Day For 7days Research Articles

Effects of four-week lasting aerobic treadmill training on hepatic injury biomarkers, oxidative stress parameters, metabolic enzymes activities and histological characteristics in liver tissue of hyperhomocysteinemic rats.

Disruptions in homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism may increase the liver's susceptibility to developing conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to examine effects of aerobic treadmill training on hepatic injury biomarkers in sera, oxidative stress parameters, the activity of metabolic enzymes, and histological characteristics in the liver tissue of rats with experimentally induced hyperhomocysteinemia. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (N = 10, per group): C-saline 0.2mL/day sc. 2×/day for 14days + saline 0.5mL ip.1×/day for 28days; H-homocysteine 0.45µmol/g b.w. 2×/day for 14days + saline 0.5mL ip.1×/day for 28days; CPA-saline 0.2mL/day sc. 2×/day for 14days + aerobic treadmill training for 28days; and HPA-homocysteine 0.45µmol/gb.w. 2×/day for 14days + aerobic treadmill training for 28days. The serum albumin concentration was decreased in both physically active (PA) groups compared to sedentary groups. Concentration of malondialdehyde in liver tissue homogenates was lower in both PA groups compared to the H group. The total lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase activities were significantly elevated in the HPA group compared to the C and H groups. Activities of aminotransferases in sera samples, and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in liver tissue did not significantly differ between groups. No significant histological changes were found in liver tissue in groups. This study demonstrated that aerobic treadmill training can reduce lipid peroxidation in liver tissue under hyperhomocysteinemic conditions, providing a protective effect. However, hyperhomocysteinemia can alter energy metabolism during aerobic exercise, shifting it toward anaerobic pathways and leading to elevated lactate dehydrogenase activity in the liver. Given that conditions like hyperhomocysteinemia are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and liver damage, understanding how exercise influences these dynamics could guide therapeutic approaches.

Effects of preoperative respiratory muscle training for improvement of postoperative health related quality of life in mitral valve replacement patients.

A patient's defective mitral valve is replaced as part of a treatment called mitral valve replacement (MVR) with a mechanical or biological (bioprosthetic) valve. To evaluate the effects of preoperative respiratory muscle training (RMT) on the improvement of postoperative Health related quality of life in MVR patients. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology. A Sample of 40 adult patients aged 25-50years of both genders who underwent MVR was selected and divided into two groups Group 1 (Respiratory Muscle Training Group) was received RMT consisting of 10-15 repetitions a day for 5days; for 3weeks. Whereas Group 2 (Conventional Group) was receive breathing exercise consisting of 10-12 repetitions a day for 5days; for 3weeks. Modified Healthy Heart Questionnaire (HHQ-GP-1) was used as screening tool. In outcome measuring tools Health Related Quality of life Questionnaire (EuroQol), New York Heart Association, was used at baseline, 3rd week and postoperatively. Duration of Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation (hours) and Hospital Stay was also noted as outcome measures of this study. Results obtained indicate that level of Self-Care in EuroQol-5-D-5L has improved in group 1 3.35±1.03 to 1.35±0.48 showing significant improvement similarly in case of Hospital Length of Stay, Mechanical ventilation 4.05±0.68 to 5.05±0.51 and Pain 65.25±8.34 to 71.50±6.70 has improved. It was concluded that Respiratory Muscle Training and Conventional Muscle Training both are effective in MVR patients. But RMT is more effective in improving self-care, reducing pain, Hospital Length of Stay and Mechanical Ventilation in postoperative period as compared to Conventional Muscle Treatment.

Ameliorating effect of chotosan and its active component, Uncaria hook, on lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice.

In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of chotosan, a traditional Japanese botanical drug, and its active component, Uncaria hook, on anxiety-like behaviors induced by systemic inflammation in mice. To induce systemic inflammation, the mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin. Prior to LPS treatment, the mice were administered chotosan or Uncaria hook orally each day for 14days. Anxiety-like behavior of the mice was evaluated using the light-dark test 24h after LPS treatment. Repeated administration of chotosan prevented anxiety-like behavior in both normal and LPS-treated mice. Similarly, administration of Uncaria hook suppressed LPS-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice. Furthermore, treatment with tandospirone, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, alleviated anxiety-like behavior in mice, whereas treatment with DOI, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, enhanced anxiety-like behavior in mice. LPS treatment significantly increased serotonin (5-HT)2A receptor mRNA expression in the frontal cortex, whereas 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression remained unchanged in the hippocampus. Notably, chotosan significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of 5-HT2A receptor. These findings indicate that chotosan exerts anxiolytic-like effects in the context of inflammation-induced anxiety, potentially mediated by the inhibition of 5-HT2A receptor hyperfunction in LPS-treated mice. Consequently, we postulate that chotosan may be effective in managing inflammation-induced anxiety-like behaviors.

Biochanin A Ameliorates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Skin Inflammation in Mice by Modulating the NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammatory disorder characterized by the hyper-activation of the immune system and the over-proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-psoriatic activity of Biochanin A (BCA), a phytomolecule with known anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, using the IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse model. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to investigate the targetability of Biochanin A (BCA) against psoriasis. Psoriasis-like skin inflammation was established using BALB/c mice by topical application of IMQ (5%). BCA cream (0.3%, 1%, 3%) was applied on the skin regions every day for 6days. The skin phenotypes-erythema and scaling were scored every day. On the 7th day, skin tissues were collected for gene expression analysis, histopathological analysis, cytokine levels determination, and western blot analysis for signaling mechanisms. The network pharmacology analysis has identified 57 common targets between psoriasis and BCA. The topical application of IMQ induced a typical psoriasis-like skin phenotype including redness, skin thickening, and plaque formation. Upon BCA treatment, the psoriasis-like symptoms were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner. The targets identified by the network pharmacology (MMP9, EGFR, and PTGS2) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression were found to besignificantly elevated in IMQ controls, and upon BCA treatment they were found significantly reduced. The release of cytokines linked to psoriasis (IL-17A and IL-23) were significantly reduced upon BCA treatment. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that BCA treatment alleviated the psoriasis-like symptomsviamodulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of BCA against IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation.

From anticipation to action: A RCT on mental imagery exercises in daily life as a motivational amplifier for individuals with depressive symptoms.

Encouraging engagement in rewarding or pleasant activities is one of the most important treatment goals for depression. Mental imagery exercises have been shown to increase the motivation for planned behaviour in the lab but it is unclear whether this is also the case in daily life. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of mental imagery exercises on motivation and behaviour in daily life. Participants with depressive symptoms (N = 59) were randomly assigned to a group receiving mental imagery (MI) exercises or a control group receiving relaxation (RE) exercises via study phones. We employed an experience sampling design with 10 assessments per day for 10days (three days baseline, four days with two exercises per day and three days post-intervention). Data was analysed using t-tests and multilevel linear regression analyses. As predicted, MI exercises enhanced motivation and reward anticipation during the intervention phase compared to RE. However, MI did not enhance active behaviour or strengthen the temporal association from reward anticipation (t-1) to active behaviour (t). Mental imagery exercises can act as a motivational amplifier but its effects on behaviour and real-life reward processes remain to be elucidated.

Back to Normal? Harnessing Long Short-term Memory Network to Examine the Associations Between Adolescent Social Interactions and Depressive Symptoms During Different Stages of COVID-19.

Adolescence is a developmental period in which social interactions are critical for mental health. While the onset of COVID-19 significantly disrupted adolescents' social environments and mental health, it remains unclear how adolescents have adapted to later stages of the pandemic. We harnessed a machine learning architecture of Long Short-Term Memory recurrent networks (LSTM) with gradient-based feature importance, to model the association among daily social interactions and depressive symptoms during three stages of the pandemic. A year before COVID-19, 148 adolescents reported social interactions and depressive symptoms, every day for 21days. One hundred sixteen of these youths completed a 28-day diary after schools closed due to COVID-19. Seventy-nine of these youths and additional 116 new participants completed a 28-day diary approximately a year into the pandemic. Our results show that LSTM successfully predicted depressive symptoms from at least a week of social interactions for all three waves (r2 > .70). Our study shows the utility of using an analytic approach that can identify temporal and nonlinear pathways through which social interactions may confer risk for depression. Our unique analysis of the importance of input features enabled us to interpret the association between social interactions and depressive symptoms. Collectively, we observed a return to pre-pandemic patterns a year into the pandemic, with reduced gender and age differences during the pandemic closures. This pattern suggests that the system of social influences in adolescence was affected by COVID-19, and that this effect was attenuated in more chronic stages of the pandemic.

Topical diosmetin attenuates nociception and inflammation in a ultraviolet B radiation-induced sunburn model in mice.

Burns are a global health problem and can be caused by several factors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Exposure to UVB radiation can cause sunburn and a consequent inflammatory response characterised by pain, oedema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and erythema. Pharmacological treatments available to treat burns and the pain caused by them include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, antimicrobials and glucocorticoids, which are associated with adverse effects. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic alternatives is needed. Diosmetin, an aglycone of the flavonoid diosmin, has antinociceptive, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, we evaluated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of topical diosmetin (0.01, 0.1 and 1%) in a UVB radiation-induced sunburn model in mice. The right hind paw of the anaesthetised mice was exposed only once to UVB radiation (0.75J/cm2) and immediately treated with diosmetin once a day for 5days. The diosmetin antinociceptive effect was evaluated by mechanical allodynia and pain affective-motivational behaviour, while its anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring paw oedema and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration. Mice exposed to UVB radiation presented mechanical allodynia, increased pain affective-motivational behaviour, paw oedema and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration into the paw tissue. Topical Pemulen® TR2 1% diosmetin reduced the mechanical allodynia, the pain affective-motivational behaviour, the paw oedema and the number of polymorphonuclear cells in the mice's paw tissue similar to that presented by Pemulen® TR2 0.1% dexamethasone. These findings indicate that diosmetin has therapeutic potential and may be a promising strategy for treating patients experiencing inflammatory pain, especially those associated with sunburn.

The Day-Level Association Between Child Care Attendance and 24-Hour Movement Behaviors in Preschool-Aged Children.

Twenty-four hour movement behaviors (ie,physical activity [PA], screen time [ST], and sleep) are associated with children's health outcomes. Identifying day-level contextual factors, such as child care, that positively influence children's movement behaviors may help identify potential intervention targets, like improving access to child care programs. This study aimed to examine the between- and within-person effects of child care on preschoolers' 24-hour movement behaviors. Children (N = 74, 4.7 [0.9]y, 48.9% girls, 63.3% White) wore an Axivity AX3 accelerometer on their nondominant wrist 24hours per day for 14days to measure PA and sleep. Parents completed surveys each night about their child's ST and child care attendance that day. Linear mixed effects models predicted day-level 24-hour movement behaviors from hours spent in child care. Children spent an average of 5.0 (2.9)hours per day in child care. For every additional hour of child care above their average, children had 0.3hours (95%CI,-0.3 to -0.2) less ST that day. Between-person effects showed that compared with children who attended fewer overall hours of child care, children who attended more hours had less overall ST (B = -0.2h; 95% CI, -0.4 to 0.0). Child care was not significantly associated with PA or sleep. Child care attendance was not associated with 24-hour PA or sleep; however, it was associated with less ST. More research utilizing objective measures of ST and more robust measures of daily schedules or structure is necessary to better understand how existing infrastructure may influence preschool-aged children's 24-hour movement behaviors. In addition, future research should consider how access to child care may influence child care attendance.

A case report of Steven Johnson’s Syndrome (SJS) /Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis(TEN) overlap caused by Nimesulide

Introduction: Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are rare, acute and life-threatening mucocutaneous diseases that are nearly always drug-related. Incidence of SJS and TEN is 0.05 to 2 persons per million populations per year. In India, Nimesulide is easily available as an over the counter drug (OTC), different cutaneous reactions associated with, Nimesulide including angioedema, maculo-papular rash, severe urticaria, pityriasis rosea and worsening of preexisting psoriasis. Patient concern (Case summary): A 17 years old female patient complained about fever and she was prescribed with Tab.Nimesulide twice daily by private practitioner. On the 3rd day of intake of oral Nimesulide, patient developed skin lesions over face, trunk, back and all four limbs. This reaction was diagnosed as Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) overlap by Nimesulide based on clinical picture and drug history. Interventions: Tab. Nimesulide was stopped and patient was admitted in dermatology ward. Patient was treated with Inj.Hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100mg iv twice daily, Inj.Cefotaxime 1gm iv thrice a daily, Inj. Metronidazole 500mg once a day and Liquid Cyclosporine 50mg twice a day for 10days. Other treatments included Inj. Albumin 100ml i.v slowly for 3 days given. Patient recovered and was discharged after 10 days. Conclusion: We are presenting a case of SJS-TEN overlap caused by Nimesulide, which is commonly used as an over the counter drug (OTC). Our aims to minimize this type of serious ADR by making alert to physicians and other healthcare professionals, we can avoid hospital admissions because of ADR, reduce economic burden of the patients and health related quality of life of the patient can be improved.

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Centella asiatica and Madecassic Acid Reverse Depressive-Like Behaviors, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Adult Rats Submitted to Stress in Early Life.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe disorder that causes enormous loss of quality of life, and among the factors underlying MDD is stress in maternal deprivation (MD). In addition, classic pharmacotherapy has presented severe adverse effects. Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) demonstrates a potential neuroprotective effect but has not yet been evaluated in MD models. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of C. asiatica extract and the active compound madecassic acid on possible depressive-like behavior, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the hippocampus and serum of young rats submitted to MD in the first days of life. Rats (after the first day of birth) were separated from the mother for 3h a day for 10days. When adults, these animals were divided into groups and submitted to treatment for 14days. After subjecting the animals to protocols of locomotor activity in the open field and behavioral despair in the forced swimming test, researchers then euthanized the animals. The hippocampus and serum were collected and analyzed for the inflammatory cytokines and oxidative markers. The C. asiatica extract and active compound reversed or reduced depressive-like behaviors, inflammation in the hippocampus, and oxidative stress in serum and hippocampus. These results suggest that C. asiatica and madecassic acid have potential antidepressant action, at least partially, through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles.

The Protective Effect of Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor Eye Drops (Ripasudil) on Corneal Endothelial Cells After Cataract Surgery: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Cataract surgery poses a risk to corneal endothelial cells. This study aimed to assess the protective effect of rho-associated kinase inhibitor eye drop (ripasudil) on corneal endothelial cells after cataract surgery over 12months. We conducted a prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded comparative study including 43 patients divided into two groups: the ripasudil group (22 patients, 23 eyes) and the control group (21 patients, 21 eyes). All patients had grade 3 nuclear cataract and underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. In the ripasudil group, one drop of ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate (Glanatec® ophthalmic solution 0.4%) was administered three times a day for 5days. Outcome measures included central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD), which were evaluated preoperatively and 12months postoperatively. In the ripasudil group, the median ECD was 2398 (interquartile range [IQR] 410, 2201-2611) cells/mm2 at baseline and 2262 (IQR 298, 2195-2493) cells/mm2 at 12months postoperatively. In the control group, the median ECD was 2503 (IQR 390, 2340-2730) cells/mm2 at baseline and 2170 (IQR 324, 2049-2373) cells/mm2 at 12months postoperatively. Endothelial cell loss (ECL) was 12.8% in the control group, significantly reduced to 4.5% in the ripasudil group (p = 0.001*). CCT (p = 0.042), age (p = 0.383), sex (p = 0.944), and duration of surgery (p = 0.319) were not significant factors. No adverse effects were observed in either of the groups. Incorporating ripasudil into postoperative management could help maintain corneal endothelial cell integrity and reduce cell loss after cataract surgery, potentially decreasing the need for endothelial transplantation in patients who have undergone intraocular surgeries.

Momentary effects of life stressors on mindfulness and emotion regulation difficulties among adolescents exposed to chronic stressors.

Adolescents faced with chronic stressors (e.g., financial instability, interpersonal violence) are at heightened risk for developing mental health problems, likely due in part to stressors that interfere with effective emotion regulation. Although mindfulness may help to act as a buffer against the deleterious effects of life stressors, a relatively untested assumption is that adolescents can maintain mindfulness during periods of stress. This paper explores this assumption by investigating the real-time, dynamic relationships among life stressors, mindfulness, and emotion regulation difficulties among adolescents exposed to chronic stressors. Eighty-one participants who were 10-18years old (M=14.33; SD=2.20; 56% male; 57% Non-Hispanic White) completed ecological momentary assessments (EMA) three times a day for 7days and contributed a total of 1186 EMA reports. Multilevel structural equation modelling revealed that the presence (vs. absence) of stressors was associated with lower momentary mindfulness and greater momentary emotion regulation difficulties concurrently and prospectively. Stressors with greater severity were also concurrently, but not prospectively, associated with lower momentary mindfulness and greater momentary emotion regulation difficulties. Findings highlight that exposure to life stressors may degrade momentary mindfulness and emotion regulation. Given that mindfulness and emotion regulation are closely associated with mental health, these results also demonstrate one way that stressors may contribute to health disparities at the micro-level. Going forward, it will be important to investigate methods of helping adolescents learn to maintain mindfulness and adaptive emotion regulation in the face of stressful events. This study was preregistered (NCT04927286).

Evaluation of the protective and therapeutic effects of extra virgin olive oil rich in phenol in experimental model of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis by clinical disease score, ınflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress markers.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammation-associated ischemic necrosis of the intestine. To investigate the effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histological changes in NEC-induced newborn rats. 24 rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, NEC and NEC + EVOO. NEC induction was performed using hypoxia-hyperoxia, formula feeding, and cold stress. The NEC + EVOO group received 2ml/kg EVOO with high phenolic content by gavage twice a day for 3days. 3cm of bowel including terminal ileum, cecum, and proximal colon was excised. Weight gain and clinical disease scores were significantly higher in the NEC + EVOO group than in the NEC group (p < 0.001). EVOO treatment caused significant decreases in IL1β, IL6 levels (p = 0.016, p = 0.029 respectively) and EGF, MDA levels (p = 0.032, p = 0.013 respectively) compared to NEC group. Significant decreases were observed in IL6 gene expression in the NEC + EVOO group compared to the NEC group (p = 0.002). In the group NEC + EVOO, the number of Caspase-3 positive cells was found to be significantly reduced (p < 0.001) and histopathological examination revealed minimal changes and significantly lower histopathological scores (p < 0.001). Phenol-rich EVOO prevents intestinal damage caused by NEC by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis.

Subacute Exposure to Gaseous Pollutants from Diesel Engine Exhaust Attenuates Capsaicin-Induced Cardio-Pulmonary Reflex Responses Involving Oxidant Stress Mechanisms in Adult Wistar Rats.

Intravenous injection of capsaicin produces vagal-mediated protective cardio-pulmonary (CP) reflexes manifesting as tachypnea, bradycardia, and triphasic blood pressure (BP) response in anesthetized rats. Particulate matter from diesel engine exhaust has been reported to attenuate these reflexes. However, the effects of gaseous constituents of diesel exhaust are not known. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of gaseous pollutants in diesel exhaust, on capsaicin-induced CP reflexes in rat model. Adult male rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Non-exposed (NE) group, filtered diesel exhaust-exposed (FDE) group and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)-treated FDE group. FDE group of rats (n = 6) were exposed to filtered diesel exhaust for 5 h a day for 5days (D1-D5), and were taken for dissection on day 6 (D6), while NE group of rats (n = 6) remained unexposed. On D6, rats were anesthetized, following which jugular vein was cannulated for injection of chemicals, and femoral artery was cannulated to record the BP. Lead II electrocardiogram and respiratory movements were also recorded. Results show that intravenous injection of capsaicin (0.1ml; 10µg/kg) produced immediate tachypneic, hyperventilatory, hypotensive, and bradycardiac responses in both NE and FDE groups of rats. However, these capsaicin-induced CP responses were significantly attenuated in FDE group as compared to the NE group of rats. Further, FDE-induced attenuation of capsaicin-evoked CP responses were diminished in the N-acetyl cysteine-treated FDE rats. These findings demonstrate that oxidant stress mechanisms could possibly be involved in inhibition of CP reflexes by gaseous pollutants in diesel engine exhaust.

Adenine's impact on mice's gut and kidney varies with the dosage administered and relates to intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activities.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dosages of adenine on intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activities, laying the experimental groundwork for subsequent exploration of the microbial mechanisms underlying diarrhea with kidney yang deficiency syndrome. Twenty-four mice were assigned to the following four groups: the control (NC) group, low-dosage adenine (NML) group, middle-dosage adenine (NMM) group, and high-dosage adenine (NMH) group. Mice in the NML, NMM, and NMH groups received 25mg/(kg·d), 50mg/(kg·d), and 100mg/(kg·d) of adenine, respectively, 0.4mL/each, once a day for 14days. The NC group received 0.4mL sterile water. Parameters including body weight, rectal temperature, intestinal microorganisms, enzyme activities, and microbial activity were measured. Results indicated that mice in the experimental group displayed signs of a poor mental state, curled up with their backs arched, and felt sleepy and lazy, with sparse fur that was easily shed, and damp bedding. Some mice showed fecal adhesion contamination in the perianal and tail areas. Dosage-dependent effects were observed, with decreased food intake, body weight, rectal temperature, and microbial activity and increased water intake and fecal water content. Enzyme activity analyses revealed significantly higher activities of protease, sucrase, amylase, and cellulase in intestinal contents and lactase, sucrase, amylase, and cellulase in the mucosa of the NMM group compared to those of other groups. Ultimately, the higher adenine dosage was associated with more pronounced symptoms of kidney yang deficiency syndrome, with 50mg/kg adenine exhibiting the most substantial impact on the number of intestinal microbial colonies and enzyme activities.

Curcumin alleviates traumatic brain injury induced by gas explosion through modulating gut microbiota and suppressing the LPS/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Gas explosions (GE) are a prevalent and widespread cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in coal miners. However, the impact and mechanism of curcumin on GE-induced TBI in rats remain unclear. In this study, we simulated GE-induced TBI in rats and administered curcumin orally at a dose of 100mg/kg every other day for 7days to modulate the gut microbiota in TBI rats. We employed 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS metabolomic analysis to investigate changes in the intestinal flora and its metabolic profile. Additionally, we utilized ELISA, protein assays, and immunohistochemistry to assess neuroinflammatory signaling molecules for validation. In a rat TBI model, GE resulted in weight loss, pathological abnormalities, and cortical hemorrhage. Treatment with curcumin significantly mitigated histological abnormalities and microscopic mitochondrial structural changes in brain tissue. Furthermore, curcumin treatment markedly ameliorated GE-induced brain dysfunction by reducing the levels of several neuroinflammatory signaling molecules, including neuron-specific enolase, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and cryptothermic protein 3. Notably, curcumin reshaped the gut microbiome by enhancing evenness, richness, and composition. Prevotella_9, Alloprevotella, Bacilli, Lactobacillales, Proteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria were identified as prominent members of the gut microbiota, increasing the linear discriminant analysis scores and specifically enhancing the abundance of bacteria involved in the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, such as Lachnospiraceae and Roseburia. Additionally, there were substantial alterations in serum metabolites associated with metabolic NF-κB signaling pathways in the model group. Curcumin administration reduced serum lipopolysaccharide levels and downregulated downstream Toll-like receptor (TLR)4/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, curcumin alleviated GE-induced TBI in rats by modulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Based on these protective effects, curcumin may exert its influence on the gut microbiota and the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways to ameliorate GE-induced TBI.

Effect of aqueous extract of Indigofera tinctoria (Linn) on aging-induced inflammation and its associated left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis in the rat.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the ameliorative potential of the aqueous extract of Indigofera tinctoria (IT) in aging-induced inflammation and its associated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Young (3-month-old) and aged (24-26-month-old) male Wistar albino rats were grouped into young control, aged control, aged + IT, and young + IT. The animals in the supplementary groups received 200mg/kg BWT of aqueous extract of IT orally once a day for 21days. Aged animals showed prolonged QT interval and increased weight and volume of the heart with a thickening ventricular wall. Infiltration of leukocytes and increased cardiomyocyte diameter and decreased numerical density along with cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increased collagen accumulation were also seen in aged myocardium when compared to the young. The expression profile of various pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NFκB, and iNOS was increased with a concomitant reduction in IL-10 expression in the aged compared to the young. In addition, a marked increase in ROS generation, TGF-β, and α-SMA levels is evident in the aged myocardium. These pathological changes were greatly reversed in aged animals supplemented with IT. Furthermore, the aged + IT group showed repression of pro-inflammatory markers with a subsequent increase in IL-10 expression. Contrarily, no marked changes were observed between young and young + IT groups. Taken together, it is concluded that the aqueous extract of Indigofera tinctoria suppresses cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy by repressing the inflammation and its associated activation of TGFβ and myofibroblast conversion.

Safety profile of intravenous digoxin in Chinese patients with acute heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a small-scale prospective cohort study.

Background: Adverse effects of intravenous digoxin vary from patients and disease status, which should be closely monitored. Aims: To explore the safety profile of intravenous digoxin in acute heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) among Chinese patients. Methods: A clinical prospective, single-center, single-arm, open-label exploratory clinical trial was performed in patients with acute HFrEF at Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital. A fixed dose of 0.5mg digoxin was used intravenously once per day for 3days. The normalized dosage of digoxin (NDD), toxic serum digoxin concentration (SDC), and adverse reactions of intravenous digoxin were recorded. Results: A total of 40 patients were recruited in the study. The SDC increased from 1.03 ± 0.34ng/mL to 1.95 ± 0.52ng/mL during treatment. 50% (20/40) patients reached a toxic SDC of 2.0ng/mL, and toxic effects were seen in 30% (12/40) patients. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60mL/min [HR: 5.269; 95% CI: 1.905-14.575, p = 0.001], NDD ≥7μg/kg [HR: 3.028; 95% CI: 1.119-8.194, p = 0.029], and ischemic cardiomyopathy [HR: 2.658; 95% CI: 1.025-6.894, p = 0.044] were independent risk factors for toxic SDC. Toxic SDC was effectively identified [area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve = 0.85, p < 0.001] using this model, and patients would have a higher risk of toxicity with more risk factors. Conclusion: Intravenous digoxin of 0.5mg was safe and effective for initial dose but not suitable for maintenance treatment in Chinese patients with acute HFrEF. Patients who had lower eGFR, received higher NDD, and had ischemic cardiomyopathy should be closely monitored to avoid digoxin toxicity.

Electrokinetic remediation of estuarine sediments using a large reactor: spatial variation of physicochemical, mineral, and chemical properties.

The treatment and beneficial use of polluted or contaminated environmental matrices have become major issues, especially as the world strives toward a zero-waste policy. In this regard, dredged sediments need to be treated before they can be used in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner. Therefore, this work aims to treat estuarine sediments and, more importantly, use physicochemical, mineral, organic, and chemical information to understand the reactions that occur upon treatment. Dredged estuarine sediments were collected from Tancarville (Seine River estuary, France) and subjected to electrokinetic (EK) remediation using a 128-L laboratory-scale reactor. The sediments were treated 8h per day for 21days. The electric (voltage and current) and physicochemical (pH and electric conductivity) parameters were monitored during treatment. Sediments were collected from various sections in the reactor at the end of the experiment (lengthwise, widthwise, and depthwise). The spatial variation was investigated in terms of organic, mineral, and metal contents. Statistical analyses proved that the variation occurred only in the lengthwise direction. Furthermore, three main phases described the treatment, which were mainly linked to carbonate dissolution and pH variation. The results also showed that the trace elements Ni and Zn were reduced by 21% and 19%, respectively, without a direct link to pH, while Ca and Mg were only redistributed. The buffering capacity of the anodic sediment was reduced due to carbonate dissolution. The treated sediments showed reduced contents in trace metals without affecting major elements that can be useful in agriculture (i.e., Ca and Mg).

The Effect of Phenolic Extract of Mint (Mentha spicata) in the Fertility of Male Laboratory Mice.

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of the phenolic extract of the Mentha spicata plant on the fertility of laboratory mice. The phenolic compounds were extracted using the Reflex condenser from the leaves of the Mentha spicata plant, and it was chemically detected. In the current study,)Albino Mice of the musculus Mus type was used at an age ranging between (12-11) months. The group was randomly divided into three groups. The control group was injected with a physiological solution (0.9% NaCl), the second group was injected with the phenolic extract of the Mentha spicata plant at (100 mg/kg) concentration, and the third group was injected by concentration (200 mg/kg) from the phenolic extract of the Mentha spicata. The phenols were dissolved in a physiological solution (0.9% NaCl), and all individuals of these groups were injected through the peritoneal membrane I.P. at a rate of 0.5 ml per animal per day for 30 days. The phenolic extract of Mentha spicata leaves caused a significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in the level of Testosterone and Luteinizing hormone (ng/ml) in the blood serum of the first and second treatment group when compared with the control group. The study also indicates a significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in the concentration of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in the third treatment group compared with its level in the control group. At the same time, there were no significant changes (P&lt;0.05) for the second treatment group compared with the control group. The average concentration of sperms taken from the caudal epididymis did not change significantly (P&lt;0.05) for both treatments compared to the control group. The percentage of motile sperm decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05) as a result of treatment with the phenolic extract of Mentha spicata leaves, and this percentage is directly proportional to the increase in the doses used of the extract. Sperm vitality compared to the control group, as for the percentage leading to abnormal sperms, the results showed a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in the average percentage of abnormal sperms in the caudal epididymis of the second treatment animals when compared with the rates of the first and control groups, while there was no There were no significant changes (P&lt;0.05) in the rate of the first treatment compared to the control. Histologically, the results indicate that treatment with phenolic extract of Mentha spicata leaves caused simple histological changes, represented by a simple vacuole of the interstitial layer between the tubules, slight congestion and partial detachment of the germ cells from the basement membrane with a thick fibrous capsule surrounding the epididymis tubes and congestion of blood vessels. In contrast, the seminal tubules and seminal lumen remained normal. This compared to the control group, which showed the semi- Bionatura http://dx.doi.org/10.21931/RB/CSS/2023.08.03.48 2 niferous tubules, seminal cavity and germ layers commonly with normal spermatozoa stages. Keywords: Phenolic extract, Mentha spicata, Fertility