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Fifty-one strains of the genus Bifidobacterium have been found to accumulate indole-3-lactic acid in culture broth. The isolated metabolite was identified through mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All the microorganisms tested, as resting cells, have been shown to be able to convert L-tryptophan into L-indole-3-lactic acid.
An in-vitro model of the lactic acid decontamination (LAD) of meat is described. As LAD is a disinfection rather than a preservation process the model is based on the inactivation kinetics of bacteria in a suspension of pork skin. The model takes account of interfering factors present in nature, such as microbial interactions, leaching of organic material from the meat surfaces and buffering activity.
The authors propose a new bioabsorbable fixation device to be applied to V-shaped transverse osteotomies of the head of the first metatarsal (Austin-chevron osteotomies) for hallux valgus surgery. Namely, a 3.3-mm. diameter cortical screw made of poly-L-lactic acid. This screw was applied in 30 patients with an average age of 44 years (range: 20 to 61). A total of 35 osteotomies was performed. The study refers to the period between 1992 and 1994 with a mean follow-up of 18 months (range: 12 to 36 months). The results of the study demonstrate good stability of the synthesis, with normal union (mean: 4 weeks), no adverse tissue reactions or osteolytic phenomena were noted. One patient developed avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head, which in the opinion of the authors, was not due to the device implanted. Over 90% of the patients were satisfied with both the aesthetic and functional results. The authors conclude that the poly-L-lactic acid cortical screw is a promising bioabsorbable fixation device for this corrective osteotomy in selected patients less than 50 years old, with good first metatarsal bone stock.
The aims of the present study were to screen and characterize the antimicrobial lactic acid bacteria which were isolated from healthy oral cavities of Thai volunteers, and to characterize their inhibiting substances. Among 3790 isolates (suspected to be lactic acid bacteria) from 130 volunteers, five showed an appreciable effect against Sarcina lutea ATCC 9341, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Streptococcus mutans DTMU 1, Strep. salivarius DTMU 1, Strep. sanguis DTMU 1, Candida albicans ATCC 13803 and C. albicans DTMU 2, as well as the oral pathogens. These antimicrobial isolates included L17 and N14 which showed the antibacterial activity, D14 which showed the anticandidal activity, and D6 and N8 which showed both the antibacterial and anticandidal activities. The isolates were later found to be facultative anaerobic, Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, non-capsule-forming and catalase-negative bacilli. They could utilize casein but could not hydrolyse starch, and they produced hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins. Their antimicrobial potentials were found to be affected by pH, catalase, proteolytic enzymes and temperature. The activity was partially inactivated after catalase treatment, significantly declined at pH > or =9.0 or after trypsin and pepsin treatments, and also reduced after heating at > or =100 degrees C. However, the antimicrobial activity of these five isolates was somewhat resistant to heat. When the isolates were tested for their antimicrobial sensitivity, they were shown to be sensitive to a number of antimicrobial agents. The final identification revealed that D6, D14 and N14 were Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, and L17 and N8 were Lact. rhamnosus.
The authors investigated 55 determinations of synovial lactic acid in 7 groups of patients: septic arthritis, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitic arthritis, reactive arthritis, mechanical fluids of osteoarthritis. Statistical analysis confirmed the diagnostic contribution of this determination in septic arthritis and demonstrated a correlation between the lactic-acid and cell levels within a cell-level range of 5,000-20,000. A significant difference was detected between seronegative and seropositive forms of arthritis. The physiopathologic interpretation of the findings in cases of rheumatoid polyarthritis and in non-rheumatoid inflammatory rheumatism is discussed.
In the present study, gastric juice resistant tablet formulations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were developed, using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) as well as alginates, apple pectin and Metolose as matrix forming components. To optimize the formulation-using survival rate in acid medium, and disintegration time in intestinal fluid as test parameters-tablets were modified with respect to LAB content, amount of applied excipients per tablet, and compaction forces. A decrease of viable cells of not more than one log unit after 2h of incubation in acid medium was desired, as well as a disintegration time of 1h in phosphate buffer pH 6.8. It was found that the amount of HPMCAS in the tablet correlates with gastric juice resistance. As HPMCAS also leads to a decrease of disintegration time in intestinal fluid, slight amounts of this excipient were preferred. The best protective qualities against artificial gastric juice were observed when tablets were prepared from compaction mixtures of LAB, HPMCAS and sodium alginate.
Angina, the prototypic vasoocclusive pain, is a radiating chest pain that occurs when heart muscle gets insufficient blood because of coronary artery disease. Other examples of vasoocclusive pain include the acute pain of heart attack and the intermittent pains that accompany sickle cell anemia and peripheral artery disease. All these conditions cause ischemia - insufficient oxygen delivery for local metabolic demand - and this releases lactic acid as cells switch to anaerobic metabolism. Recent discoveries demonstrate that sensory neurons innervating the heart are richly endowed with an ion channel that is opened by, and perfectly tuned for, the lactic acid released by muscle ischemia.
Uniaxially drawn poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) films with piezoelectric properties were inserted onto the periosteum of rabbit tibiae, and the effect of the films in promoting ossification was investigated. We also evaluated the optimum method for PLLA film insertion to promote ossification, by comparing three different types of PLLA films which differed from each other in terms of the direction of their molecular orientation. Furthermore, the course of ossification following the film insertion was observed histologically. Drawn PLLA films promoted ossification to a greater extent than undrawn PLLA film. The effect of drawn PLLA films in promoting ossification was greatest when a shearing stress was applied at 45 degrees to the axis of orientation. The newly formed osteoid was observed at 1 week, and matured over 6 to 8 weeks following insertion. The insertion of piezoelectric PLLA films can promote ossification through their piezoelectric effect, and this seems to be clinically applicable.
The contemporaneous presence of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus affected the growth kinetics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae PZ2 and the metabolic products of their growth were quantitatively and qualitatively different from those produced by single strains inoculated alone. S. cerevisiae can grow in milk without using lactose or galactose. In particular, the presence of peptides seems to be sufficient to ensure its growth. The growth of S. cerevisiae with lactic acid bacteria is characterised by stimulatory effects that involve both yeast and bacteria. However, the release of galactose by lactic acid bacteria does not seem to be the core metabolic event of these stimulatory effects on S. cerevisiae.
Poly(l-lactic acid) microspheres containing oestrone were prepared by the solvent evaporation method using methylene chloride as the casting solvent and poly(vinyl alcohol) as the emulsifier. Non-agglomerated microspheres with average diameters of 125-160 microns, containing 3-18 per cent oestrone were prepared successfully using a stirring rate of 650 rpm and a poly(vinyl alcohol) concentration as low as 0.15%. Drug loading decreased with an increase in the relative amounts of methylene chloride or emulsifier. Microspheres with 9 per cent loading released approximately 50 per cent of the drug in the first 12 h and the remainder at a much slower rate over several days. Initial examination revealed that the kinetic data followed both a first-order release pattern and the Higuchi matrix model. Differential rate treatment confirmed the Higuchi matrix model and the release mechanism was determined to be diffusion-controlled.
In connection with aim of maximizing the bio-availability of conventional drugs with minimum side-effects, new drug delivery systems (DDS) continue to attracted much attention. The controlled or sustained release of drugs represents one such approach, and in this regard report upon a study of DDS using biodegradable polymers which include poly (lactic acid) (PLA), poly (glycolic acid), and their copolymers (PLGA). Much attention is being paid to the controlled release of bio-active agents from microcapsules and microspheres made of biodegradable polymers, such as lactic acid homopolymers, as well as copolymers of glycolic acid. (11-21) Microcapsules or microspheres are injectable and able to provide pre-programmed durations of action, offering several advantages over the conventional dosage forms. This article reviews the results of a work program conducted in collaboration with a medical doctor upon DDS using biodegradable microspheres, such as PLA and PLGA.
Poly (DL-lactic acid) [DL-PLA] microcapsules containing phenobarbitone were prepared using a W/O emulsion method. Microcapsules of nominal C : P ratio, 1 : 2 and 1 : 3 using three different molecular weight polymers, 20,500, 13,300 and 5,200 were investigated to study the effect of storage conditions on the microcapsule properties. All microcapsules were stored under desiccated condition at temperatures of 4 degrees, 20 degrees and 37 degrees C for six months. Storage temperatures of 4 degrees and 20 degrees C did not cause appreciable changes in the release rate after storage. Microcapsules stored at 37 degrees C showed an annealing effect, causing shrinkage of microcapsules, and lowering of the release rate after storage for six months. The microcapsules prepared from low molecular weight DL-PLA fused completely whilst stored at 37 degrees C and the other two high molecular DL-PLA also showed some aggregation. There were insignificant variations in the mean microcapsule diameter during storage. The phenobarbitone content of the microcapsules was also unchanged.
In the period prior to insemination, the concentration of lactic acid in the blood serum before and after adrenaline administration was determined in two groups of heifers. After the evaluation of the course of pregnancy, parturition, puerperium and further insemination, the animals were divided into groups of fertile animals and animals with fertility disorders. The fertile heifers had a higher level of lactic acid and higher body weight. The results are evaluated in relation to glycide metabolism and to the adaptability of the organism.
By reaction of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) membrane with 1,6-hexanediamine, free amino groups were introduced onto a PLLA surface, through which biocompatible macromolecules such as gelatin, chitosan, or collagen were covalently immobilized by employing glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent. The existence of free amino groups on the aminolyzed PLLA surface was verified quantitatively by the ninhydrin analysis method, which revealed that surface NH(2) density increased with 1,6-hexanediamine concentration or aminolyzing time. Scanning force microscopy measurements detected an increase in surface roughness after aminolysis. The culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro proved that the cell proliferation rate and cell activity of both aminolyzed and biomacromolecule-immobilized PLLAs were improved compared with control PLLA. Scanning electron microscopy observation showed more spreading and flat cell morphology after HUVECs were cultured for 4 days on either aminolyzed or biomacromolecule-immobilized PLLA membranes. Confluent cell layers were observed on the modified PLLA. Measurement of von Willebrand factor secreted by these HUVECs confirmed that endothelium function was maintained. Therefore, aminolysis and biomacromolecule immobilization are promising ways to accelerate endothelium regeneration, which is crucial for blood vessel tissue engineering.
Using the mosquito Aedes aegypti in a novel olfactometer that measures movement towards and away from a stimulus, we could not confirm that 'deet' is a repellent of mosquitoes. In the absence of a host, deet was an attractant and in the presence of a host, it was an inhibitor of attraction. This inhibition occurred in the gaseous phase and was therefore not the result of the physical properties of deet. We determined that L-lactic acid, a component of human sweat that is an attractant to mosquitoes, is the target of this inhibition, implying that lactic acid may be a bottleneck in the behavioural cascade preceding blood-sucking.
A new poly(L-)lactic acid (PLLA) thread was tested by applying it in fascial closures of male Wistar rats. The tissue reactions around the thread and in the fascial union, and the changes on the surface and the mechanical properties of the thread were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 12, 28, and 52 weeks following surgery. Histologically, the extension of the general inflammatory reaction and the number of the different cell types did not markedly change during the 52-week follow-up period. The surface of the thread was intact up to 28 weeks when examined with the scanning electron microscope. At 52 weeks no thread was found. The breaking force and the stretching of the incubated PLLA thread was reduced about 20% during the first 2 weeks and it remained constant up to 6 weeks. The in vivo testing of the fascial strips closed with the PLLA thread retained their resistance against the breaking force, nearly comparable to that of the intact control fascial strips. It can be concluded that the PLLA thread is a suitable suture for wounds that require healing time of up to 28 weeks and thus need good support from the suture.
The conversion of sodium lactate to lactic acid with water-splitting electrodialysis was investigated. One way of reducing the power consumption is to add a conductive layer to the acid compartment. Doing this reduced the power consumption by almost 50% in a two-compartment cell, whereas the electric current efficiency was not affected at all. Three different solutions were treated in the electrodialysis unit: a model solution with 70 g/L of sodium lactate and a fermentation broth that had been prefiltered two different ways. The fermentation broth was either filtered in an open ultrafiltration membrane (cut-off of 100,000 Dalton) in order to remove the microorganisms or first filtered in the open ultrafiltration membrane and then in an ultrafiltration membrane with a cut-off of 2000 Dalton to remove most of the proteins. The concentration of sodium lactate in the fermentation broth was 70 g/L, as well. Organic molecules present in the broth (peptides and similar organic material) fouled the membranes and, therefore, increased power consumption. Power consumption increased more when permeate from the more open ultrafiltration membrane was treated in the electrodialysis unit than when permeate from the membrane with the lower cut-off was treated, since there was a higher amount of foulants in the former permeate. However, the electrodialysis membranes could be cleaned efficiently with a 0.1 M sodium hydroxide solution.
Novel poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA)-chitosan hybrid scaffolds were developed in order to be used as tissue-engineering scaffolds and drug release carriers. The incorporation of chitosan into the PLLA porous structure allows for producing chitosan-based scaffold devices with interesting damping and stiffness aimed at being used in tissue engineering of bone or cartilage. The pore structure of the hybrid scaffolds was influenced by the concentration of the chitosan solution introduced into the PLLA scaffold. For lower concentrations, chitosan was mainly deposited onto the PLLA surface, whereas for higher concentration chitosan formed also microfibrilar structures within the pore walls of the PLLA foam that may act as additional soft anchorage sites for cells. Equilibrium water uptakes up to about 110% were achieved in 24 h. An anti-inflammatory drug, ketoprofen, was loaded within the chitosan component of the hybrid scaffolds by immersing the scaffolds in a drug-ethanol solution. The drug was released sharply within the initial periods ( approximately 2-4 h), but the rate decreased further, showing a sustained release. The drug release rate can be controlled by the chitosan content and cross-link densities, suggesting the effectiveness of the hybrid scaffold as a drug delivery system.