Significant Decrease In Concentration Research Articles

Functional groups control of metal by electron beam irradiation and its application to superhydrophobic surface

Since electron beam irradiation tended to increase metal wettability, significantly decreasing surface wettability remained difficult. In this paper, low-energy electron beam irradiation was used to significantly decrease the surface wettability of 316 L stainless steel, and the mechanism of modifying functional groups was revealed. The experimental results demonstrated that the hydrophilic functional groups C-O-C, O-C=O, and -OH had a significant decrease in contents, and the hydrophobic C-C/C-H group contents increased dramatically. The contact angle increased from 50° to 91°. This was due to the interaction of excited secondary electrons with precursor molecules, as well as fragmented carbon radicals and other fragments adsorbed on the surface, which generated new chemical bonds. The effects of various metal materials and microtextures on secondary electron emission were investigated. It was observed that a higher excitation coefficient for secondary electrons corresponds to a greater increase in the contact angle. The addition of different types of precursor molecules has the effect of controlling the wettability of electron beam irradiation. Nitrogen reduced the effect of electron beam irradiation modification, and hydrocarbon molecules increased the effect. A superhydrophobic surface with a contact angle of 160° and a sliding angle of 6° was successfully prepared by combining a pitting texture with hydrocarbon molecules. It has excellent wear resistance, high temperature resistance, and ultraviolet radiation resistance.

Physicochemical stability of high-concentration cefuroxime aqueous injection reconstituted by a centralised intravenous additive service

ObjectivesHospital pharmacies provide centralised intravenous additive services (CIVAS), such as antibiotic reconstitution. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the physicochemical stability of high-concentration cefuroxime sodium in aqueous injections,...

The Effectiveness and Safety of a Nutraceutical Combination in Overweight Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a nutraceutical combination given to insulin-resistant overweight patients with altered lipid profiles. To this end, an observational study was designed in which 74 individuals (50 females and 24 males) underwent an observational period of 3 months. During this time, a specific nutraceutical combination containing myo-inositol, glycine, Coprinus comatus, α-lipoic acid, phlorizin, zinc, vitamin B6, and chromium picolinate was administered. Patients were asked not to modify their lifestyles so that no variable that might interfere with results was introduced. After the 3-month period, the obtained data revealed that insulin levels significantly decreased with respect to the baseline, while glucose levels exhibited a trend towards lower concentrations, which was not significant. In addition, HOMA-IR index, body weight, BMI, and abdominal circumference values all decreased significantly. Regarding lipid profiles, the data obtained before and after the 3-month period showed statistically significant decreases in concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride, as well as a small but statistically significant concomitant increase in HDL cholesterol. Thus, on the basis of these data, it may be stated that the specific nutraceutical combination used in the present study significantly ameliorated a number of metabolic parameters without measurable side effects. The efficacy and safety of the product were, therefore, confirmed in our group of patients.

Changes in IL-6, IL-12, IL-5, IL-10 and TGF-β1 Concentration in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) Following Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)-A Pilot Study.

Background/Objectives: Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) may be considered as a neuro-immune disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains an important therapeutic option for patients with TRS, however, its impact on cytokine profile is barely investigated. Therefore, this study attempts to establish associations between serum cytokines IL-6, IL-12, IL-5, IL-10 and TGF-β1 changes (pre- and post-ECT) and the effectiveness of ECT in TRS patients. The second aim is to search for correlations between serum concentrations of the above specified cytokines and psychometric assessments of clinical schizophrenia symptoms. Methods: The cytokine concentrations were measured in eight TRS patients on psychopharmacological treatment prior to and following ECT and in 13 control subjects. Psychopathology assessment was based on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: Prior to ECT, IL-10 concentration was significantly higher in TRS patients, while IL-5 was decreased in comparison to the controls. A significant concentration decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (p = 0.012), IL-12 (p = 0.049) and anti-inflammatory IL-10 (p = 0.012) post-ECT vs. pre-ECT was observed, whereas concentrations of IL-5 and TGF-β1 did not significantly change. Also, a significant decrease in schizophrenia symptoms measured by the PANSS post-ECT was found. Furthermore, the pattern of correlations between PANSS scores and cytokine concentrations was different when comparing levels pre- and post-ECT. Additionally, correlations between changes in PANSS scores and cytokine concentrations were found. Conclusions: These results may indicate the probable impact of electroconvulsive therapy on the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which may correspond to a neurobiological therapeutic effect of ECT in TRS patients.

Four-year evaluation of drug-impaired driving drug concentrations.

Drug-impaired driving is a significant public health and safety concern in the USA. To help assess current patterns of drug use in drivers, we evaluated 4 years of drug positivity in a large cohort of suspected impaired drivers. Samples collected between January 2017 and December 2020 were tested via a method compliant with the National Safety Council's Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division's Tier I scope of recommended drugs. In 2017, NMS Labs received 17 346 driving under the influence of drugs cases, 17 471 in 2018, 19 050 in 2019, and 16 539 in 2020. The most common drug class detected was cannabinoids in ∼50% of the cases each year. The most common drugs detected over the 4 years were delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC), ethanol, amphetamine/methamphetamine, fentanyl, and alprazolam. Delta-9 THC increased in positivity over the study, having been identified in 45% of cases in 2017, 46% in 2018, 46% in 2019, and 49% in 2020. Ethanol was found in 59% of cases in 2017, 59% in 2018, 61% in 2019, and 53% in 2020. Delta-9 THC and ethanol were the most common drug combination, found together in ∼19% of the cases every year of the study. Statistically significant increases in the average concentration of the following drugs were observed: fentanyl (5.7 ng/mL in 2017 to 9.6 ng/mL in 2020), methamphetamine (301 ng/mL in 2017 to 381 ng/mL in 2020), and delta-9-THC (6.4 ng/mL in 2017 to 7.3 ng/mL in 2020). Other findings included increases in the maximum reported concentrations between 2017 and 2020 for amphetamine (1400 to 2700 ng/mL), methamphetamine (5550 to 13 000 ng/mL), and fentanyl (56 to 310 ng/mL). Statistically significant concentration decreases were noted for several central nervous system depressants, notably prescription benzodiazepines, and several prescription narcotic analgesics.

High-concentrate diet decreases lamb fatty acid contents by regulating bile acid composition

Feeding sheep with high-concentrate diet (HCD) to shorten production cycle is a well-developed feeding strategy to increase lamb production. Here, metabolomics were performed to explore the mechanism that HCD changes lamb nutrition composition. Differential metabolites were enriched in primary bile acid biosynthesis. Significantly higher content of bile acids including taurodeoxycholic acid sodium salt (TDCA), taurochenodeoxycholic acid sodium salt (TCDCA) and taurocholic acid (TCA) was observed in lamb of HCD, while the content of lithocholic acid (LCA), cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and Chenodeoxycholic acid-3-beta-D-glucuronide (CDCA-3Gln) were higher in the controls. Furthermore, a significantly decreased content of fatty acids was observed in lamb of HCD group. Finally, primary skeletal cells treated with CA or TCA showed a significant decrease in contents of fatty acids, while TCA showed a stronger effect in decreasing fatty acid contents. Collectively, we suggest that HCD decreases lamb fatty acid contents by regulating bile acid composition.

Effect of tocotrienol administration on reproductive efficiency and testicular tissue in obesity induced male rats

Obesity is a major public health problem for all age groups across the world. Diet, rather than hereditary alterations, is thought to have a significant role in the obesity pandemic. Obesity can considerably harm male reproductive health, resulting in lower libido, erectile dysfunction, and subfertility or infertility. Tocotrienols (T3s) are among the compounds that have metabolic effects due to their nutritional properties as a food supplement. The study aimed to identify the role of tocotrienol in ameliorating the risks of a high-fat diet on some reproductive hormones and efficiency. The eighteen male adult rats were randomly assigned to three separate sets of six each. The control group was fed a low-fat diet (LF ten percent kcal from fat), the high-fat diet (HFD) group was fed a high-fat diet (HF sixty percent kcal from fat), and the high-fat diet with tocotrienol (HFDT) group was fed a high-fat diet administered tocotrienol (60 mg/kg BW) dissolved in olive oil (1 mL/kg) for 12 weeks. LH hormone showed a significant decrease in concentration for the HFD and HFDT groups when compared with the control group. Tocotrienol supplement introduced its ability to improve motility and account for dead and abnormal sperm values. The histopathological examination of testes in rats fed a high-fat diet and supplemented with tocotrienol revealed normal spermatogenesis. The tocotrienol supplement ameliorated the deleterious effect of obesity in the experiment and appeared significantly less than the control group.

Effects of dietary soybean lecithin on growth, tissue fatty acid composition, and gonadal development in the hermaphroditic rice field eel (Monopterus albus)

This study investigates the effects of soybean lecithin (SL) on the growth, fatty acid composition, lipid metabolism, and gonadal development of rice field eels. Fourteen-month-old eels were fed either fish oil diets or varying levels of dietary soybean lecithin (0 %, 1.4 %, and 2.8 %) for 10 weeks. Dietary SL had no significant impact on growth, whereas 1.4 % SL led to a significant decrease in moisture content and an increase in crude protein content in eels. The content of both saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased in muscles fed the higher SL diet, with a concurrent decline in saturated fatty acids and an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids detected in the liver. The expression levels of genes related to lipid synthesis, including accα and PPARγ, and genes related to polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis, such as pla2g4a, fad2 and scd, were significantly increased in the liver of eels fed with 1.4 % SL diet. SL supplementation enhances lipid transport and antioxidant capacity in the liver, reduces fat deposition, and protects the liver from damage. Hepatosomatic index of fish in the SL1.4 % and SL2.8 % groups decreased. Supplementation of the diet with 1.4 % SL led to a significant decrease in the content of saturated fatty acids and an increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the gonads, with a significant increase in arachidonic acid levels. The gonadosomatic index also increased with increasing dietary SL content. Rice field eels fed diets containing SL exhibited elevated serum levels of E2, delayed ovary-to-testis transition, and a preference for retaining the female state. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with SL increased the proportion of highly unsaturated fatty acids in the tissues, enhanced lipid metabolism in the liver, and improved antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, SL supplementation has been demonstrated to promote ovarian development and delay sex reversal in rice field eels.

Effects of long-chained perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) on the uptake and bioaccumulation of short-chained PFAAs in two free-floating macrophytes: Eichhornia crassipes and Ceratophyllum demersum

Short-chained perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs, CnF2n+1–R, n ≤ 6) have merged as global concerns due to their extensive application and considerable toxicity. However, long-chained PFAAs (n ≥ 7) featured with high persistence are still ubiquitously observed in aquatic environment. To understand the uptake behavior of short-chained PFAAs in aquatic macrophytes, the uptake kinetics, bioconcentration, and translocation of short-chained PFAAs (3 ≤n ≤ 6) in two typical free-floating macrophytes (Eichhornia crassipes and Ceratophyllum demersum) were investigated in the treatments with and without long-chained PFAAs (7 ≤n ≤ 11). Results showed that short-chained PFAAs can be readily accumulated in both E. crassipes and C. demersum, and the uptake of short-chained PFAAs fit the two-compartment kinetic model well (p < 0.05). In the treatments with long-chained PFAAs, significant concentration decreases of all concerned short-chained PFAAs in E. crassipes and PFAAs with n ≤ 5 in C. demersum were observed. Long-chained PFAAs could hinder the uptake rates, bioconcentration factors, and translocation factors of most short-chained PFAAs in free-floating macrophytes (p < 0.01). Significant correlations between bioconcentration factors and perfluoroalkyl chain length were only observed when long-chained PFAAs were considered (p < 0.01). Our results underlined that the effects of long-chained PFAAs should be taken into consideration in understanding the uptake and bioaccumulation behaviors of short-chained PFAAs.

Improved Long-Term Preservation of Cannabis Inflorescence by Utilizing Integrated Pre-Harvest Hexanoic Acid Treatment and Optimal Post-Harvest Storage Conditions.

The effort to maintain cannabinoid and terpene levels in harvested medicinal cannabis inflorescence is crucial, as many studies demonstrated a significant concentration decrease in these compounds during the drying, curing, and storage steps. These stages are critical for the preparation and preservation of medicinal cannabis for end-use, and any decline in cannabinoid and terpene content could potentially reduce the therapeutic efficacy of the product. Consequently, in the present study, we determined the efficacy of pre-harvest hexanoic acid treatment alongside four months of post-harvest vacuum storage in prolonging the shelf life of high THCA cannabis inflorescence. Our findings indicate that hexanoic acid treatment led to elevated concentrations of certain cannabinoids and terpenes on the day of harvest and subsequent to the drying and curing processes. Furthermore, the combination of hexanoic acid treatment and vacuum storage yielded the longest shelf life and the highest cannabinoid and mono-terpene content as compared to all other groups studied. Specifically, the major cannabinoid's-(-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)-concentration decreased by 4-23% during the four months of storage with the lowest reduction observed following hexanoic acid pre-harvest treatment and post-harvest vacuum storage. Hexanoic acid spray application displayed a more pronounced impact on mono-terpene preservation than storage under vacuum without hexanoic acid treatment. Conversely, sesqui-terpenes were observed to be less prone to degradation than mono-terpenes over an extended storage duration. In summation, appropriate pre-harvest treatment coupled with optimized storage conditions can significantly extend the shelf life of cannabis inflorescence and preserve high active compound concentration over an extended time period.

PROSPECT OF UTILIZING EXPIRED HOMOLOGOUS PLATELET CONCENTRATES AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF GROWTH FACTORS AND CYTOKINES IN CLINICAL SETUP FOR BETTER WOUND CARE AND HEALING

Objectives: The purposes of this study were: (1) To evaluate the possibility of preparation of human platelet lysate (hPL) from expired platelet concentrate, its storage – qualitative assessment in terms of growth factor content between freshly prepared hPL and preserved hPL (in liquid nitrogen for up to 6 months) and (2) to evaluate regenerative potential of the stored hPL on the 2° burn wound as compared to standard topical treatment for burns (1% silver sulfadiazine [SSD]). Methods: hPL was prepared by three rounds of freeze-thaw cycle; concentration of growth factors was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and compared between fresh hPL and stored hPL. For clinical assessment, patients with 2° burn injury were randomly allocated to SSD and hPL treatment group. Wound status was compared on 3rd week by clinical assessments and based on histopathological findings. Immunohistochemistry was performed using cell proliferative markers to corroborate the extent of healing with the number of proliferating cells that give strong positive reactions to the markers. Results: Concentration of growth factors in tested samples (hPL fresh - &lt;72 h, hPL-3 month and hPL-6 month) was almost same. No significant decrease in concentration was observed in any of the tested growth factor up to 6 months. p-values (analysis of variance) for concentration variations of platelet-derived growth factor-AA, basic-fibroblast growth factor,and transforming growth factor beta were 0.8981, 0.6417, and 0.9540, respectively. Healing of 2° deep-dermal burns was better for hPL group than SSD treatment at 3rd week and the observed tissue regeneration pattern was corroborated well with the expression of cell proliferative markers. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that hPL produced from expired platelet concentrates can be used as a potential source of biological factors that could serve its therapeutic need in the field of regenerative medicine, while on the other hand avoiding the waste of valuable human physiological resources.

The effects of dark chocolate on cognitive performance during cognitively demanding tasks: A randomized, single-blinded, crossover, dose-comparison study

Dark chocolate, rich in polyphenols, increases cerebral blood flow and improves cognitive function. This study aimed to determine whether the consumption of chocolate with a high concentration of polyphenols helps to maintain cognitive performance during cognitively demanding tasks. In this randomized, single-blinded, crossover, dose-comparison study, 18 middle-aged adults consumed two types of chocolate (25 g each), one with a high concentration (635.0 mg) and the other with a low concentration (211.7 mg) of cacao polyphenols, and performed a cognitive task requiring response inhibition and selective attention over two time periods (15–30 min and 40–55 min after consumption, respectively). Autonomic nerve function and subjective feelings, such as fatigue and concentration, were measured before food intake and after the second task to assess the participant's state. The results showed that the average reaction time between the first and second sessions was not significantly different for either high- or low-concentration chocolate consumption. However, the percentage of correct responses was similar in the first (96.7 %) and second (96.8 %) sessions for high-concentration chocolate consumption and significantly lower for low-concentration chocolate consumption in the second (96.4 %) session than in the first session (97.3 %). Autonomic nerve function showed a significant increase in sympathetic nerve activity after the second task with high-concentration chocolate consumption, while subjective feelings showed an increase in mental fatigue for both chocolate types but a significant decrease in concentration only after the second task with low-concentration chocolate consumption. These findings suggest that dark chocolate consumption contributes to the maintenance of performance and concentration in continuous and demanding cognitive tasks.

Determination of biochemical and histopathological changes on testicular and epididymis tissues induced by exposure to insecticide Imidacloprid during postnatal development in rats

BackgroundImidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide belonging to the chloronicotinyl nitroguanidine chemical family. Toxicity of IMD for mammals in scientific studies has shown high mutagenic, immunotoxic, teratogenic and neurotoxic effects. The present study was designed to assess the toxic effects of imidacloprid (IMD) on the testicular and epididymis tissues as well as testosterone levels of neonatal male rats.MethodsNeonatal male rats from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND 26 were consecutively administered with different concentrations of IMD (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) subcutaneously. The effect of IMD on body and organ weight, lipid profile, histopathological alterations, oxidative stress and altered testosterone levels were assessed in the testis and plasma.ResultsThe results of body weight gain showed a significant difference in group 4 (10 mg/kg) animals as compared to the control. A significant increase in total cholesterol and triglycerides, while a decrease in high-density lipoprotein concentrations was evident. Similarly, a significant decrease in concentrations of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) among all the IMD-treated groups was evident, when compared to the control. Increased production of ROS was also noticed in the highest-dose treatment group. Further, we observed that IMD-treated rats indicated histopathological changes in the testis and epididymis along with a significant decrease in the plasma testosterone concentrations among IMI-treated groups in contrast to the control. Histological examination of the testis of IMD-treated neonatal male rats also showed decreased spermatogenesis in the treated groups when compared to the control. Furthermore, an increase in lumen diameter and a decrease in epithelial height of seminiferous tubules were also observed in IMD-treated rats in comparison with the control.ConclusionIt is concluded that sub-chronic exposure to IMD in neonatal male rats may induce histopathological changes in reproductive tissues and damage normal testicular functions via inducing oxidative stress, decrease in body weight, disturbing normal blood lipid profile and testosterone concentration. IMD exposure can induce pathophysiological effects calls for further evaluation of this widely used insecticide.

The effectiveness of one "physical education minute" during lessons to develop concentration in 8- to 10-year-old schoolchildren.

The demands of the school day, which includes multiple lessons, require sustained attention from students; this can be challenging, especially for young children. Concentration of attention is a critical cognitive function that impacts learning. This study involved 129 healthy schoolchildren aged 8-10 years (spanning grades 2 and 3) from a regular secondary school in Kirov, Russian Federation. A "physical education minute" (PEM), consisting of various physical exercises, was introduced during the middle of a regular lesson for the experimental group (EG), while the control group (CG) continued with their regular studies. Concentration and attention were assessed before and after the PEM using the Bourdon test. The Bourdon test results indicated a significant decrease in concentration during the lesson for the CG (p < 0.001), while the EG exhibited significant improvement in concentration after the PEM (p < 0.001). The effect size was large, demonstrating a substantial impact of this break for physical activity on concentration. It can be concluded that implementing a set of exercises in the form of a PEM in the middle of a lesson significantly improves concentration among students aged 8-10. This study underscores the effectiveness of integrating short breaks for physical activity into the daily classroom routine, ultimately benefiting students' attention, learning, and overall educational experience. Further research could explore additional factors affecting concentration and the long-term effects of the PEM on cognitive development.

Trace Elements Concentrations in Urban Air in Helsinki, Finland during a 44-Year Period

The atmospheric concentrations of seventeen elements were measured in air filters at the Finnish Meteorological Institute station in Helsinki, Finland, during a period of 44 years (1962–2005). The mean annual concentrations were calculated and are presented from the lowest values to the highest ones Cr &lt; Ni &lt; Ti &lt; Br &lt; V &lt; Mn &lt; Cu &lt; Zn &lt; Cl &lt; Al &lt; Fe &lt; K &lt; Ca &lt; Na &lt; Pb &lt; Si &lt; S. Most of the elements (Fe, Si, Ti, K, Ca, Zn, Br, Pb, V, Ni, S, Cr, Na, Al, and Cl) present higher values during spring and winter season, while in summer the elements (Ti, Ca, S, and Na) are found in higher concentrationsdue to the weather conditions across seasons and the sources and emissions of air pollutants. There is a strong correlation between the elements (V-Ni, Si-Pb, Fe-Ca, V-Cr, Si-K, K-Ca, Fe-Ti, K-Na, Si-Ca, and V-S), indicating their common source. The identification of the sources of trace elements was performed based on positive matrix factorization analysis, using SoFi software. Four Suspended Particulate Matter (PM) sources were identified: road dust (due to usage of leaded fuel), heavy oil combustion/secondary sulfates, traffic emissions, and natural dust (soil). For the total of 44 years studied, significant decreases in concentrations were observed for all elements, most of which were over 50%: Na (−74%), Al (−86%), Si (−88%), S (−82%), K (−82%), Ca (−89%), Ti (−80%), V (−89%), Cr (−82%), Mn (−77%), Fe (−77%), Ni (−61%), Zn (−72%), and Pb (−95%). In general, a significant decline has been observed in the majority of the elemental concentrations since the end of the 1970s, underlying the effectiveness of different environmental policies that have been applied during the last few decades.

Topical dexpanthenol effects on physiological parameters of the stratum corneum by Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy.

Topical use of dexpanthenol presents well-established moisturizing properties and maintenance and repair of the skin barrier function, however, its exact action mechanisms are not completely elucidated. In this context, Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy is an optical method that enables non-invasive and non-destructive in vivo analysis with the sensitive acquisition of molecular changes in different skin layers. Herein, the aim was to evaluate the effects of topical dexpanthenol on the components and physiological parameters of the stratum corneum (SC). Ten healthy female subjects underwent skin evaluation by means of a Confocal Raman Spectrometer Skin Analyzer 3510. Spectral data were obtained from the skin of the anterior forearm region, before and 2h after applying a cosmetic formulation containing or not containing 5% dexpanthenol. Semiquantitative analysis of the natural moisturizing factor showed a significant decrease in content after 2 h of topical dexpanthenol application, while the analysis of the lamellar organization of intercellular lipids and the secondary structure of keratin showed a significant increase in hexagonal organization of lipids at the first half of the SC and a significant increase in β-pleated sheet conformation of keratin. Effects of topical dexpanthenol on SC suggest a contribution in increasing fluidity of both lipidic and protein components of the SC and are compatible with dexpanthenol activity in maintaining adequate physiological conditions and preventing transepidermal water loss. This study also contributes to the elucidation of action mechanisms and other concurrent biochemical processes.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines and reproductive hormone responses in bucks post-challenge with Mannheimia haemolytica A2 and its outer membrane protein.

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin and outer membrane protein (OMP) are among the virulence factors of Gram-negative bacteria responsible for inducing pathogenicity in the infected host. OMP and LPS occur on the outer membrane of M. haemolytica A2, the primary aetiological agent of pneumonic mannheimiosis in small ruminants. While the LPS is known to mediate Gram-negative bacterial infection by activating downstream inflammatory pathways, the potential role of OMP during inflammatory responses remained unclear. Hence, this study determined the effect of the OMP of M. haemolytica A2 on the serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the male reproductive hormones (testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone). We randomly assigned twelve bucks to three groups (n = 4 bucks each): Group 1 was challenged with 2mL PBS buffer (pH 7.0) intranasally; Group 2 received 2mL of 1.2 X 109CFU/mL whole M. haemolytica A2 intranasally; and Group 3 received 2mL of OMP extract obtained from 1.2 X 109CFU/mL M. haemolytica A2 intramuscularly. Serum samples collected at pre-determined intervals were used for the quantitative determination of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα) and reproductive hormones (testosterone and LH) using commercial sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum concentration of IL1β was initially increased within the first-hour post-challenge in Groups 2 and 3, followed by a significant decrease in concentration at 21d and 35d (p < 0.05) in Group 3. Only mild fluctuations in IL-6 occurred in group 2, as opposed to the 1.7-fold rapid increase in TNFα within 2h post-challenge before decreasing at 6h. An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines was accompanied by an acute febrile response of 39.5 ± 0.38°C (p < 0.05) at 2h and 40.1 ± 0.29°C (p < 0.05) at 4h in Group 2 and Group 3, respectively. Serum testosterone decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in both treatment groups but remained significantly (p > 0.05) lower than in Group 1 throughout the study. There was a moderate negative association between testosterone and IL1β (r = -0.473; p > 0.05) or TNFα (r = -0.527; p < 0.05) in Group 2. Serum LH also showed moderate negative associations with TNFα in Group 2 (r = -0.63; p < 0.05) and Group 3 (r = -0.54; p > 0.05). The results of this study demonstrated that M. haemolytica A2 and its OMP produced marked alterations in serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and male reproductive hormones. The negative correlations between serum testosterone and inflammatory cytokines would suggest the potential role of OMP in causing male infertility by mediating innate inflammatory responses to suppress testosterone production in bucks.

Effects of the multi-stress-resistant strain Zygosaccharomyces parabailii MC-5K3 bioaugmentation on microbial communities and metabolomics in tobacco waste extract.

Industrial tobacco waste was mainly treated via a reconstituted tobacco process using the paper-making method, which involves aqueous concentrated tobacco waste extract (cTWE) fermentation (aging). The fermentation was done to improve the quality of reconstituted tobacco. However, cTWE is a multi-stress environment that is characterized by low pH (about 4), as well as high sugar (above 150g/L) and nicotine (above 15g/L) content. In this study, a specific selection strategy was used to successfully isolate multi-stress-resistant bacterial or fungal strains, that exhibited positive effects on cTWE fermentation, thereby improving the quality of final products. A potential strain Zygosaccharomyces parabailii MC-5K3 was used for the bioaugmentation of cTWE fermentation and it significantly influenced the microbial diversity of the fermented cTWE. Zygosaccharomyces was observed to be the only dominant fungal genus instead of some pathogenic bacterial genera, with an abundance of over 95% after four days, and still more than 80% after a week. Meanwhile, metabolomics profiling showed significant concentration decrease with regard to some flavor-improving relative metabolites, such as 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (log2FC = -5.25) and sorbitol (log2FC = -5.54). This finding is extrapolated to be the key influence factor on the quality of the fermented cTWE. The correlation analysis also showed that the alterations in microbial diversity in the fermented cTWE led to some important differential metabolite changes, which finally improved various properties of tobacco products.

#6760 EFFICACY OF HEMOSORPTION IN REMOVAL OF HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT UREMIC TOXINS IN CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Symptoms associated with the accumulation of large uremic toxins (the development of chronic inflammation, accelerated progression of cardiovascular diseases and an increase in the incidence of protein-energy malnutrition) are common for patients who get chronic hemodialysis (HD) for a long time. HD effectively removes small and medium molecules (up to 15 kDa), while convection techniques, which are not always available, are used to remove substances of higher molecular weight. An alternative strategy for removing uremic toxins, especially large medium molecules, is the use of sorption techniques. The aim of the study was to compare the removal efficiency of substances with a molecular weight from 11.8 to 45 kDa using HD on a high-flux membrane and a combination of a high-flux membrane with hemosorption. Method The study included patients with a duration of hemodialysis therapy for more than 5 years. Blood sampling was carried out before and after the procedures, in the average RRT session per week. The following indicators were determined: β-2-microglobulin, leptin, free light chains (FLC) κ and λ, Il-6. The first HD session was performed on a Fresenius Fx-80 high-flux membrane. The second procedure (one week after) was carried out using the same filter, but with the connection of a Jafron HA130 sorption column (HD+HP). The duration of the both procedures was 4 hours. Blood flow did not exceed 300 ml/min. Results Total 10 patients were included in the study. Mean duration of renal replacement therapy was 12±5 years. The ratio of men and women was equal. Mean age 54±12 years. All patients used AV fistulas as vascular access. When determining and comparing the concentrations of β-2-microglobulin, leptin, Il-6, a comparable significant decrease in concentrations was noted after both procedures without significant statistical differences between the methods. At the same time, the efficiency of FLC removal on HD and HD+GP was convincingly different: - average kappa-FLC concentration change after HD was +1.8±9.1 mcg/ml, after HD+GP: -9.4±7.5 mcg/ml, p = 0.04. - average lambda -FLC concentration change after HD/HD+GP was +3.2±16.3 and -12.9±4.4 mcg/ml, respectively. p = 0.02. Conclusion The use of sorption techniques as an adjunct to standard HD therapy can increase the excretion of medium-large molecular substances, such as FLC kappa/lambda, which may help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with the accumulation of these uremic toxins. Additional studies are required to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the new sorption method in chronic HD.

Alterations in Biochemical Markers of Liver and Kidney Function and Oxidative Stress Indices on Sub-acute Exposure of Meloxicam in Albino Rats

Background: The study was performed to study the alterations in biochemical markers of liver and kidney function and oxidative stress indices on sub-acute exposure of meloxicam in albino rats. Methods: The study was performed in three groups of rats, consisting six rats in each group. The rats of group I were served as control. However, rats of group II, III were treated with meloxicam @ 0.2 mg/kg b.wt. meloxicam @ 0.6 mg/kg b.wt. respectively. Result: Meloxicam administration induced oxidative stress in rats as indicated by significant decrease in concentration of catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione in blood as compared to control. However, lipid peroxidation was significantly enhanced as indicated by increased level of MDA in blood as compared to control. Meloxicam altered the functions of liver and kidney as indicated by the alteration in the biochemical markers of liver and kidney function. Meloxicam significantly enhanced the concentration of biochemical markers of liver function viz. ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, albumin and bilirubin as compared to control. The concentration of biochemical markers of kidney function viz. BUN and creatinine was significantly enhanced after meloxicam administration as compared to control.