Increase In Urea Concentration Research Articles

Mechanistic insights into the urea-induced denaturation of human sphingosine kinase 1

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) plays a significant role in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. SphK1 is considered as an attractive target for drug development owing to its connection with several diseases, including cancer. In the current work, the urea-induced unfolding of SphK1 was performed at pH 8.0 and 25 °C using CD and fluorescence spectroscopy. SphK1 follows a biphasic unfolding transition (N ⇌ I ⇌ D) with an intermediate (I) state populated around 4.0 M urea concentration. The circular dichroism ([θ]222) and fluorescence emission spectra (λmax) of SphK1 with increasing concentrations of urea were analyzed to calculate Gibbs free energy (ΔG0) for both the transitions (N ⇌ I and I ⇌ D). A significant overlap of both the transitions obtained by two spectroscopic properties ([θ]222 and λmax) was observed, indicating that both N ⇌ I and I ⇌ D transition follow two-step equilibrium unfolding pattern. Also, we performed 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to get atomistic insights into the structural changes in SphK1 with increasing urea concentrations. Our results showed a consistent pattern of the SphK1 unfolding with increasing urea concentrations. Together, spectroscopic and MD simulation findings provide deep insights into the unfolding mechanism and conformational features of SphK1.

Influence of IP-injected ZnO-nanoparticles in Catla catla fish: hematological and serological profile.

This study reports an effort to synthesize biocompatible zinc oxide nanoparticles using sol-gel method and its influence on hematological and serological profile of Catla catla fish. Hexagonal wurtzite structure and crystallite size of ZnO-NPs was identified by using XRD in the range of 19 to 20nm. Moreover, the irregular and non-uniform surface of these NPs was found using SEM. The different stretched and vibrational mode (ZnO, OH, CO, and H-O-H) was identified by using FTIR analysis. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed absorbance of the blue shift in the range 340nm. Bioassay of ZnO-NPs on Catla catla was performed and nano ZnO was given through intraperitoneal injections at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100μg/g body weight doses. Analysis of fish blood samples indicated an increase in WBCs and leukocytes while the differential effect on monocytes. On the other hand in response to varying ZnO concentrations, an increase in RBCs, hemoglobin, and HCT was evident. Serum analysis revealed an increase in urea concentration while a reduction in creatinine, ALT, and AST. In an overall assessment, nano-ZnO supplementation at 25 to 100μg/g body weight differentially affected hematological and serum biochemical profile of thaila fish. Graphical abstract.

EFFECTS OF RAW AND COOKED AQUEOUS AND METHANOL EXTRACTS OF PHASEOLUS VULGARIS (KIDNEY BEANS) ON RENAL FUNCTION IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Objective: Phaseolus vulgaris, like other beans, is endowed with rich nutritional contents. This study evaluated the effects of raw and cooked aqueous and methanol extracts of P. vulgaris on renal function in albino Wistar rats.
 Methods: Oral acute toxicity (LD50) study of both extracts was conducted in two phases. In the main design, a total 36 Wistar albino rats were used and divided into nine groups of four rats and oral administration lasted for 7 days. Group 1 served as control and 2 – 9 treated groups. Groups 2 and 3; 4 and 5 were administered aqueous extracts while groups 6 and 7; 8 and 9 were administered methanol extracts of 350mg/kg and 550mg/kg body weight raw and cooked P. vulgaris respectively.
 Results: Results of LD50 of all extracts were greater than 5000mg/kg. Results showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in concentrations of urea and chloride across test groups administered aqueous extracts, than methanol extracts; a significant (P<0.05) increase in serum creatinine in test groups administered methanol extracts; a significant (P<0.05) increase of serum total protein of test groups compared to control; no significant (P<0.05) difference in the concentration of potassium in test groups administered compared to control group.
 Conclusion: It may be concluded that P. vulgaris portrays potentials capable of improving renal function and its consumption may contribute to the wellness of a person due to its rich nutrients, and based on the duration of this work and standard scale of toxicity; the extracts are practically non- toxic since the LD50 was greater than 5000mg/kg. 
 Peer Review History: 
 Received 7 June 2020; Revised 25 June; Accepted 3 July, Available online 15 July 2020 
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 Reviewer(s) detail:
 Name: Dr. Ali Gamal Ahmed Al-kaf
 Affiliation: Sana'a university, Yemen
 E-mail: alialkaf21@gmail.com
 
 Name: Ahmad Najib
 Affiliation: Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia
 E-mail: ahmad.najib@umi.ac.id
 
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Clean printing process of cotton with natural dyes: Effect of paste formulation components on printing performances

A novel natural dye Corchorus olitorius L. was investigated in the preparation of printing pastes for screen printing of cotton fabric. To ensure ecological printing, greener thickeners were used such as: sodium alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose and Ceratonia siliqua L. flour. The nature and concentration of thickener, dyestuff and urea concentrations, mordant type and fixation method were explored. Printed cotton fabric qualities were evaluated by determining different parameters: color strength, penetration percentage, printing fastnesses and mechanical properties, whereas print paste quality was evaluated by measuring its apparent viscosity. The higher dye concentration used in the printing paste led to better apparent viscosity and color strength levels. The increase of urea concentration improved the color strength, but reduced the apparent viscosity of printing paste. Best results of viscosity and color strength parameters were obtained using ferrous sulfate as a mordant and sodium alginate as a thickener, the results being 1346.67 mPa s-1 and 4.90, respectively. The resulting color shades varied from green to brown and very good color fastnesses was achieved, but depended mainly on the used experimental conditions.

Metabolic dynamics of native lambs fed with Tifton 85 hay or Maniçoba hay associated with the spineless cactus

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic response of native lambs fed Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon) or Maniçoba hay (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associated with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Sixteen Morada Nova lambs were used, with a mean initial weight of 19.36±1.48kg, distributed in a randomized block design, with two treatments and eight replications. Dry matter intake was higher for lambs fed Maniçoba hay compared to Tifton hay, while the body weight at slaughter was not influenced by diets. Regarding the blood metabolites, only the serum concentration of urea was influenced, with higher value observed in the lambs that fed the diet containing Tifton hay. When analyzing blood biomarkers, in the different biweekly collections, a linear increase in the blood concentration of urea, glucose, fructosamine, alkaline phosphatase and sodium was observed, as well as a quadratic effect for serum potassium. The other blood metabolites were not influenced in function of the collection days. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay for Maniçoba hay does not cause negative changes in the dynamics of different biomarkers and presents itself as a promising forage resource.

IMPROVEMENT OF NUTRITIONAL VALUE FOR DATE PALM LEAVES USING UREA TREATMENT AND ITS EFFECT ON SMALL RUMINANTS FEEDING.

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing alfalfa hay with date palm tree leaves (DPL) untreated or treated with urea in diets and study its effect on sheep feeding. The effect of using urea with different levels (4, 6 and 8%) on chemical composition and fiber constituents of date palm leaves was studied in laboratory experiment; also, four rations included different ratios of date palm leaves (15, 25, 35 and 50%) were carried out to choose two of them. Then the chosen two ratios of DPL were used to study the effect of the three levels of urea on the chemical composition and in vitronutrients disappearance of these ratios. Then the perfect ratio of DPL treated with different urea levels used to study its effect on sheep performance, the rations were: C: ration contains 50% CFM + 50% berseem hay BH (control). R (1): control replaced by 35% DPL. R (2): control replaced by 35% untreated DPL (4% urea). R (3): control replaced by 35% DPL (6% urea) and R (4): control replaced by 35% DPL (8% urea). Main results indicated that urea treatment improved chemical composition of DPL compared with untreated as CP content increased while CF and its fractions decreased (P≤0.01). The enhancement in CP, CF, cellulose and hemicellulose contents and the improvement of nutrients disappearance for rations contained 35% DPL treated with urea (4, 6 and 8%) suggested using these rations in digestibility trial which indicated significant increase (P≤0.01) for digestibility coefficients, nutritive values, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentations and microbes compared to untreated ration. Also, treated rations significantly (P≤0.01) enhanced serum total proteins and albumin concentrations more than control and untreated rations, although they increased urea concentration.

Effects of immunocastration performed at two live weights on the growth physiology, temperament and testicular development of feral beef bulls.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of administering an anti-gonadotropin-releasing hormone vaccine (Improvac® , developed for pigs) on the performance, temperament, testicular development, and hormone and metabolite profiles of feral bulls (Bos taurus) vaccinated at two different live weights (LW). In all, 16 Serrana de Teruel animals were involved in this 2x2 factorial design using the factors LW (LIGHT vs. HEAVY) and vaccine treatment (control, C vs. vaccinated, VA). All animals received the same diet (ad libitum concentrate plus straw) over a 164-day fattening period. Temperament was assessed using chute and flight speed tests. Testicular diameter and subcutaneous fat thickness were recorded. Testosterone, IGF-1, urea, NEFA, and creatinine profiles were analyzed. Bull weight gain was reduced in VA compared to C animals, regardless of the initial LW. The vaccine did not affect the temperament tests, subcutaneous fat thickness or NEFA and creatinine concentrations and had minor effects on linear body measures. The vaccine inhibited testicular growth, reduced plasma testosterone to residual levels, and increased urea concentrations. LIGHT-C animals exhibited increased mean plasma IGF-1 concentrations compared to LIGHT-VA animals. In conclusion, vaccination reduced bull growth and sexual development irrespective of LW at immunization.

Synthesis and characterization of Ce/SiOC nanocomposites through the polymer derived ceramic method and evaluation of their catalytic activity

Cerium oxide and silicon oxycarbide (Ce/SiOC) porous nanocomposites have been synthesized through the polymer derived ceramic route. In the synthesis of the preceramic precursors, the addition of urea facilitates the deposition of Cerium atoms on the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles since it prevents the SiO2 from agglomeration. Both Ce and urea affects the structural and textural parameters of the obtained ceramics. Less crosslinked structures are formed when the urea concentration increases and it also provokes a reduction of the carbon crystallite size. Cerium, on the other hand, induces an increase of the carbon size as well as the number of SiOC units. Pore anisotropy and smoothness of the surface are also dependent on the composition of the material. As expected, the better thermocatalytic behavior against CO2 decomposition is found at the largest Ce amounts but also, smooth surfaces and low pore anisotropies favor the accessibility of the gases to the thermocatalytic centers.

Feed restriction to induce and meloxicam to mitigate potential systemic inflammation in dairy cows before calving

Most dairy cows experience a transient decrease in feed intake in the 1 to 2 wk before calving, which has been associated with systemic inflammation (SI), indicated by increased blood haptoglobin (Hp) concentration. We aimed to characterize the association between prepartum decrease in feed intake and the onset of SI and, if present, the ability of meloxicam (MEL), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, to mitigate SI. Holstein cows (n = 45) were assigned to control (n = 13), feed restriction (FR) untreated (FR-U; n = 15), and FR treated with MEL (FR-T; n = 17) groups. Daily feed intake was measured from -22 d from expected parturition until 35 d postpartum. Control cows were fed ad libitum, whereas FR-U and FR-T cows were reduced to 60% of their average intake for 4 consecutive days (-15 to -12 d from expected calving). The FR-T cows received MEL (0.5 mg/kg of body weight) once daily for 4 consecutive days (-13 to -10 d from expected calving). Blood samples were collected -22, -15, -14, -13, -12, -10, -7, -5, -3, 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 22, and 35 d relative to calving to measure serum concentrations of total calcium, total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, urea, glucose, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, β-hydroxybutyrate, nonesterified fatty acids, Hp, and insulin-like growth factor-1. Serum concentrations of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein were measured -22, -15, -14, -13, -12, and -10 d from expected calving. Simplified glucose tolerance tests were performed on -15, -12, -5, 1, and 5 d relative to calving. Mixed linear regression models were used to assess the effects of FR and MEL on each metabolite. The interaction between treatment group and blood sampling day was forced into each model. All models accounted for body condition score, parity, and the cow as a random effect. Nonesterified fatty acids concentrations in both the FR-U and FR-T groups significantly increased from the second until the last day of FR. Feed restriction increased urea concentrations compared with the control group on -14 d but decreased urea concentrations on -10 d from expected calving. Control cows had greater β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations compared with FR cows on 15, 21, and 35 d postpartum. For all other metabolites, no differences were found. This model of FR produced substantial fat mobilization but based on serum Hp and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein concentrations did not generate measurable SI; therefore, we were unable to evaluate the ability of MEL to mitigate SI.

Clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of acute organophosphate or carbamate intoxication in 102 dogs: A retrospective study

Organophosphates (OP) and carbamates are commonly used insecticides and important intoxication sources of humans and animals. Nevertheless, large scale studies of these intoxications in dogs are unavailable. The medical records of dogs presented to a veterinary hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The study included 102 dogs definitely diagnosed with acute OP or carbamate intoxication.The most common presenting clinical signs included muscle tremor, hypersalivation, miosis, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea. Hypersalivation, muscle tremor and tachypnea were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with survival to discharge; while weakness, mental dullness, anorexia, pale mucous membranes and paddling were significantly associated with death. Common laboratory abnormalities included decreased butyrylcholine esterase activity, acidemia, increased total plasma protein, leukocytosis, hypochloridemia, hyperbilirubinemia, increased creatinine and alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and creatine kinase activities, and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Compared to the survivors, the non-survivors showed significantly: higher frequencies of thrombocytopenia, hypocarbemia, prolonged prothrombin time (PT), hypernatremia, hyperkalemia, hypocholesterolemia, hypoproteinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increased ALT activity and increased urea concentration; lower median concentrations of venous blood bicarbonate, serum chloride and total CO2; and higher medians of PT, serum total bilirubin and urea concentrations, and ALT and AST activities. Intoxicated dogs were commonly treated with diphenhydramine, atropine-sulfate, antibiotics, diazepam and pralidoxime, while some (19.2%) required general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. The survival rate of dogs treated by gastric lavage was higher (P = 0.041) compared to that of the remaining dogs. Development of respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation requirement were significantly associated (P < 0.001) with death. The mortality rate was 17%.

Chronic kidney disease and the gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome is composed of a diverse population of bacteria that have beneficial and adverse effects on human health. The microbiome has recently gained attention and is increasingly noted to play a significant role in health and a number of disease states. Increasing urea concentration during chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to alterations in the intestinal flora that can increase production of gut-derived toxins and alter the intestinal epithelial barrier. These changes can lead to an acceleration of the process of kidney injury. A number of strategies have been proposed to interrupt this pathway of injury in CKD. The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of the gut microbiome in CKD, tools used to study this microbial population, and attempts to alter its composition for therapeutic purposes.

Evaluation of the Toxicity of Urea Using Allium cepa L. Assay

Considering the present abuse of fertilizer application today, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of urea on plants using the Allium cepa L. assay. Onion bulbs were first placed in water for 48 hours to initiate root growth, then they were placed in different concentrations of urea (0%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%) for 24 hours. Both macroscopic and microscopic parameters show the toxic effect of urea. Root length and root number dropped in value with increase in treatment concentration. Likewise, the actively dividing mitotic cells also reduced in number with treatment concentration, thus giving rise to a drop in the mitotic index and a corresponding increase in mitotic inhibition with increase in treatment concentration of urea. These results all gave rise to a visible drop in root mass of the onion bulbs. Keywords: Urea, Allium cepa assay, toxicity, mitotic index DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-4-04

Study of magnesium precipitation based on biocementation

Magnesium carbonate has a cementing character like calcium carbonate, and the addition of magnesium ion enables the microbe cementitious material to have the denser microstructure with the lower porosity. The effects of various factors, such as the concentration of Ca2+ and Mg2+, on the urease activity were studied. Comparison of the productive rates for calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate were carried out, as well as productive rates for magnesium carbonate with adding different amount of urea to medium. Calcium acetate and magnesium acetate were, respectively, used for sands solidification. Results showed that the increase in urea concentration and magnesium ion enhanced urease activity, while calcium ion significantly impaired urease activity. Sodium chloride and acetate ion had little influence on it. Productive rates for magnesium carbonate were dramatically smaller than its calcium counterpart. However, adding urea to medium allowed for more magnesium precipitation, and the higher the urea concentration, the more the magnesium precipitation. The sand columns with adding urea to medium can have a high strength despite using magnesium acetate. Therefore, the method could solve the problem of insufficient magnesium precipitation. The results will act as a guide for the application of biocementation technology with magnesium carbonate.

Up-regulated mRNA expression of some anti-inflammatory mediators in bovine oviduct epithelial cells by urea in vitro: Cellular pathways by Reactome analysis

Increased urea concentration is a major cause of low fertility in dairy cows fed high-protein diets. A strong correlation exists between the urea concentration in the blood and oviduct fluid of dairy cows. In this study, bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) were incubated with varying concentrations of urea (0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/dL) in the absence of ovarian sex steroids (estradiol and progesterone) and luteinizing hormone. The 80 mg/dL urea reduced the cell viability, and thus was excluded in further analysis. Compared to the control (U0), the 20 mg/dL urea (U20) increased the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, interleukin (IL) 10, IL4, and prostaglandin (PG) E synthase (mPGES) but decreased the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFA). Compared to U0, the 40 mg/dL urea (U40) decreased the mRNA expression of TNFA and increased alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). U40 also increased TLR2, IL10, and IL4 mRNA expression compared to U0. In addition, compared to U20, the U40 decreased the mRNA expression of TLR4 and IL1B but increased that of AGP and TLR2. Subsequently, the mRNA expression data were then projected into the Reactome database. The Reactome analysis showed that pathways, including cytokine signaling in the immune system (i.e., TNFs bind their physiological receptors) and death receptor signaling (i.e., TNF signaling), were down-regulated in the presence of urea compared to the U0 group. These in vitro data implied that high urea level can alter the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in BOECs, thus providing a suboptimal environment for the early reproductive events or a weakened innate immune system, predisposing the oviduct to infections.

New experimental results of NO removal from simulated marine engine exhaust gases by Na2S2O8/urea solutions

NO is the main precursor of photochemical smog. Since the SCR system of marine diesel engines has many disadvantages, this paper proposes an effective wet method to remove NO from the exhaust gases of marine diesel engines. Experiments were performed in a bubble column reactor to study the absorption of NO using sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8)/urea ((NH2)2CO) solutions from a simulated gas stream. The effects of various operating parameters on NO removal were investigated, including reaction temperature, urea concentration, Na2S2O8 concentration and the initial pH value of Na2S2O8/urea solutions. The experimental results showed that the NO removal efficiency increased with increasing reaction temperature (25–80 °C) and increasing Na2S2O8 concentration (0.01–0.2 mol/L). When the concentration of urea was higher than 0.5 mol/L at 60 °C, 1 mol/L at 70 °C or 2 mol/L at 80 °C, the NO removal efficiency increased with the increase of urea concentration (0.1–4 mol/L). The highest NO removal efficiency was 99.7%, occurring at 80 °C when the concentrations of Na2S2O8 and urea were 0.1 mol/L and 4 mol/L, respectively, and the concentration of nitrate was 14.93 mg/L. The optimal urea conditions were well below the legal limit of 60 mg/L. The NO removal efficiency increased with the increase of initial pH value within the herein investigated range of 7–9. All the experimental data showed that the novel system not only achieved effective NO removal efficiency, but also reduced the nitrate in wastewater, which could thus be applied to denitrification of marine engine exhaust gases.

ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ СОРБЦИОННОЙ СПОСОБНОСТИ И ПРОНИЦАЕМОСТИ ЭРИТРОЦИТАРНЫХ МЕМБРАН У ДЕТЕЙ И НОВОРОЖДЁННЫХ, ПРОЖИВАЮЩИХ В ЗОНЕ ПОВЫШЕННОГО РАДИАЦИОННОГО ФОНА

Objective: By studying the permeability of erythrocyte membranes (PEM) and the sorption ability of erythrocytes (SAE) to assess functional state of the biological membranes of red blood cells in children living in the area of increased radiation background. Methods: Indicators of SAE and PEM in the blood of 18 newborns and in 20 children from 3 to 5 years old, living in the area of increased background radiation were determined. The control group consisted of 38 children, living in areas with a natural radiation background. The SAE determined by the degree of absorption of methylene blue dye. PEM was determined by the degree of erythrocyte hemolysis in solutions with increasing urea concentration. Results: The rates of SAE in children living under normal radiation background were: in newborns – 37.1±0.2%; in children 3 years old – 37.4±0.2%; in children 4 years old – 37.6±0.2%; and children 5 years old – 37.4±0.2%. At the same time, children living in increased radiation background were found to have significantly increased levels of SAE: newborns – 58.8±0.2%; children 3 years old – 59.1±0.3%; children 4 years old – 59.2±0.2%; and children of 5 years – 59.0±0.3%. As in the children of the control group, in the main group changes in the values of the SAE level depending on age also fluctuated within the statistical error (p&gt;0.05). When comparing PEM data, the children in the main group showed a significant increase compared to the children in the control group. Thus, if in newborn children of the control group, depending on the dilution of urea, PEM ranged from 5.6±0.5% in the I sample and up to 20.1±0.3% in the VI sample, in the main group – from 10.3±0.2% and to 59.3±0.9%, respectively. Similar dynamics were observed in older children: at the age of 3 years, in the control group – from 3.4±0.6% and to 23.4±1.6%, in the main – from 10.3±0.7% and up to 56.8±1.9%, respectively; 4 years of age, in the control group – from 8.2±1.2% and up to 25.2±3.0%, in the main – from 24.1±1.7% to 59.0±0.9%, respectively, and the age of 5 years, in the control group – from 7.5±2.2% to 22.5±2.5%, in the main – from 22.7±3.3% to 55.5±2.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Studies of permeability of erythrocyte membranes and sorption ability of erythrocytes in children living in the area of increased radiation background, revealed significant changes in the properties of erythrocyte membranes, indicating a high level of damage. Keywords: Newborns, children, radiation, sorption ability of erythrocytes, permeability of erythrocyt

Investigation of the parameters of acute and acute toxicity of the “VetMicoDerm” liniment under the skin application

The toxicity parameters of “VetMikoDerm” for one-time and long-term skin treatment were investigated. The studied liniment as an off-white substance has a thio derivative of 1,2,4-triasole. Spotted thistle oil is used as a solvent. The research of the determination of acute and low acute skin toxicity has been performed on young, healthy, healthy skin of the laboratory rats. The drug was applied in different doses to the stripped areas of the skin (area is not less than 10% of the total area of the skin). It was established that after a single application of the drug (24 hours) in a dose of less than 2000 mg/kg of body weight, the death of experimental animals or any signs of general intoxication of the body is not observed. Local reaction (redness, itching, allergy, combing) is absent. According to GHS under the assessment in this dose studying the “VetMicoDerm” drug belongs to the 5th safety category (Grade 5, not classified). During a long-lasting application of the drug (28 days), the death of the rats was not adversed, the animals had a preserved appetite, responded adequately to external stimuli, reflex excitability was completely preserved. Under hematological and biochemical studies of blood of the experimental animals, it was found that against the backdrop of insignificant increase in the number of white blood cells in their blood, the number of neutrophils increases and the percentage of lymphocytes decreases significantly. However, under the usage of the drug in the therapeutic dose (50 mg/kg body weight) the liver function has a tendency to increase. Increasing in dose (500 mg/kg) of the VetMikoDerm a 10-fold continued its application which led to an increase in serum concentrations of urea and creatinine,increasing the mass index can serve as a marker of renal decline functional condition of the body.

Effects of urea on behavior and functional traits of Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans) tadpoles

As one of the important contributors of biodiversity, amphibian populations are declining worldwide. Numerous factors are involved in these declines, one of them being the use of fertilizers in agriculture. This is especially true for tadpoles which can live in the fertilizer-polluted farmland water bodies until metamorphosis. The present study aimed to assess the effects of urea (CH4N2O), as one of the most economical and effective fertilizers, on the anti-predator behavior and intraspecific functional trait variability of Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans) tadpoles. Based on published literatures and the field observation of urea concentrations in China, glass beakers with a gradient of urea concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600, and 1200 mg/L) were prepared, with 10 tadpoles placed in each glass beaker. Each treatment was replicated three times. Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) cues were used as the predator disturbance, and three main functional traits (body mass, trunk bending shape, and eye position) were selected. Our results revealed that tadpoles activity levels decreased when exposed to urea as well as to mosquito fish cues. However, urea exposure did not alter the anti-predator behaviors of tadpoles. Additionally, we found that increasing urea concentrations might modify some functional traits of tadpoles. Importantly, urea disturbance decreased tadpoles intraspecific functional trait variability. (Functional similarity increased between developmental stages.) Given that functional similarity between developmental stages could potentially increase intraspecific competition, urea could indirectly reduce tadpoles survival by decreasing intraspecific traits variability.

Acute and Subacute Toxicity Evaluation of the Stem Bark Aqueous Extract of Harungana Madagascariensis in Rodents

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the safety of a stem bark aqueous extract of Harunganamadagascariensis Lam. (Hypericaceae) by determining its potential toxicity after acute and subacute administration in rodents. Acute toxicity tests were carried out in mice and the behavior, death and median lethal dose (LD50) were estimated. Subacute toxicity (28 days) studies were conducted in rats with oral daily doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg. Parameters observed at the end of the subacute tests included changes in body and vital organ weights, mortality, hematological, biochemical, hepatic and kidney effects. Harunganamadagascariensisextract did not produce any visible toxicity or mortality with oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg within 14 days of single treatment, leading to the conclusion that the LD50 is greater than 2000 mg/kg. In the subacute toxicity tests, neither mortality nor visible signs of lethality was seen in rats. No significant change in the weight of the kidney, liver, heart, lungs spleen, pancreas and testicles was observed. Alanine transaminase (ALT) increased significantly in males at 400 and 600 mg/kg, whereas Aspartate transaminase (AST) decreased at 600 mg/kg in female rats. HDL Cholesterol was reduced at 600 mg/kg in female rats. There was a significant increase in urea concentration in female rats at 400 mg/kg. A significant decrease, both in platelet volume distribution (PVD) at 400 mg/kg in male rats and in red cell volume distribution (RDW) at 200 mg/kg were recorded in female rats respectively, but with no changes in other hematologic parameters. Histological study shows normal structure of liver, kidneys and heart of control and treated rats. Results indicate that oral doses of aqueous stem bark of Harunganamadagascariensis are relatively safe in rats; however, assessment of hepatobiliary function should be done during chronic use in humans.

Effects of ethanolic extracts of leaf, seed and fruit of Datura metel L. on kidney function of male albino rats

Effects of ethanolic extracts of leaf, seed and fruit of Datura metel on kidney function of male albino rats was investigated in this study. The result showed a non-significant (p > 0.05) increase of urea concentration in groups 2 and 3 administered low (300 mg/kg bw) and high (600 mg/kg bw) dose of leaf extract respectively and a non-significant (p > 0.05) decrease in all groups administered the seed and fruit extracts compared with normal control (group 1). Creatinine increased significantly (p < 0.05) in groups 4 and 7 administered low dose (300 mg/kg bw) of seed extract and high dose (600 mg/kg bw) of fruit extract respectively, but increased non-significantly in other groups (2, 3, 5 & 6) compared with normal control. Sodium, potassium and bicarbonate concentrations increased non-significantly (p > 0.05) in all groups administered the various extracts, except in group 4 in which sodium reduced non-significantly (p > 0.05) compared with normal control. Chloride increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group 5 and non-significantly (p > 0.05) in groups 3, 6 and 7, but reduced non-significantly (p > 0.05) in group 4 compared with normal control. The administration of some of the extracts in comparison with the normal control in histology of the animals show glomerular extrusion and glomerular collapse with resultant increased urinary space, dilated tubules, vacuolations in some epithelial lining of most of the tubules in the medulla and inflammatory cellular infiltration at some peritubular regions. The results showed that some parts of Datura metel posed mild negative effects, while some parts could possess nephroprotective potential by regulating the kidney function of male albino rats.