Hasil untuk "Physiology"

Mangesh Vaidya, V. R. Patodkar, Prajakta Kuralkar et al.

Livestock-generated methane, particularly from cattle, was a significant contributor to climate change. Methane emissions from ruminant animals, such as cows and sheep, are primarily caused by the microbial fermentation of food in their digestive systems, a process known as enteric fermentation by making this process a prime source of greenhouse gas emissions in animal production. Considerable knowledge gaps existed in animal agriculture regarding effective strategies for mitigating these emissions while maintaining productivity. A key factor was the uncertainty surrounding methods for estimating emission rates, each having inherent limitations. For example, the suitability of the GreenFeed system varied based on specific experiment objectives. Compared to respiration chambers and the sulfur hexafluoride tracer method, the The GreenFeed system often required more time and a larger number of animals for treatment comparisons due to higher within-day variances. It measured numerous short-term methane emissions from individual animals at various times throughout the day over several days. Recent advancements focused on improving accuracy, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, essential for better monitoring of greenhouse gases. Traditional methods, such as respiration chambers, while accurate, were costly and impractical for field measurements. The GreenFeed system’s software facilitated control over feed availability timing and CH4 measurement allocation. Therefore, careful planning was necessary to ensure accurate estimates of methane production. This review emphasized the need for effective measurement techniques to mitigate methane emissions from livestock.

Yaschilal Muche Belayneh, Getnet Mengistu, Kidan Hailay

Background: Liver disease is any disease that negatively affects the normal function of the liver, and it is a major health problem that challenges not only healthcare professionals, but also the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulatory agencies. Similarly, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among children under five globally next to pneumonia. The available synthetic drugs for the treatment of liver disorders and diarrhoea have limited safety and efficacy. Objective: To evaluate the in vivo hepatoprotective and antidiarrheal activities of hydroalcoholic leaf and fruit extracts of Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) in mice. Methods: Hepatoprotective activity of the extracts was evaluated by using CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in mice model. In this model, mice were divided into groups and treated as follows. The normal control and toxicant control groups were treated with the vehicle used for reconstitution, the positive control was treated with the standard drug (silymarin), and the test groups were treated with different doses of plant extracts daily in the morning for seven days. Additionally, all groups except the normal control were treated with CCl4 (2 mg/kg, IP) on the 4th day of treatment, 30 min post-dose. On the 7th day, blood was collected from each mouse via a cardiac puncture. The collected blood was centrifuged, and serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP were determined using an automated chemistry analyser. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post-hoc test.The antidiarrheal activity of the extract was investigated using castor oil-induced diarrhoea, enteropooling, and small intestine transit. The test groups received various doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of the extract, whereas the positive control received loperamide (3 mg/kg), and the negative control received the vehicle (distilled water, 10 ml/kg). Result: Hepatoprotective activity: The leaf and fruit crude extracts showed significant improvement in the body weight and liver weight of mice compared to the untreated toxicant control. Additionally, treatment with hydromethanol leaf and fruit extracts caused a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in liver biomarkers compared to the toxicant control. Similarly, the n-butanol and chloroform fractions of the fruit extract caused a significant reduction (P < 0.01) in serum AST, ALT, ALP and Bilirubin levels and a significant (P < 0.001) increase in total protein compared to the toxicant control. However, none of the three solvent fractions (n-butanol, chloroform, and aqueous) of the fruit extract significantly affected (P > 0.05) the level of albumin compared with the toxicant control.Antidiarrheal activity: In the castor oil-induced diarrheal model, the 80 % methanol extract delayed the onset of defaecation and significantly reduced the number and weight of faeces at all tested doses compared to the negative control. In the enteropooling test, 80 ME significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the weight and volume of intestinal fluid at all tested doses compared with the negative control. Results from the charcoal meal test revealed that the extracts produced a significant anti-motility effect at all tested doses compared with the negative control. Conclusion: This study confirmed the hepatoprotective and antidiarrheal activities of hydroalcoholic extracts. The highest test dose produced the maximum hepatoprotective and antidiarrheal activities in all models.

Lauren E. Eagan, Sara E. Mascone, Catalina A. Chesney et al.

Abstract African Americans (AA) have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) as compared to their White (W) counterparts. CVD is characterized by increased blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness and systemic inflammation. An acute inflammatory stimulus may explain physiological manifestations responsible for amplified CVD in AA that are not apparent at rest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate central and peripheral BP, central and local arterial stiffness, and indices of pulse wave morphology in young healthy AA and W participants in response to acute inflammation. Concentrations of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and measures of central and peripheral BP, central arterial stiffness (carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV)), local carotid arterial stiffness (β‐stiffness, elastic modulus (Ep)), and indices of pulse wave morphology were assessed in 28 participants (21 ± 2 years, AA: n = 11) at baseline (BL), 24 h and 48 h post‐inflammation. Changes in IL‐6 concentrations (ΔIL‐6) were significantly greater at 24 h as compared to 48 h post‐inflammation (0.652 ± 0.644 vs. −0.146 ± 0.532 pg/μl, P ≤ 0.0001). Among AA participants, central and peripheral diastolic BP were significantly decreased at 24 h post‐inflammation as compared to BL (aortic diastolic BP: −4 ± 4 mmHg, P = 0.016; brachial diastolic BP: −4 ± 4 mmHg, P = 0.014). AA participants also experienced a significant decrease in central and peripheral mean arterial BP at 48 h post‐inflammation as compared to BL (aortic mean arterial pressure: −4 ± 4 mmHg, P = 0.009; brachial mean arterial pressure: −4 ± 4 mmHg, P = 0.012). Despite haemodynamic changes, there were no differences in central or local carotid arterial stiffness or indices of pulse wave morphology.

Andrea Williamson, Chris G. Carter, M. Basseer Codabaccus et al.

Abstract The present study successfully combined a stoichiometric bioenergetic approach with an endpoint stochastic model to simultaneously determine specific dynamic action, metabolic substrate use and whole-body protein synthesis in juvenile slipper lobster Thenus australiensis. Juvenile lobsters were fasted for 48 h to investigate routine metabolism before receiving a single meal of formulated feed containing 1% 15N-labeled Spirulina. Postprandial oxygen consumption rate, dissolved inorganic carbon, and total nitrogen excretion returned to the pre-feeding level within 24 h. The rate of whole-body protein synthesis was 0.76 ± 0.15 mg CP g−1 day−1, with a significant reduction from 24 to 48 h post-feeding. The postprandial increase in whole-body protein synthesis accounted for 13–19% of total oxygen uptake. Protein was the primary energy substrate for 48 h fasted (45% oxygen consumption) and post-feeding lobster (44%), suggesting that dietary protein was not efficiently used for growth. The secondary energy substrate differed between carbohydrates in 48 h fasted and lipids in post-feeding lobsters. The present study recommends integrating protein synthesis into protein requirement experiments of marine ectotherms to acquire a more comprehensive picture of protein and energy metabolism and nutritional physiology crucial for formulating cost-effective aquafeeds.

Noorleta Putri Rizky, Jaladara Vena, Supriyati Supriyati

The mining sector presents various risks that can contribute to the spread of Covid-19, such as confined work areas and high worker mobility. The Indonesian government has made several efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including the implementation of health protocols as mitigation measures in workplaces. Employee compliance is a crucial factor in the successful implementation of health protocols in the workplace. The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinant factors of employee compliance in implementing Covid-19 health protocols at Company X. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2022 with a self-administered questionnaire. The sample of the study was drawn from mining workers in Company X as research subjects. The finding reveals that out of 185 respondents, 91.4% exhibited high compliance in implementing health protocols in the workplace. There is a relationship between knowledge, attitude, company support, vaccination history, and the level of employee compliance in implementing health protocols in the working environment of Company X. This study revealed that company support was the most dominant factor influencing worker compliance. Therefore, good company support is necessary for ensuring employees’ safety and health compliance behavior.

DAN ZGARDAN, IRINA MITINA, VALENTIN MITIN et al.

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are considered one of the most common wine spoilage microorganisms. They are still difficult to cultivate on laboratory media, which highlights the importance of alternative methods of detection of these bacteria. The goal of this work was development and testing of a fast and reliable Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)-based method for easy detection of AAB in wine. We designed two primer sets for RT-PCR for detection of AAB and compared the results obtained using these primers with those obtained using a commercial kit. The results obtained using home designed primers showed good correlation with the results, obtained with the commercial screening kit.

Melinda Hersey, Melissa Reneaux, Shane N. Berger et al.

Abstract Background Stress-induced mental illnesses (mediated by neuroinflammation) pose one of the world’s most urgent public health challenges. A reliable in vivo chemical biomarker of stress would significantly improve the clinical communities’ diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to illnesses, such as depression. Methods Male and female C57BL/6J mice underwent a chronic stress paradigm. We paired innovative in vivo serotonin and histamine voltammetric measurement technologies, behavioral testing, and cutting-edge mathematical methods to correlate chemistry to stress and behavior. Results Inflammation-induced increases in hypothalamic histamine were co-measured with decreased in vivo extracellular hippocampal serotonin in mice that underwent a chronic stress paradigm, regardless of behavioral phenotype. In animals with depression phenotypes, correlations were found between serotonin and the extent of behavioral indices of depression. We created a high accuracy algorithm that could predict whether animals had been exposed to stress or not based solely on the serotonin measurement. We next developed a model of serotonin and histamine modulation, which predicted that stress-induced neuroinflammation increases histaminergic activity, serving to inhibit serotonin. Finally, we created a mathematical index of stress, S i and predicted that during chronic stress, where S i is high, simultaneously increasing serotonin and decreasing histamine is the most effective chemical strategy to restoring serotonin to pre-stress levels. When we pursued this idea pharmacologically, our experiments were nearly identical to the model’s predictions. Conclusions This work shines the light on two biomarkers of chronic stress, histamine and serotonin, and implies that both may be important in our future investigations of the pathology and treatment of inflammation-induced depression.

Sai Sailesh Kumar G , Namit Garg , Nitu Kumari et al.

Background: It is hypothesized that electrical vestibular stimulation may be an effective adjunctive therapy in the management of Temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of electrical vestibular nerve stimulation (VeNS) in the management of pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 male and female participants newly diagnosed with TMD were recruited after obtaining the written informed consent. VeNS was administered for 4 weeks. Each daily session was for an hour (1 h), with three sessions being carried out each week. The pain was assessed using a numerical pain rating scale. The JFLS-8 is a short form for measuring global functional limitations of the jaw. The DASS-21 questionnaire is comprised of three self-reported scales to measure negative emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress. Results: Age, height, weight and, BMI were not significantly different between the control and intervention groups (Table 1). There was a significant decrease in the pain score in the intervention group when compared with the control group (P<0.001). Jaw function score was significantly improved followed by the intervention in the intervention group (P<0.001). Depression scores were significantly decreased followed by the intervention in the intervention group (P<0.001). Anxiety scores were significantly decreased followed by the intervention in the intervention group (P<0.001). Stress scores were significantly decreased followed by the intervention in the intervention group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The study introduced new technology that is electrical VeNS for the management of pain. Electrical vestibular stimulation is effective in the management of pain and decreases the negative emotions that are depression, anxiety, and stress, and improves sleep quality in patients with temporomandibular disorders. The study recommends further detailed studies in this area to recommend electrical vestibular stimulation as adjunctive therapy for the management of pain.

Sazonov Fedor

The results of the study of the black currant varieties collection of FSBSI FRC of Horticulture, located in the Bryansk region, by large-fruiting are presented. Genetic sources have been identified for inclusion in the breeding process to increase the average weight of berries (Lentyai, Titania, Gamayun, Dobry Gin, Podarok Veteranam, Podarok Astakhova, Kudmig, Debryansk, Bryanskiy Agat, Dar Smolyaninovoy, Kudesnik, and others). The most productive families for the output of large-fruited seedlings are given, such as Debryansk × Dar Smolyaninovoy, Orloviya × Nara, Rita × Titania, Strelets × Partizanka Bryanskaya, 10-141-2 (Strelets × Golubichka) × Partizanka Bryanskaya. The result of well-chosen combinations of crosses was the creation of new highly productive varieties of black currant Mif, Favorit, and several selected forms.

Mousa AM, Allemailem KS, Alhumaydhi FA et al.

Ayman M Mousa,1,2 Khaled S Allemailem,1,3 Fahad A Alhumaydhi,3 Faris Alrumaihi,3 Ahmad Almatroudi,3 Ameen S Alwashmi,3 Mohammad Aljasir,3 Osamah Al Rugaie,4 Abdullah SM Aljohani,5 Khaled EA Soliman,4,6 Mohamad Y Rezk,4,7 Ahmed MS Hegazy,8,9 Hanan S Seleem4,10 1Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt; 3Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, 51452, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia; 6Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt; 7Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Al-Sharquia, 44519, Egypt; 8Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia; 9Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt; 10Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkoum, EgyptCorrespondence: Ayman M MousaDepartment of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi ArabiaTel +966 598146171Email a.mousa@qu.edu.saBackground: Ifosfamide (IFS) has potential complications such as nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis (HC). Although mesna can prevent IFS-induced cystitis by direct binding and neutralization of acrolein, HC symptoms have still been observed clinically in most of these cases. Celery is a powerful healing vegetable that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. The current study evaluated the synergistic effects of mesna and celery seed on IFS-induced HC in rabbits.Methods: Twenty male rabbits (four groups) were administered distilled water, IFS, mesna, and mesna+celery seed cotherapy (MCC) for three weeks. The serum and urinary bladder of experimental rabbits underwent biochemical (TNF-α, MDA, iNOS, SOD, GPx, and CAT), histopathological and ultrastructural investigations to evaluate the structural changes of the urinary bladder (UB).Results: IFS injection resulted in severe cystitis with a remarkable increase in the scale of hematuria, elevations of TNF-α, MDA, and iNOS activity, and reduced activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT antioxidants. Additionally, the structure of UB exhibited evident mucosal edema and ulceration. In contrast, the MCC regimen group revealed partial synergistic improvement of all mentioned parameters.Conclusion: IFS induced cystitis by releasing acrolein, which exerted a significant role in the pathogenesis of HC. In contrast, the MCC intake partially ameliorated the UB damage through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.Keywords: ifosfamide, mesna, celery, hemorrhagic cystitis, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory

Ioannis G. Lempesis, Gijs H. Goossens, Konstantinos N. Manolopoulos

Adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) is an important determinant of adipose tissue (AT) function. 133Xenon wash-out technique is considered the gold-standard for human ATBF measurements. However, decreasing 133Xenon clinical use and costly production and preservation, make alternative (non-invasive) methods necessary. Here, we explored percutaneous Doppler ultrasound as a proxy method to quantify intravascular subcutaneous abdominal and femoral ATBF in humans (n= 17). Both fasting ATBF and the postprandial increase in ATBF were significantly higher in abdominal compared to femoral AT. Although anatomical variations in vein location and depot thickness may impact feasibility, we demonstrate that Doppler ultrasound detects the expected depot-differences and postprandial increase in ATBF in healthy individuals. This method warrants further investigation in other populations and metabolic conditions.

Han Chen, Xiao-Fen Zhou, Da-Wei Zhou et al.

Abstract Background To evaluate the impact of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on intracranial pressure (ICP) in animals with different respiratory mechanics, baseline ICP and volume status. Methods A total of 50 male adult Bama miniature pigs were involved in four different protocols (n = 20, 12, 12, and 6, respectively). Under the monitoring of ICP, brain tissue oxygen tension and hemodynamical parameters, PEEP was applied in increments of 5 cm H2O from 5 to 25 cm H2O. Measurements were taken in pigs with normal ICP and normovolemia (Series I), or with intracranial hypertension (via inflating intracranial balloon catheter) and normovolemia (Series II), or with intracranial hypertension and hypovolemia (via exsanguination) (Series III). Pigs randomized to the control group received only hydrochloride instillation while the intervention group received additional chest wall strapping. Common carotid arterial blood flow before and after exsanguination at each PEEP level was measured in pigs with intracranial hypertension and chest wall strapping (Series IV). Results ICP was elevated by increased PEEP in both normal ICP and intracranial hypertension conditions in animals with normal blood volume, while resulted in decreased ICP with PEEP increments in animals with hypovolemia. Increasing PEEP resulted in a decrease in brain tissue oxygen tension in both normovolemic and hypovolemic conditions. The impacts of PEEP on hemodynamical parameters, ICP and brain tissue oxygen tension became more evident with increased chest wall elastance. Compare to normovolemic condition, common carotid arterial blood flow was further lowered when PEEP was raised in the condition of hypovolemia. Conclusions The impacts of PEEP on ICP and cerebral oxygenation are determined by both volume status and respiratory mechanics. Potential conditions that may increase chest wall elastance should also be ruled out to avoid the deleterious effects of PEEP.

Maria A. Ivanova, Arina D. Kokorina, Polina D. Timofeeva et al.

Pathological homocysteine (HCY) accumulation in the human plasma, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, exacerbates neurodegenerative diseases because, in the brain, this amino acid acts as a persistent <i>N</i>-methyl-<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">d</span>-aspartate receptor agonist. We studied the effects of 0.1–1 nM ouabain on intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling, mitochondrial inner membrane voltage (φ_mit), and cell viability in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons in glutamate and HCY neurotoxic insults. In addition, apoptosis-related protein expression and the involvement of some kinases in ouabain-mediated effects were evaluated. In short insults, HCY was less potent than glutamate as a neurotoxic agent and induced a 20% loss of φ_mit, whereas glutamate caused a 70% decrease of this value. Subnanomolar ouabain exhibited immediate and postponed neuroprotective effects on neurons. (1) Ouabain rapidly reduced the Ca²⁺ overload of neurons and loss of φ_mit evoked by glutamate and HCY that rescued neurons in short insults. (2) In prolonged 24 h excitotoxic insults, ouabain prevented neuronal apoptosis, triggering proteinkinase A and proteinkinase C dependent intracellular neuroprotective cascades for HCY, but not for glutamate. We, therefore, demonstrated here the role of PKC and PKA involving pathways in neuronal survival caused by ouabain in hyperhomocysteinemia, which suggests existence of different appropriate pharmacological treatment for hyperhomocysteinemia and glutamate excitotoxicity.

Jo Howard, Sophie A. Lee, Baba Inusa et al.

Abstract Design This randomised crossover trial compared nocturnal auto-adjusting continuous positive airway pressure (APAP) and nocturnal oxygen therapy (NOT) in adults and children with sickle cell anaemia, with patient acceptability as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included pulmonary physiology (adults), safety, and daily pain during interventions and washout documented using tablet technology. Methods Inclusion criteria were age > 8 years and the ability to use an iPad to collect daily pain data. Trial participation was 4 weeks; week 1 involved baseline data collection and week 3 was a washout between interventions, which were administered for 7 days each during weeks 2 and 4 in a randomised order. Qualitative interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed for content using a funnelling technique, starting generally and then gaining more detailed information on the experience of both interventions. Safety data included routine haematology and median pain days between each period. Missing pain day values were replaced using multiple imputation. Results Ten adults (three female, median age 30.2 years, range 18–51.5 years) and eleven children (five female, median age 12 years, range 8.7–16.9 years) enrolled. Nine adults and seven children completed interviews. Qualitative data revealed that the APAP machine was smaller, easier to handle, and less noisy. Of 16 participants, 10 preferred APAP (62.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 38.6–81.5%). Haemoglobin decreased from baseline on APAP and NOT (mean difference −3.2 g/L (95% CI −6.0 to −0.2 g/L) and −2.5 g/L (95% CI −4.6 to 0.3 g/L), respectively), but there was no significant difference between interventions (NOT versus APAP, 1.1 (−1.2 to 3.6)). Pulmonary function changed little. Compared with baseline, there were significant decreases in the median number of pain days (1.58 for APAP and 1.71 for NOT) but no significant difference comparing washout with baseline. After adjustment for carry-over and period effects, there was a non-significant median difference of 0.143 (95% CI −0.116 to 0.401) days additional pain with APAP compared with NOT. Conclusion In view of the point estimate of patient preference for APAP, and no difference in haematology or pulmonary function or evidence that pain was worse during or in washout after APAP, it was decided to proceed with a Phase II trial of 6 months APAP versus standard care with further safety monitoring for bone marrow suppression and pain. Trial registration ISRCTN46078697. Registered on 18 July 2014

Samuel Chiquita, Elisa J. Campos, João Castelhano et al.

Abstract Background It has been claimed that the retina can be used as a window to study brain disorders. However, concerning Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it still remains controversial whether changes occurring in the brain and retina are associated. We aim to understand when changes start appearing in the retina and brain, how changes progress, and if they are correlated. Methods We carried out a unique longitudinal study, at 4, 8, 12, and 16 months of age, in a triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3×Tg-AD), which mimics pathological and neurobehavioral features of AD, as we have already shown. Retinal structure and physiology were evaluated in vivo using optical coherence tomography and electroretinography. Brain visual cortex structure was evaluated in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging. Results The retinal thickness of 3×Tg-AD decreased, at all time points, except for the outer nuclear layer, where the opposite alteration was observed. Amplitudes in scotopic and photopic responses were increased throughout the study. Similarly, higher amplitude and lower phase values were observed in the photopic flicker response. No differences were found in the activity of retinal ganglion cells. Visual cortex gray matter volume was significantly reduced. Conclusions Our results show that this animal model shows similar neural changes in the retina and brain visual cortex, i.e., retinal and brain thinning. Moreover, since similar changes occur in the retina and brain visual cortex, these observations support the possibility of using the eye as an additional tool (noninvasive) for early AD diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring.

Słomka-Polonis Karolina, Kordon-Łapczyńska Bogusława, Frączek Jarosław

An experimental study was performed to determine the drying characteristics of an oversized fraction of RDF alternative fuel using a laboratory scale hot air dryer at a variety air temperatures and a constant air velocity. For this research the industrial RDF was derived from a Regional Municipal Waste Treatment Facility near the city of Kraków, Poland. The samples of RDF were prepared in two forms: ovesized (unmodified condition) and shreded in a two-drum crusher. In addition, the RDF was sorted into three groups of samples: paper, plastic, textiles. Each form of RDF and each group of samples were dried in hot air dryer at temperatures of 50, 70 i 90 °C and a constant air velocity of 1,5 [m·s-1]. The loss of the the samples mass were measured in a continues manner until the equilibrum moisture content was reached. The effective moisture diffusivity [m2·s-1] and activation energies [kJ·mol-1] was amounted. The analysis of the course of moisture content change concludes that that the drying of the RDF alternative fuel occured mainly in the II period of the process during which the transport of water content was carried out by diffusion. And, to a lesser extent, with the surface heat transfer in II period. Based on the calculated data there was a model determined which presented the best possible matching of the course of moisture content change.

Xiao-Bing Ji, Xiu-Rong Li, Hao-Ding et al.

Background: Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is critical in regulating energy metabolism. Due to the significant change in energy metabolism of myocardium upon pressure overload, we hypothesize that UCP2 could contribute to the etiology of cardiac hypertrophy. Methods: Adult male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to pressure overload by using transverse aortic constriction (TAC), and then received genipin (a UCP2 selective inhibitor; 25 mg/kg/d, ip) or vehicle for three weeks prior to histologic assessment of myocardial hypertrophy. ATP concentration, ROS level, and myocardial apoptosis were also examined. A parallel set of experiments was also conducted in UCP2-/- mice. Results: TAC induced left ventricular hypertrophy, as reflected by increased ventricular weight/thickness and increased size of myocardial cell (vs. sham controls). ATP concentration was decreased; ROS level was increased. Apoptosis and fibrosis markers were increased. TAC increased mitochondrial UCP2 expression in the myocardium at both mRNA and protein levels. Genipin treatment attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and the histologic/biochemical changes described above. Hypertrophy and associated changes induced by TAC in UCP2-/- mice were much less pronounced than in WT mice. Conclusions: Blocking UCP2 expression attenuates cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload.

Kiessoun Konaté, Kassi Yomalan, Oksana Sytar et al.

Objective: To evaluate anti-diarrhoeal and antimicrobial activities of the bioactive fraction of Trichilia emetica in order to provide a scientific basis for the management of gastroenteritis in Burkina Faso. Methods: To do this, polyphenols content of extract and fractions were investigated. Folin-Ciocalteu, AlCl3 methods and tannic acid respectively were used for polyphenols content. The in vivo antidiarrhoeal activity was done using Swiss albino mice of both sexes. In vitro antimicrobial activity (disc-diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum microbicidal concentration or minimal bactericidal concentration) was assessed using seven bacteria strains (Gram-negative and Gram-positive). Results: About our study, it was found that ethyl acetate fraction effective attenuation factior (EAF) elicits the higher total phenolics and total flavonoids contents compared to the extracts of leaves of Trichilia emetica. EAF of Trichilia emetica Vahl., has positive effects in a dose dependent manner against diarrhoea induced by castor oil in experimental mice. The bioactive fraction also showed good antimicrobial activity against all tested Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria strains. It was shown that experimental bacteria strains were more sensitive to the EAF effect compared to the ciprofloxacin. Conclusions: The obtained results allow justifying the traditional uses of Trichilia emetica and possess good antidiarrhoeal and antimicrobial activities of EAF from Trichilia emetica. Results of the present study have clearly supported the utilization of Trichilia emetica in Burkina Faso traditional medicine.

The aim of the study was to investigate the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the modern antihypertensive therapy in obese hypertensive patients. Materials and methods. The activity of leptin, adiponectin and endothelin-1 and cardiohemodynamics were studied in 61 patients with essential hypertension and obesity (body mass index 34,3±4,8 kg/m2) before and after the 12-weeks treatment with zofenopril (n=31) and nebivolol (n=29). Results. It was revealed that obese hypertensive patients had abnormal circadian profile of blood pressure (63.9%), hyperleptinemia together with the decrease of the adiponectin activity (67%), as well as the increased activity of endothelin-1 (54%). The 12-weeks therapy with zofenopril and nebivolol has resulted in the improvement of the daily profile of the arterial pressure with the achievement of the target level of the arterial pressure in 72% and 79% of patients correspondingly. The following was recorded: the decrease in the activity of leptin and endothelin-1 in both groups; upward trend of the adiponectins activity under the influence of zofenopril. Conclusion. Zofenopril and nebivolol in obese hypertensive patients in addition to the antihypertensive action reduce negative cardiometabolic effects of the activation of adipocytes and endothelin-1.

Sternberg Paul W, Ochoa Stacy, Stone Allison et al.

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Survival of an animal depends on its ability to match its responses to environmental conditions. To generate an optimal behavioral output, the nervous system must process sensory information and generate a directed motor output in response to stimuli. The nervous system should also store information about experiences to use in the future. The diverse group of free-living nematodes provides an excellent system to study macro- and microevolution of molecular, morphological and behavioral character states associated with such nervous system function. We asked whether an adaptive behavior would vary among bacterivorous nematodes and whether differences in the neurotransmitter systems known to regulate the behavior in one species would reflect differences seen in the adaptive behavior among those species. <it>Caenorhabditis elegans </it>worms slow in the presence of food; this 'basal' slowing is triggered by dopaminergic mechanosensory neurons that detect bacteria. Starved worms slow more dramatically; this 'enhanced' slowing is regulated by serotonin.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We examined seven nematode species with known phylogenetic relationship to <it>C. elegans </it>for locomotory behaviors modulated by food (<it>E. coli</it>), and by the worm's recent history of feeding (being well-fed or starved). We found that locomotory behavior in some species was modulated by food and recent feeding experience in a manner similar to <it>C. elegans</it>, but not all the species tested exhibited these food-modulated behaviors. We also found that some worms had different responses to bacteria other than <it>E. coli</it>. Using histochemical and immunological staining, we found that dopaminergic neurons were very similar among all species. For instance, we saw likely homologs of four bilateral pairs of dopaminergic cephalic and deirid neurons known from <it>C. elegans </it>in all seven species examined. In contrast, there was greater variation in the patterns of serotonergic neurons. The presence of presumptive homologs of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons in a given species did not correlate with the observed differences in locomotory behaviors.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study demonstrates that behaviors can differ significantly between species that appear morphologically very similar, and therefore it is important to consider factors, such as ecology of a species in the wild, when formulating hypotheses about the adaptive significance of a behavior. Our results suggest that evolutionary changes in locomotory behaviors are less likely to be caused by changes in neurotransmitter expression of neurons. Such changes could be caused either by subtle changes in neural circuitry or in the function of the signal transduction pathways mediating these behaviors.</p>