Evaluating estrus synchronization and early pregnancy detection in Ossimi sheep: The influence of fluorogestone acetate treatment duration and dosage.

Estrus synchronization is important for improving sheep reproduction. To enhance sheep reproduction efficiency, this study investigated the impact of different durations (7 vs. 14 days) and fluorogestone acetate (FGA) doses in intravaginal sponges on estrus synchronization and early pregnancy detection in Ossimi sheep.

Molecular typing of canine parvovirus type 2 by VP2 gene sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism in affected dogs from Egypt.

Introduction: Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs characterized by severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Little information is available about this topic in Egypt, particularly in the Delta region. This study reports the prevalence and molecular analysis of CPV-2 variants collected from El-Gharbia and Kafrelsheikh governorates in the Delta of Egypt.

FDTD Simulations for Rhodium and Platinum Nanoparticles for UV Plasmonics.

The article describes the results of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) mathematical modeling of electromagnetic fields distortion near the surfaces of two transition metals: rhodium (Rh) and platinum (Pt) on glass (SiO) substrates. Results were compared with calculated optical properties of classical SERS generating metals (Au and Ag). We have performed FDTD-based theoretical calculations for UV SERS-active nanoparticles (NPs) and structures based on hemispheres of Rh and Pt and planar surfaces, consisting of single NPs with varied gaps between them.

FDTD Simulations of Shell Scattering in Au@SiO Core-Shell Nanorods with SERS Activity for Sensory Purposes.

The article describes the results of Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) mathematical modeling of electromagnetic field parameters near the surfaces of core-shell gold-based nanorods in the Au@SiO system. Three excitation linewidths (λ = 532, 632.8, and 785 nm) were used for theoretical experiments.

Application of vibrational spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance methods for drugs pharmacokinetics research.

Objectives: The development of new methods for determining the concentration of drugs is an actual topic today. The article contains a detailed review on vibrational spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance methods using for pharmacokinetic research. This study is devoted to the possibility of using vibrational spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine the concentration of drugs and the use of these groups of techniques for therapeutic drug monitoring.

Spectral homogeneity of human platelets investigated by SERS.

This paper describes a detailed study of the spectral homogeneity of human platelets using Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We used a combined approach based on multivariate methods as principal component analysis and pair correlation algorithms to investigate platelets spectral properties. The correlation coefficients for each sample have been calculated, and the average coefficient of determination has been estimated.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on post-thaw quality, kinematics and in vivo fertility of fertile and subfertile buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa.

This study investigated the effect of adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in semen extender prior cryopreservation on post-thaw quality, kinematics, and in vivo fertility of fertile and subfertile buffalo spermatozoa. Eleven buffalo bulls were classified based on their conception rate (CR) into fertile (n = 8, CR > 55%) and subfertile (n = 3, CR < 35%) groups. Ejaculates were collected with artificial vagina, pooled, and dispensed into 6 aliquots, diluted with Tris-egg yolk-glycerol extender supplemented with different proportions of PRP [0% (control), 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%] followed by cryopreservation using standard procedures.

Spectral and time-resolved photoluminescence of human platelets doped with platinum nanoparticles.

This paper describes a detailed study of spectral and time-resolved photoprocesses in human platelets and their complexes with platinum (Pt) nanoparticles (NPs). Fluorescence, quantum yield, and platelet amino acid lifetime changes in the presence and without femtosecond ablated platinum NPs have been studied. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of main fluorescent amino acids and their residues (tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp), and phenylalanine (Phe)) belonging to the platelet membrane have been performed.

Numerical FDTD-based simulations and Raman experiments of femtosecond LIPSS.

The article describes the results of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) mathematical modeling of electric field strength distribution near the gold laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). Both theoretical and experimental results have been described for two fabricated morphologies: round «hill-like» and grating structures. The structures were fabricated by using a femtosecond Yb-fiber laser with a wavelength of λ=1032 nm, pulse duration τ=280 fs, and repetition rate υ=25 kHz.

FTDT simulations of local plasmonic fields for theranostic core-shell gold-based nanoparticles.

The paper describes the results of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) mathematical modeling of electromagnetic fields distortion near the surfaces of core-shell gold-based spherical gold nanoparticles (NPs). NPs were consistently functionalized by two shells of different thickness: a water shell, as a model substance for a drug, and an shell, as a capsuling layer. The calculated field values were converted into the electromagnetic field enhancement coefficient and the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) intensity.

[Development of the infant formula industry].

The creation of the first prototypes of modern breastmilk substitutes at the end of the nineteen century brought in a new era in feeding infants in the first year of life. Currently, artificial feeding of newborns consists of adapted milk formulae made with the latest production technologies. This review briefly discusses the history of the development and classification of breastmilk substitutes, the main local and international documents regulating their composition, as well as the basic principles of approximation (adaptation) of formulae to breast milk.

[Breast milk proteins as a focus for the improvement of recipes for infant adapted milk formulae].

After a long evolutionary development starting at the appearance of the first mammals about 200 million years ago, breast milk (BM) was formed into a unique functional nutrition system with an individual composition that promotes normal growth and development of the newborn, and determines the prospects for health throughout life. The review describes the properties and functions of BM in order to objectify the physiological effects of breastfeeding and justify the composition of formulae for artificial feeding (AF). It discusses modern ideas about the protein composition of BM and its significance for the growth and development of the infant, the problems of adapting the protein component of AF formulae, and the prospects for their optimization on the basis of modern production technologies.

[The study of rs11801197 polymorphism of the calcitonin receptor gene () in Moscow women and children with different level of bone strength].

The frequency of the polymorphism rs11801197 of calcitonin receptor gene (CALCR) was studied by real-time PCR in 422 Moscow women and children, including pregnant women (n=96), lactating (n=29) and non-pregnant women (n=28) and children (n=269) of preschool (2-6 years, n=76) and school age (7-16 years, n=193) with different levels of bone strength (BS) as determined by ultrasound densitometry. It was found that the decrease in the value of the BS (Z-score<-1) was observed in 60% of women, 54% of preschool children and 48% of school children. In the cohort studied the predominant genotype of rs11801197 polymorphism of CALCR gene was CT (38%), the frequency of the genotypes CC and TT - 31%, C and T allele - 50%.

[The study of rs1800012 polymorphism of the alphal-chain collagen type 1 gene in Moscow women and children with different level of bone strength].

The frequency of rs1800012 polymorphism of alpha1-chains of type 1 collagen gene (COL1A1) was studied by real-time PCR in 422 Moscow women and children, including pregnant women (n=96), lactating (n=29) and non-pregnant women (n=28) and preschool children (2-6 years, n=76) and school children (7-16 years, n=193) with different levels of bone strength (BS) as determined by ultrasound densitometry. It was found that the decrease in the value of the BS (Z-score < -1) was observed in 60% of women, 54% of preschool children and 48% of school-aged children. In the surveyed cohort the predominant genotype of rs1800012 polymorphism CO1A1 geneI gene was GG (55.

[The prevalence of overweight and obesity in moscow pregnant women and principles of alimentary correction of these conditions].

The aim was to study the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Moscow pregnant women, as well as to conduct a comparative study of normal and excessive women`s body weight influence on the course and outcome of pregnancy and delivery, anthropometric indices and state of newborn`s health, to assess women's dietary intake and to develop approaches to nutritional correction of overweight and obesity in pregnant women. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among pregnant women in Moscow in 2009-2011 was 8.3% of the total number of pregnant women observed.

[The system of the quality control and the safety of baby food, the prospects of its development].

In the article there is considered the substantiation of raise demands to the chemical composition of children’s food and indices of their safety, with taking into account the immaturity of metabolic and physiological processes and limitations of “depot” of nutrients in babies. Based on research results of leading experts in the field of children’s nutritiology and according to the recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius of the Commission of FAO/WHO, ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition, the EFSA recommendations and EUDirectives there were specified requirements for the ingredient composition, content of essential components and indices of the nutritional value of substitutes for human milk and functional products for the nutrition of infants of the first year of life. There are shown stages of the development of the Russian system of hygienic requirements for baby food, and the direction of its harmonization with international and European standards, particularly for substitutes for human milk and products of dietary therapeutic and dietary preventive nutrition for babies.

The study of breast milk IGF-1, leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin levels as possible reasons of high weight gain in breast-fed infants.

Background: Excessive consumption of protein that leads to increased blood levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an important risk factor for high growth velocity and obesity in formula-fed infants. However, it is not clear whether these factors can explain the high growth velocity in breast-fed infants.

Aim: To study the possible links between the growth velocity in breast-fed infants and the levels of protein, IGF-1 and other hormones, which regulate energy homeostasis, in mothers' breast milk.

Desalted and lyophilized bovine seminal plasma delays induction of the acrosome reaction in frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa in response to calcium ionophore.

Cryopreservation is partially damaging and induces capacitation-like changes in spermatozoa. Seminal plasma (SP) contains a variety of biochemical components, such as protein and lipids, which are specific for the regulation of sperm cell function including those effective for decapacitation of spermatozoa. Therefore, this study tested the hypothesis that desalted and lyophilized SP could prevent premature capacitation (cryocapacitation) of Japanese Black bull spermatozoa.

Growth and Tolerance Assessment of a Lutein-fortified Infant Formula.

Purpose: To evaluate safety, gastrointestinal tolerance, and growth of a new experimental starter formula (NESF) fortified with lutein, prebiotics, probiotics, nucleotides and beta-carotene, fed to infants within the first months of life.

Methods: This was a non-randomized, open, uncontrolled study conducted from December 2010 to May 2011. Twenty-three healthy infants aged 10 days to 2 months old were enrolled.

[Bone mineral density in pregnant women from Moscow: possible effects of pregnancy dynamics and nutrient intake].

Supporting of bone health is one of the main approaches to provide health in pregnant women considering intensive calcium and other mineral mobilization from mass bone that is necessary forforming fetus bone. This mobilization may lead to decrease of bone mineral density and development of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The important factors of development of bone impairment in pregnancy are nutrition and particular deficient consumption of protein, Ca, vitamin D.

[Issues of the support of the quality and safety of baby food].

In article there are presented data on hypersensibility of children to the action of contaminants and caused by it the increased requirements to hygienic safety of products of baby food. Data on the main indices of safety, of such products, regulated by hygiene legislative requirements are provided. The system of hygienic expertise of baby food products, including the offered screening methods of studying of indices of quality and safety is considered.

Adipogenic effects of piperlonguminine in 3T3-L1 cells and plasma concentrations of several amide constituents from Piper chaba extracts after treatment of mice.

In our previous study, piperlonguminine from the fruit of Piper chaba was reported to promote adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells like the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonist, troglitazone. In the present study, the mode of action of piperlonguminine in cells was examined. Piperlonguminine increased mRNA levels of adiponectin, glucose transporter 4, and fatty acid-binding protein (aP2).

Methodological factors affecting the results of staining frozen-thawed fertile and subfertile Japanese Black bull spermatozoa for acrosomal status.

In the present study, some methodological factors affecting the acrosomal staining of frozen-thawed Japanese Black bull spermatozoa were investigated by examining; the effect of fixation/permeabilization procedure on intact acrosome percentage after fluorescein isothiocyanate peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) staining, the acrosomal staining patterns by using two types of fluorescent probes FITC-PSA (Pisum Sativum Agglutinin) and FITC-PNA and the effect of staining methods, either smear or vial, on intact acrosome percentage. Then intact acrosome percentage was compared between the samples stained by thus established method and those simply fixed with glutaraldehyde (glutaraldehyde fixation method). A possibility that FITC-PNA staining or the glutaraldehyde fixation methods could detect any difference in intact acrosome percentage or acrosomal staining patterns between fertile and subfertile bulls was also examined.

Medicinal flowers. XXXIII. Anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects of chakasaponins I-III and structure of chakasaponin IV from flower buds of Chinese tea plant (Camellia sinensis).

Effects of principal saponins, chakasaponins I-III, from the flower buds of Camellia sinensis cultivated in Fujian province, China on plasma triglyceride (TG) and glucose levels in olive oil or sucrose-loaded mice were examined. Chakasaponins I-III at 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly inhibited increases in plasma TG and glucose levels. Furthermore, they prevented gastric emptying, suggesting that the former inhibitory effect is partly dependent on the inhibition of gastric emptying.

[Changes in the fatty acid composition of blood cell membranes in children with inflammatory diseases].

Fatty acid composition of erythrocyte and leukocyte membranes has been studied in children (with normal body mass and obesity) with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and children with bronchial asthma in comparison with basically healthy children. Fifty seven children aged from 7 to 14 years were examined: 13 with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (IDGIT) (eosophagitis, gastroduodenitis, stomach ulcer), 25 with obesity stages (I-III) complicated by IDGIT, 9 with bronchial asthma and 10 basically healthy children. The study revealed that both IDGIT and bronchial asthma caused significant and similar changes in fatty acid composition of cell membranes.