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Sulfonic Ion-Exchange Resins as Versatile Tools for the Oxidative Degradation of Chemical and Biological Hazardous Agents.

Commercial sulfonic styrene-divinylbenzene ion-exchange resins are activated with aqueous H2O2 to generate metal-free decontamination systems that combine strong Brønsted acidity with immobilized oxidizing capability. Among five tested materials, Amberlyst 15 dry showed the best performance in terms of oxidant immobilization capacity and promoting the oxidative degradation of the sulfur mustard simulant (2-chloroethyl)ethyl sulfide, CEES, and the organophosphorus pesticide malathion under very mild conditions. Control experiments with K2CO3-exchanged resin demonstrate that efficient decontamination requires the synergy between surface acidity and peroxide functionality. The activated resins also display rapid biocidal activity, strongly reducing viable Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and completely suppressing the infectivity of HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 within min. These findings identify peroxide-activated sulfonic resins as simple, sustainable, regenerable, and versatile tools for efficient combined hazardous chemical and biological decontamination.

Oxidation-Reduction

Retina, tear and serum beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activities in diabetic patients.

In previous studies, beta-N-acetyglucosaminidase activities were found to be markedly decreased in streptozotocin diabetic rat kidney, while that of the liver, spleen and intestine remained unchanged. The decrease in total kidney enzyme activity was in parallel with a decrease in the enzyme activity of the main isozyme of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, of which little or none was contained in the other three tissues. The present paper reports that the retina, also sensitive to diabetic microangiopathy, showed a similar isozyme pattern to that of kidney, composed of mainly type II isoenzyme of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase. Type II isoenzyme was not detectable in any of the other materials tested including human and rat erythrocytes, lymphocytes and platelets, and human buccal epithelia and saliva, except human tear. The physiologic significance of the human tear beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase is unknown, but this enzyme was found to contain a considerable amount of Type II isoenzyme, and the enzyme activities were decreased in poorly controlled diabetic patients. Patients with retinopathy also showed markedly lowered tear enzyme activity. The diabetic patients were followed up for several months with occasional ophthalmoscopic examination and determination of serum beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity. As a result, changes in the latter were found to be useful as an indicator of the development of microangiopathy.

Acetylglucosaminidase

The cleavage and adsorption of parathyroid hormone at high dilution: implications for receptor binding studies.

Like other polypeptide hormones, purified intact parathyroid hormone (1-84)parathyroid hormone is notoriously unstable and is subject to large adsorptive losses in routine laboratory manipulation. The present studies were undertaken with 125I-labeled hormone to quantitate the problem and to develop preventative measures, particularly with concentrations of physiological interest, 1 . 10(-10) M. It was found that spontaneous cleavage of the hormone takes place upon its incubation in air or oxygen. This can be prevented by the presence of mercaptoethanol or by plasma levels of cysteine and ascorbate. Under non-cleavage conditions, adsorption was found to be extensive on all materials tested. This adsorption increased with time up to 2 h, was independent of ionic strength, increased with increasing temperature and was presumed to involve hydrophobic interactions. Under given conditions, adsorption was proportional to concentration (constant percentage). However, at very high concentrations, 1 . 10(-6) M, adsorption was markedly reduced. Adsorption was minimized at low pH (2). Bovine serum albumin reduced adsorption under all conditions when present at concentrations of 2 mg/ml or more. Coating laboratory ware with cetyl alcohol also was helpful. Using optimal conditions, cleavage is prevented and losses are less than 5% at neutral pH, and under 2% at pH 2.

Adsorption

Limited Impact of Column Chemistry and Length on Proteome Coverage Under High-Speed DIA.

The evolution of mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics has been driven by continuous technological advances in sample preparation, liquid-phase separations, instrumentation, and data acquisition. Chromatographic performance has been recognized as a contributing factor to identification depth, particularly on earlier-generation MS platforms. Recent advances in MS sampling speed and sensitivity now raise the question of how strongly chromatographic quality continues to determine overall proteome coverage. We investigate how column chemistry and length influence proteome coverage and chromatographic selectivity under modern data-independent acquisition conditions, and whether traditional optimization priorities still apply. Spanning a matrix of experiments with five distinct stationary phases, including C18 chemistries, C8, and Phenyl-Hexyl, across eight column lengths (40-140 mm), we evaluate protein identification performance using data-independent acquisition on the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer. Despite differences in stationary-phase chemistry and column length, we observed remarkably convergent proteome coverage metrics. All C18 and C8 phases consistently achieved over 150,000 precursor- and approximately 9000 protein group identifications, regardless of column length variations. While retention fingerprints persisted across chemistries, these chromatographic differences did not translate into meaningful variations in proteome coverage under high-speed acquisition conditions at 200 Hz. Within the range of modern sub-2 μm reversed-phase materials tested, identification depth showed limited dependence on column chemistry and length, suggesting that for state-of-the-art stationary phases, method development priorities may increasingly favor operational robustness, throughput, and reproducibility over traditional separation optimization.

Proteome

A comparison of methods for blocking staining of nucleic acids.

Using rat spinal cord as test material 4 methods for blocking staining of nucleic acids with simple basic dyes have been compared. Two of these methods--a perchloric acid procedure for tissue blocks and a Ba(OH)2 technic for sections--block staining of RNA. The other two-immersion of sections in solutions of dichlorodiammine Pt II or in 10% zirconyl chloride-blocked staining of both RNA and DNA. None of these methods hydrolyze DNA sufficiently to produce a positive Feulgen and no loss of protein could be demonstrated. With the three metal containing procedures some metal could be demonstrated in the sections. This deposition was primarily in nucleic acid containing structures and was greatest and most widespread with the zirconyl chloride. The latter method altered the color of all hematoxylin technics to a deep red. The separation of nuclear stains on the basis of their bonding characteristics into three groups (Lillie et al. 1976) was confirmed.

Animals

Repeated topical applications of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. Effects on rabbit ears.

In a study to evaluate its acnegenic potential, increasing concentrations of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene were applied topically to the ventral surface of the rabbit ear three times weekly for 13 weeks. Additional groups of rabbits received similar treatment with petroleum ether (solvent controls), received no treatment (negative controls), and received four once-weekly treatments with hexachlorodiphenyloxide, a known chloracnegenic agent (positive controls). Skin response to 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene was characterized grossly by dermal irritation directly related to the concentration of test material; there were the associated histologic changes of acanthosis and hyperkeratosis; there was no primary follicular involvement characteristic of acneform dermatitis. Dermal responses to hexachlorodiphenyloxide consisted of gross follicular enlargement, with waxy excretion on pressure, and severe scaling. The affected ear appeared thickened up to three times normal size and histologic sections showed primary follicular involvement characterized by marked thickening of the sheath and marked distention of the follicles with keratin, with resultant comedone formation, typical of chloracne.

Acne Vulgaris

Accuracy of an automated blood-gas analyser operated by untrained staff.

Performance of the IL 613 automatic blood-gas analyser has been assessed using a group of 100 "analysts" with no previous training or experience in the use of the instrument. Test material consisted of blood equilibrated to a known PO2 and PCO2 in a tonometer: pH estimations were carried out on thawed aliquots of a large batch of frozen serum which were then equilibrated to a known PCO2. Eighty-six per cent of analyses were within acceptable limits of error. The largest proportion of errors was in the measurement of pH. Satisfactory results were obtained in 98% of the analyses of PO2 and PCO2. Eighty-eight per cent of operators were able to use the analyser after instruction lasting less than 1 min. These results were significantly better than those obtained in a regional survey of 16 blood-gas laboratories, staffed by trained technicians.

Autoanalysis

An improved rabbit ear model for assessing comedogenic substances.

A simplified comedogenic assay is described in which test materials are applied for 2 weeks to the ears of rabbits just external to the ear canal. Excised tissue is thus immersed in water at 60 degrees C for 2 min, yielding a sheet of epidermis with microcomedones attached. The magnitude of follicular hyperkeratosis is extracted with the stereomicroscope. Sixteen materials were evaluated by the new and old model which required histological sectioning. Agreement was excellent.

Acne Vulgaris

Detection of environmental depigmenting substances.

We systematically screened the depigmenting capacity of several phenols, catechols and organic antioxidants. Clear-cut depigmentation was achieved with monomethyl ether of hydroquinone (MMH) and tertiary butyl catechol (TBC) using black guinea pigs and black mice as animal models. A goal was to establish a reliable in vivo method to demonstrate or to predict the depigmenting action of chemicals on mammalian melanocytes. There was no universal solvent or optimal body site, although all tested areas could be depigmented. Irritation induced by some vehicles and test materials produced false positive responses. False negative responses with known depigmenting chemicals were observed. Utilizing these observations, we propose a model for screening medicinal and industrial chemicals for depigmenting capacity.

Animals

In vitro cytotoxicity of periodontal dressings.

The cytotoxicity of three periodontal dressings was evaluated by two in vitro cell culture techniques. Fresh and stored materials were found to be cytotoxic by both techniques and it appeared that the mechanism of cytotoxicity was different for the three dressing materials tested.

Cell Survival

[In vitro assay for ACTH-releasing activity using ACTH radioimmunoassay: ACTH releasing activities by various drugs (author's transl)].

Several procedures have been reported for the assay of corticotrophine-releasing factor (CRF), each having its advantages and disadvantages. This report deals with an in vitro assay of ACTH releasing activity utilizing pituitary incubation combined with ACTH radioimmunoassay. Rat half pituitary was preincubated in 2 ml Krebs Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing 0.2% glucose and 0.25 % BSA (KRBG-BSA) for 1.5 hr (45 min X 2). The medium was replaced by 1 ml KRBG-BSA and incubated for 30 min. Then the medium was again replaced by 1 ml KRBG-BSA or KRBG-BSA containing test materials and incubated for another 30 min. The amount of ACTH assayed by radioimmunoassay in the 2nd 30 min incubation was compared with in the 1st 30 min incubation and expressed as percentage. In ACTH radioimmunoassay, anti-ACTH serum was diluted to 1 : 1,500-3,000. The 125I-alpha 1-24ACTH-antibody system was not affected by lysine-vasopressin (LVP), arginine-vasopressin (AVP), rat's pituitary LH, GH and prolactin. Human 1-39ACTH was used as ACTH standard, and the dilution curve of incubation medium was paralleled with the standard curve. Repeatability of immunoassayable ACTH within-assay was 174 +/- 5.0 pg/tube (CV = 2.9%). A log dose-relationship was observed between the amounts of stalk median eminence extracts (SME ; NIAMDD) added to the incubation medium and its ACTH releasing activities. The sensitivity of this assay method was at least 0.1 SME or 10 mU of LVP and AVP. Using this method, it found that LVP, AVP, norepinephrine (100 ng/ml200 ng/ml) and 5-hydroxytryptophane (1 mug/ml) had ACTH releasing activities but LH-RH, TRH, glucagon, dopamine, phentolamine, propranolol, haloperidol, prostaglandin E1 and indomethacin did not affect the release of ACTH.

5-Hydroxytryptophan

Dynamic Protein Structure Paradox: An Integrative Framework for Endpoint-Conditioned Evidentiary Sufficiency in Structure-to-Function Claims.

Accurate coordinates for a represented protein state do not, by themselves, establish activity or any other condition-specific function. This article defines the Dynamic Protein Structure Paradox (DPSP) as the apparent conflict between structural accuracy and functional underdetermination and develops it as an integrative evidentiary assessment framework rather than a new theory or paradigm. The underlying problem has been longstanding, since structural genomics, function annotation, allostery, and disorder research each established that fold does not determine function and that function does not determine fold. DPSP consolidates those results into one endpoint-conditioned rule. Once a measurable endpoint is defined, it assesses four coupled dimensions: relevant-state completeness, context completeness, ensemble or kinetic dependence, and chemical dependence. A rubric rates each dimension as adequate, uncertain, or missing, and a materiality test determines which gaps influence the stated decision. The outcome is one of three mutually exclusive modes of utilization: geometry-led, conditional, or function-measured. The deliverable is a concise evidence statement delineating what the structure supports, which decisive variable remains unmeasured, and what corroboration is necessary. DPSP complements, rather than replaces, existing structural, ensemble, and computational approaches. The framework remains unvalidated, its thresholds are provisional, and the studies necessary to confirm or refute it are specified.

Proteins

Revistin found by screening for inhibitors of reverse transcriptase of an oncogenic virus.

Revistin, a substance that strongly inhibits the reverse transcriptase activity of murine leukemia virus in our screening system, was obtained from a cultured broth of a soil streptomyces which was closely related to Streptomyces filipinensis. The assay method for the activity was based on the inhibition by a test material of the incorporation of 3H-dTMP into DNA synthesized by the reverse transcriptase of an oncogenic RNA virus. Crude revistin was isolated by serial procedures of salting out with ammonium sulfate and precipitation with cetylpyridinium chloride. The crude material showed neither antibacterial nor antifungal activity. It exhibited against splenomegaly in mice caused by Rauscher leukemia virus infection.

Animals

Comparative tests on safety and potency of IBA vaccines.

During a comparative test on the pathogenicity and immunogenicity of a non-adapted and an embryo-adapted IDA virus, following observations were made: 1) the non-adapted virus remained pathogenic as determined by weight loss and bursal lesions. Clinical signs and mortality did not occur. A change in the virulence did not occur during back passages; 2) the immunosuppressive effect of the non-adapted virus was diminished by maternal antibodies; 3) the embryo-adapted virus produced little pathogenicity as demonstrated by minor weight depressions. The vaccinated birds had no recognizable pathological lesions in the bursae. Immunosuppression with this virus was not observed; 4) the embryo-adapted strain was able to induce neutralizing antibodies in birds with or without maternal antibodies. However, precipitins were not detected; 5) immunization with the embryo-adapted strain after 8 days of age was protective whereas prior to that age it was not confirming the age susceptibility factor reported by Hitchner (1971); 6) no change in virulence occurred during back passages with both test materials.

Administration, Oral

[The antibacterial efficacy of cefaclor in routine testing of clinical material from two Berlin hospitals (author's transl)].

The agar diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial efficacy of cefaclor against bacterial strains isolated routinely from patients in two hospitals in Berlin. A comparison was made with the efficacy of oxacillin, azlocillin, amikacin, gentamicin, ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, tetracycline, penicillin, cefazolin, nalidixic acid and nitrofurantoin. A total of 1235 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, enterococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus species, Citrobacter and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were tested. Cefaclor was superior to the other substances in its activity against E. coli, Klebsiellae, and Proteus mirabilis. Co-trimoxazole and tetracycline, on the other hand, proved more effective against indole-positive Proteus species and Citrobacter. Tetracycline was also more effective against Enterobacter. Ampicillin was the most effective agent against enterococci, and oxacillin the most effective against S. aureus. Cefaclor showed good antibacterial activity against strains which were resistant to the orally administrable agents ampicillin, tetracycline and co-trimoxazole.

Bacteria

Arterio-venous shunt with percutaneous leads in calves for long-term in vivo testing of blood-contact materials.

In six calves an extracorporeal arteriovenous shunt in combination with a successful type of percutaneous lead has been implanted. Flow chambers with various test materials can be inserted. Preliminary results show that this shunt can be used for long term tests for evaluation of blood contact material and studies about thrombus formation in an ex vivo setting as well as for permanent blood access for the purpose of various measurements, drug application and for hemodialysis.

Animals