Cirrhosis in rats does not resolve in the long-term after induction by thioacetamide model

Abstract Introductions: Hepatic cirrhosis is a final common pathway of all chronic liver diseases, characterized by deposit of fibrillar collagen and liver failure. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, hepatic cirrhosis was induced in 15 female Wistar rats by a 14-week period, with thioacetamide solution in a 200 mg/kg dosage, via intraperitoneal. Animals were submitted to liver biopsy, and euthanized after a 80-day post-induction period. Serum biochemical analysis was performed, in addition to histopathology by H.E., Picrosirius, Alcian Blue and P.A.S. stainings, following analysis of histological activity index and staging of fibrosis. Morphometric analysis of collagen on Picrosirius slides was also performed. Results: Mortality during experimental period was low (13.33%), and after 80-day period, liver function improved, cellular changes did not altered, and deposition of acidic mucopolysaccharides and glycogen were increased. Liver histological activity did not change significantly (7.25 ± 1.30 to 6.41 ± 1.32), but staging of fibrosis was altered (3.91 ± 0.76 to 4.70 ± 1.11). Interlobular collagen showed a significant decrease (5.14 ± 2.00 to 4.00 ± 1.20), while intralobular collagen was increased (0.23 ± 0.06 to 0.36 ± 0.08). Conclusions: These findings characterize thioacetamide as a safe experimental model for induction cirrhosis, which may be used for future therapy studies.

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Haematological and serum biochemical indices of growing rabbits fed graded levels of Yam peel meal as replacement for maize

Nigerian Journal of Animal Production ◽

10.51791/njap.v47i4.67 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 47 (4) ◽

pp. 167-175

Author(s):

I. B. Amaza ◽

A. Maidala ◽

C. E. Isidahomen

Keyword(s):

Biochemical Analysis ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Blood Chemistry ◽

Feeding Trial ◽

Randomized Design ◽

Serum Biochemical ◽

Inclusion Level ◽

Completely Randomized Design ◽

Biochemical Indices ◽

Dietary Treatments

Haematological and serum biochemical parameters are indicators of physiological, nutritional and pathological status of animals. Investigation of these parameters provide information for diagnostic purposes. The study was conducted to determine the influence of feeding graded levels of yam peel meal (YPM) as a replacement for maize on haematology; blood chemistry was evaluated in rabbits. Thirty- six (New Zealand white X Chinchilla) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with nine rabbits per treatment. The rabbits were fed diets containing 0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5% of Yam peel meal (YPM) as a replacement for maize, designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The experimental diets and clean drinking water were supplied ad libitum throughout the experimental period of nine weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, three rabbits per treatment were randomly selected for hematological and serum biochemical analysis. All the haematological and serum biochemical indices except AST were affected (P<0.05) by dietary inclusion of YPM. Although most of the parameters investigated were affected by rabbits fed test ingredient, the values fell within the normal literature reference values for rabbits. It can therefore be concluded that up to 37.5% inclusion level of YPM can be fed to growing rabbits without deleterious effects on health status.

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Effects of Repeated Administration of Extracts from Arachis hypogaea Hulls on Blood Parameters and Histological Organization of Heart, Liver and Kidneys of Rats

International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review ◽

10.9734/ijbcrr/2020/v29i130162 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 20-33

Author(s):

Djyh Bernard Nazaire ◽

Tra Bi Irié Otis ◽

Oungbé Monkoué Désiré ◽

Gnahoué Goueh Laurent ◽

Kra Adou Koffi Mathieu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Arachis Hypogaea ◽

Biochemical Analysis ◽

Histological Study ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Repeated Administration ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Control Group ◽

Aqueous Extracts ◽

Subacute Toxicity

Aims: Arachis hypogaea (peanuts) is widely used in food worldwide. Therapeutic use of various parts of this plant has been mentioned in many traditional medicinal systems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate subacute toxicity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of peanuts hulls. Place and Duration: Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Biosciences, University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, from March to June 2018. Methodology: Serial extraction was done using methanol and water as solvents. The study was evaluated by orally daily doses of extracts 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg. The treatment for 28 days concerned seven groups of animals, the control group and six treated groups. Each group included six animals, 3 males and 3 females. Animals of control group didn’t have any treatment. Animals were observed for general behavioural and signs of abnormalities during the experiment. After all treatments, blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Liver, kidney, and heart were removed, weighed for histological study. Results: The results showed that, there were not any significant (p˃0.05) changes in both the absolute and relative organ weights between the control and the test groups. Biochemical parameters were statistically equal in all groups. In addition, both extracts did not induce any significant effect on RBC and indices relating to it (HGB, PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC) throughout the experimental period. But, there was a decrease (16.33±1.68) on WBC with methanolic extract compared to control (13.79±2.73). Histological examination of the liver, kidneys, and the heart showed normal organisation and structure of heart, kidneys and liver. Conclusion: It appears that the methanolic and aqueous extracts of hull of Arachis hypogaea did not produce any toxicity in oral subacute toxicity study. However, further studies are needed to confirm long term toxicities.

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Hallucinogen Use in College Students: Current Trends and Consequences of Use

Current Psychopharmacologye ◽

10.2174/2211556009666200311140404 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 115-127

Author(s):

Lena S. Jia ◽

Jessica A. Gold

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Drug Class ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Current Trends ◽

College Population ◽

Therapy Studies ◽

Recreational Use ◽

Perception Disorder ◽

Review Current

Hallucinogens are a drug class that is growing in popularity with college students. Recent experimental trends, such as microdosing, have helped promote the use of hallucinogens on campus, and students may be tempted to use these substances due to their beliefs about the drugs’ positive effects on mood. Although hallucinogens are not currently an established form of medical therapy, studies have shown that they have significant benefits as adjunctive treatments for psychological disorders. However, the recreational use of these drugs in college students often occurs in uncontrolled doses or with drug mixing, which is often dangerous. Furthermore, students with mental health disorders may have their symptoms masked by hallucinogenic drug use, which could delay treatment and have serious consequences. Long-term use of these drugs may also result in tolerance or hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. This article attempts to review current information regarding hallucinogen use and how it applies to the college population.

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MBCL-14. A STUDY OF LOW-DOSE CRANIOSPINAL RADIATION THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED AVERAGE-RISK MEDULLOBLASTOMA

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa222.490 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. iii390-iii391

Author(s):

Aaron Mochizuki ◽

Anna Janss ◽

Sonia Partap ◽

Paul Fisher ◽

Yimei Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Radiation Therapy ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Average Risk ◽

Craniospinal Radiation ◽

Grade 5 ◽

Therapy Studies ◽

Do So

Abstract INTRODUCTION Medulloblastoma is one of the most common malignant brain tumors in children. To date, the treatment of average-risk (non-metastatic, completely resected) medulloblastoma includes craniospinal radiation therapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Modern treatment modalities and now risk stratification of subgroups have extended the survival of these patients, exposing the long-term morbidities associated with radiation therapy. METHODS We performed a single-arm, multi-institution study, seeking to reduce the late effects of treatment in patients with average-risk medulloblastoma prior to advances in molecular subgrouping. To do so, we reduced the dose of craniospinal irradiation by 25% to 18 gray with the goal of maintaining the therapeutic efficacy as described in CCG 9892 with maintenance chemotherapy. RESULTS 28 patients aged 3–30 years were enrolled across three institutions between April 2001 and December 2010. Median age at enrollment was 9 years with a median follow-up time of 11.7 years. The 3-year relapse-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 78.6% (95% CI 58.4% to 89.8%) and 92.9% (95% CI 74.4% to 98.2%), respectively. The 5-year RFS and OS were 71.4% (95% CI 50.1% to 84.6%) and 85.7% (95% CI 66.3% to 94.4%), respectively. Toxicities were similar to those seen in other studies; there were no grade 5 toxicities. CONCLUSIONS Given the known neurocognitive adverse effects associated with cranial radiation therapy, studies to evaluate the feasibility of dose reduction are needed. In this study, we demonstrate that select patients with average-risk medulloblastoma may benefit from reduced craniospinal radiation dose of 18 gray without impacting relapse-free or overall survival.

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Serum Neopterin Levels and IDO Activity as Possible Markers for Presence and Progression of Hepatitis B

Pteridines ◽

10.1515/pteridines-2020-0010 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 91-99

Author(s):

Deniz Öğütmen Koç ◽

Yağmur Özhan ◽

Ebru Türköz Acar ◽

Nilgün Bireroğlu ◽

Fatih Aslan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Activity Index ◽

Strong Positive Correlation ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Serum Neopterin ◽

Tryptophan Degradation ◽

Immune System Activation ◽

Study Results ◽

Chronic Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Histological Activity

AbstractChronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still one of the major reasons for liver related mortality and morbidity all around the world. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between the immune system activation and presence, as well as progression, of hepatitis B infection by monitoring the tryptophan degradation and serum neopterin levels in patients with HBV. 110 patients with HBV and 23 healthy subjects were included in the study. The patients had significantly higher neopterin levels and increased kynurenine to tryptophan ratios, which were most probably due to enhanced indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity compared to healthy control. A strong positive correlation was found between neopterin levels and IDO activity in patient group. Neopterin levels and IDO activity were markedly increased in patients with histological activity index (HAI) ≥4 compared to HAI<4, and a significant correlation was found between neopterin and HAI. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between albumin levels and IDO activity in HBV patients. These findings suggest that tryptophan degradation results from IFN-γ-induced IDO activation, likewise depletion of albumin synthesis in HBV patients may result from diminished tryptophan availability. In conclusion, based on the study results, serum neopterin levels and IDO activity could provide additional immunological information for monitoring liver histological activity and can be used as prognostic markers in HBV disease.

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The Effects of Reduced Salinity on the Shell Growth of Small Mytilus Edulis

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom ◽

10.1017/s0025315400059713 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

pp. 171-182 ◽

Cited By ~ 48

Author(s):

Patricia C. Almada-Villela

Keyword(s):

Growth Rate ◽

Mytilus Edulis ◽

High Salinity ◽

Shell Growth ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Gradual Decline ◽

Poor Growth ◽

Term Response ◽

Better Than

The shell growth of small coastal Mytilus edulis L. was measured at three different constant low salinities over short periods of time. Growth was significantly depressed in 6·4 and 16‰ S but not in 22·4‰ S. Fluctuating salinities between 0 and 32‰ S depressed growth whether the fluctuations were of sinusoidal or abrupt form. After 1 week of preconditioning to constant 32‰ S the growth of coastal (Bangor) mussels was better than estuarine (Conwy) mussels. However, after two weeks’ preconditioning to 32‰ S the estuarine mussels displayed the best growth. In the fluctuating regime, both coastal and estuarine mussels exhibited poor growth rates. The long-term response of the shell growth of coastal M. edulis was followed over a period of 44 days. Salinities in the range 1·8–9·6‰ S were lethal to the mussels within 10 days. In 12·8 and 16‰ S growth was initially delayed but recovered eventually. There was a gradual decline in the growth rate of the mussels exposed to the higher salinities (19·2–32‰) and an improvement in the growth of the mussels living in lower salinities (12·8 and 16‰) to levels nearly matching that of the high salinity animals by day 37. This suggests that acclimation of the shell growth of M. edulis to salinities in the 12·8–28·8‰ S range was achieved by the mussels during the experimental period.

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Long-Term Cytotoxicity, pH and Dissolution Rate of AH Plus and MTA Fillapex

Brazilian Dental Journal ◽

10.1590/0103-6440201600735 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 419-423 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal da Silva ◽

Thais Accorsi-Mendonça ◽

Ana Carolina Pedrosa ◽

José Mauro Granjeiro ◽

Alexandre A. Zaia

Keyword(s):

Dissolution Rate ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Cell Viability Assay ◽

Time Points ◽

Viability Assay ◽

Significant Difference ◽

High Dissolution Rate ◽

Post Test ◽

Ah Plus

Abstract The aim of the present study was to verify the long-term cytotoxic effects of the MTA Fillapex and to compare them with AH Plus. Dissolution rate and pH were also evaluated. Human osteoblast cells were incubated with elutes of fresh specimens from AH Plus and MTA Fillapex, and with elutes of the same specimens for 4 successive weeks. Elute's pH was evaluated at each time point. A multiparametric cell viability assay was performed. For dissolution rate, ISO methodology was used. The results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, complemented with the Tukey post-test (p<0.05). No significant difference was found among the materials when fresh mixed (p>0.05). After 1 week, AH Plus became non-cytotoxic on all three evaluated parameters. Conversely, MTA Fillapex remained severely and mildly cytotoxic over the entire experimental period (p<0.05). The dissolution rate of AH Plus was significantly lower than MTA Fillapex at all time points (p>0.05). The pH of AH Plus was significantly lower than MTA Fillapex at the second and third week (p<0.05). In the other tested time points no statistical difference was observed. In conclusion, MTA Fillapex remained cytotoxic after 4 weeks and its cytotoxicity may be related to the high dissolution rate of this material.

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165 Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, is associated with long-term (156-week) improvements in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index Score in subjects with psoriatic arthritis: pooled results from three phase III randomised controlled trials

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/key075.389 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 57 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Philip J Mease ◽

Helena Marzo-Ortega ◽

Airi Poder ◽

Filip Van den Bosch ◽

Jurgen Wollenhaupt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trials ◽

Activity Index ◽

Disease Activity Index ◽

Phase Iii ◽

Phosphodiesterase 4 ◽

Three Phase ◽

Activity Index Score ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor

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The effect of the length and severity of feed restriction on weight, carcass measurements and body composition of goats

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859600078783 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 127 (4) ◽

pp. 549-553 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

O. Mora ◽

A. Shimada ◽

F. J. Ruiz

Keyword(s):

Body Condition ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Soft Tissues ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Feed Restriction ◽

Tissue Composition ◽

Female Adult ◽

Adaptation Capacity ◽

Stabilization Period

SUMMARYTwo experiments were done in Mexico (1992–93) to determine the response of goats to different periods of feed restriction on liveweight, organ weights and tissue composition. In each, the weight, body condition and daily dry matter intake (DM1) of two groups of 12 female, adult, non-lactating, non-pregnant, Nubian crossbred goats were recorded for 7 weeks (stabilization period; SP), to allow the animals to reach and maintain their liveweight and body condition. At the end of the SP the animals in Expt 1 (RP1) were feed restricted for 18 weeks and for 36 weeks in Expt 2 (RP2). Animals were divided into three groups receiving either 100 (FL1), 80 (FL2) or 60% (FL3) of the levels of DM1 previously observed. At the end of each experimental period all animals were slaughtered, carcass weights were recorded and viscerae were weighed.A sample of the soft tissues was chemically analysed. There were no significant changes in body condition in either experiment (P > 0·05). None of the feeding levels had an effect on carcass weight or the chemical composition of soft tissues (P > 0·05). Liver weights (as a proportion of slaughter weight) were significantly different among goats fed at different feeding levels in both experiments. The results of this study show the adaptation capacity of adult goats to medium and long term malnutrition, and the importance of the liver as a source for the generation of energy and for sustaining protein turnover. This could be especially important for goats grazing in arid and semiarid zones where dry periods can last for months and feed availability is therefore sometimes limited.

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