Experimental study of organic enrichment on meiofaunal diversity.

The organic enrichment effects on the meiofauna and nematofauna were assessed for field sediment and other experimental ones enriched with organic matters conducted in the laboratory for 4 weeks. Also, dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH were monitored for each one. The abundance and diversity of meiofaunal groups and nematofauna varied. Strong significant correlations were found between DO and the studied items. Nematoda was the most abundant group in the field sediment and other experimental ones; their counts increased with the increase in organic enrichments and were dominated by deposit feeders. Amphipoda, Ostracoda and predator/omnivore nematodes disappeared in highly organic-enriched sediments. Changes in DO and organic enrichments might be the more attributable reasons for the alteration of the meiobenthic assemblages. The generic compositions of Nematoda provide a good indicator for environmental alterations.

Exploring the anti-inflammatory, sedative, antidiabetic, and antioxidant potential in in-vitro and in-vivo models and phenolic profiling of Atractylis aristata Batt.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Atractylis aristata batt., as an endemic plant from the Asteraceae family, holds a significant position in the Ahaggar region of southern Algeria's traditional medicine. The aerial parts of Atractylis aristata was used to cure inflammation, fever, and stomach disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of the present investigation was to ascertain the overall bioactive components and phytochemical components and examine the antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, acute toxicity, and sedative properties of the crude extract obtained from the aerial portions of Atractylis aristata (AaME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The AaME's antioxidant activity was assessed by the use of pyrogallol autoxidation, (1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and reducing power (RP) techniques. 1 mg/mL of AaME was used to evaluate the antidiabetic activity by applying the enzyme α-amylase inhibitory power test. At the same time, the bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation method was employed to quantify the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity at different concentrations (1.5625, 0.78125, 0.390625, 0.1953125 and 0.09765625 mg/mL). In contrast, following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline No. 423, which covers acute oral toxicity testing protocols, the limit dosage test was employed to assess in vivo acute toxicity. At the dose of 0.08 mg/mL, the carrageenan-induced paw edema approach was used to assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy in vivo, and the sedative activity was carried out at the dose of 0.08 mg/mL using the measurement of the locomotor method. Different bioactive compounds were identified within AaME using LC-MS/MS and HPLC-UV analysis. RESULTS: The acute toxicity study showed no fatalities or noticeable neurobehavioral consequences at the limit test; this led to their classification in Globally Harmonized System (GHS) category Five, as the OECD guideline No 423 recommended. At a concentration of 0.08 mg/mL (2000 mg/kg), AaME showed apparent inhibition of paw edema and a significant (p = 0.01227) reduction in locomotor activity compared to the control animals. Our findings showed that AaME exhibited considerable antioxidant (IC50 = 0.040 ± 0.003 mg/mL (DPPH), IC50 = 0.005 ± 5.77 × 10-5 mg/mL (ABTS), AEAC = 91.15 ± 3.921 mg (RP) and IR% = 23.81 ± 4.276 (Inhibition rate of pyrogallol) and rebuts antidiabetic activities (I% = 57.6241% ± 2.81772). Our findings revealed that the maximum percentage of BSA inhibition (70.84 ± 0.10%) was obtained at 1.562.5 mg/mL. Thus, the AaME phytochemical profile performed using phytochemical screening, HPLC-UV, and LC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated that A. aristata can be a valuable source of chemicals with biological activity for pharmaceutical manufacturers. CONCLUSION: The phytochemical profiling, determined through HPLC-UV and LC-MS/MS applications, reveals this plant's therapeutic value. The aerial parts of Atractylis aristata contain bioactive molecules such as gallic acid, ascorbic acid, and quercetin, contributing to its significant antioxidant capabilities. Furthermore, identifying alizarin, the active compound responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties, could provide evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory capabilities of this subspecies.

The functional and molecular roles of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder manifested by recurring unprovoked seizures resulting from an imbalance in the inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain. The process of epileptogenesis involves a complex interplay between the reduction of inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the enhancement of excitatory glutamate. Pro-BDNF/p75NTR expression is augmented in both glial cells and neurons following epileptic seizures and status epileptics (SE). Over-expression of p75NTR is linked with the pathogenesis of epilepsy, and augmentation of pro-BDNF/p75NTR is implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. However, the precise mechanistic function of p75NTR in epilepsy has not been completely elucidated. Therefore, this review aimed to revise the mechanistic pathway of p75NTR in epilepsy.

Roles of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in epilepsy: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder manifested by recurring unprovoked seizures resulting from an imbalance in the inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain. The process of epileptogenesis involves a complex interplay between the reduction of inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the enhancement of excitatory glutamate. Pro-BDNF/p75NTR expression is augmented in both glial cells and neurons following epileptic seizures and status epileptics (SE). Over-expression of p75NTR is linked with the pathogenesis of epilepsy, and augmentation of pro-BDNF/p75NTR is implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. However, the precise mechanistic function of p75NTR in epilepsy has not been completely elucidated.

Optimization and Detergent Compatibility of Protease Produced from Aspergillus oryzae by Utilizing Agro Wastes.

The biotechnological process called solid-state fermentation (SSF) was applied for hyper production of protease by using a fungal strain called Aspergillus oryzae. From screening of 9 different local substrates (peanut shell, wheat bran, guava leaves, sugar cane bagasse, rice polish, wheat straw, corn straw, reed grass, and rice straw), peanut shells serve as the best substrates for protease production under optimized cultured conditions. The varying physiochemical parameters such as pH (2-9.5), temperature (30-52 °C), incubation time (1-10 days), inoculum size (1-8 mL), moisture level (20-125%), and substrate concentration (1-7 g) were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The highest activity of protease was recorded to be 1101.778 U/mL at 660 nm using peanut shell was optimum at pH 8, temperature 52 °C, incubation time 8 days, inoculum size 2 mL, moisture level 20%, and substrate concentration 2 g. The crude form of enzymes produced were further purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, and gel filtration chromatography. Then, purified enzymes were characterized at different pH, temperature, and incubation time. For characterization of purified protease, pH, temperature, and incubation time were 8, 52 °C, and 8 days for peanut shell and was done by one factor at a time method. Hence, isolated enzymes were alkaline in nature, i.e., alkaline proteases. Then, protease produced from peanut shells was applied to locally available detergents to increase their catalytic activity for strain removal. At last, the final results were interpreted in the form of 3D surface and contour plots using Microsoft Excel 2013 and Minitab 17 software. In conclusion, the utilization of A. oryzae and peanut shell as the substrate in the biotechnological process of SSF demonstrated successful hyper production of alkaline protease. The optimized conditions resulted in high enzyme activity and showcased the potential application of the isolated enzymes in improving the catalytic activity of locally available detergents.

Sleep disorders cause Parkinson's disease or the reverse is true: Good GABA good night.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disease due to degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DNs) presented with motor and non-motor symptoms. PD symptoms are developed in response to the disturbance of diverse neurotransmitters including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA has a neuroprotective effect against PD neuropathology by protecting DNs in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). It has been shown that the degeneration of GABAergic neurons is linked with the degeneration of DNs and the progression of motor and non-motor PD symptoms. GABA neurotransmission is a necessary pathway for normal sleep patterns, thus deregulation of GABAergic neurotransmission in PD could be the potential cause of sleep disorders in PD. AIM: Sleep disorders affect GABA neurotransmission leading to memory and cognitive dysfunction in PD. For example, insomnia and short sleep duration are associated with a reduction of brain GABA levels. Moreover, PD-related disorders including rigidity and nocturia influence sleep patterns leading to fragmented sleep which may also affect PD neuropathology. However, the mechanistic role of GABA in PD neuropathology regarding motor and non-motor symptoms is not fully elucidated. Therefore, this narrative review aims to clarify the mechanistic role of GABA in PD neuropathology mainly in sleep disorders, and how good GABA improves PD. In addition, this review of published articles tries to elucidate how sleep disorders such as insomnia and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) affect PD neuropathology and severity. The present review has many limitations including the paucity of prospective studies and most findings are taken from observational and preclinical studies. GABA involvement in the pathogenesis of PD has been recently discussed by recent studies. Therefore, future prospective studies regarding the use of GABA agonists in the management of PD are suggested to observe their distinct effects on motor and non-motor symptoms. CONCLUSION: There is a bidirectional relationship between the pathogenesis of PD and sleep disorders which might be due to GABA deregulation.

Evaluation of the camel milk amelioration, the oxidative stress, fertility and mutagenicity of male albino rats exposed to lead acetate, fipronil, and their mixture.

Lead is considered a common old chronic toxicant around the world due to expanded environmental pollution, it is likely an inevitable contaminant in food, dairy products, air etc. Also, fipronil is a wide-ranging effective N-phenyl pyrazole insecticide which used commonly in agriculture and public health insect control, but until now no adequate data are available on the oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and mutagenic influence of fipronil and lead or their mixture subchronic exposure. Both xenobiotics (lead and fipronil) exert a harmful impact on reproduction, prompting the exploration of various foods for functional protection. The present study investigated the effects of camel milk treatments on reproductive problems caused by lead acetate with or without mixing with fipronil in male albino rats. Liver oxidative stress, testicular relative weight, sperm analysis, investigation of chromosomal aberration, and histopathological examination of testis were performed. The results showed that the oxidative stress was elevated in rats treated with fipronil, lead acetate, and their mixture, which were reduced through camel milk treatments. Sperm counts were decreased significantly in lead and/or fipronil exposure but significantly elevated with camel milk intoxicated treated. Sperm morphological abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations in intoxicated groups were reduced significantly in camel milk-treated animals relative to untreated intoxicated groups. Testicular histopathological results showed moderate common degeneration of seminiferous tubules in lead and/or fipronil-intoxicated rats which were ameliorated by camel milk treatments. Generally, it can be concluded that lead and fipronil together in a mixture resulted in or induced severe reproductive problems and oxidative stress over lead or fipronil alone. Camel milk treatment significantly decreased the harmful oxidative stress in reproductive as well as the mutagenicity disorder associated with lead and fipronil exposure in male albino rats.

Cereal sprout-based food products: Industrial application, novel extraction, consumer acceptance, antioxidant potential, sensory evaluation, and health perspective.

Cereal grains are a good source of macronutrients and micronutrients that are required for metabolic activity in the human body. Sprouts have been studied to enhance the nutrient profile. Moreover, secondary metabolites are examined as green food engineering technology that is used in the pharmaceutical, functional ingredients, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. The sprout-based food is commonly used to enhance the quality of products by softening the structure of the whole grain and increasing the phytochemicals (nutritional value and bioactive compounds). These sprouting grains can be added to a variety of products including snacks, bakery, beverage, and meat. Consuming whole grains has been shown to reduce the incidence and mortality of a variety of chronic and noncommunicable diseases. Sprouting grains have a diversity of biological functions, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Cereal sprout-based products are more beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal tract diseases. The novel extraction techniques (microwave-existed extraction, pulse electric field, and enzyme-associated) are applied to maintain and ensure the efficiency, safety, and nutritional profile of sprout. Nutrient-dense sprouts have a low environmental impact and are widely accepted by consumers. This review explores for the first time and sheds light on the antioxidant potential, sensory evaluation, industrial applications, and health perspective of cereal sprout-based food products.

Development and characterization of a novel flavored functional fermented whey-based sports beverage fortified with Spirulina platensis.

Spirulina platensis, a microalga known for its exceptional nutritional value, especially its bioactive compounds and protein content, holds promise for incorporation into functional food products. Ricotta cheese whey is a byproduct of the production of ricotta cheese that is difficult to use in industries due to its low pH and less favorable processing qualities. This research aimed to create a unique fermented ricotta cheese whey-based beverage supplemented with various Spirulina powder concentrations (0.25 %, 0.5 %, and 0.75 % w/w) cooperated with a mixture of lemon and peppermint juice 10 % and fermented by probiotic (ABT) culture. The physicochemical, rheological, bioactive compounds, microbiological, and sensory properties were evaluated over a storage period of 21 days at cold storage. Spirulina-fermented whey-based beverages with a mixture of lemon and peppermint juice increased the concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and total phenolic compounds in the final product. The count of probiotic bacteria in all fermented beverage samples exceeded 7 log CFU/mL throughout storage, indicating that the fermented beverage kept its probiotic properties. The addition of 0.5 % Spirulina significantly improved the final product's structural qualities and sensory acceptance.

Synthesis of Tungsten Oxide, Iron Oxide, and Copper-Doped Iron Oxide Nanocomposites and Evaluation of Their Mixing Effects with Cyromazine against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval).

Nanotechnology research is emerging as a cutting-edge technology, and nanocomposites have played a significant role in pest control. Therefore, the present study focuses on the synthesis of tungsten oxide (WO3), iron oxide (magnetic nanoparticle, MNP), and copper-doped iron oxide (MNP-Cu) nanocomposites and explores the different effects of their binary combinations with the insecticide cyromazine against Spodoptera littoralis. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. None of the tested nanomaterials showed any toxicity against the different stages of S. littoralis. Larval and pupal durations increased with increasing cyromazine and nanomaterial concentrations. The longest larval and pupal durations were recorded under treatment with the mixture of cyromazine (100 mg/L) + MNP-Cu (500 mg/L); the survival periods were 23.5 and 15.6 days, compared with 10.8 and 7.7 days in the control, respectively. The percentages of pupation and adult emergence were negatively affected by all treatments. Among the 500 mg/L nanomaterial combinations, only cyromazine (25 mg/L) and WO3 (500 mg/L) resulted in adult emergence (at a rate of 27.3%). Some abnormalities in the S. littoralis stages were observed following treatment with the tested materials. The glutathione S-transferase and alpha-esterase enzyme activities in S. littoralis were significantly increased after treatment with cyromazine, followed by cyromazine/MNP-Cu combinations. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) data showed that all treated insects had a higher immune response than the control. Finally, mixes of nanocomposites and cyromazine may be suggested as viable alternatives for S. littoralis management.

Effect of using dried white sapote fruit (Casimiroa edulis) on the quality characteristics of bio-low-fat goat milk yoghurt drink.

The white sapote tree is cultivated in Egypt on a limited scale owing to its dietary fruits. For its medical and functional characteristics, different levels of dried white sapote fruit (DWSF) were utilized in the manufacturing of probiotic goat yoghurt drinks as a milk fat replacer, as well as yoghurt cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-11. The implications of DWSF on the rheological properties (apparent viscosity, flow behavior index, plastic viscosity, consistency coefficient, and yield stress), gross composition, color, sensory, bioactive, and microbiological properties of yoghurt drinks were studied throughout 15 days of storage at 4 °C. The addition of DWSF enhanced the bioactive compounds, water-holding capacity, sensory properties, rheological parameters, color, and bacterial growth. Furthermore, mold, yeast, and coliform were not found in any of the samples until the storage time was over. The total number of viable cells in probiotic treatments was kept at a functional level (>106 CFU/mL) for 15 days. The aggregate results showed that it is possible to generate high-quality bio-yoghurt drinks from goat milk with a delightful flavor, appearance, body & texture, and color by substituting goat milk fat with up to 75 % dried white sapote fruit. The successful creation of high-quality bio-yoghurt drinks from goat milk, enriched with DWSF, not only presents a delightful flavor, and pleasing texture but also signifies a health-conscious innovation. This research paves the way for further investigations into the integration of novel fruit-based ingredients in dairy products, offering new dimensions in the functional foods field.

Clover microgreen incorporation in diet-controlled diabetes and counteracted aflatoxicosis of rats.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the chronic metabolic diseases whose control remains a challenge. Its increased incidence was mainly attributed to increased environmental contamination. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of feeding clover microgreen (CM) on a diabetes model with or without aflatoxin exposure. Rats were distributed into 8 groups. G1 was a control group. G2 was fed CM. G3 was administered aflatoxin orally. G4 was fed clover and administered aflatoxin. G5 was diabetic rats. G6 was diabetic rats fed CM. G7 was diabetic rats administered aflatoxin. G8 was diabetic rats administered aflatoxin and fed CM. Phytochemical analysis of the CM showed that gardenin was the most common compound. The administration of aflatoxin aggravated diabetes. The groups fed CM showed a decreased glucose concentration compared to the unfed groups. Liver and kidney function parameters were improved by CM. The histopathological alteration of the pancreas, liver, and kidneys was relieved in CM-fed groups. The area % of insulin in islets of Langerhans was increased in CM-fed groups. Feeding CM also enhanced the oxidative stress biomarkers. In conclusion, CM improved all evaluated parameters in diabetic rats either exposed to aflatoxin or not compared to the control.

In Vitro Antioxidant and In Vivo Hepatoprotective Properties of Wissadula periplocifolia Extract.

Wissadula periplocifolia (L.) Thwaites is a traditional medicinal plant belonging to the family Malvaceae, used in folk medicine for inflamed snake bites and bee stings. The current study was designed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of 80% ethanol extract of W. periplocifolia and its different fractions. The crude ethanolic extract (CEE) was then serially fractionated with petroleum ether fraction (PEF), chloroform fraction (CHF), and aqueous fraction (AQF). The antioxidant activity was assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, anti-inflammatory activity was determined in the xylene-induced ear edema model, and hepatoprotective activity was measured in the paracetamol-induced hepatic injury model. PEF showed a significant scavenging effect with an IC50 value of 33.5 µg/mL, followed by CEE (IC50 = 42.2 µg/mL), CHF (IC50 = 77 µg/mL), and AQF (IC50 = 80 µg/mL), compared to standard butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50 = 14.8 µg/mL). Both doses of CEE (250 and 500 mg/kg) could reduce ear edema by 41.3 and 50%, respectively, compared to standard diclofenac sodium (76.09%). Moreover, CEE significantly reduces the elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), compared to control. Nevertheless, it elevated blood protein and reduced the blood bilirubin level (p < 0.01), compared to control. Histopathological studies also indicated significant protection of the liver from paracetamol-induced liver damage. In conclusion, W. periplocifolia could be a good source of antioxidant and hepatoprotective phytochemicals; meanwhile, toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies are recommended.

A Systematic Review of Phytochemistry, Nutritional Composition, and Pharmacologic Application of Species of the Genus Viola in Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

Viola L. is the largest genus of the Violaceae family with more than 500 species across the globe. The present extensive literature survey revealed Viola species to be a group of important nutritional and medicinal plants used for the ethnomedicinal treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, asthma, lung diseases, and fatigue. Many plant species of this genus have also received scientific validation of their pharmacological activities including neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anticancer, antihypertensive, antidyslipidemic, analgesic, antipyretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and antioxidant. Viola is highly rich in different natural products some of which have been isolated and identified in the past few decades; these include flavonoids terpenoids and phenylpropanoids of different pharmacological activities. The pharmacokinetics and clinical studies on this genus are lacking, and the present review is aimed at summarizing the current understanding of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, nutritional composition, and pharmacological profile of medicinal plants from the Viola genus to reveal its therapeutic potentials, gaps, and subsequently open a new window for future pharmacological research.

Morphogenetic identification of a new record Deudorix livia (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in Assiut Governorate of Northern Upper Egypt.

Deudorix livia (Klug, 1834) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) is one of the most serious lepidopteran insect pests attacking pomegranate fruit around the world, including Egypt (Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt). To create an effective program (IPM) to control such harmful pests, accurate identification of the pest morphology and genetic structure is essential. Studies on the morphogenetics of this pest are scarce. So, the goal of this research is to identify it both morphologically and genetically. Pomegranate butterfly immature stages were collected from infested pomegranate fruits and reared in the laboratory until the adult's emergence. By using light and scanning electron microscopy, some morphological structures of males and females were studied. DNA was extracted from the legs of a pomegranate butterfly adult. Also, PCR was conducted by using the mitochondrial CO1 gene for sequencing and phylogenetic tests. The results show that the body scales are a mixture of dark and light gray on the dorsal side and white on the ventral side in both sexes. The average male body length (BL) was 11.674 ± 0.299 mm and was 11.458 ± 1.001 mm for the females. The wing venation is similar in both sexes. For the first time, a partial sequence of the mitochondrial CO1 gene in D. livia was deposited in GenBank (MW463927).

Validation and development of RP-HPLC method for quantification of glibenclamide in rat plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic studies in wistar rats.

Herein, we report a novel, simple, specific, accurate and cost-friendly validated reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method for the quantification of second generation sulphonylurea based antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide (GLB) in rat plasma and its application to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters in wistar rats. The internal standard used was flufenamic acid. The chromatographic separation was conducted on C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm x 5 µm, Agilent-Zorbax, SB) using isocratic elution with mobile phase containing Acetonitrile: Water (1:1; v/v) pH adjusted to 4.0 with 0.03 % glacial acetic acid and detected by photo-diode array as detector. Calibration curves made in the rat plasma were linear in the range of 50-1200 ng/ml with r2 = 0.998. The LLOQ was 40 ng/ml. This method was effectively applied for pharmacokinetic studies of Glibenclamide following administration through oral route as solid dispersion formulation to Wistar rats. Several methods are available in the literature which can be employed for the quantification of Glibenclamide but such methods are tedious, provide lower sensitivity, less simultaneous resolution and are time-consuming. Therefore the present methods suits best for the quantification of Glibenclamide from Wistar rats.

Assessment of hepatoprotective, nephroprotective efficacy, and antioxidative potential of Moringa oleifera leaf powder and ethanolic extract against PCOS-induced female albino mice (Mus Musculus).

Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant that has anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, tissue-protective, and antioxidant activities. Here, we evaluated the protective effect of M. oleifera leaf powder (MoLP) and 70% ethanol M. oleifera leaf extract (MoLE) on mitigating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-induced liver and kidney dysfunction via regulating oxidative stress in female albino mice (Mus musculus). The efficacy of M. oleifera was compared with metformin (standard medicine used to treat infertility in women). PCOS was induced by intramuscular injection of testosterone enanthate at 1.0 mg/100 g BW for 35 days. PCOS-induced mice were treated with MoLP (250 and 500 mg/Kg), MoLE (250 and 500 mg/kg), and metformin (250 mg/kg) orally for 14 days. Renal function test (RFT), liver function test (LFT), and oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA) were quantified in serum at 0, 7, and 14 days of intervention. Mice treated with M. oleifera and metformin showed a significant decrease (p < .001) in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphate (ALP), total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, and a significant increase (p < .001) in total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. Oxidative stress decreased significantly (p = .00) with respect to treatments, exposure days, and their interaction in metformin and all M. oleifera-treated groups. M. oleifera leaf powder and extract reduce oxidative stress and enhance nephron-hepatic activity in PCOS-induced female albino mice.

A comprehensive overview of eco-friendly bio-fertilizers extracted from living organisms.

Currently, sustainable agriculture involves ecofriendly techniques, which include biofertilization. Biofertilizers increase plant productivity by improving soil fertility and nutrient content. A wide range of living organisms can be applied as biofertilizers and increase soil fertility without causing pollution due to their biodegradability. The organisms can be microorganisms like bacteria, microalgae, and micro fungi or macro organisms like macroalgae, macro fungi, and higher plants. Biofertilizers extracted from living organisms or their residues will be increasingly used rather than chemical fertilizers, which cause heavy metal accumulation in soil. Biofertilizer use aims for sustainable development in agriculture by maintaining the soil. This will mitigate climate change and related impacts and will also lower many serious diseases resulting from pollution such as cancer, liver and renal failure, and immune diseases. This review is a comprehensive overview of biofertilizers extracted from a range of living organisms from the Kingdoms Monera to Plantae and included bacteria, algae, fungi, and higher plants. Organisms that play a vital role in elevating soil nutrients in a safe, cheap, and ecofriendly manner are included in the review to promote their potential commercial application.

Steric and Energetic Studies on the Synergetic Enhancement Effect of Integrated Polyaniline on the Adsorption Properties of Toxic Basic and Acidic Dyes by Polyaniline/Zeolite-A Composite.

The synergetic enhancement effect of the polyaniline (PANI) integration process on the adsorption properties of the PANI/zeolite-A composite (PANI/ZA) as an adsorbent for malachite green and Congo red synthetic dyes was evaluated based on classic equilibrium modelling in addition to the steric and energetic parameters of advanced isotherm studies. The PANI/ZA composite displays enhanced adsorption capacities for both methylene blue (270.9 mg/g) and Congo red (235.5 mg/g) as compared to ZA particles (methylene blue (179.6 mg/g) and Congo red (140.3 mg/g)). The reported enhancement was illustrated based on the steric parameters of active site density (Nm) and the number of adsorbed dyes per active site (n). The integration of PANI strongly induced the quantities of the existing active sites that have enhanced affinities towards both methylene blue (109.2 mg/g) and Congo red (92.9 mg/g) as compared to the present sites on the surface of ZA. Every site on the surface of PANI/ZA can adsorb about four methylene blue molecules and five Congo red molecules, signifying the vertical orientation of their adsorbed ions and their uptake by multi-molecular mechanisms. The energetic investigation of the methylene blue (-10.26 to -16.8 kJ/mol) and Congo red (-9.38 to -16.49 kJ/mol) adsorption reactions by PANI/ZA suggested the operation of physical mechanisms during their uptake by PANI/ZA. These mechanisms might involve van der Waals forces, dipole bonding forces, and hydrogen bonding (<30 kJ/mol). The evaluated thermodynamic functions, including enthalpy, internal energy, and entropy, validate the exothermic and spontaneous behaviours of the methylene blue and Congo red uptake processes by PANI/ZA.

Antioxidant, Volatile Compounds; Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Dermatoprotective Properties of Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti Ex Carriere Essential Oil: In Vitro and In Silico Investigations.

Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carriere is an endemic tree possessing valuable health benefits which has been widely used since time immemorial in international traditional pharmacopoeia. The aim of this exploratory investigation is to determine the volatile compounds of C. atlantica essential oils (CAEOs) and to examine their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and dermatoprotective properties. In silico simulations, including molecular docking and pharmacokinetics absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), and drug-likeness prediction were used to reveal the processes underlying in vitro biological properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) was used for the chemical screening of CAEO. The antioxidant activity of CAEO was investigated using four in vitro complementary techniques, including ABTS and DPPH radicals scavenging activity, ferric reductive power, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (ß-carotene test). Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibition and tyrosinase inhibitory assays were used for testing the anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective properties. GC-MS analysis indicated that the main components of CAEO are ß-himachalene (28.99%), α-himachalene (14.43%), and longifolene (12.2%). An in vitro antimicrobial activity of CAEO was examined against eleven strains of Gram-positive bacteria (three strains), Gram-negative bacteria (four strains), and fungi (four strains). The results demonstrated high antibacterial and antifungal activity against ten of them (>15 mm zone of inhibition) using the disc-diffusion assay. The microdilution test showed that the lowest values of MIC and MBC were recorded with the Gram-positive bacteria in particular, which ranged from 0.0625 to 0.25 % v/v for MIC and from 0.5 to 0.125 % v/v for MBC. The MIC and MFC of the fungal strains ranged from 0.5 to 4.0% (MIC) and 0.5 to 8.0% v/v (MFC). According to the MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios, CAEO has bactericidal and fungicidal activity. The results of the in vitro antioxidant assays revealed that CAEO possesses remarkable antioxidant activity. The inhibitory effects on 5-LOX and tyrosinase enzymes was also significant (p < 0.05). ADMET investigation suggests that the main compounds of CAEO possess favorable pharmacokinetic properties. These findings provide scientific validation of the traditional uses of this plant and suggest its potential application as natural drugs.

Pathological and biochemical evaluation of radish microgreen on diabetes and aflatoxicosis in rats.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 remains one of the common diseases nowadays. Several risk factors can be implicated like increased environmental pollution. This study is aimed at evaluating the toxic effect of aflatoxin on diabetes mellitus and possible protection using natural food like radish microgreen (RM). Forty-eight male rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups: G1 control group, G2 RM group, G3 aflatoxin group, G4 aflatoxin-RM group, G5 diabetic group, G6 diabetic RM group, G7 diabetic-aflatoxin group, G8 diabetic, aflatoxin, RM group. Phytane and citronellyl tiglate were the main phytochemicals present in RM. The glucose and insulin levels were the worst in G5 and G7 groups. RM feeding restored glucose level to normal but did not alter insulin level. Insulin resistance was decreased, and insulin sensitivity was increased in groups fed RM. Liver and kidney function parameters and LDH activity were improved in groups fed RM. Histopathology of the pancreas and immunohistochemistry of insulin in pancreatic islets was improved in groups fed RM. In RM fed groups, the MDA content was decreased, whereas GSH content and antioxidant enzymes activity were increased. In conclusion, feeding RM in diabetic and/or aflatoxicated groups improved all evaluated parameters which could be due to its antioxidant potential.