Solubility enhancement of mefenamic acid by inclusion complex with β-cyclodextrin: in silico modelling,formulation, characterisation,and in vitro studies

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterise inclusion complexes of a low water-soluble drug, mefenamic acid (MA), with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). First, the phase solubility diagram of MA in β-CD was drawn from 0 to 21 × 10⁻³ M of β-CD concentration. A job’s plot experiment was used to determine the stoichiometry of the MA:β-CD complex (2:1). The stability of this complex was confirmed by molecular modelling simulation. Three methods, namely solvent co-evaporation (CE), kneading (KN), and physical mixture (PM), were used to prepare the (2:1) MA:β-CD complexes. All complexes were fully characterised. The drug dissolution tests were established in simulated liquid gastric and the MA water solubility at pH 1.2 from complexes was significantly improved. The mechanism of MA released from the β-CD complexes was illustrated through a mathematical treatment. Finally, two in vitro experiments confirmed the interest to use a (2:1) MA:β-CD complex.     

Phytochemical and Biological Characterization of Methanolic Extracts from Rumex algeriensis and Rumex tunetanus

The present study is aimed at the evaluation of the phytochemical profile and the biochemical properties of methanolic extracts obtained from different parts of Rumex algeriensis and Rumex tunetanus, two relict species limited to the North Africa. Phytochemical analyses of these extracts were performed using standard colorimetric procedures, HPLC‐DAD, and HPLC‐DAD‐ESI/MS, and their antioxidant/free radical scavenging capability was estimated through several in vitro cell‐free assays. Moreover, the anti‐inflammatory potential of these extracts was demonstrated in an in vitro model of acute intestinal inflammation using differentiated Caco‐2 cells. The results showed that all the extracts appeared endowed with excellent antioxidant/free radical scavenging properties. In particular, the extracts from both R. algeriensis and R. tunetanus flowers, and that from R. algeriensis stems were characterized by a remarkable SOD‐like and NO‐scavenging activity, as well as by the capability to protect albumin against HClO‐induced degradation. Furthermore, the extracts from flowers of both Rumex species, as well as R. algeriensis stems, showed an anti‐inflammatory effect in intestinal epithelial cells, as demonstrated by the inhibition of TNF‐α‐induced gene expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8. In conclusion, R. algeriensis and R. tunetanus have shown to be potential sources of bioactive products to be used in the prevention and treatment of pathologies related to oxidative stress and inflammation.     

Seasonal changes of two biomarkers of oxidative stress (LDH,MDA) in the edible mollusc Donax trunculus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) from the Gulf of Annaba (Algeria): correlation with carbohydrate and lipid contents

The aim of the study was to determine seasonal variations of two biomarkers of oxidative stress, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and their correlation with lipid-carbohydrate metabolism in the edible bivalve Donax trunculus. The samples were collected during the four seasons in 2014 at two sites in the Gulf of Annaba (northeast of Algeria): El Battah, which is some distance from any source of pollution, is considered a relatively clean site, while Sidi Salem is a site exposed to various sources of industrial, urban and harbour pollution. The results show a significant decrease in LDH activity in Sidi Salem D. trunculus compared with those at El Battah. Moreover, carbohydrate levels increased significantly in Sidi Salem. The MDA rate increased significantly in Sidi Salem relative to El Battah, while the amounts of lipid showed a significant decrease. The lipid and carbohydrate metabolism was negatively correlated with LDH and MDA. This difference between the two sites was observed for all seasons, with more effect in spring and summer. The results obtained showed that under stressful conditions due to anthropogenic factors, some physiological processes of D. trunculus can be affected. Thus, D. trunculus appears to be a suitable sentinel species for the assessment of ecotoxicological risk in the Gulf of Annaba.     

Impact of the overexpression of the StDREB1 transcription factor on growth parameters,yields, and chemical composition of tubers from greenhouse and field grown potato plants

Journal of Plant Research - Potato plants are often exposed to biotic and abiotic stresses that negatively impact their growth, development, and yield. Plants respond to different stresses by...     

Excitability cycle of the soleus motor nucleus during synergistic conditioning in man

Electrical stimulation of medial or lateral gastrocnemius nerve modulates the H reflex of the soleus muscle in a well defined sequence of inhibitory and facilitatory phases the amplitude of which depends on the strength of the conditioning stimulus. This method of investigation of the soleus monosynaptic reflex pathway avoids the disadvantages of homonymous conditioning. Discussion of our results points to the roles of Ib and Renshaw cells inhibitions in the early phases of the recovery cycle, and to the roles of reafferents, disinhibition of Renshaw cells, presynaptic inhibition and muscarinic discharge of Renshaw cells for the late phases.     

Moderate walnut consumption improved lipid profile,steroid hormones and inflammation in trained elderly men: a pilot study with a randomized controlled trial

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of walnut consumption on lipid profile, steroid hormones and inflammation in trained elderly men performing concurrent (resistance and endurance) training. Twenty healthy elderly males were divided into two matched groups, in a randomized controlled trial, that trained three sessions per week: concurrent training + dietary walnut consumption (15 g/day for six weeks, CTW: n = 10); concurrent training + control diet (CT: n = 10). Fasting blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after intervention for biochemical assessments. levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased only in CTW compared to baseline (19.8%, p < 0.01). Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels significantly decreased only for CTW (i.e., 13%, 18%, and 18.5% at p < 0.01 for all). Testosterone (T) increased after the training compared to pre-training for CTW and CT (10.3%, p < 0.01, 4.27% p < 0.05, respectively), but the increase was significantly higher in CTW (p < 0.05). Serum cortisol (C) was lower for CTW compared to CT (p < 0.01). C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased in CTW in comparison with CT. The present study revealed that 6-week moderate walnut supplementation (15 g/day) improved lipid profile, steroid hormones and systematic inflammation in aged men performing concurrent training. These findings could be attributable to the potential effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contained in walnut (linoleic acid, n-6; linolenic acid, n-3).     

Consumption of wheat seed reserves during germination and early growth as affected by soil water potential

Seed size and weight are important criteria for determining seedling vigour and stand establishment. Evolution of seed dry weight of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during germination and early growth was examined because poor stands are often associated with the depletion and exhaustion of seed reserves. Two laboratory experiments were conducted on filter paper and in soil at three water potentials using wheat seeds. Seed, root, and shoot dry weights were recorded at approximately one-day intervals. Coleoptile and first leaf lengths were also measured at all sampling periods. Wheat seedlings grown on filter paper in the dark grew to a length of 90 to 100 mm with 50% of the initial seed weight remaining after eight days when the experiment was terminated. In soil, wheat seedlings grew 15 mm with 25% of the initial seed weight remaining. Seed reserves were depleted more quickly when the soil was wet because seedlings grew more quickly. There were significant and similar negative relationships between seed weight and coleoptile length of wheat seedlings grown on filter paper and in soil. There was no effect of soil water potential on the relationship between seed weight and shoot length. Therefore, it was concluded that poor wheat stands are not likely to occur due to depletion of seed reserves under field conditions without mechanical obstacles.