bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Activates KiSS-1 Gene Expression in the Brain of the Prepubertal Female Rat
Authors: Hiney Jill K. , Srivastava Vinod K. , Pine Michelle D. , Dees W. Les 
Published: August 2008

KiSS-1 gene expression has been shown to increase as puberty approaches, and its peptide products, kisspeptins, are involved in LHRH secretion at puberty. Factors contributing to increased KiSS-1 expression, however, have not been identified; thus, the purpose of this study was to assess whether IGF-I could induce transcription of this gene in prepubertal female rats. IGF-I or saline was centrally administered to immature rats that were killed 2, 4, and 6 h later. Real-time PCR revealed that IGF-I induced (P &lt; 0.01) KiSS-1 gene expression at 6 h in a tissue fragment that contained both the anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) and arcuate (ARC) nuclei. Subsequently, the AVPV and ARC nuclei were separated to assess whether region-specific effects could be identified. IGF-I stimulated (P &lt; 0.01) KiSS-1 gene expression in the AVPV nucleus at 6 h after injection, with no change observed in the ARC nucleus. Serum estradiol (E2) levels were not altered at any time point after IGF-I, demonstrating that the increased KiSS-1 expression observed was not caused by an elevation in E2. Additionally, the IGF-I action to induce KiSS-1 gene expression in the AVPV nucleus was further demonstrated when the IGF-I was administered systemically. E2 appears to play an important permissive role because 1-d ovariectomized rats responded to IGF-I with increased (P &lt; 0.01) KiSS-1 expression, whereas, 20 d after ovariectomy, when the E2 levels had fallen below assay sensitivity, the IGF-I was unable to induce KiSS-1 expression. The IGF-I effect was further demonstrated by showing that the IGF-I receptor antagonist, JB-1, blocked the IGF-I-induced increase in KiSS-1 expression. Collectively, these data indicate that IGF-I is an activator of the KiSS-1 gene in the prepubertal female rat.
IGF-1 is an early activator of the KiSS-1 gene at the time of female puberty.
Enhanced solubility and dissolution rate of lamotrigine by inclusion complexation and solid dispersion technique
Authors: Shinde Vikram R , Shelake Makarand R , Shetty Sandeep S , Chavan-Patil Amit B , Pore Yogesh V , Late Sameer G 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The solid-state properties and dissolution behaviour of lamotrigine in its inclusion complex with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and solid dispersions with polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) and polyethyl-eneglycol 6000 were investigated. The phase solubility profile of lamotrigine with βCD was classified as AL-type, indicating formation of a 1:1 stoichiometry inclusion complex, with a stability constant of 369.96 ± 2.26 M−1. Solvent evaporation and kneading methods were used to prepare solid dispersions and inclusion complexes, respectively. The interaction of lamotrigine with these hydrophilic carriers was evaluated by powder X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. These studies revealed that the drug was no longer present in crystalline state but was converted to an amorphous form. Among the binary systems tested, PVP K30 (1:5) showed greatest enhancement of the solubility and dissolution of lamotrigine.
Compatibility of chewing gum excipients with the amino acid l-cysteine and stability of the active substance in directly compressed chewing gum formulation
Authors: Kartal Alma , Björkqvist Mikko , Lehto Vesa-Pekka , Juppo Anne Mari , Marvola Martti , Sivén Mia 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Using l-cysteine chewing gum to eliminate carcinogenic acetaldehyde in the mouth during smoking has recently been introduced. Besides its efficacy, optimal properties of the gum include stability of the formulation. However, only a limited number of studies exist on the compatibility of chewing gum excipients and stability of gum formulations. In this study we used the solid-state stability method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and isothermal microcalorimetry to investigate the interactions between l-cysteine (as a free base or as a salt) and excipients commonly used in gum. These excipients include xylitol, sorbitol, magnesium stearate, Pharmagum S, Every T Toco and Smily 2 Toco. The influence of temperature and relative humidity during a three-month storage period on gum formulation was also studied. Cysteine alone was stable at 25°C/60% RH and 45°C/75% RH whether stored in open or closed glass ambers. As a component of binary mixtures, cysteine base remained stable at lower temperature and humidity but the salt form was incompatible with all the studied excipients. The results obtained with the different methods corresponded with each other. At high temperature and humidity, excipient incompatibility with both forms of cysteine was obvious. Such sensitivity to heat and humidity during storage was also seen in studies on gum formulations. It was also found that cysteine is sensitive to high pressure and increase in temperature induced by compression. The results suggest that the final product should be well protected from temperature and humidity and, for example, cooling process before compression should be considered.
Pharmacokinetics of tramadol in rat plasma and cerebrospinal fluid after intranasal administration
Authors: Zhao Yan , Tao Tao , Wu Jinjin , Pi Jiaxin , He Ning , Chai Xuyu , Chen Qinghua 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
We have evaluated the potential of intranasal administration of tramadol. The pharmacokinetic behaviour of tramadol in rat plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after intranasal administration was determined and compared with those after intravenous and oral administration. Serial plasma and CSF samples were collected for 6 h, and the drug concentrations were assayed by an HPLC-fluorescence method. The plasma absolute bioavailability values of tramadol after intranasal and oral administration were 73.8% and 32.4%, respectively, in conscious rats. The Cmax (maximum concentration) value after the intranasal dose was lower (P &lt; 0.05), and the MRT (mean retention time) was longer (P &lt; 0.05) than the values obtained after intravenous administration. A pharmacokinetic study of tramadol in plasma and CSF was undertaken in anaesthetized rats. The absolute bioavailability values in plasma and CSF after intranasal administration were 66.7% and 87.3%, respectively. The Cmax values in plasma and CSF after a nasal dose were lower (P &lt; 0.05) than after the intravenous dose. The values of Cmax and AUC0→6h in plasma and CSF after intranasal administration were higher than after the oral dose. The mean drug-targeting efficiency after intranasal administration was significantly greater than after the oral dose. In conclusion, intranasal administration of tramadol appeared to be a promising alternative to the traditional administration modes for this drug.
Protective effect of caffeine on streptozotocin-induced beta-cell damage in rats
Authors: Kagami Keisuke , Morita Hajime , Onda Kenji , Hirano Toshihiko , Oka Kitaro 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Many epidemiological studies have shown that coffee consumption reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), although the reasons as to why remain unclear. In this study we investigated the effect of caffeine on pancreatic beta-cell damage in rats using the diabetogenic agent, streptozotocin (STZ). Wistar rats were given intraperitoneal injections of saline or caffeine (10, 50 or 100 mgkg−1). After 15 min, the rats were injected with a citrate buffer or 65 mgkg−1 STZ. Three days after injection, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on the rats. Furthermore, three days after the OGTT, the pancreas was isolated and homogenized, followed by determination of insulin content. STZ treatment significantly increased the plasma glucose level compared with the control at all times during the OGTT, which was significantly diminished by caffeine pretreatment at all doses. STZ treatment significantly decreased the plasma insulin level, however, which was not recovered by caffeine pretreatment. Pancreatic insulin content was significantly reduced by STZ treatment compared with the control, which was significantly recovered by caffeine pretreatment at a dose of 100 mgkg−1 (P &lt; 0.01). We showed that caffeine protects pancreatic beta-cells against STZ toxicity. Further investigation will be required to understand the protective effect of caffeine against beta-cell destruction in T2D.
Penehyclidine prevents nuclear factor-kB activation in acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Li Juan , Li Jun , Zhang Lei , Huang Yan , Pan Jian-hui , Chen Kun-zhou 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Penehyclidine (PHCD) has been proposed to reduce lung and lethal toxicity. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the protective effect of PHCD against acute lung injury (ALI) in rats. Tail-vein injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 5 mgkg−1) was used to induce ALI in rats. Secondary increases in total protein, lactate dehydrogenase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and myeloperoxidase in lung tissue were used to evaluate the effects of PHCD on ALI in rats. Activated DNA binding activity and expression of nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) in lung tissue were measured using electrophoretic mobility shift assays assay and immunohistological staining. Levels and mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Pretreatment with PHCD (0.03 mgkg−1, 0.1 mgkg−1 and 0.3 mgkg−1 i.p.) significantly attenuated the LPS-induced changes in lung injury parameters and inhibited the activation and expression of NF-kB in lung tissue. Furthermore, PHCD also substantially reduced the LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expression and production in lung tissue and suppressed neutrophil recruitment. The results suggest that PHCD attenuates LPS-induced acute lung responses through inhibition of NF-kB activation and LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1β production and resulting neutrophil recruitment associated with acute lung inflammation and injury. PHCD may be a useful adjuvant to treatment strategies targeting clinical situations of acute inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory action of Cudrania tricuspidata on spleen cell and T lymphocyte proliferation
Authors: Chang Sung Ho , Jung Eun Jung , Lim Dong Gyun , Oyungerel Baatartsogt , Lim Kwan Il , Her Erk , Choi Wahn Soo , Jun Myung Ha , Choi Kang Duk , Han Duck Jong , Kim Song Cheol 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
This study examined whether an extract of Cudrania tricuspidata shows anti-proliferative effects in anti-CD3/CD28-mediated spleen and CD4+CD25− T cells and decreases the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in anti-CD3/CD28-mediated CD4+CD25− T cells. The proliferation of anti-CD3/CD28-mediated spleen cells and CD4+CD25− T cells was effectively suppressed by C. tricuspidata. This extract, however, did not show cytotoxicity in spleen cells under conditions where the antigen was not stimulated using CCK-8 analysis. C. tricuspidata also decreased the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ by selective inhibition of this extract on proliferating cells in anti-CD3/CD28-mediated CD4+CD25− T cells. These results suggest that C. tricuspidata may be useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation through the inhibitory action of T cells in inflammation.
Frequent inadequate supply of micronutrients in fast food induces oxidative stress and inflammation in testicular tissues of weanling rats
Authors: El-Seweidy Mohamed M , Hashem Reem M , Abo-El-matty Dina M , Mohamed Rasha H 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Fast food is high in energy density and low in essential micronutrient density, especially zinc (Zn), of which antioxidant processes are dependent. We have tested the hypothesis that frequent fast food consumption could induce oxidative damage associated with inflammation in weanling male rats in relevance to Zn deprivation, which could adversely affect testis function. Zn and iron (in plasma and testicular tissue), plasma antioxidant vitamins (A, E, and C), as well as testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation indexes (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility (LOS)), and inflammatory markers (plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and testicular tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) were determined. Serum testosterone and histological examination of the testis were performed also. We found a severe decrease in antioxidant vitamins and Zn, with concomitant iron accumulation. Zinc deficiency correlated positively with SOD, GSH, anti-oxidant vitamins and testosterone, and negatively with TBARS, LOS, CRP and TNF-α, demonstrating a state of oxidative stress and inflammation. We concluded that micronutrient deficiency, especially Zn, enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation in testicular tissue leading to under-development of testis and decreased testosterone levels.
Genotyping β-Globin Gene Mutations on Copolymer-Coated Glass Slides with the Ligation Detection Reaction
Authors: Battistella Stefania , Damin Francesco , Chiari Marcella , Delgrosso Kathleen , Surrey Saul , Fortina Paolo , Ferrari Maurizio , Cremonesi Laura 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground: Methods are needed to analyze small amounts of samples for variation in disease-causing genes. One means is to couple the sensitivity and multiplexing capability of the ligation detection reaction (LDR) with the use of simple glass slides specifically functionalized with a novel polymer coating to enhance sensitivity.Methods: We developed an array-based genotyping assay based on glass slides coated with copolymer (N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N,N-acryloyloxysuccinimide, and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate). The assay consists of an LDR with genomic DNA followed by a universal PCR (U-PCR) of genomic DNA–templated LDR product. The LDR occurs in the presence of 3 primers for each sequence variant under investigation: 2 distinguishing primers (allele specific and perfectly complementary to wild-type and mutant alleles) and 1 common locus-specific primer. The 2 allele-specific primers have different capture sequences for binding different complementary probes on a tag array. The LDR product templated from genomic DNA is made fluorescent during the U-PCR via incorporation of a Cy5-labeled universal primer into all LDR products; detection occurs on the coated glass slides.Results: The assay was designed to detect 7 prevalent mutations in the β-globin gene (HBB, hemoglobin, beta) in a multiplex format, and signals for the different alleles are detected by their fluorescence. The assay was applied to 40 genomic DNA samples from both control individuals and patients with known β-thalassemia mutations. Results show good correspondence between the patients’ genotypes as assessed by DNA sequence analysis and those generated from the LDR assays.Conclusions: The developed technology allows accurate identification of sequence variants in a simple, cost-effective way and offers good flexibility for scaling to other applications with different numbers of single-nucleotide polymorphisms or mutations to be detected.
When Muddy Flowers Bloom: The Shakespeare Project at Racine Correctional Institution
Authors: Shailor Jonathan 
Published: August 2008

About one hundred inmates are seated in the prison gym, waiting for the performance of king lear to begin. Then Jamal, as Edmund, steps out from behind the makeshift set and paces across the stage, his sharply trimmed goatee pointing outward like an accusing finger, his burning gaze fixed on the audience. He raps: “Secret fears are brought to life on stage. / My life is in a rage, and to write my life / One page is not enough. / But if I had one mike I might be able to / Escape this cage … bring Shakespeare to life through my high beams.” Appropriating Cordelia's words, he declares that “I am not the first who have incurred the worst / But I have concurred with those who oppose my life's worth. …” He continues:They label me violent because I stay bottled up and silentAnd although my life is like a raging seaMy heart sings … no life is quiet.Stop complaining, you say, but I can't becauseI'm trapped on the stage of life's lies.And I ask youWhy brand they us with base? With baseness?Bastardy? Base? Base?
“The Indies”: Baudelaire's Colonial World
Authors: Lionnet Françoise 
Published: August 2008

[Les critiques] ont en commun avec les tyrans de plier le monde à leurs désirs.[Critics] and tyrants have this in common: they bend the world to their desires.—Yasmina Reza, L'aube le soir ou la nuit (9)If there is anything that radically distinguishes the imagination of anti-imperialism, it is the primacy of the geographical element. Imperialism after all is an act of geographical violence through which virtually every space in the world is explored, charted, and finally brought under control.—Edward Said, Culture and Imperialism (225)Denis Diderot's Encyclopédie is explicit about “Les Indes” ‘The Indies.‘ in explaining why distant landmasses were charted under the incorrect rubrics “East Indies” and “West Indies,” the Encyclopédie states in 1765 that these designations refer to countries situated on either side of the Cape of Good Hope, the southern extremity of Africa:[L]es modernes moins excusable que les anciens ont nommé Indes, des pays si différens par leur position & par leur étendue sur notre globe, que pour ôter une partie de l'équivoque, ils ont divisé les Indes en orientales & occidentales. … De-là vint l'usage d'appeller Indes orientales, ce qui est à l'orient du cap de Bonne-Espérance, & Indes occidentales, ce qui est à l'occident de ce cap. … [P]ar un nouvel abus, qu'il n'est plus possible de corriger, on se sert dans les relations du nom d'Indiens, pour dire les Amériquains. (“Indes”)[T]he moderns, who are less forgivable than the ancients, have called Indies countries so different by virtue of their location and their size on our globe that these had to be divided into East and West Indies in order to correct the ambiguity. … Hence the custom of calling East Indies what lies to the east of the Cape of Good Hope and West Indies what lies to the west of that cape. … [T]hrough a new misuse, which can no longer be corrected, the name Indians is used in travel relations to refer to Americans.
Immune Properties of Human Umbilical Cord Wharton's Jelly-Derived Cells
Authors: Weiss Mark L. , Anderson Cameron , Medicetty Satish , Seshareddy Kiran B. , Weiss Rita J. , VanderWerff Irene , Troyer Deryl , McIntosh Kevin R. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Cells isolated from Wharton's jelly, referred to as umbilical cord matrix stromal (UCMS) cells, adhere to a tissue-culture plastic substrate, express mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) surface markers, self-renew, and are multipotent (differentiate into bone, fat, cartilage, etc.) in vitro. These properties support the notion that UCMS cells are a member of the MSC family. Here, the immune properties of UCMS cells are characterized in vitro. The overall hypothesis is that UCMS cells possess immune properties that would be permissive to allogeneic transplantation. For example, UCMS cells will suppress of the proliferation of “stimulated” lymphocytes (immune suppression) and have reduced immunogenicity (e.g., would be poor stimulators of allogeneic lymphocyte proliferation). Hypothesis testing was as follows: first, the effect on proliferation of coculture of mitotically inactivated human UCMS cells with concanavalin-A-stimulated rat splenocytes was assessed in three different assays. Second, the effect of human UCMS cells on one-way and two-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays was determined. Third, the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G was examined in human UCMS cells using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, since HLA-G expression conveys immune regulatory properties at the maternal-fetal interface. Fourth, the expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86 was determined by flow cytometry. Fifth, the cytokine expression of UCMS cells was evaluated by focused gene array. The results indicate that human UCMS cells inhibit splenocyte proliferation response to concanavalin A stimulation, that they do not stimulate T-cell proliferation in a one-way MLR, and that they inhibit the proliferation of stimulated T cells in a two-way MLR. Human UCMS cells do not inhibit nonstimulated splenocyte proliferation, suggesting specificity of the response. UCMS cells express mRNA for pan-HLA-G. UCMS cells do not express the costimulatory surface antigens CD40, CD80, and CD86. UCMS cells express vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-6, molecules previously implicated in the immune modulation observed in MSCs. In addition, the array data indicate that UCMS cells make a cytokine and other factors that may support hematopoiesis. Together, these results support previous observations made following xenotransplantation; for example, there was no evidence of frank immune rejection of undifferentiated UCMS cells. The results suggest that human UCMS will be tolerated in allogeneic transplantation.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Enrichment of Putative Pancreatic Progenitor Cells from Mice by Sorting for Prominin1 (CD133) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor β
Authors: Hori Yuichi , Fukumoto Miki , Kuroda Yoshikazu 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Success in islet transplantation-based therapies for type 1 diabetes mellitus and an extreme shortage of pancreatic islets have motivated recent efforts to develop renewable sources of islet-replacement tissue. Although pancreatic progenitor cells hold a promising potential, only a few attempts have been made at the prospective isolation of pancreatic stem/progenitor cells, because of the lack of specific markers and the development of effective cell culture methods. We found that prominin1 (also known as CD133) recognized the undifferentiated epithelial cells, whereas platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) was expressed on the mesenchymal cells in the mouse embryonic pancreas. We then developed an isolation method for putative stem/progenitor cells by flow cytometric cell sorting and characterized their potential for differentiation to pancreatic tissue using both in vitro and in vivo protocols. Flow cytometry and the subsequent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and microarray analysis revealed pancreatic epithelial progenitor cells to be highly enriched in the prominin1highPDGFRβ− cell population. During in vivo differentiation, these cell populations were able to differentiate into endocrine, exocrine, and ductal tissues, including the formation of an insulin-producing cell cluster. We established the prospective isolation of putative pancreatic epithelial progenitor cells by sorting for prominin1 and PDGFRβ. Since this strategy is based on the cell surface markers common to human and rodents, these findings may lead to the development of new strategies to derive transplantable islet-replacement tissues from human pancreatic stem/progenitor cells.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.