. The primary characteristics investigated in this study were axial load capacity, axial deformation, failure pattern, ductility, and stiffness. The findings of the experimental tests revealed that the ultimate loads and behavior of UHPCC reinforced with BFRP were superior to concrete columns strengthened with steel reinforcement. When compared to steel RC columns, basalt RC columns carry about 90% of the axial load. Moreover, the BFRP bar tensile strength was 2.5 greater than reinforcing steel yield strength and 1.79 times larger than that of bar. The Ansys software-based analytical analysis assisted in predicting the eventual carrying capacity of UHPC columns. The agreement among the experimental and NLFE ultimate load is around 92.2%, with a standard deviation of 0.005 and a coefficient of variation of 0.00002. The nonlinear BFRP–UHPC columns’ structural performance was adequately predicted by the finite element analysis. In addition, equations are employed to forecast the strength of confined concrete. Equation 4 merely produced improved forecasts, it aids in comparing the outcomes of analytical and experimental tests. Results of this study indicated that the UHPC-columns reinforced with BFRP bars offer potential economic and environmental advantages as compared to traditional RC columns.

Two novel synthetic peptides inhibit quorum sensing-dependent biofilm formation and some virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

Mostafa N. Taha,Amal E. Saafan,A. Ahmedy,Eman El Gebaly,Ahmed S. Khairalla 한국미생물학회 2019 The journal of microbiology Vol.57 No.7

Quorum sensing (QS) regulates virulence factor expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Inhibiting the QS-controlled virulence factors without inhibiting the growth of P. aeruginosa is a promising approach for overcoming the widespread resistance of P. aeruginosa. This study was proposed to investigate the effects of two novel synthetic peptides on the biofilm development and virulence factor production of P. aeruginosa. The tested strain was P. aeruginosa PAO1. The results indicated that both of the synthetic peptides (LIVRHK and LIVRRK) inhibited (P < 0.05) the formation of biofilms and the production of virulence factors, including pyocyanin, protease, and rhamnolipids, without inhibiting the growth of PAO1. Additionally, we detected transcriptional changes related to QS and found a significant reduction in the levels of gene expression of lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR. This study demonstrates that LIVRRK and LIVRHK are novel synthetic peptides that can act as potent inhibitors of QS-regulated virulence factors in P. aeruginosa. Moreover, these synthetic peptides have potential applications in the treatment of biofilmrelated diseases. Both peptides may be able to control chronic infections and biofilm-associated problems of P. aeruginosa.

Copper Ion Cementation in Presence of a Magnetic Field

Fadali, Olfat A.,Obaid, Mohamed,Mahmoud, Mohamed S.,Farrag, Taha E.,TaeWoo, Kim,Khalil, Khalil Abdelrazek,Barakat, Nasser A. M. VCH VERLAGSGESELLSCHAFT 2015 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.38 No.3

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>The effect of an electromagnetic field (EMF) on the rate of copper(II) cementation from copper sulfate solutions on a rotating iron cylinder was investigated. The studied variables were cylinder rotation speed, magnetic field strength, and magnetic field direction. The application of EMF increased the rate of cementation in both parallel and perpendicular direction of the magnetic field where the latter proved to be more effective. The rate of mass transfer under an EMF was found to be more than doubled. The enhancement of copper recovery in presence of the EMF is due to the induced motion of Fe<SUP>+</SUP><I><SUP>n</SUP></I> in the solution which is limited to a certain range of cylinder rotation speed. The power consumption for cementation of copper could be significantly reduced by utilizing EMF.</P>

Studies on the Cardiovascular Effects of Ambrein Pretreatment in Rats

M. Raza,S. A. Taha,I. E. EiKhawad 한국생약학회 1999 Natural Product Sciences Vol.5 No.1

The pharmacological actions of ambrein were investigated alone. or in combination as a pretreatment with agonists (adrenaline, noradrenaline, acetylcholine, histamine, nicotine). antagonists (atropine, atenolol) and calcium channel blocker (verapamil) in vivo in anaesthetized SWR rats using blood pressure, heart rate and myocardial contractility as parameters. Ambrein in the dose range of 50-200 ㎎/㎏ to the normotensive anaesthetized rats demonstrated negative chronotropic effect and increased the myocardial contractility significantly. At the mid dose (100 ㎎/㎏) this increase in contractile force was 36% and 44% above the normal at 30 min and 60 min intervals post-treatment, respectively. Both of the lower and high doses (50 ㎎/㎏ and 200 ㎎/㎏) had similar effects. Furthermore, this contractile response was dose related. Also, this compound produced a considerable increase in myocardial contractility when used as a pretreatment with some agonists and antagonists. The results on blood pressure did not show a considerable change when ambrein was used alone. However, ambrein pretreatment at the dose of 100 ㎎/㎏ did not block the effects of adrenaline, noradrenaline, isoprenaline and acetylcholine on heart rate and blood pressure. On the other hand, this pretreatment attenuated the sympathoadrenal effects of nicotine significantly. Chronotropic and blood pressure changes produced by histamine were also inhibited by ambrein pretreatment. This pretreannent significantly reversed the effects of atenolol but failed to demonstrate any change in the negative chronotropic, inotropic and hypotensive responses induced by varapamil. It is concluded that ambrein induced nonselective dose dependent antagonism of the effects of some agonists and antagonists require contribution of some neuromediators. However, the positive inotropic effects of ambrein possibly involve the enhancement of slow Ca channels and/or activation of β-adrenergic receptors in the heart. At this moment it is difficult to explain the exact mode of action of ambrein and the studies dealing with Ca channel blocker and adrenergic Mocker followed by ambrein may help to define the factors which contribute to its positive isotropic effects.

Growth, carcass traits, immunity and oxidative status of broilers exposed to continuous or intermittent lighting programs

Ghanima, Mahmoud M. Abo,El-Hack, Mohamed E. Abd,Abougabal, Mohammed Sh.,Taha, Ayman E.,Tufarelli, Vincenzo,Laudadio, Vito,Naiel, Mohammed A.E. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.7

Objective: An experiment was conducted to investigate the continuous and intermittent lighting program effects on terms of the productive performance, carcass traits, blood biochemical parameters, innate immune and oxidative status in broiler chicks. Methods: A total of 600 Cobb-500 one day old chicks were randomly allocated into six equal groups (100 chicks per treated group with five replicates of 20 chicks each) based on lighting program; 22 continuous lighting (22 C), 11 h lighting+1 darkness twice daily (11 L/1 D), 20 h continuous lighting (20 C), 5 h lighting+1 darkness four times daily (5 L/1 D), 18 h continuous lighting (18 C) and the final group subjected for 3 h lighting+1 h darkness six times daily (3 L/1 D). The experimental period lasted 42 days. Results: Compared with those under the intermittent light program, broiler chicks exposed to continuous lighting for 22 h had significant improvement in live body weight and carcass (dressing and breast percentage) measured traits. Though reducing lighting hours significantly reduced feed intake and feed conversion ratio values. Different lighting programs revealed no significant effect on all blood biochemical parameters. Oxidative stress and innate immunity parameters significantly enhance by reducing lighting hours (3L/1D). Conclusion: The findings suggest that reducing lighting hours up to 3L/1D would be more useful in enhancing feed efficiency, innate immunity, and oxidative status compared with continuous lighting programs on broilers.

Histopathologic Biomarker Response of Clam, Ruditapes decussates, to Organophosphorous Pesticides Reldan and Roundup: A Laboratory Study

El-Shenawy, Nahla S.,Moawad, Tarak I.S.,Mohallal, Mahmoud E.,Abdel-Nabi, Ismail M.,Taha, Inas A. 한국해양학회 2009 Ocean science journal Vol.44 No.1

Clam Ruditapes decussates was used as a biomonitoring organism to measure the potential impact of pollution. The present study investigated histological alterations of R. decussates following a long-term exposure to a sublethal-level of pesticides Reldan and Roundup. The clams were taken to the laboratory and kept for days to adjust to a continuous closed flow system with quality water control. After the adjustment period, clams were exposed either to sublethal concentrations of Reldan (0.6 $\mu$l $L^{-1}$) or Roundup (1.1 $\mu$l $L^{-1}$) for 90 days. Clams were taken to determine the histological damage at 30, 60 and 90 days. Most histological alterations were highly localized in the glandular cells of the gills, mantle tissues and digestive gland; secretions of glandular cells were found to be increased by increasing the time of exposure. Histopathological results showed the activation of resistance mechanisms that allowed the clams to survive under sublethal stresses. Thus, histological changes on localized tissues were sensitive and they have positive correlation to the time of exposure to the pesticides, suggesting that they may serve as biomarkers for Reldan and Roundup exposures.

Effect of stretching exercises versus autogenic training on preeclampsia

Mohamed A. Awad,Marwa E. Hasanin,Mona Mohamed Taha,Amir A. Gabr 한국운동재활학회 2019 JER Vol.15 No.1