Ethnobotanical use, phytochemical study, and antioxidant activity of Globularia alypum

This work aimed to highlight the biological effects of Globularia alypum L., a medicinal plant widely used in phytotherapy.Globularia alypum L. is a plant used in traditional medicine in Morocco, the crude extracts prepared from the leaves were obtained using maceration in methanol, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. The content of total polyphenols was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, the first range was for the ethyl acetate extract, followed by butanol, methanol, and aqueous extracts, respectively. The flavonoids amount was determined using the aluminum chloride colorimetric method, the methanolic extract presented the highest content of flavonoids, followed by the one of butanol, then the ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts. The antioxidant activity was carried out using the anti-free radical method based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH), the IC50 values were estimated for methanolic, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous extracts while that of BHT and ascorbic acid. The high phenolic and flavonoid amounts as well as the antioxidant potential of the extracts indicated that the G. alypum could be exploited as a source of natural antioxidants

Detection and quantification of olive oil adulteration using fluorescence spectroscopy and chemometric tools

The increasing incidence of fraud in the olive oil market, particularly through adulteration with cheaper oils, poses a major challenge for the industry. This study examines the effectiveness of fluorescence spectroscopy combined with chemometric tools as a method to detect and quantify olive oil adulteration. Chemical analyses were used to measure parameters such as specific absorption coefficients K232 and K270, peroxide value, and acidity, in accordance with International Olive Council (IOC) standards. These measurements were conducted on samples of olive oil blended with varying percentages of adulterating oils. 3D fluorescence spectra were analyzed to examine the changes induced by adulteration. The results show that free acidity and peroxide value decrease with increasing adulteration degree, while the parameters K232 and K270 increase with the degree of adulteration. Principal component analysis (PCA) was effectively used to differentiate samples based on the percentage of adulterant. A partial least squares (PLS) regression model was developed, achieving a correlation coefficient of 0.999 for predicting the percentage of adulterant in olive oil. This PLS model also proved effective in predicting oil quality parameters such as free acidity and K232 and K270 indices. The results of this study demonstrate the significant potential of fluorescence spectroscopy as a rapid and non-destructive method for olive oil authentication. PCA emerges as a powerful tool for characterizing pure oils without requiring sample preparation or destruction. Furthermore, PLS models provide accurate means to predict both the presence of adulterants and olive oil quality parameters. This approach offers a promising solution to combat fraud in the olive oil industry, ensuring product integrity and quality

An ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal and aromatic plants used in Al Hoceima National Park

In the northern region of Morocco, specifically in the Province of Al Hoceima, the establishment of the Al Hoceima National Park (ANP) serves as a designated protected area. The primary purpose of this park is to promote the conservation, protection, and sustainable development of the diverse natural resources present. The ANP boasts a significant variety of flora, particularly medicinal and aromatic plants (AMP). This research aimed to identify and highlight the AMP the local rural population utilizes. Conducted between August 2020 and March 2021, an ethnobotanical survey engaged herbalists, traditional healers, and rural residents through structured questionnaires. These surveys elicited specific information about the informants and details regarding the plants in use. This survey revealed the identification of 47 taxa based on vernacular names, which were subsequently matched with their scientific names according to available literature. These taxa are distributed among 29 botanical families, with notable prevalence in Lamiaceae, comprising 8 species, followed by Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, and Solanaceae, each with 3 species. The study further indicates that the most utilized parts of these plants are the foliage and leafy stems, with decoctions being the predominant method of preparation for remedies. The investigation into the diseases treated revealed that digestive infections rank highest, followed by respiratory infections. Sociodemographic characteristics analysis indicated a slightly higher usage of medicinal plants by women than men. The insights gleaned from this research offer valuable information for the studied region and contribute to the broader understanding of the national medicinal flora

A review of the chemical modification and applications of starch

The modification of starch using esterification, etherification, oxidation, and Schiff base formation has garnered significant interest owing to its wide-ranging applications in different sectors. This overview delves into the various techniques utilized for modifying starch molecules and examines their utilization in adsorption, adhesive formulations, pharmaceuticals, nanoparticle synthesis, and film manufacturing. The article delves into the synthesis pathways associated with esterification, etherification, oxidation, and Schiff base formation, underscoring their influence on the physicochemical characteristics of starch. Furthermore, it thoroughly examines the application of modified starch in pollutant adsorption processes, as adhesive agents in industries, as excipients in pharmaceutical formulations, and as crucial elements in the creation of starch-based nanoparticles and films

Various Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines Derivatives and Therapeutic Significance: A Review

The synthesis of bicyclic heterocycles, notably nitrogen-containing imidazopyridines, holds immense appeal due to their structural diversity and pivotal role in biological systems. These compounds are ubiquitously found in nature and are prized for their significance in both chemical and biological contexts. Imidazopyridine derivatives, among nitrogen heterocycles, serve as fundamental structures in various applications spanning pharmaceuticals to food additives. Consequently, their synthesis and modification represent a focal point in both natural and synthetic organic chemistry. This review aims to comprehensively explore conventional methodologies alongside innovative synthesis approaches, while also delving into the diverse biological properties exhibited by these versatile heterocycles. Through this examination, we endeavor to provide valuable insights that will contribute to further advancements in the synthesis and utilization of imidazopyridines in various fields

New Ethylenediamine Crosslinked 2D-Cellulose Adsorbent for Nanoencapsulation Removal of Pb (II) and Cu (II) Heavy Metal Ions: Synthesis, Characterization Application, and RSM-Modeling

The main objective of the present work is to elaborate on a new eco-friendly and efficient adsorbent designated for aquatic micropollutants removal. However, the synthesis of the Ethylenediamine Crosslinked 2D-Cellulose green adsorbent was carried out successfully, by partial grafting of benzyl entities onto hydroxyl groups of HEC, and crosslinking with ethylenediamine ED. Further, the new ethylenediamine crosslinked 2D-Cellulose was used as a biosorbent for nanoencapsulation removal of copper and lead heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The proposal chemical structures of unmodified and modified materials were confirmed using FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM–EDX analysis. Furthermore, many parameters of the optimization for Pb (II) and Cu (II) in terms of removal efficiency including pH, adsorbent amount, and contact time were optimized by response surface methodology with a Box–Behnken design. Based on the desirability optimization with three factors, the maximal removal was 99.52% and 97.5% for Pb(II) and Cu(II), respectively and was obtained at pH = 5.94, 22.2 mg as the optimal adsorbent amount, and 21.53 min as contact time

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

Background Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide.Methods A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study-a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital.Findings Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85 [95% CI 2.58-5.75]; p<0.0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63.0% vs 82.7%; OR 0.35 [0.23-0.53]; p<0.0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer.Interpretation Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised