bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EMPIRICAL STUDY ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND YOUTH IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY: NIGERIA AS A CASE
Authors: IDOWU A. O. , IDOWU PETER ADEBAYO , ADAGUNODO E. R. 
Published: June 2005

The phenomenal growth of information and communication technology (ICT) especially the Internet has affected youths in developed and developing countries alike. Although progressing at a slower rate in developing countries than in any other parts of the world, Internet connectivity is also transforming the face of Africa. This paper presents a study that examines what Nigerian youths use Internet for and which of the Internet use has adverse effect on the youth's social life. It reveals that majority of youths use Internet for e-mail, making use of Yahoo followed by Hotmail, and the study also reveals that over 50% of youths interviewed visit pornographic sites.
Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Pt and Pt-Bimetallic Electrodes Covered by CO : Mechanism of the Air Bleed Effect with Reformate
Authors: Stamenkovic V. , Grgur B. N. , Ross P. N. , Markovic N. M. 
Published: June 2005

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been studied on CO-covered Pt(111), Pt(110), Pt-poly, Pt-Ru,

Pt

3

Sn
(
111
)
,

and

Pt

3

Sn
(
110
)

electrodes in 0.5 M

H

2

SO

4

solution at temperatures varying between 298 and 333 K using the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) method. The RRDE measurements showed that even during

O

2

reduction a substantial amount

(
≈
40
%

of saturation) of CO still remains on all surfaces. Only a very small fraction of consumed

O

2

is used for CO oxidation, while the major fraction reacts via the competing ORR, producing

H

2

O

2

.

The

H

2

O

2

yield is strongly dependent on the fractional coverage by adsorbed CO, the surface structure, and the composition of the electrode. While at

Θ

CO

>
0.5

monolayer

(ML) the

H

2

O

2

yield is very high (depending on the structure/nature of the electrode ca. 60-100%), when

Θ

CO

falls to its steady-state value of

≈
0.4
ML
,

the

H

2

O

2

yield is almost the same as on the respective CO-free surfaces. Although the production of peroxide on some electrodes is rather low at 333 K (e.g., 5% on PtRu and 10% on Pt-poly), the practical consequences of the

H

2

O

2

production can be significant; e.g.,

H

2

O

2

may cause an enhanced long-term degradation of the membrane. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
No effect of folic acid supplementation in the course of 1 year on haemostasis markers and C-reactive protein in older adults
Authors: Klerk Mariska , Durga Jane , Schouten Evert G. , Kluft Cornelis , Kok Frans J. , Verhoef Petra 
Published: June 2005

SummaryElevated homocysteine levels are associated with an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. High homocysteine might affect the endothelium, and consequently lead to impaired haemostasis. In a randomized placebo controlled trial among 276 older adults with plasma total homocysteine concentrations above 13 mM at screening, we investigated the effect of homocysteine lowering by folic acid supplementation (0.8 mg/day) for 1 year on markers of endothelial function (vonWillebrand factor), coagulation (tissue factor, factor VIIa, fragments 1+2), and fibrinolysis (fibrin degradation products, tissue-type plasminogen activator), and inflammation (C-reactive protein). Despite a 24% reduction in plasma homocysteine concentration and four-fold increase in serum folate concentration in the folic acid group compared to the placebo group, there was no clear change in any of the haemostasis markers, nor CRP. Although homocysteine is associated with vascular disease risk in the general population, marked lowering of slightly elevated homocysteine concentrations by one-year folic acid supplementation does not influence haemostasis markers.
Polymorphisms of haemostasis genes as risk factors for preterm delivery
Authors: Härtel Christoph , von Otte Sören , Koch Julia , Ahrens Peter , Kattner Evelyn , Segerer Hugo , Möller Jens , Diedrich Klaus , Göpel Wolfgang 
Published: June 2005

SummaryClinical trials evaluating the potential benefit of anticoagulant treatment in pregnant women with inherited thrombophilia are based on the observation that a genetic predisposition to thrombosis is associated with frequent abortions and preterm birth. It was the aim of our study to delineate the impact of genetic polymorphisms with prothrombotic and antithrombotic effects on the occurrence of preterm birth in a large cohort of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW)-infants and their mothers. We examined the factor V Leiden and the prothrombin G20210A mutation, the factor VII 121del/ins and the factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism in preterm very-low-birth-weight (VLBW, n=593) and term-born-infants (n=278) and their mothers (n=785).The primary outcome was preterm vs. term birth. From all polymorphisms tested, the maternal factor VII-121del/ins polymorphism (26.2 vs. 17.6 %; p=0.009) and the infant’s factor VII-121del/ins polymorphism (29.0 vs. 20.0 %; p=0.009) were more frequent in singletonVLBW and their mothers compared to term infants and their mothers. Furthermore, the frequency of the factor XIII-Val34Leu polymorphism was significantly lower in singleton VLBW than in term infant controls (5.1 vs. 9.6%, p=0.025). In a multivariate regression analysis, previous preterm delivery (OR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.7–8.4), the maternal carrier status of the factor-VII-121del/ins polymorphism (OR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.12–2.5, p=0.007) and the lower frequency of infant’s factor-XIII-Val34Leu polymorphism (OR=0.53; 95% CI: 0.29–0.96; p=0.038) were found to be independently associated with preterm delivery. InVLBW mothers with pathological CTG as cause of preterm delivery, the frequency of factor V Leiden mutation was significantly increased compared to VLBW mothers without pathological CTG (14.1 vs. 6.1%, p=0.01).The investigated haemostasis gene polymorphisms have a much lower impact on subsequent preterm delivery than known risk factors such as previous preterm birth. The reported association of the factor-VII-121del/ins polymorphism on preterm delivery and its clinical relevance needs to be further elucidated.
Increased prevalence of factor V Leiden in patients with retinal vein occlusion and under 60 years of age
Authors: Arsène Sophie , Delahousse Bénédicte , Regina Sandra , Lez Marie-Laure Le , Pisella Pierre-Jean , Gruel Yves 
Published: June 2005

SummaryRetinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a multifactorial disease involving vessel damage, stasis, viscosity and thrombosis. Conflicting findings on hereditary thrombophilic risk factors have been reported and their impact on RVO features remains to be defined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of hereditary thrombophilic risk factors (HTRF) and characteristics of RVO in patients with or without HTRF. The design of the study was a prospective, observational case series. Two hundred and thirty-four patients with RVO were included consecutively. A French healthy population of the same region was studied as control group. The HTRF studied were protein C (PC), protein S (PS) and antithrombin (AT) deficiencies, factor V Leiden (FVL) and factor II 20210A polymorphisms. Chi-Square was used for comparison with the healthy subjects and between RVO patient with and without HTRF according to localisation (branch vs. central), type of RVO (ischemic or non-ischemic), recurrence, age at first event and classical vascular risk factors. Twenty-two patients had HTRF (12 FV Leiden heterozygotes, 9 FII 20210A heterozygotes and 1 PS deficiency). No AT or PC deficiency was detected. Frequencies of PS deficiency, FVL and FII 20210A allele were similar to the reference population as well as to published data in the general caucasian population. Eighty-six patients experienced their first episode before the age of 60 years. Systemic hypertension, glaucoma and angina were significantly less frequent in patients with RVO before 60 years. Fourteen of the 22 patients with one HTRF (64%) experienced their first episode of RVO before the age of 60 years compared to 72 of 212 without HTRF (34%) (p = 0.006). Heterozygote status for FV Leiden was significantly more frequent in patients who had experienced their first episode of RVO before 60 years (p = 0.027). In conclusion, this study suggests a role of FV Leiden in the occurrence of RVO in patients younger than 60 years who exhibit fewer acquired vascular risk factors than in older patients.
Impaired inactivation by antithrombin and hirudin and preserved fibrinogen-clotting activity of thrombin in complex with antithrombin antibody from a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Léránt István , Skopál Judit , Kelemen Anna , Nagy Zoltán , Machovich Raymund , Kolev Krasimir 
Published: June 2005

SummaryImmunoglobulin G (IgG) isolated from the blood plasma of a patient with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) expresses fibrinogen-clotting and amidolytic activity (the thrombin activity in 20 μmole IgG is equivalent to approximately 5 nmole pure thrombin), and activates factor XIII. Hirudin (1 μM) decreases the intrinsic thrombin activity of the APS IgG by only 25%, whereas it inhibits completely pure thrombin with equivalent activity. Under conditions, when antithrombin inactivates 60% of the thrombin activity in the presence of normal IgG, the APS IgG protects almost completely the added thrombin against inactivation by antithrombin. Heparin, however, partially relieves this protective effect and at the same time it facilitates the inhibition of the intrinsic thrombin activity by antithrombin. The APS IgG reduces the thrombin activity in protein C activation assay by 50% compared to the activity in the presence of normal IgG. All described properties are related to the Fab fragment of the antibody. The IgG preserving the fibrin-generating activity of thrombin with concomitant protection against inhibitors unravels a new aspect of the thrombotic mechanism in APS. This condition is probably rare: only one out of 23 examined patients with primary or secondary APS expresses IgG with the described properties.
Mechanism for the homocysteine-enhanced antifibrinolytic potential of lipoprotein(a) in human plasma
Authors: Nardulli Marina , Durlach Vincent , Pepe Gabriella , Anglés-Cano Eduardo 
Published: June 2005

SummaryLipoprotein(a) and total plasma homocysteine levels are now established as independent atherothrombogenic risk factors. A distinctive pathophysiological feature of lipoprotein(a) is its antifibrinolytic activity, an effect dependent on plasma concentration and high affinity for fibrin of its small size apo(a) component. A stimulating effect of homocysteine on purified lipoprotein(a) has been proposed. However, little is known about their specific interactions in human plasma. We demonstrate by immunochemical, ligand-binding and plasminogen activation studies, that homocysteine modifies the structure and function of lipoprotein(a) in human plasma; it reduces the apo(a)/apoB disulfide bond causing the appearance of free apo(a) with high affinity for fibrin that inhibits plasminogen binding and plasmin formation (r= −0.995, p=0.002). These effects were evident particularly in plasma samples containing lipoprotein(a) with low affinity for fibrin and more than 22 kringles apo(a) isoforms. In contrast, for plasmas containing high fibrin affinity lipoprotein(a) (less than 22 kringles apo[a] isoforms) no significant change neither in fibrin binding nor in plasmin formation was observed. Furthermore, isolated apo(a) recombinants (10 to 34 kringles) that have been shown to display size-independent high affinity for fibrin were not affected by homocysteine, thus confirming lipoprotein(a) as its main target. These results suggest that the pro-atherogenic role already conferred to lipoprotein(a) by small apo(a) isoforms may be extended to large apo(a) isoforms if released in plasma by homocysteine, as this mechanism reveals their high fibrin affinity. Lipoprotein(a) and homocysteine may therefore constitute, if acting in concert, a new risk factor for athero-thrombotic vascular disease.
Glycosaminoglycan: a candidate to stimulate the repair of chronic wounds
Authors: Peplow Philip V. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryA persistent inflammation with large numbers of neutrophils is found in chronic wounds. Secretory products released from the neutrophils, which include proteinases and a heparin-binding protein, are detrimental to wound healing as they cause degradation of the extracellular matrix and growth factors, and promote further recruitment of neutrophils to the wound area. The neutrophil-derived elastase, cathepsin G, proteinase-3 and heparin-binding protein are cationic, and it is hypothesized that their effects can be inhibited by electrostatic binding with certain anionic polymers such as glycosaminoglycans or functionalized dextrans. A sustained delivery of such compounds alone or in combination from a biodegradable carrier may provide a stimulus for these wounds to pass to the next stage of repair.
Residual venous obstruction in patients with a single episode of deep vein thrombosis and in patients with recurrent deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Galli Matteo , Squizzato Alessandro , Dentali Francesco , Manfredi Elisa , Steidl Luigi , Venco Achille , Ageno Walter 
Published: June 2005

SummaryResidual venous obstruction (RVO) in patients with previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs has been suggested as an independent risk factor for recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE).RVO could be a marker of a persistent prothrombotic state. We have compared the rate of RVO in patients with DVT and a personal history of at least one previous episode of VTE to the rate of RVO among patients with a first episode of DVT. All patients underwent compression ultrasonography (CUS) of the lower limbs 1 year after index DVT. RVO was arbitrarily defined as a thrombus occupying, at maximal compressibility, more than 20% of the vein area in the absence of compression. 50 consecutive patients with recurrent DVT and 50 age and sex-matched patients with a single episode of DVT were enrolled. The index event was idiopathic in 62% of patients with recurrent DVT and in 60% of patients with a single episode. In 74% of patients with recurrent DVT the index event occurred in either the contralateral leg or in a different segment of the ipsilateral leg. RVO was detected in 50% of patients with a single episode of DVT and in 88% of patients with recurrent DVT (p<0.00001). The prevalence of RVO is significantly higher in patients with recurrent DVT than in patients with a single episode. This finding supports the importance of RVO as a potential marker of a persistent prothrombotic state.
Additive effects of anticoagulants: recombinant human activated protein C and heparin or melagatran, in tissue factor-activated umbilical-cord plasma
Authors: Gallistl Siegfried , Muntean Wolfgang , Leschnik Bettina , Fritsch Peter , Cvirn Gerhard , Koestenberger Martin 
Published: June 2005

SummarySevere sepsis in children or adults may cause a life-threatening coagulopathy, with widespread consumption of activated protein C (APC); recombinant human APC (rhAPC) is a promising candidate anticoagulant treatment. We investigated the effects of rhAPC and other anticoagulants on coagulation triggered by adding small quantities of lipidated tissue factor to human umbilical-cord plasma in vitro. rhAPC, unfractionated heparin (UH),and melagatran (a direct thrombin inhibitor) were studied individually, and in combinations of rhAPC with either UH or melagatran. rhAPC alone dose-dependently prolonged the activated partial-thromboplastin time (aPTT) but not the prothrombin time (PT), and dose-dependently suppressed two indices of thrombin generation, namely prothrombin fragment F 1.2 (F 1.2) generation and thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) complex formation. UH alone dose-dependently prolonged the aPTT but not the PT, while melagatran alone dose-dependently prolonged both the aPTT and the PT. Adding either UH or melagatran dose-dependently augmented the capacity of rhAPC to suppress F 1.2 generation (with addition of UH showing a greater effect) and TAT formation (with addition of melagatran showing a greater effect). Both the capacity of UH to prolong the aPTT and the capacity of melagatran to prolong the aPTT and the PT were augmented by adding rhAPC. In our in-vitro study, adding either UH or melagatran augmented the capacity of rhAPC to suppress thrombin generation in human umbilical-cord plasma, with the anticoagulant effect of melagatran being more predictable than that of UH. Hence, combining rhAPC with melagatran might be a valuable therapeutic option in patients with severe sepsis.
Early antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects of simvastatin versus fenofibrate in patients with hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Undas Anetta , Celinska-Löwenhoff Magdalena , Domagala Teresa B. , Iwaniec Teresa , Dropinski Jerzy , Löwenhoff Tomasz , Szczeklik Andrew 
Published: June 2005

SummaryThe aim of the study was to determine whether a short-term treatment with simvastatin or fenofibrate may result in beneficial anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects in patients with high risk of coronary artery disease. In a randomized, double-blind study, we compared markers of inflammation, thrombin formation and platelet activation in patients with LDL cholesterol >130 mg/dl assigned to receive simvastatin (40 mg/d; n=20) or micronised fenofibrate (160 mg/d; n=22) for 28 days. Simvastatin, but not fenofibrate, lowered C-reactive protein (CRP) by 32% on day 3 (p<0.001), while both drugs reduced CRP significantly on day 28. Interleukin-6, soluble CD40 ligand, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels decreased significantly (by 20 to 50%) in both treatment groups on days 3 and 28. Soluble cell adhesion molecules remained unchanged in both groups. Simvastatin and fenofibrate significantly lowered plasma concentrations of thrombin-antithrombin complexes on days and 28, but not platelet β-thromboglobulin (βTG) levels. Soluble P-selectin was lowered only in the simvastatin group. The total amount of thrombin generated at the site of microvascular injury also declined (by about 30%) as early as after 3 days of fenofibrate or simvastatin therapy, whereas βTG release was reduced only in the simvastatin group on days 3 and 28.All the effects were independent of the changes in lipid profiles. Our results suggest that statins and fibrates can exert antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects as early as after 3 days of therapy. However, in contrast to statins, fibrates have no influence on platelet function within one month of therapy.
The functional significance of the autolysis loop in protein C and activated protein C
Authors: Yang Likui , Manithody Chandrashekhara , Rezaie Alireza R. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryThe autolysis loop of activated protein C (APC) is five residues longer than the autolysis loop of other vitamin K-dependent coagulation proteases. To investigate the role of this loop in the zymogenic and anticoagulant properties of the molecule, a protein C mutant was constructed in which the autolysis loop of the protein was replaced with the corresponding loop of factor X. The protein C mutant was activated by thrombin with ~5-fold higher rate in the presence of Ca2+. Both kinetics and direct binding studies revealed that the Ca2+ affinity of the mutant has been impaired ∼3-fold. The result of a factorVa degradation assay revealed that the anticoagulant function of the mutant has been improved 4–5-fold in the absence but not in the presence of protein S. The improvement was due to a better recognition of both the P1-Arg506 and P1-Arg306 cleavage sites by the mutant protease. However, the plasma half-life of the mutant was markedly shortened due to faster inactivation by plasma serpins. These results suggest that the autolysis loop of protein C is critical for the Ca2+-dependence of activation by thrombin. Moreover, a longer autolysis loop in APC is not optimal for interaction with factor Va in the absence of protein S, but it contributes to the lack of serpin reactivity and longer half-life of the protease in plasma.
Islamic Legal Theory Curriculum: Are the Classics Taught Today?
Authors: Cardinal Monique 
Published: June 2005

AbstractDuring the past century, legal education has been redefined in the Arab-Muslim world as a result of the adoption of European codes, procedures and courts. Although Islamic law has been largely excluded from the curriculum of modern law schools, Islamic legal theory (usūl al-fiqh) has been retained, albeit on a highly reduced scale, and taught through modern textbooks designed by professors of the new law faculties. This article traces the genealogy of the modern usūlī textbook in an attempt to explain how the Shari a faculties of contemporary Arab universities have come to privilege the modern textbook over the classical treatise to teach Islamic legal theory. I compare the curriculum and course material of the Shari a faculties of five universities: al-Zaytūna, al-Qarawiyyīn, al-Azhar, Damascus University and Jordan University. In all, this study examines forty-two modern textbooks of Islamic legal theory. A survey of the contexts in which the first modern textbooks were taught reveals, in part, how the modern textbook of Islamic legal theory differs from its classical counterpart.
Armenian European Relationship in India, 1500–1800: No Armenian Foundation for European Empire?
Authors: Bhattacharya Bhaswati 
Published: June 2005

AbstractHistorical evidence points to the existence of Armenians in India in small numbers at least since the sixteenth century. Beginning with the Portuguese in that century, Europeans entered the spheres of Euro-Asian and intra-Asian trade in an increasing volume. Armenian contact with India received a boost following the settlement of a large number of Armenians in New Julfa that coincided with the coming of the European companies in India. The arrival of the Europeans opened up various possibilities for the Armenians. Consequently, Armenian trade, based to a great extent on various forms of community-based network and partnership, was not 'exclusive' in nature. In their social life too Armenians formed part of the pluralistic Christian community in India. Les données historiques suggèrent l'existence en Inde d'un petit nombre d'Arméniens depuis le XVIe siècle. A partir de l'arrivée des Portugais à cette époque, les Européens ont développé les échanges avec l'Asie et en ont pénétré de plus en plus le commerce intérieur. Les contacts des Arméniens avec l'Inde ont connu une rapide expansion à la suite de l'établissement d'un nombre important d'entre eux à New Julfa, dans la mouvance de l'arrivée des compagnies européennes qui leur offraient des possibilités variées. De ce fait, le commerce arménien, largement fondé sur diverses formes de réseaux et de partenariats internes à leur communauté, n'était pas de nature « exclusive » . Dans leur vie sociale, aussi, les Arméniens étaient partie prenante de la communauté chrétienne indienne, pluraliste.