bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localization of Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms (NOS I, II and III) in the Vestibular End Organs of the Guinea Pig
Authors: Takumida Masaya , Anniko Matti
Published: April 2003

The localization of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) isoforms was investigated in the vestibular organ of the pigmented guinea pig by indirect immunohistochemistry. The cytoplasm of both type I and type II vestibular sensory cells as well as vestibular ganglion cells showed both NOS I and III immunoreactivity, whereas there was no reactivity in their nuclei and sensory hairs. The afferent nerve chalices were usually not stained. NOS III staining was also observed in the nerve fibers contacting type II cells and in the subepithelial tissue. The endothelial lining of the blood vessels displayed reactivity for NOS III. The cytoplasm of fluid transporting cells showed weak staining for NOS I and moderate staining for NOS III. Immunostaining for NOS II did not display any reactivity in general. These findings may suggest that NO is a mediator of neurotransmission in the vestibular system in sensory cells and ganglia. NO in the fluid transporting cells may play an important role for maintaining the endolymph and ion homeostasis, and NOS III in vascular endothelial cells implies regulatory effects of NO on vascular wall tonus and vestibular blood supply.
Vascular Inner Ear Partition:A Concept for Some Forms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Vertigo
Authors: Tange R.A.
Published: April 2003

The results of a series of scanning electron microscopical studies were used to construct a model for the vascular pathways in the inner ear. Corrosion cast preparations of the vessels of the inner ear of the adult rat were used in this study. The inner ear is, like a hand, an end organ containing four sense organs (cochlea, saccule, utricle and the cristae ampullaris). All these specific inner ear structures have their own vascular supply. We have developed a blood flow diagram of the inner ear. This model was used for a classification of different types of ischemia in the inner ear and forms a concept for some forms of sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo. Four types of inner ear ischemia are proposed. In type I (a or b) of inner ear ischemia only the vessels of the cochlea are involved resulting in two types of hearing loss without vertigo. Type II is characterized by ischemia of a part of the cochlea and a part of the vestibular system. In type III (a or b) only the vestibular system is involved, while in type IV no blood circulation will be present in the inner ear resulting in total deafness and severe vertigo. Inner ear partition at ultramicroscopical level of these structures may be possible in the future and new imaging techniques will probably support the vascular schematic model presented in this study.
The Effect of Ammonia on Olfactory Epithelium and Vomeronasal Organ Neuroepithelium of Rabbits
Authors: Gaafar H. , Tantawy A. , Hamza M. , Shaaban M.
Published: April 2003

In recent studies, the vomeronasal organ (VNO), although vestigial and with unknown function in humans, was reported to be present in almost every person examined. In rabbits, it is a well-developed organ, one lying on each side of the nasal septum. Histologically it was found to contain neuroepithelium which is considered an accessory olfactory system taking charge of an olfactory discrimination different from that of olfactory epithelium. Experimental removal of the VNO in male animals reduces reproductive performance and aggression. In this study, the effects of prolonged exposure to ammonia vapor on the histological pattern and enzymatic activity of the olfactory epithelium and the VNO neuroepithelium of 30 adult male rabbits were investigated and compared with a control group. In the exposed animals, the supporting cells in both types of epithelia showed hyperplasia which was more marked in the olfactory epithelium. Manifestations of cytotoxicity were found more in the bipolar cells of the olfactory epithelium than in the VNO neuroepithelium. The enzymatic activity in the exposed group supported the histological results. The presence of the VNO neuroepithelium of the rabbit in a narrow duct with a minute nasal orifice could have some protective effects on the cells.
Clinical-Morphological Correlation of Nasal Obstruction with Skull Base Development and Otitis media
Authors: Maurizi Maurizio , Scarano Emanuele , Frusoni Federica , Deli Roberto , Paludetti Gaetano
Published: April 2003

Morphological changes of the middle ear were investigated by means of microotoscopy and scanning electron microscopy in 40 developing Albino rats. In 20 one nostril (group B) and in 20 both nostrils (group C) had been experimentally obstructed. 20 rats were used as controls (group A). Microotoscopy and scanning electron microscopy on the middle ear mucosa were performed when the animals were 2 months old, i.e. at 90% of their development. At microotoscopy the tympanic membranes, homolateral to the obstructed nostril, proved to be abnormal in 81% of group B rats and in almost all rats belonging to group C. Scanning electron microscopy, performed after the bullae had been removed, showed the following epithelial surface changes of the middle ear homolaterally to the obstructed nostril: (a) a significant increase of nonciliated elements with a secretory behavior as compared to controls, even of the floor where normally a large number of ciliated cells is present; (b) several ciliated cells were destroyed and their cilia were irregular and untidy; (c) thick mucous secretions covered the floor of the tympanic bulla; and (d) squamous metaplasia of the hypotympanic epithelium. Extrarotation of the eustachian tubes and developmental abnormalities of the skull base in growing rats, caused by nasal obstruction, seem to be able to induce pathological events of the middle ear.
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Laryngeal Cancers Using High-Speed Helical CT Scanning
Authors: Sakakura Atsushi , Yamamoto Yuzo , Uesugi Yasuo , Nakai Ken , Takenaka Hiroshi , Narabayashi Isamu
Published: April 2003

To evaluate the clinical usefulness and limitations of three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of laryngeal cancers by high-speed helical (spiral) CT scanning, 3-D images were reconstructed for one dissected human larynx and 10 patients with laryngeal cancer. The larynges were scanned in 1- to 2-mm slices, and were reconstructed using a slice thickness of 0.5–1.0 mm. The macroscopic (or endoscopic) findings and the 3-D CT images of the larynx were compared. The selected threshold CT values were –600 HU (Hounsfield units) to –100 HU for the mucous membranes, and 250 HU for bone. Under these conditions, almost all of the structures remained distinct. The 3-D images of the larynx obtained by helical CT were very helpful in understanding laryngeal anatomy, especially in the subglottic area, which cannot be seen clearly by endoscopy or conventional axial CT. Clinically, this system would have advantages in the detection of subglottic cancers, or the invasion of glottic or supraglottic cancers into the subglottic area.
Effects of Capsaicin on Human Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Wang Hsing-Won , Wang Shao-Hwa , Wang Jia-Yi
Published: April 2003

In order to determine the effects of capsaicin on the sympathetic innervation of human nasal mucosa, the effects of capsaicin on the contractile response of isolated human nasal mucosal blood vessels to field stimulation and methoxamine were investigated. Results showed that capsaicin enhanced field stimulation but there were no effects on mucosal contraction induced by methoxamine. Likewise, the drug had no effects on mucosal basal tension but potentiated mucosal contractions by norepinephrine. The study indicated that capsaicin may increase sympathetic function with the potentiating effects of norepinephrine. Because no effects of capsaicin on the resting tension of the nasal mucosa in vitro were noted, it is therefore deduced that local reactions in nasal mucosa by capsaicin in vivo should be via central or local reflexes.
Interleukin 8 Can Affect Inner Ear Function
Authors: Iguchi Hiroyoshi , Anniko Matti
Published: April 2003

The chemokine interleukin 8 (IL-8) was instilled into the round window niche of rats through a small perforation in the tympanic membrane in order to study its effect on inner ear function by electrophysiological and morphological techniques. The frequency-specific auditory brainstem response (ABR) was recorded at the frequencies 4, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 kHz just before and 1, 2, 5 and 14 days after instilling IL-8 to ascertain the hearing level during each interval. Morphological examination by light microscopy was performed during the same interval following the instillation of IL-8. On day 1, the rise in ABR threshold was within 5 dB SPL (non-significant elevation). However, a significant threshold elevation (above 5 dB SPL) occurred in high-frequency areas (16 and 20 kHz) on day 2, and in middle frequency areas (10 and 12 kHz) on day 5 with sensorineural hearing loss type intensity-latency curves. By day 14, the elevated thresholds had returned to pre-instillation levels. In the lowest areas (4 and 8 kHz), no significant threshold elevation was detected at any time during the observation period. By light microscopy, on day 1, clusters of inflammatory cells (predominantly neutrophils) were observed just outside the round window membrane (RWM), while only a few neutrophils were detected in the cochlea. These cells were still present outside the RWM on day 2. The neutrophils had disappeared by day 5 and only macrophages were present on the middle ear side of the RWM. However, throughout the observation period, the organ of Corti and stria vascularis appeared to be intact. These results suggest that IL-8 in the middle ear cavity is able to influence inner ear function.
Late-Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Coffin-Lowry Syndrome
Authors: Rosanowski Frank , Hoppe Ulrich , Pröschel Ute , Eysholdt Ulrich
Published: April 2003

The Coffin-Lowry syndrome (CLS) is a rare clinical entity where patients present with a characteristic facies, mental retardation and bone abnormalities. So far about 60 cases have been reported. Sensorineural hearing loss is not a characteristic symptom and a late-onset hearing loss has not been reported so far. We report on 4 brothers with CLS, aged 9–17 years, of whom 3 suffered from a severe sensorineural hearing loss with an onset during late childhood and adolescence after a normal hearing during early childhood. CT scans revealed no cochlear abnormalities. The boys were successfully equipped with hearing aids. It is suggested that in all CLS patients the hearing ability should be examined during early infancy and retested regularly in cases with normal hearing as these cases indicate that in CLS a late-onset hearing loss is possible during late childhood and adolescence.
Management of Chylous Fistula Using the Fibrin Adhesive Set
Authors: Velegrakis George A. , Prokopakis Emmanuel P. , Papadakis Chariton E. , Bizakis John G. , Kyrmizakis Dionysios E. , Helidonis Emmanuel S.
Published: April 2003

Chylous fistula complicates 1.1% of all radical neck dissections, and 2.4% of left-sided dissections. The standard treatment of established chylous leak in the reported cases is a pressure dressing applied to the lower neck. Here we present a case of chylous fistula, where conservative methods failed to cope with this complication. The additional application of a fibrin adhesive set was a successful modality of treatment.
Lupus pernio with Involvement of Nasal Cavity and Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Rosell A. , Garcia-Arranz G. , Romero N. , Sendra J. , Fogue L.
Published: April 2003

Histological demonstration of sarcoidosis affecting the paranasal sinus is rare in the clinical practice. In this paper, we present a case with a diagnosis of lupus pernio with extensive involvement of the nasal cavity and the right maxillary sinus. Long before being diagnosed as having lupus pernio, the patient had had a long history of nasal obstruction and had been treated surgically without success on 3 occasions. The literature on the topic is reviewed.
The Effect of Hemodialysis on Hearing Using Pure-Tone Audiometry and Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions
Authors: Ozturan Orhan , Lam Samuel
Published: April 2003

Patients under treatment of hemodialysis (HD) frequently exhibit some degree of sensorineural hearing loss. Fifteen subjects and 10 controls were tested by using pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) before and after a HD treatment. Other parameters (blood pressure, body weight, blood chemistries) were also evaluated before and after HD: The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effect of HD on hearing level by measuring PTA and DPOAE before and after one HD session. The results from PTA and DPOAE testings showed that hearing was unaffected by HD. However, all 15 subjects revealed significantly poorer hearing, especially in the higher frequencies, compared to that of the controls (p < 0.0001). It was concluded then that HD is a safe treatment, and that the sensorineural hearing loss in these patients may be attributed to the preexisting renal disease.
Numerous Transorbital Wooden Foreign Bodies in the Sphenoid Sinus
Authors: Mori Shigehito , Fujieda Shigeharu , Tanaka Takeshi , Saito Hitoshi
Published: April 2003

A very rare case of numerous transorbital wooden foreign bodies penetrating into the sphenoid sinus in a 47-year-old male is reported. His right eye was nonreactive to light, and the oculomotor, trochlear and abducens nerves were completely disturbed. Although a minor injury was observed on the inner side of the right eyebrow, the wound was not serious or infectious. Computed tomographic scanning of the orbit and parasinus revealed an isodense linear shadow to muscle and an irregular shadow of the lamina papyracea. However, the findings were difficult to discriminate from an optic canal fracture preoperatively. We detected foreign bodies penetrating the optic nerve rise, which were successfully removed in combination with an endoscopic transethmoidal and transorbital approach. Various and careful imaging examinations are recommended to diagnose and manage paraorbital trauma, when a penetrating wound of the face is observed.
Effects of Active Immunization with a Pneumococcal Surface Protein (PspA) and of Locally Applied Antibodies in Experimental Otitis media
Authors: White P. , Hermansson A. , Svanborg C. , Briles D. , Prellner K.
Published: April 2003

An experimental rat model for Streptococcus pneumoniae otitis media was used to investigate passive protection by anti-type 3 capsular antibodies and effects of immunization with pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA). Anti-type 3 antibodies instilled into the middle ear reduced purulent otitis media as compared to control animals (p = 0.015). Secondly, after immunization with PspA, the right middle ear was inoculated with S. pneumoniae type 6A in a dose calibrated to induce purulent otitis media. There was an anti-PspA antibody response in all rats immunized and a reduction in signs of purulent otitis media as compared to control animals (p = 0.026). Thus, purulent (acute) otitis media can be reduced by local application of antibodies in the middle ear and also by immunization with a non-type-specific pneumococcal protein, PspA.
Effect of Irregularities in Basilar Membrane Impedance on TEOAEs: Theoretical Considerations
Authors: Wada Hiroshi , Nakajima Takaya , Ohyama Kenji
Published: April 2003

Transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) are believed to be attributed to the presence of impedance discontinuities on the basilar membrane in the cochlea. However, the generation mechanism of TEOAEs has not been clarified. In this study, using the mathematical model of a cochlea, which has the impedance discontinuities on the basilar membrane, TEOAEs were simulated. The results reveal that the TEOAEs are produced by not only the active process associated with the outer hair cell motility, but also the presence of impedance discontinuities at a site of the basilar membrane whose characteristic frequency is close to the stimulus frequency. Therefore, it may be said that the TEOAEs in response to a tone burst stimulus reflect the condition at the specific point of the cochlea.
Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis (Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease) Diagnosed by Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
Authors: Mannarà GiacintoM. , Boccato Paolo , Rinaldo Alessandra , La Rosa Filippo , Ferlito Alfio
Published: April 2003

A case of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis involving a right submandibular lymph node is described in a 14-year-old Caucasian boy. The diagnosis was established on initial assessment by fine needle aspiration biopsy. Excisional biopsy, performed because the lymph node enlargement failed to regress, confirmed the cytological findings.
Lack of Calbindin-D28k Does Not Affect Hearing Level or Survival of Hair Cells in Acoustic Trauma
Authors: Airaksinen Liisa , Virkkala Jussi , Aarnisalo Antti , Meyer Michael , Ylikoski Jukka , Airaksinen Matti S.
Published: April 2003

Calbindin is a cytosolic calcium-binding protein abundant in the hair cells of the inner ear and in distinct neurons of the auditory pathway. It is suggested to speed the return of potentially toxic calcium levels to normal. In this study, we show the basic hearing functions and the result of noise trauma from the calbindin null mutant mice generated by gene targeting. Auditory brainstem evoked response and distortion product otoacoustic emissions appear similar as in the control group. A moderate noise-induced trauma produced a similar loss of hair cells in calbindin null mutant mice than in wild-type controls. The result suggests that although calbindin is abundant in hair cells, it is not essential for the main hearing function and it does not provide physiological protection against a moderate noise-induced inner ear trauma in mice.
Intranasal Histamine Challenge in Normal Subjects and Allergic Rhinitis before and after Intranasal Budesonide Studied with Rhinostereometry and Micromanipulator-Guided Laser D oppler Flowmetry
Authors: Grudemo Hans , Juto Jan-Erik
Published: April 2003

Ten healthy subjects and 10 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis to birch pollen were investigated with the combination of rhinostereometry and laser Doppler flowmetry, thus simultaneously measuring changes in mucosal swelling and microcirculation, following intranasal histamine challenge. Compared to normals, the allergics had a higher degree of congestion and a lower increase in perfusion and velocity of flow. In the allergics there was a decrease in CMBC (concentration of moving blood cells) that was not seen in normals. The decrease in CMBC seen in allergics could be attributed to an increase in vascular permeability producing an interstitial edema, a well-known effect of histamine. After treatment with 1 week of intranasal steroid, most of the differences in the reaction pattern between normals and allergics had disappeared.
Implications of Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for the Treatment of Postoperative Maxillary Mucoceles
Authors: Saito Takehisa , Ikeda Takuo , Kono Yoko , Ohtsubo Toshio , Noda Ichiro , Saito Hitoshi
Published: April 2003

Recently, endoscopic endonasal surgery has been widely used to treat chronic sinusitis with good results being reported by many investigators. Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a technique available not only for chronic sinusitis but also for other sinus diseases including postoperative maxillary mucoceles. In this report, the indications and limitations of endoscopic endonasal surgery for the treatment of postoperative maxillary mucoceles are discussed based on our experience treating 26 such mucoceles at our clinic. The indications for endoscopic endonasal surgery include mucoceles in close contact with the lateral wall of the inferior nasal meatus and those mucoceles that can be widely opened to the middle nasal meatus. The following cases could not be treated by endoscopic endonasal surgery: mucoceles that were localized in areas distant from the nasal cavity, mucoceles in which the lateral wall of the inferior nasal meatus was bony and intensely thickened, and mucoceles that could not be sufficiently opened to the middle nasal meatus.
False Negative Conventional Histology of Lymph Nodes in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Ferlito Alfio , Rinaldo Alessandra
Published: April 2003

Lymph node micrometastases in patients with head and neck cancer found node-negative by clinical examination and conventional histology may be discovered with additional sectioning of the lymph nodes, by immunohistochemistry and by molecular biology.
Indication and Technique of Transnasal Microscopic Orbital Decompression for Endocrine Ophthalmopathy
Authors: May A. , Fries U. , von Ilberg C. , Weber A.
Published: April 2003

If endocrine ophthalmopathy progresses despite conservative treatment then indications for surgical decompression are: loss of visual acuity, increasing strabism, and severe keratopathy. Endonasal microsurgery ensures a binocular view onto the intranasal landmarks of the orbital walls and allows simultaneous decompression of the medial and inferior wall as well as a good relief of pressure at the orbital apex. Surgical decompressions were performed on 29 orbits in 19 patients, 16 by using the endonasal microsurgical, 3 via external approach. The microscopic approach was entirely comparable with regard to the reduction of proptosis with a mean improvement of 4.2 mm against a mean of 4.7 mm by external approach and a mean 0.2 of better visual acuity in both procedures. The microsurgical technique is considered superior to an external approach avoiding external scars, neural pain, and reportedly less diplopia. The healing phase and the hospitalization time are shorter.
Prognostic Factors in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx
Authors: Ðanić Davorin , Marušić Matko , Užarević Branka , Miličić Damir
Published: April 2003

Sixty-three patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx were included in a retrospective study examining the influence of the following prognostic indicators: localization, size of primary tumor, presence or absence of neck metastases, disease stage and histologic grade of differentiation. Flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle, DNA ploidy and proliferative activity as direct prognostic indicators of tumor aggression was performed on paraffin-embedded blocks of specimens taken from 36 patients. Supraglottic tumor localization (p = 0.008), greater tumor size (p = 0.0064), local neck metastases (p = 0.00009), higher clinical disease stage (p = 0.0030), DNA aneuploidy (p = 0.0091), higher overall activity (p = 0.0001), and higher overall proliferative activity of diploid tumors (p = 0.0017) were found to be significant single unfavorable prognostic indicators of overall survival, whereas the histological grade of differentiation was not found to be a reliable prognostic indicator (p = 0.988). Only a higher overall proliferative activity of tumor cells was confirmed by the multivariate analysis as a reliable unfavorable prognostic indicator (p = 0.013). Cellular DNA content (ploidy, overall proliferative activity and overall proliferative activity of diploid tumors) correlated significantly with primary localization and size of the tumor, the presence of local metastases in the neck and the disease stage.
Localised Wegener’s Granulomatosis in Otolaryngology: A Review of Six Cases
Authors: Ahmad Ijaz , Lee W.C. , Nagendran V. , Wilson F. , Shortridge R.T.J.
Published: April 2003

Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) is a necrotising granulomatous disease affecting the upper and/or lower respiratory tracts and is associated with focal glomerulonephritis. Formerly believed to be a multisystem disease, a localised form (LWG) is now recognised as a distinct subtype. We describe 6 cases of LWG with no renal or pulmonary involvement detected at the presentation or during follow-up. The total follow-up period ranged from 3 to 7 years in 5 cases. The diagnosis was based on clinical features, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test and histological findings (necrotising granulomatous vasculitis, epithelioid granulomas with varying degrees of chronic inflammatory cells). All patients responded to standard immunosuppressive treatment. Our cases highlight the predilection of LWG for the head and neck region and hence these patients frequently present in the ENT departments. LWG has been discussed as a subtype of WG with a better prognosis and the previous literature has been reviewed on this subject. A high index of suspicion helped by serology and histology enables an early diagnosis, and commencement of proper treatment can prevent the irreversible destructive lesions.
Perforation of the Posterior Tracheal Wall during Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheotomy
Authors: Dost Philipp , Thürauf Norbert , Armbruster Wolf , Schoch Beate , Zülke Martin , Fischer Markus
Published: April 2003

Dilatative percutaneous tracheotomy is more and more indicated in intensive-care medicine. We report on the perforation of the posterior tracheal wall observed in 3 patients after this procedure. In 2 patients the tracheo-oesophageal fistula was closed by the use of a pediculated flap from the infrahyoideal muscle. The third patient died due to the underlying disease. As demonstrated by the 3 cases reported here, this complication cannot be avoided in every case neither by the use of an endoscope nor by extensive personal experience of the physician. The possibility of this complication should be known, because it seems to be typical of this procedure. In the case of perforation of the posterior tracheal wall, active surgical treatment seems to be a successful method to deal with this complication.
Classification and Terminology of Neck Dissections
Authors: Ferlito Alfio , Som Peter M. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Mondin Vanni
Published: April 2003

With the proliferation of operations designed to treat cervical metastatic nodal disease, it has become ever apparent for the need to more clearly and precisely communicate the location of the metastatic cervical nodes and the specific surgery performed. To this end, this paper reviews the variety of operations and the resultant confusing terminology that has emerged over the past five decades. It is suggested that a simplified technology be used that specifically describes the nodal levels dissected, the relevant nonlymphatic structures removed, and those structures that are preserved. It is also suggested that the new imaging-based nodal classification be used to standardize the definition of the nodal levels. It is hoped that this approach will eliminate many of the often confusing and nondescriptive terms and there by facilitate better inter-physician and inter-institutional communication.
Apoptosis in Auditory Brainstem Neurons after a Severe Noise Trauma of the Organ of Corti: Intracochlear GDNF Treatment Reduces the Number of Apoptotic Cells
Authors: Aarnisalo Antti A. , Pirvola Ulla , Liang Xing Qun , Miller Josef , Ylikoski Jukka
Published: April 2003

We have studied the morphological and cellular changes in the cochlear nucleus (CN) after cochlear nerve degeneration and whether these changes can be prevented by rescuing the primary cochlear neurons from degeneration with local glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) treatment. Degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons was seen to lead to a reduction of the volume of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN); the size of the cell nuclei in the AVCN also was reduced. No differences were observed in cell density. After intrascalar GDNF treatment the volume of the AVCN was significantly larger when compared to the untreated side, and the size of the cell nuclei in the AVCN was significantly larger on the treated side. After degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons, an increased number of apoptotic cell nuclei were seen in ipsilateral CN and superior olivary complex. This increase was significantly smaller after intrascalar GDNF treatment. Degeneration of primary cochlear neurons seems to lead to an increase in the number of CN neurons undergoing apoptotic cell death. This can be prevented partially by rescuing primary cochlear neurons from degeneration with local GDNF treatment.
Middle Ear Imaging Using Virtual Endoscopy and Its Application in Patients with Ossicular Chain Anomaly
Authors: Himi Tetsuo , Sakata Motomichi , Shintani Tomoko , Mitsuzawa Hiroaki , Kamagata Masaki , Satoh Jun-ichi , Sugimoto Harumi
Published: April 2003

Virtual endoscopy (VE) is a recently developed technique to provide a realistic surface rendering of various organs, which can be applied to the use of three-dimensional (3D) studies of several lesions. However, its advantages in otological disease have not been well investigated. In this study, we evaluated the application of VE in patients with ossicular chain anomalies. Virtual middle ear endoscopy was a time-saving method, however, we needed the appropriate technical procedures of algorithm and reconstruction spacing to generate accurate 3D images of ossicles. We obtained virtual surgical views of middle ear structures and related anomalies, and confirmed by intraoperative findings that these images were mostly compatible with the actual lesions of ossicles. VE allowed an identification of the anatomy of the ossicles and adjacent structures simultaneously. The elements of the stapedial crura were clearly visualized with VE images in 93.3% of normal ears. Pathological ossicular chain findings such as malleus or incus fixation, dislocation and disruption, except footplate fixation were investigated successfully. One possible procedure, using alterable CT value in the obtained VE images on the monitor, is proposed for further detection of fine lesions of the ossicles. These observations suggest that virtual middle ear simulations accurately represent major intraoperative findings. This technique may have an important role in preoperative planning, surgical training, and/or postoperative evaluation in otology.
Sialendoscopie et lithotripsie intracanalaire
Authors: Marchal F. , Dulguerov P. , Guyot J.-P. , Lehmann W.
Published: April 2003

Objectifs: La sialolithiase est une pathologie relativement fréquente en ORL, qui conduit parfois à la résection de la glande salivaire. Nous décrivons une nouvelle approche thérapeutique de la sialolithiase, réalisée sous anesthésie locale, en ambulatoire. Patients et méthodes: Entre mai 1997 et juillet 1998, 21 patients ont été opérés selon la technique suivante: endoscopie du canal, localisation du calcul et extraction du calcul sous contrôle endoscopique à l’aide d’une sonde de Dormia, avec éventuelle fragmentation préalable par lithotripsie intracanalaire. Résultats et conclusions: Dans trois quarts des cas, l’extraction du calcul in toto a été possible et les patients ont été guéris de leur symptomatologie, avec un recul moyen de 5,7 mois. Il n’y a pas eu de complications notables, ni per- ni postopératoires. De nouveaux développements devraient permettre dans un proche avenir d’améliorer encore les résultats.
Changes in Antigen Expression on B Lymphocytesduring HIV Inf ection
Authors: Ginaldi Lia , De Martinis Massimo , D’Ostilio Annamaria , Marini Lucia , Quaglino Dennis
Published: April 2003

Involvement of the B cell compartment during HIV infection plays an important role in the development of immune deficiency. The aim of this study was the identification of specific antigen expression changes on B lymphocytes in HIV infection as surrogate markers in this cell population of certain functional aspects that could be easily measured. We investigated the level of expression of a series of constitutive surface markers in B lymphocytes (HLA-DR, CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22) from 30 HIV-seropositive adult patients and 20 normal controls. By means of quantitative flow cytometry, we assessed the number of antigen molecules per cell using standard beads to convert fluorescence intensity into antibody-binding capacity (ABC). We correlated these results with disease stage and cellular markers of immune activation. The expression of CD20 was significantly increased when B cells from HIV-infected individuals were compared with those from uninfected subjects. No differences were found in the density expression of HLA-DR on activated CD3+ T cells between HIV+ and HIV– subjects. In contrast, B cells from HIV+ patients showed a significantly lower number of HLA-DR molecules per cell compared to normal controls. A significantly lower number of CD21 molecules per cell was also found on B lymphocytes from HIV+ patients compared to normal controls. No differences in CD19 and CD22 expression levels on B cells between HIV-infected patients and controls were detected. No differences between HIV disease stages were detected for CD19, HLA-DR, CD21 and CD22. In contrast, differences between stages were found for CD20 expression, which showed significant changes in individuals with less than 200 CD4 T cells/µl. The data presented here demonstrate that B lymphocytes of HIV-infected individuals exhibit specific changes in receptor density expression during HIV infection and that these changes are often correlated with progression of disease, as measured by CD4 counts. No correlations were found between the percentages of HLA-DR+ T cells and the ABC values of the B cell markers studied. These antigen expression modulations may contribute to the humoral abnormalities during HIV infection and to the development of severe, recurrent or multiple bacterial infections. Therefore, quantitative flow cytometry may be of value in HIV infection both for clinical and biological studies. The study of antigen density changes on B cells in HIV infection may allow a better understanding of the humoral immune defects observed in these patients and provide insights into the functional defects of B cell compartment in HIV-infected individuals.
Massive Proteinuria as a Main Manifestation of Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Levy Y. , George J. , Ziporen L. , Cledes J. , Amital H. , Bar-Dayan Y. , Afek A. , Youinou P. , Shoenfeld Y.
Published: April 2003

Renal involvement in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is increasingly reported. So far, massive proteinuria as the principal feature of primary APS (PAPS) has not been well documented. We describe 3 patients with PAPS and massiv proteinuria. Renal biopsy was performed in all 3, and features consistent with membranous and focal segmental glomerulopathy were disclosed. These histological lesions were not yet reported in PAPS. We conclude that the spectrum of renal lesions in PAPS is diverse and that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with massive proteinuria.
Delivery Systems and Adjuvants for Vaccination against HIV
Authors: Velin Dominique , Hopkins Sally , Kraehenbuhl Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2003

Epidemiologic studies have revealed that HIV-1 infections occur through contact with contaminated blood or during unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse. Hence, to protect against HIV infection, vaccines should induce both mucosal and systemic immune responses. We present a brief review of the different delivery systems and adjuvants which can be used to elicit mucosal immune responses. Oral or nasal administration of recombinant Salmonella vaccines can induce both mucosal and systemic immune responses against the carried antigen. The oral delivery of mucosal adjuvants (such as cholera toxin) in association with antigens has been shown to enhance mucosal and systemic immune responses against them. Recently developed vaccination strategies using naked DNA or recombinant adenovirus are also discussed.
Fluorescent in situ Hybridization for Identifying Cytogenetic Abnormalities in Inadequate and Suboptimal Specimens
Authors: Mark Hon Fong L. , Przygoda John J. , Sikov William
Published: April 2003

Conventional cytogenetic analysis is often hampered by its dependency on the evaluation of dividing cells. When the mitotic index is low, or the cytogenetic preparation suboptimal, an accurate diagnosis often cannot be achieved using standard GTG banding. Molecular cytogenetics using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) can be extremely useful in such a situation because it can be performed on nondividing interphase nuclei, and can usually be carried out on existing slides without requiring an additional specimen. The present paper presents two case histories to illustrate the utility of FISH in the clinical setting.
Regulation of Cytokine-Induced Neutrophil Chemoattractant in Rat Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages by Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Crippen Tawni L. , Klasing Kirk C. , Hyde Dallas M.
Published: April 2003

During the course of inflammation, macrophages are highly influenced by their local environment and changes in the cytokine milieu. Exposure of macrophages to various factors during different phases of the inflammatory response may have a strong influence on the pattern of gene expression, which a macrophage exhibits. We examined how these mediators affect the regulation of the expression and production of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC). Our study demonstrates that CINC can be induced in bone marrow-derived macrophages by lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interferon-γ/TNFα. These mediators are factors which a macrophage would be expected to encounter early in an inflammatory process. In contrast, transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), which is expressed late in the inflammatory process during mesenchymal cell proliferation and tissue repair, did not induce detectable amounts of CINC and functioned to suppress CINC production stimulated by early inflammatory mediators. Suppression of CINC production occurred whether TGFβ was added simultaneously, 12 or 24 h prior to the stimulus.
Screening for Invasion of the Individual Human Brain Tumour in an Autologous Confrontation System in vitro
Authors: de Ridder L.
Published: April 2003

Invasiveness is the major cause of death in patients bearing a brain tumour. The invasiveness or infiltrative capacity of a primary brain tumour has a prognostic value for the evaluation of the process in vivo. So a model to imitate invasion might give information on the in vivo behaviour and outcome of the disease for the individual patient. The developed in vitro model represents an assay in which the patients’ brain tumour-derived cells are confronted with connective tissue from the patient himself, i.e. an autologous system to evaluate the individual behaviour of the tumour, in contrast to other invasion models. The test can be applied with tumour-derived material collected by a stereotactic biopsy.
Activation or Destruction of T Cells via Macrophages
Authors: Orlikowsky T. , Dannecker G.E. , Wang Z.-Q. , Horowitz H. , Niethammer D. , Hoffmann M.K.
Published: April 2003

Macrophages (MΦ) affect the T cell response in two mutually exclusive ways: activation or deletion. A MΦ type with T cell activating functions (M1) is able to express and upregulate receptors of the B7 family. IFN-γ favours this MΦ differentiation pathway via upregulation of CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2). The treatment of MΦ with IFN-γ enhances the αCD3-mediated T cell blast transformation and reduces the fraction of deleted T cells. This MΦ type may prevent antibody-mediated T cell destruction by the expression of costimulatory receptors. An IL-10-induced MΦ type (M2) fails to express costimulatory molecules of the B7 family but is an effective cell for T cell destruction. Forming cellular conjugates with T cells through antibodies or immune complexes, M2-MΦ preferentially delete targeted cells in vitro and in vivo.
Fighting Infection: The Role of Lipopolysaccharide Binding Proteins CD14 and LBP
Authors: Schütt Christine
Published: April 2003

An invading pathogen must be held in check by the innate immune system until a specific immune response is mounted. Nonclonal pattern recognition receptors like CD14 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding protein (LBP) recognize ubiquitous pathogen-associated molecular patterns, e.g. LPS. LBP mediates the binding of minute amounts of LPS to membrane-bound CD14 (mCD14) triggering a proinflammatory response of macrophages, which is crucial for keeping an infection under control. Moreover, in vitro mCD14 and LBP are involved in recognition and phagocytosis of heat-killed bacteria. Living Salmonella typhimurium or Escherichia coli depend on the presence of LBP to induce the generation of reactive oxygen species in human or murine macrophages. Using LBP-deficient mice it could be demonstrated that LBP is essential to control low dose (100 CFU S. typhimurium) infection. Therefore, LPS binding proteins play a pivotal role in physiology as well as pathophysiology of Gram-negative infection.
The Regulatory Role of MRP8 (S100A8) and MRP14 (S100A9) in the Transendothelial Migration of Human Leukocytes
Authors: Kerkhoff Claus , Eue Ines , Sorg Clemens
Published: April 2003

The hallmark of developing inflammatory lesions is the excess migration of recruited phagocytes together with the enhanced cell surface expression of adhesion molecules. Recent investigations give evidence that the two myeloid-related proteins MRP8 (S100A8) and MRP14 (S100A9), which are abundant in activated or recruited phagocytes, may have a modulatory role in inflammatory responses. S100A9 displays a regulatory role in the transendothelial migration of human monocytes, and the secreted S100A8/A9 complex may serve as a transport protein to move arachidonic acid to its target cells.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Ligand Binding in Monocytic Cells Using a Microplate Assay
Authors: Jansen Jurgen , Uitdehaag Bernard , Koper Jan W. , van den Berg Timo K.
Published: April 2003

Glucocorticoids have profound effects on macrophage function and are widely used as anti-inflammatory drugs. Glucocorticoids receptor (GR) ligand binding capacity is a major determinant of cellular glucocorticoid sensitivity. The number and affinity of GR can be measured in a whole cell binding assay using 3H-dexamethasone. Here, we describe a rapid and simple microplate assay for GR measurement using the human promonocytic cell line THP-1.
Transforming Growth Factor-β-Mediated Proliferation of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Involves Pertussis Toxin-Sensitive G Protein- and Protein Kinase C-Dependent Pathways
Authors: Wu Hsiao-Ling , Nambi Ponnal
Published: April 2003

Exposure of LLCPK-1 cells to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 resulted in an increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation. This increase depended on the concentration of TGF-β1 used with an EC50 value of 0.3–1 pmol/l. Concentrations >10 pmol/l were inhibitory. Similar effects occurred with TGF-β3. Addition of both TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 together had no additive effect. Pretreatment of cells with 10 µmol/l genestein exerted no effect on TGF-β-mediated response, whereas pretreatment with 10 µmol/l Ro-32-0432 inhibited TGF-β-mediated [3H]thymidine incorporation. In addition, pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin attenuated TGF-β-mediated proliferation of LLCPK-1 cells. These data indicate that in LLCPK-1 cells, TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 mediate their responses through the same receptor. This pathway involves protein kinase C and pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein.
Effects of Diabetes mellitus on the Contractile Activity of Carbachol and Galanin in Isolated Gastric Fundus Strips of Rats
Authors: Korolkiewicz Roman , Rekowski Piotr , Szyk Agnieszka , Kato Shinichi , Yasuhiro Tetsuya , Kubomi Masafumi , Tashima Kimihito , Takeuchi Koji
Published: April 2003

The role of the cholinergic and peptidergic pathways in the impairment of gastric motility associated with diabetic gastroparesis was assessed at the postsynaptic level using isolated fundus smooth muscle strips. Maximal contractile responses to carbachol and galanin were significantly decreased in fundus strips isolated from rats rendered diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 70 mg/kg) 1, 4 and 8 weeks before experiments. We also observed notable decrements in the slopes and Hill’s coefficients without conspicuous changes in the EC50 of the respective galanin concentration-response curves measured in strips obtained from STZ animals after 4 and 8 weeks. L-NAME reversed the above-mentioned alterations in an L-arginine-sensitive manner in STZ rats after 4 weeks but not in STZ rats after 8 weeks. The blood plasma nitrite/nitrate levels in STZ animals after 4 and 8 weeks were increased by 44.6 and 61.9%, respectively. Ca2+-independent nitric oxide synthase activity in gastric fundus strips and stomach corpus mucosa from STZ rats after 4 weeks was markedly enhanced by 37.4 and 31.9%, respectively, suggesting an enhanced nitric oxide production. In vivo insulin treatment prevented diabetes-induced alterations in smooth muscle contractility. We conclude that the smooth muscle dysfunction evoked by experimental diabetes causing diminished contractions of fundus strips to carbachol and galanin is at least partly due to the increased nitric oxide synthesis.
Pyrazinoylguanidine in End-Stage Renal Disease: A Prospective, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Ahsan Nasimul , Korsunsky Zhanna , Beyer Jr. Karl H. , Vesell Elliot S.
Published: April 2003

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving dialysis. In these patients, hypertriglyceridemia appears to increase the risk of accelerated atherosclerosis. The present placebo-controlled study evaluated prospectively lipid-lowering effects of pyrazinoylguanidine (PZG) in 6 ESRD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The design of the study entailed a placebo phase of 1 week followed by 3 weeks of PZG, 400 mg three times a day. Compared to placebo, PZG reduced serum triglycerides (PZG vs. placebo 370 ± 171 vs. 414 ± 182 mg/dl; p = 0.01). PZG also tended to decrease total cholesterol. In addition, PZG selectively lowered blood glucose in hyperglycemic patients. PZG was well tolerated; it did not interfere with hemodynamic parameters or alter liver function tests, nutritional parameters or dialysis clearance.
In vitro and in vivo Activity of Two Pt(IV) Salts against Leishmania donovani
Authors: Mesa-Valle C.M. , Rodriguez-Cabezas M.N. , Moraleda-Lindez V. , Craciunescu D. , Sanchez-Moreno M. , Osuna A.
Published: April 2003

The activities of 8 platinum drug complex salts were determined against Leishmania donovani promastigotes. The three most active salts were selected: [PtIVBr6]H2 (pentamidine); [PtIVBr6]H2 (stilbamidine), and [PtIVCl6]H2 (2-piperazinyl(1) ethyl amine), which induced growth-inhibition rates of more than 50% at 24 h of treatment and at the maximum dosage tested. The cytotoxicity assays on the macrophage cell line J-774 showed high cytotoxicity for the salt [PtIVBr6]H2 (stilbamidine) with a percentage of specific 51Cr release of 58.2% at 24 h of incubation and 100 µg/ml. Meanwhile, assays of the other compounds showed practically no cytotoxicity. The salt [PtIVBr6]H2 (pentamidine) notably inhibited the incorporation of 3H-thymidine in the treated parasites. The ultrastructural alterations observed in the flagellates treated with the salts [PtIVCl6]H2 (2-piperazinyl(1)ethyl amine) and [PtIVBr6]H2 (pentamidine) suggest that both act preferentially at the nuclear level and at the kinetoplast-mitochondrion complex. Both compounds showed a high in vivo activity in parasitized Wistar rats.
Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor Expression on Leukocytes and Neutrophil Function during Anticonvulsant Monotherapy
Authors: Caldiroli E. , Marino F. , Cosentino M. , De Ponti F. , Fietta A.M. , Mazzone A. , Zibetti A. , Lecchini S. , Frigo G.M.
Published: April 2003

Epileptic patients on long-term therapy with a single anticonvulsant showed enhanced expression of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (pBZrs) on neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. N-Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced chemotaxis was significantly impaired in neutrophils from patients on carbamazepine (p < 0.01 vs. controls). Neutrophils from patients on phenytoin had enhanced phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated O–2 production (p < 0.01 vs. controls) and neutrophils from patients on valproic acid had impaired phagocytosis frequency and Staphylococcus aureus lethality index (p < 0.01 vs. controls). Overexpression of pBZrs on leukocytes may reflect the clinical response to anticonvulsants and may play a role in the immunological effects of some of these drugs.