Effects of pomegranate juice supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers following weightlifting exercise

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that pomegranate juice supplementation would blunt acute and delayed oxidative stress responses after a weightlifting training session. Nine elite weightlifters (21.0 ±1 years) performed two Olympic-Weightlifting sessions after ingesting either the placebo or pomegranate juice supplements. Venous blood samples were collected at rest and 3 min and 48 h after each session. Compared to the placebo condition, pomegranate juice supplementation attenuated the increase in malondialdehyde (-12.5%; p < 0.01) and enhanced the enzymatic (+8.6% for catalase and +6.8% for glutathione peroxidase; p < 0.05) and non-enzymatic (+12.6% for uric acid and +5.7% for total bilirubin; p < 0.01) antioxidant responses shortly (3 min) after completion of the training session. Additionally, during the 48 h recovery period, pomegranate juice supplementation accelerated (p < 0.05) the recovery kinetics of the malondialdehyde (5.6%) and the enzymatic antioxidant defenses compared to the placebo condition (9 to 10%). In conclusion, supplementation with pomegranate juice has the potential to attenuate oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant responses assessed acutely and up to 48 h following an intensive weightlifting training session. Therefore, elite weightlifters might benefit from blunted oxidative stress responses following intensive weightlifting sessions, which could have implications for recovery between training sessions

Primary resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin of Helicobacter pylori isolated from Tunisian patients with peptic ulcers and gastritis: a prospective multicentre study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The frequency of primary resistance to antibiotics in H. pylori isolates is increasing worldwide. In Tunisia, there are limited data regarding the pattern of H. pylori antibiotic primary resistance.</p> <p>Aim</p> <p>To evaluate the primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin and to detect the mutations involved in clarithromycin resistance.</p> <p>Materials and methods</p> <p>273 strains isolated from adults and children were enrolled. The primary resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin was evaluated by means of E-test minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The real-time PCR using Scorpion primers was performed in all cases to assess clarithromycin primary resistance and point mutations involved.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No resistance to amoxicillin was detected. For adults, resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole was found respectively in 14.6% and 56.8%, and respectively in 18.8% and 25% in children. Overall, the rates of global primary resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole in Tunisia were respectively determined in 15.4% and 51.3%.</p> <p>By the use of Scorpion PCR, the A2143G was the most frequent point mutation observed (88.1%), followed by the A2142G (11.9%); the A2142C was not found and 18 of 42 patients (42.8%) were infected by both the resistant and the susceptible genotype.</p> <p>The association of clarithromycin resistance with gender was not statistically significant, but metronidazole resistant strains were isolated more frequently in females (67.8%) than in males (32.2%) and the difference was significant. As for gastroduodenal diseases, the difference between strains isolated from patients with peptic ulceration and those with non peptic ulceration was not statistically significant. When about the distribution of resistant strains to clarithromycin and metronidazole between the three Tunisian cities (Tunis, Menzel Bourguiba and Mahdia), the difference was not statistically significant.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Local data regarding the primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin and the main genetic mutation involved in clarithromycin resistance in vivo (A2143G) are necessary to prove a clear need for a periodic evaluation of antibiotic consumption and new therapeutic strategies in Tunisia in order to avoid the emergence of resistant strains.</p

Mapping groundwater recharge potential zones in arid region using remote sensing and GIS perspective, Central Tunisia

Given the semi-arid to arid climate in the Regueb region of Central Tunisia, groundwater is a crucial resource for meeting the escalating demands of socioeconomic development. Careful estimation of the current recharge amount and the delineation of potential zones of rainfall precipitation are required for an accurate evaluation of the regional water balance in order to ensure sustainable development and preserve water resources. The aim of this study was to define the prospective locations for phreatic aquifer recharge by doing a preliminary assessment of the groundwater recharge in the Regueb basin. In order to determine the lateral variation of the recharge zone, ArcGIS was utilized in conjunction with a geological and hydrogeological database that was acquired. The obtained results indicated that there are five recharge potential areas: 5% of the study area has very low, 9% has low, 20% has moderate, 28.5% has good, and 36.5% (located principally in the southern part of the study region) has very good recharge potential. This distribution is controlled principally by the geomorphological, geologic, and hydrogeological features of the region. Reasonable management strategies based on the perennial exploitation of these low-renewable resources are required to optimize water-dependent socio-economic development. The environmental risk from groundwater and/or soil pollution and salinization (total dissolved solids (TDS) in groundwater ranged between 1.19 and 16.92 g/L) is undoubtedly explained by the dual actions of climatic conditions and mismanagement of land resources, especially in the agricultural sector, as the study area is mainly devoted to irrigation of vegetation. In addition, this study is helpful in the establishing and managing sustainable groudwater. An isotopic analysis is recommended to aid the decision maker in establishing an adequate strategy

Evolution of udder morphology, alveolar and cisternal milk compartment during lactation and their relationship with milk yield in Najdi sheep

A total of 30 multiparous Najdi ewes were used to study the evolution of udder morphology traits and milk fractions in the udder during suckling (3rd, 6th, 9th wk) and milking (10th, 11th, 12th wk) periods. During suckling period, daily milk yield was estimated by using the double oxytocin injections method 4-h after milking. During milking period, ewes were hand-milked once daily. Udder and teat morphology traits for all ewes were measured 4-h after milking. Udder compartments were evaluated 8-h after milking by using atosiban and oxytocin; milk samples of each fraction were collected. Najdi ewes had a medium and healthy udders (CMT < 1), with medium sized teats (length, 3.2 ± 0.1 cm and width, 1.7 ± 0.1 cm) attached at 35.7 ± 11° angle. Milk yield averaged 1.88 ± 0.18 and 0.44 ± 0.12 L d�1 during suckling and milking periods, respectively. A drop in milk yield (�75%, p < 0.01) was found in the transition from suckling to milking. Udder traits, teats angle and width, and distance between teats declined (p < 0.05) throughout lactation, whereas teat lengths did not show any change. Positive correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between milk yield and udder depth (r = 0.47-0.49), width (r = 0.31-0.39) and distance between teats (r = 0.26-0.39). The cisternal milk volumes decreased (p < 0.05) after weaning, whilst the corresponding percentages increased (p < 0.05). Cisternal milk accounted for 55% and 67% of the total udder milk during suckling and milking periods, respectively. Cisternal milk was positively correlated (r = 0.93, p < 0.05) with total milk yield. The percentages of protein and total solids in alveolar and cisternal milk increased significantly (p < 0.05) after weaning, whilst fat percentages in cisternal milk did not change. In conclusion, the evaluated Najdi ewes showed medium sized cisterns and teats, which considered adequate for machine milking. Udder morphology traits had positive correlations with milk yield and hence, can be utilized in breeding programs

Solubility, Solution Thermodynamics, and Preferential Solvation of Amygdalin in Ethanol + Water Solvent Mixtures

The equilibrium solubility of amygdalin in [ethanol (1) + water (2)] mixtures at 293.15 K to 328.15 K was reported. The thermodynamic properties (standard enthalpy ΔsolnH°, standard entropy ΔsolnS°, and standard Gibbs energy of solution ΔsolnG°) were computed using the generated solubility data via van’t Hoff and Gibbs equations. The dissolution process of amygdalin is endothermic and the driving mechanism in all mixtures is entropy. Maximal solubility was achieved in 0.4 mole fraction of ethanol at 328.15 K and the minimal one in neat ethanol at 293.15 K. Van’t Hoff, Jouyban–Acree–van’t Hoff, and Buchowski–Ksiazczak models were used to simulate the obtained solubility data. The calculated solubilities deviate reasonably from experimental data. Preferential solvation parameters of amygdalin in mixture solvents were analyzed using the inverse Kirkwood–Buff integrals (IKBI) method. Amygdalin is preferentially solvated by water in ethanol-rich mixtures, whereas in water-rich mixtures, there is no clear evidence that determines which of water or ethanol solvents would be most likely to solvate the molecule

Natural pomegranate juice reduces inflammation, muscle damage and increase platelets blood levels in active healthy Tunisian aged men

Currently, it’s well established that aging is associated with various health problems that may interfere with the maintenance of a good nutritional status. Otherwise, pomegranate (POM) was shown to prevent or treat various disease risk factors in adults. However, its efficacy is still not well widespread in elderly population. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of natural pomegranate juice (POMj) rich in polyphenols on the blood levels of selected biochemical parameters using older adults. Twelve active healthy aged men (age: 60 ± 5 years) volunteered to participate in this randomized study. Before and after the supplementation period fasting blood samples were collected, heart rate (HR) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) were recorded. Supplements of placebo (PLA) or POMj were taken twice daily (250 ml × 2) for 15 days. Paired simple t-test showed a significant difference between PLA and POMj supplementation effects on systolic blood pressure (SAP), creatinine (CRE), hematological and muscle damage parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.01) with lower values using POMj. Similarly, a significant differences were shown for platelets PLT (p < 0.01) with higher values using POMj supplementation. POMj rich in polyphenols seems to have a power anti-inflammatory effect and to be an effective treatment for patients who suffer from the thrombocyto-penia disease. Therefore, aged populations are advised to add natural POMj to their daily nutrition behavior

Solution thermodynamics and preferential solvation of sulfamethazine in ethylene glycol + water mixtures

La solubilidad de sulfametazina (SMT) en mezclas de codisolvente de etilenglicol (EG) + agua (W) se determinó a nueve temperaturas (278.15, 283.15, 288.15, 293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15 y 318.15 K) por medio de la agitación método. A partir de los datos de solubilidad, se calcularon las funciones termodinámicas de solución, transferencia y mezcla utilizando las ecuaciones de Gibbs y van´t Hoff. Por otro lado, los parámetros de solvatación preferencial de SMT se determinaron mediante el método de las integrales inversas de Kirkwood-Buff (IKBI). En términos generales, la solubilidad del SMT se ve favorecida por el aumento de temperatura y la disminución de la polaridad del sistema codisolvente, por lo que la máxima solubilidad se alcanza en EG puro a 318.15 K y la mínima en agua pura a 278.15 K. Energía de Gibbs es positivo en todos los casos, con una mayor contribución del componente energético (entalpía de la solución). En cuanto a la compensación entalpía-entrópica, el proceso es impulsado en todos los casos por la entalpía de la solución. Finalmente, SMT se solvata preferentemente con agua en mezclas con mayor polaridad y con EG en mezclas menos polares.The solubility of sulfamethazine (SMT) in ethylene glycol (EG) + water (W) cosolvent mixtures was determined at nine temperatures (278.15, 283.15, 288.15, 293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15 K) by means of the stirring method. From the solubility data, the thermodynamic functions of solution, transfer and mixing were calculated using the Gibbs and van´t Hoff equations. On the other hand, the preferential solvation parameters of SMT were determined by means of the method of the inverse integrals of Kirkwood-Buff (IKBI). In general terms, the solubility of SMT is favored by the increase in temperature and the decrease in the polarity of the cosolvent system, thus the maximum solubility is reached in pure EG at 318.15 K and the minimum in pure water at 278.15 K. Gibbs energy is positive in all cases, with a higher contribution from the energy component (enthalpy of solution). Regarding enthalpy-entropic compensation, the process is driven in all cases by the enthalpy of solution. Finally, SMT is preferentially solvated by water in mixtures with higher polarity and by EG in less polar mixtures.Highlights. -- Abstract. -- Graphical abstract. -- Keywords. -- 1. Introduction. -- 2. Materials and methods. -- 3. Results. -- 4. Conclusions. -- Declaration of Competing Interest. -- Acknowledgments. -- References.http://scienti.colciencias.gov.co:8081/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001402116https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4835-9739https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/gruplac/jsp/visualiza/visualizagr.jsp?nro=00000000004151danielr.delgado@campusucc.edu.cohttps://scholar.google.es/citations?user=OW0mejcAAAAJ&hl=e