Plasma Constituents Research Articles

The relationship between steroid hormones and seasonal reproductive events in free-living female Pygmy Rattlesnakes, Sistrurus miliarius

Steroid hormones regulate reproductive investment and play a critical role in coordinating reproductive responses to both short and long-term environmental change. Laboratory studies typically examine the mechanistic relationships among steroids and reproductive processes under controlled conditions and may fail to identify any seasonal patterns in regulatory mechanisms exhibited by free-living organisms. In snakes, field studies describing the seasonal relationships among steroids and male reproduction are prevalent. However, comparatively less work has been conducted on free-living female snakes. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we described the seasonal patterns of estradiol (E2), corticosterone (cort), and plasma constituents (total protein, albumin, phosphorus, and glucose) in relation to the seasonal events of the reproductive cycle in free-living female pygmy rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius). We predicted to observe elevated E2 and plasma constituents during the spring vitellogenenic season, and that E2 would also be elevated during the fall mating season. Additionally, we hypothesized that cort acts to mobilize resources to meet the energetic challenges experienced during reproduction. We, therefore, predicted that elevated cort would be associated with the vitellogenic season and summer pregnancy, and that cort would be positively associated with elevated E2 and plasma constituents. In S. miliarius, plasma estradiol was significantly elevated during both the fall mating and spring vitellogenic seasons. Elevated E2 was associated with significantly higher plasma total protein, albumin, and phosphorous in both seasons, but unrelated to plasma glucose. Corticosterone was not elevated in individuals with elevated E2. Additionally, cort was not related to plasma total protein, albumin, or phosphorus, but was positively related to plasma glucose. Corticosterone was elevated during late pregnancy compared to early pregnancy and postpartum, and also elevated in pregnant compared to non-reproductive females sampled in the field. Our results indicate that the mechanistic links between steroids and reproductive processes may be seasonally uncoupled and highlight the need for the continued study of the hormonal coordination of reproduction in free-living vertebrates with diverse life histories.

Activation of complement component 3 is associated with airways disease and pulmonary emphysema in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

IntroductionAlpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (AATD) is associated with early onset emphysema. The aim of this study was to investigate whether AAT binding to plasma constituents could regulate their activation, and...

Effect of Dietary Chitosan, Nano-Chitosan Supplementation and Different Japanese Quail Lines on Growth Performance, Plasma Constituents, Carcass Characteristics, Antioxidant Status and Intestinal Microflora Population

Effect of Dietary Chitosan, Nano-Chitosan Supplementation and Different Japanese Quail Lines on Growth Performance, Plasma Constituents, Carcass Characteristics, Antioxidant Status and Intestinal Microflora Population

165 Comparison of spermatozoa traits and testosterone levels, seminal plasma constituents, and lipid peroxidation of Large White×Landrace and Kolbroek boars

Reproductive traits in domestic pigs are one of the most important economic characteristics for improved pig production. Seminal plasma (SP) constituents provide a better indicator of male fertility as measured by semen traits. The objective of this study was to compare spermatozoa traits, testosterone concentration, SP constituents, and lipid peroxidation in Large White×Landrace (LW×LR) and Kolbroek boars aged between 8 and 9 months. Kolbroek (n=12) and LW×LR (n=12) boars were used in this study. Semen was collected using the gloved-hand technique. Blood samples were collected from each boar monthly to determine testosterone concentrations. Spermatozoa motility traits was evaluated using computer-aided sperm analysis. Spermatozoa viability was evaluated using the hyperosmotic swelling test, lipid peroxidation was evaluated using the malondialdehyde (MDA) test, and SP protein was evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis. Analysis of variance was used to test the difference between the breeds. The LW×LR boars had higher ejaculation volume and testosterone concentrations (P<0.05) than Kolbroek boars. The average spermatozoa concentration for Kolbroek and LW×LR boars was 1.8±1.0 and 1.9±1.1×109mL−1, respectively (P>0.05). The average genotype spermatozoa total motility was 91.7±4.0 and 90.6±4.1%, respectively (P>0.05). No significant differences were found between genotype in abnormal spermatozoa morphology, rapid spermatozoa, and total spermatozoa motility, spermatozoa velocity on the curve line, and hyperosmotic swelling test. Spermatozoa with distal, head, and midpiece abnormalities were significantly different in Kolbroek boars (17.1±1.4, 5.0±2.0, and 7.0±2.6%, respectively) and LW×LR boars (9.2±0.1, 3.5±1.1, and 2.6±1.2%, respectively). The LW×LR boars had lower levels of MDA than Kolbroek boars (P<0.05). The SP constituents with selenium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium were significantly different in Kolbroek boars (166.6±1.0, 167.2±0.2, 5.0±0.8, and 10.2±0.3%, respectively) and LW×LR boars (155.0±0.0, 140.0±0.5, 12.0±0.2, and 22.3±0.0%, respectively). In conclusion, spermatozoa parameters of Kolbroek boars were similar to those of LW×LR boars except for semen volume, head and distal spermatozoa abnormalities, testosterone concentration, MDA, and seminal plasma. Further studies need to be conducted on the major seminal plasma constituents as well as their physiological roles.

USING ANISE LEAVES (PIMPINELLA ANISUM L.) FOR IMPROVING OF PERFORMANCE NEW ZEALAND RABBITS.

Thirty-six of unsexed New Zealand rabbits (5-6 weeks old and average weight 654.64± 2.75 g were randomly distributed into 4 groups (9 each, in 3 replicates. Experimental rabbits were fed on a basal diet containing anise leaves (Pimpinella anisum L.) by levels 0, 2, 4 and 6% to the experimental animal groups. All the experimental diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of rabbits according to NRC (1977). The feeding trail extending to 56 days. The diets containing different levels of anise leaves (D2, D3 and D4%) were the highest (P<0.05) significantly of DM, OM and CP% digestibility, the highest values digestibility was recorded with diet (D4) by 19.29, 25.42 and 19.81%, followed by diet (D3) by11.50, 7.79 and14.07 %, finally diet (D2) by 10.35, 4.11 and 15.16% compared with control diet (D1) which values 64.90, 64.74 and 67.14%, respectively. Whereas, EE did not differ significantly among the experimental diets. Otherwise, anise leave 2% in diet D2 decreased (P<0.05) CF digestibility by 6.51%, but the diet (D3) was significant increased by 82.70%, the highest values were recorded with D4 by 214.32%. Digestibility of NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose and NDF-cell soluble% tend to be higher in diet D4, followed by D3 compared to the control. Nutritive values TDN, DCP and DE were significant increased with diet D4 by 16.42%, 25.88% and 21.64(kcal/ kg DM), followed by D2 by14.04%, 15.35% and 10.62(kcal/ kg DM), while the lowest nutritive values recorded with diet D3 by 20.19% ,16.42% and 13.21(kcal/ kg DM), respectively. Blood plasma constituents of the dietary rations as not significantly affected by anise leaves. Plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, Triglycerides), kidney function (urea, creatinine) and liver function alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT).The inclusion of anise leaves in rabbits’ diets significantly (P<0.05) enhanced the body weight and the body weight gain as compared to the control diet. Rabbits fed diet containing (6%) D4 anise leaves showed significantly (P<0.05) enhancing in the final body weight, average daily gain and total feed intake and the best decrease of FCR and economic efficiency compared to control D1. No significant differences were observed in total giblet, lung and kidney among the experimental groups. The testes percent showed significant increase due to feeding diet containing anise leaves which may be due to anise phytoestrogens effect. Costing of one kg feed, (LE) was decreased by inclusion anise leaves in test diet compared to control diet. Conclusion: In conclusion, it can used anise leaves (Pimpinella anisum L.) in rabbit diets up to 6% to improve nutritive and feeding values, growth parameters as well as realized the highest value of feed efficiency and relative economic efficiency.

Profile of bile acid subspecies is similar in blood and follicular fluid of cattle.

The composition of follicular fluid (FF) has an impact on the developmental capacity of the oocyte and the resulting embryo. FF is composed of blood plasma constituents which cross the blood follicular barrier and the secretory components of granulosa and theca cells. Moreover, it has been shown recently that follicular cells have the ability to synthesize bile acids (BAs). BAs are present in several fluids of mammals especially in bile, blood and urine. FF is an essential impacting factor on the oocyte quality and therefore resulting embryos. To achieve a better understanding of this subject, the presence and concentration of BAs were measured in fluid collected from bovine follicles, categorized according to their size, throughout two entire oestrus cycles and compared to those in blood and urine. The body fluids were collected during the same examination procedure and in total samples from four heifers were obtained. A broad spectrum of 11 BA derivatives was measured applying liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The simultaneous and direct quantification of BAs in different body fluids of cattle are reported. Within the follicular fluid, blood and urine, cholic acid and glycocholic acid are the dominant BA subspecies irrespective of the oestrus cycle stage. Moreover, BA concentrations in blood compared to those in the FF were similar. For the first time these results clearly highlight the presence of different BA subspecies in FF, blood and urine during the oestrus cycle in cattle.

Influence of semen on inflammatory modulators of embryo implantation

Insemination transmits to the female reproductive tract constituents of seminal plasma that target uterine epithelial cells to activate a cascade of inflammatory and immunological changes. Experiments in rodents show seminal factor signalling acts to 'condition' the female immune response to tolerate the conceptus, and to organise molecular and cellular changes in the endometrium to facilitate embryo development and implantation. The active factors in seminal plasma are identified as members of the transforming growth factor-beta family, with the relative balance of active moieties influencing the precise character of the female tract response. Experiments in rodents show that disruption of seminal plasma priming causes foetal growth retardation and changes in placental structure, with long-term consequences for the growth of the neonate. Recent studies indicate a similar physiological function and molecular basis for seminal plasma actions in the pig. In gilts, seminal plasma elicits an endometrial response characterised by recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes and induction of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and cyclo-oxygenase-2. The consequences are evident throughout the pre-implantation period of early pregnancy with altered leukocyte populations and cytokine parameters seen for at least 9 days. Exposure to semen also alters the dynamics in pre-implantation embryo development with an increase in the number of embryos and in their viability. Furthermore seminal plasma influences the temporal kinetics of ovulation, corpus luteum development and steroid production in the ovary. Dissecting the actions of seminal plasma may facilitate development of strategies to ensure maximal fertility and reduce embryo mortality in the pig.

Mitochondrial Function in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) Is Enhanced, Together with Increased Reactive Oxygen Species, in Severe Asthmatic Patients in Exacerbation.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung syndrome with an increasing prevalence and a rare but significant risk of death. Its pathophysiology is complex, and therefore we investigated at the systemic level a potential implication of oxidative stress and of peripheral blood mononuclear cells’ (PBMC) mitochondrial function. Twenty severe asthmatic patients with severe exacerbation (GINA 4–5) and 20 healthy volunteers participated at the study. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes activities using different substrates and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were determined in both groups by high-resolution respirometry and electronic paramagnetic resonance, respectively. Healthy PBMC were also incubated with a pool of plasma of severe asthmatics or healthy controls. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes activity (+52.45%, p = 0.015 for VADP) and ROS production (+34.3%, p = 0.02) were increased in asthmatic patients. Increased ROS did not originate mainly from mitochondria. Plasma of severe asthmatics significantly increased healthy PBMC mitochondrial dioxygen consumption (+56.8%, p = 0.031). In conclusion, such asthma endotype, characterized by increased PMBCs mitochondrial oxidative capacity and ROS production likely related to a plasma constituent, may reflect activation of the immune system. Further studies are needed to determine whether increased PBMC mitochondrial respiration might have protective effects, opening thus new therapeutic approaches.

Retained placenta in Relation with Blood Components in Egyptian crossbred cattle

&lt;p&gt; The present study was carried out in the veterinary units on 14 normal cows and 32 cows with Retained Placenta. Cows were chosen after about 6 to 12 hours from parturition in Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Results show that there was very highly significant increase of concentrations of all blood biochemical components, macro elements and micro elements in normal cows than those in retained fetal membranes cows except in globulin, Sodium and Manganese. On the other hand, plasma concentrations of biochemical components were highly significant between summer and winter in cholesterol, total protein and albumin but it wasn’t significant in glucose, globulin and A/G ratio. Moreover, there was very highly significant in plasma concentration between summer and winter in all macro elements except potassium and Ca/P ratio. Also, there was very highly significant in plasma concentration between summer and winter in all micro elements except Manganese. Meanwhile, plasma concentrations of biochemical components were not significant between parities except in A/G ratio. Furthermore, there was no significant in plasma concentration between summer and winter in all macro elements. But, there was very highly significant (P≤0.01) in plasma concentration of Cu and Cd between summer and winter, and it was significant (P≤0.05) in Fe and Se but, there was no significant in Co, Zn, Mn, and Mo.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; The aim of this study was to determine blood plasma constituents and inorganic macro and micro elements in the case of retained placenta in crossbred cattle under Egyptian conditions.&lt;/p&gt;

INFLUENCE OF USING NATURAL FEED ADDITIVES ON SOME REPRODUCTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF DOE RABBITS.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary supplementation of rocket (Eruca Sativa) seeds, carrot (Daucus Carota L) seeds or bay laurel (Bay laurel Nobilis L)., leavesand their mixed between them on some reproductive and productive traits, antioxidant status of doe rabbits and their offspring's, during the pregnancy and lactation periods, under the same conditions.Forty eight New Zealand White (NZW) doe rabbits about 6-7 months old (2.890-3.070 kg) were randomly allotted to eight dietary groups (6 rabbits in each treatment group). The first group was fed a basal diet as control group,(T1); while the experimental second to eighth groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.0% rocket seed (T2); 1.0% carrot seed (T3); 1.0% bay laurel leaf (T4); 0.5% rocket seed+0.5% carrot seed (T5); 0.5% carrot seed+0.5% bay laurel leaf (T6); 0.5% rocket seed+0.50% bay laurel leaf (T7) and 0.33% rocket seed+0.33% carrot seed+0.33% bay laurel leaf (T8), respectively. The experimental period lasted for 16 weeks. Live body weights of does before and after parturition days and at first day of lactation were significantly higher (P=0.05, 0.002 and 0.01) in all treated rabbits as compared to control group respectively, while the response of does live body weights at weaning day was not significant. All treated groups had significantly higher total feed intake during pregnancy and lactation when compared to the control group. During pregnancy constantly plasma, antioxidant capacity and endogenous antioxidant enzymes in terms of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were higher in treated groups compared to the control group, however the effect was significant in some treated groups. Hence, lipid peroxidation in terms of TBARs was significantly reduced in all treated groups compared to control. Metabolic and sex hormones (T3 and E2) were significantly leveled up in all treated groups, while the effect on progesterone (P4) hormone was significantly higher for some treatments. During lactation period weekly and total milk yield were higher in treated groups. The improvement of milk yield was significant increased in T3, T4, T7 and T8 compared to the control group. During lactation period data on plasma antioxidant, constituents and hormones followed the same trends as in these concerning pregnancy periods, where treated groups surpassed the control group and favored the parameters evaluated. Litter size and weight at weaning significantly (P=0.01 and 0.004) increased for all feed additives compared to control, respectively. The same trends were observed in litters weight gain fed diets supplemented with different feed additives. Means of pre- weaning survival rate (%) from birth to weaning age in the treatments groups were better significantly than control group. Conclusively, the findings of this study demonstrated that dietary supplementation of feed additives rocket seeds and carrot seeds or Bayleavesindividually or in combinationsimproved reproductive or productive performance of does, antioxidant status hormone function during pregnancy and lactation period of doe rabbits. Moreover, offspring of rabbits the best results were obtained supplementing 0.33% rocket seed+0.33% carrot seed+0.33% bay laurel leaf/ diet of litter weight at weaning.

Effect of Supplementation with Trimethylglycine (Betaine) and/or Vitamins on Semen Quality, Fertility, Antioxidant Status, DNA Repair and Welfare of Roosters Exposed to Chronic Heat Stress.

Simple SummarySemen, reproductive traits, and the welfare of males are negatively affected by environmental stressors. Stress-alleviating agents, such as vitamins and osmoregulators, may improve semen quality, seminal and blood plasma constituents, antioxidants’ status, and the welfare of roosters exposed to chronic heat stress (CHS). It has been shown that betaine (Bet) may be a useful tool for improving the reproductive traits of roosters exposed to CHS, and may have comparable effects to vitamin C and/or E, thus improving the breeding strategy. In this study, we investigated the influence of betaine (Bet, 1000 mg/kg), with or without vitamin C (VC, 200 mg/kg ascorbic acid) and/or vitamin E (VE, 150 mg/kg α-tocopherol acetate) on semen quality, seminal and blood plasma constituents, antioxidants’ status, DNA repair, and the welfare of chronic heat stress (CHS)-exposed roosters. A total of 54 roosters were divided into six groups of nine replicates. One group was kept under thermoneutral conditions, whereas the other five were kept under CHS. One of the five groups served as an unsupplemented CHS group, and was fed with a basal diet. The other four CHS groups were supplemented with Bet, Bet + VC, Bet + VE, and Bet + VC + VE, respectively. Our data indicate that supplementation with Bet, Bet + VC, Bet + VE, and Bet + VC + VE, resulted in complete recovery of the CHS effect on sperm concentration and livability, semen pH, and fertility compared to the thermoneutral group. Seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly (p < 0.05) increased with Bet, with or without vitamins, compared to the thermoneutral and CHS groups. Urea and blood plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) were totally recovered with Bet, with or without vitamin treatments. Both the jejunum and ileum DNA were partially recovered following Bet, with or without vitamin supplementation. In conclusion, Bet, at 1000 mg/kg feed, may be a useful agent for increasing semen quality, fertility, welfare, and to improve the breeding strategy of breeder males in hot climates.

Energy and nitrogen balance of dairy cattle as affected by provision of different essential amino acid profiles at the same metabolizable protein supply

Amino acid composition of metabolizable protein (MP) is important in dairy cattle diets, but effects of AA imbalances on energy and N utilization are unclear. This study determined the effect of different AA profiles within a constant supplemental MP level on whole-body energy and N partitioning in dairy cattle. Five rumen-fistulated Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (2.8 ± 0.4 lactations; 81 ± 11 d in milk; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design in which each experimental period consisted of 5 d of continuous abomasal infusion followed by 2 d of rest. A total mixed ration consisting of 58% corn silage, 16% alfalfa hay, and 26% concentrate (dry matter basis) was formulated to meet 100 and 83% of net energy and MP requirements, respectively, and was fed at 90% of ad libitum intake by individual cow. Abomasal infusion treatments were saline (SAL) or 562 g/d of essential AA delivered in 4 profiles where individual AA content corresponded to their relative content in casein. The profiles were (1) a complete essential amino acid mixture (EAAC), (2) Ile, Leu, and Val (ILV), (3) His, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, Trp, Val (GR1+ILV), and (4) Arg, His, Lys, Met, Phe, Thr, Trp (GR1+ALT). The experiment was conducted in climate respiration chambers to determine energy and N balance in conjunction with milk production and composition, digestibility, and plasma constituents. Compared with SAL, infusion of EAAC increased milk, protein, and lactose yield, increased energy retained as body protein, and did not affect milk N efficiency. Total N intake and urine N output was higher with all AA infusions relative to SAL. Compared with EAAC, infusions of GR1+ILV and GR1+ALT produced the same milk yield and the same yield and content of milk fat, protein, and lactose, and had similar energy and N retention. Milk N efficiency was not different between EAAC and GR1+ILV, but was lower with GR1+ALT compared with EAAC, and tended to be lower with GR1+ALT compared with GR1+ILV. Infusion of ILV tended to decrease dry matter intake compared with the other AA infusions. Milk production and composition was not different between ILV and SAL. Compared with EAAC, infusion of ILV decreased or tended to decrease milk, protein, and lactose yields and milk protein content, and increased milk fat and lactose content. Milk N efficiency decreased with ILV compared with SAL, EAAC, and GR1+ILV. Milk urea concentration was not affected by essential amino acid (EAA) infusions. Plasma urea concentration did not differ between EAAC and SAL, tended to increase with ILV and GR1+ILV over SAL, and increased with GR1+ALT compared with EAAC and SAL. In conclusion, removing Arg, Lys, and Thr or removing Ile, Leu, and Val from a complete EAA profile when the total amount of EAA infused remained constant did not impair milk production, but milk N efficiency decreased when Ile, Leu, and Val were absent. Infusion of only Ile, Leu, and Val decreased milk protein yield and content and reduced milk N efficiency compared with a complete EAA profile.

A mixture of daidzein and Chinese herbs increases egg production and eggshell strength as well as blood plasma Ca, P, antioxidative enzymes, and luteinizing hormone levels in post-peak, brown laying hens

Dietary supplementation with the isoflavone, daidzein, has been shown to improve egg production in poultry. Additionally, providing Chinese herbs (CH) in the broiler diet has led to increased antioxidative enzyme activity. However, the combined effect of these dietary supplements on hen performance has not been examined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if dietary supplementation with a mixture of daidzein and CH would alter laying performance, egg quality, and blood plasma constituents of post-peak laying hens. At 59 wk of age, Hyline brown hens (240) were randomly allocated to 2 dietary groups and fed for 16 wk. The control group received the basal diet, and a treatment group was fed the basal diet that contained 0.02% of a mixture of daidzein and CH. Egg production and weight were recorded daily and egg quality data were collected at 75 wk of age. Blood plasma antioxidant activity, hormone levels, mineral (Ca and P) content, and osteocalcin content were determined at the end of the study. The results showed that laying rate, egg mass, and shell strength were greater in the daidzein-CH mixture group than the controls (P < 0.05). The plasma glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and luteinizing hormone levels were also greater in the daidzein-CH mixture group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The results of this study reveal that supplementing diets with a daidzein-CH mixture can improve laying performance perhaps by increasing plasma antioxidant activity, luteinizing hormone levels, and mineral content.

High-charge-capacity sputtered iridium oxide neural stimulation electrodes deposited using water vapor as a reactive plasma constituent.

The deposition and properties of sputtered iridium oxide films (SIROFs) using water vapor as a reactive gas constituent are investigated for their potential as high-charge-capacity neural stimulation electrodes. Systematic investigation through a series of optical and electrochemical measurements reveals that the incorporation of water vapor as a reactive gas constituent, along with oxygen, alters the reduction-oxidation (redox) state of the plasma as well as its morphology and the electrochemical characteristics, including the cathodal charge-storage capacity (CSCc ) and charge-injection capacity (CIC), of the SIROF. An apparent optimal O2 :H2 O gas ratio of 1:3 produced SIROF with a CSCc of 182.0 mC cm-2 μm-1 (median, Q1 = 172.5, Q3 = 193.4, n = 15) and a CIC of 3.57 mC cm-2 (median, Q1 = 2.97, Q3 = 4.58, n = 12) for 300-nm-thick films. These values are higher than those obtained with SIROFs deposited using no water vapor by a factor of 2.3 and 1.7 for the CSCc and CIC, respectively. Additionally, the SIROF showed minimal changes in electrochemical characteristics over 109 pulses of constant current stimulation and showed no indication of cytotoxicity toward primary cortical neurons in a cell viability assay. These results warrant investigation of the chronic recording and stimulation capabilities of the SIROF for implantable microelectrode arrays.

A novel and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method to determine mequitazine in rat plasma and urine: Validation and its application to pharmacokinetic studies.

The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method to determine mequitazine in rat plasma and urine. Mequitazine was separated by UPLC-MS/MS equipped with a Kinetex core-shell C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) using 0.1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid as a mobile phase by gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Quantitation of this analysis was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer employing electrospray ionization technique operating in multiple reaction monitoring positive ion mode. Mass transitions were m/z 323.3 → 83.1 for mequitazine and 281.3 → 86.3 for imipramine as internal standard. Liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and protein precipitation with methanol were used for sample extraction. Chromatograms showed that the method had high resolution, sensitivity and selectivity without interference from plasma constituents. Calibration curves for mequitazine in rat plasma and urine were 0.02-200 ng/mL, showing excellent linearity with correlation coefficients (r2 ) >0.99. Both intra- and inter-day precisions (CV%) were within 4.08% for rat plasma and urine. The accuracies were 99.58-102.03%. The developed analytical method satisfied the criteria of international guidance. It could be successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of mequitazine after oral and intravenous administration to rats.

Influence of Treated Orange Pulp on Growth Performance, Nutrients Digestibility and Plasma Constituents of Rabbits.

Influence of Treated Orange Pulp on Growth Performance, Nutrients Digestibility and Plasma Constituents of Rabbits.

A sensitive UPLC–ESI–MS/MS method for the quantification of cinnamic acid in vivo and in vitro: application to pharmacokinetic and protein binding study in human plasma

The purpose of this study was to develop a sensitive method for quantifying cinnamic acid in human plasma using UPLC–ESI–MS/MS. Cinnamic acid was separated using water containing 0.005% (v/v) formic acid and acetonitrile as a mobile phase by gradient elution at a flow rate 0.2 mL/min, equipped with a HALO-C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.7 μm). Quantitation of this analysis was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer employing electrospray ionization technique, operating in multiple reaction monitoring negative ion mode. The mass transitions were m/z 146.8 → 103.0 for cinnamic acid, and 432.9 → 225.0 for geniposide as internal standard. Liquid–liquid extraction and protein precipitation with ethyl acetate–methanol-1.2% acetic acid (4/16/1, v/v/v) were used in the sample extraction. The chromatograms showed high resolution, sensitivity, and selectivity with no interference with plasma constituents. The calibration curves for cinnamic acid in human plasma were 0.1–500 ng/mL and displayed excellent linearity with correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0.99. Both the intra- and inter-day precisions (CV%) were within 3.88% for human plasma. The accuracy was 99.34–106.69% for human plasma. In vitro plasma protein binding of cinnamic acid was 64.26 ± 1.89 and 65.50 ± 1.78% for the spiked human plasma concentrations of 100 and 1000 ng/mL, respectively. The developed analytical method satisfied the criteria of international guidance and could be successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of cinnamic acid after oral administration of Socheongryong-tang tablets to humans.

Charge Density and Charge Delivery Characteristics of Sputtered Transition Metal Oxide Films Used As Neural Stimulation and Recording Electrodes

The use of microelectronic devices for electrical stimulation and recording of neural electrical activity is a rapidly emerging technique that intends to restore lost or impaired physiological function in humans, such as spinal cord injury, stroke, sensory deficits and neurological disorders. The electrode material is one the most important components of such devices as it constituents the chronic electrode-electrolyte interface to the physiological environment. Therefore understanding the electrochemical properties of the electrodes is essential to provide electrical stimulation without adversely affecting the surrounding tissue. In this study, we explore the charge delivery mechanism of two transition metal oxides namely, iridium oxide (IrOx) and ruthenium oxide (RuOx) electrodes, systematically sputtered using water vapor as one of the reactive plasma constituents in addition to oxygen and argon. Additionally, we examine the effect of microstructure controlled by the composition of the reactive plasma constituents, on electrochemistry and charge density characteristics. Electrode sites with a geometric surface area (GSA) of 1960 μm2 were fabricated on silicon wafers using photolithography to create conductive gold metallization to define contact pads, electrode sites, and interconnect traces. The electrode sites were coated with sputtered IrOx and RuOx films using DC magnetron sputtering with a range of reactive gas ratios (O2:H2O) in the plasma. Material characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to study the microstructure and composition of the electrode coatings. Electrochemical analysis included open circuit potential (Eoc) measurements, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and voltage transient (VT) measurements in electrolyte solutions that mimic the inorganic constituents of the physiological environment. Charge storage capacity (CSC) as a function of sweep and charge injection capacity (Qinj) as a function of pulse width and interpulse bias where calculated from the CV and VT measurements. Varying the plasma constituents show a systematic change in the morphology of both the IrOx and RuOx films. The magnitudes of CSC and Qinj also have a systematic dependence on the morphology of the films as controlled by the composition of the sputtering gases. Figure 1(a) shows a representative dependence of morphology and Qinj as a function of plasma composition for IrOx deposition with similar results obtained for RuOx films. The Eoc of the films was measured as a function of pH, as shown in figure 1(b), with IrOx and RuOx showing a near-Nernstian 62 mV/pH-unit and 59 mV/pH-unit, respectively. In this study, we demonstrate the dependence of IrOx and RuOx film morphology on the composition of the reactive plasma constituents. The relationship between film microstructure and electrochemistry at near-neutral pH has been investigated and the charge delivery mechanisms of sputtered IrOx and RuOx films characterized. The addition of water vapor as a reactive gas constituent increased the charge injection capacity of both IrOx and RuOx films using typical neural stimulation waveforms. Figure 1

An overview of discharge plasma modeling for Hall effect thrusters

The current status and challenges of the discharge plasma modeling capabilities in Hall effect thrusters (HETs) are reviewed. Partially magnetized plasmas in HETs present unique physics in that collisions with neutral atoms (a feature of low-temperature plasmas) and instabilities and oscillations (a feature of high-temperature plasmas) coexist. A discharge plasma model is constructed by choosing the numerical methods, e.g. fluid or kinetic, for individual plasma constituents, including neutral atoms, ions, and electrons. The governing equations, boundary conditions, and collision models of a xenon discharge plasma in HETs are discussed. Various models are used to illustrate device-scale phenomena, including the breathing mode and azimuthally rotating spokes, as well as small-scale physics, such as the electron cyclotron drift instability and current-carrying instability that may occur in a hollow cathode plume.

Spectrodensitometric determination of rivastigmine after vortex assisted magnetic solid phase extraction

A highly sensitive and cost-effective HPTLC method was developed for the determination of rivastigmine hydrogen tartarate (RIV) in bulk and capsules. Moreover, magnetic solid phase extraction procedure (MSPE) was performed for analysis of RIV in human plasma to preconcentrate RIV and decrease interference from plasma constituents. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared by co-precipitation process and characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powdered X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). These prepared MNPs have shown high extraction efficiency and all parameters affecting the adsorption of RIV on the MNPs were fully investigated. The method was validated according to FDA bio-analytical guidelines and was found to be linear over the range of 30.2–648 ng/spot. The LLOQ and LOD were 26.2 and 8.6 ng/spot, respectively.