Experimental Treatment Groups Research Articles

Can Pain Neuroscience Education Combined with Cognition-Targeted Exercise Therapy Change White Matter Structure in People with Chronic Spinal Pain? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: White matter (WM) structural changes have been found in patients with chronic spinal pain (CSP). In these patients, pain neuroscience education followed by cognition-targeted exercise therapy (i.e., the Modern Pain Neuroscience Approach (MPNA)) was shown to be more effective than biomedically-focused education followed by symptom-contingent exercise therapy for improving clinical outcomes. The present study examined whether an MPNA, compared to biomedically-focused treatment, can change WM structure in regions of interest and whether potential WM structural changes are associated with clinical improvements in patients with CSP. Methods: Patients with CSP were randomized into an experimental (MPNA) or control (biomedically-focused) treatment group. Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Images were acquired pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 1-year follow-up. WM structure was assessed using diffusion tensor imaging in 8 WM regions of interest, and linear mixed models assessed differences between groups in response to treatment. Results: No significant treatment x time interaction effects were found; however, significant main effects of time were found in 7 WM tracts. Significant main effects of time revealed increased fractional anisotropy (FA), decreased mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) in the cingulum hippocampus, and decreased RD and MD in the superior cerebellar peduncle at 1-year follow-up compared to baseline. In contrast, decreased FA and/or increased MD, AD, or RD values were found in other WM tracts (e.g., anterior corona radiata) from pre-treatment to 1-year follow-up. Greater reduction in kinesiophobia was moderately correlated with a smaller decrease in RD in the superior cerebellar peduncle at 1-year follow-up compared to baseline. No other significant associations were found between WM structural changes and clinical improvements. Conclusions: In conclusion, in patients with CSP, regional WM structure changed over time irrespective of prescribed treatment (timespan of 12 months). Further research, including Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging and a healthy control group, allowing for a more specific examination of WM microstructural changes in response to multimodal treatment in patients with CSP, is warranted.

Effect of a virtual walking and exercise-based intervention on muscle strength and activation in people with incomplete spinal cord injury

This study aims to assess the effect of combining virtual walking (VW) therapy with a physical exercise (PE) program compared to PE alone on lower limb strength and muscle activation in people with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). 38 participants performed 3 sessions/week during 6 weeks of Experimental Intervention (EI): VW and PE; or Control intervention (CI): Placebo-VW and PE. Strength and muscle activation of main lower limb muscles were assessed. EI group exhibited a general strength increase after intervention (T2), (16.31–34.72 N), and maintained this improvement up to 1-month-follow-up (T3) for hip abduction and extension movements. The CI group only showed improvements in hip abduction and extension movements (18.34 (7.13) N and 19.98 (9.60) N, respectively). EI group also exhibited an increase of activation in all agonistic muscles in T2 (36.02–20.24 µV), except gastrocnemius. Gastrocnemius and rectus femoris activation as antagonistic decreased during dorsal flexion (− 14.28 (5.61) µV) and hip extension (− 14.78 [6.11] µV), respectively. CI group only showed an activation increase of agonistic muscles of hip abduction and extension (22.16 (9.80) µV and 28.82 (9.14) µV, respectively), without changes in antagonistic activation. VW could enhance the PE effects regarding muscle strength and activation in people with iSCI.Registration number: NCT04809987.

Morphological effects of acetylcarvacrol on thyroid of Wistar rats subjected to repeated dose dermal and oral toxicity tests

ABSTRACT Acetylcarvacrol is a semi-synthetic product derived from carvacrol and has known activity against ticks. In vertebrates, the thyroid has been used as a bioindicator in toxicity studies due to its sensitivity to external factors. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of acetylcarvacrol in Wistar rats subjected to repeated dose dermal and oral toxicity tests by means of histopathological analysis of the thyroid. For each test, the rats were divided into 4 groups containing 5 animals. In the topical treatment test, acetylcarvacrol was applied to the trichotomized back of each animal at concentrations of 26, 52 and 104 μL/mL for 21 days. In the oral test, the animals were fed acetylcarvacrol by gavage at concentrations of 26, 52 and 104 μL/mL for 30 days. The control groups were treated only with the vehicles. A significant increase in interstitial tissue vascularization was observed in the group treated topically with the highest concentration of acetylcarvacrol compared to the control. No significant changes were observed between the treatment and control groups in the oral experiment. The comparison between the treated groups and their respective controls also showed no differences in the colloid, the follicle and the follicular cells. The reduced occurrence of changes in this tissue suggests relative safety for use in the control of ticks, although caution is needed when using it at high concentrations or for long periods of time.

Evaluation of longan (Dimocarpus longan) peel powder as fruit by-product additive in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) feed: Effects on growth, immunity, and immune-antioxidant gene expressions.

The study, herein, investigated the effects of the inclusion of longan peel (LP) powder in the diet of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), focusing on comparative evaluations of growth performance, immunity, and immune-antioxidant related gene expressions. For this purpose, a total of 300 healthy fish (average initial weight: 13.70±0.06g) were randomly distributed into five experimental treatment groups: 0gkg-1(LP0), 10gkg-1(LP10), 20gkg-1(LP20), 40gkg-1(LP40), and 80gkg-1(LP80), all in triplicate, for 60 days. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with LP exhibited a significant influence (P < 0.05) in weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and provided a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) in contrast to the control group (0gkg-1LP). Moreover, skin mucus and serum immune parameters (lysozyme and peroxidase activity) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in fish fed with different LP concentrations at both 4 and 8 weeks. Similarly, analysis of mRNA transcripts of immune (IL-1, IL-8, and LBP) and antioxidant (GSTa, GPX, and GSR) gene expressions showed a significant upregulation (P < 0.05) in LP-fed diet groups compared to the control group. Based on the polynomial regression analysis the inclusion of LP at 46-49gkg-1 can be used effectively in Nile tilapia diets for improving the growth, immunity, and immune-antioxidant gene expressions. All in all, our results prove that LP is a very promising feed supplement for the Nile tilapia in the context of aquaculture.

Effect of Supplementation of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on Growth Performance of Broiler in Konkan Region, India

The experimental trial of six weeks was conducted on 200 broiler chicks. They were randomly distributed into five experimental treatment groups. Each treatment group was replicated into four with 10 birds per replication. The control (T1) group was fed standard ration and T2, T3, T4 and T5 group were provided same standard ration supplemented with 1.00 g, 2.00 g, 3.00 g and 4.00 g spirulina powder, respectively. The result of experimental trial showed that supplementation of spirulina powder was significantly highest live body weight in treatment T5 (1944.50 g/bird) as well as average live body weight gain (277.79 g/bird). It is concluded that, 4.00 g of spirulina powder significantly improved growth performance of broiler chicks than other treatments groups.

HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF KALAWAD WEANER GOATS FED DIETS CONTAINING MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF MEAL

This study was carried out to determine the haematology and serum biochemical parameters of KALAWAD weaner goats fed diets containing Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM). The research was carried out at the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). A total of 12 weaner KALAWAD goats aged of 12-14 weeks old and comprised of 6 males and 6 females were used for the experiment. The goats were allotted to three experimental treatment groups which were: 0, 5.0, and 7.5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal inclusion levels. Data collected were subjected to One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in a Completely Randomized Design. The parameters measured were: Packed cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb) White blood cell (WBC), Mean Corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). The Biochemical parameters were: Proteins, Albumin, Glucose, Cholesterol, Phosphorous, Calcium, Aspartate amino transferase (AST) Alanine amino transferase (ALT) Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT). The results showed that 7.5% MLM inclusion level had demonstrated to be important sources of feed and health benefits that would go a long way in filling feed shortage gaps and fighting diseases without adverse effect on the animal. In this study, it was concluded that the inclusion of 7.5% MLM into the diets improved the well-being of the KALAWAD goats.

Protocol amendment for ENSEMBLE study: A multicenter, randomized, phase III trial to test the superiority of consolidation irinotecan, capecitabine and oxaliplatin vs capecitabine and oxaliplatin following short course radiotherapy as total neoadjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer—Changing the irinotecan dosage.

TPS99 Background: Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) presents a promising approach for treating patients (pts) with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). TNT not only enhances outcomes for LARC pts but also contributes to improving their quality of life by offering non-operative management (NOM) for patients with complete clinical response (cCR) or near-complete clinical response (nCR). We are currently conducting a phase III trial, the ENSEMBLE study, which was presented at ASCO Breakthrough 2023. At this stage, we have modified the protocol for this study. Additionally, we are conducting translational research (TR) to establish clear criteria for NOM following TNT. Methods: In the ENSEMBLE study, the experimental treatment group received short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) (5×5 Gy) followed by six cycles of CAPOXIRI (capecitabine 800 mg/m2 [orally, twice daily, days 1-14], oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 [intravenously, day 1], and irinotecan 200 mg/m2 [intravenously, day 1, every 3 weeks]). The standard-of-care group received SCRT (5×5 Gy) followed by six cycles of CAPOX (capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 [orally, twice daily, days 1-14], oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 [intravenously, day 1, every 3 weeks]). However, the experimental treatment group experienced a higher rate of adverse events due to the high starting dose of irinotecan. After consulting the data and safety monitoring committee (DSMC), it was recommended to reduce the starting dose of irinotecan. Results: Enrollment for the ENSEMBLE study commenced in November 2022. By August 2023, severe adverse events necessitating emergency reporting had occurred in the experimental treatment group. In response to these adverse events, the DSMC was consulted, leading to the reduction of the starting dose of irinotecan to 150 mg/m2. Following this adjustment, no severe adverse events requiring emergency reporting were observed during the experimental treatment with CAPOXIRI. We are currently continuing the ENSEMBLE study to advance treatment options for LARC pts. The TR component of the ENSEMBLE study involves genomic profiling through whole genome plus RNA sequencing of tissue and blood samples, as well as circulating nucleic acid sequencing (cNAS). Additionally, all imaging data (MRI, CT, and colonoscopy) and clinical information are being collected to develop criteria for NOM. Conclusions: A starting dose of irinotecan at 150 mg/m2 appears to be feasible after SCRT in the ENSEMBLE study. Furthermore, the ENSEMBLE study aims to establish clear NOM criteria through deep learning with TR. Clinical trial information: NCT05646511 / jRCTs031220342 .

Subclinical peripheral inflammation has systemic effects impacting central nervous system proteome in budgerigars

Regulation of neuroimmune interactions varies across avian species. Little is presently known about the interplay between periphery and central nervous system (CNS) in parrots, birds sensitive to neuroinflammation. Here we investigated the systemic and CNS responses to dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced subclinical acute peripheral inflammation in budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus). Three experimental treatment groups differing in DSS and LPS stimulation were compared to controls. Individuals treated with DSS showed significant histological intestinal damage. Through quantitative proteomics we described changes in plasma (PL) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition. In total, we identified 180 proteins in PL and 978 proteins in CSF, with moderate co-structure between the proteomes. Between treatments we detected differences in immune, coagulation and metabolic pathways. Proteomic variation was associated with the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in intestine and brain. Our findings shed light on systemic impacts of peripheral low-grade inflammation in birds.

Evaluating the seasonal efficacy of commonly used chemical treatments on Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae)populationresurgence in honey bee colonies.

The purpose of this research was to determine how common chemical treatments influence Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) populationresurgence rates (defined as time posttreatment for mite populations to reach 3 mites/100 adult bees) in managed honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies seasonally. We conducted 2 experiments that followed the same basic protocol to address this purpose. We established 6 treatment groups in Experiment 1 in the fall of 2014: untreated control, Apivar, Apistan, CheckMite+, ApiLifeVar, and Mite Away II applied to 10 colonies per treatment. In Experiment 2, we applied 8 chemical treatments to each of 4 seasonal (spring, summer, fall, and winter) cohorts of honey bee colonies to determine how mite populations are influenced by the treatments. The treatments/formulations tested were Apivar, Apistan, Apiguard, MAQS, CheckMite+, oxalic acid (dribble), oxalic acid (shop towels), and amitraz (shop towels soaked in Bovitraz). In Experiment 1, Apivar and Mite Away II were able to delay V. destructor resurgence for 2 and 6 months, respectively. In Experiment 2, Apiguard, MAQS, oxalic acid (dribble), and Bovitraz treatments were effective at delaying V. destructor resurgence for at least 2 months during winter and spring. Only the Bovitraz and MAQS treatments were effective at controlling V. destructor in the summer and fall. Of the 2 amitraz-based treatments, the off-label Bovitraz treatment was the only treatment to reduce V. destructor populations in every season. The data gathered through this study allow for the refinement of treatment recommendations for V. destructor, especially regarding the seasonal efficacy of each miticide and the temporal efficacy posttreatment.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Effects of Prunella vulgaris in Experimental Acute Inflammation.

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is one of the most commonly used nutraceuticals as it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of PV and its in vivo antioxidant properties. A phytochemical analysis measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), the identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI, and the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity by the DPPH assay of the extract were performed. The antioxidant effects on inflammation induced by turpentine oil were experimentally tested in rats. Seven groups with six animals each were used: a control group, the experimental inflammation treatment group, the experimental inflammation and diclofenac sodium (DS) treatment group, and four groups with their inflammation treated using different dilutions of the extract. Serum redox balance was assessed based on total oxidative status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiols, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) contents. The TPC was 0.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL extract, while specific representatives were represented by caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, apigenin-glucuronide, hesperidin, kaempferol-glucuronide. The highest amount (370.45 μg/mL) was reported for hesperidin, which is a phenolic compound belonging to the flavanone subclass. The antioxidant activity of the extracts, determined using the DPPH assay, was 27.52 mmol Trolox/mL extract. The PV treatment reduced the oxidative stress by lowering the TOS, OSI, NO, and MDA and by increasing the TAC and thiols. In acute inflammation, treatment with the PV extract reduced oxidative stress, with lower concentrations being more efficient and having a better effect than DS.

Characterization of three lamp genes from largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides): molecular cloning, expression patterns, and their transcriptional levels in response to fast and refeeding strategy.

Lysosomes-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs), a family of glycosylated proteins and major constituents of the lysosomal membranes, play a dominant role in various cellular processes, including phagocytosis, autophagy and immunity in mammals. However, their roles in aquatic species remain poorly known. In the present study, three lamp genes were cloned and characterized from Micropterus salmoides. Subsequently, their transcriptional levels in response to different nutritional status were investigated. The full-length coding sequences of lamp1, lamp2 and lamp3 were 1251bp, 1224bp and 771bp, encoding 416, 407 and 256 amino acids, respectively. Multiple sequence alignment showed that LAMP1-3 were highly conserved among the different fish species, respectively. 3-D structure prediction, genomic survey, and phylogenetic analysis were further confirmed that these genes are widely existed in vertebrates. The mRNA expression of the three genes was ubiquitously expressed in all selected tissues, including liver, brain, gill, heart, muscle, spleen, kidney, stomach, adipose and intestine, lamp1 shows highly transcript levels in brain and muscle, lamp2 displays highly expression level in heart, muscle and spleen, but lamp3 shows highly transcript level in spleen, liver and kidney. To analyze the function of the three genes under starvation stress in largemouth bass, three experimental treatment groups (fasted group and refeeding group, control group) were established in the current study. The results indicated that the expression of lamp1 was significant induced after starvation, and then returned to normal levels after refeeding in the liver. The expression of lamp2 and lamp3 exhibited the same trend in the liver. In addition, in the spleen and the kidney, the transcript level of lamp1 and lamp2 was remarkably increased in the fasted treatment group and slightly decreased in the refed treatment group, respectively. Collectively, our findings suggest that three lamp genes may have differential function in the immune and energetic organism in largemouth bass, which is helpful in understanding roles of lamps in aquatic species.

Performance, HSP70 expression, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative DNA damage biomarkers, metabolic hormones, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens fed mistletoe leaf powder supplemented diets under tropical high ambient temperatures

The study investigated the impact of Mistletoe Leaf Powder (MLP) supplementation on some parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens. The standard baseline diets, comprising four different formulations, were provided during the starter and finisher stages. Chickens were randomly assigned to the 4 dietary groups: a negative control (CON) with no supplementation, a positive control (VTC) with 200 mg/kg vitamin C, and 2 experimental treatment groups with 2500 mg/kg (MLP2) and 5000 mg/kg (MLP5) MLP supplementation. The Body Weight Gain (BWG) in MLP2 and MLP5 treatment groups was comparable (P > 0.05) to those in VTC, while the CON group exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower BWG. Feed consumption was significantly (P < 0.05) lower broiler chickens in the CON group compared to those VTC, MLP2, and MLP5. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels were lower in broiler chickens belonging to VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 groups compared to those in CON, and MLP2 showed no difference (P > 0.05) from MLP5 and VTC. Serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in birds belonging to MLP5, MLP2, and VTC groups compared to CON. The 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in birds of VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 compared to the CON, with VTC showing the least concentration. Serum insulin levels were higher (P < 0.05) in MLP5 compared to those in CON, while serum triiodothyronine and leptin concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in CON compared to birds in VTC, MLP2, and MLP5. Microbiota analysis revealed that the Coliform bacteria population was higher (P < 0.05) in birds belonging to CON compared to those in VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 groups, whereas lactic acid-producing bacteria were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in birds of CON and highest in MLP2 and MLP5 groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of MLP at 5000 mg/kg enhanced performance, oxidative status, influenced metabolic hormones, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens raised under high ambient temperature.

The effects of yohimbine and hydrocortisone on selective attention to fearful faces: An fMRI study

IntroductionSelective attention to salient emotional information can enable an advantage in the face of danger. The present study aims to investigate the influence of the stress neuromodulators, norepinephrine and cortisol, on selective attention processes to fearful faces and its neuronal activation. Methods and materialsWe used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. 167 healthy men between 18 and 35 years (mean [SD] age: 25.23 [4.24] years) participated in the study. Participants received either: (A) yohimbine (n= 41), (B) hydrocortisone (n = 41), (C) yohimbine and hydrocortisone (n = 42) or (D) placebo only (n= 43) and participated in a dot-probe task with fearful and neutral faces in an fMRI scanner. ResultsWe found an attentional bias toward fearful faces across all groups and related neuronal activation in the left cuneus. We did not find any differences between experimental treatment groups in selective attention and its neuronal activation. DiscussionOur results provide evidence that fearful faces lead to an attentional bias with related neuronal activation in the left cuneus. We did not replicate formerly reported activation in the amygdala, intraparietal sulcus, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and thalamus. Suitability of the dot-probe task for fMRI studies and insignificant treatment effects are discussed.

Influence of Nutrition and Genetics on Bone Parameters of 1940 Leghorn and 2016 Commercial White Leghorns

Bones play an essential role being responsible for the support of body mass, protection of internal organs, and providing musculature attachment sites while also serving as a reservoir for eggshell mineralization during the production phase. Targeted genetic selection has contributed to body morphometry and performance potential and could be inadvertently associated with undesirable effects on bone stability. In this study, bone parameters were compared between a contemporary and heritage line for the effect of strain and dietary regimen. A total of 320 White Leghorn laying hens (69 weeks of age) of two different strains were distributed into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement creating 4 experimental treatment groups: 1). 2016 hen on 1940 diet, 2). 2016 hen on 2016 diet, 3). 1940 hen on 1940 diet, and 4). 1940 hen on 2016 diet with 8 replicates per treatment. Keel bones were assessed for deviations and or fractures. Significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) were observed for both deviations and/or fractures with the 2016 strain having more when compared to the 1940 strain. Humerus and tibia bones were analyzed for bone mineral density, breaking strength, and bone ash. Humerus and tibia weights which included both pre (with meat attached) and post weights (without meat attached) had significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the pre-weight in the 2016 hens, however no significant differences in the post weights. Results suggest that genetics played a role in the differences observed with the bone parameters measured and nutrition had few adverse effects.

Study on the mechanism of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

To explore the effect of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) on retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) and the protective effect of N-hydroxy-N'-(4-n-butyl-2-methylphenyl)formamidine (HET0016) on RIRI. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, experimental model group (RIRI group), experimental solvent group (RIRI + solvent group), and experimental treatment group (RIRI + HET0016 group). The levels of 20-HETE, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the retina of rats at 24 h after reperfusion were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the retinal morphological and thickness changes at 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days after reperfusion. The number and localized expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9-positive cells in the retina of the rats at 24 h after reperfusion and the activation and localized expression of retinal microglia at 48 h after reperfusion were measured using an immunohistochemical method. The nuclear metastasis of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB, p65) cells at 24 h after reperfusion was observed using an immunofluorescence method. Overall, 20-HETE might activate microglia to aggravate RIRI by the NF-κB pathway, but HET0016 has significant protective effects for the retina.

Effect of human lactoferrin solution on histological changes of rabbit cornea in alkaline burns

BACKGROUND: Eye burns are a severe injury, accounting for 6.1–38.4% of all ophthalmic diseases. Alkaline burns are the most common and most severe forms of eye burns.&#x0D; AIM: Evaluation of the effectiveness of drug topical application based on human lactoferrin in alkaline cornea burns of the 3rd degree in the experiment.&#x0D; MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 42 rabbits. It included two groups: the first (without treatment) — alkaline burns during therapy with water for injection (1 drop 3 times a day) — 21 rabbits, the second (experimental) — treatment with lactoferrin solution (concentration 2.5 mg/ml, 1 drop 3 times a day) — 21 rabbits. Alkaline burns were induced by applying a filter paper disc moistened with 5% sodium hydroxide solution to the cornea. 6 eyes of 3 intact animals served as controls. The effectiveness of the drug was evaluated by the rate of closure of the corneal epithelium defect, the time of suppression of the inflammatory reaction in the area of the defect and the limbus, the degree of restoration of the morphological structure of the cornea, as close as possible to the normal rabbit cornea. The obtained data were processed using the methods of variation statistics, the Statistica 10.0 software package. The significance of differences was assessed by calculating the median and interquartile interval. The critical level of significance for statistical criteria was taken as p=0.05.&#x0D; RESULTS: From the 3rd day of the study, in the experimental treatment group, there was an acceleration of reepithelialization, restoration of the cornea's own substance, and a more rapid subsidence of inflammation compared to the control group. The thickness of the cornea in the center of the defect in the group without treatment was significantly higher than the values of intact animals at all periods of observation: on the 3rd day after the burn it was 615.99 [450.70–794.07] µm (p=0.000574), reached the maximum by day 7 — it was 1363.16 [907.78–1543.44] µm (p=0.000091), and by day 28 it decreased to 384.38 [376.03–398.14] µm (p=0.0000041). In the group with experimental treatment, the thickness of the cornea in the center of the defect also increased relative to intact animals, starting from the 1st day of pathology, reaching maximum values on the 3rd day — 436.70 [415.57–489.90] µm (p=0.005589). The use of lactoferrin solution in comparison with the first group led to a significant decrease in the thickness of the cornea in the center of the defect on 7th (p=0.039985) and 28th days (p=0.0443).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Local application of lactoferrin solution in alkaline burns of the cornea promotes faster regeneration of the epithelium and restoration of the stroma structure of the rabbit cornea.

Ultrastructure of mice testes affected by orally administered crocin of crocus sativus

In this study, thirty-two adult male mice were divided into four groups control and experimental treatment groups received crocin at 4, 20, and 100 mg/kg daily for six weeks. In results, testosterone level was increased significantly from 18.5 ng/dl in the control to 49.3 ng/dl in group received crocin at 20 mg/kg. The regular features of seminiferous tubules with increased Sertoli cells have been observed in the 20mg/kg crocin group.&#x0D; In the group received crocin at 100 mg/kg, many of the seminiferous tubules were atrophic, spermatogenic cells were discontinuous in the same areas while the space among them has been increased, and fewer interstitial tissue between seminiferous tubules were observed. The changes were markedly advanced by increasing the number of atrophied seminiferous tubules.&#x0D; Electron microscopic results showed the large mitochondria with normal crista and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum in spermatid cells of the 20 mg/kg crocin group.&#x0D; In the 100 mg/kg crocin group, most of the cell cytoplasm showed vacuolated mitochondria with patchy matrix and distorted vision cristae, with many lysosomes, lipid droplets and vacuoles. Some sperms had abnormal swollen nuclear and irregular wavy acrosomal system.&#x0D; The results of the present study showed that crocin at 20 mg/kg has a protective effect on the germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules while at 100 mg/kg had destructive effects on the histological structure of the treated mice testicles.&#x0D; In conclusion, treating healthy male mice with crocin for six weeks increased the testosterone concentration while at 100 mg/kg damaged the testicle’s structure

Ethanol production from cassava peels using Saccharomyces cerevisiae via ethanologenic fermentation process

PurposeThis study aims to assess the effect of water variation on bioethanol production from cassava peels (CP) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast as the ethanologenic agent.Design/methodology/approachThe milled CP was divided into three treatment groups in a small-scale flask experiment where each 20 g CP was subjected to two-stage hydrolysis. Different amount of water was added to the fermentation process of CP. The fermented samples were collected every 24 h for various analyses.FindingsThe results of the fermentation revealed that the highest ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency was obtained at 17.38 ± 0.30% and 0.139 ± 0.003 gL−1 h−1. The study affirmed that ethanol production was increased for the addition of water up to 35% for the CP hydrolysate process.Practical implicationsThe finding of this study demonstrates that S. cerevisiae is the key player in industrial ethanol production among a variety of yeasts that produce ethanol through sugar fermentation. In order to design truly sustainable processes, it should be expanded to include a thorough analysis and the gradual scaling-up of this process to an industrial level.Originality/valueThis paper is an original research work dealing with bioethanol production from CP using S. cerevisiae microbe.HighlightsHydrolysis of cassava peels using 13.1 M H2SO4 at 100 oC for 110 min gave high Glucose productivityHighest ethanol production was obtained at 72 h of fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiaeOptimal bioethanol concentration and yield were obtained at a hydration level of 35% agitationHighest ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency were 17.3%, 0.139 g.L−1.h−1

Antioxidant Status, Lipid Metabolism, Egg Fatty Acids, and Nutritional Index of White-Egg Laying Hens Fed Flaxseed Cake.

Flaxseed cake contains high levels of phenolic compounds, which have numerous biological activities, as well as a considerable amount of omega-3 fatty acids, such as α-linolenic acid, which remains after oil extraction. In this study, we examined the effects of flaxseed cake meal (FSCM) on the antioxidative status, lipid metabolism, egg fatty acid profile, and egg health index of white-egg laying hens. A total of 63 Hisex White laying hens were divided into three experimental treatment groups and fed diets containing 0, 5, or 10% FSCM from 48 to 58 weeks of age. Feeding with 5 and 10% FSCM did not significantly (p>0.05) influence total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations, or the high-/low-density lipoprotein ratio in the serum and egg yolk; however, 10% FSCM significantly (P<0.05) increased serum high-density lipoprotein. Dietary FSCM also did not affect (P>0.05) antioxidant markers in the eggs and blood plasma. Notably, dietary inclusion of FSCM significantly increased (P<0.05) total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), α-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid levels in egg yolk, whereas the n-6:n-3 PUFAs ratio was markedly (P<0.05) decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, including 5-10% FSCM improved (P<0.05) egg health indices, with 10% being the most beneficial. Together, these findings indicated that the inclusion of up to 10% FSCM in laying hen diets improved egg yolk lipid and fatty acid profiles, as well as egg quality and nutritional and metabolic indices.

Paresis of an upper extremity. Action observation and motor imagery in recovery of patients with chronic stroke

Action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) are considered functionally equivalent forms of motor representation related to movement execution (ME). Because of their characteristics, AO and MI have been proposed as techniques to facilitate the recovery of post-stroke hemiparesis in the upper extremities. An experimental, longitudinal, prospective, single-blinded design was undertaken. Eleven patients participated, and were randomly assigned to each study group. Both groups received 10 to 12 sessions of physical therapy. Five patients were assigned to the control treatment group, and six patients to the experimental treatment group (AO + MI). All were assessed before and after treatment for function, strength (newtons) and mobility (percentage) in the affected limb, as well as alpha desynchronisation (8-13 Hz) in the supplementary motor area, the premotor cortex and primary motor cortex while performing AO + MI tasks and action observation plus motor execution (AO + ME). The experimental group presented improvement in function and strength. A negative correlation was found between desynchronisation in the supplementary motor area and function, as well as a post-treatment increase in desynchronisation in the premotor cortex of the injured hemisphere in the experimental group only. An AO + MI-based intervention positively impacts recovery of the paretic upper extremity by stimulating the supplementary motor area, a cortex involved in movement preparation and learning. AO + MI therapy can be used as adjunctive treatment in patients with upper extremity paresis following chronic stroke.