Reperfusion was achieved by releasing the occlusion and restoring circulation. A sham operation was performed in control rats. Melatonin solution or vehicle alone was administrated orally throughout pregnancy. We collected brain mitochondria from neonatal rats, evaluated mitochondrial structure Small molecule library mouse by electron microscopy, and measured the respiratory control index

(RCI) as an indicator of mitochondrial respiratory activity as well as the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), a marker of oxidative stress. Histological analysis was performed at the Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) and Cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) regions of the hippocampus. Results: I/R significantly reduced the RCI and significantly elevated the concentration of TBARS. Melatonin treatment reversed these effects, resulting in values similar to that in untreated, sham-ischemic animals. Electron microscopic evaluation showed that the number of intact mitochondria decreased in the I/R group, while melatonin treatment preserved them. Histological analysis revealed a decrease in the ratio of normal to whole pyramidal cell number in the CA1 and CA3 regions in the I/R group. While melatonin administration protected against degeneration. Conclusions: These results indicate that prophylactic administration of melatonin to the mother throughout pregnancy may

CCI-779 mouse prevent I/R-induced oxidative brain damage in neonatal rats.”
“Background: Despite the paradigm shift from process to competency-based education, no study has explored how competency-based metrics might be used to assess short-term effectiveness of thoracoscopy-related postgraduate medical education. Objectives: To assess the use of a single-group, pre-/post-test model comprised of multiple-choice questions

(MCQ) and psychomotor skill measures to ascertain the effectiveness of a postgraduate thoracoscopy program. Methods: A 37-item MCQ test of cognitive knowledge was administered to 17 chest physicians before and after a 2-day continued medical education-approved program. Pre- and post-course technical skills were assessed using rigid videothoracoscopy simulation LSD1 inhibitor stations. Competency-based metrics (mean relative gain, mean absolute gain, and class-average normalized gain < g >) were calculated. A < g > > 30% was used to determine curricular effectiveness. Results: Mean cognitive knowledge score improved significantly from 20.9 to 28.7 (7.8 +/- 1.3 points, p < 0.001), representing a relative gain of 37% and an absolute gain of 21%. Mean technical skill score improved significantly from 5.20 to 7.82 (2.62 +/- 0.33 points, p < 0.001), representing a relative gain of 50% and an absolute gain of 33%. Non-parametric testing confirmed t test results (p < 0.001). Class-average normalized gains were 48 and 92%, respectively.