bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebrosides of baifuzi, a novel potential blocker of calcium‐activated chloride channels in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Gao Shang‐bang , Wang Chang‐ming , Chen Xue‐song , Yu Wei‐wei , Mo Bi‐wen , Li Chen‐hong
Published: February 2007

Calcium‐activated chloride channels (CaCCs) are crucial regulators of vascular tone by promoting a depolarizing influence on the resting membrane potential of vascular smooth muscle cells. However, the lack of a special blocker of CaCCs has limited the investigation of its functions for long time. Here, we report that CB is a novel potential blocker of ICl(Ca) in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Cerebrosides (CB) were isolated from Baifuzi which is dried root tuber of the herb Typhonium giganteum Engl used for treatment of stroke in traditionalmedicine. Using the voltage‐clamp technique, sustained Ca2+‐activatedCl− current (ICl(Ca)) was evoked by a K+‐free pipette solution containing 500 nM Ca2+ which exhibited typical outwardly rectifying and voltage‐/time‐dependence characterization. Data showed that CB played a distinct inhibitory role in modulating the CaCCs. Moreover, we investigated the kinetic effect of CB on ICl(Ca) and found that it could slow the activation dynamics of the outward current, accelerate the decay of the inward tail current and change the time‐dependence characterization. We conclude that CB is a novel potent blocker of CaCCs. The interaction between CB and CaCCs is discussed.
Culture and neural differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro
Authors: Lei Zhao , Yongda Lin , Jun Ma , Yingyu Sun , Shaoju Zeng , Xinwen Zhang , Mingxue Zuo
Published: February 2007

Adult bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into several types of mesenchymal cells, including osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes, but can also differentiate into non‐mesenchymal cells, such as neural cells, under appropriate experimental conditions. Until now, many protocols for inducing neuro‐differentiation in MSCs in vitro have been reported. But due to the differences in MSCs' isolation and culture conditions, the results of previous studies lacked consistency and comparability. In this study, we induced differentiation into neural phenotype in the same MSCs population by three different treatments: β‐mercaptoethanol, serum‐free medium and co‐cultivation with fetal mouse brain astrocytes. In all of the three treatments, MSCs could express neural markers such as NeuN or GFAP, associating with remarkable morphological modifications. But these treatments led to neural phenotype in a non‐identical manner. In serum‐free medium, MSCs mainly differentiated into neuron‐like cells, expressing neuronal marker NeuN, and BME can promote this process. Differently, after co‐culturing with astrocytes, MSCs leaned to differentiate into GFAP+ cells. These data confirmed that MSCs can exhibit plastic neuro‐differentiational potential in vitro, depending on the protocols of inducement.
Increased hormone levels in Tetrahymena after long‐lasting starvation
Authors: Csaba G. , Kovács P. , Pállinger Éva
Published: February 2007

Tetrahymena contains vertebrate hormone‐like materials. The level of one of these, insulin increased during starvation in a previous experiment. We hypothesized that other hormones are also influenced by starvation. To prove the hypothesis Tetrahymena pyriformis cultures were (1) starved for 24 h; (2) starved for 24 h and re‐fed for 30 min or (3) starved for 30 min. Amount and localization of vertebrate‐like hormones, produced by Tetrahymena, β‐endorphin, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), serotonin, histamine, insulin and triiodothyronine (T3) were studied by immunocytochemical methods using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Long starvation elevated with 50% the hormone levels, while short starvation moderately elevated only the serotonin level in the cells. After short re‐feeding endorphin and histamine returned to the basal level, ACTH and serotonin approached the basal level, however, remained significantly higher, while insulin and T3 stood at the starvation level. The results show that such a stress as long starvation provokes the enhanced production of hormones which likely needed for tolerating the life‐threatening effect of stress.
Retention of ovaries and oxidative stress of surgery
Authors: Kaur G. , Mishra S. , Kaur A. , Sehgal A. , Nageswari K.S. , Prasad R.
Published: February 2007

Objective: Surgical menopause results in severe menopausal symptoms due to the sudden withdrawal of estrogen. This study evaluated the impact of surgical menopause on oxidant and antioxidant status. Methods: Thirty eight women who underwent total hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy were included. Oxidant status was assessed by measuring plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant status by assessing glutathione (GSH) and estrogen levels. Results: The levels of MDA were increased in all women, and GSH levels were significantly decreased in women who underwent hysterectomy alone but significantly increased in those who also had oophorectomy. Estrogen levels were increased if the ovaries were retained even in postmenopausal women, while they were decreased in the women who underwent oophorectomy. Conclusion: Oxidative stress of surgery, as assessed by increased MDA levels, occurred in all women. After oophorectomy, estrogen levels decreased and GSH levels increased in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The ovaries may therefore respond to oxidative stress of surgery by increasing estrogen production, estrogen being a better antioxidant than GSH.
Pepsin assay: A marker for reflux in pediatric glue ear
Authors: Abd El‐Fattah Ahmed M. , Abdul Maksoud Gamal A. , Ramadan Ahmed S. , Abdalla Ahmed F. , Abdel Aziz Mohamed M.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To evaluate if analysis of pepsin/pepsinogen in middle ear effusions can be considered a diagnostic marker for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in children with otitis media with effusion (OME).

Material and Methods

Ambulatory 24‐hour dualprobe pH monitoring was carried out on 31 children with OME. Middle ear effusions were collected from 17 children during myringotomy. Total pepsin/pepsinogen concentrations in effusions were measured by ELISA using antipepsin antibody.

Results

Dual‐probe pH monitoring showed that 22/31 (71%) of the studied children had significant LPR. The concentrations of pepsin/pepsinogen in middle ear effusions, ranged from 0.085 to 5.02 μg/ml, were found to be up to 4.5 to 231.44 times higher than the serum levels. There was a significant positive correlation between the level of pepsin/pepsinogen assayed in the effusions of the 17 children and the number of pharyngeal reflux episodes measured by pH monitoring.

Conclusions

Control of LPR may be an essential component in the successful management of OME in pediatric patients. Pepsin/pepsinogen analysis in effusions of children, using ELISA, can be considered a reliable marker for assessment of reflux in children with OME.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Safe use of selected cephalosporins in penicillin‐allergic patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Pichichero Michael E. , Casey Janet R.
Published: February 2007

Background

Recent analysis of clinical data and a clearer understanding of the role of chemical structure in the development of cross‐reactivity indicate that the increased risk of an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin in penicillin‐allergic patients is smaller than previously postulated.

Method

Medline and EMBASE databases were searched with the keywords: cephalosporin, penicillin, allergy, and crosssensitivity for the years 1960 through 2005. Among 219 articles retrieved, 9 served as source material for this evidence‐based meta‐analysis.

Results

A significant increase in allergic reactions to cephalothin (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1 to 5.5), cephaloridine (OR = 8.7; CI = 5.9 to 12.8), and cephalexin (OR = 5.8; CI = 3.6 to 9.2), and all first generation cephalosporins plus cefamandole (OR = 4.8; CI = 3.7 to 6.2) were observed in penicillin allergic patients; no increase was observed with second generation cephalosporins (OR = 1.1; CI, 0.6 to 2.1) or third generation cephalosporins (OR = 0.5; CI = 0.2 to 1.1). Clinical challenges, skin testing, and monoclonal antibody studies point to the paramount importance of similarities in side chain structure to predict cross‐allergy between cephalosporins and penicillins.

Conclusion

First‐generation cephalosporins have cross‐allergy with penicillins, but cross‐allergy is negligible with second‐and third‐generation cephalosporins. Particular emphasis should be placed on the role of chemical structure in determining the risk of cross‐reactivity between specific agents.

2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Hearing loss diagnosis followed by meningitis in Danish children, 1995–2004
Authors: Parner Erik T. , Reefhuis Jennita , Schendel Diana , Thomsen Janus L. , Ovesen Therese , Thorsen Poul
Published: February 2007

Objective

A higher risk of meningitis associated with cochlear implants may be explained in part by a generally higher risk of meningitis in children with severe to profound hearing loss. We investigated whether children with hearing loss have an increased risk of meningitis.

Study Design and Setting

A historical cohort study of all children born in Denmark between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2004, was conducted. The cohort was selected through the Danish Medical Birth Registry, and information on hearing loss and meningitis was obtained from the National Hospital Registry.

Results

We identified 39 children with both hearing loss and meningitis. Of these children, five were diagnosed first with hearing loss and later with meningitis. The relative risk of meningitis in the group of children with a hearing loss diagnosis, as compared with the non‐hearing loss group, was 5.0 (95% CI, 2.0 to 12.0).

Conclusions

The study provides evidence for an association between hearing loss and the development of meningitis. Parents and health care providers of children with hearing loss should be more alert for possible signs and symptoms of meningitis, and vaccination should be considered.
Microdebrider eustachian tuboplasty: A preliminary report
Authors: Metson Ralph , Pletcher Steven D. , Poe Dennis S.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To evaluate microdebrider eustachian tuboplasty for treatment of patients with eustachian tube dysfunction.

Study Design

A prospective study of 20 patients with eustachian tube dysfunction who underwent microdebrider eustachian tuboplasty (mETP) was performed at an academic medical center. Surgery involved use of a microdebrider to remove hypertrophied mucosa from the posterior eustachian tube cushion. All patients had concurrent sinonasal disease and underwent endoscopic sinus surgery at the time of mETP.

Results

There were no surgical complications. Following mETP, subjective symptoms of ear blockage improved in 14 of 20 patients (70%). Mean pure tone average improved by 6 dB (27 dB pre‐op vs 21 dB post‐op; P = 0.013). Abnormal tympanogram improved in 11 of 17 patients (65%). Failure of the procedure correlated with severity of mucosal disease as measured by both elevated tissue eosinophil count and advanced sinus CT stage (P = 0.018 and P = 0.014, respectively). Mean follow‐up was 13 months (range 3‐34 months).

Conclusion

Microdebrider eustachian tuboplasty appears to be a safe procedure for the treatment of eustachian tube dysfunction.
Medialization thyroplasty for cancer‐related unilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Lam Paul K. Y. , Ho W. K. , Ng Manwa L. , Wei William I.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To justify the application of medialization thyroplasty in Chinese patients with symptomatic cancer‐related unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective chart review from February 2000 to March 2006.

Results

Eighty‐seven Chinese patients undergoing medialization thyroplasty for UVFP were included; there were no significant differences between the cancer‐related and benign groups in terms of the speech and swallowing rehabilitation outcome and the perioperative complication rate (P > 0.05). The median survival time of cancer‐related UVFP patients from the date of medialization to death was 129 days. Age more than 65 years was identified as the only factor for a shorter survival period after medialization (P = 0.040).

Conclusion

Medialization thyroplasty restores satisfactory speech and swallowing and has a low perioperative complication rate in Chinese patients with cancer‐related UVFP. Postmedialization survival period was also reasonable.

Significance

Medialization thyroplasty is a justifiable treatment option for cancer‐related UVFP.
The use of porous polyethylene implants to correct nasal valve collapse
Authors: Ramakrishnan Jeevan B. , Danner Christopher J. , Yee Suzanne W.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term outcome of correction of nasal valve collapse with a porous polyethylene implant.

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective review from November 1999 to December 2005. Nasal valve collapse was corrected with a porous polyethylene implant in 12 adults. Main outcome measures included relief of nasal obstruction and complications. Independent variables included other causes of nasal obstruction and need for revision surgery. Simple statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Median follow‐up was 5.6 years (58 months). 75% had complete resolution of nasal obstruction. 100% had complete resolution of nasal obstruction at 6 months and had coexisting causes of nasal obstruction. The implant extrusion rate was 21%. 42% went on to have revision surgery.

Conclusion

Correction of nasal valve collapse with a porous polyethylene implant provided good long‐term symptomatic relief of nasal obstruction, but with significant incidence of infection, implant extrusion, and need for revision surgery. The use of this implant should be reserved for cases in which autogenous graft material is not available.
Results of ansa to recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation
Authors: Lee Walter T. , Milstein Claudio , Hicks Douglas , Akst Lee M. , Esclamado Ramon M.
Published: February 2007

Objective

We sought to describe the results of ansa cervicalis to recurrent laryngeal nerve (ansa‐RLN) reinnervation for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Study Design

A chart review was performed on patients undergoing ansa‐RLN reinnervation for unilateral vocal cord paralysis at a tertiary care center. Patient perceptions of preoperative and postoperative voice quality was surveyed. Acoustic and visual parameters were assessed from videostroboscopy.

Results

From a total of 25 study patients, 15 patients underwent both preoperative and postoperativ video stroboscopies. In stroboscopies within 6 months, the average improvement in overall severity, roughness, and breathiness was 69, 79, and 100 percent, respectively. In stroboscopies after 6 months, the average improvement in overall severity, roughness, and breathiness was 63, 66, and 100 percent, respectively. Postoperatively, all patients had reinnervation of the vocal fold.

Conclusions

Voice outcomes were improved in patients with preoperative and postoperative stroboscopies.

Significance

Ansa‐RLN reinnervation should be considered as a treatment for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.
Introduction of visually oriented information handouts in an academic pediatric otolaryngology practice
Authors: Ko Alvin B. , Simons Jeffrey P. , Mandell David L.
Published: February 2007

Objectives

To characterize after‐hours postoperative care‐giver telephone calls received by on‐call otolaryngology residents and to determine the feasibility of using visually oriented handouts to affect postoperative telephone call volume.

Study Design and Setting

We conducted a prospective, before‐after feasibility study at a tertiary‐care children's hospital. Visually oriented handouts describing expected postoperative courses were distributed preoperatively to the parents of all adenotonsillectomy and tympanostomy tube patients. Postoperative care‐giver telephone call volume and content were recorded before and after handout introduction.

Results

The handouts were well accepted and viewed favorably by caregivers, and they led to some changes in the nature of postoperative telephone call content, but call log compliance was not adequate to fully assess the impact on call volume and content.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the feasibility of implementing visually oriented informational handouts and characterized the nature of postoperative caregiver telephone calls received by on‐call residents in an academic pediatric otolaryngology practice.

Significance

Visually oriented instructional handouts may have benefits that deserve further study. Data from this study can help plan a definitive clinical trial.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Anatomical variation of the nasal septum: Analysis of 57 cadaver specimens
Authors: Miles Brett A. , Petrisor Daniel , Kao Herman , Finn Richard A. , Throckmorton Gaylord S.
Published: February 2007

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomical variation of the osseous and cartilaginous components of the nasal septum.

Study Design

Fifty‐seven cadaver specimens were digitally scanned and analyzed utilizing Bersoft Image software. Anatomical data were statistically analyzed utilizing SPSS 13.0. Evaluation of the area of the osseous/cartilaginous nasal septum as well as an estimation of the available cartilage for grafting was performed.

Results

Septal specimens revealed males had greater variation in cartilaginous area compared to female specimens. The intranasal/extranasal cartilage contributes about 45%/55% of the total cartilage, respectively. The data indicate that the mean area of cartilage available for grafting is around 420 mm2.

Conclusions

Significant variability in the cartilaginous elements of the nose is the rule rather than the exception. Key differences exist in the anatomic location of the graft material between males and females. This has important surgical implications given the critical attention required during graft harvesting in order to maintain support of the nose.
Examination of aerodynamic measures and strain by vibratory source
Authors: Weinrich Barbara , Baker Susan , Kelchner Lisa , Middendorf Janet , Krival Kate , Elluru Ravindhra , Zur Karen B.
Published: February 2007

Objectives

Patients with laryngotracheal stenosis often require airway reconstruction. Following surgical intervention, voicing may be produced with either a glottic or supraglottic vibratory source. The objective of this study was to compare average airflow, estimated subglottal pressure, and expert perceptual rating of strain between children with glottic and supraglottic vibratory sources post‐airway reconstruction.

Study Design

This study was a non‐randomized prospective study conducted at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Center for Pediatric Voice Disorders, and included 12 participants with a diagnosis of subglottic stenosis, post‐laryngotracheal reconstruction.

Results

Expert perceptual ratings of strain were significantly higher for participants with supraglottic versus glottic voicing (P = 0.0001). Although the mean airflow measure was higher for participants with glottic phonation and mean pressure measure was higher for those with supraglottic voicing, these comparisons failed to reach significance.

Conclusions

Patients who exhibit supraglottic phonation patterns demonstrate greater strain during speech, as well as potential alterations to aerodynamic patterns.

Significance

The significant differences in perceived strain by vibratory source are noteworthy, as perceptual quality is always a patient's motivation to seek treatment.
Value of head and neck cancer incidence data on UK cancer registry websites: a comparison
Authors: Khan A M , Tomkinson A
Published: February 2007

We evaluated the relative usefulness of data on head and neck cancer available on the websites of cancer registries in the United Kingdom. Data were analysed to determine the accuracy and completeness of essential information related to the incidence of head and neck cancer.

We found that 16 per cent (2/11) of the registries had some cancer data but none relating to head and neck cancer patients. Seventy-five per cent (9/12) of the registries had selected data on head and neck cancer, but 33 per cent (3/9) of these pooled the various head and neck cancers into a single group. The remainder of registries offering data [66 per cent (6/9)] had a variety of ways of grouping and presenting the various types of head and neck cancer. The overall value and usefulness of head and neck cancer information on these websites were limited, especially when all the sites were considered together.

The cancer registries collectively possess an extremely important asset of immense value to both the medical profession and, possibly, patients with cancer. The accessibility of this data and the overall experience of those seeking information on this subject could be improved. However, this would require significant thought, collaboration and agreement between each registry, which would involve significant extra investment.
An approach to the management of paroxysmal laryngospasm
Authors: Obholzer R J , Nouraei S A R , Ahmed J , Kadhim M R , Sandhu G S
Published: February 2007

Objective:

To review the presentation, risk factors and management of paroxysmal laryngospasm.

Study design:

Retrospective review of cases.

Setting:

A teaching hospital otolaryngology department with a subspecialty interest in airway disorders.

Patients:

All patients diagnosed with laryngospasm over a two-year period were reviewed. Information was obtained about disease presentation, risk factors, management and symptom resolution.

Results:

Laryngospasm was diagnosed in nine women and six men. The average age at presentation was 56±6.5 years, and there was an 80 per cent association with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Proton pump inhibitors led to complete symptom resolution in six patients and to partial symptomatic relief, requiring no further treatment, in a further four patients. Of the remaining five patients unresponsive to proton pump inhibitor therapy, two continued to experience syncopal episodes due to laryngospasm. Both these patients achieved complete remission after laryngeal botulinum toxin injection. Symptoms recurred after three to four months and were successfully treated with a repeat injection.

Conclusions:

The primary risk factor for spontaneous laryngospasm is laryngopharyngeal reflux. Symptoms are distressing and may be relieved in most cases by treatment aimed at suppressing gastric acid secretion. Laryngeal botulinum toxin injection appears to be a viable treatment modality in selected patients with refractory symptoms.
Laser inferior turbinectomy under local anaesthetic: a well tolerated out-patient procedure
Authors: Maskell S , Eze N , Patel P , Hosni A
Published: February 2007

The suitability of performing laser inferior turbinectomy under local anaesthesia in an out-patient setting was assessed, regarding its effectiveness and patients' toleration of the procedure. Prospective data collection was undertaken from 129 patients undergoing laser inferior turbinectomy over four years. Patients were assessed, pre-operatively, operatively and at two weeks and three months post-operatively, for pain, complications and symptoms, using the sino-nasal assessment questionnaire.

All patients had hypertrophied inferior turbinates. Ninety-eight patients complained of nasal obstruction and 67 had the procedure as part of treatment for snoring. One hundred and twenty-one of the patients had treatment to both inferior turbinates. There were no cases of intra-operative haemorrhage. The average pre-operative sino-nasal assessment questionnaire score was 18.22, which improved to 10.68 at the three month post-operative assessment (p<0.001). Five patients had significant intra-operative pain.

This study shows that laser inferior turbinectomy under local anaesthesia is well tolerated and that good results can be achieved when performing the procedure in the out-patient department.
Titanium prosthesis with malleus notch: a study of its ‘user-friendliness’
Authors: Yung M
Published: February 2007

‘User-friendliness’ is an important factor in the choice of ossicular prosthesis. The current titanium prostheses have a flat, open head plate and are designed to sit under the tympanic membrane. Previously, the author had designed titanium prostheses with a malleus notch extension at the head plate. The present study aimed to assess whether these customised prostheses were user-friendly, compared with conventional prostheses.

Fourteen surgeons were recruited to examine the user-friendliness of several ossicular prostheses. They performed ossiculoplasties on temporal bones and rated the user-friendliness of the malleus notch prosthesis against that of some of the more popular conventional ossicular prostheses.

For malleus-stapes assembly, eight out of 13 surgeons preferred the malleus notch prosthesis to the Düsseldorf and Goldenberg designs. For malleus-footplate assembly, six out of 10 surgeons preferred the malleus notch prosthesis to the Düsseldorf and Richards designs. Most of the surgeons stated that the reconstruction was more stable using the malleus notch prosthesis.
Distribution and significance of endothelin 1 in guinea pig cochlear lateral wall
Authors: Xu D-Y , Tang Y-D , Liu S-X , Liu J
Published: February 2007

Endothelin 1 is a vasoconstrictive peptide with many biological functions. To investigate the distribution of endothelin 1 in guinea pig cochlear lateral wall and the significance of endothelin 1 in maintaining cochlear homeostasis, the immunohistochemistry avidin biotin complex method was applied by using rabbit anti-endothelin 1 polyclonal antibody as primary antibody. Endothelin-1-like activities were detected in the marginal cells, spiral prominence epithelial cells, outer sulcus cells, stria vascularis capillaries, basal cells and spiral ligament fibrocytes.

These results suggest that endothelin 1 may play an important role in maintaining cochlear homeostasis.
Chondrosarcomas of the skull base and temporal bone
Authors: Lustig L R , Sciubba J , Holliday M J
Published: February 2007

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical presentation and outcomes of treatment for patients with chondrosarcomas involving the skull base and temporal bone.

Study design:

Retrospective review.

Setting:

Tertiary medical centre.

Patients:

Cases of histologically confirmed chondrosarcoma involving the skull base and temporal bones.

Intervention:

Surgery.

Main outcome measures:

Demographic features of presenting patients; presenting symptoms and signs; surgical approach employed; use of post-operative radiation therapy; histological grade of tumour; and interval of post-operative follow up.

Results: Twelve patients were identified with chondrosarcomas involving the skull base, with post-operative follow up ranging from three to 33 years. The average age at presentation was 42 years. The most common presenting symptoms were diplopia, decreased visual acuity and headaches. Five of the 12 patients required multiple surgical procedures.

Conclusions:

Patients with chondrosarcoma involving the skull base and temporal bone may present in a variety of ways. Surgical resection, even subtotal, in combination with radiation therapy, can often provide good tumour control over many years for these rare tumours.
Expression and immunolocalisation of antimicrobial peptides within human palatine tonsils
Authors: Ball S L , Siou G P , Wilson J A , Howard A , Hirst B H , Hall J
Published: February 2007

Background: Recurrent acute tonsillitis is one of the most frequent ENT referrals, yet its pathogenesis remains poorly understood, and tonsillectomy still costs the National Health Service more than £60 000 000 annually. Antimicrobial cationic peptides are components of the innate immune system. They are generally small, highly positively charged peptides with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity which function as the body's ‘natural antibiotics'. The role of antimicrobial cationic peptides in the susceptibility of patients to recurrent acute tonsillitis is unknown.

Aims: To characterise and compare antimicrobial cationic peptide expression and localisation in human palatine tonsils from control subjects and recurrent acute tonsillitis patients, and to assess the potential role of these peptides in the pathogenesis of tonsillitis.

Methods: Palatine tonsils were harvested with informed consent from 19 recurrent acute tonsillitis patients and from five control subjects undergoing tonsillectomy for sleep disorders. Total ribonucleic acid was isolated and antimicrobial cationic peptide expression was characterised using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Fluorescent immunohistochemical techniques were used to localise antimicrobial cationic peptides within fresh frozen tonsil sections.

Results: Using molecular analyses, the palatine tonsils from control and recurrent acute tonsillitis subjects were confirmed as a site of expression of the antimicrobial cationic peptides human β-defensin 1–3, LL-37 (cathelicidin) and Liver expressed antimicrobial peptide-1 (LEAP-1). We also demonstrated for the first time the expression of Liver expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP-2). Our analyses indicated that all six antimicrobial cationic peptides were expressed in all 26 tonsil samples. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that the antimicrobial cationic peptides were localised to the tonsil surface and crypt epithelium. However, the surface epithelium of tonsils from recurrent acute tonsillitis patients showed reduced amounts of antimicrobial peptides human β-defensins 1 and 3, and LL-37, compared with healthy controls.

Conclusion: The tonsil epithelium synthesises an array of antimicrobial cationic peptides which function as host defence. Preliminary immunohistochemical data suggest that the surface epithelium of tonsils from recurrent acute tonsillitis patients contains reduced amounts of such peptides, which may increase these patients' susceptibility to infection.
Use of intranasal corticosteroids in sinonasal infection and after surgery
Authors: Goonetilleke P J P , Gatland D J
Published: February 2007

The use of intranasal steroids by otolaryngologists in the treatment of patients with infective rhinosinusitis and after endonasal surgery, particularly endoscopic sinus surgery, is unlicensed, as stated in the British National Formulary and in the manufacturers' leaflets supplied with nasal steroid medications. However, despite this, nasal steroids continue to be prescribed in these circumstances. Debate continues as to the exact role of intranasal steroids in sinonasal infection and after sinonasal surgery and whether their use in these circumstances should still be unlicensed.

This article reviews the current medical literature regarding this topic and aims to clarify whether intranasal steroid usage in these circumstances should be recommended.
Hard palate perforation due to mucormycosis: report of four cases
Authors: Barrak H A
Published: February 2007

Introduction:

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic, fulminating fungal infection of the sino-nasal region. It tends to affect people with immune suppression. The hard palate is a rare site of the disease and few cases have been reported in the literature. This report discusses the nature of hard palate mucormycosis, with the aim of outlining possible explanations and reviewing associated characteristics.

Method:

This was a prospective analysis of four cases of hard palate mucormycosis. The patients were referred from the medical department, with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. An aggressive treatment protocol was used, i.e. an intensive course of antifungal drugs and frequent debridement of dead tissue.

Results:

A painful, dusky red swelling was noticed at the early stages of the hemi-palate lesion. It was eventually followed by deep ulceration and even big perforation. Orbit and intracranial extension was the preceding sign in all instances. The progression of the perforation was not controlled by a full course of treatment. There were two deaths during the treatment course.

In conclusion:

Mucormycosis of the hard palate is an ominous sign. Although rare, the lesion is progressive in nature and barely controlled by treatment. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of clinical suspicion in the management of patients with palatal ulcer and debilitating illness.
Merkel cell carcinoma of unknown primary site
Authors: Nazarian Y , Shalmon B , Horowitz Z , Bedrin L , Pfeffer M R , Talmi Y P
Published: February 2007

Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon and aggressive primary neuroendocrine skin malignancy which mostly affects the extremities and the head and neck region of elderly patients. Merkel cell carcinoma occurs with increased frequency in sun-exposed areas, in individuals exposed to arsenic and in immunosuppressed patients. Many patients with Merkel cell carcinoma present with other malignancies, mainly skin cancers. Characteristic features are frequent recurrences and regional and distant metastases. Mortality rates range from 20 to 65 per cent. The mainstay of treatment is surgery, with wide local excision, and adjuvant radiotherapy is usually administered. Merkel cell carcinoma of unknown primary site is rare, and the majority of the few cases described have not been from head and neck areas. We present a case of Merkel cell carcinoma of unknown primary site, with upper neck and distant metastases.
The social reproduction of community-based development: syncretism and sustainability in a Senegalese farmers' association
Authors: Galvan Dennis C.
Published: February 2007

This article traces the rise and decline of a grassroots community organisation in rural Senegal. It has three aims. First, it problematises the sometimes idealistic nature of the rhetoric and literature on community-based development. Second, it suggests three factors that contribute to the effectiveness of rural self-help organisations: educated and technocratically skilled leadership, unintentionally benevolent state neglect, and a willingness to syncretically recycle elements of ‘traditional' social order and culture in the service of contemporary development tasks. Finally, the demise of the community-based organisation examined here suggests a need to shift focus away from the institutionalisation of community-based or civil society organisations per se, and to consider instead the routinisation of the participatory, empowering, and deliberative socio-political conditions that make possible the regular emergence of new grassroots organisations across time within a given community. Recent events (since 2005) in the village in question support this shift, as a new generation of community leaders has begun to craft a new community organisation, explicitly built from the detritus of the older organisation described in this article.
Pan-tropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) and other cetaceans around St Helena in the tropical south-eastern Atlantic
Authors: MacLeod Colin D. , Bennett Emma
Published: February 2007

The occurrence, distribution and structure of cetacean communities in the tropical South Atlantic beyond the shelf edge are poorly known with little dedicated research occurring within this region. At 15°58′S 005°43′W, the island of St Helena is one of the few areas of land within this region and the only one that lies in the tropical south-eastern Atlantic. As a result, St Helena offers a unique opportunity to study cetaceans within this area using small boats and land-based observations. This paper describes the results of a preliminary, short-term survey of the cetacean community around St Helena in the austral winter of 2003. Pan-tropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) were the most numerous species recorded, followed by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis), a species not previously reported from St Helena. This last species was only recorded occurring in mixed groups with bottlenose dolphins. Pan-tropical spotted and bottlenose dolphins differed in their spatial distribution around St Helena. While pan-tropical spotted dolphins were primarily recorded resting in large groups in the lee of the island during daylight hours, bottlenose dolphins and rough-toothed dolphins were recorded closer to shore and on both the windward and lee sides. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were also recorded once during the survey, but interviews with local fishermen suggest that this species regularly occurs in the waters around St Helena in small numbers during the austral winter. The results of this preliminary survey suggest that the cetacean community around St Helena during this survey was relatively simple, consisting of up to three species that are present year-round and one seasonally occurring species in the nearshore waters, with a small number of additional species occurring occasionally in deeper offshore areas.
Spatial and temporal trends in the distribution of harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins and minke whales off Aberdeenshire (UK), north-western North Sea
Authors: Weir Caroline R. , Stockin Karen A. , Pierce Graham J.
Published: February 2007

Most North Sea cetacean species are wide-ranging and consequently poorly studied. Spatial and temporal trends in the distribution of the harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, white-beaked dolphin Lagenorhynchus albirostris, and minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata were assessed at a coastal North Sea study area in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Between March 1999 and October 2001, cetacean data were collected using both land- and vessel-based survey methods. A total of 174 sightings of these three cetacean species was recorded during approximately 330 h of combined survey effort (228 h land-based and 102 h vessel-based). Harbour porpoises were present throughout the year with peak occurrence during August and September. The presence of white-beaked dolphins and minke whales was strictly seasonal, with a peak in occurrence during August. The fine-scale distribution of all three species varied within the study area, with an apparent preference for sections of coast adjacent to deeper water. Most porpoise calves and juveniles were recorded between June and September, when 35% of harbour porpoise groups contained immature animals. The proportion of calves amongst porpoise sightings was higher during June than any other month. White-beaked dolphin calves were present in 32% of groups, and occurred in all three months that the species was recorded. Group size was higher in white-beaked dolphin pods containing immature animals. The strong seasonality in occurrence of all three species may relate to requirements for breeding habitat, movements of shared prey species and/or inter-specific competition with other species.
Age and growth of some delphinids in south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Siciliano Salvatore , Ramos Renata Maria A. , Di Beneditto Ana Paula M. , Santos Marcos César O. , Fragoso Ana Bernadete , Brito José Lailson , Azevedo Alexandre F. , Vicente André F. C. , Zampirolli Emerson , Alvarenga Fernando S. , Barbosa Lupércio , Lima Neuza Rejane W.
Published: February 2007

This study provides the first compilation on age and growth of some delphinids in south-eastern Brazil (18°25′S–25°45′S). A total of 154 delphinids were reported: 44 Atlantic spotted dolphin Stenella frontalis; 36 bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus; 26 ‘Brazilian’ common dolphin Delphinus sp.; 20 rough-toothed dolphin Steno bredanensis; 16 Fraser's dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei; 3 false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens; 3 unidentified Stenella sp.; 2 pantropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata; 2 short-finned pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus; 1 spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris; and 1 striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba. Age was estimated by counting the number of growth layer groups present in the dentine in 74.5% of the sample. The growth of 92 individuals of the first five species was determined by the Gompertz model to length-at-age data. Stenella frontalis—the oldest specimen was 23 y and the asymptotic length of 224.4 cm predicted by growth curve occurred at about 20 y; T. truncatus—the oldest specimen was 26 y and the asymptotic length of 301.3 cm predicted by growth curve occurred at about 20 y; Delphinus sp.—the oldest dolphin was 18 y and the asymptotic length of 215.9 cm predicted by growth curve occurred at about 5–6 y; S. bredanensis—the oldest specimen was 24 y and the asymptotic length of 258.1 cm predicted by growth curve occurred at about 10 y; L. hosei—the oldest specimen was 19 y and the asymptotic length of 231.2 cm predicted by growth curve occurred at about 7–8 y. Only age was estimated for the other species. The age-at-length data for S. frontalis, Delphinus sp., S. bredanensis and L. hosei were consistent, suggesting a good agreement with previous work on these species. For T. truncatus, the age at asymptotic length obtained in this study might be confirmed by increasing the sample size. The information currently presented will contribute to further life history research of delphinids on the western south Atlantic coast.
Hawaiian spinner dolphins and the growing dolphin watching activity in Oahu
Authors: Delfour Fabienne
Published: February 2007

Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) feed offshore at night on mesopelagic prey and move to protected shallow waters in early morning to rest. We hypothesized that this behaviour would make them particularly sensitive to anthropogenic factors in these rest areas and would affect their overall behaviour and their population frequency. To test our hypothesis we collected data in a known rest area along the north-west coast of the island of Oahu during August of 2001, 2002 and 2003. Using land- and water-based surveys, we evaluated dolphin group size, counted boats, kayaks and swimmers in the vicinity of the dolphins (<40 m) and reported any changes in dolphin behaviour. Our results demonstrated a stable dolphin habitat frequency over the three summers, which emphasizes the critical value of this rest area for this spinner dolphin population. The results also showed an increase in dolphin-oriented activities, but we could not draw any definitive conclusion on their real impacts on spinner dolphin ecology and ethology.
Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presence and incidental capture in a marine fish farm on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Díaz López Bruno , Bernal Shirai Julia Andrea
Published: February 2007

On the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, from November 2004 to January 2006, the first attempt in the Mediterranean basin to obtain information on encounter rate, group size and incidental capture of bottlenose dolphins in a marine fish farm was assessed, combining direct observations from fish farm boats with photo-identification studies. During 15 months of research, 79 d (65.3% of the total monitored days) were spent in direct observation of 146 groups of bottlenose dolphins around the fish farm cages. There was a peak in bottlenose dolphin presence during winter. Photographs were taken in the fish farm area during 79 encounters on 61 different days (totalling 34 marked individuals). The regular occurrence of some dolphins suggests individual preferences for the fish farm area. The incidental bottlenose dolphin capture observed in large, loose predator nets (1 dolphin per month) is cause for concern, as it is questionable whether or not the bottlenose dolphins in the area can sustain incidental capture of this magnitude. The information gained from this study shows the necessity for further regulations to be established, both in the use of predator nets and management of marine fish farms.
Killer whale (Orcinus orca) interactions with the tuna and swordfish longline fishery off southern and south-eastern Brazil: a comparison with shark interactions
Authors: Dalla Rosa Luciano , Secchi Eduardo R.
Published: February 2007

Depredation by cetaceans and sharks on longline fisheries is a global issue that can have negative impacts on both animals and fisheries and has concerned researchers, managers and the fishing industry. Nevertheless, detailed information on depredation is only available for a few regions where the problem exists. With the purpose of evaluating killer whale depredation on longline-caught tuna (Thunnus spp.) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the waters off southern and south-eastern Brazil and comparing it to shark depredation, data sheets were distributed to the captains of tuna vessels in Santos, south-eastern Brazil, between 1993 and 1995. Data on the catch per unit effort (CPUE) of tuna and swordfish and some records of interactions were also obtained from fishing vessel logbooks. Dockside interviews with fishermen and with researchers on board tuna vessels provided additional information. Killer whale and shark interactions were analysed per longline set and per trip. Killer whale interactions occurred from June to February, mainly between June and October, while shark interactions occurred year round. The number of sets and trips involving shark interactions was significantly higher than the number of sets and trips involving killer whale interactions. However, when depredation occurred, the proportion of fish damaged by killer whales was significantly higher than by sharks. Furthermore, killer whales removed or damaged significantly more hooked swordfish than hooked tuna, whereas sharks damaged significantly more hooked tuna than swordfish. This study also shows that cetacean by-catch is experienced by the tuna and swordfish longline fishery in Brazilian waters.
The burst-pulse nature of ‘squeal’ sounds emitted by sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)
Authors: Weir Caroline R. , Frantzis Alexandros , Alexiadou Paraskevi , Goold John C.
Published: February 2007

Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) typically produce sharp onset, broadband pulse sounds at varying repetition rates. Acoustic recordings of different social units of sperm whales in the Mediterranean Sea included apparent non-click sounds of tonal quality, termed ‘squeals’. Quantitative analysis of the spectral signal and waveform indicate that although squeals are perceived as tonal and appear spectrally as narrowband frequency-modulated structures with harmonics, they actually consist of pulses at high repetition rates exceeding 1600 clicks/s. Squeals contained energy at between 400 Hz and 22 kHz, with mean peak energy at the relatively low frequency of 700 Hz. Five spectral forms of squeal could be recognized, with the dominant form (45%) of squeals showing a decrease in frequency along the squeal contour. Mean click repetition rate ranged between 713 and 1385 clicks/s for individual squeals, and also varied within squeals at rates of between 64 and 444 clicks/s. Variation in click repetition rate was reflected in the frequency spacing of the spectral sidebands, in a statistically significant inverse relationship. Squeals were recorded only during bouts of sperm whale social behaviour, consistent with their having a communicative social function. Sperm whale squeals are structurally and audibly similar to the burst-pulse sounds produced by many smaller odontocete species, and might fall on the continuum between distinct click trains and pure-tone whistles.