In the present study, the intraplantar injection of 105 EAT cells in rats induced a tumor and a progressive increase of paw edema which reached a plateau on the 6th day after inoculation. After this time period, the paw edema did not increase further and necrotizing tissues developed at the inoculation site (data not shown). Treatment of rats with the B1 antagonist R-954 for 6 days significantly reduced (51.4%) the edema formation. When the treatment was prolonged for more than 6 days, animals did not develop necrotizing tissues (data not shown). Similar results were obtained with vincristine (52.5% reduction) used as positive control (Fig. 3). This study presents for the first time

the antitumoral activity of a new bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist (R-954) on ascitic and solid tumors induced by Ehrlich cell inoculation in BI 2536 price mice and rats. The results showed that the inoculation of Ehrlich tumor cells in mice induced the formation of large ascitic tumors which were maximal after

9–10 days. The size of the tumor did not increase further in the following days. Although only one animal died on the 9th day after the inoculation, the death toll increased to 20% the following day and to selleckchem 50% the 15th day. The treatment of Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice with R-954 during 10 days after tumor inoculation resulted in a significant reduction of ascitic volume which clearly suggested that the B1 receptors was involved in the growth of this invasive tumor. At the effective doses used, compound R-954 showed no signs of general toxicity; the mouse weight gain was normal and internal organs did not show abnormalities (data not shown). In the group of animals which was given R-954 only one animal died Uroporphyrinogen III synthase during the full experimental period (after 15 days of treatment).

This is in sharp contrast to the effects of the standard anti-cancer drugs vincristine used for comparison. At the doses of vincristine used to obtain the reported tumor inhibition, the mice were sick and did not gain weight. Ehrlich tumor has been used as a transplantable tumor model to investigate the antineoplastic effects of several pharmacological agents. Following the intraperitoneal inoculation of Ehrlich tumor cells, the ascitic volume and number of tumor cells were shown to increase progressively [55]. Ascitis in the peritoneal cavity is the result of tumor-induced inflammation as shown by peritoneal vascular permeability increase and release of several inflammatory mediators [14] and [15]. The exact mechanisms of the inhibitory effect of R-954 are still unknown but unpublished results showed that this compound did not have cytotoxic activities against up to 40 types of cancer cells. Its selective inhibitory action on tumor growth was suggested to be due to the inhibition of angiogenesis elicited by inflammatory mediators such as bradykinin and others formed during the development of the tumor.

T cells from Vav1AA/AA mice also show a proliferative defect when injected into MHC-mismatched recipient animals in a mechanistic GvH mouse model (Fig. 3). The

total number of Vav1AA/AA T cells after 3 days was strongly reduced compared to WT T cells, and 18% of the cells did not divide at all. Interestingly, the majority of Vav1AA/AA T cells reached 6 division cycles, showing that there was no complete block in proliferation. Rather, Vav1AA/AA T cells seemed to have divided more slowly compared to WT T cells, which led to the reduced total numbers of cells. This is in contrast to T cells treated with the strong immunosuppressant CsA, where the majority of T cells did not divide at all. However, in a previous study, T cells from Vav1−/− mice also did not show a complete block in proliferation but a similar delay in proliferation, which was enhanced in T cells from mice deficient in both DAPT supplier Vav1 and Vav2 [23]. These findings suggest that disruption of Vav1 function only partially affects the TCR-induced proliferative signals which can be overcome by a stronger costimulatory environment in vivo. Vav1 GEF activity seems to be important for the Vav1-mediated proliferative response, as Vav1 GEF inactivation and total Vav1 deficiency have comparable effects. CsA, however, might affect Vav-independent TCR-induced signals INK 128 ic50 and also different stimuli

in addition to TCR engagement such as cytokines and costimulatory signals, which also contribute to T cell proliferation [28]. Furthermore, CsA has effects on other cell types and tissues resulting in strong general immunosuppression, which may explain the stronger response compared to Vav1 inactivation. Vav1AA/AA mice show prolonged cardiac allograft survival with a mean survival time of 22 days compared to WT animals which reject the allograft after 7 days (Fig. 4). These findings confirm

the previously observed central role for Vav1 in allograft rejection [23]. Vav1AA/AA as well as Vav1−/− mice have reduced numbers of peripheral T cells due to a defect in thymic development [20], and we cannot exclude a partial effect of this reduction on allograft survival. However, Vav1AA/AA T cells showed a strong defect in allogeneic T cell proliferation and activation in vitro and in vivo when Rebamipide equal numbers of T cells were used, indicating that the prolonged allograft survival in Vav1AA/AA mice is likely to be caused by defective T cell activation. However, to fully confirm these findings, inducible genetic systems or specific Vav1 inhibitors will be needed. Graft survival in Vav1AA/AA mice is not as pronounced as in Vav1−/− mice which lack the whole Vav1 protein, indicating that the GEF function of Vav1 affects only part of the processes mediating rejection [23]. This could also account for the high variation in allograft survival time observed for the Vav1AA/AA mice.

These maps can help plan the distribution of mining and set aside areas, minimising disturbance to important habitat and communities. Ecotoxicologal investigations should form an important part of the baseline study, in particular in establishing acceptable concentrations of heavy metals from discharge of mining waste.

For example, the high natural background levels of heavy metals at Solwara 1 led to the conclusion that the proposed concentrations of mining waste discharge would not have any measurable effects on the highly-adapted, specialised hydrothermal buy STA-9090 vent fauna (Gwyther, 2008b). However, the background fauna and fauna at inactive SMS deposits are not adapted to a high heavy metal environment and could

be vulnerable to mining waste discharge. One of the issues with standard ecotoxicology studies and bioassays is that the test organisms are generally from shallow water environments, so the effect of www.selleckchem.com/products/3-methyladenine.html physiological adaptations to the deep-sea environment (pressure, darkness, cold) is not considered. For example, the test organisms used by Nautilus for ecotoxicology tests were the alga Nitzshia closterium, the marine copepod Acartia sinjiensis, and the amphipod Mekita plumulosa, none of which occur at Solwara 1 ( Gwyther, 2008b). The alternative would be to use deep-sea organisms, preferably those found at inactive SMS

deposits or as background fauna, but maintaining these Astemizole organisms at appropriate environmental conditions throughout a bioassay would be challenging and the cost potentially prohibitive. Acute bioassays could be completed in situ using an ROV but these assays need to be repeated over time to be informative about the chronic and accumulative effects of mining waste discharge. The effects of SMS mining need to be continually assessed as part of a long-term monitoring programme (International Seabed Authority, 2010). Co-operation with the ISA in the monitoring of environmental impacts is explicit in the applications for both prospecting and exploration by contractors in the Area. Annual reports detailing the implementation and results of the monitoring programme are mandatory, ensuring impacts from mining are constantly reviewed and assessed (International Seabed Authority, 2010). The proposed mining at Solwara 1 in PNG is also subject to national requirements for monitoring programmes under the Environmental Act 2000, with Nautilus having developed a detailed plan both for baseline studies and subsequent monitoring (Gwyther, 2008b). Monitoring programs will utilise baseline data to measure any changes in the environment as a result of mining activity.

In general, the proportion of autotrophic

cysts (70–83%) in the cyst abundance was larger than that of heterotrophic ones (17–30%). Of the individual cyst types, cysts of potentially toxic dinoflagellate species were more abundant than those of non-toxic species. Cochlodinium polykrikos was Alpelisib the most abundant at all sites (31%), followed by Prorocentrum minimum (18%), Dinophysis acuminata (13%), Alexandrium catenella (11%) and Scrippsiella trochoidea (10%). Although Protoperidinium cysts were found in very small numbers at all sampling sites (0.03–1.6% of the total cyst abundance), this genus was represented by more species (six) than any other dinoflagellate genera during the present study ( Table 2): P. claudicans, P. conicum, P. curtipes, P. leonis, P. minutum and P. subinerme. buy Y-27632 Species richness (number of species) of dinoflagellate cysts varied significantly among the sites studied (F = 3.93, df = 5, P = 0.024). The highest number of species was recorded at sites 2, 3 and 5, while the number of species was the lowest at site 4. Species richness was weakly correlated with the total cyst abundance (r = 0.2) and

the percentage of silt in the sediments (r = 0.3). The Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H) calculated for the study sites did not vary significantly among them (F = 1.11, df = 5, P = 0.4), but the species diversity at sites 2 and 4 was higher (H = 2.1, 2.25, respectively) than at other sites. The diversity index was negatively correlated with species richness (r = −0.45, P = 0.18, n = 6) and total cyst abundance (r = −0.72, P = 0.0, n = 6). Total cyst concentration varied from as many

as 10 123 cysts g−1 in the sediments from site 6 to as few as 2 247 cysts g−1 in site 4 sediments (Table 2). Cyst abundance was strongly correlated with sediment characteristics. The highest cyst abundance was associated with sediments of high organic carbon (r = 0.86, P = 0.01, n = 6), silt (r = 0.6, Temsirolimus mouse P = 0.1, n = 6), and clay (r = 0.82, P = 0.02, n = 6) contents, but was negatively correlated with the sand content (r = -0.7, p = 0.05, n = 6) (Table 1 and Table 2). The results of the germination experiment showed that most cysts were successfully germinated at rates from 74 to 90% at 15°C and from 48 to 64% at 25°C (Table 3). However, the germination of Alexandrium cysts was not significantly affected by the change in temperature (P = 0.12), where the maximum germination rate was 94% at 15°C and 95.6% at 25°C ( Table 3). This study provides the first data about the abundance, composition and distribution of dinoflagellate cysts, including toxic species, in the Red Sea sediments off the south-western coasts of Saudi Arabia. The results showed a considerable similarity in the cyst compositions at the different study sites, which may be explained by the transportation along with the flood and ebb tides of dinoflagellate cysts produced in one area to other areas, where they sink (Hwang et al.

2 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids; AZD9291 price in 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO), 1–2% of the calories coming from omega-3 fatty acids; in 2004, the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids, ≥500 mg/day of EPA + DHA. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the USA allowed the allegation of functional property for foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, although also suggesting that the consumption of EPA + DHA not exceed 3 g/day

due to possible adverse effects in the control of glycemia, increase in bleeding time and of LDL-cholesterol. The dependent variable of encapsulation process yield allowed one to obtain a representative model, which has a maximum peak at C5 (2.6:1.0 wall:core and 1.8:1.0 SPI:GA). The trials carried out with 1.5:1.0

SPI:GA, 1.0:1.0 wall:core and 6.0 UA of TG/g and 1.5:1.0 SPI:GA, 2.0:1.0 wall:core and 10.0 UA of TG/g presented approximately Ceritinib purchase 25 g and 22 g of EPA + DHA n 100 g of microcapsules, respectively. Thus it would be necessary to add 0.4 g or 0.45 g of microcapsules to 100 g or 100 mL portions of foods to consider the food as having the appeal of a functional property according to the determinations of the national Agency of Sanitary Vigilance (Brazil). The authors are grateful for the financial support received from the Brazilian governmental organs (Capes and CNPq) in the form of doctoral scholarships conceded to participants of this research. They are also grateful to the suppliers of the raw materials used in the study: Vital Atman, The Solae Company, CNI Colloides Naturais Brasil Comercial Ltda and Ajinomoto. “
“A trend that has apparently increased in recent decades has been consumer demand for high quality foods based on convenience with minimum requirements for preparation time (Goff, 2004). Frozen part-baked breads have the advantage in relation to conventional breads of PTK6 their short preparation time, since they

need only to be removed from the freezer and placed in the oven (Nutrinews, 2011). Marketing outlets such as bakeries, supermarkets and convenience stores are a large market for frozen bakery products, together with the consumer who wants to bake bread at home, but is discouraged to spend the time and effort required to perform the whole process for producing them (Pyler, 1988). The production of frozen part-baked breads is similar to conventional breads, except that the former involves a freezing step between two baking stages. Freezing involves a lowering of temperature and a change of phase of water from liquid to solid. The physical properties of food products change dramatically depending on water availability and temperature (Blond & Le Meste, 2004). Consumer demand for healthy foods is another tendency observed nowadays. Dietary fibre is an important component in the definition of a healthy diet (Angioloni & Collar, 2011).

Genomic DNA fragments flanking the Tn5-insertion site in the mutant were amplified by PCR-walking [14]. Tn5-insertion mutant DNA was digested by EcoR V (TaKaRa) and ligated with CHIR99021 the designed adaptor [11]. The adaptor specific primers AP1, AP2, and Tn5-specific primers TnFP1, TnRP1, TnFP2 and TnRP2 were designed for isolating the forward and reverse flanking sequences ( Fig. 3-a). PCR products were

retrieved and purified for sequencing. By aligning both the forward and reverse flanking sequences with the whole genome sequences of Xoo strains PXO99A, KACC10331 and MAFF311018 through NCBI BLAST (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST), the Tn5-insertion site in the mutant was determined. Marker exchange was performed by splice overlap PCR. A fragment containing a kanamycin-encoding gene cassette (KM) was amplified from pKD13 plasmid DNA using primers KD13F and KD13R Selleckchem Trametinib (Table 1). The hrcQ forward flanking fragment (hrcQF1R1) and reverse flanking fragment (hrcQF2R2) were amplified from PXO99A genomic DNA using the primer pairs P69F1/P69R1 and P69F2/P69R2, respectively. Primer P69R1 contains the forward flanking sequence of KM, and P69F2 contains the reverse flanking sequence. The hrcQF1R1 and KM fragments were mixed as template, and primers P69F1 and KD13R were used

to amplify the forward fragment hrcQF-KM. Similarly, the reverse fragment KM-hrcQR was amplified with primers KD13F and P69R2. The hrcQF-KM and KM-hrcQR fragments were individually ligated into the pBluescript II SK (−) vector at an EcoR V restriction enzyme site. The EcoR I site (in the SK vector) and Nco I site (in the kanamycin-encoding gene cassette) were used to construct the plasmid SK-hrcQ. After confirming the insertion by DNA sequencing, the SK-hrcQ plasmid was transferred into a wild-type strain PXO99A by electroporation. The cell

cultures were spread on TSA medium plates containing G protein-coupled receptor kinase kanamycin (Km) at 50 μg mL− 1, incubated at 28 °C for 3 to 4 days. Clones were picked out and cultured in TSA medium plates containing ampicillin (Amp) at 100 μg mL− 1 for the second selection. We picked clones that grew on the kanamycin-containing plates but not on the ampicillin-containing plates. According to the Tn5-insertion site and genome sequence of PXO99A, the wild-type hrcQ gene with its promoter was amplified by PCR using primers PXM69F7 and PXM69R5 ( Table 1). The PCR product, with Hind III and EcoR I restriction sites introduced at the two ends, respectively, was cloned into the pEASY-B (TransGen) vector. After the DNA insert was confirmed by sequencing, the hrcQ-containing fragment was cut out by Hind III and EcoR I digestion and cloned into the broad host range vector pHM1, resulting in the complementary plasmid pHhrcQ, which was then transferred into the mutant strain PXM69 by electroporation using a Gene Pulser Xcell (Bio-Rad) electroporator at 1.8 kV mm− 1. After electro-pulsing cells were incubated in 500-μL PSA medium in a 200 r min− 1 rotary shaker at 28 °C for 1.5 h.

The reaction was stopped with 2 N sulphuric acid, and the plates were read using dual wavelengths (465 and 590 nm) on a microplate reader (Spectra Max 190, Molecular Devices). 5-FU mouse The cytokine concentrations were determined by comparison to a standard curve prepared using the recombinant murine cytokines (R&D Systems) that could be detected at 4–10 pg/mL. The cytokine

concentrations were expressed as the amount of induced cytokine in picograms per 106 macrophages. The production of LXA4 and 15-epi-LXA4 was determined from cell-free supernatants acidified with 1 N HCl to pH 3.4–3.6 and passed slowly through an octadecylsilyl silica column (C18 Sep-Pak® column, Waters® Corporation, USA) that had been pre-washed

with 10 ml of absolute ethanol and 10 ml of water. After activating the column with 10 ml of water, 2 ml of absolute ethanol and 2 ml of water, the eicosanoids were eluted from the column with 1 ml of water, 1 ml of ether and 2 ml of methyl formate, and the samples were dried under a stream of nitrogen. LXA4 and 15-epi-LXA4 concentrations learn more were determined using an ELISA kit (Neogen Corporation, USA). The sensitivity of the assays was 2 ng/mL. Statistical analyses of the differences between the groups were performed according to Glantz (1997) using GraphPad InStat software, version 3.01 (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). A one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test was used for multiple comparisons (all pairs of groups) of the values from

the assays using the Boc-2 antagonist. To analyse the data from the other assays, a one-way analysis of variance was used, followed by Bonferroni’s test for multiple comparisons against a single control or by an unpaired Student t-test to compare two groups. Differences with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results are presented as the mean values ± standard error of filipin means. Treatment with CTX for 2 h increased the amount of H2O2 liberated by the macrophage monocultures (60%) and by macrophages co-cultivated with tumour cells (41%) at 24 h of incubation (Fig. 1A). After this period, this oxygen reactive molecule was not detected in either culture. As shown in Fig. 1B, pre-treatment with CTX stimulated the NO production of macrophage monolayers (38%) and of macrophages co-cultivated with tumour cells (29%) at 48 h of incubation. The LLC-WRC 256 cell cultures produced very low levels of both reactive molecules (data not shown). Interestingly, the co-cultures of control macrophages with the tumour cells exhibited a marked reduction of H2O2 liberation (29%, Fig. 1A) and NO production (20%, Fig. 1B) compared to the control macrophages, suggesting that the tumour cells exerted a suppressor activity on macrophage function.

Na infeção crónica pelo VHB, bem como na

infeção crónica pelo VHC, estádios de fibrose significativa (Metavir F ≥ 2) requerem o início de tratamento12. Daí a importância de avaliar as implicações clínicas deste possível fator de confundimento na avaliação de DH. Apesar das variações com o estado pós-prandial Selleckchem Epacadostat terem sido de tendencial aumento na DH, verificaram-se oscilações em ambos os sentidos. De acordo com os pontos de corte definidos nos métodos, apenas 11,8% dos casos mudariam de estádio presumido de fibrose na condição pós-prandial. Esta percentagem poderia aumentar se fossem considerados cut-offs diferentes, para valores de DH ≤ 6 kPa, conforme preconizado por alguns autores para definir ausência de fibrose significativa tanto para a hepatite C34 como para a hepatite B. Apesar de considerarmos útil a padronização do procedimento para uniformizar a linguagem em futuros estudos

e para que na prática clínica possamos ser mais objetivos, os resultados deste estudo não mostraram uma interferência significativa deste possível fator de confundimento na decisão e orientação clínica dos doentes. Uma das limitações deste estudo buy Ruxolitinib prende-se com a ausência de correlação direta dos valores de DH com medidas do fluxo esplénico e portal, deixando alguma margem de especulação. No nosso estudo a ingestão alimentar fez variar o valor de DH no subgrupo de doentes com hepatite crónica pelo VHB com baixa fibrose presumida. Assim, este fator não parece interferir de forma significativa com

a decisão e orientação clínica dos doentes, o que não nos permite fazer sugestões sobre a utilidade de efetuar o exame em jejum. Os autores declaramque os procedimentos seguidos estavam de acordo com os regulamentos estabelecidos pelos responsáveis da Comissão de Investigação Clínica e Ética e de acordo com os da Associação Médica Mundial e da Declaração de Helsinki. Os autores declaram ter seguido os protocolos de seu centro de trabalho acerca da publicação dos dados de pacientes e que todos os pacientes incluídos no estudo receberam informações suficientes Teicoplanin e deram o seu consentimento informado por escrito para participar nesse estudo. Os autores declaram ter recebido consentimento escrito dos pacientes e/ ou sujeitos mencionados no artigo. O autor para correspondência deve estar na posse deste documento. Nenhum dos autores tem qualquer patrocínio financeiro a referir. Os autores declaram não haver conflito de interesses. “
“A doença celíaca (DC) é uma doença de caráter autoimune, precipitada pela ingestão de cereais que contêm glúten, em indivíduos geneticamente predispostos1 and 2. Caracteriza-se por um estado de inflamação crónica da mucosa intestinal, que reverte aquando da exclusão do glúten da alimentação e reincide após a sua reintrodução na dieta3.

To our knowledge, few studies have examined the WHOQOL-BREF of parents of children with MMC. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of parents of children with MMC. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey approaching children and adolescents registered with a MMC diagnosis at the Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Children’s University Hospital in Białystok, Poland. The survey was conducted between November 2011 and July 2012. The study included 50 mothers of children with MMC, who were sent the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The questionnaire was filled at home by 50 mothers of children with MMC.

Out of the 91 eligible BKM120 order children identified through clinical appointment schedules,

IDH inhibitor 50 (55%) parents agreed to participate in the study. Children with MMC comprised 27 (54%) girls and 23 (46%) boys. Mean age of the children was 10.02 ± 4.54. Fifty percent of respondents lived in the city, 50% in the country, 31 (62%) of mothers did not work, 31 (62%) patients had a secondary education, 11 (22%) higher, and 8 (16%) primary. The control group consisted of 50 parents of healthy children. The study group consisted of 27 (54%) of girls and 23 (46%) of boys. Forty-seven percent of the respondents were from the city and the 53% from the country. Parents of healthy children had similar education. Mean age of the children was 8.70 ± 3.65 years. The ambulatory function in patients with MMC was defined according to Hoffer et al. [19] as 4 categories community, household, nonfunctional, and nonambulators scored 4-1. Hoffer’s classification: 1 nonambulators; 2 nonfunctional ambulators; 3 household ambulators; 4 community ambulators. The MMC level was defined as the lowest level Fludarabine manufacturer on the better side at which the child was able to perform an antigravity movement through the available range of joint motion. The research tool was the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire (World Health Organization

Quality of Life BREF), Polish version. Assessment Instrument: short version, which contains 26 questions divided into four domains: D1. Physical health: general health assessment, pain and discomfort, dependence on medication and medical care, energy and fatigue, sleep and rest, ability to work and perform daily living tasks, and mobility. D2.Psychological: perception of own body, positive and negative feelings, self-esteem, personal beliefs, spirituality, religion, thinking, learning, memory and concentration. D3. Social relationships: personal relationships, received social support, and sex life. D4. Environment: freedom, security, surroundings, physical environment, communication, finance, information, access to health and social services, and spare time.

Measuring oxidized M148 using conventional mass spectrometry methods that utilize spectral counting or extracted ion chromatograms can be lengthy and challenging in large sample sizes. In contrast, MRM is a promising technique that allows multiplexing of several targets and has been successfully applied to quantitate plasma proteins [10] and [14]. GSK-3 beta phosphorylation The addition of SIS peptides in MRM allows for absolute quantitation. Since our goal was to develop

an assay to assess the relative ratio of oxidized M148 to the native peptide rather than the absolute concentrations, the SIS peptide for the unmodified M148 was not synthesized. M148(O) SIS peptide was used to correctly identify the peaks of the in vivo M148 peaks, and optimize the transitions. The rationale for not determining the absolute concentration selleck products of M148(O) in plasma was that this concentration can vary because of variations in the ApoA-I concentration. In contrast, monitoring the relative ratio of oxidized M148 to the non-oxidized peptide represents the “quality” of this peptide, is cost-effective and simple with less inherent variability. Thus, this approach

is better suited for comparing M148 oxidation ratios among different patient groups. One advantage of MRM is that different peptide variants can be selected, depending on the goal of the particular project. The M148-containing ApoA-I peptide would not normally

be selected for ApoA-I quantitation because of its susceptibility to methionine oxidation. The “ATEHLSTLSEK” ApoA-I peptide likely gives Sclareol a better estimate of total ApoA-I concentration. Several limitations of the study deserve mention. First, we have not measured the molar % oxidized of M148, as such measure would require calibration of both forms of the peptide. Second, methionines are susceptible to ex vivo oxidation that can result from inadequate or prolonged freezing, repeated thawing, or centrifugations [15]. Because an anti-oxidant solution was not immediately added before freezing the samples or after HDL isolations, this might have permitted additional oxidation. The ratios of methionine oxidation observed in our study were higher than those reported in an earlier study on diabetes where the samples were preserved in an anti-oxidant solution prior freezing [16]. In this earlier study, however, younger patients with type 1 diabetes were recruited. We have recently demonstrated that immediate freezing of samples at −80 °C without the use of an anti-oxidant solution results in low levels of ApoA-I oxidation that are stable for up to 2 years of storage [17].