scholarly journals Neuroendocrine control of cocoon production in native earthworm Perionyx ceylanensis subjected to seasonal variation

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 930-937
Author(s):  
P.S. Chaudhuri ◽  
◽  
R. Datta ◽  

Aim: The aim of the present study was to observe the role of cerebral ganglionic neurosecretory cells (NSCs) during cocoon production in native earthworm species Perionyx ceylanensis subjected to amputation and seasonal variations. Methodology: Histological studies (using Aldehyde Fuchsin and Chrome Alum Haematoxylin Phloxin stain) were carried out on brain NSCs in the two groups of earthworms (Group I and Group II) maintained in earthen culture pots (2L) with cowdung as food. Group I comprised of brain amputed earthworms was subjected to observe the role of brain NSCs in production of cocoon and Group II earthworms subjected to seasonal changes in the cerebral NSCs during cocoon production. Five replications were kept for Group I (1 individual per pot) and Group II (1 pair per pot). Results: Group I debrained earthworms started to lay cocoons from the 31st day following regeneration of cerebral ganglionic type A NSCs. In group II worms the highest neurosecretory activity was registered in the cerebral type A cells, especially during monsoon coinciding with the hike of cocoon generation. Interpretation: Appearance of type A NSCs in regenerated brain and peak of type A neurosecretory cell activity during peak reproductive period of earthworm species (as indicated by peak of cocoon production) indicates the possible role of cerebral type A NSCs in cocoon laying.

2004 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 413-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cetin Kaymak ◽  
Ela Kadioglu ◽  
Hulya Basar ◽  
Semra Sardas

In this study, genotoxic effects of repeated sevoflurane anaesthesia were investigated in rabbits with or without antioxidant supplementation. Twenty-one New Zealand male rabbits were included in the study and randomized into three groups as: placebo treated (Group I), vitamin E supplemented (Group II) and selenium supplemented (Group III). Vitamin E and selenium were given intraperitoneally for 15 days before anaesthesia treatment. Anaesthesia was administered using 3% sevoflurane in 4 L/min oxygen for a 3-hour period and continued for 3 days. Blood samples were collected before anaesthesia (Sample 1), after the first, second and third days of sevoflurane administration (Sample 2, Sample 3 and Sample 4 respectively) and the last samples were taken 5 days after the last sevoflurane administration (Sample 5). Genotoxic damage was examined using the comet assay. The degree of damage is assessed by grading the cells into three categories of no migration (NM), low migration (LM) and high migration (HM) depending on the fraction of DNA pulled out into the tail under the influence of the electric field. The number of comets in each sample was calculated (1 × number of comets in category NM + 2 × number of comets in category LM + 3 ×number of comets in category HM) and expressed as the total comet score (TCS), which summarizes the damage frequencies. In Group I, a significant increase in the mean TCSs was observed for Samples 3 and 4 as compared with Sample 1. However, there were no significant differences between Samples 1, 2 and 5. The mean TCS of Sample 4 was significantly higher than Sample 1, 2 and 3 in Group II. Group III demonstrated no significant mean TCSs for any experimental conditions. Statistical differences were also observed between the groups with significant P values. This experimental study points out the presence of DNA damage with repeated sevoflurane anaesthesia and the genoprotective role of antioxidant supplementation on DNA damage in mononuclear leukocytes of rabbits by highly sensitive comet assay.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 93 (4) ◽  
pp. 660-662
Author(s):  
Margaret J. Strieper ◽  
Debbie O. Auld ◽  
J. Edward Hulse ◽  
Robert M. Campbell

Objective. To determine the current practice and effectiveness of evaluating recurrent syncope in pediatric patients, and to establish the role of tilt table testing in the evaluation. Design. Retrospective analysis of 54 pediatric patients with the history of syncope referred to cardiologists. Group I consisted of 27 patients examined without tilt table testing group II consisted of 27 patients whose examination included tilt table testing. Results. Group I had an average of 5.4 studies and group II, 6.6 studies performed per patient. Studies included chest radiograph (16 vs 13), electrocardiogram (24 vs 27), echocardiography (21 vs 27), 24-hour electrocardiogram (14 vs 16), transtelephonic monitor (7 vs 8), electrophysiology study (1 vs 3), complete blood cell counts (11 vs 12), chemistries (10 vs 11), thyroid function test (3 vs 3), neurology consult (12 vs 6), electroencephalogram (12 vs 5), and head computed tomographic scan (5 vs 3). Of the 298 non-tilt studies, the results of only 5 (1.6%) were abnormal. Diagnoses were made in 5 (18.5%) of 27 group I patients (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, 1; conversion reaction, 2; hyperventilation, 1; migraines, 1), whereas diagnosis was made in 27 (100%) of 27 group II patients (neurocardiogenic syncope, 25; conversion reaction, 2). Conclusion. An extensive workup is not routinely indicated in syncopal patients with a history consistent with neurocardiogenic syncope. Tilt table testing performed early in the evaluation will increase the probability of a diagnosis, and will often prevent the need for further extensive, expensive anxiety-producing tests.


QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H R Elareny ◽  
A I Ahmed ◽  
A F Alneklawy ◽  
M K Tawfik

Abstract Introduction Nowadays interest in aging has greatly increased, Aging is a complex natural process involving every molecule, cell, and organ in the body that is associated with tissue dysfunction in many organs. Aging of the cornea causes major eye effects and leads to substantial cost in medical and social terms. These effects include the highly prevalent dry eye disease (DED) that affects both visual function and quality of life in elderly. Symptoms of (DED) include, ocular pain, visual disturbances, and increase lacrimation. Functional foods such as Royal jelly (RJ) have a growing attention because of consumers increasing concerns about their health. Its importance not only for its nutritional properties but also for its functional and biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-ulcerous activities. It is used as a cheap natural source in daily life and medicine. (RJ) is a complex substance composed of proteins, sugars, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Aim The present study aimed to investigate the histological effect of aging on the cornea of male albino rat and possible therapeutic role of (RJ) on senile group. Materials and Methods Twenty-four male albino rats were used in this study divided into Group I: consisted of 6 adult male rats aged 3- 6 months. Group II: consisted of 18 senile male rats aged 18-24 months, were further subdivided into three subgroups as follows: Group II A: (n = 6) negative control senile rats, not subjected to any procedure for 4 weeks. Group II B: (n = 6) control senile rats and were given distilled water by oral gavage once daily for 4 weeks. Group II C: (n = 6) senile rats were given (RJ) by oral gavage dissolved in distilled water once daily for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed after being deeply anesthetized with ether according to the protocol of the Committee of Animal Research Ethics (CARE). The cornea of each animal was carefully dissected out after death and immediately fixed in 10% formalin for preparation of paraffin blocks 5 micrometer thickness. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (I-I&E), Masson's trichrome and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). Statistical analysis and quantitative morphometric study were done. Results Light microscopic examination of corneas of senile rats revealed different pathological changes included irregularity in the surface epithelium as well as surface erosions and cytoplasmic vacuolations. The stroma showed widely separated collagen fibers with decreased keratocyte density. It was concluded that (RJ) supplementation to senile rats obviously unproved all layers of the cornea histologically.


1991 ◽  
Vol 261 (2) ◽  
pp. H443-H450 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Toga ◽  
J. Usha Raj ◽  
R. Hillyard ◽  
B. Ku ◽  
J. Anderson

We have determined the sites of action of endothelin-1 (ET) in the lamb pulmonary circulation. The influence of cyclooxygenase inhibition and baseline vasomotor tone on ET effects was also studied. Lungs of 14 lambs (6-9 wk of age, 12.1 +/- 0.6 kg body wt) were isolated and perfused with blood. Group I lungs (n = 5) were untreated, group II lungs (n = 5) were treated with indomethacin to inhibit cyclooxygenase, and group III lungs (n = 4) were treated with indomethacin and a thromboxane A2 analogue, U-46619, to elevate vasomotor tone. All lungs were perfused with constant flow in zone 3, with left atrial and airway pressures being 8 and 6 cmH2O, respectively. We measured pulmonary arterial pressure and, by the micropuncture servo-null method, pressures in 20- to 50-microns diameter subpleural venules, both before and after each dose of ET was infused (50, 100, 250, and 500 ng/kg). Group I lungs, with high baseline vasomotor tone, exhibited a biphasic response to ET; 50-100 ng/kg of ET dilated both arteries and veins, whereas 500 ng/kg of ET constricted both arteries and veins. In group II lungs with low vasomotor tone, all doses of ET caused constriction of arteries only. In group III lungs (indomethacin treated with elevated vasomotor tone), 50-100 ng/kg of ET caused dilation of arteries and veins, whereas 500 ng/kg of ET induced constriction, this time only in arteries. We conclude that ET has both dilator and constrictor effects in arteries and veins of isolated, perfused lamb lungs. ET-induced arterial and venous dilation is dependent on initial vasomotor tone but not on cyclooxygenase metabolites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivkumar Gopalakrishnan ◽  
sangeetha kandasamy ◽  
S.Malini ◽  
S.Peer Mohamed ◽  
k.velmurugan

Abstract Background. Approximately 5% of COVID-19 patients suffer near fatal disease. Clinical and radiologic features may predict severe disease albeit with limited specificity and radiation hazard. Laboratory biomarkers are eyed as simple, specific and point of care triage tools to optimize management decisions.This study aimed to study the role of inflammatory markers in prognosticating COVID-19 patients.Methodology. A hospital based retrospective study was conducted on COVID-19 adult inpatients classified into three groups as mild disease-recovered [Group I], severe disease-recovered [Group II] and dead [Group III]. Categorical outcomes were compared using Chi square test. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to test the association between the explanatory and outcome variables. Unadjusted OR along with 95% CI was calculated. The utility of lab parameters (Ferritin, LDH, D dimer, N/L ratio and PLT/L ratio) in predicting severity of COVID-19 was assessed by Receiver Operative Curve (ROC) analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results. The mean age was 49.32 +/- 17.1 years. Among study population, 378 were Group I, 66 Group II, and 56 Group III. Median levels of Ferritin among the 3 groups were 62ng/mL, 388.50 ng/mL and 1199.50 ng/mL. Median value of LDH were 95U/L, 720 and 982.50(p <0.001). D-dimer values of 3 groups were 23.20ng/mL, 104.30 ng/mL and 197.10 ng/mL (p <0.001). CRP done qualitatively was positive in 2 (0.53%), 30 (45.45%) and 53 (94.64%) of patients. The odds of patients suffering severe COVID-19 rose with rising values of ferritin, LDH and D-dimer [unadjusted OR 1.007, 1.004 &1.020]Conclusion. One time measurement of serum ferritin, LDH, D-dimer and CRP is promising to predict outcomes for COVID 19 inpatients. Single qualitative CRP was equally good but more cost effective than quantitative CRP. The most specific combination was NLR, Lymphocyte percentage and D-dimer levels done between 7th – 10th day of symptoms.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amany Mohamed Shalaby ◽  
Adel Mohamed Aboregela ◽  
Mohamed Ali Alabiad ◽  
Mona Tayssir Sadek

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a widespread metabolic disease with a well-known neurotoxicity in both central and peripheral nervous systems. Oxymatrine is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has various pharmacological activities including; anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory potentials. The present work aimed to study the impact of diabetes mellitus on the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rat and to evaluate the potential protective role of oxymatrine using different histological methods. Fifty-five adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups: group I served as control, group II was given oxymatrine (80 mg/kg/day) orally for 8 weeks and group III was given a single dose of streptozotocin (50mg/kg) intaperitoneally to induce diabetes. Then diabetic rats were subdivided into two subgroups: subgroup IIIa that received no additional treatment and subgroup IIIb that received oxymatrine similar to group II. The diabetic group revealed numerous changes in the Purkinje cell layer in the form of multilayer arrangement of Purkinje cells, shrunken cells with deeply stained nuclei as well as focal loss of the Purkinje cells. A significant increment in GFAP and synaptophysin expression was reported. Transmission electron microscopy showed irregularity and splitting of myelin sheaths in the molecular layer, dark shrunken Purkinje cells with ill-defined nuclei, dilated Golgi saccules and dense granule cells with irregular nuclear outlines in the granular layer. In contrast, these changes were less evident in diabetic rats that received oxymatrine. In conclusion, Oxymatrine could protect the cerebellar cortex against changes induced by DM.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1397-1406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adel A Hagag ◽  
Ibrahim M Badraia ◽  
Walid A El-Shehaby ◽  
Maaly M Mabrouk

Background Leukemia is the most common pediatric malignancy. It affects bone marrow cells especially lymphoid cell precursor. Leukemia is treated mainly by chemotherapy. Doxorubicin is a well-established chemotherapeutic agent included in treatment protocols of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its efficacy is often limited by its cardiotoxic side effects. Many studies are directed to overcome this problem. Black seed oil was found to have a potent cardioprotective effect. Aim of the study: To assess the protective role of black seed oil against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Subjects and methods This study was carried out on 40 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia including 20 patients under doxorubicin therapy and black seed oil 80 mg/kg/dose divided into 3 doses starting at the same moment of beginning of doxorubicin infusion therapy and continued for 1 week after each doxorubicin dose [group I] and 20 patients under doxorubicin and placebo for 1 week after each doxorubicin dose [group II]. They underwent conventional echo-Doppler measures of left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions and pulsed wave tissue Doppler of lateral mitral annulus. Results No significant differences were found in parameters of electrocardiograph including S-T segment and Q-T interval either before or after doxorubicin therapy. No significant differences in echocardiographic parameters were found between group I and group II before therapy. Non-significant changes in parameters of diastolic function [E/A ratio or e/a ratio] were found after doxorubicin therapy in group I and II, but there were significant reduction in parameters of systolic function [EF, FS and s wave] after doxorubicin therapy more in group II than group I. Conclusion and recommendation: From this study, we concluded that: Black seed oil improves some cardiac side effects of doxorubicin as shown by better systolic functions in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were treated with Doxorubicin and black seed (group I) than in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were treated with doxorubicin alone with no black seeds (group II), and therefore multi center studies is recommended to be done before we can recommend the use of black seed oil as an adjuvant therapy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia under doxorubicin-based treatment protocol.


2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (12) ◽  
pp. 1650-1655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shyam Varadarajulu ◽  
C. Mel Wilcox ◽  
Sahibzada Latif ◽  
Milind Phadnis ◽  
John D. Christein

The aim of this study was to assess for any trend in management of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) and identify impacting factors. The endoscopy and surgical databases were queried for PFC patients. PFCs were categorized as pseudocysts (PP) or complex collections (CC) that included abscess/necrosis. The outcome measures were to compare the utilization of surgery and endoscopy from 2004 to 2007 (group I) and from 2008 to 2010 (group II) and identify factors impacting practice patterns. A total of 285 patients were treated: group I included 119 and group II 166. Of 119 group I patients, 29 per cent were treated by surgery and 71 per cent by endoscopy. Of 85 endoscopy patients, 42 per cent were drained by conventional transmural drainage and 58 per cent by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Of 166 group II patients, 31 per cent were treated surgically and 69 per cent endoscopically. Of the 115 endoscopy patients, 17 per cent were drained by conventional transmural drainage and 83 per cent by EUS. Compared with group I, all pseudocysts in group II were treated by endoscopy (84% vs 100%, P = 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of CC treated by endoscopy between both groups (57.7% vs 56.8%, P = 0.9). PFCs not causing luminal compression ( P < 0.0001) or measuring <9 cm in size ( P < 0.0001) were more likely to require EUS. There was a significant trend at our institution in the management of PFCs with all pseudocysts presently being treated only by endoscopy. The ability of EUS to access smaller size PFCs and those not causing luminal compression has significantly expanded the role of endoscopy in PFC management.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10s2 ◽  
pp. BMI.S26156
Author(s):  
Shivali Justa ◽  
Ranjana W. Minz ◽  
Shashi Anand ◽  
Mukut Minz

Background The role of neopterin as a marker of cell-mediated immunity for immunological monitoring after transplantation is of great potential interest. Neopterin levels among hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive recipients of living-donor renal transplantation (LDRT) have not been previously described. Methods Twenty-two HCV-positive (group I) and 10 HCV-negative (group II) recipients of LDRT were serially monitored for serum neopterin levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Group I patients were monitored thrice, ie, before transplantation, day 10, and 6 months post transplantation, while group II patients were monitored twice (day 10 and 6 months post transplantation). Peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4+CD25+, CD16+56) and Thl/Th2 cytokines were monitored concomitantly by flow cytometry. Results Ten days post transplantation, there was a significant increase in neopterin and neopterin/creatnine levels among group I patients. There was a positive correlation between activated T-lymphocyte (CD4+CD25+) and neopterin early post transplantation (day 10). Th2 cytokines IL-10 and IL-5 showed a positive correlation with neopterin levels on day 10 and 6 months post transplantation, respectively. Neopterin levels did not show association with either HCV viral load or allograft rejection among our study cohort. Conclusion Increased monocyte/macrophage activation with elevated serum neopterin was detected among group I patients on day 10 post transplantation, but it could not predict rejection. It appears that IL-10 either from a regulatory or nonregulatory source helps in the maintenance of stable graft early post transplantation. Further, it would be of interest to assess the role of neopterin in chronic allograft nephropathy and long-term graft outcome.


1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (4) ◽  
pp. H1510-H1520 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. van Hardeveld ◽  
V. J. Schouten ◽  
A. Muller ◽  
E. T. van der Meulen ◽  
G. Elzinga

The beneficial effect of low pH during cardiac ischemia on reperfusion injury has often been attributed to its energy-saving effect due to inhibition of contraction. The role of low pH on Ca2+ accumulation and muscle tension was assessed in energy-depleted tissue by changing the pH of the medium from 7.4 to 6.2 at onset of rigor development during metabolic inhibition (MI), i.e., in the energy-depleted phase. Cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and intracellular H+ (pHi) were measured in rat trabeculae at 20 degrees C with fura 2 and 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, respectively, and tension was recorded. The preparations were energy depleted by stimulation at 1 Hz in glucose-free Tyrode solution with 2 mM NaCN. Rigor developed within 20 min, indicating energy depletion. Resting [Ca2+]i was followed during 50 min (group I) or 100 min (group II) of rigor, and recovery was followed for 60 min in glucose-containing Tyrode solution at 0.2-Hz stimulation. Resting [Ca2+]i rose within 50 min (group I) but stabilized in the 50- to 100-min period (group II). All preparations from group I (n = 5) resumed contraction in the recovery period but in group II (n = 10) 70% failed to recover, and [Ca2+]i remained elevated compared with those that recovered. An extracellular pH of 6.2, resulting in similar pHi, from onset of rigor development (group III) led to only a modest rise in [Ca2+]i during the 100-min rigor period, and all preparations resumed contraction after approximately 3 min in normal medium. ATP was very low in all groups at the end of MI but was still significantly lower in group II than in groups I and III. A beneficial energy-sparing effect of low pH during the rigor phase can therefore not be excluded. We conclude that 1) the capacity of trabeculae to recover from MI depends on the time period and magnitude of the [Ca2+]i rise in the energy-depleted phase and 2) low pH in energy-depleted trabeculae protects against Ca overload, improving recovery after normalization of perfusion conditions.


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