bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abbreviated Dosing of N‐Acetylcysteine Prevents Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy After Elective and Urgent Coronary Angiography and Intervention
Authors: OCHOA ANTHONY , PELLIZZON GREGORY , ADDALA SRINIVAS , GRINES CINDY , ISAYENKO YELENA , BOURA JUDITH , REMPINSKI DEBRA , O'NEILL WILLIAM , KAHN JOEL 
Published: June 2004

Background and hypothesis: Several studies have utilized low‐dose regimens of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) for 48 hours to prevent contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) after cardiac catheterization (cath) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A lengthy pretreatment period with NAC may not be feasible in urgent situations. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of an abbreviated, higher dose regimen of NAC for the prevention of CIN after elective and urgent coronary angiography (cath) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods: We prospectively evaluated 80 patients referred for elective or urgent cath and/or PCI with stable chronic renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <50 cc/min). Patients were randomized to: NAC 1000 mg PO 1 hour before cath/PCI and 4 hours later, or placebo. All patients received hydration (0.9% saline) before and after cath/PCI (minimum total volume ≥1500 mL). CIN was defined as an increase of Cr ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% 48 hours after cath/PCI.
Results: CIN occurred in 3 of 36 (8%) patients of the NAC group vs. 11of 44 (25%) in the placebo group (P = 0.051; OR 3.7, 95% CI 0.94–14.4). Serum creatinine (mean ± SD) remained stable in the NAC group after cath/PCI (2.02 ± 0.56 vs. 2.10 ± 0.81 mg/dL; P = 0.34), but increased after cath/PCI in the placebo group (1.93 ± 0.53 vs. 2.10 ± 0.74 mg/dL; P < 0.01).
Conclusions: An abbreviated, higher dose regimen of NAC prevents the rise of serum creatinine 48 hours after cath/PCI, and may prevent CIN after cath/PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2004;17:159–165)
From A (Allende, Che, and Evita) to Z (Zedillo, Chamorro, Menem, and Fujimori): The Transformation of Latin American Culture at the End of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Macune Charles W. 
Published: June 2004

Algunas veces profundos, frecuentemente estimulantes y otras veces amenzadores son los cambios que a finales del siglo XX están ocurriendo en el mundo. Gracias a los medios de comunicación es fácil estar informado de acontecimientos como la caída de la Unión Soviética, los cambios de Europa del Este y Asia; pero, aparentemente, estamos menos concientes de los cambios que se están dando en América Latina.El fin de la Guerra Fría, el triunfo de la democracia, el colapso del comunismo, la revolucín tecnológica en las comunicaciones, la economía global, los sistemas de libre mercado y el impacto mundial de la cultura popular de los Estados Unidos, son factores externos que han influido de manera muy profunda en los cambios de América Latina. En esta investigación pretendemos analizar brevemente algunos de los cambios ocurridos en Latinoamérica y discutiremos cuáles fueron las causas de dichos cambios.
Violence and Patriotism: La Novela Negra from Chester Himes to Paco Ignacio Taibo II
Authors: Braham Persephone 
Published: June 2004

La novela negra trata el conflicto entre las metas idealistas del detective—la búsqueda de la verdad y la justicia—y la corrupción de la sociedad y sus instituciones. Con Héctor Belascoarán Shayne, el escritor mexicano Paco Ignacio Taibo II ha inventado a un protagonista que lleva esta fórmula a un extremo: el detective‐terrorista. La violencia es un tema constante en su obra, tanto como norma jurídica como un modo de resistencia; típicamente el crimen se vincula con la policía o el gobierno.Taibo emplea la intertextualidad como signo del patrimonio literario e ideológico; en un texto, el detective compra dos novelas policiales del autor negro norteamericano, Chester Himes. Estas obras sobre Harlem prefiguran la construcción del detective‐terrorista: los detectives de Himes son dos policías negros, cuyo trabajo de imponer la ley de los blancos sobre el pueblo radicalmente marginado de Harlem produce una violencia grotesca y macabra.La novela policial en Latinoamérica ha sido tradicionalmente una forma que parodia el modelo anglosajón, debido a una falta de confianza en la ley y la policía por parte de los latinoamericanos. Sin embargo, Taibo sigue a Himes al negar que sus novelas tengan un propósito paródico: se acata a un género precisamente antlliterario para crear una obra que quede fuera de la legitimidad crítica en su país y, a la misma vez, sea leído por el pueblo. Como Himes, Taibo utiliza la violencia para criticar la violencia de las instituciones y para apropiarse de un territorio discursivo—una patria alternativa—en nombre de los ciudadanos mexicanos.
Changes in transforming growth factor‐β1 in gingival crevicular fluid following periodontal surgery
Authors: Kuru L. , Griffiths G. S. , Petrie A. , Olsen I. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectives: Growth factors play a major part in wound healing, including in the periodontium. However, the presence of growth factors in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in humans during periodontal wound healing has not yet been determined. Our hypothesis is that such factors are present in GCF and that changes in their levels might be of value as a prognostic marker of wound‐healing activity and therapeutic progress following periodontal surgery. The aim of this study was therefore to measure transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in GCF collected from sites that have undergone guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and conventional flap (CF) surgery and to compare these with GCF collected from unaffected healthy sites.Materials and Methods: GCF samples were collected, using filter paper strips, at baseline (pre‐surgical) and then at intervals up to 26 weeks from 16 patients undergoing GTR and from 11 patients undergoing CF surgery. After elution and acid treatment, TGF‐β1 levels were measured by ELISA.Results: Treatment of periodontal defect sites significantly reduced the mean probing pocket depth (PPD) and improved the mean lifetime cumulative attachment loss (LCAL). Average GCF volumes also significantly increased at all sites at 2 weeks post‐surgery and thereafter declined to baseline levels, except at the GTR test sites that were still elevated at 7 weeks. TGF‐β1 could be detected in almost all GCF samples, and 2 weeks after surgery, the average levels increased two‐fold at the surgically treated but not at the control sites, which remained unchanged.Conclusion: TGF‐β1 is readily detectable in GCF and increases transiently following periodontal surgery. This suggests that changes in the levels of this growth factor in GCF might be useful for monitoring the progress of periodontal repair and regeneration.
SYM1
Is the Stress-Induced
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Ortholog of the Mammalian Kidney Disease Gene
Mpv17
and Is Required for Ethanol Metabolism and Tolerance during Heat Shock
Authors: Trott Amy , Morano Kevin A. 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACT

Organisms rapidly adapt to severe environmental stress by inducing the expression of a wide array of heat shock proteins as part of a larger cellular response program. We have used a genomics approach to identify novel heat shock-induced genes in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. The uncharacterized open reading frame (ORF)
YLR251W
was found to be required for both metabolism and tolerance of ethanol during heat shock.
YLR251W
has significant homology to the mammalian peroxisomal membrane protein Mpv17, and Mpv17
−/−
mice exhibit age-onset glomerulosclerosis, deafness, hypertension, and, ultimately, death by renal failure. Expression of Mpv17 in
ylr251w
Δ cells complements the 37°C ethanol growth defect, suggesting that these proteins are functional orthologs. We have therefore renamed ORF
YLR251W
as
SYM1
(for “stress-inducible yeast Mpv17”). In contrast to the peroxisomal localization of Mpv17, we find that Sym1 is an integral membrane protein of the inner mitochondrial membrane. In addition, transcriptional profiling of
sym1
Δ cells uncovered changes in gene expression, including dysregulation of a number of ethanol-repressed genes, exclusively at 37°C relative to wild-type results. Together, these data suggest an important metabolic role for Sym1 in mitochondrial function during heat shock. Furthermore, this study establishes Sym1 as a potential model for understanding the role of Mpv17 in kidney disease and cardiovascular biology.
Novel Chimeric Spermidine Synthase-Saccharopine Dehydrogenase Gene (
SPE3-LYS9
) in the Human Pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Kingsbury Joanne M. , Yang Zhonghui , Ganous Tonya M. , Cox Gary M. , McCusker John H. 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACT

The
Cryptococcus neoformans LYS9
gene (encoding saccharopine dehydrogenase) was cloned and found to be part of an evolutionarily conserved chimera with
SPE3
(encoding spermidine synthase).
spe3-lys9
,
spe3-LYS9
, and
SPE3-lys9
mutants were constructed, and these were auxotrophic for lysine and spermidine, spermidine, and lysine, respectively. Thus,
SPE3-LYS9
encodes functional spermidine synthase and saccharopine dehydrogenase gene products. In contrast to
Saccharomyces cerevisiae spe3
mutants, the polyamine auxotrophy of
C. neoformans spe3-LYS9
mutants was not satisfied by spermine. In vitro phenotypes of
spe3-LYS9
mutants included reduced capsule and melanin production and growth rate, while
SPE3-lys9
mutants grew slowly at 30°C, were temperature sensitive in rich medium, and died upon lysine starvation. Consistent with the importance of saccharopine dehydrogenase and spermidine synthase in vitro,
spe3-lys9
mutants were avirulent and unable to survive in vivo and both functions individually contributed to virulence.
SPE3-LYS9
mRNA levels showed little evidence of being influenced by exogenous spermidine or lysine or starvation for spermidine or lysine; thus, any regulation is likely to be posttranscriptional. Expression in
S. cerevisiae
of the full-length
C. neoformans SPE3-LYS9
cDNA complemented a
lys9
mutant but not a
spe3
mutant. However, expression in
S. cerevisiae
of a truncated gene product, consisting of only
C. neoformans SPE3
, complemented a
spe3
mutant, suggesting possible modes of regulation. Therefore, we identified and describe a novel chimeric
SPE3-LYS9
gene, which may link spermidine and lysine biosynthesis in
C. neoformans
.
RECENT ADVANCES IN UNCONVENTIONAL DENSITY WAVES
Authors: DÓRA BALÁZS , MAKI KAZUMI , VIROSZTEK ATTILA 
Published: June 2004

The unconventional density wave (UDW) was speculated on as a possible electronic ground state in the excitonic insulator in 1968. The recent surge of interest in UDW's is partly due to the proposal that the pseudogap phase in high Tc cuprate superconductors is a d-wave density wave (d-DW). Here we review our recent works on UDW's within the framework of mean field theory. In particular, we have shown that many properties of the low temperature phase (LTP) in α-( BEDT-TTF )2 MHg ( SCN )4, with M = K , Rb and Tl , are well characterized in terms of the unconventional charge density wave (UCDW). In this identification the Landau quantization of the quasiparticle motion in a magnetic field (the Nersesyan effect) plays the crucial role. Indeed, the angle-dependent magnetoresistance and the negative giant Nernst effect are two hallmarks of UDW's.
Confocal microscopy analysis of native, full length and B-domain deleted coagulation factor VIII trafficking in mammalian cells
Authors: Becker Sven , Simpson Jeremy , Pepperkok Rainer , Heinz Stefan , Herder Christian , Grez Manuel , Seifried Erhard , Tonn Torsten 
Published: June 2004

SummaryIn mammalian cells, factor VIII (FVIII) secretion depends upon its interaction with chaperones of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and requires a unique ATP-dependent step to dissociate aggregates formed within the ER. To further elucidate mechanisms which might account for the inefficient secretion of recombinant FVIII (rFVIII), we have analyzed the pathways of recombinant full length (rFVIII-FL) and B-domain deleted (rFVIIIΔB) FVIII and compared these to the secretion route of native FVIII in primary hepatocytes. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy in combination with a pulse chase of a known secretion marker, we describe the trafficking route of FVIII, which upon release from the ER – where it colocalizes with calnexin – is transported to the Golgi complex in vesiculartubular transport complexes (VTCs) which could be further identified as being COP I coated. However, a large portion of rFVIII is retained in the ER and additionally in structures which could not be assigned to the ER, Golgi complex or intermediate compartment. Moderate BiP transcription levels indicate that this observed retention of FVIII does not reflect cellular stress due to an overexpression of FVIII-protein in transduced cells. Moreover, a pulse of newly synthesized rFVIII protein is released within 4 hrs, indicating that once rFVIII is released from the ER there is no further limitation to its secretion. Our data provide new details about the secretory route of FVIII, which may ultimately help to identify factors currently limiting the efficient and physiological expression of FVIII in gene therapy and manufacture.
Thromboprophylaxis in medical patients: the role of low-molecular-weight heparin
Authors: Norris Timothy , Alexander Turpie 
Published: June 2004

SummaryMany hospitalised medical patients are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Consensus statements recommend that such patients be assessed for risk of VTE on admission to hospital and receive thromboprophylaxis where appropriate. However, VTE prophylaxis is not widely used in medical patients. One explanation is that assessing medical patients’ risk of VTE is complicated. The risk depends not only on the current illness but also on multiple intrinsic factors, and a variety of strategies for identifying patients who should receive thromboprophylaxis have been suggested. Thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated heparin (UFH) has proved to be effective in reducing the incidence of deep-vein thrombosis and overall mortality in medical patients. Clinical trial evidence, including a meta-analysis, suggests that thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is at least as effective as with UFH, and also has the advantage of fewer bleeding complications. In particular, two large, randomised clinical trials – Prophylaxis in Medical Patients with Enoxaparin (MEDENOX) and Prospective Evaluation of Dalteparin Efficacy for Prevention of VTE in Immobilized Patients Trial (PREVENT) – showed that thromboprophylaxis with the LMWHs enoxaparin (40 mg s.c. once daily) or dalteparin (5,000 IU once daily) is more effective than placebo and well tolerated in medical patients. In addition, the Thromboembolism-Prevention in Cardiopulmonary Diseases with Enoxaparin (THE-PRINCE) trial showed that enoxaparin treatment was as effective as UFH. These studies provide solid evidence for the widespread use of thromboprophylaxis in medical patients.
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and proline rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) are involved in tissue factor dependent factor VIIa signalling in HaCaT cells
Authors: Wiiger Merete , Prydz Hans 
Published: June 2004

SummaryBinding of the coagulation protease factor VIIa to its receptor Tissue Factor (TF) induces intracellular signals in several cell types including HaCaT keratinocytes. TF belongs to the cytokine receptor family, but is most likely not alone in transferring the complete TF/FVIIa signal over the plasma membrane. The protease activated receptor PAR2 is involved in factor VIIa and factor Xa signal transduction. Our results indicate that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the proline rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) participate in TF/FVIIa signalling as formation of the TF/FVIIa complex increased the phosphorylation of these proteins. Both FVIIa protease activity and available TF were necessary for generation of the signal. Increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGFR was observed following TF/FVIIa complex formation on the cell surface. The EGFR kinase inhibitor tyrphostin AG1478 abrogated the TF/FVIIa-complex induced MAP kinase activation and mRNA increase of egr-1, heparin-binding EGF, and interleukin-8 following FVIIa addition. Using specific antibodies, increased phosphorylation of PYK2 tyrosine residues 402 and 580 was observed.The first site is the major autophosphorylation site and the docking site for Src family kinases. The second site is important for the kinase activity.The Src family kinase Yes and the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 were detected in immunoprecipitates using either antiPYK2 or anti-EGFR antibodies.Their coprecipitation with EGFR increased in the presence of FVIIa. Moreover, the coprecipitation of EGFR and PYK2 increased with FVIIa stimulation. Together, these data suggest that EGFR, PYK2, Yes, and SHP-2 are involved in transduction of the TF/FVIIa signal possibly via transactivation of the EGF receptor.
Structural changes in cerebral arteries following nitric oxide deprivation: a comparison between normotensive and hypertensive rats
Authors: Hsieh Nan , Wang Jia , Liu Jiang , Lee Wei , Chen Hsing 
Published: June 2004

SummaryChronic inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis with Nωnitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) has become a model of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphological changes of cerebral arteries in rats with genetic hypertension and hypertension induced by chronic NO deprivation. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto strain (WKY) were given L-NAME (1 mg·ml-1) from age 5 to 7 or 9 weeks. We assessed vascular remodelling and arteriolar injury score (AIS) in various cerebral arteries using different immunohistochemical staining techniques. In WKY and SHR, L-NAME caused an elevation in tail cuff pressure (TCP). The increase in TCP was larger in SHR than in WKY. L-NAME decreased body weight, but increased heart weight in SHR.The lumen diameter and media cross-section area of internal carotid artery (ICA) in SHR were smaller than those in WKY, and further reduced in SHR and WKY after L-NAME treatment. These findings indicate that cerebral vascular remodelling occurs following chronic hypertension either from genetic origin or NO deprivation. L-NAME increased the media thickness in SHR, but not in WKY. This agent also caused an increase in cell volume density, AIS, and inflammatory cells infiltration in perivascular space with a negative growth index in ICA. The media/lumen ratio was higher in SHR than WKY, and further increased following L-NAME treatment. Diversified vascular remodelling occurred in hypertensive rats, but not in untreated WKY. In summary, these results suggest that NO deprivation and genetic hypertension cause vascular changes in various cerebral arteries.
Antithrombotic effects of saratin on human atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Vilahur Gemma , Duran Xavier , Juan-Babot Oriol , Casaní Laura , Badimon Lina 
Published: June 2004

SummaryPlatelets play a primary role in thrombus formation after plaque rupture. Platelets recognize the exposed collagen via Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and become activated. Saratin, an inhibitor of the VWF-dependent binding of platelets to collagen, may reduce the thrombotic risk associated to atherosclerosis. Our objective was to evaluate the antithrombotic effects of local treatment with saratin on human atherosclerotic lesions. Thrombus formation was assessed by the deposition of 111Inplatelets on different human atherosclerotic lesions under three local shear conditions (800,1700 and 3400/s) with blood derived from catheterized pigs. Human atherosclerotic lesions were locally treated with saratin (30 µg/ml) at 37ºC for 5 min and placed in the chamber. Under stenotic shear conditions of 800/s, saratin significantly (p<0.05) reduced platelet deposition triggered by human denuded vessel wall (44%), fatty streaks (47%), severely damaged vessel (50%) and atherosclerotic plaque (57%). Thrombus characterization by immunohistochemistry showed also a reduction in fibrin deposition in treated vessels. These results suggest that the local site-specific treatment with saratin inhibits atherosclerotic plaque thrombogenicity at haemodynamic conditions typical of moderately stenotic coronary arteries.
Longitudinal analysis of perfusion lung scintigrams of patients with unoperated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Skoro-Sajer Nika , Becherer Alexander , Klepetko Walter , Kneussl Meinhard , Maurer Gerald , Lang Irene 
Published: June 2004

SummaryChronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is the result of single or recurrent pulmonary thromboemboli that are thought to develop into organized pulmonary arterial obstructions by recurrent embolism and in situ thrombosis. Radioisotopic ventilation-perfusion scanning (V/Q scan) is a safe and highly sensitive test for pulmonary thromboembolic disease. The aim was to assess the natural history of thrombus expansion. We performed a prospective quantitative evaluation of ventilation/perfusion scintigrams (V/Q scans) in 20 patients with severe unoperated CTEPH. The baseline V/Q scan of each patient served as a reference for the second scan 21.7 ± 8.2 months later. Planar images with intravenous 99mTc-labeled human albumin macroaggregates were reconstructed in six standard projections. Perfusion scans were analyzed by a semiquantitative evaluation. In parallel, hemodynamics and clinical condition were prospectively observed. Lung perfusion scintigrams analyzed by a semi-quantitative method in patients with severe unoperated CTEPH show an apparent decrease of segmental flow abnormalities over time, paralleling right ventricular decline.