Reduction In Rectal Temperature Research Articles

Fourteen Days of Cool Water Immersion Does Not Modify an Indirect Index of Brown Adipose Tissue Activation

Military divers often operate in cold water eliciting reductions in skin and core temperatures despite the use of thermal protection. Decreases in body temperatures triggers shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis, the latter of which is largely due to the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Ten days of cool air exposure (15-16°C) and seven days of cold-water exposure (14°C) augments non-shivering thermogenesis. However, it is unknown if repeated exposure to cool head out water immersion (CWI) modifies non-shivering thermogenesis. This study tested the hypothesis that fourteen days of CWI for 4 h/d will increase BAT activation. Healthy adults were randomly assigned to either CWI (n=10, 5 women) or thermoneutral head out water immersion (35°C, TNW, n=9, 5 women). CWI and TNW exposures were 4 h in duration and were completed once daily for 14 d in a 16-d period. CWI consisted of the initial immersion in 28°C water and following a 0.5°C reduction in rectal temperature, the water temperature was increased to up to 30°C so that a mild hypothermic state was maintained during the 4 h. Rectal temperature, oxygen uptake (indirect calorimetry), and supraclavicular and trapezius skin temperatures (thermocouples) were measured preexposure and during the middle 3 h of immersion. This analysis was a part of a larger study. Therefore, during the 3 h period, all participants were exposed to hypoxia (FiO2: 0.14). The supraclavicular-trapezius skin temperature difference (Tsk diff) provided an index of BAT activation. Data collected on Day 1 and Day 14 are presented (mean ± SD). Peak decreases in rectal temperature from preexposure were greater in CWI (-0.7±0.3°C) vs. TNW (-0.2±0.4°C, p<0.001) and did not differ between Day 1 and Day 14 in either group (p=0.923). Average oxygen uptake was higher in CWI (0.54±0.09 L/min) vs. TNW (0.38±0.12 L/min, p<0.001) and did not differ between Day 1 and Day 14 in either group (p=0.443). Average Tsk diff did not differ between groups (CWI: 2.2±0.8°C, TNW: 1.6±0.1.1°C, p=0.090) and did not differ between Day 1 and Day 14 in either group (p=0.111). Peak decreases in rectal temperature were significantly correlated with average oxygen uptake (r=-0.552, p<0.001) but not average Tsk diff (r=-0.152, p=0.362). Fourteen days of CWI did not modify thermogenesis (oxygen uptake) nor BAT activation, as estimated from Tsk diff. However, a potential interaction between moderate hypoxia and BAT activation during CWI cannot be excluded. Future work is required to determine the effect of mild hypothermia, such as that experienced by divers operating in cold water even with thermal protection, on more direct markers of BAT activation. Funding: Offce of Naval Research (N00014-20-1-2593 & N00014-21-1-2276). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Sexual Dimorphism in the Slope of Rectal Temperature Rise Before Heat Acclimation, but Not After Heat Acclimation

Purpose: Our study aimed to identify if sexual dimorphism exists surrounding the slope of rectal temperature rise during a steady state exercise in the heat before and after heat acclimation (HA). In this study, we hypothesized that women would have a greater tolerance to heat stress resulting from a lesser slope of rectal temperature rise when compared to men. Methods: Physically active men (M) (n=12, VO2max: 51.3 ± 6.1 mL·kg−1·min−1, Age: 21±2 yo) and women (W) (n=12, VO2max: 44.2±5.8±6.1 mL·kg−1·min−1, Age: 24±4 yo) completed a steady state treadmill based heat tolerance test (HTT) (3 mph 2% grade for 120 minutes (min) in 40°C, 40% relative humidity). Rectal temperature (Trec) was collected during the first 10-min (PreHAF) and the last 10-min (PreHAL) of the HTT before HA, as well as the first 10-min (PostHAF) and last 10-min (PostHAL) after HA. The slope of rectal temperature rise for the first 10min was calculated by taking the difference of Trec at 10min and 0min, with the slope for the last 10min calculated using Trec at 120min and 110min. Both Trec differences were divided by 10min to obtain the slope in °C/min. One tailed independent T-tests were used to determine sex differences and dependent T-tests to determine differences within sex, both with significance at p≤0.05. All data are presented as mean ± SD. Results: Before acclimation, W demonstrated a greater slope of Trec rise PreHAF when compared to M (M: 0.01 ± 0.02°C/min, W: 0.03 ± 0.01°C/min, p=0.006) with opposite findings PreHAL (M: 0.01 ± 0.01°C/min, W: 0.00 ± 0.00°C/min, p=0.046). Following HA, there were no differences between the slope of Trec rise in M vs. W at both PostHAF (M: 0.02 ± 0.01°C/min, W: 0.02 ± 0.01°C/min, p>0.05) and PostHAL (M: 0.00 ± 0.01°C/min, W: 0.00 ± 0.00°C/min, p>0.05). In M, the PreHAL slope of Trec rise was greater than PostHAL (PreHAL: 0.01 ± 0.01°C/min, PostHAL: 0.00 ± 0.01°C/min, p=0.019), with no differences found within the first 10min (PreHAF: 0.01 ± 0.01°C/min, PostHAF: 0.02 ± 0.01°C/min, p=0.060). No differences in the slope of Trec rise between HA statuses were found in W (PreHAF: 0.03 ± 0.01°C/min, PostHAF: 0.02 ± 0.01°C/min, p>0.05; PreHAL: 0.00 ± 0.01°C/min, PostHAL: 0.00 ± 0.01°C/min, p>0.05). Conclusion: Consistent with previous literature, men exhibit better adaptations displayed by greater reductions in rectal temperature after HA, while women demonstrated consistent responses in both the first and last 10-min. These findings contribute to our understanding of sex-specific physiological adaptations to heat acclimation and underscore the importance of considering sex-based differences in heat-related research and interventions. Funding: DoD BA200299. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Kaempferol 3-O-Rutinoside, a Flavone Derived from Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg, Reduces Body Temperature through Accelerating the Elimination of IL-6 and TNF-α in a Mouse Fever Model.

Fever is a serious condition that can lead to various consequences ranging from prolonged illness to death. Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg (T. hemsleyanum) has been used for centuries to treat fever, but the specific chemicals responsible for its antipyretic effects are not well understood. This study aimed to isolate and identify the chemicals with antipyretic bioactivity in T. hemsleyanum extracts and to provide an explanation for the use of T. hemsleyanum as a Chinese herbal medicine for fever treatment. Our results demonstrate that kaempferol 3-rutinoside (K3OR) could be successfully isolated and purified from the roots of T. hemsleyanum. Furthermore, K3OR exhibited a significant reduction in rectal temperature in a mouse model of fever. Notably, a 4 μM concentration of K3OR showed more effective antipyretic effects than ibuprofen and acetaminophen. To explore the underlying mechanism, we conducted an RNA sequencing analysis, which revealed that PXN may act as a key regulator in the fever process induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the mouse model of fever, K3OR significantly promoted the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α during the early stage in the LPS-treated group. However, during the middle to late stages, K3OR facilitated the elimination of IL-6 and TNF-α in the LPS-treated group. Overall, our study successfully identified the chemicals responsible for the antipyretic bioactivity in T. hemsleyanum extracts, and it answered the question as to why T. hemsleyanum is used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for treating fever. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of T. hemsleyanum in managing fever, and they provide a basis for further research and development in this field.

The protective effects of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome against fevers in rats.

The Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes are traditionally used to treat fever, and the in vitro inhibitory effect of ethyl acetate extract from Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes (EAEZZR) against DENV2 NS2B/NS3 (two non-structural proteins, NS2 and NS3 of dengue virus type 2) has been reported earlier. This study was carried out to establish an acute toxicity profile and evaluate the anti-fever (anti-pyretic) activities of EAEZZR in yeast-induced fever in rats. The major compound of EAEZZR, zerumbone, was isolated using chromatographic methods including column chromatography (CC) and preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC). Additionally, the structure of zerumbone was elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), liquid chromatography mass spectrometer-ion trap-time of flight (LCMS-IT-TOF), infrared (IR), and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The toxicity of EAEZZR was evaluated using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Test Guideline 425 (OECD tg-425) with minor modifications at concentrations EAEZZR of 2000 mg/kg, 3000 mg/kg, and 5000 mg/kg. Anti-fever effect was determined by yeast-induced fever (pyrexia) in rats. The acute toxicity study showed that EAEZZR is safe at the highest 5000 mg/kg body weight dose in Sprague Dawley rats. Rats treated with EAEZZR at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg exhibited a significant reduction in rectal temperature (TR) in the first 1 h. EAEZZR at the lower dose of 125 mg/kg showed substantial potency against yeast-induced fever for up to 2 h compared to 0 h in controls. A significant reduction of TR was observed in rats treated with standard drug aspirin in the third through fourth hours. Based on the present findings, ethyl acetate extract of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes could be considered safe up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg, and the identification of active ingredients of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes may allow their use in the treatment of fever with dengue virus infection.

Effects of ice slurry ingestion on body temperature and softball pitching performance in a hot environment: a randomized crossover trial

BackgroundAlthough softball players are often required to play in hot environments, scarce evidence is available regarding the effects of ice slurry ingestion on body temperature and pitching performance in softball pitchers in a hot environment. Thus, this study investigated the effects of ice slurry ingestion before and between innings on body temperature and softball pitching performance in a hot environment.MethodsIn a randomized crossover design, seven heat-acclimatized amateur softball pitchers (four males and three females) completed simulated softball games consisting of 15 best-effort pitches per inning for seven innings with between-pitch rest intervals of 20 s. Participants were assigned to either a control trial (CON: ingestion of 5.0 g·kg−1 of cool fluid [9.8 ± 2.2 °C] before simulated softball games and 1.25 g·kg−1 of cool fluid between inning intervals) or an ice trial (ICE: ingestion of ice slurry [− 1.2 ± 0.1 °C] based on the same timings and doses as the CON). Participants performed both trials in an outdoor ground during the summer season (30.8 ± 2.7 °C, 57.0 ± 7.9% relative humidity).ResultsIce slurry ingestion before the simulated softball game (pre-cooling) resulted in a greater reduction in rectal temperature compared with cool fluid ingestion (p = 0.021, d = 0.68). No significant differences were observed between the trials in rectal temperature changes during the simulated softball game (p > 0.05). Compared to the CON, heart rate during the game was significantly decreased (p < 0.001, d = 0.43), and handgrip strength during the game was significantly increased (p = 0.001, d = 1.16) in the ICE. Ratings of perceived exertion, thermal comfort, and thermal sensation were improved in the ICE compared to those in the CON (p < 0.05). Ball velocity and pitching accuracy were not affected by ICE.ConclusionsIce slurry ingestion before and between innings reduced thermal, cardiovascular, and perceptual strain. However, it did not affect softball pitching performance compared to cool fluid ingestion.

Incidence of perioperative hypothermia in a high-quality high-volume spay/neuter setting and association with environmental temperature

Introduction: Perioperative inadvertent hypothermia (PIH) can prolong anesthetic recovery times. Study goals included determining PIH incidence (rectal temperature&lt;36°C (96.8°F)) in the high-quality high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) setting and evaluating associations between environmental temperature and PIH incidence. Secondary objectives included evaluating associations between PIH incidence, anesthesia recovery times, and postoperative pain. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study conducted at five HQHVSN shelters enrolling dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy or castration and cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Blankets and electric heating pads were only used routinely in the immediate postoperative period. Regression models were used to evaluate associations between PIH incidence, environmental temperature, and pain data. Results: One hundred and forty dogs undergoing 65 castrations and 75 ovariohysterectomies, and 161 cats were enrolled. Mean surgical times were 19.6 (8.0) min (canine ovariohysterectomies), 7.2 (3.0) min (canine castrations), and 10.6 (3.6) min (feline ovariohysterectomies). PIH incidence was 22% (95% CI = 17–27). The risk of developing PIH was associated with environmental temperature, with a 22% increase in the odds of experiencing PIH for each degree centigrade decrease in environmental temperature (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.03–1.44, P = 0.02) over a recorded range of 15.6–26.1°C (60.1–79.0°F). In cats, PIH was associated with a prolongation of time to extubation by 3.8 min (95% CI 2.27–5.37, P = 0.01). On average, each degree centigrade reduction in rectal temperature at extubation was associated with an increase in pain scale of 0.51 units (95% CI = 0.06–0.97, P = 0.03) for both species. In dogs, each degree centigrade reduction in rectal temperature at extubation was associated with a reduction in mechanical threshold (indicating increased sensitivity to pain) of 1.40 N (95% CI = 0.44–2.35, P = 0.004). Conclusion: PIH is common in a spay/neuter population despite rapid surgical times and is associated with prolonged anesthetic recovery in cats and increased postoperative pain in cats and dogs. Raising the environmental temperature in operative and recovery areas may reduce incidence.

Intermittent fasting protects against food allergy in a murine model via regulating gut microbiota.

The prevalence of food allergy (FA) is increasing. Decreases in the diversity of gut microbiota may contribute to the pathogenesis of FA by regulating IgE production of B cells. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular diet with the potential to regulate glucose metabolism, boosting immune memory and optimizing gut microbiota. The potential effect of long-term IF on the prevention and treatment of FA is still unknown. Two IF protocols (16 h fasting/8 h feeding and 24 h fasting/24 h feeding) were conducted on mice for 56 days, while the control mice were free to intake food (free diet group, FrD). To construct the FA model, all mice were sensitized and intragastrical challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) during the second half of IF (day 28 to day 56). Rectal temperature reduction and diarrhea were recorded to evaluate the symptoms of FA. Levels of serum IgE, IgG1, Th1/Th2 cytokines, mRNA expression of spleen T cell related transcriptional factors, and cytokines were examined. H&E, immunofluorescence, and toluidine blue staining were used to assess the structural changes of ileum villi. The composition and abundance of gut microbiota were analyzed by 16srRNA sequencing in cecum feces. The diarrhea score and rectal temperature reduction were lower in the two fasting groups compared to the FrD groups. Fasting was associated with lower levels of serum OVA-sIgE, OVA-sIgG1, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5, and mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 in the spleen. While no significant association was observed in interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-2 levels. Less mast cell infiltration in ileum was observed in the 16h/8h fasting group compared to the FrD group. ZO-1 expression in the ileum of the two fasting groups was higher in IF mice. The 24h/24h fasting reshaped the gut microbiota, with a higher abundance of Alistipes and Rikenellaceae strains compared to the other groups. In an OVA-induced mice FA model, long-term IF may attenuate FA by reducing Th2 inflammation, maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier, and preventing gut dysbiosis.

Antipyretic Potential of 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. (Melianthaceae) Leaves Against Yeast-Induced Pyrexia in Mice.

Since fever is a complicated physiological reaction to an infection or aseptic stimulus, finding safer solutions that are more potent and derived from plants is essential to resolving this issue. Bersama abyssinica (Melianthaceae) is traditionally used to treat fever, though this has yet to be proven scientifically. The present study aimed to assess the antipyretic potential of leaf extract and solvent fractions of B. abyssinica. The antipyretic activities of crude extract and solvent fractions of B. abyssinica leaves were evaluated using a yeast-induced pyrexia model at three different dose ranges (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 400mg/kg) methanol extract as well as chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions to mice showing an increase in temperature of ≥0.5 °C. The rectal temperature of each mouse was recorded using a digital thermometer. To analyze the data, SPSS version 20 and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD post hoc test to compare results between groups were utilized. The crude extract demonstrated significant antipyretic potential (P<0.05 by 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg as well as P<0.01 by 400 mg/kg), with a maximum of 95.06% reduction in rectal temperature at 400 mg/kg, comparable to 98.37% at 2.5 hours by the standard drug. Similarly, all doses of the aqueous fraction, as well as 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses of the ethyl acetate fractions, resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction in rectal temperature when compared to the corresponding value of the negative control group. Extracts of B. abyssinica leaves were found to have a significant antipyretic effect. Thus, the use of the plant for pyrexia in traditional settings has scientific ground.

Evaluation of an automated temperature control equipment for lactating sows

The present study aimed to develop and evaluate an automated cooling control system (ATCE) for sows in the farrowing phase. The experiment was conducted at the Swine Production Unit, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Campus Machado, Machado, state of Minas Gerais. Sixteen sows and their offspring were evaluated, eight treated and eight controls, in a randomized block design, with eight replications. Surface temperature, body temperature and respiratory rate of the animals were evaluated, in addition to floor temperature and performance parameters. The use of ATCE decreased the floor temperature (12h) and neck temperature (12 and 16h) (p &lt; 0.10). In addition, there was a reduction in rectal temperature (12h) and respiratory rate (12 and 16h) in ATCE animals (p &lt; 0.10). No significant differences were detected in the coefficient of variation (CV) of birth weight, but at weaning the CV of piglet weight was 26.3% lower in animals subjected to the ATCE (p = 0.079). Furthermore, the difference in CV between birth and weaning was also lower with the use of ATCE (p = 0.015). It can be concluded that the use of ATCE has a positive influence on the thermal comfort of females, in addition to improving litter uniformity.

N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors Antagonist Prevents Secondary Ischemic Brain Injury Associated With Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Sepsis-Like State Presumably via Immunomodulatory Actions.

Infection is a major reason for poor stroke outcomes, and sepsis is a major cause of stroke-elated deaths. We herein examined whether NMDA receptor blockade, which was reported to exert anti-inflammatory actions, protects against the deleterious consequences of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis-like state in adult male NMRI mice exposed to transient intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). At 24 h post-ischemia, vehicle or Escherichia coli LPS (2 or 4 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered, whereas 30 min later vehicle or ketamine (10 mg/kg), which is a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, was intraperitoneally applied. Delivery of LPS at a dosage of 4 mg/kg induced a sepsis-like state characterized by a rectal temperature reduction by ∼4.0°C, increased neurological deficits in Clark score, cylinder and open-field tests, increased brain infarct volume and reduced neuronal survival in the previously ischemic tissue. Notably, additional treatment with ketamine (10 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the sepsis-associated rectal temperature reduction by ∼1.5°C, reduced neurological deficits, reduced infarct volume, and promoted neuronal survival. Ketamine alone did not influence infarct volume or neurological deficits. Real-time PCR data analysis showed that GFAP, CD86, CD206, IL-1β, and IL-10 mRNA levels were significantly increased in ischemic brains of LPS-treated compared with vehicle-treated mice. Additional treatment with ketamine significantly decreased IL-1β and IL-10, but not GFAP, CD86, and CD206 mRNA levels. Our data show that ketamine at a dose that on its own does not confer neuroprotection reverses the adverse effects of LPS-induced sepsis-like state post-ischemia, presumably via immunomodulatory actions.

Mathematical and Experimental Analysis of Body Temperature Fluctuations During Weight Change

Human body temperature fluctuates in proportion to the balance between metabolic heat production and heat dissipation and needs to remain nearly constant as a requirement for normal physiology. The biology of temperature homeostasis is well‐understood, and a low resting body temperature has been linked to increased longevity in humans and other organisms. Substantial weight loss in rodents, as result of underfeeding, leads, for instance, to a significant drop in mortality that occurs in parallel to a reduction in rectal temperature. The effects of weight gain or obesity on resting temperature are, however, not understood; and for the most part are controversial, e.g., obesity increases mortality, yet some lines of research argue that a low body temperature underlies its pathophysiology. The present work uses mathematical modeling and analytical methods to investigate the effects of body weight fluctuations on temperature. The latter methodology leads to a simple equation that estimates the whole‐body heat transfer coefficient (hc). Computational simulations, on the other hand, predict two possible scenarios: 1. Resting temperature is an increasing function of body mass if hc is unaltered by weight change; 2. If body temperature is insensitive to weight change, then hc will change in the same direction as body weight. Experimental measurements validate the first case and show that obesity leads, in men and women, to a significant increment in resting temperature relative to normal body mass index subjects. This analysis also shows that hc is a decreasing power function of the temperature gradient, i.e., the difference between the body temperature and the external temperature. Our data indicates, overall, that another mechanism by which obesity increases human mortality is by producing a persistent increment in body temperature. To our knowledge, we are the first to identify such adverse obesity effect.

Phenolic compounds, in vivo anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the aqueous extracts from fresh and dry aerial parts of Brocchia cinerea (Vis.)

Aerial parts of Brocchia cinerea (Vis.) (Asteraceae family) are traditionally used for the treatment of pain, fever and inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the phenolic profile, the acute oral toxicity, and anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the aqueous extracts from fresh (FBC) and dry (DBC) aerial parts of Brocchia cinerea (Vis.). Phenolic profile from FBC and DBC was characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic of both FBC and DBC were evaluated by carrageenan induced paw edema, acetic acid induced writhing and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in Wistar rats, respectively. The results achieved showed that thirteen phenolic compounds were detected in the aqueous extracts obtained from the aerial parts of FBC and DBC, highlighting a quite different quantitative profile. The FBC and DBC administrated orally at a dose of 400 mg/kg significantly reduced edema, after 2 h of the injection of carrageenan (p < 0.001) with a percentage inhibition of 47.73% and 50.01% respectively. On the other hand the rats treated with DBC at the same dose significantly lowered the writhing induced by the injection of acetic acid (18.52 ± 0.38) with respect to the ones treated with FBC (20.47 ± 0.92). Moreover, a significant reduction in rectal temperature was observed in rats treated with FBC/DBC and at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Furthermore, no acute toxicity symptoms were observed on oral administration of all doses of both FBC and DBC in Wistar rats. The results of the present study indicate that the aerial part of Brocchia cinerea extracts exhibit strongly anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties and they can be potentially used in the treatment of inflammation, pain and fever.

Probiotic Interventions Alleviate Food Allergy Symptoms Correlated With Cesarean Section: A Murine Model.

Delivery by cesarean section (CS) is linked to an increased incidence of food allergies in children and affects early gut microbiota colonization. Furthermore, emerging evidence has connected disordered intestinal microbiota to food allergies. Here, we investigated the impact of CS on a rat model for food allergy to ovalbumin (OVA). Rats delivered by CS were found to be more responsive to OVA sensitization than vaginally born ones, displaying a greater reduction in rectal temperature upon challenge, worse diarrhea, and higher levels of OVA-specific antibodies and histamine. 16S rRNA sequencing of feces revealed reduced levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the CS rats. Preventative supplementation with a probiotic combination containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium could protect CS rats against an allergic response to OVA, indicating that the microbiota dysbiosis contributes to CS-related response. Additionally, probiotic intervention early in life might help to rebuild aberrant Th2 responses and tight junction proteins, both of which have been linked to CS-related high allergic reactions. Taken together, this study shows that disordered intestinal microbiota plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of food allergy mediated by CS. More importantly, interventions that modulate the microbiota composition in early life are therapeutically relevant for CS-related food allergies.

Effect of Supplemental Chromium, Vitamin E and Selenium on Biochemical and Physiological Parameters of Holstein Friesian Calves under Heat Stress

Background: Heat stress has been a major concern in tropical, sub-tropical and arid areas affecting the performance of farm animals. Along with vitamin E and Selenium, chromium is gaining importance in combating heat stress. Methods: Twenty-four calves of 7- 8 months old with an average body weight of 172.79±4.39 kg were distributed randomly into four dietary treatment groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3). The calves of control group (T0) were fed on basal diet i.e. total mixed ration (TMR). The basal diet of T1, T2 and T3 on per kg DM basis were supplemented vitamin E (500 IU) + selenium (0.3 mg), chromium propionate (0.5 mg) and chromium propionate (0.5 mg) + vitamin E (500 IU) + selenium (0.3 mg), respectively. Ambient air temperature and humidity were measured for calculation of THI. Blood samples were collected fortnightly and the rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR) and pulse rate (PR) of all the experimental animals were recorded twice daily to study the biochemical and physiological parameters. Result: Supplementation of chromium along with vitamin E and selenium decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) the cortisol levels and increased the albumin concentration. Chromium supplemented groups (T2 and T3) showed greater (P less than 0.05) increase in mean total protein concentration. A significant reduction in RT was observed in all the supplemented groups compared to control. Whereas, the PR and RR differed significantly in T3 group compared to control.

Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of different extracts of leaves and stem barks of Macropanax dispermus (Araliaceae): a promising ethnomedicinal plant

BackgroundMacropanax dispermus is traditionally used to treat various diseases by ethnic people. The present research reports the pharmacological properties with phytochemical profiling of the crude extracts of M. dispermus leaves (MDML), its n-hexane (MDHL), carbon tetrachloride (MDTL), chloroform (MDCL), ethyl acetate (MDEL), and aqueous (MDAL) fractions, and crude methanol extracts of its stem barks (MDMS). The in vitro thrombolytic activity was done on human erythrocytes whereas the cytotoxic activity was done by brine shrimp lethality assay. The in vivo analgesic activity was examined by acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion, and formalin-induced paw licking method. In contrast, antipyretic activity was done by the brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia method.ResultsMDHL and MDMS showed 37.05% and 42.21% of significant (p < 0.01) thrombolytic activity, respectively. MDCL and MDMS showed the lower LC50 values of 23.15 and 37.11 µg/ml during cytotoxicity test, respectively. In acetic acid writhing method, MDTL and MDEL showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of writhing by 79.34% and 80.17%, respectively. MDMS showed significant (p < 0.001) maximal possible effect (%MPE) of 45.95%, 62.26%, 65.79%, 89.69% and elongation of time in pain reaction of 48.53%, 60.28%, 58.76%, and 70.14% at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min intervals, respectively. MDML at 400 mg/kg exhibited significant (p < 0.001) 82.72% of inhibition of pain at the late phases. MDEL at 400 mg/kg of dose exhibited significant (p < 0.001) reduction of rectal temperature by 36.31%, 62.42%, 89.81%,, and 96.82% at 1, 2, 3, and 4 h intervals, respectively.ConclusionThe current research suggests that the plant extracts possess potential thrombolytic, cytotoxic, analgesic, and antipyretic activities.

Co-formulation of ketoprofen with tulathromycin alters pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of ketoprofen in cattle.

The current studies aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profile and to establish a PK-PD model for ketoprofen in a new fixed combination product containing tulathromycin (2.5mg/kg) and ketoprofen (3mg/kg) to treat bovine respiratory disease associated with pyrexia in cattle. Firstly, the effect of different ketoprofen doses as mono-substance (1, 3, and 6mg/kg subcutaneous) on lipopolysaccharide-induced fever was evaluated which indicated that rectal temperature reduction lasted longer in the calves receiving 3 and 6mg/kg ketoprofen. Secondly, the PK profile of the combination product was compared with mono-substance products (3mg/kg subcutaneous and intramuscular). The PK profile of ketoprofen in the combination product was characterized by longer t1/2 , lower Cmax and increased AUC in comparison with mono-substance products. Due to prolonged ketoprofen exposure in the combination product, the pyrexia reducing effect of the combination product lasted longer in a second lipopolysaccharide challenge study in comparison with mono-substance products. Finally, a PK-PD model for the anti-pyretic effect of ketoprofen was developed based on the data from the different studies. The PK-PD model eliminated the need for additional animal experiments and indicated that a 3mg/kg ketoprofen dose in the combination product provided optimal efficacy.

Evaluation of Antiplasmodial Activity of Hydroalcoholic Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Zehneria scabra Roots Against Plasmodium berghei in Swiss Albino Mice

BackgroundSince drug resistance makes controlling malaria parasites a major challenge, these pioneering researchers explore and discover new novel drugs from a variety of sources. As a result, this study aimed to assess the anti-plasmodial activity of hydroalcoholic crude extract and solvent fractions of Zehneria scabra roots in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.MethodsThe antimalarial activity and safety profile of Zehneria scabra extracts were tested in a mouse model using four-day suppressive, prophylactic, and rane’s tests against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei. Mice were divided into five groups at random: group I received distilled water (10 mL/kg), group II, III, and IV received 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of the extract, respectively, and group V received chloroquine (25 mg/kg). The antimalarial activity of the extract was determined using parasitemia levels, survival time, rectal temperature, and weight variation.ResultsAt all dose levels, the crude extract and solvent fractions of Zehneria scabra showed significant (p<0.05 to p<0.001) chemosuppression, with the crude extract and butanol fraction showing the highest chemosuppression (73.09% and 74.09%, respectively). Apart from suppressing parasitemia, the extract also increased survival time and secured packed cell volume reduction substantially (p<0.05 to p<0.001), while the crude extract had no significant impact on body weight or rectal temperature reduction in four-day suppressive and prophylactic models.ConclusionThe result designated that Zehneria scabra is endowed with significant antimalarial activity. These results thus support the traditional use of Zehneria scabra, for the treatment of malaria.

Effect of treatment of pneumonia and otitis media with tildipirosin or florfenicol + flunixin meglumine on health and upper respiratory tract microbiota of preweaned Holstein dairy heifers

The objective of this randomized clinical study was to compare the effect of 2 antimicrobial interventions, tildipirosin or florfenicol + flunixin meglumine, used for treatment of pneumonia and extralabel treatment for otitis on health parameters and upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiota of preweaned Holstein calves. Housed preweaned Holstein heifers diagnosed with either otitis or pneumonia were assigned into 1 of 2 treatment groups, receiving a single subcutaneous injection of either 4 mg/kg of tildipirosin (TLD; n = 444) or 40 mg/kg of florfenicol combined with 2.2 mg/kg of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, flunixin meglumine (FLF; n = 442). Calves were enrolled and treated on the day of diagnosis of the first case of pneumonia or otitis. If a calf had a recurrent case, the opposite drug was administered, respecting an interval of 5 d between drug injections. Blood samples for leukocyte counts were collected at 0, 2, 4, and 6 d after treatment, and rectal temperature was measured daily during the 5 d after treatment. Ear scores were observed from calves with otitis. Additionally, swabs of the URT were collected from a subset of 20 calves in each treatment group at d 0, 3, 6, 9, and 11 following enrollment for analysis of URT microbiota through next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and quantitative PCR. Swabs were also collected from a comparative group of 20 healthy calves that did not receive any drug. No differences were observed between groups for recurrence risk of either pneumonia (TLD = 32.4%; FLF = 29.7%) or otitis (TLD = 72.7%; FLF = 73.6%). Similarly, no differences were observed for the total number of treatments for pneumonia (TLD = 1.45; FLF = 1.42) or otitis (TLD = 2.96; FLF = 3.07). On the other hand, both drugs reduced rectal temperature, ear scores, and leukocyte counts, with FLF calves having a greater reduction in rectal temperature within 4 d after treatment. Both TLD and FLF reduced the total bacterial load when compared with healthy untreated calves, but no differences were observed between treatment groups. Furthermore, compared with the untreated group, treated calves had lower mean relative abundances (MRA) of the genera Mannheimia, Moraxella, and Pasteurella within 11, 9, and 3 d after treatment, respectively; however, no significant differences were observed between TLD and FLF. On the other hand, MRA of Mycoplasma was not decreased by both treatments compared to untreated animals, and a higher MRA was observed in the TLD group during 11 d after treatment in comparison to FLF and untreated calves. Based on this data, we concluded that both drugs used in the study were effective in reducing rectal temperature, ear scores, leukocyte counts, and MRA of the genera Mannheimia, Pasteurella, and Moraxella in the URT, and calves treated with FLF had a greater reduction in rectal temperature.

In vivo investigation of antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of Centaurea tougourensis Boiss. & Reut.

Centaurea species are widely used in traditional medicine to treat several illnesses, especially by Mediterranean populations due to their pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to evaluate for the first time some in vivo activities of n-butanol (n-BuOH) extract of the aerial part of Centaurea tougourensis. For this approach; the antidiabetic (streptozotocin-induced diabetes), hepatoprotective (paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity), anti-inflammatory (croton oil induced ear edema assay) and antipyretic activities of this plant extract were tested. The pharmacological results suggest that C. tougourensis has a non-negligible anti-inflammatory effect on the formation of ear edema with a maximum inhibition percentage of (39.58%) for the highest tested concentration of 400 mg/kg. However, the antipyretic activity of the plant was remarkable for both tested concentrations (200 and 400 mg/kg) 5 h after treatment with a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of rectal temperature to (32.88 ± 0.23°C) and (32.36 ± 0.18°C) which correspond to a pyrexia inhibition of (78.9%) and (90.18%) respectively. C. tougourensis exhibited also a good anti-hyperglycemic effect which reached an inhibition percentage of (68.29%) at the end of the 3rd week of treatment for the tested concentration of 400 mg/kg and was considered almost similar to those of standard value (71.83%) at the same time. The n-BuOH extract C. tougourensis showed also a remarkable hepatoprotective effect which was confirmed by biochemical and histological approaches of note is that natural silymarin was also used as reference drug and showed a remarkable hepatoprotective effect. These encouraging results demonstrated once again the pharmacological potential of Centaurea species.

Optimal break structures and cooling strategies to mitigate heat stress during a Rugby League match simulation

ObjectivesTo examine, 1) optimal structure of break periods to mitigate physiological heat strain during rugby league play (Stage 1); and ii) effectiveness of three different cooling strategies applied during breaks (Stage 2). DesignCounter-balanced crossover design. MethodsIn 37 °C, 50% RH, 11 males completed six simulated 80-min (two 40-min halves) rugby league matches on a treadmill with different break structures: regular game (RG) (12-min halftime), 1-min or 3-min “quarter-time” breaks halfway through each half with a 12-min halftime break (R1C and R3C), a 20-min halftime break (EH), or 1-min or 3-min quarter-time breaks with a 20-min halftime break (E1C and E3C) [Stage 1]. Nine participants completed Stage 2, which assessed the application of either ice towels (ICE), an electric fan (FAN) or a misting fan (MST) during breaks in the E3C protocol which, in Stage 1, prevailed as the optimal break structure. ResultsStage 1: Irrespective of quarter-time break duration, reductions in rectal temperature (−0.24 °C ± 0.24) and heart rate (−61 ± 10 bpm) during the halftime break were greater with a 20-min compared to a 12-min break (−0.08 ± 0.13 °C, p = 0.005; −55 ± −9 bpm, p = 0.021). Stage 2: End-game rises in rectal temperature were smaller (p < 0.006) in MST (1.41 ± 0.22 °C), FAN (1.55 ± 0.36 °C) and ICE (1.60 ± 0.21 °C) than in CON (1.80 ± 0.39 °C). The end-halftime heart rate was lower (p < 0.001) in ICE (89 ± 13 bpm), MST (90 ± 10 bpm) and FAN (92 ± 13 bpm) than in CON (99 ± 18 bpm). ConclusionsCombining an extended halftime period and quarter-time breaks with MST application is the optimal cooling strategy for rugby league players in hot, humid conditions.