bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of DNA Damage Induced by Broadband and Narrowband UVB in Cultured Lymphoblasts and Keratinocytes Using the Comet Assay
Authors: Tzung Tien‐Yi , Rünger Thomas M. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTPhototherapy with broadband UVB is an effective treatment for inflammatory dermatoses. A newly developed fluorescent UVB lamp (Philips TL01) that emits a narrowband UVB around 311 nm was shown to be superior for the phototherapy of psoriasis. In order to contribute to the knowledge about the carcinogenic potential of this UVB source, we measured the DNA damage in lymphoblasts and keratinocytes induced by narrowband UVB and compared it with that by conventional broadband UVB using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet as‐say). At equal doses, broadband UVB produced more DNA damage than narrowband UVB. However, in phototherapy of psoriasis, up to 10‐fold higher doses are used with TLO1. When therapeutically equivalent doses were compared (10‐fold correction for narrowband UVB), we found only slight differences in the amount of DNA damage produced by broadband and narrowband UVB. This supports the already existing evidence that for phototherapy narrowband UVB is not more carcinogenic than broadband UVB.
Effect of Membrane Potential on the Binding of Merocyanine 540 to Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Lagerberg Johan W. M. , VanSteveninck John , Dubbelman Tom M. A. R. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTIllumination of erythrocytes in the presence of merocyanine 540 (MC540) resulted in changed binding characteristics of MC540, i.e. a red shift in the emission maximum of bound dye with an increase in the relative fluorescence quantum yield. Aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate‐mediated photodynamic treatment, before addition of MC540, resulted in a comparable change in the MC540‐binding characteristics with, in addition, an increase in the concentration of MC540 in the membrane. Both photodynamic treatments induce depolarization of the red cell membrane, with a dose dependency comparable to that of changed MC540 binding. Also depolarization, induced by incubation of the cells with A23187 in the presence of Ca2+ in high [K+] buffer, resulted in similar changes in the MC540 binding characteristics. These results indicate a relation between photodynamically induced membrane depolarization and changed MC540‐binding characteristics. Hyperpolarization induced by incubation with A23187 in low [K+] buffer resulted in decreased binding of MC540. In accordance, the MC540‐mediated photodamage to red cells decreased upon hyperpolarization of the cells. The results indicate that the binding of MC540 to erythrocytes is strongly dependent on the membrane potential and that hyperpolarization of the membrane could be a possible protection mechanism for erythrocytes against MC540‐mediated photodynamic damage.
Photodynamic Therapy: Tumor Targeting with Adenoviral Proteins
Authors: Allen Cynthia M. , Sharman Wesley M. , Madeleine Carole La , Weber Joseph M. , Langlois Réjean , Ouellet Réné , van Lier Johan E. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA brief summary of the mechanisms involved in photo‐dynamic therapy (PDT) and the role of delivery vehicles for photosensitizer targeting is addressed. Phthalocya‐nines (Pc) have been coupled to adenovirus type 2 capsid proteins including the hexon, the penton base and the fiber to enhance their target selectivity. Adenovirus pen‐ton base proteins contain the arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid peptidic sequence (RGD) motif known to bind with great affinity and high specificity to integrin receptors, expressed by several types of cancer. Tetrasulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPcS4) was covalently coupled to the various capsid proteinsviaone or two caproic acid spacer chains (A1or A2) in 7:1 up to 66:1 molar ratios. The capacity of the bioconjugates for singlet oxygen production, as measured by an L‐tryptophan oxidation assay, was strongly reduced, likely reflecting scavenging by the carrier. Cell adsorption andin vitropho‐tocytotoxicity assays were carried out using the A549 and HEp2 human cell lines expressing integrin receptors, and one murine, the EMT‐6 cell line, which lacks receptors for the RGD sequence. The AlPcS4A2‐protein complexes induced greater cytotoxicity as compared to the analogous AlPcS4A1preparations. The penton base‐AIPcS4A2derivative was the more phototoxic for all cell lines tested. Tumor response studies using Balb/c mice with EMT‐6 tumor implants demonstrated that the free AlPcS4A2induced complete tumor regression at a dose of 1 μmol/kg and 400 J/cm2, which is comparable to the activity of the known AlPcS2adJ.A mixture of adenovirus type 2 soluble proteins covalently labeled with AlPcS4A2required 0.5 μmol/kg to induce the same response with the same light dose, suggesting that the high affinity RGD/receptor complex is able to target Pc for PDT.
Radiative Transitions of Singlet Oxygen: New Tools, New Techniques and New Interpretations
Authors: Keszthelyi Tamas , Weldon Dean , Andersen Thomas N. , Poulsen Tina D. , Mikkelsen Kurt V. , Ogilby Peter R. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe near‐IR phosphorescence of singlet delta oxygen, O2(a1Δg), has provided a wealth of information since it was first observed in solution‐phase systems. The techniques employed and the quality of the data obtained have unproved significantly over the years that, in turn, presently makes it possible to address a wide variety of problems using both steady‐state and time‐resolved measurements. The development of spectroscopic methods to monitor other transitions in oxygen, specifically those that involve the singlet sigma state, O2(b1σg+), and the incorporation of high‐level computational methods provides access to an even broader range of fundamental issues. The expertise presently available to monitor radiative transitions in oxygen, coupled with the current understanding of the effect of solvent on these transitions as achieved through state‐of‐the‐art theoretical modeling makes it possible to consider the next step forward: the incorporation of spatial resolution and the construction of the singlet oxygen microscope.
Effects of BAPTA‐AM and Forskolin on Apoptosis and Cytochrome c Release in Photosensitized Chinese Hamster V79 Cells
Authors: Inanami O. , Yoshito A. , Takahashi K. , Hiraoka W. , Kuwabara M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe mechanism of caspase‐3‐dependent apoptosis induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cultured Chinese hamster V79 cells with pheophorbide a (PPa) was investigated. The PPa‐PDT induced rapid apoptosis within 30 min after irradiation of cells. This apoptosis was inhibited by the 1O2 quencher N3‐and caspase‐3 inhibitor acetyl‐Asp‐Glu‐Val‐Asp‐aldehyde, suggesting that 1O2 activated caspase‐3 and then caused apoptosis. The intracellular calcium [Ca2+]1 chelator (acetoxymethyl)‐l,2‐bis(o‐aminophenoxy)ethane N,N,N',N,'‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA‐AM) and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐increasing agent forskolin also inhibited not only the PPa‐PDT‐induced activation of caspase‐3 but also apoptosis in V79 cells. Furthermore, PPa‐PDT‐induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria was found to be inhibited by the treatment with BAPTA‐AM but not forskolin. These results indicated that [Ca2+]1 and cAMP independently serve as regulators for PPa‐PDT‐induced apoptosis in the upstream of caspase‐3.
A DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED TRIAL OF PROTEIN ENERGY–ENRICHED FORMULA ADMINISTERED TO CRITICALLY ILL INFANTS
Authors: Van Waardenburg Dick , De Betue Carlijn , Joosten Koen 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional support is an important aspect of clinical management of critically ill infants, but the nutritional requirements of these infants are not well defined.
OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to compare tolerance, nutritional, and metabolic effects of 2 different infant formulas in critically ill infants in a double-blind, randomized way.
METHODS: Eighteen ventilated infants with respiratory insufficiency caused by respiratory syncytial virus infection were included and received an energy- and protein-enriched (PE) infant formula (Infatrini [Nutricia B. V. Zoetermeer, Zoetermeer, Netherlands]; n = 8) or standard infant formula (Nutrilon 1 [Nutricia B. V. Zoetermeer]; n = 10). Daily intake and tolerance (gastric retention, diarrhea) were recorded. Resting energy expenditure, respiratory quotient, L-amino acid concentrations, and metabolic parameters were measured, and cumulative energy balance, nitrogen balance, and substrate utilization were calculated.
RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Both formulas were well tolerated with similar volumes of intake. Results from day 4 are presented in Table 1. Levels of several amino acids (His, Val, Met, Phe, Lys, and ornithine; P &lt; .05) were significantly higher in the infants who received the PE-enriched formula.
CONCLUSIONS: PE-enriched infant formula was well tolerated in critically ill infants and effective in achieving higher nutritional intakes in the first days of admission. PE-enriched formula improved energy balance and plasma amino acid profile, and a trend toward increased nitrogen balance was found.
TABLE 1.Results on Day 4 of AdmissionFormulaProtein Intake, g/kg per dayEnergy Intake, kcal/kg per dayaResting Energy Expenditure, kcal/kg per dayaRespiratory QuotientCumulative Energy Balance, kcal/kg per dayaCumulative Nitrogen Balance, mg/kg per dayPE-enriched (n = 8)2.61 ± 0.24111 ± 1059 ± 50.98 ± 0.02589 ± 115162 ± 32Standard (n = 10)1.46 ± 0.1178 ± 449 ± 40.91 ± 0.01350 ± 5068 ± 16 P &lt;.01&lt;.01.26&lt;.01&lt;.05.08a1 kcal = 4.2 kJ.
LINGUISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN WITH WILLIAMS SYNDROME: A CONTROL STUDY
Authors: Varlokosta Spyridoula , Thomaidis Loretta , Archonti Anastasia , Tsiamaki Dimitra , Fryssira Helen , Joffe Victoria 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Williams Syndrome (WS; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man No. 194050) is a rare syndrome that has attracted a great deal of attention because of an uneven neurolinguistic profile characterized by relative strengths in language, facial processing, and social cognition in the context of poorer spatial cognition, planning, and problem solving. WS has also been used as evidence for the existence of dissociations within subsystems of the language module itself. It has been reported that individuals with WS perform better on grammatical versus lexical tasks and on regular versus irregular forms.
OBJECTIVE: This study addressed 2 main questions: (1) Do individuals with WS show differences between language and cognition? (2) Do individuals with WS perform differently across tasks that tap different aspects of language?
METHODS: We investigated nonverbal and verbal abilities of 20 Greek-speaking children with WS (aged 6–18 years with molecular definition of chromosome 7 deletions) and compared their performance to a group of 20 normal children aged 4 to 10 years. The 2 groups were matched on language ability (comprehension and expression) through the Diagnostic Verbal IQ Test. Verbal ability was measured by 3 experimental linguistic measures that assessed comprehension of pronouns and production of verbs and nouns.
RESULTS: Nonverbal IQ was low and ranged from 40 to 68 points. Those in the WS group, as a whole, showed unimpaired performance on pronouns but faced difficulties in using verbs and nouns. Great variation in performance was evident, which highlights the heterogeneity of the group. A subgroup of individuals with WS showed clear dissociations between language and cognition and within language.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that (1) there is a clear dissociation between language and cognition and (2) children with WS show strengths on some aspects of their linguistic development.
COMPARISON OF INTERNATIONAL OBESITY TASKFORCE CUTOFFS, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION GROWTH CHARTS, AND BODY MASS INDEX Z-SCORE VALUES IN THE PREVALENCE OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY: THE GREEK OBESITY AND LIFESTYLE STUDY
Authors: Mantzouranis Nikolaos , Pilianidis Theofilos , Douda Helen , Tokmakidis Savvas 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE: Few epidemiologic studies have compared classification methods of childhood obesity. The aim of the Greek Obesity and Lifestyle Study (GOALS) was to assess the prevalence of childhood obesity by comparing 3 classification methods.
METHODS: The GOALS was conducted on a representative sample of 2056 students (1148 boys and 908 girls), aged to 13 years. Body mass and height were measured, and the BMI (kg/m2) was calculated. The comparisons of obesity prevalence were based on International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) cutoffs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts and BMI-for-age z scores (overweight ≥1 SD, obese ≥2 SD).
RESULTS: The higher prevalence of obesity (including overweight) in GOALS was found by using the CDC growth charts (37.6%), whereas the obesity prevalence classified according to the IOTF cutoffs was recorded 1% lower (36.6%). In relation to CDC and IOTF classifications, significant lower prevalence was reported when obesity was estimated as BMI-for-age z scores (15.2%). Adjusted by gender, the Analysis of variance results showed that the obesity prevalence was significantly higher in boys in both CDC and IOTF classifications compared with BMI-for-age z scores.
CONCLUSIONS: The comparison among studies in Greece shows that the prevalence of childhood obesity in GOALS, based on both IOTF and CDC classifications, is the highest ever recorded in Greece and almost similar with the obesity prevalence reported in US teenagers. The lower obesity prevalence recorded in GOALS using the BMI-for-age z scores, compared with IOTF and CDC classifications, did not appropriately specify childhood obesity and cannot be used for public health applications.
A NORMAL LIFE WITH AN UNHEALTHY BODY: SELF-IDENTITY IN ADOLESCENTS GROWING UP WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS
Authors: Van Staa AnneLoes , Jedeloo Susan , Latour Jos , Trappenburg Margo 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Chronic illness is often described in terms of biographic disruption. However, for those growing up with congenital disorders, an unhealthy body is the norm. An important developmental task in adolescence is the formation of self-identity. How does a chronic disorder influence the development of self-identity in adolescents?
OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate attitudes and preferences of adolescents living with chronic disorders.
METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted by using semistructured interviews that focused on daily life issues. The sample consisted of 31 adolescents (aged 12–19 years) with various chronic disorders who were randomly selected from the patient database of Erasmus Medical Center-Agia Sophia Children's Hospital. Data analysis was performed by using a qualitative analysis computer program (ATLAS.ti, Berlin, Germany).
RESULTS: For most adolescents with chronic disorders, living with illness is “normal.” By comparing themselves with healthy peers, they recurrently stress their own normality. They strongly agreed with the statement, “I am like everyone else, my illness is something extra.” Therefore, disclosure of health problems remains a sensitive issue, and contact with fellow patients is not often sought. Most held optimistic views about their futures, and only a minority told problematic accounts of the acceptance of their dysfunctional bodies.
CONCLUSIONS: Normalization of an unhealthy childhood seems to be an important strategy in identity-forming in adolescents. It may be interpreted as denial, but adolescents consider denial to be “dangerous” and “stupid.” We view normalization as a strategy to accept reality while preventing illness to dominate their life: “I try not to think about it, not because it scares me, but because it's there.”
SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF 596 INFANTS BORN TO MOTHERS WITH CARDIAC DISEASE
Authors: Kono Yumi , Mishina Jun , Makino Yasuo , Sakuma Izumi , Kusuda Satoshi , Matsuda Yoshio , Nishida Hiroshi , Shinohara Tokuko , Ishii Tetsuko , Nakanishi Toshio 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: The number of pregnancies of women with cardiac disease (CD) has been increasing. Previous studies on outcomes were reported mainly on maternal cardiac outcome.
OBJECTIVE: We focused on the outcome of infants who were born to mothers with CD.
METHODS: Study subjects consisted of 596 singleton live-born infants who were born at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital from 1991 to 2005. Women with maternal CD included 295 with congenital heart disease (CHD), 184 with arrhythmias, 84 with acquired valvular disease, 18 with cardiomyopathy, and 16 with miscellaneous CD. Gestational age, birth weight (BW), mortality rate, and complications in the subjects and long-term outcome of the preterm infants (&lt;37 weeks' gestation) were evaluated.
RESULTS: Preterm birth was found in 74 (12.4%) infants, 3 of whom were born at &lt;28 weeks' gestation. Low BW was found in 117 (19.6%) infants, 12 of whom weighed &lt;1500 g. Rates of preterm birth (61%) and low BW (61%) in the infants of mothers with cardiomyopathy were significantly higher than those with other maternal CD. The overall mortality rate was 0.7%; 3 died (1 with Down syndrome with CHD, 1 with neonatal Marfan syndrome, and 1 extremely low BW infant born at 23 weeks' gestation) in the neonatal period, and 1 infant with CHD died at 1 year of age. Seven of the preterm infants (9.5%) had CHD. Other complications included anomalies/chromosomal disorders (5), cerebral palsy (1), mental retardation (2), borderline mentality (1), and hearing impairment (1). The prevalence of major neurologic handicap was 4%.
CONCLUSIONS: The rates of preterm birth and low BW were very high. Adverse outcome of infants born to mothers with CD was related to congenital disorders including CD of offspring and extremely preterm birth.
ANTIBIOTIC SKIN TESTING FOR CHILDREN LABELED WITH TYPE 1 HYPERSENSITIVITY: A USEFUL CLINICAL TOOL
Authors: Kavadas Fotini D. , Seaban Kimberley R. , Nofech-Mozes Yehuda , Husain Maitham , White Elisabeth , Atkinson Adelle R. 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Children are often unnecessarily labeled as being allergic to antibiotics that may potentially be life saving. Aside from penicillin, good diagnostic testing has not been available in pediatrics to differentiate between type 1 hypersensitivity and other causes of adverse reactions to antibiotics.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the safety of antibiotic skin testing of children and to describe its potential clinical impact.
METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients between 0 and 18 years of age who were seen in our clinic over a 2-year period with a history of a possible immunoglobulin E–mediated reaction to various antibiotics other than penicillin. We included patients with either extremely limited antibiotic options or complex medical issues that require antibiotics. We did not perform testing if there was a history of a convincing immunoglobulin E–mediated or serum sickness–like reaction. Skin testing was performed by using nonirritating concentrations of the antibiotic in question that have been used in adults. If skin-prick testing results were negative, we performed intradermal testing. A provocative challenge was offered if all skin-testing results were negative.
RESULTS: of 28 visits, 23 met our inclusion criteria; 4 (17%) of 23 could not be skin-tested. Of those who were skin-prick–tested, all 19 (100%) had a negative result, and 17 (89%) of 19 also had a negative intradermal test. Of those 17 (88%), 15 patients agreed to undergo provocative challenge, 14 (93%) of whom were then unlabeled as allergic to the respective antibiotic.
CONCLUSIONS: Skin-prick testing is a novel tool in pediatrics that may have an important clinical impact in the accurate diagnosis of antibiotic allergies by guiding provocative challenges.
INVESTIGATION OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN POST–NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT INFANTS BY USING AUTOMATED AUDITORY BRAINSTEM RESPONSE
Authors: Mitsiakos George , Giougi Evaggelia , Karagianni Paraskevi , Chatziioannidis Elias , Tsakalidis Christos , Nikolaidis Nikolaos 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Hearing impairment affects 2% to 4% of NICU graduates and is associated with several risk indicators.
OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to investigate the prevalence of hearing impairment in newborns hospitalized in an NICU and its association with risk indicators.
METHODS: Subjects consisted of 422 post-NICU infants who fulfilled 34 weeks of gestational age and were examined between March 2005 and December 2006. The following parameters were evaluated: perinatal asphyxia, craniofacial deformities, furosemide and aminoglycoside therapy (duration of administration), meningitis, duration of mechanical ventilation, and nursing duration in an incubator. Screening was performed with the last-generation automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) equipment, ALGO 3 (Natus Medical Inc, San Carlos, CA).
RESULTS: Results were considered normal when the newborn showed response to a 35-dBNA signal bilaterally. Newborns with hearing impairment were referred for early intervention. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was used to identify the independent risk factors for hearing disturbances. The prevalence of AABR impairment was 2.84% (12 of 422 newborns); the impairment was unilateral in 7 of the infants and bilateral in 5 of them. These 12 infants were examined with conventional ABR with the following results: 6 of them showed normal responses, and in the other 6 infants the pathologic result was confirmed. Multivariate analysis revealed a statistically significant association between hearing loss and craniofacial deformities, meningitis, and duration of mechanical ventilation (P &lt; .001, P = .001, and P = .038, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: Although the study sample was limited, the hearing-loss rate that we found was in accordance with that reported in the literature. The prevalence of hearing impairment found when using AABR is high. The only risk factors directly associated with hearing impairment proved to be craniofacial deformities, meningitis, and duration of mechanical ventilation.
PROBIOTICS REDUCE INCIDENCE AND DURATION OF RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION SYMPTOMS IN 3- TO 5-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN
Authors: Ouwehand Arthur , Leyer Greg , Carcano Didier 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Probiotics are live microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the host.
OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate whether consumption of probiotics would be able to reduce symptoms of respiratory tract infections during the winter season.
METHODS: Children aged 3 to 5 years were recruited and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups to receive placebo (n = 92), Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (NCFM) (n = 77), or a combination of L acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 (NCFM+Bi-07) (n = 79). Probiotics were consumed daily at a dose of 1010 colony-forming units for 6 months from November to April. The study was performed in Shanghai, China, and approved by the local authorities.
RESULTS: The incidence of fever was reduced by 63% in the NCFM+Bi-07 group and by 48% in the NCFM group. Cough was reduced by 54% in the NCFM+Bi-07 group and by 42% in the NCFM group. Runny nose was reduced by 44% in the NCFM+Bi-07 group and by 9% in the NCFM group; the latter result was not significant. Antibiotic use was reduced by 80% in the NCFM+Bi-07 group and by 68% in the NCFM group. Children in the placebo group had, on average, 6.5 days with symptoms, those in the NCFM group had 4.5 days with symptoms, and those in the NCFM+Bi-07 group had 3.4 days with symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: Daily consumption of NCFM and Bi-07 and of NCFM alone significantly reduced the incidence and duration of respiratory tract infection symptoms in children. The combination of the 2 probiotics tended to perform better than the NCFM alone.