DG Groups Research Articles

Analysis of Diffusion-Weighted and T2-Weighted Imaging in the Prediction of Distinct Granulation Patterns of Somatotroph Adenomas

ObjectiveThe heterogeneity of the somatotroph adenomas, especially for SG and DG subtypes, has attracted great attention in identifying the imaging biomarker of them. The purpose of current study was to compare the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted MRI sequences for preoperatively distinguishing the granulation patterns of somatotroph adenomas. Methods32 patients with clinical diagnosis of somatotroph adenomas from October 2018 to March 2023 were included in this study. Coronal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-weighted MRI sequences data was collected from 3.0T MRI and compared between SG and DG groups. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to confirm the EM pathological subtypes and Ki67 expression levels of somatotroph adenomas postoperatively. ResultsPatients in the SG group had significantly higher signal intensity (SI) ratio of DWI (rDWI) (P<0.001), lower SI ratio of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) (rADC) (P<0.001), and higher SI ratio of T2-weighted imaging (rT2) (P=0.011). The combined diagnose index of rDWI and rADC had the highest diagnostic efficiency predicting SG adenomas (sensitivity, 93.3%; specificity, 88.2%; P < 0.001). The rDWI and rADC value had positive and negative correlations with Ki67 index and tumor maximum diameter, respectively. Lower rADC×103 was an independent predictor for SG adenomas. ConclusionsOur results indicated that compared with previously used T2-weighted imaging, the DWI sequence, especially the combined diagnosis index of rDWI and rADC could more efficiently distinguish the granulation patterns of somatotroph adenomas preoperatively.

EFEITOS DO TREINAMENTO FíSICO SOBRE A VELOCIDADE DOS CICLISTAS

ABSTRACT Introduction Cycling is a competitive sport and has high demands on the athletes themselves, such as versatile use of skills, physical fitness, and explosiveness. Objective Increase the specific speed endurance of athletes. Methods Fourteen prominent male short-distance cyclists were divided into a group of constant cyclists (CG group, n=7) and a group of decreasing cyclists (DG group, n=7) and subjected to a physical training protocol. Results Peak activity and average endurance improved in both groups of athletes; rest periods improved significantly compared to the previous ones, and deceleration decreased by 12.2% and 14.6% in the CG and DG groups, respectively, immediately after the end of the rest period. Latency decreased significantly in both groups (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion Compared with the program with the same number of rides, the training load in the stage-based pilot program with the decreasing number of rides was higher, and the training effect was more significant in the improvement of peak power, 1 km total power maintenance capacity, and anaerobic threshold. The energy supply ratio of aerobic metabolism during exercise at the above intensity was also improved. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Comparison of age-related vascular changes in the optic disc of patients with diabetes, with glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous features

ObjectiveTo identify age-related vascular changes in the optic discs of patients with diabetes with and without signs of glaucoma.Methods and analysisA total of 2153 eyes of 1797 patients with diabetes...

The Effects of Definitional, Sentential, and Textual Vocabulary Learning Strategies on Iranian EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning and Retention

This research investigated the effect of three definitional, sentential, and textual vocabulary learning strategies on Iranian intermediate EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and retention. Based on Oxford Solutions Placement Test, of 94 total population, 66 Iranian EFL learners were selected as homogeneous participants at the intermediate level from a private English Language Institute in Rasht, Iran. Next, according to the quasi-experimental design, characterized by administration of a pretest, treatment, and a posttest and a delayed posttest, the learners were randomly assigned to two experimental groups of textual (TG), sentential (SG), and one control group of definitional, (DG) each with 22 participants. A familiarity test of vocabulary was administered to certify the learners’ familiarity with the targeted vocabulary items. The groups were pretested on their current knowledge of vocabulary, after which they received a 20-session text-based, sentence-based, and definition-based instructions of vocabulary. In addition, all groups attended the posttest of vocabulary at the end of the treatment sessions. The results of the immediate and delayed posttests analyzed using one-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in the performances of the three groups in favor of TG group that gained and retained higher rates of vocabulary items than did the SG and DG groups although the SG group was more successful. Further findings and implications are discussed in the paper. The findings of the research can be utilized by the teachers, materials developers, and education authorities to provide textual-based vocabulary instruction for Iranian EFL learners.

Dysregulation of Angiopoietin‐like Proteins is a Potential Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Dyslipidemia

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is one of the prime nutritional problem globally. Low levels of vitamin D have been shown to correlate with obesity and dyslipidemia, but the mechanism(s) of these effects has not been well studied. Angiopoietin like proteins (ANGPTLs) are a group of proteins known to be involved in lipid metabolism by affecting the lipoprotein lipase activity. A few studies in adults have indicated that vitamin D deficiency regulates ANGPTL3,4 and 8 secretion but the effects of developmental vitamin D deficiency (DVDD) has not been well investigated. In this study, we investigated the effects of DVDD on ANGPTL3, 4 and 8 levels in rat pups. Wistar rat pups were made vitamin D deficient at different developmental stages, namely during gestation (dG group), during lactation (dL group) and during gestation and lactation (dGL group). Liver tissues and serum samples from control (C) and the three DVDD groups were used in this study. Gene expression of ANGPTL3, 4 and 8 in liver tissues were analyzed by RT‐PCR, whereas levels of ANGPTL3 and 4 in serum samples were assessed by using sandwich ELISA. One way ANOVA test revealed that gene expression of ANGPTL3 in dGL and dL groups were significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) compared to control and dG groups. However, gene expression of ANGPTL4 in dGL and dG were significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) compared to control and dG groups. In addition, gene expression of ANGPTL8 was significantly increased in the dGL group, compared to control (p&lt;0.01). The levels of ANGPTL3 in serum samples showed a significant increase in dGL groups only compared to control (p&lt;0.05) whereas levels of ANGPTL4 were significantly decreased in dL and dGL groups compared to control (p&lt;0.01). These results suggest that combined prenatal and postnatal vitamin D deficiency in rat pups increase the levels of ANGPTL3 and 8 and decrease expression of ANGPTL4. The modulations of these ANGPLs due to vitamin D deficiency may be involved in dyslipidemia and its subsequent health effects. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms of ANGPTLs‐modulating effects of vitamin D.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT INTERVAL SPEED TRAINING ON ATHLETE REACTION

ABSTRACT Introduction: High-intensity Intermittent Training (HIIT) ranked first in the ACSM “2013 Global Training Methodology Survey”. Objective: To explore the influence of different speed training intervals on athlete reaction speed. Methods: Sixteen male bicycle athletes were randomly divided into two groups. The two groups then completed a six-week training routine (NT). The two groups then completed a six-week training routine , started 6 weeks of Sprint Interval Training (SIT) (a total of 12 lessons), with SIT instead of Normal Training (NT) live endurance training, and another training remains unchanged. Results: After 6 weeks of NT, Pmax GXT in the CG and DG groups decreased by 0.7% and 1.7%, respectively,as compared to the pre-training numbers. The difference was not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). And after 6 weeks of SIT, Pmax GXT increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) in both experimental groupss,with increases of 9.2% and 10.2% for the CG and DG groups, respectively. Conclusions: The results show that intermittent training can effectively improve the aerobic metabolism of short-haul cyclists. As the power bicycle load and the training intensity and volume of the deceleration intermittent training program increase, the more significant the changes in aerobic capacity that can result in adaptability. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

Two possible in vitro alternatives to evaluate the effect of gastric acid on resin-based composites.

BackgroundObjective: To compare two in-vitro protocols to study the effect of simulated gastric acid on the mechanical properties of resins based composites(RBCs). Material and MethodsThree RBC FILTEK Supreme XTE (FS), BRILLIANT EverGlow (BE), GrandioSo (GS) were used. They were randomly divided into a control group (CG) and two groups exposed to simulated gastric acid: a 6-month daily protocol (DG) and an accelerated 90-min protocol (AG). Vickers microhardness (VH) and flexural strength were evaluated at baseline and six months. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA tests for VH and three-way for flexural strength data (α=0.05). ResultsDaily exposure in the CG and DG groups caused a reduction in VH values and flexural strength (p<0.05). The majority of values in the AG remained stable, after an exposure of 90 min; FS (p=0.118) and GS (p=0.729) in VH and FS (p=0.377), BE (p=0.692) and GS (p=0.672) in flexural strength. ConclusionsDaily exposure during 6 months caused significant changes in the VH values and flexural strength of the RBCs. The acid-accelerated protocol did not cause the same magnitude of change in VH values and flexural strength seen at six months of daily exposure. Key words:Gastric acid, hardness, composite resins, flexural strength, dental materials.

Protective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract ofachillea millefoliumon renal injury and biochemical factors in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

PurposeHerbal medicine has been used for the management of complications of diabetes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the anti-diabetic effects ofAchillea millefoliumextract on diabetic rats.Design/methodology/approachTo this aim, 32 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups in which each group comprised eight rats. The four experimental groups were as follows: control group, diabetic control (DC) group (STZ; 50 mg/kg), diabetic rats, receiving 250 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of theA. millefolium(DAM) and diabetic rats, receiving 5 mg/kg glibenclamide (DG). After 21 days of the treatment course, tissues of the kidney and blood samples were collected for histopathological, biochemical and molecular analysis.FindingsThe concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glucose serum were markedly reduced in the DC group while significantly increased in DG and DAM groups (1.11 ± 0.57 to 19.4 ± 3.5 and 17.8 ± 1.2p = 0.002 and 325 ± 0.18 to 223 ± 0.11 and 211 ± 0.32p = 0.02, respectively). Also, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were markedly reduced in the DC group while significantly increased in DAM and DG groups (9.1 ± 2.21 to 18.7 ± 3.81 and 14.9 ± 3.1p = 0.03 andp = 0.02, respectively). The concentrations of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and urea were substantially decreased in DAM and DG groups as compared with the DC group (0.49 ± 0.02 to 0.27 ± 0.01 and 0.25 ± 0.01p = 0.01, 15.6 ± 2.1 to 7.2 ± 0.68 and 8.6 ± 1.2p = 0.02 and 114 ± 9.4 to 59.8 ± 5.2 and 64 ± 5.2p = 0.03, respectively). Also, Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) expression was significantly decreased in DAM and DG groups as compared with the DC group (1.3 ± 0.32 to 0.91 ± 0.03 and 0.93 ± 0.02p= &lt;0.01) and Bcl-2 expression were significantly increased in DAM and DG groups as compared with the DC group (0.42 ± 0.05 to 0.88 ± 0.07 and 0.85 ± 0.06p = 0.01).Originality/valueDiabetes led to degenerative damages in the kidney of rats and increased the mRNA level of Bax, while treatment withA. millefoliumcould protect the kidney tissue against diabetes complications and increased the mRNA expression of Bcl-2. This study indicated thatA. millefoliumextracts not only improves renal function as a result of anti-oxidant activity but also modulates some biochemical factors in diabetic rats.

Effect of leech-centipede medicine on improving erectile function in diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction rats via PDE5 signalling pathway-related molecules

Context The leech and centipede granules have good curative effects on many diabetic vascular diseases, including diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction (DIED). Objective To explore the effect of leech and centipede on erectile function in rats with diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction and its possible mechanism. Materials and methods Thirty male Sprague–Dawley DIED rats were randomly divided into the model group (Group M), low-dose group (Group DD), high-dose group (Group DG) and tadalafil group (Group T) (n = 6); diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin. Apomorphine was used to induce diabetic erectile dysfunction. The ‘leech-centipede’ granules (0.15 and 0.6 g/kg) were intragastrically administered in the DD and DG groups for 8 weeks. Blood glucose, serum insulin, testosterone, cGMP levels and protein expression changes were measured in each group. Results After 8 weeks, the erectile function of rats in the DG group significantly improved (1.26 ± 0.73). Penis tissue cGMP levels were higher in the DG group (1.48 ± 0.11) than in the M group (0.58 ± 0.15). Protein and mRNA expression levels of NOS were significantly higher (0.77 ± 0.05; 0.61 ± 0.02) but those of PDE5 (0.43 ± 0.05; 0.61 ± 0.03) were lower in the DG group than in the M group (0.37 ± 0.06; 0.51 ± 0.01; 0.78 ± 0.06; 0.81 ± 0.04). Conclusion The leech-centipede can improve erectile dysfunction in DIED rats by regulating the expression of cGMP, NOS, and PDE5-related molecules in the PDE5 pathway. This study provides a potential mechanism for the treatment of DIED with leech-centipede.

Effect of leech-centipede medicine on improving erectile function in DIED rats via PKC signalling pathway-related molecules

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLeeches (pinyin name Shui Zhi; Latin scientific name Hirudo; Hirudinea; Hirudinidae) and centipedes (pinyin name Wu Gong; Latin scientific name Scolopendridae; Chilopoda; Scolopendridae) are traditional Chinese medicines, and they belong to the family entomology. A combination of leech and centipede is used as an effective medicine to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis in traditional Chinese medicine, and “leech-centipede” medicine has been used in many prescriptions to treat diabetic vascular disease, including diabetic erectile dysfunction (DIED). However, its specific mechanism remains unclear and requires in-depth study. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the mechanism of “leech-centipede” medicine to improve erectile dysfunction-associated diabetes by detecting PKC pathway-related molecules. Materials and methodsThe active ingredients of “leech-centipede” medicine were identified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fifty male SPF rats were injected with streptozotocin to induce the DM model. Eight weeks later, the DMED model was validated with apomorphine. The DIED rats were divided into five groups—T,P,DD,DZ, and DG—and were separately treated with tadalafil, pathway inhibitor LY333531 and low-, medium-, and high-dose “leech-centipede” medicine for 8 weeks. After treatment, the blood glucose level was measured, erectile function with apomorphine was assessed, the LOX-1, sE-selectin, sICAM-1, SOD, and MDA in serum was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry was performed. After the collection of penile tissue, the related protein and mRNA expression was assessed by Western blotting and PCR, and the tissue and ultrastructure were analysed by HE staining, immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. ResultsAfter treatment, the erectile function of rats was significantly improved in the T,P,DD,DZ, and DG groups compared with that in the model group. Thus, “leech-centipede” medicine can significantly reduce the levels of LOX-1, sE-selectin, sICAM-1, EMPs and CD62P to protect vascular endothelial function and anti-platelet activation, improving DIED rat erectile function. Additionally, “leech-centipede” medicine can increase SOD expression and decrease MDA expression, reducing the possibility of oxidative stress injury in DIED rats and improving the antioxidant capacity. Moreover, “leech-centipede” therapy can dramatically reduce the protein and mRNA expression of DAG, PKCβ, NF-κB, and ICAM-1, improve vascular endothelial injury in DIED rats and inhibit abnormal platelet activation. Conclusion“leech-centipede” medicine can improve erectile dysfunction by inhibiting the expression of PKC pathway-related molecules in DIED rats and protects endothelial function and anti-platelet activation.

EFFECT OF FLAXSEED EXTRACT ON THE LIVER HISTOLOGICAL STRUCTURE IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has become a serious warning to mankind health all over the world. The management goal of diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels as close as possible to healthy individuals. Medications used to treat diabetes are usually associated with complications and may cause different side effects. Many traditional anti-diabetic plants have become popular in the management of diabetes mellitus. Flaxseed has been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of flaxseed extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.). The rats were divided into five groups of 8 rats each. Group NC, normal control rats; Group NF, normal rats treated with flaxseed extract (400 mg/kg); Group DC, diabetic control rats; Group DG, diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg); Group DF, diabetic rats treated with flaxseed extract (400 mg/kg); for 4 weeks. Results: There were significant increase in relative liver weight, blood glucose levels in DC group comparing to NC group (p<0.05). The disturbance of these parameters was ameliorated in DF and DG groups. Histological observation revealed congestion of central veins, degeneration of hepatocytes, and reduced glycogen granules in DC group. These pathological changes were ameliorated in the flaxseed extract and glibenclamide treated rats. Conclusion: Flaxseed extract may represent a candidate alternative treatment to control diabetes mellitus and its related hepatopathy.

Comparison of unpalatable meal contents between patients who underwent total and distal gastrectomies

Unpalatable meal contents have several impacts on the dietary life of patients who undergo gastrectomy. However, few studies have focused on the unpalatable meal contents according to surgical procedure. This study aims to clarify the differences in the unpalatable meal contents between the patients who underwent total and distal gastrectomies (TG and DG, respectively). This study involved patients (n=341) who underwent TG or DG within 5 years, and a questionnaire of unpalatable meal contents was used. The data on the demographics, operation types, Dysfunction After Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery 20 (DAUGS20) scoring system, and nutrition conditions were confirmed. Furthermore, these were analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared between TG (n=180) and DG (n=161) groups. The unpalatable meal contents that were significantly different between two groups were big in size (p=0.013), solid (p=0.040), rough (p=0.041), and dry (p=0.045), which were more difficulty in the TG group. Furthermore, the strong sour taste was more difficulty in the DG group (p=0.031). The meals which the TG group had difficulty eating were characteristic of sticking or stagnating in the digestive tract, making the passage of food more difficult in the TG patients. This was because they had a smaller storage for foods and a narrower space at the anastomotic region than those who underwent DG. The meal contents were assumed to have been influenced by the surgical procedure. We conclude that the patients in the TG group felt more difficulty in eating the meal contents that could stagnate at the anastomotic region than those in the DG group.

201 Correlation between metaphase II oocyte cytoplasmic granulation patterns and intracytoplasmic sperm injection fertilization outcome in older patients

Cytoplasmic granulation is frequently observed in human MII oocytes in fertility clinics from women requiring early egg retrieval (also called highly individualized egg retrieval, with hCG trigger at lead follicle size 16.0-18.0mm or even less) to avoid premature luteinization. Early retrieval is mostly done for older women (≥36 years old) or younger women with premature ovarian aging. However, only limited reports have focused on detailed analysis of the patterns of cytoplasmic granulation and their correlation with the quality of human oocytes. The aim of this report was to evaluate correlation between granulation patterns of human MII oocytes from early retrieval and the corresponding fertilization rates from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Each MII oocyte was imaged when ICSI was performed. The granulation pattern of each oocyte was reviewed, evaluated, and categorized by the same person as non-granulation (NG, homogeneous, sandy pattern, no granulation or granulation area &amp;lt;1/8 of total cytoplasm), central granulation (CG, ring pattern, a cluster of granules in centre with size &amp;gt;1/4 of oocyte diameter), uneven granulation (UG, sandy-rocky pattern, granulation area &amp;gt;1/8 but &amp;lt;3/4 of total cytoplasm), and dispersed granulation (DG, rocky pattern, granulation area &amp;gt;3/4 of total cytoplasm). Fertilization (pronucleus count, PN) results were then extracted from medical records and matched to the granulation categories. In total, 1759 oocytes done with ICSI in year 2018 were analysed. Fertilization (&amp;lt;2PN, 2PN or &amp;gt;2PN) rates of each group (n=381, n=1222, n=156, respectively) were calculated. Student's t-test was used for group-group comparison analysis. Compared with the NG group, the UG and CG groups had lower 2PN rates (67.2% vs. 84.6%; P&amp;lt;0.001; 73.0% vs. 84.6%; P&amp;lt;0.05; respectively) and the DG group had a much lower 2PN rate (43.3% vs. 84.6%; P&amp;lt;0.001). The UG and CG groups had higher &amp;lt;2PN rates (24.8% vs. 12.1%; P&amp;lt;0.001; 24.3% vs. 12.1%; P&amp;lt;0.001; respectively), and the DG group had a much higher &amp;lt;2PN rate (41.1% vs. 12.1%; P&amp;lt;0.001) than the NG group. For &amp;gt;2PN rates, both UG and DG groups were higher than the NG group (8.0% vs. 3.3%; P&amp;lt;0.05; 15.6% vs. 3.3%; P&amp;lt;0.001; respectively), whereas the DG group was higher than the UG group (15.6% vs. 8.0%). These data demonstrated that dispersed granulation was the worst pattern for fertilization. Interestingly, many of the uneven-granulation group oocytes could become homogeneous (non-granulation) after hours or overnight IVM culture, suggesting that uneven granulation might be a sign of incomplete cytoplasmic maturity. Technically, performing ICSI through the less-granulation side was easier because of less resistance to membrane breaking and to pushing sperm out. Discovering the molecular nature of the granules and related cytoskeleton structures would extend our understanding of their existence and improve treatments by adjusting stimulation and trigger accordingly.

Glycine Supplementation Ameliorates Retinal Neuronal Damage in an Experimental Model of Diabetes in Rats: A Light and Electron Microscopic Study.

PurposeTo investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of glycine supplementation on the retinal ultrastructure of streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.MethodsAdult male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g (n = 40) were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each: normal group (C), glycine + normal group (G), STZ group (D), and glycine + STZ group (DG). The G and DG groups received glycine (130 mM and 1% w/v) freely in their drinking water seven days after the induction of diabetes for up to 16 weeks. Retinal samples for histopathology were examined using light and electron microscopy.ResultsDiabetes-induced histological changes were attenuated in the retinas of rats in the DG group. The ultrastructural alterations produced by experimental diabetes in the inner nuclear layer, outer nuclear layer, and ganglion cell layer were significantly ameliorated by glycine supplementation.ConclusionOur findings suggest that glycine supplementation effectively attenuates retinal neuronal damage in experimental diabetic rats, and thus may be a potential candidate to protect retinal ultrastructure against diabetes.

Surface Topography, Gloss and Flexural Strength of Pressable Ceramic After Finishing-Polishing Protocols.

This study evaluated the effect of different finishing-polishing protocols on surface roughness, gloss, morphology and biaxial flexural strength of pressable fluorapatite glass ceramic. Thirty ceramic discs (12x1 mm) were produced and divided into five groups (n=6): CT: control (glaze); DA: fine grit diamond bur; DG: DA + new glaze layer; DP: DA + felt disk with fine grit diamond paste; DK: DA+ sequential polishing with silicon abrasive instruments, goat hair brush and cotton wheel. The specimens were analyzed for surface roughness (Ra) under profilometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Gloss was measured with spectrophotometry and micromorphology with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Flexural strength was assessed by biaxial flexural strength test. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (a=0.05). DK showed the lowest surface roughness values and DA presented the highest in the perfilometer analysis. No significant differences were observed in the AFM for the CT, DG and DK groups, which presented the lower surface roughness; DA and DP had the higher Ra values. The DA, DP and CT showed the lowest surface gloss values, and the reflectance was significantly different from those observed for DK and DG groups. SEM analysis revealed the smoothest surface for DK group, followed by DG and CT groups; DA and DP groups exhibited variable degrees of surface irregularities. No significant differences were observed among groups for the biaxial flexural strength. The polishing protocol used in DK group can be a good alternative for chairside finishing of adjusted pressable fluorapatite glass ceramic surfaces.

Preliminary Observations of the Effect of Garlic on Egg Shedding in Horses Naturally Infected by Intestinal Strongyles

Intestinal strongyles are the most common endoparasites of horses, and anthelmintic treatments are the main strategy to control these nematodes. However, the development of anthelmintic resistance has led to a decreased efficacy of synthetic drugs, and for this reason, there is a growing interest in alternative control strategies as the use of medicinal plants. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vivo efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) in horses naturally infected by intestinal strongyles. The field trial was conducted in a horse trotter farm in Southern Italy. Fifteen mares were selected based on fecal egg count >200 eggs per gram and allocated into three groups of five animals: fresh garlic group (FG group), animals received 40 g of fresh crushed garlic once daily for 15 days; dry garlic group (DG group), animals received 40 g of commercial dry garlic flakes food supplement once daily for 15 days; and control group (C group), not treated. Two weeks after the first administration of garlic, fecal egg count reduction test showed failure of garlic to reduce intestinal strongyles egg shedding (−11.7% and −19.4% for FG and DG groups, respectively). Red blood cell count values were in the normal ranges over the entire period of garlic administration. In our study model, the oral administration of garlic formulations has no effect on reducing the egg shedding of intestinal strongyles, and the garlic supplementation over a short period of time is not responsible for hematological changes in horses.

Effect of Flaxseed Extract on the Liver Histological Structure in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has become a serious warning to mankind health all over the world. The management goal of diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels as close as possible to healthy individuals. Medications used to treat diabetes are usually associated with complications and may cause different side effects. Many traditional anti-diabetic plants have become popular in the management of diabetes mellitus. Flaxseed has been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of flaxseed extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.). The rats were divided into five groups of 8 rats each. Group NC, normal control rats; Group NF, normal rats treated with flaxseed extract (400 mg/kg); Group DC, diabetic control rats; Group DG, diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg); Group DF, diabetic rats treated with flaxseed extract (400 mg/kg); for 4 weeks. Results: There were significant increase in relative liver weight, blood glucose levels in DC group comparing to NC group (p&lt;0.05). The disturbance of these parameters was ameliorated in DF and DG groups. Histological observation revealed congestion of central veins, degeneration of hepatocytes, and reduced glycogen granules in DC group. These pathological changes were ameliorated in the flaxseed extract and glibenclamide treated rats. Conclusion: Flaxseed extract may represent a candidate alternative treatment to control diabetes mellitus and its related hepatopathy.

The effect of He–Ne and Ga–Al–As lasers on the healing of oral mucosa in diabetic mice

Delayed wound healing is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to accelerate wound healing however the effect of LLLT on the hard palate wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ-D) mice has not yet been characterized. This study aims to determine the effect of LLLT (He–Ne and Ga–Al–As laser) on the process of wound healing in the hard palate among diabetic and non-diabetic mice. 90 adult male mice were divided into six groups. Type 1 diabetes mellitus was induced in three groups by means of injection of STZ. Of these, one group was irradiated with He–Ne laser (DH group), one with Ga–Al–As laser (DG group) and one did not undergo any LLLT (DC group). The remaining groups were non-diabetic which were allotted to laser therapy with He–Ne laser (NH group) or with Ga–Al–As laser (NG group) or no LLLT (NC group). Five animals from each group were killed on the third, seventh, and fourteenth days after surgery, and biopsies were made for histological analysis. On the 3rd and 7th days after the surgery, the number of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in NH, DH, NG, and DG groups was significantly lower than that of the control groups. On the 3rd, 7th and 14th days, the fibroblasts and new blood vessel counts and collagen fibers in diabetic laser treated groups (DG and DH) were significantly higher compared to that of NC, DC, NH and NG groups. On the 7th and 14th days, the fibroblasts and new blood vessel counts and collagen fibers in NH, DH, NG, and DG groups were also significantly higher than that of the control groups, and the fibroblast and new blood vessel counts and collagen density fibers in NH and DH groups were higher than that of the NG and DG groups. LLLT with He–Ne laser compared to Ga–Al–As laser has a positive healing effect on hard palate gingival wounds in STZ-D mice.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Perforated Duodenal Ulcer Disease: Analysis of 70 Consecutive Cases From a Single Surgeon.

In the surgical treatment of perforated duodenal ulcer disease, laparoscopic surgery has become a key technique. However, difficult cases are not eligible for laparoscopic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for postoperative complications and to examine the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery. Seventy duodenal ulcer perforation patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between July 2010 and March 2014 were reviewed. The type of surgery was chosen on the basis of the size of the perforation. All patients were classified into 2 groups according to the surgical treatment method: primary repair with omentopexy (PR group, n=56) and distal gastrectomy with truncal vagotomy (DG group, n=14). No conversions to open surgery occurred. Three deaths (mortality rate, 4.1%) occurred within 90 postoperative days. Postoperative complications, including 5 severe complications, occurred in 9 patients. There were no differences between the PR and DG groups, except in the mean operation time. In univariate analysis, history of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, American Society of Anesthesiologist score (over 3), presence of shock, and time to surgery from symptom onset until surgery (over 48 h) were prognostic factors for postoperative complications. Of particular note, the different perforation sizes were not significantly different. Multivariate analysis showed that history of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and treatment delay (48 h) were independent risk factors for overall postoperative complications. The presence of shock on admission was a risk factor for severe postoperative complications. Our results suggest that laparoscopic surgery may be applied to all duodenal ulcer perforations. However, because of the learning period, we believe that laparoscopic surgery may not be suited to every surgeon. However, when performed by laparoscopic experts, laparoscopic surgery can be a valuable approach for treating difficult duodenal ulcer perforations.

Productivity results and physiological response of the gastrointestinal tract of rabbits fed diets containing rapeseed cake and wheat distillers dried grains with solubles

This study was aimed at determining the possibility of applying rapeseed cake (RC) and wheat distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets for HYPLUS meat-type rabbits (n = 64, aged 35–84 days). Control diet (SC) contained 5% of extracted soybean meal. In RC diet, the soybean meal was replaced by RC, in DG diet – by wheat DDGS, whereas in RC–DG diet – by a mixture of RC and wheat DDGS (2.5% each). The study included production analyses, digestibility-balance experiment and physiological assessment of gut response to experimental factors hence data was collected on daily bodyweight gains, feed intake and slaughter performance, nutrients digestibility, nitrogen retention and gut response. The latter included assessment of parameters describing the small intestinal, cecal, and colonic environment of rabbits (e.g. digesta viscosity, ammonia concentration, bacterial enzymes activity, short-chain fatty acid concentration). The highest productivity results were reported for SC group and the lowest ones for DG group. The RC and RC–DG groups were characterised by intermediate productivity. Dressing percentage and contents of carcass elements did not differ among the groups (except for the hind part). Nutrients digestibility and nitrogen retention were the highest in the SC group and the lowest in DG group. The dietary incorporation of DDGS resulted in undesired responses of the gastrointestinal tract including excessively watery digesta in the small intestine, increased concentration of cecal and colonic ammonia, enhanced activity of potentially harmful bacterial β-glucuronidase in cecal digesta, and increased cecal concentration of putrefactive short-chain fatty acids. These negative effects were not due to RC and RC–DG dietary treatments, apart from decreased dry matter concentration in the small intestine in the RC–DG group. In general, the results of our study demonstrated that 5% rape cake can be successfully incorporated into rabbit dietary regimen as a substitute of dietary soybean meal. Considering that the productivity of rabbits fed 2.5% of DDGS (with 2.5% rape cake) and these receiving 5% rape cake was comparable, optional seems also dietary inclusion of up to 2.5% wheat DDGS The higher content of DDGS (5%) in the diet deteriorated most of the growth parameters of rabbits.