bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation dependent expression of TRPA1 and TRPM8 channels in IMR‐32 human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Louhivuori Lauri M. , Bart Genevieve , Larsson Kim P. , Louhivuori Verna , Näsman Johnny , Nordström Tommy , Koivisto Ari‐Pekka , Åkerman Karl E. O.
Published: June 2009

TRPA1 and TRPM8 are transient receptor potential (TRP) channels involved in sensory perception. TRPA1 is a non‐selective calcium permeable channel activated by irritants and proalgesic agents. TRPM8 reacts to chemical cooling agents such as menthol. The human neuroblastoma cell line IMR‐32 undergoes a remarkable differentiation in response to treatment with 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine. The cells acquire a neuronal morphology with increased expression of N‐type voltage gated calcium channels and neurotransmitters. Here we show using RT‐PCR, that mRNA for TRPA1 and TRPM8 are strongly upregulated in differentiating IMR‐32 cells. Using whole cell patch clamp recordings, we demonstrate that activators of these channels, wasabi, allyl‐isothiocyanate (AITC) and menthol activate membrane currents in differentiated cells. Calcium imaging experiments demonstrated that AITC mediated elevation of intracellular calcium levels were attenuated by ruthenium red, spermine, and HC‐030031 as well as by siRNA directed against the channel. This indicates that the detected mRNA level correlate with the presence of functional channels of both types in the membrane of differentiated cells. Although the differentiated IMR‐32 cells responded to cooling many of the cells showing this response did not respond to TRPA1/TRPM8 channel activators (60% and 90% for AITC and menthol respectively). Conversely many of the cells responding to these activators did not respond to cooling (30%). This suggests that these channels have also other functions than cold perception in these cells. Furthermore, our results suggest that IMR‐32 cells have sensory characteristics and can be used to study native TRPA1 and TRPM8 channel function as well as developmental expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 67–74, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
A probabilistic model for the arrangement of a subset of human chromosome territories in WI38 Human fibroblasts
Authors: Zeitz Michael J. , Mukherjee Lopamudra , Bhattacharya Sambit , Xu Jinhui , Berezney Ronald
Published: June 2009

There is growing evidence that chromosome territories have a probabilistic non‐random arrangement within the cell nucleus of mammalian cells. Other than their radial positioning, however, our knowledge of the degree and specificity of chromosome territory associations is predominantly limited to studies of pair‐wise associations. In this study we have investigated the association profiles of eight human chromosome pairs (numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9) in the cell nuclei of G0‐arrested WI38 diploid lung fibroblasts. Associations between heterologous chromosome combinations ranged from 52% to 78% while the homologous chromosome pairs had much lower levels of association (3–25%). A geometric computational method termed the Generalized Median Graph enabled identification of the most probable arrangement of these eight chromosome pairs. Approximately 41% of the predicted associations are present in any given nucleus. The association levels of several chromosome pairs were very similar in a series of lung fibroblast cell lines but strikingly different in skin and colon derived fibroblast cells. We conclude that a large subset of human chromosomes has a preferred probabilistic arrangement in WI38 cells and that the resulting chromosomal associations show tissue origin specificity. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 120–129, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Fibrinogen induces alterations of endothelial cell tight junction proteins
Authors: Patibandla Phani K. , Tyagi Neetu , Dean William L. , Tyagi Suresh C. , Roberts Andrew M. , Lominadze David
Published: June 2009

We previously showed that an elevated content of fibrinogen (Fg) increased formation of filamentous actin and enhanced endothelial layer permeability. In the present work we tested the hypothesis that Fg binding to endothelial cells (ECs) alters expression of actin‐associated endothelial tight junction proteins (TJP). Rat cardiac microvascular ECs were grown in gold plated chambers of an electrical cell‐substrate impedance system, 8‐well chambered, or in 12‐well plates. Confluent ECs were treated with Fg (2 or 4 mg/ml), Fg (4 mg/ml) with mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK) kinase inhibitors (PD98059 or U0126), Fg (4 mg/ml) with anti‐ICAM‐1 antibody or BQ788 (endothelin type B receptor blocker), endothelin‐1, endothelin‐1 with BQ788, or medium alone for 24 h. Fg induced a dose‐dependent decrease in EC junction integrity as determined by transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Western blot analysis and RT‐PCR data showed that the higher dose of Fg decreased the contents of TJPs, occludin, zona occluden‐1 (ZO‐1), and zona occluden‐2 (ZO‐2) in ECs. Fg‐induced decreases in contents of the TJPs were blocked by PD98059, U0126, or anti‐ICAM‐1 antibody. While BQ788 inhibited endothelin‐1‐induced decrease in TEER, it did not affect Fg‐induced decrease in TEER. These data suggest that Fg increases EC layer permeability via the MEK kinase signaling pathway by affecting occludin, ZO‐1, and ZO‐2, TJPs, which are bound to actin filaments. Therefore, increased binding of Fg to its major EC receptor, ICAM‐1, during cardiovascular diseases may increase microvascular permeability by altering the content and possibly subcellular localization of endothelial TJPs. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 195–203, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Characterization of an alternative packaging system derived from the cat RD114 retrovirus for gene delivery
Authors: Ghani Karim , Cottin Sylvine , de Campos‐Lima Pedro Otavio , Caron Marie‐Christine , Caruso Manuel
Published: June 2009

Background

Retroviral vectors derived from the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV) are widely used in gene therapy. Pseudotyping of these vectors with the cat RD114 retrovirus envelope increases their potential for delivering genes into human hematopoietic cells. In the present study, we have further investigated the potential of the RD114 retrovirus in gene therapy. We describe and characterize an alternative retroviral packaging system derived from the RD114 retrovirus.

Methods

RD114‐derived recombinant retroviruses were produced transiently by transfection of 293T cells, and viral titers were assessed on TE671 cells by measuring the percentage of infected green fluorescent protein (GFP) positive cells by fluorescence‐activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. Purified human hematopoietic cells (lymphocytes and CD34+ cells) were activated and transduced on retronectin‐coated plates. Two days later, the percentage of GFP positive cells was evaluated by FACS analysis.

Results

We demonstrate that RD114 viral particles could package MLV transfer vectors, and that, in addition to its natural envelope, RD114 cores could be efficiently pseudotyped by the Gibbon ape leukemia, the MLV‐amphotropic and the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein envelopes. Furthermore, we found that RD114 viral particles were highly efficient to transduce human lymphocytes and CD34+ cells.

Conclusions

This is the first demonstration that replication‐defective RD114 viral particles can be generated and used for efficient gene delivery into human hematopoietic cells. We conclude that RD114‐derived vectors could be useful in the field of gene therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors: from production to gene transfer
Authors: Carmo Marlene , Alves Ana , Rodrigues Ana Filipa , Coroadinha Ana Sofia , Carrondo Manuel Jose Teixeira , Alves Paula Marques , Cruz Pedro Estilita
Published: June 2009

Background

The low stability of gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors affects their production, making high quality clinical preparations a difficult goal to achieve. Recently, our laboratory has shown that the main inactivation mechanism for both these vectors is the loss of their capacity to perform reverse transcription. The present study aimed to increase the stability of gammaretroviral and lentiviral at 37 °C and at 4 °C.

Methods

Inactivation studies were performed with gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors at 37 and 4 °C, with and without several stabilizing compounds. The residual viral infectivity and reverse transcription capacity of these samples were tested.

Results

The results obtained demonstrate that it is possible to increase the stability of reverse transcription and the infectivity stability of purified gammaretroviral vectors by adding recombinant human albumin (rHSA) to the storage buffer, both at 37 °C and at 4 °C. For lentiviral vectors, it was observed that further protection was needed. This was achieved by adding lipids to the storage buffer, using a mixture of lipoproteins and rHSA. The difference of stabilization between gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors was validated by performing stabilization tests with vectors possessing different envelope proteins and produced by different cell lines.

Conclusions

The presented study reveals that it is possible to increase the half‐life of purified gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors at 37 °C and at 4 °C, but the two vectors have different stabilization requirements: for retroviral vectors, the addition of rHSA is enough and, for lentiviral vectors, it is necessary to add both lipoproteins and rHSA. The increase of the stability of the reverse transcription process was shown to have a high impact with respect to the increase of the stability of infectivity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The deployment of adenovirus‐containing gene activated matrices onto severed axons after central nervous system injury leads to transgene expression in target neuronal cell bodies
Authors: Maria Gonzalez Ana , Berlanga Oscar , Leadbeater Wendy E. , Cooper‐Charles Lisa , Sims Karen , Logan Ann , Eliceiri Brian , Berry Martin , Baird Andrew
Published: June 2009

Background

In previous studies, we showed that gene activated matrices (GAMs) containing nonviral vectors successfully deliver genes to neurons after optic nerve and spinal cord injury. In the present study, we evaluated whether adenoviral vectors delivered within a GAM increase the efficiency of local gene delivery to injured CNS neurons. Lyophilized GAMs containing collagen and adenoviral vectors were assessed in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

We evaluated viral vector stability, release kinetics and efficiency of transduction for this GAM formulation in vitro using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Using PCR, reverse transcriptase‐PCR and confocal microscopy, we assessed viral DNA retrograde axonal transport, green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after GAM implantation into the wound of the rat transected optic nerve.

Results

qPCR analyses demonstrated that 100% of viral particles were retained within the collagen after lyophilization. In vitro studies demonstrated that 60% of the particles within the GAM were infective and not released from the collagen matrix when placed in water. By 24 h, GFP expression was detected within cells that have invaded the GAM. In vivo studies demonstrated that adenoviral particles were retrogradely transported in axons from the GAM implanted at the lesion site to the RGC in the retina where the corresponding mRNA was expressed. Analysis of the efficiency of cell transduction indicated that 69% of RGC express GFP.

Conclusions

These studies demonstrate that lyophilized GAMs containing adenoviral particles within collagen are stable, retain a significant proportion of their infectivity and successfully and efficiently deliver genes to neurons after central nervous system injury. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal trends in air temperature and precipitation in IPCC AR4 GCM output for Kansas, USA: evaluation and implications
Authors: Brunsell N. A. , Jones A. R. , Jackson T. L. , Feddema J. J.
Published: June 2009

Understanding the impacts of future climate change in Kansas is important for agricultural and other socio‐economic sectors in the region. To quantify these impacts, seasonal trends in air temperature and precipitation patterns from decadally averaged monthly output of 21 global climate models under the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios A1B scenario used in the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change Assessment Report 4 are examined for six grid cells representing Kansas. To ascertain the performance of the models, we compared model output to kriged meteorological data from stations in the Global Historical Climate Network for the period from 1950 to 2000. Agreement between multimodel ensemble mean output and observations is very good for temperature (r2 all more than 0.99, root mean square errors range from 0.84 to 1.48 °C) and good for precipitation (r2 ranging between 0.64 and 0.89, root mean square errors range from 322 to 1144 mm). Seasonal trends for the second half of the 20th century are generally not observed except in modelled temperature trends. Linear trends for the 21st century are significant for all seasons in all grid cells for temperature and many for precipitation. Results indicate that temperatures are likely to warm in all seasons, with the largest trends being on the order of 0.04 °C/year in summer and fall. Precipitation is likely to increase slightly in winter and decrease in summer and fall. These changes have profound implications for both natural ecosystems and agricultural land uses in the region. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Precipitation characteristics in the Three Gorges Dam vicinity
Authors: Xiao Chan , Yu Rucong , Fu Yunfei
Published: June 2009

After the building of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD), the water level abruptly rose from 66 to 135 m in June 2003, and the land use characteristics changed significantly throughout the TGD region. More and more people are concerned with the effect of the TGD reservoir on climate. In this paper, the decadal variation of precipitation in the vicinity of the TGD was analysed using daily data from 27 rain gauges from 1960 to 2005. The empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of annual precipitation anomalies indicates a clear difference in spatial distribution, with an opposite signal for the change in precipitation in the northern and southern areas of the Yangtze River, i.e. precipitation increases in the northern area are accompanied with decreases in the southern area and vice versa. The similar dipole pattern of precipitation variation around the TGD also occurred before the TGD, for example, in the period from 1977 to 1984. Therefore, it has not been shown with reasonable significance that the similar dipole pattern of precipitation variation around the TGD has been affected by the TGD. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Synoptic influences on seasonal, interannual and decadal temperature variations in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Nicholls Neville , Uotila Petteri , Alexander Lisa
Published: June 2009

The technique of self‐organizing maps (SOMs) has been applied to daily mean sea level pressure (MSLP) reanalyses to derive 20 large‐scale synoptic patterns in the Australian region. The frequency of occurrence of each of these synoptic patterns has been calculated for each 3‐month season from 1979 to 2001. The effect of variations in the relative frequency of these synoptic patterns on maximum daily temperature in Melbourne, in the southeast of the country, has been examined. The effects of frequency variations on the mean summer‐winter temperature difference, on the variations in mean temperature from year‐to‐year and on the temperature trend 1979–2001 have all been examined. Changes in the frequency of occurrence of synoptic patterns between seasons have a measurable influence on the mean summer‐winter temperature difference. Variations in winter temperatures from year‐to‐year are closely related to the frequency of a few synoptic patterns, and changes in the frequency of these patterns have contributed to the observed temperature trends. Relationships between temperature and the frequency of synoptic patterns in summer are weaker than the case for winter. The implications are discussed. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Antioxidant and melanogenesis‐inhibitory activities of collagen peptide from jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum)
Authors: Zhuang Yongliang , Sun Liping , Zhao Xue , Wang Jingfeng , Hou Hu , Li Bafang
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Jellyfish collagen was hydrolysed with trypsin and properase E, and jellyfish collagen peptide (JCP) was purified from the enzymatic hydrolysate using ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The antioxidant activity of JCP in a linoleic acid emulsion system, its superoxide anion‐ and hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activities and its copper‐chelating ability were evaluated in vitro. Initial investigations of JCP's ability to inhibit melanogenesis were carried out using cultured B16 melanoma cells.

RESULTS: The molecular weight distribution of JCP was from 400 to 1200 Da. Amino acid analysis showed that JCP was rich in Gly, Pro, Ser, Ala, Glu and Asp and had a total hydrophobic amino acid content of 384.2 g kg−1. JCP showed high antioxidant activity (IC50147.8 µg mL−1), superoxide anion‐scavenging activity (IC5021.9 µg mL−1), hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activity (IC5016.7 µg mL−1) and copper‐chelating ability (IC5088.7 µg mL−1) in vitro. It also significantly inhibited intracellular tyrosinase activity, decreased melanin content and enhanced glutathione synthesis (P < 0.05). Furthermore, JCP decreased intracellular cAMP levels and suppressed tyrosinase mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, JCP exerts anti‐melanogenic actions via its antioxidant properties and copper‐chelating ability. JCP could be used as a natural skin‐lightening agent in the medicine and food industries. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic characterisation of subclover seed storage proteins during germination
Authors: Sahnoun‐Abid Imene , Recorbet Ghislaine , Zuber Hélène , Sommerer Nicolas , Centeno Delphine , Dumas‐Gaudot Eliane , Smiti‐Aschi Samira
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Early seedling development is a critical step in the establishment of subclover (Trifolium subterraneum), an economically important and widespread pasture legume. In this study the seed storage proteome of this non‐model species was characterised in mature dry seeds and during imbibition by using two‐dimensional electrophoresis coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: The phenol‐extracted proteome of subclover dry seeds consisted of 97 polypeptide spots displayed within a window of pI 3–10 and molecular mass 10–150 kDa. De novo sequencing coupled with MS BLAST search enabled the confident identification of 61 proteins, which corresponded to 59 7S vicilin‐ and two 11S legumin‐type globulins. The experimental mobility of vicilin isoforms along with peptide mapping indicated that low‐molecular‐mass polypeptides might account for the post‐translational proteolysis of small vicilin subunits according to the model described for those of pea. Analysis of quantitative changes in the seed storage proteome upon imbibition showed that vicilin catabolism according to a site‐specific process was favoured during early seedling growth in T. subterraneum.

CONCLUSION: The establishment of a seed proteome map for T. subterraneum pointed to vicilins as dominant proteins in mature seeds whose catabolism features during early seedling growth may be of relevance under environmental conditions. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The correlation between nasal symptom and mucociliary clearance in Allergic rhinitis
Authors: Kirtsreesakul Virat , Somjareonwattana Pornpanitan , Ruttanaphol Suwalee
Published: June 2009

Objective/Hypothesis:

The Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification of allergic rhinitis (AR) is based on the severity and duration of nasal symptoms. Whether the nasal symptoms actually represent underlying nasal inflammation is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between nasal symptoms and nasal inflammation using mucociliary clearance time (MCCT) in AR.

Study Design:

A prospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

73 AR patients were classified according to ARIA class: mild or moderate‐severe intermittent AR (MIAR or MSIAR) and mild or moderate‐severe persistent AR (MPAR or MSPAR). Each nasal symptom was scored as 1 to 3 on a severity scale (mild‐moderate‐severe). The sum of the individual nasal symptom scores gave the total symptoms score (TSS). MCCT was determined with the charcoal‐saccharin method. MCCTs between ARIA classes were compared and correlations between TSS or days with symptoms per week (DSW) and MCCT were analyzed.

Results:

Of the patients, 67.1% were moderate‐severe degree. MSPAR had the worst MCCT, followed by MSIAR, MPAR, and MIAR (mean MCCTs of 14.32, 13.87, 11.94, and 10.28 minutes, respectively). TSS was well correlated with MCCT (P = .538, P < .001). DSW was also correlated with MCCT, but did not reach statistical significance (r = 0.217, P = .065). The mean MCCT of overall nasal symptoms increased along with each score step and a significant difference was noted between scores 2 and 3 (P < .001).

Conclusions:

A high percentage of moderate‐severe disease and a significant correlation of the severity and MCCTs suggest an important heterogeneity in this disease severity group. Discriminating between moderate and severe rhinitis should help to obtain homogeneous populations and develop improved disease management strategies. Laryngoscope, 2009
Should all newborns who undergo patent ductus arteriosus ligation be examined for vocal fold mobility?
Authors: Smith Marshall E. , King Jerald D. , Elsherif Abdelaziz , Muntz Harlan R. , Park Albert H. , Kouretas Peter C.
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the incidence of left vocal fold paralysis (LVFP) in premature infants who undergo patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort.

Methods:

The study was carried out in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary academic medical center. Eighty‐six premature newborns who underwent ligation of a PDA were examined postextubation with fiberoptic laryngoscopy to assess vocal fold mobility, regardless of laryngeal symptom status.

Results:

Fourteen infants (16%) had LVFP. All were <28 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) at birth and <1,250 g at PDA ligation, and were significantly less mature and smaller than infants without LVFP. Infants <28 weeks PMA at birth and <1,250 g at ligation had an incidence of LVFP of 23% and 24%, respectively. Fourteen percent of the infants with LVFP did not have laryngeal symptoms and would have been missed had these been the sole criteria for assessing vocal fold mobility.

Conclusions:

The incidence of LVFP after PDA ligation in the NICU is high, and some cases may be missed if laryngoscopy is performed only when laryngeal symptoms are present. Infants <28 weeks PMA at birth and <1,250 g at ligation are at especially high risk. Vocal fold mobility should be documented by laryngoscopy on all high‐risk infants undergoing a PDA ligation in the NICU regardless of laryngeal symptom status, and on all infants with relevant symptoms. The high incidence of this complication warrants greater efforts to prospectively assess vocal fold mobility status in high‐risk infants who undergo PDA ligation. Laryngoscope, 2009
Comparison of outcomes and complications between awake and asleep injection laryngoplasty: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Mathison Clyde C. , Villari Craig R. , Klein Adam M. , Johns Michael M.
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To compare clinical outcomes and complication rates in patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty (IL) under local versus general anesthesia.

Study Design:

Retrospective case‐control review

Methods:

Charts of 141 consecutive patients undergoing IL were reviewed. Subjects who underwent IL with local anesthesia were grouped as experimental cases. Subjects who underwent IL with general anesthesia were grouped as controls. The voice‐related quality of life (VRQOL) measure was employed to determine outcomes before and after IL. All undesirable events resulting from an IL were recorded as complications.

Results:

One hundred sixty‐six ILs were performed in 141 patients (83 males, mean age = 58.9 years). Unilateral vocal fold immobility was diagnosed in 60.9%. One hundred five (63.3%) ILs were performed under local anesthesia, and 61 were performed under general anesthesia. Pre‐ and postinjection VRQOL data was available for 78 ILs (50 cases, 28 controls). Average VRQOL in the awake patient improved by 25.05 points, whereas average VRQOL in the asleep patient improved by 20.81 points (P = .42). There were 24 complications (14.5% of all injections), which included 19.1% of cases and 6.6% of controls (odds ratio = 2.9). Six ILs had to be aborted. All complications were minor and self‐limited.

Conclusions:

Both awake and asleep IL offer comparable VRQOL results. Although having the benefit of avoiding general anesthesia, IL in the awake patient has a slightly higher complication rate. Laryngoscope, 2009
Chondromyxoid fibroma of the mastoid facial nerve canal mimicking a facial nerve schwannoma
Authors: Thompson Andrew L. , Bharatha Aditya , Aviv Richard I. , Nedzelski Julian , Chen Joseph , Bilbao Juan M. , Wong John , Saad Reda , Symons Sean P.
Published: June 2009

Chondromyxoid fibroma of the skull base is a rare entity. Involvement of the temporal bone is particularly rare. We present an unusual case of progressive facial nerve paralysis with imaging and clinical findings most suggestive of a facial nerve schwannoma. The lesion was tubular in appearance, expanded the mastoid facial nerve canal, protruded out of the stylomastoid foramen, and enhanced homogeneously. The only unusual imaging feature was minor calcification within the tumor. Surgery revealed an irregular, cystic lesion. Pathology diagnosed a chondromyxoid fibroma involving the mastoid portion of the facial nerve canal, destroying the facial nerve. Laryngoscope, 2009
Cochlear implantation in the very young child: Long‐term safety and efficacy
Authors: Roland J. Thomas , Cosetti Maura , Wang Kevin H. , Immerman Sara , Waltzman Susan B.
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Widespread universal newborn hearing screening has led to increased identification of infant hearing loss. Supported by improved diagnostic tools allowing more definitive diagnosis of profound sensorineural hearing loss in young children, cochlear implantation in children <12 months of age is now common. Literature supports short‐term safety and improved auditory outcomes in these young children, however long‐term data is lacking. The study examines issues of long‐term safety and efficacy in cochlear implant patients implanted <1 year of age.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

Fifty children who received cochlear implants before 1 year of age were followed for up to 7 years. Age at implantation ranged from 5 to 11 months with a mean of 9.1 months. Three patients had simultaneous bilateral implantation at 8 to 9 months of age. Medical records were reviewed for complications incurred during length of device usage, including time of complication, management, and resolution. Auditory assessment included both the Infant‐Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale and tests of speech perception.

Results:

All 50 patients had full insertions of the electrode array. There were a total of eight complications (16%) in seven patients, three major (6%) and five minor (10%), which occurred at or before 10 months postoperatively. There were no perioperative anesthetic complications.

Conclusions:

Cochlear implantation in children <12 months of age is safe and efficacious over an extended period of time. Rates and nature of both major and minor complications are comparable to studies in adults and older children and support continued monitoring of these patients over the long‐term. Laryngoscope, 2009
Evaluation of voice prosthesis placement at the time of primary tracheoesophageal puncture with total laryngectomy
Authors: Deschler Daniel G. , Bunting Glenn W. , Lin Derrick T. , Emerick Kevin , Rocco James
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Primary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) is a well‐described and accepted method of surgical voice restoration and is standardly completed with a catheter placement intraoperatively, which is replaced with a prosthesis at a later date. This study evaluates the intraoperative placement of the voice prosthesis at the time of the primary TEP in an effort to understand the potential advantages and disadvantages of voice prosthesis placement at the time of primary TEP completed in conjunction with total laryngectomy.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review within an academic medical center.

Methods:

After approval by the institutional review board of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, a retrospective chart review was completed of all cases of primary tracheoesophageal prosthesis placement completed in conjunction with primary tracheoesophageal puncture performed at the time of total laryngectomy.

Results:

Thirty patients were identified, 29 of whom underwent laryngectomy for advanced laryngeal carcinoma. Twenty‐eight of 29 patients received preoperative full‐dose radiation therapy. Twenty‐nine of 30 patients had a 20F classic Indwelling Blom‐Singer prosthesis (InHealth Technologies, Carpinteria, CA) placed. One had placement of 16F Indwelling Blom‐Singer prosthesis. No complications were noted with intraoperative prosthesis placement. No prostheses were dislodged in the postoperative period. Twenty‐nine of 30 subjects had initial success with tracheoesophageal voice production. At 1‐year follow‐up, 23/30 subjects (77%) had successful voice restoration. Five failed because of recurrent disease, one subject never achieved successful voice, and one subject wanted the prosthesis removed although successful voice was achieved. Twenty‐three of 25 (92%) disease‐free subjects had functional voice restoration at 1‐year post‐total laryngectomy and primary prosthesis placement.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that the voice prosthesis can be safely and effectively placed intraoperatively at the time of primary TEP and laryngectomy. Initial voice acquisition rates were high and long‐term success was well within the acceptable range. Laryngoscope, 2009
Radiation therapy for minor salivary gland carcinoma
Authors: Cianchetti Marco , Sandow Pamela S. , Scarborough Lauren D. , Morris Christopher G. , Kirwan Jessica , Werning John W. , Mendenhall William M.
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To analyze the outcomes of patients treated for minor salivary gland carcinoma with radiotherapy (RT), either alone or combined with surgery.

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

Between September 1966 and December 2006, 140 patients were treated with curative intent at our institution for previously untreated minor salivary gland carcinomas (RT alone, 64 patients; combined RT and surgery, 76 patients). Median follow‐up for all patients was 5.5 years.

Results:

The 10‐year local control rate was 66%, and multivariate analysis revealed that treatment group (P= .0004) and T stage (P= .0001) significantly influenced this endpoint. Patients treated with RT alone had a lower local control rate than patients treated with RT and surgery. The 10‐year local‐regional control rate was 61%, and multivariate analysis revealed that treatment group (P= .0174), overall stage (P= .0004), and N stage (P= .0492) significantly influenced this endpoint. The 10‐year distant metastasis‐free survival rate was 67%, and multivariate analysis revealed that overall stage (P= .0016) significantly influenced this endpoint. The 10‐year cause‐specific survival rate was 56%, and multivariate analysis revealed that overall stage (P< .0001) significantly influenced this endpoint. The 10‐year overall survival rate was 45%, and multivariate analysis revealed that overall stage (P= .0047), N stage (P= .0173), and nerve invasion (P= .0409) significantly influenced this endpoint.

Conclusions:

Most patients with minor salivary gland carcinoma were cured with RT alone or combined with surgery. Treatment group, T stage, and overall stage significantly influenced the probability of cure. Patients treated with combined surgery and RT had a better prognosis, perhaps due in part to selection bias. Laryngoscope, 2009
CT virtual sialendoscopy versus conventional sialendoscopy in the visualization of salivary ductal lumen: An in vitro study
Authors: Su Yu‐xiong , Feng Shi‐ting , Liao Gui‐qing , Zhong Yun‐qi , Liu Hai‐chao , Zheng Guang‐sen
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the feasibility of computed tomographic (CT) virtual sialendoscopy and its performance characteristics for the visualization of salivary ductal lumen as compared with conventional sialendoscopy.

Study Design:

An in vitro study.

Methods:

Conventional sialendoscopy was performed in 16 submandibular glands in vitro and the surgical findings were recorded. Then a contrast agent was injected into the Wharton's duct via orifice. After CT scanning, the CT data were transferred to an independent workstation and were postprocessed with commercially available software to generate three‐dimensional reconstructive and virtual sialendoscopic images. Finally, the plastination of submandibular glands was performed with 20% perchloroethylene ethyl acetate plastics filler to make cast specimens. CT three‐dimensional reconstruction of the ductal system was compared with the cast specimen, and the performance of conventional sialendoscopy and CT virtual sialendoscopy for the visualization of salivary ductal lumen was also compared.

Results:

The CT data acquisition and postprocessing protocol were feasible. CT three‐dimensional reconstruction enabled clear visualization of the ductal system from any directions and angles, which showed close resemblance to the cast specimens. And CT virtual sialendoscopy created clear endoluminal views of salivary ducts simulating those obtained with conventional sialendoscopy.

Conclusions:

Our initial experience shows that CT virtual sialendoscopy has the potential to be an attractive imaging technique for the visualization of salivary ductal lumen. Laryngoscope, 2009
CD44 variant isoforms in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Wang Steven J. , Wong Gabriel , de Heer Anne‐Martine , Xia Weiliang , Bourguignon Lilly Y.W.
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The CD44 family of receptors includes multiple variant isoforms, several of which have been linked to malignant properties including migration, invasion, and metastasis. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the CD44 v3, v6, and v10 variant isoforms in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumor progression behaviors.

Study Design:

Laboratory study involving cell cultures and clinical tissue specimens.

Methods:

Analysis of the expression of standard CD44s and the CD44 variant isoforms v3, v6, and v10 was carried out in the HNSCC cell line, HSC‐3. The role of CD44 isoforms in migration, proliferation, and cisplatin resistance was determined. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on clinical tissue specimens obtained from a series of 82 HNSCC patients. The expression of standard CD44s and the CD44 v3, v6, and v10 variants in primary tumor specimens (n = 82) and metastatic cervical lymph nodes (n = 24) were analyzed with respect to various clinicopathologic variables.

Results:

HSC‐3 cells express at least four CD44 isoforms, and these CD44 isoforms mediate migration, proliferation, and cisplatin sensitivity. Compared with primary tumors, a greater proportion of metastatic lymph nodes demonstrated strong expression of CD44 v3 (lymph node 14/24 vs. primary tumor 38/82), CD44 v6 (lymph node 18/24 vs. primary tumor 26/82), and CD44 v10 (lymph node 14/24 vs. primary tumor 16/82), while expression of standard CD44 was not significantly different in metastatic lymph nodes and primary tumors (lymph node 10/24 vs. primary tumor 60/82). Expression of CD44 variant isoforms were associated with advanced T stage (v3 and v6), regional (v3) and distant (v10) metastasis, perineural invasion (v6), and radiation failure (v10). CD44 v6 and CD44 v10 were also significantly associated with shorter disease‐free survival.

Conclusions:

CD44 isoforms mediate migration, proliferation, and cisplatin sensitivity in HNSCC. Furthermore, expression of certain CD44 variants may be important molecular markers for HNSCC progression and should be investigated as potential therapeutic targets for therapy. Laryngoscope, 2009
Sudden hearing loss from PDE‐5 inhibitors: A possible cellular stress etiology
Authors: Maddox Patrick T. , Saunders James , Chandrasekhar Sujana S.
Published: June 2009

Objectives:

Phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE) inhibitors are a relatively new class of drugs introduced in 1998 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary artery hypertension. Recent concerns regarding these drugs and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) have resulted in an FDA requirement for more stringent labeling. In this report, we further investigate the potential link between SSHL and use of these drugs.

Study Design:

Report of two cases and review of FDA postmarketing data.

Methods:

Retrospective review.

Results:

Twenty‐five patients were evaluated in our study with a variable amount of information available on each patient. Fifteen patients (88%) experienced the event within 24 hours of taking a PDE‐5 inhibitor. Eight patients (32%) had associated vertigo concurrently with their hearing loss. Ninety‐six percent of reported cases were unilateral. Complete resolution of hearing was noted in five patients (20%), whereas three other patients (12%) had at least partial improvement. Therefore, eight patients (32%) had documented improvement in their hearing from initial presentation.

Conclusions:

Although the data are inconclusive, there is a potential link between PDE‐5 inhibitor use and SSHL. Otolaryngologists should, therefore, inquire regarding PDE‐5 inhibitor use as a potential cause of SSHL. Although there is currently no direct evidence for a mechanism of this side effect, we postulate that it is related to the prolonged effects of intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) within the cochlea. Laryngoscope, 2009
Recovery of vocal fold paralysis after cardiovascular surgery
Authors: Joo Daekeun , Duarte Victor M. , Ghadiali Murtaza T. , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To review the incidence and time course of recovery of vocal fold paralysis (VFP) in adult patients after cardiovascular surgery.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study of adults after cardiovascular surgery at a tertiary care academic medical center.

Methods:

Patients with VFP after cardiovascular surgery were identified from a database of hospitalized patients undergoing voice and swallow evaluation. VFP was confirmed using transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy within 1 week of surgery. Follow‐up laryngoscopy was performed in those with VFP in the outpatient clinic. Those with persistent paralysis were followed and the time course of recovery was noted.

Results:

Eighty‐six adult postoperative cardiovascular surgery patients (ages 34 to 83 years, mean 68) were identified from the inpatient voice and swallowing evaluation database. There were 20 patients (23%) with unilateral VFP. Thirteen patients followed‐up for outpatient laryngoscopy. Ten of the thirteen patients (77%) ultimately had complete resolution of VFP. Three patients had persistent paralysis at a mean follow‐up of 18 months. There was no obvious correlation between type of cardiovascular surgery and VFP. Signs of recovery were generally evident prior to 6 months and no recovery was seen beyond 12 months.

Conclusions:

Most patients with VFP after cardiovascular surgery recover fully. In accordance with previous laryngeal electromyography findings, neuropraxia during cardiovascular surgery will usually recover within 6 months. Laryngoscope, 2009
Factors affecting long‐term survival in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer may help define the role of post‐treatment surveillance
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Hammond Thomas H. , Young Gregory S. , Avon Amanda L. , Ozer Enver , Schuller David E.
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Assess impact of clinical variables upon survival in patients diagnosed with recurrent head and neck carcinoma and better delineate role of post‐treatment surveillance.

Methods:

Variables including previous tumor site, stage, prior therapy, location of recurrence, patient‐identified symptoms, compliance with recommended surveillance, definitive salvage therapy, and clinical outcome were recorded for patients diagnosed with recurrent head and neck cancer from which estimates of survival were generated and compared.

Results:

One hundred five patients were identified as having been diagnosed with recurrent disease. The majority (81%) were deemed compliant with recommended surveillance. Eighty‐nine patients (85%) identified new symptoms/findings prior to diagnosis. Survival was not significantly different between compliant and noncompliant patients (P = .20). For patients who underwent salvage therapy, no significant differences in survival were seen according to original primary site or mode of treatment for recurrence. Better survival was seen in patients with original prior early stage disease (P = .0001) and in patients with local‐only site of disease recurrence (P = .0001).

Conclusions:

In patients with recurrent disease, survival may relate more to variables associated with prior disease or recurrence location than those associated with follow‐up surveillance. Surveillance and salvage therapy for recurrent disease may, however, preferentially benefit certain subgroups: 1) patients with prior early stage disease, and 2) those in whom site of recurrence is local‐only. Despite high compliance with recommended surveillance, survival remains extremely poor for patients with recurrent disease previously treated for advanced stage disease or with those with regional recurrence. As such, the impact of routine surveillance upon survival in these patients remains unclear. Laryngoscope, 2009
Femtosecond nonlinear frequency conversion based on BiB3O6
Authors: Petrov V. , Ghotbi M. , Kokabee O. , Esteban‐Martin A. , Noack F. , Gaydardzhiev A. , Nikolov I. , Tzankov P. , Buchvarov I. , Miyata K. , Majchrowski A. , Kityk I.V. , Rotermund F. , Michalski E. , Ebrahim‐Zadeh M.
Published: June 2009

We review the physical properties, linear and nonlinear optical characteristics, and phase‐matching configurations of BiB3O6 (BIBO), the first low‐symmetry (monoclinic) inorganic nonlinear crystal that has found broad applications for frequency conversion of laser sources from the UV, across the visible, to the near‐IR based on three‐wave interactions. We describe in detail the most relevant optical properties that make this material an attractive candidate for nonlinear frequency conversion of laser light in general, and ultrafast femtosecond laser sources in particular. With special focus on ultrafast frequency conversion, characteristics such as group‐velocity mismatch and spectral acceptance, parametric gain bandwidth, group‐velocity dispersion, as well as angular acceptance and spatial walk‐off are evaluated and optimum configurations for the attainment of maximum conversion efficiency, minimum pulse duration, and highest spatial beam quality are identified and compared with the most widely established alternative borate crystal, β‐BaB2O4. Experimental results are presented on both parametric up‐ and down‐conversion of femtosecond pulses, from the high‐energy, low‐repetition‐rate (1 kHz) to the low‐energy, high‐repetition‐rate (56–76 MHz) regime, demonstrating the unique versatility of BIBO for efficient frequency conversion of femtosecond pulses with broad tunability from 250 nm in the UV, throughout the visible, up to ∼ 3000 nm in the IR.
Lessons learned from the clinical reappraisal study of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview with Latinos
Authors: Alegria Margarita , Shrout Patrick E. , Torres Maria , Lewis‐Fernández Roberto , Abelson Jamie M. , Powell Meris , Interian Alejandro , Lin Julia , Laderman Mara , Canino Glorisa
Published: June 2009

Given recent adaptations of the World Health Organization's World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH‐CIDI), new methodological studies are needed to evaluate the concordance of CIDI diagnoses with clinical diagnostic interviews. This paper summarizes lessons learned from a clinical reappraisal study done with US Latinos. We compare CIDI diagnoses with independent clinical diagnosis using the World Mental Health Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (WMH‐SCID 2000). Three sub‐samples stratified by diagnostic status (CIDI positive, CIDI negative, or CIDI sub‐threshold for a disorder) based on nine disorders were randomly selected for a telephone re‐interview using the SCID. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and weight‐adjusted Cohen's kappa. Weighted 12 month prevalence estimates of the SCID are slightly higher than those of the CIDI for generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol abuse/dependence, and drug abuse/dependence. For Latinos, CIDI‐SCID concordance at the aggregate disorder level is comparable, albeit lower, to other published reports. The CIDI does very well identifying negative cases and classifying disorders at the aggregate level. Good concordance was also found for major depressive episode and panic disorder. Yet, our data suggests that the CIDI presents problems for assessing post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Recommendations on how to improve future versions of the CIDI for Latinos are offered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dimensional versus a categorical approach to diagnosis: Anxiety and depression in the HUNT 2 study
Authors: Bjelland Ingvar , Lie Stein A. , Dahl Alv A. , Mykletun Arnstein , Stordal Eystein , Kraemer Helena C.
Published: June 2009

The aim of this study was to compare a dimensional and a categorical approach to diagnosis, using as an illustration co‐occurring symptoms of anxiety and depression concerning description, associations and predictive power. We analysed data from 60 869 individuals with valid ratings on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and on mental impairment in the age range of 20 to 89 years of the cross‐sectional Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study 1995–1997. There was a wide variation of the dimensional symptom level (subscale scores) within both diagnostic categories (cut‐offs ≥8 on both subscales), as is usually true with categorical and dimensional diagnosis. The dimensional (Spearman) correlation coefficients between anxiety and depression was 0.51 compared to 0.38 for the categorical. The power to predict impairment was weaker with the categorical than with the dimensional approach of the HADS, showing fewer statistically significant coefficients in the logistic regression models and lower area under curve (0.82 versus 0.87). This is an example illustrating the impact use of dimensional diagnoses would have on research and clinical practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.