bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of microbial infections: Basic principles and perspective applications
Authors: Jori Giulio , Fabris Clara , Soncin Marina , Ferro Stefania , Coppellotti Olimpia , Dei Donata , Fantetti Lia , Chiti Giacomo , Roncucci Gabrio 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) appears to be endowed with several favorable features for the treatment of infections originated by microbial pathogens, including a broad spectrum of action, the efficient inactivation of antibiotic‐resistant strains, the low mutagenic potential, and the lack of selection of photoresistant microbial cells. Therefore, intensive studies are being pursued in order to define the scope and field of application of this approach.ResultsOptimal cytocidal activity against a large variety of bacterial, fungal, and protozoan pathogens has been found to be typical of photosensitizers that are positively charged at physiological pH values (e.g., for the presence of quaternarized amino groups or the association with polylysine moieties) and are characterized by a moderate hydrophobicity (n‐octanol/water partition coefficient around 10). These photosensitizers in a micromolar concentration can induce a >4–5 log decrease in the microbial population after incubation times as short as 5–10 minutes and irradiation under mild experimental conditions, such as fluence‐rates around 50 mW/cm2 and irradiation times shorter than 15 minutes.ConclusionsPDT appears to represent an efficacious alternative modality for the treatment of localized microbial infections through the in situ application of the photosensitizer followed by irradiation of the photosensitizer‐loaded infected area. Proposed clinical fields of interest of antimicrobial PDT include the treatment of chronic ulcers, infected burns, acne vulgaris, and a variety of oral infections. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:468–481, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photodynamic therapy and anti‐tumor immunity
Authors: Gollnick Sandra O. , Owczarczak Barbara , Maier Patricia 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy appears to be enhanced in the presence of an intact immune system and PDT has been shown to augment anti‐tumor immunity. The mechanisms leading to the enhancement of the host immune response to tumor are unclear. Anti‐tumor immunity depends upon the presence of activated antigen presenting cells (APCs). These cells are activated by their recognition of components released by pathogens, viruses, dead cells, and the presence of pro‐inflammatory mediators. Activated APCs stimulate the generation of cytokine secreting effector cells. Therefore, we have hypothesized that PDT generated inflammatory mediators and components released from tumor cells killed by PDT results in the activation of APCs capable of stimulating effector T‐cell proliferation and cytokine secretion.Study Design/Materials and MethodsTo determine the effect of PDT on APCs, tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) of EMT6 or Colo 26 tumor bearing mice were isolated 24 hours after Photofrin‐PDT and flow cytometry was used to detect the presence of APCs secreting the T cells stimulatory cytokine, IL‐12. APCs were also isolated from TDLNs and used to stimulate T‐cell proliferation and secretion of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ).ResultsPDT results in an increase in IL‐12 expressing APCs in the TDLN. This increase was accompanied by an increase in the ability of APCs isolated from TDLNs of PDT‐treated mice to stimulate T‐cell proliferation and T‐cell secretion of IFN‐γ.ConclusionsOur results indicate that APCs isolated from PDT‐treated mice exhibit an enhanced ability to stimulate T‐cell proliferation and IFN‐γ secretion, suggesting that PDT results in increased APC activity. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:509–515, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A dose ranging study of photodynamic therapy with porfimer sodium (Photofrin®) for treatment of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Oseroff Allan R. , Blumenson Leslie R. , Wilson B. Dale , Mang Thomas S. , Bellnier David A. , Parsons John C. , Frawley Noreen , Cooper Michele , Zeitouni Nathalie , Dougherty Thomas J. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWhile basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is effectively treated by several methods, many patients with numerous or frequently occurring lesions seek alternatives that can treat multiple cancers, with improved cosmetic outcome. PDT for esophageal and lung carcinomas is approved at a porfimer sodium (Photofrin®) dose of 2 mg/kg, but lower doses increase selectivity and decrease both cutaneous phototoxicity and cost. We evaluated low doses of porfimer sodium PDT for treatment of multiple BCC.Materials and MethodsSeventy‐seven patients with 2,041 BCC were injected with 0.75, 0.875, or 1.0 mg/kg porfimer sodium and treated 2 days later with 630‐nm light. Clinical responses were determined at 6 months, then periodically to 5 years.ResultsIncreasing porfimer sodium dose increased complete responses (CR), with initial CR rates of 72.7% (66–78%, 95% CI), 79.9% (73–86%, 95% CI), and 92.2% (91–93%, 95% CI), albeit with some lower selectivity at the highest dose. At 1 mg/kg, 5‐year recurrence rates were 28% (21–35%, 95% CI) and 15% (11–18%, 95% CI) for sporadic and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) lesions, respectively.ConclusionsThis is the largest dose‐ranging study of porfimer sodium, and the largest number of lesions treated in a single study. We found that with 1 mg/kg porfimer sodium, PDT can be a selective and durable treatment for sporadic and NBCCS‐associated BCC. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:417–426, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of photodynamic therapy in unresectable esophageal and lung cancer
Authors: Chen Mang , Pennathur Arjun , Luketich James D. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe incidence of esophageal cancer has increased dramatically in the Western population in the last two decades. Many of these patients tend to present late in the disease course with symptoms of dysphagia and malnutrition. Thus a majority of patients at presentation may require palliation of their symptoms. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer related mortality in the United States. Similar to esophageal cancer, many patients present in advanced stages where surgical resection for cure may not be an option. Endobronchial obstruction from both primary and metastatic neoplasm causes significant morbidity. The modalities, which are currently available for palliation of symptoms include surgery, photodynamic therapy, dilation, external beam radiation, stents, Nd:YAG laser therapy, and brachytherapy. Each of these modalities has their specific advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we discuss the role of photodynamic therapy in the palliation of esophageal and lung cancer. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:396–402, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in photodynamic therapy for the treatment of head and neck cancers
Authors: Biel M. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA‐approved minimally invasive medical treatment modality that utilizes light in the presence of oxygen to activate photosensitizing agents that are relatively selectively concentrated in abnormal or neoplastic cells resulting in cell death. At the present time, PDT has been approved for clinical treatment in the United States, European Union, Canada, Russia, and Japan. In the United States, US Food and Drug administration approval has been given for the use of PDT in the treatment of Barrett's esophagus, obstructing esophageal carcinoma and early and obstructing tracheobronchial carcinoma using the photosensitizer Photofrin; actinic keratosis using the photosensitizer Levulan (aminolevulinic acid); and macular degeneration using the photosensitizer BPD. In the EU the above noted indications have also been approved in addition to the treatment of early head and neck cancers and palliative treatment of head and neck cancer using the photosensitizer Foscan; and treatment of basal and squamous cell skin cancers using the photosensitizer Metvix. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:349–355, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple‐axis tomography: applications to basal bodies from Paramecium tetraurelia
Authors: Messaoudi Cédric , de Loubresse Nicole Garreau , Boudier Thomas , Dupuis‐Williams Pascale , Marco Sergio 
Published: June 2006

Background information. Transmission electron tomography is becoming a powerful tool for studying subcellular components of cells. Classical approaches for electron tomography consist of recording images along a single‐tilt axis. This approach is being improved by dual‐axis reconstructions and/or high‐tilt devices (tilt angle>±60°) on microscopes to compensate part of the information loss due to the ‘missing wedge’ phenomena.Results. In the present work we have evaluated the extension of the dual‐axis technique to a multiple‐axis approach, and we demonstrate a freely available plug‐in for the Java‐based freeware image‐analysis software ImageJ. Our results from phantom and experimental data sets from Paramecium tetraurelia epon‐embedded sections have shown that multiple‐axis tomography achieves results equivalent to those obtained by dual‐axis approach without the requirement for high‐tilt devices.Conclusions. This new approach allows performance of high‐resolution tomography, avoiding the need for high‐tilt devices, and therefore will increase the access of electron tomography to a larger community.
Comparative organization of follicle, accessory cells and spawning anlagen in dynamic semelparous clutch manipulators, the urochordate Oikopleuridae
Authors: Ganot Philippe , Bouquet Jean‐Marie , Thompson Eric M. 
Published: June 2006

Background information. The urochordate appendicularians play a key trophic role in marine ecosystems and are the second largest component of zooplankton after copepods. Part of their success is due to their ability to undergo rapid population blooms in response to changes in primary productivity. Nonetheless, the reproductive biology of this important group remains poorly understood.Results. In the present study, we investigated the organization of male and female germ and accessory somatic cells in the Oikopleuridae. We found that the structure of the ovary had been previously misconstrued as consisting of germ and accessory ‘cells’ interspersed together, whereas, in fact, the germline exists as a giant transparent syncytium. Somatic follicle cells, integral to regulation of the temporal progression of gametogenesis, could be classified into three types in females and two in males, and we characterized functional gap junctions between follicle cells and the germline syncytium in both sexes. The number of follicle cells per oocyte produced was much reduced in comparison with many commonly studied model organisms. We further identified a novel anlagen that permits spawning of the animal via rupture of the gonad wall, which is obligatory for the release of oocytes, but optional for the release of sperm that usually occurs via the spermiduct.Conclusions. The organization of the female germline in the Oikopleuridae shares some features of meroistic oogenesis with the arthropod Drosophila, but the process of synchronous oogenesis in these semelparous organisms remains quite distinctive with respect to that previously characterized in the animal kingdom and certainly within the chordate phylum.
Physical assessment: whose role is it anyway?
Authors: West Susan Lynn 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTThe increasing acuteness of care and developing technologies present new opportunities and challenges for the nursing profession. The NHS Plan emphasizes the need for change to meet these demands, especially in the area of patient assessment. Nurses are extending their repertoire of skills to include those that were once the domain of junior doctors. These new skills tend to be used mostly by experienced nurses such as the specialist or advanced nurse practitioner. One such skill is physical assessment. Traditionally viewed as part of the doctor's role, physical assessment has not routinely been taught in nurse training. With the advancement of nursing roles, it has been argued that physical assessment has become a key nursing skill. This article discusses the use of physical assessment as part of the growing role of the nurse in critical care. Nurses deliver holistic care, based on assessment. This assessment is incomplete, if a detailed physical assessment is omitted and, as a consequence, care is delivered in the absence of an appreciation of the impact of pathophysiological adaptations. This article argues that the ability to physically assess the patient in a principled and systematic fashion, in conjunction with routine health assessment, is a necessary skill for the modern nursing professional working in critical care. It is further argued that, within the current climate of advancing nursing practice, the acquisition of this skill is important for all nurses, to improve patient care, not to supplant the skills of the junior doctor.
Critical care nurses – perceptions of 12‐h shifts
Authors: McGettrick Kathryn Sarah , O'Neill M Anna 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT Background : Twelve‐hour shifts have been illustrated in the literature as being a highly contentious shift pattern. However, it has also been highlighted that there is a distinct paucity of literature solely related to such a shift pattern in critical care areas, where there is high activity and a requirement for multiple and highly significant decision‐making situations. It was therefore identified that such an area deserved further exploration. Aim : This study aimed to elicit critical care nurses’ perceptions of working 12‐h shifts. Methods : Fifty‐four nurses from three critical care areas within a large local NHS teaching hospital currently working 12‐h shifts completed a self‐administered questionnaire on their perceptions of 12‐h shifts. Following on, a focus group interview was conducted to complement this questionnaire in an attempt to further explore these perceptions. Results : From the results of the questionnaire, patient care, job satisfaction, off duty and family life achieved the most positive responses, whereas communication, fatigue and education achieved the most negative. The focus group explored these issues with added comments on work‐shy staff, suggestions on shift patterns, breaks and staffing levels. Conclusions : Twelve‐hour shifts in critical care areas are suitable shift patterns for nurses, patients and management, provided that they are fundamentally well‐managed.
Idiopathic non‐histaminergic angio‐oedema after routine extubation successfully treated with fresh frozen plasma
Authors: Franzen D. , Ursprung T. , Wuthrich B. , Reber A. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryNon‐allergic angio‐oedema is a potentially life‐threatening condition typically seen in patients with hereditary or acquired angio‐oedema caused by C1 inhibitor deficiency or an adverse drug reaction to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. We report a case of sudden angio‐oedema in a patient who developed severe swelling of the tongue and neck after routine extubation requiring resuscitative re‐intubation. The oedema was refractory to conventional allergy treatment. Shortly thereafter, the patient was treated with fresh frozen plasma, and within a few hours his condition improved, allowing extubation. Familial history and exposure to potentially angio‐oedema causative drugs were not evident. The serum complement status was normal, and no IgE sensitisation was detected. We therefore concluded that the patient was suffering from idiopathic non‐histaminergic angio‐oedema. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an acute, life‐threatening attack of idiopathic non‐histaminergic angio‐oedema that was successfully treated with fresh frozen plasma.
Comparison of the Berman Intubating Airway and the Williams Airway Intubator for fibreoptic orotracheal intubation in anaesthetised patients
Authors: Greenland K. B. , Ha I. D. , Irwin M. G. 
Published: June 2006

SummarySixty patients with no clinical indicators of a difficult airway were selected to undergo a fibreoptic assessment after induction of general anaesthesia using both the Berman Intubating Airway and the Williams Airway Intubator. The bronchoscopic view and ease of railroading a tracheal tube during fibreoptic orotracheal intubation were studied. The bronchoscopic views obtained by the Berman Airway and the Williams Airway were significantly different (p < 0.008, test of symmetry). The estimated odds ratio of obtaining an obstructed path was 3.06 times higher for the Berman than the Williams Airway. However, if the glottis could be reached with the bronchoscope, there was no significant difference in the degree of ease of intubation between the two airways.
The site of action of epidurally administered opioids and its relevance to postoperative pain management
Authors: George M. J. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryThe use of epidurally administered opioids to control postoperative pain is a well established and widely accepted technique. However, despite this longstanding use, there is still an ongoing debate concerning the site of action of the opioids used. Some argue that analgesia is mediated by a spinal mechanism and others that a supraspinal mechanism is responsible. On close inspection of the evidence it becomes apparent that epidural opioids act predominantly spinally when administered as a bolus, and predominantly supraspinally when administered as a continuous infusion. A concentration of 10 μg.ml−1 appears to be the threshold at which epidurally administered fentanyl can elicit segmental analgesia, a value which may have significant clinical applications. The evidence supporting a synergistic relationship between epidural opioids and local anaesthetics is weak and unsupported by a plausible physiological mechanism. Thus the ‘threshold concentration’ of approximately 10 μg.ml−1 is unlikely to be lowered by co‐administering opioids with local anaesthetics.
The bovine fatty acid binding protein 4 gene is significantly associated with marbling and subcutaneous fat depth in Wagyu x Limousin F2 crosses
Authors: Michal J. J. , Zhang Z. W. , Gaskins C. T. , Jiang Z. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryFatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), which is expressed in adipose tissue, interacts with peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors and binds to hormone‐sensitive lipase and therefore, plays an important role in lipid metabolism and homeostasis in adipocytes. The objective of this study was to investigate associations of the bovine FABP4 gene with fat deposition. Both cDNA and genomic DNA sequences of the bovine gene were retrieved from the public databases and aligned to determine its genomic organization. Primers targeting two regions of the FABP4 gene were designed: from nucleotides 5433–6106 and from nucleotides 7417–7868 (AAFC01136716). Direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products on two DNA pools from high‐ and low‐marbling animals revealed two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): AAFC01136716.1:g.7516G>C and g.7713G>C. The former SNP, detected by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism using restriction enzyme MspA1I, was genotyped on 246 F2 animals in a Waygu × Limousin F2 reference population. Statistical analysis showed that the FABP4 genotype significantly affected marbling score (P = 0.0398) and subcutaneous fat depth (P = 0.0246). The FABP4 gene falls into a suggestive/significant quantitative trait loci interval for beef marbling that was previously reported on bovine chromosome 14 in three other populations.
Comparison of bovine RNA polymerase III promoters for short hairpin RNA expression
Authors: Lambeth L. S. , Wise T. G. , Moore R. J. , Muralitharan M. S. , Doran T. J. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryRNA interference (RNAi) mediated by DNA‐based expression of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) is a powerful method of sequence‐specific gene knockdown. A number of vectors for expression of shRNA have been developed that feature promoters from RNA polymerase III (pol III)‐transcribed genes of mouse or human origin. To advance the use of RNAi as a tool for functional genomic research and for future development of specific therapeutics in the bovine species, we have developed shRNA expression vectors that feature novel bovine RNA pol III promoters. We characterized two bovine U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) promoters (bU6‐2 and bU6‐3) and a bovine 7SK snRNA promoter (b7SK). We compared the efficiency of each of these promoters to express shRNA molecules. Promoter activity was measured in the context of RNAi by targeting and suppressing the reporter gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein. Results show that the b7SK promoter induced the greatest level of suppression in a range of cell lines. The comparison of these bovine promoters in shRNA expression is an important component for the future development of bovine‐specific RNAi‐based research.
Serial determination of FLT3 mutations in myelodysplastic syndrome patients at diagnosis, follow up or acute myeloid leukaemia transformation: incidence and their prognostic significance
Authors: Georgiou Georgios , Karali Vasiliki , Zouvelou Christina , Kyriakou Elias , Dimou Maria , Chrisochoou Stamatis , Greka Paraskevi , Dufexis Dimitrios , Vervesou Elisavet , Dimitriadou Evaggelia , Efthymiou Anna , Petrikkos Loizos , Dima Katerina , Lilakos Konstantinos , Panayiotidis Panayiotis 
Published: June 2006

SummaryThe incidence of FLT3 mutations (internal tandem duplication and Asp835) was investigated in bone marrow samples from 97 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome [(MDS); excluding cases with refractory anaemia with excess blasts in transformation] at the time of diagnosis and several time points thereafter. Three patients had FLT3 mutations at presentation. Forty‐two patients progressed to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), including the three patients with FLT3 mutations at MDS diagnosis. Three additional patients acquired FLT3 mutations and progressed to AML in 1  month. FLT3 mutations seem to be a critical additional genetic event that transforms a minority of MDS patients to AML.