Injection Of Distilled Water Research Articles

Modified selective non-catalytic reduction system to reduce NOx gas emission in biodiesel powered engines

Biodiesel fuels releases higher NOx emissions than fossil diesel. The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technique used in the OEM industry is not suitable for application in small engines due to back pressure and clogging problems. Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) is used in relatively large combustion operations. This study introduces a new design by combining SCR and SNCR systems, for use in low power density diesel engines. The system composed of injection-expansion pipe and swirl chamber. The working principle is maximum mixing of the injected fluid and exhaust gas in the expansion chamber, then creating a maximum turbulence in the swirl chamber. This way NOx emission can be reduced at relatively lower exhaust temperatures without using any catalyst. The CFD models of three design candidates were examined in terms of velocity magnitudes, turbulence intensity and particle residence time. The selected design was manufactured and tested. Distilled water and urea-water solution were injected separately at the same flow rate of 375 ml/min. Exhaust emissions of fossil diesel, sheep fat biodiesel – waste cooking oil biodiesel blend and chicken fat – cottonseed biodiesel blend were tested. No significant changes in CO2 and HC gases were observed. Distilled water injection reduced CO and NO emissions by about 10% and 6% for fossil diesel; and by about 9% and 7% for biodiesels operation respectively. The urea-water injection led to reductions in CO and NO emissions by about 60% and 13% for fossil diesel; and by about 45% and 15% for biodiesels respectively.

Protective effect of Danhong injection on retina of diabetic rats

AIM: To observe the protective effect of Danhong injection on retina of diabetic rats and explore its mechanism. METHODS: Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, diabetic group, Danhong intervention group and blank intervention group. The rats in the latter three groups were injected with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) into the abdominal cavity to establish diabetic retinopathy rat model. On the day after successful modeling, Danhong treatment group was injected with 5 mL/kg Danhong injection intraperitoneally every day, while the blank intervention group was treated with intraperitoneal injection of distilled water with the same volume as Danhong treatment group. Therapeutic effects were observed from two levels: retinal vascular disease and nerve injury. Retinal morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining at the level of vascular disease. The expression of retinal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Neurological injury level: Tunel staining was used to observe apoptotic cells, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of retinal ganglion cells. RESULTS: Vascular level: in the normal group, the structure of retinal tissues showed clear layers. The structure of the diabetic group and blank intervention group was more disordered than that of the normal group, and the Danhong treatment group was better than that of the diabetic group and blank intervention group. Compared with the diabetic group and blank intervention group the expression of VEGF in danhong intervention group decreased. Neurological injury level: there was a larger degree of apoptosis of ganglion cells in the diabetic group and the blank intervention group, while the number of apoptotic cells in the Danhong intervention group was lower than the diabetic group and blank intervention group. CONCLUSION: Danhong injection has protective effect on the retina of diabetic rats. It can improve the condition of retinal ischemia and hypoxia by down-regulating VEGF, reduce the formation of retinal neovascularization. At the same time, it can reduce the apoptosis of retinal nerve cells to acertain extent.

Histochemical Study of the Rat Uterine Glycoconjugate Alteration following Treatment with Exogenous Gonadotropic Hormones during the Implantation Period.

One of the female causes of infertility is anovulation which is treatable with gonadotropin hormones. These hormones affect the molecular organization of the uterus such as glycoconjugates that are the first site of contact between the blastocyst and the uterus. The objective of this project was to study the alteration of glycoconjugates on the uterine apical, Golgi zone, and basement membrane of epithelial cells and the uterine gland after hyperstimulation with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) (4, 8, 16, 24, and 40 IU), during the implantation period. Injection of PMSG (in experimental groups) and injection of distilled water (in the control group) were followed by HCG administration (10 IU), mating, isolation of positive vaginal plug rats, and killing at 5.5 days of pregnancy. Histochemistry was done on the pregnant uterine horns with the use of WGA, DBA, PNA, ConA, SBA, and UEA lectins. The intensity of the immunohistochemical staining was scored, and quantitative data were generated. 4 IU did not show any significant differences with the control, 8 IU had less effect on the alteration of the Golgi zone, and apical and basement membrane glycoconjugates and 40 IU had the least effects on the alteration of uterine gland glycoconjugates. Also, 24 IU had the most effect on the alteration of uterine glycoconjugates. Understanding of the effects of gonadotropin hormones at the uterine level in implantation time helps to optimize hormonal manipulation for improving the outcome of assisted reproductive procedures. It seems that the optimal dose for superovulation and less alteration in uterine glycoconjugates of rats at implantation time were induced by the administration of 8 IU PMSG.

Protective Effect of Polydeoxyribonucleotide Against CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice.

PurposePolydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is a substance known to suppress inflammation and accelerate wound healing. In this experiment, the effect of PDRN treatment on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-evoked acute liver injury (ALI) was investigated using mice.MethodsWe analyzed the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and conducted hematoxylin and eosin staining in accompany with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining. Western blot analysis was also conducted to assess the expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, adenosine A2A receptor, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). The mice were received intraperitoneal injection of 10-mL/kg CCl4, 4 times, once every 2 days. The mice in the PDRN treatment groups received intraperitoneal injection of 200-μL distilled water comprising each concentration of PDRN for 7 days starting 1 day after first CCl4 injection.ResultsALT and AST concentrations in the serum were reduced and TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expressions were decreased by PDRN injection in CCl4-evoked ALI mice. PDRN injection suppressed Bax versus Bcl-2 ratio and reduced the percentage of TUNE-positive cells in CCl4-evoked ALI mice. PDRN injection overexpressed adenosine A2A receptor in CCl4-evoked ALI mice.ConclusionsThe therapeutic efficacy of PDRN also can be expected for CCl4-evoked acute urogenital injury in addition to ALI. The current research suggests that PDRN may be used for the therapeutic agent of CCl4-evoked ALI.

Lab-on-paper for all-in-one molecular diagnostics (LAMDA) of zika, dengue, and chikungunya virus from human serum

Several tropical fever viruses transmitted by mosquitoes including zika, dengue, and chikungunya, are becoming a serious problem in global public health. Simple diagnostic tools in early stages are strongly required to monitor and prevent these diseases. Paper diagnostic platforms can provide a solution for these needs, with integration of fluidic control techniques and isothermal amplification methods. Here, we demonstrate a Lab-on-paper for all-in-one molecular diagnostics of zika, dengue, and chikungunya virus from human serum. The entire process of nucleic acid testing that involves sampling, extraction, amplification, and detection is simply operated on a single paper chip. Based on the engineered structure of paper materials and dried chemicals on the all-in-one chip, serum samples containing the target virus RNA were simply added by automatic flow from distilled water injection. Target RNA molecules were concentrated on the binding pad with chitosan and then transported to reaction pads following a pH increase for specific reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification with fluorescence signal generation. Three targets, zika virus, dengue virus, and chikungunya virus, in human serum were simultaneously detected on the all-in-one paper chip within 60 min at 65 °C. The all-in-one paper chip can be used as a real-time quantitative assay for 5–5000 copies of zika virus RNA. This all-in-one device was successfully used with 5 clinical specimens of zika and dengue virus from real patients. We believe that the proposed all-in-one paper chip can provide a portable, low-cost, user-friendly, sensitive, and specific NAT platform with great potential in point-of-care diagnostics.

Comparative Analgesic Effects of Intradermal and Subdermal Injection of Sterile Water on Active Labor Pain.

BackgroundThe labor pain is one of the factors encouraging pregnant women for cesarean section delivery. Recently, intradermal and subdermal injection of distilled water has shown to be effective in improving this pain.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to determine which method has a greater impact on labor pain reduction.MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 121 nulliparous women with a gestational age of ≥ 37 weeks were randomly divided into three groups: (1) 0.5 cc sterile water injection subdermally at four sacral points with insulin needles (n = 40); (2) 0.5 cc sterile water injection intradermally (n = 39); and (3) needle contact with the mentioned points as the placebo (n = 42). Before the intervention, the VAS score was measured for labor pain, and it was repeated 10, 30, 60, and 90 min after the intervention. The results were compared between the three groups.ResultsBefore the intervention, the mean VAS pain score had no significant difference between the three groups. However, 30, 60, and 90 min after the intervention, the mean pain score was significantly lower in the intradermal and subdermal injection groups than in the control group (P = 0.001); however, the difference between the intradermal and subdermal injection groups was not significant.ConclusionsThe injection of distilled water by either intradermal or subdermal method was associated with a significant reduction in the pain score during labor, but there was no difference between these two methods in terms of decreasing labor pain. As sterile water injection is a safe, effective, and low-cost method, it is proposed to increase the knowledge of midwives and obstetricians about this method.

English

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are one of the famous widely produced nanoparticles in the world that are widely used in paints, cosmetics, plastics, pharmaceutical preparations, water treatment and purification and filtration of air. Beta carotene is provitamin A carotenoid with antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the histopathological changes that occur in the testicular tissue of adult albino rats after intraperitoneal injection of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and to clarify possible protective role of beta carotene against this toxicity. 48 adult male albino rats weighing 180 to 200 g was divided into 4 groups: (I) Control group which consisted of 24 rats divided into 3 equal subgroups (Subgroup Ia (negative control): Received balanced diet for 14 days; Subgroup Ib (positive control): received intraperitoneal injection of distilled water for 14 days; Subgroup Ic: received corn oil by gastric gavage for 21 days (positive control)). Beta carotene group (positive control) which consisted of 8 rats received oral beta carotene 10 mg/kg once daily by gastric gavage for 21 days. The treated group which consisted of 8 rats received intraperitoneal (IP) injection of TiO2 nanoparticles (300 mg/kg) daily for 14 days. The protective group which consisted of 8 rats received 10 mg/kg beta carotene for 7 days by gavage then intraperitoneal (IP) injection of TiO2 nanoparticles (300 mg/kg) for 14 days together with10 mg/kg beta carotene by gavage. Testicular sections were stained with H&E, Masson’s trichrome, vimentin immunohistochemical staining. Serum testosterone level along with quantitative real-time PCR for TNFα gene was measured and statistical analysis was done. Results revealed that marked histopathological changes in testicular tissue was observed in TDN treated group which was improved by co-administration of beta carotene. In addition, statistically significant difference in TNFα expression in testicular tissue, testosterone level, body weights, testes weights and sperm count, motility, tubular dimensions, thickness of capsule in TDN treated group compared to the control group and protective group which showed significant improvement. Thus, titanium dioxide nanoparticles have hazardous effect on testis and that can be improved by beta carotene co-administration. Key words: Adult albino rats, testes, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, β-carotene and gene expression.

The impact of in ovo injection of l-arginine on hatchability, immune system and caecum microflora of broiler chickens.

The present article was conducted to evaluate the effect of in ovo injection of arginine on hatchability, immune system and caecum microflora of broiler chickens. For this reason, 300 fertile eggs were used in a completely randomized design with three experimental treatments. The experimental groups included: 1%-0.5% l-arginine (100eggs), 2%-1% l-arginine (100eggs), 3- control [included both sham control (injection of distilled water; 50eggs) and control (no injection; 50eggs)], which were injected on d 14 of incubation. After hatching, chicks of each experimental group (0.5% l-arginine, 1% l-arginine, and control groups) were randomly divided into four equal groups (as replicates) and reared for 30days. Weight and feeding of chickens were recorded. Next, blood samples of chickens were collected on day 30 to evaluate antibody titre. Also, chickens were slaughtered on 24 and 30days of the experiment to evaluate immune system organs and caecum microflora. Based on the results, in ovo injection of l-arginine had no significant effect on hatchability, body weight, antibody titre, spleen, bursa of Fabricius and thymus weight (p>.05). On the other hand, treatments significantly affected feed intake and feed conversion ratio (p<.05). As a novel finding, in ovo injection of l-arginine increased caecal Lactobacillus (p<.01), while decreasing Coliform and Escherichia Coli bacteria (p<.01). However, treatments did not influence caecal Enterococcus (p>.05). The overall results indicated that in ovo injection of 0.5% l-arginine had a better improving effect on caecal microflora and then considered as a recommended level of the present experiment.

Combination of a new natural surfactant and smart water injection for enhanced oil recovery in carbonate rock: Synergic impacts of active ions and natural surfactant concentration

By increasing oil demand in carbonate reservoirs, enhanced oil recovery techniques play key role in improving oil production. Surfactant flooding and smart water injection are already well known as effective enhanced oil recovery techniques that increase oil recovery by reduction of oil-water interfacial tension and the alteration of rock wettability. In this work, a new plant-base natural surfactant, named Tribulus Terrestris is introduced and combined with smart water samples (i.e. synthetic seawater with different concentrations of active Ca2+, Mg2+ and SO42− ions) to determine their individual and integrated effects on reduction in interfacial tension, wettability alteration and oil recovery in carbonate rock samples.It was observed that increasing concentrations of SO42− up to 2.5 times resulted in maximum wettability restoration among active ions (by changing contact angle from 145.9° to 54.4°). Experimental results also showed that the effect of the concentration of active ions on wettability alteration was more significant compared to their effect on decreasing oil-water interfacial tension. In addition, the Tribulus Terrestris surfactant reduced oil-water interfacial tension considerably (from 45.3 mN/m to 13.5 mN/m at Critical Micelle Concentration of 0.3 wt %); hence, it was used as smart water modifier to integrate effects of wettability alteration (by smart water) and reduction in interfacial tension (by new natural surfactant). Core flooding experiments demonstrated increased oil recovery from 45.2% for distilled water injection up to 64% and 72% for smart water and combined smart water-surfactant respectively.

Radioprotective effect of grape seed extract against gamma irradiation in mouse bone marrow cells.

Ionizing radiations produce free radicals which are often responsible for DNA damage or cell death. Grape seed extract (GSE) is a natural compound having an antioxidant that protects DNA, lipids, and proteins from free radical damages. In this study, radioprotective effect of the GSE has been investigated in mouse bone marrow cells using micronucleus test. Four groups of mice were investigated in this study: Mice in Group 1 were subjected to injection of distilled water with no irradiation. Mice in Group 2 were exposed to 3 Gy gamma radiation after the injection of distillated water. Mice in Group 3 were injected with 200 mg/kg of the GSE without any irradiation. In another group, mice were exposed to three gray gamma irradiation after the injection of GSE. Animals were killed, and slides were prepared from the bone marrow cells 24 h after irradiation. The slides were stained with May Grunwald-Giemsa method and analyzed microscopically. The frequency of the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs), micronucleated normochromatic erythrocyte (MnNCEs), and polychromatic erythrocyte/polychromatic erythrocyte + normochromatic erythrocyte (PCE/PCE + NCE) ratios was calculated. Injection of GSE significantly decreased the frequency of MnPCEs (P < 0.0001) and MnNCEs (P < 0.05) and increased the ratio of PCE/PCE + NCE (P < 0.0001) compared to the irradiated control group. GSE could reduce clastogenic and cytotoxic effects of gamma irradiation in mice bone marrow cells; therefore, it can be concluded that the GSE is a herbal compound with radioprotective effects against gamma irradiation. Free radical scavenging and the antioxidant effects of the GSE probably are responsible mechanisms for the GSE radioprotective effects.

The Effect of Subcutaneous and Intracutaneous Injections of Sterile Water and Normal Saline on Pain Intensity in Nulliparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:Normal vaginal delivery is considered a painful process and it is difficult to tolerate the pain. The goal of this study was to compare the effect of injection of sterile distilled water and normal saline on pain intensity in nulliparous women.Materials and Methods:This triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on 164 nulliparous women randomly selected from among those who were hospitalized in Motahari Hospital of Jahrom, Iran, from 1 May 2012 to 1 October 2013. Women with a gestational age of 37–42 weeks, dilatation of 4–6 cm, and delivery 180 min after the intervention were selected. The subjects were randomly allocated to four groups of intracutaneous and subcutaneous sterile water and normal saline injections. Pain severity was measured 5 min before the injection and every 30 min up to 3 h after the injection using a visual analog scale. The data were analyzed using Chi-square, Scheffe, and Spearman's correlation tests in SPSS software.Results:There was no significant difference among the four studied groups concerning gestational age and other demographic characteristics. Chi-square test showed lower pain intensity 120 min after the injection in group 4 (subcutaneous injection of normal saline) (F3 = 14.75, p < 0.001) and 150 min after the injection in group 3 (intracutaneous injection of normal saline) (F3 = 14.75, p < 0.001). Chi-square test showed that the duration of the second stage of labor was shorter in group 4 participants (subcutaneous injection of normal saline) (F3 = −12.23, p < 0.001).Conclusions:The study showed that subcutaneous and intracutaneous injection of normal saline reduced the intensity of pain during childbirth.

CD3+ B-1a Cells as a Mediator of Disease Progression in Autoimmune-Prone Mice.

B-1a cells are distinguishable from conventional B cells, which are designated B-2 cells, on the basis of their developmental origin, surface marker expression, and functions. In addition to the unique expression of the CD5 antigen, B-1a cells are characterized by the expression level of CD23. Although B-1a cells are considered to be independent of T cells and produce natural autoantibodies that induce the clinical manifestations of autoimmune diseases, there is much debate on the role of B-1a cells in the development of autoimmune diseases. We examined the involvement of B-1a cells in autoimmune-prone mice with the lpr gene. MRL/lpr and B6/lpr mice exhibited lupus and lymphoproliferative syndromes because of the massive accumulation of CD3+CD4-CD8-B220+ T cells. Interestingly, the B220+CD23-CD5+ (B-1a) cell population in the peripheral blood and peritoneal cavity increased with age and disease progression. Ninety percent of B-1a cells were CD3 positive (CD3+ B-1a cells) and did not produce tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, or interleukin-10. To test the possible involvement of CD3+ B-1a cells in autoimmune disease, we tried to eliminate the peripheral cells by hypotonic shock through repeated intraperitoneal injections of distilled water. The fraction of peritoneal CD3+ B-1a cells decreased, and symptoms of the autoimmune disease were much milder in the distilled water-treated MRL/lpr mice. These results suggest that CD3+ B-1a cells could be mediators of disease progression in autoimmune-prone mice.

The Effect of Zinc-Deficient Pregnant Albino Rats on the Retinal Development of their Embryos and Offspring: Light Microscopic and Immunohistochemical Study

AbstractBackground: Zinc is involved in many biochemical func-tions. Over 300 enzymes require zinc for their activation and nearly 2000 transcription factors require zinc for gene expres-sion. Zinc is also an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Nutritional deficiency of zinc may affect nearly 2 billion subjects in the developing world.Aim of Study: Because of the prevalence of malnutrition throughout the world this study was carried out to detect the possible effects of zinc-deficient pregnant albino rats on the retinal development of their embryos and offspring.Material and Methods: Female rats after mating were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: One control group received single intraperitoneal injection of distilled water on day 9 of gestation and one experimental group received intraperitoneal injections of 1.10 phenanthroline (zinc chelator purchased from Sigma Company), in a single dose of 30 mg/kg on day 9 of gestation. From the embryos and offspring of both control and treated mothers (at the following prenatal gestational days: 13, 15, 17, 19 and the following postnatal days: (newborn, 7 days, 15 days and 21 days), retinal specimens were processed for Haematoxylin & Eosin staining technique and immunohistochemical study using caspase-3 antibody was used to detect apoptosis in the postnatal age groups.Results: The light microscopic study of the 13 days zinc deficient embryo retina showed apparent shrinkage of the lens vesicle and the optic cup was well formed but it appeared to be shrunken. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of 15th, 17th and 19th day old zinc-deficient embryos consistently contained apoptotic cells with vacuolated cytoplasm and rarified nuclei. The neuroblastic layer showed apparent de-crease in thickness and less mitotic features. The ganglion cell layer revealed numerous deeply stained pyknotic nuclei in the 19th gestational day. Retinae of the newborn, 7 days, 15 days, 21 days-old zinc deficient albino rats showed that the (RPE) contained some vacuolated cells with pyknotic nuclei. The organization of the retina was altered in zinc deficient rats. In addition, apparent reduction in the total retinal thickness and degenerative changes in some layers were observed. By the immunohistochemical study, there was intense positive caspase-3 reaction in all layers of the treated rat retina.Conclusion: This study revealed that zinc has a role in the developing rat retina and its deficiency causes cytoarchi-tectural and maturational changes in the retina of the albino rats. These histological changes may impair the visual functions of the retina; so it is recommended that further investigations should be carried out to determine the relevancy of deprivation of zinc as an etiologic factor in the development of retinal degeneration.

EVI1 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Triggers Metabolic Reprograming Associated with Leukemogenesis and Increases Sensitivity to L-Aspalaginase

Leukemia cells survive and proliferate under conditions of metabolic stress by acquiring mutations that increase energy metabolism. Here, we aimed to identify a specific metabolic inhibitor and examine transcription factor-enhanced changes in energy metabolism by refractory leukemia cells. Overexpression of Ecotropic Virus Integration site 1 protein homolog (EVI1) in adults and children with mixed lineage leukemia-rearrangement acute myeloid leukemia (MLL-r AML) has a very poor prognosis. We focused on metabolic reprograming of MLL leukemia cells expressing EVI1, since the metabolic relationship between MLL and EVI1 is unclear. We used an extracellular flux analyze to examine metabolic changes during leukemia development in a mouse model of MLL-r AML expressing high levels of EVI1 (EVI1+).To examine whether EVI1 regulates energy metabolism in MLL-rearranged leukemia cells, we used transgenic mice expressing EVI1 (TG) in LSK and GMP cells model in which AML is driven by the MLL-AF9 oncogene. We measured oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) using a flux analyzer. TG MLL-AF9 mice showed a significantly higher basal and capacity of OCR than WT MLL-AF9 mice ex vivo. EVI1+ cells showed accelerated oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) prior to activation of glycolysis, and higher dependency on glutamine as an energy source. To identify the metabolic pathways regulated by EVI1, we performed capillary electrophoresis time-of-fight mass spectrometry-based metabolome profiling of WT and TG MLL-AF9 leukemia cells. We found significant differences between the cells in terms of the amounts of metabolites derived from the glycolytic and TCA cycles. Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and lactate were up-regulated in TG MLL-AF9 cells, implying activation of glycolysis. Moreover, the amounts of fumarate and malate (metabolites of the TCA cycle) were significantly higher in TG MLL-AF9 cells. EVI1 played a role in glycolysis as well as driving expression of genes engaged in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Next, we tested whether pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis and glutaminolysis suppresses MLL-AF9. L-asparaginase (ASP) [which catalyzes hydrolysis of asparagine (Asn) and glutamine (Gln) to asparatic acid or glutamic acid, respectively] markedly suppressed proliferation of TG MLL-AF9 cells, EVI1highAML cell lines. To examine the therapeutic potential of ASP in vivo, we treated secondary recipients of TG MLL-AF9 AML cells with ASP or control (vehicle), beginning 5 days post-transplantation. Mice then received intraperitoneal injections (five times per week) of distilled water or ASP (1000 U/kg). ASP led to a significant reduction in the number of GFP+ AML cells in the peripheral blood and increased the survival of recipient mice. Next, we examined an AML xenograft model. Two groups of NOG mice were injected subcutaneously with UCSD/AML1 cells and then treated with ASP or control. ASP -treated mice showed a significant reduction in the growth of AML tumors. Overall, these findings indicate that ASP -mediated inhibition of OXPHOS is a potential treatment for AML.We clarified that increased glutamine dependency by MLL-r AML cells showing high EVI1 expression makes them sensitive to ASP. We found that the energy advantage of AML cells is acquired via transcription factor-mediated activation of mitochondrial metabolism, leading to a poor prognosis. Furthermore, we show that new therapeutic options can be identified by examining the energy-based metabolic characteristics of leukemia cells. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Gas Diffusion Media and NaCl Contamination of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells for Marine Applications

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are able to operate with high efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet exhaust gas (SOx, NOx and PM) regulations. Therefore, the application of PEFCs for marine vessels will be an effective means of reducing environmental impact and solving energy crisis problems. Some projects related to the commercialization of PEFC vessels are being performed in Japan as a prelude to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. Marine PEFCs require special output power characteristics that allow long-term operation under high load conditions and responsiveness to rapid load fluctuations. The enhancements of durability, reliability, and tolerance for the harsh conditions commonly faced in marine environments (such as ship vibrations and sea salt exposure) are essential to the commercialization of marine PEFCs. A PEFC system consists of a cell stack and ancillary units, such as cooling, hydrogen and air feeds and humidification systems. A number of single cells are normally connected in series to produce high output power, and the abnormal operation of even a single cell can result in malfunction of the entire cell stack. Therefore, detecting the abnormal operational conditions is essential to enhance the durability and reliability of marine PEFCs and to ensure long-term safe and stable operation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a technique suitable for the real-time diagnosis of operating PEFCs. The present work investigated the effects of abnormal variations in the cell temperature and the flow rate and relative humidity of supplied gases (caused by malfunctions of ancillary units) on the cell resistance and capacitance values in an equivalent circuit model using EIS analysis. Both increasing the cell temperature and decreasing the supplied gas humidity degrade the proton conductivity, thereby raising the ohmic resistance. It is therefore essential to maintain the hydration of the membrane so as to obtain sufficient proton conductivity. However, overly high gas humidity will allow liquid water to accumulate in the electrode, the gas diffusion layer and the separator flow channels. This reduces the supply of oxygen to the electrode, thereby increasing the mass transport resistance. The gas diffusion layer coated with a microporous layer containing hydrophilic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was effective at preventing both membrane dehydration and flooding regardless of the humidity conditions. The effect of injecting a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution into the cathode inlet air on the PEFC performance was also evaluated. The cell voltage at a constant current density of 0.5 Acm-2 decreased from 0.71V to 0.62V after injecting a NaCl solution for a span of 2 h. The reduced cell voltage could be attributable to lowered proton conductivity due to the displacement of protons in the membrane by sodium ions. The presence of chloride ions would block active Pt sites and accelerate the dissolution of Pt. These effects reduced the total active area at the catalyst layer during operation. The presence of NaCl in the cathode air stream increased all the resistances, thus degrading the cell performance. However, the increase in the charge transfer resistance was the most significant. The effect of injecting distilled water instead of a NaCl solution after detecting performance degradation due to NaCl contamination was evaluated. The extent of chlorine ions adsorption on Pt in the catalyst layer was relatively low during the initial stage of performance degradation. The cell voltage increased gradually for 6 h after initiating the injection of distilled water, and reached to a constant value of 0.69V, which represented a recovery value of 97% compared with that obtained under normal conditions without NaCl contamination. Injecting distilled water after the initial detection of abnormal operational conditions was evidently effective at recovering the cell performance at this early stage.

Analgesic Effect of Valerian Root and Turnip Extracts.

BACKGROUNDMedicinal plants are considered as one of the important sources of chemical substances with therapeutic effects. This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of alcoholic extract of valerian root and turnip in rats. METHODSFifty female Wistar rats weighing 190 g were divided into 5 equal groups of control (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin in the right foot), sham (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin+distilled water), experimental 1 (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin+200 mg/kg turnip extract), experimental 2 (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin 2+200 mg/kg valerian root extract) and experimental 3 (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin+200 mg/kg turnip extract+200 mg/kg valerian root extract). The time duration of 0-5 and 16-60 minutes after injection of formalin were respectively considered as acute and chronic phases. Injection of distilled water and the extracts was conducted 30 minutes before assessing the analgesic effects. RESULTSA significant decrease in pain score in the acute phase was observed in the group received valerian root extract compared to the control group. Also, a significant reduction in pain score was noted in the acute and chronic phases of the group receiving simultaneous administration of valerian root and turnip extracts when compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONSimultaneous use of valerian root and turnip extracts is recommended for analgesic effects in both acute and chronic phases of the pain.

Lung and liver responses to 1- and 7-day treatments with LASSBio-596 in mice subchronically intoxicated by microcystin-LR

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) can cause serious injuries upon short- and long-term exposures that can be prevented by LASSBio-596 (LB-596), an anti-inflammatory compound. We aimed to test LB-596 following subchronic exposure to MC-LR. Swiss mice received 10 intraperitoneal injections of distilled water (DW) or MC-LR (20 μg/kg bw) every 2 days. On the 10th injection animals receiving DW were gavaged with DW or 50 mg/kg bw of LB-596 for 1 or 7 days (C1D, C7D, CL1D and CL7D groups), whereas those exposed to MC-LR received either DW or 50 mg/kg of LB-596 for 1 or 7 days (T1D, T7D, TL1D and TL7D groups). Twelve hours after the last gavage we assessed respiratory mechanics, and extracted lung and liver for histology, apoptosis, inflammatory biomarkers and MC-LR content. C1D, C7D, CL1D and CL7D were all similar. Mechanical parameters were significantly higher in T1D and T7D compared to the other groups. LB-596 reversed these changes on day 1 of administration. LB-596 reduced inflammatory mediators in lung and liver on day 1 of treatment. On day 7 apoptosis in liver and lung fell even more. Briefly, 7-day administration completely reversed lung and liver changes.

Eggshell temperature manipulations during incubation and in ovo injection of thyroxine are associated with a decreased incidence of cold-induced ascites in broiler chickens

A hypothesis was tested that eggshell temperature manipulations during incubation and in ovo injection of thyroxine (T4) would help their progeny chicks to better survive the ascites-inducing condition during the growing period. In experiment 1, a total of 4,800 hatching eggs was randomly arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial design (8 replicates of 75 eggs per treatment), in which the eggs were incubated at a constant eggshell temperature (EST) of 37.8°C throughout the incubation period (CON) or were exposed to 15°C for one h on d 11, 13, 15, and 17 of incubation (EST manipulations; ESTM), and 4 treatment groups of 3 control groups (no injection; INJN, needle pricked; INJP, and sterilized distilled water injection; INJW) and one T4 treatment group (injected with sterilized distilled water containing 65ng of T4; INJT4). In experiment 2, 240 one-day-old male broiler chicks from 2 temperature conditions and injection (INJN and INJT4) treatment groups were reared for 42 d in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. To induce ascites, all chicks were exposed to a 15°C room temperature from 14 d onwards. Results from experiment 1 showed that second-grade chicks and yolk sac weight were decreased, and body weight at hatch was increased in the ESTM and INJT4 groups. Also, final body weight was increased in the ESTM group. Ascites mortality rate was decreased in the ESTM and INJT4 groups. In the ESTM and INJT4 groups, the red blood cell (RBC) and the packed cell volume (PCV) count were decreased. In conclusion, the results showed that the ESTM and INJT4 treatments during incubation were associated with improved chick quality, productive performance of broilers, and a decreased incidence of cold-induced ascites in broiler chickens.

Effect of sofren injection on acute lung injury in septic mice

Objective To evaluate the effect of sofren injection on acute lung injury(ALI)in septic mice. Methods Ninety-six pathogen-free male Kunming mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 30-35 g, were divided into 4 groups(n=24 each)using a random number table: sham operation group(group Sham), ALI group, vehicle group(group Vehicle)and sofren injection group(group Sofren). Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture.In Vehicle and Sofren groups, double distilled water and sofren injection 4 ml/kg were intraperitoneally injected, respectively, after the model was established, followed by repeated administration once every 12 h. At 12, 24 and 48 h after operation, the animals were sacrificed and lungs were removed for microscopic examination and for determination of wet to dry weight ratio(W/D ratio), malondialdehyde(MDA)content, superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity, and contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in lung tissues(by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The lung injury score(LIS)was calculated after haematoxylin and eosin staining. Results Compared with group Sham, the LIS, W/D ratio and contents of MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly increased, and the SOD activity was decreased at each time point in ALI and Vehicle groups(P 0.05). Conclusion Sofren injection can attenuate ALI in septic mice. Key words: RHODIOLA SACRA; Sepsis; Respiratory distress syndrome, adult

Experimental Investigation of Dynamic Adsorption–Desorption of New Nonionic Surfactant on Carbonate Rock: Application to Enhanced Oil Recovery

Surfactants have the potential to reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water and mobilize the residual oil. An important process which makes the surfactant injection to be less effective is loss of surfactant to porous medium during surfactant flooding. This study highlights the results of a laboratory study on dynamic adsorption and desorption of Trigoonella foenum-graceum (TFG) as a new nonionic surfactant. The experiments were carried out at confining pressure of 3000 psi and temperature of 50 °C. Surfactant solutions were continuously injected into the core plug at an injection rate of 0.5 mL/min until the effluent concentration was the same as initial surfactant concentration. The surfactant injection was followed by distilled water injection until the effluent surfactant concentration was reduced to zero. The effluent concentrations of surfactant were measured by conductivity technique. Results showed that the adsorption of surfactant is characterized by a short period of rapid adsorption, followed by a long period of slower adsorption, and also, desorption process is characterized by a short, rapid desorption period followed by a longer, slow desorption period. The experimental adsorption and desorption data were modeled by four well-known models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion, and Elovich models). The correlation coefficient of models revealed that the pseudo-second-order model predicted the experimental data with an acceptable accuracy.