Local delivery of the KCa3.1 blocker, TRAM-34, prevents acute angioplasty-induced coronary smooth muscle phenotypic modulation and limits stenosis

Objective-We previously demonstrated that upregulation of intermediate-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channels (KCa 3.1) is necessary for mitogen-induced phenotypic modulation in isolated porcine coronary smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The objective of the present study was to determine the role of KCa3.1 in the regulation of coronary SMC phenotypic modulation in vivo using a swine model of postangioplasty restenosis. Methods and Results-Balloon angioplasty was performed on coronary arteries of swine using either noncoated or balloons coated with the specific KCa3.1 blocker TRAM-34. Expression of KCa3.1, c-jun, c-fos, repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST), smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC), and myocardin was measured using qRT-PCR in isolated medial cells 2 hours and 2 days postangioplasty. KCa3.1, c-jun, and c-fos mRNA levels were increased 2 hours postangioplasty, whereas REST expression decreased. SMMHC expression was unchanged at 2 hours, but decreased 2 days postangioplasty. Use of TRAM-34 coated balloons prevented KCa3.1 upregulation and REST downregulation at 2 hours, SMMHC and myocardin downregulation at 2 days, and attenuated subsequent restenosis 14 and 28 days postangioplasty. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated corresponding changes at the protein level. Conclusion-Blockade of KCa3.1 by delivery of TRAM-34 via balloon catheter prevented smooth muscle phenotypic modulation and limited subsequent restenosis. © 2008 American Heart Association, Inc.

30 years of upper air soundings on board of R/V POLARSTERN (1982-12-29 to 2012-11-25)

The research vessel and supply icebreaker POLARSTERN is the flagship of the Alfred-Wegener-Institut in Bremerhaven (Germany) and one of the infrastructural pillars of German Antarctic research. Since its commissioning in 1982, POLARSTERN has conducted 30 campaigns to Antarctica (157 legs, mostly austral summer), and 29 to the Arctic (94 legs, northern summer). Usually, POLARSTERN is more than 300 days per year in operation and crosses the Atlantic Ocean in a meridional section twice a year. The first radiosonde on POLARSTERN was released on the 29th of December 1982, two days after POLARSTERN started on its maiden voyage to the Antarctic. And these daily soundings have continued up to the present. Due to the fact that POLARSTERN has reliably and regularly been providing upper air observations from data sparse regions (oceans and polar regions), the radiosonde data are of special value for researchers and weather forecast services alike. In the course of 30 years (1982-12-29 to 2012-11-25) a total of 12378 radiosonde balloons were started on POLARSTERN. All radiosonde data can now be found here. Each dataset contains the directly measured parameters air temperature, relative humidity and air pressure, and the derived altitude, wind direction and wind speed. 432 datasets additionally contain ozone measurements.

Pro-abortion demonstration

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Women's March down Fifth Avenue to Bryant Park

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Men's liberation demonstration

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Sun day in New York

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Men's liberation demonstration

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Father and child at demonstration

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Women Office Workers demonstration on anti-secretary day

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Women Office Workers demonstration

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Ms. Magazine boat party to Statue of Liberty

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Union women march in Labor Day parade

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Union women march in Labor Day parade

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Las Cruces, New Mexico Balloon Race

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.