Significant Increase In Weight Loss Research Articles

Effect of storage duration and storage technologies on pest infestations and post-harvest quality loss of stored sesame seeds in Ethiopia

Sesame seeds, being a crucial traditional oilseed crop in Ethiopia, face challenges related to storage and insect pests that can adversely affect their quality and quantity. Farmers often sell their sesame seeds immediately after harvest at lower prices due to concerns about pest damage during storage. This study aimed to assess the impact of different storage containers and storage durations on reducing infestation by storage insect pests and minimizing losses of stored sesame seeds over a six-month period. The findings revealed that hermetic storage solutions, particularly PICS and SGP bags, effectively suppressed insect development, minimized losses, and maintained seed viability without the need for insecticides. Weight loss in PICS and SGP bags remained consistent regardless of the storage duration, whereas jute and PP bags exhibited a significant increase in weight loss. Lower seed germination rates were observed in PP and jute bags, whereas PICS and SGP bags maintained consistent germination rates throughout the storage period. PICS and SGP bags also exhibited a significant decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide levels, contributing to the reduction in insect infestation. In comparison, traditional storage bags such as jute and PP bags exhibited higher insect counts, seed damage, and greater weight loss compared to hermetic bags. Therefore, hermetic storage solutions are recommended for farmers to minimize losses and preserve seed viability. During the study, three insect species were identified as the most prevalent in stored sesame seeds: Corcyra cephalonica, Tribolium spp (T. castaneum & T. confusum), and Rhyzopetha dominica. The maximum insect counts of these species were recorded in jute bags. At the beginning of the experiment, the average seed damage across all storage units was 1.9%, which increased to 14.1% in jute bags and 9.3% in PP bags after six months of storage.

The Inherited Intestinal Microbiota from Myeloid-Specific ZIP8KO Mice Impairs Pulmonary Host Defense against Pneumococcal Pneumonia.

Intestinal dysbiosis increases susceptibility to infection through the alteration of metabolic profiles, which increases morbidity. Zinc (Zn) homeostasis in mammals is tightly regulated by 24 Zn transporters. ZIP8 is unique in that it is required by myeloid cells to maintain proper host defense against bacterial pneumonia. In addition, a frequently occurring ZIP8 defective variant (SLC39A8 rs13107325) is strongly associated with inflammation-based disorders and bacterial infection. In this study, we developed a novel model to study the effects of ZIP8-mediated intestinal dysbiosis on pulmonary host defense independent of the genetic effects. Cecal microbial communities from a myeloid-specific Zip8 knockout mouse model were transplanted into germ-free mice. Conventionalized ZIP8KO-microbiota mice were then bred to produce F1 and F2 generations of ZIP8KO-microbiota mice. F1 ZIP8KO-microbiota mice were also infected with S. pneumoniae, and pulmonary host defense was assessed. Strikingly, the instillation of pneumococcus into the lung of F1 ZIP8KO-microbiota mice resulted in a significant increase in weight loss, inflammation, and mortality when compared to F1 wild-type (WT)-microbiota recipients. Similar defects in pulmonary host defense were observed in both genders, although consistently greater in females. From these results, we conclude that myeloid Zn homeostasis is not only critical for myeloid function but also plays a significant role in the maintenance and control of gut microbiota composition. Further, these data demonstrate that the intestinal microbiota, independent of host genetics, play a critical role in governing host defense in the lung against infection. Finally, these data strongly support future microbiome-based interventional studies, given the high incidence of zinc deficiency and the rs13107325 allele in humans.

The Effect of Storage Periods on the Internal and External Quality Characteristics of White and Brown-Shell Table Eggs in Saudi Arabia

Background: The eggs of hens are an essential source of protein, a food that meets human needs and provides the body with amino acids, metallic elements and vitamins that promote its health. The research aims to study the influence of storage period and strain and the interaction between them on components and internal and external quality traits of commercially produced brown and white-shell eggs. Methods: A total of 180 eggs were randomly collected from both types. It was kept for 0, 15 and 30 days at temperatures ranging from 5±2°C to a humidity level of 60%. All eggs were broken to measure the egg coefficient, egg weight, egg weight loss and depth of the air chamber. shell thickness, shell density, shell cleanliness, shell surface area, shell weight relative to shell area unit, egg specific density, Haugh unit values, yolk color, presence of flesh and blood spots, white weight, shell weight, yolk weight, shell integrity, white weight percentage, percentage of shell weight, yolk weight ratio and yolk weight ratio. Result: White eggs weighed more than brown eggs and storage periods had a significant (P less than 0.05) effect on the Haugh unit, specific density, air chamber depth and shell thickness. It has a positive effect on shell density and shell weight for both brown and white-shelled eggs. The storage period also led to a significant increase in weight loss, a significant decrease in white, yolk and shell and significant changes in all parts of the egg because the shell color changed.

Study of UV-C treatments on postharvest life of blueberries ‘O'Neal’ and correlation between structure and quality parameters

The effect of different doses of UV-C light (5.3, 8.3 and 11.4 kJ/m2) on native mycobiota and Botrytis cinerea incidence, micro and ultrastructure, biomechanical properties and weight loss of blueberry fruit cv. O'Neal during 20 days of storage at 8 ± 1 °C was evaluated. Decay incidence was significantly reduced by all UV-C light doses for both, native mycobiota and inoculated B. cinerea. The highest UV-C dose studied (11.4 kJ/m2) was the most effective indelaying the onset of fungal and B. cinerea infection (6 and 4 days, respectively). UV-C irradiation caused some distinctive changes in fruit structure characterized by redistribution, alteration and partial removal of epicuticular waxes, reinforcement of epicarp cell walls, and modifications in the cuticle. Biomechanical parameters were not affected by UV-C treatments excepting at day 15 where irradiated samples showed higher values of rupture force (FR) and deformation (D). Structure changes partially explained the significant increase in weight loss, FR and D values in irradiated fruit after 15 days of storage. UV-C irradiation could be an alternative for delaying and reducing fungal infection. However, postharvest shelf-life of irradiated blueberries could be limited by the negative effect on weight loss.

Novel postharvest management using laser irradiation to maintain the quality of strawberry

Strawberry fruits are perishable fruits and deteriorate vastly after harvest. This study aimed to maintain the quality attributes of strawberry fruit during seven days of cold storage using diode laser irradiation. Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa, cv. Festival) were irradiated with diode laser at wavelength of 450 nm and light intensity of 1.3 mWcm−2 for 3, 6, and 12 min, while the non-irradiated fruits served as the control sample, then the fruit was packed and stored for 7 days at 10 °C and 85–90% relative humidity. The findings showed a significant reduction in weight loss and decay percentages of treated strawberries with 3 and 6 min of laser light, while control and 12 min laser irradiated samples exhibited the highest significant increase in weight loss and fungal decay. All laser treatments retained firmness of the flesh until the fifth day of storage, meanwhile the control sample became softer and fully mature, and at the end of the storage period, the control sample lost 77.9% of the firmness compared to 9.94% of 3 min treated fruit. Laser light had a marginal effect on pH, titratable acidity, and the content of anthocyanin. The results revealed that low exposure duration of laser treatment decreased darkness, and Chroma and total soluble solids (TSS) were maintained. Vitamin C showed a slight increase for all treatments and by the end of the storage period, the 3 min treated sample had the highest significant value of 73.04 mg/100 g compared to the lowest significant value of 65.86 mg/100 g of control. It was noticed that laser irradiation significantly reduced the reduction percentage of antioxidant activity compared to the control sample even with the highest exposure time of laser irradiation.

Biochemical changes in groundnut pods due to infestation of bruchid Caryedon serratus (Olivier) under stored conditions

A study on the “Biochemical changes in groundnut pods due to infestation of bruchid, Caryedon serratus (Olivier) under stored conditions” was conducted at Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, SVPUA&T, Meerut during August 2018 to February 2019. Results of the study showed that there was significant increase in weight loss of the groundnut pods (test varieties) with the increase in storage period i.e. 30, 90, and 150 DAS (days after storage). This significant increase in weight loss was due to infestation of groundnut bruchid. In addition to the weight loss, distinct differences in the biochemical components such as sugars, proteins, tannins, phenols were found in between infested and uninfested groundnut pods. A significant reduction in sugars, tannins, phenol whereas increase in protein content was noticed with the increase in the storage period i.e. 30, 90 and 150 DAS. Correlation studies relating weight loss and biochemical components from different groundnut varieties (resistant and susceptible) due to bruchid infestation were also worked out in the study. Pod sugar and pod protein content showed significant positive correlation with weight loss (positive effect on the development of the bruchid). While, pod tannins and pod phenols content showed significant negative correlation with weight loss (exerted a negative effect on the development of the bruchid).

Effect of SiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles on wear resistance of PMMA acrylic denture teeth

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the wear resistance of acrylic denture teeth containing silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) and aluminum dioxide (nano-Al2O3) nanoparticles. Material and Methods: Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture tooth material was used to denture tooth material was used to fabricate 84 specimens (n=10) containing nano-SiO2 and nano-Al2O3 in concentrations 0.1wt%, 0.3wt%, and 0.5wt% of acrylic powder. A two-body wear testing machine and digital microscope were used to measure the changes in weight loss and surface roughness respectively. One-way ANOVA and pair-wise Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used for data analysis (? = 0.05). Results: Nano-SiO2 modified teeth material demonstrated a significant increase in weight loss in comparison conventional artificial acrylic teeth material (p ? 0.05) while nano- Al2O3 modified teeth material demonstrated non-significant increase in weight loss except for 0.5% subgroup (p ? 0.05). There is no significant differences regarding roughness change after wear simulation among all tested groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Nano-Al2O3 nanoparticles exhibit less negative effect than nano-SiO2 so; it could be used with caution if necessary.KeywordsAcrylic denture teeth; Al2O3 nanoparticles; SiO2 nanoparticles; wear resistance; surface roughness.

The effect of fluids given to mothers antenatally on newborn children's weight loss: a prospective observational study

BackgroundInadequacy of breastfeeding was considered the only factor leading to excessive weight loss, which might lead to unnecessary initiation of formula. However, other factors might contribute and should be considered. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of fluids given antenatally to mothers on the weight of their newborn children. MethodsThis prospective observational study was done in the newborn nursery and labour room of the Al-Makassed Hospital. We included all women who had an uncomplicated pregnancy, were admitted between May 1 and Aug 31, 2015, and gave birth to a single healthy full-term baby weighing 2500–3999 g. We documented amount of intravenous fluids, weight of the newborn baby, and weight of diapers every 8 h until the mother and child were discharged from hospital. This study was approved by the ethical committee at Al-Makassed Hospital. Parental consent was taken verbally for participation. Findings375 pregnant women participated in this study, of whom 266 (71%) were multiparous and 247 (66%) had a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. 255 (68%) mothers received intravenous fluids. The administration of intravenous fluids 24 h before delivery was associated with a statistically significant but not clinically significant increase in weight loss in the newborn child at 48 h compared with those who did not receive any fluids (190 g vs 156 g; p<0·05). Other predictors of weight loss were feeding and delivery method. The use of formula in addition to breastfeeding was associated with more weight loss compared with exclusively breastfed infants (215 g [6·5%] vs 168 g [5·2%]; p=0·03). Both delivery by caesarean section and induced labour were associated with a marginally significant increase in weight loss (p<0·05) compared with spontaneous normal vaginal delivery. InterpretationWeight loss in the newborn child is a multifactorial process. Intravenous fluid infused before delivery is a contributory factor. We recommend an intravenous fluid-restrictive policy to avoid false positive weight loss. FundingNone.

Effect of Aloe vera gel coating on quality and shelf life of plum (Prunus salicina)

An experiment was conducted to observe the effect of different concentrations of Aloe vera gel coatings on quality and shelf life of plum stored at room temperature and refrigerated/cold store. Under both the storage conditions uncoated fruits showed significant increase in weight loss, reduction in colour stability, firmness and quality compositions/standards during the storage (16 days at room temperature and 36 days at low temperature; Plums treated with Aloe vera gel 1: 2 ratio significantly reduced weight loss (4.2±0.20%) compared to control (8.7 ±1.8%) when stored at room temperature and 3.9 ± 0.2% compared to 7.3 ± 0.2% in control when stored at low temperature, and also maintained colour, firmness and quality characteristics of fruits. Colour of fruits was also maintained by edible coatings. Aloe vera gel coatings were also found effective to stabilize cell membrane and cell structure. The sensory evaluation for aroma, texture, firmness further confirmed the findings.

Effects of heat treatment and impregnation with zinc-oxide nanoparticles on physical, mechanical, and biological properties of beech wood

Effects of zinc-oxide nanoparticles on physical and mechanical properties, as well as biological resistance of untreated and heat-treated beech wood were investigated in this study. Test specimens were prepared from sapwood and impregnated with a 5,000-ppm nano-zinc-oxide (NZ) suspension with a size ranging from 10 to 80 nm at 2.5 bars of pressure and using the Rueping process for 20 min. Control (C) and nano-zinc-oxide-impregnated specimens after (NZA) and before (NZB) heat treatment were divided into four subgroups of unheated (C and CNZ), heated at 50, 145 and 185 °C. Heat treatment resulted in a significant decrease in mechanical strength at temperatures of 145 and 185 °C. Heat-treated specimens showed less dimensional instability and fungal degradation. Impregnation with nano-zinc resulted in a slight and significant increase in weight loss and biological resistance against Trametes versicolor. The results showed that the impregnation significantly decreased the water absorption of the specimens. Impregnation before heat treatment showed considerable effect on the properties of wood compared to that of untreated ones.

Quantitative losses in green gram [Vigna radiata(L.) Wilczek] due toTyrophagus putrescentiae(Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae)

Investigations on the quantitative losses caused by Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae) in stored green gram showed a significant effect of the initial infestation level. Statistically higher numbers of mites were recorded at pre count of 60 mites (173.27, 207.27 mites) followed by 40 mites (106.27, 164.47 mites) and 20 mites (59.07, 101.60 mites) in grains and flakes. The population of T. putrescentiae was significantly less at 15 day (62.80, 79.46 mites) which then significantly increased at 30 days (104.73, 145.46 mites) and 45 days (171.06, 248.40 mites) on green gram grains and flakes, respectively. Duration of infestation led to significant increase in weight loss of grains, which increased from 36.76 mg/5g grains at 15 days to 61.55 and 93 mg/5g grains at 30 and 45 days after initial inoculation of 5 g grains and 53.81, 86.04 and 138.07 mg/5g flakes.

Role of Crosslinker on the Biodegradation Behavior of Starch/Polyvinylalcohol Blend Films

The effect of crosslinkers on the biodegradation behavior of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend films was investigated by weight loss study, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Starch/PVA films were prepared by solution casting method and 5 weight% of four different crosslinking agents like epichlorohydrin, formaldehyde, zinc oxide and borax were used in four different sets to crosslink the films. These crosslinked starch/PVA films were biodegraded in compost. Weight loss study showed that crosslinking retarded the biodegradation of the films in the first 15 days, but after that, there was a significant increase in weight loss. The DSC analysis revealed that the consumption of starch and consequent rearrangement of the PVA molecules were distinctly different in the crosslinked films due to the effect of different crosslinking agents.

Absence of placental growth factor blocks dextran sodium sulfate-induced colonic mucosal angiogenesis, increases mucosal hypoxia and aggravates acute colonic injury

Angiogenesis has recently been described as a component of inflammatory bowel disease. Placental growth factor (PlGF), a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) homologue, establishes its angiogenic capacity under pathophysiological conditions. We investigated the function of PlGF in experimental models of acute colitis. Acute colonic damage was induced in PlGF knock-out (−/−) mice and PlGF wild-type (+/+) mice by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The concentrations of PlGF and VEGF were measured in distal colonic lysates using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Colonic injury was evaluated by assessing colon length, colonocyte apoptosis (by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling), colonic cytokine production and histological score. Infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells was determined by assaying myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In a separate experiment, recombinant PlGF was administered to PlGF−/− mice by adenoviral transfer before DSS administration. Mucosal vascularization was quantified by computerized morphometric analysis of CD31-stained distal colonic sections. Colonic mucosal hypoxia was visualized by pimonidazole staining. Both VEGF and PlGF were upregulated during acute colitis. In addition, compared with PlGF+/+ controls, PlGF−/− mice showed a significant increase in weight loss and colonic shortening during both DSS and TNBS colitis. This correlated with enhanced colonocyte apoptosis, elevated colonic cytokine levels and increased histological damage score, but not with enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration (MPO activity). The increased morbidity of PlGF−/− mice during DSS colitis was preventable by adenovirus (Ad)-mediated overexpression of PlGF. After the administration of DSS, strongly reduced mucosal angiogenesis was observed in PlGF−/− mice compared with PlGF+/+ mice. This was associated with an early increase in intestinal epithelial pimonidazole accumulation in PlGF−/− mice, suggesting a function of enhanced epithelial hypoxia in the observed differences between the two groups. In summary, our data show that the absence of PlGF strongly inhibits mucosal intestinal angiogenesis in acute colitis, which is associated with an early increase in intestinal epithelial hypoxia and aggravation of the course of the disease.

Fisheries-induced adaptive change in reproductive investment in North Sea plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)?

Life history theory predicts that fishing may select for increased reproductive investment. A model of the reaction norm for reproductive investment in a capital breeder was developed to disentangle changes in reproductive investment from changes in growth rate in North Sea plaice (Pleuronectes platessa). Trends in reproductive investment since 1960 were estimated as (i) the decrease in body weight of mature males and females between the start and end of the spawning period, (ii) the difference in weight of ripe and spent females, and (iii) the ovary weight of prespawning females. These estimates were related to somatic growth estimated by back-calculation of otoliths and temperature. The ovary weight and weight loss of females that had just started and just finished spawning did not reveal any trends. There was a significant increase in weight loss over the spawning season in both sexes, but much of this increase was likely due to changes in environmental conditions. Evidence for a fisheries-induced change in reproductive investment from our analyses thus remained inconclusive. However, fecundity and ovary-weight data from previous studies tentatively suggest that an increase in reproductive investment occurred between the late 1940s and the 1960s. Such an increase is consistent with a fisheries-induced evolutionary change.

Oxidation behavior of Mo–9Si–18B alloy pack-cemented in a Si-base pack mixture

Mo–9Si–18B alloy with a T 2/Mo ss two-phase structure was pack-cemented in a Si-base pack mixture [Si:NaF:Al 2O 3=5:1:44 (wt.%)] and its oxidation behavior was examined. The deposited layer of as-cemented alloy consists of MoSi 2 with the C11 b structure. Upon heating to temperatures above 1500 °C, the deposited layer is transformed into B-doped Mo 5Si 3 with the D8 m structure through a reaction between the deposited layer and the matrix containing B. Steady-state oxidation is observed at 1300, 1400 and 1500 °C. The steady-state oxidation rates at 1300 and 1500 °C are 1.6 × 10 −3 and 2.6 × 10 −2 mg 2 cm −4 h −1, respectively. Those at both temperatures are almost equal to those of MoSi 2. The weight loss after isothermal oxidation at 1500 °C for 24 h and 26 × 1h cyclic oxidation was about −0.4 mg/cm 2. No significant increase in weight loss was observed during 26 × 1 h cycles. In long-term cyclic testing (50 h × 2 cyclic oxidation), the Mo 5Si 3 layer is oxidized and a cristobarite layer formed at the expense of Mo 5Si 3, and thereby a large weight loss occurs in comparison to short-term testing. However, a multi-layer coating spontaneously formed beneath the cristobarite layer, and thus no significant oxidation of the matrix alloy occurred. Oxidation protective coatings spontaneously formed when as-cemented Mo–9Si–18B alloy is exposed to temperatures higher than 1500 °C have great potential in suppressing high-temperature oxidation of Mo–9Si–18B alloy.

Impact of holmium laser settings and fiber diameter on stone fragmentation and endoscope deflection.

We compared the impact of various energy settings, frequency, and fiber diameters on the stone fragmentation capabilities of the holmium laser. Stone phantoms, made from plaster of Paris and uniform in weight, were treated with one of two laser fiber sizes: small (200 and 365 microm) and large (550 and 1000 microm). Stones were immersed in water and fragmented for 3 minutes at 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 J and 5, 10, or 15 Hz. The mean percentage decrease in weight in the two groups was compared using one-way ANOVA. The effect on flexible ureterorenoscope deflection of the small fibers was tested in two different ureterorenoscopes. Raising the energy level when using the small fibers resulted in more weight loss (P < 0.05). Increasing the frequency up to 10 Hz also resulted in a significant increase in weight loss (P < 0.05), yet above 10 Hz, there was no significant additional weight loss noted for either small fiber. There was no significant difference in the weight loss produced by the two fibers unless the energy setting was >1.0 J. Studies with the large fibers demonstrated similar results, with significant increments of weight loss occurring with increased energy (P < 0.05), while nonsignificant differences were seen for the two fiber diameters. Increasing laser frequency up to 15 Hz resulted in a significant increase in weight loss for the large fibers. Loss of ureterorenoscope deflection ranged from 7% to 16% and 18% to 37% for the 200-microm and 365-microm fibers, respectively. Small-diameter fibers, in combination with semirigid or flexible ureteroscopes, should be used to treat upper urinary tract stones. The 365-microm fiber should be utilized for the management of ureteral stones, as minimal endoscopic deflection is required to access these calculi. Because the 200-microm fibers are considerably more expensive, their use should be reserved for fragmentation of intrarenal calculi, where maximum deflection is required during flexible ureterorenoscopy. The ideal energy and frequency settings for the small fibers are <1.0 J and 5 to 10 Hz. Larger fibers can be used for managing bladder or renal calculi, as there is no need for significant fiber deflection. The 550-microm fiber is preferred, as it is comparable in efficacy to the 1000-microm fiber and is less expensive. Energy and frequency can be maximized to 2.0 J and 15 Hz without damage to the fiber, but visibility can be affected by high frequencies. Appropriate fiber selection and energy/frequency settings will allow access to most stones throughout the urinary tract, maximize fiber life, and minimize fiber expense.

First clinical studies with orlistat: a short review.

Lipase inhibition, leading to decreased intestinal fat adsorption can be used in the treatment of obesity. Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, in a dose of 50 mg three times a day leads to a significant increase in weight loss compared to placebo in moderately obese people. These results are confirmed in a multiple-dose study using 10 mg, 60 mg and 120 mg Orlistat three times a day vs. placebo. The use of lipase inhibition has no significant influence on fasting levels of several hormonal systems, including thyroid hormones, catecholamines and IGF-I. The same is true for the responses of several gastrointestinal and pancreatic hormones after a liquid high-fat mixed meal. In general, Orlistat is tolerated very well, although a higher occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects is seen.

Influence of light exposure on characteristics and storage life of kiwifruit

Abstract Quality and storage life of kiwifruit were investigated on fruits from shaded and exposed positions of the canopy and on fruits artificially shaded and grown in absence of light. At harvest the fruits grown in high light intensity have a high quality and can be stored for a long time; after 25 weeks of cool storage they have a soluble solids concentration > 14° Brix and a flesh firmness of c. 10 N. Fruits from shaded positions of the canopy showed significantly lower mean fresh weight and chlorophyll content (‐35%); at harvest and during storage they were slightly but consistently less firm and had lower soluble solids concentration than exposed fruits. Artificial shading of individual fruit for most of the growing season significantly reduced chlorophyll content in the mesocarp (‐77%), starch and alcohol‐soluble sugars concentration, flesh firmness, soluble content and dry matter, whereas the titratable acidity was significantly increased. The storage life of artificially shaded fruits was significantly reduced in comparison with exposed fruits, with significant increase in weight loss and fruit disease.

Triglyceride metabolism in Ephestia cautella pupae exposed to carbon dioxide.

The triglyceride content of Ephestia cautella pupae exposed to increased carbon dioxide atmospheres at low relative humidity was not markedly affected. There was a significant increase in weight loss of pupae exposed to low relative humidity. Results indicate that for E. cautella, metabolic water formation by fat utilization can hardly regulate water exigencies for the pupae and cannot fully compensate for water losses in high carbon dioxide atmospheres.

IN-VITRO STUDIES OF GALLSTONE DISSOLUTION: THE EFFECT OF ADDED HEPARIN IN BILE SALT SOLUTIONS

The dissolving effect of four bile salt solutions (sodium cholate, sodium taurocholate, sodium deoxycholate and sodium chenodeoxycholate) upon gallstones was tested in an in-vitro preparation, using 226 stones from 38 patients. The effect of each solution was measured by recording weight loss in the gallstone at the end of a ten-day period of immersion in the bile salt solution. Sodium deoxycholate and sodium chenodeoxycholate produced the greatest average weight loss in the groups of stones tested with pure bile salt solutions, but the addition of heparin to solutions of sodium cholate and sodium deoxycholate produced a significant increase in weight loss in these solutions. This effect of heparin in the presence of bile salts, in comparison with the failure of heparinized saline to induce weight loss in gallstones, is discussed. Sodium chenodeoxycholate cannot be recommended for clinical use on the grounds of its toxicity, and in view of the possible toxicity of sodium deoxycholate it is concluded that a combination of sodium cholate with heparin is the optimum solution for the dissolution of retained intraduct calculi in vivo.