scholarly journals Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs

2010 ◽  
Vol 103 (12) ◽  
pp. 1746-1754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanlong Pan ◽  
Brian Larson ◽  
Joseph A. Araujo ◽  
Winnie Lau ◽  
Christina de Rivera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Learning Ability ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Medium Chain ◽  
Equivalent Control ◽  
The Brain

The present study focused on the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG (MCT) will improve cognitive function in aged dogs by providing the brain with energy in the form of ketones. Aged Beagle dogs were subjected to a baseline battery of cognitive tests, which were used to establish cognitively equivalent control or treatment groups. The dogs in the treatment group were maintained on a diet supplemented with 5·5 % MCT. After an initial wash-in period, all the dogs were tested with a battery of cognitive test protocols, which assessed sequentially landmark discrimination learning ability, egocentric visuospatial function and attention. The groups were maintained on the diets for 8 months. The MCT-supplemented group showed significantly better performance in most of the test protocols than the control group. The group differences also varied as a function of task difficulty, with the more difficult task showing greater supplementation effects than the easier tasks. The group given the MCT supplement showed significantly elevated levels of β-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body. These results indicate, first, that long-term supplementation with MCT can have cognition-improving effects, and second, that MCT supplementation increases circulating levels of ketones. The results support the hypothesis that brain function of aged dogs can be improved by MCT supplementation, which provides the brain with an alternative energy source.

Effects of calcium salts of medium-chain fatty acids on plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations in early lactating dairy cows

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 1699
Author(s):  
T. Sugino ◽  
A. Tateno ◽  
G. Ueno ◽  
K. Kawashima ◽  
T. Okimura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Calcium Salts ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Medium Chain ◽  
Medium Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
Plasma Metabolite ◽  
Chain Fatty Acids

To elucidate the effects of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) on milk production and plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations in early lactating dairy cows, 10 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups after parturition. One group was fed a diet supplemented with calcium salts of MCFA (MCFA-Ca) for 8 weeks after parturition, while the other group was fed the same diet without the supplement (control). MCFA-Ca, containing 60% caprylic acid and 40% capric acid, was added to a total mixed ration (TMR) at 1.5% of the dietary dry matter (DM). Cows were offered the TMR ad libitum. DM intake, daily gain in bodyweight, milk yield, milk fat content and milk protein content did not differ between the two treatment groups. The MCFA-Ca diet decreased plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations (P < 0.05), while plasma concentrations of total and free cholesterols tended to increase (P < 0.10). Plasma ghrelin was maintained at a higher concentration (P < 0.05) in cows fed the MCFA-Ca diet than in the control group. Relative to the control diet, the MCFA-Ca diet decreased plasma insulin concentration (P < 0.05) and numerically increased plasma glucagon concentration, resulting in a lower insulin : glucagon ratio (P < 0.05). In conclusion, plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations were affected by the MCFA-Ca diet, suggesting that MCFA-Ca supplementation may change endocrine functions and nutrient metabolism in early lactating cows, ultimately resulting in an enhanced catabolic state.

Long-term hyperprolactinaemia reduces basal but not androgen-stimulated oestradiol production in small antral follicles of the rat ovary

1991 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Jonassen ◽  
S. P. Baker ◽  
A. S. McNeilly
Keyword(s):  
Female Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Rat Ovary ◽  
Cervical Stimulation ◽  
Oestradiol Production

ABSTRACT Hyperprolactinaemia disrupts fertility in many species, perhaps by inhibiting ovarian follicular steroidogenesis. The present studies measured oestradiol and progesterone secretion from isolated follicles from rats rendered hyperprolactinaemic in one of two ways. Sustained hyperprolactinaemia was induced by transplantation of two donor pituitary grafts under the renal capsule of adult female rats; grafts remained in place for 3 months. Transient hyperprolactinaemia was induced by pseudopregnancy initiated by cervical stimulation. Small antral follicles were isolated from both groups of rats 8–10 days after the previous vaginal oestrous smear and also from a control group of dioestrous female rats. Follicles were incubated for 3 h in the presence or absence of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or testosterone. Basal and hCG-stimulated oestradiol production were each reduced in follicles from both hyperprolactinaemic groups, relative to follicles from dioestrous control rats. In contrast, in the presence of testosterone, all groups of follicles produced comparable amounts of oestradiol. hCG stimulated comparable progesterone production by follicles from all three treatment groups. Testosterone elicited smaller increases in progesterone accumulation by follicles from all in-vivo groups. Reduced basal and gonadotrophin-stimulated, but not androgen-stimulated, oestradiol accumulation suggests that androgen production rather than aromatase activity in small antral follicles may be impaired by long-term hyperprolactinaemia. Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 129, 357–362

scholarly journals Long-term quality of life in patients with vestibular schwannoma: an international multicenter cross-sectional study comparing microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, observation, and nontumor controls

2015 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 833-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Carlson ◽  
Oystein Vesterli Tveiten ◽  
Colin L. Driscoll ◽  
Frederik K. Goplen ◽  
Brian A. Neff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Individual Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Disease Specific

OBJECT The optimal treatment for sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS) is highly controversial. To date, the majority of studies comparing treatment modalities have focused on a narrow scope of technical outcomes including facial function, hearing status, and tumor control. Very few publications have investigated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) differences between individual treatment groups, and none have used a disease-specific HRQOL instrument. METHODS All patients with sporadic small- to medium-sized VSs who underwent primary microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or observation between 1998 and 2008 were identified. Subjects were surveyed via postal questionnaire using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the 10-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short form (PROMIS-10), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), and the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality-of-Life (PANQOL) scale. Additionally, a pool of general population adults was surveyed, providing a nontumor control group for comparison. RESULTS A total of 642 respondents were analyzed. The overall response rate for patients with VS was 79%, and the mean time interval between treatment and survey was 7.7 years. Using multivariate regression, there were no statistically significant differences between management groups with respect to the PROMIS-10 physical or mental health dimensions, the SF-36 Physical or Mental Component Summary scores, or the PANQOL general, anxiety, hearing, or energy subdomains. Patients who underwent SRS or observation reported a better total PANQOL score and higher PANQOL facial, balance, and pain subdomain scores than the microsurgical cohort (p < 0.02). The differences in scores between the nontumor control group and patients with VS were greater than differences observed between individual treatment groups for the majority of measures. CONCLUSIONS The differences in HRQOL outcomes following SRS, observation, and microsurgery for VS are small. Notably, the diagnosis of VS rather than treatment strategy most significantly impacts quality of life. Understanding that a large number of VSs do not grow following discovery, and that intervention does not confer a long-term HRQOL advantage, small- and medium-sized VS should be initially observed, while intervention should be reserved for patients with unequivocal tumor growth or intractable symptoms that are amenable to treatment. Future studies assessing HRQOL in VS patients should prioritize use of validated disease-specific measures, such as the PANQOL, given the significant limitations of generic instruments in distinguishing between treatment groups and tumor versus nontumor subjects.

scholarly journals Upregulation of Antioxidant Gene Expressions and Enzyme Activity Against Acrylamide-Induced Neurotoxicity in Mice after Grape Seed Extract Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-31
Author(s):  
Sarah Albogami
Keyword(s):  
Grape Seed Extract ◽  
Grape Seed ◽  
Seed Extract ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Biochemical Assays ◽  
Test Parameters

Background: The risk of occupational exposure to acrylamide is high and long-term acrylamide exposure can cause neurotoxicity. Thus, therapeutic agents that can protect against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity are needed. Objective: To investigate whether Grape Seed Extract (GSE) protects against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Methods: Mice were divided into saline, GSE, acrylamide, GSE followed by acrylamide, acrylamide followed by GSE, and simultaneous acrylamide and GSE treatment groups. Gene expression and antioxidant enzyme levels were then determined using RT-PCR and biochemical assays. Results: Gpx1 (P < 0.05), Prdx3 (P < 0.01), SOD1 (P < 0.05), and CAT (P < 0.05) significantly upregulated in GSE-treated mice, compared to those in untreated controls. In contrast, Gpx1 (P < 0.05), Prdx3 (P < 0.05), SOD1 (P < 0.05), and CAT (P < 0.05) significantly downregulated in acrylamide-treated mice compared to those in untreated controls. Results of the treatment with GSE before exposure to acrylamide or simultaneously with acrylamide indicated that GSE restored Gpx1, Prdx3, SOD1, and CAT expression to similar levels as those in the control group. GSE treatment after exposure to acrylamide did not exert any neuroprotective effects against acrylamide, as revealed by significant downregulation of Gpx1 (P < 0.05), Prdx3 (P < 0.01), SOD1 (P < 0.05), and CAT (P < 0.05) compared to that in untreated controls. Animals treated with grape seed before acrylamide treatment showed no significant change in LPO activities and a significant increase in GSH levels, compared to those in untreated controls. Conclusion: GSE exerted neuroprotective effects against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity. Acrylamide caused oxidative stress 20 days post-exposure. However, grape seed treatment before exposure to acrylamide restored all test parameters to levels similar to control values.

scholarly journals Fostering Students’ Retention in Photosynthesis Using Concept Mapping and Cooperative Mastery Learning Instructional Strategies

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-116
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Bizimana ◽  
Dieudonné Mutangana ◽  
Adrian Mwesigye
Keyword(s):  
Instructional Strategies ◽  
Concept Mapping ◽  
Mastery Learning ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Equivalent Control

<p style="text-align: justify;">The performance in biology at the secondary level has not been as good as expected. This has been a matter of concern. Thus, there has been a continuous focus on exploring newer innovative learner-centered and friendly instructional strategies to enhance understanding and retention in biology. This study, therefore, determined the effects of Concept Mapping (CM) and Cooperative Mastery Learning (CML) on fostering retention in photosynthesis among secondary schools in Nyamagabe district, Rwanda. A pre-test and post-test non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental design was used. Data were obtained from 151 students taught with CM, 144 students taught with CML, and 154 students taught with Conventional Teaching Methods (CTM). The Photosynthesis Retention Test (KR-21= 0.82) was used for data collection. The data were mainly analyze d using mean and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed that the CM and CML treatment groups outperformed the CTM group in retention in photosynthesis. There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the CM between the two experimental groups. The male and female students taught using CM retained equally in photosynthesis while gender difference was revealed in the mean retention scores of the students exposed to the CML, with females retained significantly higher than males. The study concluded that the CM and CML strategies were more effective than CTM. It was suggested, among other things, that teachers should be encouraged to apply CM and CML strategies when teaching biology.</p>

scholarly journals Pathway in rat brains under experimental obesity caused long-term progesterone administration

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-63
Author(s):  
A. Aleksandrov ◽  
V. Konopelniuk ◽  
I. Kompanets ◽  
L. Ostapchenko
Keyword(s):  
Rat Brain ◽  
Tryptophan Hydroxylase ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tryptophan Decarboxylase ◽  
Decarboxylase Activity ◽  
Prolonged Administration ◽  
Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid ◽  
The Brain

Obesity is one of the most common complex health problem. The pathway of serotonin synthesis takes part in neuroendocrine regulation, as well as in the regulation of a number of behavioral functions of the body and fat deposition. Serotonin is a mediator of the amine nature, which functions as a neurotransmitter and tissue hormone. The greatest amount of serotonin is synthesized in the brain and 12 duodenum. As a neurotransmitter, serotonin affects both directly and indirectly on the function of most brain cells. Female hormone progesterone influence on serotonin functions. One of the effect of progesterone is increasing of amount of fat tissue during the pregnancy. Long-term using of progesterone in hormone substitution therapy or as part of contraception also lead to fat accumulation effect. The levels of activity of serotonergic system enzymes, tryptophan hydroxylase, tryptophan decarboxylase and monoamine oxidase (MAO), and tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations in the rat brain under obesity conditions caused by prolonged administration of progesterone were determined in this study. Studies have shown that the content of tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the brain of rats under obesity caused by prolonged administration of progesterone increased in comparison with the rats of the control group. The levels of tryptophan hydroxylase and MAO activity decreased, and tryptophan decarboxylase activity levels increased in the rat brain under obesity conditions caused by prolonged administration of progesterone. Thus, as a result of our studies, we found an imbalance in the system of serotonin metabolism in the brain of rats with the development of hormonal obesity induced by prolonged administration of progesterone, which may indicate the involvement of the serotonergic neurotransmitter system in the mechanisms of the development of obesity and concomitant diseases.

scholarly journals The role of microRNAs in learning and long-term memory

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 885-896
Author(s):  
L. N. Grinkevich
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Learning Ability ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Microrna Biogenesis ◽  
The Brain

The mechanisms of long-term memory formation and ways to improve it (in the case of its impairment) remain an extremely difficult problem yet to be solved. Over the recent years, much attention has been paid to microRNAs in this regard. MicroRNAs are unique endogenous non-coding RNAs about 22 nucleotides in length; each can regulate translation of hundreds of messenger RNA targets, thereby controlling entire gene networks. MicroRNAs are widely represented in the central nervous system. A large number of studies are currently being conducted to investigate the role of microRNAs in the brain functioning. A number of microRNAs have been shown to be involved in the process of synaptic plasticity, as well as in the long-term memory formation. Disruption of microRNA biogenesis leads to significant cognitive dysfunctions. Moreover, impaired microRNA biogenesis is one of the causes of the pathogenesis of mental disorders, neurodegenerative illnesses and senile dementia, which are often accompanied by deterioration in the learning ability and by memory impairment. Optimistic predictions are made that microRNAs can be used as targets for therapeutic treatment and for diagnosing the above pathologies. The importance of applications related to microRNAs significantly raises interest in studying their functions in the brain. Thus, this review is focused on the role of microRNAs in cognitive processes. It describes microRNA biogenesis and the role of miRNAs in the regulation of gene expression, as well as the latest achievements in studying the functional role of microRNAs in learning and in long-term memory formation, depending on the activation or inhibition of their expression. The review presents summarized data on the effect of impaired microRNA biogenesis on long-term memory formation, including those associated with sleep deprivation. In addition, analysis is provided of the current literature related to the prospects of improving cognitive processes by influencing microRNA biogenesis via the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies and active mental and physical exercises.

scholarly journals Toxicological Effect of Biodiesel Emission Particles on Cellular System of Albino Rats

2020 ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
Adeyemi, Olalekan ◽  
Adeyemi, Oyeyemi
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Cellular System ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Toxicological Effect ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Petroleum Resources ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Study Laboratory ◽  
The Brain

Aim: This study investigates toxicological effect of biodiesel smokes on cellular system of albino rats. Study Design: Biodiesel was blended with fuel diesel at 100, 75, 50, and 25% v/v. Rats were exposed to each flame for 120 seconds daily over a period of ten days. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory work was carried out in the Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria. Methodology: Rats were grouped into six each containing six rats designated; Control group (no exposure), FD (exposed to smoke of fuel diesel), 100BD, 75BD, 50BD and 25BD exposed to 100, 75, 50 and 25% blend of biodiesel respectively. Afterwards, rats were sacrificed, liver, lungs and brain was isolated and homogenized. Serum was also separated. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), choline esterase (CEST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed for in the selected tissues. Results: ALP activity of liver of rats in Control group was significantly higher (p<.05) relative to rats in other treatment groups. Lungs ACP activity of rats in Control groups was 3 folds that of rats in FD group, 2 folds those of rats in 100BD, 75BD and 25BD groups. CEST activity in brain of rats in Control group was 3 folds that of FD group and two folds that of 50BD and 25BD group of rats. Conversely, serum CEST activity of rats in Control group was significantly lower (p<.05) relative to that of other treatment groups it is about 16% that of FD group in particular. Serum MDA level of Control rats was significantly lower (p<.05) relative to each of the other treatment groups. Conclusion: Biochemical evidence from this study indicated loss of membrane integrity, possible inflammation of cells of the brain, lungs, and liver.

scholarly journals The effect of lead acetate administration to the uterine malondialdehyde level and endometrial thickness in albino rats (Rattus novergicus)

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 150-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Novita S.E. Diantini ◽  
Setyawati Soeharto ◽  
I W.A. Wiyasa
Keyword(s):  
Lead Acetate ◽  
Endometrial Thickness ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Female Wistar Rats ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Hematoxylin Eosin

Background: Indonesian seawater has been found to contain a high level of lead acetate and tends to become toxic. The previous study suggested lead acetate exposure could be harmful to many organs including the brain, liver, heart, as well as the reproductive system. This study aimed to analyze the effect of lead acetate on both the uterine level of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and endometrial thickness in female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus).Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into 4 groups: 1 control group, and 3 treatment groups that were given lead acetate at 30, 100, and 300 ppm p.o./day for 30 days, consecutively. Rats were sacrificed; the uterus was isolated and processed for both MDA level measurements (using TBARS and a spectrophotometer) and histopathology using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining.Results: There was no significant difference in mean MDA level between the control and lead acetate administration groups. There was a reduction in endometrial thickness from 352.6±81.88 µm in the control group to 323.5±90.67 µm; 313.6±40.30 µm; 303.4±62.75 µm in 30, 100, and 300 ppm, respectively. Consequently, spacious uterus was observed reflects the endometrial damage, including the decrease in the size of the epithelium, columnar, stroma, and lumen in the whole part of the uterus and these differences in uterine thickening was considered statistically significant (p=0.005).Conclusion: Lead acetate could reduce the thickness of the endometrium but had no effect on the level of MDA in the uterus.

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