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

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

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.http://scienti.colciencias.gov.co:8081/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001402116https://scholar.google.es/citations?user=OW0mejcAAAAJ&hl=eshttps://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/gruplac/jsp/visualiza/visualizagr.jsp?nro=00000000004151https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4835-9739Highlights. -- Abstract. -- Graphical abstract. -- Keywords. -- 1. Introduction. -- 2. Materials and methods. -- 3. Results. -- 4. Conclusions. -- Declaration of Competing Interest. -- Acknowledgments. -- References

Machine milking parameters for an efficient and healthy milking in dairy camels (Camelus dromedarius)

International audienceThe effect of vacuum level and pulsation rate on machine milking efficiency in lactating dromedary camels were studied in 2 separate experiments. In the first experiment, a total of 14 multiparous camels in early (n=7) and late (n=7) lactation were used to study the effects of vacuum level (45 and 50 kPa) and pulsation rate (52 and 60 pulsations/min) on milk fractionation and flows traits. At the morning milking, volumes of machine milk (MM), machine stripping milk (MSM) and residual milk (RM) were recorded at two different days. For the second experiment, another 10 multiparous dromedary camels at mid stage of lactation were used to evaluate teat condition and udder health during 10 weeks. Milk samples were collected weekly at each milking and analysed for major milk constitutes and udder health. The 50 kPa vacuum level and 60 pulsations/min decreased (P<0.05) the MSM (from 15.2 to 5.9%) and RM (from 44.1 to 29.8%) compared to 45 kPa and 52 pulsation rate. Moreover, milking camels at high vacuum level resulted in significantly more milk in a shorter time with higher milk flows rate at early stage of lactation. No subclinical mastitis was detected in any of udders quarters as indicated by the CMT (<1), SCC (387x10(3)+/- 86 cells/ mL) and bacteriology (coliform=0 and total flora=32097 +/- 396 ufc/mL) test. There were no differences in teat diameters, texture and color before and after milking. In conclusion, dromedary camels are readily to milk efficiently at 50 kPa and 60 pulsations/min without affecting negatively teat condition or udder health

Genetic heterogeneity of megaloblastic anaemia type 1 in Tunisian patients

International audienceMegaloblastic anaemia 1 (MGA1) is a rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by selective intestinal vitamin B12 malabsorption and proteinuria. More than 200 MGA1 patients have been identified worldwide, but the disease is relatively prevalent in Finland, Norway and several Eastern Mediterranean regions. MGA1 is genetically heterogeneous and can be caused by mutations in either the cubilin (CUBN) or the amnionless (AMN) gene. In the present study we investigated the molecular defect underlying MGA1 in nine Tunisian patients belonging to six unrelated consanguineous families. Haplotype and linkage analyses, using microsatellite markers surrounding both CUBN and AMN genes, indicated that four out of the six families were likely to be linked to the CUBN gene. Patients from these families were screened for the Finnish, Mediterranean and Arabian mutations already published. None of the screened mutations could be detected in our population. One family showed a linkage to AMN gene. Direct screening of the AMN gene allowed the identification of the c.208-2A > G mutation, previously described in a Jewish Israeli patient of Tunisian origin and in Turkish patients. This suggests that the c.208-2A > G mutation may derive from a single Mediterranean founder ancestor. For the last family, haplotype analysis excluded both CUBN and AMN genes, suggesting the existence of a third locus that may cause MGA1