bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A role for the substance P/NK‐1 receptor complex in cell proliferation and apoptosis in oral lichen planus
Authors: González Moles MA , Esteban F , Ruiz‐Ávila I , Gil Montoya JA , Brener S , Bascones‐Martínez A , Muñoz M 
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  To determine whether substance P (SP) and NK‐1 receptor (NK‐1R) are expressed in oral lichen planus (OLP) and are related to cell proliferation and apoptosis in this disease.Material and methods:  Tissue samples from 50 OLP patients and 26 healthy controls were studied. Immunohistochemistry was performed with anti‐SP, anti‐NK‐1R, anti‐ki‐67 and anti‐caspase‐3 monoclonal antibodies and the clinical and pathological data of the OLP patients were evaluated.Results:  With the exception of NK‐1R expression in epithelial cell membrane and cytoplasm, all markers were more frequently present in OLP patients than in controls (P < 0.05). Higher cytoplasmatic expression of NK‐1R was associated with higher epithelial expression of caspase‐3 (P < 0.05). Higher epithelial expression of NK‐1R and SP was associated with higher suprabasal and basal epithelial expression of ki‐67 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005, respectively).Conclusions:  Actions of the SP/NK‐1R complex may contribute to the immune disorder underlying OLP and trigger stimuli to induce cell proliferation. These results indicate that this complex might play a role in the malignant transformation of OLP.
Diagnostic approach for suspected pseudoallergic reaction to food ingredients
Authors: Reese Imke , Zuberbier Torsten , Bunselmeyer Britta , Erdmann Stephan , Henzgen Margot , Fuchs Thomas , Jäger Lothar , Kleine‐Tebbe Jörg , Lepp Ute , Niggemann Bodo , Raithel Martin , Saloga Joachim , Vieths Stephan , Werfel Thomas 
Published: November 2008

SummaryChronic urticaria, recurrent angioedema and non‐allergic asthma have all been associated with pseudoallergic reactions to food ingredients. For atopic dermatitis and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, this association is controversial. Pseudoallergic reactions can be elicited by additives as well as by natural food ingredients. An altered histamine metabolism may be associated with pseudoallergy.Acute urticaria or a short episode of angioedema is not an indication for exhaustive evaluation. If basic diagnostic screening is negative in chronic urticaria, a low‐pseudoallergen diet can be considered. Skin and serological tests are not objective diagnostic parameters for pseudoallergic reactions. The severity of symptoms should be documented while the patient is on a low‐pseudoaller‐gen diet.Oral provocation with additives leads to reproducible symptoms only in a few cases. Therefore, if a low‐pseudoallergen diet brings improvement, the patient is then exposed to a pseudoallergen‐rich "super meal". After a positive reaction to the "super meal" the challenge with additives takes place in the form of collective group exposition. When the patient has asthma or a history of anaphylac‐toid reactions, testing with individual substances in carefully increasing dosages is required.The suspicion of adverse reactions against histamine can be confirmed by a challenge with histamine dihydrochloride. In the case of respiratory symptoms, provocation by inhalation should be considered. Objectifying symptoms especially in gastrointestinal diseases is mandatory and should include double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge, if possible.
Determining Hydraulic Conductivity Using Pumping Data from Low‐Flow Sampling
Authors: Robbins Gary A. , Aragon‐Jose Alejandra T. , Romero Andres 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHydraulic conductivity values computed using the steady‐state discharge and drawdown attained while low‐flow sampling were evaluated to determine if they were equivalent to those determined from slug testing. Based on testing 12 wells, it was found that the results were statistically equivalent. Conductivity values computed using low‐flow sampling parameters were also evaluated as to their reproducibility in actual practice by analyzing consultant data for three wells sampled over three quarterly monitoring periods by four field technicians. The results were found to be reproducible within about a factor of 2 or better. Since the method is based on only one pair of parameters, diligence is required in attaining steady state and in accurately measuring the flow rate and drawdown. Conductivity values computed using this approach can enhance the use of low‐flow data gathered in water quality sampling, avoid the need for slug testing in a subsequent phase of investigation, and help reduce the cost of characterizing sites when multilevel samplers are used. Given the practical range of discharge in low‐flow sampling, the method was found to be applicable at conductivity values somewhat greater than 10−6 cm/s. Given the typical accuracy of water level meters and pressure transducers and a maximum discharge of 1 L/min, as mandated by regulatory guidance, the method has a calculated upper conductivity limit in the range of 10−3 to 10−2 cm/s.
Numerical Modeling of Atoll Island Hydrogeology
Authors: Bailey R.T. , Jenson J.W. , Olsen A.E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe implemented Ayers and Vachers’ (1986) inclusive conceptual model for atoll island aquifers in a comprehensive numerical modeling study to evaluate the response of the fresh water lens to selected controlling climatic and geologic variables. Climatic factors include both constant and time‐varying recharge rates, with particular attention paid to the effects of El Niño and the associated drought it brings to the western Pacific. Geologic factors include island width; hydraulic conductivity of the uppermost Holocene‐age aquifer, which contains the fresh water lens; the depth to the contact with the underlying, and much more conductive, Pleistocene karst aquifer, which transmits tidal signals to the base of the lens; and the presence or absence of a semiconfining reef flat plate on the ocean side. Sensitivity analyses of steady‐steady simulations show that lens thickness is most strongly sensitive to the depth to the Holocene‐Pleistocene contact and to the hydraulic conductivity of the Holocene aquifer, respectively. Comparisons between modeling results and published observations of atoll island lens thicknesses suggest a hydraulic conductivity of approximately 50 m/d for leeward islands and approximately 400 m/d for windward islands. Results of transient simulations show that lens thickness fluctuations during average seasonal conditions and El Niño events are quite sensitive to island width, recharge rate, and hydraulic conductivity of the Holocene aquifer. In general, the depletion of the lens during drought conditions is most drastic for small, windward islands. Simulation results suggest that recovery from a 6‐month drought requires about 1.5 years.
Auf fiktiven Konten basierende Renten mit staatlichen Reservefonds in alternden Volkswirtschaften: Das Beispiel Japans
Authors: Lu Bei , Mitchell Olivia S. , Piggott John 
Published: November 2008

AuszugMehrere Industrie‐ und Entwicklungsländer haben sich in jüngster Zeit für einen Ansatz mit Festbeiträgen auf fiktiven Konten (NDC —Notional Defined Contribution) für ihre Altersrentenreform entschieden. NDC ist im Wesentlichen ein nicht vorfinanziertes Festbeitragsrentensystem, in dem Beiträge mit einer Verzinsung gutgeschrieben werden, die sich auf das Gesamtwachstum der Lohnsumme bezieht, und in dem individuelle Kontoerträge in einem Buchhaltungssystem geführt werden. Auszahlungen werden je nach der erwarteten Sterblichkeit der jeweils in den Ruhestand tretenden Kohorte auf Jahre umgerechnet. NDC‐Pläne lassen sich bei demografischem Gleichgewicht mit gut abgestimmten Plänen nach dem Umlageverfahren gleichsetzen, aber die zwei Paradigmen unterscheiden sich, sobald sich demografische Veränderungen ergeben. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht die wichtigen versicherungsmathematischen und wirtschaftlichen Folgen der Alternative mit NDC‐Regeln unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Beispiels Japan, der am schnellsten alternden Wirtschaft der Welt. Wir prüfen die mögliche Rolle von Rentenreserven beim Übergang zu einem NDC‐System, und wir zeigen, dass sie verwendet werden können, um die Auswirkungen des demografischen Übergangs zu einer älteren Gesellschaft abzufedern. Schließlich zeigen wir auch, dass Länder wie Japan in der Vergangenheit angesammelte Rentenreserven verwenden können, um den Übergang zu einem NDC‐System zu erleichtern.
Choleretic effect of inchinkoto, a herbal medicine, on livers of patients with biliary obstruction due to bile duct carcinoma
Authors: Watanabe Shinya , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Oda Koji , Kokuryo Toshio , Shoda Junichi , Okada Kosuke , Utsunomiya Hirotoshi , Nagino Masato 
Published: November 2008

Aim:  To investigate the choleretic effects of inchinkoto (ICKT) on livers of patients with biliary obstruction due to bile duct carcinoma.Methods:  Twenty‐seven patients with bile duct carcinoma who were due to undergo biliary drainage and subsequent major hepatectomy were randomly assigned to preoperative ICKT (n = 13) or untreated (n = 14) groups. ICKT was administered from the day of admission until one day before surgery. Changes in bile constituents, expression of multidrug resistance‐associated protein (MRP) 2, MRP3 and MRP4 in the liver, and the incidence of postoperative complications were included as end‐points.Results:  The biliary concentration of total bilirubin was significantly increased after administration of ICKT (23.7 ± 2.8 mg/dL before ICKT; 34.0 ± 4.0 mg/dL after ICKT, P < 0.05). The biliary concentration of total bile acids was also significantly increased. Protein levels of MRP2 and MRP3 in the crude plasma membrane fraction of livers of treated patients were significantly higher than those without treatment. MRP2 staining in the livers of patients without ICKT treatment was weak and diffuse around the bile canaliculi, whereas staining in patients with ICKT treatment was strong and restricted to the bile canaliculi.Conclusion:  ICKT exerts a choleretic effect on the livers of patients with biliary obstruction. This beneficial effect was associated with increased expression of MRP2. ICKT thus has therapeutic potential for treatment for obstructive cholestasis due to bile duct carcinoma.
A Portable and Automated Postural Perturbation System for Balance
Assessment, Training, and Neuromuscular System Identification
Authors: Vette Albert H. , Sanin Egor , Bulsen Abdulkadir , Morris Alan , Masani Kei , Popovic Milos R. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
To date, a postural perturbation system capable of generating position-, velocity-, and force-controlled perturbations while being portable and suitable for use during various postural scenarios does not exist. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to design, develop, and test a portable and automated postural perturbation system (PAPPS) that can be used to measure and train postural reactions during sitting, standing, and treadmill walking. The core component of the PAPPS was a linear actuator that provides horizontal perturbations. The actuator could generate arbitrary displacement, velocity, or force perturbations as a function of time. In addition, the PAPPS was able to measure the actuator’s displacement, velocity, and load, which could be used to study postural perturbation responses. The height at which the PAPPS was delivering the perturbations could be easily adjusted to allow for different subject/patient anthropometrics and a wide range of postural scenarios such as sitting, standing, and treadmill walking. The PAPPS generated a peak displacement of 0.6m, a peak velocity of 0.5m∕s, and a peak force of 600N, which is more than sufficient to elicit high intensity postural perturbations. Multiple and nested safety circuits have been implemented into the PAPPS to ensure the safety of the subjects/patients during experiments and/or training. To evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of the PAPPS during position-, velocity-, and force-controlled perturbations, experiments were conducted using sinusoidal, impulse, and ramp profiles as a function of time. Highly sensitive displacement and force sensors that were external to the PAPPS were used to determine the accuracy and repeatability of the proposed device. In addition, a case study was performed to demonstrate the performance of the PAPPS during pseudorandom sinusoidal perturbations that were applied to a healthy individual during sitting. The accuracy and repeatability tests suggest that the PAPPS can generate reliable and high-precision displacement, velocity, and force perturbations. Potential applications of this system include, but are not limited to (1) studies of postural response to various perturbation types and profiles in diverse subject populations during sitting, standing, and treadmill walking, and (2) training of postural balance in diverse patient populations during sitting, standing, and treadmill walking.
SOS Regulation of
qnrB
Expression
Authors: Wang Minghua , Jacoby George A. , Mills Debra M. , Hooper David C. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT

In the sequence upstream from
qnrB
(but not
qnrA
or
qnrS
) is a LexA binding site.
qnrB
was shown to be under SOS control by demonstrating that quinolone susceptibility decreased with increasing temperature in a strain with a
recA441
(Ts) allele, whereas
qnrB
expression increased in response to ciprofloxacin or mitomycin C in strains with an intact
lexA
gene.
Evaluation of Strategies for Improving Proteolytic Resistance of Antimicrobial Peptides by Using Variants of EFK17, an Internal Segment of LL-37
Authors: Strömstedt Adam A. , Pasupuleti Mukesh , Schmidtchen Artur , Malmsten Martin 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTMethods for increasing the proteolytic stability of EFK17 (EFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLV), a new peptide sequence with antimicrobial properties derived from LL-37, were evaluated. EFK17 was modified by four d-enantiomer or tryptophan (W) substitutions at known protease cleavage sites as well as by terminal amidation and acetylation. The peptide variants were studied in terms of proteolytic resistance, antibacterial potency, and cytotoxicity but also in terms their adsorption at model lipid membranes, liposomal leakage generation, and secondary-structure behavior. The W substitutions resulted in a marked reduction in the proteolytic degradation caused by human neutrophil elastase,Staphylococcus aureusaureolysin, and V8 protease but not in the degradation caused byPseudomonas aeruginosaelastase. For the former two endoproteases, amidation and acetylation of the terminals also reduced proteolytic degradation but only when used in combination with W substitutions. The d-enantiomer substitutions rendered the peptides indigestible by all four proteases; however, those peptides displayed little antimicrobial potency. The W- and end-modified peptides, on the other hand, showed an increased bactericidal potency compared to that of the native peptide sequence, coupled with a moderate cytotoxicity that was largely absent in serum. The bactericidal, cytotoxic, and liposome lytic properties correlated with each other as well as with the amount of peptide adsorbed at the lipid membrane and the extent of helix formation associated with the adsorption. The lytic properties of the W-substituted peptides were less impaired by increased ionic strength, presumably by a combination of W-mediated stabilization of the largely amphiphilic helix conformation and a nonelectrostatic W affinity for the bilayer interface. Overall, W substitutions constitute an interesting means to reduce the proteolytic susceptibility of EFK17 while also improving antimicrobial performance.
Genetic Variability among
ampC
Genes from
Acinetobacter
Genomic Species 3
Authors: Beceiro Alejandro , Pérez Astrid , Fernández-Cuenca Felipe , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Pascual Alvaro , Vila Jordi , Rodríguez-Baño Jesús , Cisneros Jose Miguel , Pachón Jerónimo , Bou Germán 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT

As a part of a nationwide study in Spain, 15 clinical isolates of
Acinetobacter
genomic species 3 (AG3) were analyzed. The main objective of the study was to characterize the
ampC
genes from these isolates and to determine their involvement in β-lactam resistance in AG3. The 15 AG3 isolates showed different profiles of resistance to ampicillin (range of MICs, 12 to >256 μg/ml). Nucleotide sequencing of the 15
ampC
genes yielded 12 new AmpC enzymes (ADC-12 to ADC-23). The 12 AG3 enzymes showed 93.7 to 96.1% amino acid identity with respect to the AmpC enzyme from
Acinetobacter baumannii
(ADC-1 enzyme). Eight out of fifteen
ampC
genes were expressed in
Escherichia coli
cells under the control of a common promoter, and with the exception of one isolate (isolate 65, which showed lower β-lactam MICs), significant differences in overall β-lactam MICs for
E. coli
cells expressing AG3
ampC
genes were not revealed. No significant differences in
ampC
gene expression in AG3 clinical isolates were revealed by reverse transcription-PCR analysis. A detailed analysis of the 12 AmpC protein sequences revealed that amino acid replacements (in comparison with those of ADC-1) occurred mainly in the same positions, although none were located in important functional domains such as the Ω- loop or conserved β-lactamase motifs. Kinetic experiments performed with three representative AmpC enzymes (ADC-14, -16, and -18) in some cases revealed dramatic changes in

K
m

and
k
cat
values for β-lactams. No IS
Aba1
was detected upstream of the
ampC
genes. Our results reveal 12 new
ampC
genes in AG3. The enzymes showed a moderate degree of variability, and they are tentatively named ADC-12 to ADC-23.
Ultrastructural Effects of Oritavancin on Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
and Vancomycin-Resistant
Enterococcus
Authors: Belley Adam , Harris Robert , Beveridge Terry , Parr Tom , Moeck Gregory 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT

The ultrastructural effects of the lipoglycopeptide oritavancin on methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Oritavancin but not vancomycin induced aberrant septum formation and loss of staining of nascent septal cross walls in MRSA. Septal distortions were also observed in VRE exposed to oritavancin.
Activities of Certain 5-Substituted 4′-Thiopyrimidine Nucleosides against Orthopoxvirus Infections
Authors: Kern Earl R. , Prichard Mark N. , Quenelle Debra C. , Keith Kathy A. , Tiwari Kamal N. , Maddry Joseph A. , Secrist John A. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTAs part of a program to identify new compounds that have activity against orthopoxviruses, a number of 4′-thionucleosides were synthesized and evaluated for their efficacies against vaccinia and cowpox viruses. Seven compounds that were active at about 1 μM against both viruses in human cells but that did not have significant toxicity were identified. The 5-iodo analog, 1-(2-deoxy-4-thio-β-d-ribofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil (4′-thioIDU), was selected as a representative molecule; and this compound also inhibited viral DNA synthesis at less than 1 μM but only partially inhibited the replication of a recombinant vaccinia virus that lacked a thymidine kinase. This compound retained complete activity against cidofovir- and ST-246-resistant mutants. To determine if this analog had activity in an animal model, mice were infected intranasally with vaccinia or cowpox virus and treatment with 4′-thioIDU was given intraperitoneally or orally twice daily at 50, 15, 5, or 1.5 mg/kg of body weight beginning at 24 to 120 h postinfection and was continued for 5 days. Almost complete protection (87%) was observed when treatment with 1.5 mg/kg was begun at 72 h postinfection, and significant protection (73%) was still obtained when treatment with 5 mg/kg was initiated at 96 h. Virus titers in the liver, spleen, and kidney were reduced by about 4 log10units and about 2 log10units in mice infected with vaccinia virus and cowpox virus, respectively. These results indicate that 4′-thioIDU is a potent, nontoxic inhibitor of orthopoxvirus replication in cell culture and experimental animal infections and suggest that it may have potential for use in the treatment of orthopoxvirus infections in animals and humans.
Leptospira interrogansInduces Apoptosis in Macrophages via Caspase-8- and Caspase-3-Dependent Pathways
Authors: Jin Dandan , Ojcius David M. , Sun Dexter , Dong Haiyan , Luo Yihui , Mao Yafei , Yan Jie 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTApoptosis of host cells plays an important role in modulating the pathogenesis of many infectious diseases. It has been reported thatLeptospira interrogans, the causal agent of leptospirosis, induces apoptosis in macrophages and hepatocytes. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for host cell death remained largely unknown. Here we demonstrate thatL. interrogansinduced apoptosis in a macrophage-like cell line, J774A.1, and primary murine macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis was associated with the activation of cysteine aspartic acid-specific proteases (caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-8), the increased expression of Fas-associated death domain (FADD), and the cleavage of the caspase substrates poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and nuclear lamina protein (lamin A and lamin C). Caspase-9 was activated to a lesser extent, whereas no release of cytochromecfrom mitochondria was detectable. Inhibition of caspase-8 impairedL. interrogans-induced caspase-3 and -6 activation, as well as PARP and lamin A/C cleavage and apoptosis, suggesting that apoptosis is initiated via caspase-8 activation. Furthermore, caspase-3 was required for the activation of caspase-6 and seemed to be involved in caspase-9 activation through a feedback amplification loop. These data indicate thatL. interrogans-induced apoptosis in macrophages is mediated by caspase-3 and -6 activation through a FADD-caspase-8-dependent pathway, independently of mitochondrial cytochromec-caspase-9-dependent signaling.
Interaction of Enteric Bacterial Pathogens with Murine Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Yu Jun , Rossi Raffaella , Hale Christine , Goulding David , Dougan Gordon 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTEmbryonic stem (ES) cells are susceptible to genetic manipulation and retain the potential to differentiate into diverse cell types, which are factors that make them potentially attractive cells for studying host-pathogen interactions. Murine ES cells were found to be susceptible to invasion bySalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium andShigella flexneriand to the formation of attaching and effacing lesions by enteropathogenicEscherichia coli. S. entericaserovar Typhimurium andS. flexnericell entry was dependent on theSalmonellapathogenicity island 1 andShigella mxi/spatype III secretion systems, respectively. Microscopy studies indicated that bothS. entericaserovar Typhimurium andS. flexneriwere located in intracellular niches in ES cells that were similar to the niches occupied in differentiated cells. ES cells were eventually killed following bacterial invasion, but no evidence of activation of classical caspase-associated apoptotic or innate immune pathways was found. To demonstrate the potential of mutant ES cells, we employed an ES cell line defective in cholesterol synthesis and found that the mutant cells were less susceptible to infection bySalmonellaandShigellathan the parental ES cells. Thus, we highlighted the practical use of genetically modified ES cells for studying microbe-host interactions.