[Single extract of Forsythia Suspense versus the prepared drug in pieces: comparison of their anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antibacterial effects in zebrafish].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the anti-inflammatory, antitumor and anti-bacterial effects of the single extract (in granules) and the prepared drug in pieces of Forsythia Suspense (Lianqiao, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine). METHODS: In zebrafish embryo models of CuSO4 exposure, tail transection and LPS microinjection-induced inflammation, the anti-inflammatory effects of 10 µg/mL DEX, single extract of Forsythia Suspense, and the water extract of the prepared drug (400, 600, and 800 µg/mL) were evaluated by observing neutrophil counts, RT- qPCR, HE staining and survival analysis. Zebrafish embryo models bearing different human tumor cell xenografts were used to assess the anti-tumor effect of the drugs in different dosage forms by fluorescence staining and HE staining. The microbroth dilution method was used to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the drugs. RESULTS: In the zebrafish embryo models of inflammation, both of the two dosage forms of Forsythia Suspense significantly inhibited neutrophil aggregation, reduced the mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, P38, Jnk, Erk and P65, and increased the survival rate of zebrafish. They both showed obvious inhibitory effects against xenografts of different human cancer cells including colon cancer cells (HCT116), pancreas adenocarcinoma cells (PANC-1), lung cancer cells (A549), liver cancer cells (Hep3B) and cervical carcinoma cells (Hela) in zebrafish embryos, and exhibited strong anti-bacterial effects at the concentration of 15.63 mg/mL. CONCLUSION: The two dosage forms of Forsythia Suspense have similar anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antibacterial effects, but their effects for inhibiting IL-6, P65, and Jnk mRNA expressions and HCT116 cell proliferation differ significantly at low doses in zebrafish.

Repression of ferroptotic cell death by mitochondrial calcium signaling.

The uptake of Ca2+ into and extrusion of calcium from the mitochondrial matrix, regulated by the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU), is a fundamental biological process that has crucial impacts on cellular metabolism, signaling, growth and survival. Herein, we report that the embryonic lethality of Mcu-deficient mice is fully rescued by orally supplementing ferroptosis inhibitor lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E and ubiquinol. Mechanistically, we found MCU promotes acetyl-CoA-mediated GPX4 acetylation at K90 residue, and K90R mutation impaired the GPX4 enzymatic activity, a step that is crucial for ferroptosis. Structural analysis supports the possibility that GPX4 K90R mutation alters the conformational state of the molecule, resulting in disruption of a salt bridge formation with D23, which was confirmed by mutagenesis studies. Finally, we report that deletion of MCU in cancer cells caused a marked reduction in tumor growth in multiple cancer models. In summary, our study provides a first direct link between mitochondrial calcium level and sustained GPX4 enzymatic activity to regulate ferroptosis, which consequently protects cancer cells from ferroptosis.

Application value of Qisexingtai hand diagnostic method in diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of Qisexingtai hand diagnostic method in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: This was an investigator-initiated, prospective, multi-center, cross-sectional study. All the participants from three hospitals in China had been diagnosed by both Qisexingtai hand diagnostic method and coronary angiography. We compared the two diagnostic methods to calculate the sensitivity, the specificity, the omission diagnostic rate, the mistaken diagnostic rate and accuracy in order to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of Qisexingtai hand diagnostic method for CAD. RESULTS: A total of 326 subjects were enrolled, diagnosed by both Qisexingtai hand diagnostic method and coronary angiography. As a result, there were 166 positive cases according to Qisexingtai hand diagnostic method, and 131 positive cases according to coronary angiography. Compared with the results of coronary angiography, the sensitivity of Qisexingtai hand dia-gnostic method was 80.2%, the specificity was 68.7%, the omission diagnostic rate was 19.8%, the mistaken diagnostic rate was 31.3%, and the accuracy was 73.3%. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was estimated as 0.735 for all, and 0.718, 0.735, 0.783 for the three sub-centers. CONCLUSION: Qisexingtai hand diagnostic method with high accuracy and sensitivity has certain application value in the diagnosis of CAD.

Mechanisms of immune regulation for acupuncture on chronic respiratory diseases.

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are among the most common noncommunicable diseases globally, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Acupuncture, a treatment method derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been shown to be effective at treating CRDs, with little risk of adverse effects. Scientific research on the mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture, especially, its immune regulatory function, has rapidly advanced in recent years. Herein, the diverse immune regulatory mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of acupuncture are summarized from the perspectives of innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and neuroimmunity. A better understanding of these mechanisms will ultimately provide a scientific basis for the clinical use of acupuncture for the treatment of CRDs.

Probing the effects of dietary selenised glucose on the selenium concentration, quality, and antioxidant activity of eggs and production performances of laying hens.

Selenised glucose (SeGlu) is a newly invented organic selenium compound being synthesised through the selenisation reaction of glucose with NaHSe. We hypothesised that glucose could be used as a carrier for the stable low-valent organoselenium to enhance the selenium concentrations of eggs. To probe the effects of SeGlu on production performances of laying hens, egg selenium concentration, egg quality, and antioxidant indexes, 360 Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to three treatment groups fed with a basal diet alone or the diet supplemented with 5 or 10 mg/kg of Se from SeGlu. The results showed that SeGlu treatment not only enhanced (P < 0.001) the Se concentration in albumen and yolks, glutathione peroxidase activity, and total antioxidant capacity of eggs but also increased (P = 0.032) the Haugh unit of eggs being stored for 2 weeks, while the production performances and egg qualities of fresh eggs were not affected. Moreover, SeGlu supplementation linearly (P < 0.001) increased the scavenging ability of superoxide radicals in eggs. Briefly, SeGlu can enhance the selenium deposition and antioxidant activity of eggs, thereby meeting the nutritional requirement for Se-deficient humans.

[Local anesthesia in children younger than 4 years in dentistry: state of the question]. / Mestnoe obezbolivanie u detei do 4 let v stomatologii: sostoyanie voprosa.

The article is a review of modern literature and an analysis of the legal framework regarding the use of local anesthetics in children under 4 years of age. There is a discussion of the validity of the off-label principle. In the domestic and foreign literature, there are publications highlighting the use of drugs based on 4% articaine in children under 4 years old, despite age-related contraindications according to the instructions. It is necessary to pay special attention to the regulatory status of the instructions for the medical use of the medicinal product. Summarizing the presented arguments, we can talk about the available spectrum of clinical studies, meta-analyzes and RCT data on the use of articaine in dental practice in children under 4 years of age, which indicates its effectiveness and is considered a safe alternative to lidocaine for use. in children of all ages.

[Chaihu Guizhi decoction produces antidepressant-like effects via sirt1-p53 signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of the antidepressant-like effects of Chaihu Guizhi decoction (CGD). OBJECTIVE: Chaihu Guizhi decoction at the daily dose of 17 g/kg and solvent vehicle were administered by gavage in 12 and 14 male C57BL/6J mice for 7 consecutive days, respectively. Forced swimming test (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM) test, open field test (OFT) and novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSF) were performed to assess the depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and motor ability of the mice. We further used chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) and social interaction test to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of CGD in comparison with the solvent vehicle. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were performed to detect the expressions of sirt1, p53, acetylated p53, and the neuron plasticity-related genes including synapsin I (Syn1), Rab4B, SNAP25 and tubulin beta4b in the hippocampus of the mice. OBJECTIVE: In FST, the immobility time of CGDtreated mice was decreased significantly (P < 0.05); no significant differences were found in the performances in EPM, NSF and OFT tests between the two groups. In social interaction test, the mouse models of CSDS treated with CGD showed significantly increased time in the interaction zone (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the vehicle group, the CGD-treated mouse models exhibited significantly increased protein level of SIRT1 and decreased p53 acetylation (P < 0.05) with up-regulated synapsin I mRNA expression in the hippocampus (P < 0.05); no significant difference were found in Rab (P=0.813), SNAP (P=0.820), or Tubb mRNA expressions (P=0.864) between the two groups. OBJECTIVE: CGD produces antidepressant-like effects in mice possibly through the sirt1-p53 signaling pathway and synaptic plasticity.

[Evaluation of the effectiveness of the compression method for infiltration anesthesia of the mandibular molars]. / Otsenka effektivnosti primeneniya kompressionnogo metoda pri infil'tratsionnoi anestezii dlya obezbolivaniya zhevatel'nykh zubov na nizhnei chelyusti.

AIM: To study the depth of analgesia and the electrical excitability dynamics of the pulp of the tooth under local anesthesia without and with compression on the depot of local anesthetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 87 men and 93 women took part in the study, the average age of men was 36.8±5.02 and the average age of women was 30.43±2.14. According to the indications, local anesthesia of infiltration type with and without compression at the depot of local anesthetics was performed. The injection was carried out with a solution of 4% articaine with epinephrine1:100000 or 1:200000. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the used concentration of the vasoconstrictor with 4% articaine. The target area thermometry and electroodontometry (EOD) of the first mandibular molar were performed. The criterion for the onset of pulp analgesia was the value from 92 to 100 mA. RESULTS: Dynamics of change in pulp electrical excitability of the first molar with the use of 4% articaine with epinephrine 1:200000 without a compress showed that in the latter case the reduction of pulp electrical excitability to 96.6 µA, which is optimal for painless treatment, was developed by the 5th minute of the study and remained at the limit of 92.2-92.1 µA for 20 minutes. When using 4% articaine 1:100 000 it was noted that also the compression technique allowed to reach the necessary reduction of EOD indices to 93.5 µA by the 5th minute of the study, and to 97.2 µA by the 10th minute. Increased hypothermia in the injection depot area was noted thermographically, especially when high concentrations of epinephrine were used. CONCLUSION: Our own studies reflect the dynamics of change in the electrical excitability of the pulp of the first molar with the use of 4% articaine by compression method more intensively reduces the electrical reacrivity of the dental pulp depending on the concentration of the epinephrine: with the use of 1:100000, the advantage of the pressure technique is 19.3% and 1:200000 - 21.8%.

Baitouweng decoction alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis by regulating intestinal microbiota and the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Baitouweng (BTW) decoction, a Chinese traditional medicine prescription, has been used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) over hundreds of years. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of BTW and intestinal flora of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice, and we investigated the mechanism of BTW in the preliminary treatment of UC. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of BTW in treating UC through molecular biology and high-throughput sequencing. METHODS: DSS-induced UC mice were established and randomly divided into the following four groups: control group, DSS group, BTW group and sulfasalazine (SASP) group. Except for the control group, 3% DSS drinking water was given to each group for 7 days, and the other two groups were intragastrically administered with BTW and SASP. Mice were sacrificed after gavage for 10 days. Body weight loss, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, colon histopathology and the expression of inflammatory cytokines were measured. Intestinal content samples were collected, and intestinal flora differences were analyzed by 16 S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS: BTW effectively reduced the symptoms and histopathological score of UC mice, and it reduced the production of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α. Activation of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway was also suppressed by BTW treatment. Moreover, 16 S rDNA sequencing showed that the intestinal flora of mice in the DSS group was disordered compared to the control group. After treatment with BTW, the diversity of intestinal flora was significantly improved. At the phylum level, the proportion of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was decreased, and the ratio of Proteobacteria was decreased. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was decreased, but that of Lactobacillus and Akkermansia were increased. CONCLUSION: BTW significantly improved the inflammatory symptoms of mice with acute colitis, and the latent mechanism of BTW may be related to various signaling pathways, including the modulation of intestinal microflora and inflammatory signaling pathways, such as IL-6/STAT3.

[Screening of drugs that selectively inhibit uveal melanoma cells with SF3B1 mutations].

OBJECTIVE: To screen compounds that can selectively inhibit uveal melanoma cells with splicing factor 3B subunit 1 (SF3B1) mutations in comparison with isogenic SF3B1 wild-type counterparts in a cell model of SF3B1 mutant allele knockout. METHODS: Principal component analysis was used to analyze transcriptome alternative splicing in TCGA cohorts of uveal melanoma with wild-type SF3B1 and SF3B1 mutations, and abnormal alternative splicing events derived from SF3B1 mutations were identified. The SF3B1 mutant allele in Mel202 cells was knocked out using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the edited sequence. MTT and colony formation assays were used to assess the proliferation of Mel202 and Mut-KO cells. RT-PCR agarose electrophoresis combined with Sanger sequencing was used to determine alternative splicing events in Mel202 and Mut-KO cells. MTT assay was performed to screen the compounds that showed selective inhibitory effect against Mel202 cells with SF3B1 mutation. RESULTS: Specific knockout of SF3B1 mutant allele in Mel202 cells obviously promoted the cell proliferation and caused changes in alternative splicing of ZDHHC16 and DYNLL1 transcripts. The screening data showed that 13 compounds had selective inhibitory activity against Mel202 cells with SF3B1 mutation (Fold change≥2), and among them, tetrandrine and lapatinib showed good dose-effect curves. CONCLUSION: This study provides a cell screening model for identification of potential individualized treatment drugs for patients with uveal melanoma with SF3B1 mutation.

[Study on mechanism of Tibetan medicine Zuomua Decoction in treatment of hypertension based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology].

Hypertension is a kind of chronic cardiovascular system disease caused by a series of factors and carriers dysfunction, which belongs to the category of Tibetan medicine "Chalong disease", and has a high rate of disability and mortality. Zuomua Decoction is a classical Tibetan medicine for Chalong disease, but its mechanism is not clear. Therefore, in this paper we explored the multi-components, multi-targets and multi-channels mechanism of Zuomua Decoction in the treatment of hypertension based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. First of all, the chemical components of Zuomua Decoction were obtained in the retrieval of traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database(TCMSP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) and Wanfang database. The potential targets of Zuomua Decoction were predicted by BATMAN-TCM database, and the targets of hypertension were obtained by using DisGeNET database. The intersection of these two targets set was taken to obtain the potential targets of Zuomua Decoction in the treatment of hypertension, and then the chemical compositions-targets network was constructed. Secondly, the intersection targets were imported into STRING database to obtain the interaction relationship of intersection targets, and the protein interaction network of Zuomua Decoction in the treatment of hypertension was constructed in Cytoscape. Topological, GO, and KEGG enrichment analysis were used to construct the key targets-signal pathways-biological processes network diagram and explore the mechanism of Zuomua Decoction in the treatment of hypertension. Finally, the key targets were selected to construct the pharmacodynamic identification models to verify the effect mode of Zomua Decoction in treating hypertension. The results showed that there were 61 chemical components and 90 potential targets in the compounds-targets network. We obtained 21 key targets, 154 signal pathways, and 382 biological processes in topological, GO, and KEGG enrichment analysis of the protein interaction network, and in the comprehensive analysis, it was found that Zuomua Decoction could reduce blood pressure by regulating renin angiotension aldosterone system, balancing the concentration of intracellular calcium and sodium ions and regulating vasoconstriction and relaxation. ACE, AGTR1, and ADRB2 were used as the carriers for molecular docking study on the components of Zuoma Decoction, and the results showed that the chemical components of Zuomua Decoction had a good binding activity with key targets. The purpose of this study is to provide ideas for the in-depth study of Zuoma Decoction in the treatment of hypertension, and provide scientific basis for its clinical rational application.

[Advances in studies on steroidal alkaloids and their pharmacological activities in genus Veratrum].

Genus Veratrum plants contain a diversity of steroidal alkaloids, so far at least 184 steroidal alkaloids attributed to cevanine type(A-1～A-69), veratramine type(B-1～B-21), jervanine type(C-1～C-31), solanidine type(D-1～D-10) and verazine type(E-1～E-53), respectively, have been isolated and identified in the genus Veratrum. Their pharmacological activities mainly focused on decreasing blood pressure, anti-platelet aggregation and anti-thrombosis, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and antitumor effect. This paper classified and summarized the 184 kind of steroidal alkaloids from the Veratrum plants and their major pharmalogical activities in order to provide the scientific basis for the further development and utilization of active alkaloids.

[Identification of chemical constituents in Qizhi Tongluo Capsules by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS].

Qizhi Tongluo Capsules, which is composed of 26 herbal drugs, is mainly used as the assistant therapy for apoplexy sequelae. The chemical composition of Qizhi Tongluo Capsules was complex,but its chemical constituents and the pharmacodynamic material basis remain unreported. The ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was applied to recognize the chemical constituents of Qizhi Tongluo Capsules. The analysis was performed on a Waters Acquity UHPLC HSS T3 column with acetonitrile-water as the mobile phase for gradient elution. Heated electrospray ionization(HESI) in both positive and negative ion modes was adopted to collect the data. The chemical constituents were identified and confirmed by analyzing the accurate molecular weight, the mass fragmentation pattern, and comparing with the mass data from the reference substances and literature. A total of 119 components were identified, including 22 flavones, 12 saponins, 10 salvianolic acids, 5 butylphthalides, 4 anthraquinones, 4 monoterpenoid glycosides, 2 caffeoyl-quinic acids, 2 coumarins, 2 alkaloids, and 1 stilbene, as well as the common constituents in the herb, such as amino acids and organic acids. The chemical constituents of Qizhi Tongluo Capsules were characterized rapidly for the first time in this study, laying a foundation for the further analysis of active compounds and quality control.

[The role of optimal nutrition in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases].

A balanced diet has always been part of a set of preventive measures with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of the research is to present relevant international data on the role of nutrients in reducing the risk of CVD. Results. This article discusses current data on the effect of consumption of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, trans fats, cholesterol, dietary fiber, protein, edible salt potassium, magnesium and vitamins on the state of the cardiovascular system and the prevention of CVD. Recommendations on optimal nutrition are given to reduce cardiovascular risks, including those according to the new 3rd edition of the Guide to Cardiovascular Medicine (The ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 3 edn). Conclusion. When managing patients with cardiovascular diseases, it is necessary not only to take into account international nutritional recommendations, but also to focus the patient's attention on how to comply with them.

[Structure of microorganisms isolated from bronhoalveolar lavage from patients in the department of reanimation and intensive therapy.] / Структура микроорганизмов, Ð²Ñ‹Ð´ÐµÐ»ÐµÐ½Ð½Ñ‹Ñ Ð¸Ð· Ð±Ñ€Ð¾Ð½Ñ Ð¾Ð°Ð»ÑŒÐ²ÐµÐ¾Ð»ÑÑ€Ð½Ð¾Ð³Ð¾ лаважа от пациентов отделения реанимации и интенсивной терапии.

The aim of the work was to determine and compare the structure of microorganisms isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage from patients in the ICU of Clinics in 2016 and 2019. This work presents the results of a bacteriological examination of 229 samples from 139 patients for 2016 and 387 samples from 218 patients for 2019. The predominant microorganism in 2016 was Acinetobacter baumanii - 75 (26.2%). Less common were Klebsiella pneumoniae - 55 (19.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa - 35 (12.2%), Escherichia coli - 19 (6.6%). In 2019, the prevailing microorganism was K.pneumoniae - 158 (19.1%). As in 2016, A.baumanii - 115 (13.9%) and P. aeruginosa - 57 (6.9%) were most often found, but unlike 2016, in 2019 there was a high incidence of such pathogens as Enterococcus faecalis - 52 (6.3%), Candida albicans - 43 (5.2%), Staphylococcus aureus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia - 40 (4.8%). One of the features is the presence of polymicrobial associations. In 2016, microorganisms isolated in monoculture predominated (53.4%), while in 2019 the frequency of occurrence of monocultures decreased and amounted to 24.7%. At the same time, a two-component association prevailed (31.5%). Thus, in ICU it is necessary to regularly monitor nosocomial pathogens not only to make the right decision when choosing antimicrobial therapy, but also to identify new potential nosocomial pathogens.

Thiamine ameliorates inflammation of the ruminal epithelium of Saanen goats suffering from subacute ruminal acidosis.

This study aimed to examine the role of thiamine in the local inflammation of ruminal epithelium caused by high-concentrate diets. Eighteen mid-lactating (148 ± 3 d in milk; milk yield = 0.71 ± 0.0300 kg/d) Saanen goats (body weight = 36.5 ± 1.99 kg; body condition score = 2.73 ± 0.16, where 0 = emaciated and 5 = obese) in parity 1 or 2 were selected. The goats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6/group): (1) control diet (concentrate:forage 30:70), (2) high-concentrate diet (HC; concentrate:forage 70:30), and (3) high-concentrate diet with 200 mg of thiamine/kg of dry matter intake (THC; concentrate:forage 70:30). Goats remained on experimental diets for 8 wk. On the last day of 8 wk, ruminal and blood samples were collected to determine ruminal parameters, endotoxin lipopolysaccharide, and blood inflammatory cytokines. Goats were slaughtered to collect ruminal tissue to determine gene and protein expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathways. Thiamine supplementation increased ruminal pH (6.03 vs. 5.42) compared with the HC group. Propionate (21.08 vs. 31.61 mM), butyrate (12.08 vs. 19.39 mM), lactate (0.52 vs. 0.71 mM), and free lipopolysaccharide (42.16 vs. 55.87 × 103 endotoxin units/mL) concentrations in ruminal fluid were lower in THC goats compared with HC goats. Similar to plasma interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) concentration (209.31 vs. 257.23 pg/mL), blood CD8+ percentage (27.57 vs. 34.07%) also decreased in response to thiamine. Compared with HC goats, THC goats had lower ruminal epithelium activity of the enzymes myeloperoxidase and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9. In contrast to HC, THC had downregulated mRNA expression of nuclear factor-κB (NFKB), TLR4, IL1B, MMP2, and MMP9 in ruminal epithelium. Thiamine supplementation led to lower relative protein expression of IL-1ß, NF-κB unit p65, and phosphorylated NF-κB unit p65 in ruminal epithelium. Taken together, these results suggest that thiamine supplementation mitigates HC-induced local inflammation and ruminal epithelial disruption.

Effects of rumen-protected betaine supplementation on meat quality and the composition of fatty and amino acids in growing lambs.

Rumen-protected betaine (RPB) can enhance betaine absorption in the small intestine of ruminants, while betaine can alter fat distribution and has the potential to affect the meat quality of livestock. Hence, we hypothesized that RPB might also affect the meat quality of lambs. Sixty male Hu sheep of similar weight (30.47 ± 2.04 kg) were selected and randomly subjected to five different treatments. The sheep were fed a control diet (control treatment, CTL); 1.1 g/day unprotected-betaine supplemented diet (UPB); or doses of 1.1 g/day (low RPB treatment; L-PB), 2.2 g/day (middle RPB treatment; M-PB) or 3.3 g/day (high RPB treatment; H-PB) RPB-supplemented diet for 70 days. Slaughter performance, meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid content in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, shoulder muscle (SM) and gluteus muscle (GM) were measured. Compared with CTL, betaine (including UPB and RPB) supplementation increased the average daily weight gain (ADG) (P < 0.05) and average daily feed intake (P < 0.01) of lambs. Rumen-protected betaine increased ADG (P < 0.05) compared with UPB. With increasing RPB doses, the eye muscle area of the lambs linearly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with CTL, betaine supplementation decreased water loss (P < 0.05) in SM and increased pH24 in the SM (P < 0.05) and GM (P < 0.05). Compared with UPB, RPB decreased water loss in the GM (P < 0.01), decreased shear force (P < 0.05) in the LD and SM and increased the pH of the meat 24 h after slaughter (pH24). With increasing RPB doses, the shear force and b* value in the LD linearly decreased (P < 0.05), and the pH24 of the meat quadratically increased (P < 0.05). Compared with CTL, betaine supplementation increased the polyunsaturated fatty acid in the GM (P < 0.05). Compared with UPB, RPB supplementation decreased the saturated fatty acid (SFA) content in the LD (P < 0.05) and increased the unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), mono-unsaturated fatty acids and UFA/SFA ratio in the LD (P < 0.05). Compared with CTL, the content of histidine in the LD increased with betaine supplementation. Compared with UPB, RPB supplementation increased the content of total free amino acids and flavor amino acids in the LD of lambs (P < 0.05). With increasing RPB, the isoleucine and phenylalanine contents in the LD linearly increased (P < 0.05). Overall, the data collected indicated that the meat quality of lambs (especially in the LD) improved as a result of betaine supplementation, and RPB showed better effects than those of UPB.

[Objective assessment of mental nerve local anesthesia]. / Ob''ektivnaia otsenka urovnia mestnogo obezbolivaniia podborodochnogo nerva.

AIM: To study the reaction of the mental nerve to selective stimulation of thin nerve fibers by thermal stimuli during conduction anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The pilot study involved 24 healthy volunteers: 13 subjects were injected with a 4% solution of articaine-containing anesthetic with a vasoconstrictor in a ratio of 1:200 000 (pH 4.8-5.4) and 11 subjects - a 3% solution of mepivacaine-containing local anesthetic without a vasoconstrictor (pH value 5.8-6.4). The registration of evoked potentials was performed twice: before local anesthesia and 5 minutes after anesthesia. With the help of disposable carpal dental injectors, local anesthesia was performed near the mental foramen in order to anesthetize the innervation region of the mental nerve through a conductive type. The evoked potentials (VP) were recorded on a Nicolet instrument (USA) with Bravo evoked potentials software. The study of thermal EPs was performed using a Contact heat evoked potential stimulator (CHEPS) device ('Medoc Ltd, Ramat Yishai', Israel). The base and peak temperature were set at 33 and 54 °C, correspondingly. RESULTS: The evoked potentials for thermal stimulation demonstrated a significant decrease in the amplitude of all components and the elongation of the LP of the main negative-positive N2-P2 complex after anesthesia compared with the initial thermal EP. The complete disappearance of thermal responses was observed in 14 (58%) of 24 study participants, minor changes were seen in 3 (12.5%) cases only. The total response disappearance was observed in 10 (77%) of 13 participants after articaine and in 3 (27%) of 11 - after mepivacaine (p<0.05), weak changes were registered in 2 (15%) cases in the articaine group and in 1 (9%) case in the mepivacaine group. CONCLUSION: A 4% solution of articaine is somewhat more effective for pain relief of teeth and bone since it often causes deeper anesthesia, and a 3% solution of mepivacaine without a vasoconstrictor is physiologically more suitable for working with soft tissues.