Composition and antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. leaf essential oils and methanolic extracts from plants grown in normal and saline habitats in Egypt.

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of salinity in natural habitats in Egypt on the main secondary metabolites of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. plants compared to plants grown at normal conditions. Plants grown under salinity were collected from Egyptian Western Coastal region habitats irrigated with underground water. Results showed that salinity increased the essential oil percentage of R. officinalis L. by 52.7% and A. monosperma L by 0.29% in addition to the total phenolics and flavonoids content in dry leaves compared to control plants. GC/MS analysis of rosemary essential oils revealed that salinity decreased the amount of some major oil monoterpenes component as verbenone, with a slight effect on 1,8 cineole and increased Camphor, endo- Boreneol, and linalool in addition to the appearance of new specific components such as Chrysanthenone monoterpene ketone and Caryophyllene sesquiterpene, while, in the case of Artemisia, the GC/MS showed that Artemisia ketone, Camphor, ß -phellandrene monoterpenes andα-Bisabolol sesquiterpenewere the major oil components; salinity decreased Camphor and ß -phellandrene content and increased artemisia ketone and α-Bisabolol oil content. About 11 new oil constituents were detected such as ( +)-2-Bornanone and Sesquisabinene hydrate. Mineral ions (N, K+, Ca+2, P, and Mg+2) uptake by R. officinalis and A. monosperma decreased in plants grown under salinity, while Na content increased compared to corresponding controls. Results demonstrated that both plants could tolerate the high salinity level in natural Western Coastal region soil which promoted more production of valuable secondary metabolites. The antimicrobial effect of R. officinalis L. and A. monosperma L. leaf methanolic extracts, results showed that R. officinalis extracts had an inhibitory response against all tested gram-positive and negative bacteria, in addition to the yeast (Candida albicans), whereas there was no any inhibitory effect concerning A. monosperma L extract on the tested species.

Magnetohydrodynamic double-diffusive peristaltic flow of radiating fourth-grade nanofluid through a porous medium with viscous dissipation and heat generation/absorption.

This article focuses on determining how to double diffusion affects the non-Newtonian fourth-grade nanofluids peristaltic motion within a symmetrical vertical elastic channel supported by a suitable porous medium as well as, concentrating on the impact of a few significant actual peculiarities on the development of the peristaltic liquid, such as rotation, initial pressure, non-linear thermal radiation, heat generation/absorption in the presence of viscous dissipation and joule heating with noting that the fluid inside the channel is subject to an externally induced magnetic field, giving it electromagnetic properties. Moreover, the constraints of the long-wavelength approximation and neglecting the wave number along with the low Reynolds number have been used to transform the nonlinear partial differential equations in two dimensions into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations in one dimension, which serve as the basic governing equations for fluid motion. The suitable numerical method for solving the new system of ordinary differential equations is the Runge-Kutta fourth-order numerical method with the shooting technique using the code MATLAB program. Using this code, a 2D and 3D graphical analysis was done to show how each physical parameter affected the distributions of axial velocity, temperature, nanoparticle volume fraction, solutal concentration, pressure gradients, induced magnetic field, magnetic forces, and finally the trapping phenomenon. Under the influence of rotation [Formula: see text], heat Grashof number [Formula: see text], solutal Grashof number [Formula: see text], and initial stress [Formula: see text], the axial velocity distribution [Formula: see text] changes from increasing to decreasing, according to some of the study's findings. On the other hand, increasing values of nonlinear thermal radiation [Formula: see text] and temperature ratio [Formula: see text] have a negative impact on the temperature distribution [Formula: see text] but a positive impact on the distributions of nanoparticle volume fraction [Formula: see text] and solutal concentration [Formula: see text]. Darcy number [Formula: see text] and mean fluid rate [Formula: see text] also had a positive effect on the distribution of pressure gradients, making it an increasing function.

Suppression of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita on tomato plants using the nematode trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora Fresenius.

AIM: The aims of the study were to isolate and characterize the nematode trapping fungus, Arthrobotrys oligospora, to investigate the suppressive and predacious activities of the fungus against Meloidogyne incognita and to study the potentiality of A. oligospora in controlling root-knot caused by M. incognita on tomato plants. METHODS AND RESULTS: Arthrobotrys oligospora (MRDS 300) was isolated from sandy soil samples collected from Al-Beheira, Egypt. In vitro experiments revealed a high efficiency of the fungus in capturing and suppressing M. incognita second juveniles (J2 ). Microscopic observations showed that the fungus develops adhesive traps consisting of loops of hyphae. Moreover, an in vitro experiment showed that the culture filtrate of A. oligospora had a high toxic effect on the nematode. Pot experiments carried out in two seasons (2018-2019) showed that A. oligospora significantly suppressed root knot on tomato plants caused by M. incognita. The number of females, galls and nematodes in different developing stages were reduced significantly. The treatment with A. oligospora had a prominent effect on enhancing plant growth. CONCLUSION: Arthrobotrys oligospora had significant suppressive and predacious effects against root-knot nematode, M. incognita. The fungus developed different forms of trapping devices in addition to secreting toxic metabolites to M. incognita. The fungus had a plant-growth promoting effect. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Arthrobotrys oligospora (MRDS 300) is a potential biological control agent that can be utilized in controlling the root-knot diseases caused by M. incognita.

Beta vulgaris subspecies cicla var. flavescens (Swiss chard): flavonoids, hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic activities.

The novel flavonoids, 2",2"'-di-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-vicenin II, a di-C-glycosyl flavone, and herbacetin 3-O-ß-xylopyranosyl- (1"' --> 2")-O-ß-glucopyranoside, were isolated from the leaves of Beta vulgaris subspecies cicla L. var. flavescens, an edible plant which is consumed in the Mediterranean areas, additional to the known flavonoids, 6-C-glucosyl isoscutellarein, vitexin-(1"' --> 2")-O-ß-xylopyranosyl, vitexin-(1'" --> 2")-O-α-rhamnopyranosyI and vitexin. All metabolites were established by conventional methods of analysis and their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis, including 1 D and 2D-NMR and by HR-ESIMS, as well. The extract of the plant leaves shows hepatoprotective effects in rats intoxicated by administration of acetaminophen and exhibits hypolipidemic activity in rats with high-fat-diet induced hypercholesterolemia. The evaluation was done through measuring the liver function enzymes (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase, the lipid profile (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) and histopathological analysis of liver slides.

A controlled study of nitazoxanide (NTZ) 3 years after treatment of hepatitis C genotype 4.

This study is an extension of an earlier, randomized; placebo-controlled that showed the efficacy of nitazoxanide (NTZ) 500 mg tablets twice daily for 6 months in treating HCV genotype 4. Access was available to 13/32 patients of the original study with chronic HCV during more than 3 years after the study was finished. One patient (with portal hypertension and oesophageal varices "O.V") was among 3 with SVR out of 9 of the NTZ treated patients suggesting that NTZ could successfully be used even in patients with O.V. SVR remain so up to the end of the follow-up period compared to none of the other 4 patients who received placebo. A fourth patient of NTZ group achieved virological response at the end of follow-up although she firstly showed RVR and then viral breakthrough. Most of the remaining patients of the NTZ group who did not achieve SVR showed variable partial response. No serious adverse events were reported in both groups during treatment and thereafter.

Preparation and in vitro characterization of a semi-solid dispersion of flurbiprofen with Gelucire 44/14 and Labrasol.

Flurbiprofen is characterized by low solubility in water and has been implicated in causing gastro intestinal ulceration. The purpose of this study was to increase the dissolution characteristics of flurbiprofen by preparing a semi-solid dispersion with Gelucire 44/14 and Labrasol (F1) in hard gelatin capsules. The results were evaluated by comparing several in vitro parameters with powdered drug filled into hard gelatin capsules. The in vitro dissolution testing of the dosage forms was performed in different media (simulated gastric fluid, pH 1.2; citrate buffer pH 4.5; phosphate buffers pH 6.8 and 7.2, and water). Characterization of semi-solid dispersions and physical mixtures was performed using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), particle size analysis and turbidity measurement. The results suggest that all semi-solid dispersions of flurbiprofen showed a remarkable improvement in the rate and extent of drug dissolution. The dissolution of F1 exhibited significant improvement in all dissolution media at different pH. The dissolution of flurbiprofen within 30 min in pH 1.2 was (55%), in pH 4.5 67%, pH 6.8 96%, pH 7.2 98% and in water 88%. FT-IR indicated no strong drug: excipient interactions, and DSC studies indicated a loss of crystalline nature of the drug. The particle size analysis revealed an average size diameter from 194 to 278 nm. Therefore, a semi-solid dispersion of flurbiprofen with Gelucire and Labrasol may have the potential of improved bioavailability because of the enhanced in vitro properties.

In vivo, attenuation of schistosome cercarial development and disturbance of egg laying capacity in Biomphalaria alexandrina using sublethal concentrations of plant molluscicides.

The dry powdered of Sinapis arvensis, Thymelaea hirsuta, Callistemon lanceolatus and Peganum harmala showed molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria alexandrina, specific intermediate hosts to Schistosoma mansoni. Effect of LC25 of dry powdered plant molluscicides on hexokinase (HK), glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI), AMP deaminase, adenosine deaminase and phenol oxidase (PO) of B. alexandrina was traced. C. lanceolatus showed the highest molluscicidal activity as it has the lowest LC50 compared to S. arvensis, T. hirsuta, and P. harmala. LC25 of the latter three plants resulted in more significant inhibition of HK, GPI, AMP-deaminase and PO than C. lanceolatus. Treatment of snails with LC10 of these plants markedly affected compatibility of B. alexandrina to S. mansoni infection. Significant decrease in cercarial production recorded in snails treated with sublethal concentrations of S. arvensis, T. hirsuta, and P. harmala. Remarkable impairment of the egg laying capacity of molluscicide-treated snails was also recorded. Correlation between activity levels of HK, GPI and AMP deaminase and compatibility to parasitic infection and role of PO in the egglaying capacity of these snail species were discussed.

Ab-initio molecular geometry and normal coordinate analysis of pyrrolidine molecule.

The molecular geometry of pyrrolidine was quantum mechanically calculated using the split valence 6-31G** basis set. Electron correlation energy has been computed employing MP2 method. The molecule showed an envelope form puckered structure with inter-plane angle of 36.4 degrees and has a total energy of -132976.80 kcal mol(-1) of which a -464.86 kcal mol(-1) electron correlation energy. The twist form of the molecule showed a twist angle of 10.2 degrees from planarity and has a total energy of -132976.05 kcal mol(-1) involving -464.097 kcal mol(-1) electron correlation energy. The normal coordinates of the molecule were theoretically analyzed on the basis of the Cs point symmetry of the envelope form. Using initial set of force constants obtained from the ab-initio calculations the fundamental vibrational frequencies were computed. The IR and laser Raman spectra of Pyrrolidine molecules were measured. All the observed vibrational bands including combination bands and overtones were assigned to normal modes with the aid of the potential energy distribution values obtained from normal coordinate calculations. The molecular force field was obtained by refining the initial set of force constants using the least square fit method. The molecular force field was determined by refining the initial set of force constants using the least square fit method instead of using the less accurate scaling factor methods. The determined molecular force field has produced simulated frequencies best match to the observed values. The low frequency molecular out-of-plane deformation modes were observed in both infrared and Raman spectra at 298 and 163 cm(-1). The barrier of ring twisting estimated from the observed ring out-of-plane vibrational mode at 163 cm(-1) was found 3.1 kcal mol(-1).

Sublethal concentration of Ambrosia maritima(Damsissa) affecting compatibility of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails to infection with Schistosoma mansoni through disturbing the glycolytic pathway.

High glycolytic flux as an emergency pathway for generating ATP was recorded as the most important metabolic pathway required for the success of Biomphalaria-Schistosome sporocyst interaction. Effect of LC25 of dry powdered Ambrosia maritima (Damsissa) as plant molluscicide on hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase(PK), glucose phosphate isomerase(GPI) was tested. It resulted in a significant inhibition of the three investigated enzymes. Treatment of snails with LC10 concentrations of A. maritima reduced considerably the infection rate of Biomphalaria alexandrina with Schistosoma mansoni to be 34% compared to an infection rate of 80% in control non-treated snails. Longer prepatent period and remarkable decrease in cercarial production was also recorded in snails treated with the sublethal concentrations of this molluscicide.

Evidence against peroxisome proliferation-induced hepatic oxidative damage.

It has been proposed that nongenotoxic peroxisome proliferators may cause hepatocellular cancer by an oxidative damage-mediated mechanism(s). The argument for this hypothesis is based mainly on the noted ability of peroxisome proliferators to induce significantly H2O2-producing peroxisomal beta-oxidation while causing a minimal induction of H2O2-degrading catalase. The recent discovery, accurate determination, and use of isoprostanes as a sensitive indicator of oxidative damage prompted us to investigate whether induction of hepatic peroxisomal beta-oxidation in male B6C3F1 mice is accompanied by elevated levels of isoprostanes in those livers. The data show that while 7 days of feeding mice a diet containing 100 ppm [4-chloro-6-(2,3-xylidino)-2-pyrimidinylthio]acetic acid (WY-14,643) increased peroxisomal beta-oxidation by 16-fold and catalase activity by only 2-fold, hepatic levels of esterified F2-isoprostanes were not altered. These levels were 2.8 +/- 0.5 ng/g liver in control mice and 2.4 +/- 0.1 ng/g liver in mice fed the experimental diet for 7 days. Consequently, it is concluded that oxidative stress does not appear to occur in response to peroxisome proliferation, as evidenced by the lack of increase in hepatic levels of F2-isoprostanes in livers of mice treated with the potent peroxisome proliferator WY-14,643.

Rotenone, an anticarcinogen, inhibits cellular proliferation but not peroxisome proliferation in mouse liver.

In previous National Toxicology Program (NTP) studies, rotenone reduced the background incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in male B6C3F1 mice. In the present studies, rotenone reduced the basal hepatic labeling index of male B6C3F1 mice in a dose-dependent fashion and inhibited hepatocellular proliferation, but not peroxisome proliferation, induced by the peroxisome proliferator Wy-14,643. These results indicate that reduction of hepatic tumors by rotenone may have been due to decreased liver cell replication, that peroxisome proliferation can be induced in the absence of hepatocellular proliferation and suggest rotenone as a potential tool in studies of relationships of cell proliferation, peroxisomal proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis.