The extraction–stripping reaction of Cu(II) by Lix‐84 in kerosene from aqueous sulphate medium of pH 2·5 has been investigated. The effects of pH, metal ion, extractant and strip solution concentrations as well as the loading capacity of the extractant were investigated. The number of stages required for the extraction and stripping of copper was also evaluated. The results are used to assess the conditions for purification of industrial waste solutions containing copper through counter‐current extraction in a horizontal mixer‐settler.

Aim. To detect the frequency of subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients without clinically evident atherosclerosis and to correlate its presence with the disease activity. Patients and Methods. Our study includes 112 RA patients (group 1) and 40 healthy controls (group 11). All patients and controls were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations. Carotid intima media wall thickness (IMT) and carotid plaques were measured in both groups by B-mode ultrasonography; also color duplex Doppler ultrasound of the brachial artery was done to detect endothelial function. Results. There is atherosclerosis in 31.3% of asymptomatic RA patients compared with only 5% in controls (P = 0.003**). A significant difference was detected in patients with and without atherosclerosis regarding duration of the disease (P = 0.0001***) and patient's age (P = 0.01*). There is highly statistical significant correlation between atherosclerosis and disease activity index. Conclusion. The frequency of subclinical atherosclerosis was high in long-term active RA patients.

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Breastfeeding is important for brain development and was shown by many studies to result in higher scores Intelligent Quotient (IQ). However, the exact mechanism whereby Breastfeeding influences cognitive development remains unclear. This study aimed to study the expression of genetic code FADS2 linked to the cognitive function in relation to the mode of feeding. The study comprised 30 preterm infants of 32 to 34 weeks gestation age including 15 exclusively breastfed and 15 fed on Infant Milk Formula (IMF) selected from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Talkha Central Hospital in Dakahlia Governorate Egypt. Blood samples were drawn at birth and at 12 weeks of life and FADS2 mRNA gene expression-was measured using real time PCR at birth and at 12 weeks of life. Blood indices were measured at 12 weeks. FADS2 mRNA gene expression demonstrated a significant increase from birth to 3 months, with 109 folds rise in breast fed group compared to five folds rise in the artificially fed group at (p<0.001). Breast milk influences gene expression. The higher FADS2 expression observed in the breastfed group can be used to predict higher IQ scores in the breastfed preterm. The mammary gland could be an organ that stipulates and regulates genetic expression in the newborn.

Aim: One of the main problems concerning repeated spontaneous miscarriage (RSM) is the etiological diagnosis. Thrombophilia and its relation to RSM is a matter of debate. In this case-control study, we determined the percentages of three thrombophilic mutations (factor V leiden, prothrombin, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) amongst 20 cases with RSM and 20 control normal parous women. Results: There were high statistically significant increases in the number of cases with factor V, prothrombin, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutations compared with normal control and the percentage of multiple gene mutations was higher than single gene mutation. Conclusion: The prevalence of thrombophilic mutations is higher in cases of RSM than control.