NaCl Group Research Articles

Excessive Supplement of l-Arginine Induces Myopia via Orchestrating the MEK-ERK-NO Signaling Pathway.

Myopia can impact an individual's quality of life and induce multiple complications. In this study, we randomly divided guinea pigs into the normal control (NC) group, the lens-induced myopia (LIM) group, the normal control plus l-arginine injection (l-Arg) group, and the normal control plus saline injection (NaCl) group. The animals in each group received the relevant treatments. The results showed that myopia was deeper in the LIM and l-Arg groups compared with the NC and NaCl groups. Our experimental results suggest that the excessive supplement of l-Arg will induce myopia onset and a MEK-ERK cascade that stimulates the downstream nNOS-MMP2 and NRF2-KEAP1 signaling pathways, which is accompanied by inflammatory responses, fibrosis changes, and oxidative stress. After receiving excessive arginine supplements, the experimental individuals showed myopic shifts and a similar pathological state as the LIM group. In conclusion, the supplement of excessive arginine may be a danger factor for myopia onset.

Effect of ultrasound combined with highland barley dietary fiber on gel properties of reduced-salt chicken breast myofibrillar protein.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound combined with highland barley dietary fiber (HBDF) on the quality of reduced-salt chicken breast myofibrillar protein (MP) gel. The molecular forces maintaining gel structure, the gelling formation process, and gel microstructure of different groups, two control groups (2% sodium chloride [NaCl] group, 1% NaCl group), and four treatment groups (0.3% HBDF+U5, 0.3% HBDF+U10, 0.5% HBDF+U5, and 0.5% HBDF+U10) were examined. Results indicated significant improvements (p<0.05) in gel properties such as water-holding capacity, textural characteristics, and color of the MP gel of the four treatment groups compared to Control 2 (1% NaCl) group. Furthermore, the second structural alterations were characterized by increase β-sheet, β-turn, and random coil structure contents in treatment groups, especially in 0.3% HBDF+U5 and 0.5% HBDF+U5 groups; in addition, the exposure of more hydrophobic groups and the formation of disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonds were promoted in treatment groups, thus enhancing protein aggregation and gel quality. Finally, compared to Control 2 (1% NaCl) group, more compact and uniform gel network structures and pores inside the composite gels were observed in treatment groups. In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that the application of ultrasound in combination with HBDF improved the gelling characteristics of reduced-salt chicken breast MP gel, especially 0.3% HBDF+U5 and 0.5% HBDF+U5 groups.

Effect of Salinity and Salmon Pituitary Extract on the Expression of Reproduction and/or Salinity-Related Genes in the Pituitary Cells of Japaneses Eel.

Artificial sexual maturation of eel (Anguilla japonica) involves rearing in seawater and injecting salmon pituitary extract (SPE). The salinity of seawater and components of SPE influence hormonal activities of the eel pituitary, leading to gonad development. This study investigated the direct effects of salinity change and SPE treatment on the eel pituitary gland using primary cell cultures. Pituitary cells were cultured into four experimental groups: control culture (control), SPE-treated culture (SPE), NaCl-treated culture (NaCl) and NaCl+SPE treated culture (NaCl+SPE). We investigated the expression of genes presumably related to reproduction and/or salinity, including luteinizing hormone (LHβ), follicle stimulating hormone (FSHβ), progesterone receptor-like (pgrl), prolactin (PRL), dopamine receptor D4 (drd4), neuropeptide B/W receptor 2 (NPBWR2) and relaxin family peptide receptor 3-2b (rxfp3-2b). Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of LHβ in SPE and NaCl+SPE groups compared to control and NaCl (p<0.05). FSHβ expression did not show any significant changes. PRL showed a significant decrease in the NaCl group (p<0.05). Pgrl, NPBWR2, drd4, and rxfp3-2b displayed the highest expression in the control group, with downregulation observed in all treatment groups (NaCl, SPE, and NaCl+SPE) (p<0.05). This study demonstrated the direct effects of salinity changes and SPE treatment on the eel pituitary. Results from this study also suggest that salinity change is necessary but work together with SPE to induce reproductive process, and that LHβ, pgrl, PRL, drd4, NPBWR2, and rxfp3-2b genes are obviously associated with reproduction and salinity changes in eels.

Comparison of topical 5% NaCl versus 10% Mannitol for the treatment of corneal edema after phacoemulsification.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical 5% Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and 10% Mannitol agents in managing corneal edema following uncomplicated cataract surgery. Patients with postoperative corneal edema were enrolled, and they were divided into three groups for comparison. Anterior chamber depth (ACD), axial length (AL), intraocular lens (IOL) power, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), and endothelial cell count (ECC) were assessed among the groups. Fifty-eight eyes of 58 patients were included. The study comprised the NaCl group (using topical 5% NaCl, n = 21), Mannitol group (using topical 10% Mannitol, n = 17), and a control group without osmotic agent use (n = 20). Age, gender, ACD, AL, IOL power, and CDE were similar across groups. Postoperative day-1 CCT values showed no significant difference between groups. Additionally, at postoperative 1 week, CCT values were [663.4 ± 100.2] microns in the NaCl group, [640.4 ± 68.9] microns in the Mannitol group, and [760.3 ± 76.7] microns in the Control group. Although CCT and BCVA values were better in the Mannitol group at postoperative 1 week, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. Furthermore, corneal edema positively correlated with CDE and negatively correlated with AL. Topical 5% NaCl and 10% Mannitol agents are effective and reliable agents that showed faster recovery of corneal edema during the early postoperative period after uncomplicated cataract surgery. The choice between these agents may depend on factors such as patient tolerability, cost, and availability.

Particle size analysis of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) skin collagen powder using papain-soluble collagen method with varying NaCl concentrations: an experimental laboratory

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The skin of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) contains high protein, which could potentially be a halal collagen product. Collagen extraction using the papain-soluble collagen method has the advantage of producing a higher collagen yield compared to the acid method. Particle size, one of the physical properties of collagen, plays a crucial role in its efficacy in dentistry. This study aims to analyze the particle size of collagen powder synthesized from Thunnus albacares skin using the papain-soluble collagen method, with varying concentrations of NaCl. Methods: Type of research is an experimental laboratory. Thunnus albacares skin was synthesized by chopping, cleaning, and soaking in a 0.1 M NaOH solution. The extraction process used the enzyme papain and 0.5 M of acetic acid. Samples were divided into four groups, each with different concentrations of NaCL: 0, no NaCL;, 0.9 M NaCl, 1.3 M NaCl, and 1.7 M NaCl. After centrifugation, the samples were freeze-dried. The particle size of collagen powder was measured using a Particle Size Analyzer test tool. The data collected was then analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Particle size distributions are as follows: K group (3.36 nm), P1 (1.842 nm), P2 (3.36 nm), and P3 (10.12 nm). There is a significant difference in groups K-P1 and P3, P1-P2 and P3, and P2-P3 (p&lt;0.05). However, there is no significant difference in groups K-P2 (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Particle size of this research produced nano-sized collagen powder, with the lowest particle size observed in the 0.9 M NaCl group, measuring at 1.842 nm. The particle size increased in the group without NaCl and in the 1.3 M NaCl group at 3.36 nm, and reached the highest value in the 1.7 M NaCl group at 10.12 nm.

Effect of dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion on the analgesic duration of peripheral nerve blocks in dogs: a randomized clinical study

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine could prolong the analgesic effect of peripheral nerve blocks. Twenty client-owned dogs were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups. The DEX group received dexmedetomidine infusion at 1 mcg kg−1 h−1, and the NaCl group received an equivalent volume infusion of saline. Infusions were started after securing vascular access and continued for 10 min, after which intravenous (IV) methadone at 0.2 mg kg−1 and propofol to effect were administered. All animals were maintained with isoflurane in 70% oxygen. Sciatic, saphenous and obturator nerve blocks were performed using 0.1 mL kg−1 0.5% ropivacaine/block. Intraoperative fentanyl was administered if the heart rate and/or mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased > 15% from the previous measurement, and vasopressors were administered if MAP was ≤ 70 mmHg. Postoperative pain was assessed every hour using the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (GCPS) until the first rescue analgesia administration. Postoperative rescue analgesia (methadone (0.2 mg kg−1 IV) and carprofen (2 mg kg−1 IV)) was administered if the pain score was higher than 6/24 or 5/20. Duration of analgesia was defined as the time between the nerve block procedure and initial postoperative rescue analgesia. Ambulation, proprioception, and skin sensitivity were evaluated to assess the duration of the motor and sensory block. A Student T and chi-square test were used to compare groups for duration of postoperative analgesia and intraoperative fentanyl and vasopressor use, respectively (p values ≤ 0.5 considered significant). A greater number of dogs in the NaCl group required fentanyl (5/10 p = 0.03) and vasopressors (8/10, p = 0.02) than did those in the DEX group (0/10 and 2/10, respectively). The duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly longer (604 ± 130 min) in the DEX group than in the NaCl group (400 ± 81 min, p = 0.0005).Dexmedetomidine infusion at 1 mcg kg−1 h−1 delays the time to first administration of rescue analgesia and reduces intraoperative analgesic and vasopressor requirements during Tibial Tuberosity Advancement surgery.

Efficiency of the photodynamic therapy on viability of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity using chitosan nanoparticles: an in vitro study.

This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on Streptococcus mutans biofilm in the oral cavity using the photosensitizer chloroaluminum phthalocyanine encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (ClAlPc/Ch) at three preirradiation times. Biofilms of Streptococcus mutans strains (ATCC 25,175) were cultivated on bovine tooth blocks and exposed to a 10% sucrose solution three times a day for 1min over three consecutive days. The samples were randomly distributed into five treatment groups (n = 5): (I) aPDT with ClAlPc/Ch with a preirradiation time of 5min (F5), (II) aPDT with ClAlPc/Ch with a preirradiation time of 15min (F15), (III) aPDT with ClAlPc/Ch with a preirradiation time of 30min (F30), (IV) 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), and (V) 0.9% saline solution (NaCl). After treatment, the S. mutans biofilms formed on each specimen were collected to determine the number of viable bacteria (colony-forming units (CFU)/mL). Data were analyzed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD tests to analyze the number of viable bacteria (α = 0.05). The one-way ANOVA showed a difference between the groups (p = 0.0003), and the Tukey HSD posttest showed that CHX had the highest microbial reduction of S. mutans, not statistically different from the F5 and F15 groups, whereas the NaCl group had the lowest microbial reduction statistically similar to the F30 group. The results demonstrate that aPDT mediated by ClAlPc/Ch when used at preirradiation times of 5-15min can be an effective approach in controlling cariogenic biofilm of S. mutans, being an alternative to 0.12% CHX.

Production and preservation quality assessment of canned beef

The present study was undertaken to produce canned beef along with the determination of its preservation quality. Kalojira oil (Nigella sativa), Na-nitrite (NaNO2 ) and common salt (NaCl) were added in beef and treated as preservative groups namely T1 , T2 and T3 treatment group respectively. Beef without addition of any preservative kept as control group (T0 ) and each group or treatment containing three (03) replications. Data from both fresh raw beef and canned beef were compared statistically in an ANOVA of a Completely Randomized Design using General Linier Model Procedures of SPSS, 20 computer software packages. Beef was purchased from local market immediate after slaughter and brought at meat processing laboratory of BLRI. The physicochemical properties and microbiological properties of both raw beef and canned beef were recorded. The physical properties viz, pH, drip and cook loss of fresh raw beef were 6.40, 5.55% and 27.71%, respectively. The moisture and CP content in raw beef were 74.61 and 25.39%, respectively. The total viable bacteria count and Coliform count in raw beef were 8.8 × 106 and 4.3 × 104 cfu/g, respectively. The pH of canned beef was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in meat preserved with NaNO2 and Kalojira oil than that of NaCl and control group. Preservatives, however, had no effects (p &gt; 0.05) on moisture or DM and CP content in canned beef. Though, there was no significant (p &gt; 0.05) effect, but Kalojira oil performed as impressive preservative compared to others. In microbiological aspects of canned meat, the TVC, TCC, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were entirely absent in Kalojira group. In case of NaNO2 and NaCl group, only a very few numbers of viable bacteria were found (1 × 102 ). On the other hand, only the Staphylococcus bacteria were found in case of control group. Considering the physico-chemical and microbiological aspects in canned beef, it may be concluded that the Kalojira oil could be a suitable value-added preservative in meat canning.

Evaluation of the Quality of Recovery from General Anesthesia in Dogs with Two Different Low Doses of Dexmedetomidine.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of recovery from general anesthesia with the administration of two low doses of dexmedetomidine in canine patients. For this blind randomized clinical trial study, 30 dogs undergoing general anesthesia for diagnostic procedures or elective surgery (ovariectomy/castration) were included. The patients were randomly divided into three groups, and at the end of anesthesia, they received a bolus of dexmedetomidine at 1 mcg/kg IV (D1), or a bolus of dexmedetomidine at 0.5 mcg/kg (D0.5), or a bolus of NaCl, in a total of 0.5 mL of solution for all three groups. After administration of the bolus, the anesthetist monitored the patients every 5 min by measuring heart rate, systolic and mean blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. The quality of recovery was also assessed using 4 different scales. The extubation time, time of headlift, and standing position were also recorded. Both groups receiving dexmedetomidine had better awakening and a lower incidence of delirium when compared to saline administration. The heart rate was lower, while the systolic pressure was higher in the two groups D1 and D0.5 compared to the NaCl with a low presence of atrioventricular blocks. The extubation time resulted significantly higher in the D1 (17 ± 6 min) compared to the D0.5 (10 ± 4 min) and NaCl (8 ± 3 min) (p < 0.0001); the headlift time D1 (25 ± 10 min) resulted significantly longer than the NaCl group (11 ± 5 min) (p = 0.0023) but not than the D0.5 (18 ± 9 min). No significant differences were found among the three groups for standing positioning (D1 50 ± 18 min, D0.5 39 ± 22 min, NaCl 28 ± 17 min). The preventive administration of a bolus of dexmedetomidine at a dosage of 0.5 mcg/kg or 1 mcg/kg IV during the recovery phase improves the quality of recovery in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

The effects of sucrose/NaCl combined pickling on the textural characteristics, moisture distribution, and protein aggregation behavior of egg yolk.

Salted egg yolks have a tender, loose, gritty, and oily texture and are commonly employed as fillings in baked goods. This study investigated the formation mechanism of egg yolk gels using three different pickling methods: NaCl, sucrose, and mixed groups. The results revealed that of these pickling methods, egg yolks pickled with the mixture had the lowest moisture content (11.59% at 25°C and 10.21% at 45°C), almost no free water content, and the highest hardness (19.11 N at 25°C and 31.01 N at 45°C). Intermolecular force measurements indicated that pickling with the mixture mitigated the surface hardening effect of sucrose and facilitated protein cross-linking. Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopy of the egg yolk gels pickled with the mixture displayed macromolecular aggregates and oil exudation, suggesting that this method partially disrupted the lipoprotein structure and notably promoted yolk protein aggregation and lipid release. Overall, egg yolks formed a dense gel via the mixed pickling method owing to the ionic concentration and dehydration effects. These findings show the impact of NaCl and sucrose in pickling egg yolks, providing a crucial foundation for developing innovative and desirable egg yolk products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study introduces a novel pickling strategy that combines sucrose and NaCl for egg yolk processing. The egg yolk pickled using this method exhibited improved quality according to the evaluated textural characteristics, moisture distribution, and protein aggregation behavior. The findings may broaden the use of sucrose as a pickling agent for egg yolk processing and provide new ideas for developing and producing pickled eggs and other food products.

Impact of a Dexmedetomidine Intravenous Infusion in Septic Dogs: Preliminary Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a continuous rate infusion (CRI) of dexmedetomidine decreases vasopressor requirements in septic dogs undergoing surgery. Vital parameters, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, vasopressor requirement, and 28-day mortality were recorded. Dogs were randomly divided into two groups: a dexmedetomidine (DEX) (1 mcg/kg/h) group and a control group (NaCl), which received an equivalent CRI of NaCl. Dogs were premedicated with fentanyl 5 mcg/kg IV, induced with propofol, and maintained with sevoflurane and a variable rate fentanyl infusion. DEX or NaCl infusions were started 10 min prior to induction. Fluid-responsive hypotensive patients received repeated Ringer's lactate boluses (2 mL/kg) until stable or they were no longer fluid-responsive. Patients that remained hypotensive following fluid boluses received norepinephrine at a starting dose of 0.05 mcg/kg/min, with increases of 0.05 mcg/kg/min. Rescue adrenaline boluses were administered (0.001 mg/kg) if normotension was not achieved within 30 min of starting norepinephrine. The NaCl group received a significantly higher dose of norepinephrine (0.8, 0.4-2 mcg/kg/min) than the DEX group (0.12, 0-0.86 mcg/kg/min). Mortality was statistically lower in the DEX group (1/10) vs. the NaCl group (5/6). Results of this study suggest that a 1 mcg/kg/h CRI of dexmedetomidine decreases the demand for intraoperative vasopressors and may improve survival in septic dogs.

Response to carvacrol monoterpene in the emergence of Allium cepa L. seeds exposed to salt stress.

Abiotic stresses including sodium chloride (NaCl) are known to negatively affect plant physiology and seed germination by inducing a delay in establishing seedling emergence. The monoterpene carvacrol is the major component of several aromatic plants and seems to interfere with germination and seedling growth. In this study, we investigated whether treatment with carvacrol attenuates the effects of NaCl on the germination and development of Allium cepa, where biochemical parameters were also analyzed. The results showed that the Emergency Speed Index (ESI) was near to 2.0 in the control group. The groups NaCl, carvacrol alone, and in co-treatment with NaCl exhibited an ESI below 0.8, being significantly smaller when compared to the control. NaCl + carvacrol significantly inhibited seed emergence in relation to the NaCl group. Only the content of malondialdehyde was significantly altered by NaCl.

Cationic cellulose nanofibers/chitosan auxiliary-dominated win-win strategy for paper yarn with superior color and physical performances

The colored and high-saline effluents during the traditional dyeing process poses serious environmental challenge. In our study, an eco-friendly cationic cellulose nano-fiber/chitosan (CCNF/CS) binary versatile auxiliary was designed for the neutral salt-free dyeing and physical enhancement of paper by mixing with pulp simply. Profiting from the rich cationic binding sites of CCNF/CS (Charge density: 3749.67 μmol/g), under near neutral conditions (pH = 6.2), the maximum adsorption capacity of anionic GL (Direct fast turquoise blue GL) on paper with 0.5 % CCNF/CS reached 1865.06 mg/g with a desirable evenness (45.5 % and 92.1 % higher than that of CCNF and NaCl group, respectively), and the dye uptake was up to 97 %. The spontaneous adsorption behavior was aligned with the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, with a primary physical mechanism enhanced by chemical forces. The combination of strong electronic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and n-π stacking effects granted CCNF/CS an enhanced proficiency in anionic dye adsorption. In addition, the tensile strength of the resulting paper yarn with 0.5 % CCNF/CS increased to 52.47 MPa under the optimal parameters, deriving from the CCNF/CS-induced inter-fiber cohesion. Overall, our research provided a green promising approach for the innovative neutral salt-free dyeing and mechanical enhancement of paper.

Effect of Prepartum Maternal Supplementation with Diphenyl Diselenide on Biochemical, Immunological, and Oxidative Parameters of the Offspring.

This study aimed to assess the impact of prepartum maternal diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 supplementation on the development, biochemical, immune, and antioxidant parameters of calves. Eighteen Holstein breed calves were used, born to females who were or were not subjected to supplementation, at 42, 28, and 14 days prior to calving. The (PhSe)2 group (DDG) was administered 3 μmol/kg of (PhSe)2 in 4 mL of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), while the DMSO and NaCl groups were administered 4 mL of DMSO and 0.9% NaCl, subcutaneously. The calves were evaluated based on their weight, withers height, body condition score 24 h post-birth (0), as well on days 14, 28, 42, 56, 70. Blood samples were also taken to determine serum variables. Calves on the DDG showed higher average levels of total protein, albumin, and globulins on day 0, and the immunoglobulin G level was significantly higher than the other groups on days 0, 14, 56, 70. Maternal supplementation showed immunomodulatory effect on calves, evidenced by the exceptional rates of passive immunity transfer, as well as the enhancement of humoral immunity. Our research offers fresh insights into the immunomodulatory potential of (PhSe)2, making it a viable alternative in facing this challenging phase, rearing dairy calves.

In-ovo feeding with creatine monohydrate: implications for chicken energy reserves and breast muscle development during the pre-post hatching period.

The most dynamic period throughout the lifespan of broiler chickens is the pre-post-hatching period, entailing profound effects on their energy status, survival rate, body weight, and muscle growth. Given the significance of this pivotal period, we evaluated the effect of in-ovo feeding (IOF) with creatine monohydrate on late-term embryos' and hatchlings' energy reserves and post-hatch breast muscle development. The results demonstrate that IOF with creatine elevates the levels of high-energy-value molecules (creatine and glycogen) in the liver, breast muscle and yolk sac tissues 48h post IOF, on embryonic day 19 (p < 0.03). Despite this evidence, using a novel automated image analysis tool on day 14 post-hatch, we found a significantly higher number of myofibers with lower diameter and area in the IOF creatine group compared to the control and IOF NaCl groups (p < 0.004). Gene expression analysis, at hatch, revealed that IOF creatine group had significantly higher expression levels of myogenin (MYOG) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), related to differentiation of myogenic cells (p < 0.01), and lower expression of myogenic differentiation protein 1 (MyoD), related to their proliferation (p < 0.04). These results imply a possible effect of IOF with creatine on breast muscle development through differential expression of genes involved in myogenic proliferation and differentiation. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential of pre-hatch enrichment with creatine in modulating post-hatch muscle growth and development.

MicroRNA-155 targets SOCS1 to inhibit osteoclast differentiation during orthodontic tooth movement

BackgroundMicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is a multifunctional miRNA whose expression is known to be involved in a range of physiological and pathological processes. Its association with several oral diseases has been established. However, the specific role of miR-155 in orthodontic tooth movement remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of miR-155 on osteoclast differentiation and orthodontic tooth movement models, aiming to explore the underlying mechanisms.MethodsIn this experiment, we utilized various agents including miR-155 mimic, miR-155 inhibitor, as well as non-specific sequences (NC mimic & NC inhibitor) to treat murine BMMNCs. Subsequently, osteoclast induction (OC) was carried out to examine the changes in the differentiation ability of monocytes under different conditions. To assess these changes, we employed RT-PCR, Western blotting, and TRAP staining techniques. For the orthodontic tooth movement model in mice, the subjects were divided into two groups: the NaCl group (injected with saline solution) and the miR-155 inhibitor group (injected with AntagomiR-155). We observed the impact of orthodontic tooth movement using stereoscopic microscopy, micro-CT, and HE staining. Furthermore, we performed RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses on the tissues surrounding the moving teeth. Additionally, we employed TargetScan to predict potential target genes of miR-155.ResultsDuring osteoclast induction of BMMNCs, the expression of miR-155 exhibited an inverse correlation with osteoclast-related markers. Overexpression of miR-155 led to a decrease in osteoclast-related indexes, whereas underexpression of miR-155 increased those indexes. In the mouse orthodontic tooth movement model, the rate of tooth movement was enhanced following injection of the miR-155 inhibitor, leading to heightened osteoclast activity. TargetScan analysis identified SOCS1 as a target gene of miR-155.ConclusionsOur results suggest that miR-155 functions as an inhibitor of osteoclast differentiation, and it appears to regulate osteoclasts during orthodontic tooth movement. The regulatory mechanism of miR-155 in this process involves the targeting of SOCS1.

Effect of intra-articular injection of a hyaluronic acid-alendronate conjugate on post-traumatic osteoarthritis induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus in rats

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by pain and cartilage damage. Intra-articular (i.a) viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid (HA) is frequently used for the management of OA. Preclinical studies have reported that bisphosphonates (BPs) may have a therapeutic potential to slow down or reverse the progression of OA. Among these, alendronate (ALN) has demonstrated chondroprotective effects in both in vitro and vivo experiments. This study evaluated the effects of a novel alendronate-hyaluronic acid (ALN-HA) conjugate on an OA in vivo model induced by medial meniscus destabilization (DMM). DMM surgery was performed on the knees of Sprague Dawley rats that received, after four weeks, one intra-articular (i.a.) injection of: (1) ALN-HA; (2) HA; (3) sodium chloride (NaCl). Sham-operated rats were used as control. Allodynia was assessed by Von Frey test. Joint degeneration was evaluated eight weeks after treatment by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histology, and immunohistochemistry. Collagen cross-linked C-telopeptides (CTX-I and CTX-II) serum levels were determined by ELISA. Paw withdrawal threshold increased in ALN-HA group when compared to rats treated with NaCl or HA. Micro-CT did not show differences between ALN-HA, HA and NaCl groups. ALN-HA injection produced significant improvements in articular cartilage degeneration showing an OARSI score lower than those of HA and NaCl, and reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, MMP-3, interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor and Caspase-3 expression. CTX-I was reduced after ALN-HA treatment when compared to NaCl. Our results indicate that i.a. use of ALN after conjugation with HA limits OA development and progression in the rat DMM model, and may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies in OA management.

Molecular insights into the salt stress response of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum): Pathways, differentially expressed genes and transcription factors

AbstractIntroductionPearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) plays a crucial role as a cereal crop in arid and semi‐arid regions, where it confronts the formidable challenge of salt stress.Materials and MethodsTo unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms that underpin its salt stress resilience, we subjected 14‐day‐old seedlings to three distinct groups: Control, 75 mM NaCl and 150 mM NaCl. These pots received daily irrigation with their respective treatment solutions for a duration of 7 days. Following this week‐long treatment, we measured plant chlorophyll content, as well as the fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots. It became evident that the saline treatment, particularly in the 150 mM NaCl group, had a more pronounced impact on both weight and chlorophyll content in comparison to the control group, surpassing the effects observed in the 75 mM NaCl group. Subsequently, we conducted RNA sequence analysis on the leaves of Pearl millet from both the control and 150 mM NaCl‐treated groups.ResultsThe results revealed that 27.6% of Pennisetum glaucum genes exhibited differential expression, with 3246 genes being upregulated and 7408 genes downregulated when compared to the control group. Principal component analysis underscored distinct variations in gene expression patterns between the control and salt‐stressed groups. Pathway analysis sheds light on the upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), highlighting their involvement in crucial pathways such as phytyl‐PP biosynthesis, lysine degradation, glutamate biosynthesis, nitrate assimilation and DLO biosynthesis. Conversely, the downregulated DEGs were associated with pathways like coumarins biosynthesis, pinobanksin biosynthesis, UDP‐ d‐glucuronate biosynthesis and cholesterol biosynthesis, among others. Furthermore, our transcription factor analysis unveiled specific families associated with the salt stress response, including bHLH, ERF, NAC, WRKY, bZIP, MYB and HD‐ZIP.ConclusionsThese findings represent a significant advancement in our comprehension of Pearl millet's capacity to withstand salt stress and provide potential targets for the development of salt‐resistant crops, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture in regions affected by salinity.

Effect of in ovo lactoferrin injection in Fayoumi chicken eggs on immune response and some physiological parameters in posthatch chicks.

The effects of in ovo lactoferrin (Lf) injection on some physiological parameters and immune response of posthatch chicks were investigated. Live embryonated Fayoumi chicken eggs (n = 600) were randomly allocated into four groups. The first group as a control was noninjected eggs, the secondgroup was only injected with 0.1 mL of NaCl 0.75% solution, and the thirdand fourthgroups were injected with 50 and 100 µL Lf dissolved in 0.1 mL saline solution respectively. The eggs were injected on Day 15 of incubation in the amnion. The results illustrated that the hatchability of eggs in two Lf groups was significantly higher than in the control, NaCl groups. The residual yolk in chicks injected with Lf (100 µL/egg) was significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). In ovo Lf injection improved lipid profile, liver function, antioxidant indices, blood haematology, serum immunoglobulins and jejunum histomorphometry compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In ovo injection of Lf decreased significantly (p < 0.001) of pathogenic bacteria in residual yolk such as Salmonella,Shigellaand Coliform compared to the control group. In conclusion, in ovo Lf injection can improve the hatchability, lipid profile, immune response and antioxidant indices and decline pathogens in the residual yolk, thus boosting the health status of newly hatched Fayoumi chicks.

JNK- and Rel-Mediated Regulation of Inflammation and Neurotoxicity in Nauphoeta cinerea Exposed to Methylmercury and Monosodium Glutamate

Food contaminants are closely monitored to establish food safety profiles. Previously, we used the lobster cockroach to delineate the oxidative and antioxidant activities that characterize exposure to the organometallic cation (methylmercury; MeHg) sometimes found in fish and the common cooking seasoning (NaCl and MSG). Here, we further examined the mechanism of inflammatory response to MeHg, NaCl, and MSG, in an attempt to establish the crosstalk between redox and inflammatory signaling during heavy metal exposure in food. The insects were exposed to diets contaminated with MeHg, NaCl, and MSG for 21 days. Subsequently, mRNA from head homogenate was used to quantify the expression of a member of the Nox/Duox NADPH oxidases that produce reactive oxygen species (DUOX), as well as target genes of the JNK, TOLL, and UPD3/JAK/STAT pathways. MeHg exposure deregulated redox and inflammation-related genes, including upregulated DUOX in the MeHg group, upregulated Reaper, UPD3, and SOCS36E in the MeHg + NaCl group, and downregulated Reaper in the MeHg + MSG group. Both MeHg + NaCl and MeHg + MSG exposures upregulated PVF, EGR, and REL and downregulated FOXO levels. Our results suggest a role for the activation of the Nox/Duox NADPH oxidases, alongside JNK and Rel signaling during MeHg and MSG exposure, therefore offering insights for handling heavy metal poisoning and showcasing Nauphoeta cinerea as a viable model for understanding redox and inflammatory signaling.