bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Flaxseed Oil Fortified with Vitamin E and Phytosterols on Antioxidant Defense Capacities and Lipids Profile in Rats
Authors: Deng Qianchun , Yu Xiao , Xu Jiqu , Liu Changsheng , Huang Fenghong , Huang Qingde , Yang Jine 
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  The main proposal of this study was to evaluate in vivo whether flaxseed oils fortified with micronutrients would have beneficial effects on lipid profile and antioxidant status in high‐fat fed rats. Male Wistar rats were fed synthetic diets containing 10% of flaxseed oil (FO), phytosterols (PS) fortified FO (PS‐FO), vitamin E (VE) fortified FO (VE‐FO), VE, and PS fortified FO (VE‐PS‐FO), respectively, for 4 wk. The results showed that VE fortified FO enhanced the enzymatic (SOD and GPX) and nonenzymatic (GSH and VE) antioxidant system, lowered the lipid peroxide (TBARS) concentration compared with FO (P < 0.05). And FO fortified with PS significantly reduced the plasma TG, TC and LDL‐C levels, and hepatic TG and TC levels of rats compared with FO (P < 0.05), but had no significant effect on antioxidant defense capacities. Combined addition of VE and PS in FO had a synergetic effect. These results indicated that flaxseed oils fortified micronutrients VE and PS may contribute to reduce the risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by improving plasma antioxidant defenses and lipids profiles.Practical Application:  Flaxseed oil usually contains greater than 50% of alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) and is a desire origin for n‐3 PUFA. But consuming high dose of n‐3 PUFA could lead to oxidative damage through free radical‐chain reaction in cellular and subcellular membranes. Our studies showed that a regular intake of VE and PS fortified flaxseed oils increased antioxidant defenses and ameliorated lipids profile in high‐fat fed rats, and these indicated that the flaxseed oil fortified with these micronutrients might reduce the incidence of CVD.
Flow cytometric detection of alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein on feline circulating leucocytes
Authors: Paltrinieri S , Marchini I , Gelain ME 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo assess whether alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) can be detected on the membrane of feline circulating leucocytes.Design  The presence of AGP on circulating leucocytes was investigated in both clinically healthy cats and cats with different diseases. A group of feline coronavirus (FCoV)‐positive cats, comprising cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and cats not affected by FIP but seropositive for FCoV, were included in this study because the serum concentration of AGP increases during FCoV infection.Procedure  Flow cytometry (using an anti‐feline AGP antibody), serum protein electrophoresis, routine haematology and measurement of the serum AGP concentration were performed using blood samples from 32 healthy cats (19 FCoV‐seropositive), 13 cats with FIP and 12 with other diseases (6 FCoV‐seropositive). The proportion of cats with AGP‐positive leucocytes in the different groups (e.g. controls vs sick; FIP vs other diseases, etc.) or in cats with different intensities of inflammatory response was compared using a Chi‐square test.Results  AGP‐positive leucocytes were found in 23% of cats. Compared with controls, the proportion of patients with positive granulocytes and monocytes was higher among sick cats (especially cats with diseases other than FIP) and cats with high serum AGP concentration, but not in cats with leucocytosis or that were FCoV‐seropositive.Conclusion  AGP‐positive leucocytes can be found in feline blood, especially during inflammation. Conversely, no association between AGP‐positive leucocytes and FIP was found. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism responsible for this finding and its diagnostic role in cats with inflammation.
Blood Pressure Effects of Combined β‐Blocker and Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Therapy Compared With the Individual Agents: A Placebo‐Controlled Study With Nebivolol and Lisinopril
Authors: Weber Michael A. , Basile Jan , Stapff Manfred , Khan Barbara , Zhou Dongli 
Published: June 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:588–592. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Blood pressure (BP) reductions when combining blockers of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) and β‐blockers have generally not been shown to be greater than for individual agents, possibly because of overlapping mechanisms of action. The authors tested the additivity of the β‐blocker nebivolol, which has vasodilating activity, with the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril in patients with stage 2 diastolic hypertension. The BP effects of placebo (n=93), nebivolol 5 mg to 20 mg daily (n=185), lisinopril 10 mg to 40 mg daily (n=189), and nebivolol 5 mg to 20 mg + lisinopril 10 mg to 40 mg (n=189) during 6 weeks of treatment were compared. The primary end point was change in diastolic BP (DBP). For the full cohort, baseline BP was 163.8/104.4 mm Hg, mean age was 49.2 years, 58% were men, 62% were white, and 34% were black. DBP fell by 17.2±10.2 mm Hg with the combination, greater than placebo (8.0±9.2, P<.0001), nebivolol (13.3±8.9, P=.0010), and lisinopril (12.0±9.8, P<.0001). For systolic BP, corresponding reductions were 19.2±19.8 mm Hg, 9.9±16.4 (P<.0001 vs combination), 14.4±14.1 (P=.0470), and 16.1±17.2 (P=.0704). Adverse event rates were similar in all groups. This study demonstrated the potential antihypertensive benefits of combining nebivolol with a RAS blocker.
Unterschiedliche Entwicklung der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung in Japan und in der Republik Korea: Mehrkassensystem gegenüber Einheitskasse
Authors: Jeong Hyoung‐Sun , Niki Ryu 
Published: June 2012

AuszugJapan und die Republik Korea verwirklichten die allgemeine Krankenversicherung für ihre Bevölkerung 1961 beziehungsweise 1989. Derzeit betreibt Japan weiterhin ein soziales Krankenversicherungssystem mit einer Vielzahl von Kassen, während die Republik Korea zu einer integrierten Einheitskasse für die nationale Krankenversicherung übergegangen ist. Dieser Artikel analysiert den Einfluss der politischen Ökonomie auf die Entwicklung der grundsatzpolitischen Unterschiede zwischen diesen beiden Krankenversicherungssystemen nach dem Bismarck'schen Modell. Zu den Themen, auf die eingegangen wird, zählen etwa Unterschiede der politischen Macht, der politische Einfluss der Wirtschaft, die Frage, inwieweit sich eine regionale Autonomie entwickelt hat und regionale Besonderheiten beibehalten wurden, der Grad der politischen Demokratisierung, die Form der politischen Führung und das Ausmaß der Entwicklung des Krankenversicherungssystems. Aus den Erfahrungen beider Länder werden grundsatzpolitische Erkenntnisse abgeleitet.
Implizite Schulden von Rentenplänen des öffentlichen Sektors: Ein internationaler Vergleich
Authors: Ponds Eduard , Severinson Clara , Yermo Juan 
Published: June 2012

AuszugDie meisten Länder haben für die Angestellten des öffentlichen Sektors separate Rentenpläne. Die zukünftige Belastung des Staatshaushalts durch diese Rentenpläne kann beträchtlich sein, da der Staat gewöhnlich der größte Arbeitgeber ist, die Rentenversprechen im öffentlichen Sektor tendenziell relativ großzügig sind und zukünftige Zahlungen direkt aus Staatseinnahmen (Umlageverfahren) oder durch tendenziell unterfinanzierte kapitalgedeckte Rentenfondspläne bestritten werden müssen. Bei der Bewertung und Veröffentlichung dieser Rentenversprechen fehlt es in einigen Ländern an Transparenz, sodass möglicherweise enorme Haushaltsverpflichtungen an zukünftige Arbeitnehmergenerationen weitergegeben werden. Um die Haushaltsbelastungen durch die Rentenpläne des öffentlichen Sektors in den verschiedenen Ländern fair vergleichen zu können, empfiehlt dieser Artikel zwecks besserer Transparenz der öffentlichen Finanzen und zur Erleichterung der politischen Entscheidungsfindung, die ungedeckten Rentenverbindlichkeiten nach einem Standardansatz zu erfassen und zu veröffentlichen. Von einer Auswahl von Mitgliedsstaaten der Organisation für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung wird eine Schätzung der ungedeckten Verbindlichkeiten per Ende 2008 als beizulegende Zeitwerte (fair values) vorgelegt. Diese Haushaltsbelastung kann auch als beizulegender Zeitwert der impliziten Rentenschulden interpretiert werden.
La expansión de la cobertura del sistema argentino de pensiones: distribución del acceso y perspectivas para la universalización
Authors: Arza Camila 
Published: June 2012

ResumenUno de los desafíos centrales de la política social latinoamericana es garantizar seguridad social para toda la población en contextos de alta informalidad laboral. En la Argentina, un país pionero en el desarrollo de los sistemas de pensiones en la región, más de un tercio de las personas en edad jubilatoria carecían de beneficios en 2005. A partir de entonces la cobertura se expandió sustancialmente como resultado de la implementación de un programa que relajó los requisitos contributivos y otorgó beneficios a un gran número de adultos mayores que se hallaban fuera del sistema. Esta investigación analiza el impacto de este proceso sobre el nivel y distribución de la cobertura, identifica los cambios en los factores sociodemográficos asociados a la inclusión/exclusión del sistema previsional argentino, y discute los obstáculos que persisten para alcanzar una cobertura universal en el mediano y largo plazo.
La información individual para el cotizante: algunas recomendaciones para el caso español a partir de la experiencia internacional
Authors: Regúlez‐Castillo Marta , Vidal‐Meliá Carlos 
Published: June 2012

ResumenEste artículo tiene por objetivo definir directrices básicas para facilitar el eventual diseño de un boletín de información que se enviaría a los cotizantes del sistema estatal de pensiones de España, en caso de adoptarse dicho instrumento. Inspirándonos de la experiencia internacional y de la investigación realizada en este ámbito por Jackson (2005), Larsson, Sundén y Settergren (2008) y Sundén (2009), investigamos el concepto de información individual sobre pensiones y determinamos sus principales características. Luego, describimos en detalle dos modelos de suministro de información individual sobre pensiones, el de los Estados Unidos y el de Suecia, haciendo hincapié en su estructura, en los aspectos mejorables y en sus limitaciones. Por último, presentamos algunas recomendaciones para el diseño del modelo español.
TAKING STOCK OF PHENOMENOLOGY FUTURES
Authors: GALLAGHER SHAUN 
Published: June 2012

abstractIn this paper, I review recent contributions of phenomenology to a variety of disciplines, including the cognitive sciences and psychiatry, and explore (1) controversies about phenomenological methods and naturalization; (2) relations between phenomenology and the enactive and extended mind approaches; and (3) the promise of phenomenology for addressing a number of controversial philosophical issues.
Saquinavir Inhibits Early Events Associated with Establishment of HIV-1 Infection: Potential Role for Protease Inhibitors in Prevention
Authors: Stefanidou Martha , Herrera Carolina , Armanasco Naomi , Shattock Robin J. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThe maturation of newly formed human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virions is a critical step for the establishment of productive infection. We investigated the potential of saquinavir (SQV), a protease inhibitor (PI) used in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), as a candidate microbicide. SQV inhibited replication of clade B and clade C isolates in a dose-dependent manner in all cellular models tested: PM-1 CD4 T cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), and immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (iMDDCs). SQV also inhibited production of infectious virus in cervical, penile, and colorectal explants cocultured with T cells. Moreover, SQV demonstrated inhibitory potency againsttransinfection of T cells byin vitro-derived dendritic cells and by primary dendritic cells that emigrate from penile and cervical tissue explants. No cellular or tissue toxicity was detected in the presence of SQV, suggesting that this drug could be considered for development as a component of an effective microbicide, capable of blocking viral maturation and transmission of HIV-1 at mucosal surfaces.
Crystal Structure of the Mobile Metallo-β-Lactamase AIM-1 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Insights into Antibiotic Binding and the Role of Gln157
Authors: Leiros Hanna-Kirsti S. , Borra Pardha S. , Brandsdal Bjørn Olav , Edvardsen Kine Susann Waade , Spencer James , Walsh Timothy R. , Samuelsen Ørjan 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) genes confer resistance to virtually all β-lactam antibiotics and are rapidly disseminated by mobile genetic elements in Gram-negative bacteria. MBLs belong to three different subgroups, B1, B2, and B3, with the mobile MBLs largely confined to subgroup B1. The B3 MBLs are a divergent subgroup of predominantly chromosomally encoded enzymes. AIM-1 (
A
delaide
IM
ipenmase 1) from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
was the first B3 MBL to be identified on a readily mobile genetic element. Here we present the crystal structure of AIM-1 and use
in silico
docking and quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations, together with site-directed mutagenesis, to investigate its interaction with β-lactams. AIM-1 adopts the characteristic αβ/βα sandwich fold of MBLs but differs from other B3 enzymes in the conformation of an active site loop (residues 156 to 162) which is involved both in disulfide bond formation and, we suggest, interaction with substrates. The structure, together with docking and QM/MM calculations, indicates that the AIM-1 substrate binding site is narrower and more restricted than those of other B3 MBLs, possibly explaining its higher catalytic efficiency. The location of Gln157 adjacent to the AIM-1 zinc center suggests a role in drug binding that is supported by our
in silico
studies. However, replacement of this residue by either Asn or Ala resulted in only modest reductions in AIM-1 activity against the majority of β-lactam substrates, indicating that this function is nonessential. Our study reveals AIM-1 to be a subclass B3 MBL with novel structural and mechanistic features.
First-in-Human Study of the Pharmacokinetics and Antiviral Activity of IDX375, a Novel Nonnucleoside Hepatitis C Virus Polymerase Inhibitor
Authors: de Bruijne J. , van de Wetering de Rooij J. , van Vliet A. A. , Zhou X. J. , Temam M. F. , Molles J. , Chen J. , Pietropaolo K. , Sullivan-Bólyai J. Z. , Mayers D. , Reesink H. W. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

IDX375 is a potent and selective palm-binding nonnucleoside inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 polymerase. This first-in-human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of IDX375 in healthy volunteers, as well as its antiviral activity in HCV-infected patients. IDX375, as a choline salt, was administered for 1 day to 40 healthy male volunteers (25- to 200-mg IDX375-equivalent single ascending doses and a 200-mg twice-daily [BID] dose) and three patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1 (200 mg BID only). IDX375 was well absorbed and well tolerated by all of the study participants. A single-day 200-mg BID dose resulted in exposure-related anti-HCV activity with maximal 0.5 to 1.1 log
10
reductions in plasma HCV RNA. These observations support further clinical investigations of IDX375.
Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance in Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase- and AmpC β-Lactamase-Producing Serratia marcescens in China
Authors: Yang Hai-Fei , Cheng Jun , Hu Li-Fen , Ye Ying , Li Jia-Bin 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

We investigated the prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants and examined the association of these determinants with extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and/or plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases (pAmpCs) in
Serratia marcescens
isolates in China. In this study, the presence of PMQR determinants was significantly related to the coproduction of ESBLs and/or pAmpCs (CTX-M-14, SHV-5, DHA-1, and ACT-1), among which CTX-M-14 was the most common gene type.
Inhibition of Biofilm Formation by Esomeprazole in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Singh Vandana , Arora Vaneet , Alam M. Jahangir , Garey Kevin W. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
are common nosocomial pathogens responsible for biofilm-associated infections. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI), such as esomeprazole, may have novel antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to assess whether esomeprazole prevents sessile bacterial growth and biofilm formation and whether it may have synergistic killing effects with standard antibiotics. The antibiofilm activity of esomeprazole at 0.25 mM was tested against two strains each of
S. aureus
and
P. aeruginosa
. Bacterial biofilms were prepared using a commercially available 96-peg-plate Calgary biofilm device. Sessile bacterial CFU counts and biomass were assessed during 72 hours of esomeprazole exposure. The killing activities after an additional 24 hours of vancomycin (against
S. aureus
) and meropenem (against
P. aeruginosa
) treatment with or without preexposure to esomeprazole were also assessed by CFU and biomass analyses.
P. aeruginosa
and
S. aureus
strains exposed to esomeprazole displayed decreased sessile bacterial growth and biomass (
P
< 0.001, each parameter). After 72 h of exposure, there was a 1-log
10
decrease in the CFU/ml of esomeprazole-exposed
P. aeruginosa
and
S. aureus
strains compared to controls (
P
< 0.001). After 72 h of exposure, measured absorbance was 100% greater in
P. aeruginosa
control strains than in esomeprazole-exposed strains (
P
< 0.001). Increased killing and decreased biomass were observed for esomeprazole-treated bacteria compared to untreated controls exposed to conventional antibiotics (
P
< 0.001, each parameter). Reduced biofilm growth after 24 h was visibly apparent by light micrographs for
P. aeruginosa
and
S. aureus
isolates exposed to esomeprazole compared to untreated controls. In conclusion, esomeprazole demonstrated an antibiofilm effect against biofilm-producing
S. aureus
and
P. aeruginosa
.
Effect of Sodium Fluoride, Ampicillin, and Chlorhexidine on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Detachment
Authors: Liu Jia , Ling Jun-Qi , Zhang Kai , Huo Li-Jun , Ning Yang 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

We examined the effect of three clinically used antimicrobials on
Streptococcus mutans
UA159 biofilm detachment under flow conditions. Sodium fluoride (NaF) and chlorhexidine at MIC levels promoted biofilm detachment and inhibited detachment when concentrations were higher than the MIC and reduced detached-cell viability only at high concentrations. Ampicillin at all concentrations tested inhibited detachment and reduced the percentage of viable biofilm-detached cells. All the three antimicrobial treatments reduced biofilm live/dead cell ratios.
Dose-Ranging Comparison of Rifampin and Rifapentine in Two Pathologically Distinct Murine Models of Tuberculosis
Authors: Rosenthal Ian M. , Tasneen Rokeya , Peloquin Charles A. , Zhang Ming , Almeida Deepak , Mdluli Khisimuzi E. , Karakousis Petros C. , Grosset Jacques H. , Nuermberger Eric L. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

In previous experiments, replacing the 10-mg/kg of body weight daily dose of rifampin with 7.5 to 10 mg/kg of rifapentine in combinations containing isoniazid and pyrazinamide reduced the duration of treatment needed to cure tuberculosis in BALB/c mice by approximately 50% due to rifapentine's more potent activity and greater drug exposures obtained. In the present study, we performed dose-ranging comparisons of the bactericidal and sterilizing activities of rifampin and rifapentine, alone and in combination with isoniazid and pyrazinamide with or without ethambutol, in BALB/c mice and in C3HeB/FeJ mice, which develop necrotic lung granulomas after infection with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Each rifamycin demonstrated a significant increase in sterilizing activity with increasing dose. Rifapentine was roughly 4 times more potent in both mouse strains. These results reinforce the rationale for ongoing clinical trials to ascertain the highest well-tolerated doses of rifampin and rifapentine. This study also provides an important benchmark for the efficacy of the first-line regimen in C3HeB/FeJ mice, a strain in which the lung lesions observed after
M. tuberculosis
infection may better represent the pathology of human tuberculosis.
Decreased Expression of Type 1 Fimbriae by apstMutant of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Reduces Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Crépin Sébastien , Houle Sébastien , Charbonneau Marie-Ève , Mourez Michaël , Harel Josée , Dozois Charles M. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThepstSCAB-phoUoperon encodes the phosphate-specific transport system (Pst). Loss of Pst constitutively activates the Pho regulon and decreases bacterial virulence. However, specific mechanisms underlying decreased bacterial virulence through inactivation of Pst are poorly understood. In uropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) strain CFT073, inactivation ofpstdecreased urinary tract colonization in CBA/J mice. Thepstmutant was deficient in production of type 1 fimbriae and showed decreased expression of thefimAstructural gene which correlated with differential expression of thefimB,fimE,ipuA, andipbAgenes, encoding recombinases, mediating inversion of thefimpromoter. The role offimdownregulation in attenuation of thepstmutant was confirmed using afimphase-locked-on derivative, which demonstrated a significant gain in virulence. In addition, thepstmutant was less able to invade human bladder epithelial cells. Since type 1 fimbriae contribute to UPEC virulence by promoting colonization and invasion of bladder cells, the reduced bladder colonization by thepstmutant is predominantly attributed to downregulation of these fimbriae. Elucidation of mechanisms mediating the control of type 1 fimbriae through activation of the Pho regulon in UPEC may open new avenues for therapeutics or prophylactics against urinary tract infections.
Distinguishing the Contribution of Type 1 Pili from That of Other QseB-Misregulated Factors when QseC Is Absent during Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Kostakioti Maria , Hadjifrangiskou Maria , Cusumano Corinne K. , Hannan Thomas J. , Janetka James W. , Hultgren Scott J. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTUrinary tract infections (UTI), primarily caused by uropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC), are one of the leading bacterial infections due to their high frequency and rate of recurrence. Both type 1 pilus adhesive organelles (fim) and the QseC sensor kinase have been implicated in UPEC virulence during UTI and have been individually reported to be promising drug targets. Deletion ofqseCleads to pleiotropic effects due to unregulated activation of the cognate response regulator QseB, influencing conserved metabolic processes and diminishing expression of virulence genes, including type 1 pili. Here, we discern the type 1 pilus-dependent and -independent effects that contribute to the virulence attenuation of a UPECqseCdeletion mutant in a murine model of experimental UTI. We show that although a ΔqseCmutant restored for type 1 pilus expression regains the ability to colonize the host and initiate acute infection up to 16 h postinfection, it is rapidly outcompeted during acute infection when coinoculated with a wild-type strain. As a result, this strain has a diminished capacity to establish chronic infection. A prophylactic oral dose of a FimH small-molecular-weight antagonist (ZFH-02056) further reduced the ability of theqseCmutant to establish chronic infection. Thus, loss of QseC significantly enhances the efficacy of ZFH-02056. Collectively, our work indicates that type 1 pili and QseC become critical in different infection stages, and that dual targeting of these factors has an additive effect on ablating UPEC virulence.