bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ex juvantibus approach for chronic posterior laryngitis: results of short-term pantoprazole therapy
Authors: Habermann Walter , Eherer Andreas , Lindbichler Franz , Raith Johann , Friedrich Gerhard
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with chronic posterior laryngitis and symptoms of gastro-pharyngeal reflux benefit from a six-week therapy with pantoprozole. Twenty-nine out-patients with voice disorders (case history of at least two months) and simultaneous symptoms of gastropharyngeal reflux were recruited for this study. At the entry to the study a symptom questionnaire and a videolaryngo/stroboscopy were completed. The symptom questionnaire and the video-laryngo/stroboscopy were repeated after the six weeks of therapy with pantoprazole 40 mg once a day and again six weeks and three months after this follow-up, during which time the patient was without therapy.

Hoarseness, globus pharyngeus, sore throat, heartburn, and coughing were the symptoms which showed a significant (p<0.05) recovery at the follow-ups (mean of hoarseness index: 7.28 to 0.92; mean of globus pharyngeus index: 3.14 to 0.58; mean of heartburn index: 2.86 to 0.5; mean of cough index: 1.72 to 0.25; mean of throat soreness index: 1.72 to 0.15). Laryngoscopy scores of the posterior laryngeal region, the glottic and the supraglottic region showed statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) after the treatment with pantoprazole. The therapeutic effect exceeded the drug administration until the last follow-up (after three months). The medication was tolerated without side-effects in all patients.

A primary (ex juvantibus) therapy with proton pump inhibitors seems to be a therapeutic option for patients with long-lasting chronic inflammation of the larynx not responding to common therapy. In this case a six-week course of treatment has been shown to be sufficient.
Surgical emphysema following dental treatment
Authors: Salib R. J. , Valentine P. , Akhtar S.
Published: November 2007

Surgical emphysema is a relatively rare complication of dental surgery. Many cases go unrecognized or are misdiagnosed. Although the majority of cases resolve spontaneously, some can lead to potentially lifethreatening complications requiring emergency intervention. A case of surgical emphysema following a routine restorative dental procedure is presented. The differential diagnosis and management of this condition is discussed.
Isolated congenital stapes suprastructure fixation
Authors: Nandapalan V. , Tos M.
Published: November 2007

Isolated congenital anomalies of the ossicles are rare. The majority of cases of congenital conductive hearing loss secondary to middle-ear anomalies have other associated defects, such as atresia, microtia and craniofacial deformities.

We present a rare case of isolated congenital stapes suprastructure fixation, where a monocrural stapes with a mobile footplate was attached to the promontory by bony synostosis. There was no stapedius muscle nor pyramidal process. The incus and malleus were of normal configuration. Mobilization of the stapes from the promontory resulted in improvement in hearing. We believe this is the first reported case of such an abnormality. A review of the world literature of isolated stapes suprastructure ankylosis and the classifications of minor congenital anomalies are discussed.
The results of septal button insertion in the management of nasal septal perforation
Authors: Osma Üstün , Cüreoǧlu Sebahattin , Akbulut Nursel , Meriç Faruk , Topçu Ismail
Published: November 2007

Nasal septal perforation may present with various symptoms. Perforations may be surgically closed or managed by obturation, inserting a prosthesis. We used a silicon septal button in the management of nasal septal perforation. In the follow-up period, although the insertion of the nasal septal button alleviated epistaxis, whistling during inspiration, and nasal obstruction, it could not control the production of crusting around the margin of the button.
Nasendoscopically-assisted placement of a nasogastric feeding tube
Authors: Kelly Gerard , Lee Patrick
Published: November 2007

Nasogastric tube placement is desirable for the short-term administration of calories when oral feeding is not possible. Enteral nutrition is superior to parenteral nutrition. In some patients this method of feeding is impossible because of repeated failure of nasogastric tube placement, necessitating either general anaesthesia for enteral access, or total parenteral nutrition. We describe a new method for nasogastric tube placement aided by a fibre-optic nasendoscope which has resulted in the successful placement of over 20 nasogastric tubes in our unit and the avoidance of more invasive methods of establishing nutrition with their associated complications.
Viscoaugmentation as a treatment for leakage around the Provox® 2 voice rehabilitation system
Authors: Luff D. A. , Izzat S. , Farrington W. T.
Published: November 2007

Tracheo-oesophageal puncture for voice restoration is a well-established technique post-laryngectomy. A number of complications can occur with the creation of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) and in the subsequent management of the patient with an indwelling voice rehabilitation system.

This article is the first to report the use of Hylaform®, a colourless viscoelastic gel, to treat an intractable case of leakage around a Provox® 2 voice prosthesis. The procedure which required no anaesthesia resulted in no further leak around the valve to the present day, now more than four weeks post-viscoaugmentation.
Bronchoscopic removal of an inhaled, sharp, foreign body: an unusual complication
Authors: Clancy M. J.
Published: November 2007

A case is reported in which an inhaled sewing needle, stuck fast in the trachea, became displaced through the tracheal wall during attempted removal via flexible bronchoscopy. The inherent risks and pitfalls of this procedure are highlighted.
Delayed facial palsy after middle-ear surgery due to reactivation of varicella-zoster virus
Authors: Gyo Kiyofumi , Honda Nobumitsu
Published: November 2007

Viral reactivation is thought to be an important cause of post-operative facial palsy of delayed onset. We present an unusual case of Ramsay-Hunt syndrome that occurred as a consequence of middle-ear surgery by triggering varicella-zoster virus reactivation. As a pathognomonic auricular eruption was not seen, the patient was initially misdiagnosed as iatrogenic facial palsy. Clinical features, diagnosis and management are discussed.
Ultrasound-guided cutting-needle biopsy of the parotid gland
Authors: Buckland J. R. , Manjaly G. , Violaris N. , Howlett D. C.
Published: November 2007

We describe the technique of ultrasound-guided 18 gauge (1.2 mm) needle biopsy in 16 patients with parotid gland lesions. This provides material suitable for histological analysis and can be performed quickly and safely under local anaesthesia. Thirteen of the patients had non-diagnostic blind fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with a 21 gauge (0.8 mm) needle prior to biopsy. Initial ultrasound was found to be superior to clinical examination in 31 per cent of cases. The ultrasound-guided technique provided a diagnostic specimen in 100 per cent of patients and was helpful where FNAC had been inconclusive. There was a diagnostic accuracy of 100 per cent in the patients who underwent subsequent surgery. This method should be considered when FNAC is non-diagnostic and surgical treatment is being considered. It is particularly useful in patients with diffuse enlargement of the gland and does provide a core of material for accurate assessment of tissue architecture. In this series, nine patients avoided unnecessary surgery.
Tinnitus, cochlear implants and how they affect patients
Authors: Demajumdar R. , Stoddart R. , Donaldson I. , Proops D.W.
Published: November 2007

The relationship between tinnitus and cochlear implantation is an important issue that needs to be established because it may affect implant use. In this study 99 patients over 15 years of age completed pre-and post-cochlear implantation questionnaires, and underwent performance testing. The findings show that after implantation, there was marked suppression of tinnitus in both implanted and contralateral ears whilst the implant was off, and this was further enhanced when the implant was switched on. These effects are probably a combination of local and central factors. Presence of tinnitus, before or after implantation, had no detrimental effects on performance.

In conclusion, providing all other factors permit, this study recommends implanting the ear with the worst tinnitus.
Multi-channel cochlear implantation in patients with a post-traumatic sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Moore A. , Cheshire I. M.
Published: November 2007

There are few accounts of cochlear implantation in adults with post-traumatic sensorineural hearing loss. We report our experience with multichannel implantation in three such patients.

Two patients experienced no cognitive or communication deficits as a result of their head injury. At nine months post-implant, compared with our experience of non-head-injured implantees, these patients achieved average or above average scores on audiological performance tests.

The third patient presented with cognitive, behavioural and communicative deficits. The level of improvement achieved by this patient, when lip-reading was supplemented with electrical stimulation, in both BKB sentence and connected discourse tracking (CDT) tests was comparable with that of the non-head-injured group. However, his absolute performance at nine months post-implant was well below average. Performance at 18 months on BKB sentences and environmental sound recognition showed little change, and was again well below average, however his score on CDT with lip-reading and electrical stimulation improved considerably and was similar to the average achieved by the non-head-injured group. The major difficulties experienced with this patient were increasing depression and low implant use. Considerably more time was spent in the assessment and rehabilitation of this patient and involved liaison with a number of other agencies. When considering such patients for cochlear implantation it is strongly recommended that these additional requirements are taken into account.
A nine-year review of 841 children tested by transtympanic electrocochleography
Authors: Bellman Susan , Barnard Susanne , Beagley H.A.
Published: November 2007

The case notes of 841 subjects who had had ECochG carried out between January 1972 and December 1980, were examined and the results compared with PTA results in 263 cases in which these were available. ECochG was found to be a good predictor of peripheral hearing as long as its limitations were recognized, and some of these are discussed. BSER, which has similar limitations, was also found to be a good predictor of peripheral hearing, although slightly less sensitive, and sometimes gave additional information on the hearing loss and the clinical state of the patient.
Permanent obliteration of old radical mastoid cavities combined with tympanoplasty
Authors: Meuser W.
Published: November 2007

An open radical mastoid cavity presents a handicap to the patient If elimination of the cavity appears desirable, one should use an operative technique which does not incur the risk of a cholesteatoma redeveloping. In our experience obliteration of the cavity with non-resorbable methacrylate Sulfix-6 is the best way to achieve this. The arguments in favour of this view are presented and the operative technique is described.
A simple method of measuring the nasal airway in clinical work
Authors: Gertner R. , Podoshin L. , Fradis M.
Published: November 2007

The problem of measuring the nasal airway is discussed, and the previous literature has been reviewed. A simple method of measuring the airway and the degree of nasal obstruction has been proposed.
Tumoral calcinosis of the nose
Authors: Chamyal P. C. , Ahluwalia K. J. S.
Published: November 2007

A rare and interesting case of tumoral calcinosis of the nose causing external nasal deformity and managed by surgical excision and corrective rhinoplasty is presented.
Calcified acoustic neurinoma
Authors: Thomsen Jens , Klinken Leif , Tos Mirko
Published: November 2007

An unusual case history of a patient with an acoustic neurinoma is reported. The patient had a two-year history of unilateral sensori-neural hearing impairment, normal radiological appearance of the internal acoustic meatus at tomography and on CT a grossly calcified tumour in the cerebello-pontine angle, indicating pathology other than an neurinoma. Vertebral angiography was normal, and at surgery a grossly calcified tumour was found, while microscopy revealed a typical neurinoma pattern. The tumour had to be removed in two stages, both via the translabyrinthine approach, with a satisfactory post-operative condition, including near-normal facial function. It is concluded that dense calcifications in tumours in the cerebello-pontine angle do not necessarily exclude a neurinoma, and vertebral angiography is therefore not indicated routinely. However, such findings do predict difficulties at surgery.
Current use of chemotheraphy for head and neck cacer
Authors: Morton Randall P.
Published: November 2007

A postal survey of 100 members of the Association of Head and Neck Oncologists of Great Britain was conducted in the first 6 months of 1983. The sample consisted principally of Otolaryngologists (50 per cent), Radiotherapists (14 per cent), Medical Oncologists (10 per cent), Oral Surgeons (10 per cent) and Plastic Surgeons (10 per cent). More than 80 per cent of those who completed the questionnaire used chemotherapy for Head and Neck cancer (72 per cent used it for palliation, and 64 per cent as part of combined modality therapy). There was great variation in the chemotherapeutic regimens used by the various responders. Furthermore, most responders used more than one regimen. Methotrexate was the agent most frequently used. No specific regimen, either single-agent or multiple-agent, enjoyed universal acceptance, although the combination of Vincristine, Bleomycin and Methotrexate was popular. Chemotherapy was thought by most responders to have a useful but as yet undefined place in the management of Head and Neck cancer. This survey underlines the need for prospective, controlled, clinical trials into the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy for Head and Neck cancer.
Dynamics of swallowing in tetanus
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Makishima Kazumi , Arima Toshio , Mitsuyama Shoshu
Published: November 2007

An 82-year-old man developed an uncommon type of swallowing disturbance with tetanus. Initially, he could masticate his food but could not pass it into the esophagus. The mechanism of swallowing in this patient was studied radiologically and endoscopically. The disturbance in the second stage of deglutition was associated predominantly with his advanced age and the slow clinical progress of the tetanus. The patient was cured by treating the disease.
Hearing in acromegaly
Authors: Doig J. A. , Gatehouse S.
Published: November 2007

Fifty-six individuals with acromegaly referred for pituitary surgery were studied to determine any relationship between acromegaly and sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. Compared to a matched population control sample, no significant difference between the acromegalics and controls has been found, either for air conduction or for bone conduction. The differences between these findings and those published previously are discussed, and reasons proposed to explain the discrepancies.
A controlled trial of acupuncture in tinnitus
Authors: Marks N. J. , Emery P. , Onisiphorou C.
Published: November 2007

The relationship of tinnitus to pain is examined and a theoretical case made out for the possible use of acupuncture in the treatment of tinnitus. A double-blind cross-over controlled trial is described. The use of Visual Analogue Scales (V.A.S.) is discussed in this context. 35 per cent of patients described some benefit from the active treatment only, although we were unable to demonstrate this objectively. Statistical analysis of the group as a whole revealed no significant differences between placebo and active acupuncture treatment.
A small osteoma of the frontal sinus causing headaches
Authors: Leiberman A. , Tovi F.
Published: November 2007

Osteomas of the frontal sinus are usually symptomless. When they enlarge they may produce pressure symptoms such as headaches. Small osteomas developing near the fronto-ethmoidal duct may interfere with the patency of the duct and impair the aeration of the sinus. This is a report of a case in which a small osteoma was found to be the cause of severe chronic headaches.
Acid posterior laryngitis
Authors: Kambič V. , Radšel Zora
Published: November 2007

The authors have treated 44 patients with posterior chronic acid laryngitis. Biopsy was performed in all patients. Characteristic changes typical of the hyperregenerative or atrophic phase of reflux oesophagitis were identified in all specimens. Gastric hypersecretion was proven in all but two patients. The aetio-logic factors of acid posterior laryngitis are gastro-oesophageal reflux, with friction of both vocal processes during phonation and vocal abuse. The preferred therapy is removal of circumscribed lesions with a suitable medical regimen.
Keratin antibody localization in head and neck tissues and neoplasms
Authors: Shi Shan-Rong , Bhan Atul K. , Pilch Ben Z. , Chen Lan Bo , Goodman Max L.
Published: November 2007

Immunohistochemical staining for keratin proteins may be useful as a diagnostic parameter in head and neck neoplasms. Our study evaluates the keratin antibody staining properties of normal tissues as well as neoplastic and non-neoplastic head and neck lesions from surgical procedures performed on 100 patients. The results indicate that the anti-keratin antibody technique can be helpful in several areas of head and neck pathology.
Cryosurgical treatment of endolymphatic hydrops
Authors: Horowitz M. , Floods L. M. , Hampal S.
Published: November 2007

Cryosurgery of the labyrinth, as a treatment of endolymphatic hydrops, was initially greeted with considerable enthusiasm, but has latterly received little publicity. That it still has a valuable role is demonstrated by this study of 69 patients who underwent labyrinthine cryosurgery over a 16 year period. Complete relief from vertigo has been achieved in 71 per cent of cases and morbidity has been minimized by the precautions outlined. The literature is reviewed to demonstrate the superiority of the transmastoid approach, the evolution of the technique and experimental evidence for the supposed mode of action.
Late onset Cogan's syndrome
Authors: Fidler H. , Jones N. S.
Published: November 2007

Previous reports describe Cogan's syndrome occurring in young adults this case shows that it can be diagnosed in an older patient, and that prompt treatment is often successful, making it a worthwhile diagnosis to consider in patients with sudden hearing loss. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was a useful marker for disease activity in this patient.
Wegener's granulomatosis: false positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test
Authors: Mains Brian
Published: November 2007

The anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (A.N.C.A.) test is a solid phase radioimmunoassay which detects autoantibodies specific for Wegener's granulomatosis. The case of a young male is reported with a nasal septal perforation who was extensively investigated revealing no other clinical features, apart from a positive A.N.C.A. test, warranting a diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis. It is felt the case represents a false positive A.N.C.A. test and emphasises that the test, whilst useful, should be interpreted in the context of other diagnostic criteria.
Meningioma of the internal auditory canal with extension into the vestibule
Authors: Ishikawa Norihiko , Komatsuzaki Atsushi , Tokano Hisashi
Published: November 2007

Meningiomas account for approximately 18 to 19 per cent of all brain tumours. Although they can arise in numerous locations, meningiomas of the internal auditory canal (IAC) are rare. Most tumours that originate in the IAC are schwannomas of the Vilith cranial nerve (acoustic neuromas). We report a case of a meningioma which appears to originate from the IAC and extends into the vestibule. The clinical findings and the radiographical features of meningiomas of the IAC are similar to those of acoustic neuromas. Pre-operative differentiation between acoustic neuromas and meningiomas of the IAC may be difficult.
Pituitary adenomas with infra-sellar extension into the nasopharynx
Authors: Godey Benoit , Morandi Xavier , Le Gall François , Feat Stephane , Brassier Gilles , Le Clech Guy
Published: November 2007

Three cases of pituitary adenomas with infra-sellar extension into the nasopharynx and the nasal cavities are reported. The clinical signs were epistaxis, nasal obstruction, painful sinuses and purulent rhinorrhoea. The initial diagnostic hypothesis was that of a carcinoma of the nasopharynx or the sinuses in all three cases. The diagnosis was made by histological examination and measurement of plasma hormone levels. These cases highlight the difficulty in the diagnosis of such tumours due to their misleading clinical, radiological and histological features.
Experimental studies on traumatic facial nerve injury
Authors: Cai Zhigang , Yu Guangyan , Ma Daquan , Tan Jing , Yang Zhaohui , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: November 2007

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of different injuries to the facial nerve.

Materials and methods Six patterns of injuries (exposure, compression, crushing, stretching, division and post-division anastomosis) were produced in the buccal branches of the facial nerve in 60 rabbits. Electroneuronography (ENoG) and histology at definite time were used to evaluate the results.

Results and conclusions Exposure and compression injuries produced a neuropraxic injury and rapid recovery. Crushing and stretching injuries resulted in axonotmesis and whilst complete recovery can take place it may be very slow. Division and post-division anastomosis fall into neurotmesis injury and do not completely recover within six months; the former recovers slower and later than the latter.
Chondroma of the external auditory canal
Authors: Johnson I. J. M. , Tadpatrikar M. H. , Sharp J. F.
Published: November 2007

Chondroma, a benign tumour which is common at many sites in the body, has not been reported in the English literature in the bony external auditory canal. The first such case at this anatomical site is described and the pathogenesis is considered.
Soft tissue chondroma of the parapharyngeal space: a case report
Authors: Wang De-Hui , Guan Xi-li , Xiao Li-feng , Zhang Xiao-peng , Chen Mao-guo , Sun Ke-min
Published: November 2007

Benign chondroma affecting the soft tissues is uncommon. This tumour is particularly rare in the neck. We present the first case of soft tissue chondroma arising in the parapharyngeal space of a 20-year-old man with a two-year history of a gradual sensation of a swelling in the pharynx with increasing snoring. The CT and pathological features of this lesion will be discussed. We suggest that a peroral approach should be considered for benign parapharyngeal tumour which has been demonstrated on imaging to be in the anterior parapharyngeal space, especially for tumours that are medial to the pterygoid muscles even though the tumour is a large one.
Management of saddle nose deformity in atrophic rhinitis
Authors: Baser Brajendra , Grewal D. S. , Hiranandani N. L.
Published: November 2007

Correction of a saddle nose deformity due to atrophic rhinitis is a formidable task. The thick and puckered skin secondary to long standing disease makes the creation of a dorsal subdermal pocket difficult. On the one hand, these patients tolerate synthetic implants poorly and on the other they show an unusually high rate of absorption of autologous bone graft. Our experience of treating 15 patients with saddle nose defor mity secondary to atrophic rhinitis is presented.
How safe is submucosal diathermy?
Authors: Premachandra D. J. , Bull T. R. , Mackay I. S.
Published: November 2007

Submucosal diathermy (SMD) is a common surgical procedure carried out to improve the nasal airway. A case is presented in which it was followed by profuse epistaxis which required transfusion of 28 units of blood, eight units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and four units of platelets within 14 days.
Radio-necrosis of the temporal bone presenting as cerebellopontine angle lesion
Authors: Small M. , Hariri M. A.
Published: November 2007

We report a case of osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone which presented with symptoms and signs of cerebellopontine angle lesion. The clinical, radiological, histological and bacteriological findings are reported. The occurrence of osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone and the factors which predispose to it are discussed with particular emphasis on the time lapse between radiotherapy and its development. This presentation has not previously been reported.
Sinolith in the ethmoid sinus
Authors: Kanzaki S , Sakamoto Michiie
Published: November 2007

We report a case of sinolith in the left ethmoid sinus of a 61-year-old man. The patient complained of nasal obstruction. Computed tomography revealed a small, calcified mass associated with a nasal polyp in the left ethmoid sinus. The antrolith and polyp were removed via endoscopic sinus surgery. Histopathological analysis of the antrolith revealed it to be bone-like in formation. The antrolith was about 1 cm in diameter. Infrared spectroscopy revealed that the antrolith contained protein (45 per cent), calcium phosphate (43 per cent) and calcium carbonate (12 per cent).
Management of upper airway obstruction secondary to warfarin therapy: the conservative approach
Authors: Lim Mingyann , Chaudhari Meena , Devesa Pablo M , Waddell Angus , Gupta Deepak
Published: November 2007

Airway obstruction secondary to bleeding from warfarin therapy is difficult to manage and uncommon but has been previously described. Previous reports have emphasized the need for reversal of therapy using vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Where a definitive airway has been required, cricothyroidotomy or tracheostomy seem to have been favoured. Several authors have reported failed attempts at endotracheal intubation due to the obstructive effects of a sublingual haematoma. We report here a case which illustrates how endotracheal intubation can be used successfully under the right conditions. It also highlights the superiority of prothrombin complex concentrate over FFP in achieving rapid reversal of abnormal international normalized ratio in the emergency situation.
An alternative use of video-telescopic guidance for insertion of myringotomy tube
Authors: Lee Fei-Peng
Published: November 2007

The insertion of a myringotomy tube is a common ENT procedure. Traditionally, this procedure is performed under otomicroscopic view. In this paper I describe a technique using rigid endoscopy with the Hopkins rod and a video monitor as a visual aid for the insertion of myringotomy tube in older children and adults. The technique is safe and effective; it allows demonstration of the entire tympanic membrane during surgery and also enables better teaching of the procedure than does the otomicroscope.
The Ignored Elites: Turks, Mongols and a Persian Secretarial Class in the Early Delhi Sultanate
Authors: KUMAR SUNIL
Published: November 2007

The consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate coincided with the Mongol devastation of Transoxiana, Iran and Afghanistan. This paper studies the Persian literature of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries invested as it was in the projection of the court of the Delhi Sultans as the ‘sanctuary of Islam’, where the Muslim community was safe from the marauding infidel Mongols. The binaries on which the qualities of the accursed Mongols and the monolithic Muslim community were framed ignored the fact that a large number of Sultanate elites and monarchs were of Turkish/Mongol ethnicity or had a history of prior service in their armed contingents. While drawing attention to the narrative strategies deployed by Sultanate chroniclers to obscure the humble frontier origins of its lords and masters, my paper also elaborates on steppe traditions and rituals prevalent in early-fourteenth-century Delhi. All of these underlined the heterogeneity of Muslim Sultanate society and politics in the capital, a complexity that the Persian litterateurs were loath to acknowledge in their records.
Mortality in offspring of mothers with psychotic disorder
Authors: Suvisaari J. , Häkkinen L. , Haukka J. , Lönnqvist J.
Published: November 2007

Background

Previous studies suggest that offspring of mothers with psychotic disorders have an almost two-fold higher mortality risk from birth until early adulthood. We investigated predictors of mortality from late adolescence until middle age in offspring of mothers with psychotic disorders.

Method

The Helsinki High-Risk Study follows up offspring (n=337) of women treated for schizophrenia spectrum disorders in mental hospitals in Helsinki before 1975. Factors related to mortality up to 2005 among offspring of these mothers was investigated with a survival model. Hazard rate ratios (HRR) were calculated using sex, diagnosis of psychotic disorder, childhood socio-economic status, maternal diagnosis, and maternal suicide attempts and aggressive symptoms as explanatory variables. The effect of family was investigated by including a frailty term in the model. We also compared mortality between the high-risk group and the Finnish general population.

Results

Within the high-risk group, females had lower all-cause mortality (HRR 0.43,p=0.05) and mortality from unnatural causes (HRR 0.24,p=0.03) than males. Having themselves been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder was associated with higher mortality from unnatural causes (HRR 4.76,p=0.01), while maternal suicide attempts were associated with higher suicide mortality (HRR 8.64,p=0.03). Mortality in the high-risk group was over two-fold higher (HRR 2.44,p<0.0001) than in the general population, and remained significantly higher when high-risk offspring who later developed psychotic disorders were excluded from the study sample (HRR 2.30,p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Offspring of mothers with psychotic disorder are at increased risk of several adverse outcomes, including premature death.
Evaluation of the impact on human salmonellosis of control measures targeted to Salmonella Enteritidis and Typhimurium in poultry breeding using time-series analysis and intervention models in France
Authors: POIRIER E. , WATIER L. , ESPIE E. , WEILL F.-X. , VALK H. DE , DESENCLOS J.-C.
Published: November 2007

In France, salmonellosis is the main cause of foodborne bacterial infection with serotypes Enteritis (SE) and Typhimurium (ST) accounting for 70% of all cases. French authorities implemented a national control programme targeting SE and ST in poultry and eggs from October 1998 onwards. A 33% decrease in salmonellosis has been observed since implementation. We designed an evaluation of the impact of this control programme on SE and ST human infections in France. Using monthly Salmonella human isolate reports to the National Reference Centre we defined two intervention series (SE and ST) and one control series comprising serotypes not know to be associated with poultry or eggs. The series, from 1992 to 2003, were analysed using autoregressive moving average models (ARMA). To test the hypothesis of a reduction of SE and ST human cases >0 after the programme started and to estimate its size, we introduced an intervention model to the ARMA modelling. In contrast to the control series, we found an annual reduction of 555 (95% CI 148–964) SE and of 492 (95% CI 0–1092) ST human infections, representing respectively a 21% and 18% decrease. For SE, the decrease occurred sharply after implementation while for ST, it followed a progressive decrease that started early in 1998. Our study, suggests a true relation between the Salmonella control programme and the subsequent decrease observed for the two targeted serotypes. For ST, however, the decrease prior to the intervention may also reflect control measures implemented earlier by the cattle and milk industry.
The reduplicative template in Tonkawa
Authors: Gouskova Maria
Published: November 2007

Generalised Template Theory holds that templatic restrictions on reduplicative morphemes follow from independent, general principles. Under lexically indexed constraint theory, however, reduplicants are in no way special – morpheme-specific constraints may apply just to reduplicants. This article presents reduplication patterns in Tonkawa, which are argued to require reduplicant-specific constraints. In Tonkawa, the reduplicant is limited in size to CV, and is usually syllabified as a light syllable. Even though the language typically prefers heavy syllables word-initially, they are light if the syllable is a reduplicative prefix. This size restriction is backcopied onto the first syllable of the base. In the context of the prosodic phonology of Tonkawa, this pattern can only be understood if there is a reduplicant-specific prohibition against heavy syllables. This prohibition is formulated in terms of lexically indexed constraints on the reduplicant, which allows for a nuanced understanding of the emergent CV template.
Place assimilation and phonetic grounding: a cross-linguistic perceptual study
Authors: Kochetov Alexei , So Connie K.
Published: November 2007

This paper investigates predictions made by the ‘phonetic knowledge hypothesis’ (Jun 1995, 2004, Hayes & Steriade 2004) about the relation between perceptibility of stops and common patterns of major place assimilation. In two perceptual experiments, stimuli with Russian released and unreleased voiceless stops in clusters were presented for identification of 56 listeners, native speakers of Russian, Canadian English, Korean and Taiwanese Mandarin. Percentages of correct responses and reaction time data were used to determine scales of perceptual salience. Results reveal considerable perceptual differences between places of articulation, consistent across four language groups. Perceptual salience of place of articulation was strongly affected by presence or absence of stop releases. While the salience scale for released stops closely corresponded to cross-linguistic patterns of assimilation, the scale for unreleased stops did not. The results provide partial support for the hypothesis, while suggesting a less direct relation between scales of phonetic difficulty and phonological markedness.
What the GRM brought to music: from musique concrète to acousmatic music
Authors: Battier Marc
Published: November 2007

Sixty years ago, musique concrète was born of the single-handed efforts of one man, Pierre Schaeffer. How did the first experiments become a School and produce so many rich works? As this issue of Organised Sound addresses various aspects of the GRM activities throughout sixty years of musical adventure, this article discusses the musical thoughts behind the advent and the development of the music created and theoretised at the Paris School formed by the Schaefferian endeavours. Particular attention is given to the early twentieth-century conceptions of musical sounds and how poets, artists and musicians were expressing their quest for, as Apollinaire put it, ‘new sounds new sounds new sounds’. The questions of naming, gesture, sound capture, processing and diffusion are part of the concepts thoroughly revisited by the GRMC, then the GRM in 1958, up to what is known as acousmatic music. Other contributions, such as Teruggi's, give readers insight into the technical environments and innovations that took place at the GRM. This present article focuses on the remarkable unity of the GRM. This unity has existed alongside sixty years of activity and dialogue with researchers of other fields and constant attention to the latter-day scientific, technological and philosophical ideas which have had a strong influence in shaping the development of GRM over the course of its history.
Technology and musique concrète: the technical developments of the Groupe de Recherches Musicales and their implication in musical composition
Authors: Teruggi Daniel
Published: November 2007

When studying the history and evolution of the GRM, one of its outstanding features has been its continuous energy dedicated to developing machines, systems and, in recent years, software that would better serve composers' views and intentions. Unique discoveries were made that have become the fundamental concepts of sound manipulation and have influenced researchers and developers in the conception of new, but always somehow faithful to the original, tools for composition. Many steps pave this road, some are known and recognised, others were necessary failures that permitted inventors to re-focus and realise their thoughts.
Analytical commentaries of Les voix de Pierre Schaeffer by Christian Zanési
Authors: Mion Philippe
Published: November 2007

This article presents a detailed analysis of Christian Zanesi's work, Arkhéion, Les voix de Pierre Schaeffer. The main structuring ideas as well as a description of the materials used is presented, thus stressing the opposition between horizontal and vertical trends in time. The presence of the voice of Pierre Schaeffer gives the work a particular introspection through its relation to the life of Schaeffer and his ideas.
Elemente einer Studie
Authors: Bachmann
Published: November 2007

Medizinische Forschung produziert evidence in drei Wissensdimensionen: Ätiognose, Diagnose und Prognose. Jede Studie kann duch die Hauptbeziehung, die Domäne und die Studienpopulation charakterisiert werden. Die Hauptbeziehung ist die Assoziation zwischen einer Einflussgröße und der Zielgröße. Als Domäne bezeichnen wir im Allgemeinen, diejenige Population, auf welche die Resultate der Studie zutreffen. Der Begriff Domäne ist der Mathematik entliehen, in der die Domäne als Bereich aller möglichen Eingabewerte einer Funktion beschrieben wird. Die Studienpopulation besteht aus Repräsentanten der Domäne deren Erfahrungen in der Studie festgehalten werden.
Was soll ich messen? Bestimmen einer Zielgröße für klinische Studien
Authors: Puhan  , Klaghofer
Published: November 2007

Die Zielgröße ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil von klinischen Studien, weil die Interpretation der Studie stark davon abhängt. Bei der Auswahl der Zielgröße ist es entscheidend, dass die Forschungsgruppe zur Übereinstimmung kommt, an welcher Fragestellung und damit an welcher Zielgröße sie interessiert ist. Wenn die klinische Relevanz einer Therapie beurteilt werden soll, sollte man sicher gehen, mit der Auswahl der Zielgrößen die Sicht des Patienten zu berücksichtigen. Wenn man eher etwas über den Wirkungsmechanismus lernen möchte, dann sollten eher physiologische Zielgrößen gewählt werden. Die Wahl der Zielgröße kann auch einen wesentlichen Einfluss auf die Methoden der Studie haben. Je nach Zielgröße muss man mit dem Studiendesign und der Analyse unterschiedliche Störfaktoren (confounders) kontrollieren. Schließlich sollte auch die bestehende Literatur bei der Auswahl der Zielgröße berücksichtigt werden, damit die gesamte Evidenz besser beurteilt und zusammengefasst werden kann.
Management eines Forschungsprojektes
Authors: Steurer  , Bachmann
Published: November 2007

Voraussetzungen für gute Forschung sind zündende Ideen, Know-how und die notwendigen Ressourcen an Zeit und Geld. Für eine effiziente Durchführung eines Projektes ist eine konkrete Planung nötig. Ein Forschungsprojekt kann in vier Teile gegliedert werden. Das Schreiben des Forschungsprotokolls, das alle wichtigen Aspekte von der Forschungsfrage über die anzuwendende Methodik bis zur Zeit- und Finanzplanung enthält; die Datensammlung; die Auswertung der Daten und das Schreiben einer Publikation. Ein sorgfältig verfasstes Forschungsprotokoll erleichtert die Kommunikation zwischen allen am Projekt beteiligten Personen und ermöglicht ein effizientes Management eines Forschungsprojektes.
On the mixture of aerosols and ice clouds over the Tibetan Plateau: Results of a balloon flight in the summer of 1999
Authors: Tobo Yutaka , Zhang Daizhou , Iwasaka Yasunobu , Shi Guangyu
Published: November 2007

Vertical profiles of size‐resolved particle concentrations were measured over the Tibetan Plateau by using balloon‐borne optical particle counters. The measurement on 17 August 1999 showed that there was a thin layer of particles with diameters of >3.6 μm at concentrations of >0.01 cm−3 around 150 hPa. These particles are much larger than the background aerosols and most likely composed of ice crystals. Within the layer, a large number of submicron aerosols still coexisted with the ice particles, indicating that not all of the background aerosols were removed by ice nucleation and scavenging. Considering recent model and laboratory studies, these results suggest an occurrence of selective ice nucleation involving a fraction of the background aerosols (i.e., effective ice nuclei), which is associated with dynamical and constituent fields in the upper troposphere over the Tibetan Plateau.
Marine ecosystem simulation in the eastern tropical Pacific with a global eddy resolving coupled physical‐biological model
Authors: Sasai Y. , Sasaki H. , Sasaoka K. , Ishida A. , Yamanaka Y.
Published: November 2007

We have simulated the seasonal variability of marine biology in the eastern tropical Pacific using a global eddy‐resolving coupled physical‐biological model. Using high‐resolution satellite wind fields, the model reproduces the seasonal variability of surface chlorophyll influenced by the meso‐scale eddies and upwelling associated with the strong offshore wind jets. In winter, upwelling generated by the wind jets in the Gulfs of Tehuantepec, Papagayo, and Panama brings up cold and nitrate‐rich waters from subsurface layer, where the tropical spring bloom occurs and is transported offshore. In summer, the intertropical convergence zone moves northward, and these jets weaken. The Costa Rica Dome develops with wind fields west of the Gulf of Papagayo. The dome in the open ocean supports high chlorophyll by the nutrient supply with upwelling. The westward expansion of surface chlorophyll of dome is response to the thermocline variation with the westward propagation of Rossby waves.
The transmission dynamics of syphilis and the CDC’s elimination plan
Authors: Breban Romulus , Supervie Virginie , Okano Justin , Vardavas Raffaele , Blower Sally
Published: November 2007

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is currently attempting to eliminate syphilis in the United States (US); to ensure that their control strategies will be effective it is important to understand the transmission dynamics of syphilis. Epidemics of certain infectious diseases (e.g., influenza) can rise and fall with a well-defined periodicity; this cycling behavior is important because it can have significant implications for the design and effectiveness of control strategies. Here we discuss the methodology that has been used to identify epidemic cycles in longitudinal data sets, and the endogenous and exogenous mechanisms that generate cycling. We then examine the recently proposed hypothesis that syphilis epidemics cycle. This hypothesis was proposed based upon the results of a spectral analysis of a longitudinal data set that had been collected by the (CDC), and the analysis of a syphilis transmission model. We use spectral analysis to reanalyze the CDC’s data set, as well as to analyze a longitudinal mortality data set provided by the CDC. We also use published transmission models to predict the expected dynamics of syphilis epidemics. In contrast to the previous findings we find that: (i) that neither of the CDC’s data sets provide compelling evidence that syphilis epidemics cycle and (ii) published transmission models predict that syphilis epidemics should monotonically decrease (as a function of the treatment rate) rather than cycle. We explain the reasons why previous authors had proposed that syphilis epidemics cycle. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings regarding the transmission dynamics of syphilis for the CDC’s elimination plan.
Vitamin A: a drug for prevention of restenosis/reocclusion after percutaneous coronary intervention?
Authors: Gidlöf Andreas C. , Ocaya Pauline , Krivospitskaya Olesya , Sirsjö Allan
Published: November 2007

The re-establishment of adequate blood flow in a vessel with a reduced lumen due to an atherosclerotic plaque by percutaneous vascular intervention is a well established procedure. However, the long-term outcome of such interventions is negatively influenced by the development of intimal hyperplasia/restenosis. Although extensively researched, this still represents a significant clinical problem. Retinoids, i.e. natural and synthetic derivates of vitamin A, represent a potential therapeutic compound, since they have been shown to influence the vast majority of processes that ultimately lead to reocclusion of the injured vessel. Retinoids exert their effects at the transcriptional level through their nuclear receptors. Targeting multiple processes, i.e. proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix composition and cell differentiation, as well as coagulation/fibrinolysis, should increase their future role in the prevention of restenosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the diverse effects of retinoids on pathobiological and biological processes activated at sites of vascular injury with particular emphasis on intimal hyperplasia/restenosis after endovascular interventions.
Mechanisms underlying developmental programming of elevated blood pressure and vascular dysfunction: evidence from human studies and experimental animal models
Authors: Nuyt Anne Monique
Published: November 2007

Cardiovascular-related diseases are the leading cause of death in the world in both men and women. In addition to the environmental and genetic factors, early life conditions are now also considered important contributing elements to these pathologies. The concept of ‘fetal’ or ‘developmental’ origins of adult diseases has received increased recognition over the last decade, yet the mechanism by which altered perinatal environment can lead to dysfunction mostly apparent in the adult are incompletely understood. This review will focus on the mechanisms and pathways that epidemiological studies and experimental models have revealed underlying the adult cardiovascular phenotype dictated by the perinatal experience, as well as the probable key causal or triggering elements. Programmed elevated blood pressure in the adult human or animal is characterized by vascular dysfunction and microvascular rarefaction. Developmental mechanisms that have been more extensively studied include glucocorticoid exposure, the role of the kidneys and the renin–angiotensin system. Other pathophysiological pathways have been explored, such as the role of the brain and the sympathetic nervous system, oxidative stress and epigenetic changes. As with many complex diseases, a unifying hypothesis linking the perinatal environment to elevated blood pressure and vascular dysfunction in later life cannot be presumed, and a better understanding of those mechanisms is critical before clinical trials of preventive or ‘deprogramming’ measures can be designed.