Preparation of cyclodextrin nanoparticles and evaluation of its effect on the capacitation of bovine spermatozoa used in the in vitro fertilization

This study was conducted to produce nanosized cyclodextrin (NCD) and assess its effect on bovine spermatozoa during In vitro fertilization (IVF) to optimize the capacitation media for successful IVF. Therefore, Four cyclodextrin formulations were prepared and characterized. Data analysis revealed the best formula (F2) showed a smallest particle size (15 nm), zeta potential (-37 mv), and higher yield percentages (95%) was selected for spem capacitation. Motile spermatozoa were separated from frozen-thawed semen by a swim-up procedure and capacitated in IVF-TALP medium with different formulae of NCD or CD or without treatments (control) and incubated for 3hours(hr) at 38°C and evaluated every one (hr) interval. Data analysis revealed that the formulation of cyclodextrin nanoparticles (F2) after (2hr) incubation in the media gave best effect on sperm capacitation and acrosme reaction (AR) and effect of sperm treated with NCD on fertilization rate was evaluated. The results showed that the proportion of Oocytes fertilized was increased significantly in F2 (60%) than in the control (35%), and cyclodextrin group (50%) groups (p<0.05). It could be inferred from this investigation that cyclodextrin nanoparticles can be used for biomedical interventions in bovine spermatozoa. NCD improve sperm motility, viability, and (AR), also fertilization rate of sperm treated with NCD increase. So NCD gave positive effect on sperm functions during IVF.

Focal brain trauma in the cryogenic lesion model in mice

The method to induce unilateral cryogenic lesions was first described in 1958 by Klatzo. We describe here an adaptation of this model that allows reliable measurement of lesion volume and vasogenic edema by 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride-staining and Evans blue extravasation in mice. A copper or aluminium cylinder with a tip diameter of 2.5 mm is cooled with liquid nitrogen and placed on the exposed skull bone over the parietal cortex (coordinates from bregma: 1.5 mm posterior, 1.5 mm lateral). The tip diameter and the contact time between the tip and the parietal skull determine the extent of cryolesion. Due to an early damage of the blood brain barrier, the cryogenic cortical injury is characterized by vasogenic edema, marked brain swelling, and inflammation. The lesion grows during the first 24 hours, a process involving complex interactions between endothelial cells, immune cells, cerebral blood flow, and the intracranial pressure. These contribute substantially to the damage from the initial injury. The major advantage of the cryogenic lesion model is the circumscribed and highly reproducible lesion size and location

Risk Factors Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment аmong Apparently Healthy People and the Role of MicroRNAs

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal ageing and the serious decline of dementia. AIM: To identify risk factors and role of miRNAs associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among employees. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 186 employees aged between 40 and 65 years. Cognitive function was evaluated using ACEIII, MoCA, and Quick cognitive tests. Medical history and lifestyle were assessed. Family 132 & 134 miRNA expressions were assessed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: MCI was detected among 14 / 186 (7.5%). miRNA 132 expression was the only significant miRNAs to detect MCI with low sensitivity and specificity (70%). The logistic analysis revealed that higher miRNA132 expressions, low monthly intake of; vegetables, unroasted nuts, low education and higher ALT levels were predicting factors for MCI with AOR 1.1 (1.01-3.3), 1.2 (1.04-1.43), 0.8 (0.8-0.98), 2.7 (1.9-7.4) and 1.6 (1.1-2.3) respectively. CONCLUSION: MiRNAs expression showed low sensitivity and specificity in detecting MCI; only miRNA 132 might be used. Several modifiable factors seem to reduce the risk of MCI

An experimental protocol for mimicking pathomechanisms of traumatic brain injury in mice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a result of an outside force causing immediate mechanical disruption of brain tissue and delayed pathogenic events. In order to examine injury processes associated with TBI, a number of rodent models to induce brain trauma have been described. However, none of these models covers the entire spectrum of events that might occur in TBI. Here we provide a thorough methodological description of a straightforward closed head weight drop mouse model to assess brain injuries close to the clinical conditions of human TBI

Prostacyclin reverses platelet stress fibre formation causing platelet aggregate instability

Prostacyclin (PGI2) modulates platelet activation to regulate haemostasis. Evidence has emerged to suggest that thrombi are dynamic structures with distinct areas of differing platelet activation. It was hypothesised that PGI2 could reverse platelet spreading by actin cytoskeletal modulation, leading to reduced capability of platelet aggregates to withstand a high shear environment. Our data demonstrates that post-flow of PGI2 over activated and spread platelets on fibrinogen, identified a significant reduction in platelet surface area under high shear. Exploration of the molecular mechanisms underpinning this effect revealed that PGI2 reversed stress fibre formation in adherent platelets, reduced platelet spreading, whilst simultaneously promoting actin nodule formation. The effects of PGI2 on stress fibres were mimicked by the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin and prevented by inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA). Stress fibre formation is a RhoA dependent process and we found that treatment of adherent platelets with PGI2 caused inhibitory phosphorylation of RhoA, reduced RhoA GTP-loading and reversal of myosin light chain phosphorylation. Phospho-RhoA was localised in actin nodules with PKA type II and a number of other phosphorylated PKA substrates. This study demonstrates that PGI2 can reverse key platelet functions after their initial activation and identifies a novel mechanism for controlling thrombosis

Comparison between the Accuracy of Endoanal Ultrasonography and Body Coil MRI in Preoperative Assessment of Internal Opening of Perianal Fistula Complex

Abstract Background and Aim: Surgery for anal fistula is a commonly performed practice. Integral part of fistula surgery is identification of the internal opening if high recurrence rate is to be diminished. In this study, accuracy of endoanal ultrasound versus body coil M.R.I in detection of the internal fistula opening was evaluated by comparing both modalities with the intra operative findings as a standard reference