bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unilateral agenesis of internal carotid artery with subarachnoid hemorrhage: Report of two cases
Authors: Dinç Hasan , Gümele Halit Reşit , Kuzeyli Kayhan , Baykal Süleyman
Published: May 2005

Internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare anomaly of embryologic development. Digital subtraction angiography examination showed no visualization of the ICA on the right side in a 30-year-old male patient and on the left side in a 47-year-old female patient. Computed tomography (CT) revealed the absence of the corresponding bony carotid canal. Doppler examinations of the common carotid and external carotid arteries on the affected sides demonstrated high-resistance flow characteristics. Two cases of ICA agenesis with subarachnoid hemorrhage were presented and the literature is reviewed.
Asymptomatic pericardial hydatid cyst
Authors: Firath Inci , Özder Ayşe , Incesoy Nilgün , Türkoğlu Cengizhan , Dervişoğlu Sergülen , Sönmez Bingür , Öztürk Muzaffer
Published: May 2005

Cardiac involvement is rare in hydatid disease, but it carries a significant risk of potentially lethal complications. Cardiac hydatid cysts are mostly intramyocardial. Pericardial hydatid cysts without myocardial involvement are much less frequent. Cardiac imaging techniques, particularly two-dimensional echocardiography, are more useful in the detection of cardiac cysts. We present an incidentally detected, asymptomatic, pericardial hydatid cyst.
Formal aspects of computing: LATEX style guide for authors
Authors: Notarmarco Christiane , Mulvey Rod
Published: May 2005

This guide is for authors who are preparing papers for
Formal Aspects of Computing
using the document preparation system and the FAC style file.
The contributions of microvascular surgery to emergency hand surgery
Authors: Buncke Harry J. , Buncke Gregory M. , Lineaweaver William C. , Oliva Alfonso , Alpert Bernard S. , Hing David N. , Siko Peter P.
Published: May 2005

Microvascular surgery has revolutionized the field of emergency hand surgery in the areas of replantation and microvascular transplantation. Amputated parts from as small as a distal phalanx to the entire extremity can now be successfully replanted and unreplanted, or missing parts can be restored and reconstructed with immediate microvascular transplants (MVTs). MVTs can be used to cover exposed vital structures and replace missing complex parts. Part or whole digits can be reconstructed, with up to 4 toe transplants. Joints, bones, and muscles can be replaced with osteocutaneous and neuromyovascular transplants. Using the same approach for multiple replants, teams of 4 to 6 surgeons operating simultaneously and sequentially around the clock can accomplish multiple microvascular transplants in the acute setting. The classical principle of hand surgery, “preserve length and function”, can now be modified to “restore length and function.”
Surgical opportunism in emergency hand surgery
Authors: Morrison Wayne A. , O'Brien Bernard McC
Published: May 2005

Surgical opportunism is the exploitation of circumstances at the time of surgery which will maximize the ultimate functional result. This may be an imaginative original application of surgery and regularly demands a degree of lateral thinking to visualize the opportunity. It involves particularly the careful appraisal of all damaged or amputated tissues and assessment as to their potential usefulness. Microvascular anastomosis greatly broadens the scope of opportunism in emergency hand surgery.
Classification and evaluation of the functional results of replanted parts of the hand at the Prince of Wales Hospital and the Prince of Wales Children's Hospital: 1984 to 1988
Authors: Milroy Barrie C. , Sackelariou Richard P. , Lendvay Paul G. , Baldwin Michael R. A. , McGlynn Michael
Published: May 2005

This paper describes a simple method of classification and evaluation of the functional results of replanted and revascularized parts in the hand. The results are presented in graphic form and have been analyzed to correlate various factors: injured part, cause, and zone (level) of injury. The type of injury, ischemic time and age have been studied in more detail to determine their influence of the final functional result. The series contains 187 amputated and devascularized parts of the hand in 119 patients who have undergone surgery at the Prince of Wales Hospital from 1984 through 1988. The length of cold or warm ischemic times, up to 16 hours in this series, while not affecting survival of the amputated part, does adversely affect the functional result. The survival rate of replanted parts in children was significantly less favorable than in adults, but the functional results were uniformly superior.
The use of flaps in the treatment of fingertip injuries
Authors: Foucher Guy , Boulas H. Jay , Braga Da Silva Jefferson
Published: May 2005

Fingertip injuries constitute a large portion of the traumatic injuries sustained to the hand and are frequently associated with significant disability for the patient. While many methods are available for the treatment of such injuries, quite often only certain procedures are appropriate for a particular digit in any given patient. The use of flaps in such instances provides an important tool for coverage of the exposed fingertip bone when more simple measures are inadequate. Herein follows a discussion of the indications and potential pitfalls for a variety of flaps which may be employed in the treatment of fingertip injuries.
Acute rotary dislocation of the scaphoid: A new technique of repair using Herbert screw fixation across the scapho‐lunate joint
Authors: Herbert Timothy J.
Published: May 2005

Acute rotary dislocation of the scaphoid is commonly misdiagnosed and, if untreated, leads to progressive osteoarthritis of the wrist. The diagnosis requires a high degree of awareness and an understanding of the pathomechanics of the injury. To date, no single method of treatment has been shown to produce consistently satisfactory results. This paper presents a new surgical technique involving open reduction and reattachment of the ligament to the bone, combined with Herbert screw fixation across the scapho‐lunate joint. The screw is normally left in situ for 12–18 months, allowing sufficient time for ligament healing and restoration of carpal stability. Using this technique early postoperative wrist motion is possible. Although excellent results have been achieved in the majority of cases, a few patients have developed increasing carpal collapse deformity in spite of adequate internal fixation, presumably due to inadequacy of the volar carpal ligaments. However, although the technique is a demanding one, the Herbert bone screw appears to offer significant advantages over standard Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of acute rotary dislocation of the scaphoid.
Replantation Surgery
Authors: Feller Axel‐Mario , Graf Peter , Biemer Edgar
Published: May 2005

From 1975 to 1988, replantation operations of fingers or hands were performed in 2,040 patients at the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Technical University Munich, Germany. The meticulous repair of blood vessels is still the most important step for a successful replantation. The liberal use of vein grafts very often makes replantations possible even in avulsion and crush injuries. The best functional results are achieved in replantations of distal finger parts, because an intact proximal interphalangeal joint and tendon apparatus guarantees almost a full range of motion. Age alone is not an exclusionary factor for replantation. Even 70 or 80 year old patients can achieve a satisfying functional result after replantation. Replantation as a matter of course is indicated in every amputation. Nevertheless, the extent of tissue damage, patient age and general health condition as well as the patient's wishes regarding a replantation have to be considered before performing a replantation. In addition, only continuous, long‐term physical therapy by specialized physical therapists and the continuous postoperative attention of the surgeon ensure a satisfying result.
Advances in peripheral nerve repair in emergency surgery of the hand
Authors: Berger Alfred , Mailänder Peter
Published: May 2005

The development of microsurgical techniques has changed the surgical treatment of severe hand injuries over the last 25 years. Not only has the repair of vessels by microvascular surgery brought new possibilities of treatment, but the results in repair or peripheral nerves have been improved by the use of new microsurgical techniques, such as perineural suture and interfascicular nerve grafts. The use of vascularized nerve grafts in multiple digit amputations has been a further new idea in emergency hand surgery. The operative treatment of lesions of the brachial plexus has become possible. Nevertheless, the traditional secondary operations such as tendon and muscle transfers are necessary in order to reach an optimal functional reconstruction following nerve injuries.
Interposed muscle grafts in nerve repair in the hand: An experimental basis for future clinical use
Authors: Glasby M. A.
Published: May 2005

Repair of digital nerves and the larger nerves supplying the hand is a common clinical problem. A number of options exist for either direct repair or reconstitution using an interposed graft. Each of these options is associated with a set of problems peculiar to itself and to nerve repair in general. The heterogeneity of nerve injuries and of the various methods of repair and assessment has not led to the establishment of clear comparisons and guidelines for surgical intervention. Recently, freeze‐thawed coaxially aligned skeletal muscle autografts have been added to the list of available grafting techniques. The present article discusses the genesis of the muscle graft technique and examines steps which have been taken to elucidate its performance in controlled laboratory conditions. The extent to which these experimental observations provide a foundation for the clinical use of muscle grafts is discussed.
The single‐layer continuous suture for gastric anastomosis
Authors: Demartines Nicholas , Rothenbühler Jean‐Marc , Chevalley Jean‐Pierre , Harder Felix
Published: May 2005

The single‐layer continuous suture technique has proven to be safe for all intestinal anastomoses of intraperitoneal small and large bowel segments. Since 1985, this technique has also been increasingly applied for gastroduodenostomy and gastrojejunostomy following partial gastrectomy. Through December 1989, we performed 96 gastroenteric anastomoses with the single‐layer continuous suture technique. This accounts for 64% of all partial gastrectomies performed between 1985 and 1989. The technique was applied in 89.5% of the gastroenteric anastomoses during 1988 and 1989. The rate of complications after gastroenteric single‐layer continuous suture technique was low; 2.1% clinical leakage was found, always in patients with perforated ulcer and peritonitis. We conclude that the single‐layer continuous suture technique for gastroenteric anastomosis is safe, simple, easy to perform, quick and reliable.
Planned reoperations and open management in critical intra‐abdominal infections: Prospective experience in 52 cases
Authors: Schein Moshe
Published: May 2005

Open management and “planned relaparotomies” in the treatment of critical abdominal infections have recently generated interest and hope. Most studies which examine the value of these therapeutic modalities are retrospective and include poorly stratified groups of patients. Since 1985, we have consistently applied these aggressive methods of treatment in all patients presenting with ultra‐abdominal infections belonging to the following groups: I) diffuse postoperative peritonitis (29 cases); II) diffuse fecal peritonitis (14 cases); and III) infected pancreatic necrosis (9 cases). The overall mortality rate was 44%; it was 55%, 14% and 56%, respectively, in the 3 groups. The abdomen was closed between reoperations in 21 patients who required an average of 1.7 relaparotomies; the mortality in this group was 24%. Thirty‐one patients, who required an average of 3.8 relaparotomies, were managed with the open method resulting in a mortality of 58%. Multiple organ failure was the cause of death in 87% of the patients. We conclude that “planned relaparotomies” may have been beneficial in group II. The value of open management in patients belonging to groups I and III remains unproven. The mechanical‐surgical answers to severe forms of peritonitis may have reached their limit.
Unexpected Results Using Rapid Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Monitoring during Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Emmolo Ignazio , Corso Herbert Dal , Borretta Giorgio , Visconti Gianluca , Piovesan Alessandro , Cesario Flora , Borghi Felice
Published: May 2005

Rapid intraoperative parathyroid hormone (RIOPTH) monitoring predicts complete removal of all hypersecreting tissue by means of a significant parathyroid hormone (PTH) decrease. In this study we have tried to provide an explanation for some unexpected results of RIOPTH monitoring observed during a series of 125 conventional parathyroidectomies for primary hyperthyroidism, discussing the possible consequences on the surgical strategy. Three main groups can be recognized: (1) spikes: a PTH increase 10 minutes after removal of the diseased gland was observed in three patients; (2) false‐negative results: six patients showed an inadequate PTH decreases at 10 minutes, three of them resulting in cure at 20 minutes (all six patients were cured at follow‐up); (3) false‐positive results: five patients with multiglandular disease showed a PTH decrease to a cure level despite excision of one adenoma only (in two of these patients a 20‐minute sample showed a PTH increase soon after manipulation of the second adenoma). We concluded that the spike, almost certainly a consequence of manipulating the adenoma, when detected should be considered the “true” baseline value. False‐negative results are to some extent related to undetected spikes. The assay used for RIOPTH determination and PTH half‐life variability may also play a role. A false‐negative result usually prolongs the surgical time. False‐positive results are usually related to a double adenoma, one functionally prevailing over the other. Because in our experience manipulation of the second adenoma brought a PTH increase detected with RIOPTH monitoring, we believe that the second adenoma should be excised.
Active Antigen‐specific Immunotherapy of Melanoma: from Basic Science to Clinical Investigation
Authors: Spagnoli Giulio C. , Adamina Michel , Bolli Martin , Weber Walter P. , Zajac Paul , Marti Walter , Oertli Daniel , Heberer Michael , Harder Felix
Published: May 2005

Advanced‐stage melanoma here dismal prognosis, and novel therapeutic approaches are urgently required. The possibility of taking advantage of the immune response of patients for its treatment has been an appealing concept for almost a century. Only during the last decade, however, has the molecular identification of tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs) offered the possibility of vaccinating patients (e.g., active induction of TAA‐specific immune responses). Active antigen‐specific immunotherapy (AASIT) is currently being investigated in a number of clinical centers as a treatment option for advanced‐stage melanoma. A large number of melanoma TAAs have been molecularly characterized and are being used in vaccination trials in various molecular forms and according to various immunization protocols. Here we provide a short overview on melanoma TAAs, the technologies currently in use to induce specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) responses in vivo, and their monitoring. We also propose a tentative AASIT agenda for the next few years, aiming at improving the capacity to induce and monitor TAA‐specific immune responses and to verify their clinical effectiveness.
d‐threo‐tetrahydrobiopterin is synthesized via 1′‐oxo‐2′‐d‐hydroxypropyl‐tetrahydropterin inDictyostelium discoideumAx2
Authors: Choi Yong Kee , Park Jung Soon , Kong Jin Seon , Morio Takahiro , Park Young Shik
Published: May 2005

The biosynthesis ofd‐threo‐tetrahydrobiopterin (DH4, tetrahydrodictyopterin) inDictyostelium discoideumAx2 was investigated through the mutant disrupted in the gene encoding sepiapterin reductase (SR) by insertional inactivation. The mutant cells, being completely devoid of SR protein, showed 18.1% ofl‐erythro‐tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and 0.6% of DH4 productions in the wild type cells. The mutant cells were also identified to excreted‐ andl‐sepiapterin, which were presumed to originate from intracellular 1′‐oxo‐2′‐d‐hydroxypropyl‐ and 1′‐oxo‐2′‐l‐hydroxypropyl‐tetrahydropterin (H4‐pterin), respectively. Furthermore, in a coupled assay withDictyosteliumSR, the mutant cell extract exhibited a novel enzyme activity converting 6‐pyruvoyltetrahydropterin to 1′‐oxo‐2′‐d‐hydroxypropyl‐H4‐pterin. These results are clear demonstration of the in vivo synthesis of DH4 via 1′‐oxo‐2′‐d‐hydroxypropyl‐H4‐pterin as well as an alternative synthesis of BH4 and DH4 in the complete absence of SR.
Cochlear implantation in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Streubel Sven‐Olrik , Lustig L. R.
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

Hearing loss has been shown to occur in 42% to 58% of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), with deafness arising in 25% to 60% of the patients. Implantation in patients with OI is relatively rare, with only 4 prior single case reports published in the English‐language literature. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and functional outcome of cochlear implantation in 2 patients with OI tarda type I with profound sensorineural hearing loss.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

The implantations were performed in a tertiary academic referral center (Johns Hopkins University).

RESULTS

Though promontory vascularity was encountered, full insertion of a normal cochlear implant array could be achieved in both cases. One‐year postimplant scores demonstrated 20 to 40 dB hearing thresholds, Consonant‐Nucleus‐Consonant Test word scores of 54% and 70%, Consonant‐Nucleus‐Consonant Test phoneme scores of 75% and 83%, Hearing in Noise Test scores of 76% and 99%, and Central Institute of the Deaf Sentence Score sentence scores of 99% and 100%, for patients 1 and 2, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Cochlear implantation in patients with OI is not only technically possible but the results are similar to implant outcomes for patients with sensorineural hearing loss from a variety of other causes. EBM rating: C (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132:735‐40.)
Benign positional vertigo after cochlear implantation
Authors: Limb C. J. , Francis H. F. , Lustig L. R. , Niparko J. K. , Jammal H.
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

To identify patients who underwent cochlear implantation (CI) and who subsequently developed benign positional vertigo (BPV) after the procedure and to identify any contributing factors.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Academic tertiary referral center. Cochlear implant recipients’ medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with both vertigo and, more specifically, BPV. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were studied vis‐à‐vis the development of BPV.

RESULTS

BPV was newly diagnosed in 12 patients after CI. The etiology of hearing loss included presbycusis (16.6%), autoimmune inner ear disease (16.6%), congenital hearing loss (41.6%), Meniere's disease (8.3%), prematurity (8.3%), and idiopathic factors (8.3%). The onset of BPV varied after the procedure (mean ± SD, 292 ± 309 days). BPV symptoms did not affect implant performance. All patients were treated for BPV by Epley's maneuver and vestibular exercises. Symptoms disappeared in 11 patients and persisted in 1.

CONCLUSIONS

BPV is an uncommon development after CI, although it occurs more frequently than in the general population. Two theories are proposed: the introduction of bone dust into the labyrinth and the dislodging of otoconia during surgery. The diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of BPV after CI do not differ from those for non‐CI‐associated BPV.

SIGNIFICANCE

Dizziness after CI usually develops as a result of vestibular hypofunction. BPV, which is a hyperfunctioning form of vestibular dysfunction, should be recognized as a possible sequelae of CI. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132:741‐5.)
Adult acute epiglottitis: Experiences in a Taiwanese setting
Authors: Chang Yen‐Liang , Lo Shih‐Hung , Wang Pa‐Chun , Shu Yu‐Hsiang
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

Acute epiglottitis is a potentially disastrous disease seen occasionally in otolaryngology emergency service. This study reports our experiences in managing adult patients with acute epiglottitis in a Taiwanese setting.

STUDY DESIGN

Admission medical records from 46 adult patients with acute epiglottitis over a period of 8 years in a tertiary referral otolaryngology service were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

No mortality was reported; 4 (8.7%) patients were supported by artificial airway. A total of 16 (34.8%) patients had comorbid conditions; hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common systemic diseases. Patients who needed artificial airway support tended to have more systemic comorbidities (P = 0.001) and a higher level of hyperglycemia (P = 0.004) than those who did not need airway support. The incidences of drooling, stridor/dyspnea, and muffled voice were significantly higher in the airway‐supported group (P < 0.05). Stridor/dyspnea is a reliable clinical predictor of airway compromise (odds ratio 2.94; P = 0.0277).

CONCLUSION

Dyspnea is a warning sign of impending airway collapse during an episode of acute epiglottitis. Adult patients with more systemic comorbidities might bear higher risk of airway compromise; the role of diabetes mellitus can't be overlooked. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132:689‐693.)
Nitric oxide level in the nasal and sinus mucosa after exposure to electromagnetic field
Authors: Yariktas Murat , Doner Fehmi , Ozguner Fehmi , Gokalp Osman , Dogru Harun , Delibas Namik
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in nitric oxide (NO) level in the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa after exposure radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMF).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Thirty male Spraque‐Dawley rats were randomly grouped as follows: EMF group (group I; n, 10), EMF group in which melatonin received (group II; n, 10) and the control (sham operated) group (group III; n, 10). Groups I and II were exposed to a 900 MHz. Oral melatonin was given in group II. Control rats (group III) were also placed in the tube as the exposure groups, but without exposure to EMF. At the end of 2 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa dissected. NO was measured in nasal and paranasal mucosa.

RESULTS

The nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa NO levels of group I were significantly higher than those of the control group (group III) (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between group II and the control group (group III) regarding NO output (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Exposure to EMF released by mobile phones (900 MHz) increase NO levels in the sinus and nasal mucosa.

SIGNIFICANCE

Increased NO levels may act as a defense mechanism and presumably related to tissue damage. In addition, melatonin may have beneficial effect to prevent these changes in the mucosa. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005; 132: 713‐6.)
Use of Mimix hydroxyapatite bone cement for difficult ossicular reconstruction
Authors: Goebel Joel A. , Jacob Abraham
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

To describe the advantages of using MimixTM hydroxyapatite (HA) bone cement in reconstructing a variety of ossicular chain abnormalities.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Case series at a tertiary medical center.

RESULTS

Twenty‐five cases of HA reconstruction are included in this series (ages 23‐74; mean, 47 years). The examples presented include (1) HA as the sole reconstructive material for incus erosion, (2) HA for securing a total or partial ossicular replacement prosthesis, (3) incus augmentation after crimping for revision stapedotomy with incus erosion, (4) HA in primary stapedotomy to fix the crimped prosthesis to an intact incus, and (5) other unique situations. Preoperative and postoperative audiograms were evaluated for 4‐tone pure tone average (PTA), speech reception thresholds, word recognition scores, and air‐bone gaps (AB gaps). Mean follow‐up was 11 months (range 2 to 22 months). The mean PTA improved from 57 dB to 37 dB, whereas the mean AB gaps decreased from 33 dB to 16 dB. There were no cases of infection or extrusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydroxyapatite bone cement is an excellent adjunct or alternative to ossiculoplasty with preformed prostheses. Easily malleable, rapidly setting, and rapidly hardening, Mimix is particularly well suited for middle ear work.

SIGNIFICANCE

Definitive fixation with bone cements during difficult ossicular chain reconstruction may ensure a more enduring successful outcome. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005; 132:727‐34.)
Reliability of cochlear implants
Authors: Maurer Jan , Marangos Nicolaos , Ziegler E.
Published: May 2005

BACKGROUND

The long‐term reliability of cochlear implants over time is an important issue for patients and cochlear implant teams. The calculation of cumulative survival rates including all hard failures of cochlear implants is suitable to report objectively about cochlear implant reliability.

METHODS

This is a report of 192 cochlear implants from different manufacturers in adults (n = 58) and children (n = 134).

RESULTS

The overall cumulative implant survival rate was 91.7% for a period of 11 years. The main reasons for hard failures were design errors of the products and direct or indirect trauma to the cochlea implant site (especially in children) with consecutive breaks of the implant body or electrodes.

CONCLUSIONS

To improve our knowledge about reliability of cochlear implants more studies on cumulative long time survival of cochlear implants are needed, where functional failures and complications for whatever reason (design, mechanical, electronic, medical) are included. Cochlear implant reliability data should be considered during the choice of an implant for each individual patient. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132:746‐50.)
Virtual endoscopy of laryngeal carcinoma: Is it useful?
Authors: Magnano Mauro , Bongioannini Guido , Cirillo Stefano , Regge Daniele , Martinich Laura , Canale Giovanni , Lerda Walter , Bona Galvagno Maurizio , Taranto Fausto
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

To compare virtual endoscopy (VE) with flexible endoscopy in patients with cancer of the larynx.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS

This prospective study includes 24 patients with proven cancer of the larynx. Patients underwent spiral CT according to our standard protocol for upper airway imaging. This same set of axial scans was transferred to a dedicated workstation to obtain VE images. Results of VE were compared with the findings of flexible endoscopy.

RESULTS

Quality of the examination was good in 96% of the patients. VE identified all exophytic lesions. Two small flat lesions could be observed as slightly enhanced plaques only on the axial scans. Subglottic extension was correctly demonstrated in all cases by associating VE to the axial scans.

CONCLUSION

VE shows high sensitivity in the identification of exophytic lesions of the larynx and can establish relationships between cancer and nearby structures. It can be performed in the presence of severe stenosis and does not require sedation and additional scanning. On the other hand, VE show limits in the identification of flat lesions and does not allow biopsies and functional imaging to be performed.

SIGNIFICANCE

VE is a useful tool for staging and presurgery treatment of cancer of the larynx.
Oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy in the diagnostic algorithm of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: A useful exam?
Authors: Galli Jacopo , Volante Mariangela , Parrilla Claudio , Rigante Mario , Valenza Venanzio
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy in the diagnostic approach to patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

STUDY DESIGN

Forty‐one patients with chronic laryngopharyngeal symptoms and a control group of 15 healthy volunteers were examined. All subjects underwent standard oropharyngoesophageal scin‐tigraphy. The following parameters were considered: activity‐time curves, presence of double peaks and reduced slope in oropharyngeal phase, presence of accelerated or slowed esophagogastric transit, persistence of radioactive material on the pharyngeal or esophageal mucosa, and presence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) under exercise.

RESULTS

There were objective signs of laryngeal reflux in 80.5% of the patients. In 82.9%, scintigraphy documented several associated morphofunctional pathologic patterns: positive GER test (61.0%), presence of double peaks (36.6%), indirect signs of pharyngoesophageal inflammation (31.7%), hypotonic lower esophageal sphincter (17.1%), and slowed esophageal clearance (9.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy may be used as preliminary examination in outpatients with signs and symptoms of LPR. Cases of classic gastroesophageal reflux disease could be separated from those of LPR disease and therefore submitted to more invasive instrumental examinations. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132: 717‐21.)
Inpatient management of epistaxis: Outcomes and cost
Authors: Goddard John C. , Reiter Evan R.
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate treatments for epistaxis.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective review of Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998‐2000).

RESULTS

A total of 9778 admissions with admitting diagnosis “epistaxis” were identified. Among admissions involving 1 treatment, 454 (9.6%) received arterial ligation, 94 (2.0%) embolization, and 4188 (88.4%) nasal packing. There were no differences in length of stay, transfusions, complications, or deaths between groups (all P >0.05). Mean total hospital charges were $6,282 for the packing group, $12,805 for the ligation group, and $17,517 for the embolization group; differences between ligation and packing groups, and embolization and packing groups demonstrated significance (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal packing is used commonly for epistaxis that requires inpatient management. Although embolization and arterial ligation are associated with higher hospital charges, complications, transfusion rates, and lengths of stay are similar. Further studies are needed to quantify other outcome measures, such as recurrence rates and patient quality of life.

SIGNIFICANCE

Nasal packing is associated with lower hospital charges and similar complication rates as arterial ligation or embolization. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132:707‐12.)
Comment on “The Latino Vote in 2004”
Authors: Mitofsky Warren J.
Published: May 2005

I have a comment or two on the article by David Leal et al., “The Latino Vote in 2004” (PS,January 2005, 41–49). First, the William C. Velazquez Institute exit poll was not a national exit poll. Their poll was done in only 14 states and in 56 precincts with high concentrations of Hispanics. The Bush vote is an artifact of their sample. A more comprehensive sample would give different results.
A Symposium on the Politics of Same-Sex Marriage—An Introduction and Commentary
Authors: Segura Gary M.
Published: May 2005

The morning of November 3, 2004, was an extremely difficult time for gay and lesbian Americans. The reelection of President George W. Bush, and the simultaneous passage of anti-gay marriage amendments in 11 states, was as resounding a defeat as any social group is likely to experience in American politics. Worse, the emergence of the analytically vague phrase “moral values” from the exit polls and some arm-chair analysis by the pundits had already raised to the level of conventional wisdom the assertion that Senator John Kerry had lost because of the issue of same-sex marriage. Even Democrats, trying to extract some meaning and direction from the disappointing outcomes, appeared to conclude that the marriage issue had played an important and costly role. To gay and lesbian Americans, the headlines that morning might as well have read, “We lost. And it'syourfault!”
Same-Sex Marriage and the 2004 Presidential Election
Authors: Lewis Gregory B.
Published: May 2005

Immediately after the 2004 election, with overwhelming majorities in 13 states voting to amend their constitutions to ban same-sex marriage and exit polls showing large numbers saying “moral values” were the most important determinant of their vote, many analysts emphasized religious and cultural divides in the electorate and the importance of the religious right and same-sex marriage in motivating President George W. Bush's base to get out and vote (e.g., Chinni 2004; Cooperman and Edsall 2004; Dao 2004; Manly 2004; McGough 2004; Testa 2004). With more analysis, the consensus seems to have shifted to an emphasis on incumbency, terrorism, and perceptions of character. Both voter turnout and support for Bush rose across a wide array of groups; evangelical Protestants and voters in states with same-sex marriage amendments on the ballot did not disproportionately increase their numbers or their preference for Bush; white women, married women, and Latinos may have played a bigger role in the shift toward Bush (e.g., Abramowitz 2004; Burden 2004; Freedman 2004; Nordhaus 2004; Sherrill 2004; Signorile 2004).
Moral Issues and Voter Decision Making in the 2004 Presidential Election
Authors: Hillygus D. Sunshine , Shields Todd G.
Published: May 2005

“President Bush's victory, the approval of every anti-gay marriage amendment on statewide ballots and an emphasis on ‘moral values’ among voters showed the power of churchgoing Americans in this election and threw the nation's religious divide into stark relief.” Associated Press, November 4, 2004
The Federal Marriage Amendment and the Strange Evolution of the Conservative Case against Gay Marriage
Authors: Liu Frederick , Macedo Stephen
Published: May 2005

The idea for a Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) did not suddenly dawn upon Senate Republicans in the summer of 2004, when debate on the amendment began in earnest on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Despite the passage of the federal Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, conservatives have long worried about what they believe are the threats to traditional heterosexual marriage posed by the courts. Their fears peaked in 2003, when the courts struck twice: the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Lawrence v. Texas that state homosexual sodomy laws are unconstitutional, while the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health ordered state officials to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Marriage and the Shifting Priorities of a New Generation of Lesbians and Gays
Authors: Egan Patrick J. , Sherrill Kenneth
Published: May 2005

“Be careful what you ask for,” goes the old adage. “You just might get it.” This advice is well-taken by interest groups that successfully press for policy goals at odds with the preferences of the broader population. Victory may be won, but at the expense of awakening widespread opposition and aggravating friend and foe alike.
The Strengthening of Party and Decline of Religion in Explaining Congressional Voting Behavior on Gay and Lesbian Issues
Authors: Lublin David
Published: May 2005

The battle over lesbian and gay rights has gained increased prominence in the political arena. Discrimination against homosexuals may have been widely accepted in the past, but today such discrimination is strongly debated. In 2004, the presidential candidates as well as members of Congress squared off on whether to enshrine a ban on gay marriage into the Constitution. Analyzing the 106th–108th Congresses reveals that member and district characteristics greatly influence the level of support for gay and lesbian rights. Democrats are far more supportive of pro-gay and -lesbian initiatives than Republicans. Region similarly plays a key role. Southerners are more tepid in their support for gay and lesbian rights than their northern colleagues. At the same time, New England representatives are even more liberal than other northerners. Despite strong opposition to gay marriage within the churches of their communities, African-American and Latino representatives are especially likely to support gay and lesbian rights. Church membership also guides representative behavior, though not always as conventional wisdom might indicate. Catholic representatives are not more hostile to gay and lesbian rights than other representatives. Moreover, the influence of religious affiliation on congressional voting behavior is declining. Constituency characteristics, such as urbanicity and education, also shape representative behavior but play a secondary role.
New Technology and Research: An Analysis of Internet Survey Methodology in Political Science
Authors: Orr Shannon K.
Published: May 2005

Rapidly changing technology has created countless new opportunities for political scientists in teaching and research. One such innovation is the development of web surveys. Web surveys are accessed online by respondents and the data can be downloaded directly into a statistical program such as SPSS. While web surveys require respondents to have Internet access, which precludes conducting general population surveys via the web, in fact many of the populations of interest to political scientists such as interest groups, elected officials, and bureaucrats have near universal access to the web. The purpose of this article is to review the advantages and disadvantages of this technique and to outline important design and implementation considerations relevant to political science.
A Political Scientist Accepts Ambiguity and Loses Control: My Experience inside the Legislative Process
Authors: Trautman Karl G.
Published: May 2005

I am a strong believer in using praxis as an educational tool (Jentleson 1990, 435–6). Even though I have taught college political science most of my adult life, I had always been periodically directly involved with politics. In 1997, I received an opportunity to deepen my commitment to praxis when I accepted a position as a policy analyst with the Democratic caucus of the Michigan State Senate. The following is a brief account of my experiences from November 1997 until August 2001.
Staging a Career, Staging a Life: Strategies for Retirement
Authors: Black Naomi
Published: May 2005

The WCPS of the APSA recognized and publicly honored, very early, the debt that we all owe to our mentors. In part in response to the activities of members of the WCPS and those of the APSA's Committee on the Status of Women, currently chaired by Kristen Monroe, the Association, in turn, has come to value and support a more formal structure of mentoring.
Staging a Career, Staging a Life: Strategies for Retirement
Authors: Fowlkes Diane L.
Published: May 2005

I am not going to talk a lot about my career (I have written about it.) I started working at the age of 16 and retired early at the age of 58. So I worked for 42 years, including several years as a secretary in academia before I was able to go to school and get a graduate education; I got my Ph.D. at the age of 34. I taught for 25 years at Georgia State University.
Staging a Career, Staging a Life: Strategies for Retirement
Authors: Grossholtz Jean
Published: May 2005

My philosophy is to love everyone you meet and treat everything as an adventure. I am a political activist and by a political activist I mean that I am committed to social justice in this world now. That is what I do and have done most of my life. At the moment I am involved with four different international groups. Diverse Women for Diversity has its headquarters in India and Women For Life on Earth has its headquarters in Germany. People's Global Actions has no headquarters because we don't believe in it; it operates on the basis of a manifesto that whoever meets and calls themselves PGA gets to add to or rewrite within our hallmarks. Locally I work with Western Massachusetts Global Action Coalition. I have also worked closely with a number of local groups, Western Mass Coalition against Domestic Violence, Stop the War Coalition, Arise for Social Justice, and other groups of similar ilk.
Staging a Career, Staging a Life: Strategies for Retirement
Authors: Ostrom Elinor
Published: May 2005

One of the things that I recommend is for people to choose good parents and good genes, because then you will have a healthier life! My mom lived to 94 and she was very healthy until she had adult onset diabetes and didn't believe it. She did have a broken hip and a variety of things at the very end, but up until then she did fine. My husband's mother, my mother-in-law, went to 96; again, she was from a farm family and very active. Vincent [my husband] is 84 and he doesn't believe in retirement but at the time he hit 65 the rules were such that he had to go. So, some of us have options that colleagues who are a few years older did not. Vincent had no option but to retire. But Indiana University has been pretty good; they don't kick you out of your office. I am just flabbergasted with how one of my German colleagues hit 65 and, wham! he was retired and his office was closed up. He has been able to reestablish it but it took quite a bit of doing. We have a lot to be thankful for because we have a lot more choice: retirement was at 70 for awhile and now even that has changed.
Mentoring and African-American Political Scientists
Authors: Alex-Assensoh Yvette M. , Givens Terri , Golden Kathie , Hutchings Vincent L. , Wallace Sherri L. , Whitby Kenny J.
Published: May 2005

One of the main goals of the Committee on the Status of Blacks (CSB) is to assess how well African-American political scientists are faring in the discipline. Given the nature of the academy, we believe an important element for success is effective mentoring. Our position is supported by the American Political Science Association (APSA) which established a Task Force on Mentoring in 2002 to address issues facing underrepresented groups within the profession. One of the initiatives is a Mentor Database designed to connect interested minority graduate students and minority faculty with political scientists who are willing to share their experiences and knowledge and give their advice and council to participants. The Committee is supportive of this initiative whose goal is to help underrepresented groups have satisfying professional careers.
Student Use of the Internet for Research Projects: A Problem? Our Problem? What Can We Do About It?
Authors: Robinson Andrew M. , Schlegl Karen
Published: May 2005

The Internet and other electronic media have changed the way undergraduate students conduct research. The effects of this technological change on the role of the professor are still not well understood. This article reports on the findings of a recent study that evaluated the scholarly content of student citations in a political science course and tested two interventions designed to improve their quality. The study finds that these students' use of electronic sources was not as poor as some may have assumed, and that the quality of bibliographies improved when in-class instruction was combined with academic penalties. This article reflects on the study's findings, and offers suggestions for how instructors might encourage students to improve the quality of their research.
APSA Treasurer's Report
Authors: Brady Henry E.
Published: May 2005

With its mission broadening and budgets tightening, APSA has continued to operate efficiently and responsibly, and fiscal year 2004 ended within budget and with a growth in net value. In the fall of 2003, the Council made the decision to approve a deficit budget of $43,000. This planned deficit allowed the Association to tap into its reserves to implement an extensive technology plan that included transforming the APSA web site and upgrading the headquarters' aging cabling and network infrastructure. APSA accomplished these projects—and a number of others—and managed to finish the year ahead of budgeted costs, with a deficit of less than $2,000 from programmatic and general operating activities. APSA also ended the year with a significant increase in its net assets.
The State of Political Science in the Uzbek Republic
Authors: Sharapova Sevara
Published: May 2005

It has always been my dream to become a politician. After finishing school I looked for a place where I could get an education in such matters. At this time, my country was still a part of the Soviet Union. During my research I discovered that there was a Department of the History of the Communist Party at Tashkent State University, the aim of which aim was to prepare future politicians. One of the requirements for admittance was a letter of reference from the Komsomol (the young communists) Committee in Tashkent. I tried to do my best for the Komsomol—I was very active, participating in several different Olympiads and winning three of them—and finally I got what I wanted. I passed all my exams, presented the letter of recommendation, entered University, and started to study all aspects of the History of the Communist Party.
Response of desert pavement to seismic shaking, Hector Mine earthquake, California, 1999
Authors: Haff P. K.
Published: May 2005

The October 1999 Mw 7.1 Hector Mine earthquake in the Mojave Desert, California, generated characteristic surface disturbances on nearby desert pavements. These disturbances included (1) zones of wholesale gravel displacement interspersed with zones of intact pavement, (2) displaced and rotated cobbles, (3) moats around loosened, embedded boulders, (4) filling of abandoned cobble sockets, boulder moats, and other depressions with gravel, and (5) formation of narrow, subparallel, linear strips of exposed fine‐grained subpavement matrix (matrix lineations). Clasts displaced from matrix lineations and from cobble sockets tended to move downslope. Sharp boundaries of matrix lineations and slope‐controlled displacement directions on slopes of only a few degrees indicated that clasts remained close to the pavement surface during shaking. The regular, few decimeter spacing of matrix lineations suggests the presence of standing waves during seismic shaking. Boulder moats probably have good preservation potential and, at some desert pavement locations, might provide information on paleoseismic shaking. Although readily produced by coseismic shaking, displaced cobbles are unreliable indicators of past earthquake activity because of potential multiple origins. For an assumed earthquake recurrence interval of 10 ka, seismically driven sediment fluxes similar to those generated by the Hector Mine earthquake at the Lavic Siding pavement study site may be marginally competitive with aseismic smoothing mechanisms driven by bioturbation, rainbeat, and wash. For a 1 ka recurrence interval, seismic smoothing is likely to play a significant role in pavement evolution.