bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial effect of silver-platinum coating for orthodontic appliances
Authors: Ryu Hwang-Sog , Bae In-Ho , Lee Kyung-Gu , Hwang Hyeon-Shik , Lee Ki-Heon , Koh Jeong-Tae , Cho Jin-Hyoung 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Objective:
To develop a hard coating for stainless surfaces based on silver (Ag)-platinum (Pt) alloys.

Materials and Methods:
Ag-Pt alloys, which have high degree of biocompatibility, excellent resistance to sterilization conditions, and antibacterial properties to different bacteria, are associated with long-term antibacterial efficiency. Approximately 1.03-µm to 2.34-µm–thick coatings, as determined by scanning electron microscopy, were deposited on stainless surfaces by the simultaneous vaporization of both metals (Ag and Pt) in an inert argon atmosphere. The coating was done by physical vapor deposition. Microorganisms and eukaryotic culture cells were grown on these surfaces.

Results:
The coatings released sufficient Ag ions when immersed in phosphate-buffered saline and showed significant antimicrobial potency against Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans strains. At the same time, human gingival fibroblast cells were not adversely affected.

Conclusion:
Ag-Pt coatings on load-bearing orthodontic bracket surfaces can provide suitable antimicrobial activity during active orthodontic treatment.
Protective Role of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 in a Mouse Model of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Barutta Federica , Piscitelli Fabiana , Pinach Silvia , Bruno Graziella , Gambino Roberto , Rastaldi Maria Pia , Salvidio Gennaro , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Cavallo Perin Paolo , Gruden Gabriella 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE
The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) has protective effects in chronic degenerative diseases. Our aim was to assess the potential relevance of the CB2 receptor in both human and experimental diabetic nephropathy (DN).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
CB2 expression was studied in kidney biopsies from patients with advanced DN, in early experimental diabetes, and in cultured podocytes. Levels of endocannabinoids and related enzymes were measured in the renal cortex from diabetic mice. To assess the functional role of CB2, streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were treated for 14 weeks with AM1241, a selective CB2 agonist. In these animals, we studied albuminuria, renal function, expression of podocyte proteins (nephrin and zonula occludens-1), and markers of both fibrosis (fibronectin and transforming growth factor-β1) and inflammation (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1], CC chemokine receptor 2 [CCR2], and monocyte markers). CB2 signaling was assessed in cultured podocytes.

RESULTS
Podocytes express the CB2 receptor both in vitro and in vivo. CB2 was downregulated in kidney biopsies from patients with advanced DN, and renal levels of the CB2 ligand 2-arachidonoylglycerol were reduced in diabetic mice, suggesting impaired CB2 regulation. In experimental diabetes, AM1241 ameliorated albuminuria, podocyte protein downregulation, and glomerular monocyte infiltration, without affecting early markers of fibrosis. In addition, AM1241 reduced CCR2 expression in both renal cortex and cultured podocytes, suggesting that CB2 activation may interfere with the deleterious effects of MCP-1 signaling.

CONCLUSIONS
The CB2 receptor is expressed by podocytes, and in experimental diabetes, CB2 activation ameliorates both albuminuria and podocyte protein loss, suggesting a protective effect of signaling through CB2 in DN.
Increased VLDL-Triglyceride Secretion Precedes Impaired Control of Endogenous Glucose Production in Obese, Normoglycemic Men
Authors: Sørensen Lars P. , Søndergaard Esben , Nellemann Birgitte , Christiansen Jens S. , Gormsen Lars C. , Nielsen Søren 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE
To assess basal and insulin-mediated VLDL-triglyceride (TG) kinetics and the relationship between VLDL-TG secretion and hepatic insulin resistance assessed by endogenous glucose production (EGP) in obese and lean men.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 12 normoglycemic, obese (waist-to-hip ratio &gt;0.9, BMI &gt;30 kg/m2) and 12 lean (BMI 20–25 kg/m2) age-matched men were included. Ex vivo–labeled [1-14C]VLDL-TGs and [3-3H]glucose were infused postabsorptively and during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp to determine VLDL-TG kinetics and EGP. Body composition was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography scanning. Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation rates were measured by indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS
Basal VLDL-TG secretion rates were increased in obese compared with lean men (1.25 ± 0.34 vs. 0.86 ± 0.34 μmol/kg fat-free mass [FFM]/min; P = 0.011), whereas there was no difference in clearance rates (150 ± 56 vs. 162 ± 77 mL/min; P = NS), resulting in greater VLDL-TG concentrations (0.74 ± 0.40 vs. 0.38 ± 0.20 mmol/L; P = 0.011). The absolute insulin-mediated suppression of VLDL-TG secretion was similar in the groups. However, the percentage reduction (−36 ± 18 vs. −54 ± 10%; P = 0.008) and achieved VLDL-TG secretion rates (0.76 ± 0.20 vs. 0.41 ± 0.19 μmol/kg FFM/min; P &lt; 0.001) were impaired in obese men. Furthermore, clearance rates decreased significantly in obese men, but there was no significant change in lean men (−17 ± 18 vs. 7 ± 20%; P = 0.007), resulting in less percentage reduction of VLDL-TG concentrations in obese men (−22 ± 20 vs. −56 ± 11%; P &lt; 0.001). Insulin-suppressed EGP was similar (0.4 [0.0-0.8] vs. 0.1 [0.0-1.2] mg/kg FFM/min (median [range]); P = NS), and the percentage reduction was equivalent (−80% [57–98] vs. −98% [49–100], P = NS). Insulin-mediated glucose disposal was significantly reduced in obese men.

CONCLUSIONS
Basal VLDL-TG secretion rates are increased in normoglycemic but insulin-resistant, obese men, resulting in hypertriglyceridemia. Insulin-mediated suppression of EGP is preserved in obese men, whereas suppression of VLDL-TG secretion is less pronounced in obese men. Compared with EGP, the inability to achieve suppression of VLDL-TG secretions to a level similar to control subjects during hyperinsulinemia seems to be an early manifestation in male obesity.
Total Zinc Intake May Modify the Glucose-Raising Effect of a Zinc Transporter (SLC30A8) Variant
Authors: Kanoni Stavroula , Nettleton Jennifer A. , Hivert Marie-France , Ye Zheng , van Rooij Frank J.A. , Shungin Dmitry , Sonestedt Emily , Ngwa Julius S. , Wojczynski Mary K. , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Gustafsson Stefan , Anderson Jennifer S. , Tanaka Toshiko , Hindy George , Saylor Georgia , Renstrom Frida , Bennett Amanda J. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Florez Jose C. , Fox Caroline S. , Hofman Albert , Hoogeveen Ron C. , Houston Denise K. , Hu Frank B. , Jacques Paul F. , Johansson Ingegerd , Lind Lars , Liu Yongmei , McKeown Nicola , Ordovas Jose , Pankow James S. , Sijbrands Eric J.G. , Syvänen Ann-Christine , Uitterlinden André G. , Yannakoulia Mary , Zillikens M. Carola ,   the MAGIC Investigators, Wareham Nick J. , Prokopenko Inga , Bandinelli Stefania , Forouhi Nita G. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Loos Ruth J. , Hallmans Goran , Dupuis Josée , Langenberg Claudia , Ferrucci Luigi , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , McCarthy Mark I. , Ingelsson Erik , Borecki Ingrid B. , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , Orho-Melander Marju , Siscovick David S. , Meigs James B. , Franks Paul W. , Dedoussis George V. 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE
Many genetic variants have been associated with glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes in genome-wide association studies. Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is important for β-cell function and glucose homeostasis. We tested the hypothesis that zinc intake could influence the glucose-raising effect of specific variants.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We conducted a 14-cohort meta-analysis to assess the interaction of 20 genetic variants known to be related to glycemic traits and zinc metabolism with dietary zinc intake (food sources) and a 5-cohort meta-analysis to assess the interaction with total zinc intake (food sources and supplements) on fasting glucose levels among individuals of European ancestry without diabetes.

RESULTS
We observed a significant association of total zinc intake with lower fasting glucose levels (β-coefficient ± SE per 1 mg/day of zinc intake: −0.0012 ± 0.0003 mmol/L, summary P value = 0.0003), while the association of dietary zinc intake was not significant. We identified a nominally significant interaction between total zinc intake and the SLC30A8 rs11558471 variant on fasting glucose levels (β-coefficient ± SE per A allele for 1 mg/day of greater total zinc intake: −0.0017 ± 0.0006 mmol/L, summary interaction P value = 0.005); this result suggests a stronger inverse association between total zinc intake and fasting glucose in individuals carrying the glucose-raising A allele compared with individuals who do not carry it. None of the other interaction tests were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that higher total zinc intake may attenuate the glucose-raising effect of the rs11558471 SLC30A8 (zinc transporter) variant. Our findings also support evidence for the association of higher total zinc intake with lower fasting glucose levels.
Continued Postnatal Administration of Resveratrol Prevents Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rat Offspring Born Growth Restricted
Authors: Dolinsky Vernon W. , Rueda-Clausen Christian F. , Morton Jude S. , Davidge Sandra T. , Dyck Jason R.B. 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE
A prenatal hypoxic insult leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the susceptibility to develop metabolic syndrome (MetS) later in life. Since resveratrol (Resv), the polyphenol produced by plants, exerts insulin-sensitizing effects, we tested whether Resv could prevent deleterious metabolic effects of being born IUGR.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Pregnant rats were exposed to either a normoxic (control; 21% O2) or a hypoxic (IUGR; 11.5% O2) environment during the last third of gestation. After weaning, male offspring were randomly assigned to receive either a high-fat (HF; 45% fat) diet or an HF diet with Resv (4 g/kg diet) for 9 weeks when various parameters of the MetS were measured.

RESULTS
Relative to normoxic controls, hypoxia-induced IUGR offspring developed a more severe MetS, including glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, increased intra-abdominal fat deposition and intra-abdominal adipocyte size, and increased plasma triacylglycerol (TG) and free fatty acids, as well as peripheral accumulation of TG, diacylglycerol, and ceramides. In only IUGR offspring, the administration of Resv reduced intra-abdominal fat deposition to levels comparable with controls, improved the plasma lipid profile, and reduced accumulation of TG and ceramides in the tissues. Moreover, Resv ameliorated insulin resistance and glucose intolerance as well as impaired Akt signaling in the liver and skeletal muscle of IUGR offspring and activated AMP-activated protein kinase, which likely contributed to improved metabolic parameters in Resv-treated IUGR rats.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that early, postnatal administration of Resv can improve the metabolic profile of HF-fed offspring born from pregnancies complicated by IUGR.
Brain GLP-1 Signaling Regulates Femoral Artery Blood Flow and Insulin Sensitivity Through Hypothalamic PKC-δ
Authors: Cabou Cendrine , Vachoux Christelle , Campistron Gérard , Drucker Daniel J. , Burcelin Rémy 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a gut-brain hormone that regulates food intake, energy metabolism, and cardiovascular functions. In the brain, through a currently unknown molecular mechanism, it simultaneously reduces femoral artery blood flow and muscle glucose uptake. By analogy to pancreatic β-cells where GLP-1 activates protein kinase C (PKC) to stimulate insulin secretion, we postulated that PKC enzymes would be molecular targets of brain GLP-1 signaling that regulate metabolic and vascular function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We used both genetic and pharmacological approaches to investigate the role of PKC isoforms in brain GLP-1 signaling in the conscious, free-moving mouse simultaneous with metabolic and vascular measurements.

RESULTS
In normal wild-type (WT) mouse brain, the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist exendin-4 selectively promotes translocation of PKC-δ (but not -βII, -α, or -ε) to the plasma membrane. This translocation is blocked in Glp1r−/− mice and in WT mice infused in the brain with exendin-9, an antagonist of the GLP-1R. This mechanism coordinates both blood flow in the femoral artery and whole-body insulin sensitivity. Consequently, in hyperglycemic, high-fat diet–fed diabetic mice, hypothalamic PKC-δ activity was increased and its pharmacological inhibition improved both insulin-sensitive metabolic and vascular phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS
Our studies show that brain GLP-1 signaling activates hypothalamic glucose-dependent PKC-δ to regulate femoral artery blood flow and insulin sensitivity. This mechanism is attenuated during the development of experimental hyperglycemia and may contribute to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes.
On minimal Hausdorff and minimal Urysohn functions
Authors: Cammaroto Filippo , Catalioto Andrei , Porter Jack 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
In this article, we extend the work on minimal Hausdorff functions initiated by Cammaroto, Fedorchuk and Porter in a 1998 paper. Also, minimal Urysohn functions are introduced and developed. The properties of heredity and productivity are examined and developed for both minimal Hausdorff and minimal Urysohn functions.
Changes of platelets’ function in preeclampsia
Authors: Babic Goran , Novokmet Slobodan , Jankovic Slobodan 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIncreased aggregation of platelets during preeclampsia was shown in several studies, yet several others reported no change. The aim of our study was to investigate platelet aggregation in a group of patients suffering from preeclampsia. In a cross-sectional study blood samples were taken from 89 hospitalized patients in the third trimester of pregnancy: 38 were suffering from mild to moderate preeclampsia and 51 patients were without preeclampsia. From the blood samples platelet aggregation, secretion of adenine nucleotides from platelets, concentration of energy-rich adenine compounds and levels of cyclic adenosine-mono-phosphate and cyclic guanosine mono-phosphate in platelets were measured. In the patients with preeclampsia, the adenosine diphosphate threshold for biphasic aggregation [odds ratio (OR):.75; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.55–1.02; p<0.05], total adenine nucleotides concentration in the metabolic pool of platelets (OR:0.99; CI: 0.62–1.57; p<0.01) and cyclic adenosine-mono-phosphate (OR:0.81; CI: 0.57, 1.14; p<0.05) and cyclic guanosine mono-phosphate (OR:.78; CI: 0.55–1.09; p<0.05) levels in platelets were decreased in comparison with the control group, while adenylate energy charge in the metabolic pool of platelets (OR: >100.00; CI: 0.00->100.00; p<0.05) and secretion of adenosine triphosphate (OR:.13; CI: 0.00–14.26; p<0.05) and adenosine diphosphate (OR:.77; CI: 0.08–36.79; p<0.05) were increased. The results of our study show increased activation and aggregation of platelets in pregnant females with preeclampsia.
Baseline Numbers of Circulating CD28-negative T Cells May Predict Clinical Response to Abatacept in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: SCARSI MIRKO , ZIGLIOLI TAMARA , AIRO’ PAOLO 
Published: August 2011

Objective.To evaluate the number of circulating CD28-negative (CD28–) T cells as a predictor of clinical response to abatacept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.Peripheral blood CD28– T cell subsets were evaluated by flow cytometry at baseline in 32 patients with RA treated with abatacept. Receiver-operator curves were applied to examine the predictive value of T cell populations and to choose the cutoff for the best performance of the test. Remission was defined using the Disease Activity Score 28 based on C-reactive protein.Results.The overall predictive values of the CD8+CD28– and CD4+CD28– cells for remission after 6 months of abatacept therapy were 0.802 (SE 0.078) and 0.743 (SE 0.089), respectively. Cutoff values of < 87 CD8+CD28– cells/μl and < 28 CD4+CD28– cells/μl had 80.0% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity (Fisher test: p = 0.001), and 60.0% sensitivity and 77.3% specificity (p = 0.043), respectively, for prediction of remission at 6 months. Patients having low baseline numbers of CD8+CD28– T cells had a more than 4-fold higher probability of achieving remission within 6 months than patients with higher levels of these cells.Conclusion.A simple laboratory measure, the baseline number of circulating CD28– T cells, predicted remission after 6 months of abatacept treatment in patients with RA.
Les résultats des élections provinciales du 8 octobre 2000
Authors: Arcq Étienne 
Published: August 2011

Résumé	Le 8 octobre 2000 et pour la deuxième fois, les élections pour le renouvellement des conseils provin¬ciaux se sont déroulées en même temps que les élections commu¬nales. Le pouvoir provincial bénéficie d'une stabilité importante. Cependant en 2000 d’importants mouvements de voix sont enregistrés. Ils se traduisent, comme aux élections législatives de 1999, par un nouveau progrès de l’extrême droite en Flandre et par sa quasi-disparition du côté francophone ; par une montée des écologistes ; par un recul de la famille socialiste sauf dans les provinces de Hainaut et de Limbourg ; et par un recul important de la famille sociale chrétienne, qui cesse d’être globalement la première famille politique au niveau provincial au profit de la famille libérale.	À l’issue des élections d’octobre 2000, une homogénéité s’observe dans la composition des coalitions : alliances PS - Fédération PRL FDF MCC dans l’ensemble des provinces wallonnes ; alliances CVP - VLD - SP dans toutes les provinces flamandes, à l’exception de la Flandre occidentale, où le VLD n’est pas partie prenante.	Les résultats du scrutin provincial du 8 octobre 2000 sont analysés par province. L’examen privilégie le poids respectif des formations politiques en présence et les majorités mises en place dans les conseils provinciaux. Chaque fois, deux séries de données sont fournies. La première donne les résultats en pourcen¬tage des voix des six dernières élections provinciales. La seconde donne la répartition politique des conseillers provinciaux pour toutes les élections d'une période de trente-cinq ans (1965-2000) avec indication des par¬tis en coa¬lition.	Des commentaires sur la hiérarchie des partis dans chacune des provinces de même que sur l'évolution de l'implantation des partis dans les différents cantons et districts électoraux accompagnent ces données.	Des histogrammes permettent de visualiser des compa¬raisons entre les élections provinciales (1994 et 2000) et les élections de la Chambre des représentants (1995 et 2000) pour l’ensemble des provinces, y compris le Brabant flamand.
L'évaluation des politiques publiques. Six études de cas au niveau fédéral
Authors: Jacob Steve , Varone Frédéric 
Published: August 2011

Résumé	La pratique de l’évaluation des politiques publiques est peu développée en Belgique. Depuis 1998, la Cour des comptes s’est vu attribuer une nouvelle compétence en matière du bon usage des deniers publics lui permettant d’opérer un contrôle de l’efficacité, de l’efficience et de l’économie (mais pas un contrôle d’opportunité ou de pertinence). On assiste aussi au développement récent d’initiatives telles que la création d’une Société wallonne de l’évaluation et de la prospective (Swep) et de la Société européenne d’évaluation (SEE).	Steve Jacob et Frédéric Varone présentent les résultats d’une recherche financée par les Services des affaires scientifiques, techniques et culturelles (SSTC). Ils comparent six cas d’évaluations de politiques publiques, dont les objets, les contextes, les commanditaires et les évaluateurs varient sensiblement. L'objectif de cette « méta-évaluation » est d’identifier les tendances dominantes de la pratique évaluative au niveau fédéral.	Chacune des études de cas comprend l’analyse du contexte et de l’objet de l'évaluation, du cahier des charges, de la démarche, du rapport d’évaluation produit et du suivi politique ainsi qu’une brève appréciation de la démarche évaluative observée.	Steve Jacob et Frédéric Varone concluent que l’évaluation constitue un moyen privilégié pour intégrer les dimensions de moyen terme et de responsabilisation dans l’action de l’État, mais les divers cas étudiés n’atteignent pas ce but de manière égale. L’évaluation témoigne en effet d’une double exigence. D’un point de vue pratique, elle favorise un suivi matériel de la mise en œuvre des politiques et une maîtrise de leurs effets. D’un point de vue symbolique, elle permet de donner au citoyen l’image d’une administration dont l’action est guidée par la rationalité et d’accroître la motivation et la mobilisation des fonctionnaires en leur permettant de mieux apprécier les résultats, et donc la finalité, de leur travail.
Le travail intérimaire
Authors: Delbar Catherine , Léonard Évelyne 
Published: August 2011

Résumé	Le travail intérimaire est défini par une relation triangulaire entre trois acteurs : le travailleur est employé par une agence d'intérim, qui est elle-même liée par un contrat avec l'entreprise utilisatrice, qui utilise les services du travailleur. Il n’est, en Belgique, autorisé que dans certaines circonstances qui sont, dans les grandes lignes, le remplacement temporaire d’un travailleur permanent, le surcroît de travail et l'exécution d’un travail exceptionnel.	Cependant, cette forme d’emploi telle qu’elle se pratique actuellement a évolué vers un assouplissement et un élargissement des possibilités légales. Cette évolution pose des questions sur ses fonctions sur le marché du travail.	Dans quelle mesure le travail intérimaire constitue-t-il un moyen de flexibilité, un outil de sélection du personnel, un vecteur d’externalisation des coûts de gestion de la main-d’œuvre ? Ce type d’emploi représente-t-il une solution temporaire choisie par les personnes ou au contraire un choix « contraint », à défaut d’un emploi stable ? Le travail intérimaire représente-t-il une précarisation de la main-d’œuvre ou forme-t-il, au contraire un vecteur de transition sur le marché du travail permettant l’insertion dans un emploi stable ? Les opinions des acteurs – les employeurs, les agences de travail intérimaire ainsi que leur organisation représentative, Federgon, les organisations syndicales – divergent sur ces évolutions.	Catherine Delbar et Évelyne Léonard examinent ces questions en étudiant successivement l’évolution du travail intérimaire et du marché de l’emploi au travers notamment de la réglementation du travail intérimaire (première partie) ; le rôle et les stratégies des acteurs dans le secteur (deuxième partie) et les conditions de travail et l’insertion professionnelle des travailleurs intérimaires (troisième partie).