Investigation into the Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and In-Vitro Anti-Diabetic Efficacy of Ulva lactuca Extracts.

In this research, the chemical compositions of various extracts obtained from Ulva lactuca, a type of green seaweed collected from the Nador lagoon in the northern region of Morocco, were compared. Their antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties were also studied. Using GC-MS technology, the fatty acid content of the samples was analyzed, revealing that palmitic acid, eicosenoic acid, and linoleic acid were the most abundant unsaturated fatty acids present in all samples. The HPLC analysis indicated that sinapic acid, naringin, rutin, quercetin, cinnamic acid, salicylic acid, apigenin, flavone, and flavanone were the most prevalent phenolic compounds. The aqueous extract obtained by maceration showed high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, with values of 379.67 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g and 212.11 ± 0.11 mg QE/g, respectively. This extract also exhibited an impressive ability to scavenge DPPH radicals, as indicated by its IC50 value of 0.095 ± 0.12 mg/mL. Additionally, the methanolic extract obtained using the Soxhlet method demonstrated antioxidant properties by preventing ß-carotene discoloration, with an IC50 of 0.087 ± 0.14 mg/mL. Results from in-vitro studies showed that extracts from U. lactuca were able to significantly inhibit the enzymatic activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Among the various extracts, methanolic extract (S) has been identified as the most potent inhibitor, exhibiting a statistically similar effect to that of acarbose. Furthermore, molecular docking models were used to evaluate the interaction between the primary phytochemicals found in these extracts and the human pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. These findings suggest that U. lactuca extracts contain bioactive substances that are capable of reducing enzyme activity more effectively than the commercially available drug, acarbose.

Unusual presentation of a seminomatous tumor of the testis by acute pyelonephritis: An exceptional case report.

Cancer of the testis is the most common malignant tumor in men aged 14-44 years. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of testicular cancer, for which cryptorchidism is the most common risk factor. It is potentially curable and has a long life expectancy, requiring long-term observation of survivors. Radical orchiectomy is the procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors. We report the case of a young man whose testicular tumor was discovered fortuitously by pyelonephritis because he did not consult us for the large bursa.

Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacological Activities of Three Essential Oils Collected from Eastern Morocco (Origanum compactum, Salvia officinalis, and Syzygium aromaticum): A Comparative Study.

Throughout history, essential oils have been employed for their pleasing scents and potential therapeutic benefits. These oils have shown promise in various areas, including aromatherapy, personal care products, natural remedies, and even as alternatives to traditional cleaning agents or pest control solutions. The study aimed to explore the chemical makeup, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Origanum compactum Benth., Salvia officinalis L., and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et Perry. Initially, the composition of the three essential oils, O. compactum (HO), S. officinalis (HS), and S. aromaticum (HC) was analyzed using GC-MS technology, revealing significant differences in the identified compounds. α-thujone emerged as the predominant volatile component in the oils, making up 78.04% of the composition, followed by eugenol, which constituted 72.66% and 11.22% of the HC and HO oils, respectively. To gauge antioxidant capabilities, tests involving DPPH scavenging capacity and total antioxidant capacity were conducted. Antioxidant activity was determined through the phosphomolybdate test and the DPPH• radical scavenging activity, with the HO essential oil displaying significant scavenging capacity (IC50 of 0.12 ± 0.02 mg/mL), similar to ascorbic acid (IC50 of 0.26 ± 0.24 mg/mL). Similarly, the TAC assay for HO oil revealed an IC50 of 1086.81 ± 0.32 µM AAE/mg. Additionally, the oils' effectiveness against four bacterial strains, namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, and five fungi, Geotrichum candidum, Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida glabrata, and Candida albicans, was tested in vitro. The examined essential oils generally exhibited limited antimicrobial effects, with the exception of HC oil, which demonstrated an exceptionally impressive level of antifungal activity. In order to clarify the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal effects of the identified plant compounds, we employed computational methods, specifically molecular docking. This technique involved studying the interactions between these compounds and established protein targets associated with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities.

Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome Associated With Urinary Tract Hemangiomas: A Case Report.

The association between Klippel-Trenauney syndrome (KTS) and bladder hemangiomas is rare. The most common clinical manifestation is hematuria. The diagnosis is made from the characteristic cystoscopic appearance of the tumor. We report the case of a patient presenting recurrent macroscopic hematuria in the context of KTS. A cystoscopic evaluation revealed bladder hemangiomas. A conservative approach consisting of bladder irrigation and close follow-up was chosen as therapy. Conservative treatment of bladder irrigation and close follow-up is the recommended initial treatment of moderate and infrequent episodes of hematuria in this context. The more invasive therapeutic options have to be considered especially for frequent or life-threatening episodes of hematuria. This case suggests that conservative treatment may be effective in treating moderate and infrequent episodes of hematuria due to bladder hemangioma in the context of KTS. Further studies are required to adequately establish the effectiveness, limitations, and complications of each approach.

Study of the Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and In Vitro Anti-Diabetic Efficacy of Gracilaria bursa-pastoris Extracts.

In this study, a comparison was made of the chemical makeup of different extracts obtained from Gracilaria bursa-pastoris, a type of red seaweed that was gathered from the Nador lagoon situated in the northern part of Morocco. Additionally, their anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties were investigated. The application of GC-MS technology to analyze the fatty acid content of the samples revealed that linoleic acid and eicosenoic acid were the most abundant unsaturated fatty acids across all samples, with palmitic acid and oleic acid following in frequency. The HPLC analysis indicated that ascorbic and kojic acids were the most prevalent phenolic compounds, while apigenin was the most common flavonoid molecule. The aqueous extract exhibited significant levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, registering values of 381.31 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g and 201.80 ± 0.21 mg QE/g, respectively. Furthermore, this particular extract demonstrated a remarkable ability to scavenge DPPH radicals, as evidenced by its IC50 value of 0.17 ± 0.67 mg/mL. In addition, the methanolic extract was found to possess antioxidant properties, as evidenced by its ability to prevent ß-carotene discoloration, with an IC50 ranging from 0.062 ± 0.02 mg/mL to 0.070 ± 0.06 mg/mL. In vitro study showed that all extracts significantly inhibited the enzymatic activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Finally, molecular docking models were applied to assess the interaction between the primary phytochemicals identified in G. bursa-pastoris extracts and the human pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The findings suggest that these extracts contain bioactive substances capable of reducing enzyme activity more effectively than the commercially available drug acarbose.

A rare case report of bile duct compression by a polycystic kidney treated by total nephrectomy after embolization.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Polycystic kidney disease is a cillopathy characterized by the formation of numerous cysts in the kidneys, sometimes associated with extra-renal forms. Diagnosis is often by chance, or by other complications such as hematuria, urinary tract infections or, rarely, compression of neighboring organs. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a patient consulted for a symptomatology similar to that of acute pancreatitis, whose investigation objectified compression of the main bile duct by a voluminous right kidney polycystic in a CT scan. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: For this compressive complication of the polycystic kidney, a nephrectomy was performed after embolization of the renal artery, given the haemorrhage risk. CONCLUSION: A polycystic kidney should be removed in the event of a compressive complication and, given the risk of haemorrhage, should preferably be preceded by embolization.

Acute hepatic colic led to the discovery of an adrenal myolipoma without a hemorrhagic component: About a rare symptomatologic presentation - Case report.

The discovery of an adrenal myolipoma is often fortuitous, or due to the effects of hypersecretion of the adrenal gland. A large tumor can exert a mass effect on neighbouring organs, as in our case where the myolipoma leads to compression of the main bile duct and causes hepatic colic, which is rare to explain the discovery of an adrenal myolipoma on CT.

Neuromyelitis optica in a young patient presenting with urinary retention: A case report.

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system that can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including urinary dysfunction. Here, we present the case of a 21-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with NMO after presenting with urinary retention.

Late Cutaneous Metastases of Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Cutaneous metastatic disease from bladder urothelial carcinoma is a rare but serious complication of advanced bladder cancer. It occurs when malignant cells from the primary bladder tumor spread to the skin. The most common sites for cutaneous metastases from bladder cancer are the abdomen, chest, and pelvis. We report a case of a 69-year-old patient who was diagnosed with infiltrative urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (pT2) and underwent a radical cystoprostatectomy. After one year, the patient developed two ulcerative-bourgeous lesions, which were later identified as cutaneous metastases from bladder urothelial carcinoma through histological examination. Unfortunately, the patient passed away a few weeks later.

Unusual Presentation of Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis: A Case Report.

Embryonal carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of non-seminomatous germ cell tumor that typically affects young to middle-aged individuals. It is often discovered by the patient or during routine medical exams as a painless or occasionally painful lump. Other revealing symptoms, such as lumbar pain or renal colic, are very uncommon in the literature. In this case report, we aim to highlight a case of embryonal carcinoma in a 21-year-old patient, which was discovered following the diagnostic workup of a left lumbar pain episode.

Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw cow and goat milk produced in the Tiaret and Souk Ahras areas of Algeria.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of infection in both humans and animals. Most livestock strains have shown antibiotic resistance to the many molecules used in veterinary therapeutics. This study aimed to assess the resistance patterns of these bacteria, we carried out our study in the Tiaret and Souk Ahras areas of Algeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected 116 samples of bovine and goat milk to detect S. aureus. We used a selective media to isolate the strains, followed by biochemically identifying the isolates. We determined the susceptibility of the strains to antibiotic molecules using the disk diffusion method and confirmed the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with oxacillin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). RESULTS: Our results showed that 26.72% of the samples were contaminated with S. aureus, and we recovered 31 isolates from the positive samples. We ascribed a high resistance profile to penicillin G (96.77%), fusidic acid (67.74%), and tobramycin (45.16%) and isolated 4MRSA strains. CONCLUSION: The presence of S. aureus, including MRSA strains in raw milk, can present a public health hazard, because these strains can cause widespread food poisoning. This finding will be useful to the veterinarians to choose an adequate treatment and to sensitize livestock breeders and milk producers to ensure the health of consumers.

Antidiabetic effect of Opuntia dillenii seed oil on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

To assess the antidiabetic effect of Opuntia dillenii seed oil on rats with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A rat diabetes model was established by intraperitoneal injection of rats with 50 mg/kg streptozotocin. Thirty albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups: the diabetic control group and normal control group were treated only with distilled water, two diabetic groups received 1 and 2 mL/kg of oil per day, respectively, for 30 days and one diabetic group received 2 mg/kg of glibenclamide. In addition, blood glucose was determined weekly. Body weight, average daily food, water intake and urinary volume of each animal were determined before and after the treatment period. After the treatment period, hepatic glycogen was determined using the anthrone reagent, and glycosuria, total cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine and uric acid were estimated using common clinical diagnostic kits. Results: Oral intake of the oil at 1 and 2 mL/kg for the diabetic animals significantly diminished blood glucose, glycosuria, total cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine and uric acid, accompanied by a noticeable elevation in the amount of hepatic glycogen in comparison with the diabetic control group. Similarly, Opuntia dillenii seed oil significantly increased the food intake and decreased the urinary volume per day in treated rats of the same groups in comparison with the period before the treatment intervention and attenuated body weight loss in the diabetic rats. Moreover, this effect of the oil was dose dependent. On the other hand, the oil did not affect their need for water. Conclusions: The results show that Opuntia dillenii seed oil has a very important antidiabetic effect on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Hence, we suggest it as a preventive control of diabetes mellitus.

Self-catalyzed GaAs nanowires on silicon by hydride vapor phase epitaxy.

Gold-free GaAs nanowires on silicon substrates can pave the way for monolithic integration of photonic nanodevices with silicon electronic platforms. It is extensively documented that the self-catalyzed approach works well in molecular beam epitaxy but is much more difficult to implement in vapor phase epitaxies. Here, we report the first gallium-catalyzed hydride vapor phase epitaxy growth of long (more than 10 µm) GaAs nanowires on Si(111) substrates with a high integrated growth rate up to 60 µm h-1 and pure zincblende crystal structure. The growth is achieved by combining a low temperature of 600 °C with high gaseous GaCl/As flow ratios to enable dechlorination and formation of gallium droplets. GaAs nanowires exhibit an interesting bottle-like shape with strongly tapered bases, followed by straight tops with radii as small as 5 nm. We present a model that explains the peculiar growth mechanism in which the gallium droplets nucleate and rapidly swell on the silicon surface but then are gradually consumed to reach a stationary size. Our results unravel the necessary conditions for obtaining gallium-catalyzed GaAs nanowires by vapor phase epitaxy techniques.

Determination of fuzzy logic membership functions using genetic algorithms: application to structure-odor modeling.

Fuzzy logic has been used as a tool in structure-camphoraceous odor relationships. The data base studied included 99 molecules. The rules used to discriminate between camphor and non camphor molecules lead to 77% correct discrimination. Such rules account for the shape and the size of the molecule. Their adjustment by means of genetic algorithms led to 84% correct discrimination between camphor and non-camphor molecules. [figure: see text]. Membership function for the chosen variables.

[Testicular metastasis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: clinical case of a 19-year-old man]. / Métastase testiculaire d'un rhabdomyosarcome alvéolaire: cas clinique d'un homme âgé de 19 ans.

The authors report a case of a 19-year-old man with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma with an unusual clinical presentation. The diagnosis was established on lymph node biopsy performed on admission of the patient in a context simulating leukaemia. The patient achieved complete remission in response to high-dose chemotherapy. A recurrence in the form of an intratesticular metastasis demonstrated a periorbital tumour that was probably the primary tumour. The authors present the radiological and histological findings and a molecular biology study of the testicular metastasis, eliminating a primary testicular tumour.