Abstract Studies have shown that carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induces hepatic and renal damage arising from oxidative stress. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of omega-3 fatty acids and/or soya isoflavones on CCl4 induced toxicity in male albino rat liver and kidney. For this purpose, 42 rats were divided as follows: group 1, rats serves as the control without any treatment; group 2, rats were administered a single dose of CCl4 intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg b. wt.); group 3, rats were supplemented daily with omega-300 orally (400 mg/kg b. wt.); group 4, rats were supplemented daily with pro-S orally (50 mg/kg b. wt.); group 5, rats were supplemented daily with omega-300 orally for four weeks, then after 24 hours treated with a single dose of CCl4 at the same tested doses. group 6, rats were supplemented daily with pro- S orally for four weeks, then after 24 hours treated with a single dose of CCl4 at the same tested doses; group 7, rats were supplemented daily with an oral combination of omega-300 and pro-S orally for four weeks, then after 24 hours treated with a single dose of CCl4 at the same tested doses. Results showed that CCl4 administration induces hepatic damage indicated by a significant increase in the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Aalanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes and glucose level, with a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and a significant decrease of reduced glutathione (GSH) level in liver tissue. Also, CCl4 toxicity induce renal damage manifested in a significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, and oxidative stress of kidney tissue reflected by increase of MDA, NO and the decrease of GSH levels. The pre-treatment with omega-3 fatty acids and/or soya isoflavones revealed ameliorative effect against deleterious effects of CCl4 toxicity on hepatic and renal tissues and all tested parameters. Results of the current study revealed also that the pre-treatment with omega-3 fatty acids and/or soya isoflavones to rats improved liver and kidney function and produced high antioxidant activity.

Resumo Estudos demonstram que o tetracloreto de carbono (CCl4) induz danos hepáticos e renais decorrentes do estresse oxidativo. O presente estudo almejou examinar o efeito de ácidos graxos ômega-3 e/ou isoflavonas de soja na toxicidade induzida por CCl4 no fígado e no rim de ratos albinos machos. Para tanto, 42 ratos foram divididos da seguinte forma: grupo 1, indivíduos que servem como controle sem nenhum tratamento; grupo 2, indivíduos que receberam uma dose única de CCl4 intraperitonealmente (1 ml/kg do peso corporal); grupo 3, indivíduos que foram suplementados diariamente com ômega-300 por via oral (400 mg/kg do peso corporal); grupo 4, indivíduos que foram foram suplementados diariamente com pró-S por via oral (50 mg/kg do peso corporal); grupo 5, indivíduos que foram suplementados diariamente com ômega-300 por via oral por quatro semanas, depois de tratados por 24 horas com uma dose única de CCl4 nas mesmas doses testadas; grupo 6, os indivíduos foram suplementados diariamente com pro-S por via oral por quatro semanas, depois de tratados por 24 horas com uma dose única de CCl4 com as mesmas doses testadas; grupo 7, os indivíduos foram suplementados diariamente com uma combinação oral de ômega-300 e pró-S por via oral por quatro semanas, depois de tratados por 24 horas com uma dose única de CCl4 com as mesmas doses testadas. Os resultados mostraram que a administração de CCl4 induz dano hepático, indicado por um aumento significativo nas atividades das enzimas fosfatase alcalina (ALP), aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e Alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e nível de glicose, com aumento significativo de malondialdeído (MDA) e nítrico, e dos níveis de óxido (NO), além da diminuição significativa do nível de glutationa reduzida (GSH) no tecido hepático. Além disso, a toxicidade do CCl4 induz dano renal manifestado em um aumento significativo da ureia sérica, creatinina, ácido úrico e estresse oxidativo do tecido renal, refletindo no aumento de MDA, NO e diminuição dos níveis de GSH. O pré-tratamento com ácidos graxos como ômega-3 e/ou isoflavonas de soja revelou efeito melhorador contra os efeitos deletérios da toxicidade do CCl4 nos tecidos hepático e renal e em todos os parâmetros testados. Os resultados do presente estudo demonstraram também que o pré-tratamento com ácidos graxos ômega-3 e/ou isoflavonas de soja em ratos melhorou a função hepática e renal e produziu alta atividade antioxidante.

Abstract Genus Dictyopteris is an important genus among marine seaweeds and is excessively distributed and known by its ocean smell due to its secondary metabolites including C11-hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds. This chemical feature is responsible for its interesting biological properties. This review detected the literature from 1959 to 2021 on the genus Dictyopteris and revealed the secondary metabolites, together with biological activities of the genus Dictyopteris to create the base for additional studies on its clinical and pharmaceutical applications.

Resumen El género Dictyopteris es un género importante entre las algas marinas y está excesivamente distribuido y conocido por su olor a océano debido a sus metabolitos secundarios que incluyen hidrocarburos C11 y compuestos de azufre. Esta característica química es responsable de sus interesantes propiedades biológicas. Esta revisión detectó la literatura de 1959 a 2021 sobre el género Dictyopteris y reveló los metabolitos secundarios, junto con las actividades biológicas del género Dictyopteris, para crear la base para estudios adicionales sobre sus aplicaciones clínicas y farmacéuticas.

Abstract The current study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of certain insect growth regulators (IGRs), buprofezin, hexaflumuron, and lufenuron, at different concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 ppm) against Rhyzopertha dominica in wheat grains. Our data showed that the three IGRs tested at different concentrations significantly affected the mortality of adults to varying extents. The percentage mortality of adults increased with increasing concentrations and time of exposure. After 21 days of treatment, the highest mortality (80.00%, 78.33%, and 60.00%) was observed at the highest concentration (0.8 ppm) and the lowest mortality (58.33%, 46.66%, and 30.00%) was observed at the lowest concentration (0.2 ppm) of lufenuron, buprofezin, and hexaflumuron, respectively. The tested IGRs reduced fecundity, hatchability, adult emergence, and weight loss in treated wheat grains and increased the developmental period of R. dominica compared with the control.

Resumo O presente estudo foi realizado para avaliar a eficácia de certos Reguladores de Crescimento de Insetos (RCIs), buprofezin, hexaflumuron e lufenuron, em diferentes concentrações (0,2, 0,4 e 0,8 ppm) contra Rhyzopertha dominica em grãos de trigo. Nossos dados mostraram que os três RCIs, testados em diferentes concentrações, afetaram significativamente a mortalidade de adultos em graus variados. A mortalidade percentual de adultos cresceu com o aumento das concentrações e do tempo de exposição. Após 21 dias de tratamento, a maior mortalidade (80,00%, 78,33% e 60,00%) foi observada na maior concentração (0,8 ppm) e a menor mortalidade (58,33%, 46,66% e 30,00%) foi observada na menor concentração (0,2 ppm) de lufenuron, buprofezin e hexaflumuron, respectivamente. Os RCIs testados reduziram a fecundidade, eclodibilidade, emergência de adultos e perda de peso em grãos de trigo tratados, bem como aumentaram o período de desenvolvimento de R. dominica em comparação com o controle.

The inhibition and the effect of temperature and concentration of 1,4-di(1-vinyl-3methylimidazolium) benzene dibromide (VMIBB) on the corrosion of mild steel in 1.0 M HCl solution was investigated by electrochemical polarization and weight loss experiments at temperatures ranging from 303 to 343 K. The studied inhibitor concentrations ranged between 1.0×10-6 M and 1.0×10-2 M. The percentage inhibition increased with the increase of the inhibitor's concentration. The percentage inhibition has reached about 93 % at the concentration of 1×10-2 M and 303 K. On the other hand, the percentage inhibition decreased with the increase of temperature. Using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, the thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption of this inhibitor on the metal surface were calculated. 1,4-di(1-vinyl-3-methylimidazolium) benzene dibromide was found to be a potential corrosion inhibitor, since it contained not only nitrogen, but also three aromatic systems, double bond, and it is a large molecule which has a big surface with high molar surface coverage.

To determine the velocity ellipsoid of the solar neighborhood white dwarfs, we use the space velocity components of stars. Two samples of white dwarfs are used, the 20 pc and 25 pc samples. Beside the two main samples, the solar velocity and velocity dispersions are calculated for four subsamples, namely DA, non - DA, hot and cool white dwarfs. A comparison between the results of the 20 pc sample and those of the 25 pc sample gives good agreement, while the comparison between the other subsamples gives poor agreement. The dependence of the velocity dispersions and solar velocity on the chemical composition and effective temperatures is discussed.

Con el objeto de determinar la distribución de velocidades de las enanas blancas en el entorno solar utilizamos las componentes de la velocidad espacial. Utilizamos dos muestras, las más cercanas que 20 y 25 pc. Además, calculamos el movimiento solar y las dispersiones de velocidades para cuatro sub-muestras, a saber, DA, no-DA, enanas blancas calientes, y frías. La comparación de nuestros resultados para las muestras de 20 y 25 pc da como resultado una buena concordancia, mientras que los resultados de las comparaciones entre las otras sub-muestras no concuerdan. Se discute la dependencia de las dispersiones de velocidades y el movimiento solar de la composición química y la temperatura efectiva.

An ion selective membrane sensor from dioctyl phthalate as a plasticizer in a polymeric matrix of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and β-cyclodextrin as an ionophore was constructed and evaluated according to IUPAC recommendations. Linear Nernstian response of DPPH• within the concentration ranges of 10-6 to 10-2 mol L-1 was obtained with average recovery 99.87 ± 0.617. Nernstian slope of 58.5 mV/decade with excellent selectivity over the pH range of 3-8 was observed. The suggested method was standardized using butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA). The 50% radical scavenging activity (IC50) determined by the proposed sensor correlated well with that of the common spectrophotometric method based on scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•). An algorithm implemented in Microsoft Visual Basic® 6.0 was used for calculating (IC50) values which are 7.38 μg/mL ± 0.35, 89.98 μg/ mL ± 0.45 and 1.45 mg/ mL ± 1.50 for BHA, Paracetamol and Dipyridamole, respectively. The proposed sensor represents a simple and reproducible tool for measuring DPPH• scavenging activity of Paracetamol and Dipyridamole in bulk powder, pharmaceutical formulations and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) without sophisticated separation techniques.

Standard Liesegang banding is the display of parallel bands of precipitate formed periodically when co-precipitate ions interdiffuse in a gel medium. The most striking resemblance with Liesegang patterns in Nature lies in the diverse scenery of banded textural features commonly observed in some geological materials, such as geodes, agates, malachites, as well as stratigraphic units of certain rock formations. Here, we explore the possible relationship between the Liesegang banding scenario and magmatic-type pattern formation, such as zonations in km-scale circular zoned plutons and anorogenic ring complexes, cyclic layering in large mafic - ultramafic layered intrusions and orbicular granites, as well as in mm-scale crystal zonations. We also investigate magmatic processes such as fractional crystallization, and the ranges of T and p that are compatible with operating conditions for Liesegang banding. For geochemical self-organization to operate via a Liesegang-type mechanism, a necessary condition is that the system be transiently out of equilibrium, and be described by complex nonlinear kinetic laws. We examine the viability of the development of geochemical patterns, in relation with the various requirements for the growth of Liesegang structures.

We aimed to study the effect of Cannabis sativa on brain oxidative stress and determine whether behavioral responses caused by cannabis could be reversed by standard antidepressant drugs. Cannabis sativa (5, 10 or 15 mg/kg) (expressed as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) was given alone or with fluoxetine, sertraline or imipramine, once daily subcutaneously (s.c.) for 24 days. In the forced-swimming test, the immobility time, was significantly increased in mice treated with cannabis (5-15 mg/kg, s.c.) starting from the 9th day post-injection. Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, s.c.) coadministered with cannabis (5 mg/kg, s.c.) resulted in significant decrease in the immobility time by the day 21 of the study compared with the cannabis only group. Mice co-administered sertraline or imipramine with cannabis were not statistically different from the vehicle control group as regards their immobility time. Cannabis resulted in a significant decrease in the rearing activity which was ameliorated by either fluoxetine or sertraline. Cannabis sativa increased brain reduced glutathione, but decreased the level of nitric oxide. Fluoxetine, sertraline or imipramine given with cannabis decreased malondialdehyde and increased reduced glutathione. In conclusion: The administration of cannabis decreases brain oxidative stress but exerts depressive-like effect and decreases rearing activity which can be reversed by antidepressant drugs.

Nos propusimos estudiar el efecto de Cannabis sativa sobre el estrés oxidativo en cerebro y determinar si las respuestas causadas por canabis sobre el comportamiento podrían revertirse por fármacos antidepresivos estándar. Cannabis sativa (5, 10 o 15 mg/kg) (expresada como Δ9-tetrahidrocanabinol) se administró subcutáneamente (s.c.) sola o con fluoxetina, sertralina o imipramina una vez al día por 24 días. En la prueba de nado forzado, el tiempo de in movilidad, se incrementó significativamente en los ratones tratados con canabis (5-15 mg/kg, s.c.) a partir del 9° día post-administración. Fluoxetina (20mg/kg, s.c.), coadministrada con canabis (5 mg/kg, s.c.), dio como resultado una disminución significativa en el tiempo de inmovilidad alrededor del día 21 del estudio comparado con el grupo tratado sólo con canabis. Los ratones co-administrados con sertralina o imipramina y canabis no fueron estadísticamente diferentes del grupo control de vehículo respecto al tiempo de inmovilidad. Canabis provocó una disminución significativa en la actividad de levantamientos que fue aumentada tanto por fluoxetina como por sertralina. Cannabis sativa incrementó la glutationa reducida en cerebro y disminuyó los niveles de óxido nítrico. Flouxetina, sertralina o imipramina administrados con canabis disminuyó la malondialdehido e incrementó la glutationa reducida. En conclusión: La administración de canabis disminuye el estrés oxidativo cerebral pero ejerce un efecto parecido a la depresión y disminuye la actividad de levantamientos que puede revertirse por fármacos antidepresivos.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of minimally invasive techniques has broadened interest in splenectomy for a variety of haematological illnesses. Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is currently considered the gold standard for the treatment of various haematological disorders. PURPOSE: The literature was reviewed to highlight points of consensus and debatable points regarding best practice in LS, looking at issues such as bleeding and conversion, splenomegaly, splenic retrieval techniques, types of instruments used, hand-assisted LS (HALS), complications, approaches, accessory spleen and splenosis. Our goal was to share our experience with LS and compare it with other reports. BACKGROUND: LS has emerged as the standard of care for elective splenectomy for benign haematological diseases. However, doubts have been raised regarding the suitability of patients with splenomegaly for LS. There is also uncertainty about its efficacy in major trauma. HALS has emerged as an option for safe manipulation and splenic dissection. METHOD: We performed 25 consecutive LSs at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH), Jordan, from 2001 to 2008. Patient demographics, operative time, intra- and postoperative complications, conversion rate, additional procedures and length of hospital stay were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 38.8 years (range 11 - 77 years), mean operative time was 132 minutes (90 - 170 minutes), and length of hospital stay was 2.9 (standard deviation 2.7) days. One case was converted to open surgery (5%). There was 1 case of superficial wound infection in the series (5%), and no deaths. CONCLUSION: LS is a well-accepted minimally invasive procedure, but knowledge and skill are required to perform it with minimal morbidity and mortality.

A síntese de alguns novos derivados de pirido[1,2-b][1,2,4]triazinas (2-12) foi obtida através da ciclocondensação de 4-aril-1,6-diamino-2-oxo-1,2-diidropiridina-3,5-dicarbonitrilas (1a, b) com compostos α,β-bifuncionais. Foram também preparadas pirido[1,2:2´,3´]triazino[5´,6´-f]triazinas (13-14). O comportamento de 1a, b frente às interações com indol-2,3-diona e seu análogo N-acetil foi estudado em diferentes condições de reação. As estruturas dos novos produtos foram deduzidas a partir de análise elementar e de dados espectroscópicos (UV, IR, ¹H RMN, 13C RMN e espectrometria de massas). Os novos compostos sintetizados foram testados quanto à atividade antifungos.

The synthesis of some new pyrido[1,2-b][1,2,4]triazines (2-12) was achieved by cyclocondensation of 4-aryl-1,6-diamino-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles (1a, b) with α,β-bifunctional compounds. Pyrido[1,2:2´,3´]triazino[5´,6´-f]triazines (13-14) were also prepared. The behavior of 1a, b toward interactions with indole-2,3-dione and its N-acetyl analogue have been studied under different reaction conditions. The structures of the new products have been deduced from elemental analysis and spectral data (UV, IR, ¹H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra). The new synthesized compounds were screened for their antifungal activities.

O efeito de diferentes concentrações de 1,3-diidroxipropano (DHP) na eletrodeposição de cobre a partir de soluções de sulfato de cobre acidificado, tem sido estudado em diferentes temperaturas e velocidades de rotação. A eletrodeposição de cobre foi obtida sobre um eletrodo de cilindro rotatório (RCE) de cobre puro. A porcentagem de inibição, P, no cobre eletrodepositado foi 0,00-92,91%, dependendo das variáveis experimentais. P depende da temperatura e fração molar de DHP, enquanto a rotação não mostrou nenhuma influência. Os valores da energia de ativação do processo de eletrodeposição, Ea, encontrados, foram menores do que 28 kJ mol-1, indicando que o processo é controlado por difusão. As correlações da transferência de massa global, nas presentes condições, têm sido obtidas usando-se o método de análise dimensional. Os dados foram válidos para 80 < Sh (Sh = número de Sherwood) < 3970, 290 < Sc (Sc = número de Schmidt) < 59284 and 271 < Re (Re = número de Reynolds) < 52705 e os resultados concordaram com os estudos prévios de transferência de massa para cilindros rotatórios em regimes de fluxo turbulento. Determinação experimental da velocidade crítica da solução foi obtida para branco e solução de DHP a 20% (v/v) em 298 K. O efeito do tempo, quantidade de DHP, temperatura e velocidade de rotação nas mudanças morfológicas do cobre em pó eletrodepositado, bem como a composição do depósito e tamanho de partícula, têm sido estudados. Vários tamanhos de partículas, no intervalo de 60,5 a 203,4 nm foram obtidos e caracterizados por EDS e XRD, tendo-se encontrado que as partículas eram de cobre puro com pequena quantidade de oxigênio. Diferentes topografias provaram que a razão da eletrodeposição de cobre aumenta com o aumento do tempo, temperatura e velocidade de rotação. Além disso, foi provado que a razão da eletrodeposição decresce pela adição de DHP à solução. Entretanto, os resultados obtidos por SEM apoiaram aqueles obtidos por medidas eletroquímicas. A estrutura morfológica do pó de cobre depositado da solução a 20% (v/v) de DHP em 1000 rpm e 298 K foi notável, agregados cristalinos arredondados com espaços vazios.

The effect of different concentrations of 1,3-dihydroxypropane (DHP) on the electrodeposition of copper powder from acidified copper sulphate solution has been studied at different temperatures and different speeds of rotation. Copper powder was electrodeposited onto rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) that made of pure copper. The inhibition percentage, P, in the electrodeposited copper powder was 0.00 - 92.91%, depending on the experimental variables. P was affected by temperature and mole fraction of DHP, while rotation did not show any influence whatsoever. Values of the activation energy of electrodeposition process, Ea, were found to be less than 28 kJ mol-1 indicating diffusion controlled process. The overall mass transfer correlations under the present conditions have been obtained using the dimensional analysis method. The data were valid for 80 < Sh (Sh = Sherwood number) < 3970, 290 < Sc (Sc = Schmidt number) < 59284 and 271 < Re (Re = Reynolds number) < 52705 and the results agreed with the previous studies of mass transfer to rotating cylinders in turbulent flow regimes. Experimental determination of the solution critical velocity was obtained for blank and 20% (v/v) DHP solutions at 298 K. The effect of time, DHP content, temperature and the speed of rotation on the morphological changes of the electrodeposited copper powder as well as deposits composition and particle size have been studied. Various particle sizes ranged 60.5 - 203.4 nm were obtained, characterized by EDS and XRD and found to be pure copper with small amount of oxygen. Different topographs proved that the rate of copper electrodeposition increased by increasing time, temperature and the speed of rotation. In addition, they proved that the deposition rate decreased by adding DHP to the solution. Therefore, the results obtained by SEM supported those results obtained by electrochemical measurements. The morphological structure of deposited copper powder from 20% (v/v) DHP at 1000 rpm and 298K was unique, rounded-crystalline aggregates with voids.

We studied and compared the effects of chloramphenicol antibiotic and garlic (Allium sativum), used as immunostimulants and growth promoters, on some physiological parameters, growth performance, survival rate, and bacteriological characteristics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (7±1g/fish) were assigned to eight treatments, with three replicates each. Treatment groups had a different level of Allium sativum (10, 20, 30, and 40g/kg diet) and chloramphenicol (15, 30, and 45mg/kg diet) added to their diets; the control group diet was free from garlic and antibiotic. Diets also contained 32% crude protein (CP) and were administered at a rate of 3% live body weight twice daily for 90 days. Results showed that the final weight and specific growth rate (SGR) of O. niloticus increased significantly with increasing levels of Allium sativum and chloramphenicol. The highest growth performance was verified with 30g Allium sativum / kg diet and 30mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed with 30g Allium sativum / kg diet and 30mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. There were significant differences in the protein efficiency ratio (PER) with all treatments, except with 45mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. No changes in the hepatosomatic index and survival rate were observed. Crude protein content in whole fish increased significantly in the group fed on 30g Allium sativum / kg diet, while total lipids decreased significantly in the same group. Ash of whole fish showed significantly high values with 30g Allium sativum and 15mg chloramphenicol / kg diet while the lowest value was observed in the control group. Blood parameters, erythrocyte count (RBC), and hemoglobin content in fish fed on diets containing 40g Allium sativum and all levels of chloramphenicol were significantly higher than in control. Significantly higher hematocrit values were seen with 30 and 45mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. There were no significant differences in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Plasma glucose decreased significantly with increasing levels of Allium sativum but increased significantly with increasing levels of chloramphenicol. Total lipids were significantly reduced with diets containing 40g Allium sativum and 30mg chloramphenicol / kg diet, while total plasma protein content was significantly higher in fish fed on diets containing 10, 20, and 30g Allium sativum, and 30 and 45mg chloramphenicol / kg diet. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities in plasma decreased significantly with increasing levels of Allium sativum and chloramphenicol. All Allium sativum and chloramphenicol levels decreased total bacteria and coliforms in water, muscles and intestine when compared to the control group. Treated groups had lower mortality rate than the control group during the challenge test. In conclusion, it can be suggested that adding 3% Allium sativum to fish diet can promote growth, reduce total bacteria, and improve fish health.