Colourimetric Method Research Articles

Global DNA methylation level in spermatozoa is not associated with ICSI fertilization outcome and embryo quality in donor oocyte programme

Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, govern chromatin arrangement in sperm, enhancing motility and safeguarding DNA integrity for accurate epigenetic inheritance. Abnormal methylation is linked to poor sperm quality and fertility issues, underscoring the need to study sperm DNA methylation and its impact on sperm function and embryo development in assisted reproductive technology. In this study, processed spermatozoa from 75 normozoospermic and 15 abnormal ejaculates were examined for sperm global DNA methylation levels using a colourimetric absorbance method. Although semen characteristics were poor in abnormal ejaculates, no significant correlation was found between sperm global DNA methylation levels and sperm characteristics in either normozoospermic or abnormal cohorts. However, mean global DNA methylation levels were significantly lowered in abnormal sperm samples compared to normozoospermic samples (p < 0.05). Furthermore, injecting spermatozoa from these patients (N = 50) into donor oocytes did not show a significant relationship between sperm global DNA methylation and embryo developmental competence. These findings highlight the limitation of sperm global DNA methylation as a biomarker for embryo development and quality.

Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Sea Pandan Leaves (Pandanus odorifer) Against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Sea pandan (Pandanus odorifer) is used in traditional medicine in India. Sea pandan is efficacious in treating pain, parasites, digestive, liver, and cognitive disorders. Sea pandan is found in coastal areas in South Kalimantan. Sea pandan contains flavonoid compounds that have the potential to be antimicrobials. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of sea pandan leaf extract. The study began with sample preparation, which included washing the leaves, drying them using an oven, refining the particle size, extracting 70% ethanol, and evaporating the solvent until a thick extract was obtained. Total flavonoid levels in sea pandan leaf extract were determined using the colourimetric method using quercetin standards. Antimicrobial testing was conducted using the diffusion method at concentrations of 30%, 40%, and 50% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The positive control used was chloramphenicol. The determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values ??was carried out using the dilution method. The results showed that sea pandan leaf extract contains phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and tannins. The total flavonoid content in sea pandan leaf extract is 10.01% w/w equivalent of quercetin. The antimicrobial activity of sea pandan leaf extract against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is 10.15 - 25.36 mm, while against Escherichia coli in the range of 8.15 - 23.16 mm. Ethanol extract of sea pandan leaves at a concentration of 50% is included in the very strong category in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Ethanol extract of sea pandan leaves has an MIC value of 7.5% on Staphylococcus aureus and 15% on Escherichia coli. MBC of sea pandan extract is 15% on Escherichia coli bacteria. This study concludes that the ethanol extract of sea pandan leaves has antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (bacteriostatic) and Escherichia coli (bactericidal).

High-loading ficin@AuNPs on polymer-UiO-66 surface with enhanced peroxidase-mimetic catalytic activity for colourimetric detection of dopamine.

Recently, MOFs@AuNPs composites-based catalysts via anchoring of AuNPs onto metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) have attracted great attention. However, the influence of the AuNPs loading amounts on the catalytic activity of MOFs@AuNPs composites remains largely unexplored. Here, ficin (Fic) protected AuNPs (Fic@AuNPs) anchored onto the surface of UiO-66-NH2 (UiO) modified with poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolidine) (PV) were designed and constructed. The UiOPVFic@AuNPs composites with longer PV chains leading to high-loading Fic@AuNPs exhibited intense peroxidase (POD)-mimetic activity in 3,3'5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation. Further, following the colour-fading, dopamine (DA) was sensitively and selectively monitored in the composites-TMB-H2O2 system. The portable smartphone sensing platform-based colourimetric method had good linearity ranging from 3.34 to 36.7μM (R2 = 0.995), with a limit of detection of 0.3μM. This protocol explores high-loading AuNPs on polymer-MOFs composites, providing deep insights into understanding catalytic activity improvements of polymer-MOFs@AuNPs catalysts and revealing their application potential in real biological samples analysis.

Development of an Inhibition-Based Colorimetric Method For Glutathione Determination

Objectives: Glutathione (GSH, L-γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine), one of the major cellular antioxidants, is an important non-protein intracellular physiological antioxidant with sulphhydryl groups for detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in all living organisms. GSH deficiency has been shown to be associated with many human diseases, including cardiovascular, immune and ageing diseases, arthritis and diabetes. Therefore, the development of an accurate, reliable and sensitive method for the determination of GSH in biological fluids is essential for the understanding of GSH homeostasis in medicine and biochemical research Material and Methods: In this study, a very inexpensive, practical, rapid, sensitive, and highly specific colorimetric method for the determination of glutathione (GSH) that can be detected by the naked eye was developed. This method is based on the inhibition of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by GSH. As the concentration of glutathione increases, a pink coloured compound consisting of 4-chlorophenol, H2O2 and 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) decomposes as a result of the reaction catalyzed by HRP, thus reducing the intensity of the colour. Results: While the linear range of the developed method was found to be between 15.6-1000 mM, the intra- and inter-day repeatability % coefficient of variation values of the method were less than 15%. The effect of potential interfering substances on the developed method was tested, and no interference was found, except for cysteine. Cysteine increased GSH response by 10%. The developed method was used for the determination of GSH in commercial serum samples, and results were obtained between 91-106%. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study has developed a very simple, inexpensive and unique colourimetric method for the determination of GSH.

Simple Colourimetric Method and Development of A Colour Kit for on-the-spot Azelnidipine Estimation using A Smartphone Application, with Comparison to the UV-Spectroscopic Method

Simple Colourimetric Method and Development of A Colour Kit for on-the-spot Azelnidipine Estimation using A Smartphone Application, with Comparison to the UV-Spectroscopic Method

Changes of physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds & antioxidant capacity of four different cultivars of Punica granatum (L.) at four distinct maturity stages

In this comprehensive exploration of Punica granatum, the investigation delves into the alterations of physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity across various anatomical segments of four distinct pomegranate cultivars cultivated in Sri Lanka (cv. "Nayana," "Kalpitiya Hybrid," "Nimali," and "Daya") at four discrete stages of maturity, namely one month (immature), two months (semi -mature), three months (mature), and four months (ripen) after fruit set. The Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) was measured using a Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Concurrently, Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) were analyzed using the modified Folin- Ciocalteu method, and the colourimetric method, respectively. Results revealed that all parts of all tested varieties contain a significant amount of TAC, TPC, and TFC. Among tested cultivars, physicochemical parameters were increased from immature through semi-mature to ripened fruit, being maximum at this stage except for Titratable acidity (TA), and it significantly declined with the advancing fruit maturity. The content of bioactive compounds of four tested cultivars was varied as Nimali>Daya>Nayana>Kalpitiya hybrid, respectively. Since immature fruits of tested pomegranate cultivars contain many bioactive molecules, using immature fruits in traditional medicine has been scientifically validated and could be recommended for value-added nutraceutical production.

Defective Fe/Co-MOF with abundant oxygen vacancies as an efficient oxidase mimic for colourimetric and sensitive determination of tetracycline

A colourimetric sensor was established based on the bimetallic nanozyme D-Fe/Co-MOF. With the addition of TC, the colour of the detection system changed from blue to yellow. Based on this transformation, a colourimetric detection method for TC was proposed.

Effect of Anaemia on Cognitive Ability in Female Dental Undergraduate Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Anaemia not only impairs physical growth but also affects behavioral and cognitive abilities. Past studies have proved that increased haemoglobin levels result in improved Central Nervous System (CNS) functions. However, there is a significant lacuna between cognition and anaemia among young adults, especially females. Aim: To assess the cognitive ability of female undergraduate dental students with and without anaemia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 young female dental students, aged between 18 and 23 years, who presented in the Department of Physiology, Vivekanandha Dental College for Women, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India, from February to July 2019. Haemoglobin levels were analysed using the colourimetric cyanmethemoglobin method with Drabkin’s solution, and based on this, the students were divided into anaemic and non anaemic groups. Cognitive status was assessed using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), letter cancellation test, and Stroop test. The Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation were used to examine the association between haemoglobin levels and cognition. Results: The mean age in the anaemic group and non anaemic group was 19.95±1.80 years and 19.64±1.60 years, and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was 19.54±1.62 kg/m2 and 19.32±1.43 kg/m2 , respectively. Haemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the anaemic subjects at 10.408 gm/dL compared to the non anaemic subjects (p-value&lt;0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups on DSST scores (21.10±2.99 versus 32.60±14.69), letter cancellation test (25.80±4.63 versus 35.80±4.56), and Stroop test (132.10±8.15 versus 123.56±10.52). Conclusion: The present study reported a significant association between anaemia and cognitive function. Therefore, early screening and prompt treatment of anaemia are crucial for improving both physical as well as mental health

The Colourimetric Method for Mixing Time Measurement in Single-Use and Multi-Use Bioreactors—Methodology Overview and Practical Recommendations

Mixing time is an important parameter for quantifying the mixing efficiency of a bioreactor system, essential for successful bioprocess development in various branches of the bioengineering sector (e.g., biopharma, biorefineries, food industry and bioreactor design). The colourimetric method is one of the ways of obtaining valuable quantitative data about the mixing process and the liquid flow inside a vessel. This review consists of a catalogue and a discussion of previously published data in which the colourimetric method has been utilised; a critical comparison between the colourimetric and other mixing time measurement methods; an explanation of practical considerations regarding the bioreactor setup and the choice of reagents; a practical guide for requirements for the acquisition of high-quality images of the mixing process; a thorough discussion of aspects connected to the computer image processing of the video material. This review is intended to thoroughly present the versatility of the colourimetric method for mixing time measurement in miscellaneous bioreactor systems, i.e., in classical tanks and modern single-use (disposable) plastic film-based bag-like containers, and to facilitate the implementation of the colourimetric method in new research setups by providing complete and valuable recommendations about each step of the methodology.

Electrochemical Ammonia Production from Wastewater in a Flow Cell Reactor

Although its high carbon footprint, the Haber-Bosh (HB) process mainly dominates the NH3 production market. Indeed, H2 is mainly produced by fossil fuels steam reforming processes and the catalytic reaction between N2 and H2 requires high energy input, being carried out at high temperatures and pressures. Moreover, it should be considered that HB plants are not evenly distributed in the world, thus NH3 and its derivates transportation to the final user is a large portion of the overall environmental impact.1 Moreover, as the population is growing, the NH3 demand is increasing fast to sustain the massive fertilizer utilization.For these reasons, in the last years, the research has focused on the possibility of producing ammonia from direct nitrogen electrochemical reduction (NRR) in aqueous electrolytes under ambient conditions exploiting renewable energy. This process is limited by low selectivity at high current densities and low yield, due to the high dissociation energy of the N2 triple bond and the unavoidable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).2 On the other hand, NO3 - can be easily converted into NH3 thanks to the lower activation energy, which makes the reaction thermodynamically favoured compared to N2 reduction.3 Due to the massive agriculture, NO3 - is one of the most abundant contaminants of underground waters and high levels in the human body can cause many diseases. Thus, the use of NO3 - to produce NH3 under ambient conditions can be carried out with lower energy consumption, but can also address the water pollution issue.4 The aim of our work is to assess the catalytic activity of commercial MoS2 and a synthesised Bi-based catalyst in a gas-diffusion electrode flow cell of 10 cm2 geometrical area. Such a setup has the advantage of guaranteeing a better mass transport of the active species and of being scaled up. The electrodes are mainly made by airbrush deposition of a catalyst ink on a carbon paper support, which allows obtaining a high electrochemical active surface as a result of its high porosity. Catalyst loading and NO3 - concentration was varied to find the optimal condition in terms of Faraday efficiency (FE) and yield. MoS2 catalyst showed good catalytic activity towards NH3, with a FE between 62%-77% and yield between 2.9-13 mmol g-1 h-1. On the other hand, synthesised Bi material showed 21% FE and 0.41 mmol h-1 g-1, probably due to Bi final oxidation state, which is not so active towards NH3 production. NH3 quantification has been carried out through UV-vis colourimetric method, using both Nessler’s and Berthelot’s reagents. Even if the concentration of NH3 is high enough to exclude that it can derive from contamination, more sensitive quantification is needed for these experiments, together with the quantification of side products, such as NO2 -, H2 and N2.

Pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr.) Cv. queen peel herbal tea with a variety of drying temperatures: bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity

Pineapple peel is a by-product that is potentially developed to be herbal teas. The research objectives were to find out the proper drying temperature on total biochemical content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and sensory properties of pineapple peel herbal tea. The pineapples peel herbal tea was prepared by drying peels in a cabinet dryer for 12 hours at 50, 60 and 70oC. Qualitatively, phytochemical screening was analyzed for the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, and terpenoids. Quantitatively, total phenols, flavonoid, and alkaloid were determined by the colourimetric method. The DPPH methods applied to measure free radical scavenging activity, and the diffusion method was determined antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical screening showed the absence of terpenoid in pineapple peel teas dried at three different temperatures. The drying temperature at 60oC and 70oC produced total bioactive compounds (phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloid) better than 50oC. Furthermore, the most significant antioxidant activity against DPPH was obtained from the product dried at 60oC with an IC50 of 448.31 ppm. All those herbal teas were suitable for the growth suppressing of Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. This study found that pineapple peel tea herbal with 60oC drying temperature was the most significant value based on bioactive components, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, which are considered potential herbal tea products.

Preliminary Screening of Durio Zibethinus Linn (D197) Leaf Extracts for Its Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity on Cervix Adenocarcinoma (HELA) Cancer Cell Line

Introduction: Medicinal plants have always been in the spotlight of drug discoveries attributing to their effectiveness and minimal side effects. Durio zibethinus Linn (D197) leaves stand out with decent advantageous therapeutic effects apart from abundantly employed in traditional treatment. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents as well as the cytotoxicity of Durio zibethinus Linn (D197) leaf extracts. Methods: Extraction of the leaves was performed using hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and 70% aqueous methanol respectively via maceration. Extracts were screened for antioxidant potential using DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity, total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu Assay, total flavonoid content using aluminium chloride colourimetric method, and cytotoxic properties on cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cell line using MTT Assay. Results: Methanol demonstrated the highest percentage of extraction yield (2.73%) and the highest potency in DPPH free radical scavenging with EC50 value of 304.29 µg/mL followed by aqueous methanol (441.25 µg/mL), ethyl acetate (556.71 µg/mL) and hexane (&gt;600 µg/mL). Highest effectiveness in phenolic compounds extraction was demonstrated by methanol (141.03 µg GAE/mg) followed by aqueous methanol (63.08 µg GAE/mg), ethyl acetate (41.79 µg GAE/mg) and hexane (36.92 µg GAE/mg). As for the total flavonoid content, high effectiveness of flavonoid extraction was exhibited by ethyl acetate (166.19 µg QE/mg) as compared to hexane (94.76 µg QE/mg), methanol (17.62 µg QE/mg) and aqueous methanol (13.81 µg QE/mg). Ethyl acetate emerged as the most potent extract in inhibiting HeLa cells with IC50 values of 19.95 µg/mL, 30.07 µg/mL and 23.42 µg/mL for 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively. Conclusion: Durio zibethinus Linn (D197) leaf extracts showed antioxidant and cytotoxic activities and thus, further studies are essential for development of possible cancer treatment.

Interbreed differences in the cholesterol profile in cattle in Western Siberia

The authors studied the leading indicators of the cholesterol profile of high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) in Black-and-White, Red Steppe and Holstein breeds of the second or third lactation, bred in large livestock farms—complexes on the territory of Western Siberia. Metabolism and concentration of lipid complexes of cholesterol status play a cardinal role in the homeostasis of cellular metabolic processes. The critical role of serum lipoproteins in cholesterol metabolism is well recognised, as is their role as predictors of cardiovascular disease. At the same time, the atherogenic effect of LRN-C is associated with the transfer of fatty acids, which act as energy substrates for ATP synthesis. Anti-atherogenic properties characterise HDL-C and have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The concentration of HDL-C - was determined by the precipitation method of phosphotungstic acid with magnesium chloride; the level of LDL-C - by the enzymatic colourimetric direct method, total cholesterol - by the process of enzymatic hydrolysis and oxidation of CHOD-PAP using reagent kits “HDL-Cholesterol-Novo”, “LDLCholesterol-Novo-A”, “Cholesterol-Novo” (“Vector-Best, Russia. The content of OH and LDL-C in the blood serum of cows at the age of the second or third lactation bred in Western Siberia is higher than the generally accepted standard values, which reflects a different degree of adaptation to climatic conditions. Ranked series of breeds (p &lt; 0.05) according to LDL-C: black-and-white → Holstein → red steppe, medians were 4.91; 2.77 and 2.24 mmol/l, respectively. Differences between the indicators of HDL-C and LDL-C in Black-and-White, Red Steppe and Holstein cows were established, which indicates the genetic determination of the level of lipoproteins in the blood serum. The strength of the influence of the cow breed factor on the level of HDL-C in blood serum was 29%, LDL-C - 17%.

Thiol-Disulphide Homeostasis, Ischemia-Modified Albumin, Trace Elements and Vitamins in Vitiligo Patients.

Vitiligo, a multifactorial, depigmented skin disease, is characterised by selective loss of functional melanocytes leading to pigment reduction in the affected areas of the skin. We aimed to examine thiol-disulphide homeostasis, IMA, copper, zinc, selenium, vitamin A and vitamin C levels in vitiligo patients. The study included 83 vitiligo patients and 72 healthy controls. Copper, zinc, and selenium levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer; vitamin A and E levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Ischemia-modified albumin and native/total thiol levels were measured by colourimetric method. Serum native and total thiol levels were significantly lower in vitiligo patients (P < 0.001, for all). Zn levels were significantly higher in vitiligo patients than in the control group (P = 0.004). There was no statistical difference in terms of Cu, Se, vitamin A and vitamin E levels. All thiol-disulphide homeostasis parameters (the most important antioxidant-oxidant system in circulation), trace elements, and vitamins together were evaluated in the present study in vitiligo patients. It can be concluded that vitiligo patients have increased oxidative stress status, and also the increase in the dissemination of the disease also increases the oxidative stress in the body.

Development and validation of a new spectrophotometric method for the determination of gabapentin in capsules

In Ukraine, there are about 100 thousand people with epilepsy. Gabapentin is an effective antiepileptic agent for oral use, presented in capsules of different dosages from different manufacturers. Therefore, the urgent task of pharmaceutical analysis today is the development of highly accurate, reliable, affordable and fast methods of quantitative determination. The aim of the work is to develop a spectrophotometric technique for the quantitative determination of gabapentin in capsules based on the reaction with diazole red 2J in compliance with the SPhU. Material and methods. As reagent and solvent, diazole red 2J of AR grade, acetone of AR grade and purified water was used. Analytical equipment: Specord 200 and Specord 250 Plus spectrophotometers, ABT-120-5DM and Radwag XA 210.4Y electronic scales, Elmasonic E 60H and Sonorex Digitec DT100H ultrasonic baths, measuring glassware of A class. Results. A simple, accurate and eco-friendly colourimetric method was developed for the quantification of gabapentin in capsules. The method was based on the reaction of gabapentin with diazole red 2J to give a coloured product having analytical maxima at 390 nm. Factors affecting colour development and stability were optimized and incorporated into the procedure. Regression analysis of Beer's plot showed a good correlation (not less than 0.999) in a concentration range of 2.10 – 3.64 mg/100 ml. The detection and quantification limits were 2.25 % and 6.19 %, respectively. The intra- and inter-laboratory precision demonstrates and reflects no interference by the capsule additives and confirms the reproducibility of the method in the selected concentration range. The prediction of the total uncertainty of the results of the developed method is calculated and displayed to assess the correctness of the reproduction of the method. Conclusions. It has been proven that the developed method meets the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine and allows to perform the correct quality control of medicinal products.

Determination of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antiproliferative Activities of Onobrychis argyrea subsp. argyrea Extracts

Plants belonging to the Fabaceae family have great importance in animal nutrition and the protection of human health (antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular). Onobrychis, known as a potent antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial agent, its high phenolic substance is one of the important genera of this family. In this study, chloroform (OAC), ethanol (OAE), and water (OAW) extract of Onobrychis argyrea subsp. argyrea (O. argyrea) specie was prepared; and the antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities were investigated. The antiproliferative effects of the extracts were evaluated on different cancer cell lines by XTT colourimetric method. OAE demonstrated the most excellent efficacy against all cell lines, according to the findings. MCF-7 83.71%, A549 92.14%, and HT-29 72.24% were all inhibited. The antimicrobial activity of OAE and OAW extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pneumoniae was determined using the disc-diffusion technique. Finally, antioxidant power was determined using DPPH and FRAP methods. In the DPPH research, OAE and OAW extracts showed the highest levels of inhibition (IC50: 34.12±0.2 and 21.58±0.12, respectively). OAE (257.95±1.40) and OAW (282.14±0.83) extracts showed high activity with similar results in the FRAP method. Total phenolic content was determined as 226.15±1.89 mg GAE/g for OAE and 146.52±0.71 mg GAE/g for OAW, respectively. These results show that the species is an essential source of antioxidants. These studies are the first data for Onobrychis argyrea subsp. argyrea. All these results show that the plant has various biological activities and rich secondary metabolites.

Folin-Ciocalteu assay as a rapid colourimetric screening method for evaluating PAH degradation abilities of heterotrophic bacteria.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03549-4.

Hereditary definiteness of aspartate aminotransferase level in Holstein cattle

Farm animals’ growth, development and realization of productive qualities are closely interrelated by enzymatic transformations of amino acids, proteins and other complex nitrogenous compounds. Aspartate aminotransferase (AsT) is involved in the metabolism of amino acids in the cycles of urea, tricarboxylic acids and gluconeogenesis. The level of AsT in the blood depends on many paratypical and genetic factors. The paper presents the results of a biochemical analysis of the AsT content in the blood serum of Holstein bulls aged 12-13 months, who are descendants of 4 breeding bulls. Blood sampling was carried out in animals with a live weight of 330-365 kg, bred in the conditions of a large livestock enterprise located in Western Siberia. The level of AsT in the blood serum of animals was determined by the Reitman-Frenkel colourimetric method using reagents “Transaminase AsT Novo” (manufacturer “Vector-Best” Russia). It was found that the average value of the AsT content in the groups of sons was lower than the generally accepted physiological norm and, for all descendants, was 22.44 ± 1.29 E/l. The reference interval for AsT based on the central 95% percentile with 90% confidence intervals was 12.29 (8.67...15.91) - 34.84(31.2... 38.5) E/l. The descendants of different fathers had different phenotypic variability of the indicator and differed in the level of AST. Thus, the descendants of the bull-producer Brio were characterized by a higher level compared to the sons of the bulls Malstrem and Fabio by 1.69 and 1.8 times, respectively. The revealed differences indicate the hereditary determination of the AsT level in Holstein cattle. The strength of the influence of the father’s factor was 0.18.

Role of Copper and Zinc in Full-term Pregnancy and İts Effect on Apgar Score

Objective: Our aim in this study; is to determine zinc, copper and copper/zinc ratios in third-trimester pregnant women with a new laboratory method.&#x0D; Methods: In this research conducted on 59 pregnant women in the last trimester, Those diagnosed with preeclampsia, preterm birth, postmaturity, and gestational diabetes were excluded from the study. In pregnant blood serums, zinc and copper levels were studied on fully automatic analyzers with a new method. The new technique kits used in the study are Rel Assay Diagnostics brand. The zinc ion reacted with 5-Br-PAPS and gave an absorbance at a wavelength of 548 nm in direct proportion to the total zinc level. The copper ion reacted with 3,5-DiBr-PAESA and showed absorbance at 572 nm in direct proportion to the total copper level. Zinc and copper measurements were made in this way by the colourimetric method. Additionally, copper/zinc ratios were calculated. In addition, determined the APGAR (Activity-Pulse-Grimace-Appearance-Respiration) score of the babies. Statistical studies of the obtained data were performed at p&lt;0.05 significance level.&#x0D; Results: Zinc and copper parameters; No statistically significant relationship was found in the analyzes performed with gestational age, gestational week, birth weight, APGAR score, gravida and the number of living children (p&gt;0.05). In addition, it was observed that there was no difference in zinc and copper/zinc ratios in the evaluations made according to the gender of the baby (p&gt;0.05). On the other hand, copper levels in pregnant women; were found to be significantly higher in female fetuses (200.72±36.36) than in males (164.17±42.47) (p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Although the copper values of pregnant women with female fetuses are significantly higher, these results require more comprehensive studies. On the other hand, there is not relationship between zinc, copper and copper/zinc values and APGAR scores.

Design of enzyme@metal organic framework composites with thermo-responsivity for colourimetric detection of glucose.

Enzyme immobilization on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has interested researchers in recent decades due to the outstanding characteristics of MOFs. However, despite some enzyme@MOF composites exhibiting better tolerance, stability and catalysis than free enzymes, boosting the catalytic performance of stimuli-responsive polymer-grafted MOFs composites remains a challenging task. Herein, a glucose oxidase (GOx)-horseradish peroxidase (HRP)@MOF (UiO-66-NH2, U)@polymer composite with tunable catalytic ability was constructed by modification with thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PN) via a surface-selective post-synthetic protocol. Temperature increases changed the PN-based soft armour from a "stretch" to a "coil" conformation on the MOF surface, resulting in the confinement effect and boosting the catalytic performance of the GOx-HRP@U@PN composites. Compared with its maximum catalytic reaction rate at 25 °C, the proposed composites showed 18-fold improvement in catalytic performance at 37 °C. Additionally, a colourimetric method for serum glucose analysis was developed using a GOx-HRP-based catalytic cascade reaction with a linear range from 0.1 to 2.0 mM and a low detection limit of 0.03 mM. Remarkably, the surface PN-shell-based soft armour proved to be the key factor for enhancing the catalytic performance of the as-designed composites. The co-immobilization of GOx-HRP onto the thermo-responsive U@PN surface provides a new approach for the development of highly sensitive colourimetric glucose sensing protocols.