CONT Group Research Articles

Effect of nanocapsules containing docosahexaenoic acid in mice with chronic inflammation

BackgroundOmega 3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been widely consumed as supplements to control chronic inflammation. Nanocapsules containing DHA (MLNC-DHA-a1) were developed and showed excellent stability. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effect of MLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules on biomarkers of chronic inflammation. MethodsCells viability was determined by flow cytometry. The uptake of MLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules by macrophages and their polarization were determined. In vivo, LDLr(-,-) mice were fed a Western diet to promote chronic inflammation and were treated with MLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules, intravenously injected via the caudal vein once a week for 8 weeks. ResultsMLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules decreased the concentration of TNFα (p = 0.02) in RAW 264.7 cells compared to the non-treated group (NT), with no changes in IL-10 (p = 0.29). The nanocapsules also exhibited an increase in the M2 (F4/80+ CD206) phenotype (p < 0.01) in BMDM cells. In vivo, no difference in body weight was observed among the groups, suggesting that the intervention was well tolerated. However, compared to the CONT group, MLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules led to an increase in IL-6 (90.45 ×13.31 pg/mL), IL-1β (2.76 ×1.34 pg/mL) and IL-10 (149.88 ×2.51 pg/mL) levels in plasma. ConclusionMLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules showed the potential to promote in vitro macrophage polarization and were well-tolerated in vivo. However, they also increased systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, considering that this immune response presents a limitation for clinical trials, further studies are needed to identify the specific compound in MLNC-DHA-a1 that triggered the immune response. Addressing this issue is essential, as MLNC-DHA-a1 tissue target nanocapsules could contribute to reducing chronic inflammation.

Co-administration of curcumin and polyamines in high-fat diet induced obese rats: Assessment of changes in serum polyamine levels and some tissue parameters

Obesity is a non-communicable chronic disease that continues to increase around the world. Recently, it has been shown that curcumin positively affects lipid, energy metabolism, and body weight change. Moreover, polyamines are aliphatic polycations, which can be found in all mammalian cells and foods and have been shown to prevent obesity through many different mechanisms. However, whether the co-administration of curcumin and polyamines has synergistic effects has yet to be clarified. Our study aimed to examine the effects of curcumin and polyamines on obesity and to assess the changes in serum polyamine levels and tissue parameters. 28 Sprague-Dawley male rats were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks to develop obesity, and then they were randomly divided into 4 groups as the control group (CONT), curcumin group (CUR), polyamine group (POL), curcumin and polyamine group (CUR+POL) and supplements were administered for 6 weeks. As a result, the lowest feed consumption in rats was recorded in the CUR+POL group, and the group with the lowest weight after supplements was the POL group, then the CUR+POL, CONT, and CUR groups, respectively. N-acetyl putrescine and GABA levels increased significantly after obesity development. The total histopathological score in fat, liver, and kidney tissues increased significantly in the CONT group. In the CUR+POL group, damage to the tissues was in the direction of recovery compared to the other groups, and the expression of NF-κB was significantly low. These results suggest that combined curcumin and polyamines may have protective effects.

The effect of N-acetylcysteine use against ER stress in kidney tissue of obese rats

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has recently gained increasing importance in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated kidney disease. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that acts directly and indirectly through upregulating cellular antioxidants. This study's obesity model was created using a high-fat (60% k/cal) diet. NAC (150 mg/kg) was administered by intragastric gavage for eight weeks in both the NAC and obesity + NAC (ObNAC) groups. GRP78 and PERK expressions were determined immunohistochemically in sections taken from kidney tissues obtained at the end of the experiment. The H score of GRP78 was significantly higher in the Ob group than in the Cont, NAC, and ObNAC groups (p 0.05). The PERK H score of the Ob group was also significantly higher than the Cont, NAC, and ObNAC groups (p

Stall-Feeding of Sheep on Restricted Grazing: Effects on Performance and Serum Metabolites, Ruminal Fermentation, and Fecal Microbiota.

This study investigated the effects of three feeding systems, indoor feeding (CONT), indoor feeding with time-restricted grazing artificial pasture (4 h/day, G4H), and indoor feeding with an eight-hour daily grazing artificial pasture (G8H), on the growth performance, serum metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and fecal microbiota composition of lambs. Average daily gain showed a tendency (p = 0.081) to be higher for the G4H group compared with the CONT group. Moreover, feeding systems did not have a significant effect on most of the serum biochemical indicators in lambs. Concentrations of serum glutathione peroxidase and immunoglobulins (IgA, gG, and IgM) were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the CONT group. Additionally, a tendency towards higher levels of volatile fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate was found in animals of the G4H group compared to the CONT group. Furthermore, fecal microbiota composition was altered in G4H and G8H groups, resulting in the increased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, as well as the decreased relative abundance of Ruminobacter compared with the CONT group. Overall, these results suggest that indoor feeding with restricted grazing time does not significantly affect fattening performance or rumen fermentation but enhances antioxidation and immune function activity and also alters fecal microbiota composition.

Momordica charantia Enhances Tendon Healing in Rats: An Experimental Study

Momordica charantia (MC) is a traditional plant widely used since ancient times for wound healing. This study evaluated its potential effects on tendon healing. Adult male Wistar albino rats (n = 32, 8 rats in each group) were anesthetized, and their Achilles tendons were prepared for surgical procedures. Group 1 (Cont = control group) was not subjected to any surgery and was used as a control group for baseline values. Group 2 (PR = primary repair group) underwent primary repair (PR) with a monofilament suture after a full-thickness incision of the Achilles tendon. A full-thickness incision was also made to the Achilles tendon of group 3 (CT = collagen tube-administered group), followed by PR and collagen tube insertion. In group 4 (MC = M. charantia-administered group), 1 mL of MC extract was applied locally on the collagen tube in addition to the surgical procedure applied to group 3. The Achilles tendons were excised on the postoperative 40th day and examined stereologically, histologically, and bioinformatically. Data showed that the total volume of the collagen fibers was higher in MC and CT groups than in the PR group. The total volume of the tendon was decreased in MC and CT groups than in the Cont group. The ratios between the volumes of the collagen fibers and total tendon in the MC and CT groups were significantly different from PR, but not different from the Cont group. Additionally, MC improved tenoblastic activity, collagen production, and neovascularization. Bioinformatic interactions showed that the proteases of MC could trigger the signals playing a role on vasculogenesis, reducing inflammation, and contributing to tenoblast activation and collagen remodeling. MC extract ameliorates the healing of injured tendon and can provide satisfactory tendon repair. Further works are recommended to explore the healing capacity of MC.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw using periodontitis-induced rat before tooth extraction

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) after tooth extraction due to periodontitis in ovariectomized rats.MethodsTwenty-four osteoporosis-induced rats were administered with zoledronic acid (ZA; ZA group) or saline (CONT group). In both groups, tooth extraction was performed after inducing periodontitis, and all animals were sacrificed 8-week after tooth extraction.ResultsMicro-CT of the tibia showed that the bone volume fraction, bone surface density, trabecular number, and bone mineral density were significantly higher in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Histologically, the proliferative zone on the growth plate was thicker in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Micro-CT of the extraction sites revealed that the bone volume fraction was significantly higher in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Radiologically, the ZA group showed partial healing and delayed healing. Histological analysis revealed normal bone healing status with completely healed epithelium in the extraction sites of the CONT group, whereas abnormal empty osteocytes in the necrotic bone and inflammatory infiltration were observed in the ZA group.ConclusionThe incidence of MRONJ increased in the rats administered with ZA.

The Effect of Different Forms of Titanium Dioxide on the Yield, Chemical and Microbiological Parameters of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Herbage and Silage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of three forms of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and their effect on the yield, chemical and microbiological quality of perennial ryegrass herbage and silage. Two types of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and a commercial product, labeled here as TiO2Com, were selected for the studies. The yield and chemical parameters of herbage did not improve significantly in response to the TiO2 treatment, in comparison to the control group (CONT). The crude protein content of silage was significantly lower in the TiO2Com-treated group than in the TiO2NPs2 group (117 vs. 129 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)). The use of water-soluble carbohydrates during fermentation was limited in the TiO2NPs2 and TiO2Com groups. The fermentation pattern was similar for each investigated group, and a significant difference in pH values was noted between the TiO2NPs2 (pH = 4.49) and CONT (pH = 4.68) group. Lactic acid concentration was the highest in the TiO2NPs1 group (94.8 g kg−1 DM), and the difference relative to the CONT group (83.2 g kg−1 DM) was statistically significant. It was concluded that TiO2 and its nanoparticles have the potential to improve the physicochemical and microbiological quality of herbage and silage.

Study the Effects of the IL-1β -511 C&gt;T Rs16944 SNP on the Incidence of Cardiomyopathy

Background: The diseases that involve the myocardium directly and are not the result of hypertension, congenital, vascular, coronary, or pericardial abnormalities are called cardiomyopathy (CM). It is known that interleukin-1 (IL-1) family cytokines involve in inflammation and immune regulation and act as an important role in innate and adaptive immunity. Aim: In this study, it was investigated the antioxidant capacity and their relation trace elements in cardiomyopathy CM patients and its correlation with IL-1β -511 C&gt;T rs16944 SNP. Methods: TAOC, and Cu-Zn SOD were determined by ELISA, and Cu and Zn were assessed by spectrophotometric method. IL-1β -511 C&gt;T rs16944 SNP was assessed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Results: The results were conducted that no statistically significant difference in age between CM and CONT groups (P&gt;0.05). The results showed that was a statistically significant decrease in TAOC and SOD levels in the CM group compared to the CONT group (P&lt;0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease in Cu and Zn levels in the CM group compared to the CONT group (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: This study suggested that the essential role of antioxidant capacity and their trace elements affected by IL-1β -511 C&gt;T rs16944 SNP as a risk factor for the incidence of CM in the Iraqi population.

P-395 Protective effect of metformin on the ovarian reserve of prepubertal mice under cyclophosphamide chemotherapy

Abstract Study question Can metformin reduce the side effects of cyclophosphamide on the ovaries of prepubertal mice treated with cyclophosphamide? Summary answer Yes, metformin, as an inhibitor of mTOR and, by affecting the HIPPO pathway, can exert its protective effect in the chemotherapy mice model. What is known already PI3K/AKT and HIPPO pathways are influential pathways in the process of activation of primordial follicles and proliferation of cell growth, which are affected by various agents and drugs such as cyclophosphamide. One of the side effects of cyclophosphamide is the reduction of the ovarian reserve through abnormal changes in the PI3K/AKT and HIPPO pathways. Metformin is a drug that is used to treat type 2 diabetes and at the same time regulates PI3K/AKT and HIPPO pathways and prohibits the proliferation of cancer cells. Study design, size, duration Controlled experimental study. After metformin and cyclophosphamide dose adjustment, 12 female NMRI 14-day-old mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (CONT), metformin group (MET), cyclophosphamide group (CYC) and metformin with cyclophosphamide group (MET-CYC). Participants/materials, setting, methods Mice were treated by intraperitoneal injection of a dose of 150mg/kg of metformin for 11 consecutive days, and/or a dose of 65mg/kg of cyclophosphamide every three days (The third, sixth and ninth days). The mice were sacrificed 24 hours after the last metformin injection or 3 days after the last cyclophosphamide injection. The ovaries were collected for stereological evaluation, and expression of Pten, Mtor, Yap-1, p53, Bcl-2, and Bax genes by qRT-PCR method. Main results and the role of chance The stereological evaluation showed that the ovarian volume and primordial follicle number in the CYC group were decreased compared to the other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and also in the MET-CYC group reduced compared to the CONT and MET groups, but increased significantly compared to the CYC group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). A significantly increased number of growing follicles was observed in the CYC group compared to the other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The molecular analysis showed that the Pten expression in the CYC group was lower than CONT and MET groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Mtor expression in the CYC group was significantly increased compared to other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The expression of Yap-1 was significantly decreased in the MET group compared to other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and was lower in the MET-CYC than in the CYC group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The of P53 expression in the MET-CYC group was higher than CONT and MET groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and was increased in the CYC compared to the CONT group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Bcl-2 expression was higher in CONT and MET groups than in MET-CYC and CYC groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The expression of Bax in the CYC group was significantly increased compared to CONT and MET groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution Due to ethical issues in less use of mice, dose of metformin was obtained according to the articles used in adult mice and also by using the human to animal dose conversion formula. Wider implications of the findings It can be concluded that metformin during cyclophosphamide treatment can maintains ovarian volume, reserve, and activity in prepubertal mice by regulating PI3K/AKT and HIPPO pathways. Considering the relatively acceptable cost and long-term safety of metformin, it is a promising factor to be used to preserve fertility during chemotherapy. Trial registration number not applicable

Medial Soft Tissue-Preserving Technique Impact on Sagittal Stability in Bi-cruciate Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Sagittal stability in total knee arthroplasty is achieved through complex processes enabled by prosthetic design and intraoperative soft tissue balancing. This study investigated the effects of preserving medial soft tissue on sagittal stability in bicruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty (BCS TKA). This retrospective study included 110 patients who underwent primary BCS TKA. The patients were divided into two groups: 44 TKAs were performed releasing medial soft tissue (CON group), and 66 TKAs were performed preserving medial soft tissue (MP group). We assessed joint laxity using tensor device and anteroposterior translation immediately after surgery using the arthrometer at 30° knee flexion. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed according to preoperative demographic and intraoperative medial joint laxity, and further comparisons between the two groups were performed. After PSM analysis, medial joint laxity in the mid-flexion range tended to be smaller in the MP group than in the CONT group, with a significant difference at 60 degrees (CON group: - 0.2 ± 0.9mm, MP group: 0.8 ± 1.3mm, P < 0.05). Anteroposterior translation was significantly different between the two cohorts (CON group: 11.6 ± 2.5mm, MP group: 8.0 ± 3.1mm, P < 0.001). This study demonstrated the effects of preserving medial soft tissue on postoperative sagittal stability in BCS TKA. We concluded that this surgical procedure enhances postoperative sagittal stability in the mid-flexion range in BCS TKA.

Samarcandin protects against testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats via activation of Nrf2/HO-1-mediated antioxidant responses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of samarcandin (SMR) in preventing testicular injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups at random: the sham group, the T/D control group (CONT), the T/D group receiving SMR treatment at 10 mg/kg (SMR-10), and the T/D group receiving SMR treatment at 20 mg/kg (SMR-20). When compared to the CONT group, SMR improved the oxidant/antioxidant balance by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NOx), and increasing reduced glutathione (GSH), gluta-thione peroxide (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, SMR increased the levels of the steroid hormones’ testosterone (TST), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood as well as controlled the inflammatory mediators; interleukin-6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Nevertheless, SMR-treated animals showed a considerable downregulation of the apoptotic marker caspase-3. The T/D-induced histopathological changes were reduced and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) protein expression was enhanced by SMR. These effects are associated with upregulation of testicular (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and downregulation of NF-κB mRNA expression levels. These findings suggest that SMR may be able to prevent T/D-induced testis damage by mainly regulating the expression of Nrf2 and NF-B, which seems to mediate its promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects seen in this study.

HIGH-CALORIE DIET DURING LACTATION PROGRAMS EARLY HYPERPHAGIA IN MALE AND FEMALE NEWBORN RATS

Obesity is a serious and concerning disease for public health. Breastfeeding is crucial formetabolic programming and plays an important role in controlling newborn metabolism. Theaim of this study was to analyze weight gain and milk consumption in male and femalenewborn rats whose mothers were fed a high-calorie diet during the breastfeeding period. Atdelivery, female Wistar rats were divided into two groups, one was fed a hypercaloric diet(4,500 kcal/g and sucrose solution at 10%; Ob group), while control dams were fedcommertial diet (Cont group). Pups were weighed every two days, and milk intake wasrecorded on the 6 th , 11 th and 16 th days old. At 22 days old, the pups were weaned, and themother rats were euthanized for analysis. At 6 th day olds, Ob males consumed 42.7% moremilk than Cont, while Ob females consumed 33.9% more than Cont (P&amp;lt;0.001). On the 11 thday of life, Ob males consumed 42.7% more than Cont, while Ob females consumed 33.9%more than Cont (P&amp;lt;0.05). On the 16 th day, Ob males consumed 39.3% more than Cont(P&amp;lt;0.001), while Ob females consumed 29.8% more than Cont (P&amp;lt;0.01). During thebreastfeeding period, there was an increase in body mass of Ob males by 21.7% (P&amp;lt;0.05) andin females by 10%. It was observed that Ob males showed a weight increase of 18.65%compared to Ob females (P&amp;lt;0.001), while among the Cont group pups, no significantdifference was observed between males and females. We concluded that offspring breastfedby mothers who consumed a high-calorie diet during lactation are more likely to developearly hyperphagia, and a greater risk of developing obesity.

The Suppressive Effect of NF-kB Activation After Eicosapentaenoic Acid Intake Before Surgery.

To ascertain whether preoperative neo-adjuvant nutritional therapy (NANT) using eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation can provoke a rise in blood levels of EPA capable of restricting NF-B nuclear translocation in resected specimens. Patients were allocated to two groups depending on individual preference: Patients in the treatment group received 2 g of EPA daily for two weeks prior to surgery (NANT group, n=18). Patients in the control group had a normal diet (CONT group, n=26). NF-B translocation rate, in specimens collected, was investigated by histopathology. Five hundred malignant cells were counted, and tissues with 10% or higher NF-B nuclear translocation were determined to be positive. The EPA blood concentration rose significantly in the NANT group (p<0.01). The positive rate of NF-B nuclear translocation in cancer cells was 11.1% in the NANT group compared with 50% in the CONT group. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). Increased blood concentrations of EPA after preoperative supplementation was associated with suppression of NF-B nuclear translocation in malignant cells. These results suggest that intake of EPA-containing supplements before surgery can control NF-B activation and by extension, cancer aggressiveness.

Aerobic adaptations following two iso-effort training programs: an intense continuous and a high-intensity interval.

The intensity of the training stimulus and the effort exerted (regarded as an index of internal load) to complete an exercise session are driving forces for physiological processes and long-term training adaptations. This study compared the aerobic adaptations following two iso-effort, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)-based training programs, an intense continuous (CON) and a high-intensity interval (INT). Young adults were assigned to a CON (n=11) or an INT (n=13) training group to perform 14 training sessions within 6 weeks. The INT group performed running bouts (9.3±4.4 repetitions) at 90% of peak treadmill velocity (PTV) with bout duration equal to 1/4 of time to exhaustion at this speed (134.2±27.9 s). The CONT group ran (1185.0±487.6 s) at a speed corresponding to -2.5% of critical velocity (CV; 80.1%±3.0% of PTV). Training-sessions were executed until RPE attained 17 on the Borg scale. VO2max, PTV, CV, lactate threshold velocity (vLT), and running economy were assessed pre-, mid-, and post-training. Both CONT and INT methods increased (p<0.05) VO2max (INT: 57.7±8.1-61.41±9.2; CONT: 58.1±7.5-61.1±6.3 mL kg-1 min-1), PTV (INT: 14.6±1.8-15.7±2.1; CONT: 15.0±1.7-15.7±1.8 km h-1), CV (INT: 11.8±1.4-12.8±1.8; CONT: 12.2±1.6-12.9±1.7 km h-1), and vLT (INT: 9.77±1.1-10.8±1.4; CONT: 10.4±1.4-11.0±1.8 km h-1) with no differences (p>0.05) between them; running economy remained unchanged. The continuous training method, when matched for effort and executed at relatively high intensity at the upper boundaries of the heavy-intensity domain (∼80% of PTV), confers comparable aerobic adaptations to those attained after a high-intensity interval protocol following a short-term training period.

The effects of curcumin and blueberry on axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury

The purpose of this study was to analyze the axonal regeneration and therapeutic effects of curcumin and blueberry administration following peripheral nerve injury using stereological, electron microscopic and electrophysiological methods. Animals in were assigned into one of four groups - control (Cont), injury (Inj), injury+curcumin (Cur) and injury+blueberry (Blue). Following the induction of sciatic nerve crush injury (75 Newtons for 5 s) in the Inj, Cur, and Blue groups, the rats in the Cur group received intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg curcumin (Sigma C1386) and the rats in the Blue group received 4 g/kg blueberry by gavage over a four-week period. The rats in the Cont and Inj groups were not exposed to any substance. All animals were given standard chow. Sciatic functional index analyses were performed on the 14th and 28th days after injury, and electromyography (EMG) results were recorded. Stereological analysis of the nerve was performed under light microscopy. Light and electron microscopies were used for the histopathological evaluation of the sciatic nerve. Analysis of myelinated axon numbers revealed no significant differences between the Inj group and the Cur and Blue groups. However, a significant difference was observed between the Blue and Inj groups in terms of axonal areas. EMG test results differed between the Blue and the Inj groups (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the Inj and Cur groups. Electron microscopic analysis revealed protective effects of curcumin and blueberry treatment after injury. The use of the curcumin and blueberry may represent a supportive approach to the protection of nerve fibers after peripheral nerve crush injury.

A high-fat diet changes placental morphology but does not change biochemical parameters, placental oxidative stress or cytokine levels

IntroductionThe placenta is an organ that forms the bridge between mother and fetus during pregnancy. Changes in the intrauterine environment directly impact the fetus’ health, with maternal nutrition determining its development. This study analyzed the effects of different diets and probiotic supplementation during pregnancy on the biochemical parameters of maternal serum and placental morphology, oxidative stress, and cytokine levels in mice. MethodsFemale mice were fed standard (CONT), restrictive (RD), or high-fat (HFD) diets before and during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the CONT and HFD groups were divided into two groups that received the Lactobacillus rhamnosus LB1.5 three times per week (CONT + PROB and HFD + PROB). The RD, CONT, or HFD groups received vehicle control. Maternal serum biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides) were evaluated. The morphology, redox profile (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, sulfhydryls, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity), and inflammatory cytokines (interleukins 1α, 1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were evaluated in the placenta. ResultsThe serum biochemical parameters presented no differences between the groups. Regarding placental morphology, the HFD group showed an increased thickness of the labyrinth zone compared to the CONT + PROB group. However, no significant difference was found in the analysis of the placental redox profile and cytokine levels. DiscussionRD and HFD, for 16 weeks before and during pregnancy, as well as probiotic supplementation during pregnancy, caused no change in serum biochemical parameters nor the gestational viability rate, placental redox state, and cytokine levels. However, HFD increased the thickness of the placental labyrinth zone.

Effect of combined intervention of exercise and autologous bone marrow stromal cell transplantation on neurotrophic factors and pain-related cascades over time after sciatic nerve injury.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether combined inter-vention of treadmill exercise and bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) transplantation would affect the expression of neurotrophic factors in the sciatic nerve injury (SNI) and neuropathic pain-related cascades in ipsilateral lumbar 4-5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) during the early or late stage of sciatic nerve regeneration. The rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (CONT, n=6), sedentary group (SS, n=24), exercise group (SE, n=24), BMSC transplantation group (SB, n=24), BMSC transplantation+exercise group (SBE, n=24) 1, 2, 3, and 5 weeks after SNI. Single dose of 5×106 harvested BMSC was injected into the injury area sing by a 30 gauge needle. Treadmill exercise was performed at a speed of 8 m/min for 30 min once a day. Tropomyosin-receptor kinase B, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and ciliary neurotrophic fac-tor were significantly upregulated in the SE and SBE groups at 1- and 2-week postinjury than those in the CONT and SS groups, and SB and SBE groups continuously kept up proinflammatory cytokines until the late stage of regeneration. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, interleukin and tumor necrosis factor alpha in ipsi-lateral DRG were progressively decreased by exercise alone application and/or BMSC transplantation at early and late stage of regeneration. Present results provide reliable information that combined intervention of treadmill exercise and BMSC transplantation might be one of the effective treatment strategies for recovering sciatic nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain over time.

The Use of Unripe Banana Flour as a Functional Feed Ingredient on Blood Profile, Serum Biochemical and Intestinal Indices of Broilers

Background: The study evaluated the effect of unripe banana flour (UBF) given individually or in combination with probiotics or multienzymes on blood profile, serum biochemical parameters and intestinal indices of broilers. Methods: About 392 broiler chicks were assigned to four groups (each with seven replicates) including CONT (birds provided with control feed), UBF (birds provided with 5% UBF in feed), UBFPRO (5% UBF plus 0.05% probiotics) and UBFZYM (5% UBF plus 0.05% multienzyme). Blood and intestinal segment and digesta were collected on days 21 and 38. Results: On day 21, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) value in UBF was lower (p &lt; 0.05) than UBFPRO. At day 38, haemoglobin levels in UBFZYM were higher (p &lt; 0.05) than in CONT and UBF. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were higher (p &lt; 0.05) in UBFZYM than in the other groups. UBFZYM had higher (p &lt; 0.05) leukocyte counts than CONT. Uric acid levels in UBFZYM were lower (p &lt; 0.05) than in CONT on day 21. On day 38, UBFPRO chicks had lower (p = 0.05) pH values in the duodenum than other groups. UBFZYM had higher (p = 0.05) pH values in the ileum, while UBFPRO had higher (p = 0.05) pH values in the caecum than the CONT groups. Lactic acid bacteria were found in higher (p &lt; 0.05) concentrations in the ileum of UBFPRO and UBFZYM than in the CONT at day 38. The lactic acid bacteria to coliform ratio in UBFPRO and UBFZYM ileums was also higher (p = 0.07) than in CONT. On day 38, the crypt depth of the duodenum in UBFZYM was lower (p &lt; 0.05) than in CONT. The duodenum villus height to crypt depth ratio was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in UBFZYM than in the other groups. The villus height to crypt depth ratio in the UBF ileum was higher (p &lt; 0.05) than in the CONT. When compared to CONT broilers, UBF, UBFPRO, and UBFZYM broilers had higher (p &lt; 0.05) daily weight gain and feed efficiency. Conclusion: Broiler growth performance was improved when UBF was given alone or in combination with probiotics or multienzymes. The use of probiotics or multienzymes in combination with UBF improved the intestinal bacterial population, while multienzymes improved broiler physiology and intestinal morphology.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine, Dexamethasone, and Ondansetron on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Children Undergoing Dental Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common unpleasant adverse effects after surgery. The incidence of PONV in pediatric patients is often twice as high as in adults. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine, dexamethasone, and ondansetron for preventing PONV in children undergoing dental rehabilitation surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Sharurah Armed Forces Hospital, Ministry of Defense Medical Services, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: One hundred patients (6-12 years old) scheduled for dental rehabilitation were included. Patients were randomly allocated into 4 groups (25 each) to receive either 0.15 mg/kg dexamethasone (DEX), 0.05 mg/kg ondansetron (OND), 0.3 microgram/kg dexmedetomidine (DEXMED), or normal saline (control[CONT]) in DEX, OND, DEXMED or CONT groups, respectively, via infusion after induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome was a PONV incident in the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were: granisetron doses during 24 hours postoperative, Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale, Pediatric Objective Pain Scale (POPS) for 4 hours postoperatively, and complications in the first 24 hours. RESULTS: The reduction of PONV and the overall number of patients who developed PONV was statistically significant in the DEXMED group compared to the CONT group (P = 0.041). However, the DEXMED group was higher compared to the DEX and OND groups but not statistically significant. Granisetron requirements and doses were statistically significantly lower in the DEXMED group than in the CONT group. PAED and POPS scores were much better in the DEXMED group than in the other groups with a statistically significant difference in most of the time measurements. LIMITATION: Optimal dexmedetomidine dose for better effect on PONV without affecting hemodynamic stability requires more studies. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine is effective in reducing PONV in children undergoing dental rehabilitation with better sedative and analgesic scores as compared to the control group. KEY WORDS: Dexmedetomidine, dexamethasone, dental rehabilitation, ondansetron, postoperative nausea and vomiting

Rumen-protected glucose hastens uterine involution and increases numbers of ovarian follicles in early post-partum dairy cows.

The primary objectives were to investigate the effects of feeding a new rumen-protected glucose (RPG) on uterine involution and ovarian follicular dynamics in recently calved dairy cattle. From 4 to 30 days after calving, 16 Holsteins (first to third lactation, mean parity 1.75) were randomly assigned to be fed either a basal diet top-dressed with either 600 g RPG (RPG group) or 600 g of the coating material and glucose (CONT group). Based on transrectal ultrasonography, conducted every 3 days starting 20 days after calving, the interval from calving to complete uterine involution was shorter in RPG versus CONT (27.1 vs. 30.4 days, p < .01). Furthermore, based on transrectal ultrasonography conducted every 2 days, cattle fed RPG had smaller (3.0-4.9 mm) ovarian follicles (2.96 vs. 0.9, p < .001) and more total follicles (5.26 vs. 2.85, p < .01). Feeding RPG had increased serum insulin concentrations (4.59 ± 0.54 vs. 3.13 ± 0.57, p < .05), but had no significant effects on serum glucose concentrations, dry matter intake or milk yield. In conclusion, we inferred that cattle fed RPG had increased glucose turnover that was responsible for higher insulin concentrations, faster uterine involution, and more ovarian follicles.