Decrease In Total Protein Levels Research Articles

Evaluation of Neuroprotective effect of Cassia occidentalis L. against Colchicine Induced Memory Impairment in Wistar Rats

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that develops with aging. Objective: In this research, we have examined the anti - Alzheimer’s effect of ethanolic extract from roots of Cassia occidentalis L. on colchicine-induced Alzheimer’s in Wistar rats Methods: Ethanolic extract was obtained and spectroscopic, chromatography analysis was performed. Acute toxicity studies using Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines 423 were performed to examine and make sure that there were no signs of toxic effects. The induction of AD was done using colchicine which leads to symptoms like neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. In this experiment, a thorough analysis of body weight, behavioral parameters, locomotor activity, and biochemical evaluation was performed to estimate the medicinal properties of Cassia occidentalis L in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Results: Pharmacognostic analysis showed the presence of vascular bundles, starch grains, fibers, calcium oxalate crystals, elongated parenchyma, and collenchyma mucilage as shown in the supplementary files. Locomotor activity, Escape latency time, Conditioned avoidance response, and Transfer latency were improved with treatment. Interleukin- 6 (IL - 6) levels were reduced significantly in the Colchicine + 200 Cassia mg/kg group (739.2 ± 0.37 pg/ml) than in the Colchicine Group (850.6±0.40 pg/ml). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) was decreased in the Colchicine + 200 Cassia mg/kg Group (1030.93±0.51 pg/ml) than in the Colchicine Group (1455.06±1.25 pg/ml). A significant decrease in total protein level was observed in the Colchicine Group (2.52±0.10 mg/ml), (3.33±0.90 mg/ml) as compared to Colchicine + 200 Cassia mg/kg Group (5.27±0.09 mg/ml, (5.01±0.10 mg/ml) respectively, in the Hippocampus and Entorhinal cortex. The levels of antioxidant enzymes such as Catalase (CAT), Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), Reduced glutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. When compared to the Colchicine Group (7.33±0.16 nM/ mg, the MDA level was lower in the Colchicine + 100 Cassia mg/kg Group (3.20±0.01 nM/ mg). The level of CAT in Colchicine + 200 Cassia mg/kg Group (7.01±0.03 μmoles of H2O2/mg of protein) was seen to be increased when compared to Colchicine Group (3.32 ± 0.17 μmoles of H2O2/mg of protein). The level of SOD in Colchicine + 200 Cassia mg/kg Group (7.43±0.02 U mg -1 of protein) was seen to be increased when compared with Colchicine Group (4.55±0.03 U mg -1 of protein). The level of GSH in Colchicine + 200 Cassia mg/kg Group (10.07±0.19 nM/mg -1 of protein) was increased when compared with the Colchicine Group (5.82±0.11nM/mg -1 of protein). Histopathology of the Hippocampus and Entorhinal cortex showed diminished amyloid plaques, and neurodegeneration in the treatment groups Conclusion: The present study showed that ethanolic extract from the roots of Cassia occidentalis L. At 100 and 200 mg/kg doses in Wistar rats improved memory damage, by reducing oxidative stress. Levels of the antioxidant enzymes as CAT, and SOD, GSH were increased and MDA was decreased. The cytokine levels in the serum of Wistar rats of IL-6 level and TNF-α level were reduced significantly. Estimation of total protein level was found to be increased. It restored neuronal degeneration in the Hippocampus, and Entorhinal cortex and reduced oxidative stress. This suggests that the ethanolic extract of Cassia occidentalis L. could be an effective therapeutic treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like AD.

CLINICAL SAFETY OF IVERMECTIN TREATMENT IN NILE TILAPIA, Oreochromis niloticus

Ivermectin belongs to the group of avermectins, a group of macrocyclic lactones produced by Streptomyces avermitilis, this drug is widely used in the treatment of endoparasitoses and ectoparasitosis in different species of mammals around the world. Based on this need to develop an adequate sanitary management of fish farms and the therapeutic importance of macrocyclic lactones, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety of ivermectin administered orally as part of the feed for Nile tilapia (O. niloticus). For this, 56 tilapias (O. niloticus), ±100g, were placed in 7 aquariums (n=8) with a capacity of 100 L of water, supplied with running water devoid of chlorine, with the following treatments being preserved: T0 (Control, untreated), T1 and T2 (treated with 125 and 625µg/kg-1 of ivermectin, respectively). Blood samples were collected for hemogram, leukogram and evaluation of serum biochemical parameters, in addition to organs such as spleen, liver and kidneys (cranial and caudal) for somatic evaluation. The results admired an increase in serum levels of ALT, AST and glycemia, a reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride values ​​at the highest dose, in addition to a decrease in total protein levels and liver somatic analysis. There was no change in hematological parameters, while the leukocyte profile indicated a significant increase in total leukocytes in treated tilapia with lymphocytosis and neutrophilia.. Therefore, treatment with high doses of ivermectin can harm the health of Nile tilapia, requiring additional studies to establish safe therapeutic protocols for these animals.

Transpyloric feeding with artificial lung ventilation in premature with pneumonia: an observational study

INTRODUCTION: Feeding critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation through a gastric tube can be challenging. Parenteral nutrition is often preferred when enteral feeding is problematic. Transpyloric feeding has been identified as an optimal method of nutrition for seriously ill premature infants. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the advantages of transpyloric feeding combined with artificial ventilation compared to gastric feeding in premature neonatal patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 64 patients with low tolerance to enteral feeding who required mechanical ventilation. The gestational age of the patients did not exceed 34 (32–35) weeks. Enteral feeding using a NAN® mixture was administered through a feeding tube placed outside the pylorus with an anti-reflux mechanism. The volume of enteral feeding was determined based on the requirement of 120 kcal/kg/day. RESULTS: The results of the study demonstrated that the group receiving transpyloric feeding had a significantly shorter hospital stay of 54 (41–67) days compared to the group receiving gastric feeding with 86 (64–94) days, p < 0.05. The weight gain in the group receiving gastric feeding was significantly lower at 89 (55–200) g compared to the group receiving transpyloric feeding with 161.5 (110–218) g. Similar findings were observed regarding a decrease in total protein levels on the 10th day of the study in the gastric feeding group with 36.5 (32–40) g/l compared to the transpyloric feeding group with 47 (42–50) g/l, p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Transpyloric nutrition in premature infants on mechanical ventilation is a more efficient method compared to gastric feeding. The findings suggest positive effects including reduced hospitalization duration, prevention of hypoproteinemia, and significant increase in body weight.

Biochemical parameters in patients with Trichomonasvaginalis and Toxoplasma gondii in Erbil-Iraq

This study investigated the biochemical parameters of two parasites, Trichomonasvaginalis and Toxoplasma gondii among females attending the gynaecological out patients clinics in MaternityRizgaryHospital, several health centers and some private clinics in Erbil-Iraq, from 16th July 2007 till 15th July 2008, by using different diagnostic methods. In addition, a comparative study to evaluate the biochemical changes due to tichomoniasis and toxoplasmosis. The serum samples were examined for some biochemical parameters like cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL-C), total proteins, albumin, globulin, with some elements such as calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, iron, copper and zinc. Infection with Trichomonasvaginalis had no significant effects on the studied biochemical parameters among non-pregnant women. Toxoplasma gondii causes a significant decrease in total protein level among non-pregnant women, while in pregnant women, reduced calcium level was observed

Features of the influence of S-ethyl-4-aminobenzene thiosulfonate on some biochemical parameters of rat blood under the condition of Cr(VI) intoxication

Background. The main pathway of Cr(VI) cytotoxicity is activation of oxidative stress in cells of living organisms, resulting in an imbalance of blood biochemical para­me­ters. Our recent studies indicate that S-ethyl-4-aminobenzenethiosulfonate (ETS), which belongs to thiosulfonate compounds, is able to reduce intensity of Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue of rats. It is known that oxidative stress induced by Cr(VI) causes liver and kidney tissue damage with a subsequent imbalance of blood biochemical parameters. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential ability of ETS to prevent Cr(VI)-induced disorders of some biochemical blood parameters, which are important biomarkers of Cr(VI) intoxication. Materials and Methods. The object of the research was the separate biochemical parameters of the blood of rats with Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress after prior exposure to ETS. Two experimental groups of male Wistar rats were intoxicated once per day intraperitoneally with K2Cr2O7 dissolved in physiological saline solution for 7 or 14 days. Two other experimental groups were pretreated once per day intragastrically with ETS dissolved in oil before the period of 7 or 14-day K2Cr2O7 intoxication. We measured total protein, creatinine and urea level, as well as determined the activity of aminotransferases in the blood plasma of rats. Results. Intraperitoneal injection of K2Cr2O7 (dissolved in physiological saline solution at a dose of 2.5 mg Cr(VI)/kg body weight) for 7 and 14 days causes a decrease in total protein level and leads to elevation of plasma creatinine level and urea concentration. The activity of blood aminotransferases increases due to Cr(VI) toxicity. The 14-day exposure to ETS (dissolved in oil at a dose 100 mg/kg body weight) prior to the period of Cr(VI) intoxication is characterized by a smaller percentage increase in the level of crea­tinine, urea and activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the blood plasma of rats. Conclusion. Cr(VI)-induced toxicity causes an imbalance in biochemical blood parameters. Cr(VI) induces a total protein decrease and leads to an increase in the level of the studied biochemical parameters of blood plasma, which are markers of damage to the liver (aminotransferases) and kidneys (creatinine, urea). In contrast, exposure to ETS for 14 days prior to the period of Cr(VI) intoxication causes percentage decrease in creatinine, urea accumulation and percentage reduction of ALT hyper-activation in the blood of rats. However, the levels of creatinine, urea and ALT activity in this case remained significantly higher than those in the control group. In conclusion, pretreatment with ETS (100 mg/kg) for 2 weeks helps to reduce the level of Cr(VI)-induced disturbances of some blood biochemical parameters, but does not normalize them.

Ameliorative effect of Nigella sativa conjugated silver nanoparticles against chromium-induced hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity in mice

Hexavalent chromium induces oxidative stress in the liver and kidney. Therefore an in vivo study was designed to investigate the modulatory effect of biosynthesized AgNP against Cr (VI) induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The organs index, serum level of ALT, AST, ALP, MDA, total protein and creatinine were measured. The histopathology and micrometry of the liver and kidney were examined. The liver index was significantly increased (0.098 ± 0.13 g) with slight increase in kidney index in Cr exposed group. The serum level of ALT (163.0 ± 5.5 U/L), AST (484.0 ± 10.7 U/L), ALP (337.6 ± 9.6 U/L), MDA (641.2 ± 29.2 U/L), and creatinine (2.9 ± 0.2 mg/dL) were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) with significant decrease in total protein level (2.9 ± 0.2 g/dL) (P ≤ 0.05) in chromium treated group. In histopathology, distorted hepatic cords, necrosis, damaged glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule were observed. Micrometric studies of the liver and kidney showed significant increase in size of hepatocytes (1188.2 ± 467.7 µ2) and their nuclei (456.4 ± 206.7 µ2), ACSA of Bowman’s capsule (11835.5 ± 336.7 µ2) and glomerulus (9051.8 ± 249.8 µ2) in Cr (VI) treated group. The size of brush border (10.1 ± 3.0 µ) was significantly reduced in Cr (VI) treated group however the ACSA of lumen was not significantly changed. With the administration of NSSE and Nigella sativa AgNPs, decreased the oxidative damage caused by Cr (V).

PENGARUH PAPARAN LINEAR ALKALYBENZEN SULFONAT (LAS) TERHADAP KADAR PROTEIN TOTAL PADA IKAN NILA (Oreochromis niloticus) DENGAN METODE SPEKTROFOTOMETRI UV-VIS

Tilapia is a source of protein that is healthy and low in fat. Tilapia is a source of protein that is healthy and low in fat. Animal protein is found in fish, one of which is tilapia which has a protein content of more than 16.05%. One of the causes of protein denaturation is detergent. Razmi's research results, 2021 measuring the levels of laundry waste in Martapura river water in Sungai Lulut Village obtained concentrations at a distance of 100 meters of 3.4 mg/L, a distance of 200 meters of 2.4 mg/L and a distance of 300 meters of 1.6 mg/L. To determine the effect of exposure to Linear Alkalybenzen Sulfonate (LAS) on total protein levels in tilapia in the Martapura River and the effect of differences in time intervals of exposure to Linear Alkalybenzen Sulfonate (LAS) on total protein levels in tilapia in the Martapura River. This research uses Pre Experimental with Post Test Only Control Group Design approach. The test method was carried out qualitatively and quantitatively. The qualitative test method was carried out by the biuret test while the quantitative test method saw the difference in the time interval of exposure to Linear Alkalybenzen Sulfonate (LAS) on the total protein content of tilapia using Visible Spectrophotometric instruments. Data analysis using One-Way ANOVA. Based on the qualitative analysis, all samples were positive in the biuret test. The results of the quantitative analysis obtained were a decrease in total protein levels at intervals of 0.3,6,9 hours with an average control at 3 hours 2.26%, 3 hours to 6 hours 4.49%, and 6 hours to 9 hours. 4.5%. 501.64 ppm. The administration of LAS with different intervals of exposure (control, 3 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours) showed a significant effect on the total protein content of tilapia, namely a decrease in the total protein content.

Nutraceutical from Tetracapedium conophorum (Walnut) Protect against cadmium chloride induced hypertension in Albino rats

The use of natural plant as food, nutraceuticals consumption, phytotherapy and nutritional therapy has recently become widely used in the treatment of diseases and shown to improve health. The study evaluated the hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effect of some nutraceuticals from phytosterol diet such as Tetracarpidiun conophorom on some parameter as found in albino rats. Cadmium chloride was used for the inducement of hypertension on the albino rats. Each study group was a total number of 10 rats in five different groups made up of the Control Group, Hypertensive Group, Standard group and 2 Test Groups (methanol and n-hexane). Renal function test was done through biochemical analysis, standard methods were used to estimate the serum Urea and Creatinine, Electrolyte and Calcium. Liver function test evaluated was Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Alanine Phosphatase (ALP). Some lipid profile was also evaluated. One way ANOVA was used for analysis of the collected data and was expressed as Mean ± SEM. The result of Hypertensive group showed significant increase in sodium level (p<0.05) when compared with Control group while significant decrease in Sodium level of Standard drug and Walnut group were observed when compared with the hypertensive Control. Tetracarpidium conophorum study groups exhibited significant decrease in Total Protein level, Conjugated Bilirubin level and Total Bilirubin level when compared with the Control, Hypertensive and the Standard groups. The liver and kidney tissues showed histological distorted patchy necrotic areas on the Hypertensive groups while the Negative, Standard and Test groups showed normal histological tissues/cells. This results suggest that Tetracarpidium conophorum possesses renoprotective, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effect on the Wistar rats which implies that nutraceutical of the Walnut protection against Cadmium chloride induced hypertension in the Wistar rats.

Serum Protein Total Determination After Hypoxic Swimming Exercises in Trained and Untrained Swimmers Using The Nanophotometric Method

Anaerobic physical exercise aims to increase the explosive power, which is the ability of a person's muscles to do work with maximum strength in the fastest possible time. Sprint swimming exercises are often called hypoxic swimming exercises. Protein biomolecules have a major function in building muscle mass, maintaining body defences and increasing sports performance. Physical exercise occurs in a variety of systemic and cellular responses involving metabolic, immunological and hormonal changes. It is necessary to know how the total protein profile in serum after physical exercise in this case was limited to a single hypoxic swimming exercise. This was experimental research with post-test only control group design. There were three training groups, namely (5) control, (5) trained, and (5) untrained based on inclusion and exclusion criteria with the purposive sampling method. Single hypoxic swimming exercise (sprint) did along 200 m. The swimming training pattern was per 50 m without resting with two types of styles swim, freestyle and breaststroke. Measurement of total protein levels was carried out using a nanophotometer where the volume of serum used was very small. The results showed that the total protein content between the control group and the treatment group was significantly different (ANOVA, p <0.05). Between the trained and untrained groups, a decrease in total protein levels was seen in the trained group. This is probably due to the function of these proteins. It can be concluded that protein is more widely used by the body as a building element in the body, especially muscle mass. Cellular adaptive response is better when the body is in a trained condition.

Effect of Methanolic Extract of Caryota no Seed on Geotactic Behaviour and Fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster

Aims: To investigate the effect of the methanolic extracts of Caryota no (CN) seeds negative geotaxis, fecundity and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) using Drosophila melanogaster (DM). Study Design: Experimental design.
 Place and Duration: Sample: African Centre of Excellence for Phytomedicine Research and Development, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria between June 2018 and February 2019 Methodology: 50 flies were exposed in each vial to the following concentrations: 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg and 600 mg of methanolic extracts in 5 replicates for 7 days with daily recording of mortality. Total protein assays were carried out by Randox method from the supernatant from homogenized whole flies. In vivo antioxidant activity study was conducted by measuring level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity from supernatants of whole fly homogenates using a spectrophotometer at specific wavelengths over a 2 minute duration. The values were derived as part of the total protein value. Negative geotaxis was done by the climbing assay and fecundity was examined by rate of emergence of larva after exposure of the flies to treatment. The statistical difference among test groups was presumed at P < .05.
 Results: The methanolic extract of CN caused nonsignificant (P = .33) decrease in total protein levels compared to the control. There were also nonsignificant decreases in AChE (P = .30) activity, negative geotactic (P = .80) behaviour and nonsignificant increase in fecundity (P = .17) in the methanolic extract-treated flies compared to the controls.
 Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that the methanolic extract of Caryota no nonsignificantly improved fertitity and reduced negative geotaxis and AChE activity in DM.

Regulation of antioxidant systems in response to anoxia and reoxygenation in Rana sylvatica.

The wood frog (Rana sylvatica) is a remarkable species. These frogs can endure prolonged oxygen deprivation as well as dehydration to ~60% of total body water lost and, combining these two abilities, they survive whole body freezing for weeks at a time during the winter. Episodes of anoxia/reoxygenation or freeze/thaw can trigger elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing cellular damage, especially when oxygen is reintroduced during reoxygenation or thawing. To mitigate ROS damage, stress-responsive transcription factors such as the Octamer Binding Transcription factor (OCT4) and Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 transcription factor (Nrf2) were postulated to be involved in enhancing pro-survival pathways and antioxidant defenses. The present study used immunoblotting to analyze OCT4 and Nrf2 responses (and downstream factors under their control) to 24h anoxia and 4h reoxygenation in liver and skeletal muscle of wood frogs, with an emphasis on antioxidant systems. Surprisingly, no change was observed in relative total protein expression of either of the two transcription factors in liver. Furthermore, a significant decrease in total protein levels of OCT4 and Nrf2 occurred in skeletal muscle after 4h recovery. However, essential cofactors of OCT4 and Nrf2 were significantly upregulated during anoxia and/or recovery. Downstream targets of the Nrf2-ARE pathway were evaluated, including glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) and aldo-keto reductases (AKRs). Significant increases in GSTT1 and GSTP1 were observed in liver and muscle whereas AKRs showed a tissue specific response to both anoxia and recovery from anoxia. This study demonstrates activation of antioxidants as a cell protective mechanism against generation of reactive oxygen species during anoxia in wood frogs.

Оцінювання нутрітивного статусу у дітей з гострою дихальною недостатністю: проспективне обсерваційне когортне дослідження

Оцінювання нутрітивного статусу у дітей з гострою дихальною недостатністю: проспективне обсерваційне когортне дослідження

A Case Study on Ascites of Hepatic Origin and Their Proper Management in a Male German Shepherd Dog

A male German shepherd dog of 11 months was presented to HART Clinic, Pokhara with the history of abdominal swelling, respiratory distress, lethargy, anorexia and weakness. Physical examination revealed dyspnea, pale mucous membrane, and undulating movement (thrills) of fluid on tapping the abdomen. Fecal sample collected for assessing the severity of endoparasites which was found negative. The hematological study showed an increase in numbers of neutrophils, while there were decreased erythrocytes and hemoglobin concentration. The biochemical analysis resulted in an elevated SGOT, SGPT level but decrease in total protein level. Ascitic fluid collected from abdominal paracentesis on examination revealed transudate fluid with serum-albumin ascetic gradient (SAAG) >1.1 gm/dl suggesting ascites due to portal hypertension (96% accuracy) caused by Liver cirrhosis. The dog was diagnosed as ascites of hepatic origin resulting portal hypertension and hypoproteinemia. The abdominocentesis was performed to drain the ascetic fluid followed by albumin and normal saline administration. The dog was further treated with antibiotic, diuretic, amino acid and liver tonics along with protein rich but salt free diet. The dog showed remarkable improvement with gradual reduced in abdominal distention and normalization of the appetite after 7 days of treatment.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(4): 555-558

MAP kinase signaling and Elk1 transcriptional activity in hibernating thirteen-lined ground squirrels

BackgroundThe thirteen-lined ground squirrel (I. tridecemlineatus) becomes hypometabolic during hibernation; characterized by reductions in energy expensive processes like transcription during periods of low temperature and starvation. We were interested in elucidating the mechanisms of transcriptional control by studying the MAPK pathway and downstream transcription factors in skeletal muscle. We were also interested in how environmental factors, such as body temperature, that fluctuate during hibernation, can affect transcriptional regulation. MethodsProtein abundance of MAPKs and effectors were quantified using immunoblotting and Luminex® multiplex assays. DNA-protein interaction (DPI)-ELISA was used to quantitatively assess the binding of transcription factors to DNA promoter sequences under environmental conditions which are reflective of those during torpor. ResultsJNK2/3 showed increases in protein abundance during early arousal. The transcription factor, Elk1, showed increases in phosphorylation of S383 (which is indicative of increased activity) during arousal that accompany decreases in total protein levels. Further analysis on the relative binding of this transcription factor to its consensus sequence during euthermia and torpor showed that its binding is significantly different when environmental conditions such as temperature, [urea], and [Ca2+] were changed. ConclusionWe show evidence of Elk1 regulation during hibernation, and its activity could be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, [urea] and [Ca2+], as well as post-translational modifications via JNK2/3. General significanceI. tridecemlineatus has natural mechanisms of transcriptional regulation during hibernation through phosphorylation and changes to the cellular environment. We identify regulation of JNK and Elk1 in the skeletal muscle of hibernating I. tridecemlineatus.

Juvenile treatment with a novel mGluR2 agonist/mGluR3 antagonist compound, LY395756, reverses learning deficits and cognitive flexibility impairments in adults in a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder, in which cognitive function becomes disrupted at early stages of the disease. Although the mechanisms underlying cognitive impairments remain unclear, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) hypofunctioning in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been implicated. Moreover, cognitive symptoms in SCZ are usually unresponsive to treatment with current antipsychotics and by onset, disruption of the dopamine system, not NMDAR hypofunctioning, dominates the symptoms. Therefore, treating cognitive deficits at an early stage is a realistic approach. In this study, we tested whether an early treatment targeting mGluR2 would be effective in ameliorating cognitive impairments in the methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) model of SCZ. We investigated the effects of an mGluR2 agonist/mGluR3 antagonist, LY395756 (LY39), on the NMDAR expression and function in juveniles, as well as cognitive deficits in adult rats after juvenile treatment. We found that gestational MAM exposure induced a significant decrease in total protein levels of the NMDAR subunit, NR2B, and a significant increase of pNR2BTyr1472 in the juvenile rat PFC. Treatment with LY39 in juvenile MAM-exposed rats effectively recovered the disrupted NMDAR expression. Furthermore, a subchronic LY39 treatment in juvenile MAM-exposed rats also alleviated the learning deficits and cognitive flexibility impairments when tested with a cross-maze based set-shifting task in adults. Therefore, our study demonstrates that targeting dysfunctional NMDARs with an mGluR2 agonist during the early stage of SCZ could be an effective strategy in preventing the development and progression in addition to ameliorating cognitive impairments of SCZ.

Influence of pneumatic tube system transport on routinely assessed and spectrophotometric cerebrospinal fluid parameters.

Pneumatic tube systems (PTS) are widely used in many hospitals. Using PTS reduces turnaround time (TAT) and can improve patients' outcome. We investigated whether clinically significant differences could be observed in CSF samples transported by pneumatic tube in comparison with samples transported by hand. Two aliquots from one sample were sent by PTS and by hand from the department of neurology or neurosurgery and compared. Routine cytological and biochemical assessment was compared in 27 cases. There were no statistically significant changes (transport by hand vs. PTS) in glucose levels [data are expressed as median (minimum-maximum)] at 3.7 (2.5-8.6) mmol/L vs. 3.6 (2.7-8.6) mmol/L, p=0.96 or lactate levels at 1.8 mmol/L (1.1-5.5) vs. 1.8 mmol/L (1.1-5.4). We observed a statistically significant decline in total protein levels in samples transported by PTS at 0.56 g/L (0.19-4.29) vs. 0.49 g/L (0.18-4.3), p=0.008. We observed no changes in erythrocyte count at 5/μL (0-40,000) vs. 5/μL (0-40,106), mononuclear cells at 2/μL (1-145) vs. 3/μL (1-152), or polynuclear cells at 0/μL (0-235) vs. 0/μL (0-352). Spectrophotometric examination was performed in 20 cases. There were no statistically significant differences (transport by hand vs. transport by PTS) in NOA at 0.002 (0.001-1.537) vs. 0.001 (0.001-1.528), p=0.95 or NBA at 0.001 (0.001-0.231) vs. 0.001 (0.001-0.276), p=0.675. Samples transported by PTS were delivered faster than samples transported by courier (transport by hand vs. PTS) at 25 min (10-153) vs. 15 min (4-110), p=0.002. We found no significant changes in glucose, lactate levels and in any of the cytological parameters assessed, nor were statistically significant changes observed in the spectrophotometric parameters. We found a statistically significant decrease in total protein levels in samples transported by PTS. Transport by PTS can be faster than transport by hand.

Annona muricata prevent hepatic fibrosis by enhancing lysosomal membrane stability and suppressing extracellular matrix protein accumulation

Background: Hepatic fibrosis is a pre-pathologic state of cirrhosis, which plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Annona muricata leaves on extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, lysosomal membrane integrity and liver damage in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced fibrotic rats.Methods: Healthy adult male wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group I rats received normal saline and served as control, Group II rats were administered 200mg/kg Annona muricata, Group III received 200mg/kg Annona muricata orally simultaneously with 10mg/kg DMN, Group IV received 10 mg/kg DMN without extract. DMN administered intraperitoneally was on first three days of each week for two weeks while Annona muricata was administered for 14 consecutive days. 24 hours after last administration, all animals were sacrificed and blood collected for serum analysis. Biochemical parameters such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin (TB), total protein (TP), and albumin (ALB) were estimated to assess liver function and synthetic ability while hyaluronic acid (HA) was determined to assess extracellular matrix (ECM) function. In addition, acid phosphatase (ACP) was estimated to assess lysosomal membrane stability/fragility.Results: Liver damage, decreased synthetic ability, lysosomal membrane fragility and altered ECM function were evident by an increase in the levels of LDH, TB, ACP and HA as well as a decrease in level of TP and ALB in sera of rats administered DMN compared to normal rats. However, simultaneous treatment with Annona muricata leaf extract significantly (p<0.05) reversed alterations in the above indices.Conclusion: This study suggests that Annona muricata leaf functions as a potent fibrosuppressant by suppressing ECM accumulation, enhancing lysosomal membrane stability and liver synthetic ability.

Phenotypic Characterisation of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 Exposed to X-Radiation.

Biogeochemical processes mediated by Fe(III)-reducing bacteria such as Shewanella oneidensis have the potential to influence the post-closure evolution of a geological disposal facility for radioactive wastes and to affect the solubility of some radionuclides. Furthermore, their potential to reduce both Fe(III) and radionuclides can be harnessed for the bioremediation of radionuclide-contaminated land. As some such sites are likely to have significant radiation fluxes, there is a need to characterise the impact of radiation stress on such microorganisms. There have, however, been few global cell analyses on the impact of ionizing radiation on subsurface bacteria, so here we address the metabolic response of S. oneidensis MR-1 to acute doses of X-radiation. UV/Vis spectroscopy and CFU counts showed that although X-radiation decreased initial viability and extended the lag phase of batch cultures, final biomass yields remained unchanged. FT-IR spectroscopy of whole cells indicated an increase in lipid associated vibrations and decreases in vibrations tentatively assigned to nucleic acids, phosphate, saccharides and amines. MALDI-TOF-MS detected an increase in total protein expression in cultures exposed to 12 Gy. At 95 Gy, a decrease in total protein levels was generally observed, although an increase in a putative cold shock protein was observed, which may be related to the radiation stress response of this organism. Multivariate statistical analyses applied to these FT-IR and MALDI-TOF-MS spectral data suggested that an irradiated phenotype developed throughout subsequent generations. This study suggests that significant alteration to the metabolism of S. oneidensis MR-1 is incurred as a result of X-irradiation and that dose dependent changes to specific biomolecules characterise this response. Irradiated S. oneidensis also displayed enhanced levels of poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxide reduction, though the mechanism underpinning this phenomenon is unclear.

Hematobiochemical changes in ehrlichiosis in dogs of Anand region, Gujarat.

Aim:The present research work was undertaken to study the diagnostic importance of hematobiochemical changes in naturally occurring ehrlichiosis in dogs of Anand region, Gujarat irrespective of their age, breed, and sex.Materials and Methods:Blood samples from a total of 29 dogs of Anand region of Gujarat state were screened for detection of anti-Ehrlichia canis antibodies using Immunocomb® rapid diagnostic kit (Biogal Galed Laboratories, Israel) and subjected to estimation of hematobiochemical parameters by auto hematology analyzers at College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand. Statistical analysis, interpretation and comparison of hematobiochemical changes with scientific literature was carried out in order to understand the pathophysiology of the disease.Results:Of 29 dogs, 18 were positive for naturally occurring ehrlichiosis based on the presence of anti-E. canis antibodies while 11 were negative. Haematology evinced that the mean values of hemoglobin, total erythrocyte counts, platelet count and packed cell volume in dogs with ehrlichiosis decreased significantly (p<0.01) in comparison to healthy dogs. Among differential leucocyte count, mean values of lymphocytes decreased, neutrophils increased, eosinophils decreased and basophils decreased significantly (p<0.05) in dogs with ehrlichiosis in comparison to healthy dogs while statistically non-significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in values of monocytes in dogs with ehrlichiosis and healthy dogs. Among various red blood cells indices, the mean values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration increased significantly (p<0.01) in dogs with ehrlichiosis in comparison to healthy dogs. Serum biochemistry revealed significant (p<0.01) increase in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and creatinine levels as well as decrease in total protein levels in dogs with ehrlichiosis as compared to healthy dogs.Conclusion:Clinical importance of hematobiochemical changes in 18 natural cases of ehrlichiosis in dogs of Anand region, Gujarat irrespective of their age, breed and sex is discussed, which would aid new insights in diagnosis and therapeutic management.

EF-P dependent pauses integrate proximal and distal signals during translation.

Elongation factor P (EF-P) is required for the efficient synthesis of proteins with stretches of consecutive prolines and other motifs that would otherwise lead to ribosome pausing. However, previous reports also demonstrated that levels of most diprolyl-containing proteins are not altered by the deletion of efp. To define the particular sequences that trigger ribosome stalling at diprolyl (PPX) motifs, we used ribosome profiling to monitor global ribosome occupancy in Escherichia coli strains lacking EF-P. Only 2.8% of PPX motifs caused significant ribosomal pausing in the Δefp strain, with up to a 45-fold increase in ribosome density observed at the pausing site. The unexpectedly low fraction of PPX motifs that produce a pause in translation led us to investigate the possible role of sequences upstream of PPX. Our data indicate that EF-P dependent pauses are strongly affected by sequences upstream of the PPX pattern. We found that residues as far as 3 codons upstream of the ribosomal peptidyl-tRNA site had a dramatic effect on whether or not a particular PPX motif triggered a ribosomal pause, while internal Shine Dalgarno sequences upstream of the motif had no effect on EF-P dependent translation efficiency. Increased ribosome occupancy at particular stall sites did not reliably correlate with a decrease in total protein levels, suggesting that in many cases other factors compensate for the potentially deleterious effects of stalling on protein synthesis. These findings indicate that the ability of a given PPX motif to initiate an EF-P-alleviated stall is strongly influenced by its local context, and that other indirect post-transcriptional effects determine the influence of such stalls on protein levels within the cell.