Cervical Dislocation Research Articles

Is Sunflower Cooking Oil Beneficial for Colorectal Cancer? In Vivo Studies on Azoxymethane-induced Colon Cancer in Rats

Background: The incorporation of oils in the diet may have promoting or inhibitory effects on Colorectal Cancer (CRC). In this study, azoxymethane (AOM) was used to mimic CRC in rats, and the effect of sunflower oil on cancer progression in the colon of the rats was tested. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of sunflower oil on preneoplastic cancer properties of the colonic mucosal surface of tumors and the aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Methods: Six-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into 4 groups of 6 rats each, namely naïve, positive control, negative control, and sunflower oil-fed. CRC was induced by AOM by subcutaneous injection of 20 mg/kg. After CRC induction, the rats were given the respective treatment of either basal diet (naïve group), 10 mg/kg indomethacin (positive control), 0.9 % saline (negative control), or 7 % sunflower oil (experimental group) daily by oral gavage for 42 days. Rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation; colon samples were visually observed for any tumors on the colonic mucosal surface and evaluated for ACF; histopathological examinations were also performed. Results: The mean body weights of the rats were similar in all groups as per one-way ANOVA. A total of 3 ACF were found in the negative group, while none were observed in other groups. The crypts appeared regular with circular luminal openings and were closely packed together in the naïve group. Crypts in the positive and treated group had a similar appearance to the naïve group. Conclusion: Sunflower oil inhibition of the preneoplastic cancer ACF properties were tested but were found to be insignificant when administered during CRC treatment or management. However, long-term experiments with a greater number of days will yield better development of tumor and ACF development and will be useful in identifying the molecular mechanism.

Formaldehyde and anti-fertility: correlation between testicular cytoarchitecture and semen analysis

The anti-fertility effect of formaldehyde was investigated on the testicular cytoarchitecture and semen of Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to formaldehyde by inhalation. Thirty adult male rats were randomly selected into three (3) groups of ten (10) rats each. The treatment group 2 and group 3 were exposed to 40% stock concentration of formaldehyde for 1 min/m2 and 2 min/m2 respectively daily for four (4) weeks of experimental period. The control group (group 1) was allowed free access to natural air throughout the experimental period. Testis was dissected out following cervical dislocation and fixed in Bouins fluid for histological processing. Caudal Epididymis was also dissected out and suspended in 1ml of Hams F- 10 solution for estimation of sperm concentration and motility. Semen analysis revealed a significant reduction in sperm concentration and sperm motility in the treated groups. Histological alterations in the seminiferous tubule and degeneration of spermatogenic cells were observed in the treated groups compared with the control. Reduction in sperm concentration and motility and histological alteration of the testes in the treated rats showed that formaldehyde might have toxicity on the reproductive organ.

Alcohol exacerbated biochemical and biophysical alterations in liver mitochondrial membrane of diabetic male wistar rats – A possible amelioration by green tea

Alcohol exacerbated biochemical and biophysical alterations in liver mitochondrial membrane of diabetic male wistar rats – A possible amelioration by green tea

Comparison of Anterior and Posterior Approaches for Acute Traumatic Central Spinal Cord Syndrome with Multilevel Cervical Canal Stenosis without Cervical Fracture or Dislocation.

Introduction This is a retrospective comparative study that aims to compare the benefits of different surgical approaches for patients with multilevel cervical canal stenosis (CCS) without cervical fracture or dislocation of acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS). Methods From January 2015 to December 2018, 59 patients were included in the study. Among them, 35 patients (Group A) received anterior surgery and 24 patients (Group B) received posterior surgery. Primary outcome measures were American Spinal Cord Injury Association (Asia) grade, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and recovery rate (RR). Secondary outcome measures included operation time, intraoperative blood loss, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, cervical sagittal parameters, and complications. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze prognostic determinants. Results Compared with Group B, Group A had longer operation time and more intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.05). However, the VAS score of Group B was higher than that of Group A at discharge (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in cervical sagittal plane parameters between the two groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative complications were different in the two groups. During follow-up, the Asia grade, the JOA score, and RR of both groups improved (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Younger age, earlier surgery, and better preoperative Asia grade were correlated with better prognosis. Conclusions For patients with multilevel CCS without cervical fracture or dislocation of ATCCS, both surgical approaches had good outcomes. Although no significant differences were found in the primary outcome measures between the two groups, there were different recommendations for the secondary outcome measures. Younger age, earlier surgery, and better preoperative Asia grade were protective factors for better prognosis.

Effect of Cola pachycarpa and Cola lepidota fruit juices on liver function parameters and histopathological indices of alloxan-induced adult male diabetic Wistar rats

Background: Diversity is a potential source for immense untapped material wealth in the forms of food, medicine and other amenities. One of these neglected plants is Monkey Cola.&#x0D; Objective: The study evaluated the effect of Cola pachycarpa and Cola lepidota fruit juices on the liver function parameters (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase &amp; total protein) and histopathological indices (liver tissue) of alloxan- induced diabetic rats.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Fresh Cola pachycarpa and Cola lepidota fruits were obtained from local markets and home farms within communities in Isiala Mbano local government area of Imo State and Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia State. The fruits were processed into raw and undiluted fruit juice using an electric juicer. Forty healthy adult albino male rats with an average weight of 239.35g were randomized into eight groups, six experimental and two control groups, based on body weight. All the rats in each group were induced with alloxan to become diabetic. Samples of blood were collected for use as basal biochemical and hematological indices as well as after induction with diabetes. Standard diabetic drug, glibenclamide and Cola fruit juices (pachycarpa and lepidota) were administered differently and in varied concentrations (5ml/kg and 10ml/kg body weight). The experiment lasted for 21days after which the animals were sedated with mild anesthetic and sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The liver of the animals were excised, packaged, labeled and stored for subsequent chemical analysis and histopathology. Data was analyzed statistically using IBM-SPSS (Special Package for Social Sciences) version 20 software for means and standard deviation.&#x0D; Results: Monkey Cola fruit juices significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased alkaline phosphatase (28.95%, CPV1, Group that received Cola pachycarpa very rough epicarp fruit juice at 5ml/kg body weight), aspartate transaminase (29.81%, CPV1) comparative to those of the standard diabetic drug (29.58% and 17.58% respectively). Histopathological studies indicated abnormal hepatocyte structure in only the untreated group of rats. Rats that received standard diabetic drug reported significant (p &lt; 0.05) better liver architecture from other treatment groups, though damage to the liver was not noticed in rats that received the fruit juices. All the Cola juices especially those administered at 10mls/kg body weight impacted positively in improving body weight, haematological, biochemical and histopathological indices in diabetes control.&#x0D; Conclusion: Further research could be done to establish its prospect as an anti-diabetic agent.

Bacillus coagulans TL3 Inhibits LPS-Induced Caecum Damage in Rat by Regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2 Signal Pathways and Modulating Intestinal Microflora.

Background Bacillus coagulans has been widely used in food and feed additives, which can effectively inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, improve intestinal microecological environment, promote intestinal development, and enhance intestinal function, but its probiotic mechanism is not completely clear. Aim The aim of this study is to discuss the effect and mechanism of Bacillus coagulans TL3 on oxidative stress and inflammatory injury of cecum induced by LPS. Method The Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, each containing 7 animals. Two groups were fed with basic diet (the LPS and control, or CON, groups). The remaining groups were fed with basic diet and either a intragastric administration high or low dose of B. coagulans, forming the HBC and LBC groups, respectively. The rats were fed normally for two weeks. On the 15th day, those in the LPS, HBC, and LBC groups were injected intraperitoneally with LPS—the rats in the CON group were injected intraperitoneally with physiological saline. After 4 hours, all the rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by cervical dislocation, allowing samples to be collected and labeled. The inflammatory and antioxidant cytokine changes of the cecum were measured, and the pathological changes of the cecum were observed, determining the cecal antioxidant, inflammation, and changes in tight junction proteins and analysis of intestinal flora. Result The results show that LPS induces oxidative damage in the cecal tissues of rats and the occurrence of inflammation could also be detected in the serum. The Western blot results detected changes in the NF-κB- and Nrf2-related signaling pathways and TJ-related protein levels. Compared with the LPS group, the HBC group showed significantly downregulated levels of expression of Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, GPX, and GCLC. The expression of TLR4, MYD88, NF-κB, IL-6, TNFα, and IL-1β was also significantly downregulated, while the expression of other proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1) increased significantly. Bacillus coagulans TL3 was also found to increase the relative abundance of the beneficial bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila in the intestines. There is also a significant reduction in the number of harmful bacteria Escherichia coli and Shigella (Enterobacteriaceae). Conclusion Bacillus coagulans TL3 regulates the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in the cecal tissue of rats, protects the intestine from inflammation and oxidative damage caused by LPS, and inhibits the reproduction of harmful bacteria and promotes beneficial effects by regulating the intestinal flora bacteria grow, thereby enhancing intestinal immunity.

Evaluation of the Effect of Hydromethanolic Seed Extract of Lepidium sativum L. (Fetto) on Deep-fried Palm Oil Diet Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Male Swiss Albino Mice.

IntroductionNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent disease due to a dramatic change in dietary habits, especially an increase in consumption of fat and carbohydrates in deep-fried foods.ObjectiveThe objective was to evaluate the effect of hydromethanolic seed extract of Lepidium sativum on deep-fried palm oil diet induced NAFLDon male mice.MethodsAn experimental study design was conducted. Twenty-four male mice aged 8 to 10 weeks, weighing 32–42 g were divided into four groups. The four groups were divided into two controls and two treatments. Mice in normal control (C0) were administered only with the basal diet whereas negative control (C1) provided only with the deep-fried palm oil diet. The treatment groups T1, and T2 were administered with deep-fried palm oil diet and HMSELS at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively for 28 days. Then on day 29, the mice were fasted overnight, anaesthetized and sacrificed by cervical dislocation after blood was taken by cardiac puncture for liver function tests while liver tissues were taken for histopathology investigation.ResultsThe serum ALT and total bilirubin showed significant decrement whereas the serum albumin levels showed significant increment in T2 group. However, serum AST and ALP levels were decreased significantly in both T1 and T2 groups. Besides, the T2 group liver sections of mice were showed better effect of HMSELS on restoring the damaged liver histopathology almost toward normal.ConclusionThe HMSELS at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day (T2) was more effective on the liver function tests and liver histopathology that altered by feeding deep-fried palm oil diet. The good protective effect of HMSELS against deep-fried palm oil diet-induced NAFLD might be due to its antioxidant content.

CONCENTRATION OF POLYAMINES IN THE RAT LIVER DURING POSTNATAL PERIOD

Polyamines, spermine, spermidine, and putrescine are ubiquitous in living cells. Polyamines play important roles in cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Our aim was to determine the concentration of the spermine, spermidine, and putrescine in the rat liver during the first 6 months of postnatal life. A total of 45 albino Wistar rats, maintained under controlled temperature (20±2°C) in the animal room facilities were included in this study. On the day 1, 3.5 months, and 6 months of postnatal life, rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Thr liver was removed and washed in the 0.9% solution of sodium chloride. Concentrations of spermine, spermidine, and putrescine were determined. Concentration of polyamines in the liver tissue of the Wistar albino rats aged 1 day, 3.5 months, and 6 months was respectively: spermine (Sp) (33.81 ± 3.04; 128.15 ± 6.62; 74.34 ± 1.12 mg/g of wet weight); spermidine (Spd) (121.92 ± 6.23; 53.34 ± 3.31; 56.32± 1.41 mg/g wet weight); and putrescine (Put) (8.92 ± 0.98; 9.37 ± 0.98; 20.93 ± 1.15 mg/g wet weight). Polyamine concentration in the rat liver fluctuated during postnatal life. The concentration of the spermidine was highest in the rat liver on the first postnatal day, much higher than spermine, this ratio inverted in 3.5 months old rats. The concentrations of the spermidine and spermine were almost equal at the 6 months of the postnatal life. The concentration of putrescine steadily increases during postnatal life.

Hepato-protective Effect and Lipid Profile of Honey on Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Purpose: The study investigated honey's hepatoprotective effect and lipid profile on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.&#x0D; Methods: Thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats were assigned into six (6) groups with six (6) animals each, group 1 (Normal control), group 2 (Negative control), group 3 (Glibenclamide), group 4 (treated with 0.2mls of honey) group 5, (treated with 0.5mls of honey and group 6 (treated with 0.8mls of honey). The rats were fed with standard feed and drinking water ad libitum. The diabetic control, diabetic glibenclamide and the treated groups (0.2 mL/kg, 0.5 mL/kg and 0.8 mL/kg) were induced with diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg bodyweight alloxan monohydrate, and confirmation was done using a glucometer. Treatment lasted for three weeks (21 days), after which rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation under light ether anaesthesia. Blood was collected for biochemical evaluation using standard techniques (Randox kits). Blood glucose levels were monitored on days 0, 7, 14, and 21.&#x0D; Results: Administration of honey to the diabetic rats significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.05) glucose level (119.50 mg/dl), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (49.5 mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while significantly increasing (p &lt; 0.05) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) when compared to the diabetic untreated rats. Liver enzyme parameters: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (T.Bil.) were found to be within the normal range.&#x0D; Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that honey could ameliorate metabolic disorders caused by diabetes.

Correlation studies on pathological changes in brain with neurotransmitters and behavioural changes in Balb/c mice

Aim: To determine the plasma neurotransmitters simultaneously and to find any correlation with pathological changes in the hippocampus and Purkinje cells and their relation with behavioral changes in Balb/c mice. Methodology: In the present study, both sexes of Balb /C mice were divided into two groups (4 males and 4 females; n = 8): Both the groups were given a single dose of either saline or sodium valproate (400mg kg-1) respectively through subcutaneous injection on PND 14. Behavioural tests were conducted on mice pups on various postnatal days till 40th day. On PND 41, blood samples were collected from all the animals for quantification of the neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenalin) in plasma, animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and whole brain was isolated for histological examination of the Purkinje cells and hippocampus. Results: Sodium valproate exposed animals showed loss of motor skill development (delayed negative geotaxic response), increased locomotor activity, increased anxiety, and retardation in water maze performance, and lower social interaction. Histopathological evolutions of cerebellum purkinje cells and hippocampus showed 40-50% atrophic cells in sodium valproate animals compared to control animals. Interpretation: The results of the present study indicate that Sodium valproate changes specific brain cell population in Balb/C mice, which might be the reason for the altered neurotransmitter levels, leading to behavioural changes in these animals.

EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF DRACAENA TERNIFLORA ROXB. AGAINST ETHANOL INDUCED HEPATIC INJURY IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic root extract of Dracaena terniflora Roxb. (DTR-E) in alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats by oral administration of 40% ethanol (2 mL/100 g body weight). DTR-E root extract was administered at a dose level of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg orally for 21 days. On the 22nd day blood was taken by puncturing retro orbital plexus and used for the estimation of biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, creatinine, urea, triglycerides, total cholesterol, albumin, and total protein. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and liver was dissected out and histopathological analysis of liver and kidney was carried out. Results: Obtained results revealed that administration of ethanol caused a significant increase in liver weight, plasma ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin creatinine, urea, triglycerides,and total cholesterol compared to the control group, while total protein and albumin concentration are significantly declined which were effectively prevented by the DTR-E extract. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidence of hepatoprotection. Conclusions: The findings suggest that DTR-E root extract protects the liver cell from ethanol induced liver damages due to its antioxidative effect on hepatocytes. The results of the present investigation indicated that roots of D. terniflora Roxb. possesses significant hepatoprotective activity.

СПОСОБ ДИАГНОСТИКИ НЕСТАБИЛЬНОСТИ ПОЗВОНОЧНО-ДВИГАТЕЛЬНОГО СЕГМЕНТА ПРИ ОСТЕОХОНДРОЗЕ ШЕЙНОГО ОТДЕЛА ПОЗВОНОЧНИКА

Introduction. Instability — dislocation of the vertebrae, one of the forms of the motor segment dysfunction, causes pain and subsequent neurological disorders. There is a direct relationship between the data of the instability indicator and the clinical picture: the higher it is, the more pronounced the clinical manifestations of vertebral displacementare. And vice versa, conversely, its zero value (there is a functional block) coincides with rare exacerbations of the pain syndrome and a relatively satisfactory condition of the patient. Various types of vertebrae dislocation are much more common than is determined by functional radiography of the spine. As a rule, cervical dislocations are diagnosed already at a later date, when conservative measures are difficult and ineffective, and high-tech surgical treatment is requiring with certain material costs. Aim. To study the effectiveness of the developed method of functional radiography with weights for diagnosing instability of the spinal motion segment in the cervical spine. Materials and methods. 50 patients were under observation, the average age was 50.6 ± 2.19 years. All patients were admitted to the neurosurgical department of the clinic of the Irkutsk Scientific Center for Surgery and Traumatology with a diagnosis of adult osteochondrosis of spine (ICD M 42.1). Results. A comparative analysis of the study results of the effectiveness of X-ray methods for diagnosing instability of the spinal motion segment in the cervical spine revealed that the method of weight-bearing spondylography, where the percentage of verification was 68 %, was the most sensitive one. We have developed a formula for determining instability in the spinal motion segment: z = a + b · x – c · l, where z — indicator of instability of determined spinal motion segments; x — patient’s age; l — length of the cervical spine — the distance from the condyle of the lower jaw to the upper contour of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra — ThI, a, b, c — coefficients of linear dependence, obtained by the method of least squares by experimental-calculation (software-computing complex Table Curve 3D v4.0.01). The cervical dislocation was measured when the patient's neck was bent 45° forward (flexion) and 15° backward (extention). The obtained data were grouped according to the sex of the patients, and displacement of the vertebrae. This relationship shows that the maximum normal strain of the intervertebral discs is manifested at a neck flexion of 45°, extension of 15°, and with a load of 500 g, mounted on the patient’s head. A correlation between the length of the cervical spine and the age of patients was established, the correlation coefficient was rix = 0.58. The correlation dependence of the index of the cervical vertebrae instability and the age of patients was checked, the correlation coefficient was rix = 0,58. Correlation coefficients show a fairly high correlation between the length of the cervical spine and age of patients, the index of instability of the cervical vertebrae and age of patients, the index of instability of the cervical vertebrae and length of the neck of patients. The values of the coefficients used in the proposed formula are a = 11.13; b = 0.11; c = 0.45 were obtained by the least squares method experimentally and calculated based on a mathematical analysis of the results of studies of 50 patients. Conclusion. The method of functional weight-bearing spondylography makes it possible to reliably detect instability of the spinal motion segment, while the percentage of verification was 68%. The proposed formula of mathematical calculation helps to clarify the index of instability of the cervical spinal motion segment and can be used in practical work.

Effects of 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene on Apoptosis of Breast Cancer Cells through Regulating Expressions of Fas Ligand and B-Cell Lymphoma 2

To provide reference basis for the apoptosis of breast cancer cells and the carcinogenesis of breast cancer, the effects of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene on apoptosis regulators Fas ligand and B-cell lymphoma-2 were investigated. In this study, 62 female C57BL/6 mice aged from 4 w to 6 w were randomly divided into control group and test group, with 31 mice in each group. The test group was given 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene solution by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg and the control group was given normal saline of equal volume. On the 2nd d after the experiment, all the mice were killed by cervical dislocation. The results showed that after hematoxylin-eosin staining, the tumor cells in the test group were stacked up to form a substantial structure. The expression level of Fas ligand protein in the control group was greatly lower than that in the test group and the positive rate was 20.25 %, which was greatly lower than that of 89.65 % in the test group (p<0.01). The expression level of B-cell lymphoma-2 protein in the mammary gland tissues of mice in the test group was greatly higher than that of the control group and its positive rate was 87.96 %, which was greatly higher than that of 31.48 % in the control group (p<0.01). The expression levels of Fas ligand messenger ribonucleic acid in the mammary gland tissues of mice in the test group and control group were 5.82±4.37 and 1.27±0.12, respectively and there was a statistically obvious difference (p<0.05). The messenger ribonucleic acid expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 in the test group and the control group were 18.97±2.65 and 2.02±0.54, respectively, and there was an extremely obvious difference (p<0.01). The apoptosis rate of mammary gland cells in the test group was (19.79±3.53) % and that in the control group was (2.93±0.28) % and there was an extremely obvious difference (p<0.01). It indicated that 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene inhibited the apoptosis of breast cancer cells by regulating the upregulation of Fas ligand and B-cell lymphoma-2 expression.

Sub-axial cervical dislocation: Challenges and recommendations

A cervical dislocation injury is unstable and defined by the ligamentous complex disruption with separation of the adjacent spine vertebrae. Dislocation is used when the articular facets of the apophyseal joints are no longer in contact with each other and both inferior articular facets of the upper vertebra are locked in front of the superior articular facets of the lower vertebra. Hence, dislocation can be unilateral or bilateral accordingly. It is usually the result of combined flexion and distraction moments most commonly caused by a road traffic accident. In this review article, we have made an attempt to simplify and brief the topic and collectively presented all available recommendations for practical usage.

Beneficial interaction between Ficus platyphylla and artesunate on cytokines TNF-α and IL-10 and oxidative stress in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.

This study investigates the effects of Ficus platyphylla and artesunate combination on the prognosis of malaria in parasitized mice. Five groups (n=6) of mice were used. Groups one and two were normal control (NC) and parasitemia control (PC) respectively. Groups 3-5 were all parasitized and administered 300 mg/kg of the extract (FPE300), 5 mg/kg artesunate (ART5), and a combination of both (ART5+FPE300) respectively. Within the five days of oral treatments, daily packed cell volume (PCV) and parasitemia load were measured. The experiment was terminated by cervical dislocation. Blood samples were immediately taken by cardiac puncture and separated into plasma and serum. Plasma samples were used to determine erythrocytes, haemoglobin and leukocytes while some cytokines (TNF- α, IL-10), antioxidant profile (malondialdehyde, reduced gluthathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase), renal (urea, creatinine, uric acid), and hepatic markers (alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, alkaline phosphatase) were assessed from serum. Administration of ART5+FPE300 significantly (P<0.01) reduced daily parasitemia load and PCV compared to PC, with erythrocytes, haemoglobin and leukocytes values being comparable to NC. In addition, this drug- herb combination significantly (P<0.05) mitigated inflammatory response, oxidative stress and hepato-renal toxicities respectively compared to PC. Co-administration of Ficus platyphylla and artesunate improves the prognosis of malaria and the resulting pathological consequences by inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress in parasitized mice.

Biomimetic Design and Biocompatibility of Biomimetic Calcium Carbonate Nanocomposites for Skeletal Muscle Injury Repair

As an important part of the human body, skeletal muscle is easily damaged in the process of exercise. The purpose of this study is to investigate the controllable construction and biocompatibility of biomimetic calcium carbonate nanocomposites in exercise skeletal muscle repair. In this study, adult healthy mice were selected as the research objects. First, the mice were anesthetized with 2.5% pentobarbital sodium. Then, the mice were fixed and hit with steel balls on the middle part of the gastrocnemius muscle abdomen to establish a skeletal muscle contusion model. The mice were killed by cervical dislocation under anesthesia. The injured gastrocnemius muscles were quickly removed to prepare the cell suspension. 0.8600 g chitosan was weighed and dissolved in 200 ml deionized water. Then, 0.0660 g of calcium chloride dihydrate was added and stirred to dissolve to prepare chitosan calcium carbonate composite. The calcium carbonate composite material with a length of 8.0 cm is cut into a square sheet of stainless steel. The stainless steel plate was sterilized and then placed in a 12 culture plate to dilute the full cells in the culture bottle. The cells were seeded in 12 well culture plates, and 100 μL cells and 600 μL medium were added to each well. The samples were cultured in the incubator (there were three control holes in each group for SEM test, three control holes for fluorescence measurement, and six control holes for MTT measurement). The plates were taken out and placed in a new 24 plate. 1000 μL medium was added. Then. 100 μL MTT solution was added into each well. The biocompatibility test was conducted for 4 h. The GSH PX level in the chitosan calcium carbonate composite group was lower than that in the natural recovery group (P &lt; 0.01). The results showed that chitosan calcium carbonate composite could promote the growth of skeletal muscle cells.

High Throughput Study for Molecular Mechanism of Metformin Pre-Diabetic Protection via Microarray Approach

Metformin is a biguanide that exhibits antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite well-known pancreatic protective effects, metformin's influence on pancreatic islet β-cell is yet considerably unknown. Protecting the functional insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas is a key therapeutic challenge in patients with type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study aimed to analyze the protective effects of metformin on streptozocin- induced diabetic rats in T1DM in hepatic tissues. In the present study, male Wistar rats (n=24) were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n=12 for each control and test), and metformin (100 mg/kg/day) was given for 7 weeks. Afterward, diabetes was induced by streptozocin (STZ) at a single dose of 150 mg/kg. Blood glucose was examined daily before and after STZ induction. The animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation 5 days after streptozocin injection, after which liver and pancreas were harvested from each rat. The biochemical analyses revealed that metformin resulted in significantly reduced plasma glucose levels and higher pancreatic insulin levels in the test group. Using a restrictive cut-off of at least 2-FC and an adjusted p-value (q-value) of ≤0.05, a sum of 747 genes for the metformin group were shown to be differentially regulated compared to controls (320 Down and 427 Up), by which they were obtained from the liver. Furthermore, the evidence is attained that metformin may hinder the loss of critical β-cells by reducing inflammatory and apoptosis signaling, promoting fatty acid β-oxidation, and inducing metabolism. Collectively, this study has demonstrated a decrease in blood glucose levels and a rise in insulin-levels and thus consequent prophylactic effects in metformin-given STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Tracheostomy Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With Plating in Trauma Patients: Is It Safe?

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and necessity of tracheostomy after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with plating, despite the close proximity of the two surgical skin incisions. Sixty-three patients with traumatic cervical fractures or spinal cord injury (SCI) who underwent single-level ACDF and plating between January 2014 and June 2019 were included in this study. The patients included 45 men and 18 women, with a mean age of 48.5 years. A retrospective analysis of the patients' demographic data, level of injury, radiological findings, and neurological status was performed based on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), open tracheostomy, and decannulation rate. Additionally, risk factors necessitating tracheostomy were statistically analyzed. Eighteen patients (28.5%) required subsequent open tracheostomy. Among them, 11 patients were successfully decannulated, four patients could not be decannulated during the follow-up period, and three patients died of unrelated complications. The median interval from ACDF with plating to open tracheostomy was 9.6 days (range, 5-23 days). On the basis of neurological status, ASIA A and B patients (p<0.001), high signal intensity on T2-weighted-magnetic resonance (MR) images (p=0.001), and major cervical fracture and dislocation were significant risk factors for tracheostomy (p=0.02). No patient showed evidence of significant soft tissue, bony infection, or nonunion during the follow-up period. Independent tracheostomy did not increase the risk of infection or nonunion despite the close proximity of the two surgical skin incisions.

Investigation of the effect of trazodone on spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced bladder detrusor smooth muscle contractions

Objective: The management of psychiatric patients is often complicated by medical comorbidities, complex pharmacological regimens, and side effects secondary to these regimens. In the current study, it was aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of action of trazodone on rat bladder smooth muscle contractility in vitro. Method: Sixteen adult male Wistar albino rats were euthanized by the cervical dislocation method following ether anesthesia. Two muscle strips of 2 × 10 mm in size were prepared vertically from the bladder by opening a longitudinal incision from the neck of the bladder in the direction of the apex. The strips were tied properly and hung in the organ bath. All contraction amplitudes and frequencies were recorded. After a 45-min adaptation period, contractions were induced by applying 105 M acetylcholine (ACh) to all spontaneously contracting bladder strips. After 20 min, doses of trazodone (109 M vs 103 M) were given cumulatively. The resulting effects were recorded. Results: The groups were compared within themselves: a significant difference was found between the initial tensions in the group with ACh-induced contractions and the tensions after the administration of trazodone at 109, 108, 107, 106, 105, 104, and 103 M doses (p < 0.0001). In the group with spontaneous contractions, a significant difference was found between the initial tensions and the tensions after the administration of trazodone at 109, 108, 105, and 104 M doses (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Results showed that trazodone had a significant inhibitory effect on bladder smooth muscle contractions in vitro, especially at concentrations of 104 and 103 M.

ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE SPLENIC CYTO-ARCHITECTURAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF MALE WISTAR RATS

Background: Abelmoschus esculentus herbaceous hairy annual plant of the mallow family is widely consumed globally. High consumption of this plant may compromise the immune system, if it affects the functions of the spleen, whereas, the spleen is the main filter for blood-borne pathogens and antigens, as well as a key organ for iron metabolism and erythrocyte homeostasis. Objective: Our study was aimed at determining the possible toxicological effects of Abelmoscus esculentuson on the spleen of adult Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-one (21) adult Wistar rats weighing about 150-170g were used for this study and were divided into three (3) groups of 7 animals each (n=7). Groups (I-III) received; normal rat feed and water, a low dose of Abelmoschus esculentus 1.0mg/kg BW and a high dose of Abelmoschus esculentus 3.0mg/kg BW respectively. All extracts were given daily by the oral gavage method for fourteen (14) days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The spleen was harvested, weighed, and fixed in 10% buffer formalin, sectioned, and processed for microscopic studies. Results: Following the administration of Abelmoschus esculentus, there was a significant increase in the test group. Also, histological observation showed Abelmoschus esculentus could result in various grades of degenerative changes, while prolonged intake at high concentrations may cause adverse effects on the cells of the spleen which may alter the functionality of the spleen. Conclusion: Hence, herbal remedies may help improve organ health, but can cause serious side effects if taken inappropriately.