Effect of bilirubin on the spectrophotometric and radionuclide assay for serum angiotensin-converting enzyme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saxe, A.W.; Hollinger, M.A.; Essam, T.

1986-01-01

The effect of bilirubin on serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity was studied with spectrophotometric and radionuclide assays. In the spectrophotometric assay addition of bilirubin to normal serum from dog, mouse, and human produced a dose-related inhibition of ACE activity. A 50% decrease in human ACE activity was produced by the addition of approximately 250 mg/L in vitro. Serum from icteric patients with elevated bilirubin was also associated with a reduction in ACE activity in the spectrophotometric assay. A 50% decrease in ACE activity in these samples was associated with a serum bilirubin of approximately 220 mg/L. In the radionuclide assay, however, addition of bilirubin to normal human serum failed to reduce measured ACE activity. The use of a radionuclide assay for serum ACE in clinical samples offers the advantage of less interference from serum bilirubin

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA haplogroups and serum levels of anti-oxidant enzymes in patients with osteoarthritis

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Fernandez-Moreno Mercedes

2011-11-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Oxidative stress play a main role in the initiation and progression of the OA disease and leads to the degeneration of mitochondria. To prevent this, the chondrocytes possess a well-coordinated enzymatic antioxidant system. Besides, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA haplogroups are associated with the OA disease. Thus, the main goal of this work is to assess the incidence of the mtDNA haplogroups on serum levels of two of the main antioxidant enzymes, Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (Mn-SOD or SOD2 and catalase, and to test the suitability of these two proteins for potential OA-related biomarkers. Methods We analyzed the serum levels of SOD2 and catalase in 73 OA patients and 77 healthy controls carrying the haplogroups J, U and H, by ELISA assay. Knee and hip radiographs were classified according to Kellgren and Lawrence (K/L scoring from Grade 0 to Grade IV. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed to test the effects of clinical variables, including gender, body mass index (BMI, age, smoking status, diagnosis, haplogroups and radiologic K/L grade on serum levels of these enzymes. Results Serum levels of SOD2 appeared statistically increased in OA patients when compared with healthy controls (p Conclusions The increased levels of SOD2 in OA patients indicate an increased oxidative stress OA-related, therefore this antioxidant enzyme could be a suitable candidate biomarker for diagnosis of OA. Mitochondrial haplogroups significantly correlates with serum levels of catalase

Elevated serum angiotensin converting enzyme levels in metastatic ovarian dysgerminoma.

LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

Cotter, T P

2012-02-03

A case of a 32-year-old XY genotype female is described, presenting with mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy and associated with an elevated serum angiotensin I converting enzyme (SACE) level. Lymph node histology showed a malignant dysgerminoma of ovarian origin. Combined chemotherapy led to a radiological regression of the lymphadenopathy and coincided with a decrease in SACE concentration. The authors suggest that SACE may be a marker for disseminated germinoma tumours and may be useful for monitoring treatment.

Evaluation of a magnetic particles-based chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay for Golgi protein 73 in human serum.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Xiangyi; Wan, Xiaohua; Lu, Sheng; Zhang, Lijun; Yu, Shaohua; Lu, Xinxin

2015-05-20

Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is regarded as a potential serum biomarker for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We developed a rapid magnetic particles-based chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (MPs-CLEIA) for the determination of serum GP73. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were used to label 2 different monoclonal antibodies to GP73. Serum GP73 was captured with labeled antibodies and formed a sandwiched immunoreaction. The magnetic particles (MPs) coated with anti-FITC antibody were used as a means of separation of the GP73 protein from other serum proteins. After adding the enzyme substrate solution, the relative light unit (RLU) was measured. A MPs-CLEIA for serum GP73 was established and evaluated. The RLU was directly proportional to the concentration of GP73. The method linearity was 5-600 μg/l. Limit of the blank was 2.19 μg/l. The intra- and inter-assay imprecision was 73-0.89), and the sensitivity and specificity, with cut-off value of 115.6 μg/l, were 75.4% and 92.1%, respectively. The proposed method demonstrates an acceptable performance for quantifying serum GP73. This assay could be appropriate for routine use in clinical laboratories. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluating correlation between serum liver enzymes and toxocariasis: a case control study

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Hosein Miladi

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of toxocariasis in individuals with the normal and abnormal level of liver enzymes. Methods: In this case-control study, the serum samples were collected in the individuals referred to diagnostic laboratories of Arak in Iran. A total of 144 sera with abnormal level of liver enzymes were selected as cases and the same numbers of sera with the normal level of liver enzymes also were selected as controls. The sera were examined for anti-Toxocara IgG. Results: Twelve (4.2% sera contained anti-Toxocara antibody and all of them were in the case group. Although the mean of all liver enzymes was significantly different in the two groups (P < 0.05, statistical test showed no relationship between the level of liver enzymes and toxocariasis. Conclusions: It was concluded that the liver enzyme alteration is not the valid indicator for predicting toxocariasis. Because the kind of liver dysfunction, that is caused by the larvae of Toxocara, is unspecified, and it seems factors such as the number of larvae can play a basic role for the emergence of alterations.

Serum biotin in Japanese children: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurement.

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Wakabayashi, Kenji; Kodama, Hiroko; Ogawa, Eishin; Sato, Yasuhiro; Motoyama, Kahoko; Suzuki, Mitsuyoshi

2016-09-01

Biotin deficiency has been reported in Japanese infants fed special formulas for medical reasons, including those with milk allergy and congenital metabolic diseases, because these formulas contain little biotin. Serum biotin measurement is useful for diagnosing biotin deficiency. We applied a simple and rapid method to analyze serum biotin, and established normal ranges for children and adults. Serum biotin in 188 healthy Japanese children aged 0-4 years and in 25 healthy adults was analyzed using a Biotin ELISA Kit (immundiagnostik). The effects of various conditions on the measurement of serum biotin were also examined. Median biotin in children aged 0-4 years was 10.4 ng/dL (IQR, 7.9-13.4 ng/dL), and that in adults was 12.9 ng/dL (IQR, 10.8-15.8 ng/dL). Normal range was 4.7-22.0 ng/dL in children and 8.4-20.5 ng/dL in adults (calculated using two-sided 95%CI). Measurements obtained with this method were not affected by frozen storage, freeze-thaw, or hemolysis, indicating that serum biotin can be analyzed accurately under these conditions, with a possible application to plasma samples. Serum biotin was significantly lower in children than in adults, with the normal range being 4.7-22.0 ng/dL in children and 8.4-20.5 ng/dL in adults. This simple and accurate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method is useful for diagnosing biotin deficiency. © 2016 The Authors. Pediatrics International published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japan Pediatric Society.

Effect of parenteral serum plant sterols on liver enzymes and cholesterol metabolism in a patient with short bowel syndrome.

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Hallikainen, Maarit; Huikko, Laura; Kontra, Kirsi; Nissinen, Markku; Piironen, Vieno; Miettinen, Tatu; Gylling, Helena

2008-01-01

Hepatobiliary complications are common during parenteral nutrition. Lipid moiety in commercially available solutions contains plant sterols. It is not known whether plant sterols in parenteral nutrition interfere with hepatic function in adults. We detected how different amounts of plant sterols in parenteral nutrition solution affected serum plant sterol concentrations and liver enzymes during a 1.5-year follow-up in a patient with short bowel syndrome. Serum lipid, plant sterol, and liver enzyme levels were measured regularly during the transition from Intralipid (100% soy-based intravenous fat emulsion) to ClinOleic (an olive oil-based intravenous fat emulsion with 80% olive oil, 20% soy oil and lower plant sterols); the lipid supply was also gradually increased from 20 to 35 g/d. Plant sterols in parenteral nutrition solution and serum were measured with gas-liquid chromatography. During infusion of soy-based intravenous fat emulsion (30 g/d, total plant sterols 87 mg/d), the concentrations of sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol were 4361, 1387, and 378 microg/dL, respectively, and serum liver enzyme values were >or= 2.5 times above upper limit of normal. After changing to olive oil-based intravenous fat emulsion (20-35 g/d, plant sterols 37-65 mg/d), concentrations decreased to 2148 to 2251 microg/dL for sitosterol, 569-297 microg/dL for campesterol, and 95-55 microg/dL for stigmasterol. Concomitantly, liver enzyme values decreased to 1.4 to 1.8 times above upper limit of normal at the end of follow-up. The nutrition status of the patient improved. The amount of plant sterols in lipid emulsion affects serum liver enzyme levels more than the amount of lipid.

[Effect of low-intensity 900 MHz frequency electromagnetic radiation on rat liver and blood serum enzyme activities].

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Nersesova, L S; Petrosian, M S; Gazariants, M G; Mkrtchian, Z S; Meliksetian, G O; Pogosian, L G; Akopian, Zh I

2014-01-01

The comparative analysis of the rat liver and blood serum creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and purine nucleoside phosphorylase post-radiation activity levels after a total two-hour long single and fractional exposure of the animals to low-intensity 900 MHz frequency electromagnetic field showed that the most sensitive enzymes to the both schedules of radiation are the liver creatine kinase, as well as the blood serum creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase. According to the comparative analysis of the dynamics of changes in the activity level of the liver and blood serum creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and purine nucleoside phosphorylase, both single and fractional radiation schedules do not affect the permeability of a hepatocyte cell membrane, but rather cause changes in their energetic metabolism. The correlation analysis of the post-radiation activity level changes of the investigated enzymes did not reveal a clear relationship between them. The dynamics of post-radiation changes in the activity of investigated enzyme levels following a single and short-term fractional schedules of radiation did not differ essentially.

Influenza A plasma and serum virus antibody detection comparison in dogs using blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

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H. T. Lin

2015-05-01

Full Text Available Background and Aim: The influenza A virus (IAV is an important zoonotic pathogen with infections also reported in dogs. IAV infections can be detected through the presence of antibodies using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA. Serum is the only standard sample source; however, there is no information on the availability of other sample sources for IAV antibody detection in dogs. Compared with serum, plasma is more widely employed in most animal hospitals. The object of this study is to investigate whether plasma collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA tubes (EDTA plasma or heparin tubes (heparin plasma could be used in the ELISA protocol instead of serum for IAV antibody detection in dogs. Materials and Methods: Totally, 82 matched EDTA plasma and serum sample pairs and 79 matched heparin plasma and serum sample pairs were employed using blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA. The agreement and correlation between the plasma (EDTA or heparin plasma and serum were assessed using the agreement index kappa (kD calculation and Pearson correlation coefficient, respectively. Results: The agreement index kD of EDTA plasma and serum was 1.0, and that of heparin plasma and serum was 0.85. The Pearson correlation coefficient of EDTA plasma and serum was 0.87 (p<0.01, and that of heparin plasma and serum was 0.82 (p<0.01. Conclusion: The results proved that plasma, especially EDTA plasma, could be substituted for serum in the bELISA test. This might greatly expand the clinical applicability of IAV antibody detection in dogs.

Serum levels of polyamine synthesis enzymes increase in diabetic patients with breast cancer

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V Kenan Çelik

2017-09-01

Full Text Available In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between diabetes and breast cancer and the detection of enzymes and ornithine levels in polyamine synthesis pathway in diabetes, breast cancer and diabetic breast cancer patients. Methods: Ornithine, arginine decarboxylase, ornithine decarboxylase and agmatinase levels have been measured in serum of all groups. Ornithine levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Arginine decarboxylase, ornithine decarboxylase and agmatinase levels were determined by ELISA kits. Results: Except for the diabetic group, the levels of enzymes in the polyamine synthesis pathway were increased in all and statistically significant (P < 0.05. The increase in the levels of agmatinase was very important among the enzymes (P < 0.001. Conclusions: Decreased levels of polyamine synthase enzymes in diabetes mellitus were found to be increased patients with breast cancer. Whether and how diabetes-based breast cancer development relates to increase activity of enzymes responsible for polyamine synthesis requires further mechanistic and prospective monitoring studies in larger patient cohorts.

The influence of intravenous canrenoate on the determination of digoxin in serum by radio- and enzyme-immunoassay

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rietbrock, N.; Lichey, J.; Borner, K.; Freie Univ. Berlin

1979-01-01

Ten patients were kept on a constant maintenance dose of digoxin. During a baseline period of 6 days, blood samples were taken daily for analysis of digoxin in serum. On the 6th day the maintenance dose of digoxin was withheld and a single intravenous dose of 200mg potassium-canrenoate (AldactoneR) was administered to all patients. Digoxin in serum was determined by a classical radioimmunoassay with 125 I-digoxin and solid phase technique (RIA-NEN) and partly by a heterogenous enzyme-immunoassay (EnzymunR-Digoxin, Boehringer, Mannheim). Results of the radioimmunoassay indicated a rise of apparent serum digoxin levels with an average maximum of 201% of the mean baseline value 30 min after injection of canrenoate and a gradual return to the baseline value within 6 to 10 hours. Contrary to the radioimmunoassay there was no interference when using the enzyme-immunoassay in a subgroup of identical serum samples: serum digoxin levels remained constant throughout the test. Interference of determinations of digoxin in serum by spironolactone and its metabolites appear to be related to two factors: 1. The mode of administration and the amount of interfering drug, 2. the specifity of the digoxin antibody used in the kit. (orig.) [de

Levels of muscle enzymes in the serum after esophageal pneumatic dilation in patients with achalasia.

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Kimchi, N A; Ron, Y; Abramowich, D; Shirin, H; Scapa, E; Avni, Y

2005-01-01

The success rate of pneumatic dilation of the esophagus in patients with achalasia is variable. We aim to assess whether levels of muscle enzymes in the serum are useful for predicting the efficacy of this procedure. Consecutive adults with symptomatic achalasia treated with pneumatic dilation were included. Blood samples were taken immediately before the procedure and after 12, 24 and 32 h. Clinical efficacy of the pneumatic dilation was evaluated on the basis of a symptom score defined prior to, and 2 months after the procedure. Eleven patients underwent 13 pneumatic dilations. In nine patients this was the first dilation attempt. Ten dilations were clinically effective. The study was discontinued after enzyme levels did not show a trend of increase in any of our patients. Moreover, a statistically significant unexpected decrease in creatine phosphokinase values was found 12 h after the procedure, among the 10 successful dilations. We believe that levels of muscle enzymes in the serum cannot predict the efficacy of pneumatic dilation in patients with achalasia.

Relationship between changed alveolar-capillary permeability and angiotensin converting enzyme activity in serum in sarcoidosis.

OpenAIRE

Eklund, A; Blaschke, E

1986-01-01

The effect of altered alveolar-capillary permeability on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in serum (SACE) was studied in 45 patients with sarcoidosis and 21 healthy controls. In sarcoidosis increased albumin concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (L albumin) and increased ratios of L albumin to albumin in serum (S albumin) indicated an increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane. ACE activity in the lavage fluid (LACE) was correlated with the number of al...

Utility of serum pancreatic enzyme levels in diagnosing blunt trauma to the pancreas: a prospective study with systematic review.

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Mahajan, Abhishek; Kadavigere, Rajagopal; Sripathi, Smiti; Rodrigues, Gabriel Sunil; Rao, Vedula Rajanikanth; Koteshwar, Prakashini

2014-09-01

Reliability of serum pancreatic enzyme levels in predicting pancreatic injuries has been a parameter of interest and the present recommendations on its utility are based primarily on anecdotal observations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of serum pancreatic enzyme assessment in predicting blunt pancreatic injury with imaging and surgical correlation and compare our results with a systematic review of literature till date. A prospective cohort study conducted over 4 years in a tertiary care referral centre with 164 consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department with a history of blunt abdominal trauma and had serum pancreatic enzyme assessment, USG and subsequent diagnostic CECT were analyzed. The CT findings and AAST grade of pancreatic injury, various intra-abdominal injuries and time elapsed since injury and other associated factors were correlated with serum pancreatic enzyme levels. For systematic review of literature MEDLINE database was searched between 1940 and 2012, also the related citations and bibliographies of relevant articles were analyzed and 40 articles were included for review. We compared our results with the systematic critique of literature till date to formulate recommendations. 33(21%) patients had pancreatic injury documented on CT and were graded according to AAST. Statistically significant elevated serum amylase levels were observed in patients with pancreatic and bowel injuries. However, elevated serum lipase was observed specifically in patients with pancreatic injury with or without bowel injury. Combined serum amylase and lipase showed 100% specificity, 85% sensitivity in predicting pancreatic injury. Elevated (n=28, 85%) vs. normal (n=5, 15%) serum amylase and lipase levels showed sole statistically significant association with time elapse since injury to admission, with a cutoff of 3h. Based on our results and the systematic review of the literature till date we conclude, persistently elevated or

Serum Antioxidative Enzymes Levels and Oxidative Stress Products in Age-Related Cataract Patients

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Dong Chang

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Purpose. To investigate the activity of antioxidative enzymes and the products of oxidative stress in patients with age-related cataracts and compare the findings with those in healthy control subjects. Method. Sixty patients with age-related cataract and sixty healthy controls of matched age and gender were included in this study. Serum samples were obtained to detect the antioxidative enzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD, catalase (CAT, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px, and oxidation degradation products of malondialdehyde (MDA, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE, conjugated diene (CD, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP, protein carbonyl (PC, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG. Results. Serum SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities in cataract group were significantly decreased as compared to the control subjects (P<0.05. The levels of MDA, 4-HNE, and CD in cataract patients were significantly higher than those in the control subjects (P<0.05, P<0.01. Cataract patients had higher levels of 8-OHdG, AOPP, and PC with respect to the comparative group of normal subjects (P<0.01. And there was no statistical significance in concentration of antioxidative enzymes and oxidative stress products in patients with different subtype cataract. Conclusions. Oxidative stress is an important risk factor in the development of age-related cataract, and augmentation of the antioxidant defence systems may be of benefit to prevent or delay cataractogenesis.

The Effects of Short-Term Intensive Exercise on Levels of Liver Enzymes and Serum Lipids in Kick Boxing Athletes

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Ömer Kaynar

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the ef­fects of short-term intensive exercise on liver enzymes and serum lipid levels with kick boxing athletes. Methods: 23 voluntary athletes who were between the ages of 15-46 and who engaged in kick–boxing have tak­en place this study. Athletes were made to do 45 minutes of warming-up, breathing, and stretching and 50 minutes of technical and tactical practices and then they were made to do a training match, which is equal to a 2 min­utes 3 circuits (1 minute rest kick-box match. In venous blood samples which were taken from athletes before and after training, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP and gamma glutamine transpeptidase (GGT, enzyme activity and total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C and triglycerides serum levels were analyzed via spectropho­tometric method in Beckman Coulter AU 5800 auto ana­lyzer. Body composition measurements of athletes were made with Tanita TBF 300 brand device, which works with bio-impedance analysis (BIA system. Results: As a result of our study, statistically increases in serum ALT, AST, ALP and GGT enzyme activities and in serum total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were detected following short-term intensive exercise, but no significant difference was observed in TG levels after in­tensive exercise. Conclusion: The blows to the abdomen during kickbox­ing sports competitions result in increased liver enzymes and increased serum lipids may occur to meet energy de­mand of the body during exercise.

Comparative digoxin determination in serum by means of a radioimmuno- and an enzyme immunoassay

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reinhard, M.

1981-01-01

Two immunologic measuring methods for the quantitative digoxin determination in serum were compared. One method bases on the principle of radioisotope dilution, the second one on the principle of enzyme inhibition. The radioimmunoassay served as reference method. The limit of detection for RIA is 0.23 ng/ml, for EIA 0.40 ng/ml. For both methods the measuring range extends up to approx. 5.5 ng/ml. The degree of precision in series is 8.2% for RIA, 10.8% for EIA. Day-to-day precision is 4.4% for RIA, 15.2% for EIA. On comparison, the 59 serum samples of patients who received digoxin did not show any systematic difference. The results obtained can be transformed by means of the equations Csub(EIA) = 0.041 ng/ml + 0.936 Csub(RIA). In pathologic sera, however, there are significant differences disfavoring EIA, because due to high color concentrations or turbidities these sera do not permit any or any exact extinction measurements. The enzyme immunoassay should not be used with such sera. With regard to practicability the EIA corresponds more or less to RIA. The EIA can essentially be economized by using semi-microcuvettes and applying only the half of the recommended enzyme and antibody volume. (orig.) [de

Metabolic Syndrome and Serum Liver Enzymes Level at Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

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Music, Miralem; Dervisevic, Amela; Pepic, Esad; Lepara, Orhan; Fajkic, Almir; Ascic-Buturovic, Belma; Tuna, Enes

2015-01-01

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with and without metabolic syndrome (MS) by determining serum levels of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). We also investigated correlation between levels of liver enzymes and some components of MS in both groups of patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 96 patients (age 47–83 years) with T2DM. All patients were divided according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) in two groups: 50 patients with T2 DM and MS (T2DM-MS) and 46 patients with T2DM without MS (T2DM-Non MS). The analysis included blood pressure monitoring and laboratory tests: fasting blood glucose (FBG), total lipoprotein cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), fibrinogen and liver enzymes: GGT, ALT and AST. T2DM-MS group included patients which had FBG ≥ 6,1 mmol/L, TG ≥ 1,7 mmol/L and blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mm Hg. Results: T2DM-MS patients had significant higher values of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and medium arterial pressure compared to T2DM-Non MS patients. Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and FBG were significantly higher in the T2DM-MS group compared to the T2DM-Non MS group. Serum fibrinogen level and GGT level were significantly higher in patients with T2DM-MS compared to the serum fibrinogen level and GGT level in T2DM-Non MS patients. Mean serum AST and ALT level were higher, but not significantly, in patients with T2DM and MS compared to the patients with T2DM without MS. Significant negative correlations were observed between TC and AST (r= -0,28, p<0,05), as well as between TC and ALT level (r= -0,29, p<0,05) in T2DM-MS group of patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that patients with T2DM and MS have markedly elevated liver enzymes. T2DM and MS probably play a role in

Serum and tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme in patients with alopecia areata.

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Fahim, Shabnam; Montazer, Fatemeh; Tohidinik, Hamid Reza; Naraghi, Zahra Safaei; Abedini, Robabeh; Nasimi, Maryam; Ghandi, Narges

2018-03-27

Alopecia areata is an immune-dependent disorder characterized by the interaction of T-lymphocytes with follicular antigens. Recent studies have shown the existence of a local renin-angiotensin system in the skin, where angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a role in autoimmunity and inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate serum and tissue ACE activity in patients with alopecia areata. This case-control study was conducted on patients with alopecia areata and healthy controls. Serum and tissue ACE activity were assessed and compared between the two groups. Twenty-five alopecia areata patients (60% male, mean age 32.1 ± 9.9 years) and 24 controls (50% male, mean age 37.4 ± 8.8 years) were included. Mean serum ACE activity was 52.1 ± 9 U/L in cases and 55.3 ± 14.7 U/L in controls (P = 0.37). Tissue ACE activity was significantly lower in cases in all parts of the skin i.e. epidermis (P = 0.016), follicular epithelium (P = 0.004), and endothelium (P = 0.037). Among cases, serum ACE activity was significantly higher in patients with more severe disease (P = 0.030), nonpatchy alopecia areata (alopecia universalis; ophiasis, patchy and ophiasis, diffuse) (P = 0.029), and with nail involvement (P = 0.027). The sample size was too small to draw definite conclusions. Further, most of the patients had only mild or moderate alopecia areata. Unlike in some other inflammatory diseases, the tissue level of ACE seems to be significantly lower in alopecia areata compared to normal controls. Serum ACE was significantly higher in patients with more severe disease.

Thermometric enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in continuous flow system: optimization and evaluation using human serum albumin as a model system.

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Borrebaeck, C; Börjeson, J; Mattiasson, B

1978-06-15

Thermometric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TELISA) is described. After the procedure of optimization, human serum albumin was assayed using anti-human serum albumin bound to Sepharose CL 4-B in the enzyme thermistor unit and catalase as label on the free antigen. The model system was used for assays down to 10(-13)M and the preparation of immobilized antibodies was used repeatedly up to 100 times. Comparative studies of the TELISA technique with bromocresol green, immunoturbidimetric and rocket immunoelectrophoretic methods were carried out and showed that TELISA could be used as an alternative method.

Serum activities of liver enzymes in workers exposed to sub-TLV levels of dimethylformamide

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Jinjiang He

2015-04-01

Full Text Available Objectives: The aim of this study has been to investigate serum activities of liver enzymes in workers exposed to sub-TLV levels of dimethylformamide (DMF. Material and Methods: Seventy-two workers and 72 healthy controls participated in the study. All subjects underwent complete physical examinations and abdominal ultrasound examination. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT, and c-glutamyl transpeptidase (c-GT were determined by an auto-chemistry analyzer. The data of airborne concentrations of DMF was obtained from the local Center of Disease Control and Prevention. The level of urine N-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoylcysteine (AMCC was measured by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Time weighted average (TWA concentration of the DMF in workplace was 18.6 (range: 9.8–36.2 mg/m3. The concentration of the AMCC in workers’ urine was 28.32 (range: 1.8–58.6 mg/l and 9 workers’ AMCC exceeded the biological exposure index (40 mg/l. Thirty-one workers reported gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia and 10 workers reported headache, dizziness and/or palpitation in the exposed group. Serum analysis revealed that both the mean of serum activities of liver enzymes (ALT, AST and c-GT and the percentage of workers with abnormal liver function were significantly higher in the exposed group as compared to the controls. Conclusions: Dimethylformamide can cause liver damage even if air concentration is in the sub-threshold limit value (sub-TLV level. The protection of skin contact against the exposure to the DMF might be a critical issue as far as the occupational health is concerned.

Physical, biochemical and genetic characterization of enterocin CE5-1 produced by Enterococcus faecium CE5-1 isolated from Thai indigenous chicken intestinal tract

OpenAIRE

Kraiyot Saelim; Sireewan Kaewsuwan; Akio Tani; Suppasil Maneerat

2015-01-01

Enterocin CE5-1 produced by Enterococcus faecium CE5-1 isolated from the chicken gastrointestinal tract was active in the wide range of pH 2-10 and temperature 30-100°C and sensitive to proteolytic enzymes and -amylase. It remained active after storage at -20°C for 2 months. Moreover, enterocin CE5-1 showed antibacterial activity against lactobacilli, bacilli, listeria, staphylococci and enterococci, especially antibiotic-resistant enterococci. In vitro study of enterocin CE5-1 decr...

Performance and Serum Hepatic Enzymes of Hy-Line W-36 Laying Hens Intoxicated with Dietary Carbon Tetrachloride

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Hadavi A

2015-12-01

Full Text Available An experiment was conducted to study the effects of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 on post-peak performance and serum enzymes of Hy-Line W-36 laying hens from 32-36 weeks of age. The experiment was carried out with a total of 192 laying hens in a completely randomized block design. During the experiment laying hens were allocated to 4 groups consisted of T1 no CCl4 as control diet, T2, T3 and T4 control diet supplemented with 1, 3 and 5 mL CCl4/100 g diet, respectively. Each experimental group was divided into 6 blocks of 8 hens each. Egg production, cracked egg percentage and feed intake were recorded weekly. Blood samples were taken from wing veins of hens at the middle and end of the experiment to measure serum hepatic enzymes of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Data showed that in comparison with the control group, the inclusion of CCl4 to the diets had no significant effect on performance parameters. However, by increasing the level of CCl4, egg production was linearly decreased and feed intake was linearly increased (P < 0.05. The effect of CCl4 on cracked eggs was significant and this effect was linearly increased (P < 0.05. Dietary supplementation of 3 and 5 mL CCl4 elevated the serum concentration of hepatic enzymes of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, linearly (P < 0.0001. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of CCl4 has the ability to decrease the performance and egg quality. CCl4 is also a potent hepatic toxicity inducer and may damage liver hepatocytes. Therefore, the level of 3 mL CCl4 was assigned as the one had the maximum negative effect on serum hepatic enzymes concentration (maximum liver damage alongside the minimum negative effect on laying hen performance for further studies.

Erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and serum enzyme concentrations in trained and sedentary men.

Science.gov (United States)

Lijnen, P; Hespel, P; Van Oppens, S; Fiocchi, R; Goossens, W; Vanden Eynde, E; Amery, A

1986-04-01

The acute effect of exercise on the intraerythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentration and on various serum enzymes and some related variables was investigated in 14 male athletes before and after a 50-min cross-country run and compared at rest to 15 sedentary subjects. Compared to the sedentary subjects, the athletes had higher resting levels of serum creatine phosphokinase, plasma myoglobin, and renin substrate but had a lower plasma renin activity. The red blood cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentration increased after exercise in the runners and was not different at rest between the athletes and the sedentary subjects. Our data therefore suggest that the resting plasma renin activity is reduced in athletes when compared to sedentary subjects. Training seems however not to alter the resting level of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in the red blood cells.

Muscular sufficiency, serum protein, enzymes and bioenergetic studies in chronic malnutrition. [31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy

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Gupta, R K; Mittal, R D; Agarwal, K N; Agarwal, D K [Banaras Hindu Univ., Varanasi (India)

1994-03-01

Muscle sufficiency was significantly lower in 1336 children with chronic malnutrition of moderate to severe degree. 18 children with a chronic moderate degree of malnutrition and 8 well-nourished age-matched controls were selected for biochemical and 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31-P MRS) studies. The results shows that: (a) serum total protein, albumin, iron, calcium and inorganic phosphate were similar in both groups; (b) serum enzyme levels were significantly increased in the malnuourished group; (c) 31-P MRS showed significantly higher means for total ATP, [beta]-ATP, [alpha]-ATP and inorganic phosphate for the malnourished compared to the control group. In chronic malnutrition, proteins are maintained by degradation in muscle resulting in release of amino acids and enzymes. 31-P MRS studies showing increases in total ATP, [beta]-ATP and inorganic phosphate and a decrease in phosphocreatine suggest that ATP is maintained at the cost of phosphocreatine. 22 refs., 4 tabs. 1 fig.

Effect of benazepril and pimobendan on serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in dogs.

Science.gov (United States)

King, J N; Christinaz, C; Strehlau, G; Hornfeld, J

2018-06-01

To support their combined use, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of benazepril and pimobendan on serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in dogs. A total of 48 healthy beagle dogs were randomized into four groups (n = 12 per group) in a parallel-group design study: A (control, placebo twice daily (BID)); B (0.5-1.0 mg/kg benazepril once daily (SID) in the morning, placebo in the evening); C (0.25-0.5 mg/kg benazepril BID); D (0.25-0.5 mg/kg benazepril and 0.125-0.25 mg/kg pimobendan, both BID). The test items were administered orally for 15 days. Serum ACE activity was measured on days 1 and 15. Groups B, C and D had significantly lower average serum ACE activity compared to baseline and to the control group, on both days 1 and 15. There were no significant differences in average ACE activity between groups B, C and D. Noninferiority of group C to B was demonstrated. In conclusion, 0.25-0.5 mg/kg benazepril administered BID produced noninferior inhibition of serum ACE activity compared to 0.5-1.0 mg/kg benazepril dosed SID. Pimobendan had no significant effect on benazepril's action on serum ACE activity. The results support the use of benazepril BID in dogs and in combination with pimobendan. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Exercise-induced serum enzyme elevations confounding the evaluation of investigational drug toxicity. Report of two cases in a vaccine trial.

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Johnson, Casey; Monath, Thomas P; Kanesa-Thasan, Niranjan; Mathis, Danell; Miller, Chuck; Shapiro, Seth; Nichols, Richard; McCarthy, Karen; Deary, Alison; Bedford, Philip

2005-01-01

Two subjects developed marked elevations in creatine kinase and other serum enzymes associated with mild myalgia during a randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase 1 clinical trial of an investigational live, attenuated vaccine against West Nile virus (ChimeriVax-WN02). One subject had received ChimeriVax-WN02 while the other subject was enrolled in an active control group and received licensed yellow fever 17D vaccine (YF-VAX). Subsequently, the clinical trial was interrupted, and an investigation was begun to evaluate the enzyme abnormalities. As daily serum samples were collected for determination of quantitative viremia, it was possible to define the enzyme elevations with precision and to relate these elevations to physical activity of the subjects, symptoms, and virological and serological measurements. Evaluation of both subjects clearly showed that skeletal muscle injury, and not cardiac or hepatic dysfunction, was responsible for the biochemical abnormalities. This investigation also implicated strenuous exercise as the cause of the apparent muscle injury rather than the study vaccines. As a result of this experience, subjects engaged in future early-stage trials of these live, attenuated viral vaccines will be advised not to engage in contact sports or new or enhanced exercise regimens for which they are not trained or conditioned. The inclusion of placebo control arm (in lieu of or addition to an active vaccine control) will also be useful in differentiating causally related serum enzyme elevations.

A cross-sectional study of the relationship between serum liver enzymes level and the incidence of impaired fasting glucose in males and females.

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Qin, Guangming; Lu, Lihong; Xiao, Yufei; Zhu, Yimiao; Pan, Wensheng; Xu, Xiang; Shen, Shengrong; Das, Undurti N

2014-07-28

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible correlation between levels of serum liver enzymes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in Chinese adults and to provide a new perspective for the prevention of pre-diabetes. Serum liver enzymes of the samples including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and g-glutamyl transferase (GGT), as well as plasma glucose, blood lipids, and insulin, were measured. The cumulative incidences of IFG between different quartiles of liver enzymes were compared by the chi-square test. A logistic regression model (binary regression) was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of IFG with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The total incidence of IFG was 20.3% and the cumulative incidence of IFG was higher in men compared to women. In both sexes, IFG is more prevalent in higher quartiles of liver enzymes. After adjusting for age, BMI, blood pressure, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC), the cumulative incidences of IFG were significantly higher in the highest quartiles of liver enzymes than in the lowest quartiles. A significantly higher cumulative incidence of IFG was found in the highest GGT quartile than in the lowest quartile for woman. The results of this study suggest that serum liver enzymes are related to the risk of IFG in Chinese adults. We infer that preserving the hepatic function may be an efficient way to prevent the development of IFG, especially in males.

Bronchoalveolar lavage, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme, and 67Ga scanning in extrathoracic sarcoidosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wallaert, B.; Ramon, P.; Fournier, E.; Tonnel, A.B.; Voisin, C.

1982-01-01

Results of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), 67Ga scanning, and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) assay are compared in the assessment of pulmonary involvement in ten cases of extrathoracic sarcoidosis. Standard clinical, radiologic, and pulmonary function tests detected no pulmonary changes in these patients, but BAL demonstrated an increased alveolar lymphocytosis in eight of ten cases. SACE levels were increased in two cases, and the thoracic gallium uptake was normal in all cases. BAL appears to be the best technique for diagnosing latent pulmonary involvement in extrathoracic sarcoidosis

Serum vitamin C and other biomarkers differ by genotype of phase 2 enzyme genes GSTM1 and GSTT1123

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Shaikh, Nishat; Jensen, Christopher D; Volberg, Vitaly; Holland, Nina

2011-01-01

Background: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) detoxify environmental chemicals and are involved in oxidative stress pathways. Deletion polymorphisms affect enzyme activities and have been associated with risk of disease. Objective: The objective was to clarify whether biomarkers of oxidation, antioxidation, inflammation, and nutritional factors differ by GST genotype in healthy adults. Design: Subjects (n = 383) consisted of nonsmokers and nonusers of antiinflammatory drugs and antioxidant vitamin supplements. Deletion polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were genotyped. F2-isoprostanes, malondialdehyde, C-reactive protein, serum vitamin C, carotenoids, tocopherols, and other nutritional factors were assessed. Results: The concentration of serum vitamin C was higher in persons with the inactive GSTM1-0 genotype (P = 0.006). This relation was unchanged after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, or dietary vitamin C. F2-isoprostanes and malondialdehyde were lower in the GSTM1-0 and GSTT1-0 groups, respectively, but significance was lost after control for serum vitamin C. The dual deletion, GSTM1-0/GSTT1-0 (n = 37), was associated with higher serum iron and total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations (all P ascorbic acid in the GST enzyme system. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00079963. PMID:21813807

Comparison of Salivary and Serum Enzyme Immunoassays for the Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection

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John M Embil

1998-01-01

Full Text Available Infection with Helicobacter pylori has been established as an important risk factor for the development of peptic ulcer disease, gastritis and gastric cancer. The diagnosis of H pylori infection can be established by invasive or noninvasive techniques. Two noninvasive enzyme immunoassays (EIAs for antibody detection – HeliSal and Pylori Stat – were compared with histology. Both assays detect immunoglobulin (Ig G directed against purified H pylori antigen. The test populations consisted of 104 consecutive patients scheduled for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Of these patients, 97 (93% had symptoms compatible with peptic ulcer disease. Saliva and serum were collected simultaneously at the time of endoscopy. Salivary EIA had a sensitivity of 66%, specificity of 67%, positive predictive value of 67% and negative predictive value of 66% compared with the serum EIA, where the results were 98%, 48%, 64% and 96%, respectively. Although the salivary EIA is an appealing noninvasive test, it was not a sensitive and specific assay. The serum EIA also lacked specificity, but was highly sensitive with a good negative predictive value. Although a negative serum EIA rules out H pylori infection, a positive result must be interpreted in the clinical context and confirmed with a more specific measure.

Towards hybrid biocompatible magnetic rHuman serum albumin-based nanoparticles: use of ultra-small (CeLn)3/4+ cation-doped maghemite nanoparticles as functional shell

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Israel, Liron L.; Kovalenko, Elena I.; Boyko, Anna A.; Sapozhnikov, Alexander M.; Rosenberger, Ina; Kreuter, Jörg; Passoni, Lorena; Lellouche, Jean-Paul

2015-01-01

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a protein found in human blood. Over the last decade, HSA has been evaluated as a promising drug carrier. However, not being magnetic, HSA cannot be used for biomedical applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic drug targeting. Therefore, subsequent composites building on iron oxide nanoparticles that are already used clinically as MRI contrast agents are extensively studied. Recently and in this context, innovative fully hydrophilic ultra-small CAN-stabilized maghemite ((CeLn)3/4+-γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles have been readily fabricated. The present study discusses the design, fabrication, and characterization of a dual phase hybrid core (rHSA)-shell ((CeLn)3/4+-γ-Fe2O3 NPs) nanosystem. Quite importantly and in contrast to widely used encapsulation strategies, rHSA NP surface-attached (CeLn)3/4+-γ-Fe2O3 NPs enabled to exploit both rHSA (protein functionalities) and (CeLn)3/4+-γ-Fe2O3 NP surface functionalities (COOH and ligand L coordinative exchange) in addition to very effective MRI contrast capability due to optimal accessibility of H2O molecules with the outer magnetic phase. Resulting hybrid nanoparticles might be used as a platform modular system for therapeutic (drug delivery system) and MR diagnostic purposes.

Serum angiotensin--converting enzyme (SACE) in sarcoidosis and other granulomatous disorders.

Science.gov (United States)

Studdy, P; Bird; James, D G; Sherlock, S

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) activity was significantly higher in 90 patients with sarcoidosis (55 +/- [S.D.] 23 nmol min-1 ml-1) than in 80 healthy controls (34 +/- 9 nmol min-1 ml-1). Steroid therapy modified SACE activity; 60 sarcoidosis patients who were not being treated with steroids had significantly higher enzyme activities (58 +/- 24 nmol min-1 ml-1) than 30 steroid-treated sarcoidosis patients (40 +/- 19 nmol min-1 ml-1). In 50% of the non-steroid treated sarcoidosis patients SACE activity was more than than 2 S.D. above the mean value for the controls. SACE activity was measured in 22 tuberculous patients (38 +/- 14 nmol min-1 ml-1), 20 leprosy patients (34 +/- 9 nmol min-1 ml-1), 31 with primary biliary cirrhosis (44 +/- 20 nmol min-1 ml-1), 26 with inflammatory bowel disease (31 +/- 9 nmol min-1 ml-1), eight with hepatic granulomatous disease, five with Hodgkin's disease, and two with schistosomiasis. The combined false-positive rate for these non-sarcoidosis patients was 10%. Serial SACE assays provide useful information on the course of sarcoidosis and response to steroid treatment.

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) in sarcoidosis and other granulomatous disorders.

Science.gov (United States)

Studdy, P; Bird, R; James, D G

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) activity was significantly higher in 90 patients with sarcoidosis (55 +/- [S.D.] 23 nmol min-1 ml-1) than in 80 healthy controls (34 +/- 9 nmol min-1 ml-1). Steroid therapy modified SACE activity; 60 sarcoidosis patients who were not being treated with steroids had significantly higher enzyme activities (58 +/- 24 nmol min-1 ml-1) than 30 steroid-treated sarcoidosis patients (40 +/- 19 nmol min-1 ml-1). In 50% of the non-steroid treated sarcoidosis patients SACE activity was more than 2 S.D. above the mean value for the controls. SACE activity was measured in 22 tuberculous patients (38 +/- 14 nmol min-1 ml-1), 20 leprosy patients (34 +/- 9 nmol min-1 ml-1), 31 with primary biliary cirrhosis (44 +/- 20 nmol min-1 ml-1), 26 with inflammatory bowel disease (31 +/- 9 nmol min-1 ml-1), 8 with hepatic granulomatous disease, 5 with Hodgkin's disease, and 2 with schistosomiasis. The combined false-positive rate for these non-sarcoidosis patients was 10%. Serial SACE assays provide useful information on the course of sarcoidosis and response to steroid treatment.

The role of enzyme and substrate concentration in the evaluation of serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition by enalaprilat in vitro.

Science.gov (United States)

Weisser, K; Schloos, J

1991-10-09

The relationship between serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity and concentration of the ACE inhibitor enalaprilat was determined in vitro in the presence of different concentrations (S = 4-200 mM) of the substrate Hip-Gly-Gly. From Henderson plots, a competitive tight-binding relationship between enalaprilat and serum ACE was found yielding a value of approximately 5 nM for serum ACE concentration (Et) and an inhibition constant (Ki) for enalaprilat of approximately 0.1 nM. A plot of reaction velocity (Vi) versus total inhibitor concentration (It) exhibited a non-parallel shift of the inhibition curve to the right with increasing S. This was reflected by apparent Hill coefficients greater than 1 when the commonly used inhibitory sigmoid concentration-effect model (Emax model) was applied to the data. Slopes greater than 1 were obviously due to discrepancies between the free inhibitor concentration (If) present in the assay and It plotted on the abscissa and could, therefore, be indicators of tight-binding conditions. Thus, the sigmoid Emax model leads to an overestimation of Ki. Therefore, a modification of the inhibitory sigmoid Emax model (called "Emax tight model") was applied, which accounts for the depletion of If by binding, refers to It and allows estimation of the parameters Et and IC50f (free concentration of inhibitor when 50% inhibition occurs) using non-linear regression analysis. This model could describe the non-symmetrical shape of the inhibition curves and the results for Ki and Et correlated very well with those derived from the Henderson plots. The latter findings confirm that the degree of ACE inhibition measured in vitro is, in fact, dependent on the concentration of substrate and enzyme present in the assay. This is of importance not only for the correct evaluation of Ki but also for the interpretation of the time course of serum ACE inhibition measured ex vivo. The non-linear model has some advantages over the linear Henderson

Effects of Artemisia dracunculus Aqueous Extract on Blood Sugar, Serum Insulin, Triglyceride and Liver Enzymes in Fructose Drinking Water Male Rats

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Mohammad Reza Shahraki

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Background Artemisia are various groups of plants which are used as an herbal medicine in all countries; the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Artemisia dracunculus (AD leaves aqueous extract on blood sugar, serum insulin, and triglyceride and liver enzymes in Fructose Drinking water (FDW male rats. Methods At the beginning of experiment, 48 Wistar-albino male rats, weighing 200 - 250g were divided into control (C and FDW groups (n = 24. FDW group received FDW (10%, w/v for a month but control group did not receive any agents during the trial period. A half of control and FDW groups received AD L aqueous extract daily during trial period. At the end, animals were anesthetized, sacrificed and blood samples were collected from cervical vessels. Serum insulin, Blood glucose, insulin resistance index, triglyceride and liver enzymes were measured by ordinary methods. Obtained data were analyzed using SPSS-17 via one way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results Our results showed that serum insulin, blood sugar, insulin resistance index, triglyceride, Aspartate amino transferase (AST and Alanine amino transferase (ALT values in FDW group significantly increased compared to C and C + E groups but these values in group FDW + E were significantly decreases compared to group FDW (P < 0.001. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that AD L aqueous extract improves blood sugar, serum insulin, insulin resistance index and liver enzymes in rat model.

Thermometric enzyme linked immunosorbent assay: TELISA.

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Mattiasson, B; Borrebaeck, C; Sanfridson, B; Mosbach, K

1977-08-11

A new method, thermometric enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (TELISA), for the assay of endogenous and exogenous compounds in biological fluids is described. It is based on the previously described enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique, ELISA, but utilizes enzymic heat formation which is measured in an enzyme thermistor unit. In the model system studied determination of human serum albumin down to a concentration of 10(-10) M (5 ng/ml) was achieved, with both normal and catalase labelled human serum albumin competing for the binding sites on the immunosorbent, which was rabbit antihuman serum albumin immobilized onto Sepharose CL-4B.

Association between hepatic steatosis and serum liver enzyme levels with atrial fibrillation in the general population: The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).

Science.gov (United States)

Markus, Marcello Ricardo Paulista; Meffert, Peter J; Baumeister, Sebastian Edgar; Lieb, Wolfgang; Siewert, Ulrike; Schipf, Sabine; Koch, Manja; Kors, Jan A; Felix, Stephan Burkhard; Dörr, Marcus; Targher, Giovanni; Völzke, Henry

2016-02-01

Hepatic steatosis (HS) affects up to 35% of adults in the general population. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia and has a substantial impact on healthcare costs. We analyzed cross-sectional associations of HS and serum liver enzyme levels with prevalent AF in a general population sample. We analyzed data from 3090 women and men, aged 20-81 years, from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania. HS was determined by ultrasonography. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) were measured photometrically. AF was determined by automatic electrocardiographic analysis software. The prevalences of HS and AF were 30.3% and 1.49%, respectively. ALT, AST and GGT showed a positive linear association with the risk of prevalent AF, after multivariable adjustment. The adjusted odds ratios for AF per 1-standard deviation increment in log-transformed serum liver enzyme levels were 1.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16 to 2.35; p = 0.006) for ALT, 1.47 (95%CI: 1.07 to 2.02; p = 0.017) for AST and 2.17 (95%CI: 1.64 to 2.87; p < 0.001) for GGT. In contrast, ultrasonographic HS was not associated with AF. Our findings indicate that moderately elevated serum liver enzymes, but not sonographic liver hyperechogenicity, were associated with increased AF prevalence in the general adult population. The hepatic release of increased levels of serum liver enzymes might be accompanied by higher levels of pro-inflammatory, pro-coagulant and pro-fibronogenic mediators that might lead to structural and electrical remodeling of the atrium resulting in the development and persistence of AF. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of Serum IgG Antibodies to Cystic Echinococcus Antigen among Patients in an Uzbekistan Emergency Hospital.

Science.gov (United States)

Park, Se Jin; Han, Sung Sik; Anvarov, Khikmat; Khajibaev, Abdukhakim; Choi, Min-Ho; Hong, Sung-Tae

2015-12-01

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most widespread zoonotic helminthiases, which can last an asymptomatic infection for several years. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate serum antibody prevalence of CE among asymptomatic people in Uzbekistan using ELISA. A total of 2,547 serum samples were collected, 66 from confirmed CE patients and 2,481 of patients with other diseases than CE at a hospital in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The serum samples were screened for CE specific IgG antibodies by ELISA using cystic fluid antigen obtained from sheep. The serum antibody positive rate was 89.4% (59/66) in CE and 3.6% (89/2,481) in other disease patients. The present ELISA recognized 89.4% sensitivity and 96.4% specificity. The ELISA absorbance of positive samples was distributed 0.271-0.971 for CE and 0.273-0.887 for other disease patients. The other disease patients with high absorbance over 0.3 were 50 (2.0%) who were presumed to be active CE patients. The patients in their 40s showed the highest positive rate of 5.2% (P=0.181), and women were 4.4% while men were 3.1% positive (P=0.136). The data confirmed that there are many asymptomatic patients of CE in Tashkent. It is indicated that CE is an endemic disease of public health importance in Uzbekistan.

Severe HDN due to anti-Ce that required exchange tranfusion.

Science.gov (United States)

Wagner, T; Resch, B; Legler, T J; Mossier, C; Helmberg, W; Köhler, M; Lanzer, G

2000-05-01

Rh system antibodies are commonly encountered in blood bank practice as well as during pregnancy. Nevertheless, no examples of anti-Ce (RH7) have been reported as a cause of HDN that requires exchange transfusion. A 38-year-old woman in her fourth pregnancy was typed as blood group O D+, C-, c+, E+, e-. Anti-C and anti-e were detected in her serum during a routine prenatal work-up. Further evaluation, including flow cytometric analysis, revealed the presence of a strong anti-Ce and a weak anti-e. Her partner was typed as group A D+, C+, c-, E-, e+. A seemingly healthy male infant was delivered at 40 weeks of gestation. The infant's RBCs were typed as group O D-, C+, c+, E+, e+ with a positive DAT (titer 128). Twenty-five hours after birth, the baby had to be transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit because of rapidly rising total serum bilirubin. Despite intensive treatment, including double phototherapy, albumin infusion, and the administration of furosemide and IVIG, the total serum bilirubin level increased during the following day and exchange transfusion with 2 units of type O D-, C-, c+, E+, e- had to be performed; this resulted in a prompt decrease in total serum bilirubin without relapse. Anti-Ce caused severe HDN requiring exchange transfusion. This highlights the need for a close follow-up throughout pregnancy if unexpected RBC antibodies are present, to permit the provision of compatible blood in case of a rare antibody.

Physical, biochemical and genetic characterization of enterocin CE5-1 produced by Enterococcus faecium CE5-1 isolated from Thai indigenous chicken intestinal tract

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Kraiyot Saelim

2015-06-01

Full Text Available Enterocin CE5-1 produced by Enterococcus faecium CE5-1 isolated from the chicken gastrointestinal tract was active in the wide range of pH 2-10 and temperature 30-100°C and sensitive to proteolytic enzymes and -amylase. It remained active after storage at -20°C for 2 months. Moreover, enterocin CE5-1 showed antibacterial activity against lactobacilli, bacilli, listeria, staphylococci and enterococci, especially antibiotic-resistant enterococci. In vitro study of enterocin CE5-1 decreased the population of Ent. faecalis VanB from 6.03 to 4.03 log CFU/ml. The lethal mode of action of enterocin CE5-1 appeared to be pore and filament formation in the cell wall. PCR sequencing analysis revealed the presence of two open reading frames (ORFs, containing enterocin CE5-1 (entCE5-1 and enterocin immunity (entI gene. Therefore, enterocin CE5-1 from Ent. faecium CE5-1 could possibly be used as an antimicrobial agent to control foodborne pathogen, spoilage bacteria and antibiotic-resistant enterococci in foods, feeds and the environments.

Towards hybrid biocompatible magnetic rHuman serum albumin-based nanoparticles: use of ultra-small (CeLn)3/4+ cation-doped maghemite nanoparticles as functional shell

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Israel, Liron L; Lellouche, Jean-Paul; Kovalenko, Elena I; Boyko, Anna A; Sapozhnikov, Alexander M; Rosenberger, Ina; Kreuter, Jörg; Passoni, Lorena

2015-01-01

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a protein found in human blood. Over the last decade, HSA has been evaluated as a promising drug carrier. However, not being magnetic, HSA cannot be used for biomedical applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic drug targeting. Therefore, subsequent composites building on iron oxide nanoparticles that are already used clinically as MRI contrast agents are extensively studied. Recently and in this context, innovative fully hydrophilic ultra-small CAN-stabilized maghemite ((CeL n ) 3/4+ -γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) nanoparticles have been readily fabricated. The present study discusses the design, fabrication, and characterization of a dual phase hybrid core (rHSA)-shell ((CeL n ) 3/4+ -γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs) nanosystem. Quite importantly and in contrast to widely used encapsulation strategies, rHSA NP surface-attached (CeL n ) 3/4+ -γ-Fe 2 O 3 NPs enabled to exploit both rHSA (protein functionalities) and (CeL n ) 3/4+ -γ-Fe 2 O 3 NP surface functionalities (COOH and ligand L coordinative exchange) in addition to very effective MRI contrast capability due to optimal accessibility of H 2 O molecules with the outer magnetic phase. Resulting hybrid nanoparticles might be used as a platform modular system for therapeutic (drug delivery system) and MR diagnostic purposes. (paper)

Coral-like CeO{sub 2}/NiO nanocomposites with efficient enzyme-mimetic activity for biosensing application

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mu, Jianshuai; Zhao, Xin; Li, Jie [College of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Functional Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Structure and Performance for Functional Molecules, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387 (China); Yang, En-Cui, E-mail: encui_yang@163.com [College of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Functional Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Structure and Performance for Functional Molecules, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387 (China); Zhao, Xiao-Jun, E-mail: xiaojun_zhao15@163.com [College of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Functional Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Structure and Performance for Functional Molecules, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387 (China); Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300071 (China)

2017-05-01

Development of nanomaterials-based enzymatic mimics has gained considerable attention in recent years, because of their low cost, high stability and efficiently catalytic ability. Here, CeO{sub 2} was successfully incorporated into the coral-like NiO nanostructures assembled by nanoflakes with high surface area, forming the coral-like CeO{sub 2}/NiO nanocomposites. The morphology and composition of CeO{sub 2}/NiO nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, SEM, element mapping and XPS. The results of characterization showed that cerium was highly dispersed in the coral-like NiO nanostructures. The peroxidase-like activity of CeO{sub 2}/NiO nanocomposites was investigated, and they exhibited enhanced peroxidase-like activity in comparison to that of pure NiO or CeO{sub 2}. The catalytic activity was dependent on the cerium content, and the optimal content was 2.5%. The enhanced catalytic activity of CeO{sub 2}/NiO nanocomposites arised from their high ability of electron transfer because of cerium incorporation. The catalytic performance of CeO{sub 2}/NiO nanocomposites was evaluated by steady-state kinetic, which showed that the CeO{sub 2}/NiO nanocomposites exhibited higher affinity for the substrates and similar catalytic efficiency compared with natural peroxidase. Based on the efficient peroxidase-like activity, CeO{sub 2}/NiO was used for H{sub 2}O{sub 2} determination. The constructed colorimetric H{sub 2}O{sub 2} sensor had fast response for only 5 min, a wide linear range from 0.05 to 40 mM and a low detection limit with 0.88 μM. The CeO{sub 2}/NiO nanocomposites were expected to have potential applications in clinical diagnosis and biotechnology as enzymatic mimics. - Highlights: • Coral-like CeO{sub 2}/NiO nanocomposites with different Ce content were synthesized. • CeO{sub 2} was highly dispersed in the NiO matrixes with high surface area. • CeO{sub 2}/NiO nanocomposites exhibited efficient peroxidase-like activity. • A colorimetric H{sub 2}O

Effect of radiotherapy on the activity of lysosomal enzymes in lymphocytes and immunoglobulins in the serum in patients with laryngeal carcinoma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gierek, T.; Lisiewicz, J.; Kusnierczyk, W.; Plich, J.; Sasiadek, U.; Namyslowski, G.

1980-01-01

In 30 male patients aged 40 to 70 years treated with radiotherapy for laryngeal carcinoma presence of the lysosomal apparatus of the lymphocytes was observed after 6-9 years, with diffusion of the enzymes (especially beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, and in a lower degree of acid phosphatase) from the lysosomes into the cytoplasm, and disappearance of normal lysosomal granules. The increased immunological reactivity of the patients was manifested frequently by a rise in the level of immunoglobulins, especially IgA in the serum, and a rise in the number of enzyme-positive lymphocytes (with the above-mentioned enzymes). (author)

Gender difference of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in DD genotype of ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism in elderly Chinese.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Ya-Feng; Cheng, Qiong; Tang, Nelson L S; Chu, Tanya T W; Tomlinson, Brian; Liu, Fan; Kwok, Timothy C Y

2014-12-01

In this study we investigated the gender difference of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in a population of Hong Kong-dwelling elderly Chinese. A total of 1767 (843 male, 924 female) Hong Kong-dwelling elderly Chinese were recruited. ACE I/D genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction amplification and serum ACE activity was determined using a commercially available kinetic kit. ACE I/D genotype distribution was compared by chi-square test, the correlation between ACE I/D polymorphism and serum ACE activity was analysed by ANOVA test and gender difference of serum ACE activity of different genotypes was compared by independent sample t-test. No statistically significant difference of genotype distribution between male and female subjects was found. Serum ACE activity was significantly correlated with ACE genotype. Overall, there was no gender difference of serum ACE activity; however, when sub-grouping the subjects by ACE I/D genotype, male subjects with DD genotype had higher serum ACE activity than female subjects with DD genotype. No significant gender difference of genotype distribution was found in elderly Chinese. Serum ACE activity was significantly correlated with ACE I/D polymorphism in elderly Chinese. Male subjects with DD genotype had higher serum ACE activity than female subjects with DD genotype. © The Author(s) 2013.

A novel sensitive sheathless CE-MS device for peptide and protein analysis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nguyen, Tam T. T. N.; Petersen, Nickolaj J.; Rand, Kasper Dyrberg

analysis. By analysis of a model peptide (Leucine Enkephalin), a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.045 pmol/µL (corresponding to 67 attomol in a sample volume of ~ 15 nL) was obtained. The merit of the CE-MS approach was demonstrated by analysis of bovine serum albumin (BSA) tryptic peptides. A well......Ab (Rituximab) suggesting significant real-world applicability in biopharmaceutical research. Finally, by employing a native CE buffer (ammonium acetate, pH 6), we show that the CE-MS interface facilitates gentle ESI of proteins, opening up for native MS applications in combination with ion mobility and other...

Lactic acid bacteria affect serum cholesterol levels, harmful fecal enzyme activity, and fecal water content.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Do Kyung; Jang, Seok; Baek, Eun Hye; Kim, Mi Jin; Lee, Kyung Soon; Shin, Hea Soon; Chung, Myung Jun; Kim, Jin Eung; Lee, Kang Oh; Ha, Nam Joo

2009-06-11

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are beneficial probiotic organisms that contribute to improved nutrition, microbial balance, and immuno-enhancement of the intestinal tract, as well as lower cholesterol. Although present in many foods, most trials have been in spreads or dairy products. Here we tested whether Bifidobacteria isolates could lower cholesterol, inhibit harmful enzyme activities, and control fecal water content. In vitro culture experiments were performed to evaluate the ability of Bifidobacterium spp. isolated from healthy Koreans (20 approximately 30 years old) to reduce cholesterol-levels in MRS broth containing polyoxyethanylcholesterol sebacate. Animal experiments were performed to investigate the effects on lowering cholesterol, inhibiting harmful enzyme activities, and controlling fecal water content. For animal studies, 0.2 ml of the selected strain cultures (108 approximately 109 CFU/ml) were orally administered to SD rats (fed a high-cholesterol diet) every day for 2 weeks. B. longum SPM1207 reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL levels significantly (p water content, and reduced body weight and harmful intestinal enzyme activities. Daily consumption of B. longum SPM1207 can help in managing mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia, with potential to improve human health by helping to prevent colon cancer and constipation.

Comparison of Bovine coronavirus-specific and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus-specific antibodies in serum versus milk samples detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Science.gov (United States)

Ohlson, Anna; Blanco-Penedo, Isabel; Fall, Nils

2014-01-01

Bovine coronavirus (BCV; Betacoronavirus 1) and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) are significant causes of enteric and respiratory disease in beef and dairy cattle throughout the world. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are widely used to detect serum antibodies for herd monitoring and prevalence studies. In dairy herds, milk is more readily collected than serum. Hence, in order to investigate the test agreement between serum and milk, both serum and milk samples from 105 cows in 27 dairy herds were analyzed in parallel for presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies to BCV and BRSV. The Bland-Altman analyses of data demonstrated good agreement between serum and milk antibody titers for both viruses. The results indicate milk samples are sufficient for surveillance of antibodies to BCV and BRSV.

Liver enzymes serum levels in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: a comprehensive review

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Luís Henrique Bezerra Cavalcanti Sette

2014-04-01

Full Text Available We reviewed the literature regarding the serum levels of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis with and without viral hepatitis. Original articles published up to January 2013 on adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis were selected. These articles contained the words “transaminases” “aspartate aminotransferase” “alanine aminotransferase” “gamma glutamyl transferase,” “liver enzymes”, AND “dialysis” OR “hemodialysis”. A total of 823 articles were retrieved. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 49 articles were selected. The patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis had reduced serum levels of aminotransferases due to hemodilution, lower pyridoxine levels, or elevated homocysteine levels. The chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis infected with the hepatitis C virus also had lower aminotransferase levels compared with the infected patients without chronic kidney disease. This reduction is in part due to decreased viremia caused by the dialysis method, the production of a hepatocyte growth factor and endogenous interferon-α, and lymphocyte activation, which decreases viral action on hepatocytes. Few studies were retrieved on gamma-glutamyl transferase serum levels; those found reported that there were no differences between the patients with or without chronic kidney disease. The serum aminotransferase levels were lower in the patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (with or without viral hepatitis than in the patients with normal renal function; this reduction has a multifactorial origin.

Evaluation of electrochemiluminescene immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serum HBsAb detection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ma Caiyun; Jiang Li; Ge Gaoxia; Zhang Xiaojie

2005-01-01

Electrochemiluminescene immunoassay (ECLIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) were used to detect the different concentrations of serum HBsAb, in order to compare the results of ECLIA and ELISA. The result showed that intra-assay coefficient of variation of ECLIA was about 0.95% for high value, 1.13% for mean values and 2.63% for low value, while that of ELISA was about 5.76%, 12.8% and 15.9%, respectively. The interassay coefficient of ECLIA was about 4.03% for high values, 4.93% for mean values and 7.34% for low values, while that of ELISA was about 10.1%, 19.6% and 25.2%, respectively. The analytical sensitivity of ECLIA was about 4.0IU/L, while that of ELISA is about 19.0IU/L. Only in 3 samples, the results measured by ECLIA and ELISA were different (ECLIA: positive; ELISA: negative) among 165 samples. It is concluded that the met hod of ECLIA is more efficient than ELISA for detection of HBsAb in serum. (authors)

Effect of ingestion of microwaved foods on serum anti-oxidant enzymes and vitamins of albino rats

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Benedict C. Eke, BSc, MSc

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The effect of ingestion of microwaved foods on serum antioxidant enzymes and vitamins in albino rats was investigated. In the study, thirty two (32 male wistar albino rats were obtained and grouped into four groups (A, B, C and D of eight animals each. The animals were acclimatized for 7 days on commercial rat feed. The animals in groups B, C and D were all fed ad libitum with porridge yam, porridge beans and jellof rice with meat/fish reheated for 2 min, 4 min and 6 min for groups B, C and D respectively for 42 days. Group A was fed with un-microwaved food and water for the duration of the study (42 days and served as control. Antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD, Catalase (CAT activities, vitamins A and E concentrations were determined using standard methods. Result obtained from the study showed that microwaved food consumption resulted in a significant (P < 0.05 decrease in SOD and CAT activity in rats fed with the microwaved food. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme activity were more significantly (P < 0.05 reduced in rats exposed to food microwaved for 6 min compared to the control group (A. Also, serum vitamins A and E concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05 decreased in rats fed with food exposed to microwaves for 6 min as compared to the control group. Microwaves and increased microwaving time resulted to a significant reduction in SOD, CAT, vitamin A and E in fed rats. Therefore our study demonstrated that consumption of microwaved foods resulted in a significant decrease in antioxidant protection and may be implicated in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress and degenerative diseases.

Microplasma jet treatment of bovine serum albumin coatings for controlling enzyme and cell attachmenttype="fn" rid="FN1">

Science.gov (United States)

Szili, Endre J.; Becker, Stefanie; Short, Robert D.; Al-Bataineh, Sameer A.

2017-08-01

We investigated a new approach to control protein and cell attachment inside 96-well polystyrene plates. The wells were first coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to inhibit cell and protein attachment. The BSA-coated wells were then treated with a helium microplasma jet for increasing times that resulted in gradual removal of BSA from the surface. It was found that the amount of enzyme and cell attachment could be controlled in the wells where BSA was only partially removed by the microplasma jet. In addition to the surface coverage of BSA, the new surface chemistry induced by the microplasma jet treatment also had an important role in the control of enzyme and cell attachment. In summary, microplasma jet treatment of BSA-coated polystyrene wells is a simple and effective method for controlling enzyme and cell attachment. This might find use for high-throughput screening of new cell culture platforms where control over the level protein, enzyme or cell adherence is needed in order to maintain a specific cell function.

Influence of a healthy Nordic diet on serum fatty acid composition and associations with blood lipoproteins – results from the NORDIET study

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Viola Adamsson

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Background: The fatty acid (FA composition of serum lipids is related to the quality of dietary fat intake. Objective: To investigate the effects of a healthy Nordic diet (ND on the FA composition of serum cholesterol esters (CE-FA and assess the associations between changes in the serum CE-FA composition and blood lipoproteins during a controlled dietary intervention. Design: The NORDIET trial was a 6-week randomised, controlled, parallel-group dietary intervention study that included 86 adults (53±8 years with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C. Serum CE-FA composition was measured using gas chromatography. Diet history interviews were conducted, and daily intake was assessed using checklists. Results: Food and nutrient intake data indicated that there was a reduction in the intake of fat from dairy and meat products and an increase in the consumption of fatty fish with the ND. The levels of saturated fatty acids in cholesterol esters (CE-SFA 14:0, 15:0, and 18:0, but not 16:0, showed a significant decrease after intake of ND compared to the control diet (p<0.01. Also, a significant increase in serum 22:6n – 3 was observed compared with the control diet (p<0.01. The changes in CE-SFA 14:0, 15:0, and 18:0 correlated positively with changes in LDL-C, HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, ApoA1, and ApoB (p<0.01, respectively, whereas the changes in polyunsaturated fatty acids in cholesterol esters (CE-PUFA 22:6n – 3 were negatively correlated with changes in the corresponding serum lipids. Conclusions: The decreased intake of saturated fat and increased intake of n-3 PUFA in a healthy ND is partly reflected by changes in the serum CE-FA composition, which are associated with an improved serum lipoprotein pattern.

Detection by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of coronavirus antibodies in bovine serum and lacteal secretions.

Science.gov (United States)

Rodak, L; Babiuk, L A; Acres, S D

1982-07-01

The sensitivity of a radioimmunoassay (RIA), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and a serum neutralization assay (SN) for detecting antibodies to bovine coronavirus in serum and colostrum were compared. Although there proved to be a good correlation among all three assays (r = 0.915 and 0.964 for RIA with SN and ELISA, respectively), RIA and ELISA proved to be at least 10 times more sensitive than neutralization tests. By using these techniques, it was possible to detect a time-dependent decrease in antibody levels in bovine colostrum after parturition. Using ELISA, we demonstrated that 12 of 12 herds in Saskatchewan, and 109 of 110 animals tested, and antibody to bovine coronavirus. There was no elevated antibody response in serum or lacteal secretions of cows vaccinated once or twice with a commercially available modified live rota-coronavirus vaccine. In addition to being more sensitive than SN, ELISA and RIA proved to have other advantages for measuring antibody levels to bovine coronavirus and therefore warrant wider use as tools in diagnostic virology.

Lactic acid bacteria affect serum cholesterol levels, harmful fecal enzyme activity, and fecal water content

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chung Myung

2009-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Lactic acid bacteria (LAB are beneficial probiotic organisms that contribute to improved nutrition, microbial balance, and immuno-enhancement of the intestinal tract, as well as lower cholesterol. Although present in many foods, most trials have been in spreads or dairy products. Here we tested whether Bifidobacteria isolates could lower cholesterol, inhibit harmful enzyme activities, and control fecal water content. Methods In vitro culture experiments were performed to evaluate the ability of Bifidobacterium spp. isolated from healthy Koreans (20~30 years old to reduce cholesterol-levels in MRS broth containing polyoxyethanylcholesterol sebacate. Animal experiments were performed to investigate the effects on lowering cholesterol, inhibiting harmful enzyme activities, and controlling fecal water content. For animal studies, 0.2 ml of the selected strain cultures (108~109 CFU/ml were orally administered to SD rats (fed a high-cholesterol diet every day for 2 weeks. Results B. longum SPM1207 reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL levels significantly (p B. longum SPM1207 also increased fecal LAB levels and fecal water content, and reduced body weight and harmful intestinal enzyme activities. Conclusion Daily consumption of B. longum SPM1207 can help in managing mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia, with potential to improve human health by helping to prevent colon cancer and constipation.

Magnetically responsive enzyme powders

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Pospišková, K.; Šafařík, Ivo

2015-01-01

Roč. 380, APR 2015 (2015), s. 197-200 ISSN 0304-8853 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LD13021 Institutional support: RVO:67179843 Keywords : enzyme powders * cross-linking * magnetic modification * magnetic separation * magnetic iron oxides particles * microwave-assisted synthesis Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry Impact factor: 2.357, year: 2015

SERUM ELECTROLYTES AND ENZYMES IN ENDOMETRITIC NILI-RAVI BUFF ALOES OF TWO AGE GROUPS AND AT TWO STAGES OF LACTATION

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A. Sarwar, R. U. Shahid, S. Masood, R. Kausar and S. G. Sha

2002-04-01

Full Text Available Serum concentrations of tour electrol~1es including sodium (Na, potassium (K, calcium (Ca and Chloride ( Cl and activities of two enzymes i.e. aspartate transaminase ( AST and alanine transaminase (ALT were compared amongst 80 pregnant Nili-Ravi buffaloes in a 23 factorial experiment: between endometritic and health~ lots of two age groups and at two stages of lactation. The analysis of variance revealed that: endometritic buffaloes showing muco-purulent vaginal discharge exhibited raise in ALT, AST and Cl, while decline in Ca. Milking stage affected two parameters namely, serum Cl and AL T. Both Cl and ALT were found to be decreased up to 11 months of lactation. Age groups remained inert on all of the parameters studied. This data indicates that electrolytes and enzymes clearly deviate from their normal levels in endometritic buffaloes which may in turn affect reproductive performance negatively. Thus maintenance of optimal uterine health and balanced nutrition, particularly with reference to blood constituents are critical for better reproductive performance in animals of this species.

Rapid determination of recent cocaine use with magnetic particles-based enzyme immunoassays in serum, saliva, and urine fluids.

Science.gov (United States)

Vidal, Juan C; Bertolín, Juan R; Bonel, Laura; Asturias, Laura; Arcos-Martínez, M Julia; Castillo, Juan R

2016-06-05

Cocaine is one of the most worldwide used illicit drugs. We report a magnetic particles-based enzyme-linked immunoassay (mpEIA) method for the rapid and sensitive determination of cocaine (COC) in saliva, urine and serum samples. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detections were 0.09ngmL(-1) (urine), 0.15ngmL(-1) (saliva), and 0.06ngmL(-1) COC (human serum). Sensitivities were in the range EC50=0.6-2.5ngmL(-1) COC. The cross-reactivity with the principal metabolite benzoylecgonine (BZE) was only 1.6%. Recovering percentages of doped samples (0, 10, 50, and 100ngmL(-1) of COC) ranged from about 86-111%. Some advantages of the developed mpEIA over conventional ELISA kits are faster incubations, improved reproducibility, and consumption of lower amounts of antibody and enzyme conjugates due to the use of magnetic beads. The reported method was validated following the guidelines on bioanalytical methods of the European Medicines Agency (2011). Unmetabolized COC detection has a great interest in pharmacological, pharmacokinetics, and toxicokinetics studies, and can be used to detect a very recent COC use (1-6h). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI of the liver: Correlation of relative hepatic enhancement, relative renal enhancement, and liver to kidneys enhancement ratio with serum hepatic enzyme levels and eGFR

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Talakic, Emina; Steiner, Jürgen; Kalmar, Peter; Lutfi, Andre [Division of General Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 9, 8036 Graz (Austria); Quehenberger, Franz [Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, 8036 Graz (Austria); Reiter, Ursula; Fuchsjäger, Michael [Division of General Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 9, 8036 Graz (Austria); Schöllnast, Helmut, E-mail: helmut.schoellnast@medunigraz.at [Division of General Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 9, 8036 Graz (Austria)

2014-04-15

Objectives: To assess the correlation of relative hepatic enhancement (RHE), relative renal enhancement (RRE) and liver to kidneys enhancement ratio (LKR) with serum hepatic enzyme levels and eGFR in Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI of the liver and to assess threshold levels for predicting enhancement of the liver parenchyma. Methods: Data of 75 patients who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI of the liver were collected. Images were obtained before contrast injection, during the early arterial phase, late arterial phase, venous phase, delayed phase, and hepatobiliary phase which was 20 min after Gd-EOB-DTPA administration. Signal intensity of the liver and the kidneys in all phases was defined using region-of-interest measurements for relative enhancement calculation. Serum hepatic enzyme levels and eGFR were available in all patients. Spearman correlation test was used to test the correlation of RHE, RRE and LKR with serum hepatic enzyme levels and eGFR. Results: In the hepatobiliary phase all serum hepatic enzymes were significantly correlated with RHE; total bilirubin (TBIL) and cholin esterase (CHE) showed strongest correlations. TBIL and CHE were significantly correlated with RRE in the arterial phases. TBIL and CHE were significantly correlated with LKR in the arterial phase and hepatobiliary phase. eGFR showed no correlation. Conclusions: In Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI, TBIL and CHE levels may predict RHE, RRE and LKR.

Association between angiotensin II receptor gene polymorphism and serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) activity in patients with sarcoidosis

OpenAIRE

Takemoto, Y.; Sakatani, M.; Takami, S.; Tachibana, T.; Higaki, J.; Ogihara, T.; Miki, T.; Katsuya, T.; Tsuchiyama, T.; Yoshida, A.; Yu, H.; Tanio, Y.; Ueda, E.

1998-01-01

BACKGROUND—Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) is considered to reflect disease activity in sarcoidosis. SACE activity is increased in many patients with active sarcoid lesions. The mechanism for the increased SACE activity in this disease has not been clarified. ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism has been reported to have an association with SACE levels in sarcoidosis, but no evidence of an association between angiotensin II receptor gene polymorphism and SA...

Standardization of clinical enzyme analysis using frozen human serum pools with values assigned by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine reference measurement procedures.

Science.gov (United States)

Tong, Qing; Chen, Baorong; Zhang, Rui; Zuo, Chang

Variation in clinical enzyme analysis, particularly across different measuring systems and laboratories, represents a critical but long-lasting problem in diagnosis. Calibrators with traceability and commutability are imminently needed to harmonize analysis in laboratory medicine. Fresh frozen human serum pools were assigned values for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) by six laboratories with established International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine reference measurement procedures. These serum pools were then used across 76 laboratories as a calibrator in the analysis of five enzymes. Bias and imprecision in the measurement of the five enzymes tested were significantly reduced by using the value-assigned serum in analytical systems with open and single-point calibration. The median (interquartile range) of the relative biases of ALT, AST, GGT, CK and LDH were 2.0% (0.6-3.4%), 0.8% (-0.8-2.3%), 1.0% (-0.5-2.0%), 0.2% (-0.3-1.0%) and 0.2% (-0.9-1.1%), respectively. Before calibration, the interlaboratory coefficients of variation (CVs) in the analysis of patient serum samples were 8.0-8.2%, 7.3-8.5%, 8.1-8.7%, 5.1-5.9% and 5.8-6.4% for ALT, AST, GGT, CK and LDH, respectively; after calibration, the CVs decreased to 2.7-3.3%, 3.0-3.6%, 1.6-2.1%, 1.8-1.9% and 3.3-3.5%, respectively. The results suggest that the use of fresh frozen serum pools significantly improved the comparability of test results in analytical systems with open and single-point calibration.

Recovery Ce from Ce - TBP Used Oxalic Acid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purwani, MV; Subagiono, R.; Suyanti

2007-01-01

Recovery or stripping Ce from Ce - TBP product of monazite sand used oxalic acid. Ce - TBP as organic phase and oxalic acid as aqueous phase and as strong precipitant compound to precipitate metal element. The stripping product as Ce - oxalic precipitate. The influence parameter were percentage of oxalic acid, volume ratio of Ce-TBP with oxalic acid, time and rate of stripping. At stripping of 25 ml Ce - TBP used oxalic acid, the optimum condition were achieve at using 5% oxalic acid, volume ratio of Ce - TBP : 5% oxalic acid = 1 : 1, time of stripping 7.5 minute and rate of stripping 150 rpm. At the optimum condition was obtained the recovery efficiency was 100%. (author)

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae: the sensitivities of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for detecting vaccinated sows of unknown disease status using serum and colostrum, and the correlation of the results for sow serum, colostrum, and piglet serum.

Science.gov (United States)

Jenvey, Caitlin J; Reichel, Michael P; Cockcroft, Peter D

2015-03-01

Due to relatively high concentrations of immunoglobulins, colostrum has the potential to improve the sensitivity of diagnostic tests for diseases in pigs when compared with serum. It is possible that colostrum could improve the sensitivity of the antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) compared with serum. Colostrum is also essential for piglets, providing protection against infections in the first few weeks and months of life. The sensitivity of 2 commercially available ELISAs, one for the detection of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and the second for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antibodies, when used with sow colostrum in comparison with serum was investigated. The correlation of maternal E. rhusiopathiae- and M. hyopneumoniae-specific antibody levels with specific-antibody serum levels in the piglet was also determined. The sensitivity was defined as the proportion of vaccinated sows that were correctly identified as vaccinated at a given cutoff point. The true disease status of the sows with regard to the 2 infections was unknown. Blood and colostrum samples were collected from 20 sows, 10 primiparous and 10 multiparous, and blood samples were also collected from the piglets of each sow, 48-72 hr post-farrowing. The sensitivities of both ELISAs were significantly improved when using colostrum compared with serum. Sow serum and colostrum optical density (OD) values were significantly correlated. The mean sow OD values for serum for E. rhusiopathiae and M. hyopneumoniae and colostrum for E. rhusiopathiae were significantly correlated with piglet serum OD levels. If the improved sensitivity of colostrum can be demonstrated in infected animals, this will increase the ability of the test to identify infected animals using both individual and pooled colostrum. Testing serum and/or colostrum using ELISA can be useful predictors of piglet disease-specific OD values. © 2015 The Author(s).

Elevated serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) activity in acute pulmonary histoplasmosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Davies, S F; Rohrbach, M S; Thelen, V; Kuritsky, J; Gruninger, R; Simpson, M L; DeRemee, R A

1984-03-01

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) levels were measured in 44 subjects six weeks after acute pulmonary histoplasmosis. All patients were infected in a common-source outbreak of histoplasmosis which occurred on one day. All patients had both strictly defined clinical and serologic evidence of infection. The SACE activity was elevated at six weeks compared to normal controls, and seven of the 44 had levels more than 2 SD above the normal mean. SACE levels were also measured at three and 24 weeks after acute infection in a smaller number of the same subjects. Serial observations demonstrated that all subjects (including those with normal and elevated SACE at six weeks) had a rise and fall in SACE activity following symptomatic acute pulmonary histoplasmosis. Our findings suggest that elevated SACE does not reliably separate sarcoidosis from histoplasmosis, although elevations in histoplasmosis are much less common and may occur only briefly following acute pulmonary histoplasmosis. More important, it seems that SACE activity rises acutely in all patients with symptomatic acute histoplasmosis and then falls gradually toward baseline over several months, coinciding temporally with the granulomatous response.

Median-lower normal levels of serum thyroxine are associated with low triiodothyronine levels and body temperature in patients with central hypothyroidism.

Science.gov (United States)

Hirata, Yu; Fukuoka, Hidenori; Iguchi, Genzo; Iwahashi, Yasuyuki; Fujita, Yasunori; Hari, Yusuke; Iga, Makiko; Nakajima, Shinsuke; Nishimoto, Yuki; Mukai, Miki; Hirota, Yushi; Sakaguchi, Kazuhiko; Ogawa, Wataru; Takahashi, Yutaka

2015-08-01

Although it has been recommended that serum free thyroxine (FT4) levels should be targeted to middle-upper normal levels during levothyroxine (l-T4) replacement therapy in patients with central hypothyroidism (CeH), the rationale has not been clarified. A retrospective single-center study enrolled 116 patients with hypothyroidism (CeH, n=32; total thyroidectomy (Tx), n=22; primary hypothyroidism (PH), n=33; and control benign thyroid nodule (C), n=29). The patients had received L-T4 therapy at the Kobe University Hospital between 2003 and 2013. They were stratified according to serum FT4 level (≥ 1.10 or triiodothyronine (FT3) levels, FT3/FT4 ratio, and lipid profiles were compared. The effect of GH replacement therapy on thyroid function was also analyzed. FT3 levels and FT3/FT4 ratios were significantly lower in patients with CeH than in patients with PH (P<0.05) or C (P<0.05). In patients with FT4 <1.10 ng/dl, BT was significantly lower in patients with CeH (P=0.002) and Tx (P=0.005) than in patients with PH, whereas no differences were found in patients with FT4 ≥ 1.10 ng/dl. In patients with CeH, FT3 levels were higher in those with GH replacement therapy (P=0.018). In CeH, patients with median-lower normal levels of serum FT4 exhibited lower serum FT3 levels and lower BT. These results support the target levels of serum FT4 as middle-upper normal levels during l-T4 replacement therapy in patients with CeH. © 2015 European Society of Endocrinology.

A study of the prevalence of significant increases in serum creatinine following angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitor administration.

Science.gov (United States)

Thorp, M L; Ditmer, D G; Nash, M K; Wise, R; Jaderholm, P L; Smith, J D; Chan, W

2005-05-01

Angiontension-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are beneficial in the treatment of diabetic and nondiabetic kidney disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. One adverse effect of ACEIs use is a rise in serum creatinine and potential renal failure. This paper attempts to quantify this risk and assess the need for pre- and post-ACEI serum creatinine measurements. A computerized search of Kaiser Permanente Northwest's electronic medical record was conducted to find patients over the age of 40 years taking lisinopril between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2002. Patient demographic information and presence in diabetes and coronary artery disease registries was collected. A subsequent search for pre- and postlisinopril serum creatinine levels within 6 months of initial lisinopril prescription was conducted. Patients with prelisinopril creatinine 2.5 mg/dl underwent chart review to discern adverse events associated with the rise in serum creatinine. A total of 18,977 patients were prescribed lisinopril between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2002. In all 13 166 patients had a pre- and postlisinopril creatinine checked. In all, 31 patients had a rise in creatinine from 2.5 mg/dl (0.2%). Possible contributors to rise in creatinine included congestive heart failure, dehydration and infection. No patients developed end-stage renal disease, although three died. In conclusion, end-stage renal disease is an unlikely outcome among patients prescribed lisinopril and is most likely associated with other events.

Sex differences in the aging pattern of renin-angiotensin system serum peptidases.

Science.gov (United States)

Fernández-Atucha, A; Izagirre, A; Fraile-Bermúdez, A B; Kortajarena, M; Larrinaga, G; Martinez-Lage, P; Echevarría, E; Gil, J

2017-01-01

Serum peptidases, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), neutral endopeptidase (NEP), aminopeptidase N (APN), and aminopeptidase A (APA), are important elements of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Dysregulation of these enzymes has been associated with hypertension and cardiovascular risk. In the present study, serum activities of RAS peptidases were analyzed to evaluate the existence of sexual differences, with a possible different pattern in pre- and post-andropausal/post-menopausal participants. One hundred and eighteen healthy men and women between 41 and 70 years of age (58 women and 60 men) were recruited to participate in the study. Serum RAS-regulating enzymes were measured by spectrofluorimetry. Enzymatic activity was recorded as units of enzyme per milliliter of serum (U/mL). Significantly lower serum APA activity was observed in men with respect to women; no sex differences were detected for ACE, ACE2, NEP, or APN. Significantly lower APA and ACE serum activity were observed in older men compared to older women. In contrast, younger (menopausia, on the critical serum enzymatic activities of the RAS, which could correlate with sexual differences in cardiovascular risk.

Validation of 2 commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for adiponectin determination in canine serum samples.

Science.gov (United States)

Tvarijonaviciute, Asta; Martínez-Subiela, Silvia; Ceron, José J

2010-10-01

The aim of this study was to validate 2 commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for adiponectin in dogs, 1 canine-specific and 1 originally designed for measurements in humans. Intra-assay and interassay precision was evaluated by multiple measurements in canine serum samples, and assay accuracy was indirectly determined by linearity under dilution. Interference caused by hemolysis and lipemia was also studied. Both assays were subsequently used for measuring adiponectin concentrations in clinically healthy dogs and those with different grades of obesity. The intra-assay and inter-assay precision was less than 7.5% and 13.5% in serum samples with low and high adiponectin concentrations, respectively. Lipemia and hemolysis did not affect the results of any of the assays. Both assays were able to differentiate lean dogs from those that were overweight or obese on the basis of the measured adiponectin concentrations. From these results it can be concluded that canine adiponectin concentrations can be measured reliably by means of the 2 ELISAs evaluated in this study.

Comparison of two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and one rapid immunoblot assay for detection of herpes simplex virus type 2-specific antibodies in serum

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Groen, J; Van Dijk, G; Niesters, H G; Van Der Meijden, W I; Osterhaus, A D

The sensitivities and specificities of three immunoassays for the detection of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies in serum, including the one-strip rapid immunoblot assay (RIBA; Chiron Corporation) and two indirect enzyme immunosorbent assays (EIA; Gull

Synthesis of feather-like CeO2 microstructures and enzymatic electrochemical catalysis for trichloroacetic acid

Science.gov (United States)

Xiao, Xin; Zhang, Dong En; Zhang, Fan; Gong, Jun Yan; Zhang, Xiao Bo; Wang, Yi Hui; Ma, Juan Juan; Tong, Zhi Wei

Novel feather-like CeO2 microstructures were achieved by a thermal decomposition approach of Ce(OH)CO3 precursor. The Ce(OH)CO3 was obtained from a solvothermal method employing Ce(NO3)3.6H2O with C6H12N4 and C16H33(CH3)3NBr (CTAB) at 190∘C in a water-PEG-200 mixed solution. The feather-like CeO2 dendrite was obtained by thermal conversion of the feather-like Ce(OH)CO3 at 650∘C in air. A reasonable growth mechanism was proposed with the soft-template effect of PEG-200. The electrochemical behavior and enzyme activity of myoglobin (Mb) immobilized on CeO2-Nafion modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) are demonstrated by cyclic voltammetric measurements. The results indicate that CeO2 can obviously promote the direct electron transfer between the Mb redox centers and the electrode. The Mb on CeO2-Nafion behaves as an elegant performance on the electrochemical reduction of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) from 0.32μM to 2.28μM. The detection limit is estimated to be 0.08μM.

The Effect of Chlorella vulgaris Supplementation on Liver Enzymes, Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

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Mehrangiz Ebrahimi-Mameghani

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD is becoming a public health problem worldwide and using microalgae is a new approach on its treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on liver enzymes, serum glucose and lipid profile in patients with NAFLD. Methods: This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 NAFLD patients from specialized clinics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from December 2011 to July 2012. The subjects were randomly allocated into 2 groups: 1 “intervention” (n=30 received 400 mg/day vitamin E plus four 300 mg tablets of Chlorella vulgaris and, 2 “placebo” (n=30 received 400 mg/day vitamin E and four placebo tablets per day for 8 weeks. Weight, liver enzymes and metabolic factors were assessed in fasting serum and dietary data was collected at baseline and end of the study. Results: Weight, liver enzymes, fasting blood sugar (FBS and lipid profile decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.05. The differences in weight, ALP and FBS between the two groups were statistically significant (P=0.01, P=0.04 and P=0.02, respectively. Conclusion: C. vulgaris seems to improve FBS and lipid profile and therefore could be considered as an effective complementary treatment in NAFLD.

The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Portulaca Oleracea on the serum concentreation of Hepatic enzymes in Rats

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Ali Zarei

2014-11-01

Full Text Available Background Hyperlipidemia can be cause a variety of diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and fatty liver and subsequent liver enzyme increases. The Portulaca Oleracea plant has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Therefore, in this study the effect of Portulca Oleracea herb extract on serum liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT or AST, alanine aminotransferase (SGPT or ALT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP in rats were studied. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 60 Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n=10. Control group with normal diet, fat diet group and other groups, the experimental group received the same diet plus fat Portulaca oleracea extract maximum dose (800, the mean dose of (400, and a minimum dose of (200 mg / kg or intraperitoneally injection (ip and sort of Atorvastatin (10 mg kg. After the end of this period (21 days, blood sampling was performed and collected data were analyzed using the t and Tukey test, and SPSS software version 11.5. Results Comparison of statistical results indicated that alanine aminotransferase (ALT and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP increase in the control group that received only fatty foods, while the experimental groups received extract of Portulaca Oleracea, and groups receiving Atorvastatin had reduced levels of liver enzymes. Conclusion: Regarding hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic antioxidant activity of the extract and its effect on reducing liver enzymes, plant extracts can be recommended to improve liver function.

Detection of antibodies to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 12 in pig serum using a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andresen, Lars Ole; Klausen, Joan; Barfod, Kristen

2002-01-01

and from herds declared free of infection with Ap. The Ap serotype 12 blocking ELISA showed a herd sensitivity of 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.88) and a herd specificity of 1.00 (0.95-1.00) with a cut-off value at 40% relative absorbance or 60% inhibition. The assay may be used advantageously......The objective was to develop a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of antibodies to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (Ap) serotype 12 in pig serum. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Ap serotype 12 was purified and used as antigen in the assay. Antibodies to the LPS antigen...... in samples of pig serum were detected by inhibition of the binding of polyclonal rabbit antibodies raised against Ap serotype 12. The assay was evaluated against sera from experimentally infected pigs, from pig herds naturally infected with Ap and from herds declared free of Ap serotypc 12 infection...

Serum Hepatocyte Growth Factor Is Associated with Small Vessel Disease in Alzheimer’s Dementia

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Yanan Zhu

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Background: While hepatocyte growth factor (HGF is known to exert cell growth, migration and morphogenic effects in various organs, recent studies suggest that HGF may also play a role in synaptic maintenance and cerebrovascular integrity. Although increased levels of HGF have been reported in brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF samples of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD, it is unclear whether peripheral HGF may be associated with cerebrovascular disease (CeVD and dementia. In this study, we examined the association of baseline serum HGF with neuroimaging markers of CeVD in a cohort of pre-dementia (cognitive impaired no dementia, CIND and AD patients.Methods: Serum samples from aged, Non-cognitively impaired (NCI controls, CIND and AD subjects were measured for HGF levels. CeVD (cortical infarcts, microinfarcts, lacunes, white matter hyperintensities (WMH and microbleeds were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI.Results: After controlling for covariates, higher levels of HGF were associated with both CIND and AD. Among the different CeVD MRI markers in CIND and AD, only small vessel disease, but not large vessel disease markers were associated with higher HGF levels.Conclusion: Serum HGF may be a useful peripheral biomarker for small vessel disease in subjects with cognitive impairment and AD.

Performance characteristics of bioassay, radioenzymatic assay, homogeneous enzyme immunoassay, and high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of serum gentamicin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Delaney, C.J.; Opheim, K.E.; Smith, A.L.; Plorde, J.J.

1982-01-01

We compared the accuracy, precision, and between-method error of the microbiological assay, the radioenzymatic assay, the homogeneous enzyme immunoassay, and the high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for the quantitation of gentamicin in serum. Precision and accuracy were evaluated by reference samples prepared to contain 0.0 to 32.7 micrograms of gentamicin per ml. Correlations between the methods utilized patient sera with gentamicin concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 13.3 micrograms/ml. All methods were reliable within acceptable limits for routine clinical use; intermethod correlation coefficients exceeded 0.96. Relative to the microbiological assay, the alternative methods offer the advantage of rapid analysis. The elapsed times for acquiring data on a set of 10 specimens under routine operating conditions were 0.5 h by the enzyme immunoassay, 4 h by the radioenzymatic assay, 5 h by the high-performance liquid chromatographic assay, and 10 h by the microbiological assay

Serum levels of angiotensin converting enzyme as a biomarker of liver fibrosis

Science.gov (United States)

Miranda, Aline Silva; Simões e Silva, Ana Cristina

2017-01-01

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) is classically conceived as a circulating hormonal system involved in blood pressure control and hydroelectrolyte balance. The discovery that RAS components are locally expressed in a wide range of organs and tissues, including the liver, pointed to a role for this system in the pathogenesis of several conditions including hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. It has been widely reported that the classical RAS axis composed by the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-angiotensin (Ang) II-Ang type 1 (AT1) receptor mediates pro-inflammatory, pro-thrombotic, and pro-fibrotic processes. On the other hand, the alternative axis comprising ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor seems to play a protective role by frequently opposing Ang II action. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is one of the leading causes of liver fibrosis, accounting for the death of nearly one million people worldwide. Liver fibrosis is a key factor to determine therapeutic interventions for patients with CHB. However, the establishment of non-invasive and accurate methods to detect reversible stages of liver fibrosis is still a challenge. In an elegant study published in the 36th issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology, Noguchi et al showed the predictive value of serum ACE levels in detecting not only advanced stages of liver fibrosis but also initial and intermediate fibrotic stages. The serum levels of ACE might represent an accurate, non-invasive, widely available, and easy method to evaluate fibrosis related to CHB. Moreover, therapies involving the inhibition of the classical RAS axis components might be promising in the control of CHB-related liver fibrosis. PMID:29358853

Evaluation Of Antibody Elisa, Coproscopy And Serum Enzyme ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Le titrage avec immunoadsorbant lié à une enzyme (ELISA), la sédimentation fécale et les tests de l'action de l'enzyme du sérum ont été faits sur des échantillons de fèces et de sérum recueillis de 134 bovins (55 positifs et 79 négatifs pour les lésions dues à la douve du foie) lors de l'inspection de viande en Ethiopie.

Evaluation of serum angiotension converting enzyme (SACE) as a diagnostic marker for pulmonary embolism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bokhari, S.N.H.; Naeem, M.

2002-01-01

Objective: A number of supportive laboratory tests such as ECG, Chest x-ray, ABGs SLDH, SGOT, S. Bilirubin and D-dimer with variable sensitivity and specificity are available to facilitate the clinical diagnosis of acute Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (SACE) which is produced mainly by the pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, is found altered during a variety of diffuse lung diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the validity of SACE level as a marker for hypoxic damage to the pulmonary endothelium in PE. Design: A prospective study carried out on forty patients with high clinical suspicion of PE. Besides routine diagnostic tests mentioned above all of them had ventilation Perfusion isotope (v/q) scans (as a diagnostic test) and SACE level checked. Setting: Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore. Results: Among forty consecutive patients with age range 25-59 years (mean: 42 Yr). Twenty six patients (65%) with abnormal scans reported as High probability were included in group-A (True Positive), whereas 14(35)% patients having low-probability (suspected or Normal scan were included in group-b, low SACE level (<28iu/l) was found in 19/26 (sensitivity of 73% in group-A (positive Predictive Value: 47%) and 9/14(sensitivity of 64%) in Group-B. Whereas mean levels for both groups were 34.55 and 54.84 respectively. Rise in LDH was pronounced in group A. Only chest x-ray and ECGS were found to be more sensitive for group-A than group-B. Changes in ABGs (type-1 resp. Failure) had low sensitivity. Conclusion: Among clinically suspected cases of PE, fall in SACE level can be used as a sensitive and reliable diagnostic marker as more than 75% of the enzyme in produced in the lungs compared with other enzymes which have extra-pulmonary source. (author)

Effect of combined treatment of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics on serum creatinine levels among elderly patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sweileh, Waleed M.

2006-01-01

The adverse effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and diuretics when given together need extensive research and attention. We performed a cross-sectional study of patients admitted to the internal department of a general medical hospital to investigate the effect of drug combinations on serum creatinine level and creatinine clearance upon admission. Age, sex, disease, status and prior consumption of the target drugs: diuretics and ACE-I were correlated with creatnine and creatinine clearance on admission. The levels of serum creatinine for groups receiving the target combination in both sexes were significantly higher than groups who were not receiving the target combination. Computing an estimate of creatinine clearance based on Cockroft equation yields similar results to that for serum level creatinine. The levels of creatinine clearance in both sexes were significantly higher in the control group compared to those receiving the target combinations. Low dose aspirin seems to have a synergistic negative effect on renal function when given in combination with the target medications. Taking ACE-I/diuretic combination was associated with significant changes in creatinine levels and creatinine clearance. Attention should be made to balance positive effects of theses medications against their negative effect on renal function. (author)

Inhibition study of alanine aminotransferase enzyme using sequential online capillary electrophoresis analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Lina; Chen, Yuanfang; Yang, Li

2014-12-15

We report the study of several inhibitors on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme using sequential online capillary electrophoresis (CE) assay. Using metal ions (Na(+) and Mg(2+)) as example inhibitors, we show that evolution of the ALT inhibition reaction can be achieved by automatically and simultaneously monitoring the substrate consumption and product formation as a function of reaction time. The inhibition mechanism and kinetic constants of ALT inhibition with succinic acid and two traditional Chinese medicines were derived from the sequential online CE assay. Our study could provide valuable information about the inhibition reactions of ALT enzyme. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Defining the optimal cut-off values for liver enzymes in diagnosing blunt liver injury.

Science.gov (United States)

Koyama, Tomohide; Hamada, Hirohisa; Nishida, Masamichi; Naess, Paal A; Gaarder, Christine; Sakamoto, Tetsuya

2016-01-25

Patients with blunt trauma to the liver have elevated levels of liver enzymes within a short time post injury, potentially useful in screening patients for computed tomography (CT). This study was performed to define the optimal cut-off values for serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in patients with blunt liver injury diagnosed with contrast enhanced multi detector-row CT (CE-MDCT). All patients admitted from May 2006 to July 2013 to Teikyo University Hospital Trauma and Critical Care Center, and who underwent abdominal CE-MDCT within 3 h after blunt trauma, were retrospectively enrolled. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal cut-off values for AST and ALT were defined, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Of a total of 676 blunt trauma patients 64 patients were diagnosed with liver injury (Group LI+) and 612 patients without liver injury (Group LI-). Group LI+ and LI- were comparable for age, Revised Trauma Score, and Probability of survival. The groups differed in Injury Severity Score [median 21 (interquartile range 9-33) vs. 17 (9-26) (p tool for CT scan in patients otherwise eligible for observation only or as a transfer criterion to a facility with CT scan capability.

Lung inflammation in sarcoidosis: comparison of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels with bronchoalveolar lavage and gallium-67 scanning assessment of the T lymphocyte alveolitis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schoenberger, C.I.; Line, B.R.; Keogh, B.A.; Hunninghake, G.W.; Crystal, R.G.

1982-01-01

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is elevated in many patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and has been proposed as a measure of disease activity. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible relationship between serum ACE and direct measures of the intensity of the alveolitis of pulmonary sarcoidosis as measured by bronchoalveolar lavage and gallium-67 ( 67 Ga) scans. To accomplish this, 64 measurements of serum ACE, lavage T lymphocytes, and lung uptake of 67 Ga were performed in 41 patients with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis. Elevations of serum ACE were found on at least one occasion in 17 patients (41%). However, serum ACE was found to be a poor predictor of the intensity of alveolitis in sarcoidosis as assessed by the quantitation of bronchoalveolar lavage cells that were T lymphocytes and by 67 Ga scanning. Elevated serum ACE did not predict which patients would have elevated proportions of lavage T lymphocytes, which patients would demonstrate increased pulmonary uptake of 67 Ga, or which patients would have high-intensity alveolitis as defined by a combination of these criteria. These observations suggest that while serum ACE may be useful in diagnosing sarcoidosis, it does not reflect accurately the intensity of the alveolitis of the pulmonary component of this disease. (author)

Serum albumin--a non-saturable carrier

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Brodersen, R; Honoré, B; Larsen, F G

1984-01-01

The shape of binding isotherms for sixteen ligands to human serum albumin showed no signs of approaching saturation at high ligand concentrations. It is suggested that ligand binding to serum albumin is essentially different from saturable binding of substrates to enzymes, of oxygen to haemoglobi...

The analysis of correlation between changes of myocardial enzymes level in serum before and after radiation and dose-volume histogram parameters of the heart

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ding Xiuping; Li Hongjun; Li Baosheng; Wang Dongqing

2012-01-01

Objective: To analyze the correlation between the changes of myocardial enzyme level in serum before and after radiotherapy and dose - volume histogram (DVH) parameters of the heart. Methods: A total of 102 patients with 68 cases of lung cancer and 34 cases of esophageal cancer were recruited. All patients received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), with the radiation beams passing through the heart. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isozyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH) were determined in the serum before and after radiotherapy. All the enzyme levels before and after radiotherapy were compared through paired t-test. Independent sample t-test was conducted between sub-groups. And the dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters of the heart were calculated (the volume percentage of heart receiving dose equal to or exceeding x Gy (V x ). The correlation between myocardial enzyme level and DVH parameters was analyzed through Pearson method. Results: Serum AST, CK-MB, LDH, α-HBDH levels increased significantly after radiotherapy (19.42: 27.89, 14.72:19.57, 178.80 : 217.57, 140.32 : 176.25, t =-3.39 - -6.92, all P=0.000). In Group IMRT, significant correlations between the increase of myocardial enzyme concentration and DVH parameters of the heart are found, AST with V 20 , V 25 , V 30 of heart ( r=0.302 - 0.431, P =0.039 - 0.003), CK with V 30 of heart (r=0.345, P=0.013), and CK-MB, LDH, α-HBDH with V 25 , V 30 (r=0.465 -0.376, P=0.001-0.005). In Group CRT, there are significant correlations between changes of CK-MB, LDH level and V 30 of heart (r =0.330, 0.274, P=0.014, 0.033), α-HBDH and V 25 , V 30 , and V 35 of heart (r=0.270-0.331, P=0.046-0.014). When the irradiation dose was more than 50 Gy, significant correlations were found between the concentration changes of AST, LDH, α-HBDH and V 25 , V 30 of heart (r=0

Automatic and integrated micro-enzyme assay (AIμEA) platform for highly sensitive thrombin analysis via an engineered fluorescence protein-functionalized monolithic capillary column.

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Lihua; Liu, Shengquan; Nie, Zhou; Chen, Yingzhuang; Lei, Chunyang; Wang, Zhen; Yin, Chao; Hu, Huiping; Huang, Yan; Yao, Shouzhuo

2015-04-21

Nowadays, large-scale screening for enzyme discovery, engineering, and drug discovery processes require simple, fast, and sensitive enzyme activity assay platforms with high integration and potential for high-throughput detection. Herein, a novel automatic and integrated micro-enzyme assay (AIμEA) platform was proposed based on a unique microreaction system fabricated by a engineered green fluorescence protein (GFP)-functionalized monolithic capillary column, with thrombin as an example. The recombinant GFP probe was rationally engineered to possess a His-tag and a substrate sequence of thrombin, which enable it to be immobilized on the monolith via metal affinity binding, and to be released after thrombin digestion. Combined with capillary electrophoresis-laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF), all the procedures, including thrombin injection, online enzymatic digestion in the microreaction system, and label-free detection of the released GFP, were integrated in a single electrophoretic process. By taking advantage of the ultrahigh loading capacity of the AIμEA platform and the CE automatic programming setup, one microreaction column was sufficient for many times digestion without replacement. The novel microreaction system showed significantly enhanced catalytic efficiency, about 30 fold higher than that of the equivalent bulk reaction. Accordingly, the AIμEA platform was highly sensitive with a limit of detection down to 1 pM of thrombin. Moreover, the AIμEA platform was robust and reliable to detect thrombin in human serum samples and its inhibition by hirudin. Hence, this AIμEA platform exhibits great potential for high-throughput analysis in future biological application, disease diagnostics, and drug screening.

RELATION BETWEEN PREECLAMPSIA AND CARDIAC ENZYMES

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Rubina Aziz

2010-12-01

Full Text Available Abstract    INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia affects about 5-10% of all pregnancies and is a major cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The cardiovascular system undergoes a host of changes in association with development of preeclampsia. LDH is a useful biochemical marker that reflects the severity of the occurrence of preeclampsia.    METHOD AND MATERIALS: One hundred pregnant women were selected for this study, 50 normal pregnant women as controls and 50 preeclamptic women as the study group.  Cardiac enzymes (serum LDH, serum AST, serum CK and serum CKMB of these women were analyzed.    RESULTS: Mean Serum LDH and mean serum AST concentrations were significantly higher in preeclamptic patients compared to normal pregnant women (348.34 ± 59.17 vs. 255.92 ± 43.26, P < 0.01 and (34.32 ± 10.37 vs. 22.06 ± 5.10, P < 0.01 respectively.     CONCLUSION: LDH and AST may be increased due to liver damage. This endothelial vascular damage is the main cause in the occurrence of preeclampsia. Higher levels of LDH and AST are very useful markers to identify the occurrence of preeclampsia.      Keywords: LDH, Preeclampsia, AST, Cardiac Enzymes.

Au/CeO2-chitosan composite film for hydrogen peroxide sensing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Wei; Xie Guoming; Li Shenfeng; Lu Lingsong; Liu Bei

2012-01-01

Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were in situ synthesized at the cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs)-chitosan (CS) composite film by one-step direct chemical reduction, and the resulting Au/CeO 2 -CS composite were further modified for enzyme immobilization and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) biosensing. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-vis spectra and electrochemical techniques have been utilized for characterization of the prepared composite. The stepwise assembly process and electrochemical performances of the biosensor were characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and typical amperometric response (i-t). The Au/CeO 2 -CS composite exhibited good conductibility and biocompatibility, and the developed biosensor exhibited excellent response to hydrogen peroxide in the linear range of 0.05-2.5 mM (r = 0.998) with the detection limit of 7 μM (S/N = 3). Moreover, the biosensor presented high affinity (K m app =1.93mM), good reproducibility and storage stability. All these results demonstrate that the Au/CeO 2 -CS composite film can provide a promising biointerface for the biosensor designs and other biological applications.

Magnetic behaviour of cerium in Ce2 Sn5 and Ce3 Sn7, surstructures of Ce Sn3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stunault, A.

1988-07-01

The compound studied, Ce 2 Sn 5 and Ce 3 Sn 7 are both orthorhombic, surstructure of cubic Ce Sn 3 . Magnetic susceptibility measurements show in both compounds an antiferromagnetic order at low temperature and magnetization shows a high anisotropy. Magnetization densities are determined by polarized neutron diffraction. The cerium site which has two Ce atoms as nearest neighbourgs carries all the magnetism in both structures. For Ce 2 Sn 5 moments are directed as the high magnetization axis and structure is modulated. Ce 3 Sn 7 presents a simple antiferromagnetic order but moment are directed as low magnetization axis. Various transitions towards a ferromagnetic order are presented. Results are interpreted by measuring the difference between energy levels of crystalline field. A model of crystalline field and isotrope exchange agrees well with Ce 3 Sn 7 , but for Ce 2 Sn 7 it is necessary to reduce the magnetic moment which is typical of the Kondo effect [fr

Serum biochemical responses under oxidative stress of aspartame in wistar albino rats

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Arbind Kumar Choudhary

2014-02-01

Full Text Available Objective: To study whether the oral administration of aspartame (40 mg/kg body weight for 15 d, 30 d and 90 d have any effect on marker enzymes, some selective liver and kidney function parameter, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in serum. To mimic human methanol metabolism, folate deficient animals were used. Method: Animal weight, complete hemogram, marker enzyme in serum, some selected serum profile reflect liver and kidney function, plasma corticosterone level, and in serum, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant level was measured . Result: After 15 d of aspartame administration animals showed a significant change in marker enzymes, and antioxidant level. However, after repeated long term administration (30 d and 90 d showed a significant change in some selected serum profile reflects liver and kidney function, along with marker enzymes, and antioxidant level. Conclusions: This study concludes that oral administration of aspartame (40 mg/kg body weight causes oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats by altering their oxidant/antioxidant balance.

Evaluation and comparison of radio-, fluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunoassays for serum thyroxine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaplan, L.A.; Gau, N.; Fearn, J.; Steain, E.A.; Chen, I.W.; Maxon, H.; Volle, C.

1981-01-01

We have compared three analytical systems for the measurement of serum thyroxine: enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA), fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) and a radioimmunoassay (RIA). These were evaluated with respect to their precision, accuracy, analytical sensitivity and sample throughput. The RIA is more sensitive than the EIA (10 μg/L vs. 35 μg/L). Both systems have excellent precision (X=86 μg/L, C.V.sub(RIA)=C.V.sub(EIA)=4.6 percent). Both the EIA and RIA demonstrate good accuracy with recovery of between 97-98 percent of added thyroxine. The FIA has an apparent sensitiviity between that of the RIA and EIA (25 μg/L), but a precision consistently lower than the other two systems (C.V. =7.4 percent, X=86 μg/L). Patients' results by RIA compared well with those from EIA (r=0.91,P 0.05). Although not fully automated, the EIA performed on the Abbott ABA-100 analyzer has a sample throughput equal to the automated RIA system (Micromedic, Concept 4)

21 CFR 862.2500 - Enzyme analyzer for clinical use.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Enzyme analyzer for clinical use. 862.2500 Section... Instruments § 862.2500 Enzyme analyzer for clinical use. (a) Identification. An enzyme analyzer for clinical use is a device intended to measure enzymes in plasma or serum by nonkinetic or kinetic measurement of...

CE and nanomaterials - Part II: Nanomaterials in CE.

Science.gov (United States)

Adam, Vojtech; Vaculovicova, Marketa

2017-10-01

The scope of this two-part review is to summarize publications dealing with CE and nanomaterials together. This topic can be viewed from two broad perspectives, and this article is trying to highlight these two approaches: (i) CE of nanomaterials, and (ii) nanomaterials in CE. The second part aims at summarization of publications dealing with application of nanomaterials for enhancement of CE performance either in terms of increasing the separation resolution or for improvement of the detection. To increase the resolution, nanomaterials are employed as either surface modification of the capillary wall forming open tubular column or as additives to the separation electrolyte resulting in a pseudostationary phase. Moreover, nanomaterials have proven to be very beneficial for increasing also the sensitivity of detection employed in CE or even they enable the detection (e.g., fluorescent tags of nonfluorescent molecules). © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Independent and supra-additive effects of alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and metabolic syndrome on the elevation of serum liver enzyme levels.

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Eun Young Park

Full Text Available We investigated the independent and combined effects of alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and metabolic syndrome on abnormal liver function, i.e., the elevation of serum liver enzyme levels. Participants of a Korean population-based prospective cohort aged ≥30 years without liver disease, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases were included. Information on alcohol consumption, smoking status, and metabolic syndrome, defined as per the criteria of the Adult Treatment Panel III, were applied to evaluate their impact on serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT. Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and metabolic syndrome were the significant individual factors that elevated serum liver enzyme levels. Supra-additive effects of metabolic syndrome and either alcohol consumption or cigarette smoking were also identified. The combination of heavy drinking (≥24 g/day and metabolic syndrome conferred an effect that was higher than the sum of the two individual effects (Synergic Index (SI: AST, 2.37 [1.20-4.67]; GGT, 1.91 [1.17-3.13]. Only GGT level (odds ratio 6.04 [3.68-9.94], SI 2.33 [1.24-4.41] was significantly elevated when the effect of moderate drinking (20 pack years, 1.80 for ≥24 g/day and ≤20 pack years, 2.03 for ≥24 g/day and >20 pack years, while only the combined effect of drinking ≥24 g/day and smoking >20 pack years elevated the AST level (SI 4.55 [3.12-6.61]. The combined effect of cigarette smoking and metabolic syndrome was not supra-additive. To prevent fatty liver disease and other related diseases, a multifactorial prevention strategy that includes limited alcohol consumption, smoking cessation and rectification of adverse metabolic profiles is required.

Pyrazolates advance cerium chemistry: a CeIII/CeIV redox equilibrium with benzoquinone.

Science.gov (United States)

Werner, Daniel; Deacon, Glen B; Junk, Peter C; Anwander, Reiner

2017-05-16

Two stable cerium(iv) 3,5-dialkylpyrazolate complexes are presented, namely dimeric [Ce(Me 2 pz) 4 ] 2 (Me 2 pz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazolate) and monomeric Ce(tBu 2 pz) 4 (tBu 2 pz = 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate) along with their trivalent counterparts [Ce(Me 2 pz) 3 ] and [Ce(tBu 2 pz) 3 ] 2 . All complexes were obtained from protonolysis reactions employing the silylamide precursors Ce[N(SiHMe 2 ) 2 ] 4 and Ce[N(SiMe 3 ) 2 ] 3 . Treatment of homoleptic Ce IV and Ce III Me 2 pz complexes with 1,4-hydroquinone (H 2 hq) or 1,4-benzoquinone (bq), respectively, ultimately gave the same trimetallic Ce III species via a cerium redox equilibrium. The Ce III complex Ce 3 (Me 2 pz) 5 (pchd) 2 (L) (pchd = 1,4-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)cyclohex-2,5-diene-1,4-diolato; L = Me 2 pzH or (thf) 2 ) results from a di-1,4-pyrazolyl attack on pre-coordinated bq. The reduction of bq by [Ce(Me 2 pz) 3 (thf)] 2 , and re-oxidation by the resulting Ce IV species was supported by UV-vis spectroscopic investigations. Comparisons with the redox-innocent complexes [Ln(Me 2 pz) 3 (thf)] 2 (Ln = La and Pr) revealed far less selective reactions with bq, giving hexametallic and octametallic rare-earth metal side products containing 2-Me 2 pz substituted hq ligands.

EPR study of concentration dependence in Ce, Ce : La and Ce:Y doped SrF2

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Dankert, O.; Vainchtein, David; Datema, H.C.; den Hartog, Hendrik

1995-01-01

Experimental results of an EPR-study of the concentration dependence of the doubly integrated intensity and linewidth of the signals associated with tetragonal Ce3+-F--dipoles in Sr1-xCexF2+x, Sr-1-0.005-x Ce0.005LaxF2+0.005+x and Sr-1-0.005-x Ce0.005YxF2+0.005+x are presented. Both show a nonlinear

Performance of polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis using serum, urine, and cyst fluid samples.

Science.gov (United States)

Chaya, Dr; Parija, Subhash Chandra

2014-01-01

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic zoonosis which presents with variable clinical manifestations. Currently the diagnosis of this disease is based on radiological findings and serological tests which lack specificity. Although antigen detection from the cyst fluid is the most specific, it is seldom done due to the complications involved. Detecting the presence of Echinococcus granulosus specific deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) could provide a definitive diagnosis of CE. An in-house PCR assay was devised to detect E. granulosus specific DNA in serum, urine and hydatid cyst fluid. The ability of the PCR to detect E. granulosus in the above mentioned samples were observed in comparison with other antigen and antibody detection tests. Serum samples from surgically confirmed patients of CE with ruptured cysts contained the corresponding DNA while the in the majority of cases who had an intact cyst had no DNA of E. granulosus in their serum. DNA of E. granulosus was not found to be excreted in urine. PCR performed equal to antigen detection ELISA while testing hydatid cyst fluid samples. Serum and urine might not serve as useful samples for the molecular diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis. However, PCR can be useful on serum samples to detect ruptured hydatid cysts and on hydatid cyst fluid to confirm the parasitic diagnosis.

Study of the role of serum folic acid in atopic dermatitis: A correlation with serum IgE and disease severity

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Maha A Shaheen

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Background : Most atopic dermatitis (AD patients have elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE. Impaired folic acid (FA metabolism was found to reduce the intracellular methyl donor pool, associated with a higher prevalence of atopy. Aim : To assess serum IgE and FA in AD patients and to correlate their levels with the disease severity, and with each other. Materials and Methods : Twenty patients with AD were assessed for serum FA and IgE, compared with 20 age- and sex-matched controls. Patients were classified into three groups (mild, moderate, and severe AD based on clinical severity according to Nottingham index. In both patients and controls, serum IgE was measured using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique and serum FA was measured using Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay technique. Results : Serum FA levels were lower in AD patients compared with controls, but the difference was not statistically significant. FA levels did not show statistically significant difference among disease severity groups and did not correlate with serum IgE levels. On the other hand, serum IgE levels were significantly elevated in AD patients compared with controls, and among AD patients, its levels were significantly elevated in severe AD compared with mild and moderate disease. Conclusion : Serum IgE is useful in assessment of AD severity and activity. FA contribution to AD needs further investigations.

Coherence Kondo gap in CeNiSn and CeRhSb

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takabatake, T.; Nakamoto, G.; Tanaka, H.; Bando, Y.; Fujii, H.; Nishigori, S.; Goshima, H.; Suzuki, T.; Fujita, T.; Oguro, I.; Hiraoka, T.; Malik, S.K.

1994-01-01

CeNiSn and CeRhSb are Kondo-lattice compounds showing the behavior of a small-gap semiconductor at temperatures below 7 K. We review and discuss the magnetic, transport and specific-heat measurements performed on single crystals of CeNiSn and polycrystals of CeRhSb. Prerequisites for gap formation are deduced from the effects of substitution and application of a magnetic field and pressure on the gapped state. ((orig.))

Preliminary Studies on Some Haematological and Serum ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The mean serum values of sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, as well as urea, creatinine and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) enzyme did not differ from the normal values, while the mean aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme value appeared to be lower than the normal range.In conclusion, the RBC, PCV ...

Malaysian brown seaweeds Sargassum siliquosum and Sargassum polycystum: Low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibition activities.

Science.gov (United States)

Nagappan, Hemlatha; Pee, Poh Ping; Kee, Sandra Hui Yin; Ow, Ji Tsong; Yan, See Wan; Chew, Lye Yee; Kong, Kin Weng

2017-09-01

Two Malaysian brown seaweeds, Sargassum siliquosum and Sargassum polycystum were first extracted using methanol to get the crude extract (CE) and further fractionated to obtain fucoxanthin-rich fraction (FRF). Samples were evaluated for their phenolic, flavonoid, and fucoxanthin contents, as well as their inhibitory activities towards low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. In LDL oxidation assay, an increasing trend in antioxidant activity was observed as the concentration of FRF (0.04-0.2mg/mL) and CE (0.2-1.0mg/mL) increased, though not statistically significant. As for serum oxidation assay, significant decrease in antioxidant activity was observed as concentration of FRF increased, while CE showed no significant difference in inhibitory activity across the concentrations used. The IC 50 values for ACE inhibitory activity of CE (0.03-0.42mg/mL) were lower than that of FRF (0.94-1.53mg/mL). When compared to reference drug Voglibose (IC 50 value of 0.61mg/mL) in the effectiveness in inhibiting α-amylase, CE (0.58mg/mL) gave significantly lower IC 50 values while FRF (0.68-0.71mg/mL) had significantly higher IC 50 values. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of CE (IC 50 value of 0.57-0.69mg/mL) and FRF (IC 50 value of 0.50-0.53mg/mL) were comparable to that of reference drug (IC 50 value of 0.54mg/mL). Results had shown the potential of S. siliquosum and S. polycystum in reducing cardiovascular diseases related risk factors following their inhibitory activities on ACE, α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In addition, it is likelihood that FRF possessed antioxidant activity at low concentration level. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Ce-H bonding on the physical properties of the hydrides CeCoSiH1.0 and CeCoGeH1.0

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chevalier, B; Matar, S F; Menetrier, M; Marcos, J Sanchez; Fernandez, J Rodriguez

2006-01-01

The hydrides CeCoSiH 1.0 and CeCoGeH 1.0 which crystallize like the parent antiferromagnetic compounds CeCoSi and CeCoGe in the tetragonal CeFeSi-type structure, have been investigated by specific heat and thermoelectric power measurements and 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). CeCoSiH 1.0 is an intermediate valence compound whereas CeCoGeH 1.0 can be considered as a nearly trivalent cerium compound. This behaviour is corroborated by the occurrence of a slight broadening of the 1 H NMR signal in the sequence CeCoSiH 1.0 → CeCoGeH 1.0 . The band structure calculations performed on these hydrides reveal the existence of strong bonding Ce-H interaction, found to be larger in CeCoSiH 1.0 than in CeCoGeH 1.0

Diagnostic performances of serum liver enzymes and cytokines in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

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Hakan Turkon

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Objective:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD is affecting people worldwide with increasing prevalence. Non-invasive tests are required for both diagnosis and staging of the disease. We aimed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of routine liver enzymes and cytokines in NAFLD. Methods:A total of 88 cases, aged between 20 and 62 years, were included in the study. Serum ALT, AST, GGT, triglyceride, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 were measured in 40 patients with NAFLD and in 48 healthy control patients with similar BMI and demographic characteristics. Diagnostic performances of serum biomarkers for diagnosis of NAFLD were evaluated with ROC analysis. Results:ALT and AST showed good diagnostic performance in predicting patients with NAFLD in the overall group (AUC=0.817; 95% CI[0.721-0.913], AUC=0.815;95% CI[0.718-0.911] respectively but in obese subjects ALT and AST showed poor performance (AUC=0.659;95% CI[0.478-0.841], AUC=0.680; 95% CI[0.498-0.861] respectively. Among cytokines TNF-alpha showed best performance in the diagnosis of NAFLD in both overall group and obese subjects (AUC=0.892; 95% CI[0.824- 0.959], AUC=0.858; 95% CI[0.739-0.977] respectively. The optimal cut off value for TNF-alpha was 10.65pg/ml with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 93% in the overall group. IL-6 and IL-8 showed poor performance. Conclusion: TNF-alpha may be a good parameter for predicting patients with NAFLD. J Clin Exp Invest 2015;6 (1: 16-20

The modifier effects of chymotrypsin and trypsin enzymes on fluorescence lifetime distribution of "N-(1-pyrenyl)maleimide-bovine serum albumin" complex

Science.gov (United States)

Özyiğit, İbrahim Ethem; Karakuş, Emine; Pekcan, Önder

2016-02-01

Chymotrypsin and trypsin are the well known proteolytic enzymes, both of which are synthesized in the pancreas as their precursors - the inactive forms; chymotrypsinogen and trypsinogen - and then are released into the duodenum to cut proteins into smaller peptides. In this paper, the effects of activities of chymotrypsin and trypsin enzymes on fluorescence lifetime distributions of the substrat bovine serum albumin (BSA) modified with N-(1-pyrenyl)maleimide (PM) were examined. In the labeling study of BSA with PM, it is aimed to attach PM to the single free thiol (Cys34) and to all the free amine groups in accessible positions in order to produce excimers of pyrene planes of the possible highest amount to form the lifetime distributions in the widest range, that may show specifically distinguishing changes resulting from the activities of the proteases. The time resolved spectrofluorometer was used to monitor fluorescence decays, which were analyzed by using the exponential series method (ESM) to obtain the changes of lifetime distributions. After the exposure of the synthesized substrat PM-BSA to the enzymes, the fluorescence lifetime distributions exhibited different structures which were attributed to the different activities of the proteases.

The chronic blockade of angiotensin I-converting enzyme eliminates the sex differences of serum cytokine levels of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dalpiaz, P.L.M.; Lamas, A.Z.; Caliman, I.F. [Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES (Brazil); Medeiros, A.R.S. [Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES (Brazil); Abreu, G.R.; Moysés, M.R. [Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES (Brazil); Andrade, T.U. [Departamento de Farmácia, Centro Universitário de Vila Velha, Vila Velha, ES (Brazil); Alves, M.F.; Carmona, A.K. [Departamento de Biofísica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP (Brazil); Bissoli, N.S. [Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES (Brazil)

2013-02-01

Sex hormones modulate the action of both cytokines and the renin-angiotensin system. However, the effects of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) on the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are unclear. We determined the relationship between ACE activity, cytokine levels and sex differences in SHR. Female (F) and male (M) SHR were divided into 4 experimental groups each (n = 7): sham + vehicle (SV), sham + enalapril (10 mg/kg body weight by gavage), castrated + vehicle, and castrated + enalapril. Treatment began 21 days after castration and continued for 30 days. Serum cytokine levels (ELISA) and ACE activity (fluorimetry) were measured. Male rats exhibited a higher serum ACE activity than female rats. Castration reduced serum ACE in males but did not affect it in females. Enalapril reduced serum ACE in all groups. IL-10 (FSV = 16.4 ± 1.1 pg/mL; MSV = 12.8 ± 1.2 pg/mL), TNF-α (FSV = 16.6 ± 1.2 pg/mL; MSV = 12.8 ± 1 pg/mL) and IL-6 (FSV = 10.3 ± 0.2 pg/mL; MSV = 7.2 ± 0.2 pg/mL) levels were higher in females than in males. Ovariectomy reduced all cytokine levels and orchiectomy reduced IL-6 but increased IL-10 concentrations in males. Castration eliminated the differences in all inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6 and TNF-α) between males and females. Enalapril increased IL-10 in all groups and reduced IL-6 in SV rats. In conclusion, serum ACE inhibition by enalapril eliminated the sexual dimorphisms of cytokine levels in SV animals, which suggests that enalapril exerts systemic anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive effects.

Postoperative changes in serum cytokines profile and nitric oxide levels in patients with cystic echinococcosis

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Refik M.

2005-09-01

Full Text Available The aim of the present study was to examine serum cytokines and nitric oxide (NO levels in patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE. 28 patients with CE were studied and all underwent surgery. Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, interleukin IL- 1β, receptor of soluble IL-2R (sIL-2R, IL-6, IL-8, nitrate/nitrite, and C-reactive protein (CRP were determined before and after induction of treatment. Data were compared with those obtained from 28 healthy volunteers. IL-6 was elevated in all CE patients (100%. IL-8 was increased in 11/28 (39.3%. Increased levels of IL-2R and TNF-α were found in a limited number of them particularly those showing cysts in the central area of the liver (5/28, 6/28. IL-1β level was not elevated in any patient except in secondary severe CE. CRP and nitrate/nitrite levels were also increased. A positive correlation between CRP and IL-6 (r = 0.74; p < 0.001 was found confirming the link between inflammation due to CE and activation of monocytes. All patients completely recovered and the levels of the studied parameters reverted to normal levels except one patient in whom severe recurrent disease occurred two years after the first operation. These results suggest that there are different immunoregulatory events and cytokines response during CE and may be in part related to slight monocytosis and in part to Th2 activation. IL-6, NO and CRP were unambiguously involved in the host parasite interaction and therefore may be useful markers in monitoring CE management and evaluating surgical stress.

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism with elevated serum ACE activity and major depression in an Iranian population.

Science.gov (United States)

Firouzabadi, Negar; Shafiei, Massoumeh; Bahramali, Ehsan; Ebrahimi, Soltan Ahmed; Bakhshandeh, Hooman; Tajik, Nader

2012-12-30

Genetic factors contribute substantially to the likelihood of developing major depressive disorder (MDD). The importance of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) elements in cognition and behaviour and their involvement in aetiology and treatment of depression imply that RAS gene polymorphism(s) associated with RAS overactivity might also be associated with depression. In the present study, genotype and allele frequencies of six common polymorphisms of genes encoding for RAS components were determined in DNAs extracted from venous blood of 191 depressed and 104 healthy individuals using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity was assayed using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The results showed, for the first time, that GG genotype of ACE A2350G was significantly associated with MDD among Iranian participants (P=0.001; odds ratio (OR)=6.2; 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.1-18.3). Significant higher serum ACE activity (P=0.0001) as well as higher diastolic blood pressure (P=0.036) were observed in depressed patients compared to the healthy control group. Depressed patients carrying GG genotype of the A2350G polymorphism had a significantly higher serum ACE activity (P=0.02) than individuals with either AA or AG genotype. In conclusion, this study supports the hypothesis of RAS overactivity in depression in that the genotype associated with higher serum ACE activity in an Iranian population was also associated with MDD. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fluorometric Assessment Of Lysosomal Enzymes In Garlic Oil ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The effect of Garlic oil on Lysosomal enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were investigated fluorometrically. The serum lysosomal enzymes assayed include β-glucuronidase, N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) β-D-galactosidase and α-D-galactosidase. The results of the study in nMole-4Mu/hr/ml show that ...

Genome Mining in Sorangium cellulosum So ce56

Science.gov (United States)

Ewen, Kerstin Maria; Hannemann, Frank; Khatri, Yogan; Perlova, Olena; Kappl, Reinhard; Krug, Daniel; Hüttermann, Jürgen; Müller, Rolf; Bernhardt, Rita

2009-01-01

Myxobacteria, especially members of the genus Sorangium, are known for their biotechnological potential as producers of pharmaceutically valuable secondary metabolites. The biosynthesis of several of those myxobacterial compounds includes cytochrome P450 activity. Although class I cytochrome P450 enzymes occur wide-spread in bacteria and rely on ferredoxins and ferredoxin reductases as essential electron mediators, the study of these proteins is often neglected. Therefore, we decided to search in the Sorangium cellulosum So ce56 genome for putative interaction partners of cytochromes P450. In this work we report the investigation of eight myxobacterial ferredoxins and two ferredoxin reductases with respect to their activity in cytochrome P450 systems. Intriguingly, we found not only one, but two ferredoxins whose ability to sustain an endogenous So ce56 cytochrome P450 was demonstrated by CYP260A1-dependent conversion of nootkatone. Moreover, we could demonstrate that the two ferredoxins were able to receive electrons from both ferredoxin reductases. These findings indicate that S. cellulosum can alternate between different electron transport pathways to sustain cytochrome P450 activity. PMID:19696019

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality following open surgical repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

Science.gov (United States)

Nie, Wanpin; Wang, Yan; Yao, Kai; Wang, Zheng; Wu, Hao

2016-01-01

Open surgical repair (OSR) is a conventional surgical method used in the repair a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA); however, OSR results in high perioperative mortality rates. The level of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been reported to be an independent risk factor for postoperative in-hospital mortality following major cardiopulmonary surgery. In the present study, the association of serum ACE2 levels with postoperative in-hospital mortality was investigated in patients undergoing OSR for ruptured AAA. The study enrolled 84 consecutive patients underwent OSR for ruptured AAA and were subsequently treated in the intensive care unit. Patients who succumbed postoperatively during hospitalization were defined as non-survivors. Serum ACE2 levels were measured in all patients prior to and following the surgery using ELISA kits. The results indicated that non-survivors showed significantly lower mean preoperative and postoperative serum ACE2 levels when compared with those in survivors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed that, subsequent to adjusting for potential confounders, the serum ACE2 level on preoperative day 1 showed a significant negative association with the postoperative in-hospital mortality. This was confirmed by multivariate hazard ratio analysis, which showed that, subsequent to adjusting for the various potential confounders, the risk of postoperative in-hospital mortality remained significantly higher in the two lowest serum ACE2 level quartiles compared with that in the highest quartile on preoperative day 1. In conclusion, the present study provided the first evidence supporting that the serum ACE2 level is an independent risk factor for the in-hospital mortality following OSR for ruptured AAA. Furthermore, low serum ACE2 levels on preoperative day 1 were found to be associated with increased postoperative in-hospital mortality. Therefore, the serum ACE2 level on preoperative day 1 may be a potential

Comment on “Synthesis of ceria (CeO_2 and CeO_2_−_x) nanoparticles via decarbonation and Ce(III) oxidation of synthetic bastnaesite (CeCO_3F)” by Montes-Hernandez et al

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gysi, Alexander P.; Williams-Jones, Anthony E.

2016-01-01

Montes-Hernandez et al. [5] recently reported results of a study of the decarbonation of fine-grained synthetic bastnäsite-(Ce) precipitates involving the oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) and the formation of ceria (CeO_2 and CeO_2_-_x with oxygen vacancies) nano-particles. The purpose of their study was to show that oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) occurs spontaneously during heating of bastnäsite-(Ce) in air, a vacuum, N_2 or Ar gas. However, their interpretation of the formation of CeO_2 is not supported by the findings of Gysi and Williams-Jones [3], who showed that natural bastnäsite-(Ce) decomposes to form rare earth element (REE) oxyfluorides (REEOF). The latter was documented using differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TGA) experiments under a deoxygenated N_2 atmosphere. In their experiments, Gysi and Williams-Jones [3] found no evidence for the oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV). This raises the question of whether the experiments of Montes-Hernandez et al. [5] in a N_2 atmosphere (and by extension in an Ar atmosphere) were compromised because of contamination by O_2 and that, as a result, they reached the erroneous conclusion that Ce(III) oxidizes spontaneously to Ce(IV) during heating of bastnäsite-(Ce) under these conditions. In order to explain the disagreement between their findings and those of Gysi and Williams-Jones [3], Montes-Hernandez et al. [5], proposed that the X-ray diffraction data of the former study were incorrectly interpreted. Here, we provide further evidence that the natural bastnäsite-(Ce) employed in the study by Gysi and Williams-Jones [3] decomposed to form REE oxyfluorides (i.e., CeOF, LaOF, PrOF and NdOF) and not CeO_2, and supply explanations for why Montes-Hernandez et al. [5] erroneously concluded that CeO_2 is produced during decomposition of this mineral under N_2 and Ar atmospheres. In so doing, we hope to provide new insights into the decomposition of bastnäsite-(Ce) that will help guide future

Detection of Serum Thermolabile β-2 Macroglycoprotein (Hakata Antigen) by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Polysaccharide Produced by Aerococcus viridans

Science.gov (United States)

Tsujimura, Mitsushi; Ishida, Chuzo; Sagara, Yasuko; Miyazaki, Takashi; Murakami, Koichi; Shiraki, Hiroshi; Okochi, Kazuo; Maeda, Yoshiaki

2001-01-01

Although a serum thermolabile β-2 macroglycoprotein (TMG) may play a role in host defense as a lectin, little is known of its related physiological functions, mainly due to a lack of appropriate methods for tracing the functions of TMG. We identified a polysaccharide from Aerococcus viridans, PSA, which reacts with TMG, and based on this finding, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to trace the functions of TMG. Using ethanol precipitation and DEAE-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-400 column chromatographies, we isolated PSA from cultured medium of A. viridans, and it exhibited specific binding against TMG in blood samples. In sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), the isolated PSA showed ladder bands that implied the existence of repeating units composed of d-glucose, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, d-mannose, and d-xylose, as confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. SDS-PAGE and immunochemical analysis, using rabbit anti-TMG antibody, showed that PSA specifically binds solely to intact serum TMG but not to TMG heated at 56°C for 30 min, a condition under which antigenicity is lost. TMG in serum samples bound to PSA in a dose-dependent manner, and this binding was clearly suppressed by addition of PSA. These observations indicate that PSA is a useful adsorbent to TMG and can be used to develop appropriate methods for tracing the functions of TMG. PMID:11238239

Lattice dynamics of γ--Ce

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gould, T.A.

1978-08-01

The phonon and magnetic measurements described in the thesis produced the following significant results concerning the lattice dynamical and magnetic properties of γ-Ce. The phonon spectrum is relatively soft, which is consistent with results obtained for CeSn 3 . The L [110] and T [111] branches of the dispersion curve are anomalous. The C 11 and C 44 elastic constants are quite close in value. No discrete magnetic excitations were observed. The magnetic scattering is qualitatively similar to the results from Ce 0 . 74 Th 0 . 26 , however, GAMMA/sub Ce/ less than GAMMA/sub Ce-Th/. The various lattice dynamical and magnetic similarities among γ-Ce, CeSn 3 , and Ce 0 . 74 Th 0 . 26 are mixed valence compounds. Therefore, a complete theoretical description of the observed properties of Ce and its compounds may provide a basis for understanding a whole class of mixed valence materials

The environmental toxicology of rare earth elements (147Pm, 141Ce, 147Nd) and their safety evaluation in environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Zuyi; Liu Yu; Cheng Wei; Zhang Ligan; Li Huixin; Wang Yuanxing

2001-01-01

The environmental behaviour, bioconcentration of rare earth elements and their effects on the animal gonadial hormone secretion were studied using the radioisotope tracer. The results were as follows: (1) The 147 Pm, 141 Ce and 147 Nd have strong adsorption in soil. They accumulated in soil easily and belonged to the matter which was difficult to move. When in water body, they concentrated in the bottom mud. (2) The authors tested bioconcentration factors (BCF) of 5 aquatics and absorption coefficients of 3 aquatic vegetables on 147 Pm, and their concentration in edible organ-stems. The materials for study showed apparent concentrating capabilities. (3) The distribution of 147 Pm, 141 Ce and 147 Nd residues were uneven in the animal's viscera and tissue. But, the higher residues were in bone, marrow, eye, brain, heart, adipose and testis, and their accumulation increased with dosage and time, which showed selective accumulation. There were much higher accumulation of RE in bone than in other viscera and tissues, and 141 Ce was highest in eye. (4) With the Nd or Ce of dose 200 mg/kg by once intraperitoneally, gonadial hormone (testosterone or progesterone) concentration in the serum decreased significantly compared with the control. This showed apparent inhibition on gonadial hormone secretion in mice; however with different dosages of Ce (200 and 800 mg/kg · d) in feed, the testosterone concentration of serum made no significant difference, but, the misshape rate of spermatozoon proved higher, and the misshape rate increased with feeding time and dosage. Rudimentary exploration on safety of agricultural use of Re for eco-environment are made, and some suggestions are proposed

Low-cost, easy-to-prepare magnetic chitosan microparticles for enzymes immobilization

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Pospišková, K.; Šafařík, Ivo

2013-01-01

Roč. 96, č. 2 (2013), s. 545-548 ISSN 0144-8617 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LD13021 Institutional support: RVO:67179843 Keywords : Chitosan * Magnetite * Microwave irradiation * Enzymes immobilization Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry Impact factor: 3.916, year: 2013

Serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities in ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Background and Objectives: There is the recognition of a pattern of elevations of serum enzymes in hyperthyroid and hypothyroid patients. The aims of this study were to determine the activities of serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate deydrogenase (LDH) in thyroid disorders, and to evaluate the relationship between CK, ...

Effects of enzyme additive on haematological and serum ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

This study was conducted to determine the effects of an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (ROXAZYME G®) on blood parameters of calves fed fresh grass and grass hay-based diets. Chemical composition of concentrate, fresh grass and grass-hay were determined. Sixteen crossbred (N'dama × Muturu) calves were subjected to ...

Dopant concentration dependence of radiation-induced positive hysteresis of Ce:GSO and Ce:GSOZ

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yanagida, Takayuki; Fujimoto, Yutaka; Watanabe, Kenichi

2014-01-01

Positive hysteresis and radiation tolerance to high-dose radiation exposure were investigated for Ce 0.5, 1, and 1.5%-doped Gd 2 SiO 5 (GSO) and for Zr co-doped GSO with the same Ce concentrations (GSOZ). When they were irradiated by 200–800 Gy 60 Co in 200 Gy steps, all Ce-doped GSO samples exhibited light yield enhancement (positive hysteresis). On the other hand, the light yield of GSOZ decreased greatly. Ce 0.5%-doped GSO showed the highest positive hysteresis, with ∼20% light yield enhancement. When the Ce concentration was increased, the positive hysteresis became weaker. - Highlights: • Positive hysteresis Ce 0.5, 1, and 1.5% doped GSO and GSOZ are studied. • Ce 0.5, 1, and 1.5% doped GSO show the positive hysteresis by 2–8 M rad 60 Co irradiation. • Ce 0.5, 1, and 1.5% doped GSOZ do not show the positive hysteresis. • By Zn co-doping, radiation tolerance of GSO becomes weaker. • By dense Ce doping, radiation tolerance of GSO and GSOZ are improved

Tuning Ce distribution for high performanced Nd-Ce-Fe-B sintered magnets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fan, Xiaodong [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048 (China); Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Science, Ningbo 315201 (China); Guo, Shuai; Chen, Kan; Chen, Renjie; Lee, Don [Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Science, Ningbo 315201 (China); You, Caiyin, E-mail: caiyinyou@xaut.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048 (China); Yan, Aru, E-mail: aruyan@nimte.ac.cn [Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Science, Ningbo 315201 (China)

2016-12-01

A dual-alloy method was applied to tune the distribution of Ce for enhancing the performance of Nd-Ce-Fe-B sintered magnets with a nominal composition of (Nd{sub 0.75}Ce{sub 0.25}){sub 30.5}Fe{sub bal}Al{sub 0.1}Cu{sub 0.1}B. In comparison to the single alloy of (Nd{sub 0.75}Ce{sub 0.25}){sub 30.5}Fe{sub bal}Al{sub 0.1}Cu{sub 0.1}B, the coercivity was enhanced from 10.3 kOe to 12.1 kOe and the remanence was increased from 13.1 kG to 13.3 kG for the magnets with a dual-alloy method. In addition, the remanence temperature coefficient α and coercivity temperature coefficient β were also slightly improved for the magnet with the dual alloys. The results of microstructure characterizations show the uniform distribution of Ce for the magnet with a single alloy, and the coexistence of the Ce-rich and Ce-lean regions for the magnet with the dual alloys. In combinations with the nucleation of reversal domains and magnetic recoil curves, the property enhancement of magnets with a dual-alloy method was well explained. - Highlights: • Improved magnetic properties were obtained in dual-alloy magnet. • This is due to the tuning of Ce distribution and the change in microstructure. • The magnetic hardening effect can be observed in dual-alloy magnet.

The modifier effects of chymotrypsin and trypsin enzymes on fluorescence lifetime distribution of "N-(1-pyrenyl)maleimide-bovine serum albumin" complex.

Science.gov (United States)

Özyiğit, İbrahim Ethem; Karakuş, Emine; Pekcan, Önder

2016-02-05

Chymotrypsin and trypsin are the well known proteolytic enzymes, both of which are synthesized in the pancreas as their precursors - the inactive forms; chymotrypsinogen and trypsinogen - and then are released into the duodenum to cut proteins into smaller peptides. In this paper, the effects of activities of chymotrypsin and trypsin enzymes on fluorescence lifetime distributions of the substrat bovine serum albumin (BSA) modified with N-(1-pyrenyl)maleimide (PM) were examined. In the labeling study of BSA with PM, it is aimed to attach PM to the single free thiol (Cys34) and to all the free amine groups in accessible positions in order to produce excimers of pyrene planes of the possible highest amount to form the lifetime distributions in the widest range, that may show specifically distinguishing changes resulting from the activities of the proteases. The time resolved spectrofluorometer was used to monitor fluorescence decays, which were analyzed by using the exponential series method (ESM) to obtain the changes of lifetime distributions. After the exposure of the synthesized substrat PM-BSA to the enzymes, the fluorescence lifetime distributions exhibited different structures which were attributed to the different activities of the proteases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fatty acyltranferases in serum in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zielenski, J.; Newman, L.J.; Slomiany, B.L.; Slomiany, A.

1987-01-01

Studies on serum and gastrointestinal secretion from CF patient is suggest that defective accumulation of mucus in gastrointestinal tract and excessive amount of a protease resistant peptides in serum are related to the abnormal activity of enzymes responsible for fatty acylation of proteins. Here, the authors investigated the fatty acyltransferase activities in serum of normal and CF patients. A 15μl of serum was mixed with 0.85 nmol [ 14 C]palmitoyl CoA, 200μg of serine and threonine and incubated at 37 0 C for 30 min. The incubates were immediately frozen, dried extracted with C/M and chromatographed in chloroform/methanol/water. The incorporation of [ 14 C]palmitate was determined using linear radioscanner and authoradiography. The results of HPTLC revealed that CF serum in addition of ACAT and LCAT contained enzymes responsible for the transfer of [ 14 C]palmitate to monoacylphosphoglycerides, and serine and threonine. In normal serum the formation of a small amount of palmitoyl serine and palmitoyl threonine was also observed but the acylation of monoacylphosphoglycerides was not detectable. The authors conclude that in cystic fibrosis the abnormal fatty acyltransferases are responsible for the occurrence of protease resistant glycoprotein, unusual peptides in serum and possibly for the modification of membrane proteins and lipids

Fabrication of Nano-CeO2 and Application of Nano-CeO2 in Fe Matrix Composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tiebao, W.; Chunxiang, C.; Xiaodong, W.; Guobin, L.

2010-01-01

It is expatiated that nano-CeO2 is fabricated by the direct sedimentation method. The components and particles diameter of nano-CeO2 powders are analyzed by XRD and SEM . The thermodynamic analysis and acting mechanism of nano-CeO2 with Al in Fe matrix composites are researched, which shows that the reaction is generated between CeO2 and Al in the composite, that is, 3CeO2+4Al - 2Al2O3+3[Ce], which obtains Al2O3 and active [Ce] during the sintering process. The active [Ce] can improve the performance of CeO2/Fe matrix composites. The suitable amount of CeO2 is about 0.05% in CeO2/Fe matrix composites. SEM fracture analysis shows that the toughness sockets in nano-CeO2/Fe matrix composites are more than those in no-added nano-CeO2 composites, which can explain that adding nano-CeO2 into Fe matrix composite, the toughness of the composite is improved significantly. Applied nano-CeO2 to Fe matrix diamond saw blades shows that Fe matrix diamond saw blade is sharper and of longer cutting life than that with no-added nano-CeO2.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantification of serum platelet-bindable IgG.

Science.gov (United States)

Howe, S E; Lynch, D M; Lynch, J M

1984-01-01

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using F(ab')2 peroxidase-labeled antihuman immunoglobulin and o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (OPD) as a substrate was developed to measure serum platelet bindable IgG (S-PBIgG). The assay was made quantitative by standardizing the number of normal "target" platelets bound to microtiter plate wells, and by incorporating quantitated IgG standards with each microtiter plate tested to prepare a standard calibration curve. By this method, S-PBIgG for normal individuals was 3.4 +/- 1.6 fg per platelet (mean +/- 1 SD; n = 40). Increased S-PBIgG levels were detected in 36 of 40 patients with clinical autoimmune thrombocytopenia (ATP), ranging from 7.0 to 85 fg per platelet. Normal S-PBIgG levels were found in 34 of 40 patients with nonimmune thrombocytopenia. This method showed a sensitivity of 90 percent, specificity of 85 percent, and in the sample population studied, a positive predictive value of 0.86 and a negative predictive value of 0.90. This assay is highly reproducible (coefficient of variation was 6.8%) and appears useful in the evaluation of patients with suspected immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.

[Estimation of adaptive capacities in Magnitogorsk children from the activity of some detoxification enzymes].

Science.gov (United States)

koganova, Z I; Ingel', F I; Antipanova, N A; Legostoeva, T B; Poliakova, O V

2010-01-01

The paper provides the first fragment of a multiparameter study analyzing the influence of environmental pollution, the social and psychological features of a family, and some endogenous factors on genome stability and sensitivity in a developed ferrous metallurgy town. It also gives data on the urine and serum activity of the lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and the serum activity of catalase in an organized contingent of apparently healthy children (n = 178; 6 kindergartens) aged 5-7 years, who live permanently in Magnitogorsk at different distances from the metallurgical works. More than 70% of children selected for examination were found to have average normal levels of activity of the enzymes studied. According to the average levels of enzyme activity, there were only 2 kindergartens (both from the left-bank region). In the children from the left-bank area, enzyme activities varied more greatly, which suggests the higher prevalence of tense adaptation. Correlation analysis revealed association between the children's serum activity of enzymes and some components of snow pollution. It is anticipated that the found changes in serum activities of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and catalase may be determined by individual differences in a child's response to ambient air pollutants.

Evaluation of radioiodinated and radiocopper labeled monovalent fragments of monoclonal antibody chCE7 for targeting of neuroblastoma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carrel, Francois; Amstutz, Hanspeter; Novak-Hofer, Ilse; Schubiger, P. August

1997-01-01

Monovalent fragments of antineuroblastoma antibody mAb chCE7 were evaluated for their in vitro and in vivo tumor cell binding properties. Single chain fragments were constructed from the variable region genes cloned from hybridoma cells, expressed in E.coli and purified by metal chelate affinity chromatography. Radioiodinated CE7-scFv fragments were found to bind with high affinity (K d ∼10 -9 M) to target cells in vitro but formed aggregates at 37 deg. C, and bound to serum proteins in vitro and in vivo. Circular Dichroism spectra revealed the protein to be in a conformationally altered form and no permanent 'refolding' could be achieved. In contrast, chCE7-Fab fragments were found to bind to target tumor cells with similar affinity than the parent mAb chCE7 (K d ∼10 -10 M), showed no tendency to aggregate and were stable in serum both in vitro and in vivo. Kinetics of association and dissociation of radioiodinated scFv and Fab fragments were found to be rapid. Radioiodination with the Iodogen method led to impaired immunoreactivity which was found to further increase the off- rates of radioiodinated fragments from tumor cells. Radioiodination with the Bolton-Hunter reagent as well as labeling of chCE7-Fab fragments with 67 Cu via the macrocyclic CPTA ligand led to fully immunoreactive Fab fragments. Radioiodinated and radiocopper labeled monovalent CE7 fragments did not internalize into target tumor cells as the parent mAb and its F(ab') 2 fragment. A comparison of the biodistribution in tumor bearing nude mice of the radiocopper labeled monovalent, non internalizing Fab fragments with the internalizing divalent F(ab') 2 fragments showed in both cases high levels of radioactivity in the kidneys. Concerning tumor uptake, radioactivity from both internalizing and non internalizing fragments remained associated with tumor tissue for longer times than in case of the corresponding radioiodinated fragments. When compared with the radioiodinated forms, tumor uptake

Biological reduction-deposition and luminescent properties of nanostructured CePO{sub 4}@NaCe(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O) and CePO{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu, Xiaoniu [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189 (China); Research Institute of Green Construction Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189 (China); Qian, Chunxiang, E-mail: cxqian@seu.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189 (China); Research Institute of Green Construction Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189 (China)

2016-03-01

Nano-sized CePO{sub 4}@NaCe(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O) and CePO{sub 4} with hexagonal phase have been prepared by simply varying the reactant P/Ce molar ratio in bacterial liquid. The phase composition of two samples was checked via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, displaying the presence of CePO{sub 4}@NaCe(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O) and CePO{sub 4} with average crystallite size are 32.34 and 15.61 nm, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that nano-clusters and sphere-like in shape with a narrow diameter distribution were observed in two samples. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) photographs further indicate obtained CePO{sub 4}@NaCe(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O) and CePO{sub 4} nanoparticles correspond to nanosheets and nanorods, respectively. The emission spectra of CePO{sub 4}@NaCe(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O) and CePO{sub 4} display a broad band of 300–380 nm range with the strongest emission at 342 nm in the violet region. - Highlights: • A new method was found to synthesize CePO{sub 4}@NaCe(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O) and CePO{sub 4} nanoparticles. • CePO{sub 4}@NaCe(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O) nanoparticles have good luminescent properties. • Size and luminescent properties of two samples have been studied and compared.

Effects of low dose radiation on antioxidant enzymes after radiotherapy of tumor-bearing mice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Jin; Gao Gang; Wang Qin; Tang Weisheng; Liu Xiaoqiu; Wang Zhiquan

2005-01-01

Objective: To search for effects of low dose radiation on the activities of antioxidant enzymes after radiotherapy of tumor-bearing mice. Methods: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) were all determined by chemical colorimetry. Results: Low dose radiation increase the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) in serum of tumor-bearing mice more markedly than those in the unirradiated controls. The activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, GST, CAT in serum of tumor-bearing mice (d 5 , d 3 ) irradiated with 5cGy 6h before 2.0 Gy radiation are obviously higher than those of the group (c 3 , c 5 ) given with radiotherapy only. Conclusion: The increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in serum of tumor-bearing mice triggered by low dose radiation could partly contribute to the protective mechanism. (authors)

Levels of house dust mite-specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) in different cat populations using a monoclonal based anti-IgE enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Science.gov (United States)

Bexley, Jennifer; Hogg, Janice E; Hammerberg, Bruce; Halliwell, Richard E W

2009-10-01

Levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific for the house dust mites (HDMs) Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) in 58 cats with clinical signs suggestive of atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis cats), 52 cats with no history of allergic or immunological disease (nonallergic cats) and 26 specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats were measured using a monoclonal anti-IgE enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reactivity to both native and reduced HDM allergens was compared. SPF cats had significantly lower levels of HDM-specific serum IgE than cats with allergic dermatitis and nonallergic cats. The difference in levels of HDM-specific IgE in the serum of cats with allergic dermatitis and nonallergic cats was significant for native DF allergen, but not for native DP allergen or reduced HDM allergens. The results suggest that DF in its native form may be a significant allergen in cats with allergic dermatitis. The clinical relevance of these reactions, however, remains to be proven.

Effect of Probiotics on Serum Biochemical and Blood Constituents in ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Conclusion: Salmonella challenge affects serum albumin, globulin and GOT enzyme. The results obtained suggest that the probiotic, Toyocerin, mitigates the negative effects of Salmonella challenge. Keywords: Bacillus subtilis PB6, Bacillus Cereus var. toyoi, Probiotics, Liver enzymes, Hematology,. Salmonella enterica.

Comment on “Synthesis of ceria (CeO{sub 2} and CeO{sub 2−x}) nanoparticles via decarbonation and Ce(III) oxidation of synthetic bastnaesite (CeCO{sub 3}F)” by Montes-Hernandez et al

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gysi, Alexander P., E-mail: agysi@mines.edu [Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1516 Illinois Street, Golden, CO, 80401 (United States); Williams-Jones, Anthony E. [Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, 3450 University Street, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 2A7 (Canada)

2016-11-01

Montes-Hernandez et al. [5] recently reported results of a study of the decarbonation of fine-grained synthetic bastnäsite-(Ce) precipitates involving the oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) and the formation of ceria (CeO{sub 2} and CeO{sub 2-x} with oxygen vacancies) nano-particles. The purpose of their study was to show that oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) occurs spontaneously during heating of bastnäsite-(Ce) in air, a vacuum, N{sub 2} or Ar gas. However, their interpretation of the formation of CeO{sub 2} is not supported by the findings of Gysi and Williams-Jones [3], who showed that natural bastnäsite-(Ce) decomposes to form rare earth element (REE) oxyfluorides (REEOF). The latter was documented using differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TGA) experiments under a deoxygenated N{sub 2} atmosphere. In their experiments, Gysi and Williams-Jones [3] found no evidence for the oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV). This raises the question of whether the experiments of Montes-Hernandez et al. [5] in a N{sub 2} atmosphere (and by extension in an Ar atmosphere) were compromised because of contamination by O{sub 2} and that, as a result, they reached the erroneous conclusion that Ce(III) oxidizes spontaneously to Ce(IV) during heating of bastnäsite-(Ce) under these conditions. In order to explain the disagreement between their findings and those of Gysi and Williams-Jones [3], Montes-Hernandez et al. [5], proposed that the X-ray diffraction data of the former study were incorrectly interpreted. Here, we provide further evidence that the natural bastnäsite-(Ce) employed in the study by Gysi and Williams-Jones [3] decomposed to form REE oxyfluorides (i.e., CeOF, LaOF, PrOF and NdOF) and not CeO{sub 2}, and supply explanations for why Montes-Hernandez et al. [5] erroneously concluded that CeO{sub 2} is produced during decomposition of this mineral under N{sub 2} and Ar atmospheres. In so doing, we hope to provide new insights into the decomposition of

Engineering Enzyme Stability and Resistance to an Organic Cosolvent by Modification of Residues in the Access Tunnel

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Koudeláková, T.; Chaloupková, R.; Březovský, J.; Prokop, Z.; Šebestová, E.; Hesseler, M.; Khabiri, Morteza; Plevaka, M.; Kulik, D.; Kutá-Smatanová, Ivana; Řezáčová, Pavlína; Ettrich, Rüdiger; Bornscheuer, U.T.; Damborský, J.

2013-01-01

Roč. 52, č. 7 (2013), s. 1959-1963 ISSN 1433-7851 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LC06010 Institutional support: RVO:67179843 ; RVO:68378050 Keywords : directed evolution * enzyme catalysis * enzymes * protein engineering * protein stability Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry; EB - Genetics ; Molecular Biology (UMG-J) Impact factor: 11.336, year: 2013

Magnetic and electronic properties in CeTSi3 and CeTGe3 (T: transition metal)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shimoda, T.; Okuda, Y.; Takeda, Y.; Ida, Y.; Miyauchi, Y.; Kawai, T.; Fujie, T.; Sugitani, I.; Thamizhavel, A.; Matsuda, T.D.; Haga, Y.; Takeuchi, T.; Nakashima, M.; Settai, R.; Onuki, Y.

2007-01-01

We investigated the magnetic properties of CeTSi 3 (T: Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Pd and Pt) and CeTGe 3 (T: Co, Rh and Ir) by measuring their electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility. CeRuSi 3 , CeOsSi 3 and CeCoSi 3 do not order magnetically, with a large Kondo temperature of about 200K. The other compounds order antiferromagnetically, and are very similar to each other in their magnetic and electronic properties, which is related to a large crystalline electric field (CEF) splitting energy of the 4f electron, about 500K in CeIrSi 3

Structural and magnetic properties of Ce/Fe and Ce/FeCoV multilayers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tixier, S; Boeni, P [Paul Scherrer Inst. (PSI), Villigen (Switzerland); Mannix, D; Stirling, W G [Liverpool Univ. (United Kingdom); Lander, G H

1997-09-01

Ce/Fe and Ce/FeCoV multilayers have been grown by magnetron sputtering. The interfaces are well defined and the layers are crystalline down to an individual layer thickness of 20 A. Ce/FeCoV multilayers show sharper interfaces than Ce/Fe but some loss of crystallinity is observed. Hysteresis loops obtained by SQUID show different behaviour of the bulk magnetisation as a function of the layer thickness. Fe moments are found by Moessbauer spectroscopy to be perpendicular to the interfaces for multilayers with small periodicity. (author) 2 figs., 2 refs.

Cancer-associated myositis associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's oesophagus without serum myogenic enzymes elevation: an example suggesting the importance of MRI.

Science.gov (United States)

Sasaki, Yosuke; Shimizu, Hiroshige; Nemoto, Tetsuo; Urita, Yoshihisa

2016-04-21

The strong association between myositis and malignancy has been well recognised. Cancer-associated myositis (CAM) is thought to be a cross-reaction to regenerating muscle tissue similar to tumour antigen. We report a case of CAM due to oesophageal adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's oesophagus without elevation of myogenic enzymes, diagnosed by MRI and repeated endoscopy. Elderly onset, prominent symptoms, lack of interstitial pneumonia, poorer response to immunosuppressive therapies, and the combination of negative conventional myositis-related antibodies and positive anti-p155/140 antibody may help to distinguish CAM from idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. As the prognosis of patients with CAM depends on the malignancy, aggressive diagnosis of CAM and the causative malignancy is required. Our experience underscores the importance of avoiding the over-reliance on serum myogenic enzymes for excluding CAM and recognising MRI as a useful diagnostic tool of myositis. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Developing a capillary electrophoresis based method for dynamically monitoring enzyme cleavage activity using quantum dots-peptide assembly.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Jianhao; Fan, Jie; Liu, Li; Ding, Shumin; Liu, Xiaoqian; Wang, Jianpeng; Gao, Liqian; Chattopadhaya, Souvik; Miao, Peng; Xia, Jiang; Qiu, Lin; Jiang, Pengju

2017-10-01

Herein, a novel assay has been developed for monitoring PreScission protease (His-PSP) mediated enzyme cleavage of ATTO 590 labeled peptide substrate (ATTO-LEV). This novel method is based on combining the use of capillary electrophoresis and fluorescence detection (CE-FL) to dynamically monitor the enzyme cleavage activity. A multivalent peptide substrate was first constructed by immobilizing His-tagged ATTO 590 labeled peptide substrate (ATTO-LEVH6) onto the surface of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). Once successfully immobilized, the novel multivalent peptide substrate resulted in the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from QDs to ATTO 590. The ATTO-LEVH6-QD assembly was then incubated with His-PSP to study the proteolytic cleavage of surface bound ATTO-LEVH6 by CE-FL. Our data suggests that PreScission-mediated proteolytic cleavage is enzyme concentration- and incubation time-dependent. By combining capillary electrophoresis, QDs and FRET, our study herein not only provides a new method for the detection and dynamically monitoring of PSP enzyme cleavage activity, but also can be extended to the detection of many other enzymes and proteases. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Enzymes immobilized on magnetic carriers: efficient and selective system for protein modification

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Bílková, Z.; Slováková, M.; Horák, Daniel; Lenfeld, Jiří; Churáček, J.

2002-01-01

Roč. 770, 1-2 (2002), s. 177-181 ISSN 0378-4347 R&D Projects: GA AV ČR KSK4055109 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z4050913 Keywords : neuraminidase * galactose oxidase * enzymes Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry Impact factor: 1.913, year: 2002

Engineering and introduction of de novo disulphide bridges in organophosphorus hydrolase enzyme for thermostability improvement.

Science.gov (United States)

Farnoosh, Gholamreza; Khajeh, Khosro; Latifi, Ali Mohammad; Aghamollaei, Hossein

2016-12-01

The organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) has been used to degrade organophosphorus chemicals, as one of the most frequently used decontamination methods. Under chemical and thermal denaturing conditions, the enzyme has been shown to unfold. To utilize this enzyme in various applications, the thermal stability is of importance. The engineering of de novo disulphide bridges has been explored as a means to increase the thermal stability of enzymes in the rational method of protein engineering. In this study, Disulphide by Design software, homology modelling and molecular dynamics simulations were used to select appropriate amino acid pairs for the introduction of disulphide bridge to improve protein thermostability. The thermostability of the wild-type and three selected mutant enzymes were evaluated by half-life, delta G inactivation (ΔGi) and structural studies (fluorescence and far-UV CD analysis). Data analysis showed that half-life of A204C/T234C and T128C/E153C mutants were increased up to 4 and 24 min, respectively; however, for the G74C/A78C mutant, the half-life was decreased up to 9 min. For the T128C/E124C mutant, both thermal stability and Catalytic efficiency (kcat) were also increased. The half-life and ΔGi results were correlated to the obtained information from structural studies by circular dichroism (CD) spectrometry and extrinsic fluorescence experiments; as rigidity increased in A204C/T2234C and T128C/E153C mutants, half-life and ΔGi also increased. For G74C/A78C mutant, these parameters decreased due to its higher flexibility. The results were submitted a strong evidence for the possibility to improve the thermostability of OPH enzyme by introducing a disulphide bridge after bioinformatics design, even though this design would not be always successful.

Inhibition of human carboxylesterases hCE1 and hiCE by cholinesterase inhibitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Tsurkan, Lyudmila G; Hatfield, M Jason; Edwards, Carol C; Hyatt, Janice L; Potter, Philip M

2013-03-25

Carboxylesterases (CEs) are ubiquitously expressed proteins that are responsible for the detoxification of xenobiotics. They tend to be expressed in tissues likely to be exposed to such agents (e.g., lung and gut epithelia, liver) and can hydrolyze numerous agents, including many clinically used drugs. Due to the considerable structural similarity between cholinesterases (ChE) and CEs, we have assessed the ability of a series of ChE inhibitors to modulate the activity of the human liver (hCE1) and the human intestinal CE (hiCE) isoforms. We observed inhibition of hCE1 and hiCE by carbamate-containing small molecules, including those used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. For example, rivastigmine resulted in greater than 95% inhibition of hiCE that was irreversible under the conditions used. Hence, the administration of esterified drugs, in combination with these carbamates, may inadvertently result in decreased hydrolysis of the former, thereby limiting their efficacy. Therefore drug:drug interactions should be carefully evaluated in individuals receiving ChE inhibitors. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of dexamethasone on liver enzymes and some serum ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Concomitant usage of dexamethasone and other medications may alter electrolyte metabolism and increase the formation of potentially hepatotoxic reactive metabolites which can contribute to elevated liver enzymes. The role of dexamethasone in liver functions and electrolyte metabolism during pregnancy in Yankasa ...

A Sustainable One-Pot, Two-Enzyme Synthesis of Naturally Occurring Arylalkyl Glucosides

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Bassanini, I.; Krejzová, Jana; Panzeri, W.; Monti, D.; Křen, Vladimír; Riva, S.

2017-01-01

Roč. 10, č. 9 (2017), s. 2040-2045 ISSN 1864-5631 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) LD15085 Institutional support: RVO:61388971 Keywords : enzyme catalysis * glycosylation * green chemistry Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry OBOR OECD: Biochemistry and molecular biology Impact factor: 7.226, year: 2016

Ce(III)/Ce(IV) in methanesulfonic acid as the positive half cell of a redox flow battery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leung, P.K.; Ponce de Leon, C.; Low, C.T.J.; Walsh, F.C.

2011-01-01

The characteristics of the Ce(III)/Ce(IV) redox couple in methanesulfonic acid were studied at a platinum disk electrode (0.125 cm 2 ) over a wide range of electrolyte compositions and temperatures: cerium (III) methanesulfonate (0.1-1.2 mol dm -3 ), methanesulfonic acid (0.1-5.0 mol dm -3 ) and electrolyte temperatures (295-333 K). The cyclic voltammetry experiments indicated that the diffusion coefficient of Ce(III) ions was 0.5 x 10 -6 cm 2 s -1 and that the electrochemical kinetics for the oxidation of Ce(III) and the reduction of Ce(IV) was slow. The reversibility of the redox reaction depended on the electrolyte composition and improved at higher electrolyte temperatures. At higher methanesulfonic acid concentrations, the degree of oxygen evolution decreased by up to 50% when the acid concentration increased from 2 to 5 mol dm -3 . The oxidation of Ce(III) and reduction of Ce(IV) were also investigated during a constant current batch electrolysis in a parallel plate zinc-cerium flow cell with a 3-dimensional platinised titanium mesh electrode. The current efficiencies over 4.5 h of the process Ce(III) to Ce(IV) and 3.3 h electrolysis of the reverse reaction Ce(IV) to Ce(III) were 94.0 and 97.6%, respectively. With a 2-dimensional, planar platinised titanium electrode (9 cm 2 area), the redox reaction of the Ce(III)/Ce(IV) system was under mass-transport control, while the reaction on the 3-dimensional mesh electrode was initially under charge-transfer control but became mass-transport controlled after 2.5-3 h of electrolysis. The effect of the side reactions (hydrogen and oxygen evolution) on the current efficiencies and the conversion of Ce(III) and Ce(IV) are discussed.

Enzyme activity assay of glycoprotein enzymes based on a boronate affinity molecularly imprinted 96-well microplate.

Science.gov (United States)

Bi, Xiaodong; Liu, Zhen

2014-12-16

Enzyme activity assay is an important method in clinical diagnostics. However, conventional enzyme activity assay suffers from apparent interference from the sample matrix. Herein, we present a new format of enzyme activity assay that can effectively eliminate the effects of the sample matrix. The key is a 96-well microplate modified with molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) prepared according to a newly proposed method called boronate affinity-based oriented surface imprinting. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a glycoprotein enzyme that has been routinely used as an indicator for several diseases in clinical tests, was taken as a representative target enzyme. The prepared MIP exhibited strong affinity toward the template enzyme (with a dissociation constant of 10(-10) M) as well as superb tolerance for interference. Thus, the enzyme molecules in a complicated sample matrix could be specifically captured and cleaned up for enzyme activity assay, which eliminated the interference from the sample matrix. On the other hand, because the boronate affinity MIP could well retain the enzymatic activity of glycoprotein enzymes, the enzyme captured by the MIP was directly used for activity assay. Thus, additional assay time and possible enzyme or activity loss due to an enzyme release step required by other methods were avoided. Assay of ALP in human serum was successfully demonstrated, suggesting a promising prospect of the proposed method in real-world applications.

Lower Serum Paraoxonase-1 Activity Is Related to Higher Serum Amyloid A Levels in Metabolic Syndrome

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kappelle, Paul Jan Willem Herman; Bijzet, Johan; Hazenberg, Bouke Pier; Dullaart, Robin Pieter Frank

Background and Aims. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) contain the anti-oxidative enzyme, paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), which is important for atheroprotection. The acute phase reactant, serum amyloid A (SAA), an HDL-associated apolipoprotein, may impair PON-1 activity, whereas SAA and PON-1 are reciprocally

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent serum assay specific for the 7S domain of Collagen Type IV (P4NP 7S)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Leeming, Diana J; Nielsen, Mette J; Dai, Yueqin

2012-01-01

Aim:  The present study describes the ability of a newly developed N-terminal pro-peptides of type IV collagen 7S domain (P4NP 7S) competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for describing liver fibrosis. The assay applies a monoclonal antibody specific for a PIVNP 7S epitope 100...... were significantly elevated in rat with liver fibrosis as seen by histology (CCL4: 283% elevated in the highest quartile of total hepatic collagen compared with controls, P = 0.001; BDL: 183% elevated at week 4 compared with sham, P type IV collagen...... expression in BDL rats (r = 0.49, P serum assay specific for P4NP 7S was highly related to liver fibrosis...

Cerium oxide-deposited mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen in serum using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Choi, H.W.; Lee, K.H.; Hur, N.H.; Lim, H.B.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Sandwich-type immunoassay using ICP-MS and nanoparticles to determine biomarkers. • CeO 2 -deposited mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized as a probe. • Ratiometric measurement significantly improved the calibration linearity. • Excellent detection limit was achieved by signal amplification. - Abstract: CeO 2 -deposited mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized as a probe to determine carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in serum by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The prepared mesoporous nanoparticles were modified and tagged to the target for sandwich-type immunoassay. Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were also synthesized and immobilized with antibody to extract the target biomarker. The calibration curve of the synthesized CeO 2 -deposited silica nanoparticles, which was plotted by the signal ratio of 140 Ce/ 57 Fe measured by ICP-MS vs. the concentration of CEA, showed excellent linearity and sensitivity owing to the signal amplification and low spectral interference. Under optimal conditions, the sandwich-type analytical method was applied to determine CEA in serum spiked in the range of 0.001–5 ng mL −1 and showed a limit of detection of 0.36 ng mL −1 . Since the deposited CeO 2 in the mesoporous silica layer can be substituted by other metal compounds, various kinds of metal-deposited nanoparticles can be prepared as probe materials for multiplex detection in bioanalysis

Ultrasound-assisted interaction between chlorin-e6 and human serum albumin: pH dependence, singlet oxygen production, and formulation effect

Science.gov (United States)

Mocanu, Mihaela N.; Yan, Fei

2018-02-01

The interaction between chlorin e6 (Ce6) and human serum albumin (HSA) in the presence and absence of ultrasound have been investigated by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Ce6 is found to bind strongly to HSA at or near physiological pH conditions, but the strength of the binding is significantly weakened at lower pHs. The intrinsic fluorescence of HSA is incrementally quenched with increasing concentration of Ce6, and the quenching is enhanced after exposure to high-frequency ultrasound. Our experimental results suggest that Ce6-induced sonodynamic oxidation of HSA is mainly mediated by singlet oxygen. The formulation of Ce6 by high molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) increased its stability in aqueous solutions and its quantum yield of singlet oxygen under ultrasound irradiation.

Beneficial effects of adding lipase enzyme to broiler diet

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Elbarkouky, E.M.A.

2005-01-01

A total number of 300 Ross broiler chicks were obtained from commercial hatchery at one day of age. The chicks were divided into three groups (50 males and 50 females in each). The first and second groups were supplemented with 3000 and 2000 lU/kg diet of lipase enzyme, respectively, while the third group served as control and fed on basal diet. Birds fed on diets that supplemented with lipase enzyme showed significant increase in body weight and dry matter intake, as well as fats and protein content dry matters. The serum lipase activity showed significant increase in treated groups compared to the control. Non-significant changes were determined in serum total lipids, T3, T4 and ash content. Birds supplemented with lipase showed significant decrease in cholesterol concentration. It could be concluded that birds fed diets containing 2000 or 3000 lU/kg diet of lipase enzyme exhibited improvement in broiler performance

Different magnetic behaviour of the Kondo compounds Al3Ce and Al11Ce3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Benoit, A.; Flouquet, J.; Palleau, J.; Buevoz, J.L.

1979-08-01

Neutron diffraction experiments on the Al 3 Ce and Al 11 Ce 3 compounds have been performed on the multidetector of the I.L.L. high flux reactor. No magnetic structure has been detected on the Al 3 Ce compound down to 20 mK. This confirms the non magnetic ground state of Al 3 Ce. For Al 11 Ce 3 , two magnetic structures have been observed: a ferromagnetic one at 4.2 K and an antiferromagnetic one at 2 K. The antiferromagnetic structure, which corresponds to a propagation vector (0,0,1/3), implies a strong reduction of the magnetic moment of determined sites; this reflects the Kondo character of the compounds

Study on the Changes in Enzyme and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Concentrations in Blood Serum and Growth Characteristics of Velvet Antler during the Antler Growth Period in Sika Deer (

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Jaehyun Park

2015-09-01

Full Text Available This study was conducted to investigate changes in blood enzyme parameters and to evaluate the relationship between insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1, antler growth and body weight during the antler growth of sika deer (Cervus nippon. Serum enzyme activity and IGF-1 concentrations were measured in blood samples collected from the jugular and femoral veins at regular intervals during the antler growth period. Blood samples were taken in the morning from fasted stags (n = 12 which were healthy and showed no clinical signs of disease. Alfalfa was available ad libitum and concentrates were given at 1% of body weight to all stags. The experimental diet was provided at 9 am with water available at all times. There were no significant differences in alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase during antler growth, but alkaline phosphatase concentrations increased with antler growth progression, and the highest alkaline phosphatase concentration was obtained 55 days after antler casting. Serum IGF-1 concentrations measured from blood samples taken from the jugular vein during antler growth, determined that levels of IGF-1 was associated with body weight and antler growth patterns. Serum IGF-1 concentrations were higher at the antler cutting date than other sampling dates. Antler length increased significantly during antler growth (p<0.001, and there was a similar trend to between right and left beams. Body weight increased with antler growth but was not significant. Consequently it appeared that serum alkaline phosphatase concentration was related to antler growth and both antler growth and body weight were associated positively with IGF-1 concentrations during antler growth.

Effects of adjunctive eslicarbazepine acetate on serum lipids in patients with partial-onset seizures: Impact of concomitant statins and enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs.

Science.gov (United States)

Mintzer, Scott; Wechsler, Robert T; Rogin, Joanne B; Gidal, Barry E; Schwab, Matthias; Ben-Menachem, Elinor; Carreño, Mar; da Silva, Patrício Soares; Moreira, Joana; Li, Yan; Blum, David; Grinnell, Todd

2018-03-01

To evaluate the effects of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) on lipid metabolism and to determine whether reduced statin exposure during ESL therapy has clinical consequences. We conducted a post-hoc analysis of pooled data for serum lipids (laboratory values) from three phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of adjunctive ESL therapy (400, 800, or 1200 mg once daily) in patients with treatment-refractory partial-onset seizures. Changes from baseline in serum lipid levels were analyzed according to use of statins and/or enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) during the baseline period. In total, 426 and 1021 placebo- and ESL-treated patients, respectively, were included in the analysis. With regard to the changes from baseline in serum concentrations, there were statistically significant differences between the placebo and ESL 1200 mg QD groups, for both total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), but the effect sizes were small (+4.1 mg/dL and +1.8 mg/dL, respectively). A small but significant difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; -5.0 mg/dL) was observed between the ESL 400 mg QD group and the placebo group. In patients not taking a concomitant EIAED, there were no changes with ESL 400 mg QD, but modest and statistically significant increases in cholesterol fractions (TC, LDL-C and HDL-C) with ESL 800 mg QD (ESL 1200 mg QD (ESL had no consistent effect on lipids in patients taking a concomitant EIAED. In patients taking statins during baseline, there were no clinically relevant changes in serum lipids during use of ESL, although the subgroups were small. These results suggest that ESL does not appear to have clinically significant effects on serum lipids, nor does the pharmacokinetic interaction between ESL and statins have an impact on serum lipid concentrations. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of enzyme supplements on macronutrient digestibility by healthy adult dogs.

Science.gov (United States)

Villaverde, Cecilia; Manzanilla, Edgar G; Molina, Jenifer; Larsen, Jennifer A

2017-01-01

Some enzyme supplement products claim benefits for healthy dogs to compensate for alleged suboptimal production of endogenous enzymes and the loss of enzymes in commercial pet foods secondary to processing. The objective of the current study was to determine macronutrient and energy digestibility by healthy adult dogs fed a commercial maintenance diet with or without supplementation with plant- and animal-origin enzyme products at the dosage recommended by their respective manufacturers. A group of fourteen healthy neutered adult Beagle dogs (average age 8 years) was divided into two equal groups and fed the basal diet alone and then with either the plant- or animal-origin enzyme supplement in three consecutive 10-d periods; the treatment groups received the opposite enzyme supplement in the third period. Digestibility in each period was performed by the total faecal collection method. Serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) was measured at the end of each trial. Data were analysed by repeated measures and the α level of significance was set at 0·05. There were no differences in energy and nutrient digestibility between enzyme treatments. When comparing basal with enzyme supplementation, fat digestibility was higher for the basal diet compared with the animal-origin enzyme treatment, which could be a period effect and was not biologically significant (94·7 v . 93·5 %). Serum TLI was not affected by supplementation with either enzyme product. Exogenous enzyme supplementation did not significantly increase digestibility of a typical commercial dry diet in healthy adult dogs and routine use of such products is not recommended.

Comparison of Spectral and Scintillation Properties of LuAP:Ce and LuAP:Ce,Sc Single Crystals

Science.gov (United States)

Petrosyan, Ashot G.; Derdzyan, Marina; Ovanesyan, Karine; Shirinyan, Grigori; Lecoq, Paul; Auffray, Etiennette; Kronberger, Matthias; Frisch, Benjamin; Pedrini, Christian; Dujardin, Christophe

2009-10-01

Scintillation properties of LuAP:Ce and LuAP:Ce,Sc crystal series were studied under excitation by gamma-rays from a 137Cs source. Both series demonstrated comparable optical quality in terms of underlying absorption at 260 nm, slope of the optical edge and transmission in the range of emission. The light yield of LuAP:Ce crystals measured in 0.2 cm times 0.2 cm times 0.8 cm pixels increases linearly with the Ce concentration reaching at 0.58 at. % 6448 plusmn 322 ph/MeV and 9911 plusmn 496 ph/MeV in the long and in the short directions respectively (the light yield ratio is 65%) and shows no sign of light saturation. The energy resolution is found to depend, among other factors, on the uniformity of Ce concentration within the pixels and is improved to 7.1 plusmn 0.4% (I = 0.2 cm), 9.5 plusmn 0.5% (I = 0.8 cm). Intentional co-doping with Sc + ions was tested and resulted in increase of the Ce distribution coefficient to about 0.3. This enabled to increase the concentration of Ce in LuAP:Ce,Sc crystals up to 0.7 at. %, while conserving high optical quality. In contrast to LuAP:Ce, the light yield in LuAP:Ce,Sc crystals does not increase with Ce concentration, the photo peak being gradually suppressed. The involved mechanisms are discussed basing on measurements of the unit cell volumes, Ce concentration uniformity, x-ray rocking spectra, absorption spectra of pure and variously doped LuAP crystals, and emission spectra under different excitations.

Efficacy of lycopene on modulation of renal antioxidant enzymes, ACE and ACE gene expression in hyperlipidaemic rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Khan, Nazish Iqbal; Noori, Shafaq; Mahboob, Tabassum

2016-07-01

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lycopene on renal tissue antioxidant enzymes and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression and serum activity in diet-induced hyperlipidaemia. Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats (200-250 g weight), 5-6 months of age, were randomly selected and divided into four groups. Group I received normal diet; group II received 24 g high fat diet/100 g of daily diet; group III received 24 g high fat diet/100 g daily diet and 200 ml of lycopene extract (twice a week) for 8 weeks; and group IV received 200 ml oral lycopene extract twice a week for 8 weeks. A marked increase was observed in plasma urea and creatinine levels, serum C-reactive protein, kidney weight, tissue renal malonyldialdehyde level, ACE gene expression and serum level, while a decrease catalase level among hyperlipidaemic rats was observed. Histologically, interstitial inflammation and proliferation was seen. Lycopene supplementation significantly decreased plasma urea and creatinine, serum ACE, renal tissue malonyldialdehyde level and C-reactive protein level, while it increased tissue antioxidant enzymes level and total protein. Tissue inflammation and proliferation was improved. This finding suggests that supplementation of lycopene is effective for renal antioxidant enzymes, ACE gene expression and ACE serum level in hyperlipidaemic rats. © The Author(s) 2016.

Radioimmunoassay of creatine kinase isoenzymes in human serum: isoenzyme MM

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Van Steirteghem, A.C.; Zweig, M.H.; Schechter, A.N.

1978-01-01

Measurement of the mass concentration of serum enzymes by radioimmunoassay provides direct quantitation of specific isoenzymes and may be less subject to some of the limitations of traditional assay procedures for enzymes. We describe the development of a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for the muscle isoenzyme of creatine kinase, CK-MM, in human serum. CK-MM, purified from human skeletal muscle, was used to raise high-titer antisera and for iodination by the Chloramine T method. The radioimmunoassay required 50 μl of sample, utilized a double-antibody separation method, and was completed in 24 h. Cross reactivity with CK-BB was virtually zero, 3 to 17 percent with CK-MB. The mass concentration of CK-MM in the serum of healthy subjects ranged from 36 to 1668 μg/liter and correlated closely with total CK enzymatic activity. Serum concentrations of CK-MM from casually selected patients correlated less well with total CK enzymatic activity, suggesting the existence of other CK isoenzymes or the presence of inactive forms

Regulations of enzymes in animals: effects of developmental processes, cancer, and radiation. Final report. [Analysis of enzymes in human cancer tissue

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Knox, W.E.

1978-09-01

Low grade tumors of various origins are chemically very different. High grade tumors, whatever their origin, are chemically very similar to one another and to embryonic tissues. Analyses of human tumor tissues and sera from cancer patients were conducted for two new groups of enzymes expected to be informative about the physiological state of the tissue. The enzymes measured in tumors and sera were chosen because they were characteristic of fetal tissues and high grade neoplasms in rats, and could, therefore, be expected to exist in human cancers (and fetuses) and to predominate more in those of higher grade malignancies. Results indicated that the classification of enzymes (or isozymes) as fetal or adult types in the rat could be extended to man. Human cancers do contain most of the enzymes expected, and lack others, as expected. Analyses of the same enzymes in sera gave less clear results. It was recognized at the outset that no simple proportionality existed between tissue and serum levels. The tendency existed in cancer patients to have in serum elevated amounts of those enzymes characteristic of undifferentiated tissues. The abnormalities in a specific patient are conditioned by his physiological state, by the grade of his tumor, and by the mass of tumor present. The tumor mass had a very significant effect, so that monitoring this tumor burden by chemical means should be quite possible. The latest work focused on particular enzymes that have not previously been measured in cancer patients. These studies concentrated on pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P-5-C) reductase and its inhibition and on lysosomal glucosidases and phosphatases. Both groups are relatively high in fetal and neoplastic tissues.

Biochemical assessement of liver enzymes in immunocompromised ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Aim: This study aims at the estimation of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and glutmyltransferase GGT (Liver enzymes) in Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) and/or Acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) patients in parts of Edo State, Nigeria.

CeO2-stabilized tetragonal ZrO2 polycrystals (Ce-TZP ceramics)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andrade Nono, M.C. de.

1990-12-01

This work presents the development and the characterization of CeO 2 -stabilized tetragonal ZrO 2 polycrystals (Ce-TZP ceramics), since it is considered candidate material for applications as structural high performance ceramics. Sintered ceramics were fabricated from mixtures of powders containing different CeO 2 content prepared by conventional and nonconventional techniques. These powders and their resultant sintered ceramics were specified by chemical and physical characterization, compactation state and mechanical properties. The chemical characteristics were determined by chemical analysis and the physical characteristics were evaluated by phase content, particle and agglomerate size and aspect, and powder porosity. (author)

Role of beta 1-4 linked polymers in the biofilm structure of marine Pseudomonas sp. CE-2 on 304 stainless steel coupons.

Science.gov (United States)

Jain, Anand; Bhosle, Narayan B

2008-01-01

Pseudomonas sp CE-2 cells attach and form biofilms on 304-stainless steel (SS) coupons. A series of experiments were carried out in order to understand the role of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in the formation and maintenance of CE-2 biofilms on SS coupons. The biofilm density and EPS concentration increased over the period of incubation and the highest values for both were recorded after 72 h. Calcofluor and the lectin concanavalin A (Con A) showed a positive interaction with 72-h old biofilms, indicating the presence of beta 1-4 linked polymers, and alpha-d-glucose and alpha-d-mannose in the biofilm matrix of CE-2. When the CE-2 cells were grown in the presence of calcofluor (200 microg ml(-1)), biofilm formation was significantly reduced (approximately 85%). Conversely, the lectins Con A or WGA did not influence the CE-2 biofilms on the SS coupons. Furthermore, treatment with cellulase, an enzyme specific for the degradation of beta 1-4 linked polymers, removed substantial amounts of CE-2 biofilm from SS coupons. These results strongly suggest the involvement of beta 1-4 linked polymers in the formation and maintenance of Pseudomonas sp. CE-2 biofilms on SS coupons.

Magnetic behaviour of new Ce compounds

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sampathkumaran, E V [Tata Inst. of Fundamental Research, Bombay (India); Mallik, R [Tata Inst. of Fundamental Research, Bombay (India)

1996-07-01

We report initial results of our investigation on the magnetic behaviour of some new Ce compounds. The compounds, CeIr{sub 2}B{sub 2}C and CeIr{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}, do not appear to exhibit bulk magnetic ordering down to 2 K. The alloys, Ce{sub 2}Pd{sub 2}In and Ce{sub 2}Cu{sub 2}In, order magnetically below 4 and 6 K, respectively, and a marginal change in the Pd(Cu)/In composition does not significantly influence the ordering temperatures. (orig.).

Effects of protease and non-starch polysaccharide enzyme on performance, digestive function, activity and gene expression of endogenous enzyme of broilers.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lin Yuan

Full Text Available Three hundred one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross-308 were fed corn-soybean basal diets containing non-starch polysaccharide (NSP enzyme and different levels of acid protease from 1 to 42 days of age to investigate the effects of exogenous enzymes on growth performance, digestive function, activity of endogenous digestive enzymes in the pancreas and mRNA expression of pancreatic digestive enzymes. For days 1-42, compared to the control chickens, average daily feed intake (ADFI and average daily gain (ADG were significantly enhanced by the addition of NSP enzyme in combination with protease supplementation at 40 or 80 mg/kg (p<0.05. Feed-to-gain ratio (FGR was significantly improved by supplementation with NSP enzymes or NSP enzyme combined with 40 or 80 mg/kg protease compared to the control diet (p<0.05. Apparent digestibility of crude protein (ADCP was significantly enhanced by the addition of NSP enzyme or NSP enzyme combined with 40 or 80 mg/kg protease (p<0.05. Cholecystokinin (CCK level in serum was reduced by 31.39% with NSP enzyme combined with protease supplementation at 160 mg/kg (p<0.05, but the CCK level in serum was increased by 26.51% with NSP enzyme supplementation alone. After 21 days, supplementation with NSP enzyme and NSP enzyme combined with 40 or 80 mg/kg protease increased the activity of pancreatic trypsin by 74.13%, 70.66% and 42.59% (p<0.05, respectively. After 42 days, supplementation with NSP enzyme and NSP enzyme combined with 40 mg/kg protease increased the activity of pancreatic trypsin by 32.45% and 27.41%, respectively (p<0.05. However, supplementation with NSP enzyme and 80 or 160 mg/kg protease decreased the activity of pancreatic trypsin by 10.75% and 25.88%, respectively (p<0.05. The activities of pancreatic lipase and amylase were significantly higher in treated animals than they were in the control group (p<0.05. Supplementation with NSP enzyme, NSP enzyme combined with 40 or 80 mg/kg protease increased

Optical and scintillation properties of Ce-doped LuLiF4 with different Ce concentrations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yanagida, Takayuki; Fujimoto, Yutaka; Fukuda, Kentaro; Chani, Valery

2013-01-01

The crystals of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mol% Ce-doped LuLiF 4 (Ce:LLF) grown by the micro-pulling down (μ-PD) method were examined for their optical and scintillation properties. Ce:LLF crystals had ∼80% transparency at wavelengths longer than 300 nm. In photoluminescence spectra, they demonstrated intense emission peaks at 310 and 330 nm with the quantum yield of 60–90%. Ce 3+ 5d–4f emission peaks were also detected at similar wavelengths of 310 and 330 nm in the radioluminescence spectra obtained under X-ray excitation. According to pulse height spectra recorded under γ-ray irradiation, the absolute light yield of Ce 0.1, 0.5, and 1% were 3600±400, 3000±300, and 1700±200 ph/MeV, respectively. Decay time kinetics was also inspected using a pulse X-ray equipped streak camera system. The decay time components of Ce:LLF were ∼70 ns and ∼1 μs for all the samples

Production of 139Ce by the 139La(p,n)139Ce reaction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ishioka, Noriko S.; Sekine, Toshiaki; Izumo, Mishiroku; Hashimoto, Kazuyuki; Kobayashi, Katsutoshi; Matsuoka, Hiromitsu

2002-01-01

To produce a carrier-free 139 Ce to be used as an efficiency-calibration source for Ge detectors, a target-preparation method and a chemical separation method were studied. It was found that commercially available powders of lanthanum-oxide and lanthanum metal are applicable to a target material in the nuclear reaction 139 La(p,n) 139 Ce. In the separation of 139 Ce from an irradiated lanthanum target, a solvent-extraction method and an ion-exchange method gave final products in good chemical purity. (author)

Effect of yttrium on electron–phonon coupling strength of 5d state of Ce3+ ion in LYSO:Ce crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ding, Dongzhou; Liu, Bo; Wu, Yuntao; Yang, Jianhua; Ren, Guohao; Chen, Junfeng

2014-01-01

This paper aims at an improved understanding of luminescence properties of (Lu 1−x Y x ) 2 SiO 5 :Ce (x=0 at%, 26 at%, 45 at%, 66 at% and 100 at%). Photoluminescence emission and excitation spectra as well as Raman spectra of (Lu 1−x Y x ) 2 SiO 5 :Ce were investigated as a function of yttrium (shortened as Y) content in it. Obtained Huang–Rhys factor S indicates that the coupling between Ce1 (7-oxygen-coordinated), Ce2 (6-oxygen-coordinated) and LYSO lattice is intermediate and strong, respectively. Besides, it was found that: with the increase of Y content, crystal field strength around Ce1 and Ce2 decreases, Stokes shift of Ce1 and Ce2 presents an increase trend, and S of Ce2 tends to decrease. These phenomena were explained by geometrical influence of Y 3+ /Lu 3+ on the crystal field splitting of the 5d levels of Ce 3+ and coupling strength. With the increase of Y content, the evolution of S and coupling energy ħω of Ce1 present a slight increase and decrease trend respectively, while S and coupling energy ħω of Ce2 present an obvious decrease and increase trend, respectively. - Highlights: • Crystal field strength around Ce1 decreases with increase of Y content in LYSO:Ce. • A diagram of Huang–Rhys factor S against Y content in LYSO:Ce was constructed. • A diagram of coupling energy ħω against Y content in LYSO:Ce was constructed. • A diagram of Stokes shift against Y content in LYSO:Ce was constructed

Serum biochemical and liver enzymes changes in dogs with single ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The serum biochemical changes that occur in dogs with single and conjunct experimental infections of Trypanosoma brucei and Ancylostoma caninum were studied. Four groups (GPI, GPII, GPIII and GPIV) of five dogs each were used for this study. GPI was the uninfected control while GPII, GPIII and GPIV were infected ...

Physico-chemical properties of (U,Ce)O2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamada, K.; Yamanaka, S.; Katsura, M.

1998-01-01

The high-temperature X-ray diffraction analysis of (U,Ce)O 2 with CeO 2 contents ranging from 0 to 20 mol.% CeO 2 was performed to obtain the variation of the linear thermal expansion coefficient with the CeO 2 content. Ultrasonic pulse-echo measurements were also carried out from room temperature to 673 K to estimate the change in the mechanical properties of (U,Ce)O 2 with the CeO 2 content. The variation in the linear thermal expansion coefficient at the low CeO 2 content region is more steep than that expected from the linear thermal expansion coefficient of UO 2 and CeO 2 . The Young's and shear moduli of all (U,Ce)O 2 were found to decrease with rising temperature. This was due to the increase of the bond length accompanied by the thermal expansion. Although the lattice parameter decreased with CeO 2 content, the moduli of (U,Ce)O 2 were found to decrease with increasing CeO 2 content at room temperature. These results show that in the range from 0 to 20 mol.% of CeO 2 , as CeO 2 content increases, the bottom of the potential energy in (U,Ce)O 2 is shallower and broader. (orig.)

Relationships between serum resistin and fat intake, serum lipid concentrations and adiposity in the general population.

Science.gov (United States)

Cabrera de León, Antonio; Almeida González, Delia; González Hernández, Ana; Domínguez Coello, Santiago; Marrugat, Jaume; Juan Alemán Sánchez, José; Brito Díaz, Buenaventura; Marcelino Rodríguez, Itahisa; Pérez, María del Cristo Rodríguez

2014-01-01

The serum resistin level is associated with the incidence of ischemic heart disease in the general population. We analyzed the associations between serum resistin and fat intake, serum lipid concentrations and adiposity in the general population. A cross-sectional study of 6,637 randomly recruited adults was conducted. The resistin levels were measured in thawed aliquots of serum using an enzyme immunoanalysis technique. The resistin level exhibited a positive nonparametric correlation with saturated fat intake(p correlation with adherence to the Mediterranean diet(p HDL cholesterol(p body mass index(p HDL cholesterol level(OR=0.84 CI95%= 0.76-0.93), a high non-HDL cholesterol level(OR=0.84 CI95%=0.72-0.99), a high LDL cholesterol level(OR=0.82 CI95%=0.70-0.97) and a waist/height ratio of ≥0.55(OR=0.76 CI95%=0.67-0.85). The multivariate models corroborated the positive associations between the resistin level and saturated fat intake(p adiposity.

Diagnostic efficacy of monoclonal antibody based sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA for detection of Fasciola gigantica excretory/secretory antigens in both serum and stool

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zoheiry Mona K

2011-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background This research was carried out to develop a reliable monoclonal antibody (MoAb-based sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA for the diagnosis of active Fasciola gigantica infection in both serum and stool for comparative purposes. Methods From a panel of MoAbs raised against F. gigantica excretory/secretory antigens (ES Ags, a pair (12B/11D/3F and 10A/9D/10G was chosen due to its high reactivity and strict specificity to F. gigantica antigen by indirect ELISA. Results The two MoAbs were of the IgG1 and IgG2a subclasses, respectively. Using SDS-PAGE and EITB, the selected MoAbs recognized 83, 64, 45 and 26 kDa bands of ES Ags. The lower detection limit of ELISA assay was 3 ng/ml. In stool, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic efficacy of ELISA was 96%, 98.2 and 97.1%; while in serum they were 94%, 94.6% and 94.3%, respectively. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between ova count in stool of F. gigantica infected patients and the OD readings of ELISA in both stool and serum samples (r = 0.730, p Conclusions These data showed that the use of MoAb-based sandwich ELISA for the detection of F. gigantica coproantigens in stool specimens was superior to serum samples; it provides a highly efficient, non-invasive technique for the diagnosis of active F. gigantica infection.

[The changes of serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity in Type 2 diabetes and its vascular complications].

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, H; Qu, S; Zhang, Y; Deng, J; Li, J; Zhou, J

2000-09-01

This investigation was made with reference to the changes of serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) activity in type 2 diabetes and its vascular complications. SACE activity was studied in 127 type 2 diabetic patients and 90 healthy persons by using a spectrophotometric assay. The results showed SACE activity was obviously higher in diabetic patients (459.51 +/- 175.85 U) than in healthy persons (321.14 +/- 121.27 U); SACE activity was significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy (548.27 +/- 166.60 U) than in patients without diabetic nephropathy (383.2 +/- 139.00 U), but there was no difference between patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria; no statistical difference was detected in SACE activity between diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy (465.64 +/- 178.93 U) and without retinopathy (449.07 +/- 170.04 U); SACE activity was not associated with the course of diabetes, blood pressure, blood lipid and blood glucose. These data suggest that raised SACE activity might only play a role in the initiation of type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy, but not relate to the progress of diabetic nephropathy, the onset of diabetic retinopathy and hypertension.

Cerium oxide-deposited mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen in serum using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Choi, H.W. [Department of Chemistry, NSBI, Dankook University, 126 Jukjeon-dong, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 448-701 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, K.H.; Hur, N.H. [Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, Shinsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Lim, H.B., E-mail: plasma@dankook.ac.kr [Department of Chemistry, NSBI, Dankook University, 126 Jukjeon-dong, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 448-701 (Korea, Republic of)

2014-10-17

Highlights: • Sandwich-type immunoassay using ICP-MS and nanoparticles to determine biomarkers. • CeO{sub 2}-deposited mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized as a probe. • Ratiometric measurement significantly improved the calibration linearity. • Excellent detection limit was achieved by signal amplification. - Abstract: CeO{sub 2}-deposited mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized as a probe to determine carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in serum by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The prepared mesoporous nanoparticles were modified and tagged to the target for sandwich-type immunoassay. Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were also synthesized and immobilized with antibody to extract the target biomarker. The calibration curve of the synthesized CeO{sub 2}-deposited silica nanoparticles, which was plotted by the signal ratio of {sup 140}Ce/{sup 57}Fe measured by ICP-MS vs. the concentration of CEA, showed excellent linearity and sensitivity owing to the signal amplification and low spectral interference. Under optimal conditions, the sandwich-type analytical method was applied to determine CEA in serum spiked in the range of 0.001–5 ng mL{sup −1} and showed a limit of detection of 0.36 ng mL{sup −1}. Since the deposited CeO{sub 2} in the mesoporous silica layer can be substituted by other metal compounds, various kinds of metal-deposited nanoparticles can be prepared as probe materials for multiplex detection in bioanalysis.

Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of CDCP1 shed from the cell surface and present in colorectal cancer serum specimens.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Yang; Harrington, Brittney S; Lau, Kevin C N; Burke, Lez J; He, Yaowu; Iconomou, Mary; Palmer, James S; Meade, Brian; Lumley, John W; Hooper, John D

2017-05-30

CUB domain containing protein 1 (CDCP1) is a transmembrane protein involved in progression of several cancers. When located on the plasma membrane, full-length 135kDa CDCP1 can undergo proteolysis mediated by serine proteases that cleave after two adjacent amino acids (arginine 368 and lysine 369). This releases from the cell surface two 65kDa fragments, collectively termed ShE-CDCP1, that differ by one carboxyl terminal residue. To evaluate the function of CDCP1 and its potential utility as a cancer biomarker, in this study we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to reliably and easily measure the concentration of ShE-CDCP1 in biological samples. Using a reference standard we demonstrate that the developed ELISA has a working range of 0.68-26.5ng/ml, and the limit of detection is 0.25ng/ml. It displays high intra-assay (repeatability) and high inter-assay (reproducibility) precision with all coefficients of variation ≤7%. The ELISA also displays high accuracy detecting ShE-CDCP1 levels at ≥94.8% of actual concentration using quality control samples. We employed the ELISA to measure the concentration of ShE-CDCP1 in human serum samples with our results suggesting that levels are significantly higher in serum of colorectal cancer patients compared with serum from individuals with benign conditions (pELISA is a suitable method to quantify ShE-CDCP1 concentration in human serum. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison between the Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity of Pd₅Ce and Pt₅Ce

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tripkovic, Vladimir; Zheng, Jian; Rizzi, Gian Andrea

2015-01-01

A set of electrochemical and X-ray spectroscopy measurements have been used conjointly with density functional theory (DFT) simulations to study the activity and stability of Pd5Ce for the oxygen reduction reaction. A polycrystalline Pd5Ce rod has been selected as a model catalyst to test if resu......-Pd5Ce is more facile, requires less atom rearrangement, than transformation from Pt5Ce to Pt3Ce, which might explain the kinetic stability of Pt5Ce at low temperatures....

Enzyme and inhibition assay of urease by continuous monitoring of the ammonium formation based on capillary electrophoresis.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Xiaoxia; Yang, Jiqing; Sun, Shucheng; Guo, Liping; Yang, Li

2016-10-01

We present here an easy-to-operate and efficient method for enzyme and inhibition assays of urease, which is a widely distributed and important enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea to ammonia and CO 2 . The assay was achieved by integrating CE technique and rapid on-line derivatization method, allowing us to continuously drive the sample to the capillary, thus to measure the amount of the product ammonia from the beginning to the end of the reaction. The method exhibits excellent repeatability with RSD as low as 2.5% for the initial reaction rate (n = 5), with the LOD of ammonia of 20 μM (S/N = 5). The enzyme activity as well as the inhibition of urease by Cu 2+ were investigated using the present method. The results show that Cu 2+ is a noncompetitive inhibitor on urease, in accordance with the result published in the literature. The enzyme activity and inhibition kinetic constants were obtained and were found to be consistent with the results of traditional off-line enzyme assays. Our study indicates that the present approach is a reliable and convenient method for analysis of the urease activity and inhibition kinetics by continuous on-line monitoring of the ammonium formation based on CE. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Association between serum soluble CD30 and serum creatinine before and after renal transplantation.

Science.gov (United States)

López-Hoyos, M; San Segundo, D; Benito, M J; Fernández-Fresnedo, G; Ruiz, J C; Rodrigo, E; Gómez-Alamillo, C; Benito, A; Arias, M

2008-11-01

There is increasing evidence that circulating levels of soluble CD30 (sCD30) may represent a biomarker for outcome in kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to measure the pre- and posttransplantation serum levels of sCD30 in cadaveric kidney transplant recipients and correlate them with serum creatinine. Serum sCD30 was measured by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from prospective samples of 38 kidney allograft recipients serially transplanted at our center. Samples were collected at day 0 pretransplantation and at months 6, 12, 18, and 24 posttransplantation. We also studied sera from 29 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at different stages of the K/DOQI guidelines, as a control group. Serum levels of sCD30 decreased significantly in samples posttransplantation compared with pretransplantation. The significant decrease after transplantation may be related to the improvement in renal function since we observed a significant correlation between serum levels of sCD30 and creatinine (sCr) at all times of the study. In addition, the patients with chronic renal failure showed a significant association between serum sCD30 and sCr (r = .454; P = .013). Our results did not suggest that the measurement of sCD30 may be used as a valuable biomarker in renal transplantation. Increased levels may be related to a decrease in its renal elimination.

Is there any role of prolidase enzyme activity in the etiology of preeclampsia?

Science.gov (United States)

Pehlivan, Mustafa; Ozün Ozbay, Pelin; Temur, Muzaffer; Yılmaz, Ozgur; Verit, Fatma Ferda; Aksoy, Nurten; Korkmazer, Engin; Üstünyurt, Emin

2017-05-01

To evaluate a relationship between preeclampsia and prolidase enzyme activity. A prospective cohort study of 41 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and 31 healthy pregnant women as control group was selected at Harran University Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The prolidase enzyme activity was analyzed in maternal and umbilical cord plasma, amniotic fluid and placental and umbilical cord tissues by Chinard method in addition to maternal serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT). A significant relationship was found between plasma prolidase activity (635 ± 83 U/L) (p  = 0.007), umbilical cord plasma prolidase activity (610 ± 90 U/L) (p = 0.013), amniotic fluid prolidase activity (558 ± 100 U/L) (p  = 0.001), umbilical cord tissue prolidase activity (4248 ± 1675 U/gr protein) (p  = 0.013) and placental tissue prolidase activity (2116 ± 601 U/gr protein) (p  = 0.001) in preeclamptic group when compared to healthy pregnant women. There is a strong correlation between prolidase enzyme activity and preeclampsia. Prolidase enzyme activity may play a role in preeclampsia.

Dependence of the Ce(iii)/Ce(iv) ratio on intracellular localization in ceria nanoparticles internalized by human cells

KAUST Repository

Ferraro, Daniela

2017-01-09

CeO2 nanoparticles (CNPs) have been investigated as promising antioxidant agents with significant activity in the therapy of diseases involving free radicals or oxidative stress. However, the exact mechanism responsible for CNP activity has not been completely elucidated. In particular, in situ evidence of modification of the oxidative state of CNPs in human cells and their evolution during cell internalization and subsequent intracellular distribution has never been presented. In this study we investigated modification of the Ce(iii)/Ce(iv) ratio following internalization in human cells by X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES). From this analysis on cell pellets, we observed that CNPs incubated for 24 h showed a significant increase in Ce(iii). By coupling on individual cells synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) with micro-XANES (μXANES) we demonstrated that the Ce(iii)/Ce(iv) ratio is also dependent on CNP intracellular localization. The regions with the highest CNP concentrations, suggested to be endolysosomes by transmission electron microscopy, were characterized by Ce atoms in the Ce(iv) oxidation state, while a higher Ce(iii) content was observed in regions surrounding these areas. These observations suggest that the interaction of CNPs with cells involves a complex mechanism in which different cellular areas play different roles.

Dependence of the Ce(iii)/Ce(iv) ratio on intracellular localization in ceria nanoparticles internalized by human cells

KAUST Repository

Ferraro, Daniela; Tredici, Ilenia G.; Ghigna, Paolo; Castillio-Michel, Hiram; Falqui, Andrea; Di Benedetto, Cristiano; Alberti, Giancarla; Ricci, Vittorio; Anselmi-Tamburini, Umberto; Sommi, Patrizia

2017-01-01

CeO2 nanoparticles (CNPs) have been investigated as promising antioxidant agents with significant activity in the therapy of diseases involving free radicals or oxidative stress. However, the exact mechanism responsible for CNP activity has not been completely elucidated. In particular, in situ evidence of modification of the oxidative state of CNPs in human cells and their evolution during cell internalization and subsequent intracellular distribution has never been presented. In this study we investigated modification of the Ce(iii)/Ce(iv) ratio following internalization in human cells by X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES). From this analysis on cell pellets, we observed that CNPs incubated for 24 h showed a significant increase in Ce(iii). By coupling on individual cells synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) with micro-XANES (μXANES) we demonstrated that the Ce(iii)/Ce(iv) ratio is also dependent on CNP intracellular localization. The regions with the highest CNP concentrations, suggested to be endolysosomes by transmission electron microscopy, were characterized by Ce atoms in the Ce(iv) oxidation state, while a higher Ce(iii) content was observed in regions surrounding these areas. These observations suggest that the interaction of CNPs with cells involves a complex mechanism in which different cellular areas play different roles.

Assessment of pregnancy status of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) by measurement of progestagen and glucocorticoid and their metabolite concentrations in serum and feces, using enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

Science.gov (United States)

Kajaysri, Jatuporn; Nokkaew, Weerapun

2014-03-01

The study was to find patterns of progestagen (progesterone and its metabolite) and glucocorticoid and their metabolite concentrations in serum and feces of pregnant Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). The 5 female Asian domestic elephants were naturally mated until pregnancy. After that, blood and feces samples were collected monthly during pregnancy for progestagen, glucocorticoid and their metabolites analysis by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The results showed the serum progestagen concentration during gestation was 2.11 ± 0.60 to 18.44 ± 2.28 ng/ml. Overall, serum progestagen concentration rose from the 1st month to reach peak in the 11th month, after which it declined to its lowest level in the 22nd month of pregnancy. Fecal progestagen concentration varied from 1.18 ± 0.54 to 3.35 ± 0.45 µg/g during pregnancy. In general, fecal progestagen concentration increased from the 1st month to its highest level in the 12th month. After this, it declined reaching its lowest point in the 22nd month of pregnancy. Glucocorticoid hormones and their metabolite concentrations both in serum and feces fluctuated from low to medium throughout almost the entire pregnancy period and then rapidly increased around the last week before calving. Our study suggests that this profile of progestagen and glucocorticoid hormones and their metabolite concentration levels in serum and feces can be used to assess the pregnancy status of Asian elephants. If serum and fecal progestagen concentrations were found in very low levels and glucocorticoid and their metabolite concentrations were found in very high levels, it was indicated that the cow elephant would calve within 7 days.

Serum protein and enzyme levels in rats following administration of ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The effects of caffeinated and non-caffeinated paracetamol administration, with or without vitamins A and E supplementation on the protein and enzyme levels in Wistar albino rats were investigated using cafeinated paracetamol and paracetamol as caffeinated and non-caffeinated paracetamol respectively, and water ...

Adduct formation in Ce(IV) thenolytrifluoroacetonate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anufrieva, S.I.; Polyakova, G.V.; Snezhko, N.I.; Pechurova, N.I.; Martynenko, L.I.; Spitsyn, V.I.

1982-01-01

The literature contains no information on adduct formation in Ce(IV) β-diketonates with additional ligands. Since tetrakis-β-diketonates of Ce(IV) have four six-membered chelate rings, we can suppose that the introduction of an additional monodentate or bidentate ligand into the coordination sphere of Ce(IV) β-diketonates would lead to an increase in the coordination number (CN) of the Ce(IV) to nine or ten. The possibility of realization of such a high CN for Ce(IV) has not been proved; a study of adduct formation by Ce(IV) tetrakis-β-diketonates is thus of theoretical interest. Such an investigation might also be of practical interest, because the introduction of an additional ligand into the coordination sphere of a rare-earth β-diketonate usually increases the solubility of the β-diketonate in nonpolar solvents and increases the volatility of the compound; such a modification of the properties is important for various practical purposes. The aim of our work was to study the possibility of separating solid adducts of Ce(IV) tetrakis-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate with certain oxygen-containing and nitrogen-containing donor monodentate and bidentate ligands, and also to investigate their properties. As the β-diketone we used thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTFA), since in a parallel investigation it was found that Ce(TTFA) 4 has a high oxidation-reduction stability

SERUM PARAOXONASE ACTIVITY IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Saritha Gadicherla

2017-12-01

Full Text Available BACKGROUND Serum paraoxonase is an enzyme synthesised in the liver. It is known to prevent atherosclerosis by inhibiting oxidation of lowdensity lipoprotein. Renal transplant recipients have increased tendency for developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Reduced activity of serum paraoxonase contributes to accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular complications in these patients. The aim of this study was to estimate serum paraoxonase activity in renal transplant recipients and compare it with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS 30 renal transplant recipients and 30 age and sex matched healthy controls were taken for the study. Serum paraoxonase activity, blood urea, serum creatinine and uric acid were estimated in these groups. The serum paraoxonase activity was correlated with urea, creatinine and uric acid levels. RESULTS Serum paraoxonase activity was reduced in renal transplant recipients compared to healthy controls. There was a negative correlation between paraoxonase activity and the levels of urea, creatinine and uric acid levels. CONCLUSION In this study, the paraoxonase activity was reduced in renal transplant recipients compared to controls. The increased cardiovascular disease in these patients could be due to reduced paraoxonase activity.

Peculiarities of the intermediate valence state of Ce in CeM2Si2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koterlyn, M.; Shcherba, I.; Yasnitskii, R.; Koterlyn, G.

2007-01-01

The results of thermoelectric power and the electrical resistivity measurements connected with the intermediate valence (IV) of Ce are presented for the compounds CeM 2 Si 2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) in the temperature range of 4-800 K. It is shown that CeM 2 Si 2 are Kondo-lattices with the coherence scale T coh ∼ 60-80 K and the so-called single-site Kondo temperature T K ∼ 10 3 K. On the example of CeNi 2 Si 2 we have studied the changes in the structure of density of f states (f-DOS) near the Fermi energy caused by atomic substitutions. The results of structural, transport, magnetic, and Ce L III X-ray absorption spectra measurements in the series Ce 1-x La x Ni 2 Si 2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6), Ce(Ni 1-y Cu y ) 2 Si 2 (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.6) and CeNi 2 (Si 1-z Ge z ) 2 (0 ≤ z ≤ 0.5) are presented. We found that the IV state of Ce in the CeM 2 Si 2 is an evidence of possible opening a wide pseudogap Δ ∼ kT K within the f-DOS structure slightly above the Fermi energy

Surface and bulk 4f-photoemission spectra of CeIn3 and CeSn3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, H.; Tjernberg, O.; Chiaia, G.; Kumigashira, H.; Takahashi, T.; Duo, L.; Sakai, O.; Kasaya, M.; Lindau, I.

1997-01-01

Resonant photoemission spectroscopy was performed on CeIn 3 and CeSn 3 at the 4d-4f and 3d-4f core thresholds. Using the different surface sensitivity between the two photon energies, surface and bulk 4f-photoemission spectra were derived for both compounds. With the noncrossing approximation of the Anderson impurity model, the 4d-4f resonant spectra together with the surface and bulk spectra were self-consistently analyzed to obtain the microscopic parameters such as the 4f-electron energy and the hybridization strength with conduction electrons. The result shows a substantial difference in these parameters between the surface and the bulk, indicating that it is important to take into account the surface effect in analyzing photoemission spectra of Ce compounds. It is also found that the 4f surface core-level shift is different between CeIn 3 and CeSn 3 . copyright 1997 The American Physical Society

Optical and scintillation properties of Ce-doped LuLiF{sub 4} with different Ce concentrations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yanagida, Takayuki, E-mail: yanagida@lsse.kyutech.ac.jp [Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0196 (Japan); Fujimoto, Yutaka [Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0196 (Japan); Fukuda, Kentaro [Tokuyama Corporation, Shibuya 3-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8383 Japan (Japan); Chani, Valery [Tohoku Univ., 2-1-1 Katahira, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan)

2013-11-21

The crystals of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mol% Ce-doped LuLiF{sub 4} (Ce:LLF) grown by the micro-pulling down (μ-PD) method were examined for their optical and scintillation properties. Ce:LLF crystals had ∼80% transparency at wavelengths longer than 300 nm. In photoluminescence spectra, they demonstrated intense emission peaks at 310 and 330 nm with the quantum yield of 60–90%. Ce{sup 3+} 5d–4f emission peaks were also detected at similar wavelengths of 310 and 330 nm in the radioluminescence spectra obtained under X-ray excitation. According to pulse height spectra recorded under γ-ray irradiation, the absolute light yield of Ce 0.1, 0.5, and 1% were 3600±400, 3000±300, and 1700±200 ph/MeV, respectively. Decay time kinetics was also inspected using a pulse X-ray equipped streak camera system. The decay time components of Ce:LLF were ∼70 ns and ∼1 μs for all the samples.

The crystal structure of galgenbergite-(Ce), CaCe2(CO3)4•H2O

Science.gov (United States)

Walter, Franz; Bojar, Hans-Peter; Hollerer, Christine E.; Mereiter, Kurt

2013-04-01

Galgenbergite-(Ce) from the type locality, the railroad tunnel Galgenberg between Leoben and St. Michael, Styria, Austria, was investigated. There it occurs in small fissures of an albite-chlorite schist as very thin tabular crystals building rosette-shaped aggregates associated with siderite, ancylite-(Ce), pyrite and calcite. Electron microprobe analyses gave CaO 9.49, Ce2O3 28.95, La2O3 11.70, Nd2O3 11.86, Pr2O3 3.48, CO2 30.00, H2O 3.07, total 98.55 wt.%. CO2 and H2O calculated by stoichiometry. The empirical formula (based on Ca + REE ∑3.0) is C{{a}_{1.00 }}{{( {C{{e}_{1.04 }}L{{a}_{0.42 }}N{{d}_{0.42 }}P{{r}_{0.12 }}} )}_{2.00 }}{{( {C{{O}_3}} )}_4}\\cdot {{H}_2}O , and the simplified formula is CaC{{e}_2}{{( {C{{O}_3}} )}_4}\\cdot {{H}_2}O . According to X-ray single crystal diffraction galgenbergite-(Ce) is triclinic, space group Poverline{1},a=6.3916(5) , b = 6.4005(4), c = 12.3898(9) Å, α = 100.884(4), β = 96.525(4), γ = 100.492(4)°, V = 483.64(6) Å3, Z = 2. The eight strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are [ d calc in Å/( I)/ hkl]: 5.052/(100)/011; 3.011/(70)/0-22; 3.006/(66)/004; 5.899/(59)/-101; 3.900/(51)/1-12; 3.125/(46)/-201; 2.526/(42)/022; 4.694/(38)/-102. The infrared absorption spectrum reveals H2O (OH-stretching mode at 3,489 cm-1, HOH bending mode at 1,607 cm-1) and indicates the presence of distinctly non-equivalent CO3-groups by double and quadruple peaks of their ν1, ν2, ν3 and ν4 modes. The crystal structure of galgenbergite-(Ce) was refined with X-ray single crystal data to R1 = 0.019 for 2,448 unique reflections ( I > 2 σ( I)) and 193 parameters. The three cation sites of the structure Ca(1), Ce(2) and Ce(3) have a modest mixed site occupation by Ca and small amount of REE (Ce, La, Pr, Nd) and vice versa. The structure is based on double layers parallel to (001), which are composed of Ca(1)Ce(2)(CO3)2 single layers with an ordered chessboard like arrangement of Ca and Ce, and with a roof tile

Cytokinin-induced activity of antioxidant enzymes in transgenic Pssu-ipt tobacco during plant ontogeny

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Synková, Helena; Semorádová, Šárka; Schnablová, Renáta; Witters, E.; Hušák, M.; Valcke, R.

2006-01-01

Roč. 50, - (2006), s. 31-41 ISSN 0006-3134 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/01/1061; GA ČR GA206/03/0310 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50380511 Keywords : cytokinins * antioxidant enzymes * ontogenesis Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry Impact factor: 1.198, year: 2006

Serum-converted platelet lysate can substitute for fetal bovine serum in human mesenchymal stromal cell cultures.

Science.gov (United States)

Mojica-Henshaw, Mariluz P; Jacobson, Pam; Morris, Julie; Kelley, Linda; Pierce, Jan; Boyer, Michael; Reems, Jo-Anna

2013-12-01

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is commonly used as a serum supplement for culturing human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). However, human cells grown in FBS, especially for extended periods, risk potential exposure to bovine immunogenic proteins and infectious agents. To address this issue, we investigated the ability of a novel human platelet serum supplement to substitute for FBS in hMSC cultures. Platelet lysate-serum (PL-serum) was converted from platelet lysate-plasma (PL-plasma) that was manufactured from pooled platelet-rich plasma (PRP) apheresis units. Growth factor levels and the number of residual intact platelets in PL-serum and PL-plasma were compared with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and flow cytometry, respectively. Proliferation responses of hMSCs cultured in PL-serum, PL-plasma, or FBS were assessed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, the immunophenotype of harvested hMSCs was evaluated by flow cytometry and tri-lineage differentiation potential was evaluated by assessing adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic development. Selected growth factor levels in PL-serum were not significantly different from PL-plasma (P > 0.05). hMSC cultures supplemented with PL-serum had comparable growth kinetics to PL-plasma, and hMSC yields were consistently greater than with FBS. hMSCs harvested from cultures supplemented with PL-serum, PL-plasma or FBS had similar cell surface phenotypes and maintained tri-lineage differentiation potential. PL-serum, similar to PL-plasma, can substitute for FBS in hMSC cultures. Use of PL-serum, in contrast to PL-plasma, has an added advantage of not requiring addition of a xenogeneic source of heparin, providing a completely xeno-free culture medium. Copyright © 2013 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Blood serum components and serum protein test of Hybro-PG broilers of different ages

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

PRL Silva

2007-12-01

Full Text Available Blood serum samples of HYBRO PG broilers were analyzed, with 30 samples collected from 21-day-old broilers (G1, 30 from 35-day-old birds (G2, and 30 from 42-day-old birds (G3, with the aim of establishing normal values of some blood serum parameters. The activities of the enzymes gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, creatine kinase (CK, alkaline phosphatase (ALP, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, serum levels of total calcium, calcium ion, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, chlorides, creatinine, uric acid, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, total and indirect and direct bilirubin, and electrophoretic profile of serum proteins in acrylamide (SDS-PAGE and agarose gel were determined. There was no influence of age on total bilirubin and albumin levels. All the other evaluated parameters presented differences in at least one age group. Protein electrophoretic profile also changed as a function of age. The obtained results can be considered as normal for the studied ages, and therefore be used as references for the interpretation of laboratory exams of broilers of this genetic line in the evaluated ages.

Some regularities of Ce(3) and Ce(4) stabilization in their compounds with β-diketones

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pechurova, N.I.; Martynenko, L.I.; Snezhko, N.I.; Anufrieva, S.I.

1985-01-01

Adduct formation of cerium (3) and cerium (4) β-diketonates (acetylacetonate, benzoylacetonate, dibenzoylmethanate and thenoyltrifluoroacetonate) with oxygen- and nitrogen-donor ligands (Q-α, α'-dipyridyl, o-phenanthroline, trioctylphosphine oxide and triphenylphosphine oxide) is studied. The compounds obtained as a results of the reactions are studied by means of IR-spectroscopic, derivatographic and X-ray phase methods. It is concluded that composition and thermodynamic stability of adducts of Ce(3) tris-β-diketonates are determined by correlation of donor properties of the basis and additional ligand and stability of adducts to oxidation - as well as by their solubility. Introduction of the additional ligand to the system Ce(4)-β-diketones even in the presence of air oxygen stabilizes Ce(3) and destabilizes Ce(4)

Unstable magnetic moments in Ce compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aarts, J.

1984-01-01

The problems which are connected with the appearance or disappearance of local moments in metals are well reflected in the magnetic behaviour of Ce intermetallic compounds. This work describes experiments on two Ce compounds which are typical examples of unstable moment systems. The first of these is CeAl 2 which at low temperatures, shows coexistence of antiferromagnetic order and the Kondo effect. Measurements are presented of the magnetization and the susceptibility in different magnetic field and temperature regions. An analysis of these measurements, using a model for the crystal field effects, shows the agreement between the measurements and the calculations to be reasonably good for CeAl 2 , but this agreement becomes worse upon decreasing Ce concentration. A phenomenological description of the observations is given. The second compound reported on is CeCu 2 Si 2 , the first 'heavy-fermion' superconductor to be investigated. The superconducting state is possibly formed by the quasi-particles of a non-magnetic many body singlet state, and not simply by the (sd) conduction electrons. This being a novel phenomenon, a number of experiments were performed to test this picture and to obtain a detailed description of the behaviour of CeCu 2 Si 2 . Measurements of the Meissner volume, confirmed the superconductivity to be intrinsic. (Auth.)

Disturbances in lysosomal enzymes activity in rats, following experimental postradiation disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Drozdz, M.; Piwowarczyk, B.; Olczyk, K.; Pikula-Zachara, M.

1981-01-01

The studies were aimed at detecting the biological effects of radiation on rat's organism, through studying the activity of lysosomal enzymes in blood plasma and some organs. The contemporary studies suggest that lysosomes play an important role in the occurrence and course of postradiation disease. The obtained results suggest the multidirectional gamma-rays effects on lysosomal enzymes response in serum, leucocytes, liver lysosomes and in liver, kidneys, lungs, heart. Increased activity of acid phosphatase, beta-glucoronidase and beta-acetyl-glucosaminase in the tissues of irradiated animals indicates that gamma rays labilizate the lysosomal membrane. The range of changes indicates a selective nature of this phenomenon. Kidneys, lungs and liver appeared the most ray-sensitive organs. The activity of acid phosphatase was found to be most increased in blood serum and leucocytes. The activity of all examined enzymes in liver lysosomes was decreased. Acid phosphatase exhibited the greatest activity increases. Lysosomal responses are indicative of the degree of destructive or regenerative changes in the organism. (author)

Ce decay curves in Ce, Tb co-doped LaF3 and the energy transfer mechanism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kroon, R.E.; Swart, H.C.; Ntwaeaborwa, O.M.; Seed Ahmed, H.A.A.

2014-01-01

Energy transfer phenomena can play an important role in the development of luminescent materials, and hosts co-doped with Ce 3+ and Tb 3+ ions continue to be actively studied. Several recent reports on Ce, Tb co-doped phosphors suggest different mechanisms for the energy transfer from Ce 3+ to Tb 3+ ions and further study is required to reach consensus on the mechanism or to understand why different mechanisms dominate in different hosts. A more direct method of analysis is proposed to distinguish between the different types of multipole energy transfer mechanisms. When applied to Ce, Tb co-doped LaF 3 , the experimental data shows a poor match to any of these models but is consistent with energy transfer through the exchange mechanism. The decay curves of Ce emission in Ce, Tb co-doped LaF 3 were also studied to obtain further insight on the energy transfer mechanism. Although the decrease in lifetime with increasing Tb concentration shows that energy transfer occurs through a non-radiative mechanism, the form of the decay curves does not correspond to what is expected for energy transfer via multipole interactions.

Homoleptic Ce(III) and Ce(IV) Nitroxide Complexes: Significant Stabilization of the 4+ Oxidation State

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bogart, Justin A.; Lewis, Andrew J.; Medling, Scott A.; Piro, Nicholas A.; Carroll, Patrick J.; Booth, Corwin H.; Schelter, Eric J.

2014-06-25

Electrochemical experiments performed on the complex Ce-IV[2-((BuNO)-Bu-t)py](4), where [2-((BuNO)-Bu-t)py](-) = N-tert-butyl-N-2-pyridylnitroxide, indicate a 2.51 V stabilization of the 4+ oxidation state of Ce compared to [(Bu4N)-Bu-n](2)[Ce(NO3)(6)] in acetonitrile and a 2.95 V stabilization compared to the standard potential for the ion under aqueous conditions. Density functional theory calculations suggest that this preference for the higher oxidation state is a result of the tetrakis(nitroxide) ligand framework at the Ce cation, which allows for effective electron donation into, and partial covalent overlap with, vacant 4f orbitals with delta symmetry. The results speak to the behavior of CeO2 and related solid solutions in oxygen uptake and transport applications, in particular an inherent local character of bonding that stabilizes the 4+ oxidation state. The results indicate a cerium(IV) complex that has been stabilized to an unprecedented degree through tuning of its ligand-field environment.

The role of Ce(III) in BZ oscillating reactions

Science.gov (United States)

Nogueira, Paulo A.; Varela, Hamilton; Faria, Roberto B.

2012-03-01

Herein we present results on the oscillatory dynamics in the bromate-oxalic acid-acetone-Ce(III)/Ce(IV) system in batch and also in a CSTR. We show that Ce(III) is the necessary reactant to allow the emergence of oscillations. In batch, oscillations occur with Ce(III) and also with Ce(IV), but no induction period is observed with Ce(III). In a CSTR, no oscillations were found using a freshly prepared Ce(IV), but only when the cerium-containing solution was aged, allowing partial conversion of Ce(IV) to Ce(III) by reaction with acetone.

Promoting effect of CeO 2 on cyclohexanol conversion over CeO 2

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Abstract. CeO2-ZnO materials were prepared by amorphous citrate process and characterized by TGA, XRD, UV-DRS and surface area measurements. TGA showed that the citrate precursors decompose in the range 350-550°C producing CeO2-containing catalytic materials. XRD and DRS results indicated the formation of ...

A facile synthesis for cauliflower like CeO2 catalysts from Ce-BTC precursor and their catalytic performance for CO oxidation

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xiaodong; Hou, Fulin; Yang, Yang; Wang, Yuxin; Liu, Ning; Chen, Dan; Yang, Yiqiong

2017-11-01

The paper presents a novel and facile method for preparing cauliflowerlike CeO2 through direct decomposition of cerium based metal-organic framework (MOF) Ce-BTC (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) straw in air. Several analytical tools such as Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric (TG), N2 adsorption-desorption, Temperature programmed reduction (TPR), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) and Photoluminescence (PL) have been used to characterize Ce-BTC and CeO2. The Ce-BTC calcined at 500 °C (CeO2-500) maintains the morphology of its template ;Ce-BTC; and forms a special cauliflower-like structure. XRD patterns showed that the catalyst has a perfect CeO2 crystal structure and has a smaller particle size. The prepared CeO2 cauliflowers exhibit excellent catalytic activities, long-term stability, and cycling stability for CO oxidation. The improved catalytic activities could be attributed to porous nanorods of CeO2 cauliflowers, which provide more active sites and oxygen vacancy for CO oxidation.

Cerocene Revisited: The Electronic Structure of and Interconversion Between Ce2(C8H8)3 and Ce(C8H8)2

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Walter, Marc D.; Booth, Corwin H.; Lukens, Wayne W.; Andersen, Richard A.

2009-02-02

New synthetic procedures for the preparation of Ce(cot)2, cerocene, from [Li(thf)4][Ce(cot)2], and Ce2(cot)3 in high yield and purity are reported. Heating solid Ce(cot)2 yields Ce2(cot)3 and COT while heating Ce2(cot)3 with an excess of COT in C6D6 to 65oC over four months yields Ce(cot)2. The solid state magnetic susceptibility of these three organocerium compounds shows that Ce(cot)2 behaves as a TIP (temperature independent paramagnet) over the temperature range of 5-300 K, while that of Ce2(cot)3 shows that the spin carriers are antiferromagnetically coupled below 10 K; above 10 K, the individual spins are uncorrelated, and [Ce(cot)2]- behaves as an isolated f1 paramagnet. The EPR at 1.5K for Ce2(cot)3 and [Ce(cot)2]- have ground state of MJ= +- 1/2. The LIII edge XANES of Ce(cot)2 (Booth, C.H.; Walter, M.D.; Daniel, M.; Lukens, W.W., Andersen, R.A., Phys. Rev. Lett. 2005, 95, 267202) and 2Ce2(cot)3 over 30-500 K are reported; the Ce(cot)2 XANES spectra show Ce(III) and Ce(IV) signatures up to a temperature of approximately 500 K, whereupon the Ce(IV) signature disappears, consistent with the thermal behavior observed in the melting experiment. The EXAFS of Ce(cot)2 and Ce2(cot)3 are reported at 30 K; the agreement between the molecular parameters for Ce(cot)2 derived from EXAFS and single crystal X-ray diffraction data are excellent. In the case of Ce2(cot)3 no X-ray diffraction data are known to exist, but the EXAFS are consistent with a"triple-decker" sandwich structure. A molecular rationalization is presented for the electronic structure of cerocene having a multiconfiguration ground state that is an admixture of the two configurations Ce(III, 4f1)(cot1.5-)2 and Ce(IV, 4f0)(cot2-)2; the multiconfigurational ground state has profound effects on the magnetic properties and on the nature of the chemical bond in cerocene and, perhaps, other molecules.

Biochemical Effects Of Aluminum On Some Selected Serum Enzymes Of Male Wistar Albino Rats

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ogueche

2015-08-01

Full Text Available Toxic metals are widely found in our environment and humans are exposed to them via water contaminated air food and soil. Aluminum AL belongs to this group of toxic metals. Its neurological effects are well documented but effects on acid and alkaline phosphatases are poorly studied and this the essence of this study. Toxicity of aluminum was investigated based on the elevation of acid and alkali phosphatases in serum of male Wistar albino rats after days 7 and 14 of aluminum 0.38 3.8 and 38mgkg body weight administration respectively. The results showed significant increase p0.05 in serum acid phosphatase in the test animals given 38kgkg after days 14 while serum alkali phosphatase increased significantly p 0.05 in the test animals given 3.8 and 38 mgkg after days 7 and 14 when compared to the control animals. However lower dose 0.38mgkg showed increase in both serum acid and alkali phosphatases respectively but were statistically non-significant p0.05 at 7 and 14 as compared to control animals.

Glass forming ability of the Al-Ce-Ni system; Avaliacao da capacidade de formacao vitrea do sistema Al-Ce-Ni

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Triveno Rios, C. [Engenharia Mecanica, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Rondonopolis, MT (Brazil)], e-mail: triveno@ufmt.br; Surinach, S.; Baro, M.D. [Departamento de Engenharia de Materiais - Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, SP (Brazil); Bolfarini, C.; Botta, W.J.; Kiminami, C.S. [Departamento de Fisica da Universidade Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Spain)

2010-07-01

In the present work, the glass forming ability (GFA) and its compositional dependence on Al-Ni-Ce system alloys were investigated in function of several thermal parameters. Rapidly quenched Al{sub 85}Ni{sub 15}-{sub X}Ce{sub X} (X=4,5,6,7,10), Al{sub 90}Ni{sub 5}Ce{sub 5}, Al{sub 89}Ni{sub 2}.{sub 4}Ce{sub 8}.{sub 6}, Al{sub 80}Ni{sub 15.6}Ce{sub 4}.{sub 4} and Al{sub 78}Ni{sub 18.5}Ce{sub 3.5} amorphous ribbons were produced by melt-spinning and the structural transformation during heating was studied using a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the GFA and the thermal stability in the Al-rich corner of Al- Ni-Ce system alloys were enhanced by increasing the solute content and specifically the Ce content (author)

Mechanical properties of non-centrosymmetric CePt3Si and CePt3B

Science.gov (United States)

Rogl, G.; Legut, D.; Sýkora, R.; Müller, P.; Müller, H.; Bauer, E.; Puchegger, S.; Zehetbauer, M.; Rogl, P.

2017-05-01

Elastic moduli, hardness (both at room temperature) and thermal expansion (4.2-670 K) have been experimentally determined for polycrystalline CePt3Si and its prototype compound CePt3B as well as for single-crystalline CePt3Si. Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy was used to determine elastic properties (Young’s modulus E and Poisson’s ratio ν) via the eigenfrequencies of the sample and the knowledge of sample mass and dimensions. Bulk and shear moduli were calculated from E and ν, and the respective Debye temperatures were derived. In addition, ab initio DFT calculations were carried out for both compounds. A comparison of parameters evaluated from DFT with those of experiments revealed, in general, satisfactory agreement. Positive and negative thermal expansion values obtained from CePt3Si single crystal data are fairly well explained in terms of the crystalline electric field model, using CEF parameters derived recently from inelastic neutron scattering. DFT calculations, in addition, demonstrate that the atomic vibrations keep almost unaffected by the antisymmetric spin-orbit coupling present in systems with crystal structures having no inversion symmetry. This is opposite to electronic properties, where the antisymmetric spin-orbit interaction has shown to distinctly influence features like the superconducting condensate of CePt3Si.

Determination of serum DNA concentration by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) in gamma irradiated rats

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gabor, J; Misurova, E

1987-01-01

A sensitive and specific ELISA method was used to determine changes in the serum DNA concentration in rats at hours 6 and 9 and on the days 1, 3, 7, 10, 15 and 30 after acute whole-body gamma irradiation with a dose of 8 Gy. Changes in the DNA serum concentration were determined also on day 10 after irradiation with doses of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 Gy. The present results indicate that the pattern of changes in the serum DNA concentration is characterized by an initial decrease, typical also of the leukocyte count, followed by a statistically significant increase in the DNA concentration on day 10 and in later periods of time. These data confirmed, in principle, the authors' previous findings on changes in the DNA concentration in the rat blood plasma after acute X-ray irradiation assessed by the fluorimetric method with ethidium bromide. (author). 4 figs., 14 refs.

Crystal growth and scintillation properties of multi-component oxide single crystals: Ce:GGAG and Ce:La-GPS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yoshikawa, A., E-mail: yoshikawa@imr.tohoku.ac.jp [Institute for Materials Research (IMR), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); C& A Corporation, 6-6-40 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); Kamada, K. [New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); C& A Corporation, 6-6-40 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); Kurosawa, S. [Institute for Materials Research (IMR), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); Shoji, Y. [Institute for Materials Research (IMR), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); C& A Corporation, 6-6-40 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); Yokota, Y. [New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); Chani, V.I. [Institute for Materials Research (IMR), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); Nikl, M. [Institute of Physics, AS CR, Cukrovarnická 10, 162 53 Prague (Czech Republic)

2016-01-15

Crystal growth by micro-pulling-down, Czochralski, and floating zone methods and scintillation properties of Ce:Gd{sub 3}(Ga,Al){sub 5}O{sub 12} (Ce:GGAG) multi-component oxide garnets, and Ce:Gd{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} (Ce:GPS) or Ce:(La,Gd){sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} (Ce:La-GPS) pyro-silicates are reviewed. GGAG crystals demonstrated practically linear dependences of some of the parameters including lattice constant, emission wavelength, and band gap on Ga content. However, emission intensity, light yield and energy resolution showed maxima for intermediate compositions. GGAG crystals had the highest light yield of 56,000 photon/MeV for Ga content of 2.7 atoms per garnet formula unit. Similarly the light yield and energy resolution of La-GPS showed the highest values of 40,000 photon/MeV and 4.4%@662 keV, respectively, for La-GPS containing 10% of La. Moreover, La-GPS demonstrated stable scintillation performance up to 200 °C.

Cystic echinococcosis in Central Alaninate, Turkey

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yazar, Suleyman; Yaman, Ozan; Sahin, Izzet; Cetinkaya, F.

2006-01-01

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by infection with a larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus is a serious public health problem in Turkey. Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease; dogs and livestock are important hosts in transmission. The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of CE in Kayseri Rural Area, Central Anatolia, Turkey. At the present study, we planned to evaluate the rate of CE in Kayseri rural area in Central Anatolia between 2000 and 2002. We investigated 2,242 subjects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescence antibody (IFA), and we examined the seropositivity by using Western blotting (WB). The seropositivity rate was 2.7% by ELISA and IFA. We retested seropositive serum samples and 200 seronegative sera by WB. Seropositive serum samples were studied using abdominal ultrasound and chest x-ray to confirmed the presence of hydatid cyst and we found 10 (0.5%) different localized cysts. The results of our study indicate that Kayseri rural area has a high endemicity of human CE. (author)

Maternal serum levels of adiponectin in preeclampsia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khosrowbeygi, A.; Ahmadvand, H.

2009-01-01

The results of the serum levels of adiponectin in pre eclamptic patients are conflicting. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess serum levels of adiponectin in women with pre eclampsia compared with healthy pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed. The case group consisted of women with pre eclampsia (n=30). The control group consisted of 30 matched normal pregnant women. Serum levels of adiponectin were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: Serum levels of adiponectin were significantly higher in the pre eclamptic group than those in the normal control group. In the pre eclamptic patients serum levels of adiponectin showed a significant negative correlation with body mass index while no correlation was found in the normal pregnant women. In women with pre eclampsia, levels of adiponectin were decreased significantly in the overweight women compared with normal weight women, while in the control group no significant difference was observed. Conclusion: In conclusion, elevation of adiponectin levels might be a physiological feedback response to minimize endothelial dysfunction in pre eclamptic patients. (author)

Antioxidant enzymes in Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval): Are they enhanced to protect gut tissues during oxidative stress?

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Krishnan, Natraj; Kodrík, Dalibor

2006-01-01

Roč. 52, č. 1 (2006), s. 11-20 ISSN 0022-1910 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA522/05/0151 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50070508 Keywords : antioxidant enzyme * oxidative stress * allelochemicals Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry Impact factor: 2.019, year: 2006

Physiological and biochemical responses of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) exposed to nano-CeO2 and excess boron: Modulation of boron phytotoxicity.

Science.gov (United States)

Tassi, E; Giorgetti, L; Morelli, E; Peralta-Videa, J R; Gardea-Torresdey, J L; Barbafieri, M

2017-01-01

Little is known about the interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) with soil constituents and their effects in plants. Boron (B), an essential micronutrient that reduces crop production at both deficiency and excess, has not been investigated with respect to its interaction with cerium oxide NPs (nano-CeO 2 ). Considering conflicting results on the nano-CeO 2 toxicity and protective role as antioxidant, their possible modulation on B toxicity in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was investigated. Sunflower was cultivated for 30 days in garden pots containing original or B-spiked soil amended with nano-CeO 2 at 0-800 mg kg -1 . At harvest, Ce and B concentrations in tissues, biomass, and activities of stress enzymes in leaves were determined. Results showed that in the original soil, Ce accumulated mainly in roots, with little translocation to stems and leaves, while reduced root Ce was observed in plants from B-spiked soil. In the original soil, higher levels of nano-CeO 2 reduced plant B concentration. Although morphological effects were not visible, changes in biomass and oxidative stress response were observed. Sunflower leaves from B-spiked soil showed visible symptoms of B toxicity, such as necrosis and chlorosis in old leaves, as well as an increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. However, at high nano-CeO 2 level, SOD activity decreased reaching values similar to that of the control. This study has shown that nano-CeO 2 reduced both the B nutritional status of sunflower in original soil and the B phytotoxicity in B-spiked soil. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Experimental and theoretical study about sulfur deactivation of Ni/ CeO{sub 2} and Rh/CeO{sub 2} catalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ocsachoque, Marco A., E-mail: ocmarco@quimica.unlp.edu.ar [Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicadas “Dr Jorge J. Ronco”, (CONICET, CCT La Plata), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Cs Exactas (UNLP), Calle 48 N° 257, 1900 La Plata (Argentina); Eugenio Russman, Juan I.; Irigoyen, Beatriz [Instituto de Tecnologías del Hidrógeno y Energías Sostenibles (ITHES), Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería (UBA), Buenos Aires (Argentina); Gazzoli, Delia [Dipartimento di Chimia, Universitá di Roma “La Sapienza”, Roma (Italy); González, María G. [Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicadas “Dr Jorge J. Ronco”, (CONICET, CCT La Plata), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Cs Exactas (UNLP), Calle 48 N° 257, 1900 La Plata (Argentina)

2016-04-01

Sulfur deactivation of Ni/CeO{sub 2} and Rh/CeO{sub 2} catalysts were examined through an experimental and theoretical study. These catalysts were characterized by N{sub 2} adsorption, X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed reaction, thermogravimetric analysis, Uv–visible spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, and tested under the methane dry reforming reaction in the presence of H{sub 2}S. On the other hand, different possible interactions of sulfur with Rh, Ni or surface sites of the CeO{sub 2} support were evaluated by performing energy calculations with the density functional theory (DFT). Overall, the results indicate that tolerance to sulfur of Rh/CeO{sub 2} catalyst is higher than that of Ni/CeO{sub 2} one. In this sense, TPR measurements show that reduction of CeO{sub 2} is promoted by the presence of Rh. This effect, probably caused by hydrogen spillover to CeO{sub 2} support during the reduction of RhO{sub x} species, could be linked to a high oxygen donation capacity of Rh/CeO{sub 2} catalysts. Accordingly, the O{sup 2−} species existing on Rh/CeO{sub 2} catalysts, revealed by Raman spectra of these samples, could favor sulfur oxidation and prevent Rh–S interactions. Likewise, the theoretical calculations show that desorption of S–O species from Rh/CeO{sub 2} system is more favorable than that from Ni/CeO{sub 2} one. Therefore, our experimental and theoretical study about sulfur deactivation of Ni and Rh supported on CeO{sub 2} allow us to postulate that Rh can help to desorb SO{sub x} species formed on the support, retarding sulfur poisoning of the Rh/CeO{sub 2} catalysts. - Highlights: • CeO{sub 2} support can act as a sacrifice trap decreasing sulfur poisoning. • Theoretical calculations indicate an important nickel affinity with sulfur. • Rh would favor desorption of S–O species formed on the support. • The O{sup 2−} species present on the Rh–CeO{sub 2} sample favor sulfur removal.

Serum protease activity in chronic kidney disease patients: The GANI_MED renal cohort.

Science.gov (United States)

Wolke, Carmen; Teumer, Alexander; Endlich, Karlhans; Endlich, Nicole; Rettig, Rainer; Stracke, Sylvia; Fiene, Beate; Aymanns, Simone; Felix, Stephan B; Hannemann, Anke; Lendeckel, Uwe

2017-03-01

Serum or plasma proteases have been associated with various diseases including cancer, inflammation, or reno-cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate whether the enzymatic activities of serum proteases are associated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our study population comprised 268 participants of the "Greifswald Approach to Individualized Medicine" (GANI_MED) cohort. Enzymatic activity of aminopeptidase A, aminopeptidase B, alanyl (membrane) aminopeptidase, insulin-regulated aminopeptidase, puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase, leucine aminopeptidase 3, prolyl-endopeptidase (PEP), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), angiotensin I-converting enzyme, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) proteases was measured in serum. Linear regression of the respective protease was performed on kidney function adjusted for age and sex. Kidney function was modeled either by the continuous Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)-based eGFR or dichotomized by eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m 2 or <45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , respectively. Results with a false discovery rate below 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Among the 10 proteases investigated, only the activities of ACE2 and DPP4 were correlated with eGFR. Patients with lowest eGFR exhibited highest DPP4 and ACE2 activities. DPP4 and PEP were correlated with age, but all other serum protease activities showed no associations with age or sex. Our data indicate that ACE2 and DPP4 enzymatic activity are associated with the eGFR in patients with CKD. This finding distinguishes ACE2 and DPP4 from other serum peptidases analyzed and clearly indicates that further analyses are warranted to identify the precise role of these serum ectopeptidases in the pathogenesis of CKD and to fully elucidate underlying molecular mechanisms. Impact statement • Renal and cardiac diseases are very common and often occur concomitantly

Effect of partially purified angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

This study evaluated the effect of partially-purified angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory proteins obtained from the leaves of Moringa oleifera on blood glucose, serum ACE activity and lipid profile of alloxaninduced diabetic rats. Twenty-five apparently healthy male albino rats were divided into five groups of five ...

May the thyroid gland and thyroperoxidase participate in nitrosylation of serum proteins and sporadic Parkinson's disease?

Science.gov (United States)

Fernández, Emilio; García-Moreno, José-Manuel; Martín de Pablos, Angel; Chacón, José

2014-11-20

The research group has detected nitrosative stress and a singular version of nitrosylated serum α-synuclein in serum of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland has been proposed to be linked to this disease. The aim of the study was to know if the thyroid gland is involved in idiopathic PD and nitrosative stress. We studied 50 patients (early and advanced disease patients), 35 controls, and 6 subjects with thyroidectomy. Clinical characteristics, serum thyroperoxidase levels, and 3-nitrotyrosine proteins were analyzed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting methods were employed. The findings indicated that the prevalence of two thyroid dysfunctions (hyper- or hypothyroidism) was not found to be different in patients relative to controls. However, the levels of the enzyme thyroperoxidase were found to be elevated in early disease patients (pdisease subjects, and these levels were negatively correlated with serum 3-nitrotyrosine proteins (pthyroid gland and thyroperoxidase participate in nitrosylation of serum proteins and they could influence Parkinsonian nitrosative stress as well as nitrosylation of serum α-synuclein, a potentially pathogenic factor.

Transitions between localized and itinerant antiferromagnetism in the Ce(Pb,In) sub 3 and Ce(Pb,Tl) sub 3 systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rahman, S; Timlin, J; Crow, J E; Mihalisin, T; Schlottmann, P [Temple Univ., Philadelphia, PA (United States)

1990-01-01

CePb{sub 3} is an itinerant heavy fermion antiferromagnetic displaying an incommensurate magnetic structure and an extremely small ordered moment. CeIn{sub 3} and CeTl{sub 3}, on the other hand are well-localized, simple antiferromagnets with the full moments expected for crystal field doublet Ce{sup 3+} ion systems. The authors have performed specific heat, sysceptibility and resistivity measurements for both the Ce(Pb,In){sub 3} and Ce(Pb,Tl){sub 3} systems. These systems remain cubic Cu{sub 3}Au structures across the entire series. They display extremely interesting T{sub N} behavior which suggests that a continuous transition from itinerant to localized antiferromagnetic behavior occurs for the Ce(Pb,Tl){sub 3} system. In the Ce (Pb,In){sub 3} system both types of antiferromagnetism are present but they are separated by a concentration range ({approximately}10-40% Pb) over which antiferromagnetism does not exist. The behavior of these systems cannot be accounted for by a Kondo necklace approach that neglects the coherence of a heavy fermion lattice and resulting itinerant antiferromagnetism.

Superconductivity and anomalous normal state in the CePd2Si2/CeNi2Ge2 system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grosche, F.M.; Lister, S.J.S.; Carter, F.V.; Saxena, S.S.; Haselwimmer, R.K.W.; Mathur, N.D.; Julian, S.R.; Lonzarich, G.G.

1997-01-01

The unconventional nonmagnetic metal CeNi 2 Ge 2 is characterised at ambient pressure by temperature dependences of the specific heat and of the resistivity which deviate strongly from standard Fermi-liquid predictions and are reminiscent of the behaviour observed in its sibling system CePd 2 Si 2 above the critical pressure at which magnetic order is suppressed. We have explored the CePd 2 Si 2 /CeNi 2 Ge 2 phase diagram in a series of resistivity measurements under high hydrostatic pressure, p. At p>15 kbar, a new superconducting transition appears below 220 mK in CeNi 2 Ge 2 and shifts to higher temperatures with increasing pressure, reaching ∝400 mK at p∝26 kbar. (orig.)

Redox potentials and kinetics of the Ce 3+/Ce 4+ redox reaction and solubility of cerium sulfates in sulfuric acid solutions

Science.gov (United States)

Paulenova, A.; Creager, S. E.; Navratil, J. D.; Wei, Y.

Experimental work was performed with the aim of evaluating the Ce 4+/Ce 3+ redox couple in sulfuric acid electrolyte for use in redox flow battery (RFB) technology. The solubility of cerium sulfates in 0.1-4.0 M sulfuric acid at 20-60 °C was studied. A synergistic effect of both sulfuric acid concentration and temperature on the solubility of cerous sulfate was observed. The solubility of cerous sulfate significantly decreased with rising concentration of sulfuric acid and rising temperature, while the solubility of ceric sulfate goes through a significant maximum at 40 °C. Redox potentials and the kinetics of the cerous/ceric redox reaction were also studied under the same temperature-concentration conditions. The redox potentials were measured using the combined redox electrode (Pt-Ag/AgCl) in equimolar Ce 4+/Ce 3+ solutions (i.e.[Ce 3+]=[Ce 4+]) in sulfuric acid electrolyte. The Ce 3+/Ce 4+ redox potentials significantly decrease (i.e. shift to more negative values) with rising sulfuric acid concentration; a small maximum is observed at 40 °C. Cyclic voltammetric experiments confirmed slow electrochemical kinetics of the Ce 3+/Ce 4+ redox reaction on carbon glassy electrodes (CGEs) in sulfuric acid solutions. The observed dependencies of solubilities, the redox potentials and the kinetics of Ce 3+/Ce 4+ redox reaction on sulfuric acid concentration are thought to be the result of inequivalent complexation of the two redox species by sulfate anions: the ceric ion is much more strongly bound to sulfate than is the cerous ion. The best temperature-concentration conditions for the RFB electrolytes appear to be 40 °C and 1 M sulfuric acid, where the relatively good solubility of both cerium species, the maximum of redox potentials, and the more or less satisfying stability of CGE s were found. Even so, the relatively low solubility of cerium salts in sulfuric acid media and slow redox kinetics of the Ce 3+/Ce 4+ redox reaction at carbon indicate that the Ce 3+/Ce

Binding nature and conformational alternations of bovine serum albumin upon interaction with synthesized LaF{sub 3}:Ce,Tb luminescent nanocrystals using multi-spectroscopic approach

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guo, Xingjia [College of Chemistry, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036 (China); Hao, Aijun, E-mail: hao1968@qq.com [College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036 (China); Wu, Qiong; Diao, Xin; Liu, Wenjing; Cong, Chenri; Sun, Ye; Xu, Liping; Yao, Jie [College of Chemistry, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036 (China)

2016-10-15

Water-soluble LaF{sub 3}:Ce,Tb luminescent nanocrystals (RLNCs) were successfully fabricated according to previously reported literatures. The experimental results indicate that the as-prepared nanocrystals consist of well crystallized hexagonal phases, having a nearly spherical shape with an average diameter of 10 nm. The interaction of RLNCs with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied mainly via fluorescence quenching in combination with circular dichroism (CD) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy under imitated physiological conditions. The fluorescence titration results reveal that RLNCs could efficiently quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA mainly through a dynamic quenching procedure. The binding constant and the number of binding site at 300 K were estimated to be 4.606×10{sup 3} L mol{sup −1} and 0.98, respectively. Meanwhile, the thermodynamic parameters for RLNCs–BSA system were also determined, suggesting that the binding reaction between RLNCs and BSA took place spontaneously and was primarily driven by hydrophobic forces. Furthermore, it was found that the binding of RLNCs to BSA was mainly located in site I and the binding distance was estimated to be 3.0 nm. Finally, the synchronous fluorescence, three dimensional (3D) fluorescence, and CD spectroscopy were used to explore the conformational alterations of protein induced by RLNCs.

Ce-doped nanoparticles of TiO2: Rutile-to-brookite phase transition and evolution of Ce local-structure studied with XRD and XANES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kityakarn, Sutasinee; Worayingyong, Attera; Suramitr, Anwaraporn; Smith, M.F.

2013-01-01

The crystal and electronic structural changes undergone by TiO 2 nanoparticles when Ce is introduced were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES). A small amount of Ce (less than 1% molar concentration) resulted in i/a significant reduction of the average size of the TiO 2 nanoparticles and ii/a phase transition in which brookite replaced rutile as the minority phase component (anatase was the majority phase component at all Ce concentrations studied up to 10% molar concentration). The Ce L3 edge XANES revealed changes in the local environment of Ce impurities. As Ce concentration was increased the fraction of Ce that have formal valence of +3 decreased and, for the remaining Ce with valence +4, the 4f orbitals became less-strongly hybridized with the p-orbitals of oxygen neighbors. The results have implications for photocatalytic and gas sensing properties of Ce-doped TiO 2 . - Highlights: ► Ce-doping: TiO 2 nanoparticles shrink and minority phase changes rutile-> brookite. ► XANES reveals phase change for arbitrarily small particles (while XRD fails). ► As Ce added: fraction of Ce +3 dopants falls, hybridization of Ce +4 with O weakens

Asymptomatic and persistent elevation of pancreatic enzymes in an ulcerative colitis patient.

Science.gov (United States)

Liverani, Elisa; Leonardi, Filippo; Castellani, Lucia; Cardamone, Carla; Belluzzi, Andrea

2013-01-01

Azathioprine has been extensively used in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. It might cause pancreatic damage in the form of either asymptomatic elevation in serum amylase/lipase or overt acute pancreatitis. Here we report the case of a 61-year-old patient with ulcerative colitis who had been treated with azathioprine for three years, achieving clinical remission. During treatment he presented an asymptomatic elevation of serum pancreatic enzymes, without any signs of pancreatitis at imaging. This evidence brought us to reassess the drug dosage, without achieving a normalization of biochemical analysis. Autoimmune pancreatitis was excluded. One year after the suspension of azathioprine, we still face persistent high levels of amylase/lipase. Normalization of enzymatic values in patients who develop intolerance to azathioprine, in the form of either asymptomatic elevation in serum amylase/lipase or overt acute pancreatitis, is usually achieved in about two months after stopping drug intake. Asymptomatic elevation in serum pancreatic enzymes in the absence of pancreatic disease is reported in the literature and defined as "Gullo's syndrome," but nobody of the subjects studied had been treated in the past with pancreatotoxic drugs. Might this case be defined as "benign pancreatic hyperenzymemia"?

Activity of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme as a tumour marker of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Science.gov (United States)

Kardum, D; Huskic, J; Fabijanic, D; Banic, M; Buljevac, M; Kujundzic, M; Loncar, B

1999-11-01

Previous studies have pointed to the changes of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) values in patients with liver disease and cancer located in different sites. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in SACE values in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis. The study comprised 30 patients with HCC (22 men and eight women) of average age 48.6 +/- 9.0 years and 30 patients with liver cirrhosis (21 men, nine women) of average age 49.1 +/- 9.5 years. The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers with matching anthropometric characteristics. SACE activity was determined by a spectrophotometric method using synthetic hippuryl-glycyl-glycine as substrate. The mean SACE value was considerably lower in patients with HCC, 22.8 U/ml (95% CI, 22.5-23.9), both those in whom HCC developed in cirrhotic liver (n = 23), 23.7 (22.9-24.5) as well as those with HCC without cirrhosis (n = 7), 21.8 (21.0-22.6), with regard to patients with liver cirrhosis, 37.2 (36.6-37.8) (P SACE value was increased in accordance with the severity of the disease expressed by Child's classification; however, at each stage SACE values were considerably lower in patients with HCC in cirrhotic liver (Child A, 35.8 vs 22.1; Child B, 38.7 vs 24.2; Child C, 40.0 vs 28.3) (P SACE activity. The SACE value was also significantly decreased in patients with HCC whose AFP were not altered. The study has shown that SACE values are low in patients with advanced HCC. It may be helpful in detecting HCC in patients with cirrhosis, where it can be difficult to differentiate between small HCC tumours and regeneration nodules.

Synthesis and characterization of Ce doped MFI zeolite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kalita, Banani; Talukdar, Anup K.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Cerium was incorporated into the tetrahedral position of MFI zeolite structure. ► Unit cell volume increases with an increase of Ce content in the framework of MFI. ► A band at 310 nm in the UV–vis spectra indicates Ce incorporation in MFI structure. ► The mass loss (%) in the region 373–423 K decreases with increase of Ce in MFI. - Abstract: Ce doped MFI (mobil five) zeolites with different Si to (Ce + Al) and different Ce to Al ratios were synthesized by a hydrothermal synthesis method. All the samples were characterized by different techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that almost pure MFI phase was obtained in all cases with incorporation of cerium metal into the framework. The increase in unit cell parameters observed with an increase in Ce content is indicative of incorporation of Ce into the framework structure of microporous material MFI. Corroboration of the framework incorporation of Ce into the MFI zeolite structure was also obtained from the UV–vis DRS spectra by the presence of an absorption band at 280 nm. TGA and SEM of the samples provide complementary evidence for Ce incorporation into the framework MFI structure.

Serum Endostatin Levels in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maryam Mardani

2018-05-01

Full Text Available Introduction: Endostatin is a C-­terminal proteolytic fragment of collagen XVIII and, as with angiostatin and thrombospondin, is known as an anti­angiogenic agent. The aim of this study was to assess the level of serum endostatin in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, and its association with the clinicopathological characteristics of the tumor.   Materials and Methods:  Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA kit, we investigated the circulating levels of endostatin in the blood serum of 45 patients with oral SCC and 45 healthy controls.   Results: The mean level of serum endostatin in patients was significantly lower (68.8±85 ng/ml than in healthy controls (175.6±73 ng/ml (P

Catalytic reforming of toluene as tar model compound: effect of Ce and Ce-Mg promoter using Ni/olivine catalyst.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Ruiqin; Wang, Huajian; Hou, Xiaoxue

2014-02-01

Tar produced by biomass gasification as a route of renewable energy must be removed before the gas can be used. This study was undertaken using toluene as a model tar compound for evaluating its steam reforming conversion with three Ni-based catalysts, Ni/olivine, Ni-Ce/olivine and Ni-Ce-Mg/olivine. Effects of Ce and Mg promoters on the reaction activity and coke deposition were studied. Overall the performance of Ce and Mg promoted Ni/olivine catalysts is better than that of only Ce promoter and Ni/olivine alone. The experimental results indicate that Ni-Ce-Mg/olivine catalysts could improve the resistance to carbon deposition, enhance energy gases yield and resist 10ppm H2S poison at 100mLmin(-1) for up to 400min. Furthermore, the activity of catalysts was related to the steam/carbon (S/C) ratios; at S/C ratio=5, T=790°C, space velocity=782h(-1) and t=2h, the Ni-Ce-Mg/olivine system yielded 89% toluene conversion, 5.6Lh(-1) product gas rate, 62.6mol% H2 content and 10% (mol useful gas mol(-1) toluene) energy yield. Moreover, at low S/C ratio, it had higher reaction activity and better ability to prevent coking. There is a small amount of carbon deposition in the form of amorphous carbon after 7h. Various characterization techniques such as XRD, FTIR and thermogravimetric were performed to investigate the coke deposition of Ni/olivine, Ni-Ce/olivine and Ni-Ce-Mg/olivine. It is suggested that 3% Ni-1% Ce-1% Mg/olivine was the most promising catalyst due to its minimum coke amount and the lower activation energy of coke burning. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Serum γ-Glutamyltransferase, Alanine Aminotransferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase Activity in Healthy Blood Donor of Different Ethnic Groups in Gorgan.

Science.gov (United States)

Marjani, Abdoljalal; Mehrpouya, Masoumeh; Pourhashem, Zeinab

2016-07-01

Measure of liver enzymes may help to increase safety of blood donation for both blood donor and recipient. Determination of liver enzymes may prepare valuable clinical information. To assess serum γ-Glutamyltransferase (GGT), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) activities in healthy blood donors in different ethnic groups in Gorgan. This study was performed in 450 healthy male blood donors, in three ethnic groups (Fars, Sistanee and Turkman) who attended Gorgan blood transfusion center. Liver enzymes (GGT, ALT and AST) were determined. Serum AST and ALT in three ethnic groups were significant except for serum GGT levels. There was significant correlation between family histories of liver disease and systolic blood pressure and AST in Fars, and GGT in Sistanee ethnic groups. Several factors, such as age, family history of diabetes mellitus, family history of liver disease and smoking habit had no effect on some liver enzymes in different ethnic groups in this area. Variation of AST, ALT, and GGT enzyme activities in healthy subjects was associated with some subjects in our study groups. According to our study, it suggests that screening of AST and GGT enzymes in subjects with family history of liver disease is necessary in different ethnic groups.

Advantages of the Pre-Immobilization of Enzymes on Porous Supports for Their Entrapment in Sol-Gels

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Betancor, L.; López-Gallego, F.; Hidalgo, A.; Fuentes, M.; Podrazký, Ondřej; Kuncová, Gabriela; Guisán, J.M.; Fernández-Lafuente, R.

2005-01-01

Roč. 6, č. 2 (2005), s. 1027-1030 ISSN 1525-7797 Grant - others:CICYT(ES) BIO2000/0747/C05/02; CICYT(ES) BIO2001/2259 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40720504 Keywords : immobilization * enzymes * sol-gel Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry Impact factor: 3.618, year: 2005

Identification and structural analysis of an L-asparaginase enzyme from guinea pig with putative tumor cell killing properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Schalk, Amanda M; Nguyen, Hien-Anh; Rigouin, Coraline; Lavie, Arnon

2014-11-28

The initial observation that guinea pig serum kills lymphoma cells marks the serendipitous discovery of a new class of anti-cancer agents. The serum cell killing factor was shown to be an enzyme with L-asparaginase (ASNase) activity. As a direct result of this observation, several bacterial L-asparaginases were developed and are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of the subset of hematological malignancies that are dependent on the extracellular pool of the amino acid asparagine. As drugs, these enzymes act to hydrolyze asparagine to aspartate, thereby starving the cancer cells of this amino acid. Prior to the work presented here, the precise identity of this guinea pig enzyme has not been reported in the peer-reviewed literature. We discovered that the guinea pig enzyme annotated as H0W0T5_CAVPO, which we refer to as gpASNase1, has the required low Km property consistent with that possessed by the cell-killing guinea pig serum enzyme. Elucidation of the ligand-free and aspartate complex gpASNase1 crystal structures allows a direct comparison with the bacterial enzymes and serves to explain the lack of L-glutaminase activity in the guinea pig enzyme. The structures were also used to generate a homology model for the human homolog hASNase1 and to help explain its vastly different kinetic properties compared with gpASNase1, despite a 70% sequence identity. Given that the bacterial enzymes frequently present immunogenic and other toxic side effects, this work suggests that gpASNase1 could be a promising alternative to these bacterial enzymes. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Serum aminoterminal type III procollagen peptide reflects repair after acute myocardial infarction

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jensen, L T; Hørslev-Petersen, K; Toft, P

1990-01-01

similar to changes observed during wound healing in humans. PIIINP is cleaved off procollagen type III during the biosynthesis of type III collagen, which characterizes the early stages of repair and inflammation. Our findings suggest that serum PIIINP reflects the repair processes and scar formation...... following acute myocardial infarction. The serum PIIINP alterations in acute myocardial infarction differ essentially from the changes in myocardial enzymes reflecting myocardial injury. Serum PIIINP may therefore provide new and clinically relevant information on the healing of myocardial infarction....

A coupled-enzyme equilibrium method for measuring urea in serum: optimization and evaluation of the AACC study group on urea candidate reference method.

Science.gov (United States)

Sampson, E J; Baird, M A; Burtis, C A; Smith, E M; Witte, D L; Bayse, D D

1980-06-01

We describe a coupled-enzyme equilibrium method for measuring urea in serum, which is performed on supernates prepared by treating each specimen with Ba(OH)2 and ZnSO4 (Somogyi reagent). Analytical recovery of [14C]urea added to a variety of matrices was essentially complete (mean, 100.6%) for the supernates after precipitation. Nine variables were univariately examined in arriving at the reaction conditions for the method: glutamate dehydrogenase, urease, 2-oxoglutarate, ADP, Tris . HCI, NADH, EDTA, pH, and temperature. The reagent is stable for at least 48 days at--20 degrees C and for 23 days at 4 degrees C. Mean analytical recovery of urea (14 mmol/L) added to seven different specimens (three different matrices) was 100.8%. The analytical linear range of the method extends to 30 mmol of urea per liter. Of 22 potential interferents, only bilirubin at 1 mmol/L (580 mg/L), hemoglobin at 10 g/L, and hydroxyurea at 6 mmol/L showed more than 2% interference. We discuss precision and effects of specimen dilution, and compare results for 100 human serum specimens with those measured for the same specimens with four other urea methods. We examined the effects of measuring a blank, consisting of sample and reagent without urease, with each specimen.

Oxidation of Ce(III) in Foam Decontaminant by Ozone

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jung, Chong Hun; Yoon, I. H.; Choi, W. K.; Moon, J. K.; Yang, H. B. [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Lee, J. S. [Gachon University, Seongnam (Korea, Republic of)

2016-10-15

A nanoparticle-based foam decontaminant is composed of a surfactant and nanoparticles for the generation and maintenance of foam, and a chemical decontamination agent made of Ce(IV) dissolved in nitric acid. Ce(IV) will be reduced to Ce(III) through the decontamination process. Oxidizing cerium(III) can be reused as a decontamination agent, Ce(IV). Oxidation treatment technology by ozone uses its strong oxidizing power. It can be regarded as an environmentally friendly process, because ozone cannot be stored and transported like other industrial gases (because it quickly decays into diatomic oxygen) and must therefore be produced on site, and used ozone can decompose immediately. The ozonation treatment of Ce(III) in foam decontaminant containing a surfactant is necessary for the effective regeneration of Ce(III). Thus, the present study was undertaken to determine the optimal conditions for ozonation treatment in the regeneration of Ce(III) into Ce(IV) in the nanoparticle-based foam decontaminant containing surfactant. This study was undertaken to determine the optimal conditions for ozonation treatment in the regeneration of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) in nanoparticle-based foam decontaminant containing a TBS surfactant. The oxidation conversion rate of Ce(III) was increased with an increase in the flow rate of the gas mixture and ozone injection amount. The oxidation time required for the 100% oxidation conversion of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) at a specific ozone injection amount can be predicted from these experimental data.

Oxidation of Ce(III) in Foam Decontaminant by Ozone

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jung, Chong Hun; Yoon, I. H.; Choi, W. K.; Moon, J. K.; Yang, H. B.; Lee, J. S.

2016-01-01

A nanoparticle-based foam decontaminant is composed of a surfactant and nanoparticles for the generation and maintenance of foam, and a chemical decontamination agent made of Ce(IV) dissolved in nitric acid. Ce(IV) will be reduced to Ce(III) through the decontamination process. Oxidizing cerium(III) can be reused as a decontamination agent, Ce(IV). Oxidation treatment technology by ozone uses its strong oxidizing power. It can be regarded as an environmentally friendly process, because ozone cannot be stored and transported like other industrial gases (because it quickly decays into diatomic oxygen) and must therefore be produced on site, and used ozone can decompose immediately. The ozonation treatment of Ce(III) in foam decontaminant containing a surfactant is necessary for the effective regeneration of Ce(III). Thus, the present study was undertaken to determine the optimal conditions for ozonation treatment in the regeneration of Ce(III) into Ce(IV) in the nanoparticle-based foam decontaminant containing surfactant. This study was undertaken to determine the optimal conditions for ozonation treatment in the regeneration of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) in nanoparticle-based foam decontaminant containing a TBS surfactant. The oxidation conversion rate of Ce(III) was increased with an increase in the flow rate of the gas mixture and ozone injection amount. The oxidation time required for the 100% oxidation conversion of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) at a specific ozone injection amount can be predicted from these experimental data

Harmonisation of seven common enzyme results through EQA.

Science.gov (United States)

Weykamp, Cas; Franck, Paul; Gunnewiek, Jacqueline Klein; de Jonge, Robert; Kuypers, Aldy; van Loon, Douwe; Steigstra, Herman; Cobbaert, Christa

2014-11-01

Equivalent results between different laboratories enable optimal patient care and can be achieved with harmonisation. We report on EQA-initiated national harmonisation of seven enzymes using commutable samples. EQA samples were prepared from human serum spiked with human recombinant enzymes. Target values were assigned with the IFCC Reference Measurement Procedures. The same samples were included at four occasions in the EQA programmes of 2012 and 2013. Laboratories were encouraged to report IFCC traceable results. A parallel study was done to confirm commutability of the samples. Of the 223 participating laboratories, 95% reported IFCC traceable results, ranging from 98% (ASAT) to 87% (amylase). Users of Roche and Siemens (97%) more frequently reported in IFCC traceable results than users of Abbott (91%), Beckman (90%), and Olympus (87%). The success of harmonisation, expressed as the recovery of assigned values and the inter-laboratory CV was: ALAT (recovery 100%; inter-lab CV 4%), ASAT (102%; 4%), LD (98%; 3%), CK (101%; 5%), GGT (98%; 4%), AP (96%; 6%), amylase (99%; 4%). There were no significant differences between the manufacturers. Commutability was demonstrated in the parallel study. Equal results in the same sample in the 2012 and 2013 EQA programmes demonstrated stability of the samples. The EQA-initiated national harmonisation of seven enzymes, using stable, commutable human serum samples, spiked with human recombinant enzymes, and targeted with the IFCC Reference Measurement Procedures, was successful in terms of implementation of IFCC traceable results (95%), recovery of the target (99%), and inter-laboratory CV (4%).

Tetragonal zirconia ceramics in Zr O2-Ce O2 system (Ce-TZP): preparation, characterization and mechanical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andrade Nono, M.C. de.

1992-01-01

This paper describes and discusses the results achieved in a study about Ce-TZP ceramics prepared from conventional powder mixtures of Zr O 2 and Ce O 2 (with composition in the range of 8 to 16 mol% Ce O 2 ). Physical and chemical characteristics were related with the powder compaction behavior and with the sintering state. The sintered ceramics showed a level of high porosity (≅ 4%), mainly due to the fairly adequate powder characteristics and compaction. The crystalline phases were analysed from X-rays diffraction data and showed that these ceramics can present tetragonal-to-monoclinic stress induced transformation. The bending strength, fracture toughness and Vickers hardness results were influenced by Ce O 2 content microstructure and sintering temperature. These Ce-TZP ceramics showed mechanical strength results comparable to those published in the international literature. (author)

Chemically abrupt interface between Ce oxide and Fe films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, H.G.; Lee, D.; Kim, S.; Kim, S.G.; Hwang, Chanyong

2005-01-01

A chemically abrupt Fe/Ce oxide interface can be formed by initial oxidation of an Fe film followed by deposition of Ce metal. Once a Ce oxide layer is formed on top of Fe, it acts a passivation barrier for oxygen diffusion. Further deposition of Ce metal followed by its oxidation preserve the abrupt interface between Ce oxide and Fe films. The Fe and Ce oxidation states have been monitored at each stage using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Redox behavior of Ce(IV)/Ce(III) in the presence of nitrilotriacetic acid: a surrogate study for An(IV)/An(III) redox behavior

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suzuki, Y.; Nankawa, T.; Ohnuki, T.; Francis, A.J.

2010-01-01

Using cyclic voltammetry, we investigated the redox behavior of Ce(IV)/Ce(III), which is a surrogate for An(IV)/An(III) (An = actinides), in a solution of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) at 25 C. The cyclic voltammogram of Ce in a 0.1 M NTA solution at pH 6 showed a reversible one-electron redox reaction for Ce(IV)/Ce(III) at 0.51 V vs. Ag/AgCl. This redox potential was much lower than that obtained in 1 M nitric acid, indicating that Ce(IV) was preferentially stabilized by complexation with NTA. The redox potential in the NTA solution was independent of the Ce concentration from 2 to 20 mM, NTA concentration from 5 to 200 mM and pH between 3 and 7. These results indicated that no polymerization and no additional coordination of NTA and OH to the Ce(III)-NTA complex took place during the redox reaction. As the speciation calculation of Ce(III) in the NTA solution showed that the predominant species was Ce III (nta) 2 3 (H 3 nta = NTA), the redox reaction of the Ce-NTA complex was expressed by the following: Ce IV (nta) 2 2- + e - ↔ Ce III (nta) 2 3 . The logarithm of the stability constant of Ce IV (nta) 2 2- was calculated to be 38.6 ± 0.8 for I = 0 from the redox potential shift of Ce(IV)/Ce(III) in the NTA solution. The value was in good accordance with the stability constant of the Np IV (nta) 2 2- complex, demonstrating that the aqueous coordination chemistry of Ce(IV) with NTA is quite similar to that of An(IV). These results strongly suggest that a negative shift of the Pu(IV)/Pu(III) redox potential in the NTA solution should make Pu(IV) more stable than Pu(III) even in a reducing environment. (orig.)

Synthesis of CeS and interactions with molten metals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krikorian, O.H.; Curtis, P.G.

1988-01-01

Hot-pressed and sintered discs of single-phase CeS were tested for interaction with molten aluminium, uranium, and iron to determine the conditions under which reaction first begins and the nature of the reaction. Aluminium begins to react with CeS at ∼ 1190 K, slowly dissolving cerium and forming a thin layer of Ce 3 S 4 at the reaction interface. At 1363 K, aluminium wets and spreads over the CeS surface and dissolves ∼ 01 at% Ce. Ce 3 Al 11 precipitates out in the aluminium phase on cooldown. Uranium does not react with CeS at 1673 K, but at 1873 K it wets and spreads on CeS and dissolves ∼ 100 atom ppm S, which precipitates out as US on cooldown. Iron wets CeS at 1873 K and 1973 K but does not spread or interact. Because of the desirable containment characteristics of CeS and similar sulfides for molten metals, we recommend their use in a number of applications. (author)

(EC+β+) decay of 130Ce

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xu Shuwei; Zhang Tianmei; Xie Yuanxiang; Ma Ruichang; Ge Yuanxiu; Guo Yingxiang; Wang Chunfang; Li Zhankui; Guo Bing; Xing Jianping; Guo Tianrui; Zhu Shaofei; Xu Wang; Du Jinzhou

1996-01-01

The nuclide 130 Ce was produced by a ( 16 O, 4n) reaction on an enriched 118 Sn target. Reaction products were transported to a shielded location by using a helium-jet tape transport system. A 22.9 min activity in chemically separated cerium sample was identified as 130 Ce. The (EC+β + ) decay scheme of 130 Ce was proposed for the first time. This scheme includes 108 γ-lines, 107 γ-lines among them being new. More than 13 1 + low-lying states of 130 La are populated in the decay of 130 Ce. Two new isomers with half-life of 77±10 ns and 17±5 ns were observed by means of delayed γ-γ coincidence measurements. (orig.). With 5 figs., 3 tabs

[18F]DOPA PET/ceCT in diagnosis and staging of primary medullary thyroid carcinoma prior to surgery.

Science.gov (United States)

Rasul, Sazan; Hartenbach, Sabrina; Rebhan, Katharina; Göllner, Adelina; Karanikas, Georgios; Mayerhoefer, Marius; Mazal, Peter; Hacker, Marcus; Hartenbach, Markus

2018-05-15

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is characterized by a high rate of metastasis. In this study we evaluated the ability of [ 18 F]DOPA PET/ceCT to stage MTC in patients with suspicious thyroid nodules and pathologically elevated serum calcitonin (Ctn) levels prior to total thyroidectomy and lymph node (LN) dissection. A group of 32 patients with sonographically suspicious thyroid nodules and pathologically elevated basal Ctn (bCtn) and stimulated Ctn (sCtn) levels underwent DOPA PET/ceCT prior to surgery. Postoperative histology served as the standard of reference for ultrasonography and DOPA PET/ceCT region-based LN staging. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses as well as receiver operating characteristic analysis were used to evaluate the correlations between preoperative and histological parameters and postoperative tumour persistence or relapse. Primary MTC was histologically verified in all patients. Of the 32 patients, 28 showed increased DOPA decarboxylase activity in the primary tumour (sensitivity 88%, mean SUVmax 10.5). Undetected tumours were exclusively staged pT1a. The sensitivities of DOPA PET in the detection of central and lateral metastatic neck LN were 53% and 73%, in contrast to 20% and 39%, respectively, for neck ultrasonography. Preoperative bCtn and carcinoembryonic antigen levels as well as cN1b status and the number of involved neck regions on DOPA PET/ceCT were predictive of postoperative tumour persistence/relapse in the univariate regression analysis (P PET/ceCT cN1b status remained significant in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.016, relative risk 4.02). This study revealed that DOPA PET/ceCT has high sensitivity in the detection of primary MTC and superior sensitivity in the detection of LN metastases compared to ultrasonography. DOPA PET/ceCT identification of N1b status predicts postoperative tumour persistence. Thus, implementation of a DOPA-guided LN dissection might improve surgical success.

Proximity effect of Pb on CeCu6 and La0.05Ce0.95Cu6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, T.P.; Tipparachi, U.; Yang, H.D.; Wang, J.T.; Chen, B.; Chen, J.C.J.

1999-01-01

Heavy fermion materials have attracted a great deal of attention since 1979. These materials which contain a rare earth (U, or Ce, etc.) element exhibit unusual behavior at low temperature. The effective mass m* of the Landau quasiparticles is found to be orders of magnitude higher than that of a bare electron. Some of the Heavy Fermion materials become superconductors at low temperature. The pairing of electrons in these superconductors may not be of s symmetry like those in BCS type superconductors. The mismatch in electronic mass and the difference in pairing state between the light conventional superconducting electrons and the heavy fermion electrons have brought the coupling between light electrons (BCS type) and the heavy fermion electrons into question. Proximity effect of Pb on CeCu 6 , Pb on La 0.05 Ce 0.95 Cu 6 , and Pb on Cu was used to investigate the coupling between the conventional superconducting electrons of Pb and the heavy electrons in CeCu 6 or La 0.05 Ce 0.95 Cu 6 . In this experiment proximity effect was found between Pb and CeCu 6 , as well as between Pb and La 0.05 Ce 0.95 Cu 6 . However, the proximity effect is small when compared with that between Pb and Cu. This indicates a much shorter extrapolation length in the heavy fermion materials than in Cu. Such a phenomenon can be explained by the mismatch in effective mass between the superconducting Pb electrons and the heavy fermion electrons

Serum homocysteine level in vegetarians in District Tharparker, Sindh

Science.gov (United States)

Kapoor, Aneel; Zuberi, Nudrat Anwar; Rathore, M. Imran; Baig, Mukhtiar

2015-01-01

Objectives: The aim of present study was to investigate serum homocysteine levels in apparently healthy vegetarians and ominvores in Mithi, district Tharparker, Sindh, Pakistan. Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi and blood samples were collected from Mithi, district Tharparker, Sindh, Pakistan, in 2012. One hundred vegetarian and one hundred omnivores (age ranging from 20-40 years) were enrolled for this study. Serum homocysteine levels were measured by the chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay method. Results: Serum homocysteine (Hcy) level was considerably higher (p15µmol/L compared to omnivores 6%, (p15µmol/L serum Hcy level in vegetarian group and 6.9% male and 3.5% females had >15µmol/L serum Hcy level in omnivores group, but the difference was not significant in any group. Conclusion: Vegetarians are more prone to develop hyperhomocysteinemia, so they are at high risk to develop cardiovascular disease. PMID:25878628

Piper sarmentosum Effects on 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Enzyme in Serum and Bone in Rat Model of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Mohamad Asri, Siti Fadziyah; Mohd Ramli, Elvy Suhana; Soelaiman, Ima Nirwana; Mat Noh, Muhamad Alfakry; Abdul Rashid, Abdul Hamid; Suhaimi, Farihah

2016-11-15

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is one of the common causes of secondary osteoporosis. Piper sarmentosum ( Ps ) extract possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we determined the correlation between the effects of Ps leaf water extract with the regulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type 1 enzyme activity in serum and bone of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporotic rats. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped into following: G1: sham-operated group administered with intramuscular vehicle olive oil and vehicle normal saline orally; G2: adrenalectomized (adrx) control group given intramuscular dexamethasone (120 μg/kg/day) and vehicle normal saline orally; G3: adrx group given intramuscular dexamethasone (120 μg/kg/day) and water extract of Piper sarmentosum (125 mg/kg/day) orally. After two months, the femur and serum were taken for ELISA analysis. Results showed that Ps leaf water extract significantly reduced the femur corticosterone concentration ( p < 0.05). This suggests that Ps leaf water extract was able to prevent bone loss due to long-term glucocorticoid therapy by acting locally on the bone cells by increasing the dehydrogenase action of 11β-HSD type 1. Thus, Ps may have the potential to be used as an alternative medicine against osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture in patients on long-term glucocorticoid treatment.

Effects of creatine supplementation along with resistance training on urinary formaldehyde and serum enzymes in wrestlers.

Science.gov (United States)

Nasseri, Azadeh; Jafari, Afshar

2016-04-01

Formaldehyde is a cytotoxic agent produced from creatine through a metabolic pathway, and in this regard, it has been claimed that creatine supplementation could be cytotoxic. Even though the cytotoxic effects of creatine supplementation have been widely studied, yet little is known about how resistance training can alter these toxic effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of short-term creatine supplementation plus resistance training on the level of urinary formaldehyde and concentrations of serum enzymes in young male wrestlers. In a double-blind design twenty-one subjects were randomized into creatine supplementation (Cr), creatine supplementation plus resistance training (Cr + T) and placebo plus resistance training (Pl + T) groups. Participants ingested creatine (0.3 g/kg/day) or placebo for 7 days. The training protocol consisted of 3 sessions in one week, each session including three sets of 6-9 repetitions at 80-85% of one-repetition maximum for whole-body exercise. Urine and blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the supplementation. Creatine supplementation significantly increased the excretion rate of urinary formaldehyde in the Cr and Cr + T groups by 63.4% and 30.4%, respectively (P0.05). These findings indicate that resistance training may lower the increase of urinary formaldehyde excretion induced by creatine supplementation, suggesting that creatine consumption could be relatively less toxic when combined with resistance training.

Functional Coupling of Duplex Translocation to DNA Cleavage in a Type I Restriction Enzyme

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Cséfalvay, Eva; Lapkouski, Mikalai; Guzanová, Alena; Cséfalvay, Ladislav; Baikova, T.; Shevelev, Igor; Bialevich, V.; Shamayeva, Katerina; Janščák, Pavel; Kutá-Smatanová, Ivana; Panjikar, S.; Carey, J.; Weiserová, Marie; Ettrich, Rüdiger

2015-01-01

Roč. 10, č. 6 (2015), e0128700 E-ISSN 1932-6203 R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP207/12/2323; GA ČR GAP305/10/0281 Institutional support: RVO:67179843 ; RVO:61388971 ; RVO:68378050 Keywords : Escherichia-Coli * Endonuclease ecor1241 * HSDR subunit * RECBCD enzyme * proteins * genes * helicase * sequence * family * domain Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry Impact factor: 3.057, year: 2015

Serum adiponectin levels in patients with coronary artery disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fayyaz, I.; Shah, S.I.; Ghani, M.

2009-01-01

Adiponectin is an adipocytokine secreted from white adipose tissue. Serum level of adiponectin has been shown to be reduced in several disease states like obesity and diabetes. Hypoadiponectinemia has also been included in the list of newer risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). In this analytical cross-sectional study serum adiponectin level was measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) in 60 cases of coronary artery disease (CAD) (both sexes, aged 40-60 yrs) and 60 healthy controls. Low levels of adiponectin were seen in CAD patients as well as controls. These levels were lower as compared to western standards. Our study conforms to the previous observation of lower serum adiponectin levels in South Asians compared to the western standards. Serum adiponectin level should be considered in the laboratory work-up of CAD patients. (author)

Peroxisomal enzymes in the liver of rats with experimental diabetes mellitus type 2.

Science.gov (United States)

Turecký, L; Kupčová, V; Uhlíková, E; Mojto, V

2014-01-01

Diabetes mellitus is relatively frequently associated with fatty liver disease. Increased oxidative stress probably plays an important role in the development of this hepatopathy. One of possible sources of reactive oxygen species in liver is peroxisomal system. There are several reports about changes of peroxisomal enzymes in experimental diabetes, mainly enzymes of fatty acid oxidation. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible changes of activities of liver peroxisomal enzymes, other than enzymes of beta-oxidation, in experimental diabetes mellitus type 2. Biochemical changes in liver of experimental animals suggest the presence of liver steatosis. The changes of serum parameters in experimental group are similar to changes in serum of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We have shown that diabetes mellitus influenced peroxisomal enzymes by the different way. Despite of well-known induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation, the activities of catalase, aminoacid oxidase and NADH-cytochrome b(5) reductase were not significantly changed and the activities of glycolate oxidase and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase were significantly decreased. The effect of diabetes on liver peroxisomes is probably due to the increased supply of fatty acids to liver in diabetic state and also due to increased oxidative stress. The changes of metabolic activity of peroxisomal compartment may participate on the development of diabetic hepatopathy.

CE Challenges : Work to Do

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Stjepandic, J; Verhagen, W.J.C.; Wognum, P.M.

2015-01-01

CE has been used for more than two decades now. Despite many successes and advantages, there are still many challenges to be addressed. These challenges are both technical and organisational. In the paper we will address the current challenges of CE. Many challenges

Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme and gallium scan in noninvasive evaluation of sarcoidosis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nosal, A. (Harbor General Hospital, Torrance, CA); Schleissner, L.A.; Mishkin, F.S.; Lieberman, J.

1979-03-01

Angiotensin-converting enzyme assays and gallium-scan results were obtained from 27 patients with biopsy-proven, clinically active sarcoidosis. Twenty-three of these patients had elevated converting enzyme levels, and 22 had positive gallium-scan results. Three of four patients with normal or borderline-elevated levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme also had positive gallium-scan results. Of 156 nonsarcoid patients (pulmonary and other diseases), 27 were found to have elevated serum converting enzyme levels, and 25 of these had negative gallium-scan results. These results indicate that the combination of an assay of angiotensin-converting enzyme and gallium scan increases diagnostic specificity from 83% to 99% without sacrificing sensitivity. It was concluded that the concurrent use of angiotensin-converting enzyme assay and gallium scan is of value in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme and gallium scan in noninvasive evaluation of sarcoidosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nosal, A.; Schleissner, L.A.; Mishkin, F.S.; Lieberman, J.

1979-01-01

Angiotensin-converting enzyme assays and gallium-scan results were obtained from 27 patients with biopsy-proven, clinically active sarcoidosis. Twenty-three of these patients had elevated converting enzyme levels, and 22 had positive gallium-scan results. Three of four patients with normal or borderline-elevated levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme also had positive gallium-scan results. Of 156 nonsarcoid patients (pulmonary and other diseases), 27 were found to have elevated serum converting enzyme levels, and 25 of these had negative gallium-scan results. These results indicate that the combination of an assay of angiotensin-converting enzyme and gallium scan increases diagnostic specificity from 83% to 99% without sacrificing sensitivity. It was concluded that the concurrent use of angiotensin-converting enzyme assay and gallium scan is of value in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis

Reactive Inkjet Printing of Biocompatible Enzyme Powered Silk Micro-Rockets.

Science.gov (United States)

Gregory, David A; Zhang, Yu; Smith, Patrick J; Zhao, Xiubo; Ebbens, Stephen J

2016-08-01

Inkjet-printed enzyme-powered silk-based micro-rockets are able to undergo autonomous motion in a vast variety of fluidic environments including complex media such as human serum. By means of digital inkjet printing it is possible to alter the catalyst distribution simply and generate varying trajectory behavior of these micro-rockets. Made of silk scaffolds containing enzymes these micro-rockets are highly biocompatible and non-biofouling. © 2016 The Authors. Published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Insertion/Deletion Polymorphisms and Serum Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Levels in Iranian Patients with Sarcoidosis

Science.gov (United States)

JAVADI, Alireza; SHAMAEI, Masoud; ZAREI, Masoud; REZAEIAN, Lida; KIANI, Arda; ABEDINI, Atefeh

2016-01-01

Background: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown origin with characterization of small granulomas. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a pathophysiologic marker of sarcoidosis. We present the ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in correlation with serum ACE level in Iranian patients with sarcoidosis. Methods: From Jan 2014 to Jan 2015, 102 Iranian patients who histopathologically diagnosed for sarcoidosis and 192 healthy age and sex-matched controls were recruited. PCR was used for detection of I/D polymorphism in ACE gene. Results: Frequency of II/ID/DD genotype in sarcoidosis disease was 17%, 35.5%, and 47.1%, respectively. The frequency of D allele was 0.65. A significant association between I/D genotypes and mean of sACE level was seen (DD=85.2±22.9, P<0.001). More frequent genotype in sarcoidosis patients was DD (47%), ID genotype (45.9%) was found more in controls. Logistic regression analysis adjusting age and sex showed that ID to II (OR=0.35, 95%CI=0.17–0.73, P=0.005) and DD to II (OR=2.11, 95%CI=0.98–4.54, P=0.05) could be considered as a predictor factor for the disease activity. No significant model for men in sarcoidosis group was seen, while women with II/ID were associated with a reduced risk for the disease. Conclusion: Although more regional studies with appropriate statistical scale must be done to provide a better diagnosis and prognostic tool for this disease, this study demonstrates that ID and DD genotype could be predictive factors for sarcoidosis. PMID:28032065

Serum hyaluronic acid levels during pregnancy and labor.

Science.gov (United States)

Kobayashi, H; Sun, G W; Tanaka, Y; Kondo, T; Terao, T

1999-04-01

To study the changes in concentrations of serum hyaluronic acid in uncomplicated human pregnancies. We determined the concentrations of serum hyaluronic acid, using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in 70 nonpregnant women, 250 women during their pregnancies, and 68 women at the time of parturition. Results were analyzed for statistical significance with Scheffé test for multiple comparisons. During pregnancy, mean (+/- standard deviation) serum hyaluronic acid levels were 11.4 +/- 4.5, 13.6 +/- 2.8, 20.6 +/- 1.5, and 46.9 +/- 7.9 ng/mL at 5-14 (n = 47), 15-26 (n = 46), 27-37 (n = 58), and 38-40 (n = 99) weeks' gestation, respectively. Pregnant women in labor (n = 68) had significantly higher levels (100.4 +/- 11.3 ng/mL) than did women at term but not in labor (P hyaluronic acid concentrations increase as pregnancy progresses and serum levels increase significantly at term. Hyaluronic acid may be associated with cervical ripening during parturition.

78 FR 75557 - CE FLNG, LLC, CE Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for...

Science.gov (United States)

2013-12-12

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PF13-11-000] CE FLNG, LLC, CE Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Planned CE FLNG Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of Public Scoping Meeting The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ...

Inverted opal luminescent Ce-doped silica glasses

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

R. Scotti

2006-01-01

Full Text Available Inverted opal Ce-doped silica glasses (Ce : Si molar ratio 1 ⋅ 10−3 were prepared by a sol-gel method using opals of latex microspheres as templates. The rare earth is homogeneously dispersed in silica host matrix, as evidenced by the absence of segregated CeO2, instead present in monolithic Ce-doped SG with the same cerium content. This suggests that the nanometric dimensions of bridges and junctions of the host matrix in the inverted opal structures favor the RE distribution avoiding the possible segregation of CeO2.

XAFS Analysis of Local Structure around Ce in Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Ce Phosphor for White LEDs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Akai, Toshio; Shigeiwa, Motoyuki; Okamoto, Kaoru; Shimomura, Yasuo; Kijima, Naoto; Honma, Tetsuo

2007-01-01

We have studied the local structure around Ce atom in Ca3Sc2Si3O12 host crystal, which has been developed as a new green phosphor for white light emitting diodes (LEDs). As the local structure and chemical environment of the dopant atom are very important to improve the performance of the phosphor, we have used XAFS to get chemical and structural information around the Ce dopant. The XANES spectrum of the Ce LIII-edge reveals that the Ce atom is trivalent in Ca3Sc2Si3O12. There are two kinds of possible Ce substitution sites, Ca site and Sc site, in garnet type Ca3Sc2Si3O12 crystal structure. The Ce atom is found to be at the Ca site in the host crystal by the comparison of the Fourier transform of Ce K-edge EXAFS spectrum with those of Ca and Sc K-edge EXAFS spectra. The theoretical analysis with FEFF also clarified the Ce substitution at the Ca site. Furthermore, the result of the analysis indicates the structural disorder around Ca and Si atoms at 3.75 A. It is possible that there are some defects around the Ca and Si atoms at 3.75 A to compensate the excess positive charge by introduced Ce3+ at the Ca2+ site

Impact of Autoantibodies against Glycolytic Enzymes on Pathogenicity of Autoimmune Retinopathy and Other Autoimmune Disorders

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Grazyna Adamus

2017-04-01

Full Text Available Autoantibodies (AAbs against glycolytic enzymes: aldolase, α-enolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase are prevalent in sera of patients with blinding retinal diseases, such as paraneoplastic [cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR] and non-paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathies, as well as in many other autoimmune diseases. CAR is a degenerative disease of the retina characterized by sudden vision loss in patients with cancer and serum anti-retinal AAbs. In this review, we discuss the widespread serum presence of anti-glycolytic enzyme AAbs and their significance in autoimmune diseases. There are multiple mechanisms responsible for antibody generation, including the innate anti-microbial response, anti-tumor response, or autoimmune response against released self-antigens from damaged, inflamed tissue. AAbs against enolase, GADPH, and aldolase exist in a single patient in elevated titers, suggesting their participation in pathogenicity. The lack of restriction of AAbs to one disease may be related to an increased expression of glycolytic enzymes in various metabolically active tissues that triggers an autoimmune response and generation of AAbs with the same specificity in several chronic and autoimmune conditions. In CAR, the importance of serum anti-glycolytic enzyme AAbs had been previously dismissed, but the retina may be without pathological consequence until a failure of the blood–retinal barrier function, which would then allow pathogenic AAbs access to their retinal targets, ultimately leading to damaging effects.

Synthesis and structural characterization of Ce-doped bismuth titanate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pavlovic, Nikolina; Srdic, Vladimir V.

2009-01-01

Ce-modified bismuth titanate nanopowders Bi 4-x Ce x Ti 3 O 12 (x ≤ 1) have been synthesized using a coprecipitation method. DTA/TG, FTIR, XRD, SEM/EDS and BET methods were used in order to investigate the effect of Ce-substitution on the structure, morphology and sinterability of the obtained powders. The phase structure investigation revealed that after calcinations at 600 deg. C powder without Ce addition exhibited pure bismuth titanate phase; however, powders with Ce (x = 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75) had bismuth titanate pyrochlore phase as the second phase. The strongest effect of Ce addition on the structure was noted for the powder with the highest amount of Ce (x = 1) having a cubic pyrochlore structure. The presence of pure pyrochlore phase was explained by its stabilization due to the incorporation of cerium ions in titanate structure. Ce-modified bismuth titanate ceramic had a density over 95% of theoretical density and the fracture in transgranular manner most probably due to preferable distribution of Ce in boundary region

ADAM12: a novel first-trimester maternal serum marker for Down syndrome

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Laigaard, Jennie; Sørensen, Tina; Fröhlich, Camilla

2003-01-01

levels decrease markedly during pregnancy. ADAM12 (A disintegrin and metalloprotease) is an IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 protease and is present in human pregnancy serum. The goal of this study was to determine whether ADAM12 concentration in maternal serum is a useful indicator of foetal health. METHODS: We......OBJECTIVES: The concentration of bioavailable insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I and II is important to foetal growth. It is regulated by insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP) 1 through 6. Proteolytic cleavage of IGFBP-3 takes place in human pregnancy serum; accordingly, IGFBP-3 serum...... developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantification of ADAM12 in serum. The assay range was 42 to 667 micro g/L. Recombinant ADAM12 was used as the standard for calibration. RESULTS: We found that ADAM12 was highly stable in serum. Serum concentration increased from 180 micro g...

Prevalence of abnormal serum liver enzymes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study from China.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Shuang; Guo, Xiaofan; Chen, Yintao; Dong, Siyuan; Sun, Yingxian

2016-11-01

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients and identify contributing risk factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of China, and 1,198 type 2 diabetic patients with complete data were recruited. Elevated ALT and AST levels were defined as >40 U/L. Prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes was analyzed and multivariable analysis was used to identify independent risk factors. 10.3% and 6.1% diabetic patients had elevated ALT and elevated AST, respectively. The prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was gender-related; it was 13.8% in men and 7.5% in women for elevated ALT, and 7.4% in men and 3.1% in women for elevated AST. High triglyceride was positively associated with both elevated ALT (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.08-3.01, p = 0.024) and elevated AST (OR 2.24, 95%CI 1.08-4.65, p = 0.031), while taking anti-diabetes medicine was inversely related to both elevated ALT (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29-0.80, p = 0.005) and elevated AST (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.82, p = 0.014). The risk of elevated ALT in diabetic patients increased with the presence of obesity (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.07-6.01, p = 0.034), and was lower in women (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19-0.72, p = 0.003). Hypertension (OR 4.33, 95% CI 1.41-13.30, p = 0.011), current drinking status (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.21-6.96, p = 0.017) and national minority (OR 3.26, 95%CI 1.31-8.12, p = 0.011) were risk factors for elevated AST. A relatively high prevalence of abnormal serum liver enzymes in diabetic patients was demonstrated in China, especially in males. More attention should be paid to preventing liver injuries in diabetic patients.

Effects of limited concentrate feeding on growth and blood and serum variables, and on nutrient digestibility and gene expression of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes in dairy calves.

Science.gov (United States)

Lohakare, J D; van de Sand, H; Gerlach, K; Hosseini, A; Mielenz, M; Sauerwein, H; Pries, M; Südekum, K-H

2012-02-01

This study elucidated the effects of limited concentrate feeding on growth, nutrient digestibility, blood profile and gene expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in the liver of dairy calves. The study utilized 36 German Holstein dairy calves (5-7 days of age) divided into two groups of 18 calves each for 150 days. Control group calves received 2 kg/(calf × day) of concentrate, whereas calves in the restricted group received only 1 kg/(calf × day). Good quality forage (mixture of maize and grass silages) was available for ad libitum consumption to both groups. The intake of milk replacer before weaning, and of concentrate were recorded daily per calf; however, the consumption of forages was quantified as daily average of the group. Body weights (BW) were recorded at start and on days 35, 70, 112 and 150. Blood and serum samples and spot urinary and faecal samples were also collected at similar time points. On days 70 and 150, liver biopsies were collected from seven animals in each group. The BW was not different between the groups at all times. Total BW gain in the control group was 124 kg as opposed to 111 kg in restricted group that led to average BW gain of 827 g/day and 739 g/day in respective groups, and the differences were significant (p = 0.018). As planned, the control group had higher concentrate and lower forage intake than the restricted group. The blood haemoglobin, haematocrit and serum variables (glucose, total protein, albumin and urea) were within the normal range in both groups, but serum glucose was higher (p < 0.05) in control than in restricted group at 70 days. There was no difference between groups in organic matter (OM) digestibility which declined (p < 0.001) with increasing age in both groups. Microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis estimated from urinary allantoin excretion increased (p < 0.001) in both groups with increasing age but was not different between groups. The mRNA expressions for the gluconeogenic enzymes, cytosolic and

Synthesis, extraction and electronic structure of Ce@C2n

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Bing-Bing; Zou, Guang-Tian; Yang, Hai-Bin; Yu, San; Lu, Jin-Shan; Liu, Zi-Yang; Liu, Shu-Ying; Xu, Wen-Guo

1997-11-01

In view of the growing interest in endohedral lanthanide fullerenes, Ce, as a typical+ 4 oxidation state lanthanide element, has been systematically studied. The synthesis, extraction and electronic structure of Ce @ C2n are investigated. Soot containing Ce@C2n was synthesized in high yield by carbonizing CeO2-containing graphite rods and are back-burning the CeC2-enriched cathode deposit in a DC arc plasma apparatus. Ce@C2n dominated by Ce@C82, can be efficiently extracted from the insoluble part of the soot after toluene Soxhlet extraction by pyridine at high temperature and high pressure in a closed vessel. About 60% Ce@C2n(2n = 82, 80, 78, 76) and 35% Ce@C82 can be enriched in the pyridine extract. This fact is identified by desorption electron impact mass spectrometry (DEI MS). The electronic structure of Ce@C2n is analyzed by using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) of pyridine-free film. It is suggested that the encapsulated Ce atom is in a charge state close to+ 3 and was effectively protected from reaction with water and oxygen by the enclosing fullerene cage. Unlike theoretical expectation, the electronic state of Ce@C82 is formally described as Ce+3@C3-82.

Asymptomatic and Persistent Elevation of Pancreatic Enzymes in an Ulcerative Colitis Patient

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Elisa Liverani

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Azathioprine has been extensively used in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. It might cause pancreatic damage in the form of either asymptomatic elevation in serum amylase/lipase or overt acute pancreatitis. Here we report the case of a 61-year-old patient with ulcerative colitis who had been treated with azathioprine for three years, achieving clinical remission. During treatment he presented an asymptomatic elevation of serum pancreatic enzymes, without any signs of pancreatitis at imaging. This evidence brought us to reassess the drug dosage, without achieving a normalization of biochemical analysis. Autoimmune pancreatitis was excluded. One year after the suspension of azathioprine, we still face persistent high levels of amylase/lipase. Normalization of enzymatic values in patients who develop intolerance to azathioprine, in the form of either asymptomatic elevation in serum amylase/lipase or overt acute pancreatitis, is usually achieved in about two months after stopping drug intake. Asymptomatic elevation in serum pancreatic enzymes in the absence of pancreatic disease is reported in the literature and defined as “Gullo’s syndrome,” but nobody of the subjects studied had been treated in the past with pancreatotoxic drugs. Might this case be defined as “benign pancreatic hyperenzymemia”?

Níveis séricos de enzimas de função hepática em frangos de corte de criação industrial clinicamente saudáveis Serum levels of hepatic enzyme function in clinically healthy broiler chickens

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A. Borsa

2006-08-01

Full Text Available The values for the main hepatic enzymes included in the profiles of screen clinical biochemistry, alanine-aminotransferase (ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, alkaline phosphatase (FA, lactate desidrogenase (LDH and gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT, in samples of serum of broiler chickens in industrial system, clinically healthy, starting from the seventh day of life, until the slaughter (42 days in weekly intervals were determined. Significant variations were not observed in the analyses in relation to the age of the birds for none of the appraised enzymes.

Ferroelectric relaxor Ba(TiCe)O3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Ang; Zhi Jing; Yu Zhi

2002-01-01

The dielectric behaviour of Ba(Ti 1-y Ce y )O 3 solid solutions (y=0-0.3) has been studied. A small amount of Ce doping (y=0.02) has weak influence on the dielectric behaviour of Ba(Ti 1-y Ce y )O 3 . With increasing Ce concentration, three phase transitions of pure BaTiO 3 are pinched into one rounded dielectric peak with frequency dispersion, and the relaxation time follows the Vogel-Fulcher relation. The evolution from a normal ferroelectric to a ferroelectric relaxor is emphasized. High strains (S=∼0.1-0.19%) with a small hysteresis under ac fields are obtained in ferroelectric relaxors Ba(Ti 1-y Ce y )O 3 . The physical mechanism of the relaxation process, the pinching effect of the phase transitions and their influence on the ferroelectric and electrostrictive behaviour are discussed. (author)

NMR study of CeCoSi3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iwamoto, Y.

1995-01-01

Low-temperature susceptibility, NMR and NQR of the 59 Co signal in CeCoSi 3 have been measured. CeCoSi 3 showed a superconducting transition at 0.7-1.2K. From NQR measurement, the nuclear quadrupole frequency and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 59 Co in CeCoSi 3 were estimated to be about 1.08MHz and 0.08MHz, respectively. The 59 Co nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/T 1 ) in CeCoSi 3 was proportional to the temperature (T) as the Fermi liquid state above the superconducting transition temperature (T c ), and then rapidly decreased below T c . ((orig.))

Serum components and clinical efficacies of autologous serum eye drops in dry eye patients with active and inactive Sjogren syndrome.

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, I-Hsin; Chen, Lily Wei; Tu, Wen-Hui; Lu, Chia-Ju; Huang, Chien-Jung; Chen, Wei-Li

2017-01-01

Autologous serum eye drops are considered safe and efficient for the treatment of various ocular surface disorders, including dry eye diseases (DED) caused by the primary and secondary Sjogren syndrome (SS). However, the serum components in patients of SS may be different from those of normal patients and can thus lead to unpredictable therapeutic effects. This study divided the SS patients into active and inactive types based on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the presence or absence of active rheumatoid arthritis. We compared the serum components of these two groups with standard and multiplex enzyme linked immunosorbent assay arrays and predicted the therapeutic effects of topical autologous serum for the treatment of DED with ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and Oxford Schema scale (OSS). Hyaluronic acid and transforming growth factor b1 levels were significantly higher in the active SS group compared to the inactive SS group ( P Sjogren dry eye patients into active and inactive groups may appear as a reasonable method to predict the quality of autologous serum eye drops, but there seems to be no significant predictability to the therapeutic effects.

Multiplexed activity-based protein profiling of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus reveals large functional changes upon exposure to human serum.

Science.gov (United States)

Wiedner, Susan D; Burnum, Kristin E; Pederson, LeeAnna M; Anderson, Lindsey N; Fortuin, Suereta; Chauvigné-Hines, Lacie M; Shukla, Anil K; Ansong, Charles; Panisko, Ellen A; Smith, Richard D; Wright, Aaron T

2012-09-28

Environmental adaptability is critical for survival of the fungal human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus in the immunocompromised host lung. We hypothesized that exposure of the fungal pathogen to human serum would lead to significant alterations to the organism's physiology, including metabolic activity and stress response. Shifts in functional pathway and corresponding enzyme reactivity of A. fumigatus upon exposure to the human host may represent much needed prognostic indicators of fungal infection. To address this, we employed a multiplexed activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) approach coupled to quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to measure broad enzyme reactivity of the fungus cultured with and without human serum. ABPP showed a shift from aerobic respiration to ethanol fermentation and utilization over time in the presence of human serum, which was not observed in serum-free culture. Our approach provides direct insight into this pathogen's ability to survive, adapt, and proliferate. Additionally, our multiplexed ABPP approach captured a broad swath of enzyme reactivity and functional pathways and provides a method for rapid assessment of the A. fumigatus response to external stimuli.

Multiplexed Activity-based Protein Profiling of the Human Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus Reveals Large Functional Changes upon Exposure to Human Serum*

Science.gov (United States)

Wiedner, Susan D.; Burnum, Kristin E.; Pederson, LeeAnna M.; Anderson, Lindsey N.; Fortuin, Suereta; Chauvigné-Hines, Lacie M.; Shukla, Anil K.; Ansong, Charles; Panisko, Ellen A.; Smith, Richard D.; Wright, Aaron T.

2012-01-01

Environmental adaptability is critical for survival of the fungal human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus in the immunocompromised host lung. We hypothesized that exposure of the fungal pathogen to human serum would lead to significant alterations to the organism's physiology, including metabolic activity and stress response. Shifts in functional pathway and corresponding enzyme reactivity of A. fumigatus upon exposure to the human host may represent much needed prognostic indicators of fungal infection. To address this, we employed a multiplexed activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) approach coupled to quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to measure broad enzyme reactivity of the fungus cultured with and without human serum. ABPP showed a shift from aerobic respiration to ethanol fermentation and utilization over time in the presence of human serum, which was not observed in serum-free culture. Our approach provides direct insight into this pathogen's ability to survive, adapt, and proliferate. Additionally, our multiplexed ABPP approach captured a broad swath of enzyme reactivity and functional pathways and provides a method for rapid assessment of the A. fumigatus response to external stimuli. PMID:22865858

Distribution and Translocation of 141Ce (III) in Horseradish

Science.gov (United States)

Guo, Xiaoshan; Zhou, Qing; Lu, Tianhong; Fang, Min; Huang, Xiaohua

2007-01-01

Background and Aims Rare earth elements (REEs) are used in agriculture and a large amount of them contaminate the environment and enter foods. The distribution and translocation of 141Ce (III) in horseradish was investigated in order to help understand the biochemical behaviour and toxic mechanism of REEs in plants. Method The distribution and translocation of 141Ce (III) in horseradish were investigated using autoradiography, liquid scintillation counting (LSC) and electron microscopic autoradiography (EMARG) techniques. The contents of 141Ce (III) and nutrient elements were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). Results The results from autoradiography and LSC indicated that 141Ce (III) could be absorbed by horseradish and transferred from the leaf to the leaf-stalk and then to the root. The content of 141Ce (III) in different parts of horseradish was as follows: root > leaf-stalk > leaf. The uptake rates of 141Ce (III) in horseradish changed with the different organs and time. The content of 141Ce (III) in developing leaves was greater than that in mature leaves. The results from EMARG indicated that 141Ce (III) could penetrate through the cell membrane and enter the mesophyll cells, being present in both extra- and intra-cellular deposits. The contents of macronutrients in horseradish were decreased by 141Ce (III) treatment. Conclusions 141Ce (III) can be absorbed and transferred between organs of horseradish with time, and the distribution was found to be different at different growth stages. 141Ce (III) can enter the mesophyll cells via apoplast and symplast channels or via plasmodesmata. 141Ce (III) can disturb the metabolism of macronutrients in horseradish. PMID:17921527

Traducerea: între ce se poate traduce și ce trebuie tradus

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Magda Jeanrenaud

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Pornind de la o tulburătoare interpretare a lui Jacques Derrida, studiul de față își propune să investigheze și încearcă să explice blocajul ce intervine în versiunile englezești, franceze și românești (semnate de Antoine Berman, Alexis Nouss, Steven Rendall, Catrinel Pleșu etc. ale celebrului text al lui Walter Benjamin, Die Aufgabe des Übersetzers, atunci cînd traducătorii transpun în cele trei limbi țintă cele două citate cuprinse în acesta: un citat din Mallarmé, lăsat netradus de Benjamin însuși, și un altul, din Pannwitz. Într-un fel sau altul, ambele citate au o formă discursivă ce lasă să se întrevadă o sintaxă ce se abate deliberat de la normă, ca și cum ar fi deja niște „traduceri”. Analiza mai pune în evidență și comportamentul (cumva o dominantă a psihologiei traducătorilor? celor ce au transpus textul benjaminian, comportament marcat de obsesia lizibilității văzută ca o trăsătură congenitală a oricărei traduceri, chiar și atunci cînd textul original nu tinde spre aceasta. De unde și dilema, dureroasă, legată de spinoasa chestiune a intenționalității textului (nu doar de tradus...

SELF-ASSEMBLY CE OXIDE/ORGANOPOLYSILOXANE COMPOSITE COATINGS.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

SUGAMA,T.; SABATINI,R.; GAWLIK,K.

2005-01-01

A self-assembly composite synthesis technology was used to put together a Ce(OH){sub 3}-dispersed poly-acetamide-acetoxyl methyl-propylsiloxane (PAAMPA) organometallic polymer. Three spontaneous reactions were involved; condensation, amidation, and acetoxylation, between the Ce acetate and aminopropylsilane triol (APST) at 150 C. An increase in temperature to 200 C led to the in-situ phase transformation of Ce(OH){sub 3} into Ce{sub 2}O{sub 3} in the PAAMPA matrix. A further increase to 250 C caused oxidative degradation of the PAAMPA, thereby generating copious fissures in the composite. We assessed the potential of Ce(OH){sub 3}/ and Ce{sub 2}O{sub 3}/ PAAMPA composite materials as corrosion-preventing coatings for carbon steel and aluminum. The Ce{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite coating displayed better performance in protecting both metals against NaCl-caused corrosion than did the Ce(OH){sub 3} composite. Using this coating formed at 200 C, we demonstrated that the following four factors played an essential role in further mitigating the corrosion of the metals: First was a minimum susceptibility of coating's surface to moisture; second was an enhanced densification of the coating layer; third was the retardation of the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction at the metal's corrosion sites due to the deposition of Ce{sub 2}O{sub 3} as a passive film over the metal's surface; and, fourth was its good adherence to metals. The last two factors contributed to minimizing the cathodic delamination of coating film from the metal's surface. We also noted that the affinity of the composite with the surface of aluminum was much stronger than that with steel. Correspondingly, the rate of corrosion of aluminum was reduced as much as two orders of magnitude by a nanoscale thick coating. In contrast, its ability to reduce the corrosion rate of steel was lower than one order of magnitude.

Cardioprotective Effects of Tualang Honey: Amelioration of Cholesterol and Cardiac Enzymes Levels.

Science.gov (United States)

Khalil, Md Ibrahim; Tanvir, E M; Afroz, Rizwana; Sulaiman, Siti Amrah; Gan, Siew Hua

2015-01-01

The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of Malaysian Tualang honey against isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats by investigating changes in the levels of cardiac marker enzymes, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, and antioxidant defense system combined with histopathological examination. Male albino Wistar rats (n = 40) were pretreated orally with Tualang honey (3 g/kg/day) for 45 days. Subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg in saline) for two consecutive days caused a significant increase in serum cardiac marker enzymes (creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate transaminase (AST)), cTnI, serum TC, and TG levels. In addition, ISO-induced myocardial injury was confirmed by a significant increase in heart lipid peroxidation (LPO) products (TBARS) and a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, GRx, and GST). Pretreatment of ischemic rats with Tualang honey conferred significant protective effects on all of the investigated biochemical parameters. The biochemical findings were further confirmed by histopathological examination in both Tualang-honey-pretreated and ISO-treated hearts. The present study demonstrates that Tualang honey confers cardioprotective effects on ISO-induced oxidative stress by contributing to endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity via inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

DNA-linked Inhibitor Antibody Assay (DIANA) for sensitive and selective enzyme detection and inhibitor screening

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Navrátil, Václav; Schimer, Jiří; Tykvart, Jan; Knedlík, Tomáš; Vik, V.; Majer, Pavel; Konvalinka, Jan; Šácha, Pavel

2017-01-01

Roč. 45, č. 2 (2017), č. článku e10. ISSN 0305-1048 R&D Projects: GA MŠk LO1302 Institutional support: RVO:61388963 Keywords : quantitative PCR * enzyme detection * inhibitor screening Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry OBOR OECD: Biochemical research methods Impact factor: 10.162, year: 2016 https:// academic .oup.com/nar/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/nar/gkw853

Resonant photoemission study of CeRu4Sb12

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ishii, Hiroyoshi; Miyahara, Tsuneaki; Takayama, Yasuhiro; Shiozawa, Hidetsugu; Obu, Kenji; Matsuda, Tatsuma D.; Aoki, Yuji; Sugawara, Hitoshi; Sato, Hideyuki

2005-01-01

We have measured the Ce 4d-4f and Ce 3d-4f resonant photoemission spectra of CeRu 4 Sb 12 . The Ce 4f spectra show the spectral features corresponding to a weakly hybridized system. The number of 4f electrons is estimated to be ∼1.0

Effect of transportation stress on heat shock protein 70 concentration and mRNA expression in heart and kidney tissues and serum enzyme activities and hormone concentrations of pigs.

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Hong; Bao, En-Dong; Zhao, Ru-Qian; Lv, Qiong-Xia

2007-11-01

To determine the enzymatic and hormonal responses, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) production, and Hsp70 mRNA expression in heart and kidney tissues of transport-stressed pigs. 24 pigs (mean weight, 20 +/- 1 kg). Pigs were randomly placed into groups of 12 each. One group was transported for 2 hours. The other group was kept under normal conditions and used as control pigs. Sera were used to detect triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and cortisol concentrations and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase activities. The heart and kidneys of anesthetized pigs were harvested and frozen in liquid nitrogen for quantification of Hsp70 and Hsp70 mRNA. No significant differences were detected in serum alanine aminotransferase activity and triiodothyronine and cortisol concentrations between groups; however, the serum creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activities and thyroxine concentrations were higher in transported pigs. Densitometric readings of western blots revealed that the amount of Hsp70 in heart and kidney tissues was significantly higher in transported pigs, compared with control pigs. Results of fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR assay revealed that the Hsp70 mRNA transcription in heart tissue, but not kidney tissue, was significantly higher in transported pigs, compared with control pigs. Transportation imposed a severe stress on pigs that was manifested as increased serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase and increased amounts of Hsp70 and Hsp70 mRNA expression in heart and kidney tissues. Changes in serum enzyme activities were related to the tissue damage of transport-stressed pigs.

Role of serum eosinophil cationic protein as a biological marker to assess the severity of bronchial asthma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Begum, A.; Sattar, H.; Miah, R.A.; Saleh, A.A.; Hassan, R.; Salam, A

2012-01-01

Objective: The study was carried out to evaluate the role of serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) as a biological marker for the diagnosis and to assess the severity of bronchial asthma. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 bronchial asthma patients and 45 disease controls (tuberculosis-15, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-15, interstitial lung disease-15) enrolled from patients attending the outpatient department of the National Institute of Disease of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh during July 2010 to June 2011. Global Initiative of Asthma Management and Prevention (GINA) criteria were followed for selection of both atopic and non-atopic patients with intermittent or persistent (mild, moderate and severe) asthma. Serum level of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), IgE, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1% predicted) and circulatory eosinophil (CE) count were estimated. Results: Mean serum ECP level (28.8 +- 42.9 vs. 6.82 +- 3.5 ng/mL; P<0.001), IgE level (383.59 - 225.3 vs. 135 +- 131.8 IU/mL; P<0.001) and percent circulatory eosinophil count (9.95 +- 3.7 vs. 5.95 +- 1.4; P<0.024) were all found significantly raised among asthma patients than disease controls but % FEV1 was equivocal. All grades of persistent asthma patients had significantly (P<0.025 and P<0.002) higher mean ECP level than intermittent cases but serum IgE level and CE count did not differ significantly. FEV1 % predicted correlated well among moderate and severe persistent asthma but was equivocal for intermittent and mild persistent cases. Conclusion: This study has reinforced that serum eosinophil cationic protein is a dependable biological marker with more discriminatory power over other indicators for bronchial asthma and to assess its severity. (author)

Preparation and luminescence properties of Ce3+ and Ce3+/Tb(3+)-activated Y4Si2O7N2 phosphors.

Science.gov (United States)

Xia, Zhiguo; Wu, Weiwei

2013-09-28

Ce(3+) and Ce(3+)/Tb(3+)-activated Y4Si2O7N2 phosphors are synthesized by the solid-state method, which can be efficiently excited by near ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) chips. The PL spectrum of Y4Si2O7N2:Ce(3+) shows a broad hump between 380 and 650 nm, assigned to the electron transition from the 4f energy level to different 5d sub levels of the Ce(3+) ions at different Y(3+) sites. The color of the Y4Si2O7N2:Ce(3+) phosphor can shift from blue to green by introducing Tb(3+). In addition, the energy transfer process from Ce(3+) to Tb(3+) in the Y4Si2O7N2 host was investigated and discussed in terms of both the luminescence spectra and decay curves. The energy transfer critical distance has been calculated and evaluated by the concentration quenching method. Therefore, the Ce(3+) and Ce(3+)/Tb(3+)-activated Y4Si2O7N2 phosphors can serve as key materials for phosphor-converted white-light UV-LEDs.

Ethanol Sensor of CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 Obtained from Ce-DOPED Layered Double Hydroxides with High Response and Selectivity

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Dongmei; Guan, Meiyu; Xu, Qinghong; Guo, Ying; Wang, Yao

2013-04-01

In this paper, Ce-doped CdAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) was first synthesized and the derivative CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 composite oxide was prepared by calcining Ce-doped CdAl LDH. The structure, morphology and chemical state of the Ce doped CdAl LDH and CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 were also investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The gas sensing properties of CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 to ethanol were further studied and compared with CdO/Al2O3 prepared from CdAl LDH, CeO2 powder as well as the calcined Ce salt. It turns out that CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 sensor shows best performance in ethanol response. Besides, CdO/Al2O3/CeO2 possesses short response/recovery time (12/72 s) as well as remarkable selectivity in ethanol sensing, which means composite oxides prepared from LDH are very promising in gas sensing application.

Influence of Wallow on Some Hematological Parameters and Serum ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

A study was conducted to determine the influence of wallow on some hematological and serum enzymes of growing pigs. Six pre-pubertal pigs of average age 2months were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, comprising of Wallow (A) and Non-Wallow facilities (B) in a Completely Randomized Design(CRD).

Correlation of Endothelin-1 Concentration and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity with the Staging of Liver Fibrosis

OpenAIRE

Kardum, Duško; Fabijanić, Damir; Lukić, Anita; Romić, Željko; Petrovečki, Mladen; Bogdanović, Zoran; Jurić, Klara; Urek-Crnčević, Marija; Banić, Marko

2012-01-01

Increased serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) activity and serum concentration of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were found in liver cirrhosis. We investigated a correlation between the different stages of liver fibrosis and SACE activity and serum ET-1 concentration. Seventy patients with pathohistologically established chronic liver disease were divided in three groups according to Ishak criteria for liver fibrosis: minimal fibrosis (Ishak score 0–1, n=20), medium fibrosis (Ishak sc...

Effect of chlorpyrifos and enrofloxacin on selected enzymes in rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Barski, D; Spodniewska, A

2018-03-01

This study examined the effect of chlorpyrifos and/or enrofloxacin on the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the blood and brain, and the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum. The experiment was conducted on Wistar strain rats. Chlorpyrifos was administered with a stomach tube at a dose of 0.04 LD50 for 28 days and enrofloxacin at a dose of 5 mg/kg bw for 5 consecutive days. The experiment found that enrofloxacin changed the activity of the enzymes under study only to a small extent. At the dose applied in the experiment, chlorpyrifos decreased the activity of AChE significantly, both in blood and in the brain, and increased the activity of ALT and AST in rat serum. The administration of chlorpyrifos in combination with enrofloxacin changed the activity of the enzymes under study only slightly. A weaker, but longer, inhibition of AChE activity in both blood and the brain was observed in this group compared to the animals exposed only to chlorpyrifos. However, although enrofloxacin, like chlorpyrifos, increases the activity of ALT and AST in serum, their combined administration did not increase the hepatotoxic effect. Copyright© by the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Serum Biopterin and Neopterin Levels as Predictors of Empty Follicles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Akihiro Hamuro

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Objective This study measured serum and follicular fluid (FF levels of biopterin, neopterin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF in patients receiving mild ovarian stimulation for oocyte retrieval. Patients and Methods Infertile patients who underwent ovarian stimulation were divided into the following: Group 1, no oocyte retrieval ( n = 12, and Group 2, retrieval of more than four oocytes ( n = 13. Median total gonadotropin dose in both groups was 150 IU. Biopterin and neopterin levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. VEGF and M-CSF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Compared to Group 2, serum and FF levels of neopterin and VEGF and serum levels of M-CSF were significantly increased, and serum and FF levels of biopterin were significantly decreased in Group 1 ( P < 0.05 each. Conclusion Biopterin and neopterin levels showed similar differences in FF and serum of patients with empty follicles. Decreased biopterin and increased neopterin in serum could predict poor oocyte retrieval.

Luminescent and scintillation properties of the Ce3+ doped Y3−xLuxAl5O12:Ce single crystalline films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zorenko, Yu.; Gorbenko, V.; Zorenko, T.; Popielarski, P.; Mosińska, L.; Fedorov, A.

2016-01-01

The work is related to the investigation of scintillation and luminescent properties of single crystalline films (SCF) of solid solutions of Ce 3+ doped Y 3−x Lu x Al 5 O 12 :Ce garnets with x value in the 0–3 range. We have shown a possibility of realization of high-energy shift of the Ce 3+ ion emission spectrum in these garnets up to 22 nm. We have also found that the light yield of the radioluminescence under α-particle excitation of LuAG:Ce SCF can exceed by 1.3 times the corresponding values for the YAG:Ce SCF counterpart. For investigation of the luminescent properties of Y 3−x Lu x Al 5 O 12 :Ce SCF at different x values the luminescent spectroscopy of these SCFs under excitation by synchrotron radiation in the VUV range was performed. - Highlights: • Single crystalline films of Y 3−x Lu x Al 5 O 12 garnets at x=0–3.0 were grown by LPE method onto YAG substrates. • Lattice constant of Y 3−x Lu x Al 5 O 12 :Ce film and the film/substrate misfit changed linearly with increasing of Lu content in the x=0–3.0 range. • High-energy shift of the Ce 3+ emission up to 22 nm in Y 3−x Lu x Al 5 O 12 film with increasing of Lu content in the x=0–3.0 range. • Light yield of Y 3−x Lu x Al 5 O 12 :Ce film decreases in the x=0–1.8 range and increases in the x=1.8–3.0 range. • Scintillation LY of Lu 3 Al 5 O 12 :Ce film can exceed by 1.3 times the LY for YAG:Ce film counterpart.

The CAZyome of Phytophthora spp.: A comprehensive analysis of the gene complement coding for carbohydrate-active enzymes in species of the genus Phytophthora

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Laird Emma W

2010-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism include Carbohydrate esterases (CE, Glycoside hydrolases (GH, Glycosyl transferases (GT, and Polysaccharide lyases (PL, commonly referred to as carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes. The CE, GH, and PL superfamilies are also known as cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDE due to their role in the disintegration of the plant cell wall by bacterial and fungal pathogens. In Phytophthora infestans, penetration of the plant cells occurs through a specialized hyphal structure called appressorium; however, it is likely that members of the genus Phytophthora also use CWDE for invasive growth because hyphal forces are below the level of tensile strength exhibited by the plant cell wall. Because information regarding the frequency and distribution of CAZyme coding genes in Phytophthora is currently unknown, we have scanned the genomes of P. infestans, P. sojae, and P. ramorum for the presence of CAZyme-coding genes using a homology-based approach and compared the gene collinearity in the three genomes. In addition, we have tested the expression of several genes coding for CE in cultures grown in vitro. Results We have found that P. infestans, P. sojae and P. ramorum contain a total of 435, 379, and 310 CAZy homologs; in each genome, most homologs belong to the GH superfamily. Most GH and PL homologs code for enzymes that hydrolyze substances present in the pectin layer forming the middle lamella of the plant cells. In addition, a significant number of CE homologs catalyzing the deacetylation of compounds characteristic of the plant cell cuticle were found. In general, a high degree of gene location conservation was observed, as indicated by the presence of sequential orthologous pairs in the three genomes. Such collinearity was frequently observed among members of the GH superfamily. On the other hand, the CE and PL superfamilies showed less collinearity for some of their putative members

Comparison of gallium-67 scanning, bronchoalveolar lavage, and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels in pulmonary sarcoidosis. Predicting response to therapy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baughman, R.P.; Fernandez, M.; Bosken, C.H.; Mantil, J.; Hurtubise, P.

1984-01-01

Patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis underwent bronchoalveolar lavage, gallium scan, and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level determination prior to treatment with corticosteroids. Pulmonary function was tested before and after therapy. Increase in vital capacity after treatment ranged from 40 to 1,030 ml; 12 of the 16 patients studied had an increase of more than 200 ml. There was a close correlation between the percentage uptake of gallium scan and the increase of the vital capacity after therapy (r . 0.95, p less than 0.01). There was no relationship between the percentage of lymphocytes obtained on lavage and the changes in vital capacity with therapy (r . 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the changes in vital capacity and the ratio of T4(+):T8(+)lymphocytes (r . 0.62, p less than 0.05) and number of T4 (+) lymphocytes (r . 0.92, p less than 0.01) in the bronchoalveolar fluid. There was a low correlation between the pretreatment ACE level and the change in vital capacity (r . 0.368, p greater than 0.05)

Homogeneously dispersed CeO2 nanoparticles on exfoliated hexaniobate nanosheets

Science.gov (United States)

Marques, Thalles M. F.; Strayer, Megan E.; Ghosh, Anupama; Silva, Alexandre; Ferreira, Odair P.; Fujisawa, Kazunori; Alves da Cunha, Jose R.; Abreu, Guilherme J. P.; Terrones, Mauricio; Mallouk, Thomas E.; Viana, Bartolomeu C.

2017-12-01

Hexaniobate nanosheets derived from the parent compound K4Nb6O17 have been decorated with CeO2 nanoparticles by ion exchange with aqueous cerium (IV) solution. Very homogeneous CeO2 nanoparticle decoration of the hexaniobate sheets can be achieved by this method and the resulting composites may absorb visible light. HRTEM images show that ∼3.0 nm diameter CeO2 nanoparticles adhere to hexaniobate nanosheets that are exfoliated and then restacked prior to Ce deposition. The interfacial interaction between CeO2 nanoparticles and nanosheets would be due to an electrostatic attraction mechanism. Raman and XRD measurements have given strong evidence that CeO2 nanoparticles have fluorite structure. EDS, FTIR and XPS results suggest almost complete exchange of TBA+ and K+ by Ce4+. Cerium ion exchange on the acid exchanged parent compound, H2.9K1.1Nb6O17, revealed that the extent of Ce ion exchange is much greater in case of nanosheets, which may be rationalized by the larger surface area available after exfoliation. XPS measurements show that the ratio of Ce4+/Ce3+ is around 4.4, in agreement with the formation of fluorite structure (CeO2). Thus, these CeO2 nanoparticle/nanosheet composites may be useful for catalytic processes.

Electro-regeneration of Ce(IV) in real spent Cr-etching solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Te-San; Huang, Kuo-Lin

2013-01-01

Highlights: • An electrochemical process is used to regenerate Ce(IV) in real (hazardous) spent TFT-LCD Cr-etching solutions. • The Ce(IV) yield on tested anodes was in order BDD > Pt > DSA. • A Neosepta CMX separator was better than Nafion ones to be used in the process. • The activation energy on Pt was 10.7 kJ/mol. • The obtained parameters are useful to design reactors for 100% Ce(IV) regeneration in real spent Cr-etching solutions. -- Abstract: This paper presents the electro-regeneration of Ce(IV) in real (hazardous) spent thin-film transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT-LCD) Cr-etching solutions. In addition to Ce(III) > Ce(IV) in diffusivity, a quasi-reversible behavior of Ce(III)/Ce(IV) was observed at both boron-doped diamond (BDD) and Pt disk electrodes. The Ce(IV) yield on Pt increased with increasing current density, and the best current efficiency (CE) was obtained at 2 A/2.25 cm 2 . The performance in terms of Ce(IV) yield and CE of tested anodes was in order BDD > Pt > dimensional stable anode (DSA). At 2 A/2.25 cm 2 on Pt and 40 °C for 90 min, the Ce(IV) yield, CE and apparent rate constant (k) for Ce(III) oxidation were 81.4%, 21.8% and 3.17 × 10 −4 s −1 , respectively. With the increase of temperature, the Ce(IV) yield, CE, and k increased (activation energy = 10.7 kJ/mol), but the specific electricity consumption decreased. The Neosepta CMX membrane was more suitable than Nafion-117 and Nafion-212 to be used as the separator of the Ce(IV) regeneration process. The obtained parameters are useful to design divided batch reactors for the Ce(IV) electro-regeneration in real spent Cr-etching solutions

Loparite-(Ce) from the Khibiny Alkaline Pluton, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Science.gov (United States)

Konopleva, N. G.; Ivanyuk, G. Yu.; Pakhomovsky, Ya. A.; Yakovenchuk, V. N.; Mikhailova, Yu. A.

2017-12-01

Data on the occurrence, morphology, anatomy, composition, and formation conditions of loparite-(Ce) in the Khibiny alkaline pluton are given. Loparite-(Ce), (Na,Ce,Sr)(Ce,Th)(Ti,Nb)2O6, resulted from metasomatic alteration and assimilation of metamorphic host rocks at the contact with foyaite as well as foyaite on the contact with foidolite. This alteration was the highest in pegmatite, and albitite developed there. A decrease in temperature resulted in enrichment of the perovskite and tausonite endmembers in loparite-(Ce) owing to a decrease in the loparite and lueshite endmembers. La and Ce sharply predominate among rare earth elements in the composition of loparite-(Ce).

Single-crystal FCC and DHCP phases in Ce/Pr superlattices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, S.; Goff, J.P.; Ward, R.C.C.; Wells, M.R.; McIntyre, G.J.

2002-01-01

Cerium usually comprises a mixture of polycrystalline FCC and DHCP allotropes. Single-crystal Ce has been stabilised in Ce/Pr superlattices grown using molecular beam epitaxy. It is found that FCC or DHCP phases can be obtained depending on superlattice composition and growth conditions. Low-temperature neutron scattering was performed on Ce/Pr samples using the triple-axis spectrometer D10 at the ILL. Such measurements revealed one sample, [Ce 20 Pr 20 ] 60 , to be a single crystal with a DHCP unit cell; while another, [Ce 30 Pr 10 ] 56 , was a mixture of FCC and DHCP phases. Antiferromagnetic ordering of magnetic moments was observed in the DHCP sample (T N =11.1 K) with a magnetic structure similar to that found in bulk β-Ce. Surprisingly, the magnetic ordering was found to be confined to single Ce blocks. Furthermore, it was found that, at low temperatures, the lattice contraction observed for bulk FCC Ce was suppressed in Ce/Pr superlattices. (orig.)

Digoxin serum levels with respect to some biochemical and clinical indicators

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sedlak, J; Curilla, E [Univerzita P.J. Safarika, Kosice (Czechoslovakia). Lekarska Fakulta

1984-10-01

Digoxin serum levels were examined in 40 patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) and correlated with levels of potassium, magnesium, creatinine, urea, glomerular filtration (GF) and with clinical signs of different degrees of digitalis serum concentration. The digoxin level assessed by ELISA and RIA methods correlated fairly closely. An average dependence was found between digoxin levels and levels of creatinine, urea and GF. A correlation was observed between a high level of digoxin and clinical signs of digitalis intoxication.

Digoxin serum levels with respect to some biochemical and clinical indicators

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sedlak, J.; Curilla, E.

1984-01-01

Digoxin serum levels were examined in 40 patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) and correlated with levels of potassium, magnesium, creatinine, urea, glomerular filtration (GF) and with clinical signs of different degrees of digitalis serum concentration. The digoxin level assessed by ELISA and RIA methods correlated fairly closely. An average dependence was found between digoxin levels and levels of creatinine, urea and GF. A correlation was observed between a high level of digoxin and clinical signs of digitalis intoxication

Facile hydrothermal synthesis of CeO 2 nanopebbles

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanopebbles have been synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirm the presence of CeO2 nanopebbles. XRD shows the formation of cubic fluorite CeO2 and the average particle size estimated from the ...

Effect of Probiotics on Serum Biochemical and Blood Constituents in ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Purpose: To examine the effects of two commercial probiotics (Toyocerin and CloSTAT) on serum enzyme activities, and hematological and biochemical indices of broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium (ST). Methods: The chicks received one of the following treatments at 0 day of age: ...

On-line immunoaffinity solid-phase extraction capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry using Fab´antibody fragments for the analysis of serum transthyretin.

Science.gov (United States)

Pont, Laura; Benavente, Fernando; Barbosa, José; Sanz-Nebot, Victoria

2017-08-01

This paper describes an on-line immunoaffinity solid-phase extraction capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry (IA-SPE-CE-MS) method using an immunoaffinity sorbent with Fab' antibody fragments (Fab'-IA) for the analysis of serum transthyretin (TTR), a homotetrameric protein (M r ~56,000) involved in different types of amyloidosis. The IA sorbent was prepared by covalent attachment of Fab' fragments obtained from a polyclonal IgG antibody against TTR to succinimidyl silica particles. The Fab'-IA-SPE-CE-MS methodology was first established analyzing TTR standard solutions. Under optimized conditions, repeatability and reproducibility were acceptable, the method was linear between 1 and 25µgmL -1 , limits of detection (LODs) were around 0.5µgmL -1 (50-fold lower than by CE-MS, ~25µgmL -1 ) and different TTR conformations were observed (folded and unfolded). The applicability of the developed method to screen for familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy type I (FAP-I), which is the most common hereditary systemic amyloidosis, was evaluated analyzing serum samples from healthy controls and FAP-I patients. For the analysis of sera, the most abundant proteins were precipitated with 5% (v/v) of phenol before Fab'-IA-SPE-CE-MS. The current method enhanced our previous results for the analysis of TTR using intact antibodies immobilized on magnetic beads. It allowed a slight improvement on LODs (2-fold), the detection of proteoforms found at lower concentrations and the preparation of microcartridges with extended durability. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

CEF-scheme of a semimetal Ce3Sn7

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okuda, Yusuke; Yamamoto, Takeshi; Honda, Daisuke; Shishido, Hiroaki; Galatanu, Andrei; Haga, Yoshinori; Matsuda, Tatsuma D.; Takeuchi, Tetsuya; Kindo, Koichi; Sugiyama, Kiyohiro; Settai, Rikio; O-bar nuki, Yoshichika

2005-01-01

We measured the magnetic susceptibility and magnetization of an antiferromagnet Ce 3 Sn 7 with the orthorhombic crystal structure. The experimental data are found to be well explained on the basis of the crystalline electric field (CEF) 4f-scheme under the assumption that two Ce atoms in the 2(a) site possess a magnetic moment of 0.36μ B /Ce and one Ce atom in the 4(i) site possesses no magnetic moment as in a valence fluctuating compound CeSn 3 , which was previously proposed by Bonnet et al. Furthermore, we carried out the de Haas-van Alphen experiment. The detected Fermi surfaces are many in number but are extremely small in volume, indicating that Ce 3 Sn 7 is a semimetal

Tunable colorimetric performance of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-YAG:Ce{sup 3+} eutectic crystal by Ce{sup 3+} concentration

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sai, Qinglin, E-mail: saiql@siom.ac.cn; Xia, Changtai, E-mail: xia_ct@siom.ac.cn

2017-06-15

Ce-doped Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-YAG eutectics with different percentage of Ce were successfully grown by the optical floating zone technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the structure. The results show that they have typical eutectic structure of interpenetrating sapphire and garnet phases with the tens of microns lamella spacing. The photoluminescence spectra of the eutectics showed that they have wide excitation band, and samples with 1.6 mol% Ce-doped has the highest emission intensity. The eutectic-packaged LED has high luminous efficiency and its color can be modulated by changing Ce concentration. The results reveal that Ce-doped Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-YAG eutectic is a promising phosphor for white LED applications.

CeO2-ZrO2 ceramic compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Melo, F.C.L.; Cairo, C.A.C.; Devezas, T.C.; Nono, M.C.A.

1988-01-01

In order to study the mechanical properties of tetragonal polycrystal zirconia stabilized with ceria various powder compositions with different CeO 2 content were made. Modulus of rupture for those compounds was measured. Tetragonal retained phase was determined for samples of CeO 2 -ZrO 2 ceramics with and without superficial mechanical treatment. The experimental results allowed us to evaluate the effects of CeO 2 content and sintering temperature in the mechanical properties and tetragonal transformed phase (t→ m) in ceramics of CeO 2 -ZrO 2 systems. (author) [pt

Comparison of immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoglobulin G avidity techniques for screening of anti: Toxoplasma antibodies among single serum sample pregnant women in Tabriz, Iran

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mehrangiz Rajaii

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Background: Congenital toxoplasmosis is that pregnant women acquire the infection during gestation; diagnosis of the acute infection during pregnancy is a complex subject of maternal toxoplasmosis. Thus, the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG and/or IgM Toxoplasma antibodies in a single serum sample drawn during gestation cannot be used to define whether the infection was recently acquired or chronic. Materials and Methods: At this cross-sectional descriptive study, sera of 391 pregnant women examined and compared. They were in an age range of 21-35 years, referred by gynecologists and infectious disease specialists, during March 2012-April 2013. They have referred, 215 (54.98%, 102 (26%, 74 (18.92% in the first, second and third trimesters of gestation, respectively. For each of them, a questionnaire was completed and serum samples were prepared in an equal condition, examined according to the procedures of indirect immunofluorescence (IIF, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA and IgG Avidity techniques. Results: We have found 111 (28.38% seronegative and 280 (71.61% seropositive cases by IIF and 124 (31.70% seronegative, 267 (68.28% seropositive cases by ELISA. The IgG avidity test confirmed 45 (69.23% and 7 (10.76% doubtful cases of IgM test in IIF and ELISA techniques. Conclusions: This study highlights how to manage pregnant women with toxoplasmosis, especially in a single serum sample condition.

Measurement of Ce(IV) Concentration in Foam Decontaminant containing Fluorosurfactant

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jung, Chong Hun; Yang, H. B.; Yoon, I. H.; Choi, W. K.; Moon, J. K. [KAERI, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Lee, J. S. [Gachon University, Seongnam (Korea, Republic of)

2016-05-15

To improve the stability of the foam, surfactants and inorganic materials such as nanoparticles can be added. A nanoparticle-based foam decontaminant is composed of a surfactant and nanoparticles for the generation and maintenance of foam, and a chemical decontamination agent made of Ce(IV) dissolved in nitric acid. Ce(IV) will be reduced to Ce(III) through the decontamination process. Oxidizing the cerium (III) can be reused as a decontamination agent, Ce(IV). Oxidation treatment technology by ozone uses its strong oxidizing power. It can be regarded as an environmentally friendly process, because ozone cannot be stored and transported like other industrial gases (because it quickly decays into diatomic oxygen) and must therefore be produced on site, and used ozone can be decomposed immediately. A concentration analysis of Ce(IV) in foam decontaminant containing a surfactant is necessary prior to the derivation of optimal conditions for the regeneration of Ce(III) through ozonation treatment. A UV spectrometric method using the absorbance or potentiometric method with a potential difference in Ce(III)/Ce(IV), or a potentiometric titration method using Fe (II), can be used for a Ce(IV) concentration analysis. A UV spectrometric method has a problem receiving the influence of the surfactant, and a potentiometric method is difficult to use because of the problem of an insignificant change in the potential difference value of the Ce(III)/Ce(IV). Thus, the present study was undertaken to determine whether the potentiometric titration method can be used for an analysis of the Ce(IV) concentration in the nanoparticle-based foam decontaminant containing surfactant. It will be effectively used for the Ce(IV) concentration measurement, in relation to the subsequent research on the derivation of optimal conditions for the regeneration of Ce(III) through ozonation treatment.

Effect of a Marathon Run on Serum Lipoproteins, Creatine Kinase, and Lactate Dehydrogenase in Recreational Runners

Science.gov (United States)

Kobayashi, Yoshio; Takeuchi, Toshiko; Hosoi, Teruo; Yoshizaki, Hidekiyo; Loeppky, Jack A.

2005-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a marathon run on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and serum muscle enzyme activities and follow their recovery after the run. These blood concentrations were measured before, immediately after, and serially after a marathon run in 15 male recreational runners. The triglyceride…

Toxicity of inhaled 144CeCl3 in beagle dogs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Muggenburg, B.A.; Hahn, F.F.; Boecker, B.B.; McClellan, R.O.; Pickrell, J.A.

1980-01-01

The metabolism, dosimetry and effects of inhaled 144 CeCl 3 in beagle dogs are being studied to assess the biological consequences of inhaling 144 Ce. Studies have shown that the 144 Ce deposited in the lung as 144 CeCl 3 is translocated at a moderately rapid rate to liver and skeleton and that significant radiation doses are accumulated by all three organs. Fifty-five dogs that inhaled 144 CeCl 3 and 17 control dogs are being observed for their life span. The 144 Ce-exposed dogs had long-term retained burdens that ranged from 2.6 to 360 μCi 144 Ce/kg body weight. Fifty-three of the dogs exposed to 144 CeCl 3 have died and twelve control dogs have died. Serial observations are continuing on the two surviving exposed dogs and five control dogs

IL-33 circulating serum levels are increased in patients with non-segmental generalized vitiligo.

Science.gov (United States)

Vaccaro, Mario; Cicero, Francesca; Mannucci, Carmen; Calapai, Gioacchino; Spatari, Giovanna; Barbuzza, Olga; Cannavò, Serafinella P; Gangemi, Sebastiano

2016-09-01

IL-33 is a recently identified cytokine, encoded by the IL-33 gene, which is a member of the IL-1 family that drives the production of T-helper-2 (Th-2)-associated cytokines. Serum levels of IL-33 have been reported to be up-regulated in various T-helper (Th)-1/Th-17-mediated diseases, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel. To investigate whether cytokine imbalance plays a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, we performed a case-control association study by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of IL-33 in our patients. IL-33 serum levels were measured by a quantitative enzyme immunoassay technique in patients with non-segmental generalized vitiligo and compared with those of healthy controls. IL-33 serum levels in patients with vitiligo were significantly increased than those in healthy controls. There was a positive correlation of IL-33 serum levels with extension of vitiligo and disease activity. This study suggests a possible systemic role of IL-33 in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Inhibiting IL-33 activity might be a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory disease, like vitiligo.

Utilization of newly developed immobilized enzyme reactors for preparation and study of immunoglobulin G fragments

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Korecká, L.; Bílková, Z.; Holčapek, M.; Královský, J.; Beneš, Milan J.; Lenfeld, Jiří; Minc, N.; Cecal, R.; Viovy, J.-L.; Przybylski, M.

2004-01-01

Roč. 808, č. 1 (2004), s. 15-24 ISSN 1570-0232. [International Symposium on Polymer Design for BioSeparation and Nanobiotechnology /8./. Compiegne, 27.11.2003-29.11.2003] Grant - others:GA ČR(CZ) GA203/02/0023 Program:GA Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z4050913 Keywords : immobilized enzyme reactors * immunoglobulin G Subject RIV: CE - Biochemistry Impact factor: 2.176, year: 2004

Itinerant f-electron behavior in Ce and U compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Crabtree, G.W.

1985-04-01

The experimentally observed Fermi surface properties in URh 3 , UIr 3 , UGe 3 , CeSn 3 , CeB 6 , U 3 As 4 , U 3 P 4 , and CeSb are reviewed. For the compounds with no magnetic order, band structure models of the Fermi surface geometry are confirmed and f-ligand hybridization is found to be dominant. For CeB 6 , U 3 As 4 , and U 3 P 4 the experiments show that both local moments and f hybridization are important. In CeSb new data can be explained by a purely local model with no f-hybridization

Structure and phase composition of Al-Ce-Cu system alloys in range of quasi-binary Al-Al8CeCu4 section

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Belov, N.A.; Khvan, A.V.

2007-01-01

The phase diagram of the Al-Cu-Ce system in the quasibinary section area of Al-Al 8 CeCu 4 has been investigated by metallographic, thermal, micro-X-ray spectral and X-ray structural analyses. The parameters of the eutectic reaction L→(Al)+CeCu 4 Al 8 : T=610 Deg C were found out; the composition was 14% Cu and 7% Ce. This eutectics is of a disperse structure and the ternary compound contained is capable of fragmentation and spheroidizing in the heating process (starting from 540 Deg C). It was demonstrated that the area of optimal (Al)+CeCu 4 Al 8 eutectics-based alloy compositions was within the narrow limits. That is related to the fact that at a comparatively little variation of the Cu:Ce=2 ratio solidus sharply decreases and, as a result, the crystallization interval considerably extends [ru

Influence of CeO2 NPs on biological phosphorus removal and bacterial community shifts in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor with the differential effects of molecular oxygen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xu, Yi; Wang, Chao; Hou, Jun; Wang, Peifang; You, Guoxiang; Miao, Lingzhan; Lv, Bowen; Yang, Yangyang

2016-01-01

The effects of CeO 2 nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) on a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) with established biological phosphorus (P) removal were investigated from the processes of anaerobic P release and aerobic P uptake. At low concentration (0.1 mg/L), no significant impact was observed on total phosphorus (TP) removal after operating for 8 h. However, at a concentration of 20 mg/L, TP removal efficiency decreased from 83.68% to 55.88% and 16.76% when the CeO 2 NPs were added at the beginning of the anaerobic and aerobic periods, respectively. Further studies illustrated that the inhibition of the specific P release rate was caused by the reversible states of Ce 3+ and Ce 4+ , which inhibited the activity of exopolyphosphatase (PPX) and transformation of poly-β-hydoxyalkanoates (PHA) and glycogen, as well as the uptake of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The decrease in the specific P uptake rate was mainly attributed to the significantly suppressed energy generation and decreased abundance of Burkholderia caused by excess reactive oxygen species. The removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was not influenced by CeO 2 NPs under aerobic conditions, due to the increased abundance of Acetobacter and Acidocella after exposure. The inhibitory effects of CeO 2 NPs with molecular oxygen were reduced after anaerobic exposure due to the enhanced particle size and the presence of Ce 3+ . - Highlights: • CeO 2 NPs (20 mg/L) had a notable toxicity effect on P removal in SBBR system. • The deteriorated SPRR was caused by the inhibited key enzyme activity (PPX). • The decreased SPUR was caused by the bacterial community shifts. • Ce ions converting and excess ROS generation are related toxicity mechanisms.

Microstructures and luminescent properties of Ce-doped transparent mica glass-ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Taruta, Seiichi; Iwasaki, Yoshitomo; Nishikiori, Hiromasa; Yamakami, Tomohiko; Yamaguchi, Tomohiro; Kitajima, Kunio; Okada, Kiyoshi

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Ce-doped transparent glass-ceramics and their parent glasses. ► TEM and STEM images for the microstructures. ► Each mica crystal did not contain Ce uniformly. ► Emission due to Ce 3+ ions in the glass phase and/or Ce 3+ ions in the mica crystals. - Abstract: Transparent mica glass-ceramics were prepared by heating parent glasses that had been doped with 0.5–15 mol% CeO 2 . During the melting and heat treatment, Ce 4+ ions in the specimens were reduced to Ce 3+ ions, and one or both of these ion species were then replaced with Li + ions in the interlayers of the separated mica crystals. However, scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and Z-contrast imaging revealed that the mica crystals did not contain the same amount of Ce. On excitation at 254 nm, the parent glasses and glass-ceramics emitted blue light, which originated from the 5d to 4f transition of the Ce 3+ ions. The emission of the glass-ceramic containing a smaller amount of Ce was attributed to the Ce 3+ ions in both the glass phase and the mica crystals, whereas that of the glass-ceramics containing a larger amount of Ce was caused mainly by Ce 3+ ions in the mica crystals. The dependence of the emission band of the parent glasses on the amount of Ce was a unique feature of the Ce-doped transparent mica glass-ceramics and was not observed in previous studies of Eu-doped parent glasses and mica glass-ceramics.

The Use of Recombinant Hemagglutinine Protein of Rinderpest Virus in Enzyme Immunoassay

OpenAIRE

BULUT, Hakan; BOLAT, Yusuf

2003-01-01

In this study, Rinderpest virus (RPV) recombinant hemagglutinine protein (rH) fused with protein A region of Staphylococcus aureus was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by IgG affinity chromatography. rH protein was also used to establish enzyme immunoassay. Therefore, to prevent IgG binding to the protein A the wells coated with the rH proteins were blocked by human serum. Afterwards, RPV antigens were added to the wells to evaluate this assay. To this end, serum from mice immunized...

Metallic oxides supported in CeO{sub 2} and CeO{sub 2}-La{sub 2} O{sub 3} for low temperature shift reaction; Oxidos metalicos suportados em CeO{sub 2} e CeO{sub 2}-La{sub 2} O{sub 3} para reacao shift a baixa temperatura

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maluf, Silvia Salua; Assaf, Elisabete Moreira [Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Carlos, SP (Brazil). Inst. de Quimica]. E-mail: sil_maluf@iqsc.usp.br

2008-07-01

This work studied copper and zinc oxides supported in CeO{sub 2} and CeO{sub 2}/La{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The catalytic tests for low temperature shift reaction, carried out for samples, showed the Cu-Ce catalyst presents the highest value of CO conversion (50%) and after the Cu-Ce-La catalysts (30%). The other catalysts showed CO conversion in range of 15%. This behavior is related with surface area, and also with the amount of Cu in the surface of samples (author)

[A clinical evaluation of the increased serum myoglobin: creatine phosphokinase and lactic dehydrogenase in patients with thyroid disorders (author's transl)].

Science.gov (United States)

Shimoda, S I; Kasai, K

1980-08-20

Since muscle dysfunction is frequently associated with a hypothyroid state, many clinical reports have indicated that serum enzyme activities derived from the muscle such as creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamic-oxaloacetic transamynase (GOT) are elevated. These enzyme activities in the serum of hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism and hypothyrodism have been known to have a good inverse correlation with protein-bound iodine (PBI). Therefore, as part of a study of the relationship between thyroid states and muscle tissue, values of serum myoblobin (Mb) were measured by RIA. The values of Mb in untreated hyperthyroidism were significantly lower (P<0.01) and, in untreated hypothyroidism, Mb values were significantly higher (p<0.001) than in normal subjects. There was a significant inverse correlation (p<0.01) between T4 or T3 concentration and Mb levels in these subjects. The relationship found between either Mb and LDH or Mb and CPK was also studied in the present study, and it was found that Mb significantly correlated to both LDH and CPK (P<0.001). Abnormalities of these enzyme levels in serum returned to the normal range rapidly after the correction of the abnormal thyroid states in each patient.

Electron traps and scintillation mechanism in YAlO3:Ce and LuAlO3:Ce scintillators

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wojtowicz, A.J.; Glodo, J.; Drozdowski, W.; Przegietka, K.R.

1998-01-01

In this paper we present the results of thermoluminescence, isothermal decay and scintillation light yield measurements on two isostructural scintillator materials, YAlO 3 :Ce and LuAlO 3 :Ce. In addition to the variety of deep traps identified by thermoluminescence and isothermal decays, scintillation light yield experiments demonstrate the presence in both materials of a number of relatively shallow traps. While the deep traps may reduce the scintillation light yield, they do not influence the kinetics of the process. The shallow traps, on the other hand, by interfering with the process of radiative recombination of charge carriers via Ce 3+ ions, can strongly affect not only the yield of the scintillation process but its kinetics as well. The presence of shallow traps provides a consistent explanation for a number of poorly understood relationships between the two scintillator materials, including a higher room temperature scintillation light yield and longer scintillation decay time in YAlO 3 :Ce, and a longer scintillation rise time in LuAlO 3 :Ce. Theoretical analysis indicates that elimination of these traps would make the two materials nearly identical in scintillator performance. Although the specific identity of all traps remains elusive, the performance of both scintillator materials is now, in practical terms, fully understood. (Copyright (c) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. All rights reserved.)

Cardioprotective Effects of Tualang Honey: Amelioration of Cholesterol and Cardiac Enzymes Levels

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Md. Ibrahim Khalil

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of Malaysian Tualang honey against isoproterenol- (ISO- induced myocardial infarction (MI in rats by investigating changes in the levels of cardiac marker enzymes, cardiac troponin I (cTnI, triglycerides (TG, total cholesterol (TC, lipid peroxidation (LPO products, and antioxidant defense system combined with histopathological examination. Male albino Wistar rats (n = 40 were pretreated orally with Tualang honey (3 g/kg/day for 45 days. Subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg in saline for two consecutive days caused a significant increase in serum cardiac marker enzymes (creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, and aspartate transaminase (AST, cTnI, serum TC, and TG levels. In addition, ISO-induced myocardial injury was confirmed by a significant increase in heart lipid peroxidation (LPO products (TBARS and a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, GRx, and GST. Pretreatment of ischemic rats with Tualang honey conferred significant protective effects on all of the investigated biochemical parameters. The biochemical findings were further confirmed by histopathological examination in both Tualang-honey-pretreated and ISO-treated hearts. The present study demonstrates that Tualang honey confers cardioprotective effects on ISO-induced oxidative stress by contributing to endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity via inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Identification of high-affinity anti-IL-1 α autoantibodies in normal human serum as an interfering substance in a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IL-1 α

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mae, N.; Liberato, D.J.; Chizzonite, R.; Satoh, H.

1991-01-01

A highly reproducible, sensitive, and specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for recombinant human IL-1 α (rhIL-1 alpha) has been developed. Results from this ELISA have demonstrated that the concentration of rhIL-1 α added to normal human serum (NHS) decreased by 16.3% after 3 h and 24.9% after 6 h at room temperature. Molecular exclusion column chromatography with Sephacryl S-300 HR revealed that 125I-labeled IL-1 α added to normal human serum rapidly formed higher molecular weight complexes without indication of proteolytic degradation. The observed reduction in immunoreactivity was correlated with this protein complex formation and accounted for the apparent instability of rhIL-1 α in NHS. Immunoblot analysis indicated that the molecular weight of the binding protein was 150-160K, and the IL-1 α binding activity was removed and recovered from NHS by Protein-G affinity chromatography; indicating that the binding protein was IL-1 α-specific IgG. The binding of 125I-labeled IL-1 α to the serum binding proteins could be inhibited by unlabeled IL-1 alpha (IC50 = 7.4 x 10(-11) M) but not by unlabeled IL-1 β. Kinetic analysis with 125I-labeled IL-1 alpha revealed that the average binding affinity of these IL-1 α-specific IgGs was 4.7 x 10(10) M-1. These results suggest that these autoantibodies may interfere with the detection of IL-1 α in human serum by various assay systems and also could be a regulator of circulating IL-1 α

Thermodynamic stability studies of Ce-Sb compounds with Fe

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Yi; Zhang, Jinsuo; Benson, Michael T.; Mariani, Robert D.

2018-02-01

Lanthanide fission products can migrate to the fuel periphery and react with cladding, causing fuel-cladding chemical interaction (FCCI). Adding a fuel additive dopant, such as Sb, can bind lanthanide, such as Ce, into metallic compounds and thus prevent migration. The present study focuses on the thermodynamic stability of Ce-Sb compounds when in contact with the major cladding constituent Fe by conducting diffusion couple tests. Ce-Sb compounds have shown high thermodynamic stability as they did not react with Fe. When Fe-Sb compounds contacted with Ce, Sb was separated out of Fe-Sb compounds and formed the more stable Ce-Sb compounds.

Detection of Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) in Human Serum Samples Using a Specific Monoclonal Antibody-Based Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Lijun; Lv, Zhiqiang; Shao, Jing; Xu, Ying; Luo, Xiaohong; Zhang, Yuming; Hu, Yang; Zhang, Wenji; Luo, Shuhong; Fang, Jianmin; Wang, Ying; Duan, Chaohui; Huang, Ruopan

2016-09-01

The human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) may have high specificity in the detection of malignant diseases, making the development of an immunoassay for HE4 essential. In our study, a fusion gene was constructed encoded with the HE4 protein. This protein was then produced in the bacterial cells (Escherichia coli) and used to immunize mice in order to eventually generate hybridomas specific to HE4. The hybridoma supernatants were then screened, and four positive anti-HE4 cell lines were selected. These cell lines produce monoclonal antibodies against HE4 epitopes, as demonstrated in the Western blot as well as by direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using the developed antibodies, we successfully identified several good antibody pairs from the hybridomas, which allowed for the development of a sandwich ELISA to measure HE4 levels. By using the HE4 ELISA, we measured HE4 levels of 60 clinical human serum samples. Compared with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved kit (Roche), our results showed a strong positive correlation to those of the FDA-approved kit. In summary, highly sensitive antibody pairs were screened against HE4, and a sandwich ELISA was developed as an accurate analytical tool for the detection of HE4 in human serum, which could be especially valuable for diagnosing ovarian carcinomas. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Muscle enzyme release does not predict muscle function impairment after triathlon.

Science.gov (United States)

Margaritis, I; Tessier, F; Verdera, F; Bermon, S; Marconnet, P

1999-06-01

We sought to determine the effects of a long distance triathlon (4 km swim, 120 km bike-ride, and 30 km run) on the four-day kinetics of the biochemical markers of muscle damage, and whether they were quantitatively linked with muscle function impairment and soreness. Data were collected from 2 days before until 4 days after the completion of the race. Twelve triathletes performed the triathlon and five did not. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), muscle soreness (DOMS) and total serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST and ALT activities were assessed. Significant changes after triathlon completion were found for all muscle damage indirect markers over time (p triathlon. Long distance triathlon race caused muscle damage, but extent, as well as muscle recovery cannot be evaluated by the magnitude of changes in serum enzyme activities. Muscle enzyme release cannot be used to predict the magnitude of the muscle function impairment caused by muscle damage.

Resistance to {gamma} irradiation of LaBr{sub 3}:Ce and LaCl{sub 3}:Ce single crystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Normand, S. [CEA-Recherche Technologique, DETECS/SSTM CE Saclay F-91191 Gif Sur Yvette Cedex (France)]. E-mail: stephane.normand@cea.fr; Iltis, A. [Saint-Gobain Crystals, 104 Route de Larchant, 77140 St Pierre les Nemours (France); Bernard, F. [Saint-Gobain Crystals, 104 Route de Larchant, 77140 St Pierre les Nemours (France); Domenech, T. [CEA-Recherche Technologique, DETECS/SSTM CE Saclay F-91191 Gif Sur Yvette Cedex (France); Delacour, P. [CEA-Recherche Technologique, DETECS/SSTM CE Saclay F-91191 Gif Sur Yvette Cedex (France)

2007-03-11

LaBr{sub 3}:Ce (Brillance 380) and LaCl{sub 3}:Ce (Brillance 350) both exhibit a very good energy resolution and energy linearity response. They are also more sensitive to {gamma}-rays than NaI(Tl) detectors, due to their higher density. The aim of this work is to determine the behaviour of those new single crystals in comparison with NaI(Tl) under severe {gamma}-ray irradiation. Therefore we have irradiated three 25 by 25 mm cylinder crystals encapsulated in air-tight aluminium housing with {sup 60}Co beam. Crystals were tested as stand-alone material not to test the impact of radiation to our photomultiplier tube (PMT). Only encapsulated crystals (alone, without PMTs) were irradiated during several periods to achieve the final 3.4 kGy integrated dose. Intermediate measurements of {sup 137}Cs spectrum were done in order to evaluate the impact of the dose on the studied crystal performances. The radiation hardness of LaBr{sub 3}:Ce and LaCl{sub 3}:Ce was then compared to NaI(Tl). We show in this paper that up to 3.4 kGy no permanent modification of the energy resolution nor colour change is observed for LaBr{sub 3}:Ce and LaCl{sub 3}:Ce crystals. The light output also seems quite stable. This is in stark contrast with the behaviour of NaI:Tl which exhibits continuously decreasing light output, colour change and worsening of energy resolution for doses above 5 Gy.

Serum leptin levels correlation with high blood pressure in adult females

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haque, Z.; Shahid, K.U.; Mazahir, I.; Lakho, G.R.; Nafees, M.

2006-01-01

To measure serum leptin levels and compare them in lean and obese subjects and to identify correlation between serum leptin levels, heart rate and hypertension in lean and obese subjects among adult females. Seventy female subjects with different body mass indices were selected from OPD of Jinnah Medical and Dental College Hospital (OPD), Karachi. Heart rate was counted manually; blood pressure was measured by mercury sphygmomanometer while serum leptin was measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay. The outcomes hypertension and heart rate were correlated to risk factor leptin. Mean heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum leptin levels of obese people were 90+-1, 142+-2, 89+-1 and 24.13+-1.7 respectively, which were significantly higher as compared to lean subjects (p<0.05). All the parameters correlated positively and significantly with increasing BMI. There was a relationship of tachycardia and hypertension with high serum leptin levels in obesity. Serum leptin levels increase with the level of obesity. Hyper-leptinemia is associated with tachycardia and increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in obesity via complex mechanisms. (author)

Detection of Candida albicans Sap2 in cancer patient serum samples by an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of candidiasis.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Yicun; Gao, Xiang; Zhi Gang, J U; Liu, Jingyuan; Dong, Shuai; Wang, Li

2013-01-01

The secreted aspartyl proteinases 2 (Sap2) of Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a potential marker of candididasis. It is a virulence factor associated with adherence and tissue invasion. In order to detect Sap2 in clinical sera, we developed an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Polyclonal antibodies were produced for Sap2 by injecting Sap2 into a New Zealand White inbred rabbit. They could be used at a dilution exceeding 1:1200 in an indirect ELISA, and detected Sap2 concentration up to 1 ng/mL. Of the 286 cancer serum samples tested, 16.8% were found as candidiasis. The test was simple and economical to perform and had a level of sensitivity for detection of low-titer positive sera; thus, it may be proven to be of value in epidemiological studies on candidiasis.

In vitro biotransformation of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) in human liver and serum

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Van den Eede, Nele, E-mail: nele.vandeneede@uantwerpen.be [Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp (Belgium); Erratico, Claudio [Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp (Belgium); Exarchou, Vassiliki [Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis (NatuRA), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp (Belgium); Maho, Walid; Neels, Hugo [Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp (Belgium); Covaci, Adrian, E-mail: adrian.covaci@uantwerpen.be [Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp (Belgium)

2015-04-15

Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) is a plasticizer present in indoor dust, reaching levels of several micrograms per gram. Such levels could lead to significant daily exposure of adults and children. Currently, no toxicokinetic data are available to estimate TBOEP clearance in humans after uptake and therefore, one objective of this study was to investigate intrinsic clearance of TBOEP by human liver microsome (HLM) and serum enzymes. Another objective was to generate information to identify and prioritize several metabolites of TBOEP for investigation of human exposure by biomonitoring. 1D and 2D-NMR methodologies were successfully applied on a mixture of the metabolites to confirm the structure of 3-HO-TBOEP (bis(2-butoxyethyl) 3-hydroxyl-2-butoxyethyl phosphate) and to tentatively assign structures to 1-HO-TBOEP and 2-HO-TBOEP. HO-TBOEP isomers and bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP), bis(2-butoxyethyl) hydroxyethyl phosphate (BBOEHEP) were further monitored by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Rates of formation of BBOEHEP and HO-TBOEP metabolites by liver enzymes were best described by the Michaelis–Menten model. Apparent K{sub m} values for BBOEHEP, 3-HO-TBOEP, and sum of 1- and 2-HO-TBOEP isomer formation were 152, 197 and 148 μM, respectively. Apparent V{sub max} values for the formation of BBOEHEP, 3-HO-TBOEP, and the sum of 1- and 2-HO-TBOEP isomers were 2560, 643, and 254 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. No detectable formation of BBOEP occurred with liver or serum enzymes. Our findings indicate that intrinsic clearance of TBOEP is mainly catalyzed by oxidative enzymes in the liver and that its major in vitro metabolite is BBOEHEP. These findings can be applied in human biomonitoring studies and risk assessment. - Highlights: • First steps in the elucidation of TBOEP toxicokinetics • Quantification of TBOEP metabolites in human serum and liver microsomes • No detectable formation of BBOEP occurred with liver or serum

Ni-CeO2 Cermets Synthesis by Solid State Sintering of Ni/CeO2 Multilayer

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aleksandras ILJINAS

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Nickel and gadolinium doped cerium oxide (GDC cermet is intensively investigated for an application as an anode material for solid oxide fuel cells based on various electrolytes. The purpose of the present investigation is to analyze morphology, microstructure, and optical properties of deposited and annealed for one hour in the temperatures from 500 ºC to 900 ºC Ni/CeO2 multilayer thin films deposited by sputtering. The crystallographic structure of thin films was investigated by X-ray diffraction. The morphology of the film cross-section was investigated with scanning electron microscope. The elemental analysis of samples was investigated by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The fitting of the optical reflectance data was made using Abeles matrix method that is used for the design of interference coatings. The film cross-section of the post-annealed samples consisted of four layers. The first CeO2 layer (on Si had the same fine columnar structure with no features of Ni intermixing. The part of Ni (middle-layer after annealing was converted to NiO with grain size exceeding 100 nm. The CeO2 layer deposited on Ni was divided into two layers. Lower layer had small grains not exceeding 25 nm and consisting of NiO and CeO2 mixture. Upper layer consisted of CeO2 columns with approximate thickness of 50 nm. Ni sample annealed at 600 ºC was fully oxidized. The NiO thickness and refraction index were almost steady after annealing in various temperatures. The approximation of experimental reflectance data was successful only for the samples with one transparent homogeneous layer. The reflectance of the Ni/CeO2 samples annealed at intermediate temperatures could not be fitted using one-layer or three-layer model. That may show that a simplified model could not be implemented.  The real system has complicated distribution of refraction index. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.19.4.3073

Serum Myostatin Is Reduced in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome

Science.gov (United States)

Chiang, Chih-Kang; Tseng, Fen-Yu; Tseng, Ping-Huei; Chen, Chi-Ling; Wu, Kwan-Dun; Yang, Wei-Shiung

2014-01-01

Aims Myostatin is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass and may also modulate energy metabolism secondarily. We aim to investigate the relationship between serum myostatin and the metabolic variables in diabetic (DM) and non-diabetic subjects. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study recruiting 246 consecutive DM patients and 82 age- and gender-matched non-diabetic individuals at a medical center was conducted. The variables of anthropometry and blood chemistry were obtained. Serum myostatin level was measured with enzyme immunoassay. Results DM group had lower serum myostatin compared with non-diabetics (7.82 versus 9.28 ng/ml, pmyostatin than those without (7.39 versus 9.49 ng/ml, pmyostatin level decreased with increasing numbers of the MetS components (p for trendmyostatin than those without. The serum myostatin level was independently negatively related to larger abdominal girth, higher triglycerides, and lower HDL-C after adjustment. The odds ratios for MetS, central obesity, low HDL-C, high triglycerides, and DM were 0.85, 0.88, 0.89, 0.85, and 0.92, respectively, when serum myostatin increased per 1 ng/mL, in the binary logistic regression models. Conclusions Lower serum myostatin independently associated with MetS, central obesity, low HDL-C, and high triglycerides after adjustment. Higher serum myostatin is associated with favorable metabolic profiles. PMID:25254550

A pressure study of CePt{sub 3}B

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rauch, Daniela; Suellow, Stefan [Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Technology Braunschweig, Braunschweig (Germany); Hartwig, Steffen [Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Technology Braunschweig, Braunschweig (Germany); BENSC, Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, Berlin (Germany); Hidaka, Hiroyuki; Yamazaki, Seigo; Amitsuka, Hiroshi [Department of Physics, Hokkaido University, Sapporo (Japan); Bauer, Ernst [Institute of Solid State Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna (Austria)

2013-07-01

CePt{sub 3}B is isostructural to the non-centro symmetric heavy-fermion superconductor CePt{sub 3}Si. In contrast to the latter system, CePt{sub 3}B exhibits a complex magnetically ordered state at low temperatures, with an antiferromagnetic phase below T{sub N}=7.8 K and a weakly ferromagnetic transition below T{sub C}∼5 K. CePt{sub 3}B can be understand as a low pressure variant of CePt{sub 3}Si. Here we report a study of CePt{sub 3}B by means of high pressure magnetization measurements, this way in particular accessing the pressure evolution of the ferromagnetic transition temperature T{sub C}. From our investigation up to about 40 kbar we observe an almost constant transition temperature T{sub C} with pressure. This behavior we discuss in the context of alloying studies on this material.

Correlative analysis of longitudinal changes in bronchoalveolar lavage, 67Gallium scanning, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests in pulmonary sarcoidosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okada, Mitsuko; Takahashi, Hideki; Nukiwa, Toshihiro; Matsuoka, Rokuro; Furuse, Makoto; Kitamura, Satoshi; Kira, Shiro.

1987-01-01

Despite the relatively high cost and complicated procedures, Gallium-67 ( 67 Ga) scanning and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are increasingly advocated as more sensitive indicators of disease activity in sarcoidosis than chest X-ray and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity (SACE). To evaluate the clinical usefulness of 67 Ga scanning and BAL, we followed 31 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, using these four parameters, at 9- to 24-month intervals over periods of 9 to 48 months. We obtained 68 complete evaluations. Close correlations were observed among chest X-ray, 67 Ga scanning, SACE, and the percent-age of lymphocytes in BAL fluid (p 67 Ga scanning and BAL are not necessarily indicated in the long-term management of pulmonary sarcoidosis. (author)

Correlated electronic structure of CeN

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Panda, S.K., E-mail: swarup.panda@physics.uu.se [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala (Sweden); Di Marco, I. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala (Sweden); Delin, A. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala (Sweden); KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology, Department of Materials and Nano Physics, Electrum 229, SE-164 40 Kista (Sweden); KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Swedish e-Science Research Center (SeRC), SE-100 44 Stockholm (Sweden); Eriksson, O., E-mail: olle.eriksson@physics.uu.se [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala (Sweden)

2016-04-15

Highlights: • The electronic structure of CeN is studied within the GGA+DMFT approach using SPTF and Hubbard I approximation. • 4f spectral functions from SPTF and Hubbard I are coupled to explain the various spectroscopic manifestations of CeN. • The calculated XPS and BIS spectra show good agreement with the corresponding experimental spectra. • The contribution of the various l-states and the importance of cross-sections for the photoemission process are analyzed. - Abstract: We have studied in detail the electronic structure of CeN including spin orbit coupling (SOC) and electron–electron interaction, within the dynamical mean-field theory combined with density-functional theory in generalized gradient approximation (GGA+DMFT). The effective impurity problem has been solved through the spin-polarized T-matrix fluctuation-exchange (SPTF) solver and the Hubbard I approximation (HIA). The calculated l-projected atomic partial densities of states and the converged potential were used to obtain the X-ray-photoemission-spectra (XPS) and Bremstrahlung Isochromat spectra (BIS). Following the spirit of Gunnarsson–Schonhammer model, we have coupled the SPTF and HIA 4f spectral functions to explain the various spectroscopic manifestations of CeN. Our computed spectra in such a coupled scheme explain the experimental data remarkably well, establishing the validity of our theoretical model in analyzing the electronic structure of CeN. The contribution of the various l-states in the total spectra and the importance of cross sections are also analyzed in detail.

Quantification of apoptotic DNA fragmentation in a transformed uterine epithelial cell line, HRE-H9, using capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detector (CE-LIF).

Science.gov (United States)

Fiscus, R R; Leung, C P; Yuen, J P; Chan, H C

2001-01-01

Apoptotic cell death of uterine epithelial cells is thought to play an important role in the onset of menstruation and the successful implantation of an embryo during early pregnancy. Abnormal apoptosis in these cells can result in dysmenorrhoea and infertility. In addition, decreased rate of epithelial apoptosis likely contributes to endometriosis. A key step in the onset of apoptosis in these cells is cleavage of the genomic DNA between nucleosomes, resulting in polynucleosomal-sized fragments of DNA. The conventional technique for assessing apoptotic DNA fragmentation uses agarose (slab) gel electrophoresis (i.e. DNA laddering). However, recent technological advances in the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE), particularly the introduction of the laser-induced fluorescence detector (LIF), has made it possible to perform DNA laddering with improved automation and much greater sensitivity. In the present study, we have further developed the CE-LIF technique by using a DNA standard curve to quantify accurately the amount of DNA in the apoptotic DNA fragments and have applied this new quantitative technique to study apoptosis in a transformed uterine epithelial cell line, the HRE-H9 cells. Apoptosis was induced in the HRE-H9 cells by serum deprivation for 5, 7 and 24 h, resulting in increased DNA fragmentation of 2.2-, 3.1- and 6.2-fold, respectively, above the 0 h or plus-serum controls. This ultrasensitive CE-LIF technique provides a novel method for accurately measuring the actions of pro- or anti-apoptotic agents or conditions on uterine epithelial cell lines. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Tuberculosis alters pancreatic enzymes in the absence of pancreatitis

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Modisa S. Motswaledi

2014-10-01

Objective: To compare serum lipase and amylase activity levels in patients with tuberculosis (TB against those of healthy controls. Methods: Serum lipase and amylase activity levels were measured in 99 patients and 143 healthy controls using the Vitros 250 Chemistry analyser. Reference ranges for serum lipase and amylase were 23–300 U/L and 30–110 U/L, respectively. Results: Lipase was higher in patients with MTB than in controls (81.5 IU/L versus 66.5 IU/L, p = 0.006. Similarly, amylase was higher in the MTB patient group (76 IU/L versus 60 IU/L, p < 0.001. The Pearson correlation coefficient for lipase versus amylase (R was higher in the controls (R = 0.351, p < 0.0001 compared with MTB patients (R = 0.217, p = 0.035. Amongst MTB patients, lipase activity correlated positively with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR (R = 0.263, p = 0.013, but not with haemoglobin concentration or treatment duration. A weak inverse correlation was noted between ESR and treatment duration (R = -0.222, p = 0.028. Conclusion: Pancreatic enzyme levels differ between MTB patients and normal controls; however, this difference still lies within the normal range. The concomitant increase of lipase with ESR, an inflammatory marker, could conceivably suggest a causal relationship. Further research is necessary to characterise MTB-derived enzymes for diagnostic and therapeutic utility.

Luminescence and Tb3+-Ce3+-Eu3+ ion energy transfer in single-crystalline films of Tb3Al5O12:Ce,Eu garnet

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zorenko, Y.; Gorbenko, V.; Voznyak, T.; Batentschuk, M.; Osvet, A.; Winnacker, A.

2008-01-01

The paper is devoted to investigation of the processes of excitation energy transfer between the host cations (Tb 3+ ions) and the activators (Ce 3+ and Eu 3+ ions) in single-crystalline films of Tb 3 Al 5 O 12 :Ce,Eu (TbAG:Ce,Eu) garnet which is considered as a promising luminescent material for the conversion of LED's radiation. The cascade process of excitation energy transfer is shown to be realized in TbAG:Ce,Eu: (i) from Tb 3+ ions to Ce 3+ and Eu 3+ ions; (ii) from Ce 3+ ions to Eu 3+ ions by means of dipole-dipole interaction and through Tb 3+ ion sublattice

Scintillation response of BaF2 and YAlO3:Ce (YAP:Ce) to energetic ions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Slunga, E.; Cederwall, B.; Ideguchi, E.; Kerek, A.; Klamra, W.; Marel, J. van der; Novak, D.; Norlin, L.-O.

2001-01-01

The scintillation response of BaF 2 and YAP:Ce to protons, α particles, 16 O and 28 Si ions in the 5-30 MeV range has been investigated. The ratio between the fast and slow parts of the scintillator signal for BaF 2 has been used to separate protons, α particles and heavier ions, and the dependence of this ratio on the particle energy has been studied. The time constants and intensities of the two components of the YAP:Ce signal were measured, as were the time constant and intensity of the weak component of the slow part of the BaF 2 signal. Furthermore, the dependence of the light yield on the particle energy has been investigated for both BaF 2 and YAP:Ce

Influence of CeO{sub 2} NPs on biological phosphorus removal and bacterial community shifts in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor with the differential effects of molecular oxygen

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xu, Yi; Wang, Chao [Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098 (China); College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098 (China); Hou, Jun, E-mail: hhuhjyhj@126.com [Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098 (China); College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098 (China); Wang, Peifang, E-mail: pfwang2005@hhu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098 (China); College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098 (China); You, Guoxiang; Miao, Lingzhan; Lv, Bowen; Yang, Yangyang [Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098 (China); College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098 (China)

2016-11-15

The effects of CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles (CeO{sub 2} NPs) on a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) with established biological phosphorus (P) removal were investigated from the processes of anaerobic P release and aerobic P uptake. At low concentration (0.1 mg/L), no significant impact was observed on total phosphorus (TP) removal after operating for 8 h. However, at a concentration of 20 mg/L, TP removal efficiency decreased from 83.68% to 55.88% and 16.76% when the CeO{sub 2} NPs were added at the beginning of the anaerobic and aerobic periods, respectively. Further studies illustrated that the inhibition of the specific P release rate was caused by the reversible states of Ce{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 4+}, which inhibited the activity of exopolyphosphatase (PPX) and transformation of poly-β-hydoxyalkanoates (PHA) and glycogen, as well as the uptake of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The decrease in the specific P uptake rate was mainly attributed to the significantly suppressed energy generation and decreased abundance of Burkholderia caused by excess reactive oxygen species. The removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was not influenced by CeO{sub 2} NPs under aerobic conditions, due to the increased abundance of Acetobacter and Acidocella after exposure. The inhibitory effects of CeO{sub 2} NPs with molecular oxygen were reduced after anaerobic exposure due to the enhanced particle size and the presence of Ce{sup 3+}. - Highlights: • CeO{sub 2} NPs (20 mg/L) had a notable toxicity effect on P removal in SBBR system. • The deteriorated SPRR was caused by the inhibited key enzyme activity (PPX). • The decreased SPUR was caused by the bacterial community shifts. • Ce ions converting and excess ROS generation are related toxicity mechanisms.

Significance of serum endostatin levels in patients with primary lung cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Peng Qunxin; Ling Chunhua; Ji Cheng

2005-01-01

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the serum level of endostatin and the clinical pathophysiological characteristics in patients with primary lung cancer. Methods: The serum levels of endostatin were detected in 48 patients with primary lung cancer and 50 patients with benign pulmonary diseases by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: Serum endostatin level in patients with primary lung cancer was significantly higher than it in patients with benign pulmonary diseases (P<0.01). It was higher in adenocarcinoma group than that in squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma group (P<0.05). The level of serum endostatin in lung cancer with TNM stage III + IV was higher than that in patients in stage I + II (P<0.01). And it was also higher in patients suffering from lung cancer with metastasis than that in patients with no metastasis (P<0.05). However, there was not a significant relation between serum endostatin level the location of the tumor and lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: Serum endostatin level in expressed higher in patients with primary lung cancer. There is significant relationship between serum endostatin level, histological classification, TNM stage and metastasis of lung cancer. (authors)

Comparison of a neutralization enzyme immunoassay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for evaluation of immune status of children vaccinated for mumps.

Science.gov (United States)

Harmsen, T; Jongerius, M C; van der Zwan, C W; Plantinga, A D; Kraaijeveld, C A; Berbers, G A

1992-01-01

A 50% neutralization enzyme immunoassay (N50-EIA) was compared with an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for determining mumps virus antibodies in three consecutive serum samples from 138 children vaccinated with a live mumps vaccine at the age (in years) of 1.5. By the N50-EIA, most (132 of 138) preserum samples did not show neutralizing activity. Eight to 12 weeks after vaccination, 17 of the children were still negative, but only 7 remained so after 2.5 years, resulting in a seroconversion rate of 125 of 132 (95%). Over the same period, the neutralization geometric mean titer rose from 3.6 to 9.9. By an indirect ELISA, 128 of 138 preserum samples were found negative. The early and late postvaccination sera of 8 children were ELISA negative, resulting in a seroconversion rate of 120 of 128 (94%). Only two children remained seronegative by both methods. Seven of the late postvaccination serum samples yielded noncorresponding results, reflecting 95% correlation between both methods. Due to cross-reactivity with parainfluenza viruses, the ELISA proved to be less specific, but on the other hand, it showed a greater sensitivity than the N50-EIA. PMID:1500523

Heparin interferes with the radioenzymatic and homogeneous enzyme immunoassays for aminoglycosides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krogstad, D.J.; Granich, G.G.; Murray, P.R.; Pfaller, M.A.; Valdes, R.

1981-01-01

Heparin interferes with measurement of aminoglycosides in serum by biological, radioenzymatic, and homogeneous enzyme immunoassay techniques, but not with radioimmunoassay. At concentrations greater than or equal to 10 5 and greater than or equal to 3 X 10 6 USP units/L, respectively, it interferes with the radioenzymatic assay by inhibiting the gentamicin 3-acetyltransferase and kanamycin 6'-acetyltransferase enzymes used in the assay. It interferes with the homogeneous enzyme immunoassays for gentamicin and tobramycin (at concentrations greater than or equal to 10 5 and greater than or equal to10 4 USP units/L, respectively), but not with the commercially available homogeneous enzyme immunoassays for other drugs. Heparin interference with the homogeneous enzyme immunoassay for aminoglycosides requires both the heparin polyanion and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase bound to a cationic aminoglycoside. This interference can be reproduced with dextran sulfate (but not dextran), and does not occur with free enzyme (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) alone. Heparin interference with these two assays and at concentrations that may be present in intravenous infusions or in seriously underfilled blood-collection tubes is described

Determination of the differences in oxidation potentials for the Pr3+/Pr2+ and Ce3+/Ce2+ pairs in halide melts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mikheev, N.B.; Auerman, L.N.; Rumer, I.A.; D'yachkova, R.A.

1983-01-01

Cocrystallization has been used with the (PrOCl)/sub s. ph/ - (PrCl 2 , PrCl 3 , SrCl 2 ) melt system to examine the dependence of the cerium(III) cocrystallization coefficient on the X/sub Pr 2+ /X/sub Pr 3+ / ratio in the melt. Measurement has been made in this way of the difference in oxidation potentials for the pairs Pr 3+ /Pr 2+ and Ce 3+ /Ce 2+ : ΔE/sub Pr 3+ /Pr 2+0 -E/sub Ce 3+ /Ce 2+ / 0 , which is 0.08 +/- 0.04 V for chloride

Optical spectroscopy and luminescence quenching of LuI3:Ce3+

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Birowosuto, M.D.; Dorenbos, P.; Haas, J.T.M. de; Eijk, C.W.E. van; Kraemer, K.W.; Guedel, H.U.

2006-01-01

Optical spectroscopy of LuI 3 doped with Ce 3+ using ultraviolet and visible light excitation is reported. LuI 3 host excitation and emission and 4f-5d excitation and emission of Ce 3+ are observed. An empirical model based on crystal field splitting was used to estimate the energy of the highest 4f-5d excitation band. The crystal field splitting and centroid shift were compared to those of LuCl 3 :Ce 3+ and LuBr 3 :Ce 3+ . Temperature dependence of X-ray excited luminescence spectra shows thermal quenching, whereas that of the decay curve of Ce 3+ emission excited at the lowest 5d band of Ce 3+ does not indicate the presence of quenching of Ce 3+ emission for temperature below 625K. The quenching in LuI 3 :Ce 3+ therefore occurs before the 5d Ce 3+ emission takes place

Luminescence and scintillation properties of LuPO4-Ce nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vistovskyy, V.; Malyy, T.; Pushak, A.; Vas’kiv, A.; Shapoval, A.; Mitina, N.; Gektin, A.; Zaichenko, A.; Voloshinovskii, A.

2014-01-01

Study of the spectral-luminescence parameters of LuPO 4 -Ce nanoparticles upon the excitation by X-ray quanta and synchrotron radiation with photon energies of 4–25 eV was performed. Nanoparticles with mean size about a=35 nm and nanoparticles with size less than 12 nm reveal the different structures of cerium centers. Luminescence efficiency of LuPO 4 -Ce nanoparticles of a 4 -Ce nanoparticles studied using synchrotron and X-ray excitation. • Different structure of Ce 3+ -centers has been revealed for LuPO 4 -Ce nanoparticles. • Luminescence of LuPO 4 -Ce with size less than 12 nm is strongly quenched upon the X-ray excitation

The highest spin discrete levels in 131,132Ce

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paul, E S; Choy, P T W; Andreoiu, C; Boston, A J; Evans, A O; Fox, C; Gros, S; Nolan, P J; Rainovski, G; Sampson, J A; Scraggs, H C; Walker, A; Appelbe, D E; Joss, D T; Simpson, J; Gizon, J; Astier, A; Buforn, N; Prevost, A; Redon, N; Stezowski, O; Nyako, B M; Sohler, D; Timar, J; Zolnai, L; Bazzacco, D; Lunardi, S; Petrache, C M; Bednarczyk, P; Curien, D; Kintz, N; Ragnarsson, I

2006-01-01

The three superdeformed (SD) bands in 132 Ce and the two SD bands in 131 Ce have been extended to higher spin following experiments with the EUROBALL IV spectrometer. The two SD bands in 131 Ce have been linked together. However, despite the relatively high population intensity of the bands (up to 5% of the respective channel), it has not been possible to unambiguously link any of the five SD bands into the low-spin, normally deformed structures of 131,132 Ce

Measurement and purification of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT enzyme activity in patients with celiac disease

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Taghreed U. Mohammed

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Celiac disease (CD is the most common genetically - based disease in correlation with food intolerance. The aim of this study is to measure the activity of ALT enzyme and purify enzyme from sera women with celiac disease. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT activity has been assayed in (30 women serum samples with celiac disease, age range between (20-40 year and (30 serum of healthy women as control group, age range between (22-38 year. In the present study, the mean value of ALT activity was significantly higher in patients with celiac disease than healthy group (p<0.01. The ALT enzyme was partial purified from sera women with celiac disease by dialysis, gel filtration using Sephadex G- 50 and ion exchange chromatography using DEAE- cellulose A-50 . The results showed a single peak by using gel filtration and the activity reached 31-15 U/L .Two isoenzymes were obtained by using ion exchange chromatography and the purity degree of isoenzymse (I, II were (5.7 and (5.53 fold respectively

Using Ce to modify inclusion in spring steel

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Wang Q.

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The effect of rare earth metals addition on the Al2O3 inclusions in spring steel used in fastener of high speed railway was investigated by metallographic examination, SEM-EDS and composition analysis. To deform those harmful inclusions to improve material performance，the evolution process of Al2O3 inclusions was investigated through the surface and line scanning. Ce metal modifying Al2O3 is a stepwise reduction process based on a formation of ring shape Ce-riched band around the Al2O3 inclusions during reaction process. Through experiment and thermodynamic calculation, an evolvement rule about Al2O3 inclusions change after Ce addition is obtained, i.e. Al2O3→Ce2O3-Al2O3→Ce2O2S. Changing the inclusions from Al2O3 to rare earth inclusions could improve the resistance to pitting corrosion based on potentiodynamic anodic polarization test.

Room temperature ferromagnetism in Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Maensiri, Santi; Phokha, Sumalin; Laokul, Paveena; Seraphin, Supapan

2009-11-01

RT ferromagnetism was observed in nanoparticles of Fe-doped CeO2 (i.e., Ce(0.97)Fe(0.03)O2) synthesized by a sol-gel method. The undoped and Fe-doped CeO2 were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, and VSM. The undoped samples and Ce(0.97)Fe(0.03)O2 precursor exhibit a diamagnetic behavior. The 673 K-calcined Ce(0.97)Fe(0.03)O2 sample is paramagnetic whereas 773 and 873 K-calcined Ce(0.97)Fe(0.03)O2 samples are ferromagnetism having the magnetizations of 4.65 x 10(-3) emu/g and 6.20 x 10(-3) emu/g at 10 kOe, respectively. Our results indicate that the ferromagnetic property is intrinsic to the Fe-doped CeO2 system and is not a result of any secondary magnetic phase or cluster formation.

Prognostic value of serum thioredoxin levels in ischemic stroke.

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Tieer; Zhang, Wanli; Lin, Yuanshao; Li, Qian; Xue, Jie; Cai, Zhengyi; Cheng, Yifan; Shao, Bei

2017-11-01

Thioredoxin (Trx) is one of significant antioxidative molecules to diminish oxidative stress. Current evidence suggests that Trx is a potent antioxidant with cytoprotective functions. The aim of our study was to investigate specifically the association between serum Trx levels and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. 198 AIS patients and 75 controls were enrolled to the study. Serum Trx levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Stroke severity was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission. Clinical endpoint was functional outcome measured by Barthel Index (BI) 3 months after admission. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors. We found that serum Trx levels were significantly increased in patients as compared to controls. Serum Trx was an independent biomarker to predict ischemic stroke (OR, 1.264; 95% CI, 1.04-1.537; P = 0.019). In addition, there was a negative correlation between NIHSS score at admission and serum Trx levels in cardioembolic stroke patients (r = -0.422; P = 0.013). Furthermore, higher serum Trx levels in AIS patients were associated with favorable functional outcome. Serum Trx was an independent predictor for the functional outcome (OR, 0.862; 95% CI, 0.75-0.991; P = 0.037). Serum Trx might be as a biomarker of cardioembolic stroke severity. Increased serum Trx levels could be a useful tool to predict good prognosis in patients with AIS.

Synthesis and luminescence of CePO4 and CePO4:Tb hollow and core-shell microspheres composed of single-crystal nanorods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guan Mingyun; Sun Jianhua; Han Min; Xu Zheng; Tao Feifei; Yin Gui; Wei Xianwen; Zhu Jianmin; Jiang Xiqun

2007-01-01

Lanthanide phosphate microspheres composed of single-crystal CePO 4 and CePO 4 :Tb nanorods were successfully synthesized, respectively, using the functionalized composite aggregate as a template, which is composed of P123, H 6 P 4 O 13 and Ce 3+ , and also as a resource of reaction species with high chemical potential. The shape and the phase structure of the CePO 4 nanocrystal can be easily controlled via adjusting reaction temperature, monomer concentration and annealing temperature. SEM images show the spherical superstructure composed of nanorods. HRTEM and SAED images reveal the single-crystalline nature of nanorod and TEM images show the hollow interiors of the superstructure. XRD patterns indicate that the crystal structure of the nanorods is hexagonal before and monoclinic after annealing. The formation mechanism was proposed. Strong UV and green luminescence were observed for the CePO 4 and CePO 4 :Tb microspheres, respectively. The synthesis method can be extended to the fabrication of NRHS and core-shell microspheres of other rare-earth or doped LnPO 4 materials for wide applications

Electrochemical characterization of Pt-CeO{sub 2}/C and Pt-Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2}/C catalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bai, Yuxia; Qiu, Xinping; Xi, Jingyu; Wang, Jianshe; Li, Jinfeng; Zhu, Wentao; Chen, Liquan [Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Wu, Jianjun [Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Department of Chemistry, Shijiazhuang College, Shijiazhuang 050801 (China)

2007-04-24

Pt-CeO{sub 2}/C and a series of Pt-Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2}/C catalyst powders with different Ce/Zr ratio were prepared and evaluated in terms of the electrochemical activity for ethanol electro-oxidation using cyclic voltammetry (CV), steady state polarization experiments and CO-stripping technique at room temperature. XRD results show that Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2} and Pt coexist in the Pt-Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2}/C catalyst and Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2} has no effect on the crystalline lattice of Pt. TEM results show that the Pt and Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2} particles dispersed uniformly over the surface of the carbon black. Cyclic voltammetry results show that the mass activity and specific activity of Pt-CeO{sub 2}/C for ethanol electro-oxidation is higher than that of Pt/C. The structure and Ce/Zr ratio of Pt-Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2}/C has effect on the catalytic activity of catalysts. CO-stripping voltammetry showed that the inclusion of CeO{sub 2} and Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2} favors the CO oxidation at lower potential. (author)

Tetragonal Ce-based Ce-Sm(Fe, Co, Ti){sub 12} alloys for permanent magnets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Martin-Cid, Andres; Salazar, Daniel [BCMaterials, Bizkaia Science and Tecnology Park, 48160 Derio (Spain); Gabay, Aleksandr M.; Hadjipanayis, George C. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716 (United States); Barandiaran, Jose Manuel [BCMaterials, Bizkaia Science and Tecnology Park, 48160 Derio (Spain); Department of Electricity and Electronics, University Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48080 Bilbao (Spain)

2016-12-15

Abundance and relatively low cost of Ce provide a great incentive for its use in rare-earth permanent magnets. It has been recently reported that the tetragonal Ce(Fe,Co,Ti)12 compounds may exhibit application-worthy intrinsic magnetic properties. In this work the effect of the α-Fe phase formation due to the evaporation of Sm during alloy fabrication has been studied, as a previous step in the attempt to convert the intrinsic magnetic properties into functional properties of a permanent magnet. Ce{sub 0.5}Sm{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 9}Co{sub 2}Ti alloys based on the ThMn12-type crystal structure have been synthesized via melt-spinning with different Sm content. Coercive fields between 2.8 and 1.4 kOe have been found for α-Fe phase contents between 8 and 46% in volume, showing the influence of the α-Fe phase on the coercivity and exchange coupling between the hard and soft phase. (copyright 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Carbohydrate-active enzymes in Trichoderma harzianum: a bioinformatic analysis bioprospecting for key enzymes for the biofuels industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Ferreira Filho, Jaire Alves; Horta, Maria Augusta Crivelente; Beloti, Lilian Luzia; Dos Santos, Clelton Aparecido; de Souza, Anete Pereira

2017-10-12

Trichoderma harzianum is used in biotechnology applications due to its ability to produce powerful enzymes for the conversion of lignocellulosic substrates into soluble sugars. Active enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism are defined as carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), and the most abundant family in the CAZy database is the glycoside hydrolases. The enzymes of this family play a fundamental role in the decomposition of plant biomass. In this study, the CAZymes of T. harzianum were identified and classified using bioinformatic approaches after which the expression profiles of all annotated CAZymes were assessed via RNA-Seq, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed. A total of 430 CAZymes (3.7% of the total proteins for this organism) were annotated in T. harzianum, including 259 glycoside hydrolases (GHs), 101 glycosyl transferases (GTs), 6 polysaccharide lyases (PLs), 22 carbohydrate esterases (CEs), 42 auxiliary activities (AAs) and 46 carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs). Among the identified T. harzianum CAZymes, 47% were predicted to harbor a signal peptide sequence and were therefore classified as secreted proteins. The GH families were the CAZyme class with the greatest number of expressed genes, including GH18 (23 genes), GH3 (17 genes), GH16 (16 genes), GH2 (13 genes) and GH5 (12 genes). A phylogenetic analysis of the proteins in the AA9/GH61, CE5 and GH55 families showed high functional variation among the proteins. Identifying the main proteins used by T. harzianum for biomass degradation can ensure new advances in the biofuel production field. Herein, we annotated and characterized the expression levels of all of the CAZymes from T. harzianum, which may contribute to future studies focusing on the functional and structural characterization of the identified proteins.

Gamma radiation effects on liofilized human serum

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Padron Soler, E.; Romay Penabad, Z.; Chavez Ardanza, A.; Hernandez Gonzalez, C.; Martin Gonzalez, O.; Garcia Gonzalez, I.; Prieto Miranda, E.

1995-01-01

Human freeze dried serum was artificially contaminated with Flavobacterium sp. for studying the effects of gamma radiation of it. The radiobiological parameters of the contaminator were determined and the sterilization dose was set. The quality of the product irradiated at both, calculated sterilization dose (8.5 kGy) an another one about 25 kGy was determined. It was made according to: sterility testing, total proteins, pH enzymes (alanina-aminotransferase, aspartato-aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase), protein electrophoresis, fast performance liquid chromatographic and effect on the cellular growth. From the latter was concluded that the calculated sterilization dose was adequate form keeping the biological properties and viability of the irradiated serum. Nevertheless, the dose of 25 k Gy was not adequate because of its dangerous effects on the cell culture

Satellite line mapping in Eu3+–Ce3+ and Pr3+–Ce3+ codoped Y2SiO5

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Serrano, D.; Karlsson, J.; Zheng, L.; Dong, Y.; Ferrier, A.; Goldner, P.; Walther, A.; Rippe, L.; Kröll, S.

2016-01-01

In this work we perform a high-resolution spectroscopic investigation of Eu 3+ –Ce 3+ and Pr 3+ –Ce 3+ codoped Y 2 SiO 5 crystals. Satellite line spectra were recorded at low temperatures around the Eu 3+ : 7 F 0 → 5 D 0 and the Pr 3+ : 3 H 4 → 1 D 2 transitions. It is observed that the incorporation of Ce 3+ as a codopant notably changes the Eu 3+ and Pr 3+ satellite line patterns. Satellite lines measured in singly doped Eu 3+ :Y 2 SiO 5 were found at the same spectral positions in Eu 3+ –Ce 3+ codoped crystals. These coincident lines were concluded to be due to pairs of Eu 3+ ions. Extra satellite lines appeared in the codoped crystals, which were assigned to Ce 3+ related structures such as Ce 3+ –Eu 3+ pairs. The analysis of the Pr 3+ satellite line spectra presents further challenges. Satellite lines associated to Pr 3+ pairs show weaker intensity, presumably due to the efficient quenching of the Pr 3+1 D 2 emission through cross-relaxation paths ( 1 D 2 → 1 G 4 ; 3 H 4 → 3 F 4 ). The investigation of the Eu 3+ and Pr 3+ satellite line patterns in Y 2 SiO 5 is particularly interesting for their exploitation in rare-earth based quantum computation schemes. - Highlights: • We recorded Eu and Pr satellite lines in Y 2 SiO 5 with and without Ce as a codopant. • The presence of Ce leads to the appearance of extra satellite lines in the spectra. • The satellite lines are associated to minor crystal sites such as ion pairs. • Less than 100 ion pairs were detected per satellite line. • The exploitation of the satellite line structure is proposed for quantum computing.

Serum myostatin is reduced in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

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Der-Sheng Han

Full Text Available Myostatin is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass and may also modulate energy metabolism secondarily. We aim to investigate the relationship between serum myostatin and the metabolic variables in diabetic (DM and non-diabetic subjects.A cross-sectional study recruiting 246 consecutive DM patients and 82 age- and gender-matched non-diabetic individuals at a medical center was conducted. The variables of anthropometry and blood chemistry were obtained. Serum myostatin level was measured with enzyme immunoassay.DM group had lower serum myostatin compared with non-diabetics (7.82 versus 9.28 ng/ml, p<0.01. Sixty-two percent of the recruited individuals had metabolic syndrome (MetS. The patients with MetS had significantly lower serum myostatin than those without (7.39 versus 9.49 ng/ml, p<0.001. The serum myostatin level decreased with increasing numbers of the MetS components (p for trend<0.001. The patients with higher body mass index, larger abdominal girth, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, and higher triglycerides had lower serum myostatin than those without. The serum myostatin level was independently negatively related to larger abdominal girth, higher triglycerides, and lower HDL-C after adjustment. The odds ratios for MetS, central obesity, low HDL-C, high triglycerides, and DM were 0.85, 0.88, 0.89, 0.85, and 0.92, respectively, when serum myostatin increased per 1 ng/mL, in the binary logistic regression models.Lower serum myostatin independently associated with MetS, central obesity, low HDL-C, and high triglycerides after adjustment. Higher serum myostatin is associated with favorable metabolic profiles.

Method for removing trace contaminants from multicurie amounts of 144Ce

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wagner, J.A.; Kanapilly, G.M.

1976-01-01

Removal of contaminants from stock solutions of 144 Ce(III) was required for large quantities of 144 Ce prior to incorporation into fused aluminosilicate particles for inhalation toxicology studies. Since available procedures for purification of 144 Ce could not be readily adapted to our laboratory conditions and requirements, a simple procedure was developed to purify 144 Ce in multicurie quantities of 144 Ce(III). This procedure consists of separation of 144 Ce from contaminants by precipitation and filtrations at different pH. Its simplicity and efficacy in providing a stock solution that would readily exchange into montmorillonite clay was demonstrated when it was used during the preparation of large amounts of 144 Ce in fused aluminosilicate particles

Radioenzymatic assay for trimethoprim in very small serum samples.

OpenAIRE

Yogev, R; Melick, C; Tan-Pong, L

1985-01-01

A modification of the methotrexate radioassay kit (supplied by New England Enzyme Center) enabled determination of trimethoprim levels in 5-microliter serum samples. An excellent correlation between this assay and high-pressure liquid chromatography assay was found. These preliminary results suggest that with this method rapid determination of trimethoprim levels in very small samples (5 to 10 microliters) can be achieved.

Radioenzymatic assay for trimethoprim in very small serum samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yogev, R.; Melick, C.; Tan-Pong, L.

1985-01-01

A modification of the methotrexate radioassay kit (supplied by New England Enzyme Center) enabled determination of trimethoprim levels in 5-microliter serum samples. An excellent correlation between this assay and high-pressure liquid chromatography assay was found. These preliminary results suggest that with this method rapid determination of trimethoprim levels in very small samples (5 to 10 microliters) can be achieved

Screening and Identifying a Novel ssDNA Aptamer against Alpha-fetoprotein Using CE-SELEX

Science.gov (United States)

Dong, Lili; Tan, Qiwen; Ye, Wei; Liu, Dongli; Chen, Haifeng; Hu, Hongwei; Wen, Duo; Liu, Yang; Cao, Ya; Kang, Jingwu; Fan, Jia; Guo, Wei; Wu, Weizhong

2015-01-01

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a liver cancer associated protein and has long been utilized as a serum tumor biomarker of disease progression. AFP is usually detected in HCC patients by an antibody based system. Recently, however, aptamers generated from systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) were reported to have an alternative potential in targeted imaging, diagnosis and therapy. In this study, AFP-bound ssDNA aptamers were screened and identified using capillary electrophoresis (CE) SELEX technology. After cloning, sequencing and motif analysis, we successfully confirmed an aptamer, named AP273, specifically targeting AFP. The aptamer could be used as a probe in AFP immunofluorescence imaging in HepG2, one AFP positive cancer cell line, but not in A549, an AFP negative cancer cell line. More interesting, the aptamer efficiently inhibited the migration and invasion of HCC cells after in vivo transfection. Motif analysis revealed that AP273 had several stable secondary motifs in its structure. Our results indicate that CE-SELEX technology is an efficient method to screen specific protein-bound ssDNA, and AP273 could be used as an agent in AFP-based staining, diagnosis and therapy, although more works are still needed. PMID:26497223

Sonocatalytic degradation of diclofenac with FeCeOx particles in water.

Science.gov (United States)

Chong, Shan; Zhang, Guangming; Wei, Zhongheng; Zhang, Nan; Huang, Ting; Liu, Yucan

2017-01-01

This paper studies the sonocatalytic degradation of diclofenac in water using FeCeO x -catalyzed ultrasound. The effects of pre-adsorption and gas addition were investigated. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption, SEM, XRD, Raman and XPS analyses of FeCeO x before and after sonication were characterized. The proposed mechanism was based on the microstructure changes of FeCeO x and reactive-species-scavenging performances. The results show that FeCeO x has excellent performance in catalyzing an ultrasonic system in water, and 80% of diclofenac was removed in 30min ([Diclofenac]=20mg/L, FeCeO x amount=0.5g/L, pH=6, ultrasonic density=3.0W/cm 3 , ultrasonic frequency=20kHz, temperature=298K). The Fe, Ce, and O elements remained highly dispersed in the structure of FeCeO x , and the solid solution structure of FeCeO x remained stable after the reaction. Ce (III) was gradually oxidized to Ce (IV) and Fe (III) was gradually reduced to Fe (II) after the reaction, which indicates that Fe and Ce ions with different valences coexisted in dynamic equilibrium. The amount of oxygen vacancies in FeCeO x significantly decreased after the reaction, which indicates that oxygen vacancy participated in the ultrasonic process. Singlet oxygen 1 O 2 was the primary reactive species in the degradation process, and the hydroxyl radicals OH and superoxide radical anion O 2 - also participated in the reaction. FeCeO x had excellent chemical stability with negligible leaching ions in the ultrasonic process. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Serum glutathione transferase does not respond to indole-3-carbinol: A pilot study

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Daniel R McGrath

2010-05-01

Full Text Available Daniel R McGrath1, Hamid Frydoonfar2, Joshua J Hunt3, Chris J Dunkley3, Allan D Spigelman41Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich, UK; 2Hunter Pathology Service, New South Wales; 3Royal Newcastle Centre, Newcastle; 4St Vincent’s Clinical School, Sydney, AustraliaBackground: Despite the well recognized protective effect of cruciferous vegetables against various cancers, including human colorectal cancers, little is known about how this effect is conferred. It is thought that some phytochemicals found only in these vegetables confer the protection. These compounds include the glucosinolates, of which indole-3-carbinol is one. They are known to induce carcinogen-metabolizing (phase II enzymes, including the glutathione S-transferase (GST family. Other effects in humans are not well documented. We wished to assess the effect of indole-3-carbinol on GST enzymes.Methods: We carried out a placebo-controlled human volunteer study. All patients were given 400 mg daily of indole-3-carbinol for three months, followed by placebo. Serum samples were tested for the GSTM1 genotype by polymerase chain reaction. Serum GST levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western Blot methodologies.Results: Forty-nine volunteers completed the study. GSTM1 genotypes were obtained for all but two volunteers. A slightly greater proportion of volunteers were GSTM1-positive, in keeping with the general population. GST was detected in all patients. Total GST level was not affected by indole-3-carbinol dosing compared with placebo. Although not statistically significant, the GSTM1 genotype affected the serum GST level response to indole-3-carbinol.Conclusion: Indole-3-carbinol does not alter total serum GST levels during prolonged dosing.Keywords: pilot study, colorectal cancer, glutathione transferase, human, indole-3-carbinol

Core-level XPS studies of Ce and La intermetallic compounds and their implications for the 4f levels of Ce compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Freiburg, C.; Fuggle, J.C.; Hillebrecht, F.U.; Zolnierek, Z.; Laesser, R.

1983-01-01

The 3d core hole X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) of approximately 30 intermetallic compounds of La and Ce are reported. Transitions to final states with approximately f 0 , f 1 and f 2 character are observed in some Ce compounds (f 0 and f 1 for La compounds). The results are discussed in terms of the current ideas of the influence of f-counts and f-levels hybridization on core level lineshapes. We cannot find an explanatoin of the observed spectra consisted with the ''promotial model'' where the 4f-count varies and 4f electron was thought to be entirely promoted to the Ce 5d6s valence bands in some compounds. There may be some small charge transfer from the f level, however. In conjunction with ideas on screening processes in XPS the observed lineshapes suggest coupling of the 4f electrons to other states is strongest in those compounds previously thought to have f 0 character. This coupling increases despite a large increase in the Ce-Ce distance when Ce is diluted with Ni or Pd. Thus it cannot be due to direct f-f interaction and must be attributed to coupling with the other valence electrons; possibly those centred on the partner sites. (orig./EZ) [de

The role of calcification for staging cystic echinococcosis (CE)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hosch, Waldemar; Kauffmann, Guenter W. [University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Radiology, Heidelberg (Germany); Stojkovic, Marija; Junghanss, Thomas [University Hospital of Heidelberg, Section of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Heidelberg (Germany); Jaenisch, Thomas [University Hospital of Heidelberg, Section of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Heidelberg (Germany); University Hospital of Heidelberg, Section of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Heidelberg (Germany)

2007-10-15

The prevalence of calcified cysts and the significance of calcification as a sign of cyst inactivity in cystic echinococcosis (CE) was evaluated. Seventy-eight patients (36 females, 42 males, mean age 40.8 {+-} 16.9 years) with CE, having a total of 137 abdominal cysts (116 hepatic, three splenic, one renal and 17 peritoneal cysts), were diagnosed and followed-up by ultrasound during and after albendazole treatment or as part of the watch-and-wait approach recording changes in the cyst wall and content. In 48 patients with 94 cysts, computed tomography (CT) imaging was additionally available and was correlated with ultrasound findings. Cyst wall calcification was classified into (1) ''sprinkled'', (2) ''eggshell-like'', and (3) ''circular''. Calcification of the cyst wall and/or cyst content was detected in 67 echinococcal cysts (48.9% of all cysts) in 39 patients (15 females, 24 males, mean age 40.8 {+-} 14.8 years). Of the total of 67 calcified cysts, only 23 were compatible with WHO type CE5, 18 with WHO type CE4. Judged by cyst content, the remaining 26 were of WHO type CE1, CE2 and CE3 (n = 1, n = 8, and n = 17, respectively). During a mean period of 34.3 months ({+-}21.3 months) the majority of cysts (n = 32) did not exhibit any change in cyst content and wall properties. Fourteen cysts showed signs of progressive involution, five cysts (all of WHO type CE3) of renewed activity defined by recurring fluid collection. In 16 cysts, no follow-up was available due to surgery or drop out. Calcification of the cyst is not restricted to the inactive WHO cyst types CE4 and CE5, but occurs in all stages and in up to 50% of cysts. The completeness and, most importantly, the stability of consolidation of cyst content over time predicts cyst inactivity more reliably. (orig.)

A Robust, Enzyme-Free Glucose Sensor Based on Lysine-Assisted CuO Nanostructures

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Qurrat-ul-Ain Baloach

2016-11-01

Full Text Available The production of a nanomaterial with enhanced and desirable electrocatalytic properties is of prime importance, and the commercialization of devices containing these materials is a challenging task. In this study, unique cupric oxide (CuO nanostructures were synthesized using lysine as a soft template for the evolution of morphology via a rapid and boiled hydrothermal method. The morphology and structure of the synthesized CuO nanomaterial were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD, respectively. The prepared CuO nanostructures showed high potential for use in the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose in an alkaline medium. The proposed enzyme-free glucose sensor demonstrated a robust response to glucose with a wide linear range and high sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and reproducibility. To explore its practical feasibility, the glucose content of serum samples was successfully determined using the enzyme-free sensor. An analytical recovery method was used to measure the actual glucose from the serum samples, and the results were satisfactory. Moreover, the presented glucose sensor has high chemical stability and can be reused for repetitive measurements. This study introduces an enzyme-free glucose sensor as an alternative tool for clinical glucose quantification.

Efficient evaluation of humoral immune responses by the use of serum pools

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sternbæk, Louise; Draborg, Anette H.; Nielsen, Christoffer T.

2017-01-01

has considered using serum pools as a quick and efficient screening method to confirm or deny hypotheses. Methods We created serum pools from four different patient groups (systemic lupus erythematosus n = 85, rheumatoid arthritis n = 77, Sjögren's syndrome n = 91, systemic sclerosis n = 66) and one......Background Collection and testing of individual serum samples are often used in research to gain knowledge about e.g. the humoral response against bacteria or virus. This is a valid but time-consuming method and might be a waste of valuable serum samples for inefficient research. So far, no study...... healthy control group (n = 67). Each serum pool was analyzed using three well-known immunoassays: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), line blot, and immunofluorescence microscopy (anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) screening). The presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) EA/D-, EBNA-1-, VCA p23-, and gp350...

Genetic, anatomic, and clinical determinants of human serum sterol and vitamin D levels.

Science.gov (United States)

Stiles, Ashlee R; Kozlitina, Julia; Thompson, Bonne M; McDonald, Jeffrey G; King, Kevin S; Russell, David W

2014-09-23

An unknown fraction of the genome participates in the metabolism of sterols and vitamin D, two classes of lipids with diverse physiological and pathophysiological roles. Here, we used mass spectrometry to measure the abundance of >60 sterol and vitamin D derivatives in 3,230 serum samples from a well-phenotyped patient population. Twenty-nine of these lipids were detected in a majority of samples at levels that varied over thousands of fold in different individuals. Pairwise correlations between sterol and vitamin D levels revealed evidence for shared metabolic pathways, additional substrates for known enzymes, and transcriptional regulatory networks. Serum levels of multiple sterols and vitamin D metabolites varied significantly by sex, ethnicity, and age. A genome-wide association study identified 16 loci that were associated with levels of 19 sterols and 25-hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D (P < 10(-7)). Resequencing, expression analysis, and biochemical experiments focused on one such locus (CYP39A1), revealed multiple loss-of-function alleles with additive effects on serum levels of the oxysterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, a substrate of the encoded enzyme. Body mass index, serum lipid levels, and hematocrit were strong phenotypic correlates of interindividual variation in multiple sterols and vitamin D metabolites. We conclude that correlating population-based analytical measurements with genotype and phenotype provides productive insight into human intermediary metabolism.

CE-MS fingerprinting of Laurencia complex algae (Rhodophyta).

Science.gov (United States)

Machín-Sánchez, María; Asensio-Ramos, María; Hernández-Borges, Javier; Gil-Rodríguez, María Candelaria

2014-03-01

The use of CE-ESI-MS has been considered as a new chemical strategy for the possible discernment of genera and species of the Laurencia complex. After the selection of the CE-MS and the extraction conditions, a total of 28 specimens of the complex, including different species of four genera (Laurencia, Laurenciella, Palisada, and Osmundea) collected from five intertidal locations on the Island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) were analyzed. CE-MS fingerprints revealed that CE-MS can be used as a useful tool for these studies in order to assess similarities and differences between them and that it constitutes an important starting point for further studies in the field. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The equiatomic intermetallics REPtCd (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu) and magnetic properties of CeAuCd

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Johnscher, Michael; Niehaus, Oliver; Poettgen, Rainer [Muenster Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Anorganische und Analytische Chemie; Tappe, Frank [Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt, Hamm (Germany)

2015-06-01

The cadmium intermetallics REPtCd (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu) and CeAuCd were synthesized by induction-melting of the elements in sealed niobium ampoules followed by annealing in muffle furnaces. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. The structures of CePtCd (ZrNiAl type, P anti 62m, a = 763.8(6), c = 409.1(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0195, 298 F{sup 2} values, 14 variables) and EuPtCd (TiNiSi type, Pnma, a = 741.3(2), b = 436.4(1), c = 858.0(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0385, 440 F{sup 2} values, 20 variables) were refined from single-crystal data. The REPtCd structures exhibit three-dimensional networks of corner- and edge-sharing Cd rate at Pt{sub 2/6}Pt{sub 2/3} and Cd rate at Pt{sub 4/4} tetrahedra, which leave cages for the rare earth atoms. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility data of CeAuCd reveal a paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic phase transition at T{sub N} = 3.7(5) K.

The equiatomic intermetallics REPtCd (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu) and magnetic properties of CeAuCd

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Johnscher, Michael; Niehaus, Oliver; Poettgen, Rainer

2015-01-01

The cadmium intermetallics REPtCd (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu) and CeAuCd were synthesized by induction-melting of the elements in sealed niobium ampoules followed by annealing in muffle furnaces. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. The structures of CePtCd (ZrNiAl type, P anti 62m, a = 763.8(6), c = 409.1(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0195, 298 F 2 values, 14 variables) and EuPtCd (TiNiSi type, Pnma, a = 741.3(2), b = 436.4(1), c = 858.0(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0385, 440 F 2 values, 20 variables) were refined from single-crystal data. The REPtCd structures exhibit three-dimensional networks of corner- and edge-sharing Cd rate at Pt 2/6 Pt 2/3 and Cd rate at Pt 4/4 tetrahedra, which leave cages for the rare earth atoms. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility data of CeAuCd reveal a paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic phase transition at T N = 3.7(5) K.

Detection of Candida albicans Sap2 in cancer patient serum samples by an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of candidiasis

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Yicun Wang

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Background: The secreted aspartyl proteinases 2 (Sap2 of Candida albicans (C. albicans is a potential marker of candididasis. It is a virulence factor associated with adherence and tissue invasion. Aim: In order to detect Sap2 in clinical sera, we developed an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA. Materials and Methods: Polyclonal antibodies were produced for Sap2 by injecting Sap2 into a New Zealand White inbred rabbit. They could be used at a dilution exceeding 1:1200 in an indirect ELISA, and detected Sap2 concentration up to 1 ng/mL. Results: Of the 286 cancer serum samples tested, 16.8% were found as candidiasis. The test was simple and economical to perform and had a level of sensitivity for detection of low-titer positive sera; thus, it may be proven to be of value in epidemiological studies on candidiasis.

Schistosome circulating anodic antigen in serum of individuals infected with Schistosoma japonicum from the Philippines before and after chemotherapy with praziquantel

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van 't Wout, A. B.; de Jonge, N.; Tiu, W. U.; Garcia, E. E.; Mitchell, G. F.; Deelder, A. M.

1992-01-01

The presence of the schistosome circulating anodic antigen (CAA) in serum of patients infected with Schistosoma japonicum from The Philippines has been investigated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum samples were tested from 48 patients who excreted S. japonicum eggs, 9

Enzyme alterations in mediastine during and after radiotherapy. 2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alheit, H.D.; Alheit, C.; Herrmann, T.

1986-01-01

Results are presented estimating the serum activity of transaminases (ASAT and ALAT) in 72 patients after mediastinal irradiation. During and after mediastinal irradiation both enzymes showed essentially a parallel reaction. One day after irradiation a decrease of enzymes in patients who were irradiated with high single dosis (5 Gy) was observed, while patients irradiated with low or middle single dosis showed an increase of enzyme activity. A different temporal enzyme reaction is discussed to be the cause for this reaction in dependence on the applied single dose so that in patients with high single doses an initial enzyme increase caused by the radiation insult has changed into a following decrease under the starting level at the first control 24 hours later. Because patients without mediastinal tumors react in the same manner, the normal tissue surrounding the tumor is discussed to be the original place of enzyme secretion. Up to the end of irradiation a decrease of enzymes was observed in patients with high single dose or with high total dose (60 Gy) which is interpreted as an enzyme deficiency in tissue in consequence of destruction in formation places. In patients with middle total and low single doses an enzyme increase is registered with a still sufficient restoration capacity of the tissue discussed to be the cause of it. An enzyme increase, observed from the end of irradiation to the control date 3 to 6 months after irradiation, is mainly caused by a tumor progression (increased rate of liver metastases, especially in bronchial carcinoma) and can still be intensified by occurrence of pulmonal or cardiac radioreactions. (author)

Sr2CeO4: Electronic and structural properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rocha, Leonardo A.; Schiavon, Marco A.; Nascimento, Clebio S.; Guimarães, Luciana; Góes, Márcio S.; Pires, Ana M.; Paiva-Santos, Carlos O.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Sr 2 CeO 4 it was obtained from the heat treatment of Ce 3+ -doped strontium oxalate. • Rietveld analysis made it possible to obtain information about crystalline structure. • Experimental band gap value was compared with theoretical obtained by Sparkle/PM7. • The materials obtained shows intense photoluminescence and scintillator properties. - Abstract: This work presents on the preparation and photoluminescent properties of Sr 2 CeO 4 obtained from the heat treatment of Ce(III)-doped strontium oxalate (10, 25 and 33 mol%). The oxalate precursors were heat treated at 1100 °C for 12 h. The structure of this photoluminescent material was evaluated by the Rietveld method. The route used in this work to prepare the materials showed to be viable when compared to other synthesis reported in the literature. The Sr 2 CeO 4 material showed a broad and intense band emission with a maximum around 485 nm. The quantitative phase analysis showed that the Sr 2 CeO 4 photoluminescent phase is the majority one compared to the impurity phases of SrCeO 3 and SrCO 3 . From all results it was possible to verify a complete elimination of the CeO 2 phase for the sample obtained from the heat treatment of oxalate precursor containing 33 mol% of cerium(III). The material showed excellent properties for possible candidate as scintillator materials, and in the improvement of efficiency of solar cells when excited in the UV–vis region. The CIE chromaticity diagram it is also reported in this work

Correlation of secretory phospholipase-A2 activity and fatty acids in cerebrospinal fluid with liver enzymes tests

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sepideh Ghodoosifar

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Introduction: The aim was to determine whether secretory phospholipase-A2 (sPLA2 activity and fatty acids in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF are correlated with liver enzymes tests. Methods: CSF and serum samples were collected from 49 patients (age 18-65 as part of routine diagnostic testing. Along with serum liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP, the fatty acid composition of CSF was measured by gas liquid chromatography. CSF enzyme activities of sPLA2 were measured using the standard assay with diheptanoyl thio-phosphatidylcholin as substrate. Results: The saturated fatty acids (SFAs including palmitic acid and stearic acid were positively, and the unsaturated fatty acids including oleic acid and linoleic acid were negatively correlated with liver enzymes tests. In regression analysis with adjustment for body mass index (BMI, the elevated liver enzymes tests were positively associated with activity of sPLA2 (β > 0.31, P 0.38, P < 0.010 and negatively with total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs (β < -0.40, P < 0.001 contents of CSF. Conclusion: CSF activity of sPLA2 and fatty acids may be linked to peripheral markers of liver function, suggesting an indirect impact of central fatty acids on hepatocytes function and metabolism.

DNA topology influences molecular machine lifetime in human serum

Science.gov (United States)

Goltry, Sara; Hallstrom, Natalya; Clark, Tyler; Kuang, Wan; Lee, Jeunghoon; Jorcyk, Cheryl; Knowlton, William B.; Yurke, Bernard; Hughes, William L.; Graugnard, Elton

2015-06-01

DNA nanotechnology holds the potential for enabling new tools for biomedical engineering, including diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. However, applications for DNA devices are thought to be limited by rapid enzymatic degradation in serum and blood. Here, we demonstrate that a key aspect of DNA nanotechnology--programmable molecular shape--plays a substantial role in device lifetimes. These results establish the ability to operate synthetic DNA devices in the presence of endogenous enzymes and challenge the textbook view of near instantaneous degradation.DNA nanotechnology holds the potential for enabling new tools for biomedical engineering, including diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. However, applications for DNA devices are thought to be limited by rapid enzymatic degradation in serum and blood. Here, we demonstrate that a key aspect of DNA nanotechnology--programmable molecular shape--plays a substantial role in device lifetimes. These results establish the ability to operate synthetic DNA devices in the presence of endogenous enzymes and challenge the textbook view of near instantaneous degradation. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: DNA sequences, fluorophore and quencher properties, equipment design, and degradation studies. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr02283e

Preparation and characterization of Ce-doped HfO2 nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gálvez-Barboza, S.; González, L.A.; Puente-Urbina, B.A.; Saucedo-Salazar, E.M.; García-Cerda, L.A.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Ce-doped HfO 2 nanoparticles were prepared by a modified solgel method. • Ce-doped HfO 2 nanoparticles have a semispherical shape with sizes between 6 and 11.5 nm. • The samples doped with 10% in weight of Ce directly crystallized in a cubic structure. • A quick, straightforward and effective route for the preparation of Ce-doped nanoparticles. - Abstract: A modified solgel method to synthesize Ce-doped HfO 2 nanoparticles was carried out using a precursor material prepared with cerium nitrate, hafnium chloride, citric acid and ethylene glycol. The obtained precursor material was calcined at 500 and 700 °C for 2 h in air. The influence of the concentration of Ce and the calcination temperature was studied to observe the structural and morphological changes of the obtained materials. For the characterization, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman scattering (RS) were employed. The XRD patterns shown that the Ce-doped HfO 2 undergoes a structural transformation from monoclinic to cubic phase, which is significantly dependent on the Ce content and calcination temperature. TEM images have also confirmed the existence of semispherical nanoparticles with sizes between 6 and 11.5 nm

Validation of enzyme immunoassay applied to the serological diagnosis of hog brucellosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramondino, Romina; Marticorena, Damian

1997-01-01

The application of an enzyme immunization test in the serological diagnostic of a disease demands its validation as a previous stage. A test validation requires to know: cut off, diagnostic and relative specificity and sensitivity and harmonization grade between the new test and the classical test in use. The purpose of this work is the following: a) To determine the cut off and to calculate the specificity of two immunization tests, indirect (I-ELISA) and competitive (C-ELISA) by the analysis of serum coming from Canada (country free of this disease); b) To calculate the values of relative sensitivity of the tests with serum coming from infected populations and diagnostic sensitivity with samples of serum from hogs with positive isolation to Brucella suis

The formation of intermetallic compounds during interdiffusion of Mg–Al/Mg–Ce diffusion couples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dai, Jiahong; Jiang, Bin; Li, Xin; Yang, Qingshan; Dong, Hanwu; Xia, Xiangsheng; Pan, Fusheng

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: Al–Ce intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed in Mg–Al/Mg–Ce diffusion couples. During the whole diffusion process, Al was the dominant diffusing species, and it substituted for Mg atoms of the Mg–Ce substrate. Five Al–Ce IMCs of Al 4 Ce, Al 11 Ce 3 , Al 3 Ce, Al 2 Ce, and AlCe were formed via the reaction of Al and Ce. - Highlights: • Al–Ce IMCs formation in the Mg–Al/Mg–Ce diffusion couples was studied. • Formation of Al 4 Ce as the first phase was rationalized using the Gibbs free energy. • The activation energy for the growth of the diffusion reaction zones was 36.6 kJ/mol. - Abstract: The formation of Al–Ce intermetallic compounds (IMCs) during interdiffusion of Mg–Al/Mg–Ce diffusion couples prepared by solid–liquid contact method was investigated at 623 K, 648 K and 673 K for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. During the whole diffusion process, Al was the dominant diffusing species, and it substituted for Mg of the Mg–Ce substrate. Five Al–Ce IMCs of Al 4 Ce, Al 11 Ce 3 , Al 3 Ce, Al 2 Ce and AlCe were formed via the reaction of Al and Ce. The formation of Al 4 Ce as the first kind of IMC was rationalized on the basis of an effective Gibbs free energy model. The activation energy for the growth of the total diffusion reaction layer was 36.6 kJ/mol

Experimental investigation and thermodynamic calculation of the Zn–Fe–Ce system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lu, Longfei; Wu, Changjun [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Materials Surface Science and Technology, Changzhou University, Jiangsu 213164 (China); Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovolatic Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Jiangsu 213164 (China); Wang, Jianhua, E-mail: wangjh@cczu.edu.cn [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Materials Surface Science and Technology, Changzhou University, Jiangsu 213164 (China); Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovolatic Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Jiangsu 213164 (China); Liu, Ya; Tu, Hao; Su, Xuping [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Materials Surface Science and Technology, Changzhou University, Jiangsu 213164 (China); Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovolatic Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Jiangsu 213164 (China)

2015-11-05

The 450 °C and 600 °C isothermal sections of the Zn–Fe–Ce system were investigated using equilibrated alloys and diffusion couples. The samples were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer analysis and X-ray power diffraction. 15 and 13 three-phase regions were identified to exist at 450 °C and 600 °C, respectively. No ternary compound was found. Ce can not dissolve into all the Zn–Fe binary compounds and the solubilities of Fe in all the Zn–Ce binary phases were limited. All the Zn–Fe compounds can equilibrate with CeZn{sub 11} and all the Ce–Zn compounds (except CeZn) can equilibrate with α-Fe. Furthermore, thermodynamic extrapolation of the Zn–Fe–Ce system was carried out and showed good agreement well with detected phase relationships. - Highlights: • 450 °C and 600 °C sections of the Zn–Fe–Ce system were constructed. • No ternary compound exists. • Ce can not dissolve into all the Zn–Fe compounds. • All the Fe–Zn compounds can equilibrate with CeZn{sub 11}. • Thermodynamic extrapolation results agree with experimental data.

Mechanochemical and combustion synthesis of CeB{sub 6}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Akguen, Baris [Roketsan Missiles Inc., Ankara (Turkey); Sevinc, Naci; Topkaya, Yavuz [Middle East Technical Univ., Ankara (Turkey). Dept. of Metallurgical and Materials Engineerung; Camurlu, H. Erdem [Akdeniz Univ., Antalya (Turkey). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

2013-04-15

CeB{sub 6} powder was prepared via combustion synthesis (CS) and mechanochemical processing (MCP) methods starting from CeO{sub 2}, B{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Mg powder mixtures. In CS, reactant mixtures were ignited in a preheated pot furnace under argon atmosphere. Products contained CeB{sub 6}, MgO and Mg{sub 3}B{sub 2}O{sub 6}, as revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis. After leaching in 1 M HCl for 15h, MgO was removed but Mg{sub 3}B{sub 2}O{sub 6} could not be removed from the products. Ball milling of products in ethanol prior to leaching made the removal of Mg{sub 3}B{sub 2}O{sub 6} possible by leaching. Yield of CeB{sub 6} was 68.6% in CS. MCP was performed in a stainless steel vial with a planetary ball mill at 300 rpm for 30h. MCP products contained CeB{sub 6}, MgO and small amount of Fe. Leaching in 1 M HCl for 30min was sufficient to remove MgO. Yield of CeB{sub 6} was 84.4% in MCP. According to scanning electron microscopy examinations, particles of CeB6 prepared by CS and MCP had submicrometer size. Average particle sizes were determined as 290nm and 240nm, respectively.

Adsorption process of fluoride from drinking water with magnetic core-shell Ce-Ti@Fe3O4 and Ce-Ti oxide nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Abo Markeb, Ahmad; Alonso, Amanda; Sánchez, Antoni; Font, Xavier

2017-11-15

Synthesized magnetic core-shell Ce-Ti@Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were tested, as an adsorbent, for fluoride removal and the adsorption studies were optimized. Adsorption capacity was compared with the synthesized Ce-Ti oxide nanoparticles. The adsorption equilibrium for the Ce-Ti@Fe 3 O 4 adsorbent was found to occur in cycles of adsorption-desorption. Although the nanoparticles suffer slight structure modifications after their reusability, they keep their adsorption capacity. Likewise, the efficiency of the Ce-Ti@Fe 3 O 4 was demonstrated when applied to real water to obtain a residual concentration of F - below the maximum contaminated level, 1.5mg/L (WHO, 2006). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Different Profile of Serum Leptin between Early Onset and Late Onset Preeclampsia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Saeedeh Salimi

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Aim. This study was designed to clarify the role of leptin and adiponectin in preeclampsia (PE pathogenesis and different subtypes of preeclampsia. Method. This case control study was performed in 45 PE patients and 45 healthy controls matched for age, BMI, and ethnicity. Serum leptin and adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA. Results. Maternal serum leptin and adiponectin were significantly higher in PE women than controls. Serum leptin was elevated in early onset preeclampsia (EOPE and late onset preeclampsia (LOPE compared to controls. Among PE patients, serum leptin was higher in EOPE than LOPE women. However, serum adiponectin was not different between EOPE and LOPE women. The serum leptin was significantly higher in severe PE than mild PE. The serum adiponectin was significantly elevated in severe PE compared to controls. Significant positive correlation was observed between leptin and adiponectin and also between leptin and BMI in controls. Moreover significant positive correlation was observed between adiponectin and BMI in PE patients and controls. Conclusion. The present study showed that serum leptin level may play a significant role as a biomarker to differentiate early and late onset PE and also its relation to BMI and severity of disease.

Photodynamic Processes in Fluoride Crystals Doped with Ce3+

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pavlov V.V.

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Integrated studies of photoelectric phenomena and their associated photodynamic processes in LiCaAlF6, LiLuF4, LiYF4, LiY0,5Lu0,5F4, SrAlF5 crystals doped with Ce3+ ions have been carried out using the combination of the methods of optical and dielectric spectroscopy. The numerical values of the basic parameters of photodynamic processes and their spectral dependence in 240 – 310 nm spectral range are evaluated. It has been shown that the most probable process, which leads to the photoionization of Ce3+ ions in LiYxLu1-xF4:Ce3+ (x=0; 0,5; 1 and LiCaAlF6:Ce3+ crystals, is excited-state absorption to the states of mixed configurations of Ce3+ ions localized near/in the conduction band of crystal.

Characterizations of electrodeposited Ni–CeO{sub 2} nanocomposite coatings

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kasturibai, S., E-mail: s.kasturibai@yahoo.co.in [Department of Chemistry, Alagappa Government Arts College, Karaikudi 630 003, Tamilnadu (India); Advanced Nanocomposite Coatings Laboratory, Department of Industrial Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630 003, Tamilnadu (India); Kalaignan, G. Paruthimal, E-mail: pkalaignan@yahoo.com [Advanced Nanocomposite Coatings Laboratory, Department of Industrial Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630 003, Tamilnadu (India)

2014-10-15

The expansion of current machinery requires metallic materials with better surface properties. In the present investigation, CeO{sub 2} reinforced nickel nanocomposite coatings were deposited on mild steel substrate by direct current electrodeposition process employing nickel acetate bath. The effect of incorporation of CeO{sub 2} particles in the Ni nanocomposite coatings on the micro hardness and corrosion behaviour has been evaluated. Smooth and compact nanocomposite deposits containing well-distributed cerium oxide particles were obtained. The crystallite structure was fcc for electrodeposited nickel and Ni–CeO{sub 2} nanocomposite coatings. It has been observed that, the presence of CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles favours the [111] and [200] texture of nickel matrix. The co-deposition of CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles with nickel was found to be favoured at applied current density of 8 A dm{sup −2}. The micro hardness values of the nickel nanocomposite coatings (725 HV) was higher than that of pure nickel (265 HV).The decrease in I{sub corr} values and increase in Constant Phase Element values were investigated in 3.5% NaCl solution which showed the higher corrosion resistant nature of Ni–CeO{sub 2} coatings. - Highlights: • Ni–CeO{sub 2} composite coatings have electrodeposited from eco-friendly acetate bath. • Inclusion of CeO{sub 2} in the composite coating has refined the crystallite size. • Micro hardness values have increased with CeO{sub 2} content in the composite coatings. • The negative shift of E{sub corr} confirming cathodic protective nature of coatings.

Information System through ANIS at CeSAM

Science.gov (United States)

Moreau, C.; Agneray, F.; Gimenez, S.

2015-09-01

ANIS (AstroNomical Information System) is a web generic tool developed at CeSAM to facilitate and standardize the implementation of astronomical data of various kinds through private and/or public dedicated Information Systems. The architecture of ANIS is composed of a database server which contains the project data, a web user interface template which provides high level services (search, extract and display imaging and spectroscopic data using a combination of criteria, an object list, a sql query module or a cone search interfaces), a framework composed of several packages, and a metadata database managed by a web administration entity. The process to implement a new ANIS instance at CeSAM is easy and fast : the scientific project has to submit data or a data secure access, the CeSAM team installs the new instance (web interface template and the metadata database), and the project administrator can configure the instance with the web ANIS-administration entity. Currently, the CeSAM offers through ANIS a web access to VO compliant Information Systems for different projects (HeDaM, HST-COSMOS, CFHTLS-ZPhots, ExoDAT,...).

Scintillation and optical stimulated luminescence of Ce-doped CaF2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yanagida, Takayuki; Fujimoto, Yutaka; Watanabe, Kenichi; Fukuda, Kentaro; Kawaguchi, Noriaki; Miyamoto, Yuka; Nanto, Hidehito

2014-01-01

Scintillation and optical stimulated luminescence of Ce 0.1–20% doped CaF 2 crystals prepared by Tokuyama Corp. were investigated. In X-ray induced scintillation spectra, luminescence due to Ce 3+ 5d–4f transition appeared around 320 nm with typically 40 ns decay time. By 241 Am 5.5 MeV α-ray irradiation, 0.1% doped one showed the highest scintillation light yield and the light yield monotonically decreased with Ce concentrations. Optically stimulated luminescence after X-ray irradiation was observed around 320 nm under 550 or 830 nm stimulation in all samples. As a result, intensities of optically stimulated luminescence were proportional to Ce concentrations. Consequently, scintillation and optically stimulated luminescence resulted to have a complementary relation in Ce-doped CaF 2 system. - Highlights: • Optical, scintillation, and OSL properties of Ce 0.1–20% doped CaF 2 were studied. • Scintillation light yield exhibited inverse proportionality to Ce concentrations. • OSL intensities showed proportionality to Ce concentrations. • Complementary relation of scintillation and OSL was experimentally confirmed

Raman spectroscopic studies on CeVO4 at high pressures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rao, Rekha; Garg, Alka B.; Wani, B.N.

2011-01-01

Raman scattering investigations of CeVO 4 at high pressures is reported. Polycrystalline CeVO 4 was prepared by solid state reaction of CeO 2 and V 2 O 5 . High pressure Raman spectroscopic measurements were carried out as per experimental details given

Contributing opportunistic resources to the grid with HTCondor-CE-Bosco

Science.gov (United States)

Weitzel, Derek; Bockelman, Brian

2017-10-01

The HTCondor-CE [1] is the primary Compute Element (CE) software for the Open Science Grid. While it offers many advantages for large sites, for smaller, WLCG Tier-3 sites or opportunistic clusters, it can be a difficult task to install, configure, and maintain the HTCondor-CE. Installing a CE typically involves understanding several pieces of software, installing hundreds of packages on a dedicated node, updating several configuration files, and implementing grid authentication mechanisms. On the other hand, accessing remote clusters from personal computers has been dramatically improved with Bosco: site admins only need to setup SSH public key authentication and appropriate accounts on a login host. In this paper, we take a new approach with the HTCondor-CE-Bosco, a CE which combines the flexibility and reliability of the HTCondor-CE with the easy-to-install Bosco. The administrators of the opportunistic resource are not required to install any software: only SSH access and a user account are required from the host site. The OSG can then run the grid-specific portions from a central location. This provides a new, more centralized, model for running grid services, which complements the traditional distributed model. We will show the architecture of a HTCondor-CE-Bosco enabled site, as well as feedback from multiple sites that have deployed it.

The current state of serum biomarkers of hepatotoxicity.

Science.gov (United States)

Ozer, Josef; Ratner, Marcia; Shaw, Martin; Bailey, Wendy; Schomaker, Shelli

2008-03-20

The level of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity reflects damage to hepatocytes and is considered to be a highly sensitive and fairly specific preclinical and clinical biomarker of hepatotoxicity. However, an increase in serum ALT activity level has also been associated with other organ toxicities, thus, indicating that the enzyme has specificity beyond liver in the absence of correlative histomorphologic alteration in liver. Thus, unidentified non-hepatic sources of serum ALT activity may inadvertently influence the decision of whether to continue development of a novel pharmaceutical compound. To assess the risk of false positives due to extraneous sources of serum ALT activity, additional biomarkers are sought with improved specificity for liver function compared to serum ALT activity alone. Current published biomarker candidates are reviewed herein and compared with ALT performance in preclinical and on occasion, clinical studies. An examination of the current state of hepatotoxic biomarkers indicates that serum F protein, arginase I, and glutathione-S-transferase alpha (GSTalpha) levels, all measured by ELISA, may show utility, however, antibody availability and high cost per run may present limitations to widespread applicability in preclinical safety studies. In contrast, the enzymatic markers sorbitol dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, paraxonase, malate dehydrogenase, and purine nucleoside phosphorylase are all readily measured by photometric methods and use reagents that work across preclinical species and humans and are commercially available. The published literature suggests that these markers, once examined collectively in a large qualification study, could provide additional information relative to serum ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values. Since these biomarkers are found in the serum/plasma of treated humans and rats, they have potential to be utilized as bridging markers to monitor acute drug-induced liver injury in

The current state of serum biomarkers of hepatotoxicity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ozer, Josef; Ratner, Marcia; Shaw, Martin; Bailey, Wendy; Schomaker, Shelli

2008-01-01

The level of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity reflects damage to hepatocytes and is considered to be a highly sensitive and fairly specific preclinical and clinical biomarker of hepatotoxicity. However, an increase in serum ALT activity level has also been associated with other organ toxicities, thus, indicating that the enzyme has specificity beyond liver in the absence of correlative histomorphologic alteration in liver. Thus, unidentified non-hepatic sources of serum ALT activity may inadvertently influence the decision of whether to continue development of a novel pharmaceutical compound. To assess the risk of false positives due to extraneous sources of serum ALT activity, additional biomarkers are sought with improved specificity for liver function compared to serum ALT activity alone. Current published biomarker candidates are reviewed herein and compared with ALT performance in preclinical and on occasion, clinical studies. An examination of the current state of hepatotoxic biomarkers indicates that serum F protein, arginase I, and glutathione-S-transferase alpha (GSTα) levels, all measured by ELISA, may show utility, however, antibody availability and high cost per run may present limitations to widespread applicability in preclinical safety studies. In contrast, the enzymatic markers sorbitol dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, paraxonase, malate dehydrogenase, and purine nucleoside phosphorylase are all readily measured by photometric methods and use reagents that work across preclinical species and humans and are commercially available. The published literature suggests that these markers, once examined collectively in a large qualification study, could provide additional information relative to serum ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values. Since these biomarkers are found in the serum/plasma of treated humans and rats, they have potential to be utilized as bridging markers to monitor acute drug-induced liver injury in early

Anisotropic p-f mixing mechanism explaining anomalous magnetic properties in Ce monopnictides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takahashi, H.; Kasuya, T.

1985-01-01

An anomalously small crystal-field splitting in the paramagnetic region in CeSb and CeBi compared with those in CeP and CeAs is explained by the mixing mechanism between the occupied 4f states and the valence band holes. In the paramagnetic regions, the above p-f mixing gives the effective crystal-field splitting, which is estimated to nearly cancel the normal splittings extrapolated from CeP and CeAs in good agreement with experiment. The formula for the second-order transition temperature, at which the population ratio of the 4f GAMMA 8 states begins to be unbalanced, is also derived. In CeBi the second-order transition may occur, while in CeSb the first-order transition should occur in agreement with experiments. (author)

Performance evaluation of LaBr3: Ce scintillator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xie Ming; Lin Li; Liu Shihao; Xiao Peng; Xie Qingguo

2012-01-01

The cerium doped lanthanum bromide crystal (LaBr 3 : Ce) is a new kind of scintillator with many advantages such as good energy resolution, high light output, short decay time, good proportionality response. These properties make the LaBr 3 : Ce attractive substantial interest to use in the radiation detection. The energy resolution were investigated with Φ25 × 25 mm LaBr 3 : Ce coupled to a Hamamatsu R8900 photomultiplier tube. Energy resolution of 3.6% (FWHM) have been achieved for 511 keV photons ( 18 F source) at room temperature. Decay time constant of 20 ns have been acquired with a Hamamatsu fast-time-response R9800 photomultiplier tube. The results approve the excellent characterizations of LaBr 3 : Ce and imply its enormous potentiality in the radiation detectors of gamma-ray spectroscopy and PET. (authors)

Comparing Serum and 24-hour Urine Calcium between Preeclamptic and Non-preeclamptic Patients

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N Shahbazian

2014-02-01

Results: No statistically significant difference was found between serum calcium means in the two groups (p=0.07, though mean of 24-hour urine calcium in preeclamptic patients was significantly lower than that of control group (p=0.0003. In preeclamptic group, the degree of hypocalciuria was related to disordered liver enzymes, serum creatinine greater than 1.2 mg/dl, thrombocytopenia and proteinuria more than 2g/24h. Conclusion: Preeclampsia is associated with hypocalciuria; the more hypocalciuria there exists , the more preeclampsia is observed.

Culture conditions affect photoreactivating enzyme levels in human fibroblasts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sutherland, B.M.; Oliver, R.

1976-01-01

Photoreactivation of pyrimidine dimers occured under the experimental conditions given in this study, but has not been observed under conditions used by others. Three possible differences were tested in experimental procedures including dimer separation and analysis methods, illumination conditions and cell culture techniques. The methods in this study of dimer separation and analysis indeed measure cis-syn pyrimidine dimers and give results in quantitative agreement with the methods of others. It was found that white light pre-illumination of fibroblasts from the xeroderma pigmentosum line XP12BE or of normal cells does not affect the cellular capacity for dimer photoreactivation. However, the cell culture conditions can affect photoreactivating enzyme levels, and thus cellular dimer photoreactivation capacity. Cells grown in Eagle's minimal essential medium (supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum) contain very low levels of photoreactivating enzyme and cannot photoreactivate dimers in their DNA; but companion cultures maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's minimal medium do contain photoreactivating enzyme and can reactivate photoreactive cellular dimers

Serum Glutamate Is a Predictor for the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

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Gheyath Al Gawwam

2017-01-01

Full Text Available One neurotransmitter, glutamate, has been implicated in the autoimmune demyelination seen in multiple sclerosis (MS. Glutamate is present in many tissues in the body, so consideration should be given to whether the serum level of glutamate is likely well correlated with the activity of the disease. This research aimed to compare the serum glutamate levels from patients diagnosed with MS with those from an age-matched control population. A review of this data could shed light upon whether the serum testing of glutamate using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA is a reliable indicator of MS activity. Serum samples were obtained from 55 patients with different patterns of MS and from 25 healthy adults as a control group. The ELISA technique was used to determine the glutamate levels in the serum samples. The mean serum glutamate level for patients with MS was 1.318±0.543 nmol/ml and that of the controls was 0.873±0.341 nmol/ml. The serum glutamate levels showed an area under the curve via the receiver operating characteristics (ROC of 0.738, which was significant (p value = 0.001. The present study is the first to establish a strong connection between the serum glutamate levels and MS patients, where there was statistically significant elevation of serum glutamate in MS patients; hence this elevation might be used as a monitor to help in the diagnosis of MS patients.

VUV-UV–vis photoluminescence of Ce{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+}-Eu{sup 2+} energy transfer in Ba{sub 2}MgSi{sub 2}O{sub 7}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yan, Jing; Liu, Chunmeng; Zhou, Weijie [MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, KLGHEI of Environment and Energy Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275 (China); Huang, Yan; Tao, Ye [Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039 (China); Liang, Hongbin, E-mail: cesbin@mail.sysu.edu.cn [MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, KLGHEI of Environment and Energy Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275 (China)

2017-05-15

A series of Ce{sup 3+} doped and Ce{sup 3+}-Eu{sup 2+} co-doped Ba{sub 2}MgSi{sub 2}O{sub 7} phosphors was prepared via a high-temperature solid-state reaction technique. The photoluminescence properties, which include synchrotron radiation VUV-UV excitation spectra, emission spectra and concentration effect, thermal stability of Ce{sup 3+} are investigated. Hence the energies of the crystal field split 5d excited states of Ce{sup 3+} are determined. Due to spectral overlap, the energy transfer from sensitizer Ce{sup 3+} to activator Eu{sup 2+} in Ba{sub 2}MgSi{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Ce{sup 3+}, Eu{sup 2+} occurs, and the mechanism is demonstrated to be an electric dipole−dipole interaction. - Highlights: •The energies of five crystal field split 5d states of Ce{sup 3+} in Ba{sub 2}MgSi{sub 2}O{sub 7} were determined by synchrotron radiation VUV-UV excitation spectrum. •The concentration effect, thermal stability of Ce{sup 3+} were investigated. •The energy transfer from Ce{sup 3+} to Eu{sup 2+} and its influence on luminescence decays of Ce{sup 3+} and Eu{sup 2+} were studied.

Effect of using heat-inactivated serum with the Abbott human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III antibody test.

OpenAIRE

Jungkind, D L; DiRenzo, S A; Young, S J

1986-01-01

The Abbott enzyme immunoassay (Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Ill.) for human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) antibody was evaluated to determine the effect of using heat-inactivated (56 degrees C for 30 min) serum as the sample. Each of 58 nonreactive serum samples gave a higher A492 value when tested after heat inactivation. Ten of the samples became reactive after heating. Heat-inactivated serum should not be used in the current Abbott HTLV-III antibody test, because thi...

The γ rays sensitivity measurement of CeF3 scintillator detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hu Mengchun; Zhou Dianzhong; Li Rurong; Wang Zhentong; Yang Hongqiong; Zhang Jianhua; Hu Qingyuan; Peng Taiping

2003-01-01

The CeF 3 is an abio-scintillator developed in recent years, which are insensitive to neutron and sensitive to gamma rays and respond quickness. The relationship of CeF 3 scintillation detector gamma rays sensitivity with the change of crystal thickness was measured. The CeF 3 scintillation detector is composed by high liner current photomultiplier tube of CHφT3, CHφT5 and CeF 3 scintillator. The detector gamma rays sensitivity of purple photocell and common photocell with CeF 3 scintillator were measured too

Effect of γ-Aminobutyric Acid-producing Strain on Laying Performance, Egg Quality and Serum Enzyme Activity in Hy-Line Brown Hens under Heat Stress

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Y. Z. Zhu

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Heat-stress remains a costly issue for animal production, especially for poultry as they lack sweat glands, and alleviating heat-stress is necessary for ensuring animal production in hot environment. A high γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA-producer Lactobacillus strain was used to investigate the effect of dietary GABA-producer on laying performance and egg quality in heat-stressed Hy-line brown hens. Hy-Line brown hens (n = 1,164 at 280 days of age were randomly divided into 4 groups based on the amount of freeze-dried GABA-producer added to the basal diet as follows: i 0 mg/kg, ii 25 mg/kg, iii 50 mg/kg, and iv 100 mg/kg. All hens were subjected to heat-stress treatment through maintaining the temperature and the relative humidity at 28.83±3.85°C and 37% to 53.9%, respectively. During the experiment, laying rate, egg weight and feed intake of hens were recorded daily. At the 30th and 60th day after the start of the experiment, biochemical parameters, enzyme activity and immune activity in serum were measured. Egg production, average egg weight, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and percentage of speckled egg, soft shell egg and misshaped egg were significantly improved (p<0.05 by the increasing supplementation of the dietary GABA-producer. Shape index, eggshell thickness, strength and weight were increased linearly with increasing GABA-producer supplementation. The level of calcium, phosphorus, glucose, total protein and albumin in serum of the hens fed GABA-producing strain supplemented diet was significantly higher (p<0.05 than that of the hens fed the basal diet, whereas cholesterol level was decreased. Compared with the basal diet, GABA-producer strain supplementation increased serum level of glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.009 and superoxide dismutase. In conclusion, GABA-producer played an important role in alleviating heat-stress, the isolated GABA-producer strain might be a potential natural and safe probiotic to use to

Effect of different levels of alpha tocopherol on performance traits, serum antioxidant enzymes, and trace elements in Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica under low ambient temperature

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Assar Ali Shah

Full Text Available ABSTRACT This study was designed to find the effect of vitamin E supplementation on growth, serum antioxidant enzymes, and some trace elements in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica under low ambient temperature. A total of 180 day-old Japanese quails were randomly divided into four groups and provided with 0 (group A, 50 (group B, 100 (group C, and 150 IU/kg (group D vitamin E (dl-α-tocopherol acetate under an average temperature of 9±0.5 °C for an experimental period of 42 days. The result showed that feed intake per day, body weight, weight gain per day, and feed conversion ratio did not differ significantly between the groups. Serum concentrations of superoxide and glutathione peroxidase were significantly high in birds supplemented with 150 mg/kg of vitamin E. The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase was not significantly affected between the control and treated groups; however, alanine transaminase concentration significantly reduced in group D. Zinc concentration in the blood increased significantly in group D, with no significant effect on copper and manganese between the control and treated groups. Vitamin E at the level of 150 IU/kg of feed improves the blood antioxidant status and zinc concentration, with no effect on the performance traits of quail reared under low ambient temperature.

Coffee bean extracts rich and poor in kahweol both give rise to elevation of liver enzymes in healthy volunteers

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Schouten Evert G

2004-07-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Coffee oil potently raises serum cholesterol levels in humans. The diterpenes cafestol and kahweol are responsible for this elevation. Coffee oil also causes elevation of liver enzyme levels in serum. It has been suggested that cafestol is mainly responsible for the effect on serum cholesterol levels and that kahweol is mainly responsible for the effect on liver enzyme levels. The objective of this study was to investigate whether coffee oil that only contains a minute amount of kahweol indeed does not cause elevation of liver enzyme levels. Methods The response of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALAT and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT to Robusta coffee oil (62 mg/day cafestol, 1.6 mg/day kahweol was measured in 18 healthy volunteers. Results After nine days one subject was taken off Robusta oil treatment due to an ALAT level of 3.6 times the upper limit of normal (ULN. Another two subjects stopped treatment due to other reasons. After 16 days another two subjects were taken off Robusta oil treatment. One of those subjects had levels of 5.8 ULN for ALAT and 2.0 ULN for ASAT; the other subject had an ALAT level of 12.4 ULN and an ASAT level of 4.7 ULN. It was then decided to terminate the study. The median response of subjects to Robusta oil after 16 days was 0.27 ULN (n = 15, 25th,75th percentile: 0.09;0.53 for ALAT and 0.06 ULN (25th,75th percentile -0.06;0.22 for ASAT. Conclusions We conclude that the effect on liver enzyme levels of coffee oil containing hardly any kahweol is similar to that of coffee oil containing high amounts of kahweol. Therefore it is unlikely that kahweol is the component of coffee oil that is responsible for the effect. Furthermore, we conclude that otherwise unexplained elevation of liver enzyme levels observed in patients might be caused by a switch from consumption of filtered coffee to unfiltered coffee.

Serum irisin levels in patients with psoriasis.

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Baran, Anna; Myśliwiec, Hanna; Kiluk, Paulina; Świderska, Magdalena; Flisiak, Iwona

2017-06-01

Irisin has been proposed to regulate metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome which are common comorbidities in psoriasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum irisin level in psoriasis and elucidate possible associations with disease activity, inflammatory or metabolic parameters and topical treatment. Thirty-seven individuals with active plaque-type psoriasis and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before and after two weeks of therapy. Serum irisin concentrations were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were correlated with psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), body mass index (BMI), inflammatory and biochemical markers, lipid profile and effectiveness of topical treatment. Irisin serum levels were insignificantly increased in psoriatic patients in comparison to the controls (p = 0.38). No significant correlations between investigated adipokine and several indicators of metabolic disorders, nor BMI (p = 0.37) or PASI (p = 0.5) were found. Significant positive correlations with C-reactive protein (CRP) (0.009), lipocalin-2 (p = 0.02), age (p = 0.02) and disease duration (p = 0.008) were noted. After topical treatment, serum irisin level did not significantly change (p = 0.31), despite clinical improvement. Irisin might be a marker of inflammation in psoriatic patients, but may not be a reliable indicator of metabolic conditions, severity of psoriasis nor efficacy of antipsoriatic treatment.

CE APPROVAL IN ELECTRICAL HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND A CASE STUDY

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Nazmi EKREN

2009-01-01

Full Text Available Due to the reason for rapidly developing technology, increasing competition medium, and awareness of the consumers, nowadays, the exigency of production with good quality has gained more and more significance. Certification of the quality and safety of the products to the consumers is compulsory in terms of producers. There are some documents to certify safety of the products. One of them is CE certificate. In this paper, basic information about CE mark is given and CE standards and tests required for electrical household appliances are mentioned. As an application, one of an electrical household appliance, toaster grill is treated and examined. To obtain CE certificate for toaster grill, required tests are made according to EN60335-2-9 and CE certificate is obtained.

Evaluation of the energy efficiency of enzyme fermentation by mechanistic modeling

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Albaek, Mads O.; Gernaey, Krist V.; Hansen, Morten S.

2012-01-01

Modeling biotechnological processes is key to obtaining increased productivity and efficiency. Particularly crucial to successful modeling of such systems is the coupling of the physical transport phenomena and the biological activity in one model. We have applied a model for the expression of ce...... was found. This modeling approach can be used by manufacturers to evaluate the enzyme fermentation process for a range of different process conditions with regard to energy efficiency.......Modeling biotechnological processes is key to obtaining increased productivity and efficiency. Particularly crucial to successful modeling of such systems is the coupling of the physical transport phenomena and the biological activity in one model. We have applied a model for the expression...... of cellulosic enzymes by the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei and found excellent agreement with experimental data. The most influential factor was demonstrated to be viscosity and its influence on mass transfer. Not surprisingly, the biological model is also shown to have high influence on the model...

Luminescence of Ce3+ doped LaPO4 nanophosphors upon Ce3+ 4f-5d and band-to-band excitation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stryganyuk, G.; Trots, D.M.; Voloshinovskii, A.; Shalapska, T.; Zakordonskiy, V.; Vistovskyy, V.; Pidzyrailo, M.; Zimmerer, G.

2008-01-01

Luminescence spectral-kinetic studies have been performed for pure and Ce-doped LaPO 4 micro- and nanosized phosphates using synchrotron radiation for the excitation within 5-20 eV energy range at T=8-300 K. Mechanisms for the excitation of Ce 3+ 5d-4f emission as well as the quenching processes are discussed. The influence of surface defects has been considered to modify considerably the luminescent properties of nanosized phosphors upon the excitation in the energy range of Ce 3+ 4f-5d transitions and LaPO 4 host absorption

[Investigation on the interaction between pentadecafluorooctanoic acid and human serum albumin by capillary electrophoresis].

Science.gov (United States)

Gu, Yi; Guo, Ming; Lü, Da; Hou, Ping; Yin, Xinxin

2018-01-08

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been used to establish the analytical method of interaction between pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and human serum albumin (HSA). Under the physiological conditions, the interaction model of PFOA and HSA were constructed. Mobility method, plug-plug kinetic (PPK) method and simplified Hummel-Dreyer method were used to determine the interaction between derivatives and HSA. Non-linear regression, Scatchard equation and Klotz equation were adopted to obtain the interaction parameters. The results showed that all the three methods can be used to analyze the interaction of PFOA-HSA system. According to the interaction parameters, the most suitable CE method is simplified Hummel-Dreyer method while the most suitable theoretical equation is non-linear regression. The binding parameters indicated that the interaction of PFOA-HSA system has only one type of binding sites and the binding is stable. The research results have illustrated the interaction between HSA and PFOA, and provided a beneficial reference for in-depth research of the toxic mechanism of PFOA.

HumanViCe: Host ceRNA network in virus infected cells in human

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Suman eGhosal

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Host-virus interaction via host cellular components has been an important field of research in recent times. RNA interference mediated by short interfering RNAs and microRNAs (miRNA, is a widespread anti-viral defence strategy. Importantly, viruses also encode their own miRNAs. In recent times miRNAs were identified as key players in host-virus interaction. Furthermore, viruses were shown to exploit the host miRNA networks to suite their own need. The complex cross-talk between host and viral miRNAs and their cellular and viral targets forms the environment for viral pathogenesis. Apart from protein-coding mRNAs, non-coding RNAs may also be targeted by host or viral miRNAs in virus infected cells, and viruses can exploit the host miRNA mediated gene regulatory network via the competing endogenous RNA effect. A recent report showed that viral U-rich non-coding RNAs called HSUR, expressed in primate virus herpesvirus saimiri (HVS infected T cells, were able to bind to three host miRNAs, causing significant alteration in cellular level for one of the miRNAs. We have predicted protein coding and non protein-coding targets for viral and human miRNAs in virus infected cells. We identified viral miRNA targets within host non-coding RNA loci from AGO interacting regions in three different virus infected cells. Gene ontology (GO and pathway enrichment analysis of the genes comprising the ceRNA networks in the virus infected cells revealed enrichment of key cellular signalling pathways related to cell fate decisions and gene transcription, like Notch and Wnt signalling pathways, as well as pathways related to viral entry, replication and virulence. We identified a vast number of non-coding transcripts playing as potential ceRNAs to the immune response associated genes; e.g. APOBEC family genes, in some virus infected cells. All these information are compiled in HumanViCe, a comprehensive database that provides the potential ceRNA networks in virus

Pd/CeO2/SiC Chemical Sensors

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Lu, Weijie; Collins, W. Eugene

2005-01-01

The incorporation of nanostructured interfacial layers of CeO2 has been proposed to enhance the performances of Pd/SiC Schottky diodes used to sense hydrogen and hydrocarbons at high temperatures. If successful, this development could prove beneficial in numerous applications in which there are requirements to sense hydrogen and hydrocarbons at high temperatures: examples include monitoring of exhaust gases from engines and detecting fires. Sensitivity and thermal stability are major considerations affecting the development of high-temperature chemical sensors. In the case of a metal/SiC Schottky diode for a number of metals, the SiC becomes more chemically active in the presence of the thin metal film on the SiC surface at high temperature. This increase in chemical reactivity causes changes in chemical composition and structure of the metal/SiC interface. The practical effect of the changes is to alter the electronic and other properties of the device in such a manner as to degrade its performance as a chemical sensor. To delay or prevent these changes, it is necessary to limit operation to a temperature sensor structures. The present proposal to incorporate interfacial CeO2 films is based partly on the observation that nanostructured materials in general have potentially useful electrical properties, including an ability to enhance the transfer of electrons. In particular, nanostructured CeO2, that is CeO2 with nanosized grains, has shown promise for incorporation into hightemperature electronic devices. Nanostructured CeO2 films can be formed on SiC and have been shown to exhibit high thermal stability on SiC, characterized by the ability to withstand temperatures somewhat greater than 700 C for limited times. The exchanges of oxygen between CeO2 and SiC prevent the formation of carbon and other chemical species that are unfavorable for operation of a SiC-based Schottky diode as a chemical sensor. Consequently, it is anticipated that in a Pd/CeO2/SiC Schottky

Real-time monitoring of enzyme-free strand displacement cascades by colorimetric assays

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Duan, Ruixue; Wang, Boya; Hong, Fan; Zhang, Tianchi; Jia, Yongmei; Huang, Jiayu; Hakeem, Abdul; Liu, Nannan; Lou, Xiaoding; Xia, Fan

2015-03-01

The enzyme-free toehold-mediated strand displacement reaction has shown potential for building programmable DNA circuits, biosensors, molecular machines and chemical reaction networks. Here we report a simple colorimetric method using gold nanoparticles as signal generators for the real-time detection of the product of the strand displacement cascade. During the process the assembled gold nanoparticles can be separated, resulting in a color change of the solution. This assay can also be applied in complex mixtures, fetal bovine serum, and to detect single-base mismatches. These results suggest that this method could be of general utility to monitor more complex enzyme-free strand displacement reaction-based programmable systems or for further low-cost diagnostic applications.The enzyme-free toehold-mediated strand displacement reaction has shown potential for building programmable DNA circuits, biosensors, molecular machines and chemical reaction networks. Here we report a simple colorimetric method using gold nanoparticles as signal generators for the real-time detection of the product of the strand displacement cascade. During the process the assembled gold nanoparticles can be separated, resulting in a color change of the solution. This assay can also be applied in complex mixtures, fetal bovine serum, and to detect single-base mismatches. These results suggest that this method could be of general utility to monitor more complex enzyme-free strand displacement reaction-based programmable systems or for further low-cost diagnostic applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental procedures and analytical data are provided. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr00697j

Study of the growth of CeO2 nanoparticles onto titanate nanotubes

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Marques, Thalles M. F.; Ferreira, Odair P.; da Costa, Jose A. P.; Fujisawa, Kazunori; Terrones, Mauricio; Viana, Bartolomeu C.

2015-12-01

We report the study of the growth of CeO2 nanoparticles on the external walls and Ce4+ intercalation within the titanate nanotubes. The materials were fully characterized by multiple techniques, such as: Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ion exchange processes in the titanate nanotubes were carried out using different concentrations of Ce4+ in aqueous solution. Our results indicate that the growth of CeO2 nanoparticles grown mediated by the hydrolysis in the colloidal species of Ce and the attachment onto the titanate nanotubes happened and get it strongly anchored to the titanate nanotube surface by a simple electrostatic interaction between the nanoparticles and titanate nanotubes, which can explain the small size and even distribution of nanoparticles on titanate supports. It was demonstrated that it is possible to control the amount and size of CeO2 nanoparticles onto the nanotube surface, the species of the Ce ions intercalated between the layers of titanate nanotubes, and the materials could be tuned for using in specific catalysis in according with the amount of CeO2 nanoparticles, their oxygen vacancies/defects and the types of Ce species (Ce4+ or Ce3+) present into the nanotubes.

Luminescence from Ce in sol-gel SiO{sub 2}

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Kroon, R.E., E-mail: KroonRE@ufs.ac.za [Department of Physics, University of the Free State, IB51, Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300 (South Africa); Seed Ahmed, H.A.A.; Ntwaeaborwa, O.M. [Department of Physics, University of the Free State, IB51, Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300 (South Africa); Koao, L.F. [Department of Physics, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Private Bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866 (South Africa); Nagpure, I.M.; Gusowski, M.A. [Department of Physics, University of the Free State, IB51, Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300 (South Africa); Botha, J.R. [Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031 (South Africa); Swart, H.C. [Department of Physics, University of the Free State, IB51, Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300 (South Africa)

2012-05-15

The sol-gel process provides an attractive low temperature alternative to the melt process for producing Ce-doped silica, but reports of the emission wavelength have not been consistent. In this paper, luminescence measurements using a variety of excitation methods, including cathodoluminescence not yet reported by other researchers, are compared and evaluated in the light of previously published data. Several papers report luminescence around 350 nm but emission near this wavelength was not found from our samples. This luminescence originates from Ce that has not yet been incorporated in the silica and is found in samples that have not undergone high temperature annealing. Our photoluminescence results from samples annealed in a reducing atmosphere suggest that emission from Ce incorporated in the silica lattice occurs near 455 nm, and some indication of the emission from Ce in amorphous clusters at 400 nm is also found. However, our results also confirm earlier indications that intrinsic defects in silica can create photoluminescence near both these wavelengths, which can make identification of the luminescence due to Ce difficult. Finally, it has been found that samples which have been annealed in air, and therefore display poor photoluminescence because most of the Ce occurs in the tetravalent form, are luminescent under electron beam excitation. It is suggested that during cathodoluminescence measurements Ce{sup 4+} ions capture electrons to form excited Ce{sup 3+} ions from which the luminescence originates.

Complex impedance study on nano-CeO2 coating TiO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Mei; Wang Honglian; Wang Xidong; Li Wenchao

2006-01-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles and cerium dioxide (CeO 2 ) nanoparticles coated titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles (CeO 2 -TiO 2 nanoparticles) have been successfully synthesized by sol-gel method. The complex impedance of the materials was investigated. The grain resistance, boundary resistance and activation energy of the nanoparticles were calculated according to Arrhenius equation. According to calculating results, the active capacity of pure TiO 2 nanoparticles has been improved because of nano-CeO 2 coating. An optimal CeO 2 content of 4.9 mol% was achieved. The high resolution electron microscopy images of CeO 2 -TiO 2 nanoparticles showed that TiO 2 nanoparticles, as a core, were covered by CeO 2 nanoparticles. The average size of CeO 2 coating TiO 2 nanoparticles was about 70 nm. Scanning electron microscopy observation indicted that CeO 2 nanoparticle coating improved the separation, insulation, and stability the CeO 2 -TiO 2 nanoparticles, which was benefit to the activity of materials

Ce doped NiO nanoparticles as selective NO2 gas sensor

Science.gov (United States)

Gawali, Swati R.; Patil, Vithoba L.; Deonikar, Virendrakumar G.; Patil, Santosh S.; Patil, Deepak R.; Patil, Pramod S.; Pant, Jayashree

2018-03-01

Metal oxide gas sensors are promising portable gas detection devices because of their advantages such as low cost, easy production and compact size. The performance of such sensors is strongly dependent on material properties such as morphology, structure and doping. In the present study, we report the effect of cerium (Ce) doping on nickel oxide (NiO) nano-structured thin film sensors towards various gases. Bare NiO and Ce doped NiO nanoparticles (Ce:NiO) were synthesized by sol-gel method. To understand the effect of Ce doping in nickel oxide, various molar percentages of Ce with respect to nickel were incorporated. The structure, phase, morphology and band-gap energy of as-synthesized nanoparticles were studied by XRD, SEM, EDAX and UV-vis spectroscopy. Thin film gas sensors of all the samples were prepared and subjected to various gases such as LPG, NH3, CH3COCH3 and NO2. A systematic and comparative study reveals an enhanced gas sensing performance of Ce:NiO sensors towards NO2 gas. The maximum sensitivity for NO2 gas is around 0.719% per ppm at moderate operating temperature of 150 °C for 0.5% Ce:NiO thin film gas sensor. The enhanced gas sensing performance for Ce:NiO is attributed to the distortion of crystal lattice caused by doping of Ce into NiO.

Comparison of Salivary Anti Helicobacter pylori IgG with Serum IgG and Bacteriological Tests in Detecting Helicobacter pylori Infections

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H Ghasemian safaei

2005-01-01

Full Text Available Background: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA for detecting anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori specific IgG antibodies in specimens of oral fluid and serum with bacteriological tests. Methods: Antral biopsy specimens, as well as serum and oral fluid samples were collected from 97 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The presence or absence of current H. pylori infection was determined by culture, histology and urease detection. Anti-H. pylori specific IgG was detected in serum and oral fluid, using an established lab-made, and a commercial ELISA kit. The obtained data were compared with results of bacteriological tests. Results: In all, 62 (64% of 97 patients were positive for H. pylori by one or more of the gold standard tests (culture, histology and urease detection. Lab-made enzyme-linked immunoassay of oral fluid had a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 83% respectively. A sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 83%, respectively, was obtained with the commercial kit. Lab-made enzyme-linked immunoassay of serum samples had a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 88%, respectively. A sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 86% was obtained with the commercial kit. Conclusion: Detection of anti-H. pylori specific IgG in oral fluid by ELISA is comparable in sensitivity and specificity with serum based methods. Oral fluid based ELISA could provide a reliable, non-invasive method for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Saliva testing may have a role in epidemiological studies. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, ELISA, Oral fluid

Down-conversion luminescence from (Ce, Yb) co-doped oxygen-rich silicon oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heng, C. L.; Wang, T.; Su, W. Y.; Wu, H. C.; Yin, P. G.; Finstad, T. G.

2016-01-01

We have studied down-conversion photoluminescence (PL) from (Ce, Yb) co-doped “oxygen rich” silicon oxide films prepared by sputtering and annealing. The Ce"3"+ ∼510 nm PL is sensitive to the Ce concentration of the films and is much stronger for 3 at. % Ce than for 2 at. % Ce after annealing at 1200 °C. The PL emission and excitation spectroscopy results indicate that the excitation of Yb"3"+ is mainly through an energy transfer from Ce"3"+ to Yb"3"+, oxide defects also play a role in the excitation of Yb"3"+ after lower temperature (∼800 °C) annealing. The Ce"3"+ 510 nm photon excites mostly only one Yb"3"+ 980 nm photon. Temperature-dependent PL measurements suggest that the energy transfer from Ce"3"+ to Yb"3"+ is partly thermally activated.