bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified synthetic siRNA targeting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 inhibits hepatic fibrogenesis in rats
Authors: Hu Ying‐Bin , Li Ding‐Guo , Lu Han‐Ming 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground/aimsFibrosis occurs in most chronic liver injuries and results from changes in the balance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs) are known to regulate the ECM turnover. We investigate the effect of modified synthetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting TIMP‐2 in rat model of liver fibrosis.MethodsRat hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl4 for 8 weeks. After the 2‐week CCl4 injection period, rats in the three siRNA groups simultaneously received a different dosage (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg·kg−1, respectively) of modified synthetic siRNA targeting TIMP‐2 via the tail vein every 3 days for 6 weeks. The pathological changes in liver tissues were observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Portal vein pressure and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were measured. Expression of TIMP‐2, MMP‐2, MT1‐MMP, MMP‐13, hepatocyte growth factor, collagen type I, collagen type III and α‐SMA were evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction or Western blotting or gelatin zymography.ResultsModified synthetic siRNA targeting TIMP‐2 induced a dose‐dependent inhibition of the TIMP‐2 expression in the rat model of liver fibrosis with a similar trend in MMP‐2 and MT1‐MMP, but an increase in MMP‐13. Rats administered siRNA targeting TIMP‐2 showed promotion of ECM degradation, reduction in activated hepatic stellate cells and enhancement of hepatocyte regeneration. Furthermore, portal hypertension was also ameliorated after treatment with siRNA targeting TIMP‐2.ConclusionsKnock‐down of TIMP‐2 expression attenuates CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis and is a potential pharmacological target for gene therapy in liver fibrosis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell cycle dependent transcription, a determinant factor of heterogeneity in cationic lipid‐mediated transgene expression
Authors: Akita Hidetaka , Ito Rie , Kamiya Hiroyuki , Kogure Kentaro , Harashima Hideyoshi 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackgroundHeterogeneity of transgene expression, the presence or absence (below the limit of detection) of transgene expression on a cell‐by‐cell basis, is a severe disadvantage in the use of cationic lipid‐mediated gene vectors for gene therapy and experiments in molecular biology. Understandings of intracellular trafficking and the function (transgene expression) of vectors related to cellular physiology are essential in terms of clarifying the mechanism underlying the heterogeneity.MethodsTo distinguish the contribution of nuclear transfer efficiency and subsequent intranuclear transcription efficiency to the overall heterogeneity in transgene expression, a novel imaging system was established for the dual visualization of the nuclear transfer of pDNA and marker gene expression (lacZ) in single cells.ResultsThe expression of LacZ occurred in only approximately 30% of HeLa cells of the nuclear pDNA‐positive cells, indicating that intranuclear transcription efficiency contributed to the heterogeneity. Dual imaging against synchronized cells further revealed that the efficiency of nuclear delivery was comparable irrespective of cell cycle status, which is contrary to the generally accepted hypothesis that nuclear import of pDNA is enhanced during cell division when the nuclear membrane structure is perturbed. The most significant finding in the present study is that nuclear transcription efficiency in terms of the ratio of LacZ‐positive cells to nuclear pDNA‐positive cells drastically increased in the late S and G2/M phase.ConclusionsThis is the first demonstration to show that cell cycle dependent intranuclear transcription appears to be responsible for the overall heterogeneity of transgene expression. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corneal epithelium as a platform for secretion of transgene products after transfection with liposomal gene eyedrops
Authors: Toropainen Elisa , Hornof Margit , Kaarniranta Kai , Johansson Pinja , Urtti Arto 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe first objective of the study was to evaluate the transfection of corneal epithelium with non‐viral vectors to secrete transgene products into the tear fluid and aqueous humor. The second goal was to evaluate the differentiated corneal epithelial cell culture for transfection studies.MethodsThe human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell line was cultured to different stages of differentiation and transfected with complexes of pCMV‐SEAP2 with DOTAP/DOPE, DOTAP/DOPE/protamine sulfate (PS) and polyethylenimine (PEI). The complexes of DOTAP/DOPE with plasmid (CMV‐SEAP2 or pCMV‐Luc4) were subsequently applied topically to the rabbit eyes. Secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) was analyzed using chemiluminescent assay. Luciferase (Luc) was detected at the mRNA level in cornea and conjunctiva using a qRT‐PCR.ResultsThe transfection levels decreased with differentiation of HCE cells. PEI was effective in transfecting both the dividing and partly differentiated cells, but ineffective in differentiated cells. DOTAP/DOPE showed high activity in differentiated cell cultures, while added PS did not improve transfection. Significant SEAP expression was observed for three days after in vivo transfection in the tear fluid and aqueous humor. The luciferase mRNA was found both in the cornea and conjunctiva. The rates of SEAP secretion from both the basolateral side of differentiated HCE cells and cornea in vivo were within the same range.ConclusionsCorneal epithelium can be transfected topically to secrete gene products to the tear fluid and aqueous humor. The differentiated HCE model is a useful tool in the evaluation of non‐viral carriers for corneal transfection. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of PHA‐690509 labelled with 14C
Authors: Fontana E. , Giribone D. , Felicini C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPHA‐690509, a cyclin‐dependent kinase A inhibitor, has been labelled with carbon‐14. [14C]PHA‐690509 was obtained via a three‐step procedure in 10% overall radiochemical yield starting from [14C]thiourea 3. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uterine epithelial changes during placentation in the viviparous skink Eulamprus tympanum
Authors: Adams Susan M. , Lui Sylvia , Jones Susan M. , Thompson Michael B. , Murphy Christopher R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to describe the complete ontogeny of simple placentation and the development of both the yolk sac placentae and chorioallantoic placentae from nonreproductive through postparturition phases in the maternal uterine epithelium of the Australian skink, Eulamprus tympanum. We chose E. tympanum, a species with a simple, noninvasive placenta, and which we know, has little net nutrient uptake during gestation to develop hypotheses about placental function and to identify any difference between the oviparous and viviparous conditions. Placental differentiation into the chorioallantoic placenta and yolk sac placenta occurs from embryonic Stage 29; both placentae are simple structures without specialized features for materno/fetal connection. The uterine epithelial cells are not squamous as previously described by Claire Weekes, but are columnar, becoming increasingly attenuated because of the pressure of the impinging underlying capillaries as gestation progresses. When the females are nonreproductive, the luminal uterine surface is flat and the microvillous cells that contain electron‐dense vesicles partly obscure the ciliated cells. As vitellogenesis progresses, the microvillous cells are less hypertrophied than in nonreproductive females. After ovulation and fertilization, there is no regional differentiation of the uterine epithelium around the circumference of the egg. The first differentiation, associated with the chorioallantoic placentae and yolk sac placentae, occurs at embryonic Stage 29 and continues through to Stage 39. As gestation proceeds, the uterine chorioallantoic placenta forms ridges, the microvillous cells become less hypertrophied, ciliated cells are less abundant, the underlying blood vessels increase in size, and the gland openings at the uterine surface are more apparent. In contrast, the yolk sac placenta has no particular folding with cells having a random orientation and where the microvillous cells remain hypertrophied throughout gestation. However, the ciliated cells become less abundant as gestation proceeds, as also seen in the chorioallantoic placenta. Secretory vesicles are visible in the uterine lumen. All placental differentiation and cell detail is lost at Stage 40, and the uterine structure has returned to the nonreproductive condition within 2 weeks. Circulating progesterone concentrations begin to rise during late vitellogenesis, peak at embryonic Stages 28–30, and decline after Stage 35 in the later stages of gestation. The coincidence between the time of oviposition and placental differentiation demonstrates a similarity during gestation in the uterus between oviparous and simple placental viviparous squamates. J. Morphol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatic parenchymal changes after ethanol injection in rabbits: Correlation of conventional and dynamic MR imaging with pathologic findings
Authors: Fujita Takeshi , Ito Katsuyoshi , Choji Takashi , Honjo Kazumitsu , Arita Takeshi , Matsunaga Naofumi 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to clarify the changes of peripheral normal liver parenchyma before and after ethanol injection, with respect to MR appearances and pathologic findings and, in so doing, to clinically evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) therapy. The normal liver in 12 rabbits was injected with ethanol. We performed conventional and dynamic MR imaging and prepared the histopathologic specimens 1 week (group 1), 2 weeks (group 2), and 1 month (group 3) after ethanol injection. On conventional MR images, coagulative necrosis in the normal liver was demonstrated as an area of low signal intensity on T1‐weighted images and high signal intensity on T2‐weighted images in all groups. On dynamic MR images, contrast enhancement in the coagulative necrosis was not seen in groups 1 and 2; however, gradual and concentric enhancement was seen in the direction of the central necrotic portion from early‐to‐delayed phase image in group 3. Although signal intensity of the coagulative necrotic area in the normal liver after ethanol injection may mimic that of untreated or viable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when clinically encountered on conventional MR images, coagulative necrosis of the normal liver parenchyma will be discriminated from viable HCC by using dynamic MR imaging.
Nephrotoxicity of high‐dose gadolinium compared with iodinated contrast
Authors: Prince Martin R. , Arnoldus Christina , Frisoli Joan K. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTo determine if high‐dose gadolinium chelates are less nephrotoxic than iodinated contrast. Records of 342 patients who had received high‐dose gadolinium (.2 to .4 mmol/kg) for magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed to identify patients who had also received iodinated contrast for radiographic examinations. Their clinical course and laboratory data were reviewed to identify changes in serum creatinine attributable to the contrast agents. In 64 patients, serum creatinine data were available pre and post both gadolinium and iodinated contrast. The mean change in serum creatinine after gadolinium in these 64 patients was −.07 mg/dL (−6 μmol/L). By comparison, the mean change in serum creatinine in the same patients after iodinated contrast was .35 mg/dL (+31 μmol/L) from 2.0 ± 1.4 to 2.3 ± 1.8 (P=.002). Eleven of the 64 patients had iodinated contrast‐induced renal failure (.5 mg/dL or greater rise in serum creatinine); none had gadolinium contrast‐induced renal failure despite the high gadolinium dose and high prevalence of underlying renal insufficiency. High‐dose gadolinium chelates are significantly less nephrotoxic than iodinated contrast.
The investigation of single bacteria by means of fluorescence staining and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Krause M. , Radt B. , Rösch P. , Popp J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe successful combination of Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence labelling of single bacterial cells is presented. The results show that the selected dyes (DAPI, SYTO 9, CFDA, SYTOX blue and PI) in most cases do not influence the Raman spectrum of a labelled bacterium significantly compared to an unstained bacterium spectrum. The labelling of bacteria offers the possibility of live/dead or biotic/abiotic differentiation prior to a Raman identification step. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation in forage quality and chemical composition among Italian accessions of Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) Stirt.
Authors: Pecetti Luciano , Tava Aldo , Pagnotta Mario A , Russi Luigi 
Published: March 2007

AbstractNative Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) Stirt. accessions from central and southern Italy were evaluated for chemical composition to assess their nutritional value as forages. The germplasm was evaluated subjectively ex situ for intensity of ‘oil’ smell and analysed for fibre fraction, crude protein and water‐soluble carbohydrate contents as well as furanocoumarin (psoralen and angelicin) concentration. Total phenolics and their antioxidant activity were also evaluated. The quality parameters indicated this species as a good forage source, showing nutritive values similar to those of other wild legume species. Psoralen and angelicin contents ranged from 2.8 to 5.4 and from 2.3 to 4.7 mg g−1 dry weight respectively, while total phenolic concentrations were between 11.2 and 13.5 mg g−1 dry weight. Correlations among forage quality parameters, chemical components and climatic features at sites of origin were also assessed. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of supplementation of a white clover or perennial ryegrass diet with grape seed extract on indole and skatole metabolism and the sensory characteristics of lamb
Authors: Schreurs Nicola M , Tavendale Michael H , Lane Geoffrey A , Barry Tom N , McNabb Warren C , Cummings Tracey , Fraser Karl , López‐Villalobos Nicolas 
Published: March 2007

AbstractCondensed tannin in the form of a grape seed extract (GSE) was dosed to weaned wether lambs fed white clover (WC) or perennial ryegrass (PRG) over a 9‐week period to determine whether the ‘pastoral’ flavour and odour of meat could be altered. The concentrations of the pastoral flavour compounds indole and skatole were determined in the rumen fluid, blood plasma and intermuscular fat. The odour and flavour of fat and meat from the slaughtered lambs was assessed by a trained panel. The rumen fluid and blood plasma concentrations of indole and skatole were higher in those lambs fed WC compared to PRG (P < 0.05) and the overall meat flavour intensity was greater when feeding WC (P < 0.01). The observed concentration of indole and skatole in the fat between WC and PRG feeding treatments was not statistically different. Power analysis indicated that increasing the number of lambs per treatment group from 20 to 65 would result in a higher fat skatole concentration (P < 0.05) being detected in lambs fed WC compared to PRG. Dosing with GSE gave a small reduction in skatole concentration in the rumen fluid and reduced plasma concentration of indole and skatole (P < 0.001). Odour and flavour scores of the fat and meat samples were not particularly high however, dosing with GSE lowered the overall and sweet odour and the sheepy, camphor, faecal and barnyard flavour (P < 0.05). Although the plasma concentration of indole and skatole suggests that GSE reduced indole and skatole formation, the intermittent supply of the GSE to the rumen environment was not sufficient to reduce their concentration in the fat. Hence, the small difference in the scores for pastoral odour and flavour attributes associated with GSE treatment may arise from other unknown factors. From a primary investigation, there was no difference in the concentration of indole and skatole in fat samples collected from carcasses before and after chilling. Further investigations into meat pastoral flavour are warranted through feeding condensed tannin‐containing forages. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic follow‐up infant formulas on large intestine morphology and bone mineralisation in rats
Authors: Pérez‐Conesa Darío , López Ginés , Ros Gaspar 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe effects of powder functional follow‐up infant formulas on the morphology of the large intestine and the bone mineral content in rats were investigated. Infant formulas were supplemented with probiotics (Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum), prebiotics (galacto‐oligosaccharides (4′‐GOS) at 12, 50 and 100 g kg−1) or synbiotics (bifidobacteria and 4′‐GOS) and administered to seven groups of weanling rats over 30 days. After sacrificing the animals, the caecum and colon were removed and the luminal content pH and the crypt depth and cell density within the epithelial layer were measured. Results showed that groups fed synbiotic diets had significantly (P < 0.05) lower caecal and colonic content pH values compared with the control group. However, no test diet significantly modified the crypt depth or cell density in the caecum. In contrast, all seven test diets significantly increased (P < 0.05) the crypt depth in both the proximal and distal portions of the colon. There was a high correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.870) between caecal and colonic content pH values. On the other hand, colonic content pH was negatively correlated with crypt depth in both the proximal and distal colon and with cell density in the distal colon. The authors previously reported increases in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus absorption using the same infant formulas. In the present study it was concluded that the increase in calcium absorption took place in the distal colon whereas magnesium absorption increased in both the proximal and distal colon, and their contents (especially that of calcium) increased in both the femur and tibia. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of modified starch concentration and freezing and thawing rates on properties of mashed potatoes (cv. Kennebec)
Authors: Álvarez M Dolores , Canet Wenceslao , Fernández Cristina 
Published: March 2007

AbstractEffects of modified cornstarch concentration, freezing rate and thawing mode on quality properties of mashed potatoes were examined. The product was tested by oscillatory rheometry, instrumental texture profile analysis (ITPA) and cone penetration, colour, dry matter (DM) and sensory analyses. Oscillatory parameters showed that increasing starch concentration resulted in a softer product in which gel strength decreased in direct proportion to concentration in quick‐frozen and microwave‐thawed product. Quick freezing made for firmer mashed potatoes, whereas oscillatory, ITPA and penetration parameters were lower in the samples thawed at 4 °C. Starch concentration and instrumental consistency and firmness were directly proportional to one another. Adding starch at the highest concentration, quick freezing and slow thawing produced a lighter‐coloured mashed potato, although the loss of colour in the processed product was not detected by panellists in the microwave‐thawed samples. DM was higher in the quick‐frozen samples and lower in air‐thawed samples. The factors studied affected different sensory texture parameters but had hardly any effect on attributes perceived during final and residual phases of mastication. Only starch concentration had a significant effect on sensory acceptability, but interactions between factors showed that starch addition followed by quick freezing was judged undesirable by the panellists due to excessive softening. Oscillatory parameters correlated well with sensory texture attributes and proved quite precise. They would therefore appear to be the best test to monitor properties of frozen mashed potatoes. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Unique Orientation Textures Induced by Confined Crystal Growth of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) in Oriented Blends with Polyamide 6
Authors: Kaito Akira , Iwakura Yuko , Li Yongjin , Nakayama Kazuo , Shimizu Hiroshi 
Published: March 2007

AbstractUnique orientation textures have been induced by the confined crystal growth of PVDF in drawn films of PVDF/PA6 blends. Oriented films of PVDF/PA6 blends were prepared by uniaxially drawing melt‐mixed blends. The drawn films with fixed lengths were heat‐treated at 180 °C for 3 minutes to melt the PVDF component, followed by non‐isothermal crystallization of PVDF at a cooling rate of 0.5 °C · min−1. The crystal orientation was studied by WAXD. When PVDF was melted and recrystallized in the drawn films of the PVDF/PA6 = 50/50 blend at a slow cooling rate, the crystal b‐axis of the α‐crystalline form of PVDF was oriented in the drawing direction, forming orthogonal orientation textures. SEM showed that stretched domains of PVDF with diameters of 0.2–0.5 µm were dispersed in the PA6 phase in the drawn films of the PVDF/PA6 = 50/50 blend. Spatial confinement of the crystal growth resulted in the alignment of the crystal b‐axis along the long axis of the domains, because PVDF is crystallized in thin cylindrical domains. The orientation behavior is different from the oriented crystallization of PVDF/PA11 (Y. Li, A. Kaito, Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2003, 24, 255), in which transcrystallization from the interface causes the a‐axis orientation to be in the drawing direction. It is thought that the domain size influenced the mechanism of oriented crystallization and the resultant crystal orientation.magnified image
Protonation of Sulfonated Poly(4,4′‐diphenylether‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole) Membranes
Authors: Roeder Jerusa , Gomes Dominique , Ponce Mariela L. , Abetz Volker , Nunes Suzana P. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis work describes the effect of sulfuric acid protonation on the properties of SPOD‐DPE membranes using FT‐IR and impedance spectroscopic analyses. The IR spectra showed the protonation of nitrogen atoms from oxadiazole rings, with a broad band complex in the region 3 000–2 100 cm−1 with two centered peaks at 2 590 and 2 440 cm−1. The SO characteristic absorption bands in SPOD‐DPE and sulfuric acid were specially studied in the region of 1 800–900 cm−1. The band shifts are associated to the interaction between acid groups and oxadiazole ring nitrogen atoms. The IR spectra evidenced the presence of three absorption species (HSO, SO and free H2SO4) depending on the sulfuric acid concentration. For the protonated SPOD‐DPE membranes, a proton conductivity around 10 mS · cm−1 was reached at 50 °C.magnified image
Composites of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Styrene‐Isoprene Copolymer Latices
Authors: Ha Mai L. P. , Grady Brian P. , Lolli Giulio , Resasco Daniel E. , Ford Warren T. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractComposites of a styrene‐isoprene copolymer and SWNTs were prepared by emulsion and miniemulsion polymerization in the presence of SWNTs, as well as by mixing dispersed SWNTs with a styrene‐isoprene copolymer latex after polymerization. For the former, the surfactant was displaced from SWNTs to monomer droplets leading to SWNT aggregation. Mixing dispersed SWNTs with latex after reaction was able to preserve SWNT dispersion and gave a polymer composite with an electrical percolation threshold of 0.2%. Dynamic mechanical measurements of film samples in tension showed that the composites had a measurable modulus above Tg, indicating entanglement formation. The modulus above Tg was strongly temperature dependent, confirming shear measurements that have shown entanglements in SWNT/polymer composites both polymer and nanotubes.magnified image