Untreated Control Group Research Articles

The efficacy of the bacteriocinogenic Enterococcus faecalis 14 in the control of induced necrotic enteritis in broilers.

To demonstrate the efficacy of the bacteriocinogenic Enterococcus faecalis 14 (E. faecalis 14) in the control of induced necrotic enteritis (NE) in broilers. Six groups of 504 broilers consisting of an infected untreated control (IUC) group, an infected and amoxicillin treated control (ITC) group, and groups receiving prophylactically (2 groups) or therapeutically (2 groups) E. faecalis 14 or its Δbac mutant were used. All groups were challenged with Clostridium perfringens 56 to induce NE. To predispose the boilers to develop subclinical NE, a high protein grower diet containing 15% fishmeal and a coccidial inoculum were administered. NE lesions were observed on D26 in all groups except ITC and those receiving prophylactically and therapeutically E. faecalis 14. On D27, only ITC and the group prophylactically treated with E. faecalis 14 (T03 T03) were without lesions. Average body weight and daily weight gain remained lower in the treated groups compared to the ITC group, but there was a clear improvement in the period between D21 to D27, especially in the group prophylactically treated with E. faecalis 14. Specifically, the daily weight gain (DWG) in this period for group T03, was second highest after the group ITC. Metataxonomic analyses showed a positive effect of E. faecalis 14 in maintaining the diversity and richness of the intestinal microbiota, in contrast to ITC group and other conditions. The results of this in vivo study demonstrated the efficacy of the prophylactic administration of the bacteriocinogenic E. faecalis 14 in preventing of the NE lesions caused by C. perfringens.

Effect of methanol extract of cocos nucifera husk (MECH) in Alloxan-induced toxicity in Wistar male rats

The present study investigated the effect of Methanol extract of Cocos nucifera Husk (MECH) in alloxan-induced toxicity in male wistar rats. Thirty-six (36) male rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n=6). Group 1 was administered distilled water). Groups 2, 3, 4, 5and 6 were made diabetic by a single intraperitoneal dose of 150mg/kg body weight (bwt) of alloxon monohydrate. Group 2 served as diabetic non-treated, Group 3 (positive control) was treated orally with gibenclamide at 2mg/kg bwt. Groups 4, 5, and 6 were treated with MECH extract orally at doses of 62.5mg/kg, 125.0mg/kg, and 250mg/kg body weight for 28 days respectively. The fasting blood sugar (FBS) was taken on days 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28. At the end of 28 days, the serum biochemical parameters were measured (assigned). MECH demonstrated a significant (P<0.05) dose-dependent reduction in the fasting blood sugar (FBS) of the diabetic rats as compared to the untreated control group. A decrease of 68.5%, 78.25%, and 47% respectively on day 28. In other words, the highest reduction was seen at 125mg/kg FBS. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in levels of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and urea in the alloxan-intoxicated rat when compared with normal control. MECH reduced the level of ALT, ALP, and urea compared with the diabetic control. These findings showed that MECH has significant antidiabetic activity where comparable with glibenclamide. It also may protect against DM-induced hepatorenal injuries in rats.

P-1106. Sulopenem is Efficacious in a Rabbit Model of Inhalational Anthrax

Abstract Background Sulopenem (SUL) is a penem β-lactam antibiotic in development for the treatment of resistant bacterial infections. It is available as intravenous and oral prodrug formulations, and its activity aligns with the most urgent drug-resistant antimicrobial threats defined by the CDC. SUL possesses potent activity against Enterobacterales species that encode ESBLs or AmpC-type β-lactamases that confer resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins. SUL has also demonstrated potent in vitro activity against numerous biothreat pathogens, including Bacillus anthracis at concentrations likely to be achieved after oral dosing in humans. B. anthracis is a CDC Tier 1 Select Agent, and remains of considerable concern for biodefense. The potential for mass casualties resulting from a biothreat incident combined with the risk of antibiotic resistance necessitates development of novel medical countermeasures (MCM) for B. anthracis. Orally administered SUL was previously shown to be protective in the murine model of inhalational anthrax and provided proof-of-concept to advance the drug into the well-established rabbit model. Methods Female New Zealand White rabbits were challenged with a lethal dose of B. anthracis Ames spores via the inhalational route. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was initiated at 24 ±1 h postchallenge with cohorts (N=6) of animals receiving vehicle (saline, SC), ciprofloxacin (CIP) 10 mg/kg, SC or SUL 10 mg/kg, SC. This dosing regimen was informed by pharmacokinetic models to establish a human-equivalent dose. Treatment was continued BID for 14 days. Clinical progression and survival were assessed up to 30 days postchallenge. Results The untreated saline control group demonstrated 100% lethality with a median time to death of 48 h. Both the SUL and CIP groups demonstrated 100% survival through study termination on day 30. Conclusion As a MCM for inhalational anthrax, SUL would provide considerable advantages as an addition to the slate of current standards of care. Combined with positive efficacy results in two preclinical models of inhalational anthrax and advantages offered by an orally available penem antibiotic, SUL remains a promising candidate for advanced development for treating B. anthracis. Disclosures Sailaja Puttagunta, MD, Iterum Therapeutics: Employee|Iterum Therapeutics: Employee|Iterum Therapeutics: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company)|Iterum Therapeutics: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company) Steven I. Aronin, MD, Iterum Therapeutics: Employee|Iterum Therapeutics: Employee|Iterum Therapeutics: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company)|Iterum Therapeutics: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company)

Evaluating the efficacy of nano-cyclosporine A in mice model of ulcerative colitis: a meta-analysis.

Cyclosporine A is an immunosuppressive drug used in clinics to treat steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). However, due to its side effects, researchers are evaluating novel drug delivery-based treatment options. Nanoparticles-based cyclosporine (Nano-CSA) offers a promising option for the treatment of UC, and various in vivo studies on animals have been conducted. This meta-analysis was performed to clarify the effects of using Nano-CSA based formulations in themouse UC model. A systemic literature search was conducted on five different electronic databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, Embase,PMC, and Cochrane) to search studies conducted between the timeline of 2016 and 2024. The search terms include "nanoparticles," "ulcerative colitis," and "cyclosporine A." The primary outcomes include histological scores and colon length. The Nano-CSA effects on UC were assessed by analyzing the difference between the treatment and untreated control groups, through the use of standardized mean difference (SMD). A fixed effect model was used where heterogeneity was less than 50%, for higher heterogeneity random effect model was used. The total number of included studies for this systematic review was six, from which meta-analysis was performed on four studies. In all the studies, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to induce UC, except for one study that used TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid) for UC induction. Four studies measured histological score and colon length, and two studies measured other secondary outcomes (IL-6, TNF-α, and MPO (myeloperoxidase activity)). Meta-analysis results have demonstrated that there is an increase in colon length with SMD of 6.879 and a decrease in histological score with SMD of 10.956 in the Nano-CSA treated group. There was also a decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 in the Nano-CSA treated group and no significant difference in MPO activity of the two groups. Colon length, MPO activity, and TNF-α expression demonstrated heterogeneity values of 84.638, 86.113, and 51.567 respectively. The results of this meta-analysis have demonstrated the potential therapeutic efficiency of Nano-CSA for the treatment of UC in mice models. Further research is required in order to explore nano-based novel therapeutics options for UC treatment in other models as well as with human applications.

Elevated levels of Cardiac and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers were Ameliorated by Treatment with Cucumis sativus Aqueous Extract in Cadmium-Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Background:Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and cadmium as one of the environmental toxicants contributes adversely to cardiac damage. Hence, this study investigated the cardioprotective potential of Cucumis sativus on cadmium-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Method: Porcine Sixteen rats weighing between 100 and 180g were grouped with four (A to D) four rats each. Group A was control, Group B-D received 1.5mg/kg bw of cadmium, cadmium + 1mg/kg bw of C. sativus, cadmium +2mg/kg bw of C. sativus respectively. Administration was done orally using gavage for 14 days. IBM SPSS statistical software version 28, was used to analyze the data (P-value=<0.05). Results: Lactate dehydrogenase significantly (p<0.01) increased in cadmium untreated compared to control and decreased in C.sativus treated groups compared to cadmium untreated. Troponin T in cadmium untreated and C.sativus (1mg/kg) significantly (p<0.001) increased than control. Calcium and Potassium ions in cadmium untreated and C.sativus (1mg/kg) significantly (p<0.001) increased compared to control and decreased in C.sativus treated groups compared to control and cadmium untreated group. Cardiac-reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase in all treated groups significantly (p<0.001) decreased compared to control. Although, there was a significant increase in C.sativus treated groups compared to cadmium untreated. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in cadmium untreated and C. sativus (1mg/kg) significantly (p<0.001) decreased compared to control. However, the C. sativus (2mg/kg) group significantly (p<0.001) increased compared to cadmium untreated and C. sativus (1mg/kg) treated group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in all treated groups significantly increased compared to the control. Conclusion: It Treatment with C. sativus ameliorated the cardiac toxicity induced by cadmium. Hence, if these results apply to humans, using C. sativus for managing cardiac diseases and oxidative stress should be encouraged as it may possess cardioprotective properties.

Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Profiles in Communities Selected with Novel and Previously Encountered Antibiotics

Antibiotics are extensively employed worldwide for therapeutic purposes, often leading to overuse, which constitutes a contributing factor to the emergence of antibiotic resistance (ABR). This phenomenon arises from diminished effectiveness of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections due to resistance development. However, limitations in experimental conditions and equipment making it challenging to pinpoint the precise sources of antibiotic resistance, consequently constraining the breadth of research on ABR. Genomic analysis of antibiotic-resistant bacteria assists in unveiling the origins and pathways of resistance dissemination. This study employs Nanopore-based metagenomic sequencing, enabling direct sequencing of microbial DNA within macrogenomic samples, thereby yielding comprehensive sequence data. Coupled with qPCR and 16S rRNA gene datasets, this approach facilitates the exploration of antibiotic resistance gene distribution and prevalence within microbial communities across different environments Focusing on microbial communities within Scottish farmlands, isolated colonies were exposed to antibiotics (sulfamonomethoxine and erythromycin) for several weeks. By comparing them to untreated control group microorganisms, the identification of antibiotic resistance genes (ABRGs), along with their variations in prevalence and abundance, aims to analyse the impact of these two antibiotics on these species.

Improvement in Temple Hollowing with VYC-20L Hyaluronic Acid Filler: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial of Safety and Effectiveness.

Temple hollowing is characterized by the reduction of volume in the temporal fossa, which can result in a skeletonized look and contribute to an aged appearance. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the VYC-20L injectable gel for improvement of temple hollowing. Adults with minimal, moderate, or severe temple hollows were randomized 2:1 to receive VYC-20L or no treatment. Participants were followed for 13 months for safety and effectiveness assessments. Treatment effectiveness was assessed by blinded evaluating investigators using the validated Allergan Temple Hollowing Scale (ATHS) and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and by participants using GAIS, FACE-Q scales, and patient satisfaction questionnaires. Adverse events and injection site responses (ISRs) were monitored. At Month 3, 80.4% of the treatment group vs 13.5% of the untreated control group achieved a ≥1-grade improvement in both temples on the ATHS (P < 0.0001). The ATHS responder rate remained high throughout Month 13. The GAIS responder rates at Month 3 (responses of Improved or Much improved) were high in the treatment group, as assessed by the blinded evaluating investigator (83.8%) and participants (92.9%). Furthermore, satisfaction with Facial Appearance and Temples on the FACE-Q questionnaires increased significantly from baseline (both P < 0.0001). Adverse events and ISRs were mostly mild and consistent with the known safety profile of fillers. VYC-20L treatment showed favorable safety and effectiveness results in restoring temple volume, with significant aesthetic improvement and high participant satisfaction. Treatment effects lasted for over a year.

Protective Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation Against Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Model.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality on a global scale, with a higher prevalence observed among men. This study investigated the protective effect of vitamin D supplementation on CVD. A cohort of thirty mice was divided into three groups: control, T1 diabetic, and T1 diabetic groups that received vitamin D treatment. For each mouse in the three groups, measurements were taken of body weight, blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, troponin I, adropin, nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1, and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition, measurements were taken for the overall lymphocyte count, as well as the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+, CD25+, and CD8+ CD25+ cell counts in all mice. The diabetic mice that received vitamin D treatment exhibited significant reductions in blood glucose levels, HbA1c levels, lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, troponin I, endothelin-1, and VEGF levels as compared to the untreated diabetic group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, there was an observed rise in adropin and NO levels in diabetic mice that received vitamin D treatment compared to the untreated diabetic group (p < 0.05). The diabetic mice treated with vitamin D exhibited a substantial decrease in total lymphocyte counts compared to the untreated diabetic and control animals (p < 0.0001). Regarding the CD3+ subset, it was shown that diabetic mice subjected to vitamin D treatment had notably elevated levels of these cells compared to both the untreated diabetic and control groups (p < 0.0001). In addition, the administration of vitamin D resulted in a substantial decrease in the numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the group of individuals with diabetes (p < 0.0001). The diabetes group that received vitamin D treatment had significantly reduced populations of CD4+ CD25+ and CD8+ CD25+ compared to the untreated diabetic group (p < 0.0001). Vitamin D maintains the integrity of the cardiovascular system through the reduction of blood glucose levels and lipid profile. Moreover, its supplementation prevents atherosclerotic CVD by suppressing inflammatory reactions.

Peri-Traumatic Near-Infrared Light Treatment Attenuates the Severity of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss by Rescuing (Type I) Spiral Ganglion Neurons in Mice.

Previous studies have shown that multiple post-traumatic irradiations of the cochlea with near-infrared light (NIR) can significantly reduce noise-induced hearing loss. However, a single NIR pre-treatment was shown to have the same effect. Extending the pre-treatment time did not result in any further reduction in hearing loss. The present study investigated whether a combined NIR pre- and post-treatment had an increased effect on hearing preservation. Frequency-specific auditory brainstem potential thresholds (ABR) were determined in young adult mice. One group (n = 8) underwent NIR irradiation (808 nm, 120 mW, 15 min) of the cochlea, followed by a 30 min noise exposure (5-20 kHz, 115 dB SPL). A post-NIR treatment was administered for 30 min immediately following the noise trauma. After 14 days, hearing loss was determined by ABR measurements. The results were compared with a trauma-only group (n = 8) and an untreated control group (n = 5). Subsequently, the spiral ganglion neuron density was investigated. A peri-traumatic NIR treatment resulted in a significantly lower hearing loss compared to the trauma-only group. Hearing protection in these animals significantly exceeded the effect of an exclusive pre- or post-treatment across all frequencies. A loss of spiral ganglion neurons in the trauma-only group was observed, which was significantly rescued by the peri-traumatic NIR treatment. A single peri-traumatic NIR treatment seems to be the more effective approach for the preservation of hearing thresholds after noise trauma compared to an isolated pre- or post-treatment. One target of the protective effect seems to be the spiral ganglion.

Effects of clear aligners treatment in growing patients: a systematic review.

In recent years, the use of Clear aligners (CA) has been diffused among children and adolescents. This systematic review aimed to summarize the literature regarding the effects of CA therapy in growing patients, including dentoalveolar and skeletal effects, periodontal changes, and quality of life measurements. An electronic search on four databases was performed until September 2023, and studies including patients <18 years, treated with CA were selected. Studies with less than 10 patients and in vitro/laboratory studies were excluded. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were independently performed by two reviewers. The "Risk of Bias 2" (RoB 2) and the "Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions" (ROBINS-I) tools were applied to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Due to the heterogeneity in methodologies and outcomes encountered in the included studies, a qualitative synthesis of the results was provided. The search resulted in 32 papers (3 RCTs), with sample sizes ranging between 15 and 113. The overall risk of bias in the RCT was low, while the risk of bias in the non-RCT ranged between moderate and serious for most of the included studies. Dentoskeletal and periodontal effects were the most frequently reported outcomes. The most common comparison group was multibracket fixed therapy, while only 5 studies had an untreated control group. Significant changes in the transversal maxillary arch width after treatment with CA were reported in some studies. However, while dentoalveolar effects have been reported consistently, controversial findings were found regarding the changes in skeletal bases after treatment with CA. Concerning the results on the sagittal plane, the current literature does not support the effectiveness of CA with mandibular advancement features in correcting dentoskeletal Class II, compared to traditional functional orthopedic appliances. In the short-term evaluation, periodontal variables and bacterial levels seemed to be better controlled during CA therapy, compared to the fixed multibracket therapy. With regard to quality of life measurements, there are inconsistent findings to support differences between CA therapy and fixed multibracket appliances. Nevertheless, additional high-quality studies are required to formulate more reliable conclusions. https://osf.io/wmerq.

Effects of L-carnitine and pentoxifylline on long-term preservation of the human sperms: An experimental study.

In infertility clinics, long-time preserving high-quality spermatozoa is a challenging problem. The present study aimed to prolong preserving of the human spermatozoa by adding pentoxifylline (PT) and L-carnitine (LC) without using high-cost freezing techniques. In this experimental study, semen samples of 26 normozoospermia men aged between 28-34 yr, were firstly prepared using the swim-up technique, and each sample was divided into the following 3 aliquots: untreated control group, the LC, and PT-treated groups. The samples were stored for up to 12 days at 4-6 C, and sperm motility was assessed. The percentages of the sperms with double-stranded DNA, apoptotic, and acrosomal interacted sperms were evaluated by sperm chromatin structure assay, AnnexinV-PI staining, and peanut agglutinin, respectively. On day 7, 26.83% 4.26 of sperms were motile in the PT group which was significantly more than LC (6.67% 0.61) and control (0.83 0.17) groups (p 0.001). At day 12, while all sperms lost their motility in LC and control groups, adding PT led to 3.17% 0.47 sperms remaining motile (p 0.001). Moreover, on day 12, the percent of apoptotic sperms in the PT-treated group (8% 0.20) was significantly lower than in LC-treated group (5.9% 0.28, p = 0.03). None of the additives positively affected the number of sperms with double-stranded DNA (p 0.05). LC could also maintain acrosomal integrity over a storage time of up to 12 days. Despite PT's improved sperm motility, LC was more efficient in preventing apoptosis and acrosomal reactions. However, DNA was resistant to denaturation regardless of the treatments.

Lyophilized ash gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.) juice alleviates diet-induced prediabetes in a rat model.

Prediabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, indicating an increased risk of developing diabetes. This study evaluated the effects of ash gourd (AG), a tropical fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family, on prediabetes, as well as its phytochemical composition. A prediabetic rat model was developed in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by administering a high fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. This model exhibited reduced pancreatic function, heightened insulin resistance, and decreased insulin sensitivity compared to a standard diet group, leading to hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, hallmarks of prediabetic conditions. Histological analysis of hepatic tissue revealed macro- and microvesicular fat accumulation and inflammatory changes, supporting these findings. This study highlights the utility of HFD-induced SD rats as a model for prediabetic conditions. Following this, lyophilized ash gourd juice (LAGJ) powder was administered to the prediabetic rat model to assess its potential for reversing prediabetic conditions. LAGJ administration resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. Additionally, LAGJ significantly mitigated fatty liver changes compared to the prediabetic untreated control (PUC) group. Histological examination of liver tissue in the LAGJ treated group showed a typical architecture similar to that of the normal control group. These findings indicate that LAGJ could be a promising intervention for individuals with prediabetes who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. Phytochemical analysis of AG pulp revealed the presence of stigmasterol, stigmasteryl β-glucoside, and 6'-O-palmitoyl stigmasteryl β-glucoside.

Preparation, characterization, biological activity of 'Chuju' polysaccharides/chitosan and its application on the preservation of red grapes fruit.

In order to improve the preservation of red grape fruits, 'Chuju' polysaccharides (CCP) were cross-linked with chitosan (CS) to create CCP/CS composites with varying ratios. These composites were comprehensively characterized using FT-IR, 13C NMR, and SEM, which confirmed a smooth film surface and a uniform distribution of CCP. The composite films demonstrated efficacy in maintaining the quality of red grapes by mitigating shriveling and significantly reducing firmness loss by 22.26 % and vitamin C degradation by 30.39 % in comparison to the untreated control group. Furthermore, the CCP-200 %/CS composite exhibited a markedly enhanced antibacterial effect against Botrytis cinerea, a fungus associated with red grapes, and displayed improved antioxidant activity. Correlation analysis suggests that the preservation mechanism of the CCP/CS composites on red grapes is likely linked to their capacity to inhibit spoilage bacteria and their antioxidant properties. Collectively, these findings indicate that CCP/CS composites may serve as a promising eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for food packaging applications.

Impact of nurturing care educational videos focusing on children with nutritional problems aged 6-23 months on mothers' knowledge and child growth

Background: The first 1,000 days are crucial for a child's development. Indonesia has limited research on responsive caregiving and early learning opportunities, especially for children with nutritional challenges. While studies have addressed general child nutrition, few have explored comprehensive nurturing care interventions. This gap underscores the need for further research. Educational videos, particularly animated ones, effectively capture attention and improve understanding, making them valuable for enhancing maternal knowledge and child growth.Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of nurturing care educational videos on mothers' knowledge and child growth in children aged 6-23 months with nutritional challenges.Methods: A quasi-experimental design with non-equivalent and untreated control groups was employed. Seventy-three mothers and their children aged 6-23 months, facing nutritional challenges, were recruited through consecutive sampling. The intervention group received nurturing care educational videos. Statistical analyses included dependent t-tests, independent t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA.Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in nurturing care knowledge (p = 0.012), responsive caregiving (p = 0.018), and safety and security (p = 0.006). A significant difference in safety and security was observed between groups at posttest 1 (p = 0.020). Both groups exhibited significant increases in children's body weight and height: the intervention group (body weight, p = 0.005; body height, p &lt; 0.001) and the control group (body weight, p &lt; 0.001; body height, p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: Nurturing care educational videos had a significant positive impact on enhancing mothers' knowledge and promoting child growth. Notable improvements were observed in nurturing care knowledge, responsive caregiving practices, and safety and security measures among caregivers exposed to the intervention.

Therapeutic Potential of Ginger Ethanolic Extract, Ginger-Loaded Chitosan ‎Nanoparticles, and Chitosan Nanoparticles in Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Dogss in Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in dogs is a complex, multifactorial disease that is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Current therapeutic options are often limited by side effects and variable efficacy, highlighting the need for more effective and safer treatments. This study assessed the therapeutic potential of ginger ethanolic extract (GEE), GEE-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GEE-CNPs), and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) against T2DM in dogs. Twenty adult local breed mongrel dogs of both sexes, aged 7 to 13 months, with an average body weight of 10.4±0.76 kg, were included. The dogs were allocated into five groups (n=4 each): a non-diabetic, untreated Negative Control group, and four diabetic treatment groups, following T2DM induction via a single intravenous alloxan-nicotinamide injection. Each treatment group received daily oral administrations of either saline (Positive Control), GEE, GEE-CNPs, or CNPs at a dosage of 81.7 mg/kg BW over 45 days. Serum glycemic status (fasting serum glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance) was ‎recorded at baseline and on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 45 post-treatments. ‎Additionally, on day 45, serum lipid profiles, liver function indicators (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], and bilirubin), and ‎markers of antioxidant status (glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde [MDA]) were assessed.‎ The results showed that dogs in the diabetic Positive Control group ‎exhibited ‎hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia‎, liver ‎dysfunction, and elevated ‎oxidative stress markers, ‎‎underscoring the severe impact of T2DM. Compared to the diabetic Positive Control, oral GEE, GEE-CNPs, and CNPs ‎treatments significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved ‎fasting glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles (reduced total cholesterol, ‎triglycerides, and LDL-C), liver function markers, and antioxidant status, indicating ‎enhanced metabolic health and reduced oxidative stress. The findings suggest that GEE, GEE-CNPs, and CNPs offer potential as therapeutic agents for T2DM in dogs, demonstrating ‎significant benefits in glycemic control, lipid normalization, liver function, and oxidative ‎stress reduction. Further investigations with larger cohorts and longer durations are ‎recommended to confirm these results and ascertain the clinical applicability and safety of ‎these natural remedies in managing canine diabetes‎‎‎.

Antimicrobial Finish for Cotton/polyester from Natural Bio-extracts

This study develops and applies sustainable antimicrobial finishes derived from Azadirachta indica (Neem), Butea monosperma, and Litchi chinensis leaf extracts to 50/50 cotton/polyester blend fabrics. The antimicrobial efficacy of these finishes was evaluated, revealing a 100% reduction in microbial growth after 22 hours and six days. Before and after applying antimicrobial finish FTIR, SEM and fabric aesthetic properties were checked. The antimicrobial finish was applied by the pad dry cure method and finish was fixed by using of polyurethane binder. In case of aesthetic properties (stiffness, smoothness appearance) antimicrobial finish had positive effect on 50/50 cotton/polyester. The treated fabrics also exhibited significant increases in stiffness (p &lt; 0.001, h2 = 0.85). Additionally, the smoothness appearance of treated fabrics was assessed, revealing a slight decrease in smoothness appearance ratings as compared to untreated controls group, although this decrease was not statistically significant (p = 0.29). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed changes in functional groups, indicating successful finish application. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs displayed surface modifications and filament breakage. The results were analyzed through ANOVA. The fabric properties were checked by using AATCC standard test methods. These eco-friendly finishes offer promising alternatives to synthetic antimicrobials, enhancing textile sustainability and consumer safety. The findings of this study contribute to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly textile finishes.

Investigation of the effects of diisobutyl phthalate on rat testicular tissue: a histopathological and morphometric evaluation

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable, and they are often called plasticisers. Additionally, these chemicals are found in hundreds of products such as floor coverings, lubricating oils, and personal care products (soaps, shampoos, hair sprays). Consumer products containing phthalates can result in human exposure through direct contact and use, indirectly through leaching into the other products or general environmental contamination. In this study, the effects of Diisobutyl phthalate a commonly used phthalate, were investigated histopathologically and morphometrically to determine whether it is one of the causes of increased infertility in recent years. Two study groups of albino Wistar albino rats (total n: 40) were formed; the control group (untreated control group, solvent-corn oil the control group) and the experimental group. DiBP was administered by oral gavage to the experimental group in 3 different doses (0.25–0.5–1 mL/kg/day) mixed with corn oil every day for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, testicular tissue samples taken from all the experimental and control animals were evaluated histopathologically and morphometrically by light microscopy after routine preparation. Degeneration/atrophic tubules were quite prominent in the sections. Tubules containing degenerated germ cells and tubules devoid of germ cells were observed. It was determined that in most tubules, only tubules covered with Sertoli cells remained due to germ cell death. In addition, multinucleated giant cells were frequently encountered in such tubules. Dilatation and thickening in the basal lamina of the seminiferous tubule were accompanied by decreased PAS-positive reaction. The morphometric results supported the histopathological findings. Significant dose-related morphometrical changes (p&lt;0.0001), including seminiferous tubule diameter, tubular lumen diameter, spermatogenic cell line height and basal lamina thickness were observed between the control and administration groups. According to the control, sham and G1, the number of these multinucleated cells (MGC) increased in G2 and G3 but these increases were statistically insignificant (p &gt; 0.9999). In conclusion, it was observed that irreversible damage occurred in the testicular tissues of DiBP-exposed groups, and it was decided that this could be the cause of infertility. Therefore, we recommend the use of an alternative plasticiser with proven reliability.

Photodynamic Inactivation of Human Herpes Virus In Vitro with Ga(III) and Zn(II) Phthalocyanines.

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) has been revealed as a valuable approach against viral infections because of the fast therapeutic effect and low possibility of resistance development. The photodynamic inhibition of the infectivity of human herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strain Victoria at different stages of its reproduction was studied. PDI activity was determined on extracellular virions, on the stage of their adsorption to the Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line and inhibition of the viral replication stage by application of two tetra-methylpyridiloxy substituted gallium and zinc phthalocyanines (ZnPcMe and GaPcMe) upon 660 nm light exposure with a light-emitting diode (LED 660 nm). The PDI effect was evaluated on extracellular virions and virus adsorption by the terminal dilution method and the change in viral infectivity, which was compared to the untreated control group. The decrease in viral titer (Δlgs) was determined. The effect on the replicative cycle of the virus was determined using the cytopathic effect inhibition (CPE) assay. The direct influence on the virions showed a remarkable effect with a decrease in the viral titer more than 4 (Δlg > 4). The influence of the virus to the cell on the stage of adsorption was also significantly affected by the exposure time and the concentration of applied photosensitizers. A distinct inhibition was evaluated for ZnPcMe at the viral replication stage, which demonstrated a high photoinactivation index (PII = 33.0). This study suggested the high efficacy of PDI with phthalocyanines on HSV-1 virus, with full inhibition caused by the mechanism of singlet oxygen generation. These promising data are a good basis for further investigations on the PDI application against pathogenic viruses.

Gemcitabine-Loaded Microbeads for Transarterial Chemoembolization of Rabbit Renal Tumor Monitored by 18F-FDG Positron Emission Tomography/X-Ray Computed Tomography Imaging.

The purpose of this study was to develop the gemcitabine-loaded drug-eluting beads (G-DEBs) for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in rabbit renal tumors and to evaluate their antitumor effect using 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/X-ray computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT). DEBs were prepared by polyvinyl alcohol-based macromer crosslinked with N-acryl tyrosine and N,N'-methylenebis(acrylamide). Gemcitabine was loaded through ion change to obtain G-DEBs. Their particle size and drug release profile were characterized. VX2 tumors were implanted in the right kidney of rabbits to establish the renal tumor model. The tumor-bearing rabbits received pre-scan by 18F-FDG PET/CT, followed by targeted transarterial injection of G-DEBs under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guidance. The rabbits received another 18F-FDG PET/CT scan 10 or 14 days after the treatment. The therapeutic effect was further validated by histopathological analysis of the dissected tumors. The average particle size of the microspheres was 58.06 ± 0.50 µm, and the polydisperse index was 0.26 ± 0.002. The maximum loading rate of G-DEBs was 18.09 ± 0.35%, with almost 100% encapsulation efficiency. Within 24 h, GEM was eluted from G-DEBs rapidly and completely, and more than 20% was released in different media. DSA illustrated that G-DEBs were delivered to rabbit renal tumors. Compared with the untreated control group with increased tumor volume and intense 18F -FDG uptake, the G-DEBs group showed significant reductions in tumor volume and maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) 10 or 14 days after the treatment. Histopathological analysis confirmed that the proliferating area of tumor cells was significantly reduced in the G-DEBs group. Our results demonstrated that G-DEBs are effective in TACE treatment of rabbit VX2 renal tumors, and 18F-FDG PET/CT provides a non-invasive imaging modality to monitor the antitumor effects of TACE in renal tumors.

Quality by Design Approach for the Formulation and Evaluation of Stem Cells Derived Rosmarinic Acid-Loaded Nanofibers as an Anti-Wrinkle Patch: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterizations.

Background/Objectives: Skin wrinkles result from a myriad of multifaceted processes involving intrinsic and extrinsic aging. To combat this effect, plant stem cells offer a renewable and eco-friendly source for various industries, including cosmeceuticals. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), which contains the bioactive compound Rosmarinic acid (RA) and has been proposed for its anti-wrinkle effect. Methods: In the present study, calli from SM were cultured and Quality by Design (QbD) was implemented to investigate the effect of different types and concentrations of elicitors; jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA). Both raised RA levels yet, jasmonic acid (50 µM) has resulted in the highest yield for RA, at 16 mg/g. A nanofiber patch was prepared and characterized in-vitro by the release percentage, drug content, swelling degree, scanning electron microscope, and surface roughness. Then, the anti-wrinkle effect of the patch was tested in a UV wrinkle-induced mouse model. Results: Interestingly, after treatment, there were visibly fewer wrinkles, and the skin was softer than in the untreated control group. This study suggests that the treatment exerted its effect through the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, which plays a crucial role in cellular antioxidant protective processes. By activating this pathway through boosting Nrf2 and diminishing Keap1 cellular content, the nanofiber patch enhances the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, enhancesglutathione, and reduces the skin lipid peroxidation, collectively indicating enhanced skin quality. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of this formula as an anti-wrinkle treatment, and future clinical studies are recommended to further unveil the potential of this formula.