Improving the Antimicrobial Activity of Bagasse Packaging Paper using Organophosphorus Dimers

The antimicrobial properties of bagasse paper sheets coated with natural polymers (chitosan, different ratios of (gelatin/glycerol) + chitosan, hemicellulose, hemicellulose + glycerol, hemicellulose+chitosan) or synthetic organophosphorus dimer compounds were evaluated in this work. Hemicelluloses showed moderate activity against Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans, while chitosan showed weak activity against B. subtilis. The condition that offered the highest inhibitory activity of bagasse paper was the one coated with 1,3-diaryl-2,2,2,4,4,4-hexachlorocyclodiphosph(V)azane (where aryl is p-chloroaniline or p-anisidine). The developed bagasse papers were evaluated against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. The highest inhibitory activity was obtained at a concentration of 200 mg/mL for p-chloroaniline with an inhibition zone that varied for different microbes from 6.9 mm to 26 mm. The highest inhibitory activity was obtained at 300–250 mg/mL for p-anisidine against most of the pathogenic microorganisms with an inhibition zone that varied for different microbes from 8 mm to 14.75 mm. The observed antimicrobial and antifungal activity properties for bagasse paper coated with 1,3-diaryl 2,2,2,4,4,4-hexachlorocyclodiphosph(V)azane could be attributed to the presence of Cl, P atoms, and the lone pair of electrons on N atoms in the structure of the dimers

The mechanism of action of Spirulina as antidiabetic: a narrative review

Spirulina happens to be a special type of blue-green algae that originally emerged 3.5 billion years ago and was used as a source of nutrition. Spirulina gets its name from the filaments’ spiral or helical structure, but its true name is taxonomically Genus Arthrospira which encompasses several species. The most common species are S. fusiformis, S. maxima, and S. platensis. It is rich in various nutrients and chemical components including protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, pigments, chlorophyll, and enzymes. Spirulina’s active molecules and rich nutrients make it have several pharmacological activities and uses including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, immune system booster, anticancer, antiviral activity, and neuroprotective properties. It is also utilized as a nutritional supplement and for weight loss. Moreover, several studies confirm that Spirulina improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels in rat models as well as diabetic patients. The reason behind this unique behavior could be credited to the presence of several active components in it, but the action’s fundamental mechanism is still a matter of debate. Several studies have suggested different mechanisms including anti-inflammatory activity, increased insulin sensitivity, inhibition of gluconeogenesis, antioxidant activity, modulating gut microbiota composition, improved glucose homeostasis, and insulin receptor activation. Therefore, it became clear that Spirulina is a mine of active substances used as a nutritional supplement and reduces blood glucose levels or used in conjunction with other treatments to tackle type 2 diabetes. Further exploration is required to fully explain its effects on human physiology and determine optimal dosages for treatment

MOLLUSCICIDAL AND LARVICIDAL ACTIVITIES OF Atriplex inflata AERIAL PARTS AGAINST THE MOLLUSK Galba truncatula, INTERMEDIATE HOST OF Fasciola hepatica

Fasciolosis is a widespread parasitosis of farm live-stock in many developing countries. For this reason, it is necessary to search for new substances against parasitic diseases caused by flukes. Indeed, a wide variety of terrestrial plants have been subjected to chemical and pharmacological screening in order to discover their potential for human medicinal use. The molluscicidal and larvicidal activities of Atriplex inflata were tested on Galba truncatula and Fasciola hepatica larval stages infecting this snail in Tunisia. Phytochemical tests were conducted on extracts in order to establish a meaningful relationship with molluscicidal and larvicidal activities. The molluscicidal activity was evaluated by subjecting snails to sample aqueous solutions. Accordingly, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and methanol-water (8:2, v-v) were used as extraction solvents. As a result, hexane and ethyl acetate extracts showed potent activity, according to the World Health Organization, giving LC50 = 7.59 mg/L and 6.69 mg/L for hexane extracts of leaves and fruits, respectively. Ethyl acetate extracts gave LC50 = 5.90 mg/L and 7.32 mg/L for leaves and fruits, successively. Molluscicidal activities of powders were less potent on snails, but active according to the World Health Organization. Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts from leaves and fruits gave potent larvicidal activities with a delay rate exceeding 45.50% (45.50- 98.92%). Phytochemical tests showed that these activities may be attributed to the presence of triterpenoids and/or sterols

Experimental evidence of the neurotoxic effect of monosodium glutamate in adult female Sprague Dawley rats: The potential protective role of Zingiber officinale Rosc. rhizomes

Strategies to prevent the health abnormalities associated with the extensive use of MSG (monosodium glutamate) as a flavoring booster are badly needed. The current study was conducted to investigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal lipid profile as the main risk factors of neurotoxicity in MSG-exposed female albino rats. Besides, the effect of concurrent consumption of Zingiber officinale rhizomes powder was studied at low doses. Twenty rats (total) were split into 4 separate groups. The 1st group was a negative control group (without any treatment), while the others received 6 mg MSG/kg. The 2nd group was left untreated, whereas the 3rd and 4th groups were given a regular laboratory diet that included ginger rhizome powder supplements (GRP, 0.5 & 1%, respectively) for six weeks. In brain tissue homogenates, exposure to MSG caused a significant depletion of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and total protein levels, while triglycerides and cholesterol contents were significantly elevated. Moreover, a noteworthy upsurge in oxidative load and inflammation markers was also noticed associated with a marked reduction of antioxidant levels, which histopathological staining verified further. The rat diet formulated with GRP, with a dose-dependent effect, resulted in increased GABA and total protein contents and attenuated inflammation, oxidative stress, abnormal lipid profile, and marked histological changes in cerebral cortical neurons of MSG-administered animals. Therefore, this study reveals that GRP shields rats against the neurotoxicity that MSG causes. The anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant, and lipid-normalizing properties of rhizomes of ginger may be accountable for their observed neuroprotective action

Appraisal and characterization of candida load isolated from the oral cavity of smokers

Cigarette smoking is regarded as a major global health risk, therefore the aim of this work was to investigate the association of oral Candida spp. as one of the etiological agents of denture stomatitis with smokers of cigarette, hookah (shisha), and electronic smoking, also a dose–response relationship between the duration of smoking and the probability of denture stomatitis between volunteers. Oral rinse samples were collected from 47 male volunteers including 34 smokers and 13 non-smokers, also data of volunteers were collected via a questionnaire forum. Patterns of smoking were shown that smokers using tobacco cigarettes 17 (36.2 %), electronic cigarettes 16 (34.04 %), and hookah smokers 8 (17.02 %). A comparison of smokers and non-smokers regarding effects on oral health showed significantly finding (P < 0.05) indicating that smoking affects oral health in all evaluated parameters (an oral mucosal abnormality, mouth ulcers, bad breath, and feeling of dry mouth). Out of 19 Candida isolates, 18 (94.7 %) were identified as Candida albicans and 1 (5.3 %) as Candida tropicalis. Among the volunteers who presented with oral Candida (19 volunteers), 17 (89.5%) were smokers, while non-smoker volunteers were 2 (10.5 %), so it can be concluded that smoking was a significant positive correlation to the presence of Candida in the oral cavity. Five volunteers suffered from chronic diseases; 4 (8.5%) diabetes mellitus and 1 (2.1%) anemia as a systemic predisposing factor for oropharyngeal infection. Amphotericin and Nystatin had varying degrees of activity against isolated Candida isolates

Aminated hydroximoyl camelthorn residues as a novel adsorbent for extracting Hg(II) from contaminated water : studies of isotherm, kinetics, and mechanism

Camelthorn, a desert plant, has been utilized as an adsorbent material for the extraction of Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution after grafting with acrylonitrile followed by amination with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in basic medium to obtain aminated hydroximoyl camelthorn (AHCT). AHCT were found to exhibit excellent adsorption capacity over a wide range of Hg(II) concentration. The surface functional groups and morphology of AHCT were determined. The influences of time (0–60 min), pH (2–6), and dose (0.3–8 g/L) were also evaluated. The adsorption data were analyzed using the Langmuit, Freundlich and Temkin tr models at 30 °C using nonlinear regression analysis. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of Hg(II) onto AHCT was 272.9 mg/g at an initial pH of 6 and a temperature of 30 °C and the Freundlich constants, KF and n, at 30 °C were found to be 25.47 mg/g and 3.2, respectively. The value of n (3.2), which being in the range 0–10 indicate that adsorption of Hg(II) ions onto AHCT is favorable. Various kinetics models including the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models have been applied to the experimental data to predict the adsorption kinetics. Kinetic study was carried out by varying initial concentration of Hg(II) at constant temperature and it was found that pseudo-second-order rate equation was better obeyed than pseudo-first-order and intraparticle diffusion supporting that chemisorption process was involved. The examination of R2 values and error analysis method (ARE) showed that the Langmuir model provide the best fit to experimental data than other isotherms and follow the following order: Langmuir > Freundlich > Temkin. The results revealed that the AHCT-Hg(II) ions adsorption system was promoted by the high density of active sites and the adsorption process is independent of the adsorbent surface area. Consequently, AHCT residues can offer an effective method of Hg (II) ion removal from aqueous solutions, demonstrating its potential role in water remediation processes

Characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from soils in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, and their efficacy against Spodoptera littoralis and Aedes aegypti larvae

Pest control in Saudi Arabia depends on applying chemical insecticides, which have many undesirable considerations and impacts on the environment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to isolate Bacillus thuringiensis from different rhizosphere soil samples in the Jazan region for the biological control of Spodoptera littoralis and Aedes aegypti larvae. The samples were collected from the rhizosphere of different plants located in eight agricultural areas in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Out of 100 bacterial isolates, four bacterial isolates belonging to Bacillus species were selected namely JZ1, JZ2, JZ3, and JZ4, and identified using classical bacteriological and molecular identification using 16S rRNA. JZ1 and JZ2 isolates were identified as Bacillus thuringiensis. SDS-PAGE analysis and the detection of the Cry1 gene were used to describe the two isolates JZ1 and JZ2 in comparison to Bacillus thuringiensis reference strain Kurstaki HD1 (BTSK) were revealed that slightly different from each other due to the place of their isolation and namely Khlab JZ1 and Ayash JZ2. The EC50 of JZ1 and JZ2 isolates, BTSK, and the commercial biopesticide DiPEL 6.4 DF against the second-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti were 207, 932, 400, and 500 ppm respectively, while EC50 against first-instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis were 193.93, 589.7, 265.108, and 342.9, ppm respectively. Isolate JZ1 recorded the highest mortality while JZ2 isolate gave the lowest mortality. It can be concluded that the local isolate of JZ1 and JZ2 can be developed for bio formulations to be used in Spodoptera littoralis and Aedes aegypti biological control programs

Studies of Polylactic Acid and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles-Based Composites for Multifunctional Textile Prints

A novel approach toward the production of multifunctional printed technical textiles is reported. Three different metal oxides nanoparticles including titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide, and zinc oxide were prepared and characterized. Both natural wool and synthetic acrylic fibers were pretreated with the prepared metal oxide nanoparticles followed by printing using polylactic acid based paste containing acid or basic dyestuffs. Another route was applied via post-treatment of the targeted fabrics with the metal oxide nanoparticles after running the printing process. The color strength (K/S) and colorfastness properties of pretreated and post-treated printed fabrics were evaluated and compared with untreated printed fabrics. The presence of nanoparticles on a fabric surface during the coating process was found to significantly increase the color strength value of the coated textile substrates. The increased K/S value depended mainly on the nature and concentration of the applied metal oxide, as well as the nature of colorant and fabric. In addition, the applied metal oxide nanoparticles imparted the printed fabrics with good antibacterial activity, high ultraviolet protection, photocatalytic self-cleaning, and improved colorfastness properties. Those results suggest that the applied metal oxide-based nanoparticles could introduce ideal multifunctional prints for garments

Nanocomposites from natural cellulose fibers incorporated with sucrose

The present work shows for the first time worldwide that sucrose can be easily placed by simple techniques within the micropores or nanostructure of the mercerized non-dried cotton linter fibers to create a low-cost cellulose substitute. Such sucrose-containing nanocomposites find suitable use as specialty absorbent paper. Relative to the sucrose-free paper, the sucrose-containing counterparts exhibit greater breaking length and remarkably high water uptake (WRV) up to a sucrose content of 8–15% w/w. Mercerization of cotton linters before incorporating them with sucrose greatly enhanced the retention of sucrose in the prepared paper nanocomposites as compared to the case of unmercerized cotton linters. We assume that regions of the cell wall lamellae, on both sides of the sucrose spacers, are stressed during drying because the sucrose spacers hinder them to relax. This leads to a strain, which makes some microfibrils partially released and protrude out of the fiber. Thus, a sort of fiber beating takes place. We called this phenomenon incorporation beating or encapsulation beating to differentiate it from chemical and mechanical beatings, and it explains the great increase in breaking length of the paper nanocomposites prepared from the mercerized non-dried sucrose-loaded linters

Agricultural Residues (Wastes) for Manufacture of Paper, Board, and Miscellaneous Products: Background Overview and Future Prospects

An extensive background overview on the use of agricultural residues (wastes) for production of paper, board, binderless board, energy, different types of fuels by pyrolysis (solid, liquid and gaseous fuel), many petrochemicals substitutes, charcoal (activated carbon), dissolving pulps and rayon. It includes both scientific and industrial data, case studies, current status, sustainability of paper and sugar industries, green nanotechnology, and future prospects.<br>Keywords: Agricultural Residues (Wastes); Paper and Board manufacture; Sustainability of Paper and Sugar Industries; Green Nanotechnology; Future Prospects