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PubMed2006

[Comparative study of treatment of the dry eye syndrome due to disturbances of the tear film lipid layer with lipid-containing tear substitutes].

BACKGROUND: A deficiency in the tear film lipid layer is aetiological in about 80 % of the patients suffering from dry eye, which results in excessive evaporation (so-called hyperevaporative dry eye). The treatment with conventional artificial tears did not prove to be successful here. In this study the treatment with two tear substitutes containing lipids were set in contrast with each other. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The randomised, controlled, multicentre cross-over study included 74 patients suffering from dry eye caused by a deficiency of the tear film lipid layer, which were organised into two groups. Group A (n = 38) was treated for the first 6 weeks with a liposomal eye spray (Tears Again), while the patients of the group of B (n = 36) were treated with an eye gel containing triglycerides (Liposic) in the same period. After 6 weeks the crossover was performed. The patients were treated in the following 6 weeks with the product which was not used before. Control examinations by masked examiners took place at the beginning of the study as well as after 6 and 12 weeks, considering the following parameters: eyelid edge-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), BREAK UP time (BUT), Schimer-I test, measurement of the tear meniscus, investigation of the edges of eyelid and visual acuity. In addition. the subjective feelings of the patients were also determined by means of questionnaires. RESULTS: At the beginning of the study the two groups did not differ significantly with respect to the initial values. After the first treatment period the improvement of the examined parameters LIPCOF, BUT, Schirmer, visual acuity and inflammation of the lid margin in group A (eye spray) proved to be significantly superior in comparison to group B (eye gel). The results of the second treatment period after the crossover were similar and showed an analogous supremacy of the liposomal eye spray. The interviews with the patients revealed that the subjective evaluation concerning efficacy and compatibility of the eye spray turned out to be explicitly more favourable than that concerning the eye gel. 74.6 % of the patients favoured the application as an eye spray onto the closed eyelids over the eye gel into the conjunctival sac. 62.5 % of the patients rated the liposomal eye spray to be better all in all, 12.5 % rated that both preparations are equal and 25 % favoured the eye gel. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with phospholipids liposomes shows statistically significant clinical advantages and proves to be favourably and explicitly superior compared to the conventional standard treatment all in all.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Vinculin-lipid monolayer interactions: a model for focal contact formation.

Vinculin-lipid interactions were investigated in a modified Langmuir trough. Provided proper conditions, vinculin had the potential to penetrate into phospholipid monolayers and to form rigid, cohesive protein films even at phospholipid monolayer pressures similar to those assumed to exist in living cell membranes. The equilibrium constant for this reaction was estimated to be on the order of 2.5 X 10(-9) to 2.2 X 10(-7) mol/liter (for pressures between 25 and 35 mN/m). Penetration velocity depended on lipid composition: it was high with acidic phospholipids, intermediate with mixtures of acidic and neutral phospholipids, and low with neutral phospholipids. Electron microscopy of freeze-dried/metal-shadowed vinculin films, recovered from the phospholipid monolayer surface, revealed relatively tightly packed globular particles, 13 to 18 nm in diameter, on average significantly larger than the particles seen in glycerol-sprayed and rotary metal-shadowed preparations of soluble vinculin. The lipid monolayer penetration ability of vinculin appears to depend on its conformation. Acid treatment or low salt buffers induced reversible changes in vinculin conformation such that it abolished its lipid penetration potential. These conformational changes could be documented by both circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. These results indicate that in the focal contact area vinculin may act like a "glue" and link, in a reversible way, stress fibers of cultured cells via their anchor proteins to the extracellular matrix.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed2004

Susceptibility to subchronic unpredictable stress is related to individual reactivity to threat stimuli in mice.

As in many complex behavioral responses, inter-individual variability can be observed in the responses to a chronic mild stress. While some subjects exhibit more resilient behaviours, others appear more susceptible to stress. This study hypothesizes that this variability relies on the individual appraisal of the stressful event. To study this assumption, mice were first subjected to a conditioned task occurring in a circular arena. In this task, a mild air-puff (i.e. stressor) in a given quadrant of the arena was coupled with the presence or the absence of a light in the same quadrant. Half of mice were then submitted to a 15-day subchronic stress consisting in various environmental and social mild stressors randomly applied two or three times a day. At the end of this procedure, the occurrence of depressive-like behaviours in stressed mice was assessed using measures of the stress regime (i.e. physical state, choice test, grooming test). The physical state assessed the physical appearance of mice. The grooming test consisted in measuring the time spent in grooming after mice were sprayed upon with a viscous solution. The choice test consisted in measuring the time spent in an uncomfortable place (i.e. whose floor was covered with damp sawdust) versus a more comfortable one (i.e. with dry sawdust) to evaluate the reactivity to a negative stimulus previously encountered during the subchronic stress. Multiple regression analyses revealed a relationship between attention toward salient stressful stimuli in the conditioned task and susceptibility to the subchronic stress procedure. These results are discussed regarding their relevance for the understanding of aetiologies of depressive illnesses.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

Investigation of risk factors for clinical mastitis in British dairy herds with bulk milk somatic cell counts less than 150,000 cells/ml.

A sample of dairy farms in Great Britain with a monthly bulk milk somatic cell count of less than 150,000 cells/ml was enrolled into a 12-month prospective study. At the end of the study, a questionnaire on milking practice and other farm management practices was sent to the 482 farmers who had collected data on the occurrence of mastitis throughout the 12 months. The response rate was 93 per cent. The reported mean incidence of clinical mastitis was 36.9 cases per 100 cow-years. Factors associated with an increase in the incidence of clinical mastitis were cleaning out the straw yard less frequently than every six weeks, more than 5 per cent of cows leaking milk outside the parlour, checking the foremilk, wearing gloves during milking, an average annual milk yield of more than 7000 litres per cow, dipping or spraying teats before milking and keeping milk with a high somatic cell count out of the bulk tank. Factors associated with a decrease in the incidence of clinical mastitis were using a cloth to dry the teats after washing them as part of premilking preparation, using calving boxes for less than 40 per cent of calvings, and using both cubicles and straw yards to house dry cows, as opposed to other housing.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Exogenous nitric oxide and bubble formation in divers.

PURPOSE: Prevention of bubble formation is a central goal in standard decompression procedures. Previously we have shown that exercise 20-24 h prior to a dive reduces bubble formation and increases survival in rats exposed to a simulated dive. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) may be involved in this protection; blocking the production of NO increases bubble formation while giving rats a long-lasting NO donor 20 h and immediately prior to a dive reduces bubble formation. This study determined whether a short-lasting NO donor, nitroglycerine, reduced bubble formation after standard dives and decompression in man. METHODS: A total of 16 experienced divers were randomly assigned into two groups. One group performed two dives to 30 m of seawater (msw) for 30 min breathing air, and performed exercise at an intensity corresponding to 30% of maximal oxygen uptake during the bottom time. The second group performed two simulated dives to 18 msw for 80 min breathing air in a hyperbaric chamber, and remained sedentary during the bottom period. The first dive for each diver served as the control dive, whereas the divers received 0.4 mg of nitroglycerine by oral spray 30 min before the second dive. Following the dive, gas bubbles in the pulmonary artery were recorded using ultrasound. RESULTS: The open-water dive resulted in significantly more gas bubbles than the dry dive (0.87 +/- 1.3 vs 0.12 +/- 0.23 bubbles per square centimeter). Nitroglycerine reduced bubble formation significantly in both dives from 0.87 +/- 1.3 to 0.32 +/- 0.7 in the in-water dive and from 0.12 +/- 0.23 to 0.03 +/- 0.03 bubbles per square centimeter in the chamber dive. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that intake of a short-lasting NO donor reduces bubble formation following decompression after different dives.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Monolayer cultures for immunofluorescent staining from tumor primary explants.

Epithelial cells growing around primary explants of carcinomas in plastic ware are well-suited for modern incident light immunofluorescence microscopy. Epithelial outgrowths in growth culture medium are flushed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and absolute ethanol and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen-isopentane. The walls of the plastic containers bearing the dried monolayer outgrowths are cut out to form microscopic slides. Immunofluorescence tests are made on circular areas demarcated on the monolayers by using small metal cylinders to mask against a water-repellent plastic spray. More than 20 immunofluorescence tests can be performed on a culture 40 X 50 mm.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗
PubMed1998

A scanning electron microscopic study of the effect of Gluma CPS bonding system on dentinal smear layers produced by different bur types and rotational speeds and on the resin-dentin interface.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of conditioners on smear layers produced by different bur types and rotational speeds and to study the interaction of subsequently applied primer and sealer with these conditioned surfaces. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Smear layers were produced on human teeth immediately after extraction by burs rotating at approximately 6,000 rpm without water spray and 400,000 rpm with water spray. Gluma CPS etchant was applied for 15, 30, and 60 seconds, and a 20% phosphoric acid liquid (control) was applied for 30 seconds to smear layers. The specimens were prepared by critical point drying for scanning electron microscopic imaging within 24 hours. Additional specimens were prepared and treated with Gluma CPS primer and sealer, according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: There were only small variations in the smear layer thicknesses with different bur types or speeds of rotation. Gluma CPS conditioner, applied for the recommended times, did not completely remove the smear layer. An altered smear layer, composed of a reaction product, remained on the dentinal surface. A zone of demineralization did occur, however, beneath the partially removed smear layer in both the 15- and 30-second specimens but was only partly filled by primer and sealer. Smear layers were completely removed by the 20% phosphoric acid liquid to expose a delicate collagen network. CONCLUSION: An understanding of the appropriate treatment for smear layers is crucial to the development of improved dentin bonding systems.

Acid Etching, Dental↗
PubMed2004

Rapid and direct analysis of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in urine by capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization ion-trap mass spectrometry.

The present work was aimed at the development of a capillary electrophoretic analysis of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) using electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry to achieve the direct and unequivocal detection of this analyte in human urine. Optimized capillary electrophoretic conditions were: injection, 20 s at 0.5 psi (1 psi = 6894.76 Pa); buffer electrolyte, 12.5 mM ammonium formate adjusted to pH 8.35 with diethylamine; fused silicacapillary: 100 cm x 50 microm i.d.; separation voltage, 25 kV (forward polarity) + 0.5 psi; room temperature. Electrospray and mass spectrometric conditions were: drying gas and nebulizing gas (nitrogen) at flow rate 3 l/min, temperature 250 degrees C, nebulizer pressure: 10 psi; sheath liquid solution: methanol-water (90:10) containing 0.1% ammonia delivered at 3 microl/min; spray voltage 3.5 kV. Mass spetrometric detection was carried out in the selected ion monitoring mode of negative molecular ions at 103 m/z for GHB and 115 m/z for maleic acid (I.S.). Under these conditions the baseline separation of GHB and the I.S. was obtained. The selectivity of the analysis allowed for direct injection of unextracted urine, previously diluted 1:4 with water. Linearity was assessed in the GHB concentration range from 80 to 1280 microg/ml in urine. Analytical sensitivity (as limit of detection) resulted about 5 microg/ml in water and 20 microg/ml in original urine. Analytical precision was fairly acceptable with R.S.D. values lower than 5% for migration times and 18% for quantitation in real samples, in both intra day and day-to-day experiments. On these grounds, the developed method can be adopted for rapid identification of acute intoxications from GHB in humans.

Electrophoresis, Capillary↗
PubMed2003

Physical stability of micronized powders produced by spray-freezing into liquid (SFL) to enhance the dissolution of an insoluble drug.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the physical stability of micronized powders produced by the spray-freezing into liquid (SFL) particle engineeringtechnology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Danazol was formulated with polyvinyl alcohol (MW 22,000), poloxamer 407, and polyvinylpyrrolidone K-15 to form a cosolvent solution that was SFL processed. The dried micronized SFL powders were sealed in glass vials with desiccant and exposed to 25 degrees C/60% RH for 3 and 6 mo, 40 degrees C/75% RH for 1, 2, 3, and 6 mo, and conditions where the temperature was cycled between -5 and +40 degrees C (6 cycles/24 hr) with constant 75% RH for 1, 2, 3 and 4 wk. The samples were characterized by using Karl-Fisher titration, differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray diffraction, specific surface area, scanning electron microscopy, and dissolution testing. RESULTS: Micronized SFL powders consisting of porous aggregates with small-particle domains were characterized as having high surface areas and consisted of amorphous danazol embedded within a hydrophilic excipient matrix. Karl-Fischer titration revealed no moisture absorption over the duration of the stability studies. Differential scanning calorimetry studies demonstrated high degrees of molecular interactions between danazol, PVA, poloxamer, and PVP. Scanning electron microscopy studies confirmed these interactions, especially those between danazol and poloxamer. These interactions facilitated API dissolution in the aqueous media. Powder surface area remained constant during storage at the various stability conditions, and danazol recrystallization did not occur during the entirety of the stability studies. Micronized SFL powders containing danazol dissolved rapidly and completely within 5 min in aqueous media. No differences were observed in the enhanced dissolution profiles of danazol after exposure to the storage conditions investigated. Physically stable micronized powders produced by the SFL particle engineering technology were produced for the purpose of enhancing the dissolution of an insoluble drug. CONCLUSIONS: The potential of the SFL particle-engineering technology as a micronization technique for enhancing the dissolution of hydrophobic drugs was demonstrated in this study. The robustness of the micronized SFL powders to withstand stressed storage conditions was shown.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗
PubMed1993

Biotransformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by yeasts isolated from coastal sediments.

Yeast abundance in the sediments of 13 coastal sites in Massachusetts was quantified, and the potential of yeast isolates to biotransform polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was determined. Plate counts of yeasts varied between 10(2) to 10(7) CFU g (dry weight) of sediment-1. The most abundant genera isolated and identified included Candida, Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula, Torulopsis, and Trichosporon. More than 50% of the isolates from heavily contaminated sites transformed phenanthrene, as determined by spray-plate screening. The plate counts of phenanthrene-transforming yeasts correlated significantly to the sediment concentrations of phenanthrene. Transformation of [9-14C]phenanthrene and [12-14C]benz[a]anthracene by individual isolates varied greatly, ranging from 0.15 to 8.15 mumol of PAH g-1 in 120-h incubations. Of the isolated yeasts, Trichosporon penicillatum exhibited the greatest capacity for phenanthrene transformation. The ability to transform PAHs appears to be widespread among yeasts in coastal sediments.

Benz(a)Anthracenes↗
PubMed2003

Dry powder coating of pellets with micronized Eudragit RS for extended drug release.

PURPOSE: To develop a novel powder coating technology for extended-release pellets based on the acrylic polymer, Eudragit RS. METHODS: A mixture of micronized Eudragit RS plus talc and a liquid feed (plasticizer plus binder solution) were sprayed separately onto propranolol hydrochloride-loaded pellets in a fluidized bed coater. The coated pellets were heat-cured under different conditions (40 degrees C to 60 degrees C, 2 h to 24 h). The coalescence (film formation) of the polymer particles was studied via the determination of the glass transition and the minimum polymer-softening temperatures (MST). The coated pellets were characterized with respect to their morphologic, release, and stability properties. RESULTS: The optimum plasticizer type and concentration and process temperatures could be identified by the determination of the MST. High concentrations of plasticizer (40% based on the polymer) and a thermal treatment were necessary to achieve complete film formation and extended drug release. Curing the pellets resulted in release profiles, which did not change during storage for 3 years. The coated pellets had a smooth, continuous surface and a dense film structure after curing. CONCLUSIONS: This novel coating technique avoids the use of organic polymer solutions or latex dispersions, has short processing times, and results in stable extended-release profiles.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2002

Environmental exposure to residues after aerial spraying of endosulfan: residues in cow milk, fish, water, soil and cashew leaf in Kasargode, Kerala, India.

A detailed study has been conducted to evaluate the residues of endosulfan and its principal metabolite (alpha-endosulfan, beta-endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate) which may have accumulated in environmental samples due to regular aerial spray application of endosulfan on cashew leaf plantation for a period of 20 years. Three months after the last spray of endosulfan 350 g litre-1 EC at 300 ml acre-1 (equivalent to 105 g AI acre-1 = 42.5 g ha-1), a total of 93 samples of cow milk, fish, water, soil and dried cashew leaf were collected from a village in Kasargode District, Kerala, India, where endosulfan contamination was likely to have occurred. All the samples were analyzed for total residues of endosulfan (comprising alpha- and beta-endosulfan), endosulfan sulfate and also the potential hydrolysis product endosulfan diol, using gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The minimum detection limits of total endosulfan was 0.001 microgram g-1. Analysis of soil samples showed the deposition of total endosulfan residues in the range < 0.001-0.010 microgram g-1, and dried leaf samples showed residues of endosulfan in the range < 0.001-3.43 micrograms g-1 dry weight. In cow milk, fish and water, endosulfan residues could not be detected above the minimum detection limit. Endosulfan diol was not observed in any sample. The data obtained was confirmed by GC-MS-EI using selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1999

Analysis of tea shoot catechins: spectrophotometric quantitation and selective visualization on two-dimensional paper chromatograms using diazotized sulfanilamide.

A highly specific and sensitive diazotized sulfanilamide reagent is synthesized for determination of tea catechins. The reagent is employed both as spray reagent for selective visualization of tea catechins on two-dimensional paper chromatograms (sensitivity <1 microg of d-(+)-catechin) and for their spectrophotometric quantification in the crude extracts of tea polyphenols isolated from fresh or dried tea shoots. The formation of yellow color (lambda(max) = 425 nm) between catechins and diazotized sulfanilamide was investigated and made the basis of a simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method for estimation of the total and individual catechins in different tea cultivars. At 425 nm, the absorbance was linear (r = 0.999) over the (0.4-8.0 microg/mL) concentration range of d-(+)-catechin.

Catechin↗
PubMed1997

Long-term treatment of nocturnal enuresis with desmopressin intranasal spray.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment of nocturnal enuresis with desmopressin intranasal spray. Sixty-five children with primary nocturnal enuresis with a mean age of 11.3 years (range 7-17) underwent a 2-week observation period followed by dose titration period of 1 week. Those children completely dry with desmopressin entered a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase lasting 2 weeks, followed by a 6-month open treatment. The enuretic status of the children was documented for 2 weeks after the treatment was stopped. Eleven children had no change from baseline wetting with desmopressin. Thirty-two children receiving 20 mg and 9 children with 40 mg desmopressin were completely dry. Thirteen children were wet 1-2 nights per week, which was better than in the pretreatment period. During the 6-month open-treatment period, the effect of desmopressin was found to be stable. No side effects or adverse reactions were encountered. Two weeks after the treatment was stopped, 25 children were still completely dry (38% of the initial study population, 50% of the responders). The cure rate appeared to continue beyond 18 months after discontinuation of the treatment.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1993

In situ blotting: a novel method for direct transfer of native proteins from sectioned tissue to blotting membrane: procedure and some applications.

We describe a novel technique for direct transfer of native proteins from unfixed frozen tissues sections to an immobilizing matrix, e.g., nitrocellulose, polyvinyliden difluoride, or positively charged nylon membranes. Proteins are directly blotted onto the membrane, providing optimal accessibility for molecular detection but retaining the anatomic localization at the cellular level. Within 10 min a maximum protein transfer is achieved independent of the protein molecular weight. The total protein bound was 80% of the maximal binding capacity of the blotting membrane and independent of the section thickness. These results indicate that the proteins that bind to the membrane originate from the cut cell monolayer that has direct contact with the blotting membrane. This in situ blotting method provides direct protein mapping from a single cell layer of a tissue section. The procedure includes cryosectioning at 20 microns and collecting sections on a dry blotting membrane at -20 degrees C. For protein transfer the blotted sections are thawed and incubated for 10 min with Tris buffer. After incubation the sections are removed from the membrane by high-pressure spray. The blotted membranes can be subjected to several detection assays. In the present study the presence of several proteins was demonstrated in brain and thymus by immunochemical and enzyme histochemical procedures.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Evaluation of management of asthma African adults. National survey among general physicians from Ivory Coast].

A cross sectional study of asthma management of adults in Africa based on an anonymous questionnaire was conducted among 149 general practitioners working in the principal 18 cities in the Ivory Coast located in 6 geographical regions drawn for the purpose of this study. Data collected included: complementary tests prescribed at first diagnosis, typical prescriptions for acute asthma and for long-term control, knowledge of metered-dose inhalation techniques, regular measurement of FEV1 and prescription of sports activities. Forty-one percent of the physicians were unaware of the usefulness of expiration volume measurements and FEV1 measurements were prescribed by only 8%. The most widely prescribed tests were chest x-ray, blood cell counts, and ENT consultation. Lung function tests were requested by 12.75% of the physicians and skin allergy tests by 10.74%. Beta 2 agonists were prescribed for acute asthma, basically by inhalation or subcutaneous administration and were generally combined with corticosteroid therapy. Nebulization was rarely prescribed. Aberrant prescriptions (delayed release tablets, corticosteroid sprays, delayed release corticoidsteriods) were also given. For long term management, delay release beta 2-agonists were most widely used. Delayed release corticosteroid injections were prescribed by 18.5% of the physicians and metered dosers by 14%. Dry powders were rarely used. These findings emphasize the poor management of asthma in Africa. Directives taking into account the social and economic setting in the Ivory Coast should be initiated.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A survey of mouth pain and dryness in patients with advanced cancer.

An 11-item face-to-face survey was conducted in 99 consecutive patients with advanced cancer to determine the prevalence, intensity, reporting and treatment, presumed cause(s), and importance of mouth pain and dryness. Sixteen of the 99 patients (16%) reported experiencing mouth pain at a mean intensity corresponding to 5.5 +/- SD 2.21 on a 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain) numerical scale, and 88 (88%) patients reported dry mouth at a mean intensity corresponding to 6.2 +/- SD 2.21. Nine (56%) of the 16 patients with mouth pain and 39 (44%) of the 88 patients with mouth dryness reported these symptoms to their attending physician(s). Sixty-nine percent (27/39) of patients who reported having a dry mouth were advised by their physician(s) to pursue one or more treatments. The most common treatments recommended (and frequencies) were drinking water/taking sips of fluid (13), gargling with bicarbonate mouthwash (4), using an artificial saliva spray (4), and using an oral fungal suspension for thrush (4). The most common findings on oral examination included: possible thrush (53 patients), upper and lower dentures (33 patients), and multiple dental restorations (23 patients). The causes most frequently assumed to be responsible were ill-fitting dentures for mouth pain, and medications and possible oral fungal infections for mouth dryness. The mean values given for the importance of the symptoms of mouth pain and dryness relative to other symptoms or problems experienced by the patients were 4.4 +/- SD 1.84 and 3.6 +/- SD 1.67, respectively, on a Likert scale ranging from 1 (not important) to 7 (great importance). Mouth dryness was more frequently reported than mouth pain. The mean rating for the intensity of mouth pain was higher than that for mouth dryness, although both were of moderate importance to patients relative to other symptoms or problems experienced at the time. Patients tended to underreport mouth pain and dryness, and physicians tended to address such complaints inadequately.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Mica sandwich technique for preparing macromolecules for rotary shadowing.

The sandwich technique, in which a drop of sample solution is spread into a thin layer between two pieces of freshly cleaved mica, is a simple-to-use alternative to spraying for depositing macromolecules onto mica. Test specimens of collagen molecules and actin filaments were found to suffer less shear-induced damage, they were more uniformly distributed, and only very small sample volumes were needed. Either drying from a glycerol solution (40-70% v/v) or freeze-drying can be employed. Glycerol-drying is simpler, but freeze-drying may offer better preservation of supra-molecular assemblies.

Actins↗