Changes selleck chemicals in ECM proteins and their transcription were measured by ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, gene expression for ECM proteins was assessed in a mouse model of RV infection.

Results: RV infection increased deposition

of the ECM protein, perlecan, by human bronchial epithelial cells, and collagen V and matrix-bound vascular endothelial growth factor were increased in both human bronchial epithelial cell and fibroblast cultures. Purified RV-16 RNA, poly I : C and imiquimod induced similar increases in ECM deposition to those observed with RV-infected fibroblasts. However, only poly I : C induced ECM deposition by bronchial epithelial cells, suggesting

that RV-induced ECM deposition is mediated learn more through TLR. Furthermore, gene expression for fibronectin and collagen I was increased in lung homogenates of mice infected with RV-1b.

Conclusions: RV infection and TLR ligands promote ECM deposition in isolated cell systems and RV induces ECM gene expression in vivo, thus demonstrating that RV has the potential to contribute to remodelling of the airways through induction of ECM deposition.”
“The study aimed at testing the effectiveness of dimethylformamide, alone or combined with glycerol, as cryoprotectant for freezing ram semen. Ejaculates from nine rams were cryopreserved in Tris-based extenders, containing 5% of glycerol, association of dimethylformamide with glycerol, in four proportions achieving 5% of cryoprotectors

in the media and pure dimethylformamide (2, 3, 4 and 5%) in replacement to glycerol. The samples were diluted to 100 x 10(6) sptz/ml and stored in 0.25-ml straws in liquid nitrogen. After thawing (37 degrees C for 30 s), motility was preserved better by the extender containing 5% of glycerol (p < 0.05). The extenders containing pure dimethylformamide, or more than 2% in combination with glycerol, provided sperm motilities close to zero. IPI145 Plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity were preserved better (p < 0.05) in the extender containing 5% glycerol. It can be concluded that dimethylformamide, alone or combined with glycerol, has no beneficial effects on ovine semen cryopreservation.”
“Objective: To compare the functional electrical stimulation associated with functional kinesiotherapy alone in patients after ischemic cerebrovascular accident. Methods: The study included 20 patients who were divided into two groups: Group I (GI): functional electrical stimulation plus functional kinesiotherapy and Group II (G II): functional kinesiotherapy. We evaluated active and passive range of motion, in knee flexion and extension muscle strength, activities of daily living and quality of life.