Abstract In this study we extracted hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) from safflower and investigate its preventive effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) in rats. HSYA with 89.78% purity was extracted from safflower. Ninety rats were divided into sham-operated, model, low-dose HSYA, high-dose HSYA and nimodipine groups. The CIRI model was established in latter three groups. After 30 min from ischemia beginning, the low-dose and high-dose HSYA groups were treated with 2 and 4 mg/kg HSYA via tail-vein injection, respectively. The nimodipine group was treated with 2 mg/kg nimodipine. Results showed that, at 24 h after ischemia, compared with model group, in high-dose HSYA and nimodipine groups the neurological symptom score was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the brain water content was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the brain infarction area percentage was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the brain tissue phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB) p65 protein expression levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HSYA can inhibit the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway and reduce the inflammatory response, thus exerting the preventive effect on CIRI in rats.

ABSTRACT Heat stress induces oxidative stress, and reduces body antioxidant metabolite levels, which can affect poultry production performance. Dietary antioxidants protect birds against the adverse effects of heat stress. The effects of increasing concentrations of dietary curcumin on the antioxidant parameters of layers maintained under high-temperature conditions for nine weeks were evaluated. Roman laying hens (n = 336, 22 weeks old, 1420 g BW) were divided into three treatment groups. The first group served as a thermoneutral control (kept at 25 ± 1 °C). The second group was exposed to high temperatures (32 ± 1 °C, 6 h/d), given a basal diet. The third group was further divided into five treatment groups (100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mg/kg Curcumin) fed a basal diet (treatments H1, H2, H3, H4, H5) under high temperatures conditions (32 ± 1 °C, 6 hours/day). As a result of this study, total superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher in H2 and H3 groups, and total antioxidant capacity was higher in H2, H3, and H5 groups. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly higher in the H3 group. Malondialdehyde concentration was lowered in curcumin supplemented hens compared with control groups hens. Laying hens in all curcumin treatment groups had slightly higher activities of CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC in the liver, heart, and lungs, compared with heat stressed control group. It was concluded that dietary curcumin given to laying hens under heat stress may enhance their antioxidant status, and alleviate the detrimental effects of stressful environmental conditions.

Abstract Purpose: To establish a new rat model, the pathogenesis of which is closer to the clinical occurrence of chronic obstructive jaundice with liver fibrosis. Methods: 90 SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A common bile duct ligation, group B common bile duct injection compont and group C injection saline. The serum of three groups was extracted, and the liver function was detected by ELISA. HE staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect liver pathology. Results: Group B showed a fluctuant development of jaundice, obstructive degree reached a peak at 2 weeks, and decreased from 3 weeks. HA, LA and PCIII were significantly higher than control group. 3 weeks after surgery, liver tissue fibrosis occurred in group B, and a wide range of fiber spacing was formed at 5 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed that hepatic stellate cells were more active than the control group. Conclusion: Intra-biliary injection of Compont gel is different from the classic obstructive jaundice animal model caused by classic bile duct ligation, which can provide an ideal rat model of chronic obstructive jaundice with liver fibrosis.

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate whether resveratrol (RES) could inhibit NF-κB activity and protect in vitro cultured chicken lymphocytes from apoptosis induced by continuous LPS stimulation. Blood lymphocytes of chickens were collected and cultured. LPS was added to the samples of treatment group, while the same volume of normal saline (NS) was supplemented to those of the control group. In the treatment groups, four different concentrations of RES (0, 20, 40, and 80 µg/ml) were admixed. Then, the following indicators were tested: lymphocyte apoptotic rate, lymphocyte viability, NF-κB activity, TNF-a level, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Fas/FasL and Caspase-8). The results indicated that the application of different concentrations of RES could significantly increase the viability of lymphocytes and decrease the apoptotic rate (p<0.05) after continuous stimulations by LPS. The activity of NF-κB levels of TNF-a and ROS in the RES treatment subgroups was significantly decreased in comparison with that in the RES-blank subgroup (p<0.05). The cells in the treatment group that had been treated with 20, 40 and 80 μl/ml of RES exhibited a significantly lower Fas and Caspase-8 expression level than that in the RES-blank subgroup (p<0.05). These findings revealed that RES could substantially diminish the concentrations of ROS and TNF-a, down-regulate NF-κB activity, decrease the expression of Fas and Caspase-8, stimulate the activity of peripheral lymphocytes, and lower the rate of their apoptosis, induced by continuous LPS stimulation in chicken lymphocyte cultures.

Resumo Fundamentos: A antraciclina gera uma disfunção ventricular esquerda progressiva associada a um prognóstico ruim. Objetivos: O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar se a análise layer específico de strain poderia avaliar disfunção ventricular esquerda subclínica após exposição a antraciclina. Métodos: Foram inscritos quarenta e dois sobreviventes tratados com antraciclina por linfoma não Hodgkin de células B grandes, de 55,83 ± 17,92 anos (grupo de quimioterapia) e 27 voluntários saudáveis, de 51,39 ± 13,40 anos (grupo controle). A dose cumulativa de epirrubicina no grupo de quimioterapia foi de 319,67 ± 71,71 mg/m2. O tempo desde a última dose de epirrubicina até o exame ecocardiográfico foi de 52,92 ± 22,32 meses. Analisaram-se o strain longitudinal global (GLS), o circunferencial (GCS) e o strain radial (GRS), os valores das camadas subendocárdica, média e subepicárdica so strain longitudinal (LS-ENDO, LS-MID, LS-EPI) e do strain circunferencial (CS-ENDO, CS-MID, CS-EPI). O gradiente de strain transmural foi calculado como a diferença no strain sistólico pico entre as camadas subendocárdicas e subepicárdicas. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Os parâmetros convencionais da função sistólica e diastólica não mostraram diferenças significativas entre dois grupos. Comparados aos controles, os pacientes apresentaram GCS e GLS significativamente menores. A análise de speckle tracking multi-layer mostrou uma redução significativa no strain circunferencial da camada subendocárdica, o gradiente transmural CS e o strain longitudinal das três camadas. Em contraste, os dois grupos não diferiram no gradiente de strain longitudinal transmural e de strain radiais. Conclusões: Provou-se a deterioração preferencial do strain subendocárdico em sobreviventes de longa duração após exposição à antraciclina. O ecocardiograma de speckle tracking multi-layer pode facilitar o acompanhamento longitudinal dessa coorte de pacientes em risco. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2018; 110(3):219-228)

Abstract Background: Anthracycline generates progressive left ventricular dysfunction associated with a poor prognosis. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether layer-specific strain analysis could assess the subclinical left ventricular dysfunction after exposure to anthracycline. Methods: Forty-two anthracycline-treated survivors of large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, aged 55.83 ± 17.92 years (chemotherapy group) and 27 healthy volunteers, aged 51.39 ± 13.40 years (control group) were enrolled. The cumulative dose of epirubicin in chemotherapy group was 319.67 ± 71.71mg/m2. The time from last dose of epirubicin to the echocardiographic examination was 52.92 ± 22.32 months. Global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS) and radial strain (GRS), subendocardial, mid and subepicardial layer of longitudinal (LS-ENDO, LS-MID, LS-EPI) and circumferential strain (CS-ENDO, CS-MID, CS-EPI) values were analyzed. Transmural strain gradient was calculated as differences in peak systolic strain between the subendocardial and subepicardial layers. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Conventional parameters of systolic and diastolic function showed no significant difference between two groups. Compared with controls, patients had significantly lower GCS and GLS. Multi-layer speckle tracking analysis showed significant reduction of circumferential strain of subendocardial layer, transmural CS gradient and longitudinal strain of all three layers. In contrast, the two groups did not differ in transmural longitudinal strain gradient and radial strains. Conclusions: It proved the preferential impairment of subendocardial deformation in long-term survivors after exposure to anthracycline. Multi-layer speckle tracking echocardiography might facilitate the longitudinal follow-up of this at-risk patient cohort.

ABSTRACT The carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) is an important nuclear factor that regulates glycolysis and de novo lipogenesis. However, the role of ChREBP in fatty liver development in geese remains unclear. In order to understand the function of ChREBP in lipid metabolism of geese, we first cloned the complete cDNA of the ChREBP of the Sichuan White goose (Anser cygnoides) using RT-PCR, 5’ RACE and 3’ RACE, and analyzed goose ChREBP expression in nine different tissues using real-time PCR technology. The results showed that the goose ChREBP CDS consists of 945bp nucleotides that encode 314 amino acids, and the sequence has high similarities with the swan goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus) and duck (Anas platyrhynchos) sequences, both at the nucleotide and amino acid levels. The predicted ChREBP protein had a molecular mass of 35.64 kDa with pI value of 5.36. The phylogenetic analysis indicated its evolutionary relationships with corresponding orthologous sequences in swan geese and ducks. The qPCR assays revealed that ChREBP is highly expressed in liver in the Sichuan White goose. Together, these results indicate that goose ChREBP may play an important role in the development of hepatic steatosis.

Fewer studies have assessed the outdoor cultivation of Spirulina maxima compared with S. platensis, although the protein content of S. maxima is higher than S. platensis. Spirulina growth medium requires an increased amount of NaHCO3, Na2CO3, and NaNO3, which increases the production cost. Therefore, the current study used a low-cost but high-efficiency biomass production medium (Medium M-19) after testing 33 different media. The medium depth of 25 cm (group A) was sub-divided into A1 (50% cover with a black curtain (PolyMax, 12 oz ultra-blackout), A2 (25% cover), and A3 (no cover). Similarly the medium depths of 30 and 35 cm were categorized as groups B (B1, B2, and B3) and C (C1, C2, and C3), respectively, and the effects of depth and surface light availability on growth and biomass production were assessed. The highest biomass production was 2.05 g L-1 in group A2, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in all other groups and sub-groups. Spirulina maxima died in B1 and C1 on the fifth day of culture. The biochemical composition of the biomass obtained from A2 cultures, including protein, carbohydrate, lipid, moisture, and ash, was 56.59%, 14.42%, 0.94%, 5.03%, and 23.02%, respectively. Therefore, S. maxima could be grown outdoors with the highest efficiency in urea-enriched medium at a 25-cm medium depth with 25% surface cover or uncovered.

Recent evidence indicates that a deficiency of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) may influence asthma pathogenesis; however, its roles in regulating specific molecular transcription mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the expression and enzyme activity of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and its synergistic effects with dexamethasone (Dx) in the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine secretion in a rat asthma model. Healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, asthma, 1,25(OH)2D3 pretreatment, 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, Dx treatment, and Dx and 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Pulmonary inflammation was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge (OVA/OVA). Inflammatory cells and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and histological changes in lung tissue were examined. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and HDAC2 expression levels were assessed with Western blot analyses and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Enzyme activity measurements and immunohistochemical detection of HDAC2 were also performed. Our data demonstrated that 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced the airway inflammatory response and the level of inflammatory cytokines in BAL. Although NF-κB p65 expression was attenuated in the pretreatment and treatment groups, the expression and enzyme activity of HDAC2 were increased. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 and Dx had synergistic effects on the suppression of total cell infusion, cytokine release, and NF-κB p65 expression, and they also increased HDAC2 expression and activity in OVA/OVA rats. Collectively, our results indicated that 1,25(OH)2D3 might be useful as a novel HDAC2 activator in the treatment of asthma.

O objetivo deste estudo é desenvolver um método simples e específico de HPLC usando vitexina como padrão interno para investigar a farmacocinética do isoquercitrina (ISOQ) após três doses diferentes administradas por via intravenosa a ratos. Os parâmetros farmacocinéticos foram calculados pelas abordagens compartimental e não compartimental. Os resultados mostraram que ISOQ se encaixa no modelo de três compartimentos. Os valores de AUC aumentaram proporcionalmente na faixa de 5-10 mg·kg-1. Além disso, a meia-vida, b meia-vida, ªCL, MRT0-t and MRT0→∞ de ISOQ em ratos mostraram diferenças significativas entre 20 mg·kg-1 e outras doses, o que significa que ISOQ apresenta farmacocinética dose-dependente no intervalo de 5-10 mg·kg-1 e farmacocinética não linear em doses mais elevadas.

The aim of this study is to develop a simple and specific HPLC method using vitexin as the internal standard to investigate the pharmacokinetics of isoquercitrin (ISOQ) after three different doses administrated intravenously to rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by both compartmental and non-compartmental approaches. The results showed that ISOQ fitted a three-compartment open model. The values of AUC increased proportionally within the range of 5-10 mg·kg-1. Moreover, a half-life, b half-life, ªCL, MRT0-t and MRT0→∞ of ISOQ in rats showed significant differences between 20 mg·kg-1 and other doses, indicating that ISOQ presented dose-dependent pharmacokinetics in the range of 5-10 mg·kg-1 and non-linear pharmacokinetics at higher doses.

English grain aphid (EGA, Sitobion avenae Fabricius) is an important pest in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). To develop EGA-resistant varieties, introducing the desirable genes from related species is regarded as an efficient avenue. In this study, the F1, F2 and F3 plants derived from the cross of EGA-susceptible wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng ex Kuo amphiploid (PHW-SA, AABBDDNsNs) and EGA-resistant triticale (Zhongsi 828, AABBRR) were analyzed for EGA resistance. Consequently, PHW-SA was moderately susceptible while Zhongsi 828 and their F1 hybrids were immune, suggesting that the resistance is dominant. All the F2 plants showed high resistance or immunity over two years, indicating that EGA resistance genes are more likely carried by the rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosomes rather than the genomes A or B of Zhongsi 828. In the F3 generation, 25 of 239 lines became susceptible. Giemsa C-banding patterns revealed that these F3 lines had 38-40 chromosomes, including complete rye genome except 5R (and 2R in five lines). Genomic in situ hybridization analysis confirmed this result. During meiosis, all the chromosomes formed bivalents. Six bivalents in 20 lines and five bivalents in five lines were characterized from rye. In contrast, their F2 parental lines had 42 chromosomes (21 bivalents), containing 1R-7R of rye. No P. huashanica chromosomes were detected. Therefore, we propose that the rye chromosome 5R may be related to EGA resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining artemether (AM) and praziquantel (PZQ) in different regimens for treating acute schistosomiasis japonica. METHODS: We undertook a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial within four specialized schistosomiasis hospitals in the Dongting Lake region, Hunan province, China, between May 2003 and December 2005. Study participants were randomized into one of four treatment regimes: group A received 60 mg/kg PZQ + 6 mg/kg AM; group B received 60 mg/kg PZQ + AM placebo; group C received 120 mg/kg PZQ + 6 mg/kg AM; and group D received 120 mg/kg PZQ + AM placebo. All participants were followed up over a 45-day period. The primary endpoint of the trial was human infection status (determined by positive stool examination). Secondary endpoints involved clinical observations and blood biochemistry, including monitoring haemoglobin and alanine aminotransferase levels over time. FINDINGS: Treatment efficacies of the four different treatment regimens were 98.0%, 96.4%, 97.7% and 95.7% for group A, B, C, and D respectively (P > 0.05). The group B had a greater treatment efficacy (96.4%) than the group D (95.7%) (P > 0.05). Group A treatment was better for clearance of fever (P < 0.05) and resulted in a shorter hospitalization time (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for evaluating combined chemotherapy with AM and two different dosages (60 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg) of PZQ in the treatment of acute schistosomiasis japonica in China. The combination of AM and PZQ chemotherapy did not improve treatment efficacy compared with PZQ alone. PZQ given as a dosage of 60 mg/kg (1 day, 3 × 20 mg/kg doses at 4-5 hour intervals) may be as effective as a dosage of 120 mg/kg (6 days, 20 mg/kg for each day split into 3 doses at 4-5 hour intervals).

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la combinación de artemetero (AM) y prazicuantel (PZQ) en diferentes posologías para tratar la esquistosomiasis japonesa aguda. MÉTODOS: Entre mayo de 2003 y diciembre de 2005 se realizó un ensayo aleatorizado a doble ciego controlado con placebo en cuatro hospitales especializados en la esquistosomiasis de la región del lago Dongting, en la provincia china de Hunan. Los participantes en el estudio se repartieron aleatoriamente entre cuatro grupos sometidos a distintas pautas de tratamiento: el grupo A recibió 60 mg/kg PZQ + 6 mg/kg AM; el grupo B, 60 mg/kg PZQ + placebo de AM; el grupo C, 120 mg/kg PZQ + 6 mg/kg AM; y el grupo D, 120 mg/kg PZQ + placebo de AM. Todos los participantes fueron sometidos a seguimiento durante un periodo de 45 días. El criterio principal de valoración empleado en el ensayo fue la presencia de la infección (examen coproparasitoscópico positivo). Como criterios secundarios de valoración se emplearon los resultados de la exploración clínica y de los análisis bioquímicos sanguíneos, en particular la evolución de los niveles de hemoglobina y de alanina-aminotransferasa. RESULTADOS: La eficacia de las cuatro pautas de tratamiento fue del 98,0%, 96,4%, 97,7% y 95,7% para los grupos A, B, C y D, respectivamente (p > 0,05). La eficacia fue mayor en el grupo B (98%) que en el D (95,7%) (p > 0,05). El tratamiento recibido por el grupo A eliminó más eficazmente la fiebre (p < 0,05) y acortó el tiempo de hospitalización (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: Este es el primer trabajo publicado sobre un ensayo aleatorizado a doble ciego controlado con placebo destinado a evaluar la antibioticoterapia combinada con AM y dos posologías diferentes (60 mg/kg y 120 mg/kg) de PZQ como tratamiento de la esquistosomiasis japonesa aguda en China. La combinación de AM y PZQ no mejoró la eficacia del tratamiento en comparación con el uso aislado de PZQ. El PZQ administrado en dosis de 60 mg/kg (1 día, 3 tomas de 20 mg/kg a intervalos de 4-5 horas) puede ser tan eficaz como en dosis de 120 mg/kg (6 días, 20 mg/kg cada día repartidos en 3 tomas a intervalos de 4-5 horas)

OBJECTIF: Evaluer l'innocuité et l'efficacité de l'association artéméther (AM)/praziquantel (PZQ) dans le cadre de différents schémas thérapeutiques contre la schistosomiase asiatique aiguë. MÉTHODES: Nous avons entrepris un essai contrôlé randomisé en double aveugle dans quatre hôpitaux spécialisés dans la schistosomiase de la région du lac de Dongting, dans la province du Hunan, en Chine, entre mai 2003 et décembre 2005. Aux participants à l'étude, on a affecté au hasard l'un des quatre schémas thérapeutiques suivants : le groupe A a reçu 60 mg/kg de PZQ + 6 mg/kg d'AM ; le groupe B a reçu 60 mg/kg de PZQ + placebo de l'AM ; le groupe C a reçu 120 mg/kg de PZQ + 6 mg/kg d'AM ; et le groupe D a reçu 120 mg/kg de PZQ + placebo de l'AM. Tous les participants ont été suivis sur une période de 45 jours. La principale mesure de résultat pour l'essai était le statut infectieux des sujets (déterminé par le résultat de l'examen de selles). Parmi les mesures de résultat secondaires, figuraient des observations cliniques et des analyses biochimiques du sang, notamment la surveillance des taux d'hémoglobine et d'alanine aminotransférase au cours du temps. RÉSULTATS: L'efficacité du traitement par les quatre schémas thérapeutiques était respectivement de 98,0 %, 96,4 %, 97,7 % et 95,7 % pour les groupes A, B, C et D (p > 0,05). Le traitement du groupe B s'est révélé plus efficace (98 %) que celui du groupe D (95,7 %) (p > 0,05). Le traitement du groupe A a permis une meilleure élimination de la fièvre (p < 0,05) et une durée d'hospitalisation plus courte (p < 0,05). CONCLUSION: C'est la première fois qu'on rapporte un essai contrôlé randomisé en double aveugle visant à évaluer l'association médicamenteuse AM/PZQ et deux doses différentes (60 et 120 mg/kg) de PZQ dans le traitement de la schistosomiase asiatique aiguë en Chine. Le recours à l'association médicamenteuse AM/PZQ n'a pas amélioré l'efficacité du traitement par rapport à l'administration de PZQ seul. Le PZQ pourrait être aussi efficace à la dose de 60 mg/kg (sur une journée, 3 doses de 20 mg/kg à 4-5 heures d'intervalle) qu'à celle de 120 mg/kg (sur 6 jours, 20 mg/kg chaque jour, répartis en 3 doses à 4-5 heures d'intervalle).

We have investigated the low-temperature (T < Tc=10) mixed-state current-voltage (IV) response of magnesium diboride films beyond the point where the superconductivity is completely destroyed and the system enters the normal state. The resistance-versus-current R(I) curves are extremely steep and featureless, with a critical current density j c, marking the onset of dissipation, that is unusually high (j c>j d/10) with respect to the depairing current density j d. At large flux densities Hc2/10 $\lessim$ B $\lessim$Hc2, the R(I) curve has a functional shape that is largely independent of B, indicating that the rise in resistivity with increasing current occurs mainly due to pair-breaking rather than flux motion. The macroscopic destruction current I*, which drives the system normal, has a B/Hc2: $\sqrt{B/H_{c2}}$ flux-density dependence, suggesting that the vortices mainly reduce the effective cross section over which a current of effective density j ~ j d flows.