bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porphyrin‐related photosensitizers for cancer imaging and therapeutic applications
Authors: BERG K. , SELBO P. K. , WEYERGANG A. , DIETZE A. , PRASMICKAITE L. , BONSTED A. , ENGESAETER B. Ø. , ANGELL‐PETERSEN E. , WARLOE T. , FRANDSEN N. , HØGSET A. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryA photosensitizer is defined as a chemical entity, which upon absorption of light induces a chemical or physical alteration of another chemical entity. Some photosensitizers are utilized therapeutically such as in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and for diagnosis of cancer (fluorescence diagnosis, FD). PDT is approved for several cancer indications and FD has recently been approved for diagnosis of bladder cancer. The photosensitizers used are in most cases based on the porphyrin structure. These photosensitizers generally accumulate in cancer tissues to a higher extent than in the surrounding tissues and their fluorescing properties may be utilized for cancer detection. The photosensitizers may be chemically synthesized or induced endogenously by an intermediate in heme synthesis, 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) or 5‐ALA esters. The therapeutic effect is based on the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon activation of the photosensitizer by light. Singlet oxygen is assumed to be the most important ROS for the therapeutic outcome. The fluorescing properties of the photosenisitizers can be used to evaluate their intracellular localization and treatment effects. Some photosensitizers localize intracellularly in endocytic vesicles and upon light exposure induce a release of the contents of these vesicles, including externally added macromolecules, into the cytosol. This is the basis for a novel method for macromolecule activation, named photochemical internalization (PCI). PCI has been shown to potentiate the biological activity of a large variety of macromolecules and other molecules that do not readily penetrate the plasma membrane, including type I ribosome‐inactivating proteins, immunotoxins, gene‐encoding plasmids, adenovirus, peptide‐nucleic acids and the chemotherapeutic drug bleomycin. The background and present status of PDT, FD and PCI are reviewed.
Does participation in a nurse visitation programme reduce the frequency of adverse perinatal outcomes in first‐time mothers?
Authors: Carabin Hélène , Cowan Linda D. , Beebe Laura A. , Skaggs Valerie J. , Thompson David , Agbangla Christophe 
Published: April 2005

SummaryChildren First (C1), a nurse home visitation programme for first‐time mothers, was implemented statewide in Oklahoma in mid‐1997. The objective of this study was to compare the risks of low (<2500 g) and very low birthweight (<1500 g), preterm (<37 weeks) and very preterm (<30 weeks) deliveries and infant mortality between mothers participating and not participating in C1. All 239 466 Oklahoma birth certificates were reviewed. The C1 and birth certificate databases were matched to identify C1 participants. Mother's age at delivery, education level, race, marital status, prior pregnancy loss or pregnancy risk factors, birthweight and gestational age at delivery were measured from the birth certificates. Death certificates were matched to the birth certificates to identify infant deaths.A Bayesian multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse the data. Among single mothers without pregnancy risk factors, the risks of all study outcomes were lower for participants in C1: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.89, [95% Bayesian Credible Interval (BCI) 0.79, 1.00] for preterm delivery; aOR 0.71, [95% BCI 0.50, 0.98] for very preterm delivery; aOR 0.86, [95% BCI 0.75, 0.98] for low birthweight; aOR 0.77, [95% BCI 0.56, 1.02] for very low birthweight and aOR 0.36, [95% BCI 0.17, 0.63] for infant mortality. These risk reductions were not observed among married mothers. In both single and married mothers, the presence of pregnancy risk factors reduced the impact of C1 on lowering the risk of low birthweight and preterm deliveries. The C1 programme targets young, pregnant women of low socio‐economic level. We found that among single mothers, the risks of perinatal adverse outcomes are reduced or similar to those found in non‐participating mothers.A reduced effect of C1 in the presence of pregnancy risk factors may be because mothers with pregnancy risk factors who did not participate in C1 received better prenatal care, or that C1 interventions do not impact these particular factors. C1 shows promise in reducing infant mortality in single mothers. Lower incidence of preterm and very preterm deliveries is especially interesting and future analyses should focus on isolating programme components specifically associated with influencing these outcomes.
A meta‐analysis of the association of physical activity with reduced risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Samad A. K. A. , Taylor R. S. , Marshall T. , Chapman M. A. S. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground  Physical activity may be associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The main aim of this paper is to review the available evidence for a link between exercise and large bowel cancer.Methods  A Cochrane‐type methodology was performed. Data extracted included, type of study, type of physical activity measured and the numerical results. The risk ratios (RR) of the studies have been pooled according to the type of study, type of exercise, type of cancer and sex. Pooling was undertaken using fixed effect meta‐analysis. A random effect meta‐analysis was used where substantial heterogeneity existed.Result  Data from 19 cohort studies showed a statistically significant reduction in the risk of colon cancer in physically active males, RR being 0.79 (95% CI 0.72–0.87) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.68–0.91) for occupational and recreational activities, respectively. In women only recreational activities are protective against colon cancer (RR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.57–0.88). Case‐control studies showed significantly reduced risks of colon cancer in both sexes irrespective of the type of activity. No protection against rectal cancer is seen in either sex.Conclusion  There is considerable evidence that physical activity is associated with reduced risk of colon cancer in both males and females.
Bowel function following insertion of self‐expanding metallic stents for palliation of colorectal cancer
Authors: Davies R. J. , Barros D'Sa I. , Lucarotti M. E. , Fowler A L. , Tottle A. , Birch P. , Cook T. A. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjective  Self‐expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are an important addition to the treatment of large bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was firstly to assess bowel function following SEMS placement and secondly to identify any potential factors which might aid in the prediction of technical failure of stent insertion.Methods  A review of all patients undergoing attempted SEMS placement for palliation of malignant left‐sided colorectal obstruction over a four‐year period (1st May 2000–30th April 2004) was performed.Results  Twenty‐one patients (12 male) with a median age of 76 years (range 48–92 years) were included, 11 with metastatic disease and 10 severe comorbidity. SEMS insertion was technically successful in 16 (76%) of 21 cases. Contrast successfully passed through the obstructing lesion in all 16 cases where SEMS placement was technically successful. It only passed through 1 of 5 cases where stenting was not possible (P = 0.0008, Fisher's Exact test). Complications included colonic perforation (1 case), stent migration (1 case) and tumour ingrowth requiring a second stent (1 case). Median survival after SEMS was 12 months (range 1–30 months), and 9 patients died during follow‐up. Median bowel frequency following SEMS was 3.5 times per day (range 1–7). Eight patients always passed a liquid stool, 3 others regularly required laxatives and one further patient with poor function after stenting requested a defunctioning stoma.Conclusion  Failure of contrast to pass through the obstructing lesion may predict those cases where stenting will not be technically possible. Median survival following SEMS insertion is encouraging in this series, but bowel function is often poor. Expected bowel function should be discussed fully when consenting patients for a SEMS, particularly those with metastatic disease who are otherwise fit for resectional surgery.
Early detection of cutaneous angiosarcoma of the face and scalp and treatment with placitaxel
Authors: Pestoni C , Paredes‐Suarez C , Peteiro C , Toribio J 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTCutaneous angiosarcoma (AS) of the face and scalp of the elderly is a rare malignant tumour with a very poor prognosis. The variable presentation and the benign appearance of the cutaneous AS may often delay the correct diagnosis. Because it is extremely aggressive, only early detection and treatment can modify the prognosis. We describe a case of an old man who was diagnosed of AS of the face and scalp 1 month after developing the cutaneous lesion. After treatment with placitaxel, the lesion completely diminished. Unfortunately, he developed pulmonary fibrosis and died 6 months after diagnosis. Predisposing factors of this entity are also discussed.
Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and auricular hypoplasia: associated with juvenile colloid milium or ligneous conjunctivitis?
Authors: Kavak A , Kaya M , Alper M , Çam M , Büyükbabani N , Bilen A , Sılan F 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTThe exact nature of amyloid‐like hyaline material deposits in the skin is not well understood in some disorders. Three of those – ligneous conjunctivitis, ligneous periodontitis and colloid milium – have been rarely reported in a same patient. We report a case of mucosal and skin deposits of an amyloid‐like homogeneous material associated with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and congenital auricular hypoplasia. We discussed and reviewed the literature on these unique associations to determine whether these are the same pathological process. We also noted whether this case represents a new syndrome or a coincidental association.
Relationship between bone growth rate and the thickness of calcified cartilage in the long bones of the Galloanserae (Aves)
Authors: Montes L. , De Margerie E. , Castanet J. , De Ricqlès A. , Cubo J. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe histological features of mineralized tissues can be preserved for hundreds of millions of years, and are therefore important potential sources of information for reconstructing the life history traits of extinct species. Bone growth rates and the duration of the growth period have recently been estimated in fossil archosaurs from periosteal ossification (a mechanism responsible for bone diametral growth). Similarly, data on endochondral ossification (the mechanism responsible for bone longitudinal growth) may also yield information on growth duration and rate among extinct vertebrates, as long as potentially informative structures are preserved. However, in order to carry out palaeobiological estimations of growth rate and/or the duration of growth, it is first necessary to quantify in extant species the relationship between these life history traits and the histological features of endochondral ossification that are potentially preserved in the fossil record. Here we analyse the ontogenetic variation of both bone longitudinal growth rate and the thickness of the calcified cartilage in the femora of two Galloanserae (Aves) and find a significant positive relationship between these variables in both species. We discuss possible factors underlying interspecific differences in this relationship, and conclude that it could be applied with caution to draw palaeobiological inferences.
A 3D digital reconstruction of the components of the gas exchange tissue of the lung of the muscovy duck, Cairina moschata
Authors: Woodward Jeremy D. , Maina John N. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractTo elucidate the shape, size, and spatial arrangement and association of the terminal respiratory units of the avian lung, a three‐dimensional (3D) computer‐aided voxel reconstruction was generated from serial plastic sections of the lung of the adult muscovy duck, Cairina moschata. The air capillaries (ACs) are rather rotund structures that interconnect via short, narrow passageways, and the blood capillaries (BCs) comprise proliferative segments of rather uniform dimensions. The ACs and BCs anastomose profusely and closely intertwine with each other, forming a complex network. The two sets of respiratory units are, however, absolutely not mirror images of each other, as has been claimed by some investigators. Historically, the terms ‘air capillaries’ and ‘blood capillaries’ were derived from observations that the exchange tissue of the avian lung mainly consisted of a network of minuscule air‐ and vascular units. The entrenched notion that the ACs are straight (non‐branching), blind‐ending tubules that project outwards from the parabronchial lumen and that the BCs are direct tubules that run inwards parallel to and in contact with the ACs is overly simplistic, misleading and incorrect. The exact architectural properties of the respiratory units of the avian lung need to be documented and applied in formulating reliable physiological models. A few ostensibly isolated ACs were identified. The mechanism through which such units form and their functional significance, if any, are currently unclear.
Src homology domains in phospholipase C‐γ1 mediate its anti‐apoptotic action through regulating the enzymatic activity
Authors: Liu Xia , Ye Keqiang 
Published: April 2005

AbstractPhospholipase‐γ1 (PLC‐γ1) prevents programmed cell death, for which the enzymatic activity has been implicated. However, the biological function of Src homology (SH) domains of PLC‐γ1 in promoting cell survival remains elusive. Here, we showed that deletion of the N‐SH2 domain or both N‐SH2 and C‐SH2 domains, but not the SH3 domain, abolished the anti‐apoptotic activity of PLC‐γ1. Surprisingly, removal of the whole SH domain inhibited apoptosis. The lipase‐inactive PLC‐γ1 mutant (LIM) failed to suppress apoptosis. Moreover, the phospholipase activity in SH3‐ or whole SH domain‐deleted cells was comparable to that of wild‐type cells. By contrast, the enzymatic activity was substantially ablated in SH2 domain‐deleted or LIM cells. A pharmacological inhibitor of PLC‐γ1 robustly diminished the anti‐apoptotic action in wild‐type, SH3‐ or whole SH domain‐deleted cells, whereas pretreatment of SH2 domain‐deleted or LIM cells with agents activating PKC and calcium mobilization markedly promoted cell survival. These results indicate that SH domains in PLC‐γ1 might mediate its anti‐apoptotic action by regulating the enzymatic activity.
Involvement of γ protein kinase C in estrogen‐induced neuroprotection against focal brain ischemia through G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor
Authors: Hayashi Shigeto , Ueyama Takehiko , Kajimoto Taketoshi , Yagi Keiko , Kohmura Eiji , Saito Naoaki 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe neuroprotective effects of estrogen were studied in the ischemic model mice by 90 min transient unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 22.5 h reperfusion. The total infarct size in C57BL/6 female mice after MCAO and reperfusion was significantly smaller than that in male mice. Intraperitoneal injection of estrogen after the start of reperfusion significantly reduced the infarct volume in the male mice. However, no significant gender difference was found in total infarct size in γ protein kinase C (PKC)‐knockout mice, suggesting that the neuroprotective effects of estrogen are due to the activation of a specific subtype of PKC, γPKC, a neuron‐specific PKC subtype, in the brain. We demonstrated that exogenous estrogen‐induced neuroprotection was attenuated in γPKC‐knockout mice. Immunocytochemical study showed that γPKC was translocated to nerve fiber‐like structures when observed shortly after MCAO and reperfusion. We also visualized the rapid and reversible translocation of γPKC‐GFP (green fluorescent protein) by estrogen stimulation in living CHO‐K1 cells. These results suggest that the activation of γPKC through the G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptors on the plasma membrane is involved in the estrogen‐induced neuroprotection against focal brain ischemia.
Neuroprotective effects of preconditioning ischaemia on ischaemic brain injury through inhibition of mixed‐lineage kinase 3 via NMDA receptor‐mediated Akt1 activation
Authors: Yin Xiao‐Hui , Zhang Quan‐Guang , Miao Bei , Zhang Guang‐Yi 
Published: April 2005

AbstractA number of works show that the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway responds actively in cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion. We undertook our present studies to clarify the role of mixed‐lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), a MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK) in MAPK cascades, in global ischaemia and ischaemic tolerance. The mechanism concerning NMDA receptor‐mediated Akt1 activation underlying ischaemic tolerance, was also investigated. Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to 6 min of ischaemia and differing times of reperfusion. Our results showed MLK3 was activated in the hippocampal CA1 region with two peaks occurring at 30 min and 6 h, respectively. This activation returned to base level 3 days later. Both preconditioning with 3 min of sublethal ischaemia and NMDA pretreatment inhibited the 6‐h peak of activation. However, pretreatment of ketamine before preconditioning reversed the inhibiting effect of preconditioning on MLK3 activation at 6 h of reperfusion. In the case of Akt1, however, preconditioning and NMDA pretreatment enhanced Akt1 activation at 10 min of reperfusion. Furthermore, ketamine pretreatment reversed preconditioning‐induced increase of Akt1 activation. We also noted that pretreatment of LY294002 before preconditioning reversed both the inhibition of MLK3 activation at 6 h of reperfusion and the increase in Akt1 activation at 10 min of reperfusion. The above‐mentioned results lead us to conclude that, in the hippocampal CA1 region, preconditioning inhibits MLK3 activation after lethal ischaemia and reperfusion and, furthermore, this effect is mediated by Akt1 activation through NMDA receptor stimulation.
Corneal mechanical sensitivity measurement using a staircase technique
Authors: Golebiowski Blanka , Papas Eric , Stapleton Fiona 
Published: April 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To determine the repeatability of an unequal staircase technique (Garcia‐Perez Staircase, GPS) to measure corneal mechanical threshold using the CRCERT‐Belmonte Aesthesiometer, and to compare this with a previously‐reported psychophysical method (Method of Constant Stimuli, MOCS).Methods:  The GPS, utilising unequal ascending and descending steps, was used to obtain a threshold measurement from the mean of six response reversals. Repeatability was determined for the GPS and MOCS methods (n = 14), and threshold results obtained with each method were compared (n = 10).Results:  The GPS (65.0 ± 16.9 mL min−1; CoR ± 18.3 mL min−1) method was more repeatable than the MOCS (64.0 ± 15.7 mL min−1; CoR ± 37.3 mL min−1) and the absolute values obtained with the two methods were not significantly different.Conclusions:  Although each method gave equivalent threshold results, the GPS method was more repeatable and quicker to apply and hence should reduce the influence of patient fatigue and help to minimise possible carry‐over effects.
Quantitative 1HMRS and MRI Volumetry Indicate Neuronal Damage in the Hippocampus of Children with Focal Epilepsy and Infrequent Seizures
Authors: Varho Tarja , Komu Markku , Sonninen Pirkko , Lähdetie Jaana , Holopainen Irma E. 
Published: April 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Seizures induce progressive morphologic and functional changes in particular in the hippocampus, but whether and at what stage the hippocampus is affected in children with focal, temporal, nonintractable epilepsy is poorly known. We have now studied eventual metabolic and volume changes in the hippocampus of children with nonsymptomatic focal epilepsy taking antiepileptic medication (AEDs) but still having infrequent seizures. Methods: Quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) and volumetric MRI were used to study the hippocampal region of 11 pediatric outpatients (age 10 to 17 years) with cryptogenic localization‐related epilepsy, and eight healthy volunteers (age 9 to 16 years) served as controls. The spectra were obtained bilaterally from the hippocampi by using the 1.5‐T MR imager. The spectral resonance lines of N‐acetyl group (NA), creatine and phosphocreatine group (Cr), choline‐containing compounds (Cho), and myoinositol (mI) were analyzed quantitatively. The volume of the hippocampus was semiautomatically calculated. Results: The mean concentration of NA was significantly decreased both in the focus side (9.02 ± 2.00 mM) and in the nonfocus side (8.88 ± 2.09 mM) of the patients compared with the controls (10.76 ± 1.86 mM), in particular if the children had a history of generalized tonic–clonic seizures. The mean concentrations of Cho, Cr, and mI did not differ significantly between the patients and controls. Moreover, the mean hippocampal volume of the focus side of patients was significantly reduced compared with that of the controls. Conclusions: Metabolic changes in hippocampi were detected in children with nonsymptomatic localization‐related epilepsy and infrequent seizures. Reduced NA could reflect neuronal metabolic dysfunction and/or neuronal damage, as indicated by our volumetric findings.
Effect of ACTH Therapy for Epileptic Spasms without Hypsarrhythmia
Authors: Oguni Hirokazu , Funatsuka Makoto , Sasaki Kaori , Nakajima Tae , Yoshii Keisuke , Nishimura Tsutomu , Osawa Makiko 
Published: April 2005

Summary: Purpose:We analyzed the short‐ and long‐term effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy for patients with epileptic spasms (ESs) who did not meet the criteria of West syndrome (WS).Methods:The subjects were 30 patients, including 13 boys and 17 girls, who had received ACTH therapy between 1970 and 2003. We excluded patients with WS, but included those with a history of WS who no longer showed hypsarrhythmia at the period of ACTH therapy. The age at onset of ESs and at ACTH therapy ranged from 2 to 82 months with a median of 18 months, and from 11 to 86 months with a median of 29 months, respectively.Results:Excellent and poor responses were obtained in 19 (63%) and 11 (37%) patients, respectively, as a short‐term effect. Although the patients could be subclassified into five subgroups according to the previous reports, no difference was seen in short‐ term response to ACTH. Among 17 of the 19 patients with excellent short‐term outcomes and a follow‐up of >1 year after the ACTH therapy, eight patients have continued to be seizure free (29%; excellent long‐term effect), whereas the remaining nine patients had a recurrence of seizures (complex partial seizures, four; generalized tonic seizures, three; ESs, two) at 9 months to 198 months (median, 49 months) after ACTH therapy. In addition, nine of the 17 patients demonstrated a localized frontal EEG focus after the ACTH therapy, although most of these had previously shown diffuse epileptic EEG abnormality.Conclusions:ACTH therapy is worth trying for patients with resistant ESs, even without features of WS. However, the long‐term effect is uncertain because recurrences of various types of seizures, including focal, were frequently observed.