bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seminal clotting and fibrinolytic balance: a possible physiological role in the male reproductive system
Authors: Greenfield Robert , Stewart Alistair , Birch Brian , Cooper Alan , Lwaleed Bashir 
Published: August 2004

SummarySemen contains enzymes and inhibitors of the haemostatic system as well as the high molecular weight seminal vesicle (HMW-SV) proteins. The former may have roles in seminal clotting and in liquefaction through “fibrinolytic” activity, which may ultimately affect fertility. Although a limited number of studies have addressed the subject, the role of clotting and fibrinolytic factors in semen remains poorly understood. The liquefaction time and the distribution of components vary across split ejaculates. This may have an important bearing on the way clotting/fibrinolytic factors in semen are assessed. Semen contains tissue factor (TF, Thromboplastin, CD142), which originates from the prostate and is associated with prostasomes. The function of TF (and prostasomes) in semen is still a matter for speculation. Recently the presence of minute amounts of factor VII in semen has been demonstrated but its importance is uncertain. Semen also contains a thrombin-like enzyme, prothrombin fragments 1 and 2 (F1+2), D-dimer (DD) and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes. The presence of several fibrinolytic factors has been demonstrated in semen but few questions about their potential impact on semen quality have been raised. Factors found include tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), urinary plasminogen activator (u-PA) and plasmin. There are also traces of fibrinogen, plasminogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), factorVIII coagulant activity (VIII:c) and fibrin monomers. The co-ordinate expression of both TF and PAI-1 by decidual cells of the endometrium is believed to be important in maintaining haemostasis during endovascular trophoblast invasion. Kallikrein-like serine protease inhibitors including prostate specific antigen (PSA) are known to be present in semen at high concentrations. In semen PSA is also found in a complex form with protein C inhibitor (PCI) with mutually inhibitory consequences. A better understanding of the spectrum of coagulating and liquefaction agents in semen to include classical haemostatic processes and the pathogenesis resulting from any imbalances between or within either system may provide the basis for the development of more selective and efficient agents affecting global fertility. Here we review aspects of male reproductive physiology in the light of recent findings concerning conventional clotting/fibrinolytic systems in human semen with a view to stimulating further research.
Unselected women with elevated levels of factor VIII:C or homocysteine are not at increased risk for obstetric complications
Authors: van de Poel Marlène , Bank Ivan , Hamulyák Karly , Libourel Eduard , Koopman Maria , Prins Martin , van der Meer Jan , Büller Harry , Middeldorp Saskia 
Published: August 2004

SummaryAcquired and hereditary thrombophilias are associated with obstetric complications such as (pre-)eclampsia, HELLP syndrome and fetal loss. Our objective was to assess the risk of obstetric complications in women with elevated levels of FVIII:C or hyperhomocysteinemia, as compared with their relatives who had normal FVIII:C or homocysteine levels. From a large family study of patients with venous thromboembolism or premature atherosclerosis and elevated levels of FVIII:C or hyperhomocysteinemia (propositi), the obstetric histories of female first degree relatives, who had been pregnant at least once, were studied. Levels of FVIII:C and homocysteine (both fasting and post-methionine loading) were determined. The number of obstetric complications was calculated and compared in women with normal and elevated levels of FVIII:C, and normal and elevated levels of homocysteine. Women with elevated levels of FVIII:C had a 15.4% risk for toxicosis, preeclampsia, or HELLP syndrome and a 23.9% for fetal loss. This was not statistically different from women with normal levels of FVIII:C. Women with hyperhomocysteinemia tended to have a lower risk for toxicosis, pre-eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome (8.0%, RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.2-1.7) and fetal loss (22.0%, RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.5-1.5) as compared to relatives with normal levels, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. If the analysis was limited to comparing extremes, the results did not materially differ. Unselected women with elevated plasma levels of FVIII:C or hyperhomocysteinemia are not at increased risk for obstetric complications as compared to their relatives with normal levels.
Arterial ischaemic stroke in children
Authors: Kirkham Fenella , Sébire Guillaume , Steinlin Maja , Sträter Ronald 
Published: August 2004

SummaryConditions associated with arterial ischaemic stroke in children include a great variety of diseases and triggers such as congenital heart malformations, sickle cell disease, infections and vasculopathies, although up to 50% are cryptogenic. An abnormal vascular status can be demonstrated by vascular imaging in up to 80% of children with ischaemic stroke, and case control studies demonstrate an association between ischaemic stroke in children and hereditary prothrombotic risk factors and infections such as Varicella. Conventional risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia may also play a role, and most children have several potential triggers rather than one single cause. This review focuses on clinical presentations, imaging methods, stroke subtypes, underlying conditions including prothrombotic risk factors, outcome and recurrence. Although data from randomised controlled trials, on which clinical practice might be based, are sparse, therapeutic approaches and future research directions are discussed.
A novel mutation in the transmembrane region of glycoprotein IX associated with Bernard-Soulier syndrome
Authors: Zhao Xiaojuan , Duan Weiming , Fu Jianxin , Lu Mingen , Wang Giamin , Bai Xia , Ruan Changgeng , Wang Zhaoyue 
Published: August 2004

SummaryWe describe here a novel mutation in glycoprotein (GP) IX transmembrane region in a patient with Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS). Flow cytometric analysis of the patient’s platelets showed that GP Iba and GP IX were expressed at decreased levels. Sequence analysis of the gene coding for GP IX revealed a homozygous (G to A) transition at nucleotide 2113, resulting in a Ala 140 (GCC) to Thr (ACC) replacement in the mature peptide, whereas no defects were found in the coding region of the GP Iba and GP Ib? gene. Allele-specific restriction enzyme analysis using HPYCH4 III revealed that the patient was homozygous and her mother and brother were heterozygous for the defect, and excluded the possibility that the mutation was a polymorphism of GP IX.To clarify the effect of this mutation on the surface expression of the GP Ib/IX complex, we introduced this mutation into the cDNA of GP IX by site-directed mutagenesis and performed in vitro transfection studies with plasmids harboring GP Iba, GP Ib? and wild-type GP IX or mutant GP IX. Mutant GP IX decreased the surface expression of GP Iba and GP IX, whereas both immunostaining and immunoblotting of the transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells showed abundant GP Iba and GP IX in the cytoplasm of the CHO cells transfected with plasmids harboring GP Iba, GP Ib? and wild-type GP IX or mutant GP IX These findings indicate that the Ala140→Thr mutation in the transmembrane region of GP IX does not induce intracellular GP Ib/IX complex degradation, but prevents its insertion in the cytoplasmic membrane of platelets and CHO cells.
Fibrinogen regulates the expression of inflammatory chemokines through NF-κB activation of endothelial cells
Authors: Guo Min , Sahni Sanjeev , Sahni Abha , Francis Charles 
Published: August 2004

SummaryThe objective of this study was to characterize the role of fibrinogen in stimulating expression of inflammatory chemokines in endothelial cells through NF-κB activation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to fibrinogen up to 3,000 µg/ml, and NF-κB activation was assessed using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Fibrinogen exposure resulted in a concentration dependent increase in NF-κB activation that reached a maximum at 1,000 µg/ml after 4 hours and was sustained up to 24 hours. The effect was inhibited by antibodies to αvβ3 and α5β1 and by the GRGDS peptide, indicating integrin involvement. Preincubation with Mn2+ lowered the fibrinogen concentration-dependence, consistent with integrin activation. Supershift assays demonstrated involvement of the p50, p65 and c-Rel components of NF-κB. Fibrinogen exposure also resulted in up-regulation of expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and of interleukin-8 as shown by RNase protection assays and by real-time RT-PCR. Increased secretion of MCP-1 was confirmed by ELISA. Parthenolide, an IκB kinase inhibitor, prevented up-regulation of MCP-1 by fibrinogen, linking this response to NF-κB activation. From our findings, we conclude that fibrinogen regulates NF-κB activation and expression of inflammatory chemokines in endothelial cells and may be involved in mediating inflammatory processes.
Role of P-selectin and PSGL-1 in coagulation and thrombosis
Authors: R.Vandendries Erik , Furie Barbara , Furie Bruce 
Published: August 2004

SummaryP-selectin and PSGL-1 are cell adhesion molecules, regulating the initial interactions between leukocytes and the blood vessel wall as well as between activated platelets and leukocytes. P-selectin is expressed on activated endothelial cells and platelets, while its major ligand PSGL-1 is expressed on leukocytes. Multiple studies have shown that these adhesion molecules are required for the normal recruitment of leukocytes during an inflammatory reaction. More recently, these adhesion molecules have been implicated in recruitment of leukocytes and leukocyte microparticles to thrombi. The P-selectinand PSGL-1-dependent delivery of circulating microparticles to thrombi appears to be important for normal tissue factor accumulation and fibrin generation in thrombi.
Dysfunctional platelet membrane receptors: from humans to mice
Authors: Ware Jerry 
Published: August 2004

SummaryInsights into hemostasis and thrombosis have historically benefited from the astute diagnosis of human bleeding and thrombotic disorders followed by decades of careful biochemical characterization. This work has set the stage for the development of a number of mouse models of hemostasis and thrombosis generated by gene targeting strategies in the mouse genome. The utility of these models is the in depth analysis that can be performed on the precise molecular interactions that support hemostasis and thrombosis along with efficacy testing of various therapeutic strategies. Already the mouse has proven to be an excellent model of the processes that support hemostasis and thrombosis in the human vasculature. A brief summary of the salient phenotypes from knockout mice missing key platelet receptors is presented, including the glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V and GP IIb/IIIa (αIIb/β3) receptors; the collagen receptors, GP VI and α2/β1; the protease activated receptors (PARs); and the purinergic receptors, P2Y1 and P2Y12. A few differences exist between mouse and human platelets and where appropriate those will be highlighted in this review. Concluding remarks focus on the importance of understanding the power and limitations of various in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models currently being used and the impact of the mouse strain on the described platelet phenotype.
The Structure of French Romantic Histories of Religions
Authors: McCalla Arthur 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis article analyzes the histories of religions of Louis de Bonald, Antoine Fabre d'Olivet, Pierre-Simon Ballanche, and Ferdinand d'Eckstein. Rather than offer yet another definition of Romanticism, it seeks to establish a framework by which to render intelligible a set of early nineteenth-century French histories of religions that have been largely ignored in the history of the study of religion. It establishes their mutual affinity by demonstrating that they are built on the common structural elements of an essentialist ontology, an epistemology that eludes Kantian pessimism, and a philosophy of history that depicts development as the unfolding of a preexistent essence according to an a priori pattern. Consequent upon these structural elements we may identify five characteristics of French Romantic histories of religions: organic developmentalism; reductionism; hermeneutic of harmonies; apologetic intent; and reconceptualization of Christian doctrine. Romantic histories of religions, as syntheses of traditional faith and historical-mindedness, are at once a chapter in the history of the study of religion and in the history of religious thought.
Contradiction and the Merit of Giving in Indian Religions
Authors: Brekke Torkel 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe gift has been an important focus of research on Indian sociology and religion. However, almost all research has been confined to the Hindu tradition. I believe we can shed new light on religious giving if we focus on common themes in the main religions of the sub-continent. In this article I look at the textual traditions on giving in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. My thesis is that these traditions share basic contradictions in their ideas of giving. There is, firstly, a contradiction between the gift as a sacrifice and a charitable gift and, secondly, a contradiction between the merit associated with giving as originating from the qualitites of the recipient and from the intention of the donor. These two contradictions are interlinked. Initially, they seem to threaten the institution of giving to the religious renouncer. If giving can be perceived as an act of charity where the merit accrues from the right intentions behind the act, there is no more reason to give to the renouncer than to anybody else. However, it seems that the contradiction also has been used to make giving to renouncers a priori meritorious. When the gift is perceived as a sacrifice to a worthy monk the merit accrues from the qualities of the recipient, but when there are no worthy recipients around the merit accrues from the right intention of the donor.
Observations on the Scolarly Study of Religions as Pursued in some Muslim Countries
Authors: Waardenburg Jacques 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe article examines the study of religions at scholarly institutions in Muslim countries. As far as Islam and Islamic thought is concerned, both traditional and overly ideological approaches are problematic from a scholarly point of view. With regard to the study of religions other than Islam, interesting initiatives have been taken in several countries. Difficulties on a practical level include a lack of good handbooks in the “Islamic” languages, while books published in the West are mostly too expensive to acquire. Training in the languages of the various religious Scriptures is virtually absent. History of religions or religious studies have rarely been institutionalized. The study of some religions is seriously handicapped by political conflicts.Among the positive developments at present is, first, the increased interest in “religions” among students and the general public. The historical, anthropological and sociological research carried out in several Muslim countries pays attention to the social role of religion. A number of Muslim students enrolled at Western universities take courses in religions.The conclusion contends that the medieval tradition of Muslim studies of other religions could be a source of inspiration for the future. What is still much needed are competent staff, material facilities, a positive climate for intellectual pursuits, technical training in the study of texts, facts and meanings, and mental training for the pursuit of scholarly truth are needed. While perhaps acting as catalysts, Western models should not enjoy absolute authority. The author considers the pursuit of knowledge which is useful both to Muslims and to the scholarly community at large as most important.
Samaritan Tabernacle Drawings
Authors: Pummer Reinhard 
Published: August 2004

AbstractDrawings of the Israelite tent sanctuary, the Tabernacle, and its implements are the main expression of representional art among the Samaritans. They are based on the descriptions in Exodus and are expressions of central tenets of the Samaritan faith—belief in the special status of Moses, in the Tabernacle as the only legitimate sanctuary in the history of Israel, and in the end times for which the restoration of the Tabernacle is expected. The paper is an attempt to probe the question of the age of the Samaritan tradition of depicting the Tabernacle in different media.Archaeological excavations have revealed synagogue mosaics and clay lamps from the Byzantine period that represent various elements of this artistic tradition. However, the main specimens date from the early sixteenth to the early twentieth century. It is these representations, executed on metal, cloth, parchment and paper, which are the focus of this article. The discussion is based on an examination of all extant and publicly accessible samples (see the Inventory at the end of this article).A great chronological and artistic gap separates the representations on the mosaics and oil lamps of the Byzantine period from the drawings of modern times. No continuous line exists between the two groups. The parchment in Moscow that allegedly dates from 32 A.H., i.e., 652/653 C.E., must be assigned to a much later period.There are obvious similarities of the Samaritan drawings with Jewish representations of the Tabernacle/Temple, yet it is impossible to identify a time or place where cross-fertilization may have taken place.At the present state of our knowledge, therefore, neither the mosaics from the Byzantine period nor the similarities with Jewish representations enable us to determine the time at which the Samaritan tradition of making Tabernacle drawings may have originated. It is probable, though, that the tradition had its beginnings well before the oldest extant samples from the early sixteenth century.
"Yahweh and His Asherah": the Goddess or Her Symbol?
Authors: Emerton J.A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis article discusses whether 'srth in the phrase lyhwh ... wl'srth in inscriptions at Kuntillet 'Ajrud and Khirbet el-Qom refers to the goddess Asherah or her wooden symbol (here rendered "asherah"). First, it is argued that the drawing on pithos A from Kuntillet 'Ajrud does not illustrate the inscription, and that the figures in it probably do not represent Yahweh and Asherah. Second, although our knowledge of the Hebrew used in ancient Israel and Judah is far from complete, it is best, if possible, to interpret inscriptions in the light of usage in the Hebrew Bible. Since pronominal suffixes are not attached to personal names in the Hebrew Bible, it is better to translate 'srth "his asherah", rather than "his Asherah". Third, there is no difficulty in supposing that someone could utter a blessing by Yahweh and by a cultic object.
Scribal Errors or Phonetic Spellings? Samuel as an Aural Text
Authors: Tsumura David Toshio 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to establish the "phonic" nature of some of the socalled "corrupt" passages in the MT of Samuel. We are particularly interested in Samuel's "aural" characteristics which might be represented in the phonetic spellings. This aural aspect of the narrative is clearly attested in cases where the Ketib and the Qere give two variant forms of the same word or phrase. In such cases, the K. usually represent "phonic" reality by a phonetic spelling. By contrast, the Q. points to the "correct" historical spelling. Such aural features can be demonstrated in other ways in the MT of Samuel, especially when 2 Sam. xxii is compared with its duplicate text, Ps. xviii. These variant forms are caused by phonological phenomena such as assimilation, metathesis, palatalization, vowel sandhi, consonantal sandhi, and glide. These examples are not exhaustive, but they are sufficient to show that many of the often-asserted "scribal errors" are actually rather phonetic spellings and do reflect the "economy" of pronunciation. Such phonic realization in writing is attested not simply in poetic texts but also in prose sections of 1-2 Samuel. Hence, our topic is not so much a problem of literary-linguistic composition as a matter of the method of writing, i.e. graphic and graphemic representation of an aural text.
Low-dose thalidomide and donor lymphocyte infusion as adoptive immunotherapy after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Kröger Nicolaus , Shimoni Avichai , Zagrivnaja Maria , Ayuk Francis , Lioznov Michael , Schieder Heike , Renges Helmut , Fehse Boris , Zabelina Tatjana , Nagler Arnon , Zander Axel R. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
To improve the antimyeloma effect of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma, we investigated in a phase 1/2 study the effect of low-dose thalidomide (100 mg) followed by DLI in 18 patients with progressive disease or residual disease and prior ineffective DLI after allografting. The overall response rate was 67%, including 22% complete remission. Major toxicity of thalidomide was weakness grade I/II (68%) and peripheral neuropathy grade I/II (28%). Only 2 patients experienced mild grade I acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) of the skin, while no grades II to IV aGvHD was seen. De novo limited chronic GvHD (cGvHD) was seen in 2 patients (11%). The 2-year estimated overall and progression-free survival were 100% and 84%, respectively. Adoptive immunotherapy with low-dose thalidomide and DLI induces a strong antimyeloma effect with low incidence of graft versus host disease. (Blood. 2004;104:3361-3363)
A multilocus likelihood approach to joint modeling of linkage, parental diplotype and gene order in a full-sib family
Authors: Lu Qing , Cui Yuehua , Wu Rongling 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
Unlike a pedigree initiated with two inbred lines, a full-sib family derived from two outbred parents frequently has many different segregation types of markers whose linkage phases are not known prior to linkage analysis.

Results
We formulate a general model of simultaneously estimating linkage, parental diplotype and gene order through multi-point analysis in a full-sib family. Our model is based on a multinomial mixture model taking into account different diplotypes and gene orders, weighted by their corresponding occurring probabilities. The EM algorithm is implemented to provide the maximum likelihood estimates of the linkage, parental diplotype and gene order over any type of markers.

Conclusions
Through simulation studies, this model is found to be more computationally efficient compared with existing models for linkage mapping. We discuss the extension of the model and its implications for genome mapping in outcrossing species.