E Group Research Articles

Effects of repeated intravenous doses of tranexamic acid on closed tibial fracture healing: Experimental study based on the rat model.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of tranexamic acid on fracture healing in the rat tibia closed fracture model. Sixty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in this study, where closed fracture and intramedullary nailing were performed on their right tibial diaphyses. They were divided into 2 main groups, the experimental group, which was given weekly tranexamic acid injections, and the control group, which received no additional treatment. Eight rats from each group were sacrificed and evaluated for fracture healing at the first experimental group and control group, second experimental group and control group, third experimental group and control group, and fourth experimental group and control group weeks. Fracture healing was radiologically assessed according to the "Spencer Index" and "Lane and Sandhu Scoring System," and histologically evaluated according to the scoring system devised by Huo et al. Results: According to the Spencer Index, the mean union score was statistically significantly higher in the E3 group than in the third con- trol group (P = .014). Furthermore, the mean union score was statistically significantly higher in the fourth experimental group compared to the fourth control group (P=.047). According to the Lane and Sandhu Scoring System, only the mean union scores of the E3-4 groups were statistically significantly higher than the mean union scores of the C3-4 groups (P=.048). There was no histological difference between groups in terms of union, according to the criteria defined by Huo et al (P > .05). This study showed us that repeated intravenous administrations of tranexamic acid had no negative effect on fracture heal- ing in the rat tibia fracture model. Although tranexamic acid demonstrated better radiological healing in the late period, it had no effect on histological union.

Lactobacillus plantarum E2 regulates intestinal microbiota and alleviates Pseudomonas plecoglossicida induced inflammation and apoptosis in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Pseudomonas plecoglossicida infection is a highly contagious epidemic in aquaculture, causing significant mortality among teleost. Our previous research has demonstrated that Lactobacillus plantarum E2 is beneficial for large yellow croaker in resisting infections caused by P. plecoglossicida. However, the relevant mechanisms remain largely unclear. In the present study, we used zebrafish (Danio rerio) to further explore the function of L. plantarum E2 and its mechanisms for resisting P. plecoglossicida infection. E2 supplementation diet significantly improved the growth rates and α-amylase and trypsin activities of the liver in zebrafish. After challenge with P. plecoglossicida strain PQLYC4, the survival rates of zebrafish were improved, and immune-related genes expression (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, Ig-Z, TLR-22 and IL-12α) were down-regulated. Histological analysis showed that E2 group had a longer intestinal villus and thicker intestinal walls after 30 days of feeding and healthier intestinal structure after challenge with P. plecoglossicida strain PQLYC4. Furthermore, co-incubation of zebrafish embryo fibroblast (ZF-4 cells) with L. plantarum E2 reduced apoptosis of ZF-4 cells after exposed to P. plecoglossicida. Intestinal microbiota analysis showed that E2 strain significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas, and PCoA analysis revealed a noticeable divergence in the intestinal microbial communities after E2 supplement. Together, our results suggested that E2 strain may promote zebrafish survival against P. plecoglossicida infection by regulating the intestinal microbiota and alleviating inflammatory response and apoptosis, thus exhibiting the potential as a probiotic.

Effect of Averrhoa bilimbi Leaf Extract on Blood Glucose Level, Hepatosomatic Index (HSI), and Liver Histology of Diabetic Mice

Averrhoa bilimbi leaf extract (BLE) contains high antioxidant levels. Antioxidants can suppress reactive oxygen species produced during hyperglycemic conditions in diabetes mellitus (DM), which cause damage to liver tissue. This study aimed to determine the BLE effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG), Hepatosomatic Index (HSI), and liver tissue damage. We used 24 mice in 6 different groups, divided by N (normal), K- (DM), K+ (DM+glibenclamide 0.013mg/20gBW), E1 (DM+ extract 6.3mg/20gBW), E2 (DM+ extract 8.4mg/20gBW), and E3 (DM + extract 10.5mg/20gBW). We used an alloxan dose of 120mg/kgBW to induce the DM and then treated with BLE for 14 days. We measured the fasting blood glucose using a glucometer. In addition, we evaluated the liver tissue damage with HSI and Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) stained histological slides. The results showed that BLE significantly reduced the percentage of FBG and liver tissue damage, while HSI showed no significant difference. The most optimal extract dose was 8.4 mg/20gBW (E2 group), with an FBG decrease of 26.44%, a normal cell percentage of 88.56%, and an HSI score of 6.18%. Based on this finding, we concluded that bilimbi leaf extract could lower blood glucose and improve liver histology of diabetic mice but did not significantly affect HSI.

Synergistic effects of auraptene and 17-β estradiol on traumatic brain injury treatment: oxidant/antioxidant status, inflammatory cytokines and pathology

Objective Despite significant advances that have been made in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI), it remains a global health issue. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of 17-β estradiol (E2) and auraptene (AUR) on TBI treatment. Methods In total, 70 adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly into ten main groups: Sham, TBI, TBI + DMSO, TBI + AUR (4 mg/kg), TBI + AUR (8 mg/kg), TBI + AUR (25 mg/kg), TBI + E2 group, TBI + AUR (4 mg/kg) + E2 group, TBI + AUR (8 mg/kg) + E2 group and TBI + AUR (25 mg/kg) + E2 group. Diffuse TBI was caused by the Marmarou process in male rats. The brain’s tissues were harvested to check the parameters of oxidative stress and levels of inflammatory cytokine. Results The finding revealed that TBI induced a significant increase in brain edema, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidant levels [MDA and NO], and also a decrease in the brain’s antioxidant biomarkers [GPx, SOD]. We also found that E2 and AUR (25 mg/kg) significantly preserved the levels of these biomarkers. The combination of AUR concentrations and E2 showed that this treatment efficiently preserved the levels of these biomarkers. Furthermore, the combination of E2 and AUR (25 mg/kg) c could cause the most effective synergistic interaction. Conclusion AUR could act synergistically with E2 to treat brain injury complications.

The effect of luteinizing hormone changes in GnRH antagonist protocol on the outcome of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and embryo transfer

BackgroudTo investigate the effect of Luteinizing hormone (LH) level changes on the outcomes of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and embryo transfer (ET) in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol.MethodsA total of 721 patients undergoing GnRH-ant protocol COH for the first IVF/ICSI cycles were retrospectively analyzed. COH process were divided into 2 stages, before (stage 1) and after (stage 2) the GnRH-ant initiation, and each with 5 groups basing on LH levels: LH decreased more than 50% (groups A1, A2), decreased 25-50% (groups B1, B2), change less than 25% (groups C1, C2), increased 25-50% (groups D1, D2), and increased more than 50% (groups E1, E2).ResultsThere were no significant differences among groups of stage1 regarding COH and ET outcomes. For stage 2, the more obvious the decrease of LH level, the more the number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, fertilized oocytes, embryos cleavaged and the numbers of embryo available (P < 0.05), but without significant differences regarding ET outcomes. We also found the freeze-all rate in Group A2 was higher (P < 0.001).ConclusionLH level changes before GnRH-ant addition were not related to COH and ET outcomes. LH level changes after the addition of GnRH-ant were related to the outcome of COH, and no significant differences were found relating to ET outcomes.

Nigella sativa Extract on Gingival Epithelium Exposed to LPS Porphyromonas gingivalis and Its Impact on the Expression of TLR-4 and NF-kB in vivo Study

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is capable of enhancing oral dysbiosis resulting in an imbalance between beneficial commensal and periodontal pathogenic bacteria that causes chronic inflammation. Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is a type of herbal plant with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and other properties. One of the main active ingredients is thymoquinone. Researchers conducted this research to determine the impact of using Nigella sativa as a component in the prevention or treatment of periodontal disease. This research included a lab experiment using a randomized post-test-only control group design. The animals used were male white Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), aged 10-11 weeks, and weighing approximately 150-170 grams. All of them received adaptation for a week. Afterward, 45 of them were randomly allocated into three research groups: control group C (LPS P. gingivalis), group E1 (N. sativa extract + LPS), and group E2 (LPS + N. sativa). The rats were terminated after 7, 14, and 21 days and immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antibody anti-TLR-4 and monoclonal antibody anti-NF-kB. The results showed that TLR-4 and NF-κB increased in group C and decreased in E1 and E2 groups. Although it was not statistically significant, the TLR-4 and NF-kB expression decreased more in the E2 group than in the E1 group. The result of this research shows that Nigella sativa can reduce the expression of TLR-4 and NF-kB as a part of the host’s innate defense. Keywords: Nigella sativa, LPS Porphyromonas gingivalis, TLR-4, NF-kB, Periodontal disease

Disease course of ulcerative proctitis in children: A population-based study on behalf of the SIGENP IBD Group

BackgroundThe natural history of ulcerative proctitis (UP) has been poorly investigated in children. AimsWe aimed to compare the disease course of children with UP at diagnosis to the other locations and to identify extension predictors. MethodsThis was a multicenter, observational study carried out from data prospectively entered in the SIGENP-IBD-Registry. Children with ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosis and at least 1-year follow-up were included. On the basis of Paris classification UP patients were identified and compared with the other locations. Results872 children were enrolled (median age at diagnosis: 11.2 years; M/F: 426/446), of whom 78 (9%) with UP. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated increased cumulative probabilities of disease extension in the E1 group [1 year: 20.3%; 5 years: 52.7%; 10 years: 72.4%] compared to E3 group [1 year: 8.5%; 5 years: 24.9% and 10 years: 60.1%, p=0.001]. No differences were observed comparing E1 and E2 groups [p=0.4]. Cumulative probabilities of surgery at 1, 5 and 10 years were 1.3, 2.8 and 2.8% in the E1 group and 2.5, 8 and 12.8% in the E2–E3-E4 group, respectively (p=0.1). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that PUCAI>35 at diagnosis was associated with endoscopic extension (HR=4.9; CI 95% 1.5-15.2, p=0.006). ConclusionsUP is associated with similar short and long-term outcomes compared to other locations.

Mitigation of heat stress effects on laying hens' performances, egg quality, and some blood parameters by adding dietary zinc-enriched yeasts, parsley, and their combination.

Finding natural, handy and efficient nutritional solutions to prevent and mitigate negative effects caused by environmental heat stress and to be applied to large-scale laying hen industry. A 3-weeks trial was conducted on 128 laying hens TETRA-SL LL (50 weeks of age) housed in 8 cages/group, 4 laying hens/cage, 32 laying hens/group, under heat stress conditions (34±1°C). The basal diet on corn and soybean meal was formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenic. Compared to Control group diet (C), experimental groups E1 included 1% zinc-enriched yeast; E2 included 2% parsley and E3 included 1% zinc-enriched yeast combined with 2% parsley to minimize the heat stress effects. The parsley and the zinc-enriched yeast were analysed for their chemical composition, total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, minerals, vitamin E and incorporated into the ration structure. Production parameters, egg quality, biochemical and haematological profiles of blood samples were analysed during the trial. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) average egg weight was noticed on E2 and E3 compared to Control group, and also during the 1st week compared to the 2nd and the 3rd experimental weeks. Average daily feed intake values were highly significant (p < 0.001) on E3 group compared to C, E1, E2, and on the 2nd week compared to the 3rd experimental week (p < 0.021). Feed conversion rate was highly significant (p < 0.001) during the 2nd and the 3rd experimental weeks compared to the 1st week. The average daily egg production was highly significant (p < 0.001) within 1st week compared to the 2nd and 3rd weeks. A highly significant (p < 0.001) yolk coloration was noticed on E2 and E3 groups. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration decreased significantly (p < 0.05) to all experimental groups compared to Control group during the 14th and 28th days of storage. These findings suggest that the two ingredients minimized the heat stress effects on production performance parameters with a demonstrated antioxidant capacity role by delaying the lipid peroxidation during different storage time periods.

Efficacy of different local anaesthetic volumes during erector spinae block for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing open nephrectomy operations. A randomized controlled study

ABSTRACT Background Pain control after surgery is of highest priority. Erector spinae plane block [ESPB] was reported to be a successful method to reduce pain scores and consumption of postoperative opioids. However, hardly any investigation has looked at the ideal volume of bupivacaine for ESPB. So, this work tried to fill this gap of literature in patients undergoing simple nephrectomy. Methods In this randomized double blinded control study, 100 cases undergoing simple nephrectomy were randomized into 4 groups with 25 patients per group. Group E1, 2, and 3 received ESPB with 2.5, 3.4, and 6.6 ml/segment of 0.25% bupivacaine, respectively, whereas there was no block given to the control group. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption, heart rate [HR] and the blood pressure [BP], Postoperative morphine consumption, time passed to first analgesic request, numerical rating score [NRS] of pain, the complications, HR and BP were documented for 24 hours after the operation. Results The reduction in intraoperative fentanyl consumption, postoperative morphine consumption and NRS were a significantly different between the block groups and control. Group E3 had significant difference from other groups with the longest time to first analgesia request. A lower HR was shown in block groups but within normal range. BP showed insignificant difference between groups. There were no reported complications in all study groups. Conclusions The volume of 6.6 ml/level was associated with the best pain control, without significant hemodynamic changes or adverse events as compared to other groups. This suggests that this volume may be the optimal for ESPB in patients undergoing simple nephrectomy.

Expression characteristics of Hsd3b7 in the gonads of Paralichthys olivaceus.

Steroidogenesis is an important biological process for gonadal differentiation and development. In mammals, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 7 (HSD3B7) could convert 3β-hydroxy of 7α-hydroxycholesterol into a ketone and form 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, which may affect steroidogenesis. However, in fish, the study of Hsd3b7 is still lacking. In this study, Hsd3b7 was identified in the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus, an important mariculture fish. According to bioinformatics analysis, Hsd3b7 belongs to a Rossmann-fold NAD(P)(+)-binding protein and can interact in a predictable manner with Hsd17b2, -3, and - 4, which play a role in steroidogenesis. In the adult flounder, Hsd3b7 was expressed in various tissues, at particularly high level in male muscle. The expression levels of Hsd3b7 at gonadal development stages I-V initially increased and then decreased, with an inflection point in the ovary at stage III and in the testis at stage IV. At stage III, the expression level of Hsd3b7 was significantly higher in the ovary than in the testis (P < 0.01). The results of in situ hybridization (ISH) revealed that it was mainly expressed in oocytes of phases I-IV or around oocytes of phases IV-V in the ovaries and around spermatid lobules at stages IV-V in the testes. Three regulatory sites of SRY-box transcription factor 9 (Sox9), a transcription factor involved in steroidogenesis and gonadal differentiation, were predicted in the promoter of Hsd3b7. After intraperitoneal injection with the recombination flounder Sox9a, the expression of Hsd3b7 was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01). During the flounder gonadal differentiation, 17β-estradiol (E2, 5 μg/g feed) and 17α-methyltestosterone (T, 5 μg/g feed) were used to obtain the phenotypic female or male flounder, and the results showed that in the E2 group, Hsd3b7 expression was highest at 2 cm TL, the primordial gonad stage, which was significantly higher than that at 12 cm TL (P < 0.05). In the T group, Hsd3b7 expression level was also highest at 2 cm TL and significantly higher than at 10 and 12 cm TL (P < 0.05). Moreover, Hsd3b7 was detected to be localized mainly around oogonia and spermatogonia during the differentiated gonads with ISH. These findings first introduce the expression characteristics of Hsd3b7 and the effect of Sox9a on its expression, which contribute to our understanding of the function of Hsd3b7 in fish gonads.

Effects of WAKE.TAIWAN Healthy Lifestyle Web-Based Promotion Programs on Adults’ Awareness of Self-perceived Weight Status and Their Healthy Lifestyle Stages: Retrospective Analysis

Obesity is a major risk factor of many chronic diseases. However, current obesity control policies and actions are not sufficient to halt the pandemic. It has been documented that more than half of all adults are not able to interpret their own weight status, not to mention to practice healthy lifestyles. Social media and interactive websites can reach people on a long-term basis, which may be used as intervention vehicles to build up cognition for weight control and to promote healthy behavior practices. WAKE.TAIWAN is an ongoing web-based multifaceted healthy lifestyle promotion program with social media and interactive websites as the intervention vehicle. This study aimed to examine whether adults reached by our program would have increased awareness to their own anthropometric measures, correctly judge their body weight status, and practice healthy behaviors over time. This study adopted a quasi-experimental design with web-based questionnaire surveys. The experimental group consisted of WAKE.TAIWAN Facebook group members aged 20-65 years who have used the interactive website health education resources (n=177). The group was further stratified into 2 subgroups based on their duration of participation (E1 group: duration <1 year; E2 group: duration ≥1 year). The control group consisted of other Facebook users (n=545) in the same age range who had not been exposed to the health education materials of this project. A total of 722 people (male: n=267, 37%; and female: n=455, 63%) participated in our survey in 2019. Data were analyzed to evaluate program effectiveness using a generalized linear model. The proportion of people correctly interpreting their own weight status in the experimental group was greater than that of the control group (control group: 320/545, 58.7%; group E1: 53/88, 60%; and group E2: 64/89, 72%). The E2 experimental group was significantly better than the control group in paying attention to weight-related measures and in correctly interpreting their own weight status (odds ratio 1.73, 95% CI 1.04-2.89; P=.04). With respect to the behavioral stages of practicing healthy eating and active living, both experimental groups, E1 and E2, performed significantly better than the control group (group E1: P=.003 and P=.02; and group E2: P=.004 and P<.001, respectively). This study demonstrates that the longer the participants were exposed to our social media-based programs, the higher the proportion of them that would have the correct judgement on their weight status and fall in the higher stages of healthy lifestyle behaviors. A longitudinal follow-up survey is in place to verify these findings.

Protective effects of iodine on rat prostate inflammation induced by sex hormones and on the DU145 prostate cancer cell line treated with TNF

Molecular iodine (I2) prevents oxidative stress and prostate hyperplasia induced by hyperandrogenism and reduces cell viability in prostate cancer cell lines. Here, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of I2 and testosterone (T) on hyperestrogenism-induced prostate inflammation. Additionally, the effects of I2 and/or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on cell viability and interleukin 6 (IL6) secretion were evaluated in a prostate cancer cell line (DU145). We also investigated whether the effects of I2 on viability are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG)-dependent. Castrated (Cx) rats received pellets of either 17β estradiol (E2) or E2 and T and were treated with I2 (0.05%) in the drinking water for four weeks. The experimental groups were sham, Cx, Cx + E2, Cx + E2+I2, Cx + E2+T, and Cx + E2+T + I2. As expected, inflammation was triggered in the Cx + E2 group (high inflammation score; increase in TNF and transcriptional activity of RELA [nuclear factor-kappa B p65 subunit]), and this effect was diminished in the Cx + E2+T group (medium inflammation score and decrease in TNF). The lowest inflammation score (decrease of TNF and RELA and increase of PPARG) was obtained in the Cx + E2+T + I2 group. In DU145 cells, I2 (400 μM) and TNF (10 ng/ml) additively reduced cell viability, and I2 reduced the production of TNF-stimulated IL6. The PPARG antagonist (GW9662) did not inhibit the effects of I2 on the loss of cell viability. In summary, our data suggest that I2 and T exert a synergistic anti-inflammatory action on the normal prostate, and the interrelationship between I2 and TNF leads to anti-proliferative effects in DU145 cells. PPARG does not seem to participate in the I2-induced cell viability loss in the prostate.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL RED GRAPE POMACE ON TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ROSS 308 BROILER CHICKENS MEAT

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of adding red grape pomace (RGP) of variety Alibernet to the diet of broiler chickens Ross 308 on the technological properties of their meat. 200 one-day Ross 308 broiler chicks of mixed gender were initially split into 4 groups at random (n = 50). The control group (Group C) did not get any extra supplements. The feed for experimental group E1 was enhanced with 1% RGP per 1 kg of feed mixture (FM), 2% RGP per 1 kg of FM in group E2, and 3% RGP per 1 kg of FM in group E3, respectively. The 42-day fattening period was conducted without the use of any coccidiostats or antibiotics in FMs. After slaughter and processing, chicken halves were tested for weight losses by cooling, freezing, respectively defreezing and cooking. Breast and thigh meat was subjected for analysis – pH of fresh meat 45 and 120 minutes postmortem, its color by CIEL*a*b* system and shear force after cooking. Based on the results, we can conclude that the addition of GPA negatively affected weight loss after freezing, as these were the lowest (P≤0.05) in the control group – 2.74% compared to groups E1 – 3.64 and E2 – 3.94%. Losses by cooling and baking were similar in all groups (P≥0.05). pH values in breast muscle were not significantly affected by selected feed supplement, what is in the contrary with pH of thigh muscle, where we detected significant differences after 45 and also 120 minutes postmortem (P≤0.05). The highest shear force (P≤0.05) was recorded in control group (breast – 4.40, thigh – 3.68 kg.cm-2), while the lowest and therefore softest meat was found after application of 2% RGP (breast – 3.63, thigh – 2.52 kg.cm-2). Color characteristics were the most influenced by selected feed supplement, as we did not detect significant differences (P≤0.05) only in L* of thigh meat. The highest differences were observed in a* and b* in both breast and thigh muscle (P≤0.05) – highest values were found in group with 3% of supplemental RGP (breast – -0.88 and 9.78, respectively; thigh – 4.09 and 13.42, respectively).

Association of ApoE gene polymorphisms with serum lipid levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Chinese Han population of central China.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is involved in lipid transformation and metabolism. Although some studies have examined the association between ApoE polymorphisms and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the findings differ depending on the location and population. A total of 1,738 participants, including 743 patients with T2DM and 995 controls without T2DM, were enrolled from central China, and ApoE polymorphisms, 388T > C (rs429358) and 526C > T (rs7412), were genotyped. The association between ApoE alleles and T2DM and blood lipid levels was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the interactions between ApoE polymorphisms and various factors, such as age, sex, and prevalence of hypertension in patients with T2DM. The genotype ɛ3/ɛ4 and ɛ4 alleles of ApoE were associated with T2DM risk in the Chinese Han population in central China. Moreover, in patients with T2DM, participants in the E4 (ɛ3/ɛ4, ɛ4/ɛ4) group had significantly higher lipid profiles than those in the E3 (ɛ3/ɛ3) group, whereas participants in the E2 group (ɛ2/ɛ2, ɛ2/ɛ3) showed lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and ApoE-A1 levels than those in the E3 (ɛ3/ɛ3) group. The results from the current study may help in understanding ApoE polymorphisms and lipid profiles in the Chinese Han population.

The effects of mobile-based education on nurse self-concept among nursing students: an embedded mixed methods study.

This study evaluates the effects of mobile-based education (MBE) on nurse self-concept (NSC) among nursing students. This embedded mixed methods study was conducted in 2020-2021 in a main quantitative phase and a supplementary qualitative phase. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental study with the Solomon four-group design was conducted on 117 second-year nursing students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 70 students in the first (C1: n=37) and the second (C2: n=33) semesters of the 2020 academic year were respectively considered as the control groups, and 40 students in the first semester of the 2021 academic year considered as the experimental groups (I1: n=20 and I2: n=20). Participants in the experimental groups received NSC-related MBE through an Android application, while their counterparts in the control groups received no NSC-related MBE. Cowin's Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire was used to assess the NSC. In the qualitative phase, six students from the experimental groups were purposively selected and interviewed through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Moreover, two focus group discussions were held with a six-person and a five-person group of students from the experimental groups. While the mean scores of NSC and its dimensions did not significantly change in the C1 group, the posttest mean scores of them in the E1 group were significantly greater than the corresponding pretest values (p<0.05), expect for the care dimension (p=0.586). Moreover, except for the care dimension (p>0.05), the posttest means scores of NSC and its other dimensions in the E1 and the E2 groups were significantly greater than the C1 and the C2 groups, respectively (p<0.05). Analysis of the qualitative data resulted in the generation of the main theme of multidimensional growth and development with three main categories, namely development of coping strategies, knowing professionalization strategies, and development of managerial potentials. NSC-related MBE is effective in improving nursing students' NSC.

Effects of four hormones on the mitigation of ovarian damage in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after copper and cadmium exposure

Female tilapia of the Genetic Improvement of Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain were selected as an animal model to study the effects of four hormonal drugs in mitigating ovarian damage following exposure to copper and cadmium. After combined exposure to copper and cadmium in aqueous phase for 30 d, tilapia were randomly injected with oestradiol (E2), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), or coumestrol and raised in clear water for 7 d Ovarian samples were collected after combined exposure to heavy metals for 30 d and after recovery for 7 d Gonadosomatic index (GSI), copper and cadmium levels in the ovary, reproductive hormone levels in serum, and mRNA expression of key reproductive regulatory factors were determined. After 30 d of exposure to the combined copper and cadmium in aqueous phase, the Cd2+ content in tilapia ovarian tissue increased by 1,242.46% (p < 0.05), whereas the Cu2+ content, body weight, and GSI decreased by 68.48%, 34.46%, and 60.00% (p < 0.05), respectively. Additionally, E2 hormone levels in tilapia serum decreased by 17.55% (p < 0.05). After drug injection and recovery for 7 d, compared to the negative control group, the HCG group exhibited an increase of 39.57% (p < 0.05) in serum vitellogenin levels. Increases of 49.31%, 42.39%, and 45.91% (p < 0.05) in serum E2 levels were observed, and mRNA expression of 3β-HSD increased by 100.64%, 113.16%, and 81.53% (p < 0.05) in the HCG, LHRH, and E2 groups, respectively. The mRNA expression of CYP11A1 in tilapia ovaries increased by 282.26% and 255.08% (p < 0.05) and mRNA expression of 17β-HSD increased by 109.35% and 111.63% in the HCG and LHRH groups, respectively (p < 0.05). All four hormonal drugs, particularly HCG and LHRH, promoted the restoration of tilapia ovarian function to varying degrees after injury induced by combined exposure to copper and cadmium. This study presents the first hormonal treatment protocol for the mitigation of ovarian damage in fish exposed to combined aqueous phases of copper and cadmium as a strategy to prevent and treat fish ovarian damage induced by heavy metals.

Comparison of Labour Induction between Intracervical PGE2 Gel and Intravaginal PGE1 Analogue Tablet among Patients with Intra Uterine Foetal Death- A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: In spite of modern medical advancement, there is some significant pregnancy loss during antepartum period. In majority of cases labour soon follows death of the foetus, but sometimes labour does not start for several weeks. So induction of labour is needed but the unfavourable cervix remains a well-recognized impediment to success of induction of labour in intrauterine foetal death. Prostaglandins in different Seems in different routes have been widely investigated to be used for induction of labour particularly when the cervix is unripe. Both Prostaglandin E1, and Prostaglandin E2 have been proved effective equally. Dinoprostone (PGE2), has been widely used for cervical ripening and labour induction. Misoprostol, a methyl ester of prostaglandin analogue, has been shown to be effective for cervical ripening and labour induction. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of vaginal misoprostol (PGE1 tablet) and prostaglandin (PGE2 gel) in order to induce labour among patients with intrauterine foetal death. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from July, 2004 to June, 2005. In our study we included 70 patients who were given and during labour induction. Our patients were equally divided into two groups – i) Group A (Patients were given Per- vaginal prostaglandin tablet) &amp; ii) Group B (Patients were given Intra-cervical prostaglandin gel). Result: In total 70 patients from both the groups completed the study. In our study we found the mean age was 23.94±4.19 and 24.46±2.44 years in group A and group B respectively and the mean induction to onset of labour time was less in prostaglandin E2 group (5.97±3.75) hours, than in prostaglandin E1 group (8.24±3.19) hour but induction to delivery interval time was not significantly different in most of the patients in both groups. With a .......

Kinetics of PCDD/Fs from feed to cow milk and its implications for food safety

Guideline levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in feed and food have been separately recommended for the official food safety control around the world. However, less is considered about the transfer effect of PCDD/Fs from feed to food, and consequently possible human exposure risk. In this study, different controlled feeding experiments (E1 group: 4.92 pg TEQ/g in feed, E2 group: 0.61 pg TEQ/g in feed) were conducted on dairy cow (Chinese Holstein breed) to evaluate kinetics of PCDD/Fs from feed to milk and blood. Even though the PCDD/F level in feed in E2 was satisfied with the EU Regulation (No 277/2012), the TEQ levels in milk and tissues exceeded the European Union maximum level (EU ML) after approximately one-week exposure. The dynamic variation in milk during the initial 20-day exposure was successfully described by a first-order kinetic model. The levels at the plateau period showed a significant linear relationship (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.98) against the intake amounts from feed. Based on modeling, a maximum content was obtained at approximately 0.33 pg TEQ/g in cow feed with 12 % moisture to ensure the milk and meat safety under the current regulatory requirements of EU for cow-origin food. After the cease of exposure, the PCDD/F levels in milk declined below the EU ML within 40 days, while those in meat were still higher than the EU ML over 160 days. In serum, PCDD/Fs detected in E1 showed a similar dynamic variation during the exposure period. Regarding congener profile, higher-chlorinated congeners tended to transfer from feed to feces, whereas lower ones were preferably transferred into milk, which required specific concern about the metabolic effect of PCDD/Fs in large mammals. This study revealed a necessity for re-evaluation of official regulation on pollutants in cow feed and cow-origin food in terms of biotransfer and bioaccumulation.

Regulation of bone and fat balance by Fructus Ligustri Lucidi in ovariectomized mice

Context Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL), a commonly used herb of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is the fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. (Oleaceae). The ethanol extract of FLL is a potential candidate for preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) by nourishing the liver and kidneys. Objective This study determines whether an ethanol extract of FLL has anti-osteoporotic effects in ovariectomized (OVX) mice and explores the underlying mechanism. Materials and methods The OVX model of eight-week-old C57BL/6J female mice was taken, and ovariectomy was used as PMOP. Mice were divided into five groups: sham-operated group (n = 10), OVX group (n = 10), OVX + E2 group (n = 10; 0.039 mg/kg), OVX + FLL group (n = 10; 2 g/kg) and OVX + FLL group (n = 10; 4 g/kg). Mice were treated by gavage with FLL or CMCNa once daily for 8 weeks. We harvested uteri, femur, and tibias from mice; bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microstructure were obtained by X-ray absorptiometry and micro-CT. Furthermore, the effect of FLL on the balance of osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation was investigated using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Results The results indicated that FLL did not affect OVX-induced estradiol reduction. Compared with OVX mice, FLL significantly increased BMD (63.54 vs. 61.96), Conn. D (86.46 vs. 57.00), and left tibial strength (13.91 vs. 11.27), decreased Tb. Sp (0.38 vs. 0.44) and body fat content (4.19% vs. 11.24%). FLL decreased osteoclast activity and enhanced RUNX2 expression; inhibited perilipin peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression and adipocyte differentiation from BMMSCs. Conclusions FLL prevented additional bone loss and improved bone microstructure in OVX mice by modulating bone and fat balance, suggesting that FLL might be a therapeutic agent for PMOP.

17α-ethinylestradiol modulates endothelial function in ovariectomized rat carotid arteries

17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), a derivative of 17β-estradiol (E2), is a potent estrogenic substance that is used as the estrogenic component of oral contraceptives (OCPs). However, women who take OCPs have an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Since few studies have examined EE2 endothelial effects, we explored the effects of EE2 on endothelial function in ovariectomized and isoflavone-free rats. After ovariectomy, 12-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to EE2, E2 or control groups. After 16 weeks, the EE2 and E2 groups were orally administered EE2 (8.3 μg/day) and E2 (12.6 μg/day) for 4 weeks, respectively. At 18 weeks, endothelial denudation of the left common carotid arteries was performed, and they were harvested at 20 weeks. The rats in the EE2 and E2 groups exhibited significantly decreased body weights and significantly increased uterine weights, respectively, but no differences were observed between the EE2 and E2 groups. The EE2 and E2 groups showed significantly enhanced acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation, with apamin plus charybdotoxin inhibiting only the EE2 group. Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase expression was significantly higher in the EE2 group than in the control, but lower than in the E2 group. The intima-to-media ratio of denuded arteries was significantly lower in the E2 group than in the other groups, suggesting that NO decreased in the EE2 group compared to the E2 group. We conclude that EE2 has a weaker ability than E2 to produce NO and, for the first time, we demonstrate the ability of EE2 to enhance the activity of endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor.