FF Concentration Research Articles

Characteristics of Bread with The Substitution of Fermented Purple Yam Flour (Dioscorea alata)

Fermented purple yam flour is known to have high swelling power, which is capable of improving its ability as a substitute for wheat flour in bread production. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of the substitution of wheat flour with fermented purple yam flour (FF), at 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% concentrations on the physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of bread. The result showed that FF concentration has no significant effect on the moisture content, specific loaf volume, hedonic aroma, and taste but significantly affected porosity, anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity, hedonic color, texture, and overall acceptance of the bread. Furthermore, the best treatment obtained was at the 25% substitution level, which produced bread with 29.30% moisture content, 27.18% porosity, 3.06 cm 3 /g specific loaf volume, and 5.30 mg/g anthocyanin. It also produced 61.03% antioxidant activity, color 3.88, texture 4.00, taste 3.92, and overall acceptance 4.00 (Likes). The maximum substitution rate of fermented purple yam flour was 25%.

A decoupling method to compute near field and far field exposure concentrations.

In the near field/far field (NF/FF) dispersion construct, the analytical solutions for the NF and FF concentration equations, respectively denoted CNF(t) and CFF(t) in mg/m3, are coupled in their mathematical derivation. Depending on the form of the contaminant emission rate function G(t) (mg/min), deriving CNF(t) and CFF(t) can range from being relatively easy to impossible. A method is presented to more easily approximate these concentration functions. The method decouples the NF and FF equations by treating the NF as an isolated well-mixed space with volume VNF (m3) and supply/exhaust airflow rate β(m3) and treating the FF as an isolated well mixed-space with volume V (m3) and supply/exhaust airflow rate Q (m3). Assuming that each space contains a source with the same contaminant emission rate function G(t), a contaminant concentration function is derived for the FF zone, denoted CWMR1(t), and an independent contaminant concentration function is derived for the NF zone, denoted CWMR2(t). Deriving a concentration function for a single zone is far easier than deriving coupled concentration functions. It is shown that the sum CWMR1(t) + CWMR2(t) provides an excellent approximation of CNF(t) and that CWMR1(t) provides an excellent approximation of CFF(t). A discrete-time numerical solution for the CNF(t) and CFF(t) system based on a Markov matrix is also presented.

Robust Pd/Al2O3 bifunctional catalyst for single reactor tandem synthesis of furan and tetrahydrofuran derivatives from furfural

In this study, we report a reusable catalytic system based on a bifunctional Pd/Al2O3 spheres to conduct the single-reactor tandem aldol condensation/crotonization reaction between furfural and methylisobutyl ketone, followed by hydrogenation, both in batch and continuous mode. In batch mode, the process achieved an overall 86 % yield of 1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-5-methylhexan-3-one at 180 °C after 9 h at (5.2 wt% furfural concentration). The reaction rate for the aldol condensation/crotonization step decreased at higher FF concentration, suggesting the inhibition of Lewis acid centers due to adsorbed FF as inferred from kinetic modeling. In continuous mode, the catalyst was operated in a dual-type fixed bed reactor and reached 55 % steady-state conversion and 60 % and 35 % selectivity to 1-(furan-2-yl)-5-methylhexan-3-one and (E)-1-(furan-2-yl)-5-methylhex-1-en-3-one, respectively, after 12 h operation at 170 °C and a weight-hourly space velocity of 0.50 h−1 at high furfural concentration (18 wt%). NH3/CO2 temperature-programmed desorption and FT-IR spectroscopy implemented with adsorbed pyridine, NH3 and CO2 were used to assess the nature, strength, density and stability of the acid and basic sites.

Anticoagulation use is associated with lower fetal fraction and more indeterminate results

Maternal anticoagulation use may increase indeterminate result rates on cell-free DNA-based screening, but existing studies are confounded by inclusion of individuals with autoimmune disease, which alone is associated with indeterminate results. Changes in chromosome level Z-scores are proposed by others as a reason for indeterminate results, but the etiology of this is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate differences in fetal fraction, indeterminate result rate, and total cell-free DNA concentration in individuals on anticoagulation without autoimmune disease compared with controls undergoing noninvasive prenatal screening. Secondly, using a nested case-control design, we evaluated differences in fragment size, GC-content, and Z-scores to evaluate laboratory-level test characteristics. This was a retrospective single-institution study of pregnant individuals undergoing cell-free DNA-based noninvasive prenatal screening using low-pass whole-genome sequencing between 2017 and 2021. Individuals with autoimmune disease, suspected aneuploidy, and cases where fetal fraction was not reported were excluded. Anticoagulation included heparin-derived products (unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin), clopidogrel, and fondaparinux, with a separate group for those on aspirin alone. An indeterminate result was defined as fetal fraction <4%. We evaluated the association between maternal anticoagulation or aspirin use, and fetal fraction, indeterminate results, and total cell-free DNA concentration using univariate and multivariate analyses, controlling for body mass index, gestational age at sample collection, and fetal sex. For the anticoagulation cohort, we compared laboratory-level test characteristics among cases (on anticoagulation) and a subset of controls. Lastly, we evaluated for differences in chromosome level Z-scores among those on anticoagulation with and without indeterminate results. A total of 1707 pregnant individuals met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 29 were on anticoagulation and 81 were on aspirin alone. For those on anticoagulation, the fetal fraction was significantly lower (9.3% vs 11.7%; P<.01), the indeterminate result rate was significantly higher (17.2% vs 2.7%; P<.001), and the total cell-free DNA concentration was significantly higher (218 pg/μL vs 83.7 pg/μL; P<.001). Among those on aspirin alone, the fetal fraction was lower (10.6% vs 11.8%; P=.04); however, there were no differences in the rate of indeterminate results (3.7% vs 2.7%; P=.57) or total cell-free DNA concentration (90.1 pg/μL vs 83.8 pg/μL; P=.31). After controlling for maternal body mass index, gestational age at sample collection, and fetal sex, anticoagulation was associated with an >8-fold increase in the likelihood of an indeterminate result (adjusted odds ratio, 8.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.1-24.9; P<.001), but not aspirin (adjusted odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-4.1; P=.8). Anticoagulation was not associated with appreciable differences in cell-free DNA fragment size or GC-content. Although differences in chromosome 13 Z-scores were observed, none were observed for chromosomes 18 or 21, and this difference did not contribute to the indeterminate result call. In the absence of autoimmune disease, anticoagulation use, but not aspirin, is associated with lower fetal fraction, higher total cell-free DNA concentration, and higher rates of indeterminate results. Anticoagulation use was not accompanied by differences in cell-free DNA fragment size or GC-content. Statistical differences in chromosome level Z-scores did not clinically affect aneuploidy detection. This suggests a likely dilutional effect by anticoagulation on cell-free DNA-based noninvasive prenatal screening assays contributing to low fetal fraction and indeterminate results, and not laboratory or sequencing-level changes.

Diphenylalanine Deposition by Dip-Coating from Acidic Solutions: Fibers and Closed Homogeneous Films.

A simple but precisely controllable strategy by molecular assembly that enables the construction of biomaterials is always in the development. Dip-coating deposition of diphenylalanine (FF) onto planar solid substrates from aqueous acidic (acetic, propanoic, formic, and HCl) solutions is studied as a function of the process control parameters (deposition speed, initial concentration of FF and acids, and external gas flow). The results are studied by optical microscopy, AFM, and ellipsometry. For low acidity and low FF concentrations, FF forms microfibers, nanofibers, or stripes of fiber aggregates. For higher acidity and FF concentrations, closed films of FF of remarkably smooth surfaces are found. The thickness of these films can be well-controlled by the FF concentration and the deposition speed and explained by the evaporation regime. These unusual results provide new possibilities to fabricate more abundant structures by a simple strategy and develop a candidate for biological membrane areas.

Development of a New Kinetic Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Chromium with an Optical Probe.

The aim of this work is the development, optimization, and validation of a new spectrophotometric kinetic method for the determination of dissolved chromium species in water samples with the use of the polymethine dye Astra Phloxine FF. The progress of the chemical reaction was simple, effective, and precisely monitored from the start of the reaction using an optical probe. The method is based on the impact of Cr(VI) concentration on the rate of decrease in the Astra Phloxine FF concentration. The experimental data were evaluated using four experimental data analysis methods, namely with the initial rate method, the average rate method, the fixed time method, and the absorption peak volume change method. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the best results were achieved using the method of the average rate constant for evaluating the experimental data. Using this data evaluation method for the determination of Cr(VI), the LoD was found to be 1.87 µg L-1 and RSD ( n = 6; 0.2 mg L-1 Cr) 3.59%. The presented work was used for the determination of chromium in model samples-CRM material and tap and waste water-and with the calibration line method and the standard additions method.

Biodegradability and mechanism of florfenicol via Chlorella sp. UTEX1602 and L38: Experimental study

In this work, florfenicol removal via two kinds Chlorella sp. (UTEX1602 and L38) was investigated. The experimental results indicated that FF could be removed by biodegradation associated with microalgae growth. Compared to Chlorella sp. UTEX1602, L38 had a good self-adjustment capacity at the condition of high initial FF concentration. The biodegradation of FF followed the first order kinetic model with half-lives ranged from 3.53 to 7.63 days at different initial concentration. The removal efficiency of FF could achieve 97% when the FF concentration was set at 46 mg·L−1. While the FF concentration in the medium increased to 159 mg·L−1, more than 74% FF could still be purified via Chlorella sp. L38. Therefore, Chlorella sp. L38 could be promising alternative algae to be used for FF removal from different water sources.

Peptide modified paper based impedimetric immunoassay with nanocomposite electrodes as a point-of-care testing of Alpha-fetoprotein in human serum

Treatment for cancer depends on the type of cancer, and the stage or its development, and thus the need for point-of-care technology that can allow rapid and precise detection of biomarkers is increasing. Here, we present a simple on chip electrical detection of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). We rely on using a novel peptide modified plastic-paper microfluidic chips to perform efficient and specific impedimetric detection of AFP in human serum. The chips are prepared from a lower sheet of plastic and upper layer of cellulose chromatography paper modified with silver-20 wt% graphene printed electrodes. Diphenylalanine (FF) was proposed to involve in detection zone of the fabricated microchips in order to improve the sensing performance and the stability of immobilized antibodies according to amine-aldehyde reaction. The target protein is captured on the surface of microchips using specific monoclonal antibodies and the electrical response of the chip is monitored in the presence and absence of different concentrations of AFP. The influence of several parameters including the material types for screen printing of electrodes, FF concentrations, solvent and pH of FF solution on electrical response and cellulose fibers morphology was explored. The impedance measurements of AFP on the fabricated microchip in the optimized parameters exhibited a detection limit of 1 and 10 ng ml−1 in PBS and plasma, respectively. This platform developed here can be adopted to develop systems for rapid detection of biomarkers using portable electric devices.

Removal of Antibiotic Florfenicol by Sulfide-Modified Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron.

Florfenicol (FF, C12H14Cl2FNO4S), an emerging halogenated organic contaminant of concern was effectively degraded in water by sulfidized nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI). Sulfidized nZVI (62.5 m2 g-1) that was prepared using a one-step method resulted in small Fe0/Fe-sulfide particles that were more stable against aggregation than unsulfidized nZVI (10.2 m2 g-1). No obvious removal of FF was observed by unsulfidized nZVI. S-nZVI degraded FF, having a surface area normalized reaction rate constant of 3.1 × 10-4 L m-2 min-1. The effects of the S/Fe molar ratio, initial FF concentration, initial pH, temperature, and water composition on the removal of FF by S-nZVI, and on the formation of reaction products, were systematically investigated. Both dechlorination and defluorination were observed, resulting in four degradation products (C12H15ClFNO4S, C12H16FNO4S, C12H17NO4S, and C12H17NO5S). High removal efficiencies of FF by S-nZVI were achieved in groundwater, river water, seawater, and wastewater. The reactivity of S-nZVI was relatively unaffected by the presence of both dissolved ions and organic matter in the waters tested.

Efficacy of Rhinoceros Beetle (Xylotrupes gideon) nano chitosan and calcium mouthwash in reducing quantity oral cavity bacteria among elementary school age children

Objective: The level of dental and oral hygiene on elementary school age children is very low, so it can be increasing the incidence of dental and oral diseases which caused by various microorganisms. Mouthwash can keeping dental and oral hygiene, but many commercial mouthwash is still used alcohol as their ingredients, which can be giving side effects, therefore, we still needed used alternative mouthwash, which made from nano chitosan and nano calcium, derived from nature Xylotrupes Gideon. Methods: This is a experimental study with pre and post test control group design using total plate count method. Total is 27 subjects, aged 9 years. Processing data is done by statistical test Chi Square, and one way ANOVA with software of SPSS 23. Results: Results showed that serum concentration of glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) when compared with the fluid from three follicles size categories (Small, Medium and large follicles in CL+ and CL- ovaries). The differences between follicle size categories in CL- ovaries were only significant for concentrations of glucose and triglyceride. The FF concentration of glucose and cholesterol in same follicle size categories (Small, Medium and large follicles in CL+ and CL- ovaries) were significant (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Measurement results the quantity of bacteria suggested that decreased of bacteria colonies before and after gargle, on negative control 30%-73%, positive control 33%-100%, the 250ppm concentration is 95% -100%, 500ppm and 750 ppm concentration is 100%. Nanoparticles of chitosan and calcium-based mouthwash formulation from X. gideon has the ability to reduce oral bacterial colonies quantity among elementary school age children. More high concentrations of mouthwash formulations which are used more low quantity of oral bacteria colonies.

The development of a new optical sensor based on the Mn doped ZnS quantum dots modified with the molecularly imprinted polymers for sensitive recognition of florfenicol

The Mn doped ZnS quantum dots (Mn:ZnS QDs) capped with the florfenicol molecularly imprinted polymer (Mn:ZnS QDs@MIP) were prepared via the sol–gel surface imprinting approach using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as the functional monomer and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the cross-linker for the optosensing of the florfenicol. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer, IR spectroscopy, UV–Vis absorption spectrophotometry, and spectrofluorometry were used to elucidate the formation, morphology, and identification of the products. To illustrate the usefulness of the new imprinted material, the non-imprinted coated Mn:ZnS QDs (Mn:ZnS QDs@NIP) were synthesized without the presence of the florfenicol. It was revealed that the fluorescence (FL) intensity of the Mn:ZnS QDs@MIP increased with increasing the FF concentration. Under the optimal conditions, changes in the FL intensity in the presence of the target molecule showed a linear response in the concentration range of 30–700μmolL−1 with a detection limit of 24μmolL−1. The developed method was finally applied successfully to the determination of FF in different meat samples with satisfactory recoveries.

Fibrate treatment of eEOCs in murine AKI

Early endothelial outgrowth cells (eEOCs) protect mice from acute kidney injury (AKI). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) has been shown to mediate renoprotective effects under different experimental conditions. The aim of the study was to investigate consequences of fibrate treatment of murine eEOCs in a cell-based therapeutic approach to AKI. Male C57/Bl6N mice, subjected to unilateral renal ischemia (40min) post-uninephrectomy, were systemically injected with 0.5×10(6) untreated or fenofibrate (FF 1, 5, 10 or 50μm)/clofibrate (CF 1mm) pretreated syngeneic murine eEOCs. Renal function and morphology were analyzed 48h later. Cellular consequences of eEOC treatment with fibrates (FF 1, 5, 10, 50μm, CF 1mm) were evaluated using different in vitro assays (direct cell migration, apoptosis/necrosis, ELISA studies). Administration of untreated eEOCs did not protect mice from AKI. Injection of eEOCs treated with CF (1mm) or FF 50μm did not result in any protection from ischemia-induced renal dysfunction. In vitro analysis showed reduced cellular secretion of vasoprotective vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an effect that was more pronounced with CF; FF increased percentages of apoptotic/necrotic eEOCs, and both substances failed to stimulate migration of cultured cells. With lower FF concentrations (1, 5, 10μm) cell survival was increased and 10μm FF stimulated VEGF secretion. In vivo administration of FF-treated eEOCs (10μm) also did not result in any renoprotective effect. PPAR-α activation using fibrates does not stimulate renoprotective effects of syngeneic murine eEOCs in ischemic AKI, although lower fibrate concentrations significantly activate eEOCs in vitro.

Kinetics and nature of the slow stage of cathodic hydrogen evolution on iron in aqueous and water-ethylene-glycol solutions of HCl in the presence of o-fluorophenylbiguanidine

The influence of the concentration of o-fluorophenylbiguanidine (FF) (0.5–40 mM) on the kinetics of hydrogen evolution on iron in aqueous and ethylene glycol (10 wt % H2O) solutions with an electrolyte x M HCl + (1 − x) M LiCl was studied. In aqueous media, the introduction of increasing concentrations of FF led to a transition from one slow stage to other stages in a series: slow discharge → slow recombination → slow lateral diffusion → slow discharge. In ethylene glycol media, the series is formally the same, but there is no initial slow discharge and hydrogen evolution (HER) in supporting solutions is limited by chemical recombination, which shifts to slow lateral diffusion already in the presence of 0.1 mM FF. In aqueous solutions, this change in the nature of the rate-limiting stage requires a 50-fold increase in the FF concentration. Finally, at a certain FF concentration, HER occurs under the conditions of slow discharge.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue depletion of florfenicol in Leghorn and Taiwan Native chickens

Florfenicol (Ff) is a synthetic antibiotic with a broad antibacterial spectrum and high therapeutic effectiveness that was specifically developed for veterinary use. In the present study, tissue residual levels and the pharmacokinetics of Ff after oral administration of 30 mg/kg to Leghorn and Taiwan Native chicken were studied. Furthermore, differential pharmacokinetics between leg and breast muscles were compared using samples collected from an optimized microdialysis model designed for avian species. Significant differences in C(max) were detected between the plasma and muscle microdialysates, and between the breast and leg microdialysates of the Leghorn chickens by noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. After a single oral dose of Ff at 30 mg/kg, the drug was quickly absorbed and widely distributed with tissue penetration factors significantly different between leg and breast muscles. The serum protein binding of Ff was estimated to be 16.8 ± 1.2%. Significant breed differences in tissue depletion were noted and characterized by higher Ff concentration in the brain, lung, kidney and at least 12 h longer resident times in kidney, heart and spleen for Taiwan Native chicken. Results from this investigation demonstrate the practicality of using in vivo microdialysis in chickens for pharmacokinetic studies and reveal significant time-dependent differences in the free concentrations of Ff in leg and breast muscles. The tissue depletion study signified breed differences in tissue residue concentration and detection times between Leghorn and Taiwan Native chickens. Therefore, currently used withdrawal times for Ff in chickens can not be assumed safe for Taiwan Native chickens.

P-964: Comparison between the level of VEGF, LIF and nitric oxide in serum and follicular fluid of poor and high responder and their effect on IVF/ICSI outcome

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the level of VEGF, LIF and Nitric oxide in serum and follicular fluid of poor and high responder women undergoing in vitro fertilization and to find out the influence of these parameters on the IVF/ ICSI outcome. Prospective designed study 75 women undergoing IVF/ICSI therapy were included in this study. After pituitary down regulation using Gn-RHa, the women underwent ovarian hyperstimulation with rFSH (Gonal-F). The patients subdivided according to the number of retrieved oocytes into poor responder (<8 oocytes (G.1, n=51) and high responder (>8 oocyte retrieved) (G.2, n=24). Serum and FF were collected at the same time during oocytes retrieval frozen at -80°C and thawed later for quantification of VEGF, LIF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (R&D system, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Whereas, the NO metabolites nitrate/nitrite (NO3/NO2) were measured using the Griess reaction as an indirect assessment of NO activity. 19 women become pregnant (G.1) and 56 did not (G.2). The mean concentrations of VEGF, LIF and NO in the serum of poor responder patients were (371.3±167.9pg/ml; 2.1±2.2g/ml and 35.9±16.8μmol/L) and the corresponding values of the high responder patients were (369.6±194.9pg/ml 1.8±1.1 pg/ml and 38.6±17.8μmol/l respectively). Moreover, in both groups, the FF concentration of VEGF and LIF was significantly higher than the value of serum in G. 1 (3410.7±976.6pg/ml and 371.3±167.9pg/ml) and G.2 (3285.8±705.5pg/ml and 45.8±16.7pg/ml respectively). This indicated that VEGF and LIF synthesized in the ovary and diffuse into blood circulation. NO concentration of FF was slightly higher, than in serum either in G. 1(41.3±11.7μmol/l) as well as in G.2 (40.0±10.1μmol/l). However, the concentration of VEGF in FF was higher in G.1 (median =3688.3pg/ml) in comparison to G. 2 (median 3390.5). Whereas, the NO level in serum was higher in G.2 (36.6 μmol/l) than in G.1(8 29.9 μmol/l). The mean number of retrieved, fertilized oocytes and transferred embryos was significantly lower in G.1 in comparison to that in G.2 (3.8±1.8, 2.4±1.7 and 1.6±0.9 vs 11.5±3.5, 6.5±3.4 and 2.2±0.7 respectively). However, the fertilization and ongoing pregnancy rates were higher in G.1 (64.1% and 29.4%) than in G.2. (56.5%. and 16.7%). NO concentration in FF may be has a negative influence, whereas VEGF level in the FF may be has a positive effect on the growing oocytes in graaffian follicles and the resulting embryos, and consequently the fertilization and pregnancy rate.

Relationship Between Etiology of Sterility of Patients Undergoing Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) and Serum, Follicular Fluid Concentration of Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Nitic Oxide (NO) and Their Influence on ICSI Outcome

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of LIF, VEGF and NO concentration in serum and follicular fluid of tubar, endometriosis and male factor infertility patients who undergoing COH for intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) and to find out (i) the difference between the FF and serum concentration, (ii) the relationship between the etiology of sterility and these growth factors concentrations, (iii) the influence of these investigated growth factor on ICSI outcome. Prospective study. 75 women undergoing ICSI therapy were included in this study. Tubar sterility (G.1=17), endometriosis (G.2 = 15) and male factor infertility (G.3. 43). After pituitary down regulation using Gn-RH a, the women underwent COH either with rFSH or HMG/FSH. Serum and FF were collected at the time of oocytes retrieval and were frozen at -80°C until the measurement of LIF; VEGF and NO concentration. LIF and VEGF concentration was determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Whereas, the NO was measured using the Griess reaction as an indirect assessment of NO activity. LIF concentrations in FF of patients with tubal sterility, endometriosis, male factor sterility were (43.20±12.10, 43.6±18.9 and 50.0±23.70 pg/ml respectively) and the corresponding values in serum were (1.60±0.90; 1.50±0.96 and 2.30±2.4 pg/ml). VEGF concentrations in FF of the first, second and third groups were (3247.8±931.9; 3546.3±893.40 and 3358.1±894.3 pg/ml) and in serum as follows (375.3±180.5; 354.3±160.5 and 374.8±182.4). NO concentrations were at the same level in FF and serum in the first group (42.3±9.50 vs. 39.190± 15.52, p=0, 26; 41.5±8.99vs.36.3±13.6 p= 0.18) in the second group and 40.1±12.5 vs. 35.96±18.9 p= 0.059 μmol/l in the third group. LIF concentration in FF was 43.2±12.1 and in 1.6±0.9 pg/ml in serum (p<0.001). VEGF in FF was 3247.8±931.9 and in serum 375.3±180.5 pg/m (p<0.001). NO concentrations in FF and serum were similar (42.3±9.5 vs. 39.19.52μmol/l; p=0.26). The main number of retrieved, fertilized and transferred oocytes in the first group was (8.2±5.3; 4.7±3.7 and 2.0±0.8) the corresponding value in the second group was (5.0±3.6; 3.7±3.1 and 1.9±0.9) and in the third group (5.9±4.1; 3.4±2.7 and 1.7±0.9). No significance difference was shown between the groups in respect of the age of the patient (p=0.31), the main number of retrieved (p=0.132), fertilized (p=0.29) and transferred oocytes (p=0.73). Moreover, the fertilization rate, in all three investigated groups (64.0±2.9%, 81.0±3.1% and 60.0±4.5%, p=0.42), cleavage (60. 0±3.1%; 69.0±2.9% and 65.0±2.8%; p=0.73) and ongoing pregnancy rates (17.6%; 46.7%; 20.9% p=0.19) were similar. The concentration of NO and LIF in FF correlate negatively with fertilization (-0.012; -0.218) and cleavage rate (-0.10; -0.067) of the oocytes. The concentration of LIF, VEGF and NO in the investigated groups was similar. LIF and VEGF concentration was significantly higher in FF in comparison to serum, which indicated that these growth factors synthesised in the ovary and play an important role in ovarian physiology. Whereas, NO concentration was at the same levels in FF and serum. Besides, a negative correlation was shown between NO concentration in FF, serum and fertilization and cleavage rates of the fertilized oocytes.

Effects of subinhibitory concentrations of florfenicol on morphology, growth, and viability of Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus strain Newman was investigated for changes in its growth pattern, its morphology and its viability when grown in the presence of 3 microg/ml florfenicol (Ff). This concentration corresponds to the 0.75-fold strain-specific minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Under these conditions, S. aureus Newman showed a distinct retardation in its growth pattern and 20% dead cells were detected in a fluorescence microscopic viability assay. However, bactericidal activity - defined as a 3-log drop in the staphylococcal population - was not recorded at this Ff concentration. Further analysis of the cell wall revealed a significant increase in cell wall thickness of S. aureus Newman when grown in the presence of 3 microg/ml Ff. This might result in a compression of the protoplast with subsequent disruption of single staphylococcal cells. Accordingly, 20% of the staphylococcal cells analysed by electron microscopy proved to be disrupted. These observations suggest that Ff can cause a thickening of the cell wall accompanied by impaired viability of the staphylococcal cells.

Blood concentrations of vasopressin, neuropeptide FF and prolactin are increased by high-dose right unilateral ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is known to stimulate subcortical brain regions and release hormones from the anterior and the posterior pituitary. To enhance the subcortical effect of ECT and the neuroendocrinological response we used high dose right unilateral ECT (RUL-ECT) in 11 depressive patients and studied its effect on the release of vasopressin, prolactin and neuropeptide FF. The RUL ECT stimulus for all studied patients was 5 times the individual seizure threshold and it led to immediate release of vasopressin in all studied patients. The release of prolactin was less uniform, however in accordance with results from earlier studies. The ECT also stimulated a NPFF secretion peak that came approximately 5 min after ECT stimulus and preceded the prolactin peak. The maximal elevations in circulating vasopressin and prolactin concentrations were 680% and 950%, respectively. The neuropeptide FF concentration increased by 100% after ECT. There was a second rise in NPFF concentration at 25 min after the ECT treatment. The increases in all peptide concentrations were significant, but were not correlated with each other. The neuropeptide FF concentration returned to baseline level at 10 min and the vasopressin concentration at 25 min after ECT. The prolactin concentration remained increased during the 30 min follow up period. Our results complete earlier finding on ECT stimulated vasopressin and prolactin release and show that high intensity RUL-ECT releases neuropeptide FF into human blood. The modest rise of circulating NFFF most likely represents leakage from the CNS.

Use of Indo-1 FF for measurements of rapid micromolar cytoplasmic free Ca 2+ increments in a single smooth muscle cell

A low-affinity fluorescent Ca 2+ indicator Indo-1 FF was used to measure cytoplasmic Ca 2+ increments in single smooth muscle cells isolated from the urinary bladder of the guinea-pig. The in vitro K d of Indo-1 FF for Ca 2+ measured at the microscope stage was 21 μM. Calibration parameters measured in the cell differed substantially from respective in vitro values suggesting that the properties of the cytoplasmic dye had been altered. Addition of proteins (aldolase or albumin) increased the in vitro F 405 F 495 ratio close to the range observed intracellularly. Emission spectra of Ca 2+-free Indo-1 FF demonstrated a blue-shift of 29 nm with 10 mg/ml aldolase and 60 nm with 10 mg/ml albumin. The K d value of Indo-1 FF for Ca 2+ in vitro was not changed by addition of aldolase (up to 20 mg/ml) and was approximately doubled in the presence of 20 mg/ml albumin. Intracellular calibration either by skinning the cells with β-escine, ‘opening’ the cell or by intracellular perfusion of 100 μM free Ca 2+ (40 mM DPTA-Ca 2+ buffer) suggest that the affinity of intracellular Indo-1 FF for Ca 2+ is not markedly changed. The Indo-1 FF concentration of 20 μM in the patch-pipette was found to be a reasonable compromise between acceptable signal-to-noise ratio and increased cytoplasmic Ca 2+ buffering. This is because neither the amplitude nor the time-course of depolarization-induced micromolar Ca 2+ increments were significantly changed during cell loading with this concentration of the dye. In contrast to Indo-1 loaded cells where rapid changes of [Ca 2+] i were buffered, in Indo-1 FF loaded cells I ca evoked rapid (rate of rise 150 μM/s) and large (4–6 μM in 35–60 ms) increments of free Ca 2+. This results suggest that [Ca 2+] i increments in smooth muscle cells are fast and large.

Is there any correlation between follicular fluid hormone concentrations, fertilizability, and cytogenetic analysis of human oocytes recovered for in vitro fertilization?

Constituents of FF have been suspected to influence fertilizability and cytogenetic constitution of human oocytes. We therefore analyzed the FF concentrations of E2, P, T, and PRL for 114 oocytes recovered for IVF. Forty-six of these oocytes were fertilized and transferred to the maternal uterus. Among the unfertilized gametes, 27 were not analyzable, 30 were normal haploid, and 11 were classified as abnormal. There was no significant difference between fertilized and unfertilized oocytes for FF concentrations of E2, P, T, and PRL and for the E2:P ratios. Similarly, we detected no significant difference between normal and abnormal oocytes for these parameters.