G1 Control Research Articles

Consumption of <em>Moringa oleifera </em>flour and its effects on the biochemical profile and intestinal motility in an animal model

<p><em>Moringa oleifera</em> (MO) belongs to the family <em>Moringaceae</em> and is native to tropical Africa. It exhibits many therapeutic properties and has been widely cultivated because of the high food value of the leaves, fruit, flowers and roasted seeds. It possesses high quality protein, calcium, iron, fiber, minerals and essential amino acids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of MO flour in anthropometric and biochemical profile of Wistar rats. Animals were divided randomly into the following groups (n=10): G1 (control group) and G2 (treated with MO flour mixed to the rat food) were both treated for 40 days and G3 (control group), G4 (treated with senne) and G5 (treated with MO flour) were studied to evaluate the intestinal motility. After 40 days, animals of G1 and G2 were euthanized and evaluation of glycaemia, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, VLDL-c, HDL-c, C reactive Protein (PCR), hepatic enzymes, Lee Index, weight and visceral fat were performed. Our results showed reduction of visceral fat, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, and VLDL-c and increase in the HDL-c levels. No significant differences were found in the body weight, glycaemia, hepatic enzymes and PCR. The MO flour also promoted laxative effects similar do senne. Our results with the use of <em>Moringa oleifera</em> flour are very promising, once its use improved lipid profile, prevented weight gain and showed no adverse effects. Thus we may conclude that this flour could be added to industrial products in order to provide healthier products to the consumers.</p><p> </p>

Effects of etomidate in the adrenal and cytokine responses to hemorrhagic shock in rats

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) induces a compensatory endocrine and cytokine response which aims to restore homeostasis. This response can be modulated by general anesthetics. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated if etomidate modulates this response in experimental HS. After being premedicated with buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously), male Wistar rats were anaesthetized with 5% isoflurane and divided into three groups: G1 (control, n = 16), G2 (n = 13), and G3 (n = 14). G2 and G3 were subjected to HS by collecting 30% of their blood volume and resuscitated 90 min later with the collected blood and normal saline, in a 1:3 ratio, respectively. G3 received etomidate (1 mg/kg IV) before HS. Blood gas analysis, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 mRNA obtained through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were measured at 0, 90, 150, and 240 min after HS induction. Compared with G2, etomidate-treated animals had significantly lower corticosterone, PO2, PO2/FiO2, base excess and HCO3, and higher TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α mRNA levels ( P <0.05). Etomidate-treated rats showed impaired adrenal and increased cytokine response to HS and evidence of worse tissue oxygenation and lung dysfunction. Based on these results, and until further studies are performed to confirm if these findings occur in clinical patients, we suggest that etomidate should be used cautiously in HS.

Uso de antimicrobiano nanoparticulado para o tratamento da mastite subclínica de ovelhas de corte no período seco

Resumo: A inflamação da glândula mamária é uma das principais causas de prejuízo na ovinocultura. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar as taxas de cura do tratamento da mastite subclínica após infusão intramamária de princípio ativo antimicrobiano no momento da secagem, em formulações convencional e nanoparticulada. Os rebanhos estavam localizados em São Carlos, São Paulo, Brasil. Analisou-se um total de 584 glândulas mamárias de 307 ovelhas de aptidão para produção de carne. Triagem prévia dos casos subclínicos de mastite foi efetuada por meio do California Mastitis Test (CMT) e/ou da contagem de células somáticas (CCS). Análises microbiológicas foram realizadas para confirmação da etiologia infecciosa. As glândulas mamárias com mastite subclínica foram distribuídas em três grupos: G1 (Controle; glândulas mamárias que não receberam tratamento antimicrobiano); G2 (glândulas mamárias em que foi administrado 100 mg de cloxacilina benzatina em estrutura convencional) e G3 (glândulas mamárias em que foi administrado 50 mg de cloxacilina benzatina em estrutura nanoencapsulada). O tratamento aplicado ao G3 mostrou-se mais eficiente (P=0,047) na cura de glândulas mamárias com mastite subclínica. O uso da cloxacilina nanoencapsulada no momento da secagem de ovelhas de corte auxilia no controle da mastite subclínica infecciosa e reduz os prejuízos consequentes.

Pereskia aculeata Miller Flour: Metabolic Effects and Composition.

Pereskia aculeata Miller is known in Brazil as ora-pro-nobis (OPN) and has been used commonly in the folklore medicine. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the composition and the effects of OPN flour on the metabolic profile and intestinal motility of Wistar rats. Animals were divided randomly into five groups (n = 10): G1 (control group) and G2 (treated with OPN flour). For the intestinal motility: G3 (control group), G4 (treated with senne), and G5 (treated with OPN flour). After 40 days, G1 and G2 were euthanized and metabolic profiles were analyzed (glycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein [HDL-c], C reactive protein, AST, ALT, Lee Index, weight, and visceral fat). The flour of OPN was effective in reducing percentage of weight gain, visceral fat, levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, and increased HDL-c. Significance was also found in the distance covered by the activated charcoal from the pylorus to the beginning of the cecum, which was higher in animals treated with OPN. Our results indicate that OPN flour may bring health benefits, as the improvement of the intestinal motility, and it is associated with reduction of visceral fat and lipid profile, as well as the increase of HDL-c levels. With these results, we may suggest that the incorporation of this flour in different industrial products may be a convenient and effective way for the intake of healthier products.

Microtensile bond strength of a universal adhesive to deep dentin

Objective: This study evaluated the microtensile bond strength of a universal adhesive system applied to deep dentin under different bonding strategies. Material and Methods: Fifteen human third molars had the coronal portion removed exposing deep dentin and were assigned into 3 groups according to the adhesive system: G1(control): 2-steps totaletch (Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE); G2: 1-step self-etch universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal, 3M ESPE); G3:2 steps total-etch universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal, 3M ESPE). Composite buildups were performed on the dentin surfaces and after water storage for 24 h, teeth were sectioned to obtain 40 bonded beams per group with sectional area of 0.9 mm2 . The specimens were submitted to the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test until failure. Statistical analyses were computed using one-way ANOVA (p = 0.05). Results: The mean µTBS (in MPa) were G1 = 22.27, G2 = 22.85 and G3 = 20.3. After statistical analysis, no significant differences were observed among the groups. Conclusions: Universal adhesive system performed similarly to the total-etch adhesive and was not affected by the adhesion strategy. KEYWORDS Microtensile; Adhesive system; Dentin.

Serum concentrations and renal expressions of IL-1 and TNF-a early after hemorrhage in rats under the effect of glibenclamide.

To investigate changes in the serum concentration and renal expression of IL-1 and TNF-α cytokines in rats that received sevoflurane and glibenclamide prior to hemorrhage. Two groups of sevoflurane-anesthetized Wistar rats (n=10): G1 (control) and G2 (glibenclamide, 1 µg/g i.v.); hemorrhage of 30% blood volume (10% every 10 min), with replacement using Ringer solution, 5 ml/kg/h. Serum concentrations of IL-1 and TNF-α were studied in the first hemorrhage (T1) and 50 min later (T2), renal expression, at T2. In serum, G1 TNF-α (pg/mL) was T1=178.6±33.5, T2=509.2±118.8 (p<0.05); IL-1 (pg/mL) was T1=148.8±31.3, T2=322.6±115.4 (p<0.05); in G2, TNF-α was T1=486.2±83.6, T2=261.8±79.5 (p<0.05); IL-1 was T1=347.0±72.0, T2= 327.3±90.9 (p>0.05). The expression of TNF-α and IL-1 in the glomerular and tubular cells was significantly higher in the G2 group. Hemorrhage and glibenclamide elevated TNF-α and IL-1 concentrations in serum and kidneys. High levels of TNF-α already present before the hemorrhage in the glibenclamide group may have attenuated the damages found in the kidneys after the ischemia event.

Effectiveness of a recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone on the ovarian follicles, peripheral progesterone, estradiol-17β, and pregnancy rate of dairy cows.

Aims:This study aimed at elucidating the effects of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) on the ovarian follicular dynamics, progesterone, estradiol-17β profiles, and pregnancy of dairy cows.Materials and Methods:Three groups (G, n=5 cows) of multiparous dairy cows were used. G1 (C) control cows were given controlled internal drug release (CIDR) and prostaglandin F2α; G2 (L) cows were given low dose (525 IU and G3 (H) cows were given high dose (1800 IU) of r-hFSH on twice daily basis at the last 3 days before CIDR removal. All cows were ultrasonically scanned for follicular growth and dynamics, and blood samples were collected every other day for two consecutive estrus cycles for the determination of estradiol-17β and progesterone.Results:Estrus was observed in all C and L but not in H cows. Dominant follicle was bigger in L compared to C and H cows. Dominant follicle in C (16.00±2.5 mm) and L cows (17.40±2.3 mm) disappeared at 72 h after CIDR removal. However, in H cows, no ovulation has occurred during 7 days post-CIDR removal. Progesterone was not different (p>0.10) among groups, whereas estradiol-17β revealed significant (p<0.01) reduction in H (15.96±2.5 pg/ml) cows compared to C (112.26±26.1 pg/ml) and L (97.49±15.9 pg/ml) cows. Pregnancy rate was higher in L cows (60%) compared with C cows (20%). However, H cows were not artificially inseminated due to non-ovulation. Only a cow of C group has calved one calf, however, 2 of the L cows gave birth of twins and a cow gave single calf.Conclusion:Administration of a low dose (525 IU) of r-hFSH resulted in an optimal size of dominant follicle, normal values of progesterone and estradiol-17β, and 40% twinning rate, howeverusing 1800 IU of r-hFSH, have adverse effects on ovarian follicular dynamics and hormonal profiles with non-pregnancy of dairy cows raised under hot climate.

Learning from the Uncontrollable

Research papers are usually revisionist histories, imagined accounts driven by impeccable logic and unbroken experimental success, which in no way reflect the slowness, messiness, and serendipity of real life in the lab. To give a different hopefully more balanced perspective than what is often told, I want to tell you the story behind some of the discoveries that shaped my early career.“In reality, of course, I had stumbled on the control by complete accident.”

Osmotic-shock produced by vitrification solutions improves immature human oocytes in vitro maturation.

BackgroundDuring cytoplasmic oocyte maturation, Ca2+ currents are vital for regulating a broad range of physiological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that DMSO and EG cause large transient increases in intracellular Ca2+ in mouse oocytes. The CP used in vitrifying protocols also increases the intracellular calcium transient. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of vitrifying time (before and after IVM) and exposure to the vitrification solutions and ionomycin on oocyte quality and embryonic development.Methods221 GV-oocytes unsuitable for IVF-ICSI cycles were randomly distributed into one of the following three groups. G1 (control group): 41 GV-oocytes IVM until MII; G2: 43 oocytes vitrified at GV stage and IVM until MII stage; and G3: 53 GV-oocytes IVM until MII and then vitrified. In order to clarify the effect of vitrification solutions (VS) on human oocyte IVM through the intracellular Ca2+ oscillation, the following two groups were also included. G4: 43 GV-oocytes exposed to VS and IVM until MII; and G5: 41 GV-oocytes exposed to ionomycin and IVM until MII. All GV-oocytes that reached MII-stage were parthenogenetically activated to assess oocyte viability. IVM was performed in IVF-medium (24–48 h). Chemical treatment (ionomycin) and osmotic treatment (vitrification solutions) were performed without liquid-N2 immersion. The following rates were evaluated: survival (SR), in-vitro maturation (IVMR), activation (AR), development to 2-cell (DRC), development to morula (DRCM) and development to blastocyst (DRB). Ratios between the different treatment groups were compared using contingency tables analysis (chi-square test).ResultsA high survival rate was obtained in G2 (95.5 %) and G4 (96.6 %). In-vitro maturation rate was significantly higher for G4 (86 %) and G2 (83.7 %) compared to G1 (63.4 %), G3 (56.6 %) and G5 (48.8 %). DRCM was significantly higher for G1 and G2 compared to G3 (G1: 15.8 %, G2: 20.7 % and G3: 0 %). DRB was only obtained for the oocytes vitrified before IVM (G2: 3.4 %). AR was also significantly higher for G2 and G4 compared to G5 (G2: 80.5 %, G4: 86.5 % and G5: 55 %). DRCM and DRB were only obtained in G2 and G4. DRCM was significantly higher for oocytes vitrified at GV stage (G2) and for oocytes exposed to the VS in G4 compared to the oocytes exposed to the ionomycin in G5 (G2: 20.7 %; G4: 37.5 % and G5: 0 %).ConclusionsVitrifying GV-oocytes improves their IVM. Further investigation could look to increase the oocyte pool and improve fertility preservation options.

Inhibition of Growth and Metastasis of Tumor in Nude Mice after Intraperitoneal Injection of Bevacizumab.

ObjectiveTo explore the inhibitory effect of bevacizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, on angiogenesis in human osteosarcoma of nude mice.MethodsTwenty‐one nude mice were inoculated with red fluorescent protein (RFP)‐labeled human osteosarcoma cell line 143B‐RFP, that is, clones that expressed RFP in the cytoplasm, and randomly assigned to one of three groups: G1 (Control group, injected with saline solution); G2 (intraperitoneal bevacizumab 2 mg/kg twice per week) and G3 (intraperitoneal bevacizumab 5 mg/kg, twice per week). The tumor‐bearing mice were examined in a fluorescence light box that was illuminated periodically. The primary tumors were measured by fluorescence imaging weekly and their volumes calculated.ResultsThe mean tumor volumes were significantly smaller in the G3 (186.4 ± 100.8 mm3) than the control group (587.0 ± 406.8 mm3) (P < 0.05) on Day 31, and again significantly smaller in the G3 (677.3 ± 461.9 mm3) than the control group (3162.6 ± 1529.2 mm3) on Day 38 (P < 0.01). The average tumor volume in the G2 group was 493.5 ± 425.4 mm3 on Day 31 and 1870.1 ± 1524.8 mm3 on Day 38. The effect on tumor volume was greater in the G3 than the G2 group. Three mice in the G2 group, four in the G3 group and four in the control group developed lung metastases that were confirmed by pathological examination; these differences were not statistically significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBevacizumab exhibits strong antiangiogenesis activity in experimental osteosarcoma in a nude mouse model but does not influence the incidence of lung metastasis. Our findings may have considerable potential for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Evaluation of the surface roughness of a nanofilled composite resin submitted to different smoothing and finishing techniques

Abstract Introduction: Controlling the surface smoothness characteristics of the composite resin when performing a direct restorative technique is one of the factors involved in achieving restorative success. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of a nanofilled composite resin submitted to different smoothing and finishing techniques. Material and method: Fifty test specimens were made with the Z350 XT composite resin (3M ESPE) and then divided into five study groups according to the smoothing and finishing method applied, as follows: G1 (control), polyester strip; G2, composite spatula; G3, brush cleaned with absolute alcohol and dried; G4, brush cleaned with absolute alcohol, dried and moistened with Single Bond (3M ESPE); and G5, brush cleaned with absolute alcohol, dried and moistened with Natural Glaze surface sealant (DFL). After fabrication, the specimens were stored for 24 h in deionized water. The surface roughness of the specimens was measured using a profilometer. Surface roughness means were compared by analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test at a level of significance of 5%. Result: The lowest surface roughness was observed in G1 (control group) and the highest, in G3. G5 had lower surface roughness values compared to the other test groups, and presented values similar to those of the control group. Conclusion: The smoothing and finishing techniques influenced the surface roughness of the composite resin. Application of the surface sealant by the copolymerization technique resulted in lower roughness values. The use of a clean, dry brush promoted roughness values beyond the acceptable limit, and is therefore liable to compromise the performance of composite resin restorations.

Tooth tissue engineering: tooth decellularization for natural scaffold.

Aim:Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary science that aims to produce replacement organs and biological substitutes. One of the techniques involves decellularizing a biological organ without altering its structure. One challenge is how to demonstrate which method would be better for this process.Methodology:Fifty premolar teeth were divided into five groups: G1 (control): solution of 10% formaldehyde; G2: phosphate buffer saline (PBS), 28 g of tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA), sodium hypochlorite 2.5% (SH); G3: PBS, EDTA and 40v hydrogen peroxide (HP); G4: PBS, EDTA, SH, enzymatic detergent (ED); and G5: PBS, EDTA, HP, ED. Each group was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray, measured weights and color and received statistical analysis.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that G5 was the most appropriate method to obtain a natural scaffold.

Esophageal Expression of Active IκB Kinase-β in Mice Up-Regulates Tumor Necrosis Factor and Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor, Promoting Inflammation and Angiogenesis

IκB kinase-β (IKKβ) mediates activation of the nuclear factor-κB, which regulates immune and inflammatory responses. Although nuclear factor-κB is activated in cells from patients with inflammatory diseases or cancer, little is known about its roles in the development and progression of esophageal diseases. We investigated whether mice that express an activated form of IKKβ in the esophageal epithelia develop esophageal disorders. We generated ED-L2-Cre/Rosa26-IKK2caSFL mice, in which the ED-L2 promoter activates expression of Cre in the esophageal epithelia, leading to expression of a constitutively active form of IKKβ (IKKβca) in epithelial cells but not in inflammatory cells or the surrounding stroma (IKKβca mice). Mice lacking the Cre transgene served as controls. Some mice were given intraperitoneal injections of neutralizing antibodies against granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF), or immunoglobulin G1 (control), starting at 1 month of age. Epithelial tissues were collected and analyzed by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemical, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Transgenes were overexpressed from retroviral vectors in primary human keratinocytes. IKKβca mice developed esophagitis and had increased numbers of blood vessels in the esophageal stroma, compared with controls. Esophageal tissues from IKKβca mice had increased levels of GM-CSF. Expression of IKKβca in primary human esophageal keratinocytes led to 11-fold overexpression of GM-CSF and 200-fold overexpression of TNF. Incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with conditioned media from these keratinocytes increased endothelial cell migration by 42% and promoted formation of capillary tubes; these effects were blocked by a neutralizing antibody against GM-CSF. Injections of anti-GM-CSF reduced angiogenesis and numbers of CD31+ blood vessels in esophageal tissues of IKKβca mice, but did not alter the esophageal vasculature of control mice and did not alter recruitment of intraepithelial leukocytes to esophageal tissues of IKKβca mice. Injections of anti-TNF prevented the development of esophagitis in IKKβca mice. Constitutive activation of IKKβ in the esophageal epithelia of mice leads to inflammation and angiogenesis, mediated by TNF and GM-CSF, respectively.

Suppression Effect of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)-Like Activity Protein Partially Purified from &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Raphnus sativus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Leaves against Liver Metastasis in Mice Intraperitoneally Infected with Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cell

Liver metastasis is a normal result in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cell (EAC) infected mice. A partially purified protein with Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)-like activity extracted from leaves of Raphnus sativus was tested for its ability to down regulate liver metastasis of Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cell (EAC) intraperitoneally implanted in albino mice. Sixty albino mice were divided equally into 4 groups. Group I mice (G1 control) were treated with physiologic saline solution for 7 days. Group 2 mice (G2) were injected with the partially purified protein. Group 3 mice (G3) were intraperitoneally inoculated with EAC cells and treated with the partially purified protein. Group 4 mice (G4) were inoculated EAC cells and treated with physiologic saline solution. The results showed a disturbance in liver functions. This disturbance was observed as a reduction in the values of serum albumin, hemoglobin, total counts of erythrocytes and platelets, total lipids in liver tissues, erythrocytes SOD activity, serum glucose, reduced glutathione (GSH) and the trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) contents in liver and spleen tissues as well as the elevation of serum transaminases activities, the levels of malondialdehyde in blood, DNA and RNA of liver tissues in the infected mice (G4). On the other hand, in G3, after treatment with the partial purified protein all these parameters restored their normal values and became near from the normal group (GI). Moreover, the protein showed no toxicity towards the mice as shown in G2. It could be concluded that a partially purified protein with Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)-like activity extracted from leaves of Raphnus sativus as a nature source has a promised future in controlling liver metastasis.

Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations as Forensic Markers of Asphyxiated Rats and the Modifying Effects of Salbutamol and/or Digoxin Pretreatment

Asphyxia is mainly induced by interference with respiration, or lack of oxygen in respired air as in entrapment suffocation that may occur in animals or human. In this study 24 male albino rats were assigned into four equal groups: G1 (control negative); G2 (exposed to asphyxia); G3 (asphyxiated pretreated rats with salbutamol); G4 (asphyxiated pretreated rats with digoxin). The results revealed no change in the time intervals from onset of suffocation till coma (G2, G3 and G4). Also, all external and internal classical signs of asphyxia appeared on animals of different asphyxiated groups. Moreover, Asphyxiated rats (G2) showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in serum ALT, AST, urea and uric acid and insignificant increase in serum direct and total bilirubin levels but significant reductions of serum glucose, total protein and albumin levels compared to control ones. Pretreatment with salbutamol or digoxin induced insignificant reverse effects on mentioned parameters than those of asphyxiated rats except in serum ALT and AST activities and serum urea level of digoxin pretreated rats. The histopathological examination of different organs revealed no changes in histopathological appearance between asphyxiated and/or pretreated groups but various pathological alterations mainly congestion, hemorrhage and edema were found in these groups in relation to control group. In conclusion, entrapment asphyxia induced acute and progressive biochemical alterations in liver and kidney functions with presence of classical pathological changes of asphyxia in internal organs. Pretreatment with either salbutamol or digoxin could not improve the altered parameters than asphyxiated group. We recommend further study to asses the extent of reversibility of these parameters after resuscitation of asphyxiated rats.

The Protective and Curative Role of Star Anise Extract against Margarine-Induced Atherosclerosis in Male Rats

The Protective and Curative Role of Star Anise Extract against Margarine-Induced Atherosclerosis in Male Rats Introduction: The diet and lifestyle of the Mediterranean populations have led to decreased rates of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Margarine is important constituents of our diet that contain trans fatty acids as major sources of dietary free radicals. Objective: The present study investigated the protective and curative effect of star anise extract against margarine induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Method: A total of 40 albino male rats were divided into 4 groups (10 rats for each group) as G1 (Control), G2 (Star anise), G3 (Experimental margarine group), G4 (Post treated group (Margarine + Star anise extract)). Results and Discussion: A significant increase in levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, Creatine kinase, Lactate dehydrogenase and Acid phosphatase, total protein and malondialdehyde in margarine group when compared with control, while HDL cholesterol and catalase data showed a significant decrease in margarine group when compared with control. Treatment with star anise extract helps in improving the adverse effect of margarine. Aorta sections of margarine group revealed abnormal straight tunica media with small subendothelial deposits of lipid enter the artery wall. There is also smooth muscle proliferation and migration from tunica media to intimae. Our histological and biochemical study confirms that; treatment with star anise extract helps in improving the adverse effect of margarine. So the present study recommends all people to keep star anise extract in all diets to be protected against atherosclerosis.

Effectiveness of fluoride sealant in the prevention of carious lesions around orthodontic brackets: an OCT evaluation.

Objective: This article aimed to evaluate in vitro the efficiency of Pro Seal fluoride sealant application in the prevention of white spot lesions around orthodontic brackets. Material and Methods: Brackets were bonded to the buccal surface of bovine incisors, and five groups were formed (n = 15) according to the exposure of teeth to oral hygiene substances and the application of enamel sealant: G1 (control), only brushing was performed with 1.450 ppm fluoride; G2 (control) brushing associated with the use of mouthwash with 225 ppm fluoride; G3, only Pro Seal sealant application was performed with 1.000 ppm fluoride; G4 Pro Seal associated with brushing; G5 Pro Seal associated with brushing and mouthwash. Experimental groups alternated between pH cycling and the procedures described. All specimens were kept at a temperature of 37 °C throughout the entire experiment. Both brushing and immersion in solutions were performed within a time interval of one minute, followed by washing in deionized water three times a day for 28 days. Afterwards, an evaluation by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) of the spectral type was performed. In each group, a scanning exam of the white spot lesion area (around the sites where brackets were bonded) and depth measurement of carious lesions were performed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine whether there were significant differences among groups. For post hoc analysis, Tukey test was used. Results: There was statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.003), 1 and 3 (p = 0.008), 1 and 4 (p = 0.000) and 1 and 5 (p = 0.000). The group in which only brushing was performed (Group 1) showed deeper enamel lesion. Conclusion: Pro Seal sealant alone or combined with brushing and/or brushing and the use of a mouthwash with fluoride was more effective in protecting enamel, in comparison to brushing alone.

Answer of a Soybean Genotype Created on ARDS Turda to Different Fertilization

Soybean is cultivated from long time ago, being well apreciated due to its agricultural and nutritive values. On ARDS Turda there is a long tradition in cultivating and studying the soybean plant in order to highlight the most efficient genotypes. The aim of our study is to analyse the response of a soybean genotype created on ARDS Turda to the applied inputs and to highlight the most efficient management both from productive and qualitative point of view. The experimental field was installed in the year 2013 within ARDS Turda fields. In order to accomplish the objectives proposed we organized a bifactorial experience of type A (P= phosphorus doses) X B (gulle doses). The biological material consists in Felix genotype of soybean. The experimental factors studied are phosphorus in 3 doses (P1 (control variant, unfertilized), P2 ( fertilized with 50 kg/ha P 2 O 5 ) and P3 (fertilized with 100 kg/ha P 2 O 5 )) and gulle in 4 doses (G1 ((control variant, unfertilized), G2 (fertilizrd with 5 t/ha gulle), G3 (fertilized with 10 t/ha gulle) and G4 (fertilized with 15 t/ha gulle)). The results obtained showed a different reaction of the genotype studied under the influence of fertilization and allowed us to recommend the best technology for this genotype in order to achieve high yields and superior quality. All treatments showed differences when compared to the control variant (both on mineral and organic fertilization).

Sage (Salvia officinalis) syrup alleviates liver enzymes and kidney functions induced by the carbamate pesticide- methomyl

This study determined the effect of common sage (Salvia officinalis L.) syrup in improving the intoxication of methomyl on liver enzymes, oxidative stress enzymes and kidney functions. Thirty male albino rats weighing 105 ± 15 g were segregated into 6 groups and designed as: G1 (control); G2 (sage syrup; 6 g/300 ml); G3 [mehtomyl at ADI (acceptable daily intake]= 0.03 mg/kg/day); G4 (methomyl at 1/100 LD50= 0.24 mg/kgBW); G5 (sage+methomyl at ADI); G6 (sage+mehtomyl at 1/100 LD50). Sage syrup was given in drinking water, and methomyl was administrated orally by gavages for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and internal organs as well as blood samples were collected. The mean body weight of control was 287.4 g at the end of exposure time which was not differed significantly in G3 and G4 groups. Sage syrup group (G2) showed an increase in body weight which was significant, and G6 showed a highly significant increase. weights of liver and testes in G6 were improved and were comparable to those of control group G1. The high elevation of ALP (442.2 IU/L), ALT (74.6 IU/L) and AST (75.53 IU/L) induced by methomyl at G4, was considerably lowered by administration of sage syrup in G6. The ameliorative index (AI) of sage for ALP and ALT equalled 0.9 and 1.1, respectively. The percent of change in MDA (malondialdehyde), TAC (total antioxidant capacity) and SOD (superoxide dismutase) between G4 (methomyl in high dose) and G1 (control) were 69.3, 80.2 and 45.0%, respectively. while the percent of change in the same parameters between G6 (sage+methomyl in high dose) and control group was 5.51, 19.0 and 26.7%, respectively. Such results provide an evidence that sage syrup improved the effect of methomyl intoxication.

Renal and hepatic toxicity of methomyl and ameliorative effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) administration

This study was conducted to test the toxicity of the carbamate insecticide (methomyl) and to evaluate the ameliorative effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) administration. Male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used as test animal model organism. A total of 30 rats were divided into 6 groups and assigned as: G1 (control), G2 (green tea in drinking water at a rate of 6 g/300 ml), G3 (methomyl at a dose of its corresponding ADI; 0.025 mg/kg b.w.), G4 (methomyl at a dose of 10X- ADI; 0.25 mg/kg b.w.), G5 (methomyl ADI + green tea), and G6 (methomyl 10X- ADI + green tea). Methomyl was given daily by gavages. Compared to control results, the body weights in G2 had recorded slight decrease, while that of G5 & G6 recorded high significant decrease. The two later groups showed significant increase of liver and spleen weights, and decrease of kidney, heart and testes weights. In control group, ALT and AST were 25.0 and 63.06 U/mL, respectively, while G4 were 74.61 and 75.53 U/mL, respectively. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) as MDA was highly elevated in methomyl treatments (G3 &G4), while SOD was strongly decreased in these treatments. Based on MDA results, the "Ameliorative Index; AI" for green tea in conjunction with methomyl, equaled to 1.2 and 1.1 for the low and high doses, respectively. In the case of SOD, the AI reached 0.74 and 0.7, respectively. These results revealed the ameliorative effect of green tea against methomyl intoxication. Also, the other measured biochemical parameters (e.g., ALT, AST, ALP, TAC, Creatinine, Urea, BuChE) were normalized due to administration of green tea when given with the insecticide. In conclusion, green tea achieved some body weight decrease. However, it alleviated the oxidative stress induced by methomyl.