bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling antagonic effect of lactic acid eacteria supernatants on some pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Portella Augustus Caeser Franke , Karp Susan , Scheidt Gessiel Newton , Woiciechwski Adenise Lorenci , Parada Jose Luis , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: February 2010

This work presents a statistical model of survival analysis for three pathogenic bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus), when treated with neutralized and non-neutralized filtered supernatants broth from cultures of Lactobacillus acidhophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus sake. Survival analysis is a method employed to determine the period of time from an initial stage up to the occurrence of a particular event of interest, as death or a particular culture growth failure. In order to evaluate the potential efficacy of the ahead mentioned lactic acid bacteria when used as bioprotective starters in foods, experimental data were statistically treated and expressed by simple representative curves. Following the methodology of Cox and Kaplan-Meier, it was possible to make the selection of the best bioprotective lactic starter, as a predictive tool for evaluation of shelf life and prevention of eventual risks in fresh sausages and other similar food products.
Utilization of the biorreactor of imersion by bubbles at the micropropagation of Ananas comosus L. Merril
Authors: Scheidt Gessiel Newton , Arakaki Andréa Haruko , Chimilovski Jacqueline Sugitani , Portella Augustus Caeser Franke , Spier Michele Rigon , Woiciechowski Adenise Lorenci , Biasi Luiz Antonio , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: February 2010

The research for new techniques of in vitro cultivation is being object of many studies around the world, in order to optimize and decrease production costs of seedlings with agronomical interest. The main goal of this work was to compare different systems of in vitro cultivations using Ananas comosus L. Merril. So, the in vitro growth of the plantlets was promoted in two different bioreactors: Bioreactor of Immersion by Bubbles (B.I.B.®) and the Reactor of Temporary Immersion (R.I.T.A.®) with immersion cycle every 2 hours for 15 minutes and the traditional system in flasks with 200 mL. All cultivation systems used the MS liquid nutritive solution, supplemented with BAP (1 mgL-1), ANA (0.25 mgL-1), sucrose (30 gL-1) and Tween 20® (0.5 µL). The pH was adjusted to 5.8 and sterilized at 120°C for 15 minutes. The cultures were kept into a growth room during 30 days, with controlled temperature of 25±2°C, under white cold light (46.8 µmol.m-2.s-1), with photoperiod of 16 hours. The experimental design used was randomized, with three treatments, three repetitions and ten plants each stage. Among the evaluated systems, the BIB® presented the best results for the tested variables, mainly the total number of shoots, being 2.3 e 3.1 times superior when compared with the system R.I.T.A.® and the traditional consecutively. So the system of immersion by bubbles turns into an effective equipment to produce seedlings of pineapple in large scale.
An outbreak of winter dysentery caused by bovine coronavirus in a high-production dairy cattle herd from a tropical country
Authors: Takiuchi Elisabete , Barry Aline Fernandes , Alfieri Alice Fernandes , Filippsen Patrícia , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo
Published: February 2010

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is a known cause of winter dysentery (WD) in adult cattle. The morbidity of the disease is high, that results in a significant decrease in milk production and consequently, economic losses. In the present study, we report on a classical outbreak of WD that affected a high-production Holstein dairy herd raised in a tropical country. The lactating batch included 154 cows, and 138 (90%) presented diarrhea in a short (nine days) period of time. Three (2%) cows died. The other batches of animals did not become ill. The evolution of the disease in the herd, including the clinical signs and epidemiological features, strongly suggested a WD case. Semi-nested PCR and RFLP confirmed that BCoV was the cause of the infection. Samples tested negative for all other enteric pathogens. This case report highlights the importance of BCoV in WD even in tropical countries such as Brazil.
A bovine teat papilloma specimen harboring Deltapapillomavirus (BPV-1) and Xipapillomavirus (BPV-6) representatives
Authors: Claus Marlise Pompeo , Lunardi Michele , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo , Otonel Rodrigo Alejandro Arellano , Ferracin Lara Munique , Fungaro Maria Helena Pelegrinelli , Alfieri Alice Fernandes
Published: February 2010

The common occurrence of multiple papillomavirus infections has been shown in several studies involving the human host. However, investigations with the aim of identifying mixed papillomavirus infections in cattle have been conducted only recently. In the current work we describe a co-infection with two different bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types that was identified in a bovine teat papilloma. The skin wart was obtained from a cow belonging to a Brazilian beef herd. A PCR assay was carried out with the FAP primer pair, which amplifies a partial segment of the L1 gene (approximately 478 bp), and the amplicon was submitted to direct sequencing. Because nucleotide sequences with satisfactory quality scores were not obtained, the amplicon was cloned and further sequencing, involving ten selected clones, was performed. The sequence analysis of the cloned inserts revealed the presence of two different BPV types. BPV-1 (Deltapapillomavirus genus) was detected in six clones, while BPV-6 (Xipapillomavirus genus) was detected in four clones. This finding confirms the presence of BPV co-infection associated with cutaneous papillomatosis in cattle.
Investigation of the possible role of Chlamydophila abortus in reproductive failures in nrazilian herds of domestic ruminants
Authors: Silva-Zacarias Francielle Gibson da , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo , Spohr Kledir Anderson Hofstaetter , Lima Bruna Azevedo de Carvalho , Oliveira Rosângela Claret de , Turilli Carlo , Lunardi Michele , Otonel Rodrigo Alejandro Arellano , Freitas Julio Cesar de
Published: February 2010

Chlamydophila abortus (C. abortus) infection is related to reproductive failure in domestic ruminants. Although it has not been well characterized worldwide, this pathogen has already been identified in some European countries and in the USA. In Brazil, preliminary studies have shown serological evidence of C. abortus infection in herds with low antibody prevalence. Until now, the identification of C. abortus in biological samples from females presenting reproductive failures has not been described in Brazilian herds of domestic ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of the C. abortus in a collection of abortions from cattle (n=85), sheep (n=12), and goats (n=8), in samples of vaginal mucus from cows (n=13), sheep (n=90), and goats (n=20), and in semen from sheep (n=10) and goats (n=5). The specimens (n=243) were evaluated using a PCR assay developed to amplify the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic space of C. abortus. A PCR assay with an internal control, which amplifies a fragment from the ND5 gene of bovine mitochondrial DNA, was used in order to evaluate the efficiency of the DNA extraction and of the PCR reaction. All biological samples (n=243) included in this study were negative for C. abortus in the PCR assay. The internal control enabled the amplification of a product from the bovine mitochondrial ND5 gene in all cattle abortion samples (n=85). Given the serological evidence indicating the presence of C. abortus infection in Brazilian herds of domestic ruminants, and considering the wide sampling evaluated, the failure to identify C. abortus in this survey suggests that the frequency of clinical signs in infected animals may be low or even absent.
Thermoanalytical and starch content evaluation of cassava bagasse as agro-industrial residue
Authors: Lacerda Luiz Gustavo , Almeida Rafael Ramires , Demiate Ivo Mottin , Carvalho Filho Marco Aurélio Silva , Vasconcelos Eliane Carvalho , Woiciechowski Adenise Lorenci , Bannach Gilbert , Schnitzler Egon , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: February 2010

Starch nutritional fractions as well as thermal properties and other analysis are essential for food and industrial application. Cassava bagasse is an important agro-industrial residue and its starch content was evaluated using two alternative methods. Thermal characterization and microscopy analyses helped to understand how hydrolysis digests starchy fraction of cassava bagasse. The melting point of cassava starch occurred at 169.2ºC. Regarding TG analyses, after moisture content, there were observed two main mass losses for all samples. Results suggest hydrolysis carried out using enzyme is less effective in order to convert total starch content in cassava bagasse. However, using sulfuric acid, fibers are affected by analyses conditions.
Lab-Scale production of Bacillus atrophaeus' spores by solid state fermentation in fifferent types of bioreactors
Authors: Sella Sandra Regina Barroso Ruiz , Guizelini Belquis Palácio , Vandenberghe Luciana Porto de Souza , Medeiros Adriane Bianchi Pedroni , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: February 2010

Studies were conducted to evaluate Bacillus atrophaeus spores' production by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using sugarcane bagasse as support and soybean molasses as substrate at lab-scale in column bioreactors (forced aeration), plastic bags and Erlenmeyer flasks (aeration by diffusion). Different moisture contents (84%, 86% and 88%; 89%, 91% and 93%) and aeration rates (30mL/min, 45mL/min, 60mL/min and 90mL/min) were studied. The best condition for spore production (3.3x10(10) CFU.g-¹dry matter) in column bioreactor was 80% of initial humidity and no aeration. In Erlenmeyer flasks and plastic bags the best sporulation production reached 1.7 up to 4.7x10(10) CFU.g-1dry matter with 88-93% of initial moisture. The aeration rate had no significant effect on the spore yield. The initial moisture had a significant effect depending on the bioreactor type. Sporulation kinetic's assay was carried out and it showed the possibility to reduce the time of spore formation in two days.
A new alternative to produce gibberellic acid by solid state fermentation
Authors: Rodrigues Cristine , Vandenberghe Luciana Porto de Souza , Teodoro Juliana , Oss Juliana Fraron , Pandey Ashok , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: February 2010

Gibberellic acid (GA3) is an important hormone, which controls plant's growth and development. Solid State Fermentation (SSF) allows the use of agro-industrial residues reducing the production costs. The screening of strains (four of Gibberella fujikuoroi and one of Fusarium moniliforme) and substrates (citric pulp, soy bran, sugarcane bagasse, soy husk, cassava bagasse and coffee husk) and inoculum preparation study were conducted in order to evaluate the best conditions to produce GA3 by SSF. Fermentation assays were carried out in erlenmeyers flasks at 29°C, with initial moisture of 75-80%. Different medium for inoculum production were tested in relation to cells viability and GA3 production by SSF. F. moniliforme LPB 03 and citric pulp were chosen for GA3 production. The best medium for inoculum production was citric pulp extract supplemented with sucrose. GA3 production by SSF reached 5.9 g /kg of dry CP after 3 days of fermentation.
Vehicle thermal microclimate evaluation during Brazilian summer broiler transport and the occurrence of PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) meat
Authors: Simões Gislaine Silveira , Oba Alexandre , Matsuo Tiemi , Rossa Alessandro , Shimokomaki Massami , Ida Elza Iouko
Published: February 2010

The formation of a thermal microclimate within the vehicle during the transport of broilers from farm to slaughterhouse affects the birds' welfare and potentially promotes the development of PSE meat. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of routine commercial practices on the vehicle microclimate formed during transportation of broilers. Twenty-four hours postmortem Pectoralis major m. samples were classified as PSE meat by determining pH and color (L*, a* e b*). Results showed that broiler located at the rear of the truck and with longer journey presented higher amounts of PSE meat because birds were under harsh conditions of both temperature and relative humidity. The ventilation decreased gradually from the front to the rear of the truck, and the water bath at the farm was beneficial over a long distance by reducing the overall occurrence of PSE meat.
Functional properties of PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) broiler meat in the production of mortadella
Authors: Kissel Cassiana , Soares Adriana Lourenço , Rossa Alessandro , Shimokomaki Massami
Published: February 2010

This work was carried out in order to evaluate whether the functional properties of broiler meat are affected by the factors that lead to PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative). PSE meat was characterized by pH and L* values, and mortadella formulations consisted of isolated soy protein, sodium tripolyphosphate, and cassava starch in addition to PSE and normal meats. The functionality of the meat was evaluated by examining the water holding capacity (WHC), texture profile, emulsion stability (ES) and color of the final products. The results show that in mortadella prepared with PSE meat, the protein denaturation affected the ES. Additives are necessary to enhance the functional properties of PSE meat.
Molecular cloning of αRYR hotspot region 1 from broiler chicken
Authors: Ziober Iris Lamberti , Paião Fernanda Gonzales , Marin Silvana Regina Rockenbach , Marchi Denis Fabricio , Binneck Eliseu , Nepomuceno Alexandre Lima , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Shimokomaki Massami
Published: February 2010

Samples of Pectoralis major m. were collected, and an RT-PCR analysis of the a-Ryanodine receptor (a RYR) from chicken mRNA hotspot region spanning aminoacid residues 386 to 540, numbered according to the turkey sequence, revealed two classes of transcripts. The sequences of the first class were similar to turkey and human with 97% and 74% of identity, respectively, and included all transcripts with substitutions in the nucleotide sequence. The second class was characterized by the deletion of nucleotides, leading to a premature stop codon and coding for a truncated and nonfunctional protein. These results are to date the first report related to the sequencing of the chicken αRYR hotspot region 1, which will possibility serve as a guide for further studies regarding a solution in the poultry production chain related to the problem of pale, soft and exudative (PSE) meat.
Maintaining the male germline: regulation of spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Caires Kyle , Broady Johnathan , McLean Derek
Published: February 2010

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are a self-renewing population of adult stem cells capable of producing progeny cells for sperm production throughout the life of the male. Regulation of the SSC population includes establishment and maintenance of a niche microenvironment in the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Signaling from somatic cells within the niche determines the fate of SSCs by either supporting self-renewal or initiating differentiation leading to meiotic entry and production of spermatozoa. Despite the importance of these processes, little is known about the biochemical and cellular mechanisms that govern SSC fate and identity. This review discusses research findings regarding systemic, endocrine, and local cues that stimulate somatic niche cells to produce factors that contribute to the homeostasis of SSCs in mammals. In addition to their importance for male fertility, SSCs represent a model for the investigation of adult stem cells because they can be maintained in culture, and the presence, proliferation, or loss of SSCs in a cell population can be determined with the use of a transplantation assay. Defining the mechanisms that regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs will fundamentally improve the understanding of male fertility and provide information about the regulation of adult stem cells in other tissues.
Psychiatric Symptom Improvement in Women Following Group Substance Abuse Treatment: Results From the Women’s Recovery Group Study
Authors: McHugh R. Kathryn , Greenfield Shelly F.
Published: February 2010

The Women’s Recovery Group study was a Stage I randomized clinical trial comparing a new manual-based group treatment for women with substance use disorders with Group Drug Counseling. Data from this study were examined to determine whether co-occurring symptoms of depression and anxiety would improve with treatment and whether these improvements would demonstrate durability over the follow-up period. The sample consisted of 36 women (29 WRG, 7 GDC) who were administered self-report and clinician-rated measures of anxiety, depression, and general psychiatric symptoms. Although there were no group differences in psychiatric symptom improvement, analyses demonstrated significant within-subject improvement in depression, anxiety, and general psychiatric symptoms. Symptom reduction was not mediated by changes in substance use. This study demonstrated significant psychiatric symptom reduction that remained durable through 6 months of follow-up for women receiving group therapy focused on substance abuse relapse prevention. Reduction in psychiatric symptoms may be an additional benefit of substance abuse group therapy for women.
Experience and Results with a New Automated MPD System while Drilling and Cementing Liner in an Onshore Depleted Gas Field
Authors: Fredericks Paul , Ossama Sehsah , Montilva Julio , Vogelsberg Phil
Published: February 2010

In their development of onshore gas fields in South Texas Shell has encountered margins in which the difference between dynamic ECD and static BHP is the difference between lost circulation and influx. Their solution to eliminate those problems included liner drilling and automated MPD. Those complementary technologies allowed Shell to extend static underbalanced drilling to extremely tight margins, eliminate losses and stuck pipe, and manage constant BHP during periods of high drill gas and cementing operations.

An automated and modular MPD system was recently used in two wells to hold constant BHP in a very narrow window without a back pressure pump. In the first well, Shell used the system to drill-in 740 ft of 7-5/8” liner in an 8-1/2” hole with 15.0 ppg mud statically underbalanced relative to wellbore stability. In the second, the system was used to drill-in 700’ of 3-1/2” tubing in a 6-1/2” hole with a static mud of 15.7 and a dynamic ECD of 16.2 ppg. In that interval the upper limit was estimated to be a 16.5 ppg fracture gradient and the lower limit, a 15.8 ppg pore pressure.

In the second well the level of drill gas rose to over 1400 units. However, even with such high levels of gas the new MPD system was able to maintain the BHP between +/− 0.2 ppg while making connections and trapping gas in the annulus. Shell was able to avoid the cost of a contingency 5-1/2” liner drilling operation and for the first time used an automated MPD system to manage constant BHP while cementing a drilled-in production tubing string.

The small footprint and improved control capability of the new MPD system can provide onshore and offshore operators an efficient solution to improve drilling and cementing operations in mature depleted fields.
Effects of Online Testing on Student Exam Performance and Test Anxiety
Authors: Stowell Jeffrey R. , Bennett Dan
Published: February 2010

Increased use of course management software to administer course exams online for face-to-face classes raises the question of how well test anxiety and other emotions generalize from the classroom to an online setting. We hypothesized that administering regular course exams in an online format would reduce test anxiety experienced at the time of the exam and improve exam scores. We recruited 69 participants from a psychology course to take classroom- and online-delivered exams, using a counterbalanced crossover design. We found that students who normally experience high levels of test anxiety in the classroom had reduced test anxiety when taking online exams, while the reverse was true for those low in classroom anxiety. Furthermore, the relationship between test anxiety and exam performance was weaker in an online setting than in the classroom. We recommend that instructors evaluate the potential impact of these findings when considering offering examinations online.
Evaluation of Online Course Websites: Is Teaching Online a Tug-of-War?
Authors: Hathorn Lesley , Hathorn John
Published: February 2010

The need for an evaluation instrument for web-based, mainly asynchronous, course websites is necessary. An instrument was developed and tested to assess whether there was an appropriate checklist of items that were expected of an online course website by both students and faculty. The instrument was developed from surveying the current literature in online learning. Faculty and student surveys showed that there was strong support for the instrument overall, but lack of agreement for some individual items. Categories that showed the most differences between faculty and students were instructor information, computer-mediated communication, navigation, and use of the site. Frustration, expressed in comments over differences in expectations, may be mitigated by faculty anticipating problems with the described items and stating requirements prior to the start of the course.
Markets versus Negotiations: The Predominance of Centralized Markets
Authors: Neeman Zvika , Vulkan Nir
Published: February 2010

The paper considers the consequences of competition between two widely used exchange mechanisms, a decentralized bargaining'' market, and a centralized'' market. In every period, members of a large heterogenous group of privately-informed traders who each wish to buy or sell one unit of some homogenous good may opt for trading through one exchange mechanism. Traders may also postpone their trade to a future period. It is shown that trade outside the centralized market completely unravels. In every strong Nash equilibrium, all trade takes place in the centralized market. No trade ever occurs through direct negotiations.
Regulation and Safety Assessment of Genetically Engineered Food
Authors: Singh Om V
Published: February 2010

Transgenic technologies avails new ways that alter plants and animals to be better suited for applications in food, feed, and processing. The ability to express foreign genes and proteins opens the door to producing many commercially important industrial and pharmaceutical products. However, despite the promise of these technologies, there are many concerns about the environmental impact of genetically engineered (GE) food plants and how to contain them. Risk assessment and monitoring are vital for this industry: the regulatory agencies aimed to monitor the specific environment and public health hazards associated with GE food and organisms. In the United States, the FDA, USDA, and EPA are responsible for these regulations. Several agencies in other countries also monitor GE foods and frame guidelines for the safe application of recombinant genes in agro-industries. This article gives an overview on the tracking of GE DNA in foods and the general public's concerns about them. The role of regulatory agencies are also summarized in regulating GE products while ensuring the public health.
Global Bioethics, Collective Identities and the Limits of Rationality
Authors: Gunson Darryl
Published: February 2010

This paper is in two parts, both of which are concerned to explore the justificatory presuppositions and limits of the idea of a universal framework for bioethical judgments; a global bioethics. The first part takes up the issues of the meaning and justification of global bioethics. After distinguishing the different ways in which global bioethics may be understood, various strategies for justifying the project are described. It is argued that in the absence of an actual global consensus on the content of the framework, a procedure for establishing what that content should be is required. This requirement is explored by outlining the contributions of Hermeneutics and Critical Theory. This part of the paper concludes with the view that one central presupposition of the project of global bioethics is that there is, or could be, a global consensus about the general norms of reason and discourse that disagreements over the ethical content of the framework should observe. Part two of the paper aims to explore one aspect of the rational limit to global bioethics that is revealed by the interplay between it and the claims of collective identity that groups of people make. The paper concludes that because of its ‘existential connotations' identity may be resistant to rational scrutiny, which paradoxically may not be irrational. Those for whom the ‘language of identity' gives way to the ‘language of interests' may well be able to engage in compromise and negotiation towards consensus on ethical principles and values.
Natural versus Assisted Reproduction: In Search of Fairness
Authors: Cutas Daniela E , Bortolotti Lisa
Published: February 2010

In this paper, we are concerned with the ethical implications of the distinction between natural reproduction (via sexual intercourse) and reproduction that requires assistance (either medical or social). We argue that the current practice of enforcing regulations on the latter but not on the former means of reproduction is ethically unjustified. It is not defensible to tolerate parental ignorance or abuse in natural reproduction and subsequently in natural parenting, whilst submitting assisted reproduction and parenting to invasive scrutiny. Our proposal is to guarantee equal (ethical and legal) treatment to people engaging in either form of reproduction or parenting.
Rethinking the Research-Teaching Nexus in Undergraduate Education: Spanish Laws Pre- and Post-Bologna
Authors: Geraldo José Luis González , Trevitt Chris , Carter Susan , Fazey John
Published: February 2010

In Europe, under the roof of the Bologna process, the emerging concept of the ‘knowledge-based society’ has its pillars in the so-called European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and the European Research Area (ERA). This new kind of society demands a new role for the universities and associated stakeholders, and could provide an ideal opportunity to explore new ambitions and roles, revisiting the old synergy between research and teaching, and re-thinking why teaching and research have come into tension for academics in recent years. However, there is some evidence which suggests that actual initiatives are not that coherent in terms of the aims of the process. For example, explicit research training of graduate students is excluded. Has Bologna two faces? The authors consider the Bologna process in the context of Spain, and offer some possible scenarios of the actual and future undergraduate research-teaching nexus within the Bologna framework. These scenarios should have interest and implications for scholars and students entering a new era.
The Vascular Flora of the Railway Grounds of the Pabianice Town
Authors: Warcholińska Aurelia Urszula , Suwara-Szmigielska Sylwia
Published: February 2010

In the paper a list and general characterization of vascular plants recorded on railway grounds of the town of Pabianice is presented. The great diversity o f habitats within the railway grounds as well as their inclination to be colonized by numerous introduced species resulted in high variety of vascular plants there. This flora consists of 382 taxa.
The New Locality of Chenopodium Pumilio R. Br. in Poland
Authors: Witosławski Piotr
Published: February 2010

The clammy goosefoot Chenopodium pumilio R. Br. is a rare anthropophyte in the Polish flora. Hitherto, this species was recorded in Gdańsk and Rybnik. The present study describes the newly-discovered locality in Stryków near Łódź (Central Poland), the occurrence of this species in Poland and the general geographical distribution in the world.
Microdebrider-Assisted Endoscopic Marsupialization for the Nasolabial Cyst: Comparisons between Sublabial and Transnasal Approaches
Authors: Chen Chia-Nan , Su Chih-Ying , Lin Hsin-Ching , Hwang Chung-Feng
Published: February 2010

Background

The incidence of nasolabial cysts is very low. Simple excision through a sublabial approach is the treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microdebrider as a tool in transnasal endoscopic marsupialization for nasolabial cysts and compare it with conventional instruments and a sublabial approach for cyst removal.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 30 patients (31 cysts) with a mean age of 46.9 years received surgical treatments for nasolabial cysts. We performed three types of surgical procedures including the sublabial approach (10 cysts), conventional transnasal marsupialization (13 cysts), and microdebrider-assisted marsupialization (8 cysts).

Results

Patients that received surgery with the sublabial approach experienced significant increases in operation time, blood loss, and hospitalized time compared with those treated with transnasal marsupialization. However, the number of postoperative stoma stenoses was higher for conventional transnasal marsupialization (two cases). No recurrences or other postoperative complications were found during the follow-up.

Conclusion

The transnasal marsupialization of nasolabial cysts has remarkable benefits compared with sublabial cyst excision during operation. Microdebriders can be used safely and effectively in endoscopic marsupialization without stoma stenosis.
Transantral, Endoscopically Guided Balloon Dilatation of the Ostiomeatal Complex for Chronic Rhinosinusitis under Local Anesthesia
Authors: Stankiewicz James , Tami Thomas , Truitt Theodore , Atkins James , Liepert Douglas , Winegar Bradford
Published: February 2010

Background

A multicenter study (BREATHE I - Entellus Medical, Inc.) was performed to assess the safety and outcomes of a new, less invasive system that uses direct endoscopic visualization to facilitate balloon dilation of the maxillary sinus ostia and ethmoid infundibulum. General anesthesia was avoided in most subjects to assess feasibility of performing transantral ostial dilatation in an office setting.

Methods

Subjects with chronic rhinosinusitis of the maxillary sinuses alone or maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses underwent baseline evaluation including CT imaging and symptom assessment using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT 20). Subjects underwent transantral balloon dilation and follow-up evaluation at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months post-procedure.

Results

Thirty subjects were treated at three centers. Fifty-five of 58 maxillary ostia were successfully treated for a procedural completion rate of 94.8%. Ninety-seven percent of the procedures were completed under local anesthesia with or without minimal intravenous sedation. There were no device-related serious adverse events or unanticipated adverse device effects. The mean overall SNOT 20 score at baseline was 2.9 ∓ 1.0. Mean overall SNOT 20 scores at 1-week, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up were 0.8 ∓ 0.8, 0.7 ∓ 0.8, and 0.8 ∓ 0.9 respectively. Patency at 3-months as confirmed by CT imaging was 95.8%.

Conclusion

These results indicate that transantral balloon dilation of the ostiomeatal complex under local anesthesia appears to be a safe technique for managing isolated maxillary or maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinusitis and can potentially be performed safely in an office setting.
Development and Pilot-Testing of a Feasible, Reliable, and Valid Operative Competency Assessment Tool for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Lin Sandra Y. , Laeeq Kulsoom , Ishii Masaru , Kim Jean , Lane Andrew P. , Reh Douglas , Bhatti Nasir I.
Published: February 2010

Background

Otolaryngology residency programs are required by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education to evaluate residents’ operative competency. Many such tools based on the model of objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATSs) have been developed in other surgical specialties, but no such instruments exist for otolaryngologic procedures except for tonsillectomy. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is among the most common rhinologic procedure and lends itself to objective evaluation of operative competency. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a new tool for ESS, focusing on feasibility, content and construct validity, and interrater agreement that can be used for such assessment in the operating room and the cadaver dissection course.

Methods

Faculty input via the modified Delphi technique helped develop the content of a new OSATS-based instrument. The instrument underwent serial improvements based on 3 years of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) cadaver courses. All evaluations were used to calculate construct validity while paired observations were used to determine interrater agreement. Regional and national faculty input was incorporated for increasing generalizability. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha.

Results

A total of 51 assessments were completed for 28 residents who were evaluated by 15 faculty members as they performed ESS on cadavers over a period of 3 years. A high degree of internal consistency (0.99) and feasibility was noted for the instrument, which took 7 minutes to complete. The interrater agreement improved with focused faculty development for the 3rd year of the course.

Conclusion

Our results and experience suggest that a feasible, reliable, and valid instrument for objective evaluation of operative competency can be developed for ESS. Further experience at other otolaryngology programs and efforts focused on faculty development will be needed to enhance faculty buy-in. The instrument can be used for formative and summative feedback as well as for identifying residents needing remediation.
Cigarette Smoke Exposure Impairs Respiratory Epithelial Ciliogenesis
Authors: Tamashiro Edwin , Xiong Guoxiang , Anselmo-Lima Wilma T. , Kreindler James L. , Palmer James N. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: February 2010

Background

Cigarette smoke exposure is considered an important negative prognostic factor for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. However, there is no clear mechanistic evidence implicating cigarette smoke exposure in the poor clinical evolution of the disease or in the maintenance of the inflammatory state characterizing CRS. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cigarette smoke exposure on respiratory cilia differentiation.

Methods

Mouse nasal septal epithelium cultures grown at an air-liquid interface were used as a model of respiratory epithelium. After 5 days of cell growth, cultures were exposed to air on the apical surface. Additionally, cigarette smoke condensate (CSC; the particulate phase of tobacco smoke) or cigarette smoke extract (CSE; the volatile phase) were diluted in the basolateral compartment in different concentrations. After 15 days of continuous exposure, scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence for type IV tubulin were used to determine presence and maturation of cilia. Transepithelial resistance was also recorded to evaluate confluence and physiological barrier integrity.

Results

CSC and CSE impair ciliogenesis in a dose-dependent manner with notable effects in concentrations higher than 30 μg/mL, yielding >70% nonciliation and shorter cilia compared with control. No statistical difference on transepithelial resistance was evident.

Conclusion

CSC and CSE exposure negatively impacts ciliogenesis of respiratory cells at concentrations not effecting transepithelial resistance. The impairment on ciliogenesis reduces the mucociliary clearance apparatus after injury and/or infection and may explain the poor response to therapy for CRS patients exposed to tobacco smoke.
Prolactin may Stimulate Proliferation in the Olfactory Epithelium of the Female Mouse
Authors: Orita Saeko , Yoshinobu Junko , Orita Yorihisa , Tsujigiwa Hidetsugu , Kakiuchi Masashi , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Nomiya Shigenobu , Nagai Noriyuki , Nishizaki Kazunori
Published: February 2010

Background

Although it is well known that olfactory receptor neurons differentiated from stem cells have an unusual lifelong ability to continue neurogenesis, effective treatment of patients with sensorineural olfactory loss is still lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intranasal prolactin (PRL) is an effective inducer of proliferation in the olfactory epithelium (OE).

Methods

The OE of mice treated with PRL for 6 consecutive days and of pregnant mice on gestation day (GD) 7 was investigated by immunohistochemical study using antibodies to bromodeoxyuridine.

Results

The number of bromodeoxyuridine -labeled cells in the OE increased significantly in PRL-treated female mice and GD 7 mice (but not PRL-treated male mice) compared with controls.

Conclusion

Pregnancy may induce proliferation in the OE, and administration of intranasal PRL may have almost the same effect as pregnancy on the OE of female mice.
Relationships between Severity of Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyposis, Asthma, and Atopy
Authors: Pearlman Aaron N. , Chandra Rakesh K. , Chang Dennis , Conley David B. , Tripathi-Peters Anju , Grammer Leslie C. , Schleimer Robert T. , Kern Robert C.
Published: February 2010

Background

The effect of comorbid conditions such as asthma and atopy on the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and the presence of nasal polyps (NPs) remains an area of investigation. We sought to elucidate the relationship among these entities.

Methods

The study population included 106 consecutive patients who were referred to a multidisciplinary, university-based allergy and sinus clinic that underwent computed tomography (CT) scan, skin-prick testing, and had CRS. Data were analyzed to determine Lund-MacKay score (LMS), presence of NPs, asthma status, and sensitivity to seven classes of aeroallergens.

Results

Skin tests were positive in 52 cases and negative in 54 cases. Although, there was no statistical relationship between LMS and atopic status in the entire group, among the asthmatic subgroup, mean LMS was greater in nonatopic asthmatic patients than in atopic asthmatic patients. Asthmatic patients had a higher LMS than nonasthmatic patients (p < 0.0001). Asthmatic patients were more likely than nonasthmatic patients to have NPs (57.6% versus 25%; p = 0.0015), regardless of atopic status. Mean LMS was higher in NP patients compared with nonpolyp patients (p < 0.0001), independent of atopic status. Mean LMS was not affected by sensitivity to any particular allergen, with the exception of cockroach-allergic patients who were more likely to have an LMS of >10 (p = 0.0236) and had more severe maxillary sinus involvement (p = 0.0391).

Conclusion

These data indicate a strong relationship between CRS severity, as measured by LMS, and chronic airway inflammatory diseases, asthma, and NPs. The association between LMS and atopic status appears weak. The present study suggests that CRS is an inflammatory disease that occurs independently of systemic IgE-mediated pathways.
Olfactory Function and Disease Severity in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Litvack Jamie R. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: February 2010

Background

Olfactory dysfunction is deemed to be a significant contributor to poor quality of life (QOL). However, little is known about the relationship of olfactory testing to other measures of disease burden in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we examine the relationship of olfactory function to computed tomography (CT) scores, endoscopy scores, and QOL measures in patients with CRS.

Methods

A multi-institutional, cross-sectional analysis of 367 patients was performed. Several objective measures were collected: the Smell Identification Test, Lund-MacKay CT score, Lund-Kennedy endoscopy score, two validated disease-specific QOL instruments, the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index and the Chronic Sinusitis Survey, and a general health-related QOL instrument, the Medical Short Form-36. Analysis of variance was performed. Correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results

Patients with olfactory dysfunction had significantly worse mean endoscopy scores (normosmics, 4.16 [± 3.97]; hyposmics, 6.26 [± 4.21]; anosmics, 9.61 [± 4.48]; p < 0.001) and significantly worse CT scores (normosmics, 9.11 [± 5.40]; hyposmics, 11.16 [± 5.96]; anosmics, 17.62 [± 5.37]; p < 0.001). Endoscopy scores were moderately correlated with olfactory scores (r = -0.46; 95% CI, -0.38, -0.54; p < 0.001). CT scores were moderately correlated with olfactory scores (r = -0.53; 95% CI, -0.45, -0.60; p < 0.001). Olfactory function was not correlated with disease-specific or general health-related QOL measures.

Conclusion

Although previous studies have suggested that olfactory impairment is associated with poor QOL, this study found no such correlation. In contrast, olfaction scores correlated well with other objective measures of CRS, namely, endoscopy and CT scores.
Changes of Airflow Pattern in Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Model
Authors: Lee Heow Pueh , Poh Hee Joo , Chong Fook Hin , Wang De Yun
Published: February 2010

Background

Nasal obstruction (NO) is a very common symptom, but its effect on nasal physiology has not been fully understood. We performed this study to determine the effect of severity of NO due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy on airflow pattern using the computational fluid dynamics simulations.

Methods

A three-dimensional nasal cavity model was constructed from the MRI scans of a healthy human subject. Nasal cavities corresponding to healthy, moderate, and severe NO was simulated by enlarging the inferior turbinate geometrically, which can be documented by approximately one-third reduction of the minimum cross-sectional area (1.453 cm2 in the healthy nose) for the moderate (0.873 cm2) and two-thirds (0.527 cm2) for the severe obstruction.

Results

Total negative pressure through the nasal cavity increased during the inspiratory phase by almost twofold (-19 Pa) and threefold (-33 Pa) for moderate and severe blockage, respectively, compared with the increase of total negative pressure of -10 Pa in a healthy nose. In cases of moderate and severe blockage, a higher velocity and shear stress was observed at the nasopharynx and dorsal region of the nasal cavity. Moreover, nasal valve function will not exist in severe NO because of the changes of airflow pattern at the original nasal valve location.

Conclusion

Impairment of nasal airflow and physiology is evidenced in NO caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Data of this study may help in predicting the aerodynamic effects of surgical correction of the inferior turbinate hypertrophy.
Low Temperature Results in Decreased Tension in Decellularized Human Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Chu Yueng-Hsiang , Wu Chin-Chen , Wu Ching-Hsiang , Wang Hsing-Won
Published: February 2010

Background

Cooling may induce nasal obstruction. In our previous study, we showed low temperature induced a rapid relaxation of isolated human nasal mucosa and it was independent of vasoconstriction. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism responsible for such findings.

Methods

Nasal mucosa strips were prepared from inferior turbinate samples. Decellularization of human nasal mucosa was achieved by treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate 0.1% for 15 hours at 37°C in a shaking water bath. Then, the effect of cooling (37-10°C) on the isometric tension change of decellularized nasal mucosa was evaluated. In addition, the presence of elastic fibers within the nasal mucosa was identified in both histological section and scanning electron microscope.

Results

Results indicated cooling induced a relaxation response of isolated decellularized human nasal mucosa and it was similar to that of intact nasal mucosa. The elastic fibers formed in wavy lines and were distributed throughout the submucosal layer.

Conclusion

Cooling induced a similar relaxation response both in the absence or in the presence of cellular components in isolated human nasal mucosa, suggesting that this response is mediated by the abundant extracellular matrix.
Nitric Oxide Metabolites as Biomarkers for follow-up after Chronic Rhinosinusitis Surgery
Authors: Deroee Armin Farajzadeh , Naraghi Mohsen , Sontou Alain Fabrice , Ebrahimkhani Mohammad Reza , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: February 2010

Background

Nitric oxide (NO) has a variety of effects on the pathophysiology of the nasal cavity and seems to play an important role in inflammation. It is increased in the common cold but decreased in acute and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Exhaled NO increases after endoscopic sinus surgery in CRS. In our previous study we showed that NO metabolite (nitrate and nitrite) levels are increased in the sinus cavity of CRS patients. We hypothesized that NO metabolite levels are increased to normal in the nasal lavage of CRS patients after endoscopic sinus surgery and NO metabolites in the nasal lavage can be used as indicators of the disease status after surgery.

Methods

This study was performed on 52 patients with CRS who did not respond to medical therapy and who underwent surgery. NO metabolite levels were measured in nasal lavages of the patients before surgery and 2 months after surgery.

Results

NO metabolite levels (mean ± SEM) were 18.11 ± 3.08 μmol/L and 35.97 ± 4.64 μmol/L in nasal lavages of patients before and after surgery, respectively. The levels of NO metabolites were increased significantly (p < 0.01) after surgery in nasal lavages and patients reported significant improvement based on the visual analog scoring after the operation.

Conclusion

NO metabolite levels were decreased in nasal lavages of CRS patients and were increased to normal levels after surgery along with improvement of the disease. NO metabolite levels may be used as an indicator for the follow-up of patients after endoscopic sinus surgery.
Endoscopic Anatomy of the Petrous Segment of the Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Zimmer Lee A. , Hart Catherine , Theodosopoulos Philip V.
Published: February 2010

Background

Exposure of the petrous (C2) segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA; petrous carotid) is necessary to treat lesions that have spread from the intracranial space or adjacent sinonasal region. Recent advancements in endonasal-endoscopic approaches to the anterior skull base raise the possibility of extending these approaches beyond the sinonasal cavity. In this cadaveric study, we evaluate the feasibility and extent of exposure of the petrous carotid artery via a combined endoscopic endonasal approach.

Methods

Endoscopic dissection was performed in four formalin-fixed cadaver heads (eight sides). An endoscopic, endonasal, transmaxillary approach was used to identify the cervical and petrous carotid artery.

Results

With the endoscopic endonasal, Caldwell-Luc approach, we could visualize the ventral petrous bone after dissecting the contents of the pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa. Careful dissection allowed exposure of the petrous carotid artery from the upper cervical carotid to the foramen lacerum.

Conclusion

In this cadaveric study using an endoscopic endonasal approach for exposure of the petrous carotid artery, combination with the transmaxillary-transpterygopalatine-transinfratemporal approaches permitted exposure of the ventral portion of the artery. The anatomy presented will assist experienced endoscopic skull base surgeons in the removal of lesions involving the ventral skull base.