Group C1 Research Articles

The microwave spectra and molecular structures of (E)-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and its complex with the argon atom

The microwave spectra of four isotopologues of (E)-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, which has been proposed as a refrigerant alternative with a low global warming potential and also finds use as a foaming agent, and additionally the spectra of four isotopologues of the complex formed between argon and (E)-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene are obtained in the 5.3–21.1 GHz region using a combination of broadband chirped pulse and Balle-Flygare cavity Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. The argon atom is determined to occupy a position out of the symmetry plane of the tetrafluoropropene where it can interact most strongly with the in-plane fluorine atom of the fluoromethyl group and carbon atom C1. This contrasts to the previously studied argon-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene complex where the argon atom interacts most strongly with an out-of-plane fluorine atom and that attached to the olefinic carbon.

Effects of Spirulina platensis extract on serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and differential leukocyte count on motor vehicle exhaust emissions exposure (in vivo study on Wistar rats)

The particulate matter in vehicle emission has been shown to cause an increase in free radical levels which can increase serum MDA levels and leukocyte count. Spirulina platensis is an algae that has antioxidant effects that can scavenge free radicals. In this research, twenty-four of wistar mice are divided into 4 groups. Groups X1 and X2 received vehicle emission smoke exposure treatment and were given oral Spirulina platensis extract at a dose of 500 and 750 mg / kgBW / day for 14 days, the negative control group (C2) was given 0.9% NaCl orally and the normal control group did not get vehicle emission smoke exposure and Spirulina platensis extract. Serum MDA levels were checked by ELISA method and leukocyte count by giemsa staining. Data analysis was performed by using the one-way ANOVA test followed by Post Hoc Bonferroni. The results showed the mean serum MDA levels there was a significant difference between group C2 and group X2. In the mean absolute value of neutrophils and lymphocytes, there were significant differences between the C2 group with the administration of X1 and X2. In the mean absolute value of eosinophils and monocytes, there were significant differences between groups C1 and C2 and group X2 and between groups X1 and C1. Furthermore, the given doses of Spirulina platensis extract at a dose of 750mg / kgBW had an effect on serum MDA levels as well as the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes and the administration of doses of 500 and 750mg / kgBW affected the number of eosinophils and monocytes.

Diabetes Mellitus-A Risk Factor for the Development of Lumbar Disc Degeneration: A Retrospective Study of an Indian Population.

Study Design:A retrospective study.Objectives:To determine the association between type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the severity of lumbar disc degeneration disease (LDDD).Methods:We included 199 patients with low back pain (LBP) who visited our hospital from 2016 to 2018. All patients were divided into 3 groups as per inclusion criteria. Group A, patients without DM (n = 75); group B, patients with controlled DM (n = 72); and group C, patients with uncontrolled DM (n = 52). The patients were further subdivided into group B1, DM duration ≤10 years (n = 38); group B2, DM duration >10 years (n = 34); group C1 DM duration ≤10 years (n = 28); and group C2, DM duration >10 years (n = 24). Sex, age, body mass index, occupation, smoking history, alcohol use, and duration of T2DM were recorded. The severity of LDDD was evaluated using the 5-level Pfirrmann grading system. Operated patients’ disc materials were sent for histological examination.Results:Demographic data showed no difference among groups (P > 0.5), except age. Patients with DM showed more severe disc degeneration compared with patients without DM. The average Pfirrmann scores between groups A and B1 had no difference; groups B2, C1, and C2 showed higher average Pfirrmann scores than group A (P < 0.05). Groups B2 and C2 showed higher average Pfirrmann scores than groups B1 and C1 (P < 0.05). Groups C1 and C2 showed higher average Pfirrmann scores than groups B1 and B2 (P < 0.05). The severity of LDDD was significantly related to DM duration in both groups B and C (P < 0.05). DM groups showed increased disc apoptosis and matrix aggrecan fragmentation, disc glycosaminoglycan content and histological analysis were significantly different; the results are similar to Pfirrmann score results.Conclusions:DM duration >10 years and uncontrolled DM were risk factors for LDDD.

Evaluating the Neuroprotective Effects of the Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina on the Hippocampus of Adult Male Wistar Rats

The phytochemical yield of a plant material is related directly to the method as well as solvent of extraction. Lots of African herbs have proven over time to be highly medicinal both for the prevention, management and cure of various ailments. The aim of this research is to compare the neuroprotective potency of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina on the hippocampus of mercury chloride intoxicated Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing between 180 to 200 g were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group A was the negative control and had food and water only. Groups B was the positive control and groups C1, C2, D1 and D2 were the test groups. Rats in group B to D2 were exposed to 0.5 mg/kg/b.w of mercury chloride two times a week for 2 weeks. Groups C1 and C2 were treated with 200 mg/kg/bw of aqueous and methanolic extracts respectively while groups D1 and D2 received 400 mg/kg/bw of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina respectively. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis shows that water extracted more flavonoids while methanol extracted more phenols from the plant. The results of antioxidant studies show that the methanolic extract conferred more protection against oxidative stress than the aqueous extract. Neurobehavioural and histological results show that aqueous extract conferred more protection on the cells and tissue structure of the hippocampus than the methanolic extract. We therefore conclude that both the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina confer some form of neuroprotection on the hippocampus of Wistar rats but the aqueous extract gave better results.

Evaluation of shear bond strength of brackets bonded to fluoride-treated enamel surfaces: An in vitro study

Enamel decalcification is a well-recognized problem associated with orthodontic treatment with fixed multibanded appliances. Several methods have been proposed to minimize the incidence and severity of white spot decalcification around brackets. The present study is concerned with the evaluation of the effect of different topical fluoride gels, applied before and after etching on the shear bond strength of directly bonded orthodontic brackets. The sample consisted of (70) human upper first premolars distributed to (7) groups: group A served as a control; groups B1, C1, andDl received, for (4) minutes prior to etching, a topical application of neutral sodium fluoride gel (1.1%), sodium monofluorophosphate gel (1.2%), and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (1.23%) respectively. Groups B2, C2, and D2, on the other hand, were treated, for (4) minutes after etching, with topical application of neutral sodium fluoride gel (1.1%), sodium monofluorophosphate fluoride gel (1.2%), and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (1.23%) respectively. The brackets were loaded under shear to failure using Universal Compression Machine Apparatus. The shear strengths were recorded in Megapascals. The results of the present study showed that the application of fluoride gels for (4) minutes before and after etching did not alter the shear bond strengths of directly bonded orthodontic brackets, when compared with the control group, for all groups except for group D2 in which the topical application of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel for (4) minutes after etching has resulted in a significant reduction in shear bond strength and severity of white spot decalcification around brackets.

Süt kaynaklı Staphylococcus aureus suşları gelişimi üzerine peynirdeki nisinin etkisi

The use of bacteriocins in protecting the foods has significantly increased in recent years. Nisin is an important bacteriocin and is a food preservative additive safely used in food industry. In the present study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of nisin, which is an alternative to the synthetic additives, on the growth of milk-derived Staphylococcus aureus strains in the cheese. For this purpose, 100 different milk specimens were obtained, transferred using cold chain (at 0-4°C), and inoculated to Baird-Parker agar. At the end of inoculation process, 37 suspicious colonies were selected and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus was detected. The strains obtained were passaged to the pre-enriched agars and the intensities of the strains were determined according to McFarland. Besides these strains, the coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus strains obtained from Etlik Veterinary Microbiology Institute were inoculated into each specimen at 104 CFU mL-1 concentration. The cheese production was made using milks containing the strains, which were isolated from the milk, and the standard strains at different concentrations. The specimens obtained from cheeses produced from milk containing using standard strains were divided into groups K, A, B, and C containing 0, 100, 200, and 400 IU mL-1 nisin, respectively. Similarly, the specimens obtained from cheeses produced from milks containing milk-derived strains were divided into groups K1, A1, B1, and C1 containing 0, 100, 200, and 400 IU mL-1 nisin, respectively. The procedures were triplicated. Staphylococcus aureus counting on the cheese specimens were performed on 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours from curd to ball and on 5th, 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th days of storage at +4°C. In conclusion, it was observed that the nisin inhibited the growth of all the Staphylococcus aureus strains. However, it was also determined that the inhibition of milk-derived Staphylococcus aureus strains were higher than the inhibition of standard strains.

Enterococcus faecalis-Induced Nuclear Factor-Kappa Beta and Osteocalcin Expressions in Rat's Periapical Tissue Damage

Abstract Background/Aims: Nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) is a member of the transcription factor family, and it plays a key role in coordinating the expression of genes in many chronic inflammatory diseases. The main etiology of endodontic treatment failure is caused by bacteria in root canal, including Enterococcus faecalis. The aim of this study to determine NF-κβ and osteocalcin expressions during the periapical tissue damage due to induction of E. faecalis. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four male rats were randomly divided into two main groups, each of which had three subgroups. In Group C (control), every tooth was induced only by sterile brain–heart infusion broth (BHIb). Group C had three subgroups, namely Group C3 with 3 days inductionprocess, Group C10 with 10 days induction process, and Group C21 with 21 days induction process. In Group T, every tooth was induced by 10 μl of BHI-b E. faecalis ATCC212 (106 CFU). Similarly, Group T also had three subgroups, namely Group T3 with 3 days induction process, Group T10 with 10 days induction process, and Group T21 with 21 days induction process. The animals were sacrificed based on their group schedule and then prepared for histological and immunohistochemical examinations of periapical tissue. Afterward, the expressions of NF-κβ and osteocalcin were calculated on the light microscope. Results: The results revealed that the number of cells expressed of NF-κβ and osteocalcin increased significantly in all sub-groups of Group B induced by E. faecalis compared to the control group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the number of cells expressed NF-κβ and osteocalcin increase during the periapical tissue damage induced by E. faecalis.

Structure and optical properties of (CuAg)n (n = 1–6) nanoalloy clusters within density functional theory framework

We have studied the structure and optical properties of bimetallic (CuAg)n (n = 1–6) nanoalloy clusters by using density functional theory (DFT) method. The computed data shows that HOMO-LUMO energy gaps of the clusters are in the range of 1.444–3.066 eV. The most stable cluster (CuAg)3 with symmetry group C1 and singlet spin multiplicity has an energy gap 3.066 eV, whereas the cluster (CuAg)6 with symmetry group C2 and singlet spin multiplicity shows the least energy gap (1.444 eV). Our study reveals an interesting correlation between energy gap, optical electronegativity, and refractive index. Computed data exhibits that clusters, in which Ag atoms are placed on the edge position and have less number of Ag–Ag bonds, display a large frequency range and the maximum intensity of IR and Raman spectra.

LUCEFIN GROUP C30 (1.0528), C30E (1.1178), C30R (1.1179)

Abstract Lucefin Group C30, C30E, and C30R are medium-carbon, non-alloy steels that are used in the normalized, cold worked, or quenched and tempered condition. C30E and C30R may also be flame or induction hardened. C30, C30E, and C30R are widely used for small, moderately stressed parts, where higher strength levels are needed than can be achieved in the lower carbon grades, and also where toughness is more important than high tensile strength. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, elasticity, and tensile properties. It also includes information on forming, heat treating, machining, and joining. Filing Code: CS-206. Producer or source: Lucefin S.p.A.

The effect of two phosphodiesterase inhibitors on bone healing in mandibular fractures (animal study in rats).

ObjectivesDespite advances in maxillofacial surgery, impaired bone healing remains a concern for surgical teams. Many studies have evaluated the effects of sildenafil and pentoxifylline on bone healing. However, their effects on healing of bone fractures have not been well investigated. This study aimed to assess the effects of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors sildenafil and pentoxifylline on healing of mandibular fractures in rats.Materials and MethodsA total of 60 rats were randomly divided into six groups of 10. Mandibular fracture was induced in all rats. After the surgical procedure, group C1 received saline, group S1 received 10 mg/kg sildenafil and group P1 received 50 mg/kg pentoxifylline. The rats were sacrificed after 1 week. Groups C4, S4, and P4 received pharmaceutical therapy as in groups C1, S1, and P1 but were sacrificed after 4 weeks. The samples then underwent histological analysis.ResultsThe mean rate of bone healing of mandibular fractures in groups S1 and P1 was significantly higher than in group C1 at 1 week (P<0.001). The mean rate of bone healing of mandibular fractures in group P1 was higher than in group S1 at 1 week (P=0.04). The mean rate of bone healing of mandibular fractures in groups S4 (P=0.001) and P4 (P=0.004) was significantly higher than in group C4 at 4 weeks, but no significant difference was noted in the rate of healing between groups P4 and S4 (P=0.53).ConclusionSildenafil and pentoxifylline can be used as adjuncts to enhance bone healing in rats.

Effect of orthodontic traction on the microstructure of dental enamel

To investigate the effect of orthodontic traction on the microstructure of dental enamel. Forty-eight isolated premolars were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=8), including Group A (blank control group), in which the teeth were bonded with the orthodontic brackets without any loading force; Groups B1, B2, and B3 where the teeth were bonded with the orthodontic brackets using clinical adhesives and loaded with 50 g force for 6 months, 200 g force for 6 months, and 200 g force for 1 month, respectively; and Groups C1 and C2, where the teeth were bonded with straight wire brackets using light curing bonding and chemical curing bonding techniques, respectively. All the teeth were embedded with non-decalcified epoxy resin. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and energy spectrometer (EDS) were used to analyze interface morphology and elemental composition of the teeth sliced with a hard tissue microtome. Compared with those in Group A, the teeth in the other 5 groups showed increased adhesive residue index with microcracks and void structures on the enamel surface under SEM; AFM revealed microcracks on the enamel surface with angles to the grinding direction. A larger loading force on the bracket resulted in more microcracks on the enamel interface. The interface roughness differed significantly between Groups A and C2, and the peak-to-valley distance differed significantly between Groups A, C, and C2. Orthodontic traction can cause changes in the microstructure of normal dental enamel.

Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles incorporation on tensile and impact strength in two different acrylic denture base resins - In vitro study

Background: Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used in dentistry as a denture base material. But the material has some inherent drawbacks in its mechanical properties like impact strength and flexural strength which can lead to fracture of the prosthesis. So the present study was conducted to evaluate and compare both impact and tensile strength in conventional acrylic resin and veined acrylic resin reinforced with one weight percentage titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Objectives: 1. To determine and compare the effect of incorporation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on tensile strength in megapascals between heat activated and veined acrylic denture base resins. 2. To determine and compare the effect of incorporation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on impact strength in kilo joules per meter square between heat activated and veined acrylic denture base resins. Materials and Methods: 80 specimens were prepared and grouped into Eight groups (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, and D2) with10 specimens in each. Group A1, A2, B1 and B2 was used to study tensile strength and Group C1, C2, D1 and D2 was used to study impact strength. Group A1 and C1 were conventional heat cure acrylic, group A2 and C2 were the modified ones with one weight percentage (1wt%) titanium dioxide nanoparticles, groups B1 and D1 were veined acrylic, group B2 and D2 were the modified veined acrylic with 1wt% titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Tensile strength was tested using INSTRON universal testing machine and impact strength was tested using IZOD impact tester. Results were analyzed using independent t-test followed by Bonferroni’s correction to control the p value. Results: Mean and standard deviation of tensile strength of group A1 was 53.2110.36 Mpa, group A2 was 56.873.96 Mpa, group B1 was 44.483.31Mpa and group B2 was 53.164.62 Mpa. The mean and standard deviation of impact strength of group C1 was 8.720.78 Kj/m2, group C2 was 10.100.40 Kj/m2, group D1 was 9.230.34 Kj/

Foragers of Africanized honeybee are more sensitive to fungicide pyraclostrobin than newly emerged bees

The honeybee has economic importance both for the commercial value of bee products and for its role in the pollination of agricultural crops. Despite the fact that the fungicides are widely used in agriculture, studies comparing the effects of this group of pesticides on bees are still scarce. There are many gaps preventing the understanding of bees’ responses to exposure to fungicides, including the influence of the age of the exposed workers. However, this study aimed to compare the effects of residual concentrations of pyraclostrobin on young and old bees of Africanized Apis mellifera. The parameters analyzed were the survival rates, as well as the histopathological and histochemical changes in midgut of orally exposed workers to different sublethal concentrations of this strobilurin fungicide: 0.125 ng a.i./μL (C1), 0.025 ng a.i./μL (C2) e 0.005 ng a.i./μL (C3). The results showed a significant decrease in the longevity only for old bees exposed to the three concentrations of pyraclostrobin. After the five-day exposure period, the fungicide induced sublethal effects in the midgut only from the old bees. These effects were the increase both in cytoplasmic vacuolization of digestive cells and morphological changes in the nests of regenerative cells, which reflected in the higher lesion index of organ for groups C1 and C2. Additionally, there was a reduction in total protein staining in the intestinal epithelium in C1 and C2. At the same exposure period, the midgut of young bees presented only a reduction in the staining of neutral polysaccharides in the group C1. Concluding, old workers are more sensitive to the fungicide than young workers. This study showed different responses according to worker age, which can affect the maintenance of colony health. Future studies should take into account the age of the workers to better understand the effects of fungicides on bees.

Efficacy of periodontal endoscope-assisted non-surgical treatment for severe and generalized periodontitis

To evaluate the effectiveness of periodontal endoscope as an adjuvant therapy for the non-surgical periodontal treatment of patients with severe and generalized periodontitis. Patients (n=13) were divided into three groups: patients treated with conventional subgingival scaling and root planing (SRP) (n=7, 408 sites) (group A), SRP using periodontal endoscope (n=4, 188 sites) (group B) or SRP with periodontal endoscope 3 months after initial SRP (n=2, 142 sites) (group C). Two subgroups were divided into 2 subgroups according to PD at the baseline: 4<PD≤6 mm as subgroup 1 and PD>6 mm as subgroup 2. Probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), gingival recession (GR) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. The results of 3 months after treatment showed all PD, AL, and GR values in group A1 were less than those in group B1 (P<0.05), but no significant difference in BOP was found between the two groups. The decrease in PD, BOP in group B2 was more obvious than those in group A2 (P<0.000 1), and the GR values in group B2 were more than those in group A2 (P<0.000 1). But the improvement of AL showed no statistical difference between the two groups (P=0.296 8). In group C1, no significant difference in PD, AL, and GR was observed after endoscopy-assisted therapy, but it was more effective for BOP (P<0.000 1). In group C2, the improvement in PD and AL was significantly different from the improvement in SRP alone (P=0.000 5, P=0.000 2) and was accompanied by more GR (P=0.000 5). In non-surgical treatment of severe and generalized periodontitis, SRP can achieve good therapeutic effect on sites with 4< PD≤6 mm. For sites with PD>6 mm, the application of periodontal endoscopy can increase the effect, reducing PD and GR, which may be an effective supplement to the current non-surgical periodontal treatment.

Hyperglycemia and its influence on development of lumbar degenerative disc disease

Study DesignA Retrospective observational study. ObjectivesTo determine the influence of hyperglycemia on severity of lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD). MethodsWe retrospectively included 199 patients with low back pain (LBP) who visited our tertiary care hospital from June 2016 to December 2018. All patients divided into three groups as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group-A had patients without DM (n = 75). Group B had well-controlled DM patients (n = 72) and Group-C had uncontrolled DM patients (n = 52). Group B and C subdivided according to dutation of DM. Group-B1 DM duration was ≤ 10 years (n = 38), Group-B2 DM duration was >10 years (n = 34), Group-C1 DM duration ≤10 years (n = 28), Group-C2 DM duration >10 years (n = 24). Sex, age, BMI, occupation, smoking history, alcohol use and duration of type-II DM were recorded. The severity of LDDD was evaluated using the five-level Pfirrmann grading system. Operated patient's disc material sent for histological examination. ResultsPatients with DM showed more severe disc degeneration compared to patients without DM. The average Pfirrmann scores between Groups A and B1 had no difference; Groups B2, C1, and C2 showed higher average Pfirrmann-scores than Group-A (p > 0.05). Group-B2 and Group-C2 showed higher average Pfirrmann-scores than Group-B1 and Group-C1 (p > 0.05). Group-C1 and Group-C2 showed higher average Pfirrmann-scores than Group-B1 and B2 (p > 0.05). The severity of LDDD was significantly related to DM duration both in groups B & C (p > 0.05). DM groups showed increased disc apoptosis and matrix aggrecan fragmentation, Disc glycosaminoglycan content and histological significantly different, the results are similar to Pfirrmann-score results. ConclusionsThere is a positive relationship between diabetes and LDDD. A longer the duration and poor control of hyperglycemia could aggravate disc degeneration.

Growth Inhibition of Common Enteric Pathogens in the Intestine of Broilers by Microbially Produced Dextran and Levan Exopolysaccharides.

Antibiotics are generally applied for treatment or as subtherapeutic agents to overcome diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Enterococcus species in poultry. However, due to their possible adverse effects on animal health and to maintain food safety, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have been proposed as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry production. In this study, the effects of prebiotics on the augmentation of broiler's indigenous gut microbiology were studied. Day old 180 broilers chicks were divided into four treatment groups: G, L, C1, and C2. The groups G and L were fed with basal diet containing 3% dextran and 3% levan, respectively. Control groups were fed with basal diets without antibiotic (C1) and with antibiotics (C2). The experimental groups showed decreased mortality as compared to control groups. After 35days, the chickens were euthanized and intestinal fluid was analyzed for enteric pathogens on chromogenic agar plates and by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Inhibition of the growth of E. coli and Enterococcus was observed in groups G and L, respectively, whereas Salmonella was only present in group C1. Also, high populations of lactic acid bacteria were detected in the intestine of prebiotic fed birds as compared to controls. These results depict that dextran and levan have the potential to replace the use of antibiotics in poultry feed for inhibiting the growth of common enteric pathogens. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where effects of dextran and levan on intestinal microbiota of broilers have been reported.

Genotype-phenotype correlations in children and adolescents with nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

BackgroundNonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is caused by mutations in the active 21-hydroxylase gene (CYP21A2). The clinical symptoms can vary greatly. To date, no systematic studies have been undertaken in Germany.AimsDescription of the phenotype, evaluation of the diagnostics and genotype-phenotype correlationPatients and methodologyRetrospective analysis of the data of 134 patients (age range 0.1–18.6 years) in a multicentre study covering 10 paediatric endocrinology centres in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The data was gathered on site from the medical records. Two hundred and thirty-three alleles with a mutation of the CYP21A2 gene were identified in 126 patients. A genotype-phenotype correlation of the mutation findings was undertaken (C1, severe/mild; C2, mild/mild). Individuals with a heterozygous mutation of the CYP21A2 were also included (C3). The data was collected with the approval of the ethics committee of the University Hospital of Erlangen during the period of 2014 and 2015.Results (MW ± SD)One hundred and seventeen out of 134 patients (115 f, 29 m) were symptomatic. The chronological age (CA) at diagnosis was 7.1 ± 4.4 years. The most frequent symptom (73.5%) was premature pubarche. The height-SDS on diagnosis was 0.8 ± 1.3 and the BMI-SDS was 0.8 ± 1.2. Bone age (BA) was ascertained in 82.9% of the symptomatic patients. The difference between BA and CA was 1.9 ± 1.4 years. Basal 17OHP concentrations were 14.5 ± 19.1 ng/ml (18 patients < 2 ng/ml). In total, 58.1% mild and 34.7% severe mutations were found. The most common mutation was p.Val281Leu (39.1%); 65.8% of the patients could be allocated to group C1. No phenotypical differences were found between the 3 mutation groups. The 17OHP levels (basal and after ACTH) in the standard ACTH stimulation test were highest in group C1 and also significantly higher in group C2 as in C3, the ACTH-stimulated cortisol levels (ng/ml) were significantly lower in groups C1 (192.1 ± 62.5) and C2 (218 ± 50) than in C3 (297.3 ± 98.7).ConclusionMost of the patients have symptoms of mild androgenisation. Male patients are underdiagnosed. Diagnostics are not standardised. Differences between the types of mutations are found in the hormone concentrations but not in phenotype. We speculate that further, as yet not clearly defined, factors are responsible for the development of the respective phenotypes.

Comparing the Neuroprotective Effects of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Vernonia Amygdalina on the Cerebellum of Adult Male Wistar Rats

The solvent of extraction determines the type and amount of phytochemicals extractible from a plant material. Reports have shown that numerous African herbs are rich is potent phytochemicals which have been used in folkloric and orthodox medicine in the prevention and treatment of ailments. This research is geared towards comparing the neuroprotective potency of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina on the cerebellum of mercury chloride intoxicated Wistar rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group A was the negative control and had food and water only. Group B was the positive control and was exposed to mercury chloride without treatment. Groups C1 and C2 received 200mg/kg bw of aqueous and methanolic extracts respectively while groups D1 and D2 received 400mg/kg bw of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina respectively. Result of phytochemical analysis shows that water extracted more flavonoids while methanol extracted more phenols. The results of antioxidant studies show that the methanolic extract conferred more protection against oxidative stress than the aqueous extract. Histological results show that aqueous extract conferred more protection than the methanolic extract. We therefore conclude from our report that both the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina confer neuroprotection on the cerebellum of Wistar rats.

Effectiveness of Spirulina platensis Extract on Wound Area and TNF-a Levels on Blood: Experimental Studies In Wistar Rats Made Artificially by Vulnus Scissum and Infected by Staphylococcus aureus

This research uses randomizedpost-test only control group design. Thirty-two (32) male Wistar rats with incised skin and infected with S. aureusdivided into 4 groups, namely the group given S.platensisextract at a dose of 500 mg / kgBB / day (X1) and a dose of 750 mg / kgBB / day (X2 ), the negative control group was given saline solution (C1), and the positive control group was given amoxicillin 150 mg / kg orally(C2). Wound area measurements were taken on day 14 and serum TNF-? levels were examined on day 14 using the ELISA method. Data analysis was performed with one way ANOVAtestand continued with Post Hoc Test LSD.The results showed mean size of wound closure on the 14th day in groups X1, X2, C1 and C2 is 8095.74; 6270.98;15502.69; 11475.20micrometer with p &lt;0.001. The mean TNF-? serum levels in the 14th day of X1, X2, C1, and C2 groups were 270.75; 222.83; 1730.33; 385.75pg / ml with p &lt;0.001. Post Hoc Test of wound area showed significant differences between groups. Post Hoc Test TNF-? levels showed significant differences between treatment groups X1 and X2 with group C1.Spirulina platensisextract 500mg / kgBB / day and 750 mg /kgBB/ day have the smallest wound area significantly and reduce TNF-? levels on blood.

Does open ovarian biopsy in prepubertal age affect ovarian reserve in a rat model?

BackgroundPartial resection of the ovary carries a possible risk of fertility reduction. We studied the influence of open ovarian biopsy on ovarian reserve, including anti-Müllerian hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone serum level evaluation, in a prepubertal rat model. MethodsInterventions – the initial surgery was unilateral ovarian biopsy (38 rats, group B1, B2) or unilateral ovarian biopsy and ovarian resection of the contralateral gonad (38 rats, group BR1, BR2). The second operation was bilateral ovarian resection and total resection of the remaining ovary. All rats had hormone serum levels evaluated. The control group had only a blood test taken and bilateral ovarian resection done at the second intervention (30 rats, group C1, C2). The collected tissue was examined estimating follicle count and anti-Müllerian hormone immunoexpression. ResultsAnti-Müllerian hormone levels were significantly lower at the second intervention in the group BR2 but significantly higher in the group C2. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly higher in all but one group (BR2). ConclusionsBiopsy itself might not reduce ovarian reserve if done properly but we should know its possible negative effects in the case of a single remaining ovary.