Verapamil – L type voltage gated calcium channel inhibitor diminishes aggressive behavior in male Siamese fighting fish

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 401-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.F. Kania ◽  
B. Dębski ◽  
D. Wrońska ◽  
E. Zawadzka

Abstract Verapamil is a L-type voltage gated calcium channels inhibitor (VGCCI), which is a highly prescribed drug used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia and cluster headaches. Its common use caused its appearance in water environment. VGCC inhibit epinephrine release and cause many neuro-hormonal changes influencing also fish behavior. Siamese fighting fish was chosen to study the influence of verapamil given to the water on the beginning of experiment in 3 different concentrations of 0 (control), 8 and 160 μg · L−1, on aggressive behavior in these fish. The experimental fish were placed in individual glass containers for 3 weeks and the mirror test was used. The highest concentration led to a significant modulation of fish behavior after 1 week and the lower dose caused statistically significant behavioral changes after 2 weeks of verapamil treatment. Siamese fighting fish males exposed to verapamil had longer latencies to the first chase – 12.6 s (8 μg · L−1 of verapamil) and 18.8 s (160 μg · L−1 of verapamil) compared to 5.6 s in the control group, decreased attack frequency and shorter duration of these attacks. The number of attacks within 10 min was decreased from 38.3 in the control group to 27.1 and 16.1, respectively. Also the total duration of these attacks decreased from 354.8 (control) to 326.4 (decrease statistically insignificant) and to 194.8 s in verapamil treated groups. It was shown, that even relatively low concentrations of verapamil in water may have adverse effects on fish and probably other living organisms.

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-178 ◽  

Atrazine, a chlorinated s-triazine group of herbicide is one of the most widely used pesticides in the World. Due to its extensive use, long half-life and various toxic properties, it has very high environmental significance. Up to 22 mg l-1 of atrazine was found in ground water whereas permissible limit of atrazine is in ppb level in drinking water. As per Indian standard there should not be any pesticide present in drinking water. Among many other treatment processes available, Incineration, adsorption, chemical treatment, phytoremediation and biodegradation are the most commonly used ones. Biological degradation of atrazine depends upon various factors like the operating environment, external carbon and nitrogen sources, carbon/ nitrogen ratio (C/N), water content and the bacterial strain. Although, general atrazine degradation pathways are available, the specific pathways in specific conditions are not yet clearly defined. In this paper extensive review has been made on the occurrence of atrazine in surface and ground water bodies, probable sources and causes of its occurrence in water environment, the toxicity of atrazine on various living organisms and its removal by biological processes.


Catalysts ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1432
Author(s):  
Edyta Kudlek

Every compound that potentially can be harmful to the environment is called a Contaminant of Emerging Concern (CEC). Compounds classified as CECs may undergo different transformations, especially in the water environment. The intermediates formed in this way are considered to be toxic against living organisms even in trace concentrations. We attempted to identify the intermediates formed during single chlorination and UV-catalyzed processes supported by the action of chlorine and hydrogen peroxide or ozone of selected contaminants of emerging concern. The analysis of post-processing water samples containing benzocaine indicated the formation of seven compound intermediates, while ibuprofen, acridine and β-estradiol samples contained 5, 5, and 3 compound decomposition by-products, respectively. The number and also the concentration of the intermediates decreased with the time of UV irradiation. The toxicity assessment indicated that the UV-catalyzed processes lead to decreased toxicity nature of post-processed water solutions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Basavalingayya K. Swamy ◽  
Ravikumar Hosamani ◽  
Malarvizhi Sathasivam ◽  
S. S. Chandrashekhar ◽  
Uday G. Reddy ◽  
...  

AbstractHypergravity—an evolutionarily novel environment has been exploited to comprehend the response of living organisms including plants in the context of extra-terrestrial applications. Recently, researchers have shown that hypergravity induces desired phenotypic variability in seedlings. In the present study, we tested the utility of hypergravity as a novel tool in inducing reliable phenotype/s for potential terrestrial crop improvement applications. To investigate, bread wheat seeds (UAS-375 genotype) were subjected to hypergravity treatment (10×g for 12, and 24 h), and evaluated for seedling vigor and plant growth parameters in both laboratory and greenhouse conditions. It was also attempted to elucidate the associated biochemical and hormonal changes at different stages of vegetative growth. Resultant data revealed that hypergravity treatment (10×g for 12 h) significantly enhanced root length, root volume, and root biomass in response to hypergravity. The robust seedling growth phenotype may be attributed to increased alpha-amylase and TDH enzyme activities observed in seeds treated with hypergravity. Elevated total chlorophyll content and Rubisco (55 kDa) protein expression across different stages of vegetative growth in response to hypergravity may impart physiological benefits to wheat growth. Further, hypergravity elicited robust endogenous phytohormones dynamics in root signifying altered phenotype/s. Collectively, this study for the first time describes the utility of hypergravity as a novel tool in inducing reliable root phenotype that could be potentially exploited for improving wheat varieties for better water usage management.


Author(s):  
Ellahe Mohyadin ◽  
Zohreh Ghorashi ◽  
Zahra Molamomanaei

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety and fear of labor pain has led to elevated cesarean section rate in some countries. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of yoga in pregnancy on anxiety, labor pain and length of labor stages.MethodsThis clinical trial study was performed on 84 nulliparous women who were at least 18 years old and were randomly divided into two groups of yoga and control groups. Pregnancy Yoga Program consisting of 6 60-min training sessions was started every 2 weeks from week 26 of pregnancy and continued until 37 weeks of gestation. Anxiety severity at maternal admission to labor was measured by the Spielbergers State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and labor pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at dilatation (4–5 cm) and 2 h after the first measurement. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square and t-test.ResultsIntervention group reported less pain at dilatation (4–5 cm) (p=0.001) and 2 h after the first measurement (p=0.001) than the control group. Stat anxiety was also lower in intervention group than the control group (p=0.003) at the entrance to labor room. Subjects in the control group required more induction compared to intervention group (p=0.003). Women in intervention group experienced shorter duration of the first phase of the labor than the control group (p=0.002). Also, the total duration of two stages of labor was shorter in intervention group than the control group (p=0.003).ConclusionsPracticing yoga during pregnancy may reduce women’s anxiety during labor; shorten labor stages, and lower labor pain.


1995 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 795-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Antezana ◽  
J. P. Richalet ◽  
I. Noriega ◽  
M. Galarza ◽  
G. Antezana

Acute and chronic exposure to high-altitude (HA) hypoxia inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and may modify the release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in sea-level (SL) natives. In HA natives, the release of these hormones could be influenced by changes in blood volume or pulmonary arterial pressure. Twenty-four men residing in La Paz, Bolivia, at 3,600 m were separated into two groups: one normocythemic (HAN; with hematocrit < 57%; n = 13) and the other polycythemic (HAP; with hematocrit > 57%; n = 11). A control group of 9 SL residents was studied in normoxia (SLN) as well as after 4 days spent at 4,350 m (SLH). The groups were tested for plasma active renin (PAR), plasma aldosterone concentration, ANP, and potassium and norepineprine concentrations at rest and after a maximal exercise. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure was assessed by a Doppler technique. It was observed that PAR and plasma aldosterone concentration at rest and after exercise were lower in the SLH than in the SLN group. PAR and norepineprine concentration were higher among highlanders than in the SLN group. Renin response to exercise was normal among the HAN group and slightly decreased among the HAP group, and an exercise-induced increase in aldosterone was attenuated in both HA groups. Aldosterone response to renin was maintained among the SLH group but was attenuated in the HA groups, possibly owing to a protective mechanism against salt and water retention. Resting and exercise ANP was lower in the HA groups than in the SLN group.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1978 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 686-691
Author(s):  
June P. Brady ◽  
Ronald L. Ariagno ◽  
John L. Watts ◽  
Steven L. Goldman ◽  
Fe M. Dumpit

To find out whether there is any relationship between the ventilatory response to hypoxia and the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), we studied the effects of mild induced hypoxia (PIO2, 120 mm Hg = 17% oxygen) in 16 infants aged 2 weeks to 6 months. Eight had recurrent apneic spells (apnea group) (five had aborted SIDS and three had recurrent apnea in the intensive care nursery) and eight were "well" preterm infants about to fly in a pressurized airplane (PIO2, 120 mm Hg) (control group). Mean birth weights were 2,245 and 1,400 gm and mean gestational ages were 35 and 30 weeks. Postconceptual ages (41.8 and 41.3 weeks) were almost identical. Heart rate was obtained from an ECG, and respiratory rate and pattern were obtained from a pneumogram. In addition, end-tidal PCO2 and PN2 or PO2 were obtained with a nasal catheter and gas analyzers. In the apnea group with inhalation of 17% oxygen, we observed an increase in periodic breathing and an increase in both rate and total duration of respiratory pauses. In the control group there were no significant changes. Heart rate and PCO2 did not change in either group. Our findings suggest that infants prone to apnea may have unique respiratory responses to mild induced hypoxia.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedat Yüksel ◽  
◽  
Mestan Boyaci ◽  

The aim of this study was to determine whether or not animation applications affect student achievement in science and technology course. For this purpose, effect of constructive approach supported by animations in the instruction of the unit “Living Organisms and Energy” to the 8th grade students on their academic achievement was investigated. This unit was taught to the experimental group using a constructivist approach supported by animations and to the control group using a constructivist approach without animations. For data collection, an achievement was developed and administered to experimental and control groups as pre-tests and post-tests. Collected data was analyzed using t-test and MANOVA. As a result of the research, it was revealed that supporting the constructivist approach with animations was more effective in increasing academic achievement. Key wordThe aim of this study was to determine whether or not animation applications affect student achievement in science and technology course. For this purpose, effect of constructive approach supported by animations in the instruction of the unit “Living Organisms and Energy” to the 8th grade students on their academic achievement was investigated. This unit was taught to the experimental group using a constructivist approach supported by animations and to the control group using a constructivist approach without animations. For data collection, an achievement was developed and administered to experimental and control groups as pre-tests and post-tests. Collected data was analyzed using t-test and MANOVA. As a result of the research, it was revealed that supporting the constructivist approach with animations was more effective in increasing academic achievement. Key words: animation, constructivist science education, teaching supported by computer. s: animation, constructivist science education, teaching supported by computer.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-163
Author(s):  
Klaus Minde

The present article discusses developmental changes of aggression seen in preschool children and reports on an 18-month short-term prospective study of three preschool populations: a group referred for aggressive behavior problems, a normal control group, and a group of youngsters who had lived in violent homes, but showed no aggressive behaviors. Results indicate that the aggressive children, in comparison with the other two groups at age 4, showed a significant delay in their interpersonal awareness and perspective taking ability. However, although the aggressive children caught up with their peers in the course of the study period, there was no accompanying decrease in their aggressive behavior. The theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.


Author(s):  
I. A. Pushkaryev ◽  
N. M. Kostomakhin ◽  
S. V. Burtseva ◽  
N. A. Novikov

The reproductive traits of sows are of paramount importance in the production of high-quality pork. The world experience of pig farming shows the need to solve first of all the feed problem. Diets unbalanced in the content of vitamins restrain the manifestation of genetically inherent high prolificacy of sows. The purpose of the research was to study the influence of feeding the vitamin feed additive “LipoCar” on the reproductive traits of sows and the biochemical parameters of blood serum. The results of research on the introduction of vitamin feed additive “LipoCar” into the diet of pregnant sows have been presented in the article. The experiment has been carried out in the production conditions in JSC “Linevsky pedigree farm” on sows of Large White breed. Pregnant sows have received a basic diet, balanced for all the normalized elements of nutrition. Sows of the experimental group in the composition of the basic diet fed the feed additive “LipoCar”. The dosage of the drug “Lipocar” was 2,1 g/head/day. “Lipocar” has been fed for 20 days. The total duration of the experiment was 3 months. When introducing the vitamin feed additive “LipoCar” into the main diet of sows in the second half of pregnancy the increase in the number of piglets in the litter by 1,6-6,8 % and the weight of the litter – by 5,6-56,2 % (P ≤ 0,001) have been revealed in comparison with the control group of animals. There was a higher content of carotene in the blood serum of sows of the experimental group by 50,0 % (P ≤ 0,01), vitamin A - by 48,7 % (P ≤ 0,05), and total protein – by 4,9 % (P ≤ 0,05).


2017 ◽  
pp. 71-73
Author(s):  
N.Yu. Bysaha ◽  

The objective: study of hormonal status in pregnant women with benign cervical pathology (CP) in anamnesis. Patients and methods. Clinical and statistical analysis of the hormonal status of 100 women with a history of benign CP pathology has been performed. According to the revealed symptoms of CP during colposcopic examination, women were divided into two groups: 100 pregnant women, in whom colposcopic and cytologically signs of CP pathology were not detected, were included in the control group; and 100 women who had a pathology of CP, entered the main group. Results. The study examined hormonal relationships in the system mother–placenta–fetus, namely the level of hormones such as estriol, progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin, placental lactogen. Hormonal changes in pregnant women and contribute to reducing the immunoreactivity unwanted stimulation of existing benign hyperplastic background processes in the cervix. Conclusion. Determining functional state placenta is an important factor in the timely diagnosis of disorders in the functioning of the system mother–placenta–fetus. Key words: hormonal status, placenta, uterine cervix, fetoplacental complex.


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