Non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma induces angiogenesis through reactive oxygen species

PubMed Central

Arjunan, Krishna Priya; Friedman, Gary; Fridman, Alexander; Clyne, Alisa Morss

2012-01-01

Vascularization plays a key role in processes such as wound healing and tissue engineering. Non-thermal plasma, which primarily produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), has recently emerged as an efficient tool in medical applications including blood coagulation, sterilization and malignant cell apoptosis. Liquids and porcine aortic endothelial cells were treated with a non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma in vitro. Plasma treatment of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and serum-free medium increased ROS concentration in a dose-dependent manner, with a higher concentration observed in serum-free medium compared with PBS. Species concentration inside cells peaked 1 h after treatment, followed by a decrease 3 h post treatment. Endothelial cells treated with a plasma dose of 4.2 J cm–2 had 1.7 times more cells than untreated samples 5 days after plasma treatment. The 4.2 J cm–2 plasma dose increased two-dimensional migration distance by 40 per cent compared with untreated control, while the number of cells that migrated through a three-dimensional collagen gel increased by 15 per cent. Tube formation was also enhanced by plasma treatment, with tube lengths in plasma-treated samples measuring 2.6 times longer than control samples. A fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) neutralizing antibody and ROS scavengers abrogated these angiogenic effects. These data indicate that plasma enhanced proliferation, migration and tube formation is due to FGF-2 release induced by plasma-produced ROS. Non-thermal plasma may be used as a potential tool for applying ROS in precise doses to enhance vascularization. PMID:21653568

Biofouling development on plasma treated samples versus layers coated samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hnatiuc, B.; Exnar, P.; Sabau, A.; Spatenka, P.; Dumitrache, C. L.; Hnatiuc, M.; Ghita, S.

2016-12-01

Biofouling is the most important cause of naval corrosion. In order to reduce the Biofouling development on naval materials as steel or resin, different new methods have been tested. These methods could help to follow the new IMO environment reglementations and they could replace few classic operations before the painting of the small ships. The replacement of these operations means a reduction in maintenance costs. Their action must influence especially the first two steps of the Biofouling development, called Microfouling, that demand about 24 hours. This work presents the comparative results of the Biofouling development on two different classic naval materials, steel and resin, for three treated samples, immersed in sea water. Non-thermal plasma, produced by GlidArc technology, is applied to the first sample, called GD. The plasma treatment was set to 10 minutes. The last two samples, called AE9 and AE10 are covered by hydrophobic layers, prepared from a special organic-inorganic sol synthesized by sol-gel method. Theoretically, because of the hydrophobic properties, the Biofouling formation must be delayed for AE9 and AE10. The Biofouling development on each treated sample was compared with a witness non-treated sample. The microbiological analyses have been done for 24 hours by epifluorescence microscopy, available for one single layer.

Dielectric barrier discharge and jet type plasma surface modifications of hybrid polymeric poly (ε-caprolactone)/chitosan scaffolds.

PubMed

Ozkan, Ozan; Turkoglu Sasmazel, Hilal

2018-04-01

In this study, dry air plasma jet and dielectric barrier discharge Ar + O 2 or Ar + N 2 plasma modifications and their effects on wettability, topography, functionality and biological efficiency of the hybrid polymeric poly (ε-caprolactone)/chitosan scaffolds were reported. The samples treated with Ar + O 2 dielectric barrier discharge plasma (80 sccm O 2 flow rate, 3-min treatment) or with dry air plasma jet (15-cm nozzle-sample distance, 13-min treatment) had the closest wettability (49.11 ± 1.83 and 53.60 ± 0.95, respectively) to the commercial tissue culture polystyrene used for cell cultivation. Scanning electron microscopy images and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry analysis showed increase in topographical roughness and OH/NH 2 functionality, respectively. Increased fluid uptake capacity for the scaffolds treated with Ar + O 2 dielectric barrier discharge plasma (73.60% ± 1.78) and dry air plasma jet (72.48% ± 0.75) were also noted. Finally, initial cell attachment as well as seven-day cell viability, growth and proliferation performances were found to be significantly better for both plasma treated scaffolds than for untreated scaffolds.

Effect of plasma power on reduction of printable graphene oxide thin films on flexible substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Indrani; Mahapatra, Santosh K.; Pal, Chandana; Sharma, Ashwani K.; Ray, Asim K.

2018-05-01

Room temperature hydrogen plasma treatment on solution processed 300 nm graphene oxide (GO) films on flexible indium tin oxide (ITO) coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates has been performed by varying the plasma power between 20 W and 60 W at a constant exposure time of 30 min with a view to examining the effect of plasma power on reduction of GO. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopic studies show that high energy hydrogen species generated in the plasma assist fast exfoliation of the oxygenated functional groups present in the GO samples. Significant decrease in the optical band gap is observed from 4.1 eV for untreated samples to 0.5 eV for 60 W plasma treated samples. The conductivity of the films treated with 60 W plasma power is estimated to be six orders of magnitude greater than untreated GO films and this enhancement of conductivity on plasma reduction has been interpreted in terms of UV-visible absorption spectra and density functional based first principle computational calculations. Plasma reduction of GO/ITO/PET structures can be used for efficiently tuning the electrical and optical properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for flexible electronics applications.

Study of reticulated vitreous carbon surface treated by plasma immersion ion implantation for electrodes production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, L. L. G.; Conceição, D. A. S.; Oishi, S. S.; Toth, A.; Ueda, M.

2012-03-01

RVC samples were treated by nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (N-PIII) for electrodes production. High-voltage pulses with amplitudes of -3.0 kV or -10.0 kV were applied to the RVC samples while the treatment time was 10, 20 and 30 min. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical measurements. The SEM images present an apparent enhancement of the surface roughness after the treatment probably due to the surface sputtering during the PIII process. This observation is in agreement with the specific electrochemical surface area (SESA) of RVC electrodes. An increase was observed of the SESA values for the PIII-treated samples compared to the untreated specimen. Some oxygen and nitrogen containing groups were introduced on the RVC surface after the PIII treatment. Both plasma-induced process: the surface roughening and the introduction of the polar species on the RVC surface are beneficial for the RVC electrodes application.

Comparison of the effect of plasma treatment and gamma ray irradiation on PS-Cu nanocomposite films surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farag, O. F.

2018-06-01

Polystyrene-copper (PS-Cu) nanocomposite films were treated with DC N2 plasma and gamma rays irradiations. The plasma treatment of PS-Cu film surface was carried out at different treatment times, gas pressure 0.4 Torr and the applied power 3.5 W. On the other hand, the treatment with gamma rays irradiation were carried out at irradiation doses 10, 30 and 50 kGy. The induced changes in surface properties of PS-Cu films were investigated with UV-viss spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. In addition, the wettability property, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated samples were studied by measuring the contact angle. The UV-viss spectroscopy analysis revealed that the optical band gap decreases with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose for plasma and gamma treatments, respectively. SEM observations showed that the particle size of copper particles was increased with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose, but gamma treatment changes the copper particles size from nano scale to micro scale. The contact angle measurements showing that the wettability property, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated PS-Cu samples were increased remarkably with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose for plasma and gamma treatments, respectively. The contact angle, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated PS-Cu samples are more influenced by plasma treatment than gamma treatment.

Effects of SF6 plasma treatment on the properties of InGaZnO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jinsung; Bae, Byung Seong; Yun, Eui-Jung

2018-03-01

The effects of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) plasma on the properties of amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO) thin films were examined. The properties of the a-IGZO thin films were characterized by Hall effect measurement, dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The IGZO thin films treated with SF6 plasma before annealing had a very high resistance mainly owing to the inclusion of S into the film surface, as evidenced by SIMS profiles. On the other hand, the samples treated with SF6 plasma after annealing showed better electrical properties with a Hall mobility of 10 cm2/(V·s) than the untreated samples or the samples SF6 plasma-treated before annealing. This was attributed to the increase in the number of oxygen vacancy defects in the a-IGZO thin films owing to the enhanced out-diffusion of O to the ambient and the increase in the number of F-related donor defects originating from the incorporation of a much larger amount of F than of S into the film surface, which were confirmed by XPS and SIMS.

Damage-free polymer surface modification employing inward-type plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanou, Ryo; Suga, Hiroshi; Utsumi, Hideyuki; Takahashi, Satoshi; Shirayama, Yuya; Watanabe, Norimichi; Petit, Stèphane; Shimizu, Tetsuo

2017-08-01

Inward-type plasmas, which spread upstream against the gas flow in the capillary tube where the gas is discharged, can react with samples placed near the entrance of such a capillary tube. In this study, surface modification of polymer surfaces is conducted using inward plasma. The modification is also done by conventional microplasma jet, and the modified surfaces with two plasma techniques are characterized by contact angle measurement, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Although inward-plasma-treated surfaces are less hydrophilic than conventional plasma-treated ones, they are still sufficiently hydrophilic for surface coatings. In addition, it turns out that the polymer surfaces irradiated with the inward plasma yield much smoother surfaces than those treated with the conventional plasma jet. Thus, the inward plasma treatment is a viable technique when the surface flatness is crucial, such as for the surface coating of plastic lenses.

Sterilization of Turmeric by Atmospheric Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setareh, Salarieh; Davoud, Dorranian

2013-11-01

In this study atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has been employed for sterilizing dry turmeric powders. A 6 kV, 6 kHz frequency generator was used to generate plasma with Ar, Ar/O2, He, and He/O2 gases between the 5 mm gap of two quartz covered electrodes. The complete sterilization time of samples due to plasma treatment was measured. The most important contaminant of turmeric is bacillus subtilis. The results show that the shortest sterilization time of 15 min is achieved by exposing the samples to Ar/O2 plasma. Survival curves of samples are exponential functions of time and the addition of oxygen to plasma leads to a significant increase of the absolute value of time constant of the curves. Magnitudes of protein and DNA in treated samples were increased to a similar value for all samples. Taste, color, and solubility of samples were not changed after the plasma treatment.

Analysis of structural transformation in wool fiber resulting from oxygen plasma treatment using vibrational spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barani, Hossein; Haji, Aminoddin

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of oxygen plasma procedure at different time treatments on wool fiber using the micro-Raman spectroscopy as a non-destructive vibrational spectroscopic technique and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The amide I and III regions, Csbnd C skeletal vibration region, and Ssbnd S and Csbnd S bonds vibration regions were analyzed with the Raman microscope. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscope analysis was employed to find out the effect of oxygen plasma treatment on the cysteic acid residues content of the wool fiber sample. The results indicated that the α-helix structure was the highest component content of wool fiber. Moreover, the protein secondary structure of wool fibers was transformed from α-helical arrangement to the β-pleated sheet configuration during the oxygen plasma treatment. Also, the disulphide bonds content in the treated wool fiber reduced because they were fractured and oxidized during oxygen plasma treatment. The oxygen plasma treated samples presented higher cysteic acid compared to the untreated wool samples due to produce more cleavage of disulfide linkages.

Non‐Thermal Plasma in Contact with Water: The Origin of Species

PubMed Central

Gorbanev, Yury

2016-01-01

Abstract Non‐thermal atmospheric pressure plasma has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its potential for biomedical applications. Determining the mechanism of the formation of reactive species in liquid treated with plasma is thus of paramount importance for both fundamental and applied research. In this work, the origin of reactive species in plasma‐treated aqueous solutions was investigated by using spin‐trapping, hydrogen and oxygen isotopic labelling and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The species originating from molecules in the liquid phase and those introduced with the feed gas were differentiated by EPR and 1H NMR analysis of liquid samples. The effects of water vapour and oxygen admixtures in the feed gas were investigated. All the reactive species detected in the liquid samples were shown to be formed largely in the plasma gas phase. It is suggested that hydrogen peroxide (determined by UV/Vis analysis) is formed primarily in the plasma tube, whereas the radical species ⋅OOH, ⋅OH and ⋅H are proposed to originate from the region between the plasma nozzle and the liquid sample. PMID:26833560

Increased germination and growth rates of pea and Zucchini seed by FSG plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khatami, Shohreh; Ahmadinia, Arash

2018-04-01

Recently, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) with the unique bio-disinfection features is used in various fields of industry, medicine, and agriculture. The main objectives of this work were to design FSG plasma (a semi-automatic device) and investigate the effect of the cold plasma in the enhancement of the Pea and Zucchini seed germination. Plasma irradiation time was studied to obtain a proper condition for the germination enhancement of seeds. The growth rate was calculated by measuring length of root and stem and dry weight of plants treated by plasma. To investigate drought resistance of plants, all treated and untreated samples were kept in darkness without water for 48 h. From the experimental results, it could be confirmed both drought resistance and germination of seedlings increased after plasma was applied to seeds at 30 s, while seeds treated whiten 60 s showed a decrease in both germination rate and seedling growth.

Non-Thermal Plasma in Contact with Water: The Origin of Species.

PubMed

Gorbanev, Yury; O'Connell, Deborah; Chechik, Victor

2016-03-01

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its potential for biomedical applications. Determining the mechanism of the formation of reactive species in liquid treated with plasma is thus of paramount importance for both fundamental and applied research. In this work, the origin of reactive species in plasma-treated aqueous solutions was investigated by using spin-trapping, hydrogen and oxygen isotopic labelling and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The species originating from molecules in the liquid phase and those introduced with the feed gas were differentiated by EPR and 1 H NMR analysis of liquid samples. The effects of water vapour and oxygen admixtures in the feed gas were investigated. All the reactive species detected in the liquid samples were shown to be formed largely in the plasma gas phase. It is suggested that hydrogen peroxide (determined by UV/Vis analysis) is formed primarily in the plasma tube, whereas the radical species ⋅OOH, ⋅OH and ⋅H are proposed to originate from the region between the plasma nozzle and the liquid sample. © 2016 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Dependence of nanomechanical modification of polymers on plasma-induced cross-linking

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tajima, S.; Komvopoulos, K.

2007-01-01

The nanomechanical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) modified by inductively coupled, radio-frequency Ar plasma were investigated by surface force microscopy. The polymer surface was modified under plasma conditions of different ion energy fluences and radiation intensities obtained by varying the sample distance from the plasma power source. Nanoindentation results of the surface stiffness versus maximum penetration depth did not reveal discernible differences between untreated and plasma-treated LDPE, presumably due to the small thickness of the modified surface layer that resulted in a substrate effect. On the contrary, nanoscratching experiments demonstrated a significant increase in the surface shear resistance of plasma-modifiedmore » LDPE due to chain cross-linking. These experiments revealed an enhancement of cross-linking with increasing ion energy fluence and radiation intensity, and a tip size effect on the friction force and dominant friction mechanisms (adhesion, plowing, and microcutting). In addition, LDPE samples with a LiF crystal shield were exposed to identical plasma conditions to determine the role of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the cross-linking process. The cross-linked layer of plasma-treated LDPE exhibited much higher shear strength than that of VUV/UV-treated LDPE. Plasma-induced surface modification of the nanomechanical properties of LDPE is interpreted in the context of molecular models of the untreated and cross-linked polymer surfaces derived from experimental findings.« less

Growth of carbon nanotubes in arc plasma treated graphite disc: microstructural characterization and electrical conductivity study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nayak, B. B.; Sahu, R. K.; Dash, T.; Pradhan, S.

2018-03-01

Circular graphite discs were treated in arc plasma by varying arcing time. Analysis of the plasma treated discs by field emission scanning electron microscope revealed globular grain morphologies on the surfaces, but when the same were observed at higher magnification and higher resolution under transmission electron microscope, growth of multiwall carbon nanotubes of around 2 nm diameter was clearly seen. In situ growth of carbon nanotube bundles/bunches consisting of around 0.7 nm tube diameter was marked in the case of 6 min treated disc surface. Both the untreated and the plasma treated graphite discs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectra of X-ray, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, micro Raman spectroscopy and BET surface area measurement. From Raman spectra, BET surface area and microstructure observed in transmission electron microscope, growth of several layers of graphene was identified. Four-point probe measurements for electrical resistivity/conductivity of the graphite discs treated under different plasma conditions showed significant increase in conductivity values over that of untreated graphite conductivity value and the best result, i.e., around eightfold increase in conductivity, was observed in the case of 6 min plasma treated sample exhibiting carbon nanotube bundles/bunches grown on disc surface. By comparing the microstructures of the untreated and plasma treated graphite discs, the electrical conductivity increase in graphite disc is attributed to carbon nanotubes (including bundles/bunches) growth on disc surface by plasma treatment.

Investigation of some process parameters using microwave plasma technology for the treatment of radioactive waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trnovcevic, J.; Schneider, F.; Scherer, U. W.

2017-02-01

The production of nuclear energy and the application of other nuclear technologies produce large volumes of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes. To investigate a novel means of treating such wastes, plasma is investigated for its efficacy. Plasma treatment promises to simultaneously treat all waste types without any previous sorting or pre-treatment. Microwave-driven plasma torches have the advantage of high-energy efficiency and low-electrode wear. In small-scale experiments, several design variations of an open plasma oven were assembled in order to investigate constraints caused by the materials and oven geometry. The experimental set-up was modified several times in order to test the design characteristics and the variation of plasma-specific proprieties related to the radioactive waste treatment and in order to find a suitable solution with the minimum complexity that allows a representative reproducibility of the results obtained. A plasma torch controlled by a 2.45 GHz microwave signal of up to 200 W was used, employing air as the primary plasma gas with a flow rate of ∼2 L/min. Different organic and inorganic materials in different shapes and sizes were treated besides a standardized mixture resembling mixed wastes from nuclear plants. The results prove that the chosen microwave plasma torch is suitable for a combined combustion and melting of organic and in-organic materials. Investigation of the specimen size to be treated is influential in this process: the power is still too low to melt larger samples, but the temperature is sufficient to treat all kinds of material. When glass particles are added, materials melt together to form an amorphous substance, proving the possibility to vitrify material with this plasma torch. By optimization of the oven configuration, the time needed to combust 25 g of standard sample was reduced by ∼50%. Typical energy efficiencies were found in the range of 8-20% for melting of metal chipping, and ∼90% for melting of zinc powder.

Comparative study of Nd:YAG laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser-induced gas plasma spectroscopy on chromated copper arsenate preservative-treated wood.

PubMed

Khumaeni, Ali; Lie, Zener Sukra; Niki, Hideaki; Lee, Yong Inn; Kurihara, Kazuyoshi; Wakasugi, Motoomi; Takahashi, Touru; Kagawa, Kiichiro

2012-03-01

Taking advantage of the specific characteristics of a transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO(2) laser, a sophisticated technique for the analysis of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) in wood samples has been developed. In this study, a CCA-treated wood sample with a dimension of 20 mm × 20 mm and a thickness of 2 mm was attached in contact to a nickel plate (20 mm × 20 mm × 0.15 mm), which functions as a subtarget. When the TEA CO(2) laser was successively irradiated onto the wood surface, a hole with a diameter of approximately 2.5 mm was produced inside the sample and the laser beam was directly impinged onto the metal subtarget. Strong and stable gas plasma with a very large diameter of approximately 10 mm was induced once the laser beam had directly struck the metal subtarget. This gas plasma then interacted with the fine particles of the sample inside the hole and finally the particles were effectively dissociated and excited in the gas plasma region. By using this technique, high precision and sensitive analysis of CCA-treated wood sample was realized. A linear calibration curve of Cr was successfully made using the CCA-treated wood sample. The detection limits of Cr, Cu, and As were estimated to be approximately 1, 2, and 15 mg/kg, respectively. In the case of standard LIBS using the Nd:YAG laser, the analytical intensities fluctuate and the detection limit was much lower at approximately one-tenth that of TEA CO(2) laser. © 2012 Optical Society of America

Effects of female bovine plasma collected at different days of the estrous cycle on epididymal spermatozoa motility.

PubMed

Nait Mouloud, M; Ouennoughi, F; Yaiche, L; Kaidi, R; Iguer-Ouada, M

2017-03-15

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of female bovine plasma collected at different days of the reproductive cycle on epididymal spermatozoa motility and to test hypothesis that the subpopulations pattern of motile spermatozoa is affected by this treatment. Blood plasma samples were collected from five Holstein Friesian cows at different stages of the estrous cycle (days 0, 5, 10, 12 and 18), one pregnant cow and one adult bull and were diluted 1:9 (V/V) with normal saline. Female charcoal-treated plasma, Bull plasma and saline were used as controls. Semen samples were obtained from cauda epididymidis through retrograde flushing and diluted in saline to approximately 60 × 106 sperm/ml. The extended semen was diluted 1:2 (V/V) with tested media and motility was evaluated at 15 min and then every hour for 6 h using a computer-assisted semen analysis. Multivariate clustering procedure was applied to identify and quantify specific subpopulations within the semen samples. The statistical analysis clustered all the motile spermatozoa into three separate subpopulations with defined patterns of movement: Subpopulation 1 poorly motile and non-progressive spermatozoa (39.3%), subpopulation 2 including the fastest and the most vigorous spermatozoa (46.4%) and subpopulation 3 represented by slow, non-vigorous but linear spermatozoa (14.3%). Initially, sperm samples supplemented with female, male or female charcoal-treated plasma stimulated equally total motility and spermatozoa belonging to subpopulation 2 regardless of the estrous cycle stage. After 1-h incubation, the motility of these both categories of spermatozoa (total motile and those assigned to subpopulation 2) is enhanced and maintained more in day 12, 18 and pregnant cow plasma than in female plasma from earlier stage of the estrous cycle (day 0, 5 and 10), male plasma and female-charcoal treated plasma. In conclusion, the overall results showed that female plasma stimulated significantly sperm motility, especially at the late stage of the estrous cycle. Additionally, to the diverse compounds contained in blood plasma, progesterone may play a key role in such motility activation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhancing surface functionality of reduced graphene oxide biosensors by oxygen plasma treatment for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.

PubMed

Chae, Myung-Sic; Kim, Jinsik; Jeong, Dahye; Kim, YoungSoo; Roh, Jee Hoon; Lee, Sung Min; Heo, Youhee; Kang, Ji Yoon; Lee, Jeong Hoon; Yoon, Dae Sung; Kim, Tae Geun; Chang, Suk Tai; Hwang, Kyo Seon

2017-06-15

We performed oxygen plasma treatment on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to improve its surface reactivity with respect to biomolecular interactions. Oxygen-plasma-treated rGO surfaces were employed as reactive interfaces for the detection of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as the target analytes. By measuring the changes in electrical characteristics and confirmation through topographic analysis, the oxygen-plasma-treated rGO sensors had enhanced surface functionality for better antibody immobilization and sensing performance, with a 3.33-fold steeper slope for the electrical responses versus analyte concentration curve (logarithmic scale) compared to the untreated. The elicited biomolecular reactivity of the rGO surfaces with the oxygen plasma treatment remained at 46-51% of the initial value even after aging for 6h in ambient conditions. This phenomenon was also confirmed by pretreating the rGO surfaces with a blocking agent and subsequently subjecting them to antibody immobilization. Finally, the feasibility of the oxygen-plasma-treated rGO sensors as a diagnostic tool was evaluated with clinical samples of neural-derived exosomal Aβ peptides extracted from apparent AD patients and normal controls (NC). In contrast to the untreated sensors (p=0.0460), the oxygen-plasma-treated rGO sensors showed a significant p-value in the identification of clinical samples of AD and NC subjects (p<0.001). These results suggest that oxygen plasma treatment improves sensor performance without complicated fabrication procedures and should aid in the development of novel diagnostic tools based on carbon nanomaterials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the treatment of both sides of raw chicken breasts with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet for the inactivation of Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Yong, Hae In; Kim, Hyun-Joo; Park, Sanghoo; Choe, Wonho; Oh, Mi Wha; Jo, Cheorun

2014-08-01

Atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) is an emerging nonthermal microbial inactivation technique. In this study, agar and raw chicken breast were inoculated with Escherichia coli and treated with an APP jet based on cold arc plasma. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimum conditions for the plasma treatment of an APP jet in order to maximize the efficiency of E. coli inactivation. The combination of N2+O2 (10 standard cubic centimeters per minute) and a longer treatment time (10 min) resulted in the highest inactivation of E. coli on agar plates with an optimum treatment distance of 20 mm. The samples in dry and wet conditions showed similar reductions in E. coli count when one side of the samples was treated at a given treatment time. Treating both sides-2.5 min on each side-resulted in a higher growth inhibition of E. coli than treatment of a single side only for 5 min. However, there was no significant difference between one-side treated samples (10 min) and both-sides treated samples (5+5 min). When the concentration of E. coli in the chicken breast sample was 10(4) colony-forming units (CFU)/g, the reduction rate of the E. coli was the highest, followed by 10(5), 10(6), and 10(7) CFU/g; however, no difference was found between 10(3) and 10(4) CFU/g. In conclusion, various treatment conditions may affect the inactivation efficiency of E. coli. In the present study, the optimum condition was determined as the treatment distance of 20 mm and longer treatment time (10 min) with the addition of oxygen to the nitrogen gas flow. Furthermore, the cell concentration of sample was an important parameter for the efficacy of the inactivation process.

Plasma methylphenidate concentrations in youths treated with high-dose osmotic release oral system formulation.

PubMed

Stevens, Jonathan R; George, Robert A; Fusillo, Steven; Stern, Theodore A; Wilens, Timothy E

2010-02-01

Children and adolescents are being treated increasingly for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with a variety of stimulants in higher than Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved doses and in combination with other medications. We sought to determine methylphenidate (MPH) concentrations in children and adolescents treated with high-dose, extended-release osmotic release oral system (OROS) MPH plus concomitant medications, and to examine MPH concentrations with respect to the safety and tolerability of treatment. Plasma MPH concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry 4-5 hours after administration of medication in a sample of youths diagnosed with ADHD. These youths were treated naturalistically with higher than FDA-approved doses of OROS MPH in addition to their concomitant medications. Markers of safety and tolerability (e.g., measures of blood pressure and heart rate) were also examined. Among the 17 patients (with a mean age of 16.2 +/- 2 years and a mean number of concurrent medications of 2.23 +/- 0.94), the mean plasma MPH concentration was 28 +/- 9.1 ng/mL, despite a mean daily dose of OROS MPH of 169 +/- 5 mg (3.0 +/- 0.8 mg/kg per day). No patient had a plasma MPH level >or=50 ng/mL or clinical signs of stimulant toxicity. No correlation was found between plasma MPH concentrations and OROS MPH dose or changes in vital signs. High-dose OROS MPH, used in combination with other medications, was not associated with either unusually elevated plasma MPH concentrations or with clinically meaningful changes in vital signs. Study limitations include a single time-point sampling of MPH concentrations, a small sample size, and a lack of outcome measures to address treatment effectiveness.

Measurement of tritium with plastic scintillator surface improvement with plasma treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yoshihara, Y.; Furuta, E.; Ohyama, R.I.

2015-03-15

Tritium is usually measured by using a liquid scintillation counter. However, liquid scintillator used for measurement will become radioactive waste fluid. To solve this issue, we have developed a method of measuring tritium samples with plasma-treated plastic scintillator (PS)sheets (Plasma method). The radioactive sample is held between 2 PS sheets and the whole is enclosed in a a low-potassium glass vial. With the Plasma method of 2-min plasma treatment, we have obtained measurement efficiency of 48 ± 2 % for 2 min measurement of tritium except for tritiated water. The plasma treatment makes the PS surface rough and hydrophilic whichmore » contributes to improve the contact between tritium and PS. On the other hand, it needed almost 6 hours to obtain constant measurement efficiency. The reason was that the dry-up handling in the vial needed longer time to vaporize H{sub 2}O molecules than in the air. We tried putting silica gel beads into vials to remove H{sub 2}O molecules from PS sheet surface quickly. The silica gel beads worked well and we got constant measurement efficiency within 1-3 hours. Also, we tried using other kinds of PS treated with plasma to obtain higher measurement efficiencies of tritium samples.« less

Surface chemical structure of poly(ethylene naphthalate) films during degradation in low-pressure high-frequency plasma treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamata, Noritsugu; Yuji, Toshifumi; Thungsuk, Nuttee; Arunrungrusmi, Somchai; Chansri, Pakpoom; Kinoshita, Hiroyuki; Mungkung, Narong

2018-06-01

The surface chemical structure of poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) films treated with a low-pressure, high-frequency plasma was investigated by storing in a box at room temperature to protect the PEN film surface from dust. The functional groups on the PEN film surface changed over time. The functional groups of –C=O, –COH, and –COOH were abundant in the Ar + O2 mixture gas plasma-treated PEN samples as compared with those in untreated PEN samples. The changes occurred rapidly after 2 d following the plasma treatment, reaching steady states 8 d after the treatment. Hydrophobicity had an inverse relationship with the concentration of these functional groups on the surface. Thus, the effect of the low-pressure high-frequency plasma treatment on PEN varies as a function of storage time. This means that radical oxygen and oxygen molecules are clearly generated in the plasma, and this is one index to confirm that radical reaction has definitely occurred between the gas and the PEN film surface with a low-pressure high-frequency plasma.

Basal and glucagon-stimulated plasma C-peptide concentrations in healthy dogs, dogs with diabetes mellitus, and dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.

PubMed

Montgomery, T M; Nelson, R W; Feldman, E C; Robertson, K; Polonsky, K S

1996-01-01

Serum glucose and plasma C-peptide response to i.v. glucagon administration was evaluated in 24 healthy dogs, 12 dogs with untreated diabetes mellitus, 30 dogs with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, and 8 dogs with naturally acquired hyperadrenocorticism. Serum insulin response also was evaluated in all dogs, except 20 insulin-treated diabetic dogs. Blood samples for serum glucose, serum insulin, and plasma C-peptide determinations were collected immediately before and 5, 10, 20, 30, and (for healthy dogs) 60 minutes after i.v. administration of 1 mg glucagon per dog. In healthy dogs, the patterns of glucagon-stimulated changes in plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations were identical, with single peaks in plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations observed approximately 15 minutes after i.v. glucagon administration. Mean plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations in untreated diabetic dogs, and mean plasma C-peptide concentration in insulin-treated diabetic dogs did not increase significantly after i.v. glucagon administration. The validity of serum insulin concentration results was questionable in 10 insulin-treated diabetic dogs, possibly because of anti-insulin antibody interference with the insulin radioimmunoassay. Plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations were significantly increased (P < .001) at all blood sampling times after glucagon administration in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, compared with healthy dogs, and untreated and insulin-treated diabetic dogs. Five-minute C-peptide increment, C-peptide peak response, total C-peptide secretion, and, for untreated diabetic dogs, insulin peak response and total insulin secretion were significantly lower (P < .00l) in diabetic dogs, compared with healthy dogs, whereas these same parameters were significantly increased (P < .01) in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, compared with healthy dogs, and untreated and insulin-treated diabetic dogs. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend for higher plasma C-peptide concentrations in untreated diabetic dogs compared with insulin-treated diabetic dogs during the glucagon stimulation test. Baseline C-peptide concentrations also were significantly higher (P < .05) in diabetic dogs treated with insulin for less than 6 months, compared with diabetic dogs treated for longer than 1 year. Finally, 7 of 42 diabetic dogs had baseline plasma C-peptide concentrations greater than 2 SD (ie, > 0.29 pmol/mL) above the normal mean plasma C-peptide concentration; values that were significantly higher, compared with the results in healthy dogs (P < .001) and with the other 35 diabetic dogs (P < .001). In summary, measurement of plasma C-peptide concentration during glucagon stimulation testing allowed differentiation among healthy dogs, dogs with impaired beta-cell function (ie, diabetes mellitus), and dogs with increased beta-cell responsiveness to glucagon (ie, insulin resistance). Plasma C-peptide concentrations during glucagon stimulation testing were variable in diabetic dogs and may represent dogs with type-1 and type-2 diabetes or, more likely, differences in severity of beta-cell loss in dogs with type-1 diabetes.

Atmospheric plasma surface modifications of electrospun PCL/chitosan/PCL hybrid scaffolds by nozzle type plasma jets for usage of cell cultivation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surucu, Seda; Masur, Kai; Turkoglu Sasmazel, Hilal; Von Woedtke, Thomas; Weltmann, Klaus Dieter

2016-11-01

This paper reports Ar gas, Ar + O2, Ar + O2 + N2 gas mixtures and dry air plasma modifications by atmospheric pressure argon driven kINPen and air driven Diener (PlasmaBeam) plasma jets to alter surface properties of three dimensional (3D), electrospun PCL/Chitosan/PCL layer by layer hybrid scaffolds to improve human fibroblast (MRC5) cell attachment and growth. The characterizations of the samples were done by contact angle (CA) measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The results showed that the plasma modification carried out under dry air and Ar + O2 + N2 gas mixtures were altered effectively the nanotopography and the functionality of the material surfaces. It was found that the samples treated with Ar + O2 + N2 gas mixtures for 1 min and dry air for 9 min have better hydrophilicity 78.9° ± 1.0 and 75.6° ± 0.1, respectively compared to the untreated samples (126.5°). Biocompatibility performance of the scaffolds was determined with alamarBlue (aB) assay and MTT assay methods, Giemsa staining, fluorescence microscope, confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. The results showed that plasma treated samples increased the hydrophilicity and oxygen functionality and topography of the surfaces significantly, thus affecting the cell viability and proliferation on/within scaffolds.

Au-nanoparticles grafted on plasma treated PE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Švorčík, V.; Chaloupka, A.; Řezanka, P.; Slepička, P.; Kolská, Z.; Kasálková, N.; Hubáček, T.; Siegel, J.

2010-03-01

Polyethylene (PE) surface was treated with Ar plasma. Activated surface was grafted from methanol solution of 1,2-ethanedithiol. Then the sample was immersed into freshly prepared colloid solution of Au-nanoparticles. Finally Au layer was sputtered on the samples. Properties of the modified PE were studied using various methods: AFM, EPR, RBS and nanoindentation. It was shown that the plasma treatment results in degradation of polymer chain (AFM) and creation of free radicals by EPR. After grafting with dithiol, the concentration of free radicals declines. The presence of Au and S in the surface layer after the coating with Au-nanoparticles was proved by RBS. Plasma treatment changes PE surface morphology and increases surface roughness, too. Another significant change in surface morphology and roughness was observed after deposition of Au-nanoparticles. Nanoindentation measurements show that the grafting with Au-nanoparticles increases adhesion of subsequently sputtered Au layer.

Effect of solvent/detergent-treated pooled plasma on fibrinolysis in reconstituted whole blood.

PubMed

Saadah, Nicholas H; van der Meer, Pieter F; Brinkman, Herm Jan M; de Korte, Dirk; Bontekoe, Ido J; Korsten, Herbert H; Middelburg, Rutger A; van der Bom, Johanna G; Schipperus, Martin R

2017-10-01

Hyperfibrinolysis has been observed in patients heavily transfused with solvent/detergent-treated pooled plasma (S/D plasma). We compared coagulation and fibrinolytic variables in blood containing S/D plasma with blood containing fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), with and without α2-antiplasmin or tranexamic acid (TXA) supplementation. Whole blood samples were reconstituted from red blood cells, platelet (PLT) concentrates, and varying mixtures of FFP and S/D plasma. Hematocrit and PLT count of reconstituted whole blood samples were varied. For a subset of runs, α2-antiplasmin or TXA was added to S/D plasma whole blood samples. Thromboelastography (TEG) analysis was performed to assess 50% clot lysis time (CLT 50% ), maximum amplitude (MA), and initial clotting time (R-time). The change in CLT 50% of whole blood as the plasma compartment transitions from FFP to S/D plasma was -52% (95% confidence interval [CI], -60% to -45%; p < 0.001). PLT count strengthened the effect, leading to an additional change in CLT 50% of -8% (95% CI, -14% to -2%; p = 0.012) as PLT count increased from 10 × 10 9 to 150 × 10 9 /L. MA and R-time were not associated with fraction of S/D plasma in whole blood. α2-Antiplasmin and TXA restored clot lysis time in S/D plasma whole blood. Whole blood with S/D plasma has shorter clot lysis times in vitro compared to whole blood with FFP. α2-Antiplasmin and TXA restore clot lysis time of S/D plasma whole blood to that of FFP whole blood. Clinicians should be aware of the decreased clot lysis time associated with S/D plasma transfusion. © 2017 AABB.

Protein tyrosine adduct in humans self-poisoned by chlorpyrifos

PubMed Central

Li, Bin; Eyer, Peter; Eddleston, Michael; Jiang, Wei; Schopfer, Lawrence M.; Lockridge, Oksana

2013-01-01

Studies of human cases of self-inflicted poisoning suggest that chlorpyrifos oxon reacts not only with acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase but also with other blood proteins. A favored candidate is albumin because in vitro and animal studies have identified tyrosine 411 of albumin as a site covalently modified by organophosphorus poisons. Our goal was to test this proposal in humans by determining whether plasma from humans poisoned by chlorpyrifos has adducts on tyrosine. Plasma samples from 5 self-poisoned humans were drawn at various time intervals after ingestion of chlorpyrifos for a total of 34 samples. All 34 samples were analyzed for plasma levels of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO) as a function of time post-ingestion. Eleven samples were analyzed for the presence of diethoxyphosphorylated tyrosine by mass spectrometry. Six samples yielded diethoxyphosphorylated tyrosine in pronase digests. Blood collected as late as 5 days after chlorpyrifos ingestion was positive for CPO-tyrosine, consistent with the 20-day half-life of albumin. High plasma CPO levels did not predict detectable levels of CPO-tyrosine. CPO-tyrosine was identified in pralidoxime treated patients as well as in patients not treated with pralidoxime, indicating that pralidoxime does not reverse CPO binding to tyrosine in humans. Plasma butyrylcholinesterase was a more sensitive biomarker of exposure than adducts on tyrosine. In conclusion, chlorpyrifos oxon makes a stable covalent adduct on the tyrosine residue of blood proteins in humans who ingested chlorpyrifos. PMID:23566956

Controlling protein adsorption on graphene for cryo-EM using low-energy hydrogen plasmas

PubMed Central

Russo, Christopher J.; Passmore, Lori A.

2014-01-01

Despite its many favorable properties as a sample support for biological electron microscopy, graphene is not widely used because its hydrophobicity precludes reliable protein deposition. We describe a method to modify graphene using a low-energy hydrogen plasma, which reduces hydrophobicity without degrading the graphene lattice. We show that the use of plasma-treated graphene enables better control of protein distribution in ice for electron cryo-microscopy and improved image quality by reducing radiation-induced sample motion. PMID:24747813

Characteristics of epoxy resin/SiO2 nanocomposite insulation: effects of plasma surface treatment on the nanoparticles.

PubMed

Yan, Wei; Phung, B T; Han, Zhao Jun; Ostrikov, Kostya

2013-05-01

The present study compares the effects of two different material processing techniques on modifying hydrophilic SiO2 nanoparticles. In one method, the nanoparticles undergo plasma treatment by using a custom-developed atmospheric-pressure non-equilibrium plasma reactor. With the other method, they undergo chemical treatment which grafts silane groups onto their surface and turns them into hydrophobic. The treated nanoparticles are then used to synthesize epoxy resin-based nanocomposites for electrical insulation applications. Their characteristics are investigated and compared with the pure epoxy resin and nanocomposite fabricated with unmodified nanofillers counterparts. The dispersion features of the nanoparticles in the epoxy resin matrix are examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. All samples show evidence that the agglomerations are smaller than 30 nm in their diameters. This indicates good dispersion uniformity. The Weibull plot of breakdown strength and the recorded partial discharge (PD) events of the epoxy resin/plasma-treated hydrophilic SiO2 nanocomposite (ER/PTI) suggest that the plasma-treated specimen yields higher breakdown strength and lower PD magnitude as compared to the untreated ones. In contrast, surprisingly, lower breakdown strength is found for the nanocomposite made by the chemically treated hydrophobic particles, whereas the PD magnitude and PD numbers remain at a similar level as the plasma-treated ones.

Surface modification of air plasma spraying WC-12%Co cermet coating by laser melting technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afzal, M.; Ajmal, M.; Nusair Khan, A.; Hussain, A.; Akhter, R.

2014-03-01

Tungsten carbide cermet powder with 12%Co was deposited on stainless steel substrate by air plasma spraying method. Two types of coatings were produced i.e. thick (430 µm) and thin (260 µm) with varying porosity and splat morphology. The coated samples were treated with CO2 laser under the shroud of inert atmosphere. A series of experimentation was done in this regard, to optimize the laser parameters. The plasma sprayed coated surfaces were then laser treated on the same parameters. After laser melting the treated surfaces were characterized and compared with as-sprayed surfaces. It was observed that the thickness of the sprayed coatings affected the melt depth and the achieved microstructures. It was noted that phases like Co3W3C, Co3W9C4 and W were formed during the laser melting in both samples. The increase in hardness was attributed to the formation of these phases.

Cytotoxicity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with chlorhexidine digluconate on primary cultured human gingival fibroblasts.

PubMed

Chen, Hui; Shi, Qi; Qing, Ying; Yao, Yi-chen; Cao, Ying-guang

2016-02-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), and to evaluate the biosecurity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX as a new method of root canal treatment. Tissue samples taken from human gingiva were primarily cultured and passaged. Cells from passages 3-7 were used. HGFs were treated by modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX for 0 min (control group), 30 s, 1 min, 1.5 min, 3 min, 5 min, and 10 min, respectively, and then they were incubated for 0, 24, and 48 h. After that, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was applied to analyze the cytotoxicity of modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX on HGFs. There was no significant difference between the 0 h group treated with the modified nonequilibrium plasma for 1 min and the control group (P>0.05). However, there were significant differences between all the other treated groups and the control group (P<0.05). When treated for 1.5 min or shorter, the cell viability was obviously increased; while treated for 3 min or longer, it was obviously reduced. Moreover, when successively cultured for 0, 24, and 48 h, cell viability was decreased at first and then increased in the 3-min-treated and 5-min-treated groups. The modified nonequilibrium plasma with 2% CHX was of no influence on cell viability in 1.5 min treatment, and it could be safely used on root canal treatment.

Surface improvement of EPDM rubber by plasma treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moraes, J. H.; da Silva Sobrinho, A. S.; Maciel, H. S.; Dutra, J. C. N.; Massi, M.; Mello, S. A. C.; Schreiner, W. H.

2007-12-01

The surface of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber was treated in N2/Ar and N2/H2/Ar RF plasmas in order to achieve similar or better adhesion properties than NBR (acrylonitrile-butadiene) rubber, nowadays used as thermal protection of rocket chambers. The surface properties were studied by contact angle measurements and by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The treated surfaces of the EPDM samples show a significant reduction in the contact angle measurement, indicating an increase in the surface energy. XPS analyses show the incorporation of polar nitrogen- and oxygen-containing groups on the rubber surface. After plasma treatment the presence of oxygen is observed due to surface oxidation which occurs when the samples are exposed to the air. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses indicate a decrease in the EPDM rubber surface roughness, promoted by surface etching during the plasma treatment. Strength tests indicate improvement of about 30% and 110% in the adhesion strength for the plasma treated EPDM/polyurethane liner interface and for the EPDM/epoxy adhesive interface, respectively. The adhesion strength of the EPDM/liner is similar to that obtained for the NBR/liner, which indicates that EPDM rubber can safely be used as thermal protection of the solid propellant rocket chamber.

[Effects of the adsorbent CAA for hemopurification on normal components of human plasma in removing methylene blue].

PubMed

Ma, Yu; Xia, Yun; Yang, Xiaolan; Yu, Ming'an

2003-06-01

Virus inactivation of plasma can be achieved by phototreatment with methylene blue (MB). Subsequently, elimination of MB may reduce the adverse effects of MB. This study examined the effects of adsorbing MB with the use of cross-linked agar bead entrapped attapulgite clay (CAA) on normal ingredients in MB-treated plasma units. The biomedical characteristics of CAA were assessed by determination of partial biochemical indexes, coagulation potency and some cationic concentration in a control sample and the MB-treated plasma eluted from CAA column. The biochemistry indexes or K+, Na+ in plasma were almost unaltered before and after CAA adsorption. In contrast, the concentrations of CA2+ and Mg2+ increased and the blood ammonium decreased obviously. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was prolonged from 42 s to 53 s, and prothrombin time (PT) from 13 s to 14 s. The result indicates that CAA as an adsorbent for hemopurification retains the most important characters of human plasma. CAA can be useful for the elimination of MB in MB-treated plasma and does not bring on harmful alteration in clinical significance.

Analytical and clinical performance of the Hologic Aptima HCV Quant Dx Assay for the quantification of HCV RNA in plasma samples.

PubMed

Schønning, Kristian; Pedersen, Martin Schou; Johansen, Kim; Landt, Bodil; Nielsen, Lone Gilmor; Weis, Nina; Westh, Henrik

2017-10-01

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be effectively treated with directly acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Measurement of HCV RNA is used to evaluate patient compliance and virological response during and after treatment. To compare the analytical performance of the Aptima HCV Quant Dx Assay (Aptima) and the COBAS Ampliprep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Test v2.0 (CAPCTMv2) for the quantification of HCV RNA in plasma samples, and compare the clinical utility of the two tests in patients undergoing treatment with DAA therapy. Analytical performance was evaluated on two sets of plasma samples: 125 genotyped samples and 172 samples referred for quantification of HCV RNA. Furthermore, performance was evaluated using dilutions series of four samples containing HCV genotype 1a, 2b, 3a, and 4a, respectively. Clinical utility was evaluated on 118 plasma samples obtained from 13 patients undergoing treatment with DAAs. Deming regression of results from 187 plasma samples with HCV RNA >2 Log IU/mL indicated that the Aptima assay quantified higher than the CAPCTMv2 test for HCV RNA >4.9 Log IU/mL. The linearity of the Aptima assay was excellent across dilution series of four HCV genotypes (slope of the regression line: 1.00-1.02). The Aptima assay detected significantly more replicates below targeted 2 Log IU/mL than the CAPCTMv2 test, and yielded clearly interpretable results when used to analyze samples from patients treated with DAAs. The analytical performance of the Aptima assay makes it well suited for monitoring patients with chronic HCV infection undergoing antiviral treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Atmospheric-pressure DBD plasma-assisted surface modification of polymethyl methacrylate: A study on cell growth/proliferation and antibacterial properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezaei, Fatemeh; Shokri, Babak; Sharifian, M.

2016-01-01

This paper reports polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) surface modification by atmospheric-pressure oxygen dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma to improve its biocompatibility and antibacterial effects. The role of plasma system parameters, such as electrode gap, treatment time and applied voltage, on the surface characteristics and biological responses was studied. The surface characteristics of PMMA films before and after the plasma treatments were analyzed by water contact angle (WCA) goniometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Also, acid-base approach was used for evaluation of surface free energy (SFE) and its components. Stability of plasma treatment or aging effect was examined by repeating water contact angle measurements in a period of 9 days after treatment. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of samples were investigated by bacterial adhesion assay against Escherichia coli. Additionally, all samples were tested for the biocompatibility by cell viability assay of mouse embryonic fibroblast. WCA measurements indicated that the surface wettability of PMMA films was improved by increasing surface free energy via oxygen DBD plasma treatments. AFM measurement revealed that surface roughness was slightly increased after treatments, and ATR-FTIR analysis showed that more polar groups were introduced on the plasma-treated PMMA film surface. The results also demonstrated an enhancement of antibacterial performance of the modified surfaces. Furthermore, it was observed that plasma-treated samples exhibited significantly better biocompatibility, comparing to the pristine one.

Effects of estrogenic (o,p'-DDT; octylphenol) and anti-androgenic (p,p'-DDE) chemicals on indicators of endocrine status in juvenile male summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus).

PubMed

Mills, L J; Gutjahr-Gobell, R E; Haebler, R A; Horowitz, D J; Jayaraman, S; Pruell, R J; McKinney, R A; Gardner, G R; Zaroogian, G E

2001-04-01

Laboratory experiments were conducted with male summer flounder to assess the value of selected measures of endocrine status in fish as indicators of exposure to endocrine-disrupting contaminants. Effects of 1,1,1-trichloro-2-(p-chlorophenyl)-2-(o-chlorophenyl) ethane (o,p'-DDT), octylphenol and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (p,p'-DDE) on hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indices, plasma steroid hormone levels, vitellogenin production, and gonadal development were evaluated in laboratory-raised, juvenile male summer flounder. Flounder were injected twice with test chemical in a coconut oil carrier. Each chemical was tested at three different concentrations. Estrogenic (o,p'-DDT; octylphenol) and anti-androgenic (p,p'-DDE) chemicals were evaluated alone and in combination (octylphenol plus o,p'-DDT or p,p'-DDE). Additionally, some fish were treated with the natural ligand for the estrogen receptor, 17beta-estradiol. Blood and tissues from different fish in each treatment were sampled 4, 6 and 8 weeks after the first injection. Fish exposed to a combination of o,p'-DDT plus octylphenol were also sampled after 15 weeks. In all cases, responses of fish exposed to a test chemical were compared to control fish sampled at the same time. The following significant differences, relative to controls, were observed in at least one sampling time or at least one concentration of chemical. 17beta-Estradiol-treated flounder exhibited decreased gonadosomatic index (GSI), altered hepatosomatic index (HSI), elevated plasma estradiol, reduced plasma testosterone, and high levels of plasma vitellogenin. Fish treated with o,p'-DDT showed lower GSI, no change in HSI or plasma estradiol, depression of plasma testosterone, and induction of vitellogenesis. Octylphenol treatment resulted in lower GSI, no change in HSI, initially increased plasma estradiol and decreased testosterone, and no vitellogenin production. p,p'-DDE treatment did not significantly alter any indicator relative to controls. In experiments using combinations of chemicals, flounder receiving o,p'-DDT plus octylphenol had lower GSI after 8 weeks and elevated plasma estradiol after 15 weeks exposure. Fish treated with p,p'-DDE plus octylphenol for 8 weeks exhibited a significantly lower GSI. Overall, lower GSI and plasma testosterone levels, relative to controls, were consistent indicators of exposure to estrogenic chemicals in juvenile male flounder. No indicators were found that would identify exposure to the mammalian anti-androgen p,p'-DDE.

Plasma impregnation of wood with fire retardants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pabeliña, Karel G.; Lumban, Carmencita O.; Ramos, Henry J.

2012-02-01

The efficacy of chemical and plasma treatments with phosphate and boric compounds, and nitrogen as flame retardants on wood are compared in this study. The chemical treatment involved the conventional method of spraying the solution over the wood surface at atmospheric condition and chemical vapor deposition in a vacuum chamber. The plasma treatment utilized a dielectric barrier discharge ionizing and decomposing the flame retardants into innocuous simple compounds. Wood samples are immersed in either phosphoric acid, boric acid, hydrogen or nitrogen plasmas or a plasma admixture of two or three compounds at various concentrations and impregnated by the ionized chemical reactants. Chemical changes on the wood samples were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) while the thermal changes through thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Plasma-treated samples exhibit superior thermal stability and fire retardant properties in terms of highest onset temperature, temperature of maximum pyrolysis, highest residual char percentage and comparably low total percentage weight loss.

Plasma Nitriding of AISI 304 Stainless Steel in Cathodic and Floating Electric Potential: Influence on Morphology, Chemical Characteristics and Tribological Behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; He, Yongyong; Wang, Wei; Mao, Junyuan; Zhang, Lei; Zhu, Yijie; Ye, Qianwen

2018-03-01

In direct current plasma nitriding (DCPN), the treated components are subjected to a high cathodic potential, which brings several inherent shortcomings, e.g., damage by arcing and the edging effect. In active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) processes, the cathodic potential is applied to a metal screen that surrounds the workload, and the component to be treated is placed in a floating potential. Such an electrical configuration allows plasma to be formed on the metal screen surface rather than on the component surface; thus, the shortcomings of the DCPN are eliminated. In this work, the nitrided experiments were performed using a plasma nitriding unit. Two groups of samples were placed on the table in the cathodic and the floating potential, corresponding to the DCPN and ASPN, respectively. The floating samples and table were surrounded by a steel screen. The DCPN and ASPN of the AISI 304 stainless steels are investigated as a function of the electric potential. The samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscope. Dry sliding ball-on-disk wear tests were conducted on the untreated substrate, DCPN and ASPN samples. The results reveal that all nitrided samples successfully produced similar nitrogen-supersaturated S phase layers on their surfaces. This finding also shows the strong impact of the electric potential of the nitriding process on the morphology, chemical characteristics, hardness and tribological behavior of the DCPN and ASPN samples.

Effect of cold atmospheric pressure He-plasma jet on DNA change and mutation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaopromsiri, C.; Yu, L. D.; Sarapirom, S.; Thopan, P.; Boonyawan, D.

2015-12-01

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (CAPPJ) effect on DNA change was studied for assessment of its safety. The experiment utilized a home-developed CAPPJ using 100% helium to directly treat naked DNA plasmid pGFP (plasmid green fluorescent protein). A traversal electric field was applied to separate the plasma components and both dry and wet sample conditions were adopted to investigate various factor roles in changing DNA. Plasma species were measured by using optical emission spectroscopy. DNA topological form change was analyzed by gel electrophoresis. The plasma jet treated DNA was transferred into bacterial Escherichia coli cells for observing mutation. The results show that the He-CAPPJ could break DNA strands due to actions from charge, radicals and neutrals and potentially cause genetic modification of living cells.

Biocompatible, smooth, plasma-treated nickel-titanium surface--an adequate platform for cell growth.

PubMed

Chrzanowski, W; Szade, J; Hart, A D; Knowles, J C; Dalby, M J

2012-02-01

High nickel content is believed to reduce the number of biomedical applications of nickel-titanium alloy due to the reported toxicity of nickel. The reduction in nickel release and minimized exposure of the cell to nickel can optimize the biocompatibility of the alloy and increase its use in the application where its shape memory effects and pseudoelasticity are particularly useful, e.g., spinal implants. Many treatments have been tried to improve the biocompatibility of Ni-Ti, and results suggest that a native, smooth surface could provide sufficient tolerance, biologically. We hypothesized that the native surface of nickel-titanium supports cell differentiation and insures good biocompatibility. Three types of surface modifications were investigated: thermal oxidation, alkali treatment, and plasma sputtering, and compared with smooth, ground surface. Thermal oxidation caused a drop in surface nickel content, while negligible chemistry changes were observed for plasma-modified samples when compared with control ground samples. In contrast, alkali treatment caused significant increase in surface nickel concentration and accelerated nickel release. Nickel release was also accelerated in thermally oxidized samples at 600 °C, while in other samples it remained at low level. Both thermal oxidation and alkali treatment increased the roughness of the surface, but mean roughness R(a) was significantly greater for the alkali-treated ones. Ground and plasma-modified samples had 'smooth' surfaces with R(a)=4 nm. Deformability tests showed that the adhesion of the surface layers on samples oxidized at 600 °C and alkali treatment samples was not sufficient; the layer delaminated upon deformation. It was observed that the cell cytoskeletons on the samples with a high nickel content or release were less developed, suggesting some negative effects of nickel on cell growth. These effects were observed primarily during initial cell contact with the surface. The most favorable cell responses were observed for ground and plasma-sputtered surfaces. These studies indicated that smooth, plasma-modified surfaces provide sufficient properties for cells to grow. © The Author(s), 2011.

Comparative plasma disposition kinetics of albendazole and its new benzimidazol prodrug in dog.

PubMed

Khalil, Z; El Karbane, M; Faouzi, M E A; Ansar, M; Azougagh, M; El Harti, J; Taoufik, J

2016-01-01

The comparative pharmacokinetic behavior of albendazole (ABZ) and its new benzimidazol prodrug [1-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-5-propylthio-1-H-benzimidazol-2ylcarbamate of methyl] (ABZBoc), following their oral administration (10mg/kg) to healthy dogs was explored. Blood samples were obtained serially over a 24h period after treatment, then the plasma was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to search the albendazole metabolites (ABZSO and ABZSO2). However, the albendazole parent drug was not detectable at any time after both treatments (ABZ and ABZBoc). By albendazole metabolites (ABZSO and ABZSO2) were the analytes recovered in the plasma after oral administration of ABZ and ABZBoc. Furthermore, some amounts of ABZBoc were also available in the plasma samples treated with this new produg. The plasma profile of each analyte followed a similar pattern after both treatments, the active metabolite (ABZSO) was the major analyte recovered in plasma (between 1 and 24h post-treatment). The pharmacokinetic parameters of both groups were calculated (Cmax, Tmax, t1/2, AUC0-›∞), and analyzed using the Student's t-test, P<0.05. Thus,the pharmacokinetic analysis indicated four statistically significant changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters defined above of the albendazole metabolites (ABZSO, ABZSO2) between the group treated with albendazole (group A) and that treated with ABZBoc prodrug (group B). Hence, the levels of the various pharmacokinetics parameters were low in the group treated with prodrug, as well they did not reach equivalent concentrations to that of albendazole. These differences between albendazole and its new prodrug may be explained by the fact that ABZBoc prodrug was not effectively reduced in the intestine of dogs. Copyright © 2015 Académie Nationale de Pharmacie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Gas discharge plasma treatment of poly(ethylene glycol-co-1,3/1,4 cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) for enhanced paint adhesion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Salapare, Hernando S., E-mail: hssalapare@up.edu.ph; Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila City 1000; College of Science, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Intramuros, Manila City 1002

Low-energy hydrogen-ions and tetrafluoromethane-ions produced from a gas discharge ion source were irradiated to poly(ethylene glycol-co-1,3/1,4 cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) (PETG) sheets for enhancing paint adhesion. The ion beams were characterized using a cast steel mass spectrometer, while the untreated and treated samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, and profilometry. The paint adhesion was determined by using the standard method for evaluating adhesion by knife [ASTM D6677-07, Standard Test Method for Evaluating Adhesion by Knife (ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2012)] and was correlated with the calculation of the work of adhesion derived frommore » the Young–Dupré equation. After plasma treatment, a significant decrease in the contact angle was observed in all samples, except for the CF{sub 4} ion-treated samples with the discharge current of 3 mA and an irradiation time of 30 min. At longer irradiation times, the treated samples showed lesser changes in the contact angle measurement. The increase in the average and root-mean-square surface roughness was observed on the samples after plasma treatment. The samples treated with either H{sub 2} or CF{sub 4} ions for 15 min showed a direct correlation between the discharge current and surface roughness. The samples treated for 30 min showed no significant correlation between the surface roughness and discharge current, which can be attributed to the possible melting of the samples since PETG has a low melting point. The observation made in this study on the relationship of wettability and surface roughness is consistent with the Wenzel wetting mode. Scanning electron micrographs showed surface etching on the hydrogen ion-treated samples while no significant surface changes were observed for the CF{sub 4} ion-treated samples. In general, paint adhesion was stronger for samples that exhibited enhanced wettability and high work of adhesion. The optimal work of adhesion to double the paint adhesion performance was at least 84.79 mN/m. The increase in the surface roughness after the treatment provided an increased friction between the paint and the PETG surface. The increase in the paint adhesion was also due to the covalent, hydrogen, and van der Waals bonding that are typically observed for highly wettable surfaces.« less

Influence of surface treatments on micropore structure and hydrogen adsorption behavior of nanoporous carbons.

PubMed

Kim, Byung-Joo; Park, Soo-Jin

2007-07-15

The scope of this work was to control the pore sizes of porous carbons by various surface treatments and to investigate the relation between pore structures and hydrogen adsorption capacity. The effects of various surface treatments (i.e., gas-phase ozone, anodic oxidation, fluorination, and oxygen plasma) on the micropore structures of porous carbons were investigated by N(2)/77 K isothermal adsorption. The hydrogen adsorption capacity was measured by H(2) isothermal adsorption at 77 K. In the result, the specific surface area and micropore volume of all of the treated samples were slightly decreased due to the micropore filling or pore collapsing behaviors. It was also found that in F(2)-treated carbons the center of the pore size distribution was shifted to left side, meaning that the average size of the micropores decreased. The F(2)- and plasma-treated samples showed higher hydrogen storage capacities than did the other samples, the F(2)-treated one being the best, indicating that the micropore size of the porous carbons played a key role in the hydrogen adsorption at 77 K.

The Influence of Hot-Rolled Temperature on Plasma Nitriding Behavior of Iron-Based Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Hossary, F. M.; Khalil, S. M.; Lotfy, Kh.; Kassem, M. A.

2009-07-01

Experiments were performed with an aim of studying the effect of hot-rolled temperature (600 and 900°C) on radio frequency (rf) plasma nitriding of Fe93Ni4Zr3 alloy. Nitriding was carried out for 10 min in a nitrogen atmosphere at a base pressure of 10-2 mbarr. Different continuous plasma processing powers of 300-550 W in steps 50 W or less were applied. Nitrided hot-rolled specimens were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microhardness measurements. The results reveal that the surface of hot-rolled rf plasma nitrided specimens at 600°C is characterized with a fine microstructure as a result of the high nitrogen solubility and diffusivity. Moreover, the hot-rolled treated samples at 600°C exhibit higher microhardness value than the associated values of hot-rolled treated samples at 900°C. The enhancement of microhardness is due to precipitation and predominance of new phases ( γ and ɛ phases). Mainly, this conclusion has been attributed to the high defect densities and small grain sizes of the samples hot-rolled at 600°C. Generally, the refinement of grain size plays a dramatic role in improvement of mechanical properties of tested samples.

Inhibitory effect of double atmospheric pressure argon cold plasma on spores and mycotoxin production of Aspergillus niger contaminating date palm fruits.

PubMed

Ouf, Salama A; Basher, Abdulrahman H; Mohamed, Abdel-Aleam H

2015-12-01

Aspergillus niger has been reported as a potentially dangerous pathogen of date-palm fruits in Saudi Arabia due to the production of fumonisin B2 (FB2 ) and ochratoxin A (OTA). In a trial to disinfect this product, a double atmospheric pressure argon cold plasma (DAPACP) jet system was set up and evaluated against spore germination and mycotoxin production of the pathogen. The plasma jets were characterised photographically, electrically and spectroscopically. DAPACP jet length increases with the increase of argon flow rate, with optimum rate at 3.5 L min(-1) . The viability of A. niger spores, inoculated onto sterilised date palm fruit discs, progressively decreases with extension of the exposure time of DAPACP due to the more quantitative amount of OH and O radicals interacting with the examined samples. There was a progressive reduction of the amount of FB2 and OTA detected in date palm discs on extension of the exposure time of the plasma-treated inoculums at flow rate of 3.5 L min(-1) . FB2 was not detected in the discs inoculated with 6-min plasma-treated A. niger, while OTA was completely absent when the fungus was treated for 7.5 min. DAPACP showed promising results in dry fruit decontamination and in inhibition of mycotoxin release by A. niger contaminating the fruits. The progress in the commercial application of cold plasma needs further investigation concerning the ideal width of the plasma output to enable it to cover wider surfaces of the sample and consequently inducing greater plasma performance. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of Modified Tapioca Starch in Atmospheric Argon Plasma under Diverse Humidity by FTIR Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deeyai, P.; Suphantharika, M.; Wongsagonsup, R.; Dangtip, S.

2013-01-01

Tapioca is economical crop grown in Thailand and continues to be one of the major sources of starch. Nowadays, tapioca starch has been widely used in industrial applications, however the native form of starch has limited the applications. Thus scientists try to modify the properties of starch for increasing the stability of the granules, pastes to low pH, heat, and shear during the food process. We modify the tapioca starch by plasma treatment under an argon atmosphere. The degree of modification is determined by following water content in the starch granules. The tablet samples of native starch are also prepared and compared with the plasma treated starch. Before plasma treatment, the starch tablets are stored under three different relative humilities (RH) including 11%, 68%, and 78%RH, respectively. The samples are characterized using FTIR spectroscopy associated with the degree of cross-linking. The results show that the water molecules are engulfed into the starch structure in two ways, a tight bond and a weak absorption of water molecules which is represented at two wave number of 1630 cm-1 and 3272 cm-1, respectively. The degree of cross-linking can be identified from the relative intensity of these two peaks with the C—O—H peak at 993 cm-1. The results show that the degree of cross-linking increase in the plasma treated starch. The degree of cross-linking of the treated starch with high relative humidity is less than that of the treated starch with low relative humidity.

Adhesion, Growth, and Maturation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells on Low-Density Polyethylene Grafted with Bioactive Substances

PubMed Central

Parizek, Martin; Slepickova Kasalkova, Nikola; Bacakova, Lucie; Bacakova, Marketa; Lisa, Vera; Svorcik, Vaclav

2013-01-01

The attractiveness of synthetic polymers for cell colonization can be affected by physical, chemical, and biological modification of the polymer surface. In this study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was treated by an Ar+ plasma discharge and then grafted with biologically active substances, namely, glycine (Gly), polyethylene glycol (PEG), bovine serum albumin (BSA), colloidal carbon particles (C), or BSA+C. All modifications increased the oxygen content, the wettability, and the surface free energy of the materials compared to the pristine LDPE, but these changes were most pronounced in LDPE with Gly or PEG, where all the three values were higher than in the only plasma-treated samples. When seeded with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the Gly- or PEG-grafted samples increased mainly the spreading and concentration of focal adhesion proteins talin and vinculin in these cells. LDPE grafted with BSA or BSA+C showed a similar oxygen content and similar wettability, as the samples only treated with plasma, but the nano- and submicron-scale irregularities on their surface were more pronounced and of a different shape. These samples promoted predominantly the growth, the formation of a confluent layer, and phenotypic maturation of VSMC, demonstrated by higher concentrations of contractile proteins alpha-actin and SM1 and SM2 myosins. Thus, the behavior of VSMC on LDPE can be regulated by the type of bioactive substances that are grafted. PMID:23586032

Adhesion, growth, and maturation of vascular smooth muscle cells on low-density polyethylene grafted with bioactive substances.

PubMed

Parizek, Martin; Slepickova Kasalkova, Nikola; Bacakova, Lucie; Svindrych, Zdenek; Slepicka, Petr; Bacakova, Marketa; Lisa, Vera; Svorcik, Vaclav

2013-01-01

The attractiveness of synthetic polymers for cell colonization can be affected by physical, chemical, and biological modification of the polymer surface. In this study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was treated by an Ar(+) plasma discharge and then grafted with biologically active substances, namely, glycine (Gly), polyethylene glycol (PEG), bovine serum albumin (BSA), colloidal carbon particles (C), or BSA+C. All modifications increased the oxygen content, the wettability, and the surface free energy of the materials compared to the pristine LDPE, but these changes were most pronounced in LDPE with Gly or PEG, where all the three values were higher than in the only plasma-treated samples. When seeded with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the Gly- or PEG-grafted samples increased mainly the spreading and concentration of focal adhesion proteins talin and vinculin in these cells. LDPE grafted with BSA or BSA+C showed a similar oxygen content and similar wettability, as the samples only treated with plasma, but the nano- and submicron-scale irregularities on their surface were more pronounced and of a different shape. These samples promoted predominantly the growth, the formation of a confluent layer, and phenotypic maturation of VSMC, demonstrated by higher concentrations of contractile proteins alpha-actin and SM1 and SM2 myosins. Thus, the behavior of VSMC on LDPE can be regulated by the type of bioactive substances that are grafted.

Effect of surface etching on the oxidation behavior of plasma chromizing-treated AISI440B stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, T. X.; Guo, Q.; Xi, W.; Ding, W. Q.; Liu, X. Z.; Lin, N. M.; Yu, S. W.; Liu, X. P.

2018-03-01

Double glow plasma surface alloying was applied to prepare chromizing layer in the surface of AISI440B stainless steel. Prior to chromizing, the stainless steel was etched by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition to change the surface morphology and composition, and then heated for chromizing at 950 °C for 3 h. The cyclical oxidation of steel after chromizing was carried out at 900 °C for 100 h. Scanning electron microscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer were used to characterize microstructure, composition and phase structure of alloyed and oxidized samples. The results show that the surface was composed of the Cr-rich top layer and Cr23C6, Cr7C3 and {Cr,Fe}7C3 below layer after chromizing. The bonding between the chromizing layer and the substrate after etching treatment was obviously strengthened. AISI440B steel shows a poor oxidation resistance and the weight gain oxidized for 100 h was up to 31.1 mg/cm2. Weight gains for chromizing and etching + chromizing treated samples were 0.67 mg/cm2 and 8 mg/cm2, respectively. Both oxidized surfaces of chromizing and etching + chromizing were composed of Cr2O3, but the oxide scale of etching + chromizing treated samples was more compact than that of samples without etching.

Development of barrier coatings for cellulosic-based materials by cold plasma methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denes, Agnes Reka

Cellulose-based materials are ideal candidates for future industries that need to be based on environmentally safe technologies and renewable resources. Wood represents an important raw material and its application as construction material is well established. Cellophane is one of the most important cellulosic material and it is widely used as packaging material in the food industry. Outdoor exposure of wood causes a combination of physical and chemical degradation processes due to the combined effects of sunlight, moisture, fungi, and bacteria. Cold-plasma-induced surface modifications are an attractive way for tailoring the characteristics of lignocellulosic substrates to prevent weathering degradation. Plasma-polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane (PPHMDSO) was deposited onto wood surfaces to create water repellent characteristics. The presence of a crosslinked macromolecular structure was detected. The plasma coated samples exhibited very high water contact angle values indicating the existence of hydrophobic surfaces. Reflective and electromagnetic radiation-absorbent substances were incorporated with a high-molecular-weight polydimethylsiloxane polymer in liquid phase and deposited as thin layers on wood surfaces. The macromolecular films, containing the dispersed materials, were then converted into a three dimensional solid state network by exposure to a oxygen-plasma. It was demonstrated that both UV-absorbent and reflectant components incorporated into the plasma-generated PDMSO matrix protected the wood from weathering degradation. Reduced oxidation and less degradation was observed after simulated weathering. High water contact angle values indicated a strong hydrophobic character of the oxygen plasma-treated PDMSO-coated samples. Plasma-enhanced surface modifications and coatings were employed to create water-vapor barrier layers on cellophane substrate surfaces. HMDSO was selected as a plasma gas and oxygen was used to ablate amorphous regions. Oxygen plasma treated cellophane and oxygen plasma treated and PPHMDSO coated cellophane surfaces were comparatively analyzed and the corresponding surface wettability characteristics were evaluated. The plasma generated surface topographies controlled the morphology of the PPHMDSO layers. Higher temperature HMDSO plasma-state environments lead to insoluble, crosslinked layers. Continuous and pulsed Csb2Fsb6 plasmas were also used for surface modification and excellent surface fluorination was achieved under the pulsed plasma conditions.

Solvent-modified solid-phase microextraction for the determination of diazepam in human plasma samples by capillary gas chromatography.

PubMed

Krogh, M; Grefslie, H; Rasmussen, K E

1997-02-21

This paper describes microextraction and gas chromatographic analysis of diazepam from human plasma. The method was based on immobilisation of 1.5 microliters of 1-octanol on a polyacrylate-coated fiber designed for solid-phase microextraction. The solvent-modified fibre was used to extract diazepam from the samples. The plasma sample was pre-treated to release diazepam from the protein binding. The fibre was inserted into the modified plasma sample, adjusted to pH 5.5 an internal standard was added and the mixture was carefully stirred for 4 min. The fibre with the immobilised solvent and the enriched analytes was injected into the capillary gas chromatograph. The solvent and the extracted analytes were evaporated at 300 degrees C in the split-splitless injection port of the gas chromatograph, separated on a methylsilicon capillary column and detected with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector. The method was shown to be reproducible with a detection limit of 0.10 nmol/ml in human plasma.

Plasma vitrification and re-use of non-combustible fiber reinforced plastic, gill net and waste glass.

PubMed

Chu, J P; Chen, Y T; Mahalingam, T; Tzeng, C C; Cheng, T W

2006-12-01

Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite material has widespread use in general tank, special chemical tank and body of yacht, etc. The purpose of this study is directed towards the volume reduction of non-combustible FRP by thermal plasma and recycling of vitrified slag with specific procedures. In this study, we have employed three main wastes such as, FRP, gill net and waste glass. The thermal molten process was applied to treat vitrified slag at high temperatures whereas in the post-heat treatment vitrified slags were mixed with specific additive and ground into powder form and then heat treated at high temperatures. With a two-stage heat treatment, the treated sample was generated into four crystalline phases, cristobalite, albite, anorthite and wollastonite. Fine and relatively high dense structures with desirable properties were obtained for samples treated by the two-stage heating treatment. Good physical and mechanical properties were achieved after heat treatment, and this study reveals that our results could be comparable with the commercial products.

Long and short term effects of plasma treatment on meristematic plant cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puač, N.; Živković, S.; Selaković, N.; Milutinović, M.; Boljević, J.; Malović, G.; Petrović, Z. Lj.

2014-05-01

In this paper, we will present results of plasma treatments of meristematic cells of Daucus carota. Plasma needle was used as an atmospheric pressure/gas composition source of non-equilibrium plasma in all treatments. Activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase was measured immediately after plasma treatment and after two weeks following the treatment. Superoxide dismutase activity was increased in samples immediately after the plasma treatment. On the other hand, catalase activity was much higher in treated samples when measured two weeks after plasma treatment. These results show that there is a direct proof of the triggering of signal transduction in the cells by two reactive oxygen species H2O2 and O2-, causing enzyme activity and short and long term effects even during the growth of calli, where the information is passed to newborn cells over the period of two weeks.

Mineral-Based Coating of Plasma-Treated Carbon Fibre Rovings for Carbon Concrete Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Performance.

PubMed

Schneider, Kai; Lieboldt, Matthias; Liebscher, Marco; Fröhlich, Maik; Hempel, Simone; Butler, Marko; Schröfl, Christof; Mechtcherine, Viktor

2017-03-29

Surfaces of carbon fibre roving were modified by means of a low temperature plasma treatment to improve their bonding with mineral fines; the latter serving as an inorganic fibre coating for the improved mechanical performance of carbon reinforcement in concrete matrices. Variation of the plasma conditions, such as gas composition and treatment time, was accomplished to establish polar groups on the carbon fibres prior to contact with the suspension of mineral particles in water. Subsequently, the rovings were implemented in a fine concrete matrix and their pull-out performance was assessed. Every plasma treatment resulted in increased pull-out forces in comparison to the reference samples without plasma treatment, indicating a better bonding between the mineral coating material and the carbon fibres. Significant differences were found, depending on gas composition and treatment time. Microscopic investigations showed that the samples with the highest pull-out force exhibited carbon fibre surfaces with the largest areas of hydration products grown on them. Additionally, the coating material ingresses into the multifilament roving in these specimens, leading to better force transfer between individual carbon filaments and between the entire roving and surrounding matrix, thus explaining the superior mechanical performance of the specimens containing appropriately plasma-treated carbon roving.

Mineral-Based Coating of Plasma-Treated Carbon Fibre Rovings for Carbon Concrete Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Performance

PubMed Central

Schneider, Kai; Lieboldt, Matthias; Liebscher, Marco; Fröhlich, Maik; Hempel, Simone; Butler, Marko; Schröfl, Christof; Mechtcherine, Viktor

2017-01-01

Surfaces of carbon fibre roving were modified by means of a low temperature plasma treatment to improve their bonding with mineral fines; the latter serving as an inorganic fibre coating for the improved mechanical performance of carbon reinforcement in concrete matrices. Variation of the plasma conditions, such as gas composition and treatment time, was accomplished to establish polar groups on the carbon fibres prior to contact with the suspension of mineral particles in water. Subsequently, the rovings were implemented in a fine concrete matrix and their pull-out performance was assessed. Every plasma treatment resulted in increased pull-out forces in comparison to the reference samples without plasma treatment, indicating a better bonding between the mineral coating material and the carbon fibres. Significant differences were found, depending on gas composition and treatment time. Microscopic investigations showed that the samples with the highest pull-out force exhibited carbon fibre surfaces with the largest areas of hydration products grown on them. Additionally, the coating material ingresses into the multifilament roving in these specimens, leading to better force transfer between individual carbon filaments and between the entire roving and surrounding matrix, thus explaining the superior mechanical performance of the specimens containing appropriately plasma-treated carbon roving. PMID:28772719

Disinfection of S. mutans Bacteria Using a Plasma Needle at Atmospheric Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, S.; Goree, J.; Liu, Bin; Drake, D.

2007-11-01

The plasma needle device produces a millimeter-size low-power glow discharge at atmospheric-pressure. It is intended for dental or medical applications. Radio-frequency high voltage is applied to a single needle electrode located inside a concentric gas-flow nozzle. A low-speed helium plasma jet flows out of the nozzle and mixes with ambient air. The jet is impinges on a surface that is to be treated, which in our test was a suspension of S. mutans bacteria that was plated onto the surface of agar nutrient in a Petri dish. S. mutans is the most important microorganism for causing dental caries. Imaging the sample after plasma treatment and incubation reveal the conditions where bacteria are killed, and the size of the treated spot.

N-Acetyl-S-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl) cysteine in rat nucleus accumbens, medial prefrontal cortex, and in RAT and human plasma after disulfiram administration

PubMed Central

Winefield, Robert D.; Heemskerk, Anthonius A.M.; Kaul, Swetha; Williams, Todd D.; Caspers, Michael J.; Prisinzano, Thomas E.; McCance-Katz, Elinore F.; Lunte, Craig E.

2015-01-01

Disulfiram (DSF), a treatment for alcohol use disorders, has shown some clinical effectiveness in treating addiction to cocaine, nicotine, and pathological gambling. The mechanism of action of DSF for treating these addictions is unclear but it is unlikely to involve the inhibition of liver aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). DSF is a pro-drug and forms a number of metabolites, one of which is N-acetyl-S-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl) cysteine (DETC-NAC). Here we describe a LCMS/MS method on a QQQ type instrument to quantify DETC-NAC in plasma and intracellular fluid from mammalian brain. An internal standard, the N,N-di-isopropylcarbamoyl homolog (MIM: 291 > 128) is easily separable from DETC-NAC (MIM: 263 > 100) on C18 RP media with a methanol gradient. The method's linear range is 0.5–500 nM from plasma and dialysate salt solution with all precisions better than 10% RSD. DETC-NAC and internal standards were recovered at better than 95% from all matrices, perchloric acid precipitation (plasma) or formic acid addition (salt) and is stable in plasma or salt at low pH for up to 24 h. Stability is observed through three freeze-thaw cycles per day for 7 days. No HPLC peak area matrix effect was greater than 10%. A human plasma sample from a prior analysis for S-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl) glutathione (CARB) was found to have DETC NAC as well. In other human plasma samples from 62.5 mg/d and 250mg/d dosing, CARB concentration peaks at 0.3 and 4 nM at 3 h followed by DETC-NAC peaks of 11 and 70 nM 2 h later. Employing microdialysis sampling, DETC-NAC levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and plasma of rats treated with DSF reached 1.1, 2.5 and 80 nM at 6 h. The correlation between the appearance and long duration of DETC-NAC concentration in rat brain and the persistence of DSF-induced changes in neurotransmitters observed by Faiman et al. (Neuropharmacology, 2013, 75C, 95–105) is discussed. PMID:25720821

Surface treatment of polypropylene (PP) film by 50 Hz dielectric barrier discharge produced in air and argon/air mixture at atmospheric pressure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Joshi, Ujjwal Man, E-mail: umjoshi@gmail.com; Subedi, Deepak Prasad, E-mail: deepaksubedi2001@yahoo.com

Thin films of polypropylene (PP) are treated for improving hydrophilicity using non-thermal plasma generated by 50 Hz line frequency dielectric barrier discharge produced in air and argon/air mixture at atmospheric pressure. PP samples before and after the treatments are studied using contact angle measurements, surface free energy calculations and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Distilled water (H{sub 2}O), glycerol (C{sub 3}H{sub 8}O{sub 3}) and diiodomethane (CH{sub 2}I{sub 2}) are used as test liquids. The contact angle measurements between test liquids and PP samples are used to determine total surface free energy using sessile drop technique. PP films show a remarkable increase inmore » surface free energy after plasma treatment. SEM analysis of the plasma-treated PP films shows that plasma treatment introduces greater roughness on the surface leading to the increased surface free energy. Furthermore, it is found that introducing a small quantity of argon can enhance the surface treatment remarkably.« less

Influence of absorbed moisture on desizing of poly(vinyl alcohol) on cotton fabrics during atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Shujing; Liu, Xiulan; Sun, Jie; Gao, Zhiqiang; Yao, Lan; Qiu, Yiping

2010-04-01

This paper studies the influence of moisture absorption of cotton fabrics on the effectiveness of atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) on desizing of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Cotton fabrics with three different moisture regains (MR), namely 1.8%, 7.3%, and 28.4% corresponding to 10%, 65%, and 98% of relative humidity respectively, are treated for 16 s, 32 s, 48 s, and 64 s. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicates that the plasma treated PVA has higher oxygen concentration than the control. Mass loss results show that the fabric with the highest MR has the largest mass loss after 64 s plasma exposure. Solubility measurement reveals that the sample with the lowest MR has the highest desizing efficacy and the percent desizing ratio reaches 96% after 64 s exposure plus a 20 min hot wash, which is shown as clean as the unsized sample through scanning electron microscopy analysis. The yarn tensile strength test results show that APPJ has no negative effect on fabric tensile strength.

Calculation of sheath and wake structure about a pillbox-shaped spacecraft in a flowing plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, L. W.

1977-01-01

A computer program was used for studies of the disturbed zones around bodies in flowing plasmas, particularly spacecraft and their associated sheaths and wakes. The program solved a coupled Poisson-Vlasov system of nonlinear partial differential integral equations to obtain distributions of electric potential and ion and electron density about a finite length cylinder in a plasma flow at arbitrary ion Mach numbers. The approach was applicable to a larger range of parameters than other available approaches. In sample calculations, bodies up to 100 Debye lengths in radius were treated, that is, larger than any previously treated realistically. Applications were made to in-situ satellite experiments.

High Degree of Interlaboratory Reproducibility of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protease and Reverse Transcriptase Sequencing of Plasma Samples from Heavily Treated Patients

PubMed Central

Shafer, Robert W.; Hertogs, Kurt; Zolopa, Andrew R.; Warford, Ann; Bloor, Stuart; Betts, Bradley J.; Merigan, Thomas C.; Harrigan, Richard; Larder, Brendon A.

2001-01-01

We assessed the reproducibility of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease sequencing using cryopreserved plasma aliquots obtained from 46 heavily treated HIV-1-infected individuals in two laboratories using dideoxynucleotide sequencing. The rates of complete sequence concordance between the two laboratories were 99.1% for the protease sequence and 99.0% for the RT sequence. Approximately 90% of the discordances were partial, defined as one laboratory detecting a mixture and the second laboratory detecting only one of the mixture's components. Only 0.1% of the nucleotides were completely discordant between the two laboratories, and these were significantly more likely to occur in plasma samples with lower plasma HIV-1 RNA levels. Nucleotide mixtures were detected at approximately 1% of the nucleotide positions, and in every case in which one laboratory detected a mixture, the second laboratory either detected the same mixture or detected one of the mixture's components. The high rate of concordance in detecting mixtures and the fact that most discordances between the two laboratories were partial suggest that most discordances were caused by variation in sampling of the HIV-1 quasispecies by PCR rather than by technical errors in the sequencing process itself. PMID:11283081

Preparation of a bonelike apatite-polymer fiber composite using a simple biomimetic process.

PubMed

Yokoyama, Yoshiro; Oyane, Ayako; Ito, Atsuo

2008-08-01

A bonelike apatite-polymer fiber composite may be useful as an implant material to replace bone, the enthesis of a tendon, and the joint part of a ligament. We treated an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) plate and knitted EVOH fibers with an oxygen plasma to produce oxygen-containing functional groups on their surfaces. The plasma-treated samples were alternately dipped in alcoholic calcium and phosphate ion solutions three times to deposit apatite precursors onto their surfaces. The surface-modified samples formed a dense and uniform bonelike surface apatite layer after immersion for 24 h in a simulated body fluid with ion concentrations approximately equal to those of human blood plasma. The adhesive strength between the apatite layer and the sample's surface increased with increasing power density of the oxygen plasma. The apatite-EVOH fiber composite obtained by our process has similarities to natural bone in that apatite crystals are deposited on organic polymer fibers. The resulting composite would possess osteoconductivity due to the apatite phase. With proper polymer selection and optimized synthesis techniques, a composite could be made that would have bonelike mechanical properties. Hence, the present surface modification and coating process would be a promising route to obtain new implant materials with bonelike mechanical properties and osteoconductivity. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Optical Emission Spectroscopy of an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet During Tooth Bleaching Gel Treatment.

PubMed

Šantak, Vedran; Zaplotnik, Rok; Tarle, Zrinka; Milošević, Slobodan

2015-11-01

Optical emission spectroscopy was performed during atmospheric pressure plasma needle helium jet treatment of various tooth-bleaching gels. When the gel sample was inserted under the plasma plume, the intensity of all the spectral features increased approximately two times near the plasma needle tip and up to two orders of magnitude near the sample surface. The color change of the hydroxylapatite pastille treated with bleaching gels in conjunction with the atmospheric pressure plasma jet was found to be in correlation with the intensity of OH emission band (309 nm). Using argon as an additive to helium flow (2 L/min), a linear increase (up to four times) of OH intensity and, consequently, whitening (up to 10%) of the pastilles was achieved. An atmospheric pressure plasma jet activates bleaching gel, accelerates OH production, and accelerates tooth bleaching (up to six times faster).

Sliding Wear Response of Nanostructured YSZ Suspension Plasma-Sprayed Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kossman, S.; Chicot, D.; Decoopman, X.; Iost, A.; van Gorp, A.; Meillot, E.; Puchi-Cabrera, E. S.; Santana, Y. Y.; Staia, M. H.

2014-12-01

Nanostructured yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings for applications in high-temperature environments can be deposited by suspension plasma spraying (SPS) techniques. The present research has been conducted in order to study the sliding wear response of a SPS ZrO2-8% mol. Y2O3 coating (75 μm in thickness) deposited onto a Haynes 230 substrate, using pin-on-disc tests. Some of the coated samples were subsequently heat-treated for 1 h at 300 and 600 °C. Samples characterization prior and after the wear tests was carried out by SEM, EDS, XRD and optical profilometry techniques. Instrumented indentation was employed to determine elastic modulus and hardness. The results have shown that the as-sprayed and heat-treated samples experienced severe wear (10-13 m3/Nm) and the worst wear performance corresponded to the sample heat treated at 600 °C. Such a behavior could be related to both the structural changes that took place during heat treatment and the nature and level of the residual stresses in the coatings. In general, the morphologies of the wear tracks observed by SEM have shown a smoothing of the surface, brittle fracture, smearing and grain pull-out.

Plasma Assisted Decontamination of Bacterial Spores

PubMed Central

Kuo, Spencer P

2008-01-01

The efficacy and mechanism of killing bacterial spores by a plasma torch is studied. Bacterial-spore (Bacillus cereus) suspension is inoculated onto glass/paper slide-coupons and desiccated into dry samples, and inoculated into well-microplate as wet sample. The exposure distance of all samples is 4 cm from the nozzle of the torch. In the experiment, paper slide-coupon is inserted inside an envelope. The kill times on spores in three types of samples are measured to be about 3, 9, and 24 seconds. The changes in the morphology and shape of still viable spores in treated wet samples are recorded by scanning electron and atomic force microscopes. The loss of appendages and exosporium in the structure and squashed/flattened cell shape are observed. The emission spectroscopy of the torch indicates that the plasma effluent carries abundant reactive atomic oxygen, which is responsible for the destruction of spores. PMID:19662115

Disinfection of fresh chicken breast fillets with in-package atmospheric cold plasma: effect of treatment voltage and time

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Effects of treatment voltage and time of in-package atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) were studied on ozone formation, microbiological quality, surface color, and pH of fresh chicken fillets. Samples were sealed in food trays in air, treated with a dielectric-barrier-discharge (DBD) ACP system, and stor...

Influence of processing parameters on the characteristics of surface layers of low temperature plasma nitrocarburized AISI 630 martensitic stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Insup

2017-11-01

Plasma nitrocarburizing was performed on solution-treated AISI 630 martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel samples with a gas mixture of H2, N2, and CH4 with changing temperature, discharge voltage and amount of CH4. When nitrocarburized with increasing temperature from 380 °C to 430 °C at fixed 25% N2 and 6% CH4, the thickness of expanded martensite (α'N) layer and surface hardness increased up to 10 μm and 1323 HV0.05, respectively but the corrosion resistance decreased. Though the increase of discharge voltage from 400 V to 600 V increased α'N layer thickness and surface hardness (up to 13 μm and 1491 HV0.05, respectively), the treated samples still showed very poor corrosion behavior. Thus, to further improve the corrosion resistance, the influence of variation of the amount of CH4 in the nitrocarburizing process was investigated. Increasing the CH4 percentage aided higher corrosion resistance, although it decreased the α'N layer thickness. The most appropriate conditions for moderate α'N layer thickness, high surface hardness and better corrosion resistance than the solution-treated bare sample were established, which is plasma nitrocarburizing at 400 °C with 400 V discharge voltage and containing 25% N2 and 4% CH4.

Correlation Between Optoelectronic and Positron Lifetime Properties in As-received and Plasma-treated ZnO Nanopowders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, R. M.; Paramo, J. A.; Quarles, C. A.; Strzhemechny, Y. M.

2009-03-01

We employed photoluminescence and positron lifetime measurements on a number of commercially available ZnO nanopowders. The experiments were performed before and after processing of these samples in remote N and O/He plasma. In all the nanopowders, the average lifetime component is substantially longer than in a single-crystalline sample, consistent with the model of grains with defect-rich surface and subsurface layers. However, the sample-to-sample differences in the quality of the powders, as detected by the photoluminescence spectroscopy, obscure observation of possible size effects. Compression of the powders into pellets yields reductions of the average positron lifetimes. Plasma-induced modifications are most visible in the low-temperature photoluminescence spectra of the smallest nanocrystals, indicative of a surface-specific nature of the chosen treatment procedure.

Determination of tafenoquine in dried blood spots and plasma using LC and fluorescence detection.

PubMed

Römsing, Susanne; Lindegardh, Niklas; Bergqvist, Yngve

2011-08-01

The growing problem of parasites developing resistance to the traditional antimalarial drugs makes the development of new effective and safe drugs crucial. Tafenoquine is a new promising antimalarial drug for prophylaxis and treatment. A bioanalytical method for the determination of tafenoquine in 100 µl of capillary blood applied onto sampling paper and in 100 µl of plasma has been developed and validated. The Whatman 31 ET Chr paper was treated with 0.6 mol/l tartaric acid to improve the extraction recovery and solid-phase extraction was used for cleanup procedure of the blood samples. Plasma samples were precipitated with methanol. Tafenoquine and internal standard were separated on a Zorbax SB-CN column by reversed-phase LC and detected with fluorescence detection at 262 and 470 nm. The within- and between-day variations were below 10 and 14%, respectively, over the range 50-200 nmol/l for capillary blood on sampling paper and below 6 and 10% for plasma samples. The LLOQ of the method was 50 nmol/l. The developed method has adequate sensitivity and is highly suitable for clinical studies in dried blood spots and plasma.

LC-MS/MS quantification of free and Fab-bound colchicine in plasma, urine and organs following colchicine administration and colchicine-specific Fab fragments treatment in Göttingen minipigs.

PubMed

Fabresse, Nicolas; Allard, Julien; Sardaby, Marine; Thompson, Adrian; Clutton, R Eddie; Eddleston, Michael; Alvarez, Jean-Claude

2017-08-15

Clinical evaluation of a colchicine specific antigen-binding fragment (Fab) in order to treat colchicine poisoning required the development of an accurate method allowing quantification of free and Fab-bound colchicine in plasma and urine, and free colchicine in tissues, to measure colchicine redistribution after Fab administration. Three methods have been developed for this purpose, and validated in plasma, urine and liver: total colchicine was determined after denaturation of Fab by dilution in water and heating; free colchicine was separated from Fab-bound colchicine by filtration with 30KDa micro-filters; tissues were homogenized in a tissue mixer. Deuterated colchicine was used as internal standard. Samples were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed with a LC-MS/MS. LOQ were 0.5ng/mL in plasma and urine for free and total colchicine and 5pg/mg in tissues. The methods were linear in the 0.5-100ng/mL range in plasma and urine, and 5-300pg/mg in tissues with determination coefficients>0.99. Precision and accuracy of QC samples presented a CV<9.4%. The methods require only 200μL of sample and allow a high throughput due to short analytical run (2min). These methods were successfully applied to a pig intoxicated with colchicine and treated with colchicine specific Fab fragments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of antibacterial surfaces by plasma grafting of zinc oxide based nanocomposites onto polypropylene.

PubMed

de Rancourt, Yoann; Couturaud, Benoit; Mas, André; Robin, Jean Jacques

2013-07-15

Antibacterial polymer surfaces were designed using ZnO nanoparticles as a bactericide. Mineral encapsulated nanoparticles were grafted onto activated polymer surfaces through their shells. Polypropylene (PP) surfaces were treated using an innovative process coupling core-shell technology and plasma grafting, well-known techniques commonly used to obtain active surfaces for biomedical applications. First, ZnO nanoparticles were encapsulated by (co)polymers: poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or a poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer [P(MMA-MA)]. Second, PP substrates were activated using plasma treatment. Finally, plasma-treated surfaces were immersed in solutions containing the encapsulated nanoparticles dispersed in an organic solvent and allowed to graft onto it. The presence of nanoparticles on the substrates was demonstrated using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, Scanning Electron Microspcopy (SEM)/Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) studies. Indeed, the ZnO-functionalized substrates exhibited an antibacterial response in Escherichia coli adhesion tests. Moreover, this study revealed that, surprisingly, native ZnO nanoparticles without any previous functionalization could be directly grafted onto polymeric surfaces through plasma activation. The antibacterial activity of the resulting sample was shown to be comparable to that of the other samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Improved microwave shielding behavior of carbon nanotube-coated PET fabric using plasma technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haji, Aminoddin; Semnani Rahbar, Ruhollah; Mousavi Shoushtari, Ahmad

2014-08-01

Four different procedures were conducted to load amine functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube (NH2-MWCNT) onto poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabric surface to obtain a microwave shielding sample. Plasma treated fabric which was subsequently coated with NH2-MWCNT in the presence of acrylic acid was chosen as the best sample. Surface changes in the PET fabrics were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Wide-angle X-ray diffraction was used to study the crystalline structure of the PET fabric. The microwave shielding performance of the PET fabrics in term of reflection loss was determined using a network analyzer at X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz). The XPS results revealed that the carbon atomic percentage decreased while the oxygen atomic percentage increased when the fabric was plasma treated and coated with NH2-MWCNT. The SEM images showed that the NH2-MWCNTs were homogenously dispersed and individually separated in the surface of fabric. Moreover, the structural studies showed that the crystalline region of the fabrics was not affected by NH2-MWCNT and plasma treatment. The best microwave absorbing properties were obtained from the plasma treated fabric which was then coated with 10% NH2-MWCNT in the presence of acrylic acid. It showed a minimum reflection loss of ∼-18.2 dB about 11 GHz. Proper attachments of NH2-MWCNT on the PET fabric surface was explained in the suggested mechanism in which hydrogen bonding and amide linkage are responsible for the achievement of microwave shielding properties with high durability.

The impact of nandrolone decanoate and growth hormone on biosynthesis of steroids in rats.

PubMed

Grönbladh, Alfhild; Johansson, Jenny; Kushnir, Mark M; Bergquist, Jonas; Hallberg, Mathias

2013-12-11

Growth hormone (GH) and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are commonly used in sports communities. Several studies have suggested an association between GH and AAS. We have investigated the impact of GH in rats treated with nandrolone decanoate (ND). Male Wistar rats received ND (15 mg/kg) every third day during three weeks and were subsequently treated with recombinant human GH (1.0I U/kg) for ten consecutive days. Plasma samples were collected and peripheral organs (i.e. heart, liver, testis and thymus) were dissected and weighed. Concentration of thirteen endogenous steroids was measured in the rat plasma samples using high specificity LC-MS/MS methods. Seven steroids were detected and quantified, and concentrations of estrone, testosterone, and androstenedione were significantly different among the groups, while concentrations of pregnenolone, DHEA, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and corticosterone were not altered. Administration of rhGH alone altered the plasma steroid distribution, and the results demonstrated significantly increased concentrations of plasma estrone as well as decreased concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione in the ND-treated rats. Administration of rhGH to ND-pretreated rats did not reverse the alteration of the steroid distribution induced by ND. Administration of ND decreased the weight of the thymus, and addition of rhGH did not reverse this reduction. However, rhGH administration induced an enlargement of thymus. Taken together, the plasma steroid profile differed in the four groups, i.e. control, AAS, rhGH and the combination of AAS and rhGH treatment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

RAS testing of liquid biopsy correlates with the outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line FOLFIRI plus cetuximab in the CAPRI-GOIM trial.

PubMed

Normanno, N; Esposito Abate, R; Lambiase, M; Forgione, L; Cardone, C; Iannaccone, A; Sacco, A; Rachiglio, A M; Martinelli, E; Rizzi, D; Pisconti, S; Biglietto, M; Bordonaro, R; Troiani, T; Latiano, T P; Giuliani, F; Leo, S; Rinaldi, A; Maiello, E; Ciardiello, F

2018-01-01

Liquid biopsy is an alternative to tissue for RAS testing in metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC) patients. Little information is available on the predictive role of liquid biopsy RAS testing in patients treated with first-line anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody-based therapy. In the CAPRI-GOIM trial, 340 KRAS exon-2 wild-type mCRC patients received first-line cetuximab plus FOLFIRI. Tumor samples were retrospectively assessed by next generation sequencing (NGS). Baseline plasma samples were analyzed for KRAS and NRAS mutations using beads, emulsion, amplification, and magnetics digital PCR (BEAMing). Discordant cases were solved by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) or deep-sequencing. A subgroup of 92 patients with available both NGS data on tumor samples and baseline plasma samples were included in this study. Both NGS analysis of tumor tissue and plasma testing with BEAMing identified RAS mutations in 33/92 patients (35.9%). However, 10 cases were RAS tissue mutant and plasma wild-type, and additional 10 cases were tissue wild-type and plasma mutant, resulting in a concordance rate of 78.3%. Analysis of plasma samples with ddPCR detected RAS mutations in 2/10 tissue mutant, plasma wild-type patients. In contrast, in all tissue wild-type and plasma mutant cases, ddPCR or deep-sequencing analysis of tumor tissue confirmed the presence of RAS mutations at allelic frequencies ranging between 0.15% and 1.15%. The median progression-free survival of RAS mutant and wild-type patients according to tissue (7.9 versus 12.6 months; P = 0.004) and liquid biopsy testing (7.8 versus 13.8 moths; P < 0.001) were comparable. Similar findings were observed for the median overall survival of RAS mutant and wild-type patients based on tissue (22.1 versus 35.8 months; P = 0.016) and plasma (19.9 versus 35.8 months; P = 0.013) analysis. This study indicates that RAS testing of liquid biopsy results in a similar outcome when compared with tissue testing in mCRC patients receiving first-line anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Creation of hydrophilic nitric oxide releasing polymers via plasma surface modification.

PubMed

Pegalajar-Jurado, A; Joslin, J M; Hawker, M J; Reynolds, M M; Fisher, E R

2014-08-13

Herein, we describe the surface modification of an S-nitrosated polymer derivative via H2O plasma treatment, resulting in polymer coatings that maintained their nitric oxide (NO) releasing capabilities, but exhibited dramatic changes in surface wettability. The poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based hydrophobic polymer was nitrosated to achieve a material capable of releasing the therapeutic agent NO. The NO-loaded films were subjected to low-temperature H2O plasma treatments, where the treatment power (20-50 W) and time (1-5 min) were varied. The plasma treated polymer films were superhydrophilic (water droplet spread completely in <100 ms), yet retained 90% of their initial S-nitrosothiol content. Under thermal conditions, NO release profiles were identical to controls. Under buffer soak conditions, the NO release profile was slightly lowered for the plasma-treated materials; however, they still result in physiologically relevant NO fluxes. XPS, SEM-EDS, and ATR-IR characterization suggests the plasma treatment resulted in polymer rearrangement and implantation of hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups. Plasma treated samples maintained both hydrophilic surface properties and NO release profiles after storage at -18 °C for at least 10 days, demonstrating the surface modification and NO release capabilities are stable over time. The ability to tune polymer surface properties while maintaining bulk properties and NO release properties, and the stability of those properties under refrigerated conditions, represents a unique approach toward creating enhanced therapeutic biopolymers.

Bioavailability and biochemical effects of diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution in the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

PubMed

Griggs, Angela N; Yaw, Taylor J; Haynes, Joseph S; Ben-Shlomo, Gil; Tofflemire, Kyle L; Allbaugh, Rachel A

2017-03-01

To determine if topical ophthalmic diclofenac sodium 0.1% solution alters renal parameters in the domestic chicken, and to determine if the drug is detectable in plasma after topical ophthalmic administration. Thirty healthy domestic chickens. Over 7 days, six birds were treated unilaterally with one drop of artificial tear solution (group 1), 12 birds were treated unilaterally (group 2) and 12 bilaterally (group 3) with diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution. Treatments were provided every 12 h in all groups. Pre- and post-treatment plasma samples from all birds were evaluated for changes in albumin, total protein, and uric acid. Post-treatment samples of all birds, collected 15 min post-administration, were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for diclofenac sodium detection. A randomly selected renal sample from each group was submitted for histopathologic review. Changes in pre- and post-treatment plasma albumin were significant (P < 0.05) in groups 2 and 3, but not for group 1. Pre- and post-treatment changes in total protein and uric acid were not significant for any group. Diclofenac sodium was not detectable (limit of detection = 0.10 ng/mL) in plasma samples from birds in group 1. Post-treatment concentration of diclofenac in group 3 was statistically greater than group 2 (P = 0.0008). Histopathologic changes did not identify diclofenac-induced acute renal tubular necrosis. Ophthalmic diclofenac sodium 0.1% administered topically every 12 h in one or both eyes for 7 days is detectable in systemic circulation in the domestic chicken, but does not cause overt significant changes in plasma uric acid or total protein. © 2016 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Atomic Force Microscope Investigations of Bacterial Biofilms Treated with Gas Discharge Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandervoort, Kurt; Zelaya, Anna; Brelles-Marino, Graciela

2012-02-01

We present investigations of bacterial biofilms before and after treatment with gas discharge plasmas. Gas discharge plasmas represent a way to inactivate bacteria under conditions where conventional disinfection methods are often ineffective. These conditions involve biofilm communities, where bacteria grow embedded in an exopolysaccharide matrix, and cooperative interactions between cells make organisms less susceptible to standard inactivation methods. In this study, biofilms formed by the opportunistic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa were imaged before and after plasma treatment using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Through AFM images and micromechanical measurements we observed bacterial morphological damage and reduced AFM tip-sample surface adhesion following plasma treatment.

[Bonding strength of resin and tooth enamel after teeth bleaching with cold plasma].

PubMed

Zhu, Meng-meng; Wang, Guo-min; Sun, Ke; Li, Ying-long; Pan, Jie

2016-02-18

To investigate the immediate bond strength and surface structure of resin and the tooth enamel which treated by cold plasma. In the study, 40 bovine incisors were divided into two equal parts. In this sense, all enamel adhesive samples were prepared and then randomly divided into 4 groups (n =20). group 1: acid + single bond 2+resin composite (control group); group 2:beyond bleaching+ acid+single bond 2+resin composite; group 3: treated by cold plasma for 5 minutes+ acid+single bond 2+resin composite; group 4: treated by cold plasma for 5 minutes+single bond 2+resin composite. Single bond 2 bonding system and Filtek Z250 resin were used in this experiment. The shear bond strength was tested by universal testing machine. The surface of the enamel in different processes was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Statistical analyses by the single factor analysis of variance and multiple pairwise comparisons were performed with SPSS 17.0 . The shear bond strength of group 4 (8.60 MPa) was significantly lower than that of the other three groups (P<0.05). The shear bond strength of group 2 (17.89 MPa) was higher than that of group 4, but lower than group 1 and group 3 (P<0.05).There was no significant difference between group 1 (34.82 MPa) and group 3 (34.69 MPa). Scanning electron microscope indicated that the enamel treated by cold plasma had slight molten form, which was different from etched enamel surface.The fractured surface of group 3 was mix fracture, which was similar to the control group (group 1). Compared with the conventional clinic bleaching, immediate bond strength of resin-enamel that treated by cold plasma has not been affected.

Trace determination of lenalidomide in plasma by non-extractive HPLC procedures with fluorescence detection after pre-column derivatization with fluorescamine

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Lenalidomide (LND) is a new potent drug used for treatment of multiple myeloma. For its pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic monitoring, a proper analytical method was required. Results In this study, a non extractive and simple pre-column derivatization procedures have been proposed, for the for trace determination of lenalidomide (LND) in human plasma by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Plasma samples were treated with acetonitrile for protein precipitation then treated with copper acetate to form stable complexes with the biogenic amines and mask their interference with the derivatization reaction of LND. Treated plasma samples containing LND was derivatized with fluorescamine (FLC) in aqueous media at ambient temperature. Separation of the derivatized LND was performed on Hypersil BDS C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm particle size) using a mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer (pH 4):methanol: tetrahydrofuran (70:10:20, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The derivatized samples were monitored at an emission wavelength of 495 nm after excitation at a wavelength of 382 nm. Under the optimum chromatographic conditions, a linear relationship with good correlation coefficient (r = 0.9997, n = 9) was found between the peak area and LND concentrations in the range of 2–100 ng/mL. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.8 and 2.30 ng/mL, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay precisions were satisfactory and the accuracy of the method was proved. The recovery of LND from the spiked human plasma was 99.30 ± 2.88. Conclusions The proposed method had high throughput as the analysis involved simple sample pre-treatment procedure and a relatively short run-time (< 15 min). The results demonstrated that the method would have a great value when it is applied in the therapeutic monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies for LND. PMID:23497635

Surface modification of polyester fabrics by atmospheric-pressure air/He plasma for color strength and adhesion enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chunming; Zhao, Meihua; Wang, Libing; Qu, Lijun; Men, Yajing

2017-04-01

Surface properties of water-based pigmented inks for ink-jet printed polyester fabrics were modified with atmospheric-pressure air/He plasma to improve the color strength and pigment adhesion of the treated surfaces. The influence of various parameters, including the surface morphology, chemical compositions, surface energy and dynamic contact angles of the control and plasma treated samples was studied. Color strength and edge definition were used to evaluate the ink-jet printing performance of fabrics. The change in pigment adhesion to polyester fibers was analyzed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy). AFM (Atomic force microscope) and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) analyses indicated the increase in surface roughness and the oxygen-containing polar groups(Cdbnd O, Csbnd OH and COOH) reinforced the fixation of pigments on the fiber surface. The result from this study suggested that the improved pigment color yield was clearly affected by alteration of pigment adhesion enhanced by plasma surface modification. Polyester fabrics exhibited better surface property and ink-jet printing performance after the air/He mixture plasma treatment comparing with those after air plasma treatment.

Impact of Emergent Circulating Tumor DNA RAS Mutation in Panitumumab-Treated Chemoresistant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

PubMed

Kim, Tae Won; Peeters, Marc; Thomas, Anne L; Gibbs, Peter; Hool, Kristina; Zhang, Jianqi; Ang, Agnes; Bach, Bruce Allen; Price, Timothy

2018-06-13

The accumulation of emergent RAS mutations during anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy is of interest as a mechanism for acquired resistance to anti-EGFR treatment. Plasma analysis of circulating tumor (ct) DNA is a minimally invasive and highly sensitive method to determine RAS mutational status. This biomarker analysis of the global phase III ASPECCT study used next-generation sequencing to detect expanded RAS ctDNA mutations in panitumumab-treated patients. Plasma samples collected at baseline and posttreatment were analyzed categorically for the presence of RAS mutations by the Plasma Select -R™ 64-gene panel at 0.1% sensitivity. Among panitumumab-treated patients with evaluable plasma samples at baseline (n = 238), 188 (79%) were wild-type (WT) RAS, and 50 (21%) were mutant RAS Of the 188 patients with baseline ctDNA WT RAS status, 164 had evaluable posttreatment results with a 32% rate of emergent RAS mutations. The median overall survival (OS) for WT and RAS mutant status by ctDNA at baseline was 13.7 (95% confidence interval: 11.5-15.4) and 7.9 months (6.4-9.6), respectively ( P < 0.0001). Clinical outcomes were not significantly different between patients with and without emergent ctDNA RAS mutations. Although patients with baseline ctDNA RAS mutations had worse outcomes than patients who were WT RAS before initiating treatment, emergent ctDNA RAS mutations were not associated with less favorable patient outcomes in panitumumab-treated patients. Further research is needed to determine a clinically relevant threshold for baseline and emergent ctDNA RAS mutations. Copyright ©2018, American Association for Cancer Research.

Oyster Shell Recycling and Bone Waste Treatment Using Plasma Pyrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jae, Ou Chae; Knak, S. P.; Knak, A. N.; Koo, H. J.; Ravi, V.

2006-11-01

Investigations on the recycling of oyster shells and bone waste treatment using the plasma pyrolysis technique are presented in this paper. A arc based plasma torch operated at 25 kW was employed for the experiments. Fresh oyster shells were recycled using the plasma torch to convert them to a useful product such as CaO. Bone waste was treated to remove the infectious organic part and to vitrify the inorganic part. The time required for treatment in both cases was significantly short. Significant reduction in the weight of the samples was observed in both cases.

Cetrorelix suppresses the preovulatory LH surge and ovulation induced by ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) present in llama seminal plasma.

PubMed

Silva, Mauricio E; Smulders, Juan P; Guerra, Monserrat; Valderrama, Ximena P; Letelier, Claudia; Adams, Gregg P; Ratto, Marcelo H

2011-05-30

The purpose of the study was to determine if the effect of llama OIF on LH secretion is mediated by stimulation of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Using a 2-by-2 factorial design to examine the effects of OIF vs GnRH with or without a GnRH antagonist, llamas with a growing ovarian follicle greater than or equal to 8 mm were assigned randomly to four groups (n = 7 per group) and a) pre-treated with 1.5 mg of GnRH antagonist (cetrorelix acetate) followed by 1 mg of purified llama OIF, b) pre-treated with 1.5 mg of cetrorelix followed by 50 micrograms of GnRH, c) pre-treated with a placebo (2 ml of saline) followed by 1 mg of purified llama OIF or d) pre-treated with a placebo (2 ml of saline) followed by 50 micrograms of GnRH. Pre-treatment with cetrorelix or saline was given as a single slow intravenous dose 2 hours before intramuscular administration of either GnRH or OIF. Blood samples for LH measurement were taken every 15 minutes from 1.5 hours before to 8 hours after treatment. The ovaries were examined by ultrasonography to detect ovulation and CL formation. Blood samples for progesterone measurement were taken every-other-day from Day 0 (day of treatment) to Day 16. Ovulation rate was not different (P = 0.89) between placebo+GnRH (86%) and placebo+OIF groups (100%); however, no ovulations were detected in llamas pre-treated with cetrorelix. Plasma LH concentrations surged (P < 0.01) after treatment in both placebo+OIF and placebo+GnRH groups, but not in the cetrorelix groups. Maximum plasma LH concentrations and CL diameter profiles did not differ between the placebo-treated groups, but plasma progesterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.05), on days 6, 8 and 12 after treatment, in the OIF- vs GnRH-treated group. Cetrorelix (GnRH antagonist) inhibited the preovulatory LH surge induced by OIF in llamas suggesting that LH secretion is modulated by a direct or indirect effect of OIF on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus.

Investigations into the Anti-Felting Properties of Sputtered Wool Using Plasma Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

M. Borghei, S.; Shahidi, S.; Ghoranneviss, M.; Abdolahi, Z.

2013-01-01

In this research the effects of mordant and plasma sputtering treatments on the crystallinity and morphological properties of wool fabrics were investigated. The felting behavior of the treated samples was also studied. We used madder as a natural dye and copper sulfate as a metal mordant. We also used copper as the electrode material in a DC magnetron plasma sputtering device. The anti-felting properties of the wool samples before and after dying was studied, and it was shown that the shrink resistance and anti-felting behavior of the wool had been significantly improved by the plasma sputtering treatment. In addition, the percentage of crystallinity and the size of the crystals were investigated using an X-ray diffractometer, and a scanning electron microscope was used for morphological analysis. The amount of copper particles on the surface of the mordanted and sputtered fabrics was studied using the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) method, and the hydrophobic properties of the samples were examined using the water drop test. The results show that with plasma sputtering treatment, the hydrophobic properties of the surface of wool become super hydrophobic.

Nitriding of titanium by NH{sub 3} RF plasma: a study of the corrosion resistance and the mechanical properties of the protective films formed at the solid surface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bellakhal, N

2002-12-01

The exposure of a titanium sample to an NH{sub 3} low pressure plasma leads to the formation of a nitriding layer. The products formed at the titanium surface were identified by XRD spectroscopy. The modification of the corrosion resistance characteristics of titanium due to the NH{sub 3} plasma treatment were investigated by electrochemical tests. The recorded polarization curves of the treated titanium samples were used to determine the values of the corrosion potential E{sub corr}. This study confirms the increasing of the corrosion resistance as a function of the time exposure and the injected electric power in the silica reactor.more » The plasma treatment also induces drastic changes of the titanium target in hardness.« less

Surface modification of polyester synthetic leather with tetramethylsilane by atmospheric pressure plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kan, C. W.; Kwong, C. H.; Ng, S. P.

2015-08-01

Much works have been done on synthetic materials but scarcely on synthetic leather owing to its surface structures in terms of porosity and roughness. This paper examines the use of atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) treatment for improving the surface performance of polyester synthetic leather by use of a precursor, tetramethylsilane (TMS). Plasma deposition is regarded as an effective, simple and single-step method with low pollution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirm the deposition of organosilanes on the sample's surface. The results showed that under a particular combination of treatment parameters, a hydrophobic surface was achieved on the APP treated sample with sessile drop static contact angle of 138°. The hydrophobic surface is stable without hydrophilic recovery 30 days after plasma treatment.

Protein tyrosine adduct in humans self-poisoned by chlorpyrifos

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Bin, E-mail: binli@unmc.edu; Eyer, Peter, E-mail: peter.eyer@lrz.uni-muenchen.de; Eddleston, Michael, E-mail: M.Eddleston@ed.ac.uk

2013-06-15

Studies of human cases of self-inflicted poisoning suggest that chlorpyrifos oxon reacts not only with acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase but also with other blood proteins. A favored candidate is albumin because in vitro and animal studies have identified tyrosine 411 of albumin as a site covalently modified by organophosphorus poisons. Our goal was to test this proposal in humans by determining whether plasma from humans poisoned by chlorpyrifos has adducts on tyrosine. Plasma samples from 5 self-poisoned humans were drawn at various time intervals after ingestion of chlorpyrifos for a total of 34 samples. All 34 samples were analyzed for plasmamore » levels of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO) as a function of time post-ingestion. Eleven samples were analyzed for the presence of diethoxyphosphorylated tyrosine by mass spectrometry. Six samples yielded diethoxyphosphorylated tyrosine in pronase digests. Blood collected as late as 5 days after chlorpyrifos ingestion was positive for CPO-tyrosine, consistent with the 20-day half-life of albumin. High plasma CPO levels did not predict detectable levels of CPO-tyrosine. CPO-tyrosine was identified in pralidoxime treated patients as well as in patients not treated with pralidoxime, indicating that pralidoxime does not reverse CPO binding to tyrosine in humans. Plasma butyrylcholinesterase was a more sensitive biomarker of exposure than adducts on tyrosine. In conclusion, chlorpyrifos oxon makes a stable covalent adduct on the tyrosine residue of blood proteins in humans who ingested chlorpyrifos. - Highlights: • Chlorpyrifos-poisoned patients have adducts on protein tyrosine. • Diethoxyphosphate-tyrosine does not lose an alkyl group. • Proteins in addition to AChE and BChE are modified by organophosphates.« less

Lipaemic plasma induces haemolysis in resuspended red cell concentrate.

PubMed

Bashir, S; Wiltshire, M; Cardigan, R; Thomas, S

2013-04-01

We investigated whether haemolysis in red cells suspended in plasma was affected by the lipid content and/or methylene blue (MB) treatment of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP). We also investigated whether haemolysis was affected by the conditions under which lipaemic plasma was stored. Study 1: Visibly lipaemic (n = 22) or nonlipaemic FFP (n = 24) units were thawed, pooled and split into identical pairs, one of which was MB treated. These units were used to resuspend red cell concentrates (RCC) and tested for haemolysis immediately and after 24 and 48 h of storage at 2-6°C. Study 2: Fresh plasma was aliquoted into 15-ml tubes and stored in one of four ways as follows: room temperature; 2-6°C; frozen and thawed; or twice frozen and thawed. A sample of RCC was resuspended in each of these plasmas and haemolysis measured after 2 h. Study 3: Plasma was divided into 15-ml tubes and stored as in study 2 followed by storage left standing upright in a refrigerator (2-6°C) for 24 h (with the exception of the room temperature sample). Plasma was separated into top, middle and bottom fractions and used to resuspend RCC that were assessed for haemolysis after 2 h. The levels of haemolysis in RCC were immediately greater when suspended in lipaemic plasma (0·70 ± 0·53% v 0·05 ± 0·06% for nonlipaemic plasma), which increased further on subsequent storage for 48 h (1·22 ± 0·40% v 0·15 ± 0·14% for nonlipaemic plasma). This was irrespective of whether plasma was MB treated. Lipaemic plasma stored frozen and then thawed resulted in the greatest haemolysis. In lipaemic plasma stored at 2-6°C, the chylomicron-rich top fraction caused the highest level of haemolysis. Haemolysis in red cells is increased in those suspended in lipaemic plasma and is dependent upon the storage conditions of that plasma prior to suspension. These data are relevant to the choice of plasma used to suspend red cells for neonatal exchange transfusion. © 2012 The Author(s). Vox Sanguinis © 2012 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Flexible thin-layer plasma inactivation of bacteria and mold survival in beef jerky packaging and its effects on the meat's physicochemical properties.

PubMed

Yong, Hae In; Lee, Haelim; Park, Sanghoo; Park, Jooyoung; Choe, Wonho; Jung, Samooel; Jo, Cheorun

2017-01-01

The aims of the present study were to examine the use of a flexible thin-layer plasma system in inactivating bacteria and mold on beef jerky in a commercial package and to evaluate the physicochemical changes of the jerky. After plasma treatment for 10min, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Aspergillus flavus populations on the beef jerky were reduced by approximately 2 to 3Log CFU/g. No significant changes in metmyoglobin content, shear force, and myofibrillar fragmentation index were found in the plasma-treated beef jerky. On the other hand, the peroxide content and L ⁎ value were decreased whereas the a ⁎ and ΔE value were increased in the plasma-treated sample. Sensory evaluation indicated negative effects of plasma treatment on flavor, off-odor, and overall acceptability of the beef jerky. In conclusion, the flexible thin-layer plasma system could be employed as a means for decontamination of beef jerky, with slight changes to the physicochemical quality of the product. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Well-mixed plasma and tissue viral populations in RT-SHIV-infected macaques implies a lack of viral replication in the tissues during antiretroviral therapy.

PubMed

Kearney, Mary F; Anderson, Elizabeth M; Coomer, Charles; Smith, Luke; Shao, Wei; Johnson, Nicholas; Kline, Christopher; Spindler, Jonathan; Mellors, John W; Coffin, John M; Ambrose, Zandrea

2015-11-11

Determining the anatomic compartments that contribute to plasma HIV-1 is critical to understanding the sources of residual viremia during combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). We analyzed viral DNA and RNA populations in the plasma and tissues from macaques infected with SIV containing HIV-1 RT (RT-SHIV) to identify possible sources of persistent viremia and to investigate the effect of ART on viral replication in tissues. Tissues were collected at necropsy from four pigtailed macaques infected for 30 weeks with a diverse population of RT-SHIV. Two animals (6760 and 8232) were untreated and two animals (8030 and 8272) were treated with efavirenz, tenofovir, and emtricitabine for 20 weeks. A total of 1800 single-genome RT-SHIV pol and env DNA and RNA sequences were analyzed from the plasma, PBMCs, axillary and mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, small intestine, bone marrow, lung, and brain. Analyses of intracellular DNA and RNA populations revealed that the majority of proviruses in tissues from untreated animal 8232 were not expressed, whereas a greater proportion of proviruses in tissues were expressed from 6760. Few intracellular RNA sequences were detected in treated animals and most contained inactivating mutations, such as frame shifts or large deletions. Phylogenetics showed that RT-SHIV DNA populations in tissues were not different from virus in contemporary plasma samples in the treated or untreated animals, demonstrating a lack of anatomic compartmentalization and suggesting that plasma viremia is derived from multiple tissue sources. No sequence divergence was detected in the plasma or between tissues in the treated animals after 20 weeks of ART indicating a lack of ongoing replication in tissues during treatment. Virus populations in plasma and tissues did not differ significantly in either treated or untreated macaques, suggesting frequent exchange of virus or infected cells between tissues and plasma, consistent with non-compartmentalized and widely disseminated infection. There was no genetic evidence of ongoing replication in tissues during suppressive ART.

Comparison of plasma and tissue samples in epidermal growth factor receptor mutation by ARMS in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Ma, MeiLi; Shi, ChunLei; Qian, JiaLin; Teng, JiaJun; Zhong, Hua; Han, BaoHui

2016-10-10

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and accuracy of blood-based circulating-free tumor DNA on testing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations. In total, 219 non-small cell lung cancer patients in stages III-IV were enrolled into this study. All patients had tissue samples and matched plasma DNA samples. EGFR gene mutations were detected by the Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS). We compared the mutations in tumor tissue samples with matched plasma samples and determined the correlation between EGFR mutation status and clinical pathologic characteristics. The overall concordance rate of EGFR mutation status between the 219 matched plasma and tissue samples was 82% (179/219). The sensitivity and specificity for the ARMS EGFR mutation test in the plasma compared with tumor tissue were 60% (54/90) and 97% (125/129), respectively. The positive predictive value was 93% (54/58) and the negative predictive value was 78% (125/161). The median overall survival was longer for those with EGFR mutations than for those without EGFR mutations both in tissue samples (23.98 vs. 12.16months; P<0.001) and in plasma (19.96 vs. 13.63months; P=0.009). For the 68 patients treated with EGFR- tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), the median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly prolonged in the EGFR mutant group compared to the non-mutation group in tumor tissue samples (12.26months vs. 2.40months, P<0.001). In plasma samples, the PFS of the mutant group was longer than that of the non-mutant group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (10.88months vs. 9.89months, P=0.411). The detection of EGFR mutations in plasma using ARMS is relatively sensitive and highly specific. However, EGFR mutation status tested by ARMS in plasma cannot replace a tumor tissue biopsy. Positive EGFR mutation results detected in plasma are fairly reliable, but negative results are hampered by a high rate of false negatives. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of Atmospheric-Pressure Cold Plasma on Pathogenic Oral Biofilms and In Vitro Reconstituted Oral Epithelium.

PubMed

Delben, Juliana Aparecida; Zago, Chaiene Evelin; Tyhovych, Natalia; Duarte, Simone; Vergani, Carlos Eduardo

2016-01-01

Considering the ability of atmospheric-pressure cold plasma (ACP) to disrupt the biofilm matrix and rupture cell structure, it can be an efficient tool against virulent oral biofilms. However, it is fundamental that ACP does not cause damage to oral tissue. So, this study evaluated (1) the antimicrobial effect of ACP on single- and dual-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus as well as (2) the biological safety of ACP on in vitro reconstituted oral epithelium. Standardized cell suspensions of each microorganism were prepared for biofilm culture on acrylic resin discs at 37°C for 48 hours. The biofilms were submitted to ACP treatment at 10 mm of plasma tip-to-sample distance during 60 seconds. Positive controls were penicillin G and fluconazole for S. aureus and C. albicans, respectively. The biofilms were analyzed through counting of viable colonies, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy for detection of reactive oxygen species. The in vitro reconstituted oral epithelium was submitted to similar ACP treatment and analyzed through histology, cytotoxocity test (LDH release), viability test (MTT assay) and imunnohistochemistry (Ki67 expression). All plasma-treated biofilms presented significant log10 CFU/mL reduction, alteration in microorganism/biofilm morphology, and reduced viability in comparison to negative and positive controls. In addition, fluorescence microscopy revealed presence of reactive oxygen species in all plasma-treated biofilms. Low cytotoxicity and high viability were observed in oral epithelium of negative control and plasma group. Histology showed neither sign of necrosis nor significant alteration in plasma-treated epithelium. Ki67-positive cells revealed maintenance of cell proliferation in plasma-treated epithelium. Atmospheric-pressure cold plasma is a promissing approach to eliminate single- and dual-species biofilms of C. albicans and S. aureus without having toxic effects in oral epithelium.

Superhydrophobic nanostructured Kapton® surfaces fabricated through Ar + O2 plasma treatment: Effects of different environments on wetting behaviour

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barshilia, Harish C.; Ananth, A.; Gupta, Nitant; Anandan, C.

2013-03-01

Kapton® [poly (4,4'-oxy diphenylene pyromellitimide)] polyimides have widespread usage in semiconductor devices, solar arrays, protective coatings and space applications, due to their excellent chemical and physical properties. In addition to their inherent properties, imparting superhydrophobicity on these surfaces will be an added advantage. Present work describes the usage of Ar + O2 plasma treatment for the preparation of superhydrophobic Kapton® surfaces. Immediately after the plasma treatment, the surfaces showed superhydrophilicity as a result of high energy dangling bonds and polar group concentration. But the samples kept in low vacuum for 48 h exhibited superhydrophobicity with high water contact angles (>150°). It is found that the post plasma treatment process, called ageing, especially in low vacuum plays an important role in delivering superhydrophobic property to Kapton®. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to probe the physical changes in the surface of the Kapton®. The surfaces showed formation of nano-feathers and nano-tussock microstructures with variation in surface roughness against plasma treatment time. A thorough chemical investigation was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy, which revealed changes in the surface of the Ar + O2 plasma treated Kapton®. Surface chemical species of Kapton® were confirmed again by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra for untreated surfaces whereas Ar + O2 plasma treated samples showed the de-bonding and re-organization of structural elements. Creation of surface roughness plays a dominant role in the contribution of superhydrophobicity to Kapton® apart from the surface modifications due to Ar + O2 plasma treatment and ageing in low vacuum.

Gas flow dependence for plasma-needle disinfection of S. mutans bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goree, J.; Liu, Bin; Drake, David

2006-08-01

The role of gas flow and transport mechanisms are studied for a small low-power impinging jet of weakly-ionized helium at atmospheric pressure. This plasma needle produces a non-thermal glow discharge plasma that kills bacteria. A culture of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) was plated onto the surface of agar, and spots on this surface were then treated with plasma. Afterwards, the sample was incubated and then imaged. These images, which serve as a biological diagnostic for characterizing the plasma, show a distinctive spatial pattern for killing that depends on the gas flow rate. As the flow is increased, the killing pattern varies from a solid circle to a ring. Images of the glow reveal that the spatial distribution of energetic electrons corresponds to the observed killing pattern. This suggests that a bactericidal species is generated in the gas phase by energetic electrons less than a millimetre from the sample surface. Mixing of air into the helium plasma is required to generate the observed O and OH radicals in the flowing plasma. Hydrodynamic processes involved in this mixing are buoyancy, diffusion and turbulence.

Plasma functionalization of powdery nanomaterials using porous filter electrode and sample circulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Deuk Yeon; Choi, Jae Hong; Shin, Jung Chul; Jung, Man Ki; Song, Seok Kyun; Suh, Jung Ki; Lee, Chang Young

2018-06-01

Compared with wet processes, dry functionalization using plasma is fast, scalable, solvent-free, and thus presents a promising approach for grafting functional groups to powdery nanomaterials. Previous approaches, however, had difficulties in maintaining an intimate sample-plasma contact and achieving uniform functionalization. Here, we demonstrate a plasma reactor equipped with a porous filter electrode that increases both homogeneity and degree of functionalization by capturing and circulating powdery carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via vacuum and gas blowing. Spectroscopic measurements verify that treatment with O2/air plasma generates oxygen-containing groups on the surface of CNTs, with the degree of functionalization readily controlled by varying the circulation number. Gas sensors fabricated using the plasma-treated CNTs confirm alteration of molecular adsorption on the surface of CNTs. A sequential treatment with NH3 plasma following the oxidation pre-treatment results in the functionalization with nitrogen species of up to 3.2 wt%. Our approach requiring no organic solvents not only is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but also serves as a versatile tool that applies to other powdery micro or nanoscale materials for controlled modification of their surfaces.

As-pyrolyzed sugarcane bagasse possessing exotic field emission properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnia, Lucky; Yadav, Brajesh S.; Palnitkar, Umesh; Satyam, P. V.; Gupta, Bipin Kumar; Koratkar, Nikhil A.; Tyagi, Pawan K.

2018-06-01

The present study aims to demonstrate the application of sugarcane bagasse as an excellent field emitter. Field emission property of as-pyrolyzed sugarcane bagasse (p-SBg) before and after the plasma treatment has been investigated. It has been observed that electronic nature of p-SBg transformed from semiconducting to metallic after plasma treatment. Maximum current and turn-on field defined at 10 μA/cm2 was found to be 800 μA/cm2 and 2.2 V/μm for as-pyrolyzed sugarcane bagasse (p-SBg) and 25 μA/cm2 and 8.4 V/μm for H2-plasma treated p-SBg. These values are found to be better than the reported values for graphene and activated carbon. In this report, pyrolysis of bagasse has been carried in a thermal chemical vapor deposition (Th-CVD) system in inert argon atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to study the structure of both pre and post plasma-treated p-SBg bagasse's sample. HRTEM study reveals that carbonaceous structures such as 3D-nanographene oxide (3D-NGO), graphite nanodots (GNDs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon onions are present in both pre-treated and plasma-treated p-SBg. Hence, we envision that the performed study will be a forwarding step to facilitate the application of p-SBg in display devices.

Trace elements in patients on continuous renal replacement therapy.

PubMed

Broman, M; Bryland, A; Carlsson, O

2017-07-01

Intensive care patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are at great risk for disturbances in plasma levels of trace elements due to the underlying illness, AKI, and dialysis. This study was performed to increase our knowledge regarding eight different trace elements during CRRT. Thirty one stable patients with AKI, treated with CRRT, were included in the study. Blood, plasma and effluent samples were taken at the start of the study and 36 ± 12 h later. A group of 48 healthy volunteers were included as controls and exposed to one fasting blood sample. Samples were analysed for trace elements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Co, Zn, Rb, Mo, Se) and standard blood chemistry. Blood and plasma levels of selenium and rubidium were significantly reduced while the levels of chromium, cobalt, and molybdenum were significantly increased in the study group vs. healthy volunteers. There was an uptake of chromium, manganese, and zinc. Molybdenum mass balance was around zero. For selenium, copper, and rubidium there were a marked loss. The low levels of selenium and rubidium in blood and plasma from CRRT patients, together with the loss via CRRT effluent, raises the possibility of the need for selenium supplementation in this group of patients, despite the unchanged levels during the short study period. Further investigations on the effect of additional administration of trace elements to CRRT patients would be of interest. © 2017 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Measurement of tritium with high efficiency by using liquid scintillation counter with plastic scintillator.

PubMed

Furuta, Etsuko; Ohyama, Ryu-ichiro; Yokota, Shigeaki; Nakajo, Toshiya; Yamada, Yuka; Kawano, Takao; Uda, Tatsuhiko; Watanabe, Yasuo

2014-11-01

The detection efficiencies of tritium samples by using liquid scintillation counter with hydrophilic plastic scintillator (PS) was approximately 48% when the sample of 20 μL was held between 2 PS sheets treated by plasma. The activity and count rates showed a good relationship between 400 Bq to 410 KBq mL(-1). The calculated detection limit of 2 min measurement by the PS was 13 Bq mL(-1) when a confidence was 95%. The plasma method for PS produces no radioactive waste. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immobilization of Active Bacteriophages on Polyhydroxyalkanoate Surfaces.

PubMed

Wang, Chanchan; Sauvageau, Dominic; Elias, Anastasia

2016-01-20

A rapid, efficient technique for the attachment of bacteriophages (phages) onto polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) surfaces has been developed and compared to three reported methods for phage immobilization. Polymer surfaces were modified to facilitate phage attachment using (1) plasma treatment alone, (2) plasma treatment followed by activation by 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS), (3) plasma-initiated acrylic acid grafting, or (4) plasma-initiated acrylic acid grafting with activation by EDC and sulfo-NHS. The impact of each method on the surface chemistry of PHA was investigated using contact angle analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Each of the four treatments was shown to result in both increased hydrophilicity and in the modification of the surface functional groups. Modified surfaces were immersed in suspensions of phage T4 for immobilization. The highest level of phage binding was observed for the surfaces modified by plasma treatment alone. The change in chemical bond states observed for surfaces that underwent plasma treatment is suspected to be the cause of the increased binding of active phages. Plasma-treated surfaces were further analyzed through phage-staining and fluorescence microscopy to assess the surface density of immobilized phages and their capacity to capture hosts. The infective capability of attached phages was confirmed by exposing the phage-immobilized surfaces to the host bacteria Escherichia coli in both plaque and infection dynamic assays. Plasma-treated surfaces with immobilized phages displayed higher infectivity than surfaces treated with other methods; in fact, the equivalent initial multiplicity of infection was 2 orders of magnitude greater than with other methods. Control samples - prepared by immersing polymer surfaces in phage suspensions (without prior plasma treatment) - did not show any bacterial growth inhibition, suggesting they did not bind phages from the suspension.

Determination of selected fatty acids in dried sweat spot using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.

PubMed

Kanďár, Roman; Drábková, Petra; Andrlová, Lenka; Kostelník, Adam; Čegan, Alexander

2016-11-01

A method is described for the determination of fatty acids in dried sweat spot and plasma samples using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Plasma and dried sweat spot samples were obtained from a group of blood donors. The sweat was collected from each volunteer during exercise. Sweat was spotted onto collection paper containing butylated hydroxytoluene. Fatty acids were derivatized with acetyl chloride in methanol to form methyl esters of fatty acids. The fatty acids in dried sweat spot samples treated with butylated hydroxytoluene and stored at -20°C were stable for 3 months. Our results indicate that sweat contains, among fatty acids with short chain, also fatty acids with long chain and unsaturated fatty acids. Linear relationships between percentage content of selected fatty acids in dried sweat spot and plasma were observed. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Modification of Cellulosic Surface with Fatty Acids via Plasma Mediated Reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nada, Ahmed Ali Ahmed

Much attention has been paid recently to understand the healing process made by the human body, in order to develop new approaches for promoting healing. The wound healing process includes four main phases, namely, hemostatic, inflammatory, proliferation, and remodeling, which take place successively. The human body can provide all the requirements of the healing process in normal wounds, unless there is a kind of deficiency of the skin function or massive fluid losses of vast wounds. Therefore, wound care of non-healing wounds has recently been the growing concern of many applications. The goal of this work is to explore the development of a new cellulose-based wound dressing composite that contain or release wound healing agents attained via dry textile chemical finishing techniques (thermal curing-plasma treatment). The synthesis of different wound healing agents derived from fatty acids and attached chemically to cellulose or even delivered through cyclodextrine modified cellulose are reported in this work. First, free fatty acids, which are obtained from commercial vegetable oils, were identified as wound healing agents. Many of these free acids are known to bind with and deactivate the proteases associated with inflammation at a wound site. Linoleic acid is extracted from commercial products of safflower seed oil while ricinoleic acid is obtained from castor oil. Conjugated linoleic acid was synthesized. Un-conjugated linoleic acid was used to prepare two derivatives namely linoleic azide and allylic ketone of linoleic acid. Different cellulose derivatives such as cellulose peroxide, iododeoxycellulose and cellulose diazonium salt in different degree of substitutions were synthesized in order to facilitate the free radical reaction with the fatty acid derivatives. New modified cellulosic products were synthesized by reacting the cellulosic and the linoleic acid derivatives via thermal or plasma technique and characterized by FT-IR ATR, the wettability test, etc. The cyto-compatiability of the new product was investigated using the cytotoxicity test to identify the cytotoxic potentials of the grafted samples. The highest yield was obtained in the thermal curing (at 140°C, 3 min, and a 20% solution of azide derivative -- 170°C, 3 min, and a 2.5% solution of allylic ketone derivatives) of the iododeoxycellulose fabrics with either linoleic azide or the allylic ketone derivative. Atmospheric plasma machines were used for this study such as NCAPS (dielectric barrier discharge plasma) and APJeT. APJet plasma machine was used in two different modes namely downstream and in-situ. Although, the plasma treatment uses a lower energy to achieve the chemical reactions between the two components, the APJet obtained good results in the in-situ mode (at 800 Watts/cm3 RF power, 45 sec. exposure time) while retaining sufficient tensile strength. In general samples treated with the allylic ketone of linoleic acid treated samples showed higher graft yield than the azide derivative, especially those treated via thermal curing. Moreover, they are more cytologically compatible than the plasma treated samples. In the course of producing a wound healing product that contains or releases fatty acids, allylic beta-CD was synthesized for first time as a textile finishing agent. Per(2, 3, 6- tri-O-allyl)-beta-CD was synthesized and characterized using spectral analysis. Cellulosic derivatives were treated with per(2, 3, 6- tri-O-allyl)-beta-CD via either pad-thermofixation technique or plasma treatment. Thermal treatment showed superior efficiency over plasma techniques to activate the vinyl groups and creating a self-assembled CD network chemically bonded with the cellulose derivatives (at 180°C, 3 min, and a 20 % solution of Per(2, 3, 6- tri- O-allyl)-beta-CD). APJeT machine (in-situ mode) succeeded only to activate cellulose/ allylic CD reaction, but however, it could not offer enough energy to stimulate vinyl-vinyl reactions. Oleic acid with its semi-linear chemical structure tends to include in the CD cavity faster and to higher levels, than the others after 4 hrs at 25°C. At higher temperatures the equilibrium of free and included oleic acid shifts and a remarkable decrease in the total inclusion was observed. However, ricinoleic acid anions showed very poor tendency for inclusion either with high temperature or at long time which may be attributed to its chemical structure, which is too large for the CD cavities. Also, un-conjugated linoleic acid anions showed higher inclusion than the conjugated ones. MMT assay was used to determine the cyto- compatibility for the newly modified samples. Generally speaking, the highest fixation yields the highest cyto-compatibility of the treated samples. Iododeoxycellulose samples in both thermal and plasma curing reported high cyto-compatibility either with allylic ketone or azide derivative of linoleic acid over the other cellulose derivatives. Pure extracted fatty acids or included ones showed high cyto-compatibility towards L929 mouse cell line.

Determination of plasma azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with oral azathioprine.

PubMed

Liliemark, J; Pettersson, B; Lafolie, P; Zweig, T; Peterson, C

1990-07-01

Two specific high-performance liquid chromatography methods for determining plasma concentrations of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine after oral administration of azathioprine are presented. It was shown that azathioprine is unstable in the blood samples unless immediately cooled in ice water. The 2-amino analog, guaneran, was used as internal standard for azathioprine, which was extracted from plasma with ethylacetate. A Nucleosil C18 column was used for the separation. The detection limit was 6 nM. For quantification of 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine was used as internal standard. Plasma was deproteinized with HClO4 and the sample was purified on mercurial cellulose. A Beckman ODS column was used and the detection limit was 5 nM. Pharmacokinetic data from two patients are presented. Unchanged azathioprine was seen until 6 h after an oral dose of 32 mg/m2.

Surface processing and ageing behavior of silk fabrics treated with atmospheric-pressure plasma for pigment-based ink-jet printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chunming; Wang, Libing; Yu, Miao; Qu, Lijun; Men, Yajing; Zhang, Xiangwu

2018-03-01

Pigment inkjet printing has highlighted the advantages of cost-effective, short production cycle and environment-friendly. However, patterns directly printed with pigment inks usually have low color yields and blurry images which are caused by bleeding phenomenon. This work presents an atmospheric-pressure plasma method for improving the pigment-based ink-jet printing performance of silk fabrics. The effects of surface changes induced are discussed, with data derived from morphological study by atomic force microscopy (AFM), chemical analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurement. Ink-jet printing experiments were conducted to study the influence of measured changes on anti-bleeding property and color strength of treated and original samples. The ageing experiment indicates that the modified silk fabrics should be printed within 24 h after plasma processing for maximum color yields. This study explores an effective approach for the atmospheric-pressure plasma, which can provide its significant use in improving the surface properties and ink-jet printing performance of fabrics.

Integrating sol-gel with cold plasmas modified porous polycaprolactone membranes for the drug-release of silver-sulfadiazine and ketoprofen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mangindaan, Dave; Chen, Chao-Ting; Wang, Meng-Jiy

2012-12-01

A controlled release system composed of surface modified porous polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes combined with a layer of tetraorthosilicate (TEOS)-chitosan sol-gel was reported in this study. PCL is a hydrophobic, semi-crystalline, and biodegradable polymer with a relatively slow degradation rate. The drugs chosen for release experiments were silver-sulfadiazine (AgSD) and ketoprofen which were impregnated in the TEOS-chitosan sol-gel. The surface modification was achieved by O2 plasma and the surfaces were characterized by water contact angle (WCA) measurements, atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The results showed that the release of AgSD on O2 plasma treated porous PCL membranes was prolonged when compared with the pristine sample. On the contrary, the release rate of ketoprofen revealed no significant difference on pristine and plasma treated PCL membranes. The prepared PCL membranes showed good biocompatibility for the wound dressing biomaterial applications.

Treatment of prostate cancer cell lines and primary cells using low temperature plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Connell, Deborah; Hirst, Adam; Frame, Fiona F.; Maitland, Norman J.

2014-10-01

The mechanisms of cell death after plasma treatment of both benign and cancerous prostate epithelial cells are investigated. Prostate cancer tissue was obtained with patient consent from targeted needle core biopsies following radical prostatectomy. Primary cells were cultured from cancer tissue and plated onto a chamber slide at a density of 10,000 cells per well in 200 microliter of stem cell media (SCM). The treated sample was previously identified as Gleason grade 7 cancer through tissue histo-pathology. A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) jet configuration, with helium as a carrier gas, and 0.3% O2 admixture was used for treating the cells. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) produced by the plasma are believed to be the main mediators of the plasma-cell interaction and response. We found the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced inside the cells increased with plasma exposure. Exposure to the plasma for >3 minutes showed high levels of DNA damage compared to untreated and hydrogen peroxide controls. Cell viability and cellular recovery are also investigated and will be presented. All findings were common to both cell lines, suggesting the potential of LTP therapy for both benign and malignant disease.

Improvement in the performance of external quality assessment in Korean HIV clinical laboratories using unrecalcified human plasma.

PubMed

Wang, Jin-Sook; Kee, Mee-Kyung; Choi, Byeong-Sun; Kim, Chan-Wha; Kim, Hyon-Suk; Kim, Sung Soon

2012-01-01

The external quality assessment schemes (EQAS) organizer provides a suitable program to monitor and improve the quality of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing laboratories with EQAS panels prepared under various conditions. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of human plasma samples on the EQAS results of HIV obtained from hospital-based clinical laboratories. From 2007 to 2009, HIV EQAS panels consisted of four to six samples that consisted of undiluted positive and negative samples and were provided to laboratories twice per year. Up until the first half EQAS in 2008, EQAS panel materials were obtained by converting acid citrate dextrose treated plasma to serum via chemical treatment with CaCl2. Beginning with the second EQAS in 2008, all materials were prepared without the defibrination process. Approximately 300 HIV clinical laboratories participated in this program. The overall performance of clinical laboratories was shown to be improved when using unrecalcified plasma panels compared with recalcified panels. Significant differences were observed in EIA analyses of plasma for both positive (p<0.001) and negative (p<0.001) samples between the recalcified and unrecalcified groups. Our finding suggested that defibrination status of EQAS panels might affect the results of anti-HIV EQAS of Korean HIV testing laboratories.

Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of vemurafenib in patients treated for brain metastatic BRAF-V600 mutated melanoma.

PubMed

Sakji-Dupré, Lilia; Le Rhun, Emilie; Templier, Carole; Desmedt, Eve; Blanchet, Benoit; Mortier, Laurent

2015-08-01

Anti-BRAF agents, including vemurafenib, have modified the prognosis for patients with melanoma. However, a difference can still be observed between extracerebral and cerebral responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the diffusion of vemurafenib in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients treated for brain metastatic BRAF-V600 mutated melanoma. Six patients treated with vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily were included. These patients had undergone a lumbar puncture because of suspicions of leptomeningeal metastasis, along with simultaneous blood sampling to measure vemurafenib level. The concentrations of vemurafenib in the CSF and the plasma were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The mean plasma and CSF concentrations of vemurafenib were 53.4±26.2 and 0.47±0.37 mg/l, respectively. The mean ratio of the CSF : plasma concentration was 0.98±0.84%. No relationship was found between plasma and CSF concentrations (P=0.8). In conclusion, our preliminary results highlight for the first time a low CSF vemurafenib penetration rate associated with a large interindividual variability in patients treated for metastatic BRAF-V600 mutated melanoma and brain metastases. Further investigations with larger cohorts are required to study the relationship between CSF vemurafenib concentrations and cerebral response. Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Uptake and depletion of plasma 17alpha-methyltestosterone during induction of masculinization in muskellunge, Esox masquinongy: effect on plasma steroids and sex reversal.

PubMed

Rinchard, J; Dabrowski, K; Garcia-Abiado, M A; Ottobre, J

1999-08-01

Oral administration of 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) was used to induce masculinization of sexually undifferentiated muskellunge, Esox masquinongy. Three groups of muskellunge (mean weight, 2.5 +/- 0.6 g) were submitted to MT treatment (15 mg of MT/kg) for 60 days. An additional one group was used as a control (hormone-free diet). Food was distributed over a 10-h period by using automatic belt feeders. Blood was sampled in both control and treated fish at different intervals during and after feeding: before (0 h), at 3 h, 6 h, and cessation of feeding (10 h), and after a fast of 22 h (32 h). MT had no significant effect on growth and survival in muskellunge 6 months after the treatment. Concentrations of plasma MT increased during the feeding period and reached their maximum levels 6 or 10 h after starting feeding. This rapid increase of MT indicated a rapid absorption of this steroid. Plasma MT levels then declined and reached a radir by 22 h after cessation of feeding, suggesting that MT is rapidly metabolized and excreted. The profiles of plasma testosterone during the MT treatment did not differ significantly between control and MT-treated groups. During and after the MT treatment, the concentration of plasma testosterone did not differ significantly between control and MT-treated groups. Moreover, no sexual dimorphism of testosterone levels was observed. Six months after treatment, the sex ratio in MT-treated groups (33% males, 62% females, and 5% intersex) was opposite to control (70% and 30%, respectively) and differed significantly. This suggests that at 15 mg of MT/kg over 60 days, a paradoxical feminization took place.

Platelet factor XIIIa release during platelet aggregation and plasma clot strength measured by thrombelastography in patients with coronary artery disease treated with clopidogrel.

PubMed

Kreutz, Rolf P; Owens, Janelle; Lu, Deshun; Nystrom, Perry; Jin, Yan; Kreutz, Yvonne; Desta, Zeruesenay; Flockhart, David A

2015-01-01

It has been estimated that up to half of circulating factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) is stored in platelets. The release of FXIIIa from platelets upon stimulation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in patients with coronary artery disease treated with dual antiplatelet therapy has not been previously examined. Samples from 96 patients with established coronary artery disease treated with aspirin and clopidogrel were examined. Platelet aggregation was performed by light transmittance aggregometry in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), with platelet-poor plasma (PPP) as reference, and ADP 5 µM as agonist. Kaolin-activated thrombelastography (TEG) was performed in citrate PPP. PRP after aggregation was centrifuged and plasma supernatant (PSN) collected. FXIIIa was measured in PPP and PSN. Platelet aggregation after stimulation with ADP 5 µM resulted in 24% additional FXIIIa release in PSN as compared to PPP (99.3 ± 27 vs. 80.3 ± 24%, p < 0.0001). FXIIIa concentration in PSN correlated with maximal plasma clot strength (TEG-G) (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001), but not in PPP (r = 0.15, p = 0.14). Increasing quartiles of platelet-derived FXIIIa were associated with incrementally higher TEG-G (p = 0.012). FXIIIa release was similar between clopidogrel responders and non-responders (p = 0.18). In summary, platelets treated with aspirin and clopidogrel release a significant amount of FXIIIa upon aggregation by ADP. Platelet-derived FXIIIa may contribute to differences in plasma TEG-G, and thus, in part, provide a mechanistic explanation for high clot strength observed as a consequence of platelet activation. Variability in clopidogrel response does not significantly influence FXIIIa release from platelets.

Longitudinal monitoring of EGFR mutations in plasma predicts outcomes of NSCLC patients treated with EGFR TKIs: Korean Lung Cancer Consortium (KLCC-12-02).

PubMed

Lee, Ji Yun; Qing, Xu; Xiumin, Wei; Yali, Bai; Chi, Sangah; Bak, So Hyeon; Lee, Ho Yun; Sun, Jong-Mu; Lee, Se-Hoon; Ahn, Jin Seok; Cho, Eun Kyung; Kim, Dong-Wan; Kim, Hye Ryun; Min, Young Joo; Jung, Sin-Ho; Park, Keunchil; Mao, Mao; Ahn, Myung-Ju

2016-02-09

We hypothesized that plasma-based EGFR mutation analysis for NSCLC may be feasible for monitoring treatment response to EGFR TKIs and also predict drug resistance.Clinically relevant mutations including exon 19 deletion (ex19del), L858R and T790M were analyzed using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in longitudinally collected plasma samples (n = 367) from 81 NSCLC patients treated with EGFR TKI. Of a total 58 baseline cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples available for ddPCR analysis, 43 (74.1%) had the same mutation in the matched tumors (clinical sensitivity: 70.8% [17/24] for L858R and 76.5% [26/34] for ex19del). The concordance rates of plasma with tissue-based results of EGFR mutations were 87.9% for L858R and 86.2% for ex19del. All 40 patients who were detected EGFR mutations at baseline showed a dramatic decrease of mutant copies (>50%) in plasma during the first two months after treatment. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.1 months for patients with undetectable EGFR v 6.3 months for detectable EGFR mutations in blood after two-month treatment (HR 3.88, 95% CI 1.48-10.19, P = 0.006). We observed emerging resistance with early detection of T790M as a secondary mutation in 14 (28.6%) of 49 patients. Plasma-based EGFR mutation analysis using ddPCR can monitor treatment response to EGFR TKIs and can lead to early detection of EGFR TKIs resistance. Further studies confirming clinical implications of EGFR mutation in plasma are warranted to guide optimal therapeutic strategies upon knowledge of treatment response and resistance.

Nickel and chromium levels in the saliva of a Saudi sample treated with fixed orthodontic appliances.

PubMed

Talic, Nabeel F; Alnahwi, Hasan H; Al-Faraj, Ali S

2013-10-01

The aim of this study was to measure the amount of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) released into the saliva of Saudi patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Ninety salivary samples were collected in a cross-sectional manner. Forty samples were collected from patients (17 males, 23 females) with fixed orthodontic appliances after different periods of orthodontic treatment ranging from the first month and up to 32 months into treatment. The fixed orthodontic appliance consisted of 4 bands, 20 stainless steel brackets, and upper and lower nickel titanium or stainless-steel arch wires. The other 50 samples were collected from people without appliances (24 males, 26 females). Samples were analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy to measure Ni and Cr levels, respectively. Student's t-test was used to compare Ni and Cr levels in the treated and untreated control groups. The mean Ni level was 4.197 μg/L in the experimental group and 2.3 μg/L in the control group (p < 0.05). The mean Cr level was 2.9 μg/L in the experimental group and 3.3 μg/L in the control group (p < 0.05). Fixed orthodontic appliances resulted in a non-toxic increase in salivary levels of Ni, but no change in Cr levels. Duration of orthodontic treatment did not affect Ni and Cr levels in the saliva.

Tumor and Plasma Met Levels in Non-Metastatic Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Kaye, Deborah R; Pinto, Peter A; Cecchi, Fabiola; Reilly, Joseph; Semerjian, Alice; Rabe, Daniel C; Gupta, Gopal; Choyke, Peter L; Bottaro, Donald P

2016-01-01

To measure Met protein content in prostate biopsies guided by fused magnetic resonance and ultrasound imaging, and to measure soluble Met (sMet) protein concentration in plasma samples from patients presenting evidence of prostate cancer. 345 patients had plasma samples drawn prior to image-guided biopsy of the prostate. Of these, 32% had benign biopsies. Of the 236 that were positive for prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa), 132 treated by total prostatectomy had Gleason scores of 6 (17%), 7, (55%), 8 (16%), or 9-10 (12%). 23% had evidence of local invasion. Plasma samples were also obtained from 80 healthy volunteers. Tissue Met and plasma sMet were measured by two-site immunoassay; values were compared among clinically defined groups using non-parametric statistical tests to determine significant differences or correlations. PCa tumor Met correlated significantly with plasma sMet, but median values were similar among benign and malignant groups. Median plasma sMet values were also similar among those groups, although both medians were significantly above normal. Median Met content in primary PCa tumors and sMet concentrations were independent of Gleason score, final pathologic stage and age. Plasma sMet is not predictive of PCa or its severity in patients with organ-confined or locally invasive disease. Quantitative analysis of Met protein content and activation state in PCa tumor biopsy samples was highly feasible and may have value in follow-up to genomic and/or transcriptomic-based screens that show evidence of oncogenically relevant MET gene features that occur at relatively low frequency in non-metastatic PCa.

Development and validation of an UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS method for quantification of the highly hydrophilic amyloid-β oligomer eliminating all-D-enantiomeric peptide RD2 in mouse plasma.

PubMed

Hupert, Michelle; Elfgen, Anne; Schartmann, Elena; Schemmert, Sarah; Buscher, Brigitte; Kutzsche, Janine; Willbold, Dieter; Santiago-Schübel, Beatrix

2018-01-15

During preclinical drug development, a method for quantification of unlabeled compounds in blood plasma samples from treatment or pharmacokinetic studies in mice is required. In the current work, a rapid, specific, sensitive and validated liquid chromatography mass-spectrometric UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS method was developed for the quantification of the therapeutic compound RD2 in mouse plasma. RD2 is an all-D-enantiomeric peptide developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease finally leading to dementia. Due to RD2's highly hydrophilic properties, the sample preparation and the chromatographic separation and quantification were very challenging. The chromatographic separation of RD2 and its internal standard were accomplished on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm particle size) within 6.5 min at 50 °C with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Mobile phases consisted of water and acetonitrile with 1% formic acid and 0.025% heptafluorobutyric acid, respectively. Ions were generated by electrospray ionization (ESI) in the positive mode and the peptide was quantified by QTOF-MS. The developed extraction method for RD2 from mouse plasma revealed complete recovery. The linearity of the calibration curve was in the range of 5.3 ng/mL to 265 ng/mL (r 2  > 0.999) with a lower limit of detection (LLOD) of 2.65 ng/mL and a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 5.3 ng/mL. The intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision of RD2 in plasma ranged from -0.54% to 2.21% and from 1.97% to 8.18%, respectively. Moreover, no matrix effects were observed and RD2 remained stable in extracted mouse plasma at different conditions. Using this validated bioanalytical method, plasma samples of unlabeled RD2 or placebo treated mice were analyzed. The herein developed UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS method is a suitable tool for the quantitative analysis of unlabeled RD2 in plasma samples of treated mice. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma treatment of polypropylene fabric for improved dyeability with soluble textile dyestuff

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaman, Necla; Özdoğan, Esen; Seventekin, Necdet; Ayhan, Hakan

2009-05-01

The impact of plasma treatment parameters on the surface morphology, physical-chemical, and dyeing properties of polypropylene (PP) using anionic and cationic dyestuffs were investigated in this study. Argon plasma treatment was used to activate PP fabric surfaces. Activated surfaces were grafted different compounds: 6-aminohexanoic acid (6-AHA), acrylic acid (AA), ethylendiamine (EDA), acryl amide (AAMID) and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS). Compounds were applied after the plasma treatment and the acid and basic dyeing result that was then observed, were quite encouraging in certain conditions. The possible formed oxidizing groups were emphasized by FTIR and ATR and the surface morphology of plasma treated PP fibers was also investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PP fabric could be dyed with acid and basic dyestuffs after only plasma treatment and plasma induced grafting, and fastnesses of the dyed samples were satisfactory.

Effect of low-pressure plasma treatment on the color and oxidative stability of raw pork during refrigerated storage.

PubMed

Ulbin-Figlewicz, Natalia; Jarmoluk, Andrzej

2016-06-01

The effect of low-pressure plasma on quality attributes of meat is an important aspect, which must be considered before application in food. The aim of this study was to determine the color, fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation expressed as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total antioxidant capacity of raw pork samples exposed to helium low-pressure plasma treatment (20 kPa) for 0, 2, 5, and 10 min during the storage period. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations of all plasma-treated samples during storage were in the range from 0.26 to 0.61 mg malondialdehyde/kg. Exposure time caused significant changes only in total color difference, hue angle, and chroma after 10 min of treatment. Ferric reducing ability of plasma values of meat samples decreased from 1.93 to 1.40 mmol Trolox Eq/kg after 14 days of storage. The storage period significantly affected proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with an increase about 3% after 14 days of refrigeration storage while the content of saturated fatty acids was at the same level. Helium low-pressure plasma does not induce oxidative processes. Application of this decontamination technique while maintaining product quality is possible in food industry. © The Author(s) 2015.

The effect of glycosaminoglycan enzymes and proteases on the viscosity of alpaca seminal plasma and sperm function.

PubMed

Kershaw-Young, C M; Stuart, C; Evans, G; Maxwell, W M C

2013-05-01

In order to advance the development of cryopreservation and other assisted reproductive technologies in camelids it is necessary to eliminate the viscous component of the seminal plasma without impairing sperm function. It has been postulated that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or proteoglycans are responsible for this viscosity. This study investigated the effect of the GAG enzymes hyaluronidase, chondroitinase ABC and keratanase and the proteases papain and proteinase K on seminal plasma viscosity and sperm function in order to aid identification of the cause of seminal plasma viscosity and propose methods for the reduction of viscosity. Sperm motility, DNA integrity, acrosome integrity and viability were assessed during 2h incubation. All enzymes reduced seminal plasma viscosity compared to control (P<0.001) although papain was most effective, completely eliminating viscosity within 30 min of treatment. Sperm motility and DNA integrity was not affected by enzyme treatment. The proportion of viable, acrosome intact sperm was reduced in all enzyme treated samples except those treated with papain (P<0.001). These findings suggest that proteins, not GAGs are the main cause of alpaca seminal plasma viscosity. Papain treatment of alpaca semen may be a suitable technique for reduction of seminal plasma viscosity prior to sperm cryopreservation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Monitoring the endogenous steroid profile disruption in urine and blood upon nandrolone administration: An efficient and innovative strategy to screen for nandrolone abuse in entire male horses.

PubMed

Kaabia, Z; Dervilly-Pinel, G; Popot, M A; Bailly-Chouriberry, L; Plou, P; Bonnaire, Y; Le Bizec, B

2014-04-01

Nandrolone (17β-hydroxy-4-estren-3-one) is amongst the most misused endogenous steroid hormones in entire male horses. The detection of such a substance is challenging with regard to its endogenous presence. The current international threshold level for nandrolone misuse is based on the urinary concentration ratio of 5α-estrane-3β,17α-diol (EAD) to 5(10)-estrene-3β,17α-diol (EED). This ratio, however, can be influenced by a number of factors due to existing intra- and inter-variability standing, respectively, for the variation occurring in endogenous steroids concentration levels in a single subject and the variation in those same concentration levels observed between different subjects. Targeting an efficient detection of nandrolone misuse in entire male horses, an analytical strategy was set up in order to profile a group of endogenous steroids in nandrolone-treated and non-treated equines. Experiment plasma and urine samples were steadily collected over more than three months from a stallion administered with nandrolone laurate (1 mg/kg). Control plasma and urine samples were collected monthly from seven non-treated stallions over a one-year period. A large panel of steroids of interest (n = 23) were extracted from equine urine and plasma samples using a C18 cartridge. Following a methanolysis step, liquid-liquid and solid-phase extractions purifications were performed before derivatization and analysis on gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) for quantification. Statistical processing of the collected data permitted to establish statistical models capable of discriminating control samples from those collected during the three months following administration. Furthermore, these statistical models succeeded in predicting the compliance status of additional samples collected from racing horses. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Reduction of Zika virus infectivity in platelet concentrates after treatment with ultraviolet C light and in plasma after treatment with methylene blue and visible light.

PubMed

Fryk, Jesse J; Marks, Denese C; Hobson-Peters, Jody; Watterson, Daniel; Hall, Roy A; Young, Paul R; Reichenberg, Stefan; Tolksdorf, Frank; Sumian, Chryslain; Gravemann, Ute; Seltsam, Axel; Faddy, Helen M

2017-11-01

Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as a potential threat to transfusion safety worldwide. Pathogen inactivation is one approach to manage this risk. In this study, the efficacy of the THERAFLEX UV-Platelets system and THERAFLEX MB-Plasma system to inactivate ZIKV in platelet concentrates (PCs) and plasma was investigated. PCs spiked with ZIKV were treated with the THERAFLEX UV-Platelets system at 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 J/cm 2 UVC. Plasma spiked with ZIKV was treated with the THERAFLEX MB-Plasma system at 20, 40, 60, and 120 J/cm 2 light at 630 nm with at least 0.8 µmol/L methylene blue (MB). Samples were taken before the first and after each illumination dose and tested for residual virus. For each system the level of viral reduction was determined. Treatment of PCs with THERAFLEX UV-Platelets system resulted in a mean of 5 log reduction in ZIKV infectivity at the standard UVC dose (0.20 J/cm 2 ), with dose dependency observed with increasing UVC dose. For plasma treated with MB and visible light, ZIKV infectivity was reduced by a mean of at least 5.68 log, with residual viral infectivity reaching the detection limit of the assay at 40 J/cm 2 (one-third the standard dose). Our study demonstrates that the THERAFLEX UV-Platelets system and THERAFLEX MB-Plasma system can reduce ZIKV infectivity in PCs and pooled plasma to the detection limit of the assays used. These findings suggest both systems have the capacity to be an effective option to manage potential ZIKV transfusion transmission risk. © 2017 AABB.

Effects of different sterilization methods on the physico-chemical and bioresponsive properties of plasma-treated polycaprolactone films.

PubMed

Ghobeira, Rouba; Philips, Charlot; Declercq, Heidi; Cools, Pieter; De Geyter, Nathalie; Cornelissen, Ria; Morent, Rino

2017-01-24

For most tissue engineering applications, surface modification and sterilization of polymers are critical aspects determining the implant success. The first part of this study is thus dedicated to modifying polycaprolactone (PCL) surfaces via plasma treatment using a medium pressure dielectric barrier discharge, while the second part focuses on the sterilization of plasma-modified PCL. Chemical and physical surface changes are examined making use of water contact angle goniometry (WCA), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Bioresponsive properties are evaluated by performing cell culture tests. The results show that air and argon plasmas decrease the WCA significantly due to the incorporation of oxygen-containing functionalities onto the PCL surface, without modifying its morphology. Extended treatment times lead to PCL degradation, especially in the case of air plasma. In addition to surface modification, the plasma potential to sterilize PCL is studied with appropriate treatment times, but sterility has not been achieved so far. Therefore, plasma-modified films are subjected to UV, H 2 O 2 plasma (HP) and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilizations. UV exposure of 3 h does not alter the PCL physico-chemical properties. A decreased wettability is observed after EtO sterilization, attributable to the modification of PCL chain ends reacting with EtO molecules. HP sterilization increases the WCA of the plasma-treated samples, presumably due to the scission of the hydrophilic bonds generated during the prior plasma treatments. Moreover, HP modifies the PCL surface morphology. For all the sterilizations, an improved cell adhesion and proliferation is observed on plasma-treated films compared to untreated ones. EtO shows the lowest proliferation rate compared to HP and UV. Overall, of the three sterilizations, UV is the most effective, since the physical alterations provoked by HP might interfere with the structural integrity when it comes to 3D scaffolds, and the chemical modifications caused by EtO, in addition to its toxicity, interfere with PCL bioactivity.

Plasma Discharge with Different Electrode Diameters for Reducing Methylene Blue Concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasyidah, H.; Kusumandari; Saraswati, T. E.; Anwar, M.

2018-03-01

Recently, plasma technology has gained attention since it overcomes the shortcomings of water treatment. This research studies the effect of electrode diameter of plasma discharge reactors on the concentration reduction of methylene blue as an organic solution. The plasma discharge reactor was built from a pair of stainless needle electrodes connected with high-AC voltage. The electrodes were placed approximately 2 mm above the solution and stirred at 5.5 rpm. The diameters of the electrodes were 2, 3.2 and 4 mm. The times for plasma treatment were set at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 min. Absorbance, temperature and pH of the solution were measured to know the effects of electrode diameter of the plasma reactor. Absorbance and pH significantly decreased after plasma treatment. The best of the absorbance reduction were obtained when the sample was treated under plasma discharge using the smallest diameter electrodes for 8-10 min.

Enhanced cell adhesion on severe peened-plasma nitrided 316L stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayalakshmi, M.; Bhat, Badekai Ramachandra; Bhat, K. Udaya

2018-04-01

Plasma nitriding is an effective technique to enhance the wear resistance of austenitic stainless steels. Recently, severe surface deformation techniques are extensively used prior to nitriding to enhance diffusion kinetics. In the present study, AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel is subjected to peening-nitriding duplex treatment and biocompatibility of treated surfaces is assessed through adhesion of the fibroblast cells. Three-fold increase in the surface microhardness is observed from the un-peened sample to the peened-nitrided sample; with severe peened sample showing intermediate hardness. Similar trend is observed in the number of the fibroblast cells attached to the sample surface. Spreading of some of the fibroblast cells is observed on the sample subjected to duplex treatment; while the other two samples showed only the spindle shaped fibroblasts. Combined influence of surface nanocrystallization and presence of nitride layer is responsible for the improved biocompatibility.

Transferable residues from dog fur and plasma cholinesterase inhibition in dogs treated with a flea control dip containing chlorpyrifos.

PubMed Central

Boone, J S; Tyler, J W; Chambers, J E

2001-01-01

We studied chlorpyrifos, an insecticide present in a commercial dip for treating ectoparasites in dogs, to estimate the amount of transferable residues that children could obtain from their treated pets. Although the chlorpyrifos dip is no longer supported by the manufacturer, the methodology described herein can help determine transferable residues from other flea control insecticide formulations. Twelve dogs of different breeds and weights were dipped using the recommended guidelines with a commercial, nonprescription chlorpyrifos flea dip for 4 consecutive treatments at 3-week intervals (nonshampoo protocol) and another 12 dogs were dipped with shampooing between dips (shampoo protocol). The samples collected at 4 hr and 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment in the nonshampoo protocol averaged 971, 157, 70, and 26 microg chlorpyrifos, respectively; in the shampoo protocol the samples averaged 459, 49, 15, and 10 microg, respectively. The highest single sample was about 7,000 microg collected at 4 hr. The pretreatment specific activities in the plasma of the dogs were about 75 nmol/min/mg protein for butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and 9 nmol/min/mg protein for acetylcholinesterase (AChE). BChE was inhibited 50-75% throughout the study, and AChE was inhibited 11-18% in the nonshampoo protocol; inhibition was not as great in the shampoo protocol. There was no correlation (p

Photocatalytic Degradation Effect of μ-Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Treated Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Environmental Contaminant.

PubMed

Seo, Hyeon Jin; Hwang, Ki-Hwan; Na, Young Hoon; Boo, Jin-Hyo

2018-09-01

This study focused on the photocatalytic degradation effect of the μ-dielectric barrier discharge (μ-DBD) plasma treated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on environmental contaminant such as formaldehyde. TiO2 nanoparticles were treated by a μ-DBD plasma source with nitrogen gas. We analyzed the degradation of formaldehyde with the plasma treated TiO2 nanoparticles by UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS), and demonstrated that the photocatalytic activity of the μ-DBD plasma-treated TiO2 nanoparticles showed significantly high catalytic efficiency rather than without plasma treated TiO2 nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle analyzer were used to measure the effects of photocatalytic degradation for the plasma treated TiO2 nanoparticles.

Blood and tissue tocopherol levels in rats following intraperitoneally administered alpha-tocopheryl acetate.

PubMed

McGee, C D; Greenwood, C E; Jeejeebhoy, K N

1990-01-01

The correction or maintenance of blood and tissue alpha-tocopherol (alpha-Toc) levels by intraperitoneally administered all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (alpha-Tac) was compared with RRR- alpha-tocopherol (alpha-Toc) in vitamin E-depleted and control rats. Rats received 1.3 TE vitamin E daily for 7 days. alpha-Tac was detected in plasma of one-third of alpha-Tac-treated rats 24 hr after the first treatment, although not in subsequent samplings. Both alpha-Tac and alpha-Toc increased tocopherol levels in plasma and liver of E-deprived rats, while little or no change was observed in adipose tissue and brain. Similarly, control rats treated with alpha-Tac or alpha-Toc had significantly greater (p less than 0.05) plasma and liver alpha-Toc levels at day 3 and day 7 than did saline-treated rats. There was no significant difference in adipose alpha-Toc levels among treatment groups of control rats. The results of this study suggest that alpha-Tac is rapidly hydrolyzed to its biologically active alcohol form and results in similar effects to that of intraperitoneally administered alpha-Toc.

Role of enzyme-treated cells in RBC antibody screening using the gel test: a study of anti-RH1, -RH2, and -RH3 antibodies.

PubMed

Conne, Jocelyne; Schneider, Philippe; Tissot, Jean-Daniel

2007-01-01

The role of enzyme-treated cells (ETCs) in red blood cell (RBC) antibody screening has been the subject of controversy, and its place in the clinical routine remains to be determined. In this work, plasma samples containing anti-RH1 (anti-D; N = 10), anti-RH2 (anti-C; N = 10), or anti-RH3 (anti-E; N = 10) antibodies were studied. The samples were diluted in nonbuffered or buffered normal saline, as well as in a pool of AB plasma samples. Titers and scores were determined by means of the gel test, using the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) as well as ETCs, with R(0)r, r'r, or r''r test cells. Our results showed that compared to the IAT, ETCs allowed a clearer detection of anti-RH2 and anti-RH3, but not of anti-RH1 antibodies. Based on our study, it is not clear whether the ETC phase of the gel test should be maintained for RBC antibody screening. 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Plasma-surface modification vs air oxidation on carbon obtained from peach stone: Textural and chemical changes and the efficiency as adsorbents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Velasco Maldonado, Paola S.; Hernández-Montoya, Virginia; Montes-Morán, Miguel A.

2016-10-01

Carbons were prepared from peach stones (Prunus persica) using different carbonization temperatures (600, 800 and 1000 °C). A selected sample was modified by oxidation using conventional oxidation techniques (thermal treatment in air atmosphere) and with cold oxygen plasma oxidation, under different conditions. Samples were characterized using elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption isotherms at -196 °C, SEM/EDX analysis, potentiometric titration and XPS analysis. Carbons with and without oxidation were employed in the adsorption of Pb2+ in aqueous solution. Results obtained indicated that the materials with high contents of acidic oxygen groups were more efficient in the removal of Pb2+, values as high as approx. 40 mg g-1 being obtained for the best performing carbon. Textural properties of the original, un-oxidized carbon were significantly altered only after oxidation under air atmosphere at 450 °C. On the other hand, the samples oxidized with plasma show little changes in the textural parameters and a slight increase in the specific surface was observed for the sample treated at high RF power (100 W). Additionally, a significant increment of the oxygen content was observed for the plasma oxidized samples, as measured by XPS.

Prostate cancer molecular detection in plasma samples by glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) methylation analysis.

PubMed

Dumache, Raluca; Puiu, Maria; Motoc, Marilena; Vernic, Corina; Dumitrascu, Victor

2014-01-01

Prostate cancer (PCa) represents the most commonly diagnosed type of malignancy among men in Western European countries and the second cause of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide. Methylation of the CpG island has an important role in prostate carcinogenesis and progression. The purpose of the study was to analyse the diagnostic value of aberrant promoter hypermethylation of the gene for glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) in plasma DNA to discriminate between prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients by minimally invasive methods. Aberrant promoter hypermethylation was investigated in DNA isolated from plasma samples of 31 patients with diagnostic of PCa and 44 cancer-free males (control subjects). Extracted genomic DNA was bisulfite treated and analyzed using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) technique. Hypermethylation of the GSTP1 gene was detected in plasma samples from 27 of 31 (92.86%) patients with PCa. Genomic DNA from plasma samples from the 44 controls without genitourinary cancer revealed promoter hypermethylation of GSTP1 gene in 3 (10.6%) of the 44 patients. Receiver operating curve (ROC) included clinico-pathological parameters such as: serum PSA levels, pathological stage, Gleason score, hypermethylation status of GSTP1 gene, and it gave a predictive accuracy of 93% with a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 87%, respectively. In this study, we have evaluated the ability of GSTP1 gene to discriminate between PCa and BPH patients in genomic DNA from plasma samples by non-invasive methods.

Pulsed cold plasma-induced blood coagulation and its pilot application in stanching bleeding during rat hepatectomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keping, YAN; Qikang, JIN; Chao, ZHENG; Guanlei, DENG; Shengyong, YIN; Zhen, LIU

2018-04-01

This paper presents plasma-induced blood coagulation and its pilot application in rat hepatectomy by using a home-made pulsed cold plasma jet. Experiments were conducted on blood coagulation in vitro, the influence of plasma on tissue in vivo, and the pilot application of rat hepatectomy. Experimental results show that the cold plasma can lead to rapid blood coagulation. Compared with the control sample, the plasma-induced agglomerated layer of blood is thicker and denser, and is mostly composed of broken platelets. When the surface of the liver was treated by plasma, the influence of the plasma can penetrate into the liver to a depth of about 500 μm. During the rat hepatectomy, cold plasma was proved to be effective for stanching bleeding on incision. No obvious bleeding was found in the abdominal cavities of all six rats 48 h after the hepatectomy. This implies that cold plasma can be an effective modality to control bleeding during surgical operation.

Microstructure and dry-sliding wear properties of DC plasma nitrided 17-4 PH stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Gui-jiang; Wang, Jun; Li, Cong; Peng, Qian; Gao, Jian; Shen, Bao-luo

2008-05-01

An attempt that the precipitation hardening steel 17-4PH was conducted by DC plasma nitriding (DCPN) is made to develop a kind of candidate material for nuclear reactor. Nitriding process performed at temperature ⩽ 400 °C takes effect on creation of the layers composed of S-phase (expanded austenite) and αN‧ (expanded martensite). Up to the temperature of 420 °C, the S-phase peaks disappear due to the transformation occurrence (S-phase → αN‧ + CrN). For the samples nitrided at temperature ⩾ 450 °C, no evidence of αN‧ is found owing to a precipitation (αN‧ → α +CrN) taking place. For the 480 °C/4 h treated sample, it is the surface microhardness that plays the lead role in the wear rate reduction but the surface roughness; while for the 400 °C/4 h treated sample, it is both of the surface roughness and the S-phase formation. Dry sliding wear of the untreated 17-4PH is mainly characterized by strong adhesion, abrasion and oxidation mechanism. Samples nitrided at 400 °C which is dominated by slight abrasion and plastic deformation exhibit the best dry sliding wear resistance compared to the samples nitrided at other temperatures.

Effects of oxygen plasma treatment power on Aramid fiber III/BMI composite humidity resistance properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jing; Shi, Chen; Feng, Jiayue; Long, Xi; Meng, Lingzhi; Ren, Hang

2018-01-01

The effects of oxygen plasma treatment power on Aramid Fiber III chemical structure and its reinforced bismaleimides (BMI) composite humidity resistance properties were investigated in this work. The aramid fiber III chemical structure under different plasma treatment power were measured by FTIR. The composite bending strength and interlinear shear strength with different plasma treatment power before and after absorption water were tested respectively. The composite rupture morphology was observed by SEM. The FTIR results showed that oxygen plasma treatment do not change the fiber bulk chemical structure. The composite humidity resistance of bending strength and interlinear shear strength are similar for untreated and plasma treated samples. The retention rate of composite bending strength and interlinear shear strength are about 75% and 94%, respectively. The composite rupture mode turns to be the fiber failure after water absorption.

Simultaneous determination of nicotine, cotinine, and nicotine N-oxide in human plasma, semen, and sperm by LC-Orbitrap MS.

PubMed

Abu-Awwad, Ahmad; Arafat, Tawfiq; Schmitz, Oliver J

2016-09-01

Nicotine (Nic) distribution in human fluids and tissues has a deleterious effect on human health. In addition to its poisoning profile, Nic may contribute to the particular impact of smoking on human reproduction. Although present in seminal fluid, still nobody knows whether nicotine is available in sperm or not. Herein, we developed and validated a new bioanalytical method, for simultaneous determination of Nic, cotinine (Cot), and nicotine N'-oxide (Nox) in human plasma, semen, and sperm by LC-ESI-orbitrap-MS. Blood and semen samples were collected from 12 healthy smoking volunteers in this study. Sperm bodies were then separated quantitatively from 1 mL of semen samples by centrifugation. The developed method was fully validated for plasma following European and American guidelines for bioanalytical method validation, and partial validation was applied to semen analysis. Plasma, semen, and sperm samples were treated by trichloroacetic acid solution for protein direct precipitation in single extraction step. The established calibration range for Nic and Nox in plasma and semen was linear between 5 and 250 ng/mL, and for Cot between 10 and 500 ng/mL. Nic and Cot were detected in human sperm at concentrations as high as in plasma. In addition, Nox was present in semen and sperm but not in plasma. Graphical abstract Nicotine correlation between plasma and semen a; Nicotine correlation between semen and sperm c; Cotinine correlation between plasma and semen b; Cotinine correlation between semen and sperm d.

Effect of Freezing, Thermal Pasteurization, and Hydrostatic Pressure on Fractionation and Folate Recovery in Egg Yolk.

PubMed

Naderi, Nassim; Pouliot, Yves; House, James D; Doyen, Alain

2017-09-06

In this study, the impact of pasteurization and freezing of raw material, as performed at a commercial scale, on egg yolk fractionation and folate recovery was assessed. Freezing induced denaturation of the lipoproteins in egg yolk, which prevented further fractionation of the yolk. Thermal pasteurization of egg yolk at 61.1 °C for 3.5 min as well as high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment (400 MPa for 5 min) did not change (p < 0.05) the composition of egg yolk or yolk fractions after their recovery by centrifugation. Expressed as dry matter, folate in pasteurized yolk was measured to be 599 μg/100 g, while its concentration reached 1969.7 μg/100 g for pasteurized granule and 1902.5 μg/100 g for HHP-treated granule. Folate was not detected in plasma, emphasizing the complete separation of yolk folate into granule. Further, we studied the effect of HHP on different dilutions of egg yolk, which were then fractionated. Egg yolk was diluted with water at different concentrations (0.1, 1.0, 10, 25, and 50%), HHP-treated at 400 MPa for 5 min, and centrifuged. Characterization of the compositions of the separated granule and plasma followed. Folate was stable under the HHP conditions used. However, HHP caused separation of folate from the yolk structure into water-soluble plasma. After HHP processing, the amount of folate detected in the plasma fraction was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (1434.9 μg/100 g) in the 25% diluted samples but was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in HHP-treated granule samples. Native sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results showed that phosvitin, α-livetin, and apovitellenin VIa were the proteins most resistant to HHP. This study confirms that dilution of egg yolk before HHP treatment can significantly (p < 0.05) change the composition of granule and plasma fractions after centrifugal fractionation of egg yolk.

Plasma enhancement of in vitro attachment of rat bone-marrow-derived stem cells on cross-linked gelatin films.

PubMed

Prasertsung, I; Kanokpanont, S; Mongkolnavin, R; Wong, C S; Panpranot, J; Damrongsakkul, S

2012-01-01

In this work, nitrogen, oxygen and air glow discharges powered by 50 Hz AC power supply are used for the treatment of type-A gelatin film cross-linked by a dehydrothermal (DHT) process. The properties of cross-linked gelatin were characterized by contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The results showed that the water contact angle of gelatin films decrease with increasing plasma treatment time. The treatment of nitrogen, oxygen and air plasma up to 30 s had no effects on the surface roughness of the gelatin film as revealed by AFM results. The XPS analysis showed that the N-containing functional groups generated by nitrogen and air plasma, and O-containing functional groups generated by oxygen and air plasmas were incorporated onto the film surface, the functional groups were found to increase with increasing treatment time. An in vitro test using rat bone-marrow-mesenchym-derived stem cells (MSCs) revealed that the number of cells attached on plasma-treated gelatin films was significantly increased compared to untreated samples. The best enhancement of cell attachment was noticed when the film was treated with nitrogen plasma for 15-30 s, oxygen plasma for 3 s, and air plasma for 9 s. In addition, among the three types of plasmas used, nitrogen plasma treatment gave the best MSCs attachment on the gelatin surface. The results suggest that a type-A gelatin film with water contact angle of 27-28° and an O/N ratio of 1.4 is most suitable for MSCs attachment.

NMR-based plasma metabolomic discrimination for male fertility assessment of rats treated with Eurycoma longifolia extracts.

PubMed

Ebrahimi, Forough; Ibrahim, Baharudin; Teh, Chin-Hoe; Murugaiyah, Vikneswaran; Chan, Kit-Lam

2017-06-01

Male infertility is one of the leading causes of infertility which affects many couples worldwide. Semen analysis is a routine examination of male fertility status which is usually performed on semen samples obtained through masturbation that may be inconvenient to patients. Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali, TA), native to Malaysia, has been traditionally used as a remedy to boost male fertility. In our recent studies in rats, upon the administration of high-quassinoid content extracts of TA including TA water (TAW), quassinoid-rich TA (TAQR) extracts, and a low-quassinoid content extract including quassinoid-poor TA (TAQP) extract, sperm count (SC) increased in TAW- and TAQR-treated rats when compared to the TAQP-treated and control groups. Consequently, the rats were divided into normal- (control and TAQP-treated) and high- (TAW- and TAQR-treated) SC groups [Ebrahimi et al. 2016]. Post-treatment rat plasma was collected. An optimized plasma sample preparation method was developed with respect to the internal standards sodium 3- (trimethylsilyl) propionate- 2,2,3,3- d4 (TSP) and deuterated 4-dimethyl-4-silapentane-1-ammonium trifluoroacetate (DSA). Carr-Purcell-Meibum-Gill (CPMG) experiments combined with orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was employed to evaluate plasma metabolomic changes in normal- and high-SC rats. The potential biomarkers associated with SC increase were investigated to assess fertility by capturing the metabolomic profile of plasma. DSA was selected as the optimized internal standard for plasma analysis due to its significantly smaller half-height line width (W h/2 ) compared to that of TSP. The validated OPLS-DA model clearly discriminated the CPMG profiles in regard to the SC level. Plasma profiles of the high-SC group contained higher levels of alanine, lactate, and histidine, while ethanol concentration was significantly higher in the normal-SC group. This approach might be a new alternative applicable to the fertility assessment in humans through the quantitative metabolomic analysis of plasma without requiring semen. TA: Tongkat Ali; LOD: limit of detection; LOQ: limit of quantification; HPLC-UV: high performance liquid chromatography-ultrviolet; PDA: photodiode array; NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance; FID: free induction decay; LC-MS: liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; GC-MS: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; HSQC: heteronuclear single quantum coherence; CPMG: Carr-Purcell-Meibum-Gill; VLDL: very low density lipoprotein; HDL: high density lipoprotein; EDTA: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; ANOVA: analysis of variance; AMIX: analysis of mixtures; SIMCA: soft independent modeling of class analogy; PCA: principal components analysis; OPLS-DA: orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis; VIP: variable importance plot; AUROC: area under the receiver operating characteristic; TSP: sodium 3-(trimethylsilyl) propionate- 2,2,3,3- d4; DSA: deuterated 4-dimethyl-4-silapentane-1-ammonium trifluoroacetate; ESI: electrospray ionization; TCA: trichloroacetic acid; ACN: acetonitrile; dd H 2 O: distilled deionized water; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; LH: luteinizing hormone; OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Evaluation of Fluid Absorbency of Retraction Cords after Immersing in Two Retraction Medicaments - An In-vitro Study.

PubMed

Vishnubhotla, Gautam; Basapogu, Sreeramulu; Karnati, Rajeev Kumar Reddy; Dasari, Pradeep Prabhu; Thommandru, Mani Victor; Bethu, Mohana Bindu

2016-11-01

Dry retraction cords help to displace the gingiva and also to absorb the gingival crevicular fluid and saliva to maintain a dry field. When used along with medicaments whether these medicaments help to improve the absorption of fluid or affect the fluid absorption by decreasing the efficiency of the retraction cord is unknown. The aim of the study was to know the effect of various medicaments on the fluid absorbency of the retraction cords and also, to know whether the thickness of the retraction cords influences it's fluid absorbency. A total of 90 samples of 5cm length retraction cords were taken. Cords were divided into 30 samples for each cord thickness of 0, 1 and 2. Of these 30 samples, 10 samples were used to measure dry weight (Group I), 10 samples were immersed in 15.5% ferric sulfate (Group II) and remaining 10 samples were immersed in 10% aluminium chloride (Group III) for a period of 20 minutes. The excess medicament was removed by blotting paper. Initial weight was recorded. Following this, five cords from each group were immersed in plasma solution and remaining in artificial saliva for 10 minutes. Then these were taken out and measured. The amount of the fluid absorbed was determined by subtracting the weight before fluid immersion (weight after immersion in test medicament) from the weight after fluid immersion (weight after immersion in plasma or artificial saliva). The study was analyzed through one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons for pair wise differences. When immersed in medicaments, there is a significant difference in absorption of fluids (artificial saliva and plasma) between the untreated dry cord and cord treated with 15.5% ferric sulfate (p<0.05). But, there was no significant difference in fluid absorption between the dry untreated cord and cord treated with 10% aluminum chloride and between cords treated with 15.5% ferric sulfate and 10% aluminum chloride. Ferric sulfate (15.5%) is a better medicament for absorption of fluid.

beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) kinetics and the influence of glucose ingestion in humans.

PubMed

Vukovich, Matthew D.; Slater, Gary; Macchi, Martina B.; Turner, Michael J.; Fallon, Keiren; Boston, Tanya; Rathmacher, John

2001-11-01

The dietary supplement, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), has been shown to decrease muscle proteolysis during the stress of exercise and disease. The aim of this investigation was to determine the time course kinetics of HMB and to determine whether oral glucose ingestion alters the kinetics. In Study 1, eight males (32 +/- 10 yrs) participated in two randomize trials: 1) oral ingestion of 1g of HMB with water in capsule form (HMB), and 2) placebo. Blood samples were obtained prior to ingestion of treatment and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min for the measurement of plasma HMB. Additional blood samples were obtained at 6, 9, and 12 hr. Urine was collected prior to ingestion and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 h for the measurement of urinary HMB. In Study 2, eight males (25 +/- 6 yrs) followed the same study design and testing procedure as for Study 1. Treatments were 1) modified glucose tolerance test (75 g glucose) (GLU), 2) oral ingestion of 3 g of HMB with water (HMB), and 3) ingestion of 3 g of HMB with 75 g of glucose (HMB+GLU). Blood samples were analyzed for insulin, glucose, and HMB. Additional blood samples were obtained at 24h and 36h for the measurement of HMB. Additional urine samples were collected at 24h and 36h. In Study 1, plasma HMB peaked at 120 nmol/ml at 2.0 +/- 0.4 hr in HMB trial. Half-life was 2.37 +/- 0.1 hr. Following the consumption of 1g of HMB, approximately 14% of the HMB consumed accumulated in the urine. In Study 2, plasma glucose and insulin levels were significantly greater in GLU and HMB+GLU treated subjects compared to HMB treated subject at minutes 30, 60 and 90. Plasma HMB peaked at 487.9 +/- 19.0 nmol/ml at 1.0 +/- 0.1 hr in the HMB treated subjects and at 352.1 +/- 15.3 nmol/ml at 1.94 +/- 0.2 hr when subjects consumed HMB+GLU. The time to reach peak was different (P <0.001) between HMB and HMB+GLU. The plasma HMB half-life was less (P = 0.08) 2.38 +/- 0.1 hr in HMB trial compared to 2.69 +/- 0.2 hr in HMB+GLU trial. Area under the plasma HMB curve during the first 3 hr was less (P = 0.002) in the HMB+GLU trial compared to the HMB trial. From 3 h through 36 h the area under the HMB curve tended to be less (P = 0.106) for the HMB+GLU compared to the HMB alone. HMB accumulation in the urine as well as the area under the curve were similar with both HMB (94875.8 +/- 15159.5 nmol/36 hrs) and HMB+GLU (80678.2 +/- 3863.1 nmol/36 hrs). The percentage of the HMB dose that accumulates in the urine was 27% for HMB+GLU and 29% for HMB alone. In conclusion, HMB plasma levels peak within 60 to 120 min depending on the amount of HMB consumed and whether glucose is consumed with HMB. The plasma half-life is approximately 2.5 hr. Plasma HMB reaches baseline levels at approximately 9 hr following ingestion. However, 70 to 85% of the ingested oral HMB is retained in the body for further metabolism.

Effect of plasma treatment (He/CH4) on glass surface for the reduction of powder flux adhesion in the spray drying process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramlan, Nadiah; Zamri, Nazirah Wahidah Mohd; Maskat, Mohd Yusof; Hoong, Chin Oi; Theng, Lau Yen; Zubairi, Saiful Irwan

2018-04-01

A 50Hz glow discharge He/CH4 plasma was generated and applied for the modification of glass surface to reduce powder adhesion on the wall of spray dryer. The hydrophobicity of the glass samples determined by the water droplet contact angle and adhesion weight on glass, dependent on the CH4 flow rate and plasma exposure time. There was a peak that appeared at 1470 cm-1 on the surface of treated glass indicating the presence of CH3 groups from ATR-FTIR data. Surface morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed changes of roughness in the surface-treated glass. The presence of alkyl group (CH3) that deposited on the glass surface is one of the factors that contribute to the increase in the surface roughness. The surface roughness will reflect the value of contact angle where hydrophobic surface are rougher compared to hydrophilic surface. The plasma treatment could enhance the value of the contact angle and thus reduced the adhesion on the spray dryer glass surface.

Narcolepsy Treated with Racemic Amphetamine during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.

PubMed

Öhman, Inger; Wikner, Birgitta Norstedt; Beck, Olof; Sarman, Ihsan

2015-08-01

This case report describes a woman with narcolepsy treated with racemic amphetamine (rac-amphetamine) during pregnancy and breastfeeding with follow-up on the infant's development up to 10 months of age. The pregnancy outcome and the pharmacokinetics of rac-amphetamine were studied during breastfeeding. The pregnancy and the delivery were uneventful. Concentrations of rac-amphetamine were determined in the plasma of the mother and infant, and in the breast milk with a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Samples were obtained at 2, 5, and 9 weeks postpartum. The transfer of rac-amphetamine to the breast milk was extensive (mean milk/maternal plasma concentration ratio approximately 3). The breastfed infant had a low plasma concentration of rac-amphetamine (about 9% of the maternal plasma level) and the calculated relative infant dose was low (2%). No adverse effects were observed in the breastfed infant. The infant's somatic and psychomotor development up to 10 months of age was normal. Further studies of amphetamine prescribed for medical reasons during pregnancy and lactation are needed. © The Author(s) 2015.

Boron determination in steels by Inductively-Coupled Plasma spectometry (ICP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coedo, A. G.; Lopez, M. T. D.

1986-01-01

The sample is treated with 5N H2SO4 followed by concentrated HNO3 and the diluted mixture is filtered. Soluble B is determined in the filtrate by Inductively-Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectrometry after addition HCl and extraction of Fe with ethyl-ether. The residue is fused with Na2CO3 and, after treatment with HCl, the insoluble B is determined by ICP spectrometry as before. The method permits determination of ppm amounts of B in steel.

In-situ monitoring of etching of bovine serum albumin using low-temperature atmospheric plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kousal, J.; Shelemin, A.; Kylián, O.; Slavínská, D.; Biederman, H.

2017-01-01

Bio-decontamination of surfaces by means of atmospheric pressure plasma is nowadays extensively studied as it represents promising alternative to commonly used sterilization/decontamination techniques. The non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas were already reported to be highly effective in removal of a wide range of biological residual from surfaces. Nevertheless the kinetics of removal of biological contamination from surfaces is still not well understood as the majority of performed studies were based on ex-situ evaluation of etching rates, which did not allow investigating details of plasma action on biomolecules. This study therefore presents a real-time, in-situ ellipsometric characterization of removal of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from surfaces by low-temperature atmospheric plasma jet operated in argon. Non-linear and at shorter distances between treated samples and nozzle of the plasma jet also non-monotonic dependence of the removal rate on the treatment duration was observed. According to additional measurements focused on the determination of chemical changes of treated BSA as well as temperature measurements, the observed behavior is most likely connected with two opposing effects: the formation of a thin layer on the top of BSA deposit enriched in inorganic compounds, whose presence causes a gradual decrease of removal efficiency, and slight heating of BSA that facilitates its degradation and volatilization induced by chemically active radicals produced by the plasma.

Tuning Surface Chemistry of Polyetheretherketone by Gold Coating and Plasma Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novotná, Zdeňka; Rimpelová, Silvie; Juřík, Petr; Veselý, Martin; Kolská, Zdeňka; Hubáček, Tomáš; Borovec, Jakub; Švorčík, Václav

2017-06-01

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has good chemical and biomechanical properties that are excellent for biomedical applications. However, PEEK exhibits hydrophobic and other surface characteristics which cause limited cell adhesion. We have investigated the potential of Ar plasma treatment for the formation of a nanostructured PEEK surface in order to enhance cell adhesion. The specific aim of this study was to reveal the effect of the interface of plasma-treated and gold-coated PEEK matrices on adhesion and spreading of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The surface characteristics (polarity, surface chemistry, and structure) before and after treatment were evaluated by various experimental techniques (gravimetry, goniometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrokinetic analysis). Further, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to examine PEEK surface morphology and roughness. The biological response of cells towards nanostructured PEEK was evaluated in terms of cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation. Detailed cell morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared to plasma treatment, gold coating improved PEEK wettability. The XPS method showed a decrease in the carbon concentration with increasing time of plasma treatment. Cell adhesion determined on the interface between plasma-treated and gold-coated PEEK matrices was directly proportional to the thickness of a gold layer on a sample. Our results suggest that plasma treatment in a combination with gold coating could be used in biomedical applications requiring enhanced cell adhesion.

Induction of angiogenesis and neovascularization in adjacent tissue of plasma-collagen-coated silicone implants.

PubMed

Ring, Andrej; Langer, Stefan; Tilkorn, Daniel; Goertz, Ole; Henrich, Lena; Stricker, Ingo; Steinau, Hans-Ulrich; Steinstraesser, Lars; Hauser, Joerg

2010-09-28

Formation of encapsulating, avascular fibrous tissue is deemed to decrease implant's biocompatibility and versatility. We investigated whether plasma-mediated collagen coating possesses the ability to enhance neovascularization in the vicinity of silicone implants. Plasma-treated collagen-I-coated silicone samples were placed into the dorsal skinfold chambers of female balb/c mice (n = 10). Conventional silicone served as control (n = 10). Intravital microscopy was performed within implant's surrounding tissue on days 1, 5, and 10. Functional vessel density, intervascular distance, vessel diameter, microvascular permeability, red blood cell velocity, and leukocyte-endothelium interaction were determined. Enhanced angiogenesis in the tissue surrounding plasma-pretreated collagen-coated implants was noted. Significant increase of functional vessel density due to vascular new development was observed (t test, P < .05). Analyses of microvascular permeability and red blood cell velocity displayed stable perfusion of the vascular network neighboring the surface-modified implants. Intensified vascularity due to induced angiogenesis and neovascularization in the tissue surrounding plasma-collagen-coated samples were observed. These results indicate that plasma-mediated collagen coating might be a promising technology in order to improve the biocompatibility and versatility of silicone implants.

Induction of Angiogenesis and Neovascularization in Adjacent Tissue of Plasma-Collagen–Coated Silicone Implants

PubMed Central

Ring, Andrej; Langer, Stefan; Tilkorn, Daniel; Goertz, Ole; Henrich, Lena; Stricker, Ingo; Steinau, Hans-Ulrich; Steinstraesser, Lars; Hauser, Joerg

2010-01-01

Objective: Formation of encapsulating, avascular fibrous tissue is deemed to decrease implant's biocompatibility and versatility. We investigated whether plasma-mediated collagen coating possesses the ability to enhance neovascularization in the vicinity of silicone implants. Methods: Plasma-treated collagen-I–coated silicone samples were placed into the dorsal skinfold chambers of female balb/c mice (n = 10). Conventional silicone served as control (n = 10). Intravital microscopy was performed within implant's surrounding tissue on days 1, 5, and 10. Functional vessel density, intervascular distance, vessel diameter, microvascular permeability, red blood cell velocity, and leukocyte-endothelium interaction were determined. Results: Enhanced angiogenesis in the tissue surrounding plasma-pretreated collagen-coated implants was noted. Significant increase of functional vessel density due to vascular new development was observed (t test, P < .05). Analyses of microvascular permeability and red blood cell velocity displayed stable perfusion of the vascular network neighboring the surface-modified implants. Conclusion: Intensified vascularity due to induced angiogenesis and neovascularization in the tissue surrounding plasma-collagen–coated samples were observed. These results indicate that plasma-mediated collagen coating might be a promising technology in order to improve the biocompatibility and versatility of silicone implants. PMID:20936137

Deposition of gold nano-particles and nano-layers on polyethylene modified by plasma discharge and chemical treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Švorčík, V.; Chaloupka, A.; Záruba, K.; Král, V.; Bláhová, O.; Macková, A.; Hnatowicz, V.

2009-08-01

Polyethylene (PE) was treated in Ar plasma discharge and then grafted from methanol solution of 1,2-ethanedithiol to enhance adhesion of gold nano-particles or sputtered gold layers. The modified PE samples were either immersed into freshly prepared colloid solution of Au nano-particles or covered by sputtered, 50 nm thick gold nano-layer. Properties of the plasma modified, dithiol grafted and gold coated PE were studied using XPS, UV-VIS, AFM, EPR, RBS methods and nanoindentation. It was shown that the plasma treatment results in degradation of polymer chain, creation of excessive free radicals and conjugated double bonds. After grafting with 1,2-ethanedithiol the concentration of free radicals declined but the concentration of double bonds remained unchanged. Plasma treatment changes PE surface morphology and increases surface roughness too. Another significant change in the surface morphology and roughness was observed after deposition of Au nano-particles. The presence of Au on the sample surface after the coating with Au nano-particles was proved by XPS and RBS methods. Nanoindentation measurements shown that the grafting of plasma activated PE surface with dithiol increases significantly adhesion of sputtered Au nano-layer.

Fluorescence spectra of blood plasma treated with ultraviolet irradiation in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zalesskaya, G. A.; Maslova, T. O.

2010-09-01

We have studied the fluorescence spectra of blood plasma from patients with acute coronary syndrome, and also the effect of therapeutic doses of in vivo ultraviolet blood irradiation (UBI) on the spectra. We have established that the maxima in the fluorescence spectra of the original plasma samples, obtained from unirradiated blood, are located in the wavelength interval 330-340 nm, characteristic for the fluorescence of tryptophan residues. In extracorporeal UBI ( λ = 254 nm), we observed changes in the shape and also both a blue and a red shift in the maxima of the fluorescence spectra, differing in magnitude for blood plasma samples from different patients in the test group. We show that UBI-initiated changes in the fluorescence spectra of the plasma depend on the original pathological disturbances of metabolite levels, and also on the change in the oxygen-transport function of the blood and the acid-base balance, affecting the oxidative stability of the plasma. We have concluded that UV irradiation, activating buffer systems in the blood, has an effect on the universal and specific interactions of the tryptophan residue with the amino acid residues and water surrounding it.

Surface interaction of polyimide with oxygen ECR plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naddaf, M.; Balasubramanian, C.; Alegaonkar, P. S.; Bhoraskar, V. N.; Mandle, A. B.; Ganeshan, V.; Bhoraskar, S. V.

2004-07-01

Polyimide (Kapton-H), was subjected to atomic oxygen from an electron cyclotron resonance plasma. An optical emission spectrometer was used to characterize the atomic oxygen produced in the reactor chamber. The energy of the ions was measured using a retarding field analyzer, placed near the substrate. The density of atomic oxygen in the plasma was estimated using a nickel catalytic probe. The surface wettability of the polyimide samples monitored by contact angle measurements showed considerable improvement when treated with plasma. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies showed that the atomic oxygen in the plasma is the main specie affecting the surface chemistry and adhesion properties of polyimide. The improvement in the surface wettability is attributed to the high degree of cross-linking and large concentration of polar groups generated in the surface region of polyimide, after plasma treatment. The changes in the surface region of polyimide were observed by atomic force microscopic analysis.

Noninvasive monitoring of plasma L-dopa concentrations using sweat samples in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Tsunoda, Makoto; Hirayama, Masaaki; Tsuda, Takao; Ohno, Kinji

2015-03-10

L-dopa (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) is commonly used for treating Parkinson's disease (PD). However, regardless of its prominent effect, therapeutic range of L-dopa narrows down with disease progression, which leads to development of motor complications including wearing off and dyskinesias. In addition, intestinal absorption of L-dopa is inversely correlated with the amount of oral protein intake, and shows intra- and inter-day variability. Hence, frequent monitoring of plasma L-dopa concentrations is beneficial, but frequent venipuncture imposes physical and psychological burdens on patients with PD. We investigated the usefulness of sweat samples instead of plasma samples for monitoring L-dopa concentrations. With a monolithic silica disk-packed spin column and the high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection system, L-dopa in sweat samples was successfully quantified and analyzed in 23 PD patients. We found that the Pearson's correlation coefficient of the plasma and sweat l-dopa concentrations was 0.678. Although the disease durations and severities were not correlated with the deviation of the actual sweat L-dopa concentrations from the fitted line, acquisition of the sweat samples under a stable condition was technically difficult in severely affected patients. The deviations may also be partly accounted for by skin permeability of L-dopa. Measuring L-dopa concentrations in sweat is suitable to get further insights into the L-dopa metabolism. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Alemtuzumab: validation of a sensitive and simple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

PubMed

Jilani, Iman; Keating, Michael; Giles, Francis J; O'Brien, Susan; Kantarjian, Hagop M; Albitar, Maher

2004-12-01

Alemtuzumab (MabCampath) is a humanized rat monoclonal antibody that targets the CD52 antigen. It has been approved for the treatment of patients with resistant chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Measuring plasma/serum levels of alemtuzumab is important for optimizing the dosing and scheduling of therapy; however, current assays in serum or plasma, based on the capture of alemtuzumab using CD52, are complicated and difficult to adapt for high throughput testing. We developed a simple sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure alemtuzumab that takes advantage of the remaining rat sequence in alemtuzumab. Using specific anti-rat immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies (absorbed against human Ig), alemtuzumab levels were measured in the serum and plasma of patients treated with alemtuzumab. Levels were similar between plasma and serum samples, in fresh samples and samples stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h, but were significantly lower in samples stored at room temperature for 24h. The assay was successfully used to determine serum alemtuzumab pre- and post-treatment. This assay is simple and adaptable for high throughput testing, with a limit of detection of 0.05 microg/ml and a coefficient of variation of +/-12.5%. No false positivity was observed in >200 samples tested. This validated assay should help optimize the dosing and scheduling of alemtuzumab therapy. The underlying principles are also applicable to the measurement of other humanized antibodies using an appropriate anti-Ig.

Surface treatment of a titanium implant using low temperature atmospheric pressure plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyun-Young; Tang, Tianyu; Ok, Jung-Woo; Kim, Dong-Hyun; Lee, Ho-Jun; Lee, Hae June

2015-09-01

During the last two decades, atmospheric pressure plasmas(APP) are widely used in diverse fields of biomedical applications, reduction of pollutants, and surface treatment of materials. Applications of APP to titanium surface of dental implants is steadily increasing as it renders surfaces wettability and modifies the oxide layer of titanium that hinders the interaction with cells and proteins. In this study, we have treated the titanium surfaces of screw-shaped implant samples using a plasma jet which is composed of a ceramic coaxial tube of dielectrics, a stainless steel inner electrode, and a coper tube outer electrode. The plasma ignition occurred with Ar gas flow between two coaxial metal electrodes and a sinusoidal bias voltage of 3 kV with a frequency of 20 kHz. Titanium materials used in this study are screw-shaped implants of which diameter and length are 5 mm and 13 mm, respectively. Samples were mounted at a distance of 5 mm below the plasma source, and the plasma treatment time was set to 3 min. The wettability of titanium surface was measured by the moving speed of water on its surface, which is enhanced by plasma treatment. The surface roughness was also measured by atomic force microscopy. The optimal condition for wettability change is discussed.

Fully automated method for the liquid chromatographic determination of cyproterone acetate in plasma using restricted access material for sample pre-treatment.

PubMed

Christiaens, B; Chiap, P; Rbeida, O; Cello, D; Crommen, J; Hubert, Ph

2003-09-25

A new fully automated method for the quantitative analysis of an antiandrogenic substance, cyproterone acetate (CPA), in plasma samples has been developed using on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) prior to the determination by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC). The automated method was based on the use of a precolumn packed with an internal-surface reversed-phase packing material (LiChrospher RP-4 ADS) for sample clean-up coupled to LC analysis on an octadecyl stationary phase using a column-switching system. A 200-microL volume of plasma sample was injected directly on the precolumn packed with restricted access material using a mixture of water-acetonitrile (90:10, v/v) as washing liquid. The analyte was then eluted in the back-flush mode with the LC mobile phase which consisted of a mixture of phosphate buffer, pH 7.0-acetonitrile (54:46, v/v). The elution profiles of CPA and blank plasma samples on the precolumn and the time needed for analyte transfer from the precolumn to the analytical column were determined. Different compositions of washing liquid and mobile phase were tested to reduce the interference of plasma endogenous components. UV detection was achieved at 280 nm. Finally, the developed method was validated using a new approach, namely the application of the accuracy profile based on the interval confidence at 90% of the total measurement error (bias+standard deviation). The limit of quantification of cyproterone acetate in plasma was determined at 15 ng mL(-1). The validated method should be applicable to the determination of CPA in patients treated by at least 50 mg day(-1).

Modulating effect of the nootropic drug, piracetam on stress- and subsequent morphine-induced prolactin secretion in male rats.

PubMed Central

Matton, A.; Engelborghs, S.; Bollengier, F.; Finné, E.; Vanhaeist, L.

1996-01-01

1. The effect of the nootropic drug, piracetam on stress- and subsequent morphine-induced prolactin (PRL) secretion was investigated in vivo in male rats, by use of a stress-free blood sampling and drug administration method by means of a permanent indwelling catheter in the right jugular vein. 2. Four doses of piracetam were tested (20, 100, 200 and 400 mg kg-1), being given intraperitoneally 1 h before blood sampling; control rats received saline instead. After a first blood sample, rats were subjected to immobilization stress and received morphine, 6 mg kg-1, 90 min later. 3. Piracetam had no effect on basal plasma PRL concentration. 4. While in the non-piracetam-treated rats, stress produced a significant rise in plasma PRL concentration, in the piracetam-pretreated rats PRL peaks were attenuated, especially in the group given 100 mg kg-1 piracetam, where plasma PRL concentration was not significantly different from basal values. The dose-response relationship showed a U-shaped curve; the smallest dose had a minor inhibitory effect and the highest dose had no further effect on the PRL rise. 5. In unrestrained rats, morphine led to a significant elevation of plasma PRL concentration. After the application of immobilization stress it lost its ability to raise plasma PRL concentration in the control rats, but not in the piracetam-treated rats. This tolerance was overcome by piracetam in a significant manner but with a reversed dose-response curve; i.e. the smaller the dose of piracetam, the higher the subsequent morphine-induced PRL peak. 6. There is no simple explanation for the mechanism by which piracetam induces these contradictory effects. Interference with the excitatory amino acid system, which is also involved in opiate action, is proposed speculatively as a possible mediator of the effects of piracetam. PMID:8821540

Effect of a non-thermal, atmospheric-pressure, plasma brush on conversion of model self-etch adhesive formulations compared to conventional photo-polymerization

PubMed Central

Chen, Mingsheng; Zhang, Ying; Yao, Xiaomei; Li, Hao; Yu, Qingsong; Wang, Yong

2012-01-01

Objective To determine the effectiveness and efficiency of non-thermal, atmospheric plasmas for inducing polymerization of model dental self-etch adhesives. Methods The monomer mixtures used were bis-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate (2MP) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), with mass ratios of 70/30, 50/50 and 30/70. Water was added to the above formulations: 10–30 wt%. These monomer/water mixtures were treated steadily for 40 s under a non-thermal atmospheric plasma brush working at temperatures from 32° to 35°C. For comparison, photo-initiators were added to the above formulations for photo-polymerization studies, which were light-cured for 40 s. The degree of conversion (DC) of both the plasma- and light-cured samples was measured using FTIR spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflectance attachment. Results The non-thermal plasma brush was effective in inducing polymerization of the model self-etch adhesives. The presence of water did not negatively affect the DC of plasma-cured samples. Indeed, DC values slightly increased, with increasing water content in adhesives: from 58.3% to 68.7% when the water content increased from 10% to 30% in the adhesives with a 50/50 (2MP/HEMA) mass ratio. Conversion values of the plasma-cured groups were higher than those of light-cured samples with the same mass ratio and water content. Spectral differences between the plasma- and light-cured groups indicate subtle structural distinctions in the resultant polymer networks. Significance This research if the first to demonstrate that the non-thermal plasma brush induces polymerization of model adhesives under clinical settings by direct/indirect energy transfer. This device shows promise for polymerization of dental composite restorations having enhanced properties and performance. PMID:23018084

Surface Modification of Direct-Current and Radio-Frequency Oxygen Plasma Treatments Enhance Cell Biocompatibility

PubMed Central

Wang, Rex C.-C.; Liu, Cheng; Yang, Chyun-Yu

2017-01-01

The sand-blasting and acid etching (SLA) method can fabricate a rough topography for mechanical fixation and long-term stability of titanium implant, but can not achieve early bone healing. This study used two kinds of plasma treatments (Direct-Current and Radio-Frequency plasma) to modify the SLA-treated surface. The modification of plasma treatments creates respective power range and different content functional OH groups. The results show that the plasma treatments do not change the micron scale topography, and plasma-treated specimens presented super hydrophilicity. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)-examined result showed that the functional OH content of the RF plasma-treated group was higher than the control (SLA) and DC treatment groups. The biological responses (protein adsorption, cell attachment, cell proliferation, and differentiation) promoted after plasma treatments, and the cell responses, have correlated to the total content of amphoteric OH groups. The experimental results indicated that plasma treatments can create functional OH groups on SLA-treated specimens, and the RF plasma-treated SLA implant thus has potential for achievement of bone healing in early stage of implantation. PMID:29068417

Structural and magnetic characterization of copper sulfonated phthalocyanine grafted onto treated polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reznickova, A.; Kolska, Z.; Orendac, M.; Cizmar, E.; Sajdl, P.; Svorcik, V.

2016-08-01

This study focuses on high density polyethylene (HDPE) activated by Ar plasma treatment, subsequently grafted with copper sulfonated phthalocyanine (CuPc) especially pointing out to the surface and magnetic properties of those composites. Properties of pristine PE and their plasma treated counterparts were studied by different experimental techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta potential and by electron spin resonance (ESR). XPS analysis confirmed the successful grafting of phthalocyanine. The highest absorption was found for the sample grafted with bCuPc for 1 h. Electrokinetic analysis also confirmed the plasma treatment and also subsequent CuPc grafting influence significantly the surface chemistry and charge. These results correspond well with XPS determination. ESR studies confirmed the presence of CuPc grafted on HDPE. It was found, that grafting is mediated by magnetically inactive functional groups, rather than radicals. Magnetic properties of CuPc do not seem to change significantly after grafting CuPc on polyethylene surface.

Direct spectrophotometric measurement of supra-physiological levels of ascorbate in plasma.

PubMed

Witmer, Jordan R; Wetherell, Bailey J; Wagner, Brett A; Du, Juan; Cullen, Joseph J; Buettner, Garry R

2016-08-01

Supra-physiological concentrations of ascorbate, vitamin C, in blood, greater than 1mM, achieved through intravenous administration (IV), are being tested in clinical trials to treat human disease, e.g. cancer. These trials need information on the high levels of ascorbate achieved in blood upon IV administration of pharmacological ascorbate so appropriate clinical decisions can be made. Here we demonstrate that in the complex matrix of human blood plasma supra-physiological levels of ascorbate can be quantified by direct UV spectroscopy with use of a microvolume UV-vis spectrophotometer. Direct quantitation of ascorbate in plasma in the range of 2.9mM, lower limit of detection, up to at least 35mM can be achieved without any sample processing, other than centrifugation. This approach is rapid, economical, and can be used to quantify supraphysiological blood levels of ascorbate associated with the use of IV administration of pharmacological ascorbate to treat disease. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma-enhanced synthesis of green flame retardant cellulosic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Totolin, Vladimir

The natural fiber-containing fabrics and composites are more environmentally friendly, and are used in transportation (automobiles, aerospace), military applications, construction industries (ceiling paneling, partition boards), consumer products, etc. Therefore, the flammability characteristics of the composites based on polymers and natural fibers play an important role. This dissertation presents the development of plasma assisted - green flame retardant coatings for cellulosic substrates. The overall objective of this work was to generate durable flame retardant treatment on cellulosic materials. In the first approach sodium silicate layers were pre-deposited onto clean cotton substrates and cross linked using low pressure, non-equilibrium oxygen plasma. A statistical design of experiments was used to optimize the plasma parameters. The modified cotton samples were tested for flammability using an automatic 45° angle flammability test chamber. Aging tests were conducted to evaluate the coating resistance during the accelerated laundry technique. The samples revealed a high flame retardant behavior and good thermal stability proved by thermo-gravimetric analysis. In the second approach flame retardant cellulosic materials have been produced using a silicon dioxide (SiO2) network coating. SiO 2 network armor was prepared through hydrolysis and condensation of the precursor tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), prior coating the substrates, and was cross linked on the surface of the substrates using atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) technique. Due to protection effects of the SiO2 network armor, the cellulosic based fibers exhibit enhanced thermal properties and improved flame retardancy. In the third approach, the TEOS/APP treatments were extended to linen fabrics. The thermal analysis showed a higher char content and a strong endothermic process of the treated samples compared with control ones, indicating a good thermal stability. Also, the surface analysis proved the existence of the silica-based coatings on all treated cellulosic substrates after intense ultrasound washes. The results obtained in this work allow us to conclude that silica-based coatings used in conjunction with plasma processes have high potential to obtain green flame retardant cellulosic materials with potential applications in the development of upholstered furniture, clothing and military applications.

Analysis of reverse gate leakage mechanism of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with N2 plasma surface treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hui; Zhang, Zongjing; Luo, Weijun

2018-06-01

The mechanism of reverse gate leakage current of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with two different surface treatment methods are studied by using C-V, temperature dependent I-V and theoretical analysis. At the lower reverse bias region (VR >- 3.5 V), the dominant leakage current mechanism of the device with N2 plasma surface treatment is the Poole-Frenkel emission current (PF), and Trap-Assisted Tunneling current (TAT) is the principal leakage current of the device which treated by HCl:H2O solution. At the higher reverse bias region (VR <- 3.5 V), both of the two samples show good agreement with the surface leakage mechanism. The leakage current of the device with N2 plasma surface treatment is one order of magnitude smaller than the device which treated by HCl:H2O solution. This is due to the recovery of Ga-N bond in N2 plasma surface treatment together with the reduction of the shallow traps in post-gate annealing (PGA) process. The measured results agree well with the theoretical calculations and demonstrate N2 plasma surface treatment can reduce the reverse leakage current of the AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.

Dietary Phytochemicals Promote Health by Enhancing Antioxidant Defence in a Pig Model.

PubMed

Selby-Pham, Sophie N B; Cottrell, Jeremy J; Dunshea, Frank R; Ng, Ken; Bennett, Louise E; Howell, Kate S

2017-07-14

Phytochemical-rich diets are protective against chronic diseases and mediate their protective effect by regulation of oxidative stress (OS). However, it is proposed that under some circumstances, phytochemicals can promote production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro, which might drive OS-mediated signalling. Here, we investigated the effects of administering single doses of extracts of red cabbage and grape skin to pigs. Blood samples taken at baseline and 30 min intervals for 4 hours following intake were analyzed by measures of antioxidant status in plasma, including Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. In addition, dose-dependent production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) by the same extracts was measured in untreated commercial pig plasma in vitro. Plasma from treated pigs showed extract dose-dependent increases in non-enzymatic (plasma TEAC) and enzymatic (GPx) antioxidant capacities. Similarly, extract dose-dependent increases in H₂O₂ were observed in commercial pig plasma in vitro. The antioxidant responses to extracts by treated pigs were highly correlated with their respective yields of H₂O₂ production in vitro. These results support that dietary phytochemicals regulate OS via direct and indirect antioxidant mechanisms. The latter may be attributed to the ability to produce H₂O₂ and to thereby stimulate cellular antioxidant defence systems.

Effects of combination of aliskiren and pentoxyfylline on renal function in the rat remnant kidney model of chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Soni, Hitesh M; Patel, Praful P; Patel, Savan; Rath, Akshyaya C; Acharya, Aviseka; Trivedi, Harshkant D; Jain, Mukul R

2015-01-01

The aim was to investigate the nephroprotective effect of combination of aliskiren (ASK), a direct renin inhibitor and pentoxifylline (PTX), inhibitor of tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), in rat remnant kidney model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nephrectomized (NPX) rats were treated with ASK (10 mg/kg, p.o.), PTX (100 mg/kg, p.o.), and combination of PTX + ASK once daily for 28 days. We have performed analysis of various renal injury parameters after 4 weeks of treatment. Treatment with PTX, ASK and combination showed significant improvement in urea, creatinine and total protein in plasma when compared with vehicle treated group in NPX rats. ASK and combination of PTX + ASK elicited significant reduction in blood pressure but PTX alone did not produce blood pressure reduction. ASK treatment showed significant elevation in TNF-alpha, whereas PTX and ASK + PTX showed significant reduction in TNF-alpha in plasma. Histopathologically, the extent of the kidney injury was similar in NPX + vehicle and NPX + ASK-treated rats. PTX and ASK + PTX-treated group showed lesser extent of kidney injury. There was good correlation of mRNA expression levels of kidney injury molecule-1 and bradykinin B1 receptor data with histopathological findings in kidney samples and elevated TNF-alpha levels in plasma. We conclude that combination of PTX + ASK may be better therapeutic intervention for nephroprotection in CKD patients.

Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Using Cell-Free Fetal DNA in Maternal Plasma

PubMed Central

Tong, Yu K.; Yuen, Tony; Jiang, Peiyong; Pina, Christian; Chan, K. C. Allen; Khattab, Ahmed; Liao, Gary J. W.; Yau, Mabel; Kim, Se-Min; Chiu, Rossa W. K.; Sun, Li; Zaidi, Mone

2014-01-01

Context: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive condition that arises from mutations in CYP21A2 gene, which encodes for the steroidogenic enzyme 21-hydroxylase. To prevent genital ambiguity in affected female fetuses, prenatal treatment with dexamethasone must begin on or before gestational week 9. Currently used chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis provide genetic results at approximately 14 weeks of gestation at the earliest. This means that mothers who want to undergo prenatal dexamethasone treatment will be unnecessarily treating seven of eight fetuses (males and three of four unaffected females), emphasizing the desirability of earlier genetic diagnosis in utero. Objective: The objective of the study was to develop a noninvasive method for early prenatal diagnosis of fetuses at risk for CAH. Patients: Fourteen families, each with a proband affected by phenotypically classical CAH, were recruited. Design: Cell-free fetal DNA was obtained from 3.6 mL of maternal plasma. Using hybridization probes designed to capture a 6-Mb region flanking CYP21A2, targeted massively parallel sequencing (MPS) was performed to analyze genomic DNA samples from parents and proband to determine parental haplotypes. Plasma DNA from pregnant mothers also underwent targeted MPS to deduce fetal inheritance of parental haplotypes. Results: In all 14 families, the fetal CAH status was correctly deduced by targeted MPS of DNA in maternal plasma, as early as 5 weeks 6 days of gestation. Conclusions: MPS on 3.6 mL plasma from pregnant mothers could potentially provide the diagnosis of CAH, noninvasively, before the ninth week of gestation. Only affected female fetuses will thus be treated. Our strategy represents a generic approach for noninvasive prenatal testing for an array of autosomal recessive disorders. PMID:24606108

High throughput image cytometry micronucleus assay to investigate the presence or absence of mutagenic effects of cold physical plasma.

PubMed

Bekeschus, Sander; Schmidt, Anke; Kramer, Axel; Metelmann, Hans-Robert; Adler, Frank; von Woedtke, Thomas; Niessner, Felix; Weltmann, Klaus-Dieter; Wende, Kristian

2018-05-01

Promising cold physical plasma sources have been developed in the field of plasma medicine. An important prerequisite to their clinical use is lack of genotoxic effects in cells. During optimization of one or even different plasma sources for a specific application, large numbers of samples need to be analyzed. There are soft and easy-to-assess markers for genotoxic stress such as phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γH2AX) but only few tests are accredited by the OECD with regard to mutagenicity detection. The micronucleus (MN) assay is among them but often requires manual counting of many thousands of cells per sample under the microscope. A high-throughput MN assay is presented using image flow cytometry and image analysis software. A human lymphocyte cell line was treated with plasma generated with ten different feed gas conditions corresponding to distinct reactive species patterns that were investigated for their genotoxic potential. Several millions of cells were automatically analyzed by a MN quantification strategy outlined in detail in this work. Our data demonstrates the absence of newly formed MN in any feed gas condition using the atmospheric pressure plasma jet kINPen. As positive control, ionizing radiation gave a significant 5-fold increase in micronucleus frequency. Thus, this assay is suitable to assess the genotoxic potential in large sample sets of cells exposed chemical or physical agents including plasmas in an efficient, reliable, and semiautomated manner. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:268-277, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Plasma Lipids and Betaine Are Related in an Acute Coronary Syndrome Cohort

PubMed Central

Lever, Michael; George, Peter M.; Atkinson, Wendy; Molyneux, Sarah L.; Elmslie, Jane L.; Slow, Sandy; Richards, A. Mark; Chambers, Stephen T.

2011-01-01

Background Low plasma betaine has been associated with unfavorable plasma lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk. In some studies raised plasma betaine after supplementation is associated with elevations in plasma lipids. We aimed to measure the relationships between plasma and urine betaine and plasma lipids, and the effects of lipid-lowering drugs on these. Methodology Fasting plasma samples were collected from 531 subjects (and urine samples from 415) 4 months after hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome episode. In this cross-sectional study, plasma betaine and dimethylglycine concentrations and urine excretions were compared with plasma lipid concentrations. Subgroup comparisons were made for gender, with and without diabetes mellitus, and for drug treatment. Principal Findings Plasma betaine negatively correlated with triglyceride (Spearman's rs = −0.22, p<0.0001) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (rs = −0.27, p<0.0001). Plasma betaine was a predictor of BMI (p<0.05) and plasma non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride (p<0.001) independently of gender, age and the presence of diabetes. Using data grouped by plasma betaine decile, increasing plasma betaine was linearly related to decreases in BMI (p = 0.008) and plasma non-HDL cholesterol (p = 0.002). In a non-linear relationship betaine was negatively associated with elevated plasma triglycerides (p = 0.004) only for plasma betaine >45 µmol/L. Subjects taking statins had higher plasma betaine concentrations (p<0.001). Subjects treated with a fibrate had lower plasma betaine (p = 0.003) possibly caused by elevated urine betaine loss (p<0.001). The ratio of coenzyme Q to non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher in subjects with higher plasma betaine, and in subjects taking a statin. Conclusion Low plasma betaine concentrations correlated with an unfavourable lipid profile. Betaine deficiency may be common in the study population. Controlled clinical trials of betaine supplementation should be conducted in appropriate populations to determine whether correction affects cardiovascular risk. PMID:21747945

Non-thermal Plasma Induces Apoptosis in Melanoma Cells via Production of Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species

PubMed Central

Sensenig, Rachel; Kalghatgi, Sameer; Cerchar, Ekaterina; Fridman, Gregory; Shereshevsky, Alexey; Torabi, Behzad; Arjunan, Krishna Priya; Podolsky, Erica; Fridman, Alexander; Friedman, Gary; Azizkhan-Clifford, Jane; Brooks, Ari D.

2012-01-01

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma may provide a novel approach to treat malignancies via induction of apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of DBD plasma to induce apoptosis in melanoma cells. Melanoma cells were exposed to plasma at doses that did not induce necrosis, and cell viability and apoptotic activity were evaluated by Trypan blue exclusion test, Annexin-V/PI staining, caspase-3 cleavage, and TUNEL® analysis. Trypan blue staining revealed that non-thermal plasma treatment significantly decreased the viability of cells in a dose-dependent manner 3 and 24 h after plasma treatment. Annexin-V/PI staining revealed a significant increase in apoptosis in plasma-treated cells at 24, 48, and 72 h post-treatment (p<0.001). Caspase-3 cleavage was observed 48 h post-plasma treatment at a dose of 15 J/cm2. TUNEL® analysis of plasma-treated cells demonstrated an increase in apoptosis at 48 and 72 h post-treatment (p<0.001) at a dose of 15 J/cm2. Pre-treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), an intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, significantly decreased apoptosis in plasma-treated cells at 5 and 15 J/cm2. Plasma treatment induces apoptosis in melanoma cells through a pathway that appears to be dependent on production of intracellular ROS. DBD plasma production of intracellular ROS leads to dose-dependent DNA damage in melanoma cells, detected by γ-H2AX, which was completely abrogated by pre-treating cells with ROS scavenger, NAC. Plasma-induced DNA damage in turn may lead to the observed plasma-induced apoptosis. Since plasma is non-thermal, it may be used to selectively treat malignancies. PMID:21046465

Reduction and degradation of amyloid aggregates by a pulsed radio-frequency cold atmospheric plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayliss, D. L.; Walsh, J. L.; Shama, G.; Iza, F.; Kong, M. G.

2009-11-01

Surface-borne amyloid aggregates with mature fibrils are used as a non-infectious prion model to evaluate cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) as a prion inactivation strategy. Using a helium-oxygen CAP jet with pulsed radio-frequency (RF) excitation, amyloid aggregates deposited on freshly cleaved mica discs are reduced substantially leaving only a few spherical fragments of sub-micrometer sizes in areas directly treated by the CAP jet. Outside the light-emitting part of the CAP jet, plasma treatment results in a 'skeleton' of much reduced amyloid stacks with clear evidence of fibril fragmentation. Analysis of possible plasma species and the physical configuration of the jet-sample interaction suggests that the skeleton structures observed are unlikely to have arisen as a result of physical forces of detachment, but instead by progressive diffusion of oxidizing plasma species into porous amyloid aggregates. Composition of chemical bonds of this reduced amyloid sample is very different from that of intact amyloid aggregates. These suggest the possibility of on-site degradation by CAP treatment with little possibility of spreading contamination elsewhere , thus offering a new reaction chemistry route to protein infectivity control with desirable implications for the practical implementation of CAP-based sterilization systems.

Application of atmospheric pressure plasma in polymer and composite adhesion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Hang

An atmospheric pressure helium and oxygen plasma was used to investigate surface activation and bonding in polymer composites. This device was operated by passing 1.0-3.0 vol% of oxygen in helium through a pair of parallel plate metal electrodes powered by 13.56 or 27.12 MHz radio frequency power. The gases were partially ionized between the capacitors where plasma was generated. The reactive species in the plasma were carried downstream by the gas flow to treat the substrate surface. The temperature of the plasm gas reaching the surface of the substrate did not exceed 150 °C, which makes it suitable for polymer processing. The reactive species in the plasma downstream includes ~ 1016-1017 cm-3 atomic oxygen, ~ 1015 cm-3 ozone molecule, and ~ 10 16 cm-3 metastable oxygen molecule (O2 1Deltag). The substrates were treated at 2-5 mm distance from the exit of the plasma. Surface properties of the substrates were characterized using water contact angle (WCA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Subsequently, the plasma treated samples were bonded adhesively or fabricated into composites. The increase in mechanical strength was correlated to changes in the material composition and structure after plasma treatment. The work presented hereafter establishes atmospheric pressure plasma as an effective method to activate and to clean the surfaces of polymers and composites for bonding. This application can be further expanded to the activation of carbon fibers for better fiber-resin interactions during the fabrication of composites. Treating electronic grade FR-4 and polyimide with the He/O2 plasma for a few seconds changed the substrate surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, which allowed complete wetting of the surface by epoxy in underfill applications. Characterization of the surface by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows formation of oxygenated functional groups, including hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups, on the polymer surface after plasma treatment. The resulting strength of the bond based on lap-shear and T-peel tests correlates well with the concentration of oxygen on the polymer surface. The failure modes observed for lap-shear and T-peel tests changed from interfacial to cohesive after the plasma activation. Treating carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy composites with the atmospheric plasma resulted in the removal of fluorinated contaminants in shallow surface layers. For contaminants that diffused deeply into the composite surface, mechanical abrasion was needed in addition to the plasma treatment to remove the impurities. While cleaning the composite, plasma also generated active oxygen groups on the substrate surface. The presence of these groups improved the adhesive bonding strength of the composite even in the presence of residual fluorine contaminants. Thus, it was speculated that plasma treatment can promote better polymer adhesion with or without fluorine contamination. Carbon nanotube sheets were also treated by the helium oxygen plasma, and the CNT surface turn from super hydrophobic to hydrophilic after a few seconds of exposure. The nanotube surface contained 15% of oxygen in the form of hydroxyl groups. Chemical coupling agents were added to the plasma activated CNT surfaces in order to crosslink the CNTs and to create bonding sites for the resin matrix. Stretched, activated and functionalized CNT was cured with dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) to produce a sheet composite with a tensile strength of 636 MPa, a modulus of 28 GPa, and a density of 1.4 g/cm 3. This may be compared to aerospace-grade aluminum with tensile strength of 572 MPa, modulus of 72 GPa, and density of 2.7 g/cm3. This work demonstrates that new high-strength composite can be produced with the use of atmospheric plasma activation and chemical crosslinking of the fiber matrix.

Integrated analytical approach in veal calves administered the anabolic androgenic steroids boldenone and boldione: urine and plasma kinetic profile and changes in plasma protein expression.

PubMed

Draisci, Rosa; Montesissa, Clara; Santamaria, Barbara; D'Ambrosio, Chiara; Ferretti, Giovanni; Merlanti, Roberta; Ferranti, Carolina; De Liguoro, Marco; Cartoni, Claudia; Pistarino, Erika; Ferrara, Lino; Tiso, Micaela; Scaloni, Andrea; Cosulich, M Elisabetta

2007-09-01

Surveillance of illegal use of steroids hormones in cattle breeding is a key issue to preserve human health. To this purpose, an integrated approach has been developed for the analysis of plasma and urine from calves treated orally with a single dose of a combination of the androgenic steroids boldenone and boldione. A quantitative estimation of steroid hormones was obtained by LC-APCI-Q-MS/MS analysis of plasma and urine samples obtained at various times up to 36 and 24 h after treatment, respectively. These experiments demonstrated that boldione was never found, while boldenone alpha- and beta-epimers were detected in plasma and urine only within 2 and 24 h after drug administration, respectively. Parallel proteomic analysis of plasma samples was obtained by combined 2-DE, MALDI-TOF-MS and muLC-ESI-IT-MS/MS procedures. A specific protein, poorly represented in normal plasma samples collected before treatment, was found upregulated even 36 h after hormone treatment. Extensive mass mapping experiments proved this component as an N-terminal truncated form of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), a protein involved in cholesterol transport. The expression profile of ApoA1 analysed by Western blot analysis confirmed a significant and time dependent increase of this ApoA1 fragment. Then, provided that further experiments performed with a growth-promoting schedule will confirm these preliminary findings, truncated ApoA1 may be proposed as a candidate biomarker for steroid boldenone and possibly other anabolic androgens misuse in cattle veal calves, when no traces of hormones are detectable in plasma or urine.

A study of the effect on human mesenchymal stem cells of an atmospheric pressure plasma source driven by different voltage waveforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laurita, R.; Alviano, F.; Marchionni, C.; Abruzzo, P. M.; Bolotta, A.; Bonsi, L.; Colombo, V.; Gherardi, M.; Liguori, A.; Ricci, F.; Rossi, M.; Stancampiano, A.; Tazzari, P. L.; Marini, M.

2016-09-01

The effect of an atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma on human mesenchymal stem cells was investigated. A dielectric barrier discharge non-equilibrium plasma source driven by two different high-voltage pulsed generators was used and cell survival, senescence, proliferation, and differentiation were evaluated. Cells deprived of the culture medium and treated with nanosecond pulsed plasma showed a higher mortality rate, while higher survival and retention of proliferation were observed in cells treated with microsecond pulsed plasma in the presence of the culture medium. While a few treated cells showed the hallmarks of senescence, unexpected delayed apoptosis ensued in cells exposed to plasma-treated medium. The plasma treatment did not change the expression of OCT4, a marker of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation.

Combined effects of Ag nanoparticles and oxygen plasma treatment on PLGA morphological, chemical, and antibacterial properties.

PubMed

Fortunati, Elena; Mattioli, Samantha; Visai, Livia; Imbriani, Marcello; Fierro, Josè Luis G; Kenny, Josè Maria; Armentano, Ilaria

2013-03-11

The purpose of this study is to investigate the combined effects of oxygen plasma treatments and silver nanoparticles (Ag) on PLGA in order to modulate the surface antimicrobial properties through tunable bacteria adhesion mechanisms. PLGA nanocomposite films, produced by solvent casting with 1 wt % and 7 wt % of Ag nanoparticles were investigated. The PLGA and PLGA/Ag nanocomposite surfaces were treated with oxygen plasma. Surface properties of PLGA were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), static contact angle (CA), and high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Antibacterial tests were performed using an Escherichia coli RB (a Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus 8325-4 (a Gram positive). The PLGA surface becomes hydrophilic after the oxygen treatment and its roughness increases with the treatment time. The surface treatment and the Ag nanoparticle introduction have a dominant influence on the bacteria adhesion and growth. Oxygen-treated PLGA/Ag systems promote higher reduction of the bacteria viability in comparison to the untreated samples and neat PLGA. The combination of Ag nanoparticles with the oxygen plasma treatment opens new perspectives for the studied biodegradable systems in biomedical applications.

A comparative study on the direct deposition of μc-Si:H and plasma-induced recrystallization of a-Si:H: Insight into Si crystallization in a high-density plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, H. P.; Xu, M.; Xu, S.; Feng, Y. Y.; Xu, L. X.; Wei, D. Y.; Xiao, S. Q.

2018-03-01

Deep insight into the crystallization mechanism of amorphous silicon is of theoretical and technological significance for the preparation of high-quality microcrystalline/polycrystalline silicon. In this work, we intensively compare the present two plasma-involved routes, i.e., the direct deposition and recrystallization of precursor amorphous silicon (a-Si) films, to fabricate microcrystalline silicon. Both the directly deposited and recrystallized samples show multi-layered structures as revealed by electronic microscopy. High-density hydrogen plasma involved recrystallization process, which is mediated by the hydrogen diffusion into the deep region of the precursor a-Si film, displays significantly different nucleation configuration, interface properties, and crystallite shape. The underlying mechanisms are analyzed in combination with the interplay of high-density plasma and growing or treated surface.

Systemic and mammary gland disposition of enrofloxacin in healthy sheep following intramammary administration.

PubMed

López, Cristina; García, Juan José; Sierra, Matilde; Diez, María José; Pérez, Claudia; Sahagún, Ana Maria; Fernández, Nélida

2015-04-09

Mastitis is one of the most important diseases affecting dairy sheep. Antimicrobial drugs are often administered directly through teat to treat or prevent this disease, but data on drug distribution within glandular tissue are scarce and it cannot be estimated from concentrations in milk. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate systemic and mammary gland distribution of enrofloxacin after intramammary administration. The drug was administered to 6 healthy lactating Assaf sheep with an injector containing an enrofloxacin preparation (1 g drug/5 g ointment). Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min. Animals were then sedated and sacrificed, and glandular tissue samples were obtained from treated udders at 2, 4, 6 and 8 cm height. Enrofloxacin concentrations were measured in plasma and tissue samples by UV high-performed liquid chromatography. Mean enrofloxacin plasma concentrations were below 0.5 μg/mL. Mean tissue concentrations decreased in mammary gland with vertical distance from the teat, ranging from 356.6 μg/g at 2 cm to 95.60 μg/g at the base of the udder. Glandular tissue concentrations best fitted to a decreasing monoexponential model, and showed a good correlation with an ex vivo model previously developed. Enrofloxacin concentrations were effective in the entire glandular tissue against the main pathogens causing mastitis in sheep. These results suggest that this drug may be suitable to treat mastitis in sheep by intramammary administration.

Surface Functionalization of Polyethylene Granules by Treatment with Low-Pressure Air Plasma.

PubMed

Šourková, Hana; Primc, Gregor; Špatenka, Petr

2018-05-25

Polyethylene granules of diameter 2 mm were treated with a low-pressure weakly ionized air plasma created in a metallic chamber by a pulsed microwave discharge of pulse duration 180 μs and duty cycle 70%. Optical emission spectroscopy showed rich bands of neutral nitrogen molecules and weak O-atom transitions, but the emission from N atoms was below the detection limit. The density of O atoms in the plasma above the samples was measured with a cobalt catalytic probe and exhibited a broad peak at the pressure of 80 Pa, where it was about 2.3 × 10 21 m -3 . The samples were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Survey spectra showed oxygen on the surface, while the nitrogen concentration remained below the detection limit for all conditions. The high-resolution C1s peaks revealed formation of various functional groups rather independently from treatment parameters. The results were explained by extensive dissociation of oxygen molecules in the gaseous plasma and negligible flux of N atoms on the polymer surface.

Design and fabrication of a glovebox for the Plasma Hearth Process radioactive bench-scale system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wahlquist, D.R.

This paper presents some of the design considerations and fabrication techniques for building a glovebox for the Plasma Hearth Process (PHP) radioactive bench-scale system. The PHP radioactive bench-scale system uses a plasma torch to process a variety of radioactive materials into a final vitrified waste form. The processed waste will contain plutonium and trace amounts of other radioactive materials. The glovebox used in this system is located directly below the plasma chamber and is called the Hearth Handling Enclosure (HHE). The HHE is designed to maintain a confinement boundary between the processed waste and the operator. Operations that take placemore » inside the HHE include raising and lowering the hearth using a hydraulic lift table, transporting the hearth within the HHE using an overhead monorail and hoist system, sampling and disassembly of the processed waste and hearth, weighing the hearth, rebuilding a hearth, and sampling HEPA filters. The PHP radioactive bench-scale system is located at the TREAT facility at Argonne National Laboratory-West in Idaho Falls, Idaho.« less

Improving tribological properties of Ti-5Zr-3Sn-5Mo-15Nb alloy by double glow plasma surface alloying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Lili; Qin, Lin; Kong, Fanyou; Yi, Hong; Tang, Bin

2016-12-01

Molybdenum, an alloying element, was deposited and diffused on Ti-5Zr-3Sn-5Mo-15Nb (TLM) substrate by double glow plasma surface alloying technology at 900, 950 and 1000 °C. The microstructure, composition distribution and micro-hardness of the Mo modified layers were analyzed. Contact angles on deionized water and wear behaviors of the samples against corundum balls in simulated human body fluids were investigated. Results show that the surface microhardness is significantly enhanced after alloying and increases with treated temperature rising, and the contact angles are lowered to some extent. More importantly, compared to as-received TLM alloy, the Mo modified samples, especially the one treated at 1000 °C, exhibit the significant improvement of tribological properties in reciprocating wear tests, with lower specific wear rate and friction coefficient. To conclude, Mo alloying treatment is an effective approach to obtain excellent comprehensive properties including optimal wear resistance and improved wettability, which ensure the lasting and safety application for titanium alloys as the biomedical implants.

Development of an ELISA to detect circulating anti-asparaginase antibodies in dogs with lymphoid neoplasia treated with Escherichia coli l-asparaginase.

PubMed

Kidd, J A; Ross, P; Buntzman, A S; Hess, P R

2015-06-01

Resistance to Escherichia coli l-asparaginase in canine lymphoma occurs frequently with repeated administration, a phenomenon often attributed, without substantiation, to the induction of neutralizing antibodies. To test the hypothesis that treated dogs develop antibodies against the drug, we created an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure plasma anti-asparaginase immunoglobulin G responses. Using samples from dogs that had received multiple doses, specific reactivity against l-asparaginase was demonstrated, while naïve patients' samples were negative. The optimized ELISA appeared sensitive, with endpoint titers >1 600 000 in positive control dogs. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 3.6 and 14.5%. The assay was supported by the observation that ELISA-positive plasma could immunoprecipitate asparaginase activity. When clinical patients were evaluated, 3/10 dogs developed titers after a single injection; with repeated administration, 4/7 dogs were positive. l-asparaginase antibodies showed reduced binding to the PEGylated drug formulation. The ELISA should prove useful in investigating the potential correlation of antibody responses with resistance. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Development of an ELISA to detect circulating anti-asparaginase antibodies in dogs with lymphoid neoplasia treated with E. coli L-asparaginase*

PubMed Central

Kidd, Jason A.; Ross, Peter; Buntzman, Adam S.; Hess, Paul R.

2012-01-01

Resistance to E. coli L-asparaginase in canine lymphoma occurs frequently with repeated administration, a phenomenon often attributed, without substantiation, to the induction of neutralizing antibodies. To test the hypothesis that treated dogs develop antibodies against the drug, we created an ELISA to measure plasma anti-asparaginase IgG responses. Using samples from dogs that had received multiple doses, specific reactivity against L-asparaginase was demonstrated, while naïve patients’ samples were negative. The optimized ELISA appeared sensitive, with endpoint titers >1,600,000 in positive control dogs. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 3.6 and 14.5%. The assay was supported by the observation that ELISA-positive plasma could immunoprecipitate asparaginase activity. When clinical patients were evaluated, 3/10 dogs developed titers after a single injection; with repeated administration, 4/7 dogs were positive. L-asparaginase antibodies showed reduced binding to the PEGylated drug formulation. The ELISA should prove useful in investigating the potential correlation of antibody responses with resistance. PMID:23253146

Alteration in plasma and striatal levels of d-serine after d-serine administration with or without nicergoline: An in vivo microdialysis study.

PubMed

Onozato, Mayu; Nakazawa, Hiromi; Ishimaru, Katsuyuki; Nagashima, Chihiro; Fukumoto, Minori; Hakariya, Hitomi; Sakamoto, Tatsuya; Ichiba, Hideaki; Fukushima, Takeshi

2017-09-01

d-Serine (d-Ser), a co-agonist of N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), is effective for treating schizophrenia. The present study investigated changes in plasma and striatal d-Ser levels in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats after intraperitoneal d-Ser administration alone or together with nicergoline (Nic), a commercial cerebral ameliorating drug, using in vivo microdialysis (MD) to explore the function of Nic. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Nic (0, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) followed by d-Ser (5.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 50.0 mg/kg for PBS or 20.0 mg/kg for Nic) was administered intraperitoneally to male SD rats, and the profiles of d-Ser levels in plasma and striatal MD samples were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The area under the curve (AUC) for the MD and plasma samples was also calculated and statistically compared among groups. AUC values of d-Ser increased in a d-Ser dose-dependent manner in plasma samples, while a proportional increase in the AUC values of striatal MD samples was only observed in d-Ser doses up to 20 mg/kg. The Nic co-administered group showed a significant increase in the AUC of plasma d-Ser in a Nic dose-dependent manner, but the AUC in striatal d-Ser significantly decreased with increasing Nic doses suggesting that Nic may prevent excess d-Ser from penetrating the central nervous system (CNS). Nic may prevent an excessive distribution of exogenous d-Ser, such as that from a dietary origin, into the CNS by suppressing excitatory neurotransmission through NMDAR.

Secondary electron emission from plasma processed accelerating cavity grade niobium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basovic, Milos

Advances in the particle accelerator technology have enabled numerous fundamental discoveries in 20th century physics. Extensive interdisciplinary research has always supported further development of accelerator technology in efforts of reaching each new energy frontier. Accelerating cavities, which are used to transfer energy to accelerated charged particles, have been one of the main focuses of research and development in the particle accelerator field. Over the last fifty years, in the race to break energy barriers, there has been constant improvement of the maximum stable accelerating field achieved in accelerating cavities. Every increase in the maximum attainable accelerating fields allowed for higher energy upgrades of existing accelerators and more compact designs of new accelerators. Each new and improved technology was faced with ever emerging limiting factors. With the standard high accelerating gradients of more than 25 MV/m, free electrons inside the cavities get accelerated by the field, gaining enough energy to produce more electrons in their interactions with the walls of the cavity. The electron production is exponential and the electron energy transfer to the walls of a cavity can trigger detrimental processes, limiting the performance of the cavity. The root cause of the free electron number gain is a phenomenon called Secondary Electron Emission (SEE). Even though the phenomenon has been known and studied over a century, there are still no effective means of controlling it. The ratio between the electrons emitted from the surface and the impacting electrons is defined as the Secondary Electron Yield (SEY). A SEY ratio larger than 1 designates an increase in the total number of electrons. In the design of accelerator cavities, the goal is to reduce the SEY to be as low as possible using any form of surface manipulation. In this dissertation, an experimental setup was developed and used to study the SEY of various sample surfaces that were treated by different techniques. Specifically, this work provides the results of SEY from the plasma cleaned cavity grade niobium (Nb) samples. Pure niobium is currently the material of choice for the fabrication of Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities. The effect of plasma processing with two different gases will be examined in two groups of samples. The first group of samples is made from cavity grade niobium. The second group of samples is made from the same material, but include a welded joint made by electron beam welding, since in niobium SRF cavities the peak electric and magnetic field are seen in close proximity to the welded joints. Both groups of samples will be exposed to nitrogen (N2) and a mixture of argon with oxygen (Ar/O2) plasma. It is the goal of this research to determine the SEY on these two groups of samples before and after plasma processing as a function of the energy of primary electrons. The SEY as a function of the angle of incidence of the primary electrons is tested on the samples treated with Ar/O2 plasma.

Sixteen-Day Bedrest Significantly Increases Plasma Colloid Osmotic Pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hargens, Alan R.; Hsieh, S. T.; Murthy, G.; Ballard, R. E.; Convertino, V. A.; Wade, Charles E. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

Upon exposure to microgravity, astronauts lose up to 10% of their total plasma volume, which may contribute to orthostatic intolerance after space flight. Because plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) is a primary factor maintaining plasma volume, our objective was to measure time course changes in COP during microgravity simulated by 6 deg. head-down tilt (HDT). Seven healthy male subjects (30-55 years of age) were placed in HDT for 16 days. For the purpose of another study, three of the seven subjects were chosen to exercise on a cycle ergometer on day 16. Blood samples were drawn immediately before bedrest on day 14 of bedrest, 18-24 hours following exercise while all subjects were still in HDT and 1 hour following bedrest termination. Plasma COP was measured in all 20 microliter EDTA-treated samples using an osmometer fitted with a PM 30 membrane. Data were analyzed with paired and unpaired t-tests. Plasma COP on day 14 of bedrest (29.9 +/- 0.69 mmHg) was significantly higher (p less than 0.005) than the control, pre-bedrest value (23.1 +/- 0.76 mmHg). At one hour of upright recovery after HDT, plasma COP remained significantly elevated (exercise: 26.9 +/- 0.87 mmHg; no exercise: 26.3 +/- 0.85 mmHg). Additionally, exercise had no significant effect on plasma COP 18-24 hours following exercise (exercise: 27.8 +/- 1.09 mmHg; no exercise: 27.1 +/- 0.78 mmHg). Our results demonstrate that plasma COP increases significantly with microgravity simulated by HDT. However, preliminary results indicate exercise during HDT does not significantly affect plasma COP.

Transfer of vaginal chloramphenicol to circulating blood in pregnant women and its relationship with their maternal background and neonatal health.

PubMed

Harauchi, Satoe; Osawa, Takashi; Kubono, Naoko; Itoh, Hiroaki; Naito, Takafumi; Kawakami, Junichi

2017-07-01

Few clinical studies have determined the quantitative transfer of vaginal chloramphenicol to circulating blood in pregnant women. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma concentration of chloramphenicol in pregnant women treated with trans-vaginal tablets and its relationship with maternal background and neonatal health. Thirty-seven pregnant women treated with 100 mg of trans-vaginal chloramphenicol once daily for bacterial vaginosis and its suspected case were enrolled. The plasma concentration of chloramphenicol was determined using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry at day 2 or later after starting the medication. The correlations between the maternal plasma concentration of chloramphenicol and the background and neonatal health at birth were investigated. Chloramphenicol was detected from all maternal plasma specimens and its concentration ranged from 0.043 to 73.1 ng/mL. The plasma concentration of chloramphenicol declined significantly with the administration period. The plasma concentration of chloramphenicol was lower at the second than the first blood sampling. No correlations were observed between the maternal plasma concentration of chloramphenicol and background such as number of previous births, gestational age at dosing, and clinical laboratory data. Neonatal infant health parameters such as birth-weight, Apgar score at birth, and gestational age at the time of childbearing were not related to the maternal plasma concentration of chloramphenicol. Vaginal chloramphenicol transfers to circulating blood in pregnant women. The maternal plasma concentration of chloramphenicol varied markedly and was associated with the administration day, but not with maternal background or her neonatal health. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Decolonisation of MRSA, S. aureus and E. coli by Cold-Atmospheric Plasma Using a Porcine Skin Model In Vitro

PubMed Central

Maisch, Tim; Shimizu, Tetsuji; Li, Yang-Fang; Heinlin, Julia; Karrer, Sigrid; Morfill, Gregor; Zimmermann, Julia L.

2012-01-01

In the last twenty years new antibacterial agents approved by the U.S. FDA decreased whereas in parallel the resistance situation of multi-resistant bacteria increased. Thus, community and nosocomial acquired infections of resistant bacteria led to a decrease in the efficacy of standard therapy, prolonging treatment time and increasing healthcare costs. Therefore, the aim of this work was to demonstrate the applicability of cold atmospheric plasma for decolonisation of Gram-positive (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) using an ex vivo pig skin model. Freshly excised skin samples were taken from six month old female pigs (breed: Pietrain). After application of pure bacteria on the surface of the explants these were treated with cold atmospheric plasma for up to 15 min. Two different plasma devices were evaluated. A decolonisation efficacy of 3 log10 steps was achieved already after 6 min of plasma treatment. Longer plasma treatment times achieved a killing rate of 5 log10 steps independently from the applied bacteria strains. Histological evaluations of untreated and treated skin areas upon cold atmospheric plasma treatment within 24 h showed no morphological changes as well as no significant degree of necrosis or apoptosis determined by the TUNEL-assay indicating that the porcine skin is still vital. This study demonstrates for the first time that cold atmospheric plasma is able to very efficiently kill bacteria applied to an intact skin surface using an ex vivo porcine skin model. The results emphasize the potential of cold atmospheric plasma as a new possible treatment option for decolonisation of human skin from bacteria in patients in the future without harming the surrounding tissue. PMID:22558091

Circulating Tumor DNA Measurement by Picoliter Droplet-Based Digital PCR and Vemurafenib Plasma Concentrations in Patients with Advanced BRAF-Mutated Melanoma.

PubMed

Garlan, Fanny; Blanchet, Benoit; Kramkimel, Nora; Puszkiel, Alicja; Golmard, Jean-Louis; Noe, Gaelle; Dupin, Nicolas; Laurent-Puig, Pierre; Vidal, Michel; Taly, Valerie; Thomas-Schoemann, Audrey

2017-06-01

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has been reported as a prognostic marker in melanoma. In BRAF V600-mutant melanoma, a plasma under-exposure to vemurafenib could favor emerging resistance but no biological data are available to support this hypothesis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between vemurafenib plasma concentrations and the ctDNA plasma concentration during follow-up of BRAF-mutated melanoma patients. Eleven patients treated with single-agent vemurafenib for advanced BRAF V600-mutant melanoma were analyzed in an exploratory monocentric study. The vemurafenib plasma concentration was measured by liquid chromatography. ctDNA was extracted from plasma samples and the ctDNA concentration was evaluated using picoliter droplet-based digital PCR with Taqman ® detection probes targeting the BRAF p.V600E/K mutation and wild-type BRAF sequences. At baseline, plasma ctDNA was detectable in 72% (n = 8/11) of patients and the ctDNA concentration decreased in 88% of these patients (n = 7/8) from day (D) 0 to D15 after vemurafenib initiation. During follow-up, an increased ctDNA concentration was detected in nine patients: in five patients, the first increase in ctDNA concentrations followed a decrease in vemurafenib concentrations. More interestingly, an inverse correlation between vemurafenib concentration and ctDNA concentrations was demonstrated (p = 0.026). The ctDNA concentration at baseline was associated with overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.61, 95% CI 1.04-6.56; p = 0.04). This study demonstrates the relevance of vemurafenib plasma monitoring during the follow-up of metastatic melanoma patients. Plasma drug monitoring and ctDNA concentrations could be combined to monitor tumor evolution in melanoma patients treated with anti-BRAF therapies.

Anti-LPS antibodies reduce endotoxemia in whole body Co-60 irradiated primates - A preliminary report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wells, M.T.; Gaffin, S.L.; Wessels, B.C.

1990-09-01

A previously established primate model was used to evaluate the role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) in radiation sickness. Vervet monkeys were Co-60 irradiated with an LD100 exposure and had periodic blood samples taken for the determination of LPS and anti-LPS lgG antibodies and for bacteriological studies. On day 2 postirradiation, primates were treated with either sterile 0.9 percent saline, or equine anti-LPS hyperimmune plasma, or tripotassium-dicitrato-bismuthate (Denol). Results indicate that anti-LPS-treated animals survived significantly longer than both the other groups and, since LPS may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and headaches, it is suggested that Anti-LPS administration may be ofmore » value in reducing plasma LPS concentration in humans and improving their performance and survivability. 24 refs.« less

Simultaneous LC-MS/MS determination of phenylbutyrate, phenylacetate benzoate and their corresponding metabolites phenylacetylglutamine and hippurate in blood and urine.

PubMed

Laryea, Maurice D; Herebian, Diran; Meissner, Thomas; Mayatepek, Ertan

2010-12-01

Inborn errors of urea metabolism result in hyperammonemia. Treatment of urea cycle disorders can effectively lower plasma ammonium levels and results in survival in the majority of patients. Available medications for treating urea cycle disorders include sodium benzoate (BA), sodium phenylacetate (PAA), and sodium phenylbutyrate (PBA) and are given to provide alternate routes for disposition of waste nitrogen excretion. In this study, we develop and validate a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, phenylbutyric acid, phenylacetylglutamine, and hippuric acid in plasma and urine from children with inborn errors of urea synthesis. Plasma extracts and diluted urine samples were injected on a reverse-phase column and identified and quantified by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) in negative ion mode. Deuterated analogues served as internal standards. Analysis time was 7 min. Assay precision, accuracy, and linearity and sample stability were determined using enriched samples. Quantification limits of the method were 100 ng/ml (0.3-0.8 μmol/L) for all analytes, and recoveries were >90%. Inter- and intraday relative standard deviations were <10%. Our newly developed LC-MS/MS represents a robust, sensitive, and rapid method that allows simultaneous determination of the five compounds in plasma and urine.

Performance of laser glazed Zr02 TBCs in cyclic oxidation and corrosion burner test rigs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaplatynsky, I.

1982-01-01

The performance of laser glazed zirconia thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) was evaluated in cyclic oxidation and cyclic corrosion tests. Plasma sprayed zirconia coatings of two thicknesses were partially melted with a CO2 laser. The power density of the focused laser beam was varied from 35 to 75 W/sq mm, while the scanning speed was about 80 cm per minute. In cyclic oxidation tests, the specimens were heated in a burner rig for 6 minutes and cooled for 3 minutes. It is indicated that the laser treated samples have the same life as the untreated ones. However, in corrosion tests, in which the burner rig flame contained 100 PPM sodium fuel equivalent, the laser treated samples exhibit nearly a fourfold life improvement over that of the reference samples vary. In both tests, the lives of the samples inversely with the thickness of the laser melted layer of zirconia.

Pivotal role of oxidative stress in tumor metastasis under diabetic conditions in mice.

PubMed

Ikemura, Mai; Nishikawa, Makiya; Kusamori, Kosuke; Fukuoka, Miho; Yamashita, Fumiyoshi; Hashida, Mitsuru

2013-09-10

Diabetic patients are reported to have a high incidence and mortality of cancer, but little is known about the linkage. In this study, we investigated whether high oxidative stress is involved in the acceleration of tumor metastasis in diabetic mice. Murine melanoma B16-BL6 cells stably labeled with firefly luciferase (B16-BL6/Luc) were inoculated into the tail vein of streptozotocin (STZ)-treated or untreated mice. A luciferase assay demonstrated that tumor cells were present largely in the lung of untreated mice, whereas large numbers of tumor cells were detected in both the lung and liver of STZ-treated mice. Repeated injections of polyethylene glycol-conjugated catalase (PEG-catalase), a long-circulating derivative, reduced the elevated fasting blood glucose levels and plasma lipoperoxide levels of STZ-treated mice, but had no significant effects on these parameters in untreated mice. In addition, the injections significantly reduced the number of tumor cells in the lung and liver in both untreated and STZ-treated mice. Culture of B16-BL6/Luc cells in medium containing over 45 mg/dl glucose hardly affected the proliferation of the cells, whereas the addition of plasma of STZ-treated mice to the medium significantly increased the number of cells. Plasma samples of STZ-treated mice receiving PEG-catalase exhibited no such effect on proliferation. These findings indicate that a hyperglycemia-induced increase in oxidative stress is involved in the acceleration of tumor metastasis, and the removal of systemic hydrogen peroxide by PEG-catalase can inhibit the progression of diabetic conditions and tumor metastasis in diabetes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of viremia, proviral load and cytokine profile in naturally feline immunodeficiency virus infected cats treated with two different protocols of recombinant feline interferon omega.

PubMed

Leal, Rodolfo O; Gil, Solange; Duarte, Ana; McGahie, David; Sepúlveda, Nuno; Niza, Maria M R E; Tavares, Luís

2015-04-01

This study assesses viremia, provirus and blood cytokine profile in naturally FIV-infected cats treated with two distinct protocols of interferon omega (rFeIFN-ω). Samples from FIV-cats previously submitted to two single-arm studies were used: 7/18 received the licensed/subcutaneous protocol (SC) while 11/18 were treated orally (PO). Viremia, provirus and blood mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, Interferon-γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α were monitored by Real-Time qPCR. Concurrent plasma levels of IL-6, IL-12p40 and IL-4 were assessed by ELISA. IL-6 plasma levels decreased in the SC group (p = 0.031). IL-6 mRNA expression (p = 0.037) decreased in the PO group, albeit not sufficiently to change concurrent plasma levels. Neither viremia nor other measured cytokines changed with therapy. Proviral load increased in the SC group (p = 0.031), which can be justified by a clinically irrelevant increase of lymphocyte count. Independently of the protocol, rFeIFN-ω seems to act on innate immunity by reducing pro-inflammatory stimulus. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analytical method for the therapeutic drug monitoring of eight novel anticancer drugs.

PubMed

Herbrink, M; de Vries, N; Rosing, H; Huitema, A D R; Nuijen, B; Schellens, J H M; Beijnen, J H

2018-04-01

To support therapeutic drug monitoring of patients with cancer, a fast and accurate method for simultaneous quantification of the registered anticancer drugs afatinib, axitinib, ceritinib, crizotinib, dabrafenib, enzalutamide, regorafenib and trametinib in human plasma using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. Human plasma samples were collected from treated patients and stored at -20°C. Analytes and internal standards (stable isotopically labeled analytes) were extracted with acetonitrile. An equal amount of 10 mm NH 4 CO 3 was added to the supernatant to yield the final extract. A 2 μL aliquot of this extract was injected onto a C 18 -column, gradient elution was applied and triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry in positive-ion mode was used for detection. All results were within the acceptance criteria of the latest US Food and Drug Administration guidance and European Medicines Agency guidelines on method validation, except for the carry-over of ceritinib and crizotinib. These were corrected for by the injection order of samples. Additional stability tests were carried out for axitinib and dabrafenib in relation to their reported photostability. In conclusion, the described method to simultaneously quantify the eight selected anticancer drugs in human plasma was successfully validated and applied for therapeutic drug monitoring in cancer patients treated with these drugs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hematologic and plasma biochemical changes associated with fenbendazole administration in Hermann's tortoises (testudo hermanni).

PubMed

Neiffer, Donald L; Lydick, Dianna; Burks, Kyle; Doherty, Donna

2005-12-01

Toxicosis associated with benzimidazole anthelmintics has been reported with increasing frequency in zoologic collections. Clinical signs, clinicopathologic abnormalities, and gross and histologic lesions are primarily the result of damage to the gastrointestinal and hematopoietic systems. Profound leukopenia, especially granulocytopenia, is the most common and severe clinicopathologic change associated with benzimidazole administration. Death usually occurs from overwhelming systemic bacterial and/or fungal infections secondary to severe immunosuppression. In this 125-day study, six male Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) were treated orally with two 5-day courses of fenbendazole 2 wk apart at a dosage of 50 mg/kg. Serial blood samples were used to assess hematologic and plasma biochemical changes before, during, and following the treatment period. Although the tortoises remained healthy, blood sampling indicated an extended heteropenia with transient hypoglycemia, hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, and equivocal hyperproteinemia/hyperglobulinemia, which were considered to be in response to fenbendazole administration. Changes in several other clinicopathologic parameters appeared to correlate with fenbendazole administration. The hematologic and biochemical changes seen in the healthy animals in this study should be considered when treating compromised tortoises with fenbendazole. Hematologic and plasma biochemical status of tortoises/reptiles should be determined before treatment and monitored during the treatment period. The risk of mortality of an individual from nematode infection should be assessed relative to the potential for metabolic alteration and secondary septicemia following damage to hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems by fenbendazole.

The effect of oxygen plasma pretreatment and incubation in modified simulated body fluids on the formation of bone-like apatite on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (70/30).

PubMed

Qu, Xue; Cui, Wenjin; Yang, Fei; Min, Changchun; Shen, Hong; Bei, Jianzhong; Wang, Shenguo

2007-01-01

In this study, biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) (70/30) films and scaffolds were first treated with oxygen plasma and then incubated in a modified simulated body fluid 1.5SBF0 to prepare a bone-like apatite layer. The formation of the apatite and its influence on osteoblast-like cells growth were investigated. It was found that the bone-like apatite formability of PLGA(70/30) was enhanced by plasma pretreatment. The changes of surface chemistry and surface topography induced by oxygen plasma treatment were both effective for apatite formation. The apatite formability increased with increasing plasma-treating time. Under a treating condition of 20 W for 30 min, oxygen plasma treatment could penetrate into the inner scaffold. After 6 days incubation, the apatite formed in plasma-treated scaffold was better distributed than in untreated scaffold, and the weight and mechanical strength of the plasma-treated scaffold were both enhanced. Compared with PLGA(70/30), the apatite layer formed on oxygen plasma-treated PLGA(70/30) surface enhanced adhesion and proliferation of OCT-1 osteoblast-like cell, but had no significant effect on cell's ALP activity at day 7. A prolonged investigation is being in process to further verify the bone-like apatite effects on osteogenic differentiation.

Induction of a hypothyroid state during juvenile development delays pubertal reactivation of the neuroendocrine system governing luteinising hormone secretion in the male rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

PubMed

Mann, D R; Bhat, G K; Stah, C D; Pohl, C R; Plant, T M

2006-09-01

The present study aimed to determine the influence of thyroid status on the timing of the pubertal resurgence in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone pulse generator activity [tracked by circulating luteinising hormone (LH) levels] in male rhesus monkeys. Six juvenile monkeys were orchidectomised and then treated with the antithyroid drug, methimazole, from 15-19 months until 36 months of age, at which time thyroxine (T(4)) replacement was initiated. Four additional agonadal monkeys served as controls. Blood samples were drawn weekly for hormonal assessments. Body weight, crown-rump length and bone age were monitored at regular intervals. By 8 weeks of methimazole treatment, plasma T(4) had fallen sharply, and the decline was associated with a plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone increase. In controls, plasma LH levels remained undetectable until the pubertal rise occurred at 29.3 +/- 0.2 months of age. This developmental event occurred in only half of the methimazole-treated animals before 36 months of age when T(4) replacement was initiated. The hypothyroid state was associated with a profound arrest of growth and bone maturation, but increased body mass indices and plasma leptin levels. T(4) replacement in methimazole-treated monkeys was associated with the pubertal rise in LH in the remaining three animals and accelerated somatic development in all six animals. Although pubertal resurgence in LH secretion occurred at a later chronological age in methimazole-treated animals compared to controls, bone age, crown-rump length and body weight at that time did not differ between groups. There were no long-term differences in plasma prolactin between groups. We conclude that juvenile hypothyroidism in male primates causes a marked delay in the pubertal resurgence of LH secretion, probably occasioned at the hypothalamic level. Whether this effect is meditated by an action of thyroid hormone directly on the hypothalamus or indirectly as a result of the concomitant deficit in somatic development remains to be determined.

Conversion of CH4/CO2 to syngas over Ni-Co/Al2O3-ZrO2 nanocatalyst synthesized via plasma assisted co-impregnation method: Surface properties and catalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahemi, Nader; Haghighi, Mohammad; Akbar Babaluo, Ali; Fallah Jafari, Mahdi; Khorram, Sirous

2013-09-01

Ni/Al2O3 catalyst promoted by Co and ZrO2 was prepared by co-impregnation method and treated with glow discharge plasma. The catalytic activity of the synthesized nanocatalysts has been tested toward conversion of CH4/CO2 to syngas. The physicochemical characterizations like XRD, EDX, FESEM, TEM, BET, FTIR, and XPS show that plasma treatment results in smaller particle size, more surface concentration, and uniform morphology. The dispersion of nickel in plasma-treated nanocatalyst was also significantly improved, which was helpful for controlling the ensemble size of active phase atoms on the support surface. Improved physicochemical properties caused 20%-30% enhancement in activity of plasma-treated nanocatalyst that means to achieve the same H2 or CO yield, the plasma-treated nanocatalyst needed about 100 °C lower reaction temperature. The H2/CO ratio got closer to 1 at higher temperatures and finally at 850 °C H2/CO = 1 is attained for plasma-treated nanocatalyst. Plasma-treated nanocatalyst due to smaller Ni particles and strong interaction between active phase and support has lower tendency to keep carbon species on its structure and hence excellent stability can be observed for this catalyst.

Synthesis of N-graphene using microwave plasma-based methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, Ana; Tatarova, Elena; Henriques, Julio; Dias, Francisco; Felizardo, Edgar; Abrashev, Miroslav; Bundaleski, Nenad; Cvelbar, Uros

2016-09-01

In this work a microwave atmospheric plasma driven by surface waves is used to produce free-standing graphene sheets (FSG). Carbonaceous precursors are injected into a microwave plasma environment, where decomposition processes take place. The transport of plasma generated gas-phase carbon atoms and molecules into colder zones of plasma reactor results in carbon nuclei formation. The main part of the solid carbon is gradually carried from the ``hot'' plasma zone into the outlet plasma stream where carbon nanostructures assemble and grow. Subsequently, the graphene sheets have been N-doped using a N2-Ar large-scale remote plasma treatment, which consists on placing the FSG on a substrate in a remote zone of the N2-Ar plasma. The samples were treated with different compositions of N2-Ar gas mixtures, while maintaining 1 mbar pressure in the chamber and a power applied of 600 W. The N-doped graphene sheets were characterized by scanning and by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Plasma characterization was also performed by optical emission spectroscopy. Work partially funded by Portuguese FCT - Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, under grant SFRH/BD/52413/2013 (PD-F APPLAuSE).

Systematic evaluation of matrix effects in hydrophilic interaction chromatography versus reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Periat, Aurélie; Kohler, Isabelle; Thomas, Aurélien; Nicoli, Raul; Boccard, Julien; Veuthey, Jean-Luc; Schappler, Julie; Guillarme, Davy

2016-03-25

Reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) is the gold standard technique in bioanalysis. However, hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) could represent a viable alternative to RPLC for the analysis of polar and/or ionizable compounds, as it often provides higher MS sensitivity and alternative selectivity. Nevertheless, this technique can be also prone to matrix effects (ME). ME are one of the major issues in quantitative LC-MS bioanalysis. To ensure acceptable method performance (i.e., trueness and precision), a careful evaluation and minimization of ME is required. In the present study, the incidence of ME in HILIC-MS/MS and RPLC-MS/MS was compared for plasma and urine samples using two representative sets of 38 pharmaceutical compounds and 40 doping agents, respectively. The optimal generic chromatographic conditions in terms of selectivity with respect to interfering compounds were established in both chromatographic modes by testing three different stationary phases in each mode with different mobile phase pH. A second step involved the assessment of ME in RPLC and HILIC under the best generic conditions, using the post-extraction addition method. Biological samples were prepared using two different sample pre-treatments, i.e., a non-selective sample clean-up procedure (protein precipitation and simple dilution for plasma and urine samples, respectively) and a selective sample preparation, i.e., solid phase extraction for both matrices. The non-selective pretreatments led to significantly less ME in RPLC vs. HILIC conditions regardless of the matrix. On the contrary, HILIC appeared as a valuable alternative to RPLC for plasma and urine samples treated by a selective sample preparation. Indeed, in the case of selective sample preparation, the compounds influenced by ME were different in HILIC and RPLC, and lower and similar ME occurrence was generally observed in RPLC vs. HILIC for urine and plasma samples, respectively. The complementary of both chromatographic modes was also demonstrated, as ME was observed only scarcely for urine and plasma samples when selecting the most appropriate chromatographic mode. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structure-property and composition-property relationships for poly(ethylene terephthalate) surfaces modified by helium plasma-based ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tóth, A.; Veres, M.; Kereszturi, K.; Mohai, M.; Bertóti, I.; Szépvölgyi, J.

2011-10-01

The surfaces of untreated and helium plasma-based ion implantation (He PBII) treated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) samples were characterised by reflectance colorimetry, contact angle studies and measurements of surface electrical resistance. The results were related to the structural and compositional data obtained by the authors earlier on parallel samples by XPS and Raman spectroscopy. Inverse correlations between lightness and ID/ IG ratio and between chroma and ID/ IG ratio were obtained, suggesting that the PBII-treated PET samples darken and their colourfulness decreases with the increase of the portion of aromatic sp 2 carbon rings in the chemical structure of the modified layer. Direct correlation between water contact angle and the ID/ IG ratio and inverse correlations between surface energy and ID/ IG ratio and between dispersive component of surface energy and ID/ IG ratio were found, reflecting that surface wettability, surface energy and its dispersive component decrease with the formation of surface structure, characterised again by enhanced portion of aromatic sp 2 carbon rings. The surface electrical resistance decreased with the increase of the surface C-content determined by XPS and also with the increase of the surface concentration of conjugated double bonds, reflected by the increase of the π → π* shake-up satellite of the C 1s peak.

Investigation of Sterilization Mechanism for Geobacillus stearothermophilus Spores with Plasma-Excited Neutral Gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsui, Kei; Ikenaga, Noriaki; Sakudo, Noriyuki

2015-09-01

We investigate the mechanism of the sterilization with plasma-excited neutral gas that uniformly sterilizes both the space and inner wall of the reactor chamber at atmospheric pressure. Only reactive neutral species such as plasma-excited gas molecules and radicals are separated from the plasma and sent to the reactor chamber for chemical sterilization. The plasma source gas uses humidified mixture of nitrogen and oxygen. Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores and tyrosine which is amino acid are treated by the plasma-excited neutral gas. Shape change of the treated spore is observed by SEM, and chemical modification of the treated tyrosine is analyzed by HPLC. As a result, the surface of the treated spore shows depression. Hydroxylation and nitration of tyrosine are shown after the treatment. For these reasons, we believe that the sterilization with plasma-excited neutral gas results from the deformation of spore structure due to the chemical modification of amino acid.

Acid-Base and Plasma Biochemical Changes Using Crystalloid Fluids in Stranded Juvenile Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta).

PubMed

Camacho, María; Quintana, María Del Pino; Calabuig, Pascual; Luzardo, Octavio P; Boada, Luis D; Zumbado, Manuel; Orós, Jorge

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and effects on acid-base and electrolyte status of several crystalloid fluids in 57 stranded juvenile loggerhead turtles. Within a rehabilitation program four different crystalloid fluids were administered (0.9% Na Cl solution; 5% dextrose + 0.9% Na Cl solutions 1:1; 0.9% Na Cl + lactated Ringer's solutions 1:1; lactated Ringer's solution). Crystalloid fluids were intracoelomically administered during three days (20 ml/kg/day). Animals were sampled at three different moments: Upon admission for evaluating the type of acid-base or biochemical disorder, post-fluid therapy treatment for controlling the evolution of the disorder, and post-recovery period for obtaining the baseline values for rehabilitated loggerhead turtles. Each sample was analyzed with a portable electronic blood analyzer for pH, pO2, pCO2, lactate, sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, and BUN concentration. Admission and post-fluid therapy treatment values were compared with those obtained for each turtle immediately before release. The highest percentage of acid-base recovery and electrolyte balance was observed in turtles treated with mixed saline-lactated Ringer's solution (63.6%), followed by turtles treated with physiological saline solution (55%), lactated Ringer's solution (33.3%), and dextrose-saline solutions (10%). Most turtles treated with lactated Ringer's solution had lower lactate concentrations compared with their initial values; however, 66.6% of turtles treated with lactated Ringer's solution had metabolic alkalosis after therapy. Significant higher concentrations of glucose were detected after saline-dextrose administration compared with all the remaining fluids. This is the first study evaluating the effects of several crystalloid fluids on the acid-base status and plasma biochemical values in stranded loggerhead sea turtles. Reference convalescent venous blood gas, acid-base, and plasma biochemical values, useful for veterinary surgeons involved in sea turtle conservation, are also provided.

Cold physical plasma treated buffered saline solution as effective agent against pancreatic cancer cells.

PubMed

Bekeschus, Sander; Kading, Andre; Schroder, Tim; Wende, Kristian; Hackbarth, Christine; Liedtke, Kim Rouven; van der Linde, Julia; von Woedtke, Thomas; Heidecke, Claus-Dieter; Partecke, Lars-Ivo

2018-05-07

Cold physical plasma has been suggested as a new anticancer tool recently. However, direct use of plasma is limited to visible tumors and in some clinical situations not feasible. This includes repetitive treatment of peritoneal metastases which commonly occur in advanced gastrointestinal cancer and in pancreatic cancer in particular. In case of diffuse intraperitoneal metastatic spread Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Intraoperative Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is used as therapeutic approach. Plasma treated solutions may combine their suspected systemic non-toxic characteristics with the anticancer effects of HIPEC. Previous work has provided evidence for an anti-cancer efficacy of plasma treated cell culture medium but the clinical relevance of such an approach is low due to its complex formulation and lack of medical accreditation. Therefore, plasma treated phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) which closely resembles medically certified solutions was investigated for its cytotoxic effect on 2D monolayer murine pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. It significantly decreased cancer cell metabolisms and proliferation whereas plasma treated Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium had no effect. Moreover, tumor cell growth attenuation was significantly higher when compared to syngeneic primary murine fibroblasts. Both results were confirmed in a human pancreatic cancer cell line. Finally, plasma treated PBS also decreased tumor sizes of pancreatic tumors in the TUM-CAM model in a three-dimensional manner, and induction of apoptosis was found to be responsible for all anticancer effects identified. Altogether, plasma treated PBS inhibited cell growth in 2D and 3D models of cancer. These results may help facilitating the development of new plasma derived anticancer agent with clinical relevance in the future. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

False-positive pregnancy test after transfusion of solvent/detergent-treated plasma.

PubMed

Jilma-Stohlawetz, Petra; Wreford-Bush, Tim; Mills, Francesca; Davidson, Fiona; Kursten, Friedrich W; Jilma, Bernd; Birchall, Janet

2017-12-01

The transmission of pathogens, antibodies, and proteins is a possible consequence of blood product transfusion. A female patient had an unexpected positive serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin result, indicative of pregnancy, after she had received a transfusion with 1 unit of platelet concentrate, 4 units of red blood cells, and 4 units of pooled solvent/detergent-treated plasma (Octaplas). To investigate the possibility of passive transfusion of β-human chorionic gonadotropin from the plasma transfusion, one additional unit from the same batch was thawed and analyzed. To validate the β-human chorionic gonadotropin assay for use in solvent/detergent-treated plasma and to investigate any interference in the assay, dilution experiments were performed using the implicated plasma batch diluted with male and non-pregnant female sera. Also, plasma from a known pregnant woman was diluted with Octaplas (tested negative for β-human chorionic gonadotropin) and with a male serum to validate the assay for use in solvent/detergent-treated plasma. The implicated solvent/detergent-treated plasma had a mean β-human chorionic gonadotropin level of 91.5 mIU/mL. Results from the dilution experiments revealed an excellent correlation (r > 0.99) between β-human chorionic gonadotropin measurement in solvent/detergent-treated plasma and male serum and no over or under recovery of the expected results. Further measurements of β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels in the female recipient revealed an estimated half-life of 6 hours. This case demonstrates the importance of considering the possibility of passive transmission of analytes to a patient from the transfusion of blood products. Furthermore, the measurement of β-human chorionic gonadotropin is valid in solvent/detergent-treated plasma using a Roche Cobas analyzer. © 2017 AABB.

Vandetanib-eluting Radiopaque Beads: In vivo Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Toxicity Evaluation following Swine Liver Embolization.

PubMed

Denys, Alban; Czuczman, Peter; Grey, David; Bascal, Zainab; Whomsley, Rhys; Kilpatrick, Hugh; Lewis, Andrew L

2017-01-01

To evaluate the plasma and tissue pharmacokinetics, safety and toxicity following intra-arterial hepatic artery administration of Vandetanib (VTB)-eluting Radiopaque Beads (VERB) in healthy swine. In a first phase, healthy swine were treated with hepatic intra-arterial administration of VERB at target dose loading strengths of 36 mg/mL (VERB36), 72 mg/mL (VERB72) and 120 mg/mL (VERB120). Blood and tissue samples were taken and analysed for VTB and metabolites to determine pharmacokinetic parameters for the different dose forms over 30 days. In a second phase, animals were treated with unloaded radiopaque beads or high dose VTB loaded beads (VERB100, 100 mg/mL). Tissue samples from embolized and non-embolized areas of the liver were evaluated at necropsy (30 and 90 days) for determination of VTB and metabolite levels and tissue pathology. Imaging was performed prior to sacrifice using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and imaging findings correlated with pathological changes in the tissue and location of the radiopaque beads. The peak plasma levels of VTB (C max ) released from the various doses of VERB ranged between 6.19-17.3 ng/mL indicating a low systemic burst release. The plasma profile of VTB was consistent with a distribution phase up to 6 h after administration followed by elimination with a half-life of 20-23 h. The AUC of VTB and its major metabolite N-desmethyl vandetanib (NDM VTB) was approximately linear with the dose strength of VERB. VTB plasma levels were at or below limits of detection two weeks after administration. In liver samples, VTB and NDM VTB were present in treated sections at 30 days after administration at levels above the in vitro IC 50 for biological effectiveness. At 90 days both analytes were still present in treated liver but were near or below the limit of quantification in untreated liver sections, demonstrating sustained release from the VERB. Comparison of the reduction of the liver lobe size and associated tissue changes suggested a more effective embolization with VERB compared to the beads without drug. Hepatic intra-arterial administration of VERB results in a low systemic exposure and enables sustained delivery of VTB to target tissues following embolization. Changes in the liver tissue are consistent with an effective embolization and this study has demonstrated that VERB100 is well tolerated with no obvious systemic toxicity.

Analysis of methyloxime derivatives of intact esters of testosterone and boldenone in equine plasma using ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Gray, Bobby P; Teale, Phil; Pearce, Clive M

2011-04-01

Analysis of equine plasma samples to detect the abuse of anabolic steroids can be complicated when the parent steroid is endogenous to the animal. Anabolic steroids are usually administered intramuscularly as synthetic esters and therefore detection of the exogenous esters provides unequivocal proof of illegal administration. An ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric (UPLC-MSMS) method for the analysis of esters of testosterone (propionate, phenylpropionate, isocaproate, and decanoate) and boldenone (undecylenate) in equine plasma has been developed. Esters were extracted from equine plasma using a mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate and treated with methoxyamine hydrochloride to form methyloxime derivatives. Metenolone enanthate was used as an internal standard. After chromatographic separation, the derivatized steroid esters were quantified using selected reaction monitoring (SRM). The limit of detection for all of the steroid esters, based on a signal to noise ratio (S/N) of 3:1, was 1-3 pg/mL. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for the all of the steroid esters was 5 pg/mL when 2 mL of plasma was extracted. Recovery of the steroid esters was 85-97% for all esters except for testosterone decanoate which was recovered at 62%. The intra-day coefficient of variation (CV) for the analysis of plasma quality control (QC) samples was less than 9.2% at 40 pg/mL and less than 6.0% at 400 pg/mL. The developed assay was used to successfully confirm the presence of intact testosterone esters in equine plasma samples following intramuscular injection of Durateston® (mixed testosterone esters). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Surface Oxide Net Charge of a Titanium Alloy; Comparison Between Effects of Treatment With Heat or Radiofrequency Plasma Glow Discharge

PubMed Central

MacDonald, Daniel E.; Rapuano, Bruce E.; Schniepp, Hannes C.

2010-01-01

In the current study, we have compared the effects of heat and radiofrequency plasma glow discharge (RFGD) treatment of a Ti6Al4V alloy on the physico-chemical properties of the alloy’s surface oxide. Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) disks were passivated alone, heated to 600 °C, or RFGD plasma treated in pure oxygen. RFGD treatment did not alter the roughness, topography, elemental composition or thickness of the alloy’s surface oxide layer. In contrast, heat treatment altered oxide topography by creating a pattern of oxide elevations approximately 50–100 nm in diameter. These nanostructures exhibited a three-fold increase in roughness compared to untreated surfaces when RMS roughness was calculated after applying a spatial high-pass filter with a 200 nm cutoff wavelength. Heat treatment also produced a surface enrichment in aluminum and vanadium oxides. Both RFGD and heat treatment produced similar increases in oxide wettability. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements of metal surface oxide net charge signified by a long range force of attraction to or repulsion from a (negatively charged) silicon nitride AFM probe were also obtained for all three experimental groups. Force measurements showed that the RFGD-treated Ti6Al4V samples demonstrated a higher net positive surface charge at pH values below 6 and a higher net negative surface charge at physiological pH (pH values between 7 and 8) compared to control and heat-treated samples These findings suggest that RFGD treatment of metallic implant materials can be used to study the role of negatively charged surface oxide functional groups in protein bioactivity, osteogenic cell behavior and osseointegration independently of oxide topography. PMID:20880672

Metabolic phenotyping in the mouse model of urinary tract infection shows that 3-hydroxybutyrate in plasma is associated with infection

PubMed Central

Xie, Yumin; Yang, Wu; Wang, Yaoyao; Xiang, Wenying; Hylands, Peter J.

2017-01-01

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide. Current diagnosis of urinary tract infection chiefly relies on its clinical presentation, urine dipstick tests and urine culture. Small molecules found in bio-fluids related with both infection and recovery would facilitate diagnosis and management of UTI. Mass spectrometry-based fingerprinting of plasma and urine at 3 time points, pre-infection (t = -24h), infection (t = 24h) and post 3-day treatment (t = 112h), were acquired in the following four groups: mice which were healthy, infected but not treated, infected and treated with ciprofloxacin, and infected and treated with Relinqing® granules (n = 6 per group). A metabolomics workflow including multivariate analysis and ROC regression was employed to select metabolic features that correlated with UTI and its treatment. Circa 4,000 molecular features were acquired for each sample. The small acid 3-hydroxybutyrate in plasma was found to be differentiated for urinary tract infection, with an area under the curve = 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.93–1.00, accuracy = 0.91, sensitivity = 0.92 and specificity = 0.91). The level of 3-hydroxybutyrate in plasma was depleted after infection with a fold change of -22 (q < 0.0001). Correlation between plasma 3-hydroxybutyrate and urine bacterial number in all groups and time points was r = -0.753 (p < 0.0001). The findings show that 3-hydroxybutyrate is depleted in blood and strongly associated with UTI at both infection and post-treatment stage in a UTI mouse model. Further work is envisaged to assess the clinical potential of blood tests to assist with UTI management. PMID:29036204

The effect of extracorporeal albumin dialysis on plasma phospholipid fatty acids in patients with end-stage liver disease.

PubMed

Zeh, Nina; Rossi, Steven S; Hofmann, Alan F; Steinbach, Joseph H; Hagey, Lee R; Oliver, Deanna; Stange, Jan; Hassanein, Tarek

2003-01-01

The effect of extracorporeal albumin dialysis (ECAD) using the MARS device on plasma phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) was examined. Phospholipids were isolated from plasma and the fatty acid (FA) composition of non-sphingomyelin PL determined using capillary gas chromatography (GC). Plasma samples were also obtained from six patients with ESLD undergoing ECAD and from five patients with similar ESLD who were not treated, as well as from non-fasting healthy subjects. PLFA were much lower [506 +/- 62 microg/mL (M +/- SD)] in patients with ESLD than in healthy subjects (2709 +/- 688 microg/mL). In addition, the proportion of n3 and n6 polyunsaturated FA was much lower in patients with ESLD (n3, 1.7 +/- 0.1%, n6, 19.6 +/- 1.4%) than in healthy controls (n3, 4.1 +/- 2.4%, n6, 31.9 +/- 6.2%) ECAD caused an immediate increase in PLFA, averaging 56% in all patients, but PLFA levels decreased some hours later after treatment. ECAD also caused a small increase in the proportion of n3 and n6 of PLFA. During the 5 days of the study, PLFA rose in both ECAD-treated and untreated patients, but the increase was significantly greater in ECAD treated patient. It is concluded that patients with ESLD have markedly decreased PLFA; these PLFA have a lower proportion of the polyunsaturated n3 and n6 FA with the result that the plasma level of these essential polyunsaturated PLFA is extremely low compared to that of healthy subjects. ECAD causes a transient increase in PLFA toward normal levels and also increases the proportion of n3 and n6 FA.

A study of degradation resistance and cytocompatibility of super-hydrophobic coating on magnesium.

PubMed

Zhang, Yufen; Feyerabend, Frank; Tang, Shawei; Hu, Jin; Lu, Xiaopeng; Blawert, Carsten; Lin, Tiegui

2017-09-01

Calcium stearate based super-hydrophobic coating was deposited on plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) pre-treated magnesium substrate. The pre-treated magnesium and super-hydrophobic coating covered sample were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical corrosion measurements. The cytocompatibility and degradation resistance of magnesium, pre-treated magnesium and super-hydrophobic coating were analysed in terms of cell adhesion and osteoblast differentiation. The results indicate that the calcium stearate top coating shows super-hydrophobicity and that the surface is composed of micro/nanostructure. The super-hydrophobic coating covered sample shows higher barrier properties compared with the PEO pre-treated magnesium and bare magnesium. Human osteoblast proliferation, but not differentiation is enhanced by the PEO coating. Contrary, the super-hydrophobic coating reduces proliferation, but enhances differentiation of osteoblast, observable by the formation of hydroxyapatite. The combination of corrosion protection and cell reaction indicates that this system could be interesting for biomedical applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical and structural properties of plasma-treated Cordyceps bassiana spores as studied by circular dichroism, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Geon Joon, E-mail: gjlee@kw.ac.kr; Sim, Geon Bo; Choi, Eun Ha

To understand the killing mechanism of fungal spores by plasma treatment, the optical, structural, and biological properties of the insect pathogenic fungus Cordyceps bassiana spores were studied. A nonthermal atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) was used to treat the spores in aqueous solution. Optical emission spectra of the APPJ acquired in air indicated emission peaks corresponding to hydroxyl radicals and atomic oxygen. When the APPJ entered the aqueous solution, additional reactive species were derived from the interaction of plasma radicals with the aqueous solution. Fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy confirmed the generation of hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide in the plasma-activated watermore » (PAW). Spore counting showed that plasma treatment significantly reduced spore viability. Absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and agarose gel electrophoresis of the DNA extracted from plasma-treated spores showed a reduction in spore DNA content. The magnitude of the dip in the CD spectrum was lower in the plasma-treated spores than in the control, indicating that plasma treatment causes structural modifications and/or damage to cellular components. Tryptophan fluorescence intensity was lower in the plasma-treated spores than in the control, suggesting that plasma treatment modified cell wall proteins. Changes in spore viability and DNA content were attributed to structural modification of the cell wall by reactive species coming from the APPJ and the PAW. Our results provided evidence that the plasma radicals and the derived reactive species play critical roles in fungal spore inactivation.« less

Optical and structural properties of plasma-treated Cordyceps bassiana spores as studied by circular dichroism, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Geon Joon; Sim, Geon Bo; Choi, Eun Ha; Kwon, Young-Wan; Kim, Jun Young; Jang, Siun; Kim, Seong Hwan

2015-01-01

To understand the killing mechanism of fungal spores by plasma treatment, the optical, structural, and biological properties of the insect pathogenic fungus Cordyceps bassiana spores were studied. A nonthermal atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) was used to treat the spores in aqueous solution. Optical emission spectra of the APPJ acquired in air indicated emission peaks corresponding to hydroxyl radicals and atomic oxygen. When the APPJ entered the aqueous solution, additional reactive species were derived from the interaction of plasma radicals with the aqueous solution. Fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy confirmed the generation of hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide in the plasma-activated water (PAW). Spore counting showed that plasma treatment significantly reduced spore viability. Absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and agarose gel electrophoresis of the DNA extracted from plasma-treated spores showed a reduction in spore DNA content. The magnitude of the dip in the CD spectrum was lower in the plasma-treated spores than in the control, indicating that plasma treatment causes structural modifications and/or damage to cellular components. Tryptophan fluorescence intensity was lower in the plasma-treated spores than in the control, suggesting that plasma treatment modified cell wall proteins. Changes in spore viability and DNA content were attributed to structural modification of the cell wall by reactive species coming from the APPJ and the PAW. Our results provided evidence that the plasma radicals and the derived reactive species play critical roles in fungal spore inactivation.

Enhanced retained dose uniformity in NiTi spinal correction rod treated by three-dimensional mesh-assisted nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Q. Y.; Hu, T.; Kwok, Dixon T. K.

2010-05-15

Owing to the nonconformal plasma sheath in plasma immersion ion implantation of a rod sample, the retained dose can vary significantly. The authors propose to improve the implant uniformity by introducing a metal mesh. The depth profiles obtained with and without the mesh are compared and the implantation temperature at various locations is evaluated indirectly by differential scanning calorimeter. Our results reveal that by using the metal mesh, the retained dose uniformity along the length is greatly improved and the effects of the implantation temperature on the localized mechanical properties of the implanted NiTi shape memory alloy rod are nearlymore » negligible.« less

[Effect of wenxin granule on plasma BNP and HRV of acute coronary syndrome patients].

PubMed

Peng, Jie-cheng; Su, Jia-feng; Hong, Li-ping; Xia, Lin-feng; Yan, Wei-guo

2013-08-01

To observe the effect of Wenxin Granule (WG) on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and heart rate variability (HRV) of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Totally 65 ACS patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group (35 cases) and the control group (30 cases). All patients were treated with routine therapies such as angiotensin conversing enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and metoprolol. Those in the treatment group took WG, 9 g each time, three times daily. All were treated for 90 days. Plasma samples of BNP and HRV were determined before treatment and after treatment. There was no statistical difference in pre-treatment plasma BNP (P > 0.05). Plasma BNP significantly decreased after treatment in the two groups when compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). The decrease was more obvious in the treatment group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in pre-treatment HRV (P > 0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, RMSSD, PNN50%, and high frequency (HF) obviously increased, while low frequency (LF) and LF/HF ratio significantly decreased in the two groups, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The aforesaid indices were obviously better in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Additional administration of WG could improve short-term clinical prognosis by down-regulating plasma BNP level (via improving myocardial ischemia) and modulating HRV.

Dietary Phytochemicals Promote Health by Enhancing Antioxidant Defence in a Pig Model

PubMed Central

Selby-Pham, Sophie N. B.; Cottrell, Jeremy J.; Ng, Ken

2017-01-01

Phytochemical-rich diets are protective against chronic diseases and mediate their protective effect by regulation of oxidative stress (OS). However, it is proposed that under some circumstances, phytochemicals can promote production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro, which might drive OS-mediated signalling. Here, we investigated the effects of administering single doses of extracts of red cabbage and grape skin to pigs. Blood samples taken at baseline and 30 min intervals for 4 hours following intake were analyzed by measures of antioxidant status in plasma, including Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. In addition, dose-dependent production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by the same extracts was measured in untreated commercial pig plasma in vitro. Plasma from treated pigs showed extract dose-dependent increases in non-enzymatic (plasma TEAC) and enzymatic (GPx) antioxidant capacities. Similarly, extract dose-dependent increases in H2O2 were observed in commercial pig plasma in vitro. The antioxidant responses to extracts by treated pigs were highly correlated with their respective yields of H2O2 production in vitro. These results support that dietary phytochemicals regulate OS via direct and indirect antioxidant mechanisms. The latter may be attributed to the ability to produce H2O2 and to thereby stimulate cellular antioxidant defence systems. PMID:28708113

Smoking habits and plasma lipid peroxide and vitamin E levels in never-treated first-episode patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

2000-03-01

Lipid peroxidation may be increased in schizophrenia, due to the illness, lifestyle or medication. To determine plasma lipid peroxide levels and serum vitamin E and A levels in first-episode never-treated people with schizophrenia and in controls. Thirty in-patients with a first episode of schizophrenia or schizophreniform psychosis were recruited, as were controls matched for gender, age, smoking and dietary status. Blood samples were taken, smoking status was recorded and body mass index measured. There were no significant differences between patients and controls in plasma peroxide levels. Seventy-three per cent of the patients smoked. Patients who smoked had a higher mean lipid peroxide level than non-smokers. Seventy-seven per cent of patients and 70% of controls had a ratio of vitamin E to cholesterol of less than 5. Body mass index was lower in patients than in controls. As a result of the high prevalence of smoking this group shows increased lipid peroxidation. Low serum ratios of vitamin E to cholesterol in both patients and controls suggest an unsatisfactory diet.

Distribution and Depletion of Ractopamine in Goat Plasma, Urine and Various Muscle Tissues.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhen; Gu, Xu; Su, Xiaoou; Li, Junguo; Li, Jun; Dong, Yingchao; Yang, Yujuan; Yao, Ting; Qin, Yuchang

2017-01-01

This study investigated the ractopamine (RAC) distribution and depletion process in goat plasma, urine and various muscle tissues which were associated with a potential risk for consumer health. The experiment was carried out in 21 goats (18 treated and 3 controls). Treated animals were administered orally a dose of 1 mg/kg body mass per day for 28 consecutive days and randomly sacrificed on Days 0.25, 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 of the withdrawal period. RAC in goat samples was analyzed by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. RAC was below the limits of detection (LOD = 0.15 ng/mL) in plasma while which was higher than the LOD in urine on withdrawal day 21. The residues in goat longissimus dorsi muscle, biceps femoris muscle and triceps surae muscle were differed significantly. These findings demonstrated that urine can be used as the target matrix for monitoring RAC abuse in goat. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Investigation of heavy-metal accumulation in selected plant samples using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galiová, M.; Kaiser, J.; Novotný, K.; Novotný, J.; Vaculovič, T.; Liška, M.; Malina, R.; Stejskal, K.; Adam, V.; Kizek, R.

2008-12-01

Single-pulse Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser-Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were applied for mapping the silver and copper distribution in Helianthus Annuus L. samples treated with contaminant in controlled conditions. For Ag and Cu detection the 328.07 nm Ag(I) and 324.75 nm Cu(I) lines were used, respectively. The LIBS experimental conditions (mainly the laser energy and the observation window) were optimized in order to avoid self-absorption effect in the measured spectra. In the LA-ICP-MS analysis the Ag 107 and Cu 63 isotopes were detected. The capability of these two analytical techniques for high-resolution mapping of selected trace chemical elements was demonstrated.

Low levels of HIV-1 RNA detected in the cerebrospinal fluid after up to 10 years of suppressive therapy are associated with local immune activation

PubMed Central

Dahl, Viktor; Peterson, Julia; Fuchs, Dietmar; Gisslen, Magnus; Palmer, Sarah; Price, Richard W.

2015-01-01

Objective and design Though combination antiretroviral therapy reduces the concentration of HIV-1 RNA in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) below the detection limit of clinical assays, low levels of HIV-1 RNA are frequently detectable in plasma using more sensitive assays. We examined the frequency and magnitude of persistent low-level HIV-1 RNA in CSF and its relation to the central nervous system (CNS) immune activation. Methods CSF and plasma HIV-1 RNA were measured using the single-copy assay with a detection limit of 0.3 copies/ml in 70 CSF and 68 plasma samples from 45 treated HIV-1-infected patients with less than 40 copies/ml of HIV-1 RNA in both fluids by standard clinical assays. We also measured CSF neopterin to assess intrathecal immune activation. Theoretical drug exposure was estimated using the CNS penetration-efficacy score of treatment regimens. Results CSF HIV-1 RNA was detected in 12 of the 70 CSF samples (17%) taken after up to 10 years of suppressive therapy, compared to 39 of the 68 plasma samples (57%) with a median concentration of less than 0.3 copies/ml in CSF compared to 0.3 copies/ml in plasma (P <0.0001). CSF samples with detectable HIV-1 RNA had higher CSF neopterin levels (mean 8.2 compared to 5.7 nmol/l; P =0.0085). Patients with detectable HIV-1 RNA in CSF did not differ in pretreatment plasma HIV-1 RNA levels, nadir CD4+ cell count or CNS penetration-efficacy score. Conclusion Low-level CSF HIV-1 RNA and its association with elevated CSF neopterin highlight the potential for the CNS to serve as a viral reservoir and for persistent infection to cause subclinical CNS injury. PMID:25022595

Low levels of HIV-1 RNA detected in the cerebrospinal fluid after up to 10 years of suppressive therapy are associated with local immune activation.

PubMed

Dahl, Viktor; Peterson, Julia; Fuchs, Dietmar; Gisslen, Magnus; Palmer, Sarah; Price, Richard W

2014-09-24

Though combination antiretroviral therapy reduces the concentration of HIV-1 RNA in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) below the detection limit of clinical assays, low levels of HIV-1 RNA are frequently detectable in plasma using more sensitive assays. We examined the frequency and magnitude of persistent low-level HIV-1 RNA in CSF and its relation to the central nervous system (CNS) immune activation. CSF and plasma HIV-1 RNA were measured using the single-copy assay with a detection limit of 0.3 copies/ml in 70 CSF and 68 plasma samples from 45 treated HIV-1-infected patients with less than 40 copies/ml of HIV-1 RNA in both fluids by standard clinical assays. We also measured CSF neopterin to assess intrathecal immune activation. Theoretical drug exposure was estimated using the CNS penetration-efficacy score of treatment regimens. CSF HIV-1 RNA was detected in 12 of the 70 CSF samples (17%) taken after up to 10 years of suppressive therapy, compared to 39 of the 68 plasma samples (57%) with a median concentration of less than 0.3 copies/ml in CSF compared to 0.3 copies/ml in plasma (P < 0.0001). CSF samples with detectable HIV-1 RNA had higher CSF neopterin levels (mean 8.2 compared to 5.7 nmol/l; P = 0.0085). Patients with detectable HIV-1 RNA in CSF did not differ in pretreatment plasma HIV-1 RNA levels, nadir CD4 cell count or CNS penetration-efficacy score. Low-level CSF HIV-1 RNA and its association with elevated CSF neopterin highlight the potential for the CNS to serve as a viral reservoir and for persistent infection to cause subclinical CNS injury.

Dynamic molecular analysis and clinical correlates of tumor evolution within a phase II trial of panitumumab-based therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Siena, S; Sartore-Bianchi, A; Garcia-Carbonero, R; Karthaus, M; Smith, D; Tabernero, J; Van Cutsem, E; Guan, X; Boedigheimer, M; Ang, A; Twomey, B; Bach, B A; Jung, A S; Bardelli, A

2018-01-01

Mutations in rat sarcoma (RAS) genes may be a mechanism of secondary resistance in epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-treated patients. Tumor-tissue biopsy testing has been the standard for evaluating mutational status; however, plasma testing of cell-free DNA has been shown to be a more sensitive method for detecting clonal evolution. Archival pre- and post-treatment tumor biopsy samples from a phase II study of panitumumab in combination with irinotecan in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that also collected plasma samples before, during, and after treatment were analyzed for emergence of mutations during/post-treatment by next-generation sequencing and BEAMing. The rate of emergence of tumor tissue RAS mutations was 9.5% by next-generation sequencing (n = 21) and 6.3% by BEAMing (n = 16). Plasma testing of cell-free DNA by BEAMing revealed a mutant RAS emergence rate of 36.7% (n = 39). Exploratory outcomes analysis of plasma samples indicated that patients who had emergent RAS mutations at progression had similar median progression-free survival to those patients who remained wild-type at progression. Serial analysis of plasma samples showed that the first detected emergence of RAS mutations preceded progression by a median of 3.6 months (range, -0.3 to 7.5 months) and that there did not appear to be a mutant RAS allele frequency threshold that could predict near-term outcomes. This first prospective analysis in mCRC showed that serial plasma biopsies are more inclusive than tissue biopsies for evaluating global tumor heterogeneity; however, the clinical utility of plasma testing in mCRC remains to be further explored. NCT00891930. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology.

Pharmacokinetics, excretion of 8-cetylberberine and its main metabolites in rat urine.

PubMed

Hu, Yuli; Fan, Shoujun; Liao, Xiaobing; Chen, Chao; Su, Liang; Li, Xuegang

2017-01-05

Berberine (BBR) is a bioactive plant ingredient derived from the roots and bark of Berberis aristata and Coptis chinensis and has a wide variety of pharmacological effects. 8-cetylberberine (8-BBR-C16) is the berberine (BBR) derivative reconstructed from adding octadecyl at C-8 of BBR to enhance its activity. This study presents a reliable method for the determination of BBR and 8-BBR-C16 in rat plasma, urine and feces. BBR and 8-BBR-C16 were determined by HPLC-UV after liquid-liquid extraction for plasma samples, and solid-phase extraction for urinary and fecal samples. The method was linear over the concentration range of 10-300 ng·ml -1 for the plasma samples, 25-2000 ng·ml -1 for the urinary samples, and 100-2000 ng·g -1 for the fecal samples. Furthermore, a metabolic investigation on urine was performed by LC/MS/MS analysis to identify the structures of 8-BBR-C16 metabolites by full scan and product ion scan. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups. In the control group, rats received 80 mg·kg -1 BBR, and in the drug-treated group, rats received 80 mg·kg -1 8-BBR-C16. The results indicate that there were significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters and in the accumulated excretion levels between the control group and the drug-treated group. The C max and AUC 0-t of 8-BBR-C16 were 2.8 and 12.9 times higher than those of BBR, and the relative bioavailability of BBR to 8-BBR-C16 was 7.7%. The total excretion amount through the urine and feces of 8-BBR-C16 was 76.9%, but that of BBR was only 20.5%. Additionally, 8-BBR-C16 was metabolized in rat urine with phase I demethylation and phase II glucuronidation or sulfation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intraoperative bradycardia and hypotension associated with timolol and pilocarpine eye drops.

PubMed

Mishra, P; Calvey, T N; Williams, N E; Murray, G R

1983-09-01

A 69-yr-old man, who was concurrently being treated with pilocarpine nitrate and timolol maleate eye drops, developed a bradycardia and became hypotensive during halothane anaesthesia. Both timolol and pilocarpine were subsequently identified in a 24-h collection of urine. Timolol (but not pilocarpine) was detected in a sample of plasma removed during surgery; the plasma concentration of timolol (2.6 ng ml-1) was consistent with partial beta-adrenoceptor blockade. It is postulated that this action may have been enhanced during halothane anaesthesia with resultant bradycardia and hypotension. Pilocarpine may have had a contributory effect.

Inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes on ham with nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma

PubMed Central

Lis, Karolina Anna; Binder, Sylvia; Li, Yangfang; Kehrenberg, Corinna; Zimmermann, Julia Louise; Ahlfeld, Birte

2018-01-01

The application of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) for decontamination of sliced ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products (in this case, rolled fillets of ham), inoculated with Salmonella (S.) Typhimurium and Listeria (L.) monocytogenes was investigated. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an ionised gas that includes highly reactive species and ozone, interacting with cell membranes and DNA of bacteria. The mode of action of CAPs includes penetration and disruption of the outer cell membrane or intracellular destruction of DNA located in the cytoplasm. Inoculated ham was treated for 10 and 20 min with CAP generated by a surface-micro-discharge-plasma source using cost-effective ambient air as working gas with different humidity levels of 45–50 and 90%. The chosen plasma modes had a peak-to-peak voltage of 6.4 or 10 kV and a frequency of 2 and 10 kHz. Under the tested conditions, the direct effectiveness of CAP on microbial inactivation was limited. Although all treated samples showed significant reductions in the microbial load subsequent to plasma treatment, the maximum inactivation of S. Typhimurium was 1.14 lg steps after 20 min of CAP-treatment (p<0.05), and L. monocytogenes was reduced by 1.02 lg steps (p<0.05) using high peak-to-peak voltage of 10 kV and a frequency of 2 kHz regardless of moisture content. However, effective inactivation was achieved by a combination of CAP-treatment and cold storage at 8°C ± 0.5°C for 7 and 14 days after packaging under sealed high nitrogen gas flush (70% N2, 30% CO2). Synergistic effects of CAP and cold storage for 14 days led to a clearer decrease in the microbial load of 1.84 lg steps for S. Typhimurium (p<0.05) and 2.55 lg steps for L. monocytogenes (p<0.05). In the case of L. monocytogenes, subsequent to CAP-treatment (10 kV, 2 kHz) and cold storage, microbial counts were predominantly below the detection limit. Measurement showed that after CAP-treatment, surface temperature of ham did not exceed the room temperature of 22°C ± 2°C. With the application of humidity levels of 45–50%, the colour distance ΔE increased in CAP treated samples due to a decrease in L* values. In conclusion, effectiveness of CAP-treatment was limited. However, the combination of CAP-treatment and cold storage of samples under modified-atmospheric-conditions up to 14 days could significantly reduce microorganisms on RTE ham. Further investigations are required to improve effectiveness of CAP-treatment. PMID:29795627

Inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes on ham with nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma.

PubMed

Lis, Karolina Anna; Boulaaba, Annika; Binder, Sylvia; Li, Yangfang; Kehrenberg, Corinna; Zimmermann, Julia Louise; Klein, Günter; Ahlfeld, Birte

2018-01-01

The application of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) for decontamination of sliced ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products (in this case, rolled fillets of ham), inoculated with Salmonella (S.) Typhimurium and Listeria (L.) monocytogenes was investigated. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an ionised gas that includes highly reactive species and ozone, interacting with cell membranes and DNA of bacteria. The mode of action of CAPs includes penetration and disruption of the outer cell membrane or intracellular destruction of DNA located in the cytoplasm. Inoculated ham was treated for 10 and 20 min with CAP generated by a surface-micro-discharge-plasma source using cost-effective ambient air as working gas with different humidity levels of 45-50 and 90%. The chosen plasma modes had a peak-to-peak voltage of 6.4 or 10 kV and a frequency of 2 and 10 kHz. Under the tested conditions, the direct effectiveness of CAP on microbial inactivation was limited. Although all treated samples showed significant reductions in the microbial load subsequent to plasma treatment, the maximum inactivation of S. Typhimurium was 1.14 lg steps after 20 min of CAP-treatment (p<0.05), and L. monocytogenes was reduced by 1.02 lg steps (p<0.05) using high peak-to-peak voltage of 10 kV and a frequency of 2 kHz regardless of moisture content. However, effective inactivation was achieved by a combination of CAP-treatment and cold storage at 8°C ± 0.5°C for 7 and 14 days after packaging under sealed high nitrogen gas flush (70% N2, 30% CO2). Synergistic effects of CAP and cold storage for 14 days led to a clearer decrease in the microbial load of 1.84 lg steps for S. Typhimurium (p<0.05) and 2.55 lg steps for L. monocytogenes (p<0.05). In the case of L. monocytogenes, subsequent to CAP-treatment (10 kV, 2 kHz) and cold storage, microbial counts were predominantly below the detection limit. Measurement showed that after CAP-treatment, surface temperature of ham did not exceed the room temperature of 22°C ± 2°C. With the application of humidity levels of 45-50%, the colour distance ΔE increased in CAP treated samples due to a decrease in L* values. In conclusion, effectiveness of CAP-treatment was limited. However, the combination of CAP-treatment and cold storage of samples under modified-atmospheric-conditions up to 14 days could significantly reduce microorganisms on RTE ham. Further investigations are required to improve effectiveness of CAP-treatment.

Study of evaporating the irradiated graphite in equilibrium low-temperature plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bespala, E. V.; Novoselov, I. Yu.; Pavlyuk, A. O.; Kotlyarevskiy, S. G.

2018-01-01

The paper describes a problem of accumulation of irradiated graphite due to operation of uranium-graphite nuclear reactors. The main noncarbon contaminants that contribute to the overall activity of graphite elements are iso-topes 137Cs, 60Co, 90Sr, 36Cl, and 3H. A method was developed for processing of irradiated graphite ensuring the volu-metric decontamination of samples. The calculation results are presented for equilibrium composition of plasma-chemical reactions in systems "irradiated graphite-argon" and "irradiated graphite-helium" for a wide range of tem-peratures. The paper describes a developed mathematical model for the process of purification of a porous graphite surface treated by equilibrium low-temperature plasma. The simulation results are presented for the rate of sublimation of radioactive contaminants as a function of plasma temperature and plasma flow velocity when different plasma-forming gases are used. The extraction coefficient for the contaminant 137Cs from the outer side of graphite pores was calculated. The calculations demonstrated the advantages of using a lighter plasma forming gas, i.e., helium.

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry determination of GHB, GHB-glucuronide in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of narcoleptic patients under sodium oxybate treatment.

PubMed

Tittarelli, Roberta; Pichini, Simona; Pedersen, Daniel S; Pacifici, Roberta; Moresco, Monica; Pizza, Fabio; Busardò, Francesco Paolo; Plazzi, Giuseppe

2017-05-01

Sodium oxybate (Xyrem ® ), the sodium salt of γ- hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), is a first-line treatment of the symptoms induced by type 1 narcolepsy (NT1) and it is highly effective in improving sleep architecture, decreasing excessive daytime sleepiness and the frequency of cataplexy attacks. Using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) validated method, GHB was determined together with its glucuronide (GHB-gluc), in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of NT1 patients under sodium oxybate treatment. To characterize the plasma pharmacokinetics of GHB, three subjects with NT1 were administered at time 0 and 4h with 1.25, 1.5 and 3.55g Xyrem ® , respectively and had their blood samples collected at 7 time points throughout an 8-h session. CSF specimens, collected for orexin A measurement from the same three subjects 6h after their second administration, were also tested. The results obtained suggested that GHB plasma values increased disproportionally with the rising doses, (C max0-4 : 12.53, 32.95 and 69.62μg/mL; C max4-8 : 44.93, 75.03 and 111.93μg/mL for total Xyrem ® dose of 2.5, 3 and 7g respectively) indicating non-linear dose-response. GHB-Gluc was present only in traces in all plasma samples from treated patients, not changing with increasing Xyrem ® doses. GHB values of 5.62, 6.10 and 17.74μg/mL for 2, 3 and 7g Xyrem ® were found in CSF with a significant difference from control values. GHB-Gluc was found in negligible concentrations with no differences to those of control individuals. In conclusion this simple and fast UHPLC-MS/MS method proved useful for pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic drug monitoring of GHB in narcoleptic patients treated with sodium oxybate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and evaluation of suspension plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia coatings as thermal barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Every, Kent J.

The insulating effects from thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) in gas turbine engines allow for increased operational efficiencies and longer service lifetimes. Consequently, improving TBCs can lead to enhanced gas turbine engine performance. This study was conducted to investigate if yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings, the standard industrial choice for TBCs, produced from nano-sized powder could provide better thermal insulation than current commericial YSZ coatings generated using micron-sized powders. The coatings for this research were made via the recently developed suspension plasma spraying (SPS) process. With SPS, powders are suspended in a solvent containing dispersing agents; the suspension is then injected directly into a plasma flow that evaporates the solvent and melts the powder while transporting it to the substrate. Although related to the industrial TBC production method of air plasma spraying (APS), SPS has two important differences---the ability to spray sub-micron diameter ceramic particles, and the ability to alloy the particles with chemicals dissolved in the solvent. These aspects of SPS were employed to generate a series of coatings from suspensions containing ˜100 nm diameter YSZ powder particles, some of which were alloyed with neodymium and ytterbium ions from the solvent. The SPS coatings contained columnar structures not observed in APS TBCs; thus, a theory was developed to explain the formation of these features. The thermal conductivity of the coatings was tested to evaluate the effects of these unique microstructures and the effects of the alloying process. The results for samples in the as-sprayed and heat-treated conditions were compared to conventional YSZ TBCs. This comparison showed that, relative to APS YSZ coatings, the unalloyed SPS samples typically exhibited higher as-sprayed and lower heat-treated thermal conductivities. All thermal conductivity values for the alloyed samples were lower than conventional YSZ TBCs. The different thermal conduction behaviors were linked to the porosity and compositional properties of the coatings using immersion density, SEM, and synchrotron radiation characterization techniques.

Development of dielectric barrier discharge for reducing microbial contamination in pepper (Piper nigrum) and sesame (Sesamum indicum Linn.) powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Promping, J.; Prakongsil, P.; Picha, R.; Traikool, T.

2017-09-01

This research is designed to determine the efficacy of DBD plasma to reduce the microbial contamination of pepper and sesame powder. The AC high voltage power supply was used with voltages of up to 20 kV and the frequency of 5.5 kHz was applied to the DBD. The gap of DBD electrodes was set at 5 mm. In raw initial samples, the total aerobic count of pepper (Piper nigrum) was found at quite a high level at 5.40 × 105 CFU/g. Coliform bacteria was also found in both the sesame (Sesamum indicum Linn.) powder and pepper (Piper nigrum) powder. Both kinds of samples were treated with plasma for 2, 4, 6 and 10 minutes. Results indicated that plasma treatment at 2-10 minutes reduced the total aerobic count of pepper allowed to achieve the acceptable microbial level for spices. The plasma treatment times in this experiment were also effective in reducing faecal coliform bacteria in both pepper and sesame powders (MPN/g <3) as indicated in the standard. Plasma from dielectric barrier charge can reduce Staphylococcus epidermidis in sesame powder which was artificially contaminated with 3.50 × 102 CFU/g resulting in 0.15-0.5 log cycle reductions of microbial load.

Urinary aminopeptidase activities as early and predictive biomarkers of renal dysfunction in cisplatin-treated rats.

PubMed

Quesada, Andrés; Vargas, Félix; Montoro-Molina, Sebastián; O'Valle, Francisco; Rodríguez-Martínez, María Dolores; Osuna, Antonio; Prieto, Isabel; Ramírez, Manuel; Wangensteen, Rosemary

2012-01-01

This study analyzes the fluorimetric determination of alanyl- (Ala), glutamyl- (Glu), leucyl-cystinyl- (Cys) and aspartyl-aminopeptidase (AspAp) urinary enzymatic activities as early and predictive biomarkers of renal dysfunction in cisplatin-treated rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 8 each group) received a single subcutaneous injection of either saline or cisplatin 3.5 or 7 mg/kg, and urine samples were taken at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 14 days after treatment. In urine samples we determined Ala, Glu, Cys and AspAp activities, proteinuria, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), albumin, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Plasma creatinine, creatinine clearance and renal morphological variables were measured at the end of the experiment. CysAp, NAG and albumin were increased 48 hours after treatment in the cisplatin 3.5 mg/kg treated group. At 24 hours, all urinary aminopeptidase activities and albuminuria were significantly increased in the cisplatin 7 mg/kg treated group. Aminopeptidase urinary activities correlated (p<0.011; r(2)>0.259) with plasma creatinine, creatinine clearance and/or kidney weight/body weight ratio at the end of the experiment and they could be considered as predictive biomarkers of renal injury severity. ROC-AUC analysis was made to study their sensitivity and specificity to distinguish between treated and untreated rats at day 1. All aminopeptidase activities showed an AUC>0.633. We conclude that Ala, Cys, Glu and AspAp enzymatic activities are early and predictive urinary biomarkers of the renal dysfunction induced by cisplatin. These determinations can be very useful in the prognostic and diagnostic of renal dysfunction in preclinical research and clinical practice.

Association between Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Neuronal Injury in HIV Infection

PubMed Central

Ahlgren, Erika; Hagberg, Lars; Fuchs, Dietmar; Andersson, Lars-Magnus; Nilsson, Staffan; Zetterberg, Henrik; Gisslén, Magnus

2016-01-01

Objective To investigate the role of homocysteine in neuronal injury in HIV infection. Methods Using a cross-sectional design and archived samples, we compared concentrations of plasma homocysteine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light protein (NFL), a sensitive marker of neuronal injury, in 83 HIV-1-infected subjects without antiretroviral treatment. We also analyzed plasma vitamin B12, serum folate, CSF, and plasma HIV RNA, the immune activation marker neopterin in CSF and serum, and albumin ratio as a marker of blood-brain barrier integrity. Twenty-two subjects provided a second sample median of 12.5 months after antiretroviral treatment initiation. Results A significant correlation was found between plasma homocysteine and CSF NFL concentrations in untreated individuals (r = 0.52, p < 0.0001). As expected, there was a significant inverse correlation between homocysteine and B12 (r = –0.41, p < 0.001) and folate (r = –0.40, p = < 0.001) levels. In a multiple linear regression analysis homocysteine stood out as an independent predictor of CSF NFL in HIV-1-infected individuals. The correlation of plasma homocysteine and CSF NFL was also present in the group receiving antiretroviral therapy (r = 0.51, p = 0.016). Conclusion A correlation between plasma homocysteine and axonal injury, as measured by CSF NFL, was found in both untreated and treated HIV. While this study is not able to prove a causal link, homocysteine and functional B12/folate deficiency appear to play a role in neural injury in HIV-infected individuals. PMID:27441551

Association between Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Neuronal Injury in HIV Infection.

PubMed

Ahlgren, Erika; Hagberg, Lars; Fuchs, Dietmar; Andersson, Lars-Magnus; Nilsson, Staffan; Zetterberg, Henrik; Gisslén, Magnus

2016-01-01

To investigate the role of homocysteine in neuronal injury in HIV infection. Using a cross-sectional design and archived samples, we compared concentrations of plasma homocysteine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light protein (NFL), a sensitive marker of neuronal injury, in 83 HIV-1-infected subjects without antiretroviral treatment. We also analyzed plasma vitamin B12, serum folate, CSF, and plasma HIV RNA, the immune activation marker neopterin in CSF and serum, and albumin ratio as a marker of blood-brain barrier integrity. Twenty-two subjects provided a second sample median of 12.5 months after antiretroviral treatment initiation. A significant correlation was found between plasma homocysteine and CSF NFL concentrations in untreated individuals (r = 0.52, p < 0.0001). As expected, there was a significant inverse correlation between homocysteine and B12 (r = -0.41, p < 0.001) and folate (r = -0.40, p = < 0.001) levels. In a multiple linear regression analysis homocysteine stood out as an independent predictor of CSF NFL in HIV-1-infected individuals. The correlation of plasma homocysteine and CSF NFL was also present in the group receiving antiretroviral therapy (r = 0.51, p = 0.016). A correlation between plasma homocysteine and axonal injury, as measured by CSF NFL, was found in both untreated and treated HIV. While this study is not able to prove a causal link, homocysteine and functional B12/folate deficiency appear to play a role in neural injury in HIV-infected individuals.

Modulation of the electrical properties in amorphous indium-gallium zinc-oxide semiconductor films using hydrogen incorporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Aeran; Park, Hyun-Woo; Chung, Kwun-Bum; Rim, You Seung; Son, Kyoung Seok; Lim, Jun Hyung; Chu, Hye Yong

2017-12-01

The electrical properties of amorphous-indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) thin films were investigated after thermal annealing and plasma treatment under different gas conditions. The electrical resistivity of a-IGZO thin films post-treated in a hydrogen ambient were lower than those without treatment and those annealed in air, regardless of the methods used for both thermal annealing and plasma treatment. The electrical properties can be explained by the quantity of hydrogen incorporated into the samples and the changes in the electronic structure in terms of the chemical bonding states, the distribution of the near-conduction-band unoccupied states, and the band alignment. As a result, the carrier concentrations of the hydrogen treated a-IGZO thin films increased, while the mobility decreased, due to the increase in the oxygen vacancies from the occurrence of unoccupied states in both shallow and deep levels.

Prognostic Value of Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA for Local and Regionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated With Cisplatin-Based Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Era.

PubMed

Chen, Wen-Hui; Tang, Lin-Quan; Guo, Shan-Shan; Chen, Qiu-Yan; Zhang, Lu; Liu, Li-Ting; Qian, Chao-Nan; Guo, Xiang; Xie, Dan; Zeng, Mu-Sheng; Mai, Hai-Qiang

2016-02-01

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA (EBV DNA) for local and regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) era.In this observational study, 404 nonmetastatic local and regionally advanced NPC patients treated with IMRT and cisplatin-based concurrent chemotherapy were recruited. Blood samples were collected before treatment for examination of plasma EBV DNA levels. We evaluated the association of pretreatment plasma EBV DNA levels with progression-free survival rate (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival rate (DMFS), and overall survival rate (OS).Compared to patients with an EBV DNA level < 4000  copies/mL, patients with an EBV DNA ≥ 4000  copies/mL had a lower rate of 3-year PFS (76%, 95% CI [68-84]) versus (93%, 95% CI [90-96], P < 0.001), DMFS (83%, 95% CI [76-89]) versus (97%, 95% CI [94-99], P < 0.001), and OS (85%, 95% CI [78-92]) versus (98%, 95% CI [95-100], P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that pretreatment EBV DNA levels (HR = 3.324, 95% CI, 1.80-6.138, P < 0.001) and clinical stage (HR = 1.878, 95% CI, 1.036-3.404, P = 0.038) were the only independent factor associated with PFS, pretreatment EBV DNA level was the only significant factor to predict DMFS (HR = 6.292, 95% CI, 2.647-14.956, P < 0.001), and pretreatment EBV DNA levels (HR = 3.753, 95% CI, 1.701-8.284, P < 0.001) and clinical stage (HR = 2.577, 95% CI, 1.252-5.050, P = 0.010) were significantly associated with OS. In subgroup analysis, higher plasma EBV DNA levels still predicted a worse PFS, DMFS, and OS for the patients stage III or stage IVa-b, compared with those with low EBV DNA levels.Elevated plasma EBV DNA was still effective prognostic biomarker for local and regionally advanced NPC patients treated with IMRT and cisplatin-based concurrent chemotherapy. Future ramdomized clinical trials are needed to further evaluate whether plasma EBV DNA levels could be applied to guide concurrent chemotherapy regimen for local and regionally advanced NPC patients.

Maternal hyperthyroidism is associated with a decreased incidence of cold-induced ascites in broiler chickens.

PubMed

Akhlaghi, A; Zamiri, M J; Zare Shahneh, A; Jafari Ahangari, Y; Nejati Javaremi, A; Rahimi Mianji, G; Mollasalehi, M R; Shojaie, H; Akhlaghi, A A; Deldar, H; Atashi, H; Ansari Pirsaraei, Z; Zhandi, M

2012-05-01

A hypothesis was tested that providing the breeder hens with exogenous thyroxine (T(4)) would help their offspring to better survive the ascites-inducing condition during the growing period. In total, 132 broiler breeder hens were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: control (CON), hypothyroid [HYPO; 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-treated], and hyperthyroid (HYPER; T(4)-treated). The hens were artificially inseminated, and the hatching eggs (n = 1,320) were incubated. No eggs in the HYPO group hatched. The 1-d-old male chicks (n = 288) from other groups were reared for 42 d under standard or low ambient temperature to induce ascites. Blood samples were drawn from the hens, embryos, and broilers for determination of T(4) and triiodothyronine (T(3)). The hematocrit was also determined in broilers. The PTU-treated hens had an increased BW along with lower plasma T(3) and T(4) concentrations. Plasma T(4) was higher in the HYPER hens compared with CON hens, but T(3) concentration was not different between these groups. The fertility rate was not affected by either hypo- or hyperthyroidism. The embryos in the HYPO group had lower plasma T(3) and T(4) concentrations at d 18 of embryonic development and internal pipping. Higher plasma T(4) was recorded in the HYPER birds at internal pipping, although plasma T(3) concentration was not affected at this stage. Maternal hyperthyroidism decreased the overall incidence of ascites in the cold-exposed chickens (10.0 vs. 33.4% for HYPER and CON groups, respectively). Although the effect of maternal PTU or T(4) treatment on plasma thyroid hormones and on the right ventricle-to-total ventricular weight ratio in the broilers was not significant, the cold-exposed healthy CON chicks showed higher hematocrit values, compared with the HYPER birds. It was concluded that maternal hyperthyroidism could decrease the incidence of cold-induced ascites in broiler chickens; however, probable causal mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

Low-temperature oxidizing plasma surface modification and composite polymer thin-film fabrication techniques for tailoring the composition and behavior of polymer surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tompkins, Brendan D.

This dissertation examines methods for modifying the composition and behavior of polymer material surfaces. This is accomplished using (1) low-temperature low-density oxidizing plasmas to etch and implant new functionality on polymers, and (2) plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) techniques to fabricate composite polymer materials. Emphases are placed on the structure of modified polymer surfaces, the evolution of polymer surfaces after treatment, and the species responsible for modifying polymers during plasma processing. H2O vapor plasma modification of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), and 75A polyurethane (PU) was examined to further our understanding of polymer surface reorganization leading to hydrophobic recovery. Water contact angles (wCA) measurements showed that PP and PS were the most susceptible to hydrophobic recovery, while PC and HDPE were the most stable. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed a significant quantity of polar functional groups on the surface of all treated polymer samples. Shifts in the C1s binding energies (BE) with sample age were measured on PP and PS, revealing that surface reorganization was responsible for hydrophobic recovery on these materials. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to rule out the intrinsic thermal properties as the cause of reorganization and hydrophobic recovery on HDPE, LDPE, and PP. The different contributions that polymer cross-linking and chain scission mechanisms make to polymer aging effects are considered. The H2O plasma treatment technique was extended to the modification of 0.2 microm and 3.0 microm track-etched polycarbonate (PC-TE) and track-etched polyethylene terephthalate (PET-TE) membranes with the goal of permanently increasing the hydrophilicity of the membrane surfaces. Contact angle measurements on freshly treated and aged samples confirmed the wettability of the membrane surfaces was significantly improved by plasma treatment. XPS and SEM analyses revealed increased oxygen incorporation onto the surface of the membranes, without any damage to the surface or pore structure. Contact angle measurements on a membrane treated in a stacked assembly suggest the plasma effectively modified the entire pore cross section. Plasma treatment also increased water flux through the membranes, with results from plasma modified membranes matching those from commercially available hydrophilic membranes (treated with wetting agent). Mechanisms for the observed modification are discussed in terms of OH and O radicals implanting oxygen functionality into the polymers. Oxidizing plasma systems (O2, CO2, H2O vapor, and formic acid vapor) were used to modify track-etched polycarbonate membranes and explore the mechanisms and species responsible for etching polycarbonate during plasma processing. Etch rates were measured using scanning electron microscopy; modified polycarbonate surfaces were further characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angles. Etch rates and surface characterization results were combined with optical emission spectroscopy data used to identify gas-phase species and their relative densities. Although the oxide functionalities implanted by each plasma system were similar, the H2O vapor and formic acid vapor plasmas yielded the lowest contact angles after treatment. The CO2, H2O vapor, and formic acid vapor plasma-modified surfaces were, however, found to be similarly stable one month after treatment. Overall, etch rate correlated directly to the relative gas-phase density of atomic oxygen and, to a lesser extent, hydroxyl radicals. PECVD of acetic acid vapor (CH3COOH) was used to deposit films on PC-TE and silicon wafer substrates. The CH3COOH films were characterized using XPS, wCA, and SEM. This modification technique resulted in continuous deposition and self-limiting deposition of a-CxO yHz films on Si wafers and PC-TE, respectively. The self-limiting deposition on PC-TE revealed that resulting films have minimal impact on 3D PC structures. This technique would allow for more precise fabrication of patterned or nano-textured PC. PECVD is used to synthesize hydrocarbon/fluorocarbon thin films with compositional gradients by continuously changing the ratio of gases in a C 3F8/H2 plasma. The films are characterized using variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), XPS, wCA, and SEM. These methods revealed that shifting spectroscopic signals can be used to characterize organization in the deposited film. Using these methods, along with gas-phase diagnostics, film chemistry and the underlying deposition mechanisms are elucidated, leading to a model that accurately predicts film thickness.

Biointerfacial Property of Plasma-Treated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Film Electrodes for Electrochemical Biosensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Joon Hyub; Lee, Jun-Yong; Jin, Joon-Hyung; Park, Eun Jin; Min, Nam Ki

2013-01-01

The single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based thin film was spray-coated on the Pt support and functionalized using O2 plasma. The effects of plasma treatment on the biointerfacial properties of the SWCNT films were analyzed by cyclic voltammogram (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The plasma-functionalized (pf) SWCNT electrodes modified with Legionella pneumophila-specific probe DNA strands showed a much higher peak current and a smaller peak separation in differential pulse voltammetry and a lower charge transfer resistance, compared to the untreated samples. These results suggest that the pf-SWCNT films have a better electrocatalytic character and an electron transfer capability faster than the untreated SWCNTs, due to the fact that the oxygen-containing functional groups promote direct electron transfer in the biointerfacial region of the electrocatalytic activity of redox-active biomolecules.

Modification of the surface properties of glass-ceramic materials at low-pressure RF plasma stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tovstopyat, Alexander; Gafarov, Ildar; Galeev, Vadim; Azarova, Valentina; Golyaeva, Anastasia

2018-05-01

The surface roughness has a huge effect on the mechanical, optical, and electronic properties of materials. In modern optical systems, the specifications for the surface accuracy and smoothness of substrates are becoming even more stringent. Commercially available pre-polished glass-ceramic substrates were treated with the radio frequency (RF) inductively coupled (13.56 MHz) low-pressure plasma to clean the surface of the samples and decrease the roughness. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to investigate the plasma stream parameters and phase-shifted interferometry to investigate the surface of the specimen. In this work, the dependence of RF inductively coupled plasma on macroscopic parameters was investigated with the focus on improving the surfaces. The ion energy, sputtering rate, and homogeneity were investigated. The improvements of the glass-ceramic surfaces from 2.6 to 2.2 Å root mean square by removing the "waste" after the previous operations had been achieved.

Influence of the pulsed plasma treatment on the corrosion resistance of the low-alloy steel plated by Ni-based alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dzhumaev, P.; Yakushin, V.; Kalin, B.; Polsky, V.; Yurlova, M.

2016-04-01

This paper presents investigation results of the influence of high temperature pulsed plasma flows (HTPPF) treatment on the corrosion resistance of low-alloy steel 0.2C-Cr-Mn- Ni-Mo cladded by the rapidly quenched nickel-based alloy. A technique that allows obtaining a defect-free clad layer with a good adhesion to the substrate was developed. It is shown that the preliminary treatment of steel samples by nitrogen plasma flows significantly increases their corrosion resistance in the conditions of intergranular corrosion test in a water solution of sulfuric acid. A change of the corrosion mechanism of the clad layer from intergranular to uniform corrosion was observed as a result of sub-microcrystalline structure formation and homogeneous distribution of alloying elements in the plasma treated surface layer thus leading to the significant increase of the corrosion resistance.

Study of the structural and thermal properties of plasma treated jute fibre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, E.; Rout, S. K.; Barhai, P. K.

2008-08-01

Jute fibres ( Corchorus olitorius), were treated with argon cold plasma for 5, 10 and 15 min. Structural macromolecular parameters of untreated and plasma treated fibres were investigated using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and the crystallinity parameters of the same fibres were determined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the thermal behavior of the untreated and treated fibres. Comparison and analysis of the results confirmed the changes in the macromolecular structure after plasma treatment. This is due to the swelling of cellulosic particles constituting the fibres, caused by the bombardment of high energetic ions onto the fibre surface. Differential scanning calorimetry data demonstrated the thermal instability of the fibre after cold plasma treatment, as the thermal degradation temperature of hemicelluloses and cellulose was found lowered than that of raw fibre after plasma treatment.

Evaluation of factors important in modeling plasma concentrations of tetracycline hydrochloride administered in water in swine.

PubMed

Mason, Sharon E; Almond, Glen W; Riviere, Jim E; Baynes, Ronald E

2012-10-01

To model the plasma tetracycline concentrations in swine (Sus scrofa domestica) treated with medication administered in water and determine the factors that contribute to the most accurate predictions of measured plasma drug concentrations. Plasma tetracycline concentrations measured in blood samples from 3 populations of swine. Data from previous studies provided plasma tetracycline concentrations that were measured in blood samples collected from 1 swine population at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 32, 48, 56, 72, 80, 96, and 104 hours and from 2 swine populations at 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours hours during administration of tetracycline hydrochloride dissolved in water. A 1-compartment pharmacostatistical model was used to analyze 5 potential covariate schemes and determine factors most important in predicting the plasma concentrations of tetracycline in swine. 2 models most accurately predicted the tetracycline plasma concentrations in the 3 populations of swine. Factors of importance were body weight or age of pig, ambient temperature, concentration of tetracycline in water, and water use per unit of time. The factors found to be of importance, combined with knowledge of the individual pharmacokinetic and chemical properties of medications currently approved for administration in water, may be useful in more prudent administration of approved medications administered to swine. Factors found to be important in pharmacostatistical models may allow prediction of plasma concentrations of tetracycline or other commonly used medications administered in water. The ability to predict in vivo concentrations of medication in a population of food animals can be combined with bacterial minimum inhibitory concentrations to decrease the risk of developing antimicrobial resistance.

Effects of cold plasma treatment on alfalfa seed growth under simulated drought stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jinkui, FENG; Decheng, WANG; Changyong, SHAO; Lili, ZHANG; Xin, TANG

2018-03-01

The effect of different cold plasma treatments on the germination and seedling growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seeds under simulated drought stress conditions was investigated. Polyethyleneglycol-6000 (PEG 6000)with the mass fraction of 0% (purified water), 5%, 10%, and 15% were applied to simulate the drought environment. The alfalfa seeds were treated with 15 different power levels ranged between 0-280 W for 15 s. The germination potential, germination rate, germination index, seedling root length, seedling height, and vigor index were investigated. Results indicated significant differences between treated with proper power and untreated alfalfa seeds. With the increase of treatment power, these indexes mentioned above almost presented bimodal curves. Under the different mass fractions of PEG 6000, results showed that the lower power led to increased germination, and the seedlings presented good adaptability to different drought conditions. Meanwhile, higher power levels resulted in a decreased germination rate. Seeds treated with 40 W resulted in higher germination potential, germination rate, seedling height, root length, and vigor index. Vigor indexes of the treated seeds under different PEG 6000 stresses increased by 38.68%, 43.91%, 74.34%, and 39.20% respectively compared to CK0-0, CK5-0, CK10-0, and CK15-0 (the control sample under 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% PEG 6000). Therefore, 40 W was regarded as the best treatment in this research. Although the trend indexes of alfalfa seeds treated with the same power were statistically the same under different PEG 6000 stresses, the cold plasma treatment had a significant effect on the adaptability of alfalfa seeds in different drought environments. Thus, this kind of treatment is worth implementing to promote seed growth under drought situations.

Secondary Electron Emission from Plasma Processed Accelerating Cavity Grade Niobium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Basovic, Milos

Advances in the particle accelerator technology have enabled numerous fundamental discoveries in 20th century physics. Extensive interdisciplinary research has always supported further development of accelerator technology in efforts of reaching each new energy frontier. Accelerating cavities, which are used to transfer energy to accelerated charged particles, have been one of the main focuses of research and development in the particle accelerator field. Over the last fifty years, in the race to break energy barriers, there has been constant improvement of the maximum stable accelerating field achieved in accelerating cavities. Every increase in the maximum attainable accelerating fields allowed for highermore » energy upgrades of existing accelerators and more compact designs of new accelerators. Each new and improved technology was faced with ever emerging limiting factors. With the standard high accelerating gradients of more than 25 MV/m, free electrons inside the cavities get accelerated by the field, gaining enough energy to produce more electrons in their interactions with the walls of the cavity. The electron production is exponential and the electron energy transfer to the walls of a cavity can trigger detrimental processes, limiting the performance of the cavity. The root cause of the free electron number gain is a phenomenon called Secondary Electron Emission (SEE). Even though the phenomenon has been known and studied over a century, there are still no effective means of controlling it. The ratio between the electrons emitted from the surface and the impacting electrons is defined as the Secondary Electron Yield (SEY). A SEY ratio larger than 1 designates an increase in the total number of electrons. In the design of accelerator cavities, the goal is to reduce the SEY to be as low as possible using any form of surface manipulation. In this dissertation, an experimental setup was developed and used to study the SEY of various sample surfaces that were treated by different techniques. Specifically, this work provides the results of SEY from the plasma cleaned cavity grade niobium (Nb) samples. Pure niobium is currently the material of choice for the fabrication of Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities. The effect of plasma processing with two different gases will be examined in two groups of samples. The first group of samples is made from cavity grade niobium. The second group of samples is made from the same material, but include a welded joint made by electron beam welding, since in niobium SRF cavities the peak electric and magnetic field are seen in close proximity to the welded joints. Both groups of samples will be exposed to nitrogen (N2) and a mixture of argon with oxygen (Ar/O2) plasma. It is the goal of this research to determine the SEY on these two groups of samples before and after plasma processing as a function of the energy of primary electrons. The SEY as a function of the angle of incidence of the primary electrons is tested on the samples treated with Ar/O2 plasma.« less

Plasma homovanillic acid correlates inversely with history of learning problems in healthy volunteer and personality disordered subjects.

PubMed

Coccaro, Emil F; Hirsch, Sharon L; Stein, Mark A

2007-01-15

Central dopaminergic activity is critical to the functioning of both motor and cognitive systems. Based on the therapeutic action of dopaminergic agents in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADHD symptoms may be related to a reduction in central dopaminergic activity. We tested the hypothesis that dopaminergic activity, as reflected by plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA), may be related to dimensional aspects of ADHD in adults. Subjects were 30 healthy volunteer and 39 personality disordered subjects, in whom morning basal pHVA concentration and a dimensional measure of childhood ADHD symptoms (Wender Utah Rating Scale: WURS) were obtained. A significant inverse correlation was found between WURS Total score and pHVA concentration in the total sample. Among WURS factor scores, a significant inverse relationship was noted between pHVA and history of "childhood learning problems". Consistent with the dopaminergic dysfunction hypothesis of ADHD and of cognitive function, pHVA concentrations were correlated with childhood history of ADHD symptoms in general and with history of "learning problems" in non-ADHD psychiatric patients and controls. Replication is needed in treated and untreated ADHD samples to confirm these initial results.

Changing the surface properties on naval steel as result of non-thermal plasma treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hnatiuc, B.; Sabău, A.; Dumitrache, C. L.; Hnatiuc, M.; Crețu, M.; Astanei, D.

2016-08-01

The problem of corrosion, related to Biofouling formation, is an issue with very high importance in the maritime domain. According to new rules, the paints and all the technologies for the conditioning of naval materials must fulfil more restrictive environmental conditions. In order to solve this issue, different new clean technologies have been proposed. Among them, the use of non-thermal plasmas produced at atmospheric pressure plays a very important role. This study concerns the opportunity of plasma treatment for preparation or conditioning of naval steel OL36 type. The plasma reactors chosen for the experiments can operate at atmospheric pressure and are easy to use in industrial conditions. They are based on electrical discharges GlidArc and Spark, which already proved their efficiency for the surface activation or even for coatings of the surface. The non-thermal character of the plasma is ensured by a gas flow blown through the electrical discharges. One power supply has been used for reactors that provide a 5 kV voltage and a maximum current of 100 mA. The modifications of the surface properties and composition have been studied by XPS technique (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy). There were taken into consideration 5 samples: 4 of them undergoing a Mini-torch plasma, a Gliding Spark, a GlidArc with dry air and a GlidArc with CO2, respectively the fifth sample which is the untreated witness. Before the plasma treatment, samples of naval steel were processed in order to obtain mechanical gloss. The time of treatment was chosen to 12 minutes. In the spectroscopic analysis, done on a ULVAC-PHI, Inc. PHI 5000 Versa Probe scanning XPS microprobe, a monocromated Al Kα X-ray source with a spot size of 100 μm2 was used to scan each sample while the photoelectrons were collected at a 45-degree take-off angle. Differences were found between atomic concentrations in each individual case, which proves that the active species produced by each type of plasma affects the surface properties of the treated naval steel.

ESR1 Methylation: A Liquid Biopsy-Based Epigenetic Assay for the Follow-up of Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer Receiving Endocrine Treatment.

PubMed

Mastoraki, Sophia; Strati, Areti; Tzanikou, Eleni; Chimonidou, Maria; Politaki, Eleni; Voutsina, Alexandra; Psyrri, Amanda; Georgoulias, Vassilis; Lianidou, Evi

2018-03-15

Purpose: Liquid biopsy provides real-time monitoring of tumor evolution and response to therapy through analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and plasma-circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). ESR1 epigenetic silencing potentially affects response to endocrine treatment. We evaluated ESR1 methylation in CTCs and paired plasma ctDNA. We evaluated ESR1 methylation in CTCs and paired plasma ctDNA as a potential biomarker for response to everolimus/exemestane treatment. Experimental Design: A highly sensitive and specific real-time MSP assay for ESR1 methylation was developed and validated in (i) 65 primary breast tumors formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), (ii) EpCAM + CTC fractions (122 patients and 30 healthy donors; HD), (iii) plasma ctDNA (108 patients and 30HD), and (iv) in CTCs (CellSearch) and in paired plasma ctDNA for 58 patients with breast cancer. ESR1 methylation status was investigated in CTCs isolated from serial peripheral blood samples of 19 patients with ER + /HER2 - advanced breast cancer receiving everolimus/exemestane. Results: ESR1 methylation was detected in: (i) 25/65 (38.5%) FFPEs, (ii) EpCAM + CTC fractions : 26/112 (23.3%) patients and 1/30 (3.3%) HD, and (iii) plasma ctDNA: 8/108 (7.4%) patients and 1/30 (3.3%) HD. ESR1 methylation was highly concordant in 58 paired DNA samples, isolated from CTCs (CellSearch) and corresponding plasma. In serial peripheral blood samples of patients treated with everolimus/exemestane, ESR1 methylation was observed in 10/36 (27.8%) CTC-positive samples, and was associated with lack of response to treatment ( P = 0.023, Fisher exact test). Conclusions: We report for the first time the detection of ESR1 methylation in CTCs and a high concordance with paired plasma ctDNA. ESR1 methylation in CTCs was associated with lack of response to everolimus/exemestane regimen. ESR1 methylation should be further evaluated as a potential liquid biopsy-based biomarker. Clin Cancer Res; 24(6); 1500-10. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

Characterization of physical and biochemical changes in plasma treated spinach seed during germination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hye Ji, Sang; Ki, Se Hoon; Kang, Min Ho; Choi, Jin Sung; Park, Yeunsoo; Oh, Jaesung; Kim, Seong Bong; Yoo, Suk Jae; Choi, Eun Ha; Park, Gyungsoon

2018-04-01

Despite the accumulating data on the effect of plasma on seed germination, mechanisms of plasma action need more extensive research. In a previous study, we observed that high voltage nanosecond pulsed plasma enhanced the germination of spinach seeds and subsequent seedling growth. As a follow-up study, we investigated the physico-chemical, biochemical, and molecular changes in seed after plasma treatment, focusing on the early germination stage, to elucidate mechanism(s) for the stimulating effects of plasma on seed germination. The primary radicle protruded from seeds exposed to high voltage nanosecond pulsed plasma (one shot) slightly faster than the control seeds. The hydrophilicity of the seed surface significantly increased after treatment with high voltage nanosecond pulsed plasma (one shot). However, a very subtle increase in water uptake by plasma treated seeds was observed. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy analyses on chloroform extract of seed coats demonstrated no significant chemical etching on the surface of plasma treated seeds. This may be related to no dramatic increase in water absorption by seeds. The level of GA hormone and starch hydrolysis inside the plasma treated seeds was significantly elevated within 24 h. Taken together, our results suggest that high voltage nanosecond pulsed plasma may not only enhance hydrophilicity of the seed surface but also stimulate biochemical and molecular processes inside seed, leading to enhanced embryonic development.

Women Administered Standard Dose Imatinib for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Have Higher Dose-Adjusted Plasma Imatinib and Norimatinib Concentrations Than Men.

PubMed

Belsey, Sarah L; Ireland, Robin; Lang, Kathryn; Kizilors, Aytug; Ho, Aloysius; Mufti, Ghulam J; Bisquera, Alessandra; De Lavallade, Hugues; Flanagan, Robert J

2017-10-01

The standard dose of imatinib for the treatment of chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is 400 mg·d. A predose plasma imatinib concentration of >1 mg·L is associated with improved clinical response. This study aimed to assess the plasma imatinib and norimatinib concentrations attained in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia administered standard doses of imatinib adjusted for dose, age, sex, body weight, and response. We evaluated data from a cohort of patients treated between 2008 and 2014 with respect to dose, age, sex, body weight, and response. The study comprised 438 samples from 93 patients (54 male, 39 female). The median imatinib dose was 400 mg·d in men and in women. The plasma imatinib concentration ranged 0.1-5.0 mg·L and was below 1 mg·L in 20% and 16% of samples from men and women, respectively. The mean dose normalized plasma imatinib and norimatinib concentrations were significantly higher in women in comparison with men. This was partially related to body weight. Mixed effects ordinal logistic regression showed no evidence of an association between sex and plasma imatinib (P = 0.13). However, there was evidence of an association between sex and plasma norimatinib, with higher norimatinib concentrations more likely in women than in men (P = 0.02). Imatinib therapeutic drug monitoring only provides information on dosage adequacy and on short-term adherence; longer-term adherence cannot be assessed. However, this analysis revealed that approximately 1 in 5 samples had a plasma imatinib concentration <1 mg·L, which was suggestive of inadequate dosage and/or poor adherence and posed a risk of treatment failure. Higher imatinib exposure in women may be a factor in the increased rate of long-term, stable, deep molecular response (undetectable breakpoint cluster-Abelson (BCR-ABL) transcript levels with a PCR sensitivity of 4.5 log, MR4.5) reported in women.

Pinus Pinaster surface treatment realized in spatial and temporal afterglow DBD conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lecoq, E.; Clément, F.; Panousis, E.; Loiseau, J.-F.; Held, B.; Castetbon, A.; Guimon, C.

2008-04-01

This experimental work deals with the exposition of Pinus Pinaster wood samples to a DBD afterglow. Electrical parameters like duty cycle and injected energy in the gas are being varied and the modifications induced by the afterglow on the wood are analysed by several macroscopic and microscopic ways like wettability, XPS analyses and also soaking tests of treated wood in a commercial fungicide solution. Soaking tests show that plasma treatment could enhance the absorption of fungicide into the wood. The wettability results point out that the plasma treatment can inflict on the wood different surface properties, making it hydrophilic or hydrophobic, when varying electrical parameters. XPS analyses reveal several chemical modifications like an increase of the O/C ratio and the presence of carboxyl groups on the surface after plasma treatments.

Improvement of technical purpose materials performance characteristics with the radio frequency low pressure plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makhotkina, L. Yu; Khristoliubova, V. I.

2017-11-01

The main aim of the work is to solve the actual problem of increasing the competitiveness of tanning products by reducing the prime cost and improving the quality of finished products due to the increased durability of the working elements of tanneries. The impact of the low pressure radio frequency (RF) plasma in the processes of treating for modification of the materials for special purposes is considered in the article. The results of working elements of tanneries and the materials for special purposes sample processing by a RF low pressure plasma are described. As a result of leather materials nano structuring and nano modifying physical, mechanical and hygienic characteristics were increased. Processing of the technical purpose materials allows to increase operational performance of products and extend their lifespan.

Endothelial Inflammatory Transcriptional Responses Induced by Plasma Following Inhalation of Diesel Emissions

PubMed Central

Schisler, Jonathan C.; Ronnebaum, Sarah M.; Madden, Michael; Channell, Meghan M.; Campen, Matthew J.; Willis, Monte S.

2016-01-01

Background Air pollution, especially emissions derived from traffic sources, is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, it remains unclear how inhaled factors drive extrapulmonary pathology. Objectives Previously, we found that canonical inflammatory response transcripts were elevated in cultured endothelial cells treated with plasma obtained after exposure compared with pre-exposure samples or filtered air (sham) exposures. While the findings confirmed the presence of bioactive factor(s) in the plasma after diesel inhalation, we wanted to better examine the complete genomic response to investigate 1) major responsive transcripts and 2) collected response pathways and ontogeny that may help to refine this method and inform the pathogenesis. Methods We assayed endothelial RNA with gene expression microarrays, examining the responses of cultured endothelial cells to plasma obtained from 6 healthy human subjects exposed to 100 μg/m3 diesel exhaust or filtered air for 2 h on separate occasions. In addition to pre-exposure baseline samples, we investigated samples obtained immediately-post and 24h-post exposure. Results Microarray analysis of the coronary artery endothelial cells challenged with plasma identified 855 probes that changed over time following diesel exhaust exposure. Over-representation analysis identified inflammatory cytokine pathways were upregulated both at the 2 and 24 h condition. Novel pathways related to FOX transcription factors and secreted extracellular factors were also identified in the microarray analysis. Conclusions These outcomes are consistent with our recent findings that plasma contains bioactive and inflammatory factors following pollutant inhalation. The specific study design implicates a novel pathway related to inflammatory blood borne components that may drive the extrapulmonary toxicity of ambient air pollutants. PMID:25942053

Optimization Study of Pulsed DC Nitrogen-Hydrogen Plasma in the Presence of an Active Screen Cage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saeed, A.; W. Khan, A.; F., Jan; U. Shah, H.; Abrar, M.; Zaka-Ul-Islam, M.; Khalid, M.; Zakaullah, M.

2014-05-01

A glow discharge plasma nitriding reactor in the presence of an active screen cage is optimized in terms of current density, filling pressure and hydrogen concentrations using optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The samples of AISI 304 are nitrided for different treatment times under optimum conditions. The treated samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to explore the changes induced in the crystallographic structure. The XRD pattern confirmed the formation of iron and chromium nitrides arising from incorporation of nitrogen as an interstitial solid solution in the iron lattice. A Vickers microhardness tester was used to evaluate the surface hardness as a function of treatment time (h). The results showed clear evidence of improved surface hardness and a substantial amount of decrease in the treatment time compared with the previous work.

Contamination of the Norepinephrine Prodrug Droxidopa by Dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde

PubMed Central

Holmes, Courtney; Whittaker, Noel; Heredia-Moya, Jorge; Goldstein, David S.

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND l-Threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS, droxidopa) is a norepinephrine (NE) prodrug under development to treat orthostatic hypotension. 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL), an endogenous catecholaldehyde produced by enzymatic oxidative deamination of dopamine, is toxic to catecholaminergic neurons. Based on the observation of increasing plasma DOPAL after oral administration of L-DOPS to a patient, we examined whether other subjects also had DOPAL in their plasma after droxidopa administration, and whether droxidopa is contaminated with DOPAL. METHODS Thirteen subjects took 400 mg droxidopa orally. We sampled venous blood at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 6, 24, and 48 h after drug administration and assayed L-DOPS, NE, and DOPAL by use of liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LC-ED). Droxidopa in acidic solution (20:80 mixture of 0.04 mol/L phosphoric acid:0.20 mol/L acetic acid) was vacuum centrifuged for 1 h at 30 °C and then assayed by LC-ED. RESULTS Droxidopa contained 0.01% DOPAL. At 6 h after droxidopa, all subjects had detectable DOPAL in plasma (1.89 nmol/L, P = 0.0001). Across the sampling times, plasma DOPAL correlated with plasma L-DOPS (r = 0.996). The mean increment in plasma DOPAL was more than 4 times that in plasma NE (0.39 nmol/L). In 2 patients with Parkinson disease and orthostatic hypotension, DOPAL was detected in plasma at baseline (0.12 nmol/L) and increased by about 70-fold after droxidopa. Vacuum concentration of droxidopa in the acid solution converted L-DOPS to DOPAL completely. CONCLUSIONS Droxidopa is contaminated with DOPAL. After oral droxidopa administration, DOPAL is detected in plasma of humans. Droxidopa is susceptible to extensive nonenzymatic conversion to DOPAL. PMID:20207766

Contamination of the norepinephrine prodrug droxidopa by dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde.

PubMed

Holmes, Courtney; Whittaker, Noel; Heredia-Moya, Jorge; Goldstein, David S

2010-05-01

L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS, droxidopa) is a norepinephrine (NE) prodrug under development to treat orthostatic hypotension. 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL), an endogenous catecholaldehyde produced by enzymatic oxidative deamination of dopamine, is toxic to catecholaminergic neurons. Based on the observation of increasing plasma DOPAL after oral administration of L-DOPS to a patient, we examined whether other subjects also had DOPAL in their plasma after droxidopa administration, and whether droxidopa is contaminated with DOPAL. Thirteen subjects took 400 mg droxidopa orally. We sampled venous blood at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 6, 24, and 48 h after drug administration and assayed L-DOPS, NE, and DOPAL by use of liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LC-ED). Droxidopa in acidic solution (20:80 mixture of 0.04 mol/L phosphoric acid:0.20 mol/L acetic acid) was vacuum centrifuged for 1 h at 30 degrees C and then assayed by LC-ED. Droxidopa contained 0.01% DOPAL. At 6 h after droxidopa, all subjects had detectable DOPAL in plasma (1.89 nmol/L, P = 0.0001). Across the sampling times, plasma DOPAL correlated with plasma L-DOPS (r = 0.996). The mean increment in plasma DOPAL was more than 4 times that in plasma NE (0.39 nmol/L). In 2 patients with Parkinson disease and orthostatic hypotension, DOPAL was detected in plasma at baseline (0.12 nmol/L) and increased by about 70-fold after droxidopa. Vacuum concentration of droxidopa in the acid solution converted L-DOPS to DOPAL completely. Droxidopa is contaminated with DOPAL. After oral droxidopa administration, DOPAL is detected in plasma of humans. Droxidopa is susceptible to extensive nonenzymatic conversion to DOPAL.

Formation of Nanocones on Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite by Oxygen Plasma

PubMed Central

Vesel, Alenka; Eleršič, Kristina; Modic, Martina; Junkar, Ita; Mozetič, Miran

2014-01-01

Improvement in hemocompatibility of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) by formation of nanostructured surface by oxygen plasma treatment is reported. We have showed that by appropriate fine tuning of plasma and discharge parameters we are able to create nanostructured surface which is densely covered with nanocones. The size of the nanocones strongly depended on treatment time. The optimal results in terms of material hemocompatibility were obtained after treatment with oxygen plasma for 15 s, when both the nanotopography and wettability were the most favorable, since marked reduction in adhesion and activation of platelets was observed on this surface. At prolonged treatment times, the rich surface topography was lost and thus also its antithrombogenic properties. Chemical composition of the surface was always more or less the same, regardless of its morphology and height of the nanocones. Namely, on all plasma treated samples, only a few atomic percent of oxygen was found, meaning that plasma caused mostly etching, leading to changes in the surface morphology. This indicates that the main preventing mechanism against platelets adhesion was the right surface morphology. PMID:28788553

Study on structural, morphological and thermal properties of surface modified polyvinylchloride (PVC) film under air, argon and oxygen discharge plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suganya, Arjunan; Shanmugavelayutham, Gurusamy; Serra Rodríguez, Carmen

2016-09-01

The effect of air, argon, oxygen DC glow discharge plasma on the polyvinylchloride (PVC) film synthesized by solution casting technique, were evaluated via changes in physio-chemical properties such as structural, morphological, crystalline, thermal properties. The PVC film was plasma treated as a function of exposure time and different plasma forming gases, while other operating parameters such as power and pressure remained constant at 100 W and 2 Pa respectively. The plasma treated PVC were characterized by static contact angle, ATR-FTIR, XPS, AFM and T-peel analysis. It was found that various gaseous plasma treatments have improved the polar components, surface roughness on the surface of PVC which was confirmed by XPS, AFM, resulting in highly enhanced wettability and adhesion. X-ray diffraction study showed that plasma treatment does not persuade considerable change, even though it vaguely induces the crystallinity. The thermal properties of plasma treated PVC were evaluated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and it was observed that O2 plasma treatment gives higher glass transition temperature of 87.21 °C compared with the untreated one. The glass transition temperature slightly increased for Oxygen plasma treated material due to the presence of higher concentration of the polar functional groups on the PVC surface due to strong intramolecular bonding.

Plasma treatment switches the regime of wetting and floating of pepper seeds.

PubMed

Shapira, Yekaterina; Multanen, Victor; Whyman, Gene; Bormashenko, Yelena; Chaniel, Gilad; Barkay, Zahava; Bormashenko, Edward

2017-09-01

Cold radiofrequency plasma treatment modified wetting and floating regimes of pepper seeds. The wetting regime of plasma-treated seeds was switched from the Wenzel-like partial wetting to the complete wetting. No hydrophobic recovery following the plasma treatment was registered. Environmental scanning electron microscopy of the fine structure of the (three-phase) triple line observed with virgin and plasma-treated seeds is reported. Plasma treatment promoted rapid sinking of pepper seeds placed on the water/air interface. Plasma treatment did not influence the surface topography of pepper seeds, while charged them electrically. Electrostatic repulsion of floating plasma-treated seeds was observed. The surface charge density was estimated from the data extracted from floating of charged seeds and independently with the electrostatic pendulum as σ≈1-2μC/m 2 . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chymotrypsin effects on the determination of sperm parameters and seminal biochemistry markers.

PubMed

Chen, Fang; Lu, Jin-Chun; Xu, Hui-Ru; Huang, Yu-Feng; Lu, Nian-Qing

2006-01-01

Few reports of the effects of treatment with chymotrypsin on the determination of sperm parameters and seminal biochemistry markers are documented. Sperm parameters of 63 liquefied and 27 non-liquefied samples, untreated or treated with chymotrypsin, were evaluated using computer-assisted semen analysis. In addition, biochemistry markers such as gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, alpha-glucosidase and fructose in 50 liquefied and 39 non-liquefied samples, untreated or treated with chymotrypsin, were determined. Treatment with chymotrypsin had no effect on sperm concentration, motility, motility a and b, straightness, curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity, average path velocity and beat cross frequency in both liquefied and non-liquefied semen. However, linearity (p=0.025) decreased and the amplitude of the lateral head (p=0.029) increased significantly in non-liquefied semen after treatment with chymotrypsin. The levels of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, alpha-glucosidase and fructose in seminal plasma were unaffected by chymotrypsin, regardless of liquefaction status. Chymotrypsin had no effects on the detection of sperm parameters and biochemistry markers, and could be used to treat non-liquefied samples before semen analysis in the andrology laboratory.

Postprandial Inflammatory Responses and Free Fatty Acids in Plasma of Adults Who Consumed a Moderately High-Fat Breakfast with and without Blueberry Powder in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Ono-Moore, Kikumi D; Snodgrass, Ryan G; Huang, Shurong; Singh, Shamsher; Freytag, Tammy L; Burnett, Dustin J; Bonnel, Ellen L; Woodhouse, Leslie R; Zunino, Susan J; Peerson, Janet M; Lee, Joo Young; Rutledge, John C; Hwang, Daniel H

2016-07-01

Saturated fatty acids (FAs) released from triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRLs) activate Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and induce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in monocytes. Certain plant polyphenols inhibit TLR-mediated signaling pathways. We determined whether plasma free FAs (FFAs) after a moderately high-fat (MHF, 40% kcal from fat) breakfast modulate the inflammatory status of postprandial blood, and whether blueberry intake suppresses FFA-induced inflammatory responses in healthy humans. Twenty-three volunteers with a mean ± SEM age and body mass index (in kg/m(2)) of 30 ± 3 y and 21.9 ± 0.4, respectively, consumed an MHF breakfast with either a placebo powder or 2 or 4 servings of blueberry powder in a randomized crossover design. The placebo powder was provided on the first test day and the blueberry powder doses were randomized with a 2-wk washout period. Plasma concentrations of lipids, glucose, and cytokines were determined. To determine whether FFAs derived from TGRL stimulate monocyte activation, and whether this is inhibited by blueberry intake, whole blood was treated with lipoprotein lipase (LPL). The median concentrations of FFAs and cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8] in postprandial plasma (3.5 h) decreased compared with fasting plasma regardless of the blueberry intake (P < 0.001 for FFAs and P < 0.05 for cytokines). However, concentrations of FFAs and cytokines including IL-1β increased in LPL-treated whole blood compared with untreated blood samples from participants who consumed the placebo powder. Blueberry intake suppressed IL-1β and IL-6 production in LPL-treated postprandial blood compared with the placebo control when fasting changes were used as a covariate. The plasma FFA concentration may be an important determinant affecting inflammatory cytokine production in blood. Supplementation with blueberry powder did not affect plasma FFA and cytokine concentrations; however, it attenuated the cytokine production induced by ex vivo treatment of whole blood with LPL. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01594008. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Electroless Plating of Copper on Polyimide Film Modified by 50 Hz Plasma Graft Polymerization with 1-Vinylimidazole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Chiow San; Lem, Hon Pong; Goh, Boon Tong; Wong, Cin Wie

2009-03-01

This paper reports on the proof of concept work on the novel process of producing metalized polyimide (PI) film by coating a layer of copper (Cu) thin film on the surface of the PI film without using any adhesive. The method which is employed to produce a metalized PI film used in flexible printed circuit (FPC) is based on plasma graft polymerization of 1-vinlyimidazole (VIDz) on plasma pre-treated PI surface. The plasma grafted PI film (VIDz-g-PI) surfaces are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AFM results show that the PI film surface has been successfully treated and grafted with VIDz. As post-thermal treatment is known to promote adhesion strength between the metallic film and the PI surface, the effects of post-thermal treatment environment and temperature on the adhesion property of Cu plated VIDz-g-PI (Cu/VIDz-g-PI) are evaluated. Post-thermal treatment in air shows better adhesion strength than in vacuum. The adhesion strength decreases as the post-thermal treatment temperature is increased. In the present development work, the adhesion strength obtained has met the initial market targeted 9-10 N/cm adhesion strength. Samples obtained at a pre-selected plasma power and time window are able to maintain their adhesion strength after being subjected to ageing at 100 °C for 168 h.

Desipramine in opioid-dependent cocaine abusers maintained on buprenorphine vs methadone.

PubMed

Oliveto, A H; Feingold, A; Schottenfeld, R; Jatlow, P; Kosten, T R

1999-09-01

Cocaine abuse occurs in 40% to 60% of patients entering opioid maintenance treatment, and effective pharmacotherapies are needed for this combined dependence. This 13-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of desipramine hydrochloride (0 or 150 mg/d) plus buprenorphine hydrochloride (12 mg/d) or methadone hydrochloride (65 mg/d) in 180 opioid-dependent cocaine abusers (124 men, 56 women). Supervised urine samples were obtained thrice weekly, and self-reported cocaine and heroin use was reported once weekly. Desipramine plasma levels were determined at weeks 4 and 10. In men, opioid abstinence was increased more rapidly over time when treated with methadone than with buprenorphine, whereas cocaine abstinence was increased more with buprenorphine than with methadone. In women, opioid abstinence was increased the least rapidly when treated with buprenorphine plus placebo, while cocaine abstinence was increased more rapidly over time when treated with methadone than with buprenorphine. Regardless of sex or opioid medication, desipramine increased opioid and cocaine abstinence more rapidly over time than placebo. Self-reported opioid use confirmed these findings. Desipramine plasma levels were higher in women than in men, particularly those on buprenorphine maintenance. Higher desipramine plasma levels were associated with greater opioid, but not cocaine, abstinence. Desipramine may be a useful adjunctive medication in facilitating opioid and cocaine abstinence in opioid-maintained patients. The efficacy of opioid medications to treat opioid or cocaine dependence may differ by sex. These findings highlight the importance of including sex as a factor when examining treatment outcome in these types of trials.

Factor H autoantibody is associated with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in children in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

PubMed

Brocklebank, Vicky; Johnson, Sally; Sheerin, Thomas P; Marks, Stephen D; Gilbert, Rodney D; Tyerman, Kay; Kinoshita, Meredith; Awan, Atif; Kaur, Amrit; Webb, Nicholas; Hegde, Shivaram; Finlay, Eric; Fitzpatrick, Maggie; Walsh, Patrick R; Wong, Edwin K S; Booth, Caroline; Kerecuk, Larissa; Salama, Alan D; Almond, Mike; Inward, Carol; Goodship, Timothy H; Sheerin, Neil S; Marchbank, Kevin J; Kavanagh, David

2017-11-01

Factor H autoantibodies can impair complement regulation, resulting in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, predominantly in childhood. There are no trials investigating treatment, and clinical practice is only informed by retrospective cohort analysis. Here we examined 175 children presenting with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in the United Kingdom and Ireland for factor H autoantibodies that included 17 children with titers above the international standard. Of the 17, seven had a concomitant rare genetic variant in a gene encoding a complement pathway component or regulator. Two children received supportive treatment; both developed established renal failure. Plasma exchange was associated with a poor rate of renal recovery in seven of 11 treated. Six patients treated with eculizumab recovered renal function. Contrary to global practice, immunosuppressive therapy to prevent relapse in plasma exchange-treated patients was not adopted due to concerns over treatment-associated complications. Without immunosuppression, the relapse rate was high (five of seven). However, reintroduction of treatment resulted in recovery of renal function. All patients treated with eculizumab achieved sustained remission. Five patients received renal transplants without specific factor H autoantibody-targeted treatment with recurrence in one who also had a functionally significant CFI mutation. Thus, our current practice is to initiate eculizumab therapy for treatment of factor H autoantibody-mediated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome rather than plasma exchange with or without immunosuppression. Based on this retrospective analysis we see no suggestion of inferior treatment, albeit the strength of our conclusions is limited by the small sample size. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In vivo study of non-invasive effects of non-thermal plasma in pressure ulcer treatment.

PubMed

Chatraie, Maedeh; Torkaman, Giti; Khani, Mohammadreza; Salehi, Hossein; Shokri, Babak

2018-04-04

According to high incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers worldwide, the purpose of this study is using of non-thermal atmospheric plasma as a novel therapy for pressure ulcers. Cold plasma was produced by applying a high-voltage (5 kV) and high-frequency (25 kHz), to helium gas. Under general anesthesia and sterile conditions, two circular magnets were used to create pressure ulcers on the dorsal skin of adult rats. The wounds were divided randomly into control and plasma-treated groups. Animals in the plasma-treated group received plasma radiation for 5 days, each day 3 times and every time 60 s. Mechanical assays were performed to determine plasma effects on the mechanical strength of the repaired tissue. The results showed that mechanical strength of repaired wound in the plasma-treated group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, evidence from histological studies indicates a significantly accelerated wound re-epithelialization in comparison with the control group; angiogenesis and fibrosis (collagen synthesis) were also significantly increased and the inflammation phase of wound healing was shorter in the plasma-treated group. The plasma treatment also resulted in significant wound contraction and acceleration of wound healing. The findings of present study indicate the effects of cold plasma on pressure ulcer treatment.

Modifications of aluminum film caused by micro-plasmoids and plasma spots in the effluent of an argon non-equilibrium plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engelhardt, Max; Ries, Stefan; Hermanns, Patrick; Bibinov, Nikita; Awakowicz, Peter

2017-09-01

A smooth layer of hard aluminium film is deposited onto a glass substrate with a multi-frequency CCP discharge and then treated in the effluent of a non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma jet (N-APPJ) operated with Ar flow. A thin filament is formed in the argon N-APPJ through contraction of a diffuse feather-like discharge. The aluminium surface treated in the effluents of the N-APPJ is significantly modified. Erosion tracks of different forms and micro-balls composed of aluminium are observed on the treated surface. Based on CCD images of active plasma discharge channels, SEM images of the treated surface and current-voltage characteristics, these surface modifications are interpreted as traces of plasma spots and plasmoids. Plasma spots are focused plasma channels, which are characterized by an intense emission in CCD images at the contact point of a plasma channel with the treated metal surface and by deep short tracks on the aluminium surface, observed in SEM images. Plasmoids are plasma objects without contact to any power supply which can produce long, thin and shallow traces, as can be observed on the treated surface using electron microscopy. Based on observed traces and numerous transformations of plasma spots to plasmoids and vice versa, it is supposed that both types of plasma objects are formed by an extremely high axial magnetic field and differ from each other due to the existence or absence of contact to a power supply and the consequential transport of electric current. The reason for the magnetic field at the axis of these plasma objects is possibly a circular current of electron pairs in vortices, which are formed in plasma by the interaction of ionization waves with the substrate surface. The extremely high magnetic field of plasma spots and plasmoids leads to a local destruction of the metal film and top layer of the glass substrate and to an attraction of paramagnetic materials, namely aluminium and oxygen. The magnetic attraction of aluminium is a reason for the extraction of some pieces of metal and the formation of erosion tracks and holes in the metal film. In the absence of metal atomization, the extracted aluminium forms spherical micro-particles, which are distributed over the surface of the treated metal film by the gas flow. A thin (100 nm) gold (diamagnetic) layer on top of the aluminium film surface reduces the erosion rate of plasma spots and plasmoids drastically (more than three orders of magnitude).

Effect of Spark Plasma Sintering on the Structure and Properties of Ti1−xZrxNiSn Half-Heusler Alloys

PubMed Central

Downie, Ruth A.; Popuri, Srinivas R.; Ning, Huanpo; Reece, Mike J.; Bos, Jan-Willem G.

2014-01-01

XNiSn (X = Ti, Zr and Hf) half-Heusler alloys have promising thermoelectric properties and are attracting enormous interest for use in waste heat recovery. In particular, multiphase behaviour has been linked to reduced lattice thermal conductivities, which enables improved energy conversion efficiencies. This manuscript describes the impact of spark plasma sintering (SPS) on the phase distributions and thermoelectric properties of Ti0.5Zr0.5NiSn based half-Heuslers. Rietveld analysis reveals small changes in composition, while measurement of the Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivities reveals that all SPS treated samples are electron doped compared to the as-prepared samples. The lattice thermal conductivities fall between 4 W·m−1·K−1 at 350 K and 3 W·m−1·K−1 at 740 K. A maximum ZT = 0.7 at 740 K is observed in a sample with nominal Ti0.5Zr0.5NiSn composition. PMID:28788234

Escherichia coli cellular responses to exposure to atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma-treated N-acetylcysteine solution.

PubMed

Ercan, U K; Sen, B; Brooks, A D; Joshi, S G

2018-04-06

To understand the underlying cellular mechanisms during inactivation of Escherichia coli in response to antimicrobial solution of nonthermal plasma-activated N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The recommended techniques were used to demonstrate E. coli cellular and transcriptomic changes caused associated with peroxynitrite and compared with plasma-treated NAC solution. The findings demonstrate that E. coli cells respond to plasma-treated NAC and undergo severe oxidative and nitrosative stress, and leading to stress-induced damages to different components of bacterial cells, which includes loss of membrane potential, formation of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), formation of nitrotyrosine (a known marker of nitrosative stress), DNA damage, and generated a prominent pool of peroxynitrite. Reverse-transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction analysis of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) responsive genes indicated their differential expressions. For the first time, we report that the plasma-treated NAC solution activates predominantly nitrosative stress-responsive genes in E. coli and is responsible for cell death. The reactive species generated in solutions by nonthermal plasma treatment depends on the type of solution or solvent used. The plasma-treated NAC solution rapidly inactivates E. coli, mostly involving highly RNS generated in NAC solution, and has high potential as disinfectant. © 2018 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Combined surface hardening and laser patterning approach for functionalising stainless steel surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Giron, A.; Romano, J. M.; Liang, Y.; Dashtbozorg, B.; Dong, H.; Penchev, P.; Dimov, S. S.

2018-05-01

The paper reports a laser patterning method for producing surfaces with dual scale topographies on ferritic stainless steel plates that are hardened by low temperature plasma surface alloying. Nitrogen and carbon based gasses were used in the alloying process to obtain surface layers with an increased hardness from 172 HV to 1001 HV and 305 HV, respectively. Then, a nanosecond infrared laser was used to pattern the plasma treated surfaces and thus to obtain super-hydrophobicity, by creating cell- or channel-like surface structures. The combined surface hardening and laser patterning approach allowed super-hydrophobic surfaces to be produced on both nitrided and carburised stainless steel plates with effective contact angles higher than 150°. The hardened layers on nitrided samples had cracks and was delaminated after the laser patterning while on plasma carburised samples remained intact. The results showed that by applying the proposed combined approach it is possible to retain the higher hardness of the nitrided stainless steel plates and at the same time to functionalise them to obtain super-hydrophobic properties.

Identification of drug metabolites in human plasma or serum integrating metabolite prediction, LC-HRMS and untargeted data processing.

PubMed

Jacobs, Peter L; Ridder, Lars; Ruijken, Marco; Rosing, Hilde; Jager, Nynke Gl; Beijnen, Jos H; Bas, Richard R; van Dongen, William D

2013-09-01

Comprehensive identification of human drug metabolites in first-in-man studies is crucial to avoid delays in later stages of drug development. We developed an efficient workflow for systematic identification of human metabolites in plasma or serum that combines metabolite prediction, high-resolution accurate mass LC-MS and MS vendor independent data processing. Retrospective evaluation of predictions for 14 (14)C-ADME studies published in the period 2007-January 2012 indicates that on average 90% of the major metabolites in human plasma can be identified by searching for accurate masses of predicted metabolites. Furthermore, the workflow can identify unexpected metabolites in the same processing run, by differential analysis of samples of drug-dosed subjects and (placebo-dosed, pre-dose or otherwise blank) control samples. To demonstrate the utility of the workflow we applied it to identify tamoxifen metabolites in serum of a breast cancer patient treated with tamoxifen. Previously published metabolites were confirmed in this study and additional metabolites were identified, two of which are discussed to illustrate the advantages of the workflow.

Persistent Effectivity of Gas Plasma-Treated, Long Time-Stored Liquid on Epithelial Cell Adhesion Capacity and Membrane Morphology

PubMed Central

Hoentsch, Maxi; Bussiahn, René; Rebl, Henrike; Bergemann, Claudia; Eggert, Martin; Frank, Marcus; von Woedtke, Thomas; Nebe, Barbara

2014-01-01

Research in plasma medicine includes a major interest in understanding gas plasma-cell interactions. The immediate application of gas plasma in vitro inhibits cell attachment, vitality and cell-cell contacts via the liquid. Interestingly, in our novel experiments described here we found that the liquid-mediated plasma effect is long-lasting after storage up to seven days; i. e. the liquid preserves the characteristics once induced by the argon plasma. Therefore, the complete Dulbecco's Modified Eagle cell culture medium was argon plasma-treated (atmospheric pressure, kINPen09) for 60 s, stored for several days (1, 4 and 7 d) at 37°C and added to a confluent mouse hepatocyte epithelial cell (mHepR1) monolayer. Impaired tight junction architecture as well as shortened microvilli on the cell membrane could be observed, which was accompanied by the loss of cell adhesion capacity. Online-monitoring of vital cells revealed a reduced cell respiration. Our first time-dependent analysis of plasma-treated medium revealed that temperature, hydrogen peroxide production, pH and oxygen content can be excluded as initiators of cell physiological and morphological changes. The here observed persisting biological effects in plasma-treated liquids could open new medical applications in dentistry and orthopaedics. PMID:25170906

Understanding the Role of Nitrogen in Plasma-Assisted Surface Modification of Magnetic Recording Media with and without Ultrathin Carbon Overcoats

PubMed Central

Dwivedi, Neeraj; Yeo, Reuben J.; Satyanarayana, Nalam; Kundu, Shreya; Tripathy, S.; Bhatia, C. S.

2015-01-01

A novel scheme of pre-surface modification of media using mixed argon-nitrogen plasma is proposed to improve the protection performance of 1.5 nm carbon overcoats (COC) on media produced by a facile pulsed DC sputtering technique. We observe stable and lower friction, higher wear resistance, higher oxidation resistance, and lower surface polarity for the media sample modified in 70%Ar + 30%N2 plasma and possessing 1.5 nm COC as compared to samples prepared using gaseous compositions of 100%Ar and 50%Ar + 50%N2 with 1.5 nm COC. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggest that the surface modification process does not affect the microstructure of the grown COC. Instead, the improved tribological, corrosion-resistant and oxidation-resistant characteristics after 70%Ar + 30%N2 plasma-assisted modification can be attributed to, firstly, the enrichment in surface and interfacial bonding, leading to interfacial strength, and secondly, more effective removal of ambient oxygen from the media surface, leading to stronger adhesion of the COC with media, reduction of media corrosion and oxidation, and surface polarity. Moreover, the tribological, corrosion and surface properties of mixed Ar + N2 plasma treated media with 1.5 nm COCs are found to be comparable or better than ~2.7 nm thick conventional COC in commercial media. PMID:25586898

Effect of Rapid Thermal Annealing on the Electrical Characteristics of ZnO Thin-Film Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remashan, Kariyadan; Hwang, Dae-Kue; Park, Seong-Ju; Jang, Jae-Hyung

2008-04-01

Thin-film transistors (TFTs) with a bottom-gate configuration were fabricated with an RF magnetron sputtered undoped zinc oxide (ZnO) channel layer and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) grown silicon nitride as a gate dielectric. Postfabrication rapid thermal annealing (RTA) and subsequent nitrous oxide (N2O) plasma treatment were employed to improve the performance of ZnO TFTs in terms of on-current and on/off current ratio. The RTA treatment increases the on-current of the TFT significantly, but it also increases its off-current. The off-current of 2×10-8 A and on/off current ratio of 3×103 obtained after the RTA treatment were improved to 10-10 A and 105, respectively, by the subsequent N2O plasma treatment. The better device performance can be attributed to the reduction of oxygen vacancies at the top region of the channel due to oxygen incorporation from the N2O plasma. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the TFT samples showed that the RTA-treated ZnO surface has more oxygen vacancies than as-deposited samples, which results in the increased drain current. The XPS study also showed that the subsequent N2O plasma treatment reduces oxygen vacancies only at the surface of ZnO so that the better off-current and on/off current ratio can be obtained.

Using high-sensitivity sequencing for the detection of mutations in BTK and PLCγ2 genes in cellular and cell-free DNA and correlation with progression in patients treated with BTK inhibitors.

PubMed

Albitar, Adam; Ma, Wanlong; DeDios, Ivan; Estella, Jeffrey; Ahn, Inhye; Farooqui, Mohammed; Wiestner, Adrian; Albitar, Maher

2017-03-14

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that develop resistance to Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are typically positive for mutations in BTK or phospholipase c gamma 2 (PLCγ2). We developed a high sensitivity (HS) assay utilizing wild-type blocking polymerase chain reaction achieved via bridged and locked nucleic acids. We used this high sensitivity assay in combination with Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing (NGS) and tested cellular DNA and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from patients with CLL treated with the BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib. We also tested ibrutinib-naïve patients with CLL. HS testing achieved 100x greater sensitivity than Sanger. HS Sanger sequencing was capable of detecting < 1 mutant allele in background of 1000 wild-type alleles (1:1000). Similar sensitivity was achieved with HS NGS. No BTK or PLCγ2 mutations were detected in any of the 44 ibrutinib-naïve CLL patients. We demonstrate that without the HS testing 56% of positive samples would have been missed for BTK and 85% of PLCγ2 would have been missed. With the use of HS, we were able to detect multiple mutant clones in the same sample in 37.5% of patients; most would have been missed without HS testing. We also demonstrate that with HS sequencing, plasma cfDNA is more reliable than cellular DNA in detecting mutations. Our studies indicate that wild-type blocking and HS sequencing is necessary for proper and early detection of BTK or PLCγ2 mutations in monitoring patients treated with BTK inhibitors. Furthermore, cfDNA from plasma is very reliable sample-type for testing.

Effects of anesthesia with halothane and methoxyflurane on plasma corticosterone concentration in rats at rest and after exercise.

PubMed

Carlberg, K A; Gwosdow, A R; Alvin, B L

1995-10-01

To determine whether halothane and methoxyflurane are suitable anesthetics for cardiac puncture in studies of plasma corticosterone concentration in rats, four experiments were done. Blood samples were taken immediately after rats became anesthetized with halothane or methoxyflurane. Decapitation without anesthesia was used to determine baseline corticosterone concentration. Another group of rats was anesthetized with ether as a positive control (known to stimulate corticosterone secretion). Corticosterone values in halothane- and methoxyflurane-treated rats were not significantly different from those measured after decapitation. Corticosterone concentration in halothane-treated rats was significantly lower than that in either methoxyflurane- or ether-treated rats. Cardiac puncture was done after 3 min of exposure to each of the three anesthetics. The results indicated that there were no differences in corticosterone values among the three anesthetics, suggesting that corticosterone concentration was lower immediately after halothane was used as the anesthetic, because halothane induced anesthesia in less time than that required for activation of adrenocortical secretion. To determine whether there was a difference among anesthetics in stimulating corticosterone secretion when anesthesia was maintained for a period before blood sample collection, cardiac puncture was done after 15 min of exposure to each of the three anesthetics. Corticosterone values were similar, suggesting that any of the three anesthetics was acceptable in this situation. To determine whether halothane or methoxyflurane affected exercise-induced increases in corticosterone values, exercise-trained rats were run for 30 min; then blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture immediately after induction of anesthesia with halothane, methoxyflurane, or ether, or after decapitation without anesthesia. Corticosterone values were not different among the three anesthetics or decapitation.

Nonthermal plasma technology for organic destruction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heath, W.O.; Birmingham, J.G.

1995-06-01

Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is investigating the use of nonthermal, electrically driven plasmas for destroying organic contaminants near ambient temperatures and pressures. Three different plasma systems have been developed to treat organics in air, water, and soil. These systems are the Gas-Phase Corona Reactor (GPCR)III for treating air, the Liquid-Phase Corona Reactor for treating water, and In Situ Corona for treating soils. This presentation focuses on recent technical developments, commercial status, and project costs of OPCR as a cost-effective alternative to other air-purification technologies that are now in use to treat off-gases from site-remediation efforts as well as industrial emissions.

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) modulate metabolic and inflammatory markers in a spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus model (Stillman Salgado rats).

PubMed

Dain, Alejandro; Repossi, Gaston; Diaz-Gerevini, Gustavo T; Vanamala, Jairam; Das, Undurti N; Eynard, Aldo R

2016-11-25

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease with alterations in metabolic and inflammatory markers. Stillman Salgado rats (eSS) spontaneously develop type 2 DM by middle age showing progressive impairment of glucose tolerance with hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperinsulinemia. We analyzed the effects of supplementation of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with or without nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) added, an antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibitor, on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in eSS rats to evaluate whether they can delay development and/or prevent progression of DM. After weaning, eSS rats received, intraperitoneally, once a month ω-3 (EPA 35% and DHA 40%-6.25 mg/Kg) or ω-6 (90% arachidonic acid- 6. 25 mg/Kg) for twelve months. Two additional groups of rats received 1.9 mg/kg NDGA added to ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids. Blood samples were collected at day 40, and at the end of the 6th month and 12th month of age to determine plasma triglycerides (TGs), total plasma fatty acids (FA), A1C hemoglobin (HbA1C), C-reactive protein (CRP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lipo and hydro peroxides, nitrites and IL-6 (in plasma and liver, kidney, and pancreas) and underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as well. Wistar and eSS rats that received saline solution were used as controls. Plasma lipids profile, TG, fasting and post-prandial blood glucose levels, and glycosylated HbA1C showed significant improvements in ω-3 and ω-3 + NDGA treated animals compared to eSS control group. ω-3 and ω-3 + NDGA groups showed an inverse correlation with fasting blood glucose and showed lower plasma levels of GGT, TG, and CRP. eSS rats treated with ω-3 LCPUFAs showed reduced level of inflammatory and oxidative indices in plasma and liver, kidney and pancreas tissues in comparison with eSS control (non-treated) and ω-6 treated groups. eSS rats are a useful model to study type 2 DM pathophysiology and related inflammatory indices. ω-3 + NDGA supplementation, at the doses tested, ameliorated inflammatory, metabolic and oxidative stress markers studied.

Investigation of antibacterial and wettability behaviours of plasma-modified PMMA films for application in ophthalmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezaei, Fatemeh; Abbasi-Firouzjah, Marzieh; Shokri, Babak

2014-02-01

The main objective of this research is the experimental investigation of the surface properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) such as wettability and the roughness effect on Escherichia coli (gram negative) cell adhesion. Radio frequency (RF; 13.56 MHz) oxygen plasma was used to enhance the antibacterial and wettability properties of this polymer for biomedical applications, especially ophthalmology. The surface was activated by O2 plasma to produce hydrophilic functional groups. Samples were treated with various RF powers from 10 to 80 W and different gas flow rates from 20 to 120 sccm. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to monitor the plasma process. The modified surface hydrophilicity, morphology and transparency characteristics were studied by water contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy, respectively. Based on the contact angle measurements of three liquids, surface free energy variations were investigated. Moreover, the antibacterial properties were evaluated utilizing the method of plate counting of Escherichia coli. Also, in order to investigate stability of the plasma treatment, an ageing study was carried out by water contact angle measurements repeated in the days after the treatment. For biomedical applications, especially eye lenses, highly efficient antibacterial surfaces with appropriate hydrophilicity and transparency are of great importance. In this study, it is shown that the plasma process is a reliable and convenient method to achieve these purposes. A significant alteration in the hydrophilicity of a pristine PMMA surface was observed after treatment. Also, our results indicated that the plasma-modified PMMAs exhibit appropriate antibacterial performance. Moreover, surface hydrophilicity and surface charge have more influence on bacterial adhesion rate than surface roughness. UV-vis analysis results do not show a considerable difference for transparency of samples after plasma treatment.

Capillary-tube-based micro-plasma system for disinfecting dental biofilm.

PubMed

Huang, Wen-Ke; Weng, Chih-Chiang; Liao, Jiunn-Der; Wang, Yi-Cheng; Chuang, Shu-Fen

2013-05-01

A low-temperature low-energy capillary-tube-based argon micro-plasma system was applied to disinfect Streptococcus mutans-containing biofilm. The micro-plasma system uses a hollow inner electrode that is ignited by a radio-frequency power supply with a matching network. The energy content was analyzed using optical emission spectroscopy. The micro-plasma-induced effect on a biofilm cultured for 24 or 48 h with a working distance of ≈3 mm at low temperature was evaluated. The morphologies of the treated live/dead bacteria and the produced polysaccharides after micro-plasma treatment were examined. Scanning electron microscopy images and staining results show that most of the S. mutans on the treated biofilm were acutely damaged within a micro-plasma treatment time of 300 s. The number of living bacteria underneath the treated biofilm greatly decreased with treatment time. The proposed micro-plasma system can thus disinfect S. mutans on/in biofilms.

Chemical Changes in Nonthermal Plasma-Treated N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Solution and Their Contribution to Bacterial Inactivation.

PubMed

Ercan, Utku K; Smith, Josh; Ji, Hai-Feng; Brooks, Ari D; Joshi, Suresh G

2016-02-02

In continuation of our previous reports on the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of atmospheric non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treated N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) solution against planktonic and biofilm forms of different multidrug resistant microorganisms, we present here the chemical changes that mediate inactivation of Escherichia coli. In this study, the mechanism and products of the chemical reactions in plasma-treated NAC solution are shown. UV-visible spectrometry, FT-IR, NMR, and colorimetric assays were utilized for chemical characterization of plasma treated NAC solution. The characterization results were correlated with the antimicrobial assays using determined chemical species in solution in order to confirm the major species that are responsible for antimicrobial inactivation. Our results have revealed that plasma treatment of NAC solution creates predominantly reactive nitrogen species versus reactive oxygen species, and the generated peroxynitrite is responsible for significant bacterial inactivation.

Chemical Changes in Nonthermal Plasma-Treated N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Solution and Their Contribution to Bacterial Inactivation

PubMed Central

Ercan, Utku K.; Smith, Josh; Ji, Hai-Feng; Brooks, Ari D.; Joshi, Suresh G.

2016-01-01

In continuation of our previous reports on the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of atmospheric non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treated N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) solution against planktonic and biofilm forms of different multidrug resistant microorganisms, we present here the chemical changes that mediate inactivation of Escherichia coli. In this study, the mechanism and products of the chemical reactions in plasma-treated NAC solution are shown. UV-visible spectrometry, FT-IR, NMR, and colorimetric assays were utilized for chemical characterization of plasma treated NAC solution. The characterization results were correlated with the antimicrobial assays using determined chemical species in solution in order to confirm the major species that are responsible for antimicrobial inactivation. Our results have revealed that plasma treatment of NAC solution creates predominantly reactive nitrogen species versus reactive oxygen species, and the generated peroxynitrite is responsible for significant bacterial inactivation. PMID:26832829

Pre-treating water with non-thermal plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cho, Young I.; Fridman, Alexander; Rabinovich, Alexander

The present invention consists of a method of pre-treatment of adulterated water for distillation, including adulterated water produced during hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") of shale rock during natural gas drilling. In particular, the invention is directed to a method of treating adulterated water, said adulterated water having an initial level of bicarbonate ion in a range of about 250 ppm to about 5000 ppm and an initial level of calcium ion in a range of about 500 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, said method comprising contacting the adulterated water with a non-thermal arc discharge plasma to produce plasma treated water havingmore » a level of bicarbonate ion of less than about 100 ppm. Optionally, the plasma treated water may be further distilled.« less

Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for the determination of tigecycline in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.

PubMed

Mei, Shenghui; Luo, Xuying; Li, Xingang; Li, Qian; Huo, Jiping; Yang, Li; Zhu, Leting; Feng, Weixing; Zhou, Jianxin; Shi, Guangzhi; Zhao, Zhigang

2016-12-01

Tigecycline (TGC) is an important antibiotic in treating various drug-resistant bacteria. The dosage regimen for cerebral intraventricular TGC is still unknown. The aim of the study was to develop and validate liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods for the determination of TGC in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to obtain an applicable regimen. The ion transitions under ESI positive model were performed at m/z 586.3 > 513.2 and m/z 595.3 > 514.3 for TGC and d9-TGC internal standard (IS). For plasma and CSF samples, the calibration curve of TGC was linear within the ranges 25-2000 and 250-100,000 ng/mL; the IS normalized matrix effect was within the ranges 96.46-101.06% and 101.13-103.58%, respectively, for all. TGC was stable under all tested conditions. The patient received 1 mg intraventricular and 49 mg intravenous administration of TGC. The AUC 0-12 in plasma and CSF calculated according to our noncompartment model were 4713 and 23,0238 h ng/mL, respectively. Given our findings cerebral intraventricular TGC may be a choice for clinicians to treat drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial-induced meningitis and the safety and efficacy of this administration route warrants further study. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Influence of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 -161C>T polymorphism on the concentration of valproic acid in pediatric epilepsy patients.

PubMed

Inoue, Kazuyuki; Suzuki, Eri; Yazawa, Rei; Yamamoto, Yoshiaki; Takahashi, Toshiki; Takahashi, Yukitoshi; Imai, Katsumi; Koyama, Seiichi; Inoue, Yushi; Tsuji, Daiki; Hayashi, Hideki; Itoh, Kunihiko

2014-06-01

Valproic acid (VPA) is widely used to treat various types of epilepsy. Interindividual variability in VPA pharmacokinetics may arise from genetic polymorphisms of VPA-metabolizing enzymes. This study aimed to examine the relationships between plasma VPA concentrations and the -161C>T single nucleotide polymorphism in uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 2B7 genes in pediatric epilepsy patients. This study included 78 pediatric epilepsy patients carrying the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9*1/*1 genotype and who were not treated with the enzyme inducers (phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine), lamotrigine, and/or topiramate. CYP2C9*3 and UGT2B7 -161C>T polymorphisms were identified using methods based on polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Blood samples were drawn from each patient under steady-state conditions, and plasma VPA concentrations were measured. Significant differences in adjusted plasma VPA concentrations were observed between carriers of CC, CT, and TT genotypes in the UGT2B7 -161C>T polymorphism (P = 0.039). Patients with the CC genotype had lower adjusted plasma VPA concentrations than those with CT or TT genotype (P = 0.028). These data suggest that the UGT2B7 -161C>T polymorphism in pediatric epilepsy patients carrying the CYP2C9*1/*1 genotype affects VPA concentration.

Identification of phosphorylated butyrylcholinesterase in human plasma using immunoaffinity purification and mass spectrometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aryal, Uma K.; Lin, Chiann Tso; Kim, Jong Seo

2012-04-20

Paraoxon (diethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate) is an active metabolite of the common insecticide parathion and is acutely toxic due to the inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) activity in the nervous systems. The Inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity by paraoxon is due to the formation of phosphorylated BChE adduct, and the detection of the phosphorylated BChE adduct in human plasma can serve as an exposure biomarker of organophosphate pesticides and nerve agents. In this study, we performed immunoaffinity purification and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis for identifying phosphorylated BChE in human plasma treated by paraoxon. BChE was captured by biotinylated anti-BChEmore » polyclonal antibodies conjugated to streptavidin magnetic beads. Western blot analysis showed that the antibody was effective to recognize both native and modified BChE with high specificity. The exact phosphorylation site of BChE was confirmed on Serine 198 by MS/MS with a 108 Da modification mass and accurately measured parent ion masses. The phosphorylated BChE peptide was also successfully detected in the immunoaffinity purified sample from paraoxon treated human plasma. Thus, immunoaffinity purification combined with mass spectrometry represents a viable approach for the detection of paraoxon-modified BChE and other forms of modified BChE as exposure biomarkers of organophosphates and nerve agents.« less

Citalopram and escitalopram plasma drug and metabolite concentrations: genome-wide associations

PubMed Central

Ji, Yuan; Schaid, Daniel J; Desta, Zeruesenay; Kubo, Michiaki; Batzler, Anthony J; Snyder, Karen; Mushiroda, Taisei; Kamatani, Naoyuki; Ogburn, Evan; Hall-Flavin, Daniel; Flockhart, David; Nakamura, Yusuke; Mrazek, David A; Weinshilboum, Richard M

2014-01-01

Aims Citalopram (CT) and escitalopram (S-CT) are among the most widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). We applied a genome-wide association study to identify genetic factors that contribute to variation in plasma concentrations of CT or S-CT and their metabolites in MDD patients treated with CT or S-CT. Methods Our genome-wide association study was performed using samples from 435 MDD patients. Linear mixed models were used to account for within-subject correlations of longitudinal measures of plasma drug/metabolite concentrations (4 and 8 weeks after the initiation of drug therapy), and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were modelled as additive allelic effects. Results Genome-wide significant associations were observed for S-CT concentration with SNPs in or near the CYP2C19 gene on chromosome 10 (rs1074145, P = 4.1 × 10−9) and with S-didesmethylcitalopram concentration for SNPs near the CYP2D6 locus on chromosome 22 (rs1065852, P = 2.0 × 10−16), supporting the important role of these cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in biotransformation of citalopram. After adjustment for the effect of CYP2C19 functional alleles, the analyses also identified novel loci that will require future replication and functional validation. Conclusions In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that the biotransformation of CT to monodesmethylcitalopram and didesmethylcitalopram is mediated by CYP isozymes. The results of our genome-wide association study performed in MDD patients treated with CT or S-CT have confirmed those observations but also identified novel genomic loci that might play a role in variation in plasma levels of CT or its metabolites during the treatment of MDD patients with these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. PMID:24528284

Citalopram and escitalopram plasma drug and metabolite concentrations: genome-wide associations.

PubMed

Ji, Yuan; Schaid, Daniel J; Desta, Zeruesenay; Kubo, Michiaki; Batzler, Anthony J; Snyder, Karen; Mushiroda, Taisei; Kamatani, Naoyuki; Ogburn, Evan; Hall-Flavin, Daniel; Flockhart, David; Nakamura, Yusuke; Mrazek, David A; Weinshilboum, Richard M

2014-08-01

Citalopram (CT) and escitalopram (S-CT) are among the most widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). We applied a genome-wide association study to identify genetic factors that contribute to variation in plasma concentrations of CT or S-CT and their metabolites in MDD patients treated with CT or S-CT. Our genome-wide association study was performed using samples from 435 MDD patients. Linear mixed models were used to account for within-subject correlations of longitudinal measures of plasma drug/metabolite concentrations (4 and 8 weeks after the initiation of drug therapy), and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were modelled as additive allelic effects. Genome-wide significant associations were observed for S-CT concentration with SNPs in or near the CYP2C19 gene on chromosome 10 (rs1074145, P = 4.1 × 10(-9) ) and with S-didesmethylcitalopram concentration for SNPs near the CYP2D6 locus on chromosome 22 (rs1065852, P = 2.0 × 10(-16) ), supporting the important role of these cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in biotransformation of citalopram. After adjustment for the effect of CYP2C19 functional alleles, the analyses also identified novel loci that will require future replication and functional validation. In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that the biotransformation of CT to monodesmethylcitalopram and didesmethylcitalopram is mediated by CYP isozymes. The results of our genome-wide association study performed in MDD patients treated with CT or S-CT have confirmed those observations but also identified novel genomic loci that might play a role in variation in plasma levels of CT or its metabolites during the treatment of MDD patients with these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. © 2014 The British Pharmacological Society.

Can Saliva and Plasma Methadone Concentrations Be Used for Enantioselective Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies in Patients With Advanced Cancer?

PubMed

George, Rani; Haywood, Alison; Good, Phillip; Hennig, Stefanie; Khan, Sohil; Norris, Ross; Hardy, Janet

2017-09-01

Methadone is a potent analgesic used to treat refractory cancer pain. It is administered as a racemic mixture, with the l-enantiomer being primarily a μ-receptor agonist, whereas the d-enantiomer is an N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist and inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Dose requirements vary greatly among patients to achieve optimal pain control and to avoid the risk of adverse effects. The relationship between plasma and saliva methadone enantiomer concentrations was investigated to determine if saliva could be a substitute for plasma in pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies for clinical monitoring and dose optimization of methadone in patients with advanced cancer. Patients with advanced cancer who were prescribed varying doses of oral methadone for pain management were recruited to obtain paired plasma and saliva samples. Pain scores were recorded at the time of sampling. The total and unbound plasma and saliva concentrations of the l- and d-enantiomers of methadone were quantified by using an HPLC-MS/MS method. The relationship between plasma (total and unbound) and saliva concentrations were compared. The saliva-to-plasma concentration ratio was compared versus the dose administered and the time after dosing for both enantiomers. The association of methadone concentrations with reported pain scores was compared by using a Mann-Whitney U test for significance. Fifty patients receiving a mean dose of 11mg/d of methadone provided 151 paired plasma and saliva samples. The median age of the population was 61 years with an interquartile range of 53-71 years with total body weight ranging from 59-88 kg. Median (interquartile) total plasma concentrations for l- and d-methadone were 50.78 ng/mL (30.6-113.0 ng/mL) and 62.0 ng/mL (28.7-116.0 ng/mL), respectively. Median (interquartile range) saliva concentrations for l- and d-methadone were 81.5 ng/mL (28.0-203.2 ng/mL) and 44.2 (16.2-149.7 ng/mL). No relationship could be established between plasma and saliva concentrations for l- and d-methadone (r 2 = 0.35 and 0.25). The saliva-to-plasma concentration analyzed with the methadone dose showed higher saliva concentrations at lower doses. Dose-normalized saliva concentrations followed a similar pattern over time compared with plasma concentrations. No correlation was found between l-methadone plasma, d-methadone plasma, l-methadone saliva, d-methadone saliva concentrations, and pain score. Saliva concentration was not a better predictor of pain control than plasma concentration for dose optimization and monitoring studies of methadone in patients with cancer. Although the saliva-to-plasma ratio of the concentration of methadone enantiomers was stable across the dosing range, due to the variability in individual saliva-to-plasma ratios, saliva sampling may not be a valid substitute in pharmacokinetic studies of methadone in cancer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

The route of administration drastically affects ivermectin activity against small strongyles in horses.

PubMed

Saumell, Carlos; Lifschitz, Adrián; Baroni, Renato; Fusé, Luis; Bistoletti, Mariana; Sagües, Federica; Bruno, Santiago; Alvarez, Gustavo; Lanusse, Carlos; Alvarez, Luis

2017-03-15

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of ivermectin (IVM) against small strongyles (cyathostomins) following its oral and intramuscular (IM) administration, in naturally parasitized horses. The parasitological data were complemented with the assessment of the plasma disposition kinetics of IVM. The trial included two different experiments. In experiment I, 40 horses naturally infected with small strongyles were randomly allocated into four experimental groups (n=10) and treated with IVM (0.2mg/kg) as follows: IVM oral paste, animals were orally treated with Eqvalan ® (IVM 1.87% paste, as the reference formulation) by the oral route; IVM oral solution, animals were orally treated with Remonta ® (IVM 2% solution, as a test formulation); IVM IM solution, animals were IM treated with the test product (Remonta ® IVM 2% solution); and control, animals were kept without treatment as untreated controls. In experiment II, 24 horses naturally parasitized with small strongyles were randomly allocated into the same four experimental groups (n=6) described for experiment I. Faecal samples were individually collected directly from the rectum of each horse prior (day -1) and at 7 and 15 (Experiment I) or 7, 15 and 21 (Experiment II) days after-treatment, to assess the eggs per gram (epg) counts and estimate the efficacy of the treatments. Additionally, the comparative plasma disposition kinetics of IVM in treated animals was assessed in experiment II. In both experiments, an excellent (100%) IVM efficacy was observed after its oral administration (test and reference formulations). However, the IM administration of IVM resulted in a low efficacy (36-64%). Similar IVM plasma concentration was observed after its oral administration as a paste or as a solution. The higher IVM plasma profiles observed after the IM administration accounted for an enhanced systemic availability. The improved IVM efficacy observed against adult cyathostomins after its oral administration can be explained by an enhanced drug exposure of the worms located at the lumen of the large intestine. These findings may have a direct impact on the practical use of macrocyclic lactones in horses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma assisted synthesis of vanadium pentoxide nanoplates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Megha; Sharma, Rabindar Kumar; Kumar, Prabhat; Reddy, G. B.

2015-08-01

In this work, we report the growth of α-V2O5 (orthorhombic) nanoplates on glass substrate using plasma assisted sublimation process (PASP) and Nickel as catalyst. 100 nm thick film of Ni is deposited over glass substrate by thermal evaporation process. Vanadium oxide nanoplates have been deposited treating vanadium metal foil under high vacuum conditions with oxygen plasma. Vanadium foil is kept at fixed temperature growth of nanoplates of V2O5 to take place. Samples grown have been studied using XPS, XRD and HRTEM to confirm the growth of α-phase of V2O5, which revealed pure single crystal of α- V2O5 in orthorhombic crystallographic plane. Surface morphological studies using SEM and TEM show nanostructured thin film in form of plates. Uniform, vertically aligned randomly oriented nanoplates of V2O5 have been deposited.

Surface modification of epoxy resin using He/CF4 atmospheric pressure plasma jet for flashover withstanding characteristics improvement in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Sile; Wang, Shuai; Wang, Yibo; Guo, Baohong; Li, Guoqiang; Chang, Zhengshi; Zhang, Guan-Jun

2017-08-01

For enhancing the surface electric withstanding strength of insulating materials, epoxy resin (EP) samples are treated by atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) with different time interval from 0 to 300s. Helium (He) and tetrafluoromethane (CF4) mixtures are used as working gases with the concentration of CF4 ranging 0%-5%, and when CF4 is ∼3%, the APPJ exhibits an optimal steady state. The flashover withstanding characteristics of modified EP in vacuum are greatly improved under appropriate APPJ treatment conditions. The surface properties of EP samples are evaluated by surface roughness, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle. It is considered that both physical and chemical effects lead to the enhancement of flashover strength. The physical effect is reflected in the increase of surface roughness, while the chemical effect is reflected in the graft of fluorine groups.

Next Generation Thermal Barrier Coatings for the Gas Turbine Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curry, Nicholas; Markocsan, Nicolaie; Li, Xin-Hai; Tricoire, Aurélien; Dorfman, Mitch

2011-01-01

The aim of this study is to develop the next generation of production ready air plasma sprayed thermal barrier coating with a low conductivity and long lifetime. A number of coating architectures were produced using commercially available plasma spray guns. Modifications were made to powder chemistry, including high purity powders, dysprosia stabilized zirconia powders, and powders containing porosity formers. Agglomerated & sintered and homogenized oven spheroidized powder morphologies were used to attain beneficial microstructures. Dual layer coatings were produced using the two powders. Laser flash technique was used to evaluate the thermal conductivity of the coating systems from room temperature to 1200 °C. Tests were performed on as-sprayed samples and samples were heat treated for 100 h at 1150 °C. Thermal conductivity results were correlated to the coating microstructure using image analysis of porosity and cracks. The results show the influence of beneficial porosity on reducing the thermal conductivity of the produced coatings.

Modulatory Effect of the Intracellular Content of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 Against the Aflatoxin B1-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats.

PubMed

Aguilar-Toalá, J E; Astiazarán-García, H; Estrada-Montoya, M C; Garcia, H S; Vallejo-Cordoba, B; González-Córdova, A F; Hernández-Mendoza, A

2018-06-03

It has been recognized that lactic acid bacteria exhibit antioxidant properties, which have been mainly endorsed to the intact viable bacteria. However, recent studies have shown that intracellular content (IC) may also be good sources of antioxidative metabolites, which may potentially contribute to oxidative homeostasis in vivo. Hence, the modulatory effect of the intracellular content of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 (IC431) on aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 )-induced oxidative stress in rats was evaluated on the basis of its influence on hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant status-antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities; and on the oxidative stress index (OSi). Results demonstrated that CAT and GPx activities, and TAC, determined in plasma samples, were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in rats treated with AFB 1 plus IC431 (3.98 μM/min/mg protein, 1.88 μM/min/mg protein, and 238.7 μM Trolox equivalent, respectively) than AFB 1 -treated rats (3.47 μM/min/mg protein, 1.46 μM/min/mg protein, and 179.7 μM Trolox equivalent, respectively). Furthermore, plasma and liver tissue samples from rats treated with AFB 1 plus IC431 showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower LPO values (52 and 51%, respectively) and OSi (59 and 51%, respectively) than AFB 1 -treated rats. Hence, our results proved that the intracellular content of Lact. casei CRL 431 contains metabolites that are capable to modulate the antioxidant defense systems in living organism, which may help to ameliorate the damage associated to AFB 1 -induced oxidative stress.

Plasma cell cheilitis, successfully treated with topical 0.03% tacrolimus ointment.

PubMed

Jin, Seon Pil; Cho, Kwang Hyun; Huh, Chang Hun

2010-05-01

Plasma cell cheilitis is a rare, idiopathic mucosal condition. The treatment of plasma cell cheilitis is often disappointing. It is often resistant to various topical treatments. We present a 65-year-old woman who had a painful, eroded area on her lower lip, which responded poorly to various topical treatments. A biopsy revealed a band-like infiltration composed mainly of plasma cells in the dermis. She was diagnosed as having plasma cell cheilitis, and was successfully treated with 0.03% topical tacrolimus ointment.

Physical-chemical characterization of the textile dye Azo Ab52 degradation by corona plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez, A.; Torres-Arenas, A. J.; Vergara-Sánchez, J.; Torres, C.; Reyes, P. G.; Martínez, H.; Saldarriaga-Noreña, Hugo

2017-10-01

This work characterizes the degradation of the textile dye azo Acid Black 52 by measuring several physical and chemical parameters. A corona plasma was created at atmospheric pressure and applied on the liquid-air interface of water samples containing the dye. 1.0 mM of ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) was added to 1.0 mM dye solution, for a total volume of 250 mL. For each treatment, a number of parameters were quantified. These were voltage, current, temperature, loss of volume, pH, electrical conductivity, concentration, optical mission spectra, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), and the removal ratio. Because of the increase in the sample temperature, the volume lost by evaporation was explored. The results show that the efficiency of the dye degradation by plasma is a function of treatment time. Moreover, the reactive concentration of FeSO4 and the exposition time of the plasma were varied at a constant volume, leading to the determination of the concentrations and optimal times. Considering the degradation and removal parameters, at the maximum treated time of 80 min, it found that COD was of 96.36%, TOC of 93.93%, and the removal ratio of 97.47%.

Disposition and pharmacokinetics in rats of McN-5707, a potential antidepressant drug

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ng, K.T.; Holland, M.L.; Hills, J.F.

1986-03-01

A single 80 mg/kg oral solution dose of McN-5707-/sup 14/C x HBr (trans-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,3,5,6,10b-hexahydropyrrolo(2,1-a)isoquinoline hydrobromide (1:1)) was administered orally to 40 Wistar rats. Total /sup 14/C concentrations in plasma were high (> 4.5 ..mu..g x equiv/mL) for at least 24 hours after dosing. Unchanged McN-5707 represented < 10% of the total /sup 14/C concs in plasma at 45 min and < 1% at 24 hours after dosing. In the 8 days following dose administration, 23% of the dose was excreted in urine and 70% of the dose was excreted in feces. Analysis (HPLC and TLC) of glusulase treated urine, plasma andmore » fecal samples revealed the presence of multiple metabolites of McN-5707. Unchanged McN-5707 was found only in fecal extracts (2-7% of dose). Single solution doses of McN-5707 x HBr were administered p.o. (20 mg/kg) and i.v. (4 mg/kg) to 39 Wistar rats. Plasma samples were analyzed for McN-5707 using a capillary GC assay. These studies indicated that McN-5707 was well absorbed and extensively metabolized in rats following oral doses.« less

Quantification of nerve agent VX-butyrylcholinesterase adduct biomarker from an accidental exposure.

PubMed

Solano, Maria I; Thomas, Jerry D; Taylor, James T; McGuire, Jeffrey M; Jakubowski, Edward M; Thomson, Sandra A; Maggio, Vincent L; Holland, Kerry E; Smith, J Richard; Capacio, Benedict; Woolfitt, Adrian R; Ashley, David L; Barr, John R

2008-01-01

The lack of data in the open literature on human exposure to the nerve agent O-ethyl-S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothioate (VX) gives a special relevance to the data presented in this study in which we report the quantification of VX-butyrylcholinesterase adduct from a relatively low-level accidental human exposure. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry using the fluoride ion regeneration method for the quantification of multiple nerve agents including VX. Six human plasma samples from the same individual were collected after the patient had been treated once with oxime immediately after exhibiting signs of exposure. Detection limits of approximately 5.5 pg/mL plasma were achieved for the G-analogue of VX (G-VX). Levels of the G-VX ranged from 81.4 pg/mL on the first day after the exposure to 6.9 pg/mL in the sample taken 27 days after the exposure. Based on the reported concentration of human butyrylcholinesterase in plasma of approximately 80 nM, it can be calculated that inhibition levels of >or= 0.05% of BuChE can be accurately quantified. These data further indicate that the fluoride ion regeneration method is a potentially powerful tool that can be used to assess low-level exposure to VX.

Susceptibility of Mice to Trypanosoma evansi Treated with Human Plasma Containing Different Concentrations of Apolipoprotein L-1

PubMed Central

Fanfa, Vinicius R.; Otto, Mateus A.; Gressler, Lucas T.; Tavares, Kaio C.S.; Lazzarotto, Cícera R.; Tonin, Alexandre A.; Miletti, Luiz C.; Duarte, Marta M.M.F.; Monteiro, Silvia G.

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to test the susceptibility of mice to Trypanosoma evansi treated with human plasma containing different concentrations of apolipoprotein L-1 (APOL1). For this experiment, a strain of T. evansi and human plasma (plasmas 1, 2, and 3) from 3 adult males clinically healthy were used. In vivo test used 50 mice divided in 5 groups (A to E) with 10 animals in each group. Animals of groups B to E were infected, and then treated with 0.2 ml of human plasma in the following outline: negative control (A), positive control (B), treatment with plasma 1 (C), treatment with plasma 2 (D), and treatment with plasma 3 (E). Mice treated with human plasma showed an increase in longevity of 40.9±0.3 (C), 20±9.0 (D) and 35.6±9.3 (E) days compared to the control group (B) which was 4.3±0.5 days. The number of surviving mice and free of the parasite (blood smear and PCR negative) at the end of the experiment was 90%, 0%, and 60% for groups C, D, and E, respectively. The quantification of APOL1 was performed due to the large difference in the treatments that differed in the source plasma. In plasmas 1, 2, and 3 was detected the concentration of 194, 99, and 115 mg/dl of APOL1, respectively. However, we believe that this difference in the treatment efficiency is related to the level of APOL1 in plasmas. PMID:22355213

Changes in kynurenine pathway metabolism in Parkinson patients with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia.

PubMed

Havelund, Jesper F; Andersen, Andreas D; Binzer, Michael; Blaabjerg, Morten; Heegaard, Niels H H; Stenager, Egon; Faergeman, Nils J; Gramsbergen, Jan Bert

2017-09-01

L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is the most effective drug in the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease, but chronic use is associated with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in more than half the patients after 10 years of treatment. L-DOPA treatment may affect tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway. Altered levels of kynurenine metabolites can affect glutamatergic transmission and may play a role in the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. In this study, we assessed kynurenine metabolites in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of Parkinson's disease patients and controls. Parkinson patients (n = 26) were clinically assessed for severity of motor symptoms (UPDRS) and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (UDysRS). Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected after overnight fasting and 1-2 h after intake of L-DOPA or other anti-Parkinson medication. Metabolites were analyzed in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of controls (n = 14), Parkinson patients receiving no L-DOPA (n = 8), patients treated with L-DOPA without dyskinesia (n = 8), and patients with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (n = 10) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We observed approximately fourfold increase in the 3-hydroxykynurenine/kynurenic acid ratio in plasma of Parkinson's patients with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Anthranilic acid levels were decreased in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of this patient group. 5-Hydroxytryptophan levels were twofold increased in all L-DOPA-treated Parkinson's patients. We conclude that a higher 3-hydroxykynurenine/kynurenic acid ratio in plasma may serve as a biomarker for L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Longitudinal studies including larger patients cohorts are needed to verify whether the changes observed here may serve as a prognostic marker for L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. © 2017 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Pharmacokinetics of detomidine administered to horses at rest and after maximal exercise.

PubMed

Hubbell, J A E; Sams, R A; Schmall, L M; Robertson, J T; Hinchcliff, K W; Muir, W W

2009-05-01

Increased doses of detomidine are required to produce sedation in horses after maximal exercise compared to calm or resting horses. To determine if the pharmacokinetics of detomidine in Thoroughbred horses are different when the drug is given during recuperation from a brief period of maximal exercise compared to administration at rest. Six Thoroughbred horses were preconditioned by exercising them on a treadmill. Each horse ran a simulated race at a treadmill speed that caused it to exercise at 120% of its maximal oxygen consumption. One minute after the end of exercise, horses were treated with detomidine. Each horse was treated with the same dose of detomidine on a second occasion a minimum of 14 days later while standing in a stocks. Samples of heparinised blood were obtained at various time points on both occasions. Plasma detomidine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The plasma concentration vs. time data were analysed by nonlinear regression analysis. Median back-extrapolated time zero plasma concentration was significantly lower and median plasma half-life and median mean residence time were significantly longer when detomidine was administered after exercise compared to administration at rest. Median volume of distribution was significantly higher after exercise but median plasma clearance was not different between the 2 administrations. Detomidine i.v. is more widely distributed when administered to horses immediately after exercise compared to administration at rest resulting in lower peak plasma concentrations and a slower rate of elimination. The dose requirement to produce an equivalent effect may be higher in horses after exercise than in resting horses and less frequent subsequent doses may be required to produce a sustained effect.

Evidence for Involvement of IL-9 and IL-22 in Cows' Milk Allergy in Infants.

PubMed

Barros, Karina V; Flor Silveira, Vera L; Laranjeira, Marisa S; Wandalsen, Neusa F; Passeti, Susana; de Oliveira, Roberta; Munekata, Regina V; Noakes, Paul S; Miles, Elizabeth A; Calder, Philip C

2017-09-21

Although allergic inflammation is characterized by a T helper (Th) 2-dominant immune response, the discovery of a role for new T cell subsets in inflammatory diseases has added an additional layer of complexity to the understanding of the pathogeneses of allergic diseases. We evaluated plasma cytokine profiles in infants with cows' milk allergy (CMA), who were being treated with an elimination diet. In a prospective, randomized and controlled study, infants (aged 8.4 ± 3.9 months) with CMA were treated with an elimination diet for 120 days, which replaced cows' milk with a hydrolysed soy protein formula ( n = 26) or a free amino acid formula ( n = 20). Blood samples were collected before treatment during active disease (T0) and after 120 days, when symptoms were absent (T1). Plasma cytokine concentrations were measured. Infants with CMA had higher plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 and lower concentrations of IL-9, IL-17A and interferon-γ, compared with healthy breast-fed infants. At T0, there was a positive correlation between blood eosinophil numbers and plasma concentrations of IL-4, IL-9, IL-17A and IL-22. Treatment with a cows' milk elimination diet resulted in a decrease in plasma IL-4, IL-9, IL-13 and IL-22 and an increase in plasma IL-17A. We conclude that IL-4 and IL-13 are elevated in active CMA. The association of IL-9 and IL-22 with eosinophilia, and the decrease in these two cytokines with cows' milk elimination, suggests that they both play a role in the symptoms observed in CMA and may be important targets for future interventions.

Atmospheric-pressure plasma activation and surface characterization on polyethylene membrane separator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, Yu-Chien; Li, Hsiao-Ling; Huang, Chun

2017-01-01

The surface hydrophilic activation of a polyethylene membrane separator was achieved using an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet. The surface of the atmospheric-pressure-plasma-treated membrane separator was found to be highly hydrophilic realized by adjusting the plasma power input. The variations in membrane separator chemical structure were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Chemical analysis showed newly formed carbonyl-containing groups and high surface concentrations of oxygen-containing species on the atmospheric-pressure-plasma-treated polymeric separator surface. It also showed that surface hydrophilicity primarily increased from the polar component after atmospheric-pressure plasma treatment. The surface and pore structures of the polyethylene membrane separator were examined by scanning electron microscopy, revealing a slight alteration in the pore structure. As a result of the incorporation of polar functionalities by atmospheric-pressure plasma activation, the electrolyte uptake and electrochemical impedance of the atmospheric-pressure-plasma-treated membrane separator improved. The investigational results show that the separator surface can be controlled by atmospheric-pressure plasma surface treatment to tailor the hydrophilicity and enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium ion batteries.

Static properties and moisture content properties of polyester fabrics modified by plasma treatment and chemical finishing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kan, C. W.; Yuen, C. W. M.

2008-01-01

Low temperature plasma treatment has been conducted in textile industry and has some success in the dyeing and finishing processes. In this paper, an attempt was made to apply low temperature plasma treatment to improve the anti-static property of polyester fabric. The polyester fabrics were treated under different conditions using low temperature plasma. An Orthogonal Array Testing Strategy was employed to determine the optimum treatment condition. After low temperature plasma treatment, the polyester fabrics were evaluated with different characterisation methods. Under the observation of scanning electron microscope, the surface structure of low temperature plasma-treated polyester fabric was seriously altered. This provided more capacity for polyester to capture moisture and hence increase the dissipation of static charges. The relationship between moisture content and half-life decay time for static charges was studied and the results showed that the increment of moisture content would result in shortening the time for the dissipation of static charges. Moreover, there was a great improvement in the anti-static property of the low temperature plasma-treated polyester fabric after comparing with that of the polyester fabric treated with commercial anti-static finishing agent.

An in vitro bacterial adhesion assessment of surface-modified medical-grade PVC.

PubMed

Asadinezhad, Ahmad; Novák, Igor; Lehocký, Marián; Sedlarík, Vladimir; Vesel, Alenka; Junkar, Ita; Sáha, Petr; Chodák, Ivan

2010-06-01

Medical-grade polyvinyl chloride was surface modified by a multistep physicochemical approach to improve bacterial adhesion prevention properties. This was fulfilled via surface activation by diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge plasma followed by radical graft copolymerization of acrylic acid through surface-initiated pathway to render a structured high density brush. Three known antibacterial agents, bronopol, benzalkonium chloride, and chlorhexidine, were then individually coated onto functionalized surface to induce biological properties. Various modern surface probe techniques were employed to explore the effects of the modification steps. In vitro bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation assay was performed. Escherichia coli strain was found to be more susceptible to modifications rather than Staphylococcus aureus as up to 85% reduction in adherence degree of the former was observed upon treating with above antibacterial agents, while only chlorhexidine could retard the adhesion of the latter by 50%. Also, plasma treated and graft copolymerized samples were remarkably effective to diminish the adherence of E. coli. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Green synthesis of AuNPs for eco-friendly functionalization of cellulosic substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, Nabil A.; Eid, Basma M.; Abdel-Aziz, Mohamed S.

2016-12-01

In this research work, extracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using marine bacterial isolates (Streptomyces sp.) as a reducing/capping/stabilizing bio-agent and chlolauric acid (HAuCl4) as a precursor has been investigated. Surface modification of cotton and viscose knitted fabrics using O2-plasma followed by subsequent treatment with bio-synthesized AuNPs alone and in combination with TiO2NPs or ZnONPs to impart new functional properties namely antibacterial and UV-blocking were studied. The results show that loading of nominated nanomaterials onto the activated fabric samples results in a significant improvement in antibacterial activity against both G+ve (S. aureus) and G-ve (E. coli) along with a remarkable enhancement in the UV-protection functionality of the treated fabrics. The highest antibacterial and anti-UV values were obtained when O2-plasma treated fabrics were loaded with AuNPs/ZnONPs combination, irrespective of the used substrate. The imparted functional properties demonstrated remarkable retention even after 15 washings.

Study of Nanodispersed Iron Oxides Produced in Steel Drilling by Contracted Electric-Arc Air Plasma Torch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefanov, P.; Galanov, D.; Vissokov, G.; Paneva, D.; Kunev, B.; Mitov, I.

2008-06-01

The optimal conditions on the plasma-forming gas flowrate, discharge current and voltage, distance between the plasma-torch nozzle and the metal plate surface for the process of penetration in and vaporization of steel plates by the contracted electric-arc air plasma torch accompanied by water quenching, were determined. The X-ray structural and phase studies as well as Mössbauer and electron microscope studies on the samples treated were performed. It was demonstrated that the vaporized elemental iron was oxidized by the oxygen present in the air plasma jet to form iron oxides (wüstite, magnetite, hematite), which, depending on their mass ratios, determined the color of the iron oxide pigments, namely, beginning from light yellow, through deep yellow, light brown, deep brown, violet, red-violet, to black. A high degree of dispersity of the iron oxides is thus produced, with an averaged diameter of the particles below 500 nm, and their defective crystal structure form the basis of their potential application as components of iron-containing catalysts and pigments.

Effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on luteal function and reproductive performance of high-producing lactating Holstein dairy cows.

PubMed

Santos, J E; Thatcher, W W; Pool, L; Overton, M W

2001-11-01

The objectives were to evaluate effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (3,300 IU i.m.) administered on d 5 after AI on CL number, plasma progesterone concentration, conception rate, and pregnancy loss in high-producing dairy cows. Following the synchronization of estrus and AI, 406 cows were injected with either hCG or saline on d 5 after AI in a randomized complete block design. Blood sampling and ovarian ultrasonography were conducted once between d 11 and 16 after AI. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed on d 28 by ultrasonography and on d 45 and 90 after AI by rectal palpation. Treatment with hCG on d 5 resulted in 86.2% of the cows with more than one CL compared with 23.2% in controls. Plasma progesterone concentrations were increased by 5.0 ng/mL in hCG-treated cows. The presence of more than one CL increased progesterone concentration in hCG-treated cows but not in controls. Conception rates were higher for hCG-treated cows on d 28 (45.8 > 38.7%), 45 (40.4 > 36.3%), and 90 (38.4 > 31.9%) after AI. Treatment with hCG improved conception rate in cows losing body condition between AI and d 28 after Al. Pregnancy losses were similar between treatment groups. Treatment with hCG on d 5 after AI induces accessory CL, enhances plasma progesterone concentration, and improves conception rate of high-producing dairy cows.

Outcomes in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and acquired Thr790Met mutation treated with osimertinib: a genomic study.

PubMed

Lin, Chia-Chi; Shih, Jin-Yuan; Yu, Chong-Jen; Ho, Chao-Chi; Liao, Wei-Yu; Lee, Jih-Hsing; Tsai, Tzu-Hsiu; Su, Kang-Yi; Hsieh, Min-Shu; Chang, Yih-Leong; Bai, Ya-Ying; Huang, Derek De-Rui; Thress, Kenneth S; Yang, James Chih-Hsin

2018-02-01

Osimertinib is approved for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer in patients who develop the EGFR Thr790Met mutation after treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We assessed outcomes in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and the EGFR Thr790Met mutation who were treated with osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR TKI, after previous treatment failure with one or more other EGFR TKIs. Eligible patients had been enrolled at one centre in the AURA study, had shown resistance to a previous EGFR TKI, and had EGFR-activating mutations and acquired Thr790Met mutation detectable in tumour tissue or plasma. Patients took 20-240 mg osimertinib per day until disease progression or development of intolerable side-effects. Plasma samples were collected every 6 weeks and tumour tissue biopsy was done at study entry and was optional after disease progression. We tested samples for resistance mechanisms, including EGFR-activating, Thr790Met, and Cys797Ser mutations, and assessed associations with overall survival, progression-free survival, and survival after disease progression. Of 71 patients enrolled in AURA, 53 were eligible for this analysis. Median progression-free survival was 11·1 months (95% CI 8·4-13·9) and overall survival was 16·9 months (11·7-29·1). 47 patients had disease progression. Median overall survival after osimertinib progression was 5·4 months (95% CI 4·1-10·0). Plasma samples were available for 40 patients after disease progression. 12 (30%) of these had the Thr790Met mutation (four of whom also had Cys797Ser mutations). Patients without detectable EGFR-activating mutations in plasma before treatment had the best overall and post-progression survival (22·4 months, 95% CI 15·6-not reached, and 10·8 months, 7·2-not reached, respectively). Loss of the Thr790Met mutation but presence of EGFR-activating mutations in plasma were associated with the shortest progression-free survival (median 2·6 months, 95% CI 1·3-not reached). In 22 post-progression tumour samples, we found one squamous cell and two small-cell transformations. We detected Thr790Met in nine (50%) of 18 samples, Cys797Ser in two (17%) of 12, cMET amplification in five (50%) of ten, BRAF mutation in one (8%) of 13, and KRAS mutation in one (8%) of 13. Heterogeneous resistance mechanisms developed in patients receiving osimertinib. Differences in resistance mechanisms might dictate future development strategies for osimertinib in clinical trials. AstraZeneca, Taiwan Ministry of Science and Technology. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Wear Behavior of Plasma Spray Deposited and Post Heat-Treated Hydroxyapatite (HA)-Based Composite Coating on Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari, Renu; Majumdar, Jyotsna Dutta

2018-04-01

The present study concerns a detailed evaluation of wear resistance property of plasma spray deposited composite hydroxyapatite (HA)-based (HA-50 wt pct TiO2 and HA-10 wt pct ZrO2) bioactive coatings developed on Ti-6Al-4V substrate and studying the effect of heat treatment on it. Heat treatment of plasma spray deposited samples has been carried out at 650 °C for 2 hours (for HA-50 wt pct TiO2 coating) and at 750 °C for 2 hours (for HA-10 wt pct ZrO2 coating). There is significant deterioration in wear resistance for HA-50 wt pctTiO2 coating and a marginal deterioration in wear resistance for HA-10 wt pct ZrO2 coating in as-sprayed state (as compared to as-received Ti-6Al-4V) which is, however, improved after heat treatment. The coefficient of friction is marginally increased for both HA-50 wt pct TiO2 and HA-10 wt pct ZrO2 coatings in as-sprayed condition as compared to Ti-6Al-4V substrate. However, coefficient of friction is decreased for both HA-50 wt pct TiO2 and HA-10 wt pct ZrO2 coatings after heat-treated condition as compared to Ti-6Al-4V substrate. The maximum improvement in wear resistance property is, however, observed for HA-10 wt pct ZrO2 sample after heat treatment. The mechanism of wear has been investigated.

Stability of plasma treated superhydrophobic surfaces under different ambient conditions.

PubMed

Chen, Faze; Liu, Jiyu; Cui, Yao; Huang, Shuai; Song, Jinlong; Sun, Jing; Xu, Wenji; Liu, Xin

2016-05-15

Plasma hydrophilizing of superhydrophobic substrates has become an important area of research, for example, superhydrophobic-(super)hydrophilic patterned surfaces have significant practical applications such as lab-on-chip systems, cell adhesion, and control of liquid transport. However, the stability of plasma-induced hydrophilicity is always considered as a key issue since the wettability tends to revert back to the untreated state (i.e. aging behavior). This paper focuses on the stability of plasma treated superhydrophobic surface under different ambient conditions (e.g. temperature and relative humidity). Water contact angle measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to monitor the aging process. Results show that low temperature and low relative humidity are favorable to retard the aging process and that pre-storage at low temperature (-10°C) disables the treated surface to recover superhydrophobicity. When the aging is performed in water, a long-lasting hydropholicity is obtained. As the stability of plasma-induced hydrophilcity over a desired period of time is a very important issue, this work will contribute to the optimization of storage conditions of plasma treated superhydrophobic surfaces. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Microwave Non thermal Plasma Irradiation on the Adsorptive Properties of Active Carbon Preliminarily Impregnated with Poly(vinyl alcohol)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueshima, Masato; Toda, Eriko; Nakajima, Yuki; Sugiyama, Kazuo

2010-08-01

Microwave non thermal plasma irradiation was conducted on active carbon (AC) preliminarily impregnated with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in order to modify the adsorption properties of active carbon, particularly to increase hydrophobicity. The plasma was produced by applying microwave power on the PVA-impregnated active carbon (PVA/AC) placed in a low vacuum chamber (<10 Torr). The surface of the plasma-treated PVA/AC was imaged using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (SEM and AFM, respectively), and analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Hydrophobicity of the plasma-treated PVA/AC was compared to that of untreated PVA/AC and AC by a sinking test in water/methanol mixed solutions. The hydrophobicity drastically increased for PVA/AC treatment with 1-min plasma irradiation. The AFM results indicated that the surface roughness of the PVA/AC was dependent upon the hydrophobicity, rather than reduction of free energy due to reduction of polarized functional groups. NaOH and HCl adsorption onto the plasma-treated PVA/AC was also measured. Adsorption capacity of plasma-treated PVA/AC increased for NaOH, whereas it decreased for HCl. The plasma treatment not only increased the hydrophobicity of PVA/AC, but also changed its acid-base adsorption properties. We have developed a new material based on active carbon, which is light, hydrophobic and electrically conductive by using a combination of PVA sintering and plasma irradiation.

Intracranial Biodegradable Silica-Based Nimodipine Drug Release Implant for Treating Vasospasm in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in an Experimental Healthy Pig and Dog Model

PubMed Central

Koskimäki, Janne; Tarkia, Miikka; Ahtola-Sätilä, Tuula; Saloranta, Lasse; Laakso, Aki; Frantzén, Janek

2015-01-01

Nimodipine is a widely used medication for treating delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage. When administrated orally or intravenously, systemic hypotension is an undesirable side effect. Intracranial subarachnoid delivery of nimodipine during aneurysm clipping may be more efficient way of preventing vasospasm and DCI due to higher concentration of nimodipine in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The risk of systemic hypotension may also be decreased with intracranial delivery. We used animal models to evaluate the feasibility of surgically implanting a silica-based nimodipine releasing implant into the subarachnoid space through a frontotemporal craniotomy. Concentrations of released nimodipine were measured from plasma samples and CSF samples. Implant degradation was followed using CT imaging. After completing the recovery period, full histological examination was performed on the brain and meninges. The in vitro characteristics of the implant were determined. Our results show that the biodegradable silica-based implant can be used for an intracranial drug delivery system and no major histopathological foreign body reactions were observed. CT imaging is a feasible method for determining the degradation of silica implants in vivo. The sustained release profiles of nimodipine in CSF were achieved. Compared to a traditional treatment, higher nimodipine CSF/plasma ratios can be obtained with the implant. PMID:25685803

[Circulating endothelial progenitor cell levels in treated hypertensive patients].

PubMed

Maroun-Eid, C; Ortega-Hernández, A; Abad, M; García-Donaire, J A; Barbero, A; Reinares, L; Martell-Claros, N; Gómez-Garre, D

2015-01-01

Most optimally treated hypertensive patients still have an around 50% increased risk of any cardiovascular event, suggesting the possible existence of unidentified risk factors. In the last years there has been evidence of the essential role of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the maintenance of endothelial integrity and function, increasing the interest in their involvement in cardiovascular disease. In this study, the circulating levels of EPCs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are investigated in treated hypertensive patients with adequate control of blood pressure (BP). Blood samples were collected from treated hypertensive patients with controlled BP. Plasma levels of EPCs CD34+/KDR+ and CD34+/VE-cadherin+ were quantified by flow cytometry. Plasma concentration of VEGF was determined by ELISA. A group of healthy subjects without cardiovascular risk factors was included as controls. A total of 108 hypertensive patients were included (61±12 years, 47.2% men) of which 82.4% showed BP<140/90 mmHg, 91.7% and 81.5% controlled diabetes (HbA1c <7%) and cLDL (<130 or 100 mg/dL), respectively, and 85.2% were non-smokers. Around 45% of them were obese. Although patients had cardiovascular parameters within normal ranges, they showed significantly lower levels of CD34+/KDR+ and CD34+/VE-cadherin+ compared with healthy control group, although plasma VEGF concentration was higher in patients than in controls. Despite an optimal treatment, hypertensive patients show a decreased number of circulating EPCs that could be, at least in part, responsible for their residual cardiovascular risk, suggesting that these cells could be a therapeutic target. Copyright © 2015 SEHLELHA. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Effects of cold atmospheric plasma on mucosal tissue culture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Welz, Christian; Becker, Sven; Li, Yang-Fang; Shimizu, Tetsuji; Jeon, Jin; Schwenk-Zieger, Sabina; Thomas, Hubertus M.; Isbary, Georg; Morfill, Gregor E.; Harréus, Ulrich; Zimmermann, Julia L.

2013-01-01

Thermal plasmas have been commonly used in medical applications such as plasma ablation and blood coagulation. Newer developments show that plasmas can be generated with ion temperatures close to room temperature: these non-thermal or so-called cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) therefore open up a wide range of further biomedical applications. Based on the understanding of the bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal properties of CAPs, information about the effects of CAP on mucosal cells and tissue is still lacking. Therefore this study focuses on the interaction of CAP with healthy head and neck mucosal cells on a molecular level. To analyse this interaction in detail, fresh tissue samples from healthy nasal and pharyngeal mucosa were harvested during surgery, assembled to a three-dimensional tissue culture model (mini organ cultures) and treated with CAP for different treatment times. Effects on the viability, necrosis induction and mutagenic activity were evaluated with the trypan blue exclusion test, Annexin-V/PI staining and alkaline microgel electrophoresis (comet assay). Trypan blue exclusion test revealed that the CAP treatment significantly decreases the cell viability for all tested treatment times (5, 10, 30, 60 and 120 s p < 0.05), but only a treatment time of 120 s showed a cytotoxic effect as the viability dropped below 90%. Annexin-V/PI staining revealed a significant increase in necrosis in CAP treated pharyngeal tissue cultures for treatment times of 60 and 120 s (p < 0.05). For nasal tissue this effect was already detected for a 30 s treatment (p < 0.05). Comet assay analysis showed no mutagenic effects after exposure to CAP.

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic determination of levofloxacin in human plasma and prostate tissue with use of experimental design optimization procedures.

PubMed

Szerkus, O; Jacyna, J; Wiczling, P; Gibas, A; Sieczkowski, M; Siluk, D; Matuszewski, M; Kaliszan, R; Markuszewski, M J

2016-09-01

Fluoroquinolones are considered as gold standard for the prevention of bacterial infections after transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. However, recent studies reported that fluoroquinolone- resistant bacterial strains are responsible for gradually increasing number of infections after transrectal prostate biopsy. In daily clinical practice, antibacterial efficacy is evaluated only in vitro, by measuring the reaction of bacteria with an antimicrobial agent in culture media (i.e. calculation of minimal inhibitory concentration). Such approach, however, has no relation to the treated tissue characteristics and might be highly misleading. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop, with the use of Design of Experiments approach, a reliable, specific and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography- diode array detection method for the quantitative analysis of levofloxacin in plasma and prostate tissue samples obtained from patients undergoing prostate biopsy. Moreover, correlation study between concentrations observed in plasma samples vs prostatic tissue samples was performed, resulting in better understanding, evaluation and optimization of the fluoroquinolone-based antimicrobial prophylaxis during transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize chromatographic conditions of the isocratic elution program in order to obtain desirable retention time, peak symmetry and resolution of levofloxacine and ciprofloxacine (internal standard) peaks. Fractional Factorial design 2(4-1) with four center points was used for screening of significant factors affecting levofloxacin extraction from the prostatic tissue. Due to the limited number of tissue samples the prostatic sample preparation procedure was further optimized using Central Composite design. Design of Experiments approach was also utilized for evaluation of parameter robustness. The method was found linear over the range of 0.030-10μg/mL for human plasma and 0.300-30μg/g for human prostate tissue samples. The intra-day and inter-day variability for levofloxacine from both plasma and prostate samples were less than 10%, with accuracies between 93 and 108% of the nominal values. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification for human plasma were 0.01μg/mL and 0.03μg/mL, respectively. For the prostate tissue, the limit of detection and the limit of quantification were 0.1μg/g and 0.3μg/g, respectively. The average recoveries of levofloxacin were in the range from 99 to 106%. Also, the method fulfills requirements of robustness what was determined and proved by Design of Experiments. The developed method was successfully applied to examine prostate tissue and plasma samples from 140 hospitalized patients enrolled into the clinical study, 12h after oral administration of LVF at a dose of 500mg. The mean (±SD) LVF concentration in prostate was 6.22±3.52μg/g and in plasma 2.54±1.14μg/mL. Due to simplicity of the method and relative small amount of sample needed for the assay, the method can be applied in clinical practice for monitoring of LVF concentrations in plasma and prostate gland. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations in plasma cell-free DNA from ER-positive breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Takeshita, Takashi; Yamamoto, Yutaka; Yamamoto-Ibusuki, Mutsuko; Tomiguchi, Mai; Sueta, Aiko; Murakami, Keiichi; Omoto, Yoko; Iwase, Hirotaka

2017-08-08

The measurement of ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations in plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been studied as a non-invasive method to quickly assess and monitor endocrine therapy (ET) resistant metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. The subjects of this retrospective study were a total of 185 plasma samples from 86 estrogen receptor-positive BC patients, of which 151 plasma samples were from 69 MBC patients and 34 plasma samples were from 17 primary BC (PBC) patients. We developed multiplex droplet digital PCR assays to verify the clinical significance of ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations both in a snapshot and serially in these patients. cfDNA ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations were found in 28.9% and 24.6 % of MBC patients, respectively. The relation between ESR1 or PIK3CA mutations and clinical features showed that ESR1 mutations occurred mostly in patients previously treated by ET, which was not the case for PIK3CA mutations. The analysis of the clinical impact of those mutations on subsequent lines of treatment for the 69 MBC patients revealed that both ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations detection were related to a shorter duration of ET effectiveness in univariate analysis but only for ESR1 mutations in multivariate analysis. The monitoring of cfDNA in a subset of 52 patients showed that loss of ESR1 mutations was related to a longer duration of response, which was not the case for PIK3CA mutations. We have demonstrated the clinical significance of on-treatment ESR1 mutations both in a snapshot and serially in comparison with PIK3CA mutations.

Analysis of ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations in plasma cell-free DNA from ER-positive breast cancer patients

PubMed Central

Takeshita, Takashi; Yamamoto, Yutaka; Yamamoto-Ibusuki, Mutsuko; Tomiguchi, Mai; Sueta, Aiko; Murakami, Keiichi; Omoto, Yoko; Iwase, Hirotaka

2017-01-01

Background The measurement of ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations in plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been studied as a non-invasive method to quickly assess and monitor endocrine therapy (ET) resistant metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. Methods The subjects of this retrospective study were a total of 185 plasma samples from 86 estrogen receptor-positive BC patients, of which 151 plasma samples were from 69 MBC patients and 34 plasma samples were from 17 primary BC (PBC) patients. We developed multiplex droplet digital PCR assays to verify the clinical significance of ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations both in a snapshot and serially in these patients. Results cfDNA ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations were found in 28.9% and 24.6 % of MBC patients, respectively. The relation between ESR1 or PIK3CA mutations and clinical features showed that ESR1 mutations occurred mostly in patients previously treated by ET, which was not the case for PIK3CA mutations. The analysis of the clinical impact of those mutations on subsequent lines of treatment for the 69 MBC patients revealed that both ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations detection were related to a shorter duration of ET effectiveness in univariate analysis but only for ESR1 mutations in multivariate analysis. The monitoring of cfDNA in a subset of 52 patients showed that loss of ESR1 mutations was related to a longer duration of response, which was not the case for PIK3CA mutations. Conclusions We have demonstrated the clinical significance of on-treatment ESR1 mutations both in a snapshot and serially in comparison with PIK3CA mutations. PMID:28881720

Mixing of thawed coagulation samples prior to testing: Is any technique better than another?

PubMed

Lima-Oliveira, Gabriel; Adcock, Dorothy M; Salvagno, Gian Luca; Favaloro, Emmanuel J; Lippi, Giuseppe

2016-12-01

Thus study was aimed to investigate whether the mixing technique could influence the results of routine and specialized clotting tests on post-thawed specimens. The sample population consisted of 13 healthy volunteers. Venous blood was collected by evacuated system into three 3.5mL tubes containing 0.109mmol/L buffered sodium citrate. The three blood tubes of each subject were pooled immediately after collection inside a Falcon 15mL tube, then mixed by 6 gentle end-over-end inversions, and centrifuged at 1500g for 15min. Plasma-pool of each subject was then divided in 4 identical aliquots. All aliquots were thawed after 2-day freezing -70°C. Immediately afterwards, the plasma of the four paired aliquots were treated using four different techniques: (a) reference procedure, entailing 6 gentle end-over-end inversions; (b) placing the sample on a blood tube rocker (i.e., rotor mixing) for 5min to induce agitation and mixing; (c) use of a vortex mixer for 20s to induce agitation and mixing; and (d) no mixing. The significance of differences against the reference technique for mixing thawed plasma specimens (i.e., 6 gentle end-over-end inversions) were assessed with paired Student's t-test. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05. As compared to the reference 6-time gentle inversion technique, statistically significant differences were only observed for fibrinogen, and factor VIII in plasma mixed on tube rocker. Some trends were observed in the remaining other cases, but the bias did not achieve statistical significance. We hence suggest that each laboratory should standardize the procedures for mixing of thawed plasma according to a single technique. Copyright © 2016 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surface Texturing-Plasma Nitriding Duplex Treatment for Improving Tribological Performance of AISI 316 Stainless Steel

PubMed Central

Lin, Naiming; Liu, Qiang; Zou, Jiaojuan; Guo, Junwen; Li, Dali; Yuan, Shuo; Ma, Yong; Wang, Zhenxia; Wang, Zhihua; Tang, Bin

2016-01-01

Surface texturing-plasma nitriding duplex treatment was conducted on AISI 316 stainless steel to improve its tribological performance. Tribological behaviors of ground 316 substrates, plasma-nitrided 316 (PN-316), surface-textured 316 (ST-316), and duplex-treated 316 (DT-316) in air and under grease lubrication were investigated using a pin-on-disc rotary tribometer against counterparts of high carbon chromium bearing steel GCr15 and silicon nitride Si3N4 balls. The variations in friction coefficient, mass loss, and worn trace morphology of the tested samples were systemically investigated and analyzed. The results showed that a textured surface was formed on 316 after electrochemical processing in a 15 wt % NaCl solution. Grooves and dimples were found on the textured surface. As plasma nitriding was conducted on a 316 substrate and ST-316, continuous and uniform nitriding layers were successfully fabricated on the surfaces of the 316 substrate and ST-316. Both of the obtained nitriding layers presented thickness values of more than 30 μm. The nitriding layers were composed of iron nitrides and chromium nitride. The 316 substrate and ST-316 received improved surface hardness after plasma nitriding. When the tribological tests were carried out under dry sliding and grease lubrication conditions, the tested samples showed different tribological behaviors. As expected, the DT-316 samples revealed the most promising tribological properties, reflected by the lowest mass loss and worn morphologies. The DT-316 received the slightest damage, and its excellent tribological performance was attributed to the following aspects: firstly, the nitriding layer had high surface hardness; secondly, the surface texture was able to capture wear debris, store up grease, and then provide continuous lubrication. PMID:28773996

Oxidation of Inconel 625 superalloy upon treatment with oxygen or hydrogen plasma at high temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vesel, Alenka; Drenik, Aleksander; Elersic, Kristina; Mozetic, Miran; Kovac, Janez; Gyergyek, Tomaz; Stockel, Jan; Varju, Jozef; Panek, Radomir; Balat-Pichelin, Marianne

2014-06-01

Initial stages of Inconel 625 superalloy (Ni60Cr30Mo10Ni4Nb1) oxidation upon short treatment with gaseous plasma at different temperatures up to about 1600 K were studied. Samples were treated for different periods up to a minute by oxygen or hydrogen plasma created with a microwave discharge in the standing-wave mode at a pressure of 40 Pa and a power 500 W. Simultaneous heating of the samples was realized by focusing concentrated solar radiation from a 5 kW solar furnace directly onto the samples. The morphological changes upon treatment were monitored using scanning electron microscopy, compositional depth profiling was performed using Auger electron spectroscopy, while structural changes were determined by X-ray diffraction. The treatment in oxygen plasma caused formation of metal oxide clusters of three dimensional crystallites initially rich in nickel oxide with the increasing chromium oxide content as the temperature was increasing. At about 1100 K iron and niobium oxides prevailed on the surface causing a drop of the material emissivity at 5 μm. Simultaneously the NiCr2O4 compound started growing at the interface between the oxide film and bulk alloy and the compound persisted up to temperatures close to the Inconel melting point. Intensive migration of minority alloying elements such as Fe and Ti was observed at 1600 K forming mixed surface oxides of sub-micrometer dimensions. The treatment in hydrogen plasma with small admixture of water vapor did not cause much modification unless the temperature was close to the melting point. At such conditions aluminum segregated on the surface and formed well-defined Al2O3 crystals.

Surface martensitization of Carbon steel using Arc Plasma Sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyudi, Haris; Dimyati, Arbi; Sebayang, Darwin

2018-03-01

In this paper new technology of surface structure modification of steel by short plasma exposure in Arc Plasma Sintering (APS) device is presented. APS is an apparatus working based on plasma generated by DC pulsed current originally used for synthesizing materials via sintering and melting. Plasma exposure in APS was applied into the specimens for 1 and 3 seconds which generate temperature approximately about 1300-1500°C. The SUP9, pearlitic carbon steel samples were used. The hardness, hardening depth and microstructure of the specimens have been investigated by Vickers micro hardness test and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) supported by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The results have showed that the mechanical property was significantly improved due to the formation of single martensitic structures as identified by SEM. The hardness of treated surface evaluated by Vickers hardness test showed significant improvement nearly three time from 190 VHN before to 524 VHN after treatment. Furthermore, EDX confirmed that the formation of martensite layer occurred without altering its composition. The APS also produced uniform hardened layer up to 250 μm. The experiment has demonstrated that arc plasma process was successfully improved the mechanical properties of steel in relatively very short time.

Improvement of interfacial adhesion and nondestructive damage evaluation for plasma-treated PBO and Kevlar fibers/epoxy composites using micromechanical techniques and surface wettability.

PubMed

Park, Joung-Man; Kim, Dae-Sik; Kim, Sung-Ryong

2003-08-15

Comparison of interfacial properties and microfailure mechanisms of oxygen-plasma treated poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO, Zylon) and poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA, Kevlar) fibers/epoxy composites were investigated using a micromechanical technique and nondestructive acoustic emission (AE). The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and work of adhesion, Wa, of PBO or Kevlar fiber/epoxy composites increased with oxygen-plasma treatment, due to induced hydrogen and covalent bondings at their interface. Plasma-treated Kevlar fiber showed the maximum critical surface tension and polar term, whereas the untreated PBO fiber showed the minimum values. The work of adhesion and the polar term were proportional to the IFSS directly for both PBO and Kevlar fibers. The microfibril fracture pattern of two plasma-treated fibers appeared obviously. Unlike in slow cooling, in rapid cooling, case kink band and kicking in PBO fiber appeared, whereas buckling in the Kevlar fiber was observed mainly due to compressive and residual stresses. Based on the propagation of microfibril failure toward the core region, the number of AE events for plasma-treated PBO and Kevlar fibers increased significantly compared to the untreated case. The results of nondestructive AE were consistent with microfailure modes.

A new flexible DBD device for treating infected wounds: in vitro and ex vivo evaluation and comparison with a RF argon plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boekema, B. K. H. L.; Vlig, M.; Guijt, D.; Hijnen, K.; Hofmann, S.; Smits, P.; Sobota, A.; van Veldhuizen, E. M.; Bruggeman, P.; Middelkoop, E.

2016-02-01

Cold plasma has been shown to provide a promising alternative antimicrobial treatment for wound healing. We developed and tested a flexible surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and compared it to an argon gas based plasma jet operated remotely with a distance between plasma plume and sample of 8 mm. Tests were conducted using different models: on cultured cells, on ex vivo human skin and on bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) (on agar, in suspension, in collagen/elastin matrix or on ex vivo human skin), allowing us to directly compare bactericidal with safety aspects under identical conditions. Both plasma devices were highly efficient when used on bacteria in non-buffered solutions, but DBD was faster in reaching the maximum bacterial reduction. Treatment of bacteria on intact skin with DBD resulted in up to 6 log reductions in 3 min. The jet was far less efficient on intact skin. Even after 8 min treatment no more than 2 log reductions were obtained with the jet. Treatment of bacteria in burn wound models with DBD for 6 min resulted in a 4.5 log reduction. Even when using DBD for 6 min on infected burn wound models with colonizing or biofilm phase bacteria, the log reductions were 3.8 or 3.2 respectively. DBD plasma treatment for 6 min did not affect fibroblast viability, whereas a treatment for 8 min was detrimental. Similarly, treatment with DBD or plasma jet for 6 min did also not affect the metabolic activity of skin biopsies. After treatment for 8 min with DBD or plasma jet, 78% or 60% of activity in skin biopsies remained, respectively. Multiple treatments of in vitro burn wound models with surface DBD for 6 min or with plasma jet for 8 min did not affect re-epithelialization. With the flexible surface DBD plasma strip we were able to quickly inactivate large numbers of bacteria on and in skin. Under the same conditions, viability of skin cells or re-epithelialization was not affected. The DBD source has potential for treating larger wound areas.

Semiconductor gas sensor based on tin oxide nanorods prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition with postplasma treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang Hui; Tan, O.K.; Lee, Y.C.

2005-10-17

SnO{sub 2} thin films were deposited by radio-frequency inductively coupled plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Postplasma treatments were used to modify the microstructure of the as-deposited SnO{sub 2} thin films. Uniform nanorods with dimension of null-set 7x100 nm were observed in the plasma-treated films. After plasma treatments, the optimal operating temperature of the plasma-treated SnO{sub 2} thin films decreased by 80 deg. C, while the gas sensitivity increased eightfold. The enhanced gas sensing properties of the plasma-treated SnO{sub 2} thin film were believed to result from the large surface-to-volume ratio of the nanorods' tiny grain size in the scale comparable tomore » the space-charge length and its unique microstructure of SnO{sub 2} nanorods rooted in SnO{sub 2} thin films.« less

Pathogen inactivation treatment of plasma and platelet concentrates and their predicted functionality in massive transfusion protocols.

PubMed

Arbaeen, Ahmad F; Schubert, Peter; Serrano, Katherine; Carter, Cedric J; Culibrk, Brankica; Devine, Dana V

2017-05-01

Trauma transfusion packages for hemorrhage control consist of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets at a set ratio. Although pathogen reduction improves the transfusion safety of platelet and plasma units, there is an associated reduction in quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of riboflavin/ultraviolet light-treated plasma or platelets in transfusion trauma packages composed of red blood cell, plasma, and platelet units in a ratio of 1:1:1 in vitro by modeling transfusion scenarios for trauma patients and assessing function by rotational thromboelastometry. Pathogen-reduced or untreated plasma and buffy coat platelet concentrate units produced in plasma were used in different combinations with red blood cells in trauma transfusion packages. After reconstitution of these packages with hemodiluted blood, the hemostatic functionality was analyzed by rotational thromboelastometry. Hemostatic profiles of pathogen-inactivated buffy coat platelet concentrate and plasma indicated decreased activity compared with their respective controls. Reconstitution of hemodiluted blood (hematocrit = 20%) with packages that contained treated or nontreated components resulted in increased alpha and maximum clot firmness and enhanced clot-formation time. Simulating transfusion scenarios based on 30% blood replacement with a transfusion trauma package resulted in a nonsignificant difference in rotational thromboelastometry parameters between packages containing treated and nontreated blood components (p ≥ 0.05). Effects of pathogen inactivation treatment were evident when the trauma package percentage was 50% or greater and contained both pathogen inactivation-treated plasma and buffy coat platelet concentrate. Rotational thromboelastometry investigations suggest that there is relatively little impact of pathogen inactivation treatment on whole blood clot formation unless large amounts of treated components are used. © 2017 AABB.

[Clinical study on analgesic mechanism of bitongxiao in treating neck pain due to cervical spondylitis].

PubMed

Li, J X; Xiang, C J; Liu, X Q

2001-07-01

To study the analgesic mechanism of Bitongxiao (BTX, a Chinese herbal decoction) in treating neck pain due to cervical spondylitis (CS). BTX and Jingfukang (JFK) granule were used to treat the treated and the control group separately in 102 CS cases. Plasma leucine enkephalin (LEK), substance P (SP) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) before and after treatment were assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Twelve patients in the treated group were clinically cured, 36 markedly effectively, 3 effectively and 1 ineffectively, while in the control group they were 5, 33, 14 and 0 cases respectively. The cured and marked effective rate in the treated group was 92.3%, while that in the control group 72.0%. After treatment the pain score (VAS) of both groups were significantly reduced, but the reduction was higher in the treated group than that in the control. Before treatment, plasma LEK in all patients was abnormally low, but after treatment, it raised obviously more in the treated group than that in the control (P < 0.05). Plasma SP of both groups were obviously elevated, and PGE2 revealed unaltered after treatment. BTX has strong, fast-acting and long-lasting analgesic effect with no side-effects, it could elevate the lowered plasma LEK level in cervical spondylitis patients and increase plasma SP level. The analgesic mechanism of BTX might be associated with its effect on LEK, SP or other endorphins, directly acting on the pain modulation system.

Crystal-face-selective adsorption of Au nanoparticles onto polycrystalline diamond surfaces.

PubMed

Kondo, Takeshi; Aoshima, Shinsuke; Hirata, Kousuke; Honda, Kensuke; Einaga, Yasuaki; Fujishima, Akira; Kawai, Takeshi

2008-07-15

Crystal-face-selective adsorption of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) was achieved on polycrystalline boron-doped diamond (BDD) surface via the self-assembly method combined with a UV/ozone treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of crystal-face-selective adsorption on an inorganic solid surface. Hydrogen-plasma-treated BDD samples and those followed by UV/ozone treatment for 2 min or longer showed almost no adsorption of AuNP after immersion in the AuNP solution prepared by the citrate reduction method. However, the samples treated by UV/ozone for 10 s showed AuNP adsorption on their (111) facets selectively after the immersion. Moreover, the sample treated with UV/ozone for 40-60 s showed AuNP adsorption on the whole surface. These results indicate that the AuNP adsorption behavior can be controlled by UV/ozone treatment time. This phenomenon was highly reproducible and was applied to a two-step adsorption method, where AuNPs from different batches were adsorbed on the (111) and (100) surface in this order. Our findings may be of great value for the fabrication of advanced nanoparticle-based functional materials via bottom-up approaches with simple macroscale procedures.

Comparison of methods for the removal of organic carbon and extraction of chromium, iron and manganese from an estuarine sediment standard and sediment from the Calcasieu River estuary, Louisiana, U.S.A.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Simon, N.S.; Hatcher, S.A.; Demas, C.

1992-01-01

U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS) estuarine sediment 1646 from the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, and surface sediment collected at two sites in the Calcasieu River estuary, Louisiana, were used to evaluate the dilute hydrochloric acid extraction of Cr, Fe and Mn from air-dried and freeze-dried samples that had been treated by one of three methods to remove organic carbon. The three methods for the oxidation and removal of organic carbon were: (1) 30% hydrogen peroxide; (2) 30% hydrogen peroxide plus 0.25 mM pyrophosphate; and (3) plasma oxidation (low-temperature ashing). There was no statistically significant difference at the 95% confidence level between air- and freeze-dried samples with respect to the percent of organic carbon removed by the three methods. Generally, there was no statistically significant difference at the 95% confidence level between air- and freeze-dried samples with respect to the concentration of Cr, Fe and Mn that was extracted, regardless of the extraction technique that was used. Hydrogen peroxide plus pyrophosphate removed the most organic carbon from sediment collected at the site in the Calcasieu River that was upstream from industrial outfalls. Plasma oxidation removed the most organic carbon from the sediment collected at a site in the Calcasieu River close to industrial outfalls and from the NBS estuarine sediment sample. Plasma oxidation merits further study as a treatment for removal of organic carbon. Operational parameters can be chosen to limit the plasma oxidation of pyrite which, unlike other Fe species, will not be dissolved by dilute hydrochloric acid. Preservation of pyrite allows the positive identification of Fe present as pyrite in sediments. ?? 1992.

Hemostatic properties and protein expression profile of therapeutic apheresis plasma treated with amotosalen and ultraviolet A for pathogen inactivation.

PubMed

Ohlmann, Philippe; Hechler, Béatrice; Chafey, Philippe; Ravanat, Catherine; Isola, Hervé; Wiesel, Marie-Louise; Cazenave, Jean-Pierre; Gachet, Christian

2016-09-01

The INTERCEPT Blood System (IBS) using amotosalen-HCl and ultraviolet (UV)A inactivates a large spectrum of microbial pathogens and white blood cells in therapeutic plasma. Our aim was to evaluate to what extent IBS modifies the capacity of plasma to generate thrombin and induces qualitative or quantitative modifications of plasma proteins. Plasma units from four donors were collected by apheresis. Samples were taken before (control [CTRL]) and after IBS treatment and stored at -80°C until use. The activities of plasma coagulation factors and inhibitors and the thrombin generation potential were determined using assays measuring clotting times and the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT), respectively. The proteomic profile of plasma proteins was examined using a two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) method. Nearly all of the procoagulant and antithrombotic factors tested retained at least 78% of their initial pre-IBS activity. Only FVII and FVIII displayed a lower level of conservation (67%), which nevertheless remained within the reference range for conventional plasma coagulation factors. The thrombin generation profile of plasma was conserved after IBS treatment. Among the 1331 protein spots revealed by 2D-DIGE analysis, only four were differentially expressed in IBS plasma compared to CTRL plasma and two were identified by mass spectrometric analysis as transthyretin and apolipoprotein A1. The IBS technique for plasma moderately decreases the activities of plasma coagulation factors and antithrombotic proteins, with no impact on the thrombin generation potential of plasma and very limited modifications of the proteomic profile. © 2016 AABB.

Capillary-tube-based oxygen/argon micro-plasma system for the inactivation of bacteria suspended in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Weng, Chih-Chiang; Liao, Juinn-Der; Chen, Hsin-Hung; Lin, Tung-Yi; Huang, Chih-Ling

2011-09-01

An aqueous solution containing Escherichia coli can be completely inactivated within a short treatment time using a capillary-tube-based oxygen/argon micro-plasma source. A capillary-tube-based oxygen/argon micro-plasma system with a hollow inner electrode was ignited by a 13.56 MHz radio frequency power supply with a matching network and characterised by optical emission spectroscopy. An aqueous solution containing E. coli was then treated at various the working distances, plasma exposure durations, and oxygen ratios in argon micro-plasma. The treated bacteria were then assessed and qualitatively investigated. The morphologies of treated bacteria were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the proposed oxygen/argon micro-plasma system, the intensities of the main emission lines of the excited species, nitric oxide (NO), hydrated oxide (OH), argon (Ar), and atomic oxygen (O), fluctuated with the addition of oxygen to argon micro-plasma. Under a steady state of micro-plasma generation, the complete inactivation of E. coli in aqueous solution was achieved within 90 s of argon micro-plasma exposure time with a working distance of 3 mm. SEM micrographs reveal obvious morphological damage to the treated E. coli. The addition of oxygen to argon micro-plasma increased the variety of O-containing excited species. At a given supply power, the relative intensities of the excited species, NO and OH, correlated with the ultraviolet (UV) intensity, decreased. For the proposed capillary-tube-based micro-plasma system with a hollow inner electrode, the oxygen/argon micro-plasma source is efficient in inactivating E. coli in aqueous solution. The treatment time required for the inactivation process decreases with decreasing working distance or the increasing synthesised effect of reactive species and UV intensity.

A pharmacology-based comparison of the activity of albendazole and flubendazole against Echinococcus granulosus metacestode in sheep.

PubMed

Ceballos, L; Virkel, G; Elissondo, C; Canton, C; Canevari, J; Murno, G; Denegri, G; Lanusse, C; Alvarez, L

2013-09-01

Cyst echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus helminth parasite. The work reported here aimed to compare the efficacy of albendazole (ABZ) and flubendazole (FLBZ) against CE in naturally infected sheep. Additionally, their comparative pharmacokinetic behaviour and the assessment of serum liver enzymes activities were studied. Twelve (12) naturally infected sheep were allocated to the following experimental groups: unmedicated control group, FLBZ-treated and ABZ-treated. Treatments were orally performed every 48 h, over 55 days at dose rate of 10 (FLBZ) and 8.5 (ABZ) mg/kg (equimolar dose rates). The efficacy of the drug treatments was based on protoscoleces' vitality/viability. The kinetic disposition assessment included the Initial and Final Kinetic Studies which implicated the collection of blood samples after both the first and the last drug administration. Blood samples were processed to measure drug concentrations by HPLC. The protoscoleces' vitality observed in the untreated control group (98%) was significantly reduced in the presence of both ABZ and FLBZ. 90% of mice inoculated with protoscoleces in the control group developed hydatid cysts in their peritoneal cavity (viability study). However, only 25% (FLBZ) and 33% (ABZ) of mice inoculated with protoscoleces recovered from treated sheep, developed hydatid cysts in their abdominal cavity. Reduced FLBZ (R-FLBZ) was the main metabolite recovered in the bloodstream after oral administration of FLBZ to sheep. Low plasma concentrations of FLBZ parent drug were measured up to 48 h post-administration. ABZ was not detected in plasma at any time post-treatment, being its metabolites ABZ sulphoxide (ABZSO) and ABZ sulphone (ABZSO₂) recovered in plasma. Hepatotoxicity due to the continued treatment with either ABZ or FLBZ was not observed. A 3-fold increase ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity, a cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A)-dependent enzyme reaction, was observed in liver microsomes obtained from sheep receiving ABZ, compared to those of the unmedicated and FLBZ-treated animals. In conclusion, FLBZ is an available anthelmintic which may be developed into an effective and safe drug for the human CE treatment. Despite the low plasma concentrations measured by FLBZ/R-FLBZ, an important reduction in protoscoleces' vitality was observed in cysts located in sheep liver. Modern pharmaceutical technology may help to greatly improve FLBZ systemic exposure improving its efficacy against CE. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF-2 alpha, oestrone sulphate, oestradiol-17 beta and progesterone in pregnant guinea-pigs treated with polychlorinated biphenyls.

PubMed

Lundkvist, U; Kindahl, H

1989-09-01

Guinea-pigs treated by gavage with a total dose of 100 mg polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB: Clophen A50) during Days 17-61 of gestation had higher plasma concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydroprostaglandin F-2 alpha, oestrone sulphate and oestradiol-17 beta during the later stages of gestation than did vehicle-treated guinea-pigs. No changes were observed in plasma progesterone concentrations. Our results provide no support for the hypothesis that an enzyme-induced decrease in progesterone concentrations is the main cause of the fetal death observed in PCB-treated guinea-pigs.

Fabric phase sorptive extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-photo diode array detection method for simultaneous monitoring of three inflammatory bowel disease treatment drugs in whole blood, plasma and urine.

PubMed

Kabir, Abuzar; Furton, Kenneth G; Tinari, Nicola; Grossi, Laurino; Innosa, Denise; Macerola, Daniela; Tartaglia, Angela; Di Donato, Valentina; D'Ovidio, Cristian; Locatelli, Marcello

2018-05-01

This paper reports a novel fabric phase sorptive extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (FPSE-HPLC-PDA) method for the simultaneous extraction and analysis of three drug residues (ciprofloxacin, sulfasalazine, and cortisone) in human whole blood, plasma, and urine samples, generally administered in human patients to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The drugs of interest were well resolved using a Luna C 18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm; 5 μm particle size) in gradient elution mode within 20 min. The analytical method was optimized and validated in the range 0.05-10 μg/mL for whole blood, 0.25-10 μg/mL for human plasma, and 0.10-10 μg/mL for human urine. Blank human whole blood, plasma, and urine were used as the sample matrix for the method development and validation; while methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate was used as the internal standard (IS). Weighted-matrix matched standard calibration curves showed a good linearity up to a concentration of 10 μg/mL. The intra- and inter-day accuracy values (precision and trueness) were found in the range from -10.9% to 12.3%, and the performances of the validated FPSE-HPLC-PDA were further tested on real IBD patient samples. This is the first FPSE procedure applied simultaneously to whole blood, plasma, and urine samples for the determination of residual IBD drugs, which possess a wide range of polarity (logP values ranging from 2.30 for Ciprofloxacin, to 1.66 for Cortisone, and 2.92 for Sulfasalazine). The new approach exhibits high potential for immediate adoptation as a rapid, robust and green analytical tool for future clinical and pharmaceutical applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The surface modification of clay particles by RF plasma technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sang-Keol

In this study, the surface coatings of ball clay, organoclay and exfoliated clay prepared by sol-gel process were done by RF plasma polymerization to improve the surface activity of the clay filler. Characterization of the above plasma-treated clays has been carried out by various techniques. The effects of plasma-treated clays as substitute of carbon black in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) on the curing and mechanical properties were investigated. After plasma treatment, the tensile properties of organo and exfoliated clay were not unsatisfactory to that of carbon black filler system. Moreover, only 10 phr filler loading of plasma-treated organoclay in EPDM vulcanizates showed better results than 40 phr filler loading of carbon black in EPDM vulcanizates. The main objective of this study was to verify the applicability of the plasma technique for modifying clay surfaces for their use in the tire manufacturing industry. Another purpose was to reveal the advantage of the plasma technique used to obtain modified-clay and improved properties that those materials can display.

Soft lithography of ceramic microparts using wettability-tunable poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) molds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Bo; Zhang, Aijun; Meng, Junhu; Zhang, Zhaozhu

2016-07-01

Green alumina microparts were fabricated from a high solid content aqueous suspension by microtransfer molding using air plasma-treated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) molds. The wettability of the air plasma-treated PDMS molds spontaneously changed between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic states during the process. Initial hydrophilicity of the air plasma-treated PDMS molds significantly improved the flowability of the concentrated suspension. Subsequent hydrophobic recovery of the air plasma-treated PDMS molds enabled a perfect demolding of the green microparts. Consequently, defect-free microchannel parts of 60 μm and a micromixer with an area of several square centimeters were successfully fabricated. In soft lithography, tuning the wetting behavior of PDMS molds has a great effect on the quality of ceramic microparts. Using wettability-tunable PDMS molds has great potential in producing complex-shaped and large-area ceramic microparts and micropatterns.

Measurement of activated species generated by AC power excited non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure Ar plasma jet with air engulfment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Keigo; Ishikawa, Kenji; Tanaka, Hiromasa; Kano, Hiroyuki; Sekine, Makoto; Hori, Masaru

2013-09-01

Non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma jet (NEAPPJ) is very attractive tool for bio and medical applications. In the plasma treatments, samples are typically located at a far region from main discharge, and treated in open air without purge gases. Influence of air engulfment on generation of activated species in the NEAPPJ in open air is a large issue for the application. In this study, the AC excited argon NEAPPJ with the gas flow rate of 2 slm was generated under the open air condition. The densities of the grand state nitrogen monoxide (NO) and the ground state O atom generated by the NEAPPJ were measured by laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy and vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. The length of the plasma jet was around 10 mm. Up to 10 mm, the NO density increased with increasing the distance from plasma head, and then saturated in remote region of plasma. On the other hand, the O atom density decreased from 1014 to 1013 cm-3 with increasing the distance. Especially, the amount of decrease in O atom density became the largest at the plasma edge. We will discuss the generation and loss processes of activated species generated in the NEAPPJ with the measurement results using spectroscopic methods.

A Cell-Adhesive Plasma Polymerized Allylamine Coating Reduces the In Vivo Inflammatory Response Induced by Ti6Al4V Modified with Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation of Copper

PubMed Central

Walschus, Uwe; Hoene, Andreas; Patrzyk, Maciej; Lucke, Silke; Finke, Birgit; Polak, Martin; Lukowski, Gerold; Bader, Rainer; Zietz, Carmen; Podbielski, Andreas; Nebe, J. Barbara; Schlosser, Michael

2017-01-01

Copper (Cu) could be suitable to create anti-infective implants based on Titanium (Ti), for example by incorporating Cu into the implant surface using plasma immersion ion implantation (Cu-PIII). The cytotoxicity of Cu might be circumvented by an additional cell-adhesive plasma polymerized allylamine film (PPAAm). Thus, this study aimed to examine in vivo local inflammatory reactions for Ti6Al4V implants treated with Cu-PIII (Ti-Cu), alone or with an additional PPAAm film (Ti-Cu-PPAAm), compared to untreated implants (Ti). Successful Cu-PIII and PPAAm treatment was confirmed with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Storage of Ti-Cu and Ti-Cu-PPAAm samples in double-distilled water for five days revealed a reduction of Cu release by PPAAm. Subsequently, Ti, Ti-Cu and Ti-Cu-PPAAm samples were simultaneously implanted into the neck musculature of 24 rats. After 7, 14 and 56 days, peri-implant tissue was retrieved from 8 rats/day for morphometric immunohistochemistry of different inflammatory cells. On day 56, Ti-Cu induced significantly stronger reactions compared to Ti (tissue macrophages, antigen-presenting cells, T lymphocytes) and to Ti-Cu-PPAAm (tissue macrophages, T lymphocytes, mast cells). The response for Ti-Cu-PPAAm was comparable with Ti. In conclusion, PPAAm reduced the inflammatory reactions caused by Cu-PIII. Combining both plasma processes could be useful to create antibacterial and tissue compatible Ti-based implants. PMID:28726761

Reliability of basal plasma vasopressin concentrations in healthy male adults.

PubMed

Quintana, Daniel S; Westlye, Lars T; Smerud, Knut T; Mahmoud, Ramy A; Djupesland, Per G; Andreassen, Ole A

2017-10-01

The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) play important and interrelated roles in modulating mammalian social behaviour. While the OT system has received considerable research attention for its potential to treat psychiatric symptoms, comparatively little is known about the role of the AVP system in human social behaviour. To better understand the intraindividual stability of basal AVP, the present study assessed the reproducibility of basal plasma AVP concentrations. Basal plasma AVP was assessed at four sampling points separated by 8 days, on average, in 16 healthy adult males. Only one out of six comparisons revealed strong evidence for reproducibility of basal AVP concentrations (visit 2 vs. visit 4: r=0.8, p0.1). The concordance correlation coefficient [0.15, 95% CI (-0.55, 0.73)] also revealed poor overall reproducibility. Poor reliability of basal AVP concentrations suggests future work covarying AVP with trait markers should proceed with careful consideration of intraindividual fluctuations.

Optical characterization of composite layers prepared by plasma polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radeva, E.; Hikov, T.; Mitev, D.; Stroescu, H.; Nicolescu, M.; Gartner, M.; Presker, R.; Pramatarova, L.

2016-02-01

Thin composite layers from polymer/nanoparticles (Ag-nanoparticles and detonation nanodiamonds) were prepared by plasma polymerization process on the base of hexamethyldisiloxane. The variation of the layer composition was achieved by changing the type of nanoparticles. The optical measurement techniques used were UV-VIS-NIR ellipsometry (SE), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The values of the refractive index determined are in the range 1.30 to 1.42. All samples are transparent with transmission between 85-95% and very smooth. The change in Raman and FTIR spectra of the composites verify the expected bonding between polymer and diamond nanoparticles due to the penetration of the fillers in the polymer matrix. The comparison of the spectra of the corresponding NH3 plasma treated composites revealed that the composite surface becomes more hydrophilic. The obtained results indicate that preparation of layers with desired compositions is possible at a precise control of the detonation nanodiamond materials.

Non-thermal plasma for exhaust gases treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alva R., Elvia; Pacheco P., Marquidia; Gómez B., Fernando; Pacheco P., Joel; Colín C., Arturo; Sánchez-Mendieta, Víctor; Valdivia B., Ricardo; Santana D., Alfredo; Huertas C., José; Frías P., Hilda

2015-09-01

This article describes a study on a non-thermal plasma device to treat exhaust gases in an internal combustion engine. Several tests using a plasma device to treat exhaust gases are conducted on a Honda GX200-196 cm3 engine at different rotational speeds. A plasma reactor could be efficient in degrading nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Monoxide and carbon dioxide treatment is minimal. However, achieving 1%-3% degradation may be interesting to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

A validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for the quantification of total platinum content in plasma, plasma ultrafiltrate, urine and peritoneal fluid.

PubMed

Lemoine, Lieselotte; Thijssen, Elsy; Noben, Jean-Paul; Adriaensens, Peter; Carleer, Robert; Speeten, Kurt Van der

2018-04-15

Oxaliplatin is a platinum (Pt) 1 containing antineoplastic agent that is applied in current clinical practice for the treatment of colon and appendiceal neoplasms. A fully validated, highly sensitive, high throughput inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method is provided to quantify the total Pt content in plasma, plasma ultrafiltrate, urine and peritoneal fluid. In this ICP-MS approach, the only step of sample preparation is a 1000-fold dilution in 0.5% nitric acid, allowing the analysis of 17 samples per hour. Detection of Pt was achieved over a linear range of 0.01-100 ng/mL. The limit of quantification was 18.0 ng/mL Pt in plasma, 8.0 ng/mL in ultrafiltrate and 6.1 ng/mL in urine and peritoneal fluid. The ICP-MS method was further validated for inter-and intraday precision and accuracy (≤15%), recovery, robustness and stability. Short-term storage of the biofluids, for 14 days, can be performed at -4 °C, -24 °C and -80 °C. As to long-term stability, up to 5 months, storage at -80 °C is encouraged. Furthermore, a timeline assessing the total and unbound Pt fraction in plasma and ultrafiltrate over a period of 45 h is provided. Following an incubation period of 5 h at 37 °C, 19-21% of Pt was recovered in the ultrafiltrate, emphasizing the extensive and rapid binding of oxaliplatin-derived Pt to plasma proteins. The described method can easily be implemented in a routine setting for pharmacokinetic studies in patients treated with oxaliplatin-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal perioperative chemotherapy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Alternative to Annealing TiO2 Nanotubes for Morphology Preservation: Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Treatment.

PubMed

Seo, Sang-Hee; Uhm, Soo-Hyuk; Kwon, Jae-Sung; Choi, Eun Ha; Kim, Kwang-Mahn; Kim, Kyoung-Nam

2015-03-01

Titanium oxide nanotube layer formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is known to be excellent in biomaterial applications. However, the annealing process which is commonly performed on the TiO2 nanotubes cause defects in the nanotubular structure. The purpose of this work was to apply a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet on diameter-controlled TiO2 nanotubes to mimic the effects of annealing while maintaining the tubular structure for use as biomaterial. Diameter-controlled nanotube samples fabricated by plasma electrolytic oxidation were dried and prepared under three different conditions: untreated, annealed at 450 °C for 1 h in air with a heating rate of 10 °C/min, and treated with an air-based non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet for 5 minutes. The contact angle measurement was investigated to confirm the enhanced hydrophilicity of the TiO2 nanotubes. The chemical composition of the surface was studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the morphology of TiO2 nanotubes was examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy. For the viability of the cell, the attachment of the osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 was determined using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay. We found that there are no morphological changes in the TiO2 nanotubular structure after the plasma treatment. Also, we investigated a change in the chemical composition and enhanced hydrophilicity which result in improved cell behavior. The results of this study indicated that the non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet results in osteoblast functionality that is comparable to annealed samples while maintaining the tubular structure of the TiO2 nanotubes. Therefore, this study concluded that the use of a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet on nanotube surfaces may replace the annealing process following plasma electrolytic oxidation.

Efficient neutralization of primary isolates by the plasma from HIV-1 infected Indian children.

PubMed

Prakash, S S; Chaudhary, Alok Kumar; Lodha, Rakesh; Kabra, S K; Vajpayee, Madhu; Hazarika, Anjali; Bagga, Barun; Luthra, Kalpana

2011-10-01

We tested the plasma of 51 HIV-1-infected children (23 naïve and 28 ART treated) for neutralization against five primary isolates (PIs) generated from adult Indian HIV-1-infected patients. The plasma exhibited neutralization potential with significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers in ART-treated children than naïve children against three out of five PIs (p<0.0001). Further, in treated children, neutralizing antibody titers were higher in those children with suppressed viremia (<1000 RNA copies/mL) than non-suppressors against two of the three PIs. We report here for the first time the neutralization potential of the plasma of HIV-1-infected Indian children.

Thermal Processing Effects on the Adhesive Strength of PS304 High Temperature Solid Lubricant Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DellaCorte, Christopher; Edmonds, Brian J.; Benoy, Patricia A.

2001-01-01

In this paper the effects of post deposition heat treatments on the cohesive and adhesive strength properties of PS304, a plasma sprayed nickel-chrome based, high temperature solid lubricant coating deposited on stainless steel, are studied. Plasma spray deposited coating samples were exposed in air at temperatures from 432 to 650 C for up to 500 hr to promote residual stress relief, enhance particle to particle bonding and increase coating to substrate bond strength. Coating pull-off strength was measured using a commercial adhesion tester that utilizes 13 mm diameter aluminum pull studs attached to the coating surface with epoxy. Pull off force was automatically recorded and converted to coating pull off strength. As deposited coating samples were also tested as a baseline. The as-deposited (untreated) samples either delaminated at the coating-substrate interface or failed internally (cohesive failure) at about 17 MPa. Samples heat treated at temperatures above 540 C for 100 hr or at 600 C or above for more than 24 hr exhibited strengths above 31 MPa, nearly a two fold increase. Coating failure occurred inside the body of the coating (cohesive failure) for nearly all of the heat-treated samples and only occasionally at the coating substrate interface (adhesive failure). Metallographic analyses of heat-treated coatings indicate that the Nickel-Chromium binder in the PS304 appears to have segregated into two phases, a high nickel matrix phase and a high chromium precipitated phase. Analysis of the precipitates indicates the presence of silicon, a constituent of a flow enhancing additive in the commercial NiCr powder. The exact nature and structure of the precipitate phase is not known. This microstructural change is believed to be partially responsible for the coating strength increase. Diffusion bonding between particles may also be playing a role. Increasing the heat treatment temperature, exposure time or both accelerate the heat treatment process. Preliminary measurements indicate that the heat treatment also results in a one time, permanent coating thickness increase of about 3%. Based upon these results, the incorporation of a heat treatment prior to final finishing has been incorporated in the application process of this coating technology.

Interactions between plasma-treated carbon nanotubes and electrically neutral materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogawa, Daisuke; Nakamura, Keiji

2014-10-01

A plasma treatment can create dangling bonds on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The dangling bonds are so reactive that the bonds possibly interact with other neutral species even out of the plasma if the lifetime of the bonds is effectively long. In order to have good understandings with the interactions, we placed multi-wall CNTs (MWCNTs) in atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge that was created in a closed environment with the voltage at 5 kV. We set 50 W for the operating power and 15 minutes for the process time for this plasma treatment. Our preliminary results showed that the reaction between dangling bonds and neutrals likely occurred in the situation when CNTs were treated with argon plasma, and then exposed in a nitrogen-rich dry box. We did Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy after the treatments. The measurement showed that the spectrum with plasma-treated CNTs was different from pristine CNTs. This is an indication that the plasma-treated CNTs have reactive cites on the surface even after the discharge (~ minutes), and then the CNTs likely reacted with the neutral species that causes the different spectrum. In this poster, we will show more details from our results and further progresses from this research.

Multi-spark discharge system for preparation of nutritious water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakaso, Tetsushi; Harigai, Toru; Kusumawan, Sholihatta Aziz; Shimomura, Tomoya; Tanimoto, Tsuyoshi; Suda, Yoshiyuki; Takikawa, Hirofumi

2018-01-01

The nitrogen compound concentration in water is increased by atmospheric-pressure plasma discharge treatment. A rod-to-water electrode discharge treatment system using plasma discharge has been developed by our group to obtain water with a high concentration of nitrogen compounds, and this plasma-treated water improves the growth of chrysanthemum roots. However, it is difficult to apply the system to the agriculture because the amount of treated water obtained by using the system too small. In this study, a multi-spark discharge system (MSDS) equipped multiple spark plugs is presented to obtain a large amount of plasma-treated water. The MSDS consisted of inexpensive parts in order to reduce the system introduction cost for agriculture. To suppress the temperature increase of the spark plugs, the 9 spark plugs were divided into 3 groups, which were discharged in order. The plasma-treated water with a NO3- concentration of 50 mg/L was prepared using the MSDS for 90 min, and the treatment efficiency was about 6 times higher than that of our previous system. It was confirmed that the NO2-, O3, and H2O2 concentrations in the water were also increased by treating the water using the MSDS.

Microstructure Characterization and Corrosion Properties of Nitrocarburized AISI 4140 Low Alloy Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fattah, M.; Mahboubi, F.

2012-04-01

Plasma nitrocarburizing treatments of AISI 4140 low alloy steel have been carried out in a gas mixture of 85% N2-12% H2-3% CO2. All treatments were performed for 5 h at a chamber pressure of 4 mbar. Different treatment temperatures varying from 520 to 620 °C have been used to investigate the effect of treatment temperature on the corrosion and hardness properties and also microstructure of the plasma nitrocarburized steel. Scanning electron and optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction, microhardness measurement, and potentiodynamic polarization technique in 3.5% NaCl solution were used to study the treated surfaces. The results revealed that plasma nitrocarburizing at temperatures below 570 °C can readily produce a monophase ɛ compound layer. The compound layer formed at 620 °C is composed of two sub-layers and is supported by an austenite zone followed by the diffusion layer. The thickest diffusion layer was related to the sample treated at 620 °C. Microhardness results showed a reduction of surface hardness with increasing the treatment temperature from 520 to 620 °C. It has also been found that with increasing treatment temperature from 520 to 545 °C the corrosion resistance increases up to a maximum and then decreases with further increasing treatment temperature from 545 to 620 °C.

Modification of glass fibers to improve reinforcement: a plasma polymerization technique.

PubMed

Cökeliler, Dilek; Erkut, Selim; Zemek, Josef; Biederman, Hynek; Mutlu, Mehmet

2007-03-01

This study evaluates the effect of plasma treated E-glass fiber to improve the mechanical properties of acrylic resin denture base material, polymethylmethacrlyate (PMMA). Plasma surface treatment of fibers is used as reinforcement in composite materials to modify the chemical and physical properties of their surfaces with tailored fiber-matrix bonding strength. Three different types of monomer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), triethyleneglycoldimethylether (TEGDME) and ethylenediamine (EDA) were used in the plasma polymerization modification of glass fibers. A radiofrequency generator was used to sustain plasma in a glass vacuum chamber. Glass fibers were modified at the same glow-discharge power of 25 W and exposure time of 30 min for each monomer. Fibers were incorporated into the acrylic with 1% (w/w) loading except control group. Specimens were prepared using a standard mold of 3 cmx0.5 cmx0.8 cm in dimension with eight specimens in each group. Samples were subjected to a flexural strength test set up at a crosshead speed of 5mm/min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the microstructure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used for chemical analysis of the surface. Data were analyzed by means of ANOVA and Duncan's tests. Test results revealed that fiber reinforcement had a significant effect on the flexural strength of the specimens (p<0.05). Among the fiber reinforced groups, plasma treatment with EDA monomer resulted in the most significant increase in flexural strength values (p<0.05). XPS results have shown an increasing number of nitrogenous compounds in EDA treated fibers. The chemical structure of the surface, especially with the increase in nitrogenous compounds could give an idea for the amine film deposition and SEM figures showed an increase in surface roughness. The results showed that plasma treatment with EDA monomer was an effective alternative method of increasing the flexural strength of PMMA based denture base polymers through fiber reinforcement.

Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma combined with fractional ablative carbon dioxide resurfacing laser in treatment of facial atrophic acne scars: A split-face randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Faghihi, Gita; Keyvan, Shima; Asilian, Ali; Nouraei, Saeid; Behfar, Shadi; Nilforoushzadeh, Mohamad Ali

2016-01-01

Autologous platelet-rich plasma has recently attracted significant attention throughout the medical field for its wound-healing ability. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of platelet-rich plasma combined with fractional laser therapy in the treatment of acne scarring. Sixteen patients (12 women and 4 men) who underwent split-face therapy were analyzed in this study. They received ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with intradermal platelet-rich plasma treatment on one half of their face and ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser with intradermal normal saline on the other half. The injections were administered immediately after laser therapy. The treatment sessions were repeated after an interval of one month. The clinical response was assessed based on patient satisfaction and the objective evaluation of serial photographs by two blinded dermatologists at baseline, 1 month after the first treatment session and 4 months after the second. The adverse effects including erythema and edema were scored by participants on days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 15 and 30 after each session. Overall clinical improvement of acne scars was higher on the platelet-rich plasma-fractional carbon dioxide laser treated side but the difference was not statistically significant either 1 month after the first treatment session (P = 0.15) or 4 months after the second (P = 0.23). In addition, adverse effects (erythema and edema) on the platelet-rich plasma-fractional carbon dioxide laser-treated side were more severe and of longer duration. Small sample size, absence of all skin phototypes within the study group and lack of objective methods for the evaluation of response to treatment and adverse effects were the limitations. This study demonstrated that adding platelet-rich plasma to fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment did not produce any statistically significant synergistic effects and also resulted in more severe side effects and longer downtime.

Hydrophilic surface modification of coronary stent using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet for endothelialization.

PubMed

Shim, Jae Won; Bae, In-Ho; Park, Dae Sung; Lee, So-Youn; Jang, Eun-Jae; Lim, Kyung-Seob; Park, Jun-Kyu; Kim, Ju Han; Jeong, Myung Ho

2018-03-01

The first two authors contributed equally to this study. Bioactivity and cell adhesion properties are major factors for fabricating medical devices such as coronary stents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the advantages of atmospheric-pressure plasma jet in enhancing the biocompatibility and endothelial cell-favorites. The experimental objects were divided into before and after atmospheric-pressure plasma jet treatment with the ratio of nitrogen:argon = 3:1, which is similar to air. The treated surfaces were basically characterized by means of a contact angle analyzer for the activation property on their surfaces. The effect of atmospheric-pressure plasma jet on cellular response was examined by endothelial cell adhesion and XTT analysis. It was difficult to detect any changeable morphology after atmospheric-pressure plasma jet treatment on the surface. The roughness was increased after atmospheric-pressure plasma jet treatment compared to nonatmospheric-pressure plasma jet treatment (86.781 and 7.964 nm, respectively). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the surface concentration of the C-O groups increased slightly from 6% to 8% after plasma activation. The contact angle dramatically decreased in the atmospheric-pressure plasma jet treated group (22.6 ± 15.26°) compared to the nonatmospheric-pressure plasma jet treated group (72.4 ± 15.26°) ( n = 10, p < 0.05). The effect of the increment in hydrophilicity due to the atmospheric-pressure plasma jet on endothelial cell migration and proliferation was 85.2% ± 12.01% and 34.2% ± 2.68%, respectively, at 7 days, compared to the nonatmospheric-pressure plasma jet treated group (58.2% ± 11.44% in migration, n = 10, p < 0.05). Taken together, the stent surface could easily obtain a hydrophilic property by the atmospheric-pressure plasma jet method. Moreover, the atmospheric-pressure plasma jet might affect re-endothelialization after stenting.

Pulsed ultraviolet light reduces immunoglobulin E binding to Atlantic white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) extract.

PubMed

Shriver, Sandra; Yang, Wade; Chung, Si-Yin; Percival, Susan

2011-07-01

Pulsed ultraviolet light (PUV), a novel food processing and preservation technology, has been shown to reduce allergen levels in peanut and soybean samples. In this study, the efficacy of using PUV to reduce the reactivity of the major shrimp allergen, tropomyosin (36-kDa), and to attenuate immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding to shrimp extract was examined. Atlantic white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) extract was treated with PUV (3 pulses/s, 10 cm from light source) for 4 min. Tropomyosin was compared in the untreated, boiled, PUV-treated and [boiled+PUV]-treated samples, and changes in the tropomyosin levels were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). IgE binding of the treated extract was analyzed via immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using pooled human plasma containing IgE antibodies against shrimp allergens. Results showed that levels of tropomyosin and IgE binding were reduced following PUV treatment. However, boiling increased IgE binding, while PUV treatment could offset the increased allergen reactivity caused by boiling. In conclusion, PUV treatment reduced the reactivity of the major shrimp allergen, tropomyosin, and decreased the IgE binding capacity of the shrimp extract.

Enhancing the biocompatibility of the polyurethane methacrylate and off-stoichiometry thiol-ene polymers by argon and nitrogen plasma treatment.

PubMed

Chen, Tiam Foo; Siow, Kim Shyong; Ng, Pei Yuen; Majlis, Burhanuddin Yeop

2017-10-01

Our studies focused on improving the biocompatibility properties of two microfluidic prototyping substrates i.e. polyurethane methacrylate (PUMA) and off-stoichiometry thiol-ene (OSTE-80) polymer by Ar and N 2 plasma treatment. The contact angle (CA) measurement showed that both plasma treatments inserted oxygen and nitrogen moieties increased the surface energy and hydrophilicity of PUMA and OSTE-80 polymer which corresponded to an increase of nitrogen to carbon ratios (N/C), as measured by XPS, to provide a conducive environment for cell attachments and proliferation. Under the SEM observation, the surface topography of PUMA and OSTE-80 polymer showed minimal changes after the plasma treatments. Furthermore, ageing studies showed that plasma-treated PUMA and OSTE-80 polymer had stable hydrophilicity and nitrogen composition during storage in ambient air for 15days. After in vitro cell culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on these surfaces for 24h and 72h, both trypan blue and alamar blue assays indicated that PUMA and OSTE-80 polymer treated with N 2 plasma had the highest viability and proliferation. The polar nitrogen moieties, specifically amide groups, encouraged the HUVECs adhesion on the plasma-treated PUMA and OSTE-80 surfaces. Interestingly, PUMA polymer treated with Ar and N 2 plasma showed different HUVECs morphology which was spindle and cobblestone-shaped respectively after 72h of incubation. On the contrary, a monolayer of well-spread HUVECs formed on the Ar and N 2 plasma-treated OSTE-80 polymers. These variable morphologies observed can be ascribed to the adherence HUVECs on the different elastic moduli of these surfaces whereby further investigation might be needed. Overall, Ar and N 2 plasma treatment had successfully altered the surface properties of PUMA and OSTE-80 polymer by increasing its surface energy, hydrophilicity and chemical functionalities to create a biocompatible surface for HUVECs adhesion and proliferation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantitative analysis of a novel HIV fusion inhibitor (sifuvirtide) in HIV infected human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Che, Jinjing; Meng, Qingfang; Chen, Zhihang; Hou, Yunan; Shan, Chengqi; Cheng, Yuanguo

2010-03-11

A sensitive method for measuring sifuvirtide, a novel HIV fusion inhibitor peptide drug in HIV-1(+) human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed. The plasma samples were treated by solvent/detergent (S/D) method to inactivate viral activity before analysis. After protein precipitation sifuvirtide was determined by LC-MS/MS. A structure analog was used as internal standard (IS). The mass spectrometer was operated in positive ion and multiple reaction monitoring mode with transitions m/z 946.3-->159.0 for sifuvirtide and 951.7-->159.2 for IS. The intra-day precision ranged from 2.74% to 7.57% with accuracy from 91.63% to 102.53%. The inter-day precision ranged from 2.65% to 3.58% and the accuracy from 95.53% to 105.28%. Stability studies showed that sifuvirtide was stable both during the assay procedure and long-term storage. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 9.75ngml(-1). The method was used for analyzing samples from phase IIa clinical study of sifuvirtide in China. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydrophilic property of 316L stainless steel after treatment by atmospheric pressure corona streamer plasma using surface-sensitive analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Hamarneh, Ibrahim; Pedrow, Patrick; Eskhan, Asma; Abu-Lail, Nehal

2012-10-01

Surgical-grade 316L stainless steel (SS 316L) had its surface hydrophilic property enhanced by processing in a corona streamer plasma reactor using O2 gas mixed with Ar at atmospheric pressure. Reactor excitation was 60 Hz ac high-voltage (0-10 kVRMS) applied to a multi-needle-to-grounded screen electrode configuration. The treated surface was characterized with a contact angle tester. Surface free energy (SFE) for the treated stainless steel increased measurably compared to the untreated surface. The Ar-O2 plasma was more effective in enhancing the SFE than Ar-only plasma. Optimum conditions for the plasma treatment system used in this study were obtained. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization of the chemical composition of the treated surfaces confirms the existence of new oxygen-containing functional groups contributing to the change in the hydrophilic nature of the surface. These new functional groups were generated by surface reactions caused by reactive oxidation of substrate species. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images were generated to investigate morphological and roughness changes on the plasma treated surfaces. The aging effect in air after treatment was also studied.

The effect of testosterone on cardiometabolic risk factors in atorvastatin-treated men with late-onset hypogonadism.

PubMed

Krysiak, Robert; Gilowski, Wojciech; Okopień, Bogusław

2016-02-01

By reducing LDL cholesterol levels, statins may decrease androgen production. This study was aimed at investigating whether testosterone treatment has an impact on cardiometabolic risk factors in statin-treated men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). The study included 31 men with LOH who had been treated for at least 6 months with atorvastatin (20-40mg daily). On the basis of patient preference, atorvastatin-treated patients were divided into two matched groups of patients: receiving intramuscular testosterone enanthate (100mg weekly, n=16) and not treated with this hormone (n=15). Plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, as well as plasma levels of androgens, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, and fibrinogen were assessed before and after 4 months of therapy. Compared with the control age-, weight, and lipid-matched statin-naïve subjects with LOH (n=12), atorvastatin-treated patients were characterized by decreased levels of testosterone, hsCRP, and homocysteine. In patients not receiving testosterone therapy, plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, as well as plasma levels of the investigated risk factors remained at the similar levels throughout the whole period of atorvastatin treatment. In atorvastatin-naïve patients, testosterone increased its plasma levels and decreased HDL cholesterol. Apart from an increase in testosterone levels, if administered to atorvastatin-treated subjects with LOH, testosterone reduced plasma levels of LDL cholesterol, uric acid, hsCRP, homocysteine, and fibrinogen, as well as improved insulin sensitivity. Our study may suggest the clinical benefits associated with combination therapy with a statin and testosterone in elderly men with LOH. Copyright © 2015 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

Porosity in low dielectric constant SiOCH films depth profiled by positron annihilation spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brusa, R. S.; Spagolla, M.; Karwasz, G. P.; Zecca, A.; Ottaviani, G.; Corni, F.; Bacchetta, M.; Carollo, E.

2004-03-01

The 3γ annihilation of orthopositronium and the Doppler broadening of the positron annihilation line have been measured by implanting low energy positrons in low dielectric constant (low-k) SiOCH films. The evolution and stability of film porosity with thermal treatments in the 400-900 °C temperature range has been studied. The films have been produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and after annealing in N2 atmospheres at 480 °C have been treated in N2+He plasma. The minimum free volume of the pores in the as-produced samples has been estimated to correspond to that of a sphere with radius r=0.6 nm. The treatment in the N2 plasma was found to seal the pores up to 45 nm depth. Both the composition of the films (as obtained by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and elastic recoil detection analysis) and the chemical environment of the pores probed by positrons were found to be very stable up to 600 °C thermal treatment. Above such a temperature a reduction of the hydrogen content accompanied by a change in the structure and in the chemical environment of the pores has been observed. In the samples thermal treated at 800-900 °C, the positronium formation is reduced by one-third respect with the as produced sample. In the annealed and as-produced films, a natural aging of 30 days in air was enough to contaminate the porosity, as pointed out by a strong reduction of the 3γ annihilations. The effect of contamination and the distribution of the pores were completely recovered after a thermal treatment at 400 °C. Artificial aging of SiOCH films in controlled atmospheres of H2, O2, H2O has shown that H2O is the more efficient contaminant in reducing the effective volume of the pores.

Low Temperature Atmospheric Argon Plasma: Diagnostics and Medical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ermolaeva, Svetlana; Petrov, Oleg; Zigangirova, Nailya; Vasiliev, Mikhail; Sysolyatina, Elena; Antipov, Sergei; Alyapyshev, Maxim; Kolkova, Natalia; Mukhachev, Andrei; Naroditsky, Boris; Shimizu, Tetsuji; Grigoriev, Anatoly; Morfill, Gregor; Fortov, Vladimir; Gintsburg, Alexander

This study was devoted to diagnostic of low temperature plasma produced by microwave generator and investigation of its bactericidal effect against bacteria in biofilms and within eukaryotic cells. The profile of gas temperature near the torch outlet was measured. The spectrum in a wide range of wavelengths was derived by the method of optical emission spec-troscopy. Probe measurements of the floating potential of plasma were car-ried out. The estimation and adaptation of parameters of plasma flow (tem-perature, velocity, ion number density) according to medico-technical requirements were produced. The model of immersed surface-associated biofilms formed by Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia, and Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, was used to assess bactericidal effects of plasma treatment. Reduction in the concentration of live bacteria in biofilms treated with plasma for 5 min was demonstrated by measuring Live/Dead fluorescent labeling and using direct plating. The intracellular infection model with the pathogenic bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, was used to study the efficacy of microwave argon plasma against intracellular parasites. A 2 min plasma treatment of mouse cells infected with C. trachomatis reduced infectious bacteria by a factor of 2×106. Plasma treatment diminished the number of viable host cells by about 20%. When the samples were covered with MgF2 glass to obstruct active particles and UV alone was applied, the bactericidal effect was re-duced by 5×104 fold compared to the whole plasma.

Influence of Different Post-Plasma Treatment Storage Conditions on the Shear Bond Strength of Veneering Porcelain to Zirconia

PubMed Central

Lee, Mun-Hwan; Min, Bong Ki; Son, Jun Sik; Kwon, Tae-Yub

2016-01-01

This in vitro study investigated whether different storage conditions of plasma-treated zirconia specimens affect the shear bond strength of veneering porcelain. Zirconia plates were treated with a non-thermal atmospheric argon plasma (200 W, 600 s). Porcelain veneering (2.38 mm in diameter) was performed immediately (P-I) or after 24 h storage in water (P-W) or air (P-A) on the treated surfaces (n = 10). Untreated plates were used as the control. Each group was further divided into two subgroups according to the application of a ceramic liner. All veneered specimens underwent a shear bond strength (SBS) test. In the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, the oxygen/carbon ratios of the plasma-treated groups increased in comparison with those of the control group. When a liner was not used, the three plasma-treated groups showed significantly higher SBS values than the control group (p < 0.001), although group P-A exhibited a significantly lower value than the other two groups (p < 0.05). The liner application negatively affected bonding in groups P-I and P-W (p < 0.05). When the veneering step was delayed after plasma treatment of zirconia, storage of the specimens in water was effective in maintaining the cleaned surfaces for optimal bonding with the veneering porcelain. PMID:28787841

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma activates lactate in Ringer’s solution for anti-tumor effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Hiromasa; Nakamura, Kae; Mizuno, Masaaki; Ishikawa, Kenji; Takeda, Keigo; Kajiyama, Hiroaki; Utsumi, Fumi; Kikkawa, Fumitaka; Hori, Masaru

2016-11-01

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma is a novel approach for wound healing, blood coagulation, and cancer therapy. A recent discovery in the field of plasma medicine is that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma not only directly but also indirectly affects cells via plasma-treated liquids. This discovery has led to the use of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma as a novel chemotherapy. We refer to these plasma-treated liquids as plasma-activated liquids. We chose Ringer’s solutions to produce plasma-activated liquids for clinical applications. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that plasma-activated Ringer’s lactate solution has anti-tumor effects, but of the four components in Ringer’s lactate solution, only lactate exhibited anti-tumor effects through activation by non-thermal plasma. Nuclear magnetic resonance analyses indicate that plasma irradiation generates acetyl and pyruvic acid-like groups in Ringer’s lactate solution. Overall, these results suggest that plasma-activated Ringer’s lactate solution is promising for chemotherapy.

A New Proof of Concept in Bacterial Reduction: Antimicrobial Action of Violet-Blue Light (405 nm) in Ex Vivo Stored Plasma

PubMed Central

Maclean, Michelle; Anderson, John G.; MacGregor, Scott J.; White, Tracy

2016-01-01

Bacterial contamination of injectable stored biological fluids such as blood plasma and platelet concentrates preserved in plasma at room temperature is a major health risk. Current pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) rely on the use of chemicals and/or ultraviolet light, which affects product quality and can be associated with adverse events in recipients. 405 nm violet-blue light is antibacterial without the use of photosensitizers and can be applied at levels safe for human exposure, making it of potential interest for decontamination of biological fluids such as plasma. As a pilot study to test whether 405 nm light is capable of inactivating bacteria in biological fluids, rabbit plasma and human plasma were seeded with bacteria and treated with a 405 nm light emitting diode (LED) exposure system (patent pending). Inactivation was achieved in all tested samples, ranging from low volumes to prebagged plasma. 99.9% reduction of low density bacterial populations (≤103 CFU mL−1), selected to represent typical “natural” contamination levels, was achieved using doses of 144 Jcm−2. The penetrability of 405 nm light, permitting decontamination of prebagged plasma, and the nonrequirement for photosensitizing agents provide a new proof of concept in bacterial reduction in biological fluids, especially injectable fluids relevant to transfusion medicine. PMID:27774337

Measurements of the thickness compressibility of an n-octadecyltriethoxysilane monolayer self-assembled on mica.

PubMed

Kim, Sungsoo; Cho, Kilwon; Curry, Joan E

2005-08-30

The surface forces apparatus technique and the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts theory were used to study the elastic properties of an n-octadecyltriethoxysilane self-assembled monolayer (OTE-SAM) on both untreated and plasma-treated mica. Our aim was to measure the thickness compressibilities of OTE monolayers on untreated and plasma-treated mica and to estimate their surface densities and phase-states from the film compressibility. The compressibility moduli of OTE are (0.96 +/- 0.02) x 10(8) N/m(2) on untreated mica and (1.24 +/- 0.06) x 10(8) N/m(2) on plasma-treated mica. This work suggests that the OTE phase-state is pseudocrystalline. In addition, the results from the compressibility measurements in water vapor suggest that the OTE-SAM on both untreated and plasma-treated mica is not homogeneous but rather contains both crystalline polymerized OTE domains and somewhat hydrophilic gaseous regions.

Oxygen Plasma Treatment on 3D-Printed Chitosan/Gelatin/Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

PubMed

Lee, Chang-Min; Yang, Seong-Won; Jung, Sang-Chul; Kim, Byung-Hoon

2017-04-01

The 3D hydroxyapatite/gelatin/chitosan composite scaffolds were fabricated by 3D printing technique. The scaffolds were treated by oxygen plasma to improve the bioactivity and its surface characterization and in vitro cell culture were investigated. The scaffolds exhibited the good porosity and interconnectivity of pores. After oxygen plasma etching, roughness and wettability on the scaffolds surface are increased. Plasma treated scaffolds showed higher proliferation than that of untreated scaffolds. Oxygen plasma treatment could be used as potential tool to enhance the biocompatibility on the 3D composite scaffolds.

Dengue and chikungunya viruses in plasma are effectively inactivated after treatment with methylene blue and visible light.

PubMed

Fryk, Jesse J; Marks, Denese C; Hobson-Peters, Jody; Prow, Natalie A; Watterson, Daniel; Hall, Roy A; Young, Paul R; Reichenberg, Stefan; Sumian, Chryslain; Faddy, Helen M

2016-09-01

Arboviruses, such as dengue viruses (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), pose a risk to the safe transfusion of blood components, including plasma. Pathogen inactivation is an approach to manage this transfusion transmission risk, with a number of techniques being used worldwide for the treatment of plasma. In this study, the efficacy of the THERAFLEX MB-Plasma system to inactivate all DENV serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4) or CHIKV in plasma, using methylene blue and light illumination at 630 nm, was investigated. Pooled plasma units were spiked with DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 DENV-4, or CHIKV and treated with the THERAFLEX MB-Plasma system at four light illumination doses: 20, 40, 60, and 120 (standard dose) J/cm(2) . Pre- and posttreatment samples were collected and viral infectivity was determined. The reduction in viral infectivity was calculated for each dose. Treatment of plasma with the THERAFLEX MB-Plasma system resulted in at least a 4.46-log reduction in all DENV serotypes and CHIKV infectious virus. The residual infectivity for each was at the detection limit of the assay used at 60 J/cm(2) , with dose dependency also observed. Our study demonstrated the THERAFLEX MB-Plasma system can reduce the infectivity of all DENV serotypes and CHIKV spiked into plasma to the detection limit of the assay used at half of the standard illumination dose. This suggests this system has the capacity to be an effective option for managing the risk of DENV or CHIKV transfusion transmission in plasma. © 2016 AABB.

A digital enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for ultrasensitive measurement of amyloid-β 1-42 peptide in human plasma with utility for studies of Alzheimer's disease therapeutics.

PubMed

Song, Linan; Lachno, D Richard; Hanlon, David; Shepro, Adam; Jeromin, Andreas; Gemani, Dipika; Talbot, Jayne A; Racke, Margaret M; Dage, Jeffrey L; Dean, Robert A

2016-12-15

Amyloid-β 1-42 peptide (Aβ 1-42 ) is associated with plaque formation in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pharmacodynamic studies of AD therapeutics that lower the concentrations of Aβ 1-42 in peripheral blood require highly sensitive assays for its measurement. A digital enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using single molecule array (Simoa) technology has been developed that provides improved sensitivity compared with conventional ELISA methods using the same antibody reagents. A sensitive digital ELISA for measurement of Aβ 1-42 using antibodies 3D6 and 21F12 was developed. Assay performance was evaluated by repeated testing of pooled human plasma and buffer diluent quality control samples to determine relative accuracy, intra- and inter-assay precision, limit of detection (LOD), lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), dilutional linearity, and spike recovery. The optimized assay was used to quantify Aβ 1-42 in clinical samples from patients treated with the β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 inhibitor LY2886721. The prototype assay measured Aβ 1-42 with an LOD of 0.3 pg/ml and an LLOQ of 2.8 pg/ml in plasma, calibrated using an Aβ 1-42 peptide standard from Fujirebio. Assay precision was acceptable with intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation both being ≤10%. Dilutional linearity was demonstrated in sample diluent and immunodepleted human plasma. Analyte spike recovery ranged from 51% to 93% with a mean of 80%. This assay was able to quantify Aβ 1-42 in all of the 84 clinical samples tested. A rapid reduction in levels of Aβ 1-42 was detected within 1 h after drug treatment, and a dose-dependent decrease of Aβ 1-42 levels was also observed over the time course of sample collection. This digital ELISA has potential utility in clinical applications for quantification of Aβ 1-42 in plasma where high sensitivity and precision are required.

Systematic Evaluation of the Use of Human Plasma and Serum for Mass-Spectrometry-Based Shotgun Proteomics.

PubMed

Lan, Jiayi; Núñez Galindo, Antonio; Doecke, James; Fowler, Christopher; Martins, Ralph N; Rainey-Smith, Stephanie R; Cominetti, Ornella; Dayon, Loïc

2018-04-06

Over the last two decades, EDTA-plasma has been used as the preferred sample matrix for human blood proteomic profiling. Serum has also been employed widely. Only a few studies have assessed the difference and relevance of the proteome profiles obtained from plasma samples, such as EDTA-plasma or lithium-heparin-plasma, and serum. A more complete evaluation of the use of EDTA-plasma, heparin-plasma, and serum would greatly expand the comprehensiveness of shotgun proteomics of blood samples. In this study, we evaluated the use of heparin-plasma with respect to EDTA-plasma and serum to profile blood proteomes using a scalable automated proteomic pipeline (ASAP 2 ). The use of plasma and serum for mass-spectrometry-based shotgun proteomics was first tested with commercial pooled samples. The proteome coverage consistency and the quantitative performance were compared. Furthermore, protein measurements in EDTA-plasma and heparin-plasma samples were comparatively studied using matched sample pairs from 20 individuals from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) Study. We identified 442 proteins in common between EDTA-plasma and heparin-plasma samples. Overall agreement of the relative protein quantification between the sample pairs demonstrated that shotgun proteomics using workflows such as the ASAP 2 is suitable in analyzing heparin-plasma and that such sample type may be considered in large-scale clinical research studies. Moreover, the partial proteome coverage overlaps (e.g., ∼70%) showed that measures from heparin-plasma could be complementary to those obtained from EDTA-plasma.

Plasma Treated Active Carbon for Capacitive Deionization of Saline Water

DOE PAGES

Zeng, Aiping; Shrestha, Maheshwar; Wang, Keliang; ...

2017-01-01

The plasma treatment on commercial active carbon (AC) was carried out in a capacitively coupled plasma system using Ar + 10% O 2at pressure of 4.0 Torr. The RF plasma power ranged from 50 W to 100 W and the processing time was 10 min. The carbon film electrode was fabricated by electrophoretic deposition. Micro-Raman spectroscopy revealed the highly increased disorder of sp 2C lattice for the AC treated at 75 W. An electrosorption capacity of 6.15 mg/g was recorded for the carbon treated at 75 W in a 0.1 mM NaCl solution when 1.5 V was applied for 5more » hours, while the capacity of the untreated AC was 1.0 mg/g. The plasma treatment led to 5.09 times increase in the absorption capacity. The jump of electrosorption capacity by plasma treatment was consistent with the Raman spectra and electrochemical double layer capacitance. This work demonstrated that plasma treatment was a potentially efficient approach to activating biochar to serve as electrode material for capacitive deionization (CDI).« less

Impact of non-thermal plasma surface modification on porous calcium hydroxyapatite ceramics for bone regeneration

PubMed Central

Moriguchi, Yu; Lee, Dae-Sung; Thamina, Khair; Masuda, Kazuto; Itsuki, Dai; Yoshikawa, Hideki; Hamaguchi, Satoshi; Myoui, Akira

2018-01-01

In the physiochemical sciences, plasma is used to describe an ionized gas. Previous studies have implicated plasma surface treatment in the enhancement of hydrophilicity of implanted musculoskeletal reconstructive materials. Hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics, widely used in bone tissue regeneration, have made great advancements to skeletal surgery. In the present study, we investigate the impact of low-pressure plasma on the interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite (IP-CHA) both in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, when used with oxygen, can augment the hydrophilicity of non-porous HA surfaces and the osteoconductivity of the IP-CHA disc via increased water penetration of inner porous structures, as demonstrated through microfocus computed tomography (μCT) assay. In vivo implantation of plasma-treated IP-CHA displayed superior bone ingrowth than untreated IP-CHA. Though plasma-treated IP-CHA did not alter osteoblast cell proliferation, it accelerated osteogenic differentiation of seeded marrow mesenchymal stem cells. In vitro X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that this plasma treatment increases levels of oxygen, rather than nitrogen, on the plasma-treated IP-CHA surface. These findings suggest that plasma treatment, an easy and simple processing, can significantly improve the osteoconductive potential of commonly used artificial bones such as IP-CHA. Further optimization of plasma treatment and longer-term follow-up of in vivo application are required toward its clinical application. PMID:29538457

[Biocompatibility of poly-L-lactic acid/Bioglass-guided bone regeneration membranes processed with oxygen plasma].

PubMed

Fang, Wei; Zeng, Shu-Guang; Gao, Wen-Feng

2015-04-01

To prepare and characterize a nano-scale fibrous hydrophilic poly-L-lactic acid/ Bioglass (PLLA/BG) composite membrane and evaluate its biocompatibility as a composite membrane for guiding bone regeneration (GBR). PLLA/BG-guided bone regeneration membrane was treated by oxygen plasma to improved its hydrophilicity. The growth of MG-63 osteoblasts on the membrane was observed using Hoechst fluorescence staining, and the biocompatibility of the membrane was evaluated by calculating the cells adhesion rate and proliferation rate. Osteogenesis of MG-63 cells was assessed by detecting alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the formation of calcified nodules and cell morphology changes were observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cell adhesion rates of PLLA/BG-guided bone regeneration membrane treated with oxygen plasma were (30.570±0.96)%, (47.27±0.78)%, and (66.78±0.69)% at 1, 3, and 6 h, respectively, significantly higher than those on PLLA membrane and untreated PLLA/BG membrane (P<0.01). The cell proliferation rates on the 3 membranes increased with time, but highest on oxygen plasma-treated PLLA/BG membrane (P<0.01). Hoechst fluorescence staining revealed that oxygen plasma treatment of the PLLA/BG membrane promoted cell adhesion. The membranes with Bioglass promoted the matrix secretion of the osteoblasts. Under SEM, the formation of calcified nodules and spindle-shaped cell morphology were observed on oxygen plasma-treated PLLA/BG membrane. Oxygen plasma-treated PLLA/BG composite membrane has good biocompatibility and can promote adhesion, proliferation and osteogenesis of the osteoblasts.

Effects of oral administration of levothyroxine sodium on concentrations of plasma lipids, concentration and composition of very-low-density lipoproteins, and glucose dynamics in healthy adult mares.

PubMed

Frank, Nicholas; Sommardahl, Carla S; Eiler, Hugo; Webb, Latisha L; Denhart, Joseph W; Boston, Ray C

2005-06-01

To evaluate glucose and lipid metabolism in healthy adult horses administered levothyroxine sodium (L-T4). 12 healthy adult mares. 8 horses received an incrementally increasing dosage of L-T4 (24, 48, 72, or 96 mg of L-T4/d) for weeks 1 to 8. Each dose was provide between 7 AM and 8 AM in the morning grain meal for 2 weeks. Four additional horses remained untreated. Serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were measured and composition of VLDL examined in samples obtained between 8 AM and 9 AM at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Glucose dynamics were assessed by use of a combined IV glucose-insulin tolerance test (IVGITT) conducted before and at the end of the 8-week treatment period. Data for each combined IVGITT were interpreted by use of the minimal model. Plasma TG, TC, and VLDL concentrations significantly decreased over time in treated horses. At the completion of the 8-week treatment period, mean plasma VLDL concentration was 46% of the mean value for week 0 in treated horses. Insulin sensitivity significantly increased (> 2-fold) in treated horses, but glucose effectiveness and net insulin response were not affected. Levothyroxine sodium significantly increased the rate of insulin disposal. Administration of L-T4 decreases blood lipid concentrations, improves insulin sensitivity, and increases insulin disposal in horses. Levothyroxine sodium may have potential as a treatment for horses with reduced insulin sensitivity.

Grape seed extract reduces oxidative stress and fibrosis in experimental biliary obstruction.

PubMed

Dulundu, Ender; Ozel, Yahya; Topaloglu, Umit; Toklu, Hale; Ercan, Feriha; Gedik, Nursal; Sener, Goksel

2007-06-01

The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of grape seed extract (GSE) against oxidative liver injury and fibrosis induced by biliary obstruction in rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups; control (C), GSE-treated, bile duct ligated (BDL), and BDL and GSE-treated (BDL + GSE) groups. GSE was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg a day orally for 28 days. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were determined to assess liver function and tissue damage, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and antioxidant capacity (AOC) were assayed in plasma samples. Liver tissues were taken for determination of the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen content. Production of reactive oxidants was monitored by chemiluminescence (CL) assay. Serum AST, ALT, LDH and plasma TNF-alpha were elevated in the BDL group as compared to the control group and were significantly decreased with GSE treatment. Plasma AOC and hepatic GSH level, depressed by BDL, was elevated back to the control level in the GSE-treated BDL group. Increases in tissue MDA level, MPO activity and collagen content due to BDL were also attenuated by GSE treatment. Furthermore, luminol and lucigenin CL values in the BDL group increased dramatically compared to the control and were reduced by GSE treatment. These results suggest that GSE protects the liver from oxidative damage following bile duct ligation in rats. This effect possibly involves the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and lipid peroxidation; thus, restoration of oxidant and antioxidant status in the tissue.

Water treatment by the AC gliding arc air plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gharagozalian, Mehrnaz; Dorranian, Davoud; Ghoranneviss, Mahmood

2017-09-01

In this study, the effects of gliding arc (G Arc) plasma system on the treatment of water have been investigated experimentally. An AC power supply of 15 kV potential difference at 50 Hz frequency was employed to generate plasma. Plasma density and temperature were measured using spectroscopic method. The water was contaminated with staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and salmonella bacteria (Gram-negative), and Penicillium (mold fungus) individually. pH, hydrogen peroxide, and nitride contents of treated water were measured after plasma treatment. Decontamination of treated water was determined using colony counting method. Results indicate that G Arc plasma is a powerful and green tool to decontaminate water without producing any byproducts.

Effect of dielectric barrier discharge treatment on surface nanostructure and wettability of polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven fabrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Yu; Xu, Lin; Wang, Chunxia; Wang, Xiaona; Ding, Zhirong; Chen, Yuyue

2017-12-01

Polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven fabrics are treated with atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma to improve surface wettability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) show that micro- to nano-scale textures appear on the treated PLA surfaces dependent on the treatment time. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals that the DBD plasma treatments result in decreased carbon contents and increased oxygen contents as well as slightly increased nitrogen contents. The water contact angle decreases sharply with the increase of the DBD plasma treatment time. The super hydrophilic PLA surfaces (the water contact angle reached 0°) are obtained when the treatment time is longer than 90 s. Ninety days after the DBD plasma treatment, the XPS analysis shows that Csbnd O/Csbnd N and Cdbnd O/Osbnd Cdbnd O percentages decline for all treatment groups. However, the water contact angle is kept constant at 0° for the groups treated above 90 s, which could be due to the oxidized nano-structured layer on the DBD plasma treated PLA surfaces.

Effect of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment on Surface Characteristics and Adhesive Bond Quality of Peel Ply Prepared Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tracey, Ashley C.

The purpose of this research was to investigate if atmospheric pressure plasma treatment could modify peel ply prepared composite surfaces to create strong adhesive bonds. Two peel ply surface preparation composite systems previously shown to create weak bonds (low fracture energy and adhesion failure) that were potential candidates for plasma treatment were Toray T800/3900-2 carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) prepared with Precision Fabrics Group, Inc. (PFG) 52006 nylon peel ply and Hexcel T300/F155 CFRP prepared with PFG 60001 polyester peel ply. It was hypothesized that atmospheric pressure plasma treatment could functionalize and/or remove peel ply remnants left on the CFRP surfaces upon peel ply removal. Surface characterization measurements and double cantilever beam (DCB) testing were used to determine the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on surface characteristics and bond quality of peel ply prepared CFRP composites. Previous research showed that Toray T800/3900-2 carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites prepared with PFG 52006 peel ply and bonded with Cytec MetlBond 1515-3M structural film adhesive failed in adhesion at low fracture energies when tested in the DCB configuration. Previous research also showed that DCB samples made of Hexcel T300/F155 carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites prepared with PFG 60001 peel ply and bonded with Henkel Hysol EA 9696 structural film adhesive failed in adhesion at low fracture energies. Recent research suggested that plasma treatment could be able to activate these "un-bondable" surfaces and result in good adhesive bonds. Nylon peel ply prepared 177 °C cure and polyester peel ply prepared 127 °C cure CFRP laminates were treated with atmospheric pressure plasma after peel ply removal prior to bonding. Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment was capable of significantly increasing fracture energies and changing failure modes. For Toray T800/3900-2 laminates prepared with PFG 52006 and bonded with MetlBond 1515-3M, plasma treatment increased fracture energies from 460 J/m 2. Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment also increased fracture energies of Hexcel T300/F155 laminates prepared with PFG 60001 and bonded with EA 9696 from 1500 J/m2. It was demonstrated that atmospheric pressure plasma treatment was able to transform poor bonding surfaces into acceptable ones by reversing the negative effects of incorrect peel ply usage. To determine if the primary reason for adhesion was functionalization or removal, a number of experiments were performed. Surface characteristics of peel ply only and plasma treated samples were determined using contact angle (CA) measurements, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). CA was used to assess solid surface energy that was useful to determine wetting of the adhesive on the adherend, one requirement of adhesion. FTIR and XPS were used to analyze composite surface chemistry, including the identification of functional groups that were a product of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, as well as contaminants that can inhibit adhesive bonding. SEM was used to capture surface morphology to identify peel ply remnants and whether these remnants were physically removed or modified due to plasma treatment. This research supported that atmospheric pressure plasma treatment resulted in adhesion primarily due to functionalization of peel ply remnants, though a removal mechanism was not disproven. It was also shown that surface energy exhibited potential for predicting adhesion. Lastly, this research indicated that plasma treatment is a robust surface preparation, as strong bonds were observed up to 30 days after treatment.

Growth and male reproduction improvement of non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment on chickens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao Zhang, Jiao; Luong Huynh, Do; Chandimali, Nisansala; Kang, Tae Yoon; Kim, Nameun; Mok, Young Sun; Kwon, Taeho; Jeong, Dong Kee

2018-05-01

This study investigated whether plasma treatment of fertilized eggs before hatching could affect the growth and reproduction of chickens. Three point five-day-incubated fertilized eggs exposed to non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma at 2.81 W of power for 2 min resulted in the highest growth in chickens. Plasma growth-promoting effect was regulated by the reactive oxygen species homeostasis and the improvement of energy metabolism via increasing serum hormones and adenosine triphosphate levels which were resulted from the regulation of genes involved in antioxidant defense, hormone biosynthesis and energetic metabolism. Interestingly, plasma-treated male chickens conspicuously grew faster than females. Further, aspects of male reproductive system (testosterone level and sperm quality) were improved by the plasma treatment but female reproduction (estradiol and progesterone levels, egg-laying rate and egg weight) had no significant changes. Unfortunately, offspring whose parents were the optimal plasma-treated chickens did not show any difference on growth characteristics and failed to inherit excellent growth features from their parents. Our results suggest a new method to improve the growth rate and male reproductive capacity in poultry but it is only effective in the plasma direct-treated generation.

Ad libitum fluid intake and plasma responses after pickle juice, hypertonic saline, or deionized water ingestion.

PubMed

Allen, Scott; Miller, Kevin C; Albrecht, Jay; Garden-Robinson, Julie; Blodgett-Salafia, Elizabeth

2013-01-01

Adding sodium (Na(+)) to drinks improves rehydration and ad libitum fluid consumption. Clinicians (∼25%) use pickle juice (PJ) to treat cramping. Scientists warn against PJ ingestion, fearing it will cause rapid plasma volume restoration and thereby decrease thirst and delay rehydration. Advice about drinking PJ has been developed but never tested. To determine if drinking small volumes of PJ, hypertonic saline (HS), or deionized water (DIW) affects ad libitum DIW ingestion, plasma variables, or perceptual indicators. Crossover study. Laboratory. Fifteen, euhydrated (urine specific gravity ≤ 1.01) men (age = 22 ± 2 years, height = 178 ± 6 cm, mass = 82.9 ± 8.4 kg). Participants completed 3 testing days (≥ 72 hours between days). After a 30-minute rest, a blood sample was collected. Participants completed 60 minutes of hard exercise (temperature = 36 ± 2°C, relative humidity = 16 ± 1%). Postexercise, they rested for 30 minutes; had a blood sample collected; rated thirst, fullness, and nausea; and ingested 83 ± 8 mL of PJ, HS, or DIW. They rated drink palatability (100-mm visual analog scale) and were allowed to drink DIW ad libitum for 60 minutes. Blood samples and thirst, fullness, and nausea ratings (100-mm visual analog scales) were collected at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes posttreatment drink ingestion. Ad libitum DIW volume, percentage change in plasma volume, plasma osmolality (OSMp,) plasma sodium concentration ([Na(+)]p), and thirst, fullness, nausea, and palatability ratings. Participants consumed more DIW ad libitum after HS (708.03 ± 371.03 mL) than after DIW (532.99 ± 337.14 mL, P < .05). Ad libitum DIW ingested after PJ (700.35 ± 366.15 mL) was similar to that after HS and DIW (P > .05). Plasma sodium concentration, OSMp, percentage change in plasma volume, thirst, fullness, and nausea did not differ among treatment drinks over time (P > .05). Deionized water (73 ± 14 mm) was more palatable than HS (17 ± 13 mm) or PJ (26 ± 16 mm, P < .05). The rationale behind advice about drinking PJ is questionable. Participants drank more, not less, after PJ ingestion, and plasma variables and perceptual indicators were similar after PJ and DIW ingestion. Pickle juice did not inhibit short-term rehydration.

Evaluation of mechanism of cold atmospheric pressure plasma assisted polymerization of acrylic acid on low density polyethylene (LDPE) film surfaces: Influence of various gaseous plasma pretreatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramkumar, M. C.; Pandiyaraj, K. Navaneetha; Arun Kumar, A.; Padmanabhan, P. V. A.; Uday Kumar, S.; Gopinath, P.; Bendavid, A.; Cools, P.; De Geyter, N.; Morent, R.; Deshmukh, R. R.

2018-05-01

Owing to its exceptional physiochemical properties, low density poly ethylene (LDPE) has wide range of tissue engineering applications. Conversely, its inadequate surface properties make LDPE an ineffectual candidate for cell compatible applications. Consequently, plasma-assisted polymerization with a selected precursor is a good choice for enhancing its biocompatibility. The present investigation studies the efficiency of plasma polymerization of acrylic acid (AAC) on various gaseous plasma pretreated LDPE films by cold atmospheric pressure plasma, to enhance its cytocompatibility. The change in chemical composition and surface topography of various gaseous plasma pretreated and acrylic deposited LDPE films has been assessed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The changes in hydrophilic nature of surface modified LDPE films were studied by contact angle (CA) analysis. Cytocompatibility of the AAC/LDPE films was also studied in vitro, using RIN-5F cells. The results acquired by the XPS and AFM analysis clearly proved that cold atmospheric pressure (CAP) plasma assisted polymerization of AAC enhances various surface properties including carboxylic acid functional group density and increased surface roughness on various gaseous plasma treated AAC/LDPE film surfaces. Moreover, contact angle analysis clearly showed that the plasma polymerized samples were hydrophilic in nature. In vitro cytocompatibility analysis undoubtedly validates that the AAC polymerized various plasma pretreated LDPE films surfaces stimulate cell distribution and proliferation compared to pristine LDPE films. Similarly, cytotoxicity analysis indicates that the AAC deposited various gaseous plasma pretreated LDPE film can be considered as non-toxic as well as stimulating cell viability significantly. The cytocompatible properties of AAC polymerized Ar + O2 plasma pretreated LDPE films were found to be more pronounced compared to the other plasma pretreated AAC/LDPE films.

High-intensity interval training lowers blood pressure and improves apelin and NOx plasma levels in older treated hypertensive individuals.

PubMed

Izadi, Mohammad Reza; Ghardashi Afousi, Alireza; Asvadi Fard, Maryam; Babaee Bigi, Mohammad Ali

2018-02-01

Hypertension is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Apelin levels and NO bioavailability are impaired in older hypertensive patients. Exercise is an effective intervention for treating hypertension. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training on blood pressure, apelin, and NOx plasma levels in older treated hypertensive individuals. Thirty treated hypertensive subjects (61.70 ± 5.78 years, 17 males, 13 females) were randomly divided into 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training (n = 15) and control (n = 15). The exercise training was conducted for three 35-min sessions a week (1.5-min interval at 85-90% of heart rate reserve [HRR] and 2 min active phase at 50-55% of HRR). Assessment of plasma apelin, nitrite/nitrate (NOx), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) was performed before and after the intervention. At the end of the study, apelin, and NOx plasma levels increased significantly in the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group (P = 0.021, P = 0.003, respectively). Conversely, ET-1 plasma levels significantly decreased in the training group after the intervention (P = 0.015). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the change of plasma apelin and change of plasma NOx (r = 0. 771, P = 0.0008). In addition, there was a negative correlation between the change of plasma ET-1, change of plasma apelin (r = - 0.595, P = 0.019), and variation of NOx (r = - 0.572, P = 0.025). This study indicates that, by increasing of apelin and NOx plasma levels, HIIT may be effective in reducing blood pressure.

Ovulation-inducing factor: a protein component of llama seminal plasma

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Previously, we documented the presence of ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in the seminal plasma of llamas and alpacas. The purpose of the study was to define the biochemical characteristics of the molecule(s) in seminal plasma responsible for inducing ovulation. Methods In Experiment 1, llama seminal plasma was centrifuged using filtration devices with nominal molecular mass cut-offs of 30, 10 and 5 kDa. Female llamas (n = 9 per group) were treated i.m. with whole seminal plasma (positive control), phosphate-buffered saline (negative control), or the fraction of seminal plasma equal or higher than 30 kDa, 10 to 30 kDa, 5 to 10 kDa, or < 5 kDa. In Experiment 2, female llamas (n = 7 per group) were given an i.m. dose of seminal plasma treated previously by: 1) enzymatic digestion with proteinase-K, 2) incubation with charcoal-dextran, 3) heating to 65°C, or 4) untreated (control). In Experiment 3, female llamas (n = 10 per group) were given an i.m. dose of pronase-treated or non-treated (control) seminal plasma. In all experiments, llamas were examined by transrectal ultrasonography to detect ovulation and CL formation. Ovulation rate was compared among groups by Fisher's exact test and follicle and CL diameters were compared among groups by analyses of variance or student's t-tests. Results In Experiment 1, all llamas in the equal or higher than 30 kDa and positive control groups ovulated (9/9 in each), but none ovulated in the other groups (P < 0.001). In Experiment 2, ovulations were detected in all llamas in each treatment group; i.e., respective treatments of seminal plasma failed to inactivate the ovulation-inducing factor. In Experiment 3, ovulations were detected in 0/10 llamas given pronase-treated seminal plasma and in 9/10 controls (P < 0.01). Conclusions We conclude that ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in llama seminal plasma is a protein molecule that is resistant to heat and enzymatic digestion with proteinase K, and has a molecular mass of approximately equal or higher than 30 kDa. PMID:20462434

The effect of administering a dopamine agonist (Cabergoline) on follicular and luteal development during pro-estrus and estrus in the female greyhound.

PubMed

De Rensis, F; Spattini, G; Ballabio, R; Scaramuzzi, R J

2006-09-01

To study the effect of the dopamine agonist Cabergoline, on ovarian activity in the female dog during pro-estrus and estrus, 6 greyhounds were treated with 5 microg/kg per os of Cabergoline for 20 days beginning on the first day of pro-estrus; 6 animals were left untreated (controls). Ovarian morphology was determined by ultrasound examination once a day during pro-estrus and twice a day during estrus. Follicles were divided into three classes on the basis of their diameter: F1 (<3mm), F2 (3-6mm) and F3 (>6mm). The presence and diameters of post-ovulatory follicles (F-POST) and corpora lutea (CL) were also recorded. Blood samples were taken once a day during pro-estrus and twice a day during estrus. The plasma was assayed for LH, prolactin and progesterone by radioimmunoassay. There were no differences between Cabergoline-treated and control dogs in the duration of pro-estrus or estrus. There was a progressive increase in follicle diameter from the start of pro-estrus when follicles were mainly class F1 to the day of estrus when follicles were mainly class F3. Three days after the start of estrus, the first F-POST follicles were detected. This pattern of development continued and on day 5 the first CLs were detected. By day 9, only CLs were detected. The peak of pre-ovulatory LH was within 3 days of estrus and ovulation was detected in all animals within 3 days of the LH peak. There were no differences in LH concentrations between groups. Plasma prolactin levels varied between animals and were reduced in treated dogs, however, this was not statistically significant (P=0.12). Plasma progesterone levels were below 1.0 ng/ml before the LH surge and thereafter gradually increased. There were no differences in plasma progesterone concentrations between treated and control dogs. In conclusion these results show that the administration of the dopamine agonist Cabergoline during pro-estrus and estrus did not affect the duration of pro-estrus or estrus or the pattern of follicular and luteal development in female dogs.

Hydrolysis of hemicellulose to produce fermentable monosaccharides by plasma acid.

PubMed

Wang, Ying; Yuan, Bo; Ji, Yingchao; Li, Hong

2013-09-12

In this paper, plasma acid was obtained by treating distilled water with dielectric barrier discharge to hydrolyze hemicellulose. The orthogonal experiment L₂₅(5(6)) was used to optimize such hydrolysis conditions. The total reducing sugar (TRS) was measured by the DNS method. To determine whether the oligosaccharide existed in the hydrolysis products, it was hydrolyzed by sulfuric acid for a second time following the same procedure as reported earlier. The monosaccharide compositions of the hydrolyzed sample were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that pH 2.81 of plasma acid, 100 °C and 50 min were assigned as an optimal hydrolysis condition by plasma acid. Under this condition, the hemicellulose was hydrolyzed completely to produce monosaccharides including xylose, glucose, and galactose with the mole ratio being 17:3:1. The yields of xylose, glucose, and galactose were 38.67%, 9.28% and 3.09%, respectively. Compared with the hemicellulose hydrolysis results by sulfuric acid, it is concluded that plasma acid is an environmental-friendly and efficient method to explore and hydrolyze the hemicellulose existed in biomass. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet-Assisted Synthesis of Zeolite-Based Low-k Thin Films.

PubMed

Huang, Kai-Yu; Chi, Heng-Yu; Kao, Peng-Kai; Huang, Fei-Hung; Jian, Qi-Ming; Cheng, I-Chun; Lee, Wen-Ya; Hsu, Cheng-Che; Kang, Dun-Yen

2018-01-10

Zeolites are ideal low-dielectric constant (low-k) materials. This paper reports on a novel plasma-assisted approach to the synthesis of low-k thin films comprising pure-silica zeolite MFI. The proposed method involves treating the aged solution using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ). The high reactivity of the resulting nitrogen plasma helps to produce zeolite crystals with high crystallinity and uniform crystal size distribution. The APPJ treatment also remarkably reduces the time for hydrothermal reaction. The zeolite MFI suspensions synthesized with the APPJ treatment are used for the wet deposition to form thin films. The deposited zeolite thin films possessed dense morphology and high crystallinity, which overcome the trade-off between crystallinity and film quality. Zeolite thin films synthesized using the proposed APPJ treatment achieve low leakage current (on the order of 10 -8 A/cm 2 ) and high Young's modulus (12 GPa), outperforming the control sample synthesized without plasma treatment. The dielectric constant of our zeolite thin films was as low as 1.41. The overall performance of the low-k thin films synthesized with the APPJ treatment far exceed existing low-k films comprising pure-silica MFI.

Thrombin generation potential and clot-forming capacity of thawed fresh-frozen plasma, plasma frozen within 24 h and solvent/detergent-treated plasma (octaplasLG® ), during 5-day storage at 1-6°C.

PubMed

Heger, A; Neisser-Svae, A; Trawnicek, L; Triulzi, D

2018-04-23

To enable rapid availability of plasma in emergency situations, the shelf-life of thawed fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) has been extended from 24 h to 5 days. The aim of this study was to evaluate the thrombin generation (TG) potential and clot-forming ability during 5 days of refrigerated storage of thawed FFP, plasma frozen within 24 h and solvent/detergent-treated plasma octaplasLG ® . During storage for 5 days, TG capacity decreased significantly over time, and rotational thromboelastometry showed significantly prolonged clotting times. However, the stability studies confirmed comparable in vitro haemostatic potentials of all three thawed plasma products at day 5. © 2018 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Adhesion and Growth of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells on Nanostructured and Biofunctionalized Polyethylene

PubMed Central

Novotna, Katarina; Bacakova, Marketa; Kasalkova, Nikola Slepickova; Slepicka, Petr; Lisa, Vera; Svorcik, Vaclav; Bacakova, Lucie

2013-01-01

Cell colonization of synthetic polymers can be regulated by physical and chemical modifications of the polymer surface. High-density and low-density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE) were therefore activated with Ar+ plasma and grafted with fibronectin (Fn) or bovine serum albumin (BSA). The water drop contact angle usually decreased on the plasma-treated samples, due to the formation of oxidized groups, and this decrease was inversely related to the plasma exposure time (50–300 s). The presence of nitrogen and sulfur on the polymer surface, revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and also by immunofluorescence staining, showed that Fn and BSA were bound to this surface, particularly to HDPE. Plasma modification and grafting with Fn and BSA increased the nanoscale surface roughness of the polymer. This was mainly manifested on HDPE. Plasma treatment and grafting with Fn or BSA improved the adhesion and growth of vascular smooth muscle cells in a serum-supplemented medium. The final cell population densities on day 6 after seeding were on an average higher on LDPE than on HDPE. In a serum-free medium, BSA grafted to the polymer surface hampered cell adhesion. Thus, the cell behavior on polyethylene can be modulated by its type, intensity of plasma modification, grafting with biomolecules, and composition of the culture medium. PMID:28809234

A Protocol for the Preparation of Cryoprecipitate and Cryo-depleted Plasma for Proteomic Studies.

PubMed

Sparrow, Rosemary L; Simpson, Richard J; Greening, David W

2017-01-01

Cryoprecipitate is a concentrate of high-molecular-weight plasma proteins that precipitate when frozen plasma is slowly thawed at 1-6 °C. The concentrate contains factor VIII (antihemophilic factor), von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen, factor XIII, fibronectin, and small amounts of other plasma proteins. Clinical grade preparations of cryoprecipitate are mainly used to treat fibrinogen deficiency caused by acute bleeding or functional abnormalities of the fibrinogen protein. In the past, cryoprecipitate was used to treat von Willebrand disease and hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency), but the availability of more highly purified coagulation factor concentrates or recombinant protein preparations has superseded the use of cryoprecipitate for these coagulopathies. Cryo-depleted plasma ("cryosupernatant") is the plasma supernatant remaining following removal of the cryoprecipitate from frozen-thawed plasma. It contains all the other plasma proteins and clotting factors present in plasma that remain soluble during cold-temperature thawing of the plasma. This protocol describes the clinical-scale preparation of cryoprecipitate and cryo-depleted plasma for proteomic studies.

Plasma immersion ion implantation (and deposition) inside metallic tubes of different dimensions and configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueda, M.; Silva, C.; Santos, N. M.; Souza, G. B.

2017-10-01

There is a strong need for developing methods to coat or implant ions inside metallic tubes for many practical contemporary applications, both for industry and science. Therefore, stainless steel tubes with practical diameters of 4, 11 and 16 cm, but short lengths of 20 cm, were internally treated by nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). Different configurations as tube with lid in one of the ends or both sides open were tested for better PIII performance, in the case of smallest diameter tube. Among these PIII tests in tubes, using the 4 cm diameter one with a lid, it was possible to achieve tube temperatures of more than 700 °C in 15 min and maintain it during the whole treatment time (typically 2 h). Samples made of different materials were placed at the interior of the tube, as the monitors for posterior analysis, and the tube was solely pulsed by high voltage pulser producing high voltage glow discharge and hollow cathode discharge both driven by a moderate power source. In this experiment, samples of SS 304, pure Ti, Ti6Al4V and Si were used for the tests of the above methods. Results on the analysis of the surface of these nitrogen PIII treated materials, as well as on their processing methods, are presented and discussed in the paper.

Pharmacokinetics of Short- and Long-acting Formulations of Oxytetracycline After Intramuscular Administration in Chickens.

PubMed

Gberindyer, Aondover F; Okpeh, Ene R; Semaka, Asaaga A

2015-12-01

Both short- and long-acting formulations of oxytetracycline are commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat animals infected with gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, rickettsiae, mycoplasma, and chlamydiae. To compare pharmacokinetics of short- and long-acting oxytetracycline in chickens, injectable formulations from the same pharmaceutical company were administered to healthy 6-week-old broiler chickens in accordance to the labeled instructions. Fourteen chickens were separated into 2 groups: chickens in group A (n = 7) were administered the short-acting formulation (10 mg/kg IM q24h) for 4 consecutive days, whereas those in group B (n = 7) were treated with a single dose (20 mg/kg IM) of the long-acting formulation. Blood samples were collected into heparinized tubes before and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 hours after initial treatment. Thereafter, blood samples were taken every 24 hours up to 120 hours. Plasma concentrations of oxytetracycline were determined by competitive enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay, and pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained. Both formulations delivered therapeutic plasma concentrations of oxytetracycline for approximately 100% of their respective dosing intervals as recommended. However, considering the additional labor, patient stress, and mortalities associated with handling, in addition to rejection of the carcass due to tissue necrosis resulting from multiple injections, we recommend use of the long-acting instead of the short-acting injectable formulation in broiler chickens.

Comparison of biochemical values in serum and plasma, fresh and frozen plasma, and hemolyzed samples from orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica).

PubMed

Hawkins, Michelle G; Kass, Philip H; Zinkl, Joseph G; Tell, Lisa A

2006-06-01

To the authors' knowledge, on the basis of sample type, storage condition, or hemolysis, differences in serum and plasma biochemical values have not been evaluated in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica). The purpose of this study was to compare values for biochemical analytes in serum vs plasma, fresh vs frozen plasma, and nonhemolyzed vs hemolyzed samples in orange-winged Amazon parrots. We also compared differences in serum and plasma yield from whole-blood aliquots. Fifteen biochemical analytes were evaluated in paired serum and plasma, fresh and frozen plasma, nonhemolyzed and hemolyzed serum and plasma samples from orange-winged Amazon parrots (n = 10) using a wet reagent analyzer. Hemolysis was assessed qualitatively (visually) and quantitatively (hemoglobin [Hgb] measured spectrophotometrically). Serum and plasma yields from 500-microl whole-blood aliquots were determined from centrifuged samples. Analyte values significantly differed among sample groups, but were still within published reference intervals, with the exception of increases in potassium concentration in markedly hemolyzed serum and plasma samples. Clinically important changes in hemolyzed serum and plasma samples included increases in potassium, phosphorus, and albumin concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase activity. The degree of hemolysis assigned qualitatively did not correlate with quantitative Hgb concentration. A significantly greater yield of plasma (288 +/- 13 microL) than serum (241 +/- 44 microL) was obtained. Significant differences may occur in different sample types, however, only changes in potassium, phosphorus, albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase values in hemolyzed samples were considered clinically relevant. Lack of agreement between qualitative and quantitative Hgb concentration indicates the unreliability of visual estimation. Based on higher sample yield, and lack of clinically relevant differences from serum, plasma is a better sample choice for clinical chemistry analysis in birds.

Comprehensive characterization of well-defined silk fibroin surfaces: Toward multitechnique studies of surface modification effects.

PubMed

Amornsudthiwat, Phakdee; Nitschke, Mirko; Zimmermann, Ralf; Friedrichs, Jens; Grundke, Karina; Pöschel, Kathrin; Damrongsakkul, Siriporn; Werner, Carsten

2015-06-21

The study aims at a comprehensive surface characterization of untreated and oxygen plasma-treated silk fibroin with a particular focus on phenomena relevant to biointeraction and cell adhesion. For that purpose, a range of advanced surface diagnostic techniques is employed to thoroughly investigate well-defined and especially clean silk fibroin samples in a comparable setting. This includes surface chemistry and surface charges as factors, which control protein adsorption, but also hydration and swelling of the material as important parameters, which govern the mechanical stiffness at the interface with aqueous media. Oxygen plasma exposure of silk fibroin surfaces reveals that material ablation strongly predominates over the introduction of functional groups even for mild plasma conditions. A substantial increase in mechanical stiffness is identified as the most prominent effect upon this kind of plasma treatment. Regarding the experimental approach and the choice of techniques, the work goes beyond previous studies in this field and paves the way for well-founded investigations of other surface-selective modification procedures that enhance the applicability of silk fibroin in biomedical applications.

Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based plasma metabolic profiling study of escitalopram in subjects with major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Bandu, Raju; Lee, Hyun Jeong; Lee, Hyeong Min; Ha, Tae Hyon; Lee, Heon-Jeong; Kim, Se Joo; Ha, Kyooseob; Kim, Kwang Pyo

2018-05-01

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method revealed the plasma metabolite profiles in major depressive disorder patients treated with escitalopram (ECTP) (n = 7). Depression severity was assessed according to the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Metabolic profiles were derived from major depressive disorder subject blood samples collected after ECTP treatment. Blood plasma was separated and processed in order to effectively extract metabolites, which were then analyzed using LC-MS. We identified 19 metabolites and elucidated their structures using LC-tandem MS (LC-MS/MS) combined with elemental compositions derived from accurate mass measurements. We further used online H/D exchange experiments to verify the structural elucidations of each metabolite. Identifying molecular metabolites may provide critical insights into the pharmacological and clinical effects of ECTP treatment and may also provide useful information informing the development of new antidepressant treatments. These detailed plasma metabolite analyses may also be used to identify optimal dose concentrations in psychopharmacotherapeutic treatment through drug monitoring, as well as forming the basis for response predictions in depressed subjects. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Modelling of the mechanical behavior of a polyurethane finger interphalangeal joint endoprosthesis after surface modification by ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beliaev, A.; Svistkov, A.; Iziumov, R.; Osorgina, I.; Kondyurin, A.; Bilek, M.; McKenzie, D.

2016-04-01

Production of biocompatible implants made of polyurethane treated with plasma is very perspective. During plasma treatment the surface of polyurethane acquires unique physic-chemical properties. However such treatment may change the mechanical properties of polyurethane which may adversely affect the deformation behaviour of the real implant. Therefore careful study of the mechanical properties of the plasma-modified polyurethane is needed. In this paper, experimental observations of the elastic characteristics of plasma treated polyurethane and modelling of the deformation behaviour of polyurethane bio-implants are reported.

Protection of Lassa Virus-Infected Guinea Pigs with Lassa-Immune Plasma of Guinea Pig, Primate, and Human Origin

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

DTICCS OCT 19 1983ora o ek Viroly 12-93-102 (1963) Protection of Lassa Virus-infected Guinea Pigs With Lassa-Immune Plasma of Guinea Pig , Primate...siotrain 13 guinea pigs were infected with a lethal dose of Lassa virus and treated with various Lassa-immune plasmas obtained from guinea pigs , primates...plaque-forming units (PFU) neutralization index (LNI). All guinea pigs treated with immune plasma 6 mI/kg/treatment on days 0, 3, and 6 after virus

A novel approach to the pacemaker infection with non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yuchen; Li, Yu; Li, Yinglong; Yu, Shuang; Li, Haiyan; Zhang, Jue

2017-08-01

Although the pacemaker (PM) is a key cardiac implantable electrical device for life-threatening arrhythmias treatment, the related infection is a challenge. Thus, the aim of this study is to validate cold plasma as a potential technology for the disinfection of infected pacemakers. Fifty donated PMs were cleaned and sterilized before use and then infected with Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus). Then, each experimental group was treated with cold plasma treatment for 1 min, 3 min, 5 min and 7 min, while the control group was immersed with sterilized water. Effectiveness of disinfection was evaluated by using CFU counting method and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The physicochemical properties of water treated with cold plasma at different time were evaluated, including water temperature change and oxidation reduction potential (ORP). The major reactive species generated by the cold plasma equipment during cold plasma were analyzed with optical emission spectroscopy (OES). No live bacteria were detected with CFU counting method after 7 min of cold plasma treatment, which matches with the CLSM results. The ORP value of water and H2O2 concentration changed significantly after treating with cold plasma. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), especially NO, O (777 nm) and O (844 nm) were probably key inactivation agents in cold plasma treatment. These results indicate that cold plasma could be an effective technology for the disinfection of implantable devices.

Crumb waste tire rubber surface modification by plasma polymerization of ethanol and its application on oil-well cement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiaowei, Cheng; Sheng, Huang; Xiaoyang, Guo; Wenhui, Duan

2017-07-01

Crumb waste tire rubber (WTR) was pretreated by oxygen low temperature plasma (LTP) and modified by LTP polymerization process of ethanol monomer to improve the adhesion property with oil-well cement matrix and the mechanical properties of cement. The surface properties of modified crumb WTR and the mechanical properties and structures of modified oil-well cement were investigated by means of contact angle measurement, dispersion test, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), mechanics performance tests, permeability test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was demonstrated that LTP treatment changed both the surface composition and roughness. The contact angle of pretreated crumb WTR dramatically fell from 122° to 34°, and sample with ethanol LPT polymer film decreased even further to 11°. The ATR-FTIR and XPS analysis results demonstrated that hydrophilic groups, such as -COOH, C-OH, and -CHO, were introduced on the WTR surface. The oxygen atomic percent increased from 8.11% to 14.50% and 24.83%. The mechanical properties, porosity and permeability of raw cement were compared to samples modified by untreated crumb WTR, pretreated crumb WTR and ethanol LTP polymerization treated crumb WTR. It was found that after 28 days, the compressive strength of the samples with the untreated crumb WTR decreased to 80% with respect to raw cement. The tensile strength and flexural strength also had a slight reduction compared with the raw cement. On the contrary, after 28 days, the tensile strength of cement modified by LTP polymerization treated WTR increased 11.03% and 13.36%, and the flexural strength increased 9.65% and 7.31%, respectively. A decrease in the compressive strength also occurred but was inconspicuous. A tight interface bonding for ethanol LTP polymerization treated WTR with cement matrix was observed via an SEM image.

Safety of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma for tooth bleaching evaluated in terms of microhardness and mineral content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nam, S. H.; Hong, J. W.; Lee, H. J.; Jeon, Y. C.; Kim, G. C.

2017-08-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of bleaching with nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma and 15% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or 15% carbamide peroxide (CP). Sixty human enamel and dentin slabs were randomly assigned to six groups as follows: Group 1 was a control group and did not receive any treatment; Group 2 was exposed only to plasma, as a negative control; Group 3 was treated with 15% HP; Group 4 was treated with 15% HP plus plasma; Group 5 was treated with 15% CP alone; and Group 6 was treated with 15% CP plus plasma during 30 min bleaching treatments. A microhardness measurement was conducted according to a microhardness tester. The amount of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), chloride (Cl), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) in the enamel and dentin was quantified with an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). The data were analyzed by using the Student’s t test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), complemented by Tukey’s test. The statistical analysis did not show any significant differences in microhardness values and six mineral contents in all groups (p  >  0.05). Therefore, we believe that the application of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma is a safe energy source for tooth bleaching.

Effect of oxygen plasma treatment on the electrochemical performance of the rayon and polyacrylonitrile based carbon felt for the vanadium redox flow battery application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dixon, D.; Babu, D. J.; Langner, J.; Bruns, M.; Pfaffmann, L.; Bhaskar, A.; Schneider, J. J.; Scheiba, F.; Ehrenberg, H.

2016-11-01

Oxygen plasma treatment was applied on commercially available graphite felt electrodes based on rayon (GFA) and polyacrylonitrile (GFD). The formation of functional groups on the surface of the felt was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The BET studies of the plasma treated electrodes showed no significant increase in surface area for both the rayon as well as the PAN based felts. Both plasma treated electrodes showed significantly enhanced V3+/V2+ redox activity compared to the pristine electrodes. Since an increase of the surface area has been ruled out for plasma treated electrode the enhanced activity could be attributed to surface functional groups. Interestingly, plasma treated GFD felts showed less electrochemical activity towards V5+/V4+ compared to the pristine electrode. Nevertheless, an overall increase of the single cell performance was still observed as the negative electrode is known to be the performance limiting electrode. Thus, to a great extent the present work helps to preferentially understand the importance of functional groups on the electrochemical activity of negative and positive redox reaction. The study emphasizes the need of highly active electrodes especially at the negative electrode side as inactive electrodes can still facilitate hydrogen evolution and degrade the electrolyte in VRFBs.

Platelets rich plasma versus minoxidil 5% in treatment of alopecia areata: A trichoscopic evaluation.

PubMed

El Taieb, Moustafa A; Ibrahim, Hassan; Nada, Essam A; Seif Al-Din, Mai

2017-01-01

Alopecia areata is a common cause of nonscarring alopecia that occurs in a patchy, confluent, or diffuse pattern. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique for the clinical diagnosis of many skin diseases. Topical minoxidil solution 5% and platelet rich plasma are important modalities used in treatment of alopecia areata. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PRP versus topical minoxidil 5% in the treatment of AA by clinical evaluation and trichoscopic examination. Ninety patients were allocated into three groups; the first was treated with topical minoxidil 5% solution, the second with platelets rich plasma injections, and the third with placebo. Diagnosis and follow up were done by serial digital camera photography of lesions and dermoscopic scan before and every 1 month after treatment for 3 months. Patients treated with minoxidil 5% and platelets rich plasma both have significant hair growth than placebo (p < .05). Patients treated with platelets rich plasma had an earlier response in the form of hair regrowth, reduction in short vellus hair and dystrophic hair unlike patients treated with minoxidil and control (p < .05). In conclusion, platelets rich plasma is more effective in the treatment of alopecia areata than topical minoxidil 5% as evaluated by clinical and trichoscopic examination. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of subcutaneous infiltration of autologous platelet-rich plasma on skin-wound healing in dogs

PubMed Central

Farghali, Haithem A.; AbdElKader, Naglaa A.; Khattab, Marwa S.

2017-01-01

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known to be rich in growth factors and cytokines, which are crucial to the healing process. This study investigate the effect of subcutaneous (S/C) infiltration of autologous PRP at the wound boundaries on wound epithelization and contraction. Five adult male mongrel dogs were used. Bilateral acute full thickness skin wounds (3 cm diameter) were created on the thorax symmetrically. Right side wounds were subcutaneously infiltrated with activated PRP at day 0 and then every week for three consecutive weeks. The left wound was left as control. Wound contraction and epithelization were clinically evaluated. Expression of collagen type I (COLI) A2, (COLIA2),histopathology and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of COLI α1 (COLIA1) were performed on skin biopsies at first, second and third weeks. The catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 (MMP-9) activity were assessed in wound fluid samples. All data were analysed statistically. The epithelization percent significantly increased in the PRP-treated wound at week 3. Collagen was well organized in the PRP-treated wounds compared with control wounds at week 3. The COLIA2 expression and intensity of COLIA1 significantly increased in PRP-treated wounds. MDA concentration was significantly decreased in PRP-treated wound at week 3. The catalase activity exhibited no difference between PRP treated and untreated wounds. The activity of MMP-9 reached its peak at the second week and was significantly high in the PRP-treated group. S/C infiltration of autologous PRP at the wound margins enhances the wound epithelization and reduces the scar tissue formation. PMID:28246352

Evaluation of subcutaneous infiltration of autologous platelet-rich plasma on skin-wound healing in dogs.

PubMed

Farghali, Haithem A; AbdElKader, Naglaa A; Khattab, Marwa S; AbuBakr, Huda O

2017-04-28

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known to be rich in growth factors and cytokines, which are crucial to the healing process. This study investigate the effect of subcutaneous (S/C) infiltration of autologous PRP at the wound boundaries on wound epithelization and contraction. Five adult male mongrel dogs were used. Bilateral acute full thickness skin wounds (3 cm diameter) were created on the thorax symmetrically. Right side wounds were subcutaneously infiltrated with activated PRP at day 0 and then every week for three consecutive weeks. The left wound was left as control. Wound contraction and epithelization were clinically evaluated. Expression of collagen type I (COLI) A2, (COLIA2),histopathology and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of COLI α1 (COLIA1) were performed on skin biopsies at first, second and third weeks. The catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 (MMP-9) activity were assessed in wound fluid samples. All data were analysed statistically. The epithelization percent significantly increased in the PRP-treated wound at week 3. Collagen was well organized in the PRP-treated wounds compared with control wounds at week 3. The COLIA2 expression and intensity of COLIA1 significantly increased in PRP-treated wounds. MDA concentration was significantly decreased in PRP-treated wound at week 3. The catalase activity exhibited no difference between PRP treated and untreated wounds. The activity of MMP-9 reached its peak at the second week and was significantly high in the PRP-treated group. S/C infiltration of autologous PRP at the wound margins enhances the wound epithelization and reduces the scar tissue formation. © 2017 The Author(s).

A diet based on high-heat-treated foods promotes risk factors for diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.

PubMed

Birlouez-Aragon, Inès; Saavedra, Giselle; Tessier, Frédéric J; Galinier, Anne; Ait-Ameur, Lamia; Lacoste, Florence; Niamba, Claude-Narcisse; Alt, Nadja; Somoza, Veronika; Lecerf, Jean-Michel

2010-05-01

The modern Western lifestyle is characterized by the consumption of high-heat-treated foods because of their characteristic taste and flavor. However, it has been shown that treating food at high temperatures can generate potentially harmful compounds that promote inflammation and cardiovascular disease in subjects with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine whether high-heat-treated foods also pose a risk for healthy subjects. A randomized, crossover, diet-controlled intervention trial with 62 volunteers was designed to compare the potential metabolic effects of 2 diets, one that was based on mild steam cooking and another that was based on high-temperature cooking. These 2 diets differed mainly in their contents of Maillard reaction products (MRPs). MRPs were assessed in the diet and in subjects' feces, blood, and urine samples, with N(epsilon)-carboxymethyllysine as an indicator of MRPs. Biological indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism as well as oxidative stress were analyzed in subjects after 1 mo on each diet. In comparison with the steamed diet, 1 mo of consuming the high-heat-treated diet induced significantly lower insulin sensitivity and plasma concentrations of long-chain n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids and vitamins C and E [-17% (P < 0.002), -13% (P < 0.0001), and -8% (P < 0.01), respectively]. However, concentrations of plasma cholesterol and triglycerides increased [+5% (P < 0.01) and +9% (P < 0.01), respectively]. A diet that is based on high-heat-treated foods increases markers associated with an enhanced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in healthy people. Replacing high-heat-treatment techniques by mild cooking techniques may help to positively modulate biomarkers associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.

Determination of five antiarrhythmic drugs in human plasma by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Jouyban, Abolghasem; Sorouraddin, Mohammad Hossein; Farajzadeh, Mir Ali; Somi, Mohammad Hossein; Fazeli-Bakhtiyari, Rana

2015-03-01

A fast and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of five antiarrhythmic drugs (metoprolol, propranolol, carvedilol, diltiazem, and verapamil) in human plasma samples. It involves dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) of the desired drugs from 660 µL plasma and separation using isocratic elution with UV detection at 200 nm. The complete separation of all analytes was achieved within 7 min. Acetonitrile (as disperser solvent) resulting from the protein precipitation procedure was mixed with 100 µL dichloromethane (as an extraction solvent) and rapidly injected into 5 mL aqueous solution (pH 11.5) containing 1% (w/v), NaCl. After centrifugation, the sedimented phase containing enriched analytes was collected and evaporated to dryness. The residue was re-dissolved in 50 µL de-ionized water (acidified to pH 3) and injected into the HPLC system for analysis. Under the optimal conditions, the enrichment factors and extraction recoveries ranged between 4.4-10.8 and 33-82%, respectively. The suggested method was linear (r(2) ≥0.997) over a dynamic range of 0.02-0.80 µg mL(-1) in plasma. The intra- and inter-days relative standard deviation (RSD%) and relative error (RE%) values of the method were below 20%, which shows good precision and accuracy. Finally, this method was applied to the analysis of real plasma samples obtained from the patients treated with these drugs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CD147/basigin reflects renal dysfunction in patients with acute kidney injury.

PubMed

Nagaya, Hiroshi; Kosugi, Tomoki; Maeda-Hori, Mayuko; Maeda, Kayaho; Sato, Yuka; Kojima, Hiroshi; Hayashi, Hiroki; Kato, Noritoshi; Ishimoto, Takuji; Sato, Waichi; Yuzawa, Yukio; Matsuo, Seiichi; Kadomatsu, Kenji; Maruyama, Shoichi

2014-10-01

Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) describes a form of intrinsic acute kidney injury (AKI) that results from persistent hypoperfusion and subsequent activation of the immune system. A glycosylated transmembrane protein, CD147/basigin, is involved in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia and fibrosis. The present study investigated whether CD147 can reflect pathological features and renal dysfunction in patients with AKI. Plasma and spot urine samples were collected from 24 patients (12 controls and 12 with ATN) who underwent renal biopsy between 2008 and 2012. In another study, patients undergoing open surgery to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) were enrolled in 2004. We collected urine and plasma samples from seven patients with AKI and 33 patients without AKI, respectively. In these experiments, plasma and urinary CD147, and urinary L-fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) levels were measured, and the former expression in kidneys was examined by immunostaining. In biopsy tissues of ATN with severe histological features, CD147 induction was strikingly present in inflammatory cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes in the injured interstitium, but not in damaged tubules representing atrophy. Both plasma and urinary CD147 levels were strikingly increased in ATN patients; both values showed greater correlations with renal dysfunction compared to urinary L-FABP. In patients who had undergone open AAA surgery, urinary and plasma CD147 values in AKI patients were significantly higher than in non-AKI patients at post-operative day 1, similar to the profile of urinary L-FABP. CD147 was prominent in its ability to detect AKI and may allow the start of preemptive medication.

Diagnostics of microwave assisted electron cyclotron resonance plasma source for surface modification of nylon 6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

More, Supriya E.; Das, Partha Sarathi; Bansode, Avinash; Dhamale, Gayatri; Ghorui, S.; Bhoraskar, S. V.; Sahasrabudhe, S. N.; Mathe, Vikas L.

2018-01-01

Looking at the increasing scope of plasma processing of materials surface, here we present the development and diagnostics of a microwave assisted Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) plasma system suitable for surface modification of polymers. Prior to the surface-treatment, a detailed diagnostic mapping of the plasma parameters throughout the reactor chamber was carried out by using single and double Langmuir probe measurements in Ar plasma. Conventional analysis of I-V curves as well as the elucidation form of the Electron Energy Distribution Function (EEDF) has become the source of calibration of plasma parameters in the reaction chamber. The high energy tail in the EEDF of electron temperature is seen to extend beyond 60 eV, at much larger distances from the ECR zone. This proves the suitability of the rector for plasma processing, since the electron energy is much beyond the threshold energy of bond breaking in most of the polymers. Nylon 6 is used as a representative candidate for surface processing in the presence of Ar, H2 + N2, and O2 plasma, treated at different locations inside the plasma chamber. In a typical case, the work of adhesion is seen to almost get doubled when treated with oxygen plasma. Morphology of the plasma treated surface and its hydrophilicity are discussed in view of the variation in electron density and electron temperature at these locations. Nano-protrusions arising from plasma treatment are set to be responsible for the hydrophobicity. Chemical sputtering and physical sputtering are seen to influence the surface morphology on account of sufficient electron energies and increased plasma potential.

Image-guided plasma therapy of cutaneous wound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhiwu; Ren, Wenqi; Yu, Zelin; Zhang, Shiwu; Yue, Ting; Xu, Ronald

2014-02-01

The wound healing process involves the reparative phases of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Interrupting any of these phases may result in chronically unhealed wounds, amputation, or even patient death. Despite the clinical significance in chronic wound management, no effective methods have been developed for quantitative image-guided treatment. We integrated a multimodal imaging system with a cold atmospheric plasma probe for image-guided treatment of chronic wound. Multimodal imaging system offers a non-invasive, painless, simultaneous and quantitative assessment of cutaneous wound healing. Cold atmospheric plasma accelerates the wound healing process through many mechanisms including decontamination, coagulation and stimulation of the wound healing. The therapeutic effect of cold atmospheric plasma is studied in vivo under the guidance of a multimodal imaging system. Cutaneous wounds are created on the dorsal skin of the nude mice. During the healing process, the sample wound is treated by cold atmospheric plasma at different controlled dosage, while the control wound is healed naturally. The multimodal imaging system integrating a multispectral imaging module and a laser speckle imaging module is used to collect the information of cutaneous tissue oxygenation (i.e. oxygen saturation, StO2) and blood perfusion simultaneously to assess and guide the plasma therapy. Our preliminary tests show that cold atmospheric plasma in combination with multimodal imaging guidance has the potential to facilitate the healing of chronic wounds.

Development of Al2O3 electrospun fibers prepared by conventional sintering method or plasma assisted surface calcination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mudra, E.; Streckova, M.; Pavlinak, D.; Medvecka, V.; Kovacik, D.; Kovalcikova, A.; Zubko, P.; Girman, V.; Dankova, Z.; Koval, V.; Duzsa, J.

2017-09-01

In this paper, the electrospinning method was used for preparation of α-Al2O3 microfibers from PAN/Al(NO3)3 precursor solution. The precursor fibers were thermally treated by conventional method in furnace or low-temperature plasma induced surface sintering method in ambient air. The four different temperatures of PAN/Al(NO3)3 precursors were chosen for formation of α-Al2O3 phase by conventional sintering way according to the transition features observed in the TG/DSC analysis. In comparison, the low-temperature plasma treatment at atmospheric pressure was used as an alternative sintering method at the exposure times of 5, 10 and 30 min. FTIR analysis was used for evaluation of residual polymer after plasma induced calcination and for studying the mechanism of polymer degradation. The polycrystalline alumina fibers arranged with the nanoparticles was created continuously throughout the whole volume of the sample. On the other side the low temperature approach, high density of reactive species and high power density of plasma generated at atmospheric pressure by used plasma source allowed rapid removal of polymer in preference from the surface of fibers leading to the formation of composite ceramic/polymer fibers. This plasma induced sintering of PAN/Al(NO3)3 can have obvious importance in industrial applications where the ceramic character of surface with higher toughness of the fibers are required.

Tunable bandgap energy of fluorinated nanocrystals for flash memory applications produced by low-damage plasma treatment.

PubMed

Huang, Chi-Hsien; Lin, Chih-Ting; Wang, Jer-Chyi; Chou, Chien; Ye, Yu-Ren; Cheng, Bing-Ming; Lai, Chao-Sung

2012-11-30

A plasma system with a complementary filter to shield samples from damage during tetrafluoromethane (CF(4)) plasma treatment was proposed in order to incorporate fluorine atoms into gadolinium oxide nanocrystals (Gd(2)O(3)-NCs) for flash memory applications. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that fluorine atoms were successfully introduced into the Gd(2)O(3)-NCs despite the use of a filter in the plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition system to shield against several potentially damaging species. The number of incorporated fluorine atoms can be controlled by varying the treatment time. The optimized memory window of the resulting flash memory devices was twice that of devices treated by a filterless system because more fluorine atoms were incorporated into the Gd(2)O(3)-NCs film with very little damage. This enlarged the bandgap energy from 5.48 to 6.83 eV, as observed by ultraviolet absorption measurements. This bandgap expansion can provide a large built-in electric field that allows more charges to be stored in the Gd(2)O(3)-NCs. The maximum improvement in the retention characteristic was >60%. Because plasma damage during treatment is minimal, maximum fluorination can be achieved. The concept of simply adding a filter to a plasma system to prevent plasma damage exhibits great promise for functionalization or modification of nanomaterials for advanced nanoelectronics while introducing minimal defects.

Plasma-Treated Microplates with Enhanced Protein Recoveries and Minimized Extractables

PubMed Central

Weikart, Christopher M.; Klibanov, Alexander M.; Breeland, Adam P.; Taha, Ahmad H.; Maurer, Brian R.; Martin, Steven P.

2016-01-01

SiO2 Medical Products, Inc. (SiO) has developed a proprietary technology that greatly enhances protein recoveries and reduces extractables from commercial microplates used for bioanalytical assays and storage of biologics. SiO technology is based on plasma treatment that chemically modifies the surface of polypropylene with predominantly hydrogen-bond-acceptor uncharged polar groups. The resultant surface resists nonspecific protein adsorption over a wide range of protein concentrations, thereby eliminating the need to passivate (and hence potentially contaminate) the microplates with blocking proteins. High shelf-life stability and cleanliness of the plasma-treated microplates have been demonstrated using five different proteins for two common microplate formats. The protein recovery performance of plasma-treated microplates is found to be higher compared with commercial low-protein-binding microplates. PMID:27651466

Effects of seminal plasma and flash-freezing on DNA structure of stallion epididymal sperm exposed to different potentiators of DNA damage.

PubMed

Serafini, R; Varner, D D; Blanchard, T L; Teague, S R; LaCaze, K; Love, C C

2018-05-24

The tolerance of sperm DNA structure to seminal plasma and freezing conditions has both clinical and basic biologic relevance. In this study, fresh (FS) or flash-frozen (FZ) stallion epididymal sperm were exposed (SP + ) or unexposed (SP - ) to seminal plasma. Sperm were then evaluated to monitor the degree of change in DNA structure following challenge with chemical (dithiothreitol-DTT), oxidative (iron sulfate; FeSO 4 ) or enzymatic (DNase I) potentiators of DNA damage. For sperm not treated with potentiators (controls), there was no effect of SP treatment (SP - vs. SP + ) or freezing treatment (FS vs. FZ; non-significant) on measures of any DNA assays (i.e., 8-hydroxy, 2'deoxyguanosine [8OHdG], TUNEL, or sperm chromatin structure [SCSA] assays). Group FZ was more susceptible than Group FS to potentiators of DNA damage. Percent 8OHdG-positive sperm was higher in Group FZ/SP - treated with FeSO 4 than all other groups (P < 0.05). Percent TUNEL-positive sperm was similar among FZ/SP - groups treated with DTT, FeSO 4 , or DNase (non-significant) and was higher in these groups than all other treatments (P < 0.05). Percent COMP-α t was higher following treatment with DNase or DTT, as compared to their respective controls, regardless of prior exposure to SP (P < 0.05). Overall, sperm DNA structure was unaffected by seminal plasma or freezing treatment when samples were not exposed to potentiators of sperm DNA damage; however, marked differences were identified in DNA structure when sperm were challenged with chemical, oxidative or enzymatic treatments. These results highlight the importance of challenging DNA structure prior to analysis. The use of potentiators of DNA damage provided a model to evaluate sperm DNA structure following exposure of sperm to various experimental treatments. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inactivation of Leishmania donovani infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi in red cell suspensions with thiazole orange.

PubMed

Wagner, Stephen J; Skripchenko, Andrey; Salata, Jeanne; O'Sullivan, Anne Marie; Cardo, Lisa J

2008-07-01

Methods for pathogen inactivation are currently available in some European countries for treatment of plasma and platelet (PLT) components; no approved method for treatment of red cells (RBCs) or whole blood is ready for implementation. In a previous study, thiazole orange (TO), a dye commonly used to count reticulated RBCs and PLTs, exhibited potent photoactivity against human immunodeficiency virus-1 and several model viruses in RBC suspensions. The aim of this study is to further evaluate the ability of TO to inactivate pathogens by measuring its activity against the protozoa Leishmania donovani infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi. RBC suspensions were deliberately contaminated with L. donovani infantum promastigotes or T. cruzi trypomastigotes and either maintained as an untreated control, incubated with 80 mumol per L TO in the dark, or treated with TO and light. Control and treated samples were inoculated into medium and subsequently microscopically examined for growth. No growth was observed in samples treated with TO in the presence or absence of light, while matched control samples lacking TO and diluted up to 5 log consistently demonstrated Leishmania or T. cruzi growth (n = 3). TO inactivated Leishmania or T. cruzi to the limit of detection in RBC suspensions without intentional illumination.

The use of frozen plasma samples in thromboelastometry.

PubMed

Schoergenhofer, Christian; Buchtele, Nina; Schwameis, Michael; Bartko, Johann; Jilma, Bernd; Jilma-Stohlawetz, Petra

2017-11-01

Thromboelastometry is increasingly used in the clinical and scientific setting. The use of frozen plasma samples may be useful in overcoming certain limitations such as local and timely availability. Whole blood (WB) samples of 20 healthy volunteers were obtained, and plasma was generated. NATEM (n = 20), EXTEM (n = 20) and INTEM (n = 8) analyses were performed in WB, fresh plasma and frozen and thawed plasma. Dabigatran (500, 1000 ng/ml), rivaroxaban (100, 200 ng/ml) or alteplase (333 ng/ml) were added ex vivo to WB, and thromboelastometry was performed in WB and in frozen and thawed plasma samples. Clot formation time, mean clot firmness and the area under the curve were significantly altered in plasma compared to WB. In INTEM and EXTEM analysis, clotting time (CT) was comparable between WB (100%) and fresh (INTEM 114% and EXTEM 93%, ratio of the means) and frozen plasma samples (85 and 99%), whereas in NATEM analysis, the CT increased in fresh (193%) and frozen plasma samples (130%). Dabigatran dose-dependently increased the CT approximately 5- and 9-fold in WB and even more pronounced 10- and 26-fold in plasma. Accordingly, rivaroxaban dose-dependently increased the CT 2- and 2.7-fold in WB, and 3.5- and 4-fold in plasma samples. Hyperfibrinolysis was achieved by addition of alteplase in all WB samples and was reproducible in plasma samples. In conclusion, thromboelastometry, especially INTEM and EXTEM analyses, is possible using frozen and stored plasma samples with comparable results to the corresponding whole blood samples.

Clinical validation of a highly sensitive assay to detect EGFR mutations in plasma cell-free DNA from patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Li, Yuping; Xu, Hanyan; Su, Shanshan; Ye, Junru; Chen, Junjie; Jin, Xuru; Lin, Quan; Zhang, Dongqing; Ye, Caier; Chen, Chengshui

2017-01-01

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising biomarker for noninvasive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations detection in lung cancer patients, but the existing methods have limitations in sensitivity or in availability. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a novel assay called ADx-SuperARMS in detecting EGFR mutations in plasma cell-free DNA from patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. A total of 109 patients with metastatic advanced adenocarcinoma were recruited who provided both blood samples and matched tumor tissue samples. EGFR mutation status in plasma samples were tested with ADx-SuperARMS EGFR assay and tumor tissue samples were tested with ADx-ARMS EGFR assay. The clinical sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction value (PPV), and negative prediction value (NPV) of ADx-SuperARMS EGFR assay were calculated by using EGFR mutation status in tumor tissue as standard reference. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was implemented and an area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of exon 19 deletion (E19Del) and L858R mutation detection. The objective response rate (ORR) were calculated according to the EGFR mutation status determined by ADx-superARMS as well. 0.2% analytical sensitivity and 100% specificity of the ADx-SuperARMS EGFR assays for EGFR E19Del, L858R, and T790M mutants were confirmed by using a series of diluted cell line DNA. In the clinical study, EGFR mutations were detected in 45.9% (50/109) of the plasma samples and in 56.9% (62/109) of the matched tumor tissue samples. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the ADx-SuperARMS EGFR assay for plasma EGFR mutation detection were 82.0% (50/61), 100% (48/48), 100% (50/50), and 81.4% (48/59), respectively. In ROC analysis, ADx-SuperARMS achieved sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 99% in E19Dels as well as sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 100% in L858R, respectively. Among the 35 patients who were plasma EGFR mutation positive and treated with first generation of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), 23 (65.7%) achieved partial response, 11 (31.4%) sustained disease, and 1 (2.9%) progressive disease. The ORR and disease control rate (DCR) were 65.7% and 97.1%, respectively. ADx-SuperARMS EGFR assay is likely to be a highly sensitive and specific method to noninvasively detect plasma EGFR mutations of patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. The EGFR mutations detected by ADx-SuperARMS EGFR assay could predict the efficacy of the treatment with first generation of EGFR-TKIs. Hence, EGFR blood testing with ADx-SuperARMS could address the unmet clinical needs.

A non-randomized multicentre trial of human immune plasma for treatment of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome caused by Andes virus.

PubMed

Vial, Pablo A; Valdivieso, Francisca; Calvo, Mario; Rioseco, M Luisa; Riquelme, Raul; Araneda, Andres; Tomicic, Vinko; Graf, Jerónimo; Paredes, Laura; Florenzano, Matias; Bidart, Teresa; Cuiza, Analia; Marco, Claudia; Hjelle, Brian; Ye, Chunyan; Hanfelt-Goade, Diane; Vial, Cecilia; Rivera, Juan C; Delgado, Iris; Mertz, Gregory J

2015-01-01

In Chile, Andes virus (ANDV) is the sole aetiological agent of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) with mean annual incidence of 55 cases, 32% case fatality rate (CFR) and no specific treatment. Neutralizing antibody (NAb) titres at hospital admission correlate inversely with HCPS severity. We designed an open trial to explore safety and efficacy and evaluate pharmacokinetics of immune plasma as a treatment strategy for this disease. We performed plasmapheresis on donors at least 6 months after HCPS and measured NAb titres through a focus-reduction neutralization test. Subjects admitted to 10 study sites with suspected/confirmed HCPS were eligible for treatment with immune plasma by intravenous infusion at an ANDV NAb dose of 5,000 U/kg. HCPS was confirmed through immunoglobulin M serology or reverse transcriptase-PCR. The main outcome was mortality within 30 days. From 2008-2012, we enrolled and treated 32 cases and confirmed HCPS in 29. CFR of hantavirus plasma-treated cases was 4/29 (14%); CFR of non-treated cases in the same period in Chile was 63/199 (32%; P=0.049, OR=0.35, CI=0.12, 0.99); CFR of non-treated cases at the same study sites between 2005-2012 was 18/66 (27%; (P=0.15, OR=0.43, CI=0.14, 1.34) and CFR in a previous methylprednisolone treatment study was 20/60 (33%; P=0.052, OR=0.32, CI=0.10, 1.00). We detected no serious adverse events associated to plasma infusion. Plasma NAb titres reached in recipients were variable and viral load remained stable. Human ANDV immune plasma infusion appears safe for HCPS. We observed a decrease in CFR in treated cases with borderline significance that will require further studies for confirmation.

Control of adhesion of human induced pluripotent stem cells to plasma-patterned polydimethylsiloxane coated with vitronectin and γ-globulin.

PubMed

Yamada, Ryotaro; Hattori, Koji; Tachikawa, Saoko; Tagaya, Motohiro; Sasaki, Toru; Sugiura, Shinji; Kanamori, Toshiyuki; Ohnuma, Kiyoshi

2014-09-01

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a promising source of cells for medical applications. Recently, the development of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microdevices to control the microenvironment of hiPSCs has been extensively studied. PDMS surfaces are often treated with low-pressure air plasma to facilitate protein adsorption and cell adhesion. However, undefined molecules present in the serum and extracellular matrix used to culture cells complicate the study of cell adhesion. Here, we studied the effects of vitronectin and γ-globulin on hiPSC adhesion to plasma-treated and untreated PDMS surfaces under defined culture conditions. We chose these proteins because they have opposite properties: vitronectin mediates hiPSC attachment to hydrophilic siliceous surfaces, whereas γ-globulin is adsorbed by hydrophobic surfaces and does not mediate cell adhesion. Immunostaining showed that, when applied separately, vitronectin and γ-globulin were adsorbed by both plasma-treated and untreated PDMS surfaces. In contrast, when PDMS surfaces were exposed to a mixture of the two proteins, vitronectin was preferentially adsorbed onto plasma-treated surfaces, whereas γ-globulin was adsorbed onto untreated surfaces. Human iPSCs adhered to the vitronectin-rich plasma-treated surfaces but not to the γ-globulin-rich untreated surfaces. On the basis of these results, we used perforated masks to prepare plasma-patterned PDMS substrates, which were then used to pattern hiPSCs. The patterned hiPSCs expressed undifferentiated-cell markers and did not escape from the patterned area for at least 7 days. The patterned PDMS could be stored for up to 6 days before hiPSCs were plated. We believe that our results will be useful for the development of hiPSC microdevices. Copyright © 2014 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Concentrations of Trace Elements in Hemodialysis Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PubMed

Tonelli, Marcello; Wiebe, Natasha; Bello, Aminu; Field, Catherine J; Gill, John S; Hemmelgarn, Brenda R; Holmes, Daniel T; Jindal, Kailash; Klarenbach, Scott W; Manns, Braden J; Thadhani, Ravi; Kinniburgh, David

2017-11-01

Low concentrations and excessive concentrations of trace elements have been commonly reported in hemodialysis patients, but available studies have several important limitations. Random sample of patients drawn from a prospective cohort. 198 incident hemodialysis patients treated in 3 Canadian centers. We used mass spectrometry to measure plasma concentrations of the 25 elements at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years following enrollment in the cohort. We focused on low concentrations of zinc, selenium, and manganese and excessive concentrations of lead, arsenic, and mercury; low and excessive concentrations of the other 19 trace elements were treated as exploratory analyses. Low and excessive concentrations were based on the 5th and 95th percentile plasma concentrations from healthy reference populations. At all 4 occasions, low zinc, selenium, and manganese concentrations were uncommon in study participants (≤5.1%, ≤1.8%, and ≤0.9% for zinc, selenium, and manganese, respectively) and a substantial proportion of participants had concentrations that exceeded the 95th percentile (≥65.2%, ≥74.2%, and ≥19.7%, respectively). Almost all participants had plasma lead concentrations above the 95th percentile at all time points. The proportion of participants with plasma arsenic concentrations exceeding the 95th percentile was relatively constant over time (9.1%-9.8%); the proportion with plasma mercury concentrations that exceeded the 95th percentile varied between 15.2% and 29.3%. Low arsenic, platinum, tungsten, and beryllium concentrations were common (>50%), as were excessive cobalt, manganese, zinc, vanadium, cadmium, selenium, barium, antimony, nickel, molybdenum, lead, and chromium concentrations. There was no evidence that low zinc, selenium, or manganese concentrations exist in most contemporary Canadian hemodialysis patients. Some patients have excessive plasma arsenic and mercury concentrations, and excessive lead concentrations were common. These findings require further investigation. Copyright © 2017 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Impact of food model (micro)structure on the microbial inactivation efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma.

PubMed

Smet, C; Noriega, E; Rosier, F; Walsh, J L; Valdramidis, V P; Van Impe, J F

2017-01-02

The large potential of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) for food decontamination has recently been recognized. Room-temperature gas plasmas can decontaminate foods without causing undesired changes. This innovative technology is a promising alternative for treating fresh produce. However, more fundamental studies are needed before its application in the food industry. The impact of the food structure on CAP decontamination efficacy of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes was studied. Cells were grown planktonically or as surface colonies in/on model systems. Both microorganisms were grown in lab culture media in petri dishes at 20°C until cells reached the stationary phase. Before CAP treatment, cells were deposited in a liquid carrier, on a solid(like) surface or on a filter. A dielectric barrier discharge reactor generated helium-oxygen plasma, which was used to treat samples up to 10min. Although L. monocytogenes is more resistant to CAP treatment, similar trends in inactivation behavior as for S. Typhimurium are observed, with log reductions in the range [1.0-2.9] for S. Typhimurium and [0.2-2.2] for L. monocytogenes. For both microorganisms, cells grown planktonically are easily inactivated, as compared to surface colonies. More stressing growth conditions, due to cell immobilization, result in more resistant cells during CAP treatment. The main difference between the inactivation support systems is the absence or presence of a shoulder phase. For experiments in the liquid carrier, which exhibit a long shoulder, the plasma components need to diffuse and penetrate through the medium. This explains the higher efficacies of CAP treatment on cells deposited on a solid(like) surface or on a filter. This research demonstrates that the food structure influences the cell inactivation behavior and efficacy of CAP, and indicates that food intrinsic factors need to be accounted when designing plasma treatment. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Molecular forms of C-type natriuretic peptide in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma reflect differential processing in brain and pituitary tissues.

PubMed

Wilson, Michele O; Barrell, Graham K; Prickett, Timothy C R; Espiner, Eric A

2018-01-01

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a paracrine growth factor widely expressed within tissues of the central nervous system. Consistent with this is the high concentration of CNP in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), exceeding levels in the systemic circulation. CNP abundance is high in hypothalamus and especially enriched in pituitary tissue where - in contrast to hypothalamus - processing to CNP-22 is minimal. Recently we have shown that dexamethasone acutely raises CNP peptides throughout the brain as well as in CSF and plasma. Postulating that molecular forms of CNP would differ in central tissues compared to forms in pituitary and plasma, we have characterized the molecular forms of CNP in tissues (hypothalamus, anterior and posterior pituitary gland) and associated fluids (CSF and plasma) using size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) and radioimmunoassay in control (saline-treated) and dexamethasone-treated adult sheep. Three immunoreactive-CNP components were identified which were consistent with proCNP (1-103), CNP-53 and CNP-22, but the presence and proportions of these different fragments differed among tissues. Peaks consistent with CNP-53 were the dominant form in all tissues and fluids. Peaks consistent with proCNP, conspicuous in hypothalamic extracts, were negligible in CSF whereas proportions of low molecular weight immunoreactivity (IR) consistent with CNP-22 were similar in hypothalamus, posterior pituitary gland and CSF. In contrast, in both plasma and the anterior pituitary gland, proportions of higher molecular weight IR, consistent with CNP-53 and proCNP, predominated, and low molecular weight IR consistent with CNP-22 was very low. After dexamethasone, proCNP like material - but not other forms - was increased in all samples except CSF, consistent with increased synthesis and secretion. In conclusion, immunoreactive forms of CNP in central tissues differ from those identified in anterior pituitary tissue and plasma - suggesting that the anterior pituitary gland may contribute to systemic levels of CNP in some physiological settings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Capacity building and predictors of success for HIV-1 drug resistance testing in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa

PubMed Central

Land, Sally; Zhou, Julian; Cunningham, Philip; Sohn, Annette H; Singtoroj, Thida; Katzenstein, David; Mann, Marita; Sayer, David; Kantor, Rami

2013-01-01

Background The TREAT Asia Quality Assessment Scheme (TAQAS) was developed as a quality assessment programme through expert education and training, for laboratories in the Asia-Pacific and Africa that perform HIV drug-resistance (HIVDR) genotyping. We evaluated the programme performance and factors associated with high-quality HIVDR genotyping. Methods Laboratories used their standard protocols to test panels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive plasma samples or electropherograms. Protocols were documented and performance was evaluated according to a newly developed scoring system, agreement with panel-specific consensus sequence, and detection of drug-resistance mutations (DRMs) and mixtures of wild-type and resistant virus (mixtures). High-quality performance was defined as detection of ≥95% DRMs. Results Over 4.5 years, 23 participating laboratories in 13 countries tested 45 samples (30 HIV-1 subtype B; 15 non-B subtypes) in nine panels. Median detection of DRMs was 88–98% in plasma panels and 90–97% in electropherogram panels. Laboratories were supported to amend and improve their test outcomes as appropriate. Three laboratories that detected <80% DRMs in early panels demonstrated subsequent improvement. Sample complexity factors – number of DRMs (p<0.001) and number of DRMs as mixtures (p<0.001); and laboratory performance factors – detection of mixtures (p<0.001) and agreement with consensus sequence (p<0.001), were associated with high performance; sample format (plasma or electropherogram), subtype and genotyping protocol were not. Conclusion High-quality HIVDR genotyping was achieved in the TAQAS collaborative laboratory network. Sample complexity and detection of mixtures were associated with performance quality. Laboratories conducting HIVDR genotyping are encouraged to participate in quality assessment programmes. PMID:23845227

Herb-drug pharmacokinetic interaction between carica papaya extract and amiodarone in rats.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Márcio; Alves, Gilberto; Francisco, Joana; Fortuna, Ana; Falcão, Amílcar

2014-01-01

Carica papaya has been traditionally used worldwide in folk medicine to treat a wide range of ailments in humans, including the management of obesity and digestive disorders. However, scientific information about its potential to interact with conventional drugs is lacking. Thus, this work aimed to investigate the interference of a standardized C. papaya extract (GMP certificate) on the systemic exposure to amiodarone (a narrow therapeutic index drug) in rats. In the first pharmacokinetic study, rats were simultaneously co-administered with a single-dose of C. papaya (1230 mg/kg, p.o.) and amiodarone (50 mg/kg, p.o.); in the second study, rats were pre-treated for 14 days with C. papaya (1230 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and received amiodarone (50 mg/kg, p.o.) on the 15th day. Rats of the control groups received the herbal extract vehicle. Blood samples were collected before dosing and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h following amiodarone administration; in addition, at 24 h post-dose, blood and tissues (heart, liver, kidneys and lungs) were also harvested. Thereafter, the concentrations of amiodarone and its major metabolite (mono-N-desethylamiodarone) were determined in plasma and tissue samples employing a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection method previously developed and validated. In both studies was observed a delay in attaining the maximum plasma concentrations of amiodarone (tmax) in the rats treated with the extract. Nevertheless, it must be highlighted the marked increase (60-70%) of the extent of amiodarone systemic exposure (as assessed by AUC0-t and AUC0-∞) in the rats pre-treated with C. papaya comparatively with the control (vehicle) group. The results herein found suggest an herb-drug interaction between C. papaya extract and amiodarone, which clearly increase the drug bioavailability. To reliably assess the clinical impact of these findings appropriate human studies should be conducted.

Monoclonal antibodies specific to heat-treated porcine blood.

PubMed

Raja Nhari, Raja Mohd Hafidz; Hamid, Muhajir; Rasli, Nurmunirah Mohamad; Omar, Abdul Rahman; El Sheikha, Aly Farag; Mustafa, Shuhaimi

2016-05-01

Porcine blood is potentially being utilized in food as a binder, gelling agent, emulsifier or colorant. However, for certain communities, the usage of animal blood in food is strictly prohibited owing to religious concerns and health reasons. This study reports the development of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against heat-treated soluble proteins (HSPs) of autoclaved porcine blood; characterization of MAbs against blood, non-blood and plasma from different animal species using qualitative indirect non-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and immunoblotting of antigenic components in HSPs of porcine blood. Fifteen MAbs are specific to heat-treated and raw porcine blood and not cross-reacted with other animal blood and non-blood proteins (meat and non-meat). Twelve MAbs are specific to porcine plasma, while three MAbs specific to porcine plasma are cross-reacted with chicken plasma. Immunoblotting revealed antigenic protein bands (∼60, ∼85-100 and ∼250 kDa) in porcine blood and plasma recognized by the MAbs. Selection of MAbs that recognized 60 kDa HSPs of porcine blood and plasma as novel monoclonal antibodies would be useful for detection of porcine plasma in processed food using the immunoassay method. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of oxygen plasma on field emission characteristics of single-wall carbon nanotubes grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, Avshish; Parveen, Shama; Husain, Samina

2014-02-28

Field emission properties of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) grown on iron catalyst film by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition system were studied in diode configuration. The results were analysed in the framework of Fowler-Nordheim theory. The grown SWCNTs were found to be excellent field emitters, having emission current density higher than 20 mA/cm{sup 2} at a turn-on field of 1.3 V/μm. The as grown SWCNTs were further treated with Oxygen (O{sub 2}) plasma for 5 min and again field emission characteristics were measured. The O{sub 2} plasma treated SWCNTs have shown dramatic improvement in their field emission properties with emission current densitymore » of 111 mA/cm{sup 2} at a much lower turn on field of 0.8 V/μm. The as grown as well as plasma treated SWCNTs were also characterized by various techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy before and after O{sub 2} plasma treatment and the findings are being reported in this paper.« less

Voriconazole, a safe alternative for treating infections caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

PubMed

Van Waeyenberghe, L; Baert, K; Pasmans, F; van Rooij, P; Hellebuyck, T; Beernaert, L; de Backer, P; Haesebrouck, F; Martel, A

2010-09-01

Dermal and systemic infections caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV) are highly prevalent in reptiles and may result in severe disease and high mortality. Due to the high incidence of therapeutic failures, optimizing treatment is required. We first determined in this study the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B and terbinafine against 32 CANV isolates. For voriconazole, amphotericin B and terbinafine a monomodal MIC distribution was seen, whereas a bimodal MIC distribution was present for itraconazole, indicating acquired resistance in one isolate. Fourteen naturally-infected bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), from the same owner, were treated orally with either itraconazole (5 mg/kg q24h) or voriconazole (10 mg/kg q24h). The clinical condition, drug plasma concentrations and the presence of CANV in skin samples were followed. The animals were treated until complete clearance of the fungus. The plasma concentrations of voriconazole and itraconazole exceeded the minimal inhibitory concentrations of the CANV isolates. Elimination of CANV was achieved on average after 27 and 47 days of treatment with itraconazole and voriconazole, respectively. Whereas only 2 out of 7 survived after itraconazole treatment, only a single animal died in the voriconazole treated group. In conclusion, based on a limited number of animals, voriconazole applied at a regimen of 10 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) q24h seems to be a safe and effective antimycotic drug to eliminate CANV infections in bearded dragons.

Effect of dietary Satureja khuzistanica powder on semen characteristics and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration in testicular tissue of Iranian native breeder rooster

PubMed Central

Heydari, M. J.; Mohammadzadeh, S.; Kheradmand, A.; Alirezaei, M.

2015-01-01

Because of a paucity of information on the effect of Satureja khuzistanica in male chickens, this study was undertaken to determine the influence of dietary S. khuzistanica powder (SKP) on seminal characteristics and testes thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content in Iranian native breeder rooster. Thirty-six 40-week-old roosters were randomly allotted to 3 equal groups and received either a basal diet without SKP (T1 or control), or a diet containing 20 g/kg (T2) and 40 g/kg (T3) of SKP for 8-week-long experimental period. Semen samples were obtained weekly by abdominal massage to evaluate the seminal characteristics. At the end of the eighth week 18 birds (6 birds per each group) were randomly slaughtered, and sample was taken from right testes for TBARS evaluation. Administration of SKP improved all semen traits, except for sperm concentration. Likewise, TBARS content in SKP treatments did not significantly differ from the control (P>0.05). Seminal volume, live sperm percentage and plasma membrane integrity percentage in SKP-treated groups were higher than the control. Conversely, abnormal sperm percentages reduced in SKP-treated groups (P<0.05). Plasma membrane integrity in experimental treatments was significantly higher than the control in 2nd, 3rd and 7th weeks. However, at 6th and 8th weeks only T3 treatment was significantly different from the control. Notably, there was an increase in total sperm concentration in SKP-treated groups in compared to the control birds. In conclusion, this study indicated that addition of SKP in rooster diet improves sperm quality and also reduces their sperm membrane lipid peroxidation, which may lead to higher fertilization rate. PMID:27175185

Effect of dietary Satureja khuzistanica powder on semen characteristics and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration in testicular tissue of Iranian native breeder rooster.

PubMed

2015-01-01

Because of a paucity of information on the effect of Satureja khuzistanica in male chickens, this study was undertaken to determine the influence of dietary S. khuzistanica powder (SKP) on seminal characteristics and testes thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content in Iranian native breeder rooster. Thirty-six 40-week-old roosters were randomly allotted to 3 equal groups and received either a basal diet without SKP (T1 or control), or a diet containing 20 g/kg (T2) and 40 g/kg (T3) of SKP for 8-week-long experimental period. Semen samples were obtained weekly by abdominal massage to evaluate the seminal characteristics. At the end of the eighth week 18 birds (6 birds per each group) were randomly slaughtered, and sample was taken from right testes for TBARS evaluation. Administration of SKP improved all semen traits, except for sperm concentration. Likewise, TBARS content in SKP treatments did not significantly differ from the control (P>0.05). Seminal volume, live sperm percentage and plasma membrane integrity percentage in SKP-treated groups were higher than the control. Conversely, abnormal sperm percentages reduced in SKP-treated groups (P<0.05). Plasma membrane integrity in experimental treatments was significantly higher than the control in 2nd, 3rd and 7th weeks. However, at 6th and 8th weeks only T3 treatment was significantly different from the control. Notably, there was an increase in total sperm concentration in SKP-treated groups in compared to the control birds. In conclusion, this study indicated that addition of SKP in rooster diet improves sperm quality and also reduces their sperm membrane lipid peroxidation, which may lead to higher fertilization rate.

A new approach to plasmasphere refilling: Anomalous plasma effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, N.

1991-01-01

During the last 10 months of the grant, both laminar and anomalous plasma processes occurring during the refilling of the outer plasmasphere after magnetic storms are investigated. Theoretical investigations were based on two types of models: (1) two-stream hydrodynamic model in which plasma flows from the conjugate ionospheres are treated as separate fluids and the ion temperature anisotropies are treated self-consistently; and (2) large-scale particle-in-cell code.

Dentin surface treatment using a non-thermal argon plasma brush for interfacial bonding improvement in composite restoration

PubMed Central

Ritts, Andy Charles; Li, Hao; Yu, Qingsong; Xu, Changqi; Yao, Xiaomei; Hong, Liang; Wang, Yong

2010-01-01

The objective of this study is to investigate the treatment effects of non-thermal atmospheric gas plasmas on dentin surfaces for composite restoration. Extracted unerupted human third molars were used by removing the crowns and etching the exposed dentin surfaces with 35% phosphoric acid gel. The dentin surfaces were treated by using a non-thermal atmospheric argon plasma brush for various durations. The molecular changes of the dentin surfaces were analyzed using FTIR/ATR and an increase in carbonyl groups on dentin surfaces was detected with plasma treated dentin. Adper Single Bond Plus adhesive and Filtek Z250 dental composite were applied as directed. To evaluate the dentin/composite interfacial bonding, the teeth thus prepared were sectioned into micro-bars as the specimens for tensile test. Student Newman Keuls tests showed that the bonding strength of the composite restoration to peripheral dentin was significantly increased (by 64%) after 30 s plasma treatment. However, the bonding strength to plasma treated inner dentin did not show any improvement. It was found that plasma treatment of peripheral dentin surface up to 100 s gave an increase in interfacial bonding strength, while a prolong plasma treatment of dentin surfaces, e.g., 5 min treatments, showed a decrease in interfacial bonding strength. PMID:20831586

The influence of exogenous progestin on the occurrence of proestrous or estrous signs, plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone and estradiol in deslorelin (GnRH agonist) treated anestrous bitches.

PubMed

Sung, M; Armour, A F; Wright, P J

2006-10-01

The objectives of this study were to confirm: (i) whether progestin treatment suppressed GnRH agonist-induced estrus in anestrous greyhound bitches; and (ii) the site of progestin action (i.e. pituitary, ovary). All bitches received a deslorelin implant on Day 0 and blood samples were taken from -1 h to +6 h. Five bitches were treated with megestrol acetate (2 mg/kg orally once daily) from -7 d to +6 d (Group 1) and 10 bitches were untreated controls (Group 2). Proestrous or estrous signs were observed in 4 of 5 bitches in Group 1, and 4 of 10 bitches in Group 2 (P = 0.28). The plasma LH responses (area under the curve from 0 to 6h after implantation) were higher (P = 0.008) in Group 2 than in Group 1. Plasma LH responses were similar (P = 0.59) in bitches showing signs of proestrus or estrus (responders) and in non-responders. The plasma estradiol responses (calculated as for LH response) were greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P = 0.048), and in responders than in non-responders (P = 0.02). (i) progestin treatment (a) did not suppress the incidence of bitches showing deslorelin-induced proestrus or estrus, and (b) was associated with a reduced pituitary responsiveness and an increased ovarian responsiveness to deslorelin treatment; (ii) the occurrence of proestrous or estrous signs reflected increased ovarian responsiveness to induced gonadotrophin secretion and not increased pituitary responsiveness to deslorelin.

Tailored adhesion behavior of polyelectrolyte thin films deposited on plasma-treated poly(dimethylsiloxane) for functionalized membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bassil, Joelle; Alem, Halima; Henrion, Gérard; Roizard, Denis

2016-04-01

Completely homogenous films formed via the layer-by-layer assembly of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and the poly(styrene sulfonate) were successfully obtained on plasma-treated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrates. To modify the hydrophobicity of the PDMS surface, a cold plasma treatment was previously applied to the membrane, which led to the creation of hydrophilic groups on the surface of the membrane. PDMS wettability and surface morphology were successfully correlated with the plasma parameters. A combination of contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis was used to demonstrate that homogeneous and hydrophilic surfaces could be achieved on PDMS cold-plasma-treated membranes. The stability of the assembled PEL layer on the PDMS was evaluated using a combination of pull-off testing and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which confirmed the relevance of a plasma pre-treatment as the adhesion of the polyelectrolyte multilayers was greatly enhanced when the deposition was completed on an activated PDMS surface at 80 W for 5 min.

Does Formaldehyde Increase Cell Free DNA in Maternal Plasma Specimens?

PubMed

Jacob, Rintu R; Saxena, Renu; Verma, Ishwar C

2016-11-01

There have been conflicting observations reported in the literature regarding the effects of formaldehyde in the recovery of cell free fetal DNA (CFF DNA) from maternal plasma. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of formaldehyde treatment on circulating cell free DNA. We conducted this study using blood specimens collected from 11 pregnant women, each of whom was carrying a male fetus. DYS14 and HBB real time assays were performed to quantify fetal and total circulating cell free DNA from formaldehyde treated and untreated maternal plasma specimens, respectively. The concentration of total circulating cell free DNA in formaldehyde-treated maternal plasma was reduced, compared with untreated maternal plasma (n = 11; P = .02). The percentage of CFF DNA between formaldehyde-treated and untreated maternal plasma specimens did not differ significantly (n = 11; P = .15). Addition of formaldehyde does not significantly enhance the proportion of cell free fetal DNA when blood specimens are processed without delay. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Low Stress Mechanical Properties of Plasma-Treated Cotton Fabric Subjected to Zinc Oxide-Anti-Microbial Treatment.

PubMed

Kan, Chi-Wai; Lam, Yin-Ling

2013-01-22

Cotton fabrics are highly popular because of their excellent properties such as regeneration, bio-degradation, softness, affinity to skin and hygroscopic properties. When in contact with the human body, cotton fabrics offer an ideal environment for microbial growth due to their ability to retain oxygen, moisture and warmth, as well as nutrients from spillages and body sweat. Therefore, an anti-microbial coating formulation (Microfresh and Microban together with zinc oxide as catalyst) was developed for cotton fabrics to improve treatment effectiveness. In addition, plasma technology was employed in the study which roughened the surface of the materials, improving the loading of zinc oxides on the surface. In this study, the low stress mechanical properties of plasma pre-treated and/or anti-microbial-treated cotton fabric were studied. The overall results show that the specimens had improved bending properties when zinc oxides were added in the anti-microbial coating recipe. Also, without plasma pre-treatment, anti-microbial-treatment of cotton fabric had a positive effect only on tensile resilience, shear stress at 0.5° and compressional energy, while plasma-treated specimens had better overall tensile properties even after anti-microbial treatment.

Low Stress Mechanical Properties of Plasma-Treated Cotton Fabric Subjected to Zinc Oxide-Anti-Microbial Treatment

PubMed Central

Kan, Chi-Wai; Lam, Yin-Ling

2013-01-01

Cotton fabrics are highly popular because of their excellent properties such as regeneration, bio-degradation, softness, affinity to skin and hygroscopic properties. When in contact with the human body, cotton fabrics offer an ideal environment for microbial growth due to their ability to retain oxygen, moisture and warmth, as well as nutrients from spillages and body sweat. Therefore, an anti-microbial coating formulation (Microfresh and Microban together with zinc oxide as catalyst) was developed for cotton fabrics to improve treatment effectiveness. In addition, plasma technology was employed in the study which roughened the surface of the materials, improving the loading of zinc oxides on the surface. In this study, the low stress mechanical properties of plasma pre-treated and/or anti-microbial-treated cotton fabric were studied. The overall results show that the specimens had improved bending properties when zinc oxides were added in the anti-microbial coating recipe. Also, without plasma pre-treatment, anti-microbial-treatment of cotton fabric had a positive effect only on tensile resilience, shear stress at 0.5° and compressional energy, while plasma-treated specimens had better overall tensile properties even after anti-microbial treatment. PMID:28809311

Tocopherol fate in plasma and liver of streptozotocin-treated rats that orally received antioxidants and Spirulina extracts.

PubMed

García-Martínez, D; Rupérez, F J; Ugarte, P; Barbas, C

2007-07-01

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats constitute a model of oxidative stress, and vitamin E continues to be a topic of speculation in this area. On the other hand, marine extracts, particularly microalgae extracts obtained with environmentally clean technologies and which demonstrate antioxidant activity in vitro, are a potential source of in vivo antioxidant defense. We have studied the alpha-tocopherol content in the plasma and liver of diabetic rats after 7 and 14 days under the condition, and before and after the treatment with vitamin E and C, as well as with different Spirulina extracts, as compared with the corresponding controls. The improvement of analytical methodology related to the determination of alpha-tocopherol in the plasma and liver of rats was also considered. To do this, a method previously developed for plasma, employing a single extraction step, was adapted and validated for liver after minor modifications. Moreover, stability of alpha-tocopherol in plasma of diabetic and control animals was compared in different storage conditions. Results showed that diabetic plasma strongly influences stability of alpha-tocopherol, even at -20 degrees C, but samples are stable for at least one year at -80 degrees C. Finally, regarding supplementation, results indicate that supplementation with alpha-tocopherol increases stored alpha-tocopherol in liver, but not in plasma, but this availability is strongly dependent on the stage of diabetes of the animal. Extracts of Spirulina platensis, despite showing antioxidant activity in vitro, increased alpha-tocopherol concentration in neither plasma nor liver.

Plasma heating for containerless and microgravity materials processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leung, Emily W. (Inventor); Man, Kin F. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A method for plasma heating of levitated samples to be used in containerless microgravity processing is disclosed. A sample is levitated by electrostatic, electromagnetic, aerodynamic, or acoustic systems, as is appropriate for the physical properties of the particular sample. The sample is heated by a plasma torch at atmospheric pressure. A ground plate is provided to help direct the plasma towards the sample. In addition, Helmholtz coils are provided to produce a magnetic field that can be used to spiral the plasma around the sample. The plasma heating system is oriented such that it does not interfere with the levitation system.

Fluorimetric quantitation of citalopram and escitalopram in plasma: developing an express method to monitor compliance in clinical trials.

PubMed

Serebruany, Victor; Malinin, Alex; Dragan, Vadim; Atar, Dan; van Zyl, Louis; Dragan, Anatoly

2007-01-01

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in general, and citalopram/escitalopram in particular, are widely used to treat clinical depression. However, SSRI bioavailability and non-compliance represent major issues, especially in the clinical trials setting. In this context, frequent drug-level measurements for compliance monitoring would be a desirable tool to improve clinical outcomes with SSRIs. However, the liquid chromatography techniques available are expensive, requiring excessive sample preparation, and suffer from high complexity. We sought to develop a rapid method for the measurement of citalopram/escitalopram levels in human plasma by fluorimetry. A total of 34 frozen human plasma samples were thawed at room temperature and repeatedly centrifuged in cellulose to remove aggregates, proteins and solids. Fluorescence spectra were measured in the range 270-450 nm with excitation at 240 nm on a FluoroMax 3 spectrofluorimeter. Control samples contained known concentrations of SSRIs. SSRI absorbance spectra were recorded in the range 230-320 nm. The shape of the spectra and the absorbance of citalopram and escitalopram were very similar, with UV maximum absorbance at 239 nm. The maximum extinction coefficient was epsilon239=15,930 M-1 cm-1 for citalopram and epsilon239=13,630 M-1 cm-1 for escitalopram. The fluorescence spectra of SSRIs are unique and are characterized by the presence of two well-defined conjugated spectra with maxima at 300 and 382 nm. Fluorimetry is very suitable for assessment of plasma SSRI levels. This inexpensive and efficient technique can objectively and reliably quantify drug levels in biological fluids, thereby directly determining the level of patient adherence to the prescribed drug regimen. This method will be useful in a broad spectrum of applications, from compliance/bioavailability assessments in animal and human experiments to utilization in large-scale clinical trials.

Assessment of murine bladder permeability with fluorescein: validation with cyclophosphamide and protamine.

PubMed

Eichel, L; Scheidweiler, K; Kost, J; Shojaie, J; Schwarz, E; Messing, E; Wood, R

2001-07-01

Bladder hyperpermeability should result in elevated blood levels of intravesically administered agents. Reabsorption from a hyperpermeable bladder should result in prolonged urinary excretion of an agent after parenteral administration. To test these hypotheses, urinary clearance and plasma levels of sodium fluorescein (NaF) were measured in mice before and during cyclophosphamide (CYP) and protamine-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. To measure the plasma uptake of NaF from the bladder, 10 mg/mL NaF was instilled, either by catheter or retrograde urethral infusion, 15 minutes before retro-orbital or ventricular sampling. The plasma levels were measured 24 hours and 14 days after exposure to CYP 300 mg/kg or 15 minutes after instillation of protamine 10 mg/mL. Hourly urine concentrations were measured immediately after intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg NaF. Pretreatment samples were compared with those obtained 24 hours after intraperitoneal administration of 300 mg/kg CYP. Urinary NaF excretion was delayed in CYP-exposed mice. A bi-exponential model provided an appropriate fit of the data, both before and after CYP administration. The plasma levels of NaF were significantly elevated at 24 hours and 14 days after CYP exposure when sampled by ventricular nick or retro-orbitally. The median concentration of fluorescein in the protamine-treated mice was significantly higher than in the control mice. Fluorescein can be used to measure alterations in bladder permeability after bladder mucosal injury in mice. Urinary excretion of NaF is a bi-exponential process that is delayed after bladder mucosal injury, presumably because of increased mucosal permeability and resorption from the urine into the bloodstream.

Impact of Transmammary-Delivered Meloxicam on Biomarkers of Pain and Distress in Piglets after Castration and Tail Docking

PubMed Central

Bates, Jessica L.; Karriker, Locke A.; Stock, Matthew L.; Pertzborn, Kelly M.; Baldwin, Luke G.; Wulf, Larry W.; Lee, C. J.; Wang, Chong; Coetzee, Johann F.

2014-01-01

To investigate a novel route for providing analgesia to processed piglets via transmammary drug delivery, meloxicam was administered orally to sows after farrowing. The objectives of the study were to demonstrate meloxicam transfer from sows to piglets via milk and to describe the analgesic effects in piglets after processing through assessment of pain biomarkers and infrared thermography (IRT). Ten sows received either meloxicam (30 mg/kg) (n = 5) or whey protein (placebo) (n = 5) in their daily feedings, starting four days after farrowing and continuing for three consecutive days. During this period, blood and milk samples were collected at 12-hour intervals. On Day 5 after farrowing, three boars and three gilts from each litter were castrated or sham castrated, tail docked, and administered an iron injection. Piglet blood samples were collected immediately before processing and at predetermined times over an 84-hour period. IRT images were captured at each piglet blood collection point. Plasma was tested to confirm meloxicam concentrations using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Meloxicam was detected in all piglets nursing on medicated sows at each time point, and the mean (± standard error of the mean) meloxicam concentration at castration was 568.9±105.8 ng/mL. Furthermore, ex-vivo prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis inhibition was greater in piglets from treated sows compared to controls (p = 0.0059). There was a time-by-treatment interaction for plasma cortisol (p = 0.0009), with meloxicam-treated piglets demonstrating lower cortisol concentrations than control piglets for 10 hours after castration. No differences in mean plasma substance P concentrations between treatment groups were observed (p = 0.67). Lower cranial skin temperatures on IRT were observed in placebo compared to meloxicam-treated piglets (p = 0.015). This study demonstrates the successful transfer of meloxicam from sows to piglets through milk and corresponding analgesia after processing, as evidenced by a decrease in cortisol and PGE2 levels and maintenance of cranial skin temperature. PMID:25437866

Surface Modification of NiTi Alloy via Cathodic Plasma Electrolytic Deposition and its Effect on Ni Ion Release and Osteoblast Behaviors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Ying; Cai, Kaiyong; Yang, Weihu; Liu, Peng

2013-07-01

To reduce Ni ion release and improve biocompatibility of NiTi alloy, the cathodic plasma electrolytic deposition (CPED) technique was used to fabricate ceramic coating onto a NiTi alloy surface. The formation of a coating with a rough and micro-textured surface was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry test showed that the formed coating significantly reduced the release of Ni ions from the NiTi alloy in simulated body fluid. The influence of CPED treated NiTi substrates on the biological behaviors of osteoblasts, including cell adhesion, cell viability, and osteogenic differentiation function (alkaline phosphatase), was investigated in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining of nuclei revealed that the CPED treated NiTi alloy was favorable for cell growth. Osteoblasts on CPED modified NiTi alloy showed greater cell viability than those for the native NiTi substrate after 4 and 7 days cultures. More importantly, osteoblasts cultured onto a modified NiTi sample displayed significantly higher differentiation levels of alkaline phosphatase. The results suggested that surface functionalization of NiTi alloy with ceramic coating via the CPED technique was beneficial for cell proliferation and differentiation. The approach presented here is useful for NiTi implants to enhance bone osseointegration and reduce Ni ion release in vitro.

A free radical scavenger edaravone suppresses systemic inflammatory responses in a rat transient focal ischemia model

PubMed Central

Fujiwara, Norio; Som, Angel T.; Pham, Loc-Duyen D.; Lee, Brian J.; Mandeville, Emiri T.; Lo, Eng H.; Arai, Ken

2017-01-01

A free radical scavenger edaravone is clinically used in Japan for acute stroke, and several basic researches have carefully examined the mechanisms of edaravone's protective effects. However, its actions on pro-inflammatory responses under stroke are still understudied. In this study, we subjected adult male Sprague-Dawley rats to 90-min middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion followed by reperfusion. Edaravone was treated twice via tail vein; after MCA occlusion and after reperfusion. As expected, edaravone-treated group showed less infarct volume and edema formation compared with control group at 24-hour after ischemic onset. Furthermore, edaravone reduced the levels of plasma interleukin (IL)-1β and matrix metalloproteinase-9 at 3-hour after ischemic onset. Several molecules besides IL-1β and MMP-9 are involved in inflammatory responses under stroke conditions. Therefore, we also examined whether edaravone treatment could decrease a wide range of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines by testing rat plasma samples with a rat cytokine array. MCAO rats showed elevations in plasma levels of CINC-1, Fractalkine, IL-1α, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-10, IP-10, MIG, MIP-1α, and MIP-3α, and all these increases were reduced by edaravone treatment. These data suggest that free radical scavengers may reduce systemic inflammatory responses under acute stroke conditions, and therefore, oxidative stress can be still a viable target for acute stroke therapy. PMID:27589890

Effects of ketamine-xylazine and isoflurane on insulin sensitivity in dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate-treated minipigs (Sus scrofa domestica).

PubMed

Heim, Kelly E; Morrell, Jesse S; Ronan, Anne M; Tagliaferro, Anthony R

2002-06-01

Isoflurane and ketamine-xylazine (KX) combinations are widely used veterinary anesthetics, KX being the particularly common agent for immobilizing swine. Results of previous studies indicate that KX and xylazine suppress insulin release. The steroid hormones, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), have variable effects on insulin sensitivity in animals. We evaluated the effect of DHEAS on plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in female Yucatan swine under KX and isoflurane anesthesia. A 2 x 2 factorial design was used. Twenty-four 17-week-old gilts were randomly assigned to receive vehicle (placebo) or DHEAS as part of an ongoing study. The KX was given intramuscularly to all animals prior to blood sample collection at weeks two and four. At week three, all animals received isoflurane by inhalation. During KX anesthesia, mean insulin concentration in DHEAS-treated and control groups approximated half the postisoflurane values (P < 0.001). While under isoflurane, the DHEAS group had significantly higher mean plasma insulin concentration and mean insulin-to-glucose ratio, compared with values for controls (P < 0.05). These findings are consistent with changes in insulin values following DHEAS treatment observed previously in nonanesthetized swine. The effect of DHEAS treatment was absent in animals under KX anesthesia. These results suggest that KX significantly decreases plasma insulin concentration and blunts DHEAS-associated insulin resistance in female minipigs.

A Volume-Fraction Based Two-Phase Constitutive Model for Blood

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Rui; Massoudi, Mehrdad; Hund, S.J.

2008-06-01

Mechanically-induced blood trauma such as hemolysis and thrombosis often occurs at microscopic channels, steps and crevices within cardiovascular devices. A predictive mathematical model based on a broad understanding of hemodynamics at micro scale is needed to mitigate these effects, and is the motivation of this research project. Platelet transport and surface deposition is important in thrombosis. Microfluidic experiments have previously revealed a significant impact of red blood cell (RBC)-plasma phase separation on platelet transport [5], whereby platelet localized concentration can be enhanced due to a non-uniform distribution of RBCs of blood flow in a capillary tube and sudden expansion. However,more » current platelet deposition models either totally ignored RBCs in the fluid by assuming a zero sample hematocrit or treated them as being evenly distributed. As a result, those models often underestimated platelet advection and deposition to certain areas [2]. The current study aims to develop a two-phase blood constitutive model that can predict phase separation in a RBC-plasma mixture at the micro scale. The model is based on a sophisticated theory known as theory of interacting continua, i.e., mixture theory. The volume fraction is treated as a field variable in this model, which allows the prediction of concentration as well as velocity profiles of both RBC and plasma phases. The results will be used as the input of successive platelet deposition models.« less

Comparative evaluation of aqueous and plasma concentration of topical moxifloxacin alone and with flurbiprofen in patients of cataract surgery

PubMed Central

Halder, Sujash; Mondal, Kanchan Kumar; Biswas, Supreeti; Mandal, Tapan Kumar; Dutta, Bakul Kumar; Haldar, Mithilesh

2013-01-01

Objectives: To determine the aqueous and plasma concentrations of moxifloxacin administered topically alone and with flurbiprofen in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 subjects scheduled for routine cataract surgery were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 25 each). Group-1 patients were treated with topical moxifloxacin alone: One drop 6 times/day for 3 days before surgery and one drop 4 times on the day of surgery: Group-2 patients were treated with topical moxifloxacin as in Group-1 and with topical flurbiprofen: One drop 4 times/day for 3 days before and on the day of surgery. The interval between two drugs was 30 min for last 3 days and 15 min on the day of surgery. Last dose was administered 1 h before aqueous humor and blood sampling for both the groups. The antibiotic concentration in aqueous humor and plasma were determined by using high performance liquid chromatography. Results: The mean concentration of moxifloxacin in aqueous humor was 1.71 ± 0.82 mg/ml in Group-1 and 2.39 ± 1.34 mg/ml in Group-2. Concentrations of moxifloxacin in aqueous humor were significantly higher in Group-2 than that of Group-1. Conclusion: Flurbiprofen may increase the concentration of moxifloxacin in aqueous humor. PMID:23833362

Speciation of arsenic in biological samples.

PubMed

Mandal, Badal Kumar; Ogra, Yasumitsu; Anzai, Kazunori; Suzuki, Kazuo T

2004-08-01

Speciation of arsenicals in biological samples is an essential tool to gain insight into its distribution in tissues and its species-specific toxicity to target organs. Biological samples (urine, hair, fingernail) examined in the present study were collected from 41 people of West Bengal, India, who were drinking arsenic (As)-contaminated water, whereas 25 blood and urine samples were collected from a population who stopped drinking As contaminated water 2 years before the blood collection. Speciation of arsenicals in urine, water-methanol extract of freeze-dried red blood cells (RBCs), trichloroacetic acid treated plasma, and water extract of hair and fingernail was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-inductively coupled argon plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS). Urine contained arsenobetaine (AsB, 1.0%), arsenite (iAs(III), 11.3), arsenate (iAs(V), 10.1), monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III), 6.6), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V), 10.5), dimethylarsinous acid (DMA(III), 13.0), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V), 47.5); fingernail contained iAs(III) (62.4%), iAs(V) (20.2), MMA(V) (5.7), DMA(III) (8.9), and DMA(V) (2.8); hair contained iAs(III) (58.9%), iAs(V) (34.8), MMA(V) (2.9), and DMA(V) (3.4); RBCs contained AsB (22.5%) and DMA(V) (77.5); and blood plasma contained AsB (16.7%), iAs(III) (21.1), MMA(V) (27.1), and DMA(V) (35.1). MMA(III), DMA(III), and iAs(V) were not found in any plasma and RBCs samples, but urine contained all of them. Arsenic in urine, fingernails, and hair are positively correlated with water As, suggesting that any of these measurements could be considered as a biomarker to As exposure. Status of urine and exogenous contamination of hair urgently need speciation of As in these samples, but speciation of As in nail is related to its total As (tAs) concentration. Therefore, total As concentrations of nails could be considered as biomarker to As exposure in the endemic areas.

Pioglitazone metabolic effect in metformin-intolerant obese patients treated with sibutramine.

PubMed

Derosa, Giuseppe; Mereu, Roberto; Salvadeo, Sibilla A T; D'Angelo, Angela; Ciccarelli, Leonardina; Piccinni, Mario N; Ferrari, Ilaria; Gravina, Alessia; Maffioli, Pamela; Cicero, Arrigo F G

2009-01-01

Metformin is the drug of choice to treat obese type 2 diabetes patients because it reduces either insulin-resistance and body weight. We aimed to comparatively test the efficacy and tolerability of pioglitazone and sibutramine in metformin-intolerant obese type 2 diabetic patients treated with sibutramine. Five hundred and seventy-six consecutive Caucasian obese type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated during a 12-months period and fifty-two patients were resulted intolerant to metformin at maximum dosage (3,000 mg/day). All intolerant patients to metformin received a treatment with pioglitazone (45 mg/day) and sibutramine (10 mg/day) and they were compared with fifty-three patients treated with metformin (3,000 mg/day) and sibutramine (10 mg/day) for 6 months in a single-blind controlled trial. We assessed body mass index, waist circumference, glycated hemoglobin, Fasting Plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, postprandial plasma insulin, lipid profile, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate at baseline and after 3, and 6 months. No body mass index change was observed at 3, and 6 months in pioglitazone + sibutramine group, while a significant reduction of body mass index and waist circumference was observed after 6 months in metformin + sibutramine group (p<0.05). A significant decrease of glycated hemoglobin, Fasting Plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, postprandial plasma insulin and HOMA index was observed after 3, and 6 months in both groups (p<0.05, and p<0.01, respectively). A significant Tg reduction was present after 6 months (p<0.05) in both groups respect to the baseline values. No systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate change was obtained after 3, and 6 months in both groups. Pioglitazone and sibutramine combination appears to be a short-term equally efficacious and well-tolerated therapeutic alternative respect to metformin-intolerant obese type 2 diabetic patients treated with sibutramine.

Enantioselectivity in the Metabolism of Cyclophosphamide in Patients With Multiple or Systemic Sclerosis.

PubMed

de Castro, Francine Attié; Simões, Belinda Pinto; Coelho, Eduardo Barbosa; Lanchote, Vera Lucia

2017-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the enantioselective pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide and its metabolites 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide and carboxyethylphosphoramide mustard in patients with systemic or multiple sclerosis. Patients with systemic sclerosis (n = 10) or multiple sclerosis (n = 10), genotyped for the allelic variants of CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 and of the CYP2B6 G516T polymorphism, were treated with 50 mg cyclophosphamide/kg daily for 4 days. Serial blood samples were collected up to 24 hours after administration of the last cyclophosphamide dose. Cyclophosphamide, 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide, and carboxyethylphosphoramide enantiomers were analyzed in plasma samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled to chiral column Chiralcel OD-R or Chiralpak AD-RH. Cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL- 12p70, IL-17, TNF-α, and INT-δ in the plasma samples collected before cyclophosphamide infusion were analyzed by Milliplex MAP human cytokine/chemokine. Pharmacokinetic parameters showed higher plasma concentrations of (S)-(-)-cyclophosphamide (AUC 215.0 vs 186.2 μg·h/mL for multiple sclerosis patients and 219.1 vs 179.2 μg·h/mL for systemic sclerosis patients) and (R)-4-hydroxycyclophosphamide (AUC 5.6 vs 3.7 μg·h/mL for multiple sclerosis patients and 6.3 vs 5.6 μg·h/mL for systemic sclerosis patients) when compared to their enantiomers in both groups of patients, whereas the pharmacokinetics of the carboxyethylphosphoramide metabolite was not enantioselective. Cytokines' plasma concentrations were similar between multiple and systemic sclerosis groups. The pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide is enantioselective in patients with systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis, with higher plasma concentrations of the (S)-(-)-cyclophosphamide enantiomer due to the preferential formation of the (R)-4-hydroxycyclophosphamide metabolite. © 2017, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

Assessment of the contamination problems resulting from the use of stainless steel needles in liver biopsies by total reflection X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varga, Imre

2006-11-01

Percutaneous human liver biopsies taken from living patients could not be repeated; therefore considerable contamination was indirectly disproved. In the present study, the possible contamination of biopsy samples during sample collection was determined using a porcine liver model. Portions of porcine liver were cut by a quartz blade and treated the same as the steel needle biopsy samples. Concentrations determined in samples taken by a quartz device represented the non-contaminated values and were used to determine reproducibility of measurement and intra-individual variations. Additionally, multiple samples taken from a human liver of a patient suffering steatosis during autopsy were used to determine intra-individual variation of element concentrations. Concentration data of non-contaminated samples were compared to data of steel needle biopsy samples. To investigate the possible release of elements from the steel needles the samples were allowed to contact with the needle for different time in a refrigerator at 4 °C. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were applied for simultaneous determination of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Mo and Pb because of the very low sample demand of the two selected techniques. Although the steel needles in the present study could not be substituted by polypropylene or Teflon utensils, it was demonstrated that the application of needle biopsy sampling in the reported analysis does not involve measurable contamination if contact time is kept to several minutes as usual in the clinical practice.

Procoagulant effects of lung cancer chemotherapy: impact on microparticles and cell-free DNA.

PubMed

Lysov, Zakhar; Dwivedi, Dhruva J; Gould, Travis J; Liaw, Patricia C

2017-01-01

Lung cancer is the second leading type of cancer, with venous thromboembolism being the second leading cause of death. Studies have shown increased levels of microparticles and cell-free DNA (CFDNA) in cancer patients, which can activate coagulation through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, respectively. However, the impact of lung cancer chemotherapy on microparticle and/or CFDNA generation is not completely understood. The aim of the study was to study the effects of platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents on generation of procoagulant microparticles and CFDNA in vitro and in vivo. Microparticles were isolated from chemotherapy-treated monocytes, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, or cancer cells. Tissue factor (TF) and phosphatidylserine levels were characterized and thrombin/factor Xa generation assays were used to determine microparticle procoagulant activity. CFDNA levels were isolated from cell supernatants and plasma. A murine xenograft model of human lung carcinoma was used to study the procoagulant effects of TF microparticles and CFDNA in vivo. In vitro, platinum-based chemotherapy induced TF/phosphatidylserine microparticle shedding from A549 and A427 lung cancers cells, which enhanced thrombin generation in plasma in a FVII-dependent manner. CFDNA levels were increased in supernatants of chemotherapy-treated neutrophils and plasma of chemotherapy-treated mice. TF microparticles were elevated in plasma of chemotherapy-treated tumour-bearing mice. Plasma CFDNA levels are increased in chemotherapy-treated tumour-free mice and correlate with increased thrombin generation. In tumour-bearing mice, chemotherapy increases plasma levels of CFDNA and TF/phosphatidylserine microparticles. Platinum-based chemotherapy induces the shedding of TF/phosphatidylserine microparticles from tumour cells and the release of CFDNA from host neutrophils.

Microwave plasma generation of hydrogen atoms for rocket propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, R.; Filpus, J.; Morin, T.; Snellenberger, R.; Asmussen, J.; Hawley, M.; Kerber, R.

1981-01-01

A flow microwave plasma reaction system is used to study the conversion of hydrogen to hydrogen atoms as a function of pressure, power density, cavity tuning, cavity mode, and time in the plasma zone. Hydrogen atom concentration is measured down-stream from the plasma by NOCl titration. Extensive modeling of the plasma and recombination zones is performed with the plasma zone treated as a backmix reaction system and the recombination zone treated as a plug flow. The thermodynamics and kinetics of the recombination process are examined in detail to provide an understanding of the conversion of recombination energy to gas kinetic energy. It is found that cavity tuning, discharge stability, and optimum power coupling are critically dependent on the system pressure, but nearly independent of the flow rate.

Economic evaluation of pooled solvent/detergent treated plasma versus single donor fresh-frozen plasma in patients receiving plasma transfusions in the United States.

PubMed

Huisman, Eline L; de Silva, Shamika U; de Peuter, Maria A

2014-08-01

This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of Octaplas™ versus fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in patients receiving plasma transfusions in the United States (US). Acute and long-term complications of plasma transfusions were modelled in a decision tree followed by a Markov model, using a healthcare payer perspective. Over a lifetime time horizon, patients receiving Octaplas™ accumulate slightly more life years (0.00613 [95% uncertainty interval (95%UI): 0.00166-0.01561]) and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) (0.023 [95%UI: 0.012-0.044]) at lower cost compared with those treated with FFP. Octaplas™ demonstrated to be the dominant treatment option over FFP (95%UI: Dominant-US$ 15,764/QALY). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plasma surface modification of polypropylene track-etched membrane to improve its performance properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kravets, L. I.; Elinson, V. M.; Ibragimov, R. G.; Mitu, B.; Dinescu, G.

2018-02-01

The surface and electrochemical properties of polypropylene track-etched membrane treated by plasma of nitrogen, air and oxygen are studied. The effect of the plasma-forming gas composition on the surface morphology is considered. It has been found that the micro-relief of the membrane surface formed under the gas-discharge etching, changes. Moreover, the effect of the non-polymerizing gas plasma leads to formation of oxygen-containing functional groups, mostly carbonyl and carboxyl. It is shown that due to the formation of polar groups on the surface and its higher roughness, the wettability of the plasma-modified membranes improves. In addition, the presence of polar groups on the membrane surface layer modifies its electrochemical properties so that conductivity of plasma-treated membranes increase.

Plasma surface modification of nanofiltration (NF) thin-film composite (TFC) membranes to improve anti organic fouling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Eun-Sik; Yu, Qingsong; Deng, Baolin

2011-09-01

Commercial nanofiltration (NF) thin-film composite (TFC) membranes were treated by low-pressure NH3 plasma, and the effects of the plasma treatment were investigated in terms of the membrane hydrophilicity, pure water flux, salt rejection, protein adsorption, and humic acid fouling. Experimental results indicated that the membrane surface hydrophilicity was increased by the plasma treatment, and changes in the hydrophilicity as well as membrane performance including permeate flux and fouling varied with the original membrane characteristics (e.g., roughness and hydrophilicity). Water flux of plasma treated membranes was the highest with 10 min and 90 W of plasma treatment, and salt rejection was mainly affected by the intensity of the plasma power. Results of bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption demonstrated that the protein adsorption decreased with increasing plasma treatment time. The plasma treatment that resulted in more negatively charged surfaces could also better prevent Aldrich humic acid (AHA) attachment on the membrane surface.

Plasma ctDNA RAS mutation analysis for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of metastatic colorectal cancer patients

PubMed Central

Vidal, J; Muinelo, L; Dalmases, A; Jones, F; Edelstein, D; Iglesias, M; Orrillo, M; Abalo, A; Rodríguez, C; Brozos, E; Vidal, Y; Candamio, S; Vázquez, F; Ruiz, J; Guix, M; Visa, L; Sikri, V; Albanell, J; Bellosillo, B; López, R; Montagut, C

2017-01-01

Abstract Background RAS assessment is mandatory for therapy decision in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. This determination is based on tumor tissue, however, genotyping of circulating tumor (ct)DNA offers clear advantages as a minimally invasive method that represents tumor heterogeneity. Our study aims to evaluate the use of ctDNA as an alternative for determining baseline RAS status and subsequent monitoring of RAS mutations during therapy as a component of routine clinical practice. Patients and methods RAS mutational status in plasma was evaluated in mCRC patients by OncoBEAM™ RAS CRC assay. Concordance of results in plasma and tissue was retrospectively evaluated. RAS mutations were also prospectively monitored in longitudinal plasma samples from selected patients. Results Analysis of RAS in tissue and plasma samples from 115 mCRC patients showed a 93% overall agreement. Plasma/tissue RAS discrepancies were mainly explained by spatial and temporal tumor heterogeneity. Analysis of clinico-pathological features showed that the site of metastasis (i.e. peritoneal, lung), the histology of the tumor (i.e. mucinous) and administration of treatment previous to blood collection negatively impacted the detection of RAS in ctDNA. In patients with baseline mutant RAS tumors treated with chemotherapy/antiangiogenic, longitudinal analysis of RAS ctDNA mirrored response to treatment, being an early predictor of response. In patients RAS wt, longitudinal monitoring of RAS ctDNA revealed that OncoBEAM was useful to detect emergence of RAS mutations during anti-EGFR treatment. Conclusion The high overall agreement in RAS mutational assessment between plasma and tissue supports blood-based testing with OncoBEAM™ as a viable alternative for genotyping RAS of mCRC patients in routine clinical practice. Our study describes practical clinico-pathological specifications to optimize RAS ctDNA determination. Moreover, OncoBEAM™ is useful to monitor RAS in patients undergoing systemic therapy to detect resistance and evaluate the efficacy of particular treatments. PMID:28419195

Effect of low-temperature plasma on the degradation of omethoate residue and quality of apple and spinach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xingmin, SHI; Jinren, LIU; Guimin, XU; Yueming, WU; Lingge, GAO; Xiaoyan, LI; Yang, YANG; Guanjun, ZHANG

2018-04-01

Dielectric barrier corona discharge was developed to generate low-temperature plasma (LTP) to treat apple and spinach samples contaminated with omethoate. Experimental results showed that, after 20 min exposure, the degradation rate of omethoate residue in apple and spinach was (94.55 ± 0.01)% and (95.55 ± 0.01)%, respectively. When the treatment time was shorter than 20 min, the contents of moisture, vitamin C and beta-carotene were not affected by LTP. Exploration of related mechanisms suggested that LTP might destroy unsaturated double bonds of omethoate and produce phosphate ion, eventually leading to omethoate destruction. It is concluded that appropriate dosage of LTP can effectively degrade omethoate residue in fruits and vegetables without affecting their quality.

Effect of fibrinogen on blood coagulation detected by optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Xu, Xiangqun; Teng, Xiangshuai

2015-05-21

Our previous work demonstrated that an optical coherence tomography (OCT) technique and the parameter 1/e light penetration depth (d1/e) were able to characterize the whole blood coagulation process in contrast to existing optical tests that are performed on plasma samples. To evaluate the feasibility of the technique for quantifying the effect of fibrinogen (Fbg) on blood coagulation, a dynamic study of d1/e of blood in various Fbg concentrations was performed in static state. Two groups of blood samples of hematocrit (HCT) in 35, 45, and 55% were reconstituted of red blood cells with: 1) treated plasma with its intrinsic Fbg removed and commercial Fbg added (0-8 g L(-1)); and 2) native plasma with commercial Fbg added (0-8 g L(-1)). The results revealed a typical behavior due to coagulation induced by calcium ions and the clotting time is Fbg concentration-dependent. The clotting time was decreased by the increasing amount of Fbg in both groups. Besides, the blood of lower HCT with various levels of Fbg took shorter time to coagulate than that of higher HCT. Consequently, the OCT method is a useful and promising tool for the detection of blood-coagulation processes induced with different Fbg levels.

Method of high-precision microsampled blood and plasma mass densitometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinghofer-Szalkay, H.

1986-01-01

The reliability of the mechanical oscillator technique for blood and plasma density measurements on samples of volumes less than 0.1 ml is examined, and a precision of 0.001 g/l is found if plasma-isodensic heparin solution and siliconized densitometers are employed. Sources of measurement errors in the density determinations include storage of plasma samples, inhomogeneity of blood samples, and density reading before adequate temperature equilibration. In tests of plasma sample storage, the best reproducibility was obtained with samples kept at 4 C. Linear correlations were found between plasma density and plasma protein concentration, blood density and blood hemoglobin concentration, and erythrocyte density and MCHC.

Biosensor of endotoxin and sepsis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Yang; Wang, Xiang; Wu, Xi; Gao, Wei; He, Qing-hua; Cai, Shaoxi

2001-09-01

To investigate the relation between biosensor of endotoxin and endotoxin of plasma in sepsis. Method: biosensor of endotoxin was designed with technology of quartz crystal microbalance bioaffinity sensor ligand of endotoxin were immobilized by protein A conjugate. When a sample soliton of plasma containing endotoxin 0.01, 0.03, 0.06, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0Eu, treated with perchloric acid and injected into slot of quartz crystal surface respectively, the ligand was released from the surface of quartz crystal to form a more stable complex with endotoxin in solution. The endotoxin concentration corresponded to the weight change on the crystal surface, and caused change of frequency that occurred when desorbed. The result was biosensor of endotoxin might detect endotoxin of plasma in sepsis, measurements range between 0.05Eu and 0.5Eu in the stop flow mode, measurement range between 0.1Eu and 1Eu in the flow mode. The sensor of endotoxin could detect the endotoxin of plasm rapidly, and use for detection sepsis in clinically.

Fortified extract of red berry, Ginkgo biloba, and white willow bark in experimental early diabetic retinopathy.

PubMed

Bucolo, Claudio; Marrazzo, Giuseppina; Platania, Chiara Bianca Maria; Drago, Filippo; Leggio, Gian Marco; Salomone, Salvatore

2013-01-01

Diabetic retinopathy is a complex condition where inflammation and oxidative stress represent crucial pathways in the pathogenesis of the disease. Aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a fortified extract of red berries, Ginkgo biloba and white willow bark containing carnosine and α-lipoic acid in early retinal and plasma changes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single streptozotocin injection in Sprague Dawley rats. Diabetics and nondiabetic (control) rats were treated daily with the fortified extract for the ten days. Retina samples were collected and analyzed for their TNF-α and VEGF content. Moreover, plasma oxidative stress was evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS). Increased TNF-α and VEGF levels were observed in the retina of diabetic rats. Treatment with the fortified extract significantly lowered retinal cytokine levels and suppressed diabetes-related lipid peroxidation. These data demonstrate that the fortified extract attenuates the degree of retinal inflammation and plasma lipid peroxidation preserving the retina in early diabetic rats.

Milk and plasma disposition of thymol following intramammary administration of a phytoceutical mastitis treatment.

PubMed

McPhee, C S; Anderson, K L; Yeatts, J L; Mason, S E; Barlow, B M; Baynes, R E

2011-04-01

Despite the recent growth of the organic dairy industry, organic producers and veterinarians have limited information when choosing mastitis treatments for animals in organic dairy production. Organic producers commonly administer homeopathic or other plant-based products without having research evaluating the efficacy of these products and using estimated or no withholding times to treat mastitis and other health problems in their herds. In this pilot study, we attempted to identify several active ingredients of Phyto-Mast (Penn Dutch Cow Care, Narvon, PA), a plant-based mastitis treatment used on organic dairy farms, and to quantify the product residue in milk and plasma after intramammary administration. We developed an assay to quantify thymol (one of the active ingredients in Phyto-Mast) in milk and plasma using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thymol is a volatile aromatic compound with antiinflammatory properties. As a model for dairy cows, 5 healthy, lactating alpine dairy goats were given 5 mL of Phyto-Mast per udder half. For 10 d following treatment, we analyzed blood and milk samples for thymol residues using GC-MS. The GC-MS assay was very sensitive for thymol detection, to a concentration of 0.01 μg/mL in plasma. Using thymol as a marker, Phyto-Mast was detectable and quantifiable in plasma beginning with the 15-min posttreatment sample, but was no longer detectable in the 4-h posttreatment sample. Thymol residues were only detected in the 12-h posttreatment milk sample. An inflammatory response was not evident in the udder following phytoceutical administration. Although this study provides information about the elimination of thymol, the product contains several other active chemicals, which may have different pharmacokinetic behaviors. Further analysis and additional study animals will help to determine a milk withholding time for Phyto-Mast. Given the recent growth of the organic dairy industry, understanding the pharmacokinetics of therapeutics used in organic production and developing accurate withholding recommendations will help to ensure milk safety. Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surface Modification of Thermal Barrier Coatings by Single-Shot Defocused Laser Treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akdoğan, Vakur; Dokur, Mehmet M.; Göller, Gültekin; Keleş, Özgül

2013-09-01

Thermal barrier coatings (TBC) consisting of atmospheric plasma-sprayed ZrO2-8 wt.% Y2O3 and a high velocity oxygen fuel-sprayed metallic bond coat were subjected to CO2 continuous wave laser treatments. The effects of laser power on TBCs were investigated as was the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer development of all as-sprayed and laser-treated coatings after thermal oxidation tests in air environment for 50, 100, and 200 h at 1100 °C. The effects of laser power on TBCs were investigated. TGO layer development was examined on all as-sprayed and laser-treated coatings after thermal oxidation tests in air environment for 50, 100, and 200 h at 1100 °C. Melted and heat-affected zone regions were observed in all the laser-treated samples. Oxidation tests showed a stable alumina layer and mixed spinel oxides in the TGO layers of the as-sprayed and laser-treated TBCs.

Increasing Wear Resistance of Titanium Alloys by Anode Plasma Electrolytic Saturation with Interstitial Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belkin, P. N.; Kusmanov, S. A.; Dyakov, I. G.; Silkin, S. A.; Smirnov, A. A.

2017-05-01

In our previous studies, we have shown that anode plasma electrolytic saturation of titanium alloys with nitrogen and carbon can improve their tribological properties. Obtained structure containing oxide layer and solid solution of diffused element in titanium promotes the enhancement of running-in ability and the decrease in the wear rate in some special cases. In this paper, further investigations are reported regarding the tribological properties of alpha- and beta-titanium alloys in wear test against hardened steel (50 HRC) disk using pin-on-disk geometry and balls of Al2O3 (6.25 mm in diameter) or bearing steel (9.6 mm in diameter) with ball-on-plate one and normal load from 5 to 209 N. Reproducible results were obtained under testing samples treated by means of the plasma electrolytic nitriding (PEN) with the mechanical removal of the oxide layer. Friction coefficient of nitrided samples is 0.5-0.9 which is somewhat higher than that for untreated one (0.48-0.75) during dry sliding against Al2O3 ball. An increase in the sliding speed results in the polishing of nitrided samples and reduction of their wear rate by 60 times. This result is obtained for 5 min at 850 °C using PEN in electrolyte containing 5 wt.% ammonia and 10 wt.% ammonium chloride followed by quenching in solution. Optical microscope was employed to assist in the evaluation of the wear behavior. Sizes of wear tracks were measured by profilometer TR200.

Differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of nanomolar levels of atorvastatin calcium in pharmaceutical and biological samples using a vertically aligned carbon nanotube/graphene oxide electrode.

PubMed

Silva, Tiago Almeida; Zanin, Hudson; Vicentini, Fernando Campanhã; Corat, Evaldo José; Fatibello-Filho, Orlando

2014-06-07

A novel vertically aligned carbon nanotube/graphene oxide (VACNT-GO) electrode is proposed, and its ability to determine atorvastatin calcium (ATOR) in pharmaceutical and biological samples by differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPAdSV) is evaluated. VACNT films were prepared on a Ti substrate by a microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition method and then treated with oxygen plasma to produce the VACNT-GO electrode. The oxygen plasma treatment exfoliates the carbon nanotube tips exposing graphene foils and inserting oxygen functional groups, these effects improved the VACNT wettability (super-hydrophobic) which is crucial for its electrochemical application. The electrochemical behaviour of ATOR on the VACNT-GO electrode was studied by cyclic voltammetry, which showed that it underwent an irreversible oxidation process at a potential of +1.08 V in pHcond 2.0 (0.2 mol L(-1) buffer phosphate solution). By applying DPAdSV under optimized experimental conditions the analytical curve was found to be linear in the ATOR concentration range of 90 to 3.81 × 10(3) nmol L(-1) with a limit of detection of 9.4 nmol L(-1). The proposed DPAdSV method was successfully applied in the determination of ATOR in pharmaceutical and biological samples, and the results were in close agreement with those obtained by a comparative spectrophotometric method at a confidence level of 95%.

IL8 and IL16 levels indicate serum and plasma quality.

PubMed

Kofanova, Olga; Henry, Estelle; Quesada, Rocio Aguilar; Bulla, Alexandre; Linares, Hector Navarro; Lescuyer, Pierre; Shea, Kathi; Stone, Mars; Tybring, Gunnel; Bellora, Camille; Betsou, Fay

2018-02-09

Longer pre-centrifugation times alter the quality of serum and plasma samples. Markers for such delays in sample processing and hence for the sample quality, have been identified. Twenty cytokines in serum, EDTA plasma and citrate plasma samples were screened for changes in concentration induced by extended blood pre-centrifugation delays at room temperature. The two cytokines that showed the largest changes were further validated for their "diagnostic performance" in identifying serum or plasma samples with extended pre-centrifugation times. In this study, using R&D Systems ELISA kits, EDTA plasma samples and serum samples with a pre-centrifugation delay longer than 24 h had an IL16 concentration higher than 313 pg/mL, and an IL8 concentration higher than 125 pg/mL, respectively. EDTA plasma samples with a pre-centrifugation delay longer than 48 h had an IL16 concentration higher than 897 pg/mL, citrate plasma samples had an IL8 concentration higher than 21.5 pg/mL and serum samples had an IL8 concentration higher than 528 pg/mL. These robust and accurate tools, based on simple and commercially available ELISA assays can greatly facilitate qualification of serum and plasma legacy collections with undocumented pre-analytics.

Pharmacokinetics of Intraperitoneal Cefalothin and Cefazolin in Patients Being Treated for Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis.

PubMed

Roberts, Darren M; Ranganathan, Dwarakanathan; Wallis, Steven C; Varghese, Julie M; Kark, Adrian; Lipman, Jeffrey; Roberts, Jason A

2016-01-01

♦ The standard treatment of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis (PD-peritonitis) is intraperitoneal (IP) administration of antibiotics. Only limited data on the pharmacokinetics and appropriateness of contemporary dose recommendations of IP cefalothin and cefazolin exist. The aim of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of IP cefalothin and cefazolin in patients treated for PD-peritonitis. ♦ As per international guidelines, IP cefalothin or cefazolin 15 mg/kg once daily was dosed with gentamicin in a 6-hour dwell to patients with PD-peritonitis during routine care. Serial plasma and PD effluent samples were collected over the first 24 hours of therapy. Antibiotic concentrations were quantified using a validated chromatographic method with pharmacokinetic analysis performed using a non-compartmental approach. ♦ Nineteen patients were included (cefalothin n = 8, cefazolin n = 11). The median bioavailability for both antibiotics exceeded 92%, but other pharmacokinetic parameters varied markedly between antibiotics. Both antibiotics achieved high PD effluent concentrations throughout the antibiotic dwell. Cefazolin had a smaller volume of distribution compared with cefalothin (14 vs 40 L, p = 0.003). The median trough total plasma antibiotic concentration for cefazolin and cefalothin during the dwell differed (plasma 56 vs 13 mg/L, p < 0.0001) despite a similar concentration in PD effluent (37 vs 38 mg/L, p = 0.58). Lower antibiotic concentrations were noted during PD dwells not containing antibiotic, particularly cefalothin, which was frequently undetectable in plasma and PD effluent. The median duration that the unbound antibiotic concentration was above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was approximately 13% (plasma) and 25% (IP) for cefalothin, and 100% (plasma and IP) for cefazolin, of the dosing interval. ♦ When IP cefalothin or cefazolin is allowed to dwell for 6 hours, sufficient PD effluent concentrations are present for common pathogens during this time. However, with once-daily IP dosing, in contrast to cefazolin, there is a risk of subtherapeutic plasma and PD effluent cefalothin concentrations, so more frequent dosing may be required. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

HIV-1 RNA Levels and Antiretroviral Drug Resistance in Blood and Non-Blood Compartments from HIV-1–Infected Men and Women enrolled in AIDS Clinical Trials Group Study A5077

PubMed Central

Kantor, Rami; Bettendorf, Daniel; Bosch, Ronald J.; Mann, Marita; Katzenstein, David; Cu-Uvin, Susan; D’Aquila, Richard; Frenkel, Lisa; Fiscus, Susan; Coombs, Robert

2014-01-01

Background Detectable HIV-1 in body compartments can lead to transmission and antiretroviral resistance. Although sex differences in viral shedding have been demonstrated, mechanisms and magnitude are unclear. We compared RNA levels in blood, genital-secretions and saliva; and drug resistance in plasma and genital-secretions of men and women starting/changing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) 5077 study. Methods Blood, saliva and genital-secretions (compartment fluids) were collected from HIV-infected adults (≥13 years) at 14 United-States sites, who were initiating or changing ART with plasma viral load (VL) ≥2,000 copies/mL. VL testing was performed on all compartment fluids and HIV resistance genotyping on plasma and genital-secretions. Spearman rank correlations were used to evaluate concordance and Fisher’s and McNemar’s exact tests to compare VL between sexes and among compartments. Results Samples were available for 143 subjects; 36% treated (23 men, 29 women) and 64% ‘untreated’ (40 men, 51 women). RNA detection was significantly more frequent in plasma (100%) than genital-secretions (57%) and saliva (64%) (P<0.001). A higher proportion of men had genital shedding versus women (78% versus 41%), and RNA detection was more frequent in saliva versus genital-secretions in women when adjusted for censoring at the limit of assay detection. Inter-compartment fluid VL concordance was low in both sexes. In 22 (13 men, 9 women) paired plasma-genital-secretion genotypes from treated subjects, most had detectable resistance in both plasma (77%) and genital-secretions (68%). Resistance discordance was observed between compartments in 14% of subjects. Conclusions HIV shedding and drug resistance detection prior to initiation/change of ART in ACTG 5077 subjects differed among tissues and between sexes, making the gold standard blood-plasma compartment assessment not fully representative of HIV at other tissue sites. Mechanisms of potential sex-dependent tissue compartmentalization should be further characterized to aid in optimizing treatment and prevention of HIV transmission. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00007488 PMID:24699474

Effect of Atmospheric Plasma Treatment to Titanium Surface on Initial Osteoblast-Like Cell Spreading. .

PubMed

Kim, In-Hye; Son, Jun-Sik; Kwon, Tae-Yub; Kim, Kyo-Han

2015-01-01

Plasma treatments are becoming a popular method for modifying the characteristics of a range of substrate surfaces. Atmospheric pressure plasma is cost-efficient, safe and simple compared to high-pressure plasma. This study examined the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma to a titanium (Ti) surface on osteoblast-like cell (osteoblast) spreading and cellular networks. The characteristics of the Ti surface before and after the atmospheric plasma treatment were analyzed by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurements, and an optical 3D profiling system. The morphology of osteoblasts attached to the Ti surfaces was observed by SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The atmospheric pressure plasma made the Ti surfaces more hydrophilic. The osteoblasts that adhered to the untreated surface were round and spherical, whereas the cells covered a larger surface area on the plasma-treated surface. The plasma-treated Ti surface showed enhanced cell spreading and migration with more developed cellular networks. In conclusion, an atmospheric plasma treatment is a potential surface modifying method that can enhance the initial the cell affinity at the early stages in vitro.

Effect of atmospheric pressure plasma on inactivation of pathogens inoculated onto bacon using two different gas compositions.

PubMed

Kim, Binna; Yun, Hyejeong; Jung, Samooel; Jung, Yeonkook; Jung, Heesoo; Choe, Wonho; Jo, Cheorun

2011-02-01

Atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) is an emerging non-thermal pasteurization method for the enhancement of food safety. In this study, the effect of APP on the inactivation of pathogens inoculated onto bacon was observed. Sliced bacon was inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes (KCTC 3596), Escherichia coli (KCTC 1682), and Salmonella Typhimurium (KCTC 1925). The samples were treated with APP at 75, 100, and 125 W of input power for 60 and 90 s. Two gases, helium (10 lpm) or a mixture of helium and oxygen, (10 lpm and 10 sccm, respectively) were used for the plasma generation. Plasma with helium could only reduce the number of inoculated pathogens by about 1-2 Log cycles. On the other hand, the helium/oxygen gas mixture was able to achieve microbial reduction of about 2-3 Log cycles. The number of total aerobic bacteria showed 1.89 and 4.58 decimal reductions after plasma treatment with helium and the helium/oxygen mixture, respectively. Microscopic observation of the bacon after plasma treatment did not find any significant changes, except that the L∗-value of the bacon surface was increased. These results clearly indicate that APP treatment is effective for the inactivation of the three pathogens used in this study, although further investigation is needed for elucidating quality changes after treatment. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Effects of different surface treatments on the zirconia-resin cement bond strength].

PubMed

Liao, Y; Liu, X Q; Chen, L; Zhou, J F; Tan, J G

2018-02-18

To evaluate the effects of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength between zirconia and resin cement. Forty zirconia discs were randomly divided into four groups (10 discs in each group) for different surface treatments: control, no surface treatment; sandblast, applied air abrasion with aluminum oxide particles; ultraviolet (UV), the zirconia sample was placed in the UV sterilizer at the bottom of the UV lamp at 10 mm, and irradiated for 48 h; cold plasma, the discs were put in the cold plasma cabinet with the cold plasma generated from the gas of He for 30 s. Specimens of all the groups were surface treated prior to cementation with Panavia F 2.0 cement. The surface morphology and contact angle of water were measured. The shear bond strengths were tested and the failure modes were examined with a stereomicroscope. Surface morphology showed no difference between the UV/cold plasma group and the control group. Sandblasted zirconia displayed an overall heterogeneous distribution of micropores. The contact angle of the control group was 64.1°±2.0°. After sandblasting, UV irradiation and cold plasma exposure, the values significantly decreased to 48.8°±2.6°, 27.1°±3.6° and 32.0°±3.3°. The values of shear bond strength of the specimens with sandblasted (14.82±2.01) MPa were higher than those with no treatment (9.41±1.07) MPa with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The values of shear bond strength of the specimens with UV irradiation (10.02±0.64) MPa were higher than those with no treatment (9.41±1.07) MPa, but without statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The values of cold plasma group (18.34±3.05) MPa were significantly higher than those of control group (9.41±1.07) MPa, even more than those with sandblast(14.82±2.01) MPa (P<0.05). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed increase in oxygen (O) and decrease in carbon (C) elements after UV and cold plasma treatment. The surface C/O ratio also decreased after UV and cold plasma treatment. Zirconia specimens treated with UV and cold plasma could significantly improve the hydrophilicity. The surface morphology was unaffected by the UV irradiation and cold plasma treatments. The improvements of ziconia shear bond strength were slight in UV group without statistically significant difference. Cold plasma treatment significantly improved the shear bond strength between zirconia and resin cement.

Protonated nanostructured aluminosilicate (NSAS) reduces plasma cholesterol concentrations and atherosclerotic lesions in Apolipoprotein E deficient mice fed a high cholesterol and high fat diet

PubMed Central

Sivak, Olena; Darlington, Jerry; Gershkovich, Pavel; Constantinides, Panayiotis P; Wasan, Kishor M

2009-01-01

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of chronic administration of protonated nanostructured aluminosilicate (NSAS) on the plasma cholesterol levels and development of atherosclerotic lesions in Apolipoprotein (ApoE) deficient mice fed a high cholesterol and high fat diet. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficient mice were divided into the following treatment groups: protonated NSAS 1.4% (w/w), untreated control and 2% (w/w) stigmastanol mixed with high-cholesterol/high-fat diet. Animals were treated for 12 weeks, blood samples were withdrawn every 4 weeks for determination of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. At the end of the study the aortic roots were harvested for assessment of atherosclerotic lesions. NSAS at 1.4% (w/w) and stigmastanol at 2% (w/w) treatment groups showed significant decreases in plasma cholesterol concentrations at all time points relative to the control animals. The lesion sum area in 1.4% (w/w) NSAS and 2% (w/w) stigmastanol groups were significantly less from the control animals. In conclusion, in this study, the effectiveness of chronic administration of protonated NSAS material in the reduction of plasma cholesterol levels and decrease in development of atherosclerotic lesions was demonstrated in Apo-E deficient mice model. PMID:19638223

Protonated nanostructured aluminosilicate (NSAS) reduces plasma cholesterol concentrations and atherosclerotic lesions in Apolipoprotein E deficient mice fed a high cholesterol and high fat diet.

PubMed

Sivak, Olena; Darlington, Jerry; Gershkovich, Pavel; Constantinides, Panayiotis P; Wasan, Kishor M

2009-07-28

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of chronic administration of protonated nanostructured aluminosilicate (NSAS) on the plasma cholesterol levels and development of atherosclerotic lesions in Apolipoprotein (ApoE) deficient mice fed a high cholesterol and high fat diet. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficient mice were divided into the following treatment groups: protonated NSAS 1.4% (w/w), untreated control and 2% (w/w) stigmastanol mixed with high-cholesterol/high-fat diet. Animals were treated for 12 weeks, blood samples were withdrawn every 4 weeks for determination of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. At the end of the study the aortic roots were harvested for assessment of atherosclerotic lesions. NSAS at 1.4% (w/w) and stigmastanol at 2% (w/w) treatment groups showed significant decreases in plasma cholesterol concentrations at all time points relative to the control animals. The lesion sum area in 1.4% (w/w) NSAS and 2% (w/w) stigmastanol groups were significantly less from the control animals. In conclusion, in this study, the effectiveness of chronic administration of protonated NSAS material in the reduction of plasma cholesterol levels and decrease in development of atherosclerotic lesions was demonstrated in Apo-E deficient mice model.

Determination of the profit rate of plasma treated production in the food sector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gok, Elif Ceren; Uygun, Emre; Eren, Esin; Oksuz, Lutfi; Uygun Oksuz, Aysegul

2017-10-01

Recently, plasma is one of an emerging, green processing technologies used for diverse applications especially food industry. Plasma treatment proposes diverse opportunities in food industry such as surface decontamination, modification of surface properties and improvement in mass transfer with respect for foods and food-related compounds. Sometimes manufacturers use chemical treatment to demolish pathogenic flora, but its capabilities are rather limited. New methods of food sterilization consisting of ionizing radiation, exposure to magnetic fields, high-power ultrasonic treatment are needed expensive equipment or have not yet been developed for industrial use. Plasma could be used for the above mentioned reasons. In this study, the profit rate of plasma treated production in food sector was calculated.

Reduction of elevated plasma globotriaosylsphingosine in patients with classic Fabry disease following enzyme replacement therapy.

PubMed

van Breemen, Mariëlle J; Rombach, Saskia M; Dekker, Nick; Poorthuis, Ben J; Linthorst, Gabor E; Zwinderman, Aeilko H; Breunig, Frank; Wanner, Christoph; Aerts, Johannes M; Hollak, Carla E

2011-01-01

Fabry disease is treated by two-weekly infusions with α-galactosidase A, which is deficient in this X-linked globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) storage disorder. Elevated plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (lysoGb3) is a hallmark of classical Fabry disease. We investigated effects of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on plasma levels of lysoGb3 and Gb3 in patients with classical Fabry disease treated with agalsidase alfa at 0.2mg/kg, agalsidase beta at 0.2mg/kg or at 1.0mg/kg bodyweight. Each treatment regimen led to prominent reductions of plasma lysoGb3 in Fabry males within 3 months (P=0.0313), followed by relative stability later on. Many males developed antibodies against α-galactosidase A, particularly those treated with agalsidase beta. Patients with antibodies tended towards smaller correction in plasma lysoGb3 concentration, whereas treatment with high dose agalsidase beta allowed a reduction comparable to patients without antibodies. Pre-treatment plasma lysoGb3 concentrations of Fabry females were relatively low. In all females and with each treatment regimen, ERT gave reduction or stabilisation of plasma lysoGb3. Our investigation revealed that ERT of Fabry patients reduces plasma lysoGb3, regardless of the recombinant enzyme used. This finding shows that ERT can correct a characteristic biochemical abnormality in Fabry patients. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of atmospheric pressure cold plasma on human hepatocarcinoma cell and its 5-fluorouracil resistant cell line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, H.; Lu, R.; Xian, Y.; Gan, L.; Lu, X.; Yang, X.

2015-12-01

Atmospheric pressure cold plasma showed selective killing efficiency on cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, which makes plasma a potential option for cancer therapy. However, the plasma effects on chemotherapeutic drugs-resistant cells are rarely to be found. In this paper, the effects of plasma on human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel7402 cells and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistant Bel7402/5FU cells were intensively investigated. The results showed that plasma induced superior toxicity to Bel7402 cells compared with Bel7402/5FU cells. Incubation with plasma-treated medium for 20 s induced more than 85% death rate in Bel7402 cells, while the same death ratio was achieved when Bel7402/5FU cells were treated for as long as 300 s. The hydrogen peroxide in the medium played a leading role in the cytotoxicity effects. Further studies implicated that when the treatment time was shorter than 60 s, the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis occurred through the intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation in Bel7402 cells. Molecular analysis showed an increase in the transcription factor activity for AP-1, NF-кB, and p53 in Bel7402 cells. No obvious damage could be detected in plasma-treated Bel7402/5FU cells due to the strong intracellular reactive oxygen stress scavenger system.

CO2 Plasma-Treated TiO2 Film as an Effective Electron Transport Layer for High-Performance Planar Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Kang; Zhao, Wenjing; Liu, Jia; Niu, Jinzhi; Liu, Yucheng; Ren, Xiaodong; Feng, Jiangshan; Liu, Zhike; Sun, Jie; Wang, Dapeng; Liu, Shengzhong Frank

2017-10-04

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received great attention because of their excellent photovoltaic properties especially for the comparable efficiency to silicon solar cells. The electron transport layer (ETL) is regarded as a crucial medium in transporting electrons and blocking holes for PSCs. In this study, CO 2 plasma generated by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) was introduced to modify the TiO 2 ETL. The results indicated that the CO 2 plasma-treated compact TiO 2 layer exhibited better surface hydrophilicity, higher conductivity, and lower bulk defect state density in comparison with the pristine TiO 2 film. The quality of the stoichiometric TiO 2 structure was improved, and the concentration of oxygen-deficiency-induced defect sites was reduced significantly after CO 2 plasma treatment for 90 s. The PSCs with the TiO 2 film treated by CO 2 plasma for 90 s exhibited simultaneously improved short-circuit current (J SC ) and fill factor. As a result, the PSC-based TiO 2 ETL with CO 2 plasma treatment affords a power conversion efficiency of 15.39%, outperforming that based on pristine TiO 2 (13.54%). These results indicate that the plasma treatment by the PECVD method is an effective approach to modify the ETL for high-performance planar PSCs.

Enhancing Electrochemical Performance of Graphene Fiber-Based Supercapacitors by Plasma Treatment.

PubMed

Meng, Jie; Nie, Wenqi; Zhang, Kun; Xu, Fujun; Ding, Xin; Wang, Shiren; Qiu, Yiping

2018-04-25

Graphene fiber-based supercapacitors (GFSCs) hold high power density, fast charge-discharge rate, ultralong cycling life, exceptional mechanical/electrical properties, and safe operation conditions, making them very promising to power small wearable electronics. However, the electrochemical performance is still limited by the severe stacking of graphene sheets, hydrophobicity of graphene fibers, and complex preparation process. In this work, we develop a facile but robust strategy to easily enhance electrochemical properties of all-solid-state GFSCs by simple plasma treatment. We find that 1 min plasma treatment under an ambient condition results in 33.1% enhancement of areal specific capacitance (36.25 mF/cm 2 ) in comparison to the as-prepared GFSC. The energy density reaches 0.80 μW h/cm 2 in polyvinyl alcohol/H 2 SO 4 gel electrolyte and 18.12 μW h/cm 2 in poly(vinylidene difluoride)/ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate electrolyte, which are 22 times of that of as-prepared ones. The plasma-treated GFSCs also exhibit ultrahigh rate capability (69.13% for 40 s plasma-treated ones) and superior cycle stability (96.14% capacitance retention after 20 000 cycles for 1 min plasma-treated ones). This plasma strategy can be extended to mass-manufacture high-performance carbonaceous fiber-based supercapacitors, such as graphene and carbon nanotube-based ones.

Highly roughened polycaprolactone surfaces using oxygen plasma-etching and in vitro mineralization for bone tissue regeneration: fabrication, characterization, and cellular activities.

PubMed

Kim, YongBok; Kim, GeunHyung

2015-01-01

Herein, poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) surfaces were treated to form various roughness values (R(a)=290-445 nm) and polar functional groups on the surfaces using a plasma-etching process, followed by immersion into simulated body fluid (SBF) for apatite formation. The surface morphology, chemical composition, and mean roughness of the plasma-etched PCL surfaces were measured, and various physical and morphological properties (water contact angles, protein absorption ability, and crystallite size of the apatite layer) of the in vitro mineralized PCL surfaces were evaluated. The roughened PCL surface P-3, which was treated with a sufficient plasma exposure time (4 h), achieved homogeneously distributed apatite formation after soaking in SBF for 7 days, as compared with other surfaces that were untreated or plasma-treated for 30 min or 2 h. Furthermore, to demonstrate their feasibility as a biomimetic surface, pre-osteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1) were cultured on the mineralized PCL surfaces, and cell viability, DAPI-phalloidin fluorescence assay, and alizarin red-staining of the P-3 surface were highly improved compared to the P-1 surface treated with a 30-min plasma exposure time; compared to untreated mineralized PCL surface (N-P), P-3 showed even greater improvements in cell viability and DAPI-phalloidin fluorescence assay. Based on these results, we found that the mineralized PCL surface supplemented with the appropriate plasma treatment can be implicitly helpful to achieve rapid hard tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Glycine and a Glycine Dehydrogenase (GLDC) SNP as Citalopram/Escitalopram Response Biomarkers in Depression: Pharmacometabolomics-informed Pharmacogenomics

PubMed Central

Ji, Yuan; Hebbring, Scott; Zhu, Hongjie; Jenkins, Gregory D; Biernacka, Joanna; Snyder, Karen; Drews, Maureen; Fiehn, Oliver; Zeng, Zhaobang; Schaid, Daniel; Mrazek, David A.; Kaddurah-Daouk, Rima; Weinshilboum, Richard M.

2011-01-01

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disease. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are an important class of drugs used to treat MDD. However, many patients do not respond adequately to SSRI therapy. We used a pharmacometabolomics-informed pharmacogenomic research strategy to identify citalopram/escitalopram treatment outcome biomarkers. Metabolomic assay of plasma samples from 20 escitalopram remitters and 20 non-remitters showed that glycine was negatively associated with treatment outcome (p=0.0054). That observation was pursued by genotyping tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for genes encoding glycine synthesis and degradation enzymes using 529 DNA samples from SSRI-treated MDD patients. The rs10975641 SNP in the glycine dehydrogenase gene was associated with treatment outcome phenotypes. Rs10975641 was then genotyped and was significant (p=0.02) in DNA from 1245 MDD patients in the STAR*D depression study. These results highlight both a possible role for glycine in SSRI response and the use of pharmacometabolomics to “inform” pharmacogenomics. PMID:21107318

Improvement of the adsorption of quaternary ammonium on polypropylene affinity membrane through the control of its surface properties.

PubMed

Hachache, Naima; Bal, Youcef; Debarnot, Dominique; Poncin-Epaillard, Fabienne

2014-02-01

Polypropylene fiber meshes were plasma-treated in order to attach new chemical functions corresponding to acidic or basic groups without altering the roughness of such thin material. An almost complete wettability of these plasma-treated materials is obtained. Because of the plasma-grafting of acid or amino moieties, such surface treatment allows increasing the adsorption rate of quaternary ammonium molecule like Aliquat 336. This increase was explained by specific interactions of ammonium head of the Aliquat 336 and hydrophilic group of plasma-treated PP, followed by the adsorption of a further layer of Aliquat 336 through hydrophobic interactions of its hydrocarbon chain. These interactions between the carrier and the polymeric surface were characterized leading to physisorption mechanism. Such new material could be applied to the extraction process since no evidence of aging was given. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A comparison of serum and plasma cytokine values using a multiplexed assay in cats.

PubMed

Gruen, Margaret E; Messenger, Kristen M; Thomson, Andrea E; Griffith, Emily H; Paradise, Hayley; Vaden, Shelly; Lascelles, B D X

2016-12-01

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is highly prevalent in cats, and pain contributes to morbidity. In humans, alterations of cytokine concentrations have been associated with joint deterioration and pain. Similar changes have not been investigated in cats. Cytokine concentrations can be measured using multiplex technology with small samples of serum or plasma, however, serum and plasma are not interchangeable for most bioassays. Correlations for cytokine concentrations between serum and plasma have not been evaluated in cats. To evaluate the levels of detection and agreement between serum and plasma samples in cats. Paired serum and plasma samples obtained from 38 cats. Blood was collected into anti-coagulant free and EDTA Vacutainer ® tubes, serum or plasma extracted, and samples frozen at -80°C until testing. Duplicate samples were tested using a 19-plex feline cytokine/chemokine magnetic bead panel. Agreement between serum and plasma for many analytes was high, however correlation coefficients ranged from -0.01 to 0.97. Results from >50% of samples were below the lower limit of quantification for both serum and plasma for nine analytes, and for an additional three analytes for plasma only. While serum and plasma agreement was generally good, detection was improved using serum samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Low-Dose Hydroxychloroquine is as Effective as Phlebotomy in Treatment of Patients with Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

PubMed Central

Singal, Ashwani K.; Kormos-Hallberg, Csilla; Lee, Chul; Sadagoparamanujam, V.-M.; Grady, James J.; Freeman, Daniel H.; Anderson, Karl E.

2012-01-01

Background & Aims Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is an iron-related disorder caused by reduced activity of hepatic uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD); it can be treated by phlebotomy or low doses of hydroxychloroquine. We performed a prospective pilot study to compare the efficacy and safety of these therapies. Methods We analyzed data from 48 consecutive patients with well-documented PCT to characterize susceptibility factors; patients were treated with phlebotomy (450 mL, every 2 weeks until they had serum ferritin levels of 20 ng/mL) or low-dose hydroxychloroquine (100 mg orally, twice weekly, until at least 1 month after they had normal plasma levels of porphyrin). We compared the time required to achieve a normal plasma porphyrin concentration (remission, the primary outcome) for 17 patients treated with phlebotomy and 13 treated with hydroxychloroquine. Results The time to remission was a median 6.9 months for patients that received phlebotomy and 6.1 months for patients treated with hydroxychloroquine treatment (6.7 and 6.5 months for randomized patients), a difference that was not significant (Log Rank P=.06 and P=.95, respectively). The sample size was insufficient to confirm noninferiority of hydroxychloroquine treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95–5.06) for all patients. Patients that received hydroxychloroquine had substantially better compliance. There were no significant side effects of either treatment. Conclusions Hydroxychloroquine, 100 mg twice weekly, is as effective and safe as phlebotomy in patients with PCT, although noninferiority was not established. Given these results, higher-dose regimens of hydroxychloroquine, which have more side effects, do not seem justified. Compliance was better and projected costs were lower for hydroxychloroquine than phlebotomy treatment. Long-term studies are needed to compare durability of response. PMID:22985607

Effect of propranolol on the splanchnic and peripheral renin angiotensin system in cirrhotic patients

PubMed Central

Vilas-Boas, Walkíria Wingester; Jr, Antônio Ribeiro-Oliveira; da Cunha Ribeiro, Renata; Vieira, Renata Lúcia Pereira; Almeida, Jerusa; Nadu, Ana Paula; Silva, Ana Cristina Simões e; Santos, Robson Augusto Souza

2008-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the effect of β-blockade on angiotensins in the splanchnic and peripheral circulation of cirrhotic patients and also to compare hemodynamic parameters during liver transplantation according to propranolol pre-treatment or not. METHODS: Patients were allocated into two groups: outpatients with advanced liver disease(LD) and during liver transplantation(LT). Both groups were subdivided according to treatment with propranolol or not. Plasma was collected through peripheral venipuncture to determine plasma renin activity(PRA), Angiotensin(Ang) I, Ang II, and Ang-(1-7) levels by radioimmunoassay in LD group. During liver transplantation, hemodynamic parameters were determined and blood samples were obtained from the portal vein to measure renin angiotensin system(RAS) components. RESULTS: PRA, Ang I, Ang II and Ang-(1-7) were significantly lower in the portal vein and periphery in all subgroups treated with propranolol as compared to non-treated. The relationships between Ang-(1-7) and Ang I levels and between Ang II and Ang I were significantly increased in LD group receiving propranolol. The ratio between Ang-(1-7) and Ang II remained unchanged in splanchnic and peripheral circulation in patients under β-blockade, whereas the relationship between Ang II and Ang I was significantly increased in splanchnic circulation of LT patients treated with propranolol. During liver transplantation, cardiac output and index as well systemic vascular resistance and index were reduced in propranolol-treated subgroup. CONCLUSION: In LD group, propranolol treatment reduced RAS mediators, but did not change the ratio between Ang-(1-7) and Ang II in splanchnic and peripheral circulation. Furthermore, the modification of hemodynamic parameters in propranolol treated patients was not associated with changes in the angiotensin ratio. PMID:19058308

Changes in systemic vascular endothelial growth factor levels after intravitreal injection of aflibercept in infants with retinopathy of prematurity.

PubMed

Huang, Chung-Ying; Lien, Reyin; Wang, Nan-Kai; Chao, An-Ning; Chen, Kuan-Jen; Chen, Tun-Lu; Hwang, Yih-Shiou; Lai, Chi-Chun; Wu, Wei-Chi

2018-03-01

To investigate the levels of VEGF in the systemic circulation of patients with type 1 ROP who received intravitreal injections of 1 mg (0.025 mL) aflibercept (IVA) or 0.625 mg (0.025 mL) bevacizumab (IVB). Patients who had type 1 ROP and received either IVA or IVB were enrolled in this prospective study. Serum and plasma samples were collected prior to and up to 12 weeks after IVB or IVA treatment. The serum and plasma VEGF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and the platelet levels in the blood were also quantified. The serum and plasma levels of VEGF, as well as the ratio of VEGF to platelet count (VEGF/PLT) were measured prior to and up to 12 weeks after anti-VEGF treatment. In total, 14 patients with type 1 ROP were enrolled in this study; five patients received IVA, and nine patients received IVB. Following either IVA or IVB treatment, all the eyes (100%) showed complete resolution of ROP-induced abnormal neovascularization and presented continued vascularization toward the peripheral retina. Compared to baseline, the serum VEGF levels were significantly reduced in the ROP patients up to 12 weeks after either IVA or IVB treatments (all P < 0.05). At 2, 4, and 8 weeks after intravitreal injection, the serum VEGF levels were more suppressed in the IVB group than in the IVA group (P = 0.039, P = 0.004, and P = 0.003, respectively). The serum VEGF/PLT ratio after IVA or IVB showed similar reductions and trends as the serum VEGF data. Changes in the plasma VEGF levels could not be properly assessed because some of the samples had VEGF levels below the detection limit of the ELISA. Serum VEGF levels and the VEGF/PLT ratio in patients with type 1 ROP were suppressed for 3 months after treatment with either IVA or IVB, but the suppression of systemic VEGF was more pronounced in patients treated with IVB than those treated with IVA.

General Notions on Macroscopic Theory of Waves in Plasmas; NOTIONS GENERALES SUR LA THEORIE MACROSCOPIQUE DES ONDES DANS LES PLASMAS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Allis, W.P.; Delcroix, J.L.

1963-01-01

The propagation of monochromatic plane waves in an indefinite plasma is treated in the hydrodynamic theory of two fluids. Plasmas with isotropic pressure and waves obeying exact adiabaticity are considered. (D.C.W.)

Effects of nutritional restriction on metabolic, endocrine, and ovarian function in llamas (Lama glama).

PubMed

Norambuena, M C; Silva, M; Urra, F; Ulloa-Leal, C; Fernández, A; Adams, G P; Huanca, W; Ratto, M H

2013-05-01

The objectives of the study were to determine the effects of nutritional restriction on ovarian function in llamas. Mature female llamas were assigned randomly to a Control group, fed 100% of maintenance energy requirements (MER) (n=8), or a Restricted group (n=8) fed from 70% to 40% of MER until a body condition score of 2.5 was attained. Blood samples were taken every-other-day to determine plasma concentrations of LH, estradiol, leptin and metabolic markers, and follicular dynamics were monitored daily by ultrasonography for 30 days (Experiment 1). Llamas were then treated with GnRH to compare the ovulatory response and corpus luteus (CL) development between groups (Experiment 2). Blood samples were taken to measure LH, leptin, progesterone and metabolic markers and ovarian structures were assessed as in Experiment 1. Llamas in the Restricted group had lower body mass and body condition scores than those in the Control group (P<0.001). Plasma concentrations of cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, and urea were higher in the Restricted group (P<0.05) than in the Control group. The day-to-day diameter profiles of the dominant follicles were smaller (P<0.05) in the Restricted group than in the Control group but plasma estradiol concentration did not differ. The ovulation rate and LH secretion in response to GnRH did not differ. Day-to-day profiles of CL diameter, plasma progesterone and leptin concentrations were smaller (P<0.01) in the Restricted group. In conclusion, nutritional restriction in llamas was associated with suppressed follicle and CL development, and lower plasma concentrations of progesterone and leptin. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surface bioactivity modification of titanium by CO 2 plasma treatment and induction of hydroxyapatite: In vitro and in vivo studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xixue; Shen, Hong; Shuai, Kegang; Zhang, Enwei; Bai, Yanjie; Cheng, Yan; Xiong, Xiaoling; Wang, Shenguo; Fang, Jing; Wei, Shicheng

2011-01-01

Since metallic biomaterials used for orthopedic and dental implants possess a paucity of reactive functional groups, bioactivity modification of these materials is challenging. In the present work, the titanium discs and rods were treated with carbon dioxide plasma and then incubated in a modified simulated body fluid 1.5SBF to obtain a hydroxyapatite layer. Surface hydrophilicity of samples, changes of surface chemistry, surface morphologies of samples, and structural analysis of formed hydroxyapatite were investigated by contact angle to water, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrated that hydrophilicity of titanium surface was improved and hydroxyl groups increased after modification with carbon dioxide plasma treatment. The hydroxyl groups on the surface of titanium were the richest after carbon dioxide plasma treatment under the condition of 20 W for less than 30 s. The hydroxyapatite formability of titanium surface was enhanced by carbon dioxide plasma pretreatment, which was attributed to the surface chemistry. MC3T3-E1 cell as a model cell was cultured on the Ti, CPT-Ti and CPT/SBF-Ti discs in vitro, and the results of the morphology and differentiation of the cell showed that CPT/SBF-Ti was the highest bioactive. The relative parameters of the new bone around the Ti and CPT/SBF-Ti rods including bone mineral density (BMD), a ratio of bone volume to total volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th.) and trabecular number (Tb.N.) were analyzed by a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) after 4-, 8- and 12-week implantation periods in vivo. The results indicated that the CPT/SBF-Ti was more advantageous for new bone formation.

Co-amplification at lower denaturation-temperature PCR combined with unlabled-probe high-resolution melting to detect KRAS codon 12 and 13 mutations in plasma-circulating DNA of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases.

PubMed

Wu, Jiong; Zhou, Yan; Zhang, Chun-Yan; Song, Bin-Bin; Wang, Bei-Li; Pan, Bai-Shen; Lou, Wen-Hui; Guo, Wei

2014-01-01

The aim of our study was to establish COLD-PCR combined with an unlabeled-probe HRM approach for detecting KRAS codon 12 and 13 mutations in plasma-circulating DNA of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) cases as a novel and effective diagnostic technique. We tested the sensitivity and specificity of this approach with dilutions of known mutated cell lines. We screened 36 plasma-circulating DNA samples, 24 from the disease control group and 25 of a healthy group, to be subsequently sequenced to confirm mutations. Simultaneously, we tested the specimens using conventional PCR followed by HRM and then used target-DNA cloning and sequencing for verification. The ROC and respective AUC were calculated for KRAS mutations and/or serum CA 19-9. It was found that the sensitivity of Sanger reached 0.5% with COLD- PCR, whereas that obtained after conventional PCR did 20%; that of COLD-PCR based on unlabeled-probe HRM, 0.1%. KRAS mutations were identified in 26 of 36 PA cases (72.2%), while none were detected in the disease control and/or healthy group. KRAS mutations were identified both in 26 PA tissues and plasma samples. The AUC of COLD-PCR based unlabeled probe HRM turned out to be 0.861, which when combined with CA 19-9 increased to 0.934. It was concluded that COLD-PCR with unlabeled-probe HRM can be a sensitive and accurate screening technique to detect KRAS codon 12 and 13 mutations in plasma-circulating DNA for diagnosing and treating PA.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Collagens in the Skin of Horses Treated with Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma

PubMed Central

Silva, Mariana Brettas; Pinto, José de Oliveira; Lima, Marianna Barros de Souza; Crepaldi, Júlio; Lopes, Gabriela Francine Martins; dos Santos, Hélio Batista; Ribeiro, Rosy Iara Maciel de Azambuja; Thomé, Ralph Gruppi

2015-01-01

This study evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of type I (COL I) and III (COL III) collagens during the healing process of skin treated with leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP). Seven healthy gelding crossbred horses aged 16 to 17 years were used. Two rectangle-shaped wounds were created surgically in the right and left gluteal regions. Twelve hours after wound induction, 0.5 mL of the LP-PRP was administered in each edge of the wounds of one of the gluteal regions. The contralateral region was used as control (CG). Three samples were obtained: after wound induction (T0), 14 days (T1) of healing process, and after complete closure of the skin (T2). The normal skin (T0) showed strong staining for type III and I collagen in papillary and reticular dermis, respectively. In the scar of the treated group, COL III showed important (p < 0.05) increase in immunoreaction in T2 compared with T1. The administration of a single dose of LP-PRP 12 h after induction of wound in horses does not influence formation of collagens I and III. However, the intense labeling for COL III suggests that the tissue was still weak during the macroscopic closure of the wound, demonstrating that healing was not completely finished. PMID:26236743

Simultaneous quantification of adalimumab and infliximab in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Jourdil, Jean-François; Némoz, Benjamin; Gautier-Veyret, Elodie; Romero, Charlotte; Stanke-Labesque, Françoise

2018-03-30

Adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX) are therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (TMabs) targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). They are used to treat inflammatory diseases. Clinical trials have suggested that therapeutic drug monitoring for ADA or IFX could improve treatment response and cost-effectiveness. However, ADA and IFX were quantified by ELISA in all these studies, and the discrepancies between the results obtained raise questions about their reliability.We describe here the validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of ADA and IFX in human samples. Full-length antibodies labeled with stable isotopes were added to plasma samples as an internal standard. Samples were then prepared using Mass Spectrometry Immuno Assay (MSIA) followed by trypsin digestion prior ADA and IFX quantification by LC-MS/MS.ADA and IFX were quantified in serum from patients treated with ADA (n=21) or IFX (n=22), and the concentrations obtained were compared with those obtained with a commercial ELISA kit. The chromatography run lasted 8.6 minutes and the quantification range was 1 to 26 mg/L. The method was reproducible, repeatable and accurate. For both levels of internal quality control, for ADA and IFX inter and intra-day coefficients of variation and accuracies were all within 15%, in accordance with FDA recommendations. No significant cross-contamination effect was noted.Good agreement was found between LC-MS/MS and ELISA results, for both ADA and IFX. This LC-MS/MS method can be used for the quantification of ADA and IFX in a single analytical run and for the optimization of LC-MS/MS resource use in clinical pharmacology laboratories.

Dynamics of L-Carnitine in Plasma and Urine in Patients Undergoing Cisplatin Chemotherapy.

PubMed

Gomi, Daisuke; Tanaka, Aika; Fukushima, Toshirou; Kobayashi, Takashi; Matsushita, Hirohide; Sekiguchi, Nodoka; Sakamoto, Akiyuki; Sasaki, Shigeru; Mamiya, Keiko; Koizumi, Tomonobu

2017-01-01

Several studies have indicated that cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II; CDDP) causes urinary excretion of L-carnitine (LC). However, the underlying cofactors affecting the increased urinary excretion remain unclear. The present study was performed to evaluate the dynamics of LC in plasma and urine after CDDP chemotherapy and to examine the relations with clinical parameters, such as gender, body mass index (BMI), and renal function. Twenty-two patients treated with CDDP therapy were selected. Blood and urine samples were taken from patients before starting CDDP treatment (day 0), on the next day (day 1), and on the seventh day (day 7). We measured plasma and urine concentrations of total, free, and acyl-LC, and examined the relationships with gender, age, treatment cycle, skeletal muscle mass, BMI, glomerular filtration rate, and change in creatinine concentration after CDDP administration. Both urinary and plasma concentrations of 3 types of LC increased markedly on day 1 and subsequently reverted to the pre-CDDP level on day 7. There was a positive correlation between the % changes in plasma and urine LC (correlation coefficient 0.59, p = 0.003) on day 1, but no significant relations were seen in other clinical parameters. CDDP transiently increased plasma LC levels. The mechanism seemed to involve recruitment for marked urinary loss of LC. However, these changes in plasma and urinary LC levels were not related to clinical factors, suggesting that the dynamics of LC were independent of preexisting physical parameters. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Plasma-grafting polymerization on carbon fibers and its effect on their composite properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Huanxia; Li, Wei

2015-11-01

Interfacial adhesion between matrix and fibers plays a crucial role in controlling the performance of composites. Carbon fibers have the major constraint of chemical interness and hence have limited adhesion with the matrix. Surface treatment of fibers is the best solution to this problem. In this work, carbon fibers were activated by plasma and grafting polymerization. The grafting ratio of polymerization was obtained by acid-base titration. The chemical and physical changes induced by the treatments on carbon fiber surface was examined using contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) technique. The interfacial adhesion of CF/EP (carbon fiber/epoxy) composites were analyzed by a single fiber composite (SFC) for filament fragmentation test. Experimental results show that the grafting rate was not only the function of the plasma-treat time but also the concentration of the grafting polymerization. The oxygen-containing groups (such as Csbnd O, Cdbnd O, and Osbnd Cdbnd O) and the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the plasma-grafting carbon fiber increased more significantly than the carbon fiber without plasma treatment grafted with MAH. This demonstrates that the surfaces of the carbon fiber samples are more active, hydrophilic, and rough after plasma-grafting treatments using a DBD operating in ambient argon mixture with oxygen. With DBD (dielectric barrier discharges) operating in ambient argon mixture with oxygen, the more active, hydrophilic, and rough surface was obtained by the plasma-grafting treatments.

Oxidation of limonene using activated carbon modified in dielectric barrier discharge plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glonek, Karolina; Wróblewska, Agnieszka; Makuch, Edyta; Ulejczyk, Bogdan; Krawczyk, Krzysztof; Wróbel, Rafał. J.; Koren, Zvi C.; Michalkiewicz, Beata

2017-10-01

The waste from industrial fruits processing is utilized for the extraction of limonene, a renewable terpene biomass compound obtained from orange peels. This was followed by limonene oxidation, which produces highly useful oxygenated derivatives (carveol, and perillyl alcohol, 1,2-epoxylimonene and its diol). New catalysts were obtained by treating relatively inexpensive commercially available EuroPh and FPV activated carbons with plasma. These catalysts were characterized by the following instrumental methods XRD, sorption of N2 and CO2, SEM, EDS, TEM, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy. The activities of the plasma-treated catalysts were measured in the oxidation of limonene by means of either hydrogen peroxide or t-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidizing agents. During the oxidation with hydrogen peroxide the new plasma-treated catalysts were more active than their untreated counterparts. This effect was noticeable in the considerable increase in the conversion of limonene. The mechanism explaining this property is proposed, and it takes into account the role of the appropriate functional groups on the surface of the catalysts. This work has shown for the first time that the commercial EuroPh and FPV activated carbons, after having been treated by plasma, are active catalysts for the selective limonene oxidation for the production of value-added industrial products.