Development of a certified reference material (NMIJ CRM 7512-a) for the determination of trace elements in milk powder.

PubMed

Zhu, Yanbei; Narukawa, Tomohiro; Miyashita, Shin-ichi; Kuroiwa, Takayoshi; Inagaki, Kazumi; Chiba, Koichi; Hioki, Akiharu

2013-01-01

A certified reference material (CRM), NMIJ CRM 7512-a, was developed for the determination of trace elements in milk powder. At least three independent analytical methods were applied to characterize the certified value of each element; all of these analytical methods were based on microwave acid digestions and carried out using different analytical instruments. The certified value was given on a dry-mass basis, where the dry-mass correction factor was obtained by drying the sample at 65°C for 15 to 25 h. The certified values in the units of mass fractions for 13 elements were as follows: Ca, 8.65 (0.38) g kg(-1); Fe, 0.104 (0.007) g kg(-1); K, 8.41 (0.33) g kg(-1); Mg, 0.819 (0.024) g kg(-1); Na, 1.87 (0.09) g kg(-1); P, 5.62 (0.23) g kg(-1); Ba, 0.449 (0.013) mg kg(-1); Cu, 4.66 (0.23) mg kg(-1); Mn, 0.931 (0.032) mg kg(-1); Mo, 0.223 (0.012) mg kg(-1); Rb, 8.93 (0.31) mg kg(-1); Sr, 5.88 (0.20) mg kg(-1); and Zn, 41.3 (1.4) mg kg(-1), where the numbers in the parentheses are the expanded uncertainties with a coverage factor of 2. The expanded uncertainties were estimated considering the contribution of the analytical methods, the method-to-method variance, the sample homogeneity, the dry-mass correction factor, and the concentrations of the standard solutions for calibration. The concentrations of As (2.1 μg kg(-1)), Cd (0.2 μg kg(-1)), Cr (1.3 μg kg(-1)), Pb (0.3 μg kg(-1)), and Y (64 μg kg(-1)) were given as information values for the present CRM.

Population pharmacokinetics of ϵ-aminocaproic acid in adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery.

PubMed

Stricker, P A; Gastonguay, M R; Singh, D; Fiadjoe, J E; Sussman, E M; Pruitt, E Y; Goebel, T K; Zuppa, A F

2015-04-01

Despite demonstrated efficacy of ϵ-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in reducing blood loss in adolescents undergoing spinal fusion, there are no population-specific pharmacokinetic data to guide dosing. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of EACA in adolescents undergoing spinal fusion surgery and make dosing recommendations. Twenty children ages 12-17 years were enrolled, with 10 children in each of two groups based on diagnosis (idiopathic scoliosis or non-idiopathic scoliosis). Previously reported data from infants undergoing craniofacial surgery were included in the model to enable dosing recommendations over a wide range of weights, ages, and diagnoses. A population non-linear mixed effects modelling approach was used to characterize EACA pharmacokinetics. Population pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using a two-compartment disposition model with allometrically scaled weight and an age effect on clearance. Pharmacokinetic parameters for the typical patient were a plasma clearance of 153 ml min(-1) 70 kg(-1) (6.32 ml min(-1) kg(-0.75)), intercompartmental clearance of 200 ml min(-1) 70 kg(-1) (8.26 ml min(-1) kg(-0.75)), central volume of distribution of 8.78 litre 70 kg(-1) (0.13 litre kg(-1)), and peripheral volume of distribution of 15.8 litre 70 kg(-1) (0.23 litre kg(-1)). Scoliosis aetiology did not have a clinically significant effect on drug pharmacokinetics. The following dosing schemes are recommended according to patient weight: weight <25 kg, 100 mg kg(-1) loading dose and 40 mg kg(-1) h(-1) infusion; weight ≤25 kg-<50 kg, 100 mg kg(-1) loading dose and 35 mg kg(-1) h(-1) infusion; and weight ≥50 kg, 100 mg kg(-1) loading dose and 30 mg kg(-1) h(-1) infusion. An efficacy trial employing this dosing strategy is warranted. NCT01408823. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Journal of Anaesthesia. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The effect of age and gender on 38 chemical element contents in human iliac crest investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis.

PubMed

Zaichick, Sofia; Zaichick, Vladimir

2010-01-01

To understand the role of major, minor, and trace elements in the etiology of bone diseases including osteoporosis, it is necessary to determine the normal levels and age-related changes of bone chemical elements. The effect of age and gender on 38 chemical element contents in intact iliac crest of 84 apparently healthy 15-55 years old women (n=38) and men (n=46) was investigated by neutron activation analysis. Mean values (M+/-SEM) for mass fraction (on dry weight basis) of Ca, Cl, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Rb, Sr, and Zn for both female and male taken together were Ca - 169+/-3g/kg, Cl - 1490+/-43 mg/kg, Co - 0.0073+/-0.0024 mg/kg, Fe - 177+/-24 mg/kg, K - 1820+/-79 mg/kg, Mg - 1840+/-48 mg/kg, Mn - 0.316+/-0.013 mg/kg, Na - 4970+/-87 mg/kg, P - 79.7+/-1.5 g/kg, Rb - 1.89+/-0.22 mg/kg, Sr - 312+/-15 mg/kg, and Zn - 65.9+/-3.4 mg/kg, respectively. The upper limit of mean contents of Cs, Eu, Hg, Sb, Sc, and Se were Cs < or = 0.09 mg/kg, Eu < or = 0.005 mg/kg, Hg < or = 0.005 mg/kg, Sb < or = 0.004 mg/kg, Sc < or = 0.001 mg/kg, and Se < or = 0.1mg/kg, respectively. In all bone samples the contents of Ag, As, Au, Ba, Br, Cd, Ce, Cr, Gd, Hf, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, and Zr were under detection limits. The Ca, Mg, and P contents decrease with age, regardless of gender. Higher Ca, Mg, P, and Sr mass fractions as well as lower Fe content are typical of female iliac crest as compared to those in male bone. Copyright 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Water Quality Criteria for Colored Smokes: Solvent Green 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-01

by the oral, dermal, or inhalation route. The acute oral LD50 is >3.16 g/kg in rats, but may be as high as 15 g/kg, >1 g/kg in dogs , and 10 g/kg in...0 is >3.16 g/kg, but may be as high as 15 g/kg in rats, >1 g/kg in dogs , and 10 g/kg in rabbits. Solvent Green 3 is not irritating to eyes and is...only mildly irritating to the skin. The acute LCt 5 0 for five experimental animal species combined (monkeys, dogs , swine, rabbits, and rats) is 319,447

Effects of vitamin E on reproductive hormones and testis structure in chronic dioxin-treated mice.

PubMed

Yin, Hai-Ping; Xu, Jian-Ping; Zhou, Xian-Qing; Wang, Ying

2012-03-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin E on reproductive hormones and testis structure in mice treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Five experimental groups of a combination of TCDD and vitamin E were designed as follows: 0 ng/kg/d and 0 mg/kg/d (control group), 100 ng/kg/d and 0 mg/kg/d (Group I), 100 ng/kg/d and 20 mg/kg/d (Group II), 100 ng/kg/d and 100 mg/kg/d (Group III), and 100 ng/kg/d and 500 mg/kg/d (Group IV) respectively. Vitamin E and TCDD were given by oral gavage for 7 weeks. The results demonstrated that TCDD decreased the levels of brain gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), testis luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), serum testosterone and testis spermatozoa number, and damaged testis structure. Vitamin E at 20 mg/kg alleviated the decrease of GnRH; vitamin E at 20, 100, and 500 mg/kg antagonized the decline of LH and FSH; vitamin E at 20 and 100 mg/kg reversed the decrease of testosterone and spermatozoa number; and vitamin E at 100 mg/kg decreased the damage of the testis structure caused by TCDD. The results indicate that vitamin E antagonizes the reproductive endocrine toxicity and alleviates the changes in testicular structure caused by TCDD.

Metal contamination in wildlife living near two zinc smelters

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beyer, W.N.; Pattee, O.H.; Sileo, L.; Hoffman, D.J.; Mulhern, B.M.

1985-01-01

Wildlife in an oak forest on Blue Mountain was studied 10 km upwind (Bake Oven Knob site) and 2 km downwind (Palmerton site) of two zinc smelters in eastern Pennsylvania, USA. Previous studies at sites near these smelters had shown changes in populations of soil microflora, lichens, green plants and litter-inhabiting arthropods. The 02 soil litter horizon at Palmerton was heavily contaminated with Pb (2700 mg kg-1), Zn (24000 mg kg-1), and Cd (710 mg kg-1), and to a lesser extent with Cu (440 mg kg-1). Various kinds of invertebrates (earthworms, slugs and millipedes) that feed on soil litter or soil organic matter were rare at, or absent from, the Palmerton site. Those collected at Bake Oven Knob tended to have much higher concentrations of metals than did other invertebrates. Frogs, toads and salamanders were very rare at, or absent from, the Palmerton site, but were present at Bake Oven Knob and at other sites on Blue Mountain farther from the smelters. Metal concentrations (dry wt) in different organisms from Palmerton were compared. Concentrations of Pb were highest in shrews (110 mg kg-1), followed by songbirds (56 mg kg-1), leaves (21 mg kg-1), mice (17 mg kg-1), carrion insects (14 mg kg-1), berries (4.0 mg kg-1), moths (4,3 mg kg-1) and fungi (3.7 mg kg-1). Concentrations of Cd, in contrast, were highest in carrion insects (25 mg kg-1 ),followed by fungi (9.8 mg kg-1), leaves (8.1 mg kg-1), shrews (7.3 mg kg-I), moths (4.9 mg kg-1), mice (2.6 mg kg -1), songbirds (2.5 mg kg -1) and berries (1.2 mg kg-1). Concentrations of Zn and Cu tended to be highest in the same organisms that had the highest concentrations of Cd. Only a small proportion of the metals in the soil became incorporated into plant foliage, and much of the metal contamination detected in the biota probably came from aerial deposition. The mice from both sites seemed to be healthy. Shrews had higher concentrations of metals than did mice, and one shrew showed evidence of Pb poisoning; its red blood cell ALAD activity was greatly reduced, one kidney contained acid-fast intranuclear inclusion bodies, and the other kidney had 280 mg kg-1 Pb (wet wt). The livers from two cuckoos from Palmerton had elevated Pb concentrations (18 and 25 mg kg-1, wet wt). Most of the songbirds seemed to be healthy.

Gold concentrations in abiotic materials, plants, and animals: a synoptic review

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eisler, R.

2004-01-01

Gold (Au) is ubiquitous in the environment and mined commercially at numerous locations worldwide. It is also an allergen that induces dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Gold concentrations were comparatively elevated in samples collected near gold mining and processing facilities, although no data were found for birds and non-human mammals. Maximum gold concentrations reported in abiotic materials were 0.001 ug/L in rainwater; 0.0015 ug/L in seawater near hydrothermal vents vs. <0.00004-0.0007 ug/L elsewhere; 5.0 ug/kg dry weight (DW) in the Earth's crust; 19.0 ug/L in a freshwater stream near a gold mining site; 440 ug/kg DW in atmospheric dust near a high traffic road; 843 ug/kg DW in alluvial soil near a Nevada gold mine vs. <29 ug/kg DW premining; 2.53 mg/kg DW in snow near a Russian smelter vs. <0.35 mg/kg DW at a reference site; 4.5 mg/kg DW in sewage sludge; 28.7 mg/kg DW in polymetallic sulfides from the ocean floor; and 256.0 mg/kg DW in freshwater sediments near a gold mine tailings pile vs. <5 ug/kg DW prior to mining. In plants, elevated concentrations of 19 ug Au/kg DW were reported in terrestrial vegetation near gold mining operations vs. <4 ug/kg DW at a reference site; 37 ug/kg DW in aquatic bryophytes downstream from a gold mine; 150 ug Au/kg DW in leaves of beans grown in soil containing 170 ug/kg DW; up to 1.06 mg/kg DW in algal mats of rivers receiving gold mine wastes; and 0.1-100 mg/kg DW in selected gold accumulator plants. Fish and aquatic invertebrates contained 0.1-38.0 ug Au/kg DW. In humans, gold concentrations up to 1.1 ug/L were documented in urine of dental technicians vs. 0.002-0.85 ug/L in reference populations; 2.1 ug/L in breast milk, attributed to gold dental fillings and jewelry of mothers; 1.4 mg/kg DW in hair of goldsmiths vs. a normal range of 6-880 ug/kg DW; 2.39 mg/L in whole blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving gold thiol drugs to reduce inflammation (chrysotherapy) vs. a normal range of 0.2-2.0 ug/L; and 60.0 to 233.0 mg/kg fresh weight (FW) in kidneys of rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing active chrysotherapy vs. <42.0 mg/kg FW kidney 140 months posttreatment.

Prediction of Fat-Free Mass in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

PubMed

Størset, Elisabet; von Düring, Marit Elizabeth; Godang, Kristin; Bergan, Stein; Midtvedt, Karsten; Åsberg, Anders

2016-08-01

Individualization of drug doses is essential in kidney transplant recipients. For many drugs, the individual dose is better predicted when using fat-free mass (FFM) as a scaling factor. Multiple equations have been developed to predict FFM based on healthy subjects. These equations have not been evaluated in kidney transplant recipients. The objectives of this study were to develop a kidney transplant specific equation for FFM prediction and to evaluate its predictive performance compared with previously published equations. Ten weeks after transplantation, FFM was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data from a consecutive cohort of 369 kidney transplant recipients were randomly assigned to an equation development data set (n = 245) or an evaluation data set (n = 124). Prediction equations were developed using linear and nonlinear regression analysis. The predictive performance of the developed equation and previously published equations in the evaluation data set was assessed. The following equation was developed: FFM (kg) = {FFMmax × body weight (kg)/[81.3 + body weight (kg)]} × [1 + height (cm) × 0.052] × [1-age (years) × 0.0007], where FFMmax was estimated to be 11.4 in males and 10.2 in females. This equation provided an unbiased, precise prediction of FFM in the evaluation data set: mean error (ME) (95% CI), -0.71 kg (-1.60 to 0.19 kg) in males and -0.36 kg (-1.52 to 0.80 kg) in females, root mean squared error 4.21 kg (1.65-6.77 kg) in males and 3.49 kg (1.15-5.84 kg) in females. Using previously published equations, FFM was systematically overpredicted in kidney-transplanted males [ME +1.33 kg (0.40-2.25 kg) to +5.01 kg (4.06-5.95 kg)], but not in females [ME -2.99 kg (-4.07 to -1.90 kg) to +3.45 kg (2.29-4.61) kg]. A new equation for FFM prediction in kidney transplant recipients has been developed. The equation may be used for population pharmacokinetic modeling and clinical dose selection in kidney transplant recipients.

Validation of a quantitative magnetic resonance method for measuring human body composition.

PubMed

Napolitano, Antonella; Miller, Sam R; Murgatroyd, Peter R; Coward, W Andrew; Wright, Antony; Finer, Nick; De Bruin, Tjerk W; Bullmore, Edward T; Nunez, Derek J

2008-01-01

To evaluate a novel quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) methodology (EchoMRI-AH, Echo Medical Systems) for measurement of whole-body fat and lean mass in humans. We have studied (i) the in vitro accuracy and precision by measuring 18 kg Canola oil with and without 9 kg water (ii) the accuracy and precision of measures of simulated fat mass changes in human subjects (n = 10) and (iii) QMR fat and lean mass measurements compared to those obtained using the established 4-compartment (4-C) model method (n = 30). (i) QMR represented 18 kg of oil at 40 degrees C as 17.1 kg fat and 1 kg lean while at 30 degrees C 15.8 kg fat and 4.7 kg lean were reported. The s.d. of repeated estimates was 0.13 kg for fat and 0.23 kg for lean mass. Adding 9 kg of water reduced the fat estimates, increased misrepresentation of fat as lean, and degraded the precision. (ii) the simulated change in the fat mass of human volunteers was accurately represented, independently of added water. (iii) compared to the 4-C model, QMR underestimated fat and over-estimated lean mass. The extent of difference increased with body mass. The s.d. of repeated measurements increased with adiposity, from 0.25 kg (fat) and 0.51 kg (lean) with BMI <25 kg/m(2) to 0.43 kg and 0.81 kg respectively with BMI >30 kg/m(2). EchoMRI-AH prototype showed shortcomings in absolute accuracy and specificity of fat mass measures, but detected simulated body composition change accurately and with precision roughly three times better than current best measures. This methodology should reduce the study duration and cohort number needed to evaluate anti-obesity interventions.

Characterization of the discriminative stimulus produced by the dopamine antagonist tiapride.

PubMed

Cohen, C; Sanger, D J; Perrault, G

1997-11-01

The ability of tiapride, a selective D2/D3 dopamine receptor antagonist, to exert discriminative stimulus control of responding was investigated by training rats to discriminate this drug (30 mg/kg) from saline in a two-lever, food-reinforcement procedure. Acquisition of tiapride discrimination required a relatively lengthy training period (mean of 76 sessions) but stable performance was maintained throughout the 18- month study. The dose of tiapride eliciting 50% tiapride-lever choice (ED50) was 2.2 mg/kg. After determination of the dose-effect curve with tiapride, substitution tests with several dopamine antagonists and other reference compounds were performed. All dopamine antagonists, including amisulpride (ED50 4 mg/kg), sulpiride (18 mg/kg), sultopride (1.5 mg/kg), clebopride (0.13 mg/kg), raclopride (0.16 mg/kg), metoclopramide (1.4 mg/kg), remoxipride (4.8 mg/kg), pimozide (2.7 mg/kg), thioridazine (3.4 mg/kg), olanzapine (0.97 mg/kg), chlorpromazine (1.9 mg/kg), risperidone (0.22 mg/kg) and haloperidol (0.14 mg/kg), except clozapine (>10 mg/kg), produced dose-dependent substitution for tiapride. Tiapride-like stimulus effects were observed at doses that decreased response rates. However, ED50 values for substitution by tiapride, amisulpride, sulpiride, sultopride, pimozide, clebopride and thioridazine were lower than ED50 values for decreasing responding. Additional studies were conducted to evaluate the ability of direct and indirect dopamine agonists to attenuate the tiapride discriminative stimulus. Pretreatment with d-amphetamine and nomifensine antagonized the discriminative stimulus effects of tiapride. Quinpirole, 7-OH-DPAT, bromocriptine and apomorphine partially blocked the stimulus effects of tiapride whereas SKF 38393 did not affect the discrimination. These results from substitution and antagonism tests indicated that the discriminative effects of tiapride are mediated by activity at D2/D3 dopamine receptors.

Mineral and heavy metal levels of some fruits grown at the roadsides.

PubMed

Hamurcu, Mehmet; Ozcan, Mehmet Musa; Dursun, Nesim; Gezgin, Sait

2010-06-01

The rate of heavy metal pollution of some minor fruit samples growing at the roadsides in Turkey were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). Pb, Zn and Cu were found at the high levels in the fruit samples. The results showed that the average level of Cu changed between 0.27 mg/kg (Sample 11) and 0.05 mg/kg (Sample 15), Cr 0.32 mg/kg (Sample 14) and 0.18 mg/kg (Sample 13), Ni 0.68 mg/kg (Sample 12) and 0.26 g/kg (Sample 15), Pb 2.86 mg/kg (Sample 12) and 1.54 mg/kg (Sample 4) and Se 12.96 mg/kg (Sample 14) and 5.42 mg/kg (Sample 7). The levels of Cu, Cd and Cr in samples do not appear to reach pollution levels. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mebendazole paste as an anthelmintic in random source research cats.

PubMed

Bradley, R E; Peters, L J

1982-10-01

Mebendazole paste, administered per os daily for 3 days, at dose levels of 22 mg/kg and 33 mg/kg was highly effective in removing Ancylostoma tubaeforme from naturally infected cats. The 22 mg/kg dose gave the highest efficacy (95.5% critical and 98% controlled). The same product at 11 mg/kg, 22 mg/kg, or 33 mg/kg was 100% effective in removing Toxocara cati from naturally infected cats. Both 11 mg/kg and 22 mg/kg dose levels were highly efficacious against the common tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum. No toxic side effects or clinical illness were observed in any of the cats used in this study.

beta-Adrenoceptor agonists enhance 5-hydroxytryptamine-mediated behavioural responses.

PubMed Central

Cowen, P. J.; Grahame-Smith, D. G.; Green, A. R.; Heal, D. J.

1982-01-01

The beta-adrenoceptor agonists, salbutamol, terbutaline and clenbuterol, were investigated for their effect on 5-hydroxytryptamine-mediated (5-HT) hyperactivity. 2 The lipophilic beta-adrenoceptor agonist, clenbuterol (5 mg/kg) enhanced the behaviours induced by quipazine (25 mg/kg), including headweaving, forepaw treading and hind-limb abduction and thus increased automated activity recording. Clenbuterol (5 mg/kg) also enhanced the hyperactivity syndrome produced by the 5-HT agonist, 5-methoxy N,N-dimethyltryptamine (2 mg/kg) and the combination of tranylcypromine (10 mg/kg) and L-tryptophan (50 mg/kg). Salbutamol and terbutaline potentiated quipazine-induced hyperactivity only when given at the higher dose of 20 mg/kg. 3 The effect of clenbuterol in enhancing quipazine hyperactivity was blocked by the centrally acting beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, metoprolol (5 mg/kg), but not by the beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, butoxamine (5 mg/kg) or the peripherally acting beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, atenolol (5 mg/kg). 4 Clenbuterol (5 mg/kg) did not enhance the circling responses produced by methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg) in unilateral nigrostriatal-lesioned rats. 5 The results suggest that beta-adrenoceptor agonists in common with some established antidepressant treatments produce enhancement of 5-HT-mediated behavioural responses. PMID:6124294

Olanzapine treatment and metabolic dysfunction: a dose response study in female Sprague Dawley rats.

PubMed

Weston-Green, Katrina; Huang, Xu-Feng; Deng, Chao

2011-03-01

Second generation antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, however some can induce metabolic dysfunction side-effects such as weight gain, obesity and diabetes. Clinical reports suggest olanzapine alters satiety signals, although findings appear conflicting. Previous animal model studies have utilised a range of olanzapine dosages, however the dosage that better mimics the human scenario of olanzapine-induced weight gain is unclear. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated orally, three times daily with olanzapine (0.25mg/kg, 0.5mg/kg, 1.0mg/kg, 2.0mg/kg), self-administered in a sweet cookie dough pellet at eight-hourly intervals) or vehicle (n=12/group) for 14-days. Olanzapine orally self-administered in multiple doses (eight-hourly intervals) may circumvent a drop in plasma drug concentration and ensure the maintenance of a consistently high olanzapine level in the rat. Olanzapine increased body weight (0.5mg/kg, 1.0mg/kg, 2.0mg/kg), food intake (2.0mg/kg) and feeding efficiency (0.5-2.0mg/kg), with no effect on water intake. Subcutaneous inguinal (1.0mg/kg, 2.0mg/kg) and intra-abdominal perirenal fat were increased (2.0mg/kg), but not interscapula brown adipose tissue. Olanzapine increased circulating ghrelin and cholecystokinin, but had no effect on peptide YY((3-36)). Olanzapine decreased insulin (0.25-2.0mg/kg) and locomotor activity in the open field arena (0.5-2.0mg/kg). A low dosage of 0.25mg/kg olanzapine had no effect on most parameters measured. Olanzapine-induced weight gain is associated with hyperphagia, enhanced feeding efficiency and adiposity, decreased locomotor activity and altered satiety signaling. The animal model used in the present study of self-administered oral olanzapine treatment (t.i.d.) at a dosage range of 0.5-2.0mg/kg (but not 0.25mg/kg) mimics aspects of the clinic. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The fate and management of high mercury-containing lamps from high technology industry.

PubMed

Chang, T C; You, S J; Yu, B S; Kong, H W

2007-03-22

This study investigated the fate and management of high mercury-contained lamps, such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), ultraviolet lamps (UV lamps), and super high pressure mercury lamps (SHPs), from high technology industries in Taiwan, using material flow analysis (MFA) method. Several organizations, such as Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration, Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the light sources manufactories, mercury-containing lamps importer, high technology industrial user, and waste mercury-containing lamps treatment facilities were interviewed in this study. According to this survey, the total mercury contained in CCFLs, UV lamps, and SHPs produced in Taiwan or imported from other countries was 886kg in year 2004. Among the various lamps containing mercury, 57kg mercury was exported as primary CCFLs, 7kg mercury was wasted as defective CCFLs, and 820kg mercury was used in the high technology industries, including 463kg mercury contained in exported industrial products using CCFLs as components. On the contrary, only 59kg of mercury was exported, including 57kg in CCFLs and 2kg in UV lamps. It reveals that 364kg mercury was consumed in Taiwan during year 2004. In addition, 140kg of the 364kg mercury contained in lamps used by high technology industry was well treated through industrial waste treatment system. Among the waste mercury from high technology industry, 80kg (57%), 53kg (38%), and 7kg (5%) of mercury were through domestic treatment, offshore treatment, and emission in air, respectively. Unfortunately, 224kg waste mercury was not suitable treated, including 199kg mercury contained in CCFL, which is a component of monitor for personal computer and liquid crystal display television, and 25kg non-treated mercury. Thus, how to recover the mercury from the waste monitors is an important challenge of zero wastage policy in Taiwan.

Immune defense of emodin enriched diet in Clarias batrachus against Aeromonas hydrophila.

PubMed

Harikrishnan, Ramasamy; Jawahar, Sundaram; Thamizharasan, Subramanian; Paray, Bilal Ahmad; Al-Sadoon, Mohammad K; Balasundaram, Chellam

2018-05-01

This study investigates the effect of emodin enriched diet on growth, hematology, and immune response in walking catfish, Clarias batrachus against Aeromonas hydrophila. The basal (control) diet supplemented with emodin at 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 g kg -1 was fed to the experimental groups for a period of four weeks. Feeding infected fish with 0.2 g kg -1 and 0.4 g kg -1 emodin enriched diets resulted in an overall weight gain, enhanced PER and FCR when compared to other diets. The survival rates were 98.3% and 96.7% in 0.1 g kg -1 and 0.4 g kg -1 emodin diet fed groups. Feeding with 0.2 g kg -1 diet the RBC level significantly elevated on week 1 and with 0.4 g kg -1 diet on weeks 2 and 4. The WBC, the percentage of globulin and neutrophils increased significantly with 0.2 g kg -1 diet only on week 4; however with 0.4 g kg -1 diet the increase was observed from week 1-4. The phagocytic activity increased significantly on being fed with 0.4 g kg -1 diet on week 2 while with 0.2 g kg -1 and 0.4 g kg -1 diets the increase manifested only on week 4; the respiratory burst activity also significantly increased on week 4 whereas increased the complement activity on weeks 2 and 4. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was high on being fed with 0.4 g kg -1 diet on week 1; with 0.2 g kg -1 or 0.4 g kg -1 diets the increase was observed on weeks 2 and 4. The serum IgM level significantly increased when fed with 0.4 g kg -1 diet whereas the lysozyme activity was enhanced with 0.2 g kg -1 and 0.4 g kg -1 emodin diets on weeks 2 and 4. The percentage cumulative mortality was 10% with 0.1 g kg -1 or 0.2 g kg -1 diets while with 0.2 g kg -1 diet it was 15%. The results demonstrate that as a feed additive emodin acts as an immunostimulant enhancing the specific and nonspecific immune defense affording increased disease protection, enhances better growth and boosts hematology parameters in C. batrachus against A. hydrophila infection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

76 FR 56648 - Atrazine, Chloroneb, Chlorpyrifos, Clofencet, Endosulfan, et al.; Tolerance Actions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-14

... Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161; telephone number: 1-800... at 2 mg/kg and tea, green, black at 30 mg/kg. These MRLs are different than the tolerances... apple at 0.5 mg/kg; cherries at 0.2 mg/kg; cottonseed at 1 mg/kg; nectarine at 0.2 mg/kg; olives at 1 mg...

Possible involvement of dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in diazepam-induced hyperphagia in rats.

PubMed

Naruse, T; Amano, H; Koizumi, Y

1991-01-01

Possible involvement of dopamine receptors in diazepam-induced (1 mg/kg, subcutaneous (sc] hyperphagia was studied in nondeprived rats. Pretreatment with the selective D-1 antagonist, SCH23390 (0.03 mg/kg, sc) inhibited diazepam-induced hyperphagia. In addition, pretreatment with the preferential D-2 antagonists, haloperidol (0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg, sc) and clebopride (0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg, sc) inhibited diazepam-induced hyperphagia in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with co-administration of SCH23390 (0.1 mg/kg, sc) and clebopride (0.03 mg/kg, sc) completely inhibited this hyperphagia. The selective D-2 antagonist, sulpiride (40 mg/kg, sc) and the peripheral D-2 antagonist, domperidone (10 mg/kg, sc) did not affect diazepam-induced hyperphagia. However, sulpiride (10 micrograms, icv) or domperidone (2 micrograms, icv) administered centrally inhibited this hyperphagia. The highest dose of haloperidol (0.3 mg/kg, sc) or clebopride (0.3 mg/kg, sc) and higher doses of SCH23390 (0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg, sc) or SCH23390/clebopride (0.01/0.03 and 0.01/0.1 mg/kg, sc) tended to decrease spontaneous feeding in non-deprived rats. In addition, the highest dose of haloperidol, clebopride or SCH23390/clebopride inhibited spontaneous feeding in deprived rats. Interestingly, diazepam-induced hyperphagia was inhibited significantly by doses of haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg, sc), clebopride (0.1 mg/kg, sc) and SCH23390/clebopride (0.003/0.03 and 0.003/0.1 mg/kg, sc) which did not affect spontaneous feeding in non-deprived or deprived rats. Pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (40 mg/kg, IP x 2, 6 and 2 h prior to diazepam administration) failed to inhibit this hyperphagia. Furthermore, pretreatment with a large dose of haloperidol (5 mg/kg, sc, 4 days before diazepam administration) augmented the sub-hyperphagic effect to diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, sc). Thus, these findings suggest that hyperphagia to diazepam is mediated in part by both dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in non-deprived rats.

Gold concentrations in abiotic materials, plants, and animals: a synoptic review.

PubMed

Eisler, R

2004-01-01

Gold (Au) is ubiquitous in the environment and mined commercially at numerous locations worldwide. It is also an allergen that induces dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Gold concentrations were comparatively elevated in samples collected near gold mining and processing facilities, although no data were found for birds and non-human mammals. Maximum gold concentrations reported in abiotic materials were 0.001 microg L(-1) in rainwater; 0.0015 microg L(-1) in seawater near hydrothermal vents vs. < 0.00004-0.0007 microg L(-1) elsewhere; 5.0 microg kg(-1) dry weight (DW) in the Earth's crust; 19.0 microg L(-1) in a freshwater stream near a gold mining site; 440 microg kg(-1) DW in atmospheric dust near a high traffic road; 843 microg kg(-1) DW in alluvial soil near a Nevada gold mine vs. < 29 microg kg(-1) DW premining; 2.53 mg kg(-1) DW in snow near a Russian smelter vs. < 0.35 mg kg(-1) DW at a reference site; 4.5 mg kg(-1) DW in sewage sludge; 28.7 mg kg(-1) DW in polymetallic sulfides from the ocean floor; and 256.0 mg kg(-1) DW in freshwater sediments near a gold mine tailings pile vs. < 5 microg kg(-1) DW prior to mining. In plants, elevated concentrations of 19 microg Au kg(-1) DW were reported in terrestrial vegetation near gold mining operations vs. < 4 microg kg(-1) DW at a reference site; 37 microg kg(-1) DW in aquatic bryophytes downstream from a gold mine; 150 microg Au kg(-1) DW in leaves of beans grown in soil containing 170 microg kg(-1) DW; up to 1.06 mg kg(-1) DW in algal mats of rivers receiving gold mine wastes; and 0.1-100 mg kg(-1) DW in selected gold accumulator plants. Fish and aquatic invertebrates contained 0.1-38.0 microg Au kg(-1) DW. In humans, gold concentrations up to 1.1 microg L(-1) were documented in urine of dental technicians vs. 0.002-0.85 microg L(-1) in reference populations; 2.1 microg L(-1) in breast milk, attributed to gold dental fillings and jewelry of mothers; 1.4 mg kg(-1) DW in hair of goldsmiths vs. a normal range of 6-880 microg kg(-1) DW; 2.39 mg L(-1) in whole blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving gold thiol drugs to reduce inflammation (chrysotherapy) vs. a normal range of 0.2-2.0 microg L(-1); and 60.0 to 233.0 mg kg(-1) fresh weight (FW) in kidneys of rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing active chrysotherapy vs. < 42.0 mg kg(-1) FW kidney 140 months posttreatment.

Evaluation of the Charm maximum residue limit β-lactam and tetracycline test for the detection of antibiotics in ewe and goat milk.

PubMed

Beltrán, M C; Romero, T; Althaus, R L; Molina, M P

2013-05-01

The Charm maximum residue limit β-lactam and tetracycline test (Charm MRL BLTET; Charm Sciences Inc., Lawrence, MA) is an immunoreceptor assay utilizing Rapid One-Step Assay lateral flow technology that detects β-lactam or tetracycline drugs in raw commingled cow milk at or below European Union maximum residue levels (EU-MRL). The Charm MRL BLTET test procedure was recently modified (dilution in buffer and longer incubation) by the manufacturers to be used with raw ewe and goat milk. To assess the Charm MRL BLTET test for the detection of β-lactams and tetracyclines in milk of small ruminants, an evaluation study was performed at Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia Animal of Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain). The test specificity and detection capability (CCβ) were studied following Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Specificity results obtained in this study were optimal for individual milk free of antimicrobials from ewes (99.2% for β-lactams and 100% for tetracyclines) and goats (97.9% for β-lactams and 100% for tetracyclines) along the entire lactation period regardless of whether the results were visually or instrumentally interpreted. Moreover, no positive results were obtained when a relatively high concentration of different substances belonging to antimicrobial families other than β-lactams and tetracyclines were present in ewe and goat milk. For both types of milk, the CCβ calculated was lower or equal to EU-MRL for amoxicillin (4 µg/kg), ampicillin (4 µg/kg), benzylpenicillin (≤ 2 µg/kg), dicloxacillin (30 µg/kg), oxacillin (30 µg/kg), cefacetrile (≤ 63 µg/kg), cefalonium (≤ 10 µg/kg), cefapirin (≤ 30 µg/kg), desacetylcefapirin (≤ 30 µg/kg), cefazolin (≤ 25 µg/kg), cefoperazone (≤ 25 µg/kg), cefquinome (20 µg/kg), ceftiofur (≤ 50 µg/kg), desfuroylceftiofur (≤ 50µg/kg), and cephalexin (≤ 50 µg/kg). However, this test could neither detect cloxacillin nor nafcillin at or below EU-MRL (CCβ >30 µg/kg). The CCβ for tetracyclines was also lower than EU-MRL for chlortetracycline (ewe milk: ≤ 50 µg/kg; goat milk: 75 µg/kg), oxytetracycline (≤ 50 µg/kg), and tetracycline (≤ 50 µg/kg). Regarding the 4-epimers of these tetracyclines only 4-epioxytetracycline was detected by the Charm MRL BLTET test below EU-MRL (ewe milk: 75 µg/kg; goat milk: ≤ 50 µg/kg). Acidiol had no effect on the performance of the test. The Charm MRL BLTET test could be used routinely with adapted test procedure for the fast screening of ewe and goat milk. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multi-year evaluation of stocking rate and animal genotype on milk production per hectare within intensive pasture-based production systems.

PubMed

Coffey, E L; Delaby, L; Fleming, C; Pierce, K M; Horan, B

2018-03-01

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of stocking rate (SR) and animal genotype (BR) on milk production, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) within intensive pasture-based systems. A total of 533 lactation records, from 246 elite genetic merit dairy cows were available for analysis; 68 Holstein-Friesian (HF) and 71 Jersey × Holstein-Friesian (JxHF) crossbred cows in each of 4 consecutive years (2013-2016, inclusive). Cows from each BR were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 whole-farm comparative SR treatments, low (LSR; 1,200 kg of BW/ha), medium (MSR; 1,400 kg of BW/ha), and high (HSR; 1,600 kg of BW/ha), and remained in the same SR treatments for the duration of the experiment. The effects of SR, BR, and their interaction on milk production/cow and per hectare, BW, BCS, and grazing characteristics were analyzed. Total pasture utilization per hectare consumed in the form of grazed pasture increased linearly as SR increased: least in LSR (10,237 kg of dry matter/ha), intermediate in MSR (11,016 kg of dry matter/ha), and greatest in HSR (11,809 kg of dry matter/ha). Milk and milk solids (MS) yield per hectare was greatest for HSR (15,942 and 1,354 kg, respectively), intermediate for MSR (14,191 and 1,220 kg, respectively), and least for LSR (13,186 and 1,139 kg, respectively) with similar trends evident for fat, protein, and lactose yield/ha. At higher SR (MSR and HSR), MS yield per kg of BW per ha was reduced (0.85 and 0.82 kg of MS/kg of BW, respectively) compared with LSR (0.93 kg of MS/kg of BW/ha). Holstein-Friesian cows achieved fewer grazing days per hectare (-37 d), and produced more milk (+561 kg/ha) but less fat plus protein (-57 kg/ha) compared with JxHF cows; the JxHF cows were lighter. At similar BW per hectare, JxHF cows produced more fat plus protein/ha during the grazing season at low (1,164 vs. 1,113 kg), medium (1,254 vs. 1,185 kg), and high (1,327 vs. 1,380 kg) SR. In addition, JxHF cows produced more fat plus protein per kg of BW/ha (0.90 kg) compared with HF cows (0.84 kg). The results highlight the superior productive efficiency of high genetic potential crossbred dairy cows within intensive pasture-based production systems. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Jobelyn® on intruder- and isolation-induced aggressive behavior in mice.

PubMed

Umukoro, Solomon; Omogbiya, Itivere Adrian; Eduviere, Taghogho Anthony

2013-01-01

Aggression is a violent behavior emitted against another organism that may lead to its harm or death and thus is of public health significance, which necessitates the search for agents with anti-aggressive property. This study investigated the effect of Jobelyn® (JB), a unique African polyherbal formulation, on intruder- and isolation-induced aggressive behaviors in mice. Male mice that showed aggression after being housed individually with female counterparts for 3 weeks or kept in isolation for 4 weeks were treated orally (p.o.) with JB (5, 10 or 50 mg/kg), haloperidol (HP) (1 mg/kg), fluoxetine (FL) (10 mg/kg), p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) (20 mg/kg), mianserin (MS) (50 mg/kg) or distilled water (10 mL/kg) 60 min before being tested for aggression. Interaction studies involving oral administration of PCPA (20 mg/kg), FL (10 mg/kg) or MS (50 mg/kg) to aggressive mice that had received JB (5 or 10 mg/kg, p.o.) 30 min earlier were assessed. The effect of JB (5, 10 or 50 mg/kg, p.o.) on defensive behaviors was also evaluated. JB (5, 10 or 50 mg/kg) decreased aggressive behaviors without impairing the defensive mechanisms of mice. PCPA (20 mg/kg), an inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) biosynthesis, increased aggressive responses and reduced the anti-aggressive effect of JB. FL (10 mg/kg), a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, significantly suppressed aggression but did not alter the effect of JB on aggression. MS (50 mg/kg), a 5-HT receptor antagonist, reduced aggression and enhanced the effect of JB on aggression. These findings suggest that JB has anti-aggressive activity, which may be related to the enhancement of serotonergic system.

The effect of defibrotide on thromboembolism in the pulmonary vasculature of mice and rabbits and in the cerebral vasculature of rabbits.

PubMed Central

Paul, W.; Gresele, P.; Momi, S.; Bianchi, G.; Page, C. P.

1993-01-01

1. Administration of bovine thrombin (100 u kg-1) into the carotid artery of rabbits induces a sustained accumulation of 111 Indium-labelled platelets within the cranial vasculature over the subsequent 3 h. 2. Intracarotid (i.c.) administration of defibrotide (64 mg kg-1 bolus plus 64 mg kg-1 h-1 for 1 h) prior to i.c. thrombin (100 u kg-1) significantly reduces the ability of thrombin to induce cranial thromboembolism in rabbits. 3. Intravenous (i.v.) administration of thrombin (20 u kg-1) in rabbits induces a reversible accumulation of radiolabelled platelets into the thoracic circulation which is significantly reduced by i.v. administration of defibrotide (64 mg kg-1 bolus plus 64 mg kg-1 h-1 for 1 h) prior to i.v. thrombin. In contrast, platelet accumulation in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP; 20 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) or platelet activating factor (PAF; 50 ng kg-1, i.v.) is not significantly affected by this treatment. 4. Intravenous administration of the nitric oxide (NO)-synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10 mg kg-1) potentiates platelet accumulation induced by low dose thrombin (10 u kg-1, i.v.) within the pulmonary vasculature of rabbits. The potentiated response is significantly abrogated following pretreatment with defibrotide (64 mg kg-1 bolus plus 64 mg kg-1 h-1 for 1 h, i.v.). 5. Intravenous injection of human thrombin (1250 u kg-1) to mice induces death within the majority of animals which is significantly reduced by pretreatment with defibrotide (150-175 mg kg-1, i.v.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:8306102

Effects of the benzodiazepine antagonists RO 15-1788, CGS-8216 and PK-11195 on amygdaloid kindled seizures and the anticonvulsant efficacy of diazepam.

PubMed

Albertson, T E; Walby, W F

1986-11-01

The anticonvulsant effectiveness of the benzodiazepine antagonists RO 15-1788, CGS-8216 and PK-11195 were evaluated against threshold and suprathreshold (400 microA) stimulation in fully amygdaloid-kindled rats. Pretreatment with either RO 15-1788 (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg), CGS-8216 (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg) or PK-11195 (10 and 60 mg/kg) failed in this study to modify consistently either the afterdischarge thresholds or elicited suprathreshold seizures or duration of afterdischarge. Using a double injection paradigm, the effectiveness of these three benzodiazepine antagonists to reverse the anti-convulsant and behavioral effects of diazepam were studied. When diazepam (3 mg/kg) was injected 15 min before or after a second injection of the vehicle control DMSO (0.25 ml/kg), a significant reduction in the duration of afterdischarge and seizure rank, elicited by a suprathreshold stimulation in amygdaloid-kindled rats, occurred. When either CGS 8216 (10 mg/kg) or RO 15-1788 (10 mg/kg) were given 15 min before diazepam (3 mg/kg) prior to stimulation, the anticonvulsant properties of diazepam were blocked. When RO 15-1788 (10 mg/kg) was given 15 min after diazepam, antagonism of the anticonvulsant effects on diazepam was shown. However, when either CGS-8216 (10 mg/kg) or PK-11195 (10 and 60 mg/kg) were given 15 min after diazepam (3 mg/kg), the anticonvulsant properties of diazepam were not blocked. The anticonvulsant effects of diazepam were reversed when CGS-8216 (10 mg/kg) was given 5 min after diazepam (3 mg/kg) or when a larger dose (30 mg/kg) was given at the same 15 min interval.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antagonism of atracurium with neostigmine. Effect of dose on speed of recovery.

PubMed

Goldhill, D R; Carter, J A; Suresh, D; Whitehead, J P; Flynn, P J

1991-06-01

In 36 patients in whom anaesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide and 0.5% isoflurane an atracurium-induced neuromuscular block was either allowed to recover spontaneously or antagonised with one of four doses of neostigmine (15 micrograms/kg, 35 micrograms/kg, 55 micrograms/kg or 75 micrograms/kg). The recovery times to a train-of-four ratio of 0.5, 0.75 and 0.9 were recorded. In patients given neostigmine, antagonism was at an average T1 of between 8.8% and 14.9%. There was no difference in the recovery times between the patients given neostigmine 35 micrograms/kg, 55 micrograms/kg or 75 micrograms/kg. Recovery after neostigmine 15 micrograms/kg was significantly slower than after the higher doses. One patient given neostigmine 75 micrograms/kg showed an unusual bimodal pattern of recovery. There appears to be no benefit in giving a larger dose than 35 micrograms/kg of neostogmine as a single bolus.

Spatial variability of total carbon and soil organic carbon in agricultural soils in Baranja region, Croatia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogunović, Igor; Trevisani, Sebastiano; Pereira, Paulo; Šeput, Miranda

2017-04-01

Climate change is expected to have an important influence on the crop production in agricultural regions. Soil carbon represents an important soil property that contributes to mitigate the negative influence of climate change on intensive cropped areas. Based on 5063 soil samples sampled from soil top layer (0-30 cm) we studied the spatial distribution of total carbon (TC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) content in various soil types (Anthrosols, Cambisols, Chernozems, Fluvisols, Gleysols, Luvisols) in Baranja region, Croatia. TC concentrations ranged from 2.10 to 66.15 mg/kg (with a mean of 16.31 mg/kg). SOC concentrations ranged from 1.86 to 58.00 mg/kg (with a mean of 13.35 mg/kg). TC and SOC showed moderate heterogeneity with coefficient of variation (CV) of 51.3% and 33.8%, respectively. Average concentrations of soil TC vary in function of soil types in the following decreasing order: Anthrosols (20.9 mg/kg) > Gleysols (19.3 mg/kg) > Fluvisols (15.6 mg/kg) > Chernozems (14.2 mg/kg) > Luvisols (12.6 mg/kg) > Cambisols (11.1 mg/kg), while SOC concentrations follow next order: Gleysols (15.4 mg/kg) > Fluvisols (13.2 mg/kg) = Anthrosols (13.2 mg/kg) > Chernozems (12.6 mg/kg) > Luvisols (11.4 mg/kg) > Cambisols (10.5 mg/kg). Performed geostatistical analysis of TC and SOC; both the experimental variograms as well as the interpolated maps reveal quite different spatial patterns of the two studied soil properties. The analysis of the spatial variability and of the spatial patterns of the produced maps show that SOC is likely influenced by antrophic processes. Spatial variability of SOC indicates soil health deterioration on an important significant portion of the studied area; this suggests the need for future adoption of environmentally friendly soil management in the Baranja region. Regional maps of TC and SOC provide quantitative information for regional planning and environmental monitoring and protection purposes.

Comparison of rocuronium at two different doses and succinylcholine for endotracheal intubation in adult patients for elective surgeries.

PubMed

Chavan, S G; Gangadharan, S; Gopakumar, A K

2016-01-01

The effects of rocuronium at two different doses, that is, 0.6 mg/kg (2 × ED95) and 0.9 mg/kg (3 × ED95), were compared with succinylcholine (2 mg/kg) when used for endotracheal intubation in adult patients for elective surgeries under general anesthesia. Ninety patients were divided into three groups of 30 each. Groups A, B received injection rocuronium at 0.6 mg/kg, 0.9 mg/kg respectively and Group C received succinylcholine at 2 mg/kg. Onset of action of relaxant, intubation conditions, time taken to intubate and duration of action were compared. To compare the statistical difference in the age, weight, height of the study subjects, onset of action of relaxant, intubation conditions, time taken to intubate, and duration of action analysis of variance and unpaired t -test were used. The onset time was considerably shorter with rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg than 0.6 mg/kg. The onset time of rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg was found to be significantly longer than succinylcholine 2 mg/kg. Time taken to intubate was shortest with succinylcholine 2 mg/kg. The time taken to intubate with the rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg was found to be comparable to that of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Intubation score of rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg was the best (17.75), which was comparable with succinylcholine. However, the intubation score obtained with rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was inferior. Duration of action was shortest with succinylcholine. The duration of action is prolonged when the dose of rocuronium is increased from 0.6 to 0.9 mg/kg. Rapid sequence induction of anesthesia with propofol and fentanyl, succinylcholine allowed a more rapid endotracheal intubation sequence and created superior intubation conditions than rocuronium. However, the technique of using a large dose of rocuronium to achieve perfect conditions for tracheal intubation may have application whenever succinylcholine is relatively contraindicated.

Chemical changes in agricultural soils of Korea: data review and suggested countermeasures.

PubMed

Jo, I S; Koh, M H

2004-01-01

The monitoring of chemical properties, including heavy metals, in soils is necessary if better management and remediation practices are to be established for polluted soils. The National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology initiated a monitoring study that investigated fertility and heavy metal contents of the benchmarked soils. The study covered paddy soils, upland soils, and horticultural soils in the plastic film houses, and orchard soils throughout the Korea from 1990 to 1998. Likewise, 4047 samples of paddy and 2534 samples of plastic house in 1999 and 2000 were analyzed through the Soil Environment Conservation Act. Soil chemical properties such as pH, organic matter, available phosphate and extractable calcium, magnesium and potassium contents, and heavy metal contents such as cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, arsenic, mercury, and cobalt contents were analyzed. The study showed that the average contents of organic matter, available phosphate, and extractable potassium rapidly increased in plastic house soils than in upland or paddy soils. Two kinds of fertilizer recommendation systems were established for the study: the standard levels by national soil average data for 77 crops and the recommendation by soil test for 70 crops. Standard nitrogen fertilizer application levels for cereal crops changed from 94 kg/ha in 1960s, 99 kg/ha in 1970s, 110 kg/ha in 1980s to 90 kg/ha in 1990s. The K2O-fertilizer also changed from 67 kg/ha in 1960s, 76 kg/ha in 1970s, 92 kg/ha in 1980s, and only 44 kg/ha in 1990s. In rice paddy fields, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in surface soils (0-15 cm depth) were 0.11 mg kg(-1) (ranged from 0 to 1.01), 4.70 mg kg(-1) (0-41.59), 4.84 mg kg(-1) (0-66.44), and 4.47 mg kg(-1) (0-96.70), respectively. In the uplands, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As in surface soils (0-15 cm depth) were 0.135 mg kg(-1) (ranged from 0 to 0.660), 2.77 mg kg(-1) (0.07-78.24), 3.47 mg kg(-1) (0-43.00), 10.70 mg kg(-1) (0.30-65.10), and 0.57 mg kg(-1) (0.21-2.90), respectively. In plastic film houses, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As in surface soil were 0.12 mg kg(-1) (ranging from 0 to 1.28), 4.82 mg kg(-1) (0-46.50), 2.68 mg kg(-1) (0-46.50), 31.19 mg kg(-1) (0.19-252.0), and 0.36 mg kg(-1) (0-4.98), respectively. In orchard fields, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, and Hg in surface soils (0-20 cm depth) were 0.11 mg kg(-1) (ranged from 0-0.49), 3.62 mg kg(-1) (0.03-45.30), 2.30 mg kg(-1) (0-27.80), 16.60 mg kg(-1) (0.33-105.50), 0.44 mg kg(-1) (0-4.14), and 0.05 mg kg(-1) (0.01-0.54), respectively. For polluted soils with over the warning content levels of heavy metals, fine red earth application, land reconsolidation and soil amelioration such as lime, phosphate, organic manure, and submerging were recommended. For the countermeasure areas, cultivation of non-edible crops such as garden trees, flowers, and fiber crops; land reformation; and heavy application of fine red earth (up to 30 cm) were strongly recommended. Land use techniques should be changed to be harmonious with the environment to increase yield and income. Soil function characteristics should be taken into account.

Comparative Human Health and Environmental Toxicology Review of Seven Candidate Obscurant Smokes for Replacement of M83 Grenade

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

day; acute oral and dermal LD50 > 2000 mg/kg; inhalation LD50 > 20 mg/L Mixed evidence for carcinogenicity and mutagenicity (B2, 2...subchronic oral LOAEL 5–200 mg/kg/day; acute oral 25 < LD50 < 2000 mg/kg; dermal 50 < LD50 < 2000 mg/kg; inhalation 0.5 < LD50 < 20 mg/L Positive...corroborative evidence for carcinogenicity and mutagenicity; subchronic LOAEL < 5 mg/kg/day; acute oral LD50 ≤ 25 mg/kg; dermal LD50 ≤ 50 mg/kg

Site Investigation Report. Volume 1. 120th Fighter Interceptor Group, Montana Air National Guard, International Airport, Great Falls, Montana

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-01

poisoning. Chromium . Cr is a transition element, occurring in nature principally as the trivalent ion Cr(III), although valence states ranging from -2...mg/kg 100 - 3,000 mg/kg Chromium 12.9 - 20.7 mg/kg 1 - 1,000 mg/kg Copper 6.9 - 18.6 mg/kg 2 - 1,000 mg/kg Lead 5.5 - 12.2 mg/kg 10 - 200 mg/kg Nickel...6.5 S 10.3 S 5.8 80 Barium ND-1,231 241 246 150 5,600 Cadmium ND ND 24.2 0.76 B 40 Chromium 8.7-22.7 13.8 64.9 14.5 8E04 Copper 3.3-19.7 16.1 66.9

Toxic and essential elements in five tree nuts from Hangzhou market, China.

PubMed

Ni, Zhanglin; Tang, Fubin; Yu, Qing; Liu, Yihua

2016-12-01

In this study, a total of 35 tree nut samples of walnut, pecan, pine seed, hickory nut and torreya were obtained from 5 farm product markets in Hangzhou, China, and investigated for essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Mo, Cu, Zn, Se and Sr) and toxic (Al, As, Cd and Pb) elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Mean elemental concentrations of different tree nuts were in the following ranges: Cr 0.26-0.78 mg kg -1 , Mn 42.1-174 mg kg -1 , Fe 33.7-43.9 mg kg -1 , Mo 0.11-0.48 mg kg -1 , Cu 10.3-17.6 mg kg -1 , Zn 21.6-56.1 mg kg -1 , Se 0.015-0.051 mg kg -1 , Al 1.44-37.6 mg kg -1 , As 0.0062-0.047 mg kg -1 , Cd 0.016-0.18 mg kg -1 and Pb 0.0069-0.029 mg kg -1 . The estimated provisional tolerable daily intake of Al, As, Cd and Pb was much lower than the provisional tolerable daily intake.

Assessment of spatial variability of heavy metals in Metropolitan Zone of Toluca Valley, Mexico, using the biomonitoring technique in mosses and TXRF analysis.

PubMed

Zarazúa-Ortega, Graciela; Poblano-Bata, Josefina; Tejeda-Vega, Samuel; Ávila-Pérez, Pedro; Zepeda-Gómez, Carmen; Ortiz-Oliveros, Huemantzin; Macedo-Miranda, Guadalupe

2013-01-01

This study is aimed at assessing atmospheric deposition of heavy metals using the epiphytic moss genera Fabronia ciliaris collected from six urban sites in the Metropolitan Zone of the Toluca Valley in Mexico. The concentrations of K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, and Pb were determined by total reflection X-ray fluorescence technique. Results show that the average metal concentration decrease in the following order: Fe (8207 mg/Kg) > Ca (7315 mg/Kg) > K (3842 mg/Kg) > Ti (387 mg/Kg) > Mn, Zn (191 mg/Kg) > Sr (71 mg/Kg) > Pb (59 mg/Kg) > Cu, V (32 mg/Kg) > Cr (24 mg/Kg) > Rb (13 mg/Kg) > Ni (10 mg/Kg). Enrichment factors show a high enrichment for Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb which provides an evidence of anthropogenic impact in the industrial and urban areas, mainly due to the intense vehicular traffic and the fossil fuel combustion. Monitoring techniques in mosses have proved to be a powerful tool for determining the deposition of heavy metals coming from diverse point sources of pollution.

Revamping of entisol soil physical characteristics with compost treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumono; Loka, S. P.; Nasution, D. L. S.

2018-02-01

Physical characteristic of Entisol soil is an important factor for the growth of plant. The aim of this research was to know the effect of compost application on physical characteristics of Entisol soil. The research method used was experimental method with 6 (six) treatments and 3 replications of which K1 = 10 kg Entisol soil without compost, K2 = 9 Kg Entisol soil with 1 kg compost, K3 = 8 kg Entisol soil with 2 kg compost, K4 = 7 kg Entisol soilwith3 kg compost, K5 = 6 kg Entisol soil with 4 kg compost and K6 = 5 kg Entisol soil with 5 kg compost. The observed parameters were soil texture, soil organic matter, soil thickness, porosity, soil pore size, soil permeability and water availability. The results showed that the Entisol soil texture was loamy sand texture, the value of soil organic matter ranged from 0.74% to 4.69%, soil thickness ranged from 13.83 to 20.16 cm, porosity ranged from16% to 37%, soil pore size ranged from 2.859 to 5.493 µm, permeability ranged from 1.24 to 5.64 cm/hour and water availability ranged from 6.67% to 9.12% by each treatment.

Sufentanil citrate immobilization of Alaskan moose calves.

PubMed

Kreeger, Terry J; Kellie, Kalin A

2012-10-01

Free-ranging Alaskan moose calves (Alces alces gigas) were immobilized with 0.12 mg/kg sufentanil (S; n=16), 0.12 mg/kg sufentanil plus 0.27 mg/kg xylazine (SX; n=11), or 0.007 mg/kg carfentanil plus 0.36 mg/kg xylazine (CX; n=13). Immobilants were antagonized with 1.2 mg/kg naltrexone (S) or 1.2 mg/kg naltrexone plus 2.4 mg/kg tolazoline (SX, CX). There were no differences in induction (P ≥ 0.29) or processing (P ≥ 0.44) times between groups. Moose given either S or SX had significantly shorter recovery times than moose given CX (P=0.001) and recovery times from S were shorter than from SX (P=0.02). Oxygen saturation values for all groups averaged 85 ± 8%, but were significantly higher (P=0.048) for CX (89 ± 7%) than for S (82 ± 8%). Based on these data, sufentanil at 0.1 mg/kg or sufentanil at 0.1 mg/kg plus xylazine at 0.25 mg/kg could provide effective remote immobilization for Alaskan moose calves and could be substituted for carfentanil or thiafentanil should the need arise.

Comparison of antioxidant effects of honey, glibenclamide, metformin, and their combinations in the kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

PubMed

Erejuwa, Omotayo Owomofoyon; Sulaiman, Siti Amrah; Wahab, Mohd Suhaimi Ab; Salam, Sirajudeen Kuttulebbai Nainamohammed; Salleh, Md Salzihan Md; Gurtu, Sunil

2011-01-21

Hyperglycemia-induced increase in oxidative stress is implicated in diabetic complications. This study investigated the effect of metformin and/or glibenclamide in combination with honey on antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers in the kidneys of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg; intraperitoneal)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were randomized into eight groups of five to seven rats and received distilled water (0.5 mL); honey (1.0 g/kg); metformin (100 mg/kg); metformin (100 mg/kg) and honey (1.0 g/kg); glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg); glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg) and honey (1.0 g/kg); metformin (100 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg); or metformin (100 mg/kg), glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg) and honey (1.0 g/kg) orally once daily for four weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly elevated while catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant status (TAS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and GSH:oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio was significantly reduced in the diabetic kidneys. CAT, glutathione reductase (GR), TAS, and GSH remained significantly reduced in the diabetic rats treated with metformin and/or glibenclamide. In contrast, metformin or glibenclamide combined with honey significantly increased CAT, GR, TAS, and GSH. These results suggest that combination of honey with metformin or glibenclamide might offer additional antioxidant effect to these drugs. This might reduce oxidative stress-mediated damage in diabetic kidneys.

Comparison of Antioxidant Effects of Honey, Glibenclamide, Metformin, and Their Combinations in the Kidneys of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

PubMed Central

Erejuwa, Omotayo Owomofoyon; Sulaiman, Siti Amrah; Wahab, Mohd Suhaimi Ab; Salam, Sirajudeen Kuttulebbai Nainamohammed; Salleh, Md Salzihan Md; Gurtu, Sunil

2011-01-01

Hyperglycemia-induced increase in oxidative stress is implicated in diabetic complications. This study investigated the effect of metformin and/or glibenclamide in combination with honey on antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers in the kidneys of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg; intraperitoneal)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were randomized into eight groups of five to seven rats and received distilled water (0.5 mL); honey (1.0 g/kg); metformin (100 mg/kg); metformin (100 mg/kg) and honey (1.0 g/kg); glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg); glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg) and honey (1.0 g/kg); metformin (100 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg); or metformin (100 mg/kg), glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg) and honey (1.0 g/kg) orally once daily for four weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly elevated while catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant status (TAS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and GSH:oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio was significantly reduced in the diabetic kidneys. CAT, glutathione reductase (GR), TAS, and GSH remained significantly reduced in the diabetic rats treated with metformin and/or glibenclamide. In contrast, metformin or glibenclamide combined with honey significantly increased CAT, GR, TAS, and GSH. These results suggest that combination of honey with metformin or glibenclamide might offer additional antioxidant effect to these drugs. This might reduce oxidative stress-mediated damage in diabetic kidneys. PMID:21340016

Pharmacokinetics and analgesic effectiveness of intravenous parecoxib for tonsillectomy ± adenoidectomy.

PubMed

Tan, Lena; Taylor, Elsa; Hannam, Jacqueline A; Salkeld, Lesley; Salman, Sam; Anderson, Brian J

2016-12-01

Few pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data exist for COX-2 selective inhibitors in children. We wished to characterize the PKPD of parecoxib and its active metabolite, valdecoxib, in this population. Children (n = 59) were randomized to parecoxib 0.25 mg·kg -1 , 1 mg·kg -1 , and 2 mg·kg -1 during tonsillectomy ± adenoidectomy. Samples (4-6 per child) were obtained from indwelling cannula over 6 h. A second group of inpatient children (n = 15) given 1 mg·kg -1 contributed PK data from 6 to 24 h. Pain scores and rescue medication for the first group were recorded postoperatively for up to 24 h. PK data were pooled with those (10 samples/24 h) from a published study of children (n = 38) who underwent surgery. A three-compartment parent and one-compartment metabolite model with first-order elimination was used to describe data using nonlinear mixed effects models. An E MAX model described the relationship between dose and rescue morphine equivalents during recovery. Parecoxib PK parameter estimates were CL PARECOXIB 19.1 L·h -1 ·70 kg -1 , V1 PARECOXIB 4.2 L·70 kg -1 , Q2 PARECOXIB 6.29 L·h -1 ·70 kg -1 , V2 PARECOXIB 130 L·70 kg -1 , Q3 PARECOXIB 6.02 L·h -1 ·70 kg -1 , and V3 PARECOXIB 2.03 L·70 kg -1 . We assumed all parecoxib was metabolized to valdecoxib with CL VALDECOXIB 9.53 L·h -1 ·70 kg -1 and V VALDECOXIB 51 L·70 kg -1 . There was no maturation of clearance over the age span studied. There were no differences in pain scores between groups on waking, discharge, 12 h, or 24 h. There were no differences in analgesia consumption over 24 h between groups for tramadol, fentanyl, and morphine rescue use. Fentanyl and morphine consumption, expressed as morphine equivalents (0.13 mg·kg -1 ) in the 0.25 mg·kg -1 group, was greater than that observed in the 1 or 2 mg·kg -1 groups (0.095 mg·kg -1 ) in PACU. Parecoxib 0.9 mg·kg -1 in a 2-year-old, 0.75 mg·kg -1 in a 7-year-old, and 0.65 mg·kg -1 in a 12-year-old child achieves dose equivalence of 40 mg in a standard 70 kg person. Clearance maturation may occur in infants younger than the current cohort. Parecoxib doses above 1 mg·kg -1 add no additional analgesia. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cyclophosphamide conditioning in patients with severe aplastic anaemia given unrelated marrow transplantation: a phase 1-2 dose de-escalation study.

PubMed

Anderlini, Paolo; Wu, Juan; Gersten, Iris; Ewell, Marian; Tolar, Jakob; Antin, Joseph H; Adams, Roberta; Arai, Sally; Eames, Gretchen; Horwitz, Mitchell E; McCarty, John; Nakamura, Ryotaro; Pulsipher, Michael A; Rowley, Scott; Leifer, Eric; Carter, Shelly L; DiFronzo, Nancy L; Horowitz, Mary M; Confer, Dennis; Deeg, H Joachim; Eapen, Mary

2015-09-01

The optimum preparative regimen for unrelated donor marrow transplantation in patients with severe aplastic anaemia remains to be established. We investigated whether the combination of fludarabine, anti-thymocyte globulin, and total body irradiation (TBI) would enable reduction of the cyclophosphamide dose to less than 200 mg/kg while maintaining engraftment and having a survival similar to or better than that with standard regimens using a cyclophosphamide dose of 200 mg/kg (known to be associated with significant organ toxicity) for unrelated donor transplantation for severe aplastic anaemia. We have previously shown that cyclophosphamide at 150 mg/kg resulted in excess toxicity and its omission (0 mg/kg) resulted in unacceptable graft failure (three of three patients had secondary graft failure). Here we report results for the 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg cohorts. In a multicentre phase 1-2 study, patients (aged ≤65 years) with severe aplastic anaemia, adequate organ function, and an unrelated adult marrow donor HLA matched at the allele level for HLA A, B, C, and DRB1 or mismatched at a single HLA locus received bone marrow grafts from unrelated donors. All patients received anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit derived 3 mg/kg per day, intravenously, on days -4 to -2, or equine derived 30 mg/kg per day, intravenously, on days -4 to -2), fludarabine (30 mg/m(2) per day, intravenously, on days -5 to -2), and TBI (2 Gy). Cyclophosphamide dosing started at 150 mg/kg and was de-escalated in steps of 50 mg/kg (to 100 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 0 mg/kg). The primary endpoint was the selection of the optimum cyclophosphamide dose based on assessments of graft failure (primary or secondary), toxicity, and early death during 100 days of follow-up after the transplant; this is the planned final analysis for the primary endpoint. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00326417. 96 patients had bone marrow transplant. At day 100, 35 (92%) of 38 patients were engrafted and alive in the cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg cohort and 35 (85%) of 41 in the 100 mg/kg cohort. Cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg resulted in posterior means for fatality without graft failure of 0·7% (credible interval 0-3·3) and 1·4% (0-4·9), respectively. Three patients (8%) had graft failure with cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg and six (15%) with cyclophosphamide 100 mg/kg. Four (11%) patients had major regimen-related toxicity with cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg and nine (22%) with cyclophosphamide 100 mg/kg. The most common organ toxicity was pulmonary (grade 3 or 4 dyspnoea or hypoxia including mechanical ventilation), and occurred in three (8%) and four (10%) patients given cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Cyclophosphamide at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg with TBI 2 Gy, fludarabine, and anti-thymocyte globulin results in effective conditioning and few early deaths after unrelated donor transplantation for severe aplastic anaemia. These doses of cyclophosphamide provide a framework for further regimen optimisation strategies. US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and National Cancer Institute. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIT) and Continuous Endurance Training for VO2max Improvements: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials.

PubMed

Milanović, Zoran; Sporiš, Goran; Weston, Matthew

2015-10-01

Enhancing cardiovascular fitness can lead to substantial health benefits. High-intensity interval training (HIT) is an efficient way to develop cardiovascular fitness, yet comparisons between this type of training and traditional endurance training are equivocal. Our objective was to meta-analyse the effects of endurance training and HIT on the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) of healthy, young to middle-aged adults. Six electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar) for original research articles. A search was conducted and search terms included 'high intensity', 'HIT', 'sprint interval training', 'endurance training', 'peak oxygen uptake', and 'VO2max'. Inclusion criteria were controlled trials, healthy adults aged 18-45 years, training duration ≥2 weeks, VO2max assessed pre- and post-training. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. This resulted in 723 participants with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age and initial fitness of 25.1 ± 5 years and 40.8 ± 7.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1), respectively. We made probabilistic magnitude-based inferences for meta-analysed effects based on standardised thresholds for small, moderate and large changes (0.2, 0.6 and 1.2, respectively) derived from between-subject SDs for baseline VO2max. The meta-analysed effect of endurance training on VO2max was a possibly large beneficial effect (4.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); 95 % confidence limits ±1.4 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), when compared with no-exercise controls. A possibly moderate additional increase was observed for typically younger subjects (2.4 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±2.1 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and interventions of longer duration (2.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±3.0 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), and a small additional improvement for subjects with lower baseline fitness (1.4 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±2.0 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). When compared with no-exercise controls, there was likely a large beneficial effect of HIT (5.5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), with a likely moderate greater additional increase for subjects with lower baseline fitness (3.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and interventions of longer duration (3.0 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), and a small lesser effect for typically longer HIT repetitions (-1.8 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±2.7 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). The modifying effects of age (0.8 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±2.1 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and work/rest ratio (0.5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.6 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) were unclear. When compared with endurance training, there was a possibly small beneficial effect for HIT (1.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±0.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) with small additional improvements for typically longer HIT repetitions (2.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±2.1 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), older subjects (1.8 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.7 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), interventions of longer duration (1.7 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.7 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), greater work/rest ratio (1.6 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and lower baseline fitness (0.8 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); ±1.3 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). Endurance training and HIT both elicit large improvements in the VO2max of healthy, young to middle-aged adults, with the gains in VO2max being greater following HIT when compared with endurance training.

Methionine and selenium yeast supplementation of the maternal diets affects color, water-holding capacity, and oxidative stability of their male offspring meat at the early stage.

PubMed

Wang, Z G; Pan, X J; Peng, Z Q; Zhao, R Q; Zhou, G H

2009-05-01

Four hundred fifty 52-wk-old Lang-shan breeding hens (dual-purpose type, an indigenous poultry breed of China) were randomly divided into 9 treatments with 5 replicates each treatment. They were fed corn-soybean diets with 0, 0.30, and 0.60 mg of Se/kg from Se yeast and 3.2, 4.0, and 5.4 g of dl-Met/kg, respectively. After incubation, 250 chickens each treatment were randomly divided into 5 replicates and fed the same diet. At 21 d old, 10 male chicks in each treatment were slaughtered. There results were as follows. (1) The Se content significantly increased with the increase of Se yeast supplementation (P < 0.01). (2) The carbonyl content of the myofibrillar protein significantly decreased with the increase of Met supplementation (P < 0.01) and the carbonyl content of the 0 mg of Se/kg treatment was higher than the 0.3 mg of Se/kg treatment (P < 0.01). (3) Selenium supplementation at 0.30 and 0.60 mg/kg significantly decreased malondialdehyde content compared with that of 0 mg of Se/kg (P < 0.01) and 4.0 and 5.4 g of Met/kg supplementation significantly decreased malondialdehyde content compared with that of 3.2 g of Met/kg (P < 0.01). (4) Supplementation of Met at 5.4 g/kg significantly increased International Commission on Illumination a* value compared with 3.2 and 4.0 g of Met/kg (P < 0.01). Supplementation of Se at 0.6 mg/kg significantly increased a* value compared 0 and 0.3 mg of Se/kg (P < 0.01) and 0 mg of Se/kg significantly increased b* value compared with 0.30 and 0.60 mg of Se/kg (P < 0.01). (5) Selenium supplemented at 0.30 and 0.60 mg/kg decreased drip loss compared with 0 mg of Se/kg and 4.0 and 5.4 g of Met/kg decreased drip loss compared with 3.2 g of Met/kg, respectively. The conclusion was drawn that Met and Se yeast supplementation of the maternal diets could improve color, water-holding capacity, and oxidative stability of male offspring meat to an extent.

Spatial variation of chemical constituents from the burning of commonly used biomass fuels in rural areas of the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saud, T.; Saxena, M.; Singh, D. P.; Saraswati; Dahiya, Manisha; Sharma, S. K.; Datta, A.; Gadi, Ranu; Mandal, T. K.

2013-06-01

In the present paper, we have determined emission factor of chemical composition of the emission from the burning of biomass (e.g. Dung cake, Acacia, Neem, Mulberry, Indian Rosewood, Pigeon pea etc.) commonly used as a residential fuel in the rural sector of Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) (Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal), India. For comparison, we have selected only those biomass fuels, which are used in at least three of the above mentioned states. Dung cake from all the states reports highest emission of particulate matter (PM) (15.68 g kg-1), Organic Carbon (OC) (4.32 g kg-1) and Elemental Carbon (EC) (0.51 g kg-1). Among all biomass fuels studied, agricultural residue reports substantial amount of emission of Na+ (104 mg kg-1), K+ (331 mg kg-1) and Cl- (447 mg kg-1) particularly in Pigeon pea and Mustard stem. Eucalyptus (fuel wood) emits large amounts of Ca2+ (21.47 mg kg-1) and NO3- (614 mg kg-1). The emission of PM from dung cake is higher in Delhi (19.31 g kg-1) and followed by Uttar Pradesh (17.58 g kg-1) > Haryana (15.46 g kg-1) > Bihar (14.99 g kg-1) > Punjab (12.06 g kg-1) > West Bengal (5.90 g kg-1). Carbonaceous aerosols (OC and EC) and dominant Ionic species (Cl-, K+, SO42-, NO3- and PO43-) are altogether contributing 40-70% of total emissions. Characteristics and ratios of chemical species of emissions may help to develop a methodology of discriminating the sources of ambient particulate matter. Using a laboratory determined emission factor of chemical species, we have determined the emission budget over IGP, India.

Determination of trace elements in epiphytic lichens from Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor using INAA method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khairudin, Nurshafiq Ezam; Siong, Khoo Kok; Siong, Wee Boon

2014-02-01

Lichens have been used as effective biomonitors of atmospheric pollutants as they can take up nutrients and pollutants directly from the atmosphere. In this study, trace element contents in epiphytic lichens were determined using INAA method. Samples were collected from 7 sampling locations around Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. The elements detected were As (1.73+0.85 mg/kg), Ce (3.65+1.91 mg/kg), Co (0.29+0.12 mg/kg), Cr (5.92+3.54 mg/kg), Cs (0.92+0.25 mg/kg), Eu (0.03+0.02 mg/kg), Fe (1280+760 mg/kg), Hf (0.37+0.18 mg/kg), La (1.52+0.89 mg/kg), Rb (27.7+4.8 mg/kg), Sc (0.33+0.19 mg/kg), Sm (0.28+0.16 mg/kg), Th (1.21+0.62 mg/kg) and Zn (116+27 mg/kg). Comparisons were then made between the elemental concentrations obtained and the baseline data from literature. Results showed that most of the elements were within the concentration range of the baseline data. Enrichment factors (EF) of the trace element in lichens showed that most of the elements were within the range of the baseline data except for As which was found to be slightly enriched (EF: 13.2 - 28.5). Regression analysis indicated significant correlation (p<0.05) with Sc for most of the elements which signifies crustal input except for Cs and Rb. The poor correlations of Cs and Rb with Sc may be due to the mobility of these elements. In summary, trace element data obtained using INAA were very useful and demonstrated that lichens were suitable biomonitors for identifying potential trace element pollutants in ambient air around the sampling area.

The pharmacological modulation of thrombin-induced cerebral thromboembolism in the rabbit.

PubMed Central

May, G. R.; Paul, W.; Crook, P.; Butler, K. D.; Page, C. P.

1992-01-01

1. Intracarotid (i.c.) administration of thrombin induced a marked accumulation of 111indium-labelled platelets and 125I-labelled fibrinogen within the cranial vasculature of anaesthetized rabbits. 2. Thrombin (100 iu kg-1, i.c.) - induced platelet accumulation was completely abolished by pretreatment with desulphatohirudin (CGP 39393; 1 mg kg-1 i.c., 1 min prior to thrombin). Administration of CGP 39393 1 or 20 min after thrombin produced a significant reduction in platelet accumulation. 3. Intravenous (i.v.) administration of the platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist BN 52021 (10 mg kg-1) 5 min prior to thrombin (100 iu kg-1, i.c.) had no effect on platelet accumulation. 4. An inhibitor of NO biosynthesis, L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 100 mg kg-1, i.c.), had no significant effect on the cranial platelet accumulation response to thrombin (10 iu kg-1, i.c.) when administered 5 min prior to thrombin. 5. Defibrotide (32 or 64 mg kg-1 bolus i.c. followed by 32 or 64 mg kg-1 h-1, i.c., infusion for 45 min) treatment begun 20 min after thrombin (100 iu kg-1, i.c.) did not significantly modify the cranial platelet accumulation response. 6. Cranial platelet accumulation induced by thrombin (100 iu kg-1, i.c.) was significantly reversed by the fibrinolytic drugs urokinase (20 iu kg-1, i.c., infusion for 45 min), anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex (APSAC) (200 micrograms kg-1, i.v. bolus) or recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA; 100 micrograms kg-1, i.c. bolus followed by 20 micrograms kg-1 min-1, i.c., infusion for 45 min) administered 20 min after thrombin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:1504722

Residues of veterinary antibiotics in manures from feedlot livestock in eight provinces of China.

PubMed

Zhao, Ling; Dong, Yuan Hua; Wang, Hui

2010-02-01

The residue levels of selected fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and tetracyclines in 143 animal dung samples collected in 2007 from large-scale livestock and poultry feedlots in 8 provinces were determined by using ultrasonic extraction and liquid chromatography. Recoveries from spiked pig dung samples (spike level=1mg/kg) ranged from 73.9 to 102.0% for fluoroquinolones, from 81.6 to 92.3% for sulfonamides, and from 57.2 to 72.6% for tetracyclines. Relative standard deviations of the recoveries were less than 10% within the same day. Method quantification limits were measured from 0.031 to 0.150 mg/kg for fluoroquinolones, from 0.023 to 0.082 mg/kg for sulfonamides, and 0.091 to 0.182 mg/kg for tetracyclines in spiked pig manure samples. Analysis of 61 pig, 54 chicken and 28 cow dung samples collected in China revealed that in pig and cow dung, up to 33.98 and 29.59 mg/kg ciprofloxacin, 33.26 and 46.70 mg/kg enrofloxacin, 59.06 and 59.59 mg/kg oxytetracycline, and 21.06 and 27.59 mg/kg chlortetracycline could be detected, respectively. A maximum concentration of 99.43 mg/kg fleroxacin, 225.45 mg/kg norfloxacin, 45.59 mg/kg ciprofloxacin and 1420.76 mg/kg enrofloxacin could be detected in chicken dung. No appreciable sulfonamide antibiotic concentrations (less than 10mg/kg) were found in any animal dung, and only sulfadimidine was observed, at a maximum concentration of 6.04 mg/kg, in chicken dung. Both enrofloxacin and chlortetracycline were detected with a very high occurrence in three animal manure samples. The residue levels for most antibiotics showed significant statistical differences among the sampling districts and the animal species. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Learning and memory in the forced swimming test: effects of antidepressants having varying degrees of anticholinergic activity.

PubMed

Enginar, Nurhan; Yamantürk-Çelik, Pınar; Nurten, Asiye; Güney, Dilvin Berrak

2016-07-01

The antidepressant-induced reduction in immobility time in the forced swimming test may depend on memory impairment due to the drug's anticholinergic efficacy. Therefore, the present study evaluated learning and memory of the immobility response in rats after the pretest and test administrations of antidepressants having potent, comparatively lower, and no anticholinergic activities. Immobility was measured in the test session performed 24 h after the pretest session. Scopolamine and MK-801, which are agents that have memory impairing effects, were used as reference drugs for a better evaluation of the memory processes in the test. The pretest administrations of imipramine (15 and 30 mg/kg), amitriptyline (7.5 and 15 mg/kg), trazodone (10 mg/kg), fluoxetine (10 and 20 mg/kg), and moclobemide (10 and 20 mg/kg) were ineffective, whereas the pretest administrations of scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg) decreased immobility time suggesting impaired "learning to be immobile" in the animals. The test administrations of imipramine (30 mg/kg), amitriptyline (15 mg/kg), moclobemide (10 mg/kg), scopolamine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg), and MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg) decreased immobility time, which suggested that the drugs exerted antidepressant activity or the animals did not recall that attempting to escape was futile. The test administrations of trazodone (10 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (10 and 20 mg/kg) produced no effect on immobility time. Even though the false-negative and positive responses made it somewhat difficult to interpret the findings, this study demonstrated that when given before the pretest antidepressants with or without anticholinergic activity seemed to be devoid of impairing the learning process in the test.

Oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and metallothionein (MT) gene expression in juvenile rock fish Sebastes schlegelii under the different levels of dietary chromium (Cr(6+)) exposure.

PubMed

Kim, Jun-Hwan; Kang, Ju-Chan

2016-03-01

Juvenile Sebastes schlegelii were exposed for 4 weeks with the different levels of dietary chromium (Cr(6+)) concentration (0, 30, 60, 120 and 200mg/kg). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, and glutathione (GSH) level of liver and gill were evaluated after 4 weeks exposure. The SOD and GST activity of liver and gill was significantly increased in the concentration of 240mg/kg after 2 weeks and over 120mg/kg after 4 weeks, whereas a considerable decrease in the concentration of 240mg/kg after 2 weeks and over 120mg/kg after 4 weeks was observed in the GSH levels of liver and gill. In neurotoxicity, AChE activity was significatly inhibited in brain in the concentration of 240mg/kg after 2 weeks and over 60mg/kg after 4 weeks and muscle in the concentration of 240mg/kg after 2 weeks and over 120mg/kg after 4 weeks. Metallothionein (MT) gene in liver was considerably increased over 120mg/kg after 2 weeks and at 30, 120, and 240mg/kg after 4 weeks by dietary chromium exposure. The results indicate that dietary Cr exposure over 120mg/kg can induce substantial alterations in antioxidant responses, AChE activity and MT gene expression. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pharmacokinetics interaction between imatinib and genistein in rats.

PubMed

Wang, Zhe; Wang, Li; Xia, Meng-Ming; Sun, Wei; Huang, Cheng-Ke; Cui, Xiao; Hu, Guo-Xin; Lian, Qing-Quan; Wang, Zeng-Shou

2015-01-01

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of orally administered genistein on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib in rats. Twenty-five healthy male SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats were randomly divided into five groups: A group (control group), B group (multiple dose of 100 mg/kg genistein for consecutive 15 days), C group (multiple dose of 50 mg/kg genistein for consecutive 15 days), D group (a single dose of 100 mg/kg genistein), and E group (a single dose of 50 mg/kg genistein). A single dose of imatinib is administered orally 30 min after administration of genistein (100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg). The pharmacokinetic parameters of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib were calculated by DAS 3.0 software. The multiple dose of 100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg genistein significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the AUC0-t and C max of imatinib. AUC0-t and the C max of N-desmethyl imatinib were also increased, but without any significant difference. However, the single dose of 100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg genistein has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib. Those results indicated that multiple dose of genistein (100 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) induces the metabolism of imatinib, while single dose of genistein has no effect.

[Effects of exogenous iron on lead accumulation in Typha latifolia from a lead-contaminated soil].

PubMed

Zhong, Shun-Qing; Xu, Jian-Ming

2013-01-01

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of adding 100 and 500 mg x kg(-1) of exogenous iron (Fe) on the lead (Pb) accumulation in Typha latifolia growing on a soil with 0, 100, 500 and 1000 mg x kg(-1) of Pb, respectively. In treatment 500 mg Fe x kg(-1), the Pb concen tration in T. latifolia shoots and roots was higher, compared with that in treatment 100 mg Fe x kg(-1). When the soil Pb concentration was 1000 mg x kg(-1), the Pb concentration in T. lati folia shoots and roots in treatment 500 mg Fe x kg(-1) increased by 33.7% and 50.5%, respectively, compared with that in treatment 100 mg Fe x kg(-1). The exchangeable Pb concentration in rhizosphere soil was 77.0% -114.6% higher in treatment 500 mg Fe x kg(-1) than in treatment 100 mg Fe x kg(-1). When the soil Pb concentration was 0, 100 and 1000 mg x kg(-1), the root dry mass in treatment 500 mg Fe x kg(-1) had a significant decrease, compared with that in treatment 100 mg Fe x kg(-1). It was suggested that adding appropriate amount of Fe to Pb-contaminated wetland soil could increase the availability of soil Pb and improve the Pb accumulation in plants.

Antinociceptive effect of chlorphenesin carbamate in adjuvant arthritic rats.

PubMed

Okuyama, S; Aihara, H

1987-02-01

The antinociceptive effect of chlorphenesin carbamate (CPC) and mephenesin were examined in adjuvant arthritic rats. In the behavioral study, CPC (100-400 mg/kg, p.o.) but not mephenesin (100-400 mg/kg, p.o.) had a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect, determined using the flexion test. In the electrophysiological study, CPC (25-50 mg/kg, i.v.) but not mephenesin (50 mg/kg, i.v.) depressed the evoked neuronal responses of nociceptive neurons in the ventrobasal thalamus (VB), while the evoked responses of non-nociceptive neurons were not depressed by either CPC (50 mg/kg, i.v.) or mephenesin (50 mg/kg, i.v.). The spontaneous firings of the VB nociceptive neurons were depressed by both CPC (50 mg/kg, i.v.) and mephenesin (50 mg/kg, i.v.). However, mephenesin (50 mg/kg, i.v.) but not CPC (50 mg/kg, i.v.) also depressed the spontaneous firings of the mesencephalic reticular formation (RF), in these adjuvant arthritic rats. These results indicate that CPC but not mephenesin, has an antinociceptive action in adjuvant arthritic rats.

Effect of malva nut gum (purified and crude), sodium chloride and phosphate on cooking, texture, colour, rheology and microstructure of different chicken meat batters.

PubMed

Barbut, S; Somboonpanyakul, P; Quinton, M; Smith, A

2009-01-01

1. In the first experiment, the effect of adding purified malva nut gum (PMG) to comminuted poultry breast meat batters formulated with different contents of sodium chloride (NaCl; 10 to 30 g/kg) and tripolyphosphate (TPP; 0 and 5 g/kg) was studied. 2. Increasing salt (sodium chloride) content, along with the addition of 1 g/kg PMG, was beneficial in reducing cooking loss. At all salt contents, batters with PMG showed lower springiness than batters without PMG. Adding PMG to the batter with 20 g/kg salt and TPP decreased fracture force, springiness and chewiness. 3. In a second experiment, the effects of PMG (0.0, 3.0 and 6.0 g/kg), crude malva nut gum (CMG; 3.0 g/kg) and TPP (0.0 and 4.0 g/kg) on cooking loss, fat loss, colour, texture, rheology and microstructure of emulsified chicken meat batters were studied. 4. Increasing PMG reduced cooking and fat losses. Adding TPP increased hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness. The 1.0 g/kg PMG and TPP provided the greatest hardness. The batter with 3.0 g/kg PMG resulted in the lowest lightness (L*) and highest redness (a*). Adding PMG and TPP resulted in stable batters, as was evident by light microscopy results. The rheological evaluation showed the highest G' in the batter with 4.0 g/kg TPP followed in decreasing order by the batters containing TPP plus 3.0 g/kg PMG, TPP plus 1.0 g/kg PMG, 3.0 g/kg PMG, 1.0 g/kg PMG, 3.0 g/kg CMG and the control. 5. Overall, the results are important for developing new applications where malva nut gum can be used to improve yield and stability of meat products.

Consumption of bee pollen affects rat ovarian functions.

PubMed

Kolesarova, A; Bakova, Z; Capcarova, M; Galik, B; Juracek, M; Simko, M; Toman, R; Sirotkin, A V

2013-12-01

The aim of this study was to examine possible effects of bee pollen added to the feed mixture (FM) on rat ovarian functions (secretion activity and apoptosis). We evaluated the bee pollen effect on the release of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and steroid hormones (progesterone and estradiol), as well as on the expression of markers of apoptosis (Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3) in rat ovarian fragments. Female rats (n = 15) were fed during 90 days by FM without or with rape seed bee pollen in dose either 3 kg/1000 kg FM or 5 kg/1000 kg FM. Fragments of ovaries isolated from rats of each group (totally 72 pieces) were incubated for 24 h. Hormonal secretion into the culture medium was detected by RIA. The markers of apoptosis were evaluated by Western blotting. It was observed that IGF-I release by rat ovarian fragments was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased; on the other hand, progesterone and estradiol secretion was increased after bee pollen treatment at dose 5 kg/1000 kg FM but not at 3 kg/1000 FM. Accumulation of Bcl-2 was increased by bee pollen added at 3 kg/1000 kg FM, but not at higher dose. Accumulation of Bax was increased in ovaries of rats fed by bee pollen at doses either 3 or 5 kg/1000 kg FM, whilst accumulation of caspase-3 increased after feeding with bee pollen at dose 5 kg/1000 kg FM, but not at 3 kg/1000 kg FM. Our results contribute to new insights regarding the effect of bee pollen on both secretion activity (release of growth factor IGF-I and steroid hormones progesterone and estradiol) and apoptosis (anti- and pro-apoptotic markers Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3). Bee pollen is shown to be a potent regulator of rat ovarian functions. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Mapping the Mariana Seismogenic Zone Through the Measurement of Geochemical Tracers in Serpentinite Seamounts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hulme, S. M.; Wheat, C. G.; Mottl, M. J.; Fryer, P.

2003-12-01

The Mariana forearc contains tens of seamounts up to 2 km high and 20-50 km in diameter. These seamounts were formed by serpentinite mud volcanism, sometimes in combination with uplift of serpentinized forearc mantle blocks, in which fluids driven off of the subducting slab infiltrated the overlying mantle and serpentinized the harzburgite and dunite rocks creating a density imbalance within the mantle. The resulting fluid-rock matrix flows along faults and exposes mantle-sourced serpentinite muds, blueschist facies metamorphosed mafic clasts, and slab-sourced fluids at the seafloor. The protrusion of these materials allows direct observation of active subduction zone components that are elsewhere buried beneath kilometers of rock and sediment. A multi-disciplinary survey of the Mariana Forearc was conducted in the spring of 2003 to study the biogeochemical properties of this mud volcanism. Seven different seamounts were sampled using shipboard and subsea coring techniques employing RV Thomas G. Thompson and ROV Jason II, respectively. Pore waters were extracted from these sediment cores and analyzed for several chemical constituents at sea. The measured values were consistent with preliminary work from 1997. Systematic trends in chemical composition of these high pH fluids (up to 12.3) are observed with distance from the trench (proxy for the depth to slab). These trends include low alkalinity and high Ca near the trench (e.g., Blue Moon Seamount; 0.26 mmol alkalinity/kg and 55 mmol Ca/kg), and high alkalinity and low Ca further from the trench (e.g., Big Blue Seamount; 69 mmol alkalinity/kg and 0.14 mmol Ca/kg) consistent with carbonate dissolution at the top of the plate between depths of 17 km and 22 km. Here we report results from trace element analyses that similarly show trends across the forearc region. For example, fluids upwelling at Baby Blue Seamount have; 58 μ mol Sr/kg, 31 μ mol Li/kg, 1.4 μ mol Rb/kg, 10 nmol Cs/kg, 0.2 μ mol Ba/kg, 0.1 μ mol Mo/kg, 0.6 nmol U/kg, and 5 nmol Y/kg. In contrast, fluids from Big Blue Seamount, only 23 km away, have; 10 μ mol Sr/kg, 0.7 μ mol Li/kg, 6 μ mol Rb/kg, 0.2 μ mol Cs/kg, 60 nmol Ba/kg, 0.1 μ mol Mo/kg, 0.2 μ mol U/kg, and 0.1 nmol Y/kg.Trace element analyses for a host of chemical species and for each of the sampled seamounts offer insight into the conditions and interactions currently occurring within the Mariana seismogenic zone.

Physiologic and biochemical effects of electroacupuncture combined with intramuscular administration of dexmedetomidine to provide analgesia in goats.

PubMed

Shah, Zahir; Hu, Man L; Qiu, Zheng Y; Zhou, Fei Y; Zeng, Jie; Wan, Juan; Wang, Shao W; Zhang, Wei; Ding, Ming X

2016-03-01

To investigate physiologic and biochemical effects of electroacupuncture and dexmedetomidine administration to goats. 30 healthy adult goats. Goats were allotted to 5 groups (6 goats/group) and received electroacupuncture, dexmedetomidine (5 or 20 μg/kg, IM), electroacupuncture plus dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg, IM), or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (IM [control treatment]). Pain threshold, cardiorespiratory effects, rectal temperature, and hematologic and biochemical variables were assessed. Dexmedetomidine (20 μg/kg) increased pain threshold and decreased heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature. Pain threshold of goats receiving electroacupuncture plus dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg) was higher than that of goats receiving electroacupuncture or of goats receiving dexmedetomidine at 5 μg/kg at 30 minutes, but did not differ from that of goats receiving dexmedetomidine at 20 μg/kg. Compared with goats administered dexmedetomidine at 20 μg/kg, goats receiving electroacupuncture plus dexmedetomidine at 5 μg/kg had a higher heart rate from 30 to 60 minutes and a higher respiratory rate from 5 to 60 minutes. Electroacupuncture plus dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg) did not affect rectal temperature. Serum glucose concentrations of goats receiving electroacupuncture plus dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg) were higher than for goats receiving dexmedetomidine at 5 μg/kg at 30 minutes but not for goats receiving dexmedetomidine at 20 μg/kg. Creatinine and BUN concentrations, alanine or aspartate aminotransferase activities, and hematologic variables of treated goats did not change. Electroacupuncture in combination with a low dose of dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg, IM) administered to goats provided antinociception.

A validated multianalyte LC-MS/MS method for quantification of 25 mycotoxins in cassava flour, peanut cake and maize samples.

PubMed

Ediage, Emmanuel Njumbe; Di Mavungu, José Diana; Monbaliu, Sofie; Van Peteghem, Carlos; De Saeger, Sarah

2011-05-25

This study was designed to develop a sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of 25 mycotoxins in cassava flour, peanut cake and maize samples with particular focus on the optimization of the sample preparation protocol and method validation. All 25 mycotoxins were extracted in a single step with a mixture of methanol/ethyl acetate/water (70:20:10, v/v/v). The method limits of quantification (LOQ) varied from 0.3 μg/kg to 106 μg/kg. Good precision and linearity were observed for most of the mycotoxins. The method was applied for the analysis of naturally contaminated peanut cake, cassava flour and maize samples from the Republic of Benin. All samples analyzed (fifteen peanut cakes, four maize flour and four cassava flour samples) tested positive for one or more mycotoxins. Aflatoxins (total aflatoxins; 10-346 μg/kg) and ochratoxin A (

A comparison of the effects of oral glutamine dipeptide, glutamine, and alanine on blood amino acid availability in rats submitted to insulin-induced hypoglycemia.

PubMed

Minguetti-Câmara, Vania C; Marques, Any de C R; Schiavon, Fabiana P M; Vilela, Vanessa R; Bruschi, Marcos L; Bazotte, Roberto Barbosa

2014-10-21

We compared the effects of oral administration of high-dose or low-dose glutamine dipeptide (GDP), alanine (ALA), glutamine (GLN), and ALA + GLN on the blood availability of amino acids in rats submitted to insulin-induced hypoglycemia (IIH). Insulin detemir (1 U/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to produce IIH; this was followed by oral administration of GDP, GLN + ALA, GLN, or ALA. We observed higher blood levels of GLN, 30 min after oral administration of high-dose GDP (1000 mg/kg) than after administration of ALA (381 mg/kg) + GLN (619 mg/kg), GLN (619 mg/kg), or ALA (381 mg/kg). However, we did not observe the same differences after oral administration of low-dose GDP (100 mg/kg) compared with ALA (38.1 mg/kg) + GLN (61.9 mg/kg), GLN (61.9 mg/kg), or ALA (38.1 mg/kg). We also observed less liver catabolism of GDP compared to ALA and GLN. In conclusion, high-dose GDP promoted higher blood levels of GLN than oral ALA + GLN, GLN, or ALA. Moreover, the lower levels of liver catabolism of GDP, compared to ALA or GLN, contributed to the superior performance of high-dose GDP in terms of blood availability of GLN.

Does body size of dairy cows, at constant ratio of maintenance to production requirements, affect productivity in a pasture-based production system?

PubMed

Hofstetter, P; Steiger Burgos, M; Petermann, R; Münger, A; Blum, J W; Thomet, P; Menzi, H; Kohler, S; Kunz, P

2011-12-01

This study compared productivity of dairy cows with different body weight (BW), but a constant ratio of maintenance to production requirements in their first lactation, in a pasture-based production system with spring calving. Two herds, Herd L (13 and 14 large cows in 2003 and 2004 respectively; average BW after calving, 721 kg) and Herd S (16 small cows in both years; 606 kg) [Correction added after online publication 14 January 2011: 16 small cows in both years; 621 kg was changed to 16 small cows in both years; 606 kg], all in their second or following lactations, were each allocated 6 ha of pasture and rotationally grazed on 10 parallel paddocks with equal herbage offer and nutritional values. Winter hay, harvested from the same pastures, was offered ad libitum in the indoor periods in a tied stall barn. Each herd received, per lactation and year, approximately 2000 kg dry matter (DM) of concentrates and of fodder beets, equally distributed to every individual. Indoors, the L-cows ingested more DM than the S-cows (18.7 vs. 16.3 kg DM/cow per day; p < 0.01), but DM intake per 100 kg of metabolic BW was similar (13.0 vs. 13.1 kg DM/cow per day). Estimates based on the n-alkane technique gave similar results on pasture (17.9 vs. 15.5 kg DM/cow per day; p < 0.001). Roughage intakes per 100 kg of metabolic BW, at 13.5 kg DM/cow per day, were similar. Mean annual yield of energy-corrected milk (ECM)/ha was slightly higher for the S-herd than the L-herd (13,026 vs. 12,284 kg) but was associated with a higher stocking rate (on average +20%) for the S-herd. Feed conversion efficiency (1.2 vs. 1.3 kg ECM/kg DM intake) and overall milk production efficiency (45.3 vs. 47.3 kg ECM/kg metabolic BW) were similar in L- and S-cows. Thus, both dairy cow types were equally efficient in utilising pasture-based forage. © 2010 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Antidepressant-like effect of oleanolic acid in mice exposed to the repeated forced swimming test.

PubMed

Yi, Li-Tao; Li, Jing; Liu, Qing; Geng, Di; Zhou, Ya-Fei; Ke, Xiao-Qing; Chen, Huan; Weng, Lian-Jin

2013-05-01

The study aimed to explore the antidepressant-like effect of oleanolic acid and its possible mechanism related to the monoaminergic system and neurotrophin in mice exposed to the repeated forced swimming test (FST). Both the duration and the latency of immobility affected by oleanolic acid (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) were evaluated in the FST repeated at intervals on days 1, 7 and 14, followed by neurochemical and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) analyses in the mouse brain regions of frontal cortex and whole hippocampus. A repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that over retesting the immobility time increased, whereas latency to immobility tended to decrease. Minute-by-minute analysis showed that immobility time also increased during the 4-min course of the test. In addition, post-hoc Dunnett's test demonstrated that sub-chronic and chronic, but not acute, oleanolic acid treatment reduced the immobility time (sub-chronic: 20 mg/kg, 43.5%; chronic: 10 mg/kg, 19.3%; 20 mg/kg, 31.8%) and increased the latency to immobility (sub-chronic: 10 mg/kg, 60.6%; 20 mg/kg, 80.1%; chronic: 10 mg/kg, 121.8%; 20 mg/kg, 140.8%; 40 mg/kg, 80.0%). Furthermore, chronic administration of oleanolic acid significantly increased serotonin (5-HT) levels (frontal cortex: 44.5%, 41.9%, 27.5% for 10, 20, 40 mg/kg; hippocampus: 57.2%, 80.9% for 10, 20 mg/kg), decreased 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)/5-HT ratio (frontal cortex: 31.6%, 30.1%, 23.5%; hippocampus: 40.6%, 47.7%, 29.2% for 10, 20, 40 mg/kg) and elevated norepinephrine (NE) levels (hippocampus: 20 mg/kg, 45.4%) but did not alter dopamine (DA) levels. Moreover, BDNF levels in the two brain regions were also elevated by chronic oleanolic acid treatment (frontal cortex: 20 mg/kg, 67.2%; hippocampus: 10 mg/kg, 36.4%; 20 mg/kg, 55.1%). Taken together, these findings imply that functions of 5-HT, NE and BDNF may be involved in the antidepressant-like effect of oleanolic acid.

Effects of the NOP receptor agonist Ro65-6570 on the acquisition of opiate- and psychostimulant-induced conditioned place preference in rats.

PubMed

Rutten, Kris; De Vry, Jean; Bruckmann, Walter; Tzschentke, Thomas M

2010-10-25

Activation of the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor may have anti-abuse effects. The present study examined the consequence of NOP receptor activation on the rewarding effect of opiates and psychostimulants in the conditioned place preference task in rats. First, the motivational effect of the NOP receptor agonists Ro64-6198 (0.316-3.16 mg/kg i.p.) and Ro65-6570 (1-10mg/kg i.p.) when administered alone, was assessed. Ro65-6570 was selected for further drug combination studies since, unlike Ro64-6198, it was devoid of an intrinsic motivational effect. Next, the minimal effective dose to induce reward for the opiates heroin (0.1-3.16 mg/kg i.p.), morphine (1-10mg/kg i.p.), hydrocodone (0.316-10mg/kg i.p.), tilidine (1-31.6 mg/kg i.p.), hydromorphone (0.1-10mg/kg i.p.), and oxycodone (0.0316-10mg/kg i.p.), as well as for the psychostimulants cocaine (3.16-31.6 mg/kg i.p.) and dexamphetamine (0.316-3.16 mg/kg i.p.) in combination with Ro 65-6570 (0 or 3.16 mg/kg i.p.) was determined. All drugs produced conditioned place preference, and for opiates and cocaine, but not for dexamphetamine, the minimal effective dose was higher when combined with Ro65-6570 (3.16 mg/kg i.p.). Attenuation of the rewarding effect of tilidine (3.16 mg/kg i.p.) and oxycodone (1mg/kg i.p.) by Ro65-6570 (3.16 mg/kg i.p.) could be reversed by pre-treatment with the NOP receptor antagonist J-113397 (4.64 mg/kg i.p.), suggesting that the attenuating effect of Ro65-6570 on opiates is due to activation of the NOP receptor. Taken together, the present study suggests that activation of NOP receptors effectively attenuates the rewarding effect of opiates, but may be less effective in reducing psychostimulant-induced reward. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[CaCO3 stimulates alpha-ketoglutarate accumulation during pyruvate fermentation by Torulopsis glabrata].

PubMed

Liu, Li-Ming; Li, Yin; Du, Guo-Cheng; Chen, Jian

2003-11-01

A large amount of alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) (6.8 g/L) was accumulated in flask culture when CaCO3 was used as a buffering agent in the production of pyruvate by multi-vitamin auxotrophic yeast Torulopsis glabrata CCTCC M202019. In a 5 L jar-fermentor, less alpha-KG (1.3 g/L) was produced when NaOH was used to adjust the pH, while more alpha-KG (11.5 g/L) detected when CaCO3 was used as the buffer. In the latter case, the molar carbon ratio of pyruvate to alpha-KG (C(PYR)/ CalphaKG) was similar to that obtained in flask culture, suggesting the accumulation of alpha-ketoglutarate was related to the addition of CaCO3. Furthermore, it was found that: (1) delaying the addition time of CaCO3 decreased the a-ketoglutarate formation but increased C(PYR)/ C(alphaKG); and (2) under vitamin limitation conditions increasing the concentration of CaCO3 led to an increased a-KG accumulation at the expenses of pyruvate. To study which ions in CaCO3 was responsible for the accumulation of alpha-KG, the effects of different pH buffers on the a-KG accumulation were studied. The level of alpha-KG was found to correlate with the levels of both Ca2+ and CO3(2-), with Ca2+ played a dominant role and CO3(2-) played a minor role. To find out which pathway was responsible for the accumulation of alpha-KG, the effects of biotin and thiamine on alpha-KG accumulation was investigated. The increase in biotin concentration led to an increase in alpha-KG accumulation and a decrease in C(PYR)/ C(alpha-KG), while the levels of alpha-KG and C(PYR)/C(alphaKG) were not affected by thiamine concentration. The activity of pyruvate carboxylase was increased as much as 40% when the medium was supplemented with Ca2+ . On the other hand, the activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex was unaffected by the presence of Ca2+. To conclude, the higher level of a-KG was caused by higher activity of pyruvate carboxylase stimulated by Ca2+, with CO3(2-) served as the substrate of the reaction.

Feasibility and indicative results from a 12-month low-energy liquid diet treatment and maintenance programme for severe obesity

PubMed Central

Lean, Michael; Brosnahan, Naomi; McLoone, Philip; McCombie, Louise; Higgs, Anna Bell; Ross, Hazel; Mackenzie, Mhairi; Grieve, Eleanor; Finer, Nick; Reckless, John; Haslam, David; Sloan, Billy; Morrison, David

2013-01-01

Background There is no established primary care solution for the rapidly increasing numbers of severely obese people with body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2. Aim This programme aimed to generate weight losses of ≥15 kg at 12 months, within routine primary care. Design and setting Feasibility study in primary care. Method Patients with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 commenced a micronutrient-replete 810–833 kcal/day low-energy liquid diet (LELD), delivered in primary care, for a planned 12 weeks or 20 kg weight loss (whichever was the sooner), with structured food reintroduction and then weight-loss maintenance, with optional orlistat to 12 months. Result Of 91 patients (74 females) entering the programme (baseline: weight 131 kg, BMI 48 kg/m2, age 46 years), 58/91(64%) completed the LELD stage, with a mean duration of 14.4 weeks (standard deviation [SD] = 6.0 weeks), and a mean weight loss of 16.9 kg (SD = 6.0 kg). Four patients commenced weight-loss maintenance omitting the food-reintroduction stage. Of the remaining 54, 37(68%) started and completed food reintroduction over a mean duration of 9.3 weeks (SD = 5.7 weeks), with a further mean weight loss of 2.1 kg (SD = 3.7 kg), before starting a long-term low-fat-diet weight-loss maintenance plan. A total of 44/91 (48%) received orlistat at some stage. At 12 months, weight was recorded for 68/91 (75%) patients, with a mean loss of 12.4 kg (SD = 11.4 kg). Of these, 30 (33% of all 91 patients starting the programme) had a documented maintained weight loss of ≥15 kg at 12 months, six (7%) had a 10–15 kg loss, and 11 (12%) had a 5–10 kg loss. The indicative cost of providing this entire programme for wider implementation would be £861 per patient entered, or £2611 per documented 15 kg loss achieved. Conclusion A care package within routine primary care for severe obesity, including LELD, food reintroduction, and weight-loss maintenance, was well accepted and achieved a 12-month-maintained weight loss of ≥15 kg for one-third of all patients entering the programme. PMID:23561690

Feasibility and indicative results from a 12-month low-energy liquid diet treatment and maintenance programme for severe obesity.

PubMed

Lean, Michael; Brosnahan, Naomi; McLoone, Philip; McCombie, Louise; Higgs, Anna Bell; Ross, Hazel; Mackenzie, Mhairi; Grieve, Eleanor; Finer, Nick; Reckless, John; Haslam, David; Sloan, Billy; Morrison, David

2013-02-01

There is no established primary care solution for the rapidly increasing numbers of severely obese people with body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m(2). This programme aimed to generate weight losses of ≥15 kg at 12 months, within routine primary care. Feasibility study in primary care. Patients with a BMI ≥40 kg/m(2) commenced a micronutrient-replete 810-833 kcal/day low-energy liquid diet (LELD), delivered in primary care, for a planned 12 weeks or 20 kg weight loss (whichever was the sooner), with structured food reintroduction and then weight-loss maintenance, with optional orlistat to 12 months. Of 91 patients (74 females) entering the programme (baseline: weight 131 kg, BMI 48 kg/m(2), age 46 years), 58/91(64%) completed the LELD stage, with a mean duration of 14.4 weeks (standard deviation [SD] = 6.0 weeks), and a mean weight loss of 16.9 kg (SD = 6.0 kg). Four patients commenced weight-loss maintenance omitting the food-reintroduction stage. Of the remaining 54, 37(68%) started and completed food reintroduction over a mean duration of 9.3 weeks (SD = 5.7 weeks), with a further mean weight loss of 2.1 kg (SD = 3.7 kg), before starting a long-term low-fat-diet weight-loss maintenance plan. A total of 44/91 (48%) received orlistat at some stage. At 12 months, weight was recorded for 68/91 (75%) patients, with a mean loss of 12.4 kg (SD = 11.4 kg). Of these, 30 (33% of all 91 patients starting the programme) had a documented maintained weight loss of ≥15 kg at 12 months, six (7%) had a 10-15 kg loss, and 11 (12%) had a 5-10 kg loss. The indicative cost of providing this entire programme for wider implementation would be £861 per patient entered, or £2611 per documented 15 kg loss achieved. A care package within routine primary care for severe obesity, including LELD, food reintroduction, and weight-loss maintenance, was well accepted and achieved a 12-month-maintained weight loss of ≥15 kg for one-third of all patients entering the programme.

Levels of eight trace elements in edible mushrooms from a rural area.

PubMed

Svoboda, Lubomír; Chrastný, Vladislav

2008-01-01

Eight trace elements were determined using ICP-MS in 78 fruiting body samples of 22 edible mushroom species. The mushrooms were collected from four sites in a rural area, unpolluted by human activity. Median values (dry matter) were as follows: Arsenic (As) 1.45 mg kg(-1), barium (Ba) 1.41 mg kg(-1), cobalt (Co) 0.28 mg kg(-1), copper (Cu) 47.0 mg kg(-1), rubidium (Rb) 130 mg kg(-1), silver (Ag) 2.95 mg kg(-1), thallium (Tl) 0.02 mg kg(-1) and vanadium (V) 0.25 mg kg(-1). Higher trace element accumulation was observed in samples of Macrolepiota procera, Macrolepiota rhacodes, Lycoperdon perlatum, Lycoperdon gigantea and Xerocomus chrysenteron for As and Cu, and in samples of Cantharellus cibarius and of genera Boletus and Suillus for Rb.

[Antidotal effects of 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate sodium (DMPS) and combined with diazepam on acute poisoning caused by sodium ammonium dimethyl-2-propano-1,3-dithiosulfate monohydrate (SCD)].

PubMed

Lu, Z Q; Hu, G X; Chen, Z K

1992-07-01

In mice, DMPS (250 mg/kg, i.v.) combined with diazepam (1.25 mg/kg, i.p.) could increase LD50 of p. o. SCD 5.3 times. DMPS (62.5 mg/kg, i.v.) antagonized completely the respiratory depression and neuromuscular blockade caused by SCD(7.5 mg/kg, i.v.) in rabbits. SCD (15 mg/kg, i.v.) caused tremor, tonic convulsion and the abnormal paroxysmal discharges in EEG in rabbits. DMPS (0.5 mg/kg, i.c.v) could not eliminate the abnormal paroxysmal discharges in EEG of rabbits. DMPS (62.5 mg/kg, i.v.) combined with diazepam (5 mg/kg, i.v.) completely and rapidly antagonize these toxic symptoms and the abnormal changes in EEG.

Comparative analysis of efficacy of lignocaine 1.5 mg/kg and two different doses of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg and 1 μg/kg) in attenuating the hemodynamic pressure response to laryngoscopy and intubation

PubMed Central

Gulabani, Michell; Gurha, Pavan; Dass, Prashant; Kulshreshtha, Nishi

2015-01-01

Context: Laryngoscopy and intubation cause an intense reflex increase in heart rate, blood pressure, due to an increased sympathoadrenal pressor response. Lignoocaine has shown blunting of pressor response to intubation. Dexmedetomidine has sympatholytic effects. Aims: To the best of our knowledge there is no study comparing the efficacy of lignocaine with two different doses of dexmedetomidine for attenuating the pressor response. With this idea, we planned to conduct the present study. Materials and Methods: After approval by the Hospital Ethics committee, 90 consenting adults aged 18-65 years of age of either sex of non-hypertensive ASA Grade I or II were randomly allocated into three groups. Group D1- IV Dexmedetomidine 0.5μg/kg over 10 minutes Group D2- IV Dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg over 10 minutes Group X- IV Lignocaine 1.5mg/kg in 10 ml normal saline Statistical Analysis Used: ANOVA and Student's t test used for analysis. Results: Dexmedetomidine 1µg/kg was more effective than 0.5µg/kg and lignocaine 1.5mg/kg in attenuating the pressor response. Conclusions: We conclude that dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg adequately attenuates the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation when compared with dexmedetomidine 0.5μg/kg and lignocaine 1.5mg/kg. PMID:25886414

Dynamic Fumonisin B₂ Production by Aspergillus niger Intented Used in Food Industry in China.

PubMed

Han, Xiaomin; Jiang, Hongru; Xu, Jin; Zhang, Jing; Li, Fengqin

2017-07-09

There are a total of 30 strains including 27 strains of Aspergillus niger intended used in Chinese food industry, two strains used as control and one strain isolated from corn for fumonisin (FB) production on 3 media. It was found that FB₂ production by A. niger was function-dependent and highly related to culture media, as well as incubation time. All strains studied were unable to produce FB₁ and FB₃. Almost all strains were found to produce FB₂ on corn, rice and wheat bran. Based on their intended use in the food industry, the higher level of FB₂ producers were strains used for saccharifying enzyme ( n = 13) production, followed by organic acid ( n = 6), tannase ( n = 7) and β-galactosidase ( n = 1) production, with the FB₂ mean level of 3553-10,270 μg/kg, 1059-12,036 μg/kg, 3-7 μg/kg and 2-4 μg/kg on corn, 5455-9241 μg/kg, 559-2190 μg/kg, 4-9 μg/kg and 6-10 μg/kg on rice, 5959-7709 μg/kg, 9491-17,339 μg/kg, 8-14 μg/kg and 120-222 μg/kg on wheat bran, respectively. Comparatively, strains of Fusarium verticillioide were capable of producing fumonins simultaneously with broader spectrum including FB₁, FB₂ and FB₃, but at a much lower level. In conclusion, it is necessary to evaluate FB₂ production by A. niger before intended use in the food processing industry.

Cs-137 in milk, vegetation, soil, and water near the former Soviet Union's Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site.

PubMed

Kakimov, Aitbek; Yessimbekov, Zhanibek; Kakimova, Zhainagul; Bepeyeva, Aigerim; Stuart, Marilyne

2016-03-01

The present study was carried out to evaluate Cs-137 activity concentration in soil, water, vegetation, and cow's milk at 10 locations within three regions (Abai, Ayaguz, and Urdzhar) to the southeast of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS) in Kazakhstan. Cs-137 activity concentrations, determined using a pure Ge gamma-ray spectrometer, showed that, all samples collected did not exceed the National maximum allowable limits of 10,000 Bq/kg for soil, 100 Bq/kg for cow's milk, 74 Bq/kg for vegetation, and 11 Bq/kg for water. Cs-137 is, therefore, not considered a health hazard in these regions. The highest levels of contamination were found in the Abai region, where the highest activity concentration of Cs-137 was 18.0 ± 1.0 Bq/kg in soil, 7.60 ± 0.31 Bq/kg in cow's milk, 4.00 ± 0.14 Bq/kg in the vegetation, and 3.00 ± 0.24 Bq/kg in water. The lowest levels were measured within the Urdzhar region, where 4.00 ± 0.14 Bq/kg was found in the soil, 0.30 ± 0.02 Bq/kg in the cow's milk, 1.00 ± 0.03 Bq/kg in the vegetation, and 0.20 ± 0.02 Bq/kg in the water.

Nitrate-N movement in groundwater from the land application of treated municipal wastewater and other sources in the Wakulla Springs springshed, Leon and Wakulla Counties, Florida, 1966-2018

USGS Publications Warehouse

Davis, J. Hal; Katz, Brian G.; Griffin, Dale W.

2010-01-01

The simulated nitrate-N load from the Southeast Farm sprayfield to Wakulla Springs during 2007 through 2018 decreases from 111,000 kg/yr to 42,000 kg/yr in scenario 1 and decreases from 111,000 kg/yr to 43,000 kg/yr in scenario 2. Both scenarios show these decreases because of the simulated planned reduction in the concentration of nitrate-N in the wastewater used for irrigation from approximately 12 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in 2007 to 3 mg/L in 2018. In contrast, the simulated nitrate-N load from onsite sewage disposal systems to Wakulla Springs from 2007 through 2018 increases from 24,000 kg/yr to 32,000 kg/yr in scenario 1, and increases from 56,000 kg/yr to 80,000 kg/yr in scenario 2. Both scenarios show increases respective to the increases in population and residential and commercial sites using onsite sewage disposal systems. In addition, the simulated nitrate-N load to Wakulla Springs from 2007 through 2018 from inflow to the study area across the lateral model boundaries increases from 44,000 kg/yr to 48,000 kg/yr in scenario 1, and increases from 54,000 kg/yr to 57,000 kg/yr in scenario 2. Both scenarios show increases due to increasing nitrate-N levels upgradient in Leon County.

Anticonvulsant properties of methanol leaf extract of Laggera Aurita Linn. F. (Asteraceae) in laboratory animals.

PubMed

Malami, S; Kyari, H; Danjuma, N M; Ya'u, J; Hussaini, I M

2016-09-15

Preparation of Laggera aurita Linn. (Asteraceae) is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various kinds of diseases such as epilepsy, malaria, fever, pain and asthma. Its efficacy is widely acclaimed among communities in Northern Nigeria. The present study is aimed at establishing the possible anticonvulsant effects of the methanol leaf extract of Laggera aurita using acute and chronic anticonvulsant models. Median lethal dose (LD50) was determined in mice and rats via oral and intraperitoneal routes. Anticonvulsant screening of the extract was performed using maximal electroshock-induced seizure test in day-old chicks; pentylenetetrazole-, strychnine- and picrotoxin- induced seizure models in mice. Similarly; its effects on pentylenetetrazole-induce kindling in rats as well as when co-administered with fluphenamic and cyproheptadine in mice, were evaluated. Median lethal dose (LD50) values were found to be >5000mg/kg, p.o. and 2154mg/kg, i.p., each for both rats and mice. The extract showed dose dependent protection against tonic hind limb extension (THLE) and significantly (p<0.05) decreased the mean recovery from seizure in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure. In the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model, the extract offered 50% protection at 600mg/kg and also increased the mean onset of seizure at all doses with significant (p<0.05) increase at the highest dose (600mg/kg). Similarly the extract produced significant (p<0.05) increase in the onset of seizures in both strychnine- and picrotoxin- induced seizure models, at all the doses except at 150mg/kg for the picrotoxin model. Co-administration of fluphenamic acid (FFA) (5mg/kg) and the extract (600mg/kg) showed an enhanced effect with percentage protection of 70% while co-administration of FFA (5mg/kg) and phenytoin (5mg/kg) as well phenytoin (5mg/kg) and the extract (600mg/kg) produced an additive effect. Administration of the extract (600mg/kg), phenytoin (20mg/kg) and cyproheptadine (4mg/kg) offered 40%, 100% and 0% protection against THLE, each respectively, while co-administration of cyproheptadine (4mg/kg) and the extract (600mg/kg) as well as co-administration of cyproheptadine (4mg/kg) and phenytoin (20mg/kg) offered reduced protection of 20% and 50% each respectively. The extract at all doses reduced the severity of seizure episodes induced by PTZ-induced kindling. The results suggest that the methanol leaf extract of Laggera aurita possesses anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Total mercury in canned tuna sold in Canada in 2006.

PubMed

Dabeka, Robert W; Mckenzie, Arthur D; Forsyth, Donald S

2014-01-01

Total mercury was measured in 156 composites prepared from 936 samples of canned tuna sold in Canada in 2006. Each composite comprised a single brand. Yellowfin tuna contained the lowest concentrations, averaging 0.066 mg/kg. Skipjack tuna contained slightly higher concentrations, averaging 0.132 mg/kg. The highest average concentration was found in the Albacore tuna: mean 0.325 mg/kg, range 0.174-0.507 mg/kg. The second highest concentration among the 49 albacore composites was 0.469 mg/kg. There were 72 composites for which the type of tuna was not specified. The mercury in these averaged 0.095 mg/kg and ranged from 0.016 to 0.237 mg/kg.

40 CFR 98.253 - Calculating GHG emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... a flare. 0.001 = Unit conversion factor (metric tons per kilogram, mt/kg). n = Number of measurement... average. MVC = Molar volume conversion factor (849.5 scf/kg-mole at 68 °F and 14.7 pounds per square inch... (kg/kg-mole). MVC = Molar volume conversion factor (849.5 scf/kg-mole at 68 °F and 14.7 psia or 836.6...

40 CFR 98.253 - Calculating GHG emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... a flare. 0.001 = Unit conversion factor (metric tons per kilogram, mt/kg). n = Number of measurement... average. MVC = Molar volume conversion factor (849.5 scf/kg-mole at 68 °F and 14.7 pounds per square inch... (kg/kg-mole). MVC = Molar volume conversion factor (849.5 scf/kg-mole at 68 °F and 14.7 psia or 836.6...

40 CFR 98.253 - Calculating GHG emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... a flare. 0.001 = Unit conversion factor (metric tons per kilogram, mt/kg). n = Number of measurement... average. MVC = Molar volume conversion factor (849.5 scf/kg-mole at 68 °F and 14.7 pounds per square inch... (kg/kg-mole). MVC = Molar volume conversion factor (849.5 scf/kg-mole at 68 °F and 14.7 psia or 836.6...

40 CFR 98.253 - Calculating GHG emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... a flare. 0.001 = Unit conversion factor (metric tons per kilogram, mt/kg). n = Number of measurement... average. MVC = Molar volume conversion factor (849.5 scf/kg-mole at 68 °F and 14.7 pounds per square inch... (kg/kg-mole). MVC = Molar volume conversion factor (849.5 scf/kg-mole at 68 °F and 14.7 psia or 836.6...

Toxicity characterization of waste mobile phone plastics.

PubMed

Nnorom, I C; Osibanjo, O

2009-01-15

Waste plastic housing units (N=60) of mobile phones (of different models, and brands), were collected and analyzed for lead, cadmium, nickel and silver using atomic absorption spectrophotometry after acid digestion using a 1:1 mixture of H2SO4 and HNO3. The mean (+/-S.D.) and range of the results are 58.3+/-50.4mg/kg (5.0-340mg/kg) for Pb, 69.9+/-145mg/kg (4.6-1005mg/kg) for Cd, 432+/-1905mg/kg (5.0-11,000mg/kg) for Ni, and 403+/-1888mg/kg (5.0-12,500mg/kg) for Ag. Approximately 90% of the results for the various metals were < or =100mg/kg. Results greater than 300mg/kg were generally less than 7% for each metal and could be attributed to exogenous contamination of the samples. These results suggest that there may not be any immediate danger from end-of-life (EoL) mobile phone plastic housing if appropriately treated/managed. However, considering the large quantities generated and the present low-end management practices in most developing countries, such as open burning, there appears a genuine concern over the potential for environmental pollution and toxicity to man and the ecology.

Exposure assessment of heavy metals on abandoned metal mine areas by ingestion of soil, crop plant and groundwater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J.-S.; Chon, H.-T.

2003-05-01

In order to assess the risk of adverse health effects on human exposure to arsenic and heavy metals influence by past mining activities, environmental geochemical survey was undertaken in the abandoned metal mine areas (Dongil Au-Ag-Cu-Zn mine, Okdong Cu-Pb-Zn mine, Myungbong Au-Ag mine). Arsenic and other heavy metals were highly elevated in the tailings from the Dongil mine (8,720 As mg/kg, 5.9 Cd mg/kg, 3,610 Cu mg/kg, 5,850 Pb mg/kg, 630 Zn mg/kg). Heavy metals except As from the Okdong mine (53.6 Cd mg/kg, 910 Cu mg/kg, 1,590 Pb mg/kg, 5,720 Zn mg/kg) and As from the Myungbong mine (5,810 As mg/kg) were also elevated. Elevated levels of As, Cd and Zn were also found in agricultural soils from these mine areas. The H.I. (hazard index) values of As and Cd from the Dongil, the Okdong and Myungbong mine areas are higher than 1.0. Therefore, toxic risk for As and Cd exist via exposure (ingestion) of contaminated soil, groundwater and rice grain in these mine areas.

Dose of rocuronium for rapid tracheal intubation following remifentanil 2 μg kg-1 and propofol 2 mg kg-1.

PubMed

Oh, Ah-Young; Cho, Suk-Ju; Seo, Kwang-Suk; Ryu, Jung-Hee; Han, Sung-Hee; Hwang, Jung-Won

2013-09-01

Full relaxation is not mandatory for successful tracheal intubation. We tried to find the dose of rocuronium that gave acceptable intubation conditions in a rapid sequence intubation with remifentanil and propofol. A dose-finding study of rocuronium using a modified Dixon's up-and-down method. A single tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia. After premedication with midazolam and glycopyrrolate, anaesthesia was induced using remifentanil 2 μg kg and propofol 2 mg kg, and a predetermined dose of rocuronium was administered. The dose of rocuronium was determined by a modified Dixon's up-and-down method starting from 0.8 mg kg with an interval of 0.1 or 0.05 mg kg. Intubation was performed 60 s after the start of the rocuronium injection. Intubation conditions were graded as excellent, good or poor. Excellent or good were regarded as clinically acceptable. A dose of rocuronium needed for acceptable intubation condition in 50% of patients (ED50) during rapid tracheal intubation after induction of anaesthesia with remifentanil and propofol. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled to obtain six crossovers. The ED50 of rocuronium was 0.20 mg kg (95% confidence interval, CI 0.17 to 0.23 mg kg) by a modified Dixon's up-and-down method. After induction of anaesthesia with remifentanil 2 μg kg and propofol 2 mg kg, the ED50 of rocuronium for acceptable intubation condition was 0.20 mg kg (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.23 mg kg) for rapid sequence intubation. Thus, we recommend that the intubation dose should be 0.8 mg kg. Clinical trial registration KCT0000094.

Neuropharmacological reassessment of the discriminative stimulus properties of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

PubMed

Cunningham, K A; Appel, J B

1987-01-01

The neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) were assessed by comparing the discriminative stimulus properties of LSD with those of agonists and antagonists that act selectively at putative serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) receptor subtypes (5-HT1 and 5-HT2). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 23) were trained to discriminate LSD (0.08 mg/kg) from saline and given substitution tests with the following agents: 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propyl-amino) tetralin (8-OHDPAT; 0.02-0.64 mg/kg), Ru 24969 (0.2-3.2 mg/kg), m-chlorophenylpiperazine (MCPP; 0.1-1.6 mg/kg), 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP; 0.1-1.6 mg/kg), and quipazine (0.2-3.2 mg/kg). Only quipazine mimicked LSD. In combination tests, BC 105 (0.2-3.2 mg/kg), 2-bromolysergic acid diethylamide (BOL; 0.1-1.6 mg/kg), Ly 53857 (0.4-3.2 mg/kg), metergoline (0.05-0.8 mg/kg), ketanserin (0.2-3.2 mg/kg), and pipenperone (0.0025-0.08 mg/kg), all of which act as 5-HT2 antagonists, blocked the LSD cue; only spiperone (0.02-0.32 mg/kg) was without effect. Although commonalities may exist among "5-HT agonists", the present results demonstrate that such "agonists" are not identical. Since putative 5-HT1 agonists do not mimic LSD and the LSD cue is potently blocked by 5-HT2 antagonists, it appears that 5-HT2 neuronal systems are of greater importance than 5-HT1 systems in mediating the discriminative stimulus and, perhaps, other effects of LSD.

Cardiovascular effects of medetomidine, detomidine and xylazine in horses.

PubMed

Yamashita, K; Tsubakishita, S; Futaok, S; Ueda, I; Hamaguchi, H; Seno, T; Katoh, S; Izumisawa, Y; Kotani, T; Muir, W W

2000-10-01

The cardiovascular effects of medetomidine, detomidine, and xylazine in horses were studied. Fifteen horses, whose right carotid arteries had previously been surgically raised to a subcutaneous position during general anesthesia were used. Five horses each were given the following 8 treatments: an intravenous injection of 4 doses of medetomidine (3, 5, 7.5, and 10 microg/kg), 3 doses of detomidine (10, 20, and 40 microg/kg), and one dose of xylazine (1 mg/kg). Heart rate decreased, but not statistically significant. Atrio-ventricular block was observed following all treatments and prolonged with detomidine. Cardiac index (CI) and stroke volume (SV) were decreased with all treatments. The CI decreased to about 50% of baseline values for 5 min after 7.5 and 10 microg/kg medetomidine and 1 mg/kg xylazine, for 20 min after 20 microg/kg detomidine, and for 50 min after 40 microg/kg detomidine. All treatments produced an initial hypertension within 2 min of drug administration followed by a significant decrease in arterial blood pressure (ABP) in horses administered 3 to 7.5 microg/kg medetomidine and 1 mg/kg xylazine. Hypertension was significantly prolonged in 20 and 40 microg/kg detomidine. The hypotensive phase was not observed in 10 microg/kg medetomidine or detomidine. The changes in ABP were associated with an increase in peripheral vascular resistance. Respiratory rate was decreased for 40 to 120 min in 5, 7.5, and 10 microg/kg medetomidine and detomidine. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen decreased significantly in 10 microg/kg medetomidine and detomidine, while the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide did not change significantly. Medetomidine induced dose-dependent cardiovascular depression similar to detomidine. The cardiovascular effects of medetomidine and xylazine were not as prolonged as that of detomidine.

Effects of methylmercury on reproduction in American kestrels

USGS Publications Warehouse

Albers, P.H.; Koterba, M.T.; Rossmann, R.; Link, W.A.; French, J.B.; Bennett, R.S.; Bauer, W.C.

2007-01-01

Sixty breeding pairs of captive American kestrels (Falco sparverius) were exposed to a range of sublethal dietary concentrations of mercury (Hg), in the form of methylmercuric chloride, and their subsequent reproduction was measured. Egg production, incubation performance, and the number and percent of eggs hatched decreased markedly between 3.3 and 4.6 mg/kg dry weight of Hg (1.2 and 1.7 mg/kg wet wt), in the diet. The number of fledglings and the percent of nestlings fledged were reduced markedly at 0.7 mg/kg dry weight (0.3 mg/kg wet wt) and declined further between 2 and 3.3 mg/kg dry weight (0.7 and 1.2 mg/kg wet wt). Dietary concentrations of ?4.6 mg/kg dry weight (1.7 mg/kg wet wt) were associated with total fledging failure. The estimated decline in fledged young per pair (24%, Bayesian regression) for kestrels consuming 0.7 mg/kg dry weight (0.3 mg/ kg wet wt) raises concerns about population maintenance in areas subject to high inputs of anthropogenic Hg. Mercury concentrations in 20 second-laid eggs collected from all groups were related to dietary concentrations of Hg, and the Hg concentrations in 19 of these eggs were related to eggs laid and young fledged. Concentrations of Hg in eggs from the highest diet group (5.9 mg/kg dry wt; 2.2 mg/kg wet wt) were higher than egg concentrations reported for either wild birds or for captive birds (nonraptors) fed dry commercial food containing 5 mg/kg methylmercury. Accumulation ratios of Hg from diets to eggs were higher than those reported for feeding studies with other species.

Ibudilast, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, in combination with low-dose aspirin potently inhibits guinea pig carotid artery thrombosis without extending bleeding time and causing gastric mucosal injury.

PubMed

Matsuzawa, S; Hoshina, K; Sueyoshi, S; Miyata, Y; Manita, S; Ooie, T; Yasue, T; Sasahara, T

2012-12-01

A combination of low-dose aspirin (ASA) and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor has been clinically tried for the secondary prevention of atherothrombotic diseases. The in vivo antithrombotic property of ibudilast (CAS 50847-11-5), a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, was evaluated in a photochemically-induced guinea pig carotid artery thrombosis model in combination with low-dose ASA. The time required to decrease the carotid artery blood flow to the reading "zero" was defined as the time to occlusion (TTO) of the artery through thrombogenesis. Each independent use of ASA (300 mg/kg, p.o.) and ibudilast (3 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly prolonged the TTO, and ASA (300 mg/kg) significantly increased bleeding time (BT) and gastric mucosal injury. A selective PDE4 inhibitor rolipram (1 and 5 mg/kg, p.o.) tended to prolong the TTO without extending BT. ASA (100 mg/kg) plus ibudilast (3 mg/kg) and ASA (100 mg/kg) plus rolipram (5 mg/kg) markedly prolonged the TTO compared with each agent alone. Interestingly, ASA (100 mg/kg) plus ibudilast (3 mg/kg) caused a longer TTO than ASA (300 mg/kg) alone, without significant extension of BT and gastric mucosal injury as observed in ASA (300 mg/kg). These results indicate that the combination of low-dose ASA and ibudilast has a more potent antithrombotic effect than ASA alone without increasing bleeding tendency and gastric mucosal injury. The potent in vivo antithrombotic effect of this combination may be brought about by an action that is associated with PDE4 inhibition of ibudilast. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Uric acid and allopurinol aggravate absence epileptic activity in Wistar Albino Glaxo Rijswijk rats.

PubMed

Lakatos, Renáta Krisztina; Dobolyi, Árpád; Kovács, Zsolt

2018-05-01

Uric acid has a role in several physiological and pathophysiological processes. For example, uric acid may facilitate seizure generalization while reducing uric acid level may evoke anticonvulsant/antiepileptic effects. Allopurinol blocks the activity of xanthine oxidase, by which allopurinol inhibits catabolism of hypoxanthine to xanthine and uric acid and, as a consequence, decreases the level of uric acid. Although the modulation of serum uric acid level is a widely used strategy in the treatment of certain diseases, our knowledge regarding the effects of uric acid on epileptic activity is far from complete. Thus, the main aim of this study was the investigation of the effect of uric acid on absence epileptic seizures (spike-wave discharges: SWDs) in a model of human absence epilepsy, the Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rat. We investigated the influence of intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected uric acid (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), allopurinol (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg), a cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) inhibitor indomethacin (10 mg/kg) and inosine (500 mg/kg) alone and the combined application of allopurinol (50 mg/kg) with uric acid (100 mg/kg) or inosine (500 mg/kg) as well as indomethacin (10 mg/kg) with uric acid (100 mg/kg) and inosine (500 mg/kg) with uric acid (100 mg/kg) on absence epileptic activity. We demonstrated that both uric acid and allopurinol alone significantly increased the number of SWDs whereas indomethacin abolished the uric acid-evoked increase in SWD number. Our results suggest that uric acid and allopurinol have proepileptic effects in WAG/Rij rats. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decomposition of olive mill waste compost, goat manure and Medicago sativa in Lebanese soils using the litterbag technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atallah, Therese

2014-05-01

Organic amendments, green manure and plant residues incorporation are the main sources of nutrients in organic farming, their decomposition rate is crucial for the accumulation and long-term storage of organic matter in soils. In this study the decomposition of compost from olive mill waste (N: 29.3 g kg-1; total dissolved nitrogen or TDN: 3.82 g kg-1), goat manure (N: 31.5 g kg-1; TDN: 0.94 g kg-1), the shoots (N: 33.6 g kg-1; TDN: 17.57 g kg-1) and roots (N: 22.12 g kg-1; TDN: 8.87 g kg-1) of Medicago sativa was followed in three Lebanese soils. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium released were followed over one year, starting in early winter (December-January). The mild sub-humid Mediterranean conditions allowed a rapid mass loss in alfalfa shoots 30 days after incorporation. Manure and compost were more persistent. Between 80 and 90% of TDN were released, after 30 days of in-situ incubation for compost, the release was over 90% for alfalfa shoots. The movement of P was slower, as the compost (6.99 g kg-1 of P) and manure (9.81 g kg-1 of P) lost 33% and 22%, respectively, during 30 days of incubation. After one year, 15 to 35% of P remained in the soils. The manure was the richest in potassium (19.66 g kg-1) followed by the alfalfa shoots (15.56 g kg-1), the compost (8.19 g kg-1) and the roots (5.96 g kg-1). The loss of potassium was important, as over 88% had disappeared over the year. All decomposition curves followed an exponential model. The calculated coefficients of decomposition for total nitrogen (lnfinal - lninitial/days) were significantly higher for alfalfa shoots (0.00547 day-1) and similar for the compost (0.00184 day-1) and the manure (0.00175 day-1). The ANOVA test showed a difference between two of the sites (Site A: 521 g kg-1 of clay and 42 g kg-1 of calcium carbonate; Site S: 260 g kg-1 of clay and 269 g kg-1 of CaCO3) and the third one (Site L: 315 g kg-1 of clay and 591 g kg-1 of CaCO3). The relationships between the soil calcium carbonate and the coefficients for the compost and the manure were linear. An increase of 50‰ of CaCO3 would cause a decrease of the coefficient by 0.0001 in the case of compost, and by half of this for the manure. Rather than the clay content, the calcium carbonate seemed to slow down the decomposition of relatively stable products such as the compost and manure. Keywords: organic amendments; nutrients release; Lebanese pedo-climatic conditions.

Ecological vulnerability: seasonal and spatial assessment of trace metals in soils and plants in the vicinity of a scrap metal recycling factory in Southwestern Nigeria.

PubMed

Owoade, O K; Awotoye, O O; Salami, O O

2014-10-01

The concentrations of selected heavy metals in the soil and vegetation in the immediate vicinity of a metal scrap recycling factory were determined in the dry and wet seasons using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed that the soil pH in all the sites indicated slight acidity (from 5.07 to 6.13), high soil organic matter content (from 2.08 to 5.60 %), and a well-drained soil of sandy loam textural composition. Soil heavy metal content in the dry season were 0.84-3.12 mg/kg for Pb, 0.26-0.46 mg/kg for Cd, 9.19-24.70 mg/kg for Zn, and 1.46-1.97 mg/kg for Cu. These values were higher than those in the wet season which ranged from 0.62-0.69 mg/kg for Pb, 0.67-0.78 mg/kg for Cd, 0.84-1.00 mg/kg for Zn, and 1.26-1.45 mg/kg for Cu. Except for cadmium in the dry season, the highest concentrations occurred in the northern side of the factory for all the elements in both seasons. An increase in the concentrations of the elements up to 350 m in most directions was also observed. There was no specific pattern in the level of the metals in the leaves of the plant used for the study. However, slightly elevated values were observed in the wet season (Pb 0.53 mg/kg, Cd 0.59 mg/kg, Cu 0.88 mg/kg) compared with the dry season values (Pb 0.50 mg/kg, Cd 0.57 mg/kg, Cu 0.83 mg/kg). This study showed that the elevated concentrations of these metals might be associated with the activities from the recycling plant, providing the basis for heavy metal pollution monitoring and control of this locality that is primarily used for agricultural purposes.

Dose-response characteristics of intravenous ketamine on dissociative stereotypy, locomotion, sensorimotor gating, and nociception in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

PubMed

Radford, Kennett D; Park, Thomas Y; Lee, Bong Hyo; Moran, Sean; Osborne, Lisa A; Choi, Kwang H

2017-02-01

Clinicians administer subanesthetic intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions for treatment of refractory depression, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder in humans. However, ketamine is administered via the subcutaneous (SC) or intraperitoneal (IP) routes to rodents in most pre-clinical research, which may limit translational application. The present study characterized the dose-response of a subanesthetic IV ketamine bolus (2 and 5mg/kg) and 1-h infusion (5, 10, and 20mg/kg/h) on dissociative stereotypy, locomotion, sensorimotor gating, and thermal nociception in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The secondary aim was to measure ketamine and norketamine plasma concentrations following IV ketamine bolus at 1, 20, and 50min and at the conclusion of the 1-h infusion using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results showed that ketamine bolus and infusions produced dose-dependent dissociative stereotypy. Bolus (2 and 5mg/kg) and 20mg/kg/h infusion increased locomotor activity while 5mg/kg/h infusion decreased locomotor activity. Both 10 and 20mg/kg/h infusions reduced the acoustic startle reflex, while 5mg/kg bolus and 20mg/kg/h infusion impaired pre-pulse inhibition. Ketamine 5mg/kg bolus and the 10 and 20mg/kg/h infusions induced significant and prolonged antinociception to the hotplate test. Plasma concentrations of ketamine decreased quickly after bolus while norketamine levels increased from 1 to 20min and plateaued from 20 to 50min. The peak ketamine plasma concentrations [ng/ml] were similar between 5mg/kg bolus [4100] vs. 20mg/kg/h infusion [3900], and 2mg/kg bolus [1700] vs. 10mg/kg/h infusion [1500]. These results support the findings from previous ketamine injection studies and further validate the feasibility of administering subanesthetic doses of IV ketamine infusion to rats for neuropharmacological studies. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Metabolic syndrome of weight change from pre-pregnancy to 1–5 years post-partum among Chinese women with prior gestational diabetes

PubMed Central

Li, W.; Liu, H.; Qiao, Y.; Lv, F.; Zhang, S.; Wang, L.; Leng, J.; Liu, H.; Qi, L.; Tuomilehto, J.; Hu, G.

2015-01-01

Aims Few studies have evaluated the effect of weight change from pre-pregnancy to post partum with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between weight change from pre-pregnancy to 1–5 years post partum with metabolic syndrome among Chinese women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study in 1263 women with gestational diabetes mellitus at 1–5 years post partum. Participants were divided into four groups based on their weight change from pre-pregnancy to 1–5 years post partum: loss of ≥ 3 kg, ± 3 kg, gain of 3–7 kg and gain of ≥7 kg. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 12.1%, 16.2%, 26.0% and 44.3% among women with weight loss ≥ 3 kg, stable weight (± 3 kg), weight gain 3–7 kg and weight gain ≥ 7 kg from pre-pregnancy to post partum, respectively. The positive association between weight change and metabolic syndrome was observed among women with pre-pregnancy normal weight (BMI < 24 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 24–27.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was almost similar among pre-pregnancy normal weight women with weight gain ≥ 7 kg, pre-pregnancy overweight women with stable weight (± 3 kg) and pre-pregnancy obese women with weight loss ≥3 kg from pre-pregnancy to post partum (P = 0.62). Conclusions Women with gestational diabetes mellitus who had large weight gain from pre-pregnancy to post partum were more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. Women who are pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and also diagnosed as gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy need more weight control after delivery. PMID:25962467

Efficacy of alfaxalone for intravascular anesthesia and euthanasia in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus).

PubMed

Minter, Larry J; Harms, Craig A; Archibald, Kate E; Broadhurst, Heather; Bailey, Kate M; Christiansen, Emily F; Lewbart, Gregory A; Posner, Lysa P

2013-09-01

The objective of this study was to characterize the behavioral effects and changes in heart rate of four doses of alfaxalone delivered by intravascular injection to blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). Thirty (male, n = 27; female, n = 3) blue crabs were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups of alfaxalone: eight animals were assigned to each of the 5-, 10-, and 15-mg/kg treatment groups, and the remaining six animals were assigned to the 100-mg/kg group. Times for anesthetic induction and recovery periods were recorded. Righting reflex, defensive posturing, and heart rate were evaluated before, during, and after the anesthetic trial. Anesthesia was induced in all 14 animals consolidated into the high-dosage group (15 mg/kg [n = 8] and 100 mg/kg [n = 6]), which was significantly greater than 8 of 16 animals in the low-dosage group (5 mg/kg [n = 2] and 10 mg/kg [n = 6]). Median anesthesia induction time for all crabs was 0.4 min, with no significant difference in induction time between groups observed. Median recovery time was 9.4 min (n = 2), 6.1 min (n = 5), 11.3 min (n = 8), and 66.1 min (n = 5) for the 5-, 10-, 15-, and 100-mg/kg groups, respectively. Recovery times were significantly longer for crabs exposed to an induction dose of 100 mg/kg compared with the 10- and 15-mg/kg induction doses. A significant decrease in the median heart rate was observed between the baseline value and that observed at both induction and 5 min postinjection in the 100-mg/kg dose trial. Two mortalities were observed during the anesthesia trials (n = 1, 10 mg/kg; n = 1, 100 mg/kg), both associated with the autotomization of limbs. In summary, the intravascular administration of alfaxalone at 15 mg/kg provided rapid and reliable sedation, whereas alfaxalone administered at 100 mg/kg produced rapid and long lasting anesthesia.

Evaluation of the effect of jobelyn(®) on chemoconvulsants-induced seizure in mice.

PubMed

Umukoro, Solomon; Omogbiya, Itivere Adrian; Eduviere, Anthony Taghogho

2013-01-01

Epilepsy is a common central nervous system (CNS) disorder characterized by seizures resulting from episodic neuronal discharges. The incidence of toxicity and refractoriness has compromised the clinical efficacy of the drugs currently used for the treatment of convulsions. Thus, there is a need to search for new medicines from plant origin that are readily available and safer for the control of seizures. Jobelyn(®) (JB) is a unique African polyherbal preparation used by the natives to treat seizures in children. This investigation was carried out to evaluate whether JB has anti-seizure property in mice. The animals received JB (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o) 30 min before induction of convulsions with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of picotoxin (6 mg/kg), strychnine (2 mg/kg) and pentylenetetrazole (85 mg/kg) respectively. Diazepam (2 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the reference drug. Anti-seizure activities were assessed based on the ability of test drugs to prevent convulsions, death or to delay the onset of seizures in mice. JB (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o) could only delay the onset of seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (85 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice. However, it did not did not offer any protection against seizure episodes, as it failed to prevent the animals, from exhibiting tonic-clonic convulsions caused by pentylenetetrazole (85 mg/kg, i.p.), strychnine (2 mg/kg) or picrotoxin (6 mg/kg, i.p.). On the other hand, diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.), offered 100% protection against convulsive seizures, induced by pentylenetetrazole (85 mg/kg, i.p.). However, it failed to prevent seizures produced by strychnine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or picrotoxin (6 mg/kg, i.p.). Our results suggest that JB could not prevent the examined chemoconvulsants-induced convulsions. However, its ability to delay the latency to seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole suggests that JB might be effective in the control of the seizure spread in epileptic brains.

[Phosphorus use efficiency of wheat on three typical farmland soils under long-term fertilization].

PubMed

Gao, Jing; Zhang, Shu-xiang; Xu, Ming-gang; Huang, Shao-min; Yang, Xue-yun

2009-09-01

Field experiments were conducted on three typical farmland soils (loess soil, fluvo-aquic soil, and cinnamon fluvo-aquic soil) in Northern China to study the grain yield, phosphorus agronomic efficiency (PAE), and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of wheat under effects of long-term fertilizations. Seven treatments were installed, i.e., non-fertilization (CK), nitrogen fertilization (N), nitrogen-potassium fertilization (NK), nitrogen-phosphorus fertilization (NP), nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilization (NPK), NPK plus straw returning (NPKS), and NPK plus manure application (NPKM). The averaged wheat grain yields under long-term P fertilizations (treatments NP, NPK, NPKS, and NPKM) ranged from 2914 kg x hm(-2) to 6219 kg x hm(-2), being 200%-400% higher than those under no P fertilizations (treatments CK, N, and NK), and no significant differences were observed between the P fertilizations. In the early years of the experiment, the PAE in treatment NPK on the loess soil, fluvo-aquic soil, and cinnamon fluvo-aquic soil was 17.0 kg x kg(-1), 20.3 kg x kg(-1), and 13.3 kg x kg(-1), and the PUE was 15.3%, 31.2%, and 23.8%, respectively. After 15-year fertilization, the PAE and PUE in treatment NPK increased annually by 3.9 kg x kg(-1) and 1.3% on loess soil, 2.5 kg x kg(-1) and 0.9% on fluvo-aquic soil, and 2.8 kg x kg(-1) and 1.0% on cinnamon fluvo-aquic soil, respectively. There were no significant differences in the PAE and PUE among the P treatments for the same soils. In Northern China, long-term P fertilization could increase the wheat grain yield and PUE significantly, and the mean annual increase of PAE and PUE in treatment NPKM was higher on loess soil than on fluvo-aquic soil and cinnamon fluvo-aquic soil.

Toxic and trace metal concentrations in liver and kidney of dogs: influence of diet, sex, age, and pathological lesions.

PubMed

Löpez-Alonso, Marta; Miranda, Marta; García-Partida, Paulino; Mendez, Adriana; Castillo, Cristina; Benedito, José Luis

2007-05-01

The aim of this study was to provide data on the main toxic and trace metals in the liver and kidney of domestic dogs in Galicia, NW Spain and to evaluate the influence of diet, sex, age, and pathological lesions on metal accumulation. Samples of the liver and kidney from 77 male and female dogs, aged between 6 mo and 18 yr, were collected during ordinary necropsy. Samples were acid-digested and metal concentrations determined by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-mass spectrometry and ICP-atomic emission spectrometry. Mean toxic metal concentrations (geometric means for liver and kidney respectively) were 11.5 and 15.8 microg/kg wet weight for As, 56.3 and 166 microg/kg for Cd, 32.7 and 51.9 microg/kg for Hg, and 60.1 and 23.6 microg/kg for Pb. For the trace metals, these concentrations were respectively 16.3 and 21.0 microg/kg for Co, 57.6 and 43.9 microg/kg for Cr, 42.1 and 5.95 mg/kg for Cu, 394 mg/kg and 95.7 mg/kg for Fe, 2.39 and 0.956 mg/kg for Mn, 0.522 and 0.357 mg/kg for Mo, 23.8 and 26.8 microg/kg for Ni, 0.686 and 1.39 mg/kg for Se, and 46.7 and 26.0 mg/kg for Zn. Cd concentrations in the kidney significantly increased with age, and Co concentrations in the liver and kidney significantly decreased with age. Hepatic Pb concentrations were significantly higher in growing (<1 yr) and old (>10 yr) dogs. Animals with pathological lesions showed significantly higher Co and lower Mn and Zn concentrations in liver than animals without macroscopic abnormalities. Dogs that received commercial diets in general showed low variability in hepatic mineral status compared to animals that receive homemade feeds or a mixture of commercial and homemade feeds.

Interoceptive conditioning with the nicotine stimulus: extinction learning as a method for assessing stimulus similarity across doses.

PubMed

Polewan, Robert J; Savala, Stephanie A; Bevins, Rick A

2013-02-01

Interoceptive conditioning involving the nicotine stimulus likely contributes to chronic tobacco use. To better understand the nature of this interoceptive conditioning, we compared generalization during repeated extinction with generalization in a 'transfer of extinction' test using a wide range of test doses. Rats were first trained in the discriminated goal-tracking task in which nicotine (0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg), but not saline, was paired with repeated intermittent access to sucrose. Across sessions, nicotine acquired control of approach behavior directed at the location of previous sucrose deliveries. Extinction followed with eight 20-min sessions without sucrose access; extinction doses of nicotine ranged from 0.05 to 0.6 mg/kg. In rats trained with 0.4 mg/kg, the 0.1, 0.2, and 0.6 mg/kg doses evoked comparable responding across extinction sessions; substitution was only partial at 0.05 and 0.075 mg/kg (i.e. above saline controls, but less than the training dose). With the 0.2 mg/kg training dose, complete generalization was seen only at the 0.1 and 0.4 mg/kg doses. After extinction, rats were given a transfer test with their training dose. Rats trained with 0.4 mg/kg showed full transfer of extinction learning with 0.1, 0.2, and 0.6 mg/kg (i.e. responding comparable with extinction with the training dose). Partial transfer was observed at 0.075 mg/kg. With the 0.2 mg/kg nicotine dose, only 0.4 mg/kg fully generalized; 0.075, 0.1, and 0.6 mg/kg showed partial transfer. Extinction with 0.05 mg/kg dose did not show transfer to either training dose. These findings indicated that conclusions regarding stimulus similarity across nicotine doses can vary with testing protocol.

Toxicity of paraquat in nestling birds: effects on plasma and tissue biochemistry in American kestrels

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hoffman, Daivd J.; Franson, J. Christian; Pattee, Oliver H.; Bunck, Christine M.; Murray, Helen C.

1987-01-01

Beginning the day after hatching, American kestrel (Falco sparverius) nestlings were orally dosed daily for 10 days with 5 μL/g of distilled water (controls), 10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, or 60 mg/kg of paraquat dichloride (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dichloride) in distilled water. Forty-four percent of the nestlings receiving 60 mg/kg died after 4 days. Plasma LDH activity and total protein concentration were elevated, and plasma alkaline phosphatase activity was lower in survivors of the 60 mg/kg group at 10 days. Lung total sulfhydryl (TSH) and protein-bound sulfhydryl (PBSH) concentrations were significantly higher in the 10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, or 60 mg/kg groups. Lung DNA, RNA, protein, and hydroxyproline (collagen) concentrations were not significantly affected by treatment. Liver NPSH was lower in the 60 mg/kg group while liver glycogen concentration was not affected by treatment. Kidney DNA, RNA, and RNA to protein concentration ratio were higher in the 25 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg groups. These findings in combination with recently reported effects on growth and histopathology suggest that altricial nestling kestrels are more sensitive to paraquat exposure than young or adult birds of precocial species. From a comparative viewpoint, lungs of nestling kestrels are less sensitive to paraquat than mammalian lungs.

Modeling sustainable reuse of nitrogen-laden wastewater by poplar.

PubMed

Wang, Yusong; Licht, Louis; Just, Craig

2016-01-01

Numerical modeling was used to simulate the leaching of nitrogen (N) to groundwater as a consequence of irrigating food processing wastewater onto grass and poplar under various management scenarios. Under current management practices for a large food processor, a simulated annual N loading of 540 kg ha(-1) yielded 93 kg ha(-1) of N leaching for grass and no N leaching for poplar during the growing season. Increasing the annual growing season N loading to approximately 1,550 kg ha(-1) for poplar only, using "weekly", "daily" and "calculated" irrigation scenarios, yielded N leaching of 17 kg ha(-1), 6 kg ha(-1), and 4 kg ha(-1), respectively. Constraining the simulated irrigation schedule by the current onsite wastewater storage capacity of approximately 757 megaliters (Ml) yielded N leaching of 146 kg ha(-1) yr(-1) while storage capacity scenarios of 3,024 and 4,536 Ml yielded N leaching of 65 and 13 kg ha(-1) yr(-1), respectively, for a loading of 1,550 kg ha(-1) yr(-1). Further constraining the model by the current wastewater storage volume and the available land area (approximately 1,000 hectares) required a "diverse" irrigation schedule that was predicted to leach a weighted average of 13 kg-N ha(-1) yr(-1) when dosed with 1,063 kg-N ha(-1) yr(-1).

Antinociceptive effect of purine nucleotides.

PubMed

Mello, C F; Begnini, J; De-La-Vega, D D; Lopes, F P; Schwartz, C C; Jimenez-Bernal, R E; Bellot, R G; Frussa-Filho, R

1996-10-01

The antinociceptive effect of purine nucleotides administered systematically (sc) was determined using the formalin and writhing tests in adult male albino mice. The mechanisms underlying nucleotide-induced antinociception were investigated by preinjecting the animals (sc) with specific antagonists for opioid (naloxone, 1 mg/kg), purinergic P1 (caffeine, 5, 10, of 30 mg/kg); theophylline, 10 mg/kg) or purinergic P2 receptors (suramin, 100 mg/kg; Coomassie blue, 30-300 mg/kg; quinidine, 10 mg/kg). Adenosine, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), diphosphate (ADP) and triphosphate (ATP) caused a reduction in the number of writhes and in the time of licking the formalin-injected paw. Naloxone had no effect on adenosine- or adenine nucleotide-induced antinociception. Caffeine (30 mg/kg) and theophylline (10 mg/kg) reversed the antinociceptive action of adenosine and adenine nucleotide derivatives in both tests. P2 antagonists did not reverse adenine nucleotide-induced antinociception. These results suggest that antinociceptive effect of adenine nucleotides is mediated by adenosine.

Efficacy and safety of a modified intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator regimen in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Pan, Shu-Ming; Liu, Jia-Fu; Liu, Ming; Shen, Sa; Li, Hao-Jun; Dai, Li-Hua; Chen, Xiang-Jun

2013-07-01

Thrombolytic treatment with intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA; 0.90 mg/kg, with a maximum dose of 90 mg) has been recommended as the standard management for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) thrombolysis. However, the dose of IV rtPA in Asia remains controversial. This study was designed to verify the safety and efficacy of IV rtPA treatment for AIS with a lower dosage (0.90 mg/kg, with a maximum dose of 50 mg). Patients were divided into 3 dosage groups according to body weight (BW): group 1, <55 kg for 0.90 mg/kg; group 2, 55 to 67 kg for 0.75 to 0.90 mg/kg; and group 3, >67 kg for <0.75 mg/kg. The following data were collected: patient demographics, vascular risk factors, neuroimaging results, time of rtPA administration, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score before treatment and at 24 hours, and a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months. Eighty-three AIS patients who were of Han Chinese descent were included in the study. The baseline characteristics of the 3 dosage groups were well matched. In group 1 (BW <55 kg for 0.90 mg/kg; n = 19), 57.1% had a favorable outcome at 3 months, compared with 61.2% of patients in group 2 (BW 55-67 kg for 0.75-0.90 mg/kg; n = 33) and 51.5% in group 3 (BW >67 kg for <0.75 mg/kg; n = 31; P = .362). There were no significantly statistical differences in the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and mortality rate. This IV rtPA regimen (0.90 mg/kg, with a maximum dose of 50 mg) not only shows sufficient favorable outcome in clinical practice in Chinese patients with AIS but also good health economic savings. This regimen could be suitable for many developing countries. Copyright © 2013 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of the brain-penetrant and selective 5-HT6 receptor antagonist SB-399885 in animal models of anxiety and depression.

PubMed

Wesołowska, Anna; Nikiforuk, Agnieszka

2007-04-01

The effects of a selective 5-HT(6) receptor antagonist, SB-399885 (N-[3,5-dichloro-2-(methoxy)phenyl]-4-(methoxy)-3-(1-piperazinyl)benzenesulfonamide), were evaluated in behavioural tests sensitive to clinically effective anxiolytic- and antidepressant-compounds using diazepam and imipramine as reference drugs. In the Vogel conflict drinking test in rats, SB-399885 (1-3mg/kg i.p.) caused an anxiolytic-like activity comparable to that of diazepam (2.5-5mg/kg i.p.). An anxiolytic-like effect was also seen in the elevated plus-maze test in rats, where SB-399885 (0.3-3mg/kg i.p.) was slightly weaker than diazepam (2.5-5mg/kg i.p.). In the four-plate test in mice, SB-399885 (3-20mg/kg i.p.) showed an anxiolytic-like effect which was weaker than that produced by diazepam (2.5-5mg/kg i.p.). In the forced swim test in rats, SB-399885 (10mg/kg i.p.) significantly shortened the immobility time and the effect was stronger than that of imipramine (30mg/kg i.p.). In the forced swim test in mice, SB-399885 (20-30mg/kg i.p.) had an anti-immobility action, comparable to imipramine (30mg/kg i.p.) and also in the tail suspension test in mice, SB-399885 (10-30mg/kg i.p.) had an antidepressant-like effect, though was weaker than imipramine (10-20mg/kg i.p.). The tested 5-HT(6) antagonist (3-20mg/kg i.p.) shortened the walking time of rats in the open field test and, at a dose of 30mg/kg i.p. reduced the locomotor activity of mice. SB-399885 (in doses up to 30mg/kg i.p.) did not affect motor coordination in mice and rats tested in the rota-rod test. Such data indicate that the selective 5-HT(6) receptor antagonist SB-399885had specific effects, indicative of this compound's anxiolytic and antidepressant potential.

Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of kava kava extract (CAS No. 9000-38-8) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (Gavage Studies).

PubMed

2012-03-01

Kava beverages, made from dried roots of the shrub Piper methysticum, have been used ceremonially and socially in the South Pacific and in Europe since the 1700s. The drink is reported to have pleasant mild psychoactive effects, similar to alcoholic beverages. In the United States, kava kava is an herbal product used extensively as an alternative to anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax and Valium. It has also been reported as being used to help children with hyperactivity and as a skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. Kava kava was nominated by the National Cancer Institute for study because of its increasing use as a dietary supplement in the mainstream United States market and reports of liver toxicity among humans. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice received kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage for 2 weeks, 3 months, or 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 2-WEEK STUDY IN RATS: Groups of five male and five female rats were administered kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg body weight, 5 days per week for 16 days. One female rat administered 2.0 g/kg kava kava extract died on day 3 of the study. Mean body weights of all dosed groups of rats were similar to those of the vehicle controls. Clinical findings included abnormal breathing, ataxia, and lethargy in the 2.0 g/kg groups of males and females and ataxia and lethargy in the 1.0 g/kg group of females. Liver weights were significantly increased in 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg males and in 0.5 g/kg or greater females compared to the vehicle controls. Minimal hepatocellular hypertrophy occurred in all 2.0 g/kg males and in all females administered 0.25 g/kg or greater. 2-WEEK STUDY IN MICE: Groups of five male and five female mice were administered kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg body weight, 5 days per week for 17 days. In the 2.0 g/kg group of males, one died on day 2 and one died on day 3. Mean body weights of all dosed groups of mice were similar to those of the vehicle controls. Clinical findings included abnormal breathing, ataxia, and lethargy in males and females in the 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg groups. Liver weights of 2.0 g/kg males and females were significantly increased. The incidence of hepatocellular hypertrophy in 2.0 g/kg female mice was significantly greater than that in the vehicle control group. 3-MONTH STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 10 male and 10 female rats were administered kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. Deaths attributed to kava kava extract administration included three males and four females in the 2.0 g/kg groups and one female in the 1.0 g/kg group. One 0.25 g/kg male and one vehicle control female also died before the end of the study. The mean body weights of males in the 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg groups and females in the 2.0 g/kg group were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls. Ataxia and lethargy were observed in males and females in the 1.0 g/kg groups during week 1 and in the 2.0 g/kg groups throughout the study. Increased -glutamyltransferase activity in 1.0 g/kg females and 2.0 g/kg males and females may represent enzyme induction. However, the hepatocellular hypertrophy observed in the 2.0 g/kg females may have contributed to the increased -glutamyltransferase activity. The liver weights of 0.25 g/kg or greater males and 0.5 g/kg or greater females were significantly increased compared to the vehicle controls. The kidney weights of 0.5 g/kg or greater males and females were significantly increased compared to the vehicle controls. The incidence of hepatocellular hypertrophy in 2.0 g/kg females was significantly greater than that in the vehicle controls. 3-MONTH STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 10 male and 10 female mice were administered kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. Four male and three female 2.0 g/kg mice died during week 1; these deaths were attributed to kava kava extract administration. One additional 2.0 g/kg female died during week 6 due to a gavage accident. The mean body weights of dosed males and females were similar to those of the vehicle controls. Ataxia and lethargy occurred in males and females in the 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg groups during week 1. The liver weights of 2.0 g/kg males and 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg females were significantly increased compared to those of the vehicle control groups. The incidences of centrilobular hypertrophy in the liver of 0.5 g/kg or greater males and 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg females were significantly greater than those in the vehicle controls. 2-YEAR STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 49 or 50 male and 50 female rats were administered kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 g/kg, 5 days per week for 104 (males) or 105 (females) weeks. Survival of dosed groups of males and females was similar to that of the vehicle controls. Mean body weights of males administered 1.0 g/kg were less than those of the vehicle controls after week 65, and those of the 1.0 g/kg females were less than those of the vehicle controls after week 41. Clinical findings included ataxia and lethargy that occurred in 21 males and 14 females in the 1.0 g/kg groups during the first 4 weeks of the study. After week 5, ataxia and lethargy were noted in 10 males and eight females in the 1.0 g/kg groups and these findings were observed randomly and intermittently throughout the study. At approximately 1 year into the study, twitching and seizures were observed in males and females in all dosed groups but mainly in the 1.0 g/kg groups. There was a dose-related increase in the incidences of interstitial cell adenoma in the testis with increased incidences of bilateral neoplasms. The incidences of hepatocellular hypertrophy in 1.0 g/kg males and females were significantly greater than those in the vehicle controls. Increased -glutamyltransferase activity and/or bile salt concentrations in males and females may represent a cholestatic event related to the hepatocellular hypertrophy observed in rats. Enzyme induction may have played a role in the increased -glutamyltransferase activity. Significantly increased incidences of centrilobular fatty change occurred in 0.1 and 1.0 g/kg males. The incidences of inflammation, ulcer, and epithelial hyperplasia in the forestomach were significantly increased in 1.0 g/kg males and females. The severity of nephropathy was increased in 1.0 g/kg male rats, and the incidence of nephropathy was significantly increased in 1.0 g/kg females. Incidences of transitional epithelial hyperplasia of the pelvis of the kidney were significantly increased in 1.0 g/kg males and 0.3 and 1.0 g/kg females. The incidences of retinal degeneration in the eye were significantly increased in 1.0 g/kg males and females. The incidences of metaplasia of pancreatic acinar cells to a hepatocytic morphology increased in 1.0 g/kg males and females, and the increase in males was significant. Significantly decreased incidences of pars distalis adenoma in the pituitary gland occurred in 1.0 g/kg males and in 0.1 and 1.0 g/kg females. The incidence of fibroadenoma of the mammary gland in 1.0 g/kg females was significantly less than that in the vehicle control group. 2-YEAR STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 50 male and 50 female mice received kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 g/kg, 5 days per week for 105 weeks. Survival of dosed groups of males and females was similar to that of the vehicle controls. Mean body weights of males administered 1.0 g/kg were generally similar to those of the vehicle controls until the end of the study; however, those of 1.0 g/kg females were less than those of the vehicle controls after week 21. Clinical findings included ataxia and lethargy that occurred in 13 males and 31 females in the 1.0 g/kg groups during the first week of the study. Decreasing numbers of animals exhibited ataxia or lethargy during the remainder of the study, but these findings were observed in 1.0 g/kg females as late as week 101. The incidences of hepatoblastoma in 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg males were significantly increased compared to the vehicle controls. The incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoblastoma (combined) were significantly increased in 0.5 g/kg males. Incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma were increased in all dosed groups of females, and the increase was significant in the 0.25 g/kg group. The incidences of hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma (combined) were significantly increased in 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg females. In the liver, the incidences of centrilobular hypertrophy in all dosed groups of males and females were significantly greater than those in the vehicle control groups. Significantly increased incidences of eosinophilic foci occurred in 0.5 g/kg males and in 1.0 g/kg males and females, and the incidence of angiectasis was significantly increased in the 1.0 g/kg males. The incidences of hepatocellular necrosis were significantly increased in 0.25 and 1.0 g/kg males. In the forestomach, the incidences of chronic inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia, and erosion were significantly increased in 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg females, and the incidence of ulceration was significantly increased in 1.0 g/kg females. Kava kava extract was tested for bacterial mutagenicity over a broad range of concentrations in two independent assays using several strains of bacteria (S. typhimurium tester strains TA97, TA98, TA100, and TA1535 and E. coli strain WP2 uvrA/pKM101), with and without exogenous metabolic activation. No increase in mutant colonies was seen in any of the tester strains, under any activation condition. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in cocoa products and chocolate.

PubMed

Serra Bonvehí, Josep

2004-10-06

In this work, the occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in 170 samples of cocoa products of different geographical origins was studied. An immunoaffinity column with HPLC separation was developed to quantify low levels of OTA in cocoa bean, cocoa cake, cocoa mass, cocoa nib, cocoa powder, cocoa shell, cocoa butter, chocolate, and chocolate cream with >80% recoveries. The method was validated by performing replicate analyses of uncontaminated cocoa material spiked at three different levels of OTA (1, 2, and 5 microg/kg). The data obtained were related on the acceptable safe daily exposure for OTA. The highest levels of OTA were detected in roasted cocoa shell and cocoa cake (0.1-23.1 microg/kg) and only at minor levels in the other cocoa products. Twenty-six cocoa and chocolate samples were free from detectable OTA (<0.10 microg/kg). In roasted cocoa powder 38.7% of the samples analyzed contained OTA at levels ranging from 0.1 to 2 microg/kg, and 54.8% was contaminated at >2 microg/kg (and 12 samples at >3 microg/kg). Ochratoxin A was detected in cocoa bean at levels from 0.1 to 3.5 microg/kg, the mean concentration being 0.45 microg/kg; only one sample exceeded 2 microg/kg (4.7%). In contrast, 51.2% of cocoa cake samples contained OTA at levels > or =2 microg/kg, among which 16 exceeded 5 microg/kg (range of 5-9 microg/kg). These results indicate that roasted cocoa powder is not a major source of OTA in the diet.

Distribution Development for STORM Ingestion Input Parameters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fulton, John

The Sandia-developed Transport of Radioactive Materials (STORM) code suite is used as part of the Radioisotope Power System Launch Safety (RPSLS) program to perform statistical modeling of the consequences due to release of radioactive material given a launch accident. As part of this modeling, STORM samples input parameters from probability distributions with some parameters treated as constants. This report described the work done to convert four of these constant inputs (Consumption Rate, Average Crop Yield, Cropland to Landuse Database Ratio, and Crop Uptake Factor) to sampled values. Consumption rate changed from a constant value of 557.68 kg / yr tomore » a normal distribution with a mean of 102.96 kg / yr and a standard deviation of 2.65 kg / yr. Meanwhile, Average Crop Yield changed from a constant value of 3.783 kg edible / m 2 to a normal distribution with a mean of 3.23 kg edible / m 2 and a standard deviation of 0.442 kg edible / m 2 . The Cropland to Landuse Database ratio changed from a constant value of 0.0996 (9.96%) to a normal distribution with a mean value of 0.0312 (3.12%) and a standard deviation of 0.00292 (0.29%). Finally the crop uptake factor changed from a constant value of 6.37e -4 (Bq crop /kg)/(Bq soil /kg) to a lognormal distribution with a geometric mean value of 3.38e -4 (Bq crop /kg)/(Bq soil /kg) and a standard deviation value of 3.33 (Bq crop /kg)/(Bq soil /kg)« less

Effects of feeding blends of grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins on production and metabolism in broilers.

PubMed

Swamy, H V L N; Smith, T K; Cotter, P F; Boermans, H J; Sefton, A E

2002-07-01

Three hundred sixty, 1-d-old male broiler chicks were fed diets containing grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins for 56 d. The four diets included control (0.14 mg/kg deoxynivalenol, 18 mg/ kg fusaric acid, < 0.1 mg/kg zearalenone), low level of contaminated grains (4.7 mg/kg deoxynivalenol, 20.6 mg/kg fusaric acid, 0.2 mg/kg zearalenone), and high level of contaminated grains without (8.2 mg/kg deoxynivalenol, 20.3 mg/kg fusaric acid, 0.56 mg/kg zearalenone) and with (9.7 mg/kg deoxynivalenol, 21.6 mg/kg fusaric acid, 0.8 mg/kg zearalenone) 0.2% esterified-glucomannan polymer derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae1026 (E-GM). Body weight gain and feed consumption responded in a significant quadratic fashion to the inclusion of contaminated grains during the finisher period. Efficiency of feed utilization, however, was not affected by diets. The feeding of contaminated grains in the finisher period also caused significant linear increases in blood erythrocyte count and serum uric acid concentration and a significant linear decline in the serum lipase activity. Dietary inclusion of contaminated grains resulted in a significant quadratic effect on serum albumin and y-glutamyltransferase activity. Blood hemoglobin and biliary IgA concentrations, however, responded in significant linear and quadratic fashions. Supplementation of E-GM counteracted most of the blood parameter alterations caused by the Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated grains and reduced breast muscle redness. It was concluded that broiler chickens may be susceptible to Fusarium mycotoxicoses when naturally contaminated grains are fed containing a combination of mycotoxins.

U.S. Army CERDEC Field Evaluation and Testing of Soldier and Man-Portable Fuel Cell Power Sources. CERDEC C2D Army Power Division, Power Sources Branch

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-19

Energy Density of UltraCell XX25 72 25W Mission Energy Density: 24-hr 230 Whr /kg 72-hr 360 Whr /kg UltraCell XX55 RMFC 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 0% 25...Weight: 2.7 kg System Efficiency: 26.0 % 55W Mission Energy Density: 24 hr 265 Whr /kg* 72-hr 410 Whr /kg* * Calculated based on initial data only AMIe60...10.25" x 9" x 4" Start Up Time: 15min. System Dry Weight: 2.8 kg System Efficiency: 18.0 % 60W Mission Energy Density: 24 hr 400 Whr /kg 72-hr

The digestible energy, metabolizable energy, and net energy content of dietary fat sources in thirteen- and fifty-kilogram pigs.

PubMed

Kellner, T A; Patience, J F

2017-09-01

The objective was to determine the energy concentration of a diverse array of dietary fat sources and, from these data, develop regression equations that explain differences based on chemical composition. A total of 120 Genetiporc 6.0 × Genetiporc F25 (PIC, Inc., Hendersonville, TN) individually housed barrows were studied for 56 d. These barrows (initial BW of 9.9 ± 0.6 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 15 dietary treatments. Each experimental diet included 95% of a corn-soybean meal basal diet plus 5% either corn starch or 1 of 14 dietary fat sources. The 14 dietary fat sources (animal-vegetable blend, canola oil, choice white grease source A, choice white grease source B, coconut oil, corn oil source A, corn oil source B, fish oil, flaxseed oil, palm oil, poultry fat, soybean oil source A, soybean oil source B, and tallow) were selected to provide a diverse and robust range of unsaturated fatty acid:SFA ratios (U:S). Pigs were limit-fed experimental diets from d 0 to 10 and from d 46 to 56, providing a 7-d adaption for fecal collection on d 7 to 10 (13 kg BW) and d 53 to 56 (50 kg BW). At 13 kg BW, the average energy content of the 14 sources was 8.42 Mcal DE/kg, 8.26 Mcal ME/kg, and 7.27 Mcal NE/kg. At 50 kg BW, the average energy content was 8.45 Mcal DE/kg, 8.28 Mcal ME/kg, and 7.29 Mcal NE/kg. At 13 kg BW, the variation of dietary fat DE content was explained by DE (Mcal/kg) = 9.363 + [0.097 × (FFA, %)] - [0.016 × omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids ratio] - [1.240 × (arachidic acid, %)] - [5.054 × (insoluble impurities, %)] + [0.014 × (palmitic acid, %)] ( = 0.008, = 0.82). At 50 kg BW, the variation of dietary fat DE content was explained by DE (Mcal/kg) = 8.357 + [0.189 × U:S] - [0.195 × (FFA, %)] - [6.768 × (behenic acid, %)] + [0.024 × (PUFA, %)] ( = 0.002, = 0.81). In summary, the chemical composition of dietary fat explained a large degree of the variation observed in the energy content of dietary fat sources at both 13 and 50 kg BW.

Arsenic hazards to humans, plants, and animals from gold mining

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eisler, R.

2004-01-01

Arsenic sources to the biosphere associated with gold mining include waste soil and rocks, residual water from ore concentrations, roasting of some types of gold-containing ores to remove sulfur and sulfur oxides, and bacterially-enhanced leaching. Arsenic concentrations near gold mining operations were elevated in abiotic materials and biota: maximum total arsenic concentrations measured were 560 ug/L in surface waters, 5.16 mg/L in sediment pore waters, 5.6 mg/kg dry weight (DW) in bird liver, 27 mg/kg DW in terrestrial grasses, 50 mg/kg DW in soils, 79 mg/kg DW in aquatic plants, 103 mg/kg DW in bird diets, 225 mg/kg DW in soft parts of bivalve molluscs, 324 mg/L in mine drainage waters, 625 mg/kg DW in aquatic insects, 7700 mg/kg DW in sediments, and 21,000 mg/kg DW in tailings. Single oral doses of arsenicals that were fatal to 50% of tested species ranged from 17 to 48 mg/kg body weight (BW) in birds and from 2.5 to 33 mg/kg BW in mammals. Susceptible species of mammals were adversely affected at chronic doses of 1 to 10 mg As/kg BW, or 50 mg As/kg diet. Sensitive aquatic species were damaged at water concentrations of 19 to 48 ug As/L, 120 mg As/kg diet, or tissue residues (in the case of freshwater fish) >1.3 mg/kg fresh weight. Adverse effects to crops and vegetation were recorded at 3 to 28 mg of water-soluble As/L (equivalent to about 25 to 85 mg total As/kg soil) and at atmospheric concentrations >3.9 ug As/m3. Gold miners had a number of arsenic-associated health problems including excess mortality from cancer of the lung, stomach, and respiratory tract. Miners and schoolchildren in the vicinity of gold mining activities had elevated urine arsenic of 25.7 ug/L (range 2.2-106.0 ug/L). Of the total population at this location, 20% showed elevated urine arsenic concentrations associated with future adverse health effects; arsenic-contaminated drinking water is the probable causative factor of elevated arsenic in urine. Proposed arsenic criteria to protect human health and natural resources are listed and discussed. Many of these proposed criteria do not adequately protect sensitive species.

Effects of Astragalus Combined with Angelica on Bone Marrow Hematopoiesis Suppression Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Mice.

PubMed

Li, Fei; Tang, Rong; Chen, Ling-Bo; Zhang, Ke-Sheng; Huang, Xiao-Ping; Deng, Chang-Qing

2017-01-01

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a combination of Astragalus and Angelica at a 5 : 1 ratio, mainly promotes hematopoiesis. However, in the clinic, the combination ratio of Astragalus and Angelica to treat low hematopoietic function is not an absolute 5 : 1 ratio, suggesting that the herbs may promote hematopoiesis better after being combined at a certain range of ratios. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of different ratio combinations of Astragalus and Angelica on bone marrow hematopoiesis suppression induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) and to probe the interaction and mechanism of Astragalus combined with Angelica in promoting hematopoiesis. Following establishment of the model, mice were administered with Astragalus (6.00 g·kg -1 ), Angelica (3.00 g·kg -1 ), and combinations of Astragalus and Angelica at different ratios, including 10 : 1 (Astragalus 9.81 g·kg -1 +Angelica 0.98 g·kg -1 ), 5 : 1 (Astragalus 9.00 g·kg -1 +Angelica 1.80 g·kg -1 ), 2 : 1 (Astragalus 7.71 g·kg -1 +Angelica 3.08 g·kg -1 ), 1 : 1 (Astragalus 5.40 g·kg -1 +Angelica 5.40 g·kg -1 ), 1 : 2.5 (Astragalus 3.08 g·kg -1 +Angelica 7.71 g·kg -1 ), 1 : 5 (Astragalus 1.80 g·kg -1 +Angelica 9.00 g·kg -1 ), and 1 : 10 (Astragalus 0.98 g·kg -1 +Angelica 9.81 g·kg -1 ). Our results suggested that Astragalus mixed with Angelica synergistically promoted hematopoiesis best when the combination ratio of Astragalus and Angelica was 1 : 1, 1 : 2.5 or 1 : 5; moreover, the effect of Angelica was greater than that of Astragalus. The potential mechanisms of the combinations of Astragalus and Angelica that promote hematopoiesis include the dissolution of the effective components, promoting the synthesis and secretion of hematopoietic growth factor (HGF) and the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs).

Total and Segmental Body Composition Examination in Collegiate Football Players Using Multifrequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Dual X-ray Absorptiometry.

PubMed

Raymond, Christiana J; Dengel, Donald R; Bosch, Tyler A

2018-03-01

Raymond, CJ, Dengel, DR, and Bosch, TA. Total and segmental body composition examination in collegiate football players using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual X-ray absorptiometry. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 772-782, 2018-The current study examined the influence of player position on the agreement between multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MfBIA) and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) when assessing total and segmental percent body fat (BF%), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate football athletes. Forty-four male collegiate athletes (age = 19 ± 1 year; height = 1.9 ± 1.0 m; and body mass = 106.4 ± 18.8 kg) participated. Player positions included: offensive linemen (OL; n = 7), tight ends (TE; n = 4), wide receivers (WR; n = 9), defensive linemen (DL; n = 6), defensive backs (DB; n = 8), linebackers (LB; n = 6), and running backs (RB; n = 4). Total and segmental body composition measured using MfBIA were compared with values obtained using DXA. Compared with DXA, MfBIA underestimated BF% (3.0 ± 3.8%), total FM (2.5 ± 4.3 kg), arm FM (0.4 ± 0.8 kg), arm FFM (1.4 ± 0.9 kg), leg FM (2.8 ± 2.0 kg), and leg FFM (5.4 ± 2.4 kg) (all p < 0.001; arm FM p = 0.002) and overestimated total FFM (-2.4 ± 4.5 kg) (p < 0.001). Limits of agreement (LOAs) were: ±7.39% (BF%), ±8.50 kg (total FM), ±1.50 kg (arm FM), ±1.83 kg (arm FFM), ±3.83 kg (leg FM), ±4.62 kg (leg FFM), and ±8.83 kg (total FFM). No significant differences were observed between devices for trunk FM (-0.3 ± 3.0 kg; p = 0.565) and trunk FFM (0.4 ± 2.4 kg; p = 0.278), with LOAs of ±5.92 and ±4.69 kg, respectively. Player position significantly affected all between-device mean body composition measurement differences (adjusted p ≤ 0.05), with OL demonstrating the greatest effect on each variable. Therefore, MfBIA does not seem accurate in examining between-player body composition in college football players.

Arsenic hazards to humans, plants, and animals from gold mining.

PubMed

Eisler, Ronald

2004-01-01

Arsenic sources to the biosphere associated with gold mining include waste soil and rocks, residual water from ore concentrations, roasting of some types of gold-containing ores to remove sulfur and sulfur oxides, and bacterially enhanced leaching. Arsenic concentrations near gold mining operations are elevated in abiotic materials and biota: maximum total arsenic concentrations measured were 560 microg/L in surface waters, 5.16 mg/L in sediment pore waters, 5.6 mg/kg DW in bird liver, 27 mg/kg DW in terrestrial grasses, 50 mg/kg DW in soils, 79 mg/kg DW in aquatic plants, 103 mg/kg DW in bird diets, 225 mg/kg DW in soft parts of bivalve molluscs, 324 mg/L in mine drainage waters, 625 mg/kg DW in aquatic insects, 7,700 mg/kg DW in sediments, and 21,000 mg/ kg DW in tailings. Single oral doses of arsenicals that were fatal to 50% of tested species ranged from 17 to 48 mg/kg BW in birds and from 2.5 to 33 mg/kg BW in mammals. Susceptible species of mammals were adversely affected at chronic doses of 1-10 mg As/kg BW or 50 mg As/kg diet. Sensitive aquatic species were damaged at water concentrations of 19-48 microg As/L, 120 mg As/kg diet, or tissue residues (in the case of freshwater fish) > 1.3 mg/kg fresh weight. Adverse effects to crops and vegetation were recorded at 3-28 mg of water-soluble As/L (equivalent to about 25-85 mg total As/kg soil) and at atmospheric concentrations > 3.9 microg As/m3. Gold miners had a number of arsenic-associated health problems, including excess mortality from cancer of the lung, stomach, and respiratory tract. Miners and schoolchildren in the vicinity of gold mining activities had elevated urine arsenic of 25.7 microg/L (range, 2.2-106.0 microg/L). Of the total population at this location, 20% showed elevated urine arsenic concentrations associated with future adverse health effects; arsenic-contaminated drinking water is the probable causative factor of elevated arsenic in their urine. Proposed arsenic criteria to protect human health and natural resources are listed and discussed. Many of these proposed criteria do not adequately protect sensitive species.

Evaluation of individually body weight adapted contrast media injection in coronary CT-angiography.

PubMed

Mihl, Casper; Kok, Madeleine; Altintas, Sibel; Kietselaer, Bas L J H; Turek, Jakub; Wildberger, Joachim E; Das, Marco

2016-04-01

Contrast media (CM) injection protocols should be customized to the individual patient. Aim of this study was to determine if software tailored CM injections result in diagnostic enhancement of the coronary arteries in computed tomography angiography (CTA) and if attenuation values were comparable between different weight categories. 265 consecutive patients referred for routine coronary CTA were scanned on a 2nd generation dual-source CT. Group 1 (n=141) received an individual CM bolus based on weight categories (39-59 kg; 60-74 kg; 75-94 kg; 95-109 kg) and scan duration ('high-pitch: 1s; "dual-step prospective triggering": 7s), as determined by contrast injection software (Certegra™ P3T, Bayer, Berlin, Germany). Group 2 (n=124) received a standard fixed CM bolus; Iopromide 300 mgI/ml; volume: 75 ml; flow rate: 7.2 ml/s. Contrast enhancement was measured in all proximal and distal coronary segments. Subjective and objective image quality was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM, version 20.0). For group 1, mean attenuation values of all segments were diagnostic (>325 HU) without statistical significant differences between different weight categories (p>0.17), proximal vs. distal: 449 ± 65-373 ± 58 HU (39-59 kg); 443 ± 69-367 ± 81 HU (60-74 kg); 427 ± 59-370 ± 61 HU (75-94 kg); 427 ± 73-347 ± 61 HU (95-109 kg). Mean CM volumes were: 55 ± 6 ml (39-59 kg); 61 ± 7 ml (60-74 kg); 71 ± 8 ml (75-94 kg); 84 ± 9 ml (95-109 kg). For group 2, mean attenuation values were not all diagnostic with differences between weight categories (p<0.01), proximal vs. distal: 611 ± 142-408 ± 69 HU (39-59 kg); 562 ± 135-389 ± 98 HU (60-74 kg); 481 ± 83-329 ± 81 HU (75-94 kg); 420 ± 73-305 ± 35 HU (95-109 kg). Comparable image noise and image quality were found between groups (p ≥ 0.330). Individually tailored CM injection protocols yield diagnostic attenuation and a more homogeneous enhancement pattern between different weight groups. CM volumes could be reduced for the majority of patients utilizing individualized CM bolus application. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enzyme effects on extruded diets for dogs with soybean meal as a substitute for poultry by-product meal.

PubMed

Tortola, L; Souza, N G; Zaine, L; Gomes, M O S; Matheus, L F O; Vasconcellos, R S; Pereira, G T; Carciofi, A C

2013-05-01

The effects of exogenous enzymes supplementation on kibble diets for dogs formulated with soybean meal (SBM) as a substitute for poultry by-product meal (PM) was investigated on nutrient digestibility, fermentation products formation, post-prandial urea response and selected faecal bacteria counts. Two kibble diets with similar compositions were used in two trials: PM-based diet (28.9% of PM; soybean hulls as a fibre source) and SBM-based diet (29.9% of SBM). In experiment 1, the SBM diet was divided into three diets: SBM-0, without enzyme addition; SBM-1, covered after extrusion with 7500 U protease/kg and 45 U cellulase/kg; and SBM-2, covered with 15,000 U protease/kg and 90 U cellulase/kg. In experiment 2, the SBM diet was divided into three diets: SBM-0; SBM-1, covered with 140 U protease/kg; 8 U cellulase/kg, 800 U pectinase/kg, 60 U phytase/kg, 40 U betaglucanase/kg and 20 U xylanase/kg; and SMB-2, covered with 700 U protease/kg, 40 U cellulase/kg, 4000 U pectinase/kg, 300 U phytase/kg, 200 U betaglucanase/kg and 100 U xylanase/kg. Each experiment followed a block design with six dogs per diet. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means compared by orthogonal and polynomial contrasts (p < 0.05). In both experiments, nutrients and energy digestibility did not differ between diets (p > 0.05). SBM consumption resulted in increased faecal moisture and production (p < 0.05), without effect on faecal score. Higher concentration of propionate, acetate and lactate, and lower ammonia and pH were found in the faeces of dogs fed SBM (p < 0.05). Higher post-prandial urea was verified in dogs fed SBM (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, the addition of enzymes increased faecal concentration of propionate, acetate and total short-chain fatty acid (p < 0.05) and tended to reduce post-prandial urea concentration (p = 0.06). Although with similar digestibility, SBM shows a worse utilization of absorbed amino acids than the PM. Soybean oligosaccharides can beneficially change gut fermentation product formation. Enzymes can increase the gut fermentation activity and improve the SBM proteic value. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Integration of herbicides with manual weeding for controlling the weeds in rice under saline environment.

PubMed

Hakim, M A; Juraimi, Abdul Shukor; Hanafi, M M; Rafii, Mohd Y; Ismail, Mohd Razi; Karim, S M Rezaul; Kausar, H

2015-11-01

The pot experiment was conducted to select appropriate integrated weed management method in rice under different salinity levels (0, 4 and 8 dS m(-1)). All the parameters including rice and weed measured were significantly influenced by weed control treatments at all salinity levels. Treatments including weed-free condition, Pretilachlor @0.375 kg ai ha(-1) + hand weeding, Propanil + Thiobencarb @ 0.9 kg ai ha(-1) and 1.8 kg ai ha(-1)+ hand weeding performed better under all salinity levels. Pretilachlor @ 0.375 kg ai ha(-1) with one round of hand weeding and propanil + thiobencarb 0.9 kg ai ha(-1) + 1.8 kg ai ha(-1) with one round of hand weeding were comparable to weed-free yields, and were superior to other treatments under salinity condition. Considering all the parameters, pretilachlor @ 0.375 kg ai ha(-1) + one round of hand weeding (at 65 DAT), propanil + thiobencarb 0.9 kg ai ha(-1) +1.8 kg ai ha(-1) + one round of hand weeding (at 65 DAT) gave the most effective control of weeds in rice under saline environments.

Short communication: immediate and deferred milk production responses to concentrate supplements in cows grazing fresh pasture.

PubMed

Roche, J R; Kay, J K; Rius, A G; Grala, T M; Sheahan, A J; White, H M; Phyn, C V C

2013-04-01

The objective of this study was to determine the increase in milk production from supplementation that occurred after supplementation ceased. This portion of the total response (i.e., the deferred response), although accepted, is generally not accounted for in short-term component research projects, but it is important in determining the economic impact of supplementary feeding. Fifty-nine multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were offered a generous allowance of spring pasture [>45 kg of dry matter (DM)/cow per day) and were supplemented with 0, 3, or 6 kg (DM)/d of pelleted concentrate (half of the allowance at each milking event) in a complete randomized design. Treatments were imposed for the first 12 wk of lactation. Treatments were balanced for cow age (5.4 ± 1.68 yr), calving date (July 27 ± 26.0 d), and genetic merit for milk component yield. During the period of supplementation, milk yield and the yield of milk components increased (1.19 kg of milk, 0.032 kg of fat, 0.048 kg of protein, and 0.058 kg of lactose/kg of concentrate DM consumed), but neither body condition score nor body weight was affected. After concentrate supplementation ceased and cows returned to a common diet of fresh pasture, milk and milk component yields remained greater for 3 wk in the cows previously supplemented. During this 3-wk period, cows that previously received 3 and 6 kg of concentrate DM per day produced an additional 2.3 and 4.5 kg of milk/d, 0.10 and 0.14 kg of fat/d, 0.10 and 0.14 kg of protein/d, and 0.10 and 0.19 kg of lactose/d, respectively, relative to unsupplemented cows. This is equivalent to an additional 0.19 kg of milk, 0.006 kg of fat, 0.006 kg of protein, and 0.008 kg of lactose per 1 kg of concentrate DM previously consumed, which would not be accounted for in the immediate response. As a result of this deferred response to supplements, the total milk production benefit to concentrate supplements is between 7% (lactose yield) and 32% (fat yield) greater than the marginal response measured during the component experiment. Recommendations to dairy producers based on component feeding studies must be revised to include this deferred response. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The EDTA effect on phytoextraction of single and combined metals-contaminated soils using rainbow pink (Dianthus chinensis).

PubMed

Lai, Hung-Yu; Chen, Zueng-Sang

2005-08-01

Rainbow pink (Dianthus chinensis), a potential phytoextraction plant, can accumulate high concentrations of Cd from metal-contaminated soils. The soils used in this study were artificially added with different metals including (1) CK: original soil, (2) Cd-treated soil: 10 mg Cd kg(-1), (3) Zn-treated soil: 100 mg Zn kg(-1), (4) Pb-treated soil: 1000 mg Pb kg(-1), (5) Cd-Zn-treated soil: 10 mg Cd kg(-1) and 100 mg Zn kg(-1), (6) Cd-Pb-treated soil: 10 mg Cd kg(-1) and 1000 mg Pb kg(-1), (7) Zn-Pb-treated soil: 100 mg Zn kg(-1) and 1000 mg Pb kg(-1), and (8) Cd-Zn-Pb-treated soil: 10 mg Cd kg(-1), 100 mg Zn kg(-1), and 1000 mg Pb kg(-1). Three concentrations of 2Na-EDTA solutions (0 (control), 2, and 5 mmol kg(-1) soil) were added to the different metals-treated soils to study the influence of applied EDTA on single and combined metals-contaminated soils phytoextraction using rainbow pink. The results showed that the Cd, Zn, Pb, Fe, or Mn concentrations in different metals-treated soil solutions significantly increased after applying 5 mmol EDTA kg(-1) (p<0.05). The metal concentrations in different metals-treated soils extracted by deionized water also significantly increased after applying 5 mmol EDTA kg(-1) (p<0.05). Because of the high extraction capacity of both 0.005 M DTPA (pH 5.3) and 0.05 M EDTA (pH 7.0), applying EDTA did not significantly increase the Cd, Zn, or Pb concentration in both extracts for most of the treatments. Applying EDTA solutions can significantly increase the Cd and Pb concentrations in the shoots of rainbow pink (p<0.05). However, this was not statistically significant for Zn because of the low Zn concentration added into the contaminated soils. The results from this study indicate that applying 5 mmol EDTA kg(-1) can significantly increase the Cd, Zn, or Pb concentrations both in the soil solution or extracted using deionized water in single or combined metals-contaminated soils, thus increasing the accumulated metals concentrations in rainbow pink shoots. The proposed method worked especially well for Pb (p<0.05). The application of 2 mmol EDTA kg(-1) might too low to enhance the phytoextraction effect when used in silty clay soils.

Efficacy of two low-dose oral tylosin regimens in controlling the relapse of diarrhea in dogs with tylosin-responsive diarrhea: a prospective, single-blinded, two-arm parallel, clinical field trial

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Despite its wide acceptance as a treatment for canine chronic enteropathies, the macrolide antibiotic tylosin lacks official oral dosage recommendations. Not even textbooks share consensus about the dose; daily recommendations vary from 25 to 80 mg/kg and dosing intervals from one to three times daily. The objective of this prospective, single-blinded, two-arm parallel, clinical field trial was to determine whether doses of 5 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg tylosin administered orally once daily for seven days would have a similar effect on fecal consistency in diarrhea relapses to that of a 25 mg/kg dose of tylosin administered once daily for seven days, a dosage that has proved effective in controlling canine tylosin-responsive diarrhea (TRD). A further objective was to compare the efficacy of the 5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg tylosin dosages. Fifteen client-owned dogs diagnosed with TRD that had responded to a dose of 25 mg/kg tylosin once daily for seven days were enrolled in the study. After a relapse of diarrhea the dogs were allocated into two groups receiving tylosin orally in doses of either 5 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg once daily for seven days. The owners were blinded to the dosage. The elimination of diarrhea was the main criterion in assessing treatment success. The mean fecal consistency score of the last three treatment days for all dosages, including 25 mg/kg, as evaluated by the owners according to a standardized fecal scoring system, served as the primary outcome measures. Results All eight dogs responded to the 5 mg/kg dose, and six of seven dogs responded to the 15 mg/kg dose. The mean fecal consistency scores at the 25 mg/kg tylosin dosage were no significantly different from scores at the 5 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg tylosin dosages (P = 0.672, P = 0.345). Conclusions Interestingly, 14/15 (93%) of the dogs responding to a dose of 25 mg/kg tylosin once daily for seven days also responded to the lower dosages at diarrhea relapse. The data indicate that a suitable dose of tylosin for treating diarrhea relapse in canine TRD could be as low as 5 mg/kg once daily for seven days. PMID:25096196

Comparison of weight loss among named diet programs in overweight and obese adults: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Johnston, Bradley C; Kanters, Steve; Bandayrel, Kristofer; Wu, Ping; Naji, Faysal; Siemieniuk, Reed A; Ball, Geoff D C; Busse, Jason W; Thorlund, Kristian; Guyatt, Gordon; Jansen, Jeroen P; Mills, Edward J

2014-09-03

Many claims have been made regarding the superiority of one diet or another for inducing weight loss. Which diet is best remains unclear. To determine weight loss outcomes for popular diets based on diet class (macronutrient composition) and named diet. Search of 6 electronic databases: AMED, CDSR, CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE from inception of each database to April 2014. Overweight or obese adults (body mass index ≥25) randomized to a popular self-administered named diet and reporting weight or body mass index data at 3-month follow-up or longer. Two reviewers independently extracted data on populations, interventions, outcomes, risk of bias, and quality of evidence. A Bayesian framework was used to perform a series of random-effects network meta-analyses with meta-regression to estimate the relative effectiveness of diet classes and programs for change in weight and body mass index from baseline. Our analyses adjusted for behavioral support and exercise. Weight loss and body mass index at 6- and 12-month follow-up (±3 months for both periods). Among 59 eligible articles reporting 48 unique randomized trials (including 7286 individuals) and compared with no diet, the largest weight loss was associated with low-carbohydrate diets (8.73 kg [95% credible interval {CI}, 7.27 to 10.20 kg] at 6-month follow-up and 7.25 kg [95% CI, 5.33 to 9.25 kg] at 12-month follow-up) and low-fat diets (7.99 kg [95% CI, 6.01 to 9.92 kg] at 6-month follow-up and 7.27 kg [95% CI, 5.26 to 9.34 kg] at 12-month follow-up). Weight loss differences between individual diets were minimal. For example, the Atkins diet resulted in a 1.71 kg greater weight loss than the Zone diet at 6-month follow-up. Between 6- and 12-month follow-up, the influence of behavioral support (3.23 kg [95% CI, 2.23 to 4.23 kg] at 6-month follow-up vs 1.08 kg [95% CI, -1.82 to 3.96 kg] at 12-month follow-up) and exercise (0.64 kg [95% CI, -0.35 to 1.66 kg] vs 2.13 kg [95% CI, 0.43 to 3.85 kg], respectively) on weight loss differed. Significant weight loss was observed with any low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet. Weight loss differences between individual named diets were small. This supports the practice of recommending any diet that a patient will adhere to in order to lose weight.

Auditing Operating Room Recycling: A Management Case Report.

PubMed

McGain, Forbes; Jarosz, Katherine Maria; Nguyen, Martin Ngoc Hoai Huong; Bates, Samantha; O'Shea, Catherine Jane

2015-08-01

Much waste arises from operating rooms (ORs). We estimated the practical and financial feasibility of an OR recycling program, weighing all waste from 6 ORs in Melbourne, Australia. Over 1 week, 237 operations produced 1265 kg in total: general waste 570 kg (45%), infectious waste 410 kg (32%), and recyclables 285 kg (23%). The achieved recycling had no infectious contamination. The achieved recycling/potential recycling rate was 285 kg/517 kg (55%). The average waste disposal costs were similar for general waste and recycling. OR recycling rates of 20%-25% total waste were achievable without compromising infection control or financial constraints.

The Combination of Atracurium and Vecuronium Compared to Vecuronium Administered Alone: Evaluation of the Time of Onset, Duration of Action, Intubating Conditions, and Cardiovascular Effects

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

10 minutes after injection. No significant differences detected between the groups. 18 0 Table 7. Systolic Blood Pressure Group Atracurium 0.40 mg/kg...Table 8. Diastolic Blood Pressure Group Atracurium 0.40 mg/kg + Vecuronium 0.28 mg/kg Vecuronium 0.10 mg/kg (n=20) (n=20) Baseline(a) 72 + 2.4 72...significant differences detected between the groups. 20 0 Table 9. Mean Blood Pressure Group Atracurium 0.40 mg/kg + Vecuronium 0.28 mg/kg Vecuronium 0.10

[Changes in gastric function in rats after intragastric introduction of corvitin at high doses].

PubMed

Vovkun, T V; Ianchuk, P I; Shtanova, L Ia; Vesel'skyĭ, S P; Baranovs'kyĭ, V A

2014-01-01

Intragastric administration of corvitin at doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg dose-dependently increased the volume of gastric juice and the total production of hydrochloric acid (HA). Amplification of hexosamines and cysteine production was observed only when the study drug was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg. When corvitin was used at 20 and 40 mg/kg, these parameters were at the level of control values. Protein production increased in response to 10 and 20 mg/kg corvitin, but fell below the control values after administration of 40 mg/kg of the drug. The level of blood flow in the gastric mucosa increased following administration of 10 mg/kg corvitin, was not different from the baseline after 20 mg/kg of the drug and significantly decreased in response to 40 mg/kg of flavonoid. Our results indicate that a single intragastric application of corvitin at dose of 10 mg/kg activates gastric defense mechanisms. At 20 and 40 mg/kg, corvitin does not affect them but gradually reduces blood flow in gastric mucosa, causes a disturbance of protein synthesis and hypersecretion of HA into the cavity of the stomach, which can lead to disruption of the digestive process and the integrity of gastric mucosa.

Protective effect of kombucha mushroom (KM) tea on phenol-induced cytotoxicity in albino mice.

PubMed

Yapar, Kursad; Cavusoglu, Kultigin; Oruc, Ertan; Yalcin, Emine

2010-09-01

The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective role of kombucha mushroom (KM) tea on cytotoxicity induced by phenol (PHE) in mice. We used weight gain and micronucleus (MN) frequency as indicators of cytotoxicity and supported these parameters with pathological findings. The animals were randomly divided into seven groups: (Group I) only tap water (Group II) 1000 microl kg(-1) b. wt KM-tea, (Group III) 35 mg kg(-1) body wt. PHE (Group IV) 35 mg kg(-1) body wt. PHE + 250 microl kg(-1) b. wt KM-tea (Group V) 35 mg kg(-1) b. wt PHE + 500 microl kg(-1) b. wt KM-tea (Group VI) 35 mg kg(-1) b. wt PHE + 750 microl kg(-1) b. wt KM-tea, (Group VII) 35 mg kg(-1) b. wt PHE + 1000 microl kg(-1) b. wt KM-tea, for 20 consecutive days by oral gavage. The results indicated that all KM-tea supplemented mice showed a lower MN frequency than erythrocytes in only PHE-treated group. There was an observable regression on account of lesions in tissues of mice supplemented with different doses of KM-tea in histopathological observations. In conclusion, the KM-tea supplementation decreases cytotoxicity induced by PHE and its protective role is dose-dependent.

Effects of insecticides and defoliants applied alone and in combination for control of overwintering boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis; Coleoptera: Curculionidae)--laboratory and field studies.

PubMed

Greenberg, Shoil M; Sappington, Thomas W; Elzen, Gary W; Norman, John W; Sparks, Alton N

2004-09-01

In laboratory, greenhouse and field tests, we determined the effects of combining full rates of the defoliants tribufos and thidiazuron and the herbicide thifensulfuron-methyl with half rates of the insecticides lambda-cyhalothrin or azinphos-methyl, and the combination of tribufos and thidiazuron, both in half rates, on mortality of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman and on the quality of defoliation. Tribufos, 0.47 kg ha(-1) and tribufos, 0.235 kg ha(-1) + thidiazuron, 0.125 kg ha(-1) exhibited a slightly toxic effect to boll weevil, while tribufos, 0.47 kg ha(-1) + lambda-cyhalothrin, 0.019 kg ha(-1), tribufos, 0.47 kg ha(-1) + azinphos-methyl, 0.14 kg ha(-1), and tribufos, 0.235 kg ha(-1) + thidiazuron, 0.125 kg ha(-1) + azinphos-methyl, 0.14 kg ha(-l), provided control of boll weevil as good as or better than full-rate azinphos-methyl or lambda-cyhalothrin alone owing to synergistic effects. Thidiazuron or thifensulfuron-methyl alone or in combination with insecticides did not affect boll weevil mortality. Treatment with tribufos + thidiazuron, both at half rate, significantly increased defoliation compared to full rates of tribufos or thidiazuron alone, and provided adequate defoliation for approximately the same cost per hectare.

Dissociation between the effects of P1, P4-diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) on renal haemodynamics and tubular function in anaesthetized rats.

PubMed

Jankowski, M; Angielski, S; Szczepańska-Konkel, M

2008-03-01

Previous studies from our laboratory have reported a marked reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and sodium reabsorption in renal proximal tubule during intravenous infusion of P(1),P(4)-diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap(4)A) at dose of 1.0 micromol/kg + 10 nmol/kg/min (i.v., injection followed by infusion) in anaesthetized Wistar rats. In the present study, the changes of GFR and urine sodium excretion were investigated in response to systemic infusion of Ap(4)A at different doses. Ap(4)A at dose of 0.1 micromol/kg + 1.0 nmol/kg/min did not change GFR and sodium urinary excretion whereas 2-fold higher dose produced significant (3.4-fold) increase in sodium excretion without changes in GFR. Significant but transient reduction in GFR by approximately 21% was observed during infusion of Ap(4)A at dose of 0.5 micromol/kg + 5.0 nmol/kg/min. Higher doses of Ap(4)A (1.0 micromol/kg + 10 nmol/kg/min and 2.0 micromol/kg + 20 nmol/kg/min) reduction in GFR and marked natriuresis. Our results suggest that tubular sodium transport systems are more sensitive to Ap(4)A than systems involved in GFR regulation.

Influence of refrigeration and formalin on the floatability of Giardia duodenalis cysts.

PubMed

Moitinho, M d; Bertoli, M; Guedes, T A; Ferreira, C S

1999-01-01

Giardia duodenalis cysts obtained from fresh fecal samples, fecal samples kept under refrigeration and fecal samples treated with formalin were studied as to their floatability on sucrose solutions with the following specific gravities: 1,040 kg/m3; 1,050 kg/m3; 1, 060 kg/m3; 1,070 kg/m3; 1,080 kg/m3; 1,090 kg/m3; 1,100 kgm3; 1,150 kg/m3; 1,200 kg/m3; and 1,250 kg/m3, contained within counting-chambers 0.17 mm high. Cysts that floated on and those settled down as sediments were counted, and had their percentages estimated. Sucrose solutions of 1,200 kg/m3 specific gravity (the average specific gravity of diluting liquids employed in floatation techniques) caused to float 77.7%, 78.4% and 6.6% of the G. duodenalis cysts obtained, respectively, from fresh fecal samples, fecal samples kept under refrigeration, and fecal samples treated with formalin. Cysts obtained both from fresh fecal samples and fecal samples kept under refrigeration presented similar results concerning floatability. It was observed, however, that the treatment of feces with formalin diminished the cysts floatability under the various specific gravities studied. This results should influence, the recommendations for transport and storage of fecal samples used for parasitological coproscopy.

Tocopherol and tocotrienol levels of foods consumed in Hawaii.

PubMed

Franke, Adrian A; Murphy, Suzanne P; Lacey, Rochelle; Custer, Laurie J

2007-02-07

Because of the individual biological effects and the uncertain or missing information on levels of tocopherols (T) and tocotrienols (T3) in foods frequently consumed in Hawaii, 79 food items (50 in duplicate) were analyzed for alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol (alphaT, betaT, gammaT, and deltaT) and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol (alphaT3, betaT3, gammaT3, and deltaT3) in addition to alpha-tocopheryl acetate (alphaTac). Foods from local markets were stored according to usual household habits, freeze-dried, homogenized, and extracted three times with hexane containing butylated hydroxytoluene as a preservative and tocol as an internal standard. A normal-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography system was applied with fluorescence and photodiode array detection that resulted in baseline separation of all eight analytes and the internal standard tocol (To). The sum of all E vitamer concentrations, or total E vitamers (TEV), in all foods analyzed ranged an average from 0.6 to 828 mg/kg (T < or = 542 mg/kg and T3 < or = 432 mg/kg) and showed the following ranges: oils, 497-828 mg/kg (mainly alphaT and gammaT); margarines, 359-457 mg/kg (mainly gammaT); salad dressings, 20-291 mg/kg (mainly gammaT, except alphaT when soy oil was the main ingredient); cookies, 54-138 mg/kg (mainly gammaT); snacks, 101-220 mg/kg (mainly gammaT); nuts, 22-201 mg/kg (mainly alphaT); vegetables, 2-152 mg/kg (mainly alphaT); pasta, 24-90 mg/kg; cereals, 4-56 mg/kg (mainly betaT3 followed by alphaT); fish, 2-39 mg/kg (mainly alphaT); fried tofu, 64 mg/kg (mainly gammaT); breads, 20-22 mg/kg (mainly betaT3); fat-free mayonnaise, 5 mg/kg (mainly alphaT); poi (fermented taro root), 2 mg/kg (mostly alphaT); and fruits, 2 (papaya) to 13 mg/kg (canned pumpkin) with alphaT predominating. Cereals fortified with alphaTac ranked third and eighth among all foods assayed regarding alphaT and TEV levels, respectively. As compared to the few data available in the literature, our values agreed with some (corn flakes, mango fruit, fat-free mayonnaise, dry-roasted macadamia nuts, dry-roasted peanuts, mixed nuts, spaghetti/marinara pasta sauce, oils, and red bell pepper) but differed for many other items. Our results provide new information on the E vitamer content in foods, emphasize the vast differences of bioactivities of individual E vitamers, and confirm the need for analyses of foods consumed in specific study populations.

Effects of nutritional supplementation for HIV patients starting antiretroviral treatment: randomised controlled trial in Ethiopia.

PubMed

Olsen, Mette F; Abdissa, Alemseged; Kæstel, Pernille; Tesfaye, Markos; Yilma, Daniel; Girma, Tsinuel; Wells, Jonathan C K; Ritz, Christian; Mølgaard, Christian; Michaelsen, Kim F; Zerfu, Dilnesaw; Brage, Søren; Andersen, Ase B; Friis, Henrik

2014-05-15

To determine the effects of lipid based nutritional supplements with either whey or soy protein in patients with HIV during the first three months of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and to explore effects of timing by comparing supplementation at the start of ART and after three months delay. Randomised controlled trial. Three public ART facilities in Jimma, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Adults with HIV eligible for ART with body mass index (BMI) >16. Daily supplementation with 200 g (4600 kJ) of supplement containing whey or soy during either the first three or the subsequent three months of ART. Primary: lean body mass assessed with deuterium dilution, grip strength measured with dynamometers, and physical activity measured with accelerometer and heart rate monitors. Secondary: viral load and CD4 counts. Auxiliary: weight and CD3 and CD8 counts. Of 318 patients enrolled, 210 (66%) were women, mean age was 33 (SD 9), and mean BMI was 19.5 (SD 2.4). At three months, participants receiving the supplements containing whey or soy had increased their lean body mass by 0.85 kg (95% confidence interval 0.16 kg to 1.53 kg) and 0.97 kg (0.29 kg to 1.64 kg), respectively, more than controls. This was accompanied by an increased gain of grip strength of 0.68 kg (-0.11 kg to 1.46 kg) for the whey supplement group and 0.93 kg (0.16 kg to 1.70 kg) for the soy supplement group. There were no effects on physical activity. Total weight gain increased by 2.05 kg (1.12 kg to 2.99 kg) and 2.06 kg (1.14 kg to 2.97 kg) for the whey and soy groups, respectively. In addition, in the whey supplement group overall CD3 counts improved by 150 cells/µL (24 to 275 cells/µL), of which 112 cells/µL (15 to 209 cells/µL) were CD8 and 25 cells/µL (-2 to 53 cells/µL) were CD4. Effects of the soy containing supplement on immune recovery were not significant. The effects of the two supplements, however, were not significantly different in direct comparison. Exploratory analysis showed that relatively more lean body mass was gained by patients with undetectable viral load at three months. Patients receiving delayed supplementation had higher weight gain but lower gains in functional outcomes. Lipid based nutritional supplements improved gain of weight, lean body mass, and grip strength in patients with HIV starting ART. Supplements containing whey were associated with improved immune recovery. Trial registration Controlled-trials.com ISRCTN32453477. © Olsen et al 2014.

NTP 3-month toxicity studies of estragole (CAS No. 140-67-0) administered by gavage to F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice.

PubMed

Bristol, D W

2011-01-01

Estragole is a natural organic compound that is used as an additive, flavoring agent, or fragrance in a variety of food, cleaning, and cosmetic products; as an herbal medicine; as an antimicrobial agent against acid-tolerant food microflora; and to produce synthetic anise oil. Estragole was nominated for toxicity testing by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to characterize its toxicity when administered by gavage to F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice and to determine how similar its effects might be to those of the structurally related compound, methyleugenol. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were given estragole (greater than 99% pure) in corn oil by gavage for 3 months. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. Core and special study (rats only) groups of 10 male and 10 female rats and mice were administered 37.5, 75, 150, 300, or 600 mg estragole/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage, 5 days per week. The core study groups were given estragole for 3 months and the special study groups for 30 days. All core study rats survived the 3-month exposure period. Mean body weights of the 300 and 600 mg/kg groups were 73% to 92%, respectively, of those of the vehicle control groups. A staining pattern on the ventral surface anterior to the genitalia beginning at week 9 in the 300 and 600 mg/kg groups was attributed to residue of estragole or metabolites in the urine. Alterations in the erythron related to estragole administration occurred in male and female rats; male rats demonstrated a stronger response. The changes in the erythron were characterized as a microcytic, normochromic, nonresponsive anemia. There were decreases in serum iron concentration in the 300 mg/kg females and 600 mg/kg males and females. The average percent saturation of total iron binding capacity was decreased in the 600 mg/kg males and females. Dose-related increases in platelet counts occurred in most of the dosed groups of rats; the effect appeared to be stronger in males. The increase could be consistent with a reactive thrombocytosis. Increases in the serum alanine aminotransferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities suggested a hepatocellular effect (increased leakage) and were consistent with the morphological liver changes observed. There were dose-related increases in serum bile salt concentration in most treated male rats at all time points; females were less affected. Absolute and relative liver weights were significantly increased in 300 and 600 mg/kg males and in 75 mg/kg or greater females. Relative kidney weights were significantly increased in all dosed groups of male rats and in female rats given 75 mg/kg or greater. Absolute and relative testis weights of 300 and 600 mg/kg males were significantly decreased. Two 600 mg/kg male rats had multiple cholangiocarcinomas in the liver and a third had an hepatocellular adenoma. All 600 mg/kg males exhibited cholangiofibrosis. All 75 mg/kg or greater males and all 150 mg/kg or greater females had hepatocellular hypertrophy. Incidences of bile duct hyperplasia, oval cell hyperplasia, and chronic periportal inflammation were significantly increased in all dosed groups. Incidences of basophilic and mixed cell foci were significantly increased in 150 mg/kg or greater males and females. Incidences of eosinophilic focus were significantly increased in 300 and 600 mg/kg males and 600 mg/kg females. Incidences of cellular infiltration of the periportal region by histiocytes increased significantly in all dosed groups of males and in 150 mg/kg or greater females. Incidences of bone marrow hyperplasia were significantly increased in 75, 300, and 600 mg/kg male rats. Incidences of renal tubule papillary mineralization were significantly increased in 300 mg/kg males and females and 600 mg/kg males. Incidences of cortical renal tubule pigmentation were significantly increased in 150 mg/kg or greater males, and the incidence of renal tubule regeneration was significantly increased in 600 mg/kg females. Incidences of degeneration of the olfactory epithelium in the nose were significantly increased in 300 and 600 mg/kg rats. Incidences of hypertrophied chromophobe cells in the pars distalis of the pituitary gland were significantly increased in 300 and 600 mg/kg males. Cytoplasmic alteration of the submandibular salivary gland occurred in all 75 mg/kg or greater rats. Incidences of atrophy of the gastric glands in the stomach were significantly increased in 150 mg/kg or greater rats. Bilateral degeneration of the germinal epithelium in the testes and bilateral hypospermia of the epididymis occurred in all 300 and 600 mg/kg males. In the special study, serum gastrin concentration and stomach pH were significantly increased in rats exposed to 600 mg/kg for 30 days. Gastric gland atrophy was significantly increased in the stomach of 300 and 600 mg/kg rats. Hepatic 7-pentoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity was significantly increased in all exposed groups except 37.5 mg/kg females, and the increases were generally dose related. In the mouse core study, a 600 mg/kg male died during week 9, and all 600 mg/kg female mice died during week 1; the female deaths were attributed to liver necrosis caused by estragole exposure. Mean body weights of 300 and 600 mg/kg males and 75 mg/kg or greater females were 79% to 89% those of the vehicle control groups. Liver weights were generally increased in 75 mg/kg or greater males and in 300 mg/kg females. Relative thymus weights were significantly increased in all dosed groups of female mice. The incidences of hepatocellular hypertrophy and hepatocellular degeneration were significantly increased in 300 and 600 mg/kg male mice and 150 and 300 mg/kg female mice. Incidences of oval cell hyperplasia were significantly increased in 300 and 600 mg/kg males and in 75 mg/kg or greater females. Liver necrosis occurred in all 600 mg/kg female mice, along with a significant increase in the incidence of diffuse fatty change. In addition, 600 mg/kg females exhibited significant increases in the incidences of degeneration of the gastric glands of the glandular stomach, as well as squamous hyperplasia, mineralization, and ulcer in the forestomach. Degeneration of the olfactory epithelium in the nose occurred in all 300 and 600 mg/kg mice. Estragole was not mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, or TA1537 when tested in the presence or absence of exogenous metabolic activation enzymes. No increases in the frequencies of micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes were observed in peripheral blood samples from male and female mice in the 3-month study. Under the conditions of these 3-month studies, estragole showed carcinogenic activity based on the occurrence of two cholangiocarcinomas and one hepatocellular adenoma in the liver of three of 10 male F344/N rats in the high dose group. Because rats and mice were exposed for only 3 months, these studies do not access the full carcinogenic potential of estragole. Nonneoplastic effects were observed in the liver, glandular stomach, nose, kidney, and salivary gland of male and female rats and in the testes, epididymides, and pituitary gland of male rats. Nonneoplastic effects were also observed in the liver and nose of male and female mice and in the stomach of female mice.

Body composition, protein and energy efficiencies, and requirements for growth of F1 Boer × Saanen goat kids.

PubMed

Teixeira, I A M A; Fernandes, M H M R; Filho, J M Pereira; Canesin, R C; Gomes, R A; Resende, K T

2017-05-01

We conducted a study in which body composition, energy and protein requirements, and efficiency of MP and ME were determined in F1 Boer × Saanen goat kids of 5 to 25 kg BW by using the comparative slaughter technique. Two experiments were performed: Exp. 1 estimated the maintenance requirements of kids from 15 to 25 kg BW, and Exp. 2 estimated the gain requirements of kids from 5 to 25 kg BW. In Exp. 1, 28 intact male F1 Boer × Saanen goat kids were utilized, with 7 kids slaughtered (BW of 15.0 ± 0.35 kg) at the onset for estimation of initial body composition and the remaining 21 kids assigned to a randomized block design. Within each block, kids were subjected to 3 levels of feed intake treatments (ad libitum [100%] or restricted to 70% or 40% ad libitum). All kids in each block were slaughtered when the animals fed ad libitum reached 25 kg BW. The NE, ME for maintenance, and partial efficiency of use of ME for NE were 321.6 kJ/kg BW, 525.9 kJ/kg BW, and 0.61, respectively. The net protein and MP for maintenance were 2.43 g/kg of BW and 4.41 g/kg of BW, respectively; thus, the estimated partial efficiency of MP for maintenance was 0.55. In Exp. 2, 32 intact male F1 Boer × Saanen goat kids were distributed in a completely randomized design and slaughtered at 5.6 ± 0.85 kg BW ( = 6), 10.0 ± 0.35 kg BW ( = 6), 15.3 ± 0.52 kg BW ( = 7), 20.4 ± 0.66 kg BW ( = 6), and 25 ± 0.46 kg BW ( = 7). Body composition was then fitted to allometric equations. Body fat composition increased from 37 to 114 g/kg empty BW (EBW; < 0.001), and body protein composition decreased by 10% (from 203.2 to 180.6 g/kg EBW; < 0.001) when kids grew from 5 to 25 kg BW. The NE increased by approximately 60% (from 7.2 to 11.5 MJ/kg of empty BW gain [EWG]; < 0.001), and the net protein for gain decreased by 10% (from 186 to 166 g/kg of EWG; < 0.001). The partial efficiency of the utilization of ME to NE for growth was 0.32 ( < 0.0001), and the partial efficiencies of the utilization of ME for the synthesis of protein and fat were 0.19 and 0.59 ( < 0.011), respectively. These results demonstrate that the protein and energy maintenance requirements in young crossbred goat kids are greater than values reported previously in feeding system studies. In addition, their requirements for gain depend on body composition and are driven by efficiencies of deposition.

Effect of density and weight of load on the energy cost of carrying loads by donkeys and ponies.

PubMed

Pearson, R A; Dijkman, J T; Krecek, R C; Wright, P

1998-02-01

Two experiments were designed to compare the energy used in carrying loads by donkeys and ponies. In the first experiment 3 donkeys and 3 ponies were compared on treadmills in the UK. Density of load (lead shot or straw) had no significant effect on the energy cost of carrying loads; however, the energy cost of carrying a load decreased significantly (p < 0.001) as the weight of the load increased (in donkeys 6.44, 4.35 and 3.03 J/kg load/m, in ponies 5.82, 3.75 and 3.68 J/kg load/m, for loads of 13, 20 and 27 kg/100 kg liveweight (M) respectively). Differences between species were not significant. In the second experiment energy expenditures were determined in 3 donkeys carrying loads equivalent to 40 kg/100 kg M over gently undulating gravel tracks in Tunisia. Energy costs of carrying the load were 2.34 (SE 0.07) J/kg load/m. The results of both experiments showed that provided the load is balanced, density does not significantly affect the energy cost of carrying; however, as the load increased then the unit energy cost of carrying it decreased. This suggest that it is more efficient in terms of energy used to carry loads equivalent to 27 to 40 kg/100 kg M than it is to carry lighter loads to less than 20 kg/100 kg M.

Growth performance, haematological traits, meat variables, and effects of treadmill and transport stress in veal calves supplied different amounts of iron.

PubMed

Lindt, F; Blum, J W

1994-06-01

Effects of serum iron (Fe), haematological variables and on blood lactate levels before and after treadmill exercise or transport to the slaughterhouse, on meat traits, and on growth performance of feeding milk replacer (MR), planned to contain 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 80 mg Fe/kg, were studied in veal calves. If supplied less than 50 mg Fe/kg MR, calves developed hypoferraemia and anaemia, the degree of which was dependent on Fe intake. Serum Fe concentration, saturation of transferrin with Fe and the degree of anaemia in calves fed 20 or 10 mg Fe/kg MR were nearly identical. Serum Fe concentration and haematological traits barely changed in calves fed 50 mg Fe/kg MR during the growth trail, but serum Fe concentration increased when MR contained 80 mg Fe/kg in calves fed 50 or more Fe/kg MR. Growth performance was smaller in calves fed 10 mg Fe/kg MR than in those fed greater amounts of Fe/kg MR. Carcass taxation was inversely related to Fe intake. In conclusion, MR containing only 10 mg Fe/kg caused marked anaemia and reduced growth performance. Feeding MR with only 20 mg Fe/kg is not necessarily sufficient to prevent development of severe anaemia. Feeding MR with 50 mg Fe/kg would seem to be physiologically the most appropriate amount of Fe for veal calves, but was too high for acceptable carcass taxation.

Evaluation of dietary exposure to minerals, trace elements and heavy metals from the muscle tissue of the lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus 1758).

PubMed

Hoo Fung, Leslie A; Antoine, Johann M R; Grant, Charles N; Buddo, Dayne St A

2013-10-01

Twenty-five samples of Pterois volitans caught in Jamaican waters were analyzed for 25 essential, non-essential and toxic elements using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (GF-AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The mean values for calcium (355 mg/kg), copper (107 μg/kg), iron (0.81 mg/kg), potassium (3481 mg/kg), magnesium (322 mg/kg), manganese (0.04 mg/kg), selenium (0.47 mg/kg), sodium (700 mg/kg) and zinc (4.46 mg/kg) were used to estimate dietary intake. The percentage contribution to provisional tolerable weekly intake for a 70 kg male and a 65 kg female were also estimated for the toxic elements arsenic (1.28% M, 1.38% F), cadmium (0.26% M. 0.28% F), mercury (3.85% M, 4.15% F) and lead (0.17% M, 0.18% F). To further assess the risk of mercury toxicity and the role of mitigation provided by selenium, selenium-mercury molar ratios were calculated for all samples. All samples were shown to have a molar excess of selenium. In addition the suggested selenium health benefit value was calculated, and was positive for all samples. It was concluded that P. volitans appears to contribute modestly to mineral and trace element nutrition, while not being a significant contributor to dietary exposure of toxic elements. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Age-related differences in limb fat-free mass and fat mass in healthy Chinese Adults.

PubMed

Bai, Mei; Wang, Rui; Zhu, Linhao; Li, Guixin; Yuan, Dongya; Wang, Li; Jin, Tianbo

2018-05-22

Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) are important elements to evaluate nutritional status. The aims of this study were to establish reference values for FM and FFM of limbs, develop percentile distributions and assess age-related regional differences in body composition by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA) in healthy adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 3419 healthy subjects, 1595 men and 1824 women. Regional FM and FFM were measured by BIA. FM in men remained stable in both upper and lower limbs, with reference values (25-75th percentile) of 1-1.5 kg and 4.9-7.2 kg, respectively. Women's leg FM remained stable with aging (reference values 6.2-7.9 kg), increasing in their arms (0.9-1.5 kg for youngest, 1.3-2.3 kg oldest). The reference values of upper limbs FFM were 5.3-6.2 kg in men and 3.3-3.9 kg in women. Lower limbs FFM decreased with age in both gender: the reference values were 19.5-23.3 kg (men) and 13.8-15.4 kg (women) for 18-30 age group, and 17.3-20 kg and 11.2-13.1 kg, respectively, for 60+ age group. These data provided reference values of FM and FFM in both limbs, enabling the identification of age and gender-related changes in limb composition in healthy Chinese subjects.

Improvement of ketamine-induced social withdrawal in rats: the role of 5-HT7 receptors.

PubMed

Hołuj, Małgorzata; Popik, Piotr; Nikiforuk, Agnieszka

2015-12-01

Social withdrawal, one of the core negative symptoms of schizophrenia, can be modelled in the social interaction (SI) test in rats using N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor glutamate receptor antagonists. We have recently shown that amisulpride, an antipsychotic with a high affinity for serotonin 5-HT7 receptors, reversed ketamine-induced SI deficits in rats. The aim of the present study was to further elucidate the potential involvement of 5-HT7 receptors in the prosocial action of amisulpride. Acute administration of amisulpride (3 mg/kg) and SB-269970 (1 mg/kg), a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist, reversed ketamine-induced social withdrawal, whereas sulpiride (20 or 30 mg/kg) and haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg) were ineffective. The 5-HT7 receptor agonist AS19 (10 mg/kg) abolished the prosocial efficacy of amisulpride (3 mg/kg). The coadministration of an inactive dose of SB-269970 (0.2 mg/kg) showed the prosocial effects of inactive doses of amisulpride (1 mg/kg) and sulpiride (20 mg/kg). The anxiolytic chlordiazepoxide (2.5 mg/kg) and the antidepressant fluoxetine (2.5 mg/kg) were ineffective in reversing ketamine-induced SI deficits. The present study suggests that the antagonism of 5-HT7 receptors may contribute towards the mechanisms underlying the prosocial action of amisulpride. These results may have therapeutic implications for the treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia and other disorders characterized by social withdrawal.

Application of multi-block analysis and mixture design with process variable for development of chocolate cake containing yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) and maca (Lepidium meyenii).

PubMed

Tormena, Marcela Marta Lazaretti; de Medeiros, Luana Tabalipa; de Lima, Patrícia Casarin; Possebon, Gabriela; Fuchs, Renata Hernandez Barros; Bona, Evandro

2017-08-01

In this study, a chocolate cake formulation was developed with partial substitution of wheat flour by yacon and maca flour. A simplex-centroid design was applied to determine the proportions of the three flours, and the amount of water was included as a process variable at three distinct levels. According to the overall acceptability of the cakes, the tasters were separated into two groups using k-means. After segmentation, regression models were constructed for overall acceptability of each group; R 2 adjusted values of 92.5% for group 1 and 98.9% for group 2 were obtained. Using the sequential simplex method an optimized formulation was determined for group 1 (0.49 kg wheat kg -1 total flour , 0.37 kg yacon kg -1 total flour , 0.14 kg maca kg -1 total flour and 140.0 mL of water) and another for group 2 (0.35 kg wheat kg -1 total flour , 0.65 kg yacon kg -1 total flour and 120.0 mL of water). In addition to these formulations, a third formulation was proposed with a greater maca proportion (0.32 kg maca kg -1 total flour ), which does not significantly alter the overall acceptability of both groups. The three optimized formulations and two control formulations were evaluated through free-choice profiling. The data were evaluated using the multi-block method common components and specific weights analysis (CCSWA). It was observed that a greater proportion of maca intensified brownness and burnt aroma and taste, whereas a larger proportion of yacon produced a better appearance, softness, sweetness and chocolate flavor. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Retrospective Study of thrombolysis with 0.6 mg/kg Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (rt-PA) in Mild Stroke.

PubMed

Yang, Jie; Yu, Fei; Liu, Hong; An, Hedi; Xiong, Ran; Huang, Dongya

2016-08-11

We sought to assess the safety, effectiveness and cost of 0.6 mg/kg rt-PA treatment for patients with acute mild stroke and to compare that with 0.9 mg/kg. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who had a NIHSS score ≤5 at admission and who were treated with rt-PA within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. The demographic data, clinical outcomes and hospitalization cost were analyzed. A total of 108 patients were included. Forty six patients (42.6%) received a 0.6 mg/kg dosage of rt-PA. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were well matched (p > 0.05). Regarding the safety and effectiveness, the 0.6 mg/kg dosage group had a comparable proportion of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) (0.6 mg/kg, 4.3% vs 0.9 mg/kg, 4.8%; p > 0.05), early neurological deterioration (END) (19.6% vs 17.7%; p > 0.05), in-hospital mortality (4.3% vs 1.6%; p > 0.05), and a similar rate of favorable functional outcome (mRS score 0-1) at 3 months (73.9% vs 71.0%; p > 0.05) to those who received the standard dosage. However, the hospital cost was markedly lower in the 0.6 mg/kg group (0.6  mg/kg, 3,401.7 USD vs 0.9  mg/kg, 4,157.4 USD; p < 0.01). Our study suggest that 0.6 mg/kg rt-PA shared similar effectiveness and safety profile compared with that of 0.9 mg/kg in treating mild stroke, but cost less.

Anxiolytic effects of a semipurified constituent of guaraná seeds on rats in the elevated T-maze test.

PubMed

Roncon, Camila Marroni; Biesdorf de Almeida, Camila; Klein, Traudi; de Mello, João Carlos Palazzo; Audi, Elisabeth Aparecida

2011-02-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic administration of a semi-purified extract (Purified Extract A--PEA; 4, 8, or 16 mg/kg) of PAULLINIA CUPANA (guaraná) seeds on rats submitted to the elevated T-maze (ETM) model of generalized anxiety and panic disorders. The selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine (PAR; 3 mg/kg), was used as a positive control. To evaluate possible serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission involvement in the action of PEA during the ETM test, ineffective doses of metergoline (MET; 5-HT (2A/2C) antagonist receptor) or sulpiride (SUL; dopaminergic receptor antagonist) were acutely administered together with the PEA. The locomotion of the rats was assessed in a circular arena following each drug treatment. Both PEA (8 and 16 mg/kg) and PAR (3 mg/kg) increased one-way escape latencies from the open arm of the ETM, indicating a panicolytic effect compared to the control group. MET, in higher doses (1, 2 or 3 mg/kg), produced a panicolytic effect in the ETM test, whereas SUL did not (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg). The panicolytic effect produced by PEA (8 mg/kg) was blocked by both MET (2 mg/kg) and SUL (20 mg/kg), whereas the panicolytic effect produced by PAR (3 mg/kg) was blocked only by MET (2 mg/kg). These results show that chronic treatment with PEA produces a panicolytic effect during the ETM test, and that the dopaminergic and the serotonergic neurotransmission systems are involved in this effect. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Exposure to Soil and Paddy Plant around the Closed Municipal Solid Waste Landfill: Case Study at Gunung Tugel Landfill, Banyumas-Central Java

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasam; Rahmawati, Suphia; Mulya Iresha, Fajri; Wacano, Dhandhun; Farida Fauziah, Ida; Afif Amrullah, Muhammad

2018-01-01

This work was focused on assessing the exposure of heavy metal from closed municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill on soil and paddy plants. This study aimed to determine heavy metal content whether at the soil in the around Gunung Tugel landfill included and accumulated in the paddy plant tissues. The investigated metals include chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). The samples were acid-digested before the desired elements were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results are presented as distribution map of the landfill area based on the total heavy metals content distribution in the soil and paddy plants. The samples shown that the concentrations of heavy metals around Gunung Tugel landfill are 6.27-34.71 mg/kg, 0.17-0.42 mg/kg, 28.29-48.69 mg/kg, 18,997.26-32,572.29 mg/kg, 342.74-834.49 mg/kg, 136.10-290.14 mg/kg at the top soil and 0.00-1.70 mg/kg, 0.00-0.26 mg/kg, 0.79-10.46 mg/kg, 13.88-61.46 mg/kg, 18.79-50.56 mg/kg, 87.27-273.22 mg/kg at the paddy for Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn respectively. According to the results, The Gunung Tugel landfill is not a direct source of heavy metal pollution at paddy plant in the landfill area, but through surface water and soil media. Rainfall around landfill is quite high ie more 2000 mm/year of rainfall and soil permeability is 1.0 cm/sec.

Exercise Prevents Memory Impairment Induced by Arsenic Exposure in Mice: Implication of Hippocampal BDNF and CREB

PubMed Central

Yu, Zi-Jiang; Yu, Yan; Xiao, Chao-Lun; Kang, Chao-Sheng; Ge, Guo; Linghu, Yan; Zhu, Jun-De; Li, Yu-Mei; Li, Qiang-Ming; Luo, Shi-Peng; Yang, Dang; Li, Lin; Zhang, Wen-Yan; Tian, Guang

2015-01-01

High concentrations of arsenic, which can be occasionally found in drinking water, have been recognized as a global health problem. Exposure to arsenic can disrupt spatial memory; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we tested whether exercise could interfere with the effect of arsenic exposure on the long-term memory (LTM) of object recognition in mice. Arsenic (0, 1, 3, and 10 mg/ kg, i.g.) was administered daily for 12 weeks. We found that arsenic at dosages of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg decreased body weight and increased the arsenic content in the brain. The object recognition LTM (tested 24 h after training) was disrupted by 3 mg/ kg and 10 mg/ kg, but not 1 mg/ kg arsenic exposure. Swimming exercise also prevented LTM impairment induced by 3 mg/ kg, but not with 10 mg/ kg, of arsenic exposure. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein (pCREB) in the CA1 and dentate gyrus areas (DG) of the dorsal hippocampus were decreased by 3 mg/ kg and 10 mg/ kg, but not by 1 mg/ kg, of arsenic exposure. The decrease in BDNF and pCREB in the CA1 and DG induced by 3 mg/ kg, but not 10 mg/ kg, of arsenic exposure were prevented by swimming exercise. Arsenic exposure did not affect the total CREB expression in the CA1 or DG. Taken together, these results indicated that swimming exercise prevented the impairment of object recognition LTM induced by arsenic exposure, which may be mediated by BDNF and CREB in the dorsal hippocampus. PMID:26368803

Effects of lisdexamfetamine in a rat model of binge-eating.

PubMed

Vickers, Steven P; Hackett, David; Murray, Fraser; Hutson, Peter H; Heal, David J

2015-12-01

Binge-eating disorder is a common psychiatric disorder affecting ~2% of adults. Binge-eating was initiated in freely-fed, lean, adult, female rats by giving unpredictable, intermittent access to ground, milk chocolate over four weeks. The rats avidly consumed chocolate during 2 hr binge sessions, with compensatory reductions of normal chow intake in these sessions and the days thereafter. Bodyweights of binge-eating rats were normal. The model's predictive validity was explored using nalmefene (0.1-1.0mg/kg), R-baclofen (1.0-10mg/kg) and SB-334867 (3.0-30 mg/kg) (orexin-1 antagonist), which all selectively decreased chocolate bingeing without reducing chow intake. Sibutramine (0.3-5.0mg/kg) non-selectively reduced chocolate and chow consumption. Olanzapine (0.3-3.0mg/kg) was without effect and rolipram (1.0-10mg/kg) abolished all ingestive behaviour. The pro-drug, lisdexamfetamine (LDX; 0.1-1.5mg/kg), dose-dependently reduced chocolate bingeing by ⩽ 71% without significantly decreasing normal chow intake. Its metabolite, D-amphetamine (0.1-1.0mg/kg), dose-dependently and preferentially decreased chocolate bingeing ⩽ 56%. Using selective antagonists to characterize LDX's actions revealed the reduction of chocolate bingeing was partially blocked by prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor; 0.3 and 1.0mg/kg) and possibly by SCH-23390 (D1; 0.1mg/kg). RX821002 (α2-adrenoceptor; 0.1 and 0.3mg/kg) and raclopride (D2; 0.3 and 0.5mg/kg) were without effect. The results indicate that LDX, via its metabolite, d-amphetamine, reduces chocolate bingeing, partly by indirect activation of α1-adrenoceptors and perhaps D1 receptors. © The Author(s) 2015.

Effects of ginseol k-g3, an Rg3-enriched fraction, on scopolamine-induced memory impairment and learning deficit in mice

PubMed Central

Peña, Ike dela; Yoon, Seo Young; Kim, Hee Jin; Park, Sejin; Hong, Eun Young; Ryu, Jong Hoon; Park, Il Ho; Cheong, Jae Hoon

2013-01-01

Background Although ginsenosides such as Rg1, Rb1 and Rg3 have shown promise as potential nutraceuticals for cognitive impairment, their use has been limited due to high production cost and low potency. In particular, the process of extracting pure Rg3 from ginseng is laborious and expensive. Methods We described the methods in preparing ginseol k-g3, an Rg3-enriched fraction, and evaluated its effects on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. Results Ginseol k-g3 (25–200 mg/kg) significantly reversed scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in the passive avoidance, but not in Y-maze testing. Ginseol k-g3 (50 and 200 mg/kg) improved escape latency in training trials and increased swimming times within the target zone of the Morris water maze. The effect of ginseol k-g3 on the water maze task was more potent than that of Rg3 or Red ginseng. Acute or subchronic (6 d) treatment of ginseol k-g3 did not alter normal locomotor activity of mice in an open field. Ginseol k-g3 did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity, unlike donezepil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Rg3 enrichment through the ginseol k-g3 fraction enhanced the efficacy of Rg3 in scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice as demonstrated in the Morris water maze task. Conclusion The effects of ginseol k-g3 in ameliorating scopolamine-induced memory impairment in the passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests indicate its specific influence on reference or long-term memory. The mechanism underlying the reversal of scopolamine-induced amnesia by ginseol k-g3 is not yet known, but is not related to anticholinesterase-like activity. PMID:24558303

Increasing Lean Mass and Strength: A Comparison of High Frequency Strength Training to Lower Frequency Strength Training.

PubMed

Thomas, Michael H; Burns, Steve P

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect strength training frequency has on improvements in lean mass and strength. Participants were 7 women and 12 men, age ( χ̄ = 34.64 years ± 6.91 years), with strength training experience, training age ( χ̄ = 51.16 months ± 39.02 months). Participants were assigned to one of two groups to equal baseline group demographics. High frequency training group (HFT) trained each muscle group as the agonist, 3 times per week, exercising with 3 sets per muscle group per session (3 total body workouts). Low frequency training group (LFT) trained each muscle group as the agonist one time per week, completing all 9 sets during that one workout. LFT consisted of a routine split over three days: 1) pectoralis, deltoids, and triceps; 2) upper back and biceps; 3) quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and abdominals. Following eight weeks of training, HFT increased lean mass by 1.06 kg ± 1.78 kg, (1.9%), and LFT increased lean mass by .99 kg ± 1.31 kg, (2.0%). HFT strength improvements on the chest press was 9.07 kg ± 6.33 kg, (11%), and hack squat 20.16 kg ± 11.59 kg, (21%). LFT strength improvements on chest press was 5.80kg ± 4.26 kg, (7.0%), and hack squat 21.83 kg ± 11.17 kg, (24 %). No mean differences between groups were significant. These results suggest that HFT and LFT of equal set totals result in similar improvements in lean mass and strength, following 8 weeks of strength training.

Dynamic Fumonisin B2 Production by Aspergillus niger Intented Used in Food Industry in China

PubMed Central

Han, Xiaomin; Jiang, Hongru; Xu, Jin; Zhang, Jing; Li, Fengqin

2017-01-01

There are a total of 30 strains including 27 strains of Aspergillus niger intended used in Chinese food industry, two strains used as control and one strain isolated from corn for fumonisin (FB) production on 3 media. It was found that FB2 production by A. niger was function-dependent and highly related to culture media, as well as incubation time. All strains studied were unable to produce FB1 and FB3. Almost all strains were found to produce FB2 on corn, rice and wheat bran. Based on their intended use in the food industry, the higher level of FB2 producers were strains used for saccharifying enzyme (n = 13) production, followed by organic acid (n = 6), tannase (n = 7) and β-galactosidase (n = 1) production, with the FB2 mean level of 3553–10,270 μg/kg, 1059–12,036 μg/kg, 3–7 μg/kg and 2–4 μg/kg on corn, 5455–9241 μg/kg, 559–2190 μg/kg, 4–9 μg/kg and 6–10 μg/kg on rice, 5959–7709 μg/kg, 9491–17,339 μg/kg, 8–14 μg/kg and 120–222 μg/kg on wheat bran, respectively. Comparatively, strains of Fusarium verticillioide were capable of producing fumonins simultaneously with broader spectrum including FB1, FB2 and FB3, but at a much lower level. In conclusion, it is necessary to evaluate FB2 production by A. niger before intended use in the food processing industry. PMID:28698485

On the Mechanism of Serotonin-Induced Dipsogenesis in the Rat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kikta, Dianne C.; Barney, Christopher C.; Threatte, Rose M.; Fregly, Melvin J.; Rowland, Neil E.; Greenleaf, John E.

1983-01-01

Subcutaneous administration of 1-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the precursor of serotonin, to female rats induces copious drinking accompanied by activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Neither a reduction in blood pressure nor body temperature accompanied administration of 5-HTP. The objective of the present study was to determine whether serotonin-induced dipsogenesis, like that of 5-HTP, is mediated via the renin-angiotensin system. Serotonin (2 mg/kg, SC)-induced drinking was inhibited by the dopaminergic antagonist, haloperidol (150 /micro g/kg, IP), which also inhibits angiotensin II-induced drinking, Both captopril (35 mg/kg, IP), an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, and propranolol (6 micro g/kg, IP), a beta-adrenergic antagonist, blocked serotonin-induced dipsogenesis. The alpha(sub a),-adrenergic agonist, clonidine (6.25 micro g/kg, SC), which suppresses renin release from the kidney, attenuated serotonin-induced water intake. The dipsogenic responses to submaximal concentrations of both serotonin (1 mg/kg, SC) and isoproterenol (8 micro g/kg, SC) were additive rather than interactive suggesting that similar pathways mediate both responses. The serotonergic receptor antagonist, methysergide (3 mg/kg, IP), inhibited serotonin-induced drinking but had no effect on isoproterenol (25micro g/kg, SC)-induced dipsogenesis. However, neither serotonin (2 mg/kg, SC) nor isoproterenol (25 micro g/kg, SC)-induced drinking was inhibited by cinansefin (25 micro g/kg, IP). These data indicate that serotonin induces drinking in rats via the renin-angiotensin system. However, the results of the studies using methysergide suggest that scrotonin appears to act at a point prior to activation of beta-adrenoceptors in the pathway leading to release of renin from the kidneys.

[Toxicity studies of landiolol hydrochloride (ONO-1101) (1). Single intravenous toxicity study in rats and dogs].

PubMed

Yamaguchi, K; Kasahara, T; Yanagisawa, Y; Nanba, T; Aze, Y; Shinomiya, K; Yonezawa, H; Fujita, T

1997-12-01

Single dose toxicity studies of landiolol hydrochloride (ONO-1101), a novel ultra short acting beta-blocker, were conducted in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and beagle dogs. ONO-1101 was administered intravenously at a dose level of 37.5, 75, 150 or 300 mg/kg to rats of both sexes and 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg to male dogs. In the rat study, 5/6 males in the 150 mg/kg group and all animals in the 300 mg/kg group died during or right after administration. Survivors in the 150 mg/kg group showed temporal hypoactivity, bradypnea, dyspnea, tremor, loss of righting reflex and reddish lacrimation up to 5 min after injection. One male in the 150 mg/kg group had a tendency of suppression on body weight gain. No effects on clinical signs and body weight gain were seen in the 75 mg/kg group or lower. Necropsy findings showed only red tear in the majority of the decedents. In the dog study, all animals died within 6 min after administration in the 100 mg/kg group, showed ataxic gait, rolling and tachypnea followed by bradypnea and gasping/apnea. Incontinence of urine, defecation and vocalization were also seen in each one of two animals before death. Temporal hypoactivity was seen 1 min after administration in the 50 mg/kg group. No clinical signs were seen in the 25 mg/kg group. ONO-1101 did not affect bodyweight or food consumption. Necropsy findings of the decedents showed no abnormalities. It is indicated that the minimum lethal doses are 150 mg/kg in rats and 100 mg/kg in dogs.

Nickel, Cobalt, Chromium and Copper in agricultural and grazing land soils of Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albanese, Stefano; Sadeghi, Martiya; De Vivo, Benedetto; Lima, Annamaria; Cicchella, Domenico; Dinelli, Enrico

2014-05-01

In the framework of the GEMAS (Geochemical Mapping of Agricultural and Grazing Land Soils) project, concentrations of Ni, Co, Cu and Cr were determined for the whole available dataset (2218 samples of agricultural soil and 2127 samples of grazing land soil) covering a total area of 5.6 million sq km all over Europe. The distribution pattern of Ni in the European soils (both agricultural and grazing land soils) shows the highest concentrations in correspondence with the Mediterranean area (especially in Greece, the Balcan Peninsula and NW Italy) with average values generally ranging between 40 mg/kg and 140 mg/kg and anomalous areas characterized by peaks higher than 2400 mg/kg. Concentrations between 10 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg characterize Continental Europe north of Alps and, partly, the Scandinavian countries. Lower concentrations (< 10 mg/kg) occurs near the Trans-European Suture Zone, one of the main tectonic borders in Europe, and they are limited on the south by the maximum extent limit of the last glaciation. Cobalt and Cr show distribution patterns similar to Ni in both agricultural and grazing land soils. The maximum concentration peaks of Cobalt and Cr rise up to respectively 126 mg/kg and 696 mg/kg in agricultural soils and up to 255 mg/kg and 577 mg/kg in grazing land soils. Copper distribution in the soils collected across Europe, although has a general correspondence with the patterns of Ni, Co, Cr, shows some peculiarities. Specifically, Cu is characterized by high concentration values (up to 395 mg/kg in agricultural soils and 373 mg/kg in Grazing land soils) also in correspondence with the Roman Comagmatic Province and the south western coast of France characterized by a wide spread of vineyards.

Analgesic activity of Gleditsia triacanthos methanolic fruit extract and its saponin-containing fraction.

PubMed

Saleh, Dalia Osama; Kassem, Iman; Melek, Farouk Rasmy

2016-01-01

Gleditsia triacanthos L. (Leguminosae) pods are used in folk medicine for pain relief as anodyne and narcotic. The objective of this study is to evaluate analgesic activity of Gleditsia triacanthos methanolic fruit extract (MEGT) and its saponin-containing fraction (SFGT). Peripheral analgesic activity was assessed using the acetic acid-induced writhing model in mice at doses of 140, 280, and 560 mg/kg and formalin test in rats at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses. Central analgesic activity was evaluated using the hotplate method in rats (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). In the writhing test, six mice groups treated with MEGT and SFGT found ED50 values 268.2 and 161.2 mg/kg, respectively, displayed a significant decrease in writhing count compared with the group treated with standard drug indomethacin (14 mg/kg). SFGT (280 and 560 mg/kg) showed 64.94 and 70.78% protection, respectively, which are more than double % protection caused by indomethacin (31.82%). In the formalin test, MEGT and SFGT (ED50 values 287.6 and 283.4 mg/kg for phase I as well as 295.1 and 290.4 mg/kg for phase II, respectively) at 400 mg/kg showed significant % inhibition in both phase I (18.86 and 52.57%) and phase II (39.36 and 44.29%) with reference to 10 mg/kg indomethacin (56.0 and 32.29%). MEGT and SFGT caused significant delay in responses in hotplate model (ED50 values 155.4 and 200.6 mg/kg, respectively) compared with that of 10 mg/kg indomethacin at 30, 60, and 120 min. Central and peripheral analgesic activities induced by Gleditsia triacanthos fruits might account for its uses in folk medicine.

Pesticide and PCB residues in the upper Snake River ecosystem, Southeastern Idaho, following the collapse of the Teton dam 1976.

PubMed

Perry, J A

1979-01-01

The Teton Dam in Southeastern Idaho collapsed on June 5, 1976. The resulting flood damaged a large area and caused the release of toxicants into the Snake River. A pesticide recovery team in a helicopter worked the flooded area for three weeks and collected 1,104 containers, about 35% of which contained toxicants. It was estimated that less than 60% of the lost pesticide containers were recovered. This paper addresses the results of a one-time sampling effort designed to determine the magnitude of the chemical contamination. Over 300 samples of fish, plankton, waterfowl, sediments, water, stream drift, aquatic plants, and soil were taken. Pesticide residues were measured as microgram/kg (ppb) wet weight, whole animal basis. Rainbow trout had as much as 1432 micrograms/kg total DDT plus analogs, 66 micrograms/kg dieldrin, and 1010 micrograms/kg PCBs. Utah suckers had up to 1420 micrograms/kg total DDT plus analogs, 32 micrograms/kg dieldrin, and 1800 micrograms/kg PCB. Rocky Mountain whitefish had as much as 2650 micrograms/kg total DDT and analogs, 30 micrograms/kg dieldrin and 1400 micrograms/kg PCBs. These PCB and DDT levels were high, approaching the 2,000 micrograms/kg FDA proposed tolerance, but were below the 5,000 micrograms/kg present tolerance. Dieldrin levels were low and organophosphates were undetectable. An undeveloped area (the Fort Hall Bottoms) showed higher levels of contaminants than did an industrialized area (the lower Portneuf River). This apparent discrepancy remains unexplained. Very little pre-flood data on a whole fish basis were available for comparison (Johnson et al 1977). However, it does not appear that any human health hazard due to pesticide levels exists in this portion of the Snake River.

Effects of phencyclidine (PCP) and MK 801 on the EEGq in the prefrontal cortex of conscious rats; antagonism by clozapine, and antagonists of AMPA-, alpha(1)- and 5-HT(2A)-receptors.

PubMed

Sebban, Claude; Tesolin-Decros, Brigitte; Ciprian-Ollivier, Jorge; Perret, Laurent; Spedding, Michael

2002-01-01

1. The electroencephalographic (EEG) effects of the propsychotic agent phencyclidine (PCP), were studied in conscious rats using power spectra (0 - 30 Hz), from the prefrontal cortex or sensorimotor cortex. PCP (0.1 - 3 mg kg(-1) s.c.) caused a marked dose-dependent increase in EEG power in the frontal cortex at 1 - 3 Hz with decreases in power at higher frequencies (9 - 30 Hz). At high doses (3 mg kg(-1) s.c.) the entire spectrum shifted to more positive values, indicating an increase in cortical synchronization. MK 801 (0.05 - 0.1 mg kg(-1) i.p.) caused similar effects but with lesser changes in power. 2. In contrast, the non-competitive AMPA antagonists GYKI 52466 and GYKI 53655 increased EEG power over the whole power spectrum (1 - 10 mg kg(-1) i.p.). The atypical antipsychotic clozapine (0.2 mg kg(-1) s.c.) synchronized the EEG (peak 8 Hz). The 5-HT(2A)-antagonist, M100907, specifically increased EEG power at 2 - 3 Hz at low doses (10 and 50 microg kg(-1) s.c.), whereas at higher doses (0.1 mg kg(-1) s.c.) the profile resembled that of clozapine. 3. Clozapine (0.2 mg kg(-1) s.c. ), GYKI 53655 (5 mg kg(-1) i.p.), prazosin (0.05 and 0.1 mg kg(-1) i.p.), and M100907 (0.01 and 0.05 mg kg(-1) s.c.) antagonized the decrease in power between 5 and 30 Hz caused by PCP (1 mg kg(-1) s.c.), but not the increase in power at 1 - 3 Hz in prefrontal cortex.

The influence of diltiazem and nifedipine on renal function in the rat.

PubMed Central

Johns, E. J.

1985-01-01

The effect of intravenous administration of the calcium-entry blocking drugs, diltiazem and nifedipine, on renal haemodynamic and tubular function was examined in denervated kidneys of pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats. Infusion of vehicle for the compounds had no effect on renal function which was stable for the duration of the experiments. Diltiazem was infused at 5, 10 and 20 micrograms kg-1 min-1. Blood pressure did not change following 5 micrograms kg-1 min-1 diltiazem but was significantly reduced, by 12 mmHg, after 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1 and by 17 mmHg after 20 micrograms kg-1 min-1. Renal blood flow was not affected by any dose of diltiazem while at the lowest dose of drug, glomerular filtration rate (g.f.r.) was significantly increased, by 24%. Absolute and fractional sodium excretion were increased significantly, 154% and 77% respectively, by 5 micrograms kg-1 min-1 diltiazem, 20% and 24% respectively, by 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1 diltiazem, but were unchanged by 20 micrograms kg-1 min-1. Infusion of nifedipine at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms kg-1 min-1 decreased systemic blood pressure by 9, 9 and 20 mmHg, respectively. Renal blood flow was increased (7%) by 1.0 microgram kg-1 min-1 only, while g.f.r. did not change at any dose. Urine flow, absolute and fractional sodium excretions were increased, 127%, 96% and 90% respectively, by 0.5 microgram kg-1 min-1 nifedipine, 127%, 197% and 194% respectively, by 1.0 microgram kg-1 min-1, while these variables remained unchanged by a dose of 2.0 micrograms kg-1 min-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:3986432

[Characteristics of Atmospheric Nitrogen Wet Deposition and Associated Impact on N Transport in the Watershed of Red Soil Area in Southern China].

PubMed

Hao, Zhuo; Gao, Yang; Zhang, Jin-zhong; Xu, Ya-juan; Yu, Gui-rui

2015-05-01

In this study, Qianyanzhou Xiangxi River Basin in the rainy season was monitored to measure different nitrogen form concentrations of rainfall and rainfall-runoff process, in order to explore the southern red soil region of nitrogen wet deposition characteristics and its influence on N output in watershed. The results showed that there were 27 times rainfall in the 2014 rainy season, wherein N wet deposition load reached 43.64-630.59 kg and N deposition flux were 0.44-6.43 kg · hm(-2), which presented a great seasonal variability. We selected three rainfall events to make dynamic analysis. The rainfall in three rainfall events ranged from 8 to 14mm, and the deposition load in the watershed were from 18.03 to 41.16 kg and its flux reached 0.18 to 0.42 kg · hm(-2). Meanwhile, this three rainfall events led to 4189.38 m3 of the total runoff discharge, 16.72 kg of total nitrogen (TN) load and 4.64 kg · hm(-2) of flux, wherein dissolved total nitrogen (DTN) were 9.64 kg and 2.68 kg · hm(-2), ammonium-nitrogen (NH(4+)-N) were 2.93 kg and 0.81 kg · hm(-2), nitrate-nitrogen (NO(3-)-N) were 5.60 kg and 1.56 kg · hm(-2). The contribution rate of N wet deposition to N output from watershed reached 56%-94% , implying that the rainfall-runoff had tremendous contribution to N loss in this small watershed. The concentrations of TN in water had exceeded 1.5 mg · L(-1) of eutrophication threshold, which existed an eutrophication potential.

Population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic target attainment analysis of imipenem plasma and urine data in neonates and children.

PubMed

Yoshizawa, Kenichi; Ikawa, Kazuro; Ikeda, Kayo; Ohge, Hiroki; Morikawa, Norifumi

2013-11-01

Population pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic target attainment analysis of imipenem was performed to elucidate the PK properties in neonates and children and to rationalize and optimize dosing regimens. Population PK models were separately developed in neonates and children by simultaneously fitting plasma and urine data from 60 neonates and 39 children. The newly developed models were then used to estimate the probability of attaining the pharmacodynamic target (40% of the time above the minimum inhibitory concentration) against clinical isolates of common bacteria in pediatric patients. The data were best described by a 1-compartment model in neonates and a 2-compartment model in children, respectively. Renal clearance in children (0.187 L/h/kg) was double that of neonates (0.0783 L/h/kg), whereas the volume of distribution at steady-state was approximately 1.8-fold larger in neonates (0.466 L/kg) than in children (0.260 L/kg). Age was not a statistically significant covariate in the PK of both groups. Infusions (0.5 h) of 15 mg/kg every 8 h (45 mg/kg/day) and 25 mg/kg every 12 h (50 mg/kg/day) were shown to be sufficient against common bacterial isolates in both patient populations. However, 1.5-h infusions of 25 mg/kg every 8 h (75 mg/kg/day) in neonates and 25 mg/kg every 6 h (100 mg/kg/day) in children were required to be effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (minimum inhibitory concentration for 90% of the isolates=16 μg/mL). These results explain the changes in imipenem PK properties during the human growth process and provide guidance for tailoring dosing regimens in each pediatric age group.

77 FR 66921 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; New Hampshire; Reasonably...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-08

... each of which has limits for baked or air-dried coatings ranging from 0.275 kg to 0.420 kg VOC/l. These... coatings, have a higher limit (0.420 kg VOC/l (baked or air dried)) than the previous general coating limit, the new general use coating limit has been reduced from 0.36 kg to 0.275 kg VOC/l (baked or air dried...

Exposure assessment of the population in Poland to the toxic effects of arsenic compounds present in rice and rice based products

PubMed

Mania, Monika; Rebeniak, Małgorzata; Szynal, Tomasz; Starska, Krystyna; Wojciechowska-Mazurek, Maria; Postupolski, Jacek

Rice is a staple food for many people in the world and an important ingredient for production of food for infants and young children. According to European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), cereals, primarily rice and rice products, are an important source of human exposure to inorganic arsenic, which has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as group I carcinogen. Arsenic is present in rice and rice products mainly as an inorganic form being more toxic than organic compounds The aim of the study was to determine the total and inorganic arsenic content in rice, rice-based products including food for infants and young children available on the market in Poland and thus to estimate consumer exposure to inorganic arsenic from these groups of foodstuffs A total of 62 samples of rice and rice products from trade, including a group of rice products for infants and young children, were tested. Contents of total and inorganic arsenic were determined by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS), after dry mineralization of samples and reduction of arsenic to arsenic hydride with sodium borohydride. To extract the inorganic arsenic forms, the samples were subjected to hydrolysis in concentrated HCl and then reduced in the presence of hydrobromic acid and hydrazine sulphate after which triple chloroform extractions and triple 1M HCl re-extractions were performed. Exposure of different groups of populations (adults and children), was estimated in relation to the Benchmark Dose Lower Confidence Limit (BMDL05) as set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) that resulted in a 0.5% increase in lung cancer (3.0 µg/kg body weight (b.w.) per day) Mean content of total and inorganic arsenic in investigated rice samples was 0.12 mg/kg (median: 0.09 mg/kg; 90th percentile 0.22 mg/kg) and 0.04 mg/kg (median: 0.03 mg/kg, 90th percentile 0.07 mg/kg). Brown rice was found to be more highly contaminated with both total and inorganic arsenic than white rice. Mean contamination of brown rice with total arsenic and inorganic arsenic was: 0.18 mg/kg (median: 0.12 mg/kg, 90th percentile: 0.32 mg/kg) and 0.05 mg/kg (median: 0.05 mg/kg, 90th percentile: 0.07 mg/kg). In turn for the white rice contamination was lower, mean total arsenic content: 0.10 mg/kg (median: 0.08 mg/kg, 90th percentile: 0.19 mg/kg) and mean inorganic arsenic: 0.03 mg/kg (median: 0.03 mg/kg, 90th percentile: 0.06 mg/kg). Contamination of rice-based products both total and inorganic arsenic was similar to those reported for rice, except rice wafers (mean: 0.24 mg/kg and 0.13 mg/kg). In the group of products for infants and young children obtained results were low – mean total arsenic content was 0.06 mg/kg and inorganic arsenic 0.02 mg/kg. The estimated average adult and children’s exposure to inorganic arsenic with rice and rice products was less than 1% of the BMDL05. Intake of inorganic arsenic by 12-month-old infants with ricebased products intended for this group of population was at 6% BMDL05 Based on the obtained results, it was found that the content of total and inorganic arsenic in investigated samples of rice and rice products did not pose a health risk even though contamination levels in some individual samples were significant

Antimicrobial Activity of Two Garlic Species (Allium Sativum and A. Tuberosum) Against Staphylococci Infection. In Vivo Study in Rats.

PubMed

Venâncio, Paulo César; Raimundo Figueroba, Sidney; Dias Nani, Bruno; Eduardo Nunes Ferreira, Luiz; Vilela Muniz, Bruno; de Sá Del Fiol, Fernando; Sartoratto, Adilson; Antonio Ribeiro Rosa, Edvaldo; Carlos Groppo, Francisco

2017-04-01

Purpose: This study observed the effect of garlic extracts and amoxicillin against an induced staphylococcal infection model. MIC and MBC were also obtained for aqueous extracts of Allium sativum (Asa) and Allium tuberosum (Atu) against Staphylococcus aureus penicillin-sensitive (PSSA - ATCC 25923) and MRSA (ATCC 33592). Methods: Granulation tissues were induced in the back of 205 rats. After 14 days, 0.5 mL of 10 8 CFU/mL of PSSA or MRSA were injected inside tissues. After 24h, animals were divided: G1 (Control) - 0.5 mL of NaCl 0.9%; G2 - Asa 100 mg/kg or 400mg/kg; G3 - Atu 100 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg; G4 - amoxicillin suspension 50 mg/kg, considering PSSA infection; and G5 (Control) - 0.5 mL of NaCl 0.9%; G6 - Asa 400mg/kg; G7 - amoxicillin 50 mg/kg; and G8 - Asa 400 mg/kg + amoxicillin 50 mg/kg for MRSA. All treatments were administered P.O. every 6h. Animals were killed at 0, 6, 12 and 24h. Samples were spread on salt-mannitol agar. Colonies were counted after 18 h at 37 °C. Atu was not able to inhibit or kill PSSA and MRSA. Considering Asa, MIC and MBC against PSSA were 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL, respectively; and 16 mg/mL and 64 mg/mL against MRSA. Results: No effect was observed in vivo for control, Asa 100 mg/kg and Atu 100 mg/kg, while amoxicillin, Atu 400 mg/kg and Asa 400 mg/kg decreased PSSA counts in all-time points. No effect of any group against MRSA was observed at any time. Conclusion: Thus, A. sativum and A. tuberosum were able to reduce PSSA infection, but not MRSA infection.

Antimicrobial Activity of Two Garlic Species (Allium Sativum and A. Tuberosum) Against Staphylococci Infection. In Vivo Study in Rats

PubMed Central

Venâncio, Paulo César; Raimundo Figueroba, Sidney; Dias Nani, Bruno; Eduardo Nunes Ferreira, Luiz; Vilela Muniz, Bruno; de Sá Del Fiol, Fernando; Sartoratto, Adilson; Antonio Ribeiro Rosa, Edvaldo; Carlos Groppo, Francisco

2017-01-01

Purpose: This study observed the effect of garlic extracts and amoxicillin against an induced staphylococcal infection model. MIC and MBC were also obtained for aqueous extracts of Allium sativum (Asa) and Allium tuberosum (Atu) against Staphylococcus aureus penicillin-sensitive (PSSA - ATCC 25923) and MRSA (ATCC 33592). Methods: Granulation tissues were induced in the back of 205 rats. After 14 days, 0.5 mL of 108 CFU/mL of PSSA or MRSA were injected inside tissues. After 24h, animals were divided: G1 (Control) – 0.5 mL of NaCl 0.9%; G2 – Asa 100 mg/kg or 400mg/kg; G3 – Atu 100 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg; G4 – amoxicillin suspension 50 mg/kg, considering PSSA infection; and G5 (Control) - 0.5 mL of NaCl 0.9%; G6 – Asa 400mg/kg; G7 – amoxicillin 50 mg/kg; and G8 - Asa 400 mg/kg + amoxicillin 50 mg/kg for MRSA. All treatments were administered P.O. every 6h. Animals were killed at 0, 6, 12 and 24h. Samples were spread on salt-mannitol agar. Colonies were counted after 18 h at 37 °C. Atu was not able to inhibit or kill PSSA and MRSA. Considering Asa, MIC and MBC against PSSA were 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL, respectively; and 16 mg/mL and 64 mg/mL against MRSA. Results: No effect was observed in vivo for control, Asa 100 mg/kg and Atu 100 mg/kg, while amoxicillin, Atu 400 mg/kg and Asa 400 mg/kg decreased PSSA counts in all-time points. No effect of any group against MRSA was observed at any time. Conclusion: Thus, A. sativum and A. tuberosum were able to reduce PSSA infection, but not MRSA infection. PMID:28507945

Population pharmacokinetics of epsilon-aminocaproic acid in infants undergoing craniofacial reconstruction surgery.

PubMed

Stricker, P A; Zuppa, A F; Fiadjoe, J E; Maxwell, L G; Sussman, E M; Pruitt, E Y; Goebel, T K; Gastonguay, M R; Taylor, J A; Bartlett, S P; Schreiner, M S

2013-05-01

Understanding the clinical pharmacology of the antifibrinolytic epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) is necessary for rational drug administration in children. The aim of this study is to determine the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of EACA in infants aged 6-24 months undergoing craniofacial reconstruction surgery. Cohorts of six infants were enrolled sequentially to one of the three escalating loading dose-continuous i.v. infusion (CIVI) regimens: 25 mg kg(-1), 10 mg kg(-1) h(-1); 50 mg kg(-1), 20 mg kg(-1) h(-1); 100 mg kg(-1), 40 mg kg(-1) h(-1). Plasma EACA concentrations were determined using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. A population non-linear mixed effects modelling approach was used to characterize EACA PKs. Population PK parameters of EACA were estimated using a two-compartment disposition model with weight expressed as an allometric covariate and an age effect. The typical patient in this study had an age of 38.71 weeks and a weight of 8.82 kg. PK parameters for this typical patient were: pre-/postoperative plasma drug clearance of 32 ml min(-1) (3.6 ml kg(-1) min(-1)), inter-compartmental clearance of 42.4 ml min(-1) (4.8 ml min(-1) kg(-1)), central volume of distribution of 1.27 litre (0.14 litre kg(-1)), and peripheral volume of distribution of 2.53 litre (0.29 litre kg(-1)). Intra-operative clearance and central volume of distribution were 89% and 80% of the pre-/postoperative value, respectively. EACA clearance increased with weight and age. The dependence of clearance on body weight supports weight-based dosing. Based on this study, a loading dose of 100 mg kg(-1) followed by a CIVI of 40 mg kg(-1) h(-1) is appropriate to maintain target plasma EACA concentrations in children aged 6-24 months undergoing these procedures.

Antidepressant-like effects of the cannabinoid receptor ligands in the forced swimming test in mice: mechanism of action and possible interactions with cholinergic system.

PubMed

Kruk-Slomka, Marta; Michalak, Agnieszka; Biala, Grazyna

2015-05-01

The purpose of the experiments was to explore the role of the endocannabinoid system, through cannabinoid (CB) receptor ligands, nicotine and scopolamine, in the depression-related responses using the forced swimming test (FST) in mice. Our results revealed that acute injection of oleamide (10 and 20 mg/kg), a CB1 receptor agonist, caused antidepressant-like effect in the FST, while AM 251 (0.25-3 mg/kg), a CB1 receptor antagonist, did not provoke any effect in this test. Moreover, acute administration of both CB2 receptor agonist, JWH 133 (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) and CB2 receptor antagonist, AM 630 (0.5 mg/kg), exhibited antidepressant action. Antidepressant effects of oleamide and JWH 133 were attenuated by acute injection of both non-effective dose of AM 251, as well as AM 630. Among the all CB compounds used, only the combination of non-effective dose of oleamide (2.5 mg/kg) with non-effective dose of nicotine (0.5 mg/kg) caused an antidepressant effect. However, none of the CB receptor ligands, had influence on the antidepressant effects provoked by nicotine (0.2 mg/kg) injection. In turn, the combination of non-effective dose of oleamide (2.5 mg/kg); JWH (2 mg/kg) or AM 630 (2 mg/kg), but not of AM 251 (0.25 mg/kg), with non-effective dose of scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg), exhibited antidepressant properties. Indeed, all of the CB compounds used, intensified the antidepressant-like effects induced by an acute injection of scopolamine (0.3 mg/kg). Our results provide clear evidence that the endocannabinoid system participates in the depression-related behavior and through interactions with cholinergic system modulate these kind of responses. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antidepressant effect of pramipexole in mice forced swimming test: A cross talk between dopamine receptor and NMDA/nitric oxide/cGMP pathway.

PubMed

Ostadhadi, Sattar; Imran Khan, Muhammad; Norouzi-Javidan, Abbas; Dehpour, Ahmad-Reza

2016-07-01

Pramipexole is a dopamine D2 receptor agonist indicated for treating Parkinson disorder. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of pramipexole in forced swimming test (FST) in mice and the possible involvement of activation of D2 receptors and inhibition of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) on this effect. Intraperitoneal administration of pramipexole (1-3mg/kg) reduced the immobility time in the FST similar to fluoxetine (20mg/kg, i.p.). This effect of pramipexole (1mg/kg, i.p.) was ceased when mice were pretreated with haloperidol (0.15mg/kg, i.p,) and sulpiride (5mg/kg, i.p) as D2 receptor antagonists, NMDA (75mg/kg,i.p.), l-arginine (750mg/kg, i.p., a substrate for nitric oxide synthase) or sildenafil (5mg/kg, i.p., a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor). The administration of MK-801 (0.05mg/kg, i.p., a NMDA receptor antagonist) l-NG-Nitro arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 10mg/kg, i.p., a non-specific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor), 7-nitroindazole (30mg/kg, i.p., a neuronal NOS inhibitor) and methylene blue (10mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of both NOS and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in combination with the sub-effective dose of pramipexole (0.3mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the immobility. Altogether, our data suggest that the antidepressant-like effect of pramipexole is dependent on the activation of D2 receptor and inhibition of either NMDA receptors and/or NO-cGMP synthesis. These results contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant-like effect of pramipexole and reinforce the role of D2 receptors, NMDA receptors and l-arginine-NO-GMP pathway in the antidepressant mechanism of this agent. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Pharmacological evidence for the involvement of the NMDA receptor and nitric oxide pathway in the antidepressant-like effect of lamotrigine in the mouse forced swimming test.

PubMed

Ostadhadi, Sattar; Ahangari, Mohammad; Nikoui, Vahid; Norouzi-Javidan, Abbas; Zolfaghari, Samira; Jazaeri, Farahnaz; Chamanara, Mohsen; Akbarian, Reyhaneh; Dehpour, Ahmad-Reza

2016-08-01

Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant agent that shows clinical antidepressant properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) synthesis in possible antidepressant-like effect of lamotrigine in forced swimming test (FST) in mice. Intraperitoneal administration of lamotrigine (10mg/kg) decreased the immobility time in the FST (P<0.01) without any effect on locomotor activity in the open-field test (OFT), while higher dose of lamotrigine (30mg/kg) reduced the immobility time in the FST (P<0.001) as well as the number of crossings in the OFT. Pretreatment of animals with NMDA (75mg/kg), l-arginine (750mg/kg, a substrate for nitric oxide synthase [NOS]) or sildenafil (5mg/kg, a phosphodiesterase [PDE] 5 inhibitor) reversed the antidepressant-like effect of lamotrigine (10mg/kg) in the FST. Injection of l-nitroarginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 10mg/kg, a non-specific NOS inhibitor), 7-nitroindazole (30mg/kg, a neuronal NOS inhibitor), methylene blue (20mg/kg, an inhibitor of both NOS and soluble guanylate cyclase [sGC]), or MK-801 (0.05mg/kg), ketamine (1mg/kg), and magnesium sulfate (10mg/kg) as NMDA receptor antagonists in combination with a sub-effective dose of lamotrigine (5mg/kg) diminished the immobility time of animals in the FST compared with either drug alone. None of the drugs produced significant effects on the locomotor activity in the OFT. Based on our findings, it is suggested that the antidepressant-like effect of lamotrigine might mediated through inhibition of either NMDA receptors or NO-cGMP synthesis. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Establishing Value of Ceramic Solid Waste Into Light Weight Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarigan, U.; Prasetya, H. R.; Tarigan, U. P. P.

2018-02-01

Ceramic solid waste is a waste in the form of the ceramic or ceramic powder that has a defect and cannot be resold where the amount will continue to increase as the ceramic industry continues to produce. Handling waste so far is done by pilling it on vacant land so that if the waste continues to grow the more areas are also needed to stockpile. In addition, waste handling by boards can be a potential hazard to the surrounding environment such as chemical content in ceramics can be carried to the waters and the dust can be blown by the wind and disrupt breathing. This study aims to convert ceramics solid wastes into bricks that have more added value. Data collection is done with primary and secondary data. The method used is Taguchi experiment design to determine the optimum brick composition. The experiment consisted of 4 factors and 3 levels of ceramic with 4 kg, 5 kg and 6 kg, cement with level 3 kg, 4 kg and 5 kg, silica with level 3 kg, 4 kg and 5 kg, water level 500 ml, 750 ml, and 1000 ml. After that proceed with the financial analysis that is determining the selling price, Break Event Point (BEP, Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Pay Back Period (PBP), and Profitability Index. The results of this research are the optimum composition of the concrete blocks, 6 kg of ceramics, 5 kg of cement, 4 kg of silica sand and 1000 ml of water with the compressive strength of 125,677 kg/cm2 and signal to noise is 41,964 dB. In the financial analysis, the selling price of brick is Rp 7,751.75/unit and BEP 318,612 units of product, IRR level 43.174% and PBP for 1 year and 10 months

Anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack. in rats with kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure.

PubMed

Hsieh, C L; Chen, M F; Li, T C; Li, S C; Tang, N Y; Hsieh, C T; Pon, C Z; Lin, J G

1999-01-01

This study investigated the anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and the physiological mechanisms of its action in rats. A total of 70 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected for study. Thirty four of these rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: 1) CONTROL GROUP (n = 6): received intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg); 2) UR1000 group (n = 10), 3) UR500 group (n = 6) 4) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 5) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Behavior and EEG were monitored from 15 min prior to drug administration to 3 hours after KA administration. The number of wet dog shakes were counted at 10 min intervals throughout the experimental course. The remaining 36 rats were used to measure the lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex one hour after KA administration. These rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats as follows: 1) Normal group: no treatment was given; 2) CONTROL GROUP: received KA (12 mg/kg) i.p.; 3) UR1000 group, 4) UR500 group, 5) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 6) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Our results indicated that both UR 1000 and 500 mg/kg decreased the incidence of KA-induced wet dog shakes, no similar effect was observed in the UR 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg group. Treatment with UR 1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, or 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg decreased KA-induced lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex and was dose-dependent. These findings suggest that the anticonvulsant effect of UR possibly results from its suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation in the brain.

Effect of nipradilol, a beta-adrenergic blocker with vasodilating activity, on oxotremorine-induced tremor in mice.

PubMed

Iwata, S; Nomoto, M; Fukuda, T

1996-10-01

The effect of nipradilol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker with nitroglycerin-like vasodilating activity, on oxotremorine-induced tremor was studied in mice. General tremor in mice was elicited by 0.5 mg/kg oxotremorine. The tremor was quantified using a capacitance transducer, then analyzed by a signal processor. The strength of the tremor was expressed in "points". The point values of the tremor (mean +/- SE) in control mice for 5 mg/kg (+/-)-propranolol, 2.5 mg/kg arotinolol, 0.5 mg/kg nipradilol, 1.0 mg/kg nipradilol and 2.5 mg/kg nipradilol were 87 +/- 16, 42 +/- 6, 38 +/- 6, 99 +/- 28, 28 +/- 6 and 31 +/- 7, respectively. The strength of the tremor was reduced by all beta-blockers. Although 1.0 mg/kg nipradilol significantly reduced the tremor, further inhibition of the tremor was not obtained with dosages up to 2.5 mg/kg of the drug. In conclusion, nipradilol was effective for suppressing oxotremorine-induced tremor, as were other beta-blockers.

Establishment of Class e1 Mass Standard of 50 kg

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Hong; Wang, Jian; Ding, Jingan; Zhong, Ruilin; Ren, Xiaoping

Because of the equipment limit, the dissemination of large mass has been realized by a large amount of higher class of 20 kg weights since 1950s in China. But with improvement of the technique and customer's requirements, it is necessary to establish the mass standard of 50 kg weight. In 1990s, mass standard laboratory has set up Class E1 weight sets from 20 kg to 1 mg. To extend the mass capacity up to 50 kg of Class E1, it is not only to produce Class E1 50 kg weight and import a mass comparator, but also need to lift the heavy weight from weight box to balance receptor safely. Up to now, the mass comparator has been installed in Hepingli campus of NIM. Two pieces of Class E1 50 kg weights are determined by combination weighing method. A lifting device has been mounted close to the mass comparator in order to move the 50 kg easily.

Control Points on Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in a Beef Cattle CAFO and the Cropland that Supports it

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurwick, N. P.; Tonitto, C.

2011-12-01

Although spatially separated in the U.S. agricultural landscape, CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations) and Illinois grain agriculture are interdependent. Therefore, we need to consider both systems to identify methods for reducing inefficiency, GHG losses, and N pollution from them. We construct a budget for an average 30,000 animal beef cattle CAFO. Assuming cattle stay on the CAFO 5 months, we estimate total grain demand at 1.8 M bu yr-1 of corn (21 M kg C) and 0.3 M bu yr-1 of soybean (3.7 M kg C). To grow this feed requires 19,000 acres of cropland (2/3 in corn and 1/3 in soybean). We visualize C and N fluxes for a 4,000 acre farm growing corn and soybeans. Corn and soybeans on this farm fix ˜15 M and 4.5 M kg C yr-1 respectively. Plant and soil respiration return ˜50% of GPP to the atmosphere from the cornfield, and˜70% from the soybean field. Emissions from on-farm equipment are ˜60,000 kg C yr-1. About 5.1 M kg C yr-1 move from this farm to CAFO (4.3 M kg C in corn and 0.8 M kg C in soybean). To meet cattle demand requires 4.75 such farms. Transporting grain from all 19,000 ac releases ˜3 M kg C yr-1. Once at the CAFO, ˜20% of C in grain is converted to steer biomass. Of the remaining grain C (˜20 M kg C), about half leaves the steers as CO2, ˜6.6 M kg C exits the steers as manure, and ˜7% is converted to methane in the rumen. Of the ˜100 M kg C pulled from the atmosphere on the farms, about 2 M kg C exit the CAFO as methane, which increases GWP of the carbon stream by 50%. At typical application rates, a grower adds ˜216,000 kg N yr-1 to the corn field. On the soybean field, we estimate fixation of 64,000 kg N yr-1 and assume no other N additions. Corn and soybeans acquire ˜135,000 and 106,000 kg N respectively. Nitrate leaching from the corn field is ˜43,000 kg N (equivalent to ~20% of fertilizer N) and losses from the soybean field are ˜11,000 kg N. A fraction of N inputs to the fields (˜0.5%) exits as N2O, totaling < 1,500 N2O-N for the farm. Across all farms that support this CAFO, soils release ˜6,500 kg N2O-N (or 2 M kg CO2e yr-1). Additional N losses (N2O and NOx) occur in machinery used for land management, cultivation, and grain transport to CAFOs. For all transport, we estimate NOx and N2O emissions of 14,700 and 700 kg N yr-1 respectively. Most N acquired by the plants on this farm (˜241,000 kg N yr-1) travels with the grain to the CAFO. From all farms, ˜1.1 M kg N yr-1 arrive at the CAFO. Cattle convert much of the N to protein, but N also exits the animals in urine and manure. Typical N2O loss rates from manure are 6 kg N2O-N/steer, which translates into ˜190,000 kg N2O-N yr-1 (or 53 M kg CO2e) for the CAFO. These budgets underscore the power ruminants have on agriculture's contribution to climate change. While diet- and manure management offer opportunities, the biggest mitigation potential probably lies in reducing demand for ruminant meat, by limiting food waste or by changing diets. Either strategy would also reduce N pollution from cropland. N pollution might also be mitigated by shifting beef cattle from CAFOs to pasture, but the outcome depends on pasture management and the importance of urine patches.

The antidepressant-like effect of 7-fluoro-1,3-diphenylisoquinoline-1-amine in the mouse forced swimming test is mediated by serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.

PubMed

Pesarico, Ana Paula; Sampaio, Tuane Bazanella; Stangherlin, Eluza Curte; Mantovani, Anderson C; Zeni, Gilson; Nogueira, Cristina Wayne

2014-10-03

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of monoaminergic system in the antidepressant-like action of 7-fluoro-1,3-diphenylisoquinoline-1-amine (FDPI), a derivative of isoquinoline class, in Swiss mice. The antidepressant-like effect of FDPI was characterized in the modified forced swimming test (FST) and the possible mechanism of action was investigated by using serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic antagonists. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and [(3)H]serotonin (5-HT) uptake were determined in prefrontal cortices of mice. The results showed that FDPI (1, 10 and 20mg/kg, i.g.) reduced the immobility time and increased the swimming time but did not alter climbing time in the modified FST. These effects were similar to those of paroxetine (8mg/kg, i.p.), a positive control. Pretreatments with p-chlorophenylalanine (100mg/kg, i.p., an inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis), WAY100635 (0.1mg/kg, s.c., 5-HT1A antagonist), ondansetron (1mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist), haloperidol (0.2mg/kg, i.p., a non-selective D2 receptor antagonist) and SCH23390 (0.05mg/kg, s.c., a D1 receptor antagonist) were effective to block the antidepressant-like effect of FDPI at a dose of 1mg/kg in the FST. Ritanserin (1mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist), sulpiride (50mg/kg, i.p., a D2 and D3 receptor antagonist), prazosin (1mg/kg, i.p., an α1 receptor antagonist), yohimbine (1mg/kg, i.p., an α2 receptor antagonist) and propranolol (2mg/kg, i.p., a β receptor antagonist) did not modify the effect of FDPI in the FST. FDPI did not change synaptosomal [(3)H]5-HT uptake. At doses of 10 and 20mg/kg FDPI inhibited MAO-A and MAO-B activities. These results suggest that antidepressant-like effect of FDPI is mediated mostly by serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spatial Variation of Soil Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen in the Coastal Area of Mid-Eastern China.

PubMed

Xu, Yan; Pu, Lijie; Liao, Qilin; Zhu, Ming; Yu, Xue; Mao, Tianying; Xu, Chenxing

2017-07-14

Soils play an important role in sequestrating atmospheric CO₂. Coastal tidal flats have been intensively reclaimed for food security and living spaces worldwide. We aimed to identify the changes of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) following coastal reclamation and their spatial variation in the coastal area of mid-Eastern China to provide information for coastal cropland management. We measured SOC and TN of 463 soil samples in the coastal plain of mid-Eastern China. The results showed that SOC and TN increased highly from the uncultivated coastal tidal flat (2.49 g·kg -1 and 0.21 g·kg -1 , respectively) to the cropland (10.73 g·kg -1 and 1.3 g·kg -1 , respectively). After long-term cultivation, SOC and TN in the old farmland (12.98 g·kg -1 and 1.49 g·kg -1 , respectively) were greater than those in the young farmland (5.76 g·kg -1 and 0.86 g·kg -1 , respectively). The density of SOC in the uncultivated coastal tidal flat, young farmland, and old farmland were 0.68 kg·C·m -2 , 1.52 kg·C·m -2 , and 3.31 kg·C·m -2 , respectively. The density of TN in the uncultivated coastal tidal flat, young farmland and old farmland were 0.05 kg·N·m -2 , 0.23 kg·N·m -2 , and 0.38 kg·N·m -2 , respectively. The C/N (11.17) in the uncultivated coastal tidal flat was highest comparing to that in the young and old farmland due to lower nitrogen. The C/N increased from 6.78 to 8.71 following cultivation. Reclaimed coastal tidal flats had high carbon and nitrogen sequestration potential that not only mitigated the threat of global warming, but also improved soil fertility for crop production. Coastal management of cropland should consider the spatial distribution of SOC and TN to improve ecosystem services of coastal soils.

Unsustainability of Obesity: Metabolic Food Waste

PubMed Central

Serafini, Mauro; Toti, Elisabetta

2016-01-01

The obesity burden, with 1.5 billion overweight (OW) and 500 million obese (OB) worldwide, significantly increased the risk of degenerative diseases. Excessive consumption of foods that are energy dense lead to obesity, which represents a titanic cost for not only the world’s health systems but also a substantial ecological cost to the environment. The waste of resources and the unnecessary green house gas emissions (GHGs) emission, due to “obesigen” consumption of foods, have been ignored so far in practical assessments of ecological impacts. Our position is that food eaten above physiological needs, manifesting as obesity, should be considered waste. In this study, we developed a new indicator, metabolic food waste [MFW(kg of food)], corresponding to the amount of food leading to excess body fat and its impact on environment expressed as carbon [MFW(kgCO2eq)], water [MFW(×10 L)], and land footprint [MFW(×10m2)]. Results shows that the average amount of MFW(kg of food) was of 63.1 and 127.2 kg/capita in a observational study on 60 OW and OB subjects. Animal products contributed mostly to MFW(kg of food) in both OW (24.3 kg) and OB (46.5 kg), followed by cereals, legumes and starchy roots (19.4 kg OW; 38.9 kg OB), sugar and sweets (9.0 kg OW; 16.4 kg OB), and alcoholic beverages (7.5 kg OW; 20.1 kg OB). When dietary intake corresponding to MFW was transformed in ecological indexes, animal products displayed the highest values for carbon emissions, water consumption, and land use in both OW and OB followed by cereals, legumes, and starchy roots. The estimated MFW(kg of food) of the Italian population resulted to be 2.081 million kilograms of food for OB and OW. Reducing obesity will make a contribution toward achieving sustainable and functional diets, preserving and re-allocating natural resources for fighting hunger and malnutrition, and reducing GHGs emissions. Although further evidences in epidemiological studies are needed, MFW represents an innovative and reliable tool to unravel the diet–environment–health trilemma. PMID:27774449

Effects of dietary forage-to-concentrate ratio on nutrient digestibility and enteric methane production in growing goats (Capra hircus hircus) and Sika deer (Cervus nippon hortulorum).

PubMed

Na, Youngjun; Li, Dong Hua; Lee, Sang Rak

2017-07-01

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of forage-to-concentrate (F:C) ratio on the nutrient digestibility and enteric methane (CH 4 ) emission in growing goats and Sika deer. Three male growing goats (body weight [BW] = 19.0±0.7 kg) and three male growing deer (BW = 19.3±1.2 kg) were respectively allotted to a 3×3 Latin square design with an adaptation period of 7 d and a data collection period of 3 d. Respiration-metabolism chambers were used for measuring the enteric CH 4 emission. Treatments of low (25:75), moderate (50:50), and high (73:27) F:C ratios were given to both goats and Sika deer. Dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility decreased linearly with increasing F:C ratio in both goats and Sika deer. In both goats and Sika deer, the CH 4 emissions expressed as g/d, g/kg BW 0.75 , % of gross energy intake, g/kg DM intake (DMI), and g/kg OM intake (OMI) decreased linearly as the F:C ratio increased, however, the CH 4 emissions expressed as g/kg digested DMI and OMI were not affected by the F:C ratio. Eight equations were derived for predicting the enteric CH 4 emission from goats and Sika deer. For goat, equation 1 was found to be of the highest accuracy: CH 4 (g/d) = 3.36+4.71×DMI (kg/d)-0.0036×neutral detergent fiber concentrate (NDFC, g/kg)+0.01563×dry matter digestibility (DMD, g/kg)-0.0108×neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD, g/kg). For Sika deer, equation 5 was found to be of the highest accuracy: CH 4 (g/d) = 66.3+27.7×DMI (kg/d)-5.91×NDFC (g/kg)-7.11× DMD (g/kg)+0.0809×NDFD (g/kg). Digested nutrient intake could be considered when determining the CH 4 generation factor in goats and Sika deer. Finally, the enteric CH 4 prediction model for goats and Sika deer were estimated.

Phosphorus status and sorption characteristics of some calcareous soils of Hamadan, western Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalali, Mohsen

2007-10-01

Phosphorus (P) application in excess of plant requirement may result in contamination of drinking water and eutrophication of surface water bodies. The phosphorous buffer capacity (PBC) of soil is important in plant nutrition and is an important soil property in the determination of the P release potential of soils. Phosphorus sorption greatly affects both plant nutrition and environmental pollution. For better and accurate P fertilizer recommendations, it is necessary to quantify P sorption. This study was conducted to investigate available P and P sorption by calcareous soils in a semi-arid region of Hamadan, western Iran. The soil samples were mainly from cultivated land. Olsen’s biocarbonate extractable P (Olsen P) varied among soils and ranged from 10 to 80 mg kg-1 with a mean of 36 mg kg-1. Half of the soils had an Olsen P > 40 mg kg-1 and >70% of them had a concentration >20 mg kg-1, whereas the critical concentration for most crops is <15 mg P kg-1. Greater average Olsen P in soils occurred under garlic (56 mg kg-1) and potato (44 kg kg-1) fields than in dry-land wheat farming (24 mg kg-1), pasture (30 mg kg-1), and wheat (24 mg P kg-1) fields. A marked increase in fertilizer P rates applied to agricultural soils has caused P to be accumulated in the surface soil. Phosphate sorption curves were well fitted to the Freundlich equation. The standard P requirement (SPR) of soils, defined as the amount of P sorbed at an equilibrium concentration of 0.2 mg l-1 ranged from 4 to 102 mg kg-1. Phosphorus buffer capacity was relatively high and varied from 16 to 123 l kg-1 with an average of 58 l kg-1. In areas of intensive crop production, continual P applications as P fertilizer and farmyard manure have been used at levels exceeding crop requirements. Surface soil accumulations of P are high enough that loss of P in surface runoff and a high risk for P transfer into groundwater have become priority management concerns.

[Effects of conjunctive application of Chinese herbal medicine residue compost and chemical fertilizer on ferulic acid and ligustilide contents in Angelica sinensis].

PubMed

Fan, Qin; Wang, Yin-Quan; An, Pei-Kun; Guo, Zeng-Xiang; Xia, Qi

2013-02-01

To investigate the effects of conjunctive application of Chinese herbal medicine residue compost (CHMRC) and chemical fertilizer on ferulic acid and ligustilide contents in Angelica sinensis. There were six treatments, viz. T1: control (no fertilizer), T2: chemical fertilizer (the fertilizer rates for N, P2O5 and K2O were 90, 90 and 60 kg/hm2, respectively), T3:1 350 kg/hm2 CHMRC, 86 kg/hm2N, 84 kg/hm2 P2O5 and 52 kg/hm2 K2O, T4:2 250 kg/hm2 CHMRC, 83 kg/hm2N, 81 kg/hm2 P2O5 and 47 kg/hm2 K2O, T5: 3 150 kg/hm2 CHMRC, 82 kg/hm2N, 77 kg/hm2 P2O5 and 42 kg/hm2 K2O, and T6: CHMRC at 4 500 kg/hm2 (nitrogen application rate was the same as T2). Along with growth stages, the changing trend of ferulic acid and ligustilide contents from all treatments showed a "J"-shaped curve; Ferulic acid and ligustilide contents in the roots at the harvest were increased compared with the beginning by over 16.0% and 117.0%, respectively, in which the maximum increasing rates of ferulic acid and ligustilide contents occurred in the chemical fertilizer treatment (T2), and reached at 68.4% and 176.6%, respectively; Compared with control, T2, T5 and T6 significantly increased ferulic acid content by 19.2% - 25.6%, and ligustilide content by 9.1% - 11.2% (P < 0.05). The results are obtained as following: the application of CHMRC and/or chemical fertilizer does not change the chemical composition in the root of Angelica sinensis, but has some effects on the content of related ingredients. This research indicates that T5 should be recommended for Angelica sinensis growing, which will ensure a production of high quality, low cost and environment-friendly.

Plasma electrolytes in relation to altitude tolerance in rats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Purshottam, T.

1979-04-01

Plasma concentrations of Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-) ions did not change significantly whereas that of (HCO3)- dropped to one-third of its initial value in rats during their 15 min of gasping at a simulated altitude of 10,000 m at 33 C, which was their survival threshold. Administration of methamphetamine (2 mg/kg), imipramine (2 mg/kg) and adrenaline (7 mg/kg) i.p. were ineffective in prolonging the survival time of rats, whereas acetazolamide (40 mg/kg), furosemide (2 mg/kg) and caffeine citrate (10 mg/kg) significantly increased their survival under hypoxia, (p less than 0.001, 0.01, and 0.05, respectively).

The B-Raf Status of Tumor Cells May Be a Significant Determinant of Both Antitumor and Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Pazopanib in Xenograft Tumor Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-05

B-Raf status was identified as a significant determinant of both tumor growth and angiogenesis. Citation: Gril B, Palmieri D , Qian Y, Anwar T, Ileva L...231-B R EJ MCF7-HER2 D MCF7 100mg/kg * 30m g/kg 100mg/kg * * • WM3899 ElWM3918 DSKMEL28 DSKMEL2 30mg/kg * * * * 30mg/kg 100mg/kg c...without any pazopanib treatment (average of the three experiments). D - Cell viability by MTT assay at T96 with the indicated Pazopanib treatments. (PDF

The activity of several newer antimicrobials against logarithmically multiplying M. leprae in mice.

PubMed

Burgos, Jasmin; de la Cruz, Eduardo; Paredes, Rose; Andaya, Cora Revelyn; Gelber, Robert H

2011-09-01

Moxifloxacin, rifampicin, rifapentine, linezolid, and PA 824, alone and in combination, have been previously administered, as single doses and five times daily doses, to M. leprae infected mice during lag phase multiplication and were each found to have some bactericidal activity. The fluroquinolones, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin, (50 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) and the rifamycins (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg), rifampicin and rifapentine, were evaluated alone and in combination for bactericidal activity against M. leprae using the mouse footpad model during logarithmic multiplication. Linezolid and PA 824 were similarly evaluated alone and linezolid in combination with rifampicin, minocycline and ofloxacin. The three fluroquinolones and rifamycins were found alone and in combination to be bactericidal at all dosage schedules. PA 824 had no activity against M. leprae, while linezolid at a dose of 25 mg/kg was bacteriostatic, and progressively more bactericidal at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. No antagonisms were detected between any of these drugs when used in combinations. Moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, rifapentine and linezolid were found bactericidal against rapidly multiplying M. leprae.

Mercury and methylmercury concentrations in Mediterranean seafood and surface sediments, intake evaluation and risk for consumers.

PubMed

Spada, Lucia; Annicchiarico, Cristina; Cardellicchio, Nicola; Giandomenico, Santina; Di Leo, Antonella

2012-04-01

Total mercury and methylmercury concentrations were measured in sediments and marine organisms from the Taranto Gulf to understand their distribution and partitioning. Sediment concentrations ranged from 0.036 to 7.730 mg/kg (mean: 2.777 mg/kg d.w.) and from 1 to 40 μg/kg (mean: 11 μg/kg d.w.) for total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (Me-Hg), respectively. In mollusks THg ranged from n.d. to 1870 μg/kg d.w. while in fish from 324 to 1740 μg/kg d.w. Me-Hg concentrations in fish ranged from 190 to 1040 μg/kg d.w. and from n.d. to 1321 μg/kg d.w. in mollusks. THg exceeded the maximum level fixed by the European Commission (0.5 mg/kg w.w.) only in gastropod Hexaplex t. The calculated weekly intake was in many cases over the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake established by EFSA for all edible species. These results seem to indicate that dietary consumption of this seafood implicates an appreciable risk for human health. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

PID temperature controller in pig nursery: improvements in performance, thermal comfort, and electricity use.

PubMed

de Souza Granja Barros, Juliana; Rossi, Luiz Antonio; Sartor, Karina

2016-08-01

The use of smarter temperature control technologies in heating systems can optimize the use of electric power and performance of piglets. Two control technologies of a resistive heating system were assessed in a pig nursery: a PID (proportional, integral, and derivative) controller and a thermostat. The systems were evaluated regarding thermal environment, piglet performance, and use of electric power for 99 days. The heating system with PID controller improved the thermal environment conditions and was significantly (P < 0.001) more efficient in terms of electricity use to produce 1 kg of body weight (2.88 kWh kg(-1)), specific cost (0.75 R$ kg(-1)), weight gain (7.3 kg), daily weight gain (0.21 kg day(-1)), and feed conversion (1.71) than the system with thermostat (3.98 kWh kg(-1); 1.03 R$ kg(-1); 5.2 kg; 0.15 kg day(-1), and 2.62, respectively). The results indicate that the PID-controlled heating system is more efficient in electricity use and provides better conditions for thermal comfort and animal performance than heating with thermostat.

Effects of harmane and other β-carbolines on apomorphine-induced licking behavior in rat.

PubMed

Farzin, Davood; Haghparast, Abbas; Motaman, Shirine; Baryar, Faegheh; Mansouri, Nazanin

2011-04-01

Harmane, harmine and norharmane are β-carboline compounds which have been referred to as inverse agonists of benzodiazepine receptors. The effect of these compounds on apomorphine-induced licking behavior was studied in rats. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg) induced licking. The licking behavior was counted with a hand counter and recorded for a period of 75 min by direct observation. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of harmane (1.25-5 mg/kg), harmine (2.5-10 mg/kg) and norharmane (1.25-5 mg/kg) significantly reduced the licking behavior. In rats pretreated with reserpine (5 mg/kg, i.p., 18 h before the test), the effects of harmane (4 mg/kg, i.p.), harmine (7.8 mg/kg, i.p.) and norharmane (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) were unchanged. When flumazenil (2 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 20 min before apomorphine, it was able to antagonize the effects of harmane, harmine and norharmane. It was concluded that the β-carbolines harmane, harmine and norharmane reduce the licking behavior via an inverse agonistic mechanism located in the benzodiazepine receptors. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Heavy metals in vegetables sold in the local market in Jordan.

PubMed

Osaili, Tareq M; Al Jamali, Abbas F; Makhadmeh, Ibrahim M; Taha, Mohammad; Jarrar, Sukiena K

2016-09-01

Heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in various vegetables (cabbage, green onion, lettuce, parsley, rocket, spinach, carrot, onion, potato and cauliflower) from the market in Jordan were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn ranged from 0.009-0.275 mg kg(-1) wet weight, 0.004-0.060 mg kg(-1), 0.003-0.401 mg kg(-1), 0.105-3.51 mg kg(-1), 0.15-1.15 mg kg(-1), 0.93-14.39 mg kg(-1), 0.044-0.702 mg kg(-1), 0.072-0.289 mg kg(-1) and 2.23-6.65 mg kg(-1), respectively. Parsley, followed by spinach, contained the highest concentration of heavy metals. Onion contained high levels of toxic heavy metals. The content of Cu in parsley and spinach and Pb in onion exceeded the Codex limits. However, the daily intake of heavy metals from the tested vegetables was lower than the maximum limits for allowable intake.

Determination of selected quaternary ammonium compounds by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Part II. Application to sediment and sludge samples in Austria.

PubMed

Martínez-Carballo, Elena; González-Barreiro, Carmen; Sitka, Andrea; Kreuzinger, Norbert; Scharf, Sigrid; Gans, Oliver

2007-03-01

Soxhlet extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry detection (MS/MS) was used for the determination of selected quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in solid samples. The method was applied for the determination of alkyl benzyl, dialkyl and trialkyl quaternary ammonium compounds in sediment and sludge samples in Austria. The overall method quantification limits range from 0.6 to 3 microg/kg for sediments and from 2 to 5 microg/kg for sewage sludges. Mean recoveries between 67% and 95% are achieved. In general sediments were especially contaminated by C12 chain benzalkonium chloride (BAC-C12) as well as by the long C-chain dialkyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC-C18) with a maximum concentration of 3.6 mg/kg and 2.1mg/kg, respectively. Maxima of 27 mg/kg for DDAC-C10, 25 mg/kg for BAC-C12 and 23 mg/kg for BAC-C14 were determined for sludge samples. The sums of the 12 selected target compounds range from 22 mg/kg to 103 mg/kg in the sludge samples.

Screening of a thiamine-auxotrophic yeast for alpha-ketoglutaric acid overproduction.

PubMed

Zhou, Jingwen; Zhou, Haiyan; Du, Guocheng; Liu, Liming; Chen, Jian

2010-09-01

To obtain a thiamine-auxotrophic yeast strain that overproduces alpha-ketoglutaric acid (alpha-KG) from glycerol and to investigate nutrient effects on alpha-KG production. Yeast strain WSH-Z06, a thiamine auxotroph that gave high yields of alpha-KG from glycerol, was obtained by screening for ampicillin/kanamycin resistance and thiamine auxotrophy. The strain was identified as Yarrowia lipolytica based on physiological, chemical, and phylogenetic analysis. The ability of the strain to convert glycerol to alpha-KG was analysed by investigating the effects of nutritional factors, including thiamine, riboflavin, nitrogen sources, and calcium ion. Thiamine and calcium ion concentration had the greatest effect on alpha-KG accumulation. Under optimal conditions, a yield of 39.2 g l(-1)alpha-KG was obtained from 100 g l(-1) glycerol, with 16.84 g l(-1) pyruvate as a by-product. The current work provides a method for screening for an alpha-KG overproducer. Nutrients have a significant impact on alpha-KG production in the yeast strain presented here. The alpha-KG-overproducing yeast strain Y. lipolytica WSH-Z06 is a promising parent strain for further metabolic engineering to lower by-product accumulation and accelerate glycerol utilization.

Relationship among yield and plant specific traits on triticale Romanian varieties in Timisoara environment.

PubMed

Butnaru, Gallia; Sarac, Ioan; Ciulca, Sorin

2014-01-01

The paper assesses the behavior of triticale genotypes in the evolution of the environment in Timisoara area during 2001 - 2011. The triticale varieties and lines were bred in the Eastern part of Romania [RICIC Fundulea] with a different climate pattern than Timisoara. We intended to see the yield evolution during a long period of cultivation [10 years--3 varieties bred before 2000; Group 1] and the new genotypes bred after 2000; Group 2] cultivated during 6 - 2 years. Each year, new different varieties (in total 32) and new lines (in total 78) were also under observation. For 10 years, the best variety from the first Group was Titan [5643.2 ± 710.2 kg/ha; CV% = 39.8]. From the second Group, the highest yield average revealed Haiduc variety [6207.2 ± 715.0 kg/ha; CV% = 34.6. During 3 years of cultivation Nera, Matroz and Negoiu pointed out 7936 kg/ha, 7542 kg/ha and 7266 kg/ha respectively. Nedeea and Oda overpasses 8500 and 7500 kg/ha during 2010 - 2011 respectively. The 2011 agricultural year was improper for cereals. It was affected by high temperature, and small amounts of precipitations. Only 64.16% of the average amounts of precipitation were accumulated. In these conditions the best varieties were Gorun and Haiduc performing 7190 kg/ha and 7058 kg/ha respectively. 40% of the tested varieties yielded less than 4500 kg/ha. From the farmers' point of view the best varieties were Titan and Gorun. In terms of the eight plant traits studied in 2011, the phenotypic similarity [ps] between varieties was variable. According to obtained results, we advise the farmers to compose a complex of varieties that should be proper for their specific environment. The favorable combination for cultivation in a stable environmental condition are Gorun [7190 kg/ha] and Matroz [6863 kg/ha] with ps = 93.23% revealing a high similarity. In an unstable environment, the best variety combination for cultivation are: Titan [6025 kg/ha] and Haiduc [7058 kg/ha] [ps = 49.94%], Titan [6025 kg/ha] and Gorun [7190 kg/ha] [ps = 47.93%]. The biplot analysis for the quantitative and qualitative traits highlighted the significant contribution of the number of spikes per unit area.

Comparative study of toxicity of 4-nitrophenol and 2,4-dinitrophenol in newborn and young rats.

PubMed

Koizumi, M; Yamamoto, Y; Ito, Y; Takano, M; Enami, T; Kamata, E; Hasegawa, R

2001-12-01

The toxicities of 4-nitrophenol and 2,4-dinitrophenol in newborn and young rats was examined and the susceptibility of newborn rats was analyzed in terms of presumed unequivocally toxic and no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs). In the 18-day repeated dose newborn rat study, 4-nitrophenol was orally given from Day 4 to Day 21 after birth but did not induce any toxicity up to 160 mg/kg in the main study, although it induced death in one of six males at 160 mg/kg, and three of six males and one of six females at 230 mg/kg in a prior dose-finding study. In the 28-day repeated dose oral toxicity study starting at 6 weeks of age, 4-nitrophenol caused the death of most males and females at 1,000 mg/kg but was not toxic at 400 mg/kg except for male rat-specific renal toxicity. As unequivocally toxic levels were considered to be 230 mg/kg/day in newborn rats and 600 to 800 mg/kg/day in young rats, and NOAELs were 110 mg/kg/day in newborn rats and 400 mg/kg/day in young rats, the susceptibility of the newborn to 4-nitrophenol appears to be 2.5 to 4 times higher than that of young animals. In the newborn rat study of 2,4-dinitrophenol, animals died at 30 mg/kg in the dose-finding study and significant lowering of body and organ weights was observed at 20 mg/kg in the main study. In the 28-day young rat study, clear toxic signs followed by death occurred at 80 mg/kg but there was no definitive toxicity at 20 mg/kg. As unequivocally toxic levels and NOAELs were considered to be 30 and 10 mg/kg/day in newborn rats and 80 and 20 mg/kg/day in young rats, respectively, the toxicity of 2,4-dinitrophenol in newborns again seems to be 2 to 3 times stronger than in young rats. Abnormalities of external development and reflex ontogeny in the newborn were not observed with either chemical. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the toxic response in newborn rats is at most 4 times higher than that in young rats, at least in the cases of 4-nitrophenol and 2,4-dinitrophenol.

Effects of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Comparison of BMI > 30 and < 30 kg/m2.

PubMed

Ke, Zhigang; Li, Fan; Chen, Jing; Gao, Yu; Zhou, Xunmei; Sun, Fang; Li, Chunxue; Liu, Baohua; Li, Qiang; Zhu, Zhiming; Tong, Weidong

2017-11-01

Recently, many studies focused on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m 2 and suggested that those patients might benefit from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, evidence on its effectiveness to improve T2DM patients with BMI < 30 kg/m 2 is still lacking. The aim of this study is to explore whether T2DM patients with BMI < 30 kg/m 2 get similar surgical effect from RYGB compared with those patients with BMI > 30 kg/m 2 . Seventy patients with uncontrolled T2DM underwent laparoscopic RYGB from May 2010 to December 2015 in the GI Department of Daping Hospital. Weight, BMI, waist circumference, glucose, and lipid metabolic parameters were collected and evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postsurgery. Patients with BMI < 30 kg/m 2 were compared with those with BMI > 30 kg/m 2 . Among the 70 patients, 47 (67.1%) BMI < 30 kg/m 2 , and 23 (32.9%) BMI > 30 kg/m 2 . Patients with BMI < 30 kg/m 2 are significantly older; they are female predominant and have longer duration of diabetes. The complete remission of T2DM was 28.2% of the BMI < 30 kg/m 2 group and 57.9% of the BMI > 30 kg/m 2 group (p = 0.029). There was no significant difference in the change of glucose and lipid metabolic parameters of both groups. FPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c% levels were significantly improved after 1 month (p < 0.05), and then remained essentially stable from the sixth month in both groups. The 2-year study has shown that RYGB is a safe and effective procedure in treating T2DM with BMI < 30 kg/m 2 , although the complete remission of T2DM in the BMI < 30 kg/m 2 group is lower than the BMI > 30 kg/m 2 group.

Effect of dietary protein content on animal production and blood metabolites of dairy cows during lactation.

PubMed

Law, R A; Young, F J; Patterson, D C; Kilpatrick, D J; Wylie, A R G; Mayne, C S

2009-03-01

Ninety autumn-calving Holstein dairy cows [45 primiparous and 45 multiparous (mean parity, 3.1)] were allocated to 1 of 3 dietary crude protein (CP) concentrations: 173, 144, or 114 g of CP/kg of DM, from calving until d 150 of lactation. On d 151, half of the animals in each treatment were allocated an alternative dietary protein concentration. Half of the animals receiving 114 g of CP/kg of DM went onto 144 g of CP/kg of DM; half of the animals receiving 144 g of CP/kg of DM went onto 173 g of CP/kg of DM; and half of the animals receiving 173 g of CP/kg of DM went onto 144 g of CP/kg of DM, with the remaining animals staying on their original treatment. This resulted in 6 treatments in the mid to late lactation period: 114/114, 144/144, 173/173, 114/144, 144/173, and 173/144 g of CP/kg of DM. An increase in dietary CP concentration significantly increased milk, fat, and protein yield in early lactation (d 1 to 150). Dry matter intake was also increased with increased dietary protein concentration; however, this was not significant between 144 and 173 g of CP/kg of DM. Increased dietary CP significantly increased plasma urea, albumin, and total protein concentrations but had no significant effect on NEFA, leptin, or IGF-1 concentrations. Decreasing the dietary CP concentration in mid-late lactation (d 151 to 305) from 173 to 144 g/kg of DM had no significant effect on milk yield, dry matter intake, or milk fat and protein yield, compared with animals that remained on 173 g of CP/kg of DM throughout lactation. Increasing dietary CP concentration from 144 to 173 g/kg of DM significantly increased dry matter intake compared with animals that remained on the 144 g of CP/kg of DM throughout lactation. There were no significant dietary treatment effects on live weight or body condition score change throughout the experiment. Results of this study indicate that high protein diets (up to 173 g of CP/kg of DM) improved feed intake and animal performance in early lactation (up to d 150), but thereafter, protein concentration can be reduced to 144 g of CP/kg of DM with no detrimental effects on animal performance.

Flesh quality loss in response to dietary isoleucine deficiency and excess in fish: a link to impaired Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defense in muscle.

PubMed

Gan, Lu; Jiang, Wei-Dan; Wu, Pei; Liu, Yang; Jiang, Jun; Li, Shu-Hong; Tang, Ling; Kuang, Sheng-Yao; Feng, Lin; Zhou, Xiao-Qiu

2014-01-01

The present study explored the impact of dietary isoleucine (Ile) on fish growth and flesh quality and revealed a possible role of muscle antioxidant defense in flesh quality in relation to dietary Ile. Grass carp (weighing 256.8±3.5 g) were fed diets containing six graded levels of Ile (3.8, 6.6, 9.3, 12.5, 15.2 and 18.5 g/kg) for eight weeks. The results indicated that compared with Ile deficiency (3.8 g/kg diets) and excess (18.5 g/kg diets) groups, 9.3-15.2 g Ile/kg diet supplementations promoted fish growth and muscle fat deposition, whereas 6.6-15.2 g Ile/kg diets supplementation enhanced muscle nutrients (protein and total EAAs) deposition. Furthermore, muscle shear force, pH value, and hydroxyproline concentration were improved by 9.3-12.5, 9.3 and 9.3 g Ile/kg diet supplementations, respectively. However, muscle cooking loss, lactate content, and activities of cathepsin B and L were decreased by 6.6-15.2, 9.3-12.5, 9.3-12.5 and 9.3-15.2 g Ile/kg diet supplementations, respectively. Additionally, 6.6-15.2 and 6.6-12.5 g Ile/kg diet supplementations attenuated malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents, respectively. The activities of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione content were enhanced by 6.6-9.3, 6.6-12.5 and 6.6-15.2 g Ile/kg diet supplementations, respectively. Moreover, the relative mRNA expressions of antioxidant enzymes, including Cu/Zn-SOD (6.6-12.5 g/kg diets) and GPx (12.5 g/kg diets), as well as antioxidant-related signaling molecules, including NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (6.6-12.5 g/kg diets), target of rapamycin (6.6-12.5 g/kg diets), ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 (9.3-12.5 g/kg diets) and casein kinase 2 (6.6-12.5 g/kg diets), were up-regulated when Ile diet supplementations were administered at these levels, respectively, whereas the relative mRNA expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 was down-regulated with 9.3 g Ile/kg diet supplementations. Collectively, the present study indicated that optimum isoleucine improved flesh quality, partly due to the activation of antioxidant defense through the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in the irrigated area of Jinghui, Shaanxi, China, in terms of wheat flour consumption.

PubMed

Lei, Lingming; Liang, Dongli; Yu, Dasong; Chen, Yupeng; Song, Weiwei; Li, Jun

2015-10-01

Contamination of heavy metals (HMs) in agricultural soil has become a serious environmental problem because it poses a serious threat to human health by entering into food chains. Wheat is a staple food of the majority of the world's population; therefore, understanding the relationship between HM concentration in soils and its accumulation in wheat grain is imperative. This study assessed the concentrations of HMs (i.e., Hg, As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni) in agricultural soils (a loess soil, eum-orthic anthrosol) and wheat flour in the historical irrigated area of Jinghui, Northwest China. The potential human health risks of HMs among local residents were also determined by evaluating the consumption of wheat flour. Results showed that the mean soil concentrations of HMs exceeded the corresponding natural background values of agricultural surface soil in Shaanxi: 0.07 mg kg(-1) for Hg, 15.4 mg kg(-1) for As, 0.25 mg kg(-1) for Cd, 75.5 mg kg(-1) for Cr, 27.2 mg kg(-1) for Pb, 28.1 mg kg(-1) for Cu, 81.1 mg kg(-1) for Zn, and 36.6 mg kg(-1) for Ni, respectively. However, all of the mean concentrations of HMs in soil were within the safety limits set by the Chinese regulation (HJ332-2006). The total HM concentrations in wheat flour were 0.0017 mg kg(-1) for Hg, 0.028 mg kg(-1) for As, 0.020 mg kg(-1) for Cd, 0.109 mg kg(-1) for Cr, 0.128 mg kg(-1) for Pb, 2.66 mg kg(-1) for Cu, 24.20 mg kg(-1) for Zn, and 0.20 mg kg(-1) for Ni, and they were significantly lower than the tolerance limits of Chinese standards. However, 15% of the wheat flour samples exceeded the Chinese standard (GB2762-2012) for Pb. This study highlighted the human health risks in the relationship of wheat flour consumption for both adults and children with HMs accumulated area. HMs did not cause noncarcinogenic risks in the area (HI < 1) except for children in Jingyang county; Cd generated the greatest carcinogenic risk, which poses a potential health risk to consumers. The results obtained in this study showed that the government and other institutions should implement measures to prevent and control HM contamination in agricultural soil and crops to mitigate the associated health risks.

Power Considerations for Micro-Autonomous Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-30

PV cell APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE 15 Micro-Thermo- Photovoltaics POC: Ivan Celanovic low- power MPPT micro channel Silicon MEMs reactor Ill...max power density 150 W/kg (3000 mW, 500 sec) APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE 29 Micro-Thermo- Photovoltaics low- power MPPT micro channel Silicon MEMs...Secondary used as a Primary *Contour  4g (220Whr/kg, 750W/kg), 15g (400 Whr/kg, 1000W/kg) *Sion Power ??? •Lithium-Sulfur: promising rechargeable

[The evaluation of the efficacy of antihypoxic agents lowering hemoglobin oxygen affinity in acute cerebral ischemia].

PubMed

Plotnikova, T M; Plotnikov, M B; Bazhenova, T G

1991-02-01

Influence of natrii hydroxybutyrate (100 mg/kg), ascorbate (100 mg/kg), cavinton (5 mg/kg), bemitil (50 mg/kg), ethomersol (50 mg/kg) on Hb-O2 affinity and cortex PO2 after both carotid artery occlusion in rats was investigated. Correlation (r-0.87; P less than 0.05) between lowering of Hb-O2 affinity and antihypoxic effect was demonstrated in the line of these drugs.

Evaluation of the Histo - Gastroprotective and Antimicrobial Activities of Heliotropium Indicum Linn (Boraginaceae)

PubMed Central

Adelaja, Akinlolu Abdulazeez; Ayoola, M. D.; Otulana, J. O.; Akinola, O. B.; Olayiwola, Abimbola; Ejiwunmi, A. B.

2008-01-01

Heliotropium indicum of the family Boraginaceae is used locally in Nigeria to treat ailments such as ulcer and fever. In this study, ulceration of the gastric mucosa in Wistar rats was induced via the oral administration of 80mg/kg/bodyweight of Indomethacin. Histological analyses of the stomach body wall in the rats of Groups 2 and 4 (which received 100mg/kg/bodyweight of extract before oral administration of 80mg/kg/bodyweight Indomethacin and 80mg/kg/bodyweight Indomethacin only respectively) showed erosion of the mucus-secreting cells, gastric pit, upper and middle parts of gastric glands and some of the parietal cells. Histological observations of the stomach body wall in rats of Group 5 (which received 200mg/kg/bodyweight of extract before oral administration of 80mg/kg/bodyweight of Indomethacin) showed erosion of the mucus-secreting cells, gastric pit and the upper most part of the gastric gland. Histological observations of the stomach body wall in rats of Groups 1, 6 and 3 (which received 50mg/kg/bodyweight of Ranitidine and 400mg/kg/bodyweight of extract before oral administration of 80mg/kg/bodyweight Indomethacin; and only 80mg/kg/bodyweight of Normal Saline respectively) showed normal morphological appearance of the different components of the mucosa layer. Thus, the aqueous extracts of the dried leaves of Heliotropium indicum have dose dependent histo-gastroprotective effects. PMID:22570586

Evaluation of the histo - gastroprotective and antimicrobial activities of heliotropium indicum linn (boraginaceae).

PubMed

Adelaja, Akinlolu Abdulazeez; Ayoola, M D; Otulana, J O; Akinola, O B; Olayiwola, Abimbola; Ejiwunmi, A B

2008-07-01

Heliotropium indicum of the family Boraginaceae is used locally in Nigeria to treat ailments such as ulcer and fever. In this study, ulceration of the gastric mucosa in Wistar rats was induced via the oral administration of 80mg/kg/bodyweight of Indomethacin. Histological analyses of the stomach body wall in the rats of Groups 2 and 4 (which received 100mg/kg/bodyweight of extract before oral administration of 80mg/kg/bodyweight Indomethacin and 80mg/kg/bodyweight Indomethacin only respectively) showed erosion of the mucus-secreting cells, gastric pit, upper and middle parts of gastric glands and some of the parietal cells. Histological observations of the stomach body wall in rats of Group 5 (which received 200mg/kg/bodyweight of extract before oral administration of 80mg/kg/bodyweight of Indomethacin) showed erosion of the mucus-secreting cells, gastric pit and the upper most part of the gastric gland. Histological observations of the stomach body wall in rats of Groups 1, 6 and 3 (which received 50mg/kg/bodyweight of Ranitidine and 400mg/kg/bodyweight of extract before oral administration of 80mg/kg/bodyweight Indomethacin; and only 80mg/kg/bodyweight of Normal Saline respectively) showed normal morphological appearance of the different components of the mucosa layer. Thus, the aqueous extracts of the dried leaves of Heliotropium indicum have dose dependent histo-gastroprotective effects.

Comparison of thiopentone/guaifenesin, ketamine/guaifenesin and ketamine/midazolam for the induction of horses to be anaesthetised with isoflurane.

PubMed

Gangl, M; Grulke, S; Detilleux, J; Caudron, I; Serteyn, D

2001-08-04

Forty-eight horses subjected to elective surgery were randomly assigned to three groups of 16 horses. After premedication with 0.1 mg/kg acepromazine intramuscularly and 0.6 mg/kg xylazine intravenously, anaesthesia was induced either with 2 g thiopentone in 500 ml of a 10 per cent guaifenesin solution, given intravenously at a dose of 1 ml/kg (group TG), or with 100 mg/kg guaifenesin and 2.2 mg/kg ketamine given intravenously (group KG), or with 0.06 mg/kg midazolam, and 2.2 mg/kg ketamine given intravenously (group KM). Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. The mean (sd) end tidal isoflurane concentration (per cent) needed to maintain a light surgical anaesthesia (stage III, plane 2) was significantly lower in group KM (0.91 [0.03]) than in groups TG (1.11 [0.03]) and KG (1.14 [0.03]). The mean (sd) arterial pressure (mmHg) was significantly lower in group KG (67.4 [2.07]) than in groups TC (75.6 [2.23]) and KM (81.0 [2.16]). There were no significant differences in the logarithm of the heart rate, recovery time or quality of recovery between the three induction groups. However, pronounced ataxia was observed in the horses of group KM, especially after periods of anaesthesia lasting less than 75 minutes.

Total intravenous anaesthesia in a goat undergoing craniectomy.

PubMed

Vieitez, Verónica; Álvarez Gómez de Segura, Ignacio; López Rámis, Víctor; Santella, Massimo; Ezquerra, Luis Javier

2017-09-15

Cerebral coenurosis is a disease of the central nervous system in sheep and goats, and is usually fatal unless surgical relief is provided. Information regarding neuroanaesthesia in veterinary medicine in goats is scant. We describe anaesthetic management of an intact female goat (2 years; 16 kg) presented for craniectomy. The goat was sedated with xylazine (0.05 mg kg -1 , i.m.) and morphine (0.05 mg kg -1 , i.m.). General anaesthesia was induced 20 min later with propofol and maintained with a constant rate infusion of propofol (0.2 mg kg -1  min -1 ). A cuffed endotracheal tube was placed and connected to a rebreathing (circle) system and mechanical ventilation with 100% oxygen was initiated. A bolus of lidocaine (1 mg kg -1 ), midazolam (0.25 mg kg -1 ) and fentanyl 2.5 μg kg -1 was delivered via the intravenous route followed immediately by a constant rate infusion of lidocaine (50 μg kg -1  min -1 ), midazolam (0.15 mg kg -1  h -1 ) and fentanyl (6 μg kg -1  h -1 ) administered via the intravenous route throughout surgery. Craniectomy was undertaken and the goat recovered uneventfully. Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol, lidocaine, fentanyl and midazolam could be an acceptable option for anaesthesia during intracranial surgery in goats.

Monitoring of perchlorate in diverse foods and its estimated dietary exposure for Korea populations.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Woo; Oh, Sung-Hee; Oh, Jeong-Eun

2012-12-01

The perchlorate concentrations in various Korean food samples were monitored, and 663 samples belonging to 39 kinds of food were analyzed. The analysis results revealed that dairy products contain the highest average concentration of 6.34 μg/kg and high detection frequency of over 85%. Fruit and vegetables showed the next highest perchlorate concentration with an average of 6.17 μg/kg. Especially, with its average concentration of 39.9 μg/kg, spinach showed the highest perchlorate level among all target food samples studied. Tomato was followed by spinach, which showed a high perchlorate average concentration of 19.8 μg/kg, and over 7 μg/kg was detected in ham and sausage (avg. 7.31 μg/kg) and in instant noodles (avg. 7.58 μg/kg). Less than 2 μg/kg was detected in fishes, meats and beverages. The exposure dose of perchlorate in Korean by food intake was calculated on the basis of the analyzed perchlorate levels in this study. The daily perchlorate dose to which Korean adults are exposed is 0.04 μg/kg bw/day, which is lower than the RfD (0.7 μg/kg bw/day) value suggested by US NAS. This result indicates that Korean people's current exposure to perchlorate from domestic food consumption is evaluated as safe. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aflatoxin (B1 , B2 , G1 , and G2 ) contamination in rice of Mexico and Spain, from local sources or imported.

PubMed

Suárez-Bonnet, Elena; Carvajal, Magda; Méndez-Ramírez, Ignacio; Castillo-Urueta, Pável; Cortés-Eslava, Josefina; Gómez-Arroyo, Sandra; Melero-Vara, José María

2013-11-01

Rice is an important cereal but it is often contaminated with aflatoxins (AFs). The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify AF (B1 , B2 , G1 , and G2 ) in 67 rice samples cultivated in Mexico and Spain, and from imported crops collected in 2008 and 2009. The methodology was validated, the rice samples were concentrated and purified with immunoaffinity columns and were quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The average total AF (AFt) in the Spanish rice was 37.3 μg/kg, the range was from 1.6 to 1383 μg/kg, the most contaminated samples being from San Juan de Aznalfarache, Sevilla (AFt = 138.6 μg/kg), from Tortosa, Tarragona (AFt = 104.6 μg/kg), and Calasparra, Murcia (AFt = 103.9 μg/kg). The rice imported from France to Spain had AFt of 26.6 μg/kg and from Pakistan AFt of 18.4 μg/kg, showing less AF contamination than the local one. The rice which originated from Mexico contained (AFt = 16.9 μg/kg), and those imported from the United States (AFt = 14.4 μg/kg) and Uruguay (AFt = 15.6 μg/kg). The imported rice had better quality in terms of the presence of AFs. © 2013 Institute of Food Technologists®

Opioid neurotoxicity: neuropathologic effects in rats of different fentanyl congeners and the effects of hexamethonium-induced normotension.

PubMed

Kofke, W A; Garman, R H; Janosky, J; Rose, M E

1996-07-01

We tested the hypotheses that convulsant doses of opioids would produce limbic system damage exacerbated by hexamethonium. Ventilated paralyzed rats received intravenous (IV) isovolumic infusion of fentanyl loading dose (LD) 1000 micrograms/kg, maintenance dose (MD) 40 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 (n = 10), sufentanil LD 400 micrograms/kg, MD 13.3 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 (n = 10), alfentanil LD 1500 micrograms/kg, MD 150 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 (n = 10), or 0.9% saline control LD 4 mliter/kg, MD 4 mliter.kg-1.h-1 (n = 10), with O2/N2 30%/70% during opioid infusion and O2/N2O in controls during saline infusion. Hexamethonium (LD 20 mg/kg, MD 40-120 mg.kg-1.h-1) was given IV during opioid infusion to half of the rats. Cerebral perfusion-fixation with formalin was performed 24 h later, followed by histopathologic assessment. None of the control rats showed any histologic abnormalities. Overall summed neuropathologic severity was worse in opioid treated groups (P = 0.01). Lesions occurred primarily in cortical regions and limbic system structures. When arterial blood pressure was controlled to a lower level with hexamethonium (147 vs 100 mm Hg), rats had less severe lesions (P = 0.02). These data indicate that fentanyl, sufentanil, and alfentanil all can produce histopathologic evidence of brain injury in rats mitigated by hexamethonium.

Pesticide residues in nut-planted soils of China and their relationship between nut/soil.

PubMed

Han, Yongxiang; Mo, Runhong; Yuan, Xinyue; Zhong, Donglian; Tang, Fubin; Ye, Caifen; Liu, Yihua

2017-08-01

Twenty-nine pesticide residues in nut-planted soils from China were investigated. One organophosphate (chlorpyrifos) was detected in 5.3% soils, and the residue levels of 7.2 μg/kg to 77.2 μg/kg. The concentrations of six organochlorines (DDT, HCH, endosulfan, quintozene, aldrin and dieldrin) detected in 78.9% soils were 0.6 μg/kg to 90.1 μg/kg. The residue levels of six pyrethroids (bifenthrin, fenpropathrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate and deltamethrin) detected in 65.8% soils were 1.5 μg/kg to 884.3 μg/kg. Triadimefon and buprofezin were found in 71.1% and 52.6% samples, respectively, with the corresponding concentrations of 9.8 μg/kg to 193.7 μg/kg and 87.9 μg/kg to 807.4 μg/kg. The multiple residues were found in 76.3% soils. A significant correlation between pesticide residues in nuts and soils was observed, with the correlation coefficient (r) 0.83 (P < 0.001). In addition, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) values for the explanation of pesticides from soils into nuts were ranged from 0.8 to 16.5. The results showed that some pesticides could accumulate in nut by the uptake effect from soil. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of feeding sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) to sows during mid-lactation on plasma prolactin and litter performance.

PubMed

Kopinski, J S; Blaney, B J; Murray, S-A; Downing, J A

2008-10-01

Diets containing 3% sorghum ergot (16 mg alkaloids/kg, including 14 mg dihydroergosine/kg) were fed to 12 sows from 14 days post-farrowing until weaning 14 days later, and their performance was compared with that of 10 control sows. Ergot-fed sows displayed a smaller weight loss during lactation of 24 kg/head vs. 29 kg/head in control sows (p > 0.05) despite feed consumption being less (61 kg/head total feed intake vs. 73 kg/head by control sows; p < 0.05). Ergot-fed sows had poorer weight gain of litters over the 14-day period (16.6 kg/litter vs. 28.3 kg/litter for controls; p < 0.05) despite an increase in consumption of creep feed by the piglets from the ergot-fed sows (1.9 kg/litter compared with 1.1 kg/litter by the control; p > 0.05). Sow plasma prolactin was reduced with ergot feeding after 7 days to 4.8 microg/l compared with 15.1 microg/l in the control sows (p < 0.01) and then at weaning was 4.9 microg/l compared with 8.0 microg/l (p < 0.01) in the control sows. Two sows fed ergot ceased lactation early, and the above sow feed intakes, body weight losses with litter weight gains and creep consumption indirectly indicate an ergot effect on milk production.

Agmatine exerts anticonvulsant effect in mice: modulation by alpha 2-adrenoceptors and nitric oxide.

PubMed

Demehri, Shadpour; Homayoun, Houman; Honar, Hooman; Riazi, Kiarash; Vafaie, Kourosh; Roushanzamir, Farshad; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2003-09-01

The effect of agmatine, an endogenous polyamine metabolite, on seizure susceptibility was investigated in mice. Acute intraperitoneal administration of agmatine (5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg) had a significant and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. The peak of this anticonvulsant effect was 45 min after agmatine administration. We further investigated the possible involvement of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptors and L-arginine/NO pathway in this effect of agmatine. The alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine (0.5-2 mg/kg), induced a dose-dependent blockade of the anticonvulsant effect of agmatine. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrate, L-arginine (60 mg/kg), inhibited the anticonvulsant property of agmatine and this effect was significantly reversed by NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME, 30 mg/kg), implying an NO-dependent mechanism for L-arginine effect. We further examined a possible additive effect between agmatine (1 or 5 mg/kg) and L-NAME (10 mg/kg). The combination of L-NAME (10 mg/kg) with agmatine (5 but not 1 mg/kg) induced a significantly higher level of seizure protection as compared with each drug alone. Moreover, a combination of lower doses of yohimbine (0.5 mg/kg) and L-arginine (30 mg/kg) also significantly decreased the anticonvulsant effect of agmatine. In conclusion, the present data suggest that agmatine may be of potential use in seizure treatment.

Opioid, calcium, and adrenergic receptor involvement in protopine analgesia.

PubMed

Xu, Q; Jin, R L; Wu, Y Y

1993-11-01

The analgesic effect of protopine (Pro), an alkaloid isolated from Papaveraceae, was confirmed by tail-pinch and hot-plate tests when given sc 10-40 mg.kg-1, and 20-40 mg.kg-1 inhibited the spontaneous movements of mice. Pro 40 mg.kg-1 increased the sleeping rate, prolonged the sleeping duration, and shortened the sleeping latency in mice hypnotized by ip pentobarbital sodium 30 mg.kg-1. Pro 10-40 mg.kg-1 did not affect the inflammatory reaction induced by xylene and egg white. An icv injection of Pro 20-200 micrograms/mouse showed a remarkable analgesic effect in mice. The icv pretreatment of naloxone 2 micrograms blocked the analgesic effect completely. CaCl2 40 micrograms/mouse (ICV) or methotrexate 10 mg.kg-1 (ip), an agonist of Ca2+ channel, showed a complete blockade of the analgesia, while nifedipine 100 mg.kg-1(po), a blocker of Ca2+ channel, enhanced the analgesic effect. The ip pretreatment of reserpine 4 mg.kg-1 reduced the Pro analgesia. Phentolamine 10 mg.kg-1(ip), an alpha-adrenergic blocker, tended to weaken the analgesia, but propranolol 10 mg.kg-1(ip), a beta-blocker, did not affect it. These results suggest that Pro displays its analgesic effect mainly through the opioid and calcium systems and partly through the adrenergic mechanism.

Antigenotoxic and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Napoleona Vogelii Hook & Planch (Lecythidaceae) In Cyclophosphamide-Induced Genotoxicity

PubMed Central

Ikumawoyi, Victor; Agbaje, Esther; Awodele, Olufunsho

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND: Napoleona vogelii is used in traditional medicine for cancer management. AIM: The study was conducted to evaluate the antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities of methanol stem bark extract of N. vogelii in male Sprague Dawley rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into group 1 (control) administered 10 mL/kg distilled water, groups 2 and 3 were co-administered 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg of N. vogelli and 5 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CPA) respectively for 7 days p.o. Groups 4 and 5 were administered only 5 mg/kg CPA and 200 mg/kg NV respectively. RESULTS: The LD50 oral was greater than 4 g/kg. There were significant (p < 0.0001) increases in plasma enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzymes and significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in percentage micronuclei in bone marrow of extract treated rats compared to rats administered 5 mg/kg CPA alone. There was steatosis pointing to cytotoxic injury in the liver of rats co-administered 200 mg/kg NV and 5 mg/kg CPA. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the extract showed the presence of phytol and unsaturated fatty acids. CONCLUSION: N. vogelii possesses antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities associated with the presence of phytochemicals, phytol and unsaturated fatty acids. PMID:29362611

Moderate energy restriction with high protein diet results in healthier outcome in women.

PubMed

Mero, Antti A; Huovinen, Heikki; Matintupa, Olle; Hulmi, Juha J; Puurtinen, Risto; Hohtari, Hannele; Karila, Tuomo Am

2010-01-25

The present study compares two different weight reduction regimens both with a moderately high protein intake on body composition, serum hormone concentration and strength performance in non-competitive female athletes. Fifteen normal weighted women involved in recreational resistance training and aerobic training were recruited for the study (age 28.5 +/- 6.3 yr, height 167.0 +/- 7.0 cm, body mass 66.3 +/- 4.2 kg, body mass index 23.8 +/- 1.8, mean +/- SD). They were randomized into two groups. The 1 KG group (n = 8; energy deficit 1100 kcal/day) was supervised to reduce body weight by 1 kg per week and the 0.5 KG group (n = 7; energy deficit 550 kcal/day) by 0.5 kg per week, respectively. In both groups protein intake was kept at least 1.4 g/kg body weight/day and the weight reduction lasted four weeks. At the beginning of the study the energy need was calculated using food and training diaries. The same measurements were done before and after the 4-week weight reduction period including total body composition (DXA), serum hormone concentrations, jumping ability and strength measurements During the 4-week weight reduction period there were no changes in lean body mass and bone mass, but total body mass, fat mass and fat percentage decreased significantly in both groups. The changes were greater in the 1 KG group than in the 0.5 KG group in total body mass (p < 0.001), fat mass (p < 0.001) and fat percentage (p < 0.01). Serum testosterone concentration decreased significantly from 1.8 +/- 1.0 to 1.4 +/- 0.9 nmol/l (p < 0.01) in 1 KG and the change was greater in 1 KG (30%, p < 0.001) than in 0.5 KG (3%). On the other hand, SHBG increased significantly in 1 KG from 63.4 +/- 17.7 to 82.4 +/- 33.0 nmol/l (p < 0.05) during the weight reducing regimen. After the 4-week period there were no changes in strength performance in 0.5 KG group, however in 1 KG maximal strength in bench press decreased (p < 0.05) while endurance strength in squat and counter movement jump improved (p < 0.05) It is concluded that a weight reduction by 0.5 kg per week with ~1.4 g protein/kg body weight/day can be recommended to normal weighted, physically active women instead of a larger (e.g. 1 kg per week) weight reduction because the latter may lead to a catabolic state. Vertical jumping performance is improved when fat mass and body weight decrease. Thus a moderate weight reduction prior to a major event could be considered beneficial for normal built athletes in jumping events.

[Effects of aluminium chloride on the methylation of app in hippocampal of rats].

PubMed

Yang, Xiaojuan; Yuan, Yuzhou; Niu, Qiao

2016-05-01

To study the effect of aluminum chloride on amyloid precursor protein ( APP ) promoter methylation and the content of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) in hippocampus of rats. Forty male SPF grade SD rats were divided into four groups: control group (0.9% NaCl), 10 mg/kg AlCl3 group, 20 mg/kg AlCl3 group, and 30 mg/kg AlCl3 group, respectively. After treatment for 8 weeks, the APP methylation level and expressions of APP mRNA was detected by methylation specific PCR and quantitative real time PCR, respectively. The content of APP and Abeta were detected with enzym-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). With the increase of the content of aluminium chloride, the escape latency were significantly prolong (P < 0.05), numbers of traversing flat in AlCl3 20 mg/kg and AlCl3 30 mg/kg group high and were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the methylation level of APP contaminated by AlCl3 were decreased (chi2 = 27.61, P < 0.05), the level of APP methylation in 30 mg/kg AlCl3 group was lower than three groups (P < 0.01). With the increase of aluminium chloride, the level of APP methylation were decreased (chi2 = 19.08, P < 0.01). With the increase of the content of aluminium chloride, the methylation level of APP treated with 20 mg/kg AlCl3 and 30 mg/kg AlCl3 were decreased compared with control group (P < 0.05), the level of APP methylation in 30 mg/kg AlCl3 group was lower than 10mg/kg AlCl3 group (P < 0.05), the APP mRNA expression level in AlCl3 group was of statistical significance compared to the control group (F = 8.973, P < 0.05), the level of APP mRNA in 30 mg/kg AlCl3 were higher than 10 mg/kg AlCl3 (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the content of APP and Abeta in hippocampus of AlCl3 group were increased (F = 11.14, P = 0. 032, F = 17.82, P = 0.018), and 30 mg/kg AlCl3 group were higher than 10 mg/kg AlCl3 (P < 0.05), the content of APP in 20 mg/kg AlCl3 group were higher than 10 mg/kg AlCl3 (P < 0.05). The result of immunohistochemistry revealed that the grey scale in hippocampus, which suggested that the deposition of Abeta was the most in 20 mg/kg AlCl3 group and 30 mg/kg AlCl3 group. Aluminium chloride might cause APP promoter methylation decline, affect the APP mRNA and APP expression increased and result in Abeta deposition in hippocampal.

Sugammadex ED90 dose to reverse the rocuronium neuromuscular blockade in obese patients.

PubMed

Silva, Mauro Prado DA; Matsui, Christiano; Kim, Daniel Dongiou; Vieira, Joaquim Edson; Malheiros, Carlos Alberto; Mathias, Ligia Andrade Silva Telles

2017-01-01

to determine the ED90 (minimum effective dose in 90% of patients) of sugammadex for the reversal of rocuronium-induced moderate neuromuscular blockade (NMB) in patients with grade III obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. we conducted a prospective study with the biased coin up-and-down sequential design. We chosen the following doses: 2.0mg/Kg, 2.2mg/Kg, 2.4mg/Kg, 2.6mg/Kg, 2.8mg/Kg. The complete reversal of rocuronium-induced NMB considered a T4/T1 ratio ≥0.9 as measured by TOF. After induction of general anesthesia and calibration of the peripheral nerve stimulator and accelerometer, we injected rocuronium 0.6mg/kg. We administered propofol and remifentanil by continuous infusion, and intermittent boluses of rocuronium throughout the procedure. we evaluated 31 patients, of whom 26 had displayed successful reversal of the NMB with sugammadex, and failure in five. The mean time to complete moderate NMB reversal was 213 seconds (172-300, median 25-75%). The ED90 of sugammadex calculated by regression was 2.39mg/kg, with a 95% confidence interval of 2.27-2.46 mg/kg. the ED90 of sugammadex in patients with grade III obesity or higher was 2.39mg/kg. determinar a ED90 (dose mínima eficaz em 90% dos pacientes) de sugamadex para a reversão de bloqueio neuromuscular (BNM) moderado induzido pelo rocurônio em pacientes com obesidade grau III submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. estudo prospectivo com o método de projeção sequencial para cima e para baixo da moeda enviesada. As seguintes doses foram escolhidas: 2,0mg/kg-1, 2,2mg/kg-1, 2,4mg/kg-1, 2,6mg/kg-1, 2,8mg/kg-1. A reversão completa de BNM induzido por rocurônio considerou uma relação T4/T1 ≥0,9 na medida do TOF. Após a indução da anestesia geral e calibração do estimulador de nervo periférico e acelerômetro, rocurônio 0,6mg/kg-1 foi injetado. Infusão contínua de propofol e remifentanil, e bolus intermitente de rocurônio foram injetados durante todo o procedimento. trinta e um pacientes foram avaliados, 26 dos quais bem-sucedidos e cinco sem reversão completa do BNM moderado promovido pelo sugamadex. O tempo médio para completar reversão de BNM foi 213 segundos (172 a 300 segundos; mediana, 25-75%). O ED90 de sugamadex calculado pela regressão foi de 2,39mg/kg-1 com um intervalo de confiança de 95% (2,27 a 2,46mg/kg-1). o ED90 de sugamadex em pacientes com obesidade grau III ou superior foi 2,39mg/kg-1.

Levamisole enhances the rewarding and locomotor-activating effects of cocaine in rats.

PubMed

Tallarida, Christopher S; Tallarida, Ronald J; Rawls, Scott M

2015-04-01

The Drug Enforcement Agency estimates that 80% of cocaine seized in the United States contains the veterinary pharmaceutical levamisole (LVM). One problem with LVM is that it is producing life-threatening neutropenia in an alarming number of cocaine abusers. The neuropharmacological profile of LVM is also suggestive of an agent with modest reinforcing and stimulant effects that could enhance cocaine's addictive effects. We tested the hypothesis that LVM (ip) enhances the rewarding and locomotor stimulant effects of cocaine (ip) using rat conditioned place preference (CPP) and locomotor assays. Effects of LVM by itself were also tested. LVM (0-10 mg/kg) produced CPP at 1mg/kg (P<0.05) and locomotor activation at 5mg/kg (P < 0.05). For CPP combination experiments, a statistically inactive dose of LVM (0.1 mg/kg) was administered with a low dose of cocaine (2.5 mg/kg). Neither agent produced CPP compared to saline (P > 0.05); however, the combination of LVM and cocaine produced enhanced CPP compared to saline or either drug by itself (P < 0.01). For locomotor experiments, the same inactive dose of LVM (0.1mg/kg, ip) was administered with low (10 mg/kg) and high doses (30 mg/kg) of cocaine. LVM (0.1 mg/kg) enhanced locomotor activation produced by 10mg/kg of cocaine (P < 0.05) but not by 30 mg/kg (P>0.05). LVM can enhance rewarding and locomotor-activating effects of low doses of cocaine in rats while possessing modest activity of its own. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Imidazoline binding sites mediates anticompulsive-like effect of agmatine in marble-burying behavior in mice.

PubMed

Dixit, Madhura P; Thakre, Prajwal P; Pannase, Akshay S; Aglawe, Manish M; Taksande, Brijesh G; Kotagale, Nandkishor R

2014-06-05

Agmatine is a cationic amine formed by decarboxylation of l-arginine by the mitochondrial enzyme arginine decarboxylase and widely distributed in mammalian brain. Although the precise function of endogenous agmatine has been largely remained unclear, its exogenous administration demonstrated beneficial effects in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. This study was planned to examine the role of imidazoline binding sites in the anticompulsive-like effect of agmatine on marble-burying behavior. Agmatine (20 and 40mg/kg, ip), mixed imidazoline I1/α2 agonists clonidine (60µg/kg, ip) and moxonidine (0.25mg/kg, ip), and imidazoline I2 agonist 2- BFI (10mg/kg, ip) showed significant inhibition of marble burying behavior in mice. In combination studies, the anticompulsive-like effect of agmatine (10mg/kg, ip) was significantly potentiated by prior administration of moxonidine (0.25mg/kg, ip) or clonidine (30µg/kg,) or 2-BFI (5mg/kg, ip). Conversely, efaroxan (1mg/kg, ip), an I1 antagonist and idazoxan (0.25mg/kg, ip), an I2 antagonist completely blocked the anticompulsive-like effect of agmatine (10mg/kg, ip). These drugs at doses used here did not influence the basal locomotor activity in experimental animals. These results clearly indicated the involvement of imidazoline binding sites in anti-compulsive-like effect of agmatine. Thus, imidazoline binding sites can be explored further as novel therapeutic target for treatment of anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Role of nitric oxide in additive anticonvulsant effects of agmatine and morphine.

PubMed

Payandemehr, Borna; Rahimian, Reza; Bahremand, Arash; Ebrahimi, Ali; Saadat, Seyedehpariya; Moghaddas, Peiman; Fadakar, Kaveh; Derakhshanian, Hoda; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2013-06-13

The anticonvulsant effects of agmatine, an endogenous polyamine and a metabolite of l-arginine, have been shown in various experimental seizure models. Agmatine also potentiates the anti-seizure activity of morphine. The present study aimed to investigate a possible involvement of nitric oxide (NO) pathway in the protection by agmatine and morphine co-administration against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) -induced seizure in male mice. To this end, the thresholds for the clonic seizures induced by the intravenous administration of PTZ, a GABA antagonist, were assessed. Intraperitoneal administration of morphine at lower dose (1mg/kg) increased the seizure threshold. Also intraperitoneal administration of agmatine (5 and 10mg/kg) increased the seizure threshold significantly. Combination of subeffective doses of morphine and agmatine led to potent anticonvulsant effects. Non-effective doses of morphine (0.1 and 0.5mg/kg) were able to induce anticonvulsant effects in mice pretreated with agmatine (3mg/kg). Concomitant administration of either the non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME (1, 5mg/kg, i.p.) or the selective NOS inhibitor 7-NI (15, 30mg/kg, i.p.), with an ineffective combination of morphine (0.1mg/kg) plus agmatine (1mg/kg) produced significant anticonvulsant impacts. Moreover, the NO precursor, l-arginine (30, 60mg/kg, i.p.), inhibited the anticonvulsant action of agmatine (3mg/kg) plus morphine (0.5mg/kg) co-administration. Our results indicate that pretreatment of animals with agmatine enhances the anticonvulsant effects of morphine via a mechanism which may involve the NO pathway. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sedation and mechanical antinociception after intravenous administration of detomidine in donkeys: a dosage-effect study.

PubMed

Lizarraga, Ignacio; Castillo-Alcala, Fernanda; Varner, Kelley M; Robinson, Lauren S

2015-02-21

There is limited, useful, scientific information on detomidine in donkeys. This study compared the effects of intravenous saline, detomidine (10, 13.5, 17 and 20 μg/kg) and acepromazine (50 μg/kg) in donkeys by computing areas under the curve for 0-30, 30-60 and 60-120 minutes (AUC0-30, AUC30-60 and AUC60-120) for sedation scores, head heights and mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs). For sedation scores, all detomidine treatments, except 10 μg/kg, increased AUC0-30 values compared with saline, and AUC0-30 values were larger for 17 μg/kg detomidine than for acepromazine. All head height AUC values were lower for detomidine than for saline (except AUC60-120 for 10 μg/kg detomidine) and acepromazine (except AUC0-30 for 10 and 20 μg/kg detomidine, and AUC60-120 for 10 μg/kg detomidine). For MNTs, all detomidine treatments increased AUC0-30 and AUC30-60 values compared with saline and acepromazine; AUC30-60 values were smaller for 10 μg/kg than for 17 and 20 μg/kg detomidine. MNT AUC60-120 values were larger for 20 μg/kg detomidine than for saline, 10 μg/kg detomidine and acepromazine. Detomidine induced sedation and antinociception, but only antinociception was dosage dependent. Selection of detomidine dosage for donkeys may depend on the required duration of sedation and/or degree of analgesia. British Veterinary Association.

[Neuromuscular blocking effects of Org 9426 (rocuronium bromide); a comparative study with vecuronium bromide in Japanese patients].

PubMed

Shingu, Koh; Masuzawa, Munehiro; Omote, Keiichi; Namiki, Akiyoshi; Kikuchi, Hirosato; Kawamada, Miwako; Sato, Shigehito; Kimura, Tomomasa; Hatano, Norio; Nakatsuka, Hideki; Morita, Kiyoshi; Hara, Tetsuya; Kanmura, Yuichi; Takeda, Junzo

2006-09-01

Efficacy and safety of Org 9426 were compared with those of vecuronium bromide in Japanese patients. We studied 88 Japanese patients undergoing surgery requiring general anesthesia. Patients were allocated randomly to receive intubation dose of 0.6 mg x kg(-1), 0.9 mg x kg(-1) of Org 9426 or 0.1mg x kg(-1) of vecuronium. Following an intubation dose, patients received maintenance doses of 0.1, 0.15 or 0.2 mg x kg(-1) of Org 9426 or 0.025 mg x kg(-1) of vecuronium. The neuromuscular block was monitored with acceleromyography using TOF stimuli. Sevoflurane was administered to all treatment groups after intubation. The onset times of the 0.6 and 0.9 mg x kg(-1) of Org 9426 groups were 84.6 and 77.1 sec respectively, which showed statistical difference between the onset time of 0.1 mg x kg(-1) of vecuronium, 125.7 sec. The intubation condition was similar among three treatment groups. The clinical durations of 0.6 and 0.9 mg x kg(-1) of Org 9426 and 0.1 mg x kg(-1) of vecuronium were 53.4, 73.4 and 59.9 min, respectively. Clinical duration and spontaneous recovery time of maintenance dose of 0.15 mg x kg(-1) of Org 9426 were similar to those of 0.025 mg x kg(-1) of vecuronium. Org 9426 showed more rapid onset time than that of vecuronium and similar clinical duration and recovery times to those of vecuronium in Japanese patients.

Comparative evaluation of alternative forages to grass silage in the diet of early lactation dairy cows.

PubMed

Burke, F; Murphy, J J; O'Donovan, M A; O'Mara, F P; Kavanagh, S; Mulligan, F J

2007-02-01

Fifty-six autumn-calving Holstein-Friesian cows, blocked on the basis of days in milk (27.6 +/- 10.65 d), lactation number (3.1 +/- 2.21), and preexperimental milk yield (28.4 +/- 6.69 kg) were used to examine the effects of replacing 330 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of first-cut perennial ryegrass silage with either fermented whole-crop wheat (WCW), urea-treated processed WCW, or corn silage on subsequent feed intake, milk production, and efficiency of nitrogen utilization. The DM (g/kg), crude protein (CP, g/kg of DM) and in vitro DM digestibility (g/kg) of the forages were 204, 179, and 762 for grass silage; 389, 90, and 711 for fermented WCW; 795, 141, and 768 for urea-treated processed WCW; and 346, 93, and 783 for corn silage, respectively. Four forage treatments were evaluated as follows: 1) grass silage as the sole forage (GS); 2) a mixture of grass silage and fermented WCW silage, (F-WCW); 3) a mixture of grass silage and urea-treated processed WCW, (UP-WCW); and 4) a mixture of grass silage and corn silage (CS). In all cases, the alternative forages comprised 67% of the forage mix on a DM basis. Isonitrogenous diets were formulated by offering all cows 8 kg of concentrate as fed, formulated to different CP concentrations. Cows were offered these diets from 28 to 104 d in milk. Total DM intake and milk yield were greater on UP-WCW (20.0 and 30.2 kg/d) and CS (18.3 and 33.2 kg/d) than on GS (13.5 and 26.5 kg/d). Although DM intake was greater on F-WCW (17.1 kg/d) than on GS, milk yield was not significantly greater (+2.7 kg/d). Milk protein concentration was greater on F-WCW (30.5 g/kg), UP-WCW (31.3 g/kg), and CS (30.7 g/kg) than on GS (28.5 g/kg). However, there was no difference between treatments in milk fat or lactose concentrations. Body weight change was greater for cows offered GS (-0.27 kg/d) than for those offered UP-WCW (-0.01 kg/d) and CS (+0.05 kg/d) but not compared with those offered F-WCW (-0.06 kg/d). There was no effect of treatment on plasma glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, urea, or total protein at d 64 +/- 17.4 and d 92 +/- 17.4 postpartum. Efficiency of N utilization was greatest for CS with 0.36 of N intake being recovered in milk compared with 0.28, 0.32, and 0.26 for GS, F-WCW, and UP-WCW, respectively. There was no effect of treatment on milk urea N concentration or the urinary allantoin N to creatinine N ratio. The results of this experiment indicate that corn silage is a more suitable supplementary forage to grass silage than fermented or urea-treated processed WCW, with advantages realized in milk production and more efficient N utilization.

Rediscovery of Polish meteorites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tymiński, Z.; Stolarz, M.; Żołądek, P.; Wiśniewski, M.; Olech, A.

2016-01-01

The total number of Polish registered meteorites (by July 2016) including the meteoritical artifacts as Czestochowa Raków I and II is 22. Most of them are described by the pioneer of Polish Meteoritics Jerzy Pokrzywnicki who also identified the meteorite fall locations. In recent years prospectors found impressive specimens of known Polish meteorites such as Morasko: 34 kg, 50 kg, 164 kg, 174 kg and 261 kg or Pultusk: 1578 g, 1576 g, 1510 g, 610 g and 580 g expanding and determining precisely the known meteorite strewn fields.

Natural Transmutation of Actinides via the Fission Reaction in the Closed Thorium-Uranium-Plutonium Fuel Cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshalkin, V. Ye.; Povyshev, V. M.

2017-12-01

It is shown for a closed thorium-uranium-plutonium fuel cycle that, upon processing of one metric ton of irradiated fuel after each four-year campaign, the radioactive wastes contain 54 kg of fission products, 0.8 kg of thorium, 0.10 kg of uranium isotopes, 0.005 kg of plutonium isotopes, 0.002 kg of neptunium, and "trace" amounts of americium and curium isotopes. This qualitatively simplifies the handling of high-level wastes in nuclear power engineering.

The Molecular Anatomy of PFDA Hepatotoxicity as Studied by Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-26

indicators of cell injury and dysfunction. The compound chosen initially, perfluoro -n-decanoic acid ( PFDA ), is a ten carbon straight-chain perfluorinated ...following: 2mg, 20mg or 50mg PFDA /kg body weight; single injection; animals sacrificed on day 8 of exposure 150mg PFOA /kg ( perfluorooctanoate , PFDA’s...from the following treatments: (I) control; (II) 50mg/kg PFDA ; (III) 100mg/kg PFOA ; and (IV) 400mg/kg clofibrate. Panels V and VI are nitrocellulose

Avelumab for metastatic or locally advanced previously treated solid tumours (JAVELIN Solid Tumor): a phase 1a, multicohort, dose-escalation trial.

PubMed

Heery, Christopher R; O'Sullivan-Coyne, Geraldine; Madan, Ravi A; Cordes, Lisa; Rajan, Arun; Rauckhorst, Myrna; Lamping, Elizabeth; Oyelakin, Israel; Marté, Jennifer L; Lepone, Lauren M; Donahue, Renee N; Grenga, Italia; Cuillerot, Jean-Marie; Neuteboom, Berend; Heydebreck, Anja von; Chin, Kevin; Schlom, Jeffrey; Gulley, James L

2017-05-01

Avelumab (MSB0010718C) is a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-L1, inhibiting its binding to PD-1, which inactivates T cells. We aimed to establish the safety and pharmacokinetics of avelumab in patients with solid tumours while assessing biological correlatives for future development. This open-label, single-centre, phase 1a, dose-escalation trial (part of the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial) assessed four doses of avelumab (1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg), with dose-level cohort expansions to provide additional safety, pharmacokinetics, and target occupancy data. This study used a standard 3 + 3 cohort design and assigned patients sequentially at trial entry according to the 3 + 3 dose-escalation algorithm and depending on the number of dose-limiting toxicities during the first 3-week assessment period (the primary endpoint). Patient eligibility criteria included age 18 years or older, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1, metastatic or locally advanced previously treated solid tumours, and adequate end-organ function. Avelumab was given as a 1-h intravenous infusion every 2 weeks. Patients in the dose-limiting toxicity analysis set were assessed for the primary endpoint of dose-limiting toxicity, and all patients enrolled in the dose-escalation part were assessed for the secondary endpoints of safety (treatment-emergent and treatment-related adverse events according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0), pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles (immunological effects), best overall response by Response Evaluation Criteria, and antidrug antibody formation. The population for the pharmacokinetic analysis included a subset of patients with rich pharmacokinetic samples from two selected disease-specific expansion cohorts at the same study site who had serum samples obtained at multiple early timepoints. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01772004. Patient recruitment to the dose-escalation part reported here is closed. Between Jan 31, 2013, and Oct 8, 2014, 53 patients were enrolled (four patients at 1 mg/kg, 13 at 3 mg/kg, 15 at 10 mg/kg, and 21 at 20 mg/kg). 18 patients were analysed in the dose-limiting toxicity analysis set: three at dose level 1 (1 mg/kg), three at dose level 2 (3 mg/kg), six at dose level 3 (10 mg/kg), and six at dose level 4 (20 mg/kg). Only one dose-limiting toxicity occurred, at the 20 mg/kg dose, and thus the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. In all 53 enrolled patients (the safety analysis set), common treatment-related adverse events (occurring in >10% of patients) included fatigue (21 patients [40%]), influenza-like symptoms (11 [21%]), fever (8 [15%]), and chills (6 [11%]). Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in nine (17%) of 53 patients, with autoimmune disorder (n=3), increased blood creatine phosphokinase (n=2), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (n=2) each occurring in more than one patient (autoimmune disorder in two patients at 10 mg/kg and one patient at 20 mg/kg, increased blood creatine phosphokinase in two patients at 20 mg/kg, and increased aspartate aminotransferase in one patient at 1 mg/kg, and one patient at 10 mg/kg). Six (11%) of 53 patients had a serious treatment-related adverse event: autoimmune disorder (two [13%]), lower abdominal pain (one [7%]), fatigue (one [7%]), and influenza-like illness (one [7%]) in three patients treated at 10 mg/kg dose level, and autoimmune disorder (one [5%]), increased amylase (one [5%]), myositis (one [5%]), and dysphonia (one [5%]) in three patients who received the 20 mg/kg dose. We recorded some evidence of clinical activity in various solid tumours, with partial confirmed or unconfirmed responses in four (8%) of 53 patients; 30 (57%) additional patients had stable disease. Pharmacokinetic analysis (n=86) showed a dose-proportional exposure between doses of 3 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg and a half-life of 95-99 h (3·9-4·1 days) at the 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg doses. Target occupancy was greater than 90% at doses of 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg. Antidrug antibodies were detected in two (4%) of 53 patients. No substantial differences were found in absolute lymphocyte count or multiple immune cell subsets, including those expressing PD-L1, after treatment with avelumab. 31 (58%) of 53 patients in the overall safety population died; no deaths were related to treatment on study. Avelumab has an acceptable toxicity profile up to 20 mg/kg and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Based on pharmacokinetics, target occupancy, and immunological analysis, we chose 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks as the dose for further development and phase 3 trials are ongoing. National Cancer Institute and Merck KGaA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The efficiency of Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Simmentaler and hereford cattle in a sub-tropical environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venter, H. A. W.; Eloff, H. P.; Lüdemann, F.

1980-06-01

Norms for the performance of 4 breeds of cattle were studied. Bonsmara cows (434.8±3.5 kg) were the heaviest, followed by Simmentaler (418.7±3.9 kg), Afrikaner (411.6±4.0 kg) and Herefords (385.6±4.5 kg). Breeds differed significantly in terms of the preweaning growth of their calves. Simmentaler (212.3±2.6 kg) and Bonsmara (216.2±2.5 kg) were superior. A breed x age of cow interaction in terms of preweaning growth of the calf was established. Actual weaning mass of the calves appeared to have the most important influence on cow efficiency apart from weaning percentage.

Natural radioactivity determination in samples of Peperomia pellucida commonly used as a medicinal herb.

PubMed

Sussa, Fábio V; Damatto, Sandra R; Alencar, Marcos M; Mazzilli, Barbara P; Silva, Paulo S C

2013-02-01

The concentration of (238)U, (232)Th, (230)Th, (226)Ra, (228)Ra and (210)Pb were determined in samples of Peperomia pellucida and in the surrounding soil, by alpha spectrometry and gross alpha and beta counting. The radionuclide activity concentrations ranged from 4.3 to 38 Bq kg(-1), 1.7-124 Bq kg(-1), 2.1-38 Bq kg(-1), 8.5-37 Bq kg(-1), 3.2-46 Bq kg(-1), 39-93 Bq kg(-1), respectively. In the plant extractions and infusions as used for consumption, the mean recoveries were from 23% to 60% in maceration and 24-75% in infusion. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of nitrogen and fish manure fertilization on growth and chemical composition of lettuce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yildirim, Ertan; Kul, Raziye; Turan, Metin; Ekinci, Melek; Alak, Gonca; Atamanalp, Muhammet

2016-04-01

Present experiment was designed to determine the response of various dozes of fish manure (FM) and commercial fertilizers on plant growth, yield and nutrient content of lettuce. The treatments consisted of fish manure, commercial fertilizer and the combination of fish manure and commercial fertilizer with four dozes of nitrogen (0 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha). The results of the study showed that treatments significantly affected the growth and chemical characteristics of lettuce. The best results in regard to plant growth and yield were obtained from 100 and 150 kg kg/ha nitrogen dozes of the combination of fish manure and commercial fertilizer.

Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of Ginkgo biloba extract (CAS No. 90045-36-6) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice (Gavage studies).

PubMed

2013-03-01

Ginkgo biloba extract has been used primarily as a medicinal agent in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular dysfunction. Ginkgo biloba extract was nominated for study by the National Cancer Institute because of its widespread use as an herbal supplement to promote mental function and the limited availability of toxicity and carcinogenicity data. Furthermore, one of the major ingredients in Ginkgo biloba extract, quercetin, is a known mutagen. The Ginkgo biloba extract used in the current studies was procured from a supplier known to provide material to United States companies and contained 31.2% flavonol glycosides, 15.4% terpene lactones (6.94% bilo-balide, 3.74% ginkgolide A, 1.62% ginkgolide B, 3.06% ginkgolide C), and 10.45 ppm ginkgolic acid. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice were administered Ginkgo biloba extract in corn oil by gavage for 3 months or 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 3-MONTH STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 10 male and 10 female rats were administered 0, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg Ginkgo biloba extract/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. Additional groups of 10 male and 10 female rats (clinical pathology study) were administered the same doses, 5 days per week for 23 days. All rats survived to the end of the study. Mean body weights of all dosed groups were similar to those of the vehicle control groups. Liver weights of all dosed groups of males and females were significantly greater than those of the vehicle control groups. The incidences of hepatocyte hypertrophy in all dosed groups of males and in 500 and 1,000 mg/kg females were significantly greater than those in the vehicle control groups; there was a dose-related increase in severity of this lesion in males. Hepatocyte fatty change occurred in all dosed males. The incidences of thyroid gland follicular cell hypertrophy were significantly increased in 500 and 1,000 mg/kg males and in 1,000 mg/kg females. The incidences of pigmentation in the olfactory epithelium of the nose were significantly increased in 500 and 1,000 mg/kg males and in females administered 125 mg/kg or greater. 3-MONTH STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 10 male and 10 female mice were administered 0, 125, 250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg Ginkgo biloba extract/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. One female mouse in the 1,000 mg/kg group died of a dosing accident during week 11. Mean body weights of 2,000 mg/kg females were significantly less than those of the vehicle control group. Ruffled fur was observed in two 1,000 mg/kg males between weeks 7 and 8 and all 2,000 mg/kg males between weeks 5 and 9. Liver weights of 250 mg/kg or greater males and all dosed groups of females were significantly greater than those of the vehicle control groups. Kidney weights of 2,000 mg/kg males were significantly less than those of the vehicle control group. The Markov transition matrix analyses indicate female mice in the 2,000 mg/kg group had a significantly higher probability of extended estrus than did the vehicle control females. The incidences of hepatocytic hypertrophy were significantly increased in males and females in the 250 mg/kg or greater groups. Significantly increased incidences of focal hepatocytic necrosis occurred in 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg males. The incidences of hyaline droplet accumulation in the respiratory epithelium of the nose were significantly increased in 500 mg/kg males and 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg females. In the olfactory epithelium of the nose, the incidences of hyaline droplet accumulation were significantly increased in the 125 (female only), 500, and 1,000 mg/kg groups. Incidences of atrophy of the olfactory epithelium were significantly increased in the 1,000 mg/kg groups. The incidences of pigment accumulation in macrophages in the olfactory epithelium were significantly increased in males in the 500 mg/kg or greater groups and in 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg females. 2-YEAR STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 50 male and 50 female rats were administered 0, 100, 300, or 1,000 mg Ginkgo biloba extract/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage, 5 days per week for 104 or 105 (females) weeks. Additional groups of 10 male and 10 female rats (special study) were administered the same doses, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. Survival of 1,000 mg/kg males was significantly less than that of the vehicle controls. At week 14, all dosed groups of males and 1,000 mg/kg females had increased levels of thyroid stimulating hormone compared to those of the vehicle control groups. There were no significant decreases in the levels of triiodothyronine or total thyroxine. Mean body weights of 300 mg/kg males and females were less (10% or more) than those of the vehicle controls after week 93, and those of 1,000 mg/kg males and females were less after week 89. Clinical findings included ruffled fur in seven, eight, and 10 males in the 100, 300, and 1,000 mg/kg groups, respectively, beginning at week 89; four vehicle control males also had ruffled fur. Liver weights were significantly increased in all dosed groups of special study rats at 14 weeks. In the liver at 2 years, incidences of hepatocellular adenoma were slightly increased in 100 and 300 mg/kg males. Significantly increased incidences of nonneoplastic lesions at 2 years included hepatocyte hypertrophy and bile duct hyperplasia in all dosed groups of males and females, focal fatty change in all dosed groups of females, cystic degeneration in 100 and 1,000 mg/kg males, and oval cell hyperplasia and necrosis in 1,000 mg/kg males. In the thyroid gland, incidences of follicular cell adenoma were slightly increased in 300 and 1,000 mg/kg males and 300 mg/kg females. Single incidences of follicular cell carcinoma occurred in the 300 and 1,000 mg/kg female groups. There were significantly increased incidences of follicular cell hypertrophy in all dosed groups of males and females and follicle hyperplasia in all dosed groups of males. In the nose, adenoma of the respiratory epithelium occurred in two females receiving 300 mg/kg. Except for respiratory epithelium hyperplasia in 100 mg/kg females, the incidences of transitional epithelium and respiratory epithelium hyperplasia were significantly increased in all dosed groups of males and females. Except for olfactory epithelium respiratory metaplasia in 100 mg/kg females, the incidences of atrophy, respiratory metaplasia, nerve atrophy, and pigmentation were significantly increased in the olfactory epithelium of all dosed groups of males and females. Incidences of goblet cell hyperplasia in the respiratory epithelium were significantly increased in 300 and 1,000 mg/kg males and females, and incidences of chronic active inflammation were significantly increased in 1,000 mg/kg males and females. The incidence of submucosa fibrosis was significantly increased in 1,000 mg/kg males. The incidences of mononuclear cell leukemia in 300 and 1,000 mg/kg males were significantly greater than that in the vehicle controls. Dose-related increased severity of kidney nephropathy was noted in all dosed groups of males. 2-YEAR STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 50 male and 50 female mice were administered 0, 200, 600, or 2,000 mg Ginkgo biloba extract/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage, 5 days per week for 104 weeks. Survival of 600 and 2,000 mg/kg males was significantly less than that of the vehicle controls; survival of 600 mg/kg females was significantly greater than that of the vehicle controls. Mean body weights of 600 and 2,000 mg/kg males were less (10% or more) than those of the vehicle controls after weeks 85 and 77, respectively; mean body weights of 2,000 mg/kg females were generally less than those of the vehicle controls between weeks 17 and 69 and after week 93. In the liver, there were significantly increased incidences of hepatocellular adenoma in all dosed groups of females, hepatocellular carcinoma in all dosed groups of males and 2,000 mg/kg females, and hepatoblastoma in all dosed groups of males and 600 and 2,000 mg/kg females. The increased incidences of these neoplasms were primarily due to increased incidences of multiple adenoma, carcinoma, and hepatoblastoma. Except for the incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoblastoma (combined) in 200 and 600 mg/kg females, the incidences of hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma (combined), hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoblastoma (combined), and hepatocellular adenoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, or hepatoblastoma (combined) were significantly increased in all dosed groups of males and females. Significantly increased incidences of nonneoplastic liver lesions included hypertrophy in all dosed groups of males and females, erythrophagocytosis in all dosed groups of males and in 600 and 2,000 mg/kg females, hematopoietic cell proliferation, inflammation, and necrosis in 600 and 2,000 mg/kg males, and cytoplasmic vacuolization, eosinophilic focus, and mixed cell focus in all dosed groups of females. In the thyroid gland, two incidences each of follicular cell adenoma occurred in the 600 and 2,000 mg/kg male groups. The incidence of follicle hyperplasia was significantly increased in 2,000 mg/kg males, and the incidences of follicular cell hypertrophy were significantly increased in 2,000 mg/kg males and 600 and 2,000 mg/kg females. In the forestomach, the incidences of inflammation, epithelium hyperplasia, and epithelium hyperkeratosis were significantly increased in all dosed groups of males and in 2,000 mg/kg females; the incidences of epithelium ulcer were significantly increased in 2,000 mg/kg males and females. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY Ginkgo biloba extract was mutagenic in S. typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, and in E. coli strain WP2 uvrA/pKM101, with and without exogenous metabolic activation. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Preclinical animal acute toxicity studies of new developed MRI contrast agent based on gadolinium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nam, I. F.; Zhuk, V. V.

2015-04-01

Acute toxicity test of new developed MRI contrast agent based on disodium salt of gadopentetic acid complex were carried out on Mus musculus and Sprague Dawley rats according to guidelines of preclinical studies [1]. Groups of six animals each were selected for experiment. Death and clinical symptoms of animals were recorded during 14 days. As a result the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for female mice is 2.8 mM/kg of body weight, male mice - 1.4 mM/kg, female rats - 2.8 mM/kg, male rats - 5.6 mM/kg of body weight. No Observed Adverse Effect Dose (NOAEL) for female mice is 1.4 mM/kg, male mice - 0.7 mM/kg, male and female rats - 0.7 mM/kg. According to experimental data new developed MRI contrast agent based on Gd-DTPA complex is low-toxic.

Enhancement of nootropic effect of duloxetine and bupropion by caffeine in mice.

PubMed

Kale, Pravin Popatrao; Addepalli, Veeranjaneyulu

2015-01-01

The existing evidence suggests an association between depression and memory impairment. The objective of present study was to assess the effect of low dose caffeine with duloxetine and bupropion on memory. Mice were divided randomly into seven groups. Intra-peritoneal treatment of normal saline (10 ml/kg), caffeine (10 mg/kg), duloxetine (10 mg/kg), bupropion alone (10 mg/kg), caffeine + duloxetine (5 mg/kg, each), caffeine + bupropion (5 mg/kg, each), and bupropion + duloxetine (5 mg/kg, each) were given to groups I-VII, respectively. Elevated plus maze was used to evaluate transfer latency (TL) and Morris water maze was used to estimate the time spent in target quadrant. Caffeine with duloxetine treated group was better than other combination treated groups in terms of a significant decrease in TL and increase in the time spent in target quadrant recorded. Combining lower dose of caffeine with duloxetine may enhance cognitive benefits than respective monotherapies.

40 CFR 63.822 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the MSDS meets the data requirements of § 63.827(b) and (c). The purpose of the CPDS is to assist the... weight-fraction, kg/kg. (4) Chij=the organic HAP content of solvent j, added to solids-containing material i, expressed as a weight-fraction, kg/kg. (5) Chj=the organic HAP content of solvent j, expressed...

TOTAL AND BIOAVAILABLE METALS AT MARINA SEDIMENTS IN LAKE TEXOMA

EPA Science Inventory

Total and bioavailable metals in sediments were measured at marina areas in Lake Texoma during the fall of 2001. The metals most often found in the highest concentrations in sediments were Ca (56811 mg/kg) and Al (31095 mg/kg), followed by Fe (19393 mg/kg), K (6089 mg/kg), and Mg...

Body composition assessment using DXA in six-year-old children: the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

PubMed

Zanini, Roberta V; Santos, Iná S; Gigante, Denise P; Matijasevich, Alicia; Barros, Fernando C; Barros, Aluísio J D

2014-10-01

The aim of this study was to describe fat (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) in six-year-old children from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort, stratified by gender. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry was used to measure FM and LBM, FM and LBM indexes, and percentage (%) of FM and LBM. Mean measures of adiposity were higher among girls (6.3 kg, 4.2 kg/m(2) and 23.4% vs. 5 kg, 3.3 kg/m(2) and 18%) while LBM measures were higher among boys (19.3 kg, 13 kg/m(2) and 78.5% vs. 17.7 kg, 12.2 kg/m(2) and 73.2%). In both boys and girls mean measures of adiposity increased with socioeconomic status and maternal education. Mean measures of adiposity were higher among white-skinned children while %LBM was higher among black-skinned children. Preterm compared to full-term children showed lower mean measures of adiposity and LBM. Female sex, white skin color and higher socioeconomic conditions are associated with higher adiposity in childhood.

Pharmacokinetics of oral gabapentin in Greyhound dogs

PubMed Central

KuKanich, Butch; Cohen, Rachael L

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in healthy Greyhound dogs after single oral doses targeted at 10 and 20 mg/kg PO. Six healthy Greyhounds were enrolled (3 males, 3 females). Blood was obtained at predetermined times for the measurement of gabapentin plasma concentrations by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined with computer software. The actual mean (and range) doses administered were 10.2 (9.1–12.0) mg/kg and 20.5 (18.2 – 24) mg/kg for the 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg targeted dose groups. The mean CMAX for the 10 and 20 mg/kg groups were 8.54 and 13.22 μg/mL at 1.3 and 1.5 h, and the terminal half-lives were 3.3 and 3.4 h, respectively. The relative bioavailability of the 10 mg/kg group was 1.13 compared to the 20 mg/kg group. Gabapentin was rapidly absorbed and eliminated in dogs indicating frequent dosing is needed to maintain minimum targeted plasma concentrations. PMID:19854080

Pharmacokinetics of oral gabapentin in greyhound dogs.

PubMed

Kukanich, Butch; Cohen, Rachael L

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in healthy greyhound dogs after single oral doses targeted at 10 and 20mg/kg PO. Six healthy greyhounds were enrolled (3 males, 3 females). Blood was obtained at predetermined times for the measurement of gabapentin plasma concentrations by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined with computer software. The actual mean (and range) doses administered were 10.2 (9.1-12.0) mg/kg and 20.5 (18.2-24) mg/kg for the 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg targeted dose groups. The mean C(MAX) for the 10 and 20mg/kg groups were 8.54 and 13.22 microg/mL at 1.3 and 1.5h, and the terminal half-lives were 3.3 and 3.4h, respectively. The relative bioavailability of the 10mg/kg group was 1.13 compared to the 20mg/kg group. Gabapentin was rapidly absorbed and eliminated in dogs, indicating that frequent dosing is needed to maintain minimum targeted plasma concentrations. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Total intravenous anesthesia with midazolam, ketamine, and xylazine or detomidine following induction with tiletamine, zolazepam, and xylazine in red deer (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus) undergoing surgery.

PubMed

Auer, Ulrike; Wenger, Sandra; Beigelböck, Christoph; Zenker, Wolfgang; Mosing, Martina

2010-10-01

Sixteen captive female red deer were successfully anesthetized to surgically implant a telemetry system. The deer were immobilized with (mean±SD) 1.79±0.29 mg/kg xylazine and 1.79±0.29 mg/kg tiletamine/zolazepam given intramuscularly with a dart gun. Anesthesia was maintained for 69±2 min using a total intravenous protocol with a catheter placed in the jugular vein. Group X received xylazine (0.5±0.055 mg/kg/hr) and group D, detomidine (2±0.22 μg/kg/hr), both in combination with ketamine (2±0.02 mg/kg/hr) and midazolam (0.03±0.0033 mg/kg/hr), as a constant rate infusion. Anesthesia was reversed with 0.09±0.01 mg/kg atipamezole and 8.7±1.21 μg/kg sarmazenil given intravenously in both groups. These drug combinations provided smooth induction, stable anesthesia for surgery, and rapid recovery. Respiratory depression and mild hypoxemia were seen, and we, therefore, recommend using supplemental intranasal oxygen.

Efficacy of two low-dose oral tylosin regimens in controlling the relapse of diarrhea in dogs with tylosin-responsive diarrhea: a prospective, single-blinded, two-arm parallel, clinical field trial.

PubMed

Kilpinen, Susanne; Spillmann, Thomas; Westermarck, Elias

2014-08-06

Despite its wide acceptance as a treatment for canine chronic enteropathies, the macrolide antibiotic tylosin lacks official oral dosage recommendations. Not even textbooks share consensus about the dose; daily recommendations vary from 25 to 80 mg/kg and dosing intervals from one to three times daily. All eight dogs responded to the 5 mg/kg dose, and six of seven dogs responded to the 15 mg/kg dose. The mean fecal consistency scores at the 25 mg/kg tylosin dosage were no significantly different from scores at the 5 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg tylosin dosages (P=0.672, P=0.345). Interestingly, 14/15 (93%) of the dogs responding to a dose of 25 mg/kg tylosin once daily for seven days also responded to the lower dosages at diarrhea relapse. The data indicate that a suitable dose of tylosin for treating diarrhea relapse in canine TRD could be as low as 5 mg/kg once daily for seven days.

Exploitation of rapid acidification phenomena of food waste in reducing the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of high rate anaerobic digester without conceding on biogas yield.

PubMed

Kuruti, Kranti; Begum, Sameena; Ahuja, Shruti; Anupoju, Gangagni Rao; Juntupally, Sudharshan; Gandu, Bharath; Ahuja, Devender Kumar

2017-02-01

The aim of the present work was to study and infer a full scale experience on co-digestion of 1000kg of FW (400kg cooked food waste and 600kg uncooked food waste) and 2000L of rice gruel (RG) on daily basis based on a high rate biomethanation technology called "Anaerobic gas lift reactor" (AGR). The pH of raw substrate was low (5.2-5.5) that resulted in rapid acidification phenomena with in 12h in the feed preparation tank that facilitated to obtain a lower hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 10days. At full load, AGR was fed with 245kg of total solids, 205kg of volatile solids (167kg of organic matter in terms of chemical oxygen demand) which resulted in the generation of biogas and bio manure of 140m 3 /day and 110kg/day respectively. The produced biogas replaced 60-70kg of LPG per day. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of sewage sludge and slow pyrolyzed sewage sludge-derived biochar for adsorption of phenanthrene and pyrene.

PubMed

Zielińska, Anna; Oleszczuk, Patryk

2015-09-01

The present study investigated the sorption of phenanthrene (PHE) and pyrene (PYR) by sewage sludges and sewage sludge-derived biochars. The organic carbon normalized distribution coefficient (log K(OC) for C(w) = 0.01 S(w)) for the sewage sludges ranged from 5.62 L kg(-1) to 5.64 L kg(-1) for PHE and from 5.72 L kg(-1) to 5.75 L kg(-1) for PYR. The conversion of sewage sludges into biochar significantly increased their sorption capacity. The value of log K(OC) for the biochars ranged from 5.54 L kg(-1) to 6.23 L kg(-1) for PHE and from 5.95 L kg(-1) to 6.52 L kg(-1) for PYR depending on temperature of pyrolysis. The dominant process was monolayer adsorption in the micropores and/or multilayer surface adsorption (in the mesopores), which was indicated by the significant correlations between log K(OC) and surface properties of biochars. PYR was sorbed better on the tested materials than PHE. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of medetomidine on serum glucose in cattle calves.

PubMed

Tariq, Muhammad; Kalhoro, Amir Bukhsh; Sarwar, Mian Saeed; Khan, Hamayun; Ahmad, Shakoor; Hassan, Sayed Mubashir; Zahoor, Arshad

2016-05-01

An experimental study was carried out to compare physiological effects (serum glucose level) of medetomidine in Red Sindhi cattle calves at three different doses i.e. 8, 10 and 12µg/kg body weight intravenously. Medetomidine produced a dose dependent significant (P<0.01) increase in serum glucose level with a maximum increase observed at 30 minutes with 8µg/kg, 10μg/kg and 12μg/kg body weight respectively. Start of sedation, degree of sedation and total duration of sedation were all dose dependent and the values obtained were significantly (P<0.01) different from each other. It was observed that the sedation was rapid, deep and longer with the higher doses of medetomidine i.e. 12μg/kg. The results of the present study shows that medetomidine is a very effective and safest drug use as sedative for calves which in lower doses (8μg/kg) can be used as a pre-anesthetic and for restraining of the animal, while higher calculated doses (10μg/kg, 12μg/kg) can be used to execute the minor surgical procedures.

Assessment of metals content in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaves grown on mine tailings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levei, Levente; Andrei, Mariana Lucia; Hoaghia, Maria Alexandra; Ozunu, Alexandru

2017-12-01

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is one of the plant species that has the ability to spontaneously grow on mine tailings, due to its high tolerance for harsh environmental conditions (low nutrients level, high metal contents). The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined in tailings and dandelion leaves grown on nonferrous mine tailings from Romania, while the metal accumulation was assessed by transfer factors (TFs) calculated as the ratio between the metal concentration in plant leaves and in tailings underneath. The results showed that the metal concentrations in tailings ranged between 0.4-8.0 mg/kg Cd, 20-1300 mg/kg Cu, 27-570 mg/kg Pb and 48-800 mg/kg Zn, while the metal concentrations in dandelion ranged between 0.2-4.8 mg/kg Cd, 6.2-17 mg/kg Cu, 0.5-75 mg/kg Pb and 27-260 mg/kg Zn. The TFs were below 0.8 for Cd and Zn and below 0.4 for Cu and Pb and decreased in the following order Cd≥Zn>Cu≥Pb, suggesting the Cd and Zn accumulation capability of dandelion.

Carbon footprint of grain production in China.

PubMed

Zhang, Dan; Shen, Jianbo; Zhang, Fusuo; Li, Yu'e; Zhang, Weifeng

2017-06-29

Due to the increasing environmental impact of food production, carbon footprint as an indicator can guide farmland management. This study established a method and estimated the carbon footprint of grain production in China based on life cycle analysis (LCA). The results showed that grain production has a high carbon footprint in 2013, i.e., 4052 kg ce/ha or 0.48 kg ce/kg for maize, 5455 kg ce/ha or 0.75 kg ce/kg for wheat and 11881 kg ce/ha or 1.60 kg ce/kg for rice. These footprints are higher than that of other countries, such as the United States, Canada and India. The most important factors governing carbon emissions were the application of nitrogen fertiliser (8-49%), straw burning (0-70%), energy consumption by machinery (6-40%), energy consumption for irrigation (0-44%) and CH 4 emissions from rice paddies (15-73%). The most important carbon sequestration factors included returning of crop straw (41-90%), chemical nitrogen fertiliser application (10-59%) and no-till farming practices (0-10%). Different factors dominated in different crop systems in different regions. To identity site-specific key factors and take countermeasures could significantly lower carbon footprint, e.g., ban straw burning in northeast and south China, stopping continuous flooding irrigation in wheat and rice production system.

The level of elements and antioxidant activity of commercial dietary supplement formulations based on edible mushrooms.

PubMed

Stilinović, Nebojša; Škrbić, Biljana; Živančev, Jelena; Mrmoš, Nataša; Pavlović, Nebojša; Vukmirović, Saša

2014-12-01

Commercial preparations of Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum and Coprinus comatus mushroom marketed as healthy food supplements in Serbia were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace (GFAAS) for their element content. Antioxidant activity potential and total phenolics of the same mushrooms were determined. The element content of mushroom samples was in the range of 0.130-0.360 mg kg(-1) for lead (Pb), <0.03-0.46 mg kg(-1) for arsenic (As), 0.09-0.39 mg kg(-1) for cadmium (Cd), 98.14-989.18 mg kg(-1) for iron (Fe), 0.10-101.32 mg kg(-1) for nickel (Ni), 5.06-26.50 mg kg(-1) for copper (Cu), 0.20-0.70 mg kg(-1) for cobalt (Co), 1.74-136.33 mg kg(-1) for chromium (Cr) and 2.19-21.54 mg kg(-1) for manganese (Mn). In the tests for measuring the antioxidant activity, the methanolic extract of C. sinensis showed the best properties. The same was seen for the analysis of selected phenolic compounds; C. sinensis was found to have the highest content. Commercial preparations of C. sinensis and C. comatus can be considered to be safe and suitable food supplements included in well-balanced diets.

Role of carbonic anhydrase in basal and stimulated bicarbonate secretion by the guinea pig duodenum.

PubMed

Muallem, R; Reimer, R; Odes, H S; Schwenk, M; Beil, W; Sewing, K F

1994-05-01

The role of carbonic anhydrase in the process of proximal duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion was investigated in the guinea pig. In a series of experiments in vivo, the duodenum was perfused with 24 mmol/liter NaHCO3 solution (+ NaCl for isotonicity) to ensure that active duodenal HCO3- secretion against a concentration gradient was measured. Acetazolamide (80 mg/kg) was infused intravenously to examine the role of carbonic anhydrase on basal and agonist-stimulated HCO3- secretion. Acetazolamide abolished basal HCO3- secretion and significantly decreased HCO3- secretion after stimulation with dibutyryl 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dBcAMP, 10(-5) mol/kg), dibutyryl 5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (dBcGMP, 10(-5) mol/kg), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, 10(-6) mol/kg), PGF2 alpha (10(-6) mol/kg), tetradecanoyl-phorbol-acetate (TPA, 10(-7) mol/kg), glucagon (10(-7) mol/kg), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP, 10(-8) mol/kg), and carbachol (10(-8) mol/kg). Utilizing a fluorescence technique, we could detect the enzyme carbonic anhydrase in equal amounts in villous and crypt cells of the proximal duodenal epithelium; no activity was demonstrated in tissues pretreated with acetazolamide. In conclusion, carbonic anhydrase is required for both basal and stimulated duodenal HCO3- secretion.

Heavy metal contaminants in tissues of the garfish, Belone belone L., 1761, and the bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix L., 1766, from Turkey waters.

PubMed

Türkmen, Aysun; Tepe, Yalçin; Türkmen, Mustafa; Mutlu, Ekrem

2009-01-01

Levels of contaminants in fish are of particular interest because of the potential risk to humans who consume them. Fish samples were collected through the coastal waters of Turkey and the contents of cadmium, cobalt, chrome, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and lead in the liver and muscle tissues were determined. Among the metals analyzed, copper, zinc and iron were the most abundant in the different tissues while cadmium and lead were the least abundant both in Belone belone and Pomatomus saltatrix. Metal concentrations in muscles of fish species were found 0.01-0.38 mg kg(-1) for cadmium, 0.01-0.53 mg kg(-1) for cobalt, 0.05-1.87 mg kg(-1) for chromium, 0.21-5.89 mg kg(-1) for copper, 9.99-43.3 mg kg(-1) for iron, 0.14-1.33 mg kg(-1) for manganese, 0.06-4.70 mg kg(-1) for nickel, 0.09-0.81 mg kg(-1) for lead, 3.85-15.9 mg kg(-1) for zinc, respectively. Regional changes in metal concentration were observed in the tissues of both species, but these variations may not influence consumption advisories.

Radioactivity measurement of nuts and seeds available in Erbil city markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezzulddin, Saman Khabbat; Ahmed, Ali Hassan; Samad, Ahmed Ismael; Othman, Sardar Qader

2017-09-01

A study of natural and artificial radionuclides in nut and seed samples consumed in Erbil city has been performed. The NaI(TI) scintillation detector and nuclear track detector were used to measure the activity concentration of 40K, 232Th, 226Ra, 137Cs and 222Rn; respectively. The measured activity in samples ranges from (207.63 to 533.88) Bq.kg-1 with the mean value of 290.6 Bq.kg-1 for 40K, (0.031 to 0.52) Bq.kg-1 with a mean value of (0.149) Bq.kg-1for 226Ra (0.101 to 0.554) Bq.kg-1 with the mean value of (0.218) Bq.kg-1 for 232Th, 0.033 to 0.0.266 Bq.kg-1 with the mean value of (0.111) Bq.kg-1 for 137Cs and radon concentration ranged from 128.77to 298.1 Bq.m-3 with an average value of 202.7 Bq.m-3. To assess the radiological hazard due to natural radioactivity, the average values of the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin) and Gamma index (Iγ) have been calculated to be (22.67) Bq/kg, (0.061), (1.12) and (0.195) respectively.

Possible involvement of opioid receptors in moclobemide-induced hypothermia in mice.

PubMed

Ginawi, O T

2003-09-01

Effect of moclobemide, a selective monoamine oxidase-type A enzyme inhibitor, was investigated on the body temperature of male mice. Moclobemide (15-30 mg kg(-1), i.p.) produced significant reductions of body temperature in both normal and yeast-induced hyperthermic male mice. The hypothermic effect of moclobemide was moderate and short-lasting. Moclobemide-induced hypothermia was not antagonized by previous administration of prazosin (10 and 20 mg kg(-1), s.c.), propranolol (5, 10, and 20 mg kg(-1), s.c.), haloperidol (2 and 10 mg kg(-1), s.c.), atropine (10 and 20 mg kg(-1), s.c.), mepyramine (25 and 50 mg kg(-1), s.c.), or methysergide (0.5, 1, and 2 mg kg(-1), s.c.). Pretreatment with the opioid antagonist naloxone (10 mg kg(-1), s.c.), however, was able to reverse the hypothermic effect of moclobemide (30 mg kg(-1), i.p.) in both normal and yeast-induced hyperthermic mice. The present results indicate a possible role for central opioid receptors in the hypothermic effect of moclobemide. Also, a peripheral component for this effect of moclobemide at the mitochondria of peripheral tissues is suspected. The peripheral tissue mitochondria could be considered a common target for moclobemide and opioids actions on body temperature.

[Effect of Capsicum annum L (pucunucho, ají mono) in gastric ulcer experimentally induced in rats].

PubMed

Delgado Montero, Rocío; Flores Cortez, Daisy; Villalobos Pacheco, Eduardo

2015-01-01

To examine the effects of the Capsicum annum L lyophilized fruit extract in experimentally-induced gastric ulcer in rats. We used the model of indomethacin gastric ulcer-induced and the gastric ulcer model induced by pylorus ligation in rats. The rats were divided in five treatment groups as follow: G1: Distilled water 1 ml/Kg; G2: Ranitidine 50 mg/kg, G3: Capsicum 10mg/kg, G4: Capsicum 100 mg/kg, G5: Capsicum 1000 mg/kg. The results of the first model showed an ulcer inhibition of 60,4% and 66,7% using the doses of Capsicum at 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The results of the second model showed that neither the pH nor the volume of the gastric content were modified by the administered extract (p >0.05); however, by using the doses of Capsicum at 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, there was clearly an ulcer inhibition of 75.59% and 81.63% respectively, which were even greater than the inhibition obtained by ranitidine (75.51%). Therefore, in this experiment we demonstrated that the Capsicum annum L lyophilized fruit extract has a gastroprotective effect in experimentally-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Metal concentrations and toxicity in South African snoek (Thyrsites atun) and yellowtail (Seriola lalandi).

PubMed

Bosch, Adina C; O'Neill, Bernadette; Kerwath, Sven E; Sigge, Gunnar O; Hoffman, Louwrens C

2017-09-15

The concentrations of 16 metals were assessed in snoek(Thyrsites atun; n=20) and yellowtail (Seriola lalandi; n=37) sampled from the West and South-East coasts of South Africa. Variability was observed at both small (Al, Cr, Hg, Pb, Mn and Cu) and large (As and Cu) spatial scales while inter-specific examination revealed diverse metal concentrations in snoek (Higher levels: Cr, Mn, Co, Hg and Pb) and yellowtail (higher levels: Fe and Cu). Zn, As and Hg were positively correlated with yellowtail size with no such correlations in snoek. Mean concentrations of As (0.61mg·kg -1 ; 0.98mg·kg -1 ), Cd (0.008mg·kg -1 ; 0.004mg·kg -1 ), Hg (0.27mg·kg -1 ; 0.16mg·kg -1 ) and Pb (0.009mg·kg -1 ; 0.005mg·kg -1 ) for snoek and yellowtail respectively were within regulatory guidelines. However, 10% (n=2) of snoek exceeded Hg maximum allowable limit, suggesting caution and further investigation. Overall, two meals (150g) per week of snoek or larger yellowtail (12-15kg) can be safe for human (adult) consumption. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nitrogen fluxes in a high elevation Colorado Rocky Mountain basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baron, Jill S.; Campbell, D.H.

1997-01-01

Measured, calculated and simulated values were combined to develop an annual nitrogen budget for Loch Vale Watershed (LVWS) in the Colorado Front Range. Nine-year average wet nitrogen deposition values were 1??6 (s = 0??36) kg NO3-N ha-1, and 1??0 (s = 0??3) kg NH4-N ha-1. Assuming dry nitrogen deposition to be half that of measured wet deposition, this high elevation watershed receives 3??9 kg N ha-1. Although deposition values fluctuated with precipitation, measured stream nitrogen outputs were less variable. Of the total N input to the watershed (3??9 kg N ha-1 wet plus dry deposition), 49% of the total N input was immobilized. Stream losses were 2??0 kg N ha-1 (1125 kg measured dissolved inorganic N in 1992, 1-2 kg calculated dissolved organic N, plus an average of 203 kg algal N from the entire 660 ha watershed). Tundra and aquatic algae were the largest reservoirs for incoming N, at approximately 18% and 15% of the total 2574 kg N deposition, respectively. Rocky areas and forest stored the remaining 11% and 5%, respectively. Fully 80% of N losses from the watershed came from the 68% of LVWS that is alpine. ?? 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of BSO, GSH, Vit-C and DMPS on the nephrotoxicity of mercury.

PubMed

Xu, Zhaofa; Yang, Jinghua; Yu, Jiaming; Yin, Zhongwei; Sun, Wei; Li, Jing

2007-08-01

To study the effects of BSO, GSH, Vit-C and DMPS on the nephrotoxicity of mercury. The rats in groups 1, 2 and 3 were sc injected with 0.75, 1.5 and 2.5 mg/kg HgCl2, respectively. Fourth group rats were ip injected with 0.5 mmol/kg BSO and 4h later sc administrated with 0.75 mg/kg HgCl2. The rats in groups 5, 6 and 7 were ip injected with 3 mmol/kg GSH, 4 mmol/kg Vit-C, 200 micromol/kg DMPS, respectively, and 2 h later sc administrated with 2.5 mg/kg HgCl2. Eighth group rats were sc injected with saline as a control. Mercury concentrations in the liver, renal cortex and urine, urinary NAG, ALP, LDH activities, protein and BUN contents were determined. Urinary NAG, ALP activities, protein and BUN contents in the rats of BSO pretreatment group were significantly higher than that of 0.75 mg/kg HgCl2 alone group and control group. As compared with 2.5 mg/kg HgCl2 alone group, urinary NAG, ALP, LDH activities, urinary protein and BUN contents decreased significantly. BSO pretreatment could enhance the renal toxicity of mercury and GSH, Vit-C and DMPS pretreatment had antagonistic effects on nephrotoxicity of mercury.

Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 reduces bleeding time and thrombocytopenia after amputation in rats treated with heparin, warfarin or aspirin.

PubMed

Stupnisek, Mirjana; Franjic, Sandra; Drmic, Domagoj; Hrelec, Masa; Kolenc, Danijela; Radic, Bozo; Bojic, Davor; Vcev, Aleksandar; Seiwerth, Sven; Sikiric, Predrag

2012-05-01

Recently, in rat abdominal aorta terminoterminal-anastomosis the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 prevents obstructive thrombus formation and rapidly destroys already formed obstructive thrombus. Also, BPC 157 wound healing may signify the clot as conductive matrix or "scaffold" to speed up wound healing process, and decrease bleeding. Here, in rats, BPC 157 (10 μg/kg, 10 ng/kg) improved always reduced bleeding time and amount of bleeding after (tail) amputation only, heparin (250 mg/kg, 25mg/kg, 10mg/kg i.v.), warfarin (1.5mg/kg i.g. once daily for 3 consecutive days), aspirin (0.1g/kg i.g. (once daily/3 consecutive days) or 1.0 g/kg i.p. once), and amputation associated with those agents application. BPC 157 counteracting regimens (i.v., i.p., i.g. (immediately after any challenge)) correspondingly follow the route of bleeding-agents application. All heparin-, warfarin-, and aspirin-rats and normal-rats that received BPC 157 exhibited lesser fall in platelets count. BPC 157 attenuated over-increased APTT-, TT-values in 10mg/kg heparin-rats, but did not influence heparin activity (anti-Xa test). Indicatively, unless counteracted in BPC 157 rats, excessive bleeding-acute thrombocytopenia (<20% of initial values in heparin-rats) approaches substantial fall in platelets count known in type II HIT. Also, BPC 157 markedly prolongs the survival time (heparin-rats, 25mg/kg, right foot amputation). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The use of lichen (Canoparmelia texana) as biomonitor of atmospheric deposition of natural radionuclides from U-238 and Th-232 series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonardo, Lucio; Damatto, Sandra Regina; Mazzilli, Barbara Paci; Saiki, Mitiko

2008-08-01

Lichens have been used in studies of environmental pollution monitoring of various air pollutants, especially heavy metals. This paper aims to study the possibility of using this specimen for the assessment of radionuclides deposition in the vicinity of a nuclear research institute, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN) located in São Paulo, Brazil. This Institute has as major activity to perform research in the field of the nuclear fuel cycle, and therefore deals with considerable amounts of natural radionuclides of the U and Th series. The activity of the naturally occurring radionuclides U-238, Ra-226, Ra-226 and Pb-210 was determined in samples of lichen (Canoparmelia texana) and soil collected at IPEN campus. The concentrations of Ra-228, Ra-226 and Pb-210 were determined by measuring alpha and beta gross counting in a gas flow proportional detector; U and Th were determined by neutron activation analysis. The values obtained varied from 164 Bq/kg to 864 Bq/kg, 13 Bq/kg to 50 Bq/kg, and from 287 Bq/kg to 730 Bq/kg for Ra-228, Ra-226 and Pb-210 respectively. For natural U and Th the values obtained varied from 1.2 Bq/kg to 162 Bq/kg and 1.84 Bq/kg to 5.17 Bq/kg respectively. The results obtained so far suggest that the Canoparmelia texana can be used as radionuclide monitor in the vicinity of nuclear installations.

Potential of Pteris vittata L. for phytoremediation of sites co-contaminated with cadmium and arsenic: the tolerance and accumulation.

PubMed

Xiao, Xiyuan; Chen, Tongbin; An, Zhizhuang; Lei, Mei; Huang, Zechun; Liao, Xiaoyong; Liu, Yingru

2008-01-01

Field investigation and greenhouse experiments were conducted to study the tolerance of Pteris vittata L. (Chinese brake) to cadmium (Cd) and its feasibility for remediating sites co-contaminated with Cd and arsenic (As). The results showed that P. vittata could survive in pot soils spiked with 80 mg/kg of Cd and tolerated as great as 301 mg/kg of total Cd and 26.8 mg/kg of diethyltriaminepenta acetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cd under field conditions. The highest concentration of Cd in fronds was 186 mg/kg under a total soil concentration of 920 mg As/kg and 98.6 mg Cd/kg in the field, whereas just 2.6 mg/kg under greenhouse conditions. Ecotypes of P. vittata were differentiated in tolerance and accumulation of Cd, and some of them could not only tolerate high concentrations of soil Cd, but also accumulated high concentrations of Cd in their fronds. Arsenic uptake and transportation by P. vittata was not inhibited at lower levels (< or = 20 mg/kg) of Cd addition. Compared to the treatment without addition of Cd, the frond As concentration was increased by 103.8% at 20 mg Cd/kg, with the highest level of 6434 mg/kg. The results suggested that the Cd-tolerant ecotype of P. vittata extracted effectively As and Cd from the site co-contaminated with Cd and As, and might be used to remediate and revegetate this type of site.

A non-rewarding, non-aversive buprenorphine/naltrexone combination attenuates drug-primed reinstatement to cocaine and morphine in rats in a conditioned place preference paradigm.

PubMed

Cordery, Sarah F; Taverner, Alistair; Ridzwan, Irna E; Guy, Richard H; Delgado-Charro, M Begoña; Husbands, Stephen M; Bailey, Christopher P

2014-07-01

Concurrent use of cocaine and heroin is a major public health issue with no effective relapse prevention treatment currently available. To this purpose, a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone, a mixed very-low efficacy mu-opioid receptor agonist/kappa-opioid receptor antagonist/nociceptin receptor agonist, was investigated. The tail-withdrawal and the conditioned place preference (CPP) assays in adult Sprague Dawley rats were used to show that naltrexone dose-dependently blocked the mu-opioid receptor agonism of buprenorphine. Furthermore, in the CPP assay, a combination of 0.3 mg/kg buprenorphine and 3.0 mg/kg naltrexone was aversive. A combination of 0.3 mg/kg buprenorphine and 1.0 mg/kg naltrexone was neither rewarding nor aversive, but still possessed mu-opioid receptor antagonist properties. In the CPP extinction and reinstatement method, a combination of 0.3 mg/kg buprenorphine and 1.0 mg/kg naltrexone completely blocked drug-primed reinstatement in cocaine-conditioned rats (conditioned with 3 mg/kg cocaine, drug prime was 3 mg/kg cocaine) and attenuated drug-primed reinstatement in morphine-conditioned rats (conditioned with 5 mg/kg morphine, drug prime was 1.25 mg/kg morphine). These data add to the growing evidence that a buprenorphine/naltrexone combination may be protective against relapse in a polydrug abuse situation. © 2012 The Authors, Addiction Biology © 2012 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Dry matter yields and quality of forages derived from grass species and organic production methods (year 111).

PubMed

Pholsen, S; Rodchum, P; Higgs, D E B

2014-07-01

This third year work was carried on at Khon Kaen University during the 2008-2009 to investigate dry matter yields of grass, grass plus legumes, grown on Korat soil series (Oxic Paleustults). The experiment consisted of twelve-treatment combinations of a 3x4 factorial arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results showed that Dry Matter Yields (DMY) of Ruzi and Guinea grass were similar with mean values of 6,585 and 6,130 kg ha(-1) whilst Napier gave the lowest (884 kg ha(-1)). With grass plus legume, grass species and production methods gave highly significant dry matter yields where Guinea and Ruzi gave dry matter yields of 7,165 and 7,181 kg ha(-1), respectively and Napier was the least (2,790 kg ha(-1)). The production methods with the use of cattle manure gave the highest DMY (grass alone) of 10,267 kg ha(-1) followed by Wynn and Verano with values of 6,064 and 3,623 kg ha(-1), respectively. Guinea plus cattle manure gave the highest DMY of 14,599 kg ha(-1) whilst Ruzi gave 12,977 kg ha(-1). Guinea plus Wynn gave DMY of 7,082 kg ha(-1). Ruzi plus Verano gave DMY of 6,501 kg ha(-1). Forage qualities of crude protein were highest with those grown with grass plus legumes. Some prospects in improving production were discussed.

A randomized clinical trial with high dose of chloroquine for treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Brazil.

PubMed

de Andrade, J G; de Andrade, A L; Araujo, E S; Oliveira, R M; Silva, S A; Martelli, C M; Zicker, F

1992-01-01

This clinical trial compared parasitological efficacy, levels of in vivo resistance and side effects of oral chloroquine 25 mg/Kg and 50 mg/Kg in 3 days treatment in Plasmodium falciparum malaria with an extended followed-up of 30 days. The study enrolled 58 patients in the 25 mg/Kg group and 66 in the 50 mg/Kg group. All eligible subjects were over 14 years of age and came from Amazon Basin and Central Brazil during the period of August 1989 to April 1991. The cure rate in the 50 mg/Kg group was 89.4% on day 7 and 71.2% on day 14 compared to 44.8% and 24.1% in the 25 mg/Kg group. 74.1% of the patients in the 25 mg/Kg group and 48.4% of the patients in the 50 mg/Kg group had detectable parasitaemia at the day 30. However, there was a decrease of the geometric mean parasite density in both groups specially in the 50 mg/Kg group. There was 24.1% of RIII and 13.8% of RII in the 25 mg/Kg group. Side effects were found to be minimum in both groups. The present data support that there was a high level resistance to chloroquine in both groups, and the high dose regimen only delayed the development of resistance and its administration should not be recommended as first choice in malaria P. falciparum therapy in Brazil.

Natural occurrence of nivalenol and mycotoxigenic potential of Fusarium graminearum strains in wheat affected by head blight in Argentina

PubMed Central

Pinto, V.E. Fernandez; Terminiello, L.A.; Basilico, J.C.; Ritieni, A.

2008-01-01

The principal agents of Fusarium head blight in the main cropping area of Argentina were investigated in heavily infected samples. The ability of the isolates to produce trichothecenes was determined by GC and HPLC. Fusarium graminearum was the predominant species and of 33 isolates, 10 produced deoxinivalenol (DON) (0.1- 29 mg kg-1), 13 produced both deoxinivalenol (1.0- 708 mg kg-1) and nivalenol (0.1- 6.2mg kg-1), 12 produced 3-acetyldeoxinivalenol (0.1- 14 mg kg-1), 13 produced 15-acetyldeoxinivalenol (0.1- 1.9 mg kg-1), 10 produced Fusarenone X (0.1- 2.4 mg kg-1) and 7 produced zearalenone (0.1- 0.6 mg kg-1). These results suggest that F. graminearum strains isolated from the wheat growing regions in Argentina belong to DON chemotype. Although some strains produced both deoxinivalenol and nivalenol, nivalenol was produced in lower levels. The natural occurrence of nivalenol in wheat affected by head-blight collected in the main production area during two years (2001-2002) was also determined. From 19 samples 13 were contaminated with deoxinivalenol in a range of 0.3 to 70 mg kg-1and 2 samples with both deoxinivalenol (7.5 and 6.7 mg kg-1) and nivalenol (0.05 and 0.1 mg kg-1), respectively. This is the first report of natural occurrence of nivalenol in wheat cultivate in Argentina. PMID:24031196

Ideals versus reality: Are weight ideals associated with weight change in the population?

PubMed

Kärkkäinen, Ulla; Mustelin, Linda; Raevuori, Anu; Kaprio, Jaakko; Keski-Rahkonen, Anna

2016-04-01

To quantify weight ideals of young adults and to examine whether the discrepancy between actual and ideal weight is associated with 10-year body mass index (BMI) change in the population. This study comprised 4,964 adults from the prospective population-based FinnTwin16 study. They reported their actual and ideal body weight at age 24 (range 22-27) and 10 years later (attrition 24.6%). The correlates of discrepancy between actual and ideal body weight and the impact on subsequent BMI change were examined. The discrepancy between actual and ideal weight at 24 years was on average 3.9 kg (1.4 kg/m(2) ) among women and 1.2 kg (0.4 kg/m(2) ) among men. On average, participants gained weight during follow-up irrespective of baseline ideal weight: women ¯x = +4.8 kg (1.7 kg/m(2) , 95% CI 1.6-1.9 kg/m(2) ), men ¯x = +6.3 kg (2.0 kg/m(2) , 95% CI 1.8-2.1 kg/m(2) ). Weight ideals at 24 years were not correlated with 10-year weight change. At 34 years, just 13.2% of women and 18.9% of men were at or below the weight they had specified as their ideal weight at 24 years. Women and men adjusted their ideal weight upward over time. Irrespective of ideal weight at baseline, weight gain was nearly universal. Weight ideals were shifted upward over time. © 2016 The Obesity Society.

Lack of evidence for microplastic contamination in honey.

PubMed

Mühlschlegel, Peter; Hauk, Armin; Walter, Ulrich; Sieber, Robert

2017-11-01

Honey samples from Switzerland were investigated with regard to their microplastic particle burden. Five representative honey samples of different origin were processed following a standardized protocol to separate plastic-based microparticles from particles of natural origin, such as pollen, propolis, wax, and bee-related debris. The procedure was optimized to minimize post-sampling microplastic cross-contamination in the laboratory. The isolated microplastic particles were characterized and grouped by means of light microscopy as well as chemically characterized by microscopically coupled Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Five particle classes with an abundance significantly above blank levels were identified: black particles (particle count between 1760/kg and 8680/kg), white transparent fibres (particle count between 132/kg and 728/kg), white transparent particles (particle count between 60/kg and 172/kg), coloured fibres (particle count between 32/kg and 108/kg), and coloured particles (particle count between 8/kg and 64/kg). The black particles, which represented the majority of particles, were identified as char or soot and most probably originated from the use of smokers, a widespread practice in beekeeping. The majority of fibres were identified as cellulose or polyethylene terephthalate and were most likely of textile origin. In addition to these particle and fibre groups lower numbers of fragments were detected that were related to glass, polysaccharides or chitin, and few bluish particles contained copper phthalocyanine pigment. We found no indications that the honey samples were significantly contaminated with microplastic particles.

Analysis of the moisture evaporation process during vacuum freeze-drying of koumiss and shubat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shingisov, Azret Utebaevich; Alibekov, Ravshanbek Sultanbekovich

2017-05-01

The equation for the calculating of a moisture evaporation rate in the vacuum freeze-drying, wherein as a driving force instead of the generally accepted in the drying theory of Δt temperature difference, Δp pressure difference, Δc concentration difference, a difference of water activity in the product and the relative air humidity (a_{{w}} - \\varphi) is suggested. By using the proposed equation, the processes of vacuum freeze-drying of koumiss and shubat were analyzed, and it was found two drying periods: constant and falling. On the first drying period, a moisture evaporation rate of koumiss is j = 2.75 × 10-3 kg/(m2 h) and of shubat is j = 2.37 × 10-3 kg/(m2 h). On the second period, values decrease for koumiss from j = 2.65 × 10-3 kg/(m2 h) to j = 1.60 × 10-3 kg/(m2 h), and for shubat from j = 2.25 × 10-3 kg/(m2 h) to j = 1.62 × 10-3 kg/(m2 h). Specific humidity for koumiss is ueq = 0.61 kg/kg and for shubat is ueq = 0.58 kg/kg. The comparative analyze of the experimental data of the moisture evaporation rate versus the theoretical calculation shows that the approximation reliability is R2 = 0.99. Consequently, the proposed equation is useful for the analyzing a moisture evaporation rate during a vacuum freeze-drying of dairy products, including cultured milk foods.

Applications of the hexanic fraction of Agave sisalana Perrine ex Engelm (Asparagaceae): control of inflammation and pain screening

PubMed Central

Dunder, Ricardo José; Luiz-Ferreira, Anderson; de Almeida, Ana Cristina Alves; de-Faria, Felipe Meira; Takayama, Christiane; Socca, Eduardo Augusto Rabelo; Salvador, Marcos José; Mello, Gláucia Coelho; dos Santos, Catarina; de Oliva-Neto, Pedro; Souza-Brito, Alba Regina Monteiro

2013-01-01

The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Agave sisalana Perrine in classic models of inflammation and pain. The hexanic fraction of A. sisalana (HFAS) was obtained by acid hydrolysis followed by hexanic reflux. Anti-inflammatory properties were examined in three acute mouse models (xylene ear oedema, hind paw oedema and pleurisy) and a chronic mouse model (granuloma cotton pellet). The antinociceptive potential was evaluated in chemical (acetic-acid) and thermal (tail-flick and hot-plate test) models of pain. When given orally, HFAS (5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg) reduced ear oedema (p < 0.0001; 52%, 71%, 62% and 42%, respectively). HFAS also reduced hind paw oedema at doses of 10 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg (p < 0.05; 42% and 58%, respectively) and pleurisy at doses of 10 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg (41% and 50%, respectively). In a chronic model, HFAS reduced inflammation by 46% and 58% at doses of 10 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, this fraction showed analgesic properties against the abdominal writhing in an acetic acid model (at doses of 5-25 mg/kg) with inhibitory rates of 24%, 54% and 48%. The HFAS also showed an increased latency time in the hot-plate (23% and 28%) and tail-flick tests (61% and 66%) for the 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg doses, respectively. These results suggest that HFAS has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. PMID:23778651

The Synergistic Effect of Raloxifene, Fluoxetine, and Bromocriptine Protects Against Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

PubMed

Pottoo, Faheem Hyder; Tabassum, Nahida; Javed, Md Noushad; Nigar, Shah; Rasheed, Rouqia; Khan, Ayash; Barkat, Md Abul; Alam, Md Sabir; Maqbool, Amir; Ansari, Mohammad Azam; Barreto, George E; Ashraf, Ghulam Md

2018-06-07

The present antiepileptic drugs pose several problems in the management of seizures owing to their meager neuroprotective potential, adverse effects on bone, detrimental effects on cognitive function, chronic toxicity, drug interactions, side effects including aggression, agitation, and irritability and sometimes exacerbation of seizures. We followed up progressive preclinical investigation in mice against pilocarpine (PILO)-induced status epilepticus (SE) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). To determine the response of raloxifene (RF) (4 and 8 mg/kg), fluoxetine (FT) (14 and 22 mg/kg), bromocriptine (BC) (6 and 10 mg/kg), and their low-dose combinations, oral treatment was scheduled for 28 days followed by PILO (300 mg/kg, i.p). The response was stalked for intensive behavioral monitoring of convulsions, hippocampal neuropeptide Y (NPY), and oxidative stress discernment along with histomorphological studies. The resultant data confirmed the therapeutic potential of triple drug combination of raloxifene (4 mg/kg) with fluoxetine (14 mg/kg) and bromocriptine (6 mg/kg) compared to monotherapy with raloxifene (4 mg/kg), and bromocriptine (6 mg/kg) as otherwise monotherapy with fluoxetine (14 mg/kg) was ineffective to suppress convulsions; an effect better than sodium valproate (300 mg/kg), a standard AED, was validated. Most profoundly, PILO-induced compensatory increases in hippocampal NPY levels (20.01%), which was escalated (100%) with the triple drug combination. The same pattern of results was superseded for oxidative stress indices and neuronal damage. The results for the first time demonstrate the propitious role of triple drug combination in the management of SE and TLE. Therapeutically, this enhancing profile of drugs fosters a safer and more effective drug-combination regimen. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Contamination of the O2 soil horizon by zinc smelting and its effect on woodlouse survival

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beyer, W.N.; Miller, G.W.; Cromartie, E.J.

1984-01-01

Samples of litter from the 02 horizon of Dekalb soil (loamyskeletal, mixed, mesic Typic Dystrochrept) were collected from 18 ridgetop sites on a transect that ran by two Zn smelters in Palmerton, Pa. Metal concentrations increased by regular gradations from a minimum at a site 105 km west of the smelters (67 mg/kg Zn, 0.85 mg/kg Cd, 150 mg/kg Pb, 11 mg/kg Cu) to a maximum 1.2 km east of the smelters (35,000 mg/kg Zn, 1300 mg/kg Cd, 3200 mg/kg Pb, 280 mg/kg Cu), and then decreased until they reached an eastern minimum at the easternmost site, 19 km from the smelters. An increase in the P concentrations near the smelters showed that the emissions were disrupting nutrient flow through the ecosystem. An increase in the pH near the smelters was attributed to the high concentrations of Zn. The log of the distance of the sites from the smelters was significantly correlated (r = - 0.80, p < 0.05) with the mortality of woodlice (Porcellio scaber Latreille} fed samples of the litter during an 8-week test. There was substantial mortality of woodlice observed even in the 02 litter collected 19 km east of the smelters. Zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, and sulfur were experimentally added, alone or in combination, to 02 litter collected far from any known source of metal emissions. The highest concentration of Zn added (20,000 mg/kg) was toxic enough to account for the mortality observed in the earlier test. A lower concentration of Zn (5000 mg/kg) as well as the concentration of Cd (500 mg/kg) tested also significantly (p < 0.05) increased the mortality of woodlice.

Ameliorating effect of Celastrus paniculatus standardized extract and its fractions on 3-nitropropionic acid induced neuronal damage in rats: possible antioxidant mechanism.

PubMed

Malik, Jai; Karan, Maninder; Dogra, Rachna

2017-12-01

Celastrus paniculatus Wild. (Celasteraceae) (CP) is a well-known Ayurvedic 'Medhya Rasayana' (nervine tonic), used extensively as a neuro-protective and memory enhancer, and in different central nervous system disorders. To evaluate the effect of CP against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced Huntington's disease (HD) like symptoms in Wistar male rats. The ethanol extract of CP seeds (CPEE), prepared by maceration, was standardized on the basis of linoleic acid content (6.42%) using thin layer chromatography densitometric analysis. Protective effect of CPEE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and its various fractions, viz., petroleum ether (40 mg/kg), ethyl acetate (2.5 mg/kg), n-butanol (7 mg/kg) and aqueous (18 mg/kg), administered orally for 20 days, against 3-NP (10 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) was assessed by their effect on body weight, locomotor activity, grip strength, gait pattern and cognitive dysfunction and biochemical parameters for oxidative damage in the striatum and cortex regions of the brain. CPEE (100 and 200 mg/kg) treated animals exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in behavioural and oxidative stress parameters in comparison to only 3-NP treated animals. Amongst various tested fractions of CPEE, aqueous fraction (AF) at 18 mg/kg exhibited maximum reversal of 3-NP induced behavioural and biochemical alterations, and was therefore also tested at 9 and 36 mg/kg. CPEE (100 mg/kg) and AF (36 mg/kg) exhibited maximum and significant (p < 0.05) attenuation of 3-NP induced alterations in comparison to 3-NP treated rats. CPEE has a protective action against 3-NP induced HD like symptoms due to its strong antioxidant effect.

Comparison of early treatment with low doses of nilotinib, imatinib and a clinically relevant dose of silymarin in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis.

PubMed

Shaker, Mohamed E; Shiha, Gamal E; Ibrahim, Tarek M

2011-11-30

Our previous study has already confirmed a promising anti-fibrotic activity especially for nilotinib; when given at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg during the last 4 weeks of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis for 12 weeks in rats. Therefore, this study was carried out to compare the prophylactic potential of low dose of nilotinib to that of its predecessor, imatinib, and a clinically relevant dose of the standard hepatoprotective treatment, silymarin, in TAA-intoxication. Male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injections of TAA (150 mg/kg, twice weekly) for 8 weeks, as well as oral treatments with imatinib (5 mg/kg/day), nilotinib (5 mg/kg/day) and silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) from the first day of TAA-intoxication. At the end of the study, chronic hepatic injury was evaluated by analysis of liver function tests in serum. Hepatic oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, total nitrate/nitrite and reduced glutathione contents, as well as myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by histopathology and collagen content. Our results suggest that the prophylactic potential of nilotinib (5 mg/kg/day), imatinib (5mg/kg/day) and silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) in TAA-intoxication for 8 weeks is lower than the late treatments of nilotinib (10 mg/kg/day), imatinib (10mg/kg/day) and silymarin (100 mg/kg/day) during the last 4 weeks of TAA-intoxication for 12 weeks in rats. Taken together, this study suggests that nilotinib may have higher anti-fibrotic activity when administered at a significant stage of fibrosis as a result of impairment of its metabolism in the fibrotic livers. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The involvement of NMDA receptor/NO/cGMP pathway in the antidepressant like effects of baclofen in mouse force swimming test.

PubMed

Khan, Muhammad Imran; Ostadhadi, Sattar; Zolfaghari, Samira; Ejtemaei Mehr, Shahram; Hassanzadeh, Gholamreza; Dehpour, Ahmad-Reza

2016-01-26

In the current study, the involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) system in the antidepressant-like effects of baclofen was evaluated by using animal model in forced swimming test. Followed by an open field test for the evaluation of locomotor activity, the immobility time for mice in force swimming test was recorded. Only the last four min was analyzed. Administration of Baclofen (0.5 and 1mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the immobility interval in the FST. Prior administration of l-arginine (750mg/kg, i.p.,) a nitric oxide synthase substrate or sildenafil (5mg/kg, i.p.) a phosphodiesterase 5 into mice suppressed the antidepressant-like activity of baclofen (1mg/kg, i.p.).Co-treatment of 7-nitroindazole (50mg/kg, i.p.,) an inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, L-NAME (10mg/kg, i.p.,) a non-specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase or MK-801 (0.05mg/kg, i.p.) an NMDA receptor antagonist with subeffective dose of baclofen (0.1mg/kg, i.p.), reduced the immobility time in the FST as compared to the drugs when used alone. Co-administrated of lower doses of MK-801 (0.01mg/kg) or l-NAME (1mg/kg) failed to effect immobility time however, simultaneous administration of these two agents in same dose with subeffective dose of baclofen (0.1mg/kg, i.p.), minimized the immobility time in the FST. Thus, our results support the role of NMDA receptors and l-arginine-NO-GMP pathway in the antidepressant-like action of baclofen. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Compartmental Pharmacokinetics of the Antifungal Echinocandin Caspofungin (MK-0991) in Rabbits

PubMed Central

Groll, Andreas H.; Gullick, Bryan M.; Petraitiene, Ruta; Petraitis, Vidmantas; Candelario, Myrna; Piscitelli, Stephen C.; Walsh, Thomas J.

2001-01-01

The pharmacokinetics of the antifungal echinocandin-lipopeptide caspofungin (MK-0991) in plasma were studied in groups of three healthy rabbits after single and multiple daily intravenous administration of doses of 1, 3, and 6 mg/kg of body weight. Concentrations were measured by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method and fitted into a three-compartment open pharmacokinetic model. Across the investigated dosage range, caspofungin displayed dose-independent pharmacokinetics. Following administration over 7 days, the mean peak concentration in plasma (Cmax) ± standard error of the mean increased from 16.01 ± 0.61 μg/ml at the 1-mg/kg dose to 105.52 ± 8.92 μg/ml at the 6-mg/kg dose; the mean area under the curve from 0 h to infinity rose from 13.15 ± 2.37 to 158.43 ± 15.58 μg · h/ml, respectively. The mean apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) was 0.299 ± 0.011 liter/kg at the 1-mg/kg dose and 0.351 ± 0.016 liter/kg at the 6-mg/kg dose (not significant [NS]). Clearance (CL) ranged from 0.086 ± 0.017 liter/kg/h at the 1-mg/kg dose to 0.043 ± 0.004 liter/kg/h at the 6-mg/kg dose (NS), and the mean terminal half-life was between 30 and 34 h (NS). Except for a trend towards an increased Vdss, there were no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters in comparison to those after single-dose administration. Caspofungin was well tolerated, displayed linear pharmacokinetics that fit into a three-compartment pharmacokinetic model, and achieved sustained concentrations in plasma that were multiple times in excess of reported MICs for susceptible opportunistic fungi. PMID:11158761

Characterization of High-Value Bioactives in Some Selected Varieties of Pakistani Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

PubMed Central

Zubair, Muhammad; Anwar, Farooq; Ashraf, Muhammad; Uddin, Md. Kamal

2012-01-01

The present study reports the composition and variation of fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols and γ-oryzanol among selected varieties namely Basmati Super, Basmati 515, Basmati 198, Basmati 385, Basmati 2000, Basmati 370, Basmati Pak, KSK-139, KS-282 and Irri-6 of Pakistani rice (Oryza sativa L). Oil content extracted with n-hexane from different varieties of brown rice seed (unpolished rice) ranged from 1.92% to 2.72%. Total fatty acid contents among rice varieties tested varied between 18240 and 25840 mg/kg brown rice seed. The rice tested mainly contained oleic (6841–10952 mg/kg) linoleic (5453–7874 mg/kg) and palmitic acid (3613–5489 mg/kg). The amounts of total phytosterols (GC and GC-MS analysis), with main contribution from β-sitosterol (445–656 mg/kg), campesterol (116–242 mg/kg), Δ5-avenasterol (89–178 mg/kg) and stigmasterol (75–180 mg/kg) were established to be 739.4 to 1330.4 mg/kg rice seed. The content of α-, γ- and δ-tocopherols as analyzed by HPLC varied from 39.0–76.1, 21.6–28.1 and 6.5–16.5 mg/kg rice seed, respectively. The amounts of different γ-oryzanol components (HPLC data), identified as cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylene cycloartanyl ferulate, campesteryl ferulate and β-sitosteryl ferulate, were in the range of 65.5–103.6, 140.2–183.1, 29.8–45.5 and 8.6–10.4 mg/kg rice seed, respectively. Overall, the concentration of these bioactives was higher in the Basmati rice cultivars showing their functional food superiority. In conclusion, the tested varieties of Pakistani rice, especially the Basmati cultivars, can provide best ingredients for functional foods. PMID:22605998

Altered expression of testis-specific genes, piRNAs, and transposons in the silkworm ovary masculinized by a W chromosome mutation

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background In the silkworm, Bombyx mori, femaleness is strongly controlled by the female-specific W chromosome. Originally, it was presumed that the W chromosome encodes female-determining gene(s), accordingly called Fem. However, to date, neither Fem nor any protein-coding gene has been identified from the W chromosome. Instead, the W chromosome is occupied with numerous transposon-related sequences. Interestingly, the silkworm W chromosome is a source of female-enriched PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). piRNAs are small RNAs of 23-30 nucleotides in length, which are required for controlling transposon activity in animal gonads. A recent study has identified a novel mutant silkworm line called KG, whose mutation in the W chromosome causes severe female masculinization. However, the molecular nature of KG line has not been well characterized yet. Results Here we molecularly characterize the KG line. Genomic PCR analyses using currently available W chromosome-specific PCR markers indicated that no large deletion existed in the KG W chromosome. Genetic analyses demonstrated that sib-crosses within the KG line suppressed masculinization. Masculinization reactivated when crossing KG females with wild type males. Importantly, the KG ovaries exhibited a significantly abnormal transcriptome. First, the KG ovaries misexpressed testis-specific genes. Second, a set of female-enriched piRNAs was downregulated in the KG ovaries. Third, several transposons were overexpressed in the KG ovaries. Conclusions Collectively, the mutation in the KG W chromosome causes broadly altered expression of testis-specific genes, piRNAs, and transposons. To our knowledge, this is the first study that describes a W chromosome mutant with such an intriguing phenotype. PMID:22452797

Effect of Diets Supplemented with Different Sources of Astaxanthin on the Gonad of the Sea Urchin Anthocidaris crassispina

PubMed Central

Peng, Juan; Yuan, Jian-Ping; Wang, Jiang-Hai

2012-01-01

The effect of the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and Chorella zofingiensis, and synthetic astaxanthin on the gonad of the sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina was studied. The basal diet was supplemented with H. pluvialis, C. zofingiensis, or synthetic astaxanthin, at two levels of astaxanthin (approximately 400 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg), to obtain the experimental diets HP1, HP2, CZ1, CZ2, AST1, and AST2, respectively, for two months of feeding experiment. The results showed that the concentrations of astaxanthin in the gonads of the sea urchins fed these experimental diets ranged from 0.15 to 3.01 mg/kg dry gonad weight. The higher astaxanthin levels (>2.90 mg/kg) were found in the gonads of the sea urchins fed the diets HP1 (containing 380 mg/kg of astaxanthins, mostly mono- and diesters) and AST1 (containing 385 mg/kg of synthetic astaxanthin). The lowest astaxanthin level (0.15 mg/kg) was detected in the gonads of the sea urchins fed the diet CZ2 (containing 98 mg/kg of astaxanthins, mostly diesters). Furthermore, the highest canthaxanthin level (7.48 mg/kg) was found in the gonads of the sea urchins fed the diet CZ1 (containing 387 mg/kg of astaxanthins and 142 mg/kg of canthaxanthin), suggesting that astaxanthins, especially astaxanthin esters, might not be assimilated as easily as canthaxanthin by the sea urchins. Our results show that sea urchins fed diets containing astaxanthin pigments show higher incorporation of these known antioxidant constituents, with the resultant seafood products therefore being of potential higher nutritive value. PMID:23016124

Involvement of nitric oxide in anticompulsive-like effect of agmatine on marble-burying behaviour in mice.

PubMed

Gawali, Nitin B; Chowdhury, Amrita A; Kothavade, Pankaj S; Bulani, Vipin D; Nagmoti, Dnyaneshwar M; Juvekar, Archana R

2016-01-05

In view of the reports that nitric oxide modulates the neurotransmitters implicated in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), patients with OCD exhibit higher plasma nitrate levels, and drugs useful in OCD influence nitric oxide. Agmatine is a polyamine and widely distributed in mammalian brain which interacts with nitrergic systems. Hence, the present study was carried out to understand the involvement of nitrergic systems in the anticompulsive-like effect of agmatine. We used marble-burying behaviour (MBB) of mice as the animal model of OCD, and nitric oxide levels in hippocampus (HC) and cortex homogenate were measured. Results revealed that, agmatine (20 and 40mg/kg, i.p) significantly inhibited the MBB. Intraperitoneal administration of nitric oxide enhancers viz. nitric oxide precursor - l-arginine (l-ARG) (400mg/kg and 800mg/kg) increased MBB as well as brain nitrites levels, whereas treatment with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (30mg/kg and 50mg/kg, i.p.) and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) (20mg/kg and 40mg/kg) attenuated MBB and nitrites levels in brain. Further, in combination studies, the anticompulsive-like effect of agmatine (20mg/kg, ip) was exacerbated by prior administration of l-ARG (400mg/kg) and conversely l-NAME (15mg/kg) or 7-NI (10.0mg/kg) attenuated OCD-like behaviour with HC and cortex changes in the levels of NO. None of the above treatment had any significant influence on locomotor activity. In conclusion, Agmatine is effective in ameliorating the compulsive-like behaviour in mice which appears to be related to nitric oxide in brain. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of three preclinical models for nausea and vomiting assessment.

PubMed

Goineau, Sonia; Castagné, Vincent

Nausea is a subjective sensation often preceding emesis in humans. Drug-induced nausea remains difficult to predict in preclinical tests. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of emetic agents in rats (pica behavior), ferrets (acute and delayed phases of emesis) or dogs (emesis and cardiovascular endpoints). Rats and ferrets were administered cisplatin (±aprepitant/ondansetron or aprepitant) or apomorphine (±domperidone). Telemetered dogs were administered apomorphine (±domperidone). Food and kaolin intake was measured in rats whereas the number of emetic events was counted in ferrets and dogs. Cardiovascular changes were also monitored in dogs. In rats, cisplatin (6mg/kg, i.p.) increased kaolin intake (+2257%, p<0.001). The cisplatin effects were not reversed by the combination of aprepitant/ondansetron (2mg/kg, p.o./2mg/kg, i.p.) or by aprepitant (30mg/kg, p.o.). Apomorphine (10mg/kg, i.p.) did not induce pica behavior. In ferrets, cisplatin (8mg/kg, i.p.) induced acute and delayed emesis (371.8±47.8 emetic events over 72h) which was antagonized by aprepitant (1mg/kg, p.o.). Apomorphine (0.25mg/kg, s.c.) induced acute emesis (38.8±8.7 emetic events over 2h) which was abolished by domperidone (0.1mg/kg, s.c.). In dogs, apomorphine (100μg/kg, s.c.) induced emesis and tachycardia which were decreased by domperidone (0.2mg/kg, i.v.). The assessment of emesis in the ferret or in the dog displays a strong predictive value. In contrast, assessing nausea remains challenging in all animal species and the use of pica behavior remains questionable in the context of antiemetic drug development. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Nitrogen and water cycling of typical cropland in the North China Plain].

PubMed

Pei, Hong-wei; Shen, Yan-jun; Liu, Chang-ming

2015-01-01

Intensive fertilization and irrigation associated increasing grain production has led to serious groundwater depletion and soil/water pollution in the North China Plain (NCP). Intensive agriculture changes the initial mass and energy balance, and also results in huge risks to the water/soil resources and food security regionally. Based on the research reports on the nitrogen cycle and water cycle in typical cropland (winter wheat and summer corn) in the NCP during the past 20 years, and the meteorological data, field experiments and surveys, we calculated the nitrogen cycle and water-cycle for this typical cropland. Annual total nitrogen input were 632 kg N . hm-2, including 523 kg N . hm-2 from commercial fertilizer, 74 kg N . hm-2 from manure, 23 kg N . hm-2 from atmosphere, and 12 kg N . hm-2 from irrigation. All of annual outputs summed to 532 kg N . hm-2 including 289 kg N . hm-2 for crop, 77 kg N . hm-2 staying in soil profile, leaching 104 kg N . hm-2, 52 kg N . hm-2 for ammonia volatilization, 10 kg N . hm-2 loss in nitrification and denitrification. Uncertainties of the individual cases and the summary process lead to the unbalance of nitrogen. For the dominant parts of the field water cycle, annual precipitation was 557 mm, irrigation was 340 mm, while 762 mm was for evapotranspiration and 135 mm was for deep percolation. Considering uncertainties in the nitrogen and water cycles, coupled experiments based on multi-disciplines would be useful for understanding mechanisms for nitrogen and water transfer processes in the soil-plant-atmosphere-continuum (SPAC) , and the interaction between nitrogen and water, as well as determining the critical threshold values for sustainability of soil and water resources in the NCP.

Consumption of arsenic and other elements from vegetables and drinking water from an arsenic-contaminated area of Bangladesh.

PubMed

Rahman, Mohammad Mahmudur; Asaduzzaman, Md; Naidu, Ravi

2013-11-15

The study assesses the daily consumption by adults of arsenic (As) and other elements in drinking water and home-grown vegetables in a severely As-contaminated area of Bangladesh. Most of the examined elements in drinking water were below the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values except As. The median concentrations of As, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), Mn, nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in vegetables were 90 μg kg(-1), 111 μg kg(-1), 0.80 mg kg(-1), 168 μg kg(-1), 13 mg kg(-1), 2.1 mg kg(-1), 65 mg kg(-1), 1.7 mg kg(-1), and 50 mg kg(-1), respectively. Daily intakes of As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, manganese (Mn), Ni, and Zn from vegetables and drinking water for adults were 839 μg, 2.9 μg, 20.8 μg, 5.5 μg, 0.35 mg, 56.4 μg, 2.0mg, 49.1 μg, and 1.3mg, respectively. The health risks from consuming vegetables were estimated by comparing these figures with the WHO/FAO provisional tolerable weekly or daily intake (PTWI or PTDI). Vegetables alone contribute 0.05 μg of As and 0.008 mg of Cu per kg of body weight (bw) daily; 0.42 μg of Cd, 8.77 mg of Pb, and 0.03 mg of Zn per kg bw weekly. Other food sources and particularly dietary staple rice need to be evaluated to determine the exact health risks from such foods. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Icilin-evoked behavioral stimulation is attenuated by alpha2-adrenoceptor activation

PubMed Central

Kim, Jae; Cowan, Alan; Lisek, Renata; Raymondi, Natalie; Rosenthal, Aaron; Hirsch, Daniel D.; Rawls, Scott M.

2011-01-01

Icilin is a transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M (TRPM8) agonist that produces behavioral activation in rats and mice. Its hallmark overt pharmacological effect is wet-dog shakes (WDS) in rats. The vigorous shaking associated with icilin is dependent on NMDA receptor activation and nitric oxide production, but little else is known about the biological systems that modulate the behavioral phenomenon. The present study investigated the hypothesis that alpha2-adrenoceptor activation inhibits icilin-induced WDS. Rats injected with icilin (0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) displayed dose-related WDS that were inhibited by pretreatment with a fixed dose of clonidine (0.15 mg/kg, s.c.). Shaking behavior caused by a fixed dose (2.5 mg/kg) of icilin was also inhibited in a dose-related manner by clonidine pretreatment (0.03–0.15 mg/kg, s.c.) and reduced by clonidine posttreatment (0.15 mg/kg, s.c.). Pretreatment with a peripherally restricted alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, ST91 (0.075, 0.15 mg/kg), also decreased the incidence of shaking elicited by 2.5 mg/kg of icilin. Pretreatment with yohimbine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced the shaking induced by a low dose of icilin (0.5 mg/kg). The imidazoline site agonists, agmatine (150 mg/kg, i.p.) and 2-BFI (7 mg/kg, i.p.), did not affect icilin-evoked shaking. These results suggest that alpha2-adrenoceptor activation inhibits shaking induced by icilin and that increases in peripheral, as well as central, alpha2-adrenoceptor signaling oppose the behavioral stimulant effect of icilin. PMID:21315691

A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study to evaluate an effective ciclosporin dose for the treatment of feline hypersensitivity dermatitis.

PubMed

King, Stephen; Favrot, Claude; Messinger, Linda; Nuttall, Tim; Steffan, Jean; Forster, Sophie; Seewald, Wolfgang

2012-10-01

Hypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are frequently suspected in cats, but there are few clinical studies on safe and effective treatments in the published literature. To establish a safe and effective dose of ciclosporin in the treatment of feline HD. One hundred client-owned cats with feline HD. Double-blind study, with cats randomly assigned to receive ciclosporin at either 7.0 mg/kg once daily (n = 33) or 2.5 mg/kg once daily (n = 32) or a placebo (n = 35) for 6 weeks. Mean Total Lesion Scores with 7.0 mg/kg ciclosporin were significantly lower than with 2.5 mg/kg ciclosporin (P = 0.0047) or placebo (P = 0.0003) at study end. Individual Total Lesion Scores improved by >50% in 70% of the 7.0 mg/kg group, compared with 47% in the 2.5 mg/kg group and 23% in the placebo group (P = 0.0006). The investigators' Global Assessment of Improvement was 'excellent' or 'good' in 61% of cats treated with 7.0 mg/kg ciclosporin, compared with 47% of cats given 2.5 mg/kg and 23% given placebo. The improvement in Investigator Pruritus Scores was significantly greater in cats treated with 7.0 mg/kg ciclosporin (54%) compared with both 2.5 mg/kg ciclosporin (32%; P = 0.0232) and placebo (21%; P = 0.0063). Mild gastrointestinal disorders were the most common adverse events, but these did not require cessation of therapy. Results suggest that 7.0 mg/kg ciclosporin once daily in food or per os for 6 weeks is effective and well tolerated in feline HD. © 2012 The Authors. Veterinary Dermatology © 2012 ESVD and ACVD.

Protein level affects the relative lysine requirement of growing rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry.

PubMed

Bodin, Noelie; Govaerts, Bernadette; Abboudi, Tarik; Detavernier, Christel; De Saeger, Sarah; Larondelle, Yvan; Rollin, Xavier

2009-07-01

The effect of two digestible protein levels (310 and 469 g/kg DM) on the relative lysine (Lys; g Lys/kg DM or g Lys/100 g protein) and the absolute Lys (g Lys intake/kg 0.75 per d) requirements was studied in rainbow trout fry using a dose-response trial. At each protein level, sixteen isoenergetic (22-23 MJ digestible energy/kg DM) diets were tested, involving a full range (2-70 g/kg DM) of sixteen Lys levels. Each diet was given to one group of sixty rainbow trout fry (mean initial body weight 0.78 g) reared at 15 degrees C for 31 feeding d. The Lys requirements were estimated based on the relationships between weight, protein, and Lys gains (g/kg 0.75 per d) and Lys concentration (g/kg DM or g/100 g protein) or Lys intake (g/kg 0.75 per d), using the broken-line model (BLM) and the non-linear four-parameter saturation kinetics model (SKM-4). Both the model and the response criterion chosen markedly impacted the relative Lys requirement. The relative Lys requirement for Lys gain of rainbow trout estimated with the BLM (and SKM-4 at 90 % of the maximum response) increased from 16.8 (19.6) g/kg DM at a low protein level to 23.4 (24.5) g/kg DM at a high protein level. However, the dietary protein content affected neither the absolute Lys requirement nor the relative Lys requirement expressed as g Lys/100 g protein nor the Lys requirement for maintenance (21 mg Lys/kg 0.75 per d).

Perfluoroalkyl Acid Concentrations in Livers of Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) from Germany and Austria.

PubMed

Riebe, Rika Alessa; Falk, Sandy; Georgii, Sebastian; Brunn, Hubertus; Failing, Klaus; Stahl, Thorsten

2016-07-01

The concentrations of 11 perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) were measured in the livers of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Germany, a primarily carnivorous species, and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) from Austria, an herbivorous species. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) at concentrations [all results refer to wet weight (ww)] of 3.2-320 µg/kg were detected in all 40 fox livers tested, yielding an arithmetic mean of 46.6 µg/kg and a median of 29.8 µg/kg. Long-chain PFAAs were detected at concentrations of 1.7 µg/kg perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) to 2.4 µg/kg perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA). Of the short-chain PFAAs tested, only perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was found in 1 fox liver at a concentration of 1.4 µg/kg, and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) was found in 2 fox livers at a concentration of 1 µg/kg each. PFOS and PFNA concentrations higher than limit of quantification (LOQ) were detected in 90.9 and 81.8 % of chamois livers, respectively. The arithmetic mean for PFOS concentrations was 2.2 µg/kg (median 2.4 µg/kg), a factor of 21 (median factor of 12) lower than in fox livers. The arithmetic mean for PFNA concentrations was 2.0 µg/kg (median 1.9 µg/kg). Perfluorobutanoic acid, PFHxA, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorobutanesulfonate, and PFHxS were not detected at concentrations higher than the LOQ in any of the samples. The various results are compared with one another and with the results of other studies of herbivorous, carnivorous, and omnivorous wild animals. The highest concentrations of PFAA, in particular PFOS, were found in omnivorous animals followed by carnivores. The lowest levels were present in herbivores.

Chromium concentrations in ruminant feed ingredients.

PubMed

Spears, J W; Lloyd, K E; Krafka, K

2017-05-01

Chromium (Cr), in the form of Cr propionate, has been permitted for supplementation to cattle diets in the United States at levels up to 0.50 mg of Cr/kg of DM since 2009. Little is known regarding Cr concentrations naturally present in practical feed ingredients. The present study was conducted to determine Cr concentrations in feed ingredients commonly fed to ruminants. Feed ingredients were collected from dairy farms, feed mills, grain bins, and university research farms. Mean Cr concentrations in whole cereal grains ranged from 0.025 mg/kg of DM for oats to 0.041 mg/kg of DM for wheat. Grinding whole samples of corn, soybeans, and wheat through a stainless steel Wiley mill screen greatly increased analyzed Cr concentrations. Harvested forages had greater Cr concentrations than concentrates, and alfalfa hay or haylage had greater Cr concentrations than grass hay or corn silage. Chromium in alfalfa hay or haylage (n = 13) averaged 0.522 mg/kg of DM, with a range of 0.199 to 0.889 mg/kg of DM. Corn silage (n = 21) averaged 0.220 mg of Cr/kg of DM with a range of 0.105 to 0.441 mg of Cr/kg of DM. By-product feeds ranged from 0.040 mg of Cr/kg of DM for cottonseed hulls to 1.222 mg of Cr/kg of DM for beet pulp. Of the feed ingredients analyzed, feed grade phosphate sources had the greatest Cr concentration (135.0 mg/kg). Most ruminant feedstuffs and feed ingredients had less than 0.50 mg of Cr/kg of DM. Much of the analyzed total Cr in feed ingredients appears to be due to Cr contamination from soil or metal contact during harvesting, processing, or both. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Lunar and Martian Gravity Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarkar, Subhajit

2004-01-01

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is required training for all astronauts. No studies thus far have investigated how chest compressions may be affected in lunar and Martian gravities. Therefore a theoretical quantitative study was performed. The maximum downward force an unrestrained person can apply is mg N (g(sub Earth) = 9.78 ms(sup -2), g(sub moon) = 1.63 ms(sup -2), g(sub Mars) = 3.69 ms(sup -2). Tsitlik et a1 (Critical Care Medicine, 1983) described the human sternal elastic force-displacement relationship (compliance) by: F = betaD(sub s) + gammaD(sub s)(sup 2) (beta = 54.9 plus or minus 29.4 Ncm(sup -1) and gamma = 10.8 plus or minus 4.1 Ncm(sup -2)). Maximum forces in the 3 gravitational fields produced by 76 kg (US population mean), 41 kg and 93 kg (masses derived from the limits for astronaut height), produced solutions for compression depth using Tsitlik equations for chests of: mean compliance (beta = 54.9, gamma = 10.8), low compliance (beta = 84.3, gamma = 14.9) and high compliance (beta = 25.5, gamma = 6.7). The mass for minimum adequate adult compression, 3.8 cm (AHA guidelines), was also calculated. 76 kg compresses the mean compliance chest by: Earth, 6.1 cm, Mars, 3.2 cm, Moon, 1.7 cm. In lunar gravity, the high compliance chest is compressed only 3.2 cm by 93 kg, 120 kg being required for 3.8 cm. In Martian gravity, on the mean chest, 93 kg compresses 3.6 cm; 99 kg is required for 3.8 cm. On Mars, the high compliance chest is compressed 4.8 cm with 76 kg, 5.5 cm with 93 kg, with 52 kg required for 3.8 cm.

A Comparison of Somatic Variables of Elite Ice Hockey Players from the Czech ELH and Russian KHL

PubMed Central

Kutáč, Petr; Sigmund, Martin

2015-01-01

The goals of this study were to evaluate the basic morphological variables of contemporary elite ice hockey players, compare the parameters of players in the top Russian ice hockey league (KHL) with those of the top Czech ice hockey league (ELH), and to evaluate the parameters of players according to their position in the game. The research participants included 30 KHL players (mean age: 27.1 ± 5.1 years) and 25 ELH players (mean age: 26.4 ± 5.8 years). We determined body height, body mass, and body composition (body fat, fat-free mass, segmental fat analysis). All measurements were performed at the end of preseason training. The KHL players had the following anthropometric characteristics: body height 182.97 ± 5.61 cm (forward) and 185.72 ± 3.57 cm (defenseman), body mass 89.70 ± 5.28 kg (forward) and 92.52 ± 4.01 kg (defenseman), body fat 10.76 ± 0.63 kg (forward) and 11.10 ± 0.48 kg (defenseman), fat-free mass 78.94 ± 4.65 kg (forward) and 81.42 ± 3.52 kg (defenseman). The values for ELH players were as follows: body height 182.06 ± 5.93 cm (forward) and 185.88 ± 7.13 cm (defenseman), body mass 88.47 ± 7.06 kg (forward) and 89.36 ± 10.91 kg (defenseman), body fat 12.57 ± 2.89 kg (forward) and 11.91 ± 3.10 kg (defenseman), fat-free mass 75.93 ± 6.54 kg (forward) and 77.46 ± 7.89 kg (defenseman). The results indicate that it is beneficial to ice hockey players to have increased body mass and lower body fat, which leads to higher muscle mass, thus enabling a player to perform at the highest level and meet the specific challenges of the game. PMID:25949747

Synergistic interaction between metformin and sulfonylureas on diclofenac-induced antinociception measured using the formalin test in rats

PubMed Central

Ortiz, Mario I

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND There is evidence that biguanides and sulfonylureas block diclofenac-induced antinociception (DIA) in rat models. However, little is known about the interaction between these hypoglycemics with respect to DIA. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether metformin-sulfonylurea combinations affect DIA during the formalin test. METHODS: Rats received the appropriate vehicle or diclofenac before 1% formaldehyde was injected into the paw. Rats were also pretreated with vehicle, glibenclamide, glipizide, metformin or glibenclamide/metformin and glipizide/metformin combinations before the diclofenac and formaldehyde injections, and the effect on antinociception was assessed. Isobolograms of the combinations were constructed to test for a synergistic interaction. RESULTS: Systemic injection of diclofenac resulted in antinociception during the second phase of the test. Systemic pretreatment with the combinations of glibenclamide (0.56 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg)/metformin (10 mg/kg to 180 mg/kg) and glipizide (0.56 mg/kg to10 mg/kg)/metformin (10 mg/kg to 180 mg/kg) blocked DIA. The derived theoretical effective doses for 50% of subjects (ED50) for the glibenclamide/metformin and glipizide/metformin combinations were 32.52 mg/kg and 32.42 mg/kg, respectively, and were significantly higher than the actual observed experimental ED50 values (7.57 mg/kg and 8.43 mg/kg, respectively). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with glibenclamide, glipizide or metformin blocked DIA in a dose-dependent manner, and combining either sulfonylurea with metformin produced even greater effects. The observed ED50s for the combinations were approximately fourfold lower than the calculated additive effects. These data indicate that sulfonylureas interact to produce antagonism of DIA. Combination therapy is a common second-line treatment for patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, a group that experiences pain from multiple sources. The results suggest that at least some anti-inflammatory agents may not be effective in this group. PMID:23985578

Oxytetracycline and penicillin-G residues in cattle slaughtered in south-western Nigeria: implications for livestock disease management and public health.

PubMed

Adesokan, Hezekiah K; Agada, Charity A; Adetunji, Victoria O; Akanbi, Ibikunle M

2013-01-01

After the discovery of indiscriminate antibiotic use in ready-for-slaughter cattle in south-western Nigeria, 90 tissue samples from randomly selected slaughtered cattle were evaluated for oxytetracycline and penicillin-G residues using high performance liquid chromatography and the data analysed by one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed residues of oxytetracycline (kidney: 9.47 µ/kg ± 3.24 µ/kg; liver: 12.73 µ/kg ± 4.39 µ/kg; muscle: 16.17 µ/kg ± 5.52 µ/kg) and penicillin-G (kidney: 6.27 µ/kg ± 2.46 µ/kg; liver: 8.5 µ/kg ± 2.80 µ/kg; muscle: 11.67 µ/kg ± 2.94 µ/kg) in all tissues screened. Significantly high levels (oxytetracycline: F = 16.77; penicillin-G: F = 29.38) were, however, found in muscles, followed by liver and then kidney – findings confirming recent antibiotic administration to the animals before slaughter. The dietary intakes through the tissues screened were 0.024% (oxytetracycline) and 0.017% (penicillin-G) of the acceptable daily intake (ADI). Although the concentrations in the tissues screened were below the maximum residue limits despite recent administration of these antibiotics before slaughter, the lower concentrations are suggestive of the probable low dosages often administered by those involved in indiscriminate use of antibiotics. This therefore raises serious concerns for the livestock industry as well as human health, given the resultant emergence and spread of resistant strains of bacterial pathogens that could ensue from prolonged use of low dosages of antibiotics. Additionally, the lower concentrations of the daily intakes notwithstanding, the plausible exposure to these antibiotics from other food sources is a cause for concern. Since antimicrobial misuse and its consequent effects are not just a problem limited to Nigeria but also a concern in sub-Saharan Africa, the need for national and international stakeholder intervention is emphasised.

The Protective Role of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Produced by Heme Oxygenases and Derived from the CO-Releasing Molecule CORM-2 in the Pathogenesis of Stress-Induced Gastric Lesions: Evidence for Non-Involvement of Nitric Oxide (NO).

PubMed

Magierowska, Katarzyna; Magierowski, Marcin; Surmiak, Marcin; Adamski, Juliusz; Mazur-Bialy, Agnieszka Irena; Pajdo, Robert; Sliwowski, Zbigniew; Kwiecien, Slawomir; Brzozowski, Tomasz

2016-03-24

Carbon monoxide (CO) produced by heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and HO-2 or released from the CO-donor, tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) dimer (CORM-2) causes vasodilation, with unknown efficacy against stress-induced gastric lesions. We studied whether pretreatment with CORM-2 (0.1-10 mg/kg oral gavage (i.g.)), RuCl₃ (1 mg/kg i.g.), zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)), hemin (1-10 mg/kg i.g.) and CORM-2 (1 mg/kg i.g.) combined with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA, 20 mg/kg i.p.), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 10 mg/kg i.p.), indomethacin (5 mg/kg i.p.), SC-560 (5 mg/kg i.g.), and celecoxib (10 mg/kg i.g.) affects gastric lesions following 3.5 h of water immersion and restraint stress (WRS). Gastric blood flow (GBF), the number of gastric lesions and gastric CO and nitric oxide (NO) contents, blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level and the gastric expression of HO-1, HO-2, hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) were determined. CORM-2 (1 mg/kg i.g.) and hemin (10 mg/kg i.g.) significantly decreased WRS lesions while increasing GBF, however, RuCl₃ was ineffective. The impact of CORM-2 was reversed by ZnPP, ODQ, indomethacin, SC-560 and celecoxib, but not by l-NNA. CORM-2 decreased NO and increased HO-1 expression and CO and COHb content, downregulated HIF-1α, as well as WRS-elevated COX-2 and iNOS mRNAs. Gastroprotection by CORM-2 and HO depends upon CO's hyperemic and anti-inflammatory properties, but is independent of NO.

Analysis and forecasting of municipal solid waste in Nankana City using geo-spatial techniques.

PubMed

Mahmood, Shakeel; Sharif, Faiza; Rahman, Atta-Ur; Khan, Amin U

2018-04-11

The objective of this study was to analyze and forecast municipal solid waste (MSW) in Nankana City (NC), District Nankana, Province of Punjab, Pakistan. The study is based on primary data acquired through a questionnaire, Global Positioning System (GPS), and direct waste sampling and analysis. Inverse distance weighting (IDW) technique was applied to geo-visualize the spatial trend of MSW generation. Analysis revealed that the total MSW generated was 12,419,636 kg/annum (12,419.64 t) or 34,026.4 kg/day (34.03 t), or 0.46 kg/capita/day (kg/cap/day). The average wastes generated per day by studied households, clinics, hospitals, and hotels were 3, 7.5, 20, and 15 kg, respectively. The residential sector was the top producer with 95.5% (32,511 kg/day) followed by commercial sector 1.9% (665 kg/day). On average, high-income and low-income households were generating waste of 4.2 kg/household/day (kg/hh/day) and 1.7 kg/hh/day, respectively. Similarly, large-size families were generating more (4.4 kg/hh/day) waste than small-size families (1.8 kg/hh/day). The physical constituents of MSW generated in the study area with a population of about 70,000 included paper (7%); compostable matter (61%); plastics (9%); fine earth, ashes, ceramics, and stones (20.4%); and others (2.6%).The spatial trend of MSW generation varies; city center has a high rate of generation and towards periphery generation lowers. Based on the current population growth and MSW generation rate, NC is expected to generate 2.8 times more waste by the year 2050.This is imperative to develop a proper solid waste management plan to reduce the risk of environmental degradation and protect human health. This study provides insights into MSW generation rate, physical composition, and forecasting which are vital in its management strategies.

Metal and metalloid accumulation in cultivated urban soils: A medium-term study of trends in Toronto, Canada.

PubMed

Wiseman, Clare L S; Zereini, Fathi; Püttmann, Wilhelm

2015-12-15

This study aims to examine the elemental enrichment patterns in low to medium traffic areas over a three year period in Toronto, Canada. Soils were sampled at three locations with different volumes of traffic between 2010 and 2013. A range of elements, including V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Cd, As, Sb and Pb, were measured in acid digested samples using ICP-MS. While the concentrations of Cd, Sb and Pb were found to be relatively low, a significant, albeit small increase in their levels over time was determined for all sites. For the low traffic areas, median Cd, Sb and Pb concentrations increased from 0.18mg Cd/kg, 0.14mg Sb/kg and 12mg Pb/kg in 2010 to 0.38mg Cd/kg, 0.21mg Sb/kg and 15mg Pb/kg in 2012, respectively. For the medium traffic site, the respective levels of Cd and Sb rose from 0.19mg Cd/kg and 0.14mg Sb/kg in 2010 to 0.49mg Cd/kg and 0.28mg Sb/kg in 2012. Median Pb concentrations at the medium traffic site were comparable to those at the low traffic sites (13mg/kg in 2010 and 15mg/kg in 2012). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed the existence of two components (rotated), which explained 77% of the variance for all sites: 1. PC1 with large loadings of V, Cr, Co and Cu that likely originate from the commercial soil originally used for monitoring purposes, and 2. PC2 with high correlations between Cd, Sb and Pb, attributed to traffic sources of emissions. The resuspension and transport of more mobile fractions of contaminated dust and soil particles is hypothesized to be contributing to an elemental enrichment of soils located in low traffic areas. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Emission estimates of particulate matter (PM) and trace gases (SO2, NO and NO2) from biomass fuels used in rural sector of Indo-Gangetic Plain, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saud, T.; Mandal, T. K.; Gadi, Ranu; Singh, D. P.; Sharma, S. K.; Saxena, M.; Mukherjee, A.

2011-10-01

In this paper, we present the experimentally determined emission factors and emission estimates of particulate matter (PM), SO2, NO and NO2 emitted from biomass fuels used as energy in rural area of Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), India. Biomass fuel samples were collected at district level from this region. The burning of the collected biomass fuels is performed by using the modified dilution sampler based on studies done by Venkataraman et al. (2005). In this study, the emission factor represents the total period of burning including pyrolysis, flaming and smoldering. The average emission factor of PM from dung cake, fuel-wood and crop residue over Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Bihar are estimated as 16.26 ± 2.29 g kg-1, 4.34 ± 1.06 g kg-1 and 7.54 ± 4.17 g kg-1 respectively. Similarly, the average emission factor of SO2, NO and NO2 from dung cake, fuel-wood and crop residue over this region are also determined (SO2: 0.28 ± 0.09 g kg-1, 0.26 ± 0.10 g kg-1 and 0.27 ± 0.11 g kg-1, NO: 0.27 ± 0.21 g kg-1, 0.41 ± 0.25 g kg-1 and 0.54 ± 0.50 g kg-1 and NO2: 0.31 ± 0.23 g kg-1, 0.35 ± 0.28 g kg-1 and 0.54 ± 0.47 g kg-1 respectively). The emission of PM, SO2, NO and NO2 from biomass fuels used as energy in rural household over, IGP are also estimated in this paper. The result shows the regional emission inventory from Indian scenario with spatial variability.

Antidepressant-like effect of the extract from leaves of Schinus molle L. in mice: evidence for the involvement of the monoaminergic system.

PubMed

Machado, Daniele G; Kaster, Manuella P; Binfaré, Ricardo W; Dias, Munique; Santos, Adair R S; Pizzolatti, Moacir G; Brighente, Inês M C; Rodrigues, Ana Lúcia S

2007-03-30

Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae), among other uses, is popularly employed for the treatment of depression. In this study, the antidepressant-like effect of the hexanic extract from leaves of S. molle was investigated in the mouse tail suspension test (TST), a predictive model of depression. The immobility time in the TST was significantly reduced by the extract (dose range 30-600 mg/kg, p.o.), without accompanying changes in ambulation when assessed in an open-field test. The efficacy of extract was found to be comparable to that of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o.). The anti-immobility effect of the extract (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was prevented by pretreatment of mice with p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (PCPA, 100 mg/kg, i.p., an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, for four consecutive days), NAN-190 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist), WAY100635 (0.1 mg/kg, s.c., a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist), ketanserin (5 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor antagonist), MDL72222 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist), prazosin (1 mg/kg, i.p., an alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist), yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p., an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist), SCH23390 (0.05 mg/kg, s.c., a D(1) receptor antagonist) or sulpiride (50 mg/kg, i.p., a D(2) receptor antagonist). It may be concluded that the hexanic extract of S. molle produces an antidepressant-like effect that seems to be dependent on its interaction with the serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems. These results provide evidence that the extract from S. molle shares with established antidepressants some pharmacological effects, at least at a preclinical level.

Effect of combined oral doses of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) on acute and anticipatory nausea in rat models.

PubMed

Rock, Erin M; Connolly, Cassidy; Limebeer, Cheryl L; Parker, Linda A

2016-09-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of oral combined cannabis constituents to reduce nausea. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of combining subthreshold oral doses of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) on acute and anticipatory nausea in rat models of conditioned gaping. The potential of intragastric (i.g.) administration of THC, CBDA, or combined doses, to interfere with acute nausea-induced conditioned gaping (acute nausea) or the expression of contextually elicited conditioned gaping (anticipatory nausea), was evaluated. For acute nausea, i.g. administration of subthreshold doses of THC (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) or CBDA (0.5 and 1 μg/kg) significantly suppressed acute nausea-induced gaping, whereas higher individual doses of both THC and CBDA were maximally effective. Combined i.g. administration of higher doses of THC and CBDA (2.5 mg/kg THC-2.5 μg/kg CBDA; 10 mg/kg THC-10 μg/kg CBDA; 20 mg/kg THC-20 μg/kg CBDA) also enhanced positive hedonic reactions elicited by saccharin solution during conditioning. For anticipatory nausea, combined subthreshold i.g. doses of THC (0.1 mg/kg) and CBDA (0.1 μg/kg) suppressed contextually elicited conditioned gaping. When administered i.g., THC was effective on its own at doses ranging from 1 to 10 mg/kg, but CBDA was only effective at 10 μg/kg. THC alone was equally effective by intraperitoneal (i.p.) and i.g. administration, whereas CBDA alone was more effective by i.p. administration (Rock et al. in Psychopharmacol (Berl) 232:4445-4454, 2015) than by i.g. administration. Oral administration of subthreshold doses of THC and CBDA may be an effective new treatment for acute nausea and anticipatory nausea and appetite enhancement in chemotherapy patients.

Involvement of NMDA receptors and L-arginine/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in the antidepressant-like effects of topiramate in mice forced swimming test.

PubMed

Ostadhadi, Sattar; Khan, Muhammad Imran; Norouzi-Javidan, Abbas; Chamanara, Mohsen; Jazaeri, Farahnaz; Zolfaghari, Samira; Dehpour, Ahmad-Reza

2016-04-01

Topiramate (TPM) is an agent primarily used in the treatment of epilepsy. Using mice model of forced swimming test (FST) the current study was basically aimed to investigate the influence of TPM on depression by inhibiting NMDA receptor and nitric oxide-cGMP production. When TPM was administered in a dose of 20 and 30 mg/kg by i.p. route it reduced the immobility time during FST. However this effect of TPM (30 mg/kg, i.p.) in the FST was abolished when the mice were pretreated either with NMDA (75 mg/kg, i.p.), or l-arginine (750 mg/kg, i.p. NO precursor), or sildenafil (5mg/kg, i.p. Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor). The immobility time in the FST was reduced after administration of L-NAME (10mg/kg, i.p, a non-specific NOS inhibitor), 7-nitoinidazol (30 mg/kg, i.p. a nNOS inhibitor) or MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg, i.p, a NMDA receptor antagonist) in combination with a subeffective dose of TPM (10mg/kg, i.p.) as compared with single use of either drug. Co-administrated of lower doses of MK-801 (0.01 mg/kg) or L-NAME (1mg/kg) failed to effect immobility time. However, simultaneous administration of these two agents in the same doses with subeffective dose of TPM (10mg/kg, i.p.), reduced the immobility time during FST. None of these drugs were found to have a profound effect on the locomotor activity per se during the open field test. Taken together, our data demonstrates that TPM exhibit antidepressant-like effect which is accomplished either due to inhibition of NMDA receptors or NO-cGMP production. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The pharmacokinetics of morphine and lidocaine in nine severe trauma patients.

PubMed

Berkenstadt, H; Mayan, H; Segal, E; Rotenberg, M; Almog, S; Perel, A; Ezra, D

1999-12-01

To study the pharmacokinetic parameters of morphine and lidocaine after a single intravenous (i.v.) bolus in severe trauma patients. Clinical case study. Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care of a university hospital. Nine patients, ages 24 to 91 years (mean 54.4 yrs), admitted to the hospital with severe trauma (Injury Severity Score > 20) were included in the study. After initial evaluation and stabilization, a single i.v. dose of morphine 0.025 mg/kg and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg was given separately, and blood samples were drawn for each drug serum concentration. Morphine pharmacokinetics was studied in eight patients, lidocaine pharmacokinetics in seven patients, and both drugs were studied in six patients. Morphine clearance 2.5 to 10 ml/kg/min (6 +/- 2.6, mean +/- SD) and volume of distribution 0.28 to 3.30 L/kg (1.4 +/- 1.0) were found to be lower than values described previously for healthy volunteers (33.5 +/- 9 ml/kg/min and 5.16 +/- 1.40 L/kg, respectively), and are similar to those described in trauma patients (5 +/- 2.9 ml/kg/min and 0.9 +/- 0.2 L/kg, respectively). In contrast, lidocaine clearance 4.5 to 9.4 ml/kg/min (6.7 +/- 1.7) and volume of distribution 0.39 to 1.20 L/kg (0.72 +/- 0.28) were similar to the value described in healthy volunteers (10 ml/kg/min and 1.32 L/kg, respectively). Changes in pharmacokinetics of drugs eliminated by the liver may occur in patients with severe trauma. The preserved lidocaine clearance indicates an almost normal hepatic blood flow and suggests that other mechanisms may be involved in the lower morphine clearance. The findings may have applications for the treatment of severe trauma patients and suggest that drug monitoring might be needed in some instances so as to avoid toxicity.

Effects of High vs. Low Protein Intake on Body Composition and Maximal Strength in Aspiring Female Physique Athletes Engaging in an 8-Week Resistance Training Program.

PubMed

Campbell, Bill I; Aguilar, Danielle; Conlin, Laurin; Vargas, Andres; Schoenfeld, Brad Jon; Corson, Amey; Gai, Chris; Best, Shiva; Galvan, Elfego; Couvillion, Kaylee

2018-02-06

Aspiring female physique athletes are often encouraged to ingest relatively high levels of dietary protein in conjunction with their resistance-training programs. However, there is little to no research investigating higher vs. lower protein intakes in this population. This study examined the influence of a high vs. low protein diet in conjunction with an 8-week resistance training program in this population. Seventeen females (21.2±2.1 years; 165.1±5.1 cm; 61±6.1 kg) were randomly assigned to a high protein diet (HP: 2.5g/kg/day; n=8) or a low protein diet (LP: 0.9g/kg/day, n=9) and were assessed for body composition and maximal strength prior to and after the 8-week protein intake and exercise intervention. Fat-free mass (FFM) increased significantly more in the HP group as compared to the LP group (p=0.009), going from 47.1 ± 4.5kg to 49.2 ± 5.4kg (+2.1kg) and from 48.1 ± 2.7kg to 48.7 ± 2 (+0.6kg) in the HP and LP groups, respectively. Fat mass significantly decreased over time in the HP group (14.1 ± 3.6kg to 13.0 ± 3.3kg; p<0.01) but no change was observed in the LP group (13.2 ± 3.7kg to 12.5 ± 3.0kg). While maximal strength significantly increased in both groups, there were no differences in strength improvements between the two groups. In aspiring female physique athletes, a higher protein diet is superior to a lower protein diet in terms of increasing FFM in conjunction with a resistance training program.

Nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of cattle slurry in grassland as affected by method and timing of application.

PubMed

Lalor, S T J; Schröder, J J; Lantinga, E A; Oenema, O; Kirwan, L; Schulte, R P O

2011-01-01

Slurry application with methods such as trailing shoe (TS) results in reduced emissions of ammonia (NH3) compared with broadcast application using splashplate (SP). Timing the application during cool and wet weather conditions also contributes to low NH3 emissions. From this perspective, we investigated whether reduced NH3 emissions due to improved slurry application method and timing results in an increase in the nitrogen (N) fertilizer replacement value (NFRV). The effects of application timing (June vs. April) and application method (TS vs. SP) on the apparent N recovery (ANR) and NFRV from cattle slurry applied to grassland were examined on three sites over 3 yr in randomized block experiments. The NFRV was calculated using two methods: (i) NFRV(N) based on the ANR of slurry N relative to mineral N fertilizer; and (ii) NFRV(DM) based on DM yield. The TS method increased the ANR, NFRV(N), and NFRV(DM) compared with SP in the 40- to 50-d period following slurry application by 0.09, 0.10, and 0.10 kg kg(-1), respectively. These values were reduced to 0.07, 0.06, and 0.05 kg kg(-1), respectively, when residual harvests during the rest of the year were included. The highest NFRV(DM) for the first harvest period was with application in April using STS (0.30 kg kg(-1)), while application in June with SP had the Slowest (0.12 kg kg(-1)). The highest NFRV(DM) for the cumulative harvest period was with application in April using TS (0.38 kg kg(-1)), while application in June with SP had the lowest (0.17 kg kg(-1)). Improved management of application method, by using TS instead of SP, and timing, by applying slurry in April rather than June, offer potential to increase the NFRV(DM) of cattle slurry applied to grassland.

Growth and metabolism of growing beef calves fed tall fescue haylage supplemented with protein and(or) energy.

PubMed

Smith, W L; Gay, N; Boling, J A; Muntifering, R B

1987-10-01

Endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum)-infected Kentucky 31 tall fescue was fertilized in mid-August, stockpiled, harvested November 4 to 6 and stored in a concrete stave silo. Ninety-six growing calves (189 kg) were assigned to the following treatments (24 calves/treatment): 1) corn silage (CS) plus .4 kg/d of soybean meal (SBM; 2) fescue haylage plus .4 kg/d of SBM; 3) fescue haylage plus 1.6 kg/d of corn and 4) fescue haylage plus 1.6 kg/d of corn and .4 kg/d of SBM. Daily gains and dry matter (DM) intakes during the 91-d trial were .52, 4.58; .51, 5.22; .59, 6.06; and .63, 6.18 kg for treatments 1 through 4, respectively. Daily gains of calves fed corn silage plus SBM and fescue haylage plus SBM were not different (P greater than .05). However, a difference (P less than .05) existed between treatments 1 and 2 vs 3 and 4. Feed conversion was improved (P less than .05) in calves fed corn silage. Calves in a metabolism trial were fed either 1) 6.2 kg November-ensiled fescue haylage or 2) 6.2 kg November-ensiled fescue haylage plus 1.6 kg/d of corn. Digestibility of DM, N-free extract (NFE) and TDN did not differ (P greater than .05) between treatments. Ether extract digestibility was greater (P less than .05) for the added corn diet, while that of CP was greater (P less than .05) for the fescue haylage diet. Nitrogen retained was higher (P less than .05) for calves fed added corn. A follow-up trial with 96 growing calves (190 kg) compared September- and November-harvested fescue haylages supplemented with either 1.3 or 2.6 kg corn/d.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Geochemical background of zinc, cadmium and mercury in anthropically influenced soils in a semi-arid zone (SE, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Lorenzo, M. L.; Pérez-Sirvent, C.; Martínez-Sánchez, M. J.; Molina, J.; Tudela, M. L.; Hernández-Córdoba, M.

2009-04-01

This work seeks to establish the geochemical background for three potentially toxic trace elements (Zn, Cd and Hg) in a pilot zone included in the DesertNet project in the province of Murcia. The studied area, known as Campo de Cartagena, Murcia (SE Spain) is an area of intensive agriculture and has been much affected over the years by anthropic activity. The zone can be considered an experimental pilot zone for establishing background levels in agricultural soils. Sixty four samples were collected and corresponded to areas subjected to high and similar agricultural activity or soils with natural vegetation, which correspond to abandoned agricultural areas. The Zn content was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The Cd content was determined by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry and mercury content was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Geostatistical analysis consisting of kriging and mapping was performed using the geostatistical analyst extension of ArcGIS 8.3. Zinc values ranged from 10 mg kg-1 to 151 mg kg-1, with an average value of 45 mg kg-1. Cadmium values ranged between 0.1 mg kg-1 and 0.9mg kg-1, with a mean value of 0.3 mg kg-1 and mercury values ranged from 0.1 mg kg-1 to 2.3 mg kg-1, with a mean value of 0.5 mg kg-1. At a national level, the Spanish Royal Decree 9/2005 proposes toxicological and statistical approaches to establish background values. According to the statistical approach, background values consist of the median value for the selected element. The background values for Zn, Cd and Hg in the studied area were 40 mg kg-1 for Zn, 0.3 mg kg-1 for Cd and 0.4 mg kg-1 for Hg.

Actions of novel antipsychotic agents on apomorphine-induced PPI disruption: influence of combined serotonin 5-HT1A receptor activation and dopamine D2 receptor blockade.

PubMed

Auclair, Agnès L; Kleven, Mark S; Besnard, Joël; Depoortère, Ronan; Newman-Tancredi, Adrian

2006-09-01

The dopamine D1/D2 agonist apomorphine (0.63 mg/kg) disrupted prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle in rats, a model of sensorimotor gating deficits observed in schizophrenia. All current antipsychotics, which antagonize D2 receptors, prevent this apomorphine-induced deficit. A novel class of antipsychotics possesses, in addition to D2 antagonist property, various levels of 5-HT1A agonist activity. Considering that the latter itself produces PPI deficits, it appeared necessary to assess the potential of this novel class of antipsychotics to reverse apomorphine-PPI deficits. Potent D2 antagonists, like haloperidol (0.63-2.5 mg/kg), risperidone (0.63-10 mg/kg), and olanzapine (0.63-40 mg/kg) prevented apomorphine PPI disruption. The atypical antipsychotics, clozapine (40 mg/kg), nemonapride (0.01-2.5 mg/kg), ziprasidone (10 mg/kg), and aripiprazole (0.01 and 10 mg/kg), which all exhibit 5-HT1A agonist properties, reversed PPI deficits at some doses only, whereas the anti-dyskinetic agent sarizotan (0.16-10 mg/kg), an efficacious 5-HT1A agonist, did not. New generation antipsychotics with marked 5-HT1A agonist properties, such as SLV313 and SSR181507 (0.0025-10 mg/kg and 0.16-10 mg/kg, respectively) did not reverse these deficits whereas bifeprunox (0.04-2.5 mg/kg) did. To reveal the contribution of 5-HT1A agonist properties in the lack of effects of SLV313 and SSR181507, we pretreated rats with the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY100635 (0.63 mg/kg). Under these conditions, significant reversal of PPI deficit was observed, indicating that D2 antagonist properties of SLV313 and SSR181507 are now sufficient to overcome the disruptive effects of apomorphine. To summarize, antipsychotics possessing agonist efficacy at 5-HT1A receptors exhibit diverse profiles against apomorphine-induced PPI deficits, depending on the balance between D2 and 5-HT1A activities, suggesting that they may display distinct activity on some aspects of gating deficits in schizophrenic patients.

Dextromethorphan Interactions with Histaminergic and Serotonergic Treatments to Reduce Nicotine Self-administration in Rats

PubMed Central

Briggs, Scott A.; Hall, Brandon J.; Wells, Corinne; Slade, Susan; Jaskowski, Paul; Morrison, Margaret; Rezvani, Amir H.; Rose, Jed E.; Levin, Edward D.

2015-01-01

Combining effective treatments with diverse mechanisms of action for smoking cessation may provide better therapy by targeting multiple points of control in the neural circuits underlying addiction. Previous research in a rat model has shown that dextromethorphan, which has α3β4 nicotinic and NMDA glutamatergic antagonist actions, significantly decreases nicotine self-administration. We have found in the rat model that the H1 histamine antagonist pyrilamine and the serotonin 5HT2c agonist lorcaserin also significantly reduce nicotine self-administration. The current studies were conducted to determine the interactive effects of dextromethorphan with pyrilamine and lorcaserin on nicotine self-administration in rats. Young adult female rats were fitted with jugular IV catheters and trained to self-administer a nicotine infusion dose of 0.03-mg/kg/infusion. In an initial dose-effect function study of dextromethorphan, we found a monotonic decrease in nicotine self-administration over a dose range of 1 to 30-mg/kg with a lowest effective dose of 3-mg/kg. Then, with two separate cohorts of rats, dextromethorphan (0, 3.3, and 10-mg/kg) interactions with pyrilamine (0, 4.43, and 13.3-mg/kg) were investigated as well as interactions with lorcaserin (0, 0.3125 and 0.625-mg/kg). In the pyrilamine-dextromethorphan interaction study, the acute dose of pyrilamine (13.3-mg/kg) as well as an acute dose of dextromethorphan caused a significant decrease in nicotine self-administration. There were mutually augmenting effects of these two drugs. The combination of dextromethorphan (10-mg/kg) and pyrilamine (13.3-mg/kg) significantly lowered nicotine self-administration relative to either 10-mg/kg of dextromethorphan alone (p<0.05) or 13.3-mg/kg of pyrilamine alone (p<0.0005). In the lorcaserin-dextromethorphan study, an acute dose of lorcaserin (0.312-mg/kg) as well as an acute dose of dextromethorphan (10-mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in nicotine self-administration replicating previous findings. Augmenting interactions were observed with dextromethorphan and pyrilamine as well as lorcaserin. These findings suggest that combination therapy may be more effective smoking cessation treatments than monotherapy. PMID:26704812

Dextromethorphan interactions with histaminergic and serotonergic treatments to reduce nicotine self-administration in rats.

PubMed

Briggs, Scott A; Hall, Brandon J; Wells, Corinne; Slade, Susan; Jaskowski, Paul; Morrison, Margaret; Rezvani, Amir H; Rose, Jed E; Levin, Edward D

2016-03-01

Combining effective treatments with diverse mechanisms of action for smoking cessation may provide better therapy by targeting multiple points of control in the neural circuits underlying addiction. Previous research in a rat model has shown that dextromethorphan, which has α3β4 nicotinic and NMDA glutamatergic antagonist actions, significantly decreases nicotine self-administration. We have found in the rat model that the H1 histamine antagonist pyrilamine and the serotonin 5HT2C agonist lorcaserin also significantly reduce nicotine self-administration. The current studies were conducted to determine the interactive effects of dextromethorphan with pyrilamine and lorcaserin on nicotine self-administration in rats. Young adult female rats were fitted with jugular IV catheters and trained to self-administer a nicotine infusion dose of 0.03-mg/kg/infusion. In an initial dose-effect function study of dextromethorphan, we found a monotonic decrease in nicotine self-administration over a dose range of 1 to 30-mg/kg with the lowest effective dose of 3-mg/kg. Then, with two separate cohorts of rats, dextromethorphan (0, 3.3, and 10-mg/kg) interactions with pyrilamine (0, 4.43, and 13.3-mg/kg) were investigated as well as interactions with lorcaserin (0, 0.3125 and 0.625-mg/kg). In the pyrilamine-dextromethorphan interaction study, an acute dose of pyrilamine (13.3-mg/kg) as well as an acute dose of dextromethorphan caused a significant decrease in nicotine self-administration. There were mutually augmenting effects of these two drugs. The combination of dextromethorphan (10-mg/kg) and pyrilamine (13.3-mg/kg) significantly lowered nicotine self-administration relative to either 10-mg/kg of dextromethorphan alone (p<0.05) or 13.3-mg/kg of pyrilamine alone (p<0.0005). In the lorcaserin-dextromethorphan study, an acute dose of lorcaserin (0.312-mg/kg) as well as an acute dose of dextromethorphan (10-mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in nicotine self-administration replicating previous findings. Augmenting interactions were observed with dextromethorphan and pyrilamine as well as lorcaserin. These findings suggest that combination therapy may be more effective smoking cessation treatments than monotherapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Small Molecular Inhibitor of Transforming Growth Factor-{beta} Protects Against Development of Radiation-Induced Lung Injury

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anscher, Mitchell S.; Thrasher, Bradley; Zgonjanin, Larisa

2008-07-01

Purpose: To determine whether an anti-transforming growth factor-{beta} (TGF-{beta}) type 1 receptor inhibitor (SM16) can prevent radiation-induced lung injury. Methods and Materials: One fraction of 28 Gy or sham radiotherapy (RT) was administered to the right hemithorax of Sprague-Dawley rats. SM16 was administered in the rat chow (0.07 g/kg or 0.15 g/kg) beginning 7 days before RT. The rats were divided into eight groups: group 1, control chow; group 2, SM16, 0.07 g/kg; group 3, SM16, 0.15 g/kg; group 4, RT plus control chow; group 5, RT plus SM16, 0.07 g/kg; group 6, RT plus SM16, 0.15 g/kg; group 7,more » RT plus 3 weeks of SM16 0.07 g/kg followed by control chow; and group 8, RT plus 3 weeks of SM16 0.15 g/kg followed by control chow. The breathing frequencies, presence of inflammation/fibrosis, activation of macrophages, and expression/activation of TGF-{beta} were assessed. Results: The breathing frequencies in the RT plus SM16 0.15 g/kg were significantly lower than the RT plus control chow from Weeks 10-22 (p <0.05). The breathing frequencies in the RT plus SM16 0.07 g/kg group were significantly lower only at Weeks 10, 14, and 20. At 26 weeks after RT, the RT plus SM16 0.15 g/kg group experienced a significant decrease in lung fibrosis (p = 0.016), inflammatory response (p = 0.006), and TGF-{beta}1 activity (p = 0.011). No significant reduction was found in these measures of lung injury in the group that received SM16 0.7g/kg nor for the short-course (3 weeks) SM16 at either dose level. Conclusion: SM16 at a dose of 0.15 g/kg reduced functional lung damage, morphologic changes, inflammatory response, and activation of TGF-{beta} at 26 weeks after RT. The data suggest a dose response and also suggest the superiority of long-term vs. short-term dosing.« less

Unsustainability of Obesity: Metabolic Food Waste.

PubMed

Serafini, Mauro; Toti, Elisabetta

2016-01-01

The obesity burden, with 1.5 billion overweight (OW) and 500 million obese (OB) worldwide, significantly increased the risk of degenerative diseases. Excessive consumption of foods that are energy dense lead to obesity, which represents a titanic cost for not only the world's health systems but also a substantial ecological cost to the environment. The waste of resources and the unnecessary green house gas emissions (GHGs) emission, due to "obesigen" consumption of foods, have been ignored so far in practical assessments of ecological impacts. Our position is that food eaten above physiological needs, manifesting as obesity, should be considered waste. In this study, we developed a new indicator, metabolic food waste [MFW (kg of food) ], corresponding to the amount of food leading to excess body fat and its impact on environment expressed as carbon [Formula: see text], water [MFW (×10 L) ], and land footprint [Formula: see text]. Results shows that the average amount of MFW (kg of food) was of 63.1 and 127.2 kg/capita in a observational study on 60 OW and OB subjects. Animal products contributed mostly to MFW (kg of food) in both OW (24.3 kg) and OB (46.5 kg), followed by cereals, legumes and starchy roots (19.4 kg OW; 38.9 kg OB), sugar and sweets (9.0 kg OW; 16.4 kg OB), and alcoholic beverages (7.5 kg OW; 20.1 kg OB). When dietary intake corresponding to MFW was transformed in ecological indexes, animal products displayed the highest values for carbon emissions, water consumption, and land use in both OW and OB followed by cereals, legumes, and starchy roots. The estimated MFW (kg of food) of the Italian population resulted to be 2.081 million kilograms of food for OB and OW. Reducing obesity will make a contribution toward achieving sustainable and functional diets, preserving and re-allocating natural resources for fighting hunger and malnutrition, and reducing GHGs emissions. Although further evidences in epidemiological studies are needed, MFW represents an innovative and reliable tool to unravel the diet-environment-health trilemma.

Remediation of Cd-contaminated soil around metal sulfide mines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Xinzhe; Hu, Xuefeng; Kang, Zhanjun; Luo, Fan

2017-04-01

The mines of metal sulfides are widely distributed in the southwestern part of Zhejiang Province, Southeast China. The activities of mining, however, often lead to the severe pollution of heavy metals in soils, especially Cd contamination. According to our field investigations, the spatial distribution of Cd-contaminated soils is highly consistent with the presence of metal sulfide mines in the areas, further proving that the mining activities are responsible for Cd accumulation in the soils. To study the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils, a paddy field nearby large sulfide mines, with soil pH 6 and Cd more than 1.56 mg kg-1, five times higher than the national recommended threshold, was selected. Plastic boards were deeply inserted into soil to separate the field and make experimental plots, with each plot being 4 m×4 m. Six treatments, TK01˜TK06, were designed to study the effects of different experimental materials on remediating Cd-contaminated soils. The treatment of TK01 was the addition of 100 kg zeolites to the plot; TK02, 100 kg apatites; TK03, 100 kg humid manure; TK04, 50 kg zeolites + 50 kg apatites; TK05, 50 kg zeolites + 50 kg humid manure; TK06 was blank control (CK). One month after the treatments, soil samples at the plots were collected to study the possible change of chemical forms of Cd in the soils. The results indicated that these treatments reduced the content of available Cd in the soils effectively, by a decreasing sequence of TK04 (33%) > TK02 (25%) > TK01 (23%) > TK05 (22%) > TK03 (15%), on the basis of CK. Correspondingly, the treatments also reduced the content of Cd in rice grains significantly, by a similar decreasing sequence of TK04 (83%) > TK02 (77%) > TK05 (63%) > TK01 (47%) > TK03 (27%). The content of Cd in the rice grains was 0.071 mg kg-1, 0.094 mg kg-1, 0.159 mg kg-1, 0.22 mg kg-1 and 0.306 mg kg-1, respectively, compared with CK, 0.418 mg kg-1. This experiment suggested that the reduction of available Cd in the soils is the key to the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils, and apply the composite material of zeolite combining apatite is the best choice for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

Direct and regression methods do not give different estimates of digestible and metabolizable energy of wheat for pigs.

PubMed

Bolarinwa, O A; Adeola, O

2012-12-01

Digestible and metabolizable energy contents of feed ingredients for pigs can be determined by direct or indirect methods. There are situations when only the indirect approach is suitable and the regression method is a robust indirect approach. This study was conducted to compare the direct and regression methods for determining the energy value of wheat for pigs. Twenty-four barrows with an average initial BW of 31 kg were assigned to 4 diets in a randomized complete block design. The 4 diets consisted of 969 g wheat/kg plus minerals and vitamins (sole wheat) for the direct method, corn (Zea mays)-soybean (Glycine max) meal reference diet (RD), RD + 300 g wheat/kg, and RD + 600 g wheat/kg. The 3 corn-soybean meal diets were used for the regression method and wheat replaced the energy-yielding ingredients, corn and soybean meal, so that the same ratio of corn and soybean meal across the experimental diets was maintained. The wheat used was analyzed to contain 883 g DM, 15.2 g N, and 3.94 Mcal GE/kg. Each diet was fed to 6 barrows in individual metabolism crates for a 5-d acclimation followed by a 5-d total but separate collection of feces and urine. The DE and ME for the sole wheat diet were 3.83 and 3.77 Mcal/kg DM, respectively. Because the sole wheat diet contained 969 g wheat/kg, these translate to 3.95 Mcal DE/kg DM and 3.89 Mcal ME/kg DM. The RD used for the regression approach yielded 4.00 Mcal DE and 3.91 Mcal ME/kg DM diet. Increasing levels of wheat in the RD linearly reduced (P < 0.05) DE and ME to 3.88 and 3.79 Mcal/kg DM diet, respectively. The regressions of wheat contribution to DE and ME in megacalories against the quantity of wheat DM intake in kilograms generated 3.96 Mcal DE and 3.88 Mcal ME/kg DM. In conclusion, values obtained for the DE and ME of wheat using the direct method (3.95 and 3.89 Mcal/kg DM) did not differ (0.78 < P < 0.89) from those obtained using the regression method (3.96 and 3.88 Mcal/kg DM).

Effects of dietary chitosan and Bacillus subtilis on the growth performance, non-specific immunity and disease resistance of cobia, Rachycentron canadum.

PubMed

Geng, Xu; Dong, Xiao-Hui; Tan, Bei-Ping; Yang, Qi-Hui; Chi, Shu-Yan; Liu, Hong-Yu; Liu, Xian-Qin

2011-09-01

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of various levels of dietary Bacillus subtilis and chitosan on the growth performance, non-specific immunity and protection against Vibrio harveyi infection in cobia, Rachycentron canadum. Fish were fed with the control diet and six different experimental diets containing three graded levels of B. subtilis at 2 × 10(10) CFU g(-1) (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 g kg(-1) diet) for each of two levels of chitosan (3.0 and 6.0 g kg(-1) diet). The results of 8 weeks feeding trial showed that the survival rate ranged from 81.3% to 84.0% with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The SGR (%) in the fish fed with dietary treatments was significantly higher than that of the control fish except diet 6 group with 2.0 g kg(-1)B. subtilis and 3.0 g kg(-1) chitosan. The serum lysozyme activities were significantly higher in 6.0 g kg(-1) chitosan groups and no significant differences were observed among B. subtilis levels. The serum ACP activities were significantly higher in 3.0 g kg(-1) chitosan groups at 0.0 and 1.0 g kg(-1)B. subtilis levels; at low chitosan level, the cobia fed diets with 1.0 g kg(-1)B. subtilis had significantly higher serum ACP activity, but at high chitosan level, the cobia fed diets with 2.0 g kg(-1)B. subtilis had significantly higher serum ACP activity. The phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity in the fish fed with dietary treatments was significantly higher than that of the control fish except diet 3 group with 6.0 g kg(-1) chitosan. Moreover, fish fed the diet containing 2.0 g kg(-1)B. subtilis and 6.0 g kg(-1) chitosan had significantly higher post-challenge survival on the 7th day following V. harveyi infection and post-challenge survival showed clearly the synergistic effect of chitosan and B. subtilis. Based on these results, the combination of 1.0 g kg(-1)B. subtilis and 6.0 g kg(-1) chitosan is optimal for the growth, innate immunity and disease resistance of cobia with an 8-week oral administration. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical Composition and Medicinal Value of Fruiting Bodies and Submerged Cultured Mycelia of Caterpillar Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps militaris CBS-132098 (Ascomycetes).

PubMed

Chan, Jannie Siew Lee; Barseghyan, Gayane S; Asatiani, Mikheil D; Wasser, Solomon P

2015-01-01

In this paper, we report the results of a proximate analysis (i.e., moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and energy); a bioactive compounds analysis (i.e., cordycepin and ergothioneine); fatty and amino acid analysis; and analyses of vitamin content, macro- and microelement composition of fruiting body (FB), and mycelial biomass (MB) of medicinal caterpillar fungus Cordyceps militaris strain CBS-132098. These results demonstrate that the FB and MB of C. militaris are good sources of proteins: 59.8% protein content in the FB and 39.5% in the MB. The MB was distinguished by its carbohydrate content (39.6%), which was higher than that of the FB (29.1% carbohydrate). In the FB of C. militaris, the total amino acid content was 57.39 mg/g and in the MB it was 24.98 mg/g. The quantification of the identified fatty acids indicated that palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid were the major fatty acids. The micro- and macroelement compositions were studied. The highest results were calcium (797 mg/kg FB; 11 mg/kg MB); potassium (15,938 mg/kg FB 12,183 mg/kg MB); magnesium (4,227 mg/kg FB; 3,414 mg/kg MB); sodium (171 mg/kg FB; 1,567 mg/kg MB); phosphorus (7,196 mg/kg FB; 14,293 mg/kg MB); and sulfur (5,088 mg/kg FB; 2,558 mg/kg MB). The vitamin composition was studied, and the most abundant vitamins were vitamin A, vitamin B3, and vitamin E. The bioactive components were cordycepin, cordycepic acid (D-mannitol), and ergothioneine. There were differences in cordycepin and ergothioneine contents between the FB and the MB. The cordycepin concentration was 0.11% in the FB and 0.182% in the MB, the cordycepic acid was 4.7 mg/100g in the FB and 5.2 mg/100 g in the MB, and the ergothioneine content was 782.37 mg/kg in the FB and 130.65 mg/kg in the MB. The nutritional values of the FB and the MB of C. militaris detected indicate its potential use in well-balanced diets and sources of bioactive compounds.

Effects of dietary forage-to-concentrate ratio on nutrient digestibility and enteric methane production in growing goats (Capra hircus hircus) and Sika deer (Cervus nippon hortulorum)

PubMed Central

Na, Youngjun; Li, Dong Hua; Lee, Sang Rak

2017-01-01

Objective Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of forage-to-concentrate (F:C) ratio on the nutrient digestibility and enteric methane (CH4) emission in growing goats and Sika deer. Methods Three male growing goats (body weight [BW] = 19.0±0.7 kg) and three male growing deer (BW = 19.3±1.2 kg) were respectively allotted to a 3×3 Latin square design with an adaptation period of 7 d and a data collection period of 3 d. Respiration-metabolism chambers were used for measuring the enteric CH4 emission. Treatments of low (25:75), moderate (50:50), and high (73:27) F:C ratios were given to both goats and Sika deer. Results Dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility decreased linearly with increasing F:C ratio in both goats and Sika deer. In both goats and Sika deer, the CH4 emissions expressed as g/d, g/kg BW0.75, % of gross energy intake, g/kg DM intake (DMI), and g/kg OM intake (OMI) decreased linearly as the F:C ratio increased, however, the CH4 emissions expressed as g/kg digested DMI and OMI were not affected by the F:C ratio. Eight equations were derived for predicting the enteric CH4 emission from goats and Sika deer. For goat, equation 1 was found to be of the highest accuracy: CH4 (g/d) = 3.36+4.71×DMI (kg/d)−0.0036×neutral detergent fiber concentrate (NDFC, g/kg)+0.01563×dry matter digestibility (DMD, g/kg)−0.0108×neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD, g/kg). For Sika deer, equation 5 was found to be of the highest accuracy: CH4 (g/d) = 66.3+27.7×DMI (kg/d)−5.91×NDFC (g/kg)−7.11× DMD (g/kg)+0.0809×NDFD (g/kg). Conclusion Digested nutrient intake could be considered when determining the CH4 generation factor in goats and Sika deer. Finally, the enteric CH4 prediction model for goats and Sika deer were estimated. PMID:28335097

A multicentre randomized controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of single-dose praziquantel at 40 mg/kg vs. 60 mg/kg for treating intestinal schistosomiasis in the Philippines, Mauritania, Tanzania and Brazil.

PubMed

Olliaro, Piero L; Vaillant, Michel T; Belizario, Vincente J; Lwambo, Nicholas J S; Ouldabdallahi, Mohamed; Pieri, Otavio S; Amarillo, Maria L; Kaatano, Godfrey M; Diaw, Mamadou; Domingues, Analucia C; Favre, Tereza C; Lapujade, Olivier; Alves, Fabiana; Chitsulo, Lester

2011-06-01

Praziquantel at 40 mg/kg in a single dose is the WHO recommended treatment for all forms of schistosomiasis, but 60 mg/kg is also deployed nationally. Four trial sites in the Philippines, Mauritania, Tanzania and Brazil enrolled 856 patients using a common protocol, who were randomised to receive praziquantel 40 mg/kg (n  =  428) or 60 mg/kg (n  =  428). While the sites differed for transmission and infection intensities (highest in Tanzania and lowest in Mauritania), no bias or heterogeneity across sites was detected for the main efficacy outcomes. The primary efficacy analysis was the comparison of cure rates on Day 21 in the intent-to-treat population for the pooled data using a logistic model to calculate Odd Ratios allowing for baseline characteristics and study site. Both doses were highly effective: the Day 21 cure rates were 91.7% (86.6%-98% at individual sites) with 40 mg/kg and 92.8% (88%-97%) with 60 mg/kg. Secondary parameters were eggs reduction rates (ERR), change in intensity of infection and reinfection rates at 6 and 12 months. On Day 21 the pooled estimate of the ERR was 91% in both arms. The Hazard Ratio for reinfections was only significant in Brazil, and in favour of 60 mg/kg on the pooled estimate (40 mg/kg: 34.3%, 60 mg/kg: 23.9%, HR  =  0.78, 95% CI  = [0.63;0.96]). Analysis of safety could not distinguish between disease- and drug-related events. 666 patients (78%) reported 1327 adverse events (AE) 4 h post-dosing. The risk of having at least one AE was higher in the 60 than in the 40 mg/kg group (83% vs. 73%, p<0.001). At 24 h post-dosing, 456 patients (54%) had 918 AEs with no difference between arms. The most frequent AE was abdominal pain at both 4 h and 24 h (40% and 24%). A higher dose of 60 mg/kg of praziquantel offers no significant efficacy advantage over standard 40 mg/kg for treating intestinal schistosomiasis caused by either S. mansoni or S. japonicum. The results of this study support WHO recommendation and should be used to inform policy decisions in the countries.

The effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative analgesia and sedation in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

PubMed

Olutoye, Olutoyin A; Glover, Chris D; Diefenderfer, John W; McGilberry, Michael; Wyatt, Matthew M; Larrier, Deidre R; Friedman, Ellen M; Watcha, Mehernoor F

2010-08-01

The immediate postoperative period after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, one of the most common pediatric surgical procedures, is often difficult. These children frequently have severe pain but postoperative airway edema along with increased sensitivity to the respiratory-depressant effects of opioids may result in obstructive symptoms and hypoxemia. Opioid consumption may be reduced by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, but these drugs may be associated with increased bleeding after this operation. Dexmedetomidine has mild analgesic properties, causes sedation without respiratory depression, and does not have an effect on coagulation. We designed a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study to determine the effects of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative recovery including pain, sedation, and hemodynamics in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. One hundred nine patients were randomized to receive a single intraoperative dose of dexmedetomidine 0.75 microg/kg, dexmedetomidine 1 microg/kg, morphine 50 microg/kg, or morphine 100 microg/kg over 10 minutes after endotracheal intubation. There were no significant differences among the 4 groups in patient demographics, ASA physical status, postoperative opioid requirements, sedation scores, duration of oxygen supplementation in the postanesthetic care unit, and time to discharge readiness. The median time to first postoperative rescue analgesic was similar in patients receiving dexmedetomidine 1 microg/kg and morphine 100 microg/kg, but significantly longer compared with patients receiving dexmedetomidine 0.75 microg/kg or morphine 50 microg/kg (P < 0.01). In addition, the number of patients requiring >1 rescue analgesic dose was significantly higher in the dexmedetomidine 0.75 microg/kg group compared with the dexmedetomidine 1 microg/kg and morphine 100 microg/kg groups, but not the morphine 50 microg/kg group. Patients receiving dexmedetomidine had significantly slower heart rates in the first 30 minutes after surgery compared with those receiving morphine (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in sedation scores among the groups. The total postoperative rescue opioid requirements were similar in tonsillectomy patients receiving intraoperative dexmedetomidine or morphine. However, the use of dexmedetomidine 1 microg/kg and morphine 100 microg/kg had the advantages of an increased time to first analgesic and a reduced need for additional rescue analgesia doses, without increasing discharge times.

[Body mass index and other anthropometric parameters of the physical state in relation with age and individual-typological specific of women constitution].

PubMed

Nikityuk, D B; Nikolenko, V N; Klochkova, S V; Minnibaev, T Sh

2015-01-01

The physical state of body construction of 651 practically health women 20-55 years old were studied by using a complex of anthropometric and bioelectric methods (conditional norm, slavonians, inhabitants of Moscow region). The leptosome constitutional group was established in 152 cases (23.3%), mesosome group was exposes in 259 cases (39.8%), megalosome group was revealed in 189 cases (29.0%) and indeterminate group was fixed in 78 cases (8.0%). Women of mesoplastic somatotype were established in 26.9%, sthenoplastic somatotype--in 16.7%, picnic somatotype--in 13.7%, subathletic somatorype--in 11.5%, euriplastic somatotype--in 12.3%, athletic somatotype--in 5.2% and asthenic somatotype--in 1.7%. Sizes and weight parameters were depending on type of women body construction. Norm of body mass index for asthenic women was fixed as 16.9; for sthenoplastic somatotype--20.3; for athletic somatotype--23.1; for subathletic somatotype--24.2; for mesoplastic somatotype--24.6; for euriplastic somatotype--24.7; for picnic somatotype--26.2. The length of women body was varied from 158.2 +/- 0.5 (152.0-165.0) cm for sthenoplastic somatotype and 159.6 +/- 0.4 (152.0- 164.8) cm for mesoplastic somatotype to 169.4 +/- 1.7 (162.2-187.4) cm for athletic somatotype. Body weight was also in correspondence with type of constitution. It was 47.8 +/- 0.6 (44.2-54.6) kg for asthenic somatotype, 50.6 +/- 0.4 (42.6-54.2) kg for sthenoplastic somatotype, 62.2 +/- 0.2 (56.3-64.9) kg for mesoplastic somatotype, 68.6 +/- 0.7 (64.5-82.7) kg for picnic somatotype, 66.2 +/- 1.0 (62.0-76.5) kg for athletic somatotype, 68.2 +/- 1.0 (63.4-76.5) kg for subathletic somatotype and 75.0 +/- 1.0 (68.4-92.5) kg for euriplastic somatotype. Mass of bone component was minimal for women of picnic somatotype (6.4 +/- 0.1 kg) as well as asthenic somatotype (7.3 +/- 0.3 kg) and maximal for subathletic (9.3 +/- 0.1 kg) and euriplastic (9.4 +/- 0.1 kg) somatotypes. Skeletal muscles mass was varied from 18.7 +/- 0.4 kg (asthenic somatotype) to 30.2 +/- 0.4 kg (athletic somatotype). Fat tissue mass was varied from 7.0 +/- 0.2 kg (asthenic somatotype) to 32.2 +/- 0.2 kg (euriplastic somatotype). There were established intercommunications between women constitutional characteristics and pecualiarities of their body construction.

Effects of dietary cadmium on growth, antioxidants and bioaccumulation of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) and influence of dietary vitamin C supplementation.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Ren, Tongjun; Wang, Fuqiang; Han, Yuzhe; Liao, Mingling; Jiang, Zhiqiang; Liu, Haiying

2016-07-01

The effects of dietary cadmium (Cd) supplementation on growth, antioxidant capacity and accumulation of Cd in tissues (body wall, digestive tracts, and respiratory tree) of sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, exposed to sub-chronic concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, and 500mg Cd/kg dry weight) of Cd were investigated. In addition, the potential protective effects of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, AsA) against the effects of Cd on sea cucumbers were investigated. Sea cucumbers were exposed to dietary Cd for 30 days, after which another group of healthy sea cucumbers was supplied diet supplemented with mixed Cd and AsA for another 30 days. Cd exposure for 30 days resulted in increased Cd accumulation in tissues of sea cucumbers with exposure time and concentration. The order of Cd accumulation in organs was digestive tracts>respiratory tree>body wall. On day 30, the body weight gain (BWG) and specific growth rate (SGR) decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the 500mg Cd/kg treatment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and catalase (CAT) activity in the coelomic fluid of sea cucumbers decreased with increasing dietary Cd concentration, but malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the coelomic fluid increased. Providing diet supplemented with Cd and AsA indicated that although sea cucumbers exhibited signs of Cd toxicity, no death occurred in response to 50mg Cd/kg for 30 days. Based on these findings, five treatments were provided: 50mg Cd/kg+0mg AsA/kg, 50mg Cd/kg+ 3000mg AsA/kg, 50mg Cd/kg+ 5000mg AsA/kg, 50mg Cd/kg+10,000mg AsA/kg, and 50mg Cd/kg+15,000mg AsA/kg. The BWG and SGR of sea cucumbers fed the AsA supplemented diet mixed with Cd increased. Additionally, MDA levels in coelomic fluid were negatively correlated with dietary AsA levels, while antioxidant capacities (SOD, GSH-Px and CAT) were positively correlated with dietary AsA levels. Moreover, Cd accumulation in tissues decreased in response to dietary AsA supplementation of treatments. Overall, antioxidant capacity and bioaccumulation in sea cucumber was found to decrease and be induced in response to Cd, but vitamin C mitigated these effects, with 5000mg AsA/kg providing the optimum protection against 50mg/kg Cd. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of a sustained inflation in preterm infants at birth.

PubMed

van Vonderen, Jeroen J; Hooper, Stuart B; Hummler, Helmut D; Lopriore, Enrico; te Pas, Arjan B

2014-11-01

To assess the clinical effect of an initial sustained inflation of 10 seconds and 25 cmH2O in preterm infants at birth. In this observational study inflation pressures and tidal volumes were recorded with the use of respiratory function monitoring of preterm infants <32 weeks' gestation receiving a sustained inflation. Inspiratory tidal volume (Vti) and expiratory tidal volume (Vte) of sustained inflation and cumulative Vti and Vte of breaths during sustained inflation were determined. Heart rate and oxygen saturation were measured before and after the sustained inflation. Seventy infants were included (median [IQR]: gestational age 29 [27-30] weeks). Mean (SD) sustained inflation duration was 10.5 seconds (2.9 seconds) with positive inflation pressure 24.2 cmH2O (2.3 cmH2O) and positive end-expiratory pressure 6.0 cmH2O (1.8 cmH2O). In 20 of 70 infants, no volumes were delivered during the sustained inflation because of mask leak. No leak occurred in 50 of 70 infants, of whom 36 of 50 breathed during the sustained inflation. In 14 of the infants who did not breathe, Vti and Vte were 0.9 mL/kg (0.4-2.7 mL/kg) and 0.6 mL/kg (0.1-2.0 mL/kg) with a functional residual capacity (FRC) gain of 0.0 (-0.5 to 0.6) mL/kg. In 36 of 50 infants who breathed during the sustained inflation, Vti was 2.9 mL/kg (0.9-9.2 mL/kg) and Vte 3.8 mL/kg (1.0-5.9 mL/kg), whereas cumulative Vti of breaths was 16.4 mL/kg (6.8-23.3 mL/kg) and cumulative Vte of breaths was 5.8 mL/kg (1.2-16.8 mL/kg) with an FRC gain of 7.1 mL/kg (1.7-15.9 mL/kg). Heart rate and oxygen saturation did not increase immediately after the sustained inflation. A sustained inflation of 10 seconds and 25 cmH2O in preterm infants at birth was not effective unless infants breathed. Although large mask leak accounted for approximately one-third of failures, as FRC gain was only associated with breathing, we speculate that active glottic adduction may be responsible for most failures. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of agro-ecological zone, season of birth and sex on pre-weaning performance of Nguni calves in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

PubMed

Mpofu, T J; Ginindza, M M; Siwendu, N A; Nephawe, K A; Mtileni, B J

2017-01-01

The study was conducted to determine the effect of agro-ecological zone, season of birth and sex on Nguni calves' pre-weaning performance. Production indices such as birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), pre-weaning average daily gain (P-ADG) and pre-weaning gain (P-WG) were assessed in the different agro-ecological zones. Herd records on performance of 826 Nguni calves' from nine Nguni herds representing different agro-ecological zones: arid zone (n = 217); semi-arid zone (n = 296); dry sub-humid zone (n = 118) and humid zone (n = 195) were used for the analysis of pre-weaning calf performance. General linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS (2013) was used to analyse data, whereas mean separation was conducted using Tukey's HSD test. Agro-ecological zone had a great influence (P < 0.01) on performance levels arising from pasture conditions which were dependent on rain, temperature, topography and soil type. Fluctuations in WW, P-ADG and P-WG performance across agro-ecological zones depicted the sensitivity of Nguni calves' to postnatal stress. Calves' in humid zone had higher performance with 121.21 kg for WW, 96.83 kg for P-WG and 0.477 kg/day for P-ADG. The lowest WW (114.51 kg), P-WG (89.98 kg) and P-ADG (0.438 kg/day) were observed in arid zone. Male calves were heavier at weaning (128.18 kg), P-ADG (0.503 kg/day) and total gain (103.03 kg); however, similar BW of 25 kg was observed for both male and female calves. Season had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on BW, P-ADG and P-WG. The P-ADG was 0.461 kg/day for calves born in summer and 0.449 kg/day for calves born in winter season. Calves born in summer gained 94.69 kg and calves born in winter gained 92.10 kg. Summer calves gained 2.59 kg more than winter calves. Summer heifer calves performed poorly whilst summer male calves outperformed heifer calves in terms of WW, P-WG and P-ADG. Pre-weaned calves in humid zone outperformed all calves in other agro-ecological zones. It was concluded that acceptable levels of growth are achievable from Nguni cattle under the different agro-ecological zones of Limpopo province, South Africa.

High Body Mass Index and Use of Fentanyl Iontophoretic Transdermal System in Postoperative Pain Management: Results of a Pooled Analysis of Six Phase 3/3B Trials.

PubMed

Viscusi, Eugene R; Ding, Li; Phipps, J Bradley; Itri, Loretta M; Schauer, Philip R

2017-06-01

Postoperative pain management can be challenging in patients with a high body mass index (BMI) especially as a result of poor venous access and delayed ambulation that can result in serious complications. Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system (ITS) is a needle-free, patient-controlled analgesic method available for use in acute postoperative pain. The primary objective of these analyses was to determine if there were any differences between patients with high BMI (>40 kg/m 2 ) and lower BMIs (<30 kg/m 2 and 35-40 kg/m 2 ) in terms of efficacy or safety. Data from three registration, placebo-controlled trials and three active-comparator trials using fentanyl ITS (IONSYS ® , The Medicines Company, Parsippany, NJ) for the management of postoperative pain were analyzed using BMI categories of <35 kg/m 2 , 35-40 kg/m 2 , and >40 kg/m 2 . The majority of patients had lower abdominal or orthopedic surgery. For these analyses, the primary efficacy variables were assessed via patient global assessment of pain control (PGA) at 24 h and investigator global assessment (IGA) at study discharge. PGA and IGA are categorical 4-point scales (excellent, good, fair, or poor) with treatment "success" defined as either excellent or good. Safety was evaluated via treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs). There were 1403 patients randomly assigned and treated with fentanyl ITS for at least 3 h (BMI <35 kg/m 2 : 1180; 35-40 kg/m 2 : 136, BMI >40 kg/m 2 : 85; and 2 missing). PGA treatment success, which evaluates the method of pain control, at 24 h was consistent in the high and low BMI groups in patients treated with fentanyl ITS (<35 kg/m 2 : 946/1180 [80.2%]; 35-40 kg/m 2 : 103/136 [75.7%]; and >40 kg/m 2 : 65/85 [76.5%]). The IGA results at study discharge were similar to the PGA. Safety appeared similar with fentanyl ITS across the BMI groups. In these analyses, fentanyl ITS was as efficacious, as assessed by the PGA ratings of treatment "success", in patients with high BMI (>40 kg/m 2 ) as it was for those with lower BMIs (<35 kg/m 2 or 35-40 kg/m 2 ) and was generally well tolerated across all BMI categories.

[Effects of pretreatment of lipid, midazolam and propofol on ropivacaine-induced convulsion and LD50 in rats].

PubMed

Lü, Xiao-lan; Wan, Fu-hong; Zuo, Yun-xia

2012-09-04

To assess the effects of lipid on ropivacaine-induced convulsion and LD50 in rats and compare with those of the traditional anticonvulsants midazolam and propofol. Protocol 1: A total of 120 SD rats (60 males, 60 females), weighing 200-300 g, were randomly assigned into 4 groups with equal males and females: lipid (L), midazolam (M) and propofol (P) and control (C). Rats were pretreated with 10 ml/kg lipid intravenously in group L, saline and 0.23 mg/kg midazolam (10 ml/kg in volume) sequentially in group M, saline and 4 mg/kg propofol (10 ml/kg in volume) in group P and saline 10 ml/kg in group C. Then ropivacaine 44 mg/kg (0.75%) was injected intraperitoneally into each rat. The convulsion rate in each group and the time of convulsion after ropivacaine injection were observed. Meanwhile, the plasma concentration of ropivacaine at the time of convulsion was measured. Protocol 2: Additional 100 male SD rats were used for the measurements of ropivacaine LD50 with different pretreatments including lipid, midazolam, propofol and saline through the up-and-down method. Rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups similarly as protocol 1. The doses of ropivacaine in each group were determined according to our pilot study and 6 dosage levels with the same interval ratio 8.5 was applied in each group. The doses of these pretreatment drugs and administration methods were similarly as protocol 1. The convulsion rate after 44 mg/kg ropivacaine ip injection was 43.3% in group C, 0% in group M, 13.3% in group P and 70% in group L. Lipid increased the convulsion rate significantly. The plasma concentration of ropivacaine at the time of convulsion was 1.65 ± 0.30 µg/kg in group C, 1.73 ± 0.14 µg/kg in group P and 3.45 ± 0.26 µg/kg in group L. The LD50 of ropivacaine in group C was 64.39 mg/kg, 88.40 mg/kg in group M and 90.20 mg/kg in group P and 55.45 mg/kg in group L. Midazolam and propofol not only decrease the convulsion rate of ropivacaine, but also increase its LD50. Lipid not only increases the convulsion rate of ropivacaine, but also decreases its LD50. The application of lipid for the prevention of local anesthetic toxicity has potential risks.

Influence of fertilization on the capability of rice resistance to diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xue-Feng; Chang, Yue-Ya; Jiang, Ying; Yan, Xiao-Juan; Luo, Fan

2013-04-01

Organic cultivation of rice requires no use of any agricultural chemicals during the entire period of growth, and so the rice's self-prevention of diseases and pests is vitally important. A field experiment was carried out to study the possible influence of different fertilization on the capability of rice resistance to diseases and pests. A rice variety used for this experiment is Jia-He 218. Four treatments (A, B, C and D) were designed: A is a control, without using any fertilizers; B, after manuring of green azolla, 0.67 kg/m2; C, after manuring of rapeseed cake, 0.30 kg/m2; D, after fertilizing of ammonium bicarbonate, 0.025 kg/m2, and urea, 0.025 kg/m2. The experiment plot is 66.7 m2, with three replicates. The results indicated that the fertilization patterns significantly influence the growth of rice seedlings: The heights by A, B, C and D are 37 cm, 40 cm , 42 cm and 45 cm on average, respectively; the spike numbers, 45, 65, 73 and 75, respectively; chlorophyll contents in leaves, 1.84 mg/g, 2.42 mg/g, 3.02 mg/g and 3.97 mg/g, respectively. The rice with the different fertilization also varies in nutrient concentration in leaves: NH4-N concentration in leaves by A, B, C and D is 47.5 mg/kg, 61.1 mg/kg, 74.7 mg/kg and 135.8 mg/kg on average, respectively; NO3-N in leaves, 138.9 mg/kg, 185.2 mg/kg, 154.3 mg/kg and 293.2 mg/kg, respectively. The fertilization patterns, moreover, show a significant influence on the incidence of diseases and pests to rice seedlings: The incidence of rice cnaphalocrocis medinalis by A, B, C and D is 1.33 %, 1.50 %, 1.75 % and 89.0 % on average, respectively; that of bacterial leaf blight, 0, 1.25 %, 1.75 % and 85.0 %, respectively; number of rice planthopper in each plant, 20, 21, 21 and 30, respectively. As a result, the yield of rice grain by A, B, C and D is 4540 kg/ha, 4606 kg/ha, 4503 kg/ha and 4092 kg/ha on average, respectively. In conclusion, the rice seedlings treated with chemical fertilizers grow large and tender, which makes it more vulnerable to diseases and pests, resulting in low grain yield. In addition, its immune system capability might be significantly reduced by hyper-accumulation of free nutrients in leaves or stems due to excessive application of chemical fertilizers, and thus leaving it more seriously attacked by diseases and pests.

Flesh Quality Loss in Response to Dietary Isoleucine Deficiency and Excess in Fish: A Link to Impaired Nrf2-Dependent Antioxidant Defense in Muscle

PubMed Central

Gan, Lu; Jiang, Wei-Dan; Wu, Pei; Liu, Yang; Jiang, Jun; Li, Shu-Hong; Tang, Ling; Kuang, Sheng-Yao; Feng, Lin; Zhou, Xiao-Qiu

2014-01-01

The present study explored the impact of dietary isoleucine (Ile) on fish growth and flesh quality and revealed a possible role of muscle antioxidant defense in flesh quality in relation to dietary Ile. Grass carp (weighing 256.8±3.5 g) were fed diets containing six graded levels of Ile (3.8, 6.6, 9.3, 12.5, 15.2 and 18.5 g/kg) for eight weeks. The results indicated that compared with Ile deficiency (3.8 g/kg diets) and excess (18.5 g/kg diets) groups, 9.3–15.2 g Ile/kg diet supplementations promoted fish growth and muscle fat deposition, whereas 6.6–15.2 g Ile/kg diets supplementation enhanced muscle nutrients (protein and total EAAs) deposition. Furthermore, muscle shear force, pH value, and hydroxyproline concentration were improved by 9.3–12.5, 9.3 and 9.3 g Ile/kg diet supplementations, respectively. However, muscle cooking loss, lactate content, and activities of cathepsin B and L were decreased by 6.6–15.2, 9.3–12.5, 9.3–12.5 and 9.3–15.2 g Ile/kg diet supplementations, respectively. Additionally, 6.6–15.2 and 6.6–12.5 g Ile/kg diet supplementations attenuated malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents, respectively. The activities of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione content were enhanced by 6.6–9.3, 6.6–12.5 and 6.6–15.2 g Ile/kg diet supplementations, respectively. Moreover, the relative mRNA expressions of antioxidant enzymes, including Cu/Zn-SOD (6.6–12.5 g/kg diets) and GPx (12.5 g/kg diets), as well as antioxidant-related signaling molecules, including NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (6.6–12.5 g/kg diets), target of rapamycin (6.6–12.5 g/kg diets), ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 (9.3–12.5 g/kg diets) and casein kinase 2 (6.6–12.5 g/kg diets), were up-regulated when Ile diet supplementations were administered at these levels, respectively, whereas the relative mRNA expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 was down-regulated with 9.3 g Ile/kg diet supplementations. Collectively, the present study indicated that optimum isoleucine improved flesh quality, partly due to the activation of antioxidant defense through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. PMID:25514235

The Construal of Midwives by Pregnant Women with a Body Mass Index Greater Than or Equal to 30 kg/m2 (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ): A Repertory Grid Study.

PubMed

Hodgkinson, Emma L; Smith, Debbie M; Hare, Dougal Julian; Wittkowski, Anja

2017-03-01

To explore the construal of midwives by pregnant women with a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m 2 (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ). Ten pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 were recruited from antenatal clinics at a maternity hospital in the North West of England. Each participant completed a repertory grid. The participants chose people to match roles including themselves, pregnant women, midwives of different BMIs and hypothetical elements. They also generated psychological constructs to describe them. Pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 construed themselves as vulnerable and self-conscious. Some women endorsed obesity-related stereotypes for themselves and felt responsible for their weight. The midwife with a BMI 18 < 30 kg/m 2 was considered to be most similar to the ideal midwife, while the midwife with a BMI ≤ 18 kg/m 2 was construed as having an undesirable interpersonal style. The midwife with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 was often construed as sharing similar experiences to the pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 , such as struggling with the psychological consequences of a raised BMI. Some women construed the midwife with a BMI 30 < 40 kg/m 2 in a positive way, whereas others viewed it as sharing similar feelings about weight as the midwife with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 . The pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 in this study described perceptions of themselves and the midwives responsible for their care, which may affect their engagement and satisfaction with services. Pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 should be involved in service development activities to ensure the structure of services and the language used by midwives are acceptable and do not confirm weight-related stereotypes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 construe themselves as vulnerable and self-conscious and perceive themselves responsible for their weight. Pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 construe midwives with a low BMI as having an undesirable, cold, interpersonal style. Midwives with a raised BMI are construed as similar to the women, because they share the uncomfortable psychological consequences of a raised BMI. The nature of pregnant women's construal may affect their engagement and satisfaction with maternity services and midwifery care. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluating the influence of National Research Council levels of copper, iron, manganese, and zinc using organic (Bioplex) minerals on resulting tissue mineral concentrations, metallothionein, and liver antioxidant enzymes in grower-finisher swine diets.

PubMed

Gowanlock, D W; Mahan, D C; Jolliff, J S; Hill, G M

2015-03-01

Graded levels of a trace mineral premix containing an organic (Bioplex) source of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn was evaluated with additional treatments containing organic Zn or Fe. Grower-finisher pigs were fed from 25 to 115 kg BW. The number of pigs in the experiment, the breeding/genetics of the pigs, the management, and the average age of the pigs were previously reported. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design in 7 replicates. Treatments were 1) basal diet without supplemental Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn; 2) basal diet + 2.5 mg/kg Cu, 50 mg/kg Fe, 1.5 mg/kg Mn, and 40 mg/kg Zn (50% NRC); 3) basal diet + 5 mg/kg Cu, 100 mg/kg Fe, 3 mg/kg Mn, and 80 mg/kg Zn (100% NRC); 4) basal diet + 25 mg Zn/kg; 5) basal diet + 50 mg Zn/kg; and 6) basal diet + 50 mg Fe/kg. Selenium and I were added to all diets at 0.3 and 0.14 mg/kg, respectively. Diets were composed of corn-soybean meal, dicalcium phosphate, and limestone with phytase added to enhance mineral availability. Three pigs per pen were bled at 55, 80, and 115 kg BW and plasma was analyzed for microminerals. When the average replicate BW was 115 kg, 3 pigs per pen of an equal gender ratio were killed. The liver, kidney, and heart were removed and analyzed for microminerals. Liver, duodenum, and jejunal metallothionein and the antioxidant enzymes in the liver containing these microminerals were determined. The results demonstrated that plasma minerals were unaffected at the 3 BW intervals. Liver and duodenum metallothionein protein were greater ( < 0.05) as dietary micromineral levels increased but jejunum metallothionein did not change as microminerals increased. The activity of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) was not affected as the levels of the micromineral increased, whereas the activity of Mn SOD increased slightly ( < 0.05) to the 50% NRC treatment level. Liver Zn (relative and total) increased ( < 0.05) as dietary micromineral levels increased and also when Zn was added singly to the diet. Liver, kidney, and heart Cu and Mn concentrations were similar at the various micromineral levels. The activities of liver enzymes containing graded levels of Zn were not affected by dietary microminerals at 115 kg BW. These results indicate that the supplemental levels of Cu, Fe, and Mn were not necessary for grower-finisher pigs and that these innate microminerals in a corn-soybean meal diet were adequate, whereas a need for supplemental Zn was demonstrated.

Regression and direct methods do not give different estimates of digestible and metabolizable energy values of barley, sorghum, and wheat for pigs.

PubMed

Bolarinwa, O A; Adeola, O

2016-02-01

Direct or indirect methods can be used to determine the DE and ME of feed ingredients for pigs. In situations when only the indirect approach is suitable, the regression method presents a robust indirect approach. Three experiments were conducted to compare the direct and regression methods for determining the DE and ME values of barley, sorghum, and wheat for pigs. In each experiment, 24 barrows with an average initial BW of 31, 32, and 33 kg were assigned to 4 diets in a randomized complete block design. The 4 diets consisted of 969 g barley, sorghum, or wheat/kg plus minerals and vitamins for the direct method; a corn-soybean meal reference diet (RD); the RD + 300 g barley, sorghum, or wheat/kg; and the RD + 600 g barley, sorghum, or wheat/kg. The 3 corn-soybean meal diets were used for the regression method. Each diet was fed to 6 barrows in individual metabolism crates for a 5-d acclimation followed by a 5-d period of total but separate collection of feces and urine in each experiment. Graded substitution of barley or wheat, but not sorghum, into the RD linearly reduced ( < 0.05) dietary DE and ME. The direct method-derived DE and ME for barley were 3,669 and 3,593 kcal/kg DM, respectively. The regressions of barley contribution to DE and ME in kilocalories against the quantity of barley DMI in kilograms generated 3,746 kcal DE/kg DM and 3,647 kcal ME/kg DM. The DE and ME for sorghum by the direct method were 4,097 and 4,042 kcal/kg DM, respectively; the corresponding regression-derived estimates were 4,145 and 4,066 kcal/kg DM. Using the direct method, energy values for wheat were 3,953 kcal DE/kg DM and 3,889 kcal ME/kg DM. The regressions of wheat contribution to DE and ME in kilocalories against the quantity of wheat DMI in kilograms generated 3,960 kcal DE/kg DM and 3,874 kcal ME/kg DM. The DE and ME of barley using the direct method were not different (0.3 < < 0.4) from those obtained using the regression method (3,669 vs. 3,746 and 3,593 vs. 3,647 kcal/kg DM, respectively). The direct method-derived DE and ME of sorghum were not different (0.5 < < 0.7) from those obtained using the regression method (4,097 vs. 4,145 and 4,042 vs. 4,066 kcal/kg DM, respectively). The direct method- and regression method-derived DE (3,953 and 3,960 kcal/kg DM, respectively) and ME (3,889 and 3,874 kcal/kg DM, respectively) of wheat were not different (0.8 < < 0.9). Results of these 3 experiments suggest that regression and direct methods do not give different estimates of DE and ME in barley, sorghum, and wheat for pigs.

Loads Limits Values of Soils with Petroleum Hydrocarbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumitru, Mihail; Vladimirescu, Andreea

2017-04-01

The high demand for oil and associated products as a source of energy, resulting in increased oil exploitation, producing, refining, transportation, storage, marketing and use led to high levels of environmental pollution. The optimum bioremediation variant proved to be the one in which fertilizer (potassium humate in NPK matrix with microelements and 8% monosaccharides) applied in a 650 l/ha dose was used together with the Zeba absorbent in 32 kg/ha dose, where the TPH level dropped by 58% in 45 days from the pollution with 3% crude oil. Most of these areas are affected by historical pollution. Many organic contaminants may undergo an ongoing process in the soil, whereby over time contaminant become less and less subject to decomposition even though relatively can still be detected in the laboratory analyses. In Romania about 50.000 ha are polluted with oil and/or brine. The bioremediation was the main method of rehabilitation. The Regulation on the assessment of environmental pollution, the following are presented as guide values for total oil hydrocarbons content in soil: - normal: less than 100 mg/kg; - alert values for sensitive soils: 200 mg/kg; - alert values for less sensitive soils: 1000 mg/kg; - intervention values for sensitive soils: 500 mg/kg; - intervention values for less sensitive soils: 2000 mg/kg. Researches done in laboratory monitored the effect of various concentrations of oil (under 2000 mg/kg, 3000 mg/kg, 5000 mg/kg, 7000 mg/kg, 10 000 mg/kg) on germination of wheat seeds at 5 and 7 days after seeding and (fresh and dry) biomass production after 40 days. Tree experiments were done: one with recently contaminated light oil, one with recently contaminated heavy oil and one with old contamination. After 5 days from sowing, the largest number of germinated seeds was found in the experiments with old contamination. The fewest germinated seeds was found in the experience with light oil. The experience with heavy oil showed an intermediate number of emerged plants. In all cases fertilization led to a significant increase of the wheat biomass. After 40 days, the level of total hydrocarbons was reduced on average by 55% in the case of contamination with light oil, by 42% for heavy oil contamination and 12% for old contamination. The BTEX concentration in soil had the lowest values in the experiment with heavy oil contamination, intermediate values in the experiment with historic contamination and higher values within experiment with light oil. We make proposal to change intervention thresholds for sensitive land uses from 500 mg/kg for total oil hydrocarbons to 1000 mg/kg for recently pollution and 2000 mg/kg for old pollution (historical > 5 years). For less sensitive land uses intervention thresholds from 2000 mg/kg of total oil hydrocarbons, values increase to 500 mg/kg for recently pollution and 1000 mg/kg old pollution.

Influence of genotype and diet on steer performance, manure odor, and carriage of pathogenic and other fecal bacteria. I. Animal performance.

PubMed

Ferrell, C L; Berry, E D; Freetly, H C; Miller, D N

2006-09-01

Although Brahman crosses constitute a large portion of US beef cattle, little information is available on their response to diverse feed resources compared with Bos taurus steers. Thus, the objectives were to evaluate genotype and diet effects on steer performance during the growing period and subsequent response to a high grain diet during the finishing period. Fifty-one steers [0 (15), 1/4 (20), 1/2 (7), and 3/4 Brahman (9), with the remaining proportion being MARC III] were allotted to 8 pens. Beginning on December 2, steers were individually fed chopped bromegrass hay (n = 26; DM = 85%, CP = 9.5%, ME = 2.19 Mcal/kg) or a corn silage-based diet (n = 25; DM = 51%, CP = 11.9%, ME = 2.75 Mcal/kg) for 119 d. All steers were then fed a high corn diet (DM = 79%, CP = 11.7%, ME = 3.08 Mcal/kg) to a target BW of 560 kg (176 d). Data were analyzed by ANOVA, with genotype, growing diet, and the 2-way interaction included. The interaction was not significant (P > 0.25). The MARC III and 1/2 Brahman steers weighed more (P < 0.01) than 1/4 or 3/4 Brahman steers initially and at the end of the growing period. Weight of bromegrass-fed (325 kg) steers was less than that of corn silage-fed (384 kg) steers at the end of the growing period. Steer ADG and intake of DM, CP, and ME were less (P = 0.087 to 0.001) for 1/4 and 3/4 Brahman than for 0 or 1/2 Brahman steers during growing, finishing, and total, but efficiency of gain did not differ (P > 0.10). Carcass weight, marbling score, quality grade (P < 0.05), and kidney fat (P = 0.06) differed among genotypes. Daily DMI (6.91 vs. 7.06 kg) was similar, but CP (0.66 vs. 0.84 kg) and ME (15.2 vs. 19.4 Mcal) intake of bromegrass fed was less (P = 0.001) than those of corn silage-fed steers. Values for DMI/gain (22.3 vs. 7.43 kg/kg), CP intake/gain (2.13 vs. 0.88 kg/kg), and ME intake/gain (48.8 vs. 20.4 Mcal/kg) were greater (P < 0.001) in bromegrass-fed than corn silage-fed steers. Over the total study, ADG was lower (0.96 vs. 1.01 kg), and DMI (7.82 vs. 7.19 kg), DMI/gain (8.21 vs. 7.10 kg/kg), and ME intake/gain (22.6 vs. 20.9 Mcal/kg) were greater (P < 0.05) in bromegrass-fed than in corn silage-fed steers. Carcass weight, dressing percent, adjusted backfat, and yield grade (P < 0.05) were greater for corn silage-fed than for bromegrass-fed steers. Feed intake and performance, but not efficiency, differed among these genotypes. Compensatory performance during finishing was insufficient to overcome reduced performance during the growing period.

[Relationship between body weight status in early adulthood and body weight change to middle age and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in middle aged Chinese people].

PubMed

Zhao, L C; Zhou, L; Li, Y; Guo, M; Wu, Y F

2016-08-24

To explore the relationship between early adulthood weight status and body weight changes from early adulthood to middle age and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. Data were obtained from China Multicenter Collaborative Study of Cardiovascular Epidemiology Study, which was conducted in 1998, 15 participants population samples aged from 35-59 years old from 12 provinces were selected by random cluster sampling. Approximately 1 000 men and women in each sample population were surveyed for cardiovascular disease risk factors, body weight at age 25 from all participants were also obtained. Body mass index (BMI) at the age of 25 years was calculated with the weight at 25 years and the height measured during the survey, participants were divided into underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m(2), n=1 331), normal-weight (18.5 kg/m(2)≤BMI <24 kg/m(2), n=10 400), overweight (24 kg/m(2)≤BMI<28 kg/m(2), n=2 019) and obesity (BMI≥28 kg/m(2), n=133) groups. Weight change was defined as the difference between the body weight at the age of 25 and at the survey and was grouped into<-7.5 kg (n=903), -7.5--2.6 kg (n=1 883), -2.5-2.5 kg (n=2 573), 2.6-7.5 kg (n=2 786), 7.6-12.5 kg (n=2 674) and>12.5 kg (n=3 064). The association of body weight status in early adulthood and body weight change from early adulthood to middle age with HDL-C level was examined by logistic regression model. The prevalence of low HDL-C in underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity groups at age of 25 years were 10.7%(143/1 331), 15.5%(1 612/10 400), 16.3%(330/2 019) and 24.8%(33/133), respectively(P for trend <0.01). The prevalence of low HDL-C for adult weight change were 8.8%(79/903), 8.0%(151/1 883), 10.5%(269/2 573), 13.4%(373/2 786), 19.1%(511/2 674), and 24.0%(735/3 064)(P for trend <0.01)for weight change of <-7.5 kg, -7.5--2.6 kg, -2.5-2.5 kg, 2.6-7.5 kg, 7.6-12.5 kg and>12.5 kg, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that overweight and obesity at age of 25 years and subsequent weight gain till middle age were positively correlated with low HDL-C after adjusted other risk factors(all P for trend <0.01). Overweight and obesity in early adulthood and significant adult weight gain from early adulthood to middle age were both independently associated with marked increases in the risk of low HDL-C in middle-aged Chinese men and women. Thus, body weight control at early adulthood could be a key strategy to reduce the incidence of low HDL-C at middle-aged population.

78 FR 17080 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Turbofan Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-20

... Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Turbofan Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation... certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) BR700-710 series turbofan engines. This AD requires... applies to Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) BR700-710A1-10 and BR700-710A2-20 turbofan engines...

Physiological and Psychological Characteristics of Successful Combat Controller Trainees

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-01

body fat , VO2max of 59ml/kg/min, vertical jump of 62cm, able to generate 11.4W/kg peak power and 9.3W/Kg mean power during Wingate tests, overall...who completed Phase I of the pipeline and achieved their 3-level rating: 23 years old, 1.8 m tall, 81 kg, 12% body fat , VO2max of 59 ml/kg/min... fat percentage was computed from body density using the Siri equation.6 Cardiorespiratory Endurance: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and running economy

Remediation Versus Prevention of PCB Contamination: A Comparison Based on Risk and Cost Analyses

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

given year is 20 to 90 degrees Farenheit ; temperatures beyond these values are rare. Winters are cool, with snowfall averaging 10 inches or less per...kg LW Canada ɘ.2 mg/kg LW Fish oil (Canada) ɚ.0 mg/kg LW Beef (Canada) ɚ.0 mg/kg LW Infant & junior foods ɘ.2 mg/kg FW Drinking water zero Lifetime...and inedible bones. The zero drinking water criterion for human health protection is based on the non-threshold assumption for PCBs. However, a zero

Qutrit witness from the Grothendieck constant of order four

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diviánszky, Péter; Bene, Erika; Vértesi, Tamás

2017-07-01

In this paper, we prove that KG(3 )

An open-label pilot trial of alpha-lipoic acid for weight loss in patients with schizophrenia without diabetes.

PubMed

Ratliff, Joseph C; Palmese, Laura B; Reutenauer, Erin L; Tek, Cenk

2015-01-01

A possible mechanism of antipsychotic-induced weight gain is activation of hypothalamic monophosphate-dependent kinase (AMPK) mediated by histamine 1 receptors. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, counteracts this effect and may be helpful in reducing weight for patients taking antipsychotics. The objective of this open-label study was to assess the efficacy of ALA (1,200 mg) on twelve non-diabetic schizophrenia patients over ten weeks. Participants lost significant weight during the intervention (-2.2 kg±2.5 kg). ALA was well tolerated and was particularly effective for individuals taking strongly antihistaminic antipsychotics (-2.9 kg±2.6 kg vs. -0.5 kg±1.0 kg). NCT01355952.

Simulation of Solar Heat Pump Dryer Directly Driven by Photovoltaic Panels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houhou, H.; Yuan, W.; Wang, G.

2017-05-01

This paper investigates a new type of solar heat pump dryer directly driven by photovoltaic panels. In order to design this system, a mathematical model has been established describing the whole drying process, including models of key components and phenomena of heat and mass transfer at the product layer and the air. The results of simulation at different drying air temperatures and velocities have been calculated and it indicate that the temperature of drying air is crucial external parameter compared to the velocity, with the increase of drying temperature from 45°C to 55°C, the product moisture content (Kg water/Kg dry product) decreased from 0.75 Kg/Kg to 0.3 Kg/Kg.

Installation Restoration Program Site Investigation Report - Volume 2, Appendix A-E. 254th Combat Communication Group/221st Combat Communication Squad. Garland, Texas.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-04-01

kg 1/26/94 8260I Methylenec chloride ɘ.012 0.012 m~y/kiy 1/26/94 8260 Meihyliuethacrylate ɘ.012 0.012 mg/kg 1/26/94 8260 4- Methyl -2-peritanone (MIBK...0.012 0.012 mgo/kg 1/23/94 8260 Methylmicthiacrylate < 0.012 0.012 mgL,/kg2 1/23/94 8260 4- Methyl -2-pcntanone (MIBK) < 0. 029 0.029 mg/kg 1/23/94 8260...8260EMethylene chloride ɘ.01 1 0.011 mgý/k~g 1/23/94 8260 Methyltnethiacrylate ɘ.011 0.011 mng/kg 1/23/94 8260 4- Methyl -2-pcntanone (MIBK) < 0.028

Efficacy of ivermectin as an anthelmintic in leopard frogs.

PubMed

Letcher, J; Glade, M

1992-02-15

Ivermectin administered cutaneously at dosages of 2 mg/kg of body weight eliminated nematode infections in leopard frogs. Three clinical trials were conducted. In the first trial, 5 groups of 11 frogs were given ivermectin IM at dosages of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 2, or 20 mg/kg. All frogs given ivermectin IM at dosages of 2.0 mg/kg or greater died. In trial 2, 44 frogs, allotted to 5 groups, were given ivermectin cutaneously at 0, 0.2, 2, or 20 mg/kg. Cutaneously administered ivermectin was not toxic at dosages up to 20 mg/kg. In trial 3, nematode infections were eliminated in all 10 frogs treated cutaneously with ivermectin at 2.0 mg/kg.

A comparison of the abilities of chlorpromazine and molindone to interact adversely with guanethidine.

PubMed

Gilder, D A; Fain, W; Simpson, L L

1976-08-01

Chlorpromazine and molindone were tested for their abilities to impair conditioned avoidance behavior of rats. Chlorpromazine was effective within the dose range of 0.3 to 7.0 mg/kg (ID50approximately 2.0 mg/kg); molindone was effective within the range of 0.3 to 5.0 mg/kg (ID50 approximately 0.6 mg/kg). Behaviorally relevant doses of chlorpromazine and molindone were then tested for their effects on blood pressure and on adrenergic mechanisms. When given intravenously to anesthetized, hypertensive animals, both drugs (1.0 mg/kg) produced significant but transient vasodepression. When given intraperitoneally to anesthetized or to conscious hypertensive rats, the drugs did not produce significant effects on blood pressure. Both drugs (1.0 mg/kg) blocked responses to an alpha agonist (methoxamine), but chlorpromazine was significantly more potent than molindone. In addition, chlorpromazine produced a dose-dependent (1.0-10.0 mg/kg) inhibition of 3H-l-norepinephrine uptake into heart, but molindone at the same doses produced no inhibition of uptake. In related experiments, it was found that guanethidine (50 mg/kg) was an effective agent for lowering blood pressure of hypertensive rats. When chlorpromazine (3-10 mg/kg) was administered concomitantly with guanethidine, the blood pressure lowering properties of guanethidine were diminished or abolished. When molindone (1-10 mg/kg) was administered concomitantly with guanethidine, there was no loss of blood pressure control. It is concluded that molindone is an important drug, because it is an antipsychotic agent that does not interact adversely with guanethidine.

Therapeutic potential of alpha-ketoglutarate against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

PubMed Central

Mehra, Lalita; Hasija, Yasha; Mittal, Gaurav

2016-01-01

Objective: Alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) is a cellular intermediary metabolite of Krebs cycle, involved in energy metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and nitrogen transport. It is available over-the-counter and marketed as a nutritional supplement. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that dietary α-KG has the potential to maintain cellular redox status and thus can protect various oxidative stress induced disease states. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective role of α-KG in acetaminophen (APAP) induced toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into three groups of six animals each. Group I (Vehicle control): Normal Saline, Group II (APAP): A single intraperitoneal injection of 0.6 g/kg, Group III (APAP + α-KG): APAP as in Group II with α-KG treatment at a dose of 2 g/kg, orally for 5 days. Then the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and histopathology were analyzed. Results: The results indicate that APAP caused significant elevations in ALT, AST, ALP, and MDA levels, while GSH, SOD, and CAT were significantly depleted while co-administration of α-KG showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the severity of these damages. Histologically, the liver showed inflammation and necrosis after APAP treatment, which were significantly restored with co-administration of α-KG. Conclusion: These results indicate the possible therapeutic potential of α-KG in protecting liver damage by APAP in rats. PMID:28216953

Effects of single and combined gabapentin use in elevated plus maze and forced swimming tests.

PubMed

Kilic, Fatma Sultan; Ismailoglu, Sule; Kaygisiz, Bilgin; Oner, Setenay

2014-10-01

Gabapentin, a third-generation antiepileptic drug, is a structural analogue of γ-aminobutyric acid, which is an important mediator of central nervous system. There is clinical data indicating its effectiveness in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. We aimed to investigate the antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects and mechanisms of gabapentin in rats. Female Spraque-Dawley rats weighing 250±20 g were used. A total of 13 groups were formed, each containing 8 rats: gabapentin (5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg), amitriptyline (10 mg/kg), sertraline (5 mg/kg), diazepam (5 mg/kg), ketamine (10 mg/kg), gabapentin 20 mg/kg was also combined with amitriptyline (10 mg/kg), sertraline (5 mg/kg), diazepam (5 mg/kg) and ketamine (10 mg/kg). All the drugs were used intraperitoneally as single dose. Saline was administered to the control group. Elevated plus maze and forced swimming tests were used as experimental models of anxiety and depression, respectively. It was observed that gabapentin showed an anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effect in all doses in rats. Its antidepressant effect was found to be the same as the antidepressant effects of amitriptyline and sertraline. There was no change in the antidepressant effect when gabapentin was combined with amitriptyline and ketamine, but there was an increase when combined with sertraline and diazepam. Gabapentin and amitriptyline showed similar anxiolytic effect, whereas ketamine and diazepam had more potent anxiolytic effect compared with them. These data suggest that gabapentin may possess antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects.

HPLC-DAD-ESIMS analysis of phenolic compounds in nectarines, peaches, and plums.

PubMed

Tomás-Barberán, F A; Gil, M I; Cremin, P; Waterhouse, A L; Hess-Pierce, B; Kader, A A

2001-10-01

The phenolic compounds of 25 peach, nectarine, and plum cultivars were studied and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESIMS. Hydroxycinnamates, procyanidins, flavonols, and anthocyanins were detected and quantified. White and yellow flesh nectarines and peaches, and yellow and red plums, were analyzed at two different maturity stages with consideration of both peel and flesh tissues. HPLC-MS analyses allowed the identification of procyanidin dimers of the B- and A-types, as well as the presence of procyanidin trimers in plums. As a general rule, the peel tissues contained higher amounts of phenolics, and anthocyanins and flavonols were almost exclusively located in this tissue. No clear differences in the phenolic content of nectarines and peaches were detected or between white flesh and yellow flesh cultivars. There was no clear trend in phenolic content with ripening of the different cultivars. Some cultivars, however, had a very high phenolic content. For example, the white flesh nectarine cultivar Brite Pearl (350-460 mg/kg hydroxycinnamates and 430-550 mg/kg procyanidins in flesh) and the yellow flesh cv. Red Jim (180-190 mg/kg hydroxycinnamates and 210-330 mg/kg procyanidins in flesh), contained 10 times more phenolics than cultivars such as Fire Pearl (38-50 mg/kg hydroxycinnamates and 23-30 mg/kg procyanidins in flesh). Among white flesh peaches, cultivars Snow King (300-320 mg/kg hydroxycinnamates and 660-695 mg/kg procyanidins in flesh) and Snow Giant (125-130 mg/kg hydroxycinnamates and 520-540 mg/kg procyanidins in flesh) showed the highest content. The plum cultivars Black Beaut and Angeleno were especially rich in phenolics.

The use of lichen (Canoparmelia texana) as biomonitor of atmospheric deposition of natural radionuclides from U-238 and Th-232 series

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leonardo, Lucio; Damatto, Sandra Regina; Mazzilli, Barbara Paci

2008-08-07

Lichens have been used in studies of environmental pollution monitoring of various air pollutants, especially heavy metals. This paper aims to study the possibility of using this specimen for the assessment of radionuclides deposition in the vicinity of a nuclear research institute, Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN) located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This Institute has as major activity to perform research in the field of the nuclear fuel cycle, and therefore deals with considerable amounts of natural radionuclides of the U and Th series. The activity of the naturally occurring radionuclides U-238, Ra-226, Ra-226 and Pb-210 was determinedmore » in samples of lichen (Canoparmelia texana) and soil collected at IPEN campus. The concentrations of Ra-228, Ra-226 and Pb-210 were determined by measuring alpha and beta gross counting in a gas flow proportional detector; U and Th were determined by neutron activation analysis. The values obtained varied from 164 Bq/kg to 864 Bq/kg, 13 Bq/kg to 50 Bq/kg, and from 287 Bq/kg to 730 Bq/kg for Ra-228, Ra-226 and Pb-210 respectively. For natural U and Th the values obtained varied from 1.2 Bq/kg to 162 Bq/kg and 1.84 Bq/kg to 5.17 Bq/kg respectively. The results obtained so far suggest that the Canoparmelia texana can be used as radionuclide monitor in the vicinity of nuclear installations.« less

Nonmuscarinic neurotoxicity of oxotremorine.

PubMed

Witkin, J M; Alvarado-Garcia, R; Lee, M A; Witkin, K M

1987-04-01

The ability of various treatments to prevent peripheral parasympathetic actions, central effects and lethality of the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine was studied in rats. The percentage of animals exhibiting effects of oxotremorine was dose and time dependent. The ED50 for producing lacrimation, salivation, tremor, convulsions and death was 2.5, 1.3, 1.6, 3.2 and 8.3 mg/kg i.p., respectively. Pretreatment with 5 mg/kg of atropine completely prevented all observable effects of oxotremorine at doses of 5 mg/kg and below. Doses of oxotremorine in excess of 5 mg/kg produced tremor, generalized clonic convulsions and death that could not be prevented by atropine when given at up to 160 mg/kg; lacrimation and salivation were not present in atropine-treated rats. In the presence of 40 mg/kg of atropine, ED50 values for oxotremorine were shifted more than 12-fold for lacrimation, salivation and tremor, whereas convulsions and death were maximally altered by a factor of 2. Scopolamine, benactyzine and benztropine were also incapable of completely preventing tremor, convulsions and death induced by 10 or 15 mg/kg of oxotremorine. Atropine methyl nitrate had effects comparable to atropine sulfate on lacrimation, salivation and lethality induced by oxotremorine (10 or 15 mg/kg) but had no effect on tremor or convulsions. A similar profile of atropine-insensitive effects was produced by pilocarpine and arecoline. Doses of diazepam 4 times higher (4 mg/kg) than necessary to prevent tonic-clonic convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazol were ineffective against tremor, convulsions or death produced by oxotremorine (10 or 15 mg/kg) unless given in conjunction with atropine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synthetic spider silk sustainability verification by techno-economic and life cycle analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edlund, Alan

Major ampullate spider silk represents a promising biomaterial with diverse commercial potential ranging from textiles to medical devices due to the excellent physical and thermal properties from the protein structure. Recent advancements in synthetic biology have facilitated the development of recombinant spider silk proteins from Escherichia coli (E. coli), alfalfa, and goats. This study specifically investigates the economic feasibility and environmental impact of synthetic spider silk manufacturing. Pilot scale data was used to validate an engineering process model that includes all of the required sub-processing steps for synthetic fiber manufacture: production, harvesting, purification, drying, and spinning. Modeling was constructed modularly to support assessment of alternative protein production methods (alfalfa and goats) as well as alternative down-stream processing technologies. The techno-economic analysis indicates a minimum sale price from pioneer and optimized E. coli plants at 761 kg-1 and 23 kg-1 with greenhouse gas emissions of 572 kg CO2-eq. kg-1 and 55 kg CO2-eq. kg-1, respectively. Spider silk sale price estimates from goat pioneer and optimized results are 730 kg-1 and 54 kg-1, respectively, with pioneer and optimized alfalfa plants are 207 kg-1 and 9.22 kg-1 respectively. Elevated costs and emissions from the pioneer plant can be directly tied to the high material consumption and low protein yield. Decreased production costs associated with the optimized plants include improved protein yield, process optimization, and an Nth plant assumption. Discussion focuses on the commercial potential of spider silk, the production performance requirements for commercialization, and impact of alternative technologies on the sustainability of the system.

Tissue persistence of fumonisin B1 in ducks and after exposure to a diet containing the maximum European tolerance for fumonisins in avian feeds.

PubMed

Tardieu, Didier; Bailly, Jean-Denis; Benlashehr, Imad; Auby, Alienor; Jouglar, Jean-Yves; Guerre, Philippe

2009-12-10

Toxicity and persistence of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in liver, kidney and muscle were investigated in ducks fed 5, 10 and 20mg FB1+FB2/kg feed during force-feeding. Mortality and signs of toxicity were only obtained with 20mg/kg, whereas an increased Sa/So ratio was observed from 5mg/kg on. Persistence of FB1 was only found in liver (16 and 20 microg FB1/kg liver in ducks fed 10 and 20 mg FB1+FB2/kg feed, respectively). Toxicokinetic studies were conducted by the intravenous route (IV, single dose: 10mg FB1/kg body weight) and the oral route (single dose: 100mg FB1/kg body weight), in growing ducks and in ducks during force-feeding. After IV administration, serum concentration-time curves were described by a two-compartment open model. Elimination half-life and mean residence time of FB1 were 26 and 24 min, respectively, clearance was 19.3 ml/min/kg. After oral administration, bioavailability, elimination half-life, mean residence time and clearance varied during force-feeding and growth from 2-2.3%, 71-80 min, 200-188 min, 16.7-17 ml/min/kg, respectively. Taken together these results demonstrate that the risk of persistence of FB1 in ducks after force-feeding is very low, Sa/So being a good biomarker which increases before signs of toxicity and risk of persistence of FB1 in tissue (limit of detection 13 microg/kg).

Prospective validation of a novel IV busulfan fixed dosing for paediatric patients to improve therapeutic AUC targeting without drug monitoring.

PubMed

Vassal, G; Michel, G; Espérou, H; Gentet, J C; Valteau-Couanet, D; Doz, F; Mechinaud, F; Galambrun, C; Neven, B; Zouabi, H; Nguyen, L; Puozzo, C

2008-01-01

Oral busulfan clearance is age-dependent and children experience a wide variability in plasma exposure. BSA- or age-based dosing is used with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to reduce this variability. A new intravenous (IV) dosing of busulfan (Bu) based on body weight, designed to improve AUC targeting without TDM and dose-adjustment, was prospectively evaluated. Bu was administered as a 2 h IV infusion every 6 h over 4 days (16 administrations). Five dose levels were defined on body weight as follows: 1.0 mg/kg for <9 kg; 1.2 mg/kg for 9 to <16 kg; 1.1 mg/kg for 16-23 kg; 0.95 mg/kg for >23-34 kg; 0.80 mg/kg for >34 kg. Bu treatment was followed by Cyclophosphamide or Melphalan prior to allogeneic or autologous transplantation in 55 children aged 0.3-17.2 years (median 5.6 years). No difference in AUC values was observed between weight strata (mean +/- SD 1248 +/- 205 micromol.min), whereas a significant difference in Bu clearance was demonstrated. This new dosing enabled to achieve a mean exposure comparable to that in adults. At dose 1, 91% of patients achieved the targeted AUC range (900-1500 micromol.min) while no patients were underexposed. At doses 9 and 13, over 75% of patients remained within that target whilst most of the others were slightly above. Successful engraftment was achieved in all patients. In conclusion, from infants to adults this new dosing enabled, without TDM and dose adjustment, to successfully target a therapeutic AUC window.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity study of diaveridine in Wistar rats.

PubMed

Wang, Xu; Su, Shijia; Ihsan, Awais; Huang, Qin; Chen, Dongmei; Cheng, Guyue; Liu, Zhenli; Wang, Yulian; Yuan, Zonghui

2015-10-01

Diaveridine, a developed dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, has been widely used as anticoccidial drug and antibacterial synergist. However, few studies have been performed to investigate its toxicity. To provide detailed toxicity with a wide spectrum of doses for diaveridine, acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies were conducted. Calculated LD50 was 2330 mg/kg b.w. in females and 3100 mg/kg b.w. in males, and chromodacryorrhea was noted in some females before their death. In the sub-chronic study, diaveridine was fed to Wistar rats during 90 days at dietary levels of 0, 23, 230, 1150 and 2000 mg/kg, which were about 0, 2.0-2.3, 21.0-23.5, 115.2-126.9 and 212.4-217.9 mg/kg b.w., respectively. Significant decrease in body weights in both genders at 1150 and 2000 mg/kg groups and significant increases in relative weights of brain in both genders, liver in females, kidneys and testis in males, alkaline phosphatase and potassium in both genders at 2000 mg/kg diet were noted. Significant decrease in absolute weights of several organs, hemoglobin and red blood cell count in both genders, albumin and total protein in females were observed at 2000 mg/kg diet. Fibroblasts in the kidneys, cell swelling of the glomerular zone in the adrenals and inflammation in the liver were found at 2000 mg/kg group. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of diaveridine was 230 mg/kg diet (21.0-23.5 mg/kg b.w./day). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of the aqueous extract of Psidium guajava on erythromycin-induced liver damage in rats.

PubMed

Sambo, N; Garba, S H; Timothy, H

2009-12-01

The effect of Psidium guajava extract on erythromycin-induced liver damage in albino rats was investigated using 30 normal rats grouped into six. Group I and II served as the normal and treatment controls that were administered with normal saline and 100 mg/kg body weight of erythromycin stearate daily for 14 days respectively. Rats in group III were administered 450 mg/kg body weight of Psidium guajava only for 7 days while rats in groups IV, V and VI were administered Psidium guajava extract for 7 days and 100mg/kg body weight of erythromycin for 14 days. Histopathological investigation of the liver tissues revealed striking oedema and mild periportal mononuclear cell infiltration of hepatic cords in the liver of rats administered 100 mg/kg of erythromycin stearate and 300/450 mg/kg of Psidium guajava extract. Pretreatment with 150 mg/kg of Psidium guajava extract showed a slight degree of protection against the induced hepatic injury caused by 100 mg/kg of erythromycin stearate. Biochemical analysis of the serum obtained revealed a significant increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes measured in the groups administered with 100 mg/kg of erythromycin stearate and 300/450 mg/kg of Psidium guajava extract compared to the control groups and those pretreated with 150 mg/kg of Psidium guajava extract. This study has shown that the aqueous extract of psidium guajava leaf possesses hepatoprotective property at lower dose and a hepatotoxic property at higher dose but further studies with prolonged duration is recommended.

Animal model of methylphenidate's long-term memory-enhancing effects.

PubMed

Carmack, Stephanie A; Howell, Kristin K; Rasaei, Kleou; Reas, Emilie T; Anagnostaras, Stephan G

2014-01-16

Methylphenidate (MPH), introduced more than 60 years ago, accounts for two-thirds of current prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although many studies have modeled MPH's effect on executive function, almost none have directly modeled its effect on long-term memory (LTM), even though improvement in LTM is a critical target of therapeutic intervention in ADHD. We examined the effects of a wide range of doses of MPH (0.01-10 mg/kg, i.p.) on Pavlovian fear learning, a leading model of memory. MPH's effects were then compared to those of atomoxetine (0.1-10 mg/kg, i.p.), bupropion (0.5-20 mg/kg, i.p.), and citalopram (0.01-10 mg/kg, i.p.). At low, clinically relevant doses, MPH enhanced fear memory; at high doses it impaired memory. MPH's memory-enhancing effects were not confounded by its effects on locomotion or anxiety. Further, MPH-induced memory enhancement seemed to require both dopamine and norepinephrine transporter inhibition. Finally, the addictive potential of MPH (1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) was compared to those of two other psychostimulants, amphetamine (0.005 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg) and cocaine (0.15 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg), using a conditioned place preference and behavioral sensitization paradigm. We found that memory-enhancing effects of psychostimulants observed at low doses are readily dissociable from their reinforcing and locomotor activating effects at high doses. Together, our data suggest that fear conditioning will be an especially fruitful platform for modeling the effects of psychostimulants on LTM in drug development.

Animal model of methylphenidate's long-term memory-enhancing effects

PubMed Central

Carmack, Stephanie A.; Howell, Kristin K.; Rasaei, Kleou; Reas, Emilie T.; Anagnostaras, Stephan G.

2014-01-01

Methylphenidate (MPH), introduced more than 60 years ago, accounts for two-thirds of current prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although many studies have modeled MPH's effect on executive function, almost none have directly modeled its effect on long-term memory (LTM), even though improvement in LTM is a critical target of therapeutic intervention in ADHD. We examined the effects of a wide range of doses of MPH (0.01–10 mg/kg, i.p.) on Pavlovian fear learning, a leading model of memory. MPH's effects were then compared to those of atomoxetine (0.1–10 mg/kg, i.p.), bupropion (0.5–20 mg/kg, i.p.), and citalopram (0.01–10 mg/kg, i.p.). At low, clinically relevant doses, MPH enhanced fear memory; at high doses it impaired memory. MPH's memory-enhancing effects were not confounded by its effects on locomotion or anxiety. Further, MPH-induced memory enhancement seemed to require both dopamine and norepinephrine transporter inhibition. Finally, the addictive potential of MPH (1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) was compared to those of two other psychostimulants, amphetamine (0.005 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg) and cocaine (0.15 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg), using a conditioned place preference and behavioral sensitization paradigm. We found that memory-enhancing effects of psychostimulants observed at low doses are readily dissociable from their reinforcing and locomotor activating effects at high doses. Together, our data suggest that fear conditioning will be an especially fruitful platform for modeling the effects of psychostimulants on LTM in drug development. PMID:24434869

[Inductions and intubating conditions with sevoflurane and different doses of remifentanil without muscle relaxant in children].

PubMed

Wei, Ling-Xin; Deng, Xiao-Ming; Liu, Ju-Hui; Luo, Mao-Ping; Tong, Shi-Yi; Zhang, Yan-Ming; Liao, Xu; Xu, Kun-Lin

2008-12-01

To observe the clinical effectiveness of inductions and tracheal intubating conditions with 3% sevoflurane and different doses of remifentanil without muscle relaxant in children. Totally 120 peadiatric patients (aged 4-10 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I for inhalational induction) were randomly allocated into group I (remifentanil 1 microg/kg), group II (remifentanil 2 microg/kg), group III (remifentanil 3 microg/kg), and control group (vecuronium bromide 0.1 mg/kg). After inhalational induction with 3% sevoflurane and 60% nitrous oxide in 40% oxygen for 2 minutes, remifentanil 1 microg/kg, 2 microg/ kg, and 3 microg/kg were intravenously injected over 1 minute into patients in group I , group II, and group III, respectively. After remifentanil administration and manual ventilation for 1 minute, the trachea was intubated. In the control group, 2 minutes after intravenous administration of vecuronium bromide 0.1 mg/kg, tracheal intubation was attempted. Agitation, intubating satisfactoriness, and the circulation changes after tracheal intubation and anesthesia induction were observed. In these four groups, agitation occurred in 37.5% of patients during sevoflurane induction. Satisfactory intubation rate was 70.0% in group I, 86.7% in group II, 90.0% in group III, and 93.3% in the control group. Compared with the control group, the impact of tracheal intubation on the circulatory system was smaller in group I , II , and III. Induction with 3% sevoflurane combined with remifentanil can be smoothly performed, followed by the successful tracheal intubation. The intubating conditions are more satisfactory with 3% sevoflurane combined with remifentanil 2 microg/kg or 3 microg/kg.

Levels of some microelements and essential heavy metals in herbal teas in Serbia.

PubMed

Mihaljev, Zeljko; Zivkov-Balos, Milica; Cupić, Zeljko; Jaksić, Sandra

2014-01-01

Levels of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo, Co, Ni, Se, Sn and Al were determined in 14 medicinal plants from Serbia, which are widely used in phytopharmacy as herbal teas. The following plants were investigated: yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), basil (Ocimum hasilicum L.), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.), field horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.), thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.), maize silk (Zea mays L. - Maydis stigma), hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), rosehip/dog rose (Rosa canina L.), winter savory (Satureja montana L.) and spearmint (Mentha spicata L.). A total of 16 samples of different parts of medicinal plants (root, leaf, flower, herba) were examined, whereby 13 samples were delivered in original package and three samples were loose leaf herbs. Samples were prepared using the microwave digestion technique, and measurements were performed applying the atomic absorption spectrometry and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. Contents of microelements in the examined samples were in the range: Mn (23.86 - 453.71 mg/kg); Fe (61.87 - 673.0 mg/kg); Cu (6.68 - 24.46 mg/kg); Zn (16.11 - 113.81 mg/kg); Mo (0.576 - 4.265 mg/kg); Co (0.039 - 0.532 mg/kg); Se (0.036 - 0.146 mg/kg); Ni (0.738 - 6.034 mg/kg); Al (154.0 - 3015.0 mg/kg) and Sn (2.68 - 10.22 mg/kg). According to determined amounts of microelements, the investigated samples of herbal teas are considered safe for human consumption.

Carbon nanotube torsional springs for regenerative braking systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Sanwei; Martin, Corbin; Lashmore, David; Schauer, Mark; Livermore, Carol

2015-10-01

The modeling and demonstration of large stroke, high energy density and high power density torsional springs based on carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns is reported, as well as their application as energy-storing actuators for regenerative braking systems. An originally untwisted CNT yarn is cyclically loaded and unloaded in torsion, with the maximum rotation angle increasing incrementally until failure. The measured average extractable energy density values are 2.9 kJ kg-1  ±  1.2 kJ kg-1 and 3.4 kJ kg-1  ±  0.4 kJ kg-1 for 1-ply CNT yarns and 2-ply CNT yarns, respectively. Additionally, a regenerative braking system is demonstrated to capture the kinetic energy of a wheel and store it as elastic energy in twisted CNT yarns. When the yarn’s twist is released, the stored energy reaccelerates the wheel. The measured energy and mean power densities of the CNT yarns in the simple regenerative braking setup are on average 3.3 kJ kg-1 and 0.67 kW kg-1, respectively, with maximum measured values of up to 4.7 kJ kg-1 and 1.2 kW kg-1, respectively. A slightly lower energy density of up to 1.2 kJ kg-1 and a 0.29 kW kg-1 mean power density are measured for CNT yarns in a more complex setup that mimics a unidirectional rotating regenerative braking mechanism.

Dietary Lecithin Supplementation Can Improve the Quality of the M. Longissimus thoracis

PubMed Central

D’Souza, Darryl N.; Blake, Bronwyn L.; Williams, Ian H.; Mullan, Bruce P.; Pethick, David W.; Dunshea, Frank R.

2015-01-01

Simple Summary Meat tenderness and texture can be influenced by the connective tissue content. Dietary lecithin offers a means of improving fat digestibility of pigs and reducing the connective tissue of pork. This feeding study confirmed that dietary lecithin decreased the chewiness and improved the fatty acid composition of pork without impacting on growth performance of pigs. Therefore, dietary lecithin supplementation has the potential to improve the quality attributes of pork. Abstract Forty crossbred (Large White × Landrace × Duroc) female pigs (16.4 kg ± 0.94 kg) were used to investigate the effect of dietary lecithin supplementation on growth performance and pork quality. Pigs were randomly allocated to a commercial diet containing either 0, 3, 15 or 75 g lecithin/kg of feed during the grower and finisher growth phase. Pork from pigs consuming the diets containing 15 g and 75 g lecithin/kg had lower hardness (P < 0.001) and chewiness (P < 0.01) values compared to the controls. Dietary lecithin supplementation at 75 g/kg significantly increased (P < 0.05) the linoleic acid and reduced (P < 0.05) the myristic acid levels of pork compared to the control and the 3 g/kg and 15 g/kg lecithin supplemented treatments. Pigs fed the 75 g/kg lecithin supplemented diet had lower plasma cholesterol (P < 0.05) at slaughter compared to pigs fed the control diet and the 3 g/kg and 15 g/kg lecithin supplemented treatments. These data indicate that dietary lecithin supplementation has the potential to improve the quality attributes of pork from female pigs. PMID:26610579

Oral administration of the 5-HT6 receptor antagonists SB-357134 and SB-399885 improves memory formation in an autoshaping learning task.

PubMed

Perez-García, Georgina; Meneses, Alfredo

2005-07-01

In this work we aimed to re-examine the 5-HT6 receptor role, by testing the selective antagonists SB-357134 (1-30 mg/kg p.o.) and SB-399885 (1-30 mg/kg p.o.) during memory consolidation of conditioned responses (CR%), in an autoshaping Pavlovian/instrumental learning task. Bioavailability, half-life and minimum effective dose to induce inappetence for SB-357134 were 65%, 3.4 h, and 30 mg/kg p.o., and for SB-399885 were 52%, 2.2 h, and 50 mg/kg p.o., respectively. Oral acute and chronic administration of either SB-357134 or SB-399885 improved memory consolidation compared to control groups. Acute administration of SB-357134, at 1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, produced a CR% inverted-U curve, eliciting the latter dose a 7-fold increase relative to saline group. Acute injection of SB-399885 produced significant CR% increments, being 1 mg/kg the most effective dose. Repeated administration (7 days) of either SB-357134 (10 mg/kg) or SB-399885 (1 mg/kg) elicited the most significant CR% increments. Moreover, modeling the potential therapeutic benefits of 5-HT6 receptor blockade, acute or repeated administration of SB-399885, at 10 mg/kg reversed memory deficits produced by scopolamine or dizocilpine, and SB-357134 (3 and 10 mg/kg) prevented amnesia and even improved performance. These data support the notion that endogenously 5-HT acting, via 5-HT6 receptor, improves memory consolidation.

General pharmacological properties of YJA 20379-1, a novel proton pump inhibitor with antiulcer activities.

PubMed

Lee, E B; Cho, S I; Cheon, S A; Chang, M S; Kim, K B; Sohn, S K; Chung, Y K

1999-12-01

The general pharmacological properties of YJA 20379-1 (2-amino-4,5-dihydro-8-phenylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazolo[4,5-g]benzo thi azole), a novel proton pump inhibitor with antiulcer activities, were investigated in mice, rats, guinea pig and rabbits. YJA 20379-1 at oral doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg did not affect the general behaviour, hexobarbital hypnosis, motor coordination and body temperature in mice. The drug does not have analgesic and anticonvulsant action at 200 mg/kg p.o. The locomotor activity was not affected at 100 mg/kg p.o., but at 200 mg/kg, the activity was suppressed. YJA 20379-1 (at 2 x 10(-4) g/ml) did neither produce any contraction nor relaxation of isolated organs such as rat fundus, rat uterus, guinea pig ileum and guinea pig vas deferens, and the drug did not antagonize the contractile response to several spasmogens, such as histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and oxytocin, and the drug up to 200 mg/kg p.o. did not affect pupil size of mice. The intestinal propulsion in mice was not affected up to 200 mg/kg p.o. The gastric emptying in rats was not affected at 100 mg/kg p.o., even if retardation in gastric emptying occurred at 200 mg/kg. YJA 20379-1 did not show anti-inflammatory action nor did it affect urinary excretion up to 200 mg/kg p.o. From these results, it is suggested that YJA 20379-1 at the high dose of 100 mg/kg p.o. may not exert any adverse effects.

Toxicological study of a new maintenance fluid, Veen 3G, in rats.

PubMed

Kamei, J; Onodera, K; Kawaguchi, M; Shibata, M; Kagawa, M; Wachi, M; Kojima, J

2002-10-01

A study of the different volume and infusion rates of a new maintenance fluid, Veen 3G, on the general conditions of rats was investigated during the 14 days after infusion. In Experiment I, 100 ml/kg and 200 ml/kg of Veen 3G were infused at a rate of 300 ml/kg/h in male and female rats. Results were compared with those for Gurunon Ringer solution (GRS) in male and female rats. We observed only transient polyuria in animals administered by each dose of Veen 3G and GRS for 0-15 min after infusion. Necropsy was not observed in any of the animals tested 14 days after infusion. In Experiment II, 200 ml/kg of Veen 3G was infused at rates of 200, 400, 800 and 1600 ml/kg/h in male rats. At 800 and 1600 ml/kg/h, irregular respiration and decrease in movement were observed concomitantly with polyuria. Three out of 4 rats died immediately after the infusion of Veen 3G at a rate of 1600 ml/kg/h, and one rat was still alive 14 days after the infusion. In this experiment, 200 ml/kg Veen 3G was safe when we infused at a rate of less than 400 ml/kg/h in male rats. Since this rate is about 27-80 times higher than that used clinically in maintenance treatment, Veen 3G is suggested to be safe, with the exception of polyuria, in clinical situations at the standard infusion rate (5-15 ml/kg/h).

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced failure of lower esophageal and pyloric sphincter and counteraction of sphincters failure with stable gatric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in rats.

PubMed

Vitaic, S; Stupnisek, M; Drmic, D; Bauk, L; Kokot, A; Klicek, R; Vcev, A; Luetic, K; Seiwerth, S; Sikiric, P

2017-04-01

The sphincters failure is a part of NSAIDs-toxicity that can be accordingly counteracted. We used a safe stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV, MW 1419), LD1 not achieved, since successful in inflammatory bowel disease trials, and counteracts esophagitis, sphincters failure, gastrointestinal ulcer and skin ulcer, external and internal fistulas in rats, and particularly counteracts all NSAIDs-lesions. We assessed lower esophageal sphincter and pyloric sphincter pressure (cmH 2 O) in rats treated with various NSAIDs regimens, at corresponding time points, known to produce stomach, small intestine lesions, hepatotoxicity and encephalopathy. Assessment was after diclofenac (12.5 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg intraperitoneal challenge), ibuprofen (400 mg/day/kg intraperitoneally for 4 weeks), paracetamol (5.0 g/kg intraperitoneal challenge), aspirin (400 mg/kg intraperitoneally or intragastrically), celecoxib (0.5 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg intraperitoneally). BPC 157 (10 μg/kg, 10 ng/kg) was given immediately after NSAIDs (intraperitoneally or intragastrically) or given in drinking water. Regularly, in all control NSAIDs fall of pressure occurred in both sphincters rapidly and then persisted. By contrast, in all NSAIDs-rats that received BPC 157, initial fall of pressure was minimized and pressure values restored to normal values. All tested NSAIDs decrease pressure in both sphincters, whilst BPC 157 counteracts their effects and restored both sphincters function.

Comparative studies on growth traits of Sanga and Friesian-Sanga crossbred calves raised on natural pasture on the Accra Plains of Ghana.

PubMed

Sottie, E T; Darfour-Oduro, K A; Okantah, S A

2009-03-01

Data collected from 1993 to 2006 at the Animal Research Institute of Ghana was used to compare the performance of Sanga and Friesian-Sanga crossbred calves on natural pasture. Performance traits analyzed were birth weight (BWT), weaning weight adjusted to 210 days (WW7), preweaning average daily gain to 210 days (ADG 1), weight at 12 months adjusted to 365 days (W12), weight at 18 months adjusted to 540 days (W18) and postweaning average daily gain (ADG 2, from weaning to 540 days). Effects in the model describing these traits were breed, season, sex and first-order interactions between these effects. With the exception of heavier birth weight of Friesian-Sanga crossbred calves (19.98 kg vs. 19.18 kg), body weights of Sangas at weaning, 12 months and 18 months exceeded those of the Friesian-Sanga crossbred calves by 3.76 kg, 35.06 kg and 46.24 kg respectively. The Sangas were also superior in preweaning average daily gain (0.35 kg/day vs. 0.26 kg/day) and postweaning average daily gain (0.28 kg/day vs. 0.21 kg/day). There was a tendency of increasing weight difference between the two breeds with advancing age. It was suggested that improved nutrition such as supplementary feeding would be necessary for crossbreds to express their potential for growth.

Sex Reversal and Masculinization according to Growth in Longtooth Grouper Epinephelus bruneus

PubMed Central

Oh, Seong-Rip; Kang, Hyeong-Cheol; Lee, Chi-Hoon; Hur, Sang-Woo; Lee, Young-Don

2013-01-01

To understand the sex reversal characteristics in the longtooth grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), this study examined the sex reversal and artificial masculinization of wild caught E. bruneus reared in indoor rearing tank after a 17α-methyltestosterone injection. To domesticate a broodstock, 64 wild caught E. bruneus, between 47.0 to 110.0 cm in total length and from 1.5 to 21.4 kg in body weight, were reared in indoor rearing tank (4.0 to 5.0 m wide, and 2.5 to 3.0 m depth) for four years. Seven specimens showed sex reversal from female to male during indoor rearing condition, whose total length and body weights were from 63.0 to 99.0 cm and from 4.4 to 13.2 kg, respectively. After inducing artificial masculinization in 14 female E. bruneus with a 17α-methyltestosterone (2.0 mg/kg BW) implants for 3 years, spermiation occurred in 9 specimens (total length: 54.0 to 68.0 cm, body weight: 2.3 to 4.3 kg). Among the female to male sex reversals, two specimens returned back to being female, whose body weights were 2.8 kg (initially 2.6 kg) and 2.7 kg (initially 2.3 kg). Therefore, this study suggested that E. bruneus (> 3.0 kg) was more effective in masculinizing by 17α-methyltestosterone implants. PMID:25949124

Hyperspectral characteristics of Celosia argentea which lived in manganese stress environment and inversion model for concentration effect of manganese

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Sanming; Lin, Gang; Yin, Xianyang; Sun, Xiaolin; Xu, Jiasheng; Liu, Zhiying

2015-12-01

Sedimentary manganese deposits widely distribute in North Guangxi with the characteristic existing Celosia argentea. Celosia argentea is a kind of plant which has a strong ability to enrich manganese. In order to study the relationship between the hyperspectral characteristics of Celosia argentea and the concentration effect of manganese in the soil, we used soil of B layer in mining area, background soil and the soil adding reagent of MnCl4 to make up experimental sample soil with 10 levels Manganese content for the same batch Celosia argentea. The levels are 0mg/kg, 4500mg/kg, 9000mg/kg, 13500mg/kg, 18000mg/kg, 18020mg/kg, 18040mg/kg, 18080mg/kg, 18160mg/kg. ASD FieldSpec-4 has been used to measure the abnormal spectrums of these Celosia argentea through a whole growth cycle. After pretreating the spectral data, we used Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA) to extract the characteristic variables for extracting 1603 bands into 8 bands. Finally, the relationship between the spectral variables and the concentration of manganese was predicted by the Model of Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR). The results show that the correlation coefficient-r2 are 0.8714 and 0.9141 in two sets of data. The prediction results are satisfactory, but the front 5 groups are closer to the regression line than the last 5 groups.

Phytoextraction of risk elements by willow and poplar trees.

PubMed

Kacálková, Lada; Tlustoš, Pavel; Száková, Jiřina

2015-01-01

To characterize the phytoextraction efficiency of two clones of willow trees (Salix x smithiana Willd., Salix rubens) and two clones of poplar trees (Populus nigra x maximowiczii, Populus nigra Wolterson) were planted in contaminated soil (0.4-2.0 mg Cd.kg(-1), 78-313 mg Zn.kg(-1), 21.3-118 mg Cu.kg(-1)). Field experiment was carried out in Czech Republic. The study investigated their ability to accumulate heavy metals (Cd, Zn, and Cu) in harvestable plant parts. The poplars produced higher amount of biomass than willows. Both Salix clones accumulated higher amount of Cd, Zn and Cu in their biomass (maximum 6.8 mg Cd.kg(-1), 909 mg Zn.kg(-1), and 17.7 mg Cu.kg(-1)) compared to Populus clones (maximum 2.06 mg Cd.kg(-1), 463 mg Zn.kg(-1), and 11.8 mg Cu.kg(-1)). There were no significant differences between clones of individual species. BCs for Cd and Zn were greater than 1 (the highest in willow leaves). BCs values of Cu were very low. These results indicate that Salix is more suitable plant for phytoextraction of Cd and Zn than Populus. The Cu phytoextraction potential of Salix and Populus trees was not confirmed in this experiment due to low soil availability of this element.

Amelioration of Hyperglycaemia, Oxidative Stress and Dyslipidaemia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats Treated with Probiotic and Vitamin C

PubMed Central

Aluwong, Tagang; Ayo, Joseph O.; Kpukple, Alkali; Oladipo, Olusola Olalekan

2016-01-01

Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that hyperglycaemia is responsible for the oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus. The study was designed to investigate the comparative effects of probiotic and vitamin C (Vit-C) treatments on hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) was induced in male Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg). Six groups of the animals received the following treatment regimens for four weeks: (1) Normal saline, per os; (2) alloxan (150 mg/kg, i.p.); (3) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + insulin (4 U/kg, subcutaneously); (4) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + probiotic (4.125 × 106 CFU/100 mL per os); (5) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + Vit-C (100 mg/kg, i.m.); (6) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + probiotic (4.125 × 106 CFU/100 mL per os) + Vit-C (100 mg/kg, intramuscularly). Probiotic + Vit-C decreased (p < 0.05) blood glucose concentration in diabetic treated group, when compared with the untreated diabetic group. Probiotic + Vit-C reduced malondialdehyde concentration, in the serum, brain and kidneys, respectively, but increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Probiotic and Vit-C may be more effective than Vit-C alone, in ameliorating hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. PMID:27164129

Amelioration of Hyperglycaemia, Oxidative Stress and Dyslipidaemia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats Treated with Probiotic and Vitamin C.

PubMed

Aluwong, Tagang; Ayo, Joseph O; Kpukple, Alkali; Oladipo, Olusola Olalekan

2016-05-05

Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that hyperglycaemia is responsible for the oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus. The study was designed to investigate the comparative effects of probiotic and vitamin C (Vit-C) treatments on hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) was induced in male Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg). Six groups of the animals received the following treatment regimens for four weeks: (1) Normal saline, per os; (2) alloxan (150 mg/kg, i.p.); (3) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + insulin (4 U/kg, subcutaneously); (4) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + probiotic (4.125 × 10⁶ CFU/100 mL per os); (5) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + Vit-C (100 mg/kg, i.m.); (6) alloxan (150 mg/kg) + probiotic (4.125 × 10⁶ CFU/100 mL per os) + Vit-C (100 mg/kg, intramuscularly). Probiotic + Vit-C decreased (p < 0.05) blood glucose concentration in diabetic treated group, when compared with the untreated diabetic group. Probiotic + Vit-C reduced malondialdehyde concentration, in the serum, brain and kidneys, respectively, but increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Probiotic and Vit-C may be more effective than Vit-C alone, in ameliorating hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

A Role for Presynaptic alpha(sub 2)-Adrenoceptors in Angiotensin 2-Induced Drinking in Rats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fregly, Melvin J.; Rowland, Neil E.; Greenleaf, John E.

1984-01-01

Studies from this laboratory have shown that either central or peripheral administration of clonidine, the alpha(sub 2)-adrenoceptor agonist, can attenuate a variety of dipsogenic stimuli in rats. Further, yohimbine and tolazoline, alpha(sub 2)-adrenoceptor antagonists, augment the drinking response to both peripherally administered isoproterenol and angiotensin 2. Studies reported here establish a dose-inhibition relationship between the dose of clonidine administered (2 to 32 micrograms/kg) intracerebroventricularly (IVT) and inhibition of the drinking response to peripherally administered angiotensin 2 (200 micrograms/kg, SC). DI(sub 50) was approximately 4 micrograms/kg. Yohimbine (300 micrograms/kg, SC) reversed the antidipsogenic effect of centrally administered clonidine (32 micrograms/kg, IVT) on angiotensin 2-induced (200 micrograms/kg, SC) water intake. Phenylephrine, an alpha(sub 2)-adrenoceptor agonist, administered IVT (40 and 80 micrograms/kg) also inhibited angiotensin 2-induced drinking in a dose-related fashion. The antidipsogenic effect of phenylephfine (80 micrograms/kg) was blocked by administration of yohimbine (100 micrograms/kg, SC). Thus, this effect of phenylephrine most likely occurs by way of alpha(sub 2)- adrenoceptors. These results support a role for the pre-synaptic alpha(sub 2)-adrenoceptor in the mediation of drinking in rats. Activation of alpha(sub 2)-adrenoceptors is accompanied by reduced water intake while inhibition of these receptors enhances water intake.

Protective effects of tempol in an experimental ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury model in female Wistar albino rats.

PubMed

Pınar, Neslihan; Soylu Karapınar, Oya; Özcan, Oğuzhan; Atik Doğan, Esin; Bayraktar, Suphi

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of tempol on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Forty female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Group I, sham; Group II, ischemia (I); Group III, I/R; Group IV, I/R + tempol 30 mg/kg i.p; Group V, I/R + tempol 50 mg/kg i.p. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was significantly higher in the ischemia group and the I/R group than in the sham group. Catalase levels were significantly lower in the I/R group than in the I/R + tempol 30 mg/kg i.p. and the I/R + tempol 50 mg/kg i.p. groups. Glutathione peroxidase levels were lower in the I/R group than in the I/R + tempol 30 mg/kg i.p. and the I/R + tempol 50 mg/kg i.p. groups. MDA levels were significantly lower in the I/R + tempol 30 mg/kg i.p. group and the I/R + tempol 50 mg/kg i.p. group than in the I/R group. The levels of the histopathological parameters were significantly decreased in the I/R + tempol 50 mg/kg i.p. group compared with the I/R group. Tempol can be used for reducing ovarian I/R injury.

Bethanechol-Induced Water Intake in Rats: Possible Mechanisms of Induction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fregly, Melvin J.; Kikta, Dianne C.; Greenleaf, John E.

1982-01-01

Acute administration of the parasympathomimetic agent, bethanechol, at 2, 4, 8 and 12 mg/kg body wt, IP, induced drinking and increased urine output of rats in a dose-dependent fashion. The first significant increases in both water intake and urine output above that of controls occurred when 4 mg/kg was administered. The drinking and increased urine output in response to administration of 8 mg bethanechol/kg was inhibited by atropine sulfate (3 and 6 mg/kg, IP). In addition, the 0-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol (6 mg/kg, IP, administered 30 min prior to treatment with bethanechol), inhibited bethanechol (8 mg/kg, IP)-induced drinking. Urine output, however, was unaffected by propranolol. Further, the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, inhibited significantly the drinking response, but not the increased urine output, accompanying administration of bethanechol (8 mg/kg). The effect of bethanechol and the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol (25 Ag/kg) separately and in combination, on water intake was also studied. Both compounds increased water intake but they exerted no interactive effect when administered simultaneously. Administration of bethanechol (8 mg/kg) to conscious rats was also accompanied by a significant reduction in both mean blood pressure and heart rate that reached minimal levels within 10 min after treatment. Both responses had returned to control level by one hour after treatment. These results suggest that bethanechol induces drinking in rats by way of the renin-angiotensin system.

Cd tolerance and accumulation in the aquatic macrophyte, Chara australis: potential use for charophytes in phytoremediation.

PubMed

Clabeaux, Bernadette L; Navarro, Divina A G; Aga, Diana S; Bisson, Mary A

2011-06-15

We investigated the potential use of the alga Chara australis (R. Br.) forphytore mediation of Cd-contaminated sediments in aquatic systems. Chara tolerated up to 20 mg added Cd (kg soil)⁻¹ in laboratory culture. Chlorophyll a and b levels were not affected even at Cd concentrations that suppressed growth. Levels of glutathione were suppressed at 2-35 mg added Cd (kg soil)⁻¹ to 200-350 nmol GSH (g DW)⁻¹, while control levels were 660 nmol GSH (g DW)⁻¹). Histochemical studies showed Cd occurred throughout cell walls and cytoplasm in plants grown in 5-20 mg Cd (kg soil)⁻¹. Quantification using ICP-MS showed the maximum concentration in shoots was 72 mg Cd (kg DW)⁻¹ at 35 mg added Cd (kg soil)⁻¹, while the maximum in rhizoids was 116 mg Cd (kg DW)⁻¹ at 25 mg added Cd (kg soil)⁻¹. The bioconcentration factor (BCF, concentration in plant/concentration in soil) exceeded 1.0, the critical value for hyperaccumulators, for shoots exposed to 35 mg Cd (kg soil)⁻¹ and rhizoids exposed to ≥25 mg Cd (kg soil)⁻¹. Translocation factors (TF, shoot concentration/rhizoid concentration) did not exceed 1.0 for any treatment. While Chara cannot be considered a hyperaccumulator, it shows promise for use in phytoremediation efforts.

Effect of Robusta (Coffea canephora P.) coffee cherries quantity put out for sun drying on contamination by fungi and ochratoxin A (OTA) under tropical humid zone (Côte d'Ivoire).

PubMed

Kouadio, Irène Ahou; Koffi, Louis Ban; Nemlin, Jean Gnopo; Dosso, Mireille Bretin

2012-06-01

The effect of coffee cherries quantity put out for sun drying on the kinetics of the drying, chemical components variation, fungal growth and ochratoxin A production was evaluated. The results showed that the more coffee cherries quantity on the drying area was important, the slower they dried. Indeed, the drying durations were 12, 17, 21, 26, 31 and 32 days respectively for the lots of 10 kg, 20 kg, 30 kg, 40 kg, 50 kg and 60 kg of cherries by square meter of drying area. The slowness of the drying led to the increasing of fungal development and ochratoxin A production in the cherries. Indeed, samples more contaminated were those from the lots of 50 kg and 60 kg of cherries by square meter of drying area with between 10% and 100% of infected beans and with levels of ochratoxin A ranging from 0.92 to 118.47 and 1.4 to 131.33 μg kg(-1) respectively. The slowness of the drying led also to the acidification of the cherries (pH=5.55-4.54) and the degradation of their chlorogenic acids content (13.03-11.69) while for their caffeine content (2.52-2.54), any significant difference was observed whatever the drying duration. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Amphetamine-like effects of anorectics and related compounds in pigeons.

PubMed

Evans, S M; Johanson, C E

1987-06-01

Four pigeons were trained to discriminate injections of d-amphetamine (AMPH; 2.0 mg/kg i.m.) from saline with responding maintained under a fixed-ratio 30 schedule of food delivery. When drugs used therapeutically as anorectics were tested, they consistently produced greater than 80% of AMPH-appropriate responding. The order of potency for substituting for AMPH was: mazindol greater than AMPH = phenmetrazine = phentermine greater than chlorphentermine = phendimetrazine = diethylpropion greater than clortermine = mefenorex. Other anorectics such as phenylpropanolamine (0.3-30.0 mg/kg) and fenfluramine (1.0-17.0 mg/kg) only substituted partially for AMPH whereas benzphetamine (1.0-100.0 mg/kg) resulted primarily in saline-appropriate responding. Compounds related to AMPH in biochemical mechanism of action or psychomotor stimulant activity also were tested. Methylphenidate (0.1-3.0 mg/kg), piribedil (0.3-17.0 mg/kg) and nisoxetine (0.03-1.0 mg/kg) shared discriminative stimulus properties with AMPH whereas bupropion (1.0-30.0 mg/kg) and propylhexedrine (10.0-100.0 mg/kg) substituted for AMPH in two of three pigeons tested. In contrast, caffeine and fenetylline resulted principally in saline-appropriate responding. Compounds from pharmacological classes not related to AMPH, such as morphine, diazepam and phencyclidine, failed to substitute for AMPH. In general, compounds with anorectic and/or stimulant properties shared discriminative stimulus properties with AMPH.

Oral exposure to dibutyl phthalate exacerbates chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis through oxidative stress in female Wistar rats.

PubMed

Wu, Yang; Li, Jinquan; Yan, Biao; Zhu, Yuqing; Liu, Xudong; Chen, Mingqing; Li, Dai; Lee, Ching-Chang; Yang, Xu; Ma, Ping

2017-11-13

Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) is a common autoimmune disorder. The possible pathogenic role and mechanism of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in CLT is still controversial. Experiments were conducted after 35-days of oral exposure to the three concentrations of DBP or saline, and three immunizations with thyroglobulin (TG). Healthy female Wistar rats were randomly divided into ten exposure groups (n = 8 each): (A) saline control, (B) 0.5 mg/kg/d DBP, (C) 5 mg/kg/d DBP, (D) 50 mg/kg/d DBP, (E) TG-immunized group, (F) TG- combined with 0.5 mg/kg/d DBP, (G) TG- combined with 5 mg/kg/d DBP, (H) TG- combined with 50 mg/kg/d DBP, (I) TG- combined with 50 mg/kg/d DBP plus 100 mg/kg/d vitamin C; (J) 100 mg/kg/d vitamin C. We showed that oral exposure DBP can aggravate CLT in rats. This deterioration was concomitant with increased thyroid auto antibodies, Th1/Th2 imbalance and Th17 immune response, activated pro-inflammatory and apoptosis pathways, and increased thyroid dysfunction in rats. Our results also suggested that DBP could promote oxidative damage. The study also found that vitamin C reduced the levels of oxidative stress and alleviated CLT. In short, the study showed that DBP exacerbated CLT through oxidative stress.

Inventory of File SN.2012091412.gribn3.f18.grib2

Science.gov Websites

Convective Precipitation [kg/m^2] 285 surface NCPCP 18 hour fcst Large-Scale Precipitation (non-convective ) [kg/m^2] 286 surface NCPCP 18 hour fcst Large-Scale Precipitation (non-convective) [kg/m^2] 287 surface NCPCP 18 hour fcst Large-Scale Precipitation (non-convective) [kg/m^2] 288 surface NCPCP 18 hour

40 CFR 63.3531 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... fraction of organic HAP for each material. Determine the mass fraction of organic HAP for each coating and... coating. Wc,i = Mass fraction of organic HAP in coating, i, kg organic HAP per kg coating. m = Number of...,j = Density of thinner, j, kg per liter. Wt,j = Mass fraction of organic HAP in thinner, j, kg...

40 CFR 63.4151 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... option. (a) Determine the mass fraction of organic HAP for each material. Determine the mass fraction of... coating per liter coating. Wc,i = mass fraction of organic HAP in coating, i, kg organic HAP per kg... thinner per liter thinner. Wt,j = mass fraction of organic HAP in thinner, j, kg organic HAP per kg...

40 CFR 63.3531 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... fraction of organic HAP for each material. Determine the mass fraction of organic HAP for each coating and... coating. Wc,i = Mass fraction of organic HAP in coating, i, kg organic HAP per kg coating. m = Number of...,j = Density of thinner, j, kg per liter. Wt,j = Mass fraction of organic HAP in thinner, j, kg...

40 CFR 63.3531 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... fraction of organic HAP for each material. Determine the mass fraction of organic HAP for each coating and... coating. Wc,i = Mass fraction of organic HAP in coating, i, kg organic HAP per kg coating. m = Number of...,j = Density of thinner, j, kg per liter. Wt,j = Mass fraction of organic HAP in thinner, j, kg...

40 CFR 63.4151 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limitations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... option. (a) Determine the mass fraction of organic HAP for each material. Determine the mass fraction of... coating per liter coating. Wc,i = mass fraction of organic HAP in coating, i, kg organic HAP per kg... thinner per liter thinner. Wt,j = mass fraction of organic HAP in thinner, j, kg organic HAP per kg...

Hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of 3-bromopyruvate in mice.

PubMed

Pan, Qiong; Sun, Yiming; Jin, Qili; Li, Qixiang; Wang, Qing; Liu, Hao; Zhao, Surong

2016-11-01

To investigate the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of 3-Bromopyruvate (3BP) in mice. Fifteen nude mice were grafted subcutaneously in the left flank with MDA-MB-231 cells, then all mice were divided into control group (PBS), 3BP group (8 mg/kg), positive group (DNR: 0.8 mg/kg) when tumor volume reached approximately 100 mm3. 28 days later, tumors, livers and kidneys were stored in 4 % formalin solution and stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining. The Kunming mice experiment included control group (PBS), 3BP group (4mg/kg; 8mg/kg; 16mg/kg), positive group (DNR: 0.8 mg/kg). 24 hours later, the blood were used for the determination of hepatic damage serum biomarkers. Livers were stored in 4 % formalin solution for the later detection. 3BP at the dose of 8mg/kg had a good effect on inhibiting tumor growth in nude mice and did not damage liver and kidney tissues. Kunming mice experiment showed 3BP at the dose of 16mg/kg did damage to liver tissues. 3-Bromopyruvate at the dose of suppressing tumor growth did not exhibit hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in nude mice, and the effect on liver was confirmed in Kunming mice.

COMPARISON OF TWO α2-ADRENERGIC AGONISTS ON URINE CONTAMINATION OF SEMEN COLLECTED BY ELECTROEJACULATION IN CAPTIVE AND SEMI-FREE-RANGING CHEETAH (ACINONYX JUBATUS).

PubMed

Marrow, Judilee C; Woc-Colburn, Margarita; Hayek, Lee-Ann C; Marker, Laurie; Murray, Suzan

2015-06-01

Alpha2-adrenergic agonists are used to immobilize many veterinary species, but use has been infrequently linked to urine contamination of semen collected via electroejaculation. The objective of the study was to compare the α2-agonists medetomidine and dexmedetomidine on urine contamination of semen in anesthetized cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) during electroejaculation procedures. From 2009-2012, a retrospective medical record review revealed 21 anesthesia events in 12 adult male cheetahs. Animals were immobilized with combinations of Telazol® (2.33±0.43 mg/kg) and ketamine (2.38±1 mg/kg); Telazol (1.17±0.14 mg/kg), ketamine (1.17±0.14 mg/kg), and medetomidine (0.012±0.0017 mg/kg); or Telazol (1.59±0.1 mg/kg), ketamine (1.59±0.1 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (0.01±0.001 mg/kg). Semen was successfully collected in all animals; four animals anesthetized with medetomidine had urine contamination (P=0.037). Medetomidine may contribute to urine contamination; however, further investigation is needed to determine significance in cheetahs.

Derivation of soil screening thresholds to protect chisel-toothed kangaroo rat from uranium mine waste in northern Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hinck, Jo E.; Linder, Greg L.; Otton, James K.; Finger, Susan E.; Little, Edward E.; Tillitt, Donald E.

2013-01-01

Chemical data from soil and weathered waste material samples collected from five uranium mines north of the Grand Canyon (three reclaimed, one mined but not reclaimed, and one never mined) were used in a screening-level risk analysis for the Arizona chisel-toothed kangaroo rat (Dipodomys microps leucotis); risks from radiation exposure were not evaluated. Dietary toxicity reference values were used to estimate soil-screening thresholds presenting risk to kangaroo rats. Sensitivity analyses indicated that body weight critically affected outcomes of exposed-dose calculations; juvenile kangaroo rats were more sensitive to the inorganic constituent toxicities than adult kangaroo rats. Species-specific soil-screening thresholds were derived for arsenic (137 mg/kg), cadmium (16 mg/kg), copper (1,461 mg/kg), lead (1,143 mg/kg), nickel (771 mg/kg), thallium (1.3 mg/kg), uranium (1,513 mg/kg), and zinc (731 mg/kg) using toxicity reference values that incorporate expected chronic field exposures. Inorganic contaminants in soils within and near the mine areas generally posed minimal risk to kangaroo rats. Most exceedances of soil thresholds were for arsenic and thallium and were associated with weathered mine wastes.

Aflatoxin M₁ in raw milk from different regions of São Paulo state--Brazil.

PubMed

Santili, Ana Beatriz Nappi; de Camargo, Adriano Costa; Nunes, Raquel de Syllos Rosa; da Gloria, Eduardo Micotti; Machado, Paulo Fernando; Cassoli, Laerte Dagher; Dias, Carlos Tadeu dos Santos; Calori-Domingues, Maria Antonia

2015-01-01

A total of 635 raw milk samples from 45 dairy farms, from three regions of São Paulo state - Brazil, were evaluated during 15 months for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). AFM1 was determined by high performance liquid chromatograph with fluorescence detection. AFM1 was detected (>0.003 µg kg(-1)) in 72.9%, 56.3% and 27.5% of the samples from Bauru, Araçatuba and Vale do Paraíba regions, respectively. The mean AFM1 contamination considering all the samples was 0.021 µg kg(-1). Furthermore, the concentration of AFM1 was quite different among Bauru (0.038 µg kg(-1)), Araçatuba (0.017 µg kg(-1)) and Vale do Paraíba (<0.01 µg kg(-1)) regions. Only three samples (0.5%) had higher contamination than the tolerated limit in Brazil (0.50 µg kg(-1)) and 64 samples (10.1%) had a higher contamination than the maximum limit as set by the European Union (0.050 µg kg(-1)). The estimated AFM1 daily intake was 0.358 and 0.120 ng kg(-1) body weight per day for children and adults, respectively.

Heavy metal content and element analysis of infant formula and milk powder samples purchased on the Tanzanian market: International branded versus black market products.

PubMed

Sager, M; McCulloch, C R; Schoder, D

2018-07-30

Milk powder is a food for malnourished African children and for healthy infants of women with HIV/AIDS. High demand and low purchasing power has resulted in a huge informal, black market in Sub-Saharan Africa. Forty-three milk powder batches were analyzed for 43 chemical elements using ICP-MS One sample (2.3%) was contaminated at a lead concentration of 240 µg/kg dry weight exceeding the European threshold (130 µg/kg dry weight). Macroelement contents revealed a trend decreasing in concentration through skimmed, full cream products to infant formulae. Concentration ranges by dry weight differed in respect of uncertainty intervals of  ±10%. Median Ca, K and P concentrations declined from 11.14 g/kg to 3.21 g/kg, 14.11 g/kg to 4.95 g/kg and 9.12 g/kg to 2.75 g/kg dry mass, respectively. Milk powder samples obtained from the Tanzanian black market were comparable in respect of nutritional and chemical content to international branded full cream products. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Limited PCB antagonism of TCDD-induced malformations in mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morrissey, R.E.; Harris, M.W.; Diliberto, J.J.

1992-01-01

Mice used to model induction of cleft palate and kidney malformations in offspring following maternal treatment with TCDD, were dosed on gestation day with hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) and/or with tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to investigate the potential protective effects of HCB against TCDD-induced teratogenicity. At the doses used in the study, there was no effect of either compound on number of live or dead offspring. Fetal body weight was slightly decreased in all groups dosed with = or > 250 mg HCB/kg. HCB did not induce cleft palate at a dose of 1000 mg/kg, but did induce increases in hydronephrosis and hydroureter atmore » 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Combinations of HCB and TCDD decreased the incidence of cleft palate induced by TCDD alone, but only at doses of 15 microgram TCDD/kg combined with 125-500 mg HCB/kg. The window for antagonism of hydronephrosis (incidence and severity) appeared narrower (15 microgram TCDD/kg + 500 mg HCB/kg). HCB induced increases (3 fold) in EROD activity at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg, suggesting that the limited antagonism of TCDD teratogenicity by HCB would be consistent with control by Ah receptor. (Copyright (c) 1992 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.)« less

[Nitrates and nitrites in meat products--nitrosamines precursors].

PubMed

Avasilcăi, Liliana; Cuciureanu, Rodica

2011-01-01

To determine the content in nitrates and nitrites and the formation of two nitrosamines (N-nitrosodimethylamine--NDMA, and N-nitrosodiethylaamine--NDEA) in samples of chicken ham, dry Banat salami, dry French salami, traditional Romania sausages, and pork pastrami. Nitrites were determined by spectrophotometry with Peter-Griess reagent, and nitrates by the same method after reduction to nitrites with cadmium powder. High performance liquid chromatography with UV detection was used to determine nitrosamines. The initial concentration of nitrates, nitrites, NDMA and NDEA in the samples ranged as follows: 14.10-60.40 mg NO3/kg, 2.70-26.70 mg NO2/kg, from non-detectable to 0.90 microg NDMA/kg, and from non-detectable to 0.27 microg NDEA/kg, respectively. After 28 days the concentrations were: 3.24-17.1 mg NO3/kg, 0.04 -1.87 mg NO2/kg, 0.8-29 microg NDMA/kg, and 11.6-61.9 microg NDEA/kg, respectively. The decreased nitrate and nitrite and increased NDMA and NDEA concentrations prove that in food products nitrosamines are formed due to residual nitrite during their preservation. The determination of nitrasamines revealed levels much above the admitted maximal concentration for these food products.

Delayed treatment with recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor improves survival in rabbits with gram-negative peritonitis.

PubMed

Camerota, A J; Creasey, A A; Patla, V; Larkin, V A; Fink, M P

1998-03-01

To determine whether treatment with recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), an inhibitor of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, can improve survival in a clinically relevant model of gram-negative sepsis, rabbits were given an intraperitoneal inoculation of a suspension containing hemoglobin (40 microg/mL), porcine mucin (150 microg/mL), and viable Escherichia coli O18:K1 (1.0 +/- 0.5 x 10(5) cfu/kg). Treatment with gentamicin (5 mg/kg every 12 h for five doses) was instituted 4 h after induction of peritonitis. At the same time point, rabbits were randomized to receive a 24-h infusion of vehicle or one of three different doses of TFPI. Treatment groups, 7-day survival rates, and significance versus control were as follows: control, 1 of 20; TFPI(LOW DOSE) (0.1 mg/kg, then 1 microg/kg/min), 3 of 12 (P = .14); TFPI(MID DOSE), (0.5 mg/kg, then 5 microg/kg/min), 7 of 12 (P = .002); TFPI(HIGH DOSE) (10 mg/kg, then 10 microg/kg/min), 4 of 13 (P = .04). Thus, delayed treatment with TFPI improves survival in septic rabbits.

Anxiolytic effect of saponins from Panax quinquefolium in mice.

PubMed

Wei, Xiu-Yan; Yang, Jing-Yu; Wang, Jin-Hui; Wu, Chun-Fu

2007-05-22

The anxiolytic effect of the saponins from Aniliaeea Panax quinquefolium L. (PQS) was studied in male mice by using a number of experimental paradigms of anxiety and compared with that of the known anxiolytic compound diazepam. Use of the elevated plus-maze test revealed that PQS (50 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the percentage of time and entries spent in open arms. In the light/dark test, PQS (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) prolonged the time spent in the light area. In the hole-board test, PQS (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly increased both head-dip counts and head-dip duration. Both PQS (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) decreased the total fighting time in the isolation-induced aggressive test. Since PQS, in contrast to diazepam, had no effect on locomotion in these tests, its side-effect profile might be considered superior to the benzodiazepines. Thus, the present findings suggest that PQS might be a potential candidate for use as an anxiolytic drug.

Flight-and ground-test evaluation of pyrrone foams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclain, A. G.; Kelliher, W. C.

1972-01-01

Two Pyrrone materials, pure Pyrrone foam with a density of 481 kg/cu m and hollow glass microsphere-Pyrrone composite with a density of 962 kg/cu m, were tested in the Langley 20-inch hypersonic arc heated tunnel at pressure levels from 0.06 to 0.27 atm and heating rates from 1.14 to 11.4 MW/sq m. The 481-kg/cu m Pyrrone foam was also flight tested as an experiment aboard a Pacemaker test vehicle. The results of the ground tests indicated that the thermal effectiveness of the 481-kg/cu m Pyrrone foam was superior to the 962-kg/cu m glass sphere-Pyrrone composite. The 481-kg/cu m Pyrrone foam had approximately one-half the thermal effectiveness of low density phenolic nylon. The 481-kg/cu m Pyrrone foam experienced random mechanical char removal over the entire range of test conditions. Char thermal property inputs for an ablation computer program were developed from the ground test data of the 481-kg/cu m Pyrrone foam. The computer program using these developed char thermal properties, as well as the measured uncharred material properties, adequately predicted the in-depth temperature histories measured during the Pacemaker flight.

Toxicity and bioconcentration evaluation of RDX and HMX using sheepshead minnows in water exposures.

PubMed

Lotufo, Guilherme R; Gibson, Alfreda B; Yoo, J Leslie

2010-10-01

Lethal effects of the explosives RDX and HMX were assessed using ten-day water exposures to juvenile sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus). For RDX, maximum mortality occurred during the first two days of exposure with a 10-d median lethal concentration (LC50) of 9.9 mg L(-1). The RDX 10-d median lethal residue (LR50) was 9.6 mg kg(-1) (34.9 μmol kg(-1)) wet weight (ww), the first RDX critical body residue reported for fish. Previous investigations reported that RDX body residues in marine amphipods up to 96 μmol kg(-1) ww and in marine mussels up to 86 μmol kg(-1) ww failed to result in significant mortality. The highest HMX concentration tested, corresponding to its apparent solubility limit in seawater (2.0 mg L(-1)), and the associated mean body residue (3 mg kg(-1) or 14 μmol kg(-1) ww) resulted in no significant mortality for exposed minnows. The mean 10-d bioconcentration factors for RDX (0.6-0.9 L kg(-1)) and HMX (0.3-1.6 L kg(-1)) were typically lower than 1, reflecting the low bioaccumulative potential for these compounds. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Survival, growth, and histopathological effects of paraquat ingestion in nestling American kestrels (Falco sparverius)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hoffman, D.J.; Franson, J.C.; Pattee, O.H.; Bunck, C.M.

1985-01-01

The use of paraquat as a herbicide is becoming more extensive with the increasing popularity of no tillage agriculture, increasing the possibility of exposure for wildlife species. American kestrel (Falco sparverius) nestlings were orally dosed daily with 5 ?l/g of distilled water (controls), 10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, or 60 mg/kg of paraquat dichloride (1, 1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium) in distilled water from day 1 through day 10. Forty-four percent of the nestlings given 60 mg/kg died after 4 days. Significant differences in growth rates occurred between controls and all paraquat-dosed groups. Reduced skeletal growth occurred in the humerus and femur in the 25 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg groups, and in the radius-ulna and tibiotarsus in the 60 mg/kg group. Skeletons were otherwise normal in appearance. Histopathological examination revealed localized focal necrosis in the liver of one nestling in the 60 mg/kg group and tubular cell degeneration and focal tubular dilation in the kidneys of another. The brain and lungs were unremarkable histologically. These findings suggest that altricial nestling kestrels are more sensitive to paraquat exposure than young or adult birds of precocial species.

Enhancement of nootropic effect of duloxetine and bupropion by caffeine in mice

PubMed Central

Kale, Pravin Popatrao; Addepalli, Veeranjaneyulu

2015-01-01

Objective: The existing evidence suggests an association between depression and memory impairment. The objective of present study was to assess the effect of low dose caffeine with duloxetine and bupropion on memory. Materials and Methods: Mice were divided randomly into seven groups. Intra-peritoneal treatment of normal saline (10 ml/kg), caffeine (10 mg/kg), duloxetine (10 mg/kg), bupropion alone (10 mg/kg), caffeine + duloxetine (5 mg/kg, each), caffeine + bupropion (5 mg/kg, each), and bupropion + duloxetine (5 mg/kg, each) were given to groups I-VII, respectively. Elevated plus maze was used to evaluate transfer latency (TL) and Morris water maze was used to estimate the time spent in target quadrant. Results: Caffeine with duloxetine treated group was better than other combination treated groups in terms of a significant decrease in TL and increase in the time spent in target quadrant recorded. Conclusion: Combining lower dose of caffeine with duloxetine may enhance cognitive benefits than respective monotherapies. PMID:25878382

Composting of cow dung and crop residues using termite mounds as bulking agent.

PubMed

Karak, Tanmoy; Sonar, Indira; Paul, Ranjit K; Das, Sampa; Boruah, R K; Dutta, Amrit K; Das, Dilip K

2014-10-01

The present study reports the suitability of termite mounds as a bulking agent for composting with crop residues and cow dung in pit method. Use of 50 kg termite mound with the crop residues (stover of ground nut: 361.65 kg; soybean: 354.59 kg; potato: 357.67 kg and mustard: 373.19 kg) and cow dung (84.90 kg) formed a good quality compost within 70 days of composting having nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as 20.19, 3.78 and 32.77 g kg(-1) respectively with a bulk density of 0.85 g cm(-3). Other physico-chemical and germination parameters of the compost were within Indian standard, which had been confirmed by the application of multivariate analysis of variance and multivariate contrast analysis. Principal component analysis was applied in order to gain insight into the characteristic variables. Four composting treatments formed two different groups when hierarchical cluster analysis was applied. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of etorphine-detomidine and medetomidine-ketamine anesthesia in captive addax (Addax nasomaculatus).

PubMed

Portas, Timothy J; Lynch, Michael J; Vogelnest, Larry

2003-09-01

Thirty-five anesthetic events involving 15 captive addax (Addax nasonzaculatus) were performed between August 1998 and February 2002 using a combination of etorphine (33.7 +/- 7.9 microg/kg) and detomidine (21.9 +/- 4.6 microg/ kg) or a combination of medetomidine (57.4 +/- 8.6 microg/kg) and ketamine (1.22 +/- 0.3 microg/kg), with or without supplemental injectable or inhalant anesthetic agents. Etorphine-detomidine anesthesia was antagonized with diprenorphine (107.1 +/- 16.4 microg/kg) and atipamezole (100.9 +/- 42.4 microg/kg). Medetomidine-ketamine anesthesia was antagonized with atipamezole (245.3 +/- 63.4 microg/kg). Animals became recumbent within 5 min when the combination of etorphine and detomidine was used and within 11 min when the combination of medetomidine and ketamine was used. Both drug combinations were suitable for use as primary immobilizing agents producing short-duration restraint and analgesia. Bradycardia was noted with both combinations. Further investigation of the cardiopulmonary effects of both combinations is warranted.

Calorigenic effect of glucagon and catecholamines in king penguin chicks.

PubMed

Barre, H; Rouanet, J L

1983-06-01

The calorigenic action of glucagon and catecholamine infusion was evaluated in winter-acclimatized king penguin chicks at 20 and 0 degrees C ambient temperature (Ta). At Ta = 20 degrees C the mean increase in metabolic rate was 0.73 W . kg-1 for epinephrine (80 micrograms . kg-1), 0.42 W . kg-1 for norepinephrine (150 micrograms . kg-1), and 1.16 W . kg-1 for glucagon (0.75 micrograms . kg-1); i.e., respectively 30, 17, and 47% of the control value. The maximum response to glucagon reached 89% over control. At Ta = 0 degrees C, for the same glucagon infusion, the mean increase in specific metabolic rate was 0.84 W . kg-1, 27% of control rate. In the cold, glucagon infusion inhibited shivering and substituted its calorigenic action, resulting in a less apparent effect. In contrast with the negligible effect of catecholamines, glucagon infused at low doses exerted a powerful calorigenic action in young king penguins and could be considered as a possible nonshivering thermogenesis mediator.

A novel process for recovery of fermentation-derived succinic acid: process design and economic analysis.

PubMed

Orjuela, Alvaro; Orjuela, Andrea; Lira, Carl T; Miller, Dennis J

2013-07-01

Recovery and purification of organic acids produced in fermentation constitutes a significant fraction of total production cost. In this paper, the design and economic analysis of a process to recover succinic acid (SA) via dissolution and acidification of succinate salts in ethanol, followed by reactive distillation to form succinate esters, is presented. Process simulation was performed for a range of plant capacities (13-55 million kg/yr SA) and SA fermentation titers (50-100 kg/m(3)). Economics were evaluated for a recovery system installed within an existing fermentation facility producing succinate salts at a cost of $0.66/kg SA. For a SA processing capacity of 54.9 million kg/yr and a titer of 100 kg/m(3) SA, the model predicts a capital investment of $75 million and a net processing cost of $1.85 per kg SA. Required selling price of diethyl succinate for a 30% annual return on investment is $1.57 per kg. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Qing-dai powder promotes recovery of colitis by inhibiting inflammatory responses of colonic macrophages in dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice.

PubMed

Xiao, Hai-Tao; Peng, Jiao; Hu, Dong-Dong; Lin, Cheng-Yuan; Du, Bin; Tsang, Siu-Wai; Lin, Ze-Si; Zhang, Xiao-Jun; Lueng, Feng-Ping; Han, Quan-Bin; Bian, Zhao-Xiang

2015-01-01

Qing-dai powder (QDP), comprising Indigo naturalis (Qing-dai) and dried alum (Ku-fan), was used in Chinese medicine to treat the conditions associated with mucosal hemorrhage, such as ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aims to investigate the effects and potential mechanism of QDP on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in mice and to examine the regulatory effects of QDP on macrophages. Seven- to eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were challenged with 2.0 % DSS in drinking water for 5 days and then the colitic mice were arbitrarily allocated into five groups (n = 10 for each group). QDP (0.77, 1.54 and 3.08 g/kg) and sulfasalazine (SASP) (0.20 g/kg) were orally administered for 7 days. The disease activity index was determined by scores of body weight loss, diarrhea and rectal bleeding; histological signs of damage was analyzed by H&E staining; myeloperoxidase activity was measured by colorimetric method, levels of proinflammatory cytokines were determined by ELISA; changes in macrophages in the colon were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells were treated with or without QDP, then the production of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by ELISA; and protein molecules such as COX-2, iNOS, IкB-α were determined by Western blot. Oral administration of QDP at dosages of 1.54 and 3.08 g/kg significantly reduced disease activity index on day 12 (P < 0.001 for 1.54 g/kg and P < 0.0008 for 3.08 g/kg), colon shortening (P = 0.012 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg), histological damage (P < 0.001 for 1.54 g/kg, P < 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg) and colonic myeloperoxidase activity (P = 0.002 for 1.54 g/kg, P < 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg) of DSS-treated mice. Moreover, QDP treatment (1.54 and 3.08 g/kg) significantly decreased DSS-induced infiltration of macrophages, and production of TNF-α (P = 0.005 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.002 for 3.08 g/kg), IL-1β (P = 0.008 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.002 for 3.08 g/kg) and IL-6 (P = 0.011 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.004 for 3.08 g/kg) in colonic tissues, and also reduced serum MCP-1 levels (P = 0.001 for 1.54 g/kg, P < 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg). In RAW264.7 cells, QDP significantly suppressed LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6 (Both P < 0.001 for 1.0 μg/mL QDP treatment) and expression levels of COX-2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001 for 1 and 3 μg/mL QDP treatment, respectively) and iNOS (P < 0.001 for 3 μg/mL QDP treatment) by inhibiting IкB-α degradation (P = 0.007 and P = 0.004 for 1 and 3 μg/mL QDP treatment, respectively) and NF-кB p65 nuclear translocation. QDP suppressed the inflammatory responses of colonic macrophages in DSS-induced UC in mice and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

U and Th in some brown coals of Serbia and Montenegro and their environmental impact.

PubMed

Zivotić, Dragana; Grzetić, Ivan; Lorenz, Hans; Simić, Vladimir

2008-03-01

The objective of this paper is to determine and compare the concentrations of U and Th in soft to hard brown (lignite to sub-bituminous) coals of Serbia and Montenegro. It also presents comparison of the obtained data on U and Th concentrations with the published data on coals located in some other countries of the world. Almost the whole coal production of Serbia and Montenegro is used as feed coals for combustion in thermal power plants. Channel samples from open pit and underground mines and core samples were collected for hard and soft brown coals. For the analysis the samples were decomposed using microwave technique. Obtained solutions containing U and Th were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) using NIST standards. Concentration of U from the investigated basins and the corresponding mine fields ranges within 0.60-70.10 mg/kg, 0.65-3.20 mg/kg, 0.95-6.59 mg/kg, 1.20-6.05 mg/kg, 0.80-6.66 mg/kg, 0.18-89.90 mg/kg, 0.19-4.14 mg/kg, and 0.28-3.52 mg/kg for the Kostolac, Kolubara, Krepoljin, Sjenica, Soko Banja, Bogovina East field, Senje-Resavica and Pljevlja basins, respectively. Concentration of Th ranges within 0.20-2.60 mg/kg, 0.84-6.57 mg/kg, 1.48-6.48 mg/kg, 0.12-2.71 mg/kg, 0.13-4.95 mg/kg, 0.14-3.48 mg/kg, 0.29-3.56 mg/kg, and 0.17-1.89 mg/kg for the Kostolac, Kolubara, Krepoljin, Sjenica, Soko Banja, Bogovina East field, Senje-Resavica and Pljevlja basins, respectively. Brown coal from Senje-Resavica, Kolubara, Kostolac and Pljevlja is characterized by low U concentration. Coals form the Krepoljin, Soko Banja and Sjenica basins have slightly higher U concentrations than the mentioned group. The highest concentration of U is characteristic for the coal from the Bogovina East field. Concentration of Th in coals from Serbia and Montenegro has proved to be low. Out of all investigated coal basins, only the coal from the Krepoljin and Kolubara basins has high concentration of Th. The hydrothermally altered rocks of the Timok dacite-andesite complex, representing the basement of the Bogovina basin, could be a potential source of U, especially at the bottom part of the Lower seam of the Bogovina East field. This study shows that brown coals in Serbia and Montenegro (soft to hard brown coals or lignite to sub-bituminous) contain low levels of U (5.30 mg/kg, average value and 2.10 mg/kg geometric mean value) and Th (1.80 mg/kg, average value and 1.12 mg/kg geometric mean value). There are some obvious differences in concentration of U and Th in coals from different basins in Serbia and Montenegro. The approximate value for U and Th release mainly from power plants was 644.33 t and 983.46 t, respectively within the period 1965-2000 for the studied mines in Serbia, and 23.76 t and 15.05 t for the Potrlica mine (Montenegro) within the period 1965-1997. The coals in Serbia and Montenegro show no identifiable unfavourable impact on the surrounding environment, due to low natural radioactive concentration of U and Th, but further investigations concerning human health should be performed. Preliminary research revealed that in some Serbian coals (and, particularly, parts of the coal seam) U and Th content are rather high. Such coals should be carefully studied, as well as U and Th concentrations in ash, fly ash, waste disposals, nearby soil and ground water. Further studies should include determination of the radioactivity of all these products, and estimation of possible health impact.

The Study and Application of Hydrometallurgical Gold Leaching in the Analysis of Refractory Precious Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, M.; Geng, X.; Wang, Y. L.; Li, D. X.

2017-05-01

Three orthogonal tests are separately designed for each hydrometallurgical gold leaching process to finding the optimum reaction conditions of melting gold and palladium in each process. Under the optimum condition, the determination amount of gold and palladium in aqua regia—hydrofluoric acid, Sodium thiosulfate, and potassium iodide reaches 2.87g/kg and 8.34 g/kg, 2.39g/kg and 8.12 g/kg, 2.51g/kg and 7.84g/kg. From the result, the content of gold and palladium using the leaching process of combining Aqua regia, hydrofluoric acid and hydrogen peroxide is relatively higher than the other processes. In addition, the experiment procedure of aqua regia digestion operates easily, using less equipment, and its period is short.

Affects of wastewater discharge from mining on soil heavy metal pollution and enzyme activities in northern Hunan province, Central South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Ying; Hu, Xue-Feng; Shu, Ying; Yan, Xiao-Juan; Luo, Fan

2013-04-01

Hunan province, Central South China, is rich in mineral resources and also a well-known nonferrous metal base in China. Mining and ore processing there, however, are mostly conducted in indigenous methods, and thus causing heavy metal pollution of abundant farmland. Situated in northern Hunan province, Y county has antimony, manganese, vanadium, and pyrite mines, but still belongs to a region of rice cultivation, of which, paddy fields make up 84.5% of the total farmland. Our investigations found that irrigation water is threatened by the release of mining wastewater in the county. For example, a stream used for irrigation turns dark-red after long-term receiving wastewater discharged from a pyrite company at HS Town of the county. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe and Mn in the stream water reach 0.03 mg kg-1, 2.14 mg kg-1, 0.02 mg kg-1, 96.0 mg kg-1 and 11.5 mg kg-1, respectively; these in the paddy soils nearby are 67.3 mg kg-1, 297 mg kg-1, 4.0 mg kg-1, 33.1 mg g-1 and 463 mg kg-1 on average, respectively, with a maximum of Cd reaching 16.8 mg kg-1. Microbial biomass and activities are significantly reduced by metal toxicity in the soils. The counts of fungal, actinomycin and bacterial colonies in the polluted soils are 8.8×103 /g (Fresh soil), 4.9×105 /g (Fresh soil) and 6.4×105 /g (Fresh soil), respectively, which are only 4.68%, 10.3% and 20.9% of these in non-polluted soils in Y county, respectively. Likewise, the microbial biomass (MB) - C and MB - N of the polluted soils are only 36.8% and 50.3% of these in the non-polluted, respectively. The activities of dehydrogenase, urease, catalase, acid and neutral phosphatase and sucrase in the polluted soils are only 41.2%, 49.8%, 56.8%, 69.9%, 80.7% and 81.0% of these in the non-polluted, respectively. There are significant negative correlations between Cu, Zn and Cd contents and the activities of dehydrogenase and catalase, suggesting that the two enzymes are the most sensitive to heavy metal toxicity in the soils. The rice grain produced in the polluted paddy fields are highly contaminated by heavy metals, with concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe and Mn being 14.1 mg kg-1, 21.4 mg kg-1, 0.55 mg kg-1, 16.3 mg kg-1 and 38.5 mg kg-1 on average, respectively. According to our investigations, the rate of rice with Cd exceeding the national allowable limit (0.2 mg kg-1) reaches 59.6% of the total in the county; that with Cd higher than 1 mg kg-1, called as Cd Rice, reaches 11.1%. This suggests that wastewater irrigation caused by indigenous mining has led to the severe heavy metal pollution of farming land in Hunan province. Moreover, toxic metals in the soils have been accumulated in rice grain and do harm to human health.

Effects of Fertilization on Tomato Growth and Soil Enzyme Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Zhen; Hu, Xue-Feng; Cheng, Chang; Luo, Zhi-qing

2015-04-01

To study the effects of different fertilizer applications on soil enzyme activity, tomato plant growth and tomato yield and quality, a field experiment on tomato cultivation was carried out in the suburb of Shanghai. Three fertilizer treatments, chemical fertilizer (CF) (N, 260 g/kg; P, 25.71g/kg; K, 83.00g/kg), rapeseed cake manure (CM) (N, 37.4 g/kg; P, 9.0 g/kg; K, 8.46 g/kg), crop-leaf fermenting manure (FM) (N, 23.67 g/kg; P, 6.39 g/kg; K 44.32 g/kg), and a control without using any fertilizers (CK), were designed. The total amounts of fertilizer application to each plot for the CF, CM, FM and CK were 0.6 kg, 1.35 kg, 3.75 kg and 0 kg, respectively, 50% of which were applied as base fertilizer, and another 50% were applied after the first fruit picking as top dressing. Each experimental plot was 9 m2 (1 m × 9 m) in area. Each treatment was replicated for three times. No any pesticides and herbicides were applied during the entire period of tomato growth to prevent their disturbance to soil microbial activities. Soil enzyme activities at each plot were constantly tested during the growing period; the tomato fruit quality was also constantly analyzed and the tomato yield was calculated after the final harvesting. The results were as follows: (1) Urease activity in the soils treated with the CF, CM and FM increased quickly after applying base fertilizer. That with the CF reached the highest level. Sucrase activity was inhibited by the CF and CM to some extent, which was 32.4% and 11.2% lower than that with the CK, respectively; while that with the FM was 15.7% higher than that with the CK. Likewise, catalase activity with the CF increased by 12.3% - 28.6%; that with the CM increased by 87.8% - 95.1%; that with the FM increased by 86.4% - 93.0%. Phosphatase activity with the CF increased rapidly and reached a maximum 44 days after base fertilizer application, and then declined quickly. In comparison, that with the CM and FM increased slowly and reached a maximum 66 days after base fertilizer application, but maintained the high level for a long time. In short, the application of organic manure, especially the fermenting manure, is more beneficial to maintain high levels of soil enzyme activities and biodiversity. (2) The tomato yield treated with the CF, CM, FM and CK was 50055 kg/ha, 37814 kg/ha, 36965 kg/ha and 29937 kg/ha, respectively. The yield increasing rates of the CF, CM and FM were 67.2%, 26.3% and 23.5%, respectively. The application of chemical fertilizer could raise the tomato yield more effectively. The use of organic manure, especially the fermenting manure, however, could improve the fruit quality more effectively, especially increase soluble sugar and vitamin C contents and reduce nitrate content in tomato fruit significantly. The application of biological fermenting manure is beneficial to promote the recycling agriculture in China. It could also be used in the organic farming promisingly.

Performance and apparent total tract phosphorus and calcium digestibility in grower-finisher pigs fed diets with and without phytase.

PubMed

Kühn, I; Männer, K

2012-12-01

The efficacy of a thermotolerant 6-phytase on performance and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P and Ca was evaluated in 96 crossbred barrows (8 replicates with 3 pigs each) fed 4 diets. Diets based on corn (Zea mays), a heat-treated grain mix, and soybean (Glycine max) meal with recommended [positive control (PC)] or reduced [negative control (NC)] P and Ca levels were fed from 25 to 115 kg BW. The PC diets contained 0.61% P and 0.72% Ca from 25 to 45 kg, 0.59% P and 0.66% Ca from 45 to 70 kg, and 0.48% P and 0.51% Ca from 70 kg to final BW. The NC diets were reduced in digestible P by 2.0, 2.0, and 1.1 g/kg and in Ca by 1.4, 1.0, and 0.8 g/kg, respectively, for the 3 phases. Phytase was added at 0, 250, and 500 phytase units (FTU)/kg to the NC diet. Performance was measured at the end of each feeding period and ATTD of P and Ca evaluated for a 3-d collection following a 7-d adaptation at an average BW of 45, 70, and 116 kg. Final BW of NC pigs (111.9 kg) was increased (P < 0.05) by P addition (120.3 kg; PC) and by phytase inclusion at both rates (116.5 and 117.6 kg, respectively). The ADG of NC pigs (781 g) was increased (P < 0.05) by both phytase levels (5.5 and 6.6%); pigs fed 500 FTU/kg achieved similar ADG as PC pigs (833 and 858 g, respectively). The G:F was reduced (P < 0.05) in NC pigs (0.308) compared to pigs fed the PC diet (0.328) or diets with 250 or 500 FTU phytase/kg (0.324 and 0.330, respectively). The ATTD of P was lowest in all periods for pigs fed NC diets (35.5% in starter, 32.2% in grower, and 32.1% in finisher period). Phytase increased (P < 0.05) ATTD of P in all periods at both application rates. Pigs fed 500 FTU/kg diet had a higher (P < 0.05) ATTD of P than pigs fed 250 FTU/kg and an ATTD of P at least similar to pigs fed PC. Similar but less pronounced effects were observed for ATTD of Ca. The phytase added to grower-finisher diets with reduced P and Ca nearly restored performance to the level of pigs fed diets with adequate P and Ca.

Effect of supplementation on the performance of grazing Belgian Blue double-muscled heifers.

PubMed

Fiems, L O; De Boever, J L; Vanacker, J M

2013-11-01

Six experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of a feed supplement on the performance of grazing Belgian Blue double-muscled (BBDM) heifers with an initial weight and age of 195 ± 43 kg and 190 ± 52 days. Treatments included were: Exp. 1: supplementation with beet pulp (BP): 2 kg/day per head v. ad libitum intake; Exp. 2: supplementation ad libitum with BP v. a mixture of BP and soybean meal (SBM; BP/SBM ratio of 80/20; FW (fresh weight) basis); Exp. 3: supplementation with 4 kg/day per head of a mixture of BP/SBM (80/20; FW basis) v. BP/formaldehyde-treated SBM (BP/FSBM); Exp. 4: supplementation with 4 kg/day per head of a mixture with a similar protein content (125 g DVE per kg dry matter (DM)), consisting of 80/20 BP/SBM v. 92/8 BP/FSBM; Exp. 5: supplementation with 3 kg/day per head of a mixture of BP/SBM (80/20; FW basis) v. BP/DDGS (dried distillers grains and solubles; 70/30, FW basis); and Exp. 6: supplementation with 3 kg/day per head of 80/20 BP/SBM v. maize silage (MS) and SBM, on the basis of a similar protein concentration in the DM as the 80/20 BP/SBM supplement, and fed at a similar amount of DM as in the BP/SBM group. Supplementing BP ad libitum did not affect daily gain (0.54 v. 0.48 kg) and partial feed conversion (3.62 kg on average) compared with 2 kg/day. Supplying SBM besides BP increased growth rate compared with BP (0.87 v. 0.62 kg/day; P < 0.001), but partial feed conversion was similar. Supplying FSBM did not affect growth rate and partial feed conversion (P > 0.10), but blood urea levels were reduced by FSBM (P < 0.05). DDGS tended to increase growth rate (0.77 v. 0.59 kg/day; P < 0.10) compared with BP/SBM, without effect on partial feed conversion. Replacing BP by MS did not affect daily gain, but partial feed conversion tended to be higher (3.21 v. 3.60 kg/kg body weight (BW) gain; P = 0.062). Increasing the supplement (80/20 BP/SBM) level from 3 to 4 kg daily, corresponding to 1.02% and 1.18% of the mean BW, respectively, resulted in a tendency (P = 0.121) for an increased growth rate. Grazing BBDM heifers of <1 year of age necessitate extra protein besides an energy supplement to improve their performance. DDGS can replace SBM and BP can be replaced by MS.

Postnatal iron-induced motor behaviour alterations following chronic neuroleptic administration in mice.

PubMed

Fredriksson, A; Eriksson, P; Archer, T

2006-02-01

C57/BL6 mice were administered either 7.5 mg Fe(2+)/kg or vehicle (saline) postnatally on days 10-12 after birth. From 61 days of age onwards for 21 days, groups of mice were administered either clozapine (1 or 5 mg/kg, s.c.) or haloperidol (1 mg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle (Tween-80). Twenty-four hours after the final injection of either neuroleptic compound or vehicle, spontaneous motor activity was measured over a 60-min interval. Following this, each animal was removed, injected apomorphine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) and replaced in the same test chamber. It was found that postnatal administration of Fe(2+) at the 7.5 mg/kg dose level reduced activity during the initial 20-min periods (0-20 and 20-40 min) and then induced hyperactivity during the final 20-min period over all three parameters of activity. Subchronic treatment with the higher, 5 mg/kg, dose of clozapine abolished or attenuated the hypoactivity in by postnatal Fe(2+) during the 1(st) two 20-min periods over all three parameters of activity. Subchronic treatment with the higher, 5 mg/kg, dose of clozapine abolished or attenuated the hyperactivity in by postnatal Fe(2+) during the 3(rd) and final 20-min period. Subchronic administration of haloperidol, without postnatal iron, increased the level of both locomotion (1(st) 20 min) and rearing (2(nd) 20 min) activity. Postnatal administration of Fe(2+) at the 7.5 mg/kg dose increased the levels of both locomotion and rearing, but not total activity, following administration of apomorphine (1 mg/kg). Subchronic administration of clozapine, at both the 1 and 5 mg/kg doses, reduced the increased locomotor activity caused by postnatal Fe(2+), whereas clozapine, 5 mg/kg, elevated further the postnatal Fe(2+)-induced increased in rearing. Subchronic administration of clozapine, at both the 1 and 5 mg/kg doses, and haloperidol, 1 mg/kg, increased the level of locomotor following administration of apomorphine (1 mg/kg) in mice treated postnatally with vehicle, whereas only clozapine increased the level of rearing. Correlational analyses indicated that both apomorphine-induced locomotion and rearing were highly correlated with the total iron content in the basal ganglia, thereby offering direct evidence of the linear relationship between iron content in the basal ganglia and the behavioural expression of DA D(2)-receptor supersensitivity in mice.

[Distribution characteristic and current situation of soil rare earth contamination in the Bayan Obo mining area and Baotou tailing reservoir in Inner Mongolia].

PubMed

Guo, Wei; Fu, Rui-ying; Zhao, Ren-xin; Zhao, Wen-jing; Guo, Jiang-yuan; Zhang, Jun

2013-05-01

The pollution status and distribution characteristic of rare earth elements in soil were analyzed around Bayan Obo mining area and Baotou tailing reservoir located in Inner Mongolia grassland ecosystem, aiming at grasping the overall situation of grassland ecosystem pollution caused by rare earth elements and providing basic information as well as theoretical basis. The results indicated that seven rare earth elements in soils from different directions of Baotou tailing reservoir accumulated to a certain extent compared to the soil background value of Inner Mongolia. The pollution degree was Ce > La > Nd > Pr > Sm > Y > Eu. Within 50 m from the edge of tailing reservoir, soil rare earth contamination was the most serious, with the concentrations of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Y reaching 11,45.0 mg x kg(-1), 23,636.0 mg x kg(-1), 4568.16 mg x kg(-1) , 6855.51 mg x kg(-1), 582.18 mg x kg(-1), 94.21 mg x kg(-1)), and 136.25 mg x kg(-1), respectively. Owing to the dominant wind direction of northwest, soils from the southeast were contaminated most seriously. For Bayan Obo mining area, the concentrations of seven rare earth elements in soil from the mining area were significantly higher than those of other areas investigated, with the concentrations of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Y reaching 3112.56 mg x kg(-1), 7142.12 mg x kg(-1), 1467.12 mg x kg(-1), 2552.80 mg x kg(-1), 210.80 mg x kg(-1), 36.20 mg x kg(-1) and 63.22 mg x kg(-1), respectively. The soils of six areas of Bayan Obo mining area were all contaminated by rare earth elements, and the contamination degree was in the order of mining area > outside the dump > east side of the railway > the dump > outside the urban area > west side of the railway. Besides, the transportation of rare earth ore led to the soil rare earth contamination along the railway, and the distribution characteristic of rare earth elements in soils along the railway was affected by the dominant wind direction of northwest. Baotou tailing reservoir and Bayan Obo mining area had the same contamination characteristic, and the concentrations of rare earth elements were in accordance with those in the tailings. The health and stabilization of local grassland ecosystem are being threatened by excessive soil rare earth elements.

Plasticizers and bisphenol A, in packaged foods sold in the Tunisian markets: study of their acute in vivo toxicity and their environmental fate.

PubMed

Beltifa, Asma; Feriani, Anouar; Machreki, Monia; Ghorbel, Asma; Ghazouani, Lakhdar; Di Bella, Giuseppa; Van Loco, Joris; Reyns, Tim; Mansour, Hedi Ben

2017-10-01

Today, processed and packaged foods are considered as among the major sources of human exposure to plasticizers and bisphenol which migrate from plastic packing. In the present study, a wide range of food products sold on the Tunisian market such as grain and grain products, milk and dairy products, fats and oil, drink, fish, and sweets have been analyzed firstly in order to identify the presence of phthalates and bisphenol. Then, the identified chemical molecules were studied for their environmental fate and tested in vivo for its toxicity in mice models. The food products analyzed using GC-MS/MS indicated the presence of the benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINC) and which using UPLC-MS/MS demonstrated the presence of bisphenol A of all food products. However, compared to other phthalates, BBP was found at high concentrations in the puff pastry (123 mg/kg), milk (2.59 mg/kg), butter (1.5 mg/kg), yogurt (2.23 mg/kg), oil (6.94 mg/kg), water (0.57 mg/kg), candy 1 (2.35 mg/kg), candy 2 (0.81 mg/kg), orange juice (1.25 mg/kg), peach juice (1.26 mg/kg), fruit juices (0.4 mg/kg), and chocolate (0.884 mg/kg). The obtained data in vivo clearly showed that the acute administration of BBP caused hepatic and renal damage as demonstrated by an increase in biochemical parameters as well as the activities of plasma marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, urea, creatinine, and uric acid when compared to the control group. By the same occurrence, the histopathological study revealed that BBP strongly modified the structure of hepatic and renal tissues. In addition, the plasticizers and BBP will therefore discharge via wastewater treatment plants in aquatic system and could reach marine organisms such as fish. We have followed the fate of BBP in bream Sparus aurata. In fact, chemical analysis showed the contamination of wild S. aurata by BBP from Sousse Coast (1.5 mg/kg) and wild S. aurata from Monastir Coast (0.33 mg/kg).

Mangiferin, a natural xanthone, accelerates gastrointestinal transit in mice involving cholinergic mechanism

PubMed Central

Morais, Talita Cavalcante; Lopes, Synara Cavalcante; Carvalho, Karine Maria Martins Bezerra; Arruda, Bruno Rodrigues; de Souza, Francisco Thiago Correia; Trevisan, Maria Teresa Salles; Rao, Vietla Satyanarayana; Santos, Flávia Almeida

2012-01-01

AIM: To investigate the effects of mangiferin on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) in normal and constipated mice, together with the possible mechanism. METHODS: Intragastrically-administered charcoal meal was used to measure GIT in overnight starved Swiss mice. In the first experiments, mangiferin (3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg, po) or tegaserod (1 mg/kg, ip) were administered 30 min before the charcoal meal to study their effects on normal transit. In the second series, mangiferin (30 mg/kg) was tested on delayed GIT induced by several different pharmacological agonists (morphine, clonidine, capsaicin) or antagonists (ondansetron, verapamil, and atropine) whereas in the third series, mangiferin (30 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) or tegaserod (1 mg/kg) were tested on 6 h fecal pellets outputted by freely fed mice. The ratio of wet to dry weight was calculated and used as a marker of fecal water content. RESULTS: Mangiferin administered orally significantly (P < 0.05) accelerated GIT at 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg (89% and 93%, respectively), similarly to 5-hydroxytryptamine4 (5-HT4) agonist tegaserod (81%) when compared to vehicle-treated control (63%). Co-administered mangiferin (30 mg/kg) totally reversed the inhibitory effect of opioid agonist morphine, 5-HT3-receptor antagonist ondansetron and transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor agonist capsaicin on GIT, but only to a partial extent with the GIT-delay induced by α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine, and calcium antagonist verapamil. However, co-administered atropine completely blocked the stimulant effect of mangiferin on GIT, suggesting the involvement of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activation. Although mangiferin significantly enhanced the 6 h fecal output at higher doses (245.5 ± 10.43 mg vs 161.9 ± 10.82 mg and 227.1 ± 20.11 mg vs 161.9 ± 10.82 mg of vehicle-treated control, at 30 and 100 mg/kg, P < 0.05, respectively), the effect of tegaserod was more potent (297.4 ± 7.42 mg vs 161.9 ± 10.82 mg of vehicle-treated control, P < 0.05). Unlike tegaserod, which showed an enhanced water content in fecal pellets (59.20% ± 1.09% vs 51.44% ± 1.19% of control, P < 0.05), mangiferin evidenced no such effect, indicating that it has only a motor and not a secretomotor effect. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate the prokinetic action of mangiferin. It can stimulate the normal GIT and also overcome the drug-induced transit delay, via a cholinergic physiological mechanism. PMID:22783044

Polonium-210 and Caesium-137 in lynx (Lynx lynx), wolverine (Gulo gulo) and wolves (Canis lupus).

PubMed

Gjelsvik, Runhild; Holm, Elis; Kålås, John Atle; Persson, Bertil; Asbrink, Jessica

2014-12-01

Wolves, lynx and wolverines are on the top of the food-chain in northern Scandinavia and Finland. (210)Po and (137)Cs have been analysed in samples of liver, kidney and muscle from 28 wolves from Sweden. In addition blood samples were taken from 27 wolves. In 9 of the wolves, samples of muscle, liver and blood were analysed for (210)Po. Samples of liver and muscle were collected from 16 lynx and 16 wolverines from Norway. The liver samples were analysed for (210)Po and (137)Cs. Only (137)Cs analyses were carried out for the muscle samples. The wolves were collected during the winter 2010 and 2011, while the samples for lynx and wolverines were all from 2011. The activity concentrations of (210)Po in wolves were higher for liver (range 20-523 Bq kg(-1) d.w.) and kidney (range 24-942 Bq kg(-1) d.w.) than muscle (range 1-43 Bq kg(-1) d.w.) and blood (range 2-54 Bq kg(-1) d.w.). Activity ratios, (210)Po/(210)Pb, in wolf samples of muscle, liver and blood were in the ranges 2-77, 9-56 and 2-54. Using a wet weight ratio of 3.8 the maximal absorbed dose from (210)Po to wolf liver was estimated to 3500 μGy per year. Compared to wolf, the ranges of (210)Po in liver samples were lower in lynx (range 22-211 Bq kg(-1) d.w.) and wolverine (range16-160 Bq kg(-1) d.w.). Concentration of (137)Cs in wolf samples of muscle, liver, kidney and blood were in the ranges 70-8410 Bq kg(-1) d.w., 36-4050 Bq kg(-1) d.w., 31-3453 Bq kg(-1) d.w. and 4-959 Bq kg(-1) d.w., respectively. (137)Cs in lynx muscle and liver samples were in the ranges 44-13393 Bq kg(-1) d.w. and 125-10260 Bq kg(-1) d.w. The corresponding values for (137)Cs in wolverine were 22-3405 Bq kg(-1) d.w. for liver and 53-4780 Bq kg(-1) d.w. for muscle. The maximal absorbed dose from (137)Cs to lynx was estimated to 3000 μGy per year. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Protein supplements after weight loss do not improve weight maintenance compared with recommended dietary protein intake despite beneficial effects on appetite sensation and energy expenditure: a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial.

PubMed

Kjølbæk, Louise; Sørensen, Lone Brinkmann; Søndertoft, Nadja Buus; Rasmussen, Carrie Klestrup; Lorenzen, Janne Kunchel; Serena, Anja; Astrup, Arne; Larsen, Lesli Hingstrup

2017-08-01

Background : High-protein diets increase weight loss (WL) during energy restriction; therefore, it has been suggested that additional protein intake may improve weight maintenance (WM) after WL. Objective: We investigated the effect of protein supplements from either whey with or without calcium or soy on WM success after WL compared with that of a control. Design: In a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial, 220 participants aged 18-60 y with body mass index (in kg/m 2 ) from 27.6 to 40.4 were included. The study was initiated with an 8-wk WL period followed by a 24-wk WM period. During WM, participants consumed the following isocaloric supplements (45-48 g/d): whey and calcium (whey+), whey, soy, or maltodextrin (control). Data were collected at baseline, before WM, and after WM (weeks 0, 8, and 32, respectively) and included body composition, blood biochemistry, and blood pressure. Meal tests were performed to investigate diet-induced-thermogenesis (DIT) and appetite sensation. Compliance was tested by 24-h urinary nitrogen excretion. Results: A total of 151 participants completed the WM period. The control and 3 protein supplements did not result in different mean ± SD weight regains (whey+: 2.19 ± 4.6 kg; whey: 2.01 ± 4.6 kg; soy: 1.76 ± 4.7 kg; and control: 2.23 ± 3.8 kg; P = 0.96), fat mass regains (whey+: 0.46 ± 4.5 kg; whey: 0.11 ± 4.1 kg; soy: 0.15 ± 4.1 kg; and control: 0.54 ± 3.3 kg; P = 0.96), or improvements in lean body mass (whey+: 1.87 ± 1.7 kg; whey: 1.94 ± 1.3 kg; soy: 1.58 ± 1.4 kg; and control: 1.74 ± 1.4 kg; P = 0.50) during WM. Changes in blood pressure and blood biochemistry were not different between groups. Compared with the control, protein supplementation resulted in higher DIT (∼30 kJ/2.5 h) and resting energy expenditure (243 kJ/d) and an anorexigenic appetite-sensation profile. Conclusion: Protein supplementation does not result in improved WM success, or blood biochemistry after WL compared with the effects of normal dietary protein intake (0.8-1.0 g · kg -1 · d -1 ). This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01561131. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (CAS No. 99-97-8) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice (gavage studies).

PubMed

2012-09-01

N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine was nominated for toxicology and carcinogenesis studies by the National Cancer Institute based on the potential for human exposure through its use in dental materials and bone cements and the lack of toxicity and carcinogenicity data. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice were administered N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (greater than 99% pure) in corn oil by gavage for 3 months or 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, mouse peripheral blood, and mouse and rat liver. 3-MONTH STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 10 male and 10 female rats were administered 0, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. Additional groups of 10 male and 10 female rats (clinical pathology study) were administered the same doses, 5 days per week for 25 days. On day 88, blood was collected from core study rats for hemoglobin and methemoglobin analyses only. All 1,000 mg/kg male and female rats and one 500 mg/kg male rat died by study day 3. Mean body weights of all surviving dosed groups of males and females were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls. Clinical findings associated with exposure to N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine included cyanosis, abnormal breathing, and lethargy in groups administered 250 mg/kg or greater. Methemoglobinemia appeared to be the primary hematologic toxic response, and many other lesions could be explained as secondary to methemoglobin formation including Heinz body formation; a macrocytic, hypochromic, responsive anemia; and increased hematopoietic cell proliferation in the spleen and bone marrow. In general, hematologic changes were dose-related and occurred at both evaluated timepoints in all dosed groups. Anemia was evidenced by decreases in hematocrit values, hemoglobin concentrations, and erythrocyte counts; erythrocyte macrocytosis was characterized by increases in mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin values; erythrocyte hypochromia was evidenced by decreases in mean cell hemoglobin concentration values; and an erythropoietic response to the anemia was characterized by substantially increased reticulocyte and nucleated erythrocyte counts. Liver weights of all surviving dosed groups of males and females were significantly greater than those of the vehicle controls. Kidney weights of all surviving dosed groups of females were significantly greater than those of the vehicle controls. There were significant decreases in left cauda epididymis and left epididymis weights in 250 mg/kg males. There was a dose-related decrease in the number of cycling females, with only four females in the 250 mg/kg group having regular cycles and females in the 125 and 250 mg/kg groups spending a significantly higher proportion of time in extended diestrus compared to the vehicle control group. In the surviving groups of rats, there were significantly increased incidences of pigmentation in the liver of all dosed groups, hepatocyte hypertrophy in groups administered 125 mg/kg or greater, and hepatocyte necrosis in 62.5, 250, and 500 mg/kg females. In the olfactory epithelium of the nose, there were dose-related increases in the incidences and severities of degeneration in all dosed groups and significantly increased incidences of metaplasia in the 250 and 500 mg/kg groups. In the respiratory epithelium of the nose, there were significantly increased incidences of hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia in all of the groups administered 125 mg/kg or greater. The incidences of glandular hyperplasia of the nose were significantly increased in males and females administered 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg. In the spleen, there were significantly increased incidences of capsule fibrosis, congestion, mesothelial hypertrophy, and lymphoid follicle atrophy primarily in groups administered 125 mg/kg or greater. Hematopoietic cell proliferation and pigmentation were increased in severity in treated groups. In the kidney, there were significantly increased incidences of nephropathy (females), pigmentation (males and females), papillary necrosis (males and females), and mineralization (males). Other treatment-related lesions included inflammation of the forestomach in males, mesenteric lymph node atrophy in females, and bone marrow hyperplasia in males and females. 3-MONTH STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 10 male and 10 female mice were administered 0, 15, 30, 60, 125, or 250 mg N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. All 250 mg/kg male and female mice (except for one male mouse) died before day 10, and three males and two females administered 125 mg/kg died before the end of the study. The final mean body weight of 125 mg/kg males and the mean body weight gains of 125 mg/kg males and females were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls. Clinical findings associated with administration of N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine included abnormal breathing, thinness, lethargy, cyanosis, and ruffled fur in 125 and 250 mg/kg males and females. Methemoglobinemia appeared to be the primary hematologic toxic response; however there were less severe erythron changes compared to the 3-month study in rats. In females, no erythron changes were detected up to 125 mg/kg. In males, inconsistent and minor decreases in hematocrit values, hemoglobin concentrations, and erythrocyte counts, and increased reticulocyte counts occurred in groups administered 60 mg/kg or greater. Methemoglobin values were minimally increased in males and females administered 30 mg/kg or greater. Heinz bodies were slightly increased in 60 mg/kg females, 125 mg/kg males and females, and the one surviving 250 mg/kg male; Heinz body formation was considered secondary to methemoglobin formation. Liver weights of all dosed groups of mice were significantly greater than those of the vehicle controls. In the surviving groups of mice, there were significantly increased incidences of bronchiolar epithelium degeneration, bronchiolar epithelium regeneration, and peribronchiolar chronic active inflammation in the lung of 125 mg/kg groups, and histiocytic infiltrates of the alveoli in 125 mg/kg females. In the nose, there were significantly increased incidences of glandular hyperplasia and olfactory epithelium metaplasia in the 125 mg/kg groups and olfactory epithelium degeneration in 60 mg/kg females and 125 mg/kg males and females. In the thymus, the incidences of thymocyte necrosis in the 125 mg/kg groups were significantly increased. In the liver, the severities of cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes were increased in dosed groups of males and females. 2-YEAR STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 50 male and 50 female rats were administered 0, 6, 20, or 60 mg N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage, 5 days per week for 104 or 105 weeks. Additional groups of 10 male and 10 female rats (clinical pathology study) were administered the same doses for 86 days. Survival of 60 mg/kg males was significantly less than that of the vehicle controls. Mean body weights of 60 mg/kg males and females were more than 10% less than those of the vehicle controls after week 61 and week 33, respectively. Clinical findings included signs of pallor in 60 mg/kg females and hyperactivity and boxing behavior in 20 mg/kg females and 60 mg/kg males and females. The hematology findings at the 3-month timepoint were consistent with those in the 3-month study in rats which indicated that methemoglobinemia was the primary hematologic toxic response. In the 20 and 60 mg/kg groups, there were dose-related decreases in hematocrit values, hemoglobin concentrations, and erythrocyte counts. There were similar trends toward erythrocyte macrocytosis and hypochromia and increased erythropoiesis as seen in the 3-month study. While the magnitudes of the erythron decreases were not sufficient to classify the responses as anemias, the patterns of the erythron changes were identical to those in the 3-month study. In the liver of 60 mg/kg males and females, there were significantly increased incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatocellular adenoma or hepatocellular carcinoma (combined). Numerous nonneoplastic liver lesions occurred in dosed males and females primarily in the 20 and 60 mg/kg groups. In the nose, there were significantly increased incidences of transitional epithelium adenoma and transitional epithelium adenoma or carcinoma (combined) in 60 mg/kg males; transitional epithelium adenoma also occurred in female rats administered 6 or 60 mg/kg. In the nose, there were significantly increased incidences of nonneoplastic lesions in the olfactory, respiratory, and transitional epithelia of dosed rats. These lesions occurred with the greatest incidence and severity in the 60 mg/kg groups. The incidences of inflammation and nerve atrophy were significantly increased in males and females administered 60 mg/kg. There were increased incidences of follicular cell adenoma or carcinoma (combined) of the thyroid gland in all dosed groups of males, and an increased incidence of follicular cell adenoma in 20 mg/kg females. In the spleen, there were significantly increased incidences of hematopoietic cell proliferation in all dosed groups of males and females. The incidences of congestion and mesothelial hypertrophy of the capsule were significantly increased in 60 mg/kg males and all dosed groups of females. There were also significantly increased incidences of capsular fibrosis and atrophy of the lymphoid follicle in the 60 mg/kg groups. The incidences of pigmentation were significantly increased in all dosed groups of males and in 60 mg/kg females. In all dosed groups of female rats, there were significantly increased incidences of nephropathy. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Evaluation of the effects of pharmacological zinc oxide and phosphorus source on weaned piglet growth performance, plasma minerals and mineral digestibility.

PubMed

Walk, C L; Wilcock, P; Magowan, E

2015-07-01

Crossbred pigs (n=720; average age=28±3 days and weight=9.5±0.3 kg) were used in a 20-day trial in order to determine the influence of phosphorus (P) source and various doses of pharmacological zinc (Zn) on growth performance, plasma minerals and mineral digestibility. Pigs (five intact males and five females per pen) were randomly allotted to treatments in a 3×3 factorial arrangement with three sources of dietary P (4.5 g/kg digestible P, 4.5 g/kg digestible P plus 2500 phytase units (FTU)/kg, or 5.5 g/kg digestible P) and three dietary levels of supplemental Zn (0, 1750 or 3500 mg/kg) from ZnO (82% Zn) with eight pens per treatment. Diets were formulated to exceed all nutrient requirements, including calcium (Ca), P and Zn from day 0 to 20. Zn supplementation increased (quadratic P<0.05) average daily feed intake. There was a significant Zn level×P source interaction on average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Pigs fed 4.5 g/kg digestible P without or with 2500 FTU/kg phytase gained more per day (quadratic P<0.05) and had better FCR (quadratic P<0.05) when they were fed 1750 mg/kg supplemental Zn. However, pigs fed 5.5 g/kg digestible P gained more per day (linear P<0.05) and were more efficient (linear P<0.05) when they were fed 3500 mg/kg supplemental Zn. Plasma Zn and Zn digestibility increased (linear P<0.05) as pharmacological Zn supplementation increased from 0 to 3500 mg/kg, irrespective of P source. However, Ca, P, sodium (Na), potassium (K) and copper (Cu) digestibility were reduced (P<0.05) as pharmacological Zn supplementation increased, and this was mitigated or exacerbated by the supplementation of 5.5 g/kg digestible P or phytase. In conclusion, increasing the dietary inclusion of pharmacological Zn may impact growth performance in young pigs through the interaction with minerals such as Ca, P, Na and K. Pharmacological Zn may reduce Na or K digestibility and indirectly reduce water secretion into the lumen, resulting in an increase in faecal dry matter as pharmacological Zn supplementation in the diet increased.

Influence of the incorporation mode of sugar beet pulp in the finishing diet on the digestive tract and performances of geese reared for foie gras production.

PubMed

Arroyo, J; Lavigne, F; Bannelier, C; Fortun-Lamothe, L

2017-09-01

The aim of this work was to study the effects of incorporating sugar beet pulp (SBP) into the diet of geese in two feeding systems (complete pelleted feed or loose-mix feeding system) on crop development and performance. A total of 480 1-d-old male geese were divided into three groups whose diet differed from d 56 to 90: a complete pelleted diet containing 50% corn (control diet: AMEn 11.5 MJ/kg; CP 161 g/kg), and no SBP; a complete pelleted diet containing 50% corn and 10% SBP (SBPcp diet: AMEn: 11.5 MJ/kg; CP: 161 g/kg); and a mix in the same feeder (SBPlm diet) of 500 g/kg of protein-rich pellets containing 20% SBP (SBPprp: AMEn: 9.0 MJ/kg; CP: 250 g/kg) and 500 g/kg of whole corn (WC: AMEn: 14.0 MJ/kg; CP: 72 g/kg). Body traits, including crop volume, were measured at d 91. From d 91 to 106, 88 birds/group were overfed with a mixture containing mainly corn and water before slaughter to measure fatty liver performance. Feed intake from d 56 to 90 was higher (+10%; P = 0.004) in the SBPcp group than the other two, but at d 90, the body weight (BW) of the birds was higher (+7%; P = 0.002) in the SBPlm group than the other two. At d 91, the volume of the crop was greater in the SBPcp group (80.4 mL/kg of BW, P < 0.001) than in the control group (60.3 mL/kg of BW), the SBPlm group being intermediate (64.1 mL/kg of BW). Feed intake (13,321 g), weight gain (2,733 g), and feed-to-gain ratio (4.9) during the overfeeding period, as well as fatty liver weight (963 g) and commercial grading, were similar (P > 0.05) between the three groups. In conclusion, the use of sugar beet pulp in the diet of finishing geese helps the adaptation of the digestive tract to the overfeeding period, even in a loose-mix feeding system based on whole corn. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Effect of methanolic extract of Musa sapientum leaves on gastrointestinal transit time in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats: possible mechanism of action.

PubMed

Adewoye, E O; Ige, A O; Latona, C T

2011-11-23

Disorders of gastrointestinal motility have been associated with diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycaemia particularly has been reported to inhibit gastrointestinal transit time while glibenclamide, a sulphonylurea and insulin, both increased transit time. Musa sapientum has also been reported as an antidiabetic agent but there is dearth of information on the effect of this plant on gastrointestinal motility. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Musa sapientum leaves (MEMSL) on gastrointestinal transit time (GITT) in male albino rats with and without hyperglycaemia and to elucidate possible mechanism by which this extract functions. Fifty five albino rats were divided into 11 groups of five animals each. All animals were fasted for 24hrs before the begining of the experiment. Group 1 served as control; while the remaining groups (2 - 11) were treated with 250mg/kg; 500mg/kg MEMSL; diabetic control; diabetic treated with 250mg/kg; 500mg/kg MEMSL; diabetic treated with glibenclamide (5mg/kg); normal rats treated with nifedipine (50mg/kg); normal rats treated with calcium chloride (CaCl2) only (10mg/kg); groups 10 and 11 were both pretreated with CaCl2 and subsequently treated with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg MEMSL respectively. All plant extracts used for treatments were dissolved in normal saline and administered orally using orogastric tube. Charcoal meal was used as marker in the estimation of GITT. The study showed significant decrease in GITT in the normal rats treated with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of extract. However, in the diabetic rats treated with 500mg/kg MEMSL, there was significant increase in GITT and this is comparable with the gut response to glibenclamide (5mg/kg). Musa sapientum extract produced significant decrease in transit time in the calcium chloride pre-treated normal rats and this is comparable to the effect observed in Nifedipine treated group. The significant reduction in GITT produced by MEMSL in the normal rats reflects a strong possibility of MEMSL acting as calcium channel antagonist through the voltage gated calcium channel which may be due to the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardenolides. There is the possibility of the extract acting as an inhibitor of potassium channel at higher concentration as observed in glibenclamide treated groups.

Differential effects of pyrethroid insecticides on extracellular dopamine in the striatum of freely moving rats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mubarak Hossain, Muhammad; Suzuki, Tadahiko; United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193

2006-11-15

In order to obtain a more complete understanding of pyrethroid neurotoxicity, effects of the pyrethroid insecticides, allethrin (type I), cyhalothrin (type II) and deltamethrin (type II) on extracellular levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites in the striatum of conscious rats were studied by in vivo microdialysis. Rats were treated i.p. with pyrethroids or vehicle. Allethrin had a dual effect on DA release. The increase in the extracellular level of striatal DA by 10 mg/kg allethrin reached a maximum of 178% of baseline but 20 and 60 mg/kg inhibited DA release to 63% and 52% of baseline with a peakmore » effect at 60-80 min after injection. Cyhalothrin 10, 20 and 60 mg/kg inhibited DA release to 65%, 56% and 45% of basal release, respectively, with a peak time of inhibition 40-80 min past injection. Deltamethrin (10 and 20 mg/kg) increased DA release to maximum of 187% and 252% of basal release whereas 60 mg/kg first reduced the efflux for 40 min to 50% of basal release and then increased the efflux to a maximum of 344% of basal release with a peak time of 120 min. Local infusion of 1 {mu}M tetrodotoxin, a Na{sup +} blocker through the dialysis probe completely prevented the effect of allethrin (10 and 60 mg/kg), cyhalothrin (60 mg/kg) and deltamethrin (20 mg/kg) on DA release but only partially blocked the effects of 60 mg/kg deltamethrin. The effect of deltamethrin (60 mg/kg) on DA release was completely prevented by local infusion of 10 {mu}M nimodipine, an L-type Ca{sup ++} channel blocker. All three pyrethroids did not alter the extracellular levels of DOPAC, 3-MT and HVA except that 20 and 60 mg/kg of allethrin and cyhalothrin increased 3-MT levels. Effect of the pyrethroids on synaptosomal DA uptake was also examined. The DA uptake was decreased in rats exposed to 60 mg/kg of allethrin and cyhalothrin but was increased in rats exposed to 60 mg/kg of deltamethrin. Our results demonstrate that striatal DA release and DA uptake are differentially affected by type I and the two type II pyrethroids indicating that dopaminergic circuitry, striatal DA in particular, may be a pyrethroid target and that pyrethroids may be acting on striatal DA by multiple mechanisms.« less

Kv7 voltage-activated potassium channel inhibitors reduce fluid resuscitation requirements after hemorrhagic shock in rats.

PubMed

Nassoiy, Sean P; Byron, Kenneth L; Majetschak, Matthias

2017-01-17

Recent evidence suggests that drugs targeting Kv7 channels could be used to modulate vascular function and blood pressure. Here, we studied whether Kv7 channel inhibitors can be utilized to stabilize hemodynamics and reduce resuscitation fluid requirements after hemorrhagic shock. Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were instrumented with arterial and venous catheters for blood pressure monitoring, hemorrhage and fluid resuscitation. Series 1: Linopirdine (Kv7 channel blocker, 0.1-6 mg/kg) or retigabine (Kv7 channel activator, 0.1-12 mg/kg) were administered to normal animals. Series 2: Animals were hemorrhaged to a MAP of 25 mmHg for 30 min, followed by fluid resuscitation with normal saline (NS) to a MAP of 70 mmHg until t = 75 min. Animals were treated with single bolus injections of vehicle, linopirdine (1-6 mg/kg), XE-991 (structural analogue of linopirdine with higher potency for channel blockade, 1 mg/kg) prior to fluid resuscitation. Series 3: Animals were resuscitated with NS alone or NS supplemented with linopirdine (1.25-200 μg/mL). Data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA/Bonferroni post-hoc testing. Series 1: Linopirdine transiently (10-15 min) and dose-dependently increased MAP by up to 15%. Retigabine dose-dependently reduced MAP by up to 60%, which could be reverted with linopirdine. Series 2: Fluid requirements to maintain MAP at 70 mmHg were 65 ± 34 mL/kg with vehicle, and 57 ± 13 mL/kg, 22 ± 8 mL/kg and 22 ± 11 mL/kg with intravenous bolus injection of 1, 3 and 6 mg/kg linopirdine, respectively. XE-991 (1 mg/kg), reduced resuscitation requirements comparable to 3 mg/kg linopirdine. Series 3: When resuscitation was performed with linopirdine-supplemented normal saline (NS), fluid requirements to stabilize MAP were 73 ± 12 mL/kg with NS alone and 72 ± 24, 61 ± 20, 36 ± 9 and 31 ± 9 mL/kg with NS supplemented with 1.25, 6.25, 12.5 and 200 μg/mL linopirdine, respectively. Our data suggest that Kv7 channel blockers could be used to stabilize blood pressure and reduce fluid resuscitation requirements after hemorrhagic shock.

Differences in Dietary Patterns among College Students According to Body Mass Index

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brunt, Ardith; Rhee, Yeong; Zhong, Li

2008-01-01

Objective and Participants: The authors surveyed 557 undergraduate students aged 18-56 years to assess weight status, health behaviors, and dietary variety. Methods: They used body mass index (BMI) to divide students into 4 weight categories: underweight (BMI less than 19 kg/m2), healthy weight (19 kg/m2 to 24.99 kg/m2), overweight (25 kg/m2 to…

78 FR 31459 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Connecticut; Reasonably Available...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-24

... (baked or air dried) ranging from 0.275 kg to 0.420 kg VOC/l, consistent with the limits recommended in... categories, pretreatment coatings and metallic coatings, have a higher limit (0.420 kg VOC/l baked or air... to 0.275 kg VOC/l baked or air dried. As noted by Connecticut, general use coatings are applied more...

77 FR 59120 - Butylate, Clethodim, Dichlorvos, Dicofol, Isopropyl Carbanilate, et al.; Tolerance Actions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-26

... National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161; telephone number... established a MRL for methomyl in or on grapes at 5 milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg). This MRL is the same as the... dicofol in or on cattle meat at 3 mg/kg, eggs at 0.05 mg/kg, poultry meat and cottonseed at 0.1 mg/kg, and...

40 CFR 799.9539 - TSCA mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... peripheral blood). (iv) Limit test. If a test at one dose level of at least 2,000 mg/kg body weight using a... dose is 2,000 mg/kg/body weight/day for treatment up to 14 days, and 1,000 mg/kg/body weight/day for... water test substance concentration parts per million (ppm) to the actual dose (mg/kg body weight/day...

Effects of Amphetamine-CNS Depressant Combinations and of Other CNS Stimulants in Four-Choice Drug Discriminations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Mi; Wessinger, William D.; McMillan, D. E.

2005-01-01

Three pigeons were trained to discriminate among 5 mg/kg pentobarbital, 2 mg/kg amphetamine, a combination of these two drugs at these doses, and saline using a four-choice procedure (amphetamine--pentobarbital group). Three other pigeons were trained to discriminate among 5 mg/kg morphine, 2 mg/kg methamphetamine, a combination of these two drugs…

21 CFR 155.130 - Canned corn.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the sieve is 20.3 cm. (8 inches) if the quantity of the contents of the container is less than 1.36 kg. (3 pounds), and 30.5 cm. (12 inches) if such quantity is 1.36 kg. (3 pounds) or more. The bottom of... less than 1.36 kg. (3 pounds), and 30.5 cm. (12 inches) if such quantity is 1.36 kg. (3 pounds) or more...

21 CFR 155.130 - Canned corn.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... the sieve is 20.3 cm. (8 inches) if the quantity of the contents of the container is less than 1.36 kg. (3 pounds), and 30.5 cm. (12 inches) if such quantity is 1.36 kg. (3 pounds) or more. The bottom of... less than 1.36 kg. (3 pounds), and 30.5 cm. (12 inches) if such quantity is 1.36 kg. (3 pounds) or more...

21 CFR 155.130 - Canned corn.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... the sieve is 20.3 cm. (8 inches) if the quantity of the contents of the container is less than 1.36 kg. (3 pounds), and 30.5 cm. (12 inches) if such quantity is 1.36 kg. (3 pounds) or more. The bottom of... less than 1.36 kg. (3 pounds), and 30.5 cm. (12 inches) if such quantity is 1.36 kg. (3 pounds) or more...

21 CFR 155.130 - Canned corn.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the sieve is 20.3 cm. (8 inches) if the quantity of the contents of the container is less than 1.36 kg. (3 pounds), and 30.5 cm. (12 inches) if such quantity is 1.36 kg. (3 pounds) or more. The bottom of... less than 1.36 kg. (3 pounds), and 30.5 cm. (12 inches) if such quantity is 1.36 kg. (3 pounds) or more...

76 FR 76293 - Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG Reciprocating Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-07

... Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG Reciprocating Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation... directive (AD) for BRP- Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG Rotax 912 F2, 912 F3, 912 F4, 912 S2, 912 S3, 912 S4, 914...-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG, Rotax Aircraft Engines, Mandatory Alert Service Bulletins (ASB) Nos. ASB-912-059...

Health risk assessment and dietary exposure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), lead and cadmium from bread consumed in Nigeria.

PubMed

Udowelle, Nnaemeka Arinze; Igweze, Zelinjo Nkeiruka; Asomugha, Rose Ngozi; Orisakwe, Orish Ebere

A risk assessment and dietary exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), lead and cadmium from bread, a common food consumed in Nigeria. Sixty samples of bread were collected from different types of bakeries where the heat is generated by wood (42 samples) or by electricity (18 samples) from twenty bakeries located in Gusau Zamfara (B1- B14) and Port Harcourt Rivers States (B15-B20) in Nigeria. PAHs in bread were determined by gas chromatography. Lead and cadmium were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Non-carcinogenic PAHs pyrene (13.72 μg/kg) and genotoxic PAHs (PAH8), benzo[a]anthracene (9.13 μg/ kg) were at the highest concentrations. Total benzo[a]pyrene concentration of 6.7 μg/kg was detected in 100% of tested samples. Dietary intake of total PAHs ranged between 0.004-0.063 μg/kg bw. day-1 (children), 0.002-0.028 μg/kg day-1 (adolescents), 0.01-0.017 μg/kg day-1 (male), 0.002-0.027 μg/kg day-1 (female), and 0.002-0.025 μg/kg day-1 (seniors). The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for Pb and Cd were below 1. Lead ranged from 0.01-0.071 mg/kg with 10.85 and 100% of bread samples violating the permissible limit set by USEPA, WHO and EU respectively. Cadmium ranged from 0.01-0.03 mg/kg, with all bread samples below the permissible limits as set by US EPA, JECFA and EU. The daily intake of Pb and Cd ranged from 0.03-0.23 μg/kg bw day-1 and 0.033-0.36 μg/kg bw day-1 respectively. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was 3.8 x 10-7. The levels of these contaminants in bread if not controlled might present a possible route of exposure to heavy metals and PAHs additional to the body burden from other sources.

Productivity of different cow genetic groups in dual-purpose cattle production systems in south-eastern Mexico.

PubMed

Magana, J G; Tewolde, A; Anderson, S; Segura, J C

2006-01-01

The objective was to evaluate the effect of cow genetic group, nutritional level and their interaction on some economically important traits of dual-purpose herds managed under field conditions. Nine herds were monitored during a production cycle in Yucatan, Mexico. Herds were grouped into four nutritional levels (NL) based on the metabolizable energy (ME) apparently available on pasture, nutritional management, and milk production. Cows were classified into three genetic groups (GG): low (< or = 25%), middle (25-75%) and high (> or = 75%) graded for Bos taurus inheritance. Total milk sold (TMS), days in milk (DIM), TMS adjusted to DIM within each NL (TMSA), body condition score (BCS) at calving, changes of BCS during lactation (CBCS), calf weaning weight (WW), age at weaning (AW), kg of calf weaned per cow (KWC) and calf mortality were studied. The statistical model included the fixed effects of NL, GG, month of calving (MC), parity number (PN) and BCS at calving and GG x NL interaction. The effects of NL, GG, MC, PN and GG x NL were significant (p < 0.05) for TMS, KWC. As expected, TMS increased with NL from 562.4 +/- 106 kg for NL1 to 2366.3 +/- 100.1 kg for NL4. KWC was greatest for NL2 (138.6 kg) followed by NL1 (135 kg); the lowest KWC corresponded to NL4 (96.0 kg) (p < 0.05). TMS values for the middle (1727 +/- 94.7 kg) and the high graded GG (1603.5 +/- 83.5 kg) were twice those for the low graded GG cows (828.5 +/- 95 kg) (p < 0.05). KWC was also higher for the middle graded group (152.8 kg) than for the low or (104 kg) or the high graded GG (118 kg) (p < 0.05). With better nutrition cows of all GG improved their milk performance but not the calf traits. CBCS was negative for all GG. The highest BCS lost was for cows in NL1 and NL2 and for cows in the high graded GG (p < 0.05).

Bioavailability and Preliminary Clinical Efficacy of Intrarectal Artesunate in Ghanaian Children with Moderate Malaria

PubMed Central

Krishna, Sanjeev; Planche, Tim; Agbenyega, Tsiri; Woodrow, Charles; Agranoff, Dan; Bedu-Addo, George; Owusu-Ofori, Alex K.; Appiah, John Adabie; Ramanathan, Surash; Mansor, Sharif M.; Navaratnam, Visweswaran

2001-01-01

We report the first detailed pharmacokinetic assessment of intrarectal (i.r.) artesunate (ARS) in African children. Artesunate was given intravenously (i.v.; 2.4 mg/kg of body weight) and i.r. (10 or 20 mg/kg formulated as 50- or 200-mg suppositories [Rectocaps]) in a crossover study design to 34 Ghanaian children with moderate falciparum malaria. The median relative bioavailability of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the active antimalarial metabolite of ARS, was higher in the low-dose i.r. group (10 mg/kg) than in the high-dose i.r. group (20 mg/kg) (58 versus 23%; P = 0.018). There was wide interpatient variation in the area under the concentration-time curve after i.r. ARS administration (up to 9-fold in the high-dose group and 20-fold in the low-dose group). i.r. administered ARS was more rapidly absorbed in the low-dose group than the high-dose group (median [range] absorption half-lives, 0.7 h [0.3 to 1.24 h] versus 1.1 h [0.6 to 2.7 h] [P = 0.023]. i.r. administered ARS was eliminated with a median (range) half-life of 0.8 h (0.4 to 2.7 h) (low-dose group and 0.9 h (0.1 to 2.5 h) (high-dose group) (P = 1). The fractional clearances of DHA were 3.9, 2.6, and 1.5 liters/kg/h for the 20-mg/kg, 10-mg/kg and i.v. groups, respectively (P = 0.001 and P = 0.06 for the high-and low-dose i.r. groups compared with the i.v. groups, respectively). The median volumes of distribution for DHA were 1.5 liters kg (20 mg/kg, i.r. group), 1.8 liters/kg (10 mg/kg, i.r. group), and 0.6 liters/kg (i.v. group) (P < 0.05 for both i.r. groups compared with the i.v. group). Parasite clearance kinetics were comparable in all treatment groups. i.r. administered ARS may be a useful alternative to parenterally administered ARS in the management of moderate childhood malaria and should be studied further. PMID:11158748

A comparison between succinylcholine and rocuronium on the recovery profile of the laryngeal muscles during intraoperative neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve: a prospective porcine model.

PubMed

Lu, I-Cheng; Chang, Pi-Ying; Hsu, Hung-Te; Tseng, Kuang-Yi; Wu, Che-Wei; Lee, Ka-Wo; Ho, Kuen-Yao; Chiang, Feng-Yu

2013-09-01

The use of succinylcholine and rocuronium are reportedly feasible during intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in thyroid surgery. This study aimed to investigate and compare the recovery profiles of succinylcholine and rocuronium on the laryngeal muscle during IONM of the RLN in a porcine model. Nine male Duroc-Landrace piglets were anesthetized with thiamylal and underwent tracheal intubation without neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs). Needle electrodes were inserted into the vocalis muscles through the cricothyroid ligament. The RLN was exposed and stimulated. Electromyographic (EMG) signals were obtained before and after the intravenous administration of a NMBA. The EMG amplitudes were measured before and after (at 1-minute intervals) the administration of the study drug until complete recovery. The study NMBA regimen included succinylcholine (1 mg/kg), low-dose rocuronium (0.3 mg/kg), and standard dose rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg). The maximal neuromuscular blockade and 80% recovery (i.e., duration) of the control responses were recorded and analyzed. The 80% recovery of the control response for succinylcholine (1 mg/kg) was 19.7 ± 1.5 minutes; low-dose rocuronium (0.3 mg/kg), 16.3 ± 2.5 minutes; and standard dose rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg), 29.3 ± 5.7 minutes. Succinylcholine (1 mg/kg) and low-dose rocuronium (0.3 mg/kg) had significantly shorter durations than standard dose rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg). The EMG signal recovery returned to baseline within 30 minutes in the succinylcholine and low-dose rocuronium groups, but it did not return to baseline until 1 hour after surgery in the rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) group. In this study, succinylcholine (1 mg/kg) and low-dose rocuronium (0.3 mg/kg) had favorable recovery profiles on the laryngeal muscle. It is recommended that low-dose rocuronium may replace succinylcholine for the induction of general anesthesia during IONM of the RLN in thyroid surgery. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Testicular biochemicals, sperm reserves and daily sperm production of West African dwarf bucks fed varied levels of dietary aflatoxin.

PubMed

Ewuola, E O; Jimoh, O A; Bello, A D; Bolarinwa, A O

2014-08-01

An experiment was conducted with twenty West African dwarf (WAD) bucks (5-6 months old) to assess reproductive potentials of growing WAD bucks to varied dietary aflatoxin of 0 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg, 100 μg/kg and 150 μg/kg containing in diets 1 (control) 2, 3 and 4 respectively, for a period of 12 weeks. At the end of the 12th week, the reproductive tracts of bucks were excised and homogenised in physiological saline for assessment of glucose, total protein and testosterone concentration, gonadal and extra gonadal sperm reserves. Results showed that gonadal and extra-gonadal sperm reserves of goats fed control diet (2.71×10(9) and 3.07×10(9) spermatozoa respectively) were superior (p<0.05) to those fed 50 μg/kg, 100 μg/kg and 15 0μg/kg [(1.59×10(9) and 2.33×10(9)), (1.09×10(9) and 2.45×10(9)) and (1.00×10(9) and 1.41×10(9)) spermatozoa respectively]. Daily sperm production of bucks fed the control diet was significantly (p<0.05) higher (7.60×10(8) spermatozoa/testis) than those fed 50 μg/kg (4.47×10(8)), 100 μg/kg (3.07×10(8)) and 150 μg/kg (2.80×10(8) spermatozoa/testis). Sperm production efficiency also follows the same trend as daily sperm production. Glucose and total protein concentration in the testes declined significantly as the aflatoxin level increases in the diets. Testosterone level was significantly lower in goats fed 100 μg/kg than others. The study suggest that exposure of male goats to dietary aflatoxin up to 50 μg/kg diet will reduced testicular biochemical and testosterone with resultant depression in sperm storage capability and daily sperm production in the animals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of inhibitors of endogenous opioid degradation, bacitracin, bestatin, captopril, and D-phenylalanine, on digoxin-induced arrhythmias in guinea pigs.

PubMed

Rabkin, S W; Redston, M

1989-08-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inhibition of endogenous opioid degradation on digitalis-induced arrhythmias, utilizing the inhibitors bacitracin, bestatin, captopril, and D-phenylalanine. Guinea pigs, anesthetized with pentobarbital, 50 mg/kg i.p., and breathing spontaneously received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of bacitracin (6.8 mg/kg), bestatin (1 mg/kg), captopril (2 mg/kg), D-phenylalanine (1.2 mg/kg) or the diluent, saline. Digitalis arrhythmias were induced by a 50 micrograms/kg i.v. bolus of digoxin followed by 500 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 i.v. Bacitracin and bestatin, but not captopril or D-phenylalanine, significantly (p less than 0.05) altered the relationship between the digoxin dose and the first occurrence of arrhythmias, i.e., digoxin-induced ventricular arrhythmias became manifest at lower digoxin doses. The mean digoxin dose and ED50s, at which arrhythmias first occurred, were significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced by bacitracin and bestatin. The findings were similar for fatal arrhythmias, although D-phenylalanine appeared to decrease the digoxin dose at the development of fatal arrhythmias. The opioid antagonist naloxone, in a 50 micrograms/kg bolus and 50 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 i.c.v., completely prevented these effects of bacitracin and reduced the effect of bestatin. The relationship to arrhythmias could not be ascribed to an effect on blood pressure, as the blood pressure response to digoxin was the same in bestatin, D-phenylalanine, and control groups. To examine whether systemic administration of an inhibitor of opioid degradation had similar effects, a second protocol was selected with systemic administration of bacitracin because it altered the dose effect relationship after i.c.v. administration and systemic concentrations could be readily attained. Bacitracin, in a 13.5 mg/kg i.v. bolus and 135 mg.kg-1.h-1 i.v., was followed by 100 micrograms/kg digoxin i.v. every 15 min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of O-1602, an atypical cannabinoid, on morphine-induced conditioned place preference and physical dependence.

PubMed

Alavi, Mohaddeseh Sadat; Hosseinzadeh, Hossein; Shamsizadeh, Ali; Roohbakhsh, Ali

2016-06-01

Previous studies show that some non-CB1/non-CB2 effects of cannabinoids are mediated through G protein coupled receptor 55 (GPR55). As this receptor is activated by some of cannabinoid receptor ligands and is involved in the modulation of pain, it was hypothesized that this receptor may also interact with opioids. This study examined the effect of atypical cannabinoid O-1602 as a GPR55 agonist on morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and physical dependence. We used a biased CPP model to evaluate the effect of O-1602 (0.2, 1 and 5mg/kg, intraperitoneal; ip) on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced CPP in male mice. The locomotor activities of mice were also recorded. Moreover, repeated administration of morphine (50, 50 and 75mg/kg/day) for three days, induced physical dependence. The withdrawal signs such as jumps and diarrhea were precipitated by administration of naloxone (5mg/kg, ip). The effect of O-1602 on the development of morphine physical dependence was assessed by injection of O-1602 (0.2, 1 and 5mg/kg) before morphine administrations. Morphine (40mg/kg, subcutaneous; sc), but not O-1602 (5mg/kg) elicited significant preference in the post-conditioning phase. O-1602 at the doses of 0.2 and 1mg/kg, but not 5mg/kg reduced acquisition of morphine CPP with an increase in locomotor activity at the dose of 5mg/kg. O-1602 at the doses of 0.2, 1 and 5mg/kg also reduced expression of morphine CPP with an increase in locomotor activity at the dose of 5mg/kg. O-1602 had a significant inhibitory effect on development of morphine-induced physical dependence at the dose of 5mg/kg by decreasing jumps and diarrhea during withdrawal syndrome. The present results indicate that O-1602 decreased acquisition and expression of morphine CPP and inhibited development of morphine-induced physical dependence. Copyright © 2016 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

Changes in polyphenol profile of dried apricots containing SO2 at various concentrations during storage.

PubMed

Altındağ, Melek; Türkyılmaz, Meltem; Özkan, Mehmet

2018-05-01

Changes in polyphenols have important effects on the quality (especially color) and health benefits of dried apricots. SO 2 concentration, storage and the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) were factors which had significant effects on polyphenols. Polyphenol profile and activities of PPO and PAL in sulfured dried apricots (SDAs, 0, 451, 832, 2112 and 3241 mg SO 2 kg -1 ) were monitored during storage at 4, 20 and 30 °C for 379 days for the first time. Even the lowest SO 2 concentration (451 mg kg -1 ) was sufficient to inactivate PPO during the entire storage period. However, while SO 2 led to the increase in PAL activity of the samples (r = 0.767) before storage, PAL activities of SDAs decreased during storage. After 90 days of storage, PAL activity was determined in only non-sulfured dried apricots (NSDAs) and dried apricots containing 451 mg SO 2 kg -1 . Although the major polyphenol in NSDAs was epicatechin (611.4 mg kg -1 ), that in SDAs was chlorogenic acid (455-1508 mg kg -1 ), followed by epicatechin (0-426.8 mg kg -1 ), rutin (148.9-477.3 mg kg -1 ), ferulic acid (23.3-55.3 mg kg -1 ) and gallic acid (2.4-43.6 mg kg -1 ). After storage at 30 °C for 379 days, the major polyphenol in SDAs was gallic acid (706-2324 mg kg -1 ). However, the major polyphenol in NSDAs did not change after storage. The highest total polyphenol content was detected in SDAs containing 2112 mg SO 2 kg -1 and stored at 30 °C. To produce dried apricots having high polyphenol content, ∼2000 mg SO 2 kg -1 should be used. Low storage temperature (<30 °C) was not necessary for the protection of polyphenols. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activities of a methanolic extract of Morinda citrifolia Linn. (noni) fruit in mice: Involvement of benzodiazepine-GABAAergic, serotonergic and adrenergic systems.

PubMed

Narasingam, Megala; Vijeepallam, Kamini; Mohamed, Zahurin; Pandy, Vijayapandi

2017-12-01

This study presents anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of a methanolic extract of Morinda citrifolia Linn. (noni) fruit (MMC) in well-established mouse models of anxiety and depression. The administration of MMC (1 g/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated anxiety-like behaviour in mice by increasing the percentage of time spent and number of entries in the open arms in the elevated plus maze (EPM), and significantly enhanced the exploration in the light box in the light/dark test (LDT). The pre-treatment with flumazenil (6 mg/kg, i.p.) or bicuculline (3 mg/kg, i.p.) or WAY 100635 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) antagonized the anxiolytic-like effect elicited by MMC (1 g/kg, p.o.). These results suggest the possible involvement of benzodiazepine-GABA A ergic and serotonergic mechanisms in the anxiolytic-like effect of noni fruit. Meanwhile, in the antidepressant study, the administration of MMC (0.5 and 0.75 g/kg, p.o.) and desipramine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the duration of immobility in the tail suspension test (TST). Furthermore, pre-treatment of mice with 4-chloro-DL-phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride (PCPA; 100 mg/kg, i.p., an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis) for four consecutive days or a single dose of WAY 100635 (1 mg/kg, i.p., 5HT 1A receptor antagonist) or α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (AMPT; 100 mg/kg, i.p., an inhibitor of noradrenaline synthesis) significantly reversed the anti-immobility effect of MMC (0.5 g/kg, p.o.) in TST by indicating the specific involvement of the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in the antidepressant-like effect of noni fruit. Taken together, these findings suggest that MMC has both anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activities to be resorted as a valuable alternative therapy for comorbid anxiety and depressive conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Anthropometric Cut Points for Definition of Sarcopenia Based on Incident Mobility and Physical Limitation in Older Chinese People.

PubMed

Woo, Jean; Leung, Jason

2016-07-01

The Foundation of the National Institutes for Health (FNIH) Sarcopenia Project derived cut points in appendicular lean mass (ALM) and grip strength, in relation to mobility limitation defined as a walking speed less than 0.8 m/s. Using data from the Mr and Ms Os cohort of 4,000 community-dwelling Chinese men and women aged 65 years and older and a similar data-driven approach, we examined whether the cutoff values are the same for Chinese people using baseline walking speed, incident physical limitation, and incident slow walking speed at 4 years. Physical limitation was determined by interviewer-administered questionnaire. Height, weight, body composition (using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), grip strength, and walking speed were measured. Cutoff values identified by Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis for grip strength were less than 27kg for men and less than 17kg for women. The values for ALM were less than 15.61kg in men and less than 12.42kg in women; the values for ALM/body mass index (BMI) were less than 0.72 in men and less than 0.47 in women. Using presence of physical limitation at 4 years as the outcome measure, cutoff values identified by CART analysis for grip strength were less than 27kg for men and less than 19kg for women; for ALM, less than 15.65kg for men and less than 11.26kg for women; for ALM/BMI, less than 0.69 for men and 0.52 for women. Cutoff values for grip strength were less than 28.5kg for men and less than 19kg for women; for ALM, less than 17.61kg for men and less than 10.84kg for women; for ALM/BMI, less than 0.81 for men and less than 0.53 for women. Cutoff values may differ between ethnic groups as a result of differences in body size and lifestyles. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The Effect of Age and Weight on Vancomycin Serum Trough Concentrations in Pediatric Patients

PubMed Central

Madigan, Theresa; Sieve, Ronald M.; Graner, Kevin K.; Banerjee, Ritu

2013-01-01

Background Vancomycin treatment failure has been associated with low serum vancomycin trough concentrations, prompting recommendations to increase the daily doses in adults and children. Despite more aggressive vancomycin dosing, there continues to be significant variability in vancomycin trough concentrations in pediatric patients. Methods To determine if vancomycin trough concentrations in pediatric patients differ by age and weight, we reviewed records of hospitalized patients who received vancomycin between 2008 and 2012. Patients were divided into groups that received vancomycin 40 mg/kg/day (2008 to 2009) or 60 mg/kg/day (2010 to 2012). Vancomycin trough concentrations were compared between groups and within the 60-mg/kg/day group, stratified by patient age and weight. Results After increasing the vancomycin dose from 40 mg/kg/day to 60 mg/kg/day, initial trough concentrations increased significantly in patients younger than 2 and greater than 6 years of age, but not in patients between the ages of 2 and 5 years. In the 60-mg/kg/day group, only 16.7% of patients between 2 and 5 years of age had initial trough concentrations in the therapeutic range (10 mcg/mL to 20 mcg/mL). Initial trough concentrations were therapeutic in a greater proportion of patients ages 6 years to 12 years (38.7%) and 13 years to 18 years (63.0%). Patients between the ages of 13 and 18 had the highest proportion of supratherapeutic initial vancomycin trough concentrations (14.8%). Patients weighing > 50 kg had significantly higher trough concentrations than patients ≤ 50 kg (17.1 mcg/mL vs. 9.3 mcg/mL; p<0.001). Conclusion Although increasing the vancomycin dose from 40 mg/kg/day to 60 mg/kg/day led to a significant increase in vancomycin trough concentrations, a large proportion of patients receiving 60 mg/kg/day of vancomycin had trough concentrations outside of the therapeutic range. Specifically, patients younger than 6 years tend to have low trough concentrations, while adolescents and children > 50 kg are more likely to have elevated trough concentrations. Vancomycin dosing strategies in pediatric patients should consider age and weight as well as renal function and indication. PMID:23864541

Biological monitoring of an agricultural food chain: Soil cadmium and lead ruminant tissues. [Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf-S. bicolor (L. ) Moench (Capra hircus)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brams, E.; Anthony, W.; Weatherspoon, L.

Low-level contamination of a sandy soil with toxicants Cd and Pb at 0.01 to 9.0 and 3.0 to 54.0 mg kg{sup {minus}1} soil induced a significant toxicant accumulation in sudan-sorghum hay (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf-S. bicolor (L.) Moench) (0.5-5.0 and 0.2-1.5 mg kg{sup {minus}1} dry biomass), respectively. Ingestion of 22 to 222 mg Cd kg{sup {minus}1} body wt. by pregnant dairy goats (Capra hircus) from the consumption of hay over 98 d resulted in a significant, but relatively diminutive accumulation of Cd in the doe livers (0.01-0.02 mg kg{sup {minus}1}) and brain cortex (0.002-0.007 mg kg{sup {minus}1}) fresh wt., butmore » not in doe kidneys and blood averaging 0.028 and 0.002 mg Cd kg{sup {minus}1} fresh tissues, respectively. Fetal blood and liver accumulated 2.0 and 4.0 mg Cd kg{sup {minus}1} fresh tissue, respectively, and fetal kidney exhibited a weak response (0.03-0.47 mg Cd kg{sup {minus}1} fresh tissue) to Cd ingested by the pregnant does. Consumption of 240 to 1230 {mu}g Pb kg{sup {minus}1} body wt. induced 1.0 to 43.0 mg Pb kg{sup {minus}1} fresh tissue in the doe brain cerebellum, but not in the doe liver and blood averaging 0.09 and 0.017 mg Pb kg{sup {minus}1} fresh tissue, respectively, Fetal liver and blood averaged 0.043 and 0.014 mg Pb kg{sup {minus}1} tissue. Only minuscule amounts of soil Cd and Pb were retained in the select animal tissues via the ingestion of this hay. Only one-ten-millionth of labile soil Cd and Pb, respectively, accumulated in the select tissues of the pregnant does via the hay pathway. All these amounts were comparable to the norm. If these select animal tissues were used as food, no deleterious effects to human health should be induced.« less

A conscious rat model involving bradycardia and hypotension after oral administration: a toxicokinetical study of aconitine.

PubMed

Zhang, Panpan; Kong, Dezhi; Du, Qian; Zhao, Jing; Li, Qing; Zhang, Jianghua; Li, Tonghui; Ren, Leiming

2017-06-01

1. A model of aconitine-induced bradycardia and hypotension, which is similar to aconitine poisoning in humans, was constructed in conscious rats by oral administration. 2. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of Sprague-Dawley rats were measured using a volume pressure recording (VPR) system. The pharmacokinetics of toxic doses of aconitine and its metabolites were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. 3. The HR was significantly decreased by 29% at 2 h after oral administration of 200 μg/kg aconitine. When the dose was increased to 400 μg/kg, systolic BP and diastolic BP were significantly decreased by 11% and 12% at 2 h after the administration, except when bradycardia occurred at 2 h and 4 h. The drug concentration-time curve showed a double-peak phenomenon in rats administered a 400 μg/kg dose. The AUC 0-12 h value in the 400 μg/kg group significantly increased 0.8-fold compared to the 200 μg/kg group. Moreover, a high plasma concentration of 16-O-demethyaconitine was found in the rats that received two toxic doses. 4. In conclusion, bradycardia and hypotension are induced in conscious rats by a toxic dose of aconitine (400 μg/kg), and there was no significant difference in dose-normalized AUC 0-12 h values between oral administrations of 200 μg/kg and that of 400 μg/kg. However, the dose-normalized C max and AUC 0-12 h values in 200 μg/kg and 400 μg/kg groups were significantly smaller than those in 100 μg/kg group. The metabolites of aconitine, 16-O-demethyaconitine, and benzoylaconitine may also contribute to the hypotensive response.

The Antinociceptive Effects of Tualang Honey in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats: A Preliminary Study

PubMed Central

Aziz, Che Badariah Abd; Ismail, Che Aishah Nazariah; Hussin, Che Maraina Che; Mohamed, Mahaneem

2014-01-01

Tualang honey (蜂蜜 Fēng Mì) is known to have anti-inflammatory property, but its antinociceptive property has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we examined the preemptive effects on administering different doses of Tualang honey and prednisolone on the nociceptive response in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups (n = 7) and each group received either distilled water, Tualang honey (0.2, 1.2 or 2.4 g/kg) or prednisolone (10 mg/kg) for 10 days. The response to noxious thermal stimulus was assessed using tail flick test on Day 10. The well-being of the rats was also assessed by monitoring their food intake and body weight. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc Scheffe's test and P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. In tail flick test, the tail flick latency time was significantly higher in the groups that received 1.2 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg of Tualang honey and 10 mg/kg of prednisolone, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). There was significant reduction in the total food pellet intake in the groups receiving prednisolone and Tualang honey (1.2 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg) compared to controls; however, the body weight gain was only significantly reduced in the prednisolone group. All the parameters were not significantly affected in the group receiving 0.2 g/kg of Tualang honey. In conclusion, preemptive administration of Tualang honey (1.2 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg) and prednisolone (10 mg/kg) had reduced the pain responses. The reduced weight gain in the prednisolone group is an unwanted effect due to its metabolic and central actions. Further studies are required to confirm the antinociceptive effects and elucidate the mechanism of antinociceptive action of Tualang honey in the rats. PMID:25379476

The selective dopamine uptake inhibitor, D-84, suppresses cocaine self-administration, but does not occasion cocaine-like levels of generalization

PubMed Central

Batman, Angela M.; Dutta, Aloke K.; Reith, Maarten E. A.; Beardsley, Patrick M.

2010-01-01

A successful replacement pharmacotherapy for treating cocaine dependency would likely reduce cocaine's abuse, support a low abuse liability, overlap cocaine's subjective effects, and have a long duration of action. Inhibitors with varying selectivity at the dopamine transporter (DAT) have approximated these properties. The objective of the present study was to characterize the behavioural effects of an extremely selective DAT inhibitor, (+) trans-4-(2-Benzhydryloxyethyl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl) piperadin-3-ol (D-84), a 3-hydroxy substituted piperidine derivative of GBR-12935, for its cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects, its effects on cocaine self-administration, and for its own self-administration. During cocaine discrimination tests, cocaine occasioned the 10 mg/kg cocaine training stimulus with an ED50 value of 3.13 (1.54-6.34) mg/kg, and reduced response rates with an ED50 value of 20.39 (7.24-57.44) mg/kg. D-84 incompletely generalized to the cocaine stimulus occasioning a maximal 76% cocaine lever responding, while reducing response rates with lower potency than cocaine (ED50=30.94 (12.34-77.60) mg/kg). Pretreatment with D-84 (9.6-30.4 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) reduced cocaine intake at 17.1 mg/kg D-84 when cocaine was self-administered at 0.5 mg/kg/infusion, and at 30.4 mg/kg D-84 when cocaine was self-administered at 0.1, 0.5 .and 1.0 mg/kg/infusion. During self-administration tests with D-84 (0.1-1 mg/kg/infusion), numbers of infusions significantly exceeded vehicle levels at 0.3 mg/kg/infusion. These results show that D-84 pre-treatment can decrease cocaine intake especially when high doses of cocaine are being self-administered. This observation, combined with its incomplete generalization to the cocaine discriminative stimulus and its reported long duration of action, provides a profile consistent with a potential replacement therapy for treating cocaine abusing patients. PMID:20840845

Bombesin-like peptides stimulate growth hormone secretion mediated by the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor in cattle.

PubMed

Zhao, Hongqiong; Matsuda, Seinosuke; Thanthan, Sint; Yannaing, Swe; Kuwayama, Hideto

2012-10-01

This study was designed to determine the effects of bombesin-like peptides (BLPs) on the secretion of growth hormone (GH) and to characterize the receptor subtypes mediating these effects in cattle. Four experiments were conducted: (1) six steers were randomly assigned to receive intravenous (IV) bolus injections of 0, 0.2, 1.0, 12.5 and 50.0 μg/kg neuromedin C (NMC); (2) seven pre-weaned calves were IV injected with 1.0 μg/kg NMC; (3) six steers were IV injected with 2.5μg/kg bovine gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), 1.0 μg/kg NMC combined with 20.0 μg/kg [d-Lys(3)]-GHRP-6 (an antagonist for the GH secretagogue receptor type 1a [GHS-R1a]), 1.0 μg/kg NMC combined with 20.0 μg/kg N-acetyl-GRP(20-26)-OCH(2)CH(3) (N-GRP-EE, an antagonist for the GRP receptor), 20.0 μg/kg N-GRP-EE alone, 1.0 μg/kg neuromedin B (NMB); and (4) four rats were IV injected 1.0 μg/kg NMC. A serial blood sample was collected before and after injection. Plasma GH levels dose-dependently increased at 5 min after NMC injection and the minimal effective dose was 1.0 μg/kg. Plasma GH level was elevated by GRP, but not by NMB. The NMC-induced elevation of GH was completely blocked by N-GRP-EE. The administration of NMC elevated GH level in pre-weaned calves but not in rats. Ghrelin level was unaffected by any treatments; and [d-Lys(3)]-GHRP-6 did not block the NMC-induced elevation of GH. The results indicate BLP-induced elevation of GH levels is mediated by the GRP receptor but not through a ghrelin/GHS-R1a pathway in cattle. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low-tidal volume mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by pandemic influenza A/H1N1 infection.

PubMed

Oh, Dong Kyu; Lee, Myung Goo; Choi, Eun Young; Lim, Jaemin; Lee, Hyun-Kyung; Kim, Seok Chan; Lim, Chae-Man; Koh, Younsuck; Hong, Sang-Bum

2013-08-01

Low-tidal volume (TV) mechanical ventilation is an important manipulation in managing patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, there is no definite evidence to support the use of this intervention in patients with viral etiologies. A retrospective observational study of 104 patients with ARDS caused by pandemic influenza A/H1N1 infection admitted to 28 intensive care units (ICUs) in Korea was performed. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to the TV they received: TV less than or equal to 7 mL/kg, TV greater than 7 mL/kg but less than or equal to 9 mL/kg, or TV greater than 9 mL/kg. The mean age was 55.1 years, and 55.8% were male (n = 58). Patients with TV greater than 9 mL/kg showed higher 28-day ICU mortality than the 2 other groups (vs TV < 7 mL/kg, P = .007 and vs 7 mL/kg < TV ≤ 9 mL/kg, P = .004, respectively). Patients with TV less than or equal to 7 mL/kg required ventilators, ICU admissions, and hospitalizations for fewer days than those with TV greater than 7 mL/kg (11.4 vs 6.1 days for 28-day ventilator-free days, 9.7 vs 4.9 days for 28-day ICU-free days, and 5.2 vs 2.4 days for 28-day hospital-free days, respectively). Tidal volume greater than 9 mL/kg (hazard rate, 2.459; P = .003) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (hazard rate, 1.158; P = .014) were significant predictors of 28-day ICU mortality. Low-TV mechanical ventilation still benefits patients with ARDS caused by viral pneumonia. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ligands on sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude and delayed reinforcement in a delay-discounting procedure

PubMed Central

Yates, Justin R; Gunkel, Benjamin T; Rogers, Katherine K; Hughes, Mallory N; Prior, Nicholas A

2016-01-01

Rationale The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor has been recently identified as an important mediator of impulsive choice, as assessed in delay discounting. Although discounting is independently influenced by sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude and delayed reinforcement, few studies have examined how NMDA receptor ligands differentially affect these parameters. Objectives The current study examined the effects of various NMDA receptor ligands on sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude and delayed reinforcement in a delay-discounting procedure. Methods Following behavioral training, rats received treatments of the following NMDA receptor ligands: the uncompetitive antagonists ketamine (0, 1.0, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg; i.p.), MK-801 (0, 0.003, 0.01, or 0.03 mg/kg; s.c.), and memantine (0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg; i.p.), the competitive antagonist CGS 19755 (0, 5.0, 10.0, or 20.0 mg/kg; s.c.), the non-competitive NR2B subunit-selective antagonist ifenprodil (0, 1.0, 3.0, or 10.0 mg/kg; i.p), and the partial agonist D-cycloserine (0, 3.25, 15.0, or 30.0 mg/kg; s.c.). Results When an exponential model was used to describe discounting, CGS 19755 (5.0 mg/kg) increased impulsive choice without altering sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude. Conversely, ketamine (10.0 mg/kg), memantine (5.0 mg/kg), and ifenprodil (10.0 mg/kg) decreased sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude without altering impulsive choice. MK-801 and D-cycloserine did not alter delay-discounting performance, although two-way ANOVA analyses indicated D-cycloserine (15.0 mg/kg) decreased impulsive choice. Conclusions The behavioral changes observed in delay discounting following administration of NMDA receptor antagonists do not always reflect an alteration in impulsive choice. These results emphasize the utility in employing quantitative methods to assess drug effects in delay discounting. PMID:27837332

Antidepressant-like effect of gallic acid in mice: Dual involvement of serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems.

PubMed

Can, Özgür Devrim; Turan, Nazlı; Demir Özkay, Ümide; Öztürk, Yusuf

2017-12-01

This study was planned to examine the antidepressant potency of gallic acid (30 and 60mg/kg), a phenolic acid widely distributed in nature, together with its possible underlying monoaminergic mechanisms. Antidepressant-like activity was assessed using the tail suspension (TST) and the modified forced swimming tests (MFST). Locomotor activity was evaluated in an activity cage. Administration of gallic acid at 60mg/kg reduced the immobility duration of mice in both the TST and MFST without any changes in the locomotor activity. The anti-immobility effect observed in the TST was abolished with pre-treatment of p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis; 100mg/kg i.p. administered for 4-consecutive days), ketanserin (a 5-HT2A/2C antagonist; 1mg/kg i.p.), ondansetron (a 5-HT3 antagonist; 0.3mg/kg i.p.), α-methyl-para-tyrosine methyl ester (an inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis; 100mg/kg i.p.), phentolamine (non-selective alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist; 5mg/kg i.p.), SCH 23390 (a dopamine D1 antagonist; 0.05mg/kg s.c.), and sulpiride (a dopamine D2/D3 antagonist; 50mg/kg i.p.). However, NAN 190 (a 5-HT1A antagonist; 0.5mg/kg i.p.) and propranolol (a non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist; 5mg/kg i.p.) pre-treatments were ineffective at reversing the antidepressant-like effects of gallic acid. The results of the present study indicate that gallic acid seems to have a dual mechanism of action by increasing not only serotonin but also catecholamine levels in synaptic clefts of the central nervous system. Further alpha adrenergic, 5-HT2A/2C and 5-HT3 serotonergic, and D1, D2, and D3 dopaminergic receptors also seem to be involved in this antidepressant-like activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of CGP 39393 as the anticoagulant in cardiopulmonary bypass operation in a dog model.

PubMed

Walenga, J M; Koza, M J; Park, S J; Terrell, M R; Pifarré, R

1994-12-01

Recombinant desulphatohirudin HV1 (CGP 39393), a specific and potent peptidic inhibitor of thrombin, was evaluated as the sole anticoagulant in a dog model of cardiopulmonary bypass. CGP 39393 was administered as a bolus plus infusion for a 1-hour pump period at doses of 1.0 mg/kg + 0.75 mg.kg-1.h-1, 1.0 mg/kg + 1.50 mg.kg-1.h-1, 1.0 mg/kg + 2.25 mg.kg-1.h-1, or 1.0 mg/kg + 3.0 mg.kg-1.h-1 (n = 5 per group). The lowest dose was ineffective, as a high degree of clot formation (314 +/- 160 mg) occurred as determined by quantitation of protein deposits in the pump line filter. The three higher doses inhibited clot formation (35 to 44 mg) but did not reveal a dose-dependent effect (p = 0.308 between groups). All four doses produced the same amount of postoperative blood loss (6.5 to 10 g/kg over 2 hours; p = 0.215 between groups) and no oozing of blood from cut tissues (sternum, muscle, skin) during or after operation. No adverse hemodynamic or hematologic effects were observed. Animals were physiologically stable coming off pump, requiring minimal fluid replacement or other cardiovascular supportive measures. The chromogenic anti-IIa assay could be used to monitor CGP 39393. Some activated partial thromboplastin time and all activated clotting time values were off scale on pump, but they fell immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass, typically reaching near-normal levels within 30 to 60 minutes. No reversal of CGP 39393 was used, as blood levels declined rapidly after cessation of the infusion. This study in a dog model shows that CGP 39393 administered as a bolus plus infusion (minimum dose, 1.0 mg/kg + 1.50 mg.kg-1.h-1) can be used safely and effectively during cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac operation.

Antidepressant-like effect of the organoselenium compound ebselen in mice: evidence for the involvement of the monoaminergic system.

PubMed

Posser, Thaís; Kaster, Manuella P; Baraúna, Sara Cristiane; Rocha, João B T; Rodrigues, Ana Lúcia S; Leal, Rodrigo B

2009-01-05

Ebselen [2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one] is a seleno-organic compound which possesses a potent antioxidant activity and has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo in a variety of pro-oxidative insults. The present study investigates a possible antidepressant activity of ebselen using two predictive tests for antidepressant activity in rodents: the forced swimming test and tail suspension test. Additionally, the mechanisms involved in the antidepressant-like effect of ebselen in mice were also assessed. Ebselen (10 mg/kg, s.c.) decreased the immobility time in the forced swimming test without accompanying changes in ambulation in the open-field test. In contrast, the administration of ebselen (10-30 mg/kg) did not produce any effect in the tail suspension test. The anti-immobility effect of ebselen (10 mg/kg, s.c.) was not prevented by pre-treatment of mice with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 100 mg/kg, i.p., an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, 4 consecutive days), NAN-190 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p., a serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist) or ketanserin (5 mg/kg, i.p., a serotonin 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor antagonist). On the other hand, the pre-treatment of mice with prazosin (1 mg/kg, i.p., an alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist), yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p., an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist), SCH23390 (0.05 mg/kg, s.c., a dopamine D(1) receptor antagonist) or sulpiride (50 mg/kg, i.p., a dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist) completely blocked the antidepressant-like effect of ebselen (10 mg/kg, s.c.) in the forced swimming test. It may be concluded that ebselen produces an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test that seems to be dependent on its interaction with the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems, but not with the serotonergic system.

Effect of combined doses of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) on acute and anticipatory nausea using rat (Sprague- Dawley) models of conditioned gaping.

PubMed

Rock, Erin M; Limebeer, Cheryl L; Parker, Linda A

2015-12-01

Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) found in cannabis both reduce the distressing symptom of nausea, but their combined effects are not understood. The potential of combined doses of THC and CBDA to reduce acute nausea and anticipatory nausea in rodent models was assessed. For acute nausea, the potential of cannabinoid pretreatment(s) to reduce LiCl-induced nausea paired with saccharin was evaluated in a subsequent drug free taste reactivity test, followed by a taste avoidance test. For anticipatory nausea, the potential of the cannabinoid pretreatment(s) to reduce the expression of LiCl-induced contextually elicited conditioned gaping was evaluated. Combined subthreshold doses of THC (0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg) and CBDA (0.01 and 0.1 μg/kg) reduced acute nausea. Higher doses of THC (1.0, 10 mg/kg) or CBDA (1.0, 10 μg/kg) alone, as well as these combined doses also reduced acute nausea. THC (10 mg/kg) interfered with conditioned taste avoidance, an effect attenuated by CBDA (10 μg/kg). On the other hand, combined subthreshold doses of THC (0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg) and CBDA (0.01 and 0.1 μg/kg) did not suppress contextually elicited conditioned gaping in a test for anticipatory nausea. However, higher doses of THC (1.0, 10 mg/kg) or CBDA (1.0, 10 μg/kg) alone, as well as these combined doses, also reduced anticipatory nausea. Only at the highest dose (10 mg/kg) did THC impair locomotor activity, but CBDA did not at any dose. Combined subthreshold doses of THC:CBDA are particularly effective as a treatment for acute nausea. At higher doses, CBDA may attenuate THC-induced interference with learning.

Resuscitation of severe uncontrolled hemorrhage: 7.5% sodium chloride/6% dextran 70 vs 0.9% sodium chloride.

PubMed

Stern, S A; Jwayyed, S; Dronen, S C; Wang, X

2000-08-01

Resuscitation studies of hypertonic saline using controlled and uncontrolled hemorrhage models yield conflicting results with regard to efficacy. These disparate results reflect the use of models and resuscitation regimens that are not comparable between studies. This study evaluated the effects of comparable and clinically relevant resuscitation regimens of 7.5% sodium chloride/6% dextran 70 (HSD) and 0.9% sodium chloride (NS) in a near-fatal uncontrolled hemorrhage model. Thirty-six swine (14.2 to 21.4 kg) with 4-mm aortic tears were bled to a pulse pressure of 5 mm Hg (40-45 mL/kg). The animals were resuscitated with either NS or HSD administered in volumes that provided equivalent sodium loads at similar rates. Group II (n = 12) was resuscitated with 80 mL/kg of NS at a rate of 4 mL/kg/min. Group III (n = 12) received 9.6 mL/kg of HSD at a rate of 0.48 mL/kg/min. In both groups, crystalloid resuscitation was followed by shed blood infusion (30 mL/kg) at a rate of 2 mL/kg/min. Group I (controls; n = 12) were not resuscitated. One-hour mortality was significantly greater in group I (92%) as compared with group II (33%) and group III (33%) (Fisher's exact test; p = 0.004). Intraperitoneal hemorrhage was significantly greater in group II (34 +/- 20 mL/kg) and group III (31 +/- 13 mL/ kg) as compared with group I (5 +/- 2 mL/kg) (ANOVA; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in hemodynamic parameters between groups II and III. In this model of severe uncontrolled hemorrhage, resuscitation with HSD or NS, administered in volumes that provided equivalent sodium loads at similar rates, had similar effects on mortality, hemodynamic parameters, and hemorrhage from the injury site.

Repeated chlorpromazine administration increases a behavioural response of rats to 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor stimulation.

PubMed Central

Green, A R

1977-01-01

1 The hyperactivity syndrome produced in rats by administration of tranylcypromine (20 mg/kg i.p.) followed 30 min later by L-tryptophan (50 mg/kg i.p.) is generally considered to be due to increased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) functional activity. It is inhibited by chlorpromazine (30 mg/kg i.p.) injected 60 min before the tranylcypromine. However, chlorpromazine injection for 4 days either at a dose of 30 mg/kg once daily or 5 mg/kg twice daily results in an enhanced hyperactivity response to tranylcypromine and L-tryptophan administration 24 h after the final dose of chlorpromazine. 2 One injection of chlorpromazine (30 mg/kg) did not produce enhancement 24 h later and the inhibition of the tranylcypromine/L-tryptophan hyperactivity observed after acute chlorpromazine injection was seen if the rats were given tranylcypromine and L-tryptophan 1 h after the fourth chlorpromazine (30 mg/kg) dose. 3 Chlorpromazine (30 mg/kg) once daily or 5 mg/kg twice daily for 4 days resulted in rats displaying enhanced behavioral responses to the suggested 5-HT agonist 5-methoxy N,N-dimethyltryptamine (2 mg/kg) on day 5. 4 Chlorpromazine (30 mg/kg) once daily for 4 days produces a slight increase in brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration on day 5, but no difference in the rate of brain 5-HT synthesis or the rate of 5-HT accumulation after tranylcypromine and L-tryptophan administration. 5. There is some evidence that chlorpromazine blocks 5-HT receptors. It has also been observed that several other neuroleptic drugs do not produce enhanced 5-HT responses after repeated administration. It is suggested therefore that the enhanced behavioural response to 5-HT receptor stimulation following repeated chlorpromazine administration may be because this drug blocks 5-HT receptors. PMID:264797

Ultrasound assessment of cranial spread during caudal blockade in children: Effect of different volumes of local anesthetic

PubMed Central

Sinha, Chandni; Kumar, Amarjeet; Sharma, Shalini; Singh, Akhilesh Kumar; Majumdar, Somak; Kumar, Ajeet; Sahay, Nishant; Kumar, Bindey; Bhadani, UK

2017-01-01

Background: Ultrasound-guided caudal block injection is a simple, safe, and effective method of anesthesia/analgesia in pediatric patients. The volume of caudal drug required has always been a matter of debate. Materials and Methods: This present prospective, randomized, double-blinded study aimed to measure extent of the cranial spread of caudally administered levobupivacaine in Indian children by means of real-time ultrasonography. Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists I/II children scheduled for urogenital surgeries were enrolled in this trial. Anesthesia and caudal analgesia were administered in a standardized manner in the patients. The patients received 0.5 ml/kg or 1 ml/kg or 1.25 ml/kg of 0.125% levobupivacaine according to the group allocated. Cranial spread of local anesthetic was noted using ultrasound. Results: There was no difference in the spread when related to age, sex, weight, or body mass index. A significant difference of ultrasound-assessed cranial spread of the local anesthetic was found between Group 1 (0.5 ml/kg) with both Group 2 (1 ml/kg) (P = 0.001) and with Group 3 (1.125 ml/kg) (P < 0.001) but there is no significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3 (P = 0.451) revealing that spinal level spread is only different between 0.5 ml/kg and 1 ml/kg of local anesthetic. Conclusion: In conclusion, the ultrasound assessment of local anesthetic spread after a caudal block showed that cranial spread of the block is dependent on the volume injected into the caudal space. Since there was no difference between 1 ml/kg and 1.25 ml/kg, to achieve a dermatomal blockade up to thoracic level, we might have to increase the dose beyond 1.25 ml/kg, keeping the toxic dose in mind. PMID:29033727

Guanosine may increase absence epileptic activity by means of A2A adenosine receptors in Wistar Albino Glaxo Rijswijk rats.

PubMed

Lakatos, Renáta Krisztina; Dobolyi, Árpád; Todorov, Mihail Ivilinov; Kékesi, Katalin A; Juhász, Gábor; Aleksza, Magdolna; Kovács, Zsolt

2016-06-01

The non-adenosine nucleoside guanosine (Guo) was demonstrated to decrease quinolinic acid(QA)-induced seizures, spontaneously emerged absence epileptic seizures and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-evoked induction of absence epileptic seizures suggesting its antiepileptic potential. It was also described previously that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 20 and 50mg/kg Guo decreased the number of spike-wave discharges (SWDs) in a well investigated model of human absence epilepsy, the Wistar Albino Glaxo Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats during 4th (20mg/kg Guo) and 3rd as well as 4th (50mg/kg Guo) measuring hours. Guanosine can potentially decrease SWD number by means of its putative receptors but absence epileptic activity changing effects of Guo by means of increased extracellular adenosine (Ado) cannot be excluded. An increase in the dose of i.p. injected Guo is limited by its low solubility in saline, therefore, we addressed in the present study whether higher doses of Guo, diluted in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, have more potent antiepileptic effect in WAG/Rij rats. We confirmed that i.p. 50mg/kg Guo decreased but, surprisingly, i.p. 100mg/kg Guo enhanced the number of SWDs in WAG/Rij rats. Combined i.p. injection of a non-selective Ado receptor antagonist theophylline (5mg/kg) or a selective Ado A2A receptor (A2AR) antagonist SCH 58261 (7-(2-phenylethyl)-5-amino-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo-[4,3-e]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine) (1mg/kg) and a cyclooxygenase 1 and 2/COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor indomethacin (10mg/kg) with 100mg/kg Guo decreased the SWD number compared to i.p. 100mg/kg Guo alone. The results suggest that i.p. 100mg/kg Guo can increase SWD number by means of the adenosinergic system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Whole-body protein turnover of a carnivore, Felis silvestris catus.

PubMed

Russell, K; Lobley, G E; Millward, D J

2003-01-01

The cat (Felis silvestris catus) has a higher dietary protein requirement than omnivores and herbivores, thought to be due to metabolic inflexibility. An aspect of metabolic flexibility was examined with studies of whole-body protein turnover at two levels of dietary protein energy, moderate protein (MP; 20 %) and high protein (HP; 70 %), in five adult cats in a crossover design. Following a 14 d pre-feed period, a single intravenous dose of [15N]glycine was administered and cumulative excretion of the isotope in urine and faeces determined over 48 h. N flux increased (P<0.005) with dietary protein, being 56 (se 5) mmol N/kg body weight (BW) per d for cats fed the MP diet and 146 (se 8) mmol N/kg BW per d for cats fed the HP diet. Protein synthesis was higher (P<0.05) on the HP diet (75 (se 10) mmol N/kg BW per d; 6.6 (se 1) g protein/kg BW per d) than the MP diet (38 (se 5) mmol N/kg BW per d; 3.4 (se 0.4) g protein/kg BW per d). Protein breakdown was higher (P<0.05) on the HP diet (72 (se 8) mmol N/kg BW per d; 6.3 (se 0.7) g protein/kg BW per d) than the MP diet (44 (se 3) mmol N/kg BW per d; 3.9 (se 0.3) g protein/kg BW per d). Compared with other species the rate of whole-body protein synthesis in the well-nourished cat (9.7 (se 1.3) g protein/kg BW0.75 per d) is at the lower end of the range. These results show that feline protein turnover adapts to dietary protein as has been shown in other species and demonstrates metabolic flexibility. Further work is required to determine exactly why cats have such a high protein requirement.

A behavioural comparison of acute and chronic Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in C57BL/6JArc mice.

PubMed

Long, Leonora E; Chesworth, Rose; Huang, Xu-Feng; McGregor, Iain S; Arnold, Jonathon C; Karl, Tim

2010-08-01

Cannabis contains over 70 unique compounds and its abuse is linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. The behavioural profiles of the psychotropic cannabis constituent Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) and the non-psychotomimetic constituent cannabidiol (CBD) were investigated with a battery of behavioural tests relevant to anxiety and positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Male adult C57BL/6JArc mice were given 21 daily intraperitoneal injections of vehicle, Delta9-THC (0.3, 1, 3 or 10 mg/kg) or CBD (1, 5, 10 or 50 mg/kg). Delta9-THC produced the classic cannabinoid CB1 receptor-mediated tetrad of hypolocomotion, analgesia, catalepsy and hypothermia while CBD had modest hyperthermic effects. While sedative at this dose, Delta9-THC (10 mg/kg) produced locomotor-independent anxiogenic effects in the open-field and light-dark tests. Chronic CBD produced moderate anxiolytic-like effects in the open-field test at 50 mg/kg and in the light-dark test at a low dose (1 mg/kg). Acute and chronic Delta9-THC (10 mg/kg) decreased the startle response while CBD had no effect. Prepulse inhibition was increased by acute treatment with Delta9-THC (0.3, 3 and 10 mg/kg) or CBD (1, 5 and 50 mg/kg) and by chronic CBD (1 mg/kg). Chronic CBD (50 mg/kg) attenuated dexamphetamine (5 mg/kg)-induced hyperlocomotion, suggesting an antipsychotic-like action for this cannabinoid. Chronic Delta9-THC decreased locomotor activity before and after dexamphetamine administration suggesting functional antagonism of the locomotor stimulant effect. These data provide the first evidence of anxiolytic- and antipsychotic-like effects of chronic but not acute CBD in C57BL/6JArc mice, extending findings from acute studies in other inbred mouse strains and rats.

Energy requirements for maintenance and growth of male saanen goat kids.

PubMed

Medeiros, A N; Resende, K T; Teixeira, I A M A; Araújo, M J; Yáñez, E A; Ferreira, A C D

2014-09-01

The aim of study was to determine the energy requirements for maintenance and growth of forty-one Saanen, intact male kids with initial body weight (BW) of 5.12±0.19 kg. The baseline (BL) group consisted of eight kids averaging 5.46±0.18 kg BW. An intermediate group consisted of six kids, fed for ad libitum intake, that were slaughtered when they reached an average BW of 12.9±0.29 kg. The remaining kids (n = 27) were randomly allocated into nine slaughter groups (blocks) of three animals distributed among three amounts of dry matter intake (DMI; ad libitum and restricted to 70% or 40% of ad libitum intake). Animals in a group were slaughtered when the ad libitum-treatment kid in the group reached 20 kg BW. In a digestibility trial, 21 kids (same animals of the comparative slaughter) were housed in metabolic cages and used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the energetic value of the diet at different feed intake levels. The net energy for maintenance (NEm) was 417 kJ/kg(0.75) of empty BW (EBW)/d, while the metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEm) was 657 kJ/kg(0.75) of EBW/d. The efficiency of ME use for NE maintenance (km) was 0.64. Body fat content varied from 59.91 to 92.02 g/kg of EBW while body energy content varied from 6.37 to 7.76 MJ/kg of EBW, respectively, for 5 and 20 kg of EBW. The net energy for growth (NEg) ranged from 7.4 to 9.0 MJ/kg of empty weight gain by day at 5 and 20 kg BW, respectively. This study indicated that the energy requirements in goats were lower than previously published requirements for growing dairy goats.

Agmatine enhances the anticonvulsant effect of lithium chloride on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice: Involvement of L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway.

PubMed

Bahremand, Arash; Ziai, Pouya; Khodadad, Tina Kabiri; Payandemehr, Borna; Rahimian, Reza; Ghasemi, Abbas; Ghasemi, Mehdi; Hedayat, Tina; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2010-07-01

After nearly 60years, lithium is still the mainstay in the treatment of mood disorders. In addition to its antimanic and antidepressant effects, lithium also has anticonvulsant properties. Similar to lithium, agmatine plays a protective role in the central nervous system against seizures and has been reported to enhance the effect of different antiepileptic agents. Moreover, both agmatine and lithium have modulatory effects on the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway. This study was designed to investigate: (1) whether agmatine and lithium exert a synergistic effect against clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole and (2) whether or not this synergistic effect is mediated through inhibition of the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway. In our study, acute administration of a single potent dose of lithium chloride (30mg/kg ip) increased seizure threshold, whereas pretreatment with a low and independently noneffective dose of agmatine (3mg/kg) potentiated a subeffective dose of lithium (10mg/kg). N(G)-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nonspecific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) at 1 and 5mg/kg and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, preferential neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) at 15 and 30mg/kg augmented the anticonvulsant effect of the noneffective combination of lithium (10mg/kg ip) and agmatine (1mg/kg), whereas several doses (20 and 40mg/kg) of aminoguanidine (inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) failed to alter the seizure threshold of the same combination. Furthermore, pretreatment with independently noneffective doses (30 and 60mg/kg) of L-arginine (substrate for nitric oxide synthase) inhibited the potentiating effect of agmatine (3mg/kg) on lithium (10mg/kg). Our findings demonstrate that agmatine and lithium chloride have synergistic anticonvulsant properties that may be mediated through the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway. In addition, the role of constitutive nitric oxide synthase versus inducible nitric oxide synthase is prominent in this phenomenon. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Concentrations of heavy metals in soil, Zimapan, México

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ongley, L. K.; Armienta, A.; Mango, H.

2003-05-01

Pb-Zn-Ag mining and ore pocessing have occurred continuously in Zimapán, México since at least 1632 and possibly since 1576 [1, 2]. This has resulted in the development of significant slag and tailings piles. Dissolution of ore and tailings has resulted in arsenic contamination of much of the water in the valley raising the possibility of arsenicosis of the residents [3, 4, 5]. INAA and ICP analysis of more than 175 sediment, soil and tailings samples demonstrate significant metal and arsenic contamination of these unconsolidated materials. As, Cu, Pb, and Zn were among the measured elements. Metal concentrations in soils and sediments were highest within 1000 m of tailings or slag piles. Some of the highest soil metal concentrations were measured in a developing soil on top of a slag pile: As-14 700 mg/kg, Cu 8 638 mg/kg, Pb 41444 mg/kg, and Zn 16 976 mg/kg. Soils more than 4 000 m from the tailings and slag generally had less than 40 mg As/kg with Cu < 30 mg/kg, Pb < 64 mg/kg, and Zn < 200 mg/kg. Some rocks ftum the area also show elevated metal concentrations. For example, the As concentrations in dikes and ores from Zimapàn averaged 1 242 and 30 800 mg/kg respectively. Average shale As concentrations (74 mg/kg) match published data for shales that indicate “normal” As concentrations range from 3-490 mg/kg are found world-wide [6]. Some of the soil contamination is natural, the result of the geologic processes responsible for the Pb-Zn ores. However, particularly near the tailings and slag piles, the soils are also contaminated by anthropogenic means: by dry particulate deposition from smelters, by windblown tailings, and possibly by ore and rock dust from the ore transport trucks.

Energy Requirements for Maintenance and Growth of Male Saanen Goat Kids

PubMed Central

Medeiros, A. N.; Resende, K. T.; Teixeira, I. A. M. A.; Araújo, M. J.; Yáñez, E. A.; Ferreira, A. C. D.

2014-01-01

The aim of study was to determine the energy requirements for maintenance and growth of forty-one Saanen, intact male kids with initial body weight (BW) of 5.12±0.19 kg. The baseline (BL) group consisted of eight kids averaging 5.46±0.18 kg BW. An intermediate group consisted of six kids, fed for ad libitum intake, that were slaughtered when they reached an average BW of 12.9±0.29 kg. The remaining kids (n = 27) were randomly allocated into nine slaughter groups (blocks) of three animals distributed among three amounts of dry matter intake (DMI; ad libitum and restricted to 70% or 40% of ad libitum intake). Animals in a group were slaughtered when the ad libitum-treatment kid in the group reached 20 kg BW. In a digestibility trial, 21 kids (same animals of the comparative slaughter) were housed in metabolic cages and used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the energetic value of the diet at different feed intake levels. The net energy for maintenance (NEm) was 417 kJ/kg0.75 of empty BW (EBW)/d, while the metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEm) was 657 kJ/kg0.75 of EBW/d. The efficiency of ME use for NE maintenance (km) was 0.64. Body fat content varied from 59.91 to 92.02 g/kg of EBW while body energy content varied from 6.37 to 7.76 MJ/kg of EBW, respectively, for 5 and 20 kg of EBW. The net energy for growth (NEg) ranged from 7.4 to 9.0 MJ/kg of empty weight gain by day at 5 and 20 kg BW, respectively. This study indicated that the energy requirements in goats were lower than previously published requirements for growing dairy goats. PMID:25178373

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of sildenafil citrate, heparin and neuropeptides in a rat model of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer.

PubMed

Kalayci, Mehmet; Kocdor, Mehmet Ali; Kuloglu, Tuncay; Sahin, İbrahim; Sarac, Mehmet; Aksoy, Aziz; Yardim, Meltem; Dalkilic, Semih; Gursu, Onur; Aydin, Suna; Akkoc, Ramazan Fazil; Ugras, Meltem; Artas, Gokhan; Ozercan, İbrahim Hanifi; Ugur, Kader; Aydin, Suleyman

2017-10-01

The purpose of our investigative work has been to determine whether there can be therapeutic roles in the administration of sildenafil citrate, heparin and several neuropeptides on an animal model where gastric ulcers were induced with acetic acid, and to compare their efficacy. The animals were divided into 13 groups, with 4 animals in each. Gastric ulcers was induced in the animals of 12 groups with one untreated group being left as the control (Group I - control; given normal saline (NS)). The other groups were: Group II (ulcer+NS); Group III (5mg/kg sildenafil citrate, low dose); Group IV (10mg/kg sildenafil citrate, high dose); Group V (0.6mg/kg heparin, low dose); Group VI (6mg/kg heparin, high dose); Group VII (20nmol/kg des-acyl ghrelin); Group VIII (40nmol/kg des-acyl ghrelin); Group IX (4nmol/kg acyl ghrelin); Group X (8nmol/kg acly ghrelin); Group XI (20pmol/kg Nesfatin-1); Group XII (15nmol/kg Obestatin) and Group XIII (5nmol/kg Neuropeptide Y). Gastric neuropeptide expression was measured using an immunohistochemical method, and the amount in circulation was detected using ELISA. To compare with no treatment, the controls and other treatment groups, we recorded loss of the surface epithelium of the stomach, erosion, bleeding and inflammatory cell infiltration in the upper halves of the gastric glands. The muscularis and the layers beneath it were, however, apparently normal. The gastric mucosa healed with little or no inflammation when sildenafil citrate, low dose heparin, ghrelin, NUCB2/Nesfatin-1, obestatin, Neuropeptide Y were administered. Overall the data indicate that low dose heparin, and especially sildenafil citrate and neuropeptides, can be used clinically as an alternative approach in the treatment of the gastric ulcer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Zinc salt enhances gastroprotective activity of risperidone in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer.

PubMed

Oluwole, F S; Onwuchekwa, C

2016-09-01

Zinc has been reported to mediate cellular responses to injury by producing cytoprotection via the scavenging of reactive oxygen species. Anti-stress medications are generally anti-psychotic drugs and anti- depressants. Some Anti-psychotic drugs such as risperidone have been reported to possess anti-ulcer activity. Risperidone as an antipsychotic drug blocks several neurotransmitter systems including dopaminergic, adrenergic, histaminergic and serotonergic pathways. The study investigated the antiulcer activity of Zinc Chloride (ZnCl(2)) in combination with risperidone in male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into two groups of twenty animals each for ZnCl(2) and risperidone groups. Each group was further divided into four subgroups. ZnCl(2) was administered orally at 20mg/kg, 40mg/kg and 80mg/kg to a subgroup, while 80mg/kg of ZnCl(2) was administered in combination with risperidone (0.1mg/kg, 0.3mg/kg and 0.5mg/kg) orally once daily for 21 days. The controls were treated with distilled water. Ulcer was induced using indomethacin. Histology of the stomach tissues was prepared with PAS and H& E stains. Ulcer score and ulcer area were assessed using standard methods. Data were analysed using student t-test and Graphpad Prism 5. There were decreases in ulcer scores using the different doses of ZnCl, (20mg/kg, 40mg/kg and 80mg/kg). Also using the highest dose ZnCl(2) (80mg/ kg) and different doses of risperidone there were decreases in ulcer scores compared to the control. This effect of the risperidone showed a significant dose- dependent reduction. The effect ZnCl(2), and risperidone were also reflected in the ulcer area and in the histology. These findings suggest that ZnCl(2), enhances the gastroprotective activity ofrisperidone in indomethacin- induced gastric ulcer. However, more detailed studies are necessary to confirm the relevance of this finding and its implications in clinical settings.

Existing equations to estimate lean body mass are not accurate in the critically ill: Results of a multicenter observational study.

PubMed

Moisey, Lesley L; Mourtzakis, Marina; Kozar, Rosemary A; Compher, Charlene; Heyland, Daren K

2017-12-01

Lean body mass (LBM), quantified using computed tomography (CT), is a significant predictor of clinical outcomes in the critically ill. While CT analysis is precise and accurate in measuring body composition, it may not be practical or readily accessible to all patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Here, we assessed the agreement between LBM measured by CT and four previously developed equations that predict LBM using variables (i.e. age, sex, weight, height) commonly recorded in the ICU. LBM was calculated in 327 critically ill adults using CT scans, taken at ICU admission, and 4 predictive equations (E1-4) that were derived from non-critically adults since there are no ICU-specific equations. Agreement was assessed using paired t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots. Median LBM calculated by CT was 45 kg (IQR 37-53 kg) and was significantly different (p < 0.001) from E1 (52.5 kg; IQR: 42-61 kg), E2 (55 kg; IQR 45-64 kg), E3 (55 kg; IQR 44-64 kg), and E4 (54 kg; IQR 49-61 kg). Pearson correlation coefficients suggested moderate correlation (r = 0.739, 0.756, 0.732, and 0.680, p < 0.001, respectively). Each of the equations overestimated LBM (error ranged from 7.5 to 9.9 kg), compared with LBM calculated by CT, suggesting insufficient agreement. Our data indicates a large bias is present between the calculation of LBM by CT imaging and the predictive equations that have been compared here. This underscores the need for future research toward the development of ICU-specific equations that reliably estimate LBM in a practical and cost-effective manner. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Lack of central 5-hydroxytryptamine influence on the anticonflict activity of diazepam.

PubMed

Kilts, C D; Commissaris, R L; Cordon, J J; Rech, R H

1982-01-01

This study examined the effects of various drug treatments (IP injections) proposed to modify central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) activity on a conditioned suppression of drinking behavior in water-deprived rats. The subjects were trained to drink their daily water requirement during a 10-min session. Intermittent tone periods of 7 s were then introduced, the last 5 s of which the drinking tube was electrified. The animals gradually suppressed tube contacts during the tone to a low constant level within 2 weeks of training. Diazepam increased punished responding dramatically. The 5-HT antagonists methysergide (1 - 18 mg/kg), cyproheptadine (1 - 18 mg/kg), metergoline (0.25 - 2.0 mg/kg) and cinanserin (10 - mg/kg) failed to induce large, reliable increases in punished responding. When a low dose of diazepam was combined with 5-HT antagonists, only one treatment, methysergide at 3 mg/kg, potentiated the anticonflict activity of diazepam. Acute or chronic treatment with PCPA increased behavior suppressed by punishment, but this effect was weak, brief, and poorly related to the depletion of brain 5-HT. LSD (0.3 - 100 microgram/kg) administered 1, 10, or 30 min before the test was ineffective in overcoming suppression by punishment. Mescaline (6 - 30 mg/kg) had no significant effect on punished responding. 5-HTP (18 mg/kg) decreased the number of shocks accepted, but not after pretreating with carbidopa. Pretreatment with carbidopa plus 5-HTP potentiated the anticonflict effect of diazepam. The 5-HT agonist mCPP (0.25 - 2.0 mg/kg) enhanced suppression due to punishment, but only in doses that interfered with unpunished responding. The 5-HT-releasing agent fenfluramine (0.25 - 1.0 mg/kg) did not affect this behavior. Amitriptyline pretreatment in a dose not affecting unpunished behavior (5.6 mg/kg) potentiated the diazepam-induced increase in punished responding. These results are difficult to reconcile with the proposal that suppression of behavior consequent to punishment is related to brain 5-HT activity.

Acute toxicity of some nerve agents and pesticides in rats.

PubMed

Misik, Jan; Pavlikova, Ruzena; Cabal, Jiri; Kuca, Kamil

2015-01-01

Highly toxic organophosphorus compounds (V- and G-nerve agents) were originally synthesized for warfare or as agricultural pesticides. Data on their acute toxicity are rare and patchy. Therefore, there is a need for integrated summary comparing acute toxicity of organophosphates using different administration routes in the same animal model with the same methodology. Based on original data, a summary of in vivo acute toxicity of selected V- and G-nerve agents (tabun, sarin, soman, VX, Russian VX) and organophosphates paraoxon (POX) and diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) in rats has been investigated. Male Wistar rats were exposed to organophosphates in several administration routes (i.m., i.p., p.o, s.c., p.c.). The acute toxicity was evaluated by the assessment of median lethal dose (LD50, mg kg(-1)) 2, 4, and 24 hours post exposure. V-agents were the most toxic presented with LD50 ranged from 0.0082 mg kg(-1) (VX, i.m.) to 1.402 mg kg(-1) (Russian VX, p.o.), followed by G-agents (LD50 = 0.069 mg kg(-1)/soman, i.m./ - 117.9 mg kg(-1)/sarin, p.c./), organophosphate POX and DFP (LD50 = 0.321 mg kg(-1)/POX, i.m./ - 420 mg kg(-1)/DFP, p.c./). Generally, i.m. administration was the most toxic throughout all tested agents and ways of administration (LD50 = 0.0082 mg kg(-1)/VX/ - 1.399 mg kg(-1)/DFP/) whereas p.c. way was responsible for lowest acute toxicity (LD50 = 0.085 mg kg(-1)/VX/ - 420 mg kg(-1)/DFP/). The acute toxicity of selected organophosphorus compounds is summarized throughout this study. Although the data assessed in rats are rather illustrative prediction for human, it presents a valuable contribution, indicating the toxic potential and harmfulness of organophosphates.

BPC 157 antagonized the general anaesthetic potency of thiopental and reduced prolongation of anaesthesia induced by L-NAME/thiopental combination.

PubMed

Zemba, Mladen; Cilic, Andrea Zemba; Balenovic, Igor; Cilic, Matija; Radic, Bozo; Suran, Jelena; Drmic, Domagoj; Kokot, Antonio; Stambolija, Vasilije; Murselovic, Tamara; Holjevac, Jadranka Katancic; Uzun, Sandra; Djuzel, Viktor; Vlainic, Josipa; Seiwerth, Sven; Sikiric, Predrag

2015-12-01

We hypothesized that certain effects of the general anaesthetic thiopental are dependent on NO-related mechanisms, which were consequently counteracted by stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157. (1) All rats intraperitoneally received thiopental (20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/kg) while medication BPC 157 (10 μg/kg, 10 ng/kg, and 10 pg/kg) was given intraperitoneally at 5 min before thiopental. (2) To determine NO-related mechanisms, all rats received intraperitoneally thiopental 40 mg/kg while BPC 157 (10 μg/kg), L-NAME (10 mg/kg) and L-arginine (30 mg/kg) were applied alone and/or combined. BPC 157 was given at 25 min before thiopental while L-NAME, L-arginine, alone and/or combined, were applied at 20 min before thiopental. (1) BPC 157 own effect on thiopental anaesthesia: BPC 157 (10 ng/kg and 10 μg/kg) caused a significant antagonism of general anaesthesia produced by thiopental with a parallel shift of the dose-response curve to the right. (2) L-NAME-L-arginine-BPC 157 interrelations: L-NAME: Thiopental-induced anaesthesia duration was tripled. L-arginine: Usual thiopental anaesthesia time was not influenced. Active only when given with L-NAME or BPC 157: potentiating effects of L-NAME were lessened, not abolished; shortening effect of BPC 157: abolished. BPC 157 and L-NAME: Potentiating effects of L-NAME were abolished. BPC 157 and L-NAME and L-arginine: BPC 157 +L-NAME +L-arginine rats exhibited values close to those in BPC 157 rats. Thiopental general anaesthesia is simultaneously manipulated in both ways with NO system activity modulation, L-NAME (prolongation) and BPC 157 (shortening/counteraction) and L-arginine (interference with L-NAME and BPC 157).

Ameliorative Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Antioxidant Capacity, Biochemical Constituents, Liver Histopathology and Aflatoxin Residues in Broilers Exposed to Aflatoxin B₁.

PubMed

Ali Rajput, Shahid; Sun, Lvhui; Zhang, Niya; Mohamed Khalil, Mahmoud; Gao, Xin; Ling, Zhao; Zhu, Luoyi; Khan, Farhan Anwar; Zhang, Jiacai; Qi, Desheng

2017-11-15

Aflatoxicosis is a grave threat to the poultry industry. Dietary supplementation with antioxidants showed a great potential in enhancing the immune system; hence, protecting animals against aflatoxin B₁-induced toxicity. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) one of the most well-known and powerful antioxidants. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of GSPE in the detoxification of AFB₁ in broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old Cobb chicks were randomly allocated into five treatments of six replicates (10 birds per replicate), fed ad libitum for four weeks with the following dietary treatments: 1. Basal diet (control); 2. Basal diet + 1 mg/kg AFB₁ contaminated corn (AFB₁); 3. Basal diet + GSPE 250 mg/kg; (GSPE 250 mg/kg) 4. Basal diet + AFB₁ (1 mg/kg) + GSPE 250 mg/kg; (AFB₁ + GSPE 250 mg/kg) 5. Basal diet + AFB₁ (1mg/kg) + GSPE 500 mg/kg, (AFB₁ + GSPE 500 mg/kg). When compared with the control group, feeding broilers with AFB₁ alone significantly reduced growth performance, serum immunoglobulin contents, negatively altered serum biochemical contents, and enzyme activities, and induced histopathological lesion in the liver. In addition, AFB₁ significantly increased malondialdehyde content and decreased total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxide, glutathione-S transferase, glutathione reductase activities, and glutathione concentration within the liver and serum. The supplementation of GSPE (250 and 500 mg/kg) to AFB₁ contaminated diet reduced AFB₁ residue in the liver and significantly mitigated AFB₁ negative effects. From these results, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of GSPE has protective effects against aflatoxicosis caused by AFB₁ in broiler chickens.

Dose requirements of alfentanil to eliminate autonomic responses during rapid-sequence induction with thiopental 4 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg.

PubMed

Abou-Arab, Mohammad H; Rostrup, Morten; Heier, Tom

2016-12-01

Opioids are integral part of anesthesia induction, but information on optimal dosing is limited. We aimed to determine doses of alfentanil needed to eliminate increases in 5 autonomic response variables (plasma concentrations of epinephrine, norepinephrine and vasopressin, arterial blood pressure [ABP], and heart rate) during rapid-sequence induction of anesthesia with thiopental 4 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Prospective, randomized, observer-blinded, interventional clinical study. Large academic institution. Eighty-four healthy patients, aged 18 to 55 years, received 1 of 7 assessor-blinded doses of alfentanil (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 μg/kg) together with thiopental 4 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg, administered in rapid succession (15 seconds). Laryngoscopy was initiated 40 seconds after rocuronium, and tracheal intubation was concluded within 15 seconds thereafter. An indwelling radial artery catheter was used for hemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling. Relationships between alfentanil dose and response variables were tested with linear regression, and the influence of covariates (sex, body weight, and age) was determined. Alfentanil dose needed to prevent increases in ABP >10% above baseline with 95% probability was estimated with logistic regression. Significant relationships were determined between alfentanil dose and response variables. Clinically interesting influence of covariates was not found. Alfentanil 55 μg/kg was needed to prevent increases in ABP postintubation >10% above baseline with 95% probability. One individual needed a bolus of vasopressor postintubation. Optimal control of autonomic responses during rapid-sequence induction was achieved with clinically relevant doses of alfentanil in healthy patients anesthetized with thiopental 4 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of the new antiarrhythmic E 047/1 on postoperative ischemia-induced arrhythmias in dogs.

PubMed

Kulier, A H; Novalija, E; Hogan, Q; Vicenzi, M N; Woehlck, H J; Bajic, J; Atlee, J L; Bosnjak, Z J

1999-12-01

Perioperative malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias pose an imminent clinical danger by potentially precipitating myocardial ischemia and severely compromising hemodynamics. Thus, immediate and effective therapy is required, which is not always provided by currently recommended IV drug regimens, indicating a need for more effective drugs. We examined antiarrhythmic effects of the new benzofurane compound E 047/1 on spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmia in a conscious dog model. One day after experimental myocardial infarction, 40 dogs exhibiting tachyarrhythmia randomly received (bolus plus 1-h infusion) E 047/1 6 mg/kg plus 6 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1), lidocaine 1 mg/kg plus 4.8 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1), flecainide 1 mg/kg plus 0.05 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1), amiodarone 10 mg/kg plus 1.8 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1), or bretylium 10 mg/kg plus 20 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1). Electrocardiogram was evaluated for number of premature ventricular contractions (PVC), normally conducted beats originating from the sinoatrial node, and episodes of ventricular tachycardia. Immediately after the bolus, E 047/1 reduced PVCs by 46% and increased sinoatrial beats from 4 to 61 bpm. The ratio of PVCs to total beats decreased from 98% to 58%. Amiodarone and flecainide exhibited antiarrhythmic effects with delayed onset. Lidocaine did not suppress PVCs significantly, and bretylium was proarrhythmic. The antiarrhythmic E 047/1 has desirable features, suppressing ischemia-induced ventricular tachyarrhythmia quickly and efficiently, and may be a useful addition to current therapeutic regimens. Life-threatening arrhythmias of the heart after myocardial infarction or ischemia may be treated quickly and efficiently by the new drug E 047/1.

Discovery of a novel calcium-sensitive fluorescent probe for α-ketoglutarate.

PubMed

Gan, Lin-Lin; Chen, Lin-Hai; Nan, Fa-Jun

2017-12-01

α-Ketoglutarate (α-KG), a pivotal metabolite in energy metabolism, has been implicated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and several cancers. It is recently proposed that plasma α-KG is a surrogate biomarker of NAFLD. Here, we report the development of a novel "turn-on" chemosensor for α-KG that contains a coumarin moiety as a fluorophore. Using benzothiazole-coumarin (BTC) as inspiration, we designed a probe for calcium ion recognition that possesses a unique fluorophore compared with previously reported probes for α-KG measurement. This chemosensor is based on the specific Schiff base reaction and the calcium ion recognition property of the widely used calcium indicator BTC. The probe was synthesized, and a series of parallel experiments were conducted to optimize the chemical recognition process. Compared to the initial weak fluorescence, a remarkable 7.6-fold enhancement in fluorescence intensity (I/I 0 at 495 nm) was observed for the conditions in which the probe (1 μmol/L), α-KG (50 μmol/L), and Ca 2+ (100 μmol/L) were incubated at 30 °C in EtOH. The probe displayed good selectivity for α-KG even in an environment with an abundance of amino acids and other interfering species such as glutaric acid. We determined that the quantitative detection range of α-KG in EtOH was between 5 and 50 μmol/L. Finally, probe in serum loaded with α-KG (10 mmol/L) showed a 7.4-fold fluorescence enhancement. In summary, a novel probe for detecting the biomarker α-KG through a typical Schiff base reaction has been discovered. With further optimization, this probe may be a good alternative for detecting the physiological metabolite α-KG.

Mucosal protective agents prevent exacerbation of NSAID-induced small intestinal lesions caused by antisecretory drugs in rats.

PubMed

Satoh, Hiroshi; Amagase, Kikuko; Takeuchi, Koji

2014-02-01

Antisecretory drugs such as histamine H₂-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are commonly used for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal mucosal lesions induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, it has recently been reported that these drugs exacerbate NSAID-induced small intestinal lesions in rats. Unfortunately, there are few effective agents for the treatment of this complication. We examined the effects of mucosal protective agents (MPAs) (misoprostol, irsogladine, and rebamipide) and mucin of porcine stomach on diclofenac-induced intestinal lesions and the exacerbation of the lesions by ranitidine or omeprazole. The effects of the drugs on intestinal motility and mucus distribution/content were also examined. Male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were used. Each drug was administered orally under fed conditions. Diclofenac (1-10 mg/kg) produced multiple lesions in the small intestine dose-dependently. Both ranitidine (30 mg/kg) and omeprazole (100 mg/kg) significantly increased the intestinal lesions induced by low doses (3 and 6 mg/kg) of diclofenac. Misoprostol (0.03-0.3 mg/kg), irsogladine (3-30 mg/kg), and rebamipide (30-300 mg/kg), as well as mucin (30-300 mg/kg) inhibited the formation of intestinal lesions caused by a high dose (10 mg/kg) of diclofenac alone and prevented the exacerbation of diclofenac-induced lesions by antisecretory drugs. Diclofenac (10 mg/kg) markedly increased the intestinal motility and decreased the mucosal mucus, and the decrease of mucus was significantly inhibited by the MPAs. These results indicate the usefulness of the MPAs for the treatment of intestinal lesions induced by NSAIDs alone or by coadministration with antisecretory drugs, and suggest that mucus plays an important role in the protection of intestinal mucosa by the MPAs.

Reaccumulation of globotriaosylceramide in podocytes after agalsidase dose reduction in young Fabry patients.

PubMed

Skrunes, Rannveig; Svarstad, Einar; Kampevold Larsen, Kristin; Leh, Sabine; Tøndel, Camilla

2017-05-01

Agalsidase-α 0.2 mg/kg every other week (eow) and agalsidase-β 1.0 mg/kg/eow are licensed in Europe as equipotent treatment of the α-galactosidase deficiency in Fabry disease. This case series describes the effects of agalsidase dose adjustments in serial kidney biopsies in switch patients. All treatment-naïve patients with classical Fabry disease in our centre started on agalsidase-β 1.0 mg/kg/eow and subsequently switched to agalsidase-α 0.2 mg/kg/eow were included ( n = 3). The median age at enzyme replacement therapy start was 11 (range 7-18) years. Kidney biopsies were performed at baseline, after 5 years of agalsidase-β 1.0 mg/kg/eow and after 3 subsequent years of agalsidase-α 0.2 mg/kg/eow. One patient was re-biopsied 2 years after reswitch to agalsidase-β 1.0 mg/kg/eow. The scoring system of the International Scoring Group of Fabry Nephropathy was used. The patients completely cleared globotriaosylceramide (GL3) from mesangial and endothelial cells and partly cleared podocytes on agalsidase-β 1.0 mg/kg/eow. Reaccumulation of GL3 in podocytes, but not in the mesangium or endothelium, occurred after 3 years of agalsidase-α 0.2 mg/kg/eow. Subsequent reduction of podocyte GL3 was observed in the single patient rebiopsied 2 years after reswitch to agalsidase-β 1.0 mg/kg/eow. Partial clearance, reaccumulation and renewed partial clearance of podocyte GL3 deposits in serial kidney biopsies over 8-10 years were seen in parallel with agalsidase dose adjustments. Repeated kidney biopsies may impact therapeutic choices in Fabry disease. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

Co-Administration of Low-Dose Naltrexone and Bupropion Reduces Alcohol Drinking in Alcohol-Preferring (P) Rats.

PubMed

Nicholson, Emily R; Dilley, Julian E; Froehlich, Janice C

2018-03-01

This study examined whether combining naltrexone (NTX) with bupropion (BUP) is more effective in reducing alcohol drinking in alcohol-preferring (P) rats with a genetic predisposition toward high voluntary alcohol intake than either drug alone. Alcohol-experienced, adult, male, P rats were fed NTX alone in a dose of 10.0 mg/kg BW, BUP alone in a dose of 10.0 mg/kg BW, BUP alone in a dose of 20.0 mg/kg BW, NTX (10.0 mg/kg BW) + BUP (10.0 mg/kg BW), or vehicle (VEH) at 1 hour prior to onset of a daily 2-hour alcohol access period for 5 consecutive days. When administered alone, neither NTX (10.0 mg/kg BW) nor BUP, in either of 2 doses (10.0 mg/kg BW or 20.0 mg/kg BW), reduced voluntary alcohol intake in P rats. However, NTX combined with BUP (10.0 mg/kg NTX + 10.0 mg/kg BUP) and given as a single medication significantly reduced alcohol consumption throughout prolonged treatment. Combining low doses of NTX and BUP, each of which is ineffective when given alone, increases the efficacy of the medication. Low drug doses circumvent the problem of negative side effects that can occur with higher doses of either drug. A reduction in side effects can facilitate patient compliance and improve clinical outcomes for alcoholics and heavy drinkers who want to reduce their alcohol intake. The results, together with those from our prior studies, demonstrate the strength of a combinatorial pharmacotherapeutic approach to the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Copyright © 2017 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Effects of gypenosides on anxiety disorders in MPTP-lesioned mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Shin, Keon Sung; Zhao, Ting Ting; Choi, Hyun Sook; Hwang, Bang Yeon; Lee, Chong Kil; Lee, Myung Koo

2014-06-03

Ethanol extract (GP-EX) of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) ameliorates chronic stress-induced anxiety in mice. The present study investigated the effects of gypenoside-enriched components (GPS), GP-EX and water extract of GP (GP-WX) on MPTP lesion-induced affective disorders in C57BL/6 mice. GPS (50mg/kg) and GP-EX (50mg/kg) for 21 day-treatment period improved the symptom of anxiety disorders in the MPTP-lesioned mouse model of PD with or without L-DOPA treatment, which was examined by the elevated plus-maze and marble burying tests. In these states, treatments with GPS (50mg/kg) and GP-EX (50mg/kg) significantly increased the brain levels of dopamine and serotonin in the MPTP-lesioned mouse model of PD with or without l-DOPA treatment. In addition, treatments with GPS (50mg/kg) and GP-EX (50mg/kg) showed protective effects on dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-lesioned mouse model of PD with or without L-DOPA treatment. In contrast, GPS (30 mg/kg) and GP-WX (50mg/kg) showed anxiolytic effects in the same animal models, but it was not significant. These results suggest that GPS (50mg/kg) and GP-EX (50mg/kg) showed anxiolytic effects on affective disorders and protective effects on dopaminergic neurons by modulating the brain levels of dopamine and serotonin in the MPTP-lesioned mouse model of PD with or without l-DOPA treatment. Clinical trials of GPS and GP-EX need to be conducted further so as to develop adjuvant therapeutic agents for PD patients. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of imatinib, nilotinib and silymarin in the treatment of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic oxidative stress, injury and fibrosis.

PubMed

Shaker, Mohamed E; Zalata, Khaled R; Mehal, Wajahat Z; Shiha, Gamal E; Ibrahim, Tarek M

2011-04-15

Effective and well-tolerated anti-fibrotic drugs are currently lacking. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the potential anti-fibrotic effects of imatinib, nilotinib and silymarin on established hepatic fibrosis in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) rat model. Male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injections of CCl(4) twice weekly for 8weeks, as well as daily intraperitoneal treatments of imatinib (10 and 20mg/kg), nilotinib (10 and 20mg/kg) and silymarin (100mg/kg) during the last 4weeks of CCl(4)-intoxication. At the end of the study, hepatic damage was evaluated by analysis of liver function tests and hepatic oxidative stress parameters. Hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by histopathology and morphometry, as well as collagen and 4-hydroxyproline contents. Nilotinib (20mg/kg) was the most effective treatment to counteract CCl(4)-induced hepatic injury as indicated by liver function tests and histopathology. Nilotinib (10mg/kg), nilotinib (20mg/kg) and silymarin (100mg/kg) treatments reduced the mean score of hepatic fibrosis by 31%, 68% and 47%, respectively, and hepatic collagen content by 47%, 49% and 18%, respectively in CCl(4)-treated rats. Hepatic morphometric evaluation and 4-hydroxyproline content revealed that CCl(4)-induced fibrosis was ameliorated significantly by nilotinib (20mg/kg) and imatinib (20mg/kg). Unlike nilotinib, imatinib (20mg/kg) showed some sort of hepatic injury evidenced by elevation of serum aminotransferases and total bilirubin levels, and hepatic total nitrate/nitrite content, as well as characteristic anisonucleosis visualized with the hematoxylin-eosin staining. In conclusion, this study provides the evidence that nilotinib exerts anti-fibrotic activity and suggests that it may be valuable in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in humans. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of antidepressant like activity of curcumin and its combination with fluoxetine and imipramine: an acute and chronic study.

PubMed

Sanmukhani, Jayesh; Anovadiya, Ashish; Tripathi, Chandrabhanu B

2011-01-01

Curcumin is the active ingredient of commonly used spice Curuma longa Linn. In the present study, the antidepressant like activity of curcumin and its combination with fluoxetine and imipramine was studied in acute model (three doses 24, 5 and 1 h before test) of forced swimming test (FST) in glass jar and tail suspension test (TST) in mice and in chronic model (14 day study) of FST with water wheel in rats. All the tests were carried out in the following seven groups (n = 6 in each group), drugs being given orally (doses for mice): Group 1 (vehicle), group 2 (curcumin 50 mg/kg), group 3 (curcumin 100 mg/kg), group 4 (fluoxetine 20 mg/kg), group 5 (imipramine 15 mg/kg), group 6 (curcumin 100 mg/kg plus fluoxetine 20 mg/kg) and group 7 (curcumin 100 mg/kg plus imipramine 15 mg/kg). Equivalent doses for rats were used. Both the acute model of FST and TST, and the chronic model of FST with water wheel showed significant antidepressant like activity of curcumin in 100 mg/kg dose as compared to vehicle control (p < 0.05). The effect of curcumin (100 mg/kg) was similar to that of fluoxetine and imipramine (p > 0.05) but its addition to fluoxetine and imipramine did not improve their antidepressant activity (p > 0.05). Curcumin increased both the swimming and climbing behavior in FST, thus its antidepressant like activity could be due to an increase in serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. Curcumin can be a useful antidepressant especially in cases which respond to drugs having mixed effects on serotonin and catecholamines levels in the brain.

Effectiveness of Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and (±)Huperzine A in Counteracting the Acute Toxicity of Organophosphorus Nerve Agents: Comparison with Galantamine

PubMed Central

Aracava, Yasco; Pereira, Edna F. R.; Akkerman, Miriam; Adler, Michael

2009-01-01

Galantamine, a centrally acting cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor and a nicotinic allosteric potentiating ligand used to treat Alzheimer's disease, is an effective and safe antidote against poisoning with nerve agents, including soman. Here, the effectiveness of galantamine was compared with that of the centrally active ChE inhibitors donepezil, rivastigmine, and (±)huperzine A as a pre- and/or post-treatment to counteract the acute toxicity of soman. In the first set of experiments, male prepubertal guinea pigs were treated intramuscularly with one of the test drugs and 30 min later challenged with 1.5 × LD50 soman (42 μg/kg s.c.). All animals that were pretreated with galantamine (6–8 mg/kg), 3 mg/kg donepezil, 6 mg/kg rivastigmine, or 0.3 mg/kg (±)huperzine A survived the soman challenge, provided that they were also post-treated with atropine (10 mg/kg i.m.). However, only galantamine was well tolerated. In subsequent experiments, the effectiveness of specific treatment regimens using 8 mg/kg galantamine, 3 mg/kg donepezil, 6 mg/kg rivastigmine, or 0.3 mg/kg (±)huperzine A was compared in guinea pigs challenged with soman. In the absence of atropine, only galantamine worked as an effective and safe pretreatment in animals challenged with 1.0 × LD50 soman. Galantamine was also the only drug to afford significant protection when given to guinea pigs after 1.0 × LD50 soman. Finally, all test drugs except galantamine reduced the survival of the animals when administered 1 or 3 h after the challenge with 0.6 or 0.7 × LD50 soman. Thus, galantamine emerges as a superior antidotal therapy against the toxicity of soman. PMID:19741148

[Crop-soil nitrogen cycling and soil organic carbon balance in black soil zone of Jilin Province based on DSSAT model].

PubMed

Yang, Jing-min; Dou, Sen; Yang, Jing-yi; Hoogenboom, Gerrit; Jiang, Xu; Zhang, Zhong-qing; Jiang, Hong-wei; Jia, Li-hui

2011-08-01

By using the CERES-Maize crop model and Century soil model in Decision Support System of Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) model, this paper studied the effects of crop management parameters, fertilizer N application rate, soil initial N supply, and crop residue application on the maize growth, crop-soil N cycling, and soil organic C and N ecological balance in black soil (Mollisol) zone of Jilin Province, Northeast China. Taking 12,000-15,000 kg x hm(-2) as the target yield of maize, the optimum N application rate was 200-240 kg N x hm(-2). Under this fertilization, the aboveground part N uptake was 250-290 kg N x hm(-2), among which, 120-140 kg N x hm(-2) came from soil, and 130-150 kg N x hm(-2) came from fertilizer. Increasing the N application rate (250-420 kg N x hm(-2)) induced an obvious increase of soil residual N (63-183 kg x hm(-2)); delaying the N topdressing date also induced the increase of the residual N. When the crop residue application exceeded 6000 kg x hm(-2), the soil active organic C and N could maintain the supply/demand balance during maize growth season. To achieve the target maize yield and maintain the ecological balance of soil organic C and N in black soil zone of Jilin Province, the chemical N application rate would be controlled in the range of 200-240 kg N x hm(-2), topdressing N should be at proper date, and the application amount of crop residue would be up to 6000 kg x hm(-2).

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Piper nigrum L.

PubMed

Tasleem, Farhana; Azhar, Iqbal; Ali, Syed Nawazish; Perveen, Shaista; Mahmood, Zafar Alam

2014-09-01

To evaluate and compare the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of pure compound, piperine along with hexane and ethanol extracts of Piper nigrum L. fruit in mice and rats. The analgesic activity was determined by tail immersion method, analgesy-meter, hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing test. While the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in rats. Piperine at a dose of 5 mg/kg and ethanol extract at a dose of 15 mg/kg after 120 min and hexane extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg after 60 min exhibited significant (P<0.05) analgesic activity by tail immersion method, in comparison to ethanol extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg using analgesy-meter in rats. However, with hotplate method, piperine produced significant (P<0.05) analgesic activity at lower doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) after 120 min. A similar analgesic activity was noted with hexane extract at 15 mg/kg. However, in writhing test, ethanol extract significantly (P<0.05) stopped the number of writhes at a dose of 15 mg/kg, while piperine at a dose of 10 mg/kg completely terminated the writhes in mice. In the evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect using plethysmometer, piperine at doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg started producing anti-inflammatory effect after 30 min, which lasted till 60 min, whereas hexane and ethanol extracts also produced a similar activity at a slightly low dose (10 mg/kg) but lasted for 120 min. It is concluded from the present study that Piper nigrum L possesses potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Copyright © 2014 Hainan Medical College. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Obesity does not impair walking economy across a range of speeds and grades.

PubMed

Browning, Raymond C; Reynolds, Michelle M; Board, Wayne J; Walters, Kellie A; Reiser, Raoul F

2013-05-01

Despite the popularity of walking as a form of physical activity for obese individuals, relatively little is known about how obesity affects the metabolic rate, economy, and underlying mechanical energetics of walking across a range of speeds and grades. The purpose of this study was to quantify metabolic rate, stride kinematics, and external mechanical work during level and gradient walking in obese and nonobese adults. Thirty-two obese [18 women, mass = 102.1 (15.6) kg, BMI = 33.9 (3.6) kg/m(2); mean (SD)] and 19 nonobese [10 women, mass = 64.4 (10.6) kg, BMI = 21.6 (2.0) kg/m(2)] volunteers participated in this study. We measured oxygen consumption, ground reaction forces, and lower extremity kinematics while subjects walked on a dual-belt force-measuring treadmill at 11 speeds/grades (0.50-1.75 m/s, -3° to +9°). We calculated metabolic rate, stride kinematics, and external work. Net metabolic rate (Ė net/kg, W/kg) increased with speed or grade across all individuals. Surprisingly and in contrast with previous studies, Ė net/kg was 0-6% less in obese compared with nonobese adults (P = 0.013). External work, although a primary determinant of Ė net/kg, was not affected by obesity across the range of speeds/grades used in this study. We also developed new prediction equations to estimate oxygen consumption and Ė net/kg and found that Ė net/kg was positively related to relative leg mass and step width and negatively related to double support duration. These results suggest that obesity does not impair walking economy across a range of walking speeds and grades.

Protective efficacy of Mucuna pruriens (L.) seed meal enriched diet on growth performance, innate immunity, and disease resistance in Oreochromis mossambicus against Aeromonas hydrophila.

PubMed

Saiyad Musthafa, Mohamed; Asgari, Syed Mohideen; Kurian, Amitha; Elumalai, Preetham; Jawahar Ali, Abdul Rahman; Paray, Bilal Ahmad; Al-Sadoon, Mohammad K

2018-04-01

The impact of Mucuna pruriens (L.) seed meal diet on growth performance, innate immune response, and disease resistance in Oreochromis mossambicus against Aeromonas hydrophila is reported for the first time. Infected O. mossambicus was fed with 2 g kg -1 , 4 g kg -1 , and 6 g kg -1 of M. pruriens seed meal diets significantly increased initial body weight (IBW) and final body weight (FBW) over control, for a period of 4 weeks. At 4 g kg -1 and 6 g kg -1 the enriched diet significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the survival rate, weight gain (WG), protein efficiency ratio (PER), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed efficiency (FE) when compared to the control; besides, from weeks 2-4 these diets significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the complement activity, phagocytic activity, respiratory burst activity, and lysosome activity. On being fed with 4 g kg -1 and 6 g kg -1- enriched diets the cumulative mortality was lower (10% and 12%) than with 2 g kg -1 diet (24%). The present investigation suggests that the enriched diet at 4 g kg -1 and 6 g kg -1 improved the growth performance more than that of the control and negative control; it also positively enhanced the innate immunity and disease resistance against A. hydrophilla in O. mossambicus. Hence M. pruriens can be used as a feed additive to stimulate immunity for effective production of economically valuable freshwater fish, O. mossambicus. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimating nutrient uptake requirements for soybean using QUEFTS model in China

PubMed Central

Yang, Fuqiang; Xu, Xinpeng; Wang, Wei; Ma, Jinchuan; Wei, Dan; He, Ping; Pampolino, Mirasol F.; Johnston, Adrian M.

2017-01-01

Estimating balanced nutrient requirements for soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr) in China is essential for identifying optimal fertilizer application regimes to increase soybean yield and nutrient use efficiency. We collected datasets from field experiments in major soybean planting regions of China between 2001 and 2015 to assess the relationship between soybean seed yield and nutrient uptake, and to estimate nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) requirements for a target yield of soybean using the quantitative evaluation of the fertility of tropical soils (QUEFTS) model. The QUEFTS model predicted a linear–parabolic–plateau curve for the balanced nutrient uptake with a target yield increased from 3.0 to 6.0 t ha−1 and the linear part was continuing until the yield reached about 60–70% of the potential yield. To produce 1000 kg seed of soybean in China, 55.4 kg N, 7.9 kg P, and 20.1 kg K (N:P:K = 7:1:2.5) were required in the above-ground parts, and the corresponding internal efficiencies (IE, kg seed yield per kg nutrient uptake) were 18.1, 126.6, and 49.8 kg seed per kg N, P, and K, respectively. The QUEFTS model also simulated that a balanced N, P, and K removal by seed which were 48.3, 5.9, and 12.2 kg per 1000 kg seed, respectively, accounting for 87.1%, 74.1%, and 60.8% of the total above-ground parts, respectively. These results were conducive to make fertilizer recommendations that improve the seed yield of soybean and avoid excessive or deficient nutrient supplies. Field validation indicated that the QUEFTS model could be used to estimate nutrient requirements which help develop fertilizer recommendations for soybean. PMID:28498839

Oxcarbazepine causes neurocyte apoptosis and developing brain damage by triggering Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway mediated caspase 3 activation in neonatal rats.

PubMed

Song, Y; Zhong, M; Cai, F-C

2018-01-01

Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are the main methods for treatment of neonatal seizures; however, a few AEDs may cause developing brain damage of neonate. This study aims to investigate effects of oxcarbazepine (OXC) on developing brain damage of neonatal rats. Both of neonatal and adult rats were divided into 6 groups, including Control, OXC 187.5 mg/kg, OXC 281.25 mg/kg, OXC 375 mg/kg group, LEV and PHT group. Body weight and brain weight were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were used to observe neurocyte morphology and Nissl bodies, respectively. Apoptosis was examined using TUNEL assay, and caspase 8 activity was evaluated using spectrophotometer method. Cytochrome C-release was evaluated using flow cytometry. Western blot was used to examine Bax and Bcl-2 expression. OXC 375 mg/kg treatment significantly decreased brain weight compared to Control group in neonatal rats (P5 rats) (p<0.05). OXC administration causes histological changes of neurocytes. OXC 281.25 mg/kg or more concentration significantly decreased neurocytes counts and increased TUNEL-staining positive neurocytes compared to Control group (p<0.05). OXC 281.25 mg/kg and OXC 375 mg/kg significantly increased caspase 3 activity compared to Control group in P5 rats (p<0.05). OXC 281.25 mg/kg and OXC 375 mg/kg significantly increased Bax, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cytochrome C release in frontal lobes compared to Control group in P5 rats (p<0.05). Oxcarbazepine at a concentration of 281.25 mg/kg or more causes neurocyte apoptosis and developing brain damage by triggering Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway mediated caspase 3 activation in neonatal rats.

Effect of Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. plicatum ethanol extract on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

PubMed

Apaydin Yildirim, Betul; Kordali, Saban; Terim Kapakin, Kubra Asena; Yildirim, Fatih; Aktas Senocak, Esra; Altun, Serdar

2017-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible therapeutic or protective effects of Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. plicatum ethanol extract (HPE) against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley male rats weighing between 200 and 250 g were used as live material. They were formed into six groups containing 6 rats each and were allowed to adapt to laboratory conditions for 7 d. Group I: control, 5% DMSO intraperitoneal (i.p.); Group II: HPE 100 mg/(kg·d) i.p.; Group III: HPE 200 mg/(kg·d) i.p.; Group IV: gentamicin as 80 mg/(kg·d) i.p.; Group V: gentamicin as 80 mg/(kg·d) i.p.+HPE 100 mg/(kg·d) i.p.; and Group VI: gentamicin as 80 mg/(kg·d) i.p.+HPE 200 mg/(kg·d) i.p. for 8 d. Following treatment, serum, liver, and kidney tissues were used to assess blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation. Gentamicin significantly increased serum BUN, creatinin, and liver and kidney levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). It also decreased the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Treatment with the HPE 100 mg/kg reversed gentamicin-induced alterations as evidenced by decreased serum BUN and creatinin, liver and kidney oxidant marker, and tubular necrosis as well as by an increase in antioxidant enzymes. It was found that HPE 200 mg/kg significantly increased liver and kidney tissue MDA levels in nephrotoxicity in rats. As a result, these findings support the proposition that HPE in 100 mg/kg dose demonstrates in the kidney and liver as free radicals and scavenger to prevent the toxic effects of gentamicin in both the biochemical and histopathology parameters.

Weight gain following treatment of hyperthyroidism.

PubMed

Dale, J; Daykin, J; Holder, R; Sheppard, M C; Franklyn, J A

2001-08-01

Patients frequently express concern that treating hyperthyroidism will lead to excessive weight gain. This study aimed to determine the extent of, and risk factors for, weight gain in an unselected group of hyperthyroid patients. We investigated 162 consecutive hyperthyroid patients followed for at least 6 months. Height, weight, clinical features, biochemistry and management were recorded at each clinic visit. Documented weight gain was 5.42 +/- 0.46 kg (mean +/- SE) and increase in BMI was 8.49 +/- 0.71%, over a mean 24.2 +/- 1.6 months. Pre-existing obesity, Graves' disease causing hyperthyroidism, weight loss before presentation and length of follow-up each independently predicted weight gain. Patients treated with thionamides or radioiodine gained a similar amount of weight (thionamides, n = 87, 5.16 +/- 0.63 kg vs. radioiodine, n = 62, 4.75 +/- 0.57 kg, P = 0.645), but patients who underwent thyroidectomy (n = 13) gained more weight (10.27 +/- 2.56 kg vs. others, P = 0.007). Development of hypothyroidism (even transiently) was associated with weight gain (never hypothyroid, n = 102, 4.57 +/- 0.52 kg, transiently hypothyroid, n = 29, 5.37 +/- 0.85 kg, on T4, n = 31, 8.06 +/- 1.42 kg, P = 0.014). This difference remained after correcting for length of follow-up. In the whole cohort, weight increased by 3.95 +/- 0.40 kg at 1 year (n = 144) to 9.91 +/- 1.62 kg after 4 years (n = 27) (P = 0.008), representing a mean weight gain of 3.66 +/- 0.44 kg/year. We have demonstrated marked weight gain after treatment of hyperthyroidism. Pre-existing obesity, a diagnosis of Graves' disease and prior weight loss independently predicted weight gain and weight continued to rise with time. Patients who became hypothyroid, despite T4 replacement, gained most weight.

Haematological and histopathological effects of apigenin, phloretin and myricetin based on uterotrophic assay in immature Wistar female albino rats.

PubMed

Barlas, N; Karabulut, G

2015-07-01

In this study, it is aimed to determine the histopathological and haematological effects of apigenin, phloretin and myricetin on Wistar immature female rats using Tier 2 of the uterotrophic assay. The female rats were divided into 17 groups with 6 rats in each group. There was a negative control group and positive control dose groups that contained 0.07 µg/kg/day, 0.7 µg/kg/day and 7 µg/kg/day of ethinyl estradiol (EE), 0.7 µg/kg/day 17α-ethinyl estradiol + 1 mg/kg/day tamoxifen and genistein. The other dose groups contain 1 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day of apigenin, myricetin and phloretin. All chemicals had been given to Wistar immature female rats with oral gavage for three consecutive days. At the end of the study, blood samples were analysed for haematological parameters. Tissue samples that were taken from the liver, kidney, spleen and thyroid were histopathologically and histomorphometrically examined. There were no significant differences between oil control and other dose groups for glomerular histomorphometry. However, there were significant differences for thyroid histomorphometry. Especially, 10 and 100 mg/kg/day of phloretin dose groups had a significant increase in colloid surface area in thyroid compared with the 1 mg/kg/day of phloretin and oil control groups. Significant histopathological changes (congestion, degeneration, fibrosis and mononuclear cell infiltration) were noted in the tissue specimens obtained from the treatment groups compared with the control group. According to the results of the haematological analysis of the groups, especially the values of erythrocytes and haematocrit were increased significantly in most of the dose groups according to the oil control group. © The Author(s) 2014.

Acotiamide hydrochloride (Z-338) enhances gastric motility and emptying by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity in rats.

PubMed

Kawachi, Masanao; Matsunaga, Yugo; Tanaka, Takao; Hori, Yuko; Ito, Katsunori; Nagahama, Kenji; Ozaki, Tomoko; Inoue, Naonori; Toda, Ryoko; Yoshii, Kazuyoshi; Hirayama, Masamichi; Kawabata, Yoshihiro; Takei, Mineo

2011-09-01

In clinical trials, acotiamide hydrochloride (acotiamide: Z-338) has been reported to be useful in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Here, we investigated the effects of acotiamide on gastric contraction and emptying activities in rats in comparison with itopride hydrochloride (itopride) and mosapride citrate (mosapride). We also examined in vitro the compound's inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity derived from rat stomach. In in vivo studies, acotiamide (30 and 100mg/kg s.c.) and itopride (100mg/kg s.c.) markedly enhanced normal gastric antral motility in rats. In gastric motility dysfunction models, acotiamide (100mg/kg s.c.) and itopride (100mg/kg s.c.) improved both gastric antral hypomotility and the delayed gastric emptying induced by clonidine, an α(2)-adrenoceptor agonist. In contrast, mosapride (10mg/kg s.c.) had no effect on these models. Like the AChE inhibitors itopride (30 mg/kg s.c.) and neostigmine (10 μg/kg s.c.), acotiamide (10mg/kg s.c.) also clearly enhanced gastric body contractions induced by electrical stimulation of the vagus, which were abolished by atropine and hexamethonium, whereas mosapride (3 and 10mg/kg s.c.) did not. In in vitro studies, acotiamide concentration-dependently inhibited rat stomach-derived AChE activity (IC(50)=2.3 μmol/l). In addition, stomach tissue concentrations of acotiamide after administration at 10mg/kg s.c. were sufficient to produce inhibition of AChE activity in rat stomach. These results suggest that acotiamide stimulates gastric motility and improves gastric motility dysfunction in rats by inhibiting AChE activity, and may suggest a role for acotiamide in improving gastric motility dysfunction in patients with functional dyspepsia. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Digestibility and metabolizable energy values of processed cassava chips for growing and finishing pigs.

PubMed

Lokaewmanee, Kanda; Kanto, Uthai; Juttupornpong, Sukanya; Yamauchi, Koh-en

2011-02-01

Determinations of digestibility of dry matter (DM), digestible energy (DE), and metabolizable energy (ME) in cassava chips with different levels of crude fiber (CF) were measured in growing pigs (20 kg) and finishing pigs (60 kg). The treatments were (1) cassava starch (0% CF), (2) peeled cassava chips (2.5% CF), (3) non-peeled washed cassava chips (3.9% CF), and (4) non-peeled and non-washed cassava chips (5.2% CF). In the growing pigs, peeled cassava chips, non-peeled washed cassava chips, and non-peeled and non-washed cassava chips had DM digestibility of 87.51%, 78.63%, and 73.89%, respectively. Their DE was 3.69, 3.49, and 3.32 Mcal/kg DM, respectively (DE of cassava starch is 3.90 Mcal/kg DM). ME was 3.54, 3.35, and 3.19 Mcal/kg DM, respectively (ME of cassava starch is 3.74 Mcal/kg DM). On the other hand, in the finishing pigs, the digestibility of DM was 89.13%, 80.63%, and 76.13%, respectively. Their DE was 3.72, 3.53, and 3.43 Mcal/kg DM, respectively (DE of cassava starch is 3.91 Mcal/kg DM). ME was 3.57, 3.38, and 3.29 Mcal/kg DM, respectively (ME of cassava starch is 3.75 Mcal/kg DM). These values increased with decreasing CF content, and the peeled cassava chips had the highest values (P < 0.01). These suggest that the digestibility values of DM, DE, and ME of cassava chips is inversely related to the CF content in cassava chips. It is recommended that cassava chips be peeled for better nutrition for growing and finishing pigs.

Accelerated stability and bioassay of a new oral α-ketoglutarate formulation for treating cyanide poisoning.

PubMed

Bhattacharya, Rahul; Gopalan, Natarajan; Singh, Anil Kumar; Singh, Poonam; Yadav, Shiv Kumar; Rao, Pooja; Shrivastava, Saurabh

2014-02-01

Due to several limitations of existing cyanide antidotes, α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) has been proposed as a promising treatment for cyanide. This study reports the accelerated stability and bioassay of a new oral α-KG formulation. Amber-colored PVDF bottles containing 100 ml of 10% α-KG in 70% sorbitol, preservative (sodium methyl paraben and sodium propyl paraben), sweetener (sodium saccharine), flavor (American ice-cream soda and peppermint) and color (tartrazine), at pH 7.0-8.0 were stored in stability chamber (40 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5% humidity) for 6 months in a GMP compliant facility. Various physical (pH, color, evaporation, extractable volume and clarity), chemical (identification and quantification of active ingredient) and microbiological (total aerobic count) analyses, together with protection studies were carried periodically in mice. Acute toxicity of the formulation and bioavailability of α-KG were assessed in rats at the beginning of the experiment. No physical changes and microbiological growth were observed in the formulation. After 6 months, α-KG content in the formulation diminished by ∼24% but its protective efficacy against cyanide remained at 5.9-fold. Protection was further characterized spectrophotometrically by disappearance of α-KG spectrum in the presence of cyanide, confirming cyanohydrin formation. Oral LD50 of α-KG formulation in rats was >7.0 g/kg body weight, and did not produce any acute toxicity of clinical significance. Also, an appreciable amount of α-KG was measured in blood. As per the guidelines of International Conference on Harmonization, the new α-KG formulation exhibited satisfactory stability, bioefficacy and safety as cyanide antidote.

Intraindividual Crossover Comparison of Gadoxetic Acid Dose for Liver MRI in Normal Volunteers.

PubMed

Motosugi, Utaroh; Bannas, Peter; Hernando, Diego; Salmani Rahimi, Mahdi; Holmes, James H; Reeder, Scott B

2016-01-01

We performed a quantitative intraindividual comparison of the performance of 0.025- and 0.05-mmol/kg doses for gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Eleven healthy volunteers underwent liver MR imaging twice, once with a 0.025- and once with a 0.05-mmol/kg dose of gadoxetic acid. MR spectroscopy and 3-dimensional gradient-echo T1-weighted images (3D-GRE) were obtained before and 3, 10, and 20 min after injection of the contrast medium to measure T1 and T2 values and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) performance. During the dynamic phase, highly time-resolved 3D-GRE was used to estimate the relative CNR (CNRrel) of the hepatic artery and portal vein (PV) to the liver. We used paired t-tests to compare the results of different doses. During the hepatobiliary phase, we observed shorter T1 values and higher SNRs of the liver (P < 0.001) and higher liver-to-PV and liver-to-muscle CNRs (P < 0.002) using 0.05 mmol/kg compared to 0.025 mmol/kg. Increasing the dose to 0.05 mmol/kg yielded a greater T1-shortening effect at 10 min delay even compared with 0.025 mmol/kg at 20 min (P < 0.001). During the dynamic phase, the peak CNRrel for the hepatic artery and portal vein were higher using 0.05 mmol/kg (P = 0.007 to 0.035). Use of gadoxetic acid at a dose of 0.05 mmol/kg leads to significantly higher SNR and CNR performance than with 0.025 mmol/kg. Quantitatively, a 10-min delay may be feasible for hepatobiliary-phase imaging when using 0.05 mmol/kg of gadoxetic acid.

The supplementation of low-P diets with microbial 6-phytase expressed in Aspergillus oryzae improves P digestibility in sows.

PubMed

Torrallardona, D; Llauradó, L; Broz, J

2012-12-01

Two trials were conducted to evaluate a novel microbial 6-phytase expressed in Aspergillus oryzae (Ronozyme HiPhos; DSM Nutritional Products, Basel, Switzerland) in gestating and lactating sows. In the first trial, 24 sows (Duroc × Landrace; 223 kg BW) were offered, at 16 d of gestation, a low-P control diet (formulated to provide 4.0 g total P/kg; 1.5 g digestible P/kg) supplemented with 0, 500, or 1000 phytase activity (FYT)/kg of phytase. Two weeks later, fresh feces were sampled from all sows and the apparent total tract digestibility of P was measured using TiO(2) as indigestible marker. Phytase supplementation did not (P > 0.10) affect the total tract digestibility of P but reduced (P < 0.05) P concentration in feces (from 14.5 to 12.0 and 12.0 g/kg DM). In the second trial, 32 lactating sows (Duroc × Landrace; 282 kg BW) were used. They were offered, at 7 d of lactation, a low-P control diet (formulated to provide 6.1 g total P/kg; 3 g digestible P/kg) or the same diet supplemented with 500 FYT/kg of phytase. After 2 wk, fresh feces were sampled from all sows and the apparent total tract digestibility of P was measured using TiO(2) as indigestible marker. Phytase supplementation improved (P < 0.001) the apparent total tract digestibility of P from 27.5 to 38.7% and reduced (P < 0.001) P concentration in feces (from 27.5 to 21.4 g/kg DM). In conclusion, the microbial 6-phytase tested increased the apparent total tract digestibility of P in sows and reduced P excretion in feces.

The antinociceptive effect and mechanisms of action of pregabalin in mice.

PubMed

Kaygisiz, Bilgin; Kilic, Fatma Sultan; Senguleroglu, Nuri; Baydemir, Canan; Erol, Kevser

2015-02-01

Pregabalin, a potent anticonvulsant agent, is used in treatment-resistant epileptic patients. It is reported that pregabalin also has analgesic effect in different pain syndromes. However, there is limited data on its antinociceptive mechanisms of action. We aimed to investigate the central and peripheral antinociceptive effects of pregabalin and the contribution of nitrergic, serotonergic, and opioidergic pathways in mice. We used tail flick, tail clip and hot plate tests to investigate the central antinociceptive effects and acetic acid-induced writhing test to assess peripheral antinociceptive effects of pregabalin (10, 30, 100mg/kg). We also combined pregabalin (100mg/kg) with, a nonspecific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-NAME (100mg/kg), a serotonin receptor antagonist cyproheptadine (50 μg/kg), and an opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1mg/kg). Pregabalin 30 mg/kg enhanced the percentage of maximal possible effect (% MPE) in tail flick test. Pregabalin 100mg/kg significantly increased % MPE in tail clip and tail flick tests and decreased the number of writhings. Pregabalin made no significant alteration in hot plate test at all doses. The combined use of pregabalin 100mg/kg with l-NAME, cyproheptadine, and naloxone showed that % MPE was reduced only in the combination of pregabalin with naloxone and solely in tail clip test while no significant difference was observed in writhing test. We suggest that pregabalin (30 and 100mg/kg) presents central spinal but not central supraspinal antinociceptive effect and pregabalin 100mg/kg shows peripheral antinociceptive effect. The opioidergic pathway seems to mediate the central spinal antinociceptive effect of pregabalin while nitrergic and serotonergic pathways are not involved. Copyright © 2014 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

Ameliorative Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Antioxidant Capacity, Biochemical Constituents, Liver Histopathology and Aflatoxin Residues in Broilers Exposed to Aflatoxin B1

PubMed Central

Sun, Lvhui; Zhang, Niya; Ling, Zhao; Zhu, Luoyi; Khan, Farhan Anwar; Zhang, Jiacai; Qi, Desheng

2017-01-01

Aflatoxicosis is a grave threat to the poultry industry. Dietary supplementation with antioxidants showed a great potential in enhancing the immune system; hence, protecting animals against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) one of the most well-known and powerful antioxidants. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of GSPE in the detoxification of AFB1 in broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old Cobb chicks were randomly allocated into five treatments of six replicates (10 birds per replicate), fed ad libitum for four weeks with the following dietary treatments: 1. Basal diet (control); 2. Basal diet + 1 mg/kg AFB1 contaminated corn (AFB1); 3. Basal diet + GSPE 250 mg/kg; (GSPE 250 mg/kg) 4. Basal diet + AFB1 (1 mg/kg) + GSPE 250 mg/kg; (AFB1 + GSPE 250 mg/kg) 5. Basal diet + AFB1 (1mg/kg) + GSPE 500 mg/kg, (AFB1 + GSPE 500 mg/kg). When compared with the control group, feeding broilers with AFB1 alone significantly reduced growth performance, serum immunoglobulin contents, negatively altered serum biochemical contents, and enzyme activities, and induced histopathological lesion in the liver. In addition, AFB1 significantly increased malondialdehyde content and decreased total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxide, glutathione-S transferase, glutathione reductase activities, and glutathione concentration within the liver and serum. The supplementation of GSPE (250 and 500 mg/kg) to AFB1 contaminated diet reduced AFB1 residue in the liver and significantly mitigated AFB1 negative effects. From these results, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of GSPE has protective effects against aflatoxicosis caused by AFB1 in broiler chickens. PMID:29140290

Combined enteral infusion of glutamine, carbohydrates, and antioxidants modulates gut protein metabolism in humans.

PubMed

Coëffier, Moïse; Claeyssens, Sophie; Lecleire, Stéphane; Leblond, Jonathan; Coquard, Aude; Bôle-Feysot, Christine; Lavoinne, Alain; Ducrotté, Philippe; Déchelotte, Pierre

2008-11-01

Available data suggest that nutrients can affect intestinal protein metabolism, which contributes to the regulation of gut barrier function. We aimed to assess whether an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) containing glutamine (as the dipeptide Ala-Gln), carbohydrates, and antioxidants would modulate duodenal protein metabolism in healthy humans. Thirty healthy control subjects were included and, over a period of 5 h, received by nasogastric tube either saline or ONS providing 11.7 kcal/kg as 0.877 g Ala-Gln/kg, 3.9 g carbohydrates/kg, and antioxidants (29.25 mg vitamin C/kg, 9.75 mg vitamin E/kg, 195 microg beta-carotene/kg, 5.85 mg Se/kg, and 390 microg Zn/kg) or glutamine (0.585 g/kg, 2.34 kcal/kg). Simultaneously, a continuous intravenous infusion of l-[1-(13)C]-leucine was done until endoscopy. Leucine enrichment was assessed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis, and mucosal fractional synthesis rate was calculated by using intracellular amino acid enrichment as precursor. Mucosal proteolytic pathways were also evaluated. ONS infusion resulted in a doubling increase (P < 0.01) of duodenal fractional synthesis rate and a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in cathepsin D-mediated proteolysis compared with saline, whereas proteasome and Ca(2+)-dependent activities were unaffected. ONS infusion significantly (P < 0.01) decreased duodenal glutathione but not glutathione disulfide concentrations or the ratio of glutathione to glutathione disulfide. Insulinemia increased after ONS infusion, whereas plasma essential amino acids decreased. Infusion of glutamine alone did not reproduce ONS effects. ONS infusion improves duodenal protein balance in healthy humans. Further investigations are needed to study the origin of these effects and to evaluate ONS supply in stressed persons.

The stimulatory effects of caffeine with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) on light-dark behavior and open-field behavior in mice.

PubMed

Uchiyama, Hidemori; Toda, Akihisa; Imoto, Masumi; Nishimura, Satoko; Kuroki, Hiroaki; Soeda, Shinji; Shimeno, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Shigenori; Eyanagi, Reiko

2010-01-22

Abnormal behaviors and death associated with the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) have emerged as a major issue in influenza patients taking the drug. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of oseltamivir on the behavior of mice using light-dark and open-field preference tests. Oseltamivir (75 and 150 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) alone affected neither time spent in the open area in the light-dark preference test nor ambulation in the open-field test at 2h post-injection. However, a non-selective adenosine A(1)/A(2) receptor antagonist, caffeine (10mg/kg, i.p.) in combination with oseltamivir (150 mg/kg, i.p.) increased time spent in the open area in the light-dark preference test. This enhancement was not inhibited by a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, flumazenil (10-20mg/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.)). Enhancement of ambulation in the open-field test was also observed when caffeine (10mg/kg, i.p.) was combined with oseltamivir (150 mg/kg, i.p.). This enhancement was inhibited by a dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist, haloperidol (0.1mg/kg, s.c.). Furthermore, an adenosine A(2) receptor antagonist, SCH58261 (3mg/kg, i.p.) in combination with oseltamivir (150 mg/kg, i.p.) increased ambulation in the open-field test, while an adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist, DPCPX (1-3mg/kg, i.p.) did not. These findings suggest that the actions of oseltamivir may involve the dopamine and adenosine systems. Our findings suggest that due to the interaction between central blockade of adenosine A(2) receptors by caffeine, and oseltamivir-induced behavioral changes, patients being treated with oseltamivir should be closely monitored. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of nandrolone decanoate compared with placebo or testosterone on HIV-associated wasting.

PubMed

Gold, J; Batterham, M J; Rekers, H; Harms, M K; Geurts, T B P; Helmyr, P M E; Silva de Mendonça, J; Falleiros Carvalho, L H; Panos, G; Pinchera, A; Aiuti, F; Lee, C; Horban, A; Gatell, J; Phanuphak, P; Prasithsirikul, W; Gazzard, B; Bloch, M; Danner, S A

2006-04-01

Objectives Current research is unclear about the most effective pharmacological agents for managing the loss of weight and fat-free mass common in HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to compare nandrolone decanoate with placebo and testosterone. Methods The study was a multicentre randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Three hundred and three adult HIV-positive male patients with a weight loss of 5-15% in the last 12 months, or a body mass index of 17-19 kg/m(2), or a body cell mass/height ratio lower than 13.5 kg/m, were randomly assigned to receive nandrolone decanoate (150 mg), testosterone (250 mg) or placebo intramuscularly every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Fat-free mass, weight, immune markers and perception of treatment were the main outcome measures. Results Treatment with nandrolone resulted in significantly greater increases in fat-free mass [mean increase 1.34 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60; 2.08 kg] and in weight (mean increase 1.48 kg; 95% CI 0.82; 2.14 kg) compared with placebo. The mean increase in weight with nandrolone of 1.00 kg (95% CI 0.27; 1.74 kg) when compared with testosterone was significant, although the difference in fat free mass did not reach significance (mean increase 0.69 kg; 95% CI-0.13; 1.51 kg). Patient perception of benefit was significantly greater in the nandrolone group when compared with both the placebo and the testosterone groups. Conclusions Treatment with nandrolone decanoate increased body weight when compared with placebo and testosterone. Nandrolone decanoate treatment resulted in greater increases in fat-free mass than placebo and demonstrated a trend for a significant increase when compared with testosterone.

Assessment of the Safety of the Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes), in Rats: Biochemical, Hematological, and Antioxidative Parameters.

PubMed

Grotto, Denise; Bueno, Daiane Cristovam Rosa; Ramos, Gabriela Karine de Almeida; da Costa, Susi Rosa; Spim, Sara Rosicler Vieira; Gerenutti, Marli

2016-01-01

Lentinus edodes is an edible mushroom studied for use, or as an adjunct, in the prevention of illnesses such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and cancer. Despite the functional properties of L. edodes, the doses commonly reported in experimental studies are much higher than those actually consumed. Thus, we aimed to establish the optimum intake levels of L. edodes in vivo. Four groups of male Wistar rats received dry and powdered L. edodes reconstituted in water for 30 days: control (water only), L. edodes 100 mg/kg, L. edodes 400 mg/kg, and L. edodes 800 mg/kg. Biochemical and hematological parameters were assessed using commercial kits. Antioxidant parameters were quantified spectrophotometrically. Neither cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, nor transaminase activity was different among any of the L. edodes concentrations. However, fructosamine concentrations were significantly decreased in groups consuming L. edodes at 100 or 400 mg/kg. A significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration was found in the 400 and 800 mg/kg/day L. edodes groups, and leukopenia occurred in rats that consumed L. edodes 800 mg/kg/day compared with the control group. L. edodes at 100 and 400 mg/kg increased amounts of reduced glutathione compared with the control group. L. edodes was effective as an antioxidant at 100 and 400 mg/kg, but at 400 and 800 mg/kg some disturbances were observed, such as reductions in hemoglobin and leukocytes. In summary, this study has potential benefits for scientific development because the safe daily intake of L. edodes (at 100 mg/kg) is, to our knowledge, reported for the first time in a preclinical study.

Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid chronic risk assessment for soil biota.

PubMed

von Mérey, Georg; Manson, Philip S; Mehrsheikh, Akbar; Sutton, Peter; Levine, Steven L

2016-11-01

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide used widely in agriculture, horticulture, private gardens, and public infrastructure, where it is applied to areas such as roadsides, railway tracks, and parks to control the growth of weeds. The exposure risk from glyphosate and the primary soil metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) on representative species of earthworms, springtails, and predatory soil mites and the effects on nitrogen-transformation processes by soil microorganisms were assessed under laboratory conditions based on internationally recognized guidelines. For earthworms, the reproductive no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) was 472.8 mg glyphosate acid equivalent (a.e.)/kg dry soil, which was the highest concentration tested, and 198.1 mg/kg dry soil for AMPA. For predatory mites, the reproductive NOEC was 472.8 mg a.e./kg dry soil for glyphosate and 320 mg/kg dry soil for AMPA, the highest concentrations tested. For springtails, the reproductive NOEC was 472.8 mg a.e./kg dry soil for glyphosate and 315 mg/kg dry soil for AMPA, the highest concentrations tested. Soil nitrogen-transformation processes were unaffected by glyphosate and AMPA at 33.1 mg a.e./kg soil and 160 mg/kg soil, respectively. Comparison of these endpoints with worst-case soil concentrations expected for glyphosate (6.62 mg a.e./kg dry soil) and AMPA (6.18 mg/kg dry soil) for annual applications at the highest annual rate of 4.32 kg a.e./ha indicate very low likelihood of adverse effects on soil biota. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2742-2752. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

A comparative study of retentive strengths of zinc phosphate, polycarboxylate and glass ionomer cements with stainless steel crowns - an in vitro study.

PubMed

Raghunath Reddy, M H; Subba Reddy, V V; Basappa, N

2010-01-01

An in vitro study was conducted to compare the retentive strengths of zinc phosphate, polycarboxylate and glass ionomer cements using Instron universal testing machine. Thirty preformed and pretrimmed stainless steel crowns were used for cementation on 30 extracted human primary molars which were divided into three groups of 10 teeth in each group. Then the teeth were stored in artificial saliva and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. A load was applied on to the crown and was gradually increased till the crown showed dislodgement, and then the readings were recorded using Instron recorder and analyzed for statistical significance. The surface area of crown was measured by graphical method. The retentive strength was expressed in terms of kg/cm 2 , which was calculated by the equation load divided by area. Retentive strengths of zinc phosphate (ranged from a minimum of 16.93 to amaximum of 28.13 kg/cm 2 with mean of 21.28 kg/cm 2 ) and glass ionomer cement (minimum of 13.69 - 28.15 kg/cm 2 with mean of 20.69 kg/cm 2 ) were greater than that of polycarboxylate cement (minimum of 13.26 - 22.69 kg/cm 2 with mean of 16.79 kg/cm 2 ). Negligible difference (0.59 kg/cm 2 ) of retentive strength was observed between zinc phosphate (21.28 kg/cm 2 ) and glass ionomer cements (20.69 kg/cm 2 ). Glass ionomer cements can be recommended for cementation of stainless steel crowns because of its advantages and the retentive strength was almost similar to that of zinc phosphate cement.

Effect of Shilajit enriched diet on immunity, antioxidants, and disease resistance in Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) against Aeromonas hydrophila.

PubMed

Musthafa, Mohamed Saiyad; Jawahar Ali, Abdul Rahman; Hyder Ali, Abdul Rahuman; Mohamed, Mohamed Jamal; War, Mehrajuddin; Naveed, Mohamed Saquib; Al-Sadoon, Mohammad K; Paray, Bilal Ahmad; Rani, Kuppusamy Umaa; Arockiaraj, Jesu; Balasundaram, Chellam; Harikrishnan, Ramasamy

2016-10-01

The effect of diet supplemented with Shilajit, a multi-component natural mineral substance on the antioxidant activity, immune response, and disease resistance in freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) against Aeromonas hydrophila is reported. The total hemocyte count (THC) and phagocytic activity significantly increased with 2 g kg(-1) supplemented diet on first week and with other enriched diets on weeks 2 and 4. The respiratory burst (RB) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were significantly increased with 2 g kg(-1) supplemented diet on weeks 1 and 2 whereas 2 and 4 g kg(-1) diets on week 4. The phenoloxidase (PO) activity increased significantly with 2 g kg(-1) diet only on second week and with other enriched diets only on fourth week. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly with any enriched diet during the experimental period except with 6 g kg(-1) diets on first week. However, the glutathione reductase (GR) activity was enhanced significantly only with 2 g kg(-1) enriched diets on weeks 2 and 4. The cumulative mortality of the prawn fed with 2 and 4 g kg(-1) enriched diets was 10% and 15% whereas with 6 g kg(-1) diet the mortality was 20%. The results suggest that diet enriched with Shilajit at 2 g kg(-1) or 4 g kg(-1) positively enhances the antioxidant activity, immunity, and disease resistance in M. rosenbergii against A. hydrophila. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The participation of the nitrergic pathway in increased rate of transitory relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter induced by rectal distension in dogs.

PubMed

Palheta, Michel Santos; Graça, José Ronaldo Vasconcelos da; Santos, Armênio Aguiar dos; Lopes, Liziane Hermógenes; Palheta Júnior, Raimundo Campos; Nobre E Souza, Miguel Ângelo

2014-01-01

The rectal distension in dogs increases the rate of transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation considered the main factor causing gastroesophageal reflux. The aim of this study was evaluate the participation of the nitrergic pathway in the increased transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation rate induced by rectal distension in anesthetized dogs. Male mongrel dogs (n = 21), weighing 10-15 kg, were fasted for 12 hours, with water ad libitum. Thereafter, they were anesthetized (ketamine 10 mg.Kg-1 + xylazine 20 mg.Kg-1), so as to carry out the esophageal motility evaluation protocol during 120 min. After a 30-minute basal period, the animals were randomly intravenous treated whith: saline solution 0.15M (1ml.Kg-1), L-NAME (3 mg.Kg-1), L-NAME (3 mg.Kg-1) + L-Arginine (200 mg.Kg-1), glibenclamide (1 mg.Kg-1) or methylene blue (3 mg.Kg-1). Forty-five min after these pre-treatments, the rectum was distended (rectal distension, 5 mL.Kg-1) or not (control) with a latex balloon, with changes in the esophageal motility recorded over 45 min. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Student Newman-Keuls test. In comparison to the respective control group, rectal distension induces an increase in transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Pre-treatment with L-NAME or methylene blue prevents (P<0.05) this phenomenon, which is reversible by L-Arginine plus L-NAME. However, pretreating with glibenclamide failed to abolish this process. Therefore, these experiments suggested, that rectal distension increases transitory lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in dogs via through nitrergic pathways.

Possible involvement of nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway in the antidepressant-like effect of MK-801(dizocilpine), a NMDA receptor antagonist in mouse forced swim test.

PubMed

Dhir, Ashish; Kulkarni, S K

2008-03-01

L-arginine-nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is an important signaling pathway involved in depression. With this information, the present study aimed to study the involvement of this signaling pathway in the antidepressant-like action of MK-801 (dizocilpine; N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist) in the mouse forced-swim test. Total immobility period was recorded in mouse forced swim test for 6 min. MK-801 (5-25 microg/kg., ip) produced a U-shaped curve in reducing the immobility period. The antidepressant-like effect of MK-801 (10 microg/kg, ip) was prevented by pretreatment with L-arginine (750 mg/kg, ip) [substrate for nitric oxide synthase (NOS)]. Pretreatment of mice with 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) (25 mg/kg, ip) [a specific neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor] produced potentiation of the action of subeffective dose of MK-801 (5 microg/kg, ip). In addition, treatment of mice with methylene blue (10 mg/kg, ip) [direct inhibitor of both nitric oxide synthase and soluble guanylate cyclase] potentiated the effect of MK-801 (5 microg/kg, ip) in the forced-swim test. Further, the reduction in the immobility period elicited by MK-801 (10 microg/kg, ip) was also inhibited by pretreatment with sildenafil (5 mg/kg, ip) [phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor]. The various modulators used in the study and their combination did not produce any changes in locomotor activity per se and in combination with MK-801. MK-801 however, at higher doses (25 microg/kg, ip) produced hyperlocomotion. The results demonstrated the involvement of nitric oxide signaling pathway in the antidepressant-like effect of MK-801 in mouse forced-swim test.

Saponin and non-saponin fractions of red ginseng ameliorate cisplatin-induced pica in rats.

PubMed

Sathyanath, Rekha; Hanumantha Rao, Balaji Raghavendran; Kim, Hyeong-Geug; Cho, Jung-Hyo; Son, Chang-Gue

2013-08-01

Nausea and vomiting are considered as the foremost unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy experienced by 20-90% of cancer patients. In the present study, the effects of Korean Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) (RG), ginseng saponin (GS) and non-saponin (GNS) on cisplatin (CP)-induced pica and gastric damage in rats were investigated. Rats were treated with RG (25, 50, 100 mg/kg b.wt.), GS (5 and 10 mg/kg 100 mg/kg b.wt.) and GNS (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) before or after a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (6 mg/kg b.wt.). Kaolin together with normal food intake, normal food alone, body weight, histological examination of stomach and small intestine were used as indices of CP-induced pica in rats. Pre-treatment with RG (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) attenuated CP-induced kaolin intake at 24 h. CP-induced kaolin intake decreased upon post-treatment of rats with RG (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) at 48 h. The incidence of body weight reduction at 48 and 72 h diminished in rats post-treated with RG (50 mg/kg b.wt.). Pre-treatment with GS (5 and 10 mg/kg b.wt.) and GNS (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) attenuated CP-induced kaolin intake while normal food intake was not improved in 24 and 48 h. The gastro-protective effects of RG, GS and GNS were further confirmed by histopathological (damage in glandular portion and villi with dilated appearance) findings. The study indicates that both the red GS and GNS improve feeding behavior against CP-induced pica in rats.

Kappa-opioid receptors mediate the antidepressant-like activity of hesperidin in the mouse forced swimming test.

PubMed

Filho, Carlos B; Del Fabbro, Lucian; de Gomes, Marcelo G; Goes, André T R; Souza, Leandro C; Boeira, Silvana P; Jesse, Cristiano R

2013-01-05

The opioid system has been implicated as a contributing factor for major depression and is thought to play a role in the mechanism of action of antidepressants. This study investigated the involvement of the opioid system in the antidepressant-like effect of hesperidin in the mouse forced swimming test. Our results demonstrate that hesperidin (0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) decreased the immobility time in the forced swimming test without affecting locomotor activity in the open field test. The antidepressant-like effect of hesperidin (0.3 mg/kg) in the forced swimming test was prevented by pretreating mice with naloxone (1 mg/kg, a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist) and 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-Nmethyl-N-[(1S)-1-(3-isothiocyanatophenyl)-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl] acetamide (DIPPA (1 mg/kg), a selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist), but not with naloxone methiodide (1 mg/kg, a peripherally acting opioid receptor antagonist), naltrindole (3 mg/kg, a selective δ-opioid receptor antagonist), clocinnamox (1 mg/kg, a selective μ-opioid receptor antagonist) or caffeine (3 mg/kg, a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist). In addition, a sub-effective dose of hesperidin (0.01 mg/kg) produced a synergistic antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test when combined with a sub-effective dose of morphine (1 mg/kg). The antidepressant-like effect of hesperidin in the forced swimming test on mice was dependent on its interaction with the κ-opioid receptor, but not with the δ-opioid, μ-opioid or adenosinergic receptors. Taken together, these results suggest that hesperidin possesses antidepressant-like properties and may be of interest as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of depressive disorders. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Pharmacokinetics and clinical application of intravenous valproate in Thai epileptic children.

PubMed

Visudtibhan, Anannit; Bhudhisawadi, Kasama; Vaewpanich, Jarin; Chulavatnatol, Suvatna; Kaojareon, Sming

2011-03-01

Roles of intravenous administration of valproate in status epilepticus and serial seizures are documented in adults and children. Pharmacokinetic parameters are necessary to predict the optimum therapeutic level after administration. A cross-sectional study to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters and safety of intravenous valproate for future application was conducted in Thai children from January to December 2008. There were eleven children, age-range 1-15 years (mean age 9.5 years) enrolled. Valproate of 15-20 mg/kg was administrated intravenously at the rate of 3 mg/kg/min, followed by 6 mg/kg every 6 h. Valproate level was determined prior to the initial dose and at ½, 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 h postdose. Complete blood count, serum ammonia, and liver function tests were collected prior to the initial dose and at 6 h. Median loading dose was 19 mg/kg (range 15-20.5 mg/kg). Median maximum concentration at 30 min after infusion was 98.8 mcg/mL (range 67-161 mcg/mL). Median volume of distribution was 0.20 L/kg (range 0.15-0.53 L/kg). Median half-life was 9.5 h (range 4.4-24.2 h). Median clearance was 0.02 L/h/kg (range 0.01-0.05 L/h/kg). Six hours after initial dose, eight children did not have recurrent seizure. One child had brief seizure at 20 min after initial dose. Seizure recurred in two children at 4th and 5th hour. Asymptomatic transient elevation of serum ammonia was observed in two children. Volume of distribution of 0.20 L/kg could be applied for initial intravenous administration with a favorable efficacy. Copyright © 2010 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of donepezil, rivastigmine, and (+/-)huperzine A in counteracting the acute toxicity of organophosphorus nerve agents: comparison with galantamine.

PubMed

Aracava, Yasco; Pereira, Edna F R; Akkerman, Miriam; Adler, Michael; Albuquerque, Edson X

2009-12-01

Galantamine, a centrally acting cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor and a nicotinic allosteric potentiating ligand used to treat Alzheimer's disease, is an effective and safe antidote against poisoning with nerve agents, including soman. Here, the effectiveness of galantamine was compared with that of the centrally active ChE inhibitors donepezil, rivastigmine, and (+/-)huperzine A as a pre- and/or post-treatment to counteract the acute toxicity of soman. In the first set of experiments, male prepubertal guinea pigs were treated intramuscularly with one of the test drugs and 30 min later challenged with 1.5 x LD(50) soman (42 microg/kg s.c.). All animals that were pretreated with galantamine (6-8 mg/kg), 3 mg/kg donepezil, 6 mg/kg rivastigmine, or 0.3 mg/kg (+/-)huperzine A survived the soman challenge, provided that they were also post-treated with atropine (10 mg/kg i.m.). However, only galantamine was well tolerated. In subsequent experiments, the effectiveness of specific treatment regimens using 8 mg/kg galantamine, 3 mg/kg donepezil, 6 mg/kg rivastigmine, or 0.3 mg/kg (+/-)huperzine A was compared in guinea pigs challenged with soman. In the absence of atropine, only galantamine worked as an effective and safe pretreatment in animals challenged with 1.0 x LD(50) soman. Galantamine was also the only drug to afford significant protection when given to guinea pigs after 1.0 x LD(50) soman. Finally, all test drugs except galantamine reduced the survival of the animals when administered 1 or 3 h after the challenge with 0.6 or 0.7 x LD(50) soman. Thus, galantamine emerges as a superior antidotal therapy against the toxicity of soman.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of 2 Acetaminophen Dosing Regimens in Febrile Infants and Children: A Report on 3 Legacy Studies.

PubMed

Temple, Anthony R; Zimmerman, Brenda; Gelotte, Cathy; Kuffner, Edwin K

2017-01-01

Compare efficacy and safety of 10 to 15 mg/kg with 20 to 30 mg/kg acetaminophen in febrile children 6 months to ≤ 11 years from 3 double-blind, randomized, single or multiple dose studies. Doses were compared on sum of the temperature differences (SUMDIFF), maximum temperature difference (MAXDIFF), temperature differences at each time point, and dose by time interactions. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was evaluated in the 72-hour duration study. A single dose of acetaminophen 20 to 30 mg/kg produced a greater effect on temperature decrement and duration of antipyretic effect over 8 hours than a single dose of 10 to 15 mg/kg. When equivalent total doses (i.e., 2 doses of 10 to 15 mg/kg given at 4-hour intervals and 1 dose of 20 to 30 mg/kg) were given over the initial 8-hour period, there were no significant temperature differences. Over a 72-hour period, 10 to 15 mg/kg acetaminophen administered every 4 hours maintained a more consistent temperature decrement than 20 to 30 mg/kg acetaminophen administered every 8 hours. Following doses of 60 to 90 mg/kg/day for up to 72 hours, no child had a clinically important increase in ALT from baseline. The number of children with reported adverse events was similar between doses. Data demonstrate the antipyretic effect of acetaminophen is dependent on total dose over a given time interval. These 3 studies provide clinical evidence that the recommended standard acetaminophen dose of 10 to 15 mg/kg is a safe and effective dose for treating fever in pediatric patients when administered as a single dose or as multiple doses for up to 72 hours.

Isolation of antiosteoporotic compounds from seeds of Sophora japonica.

PubMed

Abdallah, Hossam M; Al-Abd, Ahmed M; Asaad, Gihan F; Abdel-Naim, Ashraf B; El-halawany, Ali M

2014-01-01

Chemical investigation of Sophora japonica seeds resulted in the isolation of seven metabolites identified as: genistin (1), sophoricoside (2), sophorabioside (3), sophoraflavonoloside (4), genistein 7,4'-di-O-β-D-glucopyransoide (5), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 → 6)β-D-glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)β-D-glucopyranoside (6) and rutin (7). Compounds 1, 2 and 5 showed significant estrogenic proliferative effect in MCF-7 cell in sub-cytotoxic concentration range. Compounds 1 and 2 showed minimal cell membrane damaging effect using LDH leakage assay. Accordingly, compound 2 (sophoricoside, (SPH)) was selected for further in-vivo studies as a potential anti-osteoporosis agent. The anti-osteoporotic effect of SPH was assessed in ovarectomized (OVX) rats after oral administration (15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) for 45 days compared to estradiol (10 µg/kg) as a positive control. Only in a dose of 30 mg/kg, SPH regained the original mechanical bone hardness compared to normal non-osteoporotic group. However, SPH (15 mg/kg) significantly increased the level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to normal level. Treatment with SPH (30 mg/kg) increased the level of ALP to be higher than normal group. SPH (15 mg/kg) did not significantly increase the serum level of osteocalcin (OC) compared to OVX group. On the other hand, treatment with SPH (30 mg/kg) significantly increased the level of OC to 78% higher than normal non-ovarectomized animals group. In addition, SPH (15 mg/kg) decreased the bone resorption marker, acid phosphatase (ACP) to normal level and SPH (30 mg/kg) further diminished the level of serum ACP. Histopathologically, sophoricoside ameliorated the ovarectomy induced osteoporosis in a dose dependent manner. The drug showed thicker bony trabeculae, more osteoid, and more osteoblastic rimming compared to OVX group.

[Behavioral pharmacological properties of nicergoline. Effects on gross-behavior in rats and monkeys and on DRL response, CER, and CAR in rats].

PubMed

Yamamura, M; Maeda, K; Nakagawa, H; Ishida, R

1986-02-01

Whether nicergoline has psychotropic-like pharmacological properties was examined through the gross-behavioral and operant behavioral observations in rats and monkeys. In gross-behavioral observations, slight decrement of spontaneous motor activity, lying on the abdomen and relaxation of abdominal tone were observed in rats when nicergoline was administered intravenously (1 mg/kg or more) and intraperitoneally (4 mg/kg or more). However, when it was administered orally, slight decrement of spontaneous motor activity was observed only at large doses of 32 and 128 mg/kg. In monkeys, nicergoline produced decrement of spontaneous motor activity, palpebral ptosis, and lacrimation when administered intraperitoneally at doses of 1 mg/kg or more. Under a differential reinforcement of low rate (DRL) schedule for food reinforcement in rats, nicergoline depressed the response at 4 mg/kg, i.p., or 128 mg/kg, orally. In conditioned emotional response (CER), nicergoline had no effect on the responses during both the alarm and safe periods at doses of 0.25, 1, and 4 mg/kg, i.p., or 8, 32, and 128 mg/kg, p.o. In Sidman continuous avoidance response (CAR), nicergoline (0.25, 1, and 4 mg/kg, i.p., or 8, 32, and 128 mg/kg, p.o.) slightly depressed the response and increased the total shock. These results were compared with those of chlorpromazine, chlordiazepoxide, pentobarbital, and methamphetamine and the following conclusion was drawn: Inhibitory effects of nicergoline on gross and operant behaviors seem to be non-specific, and its behavioral pharmacological properties are qualitatively different from those of anti-psychotics, anti-anxietics, hypnotics, and stimulants.