Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 36
Filter
1.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 16(3): 3703-3718, 2024 Jan 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38214036

ABSTRACT

Herein, we investigate the behavior of skyrmions within a racetrack design incorporating voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) gates. Our analysis encompassed multiple forces, including spin currents and anisotropy gradients induced by bias voltages. As a result, the efficient control of skyrmion dynamics was achieved across various VCMA gate configurations. Building upon these findings, we propose an efficient approach to reconfigurable skyrmion logic (RSL) in a thin antiferromagnetic (AFM) film through a versatile design. Our RSL harnesses the selective integration of VCMA, spin-polarized currents, and skyrmion-skyrmion (sky-sky) interactions to implement multiple logic gates, including AND, OR, XOR, NOT, NAND, XNOR, and NOR. The design brings a significant advantage with its simplified fabrication process, making the implementation of the RSL practical and accessible for various applications. Furthermore, the RSL enables seamless dynamic switching between logic gates, thereby enhancing its multifunctionality. Additionally, the strategic incorporation of sky-sky interactions and skyrmion-edge repulsion prominently facilitates the realization of complex gates, such as NAND, XNOR, and NOR gates, that typically require intricate design efforts. Hence, this streamlined integration of RSL, coupled with its adaptability to changing computational needs, underscores its potential as a practical solution for implementing high-functionality skyrmion-based logic gates.

2.
Med Vet Entomol ; 34(4): 385-393, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32103524

ABSTRACT

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is a common vector-borne systemic disease caused by Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In Morocco the situation is complex: many sandfly species have been collected in areas in which the disease is endemic, but only Phlebotomus ariasi, Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus longicuspis (Diptera: Psychodidae) have been confirmed to have vectorial roles. The objective of the present study was to ascertain the potential distribution of L. infantum and its vectors in Morocco, using ecological niche modelling. Vector records were obtained from field collections of the Laboratory team and from previously published entomological observations. Epidemiological data for L. infantum modelling were obtained from Moroccan Ministry of Health reports. The jackknife test indicated that the bioclimatic variables with the greatest influence on model development for all species were annual precipitation and precipitation in the driest quarter of the year. MaxEnt model representations for sandfly species that act as vectors of L. infantum showed the widespread geographic distribution of these species in Morocco, specifically in northern and central Morocco, where foci of visceral leishmaniasis are found. The ecological niche modelling points out areas in which the probability of occurrence of these species is higher. This information should be considered as a starting point for further research to fully elucidate the ecology and epidemiology of these species, as well as of the pathogens they transmit.


Subject(s)
Leishmania infantum , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/transmission , Phlebotomus/parasitology , Animals , Computer Simulation , Ecosystem , Humans , Insect Vectors/parasitology , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/veterinary , Morocco/epidemiology , Psychodidae/parasitology , Rain , Seasons , Zoonoses/parasitology , Zoonoses/transmission
3.
J Fr Ophtalmol ; 41(9): 852-856, 2018 Nov.
Article in French | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30342778

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of outpatient care without next-day examination for patients undergoing retinal surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing ambulatory vitreoretinal surgery between November 2013 and February 2016 at the Vienna medical center were included in this retrospective study. The age, comorbidities, indication, surgical technique and type of anesthesia used, symptoms, intraocular pressure and biomicroscopic examination data at the D0, D7 and M1 visits were recorded. Patient satisfaction with the outpatient treatment was collected by phone call in April 2016. RESULTS: Fifty-three surgeries on 49 patients (24 women, 25 men) with a mean age of 70 years (range, 39-91 years) were analyzed. The surgery was pars plana vitrectomy in all cases, with 26 cases of epiretinal membrane surgery, 7 vitreomacular traction syndrome, 4 vitreous hemorrhage, 6 macular hole, 4 dislocation of lens material, 5 retinal detachment and 1 macular retinoschisis in high myopia. The type of anesthesia was general in 64.1 % of cases (34) and local in 36.9 % of cases (19). Of the D0 examination data, 100 % were compatible with the patient being discharged to home. One patient consulted before the D7 exam for the occurrence of a subconjunctival hemorrhage. There were seven cases (13.2 %) of intraocular pressure elevation and two cases of vitreous hemorrhage (3.8 %) on the D7 examination data. Twenty-seven patients (55.1 %) were reached by phone and all of them were satisfied with their outpatient management. CONCLUSION: Outpatient treatment of patients without next-day examination for vitreoretinal surgery is possible and well accepted.


Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care/methods , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Vitreoretinal Surgery/methods , Adult , Aftercare/methods , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Outpatients , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Patient Satisfaction/statistics & numerical data , Postoperative Care/methods , Retrospective Studies , Vitrectomy/methods , Vitrectomy/psychology , Vitrectomy/statistics & numerical data , Vitreoretinal Surgery/psychology , Vitreoretinal Surgery/statistics & numerical data
4.
Free Radic Biol Med ; 129: 407-417, 2018 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30316780

ABSTRACT

Electron leakage from dysfunctional respiratory chain and consequent superoxide formation leads to mitochondrial and cell injury during ischemia and reperfusion (IR). In this work we evaluate if the supramolecular assembly of the respiratory complexes into supercomplexes (SCs) is associated with preserved energy efficiency and diminished oxidative stress in post-ischemic hearts treated with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and the cardioprotective maneuver of Postconditioning (PostC). Hemodynamic variables, infarct size, oxidative stress markers, oxygen consumption and the activity/stability of SCs were compared between groups. We found that mitochondrial oxygen consumption and the activity of respiratory complexes are preserved in mitochondria from reperfused hearts treated with both NAC and PostC. Both treatments contribute to recover the activity of individual complexes. NAC reduced oxidative stress and maintained SCs assemblies containing Complex I, Complex III, Complex IV and the adapter protein SCAFI more effectively than PostC. On the other hand, the activities of CI, CIII and CIV associated to SCs assemblies were preserved by this maneuver, suggesting that the activation of other cardioprotective mechanisms besides oxidative stress contention might participate in maintaining the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory complexes in such superstructures. We conclude that both the monomeric and the SCs assembly of the respiratory chain contribute to the in vivo functionality of the mitochondria. However, although the ROS-induced damage and the consequent increased production of ROS affect the assembly of SCs, other levels of regulation as those induced by PostC, might participate in maintaining the activity of the respiratory complexes in such superstructures.


Subject(s)
Acetylcysteine/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Cardiotonic Agents/pharmacology , Mitochondria, Heart/drug effects , Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control , Animals , Electron Transport/drug effects , Electron Transport Complex I/genetics , Electron Transport Complex I/metabolism , Electron Transport Complex III/genetics , Electron Transport Complex III/metabolism , Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics , Electron Transport Complex IV/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation , Ischemic Postconditioning/methods , Mitochondria, Heart/enzymology , Mitochondrial Membranes/drug effects , Mitochondrial Membranes/enzymology , Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/enzymology , Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics , Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/pathology , Myocardium/enzymology , Myocardium/pathology , Oxidative Phosphorylation/drug effects , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Oxygen Consumption/drug effects , Rats , Rats, Wistar
5.
Curr Mol Med ; 17(9): 598-607, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29521228

ABSTRACT

In metabolic diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes, the over-expression of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in a response to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by mitochondrial respiratory complexes, and to the excess of free fatty acid (FFA) supply from adipose tissue, may protect cells from oxidative stress, lipotoxicity and in turn from death. UCPs by reducing superoxide anion and H2O2 generation trigger several signals to cell for their adaptation to the lipotoxic microenvironment. In mitochondria, a decrease of cytochrome c (cyt c) and proapoptotic protein release promotes cell survival and proliferation. The altered lipid metabolism also affects cardiolipin susceptibility to the peroxidation, a process involved in the dissociation of cyt c from mitochondrial inner membrane and its release, a key step of apoptosis. Therefore, UCPs by attenuating ROS generation and lipotoxicity may downregulate programmed cell death, a well-known physiological process controlling cell proliferation contributing to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. In addition, tumor cells over-expressed UCPs, by inhibiting ROS generation acquire resistance to death during pharmacological treatment with oxidative stress drug inducers. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss recent findings regarding the role that UCPs play in cell survival by protecting against ROS generation and maintaining bioenergetic metabolism homeostasis to promote cell proliferation.


Subject(s)
Carcinogenesis/pathology , Cell Proliferation , Metabolic Diseases/physiopathology , Mitochondrial Uncoupling Proteins/metabolism , Neoplasms/physiopathology , Animals , Carcinogenesis/metabolism , Humans
6.
Int J Phytoremediation ; 18(1): 41-7, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26529094

ABSTRACT

Waste dumps generated by mining activities contain heavy metals that are dispersed into areas leading to significant environmental contamination. The objectives of this study were (i) to survey native plants and their associated AM fungal communities from waste soils in a Moroccan mine site and (ii) to follow Eucalyptus growth in soil collected from the waste-mine. AM spores from native plant species were collected from the mining site and the surrounding uncontaminated areas were multiplied and inoculated onto Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The results showed that (i) the native plant species recorded in the waste did not show an active metal uptake, (ii) the selected native plant species are associated with AM mycorrhizal fungi and (iii) the use of AM fungi adapted to these drastic conditions can improve the growth of the fast-growing tree, E. camaldulensis and its tolerance to high soil Cu content. In conclusion, it is suggested that in order to define efficient low-cost phytostabilization processes, the use of native resources (i.e., mixtures of native mycorrhizal fungi) in combination with fast-growing tree species such as Eucalyptus, could be used to optimize the establishment of a permanent cover plant in contaminated areas.


Subject(s)
Eucalyptus/metabolism , Metals, Heavy/metabolism , Mycorrhizae/metabolism , Soil Pollutants/metabolism , Symbiosis , Biodegradation, Environmental , Introduced Species , Mining , Morocco
7.
Gynecol Obstet Fertil ; 42(5): 317-21, 2014 May.
Article in French | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24411342

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We wanted to measure the impact of going from a two-step screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (50g oral glucose tolerance test then 100g OGTT) to a one-step screening 75g OGTT (WHO's recommendations). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out among patients who consulted between July 1st, 2008 and October 31st, 2009. The screening was performed in the first trimester if risk factors were identified and between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation (WG). RESULTS: During our period of study of 15 months, 706 pregnant women were included. The prescription of a screening test was performed in 403 women, i.e. 57% of cases. Out of the 403-screened women, 33 had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) i.e. a 8.2% prevalence rate. In univariate analysis, the following are considered to be risk factors: age, diabetes family history and macrosomia history in a previous pregnancy. Between 24 and 28 WG, 34.34% of the screening tests were achieved. The 75g OGTT is prescribed in 96.2% of cases as a screening test of GDM but fasting blood glucose is still prescribed in 3.8% of cases. Also, before 12 WG, 75g OGTT represent 64.7% of the prescribed tests. DISCUSSION: Despite the simplification of the GDM screening procedure, our work shows no significant difference of the screening rate and prevalence of GDM between our present study and the first work done in the same service (57% versus 61%, P=0.7 and 8.2% versus 7.7%, P=0.9). The GDM risk factors found are also identical between the two studies: age, type 2 diabetes family history and macrosomia history. Moreover, there is a statistically significant improvement in the screening age (23±6.7 versus 20.9 WG±6.8 in the first half of 2008, P<0.001) and the number of tests ordered during the period between 24 and 28 WG (34.34% versus 23.9% in the first half of 2008, P<0.001). For the GDM screening tests between 24 and 28 WG, 75g OGTT replaced the 50g OGTT (test used in the first study), but fasting blood glucose is prescribed in 3.8% of cases knowing that normal fasting blood glucose alone done between 24 and 28 WG has a poor sensitivity and do not exclude the diagnosis of GDM (Cosson, 2006) [11]. Also, before 12 WG, 75g OGTT represents 64.7% of the prescribed tests. However, there is to date no data to validate load testing before 24 WG. CONCLUSION: Our comparative study revealed maintenance of low implementation of universal screening of GDM despite the simplification of the protocol. Between 24 and 28 WG, 75g OGTT replaced the 50g OGTT, but fasting blood glucose was still prescribed. A sensitization meeting involving all intervening persons is to be organized with proposals for corrective actions. The final objective is the systematic screening of gestational diabetes mellitus with the use of fasting blood glucose in the first trimester and the 75g OGTT between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation.


Subject(s)
Diabetes, Gestational/diagnosis , Adult , Blood Glucose/analysis , Fasting , Female , Gestational Age , Glucose Tolerance Test , Hospitals, Military , Humans , Mass Screening , Morocco , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors
8.
Curr Med Chem ; 20(21): 2626-40, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23590715

ABSTRACT

The definition of the Metabolic Syndrome (MS) has encountered difficulty in reaching a universal consensus although there exists an agreement of its main pathologies which are hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, inflammation and renal damage. The prevalent opinion is that three of those alterations may define the syndrome. The incidence of the MS has increased globally, particularly in the last few years, to the point of being regarded as an epidemic. The treatment of the MS can be approached from different angles, since it may be a multifaceted health problem. A healthy lifestyle, which means the practice of regular exercise is suggested to MS patients. Increasing physical activity has anti-inflammatory effects since there is an inverse association of physical activity and inflammatory biomarker concentrations. An adequate diet is recommended, such as the Mediterranean, which contains fish, tomatoes, garlic, red peppers, olive oil and includes red wine, that is, antioxidants and non-saturated oils. There are also the traditional herbal preparations, used in the alternative medicine. Several therapeutic tools can be used; the most common are the pharmaceutical products to deal with obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemias, diabetes and inflammation. In addition several pharmacological therapies such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended. Recently new mechanisms of action of statins, fibrates, metformin and thiazolidinediones have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory effect and potential use to treat MS.


Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Antioxidants/therapeutic use , Metabolic Syndrome/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Antioxidants/chemistry , Humans , Molecular Structure , Plant Extracts/chemistry
9.
Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci ; 77(3): 281-6, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23878985

ABSTRACT

Mycosphaerella graminicola is nowadays one of the most important foliar pathogens on wheat crops worldwide and more specifically in Morocco. The interactions of eight monoconidial isolates of this fungus, sampled in different regions of Morocco, with 3 Moroccan wheat cultivars (Massira, Amal and Arrihan) differing in their resistance level to the pathogen, were studied using artificial inoculations in the greenhouse. Disease notations (percentage of third leaf areas covered by lesions bearing pycnidia) at 21 days post inoculation revealed significant differences among the different isolate-cultivar combinations. Most isolates expressed pathogenicity profiles in accordance with the resistance levels of the cultivars studied. However, T01701 showed a similar pathogenicity level on the three cultivars and T01718 induced more disease on the moderately resistant cv. Amal compared to the susceptible cv. Massira and the resistant cv. Arrihan, respectively. Furthermore, the infection process of the isolate T01757 was investigated at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 21 days post-inoculation. This isolate exhibited a disease gradient (65%, 24% and 5%) which negatively correlated with the resistance levels of the cultivars. No significant differences were obtained regarding the rates of spore germination and leaf penetration events. However, rates of mesophyll colonization positively correlated with the disease levels scored on the cultivars. This study supports the presence of strain-cultivar interactions between wheat and M. graminicola in Morocco and confirms the importance of mesophyll colonization in disease establishment and extension.


Subject(s)
Ascomycota/physiology , Plant Diseases/microbiology , Plant Diseases/prevention & control , Triticum/microbiology , Morocco
10.
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf ; 76(2): 187-92, 2012 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22047769

ABSTRACT

The genotoxicity of quinolone and fluroquinolones was assessed using the micronucleus (MN) test on Vicia faba roots by direct contact exposure to a solid matrix. Plants were exposed to quinolones (nalidixic acid) and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin) alone or mixed with artificially contaminated soils. Four different concentrations of each of these antibiotics were tested (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/Kg) for nalidixic acid and (0.005, 0.05, 0.5 and 5 mg/Kg) for ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. These antibiotics were also used in mixture. Exposure of Vicia faba plants to each antibiotic at the highest two concentrations showed significant MN induction. The lowest two concentrations had no significant genotoxic effect. The mixture of the three compounds induced a significant MN induction whatever the mixture tested, from 0.02 to 20 mg/Kg. The results indicated that a similar genotoxic effect was obtained with the mixture at 0.2 mg/Kg in comparison with each molecule alone at 5-10 mg/Kg. Data revealed a clear synergism of these molecules on Vicia faba genotoxicity.


Subject(s)
Fluoroquinolones/toxicity , Micronucleus Tests/methods , Mutagens/toxicity , Quinolones/toxicity , Soil Pollutants/toxicity , Vicia faba/drug effects , Anti-Bacterial Agents/toxicity , DNA Damage , Enrofloxacin , Plant Roots/drug effects , Plant Roots/genetics , Soil/chemistry , Vicia faba/genetics
11.
Curr Top Med Chem ; 11(13): 1694-705, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21463253

ABSTRACT

In the metabolic syndrome (MS), a condition that associates three or more pathologies such as hypertension, central obesity, type II diabetes, insulin resistance and dyslipidemias, the kidneys are severely affected. The pathological alterations in the kidneys, associated with MS, may be modified by sex hormone levels. In general, estrogens are a protection against the development of cardiovascular and renal diseases in humans and experimental models, but androgens may have an opposite effect. Among the metabolic systems that can be modulated by sex hormones in the kidney, the more important are: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, arachidonic acid metabolism, nitric oxide system and renal extra-cellular matrix proteins. These are metabolic pathways normally associated, in order to maintain the most efficient functioning of renal hemodynamics. There is a close interrelationship between sex hormones and some pathways involved in the metabolic syndrome; also pathways can modulate each other. The circulating concentrations of hormones may determine the degree of overall pathological alterations in the syndrome.


Subject(s)
Gonadal Steroid Hormones/physiology , Kidney/metabolism , Metabolic Syndrome/etiology , Humans , Kidney/pathology , Kidney Diseases/etiology , Metabolic Syndrome/pathology
12.
Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci ; 76(4): 715-9, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22702191

ABSTRACT

Septoria tritici blotch caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola (anamorph: Septoria tritici) is nowadays one of the most frequently occurring diseases on both bread and durum wheat crops. Two hundred and thirty isolates of the fungus were sampled from six distinct wheat-producing regions of Morocco in order to investigate the resistance of M. graminicola to strobilurins in this country, where this fungicide class is increasingly used in wheat-pest management. A subset of 134 isolates was first collected in 2008 from Meknes-Tafilalet, Tadla-Azilal, Gharb and Chaouia. Furthermore, 96 additional isolates were sampled in 2010 from the fourth regions investigated in 2008 plus Fes-Boulmane and Doukkala-Abda. Sensitivity or resistance within the isolates were determined by screening the G143A cytochrome b substitution conferring resistance. We used a mismatch amplification mutation assay allowing the amplification of either G143 (sensitive) or A143 (resistant) allele. All the 2008 isolates were found to be sensitive since they carry the wild-type allele G143. However, 9 (9%) out of the 2010 isolates were found to contain the resistant allele A143 and therefore to be resistant. Four of them were from Gharb and five from Fes-Boulmane. This study highlighted for the first time the occurrence of strobilurin-resistant isolates of M. graminicola in Morocco. Further genetic investigations should determine if the resistant isolates emerged independently in Morocco or traveled by wind-migration from Europe.


Subject(s)
Ascomycota/drug effects , Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/pharmacology , Fungicides, Industrial/pharmacology , Plant Diseases/microbiology , Triticum/microbiology , Drug Resistance, Fungal/genetics , Mutation , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
13.
Mali Med ; 26(2): 58-61, 2011.
Article in French | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22765979

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis of the breast is a very rare infection, it occurs chiefly in women of childbearing potential, usually as an apparently primary infection and constitute a diagnosis and therapeutic challenge. Administration of antituberculous agents is the mainstay of therapy. Surgery is required in some cases. We report two cases of breast tuberculosis. The diagnosis was put on histology with good outcome under anti bacillary treatment. Through the literature data we recall the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and treatment of this pathology.


Subject(s)
Breast Diseases/diagnosis , Tuberculosis/diagnosis , Adult , Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use , Breast Diseases/drug therapy , Breast Diseases/microbiology , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Morocco , Tuberculosis/drug therapy
14.
J Hazard Mater ; 166(1): 284-90, 2009 Jul 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19111394

ABSTRACT

Nitration reactions of aromatic compounds are commonly involved in different industrial processes for pharmaceutical, pesticide or military uses. For many years, most of the manufacturing sites used lagooning systems to treat their process effluents. In view of a photocatalytic degradation assay, the wastewater of a lagoon was investigated by using HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry. The wastewater was highly concentrated in RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine), HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) and two herbicides Dinoterb (2-tert-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol) and Dinoseb (2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol). First of all, an analytical method using solid-phase extraction (SPE) combined with HPLC ESI MS/MS was put in work for identification and titration of RDX, HMX and the two dinitrophenols in a complex natural matrix. Then, the UV/TiO2 treatment was investigated for pollutants removal. Dinitrophenolic compounds were significantly degraded after a 8-h-exposition of the wastewater/TiO2 suspension, whereas RDX and HMX were poorly affected.


Subject(s)
Aniline Compounds/radiation effects , Industrial Waste/prevention & control , Nitrobenzenes/radiation effects , Nitrophenols/radiation effects , Photolysis , Titanium/chemistry , Water Pollutants, Chemical/radiation effects , 2,4-Dinitrophenol/analogs & derivatives , 2,4-Dinitrophenol/analysis , 2,4-Dinitrophenol/radiation effects , Aniline Compounds/analysis , Azocines/analysis , Azocines/radiation effects , Catalysis , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Dinitrophenols/analysis , Dinitrophenols/radiation effects , Nitrobenzenes/analysis , Nitrophenols/analysis , Solid Phase Extraction , Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization , Triazines/analysis , Triazines/radiation effects , Ultraviolet Rays , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
15.
J Hazard Mater ; 165(1-3): 1119-23, 2009 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19070426

ABSTRACT

Olive-mill wastes represent a significant environmental problem in Mediterranean areas due to their important production during a short period of time. Their high polyphenol, lipid and organic acid concentrations turn them into phytotoxic wastes. This work examined the evolution of polyphenolic compounds during the composting of an olive-mill waste-wheat straw mixture by using quantitative (Folin-Ciocalteu) and qualitative (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography, HPLC) analyses. The polyphenol content decreased strongly by 93% while the significant correlations obtained between polyphenol content and different humification indices and lignin losses suggested that polyphenols contribute to the synthesis of humic substances. In addition, the significant correlation found between germination index, polyphenols and humification indices must be related to the progressive substrate detoxification as humification process progressed, leading to a non-phytotoxic and partially humified end-product. Nine polyphenolic compounds were identified by HPLC, most of which had disappeared by the end of composting, when only traces of hydroxytyrosol, caffeic and syringic acids and oleuropein were detected.


Subject(s)
Flavonoids/analysis , Industrial Waste/analysis , Olea/chemistry , Phenols/analysis , Soil/analysis , Triticum/chemistry , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Humic Substances , Polyphenols
16.
Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem ; 6(4): 237-52, 2008 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18855636

ABSTRACT

The metabolic syndrome (MS) has become a worldwide health problem. It is difficult for patients to follow a diet/exercise regime that would improve their symptoms, therefore the investigation of agents that may deal with its more serious aspects is an important medical field for research. The cardiovascular consequences associated with the syndrome and some of the therapeutic approaches are discussed. The different agents can be divided into several groups: Inorganic/ organic: Zinc complexes with garlic components as insulino-mimetics; Selenium as antioxidant; Copper, Zinc and Manganese as microcomponents of antioxidant enzymes. Organic: Natural or Synthetic: Glycine is effective in lowering blood pressure, TBARS, intra-abdominal fat tissue and triglycerides in sucrose-fed rats. Pharmaceutical products: Fibrates, Lipid-lowering drugs. Antidiabetics. Anti-gout agents. On the other hand there are natural products such as those of animal origin: Sex hormones (also synthetic) used in the problems of menopause and hypoandrogenism frequently found in the MS, antioxidant Omega-3-oils (fish oils) or Vegetal: for example Digitalis pupurea, century-old cardiovascular medication as well as Magnolia officinalis; Spirulina maxima with beneficial effects as antioxidant and lipid-lowering agent, among others. Prickly Pear Cacti. (Opuntia Ficus- Indica Cochlospermum vitifolium (Willd.) Spreng) whose many properties against diabetes and hypercholesterolemia have been empirically known for many years. Perezone (from Perezia plants, a.k.a. Peonia) described as an antiplatelet aggregating agent. The mixed elements in the Mediterranean diet: Fish, salads (peppers, tomatoes), olive oil, garlic, red wine which combines fish oils, garlic and avocado as well as antioxidants from the rest of its components.


Subject(s)
Metabolic Syndrome/drug therapy , Animals , Antioxidants/administration & dosage , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Diet , Disease Models, Animal , Fatty Acids/administration & dosage , Humans , Metabolic Syndrome/metabolism , Obesity/drug therapy , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Soybean Proteins/administration & dosage
17.
Bioresour Technol ; 99(18): 8819-23, 2008 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18513955

ABSTRACT

The level and fate of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), targeted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), has been studied over 90 days of composting of activated sludge with green waste, under a semi-arid climate. The total PAH calculated from the sum of the amounts of the 16 PAHs in the initial mixture of activated sludge and green waste, was lower than accepted European Union cut-off limits by about 0.48mgkg(-1). The treatment by composting led to a decrease of all PAHs mainly in the stabilization phase, but some differences could be observed between PAHs with three or fewer aromatic rings (N< or = 3) and those with four or more (N> or = 4). The former (except phenanthrene) exhibited a continuous decrease, while the latter PAHs with N of four or more and phenanthrene showed increases in the intermediate stages (30-60 days). This indicates the high potential sorption mainly of PAH with high molecular weight (> or = N4) plus phenanthrene, their tight adsorption makes them inaccessible for microbial attack. The high molecular weight PAHs showed a greater reduction of their bioavailability than those of low molecular weight. Naphthalene, with the lowest molecular weight, showed the smallest decrease (about 67.8%) compared to other PAHs of higher molecular weight (decrease reaching 100%). This is in agreement with the fact that the adsorption is less reversible with increased numbers of fused aromatic rings or an increase of their hydrophobicity.


Subject(s)
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis , Sewage , Soil , Waste Products , Biodegradation, Environmental , Molecular Weight , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/chemistry , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/isolation & purification , Temperature , Time Factors
18.
J Hazard Mater ; 159(2-3): 593-601, 2008 Nov 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18394794

ABSTRACT

The composting process involves a succession of different communities of microorganisms that decompose the initial material, transforming it into a stable final product. In this work, the levels of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA), neutral lipid fatty acid (NLFA) and sterol were monitored in compost versus time, as indicators of the activity of various microorganisms (Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, etc.). During composting, the PLFA and NLFA from Gram-negative bacteria and eukaryotes (2-OH 10; 3-OH 12; 2-OH 14; 13:0; 16:1; 18:1 trans) as well as some sterols of plant origin (e.g. monostearin sterols) decreased until the end of composting. In contrast, the branched fatty acids with iso- and anteiso-forms (i-15:0; a-15:0; i-16; i-17) increased mainly in the thermophilic phase, but decreased right after. The PLFA 18:2 (6; 9), which is used as an index of the occurrence of some fungi, rose strongly at the beginning of composting, but fell after peak heating. In contrast, the other main sterol indicative of fungi, ergosterol, decreased at the beginning of the thermophilic phase, but increased strongly by the end of composting. Accordingly, cluster and PCA analysis separated the PLFA of Gram-negative bacteria and eukaryotic cells from those of Gram-positive bacteria and long-chain fatty acids. The fungal PLFA considered, 18:2 (9, 12), was clustered more closely to iso- and anteiso-branched PLFAs. Stigmasterol, squalene and cholesterol occurred in the lower right part of the loading plot and were clustered more closely to iso-, anteiso-branched PLFAs and 18:2 w 6,9 suggesting their relationship to microbial activities. We also observed the tendency of resistance of fatty acid PLFAs and NLFAs of long chain (19:0 (cis-9); 20:0) and some recalcitrant sterols, e.g. sitosterol, at the end of composting. The presence of high levels of the latter in the final stage indicates their contribution to the structural stability of organic matter fractions. These recalcitrant components were more clustered and occurred in the lower right part of the loading plot.


Subject(s)
Lipids/analysis , Phospholipids/analysis , Sewage/microbiology , Soil/analysis , Bacteria/chemistry , Bacteria/metabolism , Cluster Analysis , Esters/analysis , Fatty Acids/analysis , Fungi/chemistry , Fungi/metabolism , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Sterols/analysis
19.
Dis Markers ; 24(3): 151-6, 2008.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18334736

ABSTRACT

It has been suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction and defects in membrane structure could be implied in AD pathogenesis. The aim of the present work was the study of membrane fluidity in submitochondrial platelet particles and erythrocyte membranes from Mexican patients. Blood samples were obtained from 30 patients with Alzheimer disease and 30 aged-matched control subjects. Membrane fluidity determinations were done using a very low concentration of the fluorescent dipyrenylpropane probe incorporated in both types of membranes. This probe is able to give excimer and monomer fluorescence, therefore it can be used to monitor fluidity changes in biological membranes. The data obtained showed that in submitochondrial particles from AD patients, the excimer to monomer fluorescent intensity ratio was lower (0.231 +/- 0.008) than aged-matched control subjects (0.363 +/- 0.014). Therefore, membrane fluidity was lower in AD samples. On the other hand, we found similar membrane fluidity in erythrocytes from AD patients and aged-matched controls: the fluorescent intensity ratios were 0.312 +/- 0.03 and 0.305 +/- 0.033, respectively. In addition, lipid peroxidation in submitochondrial particles and erythrocyte membranes was higher in AD samples than in aged-matched controls. These data suggest that submitochondrial platelet particles are more sensitive to oxidative stress than erythrocyte membranes.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/blood , Blood Platelets/ultrastructure , Erythrocyte Membrane/ultrastructure , Membrane Fluidity , Pyrenes/metabolism , Submitochondrial Particles , Humans , Lipid Peroxidation , Mexico
20.
Bioresour Technol ; 99(15): 7264-9, 2008 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18255284

ABSTRACT

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) was treated by photocatalysis using TiO2 under UV irradiation on the laboratory scale. The chemical oxygen demand, the coloration at 330nm, and the level of phenols all showed decreases which, after a 24-h treatment, reached 22%, 57% and 94%, respectively. The differences between these three values indicate the persistence of colourless, non-phenolic compounds. Application of the novel Fictitious Atomic-Group Separation method showed an increase in carbon oxidation state and confirmed that the attack primarily concerns, aromatic moieties. A fine spectroscopic study revealed the occurrence of three successive phases during the degradation process, thought to correspond to three different categories of molecules in the OMW and the presence of pectin compounds.


Subject(s)
Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods , Food Industry , Industrial Waste , Olea , Titanium/chemistry , Ultraviolet Rays , Water Pollutants/chemistry , Photochemistry , Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...