bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Considering (Economic and Ecological) Crisis from a Communist Perspective
Authors: Liodakis George 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe exacerbated (economic and ecological) crisis and the failure of conventional theories and policies aiming at eco-regulation and sustainable development of capitalism make it imperative to consider this socio-ecological crisis from an anti-systemic, communist perspective. This article is an attempt to articulate a unified and integrated interpretation of this socio-ecological crisis, based on a dialectical conception of the relationship between society and nature. The over-accumulation, rising organic composition of capital, and falling rate of profit play a central role in the analysis of this crisis and the articulation of its particular forms. As argued, capital’s strategic response to crisis and the deep restructuring of capitalism cannot ensure ecological and social sustainability, and more importantly the requirements of a socially acceptable human development. While there is some evidence of a recurrent accumulation and crisis, we are rather witnessing a secular downturn of capitalism and all attempts or tendencies towards “dematerialization” or “decoupling” of capitalist production (and growth) from its detrimental ecological impact fail to effectively encounter the root causes of crisis. An attempt is finally made to draw the “broad contours” of an alternative, communist outlook in overcoming this socio-ecological crisis, and a working-class strategy ensuring the conditions of sustainable human development and an ecologically compatible society.
Intra-operative quality assessment of coronary artery bypass grafts
Authors: Groom Robert , Tryzelaar Joan , Forest Richard , Niimi Kevin , Cecere Giovanni , Donegan Desmond , Katz Saul , Weldner Paul , Quinn Reed , Braxton John , Blank Seth , Kramer Robert , Morton Jeremy 
Published: January 2013

Early coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) failure is a troubling complication that may result in a wide range of problems, including refractory angina, myocardial infarction, low cardiac output, arrhythmia, and fatal heart failure. Early graft failures are related to poor quality and size of the distal native vascular bed, coagulation abnormalities, or technical problems involving the graft conduits and anastomoses. Unfortunately, graft failure is difficult to detect during surgery by visual assessment, palpation, or conventional monitoring. We evaluated the accuracy and utility of a transit-time, ultrasonic flow measurement system for measurement of CABGs. There were no differences between transit-time measurements and volumetric-time collected samples in an in vitro circuit over a range of flows from 10 to 100 ml/min (Bland and Altman Plot, 1.96 SD). Two hundred and ninety-eight CABGs were examined in 125 patients. Graft flow rate was proportional to the target vessel diameter. Nine technical errors were detected and corrected. Flow waveform morphology provided valuable information related to the quality of the anastamosis, which led to the immediate correction of technical problems at the time of surgery.
Normothermic perfusion and lung function after cardiopulmonary bypass: effects in pulmonary risk patients
Authors: Ranucci M , Soro G , Frigiola A , Menicanti L , Ditta A , Candido G , Tambalo S 
Published: January 2013

Fifty patients at risk for postoperative lung dysfunction and undergoing elective coronary revascularization have been randomly assigned to receive normothermic (36°C) perfusion with warm heart protection (NP group) or hypothermic (28°C) perfusion with cold heart protection (HP group). Lung function before and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was studied through the determination of the intrapulmonary shunt ( Qs/ Qt), the alveolo-arterial oxygen gradient (A-aΔO2), and the artero-alveolar carbon dioxide gradient (a-AΔCO2). The Q s /Q t after CPB was significantly lower in the NP group (27.1 ± 2.6 vs 35.7 ± 2.3) as well as the A-aΔO2 (50.2 ± 1.5 vs 57.6 ±2.4); both data returned to comparable between the groups after 3 h in the intensive care unit. The a-AΔCO2 was significantly lower after CPB in the NP group (5.2 ± 0.74 vs 8.2 ± 0.8). Hospital stay and mortality were comparable in the two groups; intubation time and rate of early extubation showed a trend in favour of the NP group; the rate of patients suffering hypoxia and/or hypercapnia after extubation was significantly lower in the NP group (12%) versus the HP group (44%). Normothermia seems to exert a protective effect against lung dysfunction after CPB. The absence of a rewarming injury associated with reperfusion, a limitation of the hypothermic-induced vasoconstriction due to local cooling of the lung and a better compliance of the normothermic lung are hypothesized as beneficial effects of the ‘all-warm’ strategy.
Modified ultrafiltration in paediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Schlünzen Lise , Pedersen Jens , Hjortholm Kirsten , Hansen Ole K , Ditlevsen Emmy 
Published: January 2013

The effect of modified ultrafiltration (MUF) after cardiopulmonary bypass for paediatric cardiac surgery was evaluated in 138 children with moderate to severe congenital heart disease. The median age was 0.4 years (0 days to 6.5 years), and the weight 5.3 kg (2.2-20 kg). The operation was discontinued in six cases, three because of technical problems and three because of unstable circulation. One-hundred-and-thirty-four patients were ultrafiltrated for a median of 12 min (2-27 min) with an ultrafiltrate of median 44 ml/kg (6-118 ml/kg). Haematocrit was significantly increased from 28% (20-39%) to 36% (26-51%) and systolic arterial pressure from 56 mmHg (30-85 mmHg) to 74.0 mmHg (32-118 mmHg). Furthermore arterial oxygenation was significantly increased from 30.8 kPa (4.8-70.4 kPa) to 34.1 kPa (4.9-80.6 kPa), and arterial carbon dioxide tension from 4.8 kPa (3.1-7.3 kPa) to 5.1 kPa (3.1-7.6 kPa). Heart rate was significantly reduced from 145 beats/min (92-201 beats/min) to 136 beats/min (88-200 beats/min). There were no significant differences in central venous pressure, left atrial pressure and base excess before and after MUF. MUF increases systolic blood pressure, haematocrit, arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide tension coming off bypass in paediatric cardiac surgery and reduces heart rate and postoperative fluid overload.
Clinical oxygen transfer comparison of the Terumo Capiox SX18 and SX25 membrane oxygenators
Authors: Fried David W , Zombolas Theodore L , Leo Joseph J , Mohamed Hasratt , Mattioni Gabriel J 
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this current study was to compare the Terumo Capiox SX18 (1.8 m2) with the recently released Capiox SX25 (2.5 m2). Specifically, their oxygen transfer slopes, degree of blood shunting, extrapolated maximum oxygen transfer, blood side pressure drop and oxygen transfer consistency were compared. The lower intercept value (0.209 vs 0.236) coupled with the flatter slope (0.00171 vs 0.00225) of the oxygen transfer line for the SX25 is consistent with improved oxygen transfer performance. A lower FiO2 value would be predicted for the SX25, to achieve a specific PaO2 value, when the oxygen transfer requirement is equal for both devices. Extrapolated maximum oxygen transfer for the SX25 (462.6 ml O2/min) was 36.2% higher than that for the SX18 (339.6 ml O2/min). When indexed to membrane surface area, the SX18 (188.7 ml O2/m2/min performed 2.0% better than the SX25 (185.0 ml O2/m2/min). Both the slope (3.110 vs 3.744) and the intercept (4.595 vs 6.223) of the shunt fraction line were lower for the SX25, indicating that a lower shunt fraction would be predicted for all clinical blood flow rates. The slope (23.934 vs 22.443) and intercept values (-28.388 vs -22.650) of the pressure drop lines for the two devices indicate that the blood side pressure drop, over the range of clinical blood flows, were within 2% of each other. Oxygen transfer consistency, when expressed as the standard deviation of the oxygenator performance index and the percentage of predicted shunt, was not statistically different for the two devices.
Heparin-bonded circuits: clinical outcomes and costs
Authors: Mahoney C Brown 
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to use meta-analysis to combine the results of numerous studies and examine the impact of heparin-bonded circuits on clinical outcomes and the resulting costs. Heparin-bonded circuits, both ionically and covalently bonded, are examined separately. The results of the study provide evidence that heparin-bonded circuits result in improved clinical outcomes when compared to the identical nonheparin-bonded circuits. These improved clinical outcomes result in subsequent lower costs per patient with their use. However, differences are apparent in the significance and magnitude of these outcomes between ionically and covalently bonded circuits. Covalently bonded circuits provide a greater magnitude and significance of improvement in clinical outcomes than ionically bonded circuits. Total cost savings can be expected to be three times greater with covalently bonded circuits ($3231 versus $1068). It was concluded that the choice regarding the use of a heparin-bonded circuits and the type of heparin-bonded circuit used has the potential to alter clinical outcomes and subsequent costs. Cost consideration cannot be ignored, but clinical benefits should be the main rationale for the choice of cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. This analysis provides evidence that clinical benefits and cost savings can both be derived from use of the same technology - covalently bonded circuits.
Plasma membrane events associated with the meiotic divisions in the amphibian oocyte: insights into the evolution of insulin transduction systems and cell signaling
Authors: Morrill Gene A , Kostellow Adele B , Moore Richard D , Gupta Raj K 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Background
Insulin and its plasma membrane receptor constitute an ancient response system critical to cell growth and differentiation. Studies using intact Rana pipiens oocytes have shown that insulin can act at receptors on the oocyte surface to initiate resumption of the first meiotic division. We have reexamined the insulin-induced cascade of electrical and ion transport-related plasma membrane events using both oocytes and intact plasma membranes in order to characterize the insulin receptor-steroid response system associated with the meiotic divisions.

Results
[125I]Insulin binding (Kd = 54 ± 6 nM) at the oocyte plasma membrane activates membrane serine protease(s), followed by the loss of low affinity ouabain binding sites, with a concomitant 3–4 fold increase in high affinity ouabain binding sites. The changes in protease activity and ouabain binding are associated with increased Na+/Ca2+ exchange, increased endocytosis, decreased Na+ conductance resulting in membrane hyperpolarization, increased 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and a sustained elevation of intracellular pH (pHi). Hyperpolarization is largely due to Na+-channel inactivation and is the main driving force for glucose uptake by the oocyte via Na+/glucose cotransport. The Na+ sym- and antiporter systems are driven by the Na+ free energy gradient generated by Na+/K+-ATPase. Shifts in α and/or β Na+-pump subunits to caveolar (lipid raft) membrane regions may activate Na/K-ATPase and contribute to the Na+ free energy gradient and the increase in both Na+/glucose co-transport and pHi.

Conclusions
Under physiological conditions, resumption of meiosis results from the concerted action of insulin and progesterone at the cell membrane. Insulin inactivates Na+ channels and mobilizes fully functional Na+-pumps, generating a Na+ free energy gradient which serves as the energy source for several membrane anti- and symporter systems.
Potential contribution of SIM2 and ETS2 functional polymorphisms in Down syndrome associated malignancies
Authors: Chatterjee Arpita , Dutta Samikshan , Mukherjee Sanjit , Mukherjee Nupur , Dutta Avirup , Mukherjee Ashis , Sinha Swagata , Panda Chinmay Kumar , Chaudhuri Keya , Roy Ananda L , Mukhopadhyay Kanchan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundProper expression and functioning of transcription factors (TFs) are essential for regulation of different traits and thus could be crucial for the development of complex diseases. Subjects with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) while solid tumors, like breast cancer (BC) and oral cancer (OC), show rare incidences. Triplication of the human chromosome 21 in DS is associated with altered genetic dosage of different TFs. V-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 2 (ETS2) and Single Minded 2 (SIM2) are two such TFs that regulate several downstream genes involved in developmental and neurological pathways. Here we studied functional genetic polymorphisms (fSNP) in ETS2 and SIM2 encoding genes in a group of patients and control subjects to better understand association of these variants with DS phenotypes.MethodsWe employed anin silicoapproach to identify potential target pathways of ETS2 and SIM2. fSNPs in genes encoding for these two TFs were identified using available databases. Selected sites were genotyped in individuals with DS, their parents, ALL, BC, OC as well as ethnically matched control individuals. We further analyzed these data by population-based statistical methods.ResultsAllelic/genotypic association analysis showed significant (P < 0.03) differences of rs2070530, rs1051476, rs11254, rs711 for DS subjects compared to control. rs711 also exhibited significantly different genotypic distribution pattern in parents of DS probands (P < 0.02) and BC patients (P < 0.02). Interaction analysis revealed independent main effect of rs711 in all the groups, while rs11254 exhibited independent main effect in DS subjects only. High entropy values were noticed for rs461155 in the solid tumor groups. Significant interactive effects of rs2070531 with rs1051475, rs1051476, rs11254 were observed in all the groups except DS.ConclusionsWe infer from the present investigation that the difference in frequencies of fSNPs and their independent as well as interactive effects may be the cause for altered expression of SIM2 and ETS2 in DS and malignant groups, which affects different downstream biological pathways. Thus, altered expression of SIM2 and ETS2 could be one of the reasons for variable occurrence of different malignant conditions in DS.
Up-regulation of COX-2/PGE2 by endothelin-1 via MAPK-dependent NF-κB pathway in mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Lin Chih-Chung , Hsieh Hsi-Lung , Shih Ruey-Horng , Chi Pei-Ling , Cheng Shin-Ei , Yang Chuen-Mao 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundEndothelin-1 (ET-1) is a proinflammatory mediator and elevated in the regions of several brain injury and inflammatory diseases. The deleterious effects of ET-1 on endothelial cells may aggravate brain inflammation mediated through the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2(PGE2) system in various cell types. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying ET-1-induced COX-2 expression in brain microvascular endothelial cells remain unclear. Herein we investigated the effects of ET-1 in COX-2 regulation in mouse brain microvascular endothelial (bEnd.3) cells.ResultsThe data obtained with Western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescent staining analyses showed that ET-1-induced COX-2 expression was mediated through an ETB-dependent transcriptional activation. Engagement of Gi- and Gq-protein-coupled ETBreceptors by ET-1 led to phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and JNK1/2 and then activated transcription factor NF-κB. Moreover, the data of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and promoter reporter assay demonstrated that the activated NF-κB was translocated into nucleus and bound to its corresponding binding sites in COX-2 promoter, thereby turning on COX-2 gene transcription. Finally, up-regulation of COX-2 by ET-1 promoted PGE2release in these cells.ConclusionsThese results suggested that in mouse bEnd.3 cells, activation of NF-κB by ETB-dependent MAPK cascades is essential for ET-1-induced up-regulation of COX-2/PGE2system. Understanding the mechanisms of COX-2 expression and PGE2release regulated by ET-1/ETBsystem on brain microvascular endothelial cells may provide rationally therapeutic interventions for brain injury or inflammatory diseases.
Sn-doped In2O3 nanowires: enhancement of electrical field emission by a selective area growth
Authors: Chang Wen-Chih , Kuo Cheng-Hsiang , Juan Chien-Chang , Lee Pei-Jung , Chueh Yu-Lun , Lin Su-Jien 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Selective area growth of single crystalline Sn-doped In2O3 (ITO) nanowires synthesized via vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) method at 600°C was applied to improve the field emission behavior owing to the reduction of screen effect. The enhanced field emission performance reveals the reduction of turn-on fields from 9.3 to 6.6 V μm−1 with increase of field enhancement factors (β) from 1,621 to 1,857 after the selective area growth at 3 h. Moreover, we find that the screen effect also highly depends on the length of nanowires on the field emission performance. Consequently, the turn-on fields increase from 6.6 to 13.6 V μm−1 with decreasing β values from 1,857 to 699 after the 10-h growth. The detailed screen effect in terms of electrical potential and NW density are investigated in details. The findings provide an effective way of improving the field emission properties for nanodevice application.
Human parvovirus B19 infection in a renal transplant recipient: a case report
Authors: Alves Michelle Teodoro , Vilaça Sandra Simone , Carvalho Maria das Graças , Fernandes Ana Paula , Dusse Luci Maria Sant’ Ana , Gomes Karina Braga 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Parvovirus B19 presents tropism for human erythroid progenitor cells, causing chronic anemia in organ transplant recipients, due to their suppressed humoral and cellular responses. Diagnosis may be achieved through serological tests for detection of anti-B19 antibodies. However, renal transplant recipients are not routinely tested for parvovirus B19 infection, since there is scanty data or consensus on screening for B19 infection, as well as for treatment or preventive management of transplanted patients.

Case presentation
Herein we report a kidney transplant recipient, who was unresponsive to treatment of severe anemia, and presented hypocellular hematopoietic marrow, megaloblastosis and hypoplasia of erythroid lineage with larger cells with clear nuclei chromatin and eosinophilic nuclear inclusions. This patient was seropositive for Epstein-Barr and Cytomegalovirus infections and negative for anti-parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG antibodies, although symptoms were suggestive of parvoviruses infection. A qualitative polymerase chain reaction testing for B19 in serum sample revealed positive results for B19 virus DNA.

Conclusion
This case report suggests that the diagnostic process for parvovirus B19 in renal transplant recipients should include a polymerase chain reaction assay to detect B19-DNA, since specific serological tests may be unreliable given their impaired humoral responses. These results also indicate the importance of considering parvovirus B19 infection in the differential diagnosis of persistent anemia in transplanted patients.
CCN4 induces IL-6 production through αvβ5 receptor, PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB singling pathway in human synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Hou Chun-Han , Tang Chih-Hsin , Hsu Chin-Jung , Hou Sheng-Mon , Liu Ju-Fang 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease that is involved in the degradation of articular cartilage. The exact etiology of OA is not completely understood. CCN4 is related to up-regulation in the cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis. Previous studies have shown that CCN4 might be associated with the pathogenesis of OA, but the exact signaling pathways in CCN4-mediated IL-6 expression in synovial fibroblasts (SF) are largely unknown. Therefore, we explored the intracellular signaling pathway involved in CCN4-induced IL-6 production in human synovial fibroblast cells.

Methods
CCN4-induced IL-6 production was assessed with quantitative real-time qPCR and ELISA. The mechanisms of action of CCN4 in different signaling pathways were studied by using Western blotting. Neutralizing antibodies of integrin were used to block the integrin signaling pathway. Luciferase assays were used to study IL-6 and NF-κB promoter activity. Immunocytochemistry was used to examine the translocation activity of p65.

Results
Osteoarthritis synovial fibroblasts (OASFs) showed significant expression of CCN4 and the expression was higher than in normal SFs. OASF stimulation with CCN4 induced concentration- and time-dependent increases in IL-6 production. Pretreatment of OASFs with αvβ5 but not α5β1 and αvβ3 integrin antibodies reduced CCN4-induced IL-6 production. CCN4-mediated IL-6 production was attenuated by PI3K inhibitor (LY294002 and Wortmannin), Akt inhibitor (Akti), and NF-κB inhibitor (PDTC and TPCK). Stimulation of cells with CCN4 also increased PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB activation.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that CCN4 activates αvβ5 integrin, PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB pathways, leading to up-regulation of IL-6 production. According to our results, CCN4 may be an appropriate target for drug intervention in OA in the future.
Somatic Mutations and Deletions of the E-Cadherin Gene Predict Poor Survival of Patients With Gastric Cancer
Authors: Corso Giovanni , Carvalho Joana , Marrelli Daniele , Vindigni Carla , Carvalho Beatriz , Seruca Raquel , Roviello Franco , Oliveira Carla 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) is poor, and the molecular pathogenesis players are vastly unknown. Surgery remains the primary option in GC treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of somatic CDH1 alterations in prognosis and survival of patients with GC.Patients and MethodsA series of patients with sporadic and familial GC (diffuse and intestinal; n = 246) were analyzed for somatic CDH1 mutations, promoter hypermethylation, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) by polymerase chain reaction sequencing. E-cadherin protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Associations between molecular, clinicopathologic, and survival data were analyzed.ResultsCDH1 somatic alterations were found in approximately 30% of all patients with GC. Both histologic types of sporadic GC displayed LOH in 7.5%, mutations in 1.7%, and hypermethylation in 18.4% of patients. Primary tumors from hereditary diffuse GC, lacking germline CDH1 alterations, showed exclusively CDH1 promoter hypermethylation in 50% of patients. Familial intestinal GC (FIGC) tumors showed LOH in 9.4% and hypermethylation in 17.0%. CDH1 alterations did not associate with a particular pattern of E-cadherin expression. Importantly, the worst patient survival rate among all GCs analyzed was seen in patients with tumors carrying CDH1 structural alterations, preferentially those belonging to FIGC families.ConclusionCDH1 somatic alterations exist in all clinical settings and histotypes of GC and associate with different survival rates. Their screening at GC diagnosis may predict patient prognosis and is likely to improve management of patients with this disease.