bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Qβ Bacteriophage Photoinactivated by Methylene Blue Plus Light Involves Inactivation of Its Genomic RNA
Authors: Schneider J. Edward , Pye Quentin , Floyd Robert A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMethylene blue (MB) is being used as a sensitizer for the photodynamic inactivation of viral contaminants, including the human immunodeficiency virus, in blood and blood components used in medical treatment. We recently showed that oxygen‐dependent photodynamic inactivation of the RNA bacteriophage QP with MB plus light (MB+L) is associated with the formation of 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine, protein carbonyls, RNA‐protein crosslinkages and minor amounts of RNA strand breaks. We report herein, with the use of infectious RNA assays, that the lethal lesions in Qβ phage following MB+L exposure can be accounted for, and thereby most likely reside in, the RNA component of the phage but that the protein component of the virion contributes to the inactivation. The formation of RNA‐protein crosslinkages as the primary inactivating type of lesion is put forth as the most probable model of the inactivation mechanism due to the sensitivity with which RNA‐protein crosslinks are formed in response to MB+L exposure and the expectation of the powerful inactivating power of this type of lesion.
A New Photoisomerization of Bilirubin
Authors: Cheng Lingjiang , Lightner David A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPhotoirradiation of solutions of natural (4Z,15Z)‐biliru‐bin‐IXα in chloroform with ˜366 nm UV light leads rapidly to a new photoisomer that has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and by its (ground‐state reaction) adducts with methanol and other protic nucleophiles. Unlike the previously described Z →E geometric isomeri‐zation important in phototherapy of neonatal jaundice, the new photoisomerization involves regiospecific pho‐toautomerization to afford 2‐ethenyl‐18‐ethylidene‐l,10,19,22,24‐pentahydro‐2,7,13,17‐tetramethyl‐l,19‐dioxo‐21H‐biline‐8,12‐dipropanoic acid.
Studies on Pyry I retinal Analogues of Bacteriorhodopsin
Authors: Das Joydip , Crouch Rosalie K. , Govindjee Rajni , Balashov Sergei , Ebrey Thomas 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe retinal analogues 3‐methyl‐5‐(l‐pyryl)‐2E,4E‐penta‐dienal (1) and 3,7‐dimethyl‐9‐(l‐pyryl)‐2E,4E,6E,8E‐non‐atetraenal (2), which contain the tetra aromatic pyryl system, have been synthesized and characterized in order to examine the effect of the extended ring system on the binding capabilities and the function of bacteriorhodopsin (bR). The two bR mutants, E194Q and E204Q, known to have distinct proton‐pumping patterns, were also examined so that the effect of the bulky ring system on the proton‐pumping mechanism could be studied. Both retin‐als formed pigments with all three bacterioopsins, and these pigments were found to have absorption maxima in the range 498–516 nm. All the analogue pigments showed activity as proton pumps. The pigment formed from wild‐type apoprotein bR with 1 (with the shortened polyene side chain) showed an M intermediate at 400 nm and exhibited fast proton release followed by proton uptake. Extending the polyene side chain to the length identical with retinal, analogue 2 with wild‐type apoprotein gave a pigment that shows M and O intermediates at 435 nm and 650 nm, respectively. This pigment shows both fast and slow proton release at pH 7, suggesting that the pKa of the proton release group (in the M‐state) is higher in this pigment compared to native bR. Hydrogen azide ions were found to accelerate the rise and decay of the O intermediate at neutral pH in pyryl 2 pigment. The pigments formed between 2 and E194Q and E204Q showed proton‐pumping behavior similar to pigments formed with the native retinal, suggesting that the size of the chromophore ring does not alter the protein conformation at these sites.
OPTIMAL VORONOI DIAGRAM CONSTRUCTION WITH n CONVEX SITES IN THREE DIMENSIONS
Authors: HARRINGTON PAUL , DÚNLAING COLM Ó. , YAP CHEE K. 
Published: January 2008

This paper presents a worst-case optimal algorithm for constructing the Voronoi diagram for n disjoint convex and rounded semi-algebraic sites in 3 dimensions. Rather than extending optimal 2-dimensional methods,32,16,20,2 we base our method on a suboptimal 2-dimensional algorithm, outlined by Lee and Drysdale and modified by Sharir25,30 for computing the diagram of circular sites. For complexity considerations, we assume the sites have bounded complexity, i.e., the algebraic degree is bounded as is the number of algebraic patches making up the site. For the sake of simplicity we assume that the sites are what we call rounded. This assumption simplifies the analysis, though it is probably unnecessary. Our algorithm runs in time O(C(n)) where C(n) is the worst-case complexity of an n-site diagram. For spherical sites C(n) is θ(n2), but sharp estimates do not seem to be available for other classes of site.
Complete Suppression of Tumor Formation by High Levels of Basement Membrane Collagen
Authors: Harris Ann , Harris Henry , Hollingsworth Michael A. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Suppression of tumorigenicity was first shown in hybrids produced by the fusion of a range of different highly malignant tumor cells with diploid fibroblasts. Cytogenetic analysis of these hybrids revealed that suppression involved a genetic region located in one specific chromosome donated to the hybrid cell by the fibroblast parent. The identity of the gene responsible for this dramatic effect has remained obscure. We now present strong evidence that the primary determinant is the gene specifying collagen XV, a proteoglycan closely associated with the basement membrane. We transfected a line of highly tumorigenic human cervical carcinoma cells with an expression vector carrying the full-length cDNA of the human collagen XV gene. We selected clones making various amounts of collagen XV, examined their growth in vitro, and tested their tumorigenicity in nude mice. High levels of collagen XV altered the growth properties of the cells in three-dimensional cultures. Moreover, we found that, in a dose-dependent manner, the production of collagen XV completely suppressed tumorigenicity in clones that synthesized this molecule at high levels. Immunohistologic studies suggest that suppression is associated with extracellular deposition of the proteoglycan at the cell periphery. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(12):1241–5)
Mutation I136V Alters Electrophysiological Properties of the NaV1.7 Channel in a Family with Onset of Erythromelalgia in the Second Decade
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyang , Dib-Hajj Sulayman D , Tyrrell Lynda , Waxman Stephen G 
Published: January 2008

Background: Primary erythromelalgia is an autosomal dominant pain disorder characterized by burning pain and skin redness in the extremities, with onset of symptoms during the first decade in the families whose mutations have been physiologically studied to date. Several mutations of voltage-gated Na+ channel NaV1.7 have been linked with primary erythromelalgia. Recently, a new substitution NaV1.7/I136V has been reported in a Taiwanese family, in which pain appeared at later ages (9–22 years, with onset at 17 years of age or later in 5 of 7 family members), with relatively slow progression (8–10 years) to involvement of the hands. The proband reported onset of symptoms first in his feet at the age of 11, which then progressed to his hands at the age of 19. The new mutation is located in transmembrane segment 1 (S1) of domain I (DI) in contrast to all NaV1.7 mutations reported to date, which have been localized in the voltage sensor S4, the linker joining segments S4 and S5 or pore-lining segments S5 and S6 in DI, II and III. Results: In this study, we characterized the gating and kinetic properties of I136V mutant channels in HEK293 cells using whole-cell patch clamp. I136V shifts the voltage-dependence of activation by −5.7 mV, a smaller shift in activation than the other erythromelalgia mutations that have been characterized. I136V also decreases the deactivation rate, and generates larger ramp currents. Conclusion: The I136V substitution in NaV1.7 alters channel gating and kinetic properties. Each of these changes may contribute to increased excitability of nociceptive dorsal root ganglion neurons, which underlies pain in erythromelalgia. The smaller shift in voltage-dependence of activation of NaV1.7, compared to the other reported cases of inherited erythromelalgia, may contribute to the later age of onset and slower progression of the symptoms reported in association with this mutation.
SIESTA AND SLEEP HABITS OF ADOLESCENTS IN GREECE
Authors: Paraskakis Emmanouil , Hitas Michail , Ntouros Thomas , Ntokos Michail , Hatzimichail Athanasios , Kalmanti Maria 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: The study of adolescents' sleep habits is of increasing scientific interest because of the variability of sleep patterns and the frequency of sleep disorders in those of this age group.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the sleep habits of adolescents living in Greece.
METHODS: We analyzed responses given to preconstructed questionnaires on sleep habits and disturbances from 1331 high school students (mean age: 15 years [range: 14–18 years]). The students were attending high schools of rural, semiurban, and urban areas of Thrace, Ipirus, and Crete (all in Greece).
RESULTS: The median nocturnal and total sleep duration was 7.75 hours (range: 2.5–12.3 hours) and 8.5 hours (range: 2.5–14.0 hours), respectively, and the average bedtime was 11:30 pm. Male students, older adolescents, and residents of towns were going to bed later than female students, younger adolescents, and residents of villages (P = .039, .0003, and .056, respectively). Siesta on a regular basis was reported by 43% and on an occasional basis by 46% of the students. Siesta median duration was 2 hours (range: 0.5–4.5 hours). Daytime sleepiness, difficulties in morning awakening, difficulties in falling asleep, and night awakenings were reported by 15.6%, 14%, 17.2%, and 8.11%, respectively. Students who practiced siesta reported less daytime sleepiness (P &lt; .0001). Significant differences were observed between boys and girls regarding sleep disturbances.
CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents in provincial Greece present quite a different sleep pattern compared with their northern European peers, characterized by a late bedtime and midday siesta. Similar to their peers in other countries, considerable rates of sleep disturbances were reported.
EVALUATION OF LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN EPILEPTIC CHILDREN WITH IDIOPATHIC GENERALIZED EPILEPSY AND WELL-CONTROLLED SEIZURES
Authors: Prassouli Alexia , Antoniadou Ioanna , Attilakos Achilleas , Sarafidou J. , Mastroyianni Sotiria , Voudris Konstantinos , Scardoutsou Angelliki , Katsarou Eustathia , Konstantopoulos Andreas 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Children with symptomatic epilepsy have more learning difficulties (LDs) than those with idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsies. However, there is little information on the prevalence of LDs in well-defined pediatric epileptic populations.
OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate LDs in epileptic children.
METHODS: We evaluated LDs in 37 epileptic children (18 boys and 19 girls; mean age: 8.29 ± 1.00 years) who had idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) and were being treated with sodium-valproate monotherapy (22 with generalized tonic-clonic seizures and 15 with absence epilepsy). The mean duration of epilepsy and treatment was 3.48 ± 1.88 and 2.96 ± 1.80 years, respectively. All children attended mainstream schools, and their seizures were well controlled (without seizures for at least 6 months). We used the Athina Test for the Diagnosis of Learning Difficulties, a test that is partly based on the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities, standardized in healthy Greek children.
RESULTS: Children with IGE performed significantly poorer in all subtests except the auditory closure subtest (Table 1). No significant difference was found between the 2 subgroups. A negative correlation was found between disease duration and the score in auditory memory (r = −0.368; P = .025).
CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an increased risk of LDs in children with IGE and well-controlled seizures. Early detection of the cognitive impact of IGE and subsequent intervention are needed to prevent educational underachievement.
TABLE 1.Athina Test for the Diagnosis of LDsSubjects With Inadequate Performance, % P Children With IGEHealthy ChildrenAuditory memory64.99.0.000Visual memory43.29.0.000Grammatic closure43.29.0.000Auditory closure16.29.0.125Graphophonological awareness32.49.0.000Visual-motor coordination43.225.0.010
VISUAL SEARCH ATTENTION AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTION IN CHINESE CHILDREN WITH WILLIAMS SYNDROME
Authors: Zhao Zheng-Yan , Shao Jie , Xie Chun-hong , Wang Yan-xia , Qin Yu-feng , Cornish Kim , Karmiloff-Smith Annette 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by a hemizygous deletion on chromosome 7q11.23. The interest of WS to neurocognitive scientists stems from the uneven profiles of cognitive abilities, with spatial cognition seriously impaired and language and face processing relatively proficient. We know relatively little about the visual search attention and executive function in children with WS.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the nature of visual search attention and executive function in children with WS, compared with children with Down syndrome (DS), healthy chronological age–matched control subjects (CA), and healthy mental age–matched control subjects (MA).
METHODS: A total of 142 children were tested: 21 with WS, 25 with DS, 45 CA, and 41 MA. MA were matched to the children with WS and DS using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. All participants were assessed on a set of computerized visual search tasks and Wilding Monster Sorting Test using a touch-screen.
RESULTS: The results showed that selective attention, switch, and sustained attention of children with WS all are less developed. Children with WS produced a large number of shape errors, and they also confused shape distractors with targets more than the other groups. Children with WS exhibited poorer executive performance as compared with both groups of typical children. They produced more repetitive errors than did children with DS.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal distinct visual search deficits and atypically developing executive function in children with WS.
SCREENING OF MUTATIONS IN THE NPHS2 GENE IN GREEK PATIENTS WITH AUTOSOMAL-RECESSIVE STEROID-RESISTANT NEPHROTIC SYNDROME
Authors: Megremis Spyridon , Mitsioni Artemis , Mitsioni Andromachi , Stefanidis Constantinos , Kitsiou-Tzelli Sofia , Kanavakis Emmanuel , Synodinos-Traeger Joanne 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Mutations in the NPHS2 gene, encoding podocin, are a major cause of autosomal-recessive steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in childhood and have been observed in 6.4% to 30% of sporadic and 20% to 40% of familial cases.
OBJECTIVE: We investigated mutations in the coding region of the NPHS2 gene in Greek patients with SRNS and identified a novel A295T mutation.
METHODS: The study included 16 child patients with SRNS (14 families); 11 cases were sporadic, and 5 (from 3 families) were familial. All 8 exons of NPHS2, including intron boundaries, were screened for sequence variations by using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis followed by specific characterization using direct DNA sequencing.
RESULTS: The results revealed 2 pathogenic genotypes in 2 patients with sporadic SRNS (R138Q/R138Q and R229Q/A295T). In addition, 3 previously described NPHS2 intronic polymorphisms (IVS3–46C→T, IVS3–21C→T, and IVS7+7A→G), 1 thus-far-unreported intronic variant (IVS3–17C→T), and 4 known silent mutations (G34G, S96S, A318A, and L346L) were detected in sporadic and familial cases as well as in healthy controls.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that NPHS2 mutations are not a frequent cause of familial SRNS in Greek patients. Among patients with sporadic SRNS, the genotypes R138Q/R138Q and R229Q/A295T account for an allelic frequency of 18.2%. The R138Q mutation is well characterized. The novel mutation, A295T (883G→A), is predicted in silico to cause a structural alteration in the cytoplasmic domain of podocin (see the PolyPhen database at http://genetics.bwh.harvard.edu/pph). This is the first report of NPHS2 mutations in the Greek population and the first description of the A295T amino acid substitution.
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF SIMVASTATIN IN REVERSING PULMONARY VASCULAR REMODELING IN VIVO AND IN VITRO
Authors: Liu Hanmin , Liu Bin , Hua Yimin , Wang Xiaoqin , Yu Li , Zhou Tongfu 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Simvastatin was predicted to be a potential inhibitor to pulmonary vascular remodeling. This novel reversion induced by simvastatin has remained an uncertain mechanism.
OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to explore the role of simvastatin as a potential inhibitor of pulmonary vascular remodeling.
METHODS: We established a neointimal pulmonary hypertensive rat model receiving monocrotaline after pneumonectomy. Simvastatin was administered after the operation. Hemodynamic and vascular remodeling corresponding indices were detected. GATA-6, a gene transcription factor, was evaluated in vivo. Proliferation and the cellular cycle were assessed in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). α-SM-actin, F-actin, and paxillin were detected to evaluate the phenotype changes.
RESULTS: Neointimal changes developed in 88.5% of right lung intraacinar arteries after pneumonectomy and monocrotaline administration. Mean pulmonary artery pressure, the right ventricle/(left ventricle + S) ratio, and media wall thickness significantly increased in rats that had pneumonectomy and were treated with monocrotaline but decreased significantly in simvastatin-treated rats. The expression of GATA-6 markedly decreased in these rats and was significantly upregulated after receiving simvastatin. In vitro, the proliferation was significantly downregulated in VSMCs with simvastatin compared to that with platelet-derived growth factor. α-SM-actin increased significantly, and F-actin or paxillin was downregulated in simvastatin-treated rats.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that simvastatin is most likely a pulmonary vascular remodeling inhibitor, which may reverse the proliferation of VSMCs and phenotype changes. Simvastatin can also upregulate GATA-6 expression in lung tissue.
DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOSIS LYMPHADENITIS IN CHILDREN
Authors: Puiu Ileana , Stancu Polixenia , Bulucea Dumitru , Niculescu Carmen , Nicolescu Veronica Elena , Stoian Felicia 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis represents a major health problem, and the most frequent cause of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is tuberculous lymphadenitis.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relative contribution of tuberculous lymphadenitis as a cause of persistent cervical lymphadenopathy.
METHODS: Our study included 87 children (aged 6 months to 18 years) suffering from tuberculous lymphadenitis who were admitted to our tuberculosis center during a period of 10 years.
RESULTS: Our 10-year study of 1112 children with lymphadenopathy showed that tuberculous adenitis was encountered in 87 children (7.8%). The disease was present at all ages but was found more frequently between the ages of 10 and 18 years (39.1%). The most common location was the anterior cervical space in 43 children (49.4%), followed by the axillary and supraclavicular areas. Systemic clinical signs (fever, weight loss, tiredness, night sweats) were encountered by 69 children (79.3%). Granulomatous infection was confirmed in 19 children (21.8%) who had abnormal chest radiograph findings. The diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis was based on histological demonstration of caseating epithelioid cell granulomas in the specimen obtained by excision biopsy in 56 cases (64.3%). Tuberculin skin-test results were positive in 76 cases (87.3%). Positive family history of tuberculosis was discovered in 72 cases (82.7%).
CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, the diagnosis was established on the basis of the specific histopathological aspect, tuberculin skin-test result, positive family history of tuberculosis, and the abnormal chest radiograph findings.
MEASURING QUALITY OF LIFE IN GREEK CHILDREN: FIRST PSYCHOMETRIC RESULTS OF THE GREEK VERSION OF THE PEDIATRIC QUALITY OF LIFE INVENTORY (PEDSQL) 4.0 GENERIC CORE SCALES
Authors: Gkoltsiou Konstantina , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Tountas Yannis , Constantopoulos Andreas 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Health-related quality of life concerning children is a growing field of research. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) is a promising instrument that is available in age-appropriate versions and parallel forms for both children and their parents.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Greek translation of the PedsQL 4.0 generic core scales in a sample of healthy children.
METHODS: After a successful pilot test, the Greek PedsQL was used in a cross-sectional study of 645 healthy 8- to 12-year-old schoolchildren and 567 of their caregivers within the framework of the European project (KIDSCREEN). Reliability of the instrument was assessed by Cronbach's α. Construct validity was assessed by exploring the intercorrelations between the 4 PedsQL subscales and between self- and proxy-report subscales. Impact of gender, health status, and socioeconomic class was detected.
RESULTS: All PedsQL scales showed satisfactory reliability (&gt;.70). Correlations among self-report subscales and between self- and proxy-report subscales were significant. Girls reported lower health-related quality of life than boys on the emotional-functioning subscale. There were significant differences in scores between low and high socioeconomic groups. Healthy children scored significantly higher on all self- and proxy-report scales.
CONCLUSIONS: The PedsQL Greek version for children 8 to 12 years old is a valid and reliable instrument, replicating some of the earlier findings of the original version. The Greek PedsQL 4.0 version will be a valuable tool that can be used effectively in quality-of-life measurement in Greek clinical trials and population-based exercises.
Suprascapular nerve as a donor for extracranial facial nerve reanimation procedures: a cadaveric feasibility study
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Louis Robert G. , Wartmann Christopher T. , Loukas Marios , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Ardalan Mohammad R. , Oakes W. Jerry 
Published: January 2008

Object
Facial nerve injury with resultant facial muscle paralysis is disfiguring and disabling. To the auhtors' knowledge, neurotization of the facial nerve using a branch of the brachial plexus has not been previously performed.

Methods
In an attempt to identify an additional nerve donor candidate for facial nerve neurotization, 5 fresh adult human cadavers (10 sides) underwent dissection of the suprascapular nerve distal to the suprascapular notch where it was transected. The facial nerve was localized from the stylomastoid foramen onto the face, and the cut end of the suprascapular nerve was tunneled to this location. Measurements were made of the length and diameter of the supra-scapular nerve. In 2 of these specimens prior to transection of the nerve, a nerve-splitting technique was used.

Results
All specimens were found to have a suprascapular nerve with enough length to be tunneled, tension free, superiorly to the extracranial facial nerve. Connections remained tensionless with left and right head rotation of up to 45°. The mean length of this part of the suprascapular nerve was 12.5 cm (range 11.5–14 cm). The mean diameter of this nerve was 3 mm. A nerve-splitting technique was also easily performed. No gross evidence of injury to surrounding neurovascular structures was identified.

Conclusions
To the authors' knowledge, the suprascapular nerve has not been previously explored as a donor nerve for facial nerve reanimation procedures. Based on the results of this cadaveric study, the authors believe that use of the suprascapular nerve may be considered for surgical maneuvers.