Analysis Of Blood Serum Research Articles

Salivary proteomics: A new adjuvant approach to the early diagnosis of familial juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystemic disease characterized by autoimmune inflammatory disturbance. Pleomorphic manifestations are present and a potentially progressive and debilitating course can be detected. SLE rarely manifests before age 5, and its onset peaks is around puberty. Although clinical manifestations, immunological alterations and treatment do not differ between juvenile and adult SLE, children tend to present with a more aggressive disease course than adults. Hence, autoimmune rheumatic diseases are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations. Blood serum analysis plays an especially important role in the detection and monitoring of autoantibodies in SLE. However, since blood sampling is an uncomfortable procedure, especially in children, novel less invasive techniques and approaches are of utmost importance to evaluate pediatric subjects. In this regard, saliva samples have several advantages, such as: easy access, fast collection, painless and riskless procedure. Saliva has antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as several other relevant features. The whole saliva is a complex mixture of major and minor salivary gland secretion, gingival crevicular fluid, transudates plasma protein, keratinocyte products and oral microbiota. This biological fluid reflects the physiological state of the body, including the emotional condition, and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic changes. Therefore, salivary proteomics is becoming increasingly used for the early diagnosis of several diseases such as breast cancer, oral cancer, Sjögren’s syndrome, diffuse systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, among others. Considering the detection of some potential markers related to SLE in serum and urine, this study aims to conduct an initial evaluation of the possible presence of such biomarkers in saliva. Furthermore, it is expected to track down new salivary proteins that could be correlated with the disease. As such, it is important to evaluate whether the analysis of the salivary proteome of children whose mothers have SLE may help identify biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of the condition.

EFFECT OF DEEP-FAT FRYING ON CANOLA OIL, PALMOLEIN AND SUNFLOWER OIL BLENDS: B) BIOLOGICALAND NUTRITIONAL STUDIES

Canola oil (CO) is very high in healthy unsaturated fatty acids. It is higher in the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid than any of other oil except flaxseed oil. Because of its light flavor, high smoke point and smooth texture, canola oil is one of the most versatile cooking oils. Oil blending is one way of the most suitable technology to overcome the problem of poor stability of canola oil. It was blend with sunflower oil (SF)and palm olein (PO) to evaluate technological and nutritional qualities. This study was conducted to assess the effects of long-term intake of different fresh edible canola oils, their blends and those frying oils, selected due to their common use in human nutrition. Sixteen groups of (50-70g) albino male rats (n = 5), were fed for 90 days on different fresh and frying oils which drown from different frying cycles of potato chips up to 30th frying. The experiment period was divided into two durations 45- days for each. Blood serum analysis for rat groups were showed; a significant increases in liver, kidney and heart functions consider to 1st experimental duration as compared with the control group which fed on corn oil, While these functions were non-significant difference in the 2nd experimental duration. Serum lipid profile and Atherogenic Index (AI) were recorded a significant different among all groups as compared with the control group (G1) during 1stexperimental duration. However, HDL-C was significant decreased in the 1st duration than that in the 2nd. Otherwise, canola oil in the diets could be increase the HDL level than that in rats group fed on corn oil. A distinct lowering in TG level was recorded among rat groups fed on diets of CO+PO (G12:G16) in the 1st duration. Internal antioxidant of serum coenzyme Q10 was found to decline among later groups fed on frying oils 30th (G6, G11 and G16) ranges ˂ 70mmol/ml. A blood lymphocyte percentage recorded diminution at 8% among groups which fed on fresh CO + PO (G12) and used frying CO + PO (G13, G14 and G16) oils than other groups as well as the control group G1 through 1st duration. Histological examination for liver, kidney, heart, intestinal and testes tissue of rats were investigated. Most of groups exhibited different histological alteration, these alerts were sever along the later groups fed on 20th and 30th frying cycles oil. Depend on this study, canola oil and palm olein in blend can be used to improve the health status of such fried foods and their oils up to 10th frying cycles.

Porous membrane strip microsampling: a dried biofluid collection format and application for quantitative enzyme immunoassay

Applicability of a new and simple membrane-strip microsampling format for the analysis of human blood serum in a strip-dried form for the presence of a range of model low and high molecular weight analytes by ELISA was demonstrated.

Igg4-related sclerosing disease of the respiratory tract: case report and literature review

IgG4­related sclerosing disease (IgG4­RSD) is a recently described immunodependent system pathology, characterized by focal or diffuse inflammatory infiltration of the affected organs and tissues by plasma cells expressing IgG4, and the subsequent development of obliterate phlebitis and the relevant organs fibrosclerosis, it is accompanied by the increased levels of IgG4 in blood serum. According to recently published materials, the disease can also occur in the respiratory system. In the article, the authors describe the first documented case of IgG4­RSD with isolated lesions of the larynx. The diagnosis was established by a comprehensive examination with the exception of system failures, determination of the IgG4 level in blood serum and immunohistochemical analysis of histological preparations with coloring to IgG4­secreting plasma cells. After establishing the diagnosis, the patient underwent a course of systemic hormone therapy. Now the patient has persistent clinical and radiological remission of the disease.

The positional isomers of palmitic and oleic triglycerides, lipolysis, conformation of apoB-100, formation of apoE/B-100 ligand and absorption of lipoproteins of very low density by insulin-dependent cells under action of statins.

The study was carried out to trace back quantitative alterations of positional isomers, oleic and palmitic triglycerides and individual fatty acids in blood serum. After two weeks of taking of Simvastatin (40, 80 mg), analysis of blood serum established decreasing of content of Рhosphatidylcholine and more reliable decreasing of amount of non-etherized alcohol cholesterol. No alterations of content of particular fatty acids were detected. In apoB-100, Рhosphatidylcholine and non-etherized alcohol cholesterol form polar mono-layer; it covers mass of oleic and palmitic triglycerides that was bound by apoB-100 in oleic and palmitic lipoproteins of very low density disturbing bio-availability of substrate (oleic and palmitic triglycerides) for post-heparin lipase. This very pool of non-etherized alcohol cholesterol is inhibited by statins activating lipolysis in oleic and palmitic lipoproteins of very low density. In blood was detected amount of palmitic positional isomersin oleic and palmitic triglycerides (palmitoyl-palmitoyl-palmitate and palmitol-palmitoyl-oleate) and oleic positional isomers (oleyl-oleyl-palmitate and oleyl-oleyl-oleate). The significant difference was marked in content of positional isomers both of oleyl-oleyl-oleate and oleyl-oleyl-palmitate; their content is less in blood of patients of experimental group as compared with healthy people. In case of treatment with Simvastatin (40 mg) the level of palmitic positional isomers and palmitol-palmitoyloleate is decreased. In case of treatment with Simvastatin (80 mg) significant decreasing of positional isomers-palmitolpalmitoyl-oleate and oleyl-oleyl-palmitate as compared with data before treatment. The detection of content of positional isomers triglycerides permits: a) to characterize disorders of metabolism of palmitic fatty acid, oleic fatty acid, oleic and palmitic triglycerides and oleic and palmitic lipoproteins of very low density of the same name; b) to form individual diet therapy; c) to obtain objective information concerning compliance of prescribed recommendations b y patient. The basis of primary prevention of atherosclerosis and atheromatosis is in decreasing up to physiological level in food the content of longchained saturated fatty acids mainly palmitic acid.

Molecular Marker of Tumours

Molecular structure of the marker of tumour is determined by magneto-optical analysis of blood serum. The marker is the laevorotatory enantiomer of alanine. The cancer status of a subject is described by the number of molecules of the laevorotatory alanine enantiomer (-)ρ and the effectiveness of therapy is measured by the number of molecules of the dextrorotatory alanine enantiomer (+)ρ. The values of (-)ρ and (+)ρ are determined separately for the patient before and after therapy.

A case of non-lacrimal immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related orbital disease with mastitis

ABSTRACTIgG4-related orbital disease is a recognised cause for orbital inflammation. As its awareness increases and diagnostic accuracy improves there will be an increased number of cases being identified. This unique case demonstrates for the first time, with histological evidence, a case of a non-lacrimal IgG4-related orbital disease with concurrent IgG4-related mastitis. We describe a 47 year old who presented with a supraorbital swelling and mass. This was initially successfully treated with oral steroids and was later excised on recurrence. Immunohistochemical and blood serum analysis confirmed IgG4-related orbital disease. On systemic enquiry she was found to have a mass of the breast, which was shown to be IgG4-related mastitis. She is currently asymptomatic with no sign of recurrence and is under long-term surveillance. This case highlights the importance of systemic work up in patients presenting with orbital foci of IgG4 disease.

Abstract C145: Targeted radiosensitization of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through ADAM17 inhibition

Abstract Introduction: Radiotherapy is a mainstay for the treatment of locally advanced NSCLC. However, the response rates and clinical outcomes are still disappointing, with the 5-year survival rate being only approximately 15%. Growth and survival of NSCLC cells are often dependent on ectodomain cleavage of membrane-anchored proteins, which is primarily mediated by metalloproteases such as ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase). Among all metalloproteases, ADAM17 is actively associated with this process of proteolytic ‘shedding’ and hence the release of growth factors and cytokines regulating cell proliferation and migration. In the current study, we provide novel insights into activation of ADAM17 and subsequent ligand shedding in response to irradiation. We show for the first time that direct targeting of ADAM17 with a clinically relevant inhibitor radiosensitizes lung carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Material and methods: Large scale secretome profiling (>300 factors) was performed using antibody arrays for a wide range of secretory factors. Secretion kinetics of selected ADAM17 substrates were determined using ELISA across different established tumor cells and in murine blood serum, derived from irradiated A549 tumor xenograft-carrying mice. Clonogenic survival and xenograft tumor growth delay assays were performed in response to IR in siRNA-targeted tumor cell lines or in combination with small molecular agents. Tumor proliferation and ADAM17 downstream was evaluated employing immunohistochemistry and ex vivo blood serum analysis. Results: Based on a large scale secretome screening, we investigated secretion of auto- or paracrine factors in non–small cell lung cancer in response to irradiation and discovered the ADAM17 network as crucial mediator of resistance to IR. Irradiation triggered secretion of multiple ADAM17 substrates as ALCAM and amphiregulin in a similar IR-induced time- and dose-dependent manner across a panel of NSCLC cell lines and from A549-derived tumor xenografts. Irradiation also induced a dose-dependent increase of furin-mediated cleavage of the proform of ADAM17 to active ADAM17, which resulted in enhanced ADAM17 activity in vitro and in vivo. Genetic or pharmacologic targeting of ADAM17 suppressed IR-induced shedding of secreted factors, downregulated ErbB-signaling in target cells and enhanced IR-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. Furthermore, the combined treatment modality of IR with the ADAM17 inhibitor TMI-005 resulted in a supra-additive antitumor response in A549 tumor xenografts. Inhibition of ADAM17 with TMI-005 also strongly reduced immunohistochemical staining for ADAM17 substrates and MIB1, demonstrating an enduring antiproliferative effect and potency of ADAM17 targeting in combination with radiotherapy to overcome treatment resistance. Conclusions: These findings implicate that radiotherapy significantly activates ADAM17 in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, which results in shedding of multiple survival factors, growth factor pathway activation and contributes to treatment resistance. We provide a sound rationale for repositioning ADAM17 inhibitors as short-term adjuvants to improve the radiotherapy outcome of NSCLC. Citation Format: Ashish Sharma, Sabine Bender, Oliver Riesterer, Angela Broggini-Tenzer, Martin Pruschy. Targeted radiosensitization of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through ADAM17 inhibition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr C145.

Abstract 14609: Serum Protein Fingerprinting: A New Approach to the Clinical Screening of Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: A major goal of the 21st century is to mitigate disease and healthcare costs. Coronary artery disease (CAD) kills 370,000 Americans and costs the United States $109 billion each year. More accurate screening tools are needed to ameliorate CAD related morbidity and mortality. A new approach to the direct analysis of blood serum led to the development of a prospective clinical screening tool for CAD involving sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE). Hypothesis: The novel method generates serum protein profiles which can be used to screen individuals for heart disease by distinguishing profile features of macromolecules involved in CAD. Methods: Serum profiles were generated by SDS-CGE for each study participant (n=48), 30 with CAD and 18 ‘NonCAD’ as identified by histories of CAD or unremarkable coronary angiographies. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the profile features were conducted to identify biomarkers and statistically classify participants as CAD or NonCAD. To compare the accuracy of the method with that of an established clinical tool, participants’ 10 Year Framingham Risk Scores (FRS) were calculated. Individuals with FRS scores less than 10% (low) risk were classified as NonCAD and those with greater than 10% (moderate to severe) risk were classified as CAD. Results: A “serum protein fingerprint” profile is shown. Relative standard deviations of 2% for MW and 20% for absorbance indicate method repeatability. In the classification of participants as CAD or NonCAD, the respective accuracies of the multivariate canonical and linear discriminant analyses were 90% (p-value of 7E-5) and 94%. The classification accuracy of FRS was less than 42%. Two features of the serum profiles (#’s 3 and 7 (with Prob>F values of 0.01 and 4E-5 respectively)) are potentially novel markers for CAD. Conclusions: The proposed serum protein analysis method correlated proteins with CAD and was more accurate than the FRS method in this study.

우리나라 중남부지역 젖소목장에서 이등유 발생 조사

The incidence of second-grade milk production in 9 dairy farms of South Korea was investigated from May 2011 to March 2012, and the serum composition of cows producing first- and second-grade milk in 14 farms including the 9 farms was analyzed. The incidence rate of second-grade milk production of 402 cows in nine dairy farms located in the central and southwestern regions of Korea was 15.4% with the highest rate being 34.4%. Seasonal morbidity was higher during late winter (February) and early summer (June) with the highest rate observed in February (32.6%) followed by November (33.3%). Second-grade milk was most frequently found within one month postpartum (34.1%) while only 3.5% was found during the first 60~90 days of lactating period (n=785, 5 herds). The morbidity increased thereafter (P<0.05) with the highest observed between 270~300 days of lactation (36.1%). The acidity was not significantly different between second-grade (<TEX>$0.159{\pm}0.026%$</TEX>) and first-grade milk (<TEX>$0.158{\pm}0.027%$</TEX>). Blood serum analysis of 371 cows in the 14 dairy farms indicated that aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was significantly higher (P<0.001) in cows producing second-grade milk while albumin was significantly lower (P<0.001) than cows producing first-grade milk. Total protein and triglyceride was also significantly low along with glucose, non-esterified fatty acid and blood urea nitrogen in cows producing second-grade milk. Statistical analysis including sensitivity, specificity and positive/negative prediction values showed that lactating cows with high AST, low albumin, total protein and triglyceride levels in the serum tended to produce second-grade milk. It was concluded that serological parameters, especially live functional and metabolic-related serum compositions (AST, albumin, total protein and triglyceride), were significantly influenced in cows producing second-grade milk.

Seroincidence of non-typhoid Salmonella infections: convenience vs. random community-based sampling.

The incidence of reported infections of non-typhoid Salmonella is affected by biases inherent to passive laboratory surveillance, whereas analysis of blood sera may provide a less biased alternative to estimate the force of Salmonella transmission in humans. We developed a mathematical model that enabled a back-calculation of the annual seroincidence of Salmonella based on measurements of specific antibodies. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroincidence in two convenience samples from 2012 (Danish blood donors, n = 500, and pregnant women, n = 637) and a community-based sample of healthy individuals from 2006 to 2007 (n = 1780). The lowest antibody levels were measured in the samples from the community cohort and the highest in pregnant women. The annual Salmonella seroincidences were 319 infections/1000 pregnant women [90% credibility interval (CrI) 210-441], 182/1000 in blood donors (90% CrI 85-298) and 77/1000 in the community cohort (90% CrI 45-114). Although the differences between study populations decreased when accounting for different age distributions the estimates depend on the study population. It is important to be aware of this issue and define a certain population under surveillance in order to obtain consistent results in an application of serological measures for public health purposes.

Segregation of ovarian cancer stage exploiting spectral biomarkers derived from blood plasma or serum analysis: ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with variable selection methods.

Ovarian cancer is a solid tumor and a leading cause of mortality. Diagnostic tools for the detection of early stage (stage I) ovarian cancer are urgently needed. For this purpose, attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) coupled with variable selection methods, successive projection algorithm or genetic algorithm (GA) combined with linear discriminant analysis (LDA), were employed to identify spectral biomarkers in blood plasma or serum samples for accurate diagnosis of different stages of ovarian cancer, histological type and segregation based on age. Three spectral datasets (stage I vs. stage II-IV; serous vs. non-serous carcinoma; and, ≤60 years vs. >60 years) were processed: sensitivity and specificity required for real-world diagnosis of ovarian cancer was achieved. Toward segregating stage I vs. stage II-IV, sensitivity and specificity (plasma blood) of 100% was achieved using a GA-LDA model with 33 wavenumbers. For serous vs. non-serous category (plasma blood), the sensitivity and specificity levels, using 29 wavenumbers by GA-LDA, were remarkable (up to 94%). For ≤60 years and >60 years categories (plasma blood), the sensitivity and specificity, using 42 wavenumbers by GA-LDA, gave complete accuracy (100%). For serum samples, sensitivity and specificity results gave relatively high accuracy (up to 91.6% stage I vs. stage II-IV; up to 93.0% serous vs. non-serous; and, up to 96.0% ≤60 years vs. >60 years) using several wavenumbers. These findings justify a prospective population-based assessment of biomarkers signatures using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as a screening tool for stage of ovarian cancer.

Anterior Mediasten Yerleşimli Ektopik Paratiroid Adenomuna Bağlı Primer Hiperparatiroidizm Olgusu

Purpose: Ectopically located parathyroid adenomas are seen in 5-10% of the patients and these are located in thymus and in the mediastinum with the rates of 95% and 5%, subsequently. Here, we aimed at presenting a patient with an anterior mediastinum located parathyroid adenoma that was admitted with primary hyperparathyroidism. Case report: In the blood serum analysis of the 46 years old female patient; calcium (Ca+) level was defined as 11,6 mg/dl (8.5-11.0), phosphorus level as 1,4 mg/dl (2.8-5.0), 25-OH vitamin D level as 4,5 ng/ml and parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was as 696 pg/ml (12-72). In addition, on parathyroid scintigraphy there was an intense activity involvement on the anterior midline mediastinal region and on computerized tomography; a 28 mm sized ectopic parathyroid gland at the same location was reported. An endoscopic surgery was performed and the thymus and parathyroid adenoma were removed out of the sternum (ectopic parathyroidectomy with thymectomy). Result: The most effective therapy for ectopic parathyroid adenomas is surgery and although they are seen rarely, it should be kept in mind that parathyroid glands may be present in ectopic locations. The success of the surgery is mostly depends on the preoperative localization of this ectopic gland.

Diagnostic prediction of renal failure from blood serum analysis by FTIR spectrometry and chemometrics

A new diagnostic approach based on Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectrometry and classification algorithm has been introduced which provides a rapid, reliable, and easy way to perform blood test for the diagnosis of renal failure. Blood serum samples from 35 renal failure patients and 40 healthy persons were analyzed by ATR–FTIR spectrometry. The resulting data was processed by Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA) and QDA combined with simple filtered method. Spectroscopic studies were performed in 900–2000cm−1 spectral region with 3.85cm−1 data space. Results showed 93.33% and 100% of accuracy for QDA and filter-QDA models, respectively. In the first step, 30 samples were applied to construct the model. In order to modify the capability of QDA in prediction of test samples, filter-based feature selection methods were applied. It was found that the filtered spectra coupled with QDA could correctly predict the test samples in most of the cases.

In vivo fluorescence reflectance imaging of protease activity in a mouse model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Joint injuries initiate a surge of inflammatory cytokines and proteases that contribute to cartilage and subchondral bone degeneration. Detecting these early processes in animal models of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) typically involves ex vivo analysis of blood serum or synovial fluid biomarkers, or histological analysis of the joint. In this study, we used in vivo fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) to quantify protease, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and Cathepsin K activity in mice following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. We hypothesized that these processes would be elevated at early time points following joint injury, but would return to control levels at later time points. Mice were injured via tibial compression overload, and FRI was performed at time points from 1 to 56 days after injury using commercially available activatable fluorescent tracers to quantify protease, MMP, and cathepsin K activity in injured vs uninjured knees. PTOA was assessed at 56 days post-injury using micro-computed tomography and whole-joint histology. Protease activity, MMP activity, and cathepsin K activity were all significantly increased in injured knees relative to uninjured knees at all time points, peaking at 1-7 days post-injury, then decreasing at later time points while still remaining elevated relative to controls. This study establishes FRI as a reliable method for in vivo quantification of early biological processes in a translatable mouse model of PTOA, and provides crucial information about the time course of inflammation and biological activity following joint injury. These data may inform future studies aimed at targeting these early processes to inhibit PTOA development.

Ionizing radiation induces tumor cell lysyl oxidase secretion.

BackgroundIonizing radiation (IR) is a mainstay of cancer therapy, but irradiation can at times also lead to stress responses, which counteract IR-induced cytotoxicity. IR also triggers cellular secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor β and matrix metalloproteinases, among others, to promote tumor progression. Lysyl oxidase is known to play an important role in hypoxia-dependent cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. Here, we investigated the effects of IR on the expression and secretion of lysyl oxidase (LOX) from tumor cells.MethodsLOX-secretion along with enzymatic activity was investigated in multiple tumor cell lines in response to irradiation. Transwell migration assays were performed to evaluate invasive capacity of naïve tumor cells in response to IR-induced LOX. In vivo studies for confirming IR-enhanced LOX were performed employing immunohistochemistry of tumor tissues and ex vivo analysis of murine blood serum derived from locally irradiated A549-derived tumor xenografts.ResultsLOX was secreted in a dose dependent way from several tumor cell lines in response to irradiation. IR did not increase LOX-transcription but induced LOX-secretion. LOX-secretion could not be prevented by the microtubule stabilizing agent patupilone. In contrast, hypoxia induced LOX-transcription, and interestingly, hypoxia-dependent LOX-secretion could be counteracted by patupilone. Conditioned media from irradiated tumor cells promoted invasiveness of naïve tumor cells, while conditioned media from irradiated, LOX- siRNA-silenced cells did not stimulate their invasive capacity. Locally applied irradiation to tumor xenografts also increased LOX-secretion in vivo and resulted in enhanced LOX-levels in the murine blood serum.ConclusionsThese results indicate a differential regulation of LOX-expression and secretion in response to IR and hypoxia, and suggest that LOX may contribute towards an IR-induced migratory phenotype in sublethally-irradiated tumor cells and tumor progression.

Praziquantel form, dietary application method and dietary inclusion level affect palatability and efficacy against monogenean parasites in yellowtail kingfish

The bitterness of racemic praziquantel (PZQ) currently constrains its use as an in-feed treatment against monogenean flukes in finfish aquaculture. In an effort to increase the palatability of diets containing racemic PZQ for yellowtail kingfish, the palatability and efficacy of 2 forms of racemic PZQ (powder or powder within microcapsules) against natural infestations of skin and gill flukes were compared using 2 different dietary application methods (incorporated within the pellet mash prior to extrusion or surface-coated after extrusion) at active dietary inclusion levels of 8, 16 and 25 g kg-1 in large (3.5-4 kg) yellowtail kingfish. There was no clear benefit of incorporating PZQ into diets prior to extrusion. PZQ microcapsules improved the palatability of PZQ-containing diets but did not completely mask the bitter flavour. At the lowest active dietary inclusion level of 8 g kg-1, ingestion of the diet containing PZQ microcapsules was equal to the control and significantly better than that containing PZQ powder. At an inclusion level of 16 g kg-1, ingestion of the PZQ microcapsule diet was significantly better than that containing the same inclusion of PZQ powder but significantly lower than the control. Consumption of the diet containing 25 g kg-1 of PZQ microcapsules was poor. All fish consuming medicated feeds had a significant reduction in flukes relative to control fish; however, efficacy data and blood serum analysis suggested that diets containing PZQ microcapsules had lower bioavailability than those containing PZQ powder.

Structure and function of placental exchange surfaces in goodeid fishes (Teleostei: Atheriniformes).

The species of the family Goodeidae have evolved reproductive strategies involving intraovarian gestation, early evacuation of nearly yolk-exhausted embryos from the ovigerous tissue into the ovarian cavity, placental matrotrophy during intraluminal gestation, and the birth of highly developed fry. The inner ovarian lining becomes hypervascularized during gestational periods and functions as the maternal component of the placental association. Embryotrophic liquid is secreted by the inner ovarian epithelium into the ovarian cavity. Comparative electrophoretic analyses of embryotrophe and maternal blood serum provide evidence for the transfer of maternal serum proteins into the embryotrophe. Trophotaeniae, proctodaeal processes of the embryos, provide a surface for nutrient absorption. Endocytic activity was demonstrated by ingestion of unspecific tracer proteins in various species. Moreover, the trophotaenial absorptive cells (TACs) in Ameca splendens ingest various proteins or random copolymers conjugated to colloidal gold as well as radioiodinated proteins in a way that satisfies the criteria of receptor-mediated endocytosis. Several aminopeptidases (APs) on the surface of TACs were identified as protein binding sites as evidenced by inhibition of binding and uptake of marker proteins in the presence of AP substrates or AP inhibitors. Morphological adaptations of the embryonic circulatory system pertaining to nutrient and gas exchange were characterized. The embryonic epidermis comprises two layers of squamous cells closely underlain by a dense capillary net. Efficient gas exchange is facilitated by a thin embryotrophe-blood barrier of both the embryonic skin and the intraovarian lining.

Assessing the challenges of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of blood serum

There are many approaches to measuring the infrared spectrum of a blood serum sample. Naturally, each approach will have both advantages and disadvantages. We report on the progress of the application of infrared spectroscopy in the field of blood serum analysis towards clinical application, with a focus on prostate cancer. In order to perform a high-powered study with clinical relevance, choosing the most suitable approach must undergo careful consideration. We review the possibilities of using different sample preparation methods and speculate upon the potential pitfalls of both transmission and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) techniques.

Proteomics Analysis of Preeclampsia, a Systematic Review of Maternal and Fetal Compartments

Preeclampsia is a relatively common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that remains a high cause of maternal and fetal death due to the lack of early detection and treatment options. While the etiology is unclear, the placenta is the origin of preeclampsia and it releases factors into maternal circulation to induce systemic endothelial dysfunction. Preeclampsia is a heterogeneous condition and a single biomarker is likely incapable of identifying all women at risk of developing the condition. Proteomic efforts have been largely directed to analysis of maternal blood serum or the placental tissue. Altered protein expression in the placenta suggests a role in the development of preeclampsia while altered protein expression in maternal serum indicates factors secreted from the placenta or maternal responses to these factors. In this systemic review, 12 studies comparing samples from preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies using mass spectrometry based techniques were selected and 401 proteins with significantly altered expression in preeclampsia were observed across all studies. Inter-study comparison identified 52 proteins as significant in two or more studies. These 52 proteins were enriched for 22 pathways, including several previously implicated in preeclampsia such as hemostasis, immune response, and lipid metabolism which is a focus of this analysis. Significantly, the proteins complement component 4 and apolipoprotein E were observed with aberrant expression at week 12 before the clinical diagnosis of preeclampsia indicating promising roles as clinical biomarkers. Future studies of secretions from placenta villi explants can relate misrepresented proteins in the placenta to the altered protein profile in the maternal circulation resulting in systemic dysfunction.