Maryam Umar Abulfathi, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality both in developing and developed countries, but about 21% of patients with diabetes develop neuropathy. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nicotinamide on serum electrolytes in Alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathic Wistar rats. A total of about thirty six (36) apparently healthy male Wistar rats weighing 100-150g were divided into six experimental groups (n = 6). Group I normal control group (0.1ml of water), group II standard control group (received Glibenclamide 5mg/kg), group III negative control ( received 500mg Nicotinamide) and group IV treatment group (received 1000mg Nicotinamide), Analysis for serum electrolytes after treatment was done by calorimetric method. The result for the serum electrolytes after treatment shows a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum sodium level, significant decrease( p < 0.05) In serum potassium level, significant decrease (p <0.05) in chloride level and also significant decrease ( p< 0.05) in serum bicarbonates level when all compare to diabetic (negative) control group. Nicotinamide may be useful in improving the clinical benefit for serum electrolytes changes excluding sodium in diabetes.

Salma Muhammad Kabir, Chemical Engineering - Ahmadu Bello University, 2024

The synthesize of bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) resins from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles presents a promising avenue for recycling and sustainability. This study focuses on the chemical recycling of PET bottles, converting them into valuable BHET resins through a glycolysis process. Waste PET bottles were collected, depolymerized using ethylene glycol, producing bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET).The synthesis process was optimized by using six different catalysts (NaOH, Spent FCC, Ammonia, Activated Carbon, Kaolin and DES) to achieve the highest yield and optimal resin properties. Characterization of the synthesized BHET was carried out using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm the functional group which was then compared with commercial bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The physical properties of the synthesized bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) such as density, viscosity and kinematic viscosity were evaluated. Two out of the six catalysts (NaOH and Spent FCC) yielded 13.3 % and 5 % BHET respectively. This was confirmed by FTIR results comparison with commercial BHET which revealed similar functional group peaks. NaOH was found to be the best catalyst for BHET production, with highest yield conversion 94.4 %. Density, viscosity and kinematic viscosity of resulting BHET from NaOH were 1.27 gcm-3, 10.5 Pa.s and 0.11 m2 /s respectively. The results indicate that the BHET synthesized from waste PET bottles exhibits desirable properties for various industrial applications, such as coatings, adhesives, and composite materials. Additionally, it portrays the environmental impact of the recycling process, highlighting the reduction in carbon footprint and energy consumption compared to traditional disposal methods. This study demonstrates the feasibility of converting waste PET into high-value materials, contributing to waste reduction and resource conservation.