Development of controlled release formulations of thiabendazole

This study aimed to develop controlled release formulation of Thiabendazole for reduced contaminations to soil water and agricultural produces. The idea behind this work was based on changing the ionization status of Thiabendazole molecule throughout pH changes to become a cation then adsorbing it to bentonite clay surfaces. Equilibrium concentrations of Thiabendazole in the adsorption solutions were determined by HPLC. Results showed that Thiabendazole was better adsorbed in clay at the lowest pH value (pH 3). Furthermore, raising the temperature of the adsorption reaction increased the adsorbed amount of Thiabendazole. Release experiments showed that Thiabendazole is extremely slower at pH 3 than at pH 5.5 or pH 9. These promising results suggest that application of Thiabendazole clay based formulation may reduce the applied rate and that the released fraction consequently may reduce the environmental contamination. It is also advantageous to use these formulations in the acidic soil for plant disease control.

Assessment of Medical Waste Management in El Shifa and Al Aqsa Hospitals-Gaza Strip

Medical waste management is of great importance due to its infectious and hazardous nature and its management is not fully understood. This study examined the medical waste management practices in two large hospitals (El Shifa and Al Aqsa hospitals) in Gaza strip. The study used face to face questionnaire, workshops, interviews to managers and field observations for data collection. Results showed that both hospitals did not quantify medical wastes but medical wastes were separated in each department. Field observation indicated that medical waste separation into infectious medical waste and non-infectious medical waste was not conducted according to WHO (World Health Organization) standards or any specific standards. Medical wastes were transported from each department to waste container inside the hospital then moved to the storage area or municipal container. Medical waste employees (n = 51;66.2%) revealed that medical wastes are stored temporarily in the hospital in a not suitable place in terms of ventilation, lighting and easy access. Furthermore, occupational safety among employees was not fully implemented, as large percentage of them (n = 48, 94.1%) revealed that the used protective clothes during work were not fully effective. Furthermore, incineration was the main treatment of infectious medical waste whereas, non-infectious wastes were disposed in landfills. Additionally, both hospitals did not provide any training for employees regarding medical waste management. In conclusion, medical waste management is far below WHO standards in both hospitals. It is recommended to provide training courses to the employees to improve the quality of environmental health and reduce health hazards in the hospitals.

Measurements of C-Reactive Protein for Successful Management and Follow-Up Treatment of Neonatal Sepsis and Nosocomial Infection

Objective: To develop an optimal follow-up treatment for neonatal and nosocomial infections and to examine correlations between the C-reactive protein (C-RP) and platelets. Methods: A sample of 27 septic neonates and 14 non-septic neonates were selected for this study. The non-septic neonates served as a control group. Blood samples were collected from both groups and analyzed for bacterial contamination via blood culture, complete blood count (CBC), and C-RP, according to international laboratory standards. Blood collection and analysis were repeated every day during the follow-up treatments with antibiotics to evaluate the kinetics of C-RP. Results: Blood culture found E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the blood of the septic cases. Serum C-RP concentrations were at high levels (24 mg/dl) in the septic neonates and at normal levels (lower than 6 mg/dl) in the control group. Treatment with active antibiotics resulted in a drastic reduction of the C-RP values and helped to reach a normal level as in the control group. On the other hand, there were increases in the platelet levels as the C-RP levels decreased. This result indicates a strong negative association between C-RP and platelet levels in the septic group only. Statistical analysis shows significant differences between the mean C-RP serum concentrations of the sepsis and non-sepsis. Conclusion: blood culture, active antibiotics, and kinetic C-RP measurements during the medical follow-up treatment are strong driving parameters for the optimal and successful management of sepsis.