bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Troponin T: how high is high? Relationship and differences between serum cardiac markers according to level of creatine kinase and type of myocardial infarction
Authors: Williams S G , Silas J H , Joseph F , Jackson M , Rittoo D , Currie P 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Cardiac troponins have emerged over recent years as the “gold standard” serum biochemical marker for the diagnosis and management for patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). The relationship between old (creatine kinase; CK) and new (troponin T; TT) markers of myocardial injury were examined in this study of 392 consecutive patients admitted to a district hospital with a diagnosis of an acute MI. Significant correlation of serum TT and peak CK levels were seen (R = 0.58, p&lt;0.0001) in all types of MI. A significant relationship was also seen according to type of MI (Q wave or non-Q wave MI) or peak CK level. The regression equation (TT (μg/l) = 0.0027 (peak CK) + 1.1160 (IU/l)) may be used by clinicians to estimate TT release from a known peak CK result and thus provide some guidance on equivalence between the two tests. Our findings provide physicians with a benchmark reference range between the two cardiac markers, according to level of peak CK.
The 12, 24, or is it 26 cranial nerves?
Authors: Welsby P D 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Many of our perceptions are gained through interpretative organs that we assume to be providing objective accounts. Notably, however, neither vision nor hearing provide an objective account of reality. This paper challenges the “conventional wisdoms” held regarding the optic, auditory, and hypoglossal nerves, and the nerves of eye movement.
Therapeutic impact of percutaneous spinal biopsy in spinal infection
Authors: Rankine J J , Barron D A , Robinson P , Millner P A , Dickson R A 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the therapeutic impact of percutaneous spinal biopsy in patients with suspected spinal infection.
Design and patients: A review of the case notes and imaging features of 36 patients who underwent percutaneous spinal biopsy was performed. From this group 20 patients with a prebiopsy diagnosis of spinal osteomyelitis were identified. Management before biopsy was noted including the use of antimicrobial therapy. The results of the histology and microbiology were noted along with the subsequent diagnosis and management.
Results: Eight of the 20 patients (40%) had received antibiotics before the biopsy. An organism was isolated in 8/20 cases (40%). Of the eight patients on antibiotics, two grew an organism (25%), including one case of candida in a patient receiving flucloxacillin. Out of 12 patients not on antibiotics there were six cases where an organism was isolated (50%). The result of the biopsy led to a change in management in seven of the 20 patients (35%).
Conclusions: Many clinicians are treating spinal osteomyelitis empirically with antibiotics before biopsy, but this reduces the chance of isolating an organism and determining antibiotic sensitivity. Despite this biopsy led to a change in management in 35% of cases.
Dengue viral infections
Authors: Malavige G N , Fernando S , Fernando D J , Seneviratne S L 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Dengue viral infections are one of the most important mosquito borne diseases in the world. They may be asymptomatic or may give rise to undifferentiated fever, dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), or dengue shock syndrome. Annually, 100 million cases of dengue fever and half a million cases of DHF occur worldwide. Ninety percent of DHF subjects are children less than 15 years of age. At present, dengue is endemic in 112 countries in the world. No vaccine is available for preventing this disease. Early recognition and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment are vital if disease related morbidity and mortality are to be limited. This review outlines aspects of the epidemiology of dengue infections, the dengue virus and its mosquito vector, clinical features and pathogenesis of dengue infections, and the management and control of these infections.
Infective endocarditis from Enterococcus faecalis complicating colonoscopy in Heyde’s syndrome
Authors: Giusti de Marle M , Sgreccia A , Carmenini E , Morelli S 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
A case of infective endocarditis from Enterococcus faecalis after colonoscopy in a patient with aortic stenoinsufficiency and bleeding intestinal angiodysplasia (Heyde’s syndrome) is reported.
A 77 year old man with aortic stenoinsufficiency presented with enterorrhagia and underwent a colonoscopy, which showed normal findings. Fifteen days later he developed a moderate degree of fever. Blood cultures were positive for E faecalis. An echocardiogram showed aortic valve vegetations, and infective endocarditis was diagnosed and successfully treated by antibiotics. Some months later, intestinal bleeding recurred and intestinal resection was performed. Histopathology showed angiodysplasia.
In patients with Heyde’s syndrome antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered before colonoscopy.
SENSORS, IDENTIFICATION, AND LOW LEVEL CONTROL OF A FLEXIBLE ANTHROPOMORPHIC ROBOT HAND
Authors: MARTIN JAN , BECK SEBASTIAN , LEHMANN ARNE , MIKUT RALF , PYLATIUK CHRISTIAN , SCHULZ STEFAN , BRETTHAUER GEORG 
Published: October 2004

The successful control of a robot hand with multiple degrees of freedom not only requires sensors to determine the state of the hand but also a thorough understanding of the actuator system and its properties. This article presents a set of sensors and analyzes the actuator properties of an anthropomorphic robot hand driven by flexible fluidic actuators. These flexible and compact actuators are integrated directly into the finger joints, they can be driven either pneumatically or hydraulically. The sensors for the measurement of joint angles, contact forces, and fluid pressure are described; the designs utilize mostly commodity components. Hall sensors and customized half-ring rare-earth magnets are used to integrate the joint angle sensors directly into the actuated joints. A force sensor setup allowing soft finger surfaces is evaluated. Fluid pressure sensors are needed for the model-based computation of joint torques and to limit the actuator pressure. Static and dynamic actuator characteristics are determined in a theoretical process analysis, and suitable parameters are identified in several experiments. The resulting actuator model incorporates the viscoelastic material behavior and describes the relations of joint angle, actuator pressure, and actuator torque. It is used in simulations and for the design of a joint position controller.
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte and monocyte activation induced by plasma from patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in whole blood
Authors: Khairy Mahnouch , Lasne Dominique , Amelot Aymeric , Crespin Malvina , Rendu Francine , Aiach Martine , Bachelot-Loza Christilla 
Published: October 2004

SummaryHeparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a severe complication of heparin therapy, results from platelet activation by heparin-dependent antibodies. Previously, we have shown that plasma from patients with HIT (HIT plasma) induces leukocyteplatelet aggregation in blood. In this report, we examined leukocyte activation by HIT plasma and the contribution of heparin and platelets to this activation, in whole blood. Degranulation of leukocytes from HIT patients was evaluated as a leukocyte activation marker. We showed that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and monocytes were the leukocyte subpopulations involved in platelet-leukocyte aggregation induced by HIT plasma in healthy donor blood. PMN and monocyte activation, reflected by increased surface expression of the CD11b adhesion molecule, was induced by HIT plasma in a heparin-dependent manner. The CD11b increase induced by HIT plasma was observed on PMN only when they were associated with platelets. Moreover, the increased CD11b expression on monocytes and PMN correlated strongly with the degree of platelet adhesion to these cells. Degranulation of leukocytes from HIT patients and control subjects (non-HIT heparin-treated patients and healthy subjects) was evaluated in vivo by measuring the plasma myeloperoxidase concentration. HIT plasma contained higher myeloperoxidase concentrations than control plasma, suggesting leukocyte degranulation during HIT. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that PMN activation is induced by HIT plasma. HIT plasma induced PMN and monocyte activation in a heparin-dependent manner. In whole blood, platelet association with monocytes and PMN, and the activation of these leukocytes by HIT plasma were interrelated. Finally, leukocyte degranulation could be involved in HIT physiopathology.
Comparison of two methods to assess variability of platelet response to anti-platelet therapies in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing angioplasty
Authors: Boughrassa Faiza , Chapman-Montgomery E. , Poisson Véronique , Gervais André , Okrongly David , Grant Andrew , Ahnadi Charaf 
Published: October 2004

SummaryThe study investigated the clinical usefulness of a new method to evaluate platelet activation and the variability of platelet response to anti-platelet therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Platelet activation was assessed in parallel by a new method for platelet density measurements (MPC, Mean Platelet Component Concentration), on the automated ADVIA 120 Hematology System and by the classic measurement of P-selectin (CD62P) expression, on a fluorescence flow cytometer. Patients received a loading dose of clopidogrel (300 mg; n = 29) or a bolus of abciximab (0.25 mg/kg; n = 15). Blood samples were collected before (baseline) and at different times after PTCA and antiplatelet drugs administration. Our data showed a close inverse correlation between the change in MPC and the CD62P fluorescence surface marker expression (r = 0.776, P<0.0001). Individual platelet activation determinations in patients receiving either clopidogrel or abciximab showed a variation in platelet activation as assayed by MPC and CD62P expression. Patients were characterized as having either high platelet activity upon admission and positive response to treatment or no detectable platelet activation before or after treatment. This study demonstrates the heterogeneity of platelet activation states in ACS patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. The present work also illustrates the potential use of the MPC parameter, generated on an automated hematology system, to define high risk patients and to monitor the variability of platelet response to anti-platelet therapies.
Effect of Interleukin-6 promoter polymorphisms in survivors of myocardial infarction and matched controls in the North and South of Europe
Authors: Kelberman Daniel , Hawe E. , Luong L. A. , Mohamed-Ali Vidya , Lundman Pia , Tornvall Per , Aillaud M. F. , Juhan-Vague Irène , Yudkin John , Margaglione Maurizio , di Minno Giovanni , Tremoli Elena , Humphries Stephen ,   on behalf of the HIFMECH study group
Published: October 2004

SummaryElevated plasma IL-6 levels have been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease. We have investigated the association of two polymorphisms in the promoter of IL-6 (-572G>C and -174G>C) with levels of inflammatory markers and risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in a European study of MI survivors and age-matched controls from two high-risk centres in the North of Europe, and two low risk centres in the South. IL-6 and CRP levels were similar in controls in both regions, but were higher in cases. For the -174G>C polymorphism the rare -174C allele showed a regional difference in allele frequency, being more common in the North European group (0.43 vs 0.28; p < 0.0005), where -174C allele carriers showed an apparent reduced risk of MI compared to -174GG homozygotes (OR 0.53, 95%CI 0.32, 0.86). No such effect was observed in the South or with the -572G>C in either group. Neither genotype was associated with a significant effect on plasma IL-6 levels in either cases or controls. Furthermore, no regional difference was observed in the frequency of the -572G>C SNP, suggesting that these polymorphisms are unlikely to be contributing to the observed increased risk of cardiovascular disease in Northern Europe.
Herpes simplex virus type 1-encoded glycoprotein C enhances coagulation factor VIIa activity on the virus
Authors: Sutherland Michael , Friedman Harvey , Pryzdial Edward 
Published: October 2004

SummaryTissue factor (TF) is the blood coagulation initiator, whose cofactor function is required for physiological factor VIIa (FVIIa)-mediated activation of factor X (FX) to FXa. A previous study reported TF on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), but this explained only part of FVIIa-dependent FXa generation observed on the virus surface (Sutherland et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 94:13510-14). In the current study, we investigated the role of HSV1-encoded glycoprotein C (gC) in this process. Purified gC-deficient HSV1 facilitated several fold less FX activation by FVIIa than either wild type or gC-rescued strains.To confirm the implication of gC in FVIIa-dependent FX activation, purified soluble gC (sgC) enhanced FXa production in the absence of TF. sgC required FVIIa, calcium and anionic phospholipid to participate in FX activation, suggesting similarity to TF. When purified virus was combined with sgC, the sgC-dependent FXa generation was enhanced three orders of magnitude, suggesting synergy with an additional HSV1 component and explaining the relatively low activity of purified sgC compared to the viral counterpart. FX activation on gC-competent HSV1 was inhibited 20% by a gC-specific antibody, inhibited 40% by a TF-specific antibody, inhibited 65% by combining the gCand TF-specific antibodies, and nearly completely inhibited by the TF antibody alone on gC-deficient HSV-1. Cumulatively, these observations show that two pathways initiating FX activation function in parallel on the virus surface. In addition to the previously described TF-dependent pathway, HSV-1-encoded gC also enhances FXa generation, and like TF, requires FVIIa.
The story of the serpin plasminogen activator inhibitor 1: is there any need for another mutant?
Authors: De Taeye Bart , Gils Ann , Declerck Paul 
Published: October 2004

SummaryThe importance of obtaining insight in the structure/function relationship in the serpin plasminogen activator inhibitor type1 can be understood from the major role PAI-1 plays in different (patho)physiological processes, mainly because of its involvement in the plasminogen/plasmin system. Moreover, during the past years, studies indicated a contribution of PAI-1 to the development of cardiovascular disease in common syndromes such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, PAI-1 also inhibits u-PA, attributing a role in phenomena such as cell migration and tissue remodelling. Considering the role of PAI-1 in such various pathogenic pathways, detailed insight into the structure/function relationship in PAI-1 might provide a means of interfering with a given pathological situation without disturbing other physiological processes. Therefore, since the discovery of PAI-1 and the cloning of its cDNA 20 years ago, over 600 PAI-1 variants have been constructed, elucidating the most important structural features of PAI-1. This review gives an overview of the contribution of the different PAI-1 variants to the understanding of the structure/function relationship in PAI-1, based on the different functional features of PAI-1.
Elevated D-dimer level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular death in out-patients with symptoms compatible with heart failure
Authors: Dahlström Ulf , Lindahl Tomas , Alehagen Urban 
Published: October 2004

SummaryD-dimer, a marker of fibrin turnover, exhibits many interesting properties as a biological marker of thrombosis. Some of the properties of D-dimer might also be used to provide additional information about patients with heart failure. In this study, we evaluate the prognostic information acquired from D-dimer concerning increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in an elderly population with symptoms associated with heart failure. A cardiologist examined 458 elderly patients, out of 548 invited, attending primary care for symptoms of dyspnoea, fatigue and/or peripheral oedema and assessed NYHA functional class and cardiac function. Abnormal systolic function was defined as EF <40% on Doppler echocardiography. Abnormal diastolic function was defined as reduced E/A ratio and/or an abnormal pattern of pulmonary venous flow. Blood samples were drawn, and BNP and D-dimer were analysed. D-dimer was analysed using an automated micro-latex assay. A statistical analysis was performed to identify the prognostic value of increased plasma concentration of D-dimer. Results showed that during a median follow-up period of 5.5 years, 68 (14%) patients died of cardiovascular disease. No gender difference was noted. A plasma concentration of D-dimer >0.25mg/L increased the risk almost 4-fold. In conclusion, D-dimer is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality that may be used to risk-stratify patients with heart failure.
Plasma fibrinogen concentration predicts the risk of myocardial infarction differently in various parts of Europe: effects of β-fibrinogen genotype and environmental factors
Authors: Silveira Angela , Hawe Emma , Eriksson Per , Aillaud Marie , Juhan-Vague Irene , Yudkin John , Margaglione Maurizio , di Minno Giovanni , Mussoni Luciana , Tremoli Elena , Humphries Steve , Hamsten Anders , Mannila Maria ,   the HIFMECH study group
Published: October 2004

SummaryThe propensity to atherothrombotic disease differs in Europe, with high-risk regions located in the North of Europe and lowrisk regions in the South of Europe. The HIFMECH study (Hypercoagulability and Impaired Fibrinolytic function MECHanisms predisposing to myocardial infarction (MI) study) was undertaken to elucidate genetic and environmental mechanisms underlying MI based on investigations of postinfarction patients and healthy individuals recruited from Stockholm, Sweden, London, England (North of Europe), Marseille, France and San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy (South of Europe). In the present report, emphasis was placed on fibrinogen, a multifunctional protein, widely recognized as an independent predictor of atherothrombotic disease. The adjusted plasma fibrinogen concentration was an independent discriminator between cases and controls in London (SOR 3.58; 95% CI 1.31; 9.83), but not in the other centres. Genotyping for six β-fibrinogen promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms was performed of which -249C/T, -455G/A and -854G/A were used in analysis as a consequence of the linkage disequilibrium pattern. Four haplotypes, with similar distribution across Europe, were detected: CGG (46.7%), CAG (20.3%), TGG (18.2%) and CGA (14.8%). A significant haplotype effect on plasma fibrinogen concentration was observed in patients (p <0.001) but not in controls (p = 0.08).The -455G/A genotype related to plasma fibrinogen concentration amongst patients along with centre and IL-6 concentration (together explaining 11.5% of the variation), whereas predictors amongst controls included centre, body mass index, IL-6 and smoking habit (explaining 15.7%). Thus, plasma fibrinogen concentration contributes differently to MI across Europe, and a disease-related stimulus is required to evoke allele-specific regulation of fibrinogen synthesis.
Accelerating ability of synthetic oligosaccharides on antithrombin inhibition of proteinases of the clotting and fibrinolytic systems Comparison with heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin
Authors: Olson Steven , Swanson Richard , Raub-Segall Elke , Bedsted Tina , Sadri Morvardi , Petitou Maurice , Hérault Jean-Pascal , Herbert Jean-Marc , Björk Ingemar 
Published: October 2004

SummaryThe abilities of three synthetic oligosaccharides to accelerate antithrombin inhibition of ten clotting or fibrinolytic proteinases were compared with those of unfractionated, fractionated high-affinity and low-molecular-weight heparins. The results show that the anticoagulant effects of the latter three heparins under conditions approximating physiologic are exerted almost exclusively by acceleration of the inactivation of thrombin, factor Xa and factor IXa to near diffusion-controlled rate constants of ∼106 – 107 M−1·s−1. All other proteinases are inhibited with at least 20-fold lower rate constants. The anticoagulant ability of the synthetic regular (fondaparinux) and high-affinity (idraparinux) pentasaccharides is due to a common mechanism, involving acceleration of only factor Xa inhibition to rate constants of ∼106 M−1·s−1. A synthetic hexadecasaccharide, containing both the pentasaccharide sequence and a proteinase binding site, exerts its anticoagulant effect by accelerating antithrombin inactivation of both thrombin and factor Xa to rate constants of ∼106 – 107 M−1·s−1, although thrombin appears to be the more important target. In contrast, factor IXa inhibition is appreciably less stimulated. The conformational change of antithrombin induced both by the pentasaccharides and longer heparins contributes substantially, ∼150–500-fold, to accelerating the inactivation of factors Xa, IXa and VIIa and moderately, ∼50-fold, to that of factor XIIa and tissue plasminogen activator inhibition. The bridging effect due to binding of antithrombin and proteinase to the same, long heparin chain is dominating, ∼1000–3000-fold, for thrombin inhibition and is appreciably smaller, although up to ∼250-350-fold, for the inactivation of factors IXa and XIa. These results establish the proteinase targets of heparin derivatives currently used in or considered for thrombosis therapy and give new insights into the mechanism of heparin acceleration of antithrombin inhibition of proteinases.
Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and its fibrinolytic effect in normal pregnancy
Authors: Mousa Hatem , Downey Colin , Alfirevic Zarko , Toh Cheng-Hock 
Published: October 2004

SummaryWe investigated changes in both thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen levels and its functional effect on in vitro fibrinolysis in normal pregnancy. 152 pregnant women and 31 women in the immediate postpartum period were studied, with pregnancy divided into 6 windows at 4 weekly intervals. As TAFI influences and is in turn influenced by components of the protein C (PC) pathway, its measurements were correlated with levels of soluble thrombomodulin, PC, protein S (PS) and the overall phenotype of activated PC resistance (APCR). Compared with mean TAFI levels at booking gestation (6.6 +1.2 μg/ml), levels peaked at 35-39 weeks gestation (9.6 +2 μg/ml, p = 0.001), followed by a significant drop within 24 hours of delivery (7.2 + 1.1 μg/ml). In functional terms, the mean clot lysis time (CLT) (101 + 13 min at booking) also peaked at 35-39 weeks gestation (141 + 42 min, p = 0.007) and dropped after delivery (99 + 33 min), and was significantly correlated with gestational age (r = 0.410, p = 0.001) and could be abrogated in the presence of an inhibitor to TAFI activation. A significant negative correlation was found between TAFI levels and APCR (r = −0.478, p <0.001), APCRV (r = −0.598; p <0.001), PS (r = −0.490, P <0.001) and PC (r = −0.198, p = 0.02). In summary, there is a significant increase in TAFI levels, which translates into increased CLT during pregnancy. Furthermore, changes in TAFI contribute to the increasing APCR of pregnancy.