Exploring Hydrogen Sources in Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation: A Review of Unsaturated Compound Reduction.

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation has emerged as a pivotal chemical process with transformative potential in various industries. This review highlights the significance of catalytic transfer hydrogenation, a reaction that facilitates the transfer of hydrogen from one molecule to another, using a distinct molecule as the hydrogen source in the presence of a catalyst. Unlike conventional direct hydrogenation, catalytic transfer hydrogenation offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced safety, cost-effective hydrogen donors, byproduct recyclability, catalyst accessibility, and the potential for catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation, particularly with chiral ligands. Moreover, the diverse range of hydrogen donor molecules utilized in this reaction have been explored, shedding light on their unique properties and their impact on catalytic systems and the mechanism elucidation of some reactions. Alcohols such as methanol and isopropanol are prominent hydrogen donors, demonstrating remarkable efficacy in various reductions. Formic acid offers irreversible hydrogenation, preventing the occurrence of reverse reactions, and is extensively utilized in chiral compound synthesis. Unconventional donors such as 1,4-cyclohexadiene and glycerol have shown a good efficiency in reducing unsaturated compounds, with glycerol additionally serving as a green solvent in some transformations. The compatibility of these donors with various catalysts, substrates, and reaction conditions were all discussed. Furthermore, this paper outlines future trends which include the utilization of biomass-derived hydrogen donors, the exploration of hydrogen storage materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), catalyst development for enhanced activity and recyclability, and the utilization of eco-friendly solvents such as glycerol and ionic liquids. Innovative heating methods, diverse base materials, and continued research into catalyst-hydrogen donor interactions are aimed to shape the future of catalytic transfer hydrogenation, enhancing its selectivity and efficiency across various industries and applications.

Study of Neuroprotection by a Combination of the Biological Antioxidant (Eucalyptus Extract) and the Antihypertensive Drug Candesartan against Chronic Cerebral Ischemia in Rats.

Chronic cerebral ischemia with a notable long-term cessation of blood supply to the brain tissues leads to sensorimotor defects and short- and long-term memory problems. Neuroprotective agents are used in an attempt to save ischemic neurons from necrosis and apoptosis, such as the antioxidant agent Eucalyptus. Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Candesartan is a drug that acts as an angiotensin II receptor 1 blocker. We established a rat model exhibiting sensorimotor and cognitive impairments due to chronic cerebral ischemia induced by the ligation of the right common carotid artery. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into five groups: Sham group, Untreated Ligated group, Ischemic group treated with Eucalyptus (500 mg/kg), Ischemic group treated with Candesartan (0.5 mg/kg), and Ischemic group treated with a combination of Eucalyptus and Candesartan. To evaluate the sensorimotor disorders, we performed the beam balance test, the beam walking test, and the modified sticky test. Moreover, the object recognition test and the Morris water maze test were performed to assess the memory disorders of the rats. The infarct rat brain regions were subsequently stained using the triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining technique. The rats in the Sham group had normal sensorimotor and cognitive functions without the appearance of microscopic ischemic brain lesions. In parallel, the untreated Ischemic group showed severe impaired neurological functions with the presence of considerable brain infarctions. The treatment of the Ischemic group with a combination of both Eucalyptus and Candesartan was more efficient in improving the sensorimotor and cognitive deficits (p < 0.001) than the treatment with Eucalyptus or Candesartan alone (p < 0.05), by the comparison to the non-treated Ischemic group. Our study shows that the combination of Eucalyptus and Candesartan could decrease ischemic brain injury and improve neurological outcomes.

Study of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Biological Extracts of Psophocarpus tetragonolobus Using Two Extraction Methods.

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus has long been used in traditional medicine and cuisine. In this study, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus extracts were isolated by maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction and were evaluated for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The obtained results show that both extracts (maceration and ultrasound) were rich in bioactive molecules and exerted substantial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The P. tetragonolobus extracts' treatment in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages resulted in a significant downregulation of the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1ß mRNA. In addition, the P. tetragonolobus extracts' treatment attenuated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression. Our observations indicate that there is no significant difference between the two studied extracts of P. tetragonolobus in terms of biological properties (specifically, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Regardless of the extraction method, P. tetragonolobus could be used for treating diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions.

NMR and LC-MS-Based Metabolomics to Study Osmotic Stress in Lignan-Deficient Flax.

Lignans, phenolic plant secondary metabolites, are derived from the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway. Although, being investigated for their health benefits in terms of antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, the role of these molecules in plants remains incompletely elucidated; a potential role in stress response mechanisms has been, however, proposed. In this study, a non-targeted metabolomic analysis of the roots, stems, and leaves of wild-type and PLR1-RNAi transgenic flax, devoid of (+) secoisolariciresinol diglucoside ((+) SDG)-the main flaxseed lignan, was performed using 1H-NMR and LC-MS, in order to obtain further insight into the involvement of lignan in the response of plant to osmotic stress. Results showed that wild-type and lignan-deficient flax plants have different metabolic responses after being exposed to osmotic stress conditions, but they both showed the capacity to induce an adaptive response to osmotic stress. These findings suggest the indirect involvement of lignans in osmotic stress response.

Coumarins as Powerful Photosensitizers for the Cationic Polymerization of Epoxy-Silicones under Near-UV and Visible Light and Applications for 3D Printing Technology.

In this study, eight coumarins (coumarins 1-8) are proposed as near-UV and blue light sensitive photoinitiators/photosensitizers for the cationic polymerization (CP) of epoxysilicones when combined with 4-isopropyl-4'-methyldiphenyliodonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (IOD). Among these coumarins, four of them (coumarins 1, 2, 6 and 8) have never been reported in the literature, i.e., these structures have been specifically designed to act as photoinitiators for silicones upon near UV and visible irradiation. Good final reactive epoxy function conversions (FCs) and also high rates of polymerization (Rp) were achieved in the presence of the newly proposed coumarin-based systems. The polymers generated from the photopolymerization of epoxysilicones can be considered as attractive candidates for several applications such as: elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and so on. The goal of this study focuses also on the comparison of the new proposed coumarins with well-established photosensitizers i.e., 1-chloro-4-propoxythioxanthone (CPTX), 9,10-dibutoxyanthracene (DBA) or some commercial coumarins (Com. Coum). As example of their high performance, the new proposed coumarins were also used for laser write experiments upon irradiation with a laser diode at 405 nm in order to develop new cationic 3D printing systems.

Cunninghamella blakesleeana-mediated biotransformation of a contraceptive drug, desogestrel, and anti-MDR-Staphylococcus aureus activity of its metabolites.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most infectious agents among staphylococcal bacteria. Currently many strains of S. aureus have developed resistance against available antibiotics. Therefore, the treatment of infections caused by them is a major challenge. During current study, desogestrel (1), a contraceptive drug, was found to be a potent growth inhibitor of drug resistant strains of S. aureus. Therefore, in search of new and effective agents against multi-drug resistant S. aureus strains, whole-cell bio-catalytic conversion of desogestrel (1) by Cunninghamella blakesleeana ATCC 8688A at pH 7.0 and 25 °C was carried out, yielding three new metabolites, 13-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-6ß,15ß,17ß-triol (2), 13-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3ß,6ß,17ß-triol (3), and 13-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-20-yn-3α,5α,6ß,17ß-tetraol (4), along with a known metabolite, 13-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-6ß,17ß-dihydroxy-3-one (5). Among them, compounds 1-2 showed a potent activity against S. aureus EMRSA-17, S. aureus NCTC 13277 (MRSA-252), and S. aureus NCTC 13143, and clinically isolated Pakistani strain of S. aureus in an in vitro Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA). Vancomycin was used as the standard drug in this assay. In addition, compound 1 also showed a significant activity against vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) ATCC 700699. Compounds 1-5 were also evaluated against 3T3 normal cell line (mouse fibroblast) where they all were identified as non-cytotoxic. The present study thus provides new leads for the development of anti-bacterial drugs against MDR S. aureus.

Two Compartmentalized Inner Receptors for the Tetramethylammonium Guest within a Keplerate-Type Capsule.

The host-guest interactions between the spherical porous Keplerate anion, [Mo132O372(CH3CO2)30(H2O)72](42-) (abbreviated {Mo132}) and the tetramethylammonium cation have been investigated extensively by one- and two-dimensional (EXSY, ROESY, and DOSY) and variable-temperature NMR. Evidence of two inner receptor sites specific for a NMe4(+) guest appears consistent with a quite striking compartmentalization phenomenon. ROESY NMR analyses showed that both sites exhibit a close spatial proximity with the hanging inner acetate groups, while a quantitative EXSY study revealed that these two sites are differentiated by their exchange rates. These NMR data support the hypothesis that these two inner sites could be delimited by the hanging inner acetate groups forming triangular (S1) or pentagonal (S2) hydrophobic pockets on the inner side of the capsule wall. Furthermore, the stability constants associated with the trapping process of the NMe4(+) guest on both the S1 and S2 sites have been determined, showing that the stability constant of the S1 sites decreases significantly as the concentration of the capsule increases gradually, while that of the S2 sites remains nearly unaffected. Such an observation has been interpreted as a result of the plugging process of the {Mo9O9} pores by the counterions NH4(+), which causes unfavorable electrostatic interactions for the NMe4(+) coordination on the proximal S1 site. Finally, the thermodynamic parameters of the NMe4(+) transfer from the solvated situation to the interior of the capsule were estimated from variable-temperature NMR experiments that provide the split of the global process into two successive events corresponding to the plugging and transfer across the inorganic shell.

Hydrophobic effect as a driving force for host-guest chemistry of a multi-receptor Keplerate-type capsule.

The effectiveness of the interactions between various alkylammonium cations and the well-defined spherical Keplerate-type {Mo132} capsule has been tracked by (1)H DOSY NMR methodology, revealing a strong dependence on the self-diffusion coefficient of the cationic guests balanced between the solvated and the plugging situations. Analysis of the data is fully consistent with a two-site exchange regime involving the 20 independent {Mo9O9} receptors of the capsule. Furthermore, quantitative analysis allowed us to determine the stability constants associated with the plugging process of the pores. Surprisingly, the affinity of the capsule for a series of cationic guests increases continuously with its apolar character, as shown by the significant change of the stability constant from 370 to 6500 for NH4(+) and NEt4(+), respectively. Such observations, supported by the thermodynamic parameters, evidence that the major factor dictating selectivity in the trapping process is the so-called "hydrophobic effect". Computational studies, using molecular dynamics simulations, have been carried out in conjunction with the experiments. Analysis of the radial distribution functions g(r) reveals that NH4(+) and NMe4(+) ions behave differently in the vicinity of the capsule. The NH4(+) ions do not exhibit well-defined distributions when in close vicinity. In contrast, the NMe4(+) ions displayed sharp distributions related to different scenarios, such as firmly trapped or labile guest facing the {Mo9O9} pores. Together, these experimental and theoretical insights should aid in the exploitation of these giant polyoxometalates in solution for various applications.

Synthesis, characterization, and tuning of the liquid crystal properties of ionic materials based on the cyclic polyoxothiometalate [{Mo4O4S4(H2O)3(OH)2}2(P8W48O184)](36-).

A series of compounds resulting from the ionic association of a nanoscopic inorganic cluster of formula [K2NaxLiy{Mo4O4S4(OH)2(H2O)3}2(HzP8W48O184)]((34-x-y-z)-), 1, with several organic cations such as dimethyldioctadecylammonium DODA(+), trimethylhexadecylammonium TMAC16(+), alkylmethylimidazoliums mimCn(+) (n = 12-20) and alkyl-dimethylimidazoliums dmimCn(+) (n = 12 and 16) was prepared and characterized in the solid state by FT-IR, EDX, Elemental analysis, TGA and solid state NMR. The solid state NMR experiments performed on (1)H, (13)C and (31)P nuclei evidenced the interactions between the cations and 1 as well as the organization of the alkyl chains of the cations within the solid. Polarized optical microscopy, DSC and SA-XRD experiments implicated mesomorphic phases for DODA(+) and mimCn(+) salts of 1. The crystallographic parameters were determined and demonstrated that the inter-lamellar spacing could be controlled upon changing the length of the alkyl chain, a very interesting result if we consider the huge size of the inorganic cluster 1 and the simple nature of the cations.

Utilizing Chamaerops humilis in removing methylene blue dye from water: an effective approach.

Removing dyes, particularly methylene blue, from wastewater is crucial due to their detrimental effects on environmental and human health. Adsorption, recognized as a simple and efficient technique, is frequently employed to eliminate various dyes from water. Although activated carbon is a favored adsorbent for wastewater treatment, its high cost often restricts its use. As a result, there is increasing interest in utilizing inexpensive, natural materials, and waste products as alternative adsorbents. Sawdust from the European fan palm tree, specifically Chamaerops humilis, a widely available and cost-effective by-product, has demonstrated effective dye removal from wastewater. This study explored the impact of various factors such as time, agitation, adsorbent quantity, dye concentration, pH, and temperature on the adsorption of methylene blue using Chamaerops humilis sawdust. Optimal dye adsorption conditions were identified at a temperature of 25 °C, a pH of 8, an adsorbent dosage of 100 mg, a contact time of 120 min, and a dye concentration of 20 mg L-1, achieving a removal efficiency of 93.5%. Moreover, the Langmuir isotherm model described the adsorption dynamics more accurately, suggesting a maximum sorption capacity of 22.7 mg g-1 for the sawdust. Additionally, adsorption kinetics aligned better with the pseudo-second-order model than the pseudo-first-order model, underscoring the efficacy of this method in treating dye-polluted water.

Comparing Conventional and Advanced Approaches for Heavy Metal Removal in Wastewater Treatment: An In-Depth Review Emphasizing Filter-Based Strategies.

Various industrial activities release heavy metal ions into the environment, which represent one of the major toxic pollutants owing to their severe effects on the environment, humans, and all living species. Despite several technological advances and breakthroughs, wastewater treatment remains a critical global issue. Traditional techniques are dedicated to extracting heavy metal ions from diverse wastewater origins, encompassing coagulation/flocculation, precipitation, flotation, and ion exchange. Their cost, side toxicity, or ineffectiveness often limit their large-scale use. Due to their adaptable design, simple operation, and reasonable cost, membrane filtration and adsorption have proven their efficiency in removing metals from wastewater. Recently, adsorption-based filters have appeared promising in treating water. Within this range, filters incorporating natural, synthetic, or hybrid adsorbents present an appealing alternative to conventional approaches. This review aims to list and describe the conventional and advanced wastewater treatment methods by comparing their efficiency, cost, and environmental impact. Adsorption-based filters were highlighted due to the significant advantages they can provide.

Comprehensive Review of Cyclamen: Development, Bioactive Properties, and Therapeutic Applications.

Plants are being researched as potential sources of novel drugs, which has led to a recent acceleration in the discovery of new bioactive compounds. Research on tissue culture technology for the synthesis and processing of plant compounds has skyrocketed, surpassing all expectations. These plants can be bought either raw or as extracts, where some of the chemicals are extracted by mashing the plant in water, alcohol, or another solvent. The use of herbal medicine may open new chances for reducing the onset of infections and treating different diseases including cancer. A perennial plant that blooms in the winter, Cyclamen, is one of the most widely used potted flowers in many nations. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, sterols, and glycosides are the main active components of Cyclamen. Analgesic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties have all been demonstrated as potential effects of various extracts of Cyclamen tubers. However, the use of this medicinal plant in official medicine will require further research in the areas of pharmacology. Furthermore, it is necessary to create standard operating procedures for a crude herbal medication. In this regard, this review aims to highlight the key characteristics of the Cyclamen plant, such as its various parts, species, stages of development, and geographic range; pinpoint its intriguing bioactivities, its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and its anti-cancerous effects; and ascertain its potential medicinal uses and the main future perspectives.

Enhancing Wastewater Depollution: Sustainable Biosorption Using Chemically Modified Chitosan Derivatives for Efficient Removal of Heavy Metals and Dyes.

Driven by concerns over polluted industrial wastewater, particularly heavy metals and dyes, this study explores biosorption using chemically cross-link chitosan derivatives as a sustainable and cost-effective depollution method. Chitosan cross-linking employs either water-soluble polymers and agents like glutaraldehyde or copolymerization of hydrophilic monomers with a cross-linker. Chemical cross-linking of polymers has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the wet-strength properties of materials. The chitosan thus extracted, as powder or gel, was used to adsorb heavy metals (lead (Pb2+) and copper (Cu2+)) and dyes (methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV)). Extensive analysis of the physicochemical properties of both the powder and hydrogel adsorbents was conducted using a range of analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). To gain a comprehensive understanding of the sorption process, the effect of contact time, pH, concentration, and temperature was investigated. The adsorption capacity of chitosan powder for Cu(II), Pb(II), methylene blue (MB), and crystal violet (CV) was subsequently determined as follows: 99, 75, 98, and 80%, respectively. In addition, the adsorption capacity of chitosan hydrogel for Cu(II), Pb(II), MB, and CV was as follows: 85, 95, 85, and 98%, respectively. The experimental data obtained were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. The isotherm study revealed that the adsorption equilibrium is well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.998), and the sorption capacity of both chitosan powder and hydrogel was found to be exceptionally high (approximately 98%) with the adsorbent favoring multilayer adsorption. Besides, Dubinin has given an indication that the sorption process was dominated by Van der Waals physical forces at all studied temperatures.

Potential Anti-Tumorigenic Properties of Diverse Medicinal Plants against the Majority of Common Types of Cancer.

Globally, cancer is one of the primary causes of both morbidity and mortality. To prevent cancer from getting worse, more targeted and efficient treatment plans must be developed immediately. Recent research has demonstrated the benefits of natural products for several illnesses, and these products have played a significant role in the development of novel treatments whose bioactive components serve as both chemotherapeutic and chemo-preventive agents. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring molecules obtained from plants that have potential applications in both cancer therapy and the development of new medications. These phytochemicals function by regulating the molecular pathways connected to the onset and progression of cancer. Among the specific methods are immune system control, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, preventing proliferation, raising antioxidant status, and inactivating carcinogens. A thorough literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Google Patent, Patent Scope, and US Patent to obtain the data. To provide an overview of the anticancer effects of several medicinal plants, including Annona muricata, Arctium lappa, Arum palaestinum, Cannabis sativa, Catharanthus roseus, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hibiscus, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Moringa oleifera, Nerium oleander, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Withania somnifera L., their availability, classification, active components, pharmacological activities, signaling mechanisms, and potential side effects against the most common cancer types were explored.

Design and Synthesis of Novel Amino and Acetamidoaurones with Antimicrobial Activities.

The development of new and effective antimicrobial compounds is urgent due to the emergence of resistant bacteria. Natural plant flavonoids are known to be effective molecules, but their activity and selectivity have to be increased. Based on previous aurone potency, we designed new aurone derivatives bearing acetamido and amino groups at the position 5 of the A ring and managing various monosubstitutions at the B ring. A series of 31 new aurone derivatives were first evaluated for their antimicrobial activity with five derivatives being the most active (compounds 10, 12, 15, 16, and 20). The evaluation of their cytotoxicity on human cells and of their therapeutic index (TI) showed that compounds 10 and 20 had the highest TI. Finally, screening against a large panel of pathogens confirmed that compounds 10 and 20 possess large spectrum antimicrobial activity, including on bioweapon BSL3 strains, with MIC values as low as 0.78 µM. These results demonstrate that 5-acetamidoaurones are far more active and safer compared with 5-aminoaurones, and that benzyloxy and isopropyl substitutions at the B ring are the most promising strategy in the exploration of new antimicrobial aurones.

Chemical composition, in vitro cytotoxicity and anti-free radical properties of six extracts from Lebanese Trigonella berythea Boiss.

This study represents an original work aimed to recognize the main constitution of Trigonella berythea. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of leaves and stems of T. berythea have been estimated. An extraction and purification of phenolic mixture compounds from the leaves and stems of this plant have been performed and their antioxidant potential using the DPPH, H2O2 and chelating of ferrous ions tests has been evaluated. Then, their cytotoxicity on the MCF7 breast cancer cell line by the XTT Cell Viability technique has been studied. Our results demonstrated that leaves of T. berythea had higher total phenolic content and total flavonoid content than stems. On the other hand, the six extract from leaves and stems of this plant demonstrated a high antioxidant potential reaches more than 80%. Also, extracts from leaves of T. berythea had the highest inhibitory effect on MCF7 and U937 cell growth than that of stems. This inhibition was more than 60% for all extracts. These results provide new insight into the health functions of leaves and stems and demonstrate that T. berythea extracts can potentially have health benefits.

The Therapeutic Wound Healing Bioactivities of Various Medicinal Plants.

The skin serves as the body's first line of defense, guarding against mechanical, chemical, and thermal damage to the interior organs. It includes a highly developed immune response that serves as a barrier against pathogenic infections. Wound healing is a dynamic process underpinned by numerous cellular activities, including homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, that require proper harmonious integration to effectively repair the damaged tissue. Following cutaneous damage, microorganisms can quickly enter the tissues beneath the skin, which can result in chronic wounds and fatal infections. Natural phytomedicines that possess considerable pharmacological properties have been widely and effectively employed forwound treatment and infection prevention. Since ancient times, phytotherapy has been able to efficiently treat cutaneous wounds, reduce the onset of infections, and minimize the usage of antibiotics that cause critical antibiotic resistance. There are a remarkable number of wound-healing botanicals that have been widely used in the Northern Hemisphere, including Achiella millefolium, Aloe vera, Althaea officinalis, Calendula officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, Curcuma longa, Eucalyptus, Jojoba, plantain, pine, green tea, pomegranate, and Inula. This review addresses the most often used medicinal plants from the Northern Hemisphere that facilitate the treatment of wounds, and also suggests viable natural alternatives that can be used in the field of wound care.

Study of the antioxidant and anti-pancreatic cancer activities of Anchusa strigosa aqueous extracts obtained by maceration and ultrasonic extraction techniques.

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Moreover, the incidence and mortality rates for pancreatic cancer are projected to keep increasing. A major challenge in the treatment of pancreatic cancer is the lack of effective screening approaches, which contributes to its poor prognosis, indicating the need for new treatment regimens and alternative therapies, such as herbal medicine. The medicinal plant A. strigosa, which is widely distributed in the Eastern Mediterranean region, is a short prickly plant from the Boraginaceae family that has been widely used in traditional medicine for treating various diseases. Nevertheless, its effect on human pancreatic cancer remains poorly investigated. In the present study, we screened the phytochemical content of Anchusa strigosa aqueous extracts obtained by maceration and ultrasound-assisted methods (ASM and ASU, respectively) and evaluated their antioxidant effects. We also investigated their anticancer effects and possible underlying mechanisms. The results show that both extracts were rich in bioactive molecules, with slight differences in their composition. Both extracts exhibited remarkable antioxidant potential and potent radical-scavenging activity in vitro. Additionally, non-cytotoxic concentrations of both extracts attenuated cell proliferation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, which was associated with a decrease in the proliferation marker Ki67 and an induction of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, the extracts increased the aggregation of pancreatic cancer cells and reduced their migratory potential, with a concomitant downregulation of integrin ß1. Finally, we showed that the ASM extract caused a significant decrease in the levels of COX-2, an enzyme that has been linked to inflammation, carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that A. strigosa extracts, particularly the extract obtained using the maceration method, have a potential anticancer effect and may represent a new resource for the design of novel drugs against pancreatic cancer.

Is There Correlation Between Aluminum-Based Food Consumption and Plasma Level in Pregnant Women?

To explore the correlation of AL-based food consumption, known to have negative impact on health, and Al plasma levels with pregnancy status. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 participants, including 50 pregnant women. Al plasma levels were analyzed by ET-AAS. Exposure to food was positively correlated to Al mean plasma levels (reaching 2.12 ± 1.17 µg/L) by 32%, specifically for potatoes, fruits, soft drinks, and ready meals. Usage of Al cookware was associated to higher Al plasma levels while pregnancy status was protective. Establishment of national recommendation to maintain lower levels of Al in food is required.

Comparative study of the elimination of copper, cadmium, and methylene blue from water by adsorption on the citrus Sinensis peel and its activated carbon.

The accumulation of heavy metals and dyes in wastewater is a persistent environmental threat with serious hazards consequences affecting all living organisms. Their removal has become a challenging environmental requirement. Adsorption using agricultural waste is one of the cost-effective removal techniques in which the biomass can be valorized. In this study, two adsorbents were prepared and compared in removing copper, cadmium, and methylene blue from water: citrus Sinensis peel (CP) and its activated carbon (AC). Many physical and chemical properties of the prepared adsorbents were investigated using several techniques. Various operational parameters such as initial adsorbate concentration, contact time, pH, adsorbent mass, and temperature were examined. The optimum uptake of Cd, Cu, and MB was obtained after 2 h contact time by using 0.25 g of adsorbent and 400 mg L-1 metal ions or 100 mg L-1 MB initial concentration at pH 5 (for metal ions only) and temperature of 25 °C. Slight superiority for the CP was seen. Furthermore, isothermal models were resolved in all the studied cases. Unlike for MB, the Langmuir model is more applicable for the adsorption of the cations on both adsorbents with maximum adsorption of 80 mg g-1 of Cd(ii) on CP. Finally, the adsorbents achieved good reuse performance, especially for CP which can be used up to 4 times to remove the metal ions, proving that they are low-cost and environmentally friendly materials able to remove inorganic and organic contaminants from water.