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What do tests performed on human bodies tell us? Hormones and genetics have become increasingly central to contemporary understandings of identities and kinship. In this article, narratives around hormone and genetic testing are examined through two examples: the use of DNA testing in migration control and hormone testing in sports. In the name of "fair sport" and "fair migration", people are being tested because of regulations by the federation or by the state. Testing is said to produce better knowledge, where knowledge without testing is unreliable and defined as a problem which constitutes a risk to fair participation or belonging. In the narratives examined in this article, there is a simultaneous stabilization and destabilization of identity, gender and race. We argue for a slightly different articulation of molecularization, compared to how it has previously been conceptualized in canonized scholarly work. When considered as strategic and entangled with gender, race, and sexuality, molecularization appears as not only a development within or from biopolitics but also as a part of necropolitics. The relation between politics and molecularization is here centred on control by knowing the individual through biological tests, a form of control which we call testinaming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaesthetic consultation is a medical procedure designed to assess anaesthetic and surgical risk. The aim of ourstudy wasto describe the biological work-up of patients attending an anaesthetic consultation forscheduled surgery. This was a longitudinal, descriptive, prospective study covering 4 months. All patients attending an anaesthesia consultation for scheduled surgery at Yaoundé Central Hospital were included. Sampling was consecutive. The informations were collected using a data sheet. Variables included age, sex, indication for surgery, history, biological work-up, ASA classification and anaesthetic technique. Data were analysed using Epi info version 3.5.2 and Microsoft Office Excel 2013. Three hundred and ninety-five patients were included. The majority were male, with a sex ratio of 1.09. The mean age was 35.9 ± 22.4 years. Anaesthesia consultation for neurosurgery was the most frequent (23.3%). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (38.5%). The Full blood count was the most frequently performed test (99.5%). Biological abnormalities were found in 16.8% (n=355/2109). The main abnormalities were impaired renal function (54.1%) and anaemia (28.4%). Patients were classified as ASA 1 (64.8%). The most indicated anaesthetic technique was general anaesthesia (68.4%). Anaesthetic consultation is essential for assessing the operative risk. The full blood count and hemostasis tests are the most realized biological tests [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific relevance. The clinical effects and the expiration of patents for original (reference) biotechnological medicines based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) stimulated the development of biosimilar mAbs. The quality profile of a biosimilar mAb should correspond to the quality of the reference medicinal product. When demonstrating biosimilarity and determining the activity of medicines as part of batch quality control, analysts should study the biological properties of mAbs using suitable reference standards. The lack of international standards (ISs) makes mAb manufacturers use in-house reference standards. There is a risk of obtaining non-uniform quality and efficacy data because of the use of in-house reference standards, the heterogeneity and structural complexity of mAbs, and the relationship between the biological activity and efficacy of mAbs.Aim. This study aimed to analyse the relevance of and need for ISs for the biological activity of biotherapeutic mAbs and to define the role of reference medicinal products and ISs in assessing biosimilarity and testing medicines throughout their lifecycle.Discussion. This review covers the issues arising from the lack of ISs for assessing the biological activity of mAbs and the role and significance of reference products and ISs for biosimilars. The authors describe the specifics of studying the biological properties of mAbs and summarise the data on the need to develop and use ISs for the standardisation of biological tests. This review presents the results of studies on the first ISs established by the World Health Organisation to assess the biological activity of mAbs; these results suggest the need to standardise mAbs using ISs to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of mAb therapy.Conclusions. The use of ISs for mAbs plays a key role in harmonising biological activity assessments. Publicly available ISs serve as primary standards for the calibration of secondary reference materials. Moreover, ISs are required for the harmonisation of activity evaluation (in IU) between laboratories and for the consistency of the activity of various medicinal products from different manufacturers that share the same INN. The use of ISs by mAb manufacturers will contribute to ensuring the quality of mAbs and clinical monitoring of the effectiveness of their use.

The aim of the study was to compare the hypolipidemic activity of the developed self-emulsifying drug delivery systems with simvastatin with reference samples of the substance and the finished drug product of industrial production. Materials and methods. The substance of simvastatin (India, s. DK40-2005021, 99.09 %, introduced into the composition of self-emulsifying compositions based on castor oil (Ukraine), polyethylene glycol 40 hydrogenated castor oil (India), Tween 80 (Ukraine), glycerol monostearate (Gustav Heess GmbH, Germany) or polyethylene glycol 100 stearate (ERCA, Italy). Reference samples were Simvastatin-Sandoz (Salutas Pharma, Germany, series LX5161) and simvastatin in pure form. The experimental animals were Syrian hamsters aged 2 months. Hyperlipidemia was modeled by means of an alimentary load. To assess the state of lipid metabolism in animals, the content of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein in the blood serum was determined by colorimetric enzymatic methods using the appropriate standard reagent kits "Triacylglycerols F" HP022.02, "Cholesterol F" HP026.02, "Cholesterol-LDL F" HP026.05 and "Cholesterol-HDL F" HP026.04 (LLC SPE "Filicit-Diagnostics", Ukraine) on a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer MapLab Plus (BSI, Italy). Results. The reference samples had similar dose-dependent efficacy parameters. At the same time, the test samples, also having similar dose-dependent effects, in absolute terms at the maximum concentration reduced the amount of low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol more effectively than the reference samples. When using the test samples in their average concentration, the level of triglycerols was significantly reduced, which is rather a concomitant effect of simvastatin. Conclusions. The improvement of the overall efficacy of simvastatin when it is introduced into self-emulsifying drug delivery systems has been proved, which is associated with the modification of pharmacokinetic parameters by improving the solubility of the substance in the aqueous environment of the gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large defects in the congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are treated by prosthetic materials, most frequently polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), with high complications. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel electrospun double-faced prosthesis that will minimize these surgical complications. Polyamide 6 (PA-6) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibers were prepared by solution electrospinning, and room temperature vulcanized silicone (RTV) was used in electrospinning by dip-coating to develop a double-faced membrane. The results demonstrate that the duration of electrospinning and thickness of silicone layers influence the morphology of the bilayer scaffolds. Electrospun bilayer polyamide 6/silicone and thermoplastic polyurethane/silicone scaffolds are fabricated as potential substitutes for prosthetic membrane applications in this study. The morphology, topography, mechanical, and biological properties of these electrospun meshes have been reported to make adequate conclusions in in vitro studies. The morphological characterizations show two distinct layers of electrospun and silicone layer which can mimic the morphology of PTFE prosthesis. However, the mechanical results of the developed TPU/Silicone membrane demonstrate improved mechanical properties. In addition, the biological tests confirm the biocompatibility of the developed prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decomposition of seven herbicides (atrazine, linuron, lenacil, chloridazon, dinoseb acetate, prometryn, and diuron) was carried out by detonative combustion. The investigated blasting material was produced on the basis of porous ammonium nitrate, which served as an oxidizer, while the pesticides played the role of the fuel. Detonative decomposition of the mixtures was carried out in blast-holes in soil. The efficiency of the decomposition process was assessed using the techniques of gas chromatography, high-efficiency liquid chromatography, and additionally by biological tests according to the grading of the European Weed Research Council. The results demonstrate an efficient decomposition of the tested herbicides. In the tested soil samples taken after the detonation decomposition of the herbicide, no symptoms of phytotoxic effects on the plants were found. This was confirmed by the lack (or at most negligible amounts) of residual herbicides in the soil samples. Only for the samples of chloradizine and diuron were large amounts of residual biologically active substance found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Inzynieria Mineralna is the property of Polskie Towarzystwo Przerobki Kopalin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The decomposition of seven herbicides (atrazine, linuron, lenacil, chloridazon, dinoseb acetate, prometryn, and diuron) was carried out by detonative combustion. The investigated blasting material was produced on the basis of porous ammonium nitrate, which served as an oxidizer, while the pesticides played the role of the fuel. Detonative decomposition of the mixtures was carried out in blast-holes in soil. The efficiency of the decomposition process was assessed using the techniques of gas chromatography, high-efficiency liquid chromatography, and additionally by biological tests according to the grading of the European Weed Research Council. The results demonstrate an efficient decomposition of the tested herbicides. In the tested soil samples taken after the detonation decomposition of the herbicide, no symptoms of phytotoxic effects on the plants were found. This was confirmed by the lack (or at most negligible amounts) of residual herbicides in the soil samples. Only for the samples of chloradizine and diuron were large amounts of residual biologically active substance found.

In the new economic scenario, companies must not only survive, but also succeed. That is why accreditation has become a first-order necessary. Considering this requirement, it is intended that the biological laboratory of the Center for Bioactive Chemicals (CBQ), demonstrates that it operates competently and generates valid results, under an integrated management system. This research was aimed at evaluating compliance with the standards established for the accreditation of the bioassay service for toxicity testing with Lactuca sativa L. seeds at CBQ. Diagnosing the degree of compliance with the regulatory requirements applicable to the bioassay service was designed from the analysis of each stage of the service process to the identification and processing of the problems that prevent the accreditation of the testing service. Tools such as blueprinting, checklist and Pareto Chart were used for this purpose. Out of 286 requirements evaluated, 97 (34 %) were not complied with. They were mainly related to the requirements related to: testing service process, elements of the management system, impartiality, and confidentiality. Additionally, an action plan was established to solve the unfulfilled requirements which represented the highest percentage of the problems that prevented the start of the accreditation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are the most used biomaterials in dental and orthopedic implant applications. However, despite the good performance of these materials, implants may fail; therefore, several surface modification methodologies have been developed to increase the bioactivity of the metal surface, accelerating the osseointegration process while promoting improved corrosion performance. In this work, the production of a TiO _2 coating on titanium through a short-time micro-arc oxidation (MAO) in a green electrolyte (obtained by a mixed solution of K _3 PO _4 and Ca(CH _3 COO) _2 .H _2 O) is proposed, aiming at obtaining a porous oxide layer with Ca and P incorporation through an environmentally friendly experimental condition. The morphology, chemical composition, crystalline structure, wettability, hardness and bioactivity of the modified Ti surfaces were characterized. The MAO process at 250 V for 1 min in the green electrolyte solution allowed the production of a highly porous oxide surface in the anatase crystalline phase, with effective Ca and P incorporation. Pre-osteoblastic cells were used in in-vitro assays to analyze viability, adhesion, proliferation and ability to perform extracellular matrix mineralization on the Ti surfaces (polished and MAO-treated Ti). The MAO-treated Ti surface exhibited better results in the bioactivity tests, presenting more calcium phosphate precipitates. This surface also presented higher hardness, lower hydrophilicity and better performance in biological tests than the polished surface. The here-reported MAO-treated Ti surface is promising for dental implants, especially in patients having poor bone quality that requires greater stimulation for osteogenesis.

Reduced and soil-protective tillage technologies may represent certain negatives for cultivated crops associated with the biomass of mulch from intermediate crops and post-harvest residues. Sown crops, as well as field weeds, are exposed to impaired soil conditions. Soil conditions were assessed using biological tests. Eight plant species were chosen for the tests. Germination of tested plant species took place in controlled conditions in climaboxes. Seeds on Petri dishes were watered with soil leachates from three variants of tillage (Conventional, Minimum tillage, Direct sowing). Soil samples were collected from a 15-year field experiment. The soil leachates inhibited the germination rate of the chosen plant species. In the first term, all species exhibited a lower germination capacity in variants watered with the soil leachate. The reduced tillage technologies can apparently significantly slow down the germination rate in field crops and vegetables. Simple biological tests have the potential to assess the condition of arable soils.

The current examination directed to research the defensive capability of flavonoid Rutin (Rt) against Azathioprine (AZA)- incited testicular and epididymal injury in experimental male rats. Sixty grownup male rodents were partitioned into six gatherings. Control gathering (C): was given distiller water orally, The first animals gathering (T1): was treated as a dose of (2.5) mg/kg bw of Azathioprine, Second treatment gathering (T2): received oral gavage (50) mg/kg of Rutin only, Third treatment gathering (T3): was given with (2.5) mg/kg Azathioprine with Rutin at portion 50 mg/kg bw in combination, Fourth treatment gathering (T4): was given Azathioprine orally at 2.5 mg/kg body weight for month and afterward Rutin oral given at a dose of 50 mg/kg toward the finish of the analysis, Fifth treatment gathering (T5):was given Rutin orally at 50 mg/kg of body weight for month and afterward Azathioprine oral given at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg toward the finish of the test. Results indicated that AZA caused a significantly decline (P<0.05) in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels which significantly increased as a result of co-treatment with rutin. Likewise, the co-treatment of these animals with rutin, produced a potential increase of the spermatogenesis in testes, epididymal sperm count, ability of motility, viability and percentage of morphology, are lowered in AZA administered, as compared to normal control. Rutin inhibited oxidative damage in each of testis and epididymis of AZA-treated experimental rats. The rutin treatment may decrease AZA-stimulated male reproductive injury as a powerful antioxidant component. The results proved treating with rutin lessen damaging effects of AZA therapy by reduction of the generating ROS and ameliorate reproductive toxicity in male rats, by restoring normal spermatogenesis, and hormones levels. Consuming of foods that contain rutin might be deem as an alternative and advantageous way to safeguard male fertility from chemotherapy-induced reproductive injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five organotin complexes with general formulae [LCSSSnR2]n (R = Me, n-Bu, Ph) and R3SnLCSSSnR3 (R = n-Bu, Ph) were synthesized by the reaction of equimolar quantities of sarcosine (HLH) with KOH, CS2 and either R2SnCl2 (R = Me, n-Bu, Ph) or R3SnCl (R = n-Bu, Ph) in methanol. Elemental (CHNS) analyses data and mass spectroscopy agreed well with the molecular composition of the synthesized products. FTIR spectroscopy verified the monodentate binding mode of the carboxylate group and a bidentate chelating behavior of the dithiocarboxylate moiety of the ligand for binding with tin(IV). Thus, penta- and hexa-coordinated environments around tin were observed in the solid state in di- and triorganotin complexes, respectively. The penta-coordinated geometry in diorganotin(IV) product 2 was further verified by its single-crystal XRD analysis. The organotin moieties and ligand units were interconnected with each other alternately in hexameric cyclic arrangement. The number of protons found in 1H NMR spectra was in good agreement with those calculated by incremental method. Complexes were examined for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, thrombolytic, hemolytic activities. The free ligand HLH was found inactive against all the four bacterial strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, characterization and biological activity of molybdenum(IV) complexes containing Trofimenko's scorpionato ligand, hydrotris(3‐isopropylpyrazolyl)borate (TpiPr), in addition to varying biologically active as well as other conventional ligands is described. Ligands employed include (O,O‐) (S,O‐) (N,N‐) donors that have been successfully coordinated to the molybdenum center by means of oxygen‐atom transfer (OAT) reactions from the known MoVI starting material, TpiPrMoO2Cl. The synthesized complexes were characterized by standard analytical methods and where possible by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The aqueous stability of the compounds was studied by means of UV/Vis spectroscopy and the impact of the attached ligand scaffolds on the oxidation potentials (MoIV to MoV) was studied by cyclic voltammetry. Utilizing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a solubilizing agent, adequate aqueous solubility for biological tests was obtained. Anticancer activity tests and preliminary mode of action studies have been performed in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article are given the biotesting data of pinosylvin (PS) and its methyl ester (PSME) isolated from dormant buds of Alnus fruticosa (Rupr.). Coleoptile segments of wheat and aquatic plant Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. were used as the test objects. Low concentrations of PS and PSME have weakly stimulated the growth of wheat during 22 hours of incubation. If concentrations of PS and PSME are increased up to 10–15 mg/L during the first 3 hours of incubation, the growth of coleoptiles slowed by 20–35 %, but during 22 h the growth reduced by 21–48 %. The PSME has stronger growth-inhibitory effect than PS. Further increasing of PS concentration (up to 25 mg/l) inhibited the growth of coleoptiles by 61 % during 22 hours. At the same concentration the PSME inhibited the growth by 67 % during the first 3 hours and completely suppressed the growth with loss of turgor during 22 hours. In the case of S. polyrhiza adding PS with 1 mg/l concentration to the nutrient medium resulted in decrease of its growth and development after 10 days of experiment by 40 %, but with higher concentration (25–50 mg/l) the growth process was completely inhibited. S. polyrhiza grown in a nutrient medium with 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/l concentrations of PSME shows a weak stimulation of growth and development. At the same time the PSME concentrations higher than 10 mg/l leaded to yellowing of plants during the first 2 days. These results show that pinosylvin and its methyl ester inhibit the growth of wheat coleoptiles segments in 50–100 times stronger than the known phenolic inhibitors (carboxylic acids, polyphenols and their glycosides).

The Center for Bioactive Chemicals (CBQ) requires biological testing to be sufficiently competitive and excellent, therefore it is working to continuously improve the effectiveness of its integrated management system and the accreditation of its laboratories. In order to make this work feasible, it is necessary to integrate the requirements of the current mandatory regulations for the accreditation of biological tests. The NC ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 standards were identified, with the criteria of the National Accreditation Body of the Republic of Cuba (ONARC) dated 2018, and the Regulation No. 39 of the Center for State Control of Medicines and Medical Devices (CECMED) dated 2004 (current edition).A high level of correspondence between both was evidenced by the integration of the highest percentage of the requirements, which allowed a better use of standard synergies, facilitated the diagnosis in the biological tests and saved efforts and expenditure of resources. In addition, the management system was improved by inserting the follow-up of nonconformities and the inclusion of the biological laboratory audits in the CBQ program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Fragment splicing is a primary strategy in the design and optimization of leading compound toward new skeleton with target bioactivity. Herein a series of novel substituted phenyl oxazole derivatives were designed via fragment analysis and coupling strategy that led to highly potent and bio-selective herbicide safener. The biological tests showed that most of the compounds could enhance the maize growth index, glutathione content and anti-reverse enzyme glutathione S-transferase activity in vivo. The molecular docking model exhibited that the novel compound could compete with chlorsulfuron binding to the herbicide target enzyme, which consequently attained the herbicide detoxification. Especially compound I - f displayed the best activities than commercial safener isoxadifen-ethyl and other compounds. The present work demonstrates that the synthesized compounds could be developed as potential candidates for the discovery of novel herbicide safeners in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive commercial gauzes were turned into interactive wound dressings by impregnating them with a chitosan suspension. To further improve healing, and cell adhesion and proliferation, chitosan/bioactive glass wound dressings were produced with the addition of (i) 45S5, (ii) a Sr- and Mg-containing bioactive glass, and (iii) a Zn-containing bioactive glass to the chitosan suspension. SEM and FTIR analyses evidenced positive results in terms of incorporation of bioactive glass particles. Bioactivity was investigated by soaking chitosan-based bioactive glass wound dressings in simulated body fluid (SBF). Cell viability, proliferation, and morphology were investigated using NIH 3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast) cells by neutral red (NR) uptake and MTT assays. Furthermore, the wound-healing rate was evaluated by means of the scratch test, using NIH 3T3. The results showed that bioactive glass particles enhance cell adhesion and proliferation, and wound healing compared to pure chitosan. Therefore, chitosan-based bioactive glass wound dressings combine the properties of the organic matrix with the specific biological characteristics of bioactive glasses to achieve chitosan composites suitable for healing devices.

In this study, three-dimensional (3D) biopolymeric scaffolds made from collagen, silk fibroin and chitosan were successfully prepared by the freeze drying method. Dialdehyde starch (DAS) was used as a cross-linking agent for the materials. The properties of the materials were studied using density and porosity measurements, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, swelling and moisture content measurements. Additionally, cytocompatibility of the materials in contact with MG-63 osteoblast-like cells was tested by live/dead staining and resazurin reduction assay on days 1, 3 and 7. It was found that new 3D materials made from collagen/silk fibroin/chitosan binary or ternary mixtures are hydrophilic with a high swelling ability (swelling rate in the range of 1680–1900%). Cross-linking of such biopolymeric materials with DAS increased swelling rate up to about 2100%, reduced porosity from 96–97% to 91–93%, and also decreased density and moisture content of the materials. Interestingly, presence of DAS did not influence the microstructure of the scaffolds as compared to non-cross-linked samples as shown by SEM. All the tested samples were found to be cytocompatible and supported adhesion and growth of MG-63 cells as shown by live–dead staining and metabolic activity test.

Ischemic hepatitis is an important, yet underdiagnosed pathological condition seen in either cardiology or hepatology clinics or intensive care units. The main causes are severe heart failure, circulatory and septic shock. Close monitoring of biological tests (AST, ALT, LDH) together with hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, cardiac output and central venous pressure) allow for rapid and accurate diagnosis. Correction of hemodynamic parameters, hypoxemia, hepatic and/or renal dysfunction leads to a more favorable outcome of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2006, the wood preservation laboratory of Cirad is accredited by COFRAC (French accreditation committee – accreditation No. 1-1686) for tests on the durability of wood and wood-based products and on protective efficacy of wood preservatives and termite control products. The metrological approach adopted by the wood preservation laboratory is a key factor on the continuous improvement of practices. Tests to determine the resistance against wood-destroying biological agents are the most difficult of all wood analysis tests. They are aimed at assessing and quantifying the impact of living organism, such as fungi and termites, on a lignocellulosic material. The extent of variability of this impact, which in turn is linked with the diversity of these organisms and of the material, can be readily determined. The validity and reliability of the findings therefore depend directly on the quality of the metrological process, including the choice of measurement devices, their management and compliance with international standards.

Bioactive glass/polymer hybrids are promising materials for biomedical applications because they combine the bioactivity of these glasses with the flexibility of polymers. In this work it was evaluated the effect of increasing the PVA content of the on structural characteristics and mechanical properties of hybrid. The hybrids were prepared with 70 wt. (%) SiO2-30 wt. (%) CaO and PVA fractions of 20 to 60 wt. (%) by the sol-gel method. The structural and mechanical characterization was done by FTIR, SEM and compression tests. To reduce the acidic character of the hybrids due to the catalysts added, different neutralization solutions were tested. The calcium acetate alcoholic solution was the best neutralizing method, resulting in foams with final pH of about 7.0 and small sample contraction. The foams presented porosity of 60-85 wt. (%) and pore diameters of 100-500 μm with interconnected structure. An increase of PVA fraction in the hybrids improved their mechanical properties. The scaffolds produced provided a good environment for the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts.

Copyright of Agricultural Sciences / Zemès ukio Mokslai is the property of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Publishers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The microstructure, mechanical behaviour, and biocompatibility (cell culture, morphology, and cell adhesion) of nanostructured Ti45Zr15Pd35-xSi5Nbx with x50, 5 (at. %) alloys, synthesized by arc melting and subsequent Cu mould suction casting, in the form of rods with 3 mm in diameter, are investigated. Both Ti-Zr-Pd-Si-(Nb) materials show a multi-phase (composite-like) microstructure. The main phase is cubic β-Ti phase (Im3m) but hexagonal α-Ti (P63/mmc), cubic TiPd (Pm3m), cubic PdZr (Fm3m), and hexagonal (Ti, Zr)5Si3 (P63/mmc) phases are also present. Nanoindentation experiments show that the Ti45Zr15Pd30Si5Nb5 sample exhibits lower Young's modulus than Ti45Zr15Pd35Si5. Conversely, Ti45Zr15Pd35Si5 is mechanically harder. Actually, both alloys exhibit larger values of hardness when compared with commercial Ti-40Nb, (HTi-Zr-Pd-Si ≈ 14 GPa, HTi-Zr-Pd-Si-Nb ≈ 10 GPa and HTi-40Nb ≈ 2.7 GPa). Concerning the biological behaviour, preliminary results of cell viability performed on several Ti- Zr-Pd-Si-(Nb) discs indicate that the number of live cells is superior to 94% in both cases. The studied Ti-Zr-Pd-Si-(Nb) bulk metallic system is thus interesting for biomedical applications because of the outstanding mechanical properties (relatively low Young's modulus combined with large hardness), together with the excellent biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established in recent clinical stomatology that the materials used routinely in oral cavity, mucosa, and bridges constructions have proper mechanical and physical characteristics. The materials are ideal from technological point of view and it is easy to work with them in clinical practice. Their processing and surface finishing is easy. The materials show high biocompatibility when used in gingival and mucosal surfaces. In a jaw, the contact of implant materials with bone tissue and required osseointegration represent more complex and demanding issue than in soft tissues. In bone tissue, there is a necessity to use the materials exhibiting a high level of bioactivity. Within the frame of a long-term research project, we tested a modification of material routinely used in stomatological practice. A chromium-cobalt alloy was coated with titanium nitrate or zirconium nitrate. The two above-specified surface layers were tested for a prospective application in dental implantology. The results of standard biotests demonstrated a biocompatibility sufficient for the requirements of dental implantology.

Os experimentos envolvendo o uso de acaricidas sintéticos ou naturais, geralmente necessitam da utilização de um solvente. Com a finalidade de verificar a sensibilidade do carrapato bovino Boophilus microplus a diferentes solventes, larvas e fêmeas ingurgitadas deste ectoparasito foram expostas a sete solventes em cinco diferentes concentrações, na ausência e presença de azeite de oliva. Os resultados mostraram que a utilização do azeite de oliva não produz resultados diferentes estatisticamente em testes de larvas com papel impregnado, fato não verificado em testes de imersão de adultos com compostos hidrofílicos. A mortalidade média causada pelos solventes foi menor nos testes com papel impregnado, aumentando nos testes de imersão de larvas e de adultos. Solventes de baixo peso molecular e pouca viscosidade como o álcool metílico e o álcool etílico, não interferiram na mortalidade média em testes biológicos de B. microplus, principalmente em concentrações inferiores a 76%.Experiments carried out with synthetic or natural acaricides usually use a solvent. To investigate the sensitivity of Boophilus microplus cattle tick to different solvents, larvae and engorged female were subjected to seven solvents in five different concentrations. It was done in the presence and absence of olive oil. The results showed that the utilization of olive oil doesn't produce different statistical results in impregnated paper larvae test. It did not happen in adults immersion test with hydrophilic compounds. The mean mortality caused by solvents was small in impregnated paper larvae test, increasing in immersion tests of larvae and adults. Solvents with low molecular weight and viscosity like ethyl alcohol and methyl alcohol did not cause interference in the mortality of B. microplus in biological tests, mainly in concentrations below 76%.

In the frames of this review article the recently obtained data on new synthetic approaches to fluorinated pyrazoles and their condensed analogs, as well as their biological activities have been analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Le suivi et l’orientation des femmes enceintes par les sages-femmes ont pour objectif d’aider au suivi de la grossesse et de dépister les situations à risques de complications maternelles obstétricales et fœtales afin de réduire la morbimortalité maternelle et infantile. La profession de sage-femme est une profession médicale à compétences limitées avec un droit de diagnostic et de prescription. Elle réalisera donc les prescriptions concernant les analyses biologiques nécessaires au dépistage et au diagnostic des pathologies en périnatalité. La sage-femme prescrira les examens obligatoires, les examens non obligatoires mais systématiquement proposés et les examens recommandés en fonction de la clinique. Au-delà de ces missions, le rôle de la sage-femme a également un rôle très important de prévention. Cet article recense certaines situations à risque au cours desquels la sage-femme va prendre en charge les femmes enceintes. Summary Monitoring and orientation of pregnant women by midwifes aim to help monitor pregnancy and to detect risk situations from obstetric and fetal maternal complications to reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The profession of midwife is a medical profession with limited skills to exercise diagnosis and prescription. So the midwife will carry out the requirements for biological analysis necessary for the screening and the diagnosis of perinatal pathology. The midwife prescribes mandatory testing, non-compulsory routinely offered and recommended tests depending on the clinic. Beyond these tasks the role of the midwife also has a very important role in prevention. This article lists some risk situations in which the midwife will take care of pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The materials used recently in dental implantology are exclusively made of titanium alloy. This is reflected in a difficult processing of the material.Preparation and economic point of view are also very demanding. Our aim was to find a material with high physicomechanical and biological properties. Our selection was an alloy of chromium and cobalt that exhibited better physical properties than titanium alloy. Biological properties were maintained by a layering of titanium nitride and zirconium nitride on the cromium-cobalt alloy. The material with surface - layered structure was biologically tested. The first test was a cell growth test. The study is a part of the project No. 7356-3 provided by IGA grant of the Czech Ministry of Health.

Reduced and soil-protective tillage technologies may represent certain negatives for cultivated crops associated with the biomass of mulch from intermediate crops and post-harvest residues. Sown crops, as well as field weeds, are exposed to impaired soil conditions. Soil conditions were assessed using biological tests. Eight plant species were chosen for the tests. Germination of tested plant species took place in controlled conditions in climaboxes. Seeds on Petri dishes were watered with soil leachates from three variants of tillage (Conventional, Minimum tillage, Direct sowing). Soil samples were collected from a 15-year field experiment. The soil leachates inhibited the germination rate of the chosen plant species. In the first term, all species exhibited a lower germination capacity in variants watered with the soil leachate. The reduced tillage technologies can apparently significantly slow down the germination rate in field crops and vegetables. Simple biological tests have the potential to assess the condition of arable soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volume of municipal solid waste (MSW) inputs is rapidly increasing with a growing human population, and its composition is changing due an increased diversity of materials being deposited. There is an associated increase in leachate, a common toxic byproduct of MSW facilities that must be collected and treated prior to its release into the environment. There is growing interest in plant-based methods that are economical and efficient for leachate toxicity assessment such as biological tests that use indicator species. In the present study, the tolerance thresholds of two herbaceous species, Sinapis alba L. (mustard) and Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) to increasing shares of leachate sourced from an MSW facility in the Czech Republic were assessed through a variety of physiological parameters. Soil-based biotests showed a stimulation in the shoot biomass, leaf expansion, primary root elongation and carbon assimilation rate of the selected plant species to leachate concentrations between 20 and 50 %. Higher leachate concentrations led to reductions in most physiological parameters, especially the elongation of seedling roots when growth solutions with >50 % leachate were applied. While S. alba was more sensitive to increasing proportions of leachate in terms of growth parameters of the shoot tissues, photosystem II efficiency and chlorophyll pigment concentrations were more responsive in T. aestivum , indicating species-dependent differences. The present biotests provide further support for the use of both Sinapis alba L and Triticum aestivum L. as indicator species of phytotoxicity. [Display omitted] • Root growth are strongly inhibited by direct exposure to >70 % leachate solutions. • Growth and CO 2 assimilation responded positively to low leachate shares in S. alba. • Greater sensitivity of T. aestivum PSII parameters to leachate concentration. • S. alba and T. aestivum are reliable indicators of MSW leachate phytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the first article of the waste management rule ratified in 2004, healthcare facilities are responsible for sterilizing their own infectious wastes. Nowadays non-incineration techniques are preferred internationally owing to toxic emissions caused by incinerators. Surveys have been conducted in Iran, resulting in ratification of an executive code by the Iranian Board of Ministers, which imposed a ban on incinerators; furthermore, it emphasized, instead, the use of sterilizers. The main objective of this research was evaluating the present status of these facilities to figure out which ones have less effect on the community, personnel and on the environment. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. The results showed that biological tests had not been conducted for most of the sterilizers. As biological testing is the most important factor in assessing autoclave accuracy, a comprehensive program should be initiated to perform these tests to improve functioning of the sterilizers so that the best treating process can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: A three-step synthesis of bis-β-d-glucopyranosides containing thioalkane or thioarene spacers of different length and flexibility is described. The key-step reaction allows an easy modulation of final saccharidic products so that a library of molecules with different glycosidic residues and spacers can be obtained. Two of the new thioarene-spaced bis-β-d-glucopyranosides endow with a specific cytotoxic potential. A more detailed investigation of one of the two compounds ascertains that this effect is attributable to induction of cell death by apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Implementation of a generalized screening program for neonatal diseases obeys precise guidelines. The disease must be severe, recognizable at an early stage, accessible to an effective treatment, detected with a non expansive and widely applicable test and it must represent an important health problem. In case of positive results, treatment or prevention shall be offered immediately and any screening program has to be regularly evaluated. There is in France since 1978 a national screening program that depends on a private association (“Association française pour le dépistage et la prévention des handicaps de l''enfant”) and is supervised by the “Caisse nationale d''assurance maladie” and the “Direction Générale de la Sante”. Presently, five diseases are included in the screening program: phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease, the latter only in at risk newborns. Toxoplasmosis represents a particular problem because screening takes place only in children of mothers that have not been controlled during their pregnancy or in case of seroconversion. Neonatal screening of phenylketonuria and hypothyrodism is unanimously recommended. That of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is approved in most countries. The cases of sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis are more complex because: 1) all the children that carry the mutations are not affected with a severe disease; 2) there is no curative treatment; 3) parents given information are made anxious, sometimes wrongly if the disease is mild or asymptomatic. The supporters of the screening insist on the interest of an early diagnosis which makes longer the life time of these children, the possibility for the parents to utilize prenatal screening in case of a future pregnancy, and the information given to the heterozygous carriers following a familial screening. The question is raised of the extension of neonatal screening to other diseases. This is now possible due to technical progresses such as the tandem mass spectrometry that can detect about 50 diseases in an only testing. In addition of its cost and of the difficulty to ensure an efficient organization, increasing the number of the screened diseases will raise ethical problems including how the parents will be informed of an incurable disease or a late-onset disease or an entirely asymptomatic disease. It is unanimously admitted that only mendelian diseases should be detected excluding genetic polymorphisms. Analysis of the present situation suggests the following developments: 1) to actualize the guidelines for deciding of a new neonatal screening; 2) to experiment on a local scale any new screening before its extension to the whole country; 3) to create an evaluation committee including paediatricians and epidemiologists and to evaluate on the long term the future of the children; 4) to precisely define the conditions in which the heterozygous carriers will be informed following a familial investigation; 5) to store in a resource biological centre the blood samples in order to utilize this bank for epidemiology studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Methyl Alkenoate Succinic Anhydride (M-ASA) is the product of the reaction between methyl esters of fatty acids and maleic anhydride. Crude M-ASA was synthesized from rapeseed oil methyl esters. The main compounds in this adduct are methyl oleate succinic anhydride (30%), methyl linoleate succinic anhydride (24%), unreacted methyl esters (41%) and unreacted maleic anhydride (4%). The treatment of wood at high temperature with crude M-ASA conferred protection against fungal decay and insects. Biological tests were carried out on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) sapwood and beech (Fagus sylvatica) according to European standards. M-ASA treatment was efficient against mould fungi (BS 3900), blue staining (EN 152), white and brown rot fungi (EN 113), longhorn beetle larvae (EN 46 and 47) and termites (EN 117). This treatment delayed the degradation of wood by soft rot (ENV 807) but it did not prevent it. Therefore, M-ASA combines all the necessary conditions to fulfil the requirements of the biological use classes 2 and 3, but not for class 4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fabricated soil (FS) is a natural mixture of decaying substrates rich in alumni-silicate, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium sources. This substrate usually is used for landscape rehabilitation and is an excellent source and example of environmental remediation. We studied the use and application of FS in Western Pennsylvanian soils, areas that were previously degraded by acid mining drainage. We are still trying to determine if fabricated soils are a long-term or short-term solution to the problem. This soil was tested on its fertility and then applied to mining substrate. After one year, the first weed plants on the soil appeared in May 2003. The composition of the weeds on the fabricated plots was determined. After the exposure of FS into the natural habitat for the duration of three years, we also evaluated bacterial and fungal activity in the soil as this is an important indicator of soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of EMC-Medecine is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Methyl 2,5-anhydro-3-0-(2-methoxyethyl)-2-thio-b-D-arabinofuranoside and methyl 2,5-anhydro-3-0-(2-fluorobenzyl)-2-thio-a-D-lyxofuranoside were transformed into the corresponding uridine, thymidine, cytidine and adenosine analogues, which exclusively exhibited the a-configuration irrespective of the anomeric configuration of the donor. The structure, configuration, and conformation of the products was elucidated by X-ray structure analyses. The nucleoside analogues were tested for antiviral activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti-based alloys are characterised by an excellent corrosion resistance, high mechanical performances, an increased biocompatibility, and in particular by the deforming force of NiTi. Five alloys were examined by electrochemical assays and cell culture tests with different cell types. All tests show the high biological and electrochemical performances of Ti6Al4V and NiTi, and in particular a significant influence of living cells on corrosion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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1-O-Acetyl-2,3,5-tri-O-benzyl-4-thio-L-lyxofuranose 1 was transformed into O-benzyl- and O-acetyl-protected 1-(4-thio-L-lyxofuranosyl) nucleoside derivatives by use of the TMSOTf method. Debenzylation with boron tribromide or deacetylation with sodium methoxide yielded the corresponding pyrimidine (7–11, 17, 18, 26 and 27) and purine (29 and 34) nucleoside analogues. The anomeric configurations were determined by NMR spectroscopy and, in the case of the 5-halo- (7–9) and nitrouridine derivative 11 and the 6-methylcytidine derivative 27, by X-ray structural analyses. – The unprotected nucleosides were not antivirically inhibitory at 250 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following work focuses on problems and possibilities for revegetation of zinc and lead ore tailings in the Mining and Metallurgic Plant `Boleslaw' in Poland, and on selected physical and chemical properties also regarding the vegetation, which spontaneously appears on the ponds. It was found that main factors impeding the development of vegetation are excessive contents of Zn, Pb, and Cd, as well as eolian erosion and deficiency of macroelements. The results of biological fertilisation tests were discussed in particular with regard to the deficiency of macroelements and the immobilisation of Zn, Pb, and Cd. Pot and field experiments permitted determination of this kind of interaction with doses of mineral fertilisation ensuring plant growth. Plants were introduced to the sediment without a layer of insulation. The obtained results, along with some thorough research into the conditions prevailing on the sedimentation ponds, may be used as a basis for the biological stabilisation of this kind of waste material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthodontic arcs and wires are mostly realised from alloys and constitute the motor of dental shifting. Ti-base alloys rapidly replaced the formerly used stainless steel wires due to their excellent corrosion resistance, their high mechanical characteristics and their increased biocompatibility. NiTiNOL shape memory alloys add to these advantages their ability of deforming force. NiTiNOL, highly pure Nickel (hp-Ni) and commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) were tested by electrochemical assays in artificial saliva and in vitro biological tests with L132 cells and HEPM cells. All tests gave concordant results: the electrochemical assays, the proliferation test, the colony forming method, and the inflammatory test clearly show, that nickel is a corrosive and a cytotoxic material. Ti and NiTiNOL are cytocompatible and in particular corrosion resistant. No significant differences are observed for both materials on the electrochemical and the biological level as well. The NiTiNOL shape memory alloy is a master trump for dental practitioners to repair occlusal defects by shifting teeth under optimal biological conditions. In spite of its high Ni-content, it is biocompatible. It considerably reduces the tune of therapeutic treatment, facilitate the occlusal concept and leads to a result of high clinical quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]