bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of Acoustic Rhinometric Measurements
Authors: Roithmann Renato , Cole Philip , Chapnik Jerry , Zamel Noe
Published: September 2007

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reproducibility of acoustic rhinometric measurements obtained by means of a technique that avoids distortion of the compliant nasal vestibule. Subjects with noses untreated by decongestant were tested every minute for 6 consecutive minutes (576 area-distance curves–A-D curves), every 30 minutes for 6 consecutive hours (672 A-D curves), every day at 9 AM for 5 consecutive days (1200 A-D curves) and every Monday morning for 5 consecutive weeks (1200 A-D curves). The coefficient of variation found for the total minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) and total nasal volume (NV) increased with duration of the time interval between test and retest from 5% to 17% and from 4% to 9%, respectively. Variation of total MCA (combined right and left) and total NV (combined right and left) was smaller than variation of unilateral MCA or NV. Despite the dynamic nature of the nose, a standardized acoustic rhinometric technique can obtain acceptable results from subjects acting as their own controls in nasal physiological research and in clinical assessments.
The Effect of Middle Turbinate Resection upon the Frontal Sinus
Authors: Swanson Paul B. , Lanza Donald C. , Vining Eugenia M. , Kennedy David W.
Published: September 2007

Diversity of opinion exists among otolaryngologists regarding the importance of preserving the middle turbinate during sinus surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not middle turbinate resection has a bearing upon postoperative disease within the frontal sinus. In this retrospective analysis of 110 consecutive patients with chronic or recurrent acute sinusitis, 69 (case group) had previous middle turbinectomy and 41 patients (control group) had intact middle turbinate after prior sinus surgery. In 42 patients, CT scans were scored and defined as having either mild-moderate or severe disease. Frontal sinusitis seen on CT scan was present in 75% (30 of 40) of case sides and 45% (9 of 20) of control sides, and this difference was significant (P < 0.05). The height of middle turbinate resection was measured, and there was no statistical difference in frontal sinusitis between patients with high and low resection. Therefore, this work does not support the concept that middle turbinate resection results in a lower incidence of frontal recess disease.
Three Dimensional Video Imaging for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Diagnosis
Authors: Reino Anthony J. , Lawson William , Garcia Baxter J. , Greenstein Robert J.
Published: September 2007

Technological advances in video imaging over the last decade have resulted in remarkable additions to the armamentarium of instrumentation for the otolaryngologist. The use of video cameras and computer generated imaging in the operating room and office is invaluable for documentation and teaching purposes. Despite the obvious advantages of these systems, problems are evident, the most serious of which include image distortion and inability to judge depth of field. For more than 6 decades 3D imaging has been neither technically nor commercially successful. Reasons include alignment difficulties and image distortion. The result is “visual fatigue,” usually in about 15 minutes. At its extreme, this may be characterized by headache, nausea, and even vomiting. In this study, we employed the first 3D video imager to electronically manipulate a single video source to produce 3D images; therefore, neither alignment nor image distortions were produced. Of interest to the clinical surgeon, “visual fatigue” does not seem to occur; however, with prolonged procedures (greater than 2 hours) there exists the potential for physical intolerance for some individuals. This is the first unit that is compatible with any rigid or flexible videoendoscopic system and the small diameter endoscopes available for endoscopic sinus surgery. Moreover, prerecorded 2D tapes may be viewed in 3D on an existing VCR. The 3D image seems to provide enhanced anatomic awareness with less image distortion. We have found this system to be optically superior to the 2D video imagers currently available.
Nasopharyngeal Masses Presenting as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Hester T. Oma , Farrell Howard A. , Jones Raleigh O. , Haydon Richard C.
Published: September 2007

We present two unusual cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to isolated nasopharyngeal pathology. The syndrome of OSA has become more prevalent over the past two decades. Pathologic conditions that may cause OSA can occur throughout the upper airway from the nose to the larynx. In the vast majority of patients such discrete lesions are not found, but rather a combination of disproportionate anatomical relationships is found to facilitate airway collapse. Review of the literature reveals only rare cases of isolated nasopharyngeal lesions causing polysomnographically documented OSA. We present two cases of nasopharyngeal masses, a squamous cell carcinoma and a hamartoma, which presented as OSA. Although a variable amount of airway obstruction exists in most patients with nasopharyngeal masses, we report the only known case of OSA secondary to a nasopharyngeal hamartoma. Such reports underscore the importance of a thorough head and neck examination in patients presenting with OSA.
Endoscopic Treatment of Amyloidosis of the Nasopharynx
Authors: Lesserson Jonathan A. , Finn Douglas G.
Published: September 2007

Amyloidosis of the nasopharynx is a rare presentation of localized amyloidosis. The majority of systemic amyloidosis cases involve the heart, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and upper and lower respiratory tract. Localized amyloidosis involving only one site is less common, but has been observed in the head and neck area, particularly in the larynx or the oral cavity. Amyloidosis in the nasopharynx has been reported in only seven previous cases in the English literature.
Symptom Expression in Natural and Experimental Rhinovirus Colds
Authors: Rao Sudhir S. , Hendley J. Owen , Hayden Frederick G. , Gwaltney Jack M.
Published: September 2007

For the past 3 decades, rhinovirus grown in cell culture and used to induce experimental infections has been assumed to produce illness comparable to natural rhinovirus illness. However, no studies have been conducted to compare the characteristics of these two illnesses. We have used two data bases, one from natural colds of proven rhinovirus etiology and one for experimental rhinovirus colds, to compare symptom occurrence. The natural cold data set contained prospectively collected data for the frequency of occurrence of symptoms for 139 insurance employees with natural rhinovirus colds. The experimental colds data base was obtained from 10 separate volunteer studies involving a total of 125 subjects who had a rhinovirus inoculation into the nose. Daily symptom frequency for the natural and experimental illnesses found that the symptoms of nasal obstruction and malaise occurred significantly more often on illness days 1–5 during experimental colds. Also, significant differences were found for days 1–4 for feverishness/fever, days 1–3 for nasal discharge, days 1–2 for sneezing, days 3–5 for sore throat, and day 1 for cough. Some of the latter symptoms occurred more frequently with experimental and some with natural infection. In general, the illnesses associated with the two types of infection were more similar than they were different.
Maxillary Sinus Ostioplasty versus Nasal-Antral Window in Maxillary Sinusitis: An Experimental Study
Authors: Hassab Mohammed H. , Kennedy David W.
Published: September 2007

The performance of a maxillary antrostomy through the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus has been debated in the literature over the years. However, much of the argument against middle meatal antrostomy has been based primarily upon animal studies in which there was a patent maxillary sinus ostium. A detailed study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the effects of both ostioplasty and nasal antral window in an animal model with maxillary sinus ostial obstruction. Twenty Pasteurella-free White New Zealand Rabbits underwent unilateral ostial occlusion with Histoacryl®. The sinuses were reexplored after 2 weeks. In 10 sinuses a nasal antral window was performed. In the remaining 10, two variations of ostioplasty were performed. Half underwent circumferential widening by removal of the root of the middle turbinate and half underwent a limited antero-inferior widening of the ostium. The opposite maxillary sinus in each animal was kept as a control. A second exploration was performed at 6 weeks. Significant evidence of inflammation was not found in any of the sinuses with limited widening of the maxillary sinus ostium, but was present in 10% of the sinuses with nasal antral windows and 40% of the sinuses with circumferential ostial widening. Normal mucociliary clearance was present in 80% of the sinuses with limited ostioplasty, 60% of the sinuses with circumferential ostioplasty, and 40% of those with nasal antral window. These findings support the clinical observation that limited widening of the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus is an effective treatment for inflammation secondary to ostial obstruction. However, they also suggest that circumferential widening of the maxillary sinus ostium, at least in the short term, predisposes to infection.
Intraoperative Image Guidance during Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Fried Marvin P. , Kleefield Jonathan , Jolesz Ferenc A. , Hsu Liangge , Gopal Harsha V. , Deshmukh Vivek , Taylor Rodney J. , Morrison Paul R.
Published: September 2007

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in otorhinolaryngology and is associated with a definite risk for both intraoperative and postoperative complications. Intraoperative image guidance is expected to have a major effect on procedures such as ESS by allowing the clinician to more efficiently remove pathology and by improving surgeon confidence and knowledge of anatomy, particularly in revision procedures or in patients with altered anatomy. As a consequence, complications during these pro-’ cedures will decrease and patient safety will increase. Several guidance modalities are available including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluoroscopy. This article will describe current applications of each of these three techniques with respect to ESS while focusing on innovative techniques that use MRI and CT to provide intraoperative guidance with unmatched convenience, reliability, and utility.
Neuronal Homeostasis in Mammalian Olfactory Epithelium: A Review
Authors: Holcomb J. David , Graham Scott , Calof Anne L.
Published: September 2007

The neuronal lineage of the olfactory epithelium (OE) is a cell lineage that includes the neuronal stem cell and its progeny (ultimately the mature olfactory receptor neuron [ORN]). Recent studies, including further characterization of the neuronal lineage of the OE, and of factors that influence proliferation, survival, and death of cells of this lineage, have contributed significantly to understanding of neuronal homeostasis, i.e., normal maintenance of neuronal number, in mammalian OE. Our recent studies indicate that in adult mice, all cell types of the neuronal lineage of the OE—neuronal precursors, immature ORNs and mature ORNs—undergo constitutive death, i.e., a normal, basal level of cell death, that is characteristic of programmed cell death or apoptosis. To some extent, constitutive cell death in this lineage may reflect random environmental insults; however, this may also be the result of an ongoing developmental program that acts to control both numbers and phenotypic organization of olfactory neurons. Although a variety of extrinsic and intrinsic factors are likely to contribute to cell death in the neuronal lineage of the OE, most have not been thoroughly studied. Detailed analysis of one of these factors, effects of target deprivation, suggests that survival of individual cell types of the neuronal lineage of the OE may be differentially regulated with mature ORNs, but not immature ORNs or neuronal precursors, dependent upon the olfactory bulb for their survival. Factors normally provided to cells of the ORN lineage, as in other neuronal systems, are likely to promote survival by inhibiting an endogenous genetic program of cell death. Whether candidate polypeptide growth factors, e.g., the neurotrophins, or other pharmacological inhibitors of apoptosis will eventually play a role in the treatment of specific anosmias remains to be determined.
Comparison of Symptom Severity in Natural and Experimentally Induced Colds
Authors: Turner Ronald B. , Witek Theodore J. , Riker Donald K.
Published: September 2007

Antiviral and symptomatic therapies for the common cold have been evaluated in studies that use either natural colds in the community or colds induced by experimental infection with rhinovirus. The purpose of this study was to compare the severity and natural history of experimentally induced and naturally occurring colds of undetermined etiology. Forty-one subjects with natural colds were compared to 24 subjects with experimental rhinovirus colds. The highest mean daily symptom score, rhinorrhea score, and nasal obstruction score in the natural cold subjects were 14.2, 2.1, and 2.5 respectively. In contrast, the highest mean daily symptom score, rhinorrhea score, and nasal obstruction score in the experimental rhinovirus colds were 9.3, 1.8, and 1.8, respectively (P < 0.005 compared to natural colds). Similarly, the highest mean daily mucus weight in the natural colds, 2.9 gms, was significantly higher than in the experimental colds, 2.3 gms (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the lowest mean nasal airflow in the natural and experimental models, .552 l/sec and .508 l/sec, respectively. These results suggest that subjects with natural colds have more severe symptoms than subjects with experimental colds, however, these differences may be due to selection bias inherent in the natural cold study design. Both study designs have potential advantages and selection of the most appropriate design is dependent on the specific aims of the study.
Effects of Some Preservative Agents on Rat and Guinea Pig Tracheal and Human Nasal Ciliary Beat Frequency
Authors: Joki Susanna , Saano Veijo , Nuutinen Juhani , Virta Pasi , Karttunen Pekka , Silvasti Matti , Toskala Elina
Published: September 2007

Many preservatives commonly included in nasal drops and sprays are known to impair mucociliary clearance. We studied the effects of four frequently used preservatives on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in respiratory tissue. Sodium metabisulfite and chlorbutol did not change the CBF at concentrations up to 50 mg/L in rat tracheal mucosa. Chlorocresol 25 mg/L and 50 mg/mL reversibly decreased CBF (by 33% and 68%, respectively) in 60 minutes. Benzalkonium chloride impaired CBF irreversibly already at a relatively low concentration (12.5 mg/L). To further clarify these results, we studied the effects of the most ciliotoxic (benzalkonium chloride) and nonciliotoxic (chlorbutol) preservative on guinea pig tracheal epithelium and human nasal mucosa. Although chlorbutol had no effect on the CBF, a dose-dependent decrease on CBF was seen in guinea pig and human ciliated epithelium during their immersion in benzalkonium chloride. At a concentration of 50 mg/L it stopped the ciliary activity in 40 minutes in guinea pig trachea, and in human nasal mucosa, benzalkonium chloride concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/L, decreased the CBF irreversibly (by 28% and 60%, respectively) in 60 minutes. These results suggest that chlorbutol is a safe and well tolerated preservative. Banzalkonium chloride is ciliostatic in vitro to rat, guinea pig, and human respiratory mucosa. Therefore, prolonged clinical use of benzalkonium chloride may impair mucociliary clearance, a major defense respiratory mechanism.
Medical Therapy for the Prevention of Relapsing Nasal Polyposis: A Pilot Study on the Use of Furosemide by Inhalation
Authors: Passàli D. , Bellussi L. , Lauriello M. , Ferrara A. , Bernstein J.M.
Published: September 2007

Starting from the observation that edema, vessel dilatation, and inflammatory cells infiltration are the histopathological elements characteristic of nasal polyposis, the authors have carried out a study on a group of patients suffering from relapsing polyposis. The efficacy of furosemide for the prevention of relapses of nasal polyposis in a 4 year follow up has been pointed out. This diuretic given by nasal inhalation proved to be able to protect the nasal mucosa against provocation with ultrasonic nebulized distilled water and to prevent the recurrence or relapse of nasal polyposis after surgery.
A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Tolerability of Levocabastine-Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray with Levocabastine and Oxymetazoline Alone in the Symptomatic Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Busse William , Janssens Monique , Eisen Gerald ,   Group for the Levocabastine-D Study, Us Eastern , Busse Canada William , Creticos Peter , Dolovich Jerry , Graft David , Knight Allan , Grant Andrew , Cross Gary , Munk Zev , Pauli Barry , Bronsky Edwin , Meltzer Eli O. , Nathan Robert , Nelson Harold , Seltzer James
Published: September 2007

A total of 1015 patients participated in three 1-week, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials undertaken to assess the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of twice daily administration of a nasal spray containing a combination of levocabastine (0.5 mg/mL) and oxymetazoline (0.5 mg/mL) (levocabastine-D) versus that of either agent alone in the treatment of ragweed-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis. As these studies shared a common protocol, the data have been pooled. Patient assessments revealed that the mean change in area under the curve (AUC) from baseline over the entire treatment period was significantly greater in patients treated with levocabastine or levocabastine-D than in those receiving placebo for all symptoms evaluated (nasal congestion; P < 0.05 and sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, ocular symptoms, total key symptoms, total all symptoms; P < 0.001). Corresponding changes in patients treated with oxymetazoline alone did not attain statistical significance. Day-by-day analysis demonstrated that the beneficial effects seen with levocabastine and levocabastine-D were maintained throughout the treatment period for all symptoms except nasal congestion (Days 1 and 2 only); oxymetazoline provided significant relief from nasal congestion only and only on the first day of treatment. Investigator assessments revealed similar trends. Global evaluations of therapeutic efficacy revealed that 44% of levocabastine-treated patients and 52% of patients treated with levocabastine-D considered therapeutic efficacy to be excellent or good compared with 39% of those on oxymetazoline and 26% on placebo (P < 0.01 versus placebo). Adverse experiences were reported by 30% of levocabastine-treated patients, 40% of patients treated with levocabastine-D and oxymetazoline, and 32% of placebo controls, with no statistically significant intergroup differences in incidence or type. In conclusion, twice daily levocabastine nasal spray is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of ragweed-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis with an adverse effect profile comparable with that of placebo. Addition of oxymetazoline to the topical antihistamine does not appear to provide significant additional clinical benefit compared to that observed with levocabastine alone, and tachyphylaxis to the decongestant effect of the topical vasoconstrictor occurs within days of treatment initiation.
The Nasal Valve and Current Technology
Authors: Cole Philip , Roithmann Renato
Published: September 2007

The principal features and the respiratory role of the nasal valve are surveyed briefly and contributions of current computer-aided techniques of imaging, rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry to an understanding of its structure and function are presented. The nasal valve is a dynamic segment of the anterior nasal airway, where the major portion of nasal resistance is localized and nasal resistance to respiratory airflow approximates half the airflow resistance of the entire respiratory system. This functioning valvular segment of the airway extends several mm beyond its triangular entrance in the compliant vestibule to the hemi-piriform entrance of the rigid cavum. Alar muscles assist in stabilizing the compliant lateral wall of the valve by resisting transmural pressures generated by inspiratory airflow and, by adjustment of alar positioning, these muscles can also direct the inspiratory air stream (e.g., olfactory sniffs). Abundant erectile tissues of both medial and lateral nasal walls are prominent in the valve region, and they play the governing role in regulation of valve lumen and consequent nasal airflow resistance. Pathological mucosal swelling is the commonest cause of obstructive nasal disease, and the narrowed site of the valve is so vulnerable to obstruction that recurring physiological mucovascular swellings frequently impede airflow in the presence of small anterior structural deviations. Assessment of obstructive nasal disease by symptomatology is unreliable, and rhinoscopy has substantial limitations; however, current technology provides minimally invasive, objective, and reliable methods for the study of nasal patency and for the acquisition of useful and dependable clinical information.
Cytopathology of the Nasal Mucosa in Smokers: A Possible Biomarker of Air Pollution?
Authors: Glück U. , Gebbers J.-O.
Published: September 2007

In our search for an easy, reliable, and inexpensive screening method to assess the toxic effects of air pollution and the attendant cancer risk on the respiratory tract, we investigated to what extent brush cytology of the nasal mucosa satisfies these demands. Using brush cytology, we examined the nasal mucosa of 60 cigarette smokers and compared the cytopathologic findings with those of 60 nonsmokers. All subjects were healthy male office workers with no nasal disorders. Mucosal cells were obtained from the maxillo-turbinal region with a small nylon brush, subsequently processed by Papanicolaou staining on a glass slide, and examined “blinded” by cytopathologists. The cytologic findings were normal in 46 of the nonsmokers, with simple squamous cell metaplasia detectable in the remaining 14 of this group. However, in the group of cigarette smokers, 52 showed unequivocal dysplasia of various degrees, whereas merely eight showed only metaplasia. Dividing the smokers into two groups based on pack/years of cigarette consumption revealed that the severity of dysplasia (mild or moderate) correlated well with the pack/years (P = 0.0001). As yet, no significant relation between smoking habits and the incidence of nasal sinus squamous cell carcinomas has been demonstrated in contrast to the established relationship between smoking and carcinomas of the larynx and lungs. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that cytopathologic changes in the nasal mucosa could act as a biomarker reflecting similar changes in the lower respiratory tract.
Correlation of Clinical Examination with Computer Tomography in Paranasal Sinus Disease
Authors: Casiano Roy R.
Published: September 2007

The accuracy of clinical examination in predicting radiologic paranasal sinus disease was investigated. Two hundred forty-seven patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery over a 4-year period were clinically and radiologically staged prior to surgery. A clinical staging system was developed utilizing fiberoptic intranasal examination to adequately visualize the anterior and posterior ostiomeatal complex structures with special attention to the mucosal status. The degree to which the clinical staging was able to predict and correlate with radiologic staging and predict the degree of sinus opacification was determined. Clinical and radiological presence of middle turbinate anomalies, septal deviation, and other structural anomalies were also evaluated. Clinical examination correlated well with radiologic examination: 74% sensitivity and 84% specificity). More than 94% of the patients with frank polyp disease had pansinus opacification involving the sphenoid. In the presence of normal mucous membranes, the absence of middle turbinate anomalies correlated with a normal computed tomography. However, with the exception of middle turbinate hypertrophy, the ability to clinically predict concha bullosa or paradoxical curvature was low and did not influence the overall computed tomography result.
Improved Video Documentation of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Made Possible with Desktop Digital Video
Authors: Desrosiers Martin , Craig Philip
Published: September 2007

Endoscopic cameras in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) allow for easy video documentation of surgery. This often leads to the build-up of extensive videocassette libraries where the prospective viewer is subjected to a lengthy and cumbersome videotape search before accessing a sequence of interest. Footage is difficult to use for educational purposes. New techniques for storing, retrieving, and presenting ESS video footage were developed. Desktop computer systems were used to digitize video footage. Short video sequences containing highlights of interesting ESS cases were prepared using video-editing programs. The resulting images were stored in individual segments on recordable CD-ROM disks. This technique was used to archive all video footage from our ESS procedures for a 6-month period. Archiving footage on CD-ROM rather than videotape has made the storage of large quantities of information possible while now allowing for the random access of segment(s) of interest. It has simplified preparation of video projects, reduced production time 10-fold and has eliminated the need for professional video-editing services. These techniques have also been adapted for the development of an educational CD-ROM demonstrating the component steps of ESS, which can be played back on any CD-ROM-equipped computer.
Rh‐TPPTS intercalated layered double hydroxides as hydroformylation catalyst
Authors: Wei Min , Zhang Xian , Evans David G. , Duan Xue , Li Xianjun , Chen Hua
Published: September 2007

Trans‐RhCl(CO)(TPPTS)2 [TPPTS, trisodium salt of tri‐(m‐sulfophenyl)‐phosphine] and TPPTS ligands have been cointercalated into zinc–aluminum‐layered double hydroxides (ZnAl‐LDHs) by in situ complexation, and the catalytic performances of the resulting materials for 1‐hexene hydroformylation have been investigated. The intercalated materials were characterized by means of XRD, FTIR, ICP, and 31P MAS NMR. The rhodium complex and TPPTS ligands coexist in the interlayer galleries of LDH (denoted as RhP2‐P‐ZnnAl‐LDH, where n denotes as the molar ratio Zn/Al), with an interlayer spacing of ca. 1.58 nm. Compared with the catalytic properties of the corresponding water‐oil biphasic catalyst under similar reaction conditions, RhP2‐P‐Zn3Al‐LDH showed better reusability and activity. Furthermore, compared with a related material prepared by ion exchange, the RhP2‐P‐Zn3Al‐LDH showed better activity and selectivity towards aldehyde. The influence of the Zn/Al molar ratio in RhP2‐P‐ZnnAl‐LDH has also been studied, and it was found that higher selectivity to aldehydes and lower activity were obtained with increasing Zn/Al molar ratio. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Modeling of coat‐hanger die under vibrational extrusion
Authors: Qu Jin‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Ming
Published: September 2007

The distributions of the pulsatile pressure field, the pulsatile velocity field, and the pulsatile resident time of the polymeric melt in the coat‐hanger die are derived by using the pulsation of volumetric flow rate and pressure. Subsequently, formulae of the manifold radius and the slope of the manifold are deduced via volumetric flow rate pulsation. Polypropylene (PP) was employed for the experiments of the vibrational extrusion. The results indicate that the average extrusion pressure declines with frequency or amplitude decreasing; the distribution of residence time along the width of the coat‐hanger die performs uniformly during the vibrational extrusion process; the theoretical extrusion pressure well agrees with the experimental pressure; the experiments of tensile test, impact test implicate that vibration improves the mechanical properties of products; differential scanning calorimetry testing demonstrates that the melting point of PP is moved to a higher temperature value, and the endothermic enthalpy and the crystallinity are improved as well when superimposing the vibrational force field. Accordingly, the model of the coat‐hanger die under vibrational extrusion is well consistent with the experiments. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Characterization of discriminant human brain antigenic targets in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus using an immunoproteomic approach
Authors: Lefranc Didier , Launay David , Dubucquoi Sylvain , Seze Jérôme De , Dussart Patricia , Vermersch Marie , Hachulla Eric , Hatron Pierre‐Yves , Vermersch Patrick , Mouthon Luc , Prin Lionel
Published: September 2007

Objective

To characterize discriminant human brain antigenic targets in patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE), using a standardized immunoproteomic approach.

Methods

Self‐IgG reactivity against normal and injured human brain tissues was studied by Western blotting of sera from 169 subjects, 16 patients with NPSLE, 12 patients with SLE without neuropsychiatric manifestations (non‐NPSLE), 32 patients with Sjögren's syndrome with or without central nervous involvement, 82 patients with multiple sclerosis, and 27 healthy subjects. A proteomic approach was then applied to characterize discriminant antigens identified after comparisons of all patterns.

Results

The serum self‐IgG reactivity patterns against human brain tissue differed significantly between patients with NPSLE and the control groups. Four normal brain antigenic bands were specifically or preferentially recognized by sera from NPSLE patients (p240, p90, p77, and p24). Protein band p240 was characterized as microtubule‐associated protein 2B (MAP‐2B), p77 as Hsp70–71, and p24 as triosephosphate isomerase. Protein band p90 was not characterized. In contrast, 1 other protein band (p56, characterized as septin 7) was never recognized by sera from NPSLE patients but was recognized by a majority of sera from non‐NPSLE patients.

Conclusion

Our findings show that the immunoproteomic approach is a reliable method for assessing serum self‐IgG reactivities against human brain tissue in NPSLE. Our characterization of some of the identified discriminant antigens, such as MAP‐2B, triosephosphate isomerase, and septin 7, suggests that the stability of neuronal microtubules might be involved in the pathophysiology of NPSLE.
T cells expressing allograft inflammatory factor 1 display increased chemotaxis and induce a profibrotic phenotype in normal fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Galdo Francesco Del , Jiménez Sergio A.
Published: September 2007

Objective

Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF‐1) was first identified in rat cardiac allografts undergoing chronic rejection. The vasculopathy of chronic allograft rejection is strikingly similar to that seen in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We previously demonstrated AIF‐1 expression in inflammatory cells infiltrating skin and lungs from SSc patients, but its role in SSc pathogenesis is unknown. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of AIF‐1 on T cell migration and production of cytokines capable of modulating normal dermal fibroblast functions.

Methods

Stably transfected Jurkat T cells expressing 2 AIF‐1 splicing variants were prepared, and their migration toward fibroblast monolayers assayed in Transwell cultures. Cytokine production was assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Fibroblast gene expression was quantified by real‐time PCR, and collagen production by Western blot analysis of culture media.

Results

AIF‐1 significantly increased Jurkat T cell migration toward fibroblast monolayers. Expression of AIF‐1 isoform 2 in Jurkat T cells up‐regulated their production of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐17. Conditioned media from AIF‐1–expressing clones stimulated synthesis of types I and III collagen and expression of IL‐6, transforming growth factor β, endothelin receptor, and α‐smooth muscle actin by normal dermal fibroblasts.

Conclusion

These results suggest that AIF‐1 may participate in the early pathogenesis of SSc by promoting tissue T cell infiltration and production of cytokines capable of inducing the expression of a fibrotic phenotype in normal fibroblasts.
Cutaneous changes of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: Predictor of early mortality and association with gadolinium exposure
Authors: Todd Derrick J. , Kagan Anna , Chibnik Lori B. , Kay Jonathan
Published: September 2007

Objective

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a rapidly progressive, debilitating condition that causes cutaneous and visceral fibrosis in patients with renal failure. Little is known about its prevalence or etiology. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of NSF and associated risk factors

Methods

Two cohorts of patients were recruited from 6 outpatient hemodialysis centers and examined for cutaneous changes of NSF, which were defined using a scoring system based on hyperpigmentation, hardening, and tethering of skin on the extremities. Demographic data were gathered, mortality was followed up prospectively for 24 months, and gadolinium exposure was ascertained for a subgroup of patients in the second cohort.

Results

Examination reproducibility was 97% in cohort 1. In cohort 2, 25 (13%) of 186 patients demonstrated cutaneous changes of NSF. Twenty‐four–month mortality following examination was 48% and 20% in patients with and those without cutaneous changes of NSF, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.4–5.9). Cutaneous changes of NSF were observed in 16 (30%) of 54 patients with prior exposure to gadopentetate dimeglumine contrast during imaging studies. Exposure to gadolinium‐containing contrast was associated with an increased risk of developing cutaneous changes of NSF (odds ratio 14.7, 95% CI 1.9–117.0) compared with nonexposed patients.

Conclusion

In patients receiving hemodialysis, NSF is an underrecognized disorder that is associated with increased mortality. Exposure to gadolinium‐containing contrast material appears to be a significant risk factor for the development of NSF.
CXCR5‐ and CCR7‐dependent lymphoid neogenesis in a murine model of chronic antigen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Wengner Antje M. , Höpken Uta E. , Petrow Peter K. , Hartmann Sven , Schurigt Uta , Bräuer Rolf , Lipp Martin
Published: September 2007

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with unknown etiology and only partially defined pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to establish a murine model of chronic arthritis in which the development of tertiary lymphoid tissue, a hallmark of human RA, is locally induced, and to characterize the roles of the homeostatic chemokine receptors CXCR5 and CCR7 in this process.

Methods

We developed a modified model of chronic antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) in mice with a strong bias toward inflammation. Disease pathology was assessed up to 9 months in wild‐type, CXCR5‐deficient, and CCR7‐deficient mice by determination of knee joint swelling and cellular and humoral immune responses, as well as by histologic analysis of arthritic knee joints.

Results

In this novel model of AIA, mice developed organized ectopic lymphoid follicles with topologically segregated B cell and T cell areas, high endothelial venules, and germinal center formation within the chronically inflamed synovial tissue. Analysis of the initiation and progression of AIA in wild‐type, CXCR5−/−, and CCR7−/− mice revealed a reduction of acute inflammatory parameters in both knockout strains as well as significantly reduced joint destruction in CXCR5−/− mice. Most importantly, the development and organization of tertiary lymphoid tissue were significantly impaired in CXCR5‐deficient and CCR7‐deficient mice.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that an inflammatory microenvironment efficiently triggers lymphoid neogenesis in autoimmune diseases such as RA. Moreover, the generation of autoreactive tertiary lymphoid tissues, which is entirely dependent on homeostatic chemokines, may in turn maintain local aberrant chronic immune responses.
Severe fibrosis and increased expression of fibrogenic cytokines in the gastric wall of systemic sclerosis patients
Authors: Manetti Mirko , Neumann Elena , Milia Anna Franca , Tarner Ingo H. , Bechi Paolo , Matucci‐Cerinic Marco , Ibba‐Manneschi Lidia , Müller‐Ladner Ulf
Published: September 2007

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Although the esophagus is the most frequently affected part of the gastrointestinal tract, all other segments can be involved. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the fibrotic process and the expression of fibrogenic cytokines in the gastric wall of SSc patients with gastroesophageal involvement.

Methods

Full‐thickness surgical and endoscopic gastric biopsy samples were obtained from 14 SSc patients and 10 controls. Tissue sections were either stained with Masson's trichrome or by immunohistochemistry and analyzed for the expression of types I, III, and IV collagen, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and endothelin 1 (ET‐1).

Results

In the gastric wall of SSc patients, Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry for types I and III collagen revealed a high amount of collagen in the lamina propria that increased toward the muscularis mucosae. In addition, muscle layers showed features of atrophy, with wide areas of focal fibrosis surrounding smooth muscle cells. Type IV collagen was present around glands and small vessels, suggesting a thickening of the basal lamina. The expression of the fibrogenic cytokines TGFβ and CTGF, ET‐1, and the myofibroblast marker α‐SMA was stronger in SSc patients than in controls.

Conclusion

A pronounced deposition of collagen, the presence of myofibroblasts, and increased expression of several profibrotic factors are important hallmarks in the stomach of patients with SSc. The fibrotic involvement of the gastric wall may account for muscle atrophy leading to stomach hypomotility in SSc.
Prevention of cartilage destruction with intraarticular osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor/osteoprotegerin in a murine model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Shimizu Sadanori , Asou Yoshinori , Itoh Soichiro , Chung Ung‐Il , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Shinomiya Kenichi , Muneta Takeshi
Published: September 2007

Objective

To investigate the effect of osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor/osteoprotegerin (OPG) on chondrocytes in the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in vivo.

Methods

To determine the role of endogenous OPG in the progression of OA, OA was surgically induced in OPG+/− mice and their wild‐type (WT) littermates. To determine the role of exogenous OPG, knee joints of C57BL/6J mice with surgically induced OA were injected intraarticularly with recombinant human OPG (rHuOPG) or vehicle 5 times a week. All mice were euthanized 4 weeks after OA induction; joints were harvested and evaluated immunohistochemically.

Results

Although OA changes were induced in both WT and OPG+/− mice, the degenerative changes in the articular cartilage were significantly enhanced in OPG+/− mice. In C57BL/6J mice with surgically induced OA, intraarticular OPG administration protected the articular cartilage from the progression of OA. The Mankin and cartilage destruction scores in OPG‐treated animals were ∼50% of those seen in the control group. Furthermore, OPG administration significantly protected articular cartilage thickness. Findings of the TUNEL assay indicated that rHuOPG prevented chondrocyte apoptosis in joints with surgically induced OA. Results of immunostaining indicated that OPG protein was detected in the synovium and in resident chondrocytes at higher levels in the OPG‐treated group than in the control group.

Conclusion

These data indicate that endogenous OPG had a protective effect against the cartilage destruction that occurs during OA progression. Furthermore, direct administration of rHuOPG to articular chondrocytes prevented cartilage destruction in an experimental murine model of OA via prevention of chondrocyte apoptosis.
Initial validation of the pediatric automated neuropsychological assessment metrics for CHILDHOOD‐ONSET systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Brunner Hermine I. , Ruth Natasha M. , German April , Nelson Shannen , Passo Murray H. , Roebuck‐Spencer Tresa , Ying Jun , Ris Douglas
Published: September 2007

Objective

To evaluate the concurrent validity and diagnostic accuracy of the pediatric Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (Ped‐ANAM) when used in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Formal neuropsychological testing and the Ped‐ANAM were performed on 27 children with SLE who had not been previously diagnosed with neuropsychiatric SLE. Performance when completing the 10 Ped‐ANAM tests was based on accuracy (AC), mean time to correct response, coefficient of variation of the time required for a correct response (CVc), and throughput. Formal neuropsychological testing was used as a criterion standard for diagnosing neurocognitive dysfunction (NCD; yes/no).

Results

NCD was common and present in 16 (59%) of 27 participants. Ped‐ANAM performance parameters were often moderately correlated with the Z scores on formal neuropsychological testing. The NCD group differed significantly (P < 0.05) from the normal cognition group in 3 Ped‐ANAM tests: CVc with mathematical processing (MTH‐CVc), AC with continuous performance test (CPT‐AC), and CVc with spatial processing (SPD‐CVc). Areas under the receiver operating curves (AUCs) ranged between 0.75 and 0.84 when each of these parameters (CPT‐AC, MTH‐CVc, SPD‐CVc) was used to identify NCD independently. The AUC was improved to 0.96 for the combined assessment.

Conclusion

The Ped‐ANAM has concurrent validity when used in children with SLE. Initial validation suggests that the Ped‐ANAM could be a useful screening tool for NCD in children with SLE.
Concepts important to persons with systemic lupus erythematosus and their coverage by standard measures of disease activity and health status
Authors: Stamm Tanja A. , Bauernfeind Bettina , Coenen Michaela , Feierl Eva , Mathis Mona , Stucki Gerold , Smolen Josef S. , Machold Klaus P. , Aringer Martin
Published: September 2007

Objective

To explore the array of concepts important to patients with chronic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to compare these with instruments assessing disease activity, damage, and health status.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative focus‐group study of patients with SLE concerning their problems in daily functioning. The group sessions were tape recorded, transcribed, and divided into meaning units. The concepts contained in these meaning units were extracted and linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). We then compared the concepts from the focus groups with those concepts covered by SLE activity scores, the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI), and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36).

Results

A total of 92 concepts emerged from 5 focus groups; of these, 28 related to body functions and structures, 24 to activities and participation, and 25 to environmental factors. Two concepts were linked to the health condition itself and 6 to personal factors. Seven were not covered by the ICF. Of the 28 concepts regarding body functions and structures, 24 (86%) were covered by the combination of activity scores and the SDI. The SF‐36 also addressed 3 of these concepts and contained 9 (38%) of 24 concepts in activities and participation.

Conclusion

Although the combination of SLE activity scores, SDI, and SF‐36, as suggested for SLE studies, well covers body functions and structures and includes a significant portion of problems regarding activities and participation, neither environmental nor personal factors are covered at all.
Development and initial evaluation of a measure of self‐management for adults with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated small‐vessel vasculitis
Authors: Thorpe Carolyn T. , Devellis Robert F. , Lewis Megan A. , Blalock Susan J. , Hogan Susan L. , Devellis Brenda M.
Published: September 2007

Objective

To develop a measure of illness self‐management for adults living with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated small‐vessel vasculitis (ANCA‐SVV) and to gather evidence of its reliability and validity.

Methods

Development of the Vasculitis Self‐Management Scale (VSMS) was guided by previous research on self‐management in other chronically ill populations, a review of the current treatment literature for ANCA‐SVV, interviews with patients, and consultation with experts. A total of 205 patients living with ANCA‐SVV or a closely related condition then completed the VSMS, along with measures of sociodemographic and clinical variables, social desirability bias, and general adherence to medical recommendations, using a self‐administered mailed questionnaire. A principal components analysis was conducted on the VSMS items. Internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the resulting subscales were assessed. Forty‐four patients completed the VSMS a second time, for the purpose of assessing test–retest reliability.

Results

Analyses suggested an 8‐factor solution. The final VSMS consisted of 43 items representing these 8 behavioral domains. Correlations among the 8 domains were null to modest in magnitude. The internal consistency reliability of the 8 subscales ranged from minimally acceptable (α = 0.67) to excellent (α = 0.94), and correlations between subscale scores at time 1 and time 2 suggested good temporal stability. Preliminary evidence for validity was mixed.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the VSMS is a promising method for assessing illness self‐management in adults with ANCA‐SVV. More research exploring the validity of the measure is warranted.
AIFIT – Anwenderorientierte Identifikation für Ingenieurtragwerke. Versuchsgestützte Steifigkeitsanalysen
Authors: Hoffmann Simon , Wendner Roman , Strauss Alfred , Ralbovsky Marian , Bergmeister Konrad
Published: September 2007

Globale Identifikationsverfahren können einen wichtigen Beitrag zur ökonomischen Erhaltung unserer Infrastruktur leisten. Jedoch erfordern bisher zur Verfügung stehende Ansätze zu großen Aufwand in der Datenerfassung bzw. Interpretation. Im Rahmen des Projektes AIFIT werden verschiedenste Ansätze nicht nur hinsichtlich der Ergebnisse, sondern auch bezüglich ihrer jeweiligen Anforderungen analysiert und teilweise weiterentwickelt. Aufbauend auf den Erfordernissen der Bauwerkseigner wurden hierfür einige Methoden speziell entwickelt, welche im Folgenden vorgestellt werden. Ihre Leistungsfähigkeit wurde an bisher acht von insgesamt neun Zweifeld‐Stahlbetonbalken untersucht. Hierzu wurden neue Messverfahren entwickelt sowie bestehende dynamische Messmethoden verfeinert. Die hierbei gewonnenen Daten bilden die Grundlage für einen direkten Vergleich der Methoden.