The latex of fig fruit (Ficus carica) is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin infections such as warts and also diseases of possible viral origin. Five extracts (methanolic, hexanic, ethyl acetate, hexane-ethyl acetate (v/v) and chloroformic) of this species were investigated in vitro for their antiviral potential activity against herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), echovirus type 11 (ECV-11) and adenovirus (ADV). To evaluate the capacity of the extracts to inhibit the replication of viruses, the following assays were performed: adsorption and penetration, intracellular inhibition and virucidal activity. Observation of cytopathic effects was used to determine the antiviral action. The hexanic and hexane-ethyl acetate (v/v) extracts inhibited multiplication of viruses by tested techniques at concentrations of 78 µg mL(-1). These two extracts were possible candidates as herbal medicines for herpes virus, echovirus and adenovirus infectious diseases. All extracts had no cytotoxic effect on Vero cells at all tested concentrations.

BackgroundRefeeding syndrome is a rare and life-threatening pathology with polyvisceral manifestations occurring in severely malnourished patients. It is rarely described in adults with celiac disease.Case presentationWe report the case of a 28-year-old Tunisian woman followed up for celiac disease, who did not adhere to the gluten-free diet. She presented to our hospital with celiac crisis manifested by severe diarrhea, and metabolic and electrolyte disturbances. The treatment of electrolyte abnormalities, hydration, and nutritional support was marked by the occurrence on the fifth day of refeeding syndrome with psychomotor agitation followed by respiratory distress and a state of cardiogenic shock.ConclusionsRefeeding syndrome is still under-recognized. It should be systematically prevented for high-risk patients. Nutritional support in patients with celiac crisis should be monitored carefully since the risk of refeeding syndrome is very high with a poor prognosis.

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Lipases from vegetable sources have been the focus of intense and growing research. The use of enzymes from plants has the advantage of employing industrial waste products. The lipase activity of Euphorbia peplus L. (Euphorbiaceae) was investigated for the first time. The Euphorbia peplus latex lipase (EpLL) was purified after ammonium sulfate fractionation and anion exchange chromatography on a DEAE-Cellulose column leading to 12.57-fold purification. The EpLL displayed a probable molecular weight of about 40 kDa. The lipase activity was optimum at a temperature of 40°C and pH 8, the specific activities of EpLL were found to be 249 ± 12.45 and 161.4 ± 8.07 U/mg when tributyrin (TC 4 ) and olive oil were used as substrate respectively. The enzyme retained 80 % of its activity when incubated for 1 h at 50°C. The EpLL was strongly destabilised by divalent metal ions (Fe 2? , Mg 2? , Zn 2? and Cu 2? ). Lipase was slightly stimulated by Triton X-100 and Tween-80, while strongly inhibited by sodium dodecyl sulfate. A good stability of the enzyme in the presence of organic solvents was reveled suggesting its industrial utility.

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