bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein and histone H4 in brain storage bodies of Tibetan terriers with hereditary neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Katz M. L. , Sanders D. N. , Mooney B. P. , Johnson Gary S.
Published: November 2007

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are inherited neurodegenerative diseases characterized by massive accumulation of autofluorescent storage bodies in neurons and other cells. A late‐onset form of NCL occurs in Tibetan terrier dogs. Gel electrophoretic analyses of isolated storage body proteins from brains of affected dogs indicated that a protein of approximately 50 kDa was consistently prominent and a 16 kDa component was present in some brain storage body preparations. Mass spectral analysis identified the 50 kDa protein as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), isoform 2. GFAP identification was supported by immunoblot and immunohistochemical analyses. Histone H4 was the major protein in the 16 kDa component. Specific accumulation of GFAP and histone H4 in storage bodies has not been previously reported for any of the NCLs. Tibetan terrier NCL may be the canine correlate of one of the human adult‐onset NCLs for which the genetic bases and storage body compositions have not yet been determined.
Temporal variation in CO2 efflux from soil and snow surfaces in a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) plantation, central Japan
Authors: Lee Mi‐Sun , Lee Jae‐Seok , Koizumi Hiroshi
Published: November 2007

CO2 efflux from soil and snow surfaces was measured continuously in a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) forest in central Japan using an open dynamic chamber system. The chamber opens and closes automatically and records measurements based on an open‐flow dynamic method. Between May and December, mean soil CO2 efflux ranged from 1,529 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 in September to 255 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 in December. The seasonal change in CO2 efflux from the soil paralleled the seasonal pattern of soil temperature. No marked diurnal trends in soil CO2 efflux were observed on days without rainfall, whereas significant pulses in soil CO2 efflux were observed on days with rainfall. In this plantation, soil CO2 efflux frequently responded to rainfall. Measurements of changes from litter‐covered soil to snow‐covered surfaces revealed that CO2 efflux decreased from values of ca. 250 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 above soil to less than 33 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 above snow. Soil temperature alone explained 66% of the overall variation in soil CO2 efflux, but explained approximately 85% of the variation when data from two anomalous periods were excluded. Moreover, we found a significant correlation between soil CO2 efflux and soil moisture (which explained 44% of the overall variation) using a second‐order polynomial function. Our results suggest that the seasonality of CO2 efflux is affected not only by soil temperature and moisture, but also by drying and rewetting cycles and by litterfall pulses.
Brachial Artery Intima‐Media Thickness and Echogenicity in Relation to Lipids and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Elderly Subjects:‐The Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) Study
Authors: Lind Lars , Andersson Jessika , Rönn Monika , Gustavsson Thomas , Holdfelt Peter , Hulthe Johannes , Elmgren Anders , Zilmer Kersti , Zilmer Mihkel
Published: November 2007

The aim of the present study was to relate brachial artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) and the grey scale median of the intima‐media complex (IM‐GSM) to traditional cardiovascular risk factors and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In the Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study, a population‐based study of 1016 subjects aged 70, brachial artery IMT and IM‐GSM, who were evaluated by ultrasound. Lipids, thirteen markers of inflammation and nine markers of oxidative stress were measured. The Framingham risk score was related to IMT (p < 0.0001), but not to the IM‐GSM. In univariate analysis, HDL‐cholesterol, serum triglycerides, fasting glucose, smoking, HOMA insulin resistance index and oxidized LDL levels were related to IMT. HDL and LDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides, VCAM‐1, e‐selectin, leukocyte count, conjugated diens, baseline conjugated diens (BCD)‐LDL, antibodies to oxLDL, the GSSG/GSH glutathione ratio and homocysteine were related to IM‐GSM. In multiple regression models, HDL‐cholesterol, fasting glucose and oxLDL levels were the independently related to IMT (p = 0.01–0.04), while serum triglycerides, BCD‐LDL and the GSSG/GSH ratio were independently related to IM‐GSM (p = 0.0001–0.004). In conclusion, in addition to traditional lipid variables, markers of oxidative stress were associated with both thickness and echogenicity of the brachial artery intima‐media complex. Thus, both thickness and echogenicity of the brachial artery intima‐media complex might be useful biomarkers in the future.
Octacosanol Administration to Humans Decreases Neutral Sterol and Bile Acid Concentration in Feces
Authors: Keller Sylvia , Gimmler Franziska , Jahreis Gerhard
Published: November 2007

To investigate octacosanol (OC) metabolism in humans and its influence on cholesterol metabolism, two studies were conducted. In the first study ten healthy women received daily 30 mg OC for a period of 4 weeks. Blood and feces samples were collected at baseline and after the intervention. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol were not altered following OC administration. Concentrations of excreted cholesterol end products decreased with the intervention (neutral sterols: 24.6 ± 9.7 mg/g vs. 20.3 ± 7.5 mg/g dry matter, P < 0.05; bile acids: 6.47 ± 3.89 mg/g vs. 4.03 ± 2.26 mg/g dry matter, P < 0.05). OC was not detected in serum samples, but the fecal OC concentration increased after the intervention period (11 ± 7 μg/g vs. 817 ± 179 μg/g dry matter, P < 0.05). In the second kinetic study on three participants, OC was identified in serums after oral application of 50 mg OC within 8 h. The decrease in the concentration of fecal cholesterol end products may underline a systemic effect of OC on cholesterol metabolism, even though the serum cholesterol levels were not influenced.
Random homogenization of an obstacle problem
Authors: Caffarelli L.A. , Mellet A.
Published: November 2007

We study the homogenization of an obstacle problem in a perforated domain, when the holes are periodically distributed and have random shape and size. The main assumption concerns the capacity of the holes which is assumed to be stationary ergodic.
Two-year study of relapse prevention by a new education program in schizophrenic patients treated with the same antipsychotic drug
Authors: Chabannes Jean-Paul , Bazin Nadine , Leguay Denis , Nuss Philippe , Peretti Charles-Siegfried , Tatu Patrick , Hameg Ahcene , Garay Ricardo P. , Ferreri Maurice
Published: November 2007

It is not clear whether patient's psycho-education enhances compliance to antipsychotic treatments and reduces the number of relapses. Here we investigated the impact of a new psycho-educational program (SOLEDUC®) on the one- and two-years rate of relapse (primary outcome measure) and a number of clinical assessments (secondary outcome measures). This was a multicentric French clinical trial (51 centers) of Phase IV, open, controlled, randomized, consisting in two parallel groups: the Soleduc group (N = 111) and the control group (N = 109). All subjects received a variable dose over the 2-year period of the same antipsychotic drug (amisulpride). Soleduc consisted of a 7-session program (1 h per session), presented three times (at baseline, 6-months and 12-months). Patients in the control group received a non-specific psychosocial training for an equivalent period of time. The models of Andersen-Gill (AG) and Prentice, Williams and Peterson (PWP) were used to analyze relapses. Patients in the Soleduc group attended 14.8 ± 6.1 sessions (mean ± SD), including 17 patients who never attended a session. Intent to treat analysis showed less patients relapsing in the Soleduc group as compared to the control group (21.6% versus 28.4% after 1 year and 84.4% versus 90.8% after 2 years), but the differences were not statistically significant. Relapse risk was significantly reduced for patients who followed at least 7 modules (p = 0.015 AG-test; p < 0.001 PWP-test). In conclusion, no significant differences in relapse rates were found between patients attending the Soleduc program and the control group. Attendance of at least 7 out of 21 program sessions was required to see a modest, but significant two-year relapse prevention in schizophrenia. Other well designed studies are required to evaluate the medical impact of patient's education programs.
Misoprostol: Pharmacokinetic profiles, effects on the uterus and side‐effects
Authors: Tang O.S. , Gemzell‐Danielsson K. , Ho P.C.
Published: November 2007

Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue, is commonly used for medical abortion, cervical priming, the management of miscarriage, induction of labor and the management of postpartum hemorrhage. It can be given orally, vaginally, sublingually, buccally or rectally. Studies of misoprostol's pharmacokinetics and effects on uterine activity have demonstrated the properties of the drug after various routes of administration. These studies can help to discover the optimal dose and route of administration of misoprostol for individual clinical applications. Misoprostol is a safe drug but serious complications and teratogenicity can occur with unsupervised use.
Impact of mandibular condyle preservation on patterns of failure in head and neck cancer
Authors: Petruzzelli Guy J. , Cunningham Kelly , Vandevender Darl
Published: November 2007

Objective

To determine the role of native condyle preservation in local recurrence after segmental mandibulectomy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Retrospective chart review with main outcome measuring local control of cancer.

Results

Between 1994 and 2003, 72 patients (48 men, 24 women) with an average age of 73.5 years without previous treatment underwent segmental mandibulectomy. Fifty‐four cases (n = 54) involved the mandible posterior to the mental foramen and are the subject of this review. In 36 patients, the condyle was preserved and mandibular continuity was restored. In 18 patients, condyle and ramus were resected without mandibular reconstruction. Reconstructive modalities included primary closure (3), split‐thickness skin graft (3), pedicle flap (19), and free tissue reconstructions (29). Overall local‐regional recurrence rate was 22 percent (12 of 54); no recurrences were identified in patients who underwent condylar resection. Recurrences were observed in patients with mandibular reconstruction by both plate and pedicle flap (5 of 9) or (osteo) myocutaneous free flap (7 of 27).

Conclusion

Condylar preservation may predispose patients to local recurrence after segmental mandibulectomy. This does not translate into overall reduction in survival.
Extended follow‐up of palatal implants for OSA treatment
Authors: Walker Regina P. , Levine Howard L. , Hopp Martin L. , Greene David
Published: November 2007

Objective

Evaluate long‐term safety and outcomes of palatal implants for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design and Setting

Continuation of a prospective case series of patients with palatal implants. Polysomnography, daytime sleepiness, and snoring intensity were measured at baseline, 90 days, and extended follow‐up.

Results

Twenty‐two (42%) patients from the previous study were followed for a median of 435.5 days. Thirteen were classified as responders, based on their 90‐day evaluation. 76.9% of initial responders maintained improvements in apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), daytime sleepiness, and snoring at extended follow‐up. Nine patients were initial nonresponders for AHI and daytime sleepiness and remained unchanged at extended follow‐up. However, snoring for these nine patients initially improved, and the improvement continued through extended follow‐up.

Conclusion

Initial response or nonresponse to palatal implants remains stable over an extended period. The generalizability of these results is unknown because of significant loss to follow‐up.

Significance

Study results report safety and beneficial long‐term outcomes of palatal implants for mild to moderate OSA treatment in selected patients.
Macrophage inflammatory proteins in cytomegalovirus‐related inner ear injury
Authors: Schraff Scott A. , Schleiss Mark R. , Brown David K. , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Choi K. Yeon , Greinwald John H. , Choo Daniel I.
Published: November 2007

Objective

Inner ear inflammation triggered by CMV infection may play a role in CMV‐related auditory pathogenesis. The purpose of the study was to determine if a virally encoded macrophage inflammatory protein played a role in CMV‐related hearing loss.

Design

Mutagenesis was performed with deletion of a guinea pig CMV macrophage inflammatory protein. Intracochlear inoculations were performed on three groups of animals (n = 18). Group 1 received sterile viral media, Group 2 received wild‐type CMV virus, and Group 3 received “knockout” (KO) virus with a deleted immunomodulation gene. Baseline and postinoculation ABRs were obtained. ELISA and PCR were performed and temporal bones examined.

Subjects

Eighteen guinea pigs.

Results

The KO group had significantly better hearing than the WT group. There were no significant differences between the KO and sham groups. The WT group had significant hearing loss at all frequencies. Inflammation and fibrosis were noted in the WT temporal bones only.

Conclusions

Virally encoded macrophage inflammatory proteins appear to play a significant role in CMV‐related hearing loss.
Effectiveness of hypopharyngeal packing during nasal and sinus surgery in the prevention of PONV
Authors: Piltcher Otávio , Lavinsky Michelle , Lavinsky Joel , de Oliveira Basso Paulo Roberto
Published: November 2007

Objective

Evaluate the hypopharyngeal packing effectiveness on prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in nasal surgery.

Study Design and Setting

A randomized clinical trial was conducted from July 2004 to October 2005. The intervention group was submitted to hypopharyngeal packing after orotracheal tube placement. The control group had no hypopharyngeal packing. Occurrence of nausea, vomiting, use of antiemetic drugs, and throat pain were checked blindly on recovery period.

Results

One hundred forty‐four patients were included in the study. There was no difference related to postoperative nausea (RR 1.34; CI 0.72–2.48), vomiting (RR 0.52; CI 0.19–1.47), use of anti‐emetic drugs (RR 1.54; CI 0.80–2.95), and throat pain (RR 0.91; 0.62–1.34) between both groups. A beta error could not be excluded. CONCLUSION: Results suggest there is no benefit in hypopharyngeal packing on PONV prevention in nasal surgery. New studies with a greater number of patients should be carried out in order to confirm these results.
Hyperlipidemia in noise‐induced hearing loss
Authors: Chang Ning‐Chia , Yu Ming‐Lung , Ho Kuen‐Yao , Ho Chi‐Kung
Published: November 2007

Objectives

To assess the influence of hyperlipidemia on the development of noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL).

Study Design

This case‐control study analyzed data from the Department of Preventive Medicine at one academic medical center in southern Taiwan.

Subjects and Methods

We collected the laboratory data from routine health examinations administered to workers who were exposed to noise greater than 85 dBA over a one‐year period. We analyzed the relationships of cholesterol and triglyceride levels with NIHL.

Results

A total of 4071 cases were analyzed. After adjusting for age and gender, hypertriglyceridemia was found to be related to NIHL (aOR = 1.281; 95% CI, 1.088–1.507), but hypercholesterolemia was not (aOR = 0.951; 95% CI, 0.795–1.138).

Conclusions

This study, one of the largest to date to study the relationship between hyperlipidemia and NIHL, found that individuals with hypertriglyceridemia are at greater risk of NIHL. On the basis of this finding, workers exposed to high noise levels should be educated on control of triglyceride levels to help reduce their risk of NIHL.
Vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials in chronic noise‐induced hearing loss
Authors: Wang Yen‐Pin , Young Yi‐Ho
Published: November 2007

Objective

To investigate the effect of chronic noise exposure on vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty patients with chronic noise‐induced hearing loss, presenting as bilateral notched audiogram at 4 kHz, underwent audiometry, caloric, and vestibular‐evoked myogenic potential tests.

Results

Caloric and vestibular‐evoked myogenic potential tests revealed abnormal responses in nine (45%) and 10 (50%) patients, respectively. However, when both results were considered together, the abnormal rate reached 70% (14 of 20). The hearing threshold of 4 kHz significantly associated with vestibular‐evoked myogenic potential results (ie, vestibular‐evoked myogenic potential was abnormal in patients with greater degrees of hearing loss), but not with caloric responses.

Conclusion

Patients with bilateral 4‐kHz notched audiogram and hearing threshold of 4 kHz >40 dB may show abnormal (absent or delayed) vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials, indicating that the vestibular part, especially the sacculocollic reflex pathway, has also been damaged.
The protective effect of intratympanic dexamethasone on cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity in guinea pigs
Authors: Daldal Alper , Odabasi Onur , Serbetcioglu Bulent
Published: November 2007

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of intratympanic dexamethasone injection as a protection agent against cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity.

Study Design and Setting

The four groups of guinea pigs were injected as follows: 1) cisplatin, 2) intratympanic dexamethasone, 3) cisplatin following intratympanic dexamethasone, and 4) cisplatin after intratympanic saline. Before and 3 days following injections, the ototoxic effect was measured with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs).

Results

The DPOAEs amplitudes and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) values at 1 to 6 kHz frequencies for group 1 animals after injections significantly decreased over those before injections (P < 0.05). In group 2, there were no significant differences in DPOAE amplitude and SNR values between before and after intratympanic dexamethasone injections (P > 0.05). Considering group 3, there were also no significant differences in DPOAEs amplitudes and SNR values before and after of dexamethasone and cisplatin injections (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Intratympanic dexamethasone injection did not cause any ototoxic effect; in contrast, it might have a significant protective effect after cisplatin injection.
Assessment of indocyanine green–labeled cetuximab to detect xenografted head and neck cancer cell lines
Authors: Withrow Kirk P. , Gleysteen John P. , Safavy Ahmad , Skipper Joni , Desmond Renee A. , Zinn Kurt , Rosenthal Eben L.
Published: November 2007

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG) conjugated to antiepidermal growth factor receptor antibody (cetuximab) to image head and neck cancer.

Study Design

Mice (n = 3) were injected with unconjugated ICG and imaged at 100‐second intervals for a total of 1000 seconds to assess imaging characteristics. Mice (n = 10) xenografted with SCC‐1 cells were then systemically injected with cetuximab conjugated to indocyanine green and imaged over a 72‐hour period. To assess the sensitivity and specificity, xenografted tumors underwent subtotal resections and then were assessed for residual disease by fluorescence stereomicroscopy and confirmed by histology.

Results

Tumors demonstrated excellent fluorescence 24 hours after injection of cetuximab‐ICG. There was a direct relationship between fluorescence and the given dose of cetuximab‐ICG. Following subtotal resection, we found fluorescence correlated with a sensitivity of 78.4% and specificity of 96%.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that supports further preclinical investigation of cetuximab in the evaluation of surgical margins, but linkage to ICG lacks the sensitivity for use in a clinical setting.
Computed tomographic and endoscopic analysis of supraorbital ethmoid cells
Authors: Zhang Luo , Han Demin , Ge Wentong , Tao Jianhua , Wang Xianzhong , Li Yunchuan , Zhou Bing
Published: November 2007

Objectives

The aim of this study is to look at the incidence of supraorbital ethmoid cells (SOEC) in normal Chinese subjects by using spiral computed tomography (CT) scanning. In addition, subjects with chronic rhinosinusitis with SOEC were reviewed for endoscopic analysis.

Methods

A total of 202 normal Chinese subjects underwent spiral CT. Meanwhile, a retrospective review of patients who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery over a 1‐year period was conducted.

Results

SOEC showed an incidence of 5.4% (22 sides), and all of them arose from the anterior ethmoid cells. On coronal CT, an SOEC might give the appearance of multiple frontal sinuses, type III frontal cells, suprabullar cells, frontal bullar cells, inter‐frontal septal cells, or that there was a septation present within the frontal sinus. Meanwhile, 11 chronic rhinosinusitis patients with 12 SOEC were identified.

Conclusion

A thorough knowledge of endoscopic anatomy and CT of the frontal recess and various fronto‐ethmoid cells were required for safe dissection of the SOEC and frontal ostium.
Pharyngeal pH monitoring in infants with laryngitis
Authors: Ulualp Seckin O. , Rodriguez Sarah , Cunningham Samuel , Shen Jing
Published: November 2007

Objective

To assess pharyngeal acid reflux (PAR) exposure with flexible laryngoscopy‐guided pharyngeal pH monitoring in infants with laryngitis.

Study Design

Tertiary care children's hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Charts of 10 infants with laryngitis who underwent pharyngoesophageal pH monitoring were reviewed. Data included history, physical examination, and pharyngoesophageal pH monitoring findings.

Results

Six infants had PAR. Two patients were on acid suppressive therapy and exhibited PAR. The number of PAR observed in six infants ranged between 1 and 81. The percent acid exposure time (AET) in the pharynx was between 0.1% and 1.2%. Esophageal acid reflux documented in nine infants ranged between 5 and 173. The percent AET in the esophagus was between 0.1% and 4.8%.

Conclusions

The majority of the studied infants with laryngitis had PAR. Not all esophageal acid reflux reached the pharynx. Pharyngeal pH monitoring provides additional information that cannot be obtained with esophageal pH monitoring in infants with laryngitis.
Ultrasound‐guided contrast‐enhanced sentinel node biopsy of the head and neck in a porcine model
Authors: Curry Joseph M. , Bloedon Esa , Malloy Kelly M. , Cognetti David M. , Merton Daniel A. , Goldberg Barry B. , Keane William M. , Rosen David , Pribitkin Edmund A.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To test the feasibility of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)–guided sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) of the head and neck in a porcine model.

Study Design and Setting

In this prospective, non‐randomized study, methylene blue and Sonazoid were injected into the lateral tongue or floor of mouth (FOM) of four swine. Real‐time CEUS was used to identify contrast in the lymphatic channels flowing to the sentinel lymph node (SLN). Endoscopic or open SNB was performed. Neck dissection was then performed, and the residual nodal packet was examined for remaining contrast‐enhancing or blue dye–stained nodes.

Results

In all eight procedures, the SLN was visualized with ultrasound and blue dye. Seven procedures identified a single SLN, and one identified two SLNs. Subsequent neck dissections revealed no other nodes containing methylene blue or contrast in the nodal specimen or operative bed.

Conclusion/Significance

CEUS‐guided SNB of the head and neck in swine is feasible, with success comparable to blue dye–guided SNB. This technique may offer several advantages over traditional techniques, and warrants further study.
Perineural extension to the skull base from early cutaneous malignancies of the midface
Authors: Padhya Tapan A. , Cornelius Rebecca S. , Athavale Sanjay M. , Gluckman Jack L.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To document the clinical progression of four patients with a past history of complete removal of early midface cutaneous malignancies that presented years later with isolated recurrence along the distribution of the infraorbital nerve, and to discuss the diagnostic role of early imaging to identify perineural invasion.

Study Design

The study is a retrospective chart review, review of radiographic findings, and review of the literature.

Results

The authors report four cases of isolated perineural invasion along the infraorbital nerve resulting from previously excised cutaneous malignancies.

Conclusions

Pain followed by anesthesia in the distribution of second division of the trigeminal nerve should alert the practitioner about possible perineural recurrence that may require imaging and open exploration to establish the diagnosis.
Survival outcome by early chemoradiation therapy salvage or early surgical salvage for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Tsou Yung‐An , Lin Meng‐Hung , Hua Chun‐Hung , Tseng Hsien‐Chang , Chen Shang‐Wen , Yang Shih‐Neng , Liang Ji‐An , Tsai Ming‐Hsui
Published: November 2007

Objective

To compare survival data between patients who had surgery followed by concomitant chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) versus CCRT followed by early surgical salvage.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 202 patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC) who were treated with different treatment strategy according to the choice of the patients by surgery first or CCRT first. In 72 (35.6%) cases, the primary treatment was surgery. Postoperative radiation therapy was given to 47 patients. Radiation therapy was the primary treatment in 130 (64.4%) patients; among them, 69 (34.2%) patients received salvage surgery within 2 months after CCRT course if there was a residual tumor visible on post‐CCRT CT image or clinically residual tumor.

Results and Conclusion

The 5‐year disease‐specific survival rate was 80% for stage I‐II, 44.8% for stage III, and 14.3% for stage IV disease. Surgery plus concomitant chemoradiotherapy led to a better survival rate than CCRT plus salvage surgery in patients with stage III‐IV HPC.
Extracts from The Cochrane Library: Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Burton Martin J. , Eisenberg Lee D. , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: November 2007

The “Cochrane Corner” is a quarterly section in the journal that highlights systematic reviews relevant to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with invited commentary to highlight implications for clinical decision‐making. This installment features a Cochrane Review entitled “Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis,” which shows that saline irrigations are well‐tolerated and could be included as a treatment adjunct for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.
Pediatric vocal fold paralysis after cardiac surgery: Rate of recovery and sequelae
Authors: Truong Mai Thy , Messner Anna H. , Kerschner Joseph E. , Scholes Melissa , Wong‐Dominguez Jaime , Milczuk Henry A. , Yoon Patricia J.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To determine the rate of recovery of pediatric vocal fold paralysis (VFP) after cardiac surgery.

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective case series from January 2000 to 2005 at 4 tertiary care pediatric hospitals.

Results

A total of 109 children with VFP were identified. Of 80 patients with follow‐up >3 months, 28 (35%) recovered vocal fold function with a median time to diagnosis of recovery of 6.6 months. Fifty‐two (65%) patients had persistent vocal fold paralysis with a median follow‐up time of 16.4 months. Twenty‐five (45%) of 55 patients demonstrated aspiration or laryngeal penetration with modified barium swallow. Twenty‐nine (27%) of the 109 patients underwent surgical intervention for their airway, feeding, or voice.

Conclusions

Pediatric VFP is not an uncommon complication after cardiac surgery and can result in serious sequelae. This study demonstrates a 35% rate of recovery, 45% rate of aspiration, and 27% rate of complications that require surgical intervention. © 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Increased iodine uptake in thyroid carcinoma after treatment with sodium butyrate and decitabine (5‐Aza‐dC)
Authors: Provenzano Matthew J. , Fitzgerald Matthew P. , Krager Kimberly , Domann Frederick E.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To determine if epigenetic‐modifying drugs can increase iodine uptake in thyroid carcinoma cell lines.

Study Design

Human thyroid carcinoma cell lines were tested for iodine uptake before and after treatment with epigenetic‐modifying agents.

Results

Thyroid carcinoma cell lines DRO and 2–7 had high levels of DNA methylation (74% and 80%) compared with normal thyroid tissue (6%) (P < 0.05). This finding correlated with low levels of sodium iodide symporter (NIS) expression in the untreated thyroid carcinoma cell line. Combination treatment with the epigenetic‐modifying agents 5‐aza‐2'‐deoxycytidine and sodium butyrate resulted in increases in NIS messenger RNA levels, global histone acetylation, and 9‐ and 8‐fold increases in I125 uptake for the DRO and 2–7 cells, respectively.

Conclusions

Epigenetic‐modifier drugs represent a novel adjuvant treatment for those patients with radioablation‐resistant thyroid cancer.

Significance

Epigenetic‐modifying agents show potential for treatment of radioablation‐resistant thyroid cancer.
Cricopharyngeal electromyography: Patterns of injury based on etiology
Authors: Shemirani Nima L. , Halum Stacey L. , Merati Albert L. , Toohill Robert J. , Jaradeh Safwan
Published: November 2007

Objective

Although cricopharyngeal electromyography (CP‐EMG) is recognized as a diagnostic tool for dysphagia assessment, few reports in the literature characterize CP‐EMG abnormalities in relation to clinical presentation. The aim of this study was to review a large series of CP‐EMG studies, and compare the CP‐EMG results with the patients' diagnoses.

Methods

A retrospective review of all CP‐EMG performed at our institution over a 10‐year period was executed. CP‐EMG findings were then compared with the patients' clinical history, focusing on potential etiologies of neurogenic injury.

Results

Seventy CP‐EMGs were reviewed, with 47 (67%) demonstrating neural injury. Of those cases with neural injury on EMG, 29 (60%) had known vagal injuries, 13 (28%) had idiopathic nerve palsies, and 5 (11%) had central etiologies, such as stroke. Each of these three neurogenic subgroups revealed a distinct pattern of EMG abnormalities.

Conclusion

This study suggests there is an association between patterns of CP‐EMG abnormalities and underlying etiology based on clinical history.
Low-latitude “dusty events” vs. high-latitude “icy Heinrich Events”
Authors: Jullien Elsa , Grousset Francis , Malaizé Bruno , Duprat Josette , Sanchez-Goni Maria Fernanda , Eynaud Frédérique , Charlier Karine , Schneider Ralph , Bory Aloys , Bout Viviane , Flores Jose Abel
Published: November 2007

It has been proposed that tropical events could have participated in the triggering of the classic, high-latitude, iceberg-discharge Heinrich events (HE). We explore low-latitude Heinrich events equivalents at high resolution, in a piston core recovered from the tropical north-western African margin. They are characterized by an increase of total dust, lacustrine diatoms and fibrous lacustrine clay minerals. Thus, low-latitude events clearly reflect severe aridity events that occurred over Africa at the Saharan latitudes, probably induced by southward shifts of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone. At a first approximation, it seems that there is more likely synchronicity between the high-latitude Heinrich Events (HEs) and low-latitude events (LLE), rather than asynchronous behaviours.
Quaternary glaciation and hydrologic variation in the South American tropics as reconstructed from the Lake Titicaca drilling project
Authors: Fritz Sherilyn C. , Baker Paul A. , Seltzer Geoffrey O. , Ballantyne Ashley , Tapia Pedro , Cheng Hai , Edwards R. Lawrence
Published: November 2007

A 136-m-long drill core of sediments was recovered from tropical high-altitude Lake Titicaca, Bolivia-Peru, enabling a reconstruction of past climate that spans four cycles of regional glacial advance and retreat and that is estimated to extend continuously over the last 370,000 yr. Within the errors of the age model, the periods of regional glacial advance and retreat are concordant respectively with global glacial and interglacial stages. Periods of ice advance in the southern tropical Andes generally were periods of positive water balance, as evidenced by deeper and fresher conditions in Lake Titicaca. Conversely, reduced glaciation occurred during periods of negative water balance and shallow closed-basin conditions in the lake. The apparent coincidence of positive water balance of Lake Titicaca and glacial growth in the adjacent Andes with Northern Hemisphere ice sheet expansion implies that regional water balance and glacial mass balance are strongly influenced by global-scale temperature changes, as well as by precessional forcing of the South American summer monsoon.
Fermentation patterns and nutrient contents of forb-containing silages and their effects on microbial fermentation in the artificial rumen system RUSITEC
Authors: SENG M. , BONORDEN S. , NISSEN J. , ISSELSTEIN J. , ABEL H.
Published: November 2007

Grassland forbs are important constituents of swards under low-input management. The hypothesis tested was that herbage from unfertilized swards consisting of a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), white clover (Trifolium repens), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and ribwort (Plantago lanceolata) (treatment GCF) would exert a significant effect on the composition and quality of silage for rumen microbes compared with herbage from nitrogen-fertilized (50 kg N/ha/cut) pure ryegrass swards (treatment GN) or unfertilized ryegrass white clover swards (treatment GC). GCF had average proportions of clover and forb of 0·21 and 0·58, respectively. The crude protein and fibre fractions declined and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) increased from GN over GC to GCF. Irrespective of cutting date (spring and summer), GN showed extremely high ammonia (NH3) concentrations, whereas GCF resulted in the highest concentrations of lactic acid coinciding with the lowest contents of butyric acid and ethanol. The ratios between the soluble and less soluble N fractions decreased in the order GN>GC>GCF. A similar sequence was observed in RUSITEC for the apparent disappearance rates of crude protein and fibre fractions. The concentration of NH3-N in the fermenter fluid declined in the order GN>GC>GCF. GCF produced less short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) than GN and GC. Microbial nitrogen (MN) flow was not significantly different between treatments but tended to decline in the order GN>GC>GCF, whereas the proportion of MN originating from NH3-N increased inversely. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was unaffected by the different silages. It is concluded that forb-rich swards are suitable for the preparation of high quality silages. There is a need for further investigation into postruminal availability and suitable supplementation for such silages in order to fully exploit their potential for improving the efficiency of nitrogen utilization in ruminant nutrition.
Wake states of a tethered cylinder
Authors: CARBERRY J. , SHERIDAN J.
Published: November 2007

This paper describes an experimental investigation of a buoyant,m*<1, tethered cylinder which is free to move in an arc about its pivot points. The response of the cylinder, in particular its layover angle and flow-induced motion, is considered for a range of flow velocities and mass ratios. At pertinent parameters, the flow fields were also measured using particle image velocimetry (PIV). At lower mass ratios, 0.54≤m*≤0.72, two distinct states are observed, the low-amplitude and upper states. The transition from the low-amplitude state to the upper state is characterized by abrupt jumps in the amplitude of oscillation, the mean tether angle and the drag coefficient as well as distinct changes in the cylinder's wake. At higher mass ratios, the jump does not occur; however, asm* approaches unity at low flow velocities the cylinder's motion is more periodic than that observed at lowerm*. The flow fields indicate that the low-amplitude state exhibits a 2S Kármán wake. The wake of the upper state has long shear layers extending well across the wake centreline, is not fully symmetric and is often consistent with either the 2P or P+S shedding modes. There is a collapse of the response data, in particular an excellent collapse of the mean layover angle, when the response parameters are plotted against the buoyancy Froude number,Frbuoyancy=U/((1-m*)gD)0.5. When the data collapses, the two states described above are clearly delineated.
Stability of miscible core–annular flows with viscosity stratification
Authors: SELVAM B. , MERK S. , GOVINDARAJAN RAMA , MEIBURG E.
Published: November 2007

The linear stability of variable viscosity, miscible core–annular flows is investigated. Consistent with pipe flow of a single fluid, the flow is stable at any Reynolds number when the magnitude of the viscosity ratio is less than a critical value. This is in contrast to the immiscible case without interfacial tension, which is unstable at any viscosity ratio. Beyond the critical value of the viscosity ratio, the flow can be unstable even when the more viscous fluid is in the core. This is in contrast to plane channel flows with finite interface thickness, which are always stabilized relative to single fluid flow when the less viscous fluid is in contact with the wall. If the more viscous fluid occupies the core, the axisymmetric mode usually dominates over the corkscrew mode. It is demonstrated that, for a less viscous core, the corkscrew mode is inviscidly unstable, whereas the axisymmetric mode is unstable for small Reynolds numbers at high Schmidt numbers. For the parameters under consideration, the switchover occurs at an intermediate Schmidt number of about 500. The occurrence of inviscid instability for the corkscrew mode is shown to be consistent with the Rayleigh criterion for pipe flows. In some parameter ranges, the miscible flow is seen to be more unstable than its immiscible counterpart, and the physical reasons for this behaviour are discussed.

A detailed parametric study shows that increasing the interface thickness has a uniformly stabilizing effect. The flow is least stable when the interface between the two fluids is located at approximately 0.6 times the tube radius. Unlike for channel flow, there is no sudden change in the stability with radial location of the interface. The instability originates mainly in the less viscous fluid, close to the interface.
Turbulent flow through a rectangular duct with a partially blocked exit
Authors: HSU T. Y. , ELORANTA H. , SAARENRINNE P. , WEI T.
Published: November 2007

This paper contains data on and insights into the origins of turbulence associated with a partial blockage at the exit of a two-dimensional, laminar, horizontal duct flow. In essence, this is the upstream approach region of the forward-facing step problem. This work was motivated by the need to identify and control unsteady streamwise vortices generated in the headbox (i.e. contraction section) of an industrial paper machine. The duct was 57.2 cm wide × 10.16 cm high, with up to a 50 % blockage. Experiments were scaled to match Reynolds numbers found in paper machines; exit velocities were as large as 200 cm s−1. The goal of the research was to map the flow at the exit and to examine the response of the flat-plate turbulent boundary layer on the opposing wall under the partial blockage. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) were used to examine flow in three orthogonal planes at various stations upstream of the duct exit. Mean and instantaneous DPIV vector fields clearly show that an unsteady spanwise vortex forms in the corner formed by the top nozzle wall and partial blockage which, in turn, gives rise to turbulent streamwise vortices.

A turbulent boundary layer was initiated on the duct wall opposite the blockage, upstream of a two-dimensional contraction. Results show that even though the acceleration parameter, K, exceeded the nominal critical level of 3.0 × 10−6 for relaminarization beneath the blockage, the flow did not reach a quasi-laminar state. In addition, there did not appear to be direct interaction between unsteady vortex formation at the partial blockage on the upper wall and bottom-wall turbulent boundary layer structures.
Delaying transition to turbulence in channel flow: revisiting the stability of shear-thinning fluids
Authors: NOUAR C. , BOTTARO A. , BRANCHER J. P.
Published: November 2007

A viscosity stratification is considered as a possible mean to postpone the onset of transition to turbulence in channel flow. As a prototype problem, we focus on the linear stability of shear-thinning fluids modelled by the Carreau rheological law. To assess whether there is stabilization and by how much, it is important both to account for a viscosity disturbance in the perturbation equations, and to employ an appropriate viscosity scale in the definition of the Reynolds number. Failure to do so can yield qualitatively and quantitatively incorrect conclusions. Results are obtained for both exponentially and algebraically growing disturbances, demonstrating that a viscous stratification is a viable approach to maintain laminarity.
Heated falling films
Authors: TREVELYAN P. M. J. , SCHEID B. , RUYER-QUIL C. , KALLIADASIS S.
Published: November 2007

We present new insights and results for the problem of a film falling down a heated wall: (i) treatment of a mixed heat flux boundary condition on the substrate; (ii) development of a long-wave theory for large Péclet numbers; (iii) refined treatment of the energy equation based on a high-order Galerkin projection in terms of polynomial test functions which satisfy all boundary conditions; (iv) time-dependent computations for the free-surface height and interfacial temperature; (v) numerical solution of the full energy equation; (vi) demonstration of the existence of a thermal boundary layer at the front stagnation point of a solitary pulse; (vii) development of models that prevent negative temperatures and are in good agreement with the numerical solution of the full energy equation.
Small-scale statistics in high-resolution direct numerical simulation of turbulence: Reynolds number dependence of one-point velocity gradient statistics
Authors: ISHIHARA T. , KANEDA Y. , YOKOKAWA M. , ITAKURA K. , UNO A.
Published: November 2007

One-point statistics of velocity gradients and Eulerian and Lagrangian accelerations are studied by analysing the data from high-resolution direct numerical simulations (DNS) of turbulence in a periodic box, with up to 40963 grid points. The DNS consist of two series of runs; one is with kmaxη ~ 1 (Series 1) and the other is with kmaxη ~ 2 (Series 2), where kmax is the maximum wavenumber and η the Kolmogorov length scale. The maximum Taylor-microscale Reynolds number Rλ in Series 1 is about 1130, and it is about 675 in Series 2. Particular attention is paid to the possible Reynolds number (Re) dependence of the statistics. The visualization of the intense vorticity regions shows that the turbulence field at high Re consists of clusters of small intense vorticity regions, and their structure is to be distinguished from those of small eddies. The possible dependence on Re of the probability distribution functions of velocity gradients is analysed through the dependence on Rλ of the skewness and flatness factors (S and F). The DNS data suggest that the Rλ dependence of S and F of the longitudinal velocity gradients fit well with a simple power law: S ~ −0.32Rλ0.11 and F ~ 1.14Rλ0.34, in fairly good agreement with previous experimental data. They also suggest that all the fourth-order moments of velocity gradients scale with Rλ similarly to each other at Rλ > 100, in contrast to Rλ < 100. Regarding the statistics of time derivatives, the second-order time derivatives of turbulent velocities are more intermittent than the first-order ones for both the Eulerian and Lagrangian velocities, and the Lagrangian time derivatives of turbulent velocities are more intermittent than the Eulerian time derivatives, as would be expected. The flatness factor of the Lagrangian acceleration is as large as 90 at Rλ ≈ 430. The flatness factors of the Eulerian and Lagrangian accelerations increase with Rλ approximately proportional to RλαE and RλαL, respectively, where αE ≈ 0.5 and αL ≈ 1.0, while those of the second-order time derivatives of the Eulerian and Lagrangian velocities increases approximately proportional to RλβE and RλβL, respectively, where βE ≈ 1.5 and βL ≈ 3.0.
Pressure-driven flow past spheres moving in a circular tube
Authors: SHEARD G. J. , RYAN K.
Published: November 2007

A computational investigation, supported by a theoretical analysis, is performed to investigate a pressure-driven flow around a line of equispaced spheres moving at a prescribed velocity along the axis of a circular tube. This fundamental study underpins a range of applications including physiological circulation research. A spectral-element formulation in cylindrical coordinates is employed to solve for the incompressible fluid flow past the spheres, and the flows are computed in the reference frame of the translating spheres.

Both the volume flow rate relative to the spheres and the forces acting on each sphere are computed for specific sphere-to-tube diameter ratios and sphere spacing ratios. Conditions at which zero axial force on the spheres are identified, and a region of unsteady flow is detected at higher Reynolds numbers (based on tube diameter and sphere velocity). A regular perturbation analysis and the reciprocal theorem are employed to predict flow rate and drag coefficient trends at low Reynolds numbers. Importantly, the zero drag condition is well-described by theory, and states that at this condition, the sphere velocity is proportional to the applied pressure gradient. This result was verified for a range of spacing and diameter ratios. Theoretical approximations agree with computational results for Reynolds numbers up toO(100).

The geometry dependence of the zero axial force condition is examined, and for a particular choice of the applied dimensionless pressure gradient, it is found that this condition occurs at increasing Reynolds numbers with increasing diameter ratio, and decreasing Reynolds number with increasing sphere spacing.

Three-dimensional simulations and predictions of a Floquet linear stability analysis independently elucidate the bifurcation scenario with increasing Reynolds number for a specific diameter ratio and sphere spacing. The steady axisymmetric flow first experiences a small region of time-dependent non-axisymmetric instability, before undergoing a regular bifurcation to a steady non-axisymmetric state with azimuthal symmetrym= 1. Landau modelling verifies that both the regular non-axisymmetric mode and the axisymmetric Hopf transition occur through a supercritical (non-hysteretic) bifurcation.