First Day Of Experiment Research Articles

Therapeutic potential of Pien Tze Huang in colitis-associated colorectal cancer: mechanistic insights from a mouse model

BackgroundPien Tze Huang (PZH), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, is recognized for its therapeutic effect on colitis and colorectal cancer. However, its protective role and underlying mechanism in colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) remain to be elucidated.MethodsA CAC mouse model was established using AOM/DSS. Twenty mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 5/group): Control, PZH, AOM/DSS, and AOM/DSS + PZH groups. Mice in the PZH and AOM/DSS + PZH group were orally administered PZH (250 mg/kg/d) from the first day of experiment, while the control and AOM/DSS group received an equivalent volume of distilled water. Parameters such as body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon weight, colon length, colon histomorphology, intestinal tumor formation, serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, proliferation and apoptosis in colon tissue were assessed. RNA sequencing was employed to identify the differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) in colonic tissues and related signaling pathways. Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway-Related genes in colon tissue were detected by QPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC).ResultsPZH significantly attenuated AOM/DSS-induced weight loss, DAI elevation, colonic weight gain, colon shortening, histological damage, and intestinal tumor formation in mice. PZH also notably decreased serum concentration of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Furthermore, PZH inhibited cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in tumor tissues. RNA-seq and KEGG analysis revealed key pathways influenced by PZH, including Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. IHC staining confirmed that PZH suppressed the expression of β-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-Myc in colonic tissues.ConclusionsPZH ameliorates AOM/DSS-induced CAC in mice by suppressing the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Potential therapeutic effect of Thymoquinone on Cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Aim: Cisplatin (CIS), an antineoplastic agent, shows serious side effects such as hepatotoxicity. Thymoquinone (ThQ) is a powerful anti-oxidant with many beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ThQ treatment has hepatoprotective effect in CIS-induced hepatotoxicity model in rats and also to determine how CIS and/or ThQ treatments affect OTULIN levels, one of the deubiquitinases, in liver tissue. Materials and Methods: The 28 rats used in the study control (application not done), CIS (7 mg/kg CIS, first day of experiment, intraperitoneal), CIS+ThQ (7 mg/kg CIS, first day of experiment, intraperitoneal + 10 mg/kg/day ThQ, oral gavage) and ThQ (10 mg/kg/day ThQ, oral gavage) were divided into four equal groups (n=7). The experiment was terminated upon completion of all applications (day 15). The effects of CIS and\or ThQ apps on liver tissues were examined biochemically, histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Results: CIS application increased liver enzyme levels, histopathological changes, inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in liver tissue and caused a decrease in OTULIN level. However, ThQ administration showed a positive regulatory effect on CIS-induced changes in liver tissue. Conclusion: ThQ supplementation has a hepatoprotective effect against CIS-induced liver tissue damage.

The effect of hyaluronic acid and iodine complex gel compared to Vaseline on deep second‐degree burn wound in rats

AbstractThe combination of hyaluronic acid and iodine (Hyodine) has sparked interest in wound care and could have valuable applications in treating burn injuries. We aimed to provide valuable insight into the potential advantages, limitations, and implications of using Hyodine in burn wound management. We studied 25 male rats to assess the clinical outcomes and wound‐healing effects of Hyodine. Each rat received a deep second‐degree burn wound on their back using metal stamps. Subsequently, the rats were then randomly split into two groups. The first group was treated with a layer of Hyodine gel, while the second group received Vaseline. The burn sites were photographed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 using a digital camera. After excision of the burn wounds, histopathology slides were stained and evaluated in terms of the degree of epithelialization, angiogenesis, inflammatory cells' infiltration, and collagen amount and arrangement. Despite a non‐significant difference regarding the extent of burn wound area between intervention and control groups in the first day of experiment, the rats that were treated with Vaseline showed a significant decrease compared to those who received Hyodine in the second and third weeks (p = 0.02). On the other hand, epithelialization, pathology score, and collagen synthesis were significantly different between days 7, 14, and 21 of each group. However, collagen arrangement and neovascularization were only significantly different between days 7, 14, and 21 in Hyodine group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). The Hyodine gel may offer beneficial outcomes in patients with a burn wound. Based on our findings, despite a non‐significant difference in the extent of burn wound area, using Hyodine revealed a significant improvement in different histopathological variables including neovascularization, and collagen arrangement.

Operative Protocol for Testing the Efficacy of Nasal Filters in Preventing Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Standardized methods for testing Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) of tissues and devices are lacking and few studies are available on aerosolizing, sampling and assessing infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in controlled laboratory settings. NanoAg-coated endonasal filters appear a promising aid for lowering viable virus inhalation in both adult and younger populations (e.g., adolescents). to provide an adequate method for testing SARS-CoV-2 bioaerosol VFE of bio-gel Ag nanoparticles endonasal filters, by a model system, assessing residual infectivity as cytopathic effect and viral proliferation on in vitro cell cultures. A SARS-CoV-2 aerosol transmission chamber fed by a BLAM aerosol generator produces challenges (from very high viral loads (105 PFU/mL) to lower ones) for endonasal filters positioned in a Y shape sampling port connected to a Biosampler. An aerosol generator, chamber and sampler are contained in a class II cabinet in a BSL3 facility. Residual infectivity is assessed from aliquots of liquid collecting bioaerosol, sampled without and with endonasal filters. Cytopathic effect as plaque formation and viral proliferation assessed by qRT-PCR on Vero E6 cells are determined up to 7 days post inoculum. Each experimental setting is replicated three times and basic statistics are calculated. Efficiency of aerosolization is determined as difference between viral load in the nebulizer and in the Biosampler at the first day of experiment. Efficiency of virus filtration is calculated as RNA viral load ratio in collected bioaerosol with and without endonasal filters at the day of the experiment. Presence of infectious virus is assessed by plaque forming unit assay and RNA viral load variations. A procedure and apparatus for assessing SARS-CoV-2 VFE for endonasal filters is proposed. The apparatus can be implemented for more sophisticated studies on contaminated aerosols.

Problem of interdependence of algae Spirulina platensis and pH

Problem of interdependence of algae Spirulina platensis and pH. / N. Kuchava. / Nano Studies. – 2020. – # 20. – pp. 119-124. – geo. An attempt is made to determine the interdependence of cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis and pH. For this purpose, there are considered some cases, when during the first days of experiment the following chemical elements: Cu, Zn, Ni, Hg, Cd, and Ag are separately introduced into nutrient medium Zarrouk of the mentioned algae in different amounts and at different times. The results are obtained by the method of atomic absorption spectrometry and tabulated. Tab. 6, Ref. 8.

Performance analysis of heat exchanger- evacuated tube assisted drying system (HE-ETADS) under unload condition

A prototype heat exchanger-evacuated tube assisted drying system (HE-ETADS) has been fabricated and tested under unload conditions in active mode at different water flow rates (10, 20, and 30Ltr/hr). Experimental work was conducted in three different categories. Category-I: drying system in stagnation condition, Category-II: all fans are in operating condition and Category-III: ventilation window is open. Coefficient of performance, heat consumption factor, convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC) and diffusion coefficient have been calculated in thermal performance analysis of advanced system. Highest coefficient of diffusivity (0.19) was on third day of experimentation under Category-III at 30Ltr/hr water flow rate. Maximum heat consumption factor (0.60) was calculated during the second day for Category-I at 20Ltr/hr and for Category-II it was 0.775 during third day of experimentation at 30Ltr/hr, whereas in Category-III it was 0.782 at 10Ltr/hr water flow rate during first day of experiment. Higher coefficient of performance was 0.902 on third day of experiment for Category-I at 30Ltr/hr water flow rate whereas 0.940 was on first day of experimentation for Category-II at 10Ltr/hr flow rate. Category-III achieved 0.97 at 10Ltr/hr water flow rate during first day of experiment. CHTC of north wall insulated greenhouse dryer (NWIGHD) for ground to drying cabin air was 46.622 W/m2℃, while for advanced HE-ETADS it was found 47.542 W/m2℃, which is 1.98% greater than NWIGHD. Hence, HE-ETADS has potential to enhance drying rate and reduce payback period.

β-Caryophyllene Ameliorates Cyclophosphamide Induced Cardiac Injury: The Association of TLR4/NFκB and Nrf2/HO1/NQO1 Pathways.

Background: β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural sesquiterpene, is extensively present in the essential oils of several plants. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is an anticancer drug. However, its clinical usage is inadequate due to its cardiotoxicity. The aim of this study was to study the effects of BCP on cardiac injury induced by CYC exposure, and to identify the underlying mechanism of action. Methods: Five groups of Wistar rats were allocated. Group I (Normal), II (BCP), and III (CYC) acted as controls. Group IV, V (CYC + BCP) received BCP in two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally, respectively) for 14 days after CYC challenge. CYC groups received 200 mg/kg, i.p. of the drug once on the first day of experiments. Results: CYC group displayed numerous ECG and histological irregularities and cardiac markers elevation. CYC induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress intensification, as well as inflammatory and apoptotic markers escalation. Treatment with BCP resulted in modified ECG traces and histological sections. BCP mitigated cardiac markers and lipid peroxidation whereas intensified antioxidant capacity. BCP activated Nrf2, with subsequent HO1 and NQO1 amplification. BCP diminished TLR4/NFκB pathway, which consequently lessened the inflammatory and apoptosis responses. Conclusion: BCP administration was associated with activated Nrf2/HO1/NQO1 and inhibited TLR4/NFκB pathways with subsequent enhanced anti-oxidative capacity and diminished inflammatory and apoptosis responses.

Evaluation of renoprotective and Anti-inflammatory effects of doxycycline in carrageenan-induced renal inflammation

The present study was designed to investigate biochemical changes induced by doxycycline treatment of carrageenan-induced renal inflammation. For this purpose, 60 rats divided into four groups. Group (1) used as a control and administrated distilled water (1 ml/kg, i.p.) daily for 5 days. Group (2) carrageenan group: rats administrated 2% λ- Carrageenan (25 µl/kg, i.p.) as one dose at first day of experiment. Group (3) doxycycline rats were received doxycycline (100 mg/kg, i.p./day/5 days). Group (4) carrageenan+ doxycycline rats were received doxycycline (100 mg/kg, i.p.), after an hour 2% λ- carrageenan (25 µl/kg, i.p.) as one dose at first day of experiment. The experiment was continued for 5 days. Collection of samples was performed on 1st, 3rd and 5th day of experiment. Serum was used for evaluation of kidney function (urea, creatinine, Na+ and K+) and plasma proteins (total protein, albumin, and globulin), as well as inflammatory markers and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and NO). Kidney tissue used for estimation of antioxidant parameters (MDA and GPx), and histopathology. The results revealed that there were significant increases in urea, creatinine, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and NO in carrageenan group, while GPx, Na+ and K+ showed significant decreases. Moreover, histological examination of group 2 showed degenerative changes in the lining epithelium of renal tubules associated with peritubular mononuclear cells infiltration compared with control group. Therefore, it could be concluded that doxycycline has anti-inflammatory role.

Winter Wheat Straw Decomposition under Different Nitrogen Fertilizers

The climate changes and increased drought frequency still more frequent in recent periods bring challenges to management with wheat straw remaining in the field after harvest and to its decomposition. The field experiment carried out in 2017–2019 in the Czech Republic aimed to evaluate winter wheat straw decomposition under different organic and mineral nitrogen fertilizing (urea, pig slurry and digestate with and without inhibitors of nitrification (IN)). Treatment Straw 1 with fertilizers was incorporated in soil each year the first day of experiment. The Straw 2 was placed on soil surface at the same day as Straw 1 and incorporated together with fertilizers after 3 weeks. The Straw 1 decomposition in N treatments varied between 25.8–40.1% and in controls between 21.5–33.1% in 2017–2019. The Straw 2 decomposition varied between 26.3–51.3% in N treatments and in controls between 22.4–40.6%. Higher straw decomposition in 2019 was related to more rainy weather. The drought observed mainly in 2018 led to the decrease of straw decomposition and to the highest contents of residual mineral nitrogen in soils. The limited efficiency of N fertilisers on straw decomposition under drought showed a necessity of revision of current strategy of N treatments and reduction of N doses adequately according the actual weather conditions.

33 Effect of exogenous melatonin administration on testicular biometry, libido parameters, seminal parameters, hormone levels, and freezability of Sirohi buck semen during the non-breeding season in Southern Rajasthan

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of administration of exogenous melatonin on the testicular biometry, libido parameters, hormone levels, and freezability of semen during the non-breeding seasons in adult Sirohi bucks. Experiments of 4 and 8 weeks were carried out during non-breeding seasons at different times. Twelve bucks, 2 to 3 years of age, were split into melatonin-treated and control groups, with 6 bucks in each group. Throughout the 2 experimental periods, all bucks were permanently kept outdoors under conditions of natural daylength and at ambient temperature. Bucks in the treated group were subjected to single subcutaneous injection of a powder form of melatonin mixed with corn oil at the dose rate 18mg per 50kg on the first day of experiment; bucks in the control group received sterile corn oil injected subcutaneously in control group. Ejaculates were taken from the bucks by artificial vagina (AV) once per week and their reaction time (the elapsed time between exposure to stimuli and first ejaculation) was recorded. Testicular biometry, serum testosterone, and serum melatonin were determined weekly before semen collection. Ejaculates were cryopreserved and thawed weekly and the same quantitative and qualitative variables were measured as for fresh semen samples. Melatonin significantly (P<0.05) improved testicular biometry, libido parameters, and hormone levels compared with the control group during weeks 3 and 4 of the first experiment and from week 5 onward of the second experiment (P<0.05). Semen volume (mL) improved to 0.70±0.039 vs. 0.48±0.009 and 0.94±0.036 vs. 0.56±0.032 in first and second experiments. Greater (P<0.05) progressive motility (%) was noted in the melatonin group (84.59±1.472 and 86.88±0.797) during experiments 1 and 2. Semen quality of each straw from each ejaculate was evaluated after proper thawing within 24h. Mean post-thaw live sperm percentage for experiments 1 and 2 was 69.25±0.382 and 66.90±0.779, progressive motility was 50.42±0.948 and 58.75±1.058, and curled tail sperm count were 51.00±0.715 and 61.36±0.773, respectively. In conclusion, the results of present experiments are novel regarding the use of single subcutaneous melatonin injection during the non-breeding season to improve variables associated with the fertility potential of the Sirohi buck and frozen-thawed seminal parameters.

Evaluation of booster additive with different DOC body weight on Broiler production performance in closed house

This experiment was carried out in a 7,500 m2 poultry closed house located between the geographical coordinates 7°21ʹ-7°31ʹ south latitude and 110°10ʹ-111°31ʹ west longitude and an average altitute of 654 m, from July to August 2020. The chickens were placed in 24 pens measuring 1 m2 each at stocking density of 4 chickens m-2. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of three initial weight (chick weight on first day of experiment) and two types of mixed feed on broiler performance. A total 96 day old chicks strain CP 707 derived from the same flock of breeders, was distributed in completely randomized experimental design with 3 (initial weight) by two type of mixed feed five repliated per treatment. The feed was complete feed produced by PT. Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk. Complete feed was given based on the maintenance phase, include BR0 (1-7 days old), BR1 (8-21 days), and BR2 (>21 days). The booster additive was a commercial product. Initial weights were classified as light (37-41 g), medium (42-46 g) and heavy (>47 g), whereas mixed feed (with and without additive booster) were used as daily chicken feed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey’s test at 95% confidence level. Initial weight and types of mixed feed have no effect on feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion, dan production index.

Peripheral Administration of RF9 Does Not Affect Hypothalamic-PituitaryGonadal Axis in Normal Fed Adult Male Macaque

Stress represses hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG-axis) but RF9, a synthetic peptide, rescues such repression. To assess the role of RF9 in regulating HPG-axis under normal physiological conditions in higher primates, RF9 was administered to intact adult male rhesus monkeys and response of the HPG-axis was examined by measuring plasma testosterone as an end parameter of the axis. Control group (n=4) received normal saline whereas the treated group (n=4) received RF9. On the first day of experiment, four bolus injections of normal saline (1ml/animal) were administered intravenously at 2-hr interval to the control monkeys. Similarly, on the second day of experiment, treated group received four iv bolus injections of RF9 (0.1mg/kg BW) at 2-hr interval. Serial blood samples were collected at 20 min interval during a 6-hr period which started just after first saline/RF9 injection. Plasma testosterone levels were measured by using a specific EIA. Overall means of plasma testosterone levels and plasma testosterone area under curve (AUC) and overall mean testosterone and mean testosterone AUC in short time windows following each injection of RF9 and saline were comparable between the groups. Our results demonstrate that RF9 has no role in regulating HPG-axis under normal physiological conditions in adult male monkeys.

Effects of Acacia mearnsii supplementation on nutrition, parasitological, blood parameters and methane emissions in Santa Inês sheep infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus

Gastrointestinal nematodes are a main problem for ruminant production, reducing animal performance and increasing environmental impact per unit of animal product generated. Tannin supplementation may lead to positive results regarding aspects such as parasitic infections and methane (CH4) emissions. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of the condensed tannins (CT) extract made of powdered Acacia mearnsii bark (PAB) on nutrition, parasitic status and CH4 emissions in sheep artificially infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus. Twenty 10-month old Santa Inês lambs (24.7 ± 3.14 kg of initial body weight) were used in a 50-day trial. Animals were divided in four treatment groups according to parasitic infection and PAB supplementation: two control groups without infections, one without PAB (C-) (n = 4) and one with PAB (C+) (n = 4); two infected groups, one without PAB (I-) (n = 6) and another receiving PAB (I+) (n = 6). Initially, animals were kept in individual pens where they were fed ad libitum chopped tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.) and 210 g/animal/day of concentrate. On the first day of experiment, animals of I- and I+ groups were artificially infected with infective larvae (L3) of T. colubriformis and H. contortus. Lambs were weighed fortnightly to calculate average daily body weight gain (ADG). Blood and faeces samples were also collected in the same moment of weighing for the evaluation of blood parameters and faecal egg count (FEC) respectively. After 40 days of experiment, measurements of CH4 emissions in small chamber system started and following that, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) assay was carried out in metabolic cages. In the end of experimental period (50 days), lambs were slaughtered and samples of abomasum and small intestine content were collected for worm count, identification, and eggs/female count. No significant (p > 0.05) treatment effects were verified for ADG, ATTD and worm count. Blood parameters were affected in both infected groups (p < 0.05) from the 28th experimental day onwards, when these animals started to show reduced red blood cells, haemoglobin and packed cell volume when compared to C- and C+. Decreased FEC was verified in I+ when compared to I- and also, H. contortus eggs/female worm for I+ was lower than for I- (p < 0.05). Both infected groups showed higher CH4 emissions than the control groups (p < 0.05). Results highlighted the anthelmintic potential of PAB and indicated methanogenic effect of parasitic nematode infections.

Features of leukocytes’ apoptosis and emoxypine succinate efficacy in case of combined trauma of the chest and both thighs in rats

Objective: This study aims to establish features of blood leukocytes’ apoptosis and substantiate the efficacy of emoxypine succinate applying in case of combined trauma of the chest and both thighs in rats.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Analysis of cell samples to determine reactive oxygen species was evaluated by the flow laser cytometry method, using 2.7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (Sigma Aldrich, Germany). The number of leukocytes with low mitochondrial transmembrane potential was evaluated by the flow laser cytometry method, using a kit of reagents «MitoScreen» («BD Pharmingen», USA). The number of apoptotic leukocytes was evaluated by the flow laser cytometry method, using a kit of reagents “ANNEXIN V FITC” (“Beckman Coulter”, USA). Emoxypine succinate to animals was injected intraperitoneally 1 time per day during 14 days from the first day of experiment in the dosage of 40 mg/kg.&#x0D; Results and Discussion: It was established the progressive, statistically significant increasing of Annexin V- positive cells percentage from the first day of the combined trauma of the chest and both thighs in rats with the highest values within 7-14 days of observation. On 28 day of experiment the reduction of apoptotic white blood cells percentage by 7.7% than the findings on 14 day was observed, but it remained 33.3% higher than control. The analysis of data in case of emoxypine succinate applying indicates that production of reactive oxygen species by leukocytes began to decline after 3 days of experiment and continued to decrease with maximum of action on 7 day. On 28 day of experiment the production of reactive oxygen species by leukocytes has decreased by 39.8 %; the percentage of leukocytes with low transmembrane potential has decreased by 34.6 % vs rats without medical treatment. At the same time the dynamics of FITC Annexin V- positive leukocytes changes in case of combined trauma of the chest and both thighs in rats and emoxypine succinate applying on 28 day of experiment has decreased by 16.7 % vs rats without medical treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion: One of important signaling pathways of apoptosis triggering in case of experimental combined trauma of the chest and both thighs is reactive oxygen species overproduction and disruption of the mitochondrial inner membrane due to the decreasing of transmembrane potential in 3-7 days of observation. Emoxypine succinate applying in post-traumatic period has a positive effect, characterized by decreasing of the production of reactive oxygen species, the percentage of leukocyte with low mitochondrial transmembrane potential and the percentage of FITC Annexin V- positive cells of leukocyte suspension. But the dynamics of FITC Annexin V- positive leukocytes changes leads us to believe that in the initiation and implementation of cell death in case of combined trauma apart mitochondrial, there are other mechanisms.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.18(2) 2019 p.244-251

Evaluation of Wormwood Extract as a Bird Repellent Material and Antagonistic Agent against Feces Fungi

Wormwood extract (Artemisia herba-alba) was evaluate as a repellent for the house sparrow, Passer domesticus under laboratory and field conditions. Fungal species belonging to P. domesticus feces and the antifungal activity of A. herba-alba extract against these fungi were also investigated. The results showed that the highest concentration (10%) has the highest repellent effect with wheat consumption mean of 0.16 g and 0.15 g compared to the control (plain wheat) after four days of the laboratory and field experiments. It is worthy to mention that the lowest concentration 2.5% exhibited a high repellent effect at the first day of experiment and subsequently lost its repellent ability. Among the pathogenic fungi in feces, Rhizopus stolonifer (the most predominant fungus 31.7%) followed by Fusarium subglutinans (23.8%), Paecilomyces variotii (12.4%), Cladosporium sphaerospermum (9.2%), Aspergillus flavus (7.3%), Aspergillus niger (6%) and Aspergillus versicolor (5%). Whereas Penicillium digitatum was the least isolated fungus with occurrence 4.6%. The susceptibility of these fungi to A. herba-alba extract increased by increasing the extract concentration. The highest concentration 10% showed the highest antifungal activity against A. versicolor with mean of inhibition zone 24.3 mm. However, the lowest concentration 2.5% of this extract did not show any antifungal effects against P. digitatum, R. stolonifer and A. niger. It is concluded that wormwood is a promising biologically safe bird repellent and effective antifungal agent against pathogenic fungi of bird feces. It is economical for use than synthetic pesticides that one expensive and relatively difficult to obtain.

The effect of beta glucan on MTX induced testicular damage in rats

We investigated the histopathological effects of methotrexate (MTX), a chemotherapeutic agent, and beta glucan (BG), an antioxidant, on rat testis. We used four groups of Sprague-Dawley male rats: MTX, MTX + BG, BG, and control. The MTX group was exposed to a single dose of MTX on the first day of experiment. The MTX + BG group was exposed to a single dose of MTX and BG on the first day of experiment followed by BG for 4 additional days. The BG group was exposed to BG for 5 days. The control group was given saline for 5 days. On day five, all animals were sacrificed and testicular tissue was evaluated for histopathology and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis. The apoptotic index (AI) and testicular damage increased in the MTX group compared to the other three groups. Histopathology was reduced in the MTX + BG group compared to the MTX group. Seminiferous tubule diameter was reduced in the MTX group compared to the BG group; we found no difference between control and BG groups. The thickness of th e germinal epithelium was reduced in the MTX group compared to the other groups. We found no difference in testicular weight among the groups. We compared body weight before and after the experiment; weights in the MTX and MTX + BG groups were significantly reduced compared to controls. In the control groups, we found a statistically significant increase in body weight, whereas there was no change in the BG group. We found that MTX causes deleterious effects on testicular tissue and that beta glucan may be protective.

Fabrication of Zn-Sr-doped laser-spinning glass nanofibers with antibacterial properties.

The morphology and dimensions of bioactive materials are essential attributes to promote tissue culture. Bioactive materials with nanofibrous structure have excellent potential to be used as bone-defect fillers, since they mimic the collagen in the extracellular matrix. On the other hand, bioactive glasses with applications in regenerative medicine may present antibacterial properties, which depend on glass composition, concentration and the microorganisms tested. Likewise, their morphology may influence their antibacterial activity too. In the present work, the laser-spinning technique was used to produce bioactive glass nanofibers of two different compositions: 45S5 Bioglass® and ICIE16M, bioactive glass doped with zinc and strontium. Their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was tested by culturing them in dynamic conditions. Bacterial growth index profiles during the first days of experiment can be explained by the variations in the pH values of the media. The bactericidal effect of the doped nanofibers at longer times is justified by the release of zinc and strontium ions. Cytotoxicity was analyzed by means of cell viability tests performed with BALB/3T3 cell line.

Performance analysis of greenhouse dryer by using insulated north-wall under natural convection mode

Abstract A prototype north wall insulated greenhouse dryer has been fabricated and tested in no-load conditions under natural convection mode. Experimentation has been conducted in two different cases. Case-I is when solar collector placed inside the dryer and Case-II is North wall insulated greenhouse dryer without solar collector. Coefficient of performance, heat utilisation factor, convective heat transfer coefficient and coefficient of diffusivity have been evaluated in thermal performance analysis. The difference of the highest convective heat transfer coefficient of both cases is 29.094 W / m 2 ° C which is showing the effectiveness of insulated north wall and solar collector. The maximum coefficient of diffusivity (0.0827) was achieved during the third day of experiment in Case-II. The inside room temperature of wall insulated greenhouse dryer for Case-I is 4.11%, 5.08 % and 11.61 % higher than the Case-II during the day 1, day 2 and day 3 respectively. This result is also showing the effectiveness of solar collector and insulated north wall. The highest heat utilisation factor (0.616) is obtained during the second day for Case-I while for Case-II it is 0.769 during the third day of experimentation. Maximum coefficient of performance achieved is 0.892 during the third day of the experiment for Case-I whereas 0.953 is obtained on the first day of experimentation for Case-II.

Effects of Trigonelline, an Alkaloid Present in Coffee, on Diabetes-Induced Disorders in the Rat Skeletal System

Diabetes increases bone fracture risk. Trigonelline, an alkaloid with potential antidiabetic activity, is present in considerable amounts in coffee. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of trigonelline on experimental diabetes-induced disorders in the rat skeletal system. Effects of trigonelline (50 mg/kg p.o. daily for four weeks) were investigated in three-month-old female Wistar rats, which, two weeks before the start of trigonelline administration, received streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.) or streptozotocin after nicotinamide (230 mg/kg i.p.). Serum bone turnover markers, bone mineralization, and mechanical properties were studied. Streptozotocin induced diabetes, with significant worsening of bone mineralization and bone mechanical properties. Streptozotocin after nicotinamide induced slight glycemia increases in first days of experiment only, however worsening of cancellous bone mechanical properties and decreased vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) were demonstrated. Trigonelline decreased bone mineralization and tended to worsen bone mechanical properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In nicotinamide/streptozotocin-treated rats, trigonelline significantly increased BMD and tended to improve cancellous bone strength. Trigonelline differentially affected the skeletal system of rats with streptozotocin-induced metabolic disorders, intensifying the osteoporotic changes in streptozotocin-treated rats and favorably affecting bones in the non-hyperglycemic (nicotinamide/streptozotocin-treated) rats. The results indicate that, in certain conditions, trigonelline may damage bone.

Repeated injections of orexin-A developed behavioral tolerance to its analgesic effects in rats.

Reduction of pharmacological effectiveness or tolerance appears following repeated administration of many analgesic drugs. We investigated tolerance to anti-nociceptive effects of orexin-A, an endogenous potent analgesic peptide using the hot-plate test. Orexin-A was microinjected ICV (intracerebroventricular) with an interval of 12 hr for 7 continuous days and its anti-nociceptive responses were measured on days 1, 4 and 7 using the hot-plate test following the first day of administration. Orexin-A was used at a dose of 100 pmol to induce analgesic effects. ICV administration of orexin-A produced an effective anti-nociception on the first day of experiment as measured by hot-plate 5, 15, and 30 min after the injection, in comparison with both baselines (hot-plate test one day before the beginning of orexin-A administration and control, saline-administrated group). However, repeated administration of orexin-A on the following days revealed a significant reduction in this analgesic effect during day 4 to day 7. However, to rule out any associative tolerance resulting from learning related to experimental procedures and/or environmental cues, a single injection of orexin-A was administrated to animals of control group (which were receiving saline during 7 days of experiments) and the analgesic effect was observed. These results, for the first time, indicated the appearance of tolerance to anti-nociceptive effects of orexin-A, following repeated administrations of this agent.