Blood Plasma Concentrations Research Articles

The Effects of Prostaglandin E2 Treatment on the Secretory Function of Mare Corpus Luteum Depends on the Site of Application: An in vivo Study.

We examined the effect of prostaglandin (PG) E2 on the secretory function of equine corpus luteum (CL), according to the application site: intra-CL injection vs. an intrauterine (intra-U) administration. Moreover, the effect of intra-CL injection vs. intra-U administration of both luteotropic factors: PGE2 and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a positive control, on CL function was additionally compared. Mares were assigned to the groups (n = 6 per group): (1) an intra-CL saline injection (control); (2) an intra-CL injection of PGE2 (5 mg/ml); (3) an intra-CL injection of hCG (1,500 IU/ml); (4) an intra-U saline administration (control); (5) an intra-U administration of PGE2 (5 mg/5 ml); (6) an intra-U administration of hCG (1,500 IU/5 ml). Progesterone (P4) and PGE2 concentrations were measured in blood plasma samples collected at −2, −1, and 0 (pre-treatment), and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h after treatments. Moreover, effects of different doses of PGE2 application on the concentration of total PGF2α (PGF2α and its main metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α– PGFM) was determined. The time point of PGE2, hCG, or saline administration was defined as hour “0” of the experiment. An intra-CL injection of PGE2 increased P4 and PGE2 concentrations between 3 and 4 h or at 3 and 12 h, respectively (p < 0.05). While intra-U administration of PGE2 elevated P4 concentrations between 8 and 24 h, PGE2 was upregulated at 1 h and between 3 and 4 h (p < 0.05). An intra-CL injection of hCG increased P4 concentrations at 1, 6, and 12 h (p < 0.05), while its intra-U administration enhanced P4 and PGE2 concentrations between 1 and 12 h or at 3 h and between 6 and 10 h, respectively (p < 0.05). An application of PGE2, dependently on the dose, supports equine CL function, regardless of the application site, consequently leading to differences in both P4 and PGE2 concentrations in blood plasma.

Microchannel-embedded implantable device with fibrosis suppression for prolonged controlled drug delivery

For the prolonged, controlled delivery of systemic drugs, we propose an implantable drug-delivery chip (DDC) embedded with pairs of a microchannel and drug-reservoir serving as a drug diffusion barrier and depot, respectively. We pursued a DDC for dual drugs: a main-purpose drug, diclofenac (DF), for systemic exposure, and an antifibrotic drug, tranilast (TR), for local delivery. Thus, the problematic fibrotic tissue formation around the implanted device could be diminished, thereby less hindrance in systemic exposure of DF released from the DDC. First, we separately prepared DDCs for DF or TR delivery, and sought to find a proper microchannel length for a rapid onset and sustained pattern of drug release, as well as the required drug dose. Then, two distinct DDCs for DF and TR delivery, respectively, were assembled to produce a Dual_DDC for the concurrent delivery of DF and TR. When the Dual_DDC was implanted in living rats, the DF concentration in blood plasma did not drop significantly in the later periods after implantation relative to that in the early periods before fibrotic tissue formation. When the Dual_DDC was implanted without TR, there was a significant decrease in the blood plasma DF concentration as the time elapsed after implantation. Biopsied tissues around the Dual_DDC exhibited a significant decrease in the fibrotic capsule thickness and collagen density relative to the Dual_DDC without TR, owing to the effect of the local, sustained release of the TR.

Optical biosensor based on enhanced surface plasmon resonance: theoretical optimization

In this article, a theoretical design of enhanced surface plasmon resonance is proposed. The suggested sensor is composed of titanium, silver, graphene, photonic crystal, and a sensing layer. This structure is used to detect cancer cells and hemoglobin in blood plasma based on their refractive indices. Different parameters such as sensitivity and figure of merit are studied at an operating wavelength of 633 nm. The recorded sensitivity and figure of merit are 72 degrees/RIU and 346 RIU−1. The ability of the proposed sensor to detect cancer cells and blood plasma concentration will be investigated.

Diet crude protein reduction on follicular fluid and cumulus-oocyte complexes of mid-lactating Girolando cows.

This study evaluated the effect of crude protein (CP) reduction in four diets (156, 139, 132, and 127 g Kg-1 DM) maintaining constant metabolizable protein (188 g/day) on the follicular fluid and cumulus-oocyte complexes of mid-lactating Girolando cows. Twenty-two Girolando cows with average of 21.55 ±3.19 L daily milk yield, 105.30 ±22.62 days in lactation and 3.22 ±0.03 body condition score were selected. To reduce CP in diets and maintain constant metabolizable protein, urea and soybean meal were gradually replaced by lignosulfonate-treated soybean meal (SoyPass®, Cargill), resulting in an increase in rumen-undegradable protein and a reduction in rumen degradable protein. A linear and quadratic reduction was observed in the plasma and follicular fluid urea nitrogen concentration following CP reduction, with the most intense reduction occurring in the 127 g Kg-1 DM group (p<0.001). As CP reduced, there was a tendency for a linear increase in the follicular growth rate (P=0.0696), on the number and proportion of viable oocytes (P<0.09), and also a linear increase for the number (P=0.0397) and proportion (P<0.09) of grade I viable oocytes. Plus, there was a linear effect for the number of cumulus oophorus cells. Cows fed with the lowest amount of CP had cumulus-oocyte complexes with higher numbers of cumulus oophorus cells (P=0.0238). Also, the reduction of diet crude protein was followed by a decrease in the probability of oocytes’ DNA degradation. In conclusion, the reduction of CP in the diet of mid-lactating Girolando cows, reduces urea nitrogen concentration in both blood plasma and follicular fluid, and, as a consequence, increases the viability of oocytes and the number of cumulus oophorus cells while reducing oocytes’ DNA degradation of follicular included cumulus-oocyte complex. The reduction on dietary CP may improve in vivo oocytes’ embryo development impacting fertility of lactating dairy cows.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Doxofylline Sustained-Release Tablets by Using Chitosan and Guar Gum

The sustained-release dosage form is a well-characterized and reproducible dosage form that is designed to control drug release profile at a certain rate to reach desired drug concentration in blood plasma or at the target site. There is immense demand in the market for new sustained-release formulations used for new drug molecules which release the drug at a sustained rate. Doxofylline is one of the widely useful drugs in the market and needs to be given in a single dose for a long duration of time. For the same, we have prepared a sustained released Doxofylline tablet.&#x0D; Aim: This research was done to design, formulate and evaluate Doxofylline sustained-release tablets by using different concentrations of Chitosan and Guar Gum. &#x0D; Methods: The factorial design was used to prepare Doxofylline sustained-release tablet. Doxofylline sustained-release tablets were prepared to employ different concentrations of Chitosan, Guar Gum, Lactose, and Magnesium Stearate in different combinations by wet granulation technique. Total 9 formulations were designed, formulated, and evaluated for the hardness, thickness, friability, % drug content, and in-vitro drug release.&#x0D; Results: A study of the release of drug by in-vitro found that F8 is to be the best efficient formulation which consists of both Chitosan and Guar Gum helped in delayed the release of drug up to 24 hours and performs excellent release of drug in starting hours of drug release in the body. The drug released from the F8 formulation indicates the kinetic model of First Order, by anomalous diffusion. The formulation F8 shows optimum thickness, hardness and at 40ºC±2 99.35% drug release after 24 hours shows optimum formulation. &#x0D; Conclusion: This study concludes that better drug release was observed by using natural polymers. Doxofylline with natural polymer shows good release and better dissolution rate as compared with a single synthetic polymer. Synthetic drug with natural polymer shows more future scope and this work will help the researcher in the future.

P.0853 Minocycline increases blood production and plasma concentration of interleukin 10 in rats with streptozotocin-induced model of Alzheimer's disease

P.0853 Minocycline increases blood production and plasma concentration of interleukin 10 in rats with streptozotocin-induced model of Alzheimer's disease

Correction of electrolyte balance in surgical patients with urgent surgical interventions

Annotation. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common acute pathologies of the abdominal cavity, which requires immediate surgical intervention and can lead to water-electrolyte imbalance. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical significance of electrolyte imbalance in patients operated on for acute appendicitis and their correction. We examined 20 urgent surgical patients who were part of the control group and received “traditional” postoperative therapy and 23 patients of the study group who received oral rehydration therapy in the postoperative period to correct water-electrolyte disorders. To analyze the results of the study, profile analysis was used as a modification of multidimensional covariance analysis with repeated measurements. As can be seen from the results of testing the hypothesis of normalization of homeostasis due to the use of oral rehydration therapy schemes, the hypothesis was confirmed with a threshold significance of p=0.0642. The only significant effect of the rate of normalization of potassium concentration in blood plasma is the appointment of oral rehydration therapy with p=0.045. Also, the appointment of oral rehydration therapy is a significant effect of the rate of normalization of sodium and glucose in plasma (normalization of plasma glucose is significantly better in the dynamics of younger patients (p=0.045)). Thus, normalization of potassium and glucose, which correlates with the patient's age, was better in patients receiving oral rehydration mixture in the postoperative period than in patients receiving “traditional” postoperative therapy. Oral rehydration therapy is an acceptable alternative to infusion therapy in patients undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis in the postoperative period.

Soluble Fluoride in Na2FPO3/CaCO3-Based Toothpaste as an Indicator of Systemically Bioavailable Fluoride

Fluoride chemically soluble in toothpaste is an indicator of fluoride bioavailability when the teeth are brushed, and the same should be expected systemically when toothpaste is ingested. A 4-phases study was conducted, in which 8 participants were subjected in each phase to one of the assigned treatment groups: group I: fresh sample of a Na₂FPO₃/CaCO₃ toothpaste with 1,334 μg F/g of total soluble fluoride (TSF) and groups II–IV: aged samples of toothpaste presenting TSF concentrations of 1,128, 808, and 687 μg F/g, respectively. In all phases, the participants ingested an amount of toothpaste equivalent to 70.0 μg F/kg body weight, as total fluoride (TF). Blood was collected before (baseline) and up to 180 min after toothpaste ingestion as indicator of fluoride bioavailability. Total urine (24 h before and 24 h after ingestion) was collected as indicator of absorbed fluoride that was excreted. F concentration in blood plasma and urine was determined with a fluoride ion-specific electrode. The areas under the curve (AUC) of F concentration versus time (AUC = ng F/mL × min) and the peaks of fluoride concentration in blood plasma (C_max) were calculated. The net amount of fluoride excreted (mg/day) was calculated by subtraction. A significant correlation of the amount (mg) of TSF ingested was found between the AUC (r = 0.76; p < 0.01) and C_max (r = 0.86; p < 0.01) in plasma, and the fluoride excreted (r = 0.65; p < 0.01). For TF, no statistical correlations were found (p > 0.05). Data suggest that the concentration of TSF found in Na₂FPO₃/CaCO₃-based toothpastes is a useful predictor of how much fluoride will be systemically bioavailable when this type of formulation is ingested.

Characterisation of productive performance, body reserve dynamics and energy metabolic parameters of Holstein Friesian and Normande dairy cows managed in a low-input pastoral dairy system

Context Dairy cows with autumn-calving season in low-input pastoral systems are subjected to challenging conditions as their early lactation falls in autumn and winter when shortages in pasture availability and harsh weather conditions often occur. Aims We aimed to assess the associations between breed (Holstein Friesian (HF) vs Normande (NR)) and stage of lactation on productive and metabolic responses over lactation in a low-input pastoral dairy system. Methods Twenty-seven HF (n = 14) and NR (n = 13) cows were studied. Milk yield was measured fortnightly, and milk composition, milk solid yield, liveweight (LW), body condition score (BCS) and blood plasma energy metabolites were assessed monthly. Key results The greater milk for HF versus NR cows (e.g. 17.4 vs 12.1 ± 1.0 kg/day of milk; P &lt; 0.001) were associated with a lower LW (510 vs 540 ± 10 kg; P = 0.021) and BCS (1.84 vs 2.37 ± 0.10; P = 0.001) at nadir for HF than NR cows. Blood plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were high for longer in HF versus NR cows (18 vs 8 WRC). Plasma glucose was greater (P = 0.002) and insulin was lower (P = 0.021) for HF versus NR cows at 3 WRC. During mid-lactation, glucose (22 WRC, P = 0.021) and insulin (26 to 34 WRC, P ≤ 0.041) were lower for HF vs. NR cows. Conclusions Because of their lower milk yields, NR cows had a shorter period of body reserves mobilisation, which was associated with an earlier decrease of plasma concentrations of NEFA and greater insulin concentrations at 3 WRC, and then again during mid-lactation when LW and BCS were also greater for NR cows. Implications In constraining pastoral environments, NR cows would redirect fewer nutrients for milk synthesis, leading to lower depletion of body reserves, which could be associated with a better ability to cope with winter challenging conditions. Although HF cows had a greater depletion of body reserves, there was no increase in the incidence of health problems for these cows.

Altered Oxidative Status as a Cost of Reproduction in a Seabird with High Reproductive Costs.

AbstractLife history theory posits that reproduction is constrained by a cost of reproduction such that any increase in breeding effort should reduce subsequent survival. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between the prooxidant reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense. If not thwarted, ROS can cause damage to DNA, lipids, and proteins, potentially increasing the rate of senescence and decreasing cellular function. Reproduction is often associated with higher metabolic rates, which could increase production of ROS and lead to oxidative damage if the animal does not increase antioxidant protection. Thus, oxidative stress could be one mechanism creating a cost of reproduction. In this study we explored how reproduction may affect oxidative status differently between male and female thick-billed murres during early and late breeding seasons over three consecutive years. We manipulated breeding efforts by removing an egg from the nest of some individuals, which forced females to relay, and by handicapping other individuals by clipping wings. We measured total antioxidant capacity (TAC), uric acid (UA) concentration, and malondialdehyde (MDA; an index of lipid oxidative damage) concentration in blood plasma as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in red blood cells. Oxidative status was highly variable across years, and year was consistently the most important factor determining oxidative status; inconsistent results in previous field studies may be because reproductive oxidative stress occurs only in some years. Females had lower SOD and GPx and higher MDA and TAC than males immediately after egg laying, suggesting that the cost of egg laying required investment in cheaper nonenzymatic antioxidant defenses that had lower capacity for defending against lipid peroxidation. Delayed birds had lower UA and lower SOD, GPx, and CAT activity compared with control birds. In conclusion, when reproductive costs increase via higher energy costs or longer breeding seasons, the oxidative status of both male and female murres deteriorated as a result of reduced antioxidant defenses.

Catheter-mounted smart hydrogel ultrasound resonators for intravenous analyte monitoring.

Continuous monitoring of drug concentrations in blood plasma can be beneficial to guide individualized drug administration. High interpatient variability in required dosage and a small therapeutic window of certain drugs, such as anesthetic medications, can cause risks and challenges in accurate dosing during administration. In this work, we present a sensing platform concept using a smart hydrogel micro resonator sheet with medical ultrasound readout that is integrated on the top of a catheter. This concept is validated in-vitro using glucose as an easy to access and handle target analyte. In the case of continuous glucose measurement, our novel catheter-mounted sensing platform allows the detection of glucose concentrations in the range of 0 mM to 12 mM. While these experiments use a well-known glucose-sensitive smart hydrogel for proof-of-principle experiments, this new sensing platform is intended to provide the basis for continuous monitoring of various intravenously applied medications. Selectivity to different drugs, e.g., fentanyl, can be accomplished by developing a corresponding smart hydrogel composition.Clinical Relevance- Many intravenous medications, especially anesthetics, show considerable pharmacokinetic inter-subject variability. Continuous monitoring of intravenous analyte concentrations would enable individualizing the administration of these drugs to the specific patient.

Organic modification of layered zirconium phosphate/phosphonate for controlled release of therapeutic inorganic ions

ABSTRACT The present study aims to develop a layered zirconium phosphate/phosphonate (LZP) powder to control the release of therapeutic inorganic ions. Organically modified LZPs were successfully prepared with various contents of phenyl groups via a reflux method in an aqueous solution containing phosphoric and phenylphosphonic acids. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the crystal structure of the synthesized LZP samples was identical to that of α-zirconium phosphate, even after modification. The amount of incorporated organic molecules increased with increasing molar fractions of phenylphosphonic acid in the starting composition, as determined from the thermal analysis. Cobalt ion (Co2+), a type of therapeutic inorganic ion, was incorporated into the organically modified LZP through treatment with an acetonitrile solution containing tetrabutylammonium ions, followed by treatment with an acetonitrile solution containing CoCl2. The amount of incorporated Co2+ depended on the concentration of the phenyl groups. Furthermore, the highest amount of Co2+ was incorporated in the sample (ZP-Ph-0.5) prepared with equimolar phosphoric/phenylphosphonic acid. The ZP-Ph-0.5 sample additionally showed the ability to incorporate copper or iron ions (Cu2+ or Fe3+). The incorporated ion, either Co2+ or Cu2+, was continuously released from the ZP-Ph-0.5 sample in a saline solution over a period of three weeks, whereas the release of Fe3+ was negligible. The quantity of Co2+ released was higher than that of Cu2+. The controlled release of Co2+ from the ZP-Ph-0.5 sample was also observed in a simulated body fluid that mimicked the ionic concentration of human blood plasma. These results confirm that a specific degree of phenyl modification makes LZP a candidate host material for releasing therapeutic inorganic ions.

An Electromagnetic Band Gap-Based Complementary Split Ring Resonator Loaded Patch Antenna for Glucose Level Measurement

This paper reports a novel antenna design using a complementary split-ring resonator loaded truncated patch along with electromagnetic band gap structure etching on the ground plane. It can be used for non-invasive measurement of glucose concentration in blood plasma. The size of antenna design is compact having volume ( $20\times 15\times 1.524$ ) mm3. It has a wide bandwidth of 5.2 GHz, which covers a range from 24.1 GHz to 29.3 GHz with a resonant frequency of 25.55 GHz. 3D model of the fingertip is loaded on the radiating patch which works as an RF sensor. Simulation results of reflection coefficient S11 (dB) shows a deviation in resonant frequency due to change in electrical properties of blood plasma such as dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent. After proper calibration in laboratory, such type of changes can be utilized in the glucose concentration monitoring of diabetic patients non-invasively. In laboratory, the measurements of S11 (dB) and frequency shift with respect to different time periods are observed. The proposed antenna works as an RF sensor that is able to transmit in 5G range from 24.1 GHz to 29.3 GHz for glucose level monitoring in real-time access. The accuracy and sensitivity of the proposed antenna based RF sensor towards small variation in electrical properties of blood due to change in blood glucose concentration are also evaluated and they are found to be satisfactory.

Effects of high-concentrate diet supplemented with grape seed procyanidins on the colonic fermentation, colonic morphology, and inflammatory response in lambs

This study aimed to investigate the effect of grape seed procyanidins (GSPs) on the local inflammation of the colonic epithelium of lambs fed a high-concentrate diet. A total of 48 1/2 Dorper × 1/2 thin-tailed Han ram lambs were randomly assigned to 4 groups and treated with a 70:30 concentrate: forage basal diet (CON), or a basal diet supplemented with 10 (10GSPs), 20 (20GSPs), or 40 (40GSPs) mg/kg BW/d GSPs. The results showed an increasing trend (P = 0.060) in the pH value of the colonic chyme with an increase in the concentration of the GSPs supplements. The concentrations of acetate and propionate in the 20GSPs and 40GSPs groups were lower (P < 0.05) than those in the CON and 10GSPs groups. As the dietary supplementation with GSPs increased, the concentration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in colonic digesta tended to decrease (P = 0.070). The LPS and LPS-binding protein (LBP) concentrations in the peripheral blood plasma of lambs in the 20GSPs and 40GSPs groups were lower (P < 0.05) than those in the CON and 10GSPs groups. The protein abundance of claudin-1 in the colonic epithelium in 20GSPs and 40GSPs groups was upregulated (P < 0.05) compared with the CON group. The gene expression of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, the protein abundance of TLR4 and nuclear factor kappa B (p65), and the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the colonic epithelium were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) in the 20GSPs and 40GSPs groups compared with those in the CON and 10GSPs groups. Furthermore, the interleukin (IL)-1β concentration in colonic tissue of 20GSPs and 40GSPs groups were lower (P < 0.05) than that of the CON group, and the IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations in the 40GSPs were also lower (P < 0.05) than those in CON treatment. Additionally, compared with the CON and 10GSPs groups, 40GSPs increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and decrease the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in colonic tissue (P < 0.05). Therefore, a basal diet supplemented with 20 and 40 mg/kg BW/d GSPs were found to improve the antioxidant potential of the colonic epithelium and alleviate the local inflammation and disruption of the colonic epithelium in lambs induced by a high-concentrate diet.

PSX-B-27 Physiological changes in grazing dairy cows at increasing temperatures under moderate climate conditions

Abstract The continuous direct exposure to solar radiation, coupled with their own metabolic heat production, make grazing dairy cows on pasture particularly susceptible to heat stress. Heat stress can impair performance, animal welfare, and health. The objective of the present study was to identify physiological indicators of heat stress in dairy cows in a pasture-based production system under moderate climate conditions. The study was performed with 24 lactating Holstein dairy cows during summer 2018 and 2019 at the experimental farm of Agroscope (Posieux, Switzerland). Cows grazed full-time using a set stocking system. Climate conditions were recorded every min and were used to calculate the comprehensive climate index (CCI), which reflects the felt temperature in °C. The vaginal temperature (VT) of each cow was measured every 10 minutes with temperature loggers and was used as a physiological indicator of heat stress. Blood and milk were sampled once daily in the afternoon before and during milking, respectively. The concentrations of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were analyzed in blood plasma and cortisol concentration was analyzed in milk. Data from 12 periods of up to 3 consecutive days with increasing CCI was analyzed. Analysis were performed with the averaged CCI and the maximal VT recorded between 0830 and 1430 h. The VTmax was positively correlated with CCIaverage (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The T4 and T3 concentrations decreased with increasing CCIaverage and VTmax (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with CCIaverage and VTmax (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Changes in VT and hormones showed that cows responded to increasing environmental temperature and may have perceived the rising heat load as a stressor.

Influence of diets containing different levels of Salicornia bigelovii forage on digestibility, ruminal and blood variables and antioxidant capacity of Shall male sheep

The aim of this experiment was to assess the influence of dietary partial replacement of alfalfa hay with Salicornia bigelovii forage (SBF) on intake, digestibility, and rumen and blood metabolites in twenty-four Shall male sheep. Three diets were formulated in which alfalfa hay was replaced by different concentrations (0, 150, or 300 g/kg of dry matter (DM)) of SBF. All diets contained similar amounts of corn stover (490 g/kg of DM) and vitamin-mineral premix (10 g/kg of DM). Each diet was randomly assigned to a group of eight sheep. Diets containing SBF had no effect on the digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and ash-free neutral detergent fiber. There were no significant differences in water consumption among the treatments. In vivo ruminal pH, volatile fatty acid concentrations, and acetate-to-propionate ratio showed no differences among the treatments, but in vitro methane production decreased linearly (L, P = 0.01) with increasing dietary SBF. Ammonia-N concentration, total protozoa (L, P ≤ 0.04), and Entodiniinae numbers in the rumen decreased (L, P = 0.01), whereas microbial nitrogen synthesis (L, P = 0.01) increased with SBF addition. Dietary SBF inclusion had no effect on blood plasma concentrations of albumin, cholesterol, glucose, total protein, triglyceride, and the albumin-to-globulin ratio, but plasma urea-N concentration decreased (L, P = 0.01). Rumen (L, P = 0.02) and blood (L, P = 0.03) total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels increased with dietary SBF inclusion. This study showed that the substitution of SBF, at up to 30%, for alfalfa hay in the maintenance diet of sheep had no adverse effects on in vivo nutrient digestibility, but increased blood TAC and decreased in vitro ruminal methane production.

Forces of RBC interaction with single endothelial cells in stationary conditions: Measurements with laser tweezers

Red blood cells (RBCs) are able to interact and communicate with endothelial cells (ECs). Under some pathological or even normal conditions, the adhesion of RBCs to the endothelium can be observed. Presently, the mechanisms and many aspects of the interaction between RBCs and ECs are not fully understood. In this work, we considered the interaction of single RBCs with single ECs in vitro aiming to quantitatively determine the force of this interaction using laser tweezers. Measurements were performed under different concentrations of proaggregant macromolecules and in the presence or absence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-[Formula: see text]) activating the ECs. We have shown that the strength of interaction depends on the concentration of fibrinogen or dextran proaggregant macromolecules in the environment. A nonlinear increase in the force of cells interaction (from 0.4 pN to 21 pN) was observed along with an increase in the fibrinogen concentration (from 3[Formula: see text]mg/mL to 9[Formula: see text]mg/mL) in blood plasma, as well as with the addition of dextran macromolecules (from 10[Formula: see text]mg/mL to 60[Formula: see text]mg/mL). Dextran with a higher molecular mass (500[Formula: see text]kDa) enhances the adhesion of RBCs to ECs greater compared to the dextran with a lower molecular mass (70[Formula: see text]kDa). With the preliminary activation of ECs with TNF-[Formula: see text], the force of interaction increases. Also, the adhesion of echinocytes to EC compared to discocytes is significantly higher. These results may help to better understand the process of interaction between RBCs and ECs.

Comparison of Different Herbal Additives on Immune Response and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

This experiment was conducted to compare the effects of four commercial herbal additives (Noviherb®, Bioessence®, Biostrong®, and Novigrow®), and a commercial antibiotic (virginiamycin) on growth performance, carcass yield, visceral organs weight, thyroid hormones, and humoral immune responses of broiler chickens. Nine hundred day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were reared in litter-covered floor cages and distributed into five experimental groups with six replicates of 30 birds. Five dietary treatments tested were diets supplemented with Noviherb®, Bioessence®, Biostrong® (each of them 100g/ton of diet), Novigrow® (1000g/ton of diet), and virginiamycin (100g/ton of diet) as a positive control. Feed intake, body weight, mortality, feed conversion ratio, European broiler index, and feed cost per kilogram of body weight were measured during the experiment. Antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC), immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and plasma concentrations of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were evaluated at the age of 42 days. Then, four birds per replicate were killed to determine the relative weight of carcass and organs. The GLM procedures of SAS software and Duncan’s multiple range test were applied to analyze data in a completely randomized design with five treatments and six replicates of 30 birds per each. The effects of herbal additives on productive traits feed cost per kilogram of body weight and relative weight of organs were not significant in comparison with antibiotic treatment. Dietary inclusion of Noviherb®, Biostrong®, and Novigrow® significantly decreased feed cost per kilogram of carcass compared with Bioessence® or antibiotic treatments (p&lt;0.05). The titers of IgG in Noviherb® and virginiamycin were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than in Biostrong® and Novigrow® fed groups. The plasma concentration of triiodothyronine was significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) by dietary inclusion of Noviherb® and Novigrow® compared to the antibiotic. In conclusion, all the evaluated herbal additives could act as a substitute for the growth-promoting antibiotic.

Individual features of the pharmacokinetics of fludarabin phosphate in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Fludarabine is a purine antimetabolite with a pronounced immunosuppressive effect. The inhibitory effect of fludarabine depends on its concentration in blood plasma. In addition, the phenotypic characteristics of patients affect the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of the drug, which necessitates a personalized approach to the dosage regimen. The chromatography-mass spectrometric method for the quantitative determination of 2-fluorine in blood plasma was developed for studying the individual parameters of pharmacokinetics of the international non-proprietary name (INN) fludarabine in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia during the standard course. Such method for the quantitative determination of 2-fluorine in blood plasma was developed and validated in accordance with international requirements. Significant individual variability of the main pharmacokinetic parameters in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia with a single oral administration of the drug with INN fludarabine at a dose of 40 mg/m2 was established, so the coefficient of variability Cmax was 42 %, Tmax — 92 %, AUC0-t — 45 %, Kel — 23 %, T1/2 — 26 %. It should be noted that there is a high interindividual variability of fludarabine, for example, 24 hours after taking the study drug, the maximum and minimum plasma concentrations of the fludarabine metabolite 2-fluoro-ara-A in different in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia differed 9 times. Individual variability of pharmacokinetic parameters characterizing absorption (Cmax/AUC0-t) and total clearance of the active metabolite of fludarabine is statistically significantly associated with a combination of gender and anthropometric factors.

Evaluation of potential ecological risk and prediction of zinc accumulation and its transfer in soil plants and ruminants: public health implications.

Present work evaluated the zinc (Zn) concentration in soil, forage, blood plasma, hair, and feces samples of cows, buffaloes, and sheep taken from Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan. The concentration of Zn was found in the ranged of 21.82-35.09mg/kg, 32.59-42.17mg/kg, 0.927-2.48mg/l, 1.03-2.84mg/kg, and 0.923-1.98mg/kg in soil, forage, blood plasma, hair, and feces samples, respectively. The Zn concentration in soil, forage, blood, hair, and feces was safer compared to standard limits. Statistical analysis described that values for BCF, PLI, EF, DIM, and HRI ranged 1.03-1.57mg/kg, 0.486-0.782mg/kg, 0.457-0.696mg/kg, 0.048-0.08mg/kg, and 0.160-0.272mg/kg, respectively. It can be concluded from the present work that Zn concentration was safe in soil, forages, and animal samples. BCF was noticed as greater than 1 while PLI, EF, DIM, and HRI were found less than 1, so regular heavy metal analysis was required to appraise the contamination level in environment.