Reproductive biology and stress of captivity in male brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) on Guam

2005 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert D. Aldridge ◽  
Anna A. Arackal
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Vas Deferens ◽  
Stress Hormones ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Boiga Irregularis ◽  
Calorie Diet ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Group 3

This study was designed to describe the reproductive biology of a sample of wild-caught brown treesnakes and to determine the effect of increased food intake (nutrition) on the development of the testis and sexual segment of the kidney, and on sperm storage in the vas deferens in captive males. The wild snakes were trapped and preserved within 24 h, in December 1999, from a snake trap-line in northern Guam. In the nutrition experiment adult snakes were matched for snout–vent length and separated into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 were fed a high-calorie diet for 8 and 4 weeks, respectively. Group 3 males, the control group, received a low-calorie diet and were preserved at 7 weeks. In the wild sample all snakes above 1035 mm snout–vent length were undergoing spermatogenesis, had a well developed sexual segment of the kidney, and had sperm stored in the vas deferens. In all experimental groups, spermatogenesis and development of the sexual segment of the kidney was terminated or inhibited, and in most snakes sperm were absent from the vas deferens. Blood levels of stress hormones (i.e. corticosterone) and reproductive hormones (androgens) were not measured. However, a previous study reported that the stress of captivity causes an increase in plasma levels of corticosterone in brown treesnakes, and other studies on squamates indicate that high corticosterone levels can disrupt reproductive hormones and shut down the reproductive cycle.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Some Male and Female Rats’ Reproductive Hormones Following Administration of Aspartame With or Without Vitamin C or E

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Omar H Azeez
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2

Aspartame (ASP) is a sugar substitute. Its use rose because it has been demonstrated to have deleterious effects after being metabolized. In the presence of antioxidant vitamins C or E, the effects of ASP on reproductive hormones of adult male and female Albino Wister rats were investigated. A total of eighty male and female rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into four groups: group 1, received no treatment; group 2, received ASP at 40 mg/kg BW; group 3, received ASP at 40 mg/kg BW with vitamin C at 150 mg/kg BW; and group 4, received ASP at 40 mg/kg BW and vitamin E at 100 mg/kg BW. All treatments were given orally by gavage needle once daily for consecutive 90 days. The levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone hormone (TH) were measured after 90 days in blood plasma. In comparison with the control group, ASP treatment resulted in lower levels of E2, FSH, and LH in male and female rats. When the antioxidants vitamin C or E was given, the effects of ASP were reversed, and the levels of E2, LH, and FSH were increased. The testosterone hormone was likewise significantly increased by ASP, but testosterone hormone concentrations were decreased by vitamin C or E treatments. Long-term ASP consumption caused interfering with testicular and ovarian hormonal activity, while vitamins C and E on the other hand, overcome longstanding consumption ASP's effects.

scholarly journals The effect of immunomodulators on various markers of the acute inflammation phase in patients with mild community-acquired pneumonia

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 36-43
Author(s):  
M. P. Kostinov ◽  
V. V. Gaynitdinova ◽  
S. V. Kazharova ◽  
V. N. Zorina ◽  
V. B. Polischuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Inflammation ◽  
Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

The objective: to study the effect of immunomodulators on markers of the acute inflammation phase in patients with mild community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).Subjects and methods. Patients (n = 64) with mild CAP (39.62 ± 9.82 years, CRB – 650.15 ± 0.04 scores) were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (control) received only standard CAP therapy; in the other two groups, immunomodulators were prescribed simultaneously with standard therapy: in Group 2 – bacterial lysate (BL), in Group 3 – azoximer bromide (AB). In the patients, the blood levels of IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactoferrin were tested before treatment (day 1), and on days 13 and 60 of observation.Results. The initial levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP and lactoferrin in the patients were statistically significantly higher above normal ones. A significant decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP was found in all patients on the 13th and 60th days of observation compared to the 1st day, the maximum reduction was observed in the patients receiving immunomodulators. The biggest decrease in the level of lactoferrin on the 60th day of observation was noted in the group of patients taking BL. The changes in the rate of TNF-α and IL-6 levels decrease on the 13th and 60th days were also statistically significantly more pronounced (compared to the control group). The changes in the rate of decreasing from the baseline on the 13th and 60th days in TNF-α in the BL Group made 44 [-64; -32]% and 85 [-89; -82]%; in the AB Group – 28 [-40; -20]% and 82 [-86; -80]%; in IL-6 in the BL group – 32 [-40; -18]% and 86 [-90; -85]%, in the AB group – 45 [-53; -38]% and 86 [-88; -84]%. In the control group, this parameter for TNF-α was 18 [-32; -8]% and 64 [-78; -56]%, for IL-6 – 11 [-20; -1]% and 75 [-81; -74]%.Conclusion. The addition of immunomodulators (BL, AB) to the therapy of patients with mild CAP results in statistically significant decrease in the blood levels of biomarkers of the acute inflammation phase on the 13th and 60th days.

The Effects of the "XGTQ" Medicine in Treating Cirrhosis in Wistar Rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 06 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngan Nguyen Hoang ◽  
Thang Duong Minh ◽  
Tuan Anh Hoang ◽  
Son Le Ngoc Bich ◽  
Duong Nguyen Huu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plain Water ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
White Rats ◽  
Collagen Accumulation ◽  
Activity Of Enzymes ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 1

Objectives: Evaluate the effects of "XGTQ" in the treatment of cirrhosis induced by Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) in combination with alcohol and high-fat diet on Wistar rats. Materials and methods: Cirrhosis on white rats was induced by subcutaneously injecting CC14 at an initial dose of 5,0ml/kg, followed by 1,2ml/kg once a week in 10 weeks. Then, fed with synthetic food, added 20% fat, and 0.05% cholesterol and iron oxalate. Rats were administered every day with plain water and 1 day with water mixed with 30% ethanol. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups and given distilled water (group 1 and 2 or control group), silymarin (group 3 or reference group) or the "XGTQ" drug extract (group 4, 5) for 4 weeks. Collected blood for biochemical test and liver were dissected to evaluate weight, morphology and quantified 4-hydroxyproline to evaluate fibrosis and collagen accumulation. Results: In cirrhotic wistar rats, "XGTQ" drug at 19.6 g/kg/24h and 58.8 g/kg/24h showed the ability of reducing the activity of enzymes AST, ALT in the blood (p<0.01), increasing plasma albumin and decreasing prothrobin time (p<.05); improving physical condition, macroscopic and microscopic images of H&E-stained liver; decreasing the concentration of hydroxyproline in the liver and reducing the level of cirrhosis on the masson-stained templates. The effects of "XGTQ" increased with the dose, and was equivalent to silymarin at the dose of 70 mg/kg/24h. Conclusion: The extract of "XGTQ" drug is effective in treating cirrhosis in Wistar rats.

scholarly journals Local and systemic inflammation after implantation of a novel iron based porous degradable bone replacement material in sheep model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Wegener ◽  
Maik Behnke ◽  
Stefan Milz ◽  
Volkmar Jansson ◽  
Christian Redlich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Bone Substitutes ◽  
Histological Evaluation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Porous Iron ◽  
Sheep Model ◽  
Bone Replacement ◽  
Alloy Particles ◽  
Iron Based

AbstractDespite the high potential of healthy bone to regenerate, the reconstruction of large bone defects remains a challenge. Due to the lack of mechanical stability of existing bone substitutes, recently developed degradable metallic alloys are an interesting alternative providing higher load-bearing capabilities. Degradable iron-based alloys therefore might be an attractive innovation. To test the suitability of a newly-designed iron-based alloy for such applications, an animal experiment was performed. Porous iron-based degradable implants with two different densities and a control group were tested. The implants were positioned in the proximal tibia of Merino sheep. Over a period of 6 and 12 months, blood and histological parameters were monitored for signs of inflammation and degradation. In the histological evaluation of the implants` environment we found degraded alloy particles, but no inflammatory reaction. Iron particles were also found within the popliteal lymph nodes on both sides. The serum blood levels of phosphorus, iron and ferritin in the long term groups were elevated. Other parameters did not show any changes. Iron-based degradable porous bone replacement implants showed a good biocompatibility in this experiment. For a clinical application, however, the rate of degradation would have to be significantly increased. Biocompatibility would then have to be re-evaluated.

scholarly journals Preservation of Contractile Reserve and Diastolic Function by Inhibiting the NLRP3 Inflammasome with OLT1177® (Dapansutrile) in a Mouse Model of Severe Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Due to Non-Reperfused Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 3534
Author(s):  
Joseph Aliaga ◽  
Aldo Bonaventura ◽  
Eleonora Mezzaroma ◽  
Yogesh Dhakal ◽  
Adolfo Gabriele Mauro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Diastolic Function ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Ischemic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Contractile Reserve ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 1

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a product of the NLRP3 inflammasome, modulates cardiac contractility and diastolic function. We proposed that OLT1177® (dapansutrile), a novel NLRP3 inhibitor, could preserve contractile reserve and diastolic function after myocardial infarction (MI). We used an experimental murine model of severe ischemic cardiomyopathy through the ligation of the left coronary artery without reperfusion, and after 7 days randomly assigned mice showing large anterior MI (>4 akinetic segments), increased left ventricular (LV) dimensions ([LVEDD] > 4.4 mm), and reduced function (LV ejection fraction <40%) to a diet that was enriched with OLT1177® admixed with the chow in the diet at 3.75 g/kg (Group 1 [n = 10]) or 7.5 g/kg (Group 2 [n = 9]), or a standard diet as the no-treatment control group (Group 3 [n = 10]) for 9 weeks. We measured the cardiac function and contractile reserve with an isoproterenol challenge, and the diastolic function with cardiac catheterization at 10 weeks following the MI surgery. When compared with the control (Group 3), the mice treated with OLT1177 (Group 1 and 2) showed significantly greater preservation of their contractile reserve (the percent increase in the left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] after the isoproterenol challenge was +33 ± 11% and +40 ± 6% vs. +9 ± 7% in the standard diet; p < 0.05 and p < 0.005 for Group 1 and 2, respectively) and of diastolic function measured as the lower left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (3.2 ± 0.5 mmHg or 4.5 ± 0.5 mmHg vs. 10.0 ± 1.6 mmHg; p < 0.005 and p < 0.009 respectively). No differences were noted between the resting LVEF of the MI groups. These effects were independent of the effects on the ventricular remodeling after MI. NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition with OLT1177® can preserve β-adrenergic responsiveness and prevent left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in a large non-reperfused anterior MI mouse model. OLT1177® could therefore be used to prevent the development of heart failure in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Increased S100B Levels in Cannabis Use Disorder

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 177-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huseyin Bayazit ◽  
Erdinc Cicek ◽  
Salih Selek ◽  
Nurten Aksoy ◽  
I. Fatih Karababa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Neuronal Damage ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
S100b Protein ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Cannabis Use Disorder ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
S100 Calcium Binding Protein ◽  
The Mean

Background: It has been determined that cannabis has adverse effects on brain tissue, and that increased S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B) blood levels are markers of neuronal damage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the S100B levels in cannabis use disorder. Method: Thirty-two patients with cannabis use disorder and 31 matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Appropriate blood samples were taken from the enrolled subjects, and the serum S100B protein levels were measured with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for the quantification of the protein. Findings: We found significantly increased S100B protein levels in patients with cannabis use disorder. The mean serum concentration of S100B was 0.081 ± 0.018 μg/l in patients with cannabis use disorder, and 0.069 ± 0.018 μg/l in the control group (p = 0.008). Interpretation: Our data suggest that elevated S100B protein levels might indicate neuronal damage in the brains of people with cannabis use disorder.

Efficacy of Intravitreal Triamcinolone after or Concomitant with Laser Photocoagulation in Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy with Macular Edema

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 630-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erdinc Aydin ◽  
Helin Deniz Demir ◽  
Huseyin Yardim ◽  
Unal Erkorkmaz
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Macular Edema ◽  
Laser Photocoagulation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Intravitreal Triamcinolone ◽  
Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
The Mean

Purpose To investigate the clinical effects and outcomes of intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) after or concomitant with macular laser photocoagulation (MP) for clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Methods Forty-nine eyes of 49 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and CSME were randomized into three groups. The eyes in the laser group (n=17), group 1, were subjected to MP 3 weeks after IVTA; the eyes in the IVTA group (n=13), group 2, were subjected to MP, concomitant with IVTA; the eyes in the control group (n=19), group 3, underwent only IVTA application. Visual acuity (VA), fundus fluorescein angiography, and photography were performed in each group. Results In the first group, the mean VA improved from 0.17±0.09 at baseline to 0.28±0.15 (p=0.114) and in the second group, deteriorated from 0.19±0.08 at baseline to 0.14±0.08 at the sixth month (p=0.141), respectively. In Group 3, the mean VA improved from 0.16±0.08 at baseline to 0.28±0.18 (p=0.118) at the end of the follow-up. When VA was compared between the control and study groups, significant difference was detected at the sixth month (p=0.038). Conclusions MP after IVTA improved VA, rather than MP concomitant with IVTA, and only IVTA application for CSME. MP after IVTA may reduce the recurrence of CSME and needs further investigations in a longer period.

scholarly journals Kidney Protection by Hypothermic Total Liquid Ventilation after Cardiac Arrest in Rabbits

2014 ◽  
Vol 120 (4) ◽  
pp. 861-869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renaud Tissier ◽  
Sebastien Giraud ◽  
Nathalie Quellard ◽  
Béatrice Fernandez ◽  
Fanny Lidouren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Interferon Γ ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Toll Like Receptor ◽  
Liquid Ventilation ◽  
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 ◽  
Group 2

Abstract Background: Total liquid ventilation (TLV) with perfluorocarbons has been shown to induce rapid protective cooling in animal models of myocardial ischemia and cardiac arrest, with improved neurological and cardiovascular outcomes after resuscitation. In this study, the authors hypothesized that hypothermic TLV can also limit kidney injury after cardiac arrest. Methods: Anesthetized rabbits were submitted to 15 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation. After resuscitation, three groups of eight rabbits each were studied such as (1) life support plus hypothermia (32°–33°C) induced by cold TLV (TLV group), (2) life support without hypothermia (control group), and (3) Sham group (no cardiac arrest). Life support was continued for 6 h before euthanasia and kidney removal. Results: Time to target esophageal temperature was less than 5 min in the TLV group. Hypothermia was accompanied by preserved renal function in the TLV group as compared with control group regarding numerous markers including creatinine blood levels (12 ± 1 vs. 16 ± 2 mg/l, respectively; mean ± SEM), urinary N-acetyl-β-(d)-glucosaminidase (1.70 ± 0.11 vs. 3.07 ± 0.10 U/mol of creatinine), γ-glutamyltransferase (8.36 ± 0.29 vs. 12.96 ± 0.44 U/mol of creatinine), or β2-microglobulin (0.44 ± 0.01 vs. 1.12 ± 0.04 U/mol of creatinine). Kidney lesions evaluated by electron microscopy and conventional histology were also attenuated in TLV versus control groups. The renal-protective effect of TLV was not related to differences in delayed inflammatory or immune renal responses because transcriptions of, for example, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, toll-like receptor-2, toll-like receptor-4, and vascular endothelial growth factor were similarly altered in TLV and control versus Sham. Conclusion: Ultrafast cooling with TLV is renal protective after cardiac arrest and resuscitation, which could increase kidney availability for organ donation.

scholarly journals Non-breeding feather concentrations of testosterone, corticosterone and cortisol are associated with subsequent survival in wild house sparrows

2011 ◽  
Vol 279 (1733) ◽  
pp. 1560-1566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Koren ◽  
Shinichi Nakagawa ◽  
Terry Burke ◽  
Kiran K. Soma ◽  
Katherine E. Wynne-Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Hormones ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Darwinian Fitness ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
The Subject ◽  
As Stress

Potential mechanistic mediators of Darwinian fitness, such as stress hormones or sex hormones, have been the focus of many studies. An inverse relationship between fitness and stress or sex hormone concentrations has been widely assumed, although empirical evidence is scarce. Feathers gradually accumulate hormones during their growth and provide a novel way to measure hormone concentrations integrated over time. Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, we measured testosterone, corticosterone and cortisol in the feathers of house sparrows ( Passer domesticus ) in a wild population which is the subject of a long-term study. Although corticosterone is considered the dominant avian glucocorticoid, we unambiguously identified cortisol in feathers. In addition, we found that feathers grown during the post-nuptial moult in autumn contained testosterone, corticosterone and cortisol levels that were significantly higher in birds that subsequently died over the following winter than in birds that survived. Thus, feather steroids are candidate prospective biomarkers to predict the future survival of individuals in the wild.

Closed Blood Conservation Device for Reducing Catheter-Related Infections in Children After Cardiac Surgery

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 53-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Menglin Tang ◽  
Mei Feng ◽  
Lijun Chen ◽  
Jinmei Zhang ◽  
Peng Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Blood Conservation ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Potential Sources ◽  
Catheter System ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Interventional Group

Background Arterial catheters are potential sources of nosocomial infection. Objective To investigate use of a closed blood conservation device in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections in children after cardiac surgery. Methods Children with an indwelling arterial catheter after cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to 2 groups: a control group with a conventional 3-way stopcock in the catheter system and an interventional group with the conservation device in the catheter system. Catheter tips, catheter intraluminal fluid, and blood samples obtained from the catheter and peripherally were cultured for microbiological analysis. RESULTS Intraluminal fluid contamination was significantly lower (P = .03) in the interventional group (3 of 147 catheters) than in the control group (10 of 137 catheters). The 2 groups did not differ significantly in the rate of tip colonization (9 of 147 vs 12 of 137; P = .40) or in the number of catheter-related bloodstream infections (0 of 147 vs 2 of 137; P = .21). Conclusion Use of a closed blood conservation device could decrease the incidence of catheter-related contamination of intraluminal fluid.

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