bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ tagging of deep-sea redfish: application of an underwater, fish-tagging system
Authors: Sigurdsson Thorsteinn , Thorsteinsson Vilhjalmur , Gústafsson Leifur
Published: February 2006

We describe a tagging method using underwater-tagging equipment (UTE), developed in collaboration between the Icelandic Marine Research Institute and the marine-device manufacturer STAR–ODDI. The tagging device can be attached to a pelagic or demersal trawl, immediately in front of the codend. Fish that enter the trawl are guided through the UTE, where they enter a tagging chamber to be held, tagged, and then released. The tagging equipment is electronically controlled from the vessel by a computer with a hard-wire, sonar cable link between the ship and the device. The same cable carries signals from four video cameras in the UTE, and a researcher can view images of the fish on a computer screen and control the tagging equipment simultaneously. The motivation for this project is the need to be able to tag fish, in situ, underwater, so avoiding the problem of swimbladder expansion that for physoclists such as redfish precludes conventional tagging. The UTE has been used to tag redfish in the size range 32–52 cm. Other species, such as saithe, have also entered the equipment and have been tagged with success. The tagging equipment could therefore be an alternative for tagging any medium-size roundfish, such as cod, haddock, and saithe, as well as many deep-sea species in their natural environment without subjecting them to the hazardous journey from deep water to the surface. In all, 752 redfish were tagged with the UTE in 2003 and 2004. Of these, 29 (3.9%) have been recaptured, most with reliable information on date, position, and condition at the time of capture. The tags used in 2003 and 2004 were dummy tags identical in size and shape to the external housings of electronic data-storage tags. In 2005, real DSTs were used of the type DST-micro from STAR–ODDI. These will in future provide time-series of ambient temperature and depth.
Walleye pollock respond to trawling vessels
Authors: De Robertis Alex , Wilson Christopher D.
Published: February 2006

The potential for fish to avoid survey vessels is a major source of uncertainty in stock-assessment surveys. Although walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) are the subject of a substantial commercial fishery in the North Pacific, their behavioural responses to approaching survey vessels remain poorly understood. As a first step in an effort to determine if walleye pollock avoid survey vessels engaged in trawling operations, we made pairwise comparisons of acoustic backscatter recorded by survey vessels while free-running and while trawling. Results are presented of acoustic backscatter recorded from NOAA's RV “Miller Freeman”, which used a midwater trawl during the 1996–2002 eastern Bering Sea surveys, and a chartered commercial fishing vessel, which used a bottom trawl during a survey in 2003 in the Gulf of Alaska. In both cases, average backscatter from a vessel-mounted echosounder was significantly higher when free-running than when trawling. These decreases in backscatter are consistent with increased vessel avoidance while trawling. There were no differences in the vertical distribution of backscatter when free-running and trawling, indicating that pollock do not exhibit elevated diving responses when approached by a trawling vessel rather than by a free-running vessel. Although the study indicates that pollock respond to trawling vessels, the nature of the behavioural response cannot be determined with the methods used in this study. Future work should evaluate potential stimuli produced by trawlers to which pollock may react, and should document changes in behaviour that may occur in their presence.
Preliminary information on cod and haddock production in submerged cages off the coast of New Hampshire, USA
Authors: Chambers Michael D. , Howell William H.
Published: February 2006

The University of New Hampshire's Open Ocean Aquaculture project is intended to evaluate the potential development of offshore aquaculture in the northeastern United States. As part of this project, both cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) were raised in submerged cages at an exposed location 14 km off the coast of New Hampshire, USA. In September 2003, at a mean weight of 45 g, 30 000 cod were transferred offshore into a 200-m3 nursery net located inside a 3000-m3 cage submerged 12 m below the surface. Cod were later released into the main cage at a mean weight of 90 g and are intended to be grown to a market size of 2–3 kg. As of February 2005, the cod averaged 652 g, had a 92% survival rate, an FCR of 1.49, and an SGR of 0.49% d−1. Haddock research was initiated in mid-September 2002, when 3000 haddock (16 g mean weight) were transferred to a 35-m3 inshore nursery pen. By mid-December 2002, their mean weight had increased to 78 g, and the fish were transferred to an offshore cage. As of February 2005, the haddock had a survival rate of 92%, mean weight of 1360 g, FCR of 2.36, and SGR of 0.35% d−1.
Continuous light delays sexual maturation and increases growth of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) in sea cages
Authors: Taranger G.L. , Aardal L. , Hansen T. , Kjesbu O.S.
Published: February 2006

Prevention of early sexual maturation is essential in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) farming because maturity results in reduced growth, affects flesh quality, and may lead to increased mortality. In farmed cod, almost 100% of the fish mature at two years of age and often at a size of 1.5–2 kg. Two pilot experiments were conducted with cod in sea cages at a commercial fish farm in western Norway (60°N) to test the effect of additional continuous light (LL) on the timing of sexual maturation and somatic growth compared with controls under natural light (NL). In the NL groups, 100% maturation was indicated during the natural spawning period from February to April at the age of two years. By contrast, LL treatment from 27 June (15-month-old cod) or 2 September (18-month-old cod) onwards delayed gonad development by three to five months, reduced reproductive investment, and enhanced winter growth compared with the controls. Fish held at NL decreased in body weight during the spawning season (February–April), whereas LL-exposed fish appeared to continue to grow during their spawning season (May–August). LL-treated cod reached mean body weights of 2.90–3.13 kg within 28 months of hatching, whereas the controls reached 2.20–2.42 kg during the same period.
The need to understand the behaviour of fish reared for mariculture or restocking
Authors: Gro Vea Salvanes Anne , Braithwaite Victoria
Published: February 2006

Following severe stock collapses in many natural populations, efforts are now being invested in farming marine species, and in rehabilitating populations through controlled releases. While the development of cod farming is still relatively new, it may be wise to consider some of the problems other fish farming industries have encountered. For example, farmed fish generally have a different genotype from that of local wild populations, and these artificially selected fish are typically bigger and more aggressive than wild fish. These differences can be problematic if farmed fish escape and begin breeding with local wild populations. An alternative approach to farming is to rehabilitate local wild populations through restocking. To date, however, this approach has had mixed success. Fish behaviour develops during early life stages through a combination of innate characteristics and experience. Apparently, the capacity for behavioural flexibility later in life is affected by the early experiences of juvenile fish. Here, we review the literature concerning the role of population origin and juvenile experience on fish behaviour. We highlight our recent studies on Atlantic cod, which demonstrate that variability in the nursery habitat generates behaviourally flexible fish. We discuss these issues in the context of gadoid mariculture and restocking. We conclude that behavioural studies are an important part of applied research for developing an industry of fish farming in gadoids, as well as for research concerning restocking and conservation of marine resources.
Nutrition in cod (Gadus morhua) larvae and juveniles
Authors: Hamre Kristin
Published: February 2006

Over the past few years, great progress has been made in culturing cod larvae in indoor hatcheries using rotifers and Artemia or formulated feed as start-feed (intensive systems). However, when compared with natural systems based on copepods grown in seawater lagoons, the growth potential has not been fulfilled, and deformities of larvae and juveniles increase production costs. The deformities, which are seldom seen in natural systems, also constitute an ethical problem. The differences in growth and development of deformities in intensive and natural systems may be dependent, in part, on nutrition, but are caused by environmental conditions and early husbandry practises as well. To identify nutrients that may be deficient or in excess in live feed, we are in the process of screening the nutrient compositions of rotifers and Artemia grown or enriched on different feeds and comparing them with the composition of copepods and published requirements for larger fish. Replacing live food with formulated diets as early as possible is a goal of marine larval aquaculture. It is important that these diets contain protein which is available for the larvae and phospholipids that promote the absorption and transport of fat. The optimum macronutrient composition in diets for cod juveniles has been determined and can be extrapolated, with caution, to the larval stage. A problem in using formulated diets is the extensive leakage of nutrients as a result of the large surface area to volume and the short diffusion distance in the microparticles. Leakage leads to rapid loss of small, water-soluble molecules such as free amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, but extensive leakage of water-soluble protein has also been shown. The demand for protein available to the larvae, which probably will make the protein more water soluble, is therefore in conflict with the need to reduce protein leakage from the feeds. Development of feed production technology to prevent nutrient leakage is essential in order to make formulated diets a good alternative to live feed.
Growth, survival, and development of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) weaned onto diets containing various sources of marine protein
Authors: Opstad I. , Suontama J. , Langmyhr E. , Olsen R.E.
Published: February 2006

We studied the effects of partial or complete substitution of fishmeal with alternative sources of marine protein (amphipod or krill meal) on growth, survival, liver index, and deformities of juvenile cod (Gadus morhua L.). The diets contained either 100% fishmeal or fishmeal that was replaced with 25%, 50%, or 100% amphipod meal or 50% or 100% Antarctic krill meal. Cod larvae were start-fed on rotifers and weaned directly to one of the six formulated feeds at a mean wet weight of 28 mg, 40 days post first-feeding. The mean weight of fish reared on different diets at the end of the experiment ranged from 0.92 to 2.52 g. The best growth was obtained by cod fed 100% fishmeal and 50% krill meal. There was a trend in the direction of slower growth with increasing levels of amphipod meal in the diets. Survival ranged from 87% to 79%, and there was a tendency for higher mortality with increasing content of amphipod meal. The liver index varied between 11.7% and 9.9%. The composition of the diets also had a significant influence on the occurrence of skeletal deformities. The highest proportion of deformities (16% of all fish) was in fish fed 100% amphipod meal, decreasing as the proportion of amphipod meal in the diets declined. A similar effect was not seen with Antarctic krill meal. The amphipod meal had a high content of ash, fluoride, cadmium, and mercury, which may have caused the deformities.
The Load-Bearing Characteristics of the Forearm: Pattern of Axial and Bending Force Transmitted Through Ulna and Radius
Authors: SHAABAN H. , GIAKAS G. , BOLTON M. , WILLIAMS R. , WICKS P. , SCHEKER L. R. , LEES V. C.
Published: February 2006

A biomechanical study was performed on 12 cadaveric arms to define the normal profiles of force transmission through the ulna and radius and demonstrate the effect on these of simulated injury of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Strain gauges were used to measure the axial and bending forces transmitted through each bone. Axial force transmitted through the ulna is, broadly, reciprocal to that seen in the radius, with the greatest force seen in supination. In all 12 arms, axial loading of the hand created an anterior bending force (to create a posterior convexity) in the distal radius. Axial loading of the hand created an anterior bending force in the distal ulna for half the specimens and a posterior bending force in the remaining half. Division and division with reconstruction of either the volar or the dorsal distal radioulnar ligament (DRUL) had no significant effect on force transmission through the ulna and radius, while excision of the ulnar head significantly disrupted the profiles of the axial and bending forces.
In Vivo Characterisation of Parathyroid Lesions by Use of Gamma Probe: Comparison with Ex Vivo Count Method and Frozen Section Results
Authors: Uĝur Ömer , Kara Pelin Özcan , Bozkurt Murat Fani , Hamaloĝlu Erhan , Tezel Gaye Güler , Salanci Bilge Volkan , Karabulut Erdem , Sayek Iskender
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

In this study we hypothesized that if timing of gamma probe‐guided parathyroidectomy were individualized according to an optimal‐time‐to‐surgery technique, in vivo characterization of parathyroid lesions would be possible. We compared our findings with an ex vivo counting method (“20% rule”) and frozen section results.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS

Thirty‐five patients who were referred for surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism were studied. Maximum parathyroid to thyroid sestamibi uptake ratio (URmax) was measured by use of preoperative dynamic scintigraphy. The interval between sestamibi injection and URmax was defined as the optimal time to surgery. On the day of surgery, the patients received the same dose of sestamibi and were taken to the operating room at URmax as determined by preoperative scintigraphy. Intraoperative in vivo gamma probe counts from parathyroid lesions were compared with in vivo contralateral background thyroid counts (in vivo/Bkg) and to ex vivo parathyroid counts relative to postexcision background of the adjacent normal tissue (ex vivo/Bkg).

RESULTS

A total of 70 excised lesions were evaluated. In vivo/Bkg counts obtained from parathyroid adenoma were significantly different from parathyroid hyperplasia (z = −3.093, P = 0.002) and other lesions (z = −3.958, P = 0.0001). By receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, we found the cutoff value for the in vivo/Bkg counts ratio to be 103% to differentiate parathyroid adenoma from hyperplasia with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 82.5, 65, and 74.4%, respectively. On the other hand, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the ex vivo/Bkg method to differentiate parathyroid adenoma from hyperplasia with a cutoff value of 34.7 was found to be 70.8%, 60%, and 65.9%, respectively. The difference between the accuracy of these 2 tests was not significant statistically (P = 0.137). Sensitivity of frozen section to differentiate parathyroid adenoma and hyperplasia was 76.2% and 33.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient‐specific optimal protocol for timing of sestamibi injection together with in vivo/Bkg method is a useful alternative method in guiding the surgeon to differentiate parathyroid adenoma from parathyroid hyperplasia and other tissues and may help surgeons' decisions during the operation. Combined use of in vivo/Bkg and ex vivo/Bkg methods may give more accurate results than frozen section.

EBM rating: C‐4
Epithelial Lacrimal Gland Tumors: A Clinicopathological Study of 18 Cases
Authors: Perez Danyel E. C. , Pires Fàbio R. , Almeida Oslei P. , Kowalski Luiz P.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the clinicopathological features of 18 epithelial tumors of the lacrimal gland treated in a single institution.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Clinical data and treatment were recorded and histological features reviewed.

RESULTS

Twelve tumors (66.7%) were adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 5 (27.8%) pleomorphic adenoma (PA), and 1 (5.5%) carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. All patients with ACC presented with advanced clinical stage, and most were treated by wide surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. No recurrence was observed in 4 cases of ACC; however, 7 patients died from persistence of disease or by local and/or distant recurrence. All PA patients were successfully treated by surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Epithelial lacrimal gland tumors are mainly PA and ACC, and malignancies are more common than benign tumors. Although ACC presented typically with advanced clinical stage, 33% of the patients survived without tumor recurrence or metastasis.

EBM rating: C‐4
Hyaluronate Gel Stapedotomy
Authors: Angeli Simon I.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate hearing results and postoperative dizziness after stapedotomy with application of sodium hyaluronate gel (HG) to the oval window niche during fenestration of the footplate.

STUDY DESIGN

Case‐control study comparing 27 stapedotomies with HG and 32 stapedotomies without HG.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Preoperative and postoperative audiometric data, postoperative dizziness (vertigo or dysequilibrium), and nystagmus.

RESULTS

Postoperative hearing results were not statistically different for the 2 groups. There were no cases of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss greater than 10 dB. Early postoperative dizziness (χ2 = 4.08, P = 0.043) and nystagmus (χ2 = 5.05, P = 0.024) were reduced in the HG group.

CONCLUSIONS

HG stapedotomy is safe and effective and results in less early postoperative dizziness and nystagmus when compared with the standard technique of stapedotomy. The application of HG to the oval window niche to prevent blood from entering or perilymph from escaping the vestibule during fenestration of the stapes footplate may contribute to a quicker recovery in outpatient otosclerosis surgery.

EBM rating: B‐3b
Endoscopic Stapling Diverticulotomy: An Audit of Difficulties, Outcome, and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: de Casso Carmen , Lalam Muralidhar , Ghosh Sudip , Timms Michael
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the procedure in terms of technical difficulties, patient satisfaction, symptom relief, recurrence, and further management.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study including 41 patients who underwent endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy. Clinical notes were reviewed, and patients were sent a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using the χ2 square test.

SETTING

Teaching hospital.

RESULTS

Larger pouches had the best results; 81.578% were satisfied with the surgery, and 86.84% had improved swallowing. Complications presented in 6 patients (15%), including a perforated pouch and an esophageal perforation. Complications were more frequent in small pouches.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy offers rapid recovery in most patients, with early oral intake and short hospital stay. There is a high degree of symptoms relief, and the patient's satisfaction rate is high. The assessment of the pharyngeal pouch size is an important factor when deciding the best management for a patient with a pharyngeal pouch.

EBM rating: C‐4
Packing in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Is it Really Required?
Authors: Eliashar Ron , Gross Menachem , Wohlgelernter Jay , Sichel Jean‐Yves
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the routine use of packing or local hemostatic agents in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

METHODS

Packing and/or hemostatic agents were used only when necessary in 100 consecutive adult ESS patients in a tertiary academic hospital. Necessity for packing the nose after excessive bleeding was analyzed in relation to demographic characteristics, medical history, previous surgeries, current surgical procedure, type of anesthesia, and amount of intraoperative bleeding.

RESULTS

Three patients who required packing because of other reasons (such as bolstering of mucosa) were excluded from the study. The remaining 97 patients included 61 males and 36 females between the ages of 16 to 86 (mean 44). Forty‐nine patients underwent only ESS, 40 ESSs associated with nasal polypectomy, and 8 underwent other endoscopic procedures. Fifty‐four underwent the operation under general anesthesia and 43 under local anesthesia. Intraoperative blood loss was less than 30 mL in 82 patients (85%), 30 to 50 mL in 11 (11%), and more than 50 mL in 4 (4%). In 89 patients (92%), packing or a hemostatic agent was not used. No patient had bleeding complications postoperatively. A comparison between patients who required packing to those who did not showed that the only statistically significant associations related to general anesthesia (P = 0.0082) and to the amount of intraoperative bleeding (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Most ESS procedures can be managed without packing or any other hemostatic measures. Local anesthesia, use of local vasoconstrictors, and careful operative technique minimize the need for nose packing, thus reducing patient's discomfort, postoperative complications, and cost of surgery.

EBM rating: C‐4
Distribution of Class I and II Human Leukocyte Antigens in the Larynx
Authors: Wang Edward C. , Damrose Edward J. , Mendelsohn Abie H. , Nelson Scott D. , Shintaku I. Peter , Ye Ming , Berke Gerald S. , Blackwell Keith E.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To examine the antigenic distribution of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) of the human larynx.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Twelve human larynges were examined for Class I (HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C) and Class II (HLA‐DR) histocompatibility antigens using mouse monoclonal antibodies in an indirect immunoperoxidase assay. Structures of the larynx and surrounding tissues were examined and given a semiquantitative score based on HLA Class I and II expression.

RESULTS

The mucosal surface epithelium of the larynx stains 2+ or stronger for HLA Class I antigens and 1+ for Class II antigens. The deeper submucosal glands stain 1+ for Class I antigens and 2+ or stronger for Class II antigens. Thyroid cartilage showed 2+ or stronger staining of the chondrocytes for Class I antigens only. Thyroid follicular cells also stain only for Class I antigens. Perichondrium and Schwann cells of nerves stain stronger for Class I antigens than Class II antigens. Cartilage matrix, muscle cells, and axons of nerves do not stain for either class of antigens. Endothelium stains 3+ for both classes of antigens.

CONCLUSIONS

The detailed distribution of major transplantation antigens in the human larynx is elucidated. Class II antigens implicated as initiators of organ transplant rejection were primarily found in 6 areas: mucosal surface epithelium, submucosal glands, ducts, vascular endothelium, perichondrium, and Schwann cells of nerves. The relevance of these findings to the initiation and detection of laryngeal allograft graft rejection is discussed.
Evaluation of Potential Predictors of Outcome of Laser‐Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty for Snoring
Authors: Macdonald Audrey , Drinnan Michael , Johnston Andrew , Reda Mohamed , Griffiths Clive , Wilson Janet , Gibson G. John
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

Laser‐assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is a common treatment for snoring, but up to 50% of patients obtain little or no sustained benefit. We investigated whether pre‐operative measurements from lateral cephalometry, acoustic rhinometry, analysis of snoring sounds, and body mass index (BMI) could predict which snorers benefited from LAUP.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Fifty‐five snoring patients were assessed pre‐ and 6 months post‐LAUP. Snoring severity was assessed by objective sound level recorded during polysomnography, and a Snoring Symptoms Inventory (SSI) questionnaire.

RESULTS

The outcome of surgery was assessed by changes in objective sound measurements and in SSI, 6 months after LAUP.

CONCLUSIONS

Relationships between the predictive measurements and outcome were at best only weak and none had sufficient predictive value to be useful in clinical practice.

EBM rating: C‐4
Evaluation of Type 3 Portable Monitoring in Unattended Home Setting for Suspected Sleep Apnea: Factors That May Affect its Accuracy
Authors: Yin Min , Miyazaki Soichiro , Ishikawa Kazuo
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the reliability of type 3 portable monitoring (PM) in a home setting.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective study in sleep laboratory. Type 3 device (Stardust II) was evaluated in comparison with standard polysomnography (PSG) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Quality of recorded data and agreement between PM and PSG results were evaluated.

RESULTS

Low quality of recorded data was observed only in 5 cases. Pattern of disordered breathing was recognized correctly by PM. Apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) correlated well with a mean bias of 3.7 ± 13.1/h. High sensitivity of PM was observed generally, whereas specificity was lower in mild patients. AHI, record time, and sleep position were found to be the main factors that would affect the accuracy of PM.

CONCLUSION

Type 3 PM is feasible in unattended home‐setting for routine examination. Influence of the factors above should be comprehensively considered especially for mild patients.
Nasal Airflow Recovery after Decongestion Test is Associated with Bronchial Hyperreactivity in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Ciprandi Giorgio , Cirillo Ignazio , Klersy Catherine , Vizzaccaro Andrea , Tosca Maria Angela , Marseglia Gian Luigi
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

The decongestion test involves spraying an intranasal vasoconstrictor drug to evaluate the recovery of nasal airflow.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between pulmonary function (assessed by spirometry and methacholine challenge) and nasal airflow recovery after a topical vasoconstrictor had been administered in patients with allergic rhinitis (perennial, seasonal, or mixed allergic rhinitis).

METHODS

A total of 150 subjects were studied. The total symptom score, sensitization, and pulmonary function were all assessed. All subjects underwent rhinomanometry and the decongestion test.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis revealed that nasal symptoms and spirometric parameters (except FEF25–75 in subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis) were not. Only bronchial hyperreactivity, assessed by methacholine challenge, proved to be significantly (and independently) associated with outcome (OR 1.45, P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first evidence of an association between a positive response to the decongestion test and bronchial hyperreactivity, assessed by methacholine challenge, in patients with allergic rhinitis.
Steroids for Post‐Tonsillectomy Pain Reduction: Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Afman Chad E. , Welge Jeffrey A. , Steward David L.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether meta‐analysis supports the use of corticosteroids to reduce post‐tonsillectomy pain for pediatric patients.

METHODS

A systematic review of currently available randomized controlled trials using a single‐dose, intravenous corticosteroid during pediatric tonsillectomy was performed. Visual analog pain scale (VAS) data was extracted with reviewers blinded to results. Meta‐analysis was performed with weighted mean difference and random‐effects model using Revman 4.2 software.

RESULTS

Eight randomized trials were included in analysis of post‐tonsillectomy pain. A statistically significant reduction in pain as measured by VAS on postoperative day 1 was noted (mean VAS difference = −0.97; CI 95 % = −1.74,−0.19; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A single, intraoperative dose of dexamethasone may reduce post‐tonsillectomy pain on postoperative day 1, by a factor of 1 on a 10‐point pain scale. As the side effects and cost of dexamethasone dose appear negligible, consideration of routine use seems reasonable.
Proinflammatory Effects of Staphylococcus Aureus Exotoxin B on Nasal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Damm Michael , Quante Gero , Rosenbohm Jakob , Rieckmann Roland
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Staphylococcus aureus exotoxin B (SE‐B) on proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine releases in primary nasal epithelial cell cultures (NECC) of subjects with and without chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

NECC (CRS: n = 14; Controls: n = 11) were stimulated with SE‐B. Protein concentrations of interleukin‐(IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8 levels were measured in NECC supernatants by ELISA before (T0) and after 24 hr stimulation with SE‐B (T1).

RESULTS

T0: supernatants of the NECC of CRS patients contained significant lower levels of IL‐8 (2.1 ng/ml) compared to Controls (IL‐8: 6.2 ng/ml; P < 0.01). T1: SE‐B induced a significant increase of IL‐6 in NECC (P < 0.001). IL‐1β was not detectable.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study evaluating the effects of exotoxins on NECC. SE‐B showed proinflammatory effects on NECC.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data suggest that resident NECC are involved in immunological responses to Staphylococcus aureus toxins, supplementing the so‐called “superantigen hypothesis” in CRS.
Serum Leptin Levels in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Ünal Murat , Eskandari Gülçin , Muşlu Necati , Pata Yavuz Selim , Akbaş Yücel
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the serum leptin levels in patients with allergic rhinitis during the symptomatic period.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A randomized, prospective study was performed on 26 adult patients with allergic rhinitis and 20 control subjects with similar age, sex and body mass index in a tertiary otolaryngology center.

RESULTS

Leptin levels were 28.8 ± 14.1 ng/mL in the patients with allergic rhinitis, and 20.8 ± 13.5 ng/mL in the control group respectively. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Serum leptin levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with allergic rhinitis in symptomatic period.

SIGNIFICANCE

Apart from its primary role in the regulation of body weight and energy expenditure, leptin may have a role in the inflammatory process of the allergic rhinitis.
Commentary on “Endoscopically Directed Middle Meatal Cultures versus Maxillary Sinus Taps in Acute Bacterial Maxillary Rhinosinusitis: A Meta‐Analysis”
Authors: Osguthorpe J. David
Published: February 2006

The following commentary refers to the above‐named article by Benninger, Payne, Ferguson, et al, which appeared in the January 2006 edition of this Journal. See vol. 134, no. 1, pp. 3–9.
Reconstruction of climate and vegetation changes of Lake Bayanchagan (Inner Mongolia): Holocene variability of the East Asian monsoon
Authors: Jiang Wenying , Guo Zhengtang , Sun Xiangjun , Wu Haibin , Chu Guoqiang , Yuan Baoyin , Hatté Chritine , Guiot Jöel
Published: February 2006

A high-resolution pollen and Pediastrum record, spanning 12,500 yr, is presented for Lake Bayanchagan , southern Inner Mongolia. Individual pollen taxa (PT-MAT) and the PFT affinity scores (PFT-MAT) were used for quantitative climatic reconstruction from pollen and algal data. Both techniques indicate that a cold and dry climate, similar to that of today, prevailed before 10,500 cal yr B.P. The wettest climate occurred between ∼10,500 and 6500 cal yr B.P., at which time annual precipitation was up to 30–60% higher than today. The early Holocene increases in temperature and precipitation occurred simultaneously, but mid-Holocene cooling started at approximately 8000 cal yr B.P., 1500 yr earlier than the drying. Vegetation reconstruction was based on the objective assignment of pollen taxa to the plant functional type. The results suggest that this region was dominated by steppe vegetation throughout the Holocene, except for the period ∼9200 to ∼6700 cal yr B.P., when forest patches were relatively common. Inner Mongolia is situated at the limit of the present East Asian monsoon and patterns of vegetation and climate changes in that region during the Holocene probably reflect fluctuations in the monsoon's response to solar insolation variations. The early to middle Holocene monsoon undoubtedly extended to more northern latitudes than at present.
Pension reform and demographic uncertainty: the case of Germany
Authors: FEHR HANS , HABERMANN CHRISTIAN
Published: February 2006

The present paper compares the distributional and risk-sharing consequences of two pension reform options in Germany, which both aim to improve the sustainability of the current system by introducing demographic variables to the benefit calculation. While the first reform proposes a so-called ‘sustainability factor’, which measures the changes in the dependency ratio, the second reform proposes a so-called ‘demographic factor’, which takes into account the changes in life expectancy. Our simulations indicate that both reforms imply a double burden for currently middle-aged generations and a double relief for future living generations. On the one side, resources are redistributed from currently towards future living generations. In addition, part of the risk from demographic uncertainty is shifted from future living towards currently living middle-aged generations. The reforms differ, however, with respect to the magnitude of the resource distribution and risk implications. Therefore, future generations are much better off with the ‘sustainability factor’, while it is not clear whether middle-aged generations are better off with the ‘demographic factor’ or the ‘sustainability factor’.
Retirement plans and saving decisions: the role of information and education
Authors: CLARK ROBERT L. , d'AMBROSIO MADELEINE B. , McDERMED ANN A. , SAWANT KSHAMA
Published: February 2006

Increasingly, individuals are being required to take more responsibility for their own retirement saving. Lifecycle theories of resource allocation provide a framework to examine work, retirement, consumption, and saving decisions. However, optimal decision making requires adequate knowledge of financial mathematics, risk and return properties of investments, and expectations concerning wage growth and tax policy. This paper explores the response of individuals to financial education seminars. Using data from three surveys of participants in seminars offered by TIAA-CREF, we estimate changes in retirement goals and saving behavior after the respondents have attended a seminar which discusses keep components of saving for retirement. The results indicate that financial education can produce significant changes in how individuals think and plan for retirement. Throughout the analysis, women were found to be more responsive to the seminar and were more likely to raise their desired retirement age, increase their target income replacement goal, and alter their savings behavior.
Planning for the optimal mix of paygo tax and funded savings
Authors: DE MENIL GEORGES , MURTIN FABRICE , SHESHINSKI EYTAN
Published: February 2006

We analyze the optimal balance between social security taxation and private saving in the provision of retirement income in dynamically efficient economies, a question at the center of policy debates in Europe and the United States. We consider the relative importance for this question of the return to capital, the internal return of the pay-as-you-go system, and the variabilities and correlation (or independence) of labor earnings and the capital return. We analyse these influences theoretically in the context of a two-period, overlapping generations model with uncertainty. We use a new method to calibrate the model using annual data on GDP per worker and the total real return on equities, from 1950 to 2002, from which we infer the stochastic characteristics of lifetime labor income and the return to lifetime savings in the US, UK, France and Japan. We obtain a range of optimal, steady-state values of the social security tax and the rate of lifetime savings. When the relative rate of risk aversion is assumed to be 2.5, the computed optimal tax varies from 5% in the United States to 22% in Japan. France is similar to Japan, and the UK is in between.
Asset allocation in Finnish pension funds
Authors: ALESTALO NOORA , PUTTONEN VESA
Published: February 2006

This paper empirically examines the strategic asset allocation and the asset/liability issues in the Finnish defined benefit pension funds. The results indicate that there is a relationship between the liability structure and the asset allocation. While pension funds with younger participants have more equity exposure, more mature pension funds have more fixed income investments.

Wide dispersion in asset allocations is also found between the funds. One fund holds its entire portfolio in fixed income securities, whereas other funds have none or only few fixed income holdings. Equity investments also vary dramatically, ranging from 0% to over 70% of the asset allocation. The same applies to investments in a sponsor, real estate investment, and money market investments. A portion of these different asset allocations is explained by the liability structure, but another part remains unexplained. The other variables affecting strategic asset allocation of a pension fund are not obvious, but they could include factors such as regulatory environment, historical reasons, mean-variance optimization instead of ALM, sponsor's own preferences or pension fund's irrationality. Analyzing these factors would be a fruitful topic for further research. Additionally, international comparisons would be a fruitful topic for further investigation.
Pension fund trustee competence: decision making in problems relevant to investment practice
Authors: CLARK GORDON L. , CAERLEWY-SMITH EMIKO , MARSHALL JOHN C.
Published: February 2006

Government-sponsored inquiries into trustee competence, and legislation regarding the protocols and practice of trustee decision making, have raised questions about the competence of trustees to make investment decisions consistent with the long-term interest of defined benefit pension plan beneficiaries. In this paper, we report the results of an analysis of trustee competence in solving problems relevant to their investment responsibilities. Based upon a set of widely recognized problems drawn from the psychology literature, we assess their discount functions, their willingness to risk their own money and others' money, their appreciation of probability, and their use of evidence to solve problems. For comparison, where appropriate we report the results of the same testing regime applied to a group of Oxford undergraduates. Our goals are fourfold: first, to demonstrate the nature of trustee competence in decision making; second, to demonstrate the range of trustee responses to problems relevant to investment; third, to assess trustees' risk appetites in relation to their own and others' money; and fourth, to draw implications from these results for the governance of trustee boards and their relationships with advisers and service providers. It is shown that trustee competence is surprisingly heterogeneous, and the lack of common approaches to problems relevant to investment practice has significant implications for fund governance.
Modeling the formation of electrostatic discharges on Mars
Authors: Krauss C. E. , Horányi M. , Robertson S.
Published: February 2006

Mars' low atmospheric pressure and arid, windy climate provide an environment that supports the triboelectric charging of dust. A laboratory experiment has been performed to demonstrate that the vertical motion of dust is sufficient for this charging mechanism to produce strong electric fields capable of creating electrical discharges in a low‐pressure CO2atmosphere. Discharges have been visually and electronically detected, and the discharge frequencies and intensities have been measured. The range of pressures required to efficiently produce these discharges has also been examined, demonstrating that electrical discharges can occur under conditions expected on the Martian surface. Additionally, a simple theoretical model has been created to constrain the parameters involved in the dust charging experiment. This model supports the ideas developed in the experimental phase of the project.
Vertical sorting and the morphodynamics of bed‐form‐dominated rivers: An equilibrium sorting model
Authors: Blom Astrid , Parker Gary , Ribberink Jan S. , de Vriend Huib J.
Published: February 2006

A modeling framework is developed for taking into account the effects of sediment sorting in the morphodynamic modeling of bed‐form‐dominated rivers for the case of equilibrium or stationary conditions dominated by bed load transport. To this end, the Blom and Parker (2004) framework for sediment continuity is reduced to an equilibrium sorting model. The predicted equilibrium sorting profile is mainly determined by the probability density function (PDF) of bed form trough elevations and by a lee sorting function. The PDF of trough elevations needs to be known from either model predictions or measurements. A simple formulation for the lee sorting function is suggested, yet data on the avalanche mechanism down lee faces of dunes is required so as to improve the function and make it generic. The equilibrium sorting model is calibrated and verified using data from flume experiments. The agreement between the predicted and measured equilibrium sorting profiles is reasonable, although the model does not reproduce an observed coarse top layer. In a hydraulic‐morphodynamic model this equilibrium sorting model may be applied instantaneously if the timescale of large‐scale morphological changes is much larger than the ones of changes in vertical sorting and dune dimensions.
Nature of the crust in the Laxmi Basin (14°–20°N), western continental margin of India
Authors: Krishna K. S. , Gopala Rao D. , Sar D.
Published: February 2006

The nature of the crust in the Laxmi Basin, western margin of India, is an uncertain issue; more importantly, this has implications on paleogeographic reconstructions of the western Indian Ocean. We have analyzed three geophysical data sets and modeled gravity and magnetic anomalies for determining nature of the crust. Basement of the Laxmi Basin includes numerous highs, which make the basement uneven and shallower compared to the Western Basin. The Laxmi Basin is characterized by a broad gravity high and a narrower prominent gravity low within it, while within the basin the broad anomaly gradually increases toward north. The Panikkar Ridge is associated with the gravity low, which is comparable, at least in sign, to known negative gravity anomaly of the Laxmi Ridge. Intrusive structures mapped in the Laxmi Basin coincide with significant magnetic anomalies, which were earlier interpreted as seafloor‐spreading anomalies. Model studies reveal that the Laxmi Basin consists of ∼14 km thick stretched continental crust, in which magmatic bodies have been emplaced, whereas the Panikkar Ridge remains less altered stretched continental crust. The crust of the Laxmi Basin is mostly thinner than crust under the Laxmi Ridge and continental margin. In addition to the rift‐drift‐related stretching of the continental margin, the Laxmi Basin possibly has undergone extra stretching in E‐W direction during the pre‐Tertiary period. At ∼68 Ma Deccan volcanism on western India may have disrupted the initial conditions that were leading to onset of spreading in the basin. Subsequently the Réunion hot spot had emplaced the volcanic material within the stretched thinned continental crust. We interpret the Laxmi Basin as a failed rift, undergone stretching following intraplate kinematics prior to Deccan volcanism.
Implications of seismic waveforms: Complex physical properties associated with stagnant slab
Authors: Tajima Fumiko , Nakagawa Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2006

Anomalously broadened P waveforms of deep focus events were observed at some regional stations after sampling flattened high velocity zones. The source processes of these events are short and the P waveforms at other stations as well as the corresponding SH waves do not show such anomaly. The rays of the anomalous waves propagated in the vicinity of those whose waveforms can be synthesized with a relatively simple model M3.11 or M2.0 for a flattened cold slab in the transition zone. We suggest that the P waveform broadening is caused by SV converted waves at the heterogeneities within a narrow zone near the “660 km” discontinuity or slab boundary. The creation of such heterogeneities may involve in the complex structure of phase transformation with water and cold temperature anomaly associated with stagnant slab.
Assessment of the Martian gravity field at short wavelength with Mars Express
Authors: Beuthe M. , Rosenblatt P. , Dehant V. , Barriot J.‐P. , Pätzold M. , Häusler B. , Karatekin Ö. , Le Maistre S. , Van Hoolst T.
Published: February 2006

The gravity part of the Mars Express Radio Science Experiment consists in measuring gravity data near pericenter above selected target areas of geophysical interest. The low altitude of the Mars Express at pericenter (263–329 km) makes it a very sensitive gravity sensor at small wavelengths which can give new constraints on the local structure of the crust and lithosphere. Mars Express gravity data can also be used to check the quality of the existing global gravity solutions. In this paper, we show that Mars Express gravity data confirm in the Tharsis area the validity of existing global gravity solutions. In particular, the resolution of the most recent global gravity solution is excellent up to harmonic degree 73 and the amplitude at short wavelength is not biased toward zero by the power law regularization up to the same degree.
Changing relationship between the North Atlantic Oscillation and key North Atlantic climate parameters
Authors: Polyakova Evgenia I. , Journel Andre G. , Polyakov Igor V. , Bhatt Uma S.
Published: February 2006

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is the key indicator of long‐term variability in the North Atlantic. Numerous studies have accepted as a paradigm a steady relationship between the NAO and key North Atlantic climate parameters like the sea surface temperature (SST), surface air temperature (SAT), and sea level pressure (SLP). However, some studies suggest that this relationship is not always steady. For example, the recent decline of the Arctic ice cap is accompanied by a neutral or negative NAO index, whereas the ice decline observed over the last decades is associated with the positive NAO phase and with high atmospheric cyclonicity. In this study, we point to a lack of steadiness in the relationship between the NAO and SAT, SST, and SLP over the North Atlantic region when observed over long (decadal) time intervals. This suggests that the relationship is more complex than previously thought and may require further investigation.