Gastric Intubation Research Articles

Experimental Loma morhua (Microsporidia) infections reveal early-onset production implications for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) aquaculture

Widespread Loma morhua (Microsporidia) epizootics in cultured Atlantic cod populations have been linked to reduced immune function and growth. Importantly, the lack of appropriate diagnostics and basic knowledge of the L.morhua life-cycle have limited the development of disease management strategies for mitigating infection during aquaculture. As a consequence, L. morhua epizootics are commonplace within hatchery facilities and during net-pen grow-out and limit commercialization of cod culture. Herein, we detail experimental L.morhua infections in naïve Atlantic cod to mimic infection phenotypes observed during natural epizootics, to better validate diagnostic procedures and to understand the effect parasitism has on cod growth. An integrative approach for parasite detection incorporating xenoma enumeration (via gross morphological examination) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses reveals that intraperitoneal (IP) delivery of L.morhua spores was dramatically more effective for experimental infection, relative to gastric intubation (GI), with 100% prevalence of infection achieved by 28 weeks post-exposure (WPE). Subclinical infections persisted in 31.8% of IP-injected fish, as detected via qPCR analysis. This supports previous observations that individual cod vary widely in their response to infection and require such integrative diagnostic approaches for parasite detection. Quantification of parasite xenomas reveal static intensities in spleens 16–28 WPE (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.3), but a phasic reduction in gill xenoma intensities during this same period (Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon, W = 113, p = 0.037). In situ examination of gills in live fish also support the significant reduction in gill xenoma intensity observed 22–28 WPE (2–37 fold reduction, Wilcoxon signed rank test, V = 78, p = 0.0004) and offers a useful in vivo monitoring approach. Importantly, experimental infections induce a period of considerable growth rate suppression at 2–4 WPE. Though growth rates recovered, the effect of early growth impairment persisted at 28 WPE, with ~19.3% fillet loss occurring in parasitized fish as compared with uninfected controls. The negative consequences of L.morhua infections on cod growth emphasize the translational importance of incorporating eukaryotic pathogens like microsporidians into management, biosecurity, and selective breeding programs for fish species of importance for basic and applied research, or for aquaculture.

English

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the commonest causes for end stage renal disease. Renal accumulation of lipids is one of the pathological finding seen in diabetic nephropathy. Diallyl disulphide (DADS), a principle component of garlic oil, is known for its hypolipidemic properties. Diaceto-dipropyl disulphide (DADPDS) is a structural analogue of DADS, and is more palatable and less toxic to diabetic rats. Hence this animal experiment study was undertaken to compare the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of DADS and DADPDS on diabetic rat renal tissue and to evaluate the better disulphide among the two that may be used as adjuvant drug in treating or preventing diabetic nephropathy. METHODS This was an animal experimental comparative study. 24 male albino rats were grouped (6 rats in each group) into normal, diabetic control, DADS and DADPDS treated diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in albino rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. DADS and DADPDS were fed by gastric intubation for 90 days. After stipulated time, kidneys were dissected out and its total lipids, cholesterol and phospholipid levels were estimated along with tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels. RESULTS Renal tissue total lipids, cholesterol and phospholipids were significantly decreased in DADS and moderately decreased in DADPDS treated diabetic kidneys, when compared to diabetic control rats. But TBARS levels were significantly decreased in DADPDS rat kidneys compared to DADS treated rat kidneys. CONCLUSIONS In this comparative study, we note that DADS has better lipid-lowering effect on renal tissue of alloxan diabetic rats compared to DADPDS. On the other hand, DADPDS has low renal toxic effects, as indicated by low TBARS levels and improvement in blood glucose levels, when compared to DADS treated diabetic rats. Hence, DADS can be used as an adjuvant drug, only in atherogenic diabetic patients without nephropathy and DADPDS can be used as an adjuvant drug in diabetic nephropathy patients. KEYWORDS Diallyl-Disulphide, Diallyl-Dipropyl Disulphide, Diabetic Nephropathy, Renal Lipids

Safety Analysis of Gastric Lavage by Fixing the Length of Gastric Tube Insertion during Gastric Lavage Intubation

Safety Analysis of Gastric Lavage by Fixing the Length of Gastric Tube Insertion during Gastric Lavage Intubation

Branchiomeric Muscle Development Requires Proper Retinoic Acid Signaling.

The first and second branchiomeric (branchial arch) muscles are craniofacial muscles that derive from branchial arch mesoderm. In mammals, this set of muscles is indispensable for jaw movement and facial expression. Defects during embryonic development that result in congenital partial absence of these muscles can have significant impact on patients’ quality of life. However, the detailed molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate branchiomeric muscle development remains poorly understood. Herein we investigated the role of retinoic acid (RA) signaling in developing branchiomeric muscles using mice as a model. We administered all-trans RA (25 mg/kg body weight) to Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) pregnant mice by gastric intubation from E8.5 to E10.5. In their embryos at E13.5, we found that muscles derived from the first branchial arch (temporalis, masseter) and second branchial arch (frontalis, orbicularis oculi) were severely affected or undetectable, while other craniofacial muscles were hypoplastic. We detected elevated cell death in the branchial arch mesoderm cells in RA-treated embryos, suggesting that excessive RA signaling reduces the survival of precursor cells of branchiomeric muscles, resulting in the development of hypoplastic craniofacial muscles. In order to uncover the signaling pathway(s) underlying this etiology, we focused on Pitx2, Tbx1, and MyoD1, which are critical for cranial muscle development. Noticeably reduced expression of all these genes was detected in the first and second branchial arch of RA-treated embryos. Moreover, elevated RA signaling resulted in a reduction in Dlx5 and Dlx6 expression in cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs), which disturbed their interactions with branchiomeric mesoderm cells. Altogether, we discovered that embryonic craniofacial muscle defects caused by excessive RA signaling were associated with the downregulation of Pitx2, Tbx1, MyoD1, and Dlx5/6, and reduced survival of cranial myogenic precursor cells.

Simultaneous quantification and ADME prediction of AD-1 and its eight metabolites in rat feces, and screening of PARP-1 inhibitors through molecular docking

20(R)-25-methoxyl-dammarane-3β,12β,20-triol (CN Patent: 201,010,107,476.7, AD-1) is a promising antitumor compound, was isolated from total hydrolyzed saponins extracted from Panax notoginseng leaves. A sensitive and rapid method for the simultaneous detection of AD-1 and its 8 major metabolites in rat feces was developed in this study. AD-1 (20 mg/kg) was orally administered to male rats by gastric intubation. Then, the feces samples were collected. After addition of internal standard (Mifepristone), feces samples were pretreated by protein precipitation followed by liquid-liquid extraction. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Angela C18 column with gradient elution using a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and water (containing 5 mM ammonium acetate) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The analytes were detected without any interference from the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using positive electrospray ionization. Calibration curves offered satisfactory linearity (r > 0.995) within the determined ranges. Both intra-day and inter-day variances were lower than 15%, and the accuracy was within 85–115%. The fecal excretion recoveries of AD-1 (M0), metabolite 1 (M1), M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7 and M8 were 41.36%, 0.62%, 6.20%, 0.50%, 6.99%, 2.07%, 1.86%, 0.41% and 0.29%, respectively. The observed excretion profiles for AD-1 and its metabolites after oral administration are helpful to understand the poor oral bioavailability of AD-1, and will aid further investigations of AD-1 as a pharmacologically active component. Moreover, the in silico ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) predictions indicated that the metabolites were nontoxic and present passive gastrointestinal absorption. In previous studies, we found that M5, a metabolite of AD-1, has strong cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cells. Further molecular docking studies showed that the most potent metabolite, M5, effectively binds to poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1), which may provide novel solutions for treating ovarian cancer.

English

Lead and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are common environmental toxicants of concern around the world. Although effects of individual exposures to both agents are well documented, there is a dearth of information on the effects of co-exposure to both agents. In this study, combined exposure to lead and DEHP was investigated for effects on ATPase activities in the liver, brain and kidney tissues of rats. Male albino rats were daily exposed to either 200 ppm lead as lead acetate in their drinking water and/or 100 mg DEHP kg-1 body weight in olive oil by gastric intubation for 30 days. Changes in total body weight, relative organ weights as well as brain, hepatic and renal activities of total, Na+K+ -, Ca2+ - and Mg2+-ATPases were used as biomarkers of toxicity. Hepatomegaly and brain atrophy heralded exposure to both agents. Individual exposure to lead and DEHP resulted in reduction in hepatic Ca2+- and Mg2+- ATPase activities but no significant effect on total ATPase activity, however combined exposure produced significant activation of Ca2+-, Na+K+- and total ATPase while restoring Mg2+ - ATPase towards control. A potentiating effect on lead by DEHP was observed in hepatic Na+K+ - ATPase. Lead stimulated the activities of renal Ca2+- and total ATPases while DEHP on the contrary caused significant reduction in total ATPase activity and no significant effects on Ca2+- ATPase activity. Co-treatment produced antagonistic effects leading to normal renal Ca2+- and total ATPase activities. Brain Na+K+ -, Ca2+ - and total ATPase activities were depressed in co-exposure while Mg2+ - ATPase was up-regulated. Lead potentiated DEHP-induced inhibition of brain total - ATPase while co-treatment produced antagonistic effects on brain Ca2+ - ATPase. The findings of this study highlight organ specific variations in response to combined lead and DEHP exposure in rats. Key words: Hepatotoxic, neurotoxic, ATPases, DEHP, lead, co-exposure, hepatomegaly.

Antioxidant effects of Emblica officinalis and Zingiber officinalis on arsenic and lead induced toxicity on Albino rats

It is of interest to document the effect of Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) and Zingiber officinalae (Z. officinalae) leaf extract on reactive oxygen species, antioxidant potential changes in arsenic and lead-induced toxicity in male rats. We used 8 groups of adult male Wistar rats with 1 control group for this study. The animals were divided into Group I: Control and Group II: Lead and sodium arsenite induced rats (animals were induced for metal toxicity by the combined administration of arsenic (13.8 mg/kg body weight) and lead (116.4 mg/kg body weight). These doses were administered by gastric intubation during 14 consecutive days using known standard procedures. Arsenic and lead induced rats treated with ethanolic extract of Emblica officinalis (60 mg/kg body weight/day, orally for 45 days) are group III rats.Group IV animals are arsenic and lead induced rats treated orally with ethanolic extracts of E. officinalis (120 mg/kg body weight/day for 45 days). Group V animals are arsenic and lead induced rats treated orally with ethanolic extracts of Z. officinalae (60 mg/kg body weight/day for 45 days). Group VI animals are arsenic and lead induced rats orally treated with ethanolic extracts of Zingiber officinalis (120 mg/kg body weight/day for 45 days). Group VII animals are arsenic and lead induced rats treated orally with ethanolic extracts of E. officinalis and Z. officinalae (60 + 60 mg/kg body weight/day for 45 days). Group VIII animals are arsenic and lead induced rats treated orally with ethanolic extracts of E. officinalis and Z. officinalae (120 + 120 mg/kg body weight/day, orally for 45 days). Normal Control animals were treated orally with ethanolic extracts of E. officinalis (120mg/kg body weight) + Z. officinalae (120mg/kg body weight) for 45 days. The control and experimental animals were then subjected to analysis for oxidative stress markers such as H2O2, *OH, and lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant enzymes in addition to liver and kidney function markers. Results: Arsenic and lead induced rats showed a significant increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (H2O2, OH* and LPO) with concomitant alterations in the renal and liver tissues. However, enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant levels were decreased. Nevertheless, an oral effective dose of E. officinalis and Z. officinalae (120 + 120 mg/kg body weight/day increased the antioxidant enzymes and retrieved the altered levels of ROS and LPO that were induced by arsenic and lead. Thus, we show that E. officinalis and Z. officinalae leaf extract exhibits nephroprotective and hepatoprotective role through the restoration of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes in the kidney and liver tissue of Arsenic and Lead-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats. Hence, E. officinalis and Z. officinalae leaf extract are potential therapeutic options for the treatment of metal toxicity-induced kidney and liver diseases.

Antioxidant effects of Emblica officinalis and Zingiber officinalis on arsenic and lead induced toxicity on Albino rats.

It is of interest to document the effect of Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) and Zingiber officinalae (Z. officinalae) leaf extract on reactive oxygen species, antioxidant potential changes in arsenic and lead-induced toxicity in male rats. We used 8 groups of adult male Wistar rats with 1 control group for this study. The animals were divided into Group I: Control and Group II: Lead and sodium arsenite induced rats (animals were induced for metal toxicity by the combined administration of arsenic (13.8 mg/ kg body weight) and lead (116.4 mg/kg body weight). These doses were administered by gastric intubation during 14 consecutive days using known standard procedures. Arsenic and lead induced rats treated with ethanolic extract of Emblica officinalis (60 mg/kg body weight/day, orally for 45 days) are group III rats. Group IV animals are arsenic and lead induced rats treated orally with ethanolic extracts of E. officinalis (120 mg/kg body weight/day for 45 days). Group V animals are arsenic and lead induced rats treated orally with ethanolic extracts of Z. officinalae (60 mg/kg body weight/day for 45 days). Group VI animals are arsenic and lead induced rats orally treated with ethanolic extracts of Zingiber officinalis (120 mg/kg body weight/day for 45 days). Group VII animals are arsenic and lead induced rats treated orally with ethanolic extracts of E. officinalis and Z. officinalae (60 + 60 mg/kg body weight/day for 45 days). Group VIII animals are arsenic and lead induced rats treated orally with ethanolic extracts of E. officinalis and Z. officinalae (120 + 120 mg/kg body weight/day, orally for 45 days). Normal Control animals were treated orally with ethanolic extracts of E. officinalis (120mg/kg body weight) + Z. officinalae (120mg/kg body weight) for 45 days. The control and experimental animals were then subjected to analysis for oxidative stress markers such as H2O2, *OH, and lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant enzymes in addition to liver and kidney function markers. Results: Arsenic and lead induced rats showed a significant increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (H2O2, OH* and LPO) with concomitant alterations in the renal and liver tissues. However, enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant levels were decreased. Nevertheless, an oral effective dose of E. officinalis and Z. officinalae (120 + 120 mg/kg body weight/day increased the antioxidant enzymes and retrieved the altered levels of ROS and LPO that were induced by arsenic and lead. Thus, we show that E. officinalis and Z. officinalae leaf extract exhibits nephroprotective and hepatoprotective role through the restoration of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes in the kidney and liver tissue of Arsenic and Lead-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats. Hence, E. officinalis and Z. officinalae leaf extract are potential therapeutic options for the treatment of metal toxicity-induced kidney and liver diseases.

Vanillic Acid Reduces Pain-Related Behavior in Knee Osteoarthritis Rats Through the Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome-Related Synovitis

Objectives: Synovitis plays an important role in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) pain. The activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) promotes KOA development. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether vanillic acid (VA), a monomer derived from Chinese herbal medicines, could target NLRP3 inflammasome-related synovitis to reduce pain. Methods: Rats in the KOA and KOA + VA groups were injected with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in the knee to induce KOA. From day 14, the KOA + VA group was given VA at 30 mg/kg every day via gastric intubation. FLSs were collected from the synovial tissues. We examined both the protein and gene expression of caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein with a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), NLRP3, components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 in vivo and in vitro. Results: The upregulation of caspase-1, ASC, and NLRP3 in the KOA model were reduced by VA. VA also lowered the level of IL-1β and IL-18 in the KOA model. In addition, VA relieved pain-related behavior of KOA model rats and downregulated the pain mediators CGRP, NGF, and TrkA in FLSs. Interestingly, we also observed reduced synovial fibrosis in the animal experiments. Conclusion: Our research showed that VA reduces synovitis and pain-related behaviors in a rat model of KOA, which provides the basis for further investigations into the potential therapeutic impact of VA in KOA.

Behavioural and biochemical indications of the antidepressant activities of essential oils from Monodora myristica (Gaertn) seed and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) fruit in rats.

Monodora myristica and Xylopia aethiopica are two underutilised spices that are hypothesized to be important in the management and treatment of certain stress-induced diseases such as depression. The present study was designed to test the anti-depressant effects of the essential oils of Monodora myristica (EOMM) and Xylopia aethiopica (EOXA) and the possible underlying mechanisms in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) - induced depression in the rat. Forty-two male Wistar rats were assigned to seven groups (n = 6); group I received corn oil (p.o, unstressed control), group II (stressed control) administered corn oil, groups III-IV received EOMM (150 & 300 mg/kg, p.o), groups V – VI received EOXA (150 & 300 mg/kg, p.o) whereas group VII had fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o in d/w). Corn oil served as the vehicle for the delivery of the essential oils and the doses were administered via gastric intubation to rat once daily for six consecutive weeks from the 2nd week. Open-field, tail suspension (TST), and forced swimming (FST) tests were used to evaluate the behavioural activity in addition to the biochemical parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, monoamine oxidase, corticosterone, protein carbonyl compound, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide). The result showed that the administration of EOMM (150 and 300 mg/kg b.wt.) and EOXA (150 and 300 mg/kg b.wt.) during CUMS significantly ameliorated these behavioural activities and some biochemical parameters in rats. EOMM and EOXA exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects in a rat model of CUMS. At treatment doses of especially 300 mg/kg b.wt, the antidepressant effects of EOMM and EOXA are comparable to a standard antidepressant drug, fluoxetine (Prozac ™). The EOXA especially at a dose of 300 mg/kg b.wt is more effective than EOMM even at 300 mg/kg dose level in ameliorating depression in stressed rats. In conclusion, the study revealed that both the EOXA and EOMM relieved depression-like states through the mitigation of oxidative stress with a reduction in serum Corticosterone (CORT) and brain Monoamine Oxidase-A (MAO-A) levels.

Study of the role of a nurse in providing pre-medical care for emergency conditions in gastroenterology

The functions of nurses in the department of gastroenterology are diverse. Nurses perform a wide range of medical appointments (injections, enemas, medication distribution, etc.), diagnostic procedures (body temperature measurement, gastric and duodenal intubation, etc.). If necessary, nurses should be able to calculate the respiratory rate and pulse rate, measure blood pressure, daily urine output, correctly collect the patient’s secretions (sputum, urine, feces) for analysis and send them to the laboratory. In urgent situations, nurses are required to be able to provide first aid (artificial respiration, chest compressions, the application of a hemostatic tourniquet) as well as first aid for gastrointestinal bleeding. This article presents evidence that the role of the nurse in gastroenterology is very important. Since some diseases in gastroenterology require urgent surgical intervention, a nurse is responsible for conducting a high-quality nursing process in the preoperative period and postoperatively for proper and timely nutrition of patients, organizes feeding of patients on strict bed rest, monitors the storage of food in refrigerators and bedside bedside tables, check the content and quality of programs.

New approaches in conservative treatment of acute adhesive small bowel obstruction

To improve the outcomes of therapy of acute adhesive small bowel obstruction via development of a comprehensive management including CT, deep endoscopy-assisted nasointestinal drainage of small bowel with injection of a water-soluble contrast. There were 128 patients with acute adhesive small bowel obstruction for the period from 2015 to 2018. The study included 2 groups of patients depending on therapeutic approach and duration of treatment. In the first group, conventional approach for acute adhesive small bowel obstruction was applied. Upon admission, all patients with confirmed acute adhesive small bowel obstruction underwent gastric intubation for decompression of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Barium sulfate injection followed by X-ray examination was performed to assess an effectiveness of therapy. In the second group, computed tomography was performed in addition to X-ray examination and ultrasound. Moreover, conservative treatment included deep endoscopy-assisted nasointestinal drainage and subsequent administration of a water-soluble contrast in addition to traditional approaches. Therapy was effective in 99 (71.2%) patients; 39 (28.8%) ones required surgery. Deep endoscopy-assisted nasointestinal drainage with injection of a water-soluble contrast was effective in 45 (78.9%) patients. Overall mortality in traditional approach was 1.4%, postoperative mortality - 3.7%. There were no lethal outcomes in case of a new approach. Deep endoscopy-assisted nasointestinal drainage with injection of a water-soluble contrast is the most effective therapeutic method for acute adhesive small bowel obstruction (78.9%). These findings can significantly improve treatment outcomes in these patients.

Restorative effect of Azadirachta indica against fenvalerate induced haematological and biochemical toxicity in a freshwater fish Clarias batrachus

Pesticide use in recent times has increased many folds to enhance the yield of crops. The water bodies like ponds and others are extensively used for the cultivation of fishes. Since these fishes are a good source of protein and nutritious value, hence are consumed by humans. These pesticide-contaminated fishes are consumed by the human, causing health hazards. The objective of the present research work was to know the bio remedial effect of Azadirachta indica on fenvalerate induced toxicity in a freshwater air-breathing catfish "Mangur" known as Clarias batrachus ( Linnaeus). The fishes were treated with 1/3rd of LC50, i.e. 0.92 ppm of a pyrethroid pesticide fenvalerate and observed the fishes for 96 hours. Thereafter, the aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was administered orally, daily by gastric intubation method at the dose of 100 mg/Kg body weight per day for 15 days. The study revealed that, after the exposure of 0.92 ppm of fenvalerate, there was a significant decrease in RBC count from 2.76 to 2.14 X (106) (mm-3), Total leukocyte count from18.10 to 16.30 X (103) (mm-3), , packed ell volume from 24 % to 16% , haemoglobin from 6.89 g/100 ml to 4.23 g/100ml of blood whereas increase in the level of serum glucose and cholesterol level from 50.33 mg/dl to 103.73 mg/dl and 168.52 g/dl to 248.99 g/dl respectively. At the same time, serum protein level decreased from 3.16g/dl to2.52 g/dl due to pesticide in the experimental fishes. But, after the administration of aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica there was significant normalisation in the test parameters of the fishes. The study indicated that neem leaves possessed restorative effect against fenvalerate induced toxicity in Clarias batrachus.

Ajwa Improves Nicotine Induced Ovarian Toxicity in Murine Model

Introduction: Nicotine, a major component of cigarette smoke, alters ovarian function and Ajwa (Phoenix dactylifera) being an antioxidant prevents its toxicity. Aims & Objectives: This experimental study was designed to evaluate protective effect of Ajwa against ovarian toxicity induced by nicotine in adult albino rats. Place and duration of study: The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Federal Postgraduate Medical Institute, Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore for duration of 3 months (January 2017-March 2017). Material & Methods: 40 adult female albino rats were divided into four equal groups. 1ml distilled water was given to the rats of control (A) group by gastric intubation, experimental group B was given nicotine injection intraperitoneally (0.1 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. The rats of experimental group C were given Ajwa fruit extract 1gm/kg body weight daily by gastric intubation, while rats of experimental group D were given 0.1mg/kg body weight nicotine intraperitoneally plus 1gm/kg body weight Ajwa fruit extract by gastric intubation for 28 days. Results: In group B, secondary and Graafian follicles were mostly atrophic, degeneration of granulosa cells, pyknotic nuclei and stromal vacuolization were present. Zona pellucida was torn and irregular. Mean diameters of secondary and Graafian follicles were significantly lower in nicotine group B (p-value<0-001*). Experimental group C revealed normal histological architecture and diameter of ovarian follicles. Near normal restoration of follicular structure was seen in group D. Conclusion: Ajwa fruit extract is counterbalancing for nicotine induced oxidative stress in ovarian follicles of rat, so it may be useful to improve infertility or sub-fertility induced by smoking in females.

Orexin gene expression is downregulated in alcohol dependent rats during acute alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive and heavy alcohol consumption. During acute withdrawal, patients with AUD display excessive daytime sleepiness, a condition linked to serious life-threatening complications, however, the mechanism is not known. Orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) are the two hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate many behaviors including sleep-wakefulness, and alcohol consumption, reinforcement, and reinstatement. Importantly, loss of orexin neurons causes narcolepsy, a severe sleep disorder with excessive daytime sleepiness. Does acute alcohol withdrawal reduce orexin gene expression? To investigate this, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in two groups: Rats were either administered with alcohol, mixed with infant formula (alcohol group) or control mixture containing water and infant formula (Controls) by gastric intubation every 8 h for 4 days using Majchrowicz’s chronic binge drinking protocol. The doses of alcohol were adjusted depending on degree of intoxication, exhibited by animals, prior to each dose. The animals were euthanized after 12 h of last alcohol/water administration. During withdrawal, the hypothalamus was rapidly dissected out, and the expressions of orexin and MCH genes were examined by Real-time PCR. There was a significant reduction in orexin gene expression in rats subjected to alcohol withdrawal as compared to controls. No such change was observed in the MCH gene expression. These results suggest that downregulation of orexin gene expression may be a possible mechanism responsible for excessive daytime sleepiness associated with alcohol withdrawal in patients with AUD.

CONGENITAL MYOPATHIES 2: P.97 Valproic acid improves survival rate and skeletal muscle phenotype in mtm1 knockout mice

X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is a rare congenital neuromuscular disorder affecting boys at a rate of 1 in 50,000 live births. The majority (∼80%) of the affected children are born with serious and diffuse skeletal muscle weakness and hypotonia that necessitate immediate and sustained extensive care including tracheostomy and feeding by gastric intubation. Considerable proportions (∼25%) of the cases succumb to death within their first year of life and the majority do so later due mainly to respiratory failure.

Protective effect of ascorbic acid against fenvalerate induced toxicity in air-breathing fish Clarias batrachus

The food demand in recent times has increased many folds. In order to augment the need for food, the agriculture practice is extensively carried out by the farmers and pesticides are widely used by them for the better yield of crops. Fishes are also cultivated by these farmers, and humans are consuming the fishes as they are very high nutritious food product. But, these pesticides through agricultural runoffs are contaminating the ponds as well the aquatic fauna like fish. The present research work deals with the evaluation of the protective effect of ascorbic acid on fenvalerate induced nephrotoxicity in Clarias batrachus. The pyrethroid pesticide- Fenvalerate EC 20% was administered directly in the water contained in the aquarium at the dose of 0.027 ppm, 0.042 ppm and 0.083 ppm respectively for 96 hrs hours after the dose calculation through LC50. Thereafter, ascorbic acid was administered orally by gastric intubation method at the dose of 200 mg/Kg body weight per day for 04 days to each pesticide treated group. The study revealed that, after the exposure of fenvalerate, there was significant damage at the biochemical levels like urea, creatinine, protein and albumin and histopathological study of kidney tissue in fish C. batrachus. But, after the administration of ascorbic acid, there was a significant restoration in the biochemical levels and in histopathology of the kidney of fish. The study concluded that Ascorbic acid possessed protective effect against fenvalerate induced toxicity in C. batrachus.

Current practice patterns of preoperative bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery: a nation-wide survey of Chinese surgeons

Objective: To understand the current practice of preoperative bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery in China. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted through wechat. The content of the questionnaire survey included professional title of the participants, the hospital class, dietary preparation and protocol, oral laxatives and specific types, oral antibiotics, gastric intubation, and mechanical enema before elective colorectal surgery. A stratified analysis based on hospital class was conducted to understand their current practice of preoperative bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery. Result: A total of 600 questionnaires were issued, and 516 (86.00%) questionnaires of participants from different hospitals, engaged in colorectal surgery or general surgeons were recovered, of which 366 were from tertiary hospitals (70.93%) and 150 from secondary hospitals (29.07%). For diet preparation, the proportions of right hemicolic, left hemicolic and rectal surgery were 81.59% (421/516), 84.88% (438/516) and 84.88% (438/516) respectively. The average time of preoperative dietary preparation was 2.03 days. The study showed that 85.85% (443/516) of surgeons chose oral laxatives for bowel preparation in all colorectal surgery, while only 4.26% (22/516) of surgeons did not choose oral laxatives. For mechanical enema, the proportions of right hemicolic, left hemicolic and rectal surgery were 19.19% (99/516), 30.04% (155/516) and 32.75% (169/516) respectively. Preoperative oral antibiotics was used by 34.69% (179/516) of the respondents. 94.38% (487/516) of participants were satisfied with bowel preparation, and 55.43% (286/516) of participants believed that preoperative bowel preparation was well tolerated. In terms of preoperative oral laxatives, there was no statistically significant difference between different levels of hospitals [secondary hospitals vs. tertiary hospitals: 90.00% (135/150) vs. 84.15% (308/366), χ(2)=2.995, P=0.084]. Compared with the tertiary hospitals, the surgeons in the secondary hospitals accounted for higher proportions in diet preparation [87.33% (131/150) vs. 76.78% (281/366), χ(2)=7.369, P=0.007], gastric intubation [54.00% (81/150) vs. 36.33% (133/366), χ(2)=13.672, P<0.001], preoperative oral antibiotics [58.67% (88/150) vs. 24.86% (91/366), χ(2)=12.259, P<0.001] and enema [28.67% (43/150) vs. 15.30% (56/366), χ(2)=53.661, P<0.001]. Conclusion: Although the preoperative bowel preparation practice in elective colorectal surgery for most of surgeons in China is basically the same as the current international protocol, the proportions of mechanical enema and gastric intubation before surgery are still relatively high.

Features of the endoscopic picture in paediatric gastroduodenal diseases caused by Helicobacter pylori

The aim of the study was to examine the features of the endoscopic picture in the upper digestive tract mucosa in paediatric chronic gastroduodenal pathology (CGDP) associated with Helicobacter pylori. Materials and methods. There were examined 286 patients, aged 6–15 years. Diagnostic criteria for chronic gastroduodenal pathology were anamnestic as well as instrumental and functional studies data: gastric fractional intubation, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EPGDS) with endoscopic pH-metry without biopsy, and ultrasound examination of abdominal organs. H. pylori testing was carried out by two unrelated methods such as respiratory test and a immunochromatographic fecal test. Results. Detection of H. pylori in children with CGDP peaked in patients with peptic gastric and duodenal ulcer (up to 87.5%, p 0.05). The main endoscopic signs were edema, hyperaemia and contact bleeding, as well as local haemorrhage were the major endoscopic signs of inflammation in the stomach and duodenum mucosa. Atrophic mucosal lesions were characterized by thinning, pale colour together with transilluminated submucosal vessels. Non-atrophic antral gastritis was featured with delayed gastric emptying, antral stasis and pyloric spasm. In contrast, hypotension of the gastric wall, duodenogastric reflux and decreased motility were more typical to chronic atrophic gastritis. Major endoscopic feature in patients with H. pylori infection was presented by dominant atrophic changes combined with gastroduodenal reflux (77.6%, p 0.05) compared to patients without H. pylori infection. Conclusion. Detection of HP infection was peaked in children with CGDP coupled to peptic ulcer disease compared to patients with inflammatory diseases (p 0.05). Endoscopic examination in HP-positive patients showed that atrophic changes were found by 4-fold more frequently together with gastroduodenal reflux compared to patients without HP infection (p 0.05).

EFFECTS OF ALOE VERA GEL ON MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE INDUCED OVARIAN TOXICITY IN RATS

ABSTRACT: &#x0D; Aim and Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used as a flavor enhancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of aloe vera gel on reproductive toxicity induced by MSG in female albino rats. Study design: Experimental study. Place of study: Anatomy department of Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore.&#x0D; Material and Method: 36 female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group A was the control group, it was given distilled water. The experimental group B was treated with 200 mg/kg b.w of MSG dissolved in 1.5 ml of distilled water, for 14 days by gastric intubation. While the experimental group C was provided with 400 mg/kg b.w of aloe vera gel extract, along with 200 mg/kg body weight of MSG dissolved in 1.5 ml of distilled water by gastric intubation for 14 consecutive days at an interval of 24 hours. The rats were dissected on the 15th day and their ovaries were removed. Light microscopic examination was done to study the histological changes.&#x0D; Results: The ovaries demonstrated deformed secondary and graafian follicles with vacuolization and there was a significant decrease in the diameters of secondary follicles (p value= 0.018) in group B. Histopathological changes induced by MSG in the ovaries were improved by co-administration of aloe vera gel in group C (p value=0.003). Conclusion: Aloe vera gel when consumed with MSG minimizes its harmful effects.&#x0D;