The anti-staphylococcal fusidic acid as an efflux pump inhibitor combined with fluconazole against vaginal candidiasis in mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is the most common fungus that causes vaginal candidiasis in immunocompetent women and catastrophic infections in immunocompromised patients. The treatment of such infections is hindered due to the increasing emergence of resistance to azoles in C. albicans. New treatment approaches are needed to combat candidiasis especially in the dwindled supply of new effective and safe antifungals. The resistance to azoles is mainly attributed to export of azoles outside the cells by means of the efflux pump that confers cross resistance to all azoles including fluconazole (FLC). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the possible efflux pump inhibiting activity of fusidic acid (FA) in C. albicans resistant isolates and the potential use of Fusidic acid in combination with fluconazole to potentiate the antifungal activity of fluconazole to restore its activity in the resistant C. albicans isolates. METHODS: The resistance of C. albicans isolates was assessed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration. The effect of Fusidic acid at sub-inhibitory concentration on efflux activity was assayed by rhodamine 6G efflux assay and intracellular accumulation. Mice model studies were conducted to evaluate the anti-efflux activity of Fusidic acid and its synergistic effects in combination with fluconazole. Impact of Fusidic acid on ergosterol biosynthesis was quantified. The synergy of fluconazole when combined with Fusidic acid was investigated by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration. The cytotoxicity of Fusidic acid was tested against erythrocytes. The effect of Fusidic acid on efflux pumps was tested at the molecular level by real-time PCR and in silico study. In vivo vulvovaginitis mice model was used to confirm the activity of the combination in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis. RESULTS: Fusidic acid showed efflux inhibiting activity as it increased the accumulation of rhodamine 6G, a substrate for ABC-efflux transporter, and decreased its efflux in C. albicans cells. The antifungal activity of fluconazole was synergized when combined with Fusidic acid. Fusidic acid exerted only minimal cytotoxicity on human erythrocytes indicating its safety. The FA efflux inhibitory activity could be owed to its ability to interfere with efflux protein transporters as revealed by docking studies and downregulation of the efflux-encoding genes of both ABC transporters and MFS superfamily. Moreover, in vivo mice model showed that using fluconazole-fusidic acid combination by vaginal route enhanced fluconazole antifungal activity as shown by lowered fungal burden and a negligible histopathological change in vaginal tissue. CONCLUSION: The current findings highlight FA's potential as a potential adjuvant to FLC in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Statistical Design and Optimization of Cr (VI) Adsorption onto Native and HNO3/NaOH Activated Cedar Sawdust Using AAS and a Response Surface Methodology (RSM).

The removal of heavy metals from wastewater has become the subject of considerable interest at present. Thus, the use of novel adsorbents that are highly efficient is of critical importance for the removal of Cr (VI) ions from aqueous media. The adsorption of Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solutions by a new adsorbent, cedar wood sawdust, and the optimization of its adsorption parameters, were investigated in this study. Cedar wood sawdust was used in its native and HNO3/NaOH chemically modified forms as new low-cost sorbents to remove Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solutions in a batch system. The adsorption conditions were analyzed via response surface methodology. The RSM results showed that the optimal adsorption conditions yielding the best response were an adsorbent mass of 2 g for native Cedar and 1.125 g for its activated form, a metal concentration of 150 mg/L for native Cedar and 250 mg/L for activated, a temperature of 50 °C, a pH of 1, and a contact time of 67.5 min. At optimum adsorption conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities and the adsorption yields were 23.64 mg/g and 84% for native Cedar and 48.31 mg/g and 99% for activated Cedar, respectively.

Successive Solvent Extraction, Characterization and Antioxidant Activities of Cardoon Waste (Leaves and Stems) Extracts: Comparative Study.

The main interest in the valorization of vegetable wastes is due to the peculiarity of their chemical composition in substances that present important properties. Among these substances, antioxidants could replace those industrially manufactured. In the present study, three solvents of different polarities (hexane, ethanol, and water) were applied for the extraction of phenolic compounds from Cynara cardunculus L. waste using two extraction methods: Soxhlet Extraction (SE) and Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction (UAE). The obtained extracts were then characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and spectrophotometric determination of Total Phenolics (TPC), Total Flavonoids (TFC), and Condensed Tannins (CT). Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity of ethanol and water extracts of leaves and stems were also evaluated. High extraction yields were obtained by UAE. Water extracts had high yield regardless of the technique used for leaves and stems, and these extracts showed high TAC of 534.72 ± 3.83 mg AAE/g FM for leaves and 215.70 ± 8.87 mg AAE/g FM (mg of ascorbic acid equivalent per g of FM) for stems, and IC50 of 2077.491 µg/mL for leaves and 1248.185 µg/mL for stems. We explain the latter by the high total phenolic contents (TPCs), which reach 579.375 ± 3.662 mg GAE/g FM (mg of gallic acid equivalents per g of fresh matter) for leaves and 264.906 ± 3.500 mg GAE/g FM for stems. These results confirmed that the leaves and stems of the studied cardoon waste were, indeed, interesting sources of natural antioxidants.

In Vitro Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase, and Antidiabetic Activities and Chemical Composition of Salvia balansae.

CONTEXT: Salvia balansae de Noé (S. balansae) (Lamiaceae) is known to be an important plant used in folk medicine as an herbal remedy in Algeria. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activities, enzyme inhibitory activities, and antimicrobial activities of S. balansae extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A methanolic extract and a petroleum ether extract from the aerial parts of the plant were assessed for their chemical composition. HPLC-MS and HPLC-DAD assessed the content of phenols, GC-MS the fatty acid composition, and ICP-MS the mineral profiles of the plant. Additionally, we evaluated the bioactivities of S. balansae extracts by the DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays, including the antioxidant potential against AChE, BChE, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase for enzyme inhibition. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the methanolic extract were determined by the disc diffusion test against several strains of bacteria and yeasts. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that the aerial parts of S. balansae were rich in phytochemical components and contained large amounts of minerals. Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of 12 compounds in three major classes, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acid, and phenolic acid derivatives, with 0.61, 0.45, and 0.29 mg/g of extract, respectively. Nine phenolic constituents were quantified by HPLC-MS analysis; catechin (72.5%) was the main compound, followed by myricetin (21.7%). The fatty acid composition of the S. balansae petroleum ether extract by GC-MS analysis was quantified. Seventeen compounds, including palmitic acid, were identified as the major fatty acids. The antioxidant activity of the S. balansae extracts was measured by three different methods: the methanol extract provided better results than the petroleum ether extract, and interesting values were noted for the DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays of 242.7 ± 7.44, 124.1 ± 9.70, and 222.9 ± 6.05 µg/mL, respectively. The enzyme inhibition activity of the plant could not be determined. The antimicrobial results of the methanolic extract obtained from the disc diffusion method, followed by measurements of MIC, MBC, and MFC against several bacteria and yeasts, indicated that S. balansae exhibited noticeable antimicrobial and antifungal activities. CONCLUSIONS: These results provided new data about the main phenolic compounds and biological activities of extracts of the aerial parts of S. balansae, which might be an alternative source for synthetic bioactive compounds.

Possible Interaction between ZnS Nanoparticles and Phosphonates on Mediterranean Clams Ruditapes decussatus.

This study aims to evaluate the toxicity of ZnS nanoparticles (ZnS NP50 = 50 µg/L and ZnS NP100 = 100 µg/L) and diethyl (3-cyano-1-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropyl)phosphonate or P (P50 = 50 µg/L and P100 = 100 µg/L) in the clams Ruditapes decussatus using chemical and biochemical approaches. The results demonstrated that clams accumulate ZnS NPs and other metallic elements following exposure. Moreover, ZnS NPs and P separately lead to ROS overproduction, while a mixture of both contaminants has no effect. In addition, data showed that exposure to P100 resulted in increased levels of oxidative stress enzyme activities catalase (CAT) in the gills and digestive glands. A similar trend was also observed in the digestive glands of clams treated with ZnS100. In contrast, CAT activity was decreased in the gills at the same concentration. Exposure to ZnS100 and P100 separately leads to a decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels in both gills and digestive glands. Thus, AChE and CAT after co-exposure to an environmental mixture of nanoparticles (ZnS100) and phosphonate (P100) did not show any differences between treated and non-treated clams. The outcome of this work certifies the use of biomarkers and chemical assay when estimating the effects of phosphonate and nanoparticles as part of an ecotoxicological assessment program. An exceptional focus was given to the interaction between ZnS NPs and P. The antioxidant activity of P has been demonstrated to have an additive effect on metal accumulation and antagonistic agents against oxidative stress in clams treated with ZnS NPs.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials and LC-MS Analysis of Centaurea parviflora Desf. Extracts.

Centaurea parviflora (C. parviflora), belonging to the family Asteraceae, is an Algerian medicinal plant used in folk medicine to treat different diseases related to hyperglycemic and inflammatory disorders, as well as in food. The present study aimed to assess the total phenolic content, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and phytochemical profile of the extracts of C. parviflora. The extraction of phenolic compounds from aerial parts was conducted using solvents of increasing polarity starting from methanol, resulting in crude extract (CE), to chloroform extract (CHE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE) and butanol extract (BUE). The total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents of the extracts were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was measured with seven methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, galvinoxyl free-radical-scavenging test, 2,2'-Azino-Bis(3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS) assay, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), reducing power, Fe+2-phenanthroline reduction assay and superoxide-scavenging test. The disc-diffusion method aimed at testing the sensitivity of bacterial strains toward our extracts. A qualitative analysis with thin-layer chromatography of the methanolic extract was performed. Moreover, HPLC-DAD-MS was used to establish the phytochemical profile of the BUE. The BUE was found to contain high amounts of total phenolics (175.27 ± 2.79 µg GAE/mg E), flavonoids (59.89 ± 0.91 µg QE/mg E) and flavonols (47.30 ± 0.51 µg RE/mg E). Using TLC, different components such as flavonoids and polyphenols were noted. The highest radical-scavenging ability was recorded for the BUE against DPPH (IC50 = 59.38 ± 0.72 µg/mL), galvinoxyl (IC50 = 36.25 ± 0.42 µg/mL), ABTS (IC50 = 49.52 ± 1.54 µg/mL) and superoxide (IC50 = 13.61 ± 0.38 µg/mL). The BUE had the best reducing power according to the CUPRAC (A0.5 = 71.80 ± 1.22 µg/mL), phenanthroline test (A0.5 = 20.29 ± 1.16 µg/mL) and FRAP (A0.5 = 119.17 ± 0.29 µg/mL). The LC-MS analysis of BUE allowed us to identify eight compounds including six phenolic acids and two flavonoids: quinic acid, five chlorogenic acid derivatives, rutin and quercetin 3-o-glucoside. This preliminary investigation revealed that the extracts of C. parviflora have a good biopharmaceutical activity. The BUE possesses an interesting potential for pharmaceutical/nutraceutical applications.

Exploration and Evaluation of Secondary Metabolites from Trichoderma harzianum: GC-MS Analysis, Phytochemical Profiling, Antifungal and Antioxidant Activity Assessment.

In this study, we investigated in vitro the potential of Trichoderma harzianum to produce bioactive secondary metabolites that can be used as alternatives to synthetic compounds. The study focused on analyzing two extracts of T. harzianum using ethyl acetate and n-butanol solvents with different polarities. The extracts were examined using phytochemical analysis to determine the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis were used to profile volatile organic metabolites (VOCs) present in the extracts. Furthermore, the extracts were tested for their antifungal ability using the poison food technique. For measuring antioxidant activity, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) test was used. Trichoderma harzianum was shown to have a significantly high content of tannins and alkaloids, with a noticeable difference between the two extracts. GC-MS analysis identified 33 potential compounds with numerous benefits that could be used in agriculture and the medicinal industry. Moreover, strong antifungal activity was identified against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by 94.44%, Alternaria sp. by 77.04%, and Fusarium solani by 51.48; similarly, the IC50 of antioxidant activity was estimated for ethyl acetate extract by 71.47% and n-butanol extract by 56.01%. This leads to the conclusion that Trichoderma harzianum VOCs play a significant role as an antifungal and antioxidant agent when taking into account the advantageous bioactive chemicals noted in the extracts. However, to our knowledge, this is the first study in Algeria presenting detailed phytochemical analysis and GC-MS profiling of Trichoderma harzianum for two extracts, ethyl acetate and n-butanol.

HPLC-DAD-MS Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, α-amylase Inhibition, Molecular Docking, and ADMET of Flavonoids from Fenugreek Seeds.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has a great beneficial health effect; it has been used in traditional medicine by many cultures. Likewise, the α-amylase inhibitors are potential compounds in the development of drugs for the treatment of diabetes. The beneficial health effects of fenugreek lead us to explore the chemical composition of the seeds and their antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition activities. The flavonoid extraction from fenugreek seeds was achieved with methanol through a Soxhlet apparatus. Then, the flavonoid glycosides were characterized using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis. The antioxidant capacity of fenugreek seed was measured using DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays. Finally, the α-amylase inhibition activity was carried out using in vitro and in silico methods. The methanolic extract was found to contain high amounts of total phenolics (154.68 ± 1.50 µg GAE/mg E), flavonoids (37.69 ± 0.73 µg QE/mg E). The highest radical-scavenging ability was recorded for the methanolic extract against DPPH (IC50 = 556.6 ± 9.87 µg/mL), ABTS (IC50 = 593.62 ± 9.35 µg/mL). The ME had the best reducing power according to the CUPRAC (A 0.5 = 451.90 ± 9.07 µg/mL). The results indicate that the methanolic extracts of fenugreek seed best α-amylase inhibition activities IC50 = 653.52 ± 3.24 µg/mL. Twenty-seven flavonoids were detected, and all studied flavonoids selected have good affinity and stabilize very well in the pocket of α-amylase. The interactions between the studied flavonoids with α-amylase were investigated. The flavonoids from fenugreek seed present a good inhibitory effect against α-amylase, which is beneficial for the prevention of diabetes and its complications.

Restructuring of a meiobenthic assemblage after sediment contamination with an antibacterial compound: Case study of ciprofloxacin.

A microcosm experiment was conducted to evaluate the impacts of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin on meiobenthic taxa abundance, nematode genus structure, and functional trait parameters. Sediment samples were experimentally enriched with four different doses of ciprofloxacin [D1 (50 ppm Dry weight 'DW'), D2 (100 ppm DW), D3 (200 ppm DW), and D4 (500 ppm DW)] and were then compared with non-enriched sediments (controls). After one month of exposure, the data showed that ciprofloxacin had altered the meiofaunal taxa abundance. A change in the structure of nematofaunal genera was observed, particularly with the highest dose (D4), which was characterized by the lowest taxonomic diversity. The SIMPER analysis revealed that the average dissimilarity between nematode communities increased with increasing doses of ciprofloxacin. Two dimensional (2D) non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) plots and relative abundances of functional groups of nematode genus assemblages revealed that all functional trait abundances were affected, particularly with the highest dose. However, only the amphid shape and feeding group functions showed a clear distribution separation between the control and ciprofloxacin treatments. The nMDS second-stage ordination of inter-matrix rank correlations for matrices including genus and functional traits showed that the tail shape was the closest functional trait to the generic distribution. Thus, only the curves of cumulative dominance related to the tail shape mirrored discernibly the sedimentary concentrations in ciprofloxacin.

Trophic restructuring (Wieser 1953) of free-living nematode in marine sediment experimentally enriched to increasing doses of pharmaceutical penicillin G.

Trophic structure of free living nematode from Bizerte lagoon was tested by a microcosmic study after 30 days of exposure with 5 increasing doses of pharmaceutical penicillin G (D1: 3 mg L(-1), D2: 30 mg L(-1), D3: 300 mg L(-1), D4: 600 mg L(-1), D5: 700 mg L(-1)). Results showed significant differences between nematode assemblages from undisturbed controls and those from penicillin G treatments. Selective deposit-feeders (1A) or nonselective deposit-feeders (1B), very abundant in the control microcosm, were significantly affected and their dominance declined significantly. Epistrate feeders (2A) were significantly gradual increase for all microcosms treated with penicillin G, appeared to be more tolerant to the antibiotic and to take advantage of the growing scarcity of other trophic groups. Compared to the control microcosms, omnivorous-carnivorous (2B) was found to be higher in all treated microcosms, with the exception of those treated with D5. Trophic index (Σθ(2)) was significantly reduced in all microcosms treated whereas trophic ratio 1B/2A appears to be insignificant.

Marine Nematode Taxonomy in Africa: Promising Prospects Against Scarcity of Information.

From the late 19th century, Africa has faced heavy exploitation of its natural resources with increasing land/water pollution, and several described species have already become extinct or close to extinction. This could also be the case for marine nematodes, which are the most abundant and diverse benthic group in marine sediments, and play major roles in ecosystem functioning. Compared to Europe and North America, only a handful of investigations on marine nematodes have been conducted to date in Africa. This is due to the scarcity of experienced taxonomists, absence of identification guides, as well as local appropriate infrastructures. A pivotal project has started recently between nematologists from Africa (Tunisia), India, and Europe (Italy) to promote taxonomic study and biodiversity estimation of marine nematodes in the African continent. To do this, as a first step, collection of permanent slides of marine nematodes (235 nominal species and 14 new to science but not yet described) was recently established at the Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte (Tunisia). Capacity building of next generation of African taxonomists have been carried out at level of both traditional and molecular taxonomy (DNA barcoding and next-generation sequencing [NGS]), but they need to be implemented. Indeed, the integration of these two approaches appears crucial to overcome lack of information on the taxonomy, ecology, and biodiversity of marine nematodes from African coastal waters.

More than 35 years of studies on marine nematodes from Tunisia: a checklist of species and their distribution.

This work provides an inventory of species of free-living nematodes from Tunisian waters, based on samples collected from September 1977 until March 2013. Sediment samples were taken from 8 ecosystems: the Lagoons of Bizerte, Ghar El Melh and Bou Ghrara, Northern and Southern Lakes of Tunis, Old Harbor of Bizerte, Bizerte Bay and Ichkeul Lake. A total of 31 families, 133 genera, and 249 species of marine nematodes are currently known from Tunisia. The Xyalidae (with 30 species), Cyatholaimidae (25), Chromadoridae and Linhomoeidae (each 21) and Comesomatidae (20) are the richest families. Among them, Daptonema (with 9 species), Pomponema and Sabatieria (with 7 each) are the most species-rich genera. Some species were recovered only from a specific type of ecosystem. In detail, 109 species were recovered from lagoons, 56 species from sandy beaches and 6 species from mudflats. The 78 remaining species were widely distributed in Tunisian waters and four of these (Terschellingia longicaudata, Oncholaimus campylocercoides, Sabatieria pulchra and Theristus flevensis) were present in most of the 8 ecosystems studied.

A Retrospective Exploration of Pre-operative Antibiotic Prophylaxis with Cefazolin in Cesarean Sections: Implications for Obstetrics and Gynecologic Surgery.

Background: Post-partum infection is a major contributor to maternal mortality and is responsible for approximately 10% of maternal fatalities worldwide. The risk of infection is substantially higher in cesarean section procedures. Approximately 8% of women who undergo cesarean sections are susceptible to infection. Although the body of evidence supporting the regular pre-operative utilization of prophylactic antibiotic treatment is steadily expanding, its usefulness in cesarean sections has not yet been standardized, and post-partum infection is still a serious medical challenge. We aimed to retrospectively assess the prophylactic effectiveness of cefazolin in combination with other antibiotic agents in cesarean sections. Materials and Methods: Both uni-variable and multi-variable analyses were conducted to identify factors that may affect cefazolin pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis in elective cesarean section operations. The uni-variable analysis included timing of administration, operation duration, body mass index (BMI), and wound type. A multi-variable logistic regression model was then created to determine which variables provide independent information in the context of other variables. Results: Time of administration did not affect prophylactic cefazolin efficacy. However, prophylactic cefazolin was 1.43 and 1.77 times more effective when the operation lasted for 45 minutes or more, compared with operations that were shorter than 45 minutes. Patients with a BMI ranging from 18 to 29 kg/m2 showed increased efficacy of prophylactic cefazolin compared with obese patients with a BMI exceeding 30 kg/m2. The effectiveness of prophylactic cefazolin decreased by 95% in patients with clean-contaminated surgical incisions compared with those with clean surgical incisions. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that administering pre-operative prophylactic antibiotic agents to women undergoing cesarean section resulted in a reduction in post-partum infections, thereby reducing maternal mortality. Furthermore, optimal timing of administration, re-dosing if necessary, length of prophylactic medication, and dosing adjustments for obese patients are crucial factors in preventing surgical site infections and promoting antimicrobial stewardship.

The Impact of Silver Diamine Fluoride Only or Simultaneously With Potassium Iodide Treatment on the Bond Durability of Resin Composite Material on Primary Teeth.

We aim to evaluate the bond strength between resin composite and primary demineralized dentin, pretreated with silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and simultaneous SDF with potassium iodide (KI) after thermal aging. In this in vitro study, human carious-free primary molars were randomly assigned into three groups and prepared by exposing the superficial dentin. The primary dentin of each molar was demineralized. The first group (the control) received saline treatment before bond application. SDF was pretreated for the second group, whereas SDF and KI were used for the third. After that, the pretreated dentin was immediately built with resin composite bonded with a universal adhesive and kept wet for 24 hours. Then, the pretreated molars were prepared into beam specimens for microtensile bond strength (µTBS), 16 for each group, and subjected to thermal aging. Lastly, they were tested using a universal testing machine, and the resulting data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test. It was found that the SDF-KI group had a significant difference with both the control and SDF groups (p < 0.05), while the control and SDF groups showed no significant differences (p = 0.310). The SDF-KI group had the highest mean value of 11.73 ± 4.39 megapascal (MPa). In contrast, the control group had the lowest mean value of 9.31 ± 3.41 MPa. Post hoc pairwise comparison results showed that SDF-KI pretreatment had a significantly higher strength value than the control and SDF groups. Pretreatment of demineralized primary dentin with SDF-KI does not negatively affect the immediate loading of resin composite. However, under the limitation of this study, KI application after SDF pretreatment is recommended to enhance the bond's durability of resin composite to demineralized dentin.

Chemical Composition, Nutritional Value, Antioxidative, and In Vivo Anti-inflammatory Activities of Opuntia Stricta Cladode.

The cactus family plant has been used in folk medicine for a long time. In this work, Opuntia stricta chemical composition and its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties were investigated. Our results showed that O. stricta is highly rich in fibers and minerals. The present study assessed the levels of polyphenol contents and antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. The highest phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were observed in the methanolic extract. Concerning the qualitative analysis, nine phenolic and organic acids were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Luteolin-7-Glu (4.25 µg/g), apigenin-7-Glu (3.15 µg/g), and catechin (2.85 µg/g) were identified as major phenolic compounds. The predominant fatty acids detected by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to a flame ionization detector were linoleic and linolenic acids (35.11%). A factorial design plan was used to determine the effect of temperature, agitation speed, and maceration period on phenolic contents. In vivo, the methanol extract from Opuntia stricta showed anti-inflammatory activity. The computational modeling reveals that O. stricta compounds bind VEGF, IL-6, and TNF-α with high binding scores that reach -8.7 kcal/mol and establish significant molecular interactions with some key residues that satisfactorily explain both in vitro and in vivo findings. These data indicate that Opuntia stricta cladode powder could be potentially useful in pharmaceutical and food applications.

Investigating Sulforaphane's anti-virulence and anti-quorum sensing properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Background: P. aeruginosa, a significant bacterium, can cause severe illness and resistance to antibiotics. Quorum sensing (QS) systems regulate virulence factors production. Targeting QS could reduce bacteria pathogenicity and prevent antibiotic resistance. Cruciferous vegetables contain sulforaphane, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. Aim: We aimed to examine the inhibitory influences of sulforaphane, at a sub-inhibitory concentration (» minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC), on virulence and QS in P. aeruginosa. Materials and methods: The sulforaphane's anti-virulence actions at sub-inhibitory concentrations were explored in vitro and in vivo. A sub-MIC concentration of sulforaphane was combined with anti-pseudomonal drugs, and the results of this combination were assessed. The virtual affinity of sulforaphane for the receptors of QS was studied, and its effect on the expression of QS genes was quantified. Results: Sulforaphane significantly decreased the biofilm formation, motility, ability to withstand oxidative stress, and the synthesis of virulence extracellular enzymes such as proteases, hemolysins, and elastase, as well as other virulence factors like pyocyanin. In addition, sulforaphane lessened the severity of P. aeruginosa infection in mice. Sulforaphane reduced the antipseudomonal antibiotics' MICs when used together, resulting in synergistic effects. The observed anti-virulence impacts were attributed to the ability of sulforaphane to inhibit QS via suppressing the QS genes' expression. Conclusion: Sulforaphane shows promise as a potent anti-virulence and anti-QS agent that can be used alongside conventional antimicrobials to manage severe infections effectively. Furthermore, this study paves the way for further investigation of sulforaphane and similar structures as pharmacophores for anti-QS candidates.

Doping zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles with gold induces additional oxidative stress, membrane damage, and neurotoxicity in Mytilus galloprovincialis: Results from a laboratory bioassay.

BACKGROUND: While previous studies have provided insights into the effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) on aquatic organisms, there is still a substantial amount of information lacking about the possible effects of their doped counterparts. The goal of the current work was to address this gap by examining Mytilus galloprovincialis reaction to exposure to doped and undoped nanoparticles. METHODS: Two concentrations (50 or 100 µg/L) of undoped ZnO and TiO2 NPs, as well as their gold (Au) doped counterparts, were applied on mussels for 14 days, and the effects on biomarkers activities in digestive glands and gills were assessed by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The NPs were quasi-spherical in shape (below 100 nm), stable in seawater, and with no aggregation for both doped and undoped forms. Analytical results using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy indicated the uptake of NPs in mussels. Furthermore, it was found that biometal dyshomeostasis could occur following NP treatment and that doping the NPs aggravated this response. At the biochemical level, exposure to undoped NPs caused membrane damage, neurotoxic effect, and changes in the activities in the gills and digestive glands of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase, in a concentration and organ-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Doping ZnO NPs and TiO2NPs with Au induced additional oxidative stress, membrane damage, and neurotoxicity in mussels.

Effect of Slow Maxillary Expansion and Alternative Rapid Maxillary Expansion Protocols on Airway Volume in Cleft Palate Cases: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Based Study.

A total of 22 patients with cleft palate aged 8 to 12 years were selected and categorized into two groups: the first group was treated with alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC) using an expander with differential opening (EDO) and facemask, while the second group was treated using slow maxillary expansion (SME) using an EDO. Finally, the pharyngeal airway volume in the two groups was compared using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT scans were performed before expansion and six months following the expansion. Alveolar crest level, maxillary breadth, nasal cavity width, arch width, inclination of the molar teeth, buccal and palatal alveolar bone thickness, and maxillary alveolar width were all assessed. Paired t-tests (p=0.05) were applied to compare interphase data. The two groups showed a non-significant difference in terms of nasopharyngeal volume (cm3), oropharyngeal volume (cm3), and overall pre- and post-treatment results (p>0.005). Results of comparison of pre- and post-treatment periods in the Alt-RAMEC group revealed a significantly higher cleft volume (cm3) (p=0.001). Results of comparison of pre- and post-treatment periods in the SME group revealed a substantial rise in cleft volume (cm3) (p=0.003). Results from a comparison of the cleft volume (cm3) between the two study groups pre- and post-intervention revealed a non-significant difference (p=0.200 and 0.054, respectively).

Dual biocontrol potential of the entomopathogenic fungus Akanthomyces muscarius against Thaumetopoea pityocampa and plant pathogenic fungi.

Akanthomyces spp. species are known for their capacity to biocontrol of certain insects and plant pathogens; however, their ability to biocontrol the pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) and certain phytopathogenic fungi belonging to the genera Fusarium and Curvularia have not been studied before. In this study, a strain from Akanthomyces muscarius was isolated from wheat grains and then identified by morphological and molecular tests. The strain was further studied for its capacity to control Thaumetopoea pityocampa larvae through dose-mortality tests, and its ability to control some phytopathogenic fungi strains of the genera Fusarium and Curvularia was studied through direct confrontation tests. Dose-mortality tests at three concentrations of Akanthomyces muscarius against the first instar larvae revealed a mortality of 92.15% after 11 days for the concentration of 2.3 × 106conidia.ml-1, with a median lethal concentration of 7.6 x103 conidia.ml1. Our isolate also showed antifungal activity against these phytopathogenic fungi with inhibition rates ranging from 39.61% to 52.94%. Akanthomyces muscarius proved to be a promising biocontrol agent for plant pests and diseases.

How toxic is the COVID-19 drug azithromycin in the presence of Posidonia oceanica? Toxicokinetics and experimental approach of meiobenthic nematodes from a metallically pristine area.

The current study presents the results of an experiment carried to assess the impact of azithromycin, a COVID-19 drug, probably accumulated in marine sediments for three years, since the start of the pandemic, on benthic marine nematodes. It was explored the extent to which a common macrophyte from the Mediterranean Sea influenced the toxic impact of azithromycin on meiobenthic nematodes. Metals are known to influence toxicity of azithromycin. The nematofauna from a metallically pristine site situated in Bizerte bay, Tunisia, was exposed to two concentrations of azithromycin [i.e. 5 and 10 µg l-1]. In addition, two masses of the common macrophyte Posidonia oceanica [10 and 20% Dry Weight (DW)] were considered and associated with azithromycin into four possible combinations. The abundance and the taxonomic diversity of the nematode communities decreased significantly following the exposure to azithromycin, which was confirmed by the toxicokinetic data and behaving as substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The toxicity of 5 µg l-1 dosage of azithromycin was partially reduced at 10% DW of Posidonia and completely at 20% DW. The results showed that 5 µg l-1 of azithromycin can be reduced by the macrophyte P. oceanica when present in the environment at low masses as 10% DW.