Effects Of Doses Research Articles

Efficacy and safety study of targeted small-molecule drugs in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

BackgroundTargeted small-molecule drugs in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have attracted increasing attention from clinical investigators. However, there is still a lack of evidence on the difference in the efficacy and safety of different targeted small-molecule drugs. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of different targeted small-molecule drugs for SLE.MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) on targeted small-molecule drugs in the treatment of SLE in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched as of April 25, 2023. Risk of bias assessment was performed for included studies using the Cochrane’s tool for evaluating the risk of bias. The primary outcome indicators were SRI-4 response, BICLA response, and adverse reaction. Because different doses and courses of treatment were used in the included studies, Bayesian network meta-regression was used to investigate the effect of different doses and courses of treatment on efficacy and safety.ResultsA total of 13 studies were included, involving 3,622 patients and 9 targeted small-molecule drugs. The results of network meta-analysis showed that, in terms of improving SRI-4, Deucravacitinib was significantly superior to that of Baricitinib (RR = 1.32, 95% CI (1.04, 1.68), P < 0.05). Deucravacitinib significantly outperformed the placebo in improving BICLA response (RR = 1.55, 95% CI (1.20, 2.02), P < 0.05). In terms of adverse reactions, targeted small-molecule drugs did not significantly increase the risk of adverse events as compared to placebo (P > 0.05).ConclusionBased on the evidence obtained in this study, the differences in the efficacy of targeted small-molecule drugs were statistically significant as compared to placebo, but the difference in the safety was not statistically significant. The dose and the course of treatment had little impact on the effect of targeted small-molecule drugs. Deucravacitinib could significantly improve BICLA response and SRI-4 response without significantly increasing the risk of AEs. Therefore, Deucravacitinib is very likely to be the best intervention measure. Due to the small number of included studies, more high-quality clinical evidence is needed to further verify the efficacy and safety of targeted small-molecule drugs for SLE.

Evaluation of the feeding safety of Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) in the Sprague Dawley rat

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of Moringa by comparing the effects of different gavage doses of Moringa. The general behavior, body weight, food intake, blood indexes, serum biochemical indexes, and histopathology of rats were used to determine the safety threshold and to provide a reference for the further development and use of Moringa as animal feed. 40 Sprague Dawley rats were selected and given transoral gavage for 28 consecutive days. The T1, T2 and T3 groups were observed for general behavior, body weight, and food intake. Blood and serum biochemical indices were quantified, and histopathology was performed to evaluate the effect and safety of Moringa. The results of the toxicological test showed that (1) Only T1 groups experienced diarrhea. (2) The body weight and food intake of rats in each group were normal compared with the control group. (3) The hematological and serum biochemical indices of rats in the T1 group were significantly different from those of CK but were in the normal range; (4) The results of microscopic examination of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney of rats in each group were normal, but inflammation occurred in stomach and jejunum of rats in the T1 group, but not in the ileum. The gastrointestinal tract of rats in the T2 and T3 groups were normal. (5) No abnormal death occurred in any of the treatment groups.The results of this study revealed that gavage of Moringa homogenate at a dose of 6 g/kg BW can cause diarrhea in rats. Although there is no pathological effect on weight, food intake, blood and serum biochemical indicators in rats, there are pathological textures in the gastrointestinal tissue caused by diarrhea. Therefore, the safety threshold of Moringa homogenate should be ≤ 3 g/kg BW.

Features of the reproductive function of girls and women with rheumatoid arthritis: A review

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common and severe autoimmune diseases. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis among adults in different geographical areas of the world ranges from 0.5 to 2%. The prevalence of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is approximately 6 per 10 thousand children. The disease occurs 2 times more often in girls than in boys. Some studies have demonstrated a possible effect of high cumulative doses of methotrexate on ovarian function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, but further studies are needed to confirm this effect. The analysis of literature data allowed us to identify prognostically significant factors in the development of autoimmune ovarian failure in patients of reproductive age with rheumatic pathology, and to note the fact that there is missing information about the state of the reproductive system in female patients with juvenile arthritis.

Curcumin’s effects on growth indices, histological scores, blood metabolites, redox state, immunity, and antioxidant-related genes of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.)

AbstractCurcumin, a polyphenol, targets multiple signaling molecules and shows activity at the cellular level, supporting its various health benefits. Thereafter, the present study examines the effects of different doses of dietary curcumin on growth indices, feed efficiency, serum metabolites, redox (oxidation) status, immunity, histological assessment, and antioxidant-related genes in red tilapia (Oreochromis sp, Oreochromis aureus x O. mossambicus). A total of 1200 red tilapia with an average weight of 19.1±0.03 g were distributed in 12 cement ponds (3×3.5×1m). Each treatment was assigned three pounds (n=100 replicates). For 60 days, fish were fed baseline diets containing 0, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 g of curcumin/kg of diet. The treated fish showed increased body weight and SGR (specific growth rate) compared to the T0 group (P&lt;0.05). Curcumin in the diet significantly improved weight gain, percentages, and FCR (feed conversion ratio), with a dose-dependent effect (P &lt; 0.05). Curcumin supplementation showed no influence on feed intake, fish mortality, or survival rate (P &gt;0.05). The curcumin-treated fish groups improved tissue structure in hepatocytes, pancreatic lumens, hepatic blood sinusoids, and intestine tissue layers, particularly the mucosal layer. The T0.8 group had reduced liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and greater total protein and albumin levels (P&lt;0.05). The T0.6 and T0.8 groups showed significantly lower MDA levels than the other groups (P &lt; 0.05). Curcumin groups demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant indices (CAT, GPx, and SOD) compared to the basal diet (P&lt;0.05). Curcumin administration resulted in significant improvements in IgM and lysosome levels (P&lt;0.05). All supplemented groups had considerably (P&lt;0.05) higher levels of SOD, CAT, and GPx mRNA than the control group. Consequently, administering 0.6–0.8 g/kg of curcumin to red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) diets may improve the fish’s growth, health, tissue composition, and antioxidant response.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif 2021-22 with a view to identify the effects of different doses of plant growth regulators on growth, yield and quality of Tomato variety TMTH-288. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 13 treatments and 3 replications with different combination in nano fertilizers. Under this experiment, overall, 13 combinations was taken including control. PGRs comprised of GA3, 2,4-D, Triacontanol and NAA were given. According to the current research, the current study found that the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) had a significant positive impact on the growth and yield of tomato. Among the treatments tested, T3 (GA3 40 ppm) showed the most favorable results in terms of plant height, early flowering and maturing. It also demonstrated superior performance in terms of fruit weight, polar and radial length of fruit, number of fruits per plant, and yield per plant.

The prognostic effect of tumor volume, reduction ratio, and cumulative doses on external beam radiotherapy with central-shielding method and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy for cervical cancer

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prognostic effect of tumor volume at diagnosis, tumor reduction ratio during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with central-shielding method, and cumulative minimal dose to 90% of the high-risk clinical target volume (CTVHR D90) on combined EBRT and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) for cervical cancer.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent definitive radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer at Gunma University Hospital between January 2010 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor volume at diagnosis and reduction ratio were calculated using magnetic resonance imaging at diagnosis and before the first IGABT session. The cumulative dose of EBRT and IGABT was calculated as an equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2). Optimal cutoff values were determined according to a receiver operating characteristic curve. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression.ResultsA total of 254 patients were included in the analysis. The median follow-up for all patients was 57 (2–134) months. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 81.9%, progression-free survival (PFS) was 71.3%, and local control (LC) was 94.5%. The patients were divided into four groups according to tumor volume at diagnosis and reduction ratio. The group with tumor volume at diagnosis ≥ 34.1 cm3 and reduction ratio &amp;lt; 68.8% showed significantly worse OS, PFS, and LC than the other three groups (All p &amp;lt; 0.05). In this group, the patients with a cumulative CTVHR D90 &amp;lt; 69.6 GyEQD2 showed significantly worse PFS and LC (p = 0.042 and p = 0.027, respectively). In the multivariate analysis of OS, adenocarcinoma/adenosquamous carcinoma, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 stage III/IV, and a reduction ratio of &amp;lt; 68.8% were independent significant poor prognostic factors (p = 0.045, p = 0.009 and p = 0.001, respectively). In the univariate analysis of LC, a reduction ratio of &amp;lt; 68.8% was the only poor prognostic factor (p = 0.041).ConclusionThe patients with large and poorly responding tumors had significantly worse prognoses in terms of OS, PFS, and LC, suggesting that dose escalation should be considered for such tumors.

260 Effect of different doses of phytase (HiPhorius) and two primary calcium sources on nutrient digestibility, retention and blood parameters in weaned piglets

Abstract An 18-d study evaluated the effect of increasing phytase levels in diets with limestone or Ca-formate on Ca and P digestibility, P retention, and blood inositol, Ca, and P in weaned piglets. At weaning, male piglets [n = 60; 29.8 ± 1.10 d of age; initial body weight (BW) = 8.8 ± 0.31 kg) were randomly allocated to ten diets formulated as a 2 × 5 factorial design with 2 primary Ca sources (limestone or Ca-formate) and 5 Ca/P levels. There was a positive control diet (PC; 0.76% Ca, 0.34 dP) and 4 negative control diets (NC; 0.56% Ca, 0.34% dP) supplemented with phytase at 0, 750, 1,500, and 3,000 FYT/kg. At d 10, piglets were individually housed in metabolism crates and fed 3.2 x metabolic weight. On d 14 to 18, fecal and total urine samples were collected. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) was calculated for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ash, Ca, and P using TiO2 as marker. Urinary P was measured to calculate P retention. These data were analyzed as a 2-way interaction. On d 0 (baseline), 8 and 18, blood samples were collected to analyze serum Ca and P, and plasma inositol. Blood data were analyzed as a 3-way interaction. Results indicated that piglets fed Ca-formate had greater ATTD of Ca (75.0% vs. 71.4%, P &amp;lt; 0.01) but decreased ATTD of P (66.4% vs. 68.8%, P &amp;lt; 0.01), than piglets fed limestone. Phytase supplementation improved ATTD of DM, ash, OM, CP, P, and Ca compared with the NC and PC. An interaction between Ca/P levels and Ca-sources was observed for urinary P (P = 0.03), as there were no differences between Ca sources in piglets fed the NC or the 750 FYT diets, but piglets fed the PC diet and the NC+1,500 or 3,000 FYT with limestone had greater urinary P compared with Ca-formate. A 2-way interaction between Ca/P levels and d was observed for plasma inositol (P = 0.012). On d 8 and 18, there was no difference between the NC and PC;, however, phytase supplementation at 750, 1,500, and 3,000 FYT increased plasma inositol on d 8 (58.2, 80.7, and 89.5 μmol) and d 18 (70.2, 85.4, and 106.4 μmol). There was only a main effect of Ca/P levels in serum P. Compared with the NC (73.7 mg/L), the PC and the NC+750, 1,500, and 3,000 FTU/kg increased serum P (90.3, 89.1, 87.6, and 93.2 mg/L, respectively, P &amp;lt; 0.01). There was no effect of Ca source on blood inositol and P. No significant dietary treatment effects were observed in serum Ca. In conclusion, using Ca-formate instead of limestone increases Ca digestibility but reduces P digestibility, likely due to a greater Ca solubility of Ca-formate. This suggests that diets should be formulated based on digestible Ca instead of total Ca.

Effect of Different Quantities of Bio Stimulant on Chilli Growth, Quality and Yield

A present investigation was carried out with title “Effect of different quantities of bio stimulant on chilli growth, quality and yield” at the central research farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during kharif, 2023-24 with a view to identify the effects of different doses of bio stimulant and its role in growth, yield and quality of Chilli variety NS-1701. The experiment was laid in the randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications with different combination of different quantities of bio stimulant. The treatment T7 (3.0 L/hac. Amalgerol essence) performed best in terms of plant height (79.68), number of branches (8.53), days to first flower initiation (79.30), number of fruits per plant (122.36), fruit length (7.81), individual fruit weight (2.90gm), fruit yield per plant (258.13gm). The highest benefit cost ratio was found at 3.69 in the same treatment.

Effects of high doses of zearalenone on some antioxidant enzymes and locomotion of Tenebrio molitor larvae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

The mealworm Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) feeds on wheat bran and is considered both a pest and an edible insect. Its larvae contain proteins and essential amino acids, fats, and minerals, making them suitable for animal and human consumption. Zearalenone (ZEA) is the mycotoxin most commonly associated with Fusarium spp. It is found in cereals and cereal products, so their consumption is a major risk for mycotoxin contamination. One of the most important effects of ZEA is the induction of oxidative stress, which leads to physiological and behavioral changes. This study deals with the effects of high doses of ZEA (10 and 20mg/kg) on survival, molting, growth, weight gain, activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), and locomotion of mealworm larvae. Both doses of ZEA were found to (i) have no effect on survival, (ii) increase molting frequency, SOD, and GST activity, and (iii) decrease body weight and locomotion, with more pronounced changes at 20mg/kg. These results indicated the susceptibility of T. molitor larvae to high doses of ZEA in feed.

The effect of prenatal DHA supplementation on offspring fat mass and distribution at 24 months old

BackgroundExcessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is related to increased offspring fat accrual and increased fat mass (FM) is related to obesity development. Prenatal DHA supplementation has been linked to lower levels of offspring FM; however, conflicting data exists. ObjectivesDetermine if there is a protective effect of prenatal DHA supplementation on offspring fat accrual and adipose tissue deposition at 24 months in offspring born to women who gain excessive versus non-excessive weight during pregnancy. We also explored if the effect of DHA dose on FM differed by offspring sex. MethodsInfants born to women who participated in the Assessment of DHA on Reducing Early Preterm Birth randomized controlled trial (ADORE) were recruited. In ADORE, women were randomized to either a high or low prenatal DHA supplement. Offspring body composition and adipose tissue distribution were measured using DXA. GWG was categorized as excessive or not excessive based on clinical guidelines. ResultsFor total FM, there was a significant main effect for DHA dose (p=0.03), however, the dose by GWG status was not significant (p=0.44). Therefore, a higher prenatal DHA dose was related to greater offspring FM (622.9 g greater), and unrelated to GWG status. When investigating a DHA dose by sex effect, a significant main effect for DHA dose (p=0.01) was detected for central FM. However, no interaction was detected (p=0.98), meaning both boys and girls had greater central FM if their mother was assigned to the higher dose. ConclusionsGreater prenatal DHA supplementation was related to greater offspring FM and adipose tissue distribution at 24 months old. It will be important to understand if these effects persist into childhood. Clinical Trial RegistryThis trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03310983)

Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Anti-Nociceptive Effects of Buprenorphine Following Transdermal Administration to Horses

ObjectiveThis study describes the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including antinociceptive effects, of a transdermal buprenorphine solution in horses. It was hypothesized that transdermal application would lead to sustained blood concentrations and antinociceptive effects with fewer adverse effects compared to intravenous (IV) injection. Study DesignProspective non-randomized 4-part parallel experimental study. AnimalsEight horses, three mares and five geldings, aged 6 to 12 years. MethodsHorses were given incremental doses of 15, 30, and 45 μg kg-1 buprenorphine transdermal solution and a single IV dose of 5 μg kg-1 buprenorphine with a two week washout period between treatments. Concentrations of buprenorphine were determined in plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and modeled using a nonlinear mixed effects population pharmacokinetic model to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. Pharmacodynamic effects, including changes in locomotor activity, heart rate, body temperature, gastrointestinal borborygmi, thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds were recorded. Mixed effects analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons were performed using a Bonferroni multiple comparison adjustment to assess differences in pharmacodynamic parameters between baseline and each time point within each dose group and between dose groups at the same time point. ResultsTransdermal application of buprenorphine resulted in low systemic concentrations relative to IV injection. Bioavailability following transdermal application was 11%. Thermal nociceptive thresholds were significantly (p < 0.05) increased (4.3–10.7% relative to baseline) for up to 72 hours in the IV dose group, but only sporadically in the transdermal dose groups (2.5–9.9% relative to baseline). Changes in locomotor activity, heart rate and borborygmi varied over time and with dose. Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceLimited thermal antinociceptive effects were observed at the transdermal doses studied likely due to limited absorption relative to IV dosing. Future studies may be directed toward investigating antinociceptive effects of higher transdermal doses and different application sites.

Production and quality of watermelon subjected to biofertilizer fertilization

The expansion of the area with organic agriculture is due to the market trend towards the consumption of healthier foods. However, with the increase in the cost of fertilizers imported by the country, the adjustment of doses and management practices with alternative sources for plant nutrition, such as biofertilizer, can be an alternative for the sustainability of properties. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Bebedouro (CEB) of EMBRAPA Semi-Arid Region in Petrolina-PE, Brazil, from September to December 2019, to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer doses on the production aspects of three watermelon varieties in the semi-arid region. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 6 x 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to six doses of biofertilizer (0; 80; 160; 240; 320 and 400 mL plant-1) and three varieties of watermelon (Explorer, Red Heaven, and Majestic), with four replicates. Yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit mass, fruit diameter, fruit length, length: diameter ratio, pulp firmness, rind thickness, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio were analyzed. The number of fruits per plant was not altered by biofertilizer doses. However, the variables yield and average fruit mass were altered by the interaction between varieties and biofertilizer doses. With yield of 40.22 t ha-1 obtained at the dose 201.33 mL plant-1, the Explorer variety proved to be more efficient with the use of biofertilizer in organic system. Positive responses to biofertilizer application in postharvest quality attributes were obtained in Explorer and Red Heaven varieties.

Effect of tillage practices and phosphorus doses on the performance of mungbean (Vigna radiata) in semi-arid Kandahar region of Afghanistan

A field experiment was conducted in Kandahar, Afghanistan during summer (June-August) season of 2017 to assess the impact of different tillage practices and phosphorus doses on yield and economics of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.)]. Experiment consisted 12 treatment combinations of 3-tillage practices in main plots, viz., raised bed, zero tillage and conventional tillage and 4-phosphorus doses in sub-plots, viz. 0 (control), 40, 60 and 80 kg P2 O5 / ha. Research findings of the study showed that yield attributes, seed and stover yields, harvest index and economics of mungbean were not significantly influenced by different tillage practices. Application of P resulted significantly higher growth and yield parameters compared to absolute control. Application of 80 kg P2 O5 /ha gave the highest seed yield (0.98 t/ha) and 60 kg P2 O5 /ha gave the highest stover yield (3.92 t/ha). In terms of economics, the highest net returns (58,238 AFN/ha) was recorded with 80 kg P2 O5 /ha, and the B: C ratio was the highest (2.24) with 40 kg P2 O5 /ha.

The Effects of Different GA3 and Mycorrhiza Dosages on Mini Tuber Production in Potatoes

This study was conducted in 2017 under greenhouse conditions using selected four different potato clones to determine the effects of different doses of GA3 and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus on mini tuber production. The research, carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications, applied GA3 doses of 0, 5, 10, and 15 ppm, and mycorrhizal inoculat doses of 0, 500, 1250, and 2000 mg/100 tubers. Parameters including emergence time, plant height, main stem number, tuber number, average tuber weight, tuber size distribution (&gt;45 mm, 28-45 mm, &lt;28 mm), and maturity period were examined. The effect of GA3 application on all investigated parameters except the number of main stems was significant, statistically. The highest mini tuber number (9.1 tubers) and mini tuber yield (408.4 g/pot) were obtained from the application of 15 ppm GA3, while the highest average mini tuber weight (46.74 g) was obtained from the control group. In mycorrhizal applications, the highest tuber number was obtained at a dose of 500 mg/100 tubers, and the highest mini tuber weight and yield were obtained at a dose of 1250 mg/100 tubers. As a result of the study, it was determined that the application of 15 ppm GA3 is suitable due to its positive effect on mini tuber multiplication, and the mycorrhizal application at a dose of 500 mg/100 tubers is appropriate due to its positive effect on increase of tuber number.

Anti-hyperuricemic Evaluation of Swertia-chirayita and Febuxostat on Potassium Oxonate Induced Hyperuricemic Animal Model

Introduction: Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disease characterized by an increase in serum uric acid levels. Hyperuricemia can be controlled by low purine diet or drugs like allopurinol and febuxostat; however, the incidence of adverse effects to these drugs, especially on chronic use, is a major clinical problem. Swertia chirayita; a herb from Gentianaceace family, was selected to observe it’s in vivo uric acid lowering effect in white Albino Wistar rats in whom hyperuricemia was induced through potassium oxonate. Febuxostat was used as a standard. Aims and Objectives: To observe the in vivo effect of different doses of Swertia chirayita extract (SCE) on uric acid levels and to compare its effect with the allopathic medicine febuxostat. Place and Duration of study: A randomized controlled study was held at University of Health Sciences Lahore between June- August 2017. Material and Methods: Forty-eight healthy adult Albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups. Group I and II served as negative and positive controls respectively. Hyperuricemia was induced by injecting KO solution (01ml) intraperitoneally on 1st, 3rd and 7th day of study. Group III received febuxostat 5 mg/kg through oral gavage. Group IV, V and VI were experimental groups, treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of Swertia Chirayita extract respectively through oral route, 02 hours after induction by KO once daily for 07 days. Blood samples were collected to record serum uric acid levels on day zero, first, third and seventh days. (SPSS)version 20 was used for data entry and analysis, pvalue ? 0.05 was given statistical importance. Results: In all experimental groups (IV, V, VI), serum uric acid levels were significantly reduced by Swertia chirayita extract (SCE) (p ? 0.001) as compared to hyperuricemic rats (group II). SCE showed dose dependent SUA suppression. Results of both febuxostat and SCE showed that average SUA levels of these groups were markedly less than hyperuricemic rats (Group II) (p &lt; 0.001) Conclusion: In the light of its hypouricemic activity; we conclude that in the future, Swertia chirayita has the potential for newer therapeutic applications in this regard.

Effects of a Low Dose of Orally Administered Creatine Monohydrate on Post-Fatigue Muscle Power in Young Soccer Players.

The use of creatine monohydrate (Cr) in professional soccer is widely documented. However, the effect of low doses of Cr on the physical performance of young soccer players is unknown. This study determined the effect of a low dose of orally administered Cr on muscle power after acute intra-session fatigue in young soccer players. Twenty-eight young soccer players (mean age = 17.1 ± 0.9 years) were randomly assigned to either a Cr (n = 14, 0.3 g·kg-1·day-1 for 14 days) or placebo group (n = 14), using a two-group matched, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Before and after supplementation, participants performed 21 repetitions of 30 m (fatigue induction), and then, to measure muscle power, they performed four repetitions in half back squat (HBS) at 65% of 1RM. Statistical analysis included a two-factor ANOVA (p ˂ 0.05). Bar velocity at HBS, time: p = 0.0006, ŋp2 = 0.22; group: p = 0.0431, ŋp2 = 0.12, time × group p = 0.0744, ŋp2 = 0.02. Power at HBS, time: p = 0.0006, ŋp2 = 0.12; group: p = 0.16, ŋp2 = 0.06, time × group: p = 0.17, ŋp2 = 0.009. At the end of the study, it was found that, after the induction of acute intra-session fatigue, a low dose of Cr administered orally increases muscle power in young soccer players.

An antioxidant and anti-ER stress combination therapy elevates phosphorylation of α-Syn at serine 129 and alleviates post-TBI PD-like pathology in a sex-specific manner in mice

Clinical studies have shown that traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the onset of Parkinson's disease (PD) in later life by >50%. Oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inflammation are the major drivers of both TBI and PD pathologies. We presently evaluated if curtailing oxidative stress and ER stress concomitantly using a combination of apocynin and tert-butylhydroquinone and salubrinal during the acute stage after TBI in mice reduces the severity of late-onset PD-like pathology. The effect of multiple low doses of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on post-TBI neurodegeneration was also evaluated. The combo therapy elevated the level of phosphorylation at serine 129 (pS129) of α-Syn in the pericontusional cortex of male mice at 72 h post-TBI. Motor and cognitive deficits induced by TBI lasted at least 3 months and the combo therapy curtailed these deficits in both sexes. At 3 months post-TBI, male mice given combo therapy exhibited significantly lesser α-Syn aggregates in the SN and higher TH+ cells in the SNpc, compared to vehicle control. However, the aggregate number was not significantly different between groups of female mice. Moreover, TBI-induced loss of TH+ cells was negligible in female mice irrespective of treatment. The MPTP treatment aggravated PD-like pathology in male mice but had a negligible effect on the loss of TH+ cells in female mice. Thus, the present study indicates that mitigation of TBI-induced oxidative stress and ER stress at the acute stage could potentially reduce the risk of post-TBI PD-like pathology at least in male mice, plausibly by elevating pS129-α-Syn level.

Effect of electron beam irradiation pretreatment and different fatty acid types on the formation, structural characteristics and functional properties of starch-lipid complexes

The effects of different electron beam irradiation doses (2, 4, 8 KGy) and various types of fatty acids (lauric acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid) on the formation, structure, physicochemical properties, and digestibility of starch-lipid complex were investigated. The complexing index of the complexes was higher than 85 %, indicating that the three fatty acids could easily form complexes with starch. With the increase of electron beam irradiation dose, the complexing index increased first and then decreased. The highest complexing index was lauric acid (97.12 %), stearic acid (96.80 %), and oleic acid (97.51 %) at 2 KGy radiation dose, respectively. Moreover, the microstructure, crystal structure, thermal stability, rheological properties, and starch solubility were analyzed. In vitro digestibility tests showed that adding fatty acids could reduce the content of hydrolyzed starch, among which the resistant starch content of the starch-oleic acid complex was the highest (54.26 %). The lower dose of electron beam irradiation could decrease the digestibility of starch and increase the content of resistant starch.

Effect of different gamma-ray doses on the structural, optical, and radiation shielding features of the YBa2Cu3Oy ceramic oxide

Effect of different gamma-ray doses on the structural, optical, and radiation shielding features of the YBa2Cu3Oy ceramic oxide

HMOs Impact the Gut Microbiome of Children and Adults Starting from Low Predicted Daily Doses.

Recent studies suggest that the dietary intake of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) provides health benefits from infancy up to adulthood. Thus far, beneficial changes in the adult gut microbiome have been observed at oral doses of 5-20 g/day of HMOs. Efficacy of lower doses has rarely been tested. We assessed four HMO molecular species-2'Fucosyllactose (2'FL), Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), 3'Sialyllactose (3'SL), and 6'Sialyllactose (6'SL)-at predicted doses from 0.3 to 5 g/day for 6-year-old children and adults (n = 6 each), using ex vivo SIFR® technology (Cryptobiotix, Ghent, Belgium). This technology employing bioreactor fermentation on fecal samples enables us to investigate microbial fermentation products that are intractable in vivo given their rapid absorption/consumption in the human gut. We found that HMOs significantly increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetate, propionate (in children/adults), and butyrate (in adults) from predicted doses of 0.3-0.5 g/day onwards, with stronger effects as dosing increased. The fermentation of 6'SL had the greatest effect on propionate, LNnT most strongly increased butyrate, and 2'FL and 3'SL most strongly increased acetate. An untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that HMOs enhanced immune-related metabolites beyond SCFAs, such as aromatic lactic acids (indole-3-lactic acid/3-phenyllactic acid) and 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid, as well as gut-brain-axis-related metabolites (γ-aminobutyric acid/3-hydroxybutyric acid/acetylcholine) and vitamins. The effects of low doses of HMOs potentially originate from the highly specific stimulation of keystone species belonging to, for example, the Bifidobacteriaceae family, which had already significantly increased at doses of only 0.5 g/day LNnT (adults) and 1 g/day 2'FL (children/adults).