Increase In Na Research Articles

Current Concepts of Molecular Mechanisms of Age-Related Changes in Eye Lens

Age-related cataract is the leading cause of vision loss in old people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization it accounts for 47.8 % of the total number of ocular pathologies in people over 50 years old. Despite the rapid development of cataract surgery technology, surgery remains a challenge due to its cost and the increasing number of patients. Literature review is devoted to current concepts of pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of age-related changes in eye lens. There are the three main theories of cataractogenesis: oxidative stress; the impact of quinoid substances, which are formed due to the impairment of aromatic amino acid metabolism and the activation of aldo reductase enzyme with subsequent accumulation of sorbitol, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, dysfunction of Na+/K+ channels and calcium deregulation causing lens epithelial cells apoptosis. Theories of pathogenesis are linked and based on the development of age-related changes in protein metabolism (the majority of nuclear α-crystallins are insoluble), glucose metabolism (non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins), lipid metabolism, enzyme activity and the loss of membrane potential of cells ( the increase of Na+ and Ca2+ level and the decrease of K+ level). Key element of all theories of age-related changes in eye lens is the aggregation of high molecular weight proteins covalent-bonded of disulfide linkages. Based on molecular mechanisms of cataractogenesis, the development of pathogenetically oriented medical methods of correction of the age-related changes in lens is carried on. This review provides information on results of experimental and clinical studies which demonstrate the anti-cataract effect of Pirenoxine 0, 005 %.

Penerapan Analisis Dasar-Dasar Pencegahan Kekerasan Seksual pada Anak di SDN 060919

Sexual violence is a social problem that is still common in society and can happen to anyone, both women and men, both children and adults to the elderly. The basic form of prevention of sexual violence against children that can be done is to give them an understanding of the meaning of sexual violence, how to protect themselves and what to do if they experience sexual violence. During this practical field work opportunity, I carried out a mini project in the sexual violence class with NA, who is my client, and 11 grade V students at SDN 060919 and carried out for 3 months from start to finish. Implementation of the mini project through several stages, namely 1) Engagement, Intake, Contract, 2) Assessment, 3) Planning, 4) Intervention, 5) Evaluation and 6) Termination. The results of the implementation of the mini project that has been carried out also show that there has been an increase in NA's understanding such as he understands the concept of sexual violence better and becomes more aware of and knows how to prevent sexual violence from happening to himself, NA becomes wary of strangers and ensures that body parts are private he is not touched by others. This is concrete evidence that the mini project that was implemented succeeded in overcoming NA's problem, namely the lack of self-understanding of sexual violence.

Zircons in NYF-type pegmatites in the Emeishan large igneous province, SW China: A record of Nb and REE mineralization processes

The metallogenic mechanism of Nb and rare earth elements (REEs) during the magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of alkaline rocks remains ambiguous. Zircon is a common accessory mineral occurring in both barren aplite and the Nb-Y-F mineralized pegmatite (NFY-type) in Miyi County of the Pan-Xi area, the central zone of the Permian Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) in SW China. Here, we present in situ geochemical analyses on these zircons to reveal the Nb-REE mineralization processes during magmatic-hydrothermal evolution, as well as the prospecting potential of plume-related NYF-type pegmatites. Four types of zircons are identified in the Miyi aplite and pegmatite. Zrn-I with well-developed oscillatory zoning (OZ) represents magmatic zircons in the aplite. Zrn-II and Zrn-III are magmatic zircons in the pegmatite. Zrn-II is closely associated with albite and is restricted to the center of an individual crystal, indicating early crystallization. There are abundant nanoscale britholite and thorite inclusions in Zrn-II, indicating that the primary melt is enriched in Ca, Y, REEs, Nb, Th, and F. Zrn-III presents as the rim of Zrn-II, with a sharp boundary between them. Zrn-IV is a metamict zircon formed through hydrothermal alteration after its structure was destroyed due to high Th and/or U contents. In situ zircon U-Pb dating of both Zrn-I and Zrn-III yields concordant ages of ca. 258 Ma, coeval with the felsic magmatism in the ELIP. For positive εHf(t) values of Zrn-I and Zrn-III (1.8–5.8 and 1.5–9.1, respectively), the Miyi pegmatite is also plume-related and might be derived from magma resembling A-type granite in the ELIP. Both Zrn-I and Zrn-III show negative Eu anomalies, and there is a decrease in Sc contents from Zrn-I to Zrn-III, indicating that the Miyi pegmatite formed from a highly evolved magma. Furthermore, the synchronous increases in Na, Nb, Y and total REEs from Zrn-I to Zrn-III indicate that excess Na in the melt plays an essential role in the further enrichment of Nb, Y, and REEs. In addition, a dramatic decrease in Nb, Y and total REE contents and LREE (light REE)/HREE (heavy REE) ratios from Zrn-III to Zrn-IV illustrates that Na- and F-rich hydrothermal fluids can leach and facilitate the precipitation of these elements, particularly LREEs. Therefore, there are two-stage Nb and REE mineralization processes related to magmatic-hydrothermal evolution in the Miyi pegmatite, which may be a general model for the mineralization of plume-related NFY-type pegmatites.

Effect of Na+ on the collision of the dodecane droplet and kinetic energy transfer

Using a high-speed motion acquisition system, the dodecane droplet size and the interface energy of the dodecane-solution interface during the collision between the dodecane droplet and the dodecane layer at different Na+ concentrations were studied. The collision process is divided into three stages: Contact stage, Stretch stage and Attenuation amplitude stage. The size of the dodecane droplet gradually decreases as the Na+ concentration increases, and the stretching time does too. The kinetic energy of the dodecane droplet, the surface energy of the dodecane-solution interface, and the net force of the dodecane droplet all decrease with an increase in Na+ concentration, but the dodecane droplet rate of energy dissipation increases. The effect of Na+ concentration on dodecane-solution interfacial tension is the main reason for the collision difference. The Na+ added to the solution forms a hydration shell around it, weakening the interaction between water molecules at the dodecane-solution interface and within the solution, leading to reduced interfacial tension. The advancement of mineral flotation technology may benefit greatly from these findings.

A novel Tartary buckwheat gene FtIST1, associated with salt tolerance, was isolated and identified via over-expression and VIGS

FtIST1 is a novel SBP gene isolated from salt-responsive Tartary buckwheat, and its molecular characteristics and function in salt tolerance are unclear. With the use of DNAMAN and MEGA7.0 software and online analysis program SOPMA, we performed the bioinformatics analysis of the novel FtIST1 gene. We also identified the function of FtIST1 gene via over-expression and VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing). FtIST1 gene was cloned from Tartary buckwheat, and its GenBank accession number is MK799640. FtIST1 belongs to the SBP transcription factor gene family, it is 374 bp long and encodes 99 amino acids. The molecular weight and isoelectric point of FtIST1 protein are 11.7 kDa and 8.78, which is predicted to be a soluble hydrophilic protein. Through analyzing the physiological characteristics of transgenic Arabidopsis, it was found that the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD and CAT), chlorophyll content, Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, net photosynthetic rate, fresh weight and dry weight, K+ and Mg2+ content increased significantly in Arabidopsis with over-expression of FtIST1 gene, while the plasmalemma permeability, chlorophyll a fluorescence F0 and Na+ content of leaves decreased significantly, indicating that the over-expression of FtIST1 gene can obviously improve the physiological characteristics of Arabidopsis under salt stress and the salt tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis. After successfully inhibiting the expression of FtIST1 gene in Tartary buckwheat by VIGS technology, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, POD and CAT in Tartary buckwheat decreased significantly, while the plasmalemma permeability and Na+ content of leaves increased significantly, indicating that the loss of FtIST1 gene expression in Tartary buckwheat led to the decrease of antioxidant capacity, the increase of cell membrane damage, the increase of Na+ content in shoot and the obvious decrease of salt tolerance. Our data indicate that FtIST1 is a salt tolerance gene, which is closely associated with salt tolerance of Tartary buckwheat.

Mechanochemistry in Sodium Thioantimonate Solid Electrolytes: Effects on Structure, Morphology, and Electrochemical Performance.

Sodium thioantimonate (Na3SbS4) and its W-substituted analogue Na2.88Sb0.88W0.12S4 have been identified as potential electrolyte materials for all-solid-state sodium batteries due to their high Na+ conductivity. Ball milling mechanochemistry is a frequently employed synthetic approach to produce such Na+-conductive solid solutions; however, changes in the structure and morphology introduced in these systems via the mechanochemistry process are poorly understood. Herein, we combined X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy characterization techniques to provide an in-depth analysis of these solid electrolytes. We report unique changes seen in the structure and morphology of Na3SbS4 and Na2.88Sb0.88W0.12S4 resulting from ball milling, inducing changes in the electrochemical performance of the solid-state batteries. Specifically, we observed a tetragonal-to-cubic crystal phase transition within Na3SbS4 following the ball mill, resulting in an increase in Na+ conductivity. In contrast, the Na+ conductivity was reduced in mechanochemically treated Na2.88Sb0.88W0.12S4 due to the formation and accumulation of a WS2 phase. In addition, mechanochemical treatment alters the surface morphology of densified Na2.88Sb0.88W0.12S4 pellets, providing intimate contact at the solid electrolyte/Na interface. This phenomenon was not observed in Na3SbS4. This work reveals the structural and morphological origin of the changes seen in these materials' electrochemical performance and how mechanochemical synthesis can introduce them.

Taurocholate uptake by Caco-2 cells is inhibited by pro-inflammatory cytokines and butyrate

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic and life-threating inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The active intestinal absorption of bile salts is reduced in IBD, resulting in higher luminal concentrations of these agents that contribute to the pathophysiology of IBD-associated diarrhea. Butyrate (BT) is a short-chain fatty acid produced by colonic bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers. BT utilization is impaired in the intestinal inflamed mucosa of IBD patients. Our aim was to investigate the link between IBD and bile acid absorption, by testing the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ and of BT upon 3H-TC uptake by Caco-2 cells.The proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ inhibit Na+-independent, non-ASBT (sodium-dependent bile acid transporter)-mediated 3H-TC uptake by Caco-2 cells. The inhibitory effect of these cytokines on Na+-independent 3H-TC uptake is PI3K- and JAK/STAT1-mediated. These two compounds upregulate ASBT expression levels, but no corresponding increase in Na+-dependent component of 3H-TC is observed. Moreover, BT was also found to inhibit 3H-TC uptake and showed an additive effect with IFN-γ in reducing 3H-TC uptake.We conclude that an interaction between BT and bile acids appears to exist in IBD, which may participate in the link between diet, microbiota and IBD.

Effect of sodium ions doping on structure and spectral properties of γ-Ce2S3 microcrystals

Rare earth sulfides are environmentally friendly and have excellent physical optoelectronic properties and coloring applications. In particular, red γ-Ce2S3 is an important and popular inorganic optical functional material. However, it has become crucial to improve the production efficiency of γ-Ce2S3 and its color performance and stability. By adding ammonium thiocyanate to the precursor, eco-friendly γ-Ce2S3 with excellent color performance was produced in this study. In addition, the effect of different amounts of Na+ doping on the final product's purity and the effect of chroma value were systematically investigated. Results show that an increase in Na+ can effectively lower the synthesis temperature of γ-Ce2S3, improve production efficiency, and optimize color performance prior to saturation. Finally, using density functional theory, the influence of the vacancy structure of γ-Ce2S3 and the change of energy band after the addition of Na+ were calculated, and a detailed experimental characterization in conjunction with density functional theory calculation thoroughly explained the significance of ion doping for reaction synthesis.

Diabetes-induced electrophysiological alterations on neurosomes in ganglia of peripheral nervous system.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to medical complications, the epidemiologically most important of which is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Electrophysiology is a major component of neural functioning and several studies have been undertaken to elucidate the neural electrophysiological alterations caused by DM and their mechanisms of action. Due to the importance of electrophysiology for neuronal function, the review of the studies dealing predominantly with electrophysiological parameters and mechanisms in the neuronalsomata of peripheral neural ganglia of diabetic animals during the last 45 years is here undertaken. These studies, using predominantly techniques of electrophysiology, most frequently patch clamp for voltage clamp studies of transmembrane currents through ionic channels, have investigated the experimental DPN. They also have demonstrated that various cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of diabetic physiopathology at the level of biophysical electrical parameters are affected in DPN. Thus, they have demonstrated that several passive and active transmembrane voltage parameters, related to neuronal excitability and neuronal functions, are altered in diabetes. The majority of the studies agreed that DM produces depolarization of the resting membrane potential; alters excitability, increasing and decreasing it in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and in nodose ganglion, respectively. They have tried to relate these changes to sensorial alterations of DPN. Concerning ionic currents, predominantly studied in DRG, the most frequent finding was increases in Na+, Ca2+, and TRPV1 cation current, and decreases in K+ current. This review concluded that additional studies are needed before an understanding of the hierarchized, time-dependent, and integrated picture of the contribution of neural electrophysiological alterations to the DPN could be reached. DM-induced electrophysiological neuronal alterations that so far have been demonstrated, most of them likely important, are either consistent with the DPN symptomatology or suggest important directions for improvement of the elucidation of DPN physiopathology, which the continuation seems to us very relevant.

Regulatory mechanisms of glucose absorption in the mouse proximal small intestine during fasting and feeding

Fasting is known to alter the function of various organs and the mechanisms of glucose metabolism, which affect health outcomes and slow aging. However, it remains unclear how fasting and feeding affects glucose absorption function in the small intestine. We studied the effects of the fasting and feeding on glucose-induced short-circuit current (Isc) in vitro using an Ussing chamber technique. Glucose-induced Isc by SGLT1 was observed in the ileum, but little or no Isc was observed in the jejunum in ad libitum-fed mice. However, in mice fasted for 24–48 h, in addition to the ileum, robust glucose-induced Isc was observed over time in the jejunum. The expression of SGLT1 in the brush border membranes was significantly decreased in the jejunum under fed conditions compared to 48 h fasting, as analyzed by western blotting. Additionally, when mice were fed a 60% high glucose diet for 3 days, the increase in glucose-induced Isc was observed only in the ileum, and totally suppressed in the jejunum. An increase in Na+ permeability between epithelial cells was concomitantly observed in the jejunum of fasted mice. Transepithelial glucose flux was assessed using a non-metabolizable glucose analog, 14C-methyl α-d-glucopyranoside glucose (MGP). Regardless of whether fed or fasted, no glucose diffusion mechanism was observed. Fasting increased the SGLT1-mediated MGP flux in the jejunum. In conclusion, segment-dependent up- and down-regulation mechanisms during fasting and feeding are important for efficient glucose absorption once the fast is broken. Additionally, these mechanisms may play a crucial role in the small intestine's ability to autoregulate glucose absorption, preventing acute hyperglycemia when large amounts of glucose are ingested.

A2AR-mediated lymphangiogenesis via VEGFR2 signaling prevents salt-sensitive hypertension.

Excess dietary sodium intake and retention lead to hypertension. Impaired dermal lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic dysfunction-mediated sodium and fluid imbalance are pathological mechanisms. The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), while the roles and mechanisms of LEC-A2AR in skin lymphangiogenesis during salt-induced hypertension are not clear. The expression of LEC-A2AR correlated with lymphatic vessel density in both high-salt diet (HSD)-induced hypertensive mice and hypertensive patients. Lymphatic endothelial cell-specific A2AR knockout mice fed HSD exhibited 17 ± 2% increase in blood pressure and 17 ± 3% increase in Na+ content associated with decreased lymphatic density (-19 ± 2%) compared with HSD-WT mice. A2AR activation by agonist CGS21680 increased lymphatic capillary density and decreased blood pressure in HSD-WT mice. Furthermore, this A2AR agonist activated MSK1 directly to promote VEGFR2 activation and endocytosis independently of VEGF as assessed by phosphoprotein profiling and immunoprecipitation assays in LECs. VEGFR2 kinase activity inhibitor fruquintinib or VEGFR2 knockout in LECs but not VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab suppressed A2AR activation-mediated decrease in blood pressure. Immunostaining revealed phosphorylated VEGFR2 and MSK1 expression in the LECs were positively correlated with skin lymphatic vessel density and A2AR level in hypertensive patients. The study highlights a novel A2AR-mediated VEGF-independent activation of VEGFR2 signaling in dermal lymphangiogenesis and sodium balance, which might be a potential therapeutic target in salt-sensitive hypertension.

Physiological traits and metabolic profiles of contrasting rice cultivars under mild salinity stress during the seedling stage

This study aimed to investigate the effects of mild salinity stress on some physiological traits and metabolic profiles of rice during the seedling stage. Three rice cultivars differing in salinity stress response, ‘KDML105’ (salt-sensitive, local Thai jasmine rice), ‘IR29’ (salt-sensitive rice), and ‘Pokkali’ (salt-tolerant rice), were subjected to mild salinity stress by flood-irrigated with 40 mM NaCl. Salinity stress significantly reduces the growth and biomass of the sensitive cultivars. Electrolyte leakage in ‘KDML105’ and ‘IR29’ also increased significantly while the relative water content (RWC) decreased. However, salinity stress did not affect growth, electrolyte leakage, and RWC in the tolerant cultivar. Salinity significantly increased Na+/K+ ratio in shoot and root of all cultivars. Nevertheless, the increase of Na+/K+ ratio in ‘KDML105’ and ‘IR29’ was higher than that of ‘Pokkali’. The metabolic profile analysis of ‘KDML105’ showed that uracil, L-proline, malonate, L-carnitine, L-lactate, and guanine were significantly increased, but the levels of dihydroxyacetone and glycine were significantly decreased under salinity conditions. In ‘IR29’, L-proline, melatonin, gamma-aminobutyrate, and acetate were significantly increased. In ‘Pokkali’, however, sugar alcohols and sugars were slightly increased when exposed to salinity conditions. The metabolic pathway analysis revealed one involved metabolic pathway of ‘KDML105’: aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and three involved those of ‘IR29’: arginine proline metabolism, sulfur metabolism, and butanoate metabolism. The difference in the metabolic profile of the salt-tolerance salt-sensitive cultivars provides new insights to identify additional novel biomarkers that will help better understand the mechanisms for salt tolerance in rice.

Acarbose Mitigates Age-Dependent Alterations in Erythrocyte Membrane Transporters During Aging in Rats.

Acarbose (ACA), a well-studied and effective inhibitor of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, is a postprandial-acting antidiabetic medicine. The membrane of the erythrocyte is an excellent tool for analyzing different physiological and biochemical activities since it experiences a range of metabolic alterations throughout aging. It is uncertain if ACA modulates erythrocyte membrane activities in an age-dependent manner. As a result, the current study was conducted to explore the influence of ACA on age-dependent deteriorated functions of transporters/exchangers, disrupted levels of various biomarkers such as lipid hydroperoxides (LHs), protein carbonyl (PCO), sialic acid (SA), total thiol (-SH), and erythrocyte membrane osmotic fragility. In addition to a concurrent increase in Na+/H+ exchanger activity and concentration of LH, PCO, and osmotic fragility, we also detected a considerable decrease in membrane-linked activities of Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) and Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA), as well as concentrations of SA and -SH in old-aged rats. The aging-induced impairment of the activities of membrane-bound ATPases and the changed levels of redox biomarkers were shown to be effectively restored by ACA treatment.

Desorption of bisphenol A from microplastics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions

Microplastics are prevalent in the environment and have a strong affinity to pollutants owing to their large specific surface area and hydrophobicity. Once ingested, microplastics transport pollutants into organisms. This study investigated bisphenol A (BPA) desorption behavior from three microplastic materials, namely, polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyamide (PA), under simulated biological gastrointestinal conditions. The results showed that BPA can rapidly desorb from microplastic carriers under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, with different BPA desorption percentages in the order of PP > PS > PA. This was related to the amorphous structure and functional groups of the polymers. The BPA desorption behavior of microplastics in gastric juices was not significantly affected by pH; however, within the pH range of intestinal juices, the BPA desorption percentage increased significantly as the pH increased. The increase in Na+ concentration in the gastrointestinal tract exhibited a certain inhibitory effect on BPA desorption from microplastics owing to the salting-out effect. The temperature of digestive juices positively affected BPA desorption, suggesting that endothermic organisms are more susceptible to it. Our findings help elucidate the potential health risks of exposure to microplastics and their sorbed pollutants in the environment.

Solute transport through undisturbed carbonatic clay soils in dry regions under differing water quality and irrigation patterns

The often-indispensable use of poor-quality irrigation water in drylands instigates diverse physicochemical dynamics leading to soil salinization and sodicity which are recognized as major contributors to land degradation. This study aimed to examine the effects of water quality and irrigation mode on solute transport conditions in terms of ion exchange of colloidal particles. Laboratory studies with undisturbed soil columns were carried out with two water treatments - tap and sodic waters - as well as two water flow velocities: fast leaching which corresponds to Darcy velocity equal to the saturated hydraulic conductivity and slow leaching equal to half the fast-leaching case. Results indicated that the flow velocities did not significantly influence pH, EC and ion concentrations due to the high calcium carbonate and clay contents of the soil which make the soil less permeable. However, flow velocity rapidly decreased in the fast leaching compared to that in slow leaching as the sodic water was applied. This reveals the destructive effect of Na+ in the soil. The EC rapidly dropped at the beginning of leaching for both water qualities opposite to pH, then became steady. All sodic applications caused an increase in Na+ till the end of treatments. This also resulted in variations in measured soluble anions. In general, sharp decreases in highly soluble anions were observed in all treatments, leading to an increase in HCO3–, especially for sodic treatments. Overall, sodicity caused significant changes in flow dynamics and ion concentrations and created favorable conditions for secondary salinization in this low permeable soil system.

Response of dissolved organic carbon dynamics to salinity in a Constructed Fen Peatland in the Athabasca Oil Sands region

AbstractIn northern Alberta, oil sands mining disturbs the boreal landscape, and reclamation to an ‘equivalent land capability’ is required. Industry is testing peatland construction as part of landscape reclamation. To determine if constructed peatlands can be self‐sustaining, an understanding of the cycling of solutes in pore water and their interactions with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is needed since DOC can represent an important carbon loss from peatlands. DOC is of interest due to its biotic origin and use by the microbial community and impact on carbon budgets. Additionally, salinity as a control on DOC quantity and quality may be important in oil sands reclaimed systems due to the likelihood of elevated sodium (Na+) from saline groundwater input derived from tailings used to construct catchments, and natural sources. For this research, DOC concentration and quality, and Na+ concentration were measured in the rooting zone (10 and 30 cm depth) of Nikanotee Fen to evaluate the role of Na+ in DOC dynamics. DOC concentration and quality suggested that DOC in the fen was largely sourced from vegetation inputs, with quality also suggesting increases in vegetation inputs between years. Elevated Na+ at 30 cm below ground surface corresponded with high concentrations of labile DOC. At 10 cm below ground surface, sampling location and temperature were the best predictors of DOC concentration and quality. With expected increases in Na+, increased production of mobile and microbially active DOC may lead to higher rates of carbon export.

Essential oil of Croton zehntneri prevents electrophysiological alterations in dorsal root ganglia of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats

Croton zehntneri is an aromatic shrub, native to Northeast Brazil, where it is used in folk medicine. The essential oil of C. zehntneri (EOCz) has shown potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our aim was to investigate the beneficial effect of EOCz on electrophysiological changes in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM). DRG excitability and passive and active membrane properties were studied in control and DM-induced rats. Intracellular recording in current-clamp mode with sharp microelectrode was used. For Na+ channel investigation, patch-clamp recording in whole-cell mode was used. DM caused depolarizations (from -60.6 to -55.0 mV) of resting membrane potential without alteration of cell membrane input resistance. Also, it showed a tendency towards a decrease in rheobase and a tendency for increase in excitability, which was confirmed by increase in Na+ current (from -113.6 to -178.3 pF/pA). EOCz did not reverse the hyperglycemia of DM. Regardless of that, upon oral treatment, EOCz prevented neuronal alterations. EOCz was demonstrated to have low toxicity. The preventive effects of EOCz on neuronal changes coupled with its low toxicity make EOCz a potential candidate for a type of treatment of diabetic neuropathy complementary to therapy with hypoglycemic agents.

Effect of sodium oxide (Na2O) glass modifier on physical properties and gamma shielding in tellurite glass systems TeO2-ZnO-PbO-Bi2O3 (TZPB)

<span>TZPB glasses with the composition </span><span>55TeO<sub>2</sub>-(41-x)ZnO-2Bi<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-2PbO-xNa<sub>2</sub>O </span><span>(x= 2; 2.5; 3; 3.5 mol%) have been fabricated and characterized to determine the physical properties and gamma radiation shielding parameters. The method of glass fabrication is melt quenching with the holding temperature at 900˚C for 30 minutes and the annealing temperature at 256˚C for 6 hours. The result of the characterization of the density and gamma shielding parameters was calculated using Phy-X PSD software. The glass density was measured using Archimedes's principle and showed a decrease from 5.79 to 5.73 g/cm<sup>3</sup>. The molar volume increased from 23.3 to 23.6 g/mol with the addition of Na<sub>2</sub>O concentration. Gamma radiation shielding parameters, LAC, MAC, MFP, HVL, and TVL simulated with the energy range were 10<sup>-3</sup>-10<sup>5</sup> MeV. The results of Phy-X/PSD software showed an increasing MAC, MFP, HVL, and TVL and decreasing in LAC with an increase in Na<sub>2</sub>O concentration.</span>

Effect of Anchomanes difformis Ethanol Root Extract on Electrolyte Level of Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Wistar Rats

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common male benign proliferative disease; characterized by overgrowth of prostatic tissue around the urethra constricting the urethral opening. The study investigated the effect of Anchomanes difformis ethanol root extract on electrolyte level of testosterone induced benign prostatic hyperplasis in Wistar rats. Forty two matured male Wistar rats weighing 150-180 g were divided into 6 groups of 7 animals each and acclimatized for 7 days. Prostate was induced with 5mg/kg of testosterone for 21 days. Two animals were sacrificed and blood collected for PSA assay. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated with 1000 mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 250 mg/kg of the extract respectively. The testosterone induced group 3 was treated with finesteride standard control and group 2 represented the BPH induced control group, while group 1 served as normal control. The administration of the extract lasted for 21 days. The results obtained showed a non significant (P>0.05) increase in Na+ (mmol/L) concentration at 1000mg/kg of plant extract Bph C group vs normal control, while the finesteride group had no effect on Na+ concentration treated with Bph C group. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in Cl concentration at 1000mg/kg vs 5mg/kg of testosterone and 5mg/kg and finesteride, with no significant (p>0.05) effect at 500 mg/kg Vs normal control. For K+ (mmol/L) concentration in plant treated groups, 1000 mg/kg increase significantly at 250 mg/kg. Conclusively, the results suggested, Anchomanes difformis root extract has the potential to maintain serum electrolytes in benign prostatic hyperplasia management induced by testosterone and diarrhea patients.

Exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mitigated salinity-induced impairments in mungbean plants by regulating their nitrogen metabolism and antioxidant potential.

Increasing soil salinization has a detrimental effect on agricultural productivity.Therefore, strategies are needed to induce salinity-tolerance in crop species for sustainable foodproduction. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a key role in regulating plant salinity stresstolerance. However, it remains largely unknown how mungbean plants (Vigna radiata L.) respondto exogenous GABA under salinity stress. Thus, we evaluated the effect of exogenous GABA (1.5 mM) on the growth and physiobiochemicalresponse mechanism of mungbean plants to saline stress (0-, 50-, and 100 mM [NaCland Na2SO4, at a 1:1 molar ratio]). Increased saline stress adversely affected mungbean plants' growth and metabolism. Forinstance, leaf-stem-root biomass (34- and 56%, 31- and 53%, and 27- and 56% under 50- and 100mM, respectively]) and chlorophyll concentrations declined. The carotenoid level increased (10%)at 50 mM and remained unaffected at 100 mM. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde(MDA), osmolytes (soluble sugars, soluble proteins, proline), total phenolic content, andenzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase(POD), glutathione reductase (GTR), and polyphenol oxidation (PPO) were significantlyincreased. In leaves, salinity caused a significant increase in Na+ concentration but a decrease inK+ concentration, resulting in a low K+/Na+ concentration (51- and 71% under 50- and 100- mMstress). Additionally, nitrogen concentration and the activities of nitrate reductase (NR) andglutamine synthetase (GS) decreased significantly. The reduction in glutamate synthase (GOGAT)activity was only significant (65%) at 100 mM stress. Exogenous GABA decreased Na+, H2O2,and MDA concentrations but enhanced photosynthetic pigments, K+ and K+/Na+ ratio, Nmetabolism, osmolytes, and enzymatic antioxidant activities, thus reducing salinity-associatedstress damages, resulting in improved growth and biomass. Exogenous GABA may have improved the salinity tolerance of mungbean plants by maintaining their morpho-physiological responses and reducing the accumulation of harmfulsubstances under salinity. Future molecular studies can contribute to a better understanding of themolecular mechanisms by which GABA regulates mungbean salinity tolerance.