Complex Hippocampal Response to Thermal Skin Injury and Protocols with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Filipendula ulmaria Extract in Rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the alterations of the hippocampal function that may be related to anxiogenic response to thermal skin injury, including the morpho-functional alterations, and the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and Filipendula ulmaria (FU) extract in the treatment of anxiety-like behavior that coincides with thermal skin injury. A rat thermal skin injury experimental model was performed on 2-month-old male Wistar albino rats. The evaluated therapeutic protocols included HBO and/or antioxidant supplementation. HBO was applied for 7 days in the hyperbaric chamber (100% O2, 2.5 ATA, 60 min). Oral administration of FU extract (final concentration of 100 mg/kg b.w.) to achieve antioxidant supplementation was also applied for 7 days. Anxiety level was estimated in the open field and elevated plus-maze test, which was followed by anesthesia, sacrifice, and collection of hippocampal tissue samples. HBO treatment and FU supplementation significantly abolished anxiogenic response to thermal skin injury. This beneficial effect was accompanied by the reduction in hippocampal pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic indicators, and enhanced BDNF and GABA-ARα2S gene expression, previously observed in untreated burns. The hippocampal relative gene expression of melatonin receptors and NPY positively responded to the applied protocols, in the same manner as µ and δ opioid receptors, while the opposite response was observed for κ receptors. The results of this study provide some confirmations that adjuvant strategies, such as HBO and antioxidant supplementation, may be simultaneously applied in the treatment of the anxiety-like behavior that coincides with thermal skin injury.

Time Is Life: Golden Ten Minutes on Scene-EuReCa_Serbia 2014-2023.

Background and Objectives: This study analyzed the frequency of factors influencing the course and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Serbia and the prediction of pre-hospital outcomes and survival. Materials and Methods: Data were collected during the period from 1 October 2014, to 31 September 2023, according to the protocol of the EuReCa_One study (clinical trial ID number NCT02236819). Results: Overall 9303 OHCA events were registered with a median age of 71 (IQR 61-81) years and 59.7% of them being males. The annual OHCA incidence was 85.60 ± 20.73/100,000. Within all bystander-witnessed cases, bystander-initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 15.3%. Within the resuscitation-initiated group, return-of-spontaneous circulation (ROSC) on scene (any ROSC) was present in 1037/4053 cases (25.6%) and ROSC on admission to the nearest hospital in 792/4053 cases (19.5%), while 201/4053 patients survived to hospital discharge (5.0%). Predictive potential on pre-hospital outcomes was shown by several factors. Also, of all patients having any ROSC, 89.2% were admitted to the hospital alive. The probability of any ROSC dropped below 50% after 17 min passed after the emergency call and 10 min after the EMS scene arrival. These time intervals were significantly associated with survival to hospital discharge (p < 0.001). Five-minute time intervals between both emergency calls and any ROSC and EMS scene arrival and any ROSC also had a significant predictive potential for survival to hospital discharge (p < 0.001, HR 1.573, 95% CI 1.303-1.899 and p = 0.017, HR 1.184, 95% CI 1.030-1.361, respectively). Conclusions: A 10-min time on scene to any ROSC is a crucial time-related factor for achieving any ROSC, and indirectly admission ROSC and survival to hospital discharge, and represents a golden time interval spent on scene in the management of OHCA patients. A similar effect has a time interval of 17 min from an emergency call. Further investigations should be focused on factors influencing these time intervals, especially time spent on scene.

Oxidative Damage as a Fundament of Systemic Toxicities Induced by Cisplatin-The Crucial Limitation or Potential Therapeutic Target?

Cisplatin, an inorganic complex of platinum, is a chemotherapeutic drug that has been used for 45 years. Despite the progress of pharmaceutical sciences and medicine and the successful application of other platinum complexes for the same purpose, cisplatin is still the therapy of choice in many cancers. Treatment for testicular, ovarian, head and neck, urothelial, cervical, esophageal, breast, and pulmonary malignancies is still unthinkable without the use of this drug. However, cisplatin is also known for many side effects, of which the most pronounced are nephrotoxicity leading to acute renal failure, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity. Mechanistic studies have proven that one of the conditions that plays a major role in the development of cisplatin-induced toxicities is oxidative stress. Knowing the fact that numerous antioxidants can be used to reduce oxidative stress, thereby reducing tissue lesions, organ failure, and apoptosis at the cellular level, many studies have defined antioxidants as a priority for investigation as a cotreatment. To investigate the mechanism of antioxidant action in vivo, many animal models have been employed. In the last few years, studies have mostly used rodents and zebrafish models. In this article, some of the most recent investigations that used animal models are listed, and the advantages and disadvantages of such experimental studies are pointed out.

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Studies of Irradiated Grape Snails (Helix pomatia) and Investigation of Biophysical Parameters.

A study of grape snails (Helix pomatia) using the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy method, where shells were exposed to ionizing gamma radiation, indicated that the effect of radiation up to certain doses results in the emergence of magnetic properties in the organism. The identification of the EPR spectra of the body and shell parts of the control and irradiated grape snails separately showed that more iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles are generated in the body part of the grape snail compared to the shells. A linear increase in free radical signals (g = 2.0023) in the body and shell parts of grape snails, and a non-monotonic change in the broad EPR signal (g = 2.32) characterizing iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles was determined depending on the dose of ionizing gamma radiation. Additionally, the obtained results showed that grape snails can be used as bioindicators for examining the ecological state of the environment. At the same time, the radionuclide composition of the body and shell parts of the grape snails and their specific activities were determined by CANBERRA gamma spectroscopy. The FTIR spectra of mucin, a liquid secreted by snails, were recorded.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Salvia verticillata and Filipendula ulmaria Extracts: Optimization of Synthesis, Biological Activities, and Catalytic Properties.

The study's objective was to obtain silver nanoparticles (SVAgNP and FUAgNP) using aqueous extracts of Salvia verticillata and Filipendula ulmaria. The optimal conditions for nanoparticle synthesis were determined and obtained; nanoparticles were then characterized using UV-Vis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). SVAgNP and FUAgNP possessed a crystalline structure with 48.42% and 60.41% silver weight, respectively. The highest percentage of nanoparticles in the solution had a diameter between 40 and 70 nm. In DPPH˙ and ABTS˙+ methods, FUAgNP (IC50 15.82 and 59.85 µg/mL, respectively) demonstrated a higher antioxidant capacity than SVAgNP (IC50 73.47 and 79.49 µg/mL, respectively). Obtained nanoparticles also showed pronounced antibacterial activity (MIC ˂ 39.1 µg/mL for most of the tested bacteria), as well as high biocompatibility with the human fibroblast cell line MRC-5 and significant cytotoxicity on some cancer cell lines, especially on the human colon cancer HCT-116 cells (IC50 31.50 and 66.51 µg/mL for SVAgNP and FUAgNP, respectively). The nanoparticles demonstrated high catalytic effectiveness in degrading Congo red dye with NaBH4. The results showed a rapid and low-cost methodology for the synthesis of AgNPs using S. verticillata and F. ulmaria with promising biological potential.

The Investigation of the Chemical Composition and Applicability of Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized with Amygdalus communis (Almond) Leaf Aqueous Extract as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents.

The current work's main objective was to determine the chemical composition of Amygdalus communis (AC) leaf extract and examine the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The chemical composition of AC leaf extract was determined using LC-ESI/MS/MS to detect compounds that may be responsible for the reducing, stabilizing, and capping steps in the synthesis of nanoparticles and their biological activities. The AC-AuNPs were spherical, with a particle size lower than 100 nm and a face-centered cubic structure. The EDX spectrum confirmed the formation of AuNPs and a negative zeta potential value (-27.7 mV) suggested their physicochemical stability. The in vitro cytotoxic efficacy of the AC-AuNPs against colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), glioma (U118), and ovarian (Skov-3) cancer cell lines and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) was evaluated by MTT assay. CaCo-2 cell proliferation was effectively inhibited by the AC-AuNPs at concentrations between 25 and 100 g mL-1. The AC-AuNPs exerted preeminent antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis with an MIC of 0.02 µg/mL, whilst good activity was shown against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Candida albicans yeast with an MIC of 0.12 µg/mL. Ultimately, the results support the high antibacterial and anticancer potential of biosynthesized AuNPs from AC leaf extract.

Oral Health and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: Oral disorders, frequently observed in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, can profoundly affect patients' daily lives and well-being, as oral health represents a fundamental part of general health. Saliva plays an essential part in maintaining and protecting oral health, so the decrease in its quantity and quality leads to chronic oral discomfort alongside a broad spectrum of problems. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the oral health of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and establish its effect on the different domains of their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Materials and Methods: The research was designed as an observational case-control study with prospective data collection. Eighty patients, divided into two groups based on their oral status, participated in the study. All subjects underwent a complete oral examination. The OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Results: The most prevalent oral manifestation was exfoliative cheilitis, while 30% of subjects complained of chewing and swallowing difficulties. The OHIP-14 summary score was significantly higher in the patients with oral lesions (26.0 (5.0) vs. 17.0 (4.0), respectively; p < 0.001). Oral manifestations, systemic involvement, medication, and periodontal indexes were significantly associated with OHIP-14 scores. Conclusions: Patients with oral alterations had a substantially decreased OHRQoL. These findings emphasize the importance of oral diseases for patients' well-being. Therefore, it is essential for dentists to be included in the multidisciplinary teams managing primary Sjögren's syndrome, as improving patients' oral status would lead to better oral health and enhanced OHRQoL.

Simultaneous Administration of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Antioxidant Supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria Extract in the Treatment of Thermal Skin Injuries Alters Nociceptive Signalling and Wound Healing.

Background and Objectives: Thermal skin injuries are a prevalent cause of skin damage, potentially leading to severe morbidity and significant mortality. In this study, we intended to estimate the effects of HBO (hyperbaric oxygen treatment) and antioxidant supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria extract, individually and simultaneously, in the treatment of thermal skin injuries. Materials and Methods: As a thermal skin injury experimental model, we used two-month-old male Wistar albino rats. Thermal injuries were made with a solid aluminium bar at a constant temperature of 75 °C for 15 s. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment was performed in a specially constructed hyperbaric chamber for rats (HYB-C 300) for seven consecutive days (100% O2 at 2.5 ATA for 60 min). Antioxidant supplementation was performed with oral administration of Filipendula ulmaria extract dissolved in tap water to reach a final concentration of 100 mg/kg b.w. for seven consecutive days. Results: Simultaneous administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and antioxidant supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria extract significantly ameliorated the macroscopic and histopathological characteristics of the wound area and healing. Also, this therapeutic approach decreased the local expression of genes for proinflammatory mediators and increased the expression of the µ-opioid receptor and the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the wound area and spinal cord, with a consequent increase in reaction times in behavioural testing. Conclusions: In conclusion, the presented results of our study allow evidence for the advantages of the simultaneous employment of HBO and antioxidant supplementation in the treatment of thermal skin injuries, with special reference to the attenuation of painful sensations accompanied by this type of trauma.

Applications of Biodegradable Magnesium-Based Materials in Reconstructive Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Review.

Reconstruction of defects in the maxillofacial region following traumatic injuries, craniofacial deformities, defects from tumor removal, or infections in the maxillofacial area represents a major challenge for surgeons. Various materials have been studied for the reconstruction of defects in the maxillofacial area. Biodegradable metals have been widely researched due to their excellent biological properties. Magnesium (Mg) and Mg-based materials have been extensively studied for tissue regeneration procedures due to biodegradability, mechanical characteristics, osteogenic capacity, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties. The aim of this review was to analyze and discuss the applications of Mg and Mg-based materials in reconstructive oral and maxillofacial surgery in the fields of guided bone regeneration, dental implantology, fixation of facial bone fractures and soft tissue regeneration.

Comparison of Hydroxyapatite/Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and Hydroxyapatite/Polyethyleneimine Composite Scaffolds in Bone Regeneration of Swine Mandibular Critical Size Defects: In Vivo Study.

Reconstruction of jaw bone defects present a significant problem because of specific aesthetic and functional requirements. Although widely used, the transplantation of standard autograft and allograft materials is still associated with significant constraints. Composite scaffolds, combining advantages of biodegradable polymers with bioceramics, have potential to overcome limitations of standard grafts. Polyethyleneimine could be an interesting novel biocompatible polymer for scaffold construction due to its biocompatibility and chemical structure. To date, there have been no in vivo studies assessing biological properties of hydroxyapatite bioceramics scaffold modified with polyethyleneimine. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo effects of composite scaffolds of hydroxyapatite ceramics and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and novel polyethyleneimine on bone repair in swine's mandibular defects, and to compare them to conventional bone allograft (BioOss). Scaffolds were prepared using the method of polymer foam template in three steps. Pigs, 3 months old, were used and defects were made in the canine, premolar, and molar area of their mandibles. Four months following the surgical procedure, the bone was analyzed using radiological, histological, and gene expression techniques. Hydroxyapatite ceramics/polyethyleneimine composite scaffold demonstrated improved biological behavior compared to conventional allograft in treatment of swine's mandibular defects, in terms of bone density and bone tissue histological characteristics.

Alteration of Oxidative stress and apoptotic markers alterations in the rat prefrontal cortex influence behavioral response induced by cisplatin and N-acetylcysteine in the tail suspension test.

Cisplatin therapy is often accompanied by neurotoxicity manifestation, and since the prefrontal cortex is strongly involved in emotion regulation, the aim of this study was to analyze the alterations in the oxidative and apoptotic status of this brain region, with its behavioral impact in rats, following cisplatin administration, with or without N-acetylcysteine supplementation. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four equal experimental groups: control, cisplatin group (single dose of 7.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), on the fifth day), N-acetylcysteine group (500 mg/kg i.p., on the first and the fifth day), cisplatin + N-acetylcysteine group. Behavioral testing was performed in the tail suspension test. Oxidative stress and apoptotic markers were determined in the prefrontal cortex tissue samples. Cisplatin administration increased lipid peroxidation and decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the prefrontal cortex. Also, cisplatin induced increase in Bax and decrease in Bcl-2 relative gene expression. Simultaneous application of N-acetylcysteine diminished cisplatin-induced alterations in oxidative stress and apoptotic markers. The results obtained in the tail suspension test that nominally resembles antidepressant action of cisplatin (attenuated by N-acetylcysteine), should be attributed to strong motor expression of anxiogenic response to cisplatin (also reversed by N-acetylcysteine). The antioxidant supplementation with NAC diminished cisplatin-induced oxidative damage and pro-apoptotic action in the prefrontal cortex, and significantly influenced specific behavioral alterations.

Variable neuroprotective role of Filipendula ulmaria extract in rat hippocampus.

We evaluated the influence of an antioxidant-rich extract of Filipendula ulmaria L. on anxiety levels induced by nano-sized particles of different calcium phosphates. Rats in experimental groups were administered with either nano-sized hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, or amorphous calcium phosphate in the presence of Filipendula ulmaria extract. Appropriate behavioral tests were performed to assess anxiety levels, while oxidative status and apoptosis parameters were determined in the hippocampus samples. The applied calcium phosphates increased oxidative stress markers in hippocampal tissue, accompanied by an enhanced pro-apoptotic mechanism. Moreover, the hippocampal immunoreactivity for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and GABAergic-A receptors was significantly lower following calcium phosphate nanoparticles intake. The observed functional and morphological alterations in the rat hippocampus occurred simultaneously with the anxiogenic response estimated in behavioral testing. The neuroprotective effect of Filipendula ulmaria was markedly manifested by the attenuation of oxidative damage induced by amorphous calcium phosphate and enhanced anti-apoptotic action in the rat hippocampus. The increased hippocampal immunoreactivity for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, GABAergic-A receptors and significant anxiolytic-like effects of Filipendula ulmaria may suggest a beneficial role of antioxidant supplementation in preventing anxiogenic response to nano-sized calcium phosphates.

Antioxidant Supplementation in the Treatment of Neurotoxicity Induced by Platinum-Based Chemotherapeutics-A Review.

Cancer represents one of the most pernicious public health problems with a high mortality rate among patients worldwide. Chemotherapy is one of the major therapeutic approaches for the treatment of various malignancies. Platinum-based drugs (cisplatin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin, etc.) are highly effective chemotherapeutic drugs used for the treatment of several types of malignancies, but their application and dosage are limited by their toxic effects on various systems, including neurotoxicity. Simultaneously, researchers have tried to improve the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients and decrease the toxicity of platinum-containing drugs by combining them with non-chemotherapy-based drugs, dietary supplements and/or antioxidants. Additionally, recent studies have shown that the root cause for the many side effects of platinum chemotherapeutics involves the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in naive cells. Therefore, suppression of ROS generation and their inactivation with antioxidants represents an appropriate approach for platinum drug-induced toxicities. The aim of this paper is to present an updated review of the protective effects of different antioxidant agents (vitamins, dietary antioxidants and supplements, medicaments, medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds) against the neurotoxicity induced by platinum-based chemotherapeutics. This review highlights the high potential of plant antioxidants as adjuvant strategies in chemotherapy with platinum drugs.

The role of galectin-3 in modulation of anxiety state level in mice.

Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a member of lectin family that binds to oligosaccharides, is involved in several biological processes, including maturation and function of nervous system. It had been reported that Gal-3 regulates oligodendrocytes differentiation and that Gal-3/Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) axis is involved in neuroinflammation. As both, central nervous system (CNS) maturation and neuroinflammation may affect behavior, the principle aim of this study was to examine the effects of Gal-3 gene deletion on behavior. Here we provide the evidence that Gal-3 deficiency shows clear anxiogenic effect in mature untreated animals (basal conditions). This was accompanied with lower interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) relative gene expression and hippocampal content, with no effect on TLR4 expression. Gal-3 deficiency was also accompanied with lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) relative gene expression and immunoreactivity in hippocampus (predominantly in CA1 region). Besides, the Gal-3 gene deletion resulted in attenuation of the hippocampal relative gene expression of GABA-A receptor subunits 2 and 5 (GABA-AR2S and GABA-AR5S), On the other hand, Gal-3 deficiency attenuates LPS-induced neuroinflammation. The anxiogenic effect of acute neuroinflammation was accompanied with increased hippocampal IL-6, TNF-α and TLR4 gene expression, as well as decreased gene and immunohistochemical BDNF expression in hippocampus, with significant decline in GABA-AR2S in wild type (WT) mice in comparison to basal conditions. Gal-3 gene deletion prevented the increase in IL-6, the decline in BDNF gene expression and immunoreactivity, and reduction in hippocampal GABA-AR2S, and therefore attenuated the anxiogenic effect of neuroinflammation. In summary, our data demonstrate that apparently opposite effects of Gal-3 deficiency on anxiety levels (anxiogenic effect under basal conditions and anxiolytic action during neuroinflammation) seem to be related to the shift in IL-6, TNF-α and hippocampal BDNF.

The anxiolytic effects of atorvastatin and simvastatin on dietary-induced increase in homocysteine levels in rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin and simvastatin on behavioral manifestations that followed hyperhomocysteinemia induced by special dietary protocols enriched in methionine and deficient in B vitamins (B6, B9, B12) by means of alterations in anxiety levels in rats. Simultaneously, we investigated the alterations of oxidative stress markers in rat hippocampus induced by applied dietary protocols. Furthermore, considering the well-known antioxidant properties of statins, we attempted to assess their impact on major markers of oxidative stress and their possible beneficial role on anxiety-like behavior effect in rats. The 4-week-old male Wistar albino rats were divided (eight per group) according to basic dietary protocols: standard chow, methionine-enriched, and methionine-enriched vitamins B (B6, B9, B12) deficient. Each dietary protocol (30 days) included groups with atorvastatin (3 mg/kg/day i.p.) and simvastatin (5 mg/kg/day i.p.). The behavioral testing was performed in the open field and elevated plus maze tests. Parameters of oxidative stress (index of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase activity, glutathione) were determined in hippocampal tissue samples following decapitation after anesthesia. Methionine-load dietary protocols induced increased oxidative stress in rat hippocampus, which was accompanied by anxiogenic behavioral manifestations. The methionine-enriched diet with restricted vitamins B intake induced more pronounced anxiogenic effect, as well as increased oxidative stress compared to the methionine-load diet with normal vitamins B content. Simultaneous administration of statins showed beneficial effects by means of both decreased parameters of oxidative stress and attenuation of anxiety. The results obtained with simvastatin were more convincible compared to atorvastatin.

Alterations of the oxidative status in rat hippocampus and prodepressant effect of chronic testosterone enanthate administration.

In a last few decades, anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) abuse has become serious health concern especially among adolescents. AASs abuse has been reported to be involved in pathogenesis of various mood disorders, including depression. In order to evaluate the effects of chronic (6 weeks) testosterone enanthate (TE) treatment in supraphysiological dose and exercise on depression-like behavior in rats, 32 male rats were divided into four groups: control (C), testosterone enanthate (T, 20 mg/kg/w, s.c.), exercise (E, swimming for 1 h/day), and combined group-testosterone enanthate plus exercise (T + E). TE produced prodepressant effect in tail suspension test (TST) parameters compared to the control and exercise groups, while exercise induced the opposite effect. Simultaneous TE administration along with exercise attenuated the antidepressant effect of exercise reversing the parameters of TST to the control values. Oxidative stress markers in rat hippocampus were significantly altered following applied protocols. TE administration increased index of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and decreased superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), while exercise induced the opposite effect, with no change in glutathione (GSH) levels. Our results indicate that TE chronic treatment resulted in clear depressive-like behavior, even abolishing beneficial antidepressant effects of exercise in TST that was accompanied with increased oxidative damage in rat hippocampus. The antidepressant effect of exercise correlated with the improvement of redox status in hippocampal tissue. Behavioral parameters obtained in TST significantly correlated with the levels of oxidative stress markers.

The adverse effects of exercise and supraphysiological dose of testosterone-enanthate (TE) on exploratory activity in elevated plus maze (EPM) test - indications for using total exploratory activity (TEA) as a new parameter for ex.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the estimation of effects induced by chronic administration of supraphysiological dose of TE and prolonged exercise in male rats on anxiety levels (alterations in exploratory activity patterns in EPM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two sedentary (control - C and testosterone-enanthate - T) and two exercise (exercise - E and testosterone-enanthate plus exercise - T+E) groups (n=32) underwent adequate protocols - the swimming protocol (1 h/day) and TE (20 mg/kg/w, s.c.) for six weeks. Testing was performed in EPM. RESULTS: Anxiolytic effects of exercise were manifested as increased exploratory activity in EPM - increase in cumulative duration in open arms, the number of rearings and head-dippings, and TEA. Supraphysiological dose of TE decreased the number of rearings and head-dippings, cumulative duration in open arms and TEA compared to the control group, while this effect of TE was more pronounced compared to the exercise group. The applied dose of TE attenuated beneficial effects of exercise by means of all estimated parameters. CONSLUSIONS: Our results confirmed the beneficial effect of exercise on anxiety levels observed in EPM by means of parameters considering the alterations in exploratory activity. Supraphysiological dose of TE resulted in anxiogenic-like behavior in EPM. The effect of TE was so pronounced that the beneficial effect of exercise was reversed to the control values (or even below them). Based on the results of this trial, we propose that use of the TEA (a new parameter for overall exploratory activity) can improve the evaluation of EPM test results.

Anxiogenic effects of chronic exposure to nandrolone decanoate (ND) at supraphysiological dose in rats: a brief report.

OBJECTIVE: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is frequently used anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) among the athletes. Despite the health risks, there is significant increase in prevalence of AAS abuse. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to ND at supraphysiological dose (to mimic the doses for human AAS abusers) on anxiety levels in adult rats. SETTINGS: We performed several behavioral tests (open field test, elevated plus maze test, beam-walking test, evoked beam-walking test and tail suspension test) for estimation of anxiety in rats. Adult rats received 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of ND weekly for four weeks. Behavioral test were performed on the seventh day after the last dose of ND. RESULTS: Anxiogenic-like pattern of behavior was clearly observed in several behavioral tests, such as open field test (decrease of total distance moved and cumulative duration of moving, decrease of an average velocity of the animals, decrease of frequency and total time in centre zone); elevated plus maze (decreased total time spent in open arms and the number of entries in open arms of the elevated plus maze); evoked beam-walking test (decreased time to cross the beam) and tail suspension test (increased latency to first immobility and decreased total duration of immobility). MAIN FINDINGS: Results of this study show that four-week treatment with the supraphysiological dose of ND produced anxiogenic effects in sedentary male rats. CONCLUSION: Our results show that rats after chronic treatment with a supraphysiological dose of ND exhibited anxiety-like behavior.

Therapeutic approach to emotional reactions accompanied with thermal skin injury - from basic to epidemiological research.

In this editorial, we discuss the status of a therapeutic approach to emotional reactions accompanying thermal skin injuries. Burns are considered a major health problem, as well as an economic and social problem, with potentially devastating and life-changing consequences. They affect a wide range of patients with different damage mechanisms, varied depths, and localizations of the burns. The most common are thermal burns, with more than 11 million occurrences annually according to the World Health Organization data. Thermal skin injuries are among the most tragic and catastrophic injuries, almost unsurpassed in terms of severity, morbidity, and mortality, as well as functional, aesthetic, social, economic, and psychological consequences. Burn survivors face stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body deformity, social isolation, unemployment, financial burden, and family problems. The advances in acute burn care have allowed researchers and physicians to pay more attention to other effects of burns, focusing on psychological consequences in particular. Apart from the significant improvements in routine protocols, it seems useful to take care of psychological disturbances that occur simultaneously but may emerge as the most lasting outcome of those injuries. In that sense, various standards and additional approaches may be involved to achieve overall recovery.