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In this research, animal samples were subjected to skin rejuvenation using the floating electrode dielectric barrier discharge plasma device. Plasma processing was performed on the dorsal area of the rat's neck, covering a surface area of 18 cm2. Biometric assessments, encompassing measurements of skin surface evaporation, moisture content, melanin and erythema levels, as well as skin firmness and elasticity, were conducted before treatment initiation, immediately posttreatment, at the 4th and the 10th week during the follow‐up period. Physical examinations were employed to investigate and record the active species generated by plasma as well as the temperature of the skin surface. The skin ultrasound device was utilized to assess the density and thickness of both the epidermis and dermis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionotropic glutamate receptors are expressed in mouse and human spermatozoa. However, the possible role of these receptors has not been reported in the sperm acrosome reaction. This study was conducted to demonstrate the function of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors in the acrosome reaction of mouse spermatozoa. Epididymal spermatozoa from adult mice were release in a culture medium. The sperm suspension was then divided into six groups: (1) spermatozoa at 0 min, (2) spermatozoa at 60 min (control), (3) spermatozoa treated with NMDA glutamate receptor agonist (L‐glutamate, LG), (4) spermatozoa treated with α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA)/kainite glutamate receptor agonist (kainic acid), (5) spermatozoa treated with NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist (MK‐801)+LG and (6) spermatozoa treated with ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA, as a calcium chelator)+LG. The sperm samples were examined for the acrosome reaction and intracellular calcium concentration. After 60 min, LG but not kainic acid significantly increased both the acrosome reaction and intracellular calcium levels in the spermatozoa compared with the control group. Co‐administration of MK‐801 or EGTA+LG could significantly reverse the effect of LG in the acrosome reaction and the level of intracellular calcium as compared to the LG group. The possibility that LG induced the acrosome reaction and elevated inter‐cellular calcium concentration in mouse spermatozoa and that MK‐801 could reverse the effects of LG, may suggest the involvement of NMDA glutamate receptors, at least in the initiation of the acrosome reaction in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanorods (GNRs) can be used in various biomedical applications; however, very little is known about their in vivo tissue distribution by radiolabeling. Here, we have developed a rapid and simple method with high yield and without disturbing their optical properties for radiolabeling of gold rods with iodine-131 in order to track in vivo tissue uptake of GNRs after systemic administration by biodistribution analysis and γ-imaging. Following intravenous injection into rat, PEGylated GNRs have much longer blood circulation times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]