bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin immuno-neutralization in chicken: effects on insulin signaling and gene expression in liver and muscle
Authors: Dupont Joëlle , Tesseraud Sophie , Derouet Michel , Collin Anne , Rideau Nicole , Crochet Sabine , Godet Estelle , Cailleau-Audouin Estelle , Métayer-Coustard Sonia , Duclos Michel J , Gespach Christian , Porter Tom E , Cogburn Larry A , Simon Jean
Published: May 2008

In order to evaluate the role of insulin in chicken, an insulin immuno-neutralization was performed. Fed chickens received 1 or 3 i.v. injections of anti-insulin serum (2-h intervals), while fed or fasted controls received normal serum. Measurements included insulin signaling cascade (at 1 h in liver and muscle), metabolic or endocrine plasma parameters (at 1 and 5 h), and qRT-PCR analysis (at 5 h) of 23 genes involved in endocrine regulation, metabolisms, and transcription. Most plasma parameters and food intake were altered by insulin privation as early as 1 h and largely at 5 h. The initial steps of insulin signaling pathways including insulin receptor (IR), IR substrate-1 (IRS-1), and Src homology collagen and downstream elements: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, GSK3, ERK2, and S6 ribosomal protein) were accordingly turned off in the liver. In the muscle, IR, IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, and PI3K activity remained unchanged, whereas several subsequent steps were altered by insulin privation. In both tissues, AMPK was not altered. In the liver, insulin privation decreased Egr1, PPARγ, SREBP1, THRSPα (spot14), D2-deiodinase, glucokinase (GK), and fatty acid synthase (whereas D3-deiodinase and IGF-binding protein1 transcripts were up-regulated. Liver SREBP1 and GK and plasma IGFBP1 proteins were accordingly down- and up-regulated. In the muscle, PPARβδ and atrogin-1 mRNA increased and Egr1 mRNA decreased. Changes in messengers were partly mimicked by fasting. Thus, insulin signaling in muscle is peculiar in chicken and is strictly dependent on insulin in fed status. The ‘diabetic’ status induced by insulin immuno-neutralization is accompanied by impairments of glucagon secretion, thyroid axis, and expression of several genes involved in regulatory pathways or metabolisms, evidencing pleiotropic effects of insulin in fed chicken.
Constructed wetlands in China: recent developments and future challenges
Authors: Liu Dong , Ge Ying , Chang Jie , Peng Changhui , Gu Binhe , Chan Gilbert YS , Wu Xiaofu
Published: May 2008

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are an emerging, environmentally friendly engineering system employed in China. They require lower investment and operation costs while providing higher treatment efficiency and more ecosystem services than conventional wastewater treatment methods. Introduced to China in 1987, CW systems used for wastewater treatment have rapidly increased in number, particularly since the late 1990s. This review summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art application of CW systems for water pollution treatment by reviewing the basics of the technology and its historical development and performance efficiency. Current progress, limitations, future concerns, and the challenges of CW technologies are also discussed. Also highlighted is the need for sufficient and appropriate data to assist in the further development of CW systems and the implementation of integrated “bottom‐up” and “top‐down” approaches by both the public in general and government bodies in particular.
Effects of particle composition and species on toxicity of metallic nanomaterials in aquatic organisms
Authors: Griffitt Robert J , Luo Jing , Gao Jie , Bonzongo Jean-Claude , Barber David S
Published: May 2008

Metallic nanoparticles are among the most widely used types of engineered nanomaterials; however, little is known about their environmental fate and effects. To assess potential environmental effects of engineered nanometals, it is important to determine which species are sensitive to adverse effects of various nanomaterials. In the present study, zebrafish, daphnids, and an algal species were used as models of various trophic levels and feeding strategies. To understand whether observed effects are caused by dissolution, particles were characterized before testing, and particle concentration and dissolution were determined during exposures. Organisms were exposed to silver, copper, aluminum, nickel, and cobalt as both nanoparticles and soluble salts as well as to titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Our results indicate that nanosilver and nanocopper cause toxicity in all organisms tested, with 48-h median lethal concentrations as low as 40 and 60 μg/L, respectively, in Daphnia pulex adults, whereas titanium dioxide did not cause toxicity in any of the tests. Susceptibility to nanometal toxicity differed among species, with filter-feeding invertebrates being markedly more susceptible to nanometal exposure compared with larger organisms (i.e., zebrafish). The role of dissolution in observed toxicity also varied, being minor for silver and copper but, apparently, accounting for most of the toxicity with nickel. Nanoparticulate forms of metals were less toxic than soluble forms based on mass added, but other dose metrics should be developed to accurately assess concentration–response relationships for nanoparticle exposures.
Another Wrinkle in the Debate about Successful Aging: The Undervalued Concept of Resilience and the Lived Experience of Dementia
Authors: Harris Phyllis Braudy
Published: May 2008

The concept of “successful aging” is a contested discourse in gerontology. Two conflicting paradigms dominate the discussion: a health promotion activity model, and a model critical of the concept of successful aging. However, this study takes a different perspective and proposes that perhaps we have been striving for the wrong goal. The true quest as we age should not be for successful aging, but our goal should be for resilience, an undervalued and not fully examined concept in aging. Developing resilience is possible for many older adults regardless of social and cultural backgrounds or physical and cognitive impairments, unlike successful aging. This article discusses the concept of resilience from a theoretical resilience framework, applies the framework to a dementia population by providing two in-depth case studies of resilience among people with Alzheimer's disease, and concludes by advocating to move the resilience paradigm more front and center into the gerontological debate on successful aging.
Modified theory of f-f transition intensities and crystal field for systems with anomalously strong configuration interaction
Authors: Dunina Elena , Kornienko Alexey , Fomicheva Liudmila
Published: May 2008

A new theory explaining the intensity of f-f transitions and the crystal field using an approximation of a strong configuration interaction is proposed. The theory enables the anomalous influence of excited configurations with charge transfer on some multiplets of the f shell to be taken into account. With the help of this theory, a satisfactory description of the absorption transitions and luminescence branching ratios from 1
D
2 and 3
P
0 multiplets for the Pr3+ ion in double molybdates has been achieved for the first time. For further validation the theory, was used to provide a description of Stark splitting of Pr3+ — multiplets in elpasolites and determine the covalence parameters; these parameters were found to be in good agreement with values obtained by the other methods.
Investigation of some even-even selenium isotopes within the interacting boson model-2
Authors: Böyükata Mahmut , Uluer İhsan
Published: May 2008

The even-even Selenium isotopes in the A∼80 mass region and the general features of its structure have been investigated within the framework of the interacting boson model-2. The neutron proton version of the model has been applied to the Se (A=74 to 80) isotopes with emphasis on the description of the 01+, 21+, 02+, 22+ and 41+ states. The energy levels, B(E2)and B(M1)electromagnetic transition probabilities were calculated. The results of these calculations were compared with previous experimental results and were shown to be in good agreement.
Effects of noise on periodic orbits of the logistic map
Authors: Li Feng-guo
Published: May 2008

Noise can induce an inverse period-doubling transition and chaos. The effects of noise on each periodic orbit of three different period sequences are investigated for the logistic map. It is found that the dynamical behavior of each orbit, induced by an uncorrelated Gaussian white noise, is different in the mergence transition. For an orbit of the period-six sequence, the maximum of the probability density in the presence of noise is greater than that in the absence of noise. It is also found that, under the same intensity of noise, the effects of uncorrelated Gaussian white noise and exponentially correlated colored (Gaussian) noise on the period-four sequence are different.
Reference Values for Acoustic Rhinometry in Children from 4 to 13 Years Old
Authors: Straszek Sune P. , Moeller Alexander , Hall Graham L. , Zhang Guicheng , Stick Stephen M. , Franklin Peter J.
Published: May 2008

Background

Despite a growing number of studies using acoustic rhinometry (AR) in children, no reference material exists that incorporates the entire age and height interval of preschool children up to puberty for a range of rhinometric variables. The aim of this study is to provide a reference range for nasal volumes and minimum cross-sectional areas (MCAs) in healthy nondecongested children aged 4-13 years old.

Methods

Two hundred fifty-six primary school children (mean, 7.95 years; range, 3.8-13.1 years; 123 boys/133 girls) were measured by AR. Variables were MCA (first, second, and absolute minimum) and nasal volumes from 0 to 4 cm (Vol0-4), 0 to 5 cm (Vol0-5), 1 to 4 cm (Vol1-4), and 2 to 5 cm (Vol2-5) into the nasal cavity. Height and weight were measured and atopic status was determined by skin-prick test. Age and current and past respiratory health were recorded from a questionnaire.

Results

In multiple linear regression models height was the main predictor for all AR variables although weight also was a significant predictor of MCAs. There was no association between any AR variables with sex, atopy, or hay fever but children with current wheeze (within last 12 months) and asthma had decreased nasal patency.

Conclusion

This article presents the most extensive current reference material for AR in nondecongested prepubescent healthy children. The presented reference material will facilitate the interpretation and evaluation of future and present epidemiologic studies based on AR in children.
Detection of Enterotoxin DNA in Staphylococcus aureus Strains Obtained from the Middle Meatus in Controls and Nasal Polyp Patients
Authors: Van Zele Thibaut , Vaneechoutte Mario , Holtappels Gabriele , Gevaert Philippe , van Cauwenberge P. , Bachert Claus
Published: May 2008

Background

Recent findings indicate that Staphylococcus aureus and its products may be involved in the modification of nasal polyposis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of S. aureus enterotoxin genes and the agr subtype in bacterial DNA of S. aureus strains isolated from the middle meatus of nasal polyp and control patients.

Methods

S. aureus strains were isolated from nasal polyp patients and controls. The strains were screened using PCR for their agr subtype, classic superantigens (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED or TSST-1), the egc cluster (SEG, SEI, SEM, SEN, and SEO and other enterotoxins (SEE, SEH, SEJ, SEK, and SEL) distinct from the egc locus.

Results

Seventy-five percent of S. aureus strains had at least one enterotoxin in their DNA. The egc gene cluster was identified in 27 (67.5%) strains. At least one classic enterotoxin gene was present in 42.5% of the strains. Interestingly, there were no differences in enterotoxin genes between S. aureus strains isolated from controls compared with nasal polyposis patients. In controls, an equal distribution among the four agr groups was found, while 73% of the NPs strains belonged to agr groups I and II.

Conclusion

In this study we found no significant difference between strains from nasal polyp patients and controls in the presence of enterotoxin genes. However, in NPs, a higher number of strains belonged to agr I or II, which are associated with strains causing enterotoxin-mediated disease.
Epithelial Genes in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with and without Nasal Polyps
Authors: Richer Sara L. , Truong-Tran Ai Q. , Conley David B. , Carter Roderick , Vermylen David , Grammer Leslie C. , Peters Anju T. , Chandra Rakesh K. , Harris Kathleen E. , Kern Robert C. , Schleimer Robert P.
Published: May 2008

Background

Genetic studies on chronic inflammatory diseases have resulted in an emphasis on the epithelial interface with the environment and the genes that influence this interaction. This study examines the expression of key epithelial genes implicated in the pathogenesis of other inflammatory disorders for their role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

Epithelial cells were collected from the inferior turbinate, middle turbinate, and/or uncinate from 62 subjects undergoing sinonasal surgery. Patient groups included 21 CRS patients with nasal polyposis, 23 CRS patients without nasal polyposis, and 18 controls. Samples were analyzed for S100A7, S100A8, S100A9, SLC9A3R1, G-protein-coupled receptor for asthma, and serine protease inhibitor kazal type 5 (SPINK5) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to analyze expression of SPINK5 lympho epithelial kazal-type inhibitor (LEKTI) in sinonasal samples.

Results

Expression of S100A7 and S100A8 was significantly decreased in CRS with and without nasal polyps when compared with controls. S100A9 expression was significantly decreased in CRS without nasal polyps, and SPINK5 expression was significantly decreased in CRS with nasal polyps. SPINK5 (LEKTI) protein was detected in sinonasal tissue and was significantly decreased in polyp samples using IHC.

Conclusion

This study shows marked reductions in the level of expression of several genes involved in epithelial barrier maintenance and repair in the inflammatory state of CRS.
Diagnostic Evaluation of Inhalant Allergies: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Lewis Andrea F. , Franzese Christine , Stringer Scott P.
Published: May 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of modified quantitative testing (MQT), intradermal dilutional testing (IDT), and in vitro allergy testing as diagnostic methods used in the management of patients with suspected IgE-mediated inhalant allergies.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to determine key statistics for analysis, such as prevalence of disease, and sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic modality. Costs were calculated based on charges from distribution companies to providers. A deterministic cost-effectiveness analysis then was conducted using a decision tree model to evaluate the various diagnostic strategies. After identifying results at baseline, we performed a sensitivity and threshold analysis to assess the strength of recommendations.

Results

At an allergic rhinitis prevalence of 20%, MQT dominated IDT and in vitro testing, with 85 people correctly diagnosed at a baseline total cost of $6630 for the 100 patients tested. Although in vitro testing had the highest effectiveness, it had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $3185. The results were sensitive to changes in the prevalence, costs, and sensitivities and specificities of the different modalities.

Conclusion

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is high and rising according to many studies, leading to a growing population of patients requiring allergy testing. Not only does today's medical community want effective health interventions, but also there is pressure to make health care cost efficient. This study looks at the cost-effectiveness of various diagnostic allergy tests. In our model, we found MQT to be the most cost-effective method of diagnosing allergic disease.
Comprehensive Management of Failed Frontal Sinus Obliteration
Authors: Kanowitz Seth J. , Batra Pete S. , Citardi Martin J.
Published: May 2008

Background

Treatment of patients with failed frontal sinus (FS) obliteration (FSO) remains an important challenge in the endoscopic era. Advances in endoscopic techniques have facilitated the application of minimally invasive approaches for clinical scenarios that previously required open procedures.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients presenting with failed FSO from January 1, 2001 to June 30, 2007 was performed.

Results

Seventeen patients (mean age, 52.8 years; 10 men and 7 women) presented at an average of 9.7 years from initial FSO. The most common primary presenting symptoms included headache (41.2%) and forehead swelling (23.5%). Seven patients had prior craniotomies and 10 patients had prior endoscopic sinus surgery. All patients underwent surgical exploration; revision procedures were required in 5 patients. Definitive procedures included endoscopic frontal sinusotomy (EFS; 10 patients), endoscopic frontal drill-out (3 patients), revision osteoplastic frontal sinusotomy with obliteration reversal (2 patients), and repeat FSO (2 patients). One patient required revision EFS twice. Initial intraoperative findings included mucocele (13 cases), bone wax (3 cases), fibrous tissue (2 cases), and polypoid mucosa (1 case). All patients had resolution or improvement of their primary presenting signs/symptoms. All FSO reversal patients achieved functional FS patency documented by endoscopy and/or CT scan with mean follow-up of 9.5 months (range, 1.5-30.8 months).

Conclusion

Operative exploration should be considered in all patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms and/or signs of failed FSO. In most instances, repeat FSO can be avoided, and a minimally invasive endoscopic strategy can be used successfully.
Reproducibility of Nasal Lavage in the Context of the Inhalation Challenge Investigation of Occupational Rhinitis
Authors: Castano Roberto , Thériault Gilles , Maghni Karim , Ghezzo Heberto , Malo Jean-Luc , Gautrin Denyse
Published: May 2008

Background

The nasal lavage (NAL) method is increasingly used to assess changes in upper airways inflammation in the investigation of occupational rhinitis (OR). A good reproducibility of the method is fundamental to accurately assess changes in markers of inflammation in nasal secretions before and after inhalation challenges. The main objective of this study was to assess the short-term reproducibility of cells and cellular markers of inflammation in NAL in the setting of specific inhalation challenge (SIC) investigating OR. An ancillary objective was to assess the reproducibility of NAL in the context of two different SIC methodologies.

Methods

Twenty-five subjects attended the laboratory for 2 separate days of NAL performed within the same week. On the first visit subjects underwent NAL before a SIC sham session and on the second visit before a SIC with the active agent. These prechallenge NAL measurements obtained on both days were used to analyze the reproducibility of the NAL method.

Results

The reproducibility for cell differential counts was satisfactory for neutrophils (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.68), for eosinophils (ICC = 0.95), for macrophages (ICC = 0.77), and for epithelial cells (ICC = 0.73). The reproducibility of total cell counting was poor (ICC = 0.12). The reproducibility of ECP concentrations was satisfactory (ICC = 0.67). Eosinophil counts were reproducible in the context of two different challenge methodologies.

Conclusion

The NAL method was shown to be sufficiently reproducible to be considered useful for the monitoring of upper airways inflammation during the investigation of OR by SIC.
Comparison of Maxillary Sinus Puncture with Endoscopic Middle Meatal Culture in Pediatric Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hsin Chung-Han , Tsao Chien-Han , Su Mao-Chang , Chou Ming-Chih , Liu Chia-Ming
Published: May 2008

Background

Although maxillary sinus puncture is considered the gold standard for obtaining bacterial cultures, there is an increasing field of evidence indicating that results of endoscopic middle meatal culture correlate well with those of maxillary sinus punctures. However, the subjects of these studies were adults and there was no prior study comparing endoscopic middle meatal culture with maxillary sinus punctures in children with rhinosinusitis. The aims of this study were to compare the results obtained by endoscopic middle meatal culture and maxillary sinus punctures in children with rhinosinusitis.

Methods

A prospective study of children with community-acquired rhinosinusitis was conducted. Results obtained by endoscopic culture were compared with those of maxillary sinus puncture, and the correlation of these 2 techniques was investigated.

Results

There were 41 specimen sets sent for aerobic cultivation. Correlation obtained from the middle meatus with those from the maxillary sinus puncture was demonstrated in 32 of 41 specimens (78.0%). When looking at the diagnostic usefulness of endoscopic middle meatus sampling versus maxillary sinus puncture, endoscopic sampling provided a sensitivity of 75.0%, a specificity of 88.9%, a predictive value of a positive result of 96.0%, a predictive value of a negative result of 50.0%, and an accuracy of 78.0%.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that, when performed in pediatric patients, the correlation between endoscopic middle meatal culture and maxillary sinus puncture was not as favorable as in the case of adult patients.
Endoscopic Surgery for Malignant Tumors of the Sinonasal Tract and Adjacent Skull Base: A 10-year Experience
Authors: Nicolai Piero , Battaglia Paolo , Bignami Maurizio , Villaret Andrea Bolzoni , Delù Giovanni , Khrais Tarek , Lombardi Davide , Castelnuovo Paolo
Published: May 2008

Background

The increasing expertise in the field of transnasal endoscopic surgery recently has expanded its indications to include the management of sinonasal malignancies. We report our experience with the endoscopic management of nasoethmoidal malignancies possibly involving the adjacent skull base.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated by an exclusive endoscopic approach (EEA) or a cranioendoscopic approach (CEA) from 1996 to 2006 managed by two surgical teams at the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Brescia, and the University of Pavia/Insubria-Varese, Italy.

Results

One-hundred eighty-four patients were considered eligible for the present analysis. An EEA was performed in 134 patients and the remaining 50 patients underwent the CEA. The most frequent histotypes encountered were adenocarcinoma (37%), squamous cell carcinoma (13.6%), olfactory neuroblastoma (12%), mucosal melanoma (9.2%), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (7.1%). Overall, 86 (46.7%) patients received some form of adjuvant treatment. The patients were followed up for a mean of 34.1 months (range, 2-123 months). The 5-year disease-specific survival was 91.4 ± 3.9% and 58.8 ± 8.6% (p = 0.0004) for the EEA and CEA group, respectively.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series reported to date of malignant tumors of the sinonasal tract and adjacent skull base treated with pure endoscopic or cranioendoscopic techniques. A 5-year disease-specific survival of 91.4% and 58.8% for the EEA and the CEA groups, respectively, seem to indicate that endoscopic surgery, when properly planned and in expert hands, may be a valid alternative to standard surgical approaches for the management of malignancies of the sinonasal tract.
A Scientific Review of Middle Meatal Packing/stents
Authors: Weitzel Erik Kent , Wormald Peter-John
Published: May 2008

Background

Nasal packing usually is placed after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) to control hemorrhage, but also may be used to prevent adhesions from forming and promote faster healing of damaged mucosa.

Methods

A literature review was performed to identify all forms of scientifically evaluated absorbable packing for ESS. Only English studies identifiable within the PubMed database were included. Studies were categorized by level of evidence and evaluated for methodological errors.

Results

Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. There was a diverse range of article evidence and quality.

Conclusion

The most effective hemostatic agent currently available is FloSeal; however, this product causes an increase in adhesion formation. For the purpose of preventing adhesions, resorbable packs appear to have no benefit over either nonresorbables or no packing. If the middle turbinate is unstable at the conclusion of surgery, suturing it to the septum may reduce adhesions. Although mitomycin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinoic acid all have shown potential in these roles, to date, none have shown to be useful in the post-ESS chronic sinusitis human patient.
Symptom-based Presentation of Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Symptom-specific Outcomes after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Mace Jess , Smith Timothy L.
Published: May 2008

Background

Very few studies have comprehensively examined specific symptom outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The purpose of this study was to define the individual symptoms of a cohort of patients with medically refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) using visual analog scale (VAS) scores as well as report symptom-based outcomes after ESS.

Methods

Patients with medically refractory CRS presenting for surgical management were asked to evaluate baseline symptoms using 10-cm VAS measures. Participants were asked to rank their most debilitating symptoms in descending order. VAS scores were assessed postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess improvement in mean symptom VAS scores at each of the postoperative time points.

Results

Nasal congestion elicited the highest preoperative VAS score with an average of 6.5, followed by fatigue (6.0), headache (5.8), decreased sense of smell (5.5), nasal drainage (5.5), and facial pain-pressure (5.5). Headache was the most commonly reported disabling condition. Follow-up data after ESS was available for 207 patients. Average VAS scores for 6 of 7 symptoms showed significant and sustainable postoperative improvement at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery (p < 0.001). Improvement in VAS score for headache was not statistically significant (p > 0.700).

Conclusion

This study indicates that patients with medically refractory CRS presenting for surgery complain of associated symptoms with great frequency. ESS results in both statistically and clinically significant improvements in six of seven symptoms. Headache, which was the most highly ranked disabling symptom, did not show significant improvement from baseline.
Preoperative Disease Severity at Sites of Subsequent Skull Base Defects after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: DelGaudio John M. , Mathison Clyde C. , Hudgins Patricia A.
Published: May 2008

Background

Skull base (SB) injury is a known complication of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Risk factors for SB injury include poor visualization, low-lying SB, and SB asymmetry. Anecdotal evidence indicates that many SB defects occur in areas with minimal mucosal disease adjacent to the SB. We evaluated preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans to determine the degree of mucosal disease present at the site of subsequent SB defects caused by ESS.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with SB injury as a result of ESS. Preoperative and postoperative CT films were reviewed for extent of overall sinus disease and disease at the site of the subsequent SB defect and presence of risk factors for SB injury.

Results

Preoperative and postoperative CT scans were obtained for 22 patients with 23 defects, who underwent 21 primary and 1 revision ESS. Fifteen (65%) patients had no disease, 2 (9%) patients had minimal disease, and 6 (26%) patients had complete opacification at the site of subsequent SB injury. SB defects occurred in the ethmoid roof (15 patients, 65%), lateral lamella (5 patients, 22%), cribriform plate (2 patients, 9%), and sphenoid sinus (1 patient, 4%). Risk factors for SB injury were only identified in 6 patients.

Conclusion

SB injuries resulting from ESS occurred in SB regions with minimal or no mucosal disease in over two-thirds of cases. Explanations for this may include thinner bone and mucosa in areas without chronic disease that is easier to injure and less resistance to dissection in minimally diseased areas. Caution should always be exercised in ESS, but especially in minimally diseased areas.
Effect of Patient-related Delay in Diagnosis on the Extent of Disease and Prognosis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Sheng Liming , Shui Yongjie , Shen Li , Wei Qichun
Published: May 2008

Background

The reasons causing the patient-related delay in diagnosis (PRDD) and the effects of PRDD on the extent of disease and prognosis in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of PRDD and evaluate the relationship between PRDD and prognostic factors of NPC.

Methods

The data of 216 patients with NPC, from 2002 to 2006, were analyzed retrospectively with respect to patient age, gender, smoking status, education experience, living area, and symptoms. PRDD was recorded as the time from initial symptoms to the first visit to a medical doctor. The extent of disease was determined by TNM staging according to the International Union Against Cancer classification in 1997.

Results

PRDD of the analyzed cases ranged from half a month to 24 months, with a mean delay in diagnosis of 5.6 months. Senior residents and low education population tended to have longer PRDD (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between PRDD and the degree of invasion, clinical stage of NPC (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Senior residents and low education population tend to have longer PRDD. Delay in diagnosis correlates with the degree of invasion and stage of NPC.
The Effects of Retinoic Acid on Ciliary Function of Regenerated Sinus Mucosa
Authors: Erickson Vanessa R. , Antunes Marcelo , Chen Bei , Cohen Noam A. , Hwang Peter H.
Published: May 2008

Background

Retinoic acid (RA) has been shown to enhance ciliary ultrastructure in regenerated sinus mucosa compared with controls. However, the functional status of the regenerated cilia has not been studied. Our objective was to evaluate the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of regenerated sinus mucosa treated with topical RA in a rabbit model.

Methods

Twelve rabbits underwent bilateral surgical stripping of the maxillary sinuses, followed by treatment with RA gel in the right side and an inert gel control in the left side. The rabbits were then killed at either 2 or 4 weeks, and CBF analysis of the regenerated mucosa was performed. Three unoperated rabbits were used to establish normative CBF data.

Results

Functional cilia were recovered from 11/12 RA-treated sinuses and 12/12 gel control sinuses. At 2 weeks postoperatively, the RA-treated sinuses showed an average CBF of 19.78 Hz, which was statistically comparable with the normal unoperated controls (p < 0.26). The inert gel-treated mucosa showed a CBF of 29.24 Hz, which was significantly elevated compared with normals (p < 0.05). At 4 weeks, ciliary activity persisted, but both RA-treated sinuses and gel controls showed elevated CBF compared with normals (p < 0.03).

Conclusion

Topical RA placed in a demucosalized maxillary sinus yields functional cilia. RA appears to have a normalizing effect on CBF early in the mucosal wound healing process compared with control. This effect appears to be mitigated in later stages of wound healing. RA may be beneficial in enhancing morphological and functional aspects of regenerating cilia.
Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis: Presentation and Outcomes of Sinus Surgery
Authors: Poetker David M. , Litvack Jamie R. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: May 2008

Background

Patients with recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) represent a challenging subset of patients with rhinosinusitis. Data regarding the outcomes of care for these patients is extremely limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate objective and patient-based measures in patients diagnosed with RARS before and after surgical intervention.

Methods

A prospective, nested case-control study was performed. Cases of RARS (n = 22) were matched to patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) without polyposis (n = 22) by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) and pre- and postoperative endoscopic examinations, the Chronic Sinusitis Survey, and the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index were scored and compared between cases and controls.

Results

Patients with RARS were less likely to have asthma or previous sinus surgery. Patients with CRS underwent more extensive surgery. There were no significant differences in preoperative CT, endoscopy, or patient-based, quality-of-life (QOL) scores. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in total postoperative QOL scores. Patients with CRS showed significant improvement on endoscopy scores. Patients with RARS used significantly fewer sinus medications after endoscopic sinus surgery.

Conclusion

Patients with RARS were more often primary surgical patients and underwent less extensive surgery than their CRS counterparts. Both groups reported improved QOL after surgery.
An in vitro Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms on Viable Airway Epithelial Cell Monolayers
Authors: Woodworth Bradford A. , Tamashiro Edwin , Bhargave Geeta , Cohen Noam A. , Palmer James N.
Published: May 2008

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) that is refractory to medical or surgical intervention may involve a particularly resistant form of infection known as a bacterial biofilm. Bacterial biofilms are three-dimensional aggregates of bacteria that often are recalcitrant to antibiotics secondary to physical barrier characteristics. To date, all studies investigating biofilms in CRS have been descriptive in either human or animal tissue. To better understand the interactions of bacterial biofilms with respiratory epithelium, we describe an in vitro model of biofilm sinusitis by establishing mature biofilms on airway epithelial air-liquid interface cultures.

Methods

Airway epithelial cell cultures were grown on collagen-coated semipermeable support membranes as an air-liquid interface on tissue culture inserts. Confluent air-liquid interface cultures were inoculated with the biofilm-forming PAO-1 strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and compared with cultures inoculated with two mutant strains (sad-31 and sad-36) unable to form biofilms. Inoculated tissue transwells were incubated for 20 hours, allowing for biofilm growth. The semipermeable membranes were then harvested and imaged with confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Microscopic analysis revealed the formation of biofilm-forming towers in the PAO-1 inoculated wells. The bacterial biofilms were supported by a viable airway epithelial cell surface monolayer.

Conclusion

This study shows a reliable method for analysis of in vitro interactions of bacterial biofilms and airway epithelium. The experimental manipulation of this air-liquid interface model will help explore novel treatment approaches for bacterial biofilm-associated CRS.
Does Pregnancy-associated Plasma Protein A have a Role in Allergic Rhinitis?
Authors: Güçlü Ender , Coskun Abdurrahman , Tokmak Abdurrahman , Duran Sadik , Öztürk Özcan , Akkan Nermin , Egeli Erol
Published: May 2008

Background

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), also known as insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 protease, is postulated to be a new inflammatory marker in various clinical situations such as cardiovascular events, dialysis, renal transplantation, and asthma. PAPP-A also is produced in high concentrations by trophoblasts during pregnancy.

Methods

We evaluated PAPP-A levels in allergic rhinitis patients and compared these with levels in healthy subjects. Thirty-one newly diagnosed allergic rhinitis patients and 29 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum PAPP-A, IgE, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB isoenzyme, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were determined.

Results

The serum PAPP-A level was significantly higher (p = 0.013) in the allergic rhinitis group (6.1 ± 2.9 mU/L) than in the control group (4.5 ± 1.7 mU/L). The PAPP-A level in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma (6.1 ± 2.3 mU/L) was not significantly different (p = 0.959) from that in patients with allergic rhinitis alone (6.1 ± 3.3 mU/L). The serum PAPP-A level in allergic rhinitis patients who had turbinate hypertrophy (6.9 ± 2.2 mU/L) had a tendency to be higher than that in patients who had no turbinate hypertrophy (5.5 ± 3.2 mU/L); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.151).

Conclusion

Increased PAPP-A activity may be involved in the inflammation and tissue remodelling that occurs in allergic rhinitis.
Cellulosic Ethanol: Securing the Planet Future Energy Needs
Authors: Louime Clifford , Uckelmann Hannah
Published: May 2008

Bioenergy is fairly recognized as not only a necessity, but an inevitable path to secure the planet future energy needs. There is however a global consensus that the overall feasibility of bioenergy will require an integrated approach based on diversified feedstocks and conversion processes. As illustrated in the Brazilian experience, the thrust of any bioenergy program should be centered on the principles and criteria of sustainable production. In general the trends are towards exploiting low value cellulosic materials to obtain high-end value energy products. To this end, it is expected that scientific or technical innovation will come to play a critical role on the future prospects and potential of any bioenergy initiative.
Controlling New Mexico Juveniles' Possession and Use of Firearms
Authors: Birkbeck Christopher , LaFree Gary , Gabaldón Luis , Bassin Andrea , Wilson Nora , Fernández Martha , Pacheco Melissa
Published: May 2008

As a first step in identifying potential opportunities for improved control, this study describes aspects of firearms possession and use among a sample of juvenile offenders and examines system responses to incidents involving juveniles and firearms in two New Mexico counties. The main sources of data are a self-report questionnaire administered to 380 juvenile offenders in confinement, and information on 135 incidents involving firearms that led to the arrest of one or more juveniles. Our results show that firearms are readily accessible to juvenile offenders and are carried most often for self-defense or aggression rather than as status symbols. Two thirds of firearms incidents became known to police after calls were made by citizens. These calls often concerned violent or property crimes. One third of the incidents were detected by the police following searches in public places. Compared to cases initiated by citizens, those initiated by police intervention were more likely to lead to charges being filed and to subsequent adjudication, mainly on weapons charges. We conclude by recommending that the police increase their monitoring of situations in which juveniles are likely to be carrying firearms illegally.
Domestic Violence in North Carolina: Utilizing Court Data for Policy Formulation
Authors: Yearwood Douglas L. , Lubitz Robin L.
Published: May 2008

To help resolve a legislative impasse on whether domestic violence victims in North Carolina should be included under new victims' right legislation, data from nine prosecutorial districts were analyzed to assess the nature and extent of domestic violence within the state. Criminal charges, victim-offender relationships, victims' services, and case dispositions are presented. Data extrapolations were conducted to estimate the total annual number of incidents across the state. Results were used to develop a standard definition for domestic violence. Various models, based upon the offense and the victim-offender relationship, were tested to develop a narrower definition of domestic violence to ensure that at least some domestic violence victims would be eligible for compensation under a proposed Victims' Bill of Rights.
The Environment and Working Conditions in Juvenile Boot Camps and Traditional Facilities
Authors: Mitchell Ojmarrh , MacKenzie Doris Layton , Gover Angela R. , Styve Gaylene J.
Published: May 2008

This national study of juvenile correctional facilities compared the correctional environments of 25 juvenile boot camps to those of 22 traditional juvenile facilities. Data on perceived environmental conditions for juveniles and work climate for staff, as well as demographic characteristics, were collected from 1,233 juvenile correctional facility staff. While there was some regional variation, in comparison to staff employed in traditional juvenile correctional facilities, boot camp staff perceived the environmental conditions for juveniles as having significantly more activity, control, justice, structure, caring, and therapeutic programming, and believed that their releases were better prepared for the future. Boot staff also perceived their facilities as having less danger for residents and staff, as well as having less general environmental danger and risks to residents. Furthermore, boot camp staff perceived their work climates as generally more favorable than comparison facility staff. In contrast to the opinions of many boot camp critics, these data suggest that the boot camp environment has more of the environmental components suggested by psychological theorists as being necessary for effective correctional treatment.
An Overlay of the North Carolina Structured Sentencing Guidelines on the 1996 Georgia Felony Offender Population
Authors: Duncan Randall W. , Speir John C. , Meredith Tammy
Published: May 2008

This study intersected Georgia and North Carolina criminal codes and 1996 Georgia felony offender cohort data, including the prior criminal history of each offender, to recreate sentences for the Georgia cohort using the North Carolina guidelines. The analysis revealed that if the North Carolina guidelines had been imposed on the 1996 population, over 3,700 Georgia felony offenders would have received a prison sentence instead of probation, and that over 2,200 offenders who were admitted into Georgia's prison system as a result of a felony conviction would have received probated sentences under the North Carolina guidelines. This “net” increase in prison sentences appears to demonstrate how structured sentencing can increase the severity of punishment. A comparison of average prison sentence lengths shows, however, that Georgia's sanctions are harsher on many property and drug crime offenders. The article suggests that sound criminal justice public policy in Georgia should be based on the results of objective research, and that more relevant issues should be contemplated by Georgia lawmakers before any systemwide changes in sentencing laws are proposed.
Municipal Police Salaries as a Function of Community Home Values, Household Incomes, and Physical Housing Characteristics
Authors: Pascarella Joseph E.
Published: May 2008

Municipal police officer salaries (N = 1,423) taken from the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) and International City/County Management Association (ICMA) survey data and housing characteristics are analyzed to determine relationships between the police officer salaries and the median value of the communities' housing units, the communities' household median incomes, and the communities' physical housing characteristics. Evidence suggests that police salaries are positively correlated with increased housing values, incomes, and physical characteristics, controlling for regional economic differentials. Analyses revealed a curvilinear relationship more complex than the original hypothesis. As income and house values increase, police salaries steadily increase, until a plateau is attained; increasing income and house values then predict decreasing salaries. Economically wealthier communities (e.g., gated communities with private security) are less dependent on their local police for protection and therefore may be less willing than the upper middle classes to pay police officers high salaries. Consistent with Conflict Theory assumptions regarding the role and use of the police by conflicting groups, these findings indicate a direct relationship between upper class home ownership and the price homeowners are willing to pay to protect themselves and their property against perceived intruders. These findings suggest a need for a consistent, determinate police salary scale across all communities and jurisdictions to ensure quality policing is not the result of a particular community's financial resources.
Predicting Probation Outcomes: Factors Associated with Probation Rearrest, Revocations, and Technical Violations during Supervision
Authors: Olson David E. , Lurigio Arthur J.
Published: May 2008

We examined probation outcomes in a sample of more than 2,400 discharged adult probationers in Illinois. We grouped predictor variables into three major categories (probationer characteristics, offense type, and sentence characteristics), and studied three different probation outcomes (rearrest, technical violations, and revocations). Logistic regression analyses showed that different predictors were related to different outcomes and replicated many of the results of previous research. Age, income, prior adult convictions, histories of drug abuse and dependence, and supervision setting were significant predictors of all three outcomes. Race, education, conviction offense, offense class, and sentence length predicted some of the outcomes, but not all three.
Drunk Drivers, DWI “Drug Court” Treatment, and Recidivism: Who Fails?
Authors: Breckenridge James F. , Winfree L. Thomas , Maupin James R. , Clason Dennis L.
Published: May 2008

We conducted an evaluation of an experimental Driving-While-Intoxicated (DWI) Drug Court treatment program operated by a single municipal court. Specially trained court personnel assessed first-time (and, as we found out, some second-time) DWI offenders for symptoms of alcoholism. Once court personnel reached a clinical determination that an individual was an alcoholic, research team members randomly assigned that person to either the treatment program or to a control group receiving normal municipal court processing. A third group consisted of a like number of randomly selected, nonalcoholic, first-time offenders. The conviction records of all three groups were tracked for up to 24 months following the initial DWI conviction. We found significantly fewer alcohol-related and other serious crime reconvictions for the nonalcoholic group. Among those determined to be alcoholic, the treatment group had significantly fewer reconvictions than the control group. We address the implications and limitations of our findings for similar experimental studies in criminal justice and for DWI Drug Court treatment programs.
Elevated Risk of Being Charged with a Crime for People with a Severe and Persistent Mental Illness
Authors: Pandiani John A. , Banks Steven M. , Clements William , Schacht Lucille M.
Published: May 2008

This paper examines the criminal justice involvement of people served in a statewide system of care for people with severe and persistent mental illness, a concern of both the mental health and the law enforcement communities. Rates at which service recipients were charged with a crime were determined using Probabilistic Population Estimation to measure the number of people shared between anonymous data sets. Results indicate that members of the treatment group were significantly more likely to get into trouble with the law than members of the general population. Elevated risk is substantially greater for women and for older treatment recipients.