bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porphyrin and Nonporphyrin Photosensitizers in Oncology: Preclinical and Clinical Advances in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: O’Connor Aisling E. , Gallagher William M. , Byrne Annette T. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is now a well‐recognized modality for the treatment of cancer. While PDT has developed progressively over the last century, great advances have been observed in the field in recent years. The concept of dual selectivity of PDT agents is now widely accepted due to the relative specificity and selectivity of PDT along with the absence of harmful side effects often encountered with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Traditionally, porphyrin‐based photosensitizers have dominated the PDT field but these first generation photosensitizers have several disadvantages, with poor light absorption and cutaneous photosensitivity being the predominant side effects. As a result, the requirement for new photosensitizers, including second generation porphyrins and porphyrin derivatives as well as third generation photosensitizers has arisen, with the aim of alleviating the problems encountered with first generation porphyrins and improving the efficacy of PDT. The investigation of nonporphyrin photosensitizers for the development of novel PDT agents has been considerably less extensive than porphyrin‐based compounds; however, structural modification of nonporphyrin photosensitizers has allowed for manipulation of the photochemotherapeutic properties. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into PDT photosensitizers clinically approved for application in oncology, as well as those which show significant potential in ongoing preclinical studies.
Assessment of UV Biological Spectral Weighting Functions for Phenolic Metabolites and Growth Responses in Silver Birch Seedlings
Authors: Kotilainen Titta , Venäläinen Tuulia , Tegelberg Riitta , Lindfors Anders , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta , Sutinen Sirkka , O’Hara Robert B. , Aphalo Pedro J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn research concerning stratospheric ozone depletion, action spectra are used as biological spectral weighting functions (BSWFs) for describing the effects of UV radiation on plant responses. Our aim was to evaluate the appropriateness of six frequently used BSWFs that differ in effectiveness with increasing wavelength. The evaluation of action spectra was based on calculating the effective UV radiation doses according to 1–2) two formulations of the generalized plant action spectrum, 3) a spectrum for ultraviolet induced erythema in human skin, 4) a spectrum for the accumulation of a flavonol inMesembryanthemum crystallinum, 5) a spectrum for DNA damage in alfalfa seedlings and 6) the plant growth action spectrum. We monitored effects of UV radiation on the concentration of individual UV absorbing metabolites and chlorophyll concentrations in leaves and growth responses of silver birch (Betula pendula) seedlings. Experiments were conducted outdoors using plastic films attenuating different parts of the UV spectrum. Chlorophyll concentrations and growth were not affected by the UV treatments. The response to UV radiation varied between and within groups of phenolics. In general, the observed responses of phenolic groups and individual flavonoids were best predicted by action spectra extending into the UV‐A region with moderate effectiveness.
Forensic identification of the guitarfish species Rhinobatos horkelli, R. percellens and Zapteryx brevirostris using multiplex‐PCR
Authors: DE‐FRANCO B. , MENDONÇA F. F. , HASHIMOTO D. T. , PORTO‐FORESTI F. , OLIVEIRA C. , FORESTI F. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Rhinobatos percellens, Rhinobatos horkelli and Zapteryx brevirostris, known as guitarfish, are commonly found inshore and caught by trawl nets. Recently, these species have been suffering sharp population declines. One of the main impediments to the development of conservation plans is the lack of information related to each species catch. Gathering this information is made more difficult by the fishermen’s practice of removing parts of the animals before landing, as well as the morphological similarities among the three species. To address these issues, this work presents multiplex‐PCR protocols that were developed to distinguish among these species using their genetic characteristics.
Non-fatal injury rates among the “left-behind children” of rural China
Authors: Shen M , Yang S , Han J , Shi J , Yang R , Du Y , Stallones L 
Published: August 2009

Objective:To investigate patterns of non-fatal unintentional injuries among “left-behind children” in Macheng, China.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in September and October, 2006. Age-specific and sex-specific injury rates were calculated.Results:3019 students were interviewed in six schools. Of these, 1182 were identified as “left-behind”; 62.3% had both parents away from home, and 37.7% had one parent away from home. The annual injury rate per 1000 among left-behind children was more than twice that of children living with both parents: 252.9 (95% CI 233.0 to 273.0) and 119.8 (95% CI 105 to 134), respectively. Male left-behind children had the highest annual injury rate: 316.4 (95% CI 295 to 338) per 1000. The three leading external causes of injury were similar for both groups of children: falls (33.8%); mechanical injuries (16.2%); and animal bites (14.5%).The location where injuries occurred were home (32.0%), school (26.0%) and roadways (23.9%) for left-behind children. There were no significant associations between the identified guardian and injury mechanism.Conclusions:A large proportion of students in the schools of rural Macheng are left-behind children. Left-behind children have a higher injury rate than those in the care of both parents. This may be important in the development of injury prevention strategies in rural communities in China.
Effectiveness of a community-based multifaceted fall-prevention intervention in active and independent older Chinese adults
Authors: Xia Q H , Jiang Y , Niu C J , Tang C X , Xia Z L 
Published: August 2009

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of an 18-month multifaceted intervention designed to reduce the incidence of falls in community-living older adults in China.Methods:A population-based community trial evaluated by before-and-after cross-sectional surveys. Four residential communities were randomised to either a multifaceted intervention or a control condition. Baseline information was collected from a sample of older adults in each community. A 1-year annual fall rate was calculated after an 18-month comprehensive intervention.Results:After intervention, 7.19% of the intervention community sample reported falls, compared with 17.86% of the control community sample (p<0.000). The annual fall rate decreased by 10.52% in the intervention communities, whereas the difference in control communities was not statistically significant.Conclusions:Multifaceted interventions in community settings may be useful in preventing falls among older people, and can be applied in similar settings in China.
Are school zones effective? An examination of motor vehicle versus child pedestrian crashes near schools
Authors: Warsh J , Rothman L , Slater M , Steverango C , Howard A 
Published: August 2009

Objective:To analyse the relationships between factors related to school location and motor vehicle versus child pedestrian collisions.Methods:Data on all police-reported motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians less than 18 years of age that occurred in Toronto, Canada, between 2000 and 2005 were analysed. Geographic information systems (GIS) software was used to assess the distance of each collision relative to school location. The relationships between distance from school and collision-related factors such as temporal patterns of school travel times and crossing locations were analysed.Results:Study data showed a total of 2717 motor vehicle versus child (<18) pedestrian collisions. The area density of collisions (collisions/area), particularly fatal collisions, was highest in school zones and decreased as distance from schools increased. The highest proportion of collisions (37.3%) occurred among 10–14-year-olds. Within school zones, collisions were more likely to occur among 5–9-year-old children as they travelled to and from school during months when school was in session. Most collisions within school zones occurred at midblock locations versus intersections.Conclusions:Focusing interventions around schools with attention to age, travel times, and crossing location will reduce the burden of injury in children. Future studies that take into account traffic and pedestrian volume surrounding schools would be useful for prevention efforts as well as for promotion of walking. These results will help identify priorities and emphasise the importance of considering spatial and temporal patterns in child pedestrian research.
New Zealand Drivers Study: a follow-up study of newly licensed drivers
Authors: Begg D , Langley J , Broughton J , Brookland R , Ameratunga S , McDowell A 
Published: August 2009

Background:Despite significant improvement since graduated licensing was introduced, traffic-related injury remains the leading cause of death and hospitalisation among young New Zealanders. Most research to date has used routinely collected crash data but has been limited in that these databases do not, and realistically cannot, include the level of detail required to ensure that learner driver policy and programmes are based on sound scientific evidence applicable to young drivers in the current New Zealand context.Objectives:To examine the driving-related experiences of newly licensed drivers to identify factors associated with increased or decreased risk of negative traffic outcomes.Design:Multistage prospective cohort study.Setting:New Zealand.Participants:Newly licensed drivers.Variables:Exposures: background demographic details, pre-licence driving, previous crashes, driving intentions, motivations for driving and licensing, sensation seeking, aggression, impulsivity, quality and quantity of driving experience, driving supervision, driving behaviour, alcohol and other drug use, compliance with New Zealand’s graduated driver licensing scheme, driver training/education, cell phone use, and sleep.Outcomes: crash, conviction, infringements, risky driving.Data sources:Exposures: participants and their parents.Outcomes: participants and official records.Bias:On the basis of a pilot study, participation and attrition bias are likely to be minimal. A comparison of baseline data for those followed and those not followed will be undertaken. Information bias will be minimised by standardised questionnaires. Information on potential confounders is to be collected and controlled for in analyses.Study size:5000 (including 1500 Māori).Statistical Methods:Survival analysis, logistic or Poisson regression, generalised estimating equations.
Distribution of arsenic in soils in a dump area in Tuscany (Scarlino, Follonica)
Authors: Focardi S , Tiezzi E 
Published: August 2009

Arsenic (As) is ubiquitous in soils with an average concentration of 5–6 μg g−1 in uncontaminated soils. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe and Al) were determined using flame or graphite-furnace atomic absorption. The mean concentrations (mg kg−1) of As (29–500 ppm), Fe (8%), Cu (76 ppm), Pb (52 ppm), Ni (90 ppm), Zn (258 ppm), Mg (1.56%), V (143 ppm), Cr (155 ppm), Cd (<2), Sb (0.29) and Hg (0.54) in fallow land soils are within the normal range. The mean As (470 ppm), Fe (10.57%) and Mg (1.67 ppm). We have evaluated how soil spectral response of pyrite and hematite is distributed in order to obtain the discrimination among these different soil compositions and their distribution along the dump area.
Beta-carotene prevents ozone-induced proinflammatory markers in murine skin
Authors: Valacchi G , Pecorelli A , Mencarelli M , Maioli E , Davis PA 
Published: August 2009

Beta-carotene has been thought to protect against oxidative stress generated by ultraviolet radiation and thus prevents skin cancer and skin aging (Biesalski and Obermueller-Jevic, 2001). However, nothing is known about its potential effects against other environmental sources of oxidative stress such as ozone (O3) in skin. Intake of oral β-carotene supplements before exposure to sunlight (and thus inevitably also to O3) has been recommended on a population-wide basis. However, although some studies have shown β-carotene as providing skin protection as an antioxidant, other studies using skin cells in culture have shown that β-carotene may have unexpected prooxidant properties (Obermüller-Jevic, et al., 2001). Given this, there is an ongoing debate regarding the protective or potentially harmful role(s) of β-carotene in human skin. In this study, the effect of β-carotene on ozone’s effects on the skin of hairless mice was assessed. After feeding a diet supplemented with 0.5% β-carotene for 1 month, mice were subjected to O3 exposure (0.8 ppm 6 h/day; 7 days) and the induction of proinflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and markers of oxidative stress, heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), were quantitated. The data showed that β-carotene downregulated the induction of TNFα, MIP2, iNOS, and HO-1 in response to O3. We conclude that β-carotene provides protection against O3-induced skin oxidative stress in vivo, which is consistent with a protective role for β-carotene in the skin.
Effects of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on rat cortical synaptosomes
Authors: Aldinucci C , Carretta A , Maiorca SM , Leoncini S , Signorini C , Ciccoli L , Pessina GP 
Published: August 2009

Nerve cells are very responsive to weak pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Such non-ionizing radiation, with frequencies of 0–300 Hz and 0.1–100 mT, can affect several cellular activities, with unusual dose–response characteristics. The present study examined the effect of a 2-h exposure of synaptosomes on a system generating a peak magnetic field of 2 mT. We evaluated the changes of the synaptosomal mitochondrial respiration rate and ATP production, membrane potential, intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ concentration, and the release of free iron and F2-isoprostanes. O2 consumption and ATP production remained unchanged in exposed synaptosomes. The intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ concentration decreased slowly and no depolarization of the synaptosomal membrane was detected. Finally, the release of free iron and F2-isoprostanes by synaptosomal suspensions also remained unchanged after EMF exposure. These results indicate that the physiological behavior of cortical synaptosomes was unaffected by weak pulsed EMFs.
Monitoring antioxidant defenses and free radical production in space-flight, aviation and railway engine operators, for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress, immunological impairment, and pre-mature cell aging
Authors: De Luca C , Deeva I , Mariani S , Maiani G , Stancato A , Korkina L 
Published: August 2009

Degenerative diseases, immune impairment, and premature ageing commonly affect professional categories exposed to severe environmental and psychological stress. Among these, cosmonauts routinely experience extreme conditions due to microgravity, space radiation, altered oxygen supply, physical and mental fatigue during training, spaceflight, and post-flight. Long route aviation pilots display elevated oncogenic risk, connected with cosmic radiation overexposure, and high mortality rates for cardiovascular causes. Engine drivers, like pilots, are affected by health consequences of psycho-emotional stress, and burnout syndrome. The free radical (FR)/antioxidant (AO) imbalance is a common feature in all these pathological conditions. To assess the effective relevance of oxidative stress, we analyzed blood and urine reliable markers of FR production and AO defenses in 12 Russian cosmonauts, 55 airline pilots, 63 train engine drivers, and 50 age-matched controls by measuring the following: (a) lipophilic/hydrophilic low-molecular weight AO and AO enzyme activities, (b) nitric oxide, superoxide anion, hydroperoxide production, and (c) urinary catecholamine/serotonine metabolites and lipoperoxidation markers. Cosmonauts showed elevated granulocyte superoxide and nitric oxide production, increased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione oxidation, and drastically decreased plasma/leucocyte lipophilic AO levels ( P < 0.001–0.01). Aviation pilots, like train drivers, displayed a mild but constant oxidative stress, more pronounced in intercontinental routes pilots, and consistent with lymphocyte chromosomal alterations, DNA oxidation, and cardiovascular malfunction. Results obtained on these selected professionals operating under wearing conditions offer a solid molecular basis for advising the regular monitoring of clinical biochemistry laboratory markers of AO/FR status, to tailor individually specific AO supplementation and diet regimen, and monitor treatment outcomes.
In-vivo data on the influence of tobacco smoke and UV light on murine skin
Authors: Pavlou P , Rallis M , Deliconstantinos G , Papaioannou G , Grando SA 
Published: August 2009

Inhaled tobacco smoke comes in direct contact with few organs such as mouth, lungs, and stomach. Cigarette smoke (CS) in lungs has been extensively studied. However, limited data exist on its effect on skin, and there are no long-term experimental studies suggesting toxic effects on skin. Even though it is generally accepted that CS is among the main factors of skin aging, the number of experimental studies showing this aging effect is limited. We hereby studied the effect of long-term exposure to CS on the skin of hairless mice in combination with or without ultraviolet (UV) light. In addition, we investigated potential skin protection by a potent antioxidant namely procyanidine-rich French maritime pine bark extract (PBE) pycnogenol. Male and female hairless SKH-2 mice were exposed for 10 months to tobacco smoke and/or UV light in vivo, and their effects on skin were investigated. Some biophysical parameters such as development of erythema, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin elasticity were measured. The results show that UV and CS may be acting synergistically, as shown by the enhanced TEWL, erythema values, epitheliomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) observed, whereas PBE seems to protect skin against SCC.
Percutaneous revascularization of persistent renal artery in-stent restenosis
Authors: Patel Pranav M , Eisenberg Jonathan , Islam M Ashequl , Maree Andrew O , Rosenfield Kenneth A 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Percutaneous renal artery stenting is a common means of treating atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. However, renal artery restenosis remains a frequent problem. The optimal treatment of restenosis has not been established and may involve percutaneous renal artery angioplasty or deployment of a second stent. Other modalities include cutting balloon angioplasty, repeat stenting with drug-eluting stents or endovascular brachytherapy. Most recently, use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered stents may offer a new and innovative way to treat recurrent renal artery stenosis. We describe a case in a patient who initially presented with renal insufficiency and multi-drug hypertension in the setting of severe bilateral renal artery stenosis. Her renal artery stenosis was initially successfully treated by percutaneous deployment of bilateral bare metal renal artery stents. After initial improvement of her hypertension and renal insufficiency, both parameters declined and follow-up duplex evaluation confirmed renal artery in-stent restenosis. Owing to other medical co-morbidities she was felt to be a poor surgical candidate and was subsequently treated first with bilateral cutting balloon angioplasty and second with drug-eluting stent deployment. Each procedure was associated with initial improvement of renal function and blood pressure control, which then later deteriorated with the development of further significant in-stent restenosis. It was then decided to treat the restenosis using PTFE-covered stents. At 12 months of follow-up, the blood pressure had remained stable and renal function had normalized. The covered stents remained free of any significant neointimal tissue or obstruction.
Physical activity during daily life and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Payvandi Laila , Dyer Alan , McPherson David , Ades Philip , Stein James , Liu Kiang , Ferrucci Luigi , Criqui Michael H , Guralnik Jack M , Lloyd-Jones Donald , Kibbe Melina R , Liang Susan T , Kane Bonnie , Pearce William H , Verta Michael , McCarthy Walter J , Schneider Joseph R , Shroff Adhir , McDermott Mary M 
Published: August 2009

Abstract We determined whether higher levels of physical activity in daily life are associated with better brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) among individuals with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Participants were 111 men and women with PAD (ankle–brachial index (ABI) ≤ 0.95) who completed baseline testing in the Study to Improve Leg Circulation (SILC). We evaluated FMD of the brachial artery at baseline and at 60 seconds following 4 minutes of suprasystolic blood pressure cuff inflation. Physical activity was measured continuously over 7 days using a vertical accelerometer (Caltrac) and a pedometer (Digiwalker). Adjusting for age, sex, race, ABI, cardiovascular risk factors and other potential confounders, higher levels of physical activity were associated with a greater percent change in brachial artery FMD at 60 seconds post cuff deflation for both Caltrac (1st tertile of activity +4.81% change; 2nd tertile +4.60% change; 3rd tertile +7.23% change; p-trend = 0.018) and the Digiwalker (1st tertile of activity +3.76% change; 2nd tertile +6.25% change; 3rd tertile +7.25% change; p-trend = 0.001). Similar findings were observed for absolute change in brachial artery FMD 60 seconds after cuff deflation. In conclusion, higher levels of physical activity during daily life are associated significantly and independently with better brachial artery FMD among individuals with PAD, even after adjusting for confounders. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00106327.
Carotid and femoral arterial wall changes and the prevalence of clinical cardiovascular disease
Authors: Griffin Maura , Nicolaides Andrew , Tyllis Theodosis , Georgiou Niki , Martin Richard M , Bond Dawn , Panayiotou Andrie , Tziakouri Chrysa , Doré Caroline J , Fessas Charris 
Published: August 2009

Abstract The Cyprus Study is a prospective cohort study of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Its aim is to determine the relationship of intima–media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid (IMTcc), maximum thickness of IMT in the carotid bifurcation (IMTmax), number of carotid and femoral bifurcations with plaque and total plaque thickness (TPT) (sum of the maximum plaque measurements taken from the four bifurcations scanned) with the prevalence of clinical CVD. A total of 767 individuals (46% male) over the age of 40 years were recruited from a mountain village and a town outside the capital Nicosia. In addition to clinical examination, carotid and common femoral bifurcations were scanned with ultrasound. After controlling for conventional risk factors, there was little evidence of an association of IMTcc with CVD prevalence. However, IMTmax and TPT were associated with 2.9-fold (1.22 to 7.07) and 6.87-fold (2.42 to 19.43) increased odds of CVD prevalence, respectively. In conclusion, the TPT and number of bifurcations with plaque are more strongly associated with the prevalence of CVD. These findings warrant investigation in prospective studies to document associations with incident CVD events.