Nabag (Zizyphus spina-christi) Extract Prevents Aberrant Crypt Foci Development in Colons of Azoxymethane-Treated Rats by Abrogating Oxidative Stress and inducing Apoptosis

Guizani, Nejib,Waly, Mostafa Ibrahim,Singh, Vandita,Rahman, Mohammad Shafiur Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.9

Zizyphus spina-christi (ZSC) fruit is a rich source of bioactive compounds but any medicinal properties in chemoprevention of colon cancer have hitherto not been studied. The aim of the present study was to examine in vivo protective effects of ZSC water extract on colon carcinogenesis in azoxymethane (AOM)-treated rats. Our results showed that ZSC significantly reduced AOM-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci development and AOM-induced oxidative stress as indicated by restoration of endogenous glutathione depletion and abrogating the impairment of total antioxidant capacity. Caspase-3 cleavage, which has been considered as an apoptotic index, was almost undetectable in AOM-treated rats and ZSC exhibited pro-apoptotic effects evidenced by increased levels of cleaved caspase-3. In the studied model, our findings provide the first in vivo evidence that ZSC extract could inhibit the early stage of colon carcinogenesis by preventing oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis.

Investigation of a human brucellosis outbreak in Douz, Tunisia, 2018

Charaa Nejib,Ghrab Rabaa,Ben Othman Aicha,Makhlouf Mohamed,Ltaief Hejer,Ben Alaya Nissaf,Chahed Mohamed 한국역학회 2022 Epidemiology and Health Vol.44 No.-

OBJECTIVES: In 2017, the incidence of human brucellosis in Tunisia was 9.8 per 100,000 population. In the Douz district, 2 cases were reported in March 2018. Prior to that date, the last indigenous cases to be reported in Douz had been in 2015. This study aimed to identify the source of this new contamination and recommend control interventions.METHODS: This case-control study included residents of Douz who presented with clinical symptoms of brucellosis and had a subsequent Wright test antibody titer ≥ 1/160. The controls were neighbors of the infected cases who had a negative Rose Bengal test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratios of risk factors. Goats belonging to the cases and controls were actively screened.RESULTS: Twenty-five infected cases and 52 uninfected controls were enrolled. All infected cases had consumed goat milk and 92% had purchased it from the same breeder. Consumption of goat milk from this breeder (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 30.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.47 to 235.91) and overall consumption of raw goat milk (aOR, 14.84; 95% CI, 2.04 to 310.44) were independent risk factors for brucellosis. The breeder had 18 goats, 5 of which were smuggled from a neighboring country. Three of those goats were diagnosed with brucellosis.CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of raw milk from smuggled sick goats was the main risk factor in this outbreak. The sick goats were slaughtered and an education campaign was conducted. Vaccination, control of cross-border animal movements, and control of goat milk sales must be strengthened to prevent the spread of brucellosis in southwestern Tunisia.

Comparative Study for Grinding of Two Cement Clinkers

Ibrahimi, Soumaya,Jamaa, Nejib Ben,Mliki, Khaoula,Bagane, Mohamed Korea Concrete Institute 2011 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.5 No.2

The purpose of this work is the comparative study for grinding of two cement clinkers. X-ray fluorescence, physical and granulometric tests and optical microscopy were used to characterize the clinkers. Also grinding tests were carried out for ten samples to determine the parameters influencing grindability of its clinkers. The results of calculation of the energies of grinding according to the law developed by Von Rittinger and the study of the microstructure of the two clinkers shows good agreements. Indeed, frequent clusters of belite which indicate a lack of uniformity and fineness have an effect on lowering the grindability. The obtained analyses and the results enabled us to interpret the granulometry and the microstructure of clinker to control quality and resistance.

Usage of agricultural DAP-fertilizer and Eucalyptus essential oils as potential attractants against the mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Tephritidae)

Sadraoui-Ajmi Insaf,Benali Nejib,Soltani Abir,Chaib Samira,Limem Essia,Jallouli Slim,Boushih Emna,Fajraoui Abdallah,Mediouni-Ben Jemâa Jouda 한국응용곤충학회 2022 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.25 No.1

In Tunisia, oasis ecosystem is characterized by fragility due to the abusive application of insecticides and fer tilizers. Moreover, in oasis Ceratitis capitata is a major pest. Its control relied on synthetic pesticides. This work aims to assess the efficiency of the two formulations based on the combination of DAP and Eucalyptus essential oils. X-Ray Diffraction and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area were used to characterize DAP fertilizer. GC–MS analysis were performed for analyze oils composition and adsorption of oil compounds. Kinetics adsorption/ desorption was determined by measuring the mass of solid samples over time. Repellent/attractant and contact toxicity tests of Eucalyptus cinerea and E. maidenii oils and their formulations were evaluated against Medfly adults. GC–MS analysis indicated that 1,8-cineole was the dominant major common compound (E. cinerea: 74.58%, E. maidenii 66.70%). Moreover, the adsorption efficacy depends on the abundance of each compound in crude essential oils and the polarity of terpenic components. Indeed, percentage of 1,8-cineole adsorption in the formulation was 76.15%for E. cinerea and 65.24% for E. maidenii. Results indicated the attractant potential of both essential oils (class III) and that DAP/essential oils formulations accomplished better attractant performance (class IV). Besides, formulations were toxic towards C. capitata adults (80% and 100% mortality for E. cinerea and E. maidenii). Results pointed out that the commercial lure Ceratrap®, traps baited with DAP/E. maidenii and DAP/E. cinerea formulations were attractant against C. capitata adults under field conditions. This work supports the use of essential oils and fertilizers-based formulations as an innovative tool for the management of Medfly.

Low Nourishment of Vitamin C Induces Glutathione Depletion and Oxidative Stress in Healthy Young Adults

Waly, Mostafa I.,Al-Attabi, Zahir,Guizani, Nejib The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition 2015 Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Vol.20 No.3

The present study was conducted to assess the status of vitamin C among healthy young adults in relation to serum antioxidant parameters [glutathione (GSH), thiols, and total antioxidant capacity, (TAC)], and oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrites plus nitrates (NN)]. A prospective study included 200 young adults, and their dietary intake was assessed by using food diaries. Fasting plasma vitamin C, serum levels of GSH, thiols, TAC, MDA, and NN were measured using biochemical assays. It was observed that 38% of the enrolled subjects, n=76, had an adequate dietary intake of vitamin C (ADI group). Meanwhile, 62%, n=124, had a low dietary intake of vitamin C (LDI group) as compared to the recommended dietary allowances. The fasting plasma level of vitamin C was significantly higher in the ADI group as compared to the LDI group. Oxidative stress in the sera of the LDI group was evidenced by depletion of GSH, low thiols levels, impairment of TAC, an elevation of MDA, and increased NN. In the ADI group, positive correlations were found between plasma vitamin C and serum antioxidant parameters (GSH, thiols, and TAC). Meanwhile, the plasma vitamin C was negatively correlated with serum MDA and NN levels. This study reveals a significant increase of oxidative stress status and reduced antioxidant capacity in sera from healthy young adults with low intake of the dietary antioxidant, vitamin C.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel Extract Efficacy as a Dietary Antioxidant against Azoxymethane-Induced Colon Cancer in Rat

Waly, Mostafa I.,Ali, Amanat,Guizani, Nejib,Al-Rawahi, Amani S.,Farooq, Sardar A.,Rahman, Mohammad S. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Functional foods include antioxidant nutrients which may protect against many human chronic diseases by combating reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon tumors in rats as an in vivo experimental model. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats (4 weeks old) were randomly divided into 4 groups containing 10 rats per group, and were treated with either AOM, PPE, or PPE plus AOM or injected with 0.9% physiological saline solution as a control. At 8 weeks of age, the rats in the AOM and PPE plus AOM groups were injected with 15 mg AOM/kg body weight, once a week for two weeks. After the last AOM injection, the rats were continuously fed ad-libitum their specific diets for another 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment (i.e. at the age of 4 months), all rats were killed and the colon tissues were examined microscopically for lesions suspected of being preneoplastic lesions or tumors as well as for biochemical measurement of oxidative stress indices. The results revealed a lower incidence of aberrant crypt foci in the PPE plus AOM administered group as compared to the AOM group. In addition, PPE blocked the AOM-induced impairment of biochemical indicators of oxidative stress in the examined colonic tissue homogenates. The results suggest that PPE can partially inhibit the development of colonic premalignant lesions in an AOM-induced colorectal carcinogenesis model, by abrogating oxidative stress and improving the redox status of colonic cells.

Cloning and molecular characterization of a new fungal xylanase gene from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum S2

( Olfa Elleuch Ellouze ),( Sana Loukil ),( Mohamed Nejib Marzouki ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2011 BMB Reports Vol.44 No.10

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum fungus has three endoxylanases induced by wheat bran. In the first part, a partial xylanase sequence gene (90 bp) was isolated by PCR corresponding to catalytic domains (β 5 and β 6 strands of this protein). The high homology of this sequence with xylanase of Botryotinia fuckeliana has permitted in the second part to amplify the XYN1 gene. Sequence analysis of DNA and cDNA revealed an ORF of 746 bp interrupted by a 65 bp intron, thus encoding a predicted protein of 226 amino acids. The mature enzyme (20.06 kDa), is coded by 188 amino acid (pI 9.26). XYN1 belongs to G/11 glycosyl hydrolases family with a conserved catalytic domain containing E86 and E178 residues. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that there was no Asn-X-Ser/Thr motif required for N-linked glycosylation in the deduced sequence however, five O-glycosylation sites could intervene in the different folding of xylanses isoforms and in their secretary pathway. [BMB reports 2011; 44(10): 653-658]

Low Nourishment of Vitamin C Induces Glutathione Depletion and Oxidative Stress in Healthy Young Adults

Mostafa I. Waly,Zahir Al-Attabi,Nejib Guizani 한국식품영양과학회 2015 Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Vol.20 No.3

The present study was conducted to assess the status of vitamin C among healthy young adults in relation to serum antioxidant parameters [glutathione (GSH), thiols, and total antioxidant capacity, (TAC)], and oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrites plus nitrates (NN)]. A prospective study included 200 young adults, and their dietary intake was assessed by using food diaries. Fasting plasma vitamin C, serum levels of GSH, thiols, TAC, MDA, and NN were measured using biochemical assays. It was observed that 38% of the enrolled subjects, n=76, had an adequate dietary intake of vitamin C (ADI group). Meanwhile, 62%, n=124, had a low dietary intake of vitamin C (LDI group) as compared to the recommended dietary allowances. The fasting plasma level of vitamin C was significantly higher in the ADI group as compared to the LDI group. Oxidative stress in the sera of the LDI group was evidenced by depletion of GSH, low thiols levels, impairment of TAC, an elevation of MDA, and increased NN. In the ADI group, positive correlations were found between plasma vitamin C and serum antioxidant parameters (GSH, thiols, and TAC). Meanwhile, the plasma vitamin C was negatively correlated with serum MDA and NN levels. This study reveals a significant increase of oxidative stress status and reduced antioxidant capacity in sera from healthy young adults with low intake of the dietary antioxidant, vitamin C.

Modeling and Simulation of the Photocatalytic Treatment of Wastewater using Natural Bauxite and TiO₂ doped by Quantum Dots

Becheikh, Nidhal,Eladeb, Aboulbaba,Ghazouani, Nejib International Journal of Computer ScienceNetwork S 2022 International journal of computer science and netw Vol.22 No.6

The photocatalytic degradation of salicylic acid takes place in several stages involving coupled phenomena, such as the transport of molecules and the chemical reaction. The systems of transport equations and the photocatalytic reaction are numerically solved using COMSOL Mutiphysics (CM) simulation software. CM will make it possible to couple the phenomena of flow, the transport of pollutants (salicylic acid) by convection and diffusion, and the chemical reaction to the catalytic area (bauxite or TiO2 doped by nanoparticles). The simulation of the conversion rate allows to correctly fit the experimental results. The temporal simulation shows that the reaction reaches equilibrium after a transitional stage lasting over one minute. The outcomes of the study highlight the importance of diffusion in the boundary layer and the usefulness of injecting micro-agitation into the microchannel flow. Under such conditions, salicylic acid degrades completely.

Rheological, Mechanical and Structural Performances of Crushed Limestone Sand Concrete

Khaoula Akrout,Pierre Mounanga,Mounir Ltifi,Nejib Ben Jamaa 한국콘크리트학회 2010 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.4 No.2

The crushed limestone sand is an abundant material in Tunisia, which induces many environmental problems. Indeed, available stocks of siliceous sand drastically decrease because of its massive use in hydraulic concrete. Some recent research works, carried out in Tunisia, concluded that crushed limestone sand may be used in concrete manufacture instead of siliceous sand traditionally used. In this context, an experimental study was achieved in order to quantify the influence of a partial or total substitution of siliceous sand by crushed limestone sand on hydraulic concrete performances. Preliminary chemical and physical tests on crushed sand indicated that it presented the minimum requirement for its use as aggregate in hydraulic concrete. 79 concretes were then prepared with siliceous sand, crushed limestone sand and a mix of the two sands. Their slump value and compressive strengths were measured on plain concretes. Complementary structural tests on reinforced concrete beam were also performed. The results proved that crushed limestone sand concretes showed workability and mechanical performances closed to those of siliceous sand concretes.