Sodium fluoride (Na18F) PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (NAFCIST): a framework for response assessment in bone tumors.

The current Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors for measuring tumor response in osteosarcoma may be sub-optimal, as even responsive bone tumors may show limited change in tumor diameters. This limits the use of traditional imaging assessment tools. Therefore, discerning osteosarcoma response to therapy on magnetic resonance imaging before surgery is often difficult, and it is typically evaluated after surgery by assessing the amount of necrosis in resected surgical specimens. To address these challenges, sodium fluoride (Na18F) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans can be utilized to better image bone response to therapy, as, fluoride is avidly taken up by bone. Na18F Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (NAFCIST) has been developed as a novel method to evaluate treatment response using Na18F PET/CT. Current evidence supporting NAFCIST comes from a pilot study that evaluated alpha particle radium-223 in patients with osteosarcoma. In this review, practical guidance for utilizing NAFCIST in the context of bone tumors is illustrated to aid future studies.

Assessment of the Remineralizing Efficacy of Grape Seed Extract vs Sodium Fluoride on Surface and Subsurface Enamel Lesions: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of grape seed extract (GSE) on remineralization of surface and subsurface enamel lesions compared to that of sodium fluoride (NaF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 intact bovine incisor crowns were separated from their roots and immersed in a demineralizing solution for 96 hours at 37°C to create artificial enamel lesions. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10): 6.5% GSE solution and 1000 ppm NaF solution. The specimens were subjected to six daily pH cycles for 8 days. The microhardness test was carried out at three different stages: baseline, after artificial caries formation, and after pH cycling. Raman spectroscopy was used to evaluate the depth of enamel remineralization. Surface morphology and elemental analysis were assessed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscope, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the mean values of enamel surface microhardness after pH cycles in the two groups compared to after artificial caries formation, but there was no significant difference between both groups. The B-type carbonate/phosphate (Ca/P) ratio at 10 and 40 µm depth revealed no significant difference between the two groups. Scanning electron microscope micrograph revealed occlusion of porosities and particle precipitation on the enamel surface of the two groups, while EDX results for the Ca/P ratio of the GSE and NaF groups were 1.59 and 1.60, respectively. CONCLUSION: Grape seed extract and NaF are equally effective in remineralizing surface and subsurface artificial enamel lesions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Grape seed extract can be considered a promising herbal material and a safe alternative to traditional NaF for the noninvasive treatment of enamel lesions.

In vivo assessment of the corrosion of nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.

This study was undertaken to assess in vivo the corrosion in two commercial nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwires removed from the oral cavity of patients using fluoride mouthwashes. Five volunteers took part in this study on the corrosion behavior of two brands of NiTi archwires (3M and AO (brand of archwire)) during use of two mouthwashes with neutral sodium fluoride 1.1%, one with acidulated fluoride 1.1%, and one with placebo and a control group. Each patient used one mouthwash in three different periods of time for 1 min a day for 30 days. The archwires were assessed with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The values obtained with atomic force microscopy (AFM) were submitted to normality test, two-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's test at a significance level of 5%. The AFM images showed a gradual qualitative increase in the roughness of both types of wire between the treatments: control < placebo < neutral fluoride < acidulated fluoride. The arithmetic average of the roughness and root mean square of the roughness were similar. As for 3M archwires, only the acidulated fluoride group differed statistically from the others. As for AO archwires, the control and placebo groups did not differ from each other, but differed from the other fluoride treatments. The group using neutral fluoride also differed significantly from the acidulated fluoride group. 3M archwires were not affected by daily oral challenges. AO archwires were not affected by daily oral challenges either; their association with fluoride, either neutral or acidulated, increased their roughness.

Assessment of Enamel Surface Microhardness with different Fluoride Varnishes-An In Vitro Study.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the microhardness of the enamel surface after fluoride varnish application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thymol of 0.1% in distilled water was used to store the collected healthy sixty teeth. The samples were divided into three groups randomly as per the different applica -tion of fluoride varnish. Group A: Fluor protector varnish (FIV) application, group B: Duraphat varnish application and group C: Bifluorid 10 varnish application. The present study followed the pH cycling protocol. Microhardness tester was used to test the microhardness of enamel surface and was expressed as micro-hardness measurements of Vickers hardness number (VHN) which was performed at baseline, on the 3rd day andon 7th day. RESULTS: At baseline, group A samples mean SMH value was 230.64 ± 12.32 which was slightly more than group B with 229.45 ± 10.22 and group C with 230.10 ± 11.45. There was no significant difference showed with the analysis of variance between the groups. On the 3rd day, there was a slight increase in the mean SMH in group A with 235.39 ± 6.44 and no significant difference between the groups was seen statistically. On the 7th day, the group A showed high SMH value of 262.20 ± 4.89 compared to other groups which didn't show a significantly high statistical difference. CONCLUSION: On conclusion, post-application of fluorprotector varnish showed higher enamel surface microhardness compared to Duraphat and Bifluorid 10 varnishes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In young children, fluoride varnishes are effectively used as a noninvasive, anti-caries agent in the treatment of initial caries. Therefore, in routine dental practice, the knowledge about different fluoride varnishes is of importance.

Topographic assessment of human enamel surface treated with different topical sodium fluoride agents: Scanning electron microscope consideration.

INTRODUCTION: Continuous balanced demineralization and remineralization are natural dynamic processes in enamel. If the balance is interrupted and demineralization process dominates, it may eventually lead to the development of carious lesions in enamel and dentine. Fluoride helps control decay by enhancing remineralization and altering the structure of the tooth, making the surface less soluble. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and twenty sound human permanent incisors randomly and equally distributed into six groups as follows: Group I - Control, II - Sodium fluoride solution, III - Sodium fluoride gel, IV - Sodium fluoride varnish, V - Clinpro Tooth Crème (3M ESPE), and VI-GC Tooth Mousse Plus or MI Paste Plus. The samples were kept in artificial saliva for 12 months, and the topical fluoride agents were applied to the respective sample groups as per the manufacturer instructions. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation of all the samples after 6 and 12 months was made. RESULTS: Morphological changes on the enamel surface after application of fluoride in SEM revealed the presence of globular precipitate in all treated samples. Amorphous, globular, and crystalline structures were seen on the enamel surface of the treated samples. Clear differences were observed between the treated and untreated samples. CONCLUSION: Globular structures consisting of amorphous CaF2precipitates, which acted as a fluoride reservoir, were observed on the enamel surface after action of different sodium fluoride agents. CPP-ACPF (Tooth Mousse) and Tricalcium phosphate with fluoride (Clinpro tooth crème) are excellent delivery vehicles available in a slow release amorphous form to localize fluoride at the tooth surface.

In vitro assessment of the acid resistance of demineralized enamel irradiated with Er, Cr:YSGG and Nd:YAG lasers.

PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to evaluate the acid resistance of demineralized enamel irradiated with high-intensity lasers. METHODS: Enamel fragments were demineralized and treated as follows (N=10): Group 1-no treatment; Group 2-five percent sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish; Group 3-Er, Cr:YSGG laser (8.92 J/cm2, 0.5 W, 20 Hz, 30 seconds); Group 4-NaF and Er, Cr:YSGG laser; Group 5-Er, Cr:YSGG laser and NaF; Group 6-Nd:YAG laser (84.9 J/cm2, 0.5 W, 10 Hz, 30 seconds); Group 7-NaF and Nd:YAG laser; and Group 8-Nd:YAG laser and NaF. The samples were subjected to pH-cycling and assessed by microhardness (analysis of variance; α equals five percent) at different depths from the outer enamel surface. Samples were observed using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the experimental groups in any of the subsurface layers evaluated. PLM observation revealed that the extent of demineralization of the irradiated samples was similar to the samples for Group 1 (control). SEM observation showed that irradiated surfaces were ablated and presented areas of melting. CONCLUSIONS: Laser irradiation, with or without applying five percent sodium fluoride, was not capable of increasing the enamel white spot lesions' acid resistance.

Early dentine remineralisation: morpho-mechanical assessment.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate some physical-mechanical and morphological changes of demineralised dentine at early stages of dentine remineralisation. METHODS: Extracted human third molars were sectioned to obtain dentine discs. After polishing the dentine surfaces, three groups were established: (1) untreated dentine - UD, (2) 37% phosphoric acid application for 15s (partially demineralised dentine - PDD) and (3) 10% phosphoric acid for 12h, at 25°C (totally demineralised dentine - TDD). Five different remineralizing fluids were used for 30min: chlorhexidine (CHX), artificial saliva (AS), phosphated solution (PS), ZnCl2 and ZnO solutions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging/nano-indentation, surface nano-roughness and fibrils diameter were determined. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive elemental analyses (EDX) and high resolution scanning electron microscopy analysis (HRSEM) were applied. RESULTS: PDD and TDD preserved some mineral contents. After demineralisation and immersion in all solutions, width of nanomechanical properties and fibrils was increased, and total nanoroughness was decreased. Peritubular and intertubular dentine were remineralised. CONCLUSION: Mineral exists in PA-demineralised dentine matrix and it is important since it may work as a constant site for further nucleation. The dentine surface remineralisation process may be stimulated as early as 30min in abiotic conditions, with a pH ranging from 7.0 to 7.5. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The existence of enzymes and remineralising factors within the dentine matrix may facilitate early dentine remineralisation under favourable conditions. This process should be stimulated by new reparative materials.

Assessment of antifungal activity of herbal and conventional toothpastes against clinical isolates of Candida albicans.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the anticandidal activity of nine toothpastes containing sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate and herbal extracts as an active ingredients against 45 oral and non oral Candida albicans (C. albicans) isolates. METHODS: The antifungal activity of these toothpaste formulations was determined using a standard agar well diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed using a statistical package, SPSS windows version 15, by applying mean values using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc least square differences (LSD) method. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: All toothpastes studied in our experiments were effective in inhibiting the growth of all C. albicans isolates. The highest anticandidal activity was obtained from toothpaste that containing both herbal extracts and sodium fluoride as active ingredients, while the lowest activity was obtained from toothpaste containing sodium monofluorophosphate as an active ingredient. Antifungal activity of Parodontax toothpaste showed a significant difference (P< 0.001) against C. albicans isolates compared to toothpastes containing sodium fluoride or herbal products. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, it has been demonstrated that toothpaste containing both herbal extracts and sodium fluoride as active ingredients are more effective in control of C. albicans, while toothpaste that containing monofluorophosphate as an active ingredient is less effective against C. albicans. Some herbal toothpaste formulations studied in our experiments, appear to be equally effective as the fluoride dental formulations and it can be used as an alternative to conventional formulations for individuals who have an interest in naturally-based products. Our results may provide invaluable information for dental professionals.

Effects of CPP-ACP with sodium fluoride on inhibition of bovine enamel demineralization: a quantitative assessment using micro-computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluated the effects of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and CPP-ACP with 900 ppm fluoride (CPP-ACPF) pastes on inhibition of enamel demineralization over time, using polychromatic micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). METHODS: Enamel blocks were prepared from bovine teeth. The specimens were each treated by one of the following agents, 30 min daily for 7 days: deionized water (negative control); CPP-ACP paste; CPP-ACPF paste; and NaF solutions (positive controls) (90, 900, and 9000 ppm F). After treatment, the specimens were immersed in a demineralizing solution (pH 4.5) for 24, 72, and 120 h. Mean mineral loss (ML) and lesion depth (LD) after each period were determined from mineral density profiles obtained using micro-CT. RESULTS: ML values in all the treatment groups were significantly smaller than those in the control group after 72 and 120 h of demineralization (p < 0.05, two-way ANOVA and t-test with Bonferroni correction). ML values in CPP-ACPF and NaF solution groups were significantly smaller compared to CPP-ACP group after 72 h (p < 0.05). LD values in the CPP-ACPF and all the NaF solutions groups were significantly smaller compared to the control group after 120 h (p < 0.05). The 9000 ppm F group showed the lowest nominal ML and LD values. CONCLUSIONS: The application of CPP-ACP or CPP-ACPF pastes to sound enamel surfaces resulted in inhibition of enamel demineralization, and a better effect was noted for the latter paste. Quantitative assessment using polychromatic micro-CT demonstrated to be useful for detecting mineral density changes.

Properties of a new mouthrinse for patients receiving radiation therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Patients receiving radiation therapy due to oral cancer develop complications such as hyposalivation, mucositis, oral infections, dental hypersensitivity and caries. Mouthrinses can alleviate some of these problems. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the in vitro antimicrobial properties and cytotoxicity of an experimental mouthrinse. METHODS: The mouthrinse contained 30% hexylene glycol (glycerine), 7% potassium nitrate and 0.025% sodium fluoride. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these ingredients and the mixture was determined for C. albicans, S. aureus and S. mutans over 24 hours at different concentrations. The MICs of two commercial mouthrinses, Corsodyl and Plax, were also determined using the same organisms. All mouthrinses were then tested to determine the percentage kill over 1, 2, and 3 minutes. RESULTS: The MICs for hexylene glycol were 10%, 30% and 10% for C. albicans, S. aureus and S. mutons respectively. Potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride had no antimicrobial effects. The MIC of Corsodyl was 0.016 mg/ml for all the test organisms. The MIC for Plax varied from 0.0002 mg/ml to 0.001 mg/ml. The kill rates for all mouthrinses were acceptable, with no statistical differences between them. The experimental mouthrinse was not toxic to human oesophageal SCC cells after 1 minute exposure. At the time of the experiment, the costs of a similar quantity of the experimental mouthrinse, Corsodyl and Plax were R5.24, R30.00 and R10.00 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental mouthrinse was cost-effective and proved to have an antimicrobial effect and could be used safely to alleviate oral infections, desensitize teeth, improve oral hygiene and control dental caries in cancer patients after radiation therapy.

Assessment of autofluorescence to detect the remineralization capabilities of sodium fluoride, monofluorophosphate and non-fluoride dentifrices. A single-blind cluster randomized trial.

The purpose of the study was to determine if longitudinal measurements of enamel autofluorescence (quantitative light-induced fluorescence, QLF) could detect differences in remineralization of early enamel caries on buccal surfaces of anterior teeth following supervised daily brushing with either sodium fluoride (NaF; 1,450 ppm F), sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP; 1,450 ppm F) dentifrices or a herbal, non-fluoride placebo dentifrice. The study was a pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled trial with schools as the unit of randomization. Twenty-one schools in Chengdu, China, comprised the clusters; 296 children with at least 1 visible white-spot lesion were examined using QLF at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Each of the 21 clusters was randomly assigned 1 of the 3 dentifrices, and the children brushed under supervision once per day for 2 min. The primary outcome measure was deltaQ (product of fluorescence loss and area) at a 5% threshold after 6 months of product use. A multi-level model was fitted to the data at the site level, taking into account the hierarchical structure with baseline deltaQ, age and sex as covariates. After 3 months there was a significant difference between the MFP group and placebo (p = 0.02) and after 6 months between the NaF group (p = 0.002), MFP group (p < 0.001) and the placebo. QLF methodology could detect, within 3- and 6-month periods of supervised brushing, a difference in remineralization between fluoride-containing and non-fluoride-containing dentifrices. Typically lesions in all 3 treatment groups demonstrated improvement. Groups receiving fluoride experienced a more rapid and more substantial remineralization than those in the placebo group.

Assessment of monocytic component in acute myelomonocytic and monocytic/monoblastic leukemias by a chemiluminescent assay.

INTRODUCTION: Classically, the monocytic component of acute myelomonocytic (FAB-M4) and acute monocytic/monoblastic (FAB-M5) leukemias is demonstrated by nonspecific esterase positivity in cytochemical stainings. We have previously demonstrated that non-specific esterases from normal monocytes can be determined by a chemiluminescent method. In the present study, we investigated whether this assay can also determine the monocytic component of FAB-M4 and FAB-M5 and distinguish these acute myeloid leukemia (AML) categories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone marrow samples were obtained from 66 patients with AML (M0, two cases; M1, 12 cases; M2, 13 cases; M3, 10 cases; M4, 11 cases; M5, 12 cases; M6, two cases; M7, four cases). Cells were incubated with a standard reaction mixture and chemiluminescence was measured for 10 min. Two parameters were assessed, the peak (PLE) and the integrated light emission (ILE). RESULTS: Both PLE and ILE were higher in FAB-M4 and FAB-M5 subtypes compared to other AML subtypes (P<0.001). In addition, the classification of AML cases into FAB-M4, FAB-M5 and nonmonocytic subtypes based on ILE analysis was concordant with alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) in 97% of cases (kappa coefficient 0.94, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that this chemiluminescent assay was able to determine the monocytic component of FAB-M4 and FAB-M5 cells, and the classification of AML subtypes based on chemiluminescent analysis strongly agreed with the cytochemical ANAE-staining. In conclusion, this chemiluminescent assay is a simple, fast and objective method, which may be useful as an alternative tool in the differential diagnosis of AML subtypes.

Human macrophage-mediated biodegradation of polyurethanes: assessment of candidate enzyme activities.

A predominant cell type associated with explanted failed devices is the monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM). However, there is still very little known about the specific cellular enzyme activities involved in interactions with these devices. The current study investigates the nature of candidate enzymes that may be involved in the degradation of polymeric biomaterials through the use of specific enzyme inhibitor agents. When MDM were incubated with a polycarbonate-based polyurethane (PCNU) synthesized with 14C-labeled hexane diisocyanate (HDI), polycarbonate diol and butanediol (BD) (referred to as 14C-HDI431), the radiolabel release (RR) measured was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, diethyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate (serine protease/esterase inhibitors), and sodium fluoride (NaF) (a carboxyl esterase (CXE) inhibitor). Sodium taurocholate (NaT) (a cholesterol esterase (CE) stimulator) had little effect on RR. The two candidate enzymes proposed were CE and CXE, based on the fact that both were identified by immunoblotting in the releasate of MDM following 48 h incubation with 14C-HDI431. The effect of the above reagents on the RR caused by purified CE and CXE, was measured and compared to changes in their activity with p-nitrophenylbutyrate (PNB). The effect of NaF on MDM was similar to that of purified CXE (inhibitory on both RR and lysate esterase activity), suggesting the involvement of CXE. However, NaT inhibited the PNB activity of purified CXE, but had no effect on MDM-mediated RR or PNB activity, implicating another esterase in the biomaterial degradation. Since NaT stimulated CE-mediated RR and PNB activity, it may also be involved in MDM-mediated biodegradation of PCNUs. The results of these studies point to both esterases as being candidates. However, the current methods were unable to determine the relative contribution of each one to the observed biodegradation.

G-proteins in rat blood vessels--II. Assessment of functional involvement.

1. In this study, we compared G-protein-mediated contractile responses of rat aorta and mesenteric artery rings induced by the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist, norepinephrine (NE) and by the direct G-protein activator, sodium fluoride, using various probes. 2. Activator of the stimulatory G-protein (Gs), cholera toxin (CT), attenuated the sensitivity and maximum contractile response of both aorta and mesenteric artery to NE and sodium fluoride. The effect of the toxin on the NE-sensitivity was greater in mesenteric artery. 3. Pretreatment of tissues with the inhibitor of Gi-protein, pertussis toxin (PT), reduced the sensitivity as well as maximum contraction of both the aorta and mesenteric artery to sodium fluoride, and of the mesenteric artery to NE. PT attenuated only the sensitivity but not the maximum contraction of the aorta to NE. The inhibitory effect of PT on sensitivity to NE or sodium fluoride was greater in the aorta. 4. NE and sodium fluoride-induced contractions were reduced by the sulfhydryl G-protein inhibitor, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) in both blood vessels. NEM produced greater inhibitory effect on the sensitivity of the aorta to both contractile agents. 5. These data demonstrate that CT, PT and NEM-sensitive G-proteins are involved in NE- and sodium fluoride-induced contractile responses of the rat aorta and mesenteric artery. The differential effects of the G-protein probes indicate that certain variations in G-protein-mediated contractile responses exist among the two blood vessels, suggesting that G-protein involvement in functional responses may vary with the type of blood vessel investigated.

Assessment of the role of G proteins and inositol phosphate production in the action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

The first step in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) action involves the binding of GnRH to a plasma membrane receptor. Calcium has been implicated as a second messenger molecule. More recently, it has been suggested that the products of phosphoinositide metabolism may act as a second messenger for GnRH-stimulated release of luteinizing hormone (LH). To be considered a second messenger, however, a candidate molecule must meet three requirements: in the second messenger's presence, (a) GnRH should stimulate increased production of inositol phosphate; (b) inositol phosphate production, stimulated by any means, should provoke LH release; and (c) inhibition of inositol phosphate production should block GnRH-stimulated release of LH.

Assessment of the influence of NaF or 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 on the proliferative bone effect of an avian osteopetrosis virus, MAV-2(O).

1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 (D3) and sodium fluoride (NaF) were given to chicken embryos and newly hatched chickens infected with a slow onset strain of avian osteopetrosis-inducing virus [MAV-2(O)] to determine if either agent influenced MAV-2(O)-induced proliferation of bone. Embryos were administered MAV-2(O) and treated with: 1) up to 240 micrograms NaF or up to 100 ng D3 as embryos; 2) up to 1.8 g NaF/kg or up to 9.5 micrograms D3/kg after hatching: or 3) 240 micrograms NaF as embryos and up to 1.8 g NaF/kg after hatching. Administration of MAV-2(O) alone resulted in expansion of the cortical diameter of bone. Coadministration of NaF or D3 with MAV-2(O) did not influence the change in cortical diameter seen with MAV-2(O) alone at 18 days of incubation, and 3 and 6 weeks after hatching. Increased osteoid relative to bone (hyperosteoidosis), with NaF and MAV-2(O) compared to MAV-2(O) alone, and NaF compared to untreated controls reflected delayed mineralization of osteoid, a known fluoride effect. We conclude that the administration of NaF or D3 did not influence the incidence, severity or time of onset of the MAV-2(O)-induced proliferative changes of bone.

Isolation of a pure suspension of proximal tubular cells from the rabbit kidney: morphological, biochemical and metabolic assessment.

A pure suspension of proximal tubule cells from the rabbit kidney was isolated by a new procedure, without proteolytic enzyme treatment. Electron microscopic examination revealed that these intact cells had long microvilli. All the marker enzymes located in the proximal tubule were higher in the isolated cells compared with renal cortex. Adenylate cyclase activity of the isolated cells was increased by PTH and NaF stimulations, while other hormones had minor effects. This isolated cell suspension showed a high respiration rate, a linear glucose production and a normal cell ATP level. All these results confirmed the isolation of viable proximal tubular cells with high metabolic capacities from the rabbit kidney.

An assessment of a reflectance meter system for measurement of plasma or blood glucose in the clinic or side ward.

The Reflomat System for rapid estimation of plasma or blood glucose concentration has been evaluated. The System gave a linear response throughout its analytical range and the recovery of glucose added to glucose-free plasma was 97-105%. Addition of sodium fluoride to plasma produced a 7-15% reduction in the estimated glucose concentration. Plasma glucose concentration estimated with the Reflomat agreed closely with results of a glucose oxidase and a hexokinase based method, and blood glucose concentration measured with the Reflomat agreed well with results of a glucose oxidase method.