bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The additive antiplatelet action of clopidogrel in patients with coronary artery disease treated with aspirin
Authors: Dropinski Jerzy , Jakiela Bogdan , Sanak Marek , Wegrzyn Wojciech , Biernat Marta , Dziedzina Sylwia , Plutecka Hanna , Szczeklik Andrew 
Published: June 2007

SummaryWe searched for additional anti-platelet effects of clopidogrel in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients treated with aspirin. Response to clopidogrel was also stratified according to aspirin resistance. Out of 76 screened aspirin-treated CAD male patients, five were aspirin-resistant based on arachidonic acid (AA) and ADP aggregometry.These five patients and 15 aspirin-sensitive patients entered the proper study. Platelet function was assessed at baseline and after one week of additional clopidogrel treatment using aggregometry, flow cytometry (ADP, TRAP-6) and platelet reactivity index (PRI) based on VASP (vasodilatorstimulated phosphoprotein) expression.We evaluated the same markers in 15 healthy men after aspirin treatment. In healthy subjects aspirin did not affect resting or ADP-induced activated GPIIb/IIIa and P-selectin expression. The P-selectin expression on ADP-activated platelets was increased (p<0.01) in aspirin treated ASA-resistant CAD patients as compared to ASA-sensitive group or aspirin-treated healthy subjects. Clopidogrel significantly decreased ADP and AA-induced platelet aggregation and overcame aspirin resistance in four of five patients. Expression of ADP-induced activation markers was significantly lowered after clopidogrel in all patients.Out of 20 patients,five did not respond to clopidogrel (<10% inhibition of ADP aggregation), and this group showed no change in expression of ADPinduced activation markers after clopidogrel. Clopidogrel treatment significantly reduced PRI only in the clopidogrel-sensitive group. In conclusion, the addition of clopidogrel to aspirin provides greater inhibition of platelets and can overcome aspirin resistance. Flow cytometric analysis of platelets is useful for monitoring of clopidogrel therapy.
The active metabolite of prasugrel inhibits ADP-stimulated thrombo-inflammatory markers of platelet activation: Influence of other blood cells, calcium, and aspirin
Authors: Jakubowski Joseph , FuLi You , Barnard Marc , Fox Marsha , Linden Matthew , Sugidachi Atsuhiro , Winters Kenneth , Furman Mark , Michelson Alan , Frelinger Andrew 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe novel thienopyridine prodrug prasugrel, a platelet P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist, requires in vivo metabolism for activity. Although pharmacological data have been collected on the effects of prasugrel on platelet aggregation,there are few data on the direct effects of the prasugrel’s active metabolite, R-138727, on other aspects of platelet function. Here we examined the effects of R-138727 on thrombo-inflammatory markers of platelet activation, and the possible modulatory effects of other blood cells, calcium, and aspirin. Blood (PPACK or citrate anticoagulated) from healthy donors pre- and post-aspirin was incubated with R-138727 and the response to ADP assessed in whole blood or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) by aggregometry and flow cytometric analysis of leukocyte-platelet aggregates,platelet surface P-selectin, and GPIIb-IIIa activation. Low-micromolar concentrations of R-138727 resulted in a rapid and consistent in-hibition of these ADP-stimulated thrombo-inflammatory markers.These rapid kinetics required physiological calcium levels, but were largely unaffected by aspirin. Lower IC50 values in whole blood relative to PRP suggested that other blood cells affect ADP-induced platelet activation and hence the net inhibition by R-138727. R-138727 did not inhibit P2Y12-mediated ADP-induced shape change, even at concentrations that completely inhibited platelet aggregation, confirming the specificity of R-138727 for P2Y12. In conclusion, R-138727, the active metabolite of prasugrel, results in rapid, potent, consistent, and selective inhibition of P2Y12-mediated up-regulation of thromboinflammatory markers of platelet activation.This inhibition is enhanced in the presence other blood cells and calcium,but not aspirin.
Update on antithrombin I (fibrin)
Authors: Mosesson Michael 
Published: June 2007

SummaryAntithrombin I (fibrin) is an important inhibitor of thrombin generation that functions by sequestering thrombin in the forming fibrin clot, and also by reducing the catalytic activity of fibrinbound thrombin. Thrombin binding to fibrin takes place at two classes of non-substrate sites: 1) in the fibrin E domain (two per molecule) through interaction with thrombin exosite 1; 2) at a single site on each γ’ chain through interaction with thrombin exosite 2. The latter reaction results in allosteric changes that down-regulate thrombin catalytic activity. Antithrombin I deficiency (afibrinogenemia), defective thrombin binding to fibrin (antithrombin I defect) found in certain dysfibrinogenemias (e.g. fibrinogen Naples 1), or a reduced plasma γ’ chain content (reduced antithrombin I activity), predispose to intravascular thrombosis.
Von Willebrand factor: Looking back and looking forward
Authors: Ruggeri Zaverio 
Published: June 2007

SummaryLooking back at the last thirty years of studies on von Willebrand factor is a lesson on the importance of combining clinical observations with basic research. Most of what we know today originates from the perceptive evaluation of patients with congenital disorders of haemostasis such as haemophilia and von Willebrand disease. Understanding the causes of these diseases was akin to the current approach of using mutagenesis in animal models to get insights into the function of specific gene products. The information generated to date has been detailed and comprehensive, but looking into the future one sees that much remains to be done to understand how the role of von Willebrand factor and its primary platelet receptor, glycoprotein Ib, is integrated into the complex responses to vascular injury. Many challenges remain, along with the hope of translating the knowledge acquired into new and efficacious treatments for arterial thrombosis.
Heparan sulfate-protein interactions – A concept for drug design?
Authors: Lindahl Ulf 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe glycosaminoglycan, heparan sulfate (HS) is composed of alternating units of hexuronic acid and glucosamine, that are variously sulfate-substituted at different positions. Proteoglycans carrying HS chains are ubiquitously expressed at cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix. The structures of these chains are highly variable, yet under strict bio-synthetic control. Due to their high negative charge,HS chains interact with a multitude of proteins, including growth factors/morphogens and their receptors, chemokines, and extracellular-matrix proteins.These interactions regulate key events in embryonic development and in homeostasis. HS-protein interactions vary with regard to specificity, and often seem to depend primarily on charge density rather than on strict carbohydrate sequence.The organization of sulfated domains along the HS chain appears to be of importance. HS-protein interactions are involved in a variety of pathophysiological processes, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and amyloid deposition. Drugs targeting such interactions may be useful in treatment of disease conditions as diverse as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Potential drugs may mimick HS oligosaccharides, but could also be peptides blocking the protein-binding domains of HS chains. Drug generation requires a firm understanding of the pathophysiological role of a given HS-protein interaction, and of the aspect of specificity.Even inhibition of HS biosynthesis may be considered.
Les diacres permanents, entre l'autel et le monde: Une légitimité et une activité aux frontières
Authors: Béraud Céline 
Published: June 2007

English The permanent diaconate, which fell into disuse during the Middle Ages, was restored by the Second Vatican Council. It appears to be a hybrid sociological object, combining membership of the clergy and the characteristics of a way of life that brings it closer to the laity. Two ideal-typical figures of deacons emerged from fieldwork in two French dioceses: that of the militant and that of the ceremonial specialist. These two ways of working as a deacon are related to specific events in life as well as to generational differences. Both of them take their legitimacy from one of the dominant tendencies of the Council. In addition, various factors (the occasionally ambiguous relation to the priesthood, the management of the priest shortage, andsocial uncertainty about the diaconate) can lead to a shift of boundaries, from the world to the altar. French Le diaconat permanent tombé en désuétude au Moyen Age, a été rétabli par le concile de Vatican II. Il apparait comme un objet sociologique hybride, cumulant l’appartenance au clergé et des caractéristiques d’un état de vie qui le rapprochat des laïcs. A ` partir d’un travail de terrain dans deux diocèses franç ais, ont été dégagées deux figures idéal-typiques du diacre: celle du militant et celle du cérémoniaire. Ces deux modalités d’exercice du diaconat qui toutes puisent leur légitimité dans l’un des axes ayant prévalu au concile, sont liées à des parcours biographiques spécifiques ainsi qu’à des différences générationnelles. Par ailleurs, certains éléments (rapport parfois ambigu à la prětrise, gestion de la pénurie sacerdotale, flou social entourant le diaconat) peuvent conduire à un déplacement des frontières, du monde vers l’autel.
Creating New Discursive Arenas and Influencing the Policies of the State: The Case of the Muslim Council of Britain
Authors: Pędziwiatr Konrad 
Published: June 2007

English While the majority of British Muslim organizations established by the first generation of immigrants tend to work within ``ethnic colonies'', the organizations made up by an increasing number of the second generation critically and creatively engage in public debates. One such organization is the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) that strives to represent the interests of all British Muslims vis-à-vis the government. The author analyses the efforts of the MCB to create a Muslim public sphere and to influence the policies of the State. It proposes to think about the public sphere not as singular but as multiple public spheres in which members of different social groups discuss issues with one another and then compete to get their views on the political agenda. Thus, it emphasizes the diversity of the Muslim population in the country and the conflicts within it. French Si la majorité des organisations musulmanes en Grande-Bretagne, établies par la première génération des immigrés, a tendance à travailler dans ‘‘les colonies ethniques’’, les organisations composées par un nombre croissant de membres de la deuxième génération s’engagent dans des débats publics, de manière créative et critique. Une telle organisation est incarnée par le Conseil Musulman de la Grande-Bretagne (MCB), qui essaye de représenter les intérěts de tous les musulmans britanniques auprès du gouvernement. L’auteur analyse les efforts du MCB pour créer un espace public musulman et influencer la politique du gouvernement. Il propose de considérer l’espace public non pas en tant qu’espace unique, mais comme de multiples espaces publics dans lesquels les membres de divers groupes sociaux s’engagent dans des échanges de vues avant d’entrer en concurrence pour faire apparatre leurs points de vue dans le domaine politique. Ainsi, il souligne la diversité de la population musulmane dans ce pays et les conflits qui s’y développent.
Rural Development as a Frame Analytic Challenge for Religious Communities: The Case of Rural Parishes of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Authors: Pesonen Heikki , Vesala Kari Mikko 
Published: June 2007

English In many parts of the European countryside religious communities are facing serious challenges caused by changing social structures. This is also the case with the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran parishes that are in many ways affected by migration from the countryside to city areas. This development has increased pressures on the Church and its parishes to take a stand in favour of rural development policies and to contribute to the attempts to maintain and enhance the viability of rural areas. This kind of involvement is by no means self-evident because the Church has traditionally occupied a neutral and guarded position in relation to political questions. In this article the authors examine how the congregational employees deal with this potential tension and view the role of parishes, on one hand, as rural actors, and, on the other, as religious actors. French À travers toute l’Europe, les communautés religieuses rurales font face à d’importants défis dus à l’évolution constante des structures sociales. L’église évangélique luthérienne de Finlande n’échappe pas à ces défis qui émanent des flux migratoires des campagnes vers les centres urbains. Ce mouvement migratoire a intensifié les pressions sur l’église et sur ses paroisses afin d’instaurer des règles de développement rural et ainsi contribuer à maintenir et à améliorer la viabilité des zones rurales. L’engagement de l’église n’est en aucun cas trivial car de tout temps l’église a voulu maintenir une relation neutre et protégée par rapport aux questions politiques. Dans cet article, les auteurs examinent comment les congrégations réagissent à ces pressions et tensions, puis établissent le role des paroisses comme acteurs au sein des zones rurales, dans un premier temps, et comme acteurs religieux, dans un second temps.
Attitudes towards Religious Pluralism: Measurements and Consequences
Authors: Smith Buster G. 
Published: June 2007

English Religious pluralism has long been a trait of American society but never to the extent seen in the past 40 years. Data from the 2000 Religion and Politics Survey are analyzed to test what social factors are most likely to cause acceptance and rejection of other religious traditions. Factor analyses of eight questions regarding attitudes toward other religions define two distinct measures of pluralistic worldviews. While exposure to foreign religious ideas is an important part of an inclusive worldview, denomination and religious activity are stronger predictors of exclusivity. Further findings show the importance of these views in influencing religious, political and social actions. French Le pluralisme religieux a longtemps été une caractéristique de la société américaine mais jamais au point atteint durant les 40 dernières années. Les données de l’enquěte ‘‘Religion and Politics Survey’’ de 2000 sont analysées pour tester les facteurs sociaux les plus susceptibles de susciter l’acceptation et le rejet d’autres traditions religieuses. Les analyses factorielles de huit questions concernant les attitudes envers d’autres religions définissent deux mesures distinctes de visions du monde pluralistes. Alors que l’exposition aux idées religieuses étrangères constitue une partie importante d’une vision du monde inclusive, la confession et l’activité religieuse sont des prédicteurs forts de l’exclusivité. Des résultats plus approfondis montrent l’importance de ces visions en terme d’influence sur les actions religieuses, politiques et sociales.
Physiological and morphological responses to feeding in broad-nosed caiman (Caiman latirostris)
Authors: Starck J. Matthias , Cruz-Neto Ariovaldo P. , Abe Augusto Shinya 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARY
Broad nosed caiman are ectotherm sauropsids that naturally experience long fasting intervals. We have studied the postprandial responses by measuring oxygen consumption using respirometry, the size changes of the duodenum, the distal small intestine, and the liver, using repeated non-invasive ultrasonography, and by investigating structural changes on the level of tissues and cells by using light- and electron microscopy. The caimans showed the same rapid and reversible changes of organ size and identical histological features, down to the ultrastructure level, as previously described for other ectothermic sauropsids. We found a configuration change of the mucosa epithelium from pseudostratified during fasting to single layered during digestion, in association with hypertrophy of enterocytes by loading them with lipid droplets. Similar patterns were also found for the hepatocytes of the liver. By placing the results of our study in comparative relationship and by utilizing the phylogenetic bracket of crocodiles, birds and squamates, we suggest that the observed features are plesiomorphic characters of sauropsids. By extending the comparison to anurans, we suggest that morphological and physiological adjustments to feeding and fasting described here may have been a character of early tetrapods. In conclusion, we suggest that the ability to tolerate long fasting intervals and then swallow a single large meal as described for many sit-an-wait foraging sauropsids is a functional feature that was already present in ancestral tetrapods.
The co-activation of snapshot memories in wood ants
Authors: Graham Paul , Durier Virginie , Collett Thomas 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARY
Insects can guide themselves along a familiar route to a familiar place by retrieving and using visual snapshots that they have stored both along the route and at their destination and moving so that their current views match the target snapshots. To learn more about the matching process, we have investigated the interaction of snapshots by engineering a situation in which ants simultaneously retrieve two sets of memories.
Ants were trained from a fixed start position to feed in one site, after which the feeder was switched to a new one. It could take up to 30 trials after the switch before the ants headed directly to the new food site. We suppose that during this transition phase ants retrieve memories appropriate for both sites. We compared the ants' behaviour for two different sized separations between feeder sites. When the sites are relatively close together, the initial headings of the ants' paths rotated gradually from aiming directly at the first food site to aiming at the second food site,suggesting that ants' paths are controlled by the weighted average of two simultaneously activated snapshot attractors. By contrast, when the food sites were further apart, initial headings switched abruptly between the two sites– ants either headed for food site 1 or for food site 2. We show that these differences in transition behaviour can be simulated by the co-activation of snapshot attractors of restricted spatial extent, such that features encoded in a snapshot are only recognised if they occur within a limited retinal distance of the stored position of the feature.
Reproductive success in two species of desert fleas: density dependence and host effect
Authors: Khokhlova Irina S. , Hovhanyan Anna , Krasnov Boris R. , Degen A. Allan 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARYWe tested the hypothesis that a negative fitness–density relationship exists in haematophagous ectoparasites. We studied the effect of flea density on the number of blood meals necessary for starting oviposition and egg production in Xenopsylla conformis and Xenopsylla ramesiswhen exploiting two rodent hosts, Meriones crassus and Gerbillus dasyurus. The number of blood meals taken by a flea prior to first oviposition was similar in both flea species but was dependent on flea density and differed significantly between hosts. When parasitizing G. dasyurus, females of both flea species required a similar number of blood meals to start oviposition, independent of density. By contrast, fleas on M. crassus at higher densities needed less blood meals than at lower densities. Egg production of female fleas differed significantly between flea and host species and was affected by flea density. X. ramesisproduced more eggs than X. conformis. When parasitizing G. dasyurus, density did not affect the number of eggs produced by X. conformis, however, when on M. crassus, this flea produced significantly less eggs at the highest density. The number of eggs produced by X. ramesis at high densities was significantly lower than at low densities when it parasitized either host species. Results of this study demonstrated that reproductive success of fleas was density dependent and, in general, decreased with an increase in density. However, the effect of density on reproductive performance was manifested differently on different host species.
Myoglobin-enhanced oxygen delivery to isolated cardiac mitochondria
Authors: Wittenberg Jonathan B. , Wittenberg Beatrice A. 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARYThe heart, red skeletal muscles and the nitrogen-fixing legume root nodule function in steady states of high oxygen influx, partial oxygenation of cytoplasmic myoglobin or leghemoglobin and correspondingly low oxygen partial pressure. Here, we ask: what conditions are required at the surface of actively respiring, state III, tightly coupled mitochondria to enhance oxygen flow to cytochrome oxidase? Pigeon heart mitochondria were isolated with minimal damage to the outer mitochondrial membrane and were incubated at low oxygen pressures, where respiration is oxygen limited, with solutions of each of six monomeric hemoglobins with widely divergent kinetics and equilibria in their reactions with oxygen: Busycon myoglobin, horse myoglobin, Lucina hemoglobins I and II, soybean leghemoglobin c and Gasterophilus hemoglobin. Each augments oxygen uptake. The declining fractional saturation of each hemoglobin with oxygen was monitored spectrophotometrically as mitochondrial respiration depleted the oxygen; the oxygen partial pressure at half-maximal rate of oxygen uptake was similar for each hemoglobin, supporting the conclusion that the hemoglobins did not interact with the mitochondrial surface in oxygen delivery. The oxygen pressure required to support state III mitochondrial oxygen uptake, 0.005 kPa (0.04 torr), is small compared with that obtained in the sarcoplasm and at the mitochondrial surface of the working heart, 0.32 kPa (2.4 torr). We conclude that, in normal steady states of contraction of the myoglobin-containing heart, oxygen utilization by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase is not limited by oxygen availability.