bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vocal fold paralysis following carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Espinoza Fernanda I. , MacGregor Fiona B. , Doughty Julie C. , Cooke Lynn D.
Published: November 2007

Injury to the vagus nerve or one of its branches during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can result in vocal fold paralysis (VFP). This study assessed prospectively 73 patients undergoing CEA. A total of 76 procedures were performed in these patients over a one-year period. All patients underwent preoperative and post-operative assessment of vocal fold mobility by indirect laryngoscopy and/or flexible nasendoscopy. All patients had normal vocal fold mobility pre-operatively. Eight patients (10 per cent) complained of hoarseness after surgery and in three patients (four per cent) examination confirmed an ipsilateral VFP. This persists in all three patients at six-month follow-up. Vocal fold assessment is important in patients undergoing CEA, particularly when performing second side surgery. We recommend that patients should be informed of the risk of VFP following CEA when obtaining consent.
Tinnitus as the presenting symptom in a case of Lhermitte-Duclos disease
Authors: Lobo C. J. , Mehan R. , Murugasu E. , Laitt R. D.
Published: November 2007

Dysplastic gangliocytoma or Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD) is a hamartomatous malformation of the cerebellar hemisphere that usually presents with signs of increased intracranial pressure or symptoms of cerebellar dysfunction. In this paper, we report a case of LDD presenting with tinnitus, and postulate a probable mechanism for this unusual presentation.
Sphenoid sinus schwannoma treated by endoscopic excision
Authors: Srinivasan V. , Deans J. A. J. , Nicol A.
Published: November 2007

Schwannomas, arising from the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath, occur very rarely in the sino-nasal tract and histological diagnosis can, sometimes, be difficult. We describe a case of schwannoma of the sphenoidal sinus occurring in a 71-year-old man, who underwent complete excision of the tumour endoscopically. To our knowledge, this is the third case of sphenoid sinus schwannoma reported in the English literature.
Tracheo-oesophageal puncture by retrograde passage of a gastroscope via mini-laparotomy and gastrotomy
Authors: Loughran S. , McKee G. , Carding P.
Published: November 2007

Secondary tracheo-oesophageal puncture is frequently used for voice restoration after laryngectomy. A method utilizing a flexible gastroscope passed via a mini-laparotomy and gastrotomy in a retrograde manner is described in a patient where extensive pharyngeal resection made it impossible to cannulate the upper aerodigestive tract. The patient suffered minimal morbidity and produced reasonable speech.
A minor salivary gland tumour presenting with dysphagia
Authors: Taylor James , Tighe John V. P.
Published: November 2007

A case is reviewed of a giant benign myoepithelioma of the soft palate presenting in an elderly female patient. Due to the large size of the lesion and its mass effect the patient developed dysphagia with subsequent significant weight loss. The clinico-pathological features of this rare tumour are described and the literature reviewed.
Fine needle aspiration in the pre-operative diagnosis of melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy
Authors: Galera-Ruiz H. , Gomez-Angel D. , Vazquez-Ramirez F. J. , Sanguino-Fabre J. C. , Salazar-Fernandez C. I. , Gonzalez-Hachero J.
Published: November 2007

A case of melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy is decribed. The pre-operative diagnosis was made on cytological material obtained by fine needle aspiration. The patient was a three-month-old male infant with a rapidly growing maxillary tumour mass that also involved the pterygomaxillary fossae and the floor of the orbit. In addition to the typical clinical presentation, the cytology is also distinctive showing a dual population of small neuroblastic cells and large melanin-containing epithelial cells. Histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination of the excised mass confirmed the initial diagnosis. The pre-operative distinction of this tumour from other small round cell tumours of infancy (rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma and lymphoma), is essential in order to plan the most complete resection therefore reducing the possibilities of tumour recurrence. This tumour belongs to a field of pathology with which many otolaryngologists may not be familiar.
CO2and KTP-532 laser cordectomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Manolopoulos L. , Stavroulaki P. , Yiotakis J. , Segas J. , Adamopoulos G.
Published: November 2007

Laryngeal obstruction due to bilateral vocal fold paralysis has been treated in many different ways. The CO2laser or KTP-532 laser endoscopic cordectomy described in this report is a slight modification of the posterior partial cordectomy proposed by Dennis and Kashima. This technique was used in 18 patients (14 with the CO2and four with the KTP-532 laser). Prophylactic tracheostomy was performed preoperatively. Post-operative results were excellent in nine cases, good in seven cases and poor in two cases who had to remain with a permanent tracheostomy tube with a speaking valve. The main complications noted were the formation of a granuloma (seven cases) and arytenoid oedema (six cases). Revision surgery was performed in the seven cases with granuloma formation and in the two with persistent oedema. The results and the post-operative findings from the use of the two lasers were similar.
Paediatric tracheostomy: an analysis of 40 cases
Authors: Dubey S. P. , Garap J. P.
Published: November 2007

Tracheostomy in the paediatric patient has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality compared to that in the adult. A retrospective analysis was made of 40 patients up to the age of 12 years having tracheostomies. Upper airway obstruction made up the commonest (32 patients, or 80 per cent) indication for paediatric tracheostomy in our series where males slightly outnumbered females. The majority (31 patients, or 77.5 per cent) underwent the operation under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Thirty-four (85 per cent) patients underwent ‘planned’ tracheostomies and six (15 per cent) underwent ‘crash’ procedures. Thirteen (32.5 per cent) patients were under the age of one year when tracheostomies were performed. The maximum duration of tracheostomies was between one week to within a month and after one month to within three months; each containing 11 (27.5 per cent) patients.

Sixty-four different surgical procedures were performed on these patients in which laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy were the commonest procedures. Nine (22.5 per cent) had early post-operative and 14 (35 per cent) had late post-operative complications. Among these 40 children with tracheostomies, one (2.5 per cent) died due to a tracheostomy-related cause and 10 (25 per cent) due to the primary disease process itself. Tracheostomies performed to provide access for general anaesthesia for other surgical procedures were associated with a better prognosis.
When is a biopsy justified in a case of relapsing polychondritis?
Authors: Reina Carlos O'Connor , Iriarte Maria Teresa Garcia , Reyes Francisco Javier Barron , Monge Ernesto Garcia , Barona Rafael Luque , Angel Diego Gomez
Published: November 2007

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a relatively rare rheumatic condition of unknown aetiology. It is characterized by recurrent episodic inflammation of cartilaginous structures (nose, ear and trachea). The clinical diagnosis of polychondritis can frequently be made with confidence in the absence of histological confirmation. A 61-year-old diabetic man, with bilateral relapsing aural inflammation, left ear deafness with tinnitus and pain at the sternocostal junctions is reported. After clinical diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis steroid therapy was started. An ear cartilage biopsy was performed confirming the clinical diagnosis. Subsequently soft tissue infection occurred at the operation site. The abscess was drained and oral ciprofloxacin was given with complete resolution of the infection over 30 days. As the infection is the main cause of death in these patients, we analyse whether biopsy is absolutely necessary for the diagnosis of RP in some patients.
An extreme and unusual variant of Ramsay Hunt syndrome
Authors: De S. , Pfleiderer A. G.
Published: November 2007

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is characterized by facial nerve paralysis, herpetic vesicles in or around the ear and pain often associated with vestibulocochlear nerve involvement. It is thought to be a cranial polyneuropathy caused by the herpes zoster virus. We present an extreme and unusual variant of this disease with involvement of VIIth, VIIIth, Xth, XIth and XIIth cranial nerves as well as C2–4 sensory dermatomes and profound systemic upset which caused some diagnostic uncertainty.
Spontaneous carotico-cavernous fistula presenting as pulsatile tinnitus
Authors: Robertson A. , Nicolaides A. R. , Taylor R. H.
Published: November 2007

A patient with sudden onset pulsatile tinnitus resulting from a spontaneous carotico-cavernous fistula is presented. The case is discussed and illustrated to highlight the clinical features and natural history of a condition rarely seen by ENT surgeons.
Penetrating oesophageal foreign bodies in the thyroid gland
Authors: Goh Y. H. , Tan N. G.
Published: November 2007

Oesophageal penetration and migration of oesophageal foreign bodies into the thyroid gland is extremely rare with only occasional case reports appearing in the medical literature over the years. This is a retrospective review of four patients who were managed for penetrating oesophageal foreign bodies in the thyroid gland over an 11-year period. The clinical, radiological and intra-operative findings of the four cases are discussed.
Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone
Authors: Xenellis J. , Bibas A. , Savy L. , Maragoudakis P. , Nomicos P.
Published: November 2007

Fibrous dysplasia is a slowly progressive bony disorder where normal bone is replaced by abnormal fibroosseous tissue. Its monostotic variety in the temporal bone is very rare and such a case is presented here. Computed tomography (CT) may be adequate for the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. Limited surgery should only be considered in cases of symptomatic disease.
Early complications of surgery for chronic otitis media
Authors: Dawes P. J. D.
Published: November 2007

This audit report details early post-operative complications following surgery for chronic otitis media. One hundred and forty-five cases were assessed. There were no facial nerve palsies, a bone conduction threshold elevation occurred in 4.6 per cent of cases. A wound infection occurred in six per cent of cases as did BIPP allergy. Twenty-six per cent of patients reported symptoms consistent with chorda tympani trauma. Short-lived symptoms of jaw discomfort were reported by 46 per cent of patients and imbalance or vertigo by 10 per cent of patients. The findings are compared with other published reports of complications following ear surgery.
Removal of a foreign body from the bronchial tree – a new method
Authors: Umapathy N. , Panesar J. , Whitehead B. F. , Taylor J. F. N.
Published: November 2007

Tracheo-bronchial foreign bodies can be very difficult to remove. This may be related to the location and type of foreign body, the experience of the bronchoscopist and the availability of appropriate instruments.

We report a case of an uncommon foreign body in an unusual location in an adolescent in whom conventional attempts to remove it failed. The foreign body was eventually recovered using a flexible bronchoscope and an intravascular wire loop snare under fluoroscopic control. The patient was saved from thoracotomy and possible lobectomy.

To our knowledge, this combined fluoroscopic and endoscopic approach for the removal of a difficult tracheobronchial foreign body is the first reported case in the literature.
Is Ollier's disease an understaging of Maffucci's syndrome?
Authors: Ahmed S. K. , Lee W. C. , Irving R. M. , Walsh A. R.
Published: November 2007

Ollier's disease and Maffucci's syndrome are similar multiple enchondromatous conditions. Other co-existing pathologies, particularly other primary malignancies, have been described sporadically in both conditions but more so in Maffucci's syndrome. Maffucci's syndrome is distinguished from Ollier's disease by the presence of haemangiomas in the former. In this report, a patient believed to have Ollier's disease for 44 years was subsequently found to have large splenic haemangiomas on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the light of this, we recommend that any patient diagnosed with Ollier's disease to have total body MRI to search for haemangiomas that will alter the diagnosis to Maffucci's syndrome and hence the prognosis. MRI also screens for the presence of other associated malignancies.
Feingold syndrome – a cause of profound deafness
Authors: Dodds Annabel , Ramsden Richard , Kingston Helen
Published: November 2007

A case of Feingold syndrome is presented with a previously undescribed association of bilateral profound hearing impairment. Computed tomography (CT) scanning revealed severe narrowing of the internal auditory meatuses at the peripheral end with non-existent auditory nerves. This pathology is significant in the future habilitation of the child, as cochlear implantation is not possible. Children with multiple congenital anomalies should have radiological investigations before hopes are raised with respect to cochlear implantation.
Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis
Authors: Percodani J. , Braun F. , Arrue P. , Yardeni E. , Murris-Espin M. , Serrano E. , Pessey J. J.
Published: November 2007

Rhinopharyngeal tuberculosis is a rare pathological condition. It is most often associated with lymph node and pulmonary lesions, but it may be an isolated finding. The authors report a recent case of an isolated rhinopharyngeal tuberculosis in a 64-year-old female. A review of the literature is presented. They emphasize the clinical presentation, that, in all aspects, may resemble a malignant tumour of the nasopharynx, as well as the difficulty of obtaining a pathological and bacteriological diagnosis.
Gustatory sweating of the external auditory canal
Authors: Sonsale A. , Sharp J. F. , Johnson I. J. M.
Published: November 2007

Gustatory sweating of the external auditory canal is extremely rare. A clinical case, that is only the second in the English literature, is presented. The potential pathogenesis and its treatment options are discussed.
Severe congenital laryngeal hypoplasia in a 45-year-old man
Authors: Ali Osman , Snow D. G.
Published: November 2007

Congenital laryngeal anomalies are rare. They usually present in infancy and early childhood. We present a case of severe congenital hypoplasia, with multiple anomalies of the laryngeal cartilages in a 45-year-old man.
Development of the Midland adult cochlear implant programme
Authors: Cooper H. R. , Cheshire I.M.
Published: November 2007

This paper describes the development of adult cochlear implantation in Birmingham over its first six years, from 1990 to 1996. During this time 366 patients were referred to the implant programme, female referrals outnumbered males 1.2:1. Eight per cent of referrals were over the age of 70.

The annual rate of referral suggests a fairly steady demand for the service. Approximately one third of patients referred each year were subsequently implanted. The centre is currently performing an average of 2 implants per month. The average time from referral to implant is approximately 19 months.

The greatest number of referrals originated from health districts closest to the implant centre. An examination of patients implanted suggested an imbalance in the uptake of the service amongst the different socio-economic groups.
Evaluation of cochlear implantation in post-meningitic adults
Authors: Thomas J. , Cheshire I. M.
Published: November 2007

Meningitis is an important cause of deafness and in some studies has been associated with poorer outcomes in adult patients following cochlear implantation. Of the first 100 adults implanted under the Midland Cochlear Implant Programme, 28 were deafened as a result of meningitis. We compare our experience with these patients with patients with a non-meningitic aetiology.

A degree of cochlear ossification was a more common finding in the meningitic group. In six cases (four meningitics, two non-meningitics) ossification was encountered only during surgery, not being apparent on pre-operative radiology.

The average scores achieved on auditory tests by the meningitic group were similar to those achieved by non-meningitic patients. At nine months, using only the implant, users were able to identify 54 per cent of common environmental sounds, achieved an average score of 30 words per minute on connected discourse tracking and identified an average of 42 per cent of words correctly in BKB sentences.

Poorer outcomes were more commonly associated with cochlear ossification. In patients with cognitive and neurological sequelae, benefits with the implant were not always apparent in the early months, however, with intensive therapy these patients can obtain measurable sustained benefit from their implant.
Clinical monitoring of the effects of gentamicin by electrocochleography
Authors: Keene Malcolm , Graham John M.
Published: November 2007

Eight patients receiving prolonged treatment with gentamicin for bacterial endocarditis were monitored for possible ototoxicity using transtympanic electrocochleography as an adjunct to pure tone audiometry, vestibular function tests and serum gentamicin levels. An immediate effect of intravenous gentamicin on the cochlea, shown by changes in the whole nerve action potential and/or cochlear microphonic was recorded in seven patients, none of whom had experienced vestibular or auditory symptoms with gentamicin prior to testing. Two patients subsequently developed evidence of vestibular dysfunction, and a high frequency sensorineural hearing loss occurred in a third individual. There have been no previous report of the immediate effects of gentamicin on the human cochlea to date. The significance of these findings in routine clinical monitoring of ototoxicity is discussed in the light of clinical and animal evidence for the possible mode of action of aminoglycosides on the auditory and vestibular apparatus.
Cholarmphenicol ototoxicity
Authors: Iqbal S. Md. , Srivatsav C. B. P.
Published: November 2007

A case of bilateral profound sensori-neural hearing loss following systemic administration of chloramphenicol is reported because of its rarity. The hearing loss was gradually progressive, involving one ear; and with a repeat course of the drug, the other ear too was involved. An idiosyncratic or allergic response to previous exposure to the drug may be the cause of the toxicity. One should be careful in prescribing the drug repeatedly; when this is done, the patient must be carefully observed for possible toxic effects.
Laryngeal edema as the only symptom of hypersenitivity to salicylic acid and other substances
Authors: Hillerdal G. , Lindholm H.
Published: November 2007

Idiosyncrasy to salicylic acid and related substances is well known, the most common symptoms being asthma, rhinorrhea and urticaria. We here describe two cases whose only symptoms were hoarseness and in which inspection revealed laryngeal edema when the patients ingested any of these substances. In cases of chronic recurring hoarseness, a history should be taken with respect to such hypersensitivity and suspect cases should be challenged, since a strict diet may improve the symptoms.
A case of profound hearing impairment following the prolonged use of framycetin ear drops
Authors: Tommerup Britt , Møller K.
Published: November 2007

A report is presented of a patient with profound hearing impairment after eleven months' treatment with framycetin ear drops. It emphasizes the risk of prolonged use of these ear drops.
Recurrent meningitis in children due to inner ear abnormalities
Authors: Quiney R. E. , Mitchell D. B. , Djazeri B. , Evans J. N. G.
Published: November 2007

Recurrent meningitis in children is not only a potentially life threatening condition, but often involves the child in the trauma of repeated hospital admissions and multiple and invasive investigations to try and find an underlying cause. Symptoms and signs of CSF rhinorrhoea or otorrhoea are infrequent in these patients. Unilateral deafness may be difficult to diagnose in the young child. Full ENT examination may be normal.

We report seven cases of children with recurrent meningitis in whom inner ear abnormalities were only indicated as the site of entry of infection by hypocycloidal tomography or high resolution CT scanning of the temporal bone. Subsequent tympanotomy confirmed the site of the CSF leak as the oval window in the majority of cases; packing the vestibule with muscle halted further attacks in these patients.
Nasal myiasis: Review of 10 years experience
Authors: Sharma H. , Dayal D. , Agrawal S. P.
Published: November 2007

Nasal myiasis is a manifestation of the nasal cavities by larvae of the fly of genus Chrysomia. It is prevalent in tropical countries. Atrophic rhinitis is the most commonest predisposing factor for this condition. The maggots can cause extensive erosion of the nose, face and intra-cranial structures occasionally causing meningitis and death. Conservative management by packing the nose with a chloroform and turpentine (1:4) mixture followed by manual removal of the dead maggots is an effective method. Recurrence is known but partial closure of both nostrils to improve the condition of nasal mucosa is the important part of management.
Endoscopic transnasal surgery in chronic maxillary sinusitis
Authors: Kamel R. H.
Published: November 2007

The treatment of chronic maxillary sinusitis aims at the re-establishment of proper aeration and drainage of the antrum. Middle meatal antrostomy offers ventilation and clearance of the antrum and has anatomical, physiological, physical and pathological basis.

This work included 66 cases of chronic maxillary sinusitis, for whom 94 operations of endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy were performed (38 unilateral and 28 bilateral procedures). Any associated anatomical variations and/or pathological abnormalities at the ostiomeatal area were dealt with. Follow-up of these cases for periods ranging from four to 12 months showed that 95.5 per cent of the cases experienced subjective improvement. Endoscopically 96.8 per cent of the antrostomies were patent and 94.7 per cent of the maxillary sinuses were clear and regained healthy mucosa. The author concluded that middle meatal antrostomy, when done endoscopically, is a safe procedure with good results
Tympanosclerosis: review of literature and incidence among patients with middle-ear infection
Authors: Asiri Saad , Hasham Alaa , Anazy Fatma Al , Zakzouk Siraj , Banjar Adel
Published: November 2007

The aim of the study was to review the literature of tympanoscierosis especially its pathogenesis, to study the general incidence of tympanoscierosis among patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), its association with cholesteatoma and also the type of hearing loss as well as its relation to the degree and site of tympanosclerosis.

Seven hundred and seventy-five patients with CSOM were studied retrospectively. A full history was taken and thorough ENT examinations were carried out. Pure tone audiograms (PTA) of all patients were done and analysed. The operative finding of tympanosclerosis as well as middle-ear status were inspected.

The incidence of tympanosclerosis was found to be 11.6 per cent (90 patients out of 775 CSOM cases). Most tympanosclerosis cases had dry ear, (85.6 per cent). Of the 57.8 per cent who had myringosclerosis, their PTA showed an AB gap 20–40 dB. When sclerosis affect both the tympanic membrane and middle ear, 61 per cent of patients had an AB gap >40 dB. The association of cholesteatoma and tympanosclerosis may be regarded as uncommon, 2.2 per cent.

The exact aetiology and pathogenesis of tympanosclerosis is as yet not well known. Our study concentrated on the clinical picture of tympanosclerosis among patients with CSOM. The majority of hearing loss associated with tympanosclerosis was of the conductive type.
Early post-operative morbidity following tonsillectomy in children: implications for day surgery
Authors: Panarese A. , Clarke R. W. , Yardley M. P.
Published: November 2007

Adenotonsillectomy and tonsillectomy are amongst the most commonly performed surgical procedures. In our prospective study we looked at early post-operative morbidity (haemorrhage, vomiting and pyrexia) in 521 consecutive children following tonsillectomy, adenotonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. While the incidence of reactionary haemorrhage is low, pyrexia and vomiting are common. The implications of this high early post-operative morbidity for day surgery are discussed.
A case of malignant otitis externa following mastoidectomy
Authors: Patel S. K. , McPartlin D. W. , Philpott J. M. , Abramovich S.
Published: November 2007

We present a case of a 63-year-old diabetic male who developed malignant otitis externa following mastoidectomy. Extensive skull base osteomyelitis caused thrombosis of the jugular bulb and subsequent paralysis of cranial nerves VII, IX, X and XII. Hewas treated aggressively with intravenous antibiotics and debridement of granulation tissue in the mastoid bowl with full recovery of the cranial nerve palsies associated with recanalization of the jugular bulb. We believe this is the first reported case of malignant otitis externa to occur following mastoidectomy with complete recovery of the cranial nerve paresis.
Bilateral secondary syphilis of the tonsil
Authors: Mannarà Giacinto, M. , Sacilotto Claudio , Frattasio Alfonsina , Pedace Ernesto , Di Loreto Carla , Ferlito Alfio
Published: November 2007

A patient with bilateral tonsillar enlargement secondary to syphilis is presented. Clinical appearance, histological findings and serological tests permitted a correct diagnosis to be obtained, ruling out the suspicion of cancer.
Benjamin Guy Babington and his mirror
Authors: Harrison Donald
Published: November 2007

Despite good evidence to the contrary, the Spanish singing teacher Manuel Garcia is still credited by many to have been the discoverer of the mirror for inspecting the larynx. Although the adoption of this technique into clinical practice, and thus the beginning of laryngology as a specific discipline, is rightly credited to others Manuel Garcia achieved unwarranted fame…if not fortune. Careful examination of the published literature has substantiated the claim that 26 years prior to the paper presented on Garcia's behalf to the Royal Society of London, Babington had described to the Hunterian Society a similar device which later evidence indicated had been used clinically on at least one laryngologist. This claim was also supported by no less than Morell Mackenzie in a published lecture in 1864, nine years after Garcia's lecture. Possible explanations for this aberration of justice are considered.
Parapharyngeal emphysema – an unusual complication of temporal bone trauma
Authors: Plaza G. , Millán J. Martínez-San , Navas C. , Martínez-Vidal A.
Published: November 2007

We report a case of a 36-year-old woman who suffered a temporal bone trauma due to a bicycle crash. Computed tomography revealed parapharyngeal emphysema despite only minor temporal bone changes.
The use of positron emission tomography and computed tomography in the assessment of trismus associated with head and neck malignancy
Authors: Tierney P. A. , Farag I. , Saunders C. A. B.
Published: November 2007

The assessment of head and neck cancer has traditionally involved clinical examination and anatomical imaging by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We present a case where a problem of clinical confusion and inconclusive radiology was resolved by the use of positron emission tomography (PET) coregistered with CT.
Rhinological, laryngological, oropharyngeal and other head and neck side effects of drugs
Authors: Lee C A , Mistry D , Sharma R , Coatesworth A P
Published: November 2007

Following a previous paper in which we documented the otological side effects of drug therapy, we here review other drug side effects that ENT surgeons may encounter when dealing with patients. Although otological drug side effects such as hearing loss and tinnitus are well recognized there are many rhinological, laryngeal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck drug side effects. Our data were sourced from the British National Formulary and Electronic Medical Compendium websites.
Constraint weighting and constraint domination: a formal comparison
Authors: Zhang Jie
Published: November 2007

The advent of Optimality Theory has revived the interest in articulatorily and perceptually driven markedness in phonological research. To some researchers, the cross-linguistic prevalence of such markedness relations is indication that synchronic phonological grammar should include phonetic details. However, there are at least two distinct ways in which phonetics can be incorporated in an optimality-theoretic grammar: traditional constraint domination and Flemming (2001) 's proposal that the costs of constraint violations should be weighted and summed. I argue that constraint weighting is unnecessary as an innovation in Optimality Theory. The arguments are twofold. First, using constraint families with intrinsic rankings, constraint domination formally predicts the same range of phonological realisations as constraint weighting. Second, with proper constraint definitions and rankings, both the additive effect and the locus effect predicted by constraint weighting can be replicated in constraint domination.
Space, and more
Authors: Bayle François
Published: November 2007

Among the questions regularly put to me, those that recur most often touch upon three aspects, three things to consider that are, truth to tell, unending within the domain of organised sounds. Those questions that take the lead are usually concerned with space – the representation of space as well as the production of space. Then come those that deal with listening, active or passive. Last are those relating to tools for making and for listening. Together, these approaches run through the stages that are very natural in position problematics: where, when, how, for whom, why? I would like, in formulating these repeated questions once more, to make myself re-orientate them in such a way to show that by bringing to bear forty years of experience, I have tried to reply to them as much through practice as through theory, putting forward the idea of a family of operational concepts linked together through the perceptual radical ‘acous’: acousmatic, acousmonium, acousmographe, acousmathèque.
The GRM: landmarks on a historic route
Authors: Gayou Évelyne
Published: November 2007

The year 1958 witnessed the birth of the institution GRM, nurtured by the French Radio and Television service (RTF). However, the fifty years of the GRM cannot be dissociated from the preceding period, datable from 1942, when Pierre Schaeffer began experiments with radiophonic sound which led him to musique concrète while bringing into existence the institutional infrastructure of the group. We can therefore see the Studio d'Essai (1942–46), the Club d'Essai (1946–60) with its Groupe de Recherche de Musique Concrète (GRMC, 1951–58) as forebears of the GRM. The fundamental principle, which lies in working with sonic material directly on the recording media through a precise listening to recorded elements, led Schaeffer to affirm that there is another way to access music other than from notation.

He used this powerful idea as the fixed point on the compass for all his research. Linked from its origins to the broadcasting services – RTF until 1964, ORTF up to 1974, then INA ever since – the GRM has constantly adapted its theories and its ideas to successive technological developments: smooth disks (shellac records), magnetic tape, computer memory. A fruitful period at the Service de la Recherche (1960–75) allowed Schaeffer and his team to systematically examine the world of sounds from their own listening experience. The Traité des Objets Musicaux (Treatise of Musical Objects) bears witness to this research. Since 1975 another adventure has been under way: that of the preservation and making available of works and discoveries gathered over the years – an exceptional heritage which continues to grow and interest an ever larger public.
Vom Risiko, Risiken zu kommunizieren
Authors: Wegwarth  , Gigerenzer
Published: November 2007

Ein Verständnis von Risiken verlangt ein Verständnis von Wahrscheinlichkeiten und damit ein Grundmaß an statistischem Denken. Ein solches Verständnis ist Grundlage für eine adäquate Risikokommunikation, die in der Medizin besonders wichtig ist. So sieht sich ein praktisch arbeitender Arzt zum Beispiel jeden Tag mit der Frage konfrontiert, wie hoch eigentlich das tatsächliche Risiko für das Vorliegen einer Krankheit ist, wenn der Befund eines medizinischen Tests positiv ausfiel. Mediziner müssten hier ihren Patienten nicht nur eine korrekte Antwort, sondern auch eine verständliche anbieten können, damit diese eine informierte Entscheidung treffen können. Eine Vielzahl von Studien zeigte jedoch, dass Ärzte oft Schwierigkeiten mit derartigen Urteilen haben und letztlich das Risiko erheblich überschätzen. Wir argumentieren in diesem Artikel, dass der Grund dafür häufig in der gewählten Repräsentationsform von Risikoinformationen zu suchen ist, welche nicht nur Laien, sondern auch Experten verwirrt. Es werden verschiedene Fallstricke im Verstehen von Risiken aufgezeigt und gleichzeitig leicht erlernbare Möglichkeiten angeboten, die praktisch arbeitenden Ärzten dabei helfen, zukünftig das Risiko nicht nur spielend leicht und richtig zu interpretieren, sondern dieses auch verständlich ihren Patienten gegenüber zu kommunizieren.
Dissolution of microbubbles generated in seawater obtained offshore: Behavior and surface tension measurements
Authors: Lozano Monica M. , Talu Esra , Longo Marjorie L.
Published: November 2007

Ocean water samples were collected from Saint Andrew Bay and the Gulf of Mexico near Panama City, Florida, on board the R/V Athena. Optical microscopy observations of the dissolution of microbubbles generated in these water samples showed that the microbubbles remained spherical and their surfaces remained smooth during dissolution. Comparatively, these bubbles behaved like bubbles coated with expanded phase surfactants, as we show by directly observing the dissolution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) bubbles and citing our previous work involving dissolution of short‐chain lipid‐coated microbubbles. We apply Epstein and Plesset's model for the dissolution of a 15 to 25 μm radius microbubble to determine surface tension, appropriate for a dissolving bubble coated with expanded phase surfactant. Average surface tensions of dissolving bubbles obtained in multiple locations and from two depths (from the sea‐air surface and 10 feet (1 foot = 0.3048 m) below the sea‐air surface) range between 21 and 37 dyn/cm with a resulting dissolution time of at least 2 times that of a clean microbubble at an initial radius of 15 μm. We never observed a remnant particle upon completion of dissolution, consistent with the observed smooth dissolution. These visual observations are in contrast to several studies involving visual observations of dissolution of seawater microbubbles. Reasons for these differences are postulated. Generally, our results are consistent with microbubbles coated primarily with short‐chain and unsaturated fatty acids or lipids, but with a minority fraction of a long‐chain component, all remaining in an expanded phase. Similarities in occasional dimpled morphology and surface tension with SDS/1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine–coated bubbles are used to come to this conclusion.
Imatinib mesylate improves insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal rates in rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Hägerkvist Robert , Jansson Leif , Welsh Nils
Published: November 2007

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether imatinib affects insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal in HF (high-fat)-fed rats. Sprague–Dawley rats were fed either a standard pelleted rat food (low-fat diet) or an HF diet (60% fat) for 8 weeks. During the last 10 days of the HF diet regime, rats received saline alone or imatinib (50 or 100 mg/kg of body weight) daily by gavage. The higher dose of imatinib resulted in a decreased psoas fat pad weight in the HF-treated rats. Under euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp conditions, HF-fed rats exhibited increased insulin concentrations and decreased glucose disposal. The lower (50 mg/kg of body weight), but not the higher (100 mg/kg of body weight), dose of imatinib normalized insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal without affecting glucose metabolism in low-fat-fed rats. Hepatic glucose production at both fasting and hyperinsulinaemic conditions was only weakly affected by imatinib. We conclude that a moderate dose of imatinib efficiently counteracts HF-induced peripheral insulin resistance, and that further studies on the mechanisms by which imatinib increases insulin action in muscle and fat tissues might generate novel strategies for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Improved insulin sensitivity after a single bout of exercise is curvilinearly related to exercise energy expenditure
Authors: Magkos Faidon , Tsekouras Yannis , Kavouras Stavros A. , Mittendorfer Bettina , Sidossis Labros S.
Published: November 2007

A single bout of moderate-intensity exercise increases whole-body insulin sensitivity for 12–48 h post-exercise; however, the relationship between exercise energy expenditure and the improvement in insulin sensitivity is not known. We hypothesized that the exercise-induced increase in whole-body insulin sensitivity, assessed with HOMAIR (homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), is directly related to the energy expended during exercise. We studied 30 recreationally active non-obese men (age, 27±5 years; body mass index, 24±2 kg/m2) in the post-absorptive state on two separate occasions: once after exercising at 60% of V̇O22peak (peak oxygen consumption) for 30–120 min on the preceding afternoon (expending a total of 1.28–5.76 MJ) and once after an equivalent period of rest. Blood samples were obtained the following morning. Exercise-induced changes in HOMAIR were curvilinearly related to exercise energy expenditure (r=−0.666, P=0.001) with a threshold of approx. 3.77 MJ (900 kcal) for improvements in HOMAIR to be manifested. In particular, HOMAIR was reduced by 32±24% (P=0.003) in subjects who expended more than 3.77 MJ during exercise, but did not change for those who expended fewer than 3.77 MJ (−2±21%; P=0.301). Furthermore, the magnitude of change in HOMAIR after exercise was directly associated with baseline (i.e. resting) HOMAIR (r=−0.508, P=0.004); this relationship persisted in multivariate analysis. We conclude that improved whole-body insulin resistance after a single bout of exercise is curvilinearly related to exercise energy expenditure, and requires unfeasible amounts of exercise for most sedentary individuals.
Analysis and Control in Children With SLI
Authors: Lum Jarrad A. G. , Bavin Edith L.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

E. Bialystok and E. B. Ryan (1985) have outlined two operations, analysis and control, which are required for grammaticality judgments. In this model, analysis is involved in determining the grammaticality of a sentence, and control is required so that irrelevant information is ignored. This study examined these processes in specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

Sixteen children with SLI and 20 typically developing (TD) children between 8;6 (years;months) and 10;6 were presented with a grammatical judgment task. Analysis was measured by recording children’s decision times in determining grammaticality. Control was assessed by examining accuracy for judgments made for semantically odd sentences.

Results

Relative to the TD group, it was found that the children with SLI took longer in judging sentences associated with the process of analysis. Children with SLI were also found to have more difficulty, in terms of accuracy, with items requiring control (e.g., semantically odd sentences) than did the TD group.

Conclusion

It is argued that the longer time required for children with SLI to respond to semantically normal sentences reflects a degree of difficulty with completing analysis. The SLI group’s lower level of accuracy on semantically odd sentences reflects a problem with a control and is consistent with previously reported problems with cognitive inhibition in SLI.
Cold plasmas enter the biomedical arena
Authors: Ouellette Jennifer
Published: November 2007

With a host of prototype devices headed for the biomedical market, cold plasmas could become the hot new trend in cutting-edge health care.
White LEDs poised for global impact
Authors: Ouellette Jennifer
Published: November 2007

Cities around the world are discovering that solid-state lighting costs less and produces fewer greenhouse emissions than incandescent or fluorescent lights.
New experiments fuel debate over the nature of high-T c superconductors
Authors: Levi Barbara Goss
Published: November 2007

A central issue is whether an observed energy gap seen above the critical temperature T c is related to or different from the superconducting gap seen below T c
Prevalence of Aquatic Insects and Arsenic Concentration Determine the Geographical Distribution of Mycobacterium ulcerans Infection
Authors: Aidoo Anthony Y. , Osei Bonsu
Published: November 2007

A modified SIR model is used to explain the transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) and its dependence on arsenic (As) environments. Some studies have suggested that As plays a major role in the spread and prevalence of buruli ulcer (BU). In addition, it has been hypothesized that a vector in the form of a water‐bug plays a key role in the epidemiology of BU. We develop an epidemiological model based on these assumptions for the dynamics and prevalence of BU and show that As positively induces the growth and spread of MU.
Solutions of Inverse Problems with Potential Application for Breast Tumour Detection Using Microwave Measurements
Authors: Senaratne G. G. , Keam R. B. , Sweatman W. L. , Wake G. C.
Published: November 2007

This paper presents one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional microwave inverse computing methods to detect an internal object using measurements based on a signal applied from the surface of the host material. The modelling of our application system has been aimed towards the in vivo detection of a breast tumour, in particular, and to enable the calculation of the tumour size and its distance from the surface of the breast. However, our approach is also applicable for more general foreign object identification. Complex backscattered electromagnetic waves characterise the relations of the internal properties of the host material. Forward and backscattered signals are used to calculate the impedance and reflection coefficients as a function of the applied microwave frequency. In the study of one‐dimensional modelling, we discuss the approach to identifying a foreign object hidden inside the host material and we present a method for computing the distance to the object from the surface of the host. Subsequently, a cylindrical coordinate system is used for two‐dimensional modelling. A method to compute the size of the object (up to one millimetre in radius) is discussed. Computation of unknown electrical and non‐electrical parameters using front‐end microwave application is challenging but it is feasible.
An efficient strategy for extensive integration of diverse biological data for protein function prediction
Authors: Chua Hon Nian , Sung Wing-Kin , Wong Limsoon
Published: November 2007

Motivation: With the increasing availability of diverse biological information, protein function prediction approaches have converged towards integration of heterogeneous data. Many adapted existing techniques, such as machine-learning and probabilistic methods, which have proven successful on specific data types. However, the impact of these approaches is hindered by a couple of factors. First, there is little comparison between existing approaches. This is in part due to a divergence in the focus adopted by different works, which makes comparison difficult or even fuzzy. Second, there seems to be over-emphasis on the use of computationally demanding machine-learning methods, which runs counter to the surge in biological data. Analogous to the success of BLAST for sequence homology search, we believe that the ability to tap escalating quantity, quality and diversity of biological data is crucial to the success of automated function prediction as a useful instrument for the advancement of proteomic research. We address these problems by: (1) providing useful comparison between some prominent methods; (2) proposing Integrated Weighted Averaging (IWA)—a scalable, efficient and flexible function prediction framework that integrates diverse information using simple weighting strategies and a local prediction method. The simplicity of the approach makes it possible to make predictions based on on-the-fly information fusion.

Results: In addition to its greater efficiency, IWA performs exceptionally well against existing approaches. In the presence of cross-genome information, which is overwhelming for existing approaches, IWA makes even better predictions. We also demonstrate the significance of appropriate weighting strategies in data integration.

Contact:  hnchua@i2r.a-star.edu.sg

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Hormone-mediated suites as adaptations and evolutionary constraints
Authors: McGlothlin Joel W , Ketterson Ellen D
Published: November 2007

Hormones mediate the expression of suites of correlated traits and hence may act both to facilitate and constrain adaptive evolution. Selection on one trait within a hormone-mediated suite may, for example, lead to a change in the strength of the hormone signal, causing either beneficial or detrimental changes in correlated traits. Theory and empirical methods for studying correlated trait evolution have been developed by the field of evolutionary quantitative genetics, and here we suggest that their application to the study of hormone-mediated suites may prove fruitful. We present hypotheses for how selection shapes the evolution of hormone-mediated suites and argue that correlational selection, which arises when traits interact in their effects on fitness, may act to alter or conserve the composition of hormone-mediated suites. Next, we advocate using quantitative genetic methods to assess natural covariation among hormone-mediated traits and to measure the strength of natural selection acting on them. Finally, we present illustrative examples from our own work on the evolution of testosterone-mediated suites in male and female dark-eyed juncos. We conclude that future work on hormone-mediated suites, if motivated by quantitative genetic theory, may provide important insights into their dual roles as adaptations and evolutionary constraints.