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Search to a new alternative to control bovine ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus), the present study aimed to evaluate the acaricidal activity of organo-modified siloxane alone and in association with different commercial products or with piperonyl butoxide (BPO). Engorged females were subjected to an in vitro immersion test and 10 groups were used: control, 0.5% siloxane, 1% siloxane, 2% siloxane, 0.5% siloxane + 5% BPO, 1% siloxane + 5% BPO, 2% siloxane + 5% BPO, commercial product, 0.5% siloxane + commercial product, and 1% siloxane + commercial product. After immersion, engorged females were incubated for 14 days for oviposition and hatchability tests. Another immersion test was performed with 5% siloxane and 2.5% siloxane + 10% BPO to evaluate the histopathological changes. Then, engorged females were incubated for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h and immersed in 10% formaldehyde for later analyses. The unassociated siloxane showed an acaricide efficacy of 93.88% at 2% concentration, and when associated with 5% BPO, it reached 100% efficacy at all tested concentrations. The tested commercial products showed enhanced efficacy when associated with siloxane. Histopathological analysis showed cell changes in both treatments and total cell disintegration after 120 h in the 5% siloxane group and after 96 h in the 2.5% siloxane + 10% BPO group. Therefore, siloxane alone or in combination is an alternative against R. microplus, and siloxane enhances the efficacy of available commercial products.

This study aims to determine the effect of type and concentration of additives in production of local microorganisms (MOL) on overall qualities (physical, chemical, sensory, and microbiological). The method used in this study was a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of two factors. The first factor was the type of additive (J) which consisted of 4 levels, namely rice (J1), soil (J2), leaf bokashi (J3), and leaf compost (J4). The second factor was the concentration of additives (K) which consisted of 2 levels, namely 7.5% (K1) and 10% (K2). The product was analysed total cell counts (TCC), pH, temperature, and organoleptic tests (hedonic test) on color and organoleptic (descriptive test) on aroma. The best MOL was J4K2 (combination between leaf compost and 10%). The J4K2 MOL had the following characteristics: TCC of 9.6x107 CFU / ml, pH value of 3.7, color hedonic test of 4.3 (preferred by panelists) and aroma descriptive test of 4.3 (tape aroma / medium acid).

Purpose The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of glutathione ethyl ester (GSH‐OEt) in the recovery medium on the developmental competence of mouse vitrified‐warmed MII oocytes. Methods Vitrified‐warmed oocytes were incubated for 1 h in recovery medium in the presence or absence of 0.5 mM GSH‐OEt. The authors examined the effects of GSH‐OEt, first on the levels of glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitrified‐warmed oocytes, and second, on in vitro blastocyst development, division speed to blastocysts, and total cell numbers of blastocysts from vitrified‐warmed oocytes fertilized by Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Results Adding GSH‐OEt to the recovery medium significantly (p

The efficiency with which polycationic peptides penetrate the cytosol depends on the number and overall patterning of arginine residues. While general trends and unusually penetrant patterns of arginine residues have been discovered, prior work has not effectively leveraged high-throughput screens to measure cytosolic penetration, rather than total cell uptake. In this work, we adapted the chloroalkane penetration assay, which exclusively measures cytosolic penetration, to screen peptide libraries in a high-throughput, quantitative, and automation-ready manner. We demonstrate the usefulness of the screening platform by efficiently exploring how the number, patterning, and stereochemistry of arginine residues affect the cytosolic penetration of a model 10-residue peptide.

This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical and textural characteristics of bread produced from doughs composed of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) treated flour slurries. For this purpose, bread samples were produced from doughs composed of HPH treated flour slurries at 0 (control), 20, 30, 50, and 70 MPa. HPH treatment resulted in decreased particle size with more uniformity in flour slurries. A monomodal particle size distribution was determined in slurries. HPH obtained higher firmness, consistency, and cohesivity in slurries. In bread samples, HPH increased yellowness and lightness values. The bread samples prepared from HPH treatment had 1.09–1.25 times higher specific volumes than the control sample. HPH treatment provided decreased hardness and increased cohesiveness and springiness values. Image analysis results showed HPH treatment decreased total cell count, whereas increased mean cell area of bread samples. The findings revealed that HPH treatment results in higher quality bread compared to control.

This study aimed at investigating for the first time whether thermosonication (TS), a non-thermal processing technique, could induce the beer-spoilage bacterium, Lactobacillus acetotolerans CGMCC 7.150, into the viable but putatively non-culturable (VPNC) state. After determining culturable, viable and total cell counts, we found that L. acetotolerans in beer could enter the VPNC state by TS at a constant frequency of 24 kHz at 50 °C at three relatively low volumetric powers (0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 W/mL, but not 2.4 W/mL). Furthermore, with the increase of volumetric power, the time required for L. acetotolerans cells to enter the VPNC state shortened. The addition of Tween 80 at a concentration of 0.1% v/v into de Man Rogosa Sharpe agar enabled the VPNC cells to regain culturability with a recovery time of approximately 3 days. However, their recovery capability decreased with the increasing volumetric power. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that cells decreased in size and gradually changed morphology from short rods to coccoids upon entering the VPNC state. An insignificant difference in beer-spoilage ability was found between the exponential-phase and VPNC cells. The resistance of these VPNC cells to 0.025 M NaOH and 0.025 M KOH was enhanced compared with the exponential-phase cells.

The present study aimed to examine the effects of adding different concentrations of resveratrol during in vitro culture (IVC) alone and during both in vitro maturation (IVM) and IVC on ovine blastocyst yield and quality. Therefore, this study was conducted in two separate experiments. The first experiment was carried out to test the effect of different concentrations of resveratrol (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 2.0, and 5.0 μM) in the IVC medium on cleavage, morula, developmental potential of blastocyst, and total cell number (TCN) of the embryos. Addition of 0.25 and 0.5 μM of resveratrol during IVC significantly enhanced morula and blastocyst rates as compared with other groups (P0.05). Also, supplementation of the IVC medium with 0.5 μM of resveratrol had beneficial effects on trophectoderm cells (TE), inner cell mass (ICM), and TCN of blastocysts. In the second experiment, the same concentrations of resveratrol (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 2.0, and 5.0 μM) were applied during IVM and IVC. Therefore, oocytes were matured in vitro in the presence of different concentrations of resveratrol for 22-24 h. After in vitro fertilization, presumptive zygotes were cultured in media containing 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 2.0, and 5.0 μM of resveratrol for 8 d. No significant difference was found in the percentage of oocytes developed to MII (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 2.0 μM of resveratrol), but the percentage of oocytes developed to MII were significantly lower in 5.0 μM of resveratrol in comparison with other groups. Addition of 0.5 μM of resveratrol to the maturation and culture media significantly increased morula and blastocyst rates compared with other groups (P0.05). However, a too high concentration of resveratrol (5.0 μM) during IVM and IVC decreased cleavage, morula, and blastocyst rates compared with low concentrations (P0.05). Treatment with 0.5/0.5 μM of resveratrol during IVM/IVC significantly improved the TE, ICM, and TCN of blastocysts. In conclusion, sequential treatment with 0.5 μM of resveratrol during IVM and IVC and during IVC alone improved the developmental competence of oocytes, which was reflected in higher blastocyst rates and TCN of blastocysts.

Background Placental derived cell‐free DNA (cfDNA), widely utilized for prenatal screening, may serve as a biomarker for preeclampsia. To determine whether cfDNA parameters are altered in preeclampsia, we conducted a case‐control study using prospectively collected maternal plasma (n=20 preeclampsia, n=22 normal) using our in‐house validated prenatal screening assay. Methods and Results Isolated cfDNA was quantified, sequenced using Illumina NextSeq 500, and the placental‐derived fraction was determined. Clinical and test characteristics were compared between preeclampsia and controls, followed by comparisons within the preeclampsia cohort dichotomized by cfDNA concentration. Lastly, cfDNA parameters in preeclampsia were correlated with markers of disease severity. Maternal age, body mass index, gestational age at delivery, cesarean rate, and neonatal birthweight were expectedly different between groups ( P ≤0.05). The placental‐derived cfDNA fraction did not differ between groups (21.4% versus 16.9%, P =0.06); however, total cfDNA was more than 10 times higher in preeclampsia (1235 versus 106.5 pg/µL, P P =0.01). The dichotomized preeclampsia group with the highest cfDNA concentration delivered earlier (33.2 versus 36.6 weeks, P =0.02) and had lower placental‐derived fractions (9.1% versus 21.4%, P =0.04). Among preeclampsia cases, higher total cfDNA correlated with earlier gestational age at delivery ( P =0.01) and higher maximum systolic blood pressure ( P =0.04). Conclusions At diagnosis, total cfDNA is notably higher in preeclampsia, whereas the placental derived fraction remains similar to healthy pregnancies. In preeclampsia, higher total cfDNA correlates with earlier gestational age at delivery and higher systolic blood pressure. These findings may indicate increased release of cfDNA from maternal tissue injury.

Summary This protocol describes an easy and reliable in-gel proteasome assay to quantify the activity and composition of different proteasome complexes in cells and tissues. The assay works well with limited amounts of total cell protein lysates. Although this assay is optimized specifically for the proteasome chymotrypsin-like activity, it can be expanded to other proteasome activities as well. Using antibodies that detect distinct proteasome subunits or regulators, we can determine the composition and relative quantity of active proteasome complexes. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Meul et al. (2020)., Graphical abstract, Highlights • Maintain the activity of proteasome complexes by nondenaturing conditions • Quantify the specific activities of each proteasome complex • Determine the subunits and the bound regulators of proteasome complexes • Analyze the relative distribution of proteasome complexes upon treatments, This protocol describes an easy and reliable in-gel proteasome assay to quantify the activity and composition of different proteasome complexes in cells and tissues. The assay works well with limited amounts of total cell protein lysates. Although this assay is optimized specifically for the proteasome chymotrypsin-like activity, it can be expanded to other proteasome activities as well. Using antibodies that detect distinct proteasome subunits or regulators, we can determine the composition and relative quantity of active proteasome complexes.

We investigated the aspects of S. Typhimurium biofilms and their resistance (thermal and chemical) depending on the different morphotypes at room temperature (rdar; strain 43971 and bdar; strain 19585) and maturation temperature. Strain 19585 biofilm had a relatively low cell mass and polysaccharide content compared to strain 43971 in all cases, and when matured for 9 days at 15 °C, both properties were significantly higher than at 25 and 37 °C maturation. The difference in secretion ability influenced the pattern in which the biofilm increased resistance. The thermal and chemical resistance levels of strain 19585 biofilms increased at 15 °C, and those of strain 43971 biofilms increased at 15 and 25 °C. When the two strains were mixed, the aspect of biofilm formation was similar to that of strain 43971 except that the heat and chemical resistance were higher at 37 °C maturation. Following 9 days of biofilm maturation, we concluded that 15 °C compared with 25 and 37 °C was the optimal condition for rdar and bdar strains in terms of quantity of total cell mass, EPS secretions and resistance against heat and chemical treatments.

Wheat bran and rice bran were concentrated in terms of dietary fiber and were dephytinized by two different methods (fermentation and hydrothermal). Untreated, concentrated, concentrated-dephytinized by fermentation method, and concentrated-dephytinized by hydrothermal method bran samples were each incorporated into flour at levels of 0, 10, 15, and 20%, and their effects on bread properties were investigated. Unprocessed wheat bran and rice bran addition decreased the volume yield, and the specific volume of the bread depends on the incorporation level. A further decrease was observed with the addition of concentrated bran. However, the dephytinization treatments slightly improved these values. The same pattern was observed for the total number of cells and the total cell area of bread crumbs. Both wheat bran and rice bran were observed to cause a darker crumb color, and the effects of bran samples on crumb color were more pronounced after the dephytinization treatment. The addition of concentrated wheat bran and rice bran significantly increased hardness, as well as decreasing springiness, cohesiveness, and resilience of the bread, depending on the bran levels. Although dephytinization treatments enhanced the textural properties of bread, these results were still inferior to those obtained using bread produced with untreated bran. Regarding the dephytinization treatments, the influence of fermentation treatment on bread properties was slightly beneficial compared to hydrothermal treatment.Consumption of dietary fiber offers a range of health benefits. Cereal bran has great potential as a dietary fiber source. However, this bran's high phytic acid content and adverse effects on bread quality limit that potential. It is possible to obtain high dietary fiber and low phytic acid bran samples through bran concentration and dephytinization treatments. The dephytinization treatment is an effective method for degradation of phytic acid. The negative effects of wheat bran and rice bran on bread quality decreased significantly following the dephytinization treatments. This study demonstrated that fiber-enriched bread with low phytic acid content and acceptable texture can be produced using concentrated and dephytinized bran.

Protein sialylation is ubiquitous and essential in a wide range of biological processes. Herein, a mass defect-based chemical-directed proteomics method (MdCDPM) was presented for targeted analysis of intact sialylglycopeptides (SGPs). The process starts by specific oxidation of dihydroxy in sialic acid to aldehyde, which was then chemically labeled by two arginine isotopologues (Arg-15N4 and Arg-D4, differs by 36 mDa). The equally mixed precursor partners, spacing tens of mDa apart, enable the direct recognition of SGPs in MS1 level and benefit the subsequent targeted MS2 characterization. The mass envelope of two labeled forms falling into a narrow m/z window strengthens recognition uniqueness greatly, and the proposed 1:1 intensity ratio of doublets will not be readily distorted. More important, such subtle mass differences permit multiple sialic acids labeling without additional complexity of precursor patterns. Also, the partner m/z shifts detail the number of sialic acids contained in the precursor species. By applying MdCDPM, femtomole quantities of SGPs could be detected from total cell lysates, even at a signal-to-noise ratio of as low as 3:1. In addition, assays were performed to estimate the false positive rate and demonstrated high confidence of MdCDPM. Furthermore, it was designed and successfully exploited to analyze SGPs in human serum, which highlighted the feasibility of this strategy for biological applications.

Flexible hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (FHOFs) are quite rare but promising for applications in separation, sensing and host-guest chemistry. They are difficult to stabilize, making their constructions a major challenge. Here, a flexible HOF (named 8PN) with permanent porosity has been successfully constructed. Nine single crystals of 8PN with different pore structures are obtained, achieving a large-scale void regulation from 4.4% to 33.2% of total cell volume. In response to external stimuli, multimode reversible structural transformations of 8PN accompanied by changes in luminescence properties have been realized. Furthermore, a series of high-quality co-crystals containing guests of varying shapes, sizes, aggregation states and even amounts are obtained, showing that 8PN can adapt to different guests by regulating the molecular conformations and assembling forms of its building blocks. The unexpected flexibility of 8PN makes it a promising material for enriching the applications of existing porous materials., Flexible hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (FHOFs) are challenging in fabrication but promising materials for applications in separation and sensing. Here, the authors report a stimuli responsive and flexible HOF which can adapt to different guests by regulating the molecular conformation.

The Acridine orange direct count (AODC) enables the determination of total cell count (TCC) in building materials. The AODC technique is considered as an analytic standard in many different areas but is not common in the indoor environment. In this paper AODC was tested with various building materials to investigate TCC. Colony forming units (CFU) only detect viable cells in contrast to the TCC assay which estimates total microbial contamination. The results show that the total cell count is a reliable and sensitive method to investigate the indoor environment.

The main objective of this study was to establish a correlation between total bacterial count (TBC) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production in a specific Streptococcus thermophilus strain. TBC was determined based on real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) standard curves of S. thermophilus T9 cultured in reconstituted skim milk. EPS yields were measured following isolation and purification steps using a dextran standard curve. The relationship between TBC of and EPS production by S. thermophilus T9 was analyzed alongside these standard curves. The results showed that EPS yield reached 36.6 ± 0.8 mg L−1 following 6 h of incubation. Over the same period, the streptococcal counts measured by qPCR increased from 4.71 ± 0.15 to 7.52 ± 0.09 log10 TBC mL−1. Overall, EPS biosynthesis has been shown to be a growth-related trait in S. thermophilus T9 (R2 = 0.991). In conclusion, the monitoring of TBC may provide an insight into the mechanism of EPS production and, therefore, its use can be recommended for this purpose and for EPS quantification. To our knowledge, this is the first research that has associated qPCR-based TBC with EPS yield in S. thermophilus.

Aerobic plate counting assays based on the pour-plate technique are frequently used to enumerate microbial products; however, colony swarming and merging at the agar surface can reduce the accuracy of these assays. Some plating methods mitigate this risk through the inclusion of strategies including agar overlays; however, these interventions may be inadequate to mitigate swarming and merging of certain Bacillus colonies. In the present study, we assessed the accuracy of several pour-plate techniques for the enumeration of a mixed-species Bacillus assemblage. Tested modifications included a customized culture medium formulation, agar overlays, decreased incubation times and increased incubation temperature . Methods which produced countable plates were assessed for agreement with a Bacillus-specific plate counting assay and with total cell counts rendered by flow cytometry. While all tested pour-plate methods underestimated Bacillus endospore concentrations relative to flow cytometry and customized spread-plating, our results suggest that increasing incubation temperature and the inclusion of bile salts into culture medium formulations can improve the accuracy of pour-plate techniques when used to enumerate Bacillus assemblages by decreasing the incidence of spreading colonies. As Bacillus endospore preparations become more ubiquitous in the market, familiar enumeration methods such as the pour-plate technique may require methodological modifications to ensure that the cGMP compliance of Bacillus-based microbial products is assessed accurately.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (H) films incorporated with oregano and bergamot essential oils were characterized and evaluated for their effectiveness suitability as an edible coating for fresh ‘Formosa’ plum. The effects of the oregano essential oil (OEO) and bergamot essential oil (BEO) at different concentrations of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% (w/w) in the HPMC edible films were observed by measuring their physical and mechanical properties, gas permeation, color values, transparency, antimicrobial activities. The effect of HPMC edible coating with OEO and BEO for fresh ‘Formosa’ plum were analyzed using physiochemical properties and sensory parameters. The 2% H-OEO coating was shown to be very effective in reducing the respiration rate, ethylene production, total weight loss, and total cell count, compared to the plums treated with other coatings at 23 ± 2 °C. In addition, the 2% H-OEO coated plum was firmer and showed less surface color change than the control fruit at the end of storage. The results of our study indicated that the 2% H-OEO coating treatment showed good potential to extend the storage quality of harvested plums. Among all of the sample sensory aspects of H-OEO, H-BEO and H, increased respectively.

The quality characteristics of Yangha pickles soaked in different concentrations of soy sauce (0∼40%) for 90 days were investigated. As a result, the pH and sweetness levels of pickles significantly increased with an increasing concentration of soy sauce in soaking solution (p

An adult human retinal pigment epithelial layer (ahRPE) model derived from stem cells isolated from native RPE monolayers (ahRPE-SCs) exhibits key physiological characteristics of native tissue and therefore provides the means to create a human "disease in a dish" model to study RPE diseases. Traditionally, RPE lines are established from whole globes dedicated to research. Here we describe a new technique for establishing primary RPE lines from the posterior poles of globes used for corneal transplants. Since tissues from corneal transplants are derived from younger and healthier donors than those used for research, we have hypothesized that RPE cells isolated from corneal transplantation globes will result in improved primary RPE line establishment. Our new procedure increases the rate of establishing successful RPE cultures and improves the total cell number yield. Use of this advanced methodology can provide a new source of high-quality primary RPE line cultures. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Objective The aim of this work was to evaluate the biofilm formation of Porphyromonas gingivalis on disks of titanium (Ti) grade 4 (G4) and Ti-6Al-4V alloy grade 5 (G5) with different surface topographies. Materials and methods Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 was used to develop an in vitro mature biofilm on a total of 96 disk-shaped specimens of laser-treated (L), sandblasted (S), and machined (M) surfaces of Ti G4 and Ti G5. Surface roughness (Ra) and the wettability contact angle (WCA) were measured to characterize the surface of the specimens. The bacterial biofilm was evaluated by biomass quantification, bacterial viability, visualization of the biofilm extracellular matrix, and bacterial cell count. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Holm–Sidak tests and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results The Ra for the L group was 0.10 (±0.07) μm inside the craters and 0.40 (±0.08) μm in the area surrounding the craters resulting the smoothest (P

We conducted a study on mukeun (long-term fermented) kimchi ripened over one year in an attempt to develop an alternative salt and improve the quality of low-salt kimchi. However, few studies have focused on mukeun kimchi that has been fermented for a short time in different salinity conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics that occur during the fermentation of mukeun kimchi samples produced with different conditions of salinity and fermentation temperature. Kimchi samples were produced at 3 different salinity levels: 1.6%, 2.4%, and 3.2%. Previous studies revealed that the optimum fermentation time at pH 4.1 was 128 hours at and 417 hours at ; furthermore, the samples were stored for 12 weeks under the condition of after fermentation. Total cell increased on week 0 of storage and decreased according to the storage period. Total cell was the highest at 3.2% salinity and had a high value at temperature during the storage period. Based on the physiochemical results, mukeun kimchi at a salinity of 3.2% can be fermented for a short time, and low-salt kimchi at a salinity of 1.6% and fermented at , is similar to mukeun kimchi at 2.4% salinity.

Recent studies have revealed multiple roles of osteocytes in bone metabolism. However, detailed analyses of the embedded osteocytes in bone structure are still limited because of the high mineral content around these cells. In this study, we developed an innovative technique, the "FITC-Imaris technique", which combines FITC ([2, 5]-Fluorescein isothiocyanate), confocal microscopy and Imaris software. With this method, we could not only visualize the 3-D morphology of embedded osteocytes, but more importantly, we were able to statistically quantitate the osteocyte structure in the cell surface area, total cell volume, and dendrite numbers. Furthermore, we made a side-by-side comparison of the new method with the acid-etched SEM imaging technique, a common imaging method for studies of osteocyte morphology with a much smaller cell depth ( 3 μm). Finally, we used the FITC-Imaris technique to show both the morphological and statistical differences in the osteocyte structure between the Dmp1-null mice (the osteomalacia model) and their age-matched control littermates. We expect that this newly developed technique will become a powerful tool to disclose more roles that osteocytes play in bone health and diseases.

Filtration by adult Euphausia pacifica was measured before and during the upwelling season, using both “disappearance of chlorophyll” and “disappearance of cells” techniques. Results show that feeding rates and selectivity varied with food assemblages. Filtration rate (F) was best modeled by the Ivlev function: the average F on total Chl-a was 92 mL euphausiid h, and 119 mL euphausiid h on microscopy cell counts. F averaged 36 for the ,5 mm size fraction of Chl-a, 94 for the 5–20 mm fraction and 107 mL euphausiid h for the .20 mm fraction. The average F values were 155 and 163 mL euphausiid h for chain-diatoms and single diatoms, respectively, and115 and 137 mL euphausiid h for the ,40 mm and .40 mm ciliates, respectively. Ingestion rates based on total Chl-a and size fractions, total cell counts and ciliates were significantly correlated using Hollings’ models (P , 0.01). Maximum daily ration was 23% body C day when a high food concentration (700 mC L) was available, but over the carbon range of 50–200 mg C L, daily ration averaged 4% body C day. Diatoms were consumed almost exclusively during blooms associated with summer upwelling events; larger types of ciliates and dinoflagellates were fed upon preferentially compared with their smaller counterparts.

We investigated the effects of continuous low-dose radiation on proliferation, clonogenicity, radiosensitivity, and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in human salivary gland (HSG) tumor cells. Human salivary gland cells were cultured on acrylic boards above very-low-dose (4.3 μSv/h) or low-dose (27 μSv/h) radiation-emitting sheets or without sheets. Total cell numbers and plating efficiencies were compared among the 3 groups every 1 or 2 weeks until 6 weeks after starting culture. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks, surviving fractions of HSG cells after irradiation at 2 to 8 Gy cultured on the very-low-dose or low-dose sheets were compared to those of the control. At 4 weeks, HSG cells irradiated at 2 Gy were assessed for phosphorylated histone (γH2AX) foci formation, and DSBs were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in total cell number or plating efficiencies with or without low-dose-emitting sheets. The surviving fractions after irradiation of the very-low-dose group at 2 to 6 weeks and those of the low-dose group at 2 to 4 weeks were higher than those of the control ( P < .01). Thus, a radioadaptive response was clearly demonstrated. From the γH2AX foci quantification, the adaptive responses were considered to be associated with the efficient repair of DSB, especially slow repair, in this cell line.

A new presence/absence method has been developed to count fluorochrome-stained bacterial and archaeal cells on membrane filters using epifluorescence microscopy. This approach was derived from the random distribution of cells on membranes that allowed the use of the Poisson distribution to estimate total cell densities. Comparison with the standard Acridine Orange Direct Count (AODC) technique shows no significant difference in the estimation of total cell populations, or any reduction in the precision of these estimations. The new method offers advantages over the standard AODC in considerably faster counting, as there is no need to discriminate between every potential cell visible on a field and fluorescent detritus, it is only necessary to confirm the presence of one cell. Additionally, the new method requires less skill, so has less reliance on expert counters, and that should reduce inter-counter variability. Although this work used the fluorochrome Acridine Orange, clearly the results are applicable to any fluorochrome used to count bacterial and archaeal cells. This method was developed using enrichment cultures for use with enrichment cultures and aqueous environmental samples where interfering detrital and mineral particles are minimal e.g., freshwater/seawater, therefore, it is not suitable for estimating total cells from sediment samples. This method has the potential for use in any situation where counts of randomly distributed items are made using a grid or quadrat system.

Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) is one of the most abundant poplar species in North America; it is native, displays substantial breadth in distribution inhabiting several geographical and climatic ecoregions, is notable for its rapid growth, and is ecologically and economically important. As the demand for raw material continues to increase rapidly, there is a pressing need to improve both tree quality and growth rates via breeding efforts. Hybridization is considered one of the most promising options to simultaneously accelerate these tree characteristics, as it takes advantage of heterosis. Two aspen species showing particular promise for hybridization with trembling aspen are European aspen (P. tremula) and Chinese aspen (P. davidiana) because their native climates are similar to that of P. tremuloides and are also very easy to hybridize. In 2003, aspen clones were planted in Athabasca, Alberta from the following species crosses: open pollinated (OP) P. tremuloides (NN), OP P. davidiana (CC), P. tremula × P. tremula (EE), P. tremula × P. tremuloides (EN), and P. tremuloides × P. davidiana (CN). In November 2010, growth measurements and core samples were taken from seven-year field grown clones. Comparisons of the mean growth and cell wall traits were made between crosses using generalized linear model least squares means tests for stem volume, fiber length, fiber width, coarseness, wood density, microfibril angle, total cell wall carbohydrate and lignin content, and lignin composition. The results clearly indicated that the inter-specific crosses offer a means to breed for more desirable wood characteristics than the intra-specific Populus spp. crosses.

Biofilms growing on copper and stainless steel substrata in natural drinking water were investigated. A modular pilot-scale distribution facility was installed at four waterworks using different raw waters and disinfection regimes. Three-month-old biofilms were analysed using molecular biology and microscopy methods. High total cell numbers, low counts of actively respiring cells and low numbers of cultivable bacteria indicated the high abundance of viable but not cultivable bacteria in the biofilms. The expression of the recA SOS responsive gene was detected and underlined the presence of transcriptionally active bacteria within the biofilms. This effect was most evident after UV disinfection, UV oxidation and UV disinfection with increased turbidity at waterworks compared to chemically treated and non-disinfected systems. Furthermore, live/dead staining techniques and environmental scanning electron microscopy imaging revealed the presence of living and intact bacteria in biofilms on copper substrata. Cluster analyses of DGGE profiles demonstrated differences in the composition of biofilms on copper and steel materials.

Hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon germanium (µc-Si 1– x Ge x :H), with the advantage of its narrower variable band gap and higher absorption coefficient over the conventional hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (µc-Si:H), has been implemented as the bottom sub-cell absorber of the triple junction solar cells. By replacing µc-Si:H i-layer with µc-Si 0.91 Ge 0.09 :H i-layer in the triple junction solar cell, the bottom sub-cell thickness ( D bottom ) could be reduced by almost a half, meanwhile a higher efficiency was attained. As a result, an initial efficiency of 12.02% in an a-Si:H/a-Si 0.6 Ge 0.4 :H/µc-Si 0.91 Ge 0.09 :H triple junction structure with a total cell thickness as small as 1800 nm was achieved. It is demonstrated that the triple junction solar cell incorporating µc-Si 1− x Ge x :H bottom sub-cell with high efficiency and a relatively low thickness has a high potential for cost-effective photovoltaic applications.

In this study, we investigated the quality characteristics of Sikhye, a traditional Korean drink, made with various amounts (0.5, 1, 2, and 3%) of powder from the roots of Doraji (RPD), for different storage periods (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, or 15 days). The pH and Hunter"s L value of Sikhye decreased with higher amounts of added RPD, while saccharinity as well as “a” and b values increased. During storage, pH and Hunter"s L value of Sikhye tended to decrease while “a” and b values increased. The saccharinity of Sikhye with 0.5% and 1% RPD reached its maximum values on the tenth storage day and continuously decreased during the storage period. In contrast, the saccharinity of Sikhye with 2% and 3% RPD increased during the storage period, and had its maximum saccharinity on the fifteenth storage day. During the storage of Sikhye the total microbial cell count, typically 3.19～0.35×10 2 CFU/mL on the third storage day, was undetected in Sikhye with 3% RPD. The total microbial cell count of Sikhye without RPD increased to 1.91×10 9 CFU/mL by the fifteenth storage day, while Sikhye with 0.5, 1, 2, and 3% RPD added contained 8.43×10 8 , 9.77×10 7 , 2.10×10 7 , and 7.21×10 6 CFU/mL, respectively. Thus, the total cell count was lower with higher additions of RPD. In sensory tests, the Sikhye control, or with 0.5% and 1% RPD added, didn"t show significant differences in the texture of rice granules, plumpness of rice granules, floating of rice granules, taste, flavor, and sweetness values. The overall preference was highest (5.38) for Sikhye with 0.5% RPD, followed by the control, 1% RPD, 2% RPD and 3% RPD. In conclusion, according to preference tests, we recommended the addition of 0.5% or 1% RPD in Sikhye.

Among the carriers of probiotic bacteria in the field of non-dairy foods, chocolate is one of the most appealing. Following the contemporary trend impelled with better efficiency, a compilation of three probiotic strains microencapsulated together was incorporated in milk, semisweet and dark chocolates. The determination of viability revealed that bifidobacteria (BB) were less durable than lactobacilli (LA) and streptococci (ST), but the total cell number was high (9–8 log cfu/g) during 360 days, at both tested temperatures. The main objective was to examine the effects of probiotics on the sensory and rheological properties of various types of produced chocolates, as well as to test the suitability of used packaging materials. The obtained data showed that all evaluated samples exhibited excellent sensory quality and, among rheological parameters, yield value was more affected than the viscosity. Seal defect (leakage) of the primary packaging material assumable contributed to the decline of viable probiotic cells.

Introduction The enumeration and differentiation of nuclear elements in synovial fluid is a cornerstone for diagnosis and follow-up of many orthopedic and rheumatologic diseases. In this study, we evaluated the analytical performance of Mindray BC-6800 BF mode (BC-6800-BF) for synovial fluid analysis. Methods Overall, 78 synovial fluids were collected and analyzed with both BC-6800-BF and light microscopy. The study also entailed the assessment of limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantification (LoQ), carryover and linearity. Results The LoB for the parameters total cells and white blood cells was 6 × 106 cells/L, and the LoD and LoQ were instead 15 and 16 × 106 cells/L, respectively. Linearity was excellent and carryover was negligible. The agreement between BC-6800-BF and light microscopy was satisfactory for all samples pretreated with hyaluronidase, displaying a bias between −5.9% and 8.2%. Conclusions The use of BC-6800-BF for synovial fluid analysis enables rapid and accurate assessment, especially for total cell and polymorphonuclear counts. The use of BC-6800-BF may therefore allow the replacement of optical analysis, especially in samples pretreated with hyaluronidase, thus allowing its routine use for the screening of synovial specimens.

Ewes heterozygous for combinations of the Inverdale (FecXI; I+), Booroola (FecB; B+) and Woodlands (FecX2W; W+) mutations have ovulation rates higher than each mutation separately. The aims of the experiments described herein were to examine the ovarian phenotypes in I+B+ and I+B+W+ ewes and to compare these with the appropriate ++ (controls), I+ and BB animals available for this study. The mean ± s.e.m. ovulation rates in the ++ (n = 23), I+ (10), I+B+ (7), I+B+W+ (10) and BB (3) animals were 1.8 ± 0.1, 2.5 ± 0.2, 6.6 ± 1.0, 9.6 ± 0.9 and 9.7 ± 0.9 respectively. The maximum number of granulosa cells per follicle in the ++ and I+ genotypes was accumulated after exceeding 5 mm diameter, whereas in I+B+, I+B+W+ and BB animals, this was achieved when follicles reached >2–3 mm. The number of putative preovulatory follicles, as assessed from those with LH-responsive granulosa cells, 24 h after the induction of luteolysis, was higher (P

In this study, danmuji samples stored at 5 and were examined for three weeks to observe the changes in the color, property of matter, and microorganisms of danmuji, and its sensory properties, during its storage. The difference in the brightness and redness of danmuji and danmuji filtrate as their storage period became longer was not big but was significant, and their yellowness decreased following storage at both 5 and . The hardness of the danmuji sample stored at showed the greatest value at day 7 while that of the danmuji sample stored at showed the greatest value at day 14. It was found in the examination of the total cell number of the stored danmuji that the total cell number was , with almost no change, but in the case of the danmuji filtrate, the cell number increased from the latter part of the storage. The number of yeast fungi increased until storage day 7 for both the danmuji sample stored at and that stored at . The cell number of danmuji did not change since then while the cell number of the danmuji filtrate constantly increased. As for the sensory properties of each stored danmuji, the overall taste preference was highest at storage days 14 and 21 (), and the overall scent preference was high for the danmuji that had been stored for 7 days (), but there was no significant difference. The texture and color of and the overall preference for the danmuji stored at significantly decreased as the storage period got longer. All in all, the preference for the danmuji stored at was higher than that for the danmuji stored at , although there was no significant difference. Thus, it is thought that is more appropriate than as the storage temperature of danmuji products.

Physiological characteristics of blood cells in workers exposed to long-term local vibration were studied. The total cell peroxidase activity, the level of the phagocytic response, neutrophil alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activity levels, and glycogen content in neutrophils and lymphocytes were measured. Changes associated with a decrease in the functional metabolic parameters, depending on the duration of contact with vibrating tools and the severity of clinical symptoms, were detected. The detected differences in changes in cell response may reflect the specific features of the mechanisms of adaptive regulation.

In this study, 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% L. nonglutinous and glutinous sikhe were added to L. extracts for 15 days at , and for seven days at , to examine the extracts` storage properties and sensory characteristics. The results are as follows: (1) On the changes of pH and acidity during storage of L. nonglutinous and glutinous sikhe, both of them showed lower pH values with lower additive L. extract contents. The pH value continuously decreased with a longer storage period, and the acidity was higher with a lower concentration of L. extract. (2) The total microbial cell count during storage of L. nonglutinous and glutinous sikhe at was 4.6-5.0 log CFU/g at 0 day. The sikhe to which L. extract was not added increased to 8.8-9.0 log CFU/g on the seventh storage day, while the sikhye to which 80 and 100% L. extracts were added were 7.8 and 6.9 logCFU/g, respectively. Thus, the total cell count was lower with a higher additive content of L. extract. The total cell count of the sikhe to which 0-60% L. extracts reached the maximum value on the seventh storage day and did not show any change thereafter. The total cell count of the sikhe to which 80 and 100% L. extracts were added, however, reached the maximum value on the 10th to 13th storage days, thus showing that the storage period was increased by L. At , the total cell count was 4.6-5.0 log CFU/g on 0 day and continuously increased during the storage period. It had increased to 8.9-9.5 log CFU/g on the seventh storage day, and no differences were shown according to the additive content of L. extract. (3) On the sensory characteristics of L. nonglutinous and glutinous sikhe, the L. nonglutinous sikhe to which 20% L. extract was added showed the highest overall-acceptability value (), whereas the L. glutinous sikhe to which 40% L. extract was added showed the highest overall-acceptability value (). The sikhe to which 20 and 40% L. extracts were added showed significantly high taste, flavor, sweetness, and overall-preference values (p

Recent studies evaluating bulk soap in public restroom soap dispensers have demonstrated up to 25% of open refillable bulk-soap dispensers were contaminated with ~ 6 log(10)(CFU ml(-1)) heterotrophic bacteria. In this study, plastic counter-mounted, plastic wall-mounted and stainless steel wall-mounted dispensers were analyzed for suspended and biofilm bacteria using total cell and viable plate counts. Independent of dispenser type or construction material, the bulk soap was contaminated with 4-7 log(10)(CFU ml(-1)) bacteria, while 4-6 log(10)(CFU cm(-2)) biofilm bacteria were isolated from the inside surfaces of the dispensers (n = 6). Dispenser remediation studies, including a 10 min soak with 5000 mg l(-1) sodium hypochlorite, were then conducted to determine the efficacy of cleaning and disinfectant procedures against established biofilms. The testing showed that contamination of the bulk soap returned to pre-test levels within 7-14 days. These results demonstrate biofilm is present in contaminated bulk-soap dispensers and remediation studies to clean and sanitize the dispensers are temporary.

Methyl parathion (C8H10NO5PS) is widely used insecticide known to cause fatal intoxication in both human and animals. This study was carried out to investigate the deleterious effects of methyl parathion on small intestine of mice. Animals were injected intraperitoneally an acute dose (3mg/kg bwt) of methyl parathion. Autopsies were done on 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post- treatment. The weight of intestine decreased drastically in methyl parathion treated group as compared to control. Histopathological changes involved degeneration of cryptal and villous region, loss of villi. Histometric analysis showed increase in percentage of pyknotic cells, dead mitotic figures and decrease in number of total cell of crypts. Also, this work was planned to evaluate the ability of ascorbic acid to prevent or reduce the toxic effects of methyl parathion. Mice were administered two doses of ascorbic acid 40mg/kg bwt and 80mg/kg bwt. Results showed that i.p. injection of 80mg/kg bwt of ascorbic acid daily was highly effective in protection against methyl parathion toxicity . Lower dose that is 40mg/kg bwt of ascorbic acid also provided protection but to a lesser extent

No estudo das infecções e dos mecanismos inflamatórios do trato respiratório posterior, a diluição desconhecida de amostras de lavados traqueobrônquicos leva a um grave problema na interpretação das concentrações de várias substâncias. Foi investigada a amplitude da diluição em uma situação clínica verdadeira, com o objetivo de determinar a validez do uso da dosagem da ureia em lavados traqueobrônquicos para correção da diluição. As amostras do estudo consistiram em lavados traqueobrônquicos obtidos de sete potros com infecção por Rhodococcus equi. Foi realizada a contagem celular total e diferencial e comprado com o quadro clínico e a recuperação bacteriana de todas as amostras. Os fatores de diluição dos lavados variaram entre 14,3 e 130 (média 59,7). O uso da ureia como marcador de diluição melhorou a exatidão na determinação da concentração total de células nos lavados. Estes resultados sugerem que a prática de mensurar substâncias em lavado traqueobrônquico sem correção da diluição possa induzir a falsas conclusões.

Summary Plasma volume (PV) and red-cell volume (CV) were determined using Evans blue dye (T-1824) and 51Cr-labelled erythrocytes, respectively, before splenectomy in five horses and, in four of them, once to three times post-operatively. The red-cell volume determined in this way (CVCr) was compared with the corresponding red-cell volume (CVEB) calculated from PV and venous haematocrit before and after intravenous adrenalin injection. After splenectomy, CVCr and CVEB coincided both basally and after adrenalin injection. This also occurred in the intact state after adrenalin, whereas CVEB was much lower than CVCr during basal conditions with the spleen in situ. The difference between the total (CVCr) and the circulating cell volume (CVEB) amounted to more than half the available red-cell mass. This “non-circulating” part of the cell volume was accumulated in the spleen, since splenectomy abolished the difference between CVCr and CVEB. As this difference was obliterated by intravenous injection of adrenalin in the intact horse, a total mobilization of the stored erythrocytes must have occurred. There was no indication that other organs or tissues took over the erythrocyte-storing function during the first ten post-splenectomy months. The size of the splenic red-cell reservoir seemed to be dependent on the total cell volume and on the net splenic weight but independent of body-weight. The weight of the exsanguinated spleen was correlated to the total cell volume, but, independent of body-weight. More than half the splenic weight was due to the blood content. The mean time required for complete distribution was considerably longer for the labelled cells than for the dye. It was markedly reduced to about the same value for both indicators by splenectomy. The externally registered activity of 51Cr over the site of the spleen decreased notably from a relatively high level within 2–4 minutes after adrenalin injection in the intact horse and then increased gradually, reaching the initial level in about 15–25 minutes. After splenectomy the initial activity was much lower and unaffected by adrenalin injection. Zusammenfassung Der Einflus der Splenektomie auf den Blutkreislauf II. Einflus auf das Plasmavolumen und das totale zirkulierende Erythrozytenvolumen Plasmavolumen (PV) und Erythrozytenvolumen (CV) wurden mittels Evans blue (T-1824) und 51Cr-markierten Erythrozyten bestimmt, und zwar bei 5 Pferden vor der Milzexstirpation und bei 4 Pferden dieser Gruppe ein bis 3mal nach der Operation. Das so erhaltene Erythrozytenvolumen (CVCr), wurde mit dem entsprechenden Erythrozytenvolumen (CVEB), berechnet aus dem PV und dem venosen Haematokrit, vor und nach intravenoser Adrenalininjektion verglichen. Nach Splenektomie stimmten CVCr und CVEB sowohl in Ruhe wie auch nach Adrenalingabe uberein. Mit der Milz in situ traf dies ebenfalls nach Adrenalingabe zu, wahrend aber vor der Adrenalingabe CVEB viel tiefer als CVCr war. Die Differenz zwischen totalem (CVCr) und dem stromenden (CVEB) Zellvolumen betrug bis mehr als die Halfte der verfugbaren Masse der Erythrozyten. Dieser „nicht stromende” Teil des Zellvolumens wurde in der Milz angehauft, da Splenektomie den Unterschied zwischen CVCr und CVEB aufhebt. Da diese Differenz ebenfalls bei intravenoser Injektion von Adrenalin verschwand, muste eine totale Mobilisierung der eingelagerten Erythrozyten stattgefunden haben. Es gab keinen Hinweis, das andere Organe oder Gewebe die erythrozytenspeichernde Funktion der Milz wahrend der ersten 10 Monate nach Splenektomie ubernahmen. Die Grose des Erythrozytenreservoirs der Milz schien vom gesamten Zellvolumen und vom Milzgewicht, nicht aber vom Korpergewicht abhangig zu sein. Das Gewicht der entbluteten Milz war mit dem gesamten Zellvolumen, aber nicht mit dem Korpergewicht, korreliert. Mehr als die Halfte des Milzgewichts war dem Blutgehalt zuzuschreiben. Der Mittelwert fur die gleichmasige Verteilung war fur die markierten Zellen betrachtlich langer als fur den Farbstoff. Durch die Milzexstirpation wurde er fur beide Indikatoren auf ungefahr denselben Wert reduziert. Die auf der Korperoberflache festgestellte Aktivitat des 51Cr uber der Milz nahm beim intakten Pferd nach Adrenalininjektion innerhalb 2–4 Min. stark ab und stieg anschliesend sukzessive wieder an und erreichte den Ausgangswert nach ungefahr 15–25 Min. Nach Splenektomie war die Ausgangsaktivitat deutlich geringer und durch Adrenalingabe nicht beeinflusbar. Resume Influence de la splenectomie sur la circulation sanguine II. Influence sur le colume plasmatique et le volume erythrocytaire circulant total On determine le volume du plasma (PV) et le volume des globules rouges (CV) a l'aide d'une coloration au bleu d'Evans (T-1824) et d'un marquage des erythrocytes au 51Cr, chez cinq chevaux avant splenectomie et chez quatre d'entre eux 1 a 3 fois apres splenectomie. Le volume erythrocytaire ainsi obtenu (CVCr) est compare au volume erythrocytaire correspondant (CVEB) (calcule a partir du PV et de l'hematocrite veineux), avant et apres injection intraveineuse d'adrenaline. Apres splenectomie, les valeurs du CVCr et CVEB correspondent, que ce soit au repos ou apres injection d'adrenaline. Ces resultats sont egalement valables chez l'animal intact, apres administration d'adrenaline, alors que sans adrenaline, le CVEB est beaucoup plus bas que le CVCr. La difference entre le volume cellulaire total (CVCr) et le volume cellulaire circulant (CVEB) s'eleve a plus de la moitie de la masse des globules rouges disponibles. Cette partie «non circulante» du volume cellulaire s'est accumulee dans la rate, puisque la splenectomie annule la difference entre CVCr et CVEB. Comme cette difference disparait egalement apres injection intraveineuse d'adrenaline chez l'animal intact, il doit se produire une mobilisation totale des erythrocytes stockes. Il ne semble pas que d'autres organes ou tissus puissent assumer la fonction de stockage erythrocytaire pendant les dix premiers mois suivant la splenectomie. L'importance du reservoir erythrocytaire splenique semble dependre du volume cellulaire total et du poids de la rate, mais non du poids du corps. Le poids de la rate exsangue est mis en correlation avec le volume cellulaire total, sans tenir compte du poids du corps. Le sang contenu dans la rate represente plus de la moitie du poids de cet organe. La duree moyenne requise pour une distribution complete est nettement plus longue pour les cellules marquees que pour le colorant. Apres splenectomie, elle se trouve reduite et presque identique pour les deux indicateurs. L'activite du 51Cr mise en evidence a la surface du corps, du cote de la rate, diminue fortement en 2 a 4 minutes apres injection d'adrenaline chez l'animal intact et augmente a nouveau progressivement, atteignant la valeur initiale apres 15–25 minutes environ. Apres splenectomie, l'activite initiale est nettement plus faible et n'est pas influencee par une injection d'adrenaline. Resumen El influjo de la esplenectomia sobre la circulacion sanguinea II. Influjo sobre el volumen plasmatico y el volumen eritrocitico total circulante Se determinaron el volumen plasmatico (VP) y el volumen eritrocitico (VC) mediante azul de Evans (T-1824) y eritrocitos marcados con 51Cr, en cinco caballos antes de la extirpacion del bazo y en cuatro caballos de este grupo de una a tres veces despues de la operacion. El volumen eritrocitico (VCCr) obtenido asi se comparo con el volumen eritrocitico correspondiente (VCEB) — calculado del VP y del hematocrito venoso — antes y despues de la inyeccion intravenosa de adrenalina. Despues de la esplenectomia coincidian el VCCr y el VCEB tanto durante el reposo como despues de administrar la adrenalina. Con el bazo intacto tambien ocurria esto despues de la inyeccion de adrenalina, pero antes de la misma el VCEB era mucho mas bajo que el VCCr. La diferencia entre el volumen celular (VCCr) y el circulante VCEB ascendia a mas de la mitad de la masa disponible de los eritrocitos. Esta parte «no circulante» del volumen celular se acumulaba en el bazo, ya que la esplenectomia abule la diferencia entre VCCr y VCEB. Puesto que esta diferencia tambien desaparecia con la inyeccion intravenosa de adrenalina, tuvo que haber ocurrido una movilizacion total de los hematies almacenados. No hubo indicacion alguna de que otros organos o tejidos se hicieran cargo de la funcion almacenadora de los eritrocitos del bazo durante los 10 meses primeros despues de la esplenectomia. El tamano del deposito esplenico de globulos rojos parecia depender del volumen celular total y del peso del bazo, pero no del peso corporal. El peso del bazo desangrado se correlaciono con el del volumen celular total, sin tener en cuenta el peso del organismo. Mas de la mitad del peso del bazo correspondia al contenido en sangre. El valor medio requerido para la distribucion uniforme completa era bastante mas amplio para las celulas marcadas que para el colorante. Mediante esplenectomia se redujo marcadamente para ambos indicadores a casi el mismo valor. La actividad del 51Cr sobre el bazo registrada externamente decrecia de forma notable en el caballo intacto despues de inyectar adrenalina dentro de 2–4 min. y aumentaba a continuacion de manera gradual, alcanzando el nivel inicial al cabo de unos 15–25 minutos. Tras la esplenectomia era mucho menor la actividad inicial, no siendo afectada por la aplicacion de adrenalina.

Summary Artificial E. coli endotoxin mastitis was induced in one gland (homolateral gland) of lactating goats. Mammary blood flow (MBF) was always measured in the heterolateral gland and sometimes in the homolateral gland as well, using the electromagnetic flow technique. In the homolateral gland two conspicuous MBF peaks, separated by an intervening period of low flow, swelling and pain and gross alterations in milk composition were observed. The clinical aspect, chloride concentration and total cell count in milk were not significantly altered in the heterolateral gland, but 3 types of responses could be distinguished in its MBF. In type I (56 %) there was only one MBF peak, which coincided in time with MBF peak II of the homolateral side and which remained unaffected by severing the anastomoses between the two glands. In type II (10 %), the heterolateral MBF showed 2 distinctly separated peaks which coincided with MBF peaks I and II of the homolateral gland. MBF peak I disappeared after suturing the anastomoses between the two udder halves. In type III (33 %) no heterolateral peaks were present, but in most cases a fall of MBF, coinciding with the intervening period of low flow at the homolateral side, was observed. It is concluded that during experimental endotoxin mastitis MBF peak I is induced by locally formed mediators; the subsequent low MBF value and MBF peak II are at least partially due to systemic phenomena e. g. fever. Zusammenfassung Einflus einer experimentell induzierten Mastitis auf den Blutflus in der kontralateralen Milchdruse von laktierenden Ziegen Bei laktierenden Ziegen wurde in einer Drusenhalfte (ipsilaterale Druse) mittels E. coli-Endotoxin eine Mastitis induziert. Elektromagnetische Blutflusbestimmungen (MBF) erfolgten stets in der kontralateralen und vereinzelt auch in der ipsilateralen Druse. In der ipsilateralen Druse wurden zwei deutliche MBF-Peaks beobachtet, zwischen denen sich eine Phase mit herabgesetztem Blutflus, Schwellung, Schmerz und Auftreten grobsinnlicher Milchveranderungen befand. In der kontralateralen Druse waren die klinischen Befunde sowie der Chloridgehalt und die Zellzahl im Sekret nicht signifikant verandert. Dagegen konnten bezuglich des MBF drei Verlaufsformen unterschieden werden. Typ I (56 %) wies nur einen einzigen MBF-Peak auf, welcher mit dem MBF-Peak II der ipsilateralen Seite koinzidierte und der durch Unterbindung der Anastomosen zwischen den beiden Euterhalften nicht beeinflust wurde. Beim Typ II (10%) traten synchron mit den beiden MBF-Peaks der ipsilateralen Seite zwei deutlich voneinander getrennte MBF-Peaks auf. Peak I der kontralateralen Seite verschwand nach Unterbindung der Anastomosen zwischen den beiden Drusenhalften. Beim Typ III (33%) traten keine kontralateralen Peaks auf; in den meisten Fallen wurde jedoch ein Ruckgang des MBF, synchron mit der Zwischenphase der ipsilateralen Seite, beobachtet. Es wird angenommen, das im Verlaufe einer experimentellen Endotoxin-Mastitis eine erste MBF-Erhohung eintritt infolge von lokalen Entzundungsmediatoren. Der anschliesende erniedrigte Blutflus und der zweite MBF-Peak sind zumindest teilweise die Folge systemischer Reaktionen (z. B. Fieber). Resume Influence d'une mastite induite experimentalement sur l'irrigation sanguine dans la glande mammaire contra-laterale de chevres en lactation Une mastite a ete provoquee avec une endotoxine d'E. coli dans une mamelle (glande ipsilaterale) chez des chevres en lactation. Des determinations electromagnetiques du flux sanguin (MBF) ont ete faites constamment dans la glande contra-laterale et parfois egalement dans la glande ipsilaterale. On a observe deux pics marques MBF dans la glande ipsilaterale entre lesquels on notait une phase avec flux sanguin diminue, enflure, douleur et apparition d'alterations grossieres du lait. Les examens cliniques, le taux du chlorure et le nombre de cellules n'ont pas ete modifies de facon significative dans la glande contra-laterale. On a pu par contre differencier trois formes d'evolution de MBF. Le type I (56 %) a montre un seul pic MBF qui coincida avec le MBF-pic II du cote ipsilateral et qui ne fut pas influence par la ligature des anastomoses entre les deux moities de la mamelle. Deux pics MBF nettement separes sont apparus synchroniquement lors du type II (10%) avec les deux pics MBF du cote ipsilateral. Le pic I du cote contralateral a disparu apres une ligature des anastomoses entre les deux de la glande mammaire. Il n'y a pas eu de pics contra-lateraux avec le type III (33 %). On a cependant observe dans la plupart des cas un recul de MBF, en synchronisation avec la phase intermediaire du cote ipsilateral. On suppose qu'une premiere augmentation du flux sanguin intervient au cours d'une mastite a endotoxine experimentale a la suite de mediateurs d'inflammation locaux. Le flux sanguin abaisse qui suit et le second pic sont au moins en partie la consequence de reactions systematiques (fievre p. ex.). Resumen El influjo de una mastitis inducida experimentalmente sobre la irrigacion sanguinea en la glandula mamaria contralateral en cabras lactantes Se indujo en cabras lactantes una mastitis en una mitad de la glandula mamaria (glandula ipsilateral) mediante endotoxina de E. coli. De forma continua se llevaron a cabo valoraciones electromagneticas del flujo sanguineo (MBF) en la glandula contralateral y, a veces, en la ipsilateral. En la glandula ipsilateral se observaron dos cuspides MBF pronunciadas, entre las cuales se hallaba un periodo intermedio de flujo reducido, tumefaccion, dolor y alteraciones manifiestas en la composicion de la leche. En la glandula contralateral no estaban modificados los hallazgos clinicos ni la concentracion de cloruros ni la cantidad de celulas en la secrecion. Sin embargo, con respecto a las MBF se pudieron distinguir tres formas de respuesta. El tipo I (56 %) mostraba una sola cuspide MBF, la cual coincidia con la cuspide MBF II de la parte ipsilateral y no era influenciada por la interrupcion de las anastomosis entre las dos glandulas. En el tipo III (33%) no aparecen cuspides contralaterales; sin embargo, en la mayoria de los casos se observo un retroceso del MBF, en sincronizacion con la fase intermediaria del lado ipsilateral. Se supone que en el curso de una mastitis experimental a base de endotoxina se produce un aumento primero del flujo lacteo como consecuencia de mediadores de la inflamacion locales. El flujo sanguineo disminuido acto seguido y la cuspide MBF II son, al menos en parte, la consecuencia de reacciones sistemicas (fiebre, por ej.).

Teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, is composed of five main components, denoted T-A2-1 to T-A2-5. We investigated the use of glycerol as a carbon source affecting the teicoplanin components and its acyl moieties. As a result, we show the change of teicoplanin components, as well as an increase of total teicoplanin yields, caused by the addition of glycerol to the production medium. Analysis of the total cell lipids upon the addition of glycerol also showed a corresponding change in the proportion of teicoplanin, suggesting that glycerol strongly affects a change of teicoplanin branched acyl moieties.

Cardiac tissue engineering aims to create myocardial patches for repair of defective or damaged native heart muscle. The inclusion of non-myocytes in engineered cardiac tissues has been shown to improve the properties of cardiac tissue compared to tissues engineered from enriched populations of myocytes alone. While attempts to mix non-myocytes (fibroblasts, endothelial cells) with cardiomyocytes have been made, very little is understood about how the tissue properties are affected by varying the respective ratios of the three cell types and how these cells assemble into functional tissues with time. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of modulating the ratios of the three cell types as well as to spatially and temporally track cardiac tri-cultures of cells. Primary neonatal cardiac fibroblasts and D4T endothelial cells were incubated in 5µM of CellTracker™ Green dye and CellTracker™ Red dye respectively while neonatal cardiomyocytes were labeled with 20µg/mL of DAPI. The non-myocytes were seeded either sequentially (Pre-culture) or simultaneously (Tri-culture) in Matrigel-coated microchannels and allowed to form organoids, as in our previous studies. We also varied the seeding percentage of cardiomyocytes while keeping the total cell number constant in an attempt to improve the functional properties of the organoids. Organoids were imaged on days 1 and 4. Endothelial cells were seen to aggregate into clusters when Simultaneously Tri-cultured with myocytes and fibroblasts, while Pre-cultures contained elongated cells. Functional properties of organoids were improved by increasing the seeding percentage of enriched cardiomyocytes from 40% to 80%.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were added into the culture medium in different culturing stages. The effects of EGF or bFGF on the development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos were studied in vitro. The results were as follows: The addition of EGF significantly enhanced the cleavage rate of porcine parthenogenetic embryos (P < 0.05). The addition of EGF or bFGF also significantly enhanced the rate of blastocysts formation of 2–4-cell porcine parthenogenetic embryos (P < 0.05). Additionally, the group of bFGF had more numbers of blastocysts and higher rates of blastocysts formation than the groups of EGF and the control. In conclusion, EGF and bFGF were found propitious to the development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos in vitro, and bFGF increased the quality of blastocysts by increasing the total cell number in porcine parthenogenetic embryos.

The general microbial quality of drinking water is normally monitored by heterotrophic plate counts (HPC). This method has been used for more than 100 years and is recommended in drinking water guidelines. However, the HPC method is handicapped because it is time-consuming and restricted to culturable bacteria. Recently, rapid and accurate detection methods have emerged, such as adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) measurements to assess microbial activity in drinking water, and flow cytometry (FCM) to determine the total cell concentration (TCC). It is necessary and important for drinking water quality control to understand the relationships among the conventional and new methods. In the current study, all three methods were applied to 200 drinking water samples obtained from two local buildings connected to the same distribution system. Samples were taken both on normal working days and weekends, and the correlations between the different microbiological parameters were determined. TCC in the samples ranged from 0.37–5.61×105 cells/ml, and two clusters, the so-called high (HNA) and low (LNA) nucleic acid bacterial groups, were clearly distinguished. The results showed that the rapid determination methods (i.e., FCM and ATP) correlated well (R2=0.69), but only a weak correlation (R2=0.31) was observed between the rapid methods and conventional HPC data. With respect to drinking water monitoring, both FCM and ATP measurements were confirmed to be useful and complimentary parameters for rapid assessing of drinking water microbial quality., Drinking Water Engineering and Science, 1 (1)

Imaging, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to compare the microstructure of crumbs from pound cakes baked in a microwave or conventional oven. The microwave baking conditions for pound cake (240 W, 5 min) were established in previous research, conventional baked pound cakes were obtained using a swing oven at 180 °C for 40 min. Statistical differences in total cell, cell/cm2 and mean cell area (P⩽0.05) were observed in the image analysis. Cells from microwaved pound cake crumbs were 20% larger. However, factor shape was 0.81 for both microwave and conventionally baked crumbs, and crumbs from both oven types were similar in appearance. Light microscopy revealed birefringence in crumbs from both types of pound cakes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the conventionally baked product had a greater amount of protein matrix however; the matrix structure of the crumb was comparable between microwave-baked and conventionally baked pound cakes. In conclusion, our results suggest that the unique aspects of pound cake dough, including its high content of fat, sugar and moisture, make it well suited to microwave baking.

This study was conducted to investigate the quality characteristics of Jeolpyun prepared with different percentages of lotus leaf powder for 4 days. The moisture content of Jeolpyun without lotus leaf powder was 50.63% and those of Jeolpyun with the powder were 50.17～52.63% on 0 day; however, they did not show constant tendency during storage. Total cell counts of Jeolpyun with lotus leaf powder increased less than those of Jeolpyun without the powder during storage. As lotus leaf powder increased, L values of lotus leaf Jeolpyun significantly decreased and their a values significantly increased. As storage time increased, L values of lotus leaf Jeolpyun increased, and a and b values did not show constant tendency during storage. There was no difference between Jeolpyun with lotus leaf powder and Jeolpyun without the powder in hardness and chewiness on 0 day. As lotus leaf powder increased, the hardness and chewiness of lotus leaf Jeolpyun decreased after 1 day. The adhesiveness of 0% lotus leaf Jeolpyun significantly decreased after 2 days, and there was no difference in adhesiveness except for 3% lotus leaf Jeolpyun by 2 days. The springiness of 2% and 3% lotus leaf Jeolpyun was not significantly different for 4 days and the gumminess of all samples increased after 2 days. There was significant difference in cohesiveness between Jeolpyun with lotus leaf powder and Jeolpyun without on 0 day, but there was no great difference during storage. In the sensory evaluation, 2% lotus leaf Jeolpyun showed the highest preference scores; hence, 2% lotus leaf Jeolpyun prepared with 980 g rice flour, 20 g lotus leaf powder, 10 g salt and 360 g water was picked as the best.

Thermal and HHP treatments were compared. We established that the applied HHP treatments reduced the total cell count more significantly than thermal treatments. For example, the 10 min 600 MPa/10 min HHP treatment was equivalent to about 10 min thermal treatment at 70 °C. This combination of temperature and time is not used in the pasteurisation practice of the dairy industry. The various thermal treatments reduce the phosphatase enzyme activity to between one-third and one-hundredth of the original activity. The HHP treatments yielded similar results. Six hundred MPa pressure caused 10 to 70% decrease in the enzyme activity, while 700 MPa pressure led to a decrease of one log cycle.In the second year we tried to investigate the kinetics of the effect of HHP treatment. The 5, 10, 20, 40 min holding times were systematically applied in the range of 400 to 700 MPa. According to the results, 600 and 700 MPa HHP treatments effectively assured a decrease in the total cell count and the alkaline phosphatase en...

This study was carried out to investigate potential use of Scutellaria bicalensis Georgi (SBG) as an ingredient for extending the shelf life of tofu. The spore of Bacillus sp. KN-4 was isolated from commercial tofu and inoculated to soybean milk to prepare artificially contaminated tofu. The contaminated tofu was stored in the presence of 0.05 and 1% of SBG extract at for 72 hrs. The pH changes of contaminated tofu with SBG extract was slower than those of control during storage. The degree of pH change decreased as the concentration of SBG extract was increased from 0.05% to 0.1%. The change of titratable acidity of the tofu showed the same tendency as pH change during storage. Total cell number of the SBG extract added tofu was lower about log cycle (0.05% SBG extract) or log cycle (0.1% SBG extract) than that of control after storage for 12 hrs at . The color changes of the tofu did not show any difference with and without SBG during storage at . The strength and hardness of the tofu was improved by the addition of SBG extract. Especially, the strength and hardness of tofu in the Presence of 0.1% SBG extract did not change during storage time. The sensory Qualify of SBG extract added tofu was better than control in texture, but not in taste and color. The overall acceptability of the SBG extract added tofu was similar to control.