Two-day Intervals Research Articles

EFFECT OF TILLAGE AND IRRIGATION SCHEDULING ON SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT AND SOIL PENETRATION RESISTANCE, ROOT DISTRIBUTION PLANT OF MUNG BEAN (Vigna radita L.)

Two field experiment was carried out in the feed crop studies station of the Ministry of Agriculture - Haditha agriculture division located in the village of Sakran - Haditha district 260 km west of Baghdad. The location lies on longitude 42 22' 21'' east and longitude 34 08' 23'' north, and 80 m above sea level, On the ground dimensions (21 x 30 m) for each experiment, during the autumn season 2018. The aim of this study is to find out the role of soil surface crusting and its relationship with tillage pattern, irrigation interval and its relationship with soil moisture content, under surface and drip irrigation methods. The treatments of each experiment were distributed individually using Split-Plot Design, with three replication. Transactions were distributed randomly, with each experiment included two experiment on six treatments using zero tillage mode T0, minimum tillage T1 and conventional tillage T2 and two irrigation intervals are two days I1 and four days I2. The results showed, Zero tillage of both irrigation methods (surface and drip irrigation) and two-day irrigation interval resulted in more soil moisture content compared to conventional tillage, Conventional tillage reduced the soil penetration resistance by half at the same percentage of water. for all experiment treatments and both irrigation methods compared with zero tillage and minimum tillage, where the soil penetration resistance by using conventional tillage was 0.5 kg cmˉ² and at 30% pw. The results showed that the longest height and the highest dry root weight was for T0I2 treatment reached to 0.33m and 14 gm, respectively when drip irrigation method was used, while the root length for the T1I1 treatment was 0.29 m and the highest dry root weight of 13 g was for T2I1 treatment when drip irrigation method was used also.

Remote ischemic postconditioning as well as blood plasma from double-conditioned donor ameliorate reperfusion syndrome in skeletal muscle

The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of preparation and effectiveness of the use of blood plasma containing an effector of ischemic tolerance activated by applying two sublethal stresses to a donor. As sublethal stresses, two periods of 20-minute hindlimb ischemia were used with a two-day interval between them. Active plasma was isolated six hours after the second hindlimb ischemia. The effectiveness of active plasma as well as remote postconditioning was tested after three hours of tourniquet-induced ischemia on the gastrocnemius muscle. The wet/dry ratio of gastrocnemius muscle (degree of tissue oedema), nitroblue tetrazolium reduction (tissue necrosis), and CatWalk test (hind limb functionality) were evaluated 24 h after the end of ischemia. Three hours of ischemia increased muscle oedema and necrosis in comparison to control by 26.72% (p < 0.001) and 41.58% (p < 0.001) respectively. Remote ischemic postconditioning as well as injection of conditioned blood plasma significantly prevented these changes, even when they were applied one or three hours after the end of ischemia. Equally effective double-conditioned plasma appears to have better prospects in life-threatening situations such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

Long-term enhancement of visual responses by repeated transcranial electrical stimulation of the mouse visual cortex

BackgroundTranscranial electrical stimulation (tES) is a popular method to modulate brain activity by sending a weak electric current through the head. Despite its popularity, long-term effects are poorly understood. ObjectiveWe wanted to test if anodal tES immediately changes cerebral responses to visual stimuli, and if repeated sessions of tES produce plasticity in these responses. MethodsWe applied repeated anodal tES, like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), but pulsed (8 s on, 10 s off), to the visual cortex of mice while visually presenting gratings. We measured the responses to these visual stimuli in the visual cortex using the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP3. ResultsWe found an increase in the visual response when concurrently applying tES on the bone without skin (epicranially). This increase was only transient when tES was applied through the skin (transcutaneous). There was no immediate after-effect of tES. However, repeated transcutaneous tES for four sessions at two-day intervals increased the visual response in the visual cortex. This increase was not specific to the grating stimulus coupled to tES and also occurred for an orthogonal grating presented in the same sessions but without concurrent tES. No increase was found in mice that received no tES. ConclusionOur study provides evidence that tES induces long-term changes in the mouse brain. Results in mice do not directly translate to humans, because of differences in stimulation protocols and the way current translates to electric field strength in vastly different heads.

The End Effector of Ischemic Tolerance Present in Blood Plasma from Double Conditioned Donors Ameliorates Trimethyltin Provoked Damage in Brain

Background: Hundreds of experiments have been done to demonstrate robust ischemic tolerance efficiency using mostly young and healthy animals. The translation of these results to usually elderly and sick patients moreover taking many various medicines has to date been disappointing. 3-methyltin poisoning, as well as short-term transient cerebral ischemia, causes severe damage, especially to selectively vulnerable brain regions such as hippocampal CA1. Methods: Using dual conditioning, we activated the full ischemic tolerance the products of which is located to blood plasma. As sublethal stresses, two periods of 20-minute hindlimb ischemia was used with a two-day interval between them. Active plasma was isolated 6 hours after the second hindlimb ischemia. Brain damage was detected by visualizing dead neurons by Fluorojade B staining. Neuronal survival by NeuN immunoreaction. The functional capabilities of surviving neurons were monitored by Morris water maze. Results: The use of activated plasma dramatically reduced the hippocampal degenerative CA1 neurons from 56.59% to 7.51%. NeuN positivity increased from 23.82% to 78.67%. Time spent searching for hidden island has been shortened from 48.46 to 21.63 seconds. Conclusions: By using double conditioning it is possible to provoke the synthesis of substances present in the blood plasma, providing the organism with significant protection against acute degenerative processes.

Therapeutic observation of grain-sized moxibustion for chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression for non-small cell lung cancer

To observe the clinical efficacy of grain-sized moxibustion in treating chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its effect on quality of life (QOL). Eighty NSCLC patients admitted to the Inpatient Department of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital between September 2016 and March 2018 were recruited and divided into an observation group and a control group by random number method, with 40 cases in each group. The two groups both received chemotherapy with paclitaxel plus cisplatin (TP regimen). The control group received oral administration of leucogen tablets starting from the first day of chemotherapy, 20 mg each time, three times a day, for consecutive 14 d; the observation group was additionally given grain-sized moxibustion, once a day, five days per week at a two-day interval, until the fourteenth day. The myelosuppression severity was observed and compared between the two groups prior to chemotherapy, at the 3rd, 7th and 14th days of chemotherapy; the QOL in the two groups was evaluated before chemotherapy, at the 14th and 21st days of chemotherapy. Regarding myelosuppression, the peripheral blood indicators increased significantly at the 3rd day of chemotherapy in both groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01); at the 7th and 14th days of chemotherapy, the peripheral blood indicators presented a decreasing tendency in the two groups, but the level in the observation group was still significantly higher than that before chemotherapy (P<0.01); at the 3rd, 7th and 14th days of chemotherapy, the peripheral blood indicators in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the occurrence rate of myelosuppression in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). The QOL score in the observation group was markedly higher than that in the control group at the 14th and 21st days of chemotherapy (both P<0.05). Grain-sized moxibustion can effectively improve myelosuppression after chemotherapy for NSCLC, reducing its occurrence and enhancing the patient’s QOL.

FASTING IN HYBRID GROUPER EPINEPHELUS FUSCOGUTTATUS X EPINEPHELUS LANCEOLATUS IN RELATION TO PROXIMATE CONTENTS, GROWTH AND FEED EFFICIENCY

Fasting in fish is commonly used to improve the quality of fish product post-slaughtered. This study aims to investigate the alteration in nutrient contents, growth, and feed efficiency of hybrid grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x E. lanceolatus fasted at different intervals. There were two experiments conducted in this study. The first experiment evaluated alteration in nutrient contents of carcass and liver of hybrid groupers. The fishes were grouped into three feeding regimes: fed daily, fasted at a one-day interval, and fasted at a two-day interval. Each group had 50 fishes with an initial mean weight of 200 ± 11.3 g. The second experiment was to evaluate the growth and feed efficiency of the fishes. Hybrid groupers were subjected to two feeding regimes. The first group (n = 45) was fed daily, and the second group of fish (n = 45) fasted at a two-day interval. The first and second experiments were conducted for one and two months, respectively. The results show that hybrid groupers fed daily have the lowest protein and the highest fat in the carcass compared to those fasted on one- or two-day interval. During the first month, there was no difference between the growth rate of the fishes fed daily and fasted at a two-day interval (32.88 and 32.08%, respectively). However, in the second month, the fishes fed daily have a growth rate of 66.08%, which is 1.4 times higher than those fasted at a two-day interval (48.12%). Altogether, fasting in hybrid groupers could alter proximate contents, slow down growth, and improve feed efficiency.

Low-level laser therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome – systematic review

Carpal tunnel syndrome is defined as a peripheral mononeuropathy, caused by mechanisms of compression of the median nerve. Among the modalities of treatment, the laser is distinguished by its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and healing action. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of clinical trials on the effects of low-level laser therapy on carpal tunnel syndrome. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA methodology, and the scientific articles, published in the last decade, were searched in the SciELO and PubMED databases. Two articles were included, women prevailing and right-side involvement. In the two studies, placebo groups were used, ten sessions were performed, five consecutive and with a two-day interval, and used Gallium and Aluminum Arsenide laser, the evaluations were the tinel test, palmar pain, nocturnal pain, paresthesias, daily and/ or working activities, and electromyography. There is a lack of clinical trials evaluating the effect of laser on carpal tunnel syndrome, and of those evaluated, although there are beneficial effects, there are methodological problems that compromise the results, making it necessary to carry out new studies to consolidate the effects of the use of this therapy in clinical practice.

Influence of Different ‘Prata-Anã’ Banana Bunch Ages on Post-Harvest Quality

Objective: To determine the ideal harvest season of ‘Prata-Anã’ banana bunches by means of physical and chemical analyses of fruit cultivation conditions in the northern state of Minas Gerais.&#x0D; Study Design: The employed experimental design was the completely randomized design was used in a 5x5 factorial scheme, with five bunch ages and five assessment days.&#x0D; Study Location and Duration: The experiment was run in an area with banana trees planted 20 months beforehand, located at Unimontes’s Experimental Farm, at 530 m of altitude, with coordinates being -15°43’46.99” south latitude and -43°19’17.61”west longitude, between April and November 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: The bananas bunches the were marked weekly from April 14 to May 12, and week days were standardized for each marking. Five bunch ages were defined – 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 weeks after inflorescence emission – for harvest. For differentiation of emerged bunches, tapes of different color were used. When the bunches marked in the first week completed 20 weeks, all bunches were harvested, which happened on September 1. After harvested the fruits were subjected to storage in refrigerated chamber at 10°C ± 1°C and relative humidity of 90% +5% for 25 days. After being stored for 25 days, the bananas were taken out of the chamber and exposed to a room temperature of 25°C, which analyzes were performed for 9 days, with a two-day interval in between, simulating the marketing period. The following analyses were carried out: Firmness, peel color, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, amide, total sugars, reducing sugars and electrolyte extravasation.&#x0D; Results: Lower hue, chroma, soluble solids, titratable acidity, total sugar, reducing sugar and electrolyte extravasation values were found for bananas harvested at 16 weeks.&#x0D; Conclusion: Bunch harvest age had a direct influence on post-harvest quality of bananas ‘Prata-Anã’. Fruits from 16-week bunches were superior in physical and chemical characteristics compared to other ages, meaning a longer post-harvest life.

Application of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer in irrigated common bean crops

The use of adequate management practices and high nitrogen fertilizer rates have contributed to increase the common bean grain yield, however, the application of nitrogen fertilizer at sowing still requires evaluations for irrigated crops in the Brazilian Cerrado biome region. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of application of different rates of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer—dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)—at sowing and as top-dressing on agronomic performance and leaf area index of irrigated common bean crops grown in the Brazilian Cerrado biome region. A randomized block design in a 4×3 factorial arrangement with four replications was used. The treatments consisted of four nitrogen rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha-1) and three application forms (100% at sowing, 100% as top-dressing, and 50% at sowing + 50% as top-dressing). Irrigation was managed with class A tanks and two-day intervals. The nitrogen applied at the different stages of the crop did not affect the production components of the common bean plants. The highest grain yields were found with the nitrogen rates of 180 kg ha-1 in 2015 (1,756.37 kg ha-1), and 123.98 kg ha-1 in 2016 (1,799.63 kg ha-1).

Response of 1-Methycyclopropene on Postharvest Quality of Local Soursop (Annona muricata L.)

Soursop (Annona muricata L.), a climacteric fruit which is rich in bioactive compounds for use its in medicine. It produces an aromatic, sweet-sour and pleasant taste. However, there is a limitation in the fruit being able to reach distant markets. Its quick ripening and accentuated softening properties make it difficult to handle without damage and shorten its postharvest life. In order to reduce lost value during storage life, this study aims to investigate the effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on the fruit’s postharvest life including its physiological and physiochemical characteristics. Selected soursop fruits were harvested at 16 weeks after pollination and treated with various concentrations of 1-MCP (0, 400, 800 and 1200 nL/L) at 15°C + 3°C for 24 h and subsequently being stored at ambient temperature (25°C + 3°C). Observations on various physical, physiological, biochemical and antioxidants parameters were recorded at a two-day intervals 6 days of storage. The results showed that respiration rate and ethylene production in 1-MCP treated fruit were lower than those in the control batches. Further, the pulp of 1-MCP treated fruits remained firm and colour was retained throughout the observation period. Soursop treated at different 1-MCP concentration (0, 400, 800 and 1200 nL/L) showed that fruit treated with 400 nL/L had better ripe fruit quality. In addition, 1-MCP treated fruits were able to normally soften at day six after storage. However, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content of fruits from all treatments were found inconsistent during storage.

Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Jewawut [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] pada Perlakuan Dosis Radiasi dengan Pengurangan Frekuensi Penyiraman untuk Seleksi Toleran Kekeringan

ABSTRACT Foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] is one of potential cereal plants that can be developed as a source of carbohydrates in marginal and dry lands. The purpose of this study was to examine the tolerance to drought of foxtail millet accession of Buru Merah as a result of gamma radiation treatment. In this study, the seeds of the Buru Merah accession were treated with gamma ray at doses of 0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 Gy. The established growing plants were then treated with different intervals of watering, which were every day (as control), 2 days, 4 days, and 6 days which were arranged in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The observed variables were increase plant height, increase of leaf number, leaf chlorophyll content, plant water potential and yields. The results revealed that the radiation treatment did not show any significant difference in the production of plant biomass. With radiation treatments of 0, 25, 50 and 100 Gy. and a two-day watering interval the plants can still maintain its water potential above -3 MPa and showing optimum growth. However radiation treatment resulted a significant difference in panicle production, especially between the radiation dose of 200 Gy. and others. The combination of 0-100 Gy. radiation treatment and 2-day watering interval produced plants with optimum panicle production. Keywords: drought, growth, millet, production, radiation, tolerant

The Protective Effect of Auraptene Against Oxidative Stress and Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Chemical Kindling in Mice.

It is believed that some pitfalls in the treatment of epilepsy such as serious side effects of medications and drug resistance may be resolved by natural compounds. Auraptene belongs to coumarins and is found in citrus peel. We hypothesized that auraptene might have anticonvulsant properties. Kindling was induced by repeated intraperitoneal (IP) injections of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 35 mg/kg) with two-day intervals for 24 days in male albino mice. Three groups received IP injections of auraptene (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg). Three control groups received vehicle, diazepam (3 mg/kg, IP), and vitamin E (150 mg/kg, IP). Seizure-related behaviors were recorded for 30 min after PTZ injection. Moreover, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured in the brain. The results indicated that auraptene at the dose of 12.5 mg/kg and vitamin E significantly prolonged the latency to stage 2 of seizures (P < 0.01). Auraptene at the doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, prolonged the latency to stage 4 (P < 0.01) and reduced stage 5 duration of seizures (P < 0.01). All doses of auraptene reduced median of seizure scores (P < 0.01). The kindled control group had MDA levels similar to intact animals but had a lower concentration of GSH (P < 0.001). None of the tested compounds changed the malondialdehyde concentration significantly. However, auraptene at the dose of 50 mg/kg and vitamin E increased GSH levels (P < 0.05). The results suggest that auraptene had anticonvulsant effects in PTZ-induced chemical kindling that was mediated by mechanisms other than the antioxidant effect of auraptene.

The effect of temperature increase on the development of Rhodnius prolixus and the course of Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclogenesis.

The increase in the global land temperature, expected under predictions of climate change, can directly affect the transmission of some infectious diseases, including Chagas disease, an anthropozoonosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by arthropod vectors of the subfamily Triatominae. This work seeks to study the effects of temperature on the development of the life cycle, fertility and fecundity of the insect vector Rhodnius prolixus and on the metacyclogenesis of T. cruzi. All of the variables were subjected to 3 temperatures: 26°C, 28°C and 30°C. Hatching time was evaluated, along with time to fifth instar, time to adult, fecundity studied using the e-value, and egg viability during the first 3 reproductive cycles. In addition, the amounts of metacyclic trypomastigotes of the TcI and TcII DTUs in R. prolixus were evaluated from days 2 to 20 at two-day intervals and from weeks 6 to 8 post-infection. Decreases were observed in time to hatching (15–10 days on average) and in time to fifth instar (70–60 days on average) and transition to adult (100–85 days on average). No significant differences in egg viability were observed in any of the reproductive cycles evaluated, but an increase in fecundity was observed at 30°C during the third reproductive cycle. At 30°C, there was also an increase in the number of infective forms and a decrease in the time at which metacyclic trypomastigotes were detected in the rectal ampulla of the insects for both TcI and TcII. According to these results, the expected temperature increase under climate change would cause an increase in the number of insects and a greater probability of infection of the parasite, which affects the transmission of Chagas disease.

Dispersion of small magnetic elements inside active regions on the Sun

A process of diffusion of small-scale magnetic elements inside four active regions (ARs) was analyzed. Line-of-sight magnetograms acquired by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) onboard the Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO) during a two-day time interval around the AR culmination time were utilized. Small magnetic elements of size of 3-100 squared HMI pixels with the field strength above the detection threshold of 30 Mx cm$^{-2}$ were detected and tracked. The turbulent diffusion coefficient was retrieved using the pair-separation technique. Comparison with the previously reported quiet-sun (QS) diffusivity was performed. It was found that: i) dispersion of small-scale magnetic elements inside the AR area occurs in the regime close to normal diffusion, whereas well-pronounced super-diffusion is observed in QS; ii) the diffusivity regime operating in an AR (the magnitude of the spectral index and the range of the diffusion coefficient) does not seem to depend on the individual properties of an AR, such as total unsigned magnetic flux, state of evolution, and flaring activity. We conclude that small-scale magnetic elements inside an AR do not represent an undisturbed photosphere, but they rather are intrinsic part of the whole coherent magnetic structure forming an active region. Moreover, turbulence of small-scale elements in an AR is not closely related to processes above the photosphere, but it rather carries the footprint of the sub-photospheric dynamics.

Influence of Time Intervals between Bleaching Procedures on Enamel Microhardness and Surface Roughness.

Background:Dental bleaching has been increasingly sought out to improve dental aesthetics, but it may cause changes in dental enamel.Objective: To assess the influence of different time intervals on bleaching gel applications with regard to the Microhardness (MH) and Surface Roughness (SR) on dental enamel.Material and Methods:Forty bovine incisors were randomly divided into two groups (G1 and G2) and both were bleached with 35% Hydrogen Peroxide (HP35) (n=20; G1: seven-day interval and G2: two-day interval). The MH and SR tests were performed before bleaching (T0) and after the first (T1), second (T2), and third (T3) bleaching gel applications. The specimens were stored in artificial saliva between each application (37°C). The data were analyzed using the student’s t-test (p ≤ 0.05) for dependent samples.Results:The reduced time interval (two days) led to a significant reduction in MH, while MH was not affected during the seven-day interval. The SR results increased regardless of the bleaching gel application time interval.Conclusion:The decreased time interval of two days between bleaching gel applications caused changes in MH but did not influence the SR of dental enamel.

Rat’s behaviour in eight-arms maze after modeling of focal transient cerebral ischemia with subsequent activation of striatal microglia

It is well known that cognitive disorders at cerebral ischemia-reperfusion are followed by neuronal death. The inflammation of nervous tissue occurs, but the role of microgliocytes in neuroprotection is poorly understood. The aim of our work was to study microgliocytes in rats with cognitive disorders in delayed postischemic period after focal transient cerebral ischemia. In an experiment we used male rats (n=15), weighing 200-250. The model of focal brain ischemia was performed in anaesthetized rats (intraperitonealy, chloralhydrate 450 mg/kg). Microsurgical introduction monofilament to the left middle cerebral artery was made by J. Koizumi technique. Time of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion was 30 minutes with the subsequent reperfusion period. Testing in eight-arm maze was performed within seven days twice with a two-day interval during which each animal carried out a 5-minute session 3 times with a 3-minute interval. For identification of microgliocytes used polyclonal goat antibodies to Iba1 antigen. At behavior assessment in an eight-arm maze there were errors of working memory revealed and prolongation of time of task performance. Cognitive disorders at cerebral ischemia, perhaps, serve as the neuroinflammation indicator. Microglia is likely involved in mechanisms of neuroprotection and compensation for cognitive disorders.

1H-NMR metabolomic profiling reveals a distinct metabolic recovery response in shoots and roots of temporarily drought-stressed sugar beets.

Yield formation in regions with intermittent drought periods depends on the plant’s ability to recover after cessation of the stress. The present work assessed differences in metabolic recovery of leaves and roots of drought-stressed sugar beets with high temporal resolution. Plants were subjected to drought for 13 days, and rewatered for 12 days. At one to two-day intervals, plant material was harvested for untargeted 1H-NMR metabolomic profiling, targeted analyses of hexose-phosphates, starch, amino acids, nitrate and proteins, and physiological measurements including relative water content, osmotic potential, electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde concentrations. Drought triggered changes in primary metabolism, especially increases in amino acids in both organs, but leaves and roots responded with different dynamics to rewatering. After a transient normalization of most metabolites within 8 days, a second accumulation of amino acids in leaves might indicate a stress imprint beneficial in upcoming drought events. Repair mechanisms seemed important during initial recovery and occurred at the expense of growth for at least 12 days. These results indicate that organ specific metabolic recovery responses might be related to distinct functions and concomitant disparate stress levels in above- and belowground organs. With respect to metabolism, recovery was not simply a reversal of the stress responses.

Resolution of Chest X-Ray Opacities in Patients with Ventilator-associated Pneumonia.

Chest Radiograph accompanied by clinical and laboratory findings are required for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with suspected ventilatorassociated pneumonia (VAP). However, there are no reliable data whether follow-up chest-X-ray (CXR) is needed or not, moreover, when the physicians request CXR and how many times CXR is required. We aimed to determine association of the clinical improvement with resolution of pulmonary infiltrates as well as time of resolution. The patients with a diagnosis of VAP based on Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) were enrolled in this study. Clinical evaluation and follow-up were continued and CXR was performed sequentially in two-day intervals until clinical improvement or occurrence of other events including death. Fischer test was used to analyze the association of clinical improvement with radiographic resolution. Out of the seventy -five patients, pneumonia was clinically improved in 48 cases. Mean duration of the clinical improvement was 5.3±4.5 days. Among these patients, pulmonary infiltrations in 44 patients were resolved completely (13.8±5.8 days). Twentyseven patients had no clinical improvement and all of them revealed no infiltration resolution according to the sequential imaging studies. Resolution of radiographic involvement significantly was associated with clinical improvement (p=0.000). Radiographic resolution occurs in most of patients who survived VAP and there is strong relationship between radiographic resolution and clinical improvement. Moreover, our data revealed that CXR clearance occurred earlier than anticipated previously. Thus, sequential follow-up CXR in VAP had no further clinical value.

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, prevents chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment: Involvement of cytokine modulation and neuroprotection

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, also known as “chemobrain,” is a common side effect. The purpose of this study was to examine whether resveratrol, a natural polyphenol that has nootropic effects, could prevent chemobrain and its underlying mechanisms. Mice received three injections of docetaxel, adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide (DAC) in combination, a common chemotherapy regimen, at two-day intervals within one week. Resveratrol (50 and 100 mg/kg per day) was orally administered for three weeks, beginning one week before the DAC treatment. Water maze test and manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were used to evaluate animals' cognitive performance and brain neuronal activity, respectively. Blood and brain tissues were collected for measurement of cytokines, cytokine regulators, and biomarkers for neuroplasticity. DAC treatment produced a striking cognitive impairment. Cotreatment with 100 mg/kg resveratrol ameliorated DAC-induced cognitive impairment and decreases in prefrontal and hippocampal neuronal activity. Mice co-treated with both doses of resveratrol displayed significantly lower levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), but markedly higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 in several sera and brain tissues than those co-treated with vehicle. Resveratrol modulated the cytokine-regulating pathway peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-γ/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and protected against DAC-induced decreases in the expression of the neuroplasticity biomarkers, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), amino acid neurotransmitter receptors, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). These results demonstrate the efficacy of resveratrol in preventing chemobrain and its association with cytokine modulation and neuroprotection.

Preventive Potential of Resveratrol in Carcinogen-Induced Rat Thyroid Tumorigenesis.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy without reliable preventive agent. Resveratrol possesses in vitro anti-TC activities; while its effect(s) on thyroid tumorigenesis remains unknown. This study aims to address this issue using DEN/MNU/DHPN-induced rat carcinogenesis model. 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into four groups as Group-1 (5 rats); normally fed; Group-2 (15 rats); DEN/MNU/DHPN treatment only; Group-3 (15 rats) and -4 (15 rats); DEN/MNU/DHPN treatment; followed by resveratrol intragastric (IG) injection and intraperitoneal (IP) injection; respectively; in two-day intervals for 30 weeks. The results revealed that the average resveratrol concentration in thyroid tissues was 1.278 ± 0.419 nmol/g in IG group and 1.752 ± 0.398 nmol/g in IP group. The final body weights of Group-3 and Group-4 were lighter than that (p > 0.05) of Group-1; but heavier than Group-2 (p < 0.05). TC-related lesions (hyperplasia and adenomas) were found in 53.3% of Group-2; 33.3% Group-3 and 26.7% Group-4. Lower serum carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) and thyroglobulin (Tg) levels; down-regulated expression of IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); reduction of NF-κB/p65 nuclear translocation; and elevated IkBα expression were found in the thyroid tissues of Group-3 and Group-4 in comparison with that of Group-2. These results demonstrate that IG and IP administered resveratrol efficiently reduces the frequency and severity of DEN/MNU/DHPN-caused TC-related lesions and would be of values in thyroid tumor prevention.