Value Of Experimental Group Research Articles

KOMBINASI ULTRASOUND DAN DRY NEEDLING LEBIH MENURUNKAN DISABILITAS LEHER DARI PADA KOMBINASI ULTRASOUND DAN HOLD RELAX PADA MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROM OTOT UPPER TRAPEZIUS

Introduction : Upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrom (MPS) is characterized by presence of trigger points in upper trapezius muscle. MPS can cause disability and also has negative economic effect. Purpose : The reserach’s goal is to improve that combination of ultrasound and dry needling was better than combination of ultrasound and hold relax to decrease neck disability index. Methods : This research used experimental methods to study with pre-test and post-test control group design. Number of samples of the experimental group was 17 subjects given three times treatment of combination of ultrasound and dry needling, while in the control group were 17 subjects given three time treatment of combination of ultrasound and hold relax. NDI was used as out come measure. Shaphiro-wilk test was used to test the normality and levene’s test was used to test the homogenity. wilcoxon signed ranked test was used for hipothesis I, t-test related was used for hipothesis II and t-test independent wa used for hipothesis III. Results : The research showed that: (1) There was significant decrease of NDI in the experimental group . values of mean for pre test were 42,04 + 7,33 % and post test were 10,18 + 3,78 %. with p value = 0.000 (p <0.05) (2) there was significant decrease of NDI in the control group. values of mean for pre test were 45,29 + 6,03 % and post test were 22,24 + 5,42 %, with p value = 0.000 (p <0.05) (3) There were significant differences between experimental group and control group comparing with the differences of post test values between the group. The mean of post test values in experimental group showed 10,18 + 3,78 % meanwhile 22,24 + 5,42% in control group, with p value = 0.000 (p <0.05). Conclution : It was concluded that combination of ultrasound and dry needling and combination of ultrasound and hold relax can decrease the neck disability index. Combination of ultrasound and dry needling was better than combination of ultrasound and hold relax to decrease neck disability index in subject with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrom.

Effectiveness of Pilates as an Adjunct to Conventional Therapy in Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders second to low back pain associated with chronic pain, restricted range of motion and muscular imbalance. Generally, the physiotherapy methods for mechanical neck pain consist of stretching and strengthening the neck muscles, cervical stabilization exercises, cervical mobilization exercises, thoracic thrust manipulation, ischemic compression on trigger points, kinesio-taping method and electrotherapy. The Pilates method is a system of exercise program that aims for body awareness through harmonization of body and mind which has been widely used to enhance physical fitness and rehabilitation in general.Purpose: The purpose of the study was to find out whether Pilates and conventional therapy can bring better results in treating chronic mechanical neck pain when compared to conventional therapy alone.Methods: 60 patients were selected randomly with mechanical neck pain. The study included 2 groups, control group and experimental group, the outcomes measures included Numerical rating pain scale (NRPS), Neck flexors endurance test (NFET) Neck disability index (NDI), Cervical range of motion (CROM). Independent “t” test was done for inter group analysis and paired t-test was done for intra group analysis.Results: Both the groups showed significant difference (P-0.000<0.05) at 12 weeks. The mean difference and paired t-test values of experimental group was greater when compared to control group at the end of 12 weeks.Conclusion: significant improvement was seen in both the groups in NPRS, NDI, NFET, ROM, but early improvement was noted in experimental group in terms of function when compared to conventional group after 12 weeks of treatment.

DECREASING NAUSEA AND VOMITING DUE TO CHEMOTHERAPY INDUCTION THROUGH PEPPERMINT AROMATHERAPY

Nausea and vomiting often appear with under various conditions, includ being a common side effect of using anti-neoplastic drugs. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a major problem that can often alter the quality of life (QoL) and patient adherence to treatment if left untreated. Aromatherapy peppermint is one form of improvised non pharmacological handling of CINV. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of giving peppermint aromatherapy in reducing CINV in chemotherapy patients.This study was a quasy experiment with a Non Equivalent with Control Group design, with total sample groups of 285 respondents with consecutive technique. Parameters in this study used Rhodes Index Nausea Vomiting and Reching (RINVR). The data were analyzed using Wilcoxon sign rank test as a test of change of nausea scale of pre and post vomiting in experimental group using peppermint aromatherapy and control group. The results of the differences from both groups were tested with mann whitney-u test. Wilcoxon sign rank test analysis, showing differences in the incidence of nausea and vomiting in the control group and intervention group. The result of change of decrease in experimental group value ρ = 0,001 is more significant than control group with value ρ = 0,020. The difference is tested with mann whitney-u test with the result value ρ = 0.002. Aromatherapy works in one’s body by triggering the release of neurotransmitter like enkephalin and endorphin which have analgesic effect and increase the feeling of comfortable and relax. Through inhalation, the fragrance of aromatherapy is transmitted through two ways, first is through limbic system into hypothalamus until pituitary. Second is transmitted through olfactory cortex, into thalamus and then head to neocortex. Through these two ways aromatherapy shall be processed until it creates individual perception&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords : CINV, Chemotherapy, Peppermint aromatherapy

DECREASING NAUSEA AND VOMITING DUE TO CHEMOTHERAPY INDUCTION THROUGH PEPPERMINT AROMATHERAPY

Nausea and vomiting often appear with under various conditions, includ being a common side effect of using anti-neoplastic drugs. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a major problem that can often alter the quality of life (QoL) and patient adherence to treatment if left untreated. Aromatherapy peppermint is one form of improvised non pharmacological handling of CINV. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of giving peppermint aromatherapy in reducing CINV in chemotherapy patients.This study was a quasy experiment with a Non Equivalent with Control Group design, with total sample groups of 285 respondents with consecutive technique. Parameters in this study used Rhodes Index Nausea Vomiting and Reching (RINVR). The data were analyzed using Wilcoxon sign rank test as a test of change of nausea scale of pre and post vomiting in experimental group using peppermint aromatherapy and control group. The results of the differences from both groups were tested with mann whitney-u test. Wilcoxon sign rank test analysis, showing differences in the incidence of nausea and vomiting in the control group and intervention group. The result of change of decrease in experimental group value ρ = 0,001 is more significant than control group with value ρ = 0,020. The difference is tested with mann whitney-u test with the result value ρ = 0.002. Aromatherapy works in one’s body by triggering the release of neurotransmitter like enkephalin and endorphin which have analgesic effect and increase the feeling of comfortable and relax. Through inhalation, the fragrance of aromatherapy is transmitted through two ways, first is through limbic system into hypothalamus until pituitary. Second is transmitted through olfactory cortex, into thalamus and then head to neocortex. Through these two ways aromatherapy shall be processed until it creates individual perception&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords : CINV, Chemotherapy, Peppermint aromatherapy

Effectiveness of selective alveolar decortication in accelerating orthodontic treatment: a systematic review

The number of scientific publications on accelerating orthodontic treatment, and especially surgical alveolar corticotomies techniques, has grown exponentially over the years. The objective of this systematic literature review was to assess the effectiveness of these corticotomies basing on human studies. The review was conducted from Medline and Web of Science Core Collection to identify prospective controlled clinical trials with duration of orthodontic treatment or the tooth movement rate for primary endpoint. Eleven studies respected all inclusion criteria. Six investigated the duration of treatment and found shorter values in experimental group than in control group, with a gain of 8 to 34 weeks. Five investigated the tooth movement rate and found 2.3 times higher values on average during the first month in experimental groups, 1.9 times during the second and third months, and 1.3 times during the fourth month. The technique also seemed to decrease the risk of root resorption and improve molar anchorage. Moreover, it exhibited good periodontal tolerance. Current literature highlights the effectiveness of surgical decortications during the first three to four months after surgery. Longer prospective studies are needed to assess their long term effects.

Study on Measurement Method of Anaerobic Sludge Activity: Hydrogen Production

In this research finding, a new method is derived by adopting Maximum Specific Hydrogen Production Rate (Umax•H2) to measure the activities of anaerobic sludge for hydrogen production. With batch fermentation instrument under mesophilic (35°C ± 1°C) condition the research has been implemented and concluded. In this study, during the demonstration of experiments, for hydrogen fermentation as for the inoculum there three different active sludges are used and as for the feeding materials there kitchen wastes are tested. After resulting analysis it’s been showed that using the Maximum Specific Hydrogen Production Rate (Umax•H2) as a means to be an index or a method of sludge activity measurement-is reported as satisfactorily feasible and applicable. The Umax•H2 values of experimental groups for this research methodology are recorded as the following: Umax•H2(A)=30.24mL/gVSS•h, Umax•H2(B)=10.80mL/gVSS•h, Umax•H2(C)=18.05mL/gVSS•h. The Correlations between Umax•H2 and other parameters, such as cumulative hydrogen yield, fermentation period and degradation rate of TS are all remain Significant throughout the research. During experimental implementation, Pearson Correlation between Umax•H2 and fermentation period is reported as 0.997 achieving statistical Significance 0.047 (<0.05). Pearson Correlation between Umax•H2 and cumulative hydrogen yield is reported as 0.999 achieving a considerable trend toward Significance 0.022 (<0.05). Pearson Correlation between Umax•H2 and degradation rate of TS is reported as 0.999 Signifying a marginal trend toward Significance 0.027 (<0.05).

The evaluating of efficacy of Core Stabilization exercises, Massage and foot Reflexology on pain and disability of men with mechanical chronic low back pain

Chronic low-back pain (CLBP) affects most people at some point in their lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of 3 methods which are popular and known as non-invasive way in rehabilitation of CLBP. 60 men in age of group 25-45 with CLBP were randomly divided into four groups (Core Stabilization, massage, reflexology and control) and instructed to perform Core Stabilization exercise for 8 week, massage and foot reflexology for 10 days. Patient were assessed by McGill pain questioner (MPQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), based on pain feeling and the ability to do routine activity of life before starting the study (Pre-test Data) and at the end of study procedure (post-test Data). Results were analyzed by Paired T test, one way ANOVA and Tukey post hock. There was no significantly difference in Pre-treatment session between the 4 groups. MPQ and ODI were significantly lower in post-treatment sessions as compared to pre-treatment values in experimental groups (Core Stabilization, massage and foot reflexology). Significant decrease in MPQ and ODI values were found in all experimental groups, but no difference in efficacy were found between these groups. However the result that reach from comparison between each of experimental group and control group, showed that the experimental groups were significantly effective. Core Stabilization exercise, massage and foot reflexology in men with mechanical chronic low-back pain reduce pain and improved disability. Researchers were not found any differences between these 3 methods as compare with each other. Due to the results, Authors suggest that may be using massage therapy or foot reflexology, for patients with CLBP, is better and more effective if therapists are looking for treating in shortest possible duration.

The evaluating of efficacy of McKenzie exercises, Massage and foot Reflexology on pain and disability of men with mechanical chronic low back pain

Chronic low-back pain (CLBP) affects most people at some point in their lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of 3 methods which are popular and known as non-invasive way in rehabilitation of CLBP. 60 men in age of group 25-45 with CLBP were randomly divided into four groups (McKenzie, massage, reflexology and control) and instructed to perform McKenzie exercise for 8 week, massage and foot reflexology for 10 days. Patient were assessed by McGill pain questioner (MPQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), based on pain feeling and the ability to do routine activity of life before starting the study (Pre-test Data) and at the end of study procedure (post-test Data). Results were analyzed by Paired T test, one way ANOVA and Tukey post hock. There was no significantly difference in Pre-treatment session between the 4 groups. MPQ and ODI were significantly lower in post-treatment sessions as compared to pre-treatment values in experimental groups (McKenzie, massage and foot reflexology). Significant decrease in MPQ and ODI values were found in all experimental groups, but no difference in efficacy were found between these groups. However the result that reach from comparison between each of experimental group and control group, showed that the experimental groups were significantly effective. McKenzie exercise, massage and foot reflexology in men with mechanical chronic low-back pain reduce pain and improved disability. Researchers were not found any differences between these 3 methods as compare with each other. Due to the results, Authors suggest that may be using massage therapy or foot reflexology, for patients with CLBP, is better and more effective if therapists are looking for treating in shortest possible duration.

Effectiveness of Low Intensity Laser Therapy on the Wound Healing Using Bates Jensen Wound Assessment Tool in Subjects with Pressure Ulcers

Background: Pressure ulcers are injuries to skin and underlying tissues resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin which often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and sacrum. Without care, pressure ulcers continue to grow in diameter and depth and are exceptionally difficult to heal. Therefore, enormous effort is required to find effective and reliable techniques for preventing the initiation of ulcers and eliminating them once they develop. This study has been done to assess the efficacy of low intensity laser therapy (LILT) on the wound healing dynamics in human subjects with pressure ulcers using Bates Jensen wound assessment tool.Methods: A total of 130 subjects were enrolled for the study and after randomization the subjects were allocated to control and experimental groups each consisting of 65 subjects. The subjects of the control group received conventional wound dressing for the pressure ulcer for 3 weeks where as the subjects of the experimental group underwent LILT and conventional wound dressing for 3 weeks. On Day 1 and after 3 weeks, the BWAT score of the pressure ulcer was recorded.Results: The results showed a significant difference between pre and post intervention values in experimental group compared to control group (p< 0.05).Conclusion: The study has brought out that LILT has better healing of pressure ulcers when compared to the conventional wound management to compare the wound healing dynamics among the subjects in the control and experimental groups.

Role of Ventromedial hypothalamus in high fat diet induced obesity in male rats: association with lipid profile, thyroid profile and insulin resistance.

Ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) plays a major role in food intake, obesity and energy homeostasis. There is a report of gender difference in energy balance with increased vulnerability of males to cardiac disease. Body metabolism is greatly influenced by the diet we eat and some of the blood parameters like plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile and thyroid profile depict a picture of energy homeostasis of the body. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of VMH in high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity and its link with insulin, glucose, thyroid and lipid profile of male Wistar rats. The male rats (n = 12) were given HFD for a period of 10 weeks to induce obesity. After obtaining a basal recording of food intake, body weight, glucose, insulin, thyroid and lipid profile, animals were divided into control and experimental group (n = 6 male in each). Experimental rats underwent electrolytic ablation of VMH whereas control rats underwent sham lesion. A post-lesion recording was taken at the end of four weeks. The rats had a greater food intake and more body weight gain after HFD schedule in both the groups. After VMH lesion, food intake increased further, only in experimental group. Plasma glucose, Insulin, HOMA - IR, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were significantly increased compared to the pre-lesion values in experimental group (P<0.001). Ten week of HFD resulted in obesity. VMH appears to prevent the development of insulin resistance and hypercholesterolemia which influences the energy homeostasis in male rats after high fat diet.

The Effect of Food-Microorganism(F/M)Ratio on Gas Properties in Batch Biogas Fermentation with Walnut Peel

In order to study the effect of food-microorganism (F/M) ratio on gas properties in batch biogas fermentation experiments with walnut peel, by batch fermentation under the condition of 30°C, with walnut peel as fermentation raw materials, and respectively choose F/M(vs/vs)=0.20, 0.15, the effect of food-microorganism (F/M) ratio on the gas properties was studied in biogas fermentation with walnut peel. The experimental results showed that in the fermentation with walnut peel as raw materials, the potential of TS and VS, the total volume and the time reaching to 80% gas production volume of the time of experimental group F/M(vs/vs)=0.20 were respectively 202ml/gTS, 226ml/gVS, 2840ml, 19d. However, the values of experimental group F/M(vs/vs)=0.15 were respectively 152ml/gTS, 170ml/gVS, 2140ml, 24d. Therefore, food-microorganism (F/M) ratio has a great influence on batch biogas fermentation with walnut peel as the fermentation raw material.

Color stability of ceromer veneers/resin cements after accelerated ageing

To investigate the color stability of ceromer veneers/resin cements after accelerated ageing, and to provide the reference for clinical application and choice. Fifteen groups of ceromer veneers/resin cements samples, five samples in each group, were prepared as experimental groups.In the fifteen groups, ceromer veneers in three thickness (1.00, 0.75, 0.50 mm) and resin cements of five shades(A1,A3, B 0.5, WO, TR), were matched through permutation and combination. Three groups of ceromer veneers with different thickness (1.00, 0.75, 0.50 mm) were used as control groups. All samples were put into xenon lamp ageing instrument to accelerate ageing.Spectrophotometer were used to measure the lightness(L(*)), red green color(a(*)) and blue yellow color(b(*)) of samples before and after accelerated ageing process, and the change of lightness (ΔL) , red green color (Δa) , blue yellow color (Δb) and color variation(ΔE) were calculated.We investigated the effect of thickness of ceromer veneer and color of resin cement on color variation by using analysis of variance. The thickness factor and color factor showed significant effect on ΔE values, and they have interaction (P < 0.05). The ΔE values of all experimental groups were lower than 3.3. After accelerated ageing, all L(*) values of experimental groups decreased, and ΔL values were lower than 2.0. The thickness of ceromer veneer and the color of resin cement could both affect the color stability of ceromer veneers/resin cements. The changes of lightness and color in ceromer veneers/resin cements were considered clinically acceptable after accelerated ageing.

The effect of a holistic mental health enhancement program on the level of the academic performance of adolescences

Background: Mental health is an important component of the overall health of any individual. In pre-research education programs, it was found that majority of high school students are anxious about their academic performance. They want to improve their academic performance. Some students asked for increasing mental capabilities like memory, intelligence, attention, etc. Teachers are also anxious about the performance of the students. Some complained about the adjustment problems among students. They are also anxious about the health of many students with low immunity. Aim: This study aims to determine the role of an integrated package of Yoga, Βyurveda, Yajρopethi, and applied Indian philosophy. Materials and Methods: A review of various Indian literatures was done and was compared with various scientific studies regarding academic performance. Internal evaluation system of the school was used for the measurement of academic performance. Results: Results show that there is an extreme significance difference in before and after values of experimental group. There is also an extreme significance difference in after values of experimental and control group. This proves that there is a positive effect of the experiment. But there is a significance difference in before and after values of control group also. This shows that not only the experiment but also some other factors are affecting the academic performance of the students. This may be due to the heterogeneity of school tests' scores. Conclusion: The package nourished the brains of the students. Breathe control and Yajna did purification of their brains. This resulted into the improvement of mental capacities. This improvement affected the improvement of the academic performance.

Block of proliferation 1 overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma and its promoting effect on migration of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells

Objective To study the expression of block of proliferation 1 (BOP1) gene in hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC) and its impact on the proliferation andmigration of HepG2 cell line.Methods Real-time fluorogenic quantitative polymerase chain reacton (RFQ-RCR) was conducted to quantify the expression of BOP1 mRNA in the normal and cancerous tisseus from 45 patients with HCC.The eukaryotic vector of human BOP1 was constructed,and transfected into HepG2 cells.The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and Scratch test were used to oberserve the influence of BOP1 overexpression on proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells respectively.Results In 45 patients with HCC,the global expression (△Ct) of BOP1 was (15.16 ± 1.86) in tumor tissue and (17.48 ±2.68) in corresponding normal tissue respectively.BOP1 mRNA expression in tumor tissues was significantly higher than in the normal tissues (P ＜0.01).The results of CCK-8 assay showed that the A value in experimental group was higher than in control group,and overexpression of BOP1 significantly promoted cell proliferation (P ＜ 0.05).Scratch text revealed that the speed of scratch healing in experimental group was significantly faster than in control group (P ＜ 0.05).Seventy-two h after transfection,the control group still had a fissure,but the experimental group had completely healed.Overexpression of BOP1 could obviously enhance the migration of HepG2 cells.Conclusion BOP1 gene has a higher expression level in HCC,and overexpression of BOP1 can increase proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells.This gene probably playsan important role in carcinogenesis of HCC. Key words: Carcinoma,hepatocellular; Block of proliferation 1; Gene expression

The effect of isoflavones on early bone formation on orthopedically expanded suture in male rats

Objective: The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate histomorphometrically the effects of isoflavones on bone formation in response to expansion of the inter-premaxillary suture in male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty male, 50-60 days old Wistar rats were divided into two equal groups (control and experimental). Both groups were subjected to expansion for 5 days, and 50 cN of force was applied to the maxillary incisors with helical spring. In experimental group, 10 μg/g isoflavones (IF) were administrated orally. After expansion period, the springs were removed and replaced with short lengths of rectangular retaining wire for retention period in 10 days. Bone formation in the sutural area was histomorphometrically evaluated including the amount of new bone formation (μm 2 ), number of osteoblasts, number of osteoclasts, and number of vessels. Mann-Whitney U -test was used for statistical evaluation at P Results: New bone formation area ( P = 0.003; 2.26-fold) and number of osteoclasts ( P = 0.001; 1.87-fold) showed statistically significant lower values in experimental group than the control. No significant differences were found in number of osteoblast and number of vessel values between the groups. Conclusion: Isoflavones affects bone formation in the orthopedically expanded inter-premaxillary suture negatively, and main affect of Isoflavones were on osteoclasts in bone metabolism.

Blood platelet-derived microparticles release and bubble formation after an open-sea air dive

Bubble-induced platelet aggregation offers an index for evaluating decompression severity in humans and in a rat model of decompression sickness. Endothelial cells, blood platelets, or leukocytes shed microparticles (MP) upon activation and during cell apoptosis. The aim was to study blood platelet MP (PMP) release and bubble formation after a scuba-air dive in field conditions. Healthy, experienced divers were assigned to 1 experimental group (n = 10) with an open-sea air dive to 30 msw for 30 min and 1 control group (n = 5) during head-out water immersion for the same period. Bubble grades were monitored with a pulsed doppler according to Kissman Integrated Severity Score (KISS). Blood samples for platelet count (PC) and PMP (annexin V and CD41) were taken 1 h before and after exposure in both groups. The result showed a decrease in post-dive PC compared with pre-dive values in experimental group with no significant change in the control group. We observed a significant increase in PMP values after the dive while no change was revealed in the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between the PMP values after the dive and the KISS bubble score. The present study highlighted a relationship between the post-dive decrease in PC, platelet MP release, and bubble formation. Release of platelet MPs could reflect bubble-induced platelet aggregation and could play a key role in alteration of the coagulation. Further studies must investigate endothelial and leukocyte MP release in the same field conditions.

Study on neoplasia of hydatidiform mole by detecting telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Objective By setting up a real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR assay to detect human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA in hydatidiform mole in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, to analyze the correlation between the expression level of hTERT mRNA and the prognosis of hydatidiform mole, and to evaluate the clinic value of quantitative determination of hTERT mRNA in the diagnosis of hydatidiform mole. Methods A real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR (FQ RT-PCR) assay based on TaqMan fluorescence methodology and the Light-Cycler system was used to quantify the full range of hTERT mRNA copy numbers in 30 samples of hydatidiform mole and the neoplasia of hydatidiform mole. The normalized hTERT (NhTERT) was standardized by quantifying the number of GAPDH transcripts as internal control and expressed as 100× (hTERT/GAPDH) ratio. Based on the prognosis of the hydatidiform mole, the patients were divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group, to compare the telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results hTERT mRNA was both expressed in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and pathological tissues in the mole experimental group and the control group. In the mole experimental group, the values were 6.31±0.32 and 6.24±0.44, respectively, and there was no significant difference between them ( P>0.05). But in the control group the values were 1.21±0.65 and 1.40±0.61, respectively, and there was no significant difference between them ( P>0.05). The values in experimental group was significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion Quantitative determination of hTERT mRNA by FQ RT-PCR is a rapid and sensitive method. hTERT in peripheral blood mononuclear cells may have potential use as a biomarker for the early detection of the prognosis of the hydatidiform mole.

The role of ischemic preconditioning in rat liver graft

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of different modes of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on an ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat liver graft. Methods A total of 192 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups, each including 48 rats: control group (C), experimental group 1 (E 1), experimental group 2 (E 2), and experimental group 3 (E 3). IPC was not performed in group C. Among the animals in the experimental groups, IPC was performed by blocking blood flow by the portal vein and the hepatic artery followed by reperfusion by removal of the clamp before donor liver resection: Group E 1, 5-minute ischemia and 10-minute reperfusion; Group E 2, 5-minute ischemia and 5-minute reperfusion and immediately the same procedure; and Group E 3, 10-minute ischemia and 15-minute reperfusion. Liver transplantations were performed 4 hours after IPC. At 0.5 hour, 2 hours, 6 hours, and 24 hours after portal vein reperfusion recipient blood and graft samples were obtained to determine the levels of ALT, AST, TNF-α, and apoptosis index (AI). Results At 0.5 hour and 2 hours after portal vein reperfusion, serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the experimental groups (E 1, E 2, and E 3) was significantly lower than in the control group ( P < .05). The values in group E 2 were significantly lower than those in groups E 1 and E 3 ( P < .05). At 24 hours serum TNF-αin group E 2 was significantly lower than groups C, E 1, and E 3 ( P < .05). At 2 hours and 6 hours, AI values in experimental groups (E 1, E 2, and E 3) were significantly lower than in group C ( P < .05). AI in group E 2 was significantly lower than that in groups E 1 and E 3 ( P < .05). At 24 hours, AI values among experimental groups (E 1, E 2, and E 3) were significantly lower than that in the control group ( P < .05). Conclusion IPC may attenuate liver graft injury by decreasing apoptosis of hepatocytes and production of TNF-α. The method of IPC with 5-minute ischemia and 5-minute reperfusion followed immediately by another cycle of the same procedure was a better way to protect a liver graft from I/R injury.

Replacement of cereal grains by orange pulp and carob pulp in faba bean-based diets fed to lambs: effects on growth performance and meat quality

Fourteen weaned lambs (43 days of age) were divided into two equal groups of seven animals and received two different diets. The experimental diet contained 10% of carob pulp and 10% of orange pulp associated to 54% of faba bean. The control diet contained 12% of maize meal and 12% of barley meal associated to 49.2% of faba bean. Both diets were pelletted and given ad libitum. The two diets had comparable contents of dry matter, ash, crude fat, fibre and crude protein. Control diet was relatively higher in soluble nitrogen than the experimental one. However, experimental diet was higher in fibre-bound nitrogen and in total and condensed tannins than control one. At the end of the feeding trial (120 d of age) growth and slaughter performance were comparable between treatments. Chemical analysis of meat samples did not show any significant difference between groups. Physical analysis of meat showed a higher ( P < 0.05) lightness (L*) value in experimental group than in the control one. Sensory analysis allowed the panellists to discriminate lamb meat from the two groups. Flavour, tenderness and juiciness were judged to be more intense ( P < 0.01) in the meat of control group; also overall acceptability was higher ( P < 0.05) in this group. It was concluded that the replacement of cereal grains with carob and orange pulp in lamb fattening diet is useful to reduce feeding costs. Nevertheless, we need further investigations on the level of inclusion in the diet, in order to avoid the negative effects on sensory attributes without detrimental effect on growth per- formance. cereal grains / orange pulp / carob pulp / growth / meat quality / sheep