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The synthesis and characterization of benzene- and p-toluenesulphonylhydrazones derived from salicylaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde and their Cu(II) complexes are reported. The compounds were characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, electronic and IR spectra, magnetic moments, and conductance measurements. The electrochemical behavior of the Cu(II) complexes was investigated in DMSO by cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating disc electrode (RDE) and coulometry. The oxidative polymerization of the copper complexes on a glassy carbon electrode was carried out in DMSO.

Thiourea derivatives namely, phenylthiourea (PTU), N, N′-diphenylthiourea (DPTU) and N-naphtyl N′-phenylthiourea (NPTU) synthesised in our laboratory, were tested as inhibitors for the corrosion of cold rolled steel in 1 M HClO4 using polarisation and electrochemical impedance measurements. At 30 °C, PTU and DPTU stimulated corrosion at low concentrations while addition of NPTU caused inhibition at all concentrations. The best protection (93%) was obtained by adding NPTU at 2.5 × 10−4 M. Polarisation curves showed that NPTU acted as a mixed inhibitor. The degree of surface coverage of the adsorbed inhibitors was determined by the ac impedance technique. The adsorption of NPTU on the cold rolled steel surface obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Corrosion behaviour in the presence of NPTU at various concentrations was studied in the temperature range 20–50 °C. Both the corrosion rate of cold rolled steel and protection efficiency increased with increasing temperature. Activation energies with and without NPTU were obtained from the temperature dependence of corrosion current. The thermodynamic functions of the adsorption processes were calculated from the polarisation data and were used to analyse the inhibitor adsorption mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N, N′-Diphenylthiourea (DPTU) and N-naphthyl- N′-phenylthiourea (NPTU) synthesized in our laboratory, were tested as inhibitors for the corrosion of cold-rolled steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 by weight loss and electrochemical measurements. The studies clearly reveal that when we substitutes a phenyl group in N, N′-diphenylthiourea (DPTU) by naphthyl group to obtain N-naphthyl- N′-phenylthiourea (NPTU), the inhibition efficiency increases from 80 to 96% at 2 × 10−4 M. Polarization curves show that NPTU acts as mixed type inhibitor whereas DPTU predominates as cathodic inhibitor. Changes in impedance parameters (charge transfer resistance, R t, and double layer capacitance, C dl) were indicative of adsorption of DPTU and NPTU on the metal surface, leading to the formation of protective films. The degree of the surface coverage of the adsorbed inhibitors is determined by ac impedance technique, and it was found that the adsorption of these inhibitors on the cold-rolled steel surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The effect of the temperature on the corrosion behavior with addition of 10−4 M of DPTU and NPTU was studied in the temperature range 20–50 °C. Results show that the rate of corrosion of mild steel increased with increasing temperature both in the presence of inhibitors and in their absence. Activation energies in the presence and absence of DPTU and NPTU were obtained by measuring the temperature dependence of the corrosion current. The reactivity of these compounds was analyzed through theoretical calculations based on density functional theory to explain the different efficiency of these compounds as corrosion inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: N-naphtyl N′-phenylthiourea (NPTU) synthesized in our laboratory, was tested as inhibitor for the corrosion of cold rolled steel in 1 M HClO4 by electrochemical measurements. Polarization curves show that NPTU acts as mixed type inhibitor. Changes in impedance parameters (charge transfer resistance, R t, and double layer capacitance, C dl) were indicative of adsorption of NPTU on the metal surface, leading to the formation of protective film. The degree of the surface coverage of the adsorbed inhibitors was determined by ac impedance technique, and it was found that the adsorption of this inhibitor on the cold rolled steel surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The effect of the temperature on the corrosion behavior with addition of 2.5×10−4 M of NPTU was studied in the temperature range 25–50 °C. Results show that the rate of corrosion of mild steel increased with increasing temperature both in the presence of inhibitor and in its absence. Activation energies and enthalpies of activation in the presence and absence of NPTU were obtained by measuring the temperature dependence of the corrosion current. The use of the transition state equation to calculate the apparent entropy of activation for dissolution of metals and alloys was criticized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

N, N′-Diphenylthiourea (DPTU) and N-naphthyl- N′-phenylthiourea (NPTU) synthesized in our laboratory, were tested as inhibitors for the corrosion of cold-rolled steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 by weight loss and electrochemical measurements. The studies clearly reveal that when we substitutes a phenyl group in N, N′-diphenylthiourea (DPTU) by naphthyl group to obtain N-naphthyl- N′-phenylthiourea (NPTU), the inhibition efficiency increases from 80 to 96% at 2 × 10−4 M. Polarization curves show that NPTU acts as mixed type inhibitor whereas DPTU predominates as cathodic inhibitor. Changes in impedance parameters (charge transfer resistance, R t, and double layer capacitance, C dl) were indicative of adsorption of DPTU and NPTU on the metal surface, leading to the formation of protective films. The degree of the surface coverage of the adsorbed inhibitors is determined by ac impedance technique, and it was found that the adsorption of these inhibitors on the cold-rolled steel surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The effect of the temperature on the corrosion behavior with addition of 10−4 M of DPTU and NPTU was studied in the temperature range 20–50 °C. Results show that the rate of corrosion of mild steel increased with increasing temperature both in the presence of inhibitors and in their absence. Activation energies in the presence and absence of DPTU and NPTU were obtained by measuring the temperature dependence of the corrosion current. The reactivity of these compounds was analyzed through theoretical calculations based on density functional theory to explain the different efficiency of these compounds as corrosion inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan based films endowed with antibacterial features have witnessed remarkable progress as potential wound dressings. The current study aimed at appraising the effects of the molar mass of chitosan (MM) and the film casting acids on the properties of unplasticized chitosan films and plasticized MSO-embedded chitosan films in order to provide best suited film formulation as a potential candidate for wound dressing application. The prepared films were functionally characterized in terms of their qualitative assessment, thickness, density, swelling behavior, water vapor barrier, mechanical and antibacterial properties. Overall, all chitosan films displayed thickness lower than the human dermis even though thicker and denser films were produced with lactic acid. Assessment of the swelling behavior revealed that only high molar mass (HMM) chitosan films may be regarded as absorbent dressings. Moreover, unplasticized HMM lactate (HMM-LA) films furnished lower stiffness and higher percent strain break as compared to acetate films, due to the plasticizing effect of the remaining lactic acid as alluded by the FTIR analysis. Meanwhile, they provided suitable level of moisture and indicated substantial antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli , the most commonly opportunistic bacteria found in infected skin wound. Plasticized chitosan films doped with MSO were significantly thicker and more permeable to water compared to unplasticized films. Furthermore, MSO significantly potentiate the antibacterial effect of chitosan-based films. Therefore, plasticized HMM-LA/MSO chitosan film flashing good swelling behavior, adequate WVTR and WVP, suitable mechanical properties and antibacterial performances substantiated to be a promising antibacterial dressing material for moderately exuding wounds.

Trace elements, through their interaction with biomolecules, can play an important role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and protect against oxidative stress effects. The purpose of this study is to examine plasma concentration levels of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) of Algerian patients, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and to compare these levels with those of healthy controls. The Cu/Zn ratio was calculated to explore a possible correlation between these elements and lipid peroxidation in the study groups. A total of 33 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder and 38 healthy subjects participated in this study. Plasma copper and zinc concentrations were measured using a polarographic analyzer. The marker of plasma lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde: MDA) was determined by UV spectrophotometry. Plasma Cu concentrations were higher in patients compared to controls (p < 0.05), while the Zn level was significantly lower. Consequently, the Cu/Zn ratio was significantly different between patients and controls. Regarding MDA, no significant difference was noticed between the two study groups. However, in patients, a negative correlation was found between MDA and Cu/Zn ratio (r= -0.38, p= 0.027). These results suggested that an elevated Cu/Zn ratio is associated with attenuated lipid peroxidation in our bipolar patients., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Short-term breastfeeding and early exposure to dairy products into infant diets, may be critical factors for development of type 1 diabetes. In this study, we investigate whether cow's milk proteins are risk factors for type 1 diabetes in genetically susceptible individuals (HLA DR3/DR4) by using statistical analysis and in silico approach. In order to verify the potential risk of the early introduction of cow's milk, we conducted this study to validate the veracity of this hypothesis in our population. We included 121 subjects, 55 type 1 diabetics and 74 controls from the region of Tlemcen (Algeria). Thus, the in silico approach was performed to determine the molecular mimicry region between Bovine serum albumin and beta-lactoglobulin with self-Islet antigen 2 and glutamate decarboxylase 65 by determining their sequences and their 3D structures. The risk factors associated with type 1 diabetes in a genetically predisposed individual (HLA DR3/DR4) retained by the logistic model are: type 1 and type 2 diabetes inheritance, the early introduction of cow's milk before 6   months and breastfeeding less than 9   months. Besides, the epitopes of cow's milk proteins have the capacity to bind to predisposing HLA class II molecules (HLA DR3/DR4) and induce an immune reaction by the secretion of Interleukin 4 (Th2) and Interferon (Th1) which lead to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. The early introduction of cow's milk proteins in susceptible individuals is considered as risk factors for the pathogenesis of T1DM. The in silico approach confirm that BSA and BLG share sequence and structure homology with IA2 and GAD65.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. There is no systematic screening for such cancer, and the current challenge is to find potential biomarkers to facilitate an early diagnosis. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients involved in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, and changes in their concentrations have been observed in the development of cancer. Previous studies have highlighted the potential 65 Cu/ 63 Cu ratio (δ 65 Cu) to be a cancer biomarker. This study tests its sensitivity on plasma samples ( n = 46) of Algerian patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and a set of corresponding biopsies ( n = 11). The δ 65 Cu ratio in blood and tumor samples was determined using multi collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), and their corresponding Cu and Zn plasma total concentrations using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF). Plasma concentrations of Cu were significantly higher (1346.1 ± 328.3 vs. 1060.5 ± 216.1 μg/L, p < 0.0001), and Zn significantly lower (942.1 ± 205.2 vs. 1027.9 ± 151.4 μg/L, p < 0.05) in thyroid cancer patients as compared to healthy controls ( n = 50). Accordingly, the Cu/Zn ratio was significantly different between patients and controls (1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.0 ± 0.3, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the δ 65 Cu plasma levels of patients were significantly lower than healthy controls ( p < 0.0001), whereas thyroid tumor tissues presented high δ 65 Cu values. These results support the hypothesis that Cu isotopes and plasma trace elements may serve as suitable biomarkers of thyroid cancer diagnosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Kazi Tani, Gourlan, Dennouni-Medjati, Telouk, Dali-Sahi, Harek, Sun, Hackler, Belhadj, Schomburg and Charlet.)

Algeria is the largest country in Africa, located close to the Mediterranean coastal area, where nutrients consumption varies widely. Local data on selenium composition of foods are not available. We postulated a close correlation between selenium status predictions from food consumption analysis with a quantitative analysis of circulating biomarkers of selenium status. Population characteristics were recorded from 158 participants and dietary selenium intake was calculated by 24-h recall. The average total plasma selenium was 92.4 ± 18.5 µg/L and the mean of selenium intake was 62.7 µg/day. The selenoprotein P concentration was 5.5 ± 2.0 mg/L and glutathione peroxidase 3 activity was 247.3 ± 41.5 U/L. A direct comparison of the dietary-derived selenium status to the circulating selenium biomarkers showed no significant interrelation. Based on absolute intakes of meat, potato and eggs, a model was deduced that outperforms the intake composition-based prediction from all food components significantly (DeLong's test, p = 0.029), yielding an area under the curve of 82%. Selenium status prediction from food intake remains a challenge. Imprecision of survey method or information on nutrient composition makes extrapolating selenium intake from food data providing incorrect insights into the nutritional status of a given population, and laboratory analyses are needed for reliable information.

Background and Aims: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease that combines genetics and environmental factors. The aim of this study is to determine the environmental risk factors and to investigate how virals infections are risks factors for type 1 diabetics whom have HLA DR3/DR4 predisposition in our population., Methods: This study includes 233 subjects, 145 diabetics and 88 controls from regions of the extreme western of Algeria. All the informations related to the disease were collected using predesigned questionnaire. Using in silico approach, we attempt to improve the understanding of this analytical result by molecular mimicry, which is associated with the breakdown of several autoimmune pathologies., Results: The statistical study showed that history of varicella and measles infection and T1D related inheritance and type 2 diabetes are risk factors for T1D in the population of Tlemcen. We have determined the homologous antigenic regions between the glycoprotein "gE" of the varicella virus, the "hemagglutinin" of measles and the human protein "HSP60" at the level of their sequence and 3D structure. These cross-reactive epitopes bind to MHC class II molecules (HLA DR3/DR4) that predispose to T1D but not to MHC class II molecules (HLA DR2) that protect against T1D. This epitopes induce Th2 cells but only "hemagglutinin" and "Hsp60" can activate Th1 differentiation. This indicates their potential to destroy pancreatic cells β., Conclusion: Our study can allow us to adapt biological markers to genetically predisposed T1D and to establish a preventive strategy for healthy genetic predisposed individuals in Tlemcen population., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Have not a direct or indirect interest (financial or nature) with a private, industrial or commercial organization relationship with the subject presented., (Copyright © 2020 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Several studies raise concerns about the possible association of high selenium exposure with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This in silico study proposes a possible mechanism of insulin resistance in the case of overexposure to selenium., Method: A study was carried out using molecular modeling, where cysteines of the insulin-receptor are replaced by selenocysteines. Calculation of the interaction energy of the receptor was performed in both cases with Auto Dock Tools and Vina 4.2 software to predict whether the substitution of amino acid could lead to destabilization of the protein-ligand complex and therefore possibly insulin resistance. Finally, the docked complex was analyzed by using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer to show the type of interactions between the ligands and insulin-receptor, and to determine the distance of the ligands from the binding site on insulin-receptor., Results: The results show that the substitution of cysteine by selenocysteine in the insulin receptor does not lead to stabilization of the complex receptor/insulin, but to its disruption.In addition, the types and the number of bonds between insulin and its receptor in the two cases are different, where 7 strong bonds between insulin and its receptor were found in the case of the cysteine complex compared to 6 weak bonds in the second case., Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest that misincorporation of selenocysteines in insulin receptor could lead to destabilization of the insulin-receptor complex and therefore may possibly cause an insulin resistance., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Several studies suggest the importance of adequate magnesium intake in the prevention of diabetes and/or its complications. The main objective of this study is to determine the daily dietary intake of magnesium in type 1 Algerian pediatric diabetics. The study involved a pediatric population of 201 individuals aged from 3 to 17 years, including 96 type 1 diabetics and 105 controls. The daily dietary intake of magnesium was determined by the 24-hour recall. The correlation between the intake of magnesium and glycemic control has been assessed in diabetics. The odds ratio was used to study the relationship between dietary magnesium intake and diabetes through multinomial logistic regression. The results indicate that there are 84% of diabetics with low magnesium intake compared to 61% of controls (P = 0.001). A negative but no significant correlation was found between magnesium intake, glycemia, and HbA1c. The multinomial logistic regression model showed that daily dietary magnesium intakes, lower than EFSA adequate intake, are associated with an OR of 5.50 (1.92-15.74; P = 0.002) in adjusted model for age, sex, and BMI. It is necessary to correct the low dietary intake of magnesium by changing the eating habits of the pediatric populations in western Algeria and more particularly type 1 diabetics.

The objective is the determination of the conditions operating optimal to determine the concentration of the cadmium and the lead dissolved in the human blood. An electroanalytical method has been developed for the determination of lead and cadmium in whole blood by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The best conditions were found to be electrolyte support perchloric acid 0.02 M, the accumulation potential is -900 mV, and the accumulation time is 320 s. The obtained limits of detection are equal to 0.46 and 0.08 ng/mL respectively for the lead and the cadmium. The developed method was validated by the analysis of reference materials certified by total blood.

The purpose of this study was to assess whole blood selenium levels of 300 healthy adults living in four selected areas of the west of Algeria. Selenium was measured using differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry with a detection limit of 29.20 μg/L. The mean of whole blood selenium concentrations was 85.65 ± 21.60 μg/L ranging between 30.90 and 144.04 μg/L. This concentration did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) in relation to the gender of the subject, with concentrations of 87.75 ± 21.30 μg/L in men and 83.95 ± 21.60 μg/L in women group. Individuals older than 60 years had a whole blood selenium concentration significantly lower than the rest of the population. However, the measured selenium concentrations in the residential areas were not statistically different (P > 0.05). A total of 32 (10.70%) individuals exhibited whole blood selenium level below 60 μg/L. These results are similar to those of some European countries but are much lower than data observed in USA or seleniferous regions.