Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties of Baby-Led Cookies Produced from Rice, Banana and Cashew-nut Flour Blends

Aim: Cookies from rice, banana and cashew-nut flour blends were prepared as alternative to gluten-free baby-led food for children. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria and Food Processing Laboratory, Department of Food Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria between August, 2022 and January, 2023. Methodology: Baby-led weaning cookies were formulated from flour blends as 100% raw rice (RRC), 50% rice and 50% wheat (RWC) and 40% rice, 20% cashew and 40% unripe banana (RCB) and their physical properties, sensory attributes, proximate properties, mineral compositions, vitamin profiles and anti-nutrients were determined and compared with 100% commercial cookie (CMC) with the view to substituting wheat flour with suitable flour blends with enhanced nutritional quality. Results: The peak diameter (10.40±0.20 mm), thickness (6.37±0.06 mm) and weight (17.65±0.04 g) were obtained in RCB. Spread ratio was highest (2.66±0.11) and lowest (1.42±0.01) in CMC and RWC respectively while spread factor decreased from 100% in CMC to 77.19% (RRC), 53.46% (RWC) and 62.47% (RWC). The grittiness, texture, aroma, taste and general acceptability of RCB were significantly similar to those of CMC (P < 0.05). Na, K, Mg and Zn contents increased in RCB. Proximate compositions (%) of the cookies formulated varied significantly from CMC. Peak crude protein (14.49±0.59), crude fibre (4.03±0.02) and fat (32.22±0.00) in RCB, ash (3.28±0.02) and carbohydrate by difference (58.15±0.13) in CMC and moisture (18.19±0.11) in RRC. The peak values of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C) were most abundant in RCB. The proportions (mg/g) of phytate, oxalate, tannins and phenols in the cookies formulated were comparatively lower than the lethal dose, implying that the cookies would be safe for consumption. Conclusion: RCB cookie had excellent nutritional quality, which, as a novel baby-led weaning cookie, could serve as a suitable alternative to commercial cookies.

Acute toxicity study and phytochemical screening of Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood

Background: Conventionally, Ayurvedic herbs are being used to treat various diseases. These medicinal compounds have to be evaluated for their safety and presence of therapeutic compounds for the clinical application. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to obtain the scientific knowledge on the safety profile as well as to assess the presence of pharmacologically active principles in the Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood. Materials and methods: The aqueous extract of P. marsupium heartwood was subjected to an acute toxicity in albino rats. The animals were divided into four groups (n = 6) and fed with graded doses (1000, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg p.o.) of plant extract, respectively, whereas control group had received 2 ml distilled water orally. Animals were continuously observed for the toxicological symptoms for 2 h and intermittently for 48 h and latter once in a day for 14 days. The body weight of the animals was recorded. In addition, the qualitative phytochemical investigations were conducted to identify the presence of active principles. Results: The animals fed with aqueous extract of P. marsupium heartwood did not exhibit any toxic symptoms and the mortality. However, there was a significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent change in the weight gain observed in comparison to the control group. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the plant extract was considered as >5000 mg/kg. Furthermore, the phytochemical investigations of the plant extract showed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, tannins and phenols. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of P. marsupium heartwood was found to be safe and well tolerated even at a large dose of 5000 mg/kg. Furthermore, the plant extract found to possess pharmacologically active principles having wide pharmacological spectrum. Hence, it can be preferred in various therapeutic conditions.

Linking toxicity and predation in a venomous arthropod: the case of Tityus fuhrmanni (Scorpiones: Buthidae), a generalist predator scorpion

Abstract Background: Scorpions are arachnids that have a generalist diet, which use venom to subdue their prey. The study of their trophic ecology and capture behavior is still limited compared to other organisms, and aspects such as trophic specialization in this group have been little explored. Methods: In order to determine the relationship between feeding behavior and venom toxicity in the scorpion species Tityus fuhrmanni, 33 specimens were offered prey with different morphologies and defense mechanisms: spiders, cockroaches and crickets. In each of the experiments we recorded the following aspects: acceptance rate, immobilization time and the number of capture attempts. The median lethal dose of T. fuhrmanni venom against the three different types of prey was also evaluated. Results: We found that this species does not have a marked difference in acceptance for any of the evaluated prey, but the number of capture attempts of spiders is higher when compared to the other types of prey. The immobilization time is shorter in spiders compared to other prey and the LD50 was higher for cockroaches. Conclusions: These results indicate that T. fuhrmanni is a scorpion with a generalist diet, has a venom with a different potency among prey and is capable of discriminating between prey types and employing distinct strategies to subdue them.

Linking toxicity and predation in a venomous arthropod: the case of Tityus fuhrmanni (Scorpiones: Buthidae), a generalist predator scorpion

Background: Scorpions are arachnids that have a generalist diet, which use venom to subdue their prey. The study of their trophic ecology and capture behavior is still limited compared to other organisms, and aspects such as trophic specialization in this group have been little explored. Methods: In order to determine the relationship between feeding behavior and venom toxicity in the scorpion species Tityus fuhrmanni, 33 specimens were offered prey with different morphologies and defense mechanisms: spiders, cockroaches and crickets. In each of the experiments we recorded the following aspects: acceptance rate, immobilization time and the number of capture attempts. The median lethal dose of T. fuhrmanni venom against the three different types of prey was also evaluated. Results: We found that this species does not have a marked difference in acceptance for any of the evaluated prey, but the number of capture attempts of spiders is higher when compared to the other types of prey. The immobilization time is shorter in spiders compared to other prey and the LD50 was higher for cockroaches. Conclusions: These results indicate that T. fuhrmanni is a scorpion with a generalist diet, has a venom with a different potency among prey and is capable of discriminating between prey types and employing distinct strategies to subdue them.(AU)

A Report on the Distribution of "Lethal Dose/Pharmaceutical Product Strength” in High-Risk Drugs / 医薬品情報学

Objective: This study assessed the distribution of "lethal dose/pharmaceutical product strength" in high-risk drugs.Methods: In 707 pharmaceutical products (312 ingredients) that had been defined as high-risk drugs in Japan, we collected acute toxicity information from these products on single dose toxicity studies conducted in mice, including median lethal dose (LD50) and approximate lethal dose (aLD). The LD50 and aLD were then divided by the strength (quantity of active ingredients) of the pharmaceutical product, after which the LD50or aLD values having an inequality sign was excluded.Results: We collected data on the acute lethal dose of 707 products (312 ingredients) from high-risk drugs. Data with an inequality sign, which was 143 of 495 products (28.9%) in tablets and capsules, then 43 of 212 items (20.3%) in injections, were excluded from the analysis. As observed, median (Q1, Q3) of "LD50/pharmaceutical product strength" and "aLD/pharmaceutical product strength" for tablets or capsules was 36.8 tablet/kg (11.5 tablet/kg, 144 tablet/kg) and 16.7 tablet/kg (6.9 tablet/kg, 65 tablet/kg), respectively. However, median (Q1, Q3) of "LD50/pharmaceutical product strength" and "aLD/pharmaceutical product strength" for injections were 1.3 bottle/kg (0.6 bottle/kg, 4.7 bottle/kg) and 0.8 bottle/kg (0.4 bottle/kg, 15 bottle/kg), respectively. In both cases, injections were distributed at a lower value than oral products.Conclusion: From this study, the distribution of "lethal dose/pharmaceutical product strength" in high-risk drugs was clarified. This information will therefore help pharmacists assess risks associated with individual pharmaceutical products.

Evaluación de la toxicidad de chalconas sintéticas con potencial anti-Leishmania en ratones BALB/c / Toxicity assessment of synthetic chalcones with antileishmanial potential in BALB/c mice

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la toxicidad de tres chalconas sintéticas administradas por vía intraperitoneal en ratones BALB/c. Materiales y métodos: La dosis letal media (DL50) se estimó por el método Up-and-Down de Dixon. La toxicidad subcrónica de las chalconas se evaluó a 20 y 40 mg/kg por 21 días. Se evaluó el efecto tóxico a nivel de comportamiento, fisiológico, bioquímico e histológico. Resultados: La chalcona 43 generó moco en las heces, daño visceral (hígado) y alteración en el coeficiente de órganos (riñón, p = 0,037 y cerebro, p = 0,008) en comparación con el grupo control. Además, en el análisis histológico se observó que esta chalcona produjo edema, inflamación y necrosis en los órganos evaluados, aunque no hubo diferencia significativa con el control. Todos los parámetros bioquímicos no difirieron significativamente entre los grupos de tratamiento a dosis de 40 mg/kg y el control. Conclusiones: La DL50 para las tres chalconas fue superior a 550 mg/kg de peso corporal. Las chalconas 40 y 42 son relativamente no tóxicas. Ambas pueden considerarse seguras para la aplicación vía intraperitoneal en ratones BALB/c y, en consecuencia, son posibles candidatas para ser usadas en el tratamiento contra las leishmaniosis.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the toxicity of three synthetic chalcones administered intraperitoneally to BALB/c mice. Materials and methods: The median lethal dose (LD50) was estimated by Dixon's Up-and-Down method. Subchronic toxicity of chalcones was evaluated at 20 and 40 mg/kg for 21 days. Behavioral, physiological, biochemical, and histological toxic effects were evaluated. Results: Chalcone 43 produced mucus in feces, visceral damage (liver) and alterations in organ coefficient (kidney, p = 0.037 and brain, p = 0.008) when compared to the control group. In addition, histological analysis showed that this chalcone produced edema, inflammation and necrosis in the evaluated organs, although there was no significant difference with the control. None of the biochemical parameters differed significantly between the treatment groups at 40 mg/kg dose and the control. Conclusions: The LD50 for all three chalcones was greater than 550 mg/kg of body weight. Chalcones 40 and 42 were found to be relatively non-toxic. Both can be considered safe for intraperitoneal application in BALB/c mice and, consequently, are potential candidates for use in the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Eficacia protectora de una vacuna inactivada contra el virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo tipo 2 preparada a partir de un aislado local en Egipto / Protective efficacy of an inactivated vaccine against Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 prepared from a local isolate in Egypt

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a contagious viral disease of rabbits controlled by vaccination. The present study was aimed to diagnose rabbit hemorrhagic disease from 11 infected farms from Qalubia governorate during 2019 and to prepare homologous vaccine against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2. For this purpose, 11 liver samples were collected from suspected cases and subjected to detection and identification of circulating rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. Ten samples were confirmed to be rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus using hemagglutination test, animal inoculation and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of two isolates (R5&R6) revealed the presence of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (A/Qalubia/2019 and B/Qalubia/2019) under accession number MT07629 and MT067630 respectively. The inactivated rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus vaccines were prepared using Montanide ISA 206 oil or aluminum hydroxide gel adjuvants. Prepared vaccines were inoculated subcutaneously in susceptible rabbits and submitted to sterility, safety and potency tests. Obtained results showed that mean hemagglutination inhibition titer for aluminum hydroxide gel vaccine was 6,7.7,8.9 and 9.1 log2 while, Montanide vaccine reached to 6.7,8.7,9.2 and 9.5 log2 at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks post vaccination, respectively. Immunized rabbits with Montanide vaccine showed better protection reach to 70 percent, 90 percent percent, 100 percent and 100 percent when compared to aluminum hydroxide gel vaccine 60 percent, 70 percent, 90 percent and 90 percent at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks post vaccination respectively. It was concluded that newly emerged rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 was isolated from suspected cases. The two prepared vaccines were sterile, safe and potent. The oily adjuvanted rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 vaccine stimulated an earlier and higher humoral immune response than the aluminum hydroxide gel adjuvanted vaccine. This humoral immune response achieved significant level of protection(AU)

La enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo es una enfermedad viral contagiosa de los conejos que se controla mediante vacunación. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo diagnosticar la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo en 11 granjas infectadas de la provincia de Qalubia, durante 2019 y preparar una vacuna homóloga contra el virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo tipo 2. Para este propósito, se recolectaron 11 muestras de hígado de casos sospechosos y se sometieron a detección e identificación de virus circulante de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo. Se confirmó que diez muestras eran positivas al virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo, utilizando para ello la prueba de hemaglutinación, inoculación en animales y Reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa. La secuenciación y el análisis filogenético de dos aislamientos (R5 y R6) revelaron la presencia del virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo tipo 2 (A/Qalubia/2019 y B/Qalubia/2019) con los números de acceso MT07629 y MT067630 respectivamente. Las vacunas inactivadas del virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo se prepararon usando adyuvantes de gel de hidróxido de aluminio o aceite Montanide ISA 206. Las vacunas preparadas se inocularon por vía subcutánea en conejos susceptibles y se sometieron a pruebas de esterilidad, seguridad y potencia. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que el título medio de inhibición de la hemaglutinación para la vacuna en gel de hidróxido de aluminio fue de 6; 7,7; 8,9 y 9,1 log2, mientras que la vacuna de Montanide alcanzó 6,7; 8,7; 9,2 y 9,5 log2 en la 1ª, 2ª, 3ª y 4ª semanas después de la vacunación, respectivamente. Los conejos inmunizados con la vacuna Montanide tuvieron una mejor protección, alcanzándose niveles de 70 por ciento, 90 por ciento, 100 por ciento y 100 por ciento en comparación con la vacuna en gel de hidróxido de aluminio 60 por ciento, 70 por ciento, 90 por ciento y 90 por ciento en la 1ª, 2ª, 3ª y 4ª semanas después de la vacunación, respectivamente. Se concluyó que el virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo tipo 2 de reciente aparición se aisló de los casos sospechosos. Las dos vacunas preparadas fueron estériles, seguras y potentes. La vacuna contra el virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo tipo 2 con adyuvante oleoso estimuló una respuesta inmune humoral más temprana y mayor que la vacuna con adyuvante en gel de hidróxido de aluminio. Esta respuesta inmune humoral confirió un nivel significativo de protección(AU)

Neutralización de la actividad letal del veneno de serpiente Bothrops atrox por suero hiperinmune de llama (Lama glama) / Neutralization of the lethal activity from Bothrops atrox venom by hyperimune llama serum (Lama glama)

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar la capacidad del suero hiperinmune de llama (Lama glama) para neutralizar la letalidad del veneno de la serpiente Bothrops atrox en ratones de laboratorio. Materiales y métodos: Se calculó la dosis letal media (DL50) de un pool de venenos de serpientes de Bothrops atrox de Perú, y se midieron los títulos de anticuerpos por ensayo ELISA; así como la potencia de neutralización del suero inmune por el cálculo de la dosis efectiva media (DE50) durante el periodo de inmunización. Resultados: La DL50 del veneno fue de 3,96 µg/g, similar a otros trabajos realizados en Bothrops atrox en Perú. Los títulos de anticuerpos contra el veneno se incrementan rápidamente en la llama mostrando una rápida respuesta inmune; sin embargo, la capacidad de neutralización se incrementa más lentamente y requiere de varias dosis y refuerzos de las inmunizaciones alcanzado una DE50 de 3,30 µL/g ratón y una potencia de neutralización 3,6 mg/mL después de 15 inmunizaciones. Conclusiones: El suero hiperinmune de llama es capaz de neutralizar la letalidad del veneno de la serpiente Bothrops atrox de Perú en ratones de laboratorio.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the capacity of the hyperimmune llama serum (Lama glama) to neutralize the lethal activity of Bothrops atrox venom in laboratory mice. Materials and methods: Mean lethal dose (LD50) was calculated from a Bothrops atrox venom sample pool from Peru. The antibody titers were measured by ELISA assay; and the immune serum neutralization potency was measured by calculating the mean effective dose (ED50) during the immunization period. Results: The venom's LD50 was 3.96 μg/g; similar to what was found in other studies about Bothrops atrox carried out in Peru. The titers of antibodies against the venom increased rapidly in the llama, demonstrating a fast immune response; however, the neutralization capacity increased slowly and required several doses and immunization reinforcements, obtaining a ED50 of 3.30 μL/g mouse and a neutralization potency of 3.6 mg/mL after 15 immunizations. Conclusions: The hyperimmune llama serum is able to neutralize the lethality of the Bothrops atrox venom from Peru in laboratory mice.

Methanol related death in National Institute of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Kuala Lumpur: A case series

@#Introduction: Methanol is a widely available chemical with a range of uses including as solvent, as a fuel, in chemical synthesis and anti-freeze preparations. Most of the cases are accidental exposures to drinking beverages contaminated with methanol. Materials and Methods: In mid-September 2018, there was a single outbreak of methanol poisoning in Malaysia especially involving the state of Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. There were 33 reported deaths suspected due to methanol poisoning in this current outbreak where 11 of them were brought in to the Institute of Forensic Medicine (NIFM), Kuala Lumpur. The last outbreak was in the year 2013 with 29 deaths reported out of 44 cases. Results: There were 3 cases (27.2%) died in hospital and the remaining 8 cases (72.8%) were found dead at home and were later brought in dead to the hospital. A full autopsy was carried out for each case. Autopsy findings, as well as lab results pertaining to cases that survived and directly brought in dead, were of a different spectrum. Conclusion: Methanol related deaths are almost always as a result of greed. The running truism is ‘methanol poisoning is a result of deliberate addition/adulteration with industrial methanol’. Prevention of the illegal production of methanol and methylated spirits should be established to curb this matter in the future.

Comparative study of the toxicity of hydroethanolic extracts of the root and stem barks of Cassia sieberiana D.C. on Wistar rats

This study was aimed to evaluate and to compare the acute and subchronic toxicities of the hydroethanolic extracts of theroot (HECRB) and stem bark (HECSB) of Cassia sieberiana in rats. In acute toxicity study, animals were divided into 2groups (n = 3). Rats received the single dose of 5000 mg/kg of HECRB and HECSB extracts of C. sieberiana orally. Forthe subchronic toxicity, 4 groups (n = 6) were given daily 500 and 1000 mg/kg of extracts for 28 days. Animal behaviorswere observed after each treatment. Results showed that HECRB and HECSB were not toxic at 5000 mg/kg. The LD50was >5000mg/kg for both extracts. After repeated doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg, both extracts did not significantly affectthe relative organs weight of treated rats. HECSB did not affect biochemical and hematological parameters. However,HECRB significantly increased parameters such as red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, volume globulaire moyen,teneur corpusculaire moyenne en hemoglobine, and triglycerides. This study showed that HECRB and HECSB are nottoxic. It contributes to a better knowledge of the toxicity of C. sieberiana used for the treatment of several diseases in Togo.

Pathogenicity of a Strain of Streptococcus suis Type 2 to Mice and Swine Isolated from Jingzhou City

Aims: The objective of this study is to identify S. suis type 2 and evaluate the virulence of ZHJ01 strain isolation, and verity the clinical and pathological outcome of a systemic infection caused by one serotype 2 when simultaneously inoculated with ZHJ01 strain. We also want to clarify the epidemiologic, clinical, microbiologic characteristics and the pathogenesis mechanism of S. suis type 2 in Hubei province, China. Study Design: Pigs suspected of being infected with S. suis in Jingzhou regions of Hubei province, China were studied. S. suis type 2 isolation was obtained from the suspicion of diseased pig. The case of S. suis type 2 was detected by the virulence factor amplification based on PCR detection and bacterial isolation, identification in the laboratory. According to the experimental infections of mice and piglets, pathogenicity of this S. suis type 2 isolation to mice and swine was monitored. This study was conducted in the key laboratory of pathogenic microbiology, College of Animal Science of Yangtze University, and Institute of Black Pigs Research, Yangtze University. Methodology: Proper serological typing can be performed using a co-agglutination test. The typical colonies purificated and cultured were inoculated with Glucose, Lactose, Raffinos, Sorbitol, D (+)-sucrose, Trehalose, 6.5%NaCl, D (-)-Salicin, Hippurate, Esculin hydrate, V-p, etc., then the test results were recorded. Detection of virulence factors were performed using PCR amplification and DNA sequencing. S.suis type 2 isolation was inoculated to mice and piglets for the virulence test, and the observation of the clinical signs and pathological changes. Results: The virulence factor of extracellular protein factor (EF) was determined from ZHJ01 strain based on PCR detection. Sequence analysis indicated that the isolate was very similar to nucleotide homology with others SS2 strains from different county or contries, and there was not much variation. LD50 of S. suis type 2 for mice was 2.5 x 107cfu. LD50 of S. suis type 2 for piglets was 3.92 x 109cfu. Conclusion: The results show that Swine S. suis type 2 has a relatively strong pathogenicity to pigs in Hubei province, China. This study can be, in part, sufficient to explain the pathogenicity for ZHJ01 strain in area of Zhijing, Jingzhou city, China, which may provide insights into the pathogenesis SS2 and more valid data to support the development of S. suis vaccine as well as the epidemiological investigation, further monitoring and effective prevention to S. suis.

Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Plant in Management of Women's Health

This review paper evaluates use of Foeniculum vulgare extracts as a popular female plant in management of different ailments of women. Information in this paper was gathered from accessible sources (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley, and Google), and traditional books (Persian or English modern traditional books), unpublished data (R&D reports, thesis and dissertation) by keywords based on the words F. vulgare or fennel and women. Efficacy of oral fennel oil in management of dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhea, menopause, lactation, and polycystic ovary syndrome were confirmed according to results of clinical studies. Results of clinical efficacy of fennel oil on menstrual bleeding is complicated, but results of one meta-analysis study revealed that fennel oil significantly increased means of bleeding in the first menstrual periodic cycle (P = 0.001), while fennel oil had no significant effect on bleeding in the second menstrual cycle (P = 0.67). Topical and vaginal fennel extract (5%) exhibited good efficacy in treatment of sexual function, vaginal atrophy, and hirsutism. Fennel had no effect on bone density, or body mass index of menopause women. Results of clinical studies introduce fennel as a valuable medicinal plant in management of women's ailments, but understanding the mechanism of action could be the subject of future studies.

Study on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 and its effect on prognosis in fat embolism mice model / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective • To investigate the effect of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the pathological injury in fat embolism mice model. Methods • One hundred and twenty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 10 groups. One group was set as blank control group, and others were injected separately with 1, 2…9 μL/g of allogeneic perirenal fat via tail vein, respectively. The mortality of each group was counted, median lethal dose (LD50) of fat injection in mice was calculated by Bliss method, and the fat embolism LD50 mice model was established. The TLR4 protein expression in the pulmonary tissue of surviving mice was detected by Western blotting. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group (the same dose of saline was given via tail vein) and the experimental groups (group 2 h, group 8 h, group 24 h and group 48 h, the LD50 fat was given via tail vein). The TLR4 protein expression at different time after fat injection was detected by Western blotting. The mortality of 20 TLR4 gene-knockout mice (TLR4-/- mice) was recorded and compared with 60 wild-type mice after LD50 fat injection. Results • The LD50 of fat embolism mice model was (3.93±0.78) μL/g. After the injection of 1-7 μL/g fat, the expressions of TLR4 protein in the pulmonary tissue of all seven groups were significantly increased, compared with the control group (all P=0.000). In the fat embolism LD50 mice model, compared with the control group, the expressions of TLR4 protein in group 2 h were significantly increased (P=0.005). Then, expression level of TLR4 protein was gradually reduced after 2 h, and there was no significant difference between the control group and group 48 h. The mortality of TLR4-/- mice injected with LD50 fat was lower than that of wild-type mice (P=0.043). Conclusion • TLR4 protein involves in the pathologic process of fat embolism syndrome. The knockout of TLR4 gene can reduce the mortality of fat embolism mice. TLR4 and its correlated non-infectious inflammatory response may be an important molecular mechanism of biochemical injury in fat embolism syndrome. Blocking the activation of TLR4-mediated signaling pathway can significantly improve the prognosis, which provides new basis for the prevention, evaluation and treatment of fat embolism syndrome.

Study on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 and its effect on prognosis in fat embolism mice model / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective · To investigate the effect of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the pathological injury in fat embolism mice model. Methods · One hundred and twenty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 10 groups. One group was set as blank control group, and others were injected separately with 1, 2…9 μL/g of allogeneic perirenal fat via tail vein, respectively. The mortality of each group was counted, median lethal dose (LD50) of fat injection in mice was calculated by Bliss method, and the fat embolism LD50 mice model was established. The TLR4 protein expression in the pulmonary tissue of surviving mice was detected by Western blotting. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group (the same dose of saline was given via tail vein) and the experimental groups (group 2 h, group 8 h, group 24 h and group 48 h, the LD50 fat was given via tail vein).The TLR4 protein expression at different time after fat injection was detected by Western blotting. The mortality of 20 TLR4 gene-knockout mice (TLR4-/-mice) was recorded and compared with 60 wild-type mice after LD50 fat injection. Results · The LD50 of fat embolism mice model was (3.93±0.78) μL/g.After the injection of 1-7 μL/g fat, the expressions of TLR4 protein in the pulmonary tissue of all seven groups were significantly increased, compared with the control group (all P=0.000). In the fat embolism LD50 mice model, compared with the control group, the expressions of TLR4 protein in group2 h were significantly increased (P=0.005). Then, expression level of TLR4 protein was gradually reduced after 2 h, and there was no significant difference between the control group and group 48 h. The mortality of TLR4-/- mice injected with LD50 fat was lower than that of wild-type mice (P=0.043).Conclusion · TLR4 protein involves in the pathologic process of fat embolism syndrome. The knockout of TLR4 gene can reduce the mortality of fat embolism mice. TLR4 and its correlated non-infectious inflammatory response may be an important molecular mechanism of biochemical injury in fat embolism syndrome. Blocking the activation of TLR4-mediated signaling pathway can significantly improve the prognosis, which provides new basis for the prevention, evaluation and treatment of fat embolism syndrome.

Pathogenicity of white-spot syndrome virus in Macrobrachium nipponensis via different infection routes / 生物工程学报

Macrobrachium nipponensis is delicious and has high economic value, but its susceptibility to white-spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is unknown. Susceptibility, morbidity, and multiplication of WSSV in M. nipponense were studied by epidemiological survey, infection experiment and qPCR. M. nipponense was the natural host of WSSV, and the natural carrying rate was about 8.33%. M. nipponense could be infected with WSSV via oral administration, muscle injection and immersion, and the cumulative infection rate of 10 d exposure was 100%, and the cumulative mortality rates were 100%, 75% and 0%, respectively. The infection of WSSV is fast by muscle injection. The virus content after 5 day's injection is 1 000 times higher than that of the first day of infection, and the mortality rate reached 100% after 8 days. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) measured as the mortality of infected M. nipponense via injection indicated the LD₅₀ in the concentration of WSSV of 2.71×10⁵ virions/μL. In shrimp farming, M. nipponense can be infected by ingesting WSSV infected shrimp or dead shrimp, and also by soaking in WSSV-containing water and thus become a vector, consequently affecting the spread and pathogenicity of WSSV.

Estimations of the lethal and exposure doses for representative methanol symptoms in humans

BACKGROUND: The aim of this review was to estimate the lethal and exposure doses of a representative symptom (blindness) of methanol exposure in humans by reviewing data from previous articles. METHODS: Available articles published from 1970 to 2016 that investigated the dose-response relationship for methanol exposure (i.e., the exposure concentration and the biological markers/clinical symptoms) were evaluated; the MEDLINE and RISS (Korean search engine) databases were searched. The available data from these articles were carefully selected to estimate the range and median of a lethal human dose. The regression equation and correlation coefficient (between the exposure level and urinary methanol concentration as a biological exposure marker) were assumed from the previous data. RESULTS: The lethal human dose of pure methanol was estimated at 15.8–474 g/person as a range and as 56.2 g/person as the median. The dose-response relationship between methanol vapor in ambient air and urinary methanol concentrations was thought to be correlated. An oral intake of 3.16–11.85 g/person of pure methanol could cause blindness. The lethal dose from respiratory intake was reported to be 4000–13,000 mg/l. The initial concentration of optic neuritis and blindness were shown to be 228.5 and 1103 mg/l, respectively, for a 12-h exposure. CONCLUSION: The concentration of biological exposure indices and clinical symptoms for methanol exposure might have a dose-response relationship according to previous articles. Even a low dose of pure methanol through oral or respiratory exposure might be lethal or result in blindness as a clinical symptom.

Study on Acute Toxicity of Xiaobai Capsules in Mice / 中国药师

Objective: To study the acute toxicity of Xiaobai capsules in mice after intragastric administration .Methods: The mice were randomly divided into two groups , the treatment group and the control group .The treatment group was given Xiaobai cap-sules by gavage, 3 times daily.The acute toxicity was recorded, and the median lethal dose (LD50) and the maximum dose were deter-mined.Results:The maximum daily dose of Xiaobai capsules was 141.6 g· kg-1(equivalent to 211.3 times of the clinical dose).At the dose, the mice showed no toxicity without death in 14 days or changes in organs after the dissection .Conclusion:Xiaobai capsules have very low acute toxicity in mice after intragastric administration with high security .

Induction of mice death by toxicity components from large-dose Coreopsis tinctoria extract / 中草药

Objective: By comparing the acute toxicity of different extracts from Coreopsis tinctoria on mice, combined with the HPLC fingerprint and multiple linear regression to analyze the element which plays the most important role in causing the death of mice, and to provide the safety data for improving the extraction technology. Methods: To measure the maximum dose and maximal tolerance dose (MTD) of all the extracts, to measure the median lethal dose (LD50) by Bliss, and to record the death and weight changes; To measure the fingerprints of the extracts by HPLC, and to determine the element which mostly induced the death of mice by analyzing the absorption peak of the extracts by HPLC fingerprint with multiple linear regression. Results: The extracts include aqueous extract by spray drying (SD), aqueous extract by vacuum drying (VD) process, ethanol extract (ETE), ethyl acetate extracted component (AC), and the ethyl acetate extracted residuum (AR). Among those extracts, the maximum dose of SD and AR is 36 g/kg, the MTD of the VD is 26 g/kg, the LD50 (95% confidence limits) of ETE and AC are 19.565 (17.558-21.734) g/kg and 16.414 (13.987-34.725) g/kg, respectively; Under the high dose situation, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid properly is the component which mostly contributes to the death of mice. Conclusion: Under the high dose situation, the ETE and AC will lead the death, and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid properly is the component which mostly contributes to the death of mice.

Ultrastructural changes and HSP70 expression in mice liver after microwave irradiation with lethal dose / 局解手术学杂志

Astract:Objective To investigate the ultrastructural changes and HSP70 expression in liver of mice after microwave irradiation with lethal dose and to explore the application of these indexes as the basis of medical identification in microwave irradiation induced death. Methods The mice were divided into the control group and the irradiation group. Mice of the irradiation group were induced death by whole body exposure to 129 W/cm2 microwave irradiation for 30 minutes. The ultrastructure of liver was observed by transmission electron micro-scope;changes of the HSP70 mRNA and protein expression in liver were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR) and Western blotting respectively. Results Liver cytoplasm was observed dissolved with points and sheets and there were mitochondri-al crest and membrane solution in the irradiation group. And the HSP70 mRNA and protein expression level increases significantly compared with the control group with statistically significant difference (P<0. 01). Conclusion Death induced by microwave irradiation could lead to liver cytoplasm dissolution, mitochondria damage, mRNA and protein expression of HSP70 up-regulation, which may be used as important diagnostic indicators of microwave irradiation induced death.

Acute toxicity and cytotoxicity evaluation of Dendrobium moniliforme aqueous extract in vivo and in vitro / 한국실험동물학회지

Dendrobium moniliforme (L.) Sw., an herb of the Orchidaceae family, has long been used in traditional medicine to strengthen bones, nourish the stomach, and promote the production of bodily fluid. Recently, polysaccharides isolated from Dendrobium have been used in functional foods and nutraceutical products. A traditional method to process Dendrobium is to soak fresh stems in an ethanol solution, which is the most important factor to ensure high yields of aqueous-extractable polysaccharides. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential acute toxicity of D. moniliforme aqueous extract (DMAE), by a single oral dose in Sprague-Dawley rats. The test article was orally administered once by gavage to male and female rats at doses of 0, 2,500, and 5,000 mg/kg body weight (n=5 male and female rats for each dose). Throughout the study period, no treatment-related deaths were observed and no adverse effects were noted in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, serum biochemistry, organ weight, or gross findings at any dose tested. The results show that a single oral administration of DMAE did not induce any toxic effects at a dose below 5,000 mg/kg in rats, and the minimal lethal dose was considered to be over 5,000 mg/kg body weight for both sexes. With respect to cytotoxicity, the cell viability of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells was less than 50% when the cells were treated with 10 mg/mL aqueous extract for 24 h.