F1 Group Research Articles

Role of serum M2BPGi levels in diagnosing significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Abstract Background and aim Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel serum diagnostic marker for liver fibrosis in various liver diseases. We aimed to evaluate its role in assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) with reference to liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (Fibroscan). Design and Methods A case control study. 50 CHB patients with LSM by transient elastography technology and retrievable serum samples and 20 normal volunteers as a control group were recruited. Results 50 CHB patients (M: F = 30:20; mean age 43years ± 10.58) and 20 normal control volunteers (M: F = 12:8; mean age 37years ± 14.5) were recruited. The mean M2BPGi values for control group, F0-F1, F2, F3 and F4 progressively increased with more advanced stages of liver fibrosis: 0.282, 0.719, 1.322, 1.65 and 1.904 COI, respectively (p < 0.001). M2BPGi levels correlated well with liver stiffness (r = 0.911) and moderately with FIB-4 (r = 0.682), and with APRI (r = 0.536) (all p < 0.001). Using cut-off values of 0.455, 1.02, 1.16, 1.66 and 1.71COI for control, F0-F1, F2, F3 and F4 groups, respectively, the AUROCs were 0.996, 0.996, 0.691, 0.794 and 1.00 for control, F0-F1, F2, F3 and F4 groups, respectively. There was a statistically significant but with weak positive correlation between M2BPGi serum level and INR (r = 0.333, p = 0.018). And there was a statistically significant but with weak negative correlation between M2BPGi serum level and platelet count (r = -0.41, p = 0.003) and HBV DNA (r = -0.373, p = 0.008).There was a statistically significance between M2BPGi serum level and the history of varices (p = 0.023) Conclusions WFA+-M2BP is an accurate serum indicator for assessing different stages of liver fibrosis. WFA+-M2BP provides a simple and reliable alternative or complementary method to liver biopsy and FibroScan.

The Possible Antidiabetic Effect of Ficus carica L. Tablet on lloxan-Induced Diabetes Model in Rats

BACKGROUND: Fig leaves are reported to have an effect on reducing blood glucose levels. However, the use of fresh leaves makes the effects obtained is not measurable and efficient. AIM: The purpose of this research was to determine the antidiabetic potential of ethanol extract of fig leaves and to optimize tablet dosage formulations. METHODS: Four tablet formulas were made using the wet granulation method. Formula I (FI), Formula I (FII), and Formula III (FIII) groups to give a tablet of ethanol extract of fig leaves with a dose of 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg and placebo treatment group. There were eight groups of male rats strain Wistar treated as follows: Normal control, negative control, positive control (metformin tablets), basis group, placebo treatment group, F1, F2, and F3 groups. The antidiabetic activity was evaluated from a decrease in rat blood glucose levels. Previously, rats were induced first using alloxan 150 mg/kg intraperitoneally to damage β-pancreatic cells so that the rats could experience increased blood glucose levels. After giving treatment to each group for 14 days, a rat blood sample was then taken on days 9 and 14, which were then analyzed by the GOD PAP method with readings carried out using a spectrophotometer with a wavelength of 500 nm. RESULTS: The average weight (mg) of FI tablets (617.8 ± 3.21%), FII (629.35 ± 8.16%), and FIII (643.6 ± 6.21%), and placebo tablet (666.45 ± 4.36%). As for the uniformity of size, all formulas have a diameter of 0.9 ± 0.0 (cm). For the hardness values of FI (5.7 kg), FII (1.31 kg), and FIII (3.09 kg), placebo tablet (2.98%). The value of friability FI (1.42%), FII (11.8%), and FIII (0.84%), placebo tablet (1.16%). While the disintegration time of FI (11.02 min), FII (10.10 min), and FIII (17.00 min), placebo tablet (12.23%). As for the uniformity of size, all formulas have a diameter of 0.9 ± 0.0 (cm). Whereas the dissolution rate (DE45) of each formulation decreased with increasing dose of extract, FI (73.73%), FII (74.80%), and FIII (69.80%). The treatment group of the ethanol extract of fig leaves at a dose of 40 mg, ethanol extract of fig leaves at a dose of 60 mg, and ethanol extract of fig leaves at a dose of 80 mg could reduce rats’ blood glucose levels with statistically significant results (p < 0.05) compared to negative group. When it was compared to the positive group, it had significant results with a statistical value (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ethanol extract of fig leaf tablets had a significant effect on lowering rats’ blood glucose levels.

Comprehension of defect states induced by fluorine ions substituting for oxygen ions in Sr3MgSi2O8−δF2δ by first principles calculation

Study of the defect states in the luminescent host materials has always been a significant point in improving the light emitting devices performances. To afford candidate luminescence host materials, defect states in Sr3MgSi2O[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text] induced by substitution of fluorine ions (F[Formula: see text] substituting for oxygen ions (O[Formula: see text] have been studied through first principles calculation and the related results are presented in this work. First, chemical formulas have been confirmed to be Sr3MgSi2O[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text] through calculations of the possible crystal structures with increasing F[Formula: see text] substituting for O[Formula: see text] concentrations while band gap values decrease from 5.889 eV to 5.328 eV. When the fluorine ion substituting concentration [Formula: see text] reached 0.5, a new defect state near 3.002 eV in the band gap appeared and it can be concluded that the defect state originates from the two fluorine ions bonding to the same Si–O–F2 group. In addition, there arose a new absorption band in the visible region and it can also be attributed to the introduced color [Formula: see text] center in Sr3MgSi2O[Formula: see text]F. The aforementioned results show that tiny doping amounts of fluorine ions could make Sr3MgSi2O[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text] suitable for luminescence host materials.

Dentin Growth after Direct Pulp Capping with the Different Fractions of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) vs. MTA: Experimental Study in Animal Model

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the area of dentin growth in rabbit incisors after pulp capping with plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) by fluorescence. Methods: twenty-seven upper and lower incisors of rabbits were divided into 4 groups: poor PRGF (F1) (n = 9 teeth), rich PRGF (F2) (n = 8 teeth), ProRoot MTA (positive control, n = 5 teeth), and untreated (NC) (negative control, n = 5). Fluorochrome markers were injected 24 h before surgery and the day before euthanasia, 28 days after the vital pulp therapy (VPT). Two transverse cuts were performed to every tooth: the first cut (A), 1 mm incisal to the gingival margin, and the second cut (B), 5 mm apical to the first cut. The sections were assessed with histomorphometric evaluation by fluorescence microscopy, comparing the dentin area between fluorescence marks and the total mineralized area. Results: The higher percentage of dentin growth was observed in the F2 group (B = 63.25%, A = 36.52%), followed by F1 (B = 57.63%, A = 30,12%) and MTA (B = 38.64%, A = 15.74%). The group with lowest percentage of dentin growth was the NC group (B = 29.22%, A = 7.82%). Significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between F2 group and MTA, also statistically significant difference has been observed comparing dentin growth areas of NC group with F1 and F2 groups. Conclusions: The application of PRGF rich and poor fraction as a pulp capping material stimulated dentin formation more intensively than MTA and NC.

Evaluation of clinical, histology, TNF-α, and collagen expressions on oral ulcer in rats after treatment with areca nut and chrysanthemum oral gel

Background: Areca nut (Areca catechu Linn.) is the seed of the fruit of the oriental palm that is commonly used among Southeast Asian communities. Chrysanthemum (Dendrathema grandiflora) is a flowering plant originating from East Asia and dominantly grows in China. Both of these plants have strong antioxidant activities. To investigate the mechanism of their wound healing activities, we prepared areca nut and chrysanthemum polyethylene oral gel and performed several in vivo assays using Sprague–Dawley rats. Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Negative control group (rats with base gel treatment), positive control group (rats treated with triamcinolone acetonide), F1 (treatment with 20% areca nut:80% chrysanthemum), F2 (treatment with 50% areca nut:50% chrysanthemum), and F3 (treatment with 80% areca nut:20% chrysanthemum). Traumatic ulcers were performed on the buccal mucosa of all experimental animals that received topical oral gel and triamcinolone acetonide twice a day for seven days. The clinical and histological characteristics were analyzed and scored. Results: During the six days, the ulcerated area receded linearly over time and was completely cicatrized in F2 and positive control group (Dependent t-test, p&lt;0.05). There were significant increases in body weight in F2 and positive control groups. There were no significant differences between groups in histology examination (Kruskal Wallis test, p&lt;0.05). The moderate score of TNF-α levels was seen in F2 and positive control groups (ANOVA/Tukey test). Similar results were seen in the collagenases assay. Conclusions: A balanced combination of areca nut and chrysanthemum extract in the oral gel can optimize the healing of traumatic oral ulcers in rats through the increase of TNF-α and collagen deposition.

Artin groups of types F4 and H4 are not commensurable with that of type D4

In a recent article, Cumplido and Paris studied the question of commensurability between Artin groups of spherical type. Their analysis left six cases undecided, for the following pairs of Artin groups: (F4,D4), (H4,D4), (F4,H4), (E6,D6), (E7,D7), and (E8,D8). In this note we resolve the first two of these cases, namely, we show that the Artin groups of types F4 and H4 are not commensurable with that of type D4. As a key step, we realize the abstract commensurator of the Artin group of type D4 as the extended mapping class group of the torus with three punctures. We also find the automorphism group of the Artin group of type D4 and obtain a description of torsion elements, their orders and conjugacy classes in all irreducible Artin groups of spherical type modulo their centers.

Predictive implication for liver regeneration by transient elastography in patients with major hepatectomy of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

There are many studies regarding postoperative liver regeneration after major hepatectomy related to posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). However, there are no study which focused on liver fibrosis measured by transient elastography and liver regeneration. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between transient elastography and liver regeneration in patients who underwent surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC). Patients who underwent major hepatectomy for PHCC with curative intent between 2016 and 2020 were included in the study. Patients were divided into groups by the value of liver stiffness measured by transient liver elastography and the cutoff values for severity of fibrosis were derived from the study by Tsochatzis et al. Liver volumes were compared between preoperative and postoperative day 5 CT scan. Of the 45 patients who underwent surgery for PHCC, F1 group was consisted of 23 (51.1%) patients, F2 group 10 (22.2%), F3 group 9 (20.0%), and F4 group 3 (6.7%) patients. The patients were divided into 2 groups, F1 and F2 as Group A and F3 and F4 as Group B. The ICG R 15 value was 14.7 ± 6.6 in Group A and 20.3 ± 9.9 in Group B (p = 0.034). The mean value of liver volume increase rate of each group was 42.3% ± 30.9% in Group A, and 37.4% ± 24.6% in Group B (p = 0.622). This study suggests that liver fibrosis has a tendency to be related with less liver regeneration but without clinical significance. However, transient elastography could be used as one of the useful predictor reference for liver regeneration related to PHLF.

Modified strict sperm morphology threshold aids in the clinical selection of conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

For infertility treatment, the selection of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is decided by multiplying indicators (including fallopian tube factors, semen count, and semen motility), except for sperm morphology. In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis, from implantation to birth, over a period of 5 years. A total of 1873 couples with primary or secondary fallopian tube factors and an increased defective sperm morphology rate (DSMR) were divided into different groups to receive IVF or ICSI cycles. By comparing the outcomes, we found that the F1 group (DSMR <96%, IVF group 1) had higher cleavage rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate than the F3 group (DSMR >98%, IVF group 3; P < 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the ICSI subgroups. Furthermore, a comparison of the outcomes between IVF and ICSI showed that the S3 group (DSMR >98%, ICSI group 3) had higher cleavage rate (P < 0.001), biochemical pregnancy rate (P < 0.05), clinical pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) and live birth rate (P < 0.05) than the F3 group. However, the ICSI subgroup had a lower two pronuclei fertilization rate than the IVF subgroup (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that the sperm morphology should also be considered when selecting IVF or ICSI combined with other semen parameters before the first assisted reproductive technologies (ART) cycle, especially for males with severe sperm defects.

On gastric evacuation characteristics and suitable feeding frequency of &amp;lt;italic&amp;gt;Centropristis striata&amp;lt;/italic&amp;gt;

The experiments were carried out on juvenile <italic>Centropristis striata</italic>.The gastric evacuation rate(GER) and effects of different feeding frequencies on growth, survival rate, feed coefficient, nutrient composition and enzyme activity were studied. Results showed that when the water temperature was 22 ℃, the wet weight of stomach content decreased significantly in 4 h, then decreased slowly, and finally reached 0.Three mathematical models, including linear model, exponential model and square root model, were used to fit the gastric evacuation rate. The square root model was more suitable for quantitative description of gastric evacuation curve. The equation was <italic>Y</italic>^0.5 = 2.050-0.084<italic>t</italic>.Under water temperature 22-26 ℃, groups of different feeding frequencies were set:F1 (1 time·d^-1), F2 (2 times·d^-1), F3 (3 times·d^-1) and F4 (4 times·d^-1) . After 8 weeks of experiment, the final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate and condition factor increased with the increasing feeding frequency, and there were significant differences between F1 and other groups (<italic>P</italic><0.05). With the increase of feeding frequency, feed coefficient initially decreased and then increased. The feed coefficient of F1 was the highest and that of F2 was the lowest, and there were significant differences between F1 and F2, as well as between F1,F2 and other groups (<italic>P</italic><0.05). With the increase of feeding frequency, water content, ash content, crude protein content, protein efficiency and protein production value of <italic>C</italic>. <italic>striata</italic> decreased, while crude fat showed an increasing trend, and differences among groups were significant (<italic>P</italic><0.05). There were significant differences in serum total protein between F1 and other groups (<italic>P</italic><0.05). There was no significant difference in albumin among groups (<italic>P</italic>>0.05); globulin of F2 was the highest; glucose and triglyceride content increased with the increase of feeding frequency; alanine aminotransferase content and aspartate aminotransferase content increased initially and then decreased with the increase of feeding frequency, and F3 was the highest. Considering the gastric evacuation rate, growth performance, feed coefficient, nutritional components and other indicators, under the experimental conditions, the suitable feeding frequency of juvenile <italic>Centropristis striata</italic> was F2 (2 times·d^-1), which could provide basis and reference for breeding production.

The Probiotics, Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Diets of Clarias gariepinus Improve Feed Utilization and Growth

The study evaluated effects of incorporating different proportions of probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SAC) in diets of Clarias gariepinus for improved growth and feed utilization. Six isonitrogenous (34% protein) diets were compounded with varying probiotic inclusion ratios (LAC: SAC) as followed: F1 (0:25%); F2 (25:0%); F3 (15:10%); F4 (10:15%); F5 (5:20%) and F6 (12.5:12.5%). The diets were mixed, preconditioned and steam pelleted at 100oC. Fish (average weight 35.16 ± 2.32g) were stocked at 15 fish per 80-liter aquarium tank and fed the experimental diets ad libitum for 60 days. Results showed that catfish fed with F2 (25% LAC and 0% SAC) had the best feed conversion ratio of 1.72±0.04, specific growth rate, 5.00±0.24 %/day, average weight gain 19.13±0.04g, final weight 56.46±0.08g and protein efficiency ratio of 0.59±0.02. Fish fed F1 (25% SAC and 0% LAC) achieved about half the growth and nutritional parameters of those fed diet F2. Growth performance increased with increasing inclusion level of LAC. However, fish fed F6 had a better specific growth rate than other mixtures except for those in F2 group. It could be inferred that reduced inclusion of SAC seemed beneficial to catfish.&#x0D; Keywords: Probiotics, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, gut microbiome, African catfish

The Effect of Direct Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C- Virus Infected Egyptian Patients on Changes in the Parameters of Liver Fibrosis Progression

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major health care concern worldwide. Egypt shows the highest worldwide HCV prevalence. Fibrosis progression is common in HCV and it is the most important prognostic factor in chronic HCV patients. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in some parameters of liver fibrosis progression after successful HCV eradication by direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in Egyptian patients. The study included 100 chronic HCV patients. liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was obtained by Transient elastography (TE) or Fibroscan before starting DAA treatment, after the end of 12 weeks of treatment and after achieving sustained virologic response12 (SVR12). Based on baseline LSM, patients were stratified into F2, F3 and F4 groups (METAVIR), F0-F1 patients were excluded. LSM and laboratory data after the end of treatment and after achieving SVR12 was compared with that baseline values in each fibrosis group. Following DAA treatment, all patients achieved SVR12. Mean baseline LSM dropped from 13.5 to 10.1 (kPa) post SVR12; the maximum change occurred in F2 patients 84.3% versus 84.2%, 43.3% in F3, and F4 patients respectively (p < 0.001). At baseline, 30 patients were in the F4 group; only 11 patients (43.3%) regressed to non-cirrhotic range (<12.5 kPa), while 19 patients (56.7%) were still cirrhotic despite achieving SVR12 (p < 0.001). Patients showed significant improvement in platelets count and decreased ALT enzyme levels after achieving SVR12 (p < 0.001). So, successful eradication of HCV results in significant LSM improvement; the best improvement occurs in F2 and F3 patients.

Resveratrol Supplementation Attenuates Cognitive and Molecular Alterations under Maternal High-Fat Diet Intake: Epigenetic Inheritance over Generations.

Environmental factors such as maternal high-fat diet (HFD) intake can increase the risk of age-related cognitive decline in adult offspring. Epigenetic mechanisms are a possible link between diet effect and neurodegeneration across generations. Here, we found a significant decrease in triglyceride levels in a high-fat diet with resveratrol (RSV) HFD + RSV group and the offspring. Firstly, we obtained better cognitive performance in HFD+RSV groups and their offspring. Molecularly, a significant increase in DNA methylation (5-mC) levels, as well as increased gene expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) and Dnmt3a in HFD + RSV F1 group, were found. Furthermore, a significant increase of N6-Methyladenosine methylation (m6A) levels in HFD+RSV F1, as well as changes in gene expression of its enzymes Methyltransferase like 3 (Mettl3) and FTO alpha-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase (Fto) were found. Moreover, we found a decrease in gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory markers such as Interleukin 1β (Il1-β), Interleukin 6 (Il-6), Tumor necrosis factor-α (Tnf-α), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl-10), the pro-inflammatory factors monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (Mcp-1) and Tumor growth factor-β1 (Tgf-β1) in HFD+RSV and HFD+RSV F1 groups. Moreover, there was increased gene expression of neurotrophins such as Neural growth factor (Ngf), Neurotrophin-3 (Nt3), and its receptors Tropomyosin receptor kinase TrkA and TrkB. Likewise, an increase in protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt) in HFD+RSV F1 was found. These results suggest that maternal RSV supplementation under HFD intake prevents cognitive decline in senescence-accelerated mice prone 8 (SAMP8) adult offspring, promoting a reduction in triglycerides and leptin plasma levels, changes in the pro-inflammatory profile, and restoring the epigenetic landscape as well as synaptic plasticity.

A direct comparison of neuronavigated and non-neuronavigated intermittent theta burst stimulation in the treatment of depression

ObjectiveTo investigate whether a four-week course of neuronavigated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is superior to the non-neuronavigated F3-EEG method of positioning. MethodsWe conducted a single-center, two-arm, randomized and double-blinded study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03953521). 37 inpatients with an at least moderate depressive episode were randomized to receive either neuronavigated or 10-20-EEG-system based F3 guided iTBS. Both groups received twenty week daily sessions of iTBS while continuing to receive standard-of-care treatment by their ward physicians. For navigated iTBS, we used magnetic resonance imaging to target the border between the anterior and middle third of the middle frontal gyrus considered to represent the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC).Differences in the treatment arms were blinded by completely mimicking the procedures of the respective other treatment group. Rating physicians were not involved in the treatment procedure.Primary outcome was defined as the change of the 21-item version of the Hamilton Depression Score (HAMD) from baseline to end of treatment at week 4. Secondary outcomes included HAMD score during the treatment, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, WHO Quality of Life-BREF and Clinical Global Impression. For primary outcome, we used a planned group comparison for the absolute change in the HAMD. For secondary outcome measures we calculated analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with the within-subjects factor time (primary: baseline vs. week 4; secondary: all visits) and the between-subjects factor group (navigated vs. F3 guided group). We also did planned contrasts between both groups for all variables and all treatment and follow-up visits with the aim not to oversee any group differences. For group contrasts we used Student T-tests for metric and chi-square tests for categorial variables. Significance threshold was set to 5% uncorrected for multiple comparisons. ResultsEnrolment of 80 patients with interim analysis was planned. Interim analysis was performed after 37 patients (intention to treat). 6 patients dropped out, leaving 31 for analysis. With respect to primary outcome criteria, absolute change in the HAMD did not differ significantly between groups. In accordance, relative change and number of responders and remitters were not significantly different. Overall number of responders was 53% and of remitters was 60%. On a descriptive level, the results favor the clinical effects of the F3 group for the absolute and relative change in the HAMD and the number of responders. Number of remitters were exactly the same for both groups. Therefore, we decided to stop the trial due to the added burden of magnetic resonance imaging and neuronavigated treatment in relation to the effect. Secondary outcomes did also not differ significantly between groups. Patients did not differ in their baseline characteristics nor with respect to intake of medication during the trial period and all had access to the same therapeutic interventions. ConclusionWe noticed a high antidepressive effect of add-on iTBS treatment to standard inpatient treatment but failed to demonstrate a clinical superiority of neuronavigated localization. The non-navigated, F3 guided iTBS treatment used as a control group may be sophisticated enough to dilute potential added benefits, and the difference between the localization approaches is either negligible or too small to justify the additional efforts of navigation. The effects of concomitant treatment may mask effects, but our patient population reflects clinical reality in an inpatient setting. Further prospective studies are warranted to compare neuronavigated with surface-based approaches.

Effects of dietary Shewanella sp. MR-7 on the growth performance, immunity, and intestinal microbiota of Pacific white shrimp

The practice of adding probiotics in shrimp diet has increased significantly because of its beneficial effects on growth performance and disease resistance. However, little attention has been paid to marine-derived probiotics, which might be more suitable for aquatic animals. In the present study, an 8-week feeding trial was carried out to explore the effects of Shewanella sp. MR-7 in shrimp diet. Three concentrations of Shewanella sp. MR-7 (SS-MR-7, 106 colony forming units (CFU)/g diet, F1; 107 CFU/g diet, F2; 108 CFU/g diet, F3) were added to the basal diet (F0) of Pacific white shrimp. At the end of the trial, an acute ammonia stress test was performed. The results showed that supplementation with 107 CFU SS-MR-7 per g diet significantly improved shrimp weight gained and specific growth rate. A significantly higher shrimp survival rate was also observed in the F2 group after acute ammonia stress. Meanwhile, dietary SS-MR-7 induced the hepatopancreatic mRNA expression of antioxidation-related genes encoding heat shock protein 70, thioredoxin 1, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as immunity-related genes, such as those encoding lipopolysaccharide and beta-1,3-glucan-binding protein, prophenoloxidase activating factor, and prophenoloxidase. Furthermore, the intestinal microbiota was responsive to the diets. The abundance of the beneficial bacteria Pseudomonas was enriched, while the contents of potential pathogens (such as Bacteroides and Escherichia-shigella) decreased. Overall, our results indicate that SS-MR-7 could be an effective probiotic in shrimp culture as it increase growth performance, immunity and the abundance of intestinal beneficial bacterial.

КАЧЕСТВЕННЫЙ СОСТАВ МАРАЛОВ-РОГАЧЕЙ НОВОТАЛИЦКОЙ ЛИНИИ АЛТАЕ-САЯНСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ

The issues of increasing the volume of velvet antler production and obtaining highly productive young breeders are still relevant in the velvet antler deer farming. This study aims to assess the quality of the fawn and stag stock of the Novotalitskaya line of the Altai-Sayan breed. The work was carried out at three velvet antler farms of the Novotalitskoye Experiment Station of Federal Altai Scientific Center for Agrobiotechnologies (FASCA): Pokrovka, Sentelek and Aba farms. During the period of velvet antler cutting from May to July 2020, the authors assessed 1,661 animals (266 fawns having their first antlers and 1,395 maral stags). They assessed the quality of 834 maral stags (of which 96 fawns) at the Pokrovka farm; 574 maral stags (including 69 fawns) at the Sentelek farm, and 253 maral stags (including 101 fawns) at the Aba farm. At the Novotalitskoye Experiment Station, 48.5% of the stock is aged 2–5, 41.7% is aged 6–10, and 9.8% is aged 11 or older. For the Pokrovka farm these age categories were 42.5%, 42.5% and 15.0%, respectively; for the Sentelek farm had 45.1%, 50.0% and 49%; and the Aba farm had 75.9%, 20.1% and 4.0%. The average velvet antler productivity per one fawn of the Novotalitskaya line of the Alta-Sayan breed was 1.5 kg (minimal indicator: 0.2 kg, maximal indicator: 2.7 kg), whereas the same value per one maral stag was 5.2 kg (minimal indicator: 0.5 kg, maximal indicator: 13.1 kg). As for the quality classes, the 11–12-year-old group showed the maximal number of elite-class animals (10.3–12.8%); the 11–13-year-old group had the most first-class animals (29.7–36.0%); the 2–3-year-old-group had the most of second-class animals (62.0–65.4%), and the 4–5-year-old group had the most of third-class animals (29.2–32.8%). According to the international classification of velvet antlers, 60.0% of the raw velvet antlers belong to the Н – F3 group.

Evaluation of Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) as a noninvasive biomarker of hepatic fibrosis in patients with Hepatitis B virus-related compensated chronic liver disease.

Background:Liver biopsy is the gold-standard method for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis, but the procedure is invasive, not available in the primary health care facilities, and not free from complications. Noninvasive serum biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis are the current research focus.Objectives:To assess the correlation between serum Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) levels and histological severity in patients with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-related compensated chronic liver disease (CLD).Material and Methods:This cross-sectional study evaluated 50 treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B with compensated CLD. Liver biopsy was done, and hepatic fibrosis was categorized using the METAVIR scoring system; we divided the study subjects into three groups; group 1 included subjects with F0 and F1, group 2 having F2 group 3 having F3 and F4. Serum CHI3L1 was measured in all by immunoassay.Result:Among 50 patients, only one had METAVIR score F0, seven had F1, 33 had F2, nine had F3, and none had METAVIR score F4. The median value of CHI3L1 was 460.8 (IQR 340.1-570.3) in all study subjects; 359.5 (IQR 272.8-526.9) in group 1, 450.0 (IQR 307.75-5332.0) in group 2, and 1355.5 (IQR 530.75-1580.5) in the group 3. The difference in median CHI3L1 across the groups was statistically significant. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) score had significant positive correlations with CHI3L1 levels. CHI3L1 also had significant positive correlations with METAVIR scores.Conclusion:This study found a positive correlation between serum CHI3L1 level and hepatic histological severity in patients with HBV-related compensated CLD. Further larger-scale research is needed to establish the fact.

Increased Expression Levels of Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1 Inhibits Nervous System Development of Zebrafish

Introduction Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity. At present, the treatments of preeclampsia are limited, and many patients need to terminate the pregnancy to relieve the disease. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is a decoy receptor of placental growth factor (PIGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor which can promote angiogenesis. Its level increases throughout pregnancy with preeclampsia and umbilical cord blood of their newborns. Material and methods In this experiment, we constructed zebrafish with high expression levels of sFlt-1 and explored their changes of nervous system developments and behaviors. Results Comparing with the WT group and the casRx group, the cerebral vascular developments at 72 h in the F1、F2 group were significantly decreased, the ratios of brain volume area to whole body area at 96 h were significantly decreased, and the behavioral trajectory distances and movement speeds at 6th day were shortened and slowed down. Conclusions The increased expression levels of sFlt-1 in zebrafish can inhibit the developments of cerebral blood vessels, brain volumes and the behavioral activities. It is speculated that elevated sFlt-1 in the pathological state of PE can inhibit the developments of nervous system in offspring.

Exogenous follistatin administration ameliorates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis effects.

This study was aimed to explore the effects of follistatin on cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction, histopathological changes, apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative damage in rats. Follistatin plays an important role in the developmental and regeneration processes of kidney by blocking the actions of activin, which is a member of transforming growth factor-β superfamily. Twenty seven rats were separated into 4 equal groups: Control, Cp (cisplatin, 6 mg/kg, intrapertoneally (ip)), F1 (cisplatin + 1 µg/day follistatin ip for 4 consecutive days) and F4 (cisplatin + 4 µg/day follistatin ip single dose) groups. Renal health was monitored by blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and histological analysis. Apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress was investigated in kidney tissue. Activin A levels in serum and kidney were evaluated as well. Follistatin administration showed a considerable nephroprotective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by preventing renal functional and structural abnormalities, apoptosis and inflammation. The activin A levels in both serum and kidney were also suppressed by follistatin administration. Exogenous follistatin ameliorates acute kidney injury, by blocking activin A. The renoprotective effect of follistatin against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity appears to be associated with its anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and direct nephroprotective actions (Tab. 1, Fig. 7, Ref. 23).

Factors Influencing Transient Elastography in Detecting Liver Stiffness

Transient elastography (TEE) is a method used for estimating liver fibrosis by measuring the liver stiffness (LSM). Aim of this study was to investigate whether TEE fibrosis scores and liver biopsy fibrosis scores are comparable. It was a Cross sectional study of patients undergoing liver biopsy because of high TEE with persistent transaminitis/normal TEE with persistent transaminitis/high TEE with normal transaminases. TEE fibrosis score of study population was compared to liver biopsy fibrosis scores, which is considered as gold standard, and patients with discordance of more than one fibrosis stage was analyzed with above mentioned variables which can affect TEE. Characteristics of the discordant population was analysed. After applying spearmanˊs correlation it was found that albumin, Total bilirubin and INR had a strong correlation with TEE values. Multiple regression analysis showed albumin and SGOT were independent predictors of Liver stiffness measurement. The discordant population was again analysed after classifying it into two groups i.e F 0-2 (minimal fibrosis) and F 3 (significant fibrosis based on biopsy). After analysis it was found that in F 0-2 group there were certain variables like SGPT, Albumin and INR which had strong correlation with TEE values. Total bilirubin and platelets had moderate correlation with TEE values. After analysing F3 group, age had strong positive correlation with TEE values. TEE was found to be better in detecting liver stiffness than liver biopsy in clinically suspected cirrhosis in this study.

Pengaruh Formulasi Pasta Gigi Kombinasi Ekstrak Etanol Daun Sirih (Piper betle L), Biji Pinang (Areca catechu) dan Gambir (Uncaria gambir) terhadap Hambatan Pertumbuhan Bakteri Streptococcus Mutans

Appropriate use of toothpaste is an effort to reduce problems in the oral cavity, namely reducing plaque that causes dental caries. One of the advantages of herbal toothpaste compared to some toothpastes on the market is that it does not use Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) which often causes side effects on the oral mucosa. Betel leaf, areca nut and gambier are herbal ingredients which are proven to be effective in inhibiting bacterial growth. To determine the combination of betel leaf, areca nut, and gambier extract ethanol toothpaste in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. This type of research was true experimental laboratories with a post-test only control group design. The study was tested using the well diffusion method with the treatment group namely negative control toothpaste (K-), combination of betel leaf, areca nut, and gambier extract ethanol toothpaste with concentrations of 10%; 1.5%; 0.5% (F1) and 20%; 3%; 1% (F2), positive control toothpaste (K+). The measurement of inhibition zone is carried out with a caliper. Data were analyzed using One Way Anova and Post Hoc LSD tests. The statistical analysis showed significant differences between groups (p&lt;0.05), except between the (K-) and (K+) groups, as well as between the F1 and F2 groups (p&gt;0.05). Combination of betel leaf, areca nut, and gambier extract ethanol toothpaste has an effect on the inhibition of the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria.