Alterations of serum biochemical parameters and tyrosine phosphorylation in kidney and liver of chronic stress-induced rats

Abstract Chronic stress (CS) can contribute to dysfunction in several organs including liver and kidney. This study was performed to investigate the changes in serum biochemistry, histological structure, as well as in localization of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins (TyrPho) and Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp-70) in liver and kidney tissues of CS rats induced by two stressors (restrained and force swimming) for 60 consecutive days. Samples of blood, liver, and kidney were collected from adult male Sprague–Dawley rats in each group. Our results showed that serum biochemical parameters including corticosterone, blood sugar, urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase in CS group were significantly different from that in normal group in both liver and kidney tissues. Although histological structure was not changed. TyrPho expression was significantly increased in liver lysate but significantly decreased in kidney. Hsp-70 expression in liver increased whereas in kidney decreased. In conclusion, CS can induce changes in liver and kidney functions.

Outcomes of Non-surgical Management of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures

Introduction

With little evidence available in the literature, this study tries to clinically determine the efficiency and outcomes of non-surgical management of post-traumatic Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and three patients with post-traumatic isolated ZMC fractures managed conservatively for various reasons were identified. The patients were classified based on the Zingg et al. criteria into Types A, B, and C. We evaluated the resolution of signs and symptoms of six standard parameters over 6 months-persistent pain, restriction in mouth opening, infraorbital nerve (ION) paresthesia, aesthetic deformity, infraorbital step deformity with associated tenderness on palpation, and ophthalmic status. The study variables were then statistically analyzed using Cochran's Q test with an associated confidence interval of 95%.

Results

A six-month follow-up revealed persisting residual deformities for all three groups. However, Type A and Type B showed significant improvement in pain reduction, mouth opening, and infraorbital nerve (ION) paresthesia. No significant improvement was noted in any of the groups for aesthetic deformity, infraorbital step deformity, and ophthalmic status. Type C, which had comminuted fracture patterns, exhibited significant defects in all the parameters. Significant inter-variable relationship between certain paired parameters was also observed.

Conclusion

The Type A group is most suited for non-surgical management. Type B with a mono-bloc fracture is a crucial group that demands broader, long-term studies to extract a proper treatment protocol. Type C with severe fracture displacement validates surgical correction.

An individualised psychosocial intervention program for persons with MND/ALS and their families in low resource settings

OBJECTIVE

To develop individualised psychosocial intervention program for people with MND and their families in India.

METHODS

People with MND and healthcare staff were constructively involved in co-designing the intervention program in four phases adapted from the MRC framework: 1. A detailed need assessment phase where 30 participants shared their perceptions of psychosocial needs 2. Developing the intervention module (synthesis of narrative review, identified needs); 3. Feasibility testing of the intervention program among seven participants; 4. Feedback from participants on the feasibility (acceptance, practicality adaptation). The study adopted an exploratory research design.

RESULTS

Intervention program of nine sessions, addressing psychosocial challenges through the different stages of progression of the illness and ways to handle the challenges, specific to the low resource settings, was developed and was found to be feasible. People with MND and families who participated in the feasibility study shared the perceived benefit through feedback interviews.

CONCLUSION

MND has changing needs and challenges. Intervention programme was found to be feasible to be implemented among larger group to establish efficacy.

Disposable-micropipette tip supported electrified liquid-organogel interface as a platform for sensing acetylcholine

Sensing acetylcholine has been predominantly based on enzymatic strategies using acetylcholine esterase and choline oxidase because of its electrochemical inertness. Electrified liquid-liquid interfaces are not limited to oxidation/reduction processes, and can be utilized to detect non-redox molecules which cannot be detected using conventional solid electrodes. In this study, a disposable micropipette tip based liquid-organogel interface, in the presence/absence of calixarene has been developed as a platform for sensing acetylcholine. We also explored a liquid-liquid interface approach for sensing acetylcholine using a pre-pulled glass micropipette. In both approaches, the configuration, i.e., liquid-organogel and liquid-liquid interface-current linearly increases during the backward transfer of acetylcholine. The simple and facilitated ion transfer of acetylcholine across the liquid-organogel exhibited a linear range of 10-50 μM and 1-30 μM with a detection limit of 0.18 μM and 0.23 μM and a sensitivity of 9.52 nA μM^-1 and 9.20 nA μM^-1, respectively. Whereas, the detection limit of simple and facilitated ion transfer of liquid-liquid interface using pre-pulled glass micropipette was found to be 0.42 μM and 0.13 μM with a sensitivity of 5 × 10^-3 nA μM^-1 and 3.39 × 10^-2 nA μM^-1. The results indicate that the liquid-organogel configuration supported on a disposable micropipette tip without any pre-fabrication is highly suitable for electrified soft interface sensing applications.

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens reduced male reproductive damage in rats induced by chronic stress

CONTEXT

Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) (TMP) is known to enrich reproduction but preventive effects on stress related adverse reproductive parameters are not documented.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the protective property of TMP seed extract on reproductive damage under chronic stress (CS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The control and CS groups received distilled water, whereas the pre-treated rats received the aqueous TMP seed extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg BW for 20 days before co-treatments with CS induction (immobilization and forced swimming) for 81 days. Serum was used to determine the cortisol and testosterone levels. Histology of testis and epididymis was observed with localization of androgen receptor (AR). Sperm parameters and the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily a member 1 (CYP11A1), AR, HSP70, caspases (3 and 9) and tyrosine phosphorylation (TyrPho) proteins were investigated.

RESULTS

TMP extract improved cortisol level (0.84 ± 0.02 µg/dL) and protected against the damage of reproductive tissues and sperm parameters (count [49.78 ± 3.74 million sperm/mL], viability [90.01 ± 1.17%] and precocious acrosome reaction [1.38 ± 0.48%]). Expression of testicular StAR, CYP11A1, AR and HSP70 proteins was improved. Caspase expression was decreased in treated rats. TMP increased AR expression in CS sperm. Moreover, TyrPho protein expression was corrected after TMP administration.

CONCLUSIONS

TMP seed protected against adverse reproductive parameters in CS via improvements of functionally testicular markers and reductions of apoptotic proteins. It is possible to develop the TMP beans as an alternative medicine in treating of male subfertility caused by CS.

Protective effects of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens seeds on sexual behaviors and essential reproductive markers in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice

Background and aims

Chronic stress is a major common cause of male infertility. Many species of velvet beans are shown to be rich in l-DOPA. In Thai folklore medicine, seeds of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Thai Mhamui or T-MP) have been used for treating erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to determine l-DOPA levels in T-MP seed extract and investigate its preventive on sexual behaviors and reproductive parameter damages including essential proteins in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice.

Experimental procedure

Mice were divided into 4 groups: (I) control, (II) CUMS, (III) T-MP300 + CUMS, and (IV) T-MP600 + CUMS. Groups I and II received DW while groups III and IV were pretreated with the seed extracts (300 and 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days before co-treatment with a randomly different CUMS/day (from 12 mild stressors) for 43 days.

Results and conclusion

T-MP seed extract contained l-DOPA approximately 10% of total dried weight. A dose of 600 mg/kg improved sexual performances and degenerative seminiferous epithelium in CUMS mice. Sperm qualities and testosterone level were elevated while corticosterone was decreased in co-treatment groups. T-MP-CUMS cotreated groups also improved expressions of AKAP4, AR, and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and sperm. T-MP increased StAR and CYP11A1 expressions in testis. It also suppressed testicular apoptosis via decreased expressions of Hsp70, caspases 3, and 9. T-MP seeds containing l-DOPA could improve sexual behaviors and essential reproductive proteins caused by CUMS.

Section

Natural Products.

Taxonomy classification by evise

Traditional Herbal Medicine; Animal Model; Histopathology.

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens enhances sexual performance and improves male reproductive damages in ethanol-induced rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (T-MP) has been traditionally used in treating depressive disorders, dysuria and enhancing male sexual desire. Although T-MP seed is demonstrated to have antioxidant capacity, its aphrodisiac and protective tissue damage properties have never been documented. Recently, ethanol (Eth) is known to cause sexual behavior dysfunction and damage reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of T-MP seed extract on sexual behavior dysfunction and reproductive damages in male rats admisted with Eth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

T-MP possessing antioxidant activity was determined for L-DOPA content using NMR analysis. Thirty-six male rats were divided into four groups (9 animals/group). Control rats received DW and the ethanol (Eth) group was given with Eth (3 g/kgBW; 40%v/v). In preventive groups (T-MP150 + Eth and MP300 + Eth groups), animals were treated with T-MP extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kgBW before Eth administration for consecutive 56 days. Sexual behaviors including mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), and ejaculation frequency (EF) were evaluated. Epididymal sperm quality and daily sperm production (DSP) were examined. Testicular histology was observed using Masson's trichrome staining. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and expressions of androgen receptor (AR), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins in testis were also determined.

RESULTS

T-MP extract contained L-DOPA and improved sexual behaviors including increased MF and IF and decreased ML and IL in Eth treated rats. Significantly, sperm quality, DSP, and testicular histopathology observed in Eth group were improved after T-MP treatment. T-MP also decreased the testicular MDA levels. Additionally, T-MP could correct testicular functional proteins of AR and StAR except HSP70 expression in Eth group. Expressions of TyrPho proteins in testicular and sperm lysates were improved in co-administered groups.

CONCLUSIONS

T-MP seed extract possessing L-DOPA could enhance the sexual behaviors and protect reproductive damages via improvement of testicular functional proteins.

Bioelectricity production and shortcut nitrogen removal by microalgal-bacterial consortia using membrane photosynthetic microbial fuel cell

Membrane photosynthetic microbial fuel cell (MPMFC) utilizes O₂, NO₃^- and NO₂^- as cathodic electron acceptors, enabling simultaneous treatment of nitrogen, CO₂ and organic carbon in the cathode compartment. In this work, development of a novel cathodic process with in situ nitritation via microalgal photosynthesis during the light period is reported for achieving shortcut nitrogen removal (SNR) from ammonium-rich wastewater. Moreover, a tubular low-cost ceramic membrane was used to separate and recycle the microalgal-bacterial biomass to the cathode compartment during the continuous operation. The influence of NH₄⁺ concentration and ratio of chemical oxygen demand to total nitrogen on the MPMFC performance was examined. Denitritation under dark and anoxic conditions occurred due to denitrifying bacteria (DNB) subsequent to nitritation under light and aerobic conditions by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in the consortia. Final concentrations of NH₄⁺ and NO₂^- in the effluent of 0.10 mg NH₄⁺-L^-1 and 0.02 mg NO₂^--L^-1, respectively, were obtained using MPMFC which resulted in a nitrogen removal efficiency of 99 ± 0.5%. The maximum electricity production achieved using the MPMFC was 56 ± 0.1 mA. This study demonstrated that combining microalgal photosynthesis, nitritation and denitritation in the cathode compartment of MPMFC is advantageous for avoiding the cost due to external aeration and organic carbon source necessary for ammonium removal as well as utilization of NO₂^- or NO₃^- as an electron acceptor.

Challenges Faced by Primary Caretakers of Adolescent Girls with Intellectual Disability during their Menstrual Cycle in Puducherry: A Mixed Method Study

Background:

Adolescents with Intellectually Disability (ID) compared to their normal peers face greater challenges at menarche due to their caregiver dependence for their day-to-day personal care activities.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to know the sociodemographic characteristics of adolescent girls with ID and to explore the challenges faced by their primary caretakers during their menstrual cycle in Puducherry.

Subjects and Methods:

The study was conducted among primary caretaker of adolescent girls with ID from December 2018 to May 2019. The study adopted quantitative method to capture sociodemographic details among 73 primary caretakers of adolescent with ID who attained menarche and In-Depth Interview (IDI) was conducted to explore the challenges faced by primary caretakers. The caretakers of adolescents were selected using purposive sampling and conventional content analysis was followed for data analysis.

Results:

We discovered that 80.9% of adolescent with ID were not able to manage their menstruation of their own. Primary caretakers who were interviewed were mostly mother's 67.1%. Due to caretaker's dependency, 94.5% of the adolescent with ID were not going to school during their menstrual cycle.

Conclusions:

Majority of the caretakers faced problems such as rejection of sanitary napkins and inability to recognize about the start of period by their adolescents with ID.

Gross and radiographic appearance of porotic hyperostosis and cribra orbitalia in thalassemia affected skulls

Porotic hyperostosis (PH) is the expansion of the cranial diploë, generating 'hair-on-end' appearance on X-rays. This condition is extremely rare and had a prevalence of 0.08%. It is alternatively known as cribra orbitalia (CO) when the orbital roof is affected. In this study, we describe the gross morphology of two skulls affected by PH and CO. The first skull belonged to a 41-year-old female previously diagnosed with beta thalassemia. The skull was affected by excessive PH and CO. The second skull, belonging to a 35-year-old male diagnosed with unspecified thalassemia, showed PH without CO. The etiology of PH and CO is discussed. In conclusion, PH and CO are extremely rare, and are of significant importance for radiologists and anatomists when interpreting radiographs or encountering unusual gross morphology of the skull.

Chronic stress affects tyrosine phosphorylated protein expression and secretion of male rat epididymis

Chronic stress (CS) is shown to decrease the semen quality with changed expression of tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins in testicular and seminal tissues. However, the alterations of such proteins and fluid contents in the epididymis, producing sperm maturation factors, have never been reported. Sixteen adult rats were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 8). The control animals were not subjected to stressors whereas CS rats were immobilised within restraint cage (4 hr/day) before cold forced-water swimming (15 min/day) for 60 days. Corticosterone, testosterone, blood glucose level (BGL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and biochemical components in epididymal fluid were assayed. Expressions of heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70), androgen receptor (AR) and TyrPho protein were investigated in epididymal tissue and fluid. Significantly, CS increased the corticosterone and BGL but decreased testosterone and epididymal substance levels. MDA level in tail epididymal fluid and HSP-70 expression in both regions of epididymal tissues and fluids, except in head epididymal fluid of CS were increased. Epididymal tissues showed the decrease of AR expression. Presence and changes of many TyrPho proteins were observed in CS. In conclusion, CS could affect functional proteins particularly TyrPho in epididymis, resulted in low semen quality.

The effect of Dolichandrone serrulata (wall. ex DC.) Seem. flower extract containing antioxidant capacity and terpenoids on the male reproductive system

Although the fruit extract of Dolichandrone genus was shown to inhibit spermatogenesis, the reproductive toxicity of Dolichandrone serrulata flowers (DSFs) is not documented. Recent study aimed to evaluate the sub-chronic toxicity of DSF on male reproductive system. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic contents of DSF extract were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu's, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The terpenoid components were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum. Adult male rats were treated orally with DSF (100, 300 or 600 mg/kg) for 48 days. Histopathology of testis and epididymis was observed. Sperm concentration, viability, acrosome status and morphology were also examined. Expressions of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins, androgen receptor (AR) and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in testis were investigated. Results showed that DSF contained phenolic compounds and terpenoids (phytoandrogens; rengyolone and cleroindicin B). No reproductive histopathology was observed in DSF-treated rats. Although DSF decreased the serum testosterone level, the sperm qualities were not affected. Particularly, sperm concentration of DSF-treated animals was significantly increased. DSF changed the testicular TyrPho proteins but the expression of AR, StAR or Hsp70 was not altered. In conclusion, DSF possesses antioxidant capacity with no toxicity on male reproductive system.

Chronic stress increases the tyrosine phosphorylation in female reproductive organs: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

Changes in tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) protein expressions have demonstrated stress in males. In females, chronic stress (CS) is a major cause of infertility, especially anovulation. However, the tyrosine phosphorylation in the female reproductive system under stress conditions has never been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the alteration of TyrPho protein expression in ovary, oviduct, and uterus of CS rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, 16 female Sprague-Dawley rats (5 wk: 220-250 gr) were divided into control and CS groups (n = 8/group). Every day, the CS animals were immobilized within a restraint cage and individually forced to swim in cold water for 60 consecutive days. Following the stress induction, the ovary, oviduct, and uterus of all rats were observed for their morphologies. The total protein profiles of all tissues were revealed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) before detecting TyrPho proteins using western blot. Intensity analysis was used to compare the expression of proteins between groups.

RESULTS

The results showed that the morphology and weights of ovary and oviduct in the CS group were not different from control. In contrast, the CS significantly increased the uterine weight as compared to control. Moreover, the expressions of TyrPho proteins in the ovary (72, 43, and 28 kDas), oviduct (170, 55, and 43 kDas), and uterus (55, 54, and 43 kDas) were increased in CS group as compared to those of control.

CONCLUSION

The increased expressions of TyrPho proteins in ovary, oviduct, and uterus could be potential markers used to explain some machanisms of female infertility caused from chronic stress.

Effect of chronic stress on expression and secretion of seminal vesicle proteins in adult rats

Chronic stress (CS) is known to affect men's health especially fertility by reducing semen quality. Although the effects of CS on testicular function and sperm parameters are documented, changes of substances and secreting proteins in the seminal vesicle (SV) have never been reported. This study aimed to demonstrate the alterations of contents and expressions of proteins in seminal vesicle fluid (SVF) under CS. Fourteen adult rats were divided into control and CS groups (n = 7/each). Control rats were not exposed to stressor, while the CS animals were immobilised by restraint cage (4 hr/day) and followed by forced swimming (15 min/day) for consecutive 60 days. Biochemical substances and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in SVF were examined. Expressions of heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (Casp) 3 and 9, and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins were investigated in seminal vesicle tissue (SVT) and SVF. It was found that CS caused reductions of seminal epithelial height and secreted substance levels. Significantly, MDA levels in SVF and expressions of Hsp70, Casp and TyrPho proteins were increased in of CS animals. It was concluded that CS affected seminal secretion. Low quality of CS seminal plasma may associate with increase of MDA and expressions of secreted proteins.

Cellular and Biochemical Changes in Different Categories of Periodontitis: A Patient-based Study

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to study the effects of periodontitis, diabetes mellitus (DM), and tobacco smoking and chewing habits (TBSCH) on the oxidative stress biomarker levels, namely malondialdehyde (MDA), and the mucosal genotoxic nuclear damage in the marginal gingival cells of subjects. Furthermore, the correlation of the biomarkers, MDA, and nuclear changes in the form of micronucleation (Mn) and binucleation (Bn) was investigated.

Materials and Methods:

Forty study participants were divided into five subject categories, which were established based on the presence of periodontitis, DM, and TBSCH. Whole saliva and marginal gingival smears collected from subjects were used to determine MDA levels and nuclear changes, respectively. A full-mouth assessment of periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing was performed for each subject to determine periodontal status.

Results:

MDA and Mn levels between control group and subjects with only periodontitis (MDA: P < 0.9990; Mn: P < 0.8200) showed no significant difference, whereas levels among subjects with DM, TBSCH, and periodontitis, and all other categories were statistically significant (MDA: P < 0.001). DM and/or TBSCH superimposed on periodontitis cause an exponential increase in biomarker levels. Furthermore, MDA and Mn showed poor correlation (r = 0.162; P = 0.318). Periodontitis alone did not significantly increase oxidative stress levels compared to healthy controls, whereas DM and TBSCH resulted in augmented oxidative stress levels, implying that increased stress produced by DM and TBSCH aggravates or exaggerates periodontal inflammation.

Conclusion:

Poor correlation between MDA and Mn indicated that the mechanisms involved in their production are independent of each other.

Octave-spanning, continuous-wave supercontinuum generation with record power using standard telecom fibers pumped with power-combined fiber lasers: publisher's note

This publisher's note contains corrections to Opt. Lett.45, 1172 (2020).OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.384690.

Octave-spanning, continuous-wave supercontinuum generation with record power using standard telecom fibers pumped with power-combined fiber lasers

We have demonstrated a record output power of ∼72W, octave-spanning, nearly single-mode, continuous-wave supercontinuum with a bandwidth of ∼1050nm using standard telecom fiber as the nonlinear medium in an all-fiber architecture. We have utilized the recently proposed nonlinear power combining architecture by which power scaling is achieved using multiple independent Ytterbium lasers operating at different wavelengths. In this Letter, Raman conversions in the fiber assist in combining multiple input laser lines into a single wavelength which then undergoes supercontinuum generation. The architecture is based on the recently proposed grating-free, cascaded Raman lasers based on distributed feedback. Here all Raman conversions are well seeded, thereby enhancing the efficiency of supercontinuum generation to ∼44%. In this Letter, we have obtained power spectral densities (PSDs) of >3mW/nm from 850 to 1350 nm and a high PSD of >100mW/nm from 1350 to 1900 nm. Here we have also investigated the power-combined supercontinuum generation for different pump wavelength combinations demonstrating the flexibility of this technique.

Comparison of male reproductive parameters in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) in terms of their adverse effects on male reproductive parameters have never been elucidated. This study aimed to distinguish between the effects of the DM types in mice treated with multiple low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) to mimic human T1DM and coadministered a high-fat diet (HFD) to mimic human T2DM.

METHODS

The T1DM mice were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (40 mg/kg body weight) for 5 days. The T2DM mice received an HFD for 14 days prior to STZ injection (85 mg/kg body weight), followed by continuous feeding of an HFD. Male reproductive parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

The reproductive organs of the DM mice weighed significantly less than those of controls, and the seminal vesicles plus prostates of the T1DM mice weighed less than those of the T2DM mice. Increased sperm abnormalities and incomplete DNA packaging were observed in the DM groups. Sperm concentration and the proportion of normal sperm were significantly lower in the T1DM group. The seminiferous histopathology of DM mice was classified into seven types. The penises of the DM mice were smaller than those of the controls; however, tunica albuginea thickness and the amount of penile collagen fibers were increased in these mice. Round germ cells were abundant in the epididymal lumens of the mice with DM.

CONCLUSION

T1DM adversely affected reproductive parameters to a greater extent than T2DM.

Visible light generation in the cladding of optical fibers carrying near-infrared continuous-wave lasers due to Cherenkov-phase matched harmonic conversion

In this work, we report and analyze the cause of the surprising observation of visible light generation in the cladding of silica-based continuous-wave (CW), near-infrared fiber lasers. We observe a visible rainbow of hues in a cascaded Raman fiber laser, which we attribute to second and third harmonic conversion of the different wavelength components propagating in the core of the fiber. The light in the cladding of the fiber occurs through Cherenkov-type phase matching, and a mathematical analysis is presented to estimate the power of the harmonic light generated. We then extend this theory to visible light generation in other types of fiber lasers. Specifically, we analyze the case of a CW supercontinuum generated in standard telecom fibers, and verify our theoretical predictions with experimental results through visible spectra collected.

Novel shortcut biological nitrogen removal method using an algae-bacterial consortium in a photo-sequencing batch reactor: Process optimization and kinetic modelling

This study evaluated a novel shortcut nitrogen removal method using a mixed consortium of microalgae, enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and methanol utilizing denitrifier (MUD) in a photo-sequencing batch reactor (PSBR) for treating ammonium rich wastewater (ARWW). Alternating light and dark periods were followed to obtain complete biological nitrogen removal (BNR) without any external aeration and with the addition of methanol as the sole carbon source, respectively. The results showed that influent NH₄⁺ was oxidized to NO₂^- by AOB during the light periods at a rate of 8.09 mg NH₄⁺-N L^-1h^-1. Subsequently, NO₂^- was completely reduced during the dark period due to the action of MUD in presence of methanol. The high activities of ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) and nitrite reductase (NIR) enzymes revealed the strong role of AOB and MUD for achieving shortcut nitrogen removal from the wastewater. The reduced activities of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite oxidoreductase (NOR) at a high concentration of DO, NH₄⁺ and NO₂^-in the system further confirmed the nitrogen removal pathway involved in the process. The biomass produced from these experiments showed good settling properties with a maximum sedimentation rate of 0.7-1.8 m h^-1, a maximum sludge volume index (SVI) of 193 ml g^-1- 256 ml g^-1and floc size of 0.2-1.2 mm. In order to describe the growth and interaction among the algae, AOB and MUD for nitrogen removal in the system, the experimental results were fitted to four metabolic models, which revealed best fit of the experimental data due to the models based on algae-AOB and algae-AOB-MUD activities than with the other two models.

Expression of testicular phosphorylated proteins in types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus in mice: An experimental study

Background

Types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are known to be the cause of sub/infertility. However, the comparisons of potential markers in spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in DM males have never been elucidated.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the expressions of tyrosine-phosphorylated and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) proteins in testis of DM mice.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-six male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (n░=░14/ each): control of MLD-STZ (multiple low doses of streptozotocin), MLD-STZ, control of HFD-STZ (high-fat diet with STZ), and HFD-STZ. MLD-STZ mice (type 1 DM) were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with STZ at 40░mg/kg BW for five days. HFD-STZ mice (type 2 DM) received an HFD for 14 days and i.p.-induced by STZ at 85░mg/kg BW and fed with HFD. At the end of the experiment (days 36 and 72), the expressions of phosphorylated proteins and StAR were examined.

Results

Tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were localized in late spermatids, luminal fluid, and Leydig cells. The intensities of phosphorylated 110, 85, 72, 60, and 55░kDas were lower in the 36 day-DM mice. Although such intensities were present in both groups, only 85░kDa in the MLD-STZ mice was higher in HFD mice at 72 days. StAR expressions in both groups were decreased than that of the controls.

Conclusion

Decreased expressions of StAR and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins may be directly involved in low testosterone levels and impaired spermatogenesis. These findings support the notion that both DM types play a role in male infertility.

Perils with Pirfenidone and "the tuberculosis link"

We report a case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treated with pirfenidone who developed tuberculosis (TB) and later had exfoliative dermatitis secondary to an interaction between pirfenidone and rifampicin. This case report highlights the possible risk of developing TB in patients diagnosed with IPF and on antifibrotic therapy like pirfenidone. Furthermore, this case report documents a previously unreported adverse reaction due to the interaction of rifampicin with pirfenidone.

Rehabilitation evaluation of the newly developed polymeric based passive polycentric knee joint

Objective: The lower limb amputation is one of the major concerns for the amputee's daily life and the trans-femoral (TF) amputation is being paid a lot of attention because of its functional requirement in flexion-extension motion. Though significant progress has been made for the development of high end prosthetic knee joint, the affordability of the same is still a great concern. Thus, a passive polycentric knee joint was developed and the health related quality of life (HRQL) before and after the fixation of the prosthesis, and performance of the same were studied.Design: After 6 months of fixation, the HRQL and performance of the prosthetic device were evaluated.Results: The HRQL after the fixation was found to be increased, where the improvement on the physical and mental score was found to be 49 and 46%, respectively, in comparison with pre-fixation stage. The global score (G) for the prosthetic function was found to be 63, which confirmed the increased performance of the prosthesis.Conclusions: The improved HRQL and G of prosthetic performance confirmed the enhanced performance of the prosthesis. It is concluded that the developed passive polycentric knee joint could be explored in large scale for the TF amputees.Implications for rehabilitationThe above knee (AK) amputation is a surgical interference that severs the thigh segment between the knee and hip joints.The above knee prosthesis consists of a socket, knee joint, pylon and foot.The artificial prosthetic knee joint imitates the functions of human knee to achieve the flexion-extension motion of the above knee amputee.The satisfaction of the amputees with the usage of the existing artificial prosthetic knee joint is still a concern. Hence, a passive prosthetic knee joint was developed and its effect on the quality of life of trans-femoral amputee was evaluated using health related quality of life (HRQL) before and after the fixation of the prosthesisThe HRQL after the fixation was found to be increased in comparison with pre-fixation stage.The global score for the prosthetic function was also found to be increased which confirmed the increased performance of the prosthesis.It is anticipated that the developed knee joint is expected to make huge impact due to its function, performance and affordability.

High-power, widely wavelength tunable, grating-free Raman fiber laser based on filtered feedback

The cascaded Raman fiber laser is a proven technology that provides wavelength agile high-power fiber lasers outside the rare-earth emission windows. However, conventional cascaded Raman fiber lasers lack wavelength agility due to the use of fixed wavelength fiber Bragg gratings. Recently, proposed cascaded Raman fiber lasers based on random distributed feedback have provided a grating-free solution enabling wavelength agility. With these lasers, wide wavelength tunability has been achieved. However, there are still limitations in scaling output power while maintaining high spectral purity of wavelength conversion. Spectral purity is characterized by the in-band power ratio, which is the ratio of the output power in the required wavelength to the total power. The origin of this limitation arises from the inability to efficiently terminate the Raman cascade at a specific wavelength with increasing power. In this Letter, we propose a novel filtered distributed feedback mechanism to terminate the Raman cascade at any desired wavelength, enabling power scaling with high spectral purity. Output power up to 28 W has been achieved with >85% in-band power ratio and >400  nm tuning range from 1118 to 1535 nm.

Phyllanthus emblica leaf extract ameliorates testicular damage in rats with chronic stress

Stress affects the male reproductive system and can cause sub-fertility or infertility. Although Phyllanthus emblica L. (PE) extract has been shown to have high antioxidant capacity and protective properties in damaged tissue, the preventive effects of PE extract on testicular function from stress-related impairment have never been demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PE aqueous leaf extract on testicular impairment and protein marker changes in rats suffering from chronic stress. Adult male rats were divided into four groups: a control group, a chronic stress (CS) group, and two groups with CS that received different doses of PE extract (50 or 100 mg/kg body weight (BW)). In the treatment groups, the animals were given PE extract daily before stress induction for 42 consecutive days. Stress was induced through immobilization (4 h/d) followed by forced cold swimming (15 min/d). Sperm quality and the histology of the testes and caudal epididymis were examined, as were levels of serum corticosterone, testosterone, and malondialdehyde (MDA). The expressions of testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were investigated using immuno-Western blot analysis, as these proteins are assumed to play important roles in spermatogenesis and androgen synthesis. The results showed that PE (50 mg/kg BW) significantly increased sperm concentration and testosterone levels, while decreasing corticosterone levels, MDA levels, sperm head abnormalities, and acrosome-reacted sperm in CS rats. In addition, PE at both doses was found to diminish testicular histopathology in the CS rats. We also found that 50 mg/kg BW of PE significantly improved StAR protein expression and altered the intensities of some tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in testis. We conclude that PE leaf extract at 50 mg/kg BW can prevent testicular damage in rats with CS.

High-power continuous-wave supercontinuum generation in highly nonlinear fibers pumped with high-order cascaded Raman fiber amplifiers

A novel method for efficient generation of a high-power, equalized continuous-wave supercontinuum source in an all-conventional silica fiber architecture is demonstrated. Highly nonlinear fiber is pumped in its anomalous dispersion region using a novel, high-power, L-band laser. The L-band laser encompasses a sixth-order cascaded Raman amplifier which is pumped with a high-power Ytterbium-doped fiber laser and amplifies a low-power, tunable L-band seed source. The supercontinuum generated 35 W of power with ∼40% efficiency. The supercontinuum spectrum was measured to have a high degree of flatness of better than 5 dB over 400 nm of bandwidth (1.3-1.7 μm, limited by spectrum analyzer range) and a power spectral density in this region of >50  mW/nm. The extent of the SC spectrum is estimated to be up to 2 μm.

High power, high efficiency, continuous-wave supercontinuum generation using standard telecom fibers

We demonstrate a simple module for octave spanning continuous-wave supercontinuum generation using standard telecom fiber. This module can accept any high power ytterbium-doped fiber laser as input. The input light is transferred into the anomalous dispersion region of the telecom fiber through a cascade of Raman shifts. A recently proposed Raman laser architecture with distributed feedback efficiently performs these Raman conversions. A spectrum spanning over 1000nm (>1 octave) from 880 to 1900nm is demonstrated. The average power from the supercontinuum is ~34W with a high conversion efficiency of 44%. Input wavelength agility is demonstrated with similar supercontinua over a wide input wavelength range.

Testicular histopathology and phosphorylated protein changes in mice with diabetes induced by multiple-low doses of streptozotocin: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model is widely used to evaluate the adverse effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) on spermatogenesis and testicular steroidogenesis. However, the actual mechanism of sub/infertility in DM males needs to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a detailed examination of the testicular histopathology, sperm acrosome reaction (AR) status, and tyrosine-phosphorylated protein expression in the testis of male mice induced with STZ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten ICR mice were divided into two groups (n=5/each): control and diabetes induced by multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD-STZ). The control mice were intraperitoneally injected with citrate buffer, whereas MLD-STZ mice were injected with STZ at 40 mg/kg body weight for five consecutive days. At the end of the experiment (day 40), reproductive parameters, AR status, and the histopathology of the testis and epididymis were evaluated. The expression of testicular tyrosine phosphorylated proteins was examined.

RESULTS

Blood glucose levels, AR percentages, and sperm abnormality of STZ group were significantly higher (p=0.003, 0.001, 0.000), while sperm concentration was significantly lower (p=0.001) compared to control. Histopathology of the seminiferous tubule was classified into 7 types. Additionally, abundant round cells were found in the epididymal lumen of the MLD-STZ mice. Moreover, the intensities of testicular phosphorylated proteins (170, 70, 36, 30, and 25 kDas) were markedly higher and a 120 kDa protein band was noticeably lower in the MLD-STZ mice.

CONCLUSION

MLD-STZ-induced DM causes many testicular histopathologies, precocious sperm AR, and increased expression of testicular phosphorylated proteins. These findings may clarify some mechanisms of sub/infertility in DM males.

High-power, fixed, and tunable wavelength, grating-free cascaded Raman fiber lasers

Cascaded Raman lasers enable high powers at various wavelength bands inaccessible with conventional rare-earth-doped lasers. The input and output wavelengths of conventional implementations are fixed by the constituent fiber gratings necessary for cascaded Raman conversion. We demonstrate here a simple architecture for high-power, fixed, and wavelength tunable, grating-free, cascaded Raman conversion between different wavelength bands. The architecture is based on the recently proposed distributed feedback Raman lasers. Here, we implement a module which converts the ytterbium band to the eye-safe 1.5 μm region. We demonstrate pump-limited output powers of over 30 W in fixed and continuously wavelength tunable configurations.

Precontoured Clavicular Locking Plate with Broad Lateral End: A Newly Designed Plate for Lateral Third Clavicle Fractures

Introduction: Various treatment modalities are available but no consensus has been reached for optimal treatment of lateral third clavicle fractures. Precontoured locking plates with broad lateral end for multiple screws fixation is a newly designed plate for lateral third clavicle fractures. The objective of our study was to analyse the functional outcomes as well as complications of this technique in a significant number of cases with long follow-up duration.

Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients with distal third clavicle fractures were treated by precontoured clavicular locking plate with broad lateral end. Functional outcomes were assessed on the basis of Constant-Murley Shoulder Outcome Score and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Score, active shoulder range of motion, time for fracture union and coraco-clavicular distance.

Results: The mean Constant-Murley score was 92.56±4.47 (range: 79-98) for injured side and 96.22±2.23 (range: 90-100) for normal side with p-Value 0.56. Mean coraco-clavicular distance at final follow-up was 10.52±1.13 mm (range 9.7 to 11.7 mm) in injured side and 10.25±0.98 mm (range 9.6 to 11.2 mm) in normal side. Mean UCLA Shoulder Rating Score was 32.55±2.12 (range: 27-34) for injured side and 33.46±1.88 (range: 31- 35) on normal side with p value 0.58. No major complications that necessitated revision of surgery occurred in our study.

Conclusion: This newly designed plate seemed extremely useful in successful union of lateral third clavicle fractures, with reduced rate of complications like fixation failures, iatrogenic rotator cuff injury, AC joint osteoarthritis and sub-acromial bursitis, with good functional outcomes.

Simultaneous Raman based power combining and wavelength conversion of high-power fiber lasers

We present a technique for simultaneous power-combining and wavelength-conversion of multiple fiber lasers into a single, longer wavelength in a different band through Raman-based, nonlinear power combining. We illustrate this by power combining of two independent Ytterbium lasers into a single wavelength around 1.5micron with high output powers of upto 99W. A high conversion efficiency of ~64% of the quantum limited efficiency and a high level of wavelength conversion with >85% of the output power in the final wavelength is demonstrated. The proposed method enables power-scaling in various wavelength bands where conventional fiber lasers are unavailable or limited in power.

All passive architecture for high efficiency cascaded Raman conversion

Cascaded Raman fiber lasers have offered a convenient method to obtain scalable, high-power sources at various wavelength regions inaccessible with rare-earth doped fiber lasers. A limitation previously was the reduced efficiency of these lasers. Recently, new architectures have been proposed to enhance efficiency, but this came at the cost of enhanced complexity, requiring an additional low-power, cascaded Raman laser. In this work, we overcome this with a new, all-passive architecture for high-efficiency cascaded Raman conversion. We demonstrate our architecture with a fifth-order cascaded Raman converter from 1117nm to 1480nm with output power of ~64W and efficiency of 60%.