bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilização de uma manobra específica para evitar alterações dos limiares auditivos causadas pelo colabamento do meato acústico externo
Authors: Amaral Luciana Karla Moreira , Ferreira Flávia Helena Vasconcelos , Dias Fernanda Abalen Martins
Published: October 2008

OBJETIVO: verificar se a utilização de uma manobra de reposicionamento dos fones em caso de suspeita de colabamento pode alterar os limiares auditivos nas freqüências altas, melhorando-os. MÉTODOS: participaram do estudo 89 indivíduos com idades entre 18 e 35 anos, e que apresentavam diferença maior ou igual a 10 dB NA nos limiares das freqüências de 6000 e 8000 Hz em relação à freqüência de 4000 Hz. Foi realizado o re-teste dos limiares auditivos nas freqüências de 4000, 6000 e 8000 Hz, a partir do reposicionamento dos fones e utilização de manobra específica, que consistiu em orientar o paciente, pedindo ao mesmo que segurasse o fone bem próximo à orelha, sem pressionála, evitando, desta forma, o colabamento do meato acústico externo. RESULTADOS: de acordo com os dados obtidos por meio deste estudo, pôde ser verificada melhora significativa dos limiares auditivos com a utilização da manobra descrita neste estudo em 60,7% dos indivíduos avaliados. CONCLUSÃO: a partir dos resultados, foi possível verificar que o colabamento do meato acústico externo, causado pela pressão dos fones pode interferir nos resultados das audiometrias tonais, bem como foi possível observar a eficácia da manobra descrita neste estudo para minimizar interferência deste fenômeno.
Trichomycterus uisae: a new species of hypogean catfish (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the northeastern Andean Cordillera of Colombia
Authors: Castellanos-Morales Cesar A.
Published: October 2008

Trichomycterus uisae, a new species of hypogean catfish, is described from Cueva El Misterio located in the upper Sogamoso river basin of the Departamento de Santander in the northeastern portion of the Andean range of Colombia. The new species has a characteristic dark bluish-gray band from the head to the origin of the dorsal fin, five to nine opercular odontodes, and the anterior and posterior fontanels separated but connected by a narrow channel. A comparative analysis with epigean species from Colombia and troglobitic Trichomycterus from South America is presented.
A new species of Hemiancistrus from the rio Araguaia basin, Goiás state, Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
Authors: Souza Lesley S. de , Melo Marcelo R. S. , Chamon Carine C. , Armbruster Jonathan W.
Published: October 2008

Hemiancistrus cerrado is described from the tributaries of rio Araguaia, rio Tocantins basin. Hemiancistrus cerrado has external similarities with H. megalopteryx and H. punctulatus from coastal streams of southern Brazil, and can be distinguished by having a larger internarial width, 15.9-21.1% of head length (vs. 11.2-14.0% in H. megalopteryx and 11.2-13.9% in H. punctulatus) and, with little overlap, by the larger adipose-fin spine length, 9.4-13.6% of standard length (vs. 7.1-8.7% in H. megalopteryx and 7.4-10.0% in H. punctulatus). Hemiancistrus cerrado further differs from H. megalopteryx by having the pectoral-fin spine reaching maximally to the middle of the pelvic-fin spine when adpressed in adult males (vs. reaching tip). Hemiancistrus cerrado differs from other members of Hemiancistrus by color and numerous morphometric and meristic data.
Two new cis-Andean species of the South American catfish genus Megalonema allied to trans-Andean Megalonema xanthum, with description of a new subgenus (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)
Authors: Lundberg John G. , Dahdul Wasila M.
Published: October 2008

A revised diagnosis of the pimelodid catfish genus Megalonema is given based on synapomorphic features of the Weberian complex and gas bladder. Megalonema xanthum from the Magdalena River is redescribed. Two new cis-Andean species of Megalonema are described, M. amaxanthum n. sp. from the Amazon River basin, and M. orixanthum n. sp. from the Orinoco River basin. These three species are differentially diagnosed by shape and size of the supraoccipital posterior process, adipose-fin shape, vertebral counts, eye size, premaxillary bone shape and dentition, length of the anal-fin base, width between the posterior nostrils and presence/absence of dentations on the pectoral spine. Eretmomegalonema new subgenus is established for M. xanthum, M. amaxanthum and M. orixanthum and supported by the uniquely synapomorphic paddle-like structure of its pelvic fin and hypertrophied basipterygium. Unambiguous synapomorphies indicate a sister-group relationship between M. amaxanthum and M. orixanthum, with M. xanthum basal to this pair. This topology is congruent with the Neogene origins of separate Magdalena, Amazon and Orinoco basins suggesting vicariant control of diversification of Eretmomegalonema.
Empirical estimation of biota exposure range for calculation of bioaccumulation parameters
Authors: Melwani Aroon R , Greenfield Ben K , Byron Earl R
Published: October 2008

Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) and biota–sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) are frequently used to predict contaminant bioaccumulation in risk assessments. Development of these parameters is often hindered by uncertainty regarding the spatial scale of contaminant transfer from sediments to biota. We present a simple statistical method for optimizing bioaccumulation parameters (BAF and BSAF) in aquatic species, such as fish, whose exposure history may occur over broad spatial scales. For 6 finfish species sampled in San Francisco Bay, San Diego Bay, or the Southern California Bight, California, USA, the spatial scale of correlation was optimized using regression analysis. The ranges identified for pairing biota and sediment observations generally corresponded to the known life histories of the species and with laboratory tests comparing relationships observed for 28-d Macoma spp. This procedure may be useful for identifying appropriate species and spatial scales to predict bioaccumulation and for developing data sets of corresponding sediment and tissue residues.
The Reproducibility of a Kinematically-Derived Axis of the Knee versus Digitized Anatomical Landmarks using a Knee Navigation System
Authors: Doro Lisa Case , Hughes Richard E , Miller Joshua D , Schultz Karl F , Hallstrom Brian , Urquhart Andrew G
Published: October 2008

Component position is critical to longevity of knee arthroplasties. Femoral component rotation is typically referenced from the transepicondylar axis (TEA), the anterior-posterior (AP) axis or the posterior condylar axis. Other studies have shown high variability in locating the TEA while proposing digitization of other landmarks such as the AP axis as a less-variable reference. This study uses a navigation system to compare the reproducibility of computing a kinematically-derived, navigated knee axis (NKA) to digitizing the TEA and AP axis. Twelve knees from unembalmed cadavers were tested. Four arthroplasty surgeons digitized the femoral epicondyles and the AP axis direction as well as flexed and extended the knee repeatedly to allow for NKA determination. The variance of the NKA axis determined under neutral loading conditions was smaller than the variance of the TEA axis when the kinematics were measured in the closed surgical condition (P<0.001). However, varus, valgus, and internal loading of the leg increased the variability of the NKA. Distraction of the leg during knee flexion and extension preserved the low variability of the NKA. In conclusion, a kinematically-derived NKA under neutral or distraction loading is more reproducible than the TEA and AP axis determined by digitization.
Seroepidemiology and Risk Factors Of Blood-Borne Virus Infections Among Drug Users in Uppsala County, Sweden
Authors: Sylvan Staffan P.E. , Hedlund Johan , Ohlén Gunilla , Lundell Eva , Bondeson Kare , Dependency the Uppsala County Working Group Against Drug
Published: October 2008

The prevalence, risk factors, and prevention opportunities of hepatitis A, B, C and HIV infection was studied in
injecting drug users (IDUs) in comparison with non-injecting drug users (n-IDUs) in Uppsala County, Sweden.

The seroprevalence among IDUs were 0.7% for HIV, 19% for HAV, 26% for HBV and 63% for HCV. For hepatitis C,
the seroprevalence was directly related to the number of years of injections. No cases of HIV were found among the n-
IDUs and the seroprevalence rate was significantly lower for HBV and HCV, 6 and 2%, respectively. In contrast, the anti-
HAV antibody seroprevalence was not significantly different between n-IDUs and IDUs (27% vs 19%, p< ns). There was
no difference in vaccination uptake among IDUs compared with n-IDUs.

Hepatitis A and B vaccination should be considered as one component of a comprehensive programme including counselling,
support and education of blood-borne infections associated with drug use.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis, Allergic Aspergillus Sinusitis and their Co-occurrence
Authors: Diwakar Amit , Panjabi Chandramani , Shah Ashok
Published: October 2008

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), which requires a set of criteria for diagnosis, occurs in
atopic individuals, predominantly asthmatics. Oral corticosteroids are the cornerstone for the management of the disease.
Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (AAS), clinico-pathologically similar to ABPA, is also diagnosed with a set of criteria including
demonstration of fungal elements in sinus material. Heterogeneous densities on computed tomography of the
para-nasal sinuses are caused by the ‘allergic mucin’ in the sinuses. A combination of oral corticosteroids and surgical
removal of impacted sinus mucin is the current approach to treatment. Despite common clinico-immunopathological characteristics,
the co-occurrence of both these diseases is a rarely reported phenomenon. This could be due to the fact that the
two diseases are often encountered by different specialities. Screening all asthmatics for Aspergillus sensitisation could
identify those with severe disease and those at risk for developing ABPA. AAS must be excluded in all patients with
ABPA and vice-versa.
Research Universities: Autonomy and Self-Reliance after the Entrepreneurial University
Authors: Armbruster Chris
Published: October 2008

The Entrepreneurial University is a failed idea. This is not to disparage the entrepreneurial activities of faculty, graduates and students. Neither is it to criticise industry-sponsored research and co-authorship. University research and higher education have a role in innovation. However, if entrepreneurialism is institutionalised as a policy of governments and universities, all manner of things start to go wrong. Not only do participants suffer from disappointed expectations, as expected returns fail to materialise, but also, more importantly, universities that ‘go entrepreneurial’ ultimately destroy the science commons essential to the university's continued existence. A systematic critique of the concept of the Entrepreneurial University is offered and key data is reviewed. Simultaneously, a broader research programme on university autonomy and finance is advanced.
A survey of veterinarian involvement in zoonotic disease prevention practices
Authors: Lipton Beth A. , Hopkins Sharon G. , Koehler Jane E. , DiGiacomo Ronald F.
Published: October 2008

Objective—To determine the extent to which practicing veterinarians in King County, Washington, engaged in commonly recommended practices for the prevention of zoonotic diseases.

Design—Cross-sectional survey.

Sample Population—Licensed veterinarians practicing clinical medicine in King County, Washington.

Procedures—A survey was sent between September and November 2006 to 454 licensed veterinarians practicing clinical medicine in King County.

Results—370 valid responses were received. A high proportion (280/362 [77%]) of respondents agreed that it was very important for veterinarians to educate clients on zoonotic disease prevention, but only 43% (158/367) reported that they had initiated discussions about zoonotic diseases with clients on a daily basis, and only 57% (203/356) indicated that they had client educational materials on zoonotic diseases available in their practices. Thirty-one percent (112/360) of respondents indicated that there were no written infection-control guidelines for staff members in the practice, and 28% (105/371) reported having been infected with a zoonotic disease in practice.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results illustrated that veterinarians recognize their important role in zoonotic disease prevention and suggested that veterinarians would welcome stronger partnerships with public health agencies and other health professionals in this endeavor. Methods to increase veterinarians' involvement in zoonotic disease prevention include discussing zoonotic diseases more frequently with clients, physicians, and public health agencies; encouraging higher risk individuals to discuss zoonotic diseases; having educational materials on zoonotic diseases available for clients; improving infection-control practices; and ensuring that continuing education courses on zoonotic diseases are regularly available.
Outcome of medical and surgical treatment in dogs with cervical spondylomyelopathy: 104 cases (1988–2004)
Authors: da Costa Ronaldo C. , Parent Joane M. , Holmberg David L. , Sinclair Diana , Monteith Gabrielle
Published: October 2008

Objective—To compare outcomes and survival times for dogs with cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM; wobbler syndrome) treated medically or surgically.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—104 dogs.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs were included if the diagnosis of CSM had been made on the basis of results of diagnostic imaging and follow-up information (minimum, 6 months) was available. Ordinal logistic regression was used to compare outcomes and the product-limit method was used to compare survival times between dogs treated surgically and dogs treated medically.

Results—37 dogs were treated surgically, and 67 were treated medically. Owners reported that 30 (81%) dogs treated surgically were improved, 1 (3%) was unchanged, and 6 (16%) were worse and that 36 (54%) dogs treated medically were improved, 18 (27%) were unchanged, and 13 (19%) were worse. Outcome was not significantly different between groups. Information on survival time was available for 33 dogs treated surgically and 43 dogs treated medically. Forty of the 76 (53%) dogs were euthanized because of CSM. Median and mean survival times were 36 and 48 months, respectively, for dogs treated medically and 36 and 46.5 months, respectively, for dogs treated surgically. Survival times did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In the present study, neither outcome nor survival time was significantly different between dogs with CSM treated medically and dogs treated surgically, suggesting that medical treatment is a viable and valuable option for management of dogs with CSM.
Late cardiac perforation by a passive-fixation permanent pacemaker lead in a dog
Authors: Achen Sarah E. , Miller Matthew W. , Nelson David A. , Gordon Sonya G. , Drourr Lori T.
Published: October 2008

Case Description—A 12-year-old Miniature Dachshund with a history of permanent endocardial pacemaker implantation performed 7 weeks previously was admitted for routine dental prophylaxis.

Clinical Findings—Preanesthetic ECG revealed normal ventricular capture. Thoracic radiographic findings included caudomedial displacement of the endocardial pacemaker lead. Echocardiography revealed moderate chronic degenerative valve disease with moderate left atrial and ventricular dilation. After induction of anesthesia, loss of ventricular capture was detected. The dog recovered from anesthesia and had improved ventricular capture. The following day, surgical exposure of the cardiac apex revealed perforation of the right ventricular apex by the passive-fixation pacemaker lead.

Treatment and Outcome—A permanent epicardial pacemaker was implanted through a transxiphoid approach. Appropriate ventricular capture and sensing were achieved. The dog recovered without complications. Approximately 2 months later, the dog developed sudden respiratory distress at home and was euthanized.

Clinical Relevance—In dogs with permanent pacemakers and loss of ventricular capture, differential diagnoses should include cardiac perforation. If evidence of perforation of the pacemaker lead is found, replacement of the endocardial pacemaker lead with an epicardial pacemaker lead is warranted.
The Nasal Decongestant Effect of Xylometazoline in the Common Cold
Authors: Eccles Ronald , Eriksson Margareta , Garreffa Steve , Chen Shirley C.
Published: October 2008

Background

Xylometazoline is a nasal decongestant spray that constricts nasal blood vessels and increases nasal airflow, enabling patients with a blocked nose to breathe more easily. The purpose of this study was to characterize objectively and subjectively the decongestant and additional effects of xylometazoline in the common cold.

Methods

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study was performed. Patients with a common cold (n = 61) were treated with xylometazoline 0.1% (n = 29) or placebo (saline solution; n = 32; 1 spray three times a day for up to 10 days). The primary objective was to determine the decongestant effect (nasal conductance); the secondary objectives were to determine the peak subjective effect (visual analog scale), duration of relief of nasal congestion, total and individual cold symptoms and general well-being (patients’ daily diary), and adverse events (AEs).

Results

The decongestant effect of xylometazoline was significantly greater than placebo, as shown by the nasal conductance at 1 hour (384.23 versus 226.42 cm3/s; p ≤ 0.0001) and peak subjective effect (VAS, 20.7 mm versus 31.5 mm; p = 0.0298). Nasal conductance was significantly superior for up to 10 hours (p = 0.0009) and there was a trend in favor of xylometazoline for up to 12 hours (not statistically significant). Xylometazoline significantly improved total and some individual common cold symptoms scores (p < 0.05), leading to significantly greater patient general evaluation and satisfaction with treatment (p < 0.05). Nineteen AEs were reported: 8 with xylometazoline (all mild-moderate) and 11 with placebo (1 severe).

Conclusion

Xylometazoline is an effective and well-tolerated decongestant nasal spray that significantly relieved nasal congestion compared with placebo in the common cold and provided long-lasting relief with just 1 spray, helping patients to breathe more easily for a longer period of time.
Ozone-induced Nasal Hyperresponsiveness to Tachykinins in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Ho Ching-Yin , Tan Ching-Ting , Tsai Hung-Huey , Kou Yu Ru
Published: October 2008

Objective

To assess role of hydroxyl radials in the ozone-induced upper airway hyperresponsiveness to tachykinins.

Methods

A prospective, controlled, animal model (n = 96) was performed. Half of them exposed to air (A-group, placebo) and the other half exposed to 3 ppm ozone (O-group) for 2 h. Two hours post air/ozone exposure, animals were anesthetized and equally randomized to be pretreated with one of the three treatments, including saline vehicle, dimethylthiourea (DMTU; 500 mg/kg m, a hydroxyl radical scavenger), or phosphoramidon (Phos; 2 μg/kg, an inhibitor for neutral endopeptidase). Ten minutes after pretreatment, half of the animals in each group were i.v. injected with capsaicin (2 μg/kg), and the other half were i.v. injected with substance P (10 μg/kg) to produce Evans blue dye extravasation.

Results

Nasal exudative response to capsaicin or substance P in O-group was found to be significantly greater than that in A-group. This ozone-induced nasal airway hyperresponsiveness was largely prevented by DMTU. Phosphoramidon produced a similar nasal airway hyperresponsiveness in the A-group, but failed to alter ozone-induced nasal airway hyperresponsiveness in O-group. In sharp contrast, only substance P, but not capsaicin, produced a laryngeal exudative response in the A-group, which was similar to that in the O-group. The laryngeal exudative response to substance P was not significantly affected by DMTU or Phos.

Conculsion

In the guinea-pig model, hydroxyl radicals play a vital role in the development of ozone-induced nasal airway hyperresponsiveness to tachykinins. It is possibly mediated through the suppressive action of ozone on the tachykinin degradation.
Clinical Assessment of a Nasal Decongestion Test by Visual Analog Scale in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Ciprandi Giorgio , Klersy Catherine , Ameli Franco , Cirillo Ignazio
Published: October 2008

Background

Nasal airflow, as measured by rhinomanometry, is frequently impaired in allergic rhinitis (AR). The decongestion test evaluates whether the application of an intranasal vasoconstrictor drug increases nasal airflow. That allergy is characterized by inflammation and that the response to the decongestion test correlates with the grade of inflammatory reaction has previously been shown. The aim of this study was to verify the suitability of the use of the visual analog scales (VASs) as a surrogate for rhinomanometry in the decongestion test assessment in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis.

Methods

One hundred three patients (mean age, 23 years [2.24 SD]) were studied. Nasal symptoms, VAS, rhinomanometry, and nasal decongestion test were assessed in all patients.

Results

A significant association was observed between VAS and nasal airflow after the decongestion test (Spearman R = -33.3%; p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant inverse association between changes in decongestion measures was detected, with a Spearman R = -64.7% (p < 0.001). The associated sensitivity was of 92.5%, and the specificity for this test was 60.0%. The corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81.

Conclusion

The use of VAS for assessing the decongestion test appears clinically relevant in that it allows, with a fair degree of reliability, such a test to be performed in the absence of rhinomanometry.
Impact of External Nasal Strips on Nasal Geometry and Intranasal Air-conditioning
Authors: Lindemann Joerg , Tsakiropoulou Evangelia , Keck Tilman , Leiacker Richard , Vital Victor , Wiesmiller Kerstin M.
Published: October 2008

Background

The anterior nasal segment is the most effective part of the nasal airways when it comes to warming and humidification of the inhaled air. Any changes in nasal geometry in this segment modifying the airflow could therefore affect nasal air conditioning. The goal of this study was to examine ifexternal nasal strips have an influence on intranasal geometry and air-conditioning.

Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers (mean age, 36 years) were enrolled in the study. All volunteers received active anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry before and while wearing commercially available external nasal strips. In addition, in vivo air temperature and humidity were measured with and without nasal strips at the defined intranasal sites.

Results

No statistically significant changes in temperature, humidity, and rhinomanometric values were detected during the use of nasal strips (p > 0.05). The statistical analysis of the acoustic rhinometric results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the minimal cross-sectional areas (MCA) 1 (0–2 cm) and MCA2 (2–5 cm) and the nasal volume (Vol) 1 (0–2 cm). On the other hand, the nasal strips did not significantly alter the nasal Vol2 (2–5 cm; p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Changes in the nasal geometry of the anterior part of the nose by wearing nasal strips did not relevantly alter intranasal air-conditioning. The application of nasal strips entails an increase in MCAs but not in nasal airflow Vol.
Clinical Utility of Intraoperative Volume Computed Tomography Scanner for Endoscopic Sinonasal and Skull Base Procedures
Authors: Batra Pete S. , Kanowitz Seth J. , Citardi Martin J.
Published: October 2008

Background

Intraoperative surgical navigation has become widely accepted as an important tool for improvement of surgical outcomes and reduction of complication in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical utility of intraoperative volume computed tomography (CT) scanning in endoscopic sinonasal and skull base procedures.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients who underwent intraoperative volume CT imaging (xCAT; XoranTechnologies, Ann Arbor, MI) during endoscopic sinonasal and skull base surgery during a 3-month period was performed. Intraoperative, computer-enabled triplanar review of reformatted 0.4-mm images was performed in all cases.

Results

Intraoperative volume CT scanning was completed in 25 patients. Surgical procedures included revision/primary ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without polyposis (12 cases) and mucoceles (6 cases) as well as endoscopic neoplasm resection (5 cases), endoscopic fibro-osseous lesion resection (1 case), and endoscopic meningoencephalocele repair (1 case). The indications for intraoperative CT scanning included assessment of surgical dissection (23 cases), extent of tumor resection (6 cases), and frontal stent placement (6 cases). Based on the intraoperative volume CT information, additional interventions, including additional tumor resection (2 cases), dissection of ethmoid partitions (2 cases), frontal bone drilling during Draf IIB (1 case), and repositioning of a frontal stent (1 case) were performed in 6 (24%) cases.

Conclusion

Intraoperative volume CT scanning was successfully performed in 25 patients undergoing ESS. Because additional surgical intervention was performed in 24% of cases, this technology may have an important role in endoscopic sinonasal and skull base procedures.
Early Influence of Bilateral Turbinoplasty Combined with Septoplasty on Intranasal Air Conditioning
Authors: Lindemann Joerg , Keck Tilman , Leiacker Richard , Dzida Rene , Wiesmiller Kerstin
Published: October 2008

Background

Too extensive resection of the inferior turbinates (ITs) during nasal surgery leads to a severely disturbed intranasal air conditioning. Data comparing nasal air conditioning before and after turbinoplasty in nasal surgery are still lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the early effect of bilateral turbinoplasty combined with septoplasty on intranasal heating and humidification.

Methods

Twelve patients were included into this prospective study. In one-half of the patients a bilateral turbinoplasty of the IT during nasal surgery was performed, in the other half no surgery on the IT was performed. Intranasal air temperature and humidity were measured before and after surgery. A combined miniaturized thermocouple and a humidity sensor were used for simultaneous in vivo intranasal measurements.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in temperature and humidity values between the two study groups before surgery (p > 0.05). In both groups, the postoperative temperature and humidity values were statistically significantly higher compared with the preoperative ones (p < 0.05). Regarding the two patient groups, the postoperative increase in temperature and humidity was even more pronounced in patients undergoing additional bilateral turbinoplasty.

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, patients seemed to overall benefit from nasal surgery, with and without a preserving bilateral turbinoplasty, because intranasal air conditioning was improved after surgery. A carefully performed and conservative reduction of the IT in nasal surgery seems to even improve intranasal air conditioning.
Antigen-specific IgE in Sinus Mucosa of Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis Patients
Authors: Wise Sarah K. , Ahn Chadwick N. , Lathers Deanne M.R. , Mulligan Ryan M. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: October 2008

Background

Local tissue production of antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) has been shown in patients with allergic rhinitis and in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps. In allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), specific IgE has been established in nasal lavage fluid and eosinophilic mucin. In this study, local production of antigen-specific IgE within sinus mucosa of AFRS patients was evaluated.

Methods

Sinus mucosa homogenates from 11 AFRS patients, 8 patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and 9 nonrhinosinusitis control patients were assessed for IgE localization by immunohistochemistry. AFRS and control tissue homogenates were also evaluated for antigen-specific IgE to 14 common antigens by ImmunoCAP testing (Phadia AB, Portage, MI).

Results

There was a significant increase in IgE staining in AFRS sinus epithelium and subepithelium compared with controls and with patients with CRSsNP (p ≤ 0.012 for all group differences). AFRS patients showed increased IgE staining in the subepithelium when compared with epithelium (p < 0.001). AFRS sinus tissue had significantly more IgE measured by ImmunoCAP when compared with control sinus tissue for 7 of 14 specific antigens (p < 0.05) and for total IgE (p = 0.004). Antigens with a significant difference on ImmunoCAP included Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Timothy grass, red maple, cockroach, ragweed, and cocklebur.

Conclusion

AFRS patients showed significantly more IgE in sinus mucosa tissue specimens, with increased IgE in subepithelial sites when compared with epithelium. The increased expression of antigen-specific IgE is not limited to fungal antigens. These findings support the role of type I hypersensitivity and local manifestations of allergy in AFRS patients.
Lithium Salts in the Treatment of Psychotic Excitement
Authors: Cade John F.
Published: October 2008

Dr John Cade, one of the most distinguished Australian psychiatrists, died in November, 1980. We republish his seminal paper and acknowledge our debt to The Medical Journal of Australia for allowing us to reprint the article from their September 1949 issue.
Female Vulnerability to Neurosis: The Influence of Social Roles
Authors: Tennant Christopher , Bebbington Paul , Hurry Jane
Published: October 2008

Studies of prevalence of neurotic disorders show women to be far more vulnerable than men. Biological factors cannot account for this marked sex difference; social factors are clearly implicated. Findings from a community study in London show that social roles, especially those relating to marriage, are implicated. It appeared that lack of employment outside the home was deleterious for both sexes, while a poor marital relationship was deleterious for women alone. Although care of young children was associated with neurosis in women, it did so by virtue of depriving women of employment outside the home.
The Lust Murder of Edward
Authors: Kippax Donna E.
Published: October 2008

The events surrounding an act of great violence committed by an adolescent boy are discussed. Significance rests in the fact that both the victim and the offender were known to the author. It is suggested that in the genesis of this crime, three critical factors converged: an offender whose psychopathology was such that an impulsive act of sexual violence was possible, a victim whose helplessness, availability and symbolic appeal made him ripe for exploitation, and finally, a social network of significant others whose own preoccupations and losses led them to overlook the signals of impending violence. Here again as part of that network of significant others, the author is in a unique position to comment intimately on the nature of this environmental ‘failure’ and on its subsequent ramifications.
Marital Interaction in Persisting Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Authors: Hafner R. Julian
Published: October 2008

The failure of modern behaviour therapy to relieve usefully more than 50% of severe, persisting obsessive-compulsive disorders is discussed. It Is suggested that explanations for the failure of many married patients to respond to behaviour therapy can be found in their marital interaction. Where the development or maintenance of obsessive-compulsive symptoms is an alternative to overt marital conflict, it may often be counterproductive to treat the symptoms alone, since this serves to consolidate them as a displaced focus of marital dissatisfaction. Marital therapy is often unacceptable or ineffective in such cases. Five cases of persisting obsessive-compulsive disorder in married women are used to illustrate this. An innovative treatment model using spouse-aided therapy is outlined, wherein the patient's spouse is invited to take part in therapy as a co-therapist or co-agent of change.
Significance of Tattoos in Male Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Buhrich Neil , Morris Gary
Published: October 2008

The study investigated the social background and current social stability of 45 tattooed males. Tattooed subjects compared to non-tattooed controls were more likely to report leaving home and school early, to report spending a period in a boys' institution and in prison, and showed greater current instability with regard to accommodation and employment. Tattoos were significantly associated with a current diagnosis of personality disorder and alcoholism and past treatment for drug abuse and parasuicide.
Children of Alcoholics
Authors: Adler Robert , Raphae Beverley
Published: October 2008

The familial nature of alcoholism is well established, but the interaction of nature and nurture remains unresolved. Other effects of alcoholic parents on the psychopathology of their children are poorly documented, with studies variably claiming that there is no discernible impact or that there is a significantly higher incidence of problems, particularly in the area of antisocial and aggressive behaviour. The relative importance of family disharmony and disruption which so often accompanies alcohol abuse, as against the impact of the alcohol abuse itself, is rarely considered. The literature on the psychopathology of children of alcoholic parents is reviewed and the relevance of the last two issues explored.
Follow-Up of Attempted Suicide in Christchurch
Authors: Adam K. S. , Valentine J. , Scarr G. , Streiner D.
Published: October 2008

Ninety-eight subjects who had attempted suicide and 102 general practice controls previously interviewed were followed-up at 18–24 months. The former continued to show greater social and psychiatric disability than controls and more than one-third made repeat suicide attempts. Nevertheless, as a group, the attempted suicides showed significant improvement in mental state, and familial and interpersonal relationships, whereas controls reported little change in most measures. Persistence of suicidal ideation and repeat attempts were correlated with the diagnosis of psychosis and personality disorder and predictions about the likelihood of further suicidal activity were accurate. Although 92% of patients were referred for further treatment, 38% of these were judged to have dropped out prematurely. Completion of treatment and being in ongoing treatment were positively correlated with patients' self reports of improvement. The findings are compared to experience elsewhere and to a previous Christchurch follow-up study.
Psychotherapy and Health Insurance
Authors: Andrews Gavin
Published: October 2008

The Australian health insurance industry has been critical of psychiatry. The data on patterns of claims which have been the focus for some of their concerns are reviewed. The evidence on the efficacy of psychotherapy is also reviewed. Psychotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for persons with incapacitating neurotic and personality disorders, a treatment too important to be endangered by dissent over health insurance payments. Proposals for a peer review process for long term psychotherapy are mooted in the expectation that agreement between the health insurance industry and psychiatry would benefit those patients in need of psychotherapy.
An Application of Strategic Family Therapy to a Residential Child and Family Psychiatry Service: Redbank House
Authors: Churven Peter , Cintio Bronwyn
Published: October 2008

This paper describes the application of strategic family therapy as the core treatment model in a teaching hospital child and family psychiatry service providing outpatient, daypatient and residential care. The admission of the whole family is seen as a desirable innovation in that it may prevent the process by which admission of the troubled child acts as reinforcement to, and a continuation of, family dysfunction.
Psychiatric Impairment, Physical Health and Work Values among Unemployed and Apprenticed Young Men
Authors: McPherson Andrew , Hall Wayne
Published: October 2008

A cross-sectional study was carried out to compare psychiatric impairment in young unemployed men and apprentices from Sydney's western suburbs. The unemployed men were found to have a psychiatric case rate (as defined by the GHQ) of 48% as against a rate of 28% for the apprentices. Comparisons of the unemployed men and apprentices on other measures indicated that they did not differ in physical health nor in the value they attached to work. The unemployed, however, were older on average, less well educated and had experienced a poorer quality of parental upbringing than the apprentices. A log-linear analysis revealed that the adverse effects of unemployment on mental health were not attributable to poor quality of upbringing.
Depression in General Practice Attenders
Authors: Bradshaw Geoffrey , Parker Gordon
Published: October 2008

The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used to study depressive symptoms in 251 people routinely attending their general practitioners. Lower social class and female sex were weak predictors of higher Zung scores. Sociodemographic influences on responses to particular Zung scale items are reported. Using a cut-off score of 40, 53 subjects (21%) were found to be significantly depressed (24% of females and 15% of males) with the point prevalence data for males and females being strikingly similar to data obtained in another Sydney general practice study using a differing methodology. Zung scale scores of our subjects were compared with those of 43 neurotic depressive patients assessed at initial psychiatric referral. While the total Zung scores of the two groups were very similar, depressives in the general practice sample scored as having a less marked mood disturbance, were less irritable, were less likely to cry and less likely to report weight loss. We suggest that either these symptoms may be less severe in general practice ‘cases’ than in ‘cases’ of depression referred to a psychiatrist, or that differences reflect demographic differences of the samples.
Spacetime Foam: From Entropy and Holography to Infinite Statistics and Nonlocality
Authors: Ng Y. Jack
Published: October 2008

Due to quantum fluctuations, spacetime is foamy on small scales. The degree of foaminess is found to be consistent with holography, a principle prefigured in the physics of black hole entropy. It has bearing on the ultimate accuracies of clocks and measurements and the physics of quantum computation. Consistent with existing archived data on active galactic nuclei from the Hubble Space Telescope, the application of the holographic spacetime foam model to cosmology requires the existence of dark energy which, we argue, is composed of an enormous number of inert “particles” of extremely long wavelength. We suggest that these “particles” obey infinite statistics in which all representations of the particle permutation group can occur, and that the nonlocality present in systems obeying infinite statistics may be related to the nonlocality present in holographic theories. We also propose to detect spacetime foam by looking for halos in the images of distant quasars, and argue that it does not modify the GZK cutoff in the ultra-high energy cosmic ray spectrum and its contributions to time-offlight differences of high energy gamma rays from distant GRB are too small to be detectable.
Extended Thermodynamics: a Theory of Symmetric Hyperbolic Field Equations
Authors: Müller Ingo
Published: October 2008

Extended thermodynamics is based on a set of equations of balance which are supplemented by local and instantaneous constitutive equations so that the field equations are quasi-linear first order differential equations. If the constitutive functions are subject to the requirements of the entropy principle, one may write them in symmetric hyperbolic form by a suitable choice of fields. The kinetic theory of gases, or the moment theories based on the Boltzmann equation provide an explicit example for extended thermodynamics. The theory proves its usefulness and practicality in the successful treatment of light scattering in rarefied gases. This presentation is based upon the book [1] of which the author of this paper is a co-author. For more details about the motivation and exploitation of the basic principles the interested reader is referred to that reference. It would seem that extended thermodynamics is worthy of the attention of mathematicians. It may offer them a non-trivial field of study concerning hyperbolic equations, if ever they get tired of the Burgers equation. Physicists may prefer to appreciate the success of extended thermodynamics in light scattering and to work on the open problems concerning the modification of the Navier-Stokes-Fourier theory in rarefied gases as predicted by extended thermodynamics of 13, 14, and more moments.
Variation of Ursolic Acid Content in Eight Ocimum Species from Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Silva M. Goretti V. , Vieira Icaro G. P. , Mendes Francisca N. P. , Albuquerque Irineu L. , Dos Santos Rogério N. , Silva Fábio O. , Morais Selene M.
Published: October 2008

Ursolic acid is a very important compound due to its biological potential as an anti-inflammatory, trypanocidal, antirheumatic, antiviral, antioxidant and antitumoral agent. This study presents the HPLC analysis of ursolic acid (UA) content in eight different Ocimum species: O. americanum L., O. basilicum L, O. basilicum var purpurascens Benth, O. basilicum var. minimum L, O. gratissimum L, O. micranthum Willd, O. selloi Benth. and O. tenuiflorum L. grown in Northeastern Brazil. In these Ocimum species, UA was detected in different yields, with O. tenuiflorum showing the highest content (2.02%). This yield is very significant when compared with other sources of UA.
Development of Light Powered Sensor Networks for Thermal Comfort Measurement
Authors: Lee Dasheng
Published: October 2008

Recent technological advances in wireless communications have enabled easy installation of sensor networks with air conditioning equipment control applications. However, the sensor node power supply, through either power lines or battery power, still presents obstacles to the distribution of the sensing systems. In this study, a novel sensor network, powered by the artificial light, was constructed to achieve wireless power transfer and wireless data communications for thermal comfort measurements. The sensing node integrates an IC-based temperature sensor, a radiation thermometer, a relative humidity sensor, a micro machined flow sensor and a microprocessor for predicting mean vote (PMV) calculation. The 935 MHz band RF module was employed for the wireless data communication with a specific protocol based on a special energy beacon enabled mode capable of achieving zero power consumption during the inactive periods of the nodes. A 5W spotlight, with a dual axis tilt platform, can power the distributed nodes over a distance of up to 5 meters. A special algorithm, the maximum entropy method, was developed to estimate the sensing quantity of climate parameters if the communication module did not receive any response from the distributed nodes within a certain time limit. The light-powered sensor networks were able to gather indoor comfort-sensing index levels in good agreement with the comfort-sensing vote (CSV) preferred by a human being and the experimental results within the environment suggested that the sensing system could be used in air conditioning systems to implement a comfort-optimal control strategy.
Real-time Monitoring of Non-specific Toxicity Using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Reporter System
Authors: Välimaa Anna-Liisa , Kivistö Anniina , Virta Marko , Karp Matti
Published: October 2008

Baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is the simplest and most well-known representative of eukaryotic cells and thus a convenient model organism for evaluating toxic effects in human cells and tissues. Yeast cell sensors are easy to maintain with short generation times, which makes the analytical method of assessing antifungal toxicity cheap and less-time consuming. In this work, the toxicity of test compounds was assessed in bioassays based on bioluminescence inhibition and on traditional growth inhibition on agar plates. The model organism in both tests was a modified S. cerevisiae sensor strain that produces light when provided with D-luciferin in an insect luciferase reporter gene activity assay. The bioluminescence assay showed toxic effects for yeast cell sensor of 5,6-benzo-flavone, rapamycin, nystatin and cycloheximide at concentrations of nM to µM. In addition, arsenic compounds, cadmium chloride, copper sulfate and lead acetate were shown to be potent non-specific inhibitors of the reporter organism described here. The results from a yeast agar diffusion assay correlated with the bioluminescence assay results.
Theoretical limits of oxygen:carbon and oxygen:nitrogen ratios during photosynthesis and mineralisation of organic matter in the sea
Authors: Fraga F. , Ríos A. F. , Pérez F. F. , Figueiras F. G.
Published: October 2008

It is frequent to observe disagreements between the relationships RC =-ΔO2/ΔC and RN = -ΔO2/ΔN found during photosynthesis-mineralisation studies in the ocean and those expected according to the Redfield plankton composition. That is because RC and RN depend on the C/N and Carbohydrates/Lipids (Cbh/Lip) ratios of the organic matter. Starting from the mean biochemical composition of the main groups of phytoplankton biomolecules and from the stoichiometry of photosynthesis-mineralisation, we establish a new formulation to enable us to calculate RC and RN as a function of C/N and Cbh/Lip ratios independent of the variance in the N/P ratio. The approach proposed here permits the theoretical limits of RC and RN to be calculated. The RC value can vary between 1 and 1.58 while RN can vary between 5.8 and infinity with the interrelationships between the ratios being defined by RN/RC=C/N which, in its turn, can vary between 3.67 and infinity. For a given RC the limits of RN become narrower and vice versa. When C/N ratio is fixed the limits of the RC and RN values also become narrower. A graphic representation to check and visualise these limits and other experimental biochemical composition values is developed. According to the average value of the Cbh/Lip relationship, 0.82 in carbon, recovered from the literature and for a C/N = 106/16, the estimate mean RC and RN values are 1.41 and 9.33 respectively which are coincident with previous ratios given by other authors.
First record of larval stages of Coryphaena hippurus (Pisces: Coryphaenidae) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Alemany Francesc , Massutí Enric
Published: October 2008

The occurrence of early larval stages of Coryphaena hippurus is reported for the first time in Mediterranean waters. Four larvae between 3.25 and 4.80 mm standard length were found in ichthyoplanktonic collections taken off the Balearic Islands between 1985 and 1995. Their capture is discussed in relation to the life cycle proposed for this species in the area.
Assessment of the Aphia minuta stock (Pisces: Gobiidae) by acoustic methods from the Bay of Alcudia (Mallorca, western Mediterranean
Authors: Iglesias M. , Miquel J.
Published: October 2008

Acoustic techniques have been used for the first time to evaluate the abundance and distribution of the Aphia Minuta stock (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Island of Mallorca (Baleares, Spain). Acoustic surveys have been carried out during three consecutive seasons (1993, 1994 and 1995) in the more important fishing zone of this island, the Bay of Alcudia. Indices were obtained for abundance (m3) of this goby at the beginning of the fishing season. The volume of A. minuta has decreased from 12,902,751 m3 in January 1993 to 1,161,248 m3 in January 1995. The catches obtained have gone from almost six tonnes in 1993 to be practically nil in 1995.