Groups II-IV Research Articles

Evaluation of the Hepato and Reno protective Effects of Methanol Seed Extract of Unripe Carica papaya (pawpaw) Seed in Wistar Rats Exposed to Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)

Rapid urbanization leads to high rates of organ failure due to toxic industrial emissions. This necessitates the need to develop solutions from natural materials, with the perceived potential to protect vital organs against the damaging effects of these emissions that can be easily transformed into beverages. This study evaluated the hepato and reno-protective effects of methanol seed extract of unripe Carica papaya (pawpaw). Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I served as the normal control and received 2 ml of distilled water. Group II was the negative control (administered CCl4 only). Groups III-V were administered 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of methanol seed extract of unripe fruit before induction of renal and hepatic damage with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The extract was administered to animals for 28 days, after which the animals were euthanized, and samples were collected in appropriately labeled containers. Evaluation of serum markers of hepatic and renal injury was performed using standard procedures. Both serum hepatic and renal markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and urea) were elevated in the negative control group beyond the levels reported for the normal control. However, a contrary observation was made in urea, creatinine, Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3, and ALT, AST, and ALP, respectively. In conclusion, it can be inferred from the results of this study that methanol extract of unripe pawpaw seed has the potential to protect against hepatic and renal damage.

Highly Efficient Colloidal Quantum Dot-Based Shortwave Infrared Photodetectors

The ability to detect infrared (IR) light is essential for a variety of emerging applications such as recognition systems, bio-imaging, spectroscopy, and object inspection. Particularly crucial is the capture of photons beyond the edge of silicon absorption, which is vital for advancing long-range communications and quantum technologies. Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs), which are semiconductor nanocrystals, offer a versatile alternative with their ability to tune the bandgap from visible to shortwave-infrared (SWIR) wavelengths through quantum confinement. Nevertheless, challenges persist in CQD-based IR optoelectronics, including the use of hazardous elements like Pb, Cd, and Hg, and their generally lower performance when compared to epitaxial semiconductors. This presentation highlights the development of IR devices using safe, non-toxic CQD materials, including groups III-V and I-VI, among others. By applying various short-ligand passivation techniques, we are able to produce stable CQD ink that forms high-quality conductive films. Our findings indicate that the degree of ligand passivation significantly influences a surface-mediated photomultiplication effect, substantially enhancing device responsivity. Additionally, we have achieved efficient avalanche breakdown within the CQD multiplication layer, resulting in rapid response times under a nanosecond and a significant gain of approximately 10,000. This sets a new benchmark for gain x bandwidth product among all previous solution-processed IR photodetectors operating at 1550 nm.

The effect of Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract on the lipid profile of gentamicin-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal plant, used in traditional practice for treating diseases like hypertension, liver damage and diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to provide a potent therapeutic alternative to conventional drugs in managing liver diseases. Ethanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight was investigated for its acclaimed hepatoprotective activity in gentamicin-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Thirty albino rats weighing 120-150 g were assigned into six groups (I-VI) of five animals each. Rats in group I (control) received distilled water orally. Rats in groups II, III, IV, V and VI were induced with 100 mg/kg of gentamicin for seven days. Groups III-V were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively while group VI was treated with 200 mg/kg bw of silymarin. The lipid profile that relates to hepatotoxicity was assessed using standard methods. The significantly increased serum and liver lipid profile: cholesterol, triglyceride, Low-density lipoprotein and reduced high-density lipoprotein in the untreated animals were attenuated by the extract. Overall, the extract possesses hepatoprotective activity with 200 mg/kg body weight being the most effective dose. The coronary Heart Index (CRI) was not significantly different from the control. Therefore, the ethanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus could be explored in controlling some of the metabolic dysfunctions usually associated with hepatotoxicity.

Diuretic activity and urinary electrolyte effects of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. & Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn. in experimental rats

Introduction: Diuretic drugs are commonly prescribed as primary or adjuvant therapy in various diseases, including congestive cardiac failure and hypertension. However, the adverse effects limit their usage to specific populations. There is an excellent opportunity for drugs with effective diuretic action and limited side effects. The present research was designed to assess the diuretic potential of ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus (HIEE) and Decalepis hamiltonii (DHEE). Methods: A total of 8 groups (n=6) of Wistar rats were used in the study to assess the diuretic activity of HIEE and DHEE. Group I was treated with 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), group II with furosemide (10 mg/kg, p.o), groups III-V with HIEE, and groups VI-VIII with DHEE, respectively, at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg doses. After the treatment, animals were individually shifted to metabolic cages for urine collection at 5 and 24 h intervals and studied the urinary electrolytes. Saluretic and natriuretic effects and the index of HIEE and DHEE were calculated. Results: The results revealed that both extracts considerably (P < 0.05) increased the urine volume and electrolytes (Na+ , K+ , Cl– ) compared to the normal control except low dose treatment. DHEE extract at 800 mg/kg dose showed higher diuretic potential than HIEE in the total volume of urine and urinary electrolytes (P < 0.05). Conclusion: HIEE and DHEE possess diuretic potential, which should be confirmed in human studies.

Evaluation of haematinic activity of <i>Tapinanthus globiferus</i> (A. Rich.) van Tiegh leaf extract and fractions in phenylhydrazine-induced anaemic rats

Anaemia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both males and females of all ages. Anaemia was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of phenylhydrazine (60 mg/kg) for a period of 3 days. Anaemic rats were allotted to five (5) groups; group I served as the negative control, group II served as the positive control received Astyfer syrup (0.15 mg/kg p.o) , groups III-V served as the test groups that received Tapinanthus globiferus methanol extract, ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.), respectively. Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HB) and red blood cell count (RBC) were analysed as indices of anaemia at 7-day intervals for 21 days. The mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated accordingly. Leaf extract and fractions of Tapinanthus globiferus significantly (P<0.001) increased the PCV, the HB concentration and the RBC, which had been originally decreased by phenylhydrazine (P<0.001) administration within one week of treatment. The extract and fractions were compared with rats administered with the positive and vehicle-treated group. The results suggested that Tapinanthus globiferus leaves have haematinicactivities.

Non-clinical Safety Evaluation of Camelina Oil: Acute and 12-Week Oral Toxicities.

This study assessed the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of Camelina oil, a well-known oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids that enhance cellular immunity and human health, in Wistar rats. Wistar rats, 5 per sex per group, were randomly assigned to three groups for acute (14 days) toxicity studies and five groups for sub-chronic (90 days) toxicity studies. In the acute study, Camelina sativa oil was administered orally at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg of body weight (BW). The positive control group received a single dose of 5 000 mg/kg BW Canola oil by gavage. In the sub-chronic study, Groups III-V received 250, 500, and 1 000 mg/kg BW of Camelina oil, while Groups I and II received ultra-pure water and Canola oil at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW, respectively. Throughout the experiment, clinical signs, mortality, and body weight were monitored. At the end of the sub-chronic study, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological investigations were conducted. Administration of Camelina oil and Canola had no significant effect on daily weight gain (P > 0.05) of the test rats. Serum calcium levels decreased while phosphorous levels increased in male rats treated with Camelina oil. Other hematological and biochemical parameters showed no significant differences or dose-response effects between control and seed oil groups in both sexes (P < 0.05). Moreover, in animal necropsy, there were no apparent lesions in the liver, heart, and kidney organs in any of the doses administered. In conclusion, the results suggest that oral administration of Camelina oil is unlikely to be toxic. Therefore, the possibility for the development of future human nutrition should be considered.

Oral glucose tolerance assay of extract from Mangifera foetida l. and Pandanus amaryllifolius roxb. leaves

This study examines the potential antidiabetic activity of a combination of Mangifera foetida L. and Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. leaves. Mangifera leaves contain a compound called mangiferin, which acts as an antidiabetic and antioxidant. On the other hand, Pandanus leaves, are rich in terpenoids and steroids that also possess anti-diabetic effects. An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was conducted on male mice of the Babl/c strain to assess the antidiabetic effects. The test involved administering a combination of ethanolic leaf extracts from Mangifera foetida L. and Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. in a 1:1 ratio. The study followed a pre-test design with a control group, comprising six treatment groups, each consisting of four male mice. The groups were described as follows: Group 1 was served as the normal group without any treatment. Groups II-IV received single extracts or combinations of extracts at doses of 62.5 mg/200g BW, 125 mg/200g BW, and 250 mg/200g BW. Group V acted as the positive control and was given oral glucose and glibenclamide at a dose of 0.09 mg/200g BW. Group VI was served as the negative control, receiving oral glucose and distilled water. The group that exhibited the highest percentage of decreased blood sugar levels was the one given oral glucose at a dose of 0.078g/20g BW of mice, along with the combination of Mangifera foetida L. and Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. leaves extract (1:1) at a dose of 35 mg/20g BW. This group demonstrated a decrease of 71.985 ± 4.858 in blood glucose levels. The ANOVA analysis confirmed that the percentage decrease in blood sugar levels was significantly different from the positive control, indicating a higher effectiveness of the combination treatment in reducing blood glucose levels than the positive control.

Evaluation of the Influence of oral administration of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Sida acuta on Lipid Profile and Body Weight of Wistar Rats

Abnormalities in serum lipid profiles play a central role in endothelial functional abnormality which is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular diseases. Hepatic damage disturbs hepatic functions such as lipid metabolism which can translate to a distorted lipid profile. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of oral administration of Sida acuta on the lipid profile and body weight of Wistar rats. Freshly harvested leaves of Sida acuta was dried under room temperature and afterwards ground to powder which was subsequently processed into extract. Thirty adults male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I (normal control) was administered with 2 ml of distilled water, groups II–VI were induced hepatic damage. While group II was left untreated, groups III-V were administered with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of aqueous extract of Sida acuta (AESD) respectively. Group VI was administered with silymarin (standard drug). Treatment lasted for 28 days after which animals were humanely sacrificed and blood sample collected for analysis. Treatment with extract significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced the activities of the liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP). While the serum levels of TC, TG, HDL and LDL reported for group II were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than those reported for the normal control. Oral administration of extract significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced the levels of TC, TG, HDL and LDL reported for groups III-V. Oral administration of extract did not adversely affect the body weight of animals. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that oral administration of Sida acuta reversed a distorted lipid profile and did not result in weight loss.

Оценка эффективности нового режима дозирования препарата рекомбинантного интерферона α-2b, суппозитории ректальные, в терапии гриппа и других ОРВИ у детей с отклонениями в состоянии здоровья

Objective. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of a new modified regimen of Viferon®, rectal suppositories, compared with placebo in the complex therapy of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections in children aged from one month to 18 years with functional and morphofunctional health deviations (health groups II–IV). Patients and methods. We present the results of analysis for 66 patients recruited at the State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education "Tver State Medical Academy" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation within the framework of a multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of Viferon®, rectal suppositories as a treatment for influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. Patients were randomised into two groups – group 1 received symptomatic therapy and Viferon®, rectal suppositories, dosage according to age group. Group 2 patients received similar symptomatic therapy and placebo preparation. Therapy was carried out for 10 days, follow-up of patients – 10 days of therapy and further in 1, 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment. Statistical analysis of data was performed using biostatistical programming language R (version 4.0.3), as well as MS Word 10 and MS Excel 10 applications. Differences were considered statistically significant at p &lt; 0.05. Results. Inclusion of Viferon®, rectal suppositories in the therapy of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections in children with abnormal health status allowed to shorten the time of improvement and recovery, contributed to the reduction of the proportion of patients with complicated course of the disease compared to placebo. The use of Viferon®, rectal suppositories allowed not only therapeutic effect on the course of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, but also promoted rapid recovery of the antioxidant defence system of the organism and prevented the development of repeated episodes of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections during follow-up. Conclusion. Complex therapy of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections in children with functional and morphofunctional abnormalities in health status (belonging to health groups II-IV) using a new modified dosing regimen of Viferon®, rectal suppositories with higher doses and duration of the course of therapy allows to reduce the time of improvement and recovery of patients compared to placebo. When using the drug Viferon®, rectal suppositories according to the new modified scheme of therapy in children with deviations in the state of health there was observed a reduction in the frequency of complicated course of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, as well as a decrease in recurrent episodes of the disease in the period of follow-up in 1 and 3 months. Due to highly active antioxidants included in the preparation Viferon®, rectal suppositories, its use had a favourable effect on the antioxidant defence system of the organism. Key words: influenza, ARVI, children, immunity, interferon, Viferon, antioxidant defence system of the organism

Evaluation of Nitric Oxide Activity of Torilis Leptophyllain Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice

Objective: To evaluate the Nitric Oxide activity of Torilis leptophylla in Indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in mice. Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacology Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore Pakistan, from Jan to Dec2016. Methodology: Thirty-six adult healthy male BALB/C mice with a weight range of 25-35 g were equally divided into six groups and designated as Group-I (Control), Group-II (Positive Control), Groups III to V (Torilis leptophylla extract trial Groups) and Group-VI (Omeprazole). Gastric ulceration was induced by a single dose of Indomethacin (20mg/kg) in Groups II–VI. The plant extract was administered in Groups III-V (100, 200, 300 mg/kg) whereas Omeprazole (3mg/kg) in Group-VI by gavage daily for three days as treatment of gastric ulceration. Nitric Oxide content was measured in gastric juice and serum of all groups by Nitric Oxide assay kit. Results: The positive Control-Group showed little Nitric Oxide in gastric juice and serum. Torilis leptophylla treated Groups (100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) showed significantly raised Nitric Oxide content in both gastric juice and serum than the Control Group (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The study has determined that Torilis leptophylla possesses antiulcer and mucosal protective effects owing to the antioxidant activity of nitric oxide. This supports the use of the plant for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Molecular Study of the Protective Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet against Brain Insulin Resistance in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Brain insulin resistance is linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS). A low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet has been proposed to have a protective effect. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the brain insulin resistance markers in a rat animal model of MetS and the protective effects of the LCHF diet. Four groups of male rats (10/group) were created. Group I (Control) was fed a regular diet. Groups II-IV were injected with dexamethasone (DEX) to induce MetS. Group II received DEX with a regular diet. Group III (DEX + LCHF) rates were fed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, while Group IV (DEX + HCLF) rats were fed a high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HCLF) diet. At the end of the four-week experiment, HOMA-IR was calculated. Moreover, cerebral gene expression analysis of S-100B, BDNF, TNF-α, IGF-1, IGF-1 R, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-5, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 was carried out. In the DEX group, rats showed a significant increase in the HOMA-IR and a decrease in the gene expression of IGF-1, IGF-1 R, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-5, BDNF, and Bcl2, with a concomitant rise in S100B, TNF-α, Bax, and caspase-3. The LCHF diet group showed a significantly opposite effect on all parameters. In conclusion, MetS is associated with dysregulated cerebral gene expression of BDNF, S100B, and TNF-α and disturbed IGF-1 signaling, with increased apoptosis and neuroinflammation. Moreover, the LCHF diet showed a protective effect, as evidenced by preservation of the investigated biochemical and molecular parameters.

Design Principle for Tetrahedral Semiconductors and Their Functional Derivatives: Cation Stabilizing Charged Cluster Network

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) of groups II-VI and III-V are key ingredients for next-generation light-emitting devices. Yet, many of them are heavy-element-containing or indirect bandgap, causing limited choice of environmental friendly efficient light-emitting materials. Herein, we resolve this issue by exploring potential derivatives of the parent semiconductors, thus expanding the material space. The key to success is the discovery of a principle for designing those materials, namely, cation stabilizing charged cluster network. Guided by this principle, three novel categories of cubic materials have been predicted, namely, porous binary compounds, I-II-VI ternary compounds, and I-II-III-V quaternary compounds. Using first-principles calculations, 65 realistic highly stable candidate materials have been theoretically screened. Their structural and compositional diversity enables a wide tunability of emitting wavelength from far-infrared to ultraviolet region. This work enriches the family of tetrahedral semiconductors and derivatives, which may be of interest for a broad field of optoelectronic applications.

Efficient Band-Edge Emission from Indirect Bandgap Semiconductor Quantum Dots upon Shell Engineering

Environmentally friendly colloidal quantum dots (QDs) of groups III-V are in high demand for next-generation high-performance light-emitting devices for display and lighting, yet many of them (e.g., GaP) suffer from inefficient band-edge emission due to the indirect bandgap nature of their parent materials. Herein, we theoretically demonstrate that efficient band-edge emission can be activated at a critical tensile strain γc enabled by the capping shell when forming a core/shell architecture. Before γc is reached, the emission edge is dominated by dense low-intensity exciton states with a vanishing oscillator strength and a long radiative lifetime. After γc is crossed, the emission edge is dominated by high-intensity bright exciton states with a large oscillator strength and a radiative lifetime that is shorter by a few orders of magnitude. This work provides a novel strategy for realizing efficient band-edge emission of indirect semiconductor QDs via shell engineering, which is potentially implemented employing the well-established colloidal QD synthesis technique.

Analysis of the prevalence of infectious and immunosuppressive diseases in free-living cats in Moscow and the Moscow region

In cats living in urban environments, infectious and immunosuppressive diseases are observed with a similar symptom complex. Comprehensive analysis allows you to identify concomitant diseases that complicate the primary infection. In an experimental study in cats, diseases were diagnosed randomly based on clinical and anamnestic data, hematological and biochemical, immunological blood tests and PCR. All established diseases were conditionally divided into 5 groups: I - co-infections II - respiratory, III - gastroenterological, IV - chronic viral and V - hemoparasitic infections, toxoplasmosis, FIP. Group I included 96 cats with 2 or more viral agents from groups II-IV at the time of primary diagnosis; Group II included 92 animals; Group III - 70 cats; IV group - 16 cats; Group V - 9 animals. It follows from the statistical data that diseases caused by several infectious agents are most often recorded, the second most common are diseases of the respiratory system, and the third are diseases of the digestive system. The main problem of high infection with infectious and immunosuppressive diseases of cats is the crowded content of cat families in one area, with uncontrolled reproduction and spread of infections within a certain area; possible introduction of other strains or viruses through contact with cats from another population; replenishment of the virus population due to mutations during the death of individuals within the range.

Effect of C. cyminum and L. sativum on Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Antidiabetic Drug Gliclazide.

Numerous herbs are reported to have anti-hyperglycemic activity and are frequently used in combination with prescription drugs to lower the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, without proper knowledge about the possibility of herb-drug interaction. To investigate the effect of cumin and garden cress on pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of gliclazide (GLZ) in nicotinamide-streptozotocin diabetic model. Diabetic animals of groups II-IV were treated with GLZ, cumin, 'cumin + GLZ', garden cress and 'garden cress + GLZ'. Herb's treatments were given for two weeks, and GLZ was administered in a single dose. Blood glucose levels (BGLs) were measured at pre-determined time points. Plasma samples of pharmacokinetic study were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. GLZ fragment at m/z 324.1>127 was monitored. Cumin and garden cress have shown 15.3% and 15.9% reduction in mean BGL (1-24h) (p-value < 0.001), respectively. GLZ reduced mean BGL by 30.0%, which was significantly better than cumin and garden cress (pvalue <0.05). Concurrently administered "garden cress + GLZ" demonstrated the highest reduction in mean BGL (by 40.46%) and showed a prolonged effect. There was no significant advantage of simultaneously administered 'cumin + GLZ'. Cumin did not affect PK of GLZ. Garden cress has significantly enhanced AUC0-t (by 69.8%, pvalue 0.0013), but other PK parameters Cmax, Tmax, and Kel were close to the control group. PK/PD-based herb-drug interaction was observed. Concurrently administered garden cress + GLZ showed improved antidiabetic effect and has enhanced GLZ bioavailability.

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), antioxidant, antiglycation and anti-inflammatory effect of Ferulic acid against streptozotocin toxicity mediate nephropathy in diabetic rats.

The protein glycation due to high blood glucose mediate release of inflammatory intermediate contributes in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic compound distributed in different foods as whole grains. Inhibitors of DPP4 improve GLP-1-mediated insulin secretion and inhibit liver gluconeogenesis. This study investigated the impact of FA as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiglycation against streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. This study was carried out on total ninety male rats allocated into six (each 15 rats); group I (control). All other animals (groups II-VI) were receiving 65mg/kg STZ for induction of diabetes. Rats in group II (untreated diabetic). Rats in groups III-V were treated with FA (10, 20, 30mg/kg bw) respectively, i.p. for 8weeks. Group VI received 10 units insulin daily, sc. Fasting blood samples were subjected for assay of glycated hemoglobin (HA1c), serum MDA, aldose reductase, total antioxidant, DPP4 while kidney tissue subjected for assay of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β and AGEs. Data obtained showed that, FA showed antioxidant activity by reducing MDA and enhancement antioxidant activity compared with untreated rats (p < 0.001) with dose dependence. In addition, FA reduced the activities of aldose reductase, DPP4 (p < 0.001), decreased IL-6, TNF-α and AGEs versus untreated rats (p < 0.001). Histological investigation revealed an improvement in the nephron structure in diabetic rat treated with FA versus untreated group. It was concluded that, FA possesses a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and DPP4 inhibitor. For that, it was considered as a protective agent against the risk of diabetic nephropathy and can be used as alternative or complementary supplement.

Establishment of primary liver cancer model in mice

Objective: Three modeling methods were used to establish a mouse primary liver cancer model, and compared them to find a more optimal modeling method. Methods: Forty 15-day-old C3H/HeN male mice were randomly divided into groups I-IV, 10 mice in each group. Group Ⅰ were not treated; Group Ⅱ were intraperitoneally injected with 25 mg/kg diethylnitrosamine (DEN) once; Group Ⅲ were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg DEN once; Group Ⅳ were intraperitoneally injected with 25 mg/kg DEN once and followed by another intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg DEN at 42 days of age. The mortality of mice in each group was analyzed. At the 18th week of modeling, blood was collected from eyeballs after anesthesia, and liver was taken from abdominal cavity after neck was broken. The appearance of liver, the number of cancer nodules and the incidence of liver tumor were observed. The histopathological changes of liver were observed by HE staining. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected. Results: At the 18th week of modeling, compared with the group I, serum levels of ALT and AST in groups II-IV were increased significantly (P＜0.05); The number of cancer nodules and the incidence of tumors in the surviving mice of groups III and IV were also increased significantly (P＜0.05). At the 18th week of modeling, no mice died in both groups I and II, and the incidence of liver cancer was 0%; The incidence of liver cancer in surviving mice in both groups III and IV was 100%, but the mortality rate of mice in group III was as high as 50%, and that in group IV was only 20%. Conclusion: C3H/HeN male mice can successfully establish a mouse liver cancer model by intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg of DEN once at the age of 15 days and another intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg of DEN once at the age of 42 days with short cycle and low mortality, which is an ideal method to establish a primary liver cancer model.

Histopathological Evaluation of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Lippia adoensis on Liver, Kidney, and Biochemical Parameters in Swiss Albino Mice.

BackgroundEighty percent of Ethiopians use traditional medicine, one of which is the leaf of Lippea adoensis.ObjectiveTo investigate subacute toxicity of aqueous extracts of L. adoensis leaves on the liver and kidney and biochemical parameters in Swiss albino mice.MethodsLD50 was assessed with nine experimental groups and one control group of adult female Swiss albino mice (five in each group). In the subacute study, 40 mice of both sexes were randomly divided into four groups of ten mice (both sexes) per group. Group I served as controls and received distilled water and feed only. Groups II–IV were used as treatment groups. They received calculated doses of aqueous leaf extracts orally at doses of 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg body weight, respectively.ResultsSince 80% of deaths occurred at the 10,000 mg/kg body-weight dose in this experiment, LD50 was considered to be <10,000 mg/kg. In the subacute test, general signs of toxicity like hypoactivity, piloerection, lethargy, and a single episode of convulsion were observed at the 2000 mg/kg dose. Beginning from the third week of administration, both male and female mice receiving 500 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg and all treatment groups in the fourth week showed significant (P<0.05) weight loss compared to controls. Biochemical parameters were found to increase in all groups treated with ethanolic leaf extracts. Several histopathological changes like congestion, hemorrhage, severe necrosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in both liver and kidney in the L. adoensis–treated rats were observed at all doses.ConclusionIn the present study, the ethanolic leaf extracts of L. adoensis produced dose-dependent weight loss and histopathological and biochemical changes in Swiss albino mice.

Anti-diarrhoeal effects of Garcinia kola (Heckel-Holl) seed methanolic extract and its fractions in animal models

This study investigated the In vitro spasmolytic and In vivo anti-diarrhoeal effects of Garcinia kola seed extract/fractions. Extraction was done by maceration in 70% methanol, serially partitioned in ethyl acetate and n-hexane. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out on the crude extract/fractions. The In vitro spasmolytic effect of the extract and fractions at different concentrations (0.5×103, 0.2×103,0.1×103, 0.6×102 mg/ml) were investigated against spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum as well as histamine-induced contractions using isolated guinea pig ileum. The In vivo anti-diarrhoeal effect of the extract was evaluated using three diarrhoeal models: castor oil-induced diarrhoea, charcoal meal gastrointestinal transit time and castor oil-induced enteropooling. In each model, 25 mice were randomly divided into five groups of 5 mice each. Group I served as the untreated control, while group II was a positive control. Groups III-V were administered 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of the crude methanol extract, respectively. The crude extract, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions at 0.5×103 mg/ml respectively exhibited 14.4%, 12.9% and 12.2% spasmolytic activities against acetylcholine-induced rabbit jejunum contractions. Histamine-induced guinea pig ileum contractions were inhibited by crude extract (6.2%), ethyl acetate (6.2%), aqueous fraction (7.2%) at 0.6×102 mg/ml. For castor oil-induced diarrhoea, the crude extract at 500 mg/kg produced a significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in the diarrhoeal index and faecal weight with a percentage inhibition of 70.4% compared with controls. Similarly, the crude extract (500 mg/kg) significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased the charcoal meal gastrointestinal transit time with a percentage inhibition of 33.9% and elicited significant (p &lt; 0.05) intraluminal fluid reduction (9.1%) in castor oil-induced enter pooling test when compared with the untreated group. In conclusion, the anti-motility and anti-secretory activities of the crude extract were attributed to the phytochemical constituents present.

Subxiphoid and subcostal arch versus unilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery approaches to thymectomy for myasthenia gravis.

Thymectomy is an important treatment for myasthenia gravis (MG). We conducted this study to compare the clinical outcomes of the recently introduced subxiphoid and subcostal arch thymectomy (SASAT) approach with those of the standard unilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). We analyzed, retrospectively, the perioperative, and long-term outcomes of 179 consecutive MG patients (age 18-65years), who underwent SASAT or unilateral VATS-extended thymectomy between July, 2012 and May, 2019. All demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The median surgical time, estimated blood loss, thoracotomy conversion rate, total and chest drainage, and complications did not differ significantly between the groups. The visual analog scale (VAS) score was significantly lower in the SASAT group. Complete stable remission (CSR) was achieved in a significantly larger proportion of the SASAT group patients and was significantly higher in women than in men. The Quantitative MG score was significantly lower in the SASAT group. Patients in the MG Foundation of America Clinical Classification groups I and II achieved better remission rates than those in groups III-V. SASAT is a safe and feasible MG treatment, which may yield better outcomes than unilateral VATS and improve the quality of treatment.