bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclooxygenase Inhibition of LTC Stenosis in the Mouse Model
Authors: Lee Jennifer Y. , Singhal Sunil , Leahy Kevin , Cohen Noam A. , Philiponis Genevieve , Ghosh Ankona , Mirza Natasha 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveThe study explores possible therapies to decrease or prevent subglottic stenosis. We aim to study the effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition on laryngotracheal granulation and stenosis in a previously described murine model.MethodLaryngotracheal complexes (LTC) were transplanted into a previously established recipient mouse model. Treatment group (n = 4) received COX inhibitor chow for 3 weeks. Control group (n = 4) did not. After 3 weeks, LTCs were harvested and examined microscopically for comparison. Relative levels of IL‐1, COX2, and TGF beta were compared using RT‐PCR.ResultsComparison of hematoxylin and eosin staining of granulation tissue showed no difference in lamina propria thickness between LTCs that received COX inhibitor or LTCs that did not. Also, no difference in lamina propria thickness was noted between different types of injury such as acid or wire brush. Furthermore, no further differences were noted in the RT‐PCR results in the samples.ConclusionInhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) does not lead to significant differences in granulation formation or in cytokine levels in the murine model of subglottic stenosis.
Disease‐Specific Self‐efficacy in Spasmodic Dysphonia
Authors: Hu Amanda , Isetti Derek , Hillel Al , Waugh Pat , Meyer Tanya K. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveSelf‐efficacy (SE) is an optimistic self‐belief that one can cope with adversity. For chronic conditions, a standardized measure of SE is a strong predictor of health behaviors. Our objectives were to study SE in spasmodic dysphonia (SD) and to develop a disease‐specific SE‐SD scale.MethodDisease‐specific SE‐SD items were developed through expert opinion. These items, general SE scale, Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered to SD patients who presented to University of Washington for botulinum toxin injections over a 6‐month period.ResultsEighty SD patients completed the study with a mean age 58.7 years. The general self‐efficacy score (Cronbach’s α =. 871) was 34.7 ± 3.7 out of 40 and was negatively correlated with VHI (r = −0.22, P =. 08), CAPEV (r = −0.14, P =. 36), and HADS‐A (r = −0.50, P <. 001) and HADS‐D (r = −0.53, P <. 001). Factor analysis was performed and selected 7 items from the general self‐efficacy scale and 6 disease‐specific SE‐SD items to generate a 13‐item disease specific SE‐SD scale (Cronbach’s α =. 913). Disease‐specific SE‐SD score was 43.9 ± 5.6 out of 52 and is negatively correlated with VHI (r = −0.35, P =. 001), CAPE‐V (r = −0.29, P =. 026), HADS‐A (r = −0.49, P <. 001), and HADS‐D (r = −0.58, P <. 001).ConclusionSD patients who are established with botulinum toxin injections have a high degree of general SE and disease‐specific SE. Patients with higher SE demonstrate higher subjective and objective vocal quality and lower levels of anxiety and depression. A 13‐item disease specific SE‐SD scale has been developed.
Meta‐analysis of Vocal Fold Steroid Injection
Authors: Wang Chi‐Te , Lai Mei Shu , Cheng Po Wen , Liao Li‐Jen 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveIn recent decades, emerging literature had pointed out the usefulness of vocal fold steroid injection (VFSI) as an alternative treatment option for benign vocal lesions, especially when conservative management and/or surgery are not applicable. This study intends to review the existing literature and to quantify the clinical effectiveness using meta‐analysis.MethodElectronic databases were systematically searched using relevant keywords. Extracted data included author, year of publication, diagnosis, steroid regimen and recurrence. Reported treatment outcomes were clustered into 5 categories, ie, subjective, perceptual, acoustic, aerodynamic and stroboscopic. Meta‐analysis was conducted among studies with available numerical data before and after VFSI.ResultsSix articles were identified with a total of 321 patients. All the studies reported significant improvement after VFSI in all categories of outcome measurements. VFSI were used to treat vocal nodules, polyp/cyst, Reinke’s edema, and scar. Meta‐analysis demonstrated a 1.94 second improvement of maximal phonation time (P <. 001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96 to 2.92) and a 27.61 points decrease of voice handicap (P <. 001, 95% CI: 16.49~38.73 16.49). Adverse effects include local hematoma, whitish plaque deposition, and mild vocal fold atrophy, which resolve spontaneously within 1 month. Recurrence rate after VFSI ranged from 4% to 31%.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that VFSI is well tolerated under local anesthesia in the office setting. Pooled estimate from meta‐analysis showed significant objective and subjective improvements after VFSI. Further controlled studies are mandatory to delineate the role of VFSI in the treatment of benign vocal fold lesions.
A Review of Platinum‐Induced Ototoxicity Criteria
Authors: Peleva Emilia , Waissbluth Sofia , Daniel Sam 
Published: February 2015

Objective1) Evaluate the commonly used ototoxicity criteria. 2) Develop a method for establishing comparisons among studies using different criteria. 3) Use this comparison method to evaluate the effect of treatment and assessment factors (ie, chemotherapy agent, cumulative dose, head and neck radiotherapy, and follow‐up period) on the reported incidence of ototoxicity.MethodA review was performed on studies regarding platinum compounds and hearing loss published between January 1, 2000, and July 15, 2011. A total of 47 pediatric and 42 adult studies were evaluated. Data analyzed included patient demographics, treatment modalities (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy), and auditory outcomes.ResultsTen methods for defining ototoxicity were identified, and each was critically reviewed. Grades within each criteria were then classified as either “mild/moderate” or “severe” ototoxicity, based on their definitions and on the agreement between these criteria in the literature. The total incidence of ototoxicity was 25% and 43% for adult and pediatric studies, respectively. The platinum agent used, cumulative dose, concomitant radiotherapy, and follow‐up period all seem to affect the incidence of hearing loss reported. It was observed that various studies lack essential details regarding treatment and ototoxicity assessment.ConclusionA variety of criteria are now available to define and grade platinum‐induced ototoxicity. The use of multiple criteria and the lack of relevant information in published studies impedes a precise comparison regarding ototoxicity. Further research is required in order to establish a gold standard for hearing loss detection and grading.
Cochlear Implant Outcomes of Cases with Temporal Bone Malformations
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroshi , Koyasu Sho , Moroto Saburo , Yamamoto Rinko , Yamazaki Tomoko , Fujiwara Keizo , Naito Yasushi 
Published: February 2015

Objective1) To reveal the relationship between cochlear implant (CI) outcomes and the types of temporal bone malformation.2) To establish a high‐resolution CT (HRCT)–based classification of temporal bone malformations for predicting CI outcomes.MethodWe retrospectively evaluated 23 deaf children with cochleovestibular and/or internal auditory canal (IAC) malformations who underwent cochlear implantation from 2004 to 2010 at our hospital. Their temporal bone malformations were assessed by HRCT and their CI outcomes were evaluated by speech discrimination scores and category of auditory performance scores.ResultsWe classified cochleovestibular and IAC malformations into 3 groups by 1) presence of a bony modiolus in the cochlea and 2) patency of cochlear nerve canal (CNC) and IAC. Eleven cases with a bony modiolus and patent CNC/IAC (Group 1) showed excellent CI outcomes and could communicate without visual language, while all of 6 cases with atresia of CNC or narrow IAC (Group 3) needed lipreading or sign language for understanding common phrases, even if their cochleae were well developed. The remaining 6 cases with a cystic cochlea and patent CNC/IAC (Group 2) showed varying CI outcomes depending on maturity of the cochlea.ConclusionOur classification based on presence of a bony modiolus in the cochlea and patency of CNC/IAC covered the all types of temporal bone malformations including cochleovestibular and CNC/IAC abnormalities and was useful to predict CI outcomes of children with temporal bone malformations.
Differentiation into Hair Cells from AM‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Park Kyoung‐Ho , Bae Seong‐Cheon , Park Shi‐Nae , Yeo Sang‐Won 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivePlacenta, umbilical cord, and blood are alternative sources of stem cells. We designed an experiment to isolate and culture stem cells from human amniotic membrane. And we made a plan to induce auditory hair cells and neurons from the stem cells of amniotic membrane.MethodHuman amniotic membrane was obtained.) We dissociated amniotic membrane with trypsin and transferred it to culture medium which contained 10ï¼… fetal bovine serum and 1ï¼… penicillin‐streptomycin. We sub cultured it until the third generation was used for further experimental procedures. For differentiation into neural progenitor cells, we cultured amniotic membrane stem cells in EGF (epidermal growth factor) and β‐FGF (fibrous growth factor) and for differentiation into hair cells and neurons, we cultured in neurobasal medium.ResultsWe can isolate and culture stem cells from human amniotic membrane. By flow cytometric analysis of stem cells from human amniotic membrane, they showed positive responses at mesenchymal stem cell marker (CD 73, CD90, CD105) and negative responses at hematopoietic stem cell marker (CD34, CD14, CD19, HLA). The results of culture at different culture medium showed a differentiation to neural progenitor cells, hair cells, and neuron, and we confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and RT‐PCR.ConclusionWe demonstrated that amniotic membrane–derived stem cells could be differentiated into neuronal progenitor cells, and this could lead to the differentiation into hair cells and neurons.
Effects of c‐Jun N‐Terminal Kinase(JNK) on Neurite Growth
Authors: Ju Youn H. , Cho Chang H. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveJNK (c‐Jun N‐terminal Kinase) is a member of MAPK (mitogen‐activated protein kinase) family which phosphorylates various transcription factors in nucleus and also cytoplasmic targets. We examined the contribution of JNK signaling to SGN neurite growth by transfection with nutant dominant negative JNK (dnJNK) plasmids in vitro.MethodDissociated spiral ganglion cultures were prepared from P4‐5 rat pups, plated on polyornithine‐ and laminin‐coated 8‐well culture chambers, and maintained in high glucose Dulbecco’s Modified Eagles’s Medium with N2 supplement in a humidified incubator with 6.5% CO2. After 1 hour, BDNF and NT‐3 were added to support SGN survival during transfection. Two hours later, the cultures were transfected with expression plasmids, dnJNK1 or dn JNK2 or combination of dn JNK1 and 2, using calcium‐phophate precipitation as previously described. As a negative control, we used pc DNA3 and as a positive control, we used MKK7‐JNK1 plasmid which is a potent neurite growth enhancer. GFP (green fluorescene protein) was stimultaneously added to all culture chambers to be an indicator of transfected neuron.ResultsTransfection of the constitutively active MKK‐JNK‐1 isoform apparently promotes SGN neurite growth, and co‐transfection significantly reduced SGN neurite growth, whereas transfection of either dnJNK1 or JNK2 singly failed to reduce neurite growth. Thus, JNK1 and JNK2 may serve redundant functions in stimulating SGN neurite growth. SP600125, a small molecule kinase inhibitor, strongly inhibits SGN neurite growth.
Epithelial Proliferation in Cholesteatoma
Authors: Sharma Suresh C. , Sikka Kapil , Thakar Alok , Dattagupta S. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveComparison of the proliferative potential of pediatric cholesteatoma with that of adult cholesteatoma, using Ki‐67 as a proliferation marker.MethodProspective study on 67 patients with aural cholesteatoma from 2003 to 2005. Thirty‐eight adult and 29 pediatric cases were evaluated using clinical parameters, including bone erosion, complications, and extent of disease. Histological evaluation of cholesteatoma and measurement of the proliferation index using Ki‐67 labeling was performed. Normal skin specimen from a control group was also examined.ResultsFinal assessment could be performed in 28 adult and 25 pediatric cholesteatoma cases and 12 controls. The mean Ki‐67 labeling index of cholesteatoma cases was 29.2 out of 200 (14.6%). The mean index for controls was 19 out of 200 (9.5%), significantly lower than cholesteatoma group (P =. 033). The mean Ki‐67 labeling index was 33.5 per 200 in pediatric cases and 26.5 per 200 in adult cases. Though proliferation index was higher in pediatric cases, difference was insignificant (P =. 13). Pediatric cholesteatoma was also similar to adult cholesteatoma in terms of complications, bone erosion, and disease spread.ConclusionCholesteatoma is a disorder of epithelial proliferation. Although postulated to be more aggressive in children than adults, this study found no pathological differences between pediatric and adult cases.
Health‐Related Quality of Life in Romanian Cochlear Implanted Patients
Authors: Necula Violeta , Cosgarea Marcel , Stanciu Antonius 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveCochlear implants are a well‐established treatment method in severe to profound hearing loss. It is important to assess the benefits in term of health‐related quality of life (HR QoL) not only on auditory‐verbal performances.MethodWe compared the HRQoL between a hearing aid group (50 patients) and a cochlear implant group (84 patients), split into 2 subgroups, according to the age of implantation. We used the Nijmegen HRQoL questionnaire. All implanted patients had MedEl devices and more than 6 months experience with the speech processor.ResultsAlthough there were differences between children with hearing aids and children with implants in all areas of HRQoL, in the physical area these differences were greater than for psychological and social domains. HRQoL was positively correlated with auditory performance and speech intelligibility and negatively correlated with implantation age. Good auditory performance and speech intelligibility had a positive influence on HRQoL. The correlation coefficient, R = 0.78, indicates a very good linear and directly proportional correlation between the 3 variables, implantation age, SIR, and CAP and HRQoL. A total of 59.5% of quality of life’s variation is explained by the variation of these 3 parameters.ConclusionCochlear implant improves the auditory performance and speech production more than hearing aids. Children implanted at a younger age develop better than older patients, but even the older patients demonstrate good performances if they are properly selected. Associated diseases had a negative effect on outcomes, but cochlear implants improve their quality of life.
Dizziness Improved by Vertical Heterophoria Treatment
Authors: Rosner Arthur J. , Rosner Mark S. , Feinberg Debra L. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveVertical heterophoria (VH) is a binocular vision disorder with symptoms of headache, dizziness, anxiety, neck pain, and reading difficulties, treatable with prismatic lenses. The study’s objective was to quantify dizziness and associated symptom reduction after prismatic lens treatment in patients with a chief complaint of dizziness concomitantly diagnosed with VH.MethodRetrospective analysis of 46 patients presenting to an optometric binocular vision subspecialist between August 2009 and May 2011. Pre‐ and posttreatment data included Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Headache Disability Index (HDI), Zung Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (Zung), and Vertical Heterophoria Symptom Questionnaire (VHSQ). A visual analog scale measured overall symptom reduction.ResultsTreatment effects were analyzed using paired t tests. Following prismatic lens treatment, there was a 51.4% decrease in DHI score (P <. 0001), 45.9% reduction in HDI score (P <. 0001), 22.4% reduction Zung score (P <. 0001), 50.2% reduction in VHSQ score (VHSQ, a VH symptom burden instrument developed by the authors; P <. 0001), and a 71.4% reduction in overall symptoms as measured by the 10‐cm visual analog scale (P <. 0001).ConclusionTreatment of dizziness with prismatic lenses resulted in a marked score reduction of the validated metrics for dizziness, headache, and anxiety, which correlated with a marked reduction of overall VH symptom level. Prospective studies are needed to further validate this intervention and determine prevalence of VH in dizziness patients.
Middle Ear Morbidity after Head and Neck Chemoradiation
Authors: Bhandare Niranjan , Antonelli Patrick J. , Mendenhall William M. , Morris Christopher G. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveRadiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancers (HNC) has been associated with middle ear mobidity (MEM). The goal of this study is to evaluate the post‐RT incidence of middle ear morbidity in HNCa patients receiving RT ± chemotherapy (chemo) and associated patient and treatment related factors.MethodPre‐ and post‐RT records of HNC patients were retrospectively assessed to estimate the incidence of chronic otitis media with effusion (OME), chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), tympanosclerosis, persistent tympanic membrane perforation (TMP), mastoiditis, dysgeusia, and corresponding radiation doses to the middle ear.ResultsA total of 375 patients (750 ears) were evaluated. The rate of MEM included OME (31.5), CSOM (8.0), TMP with (7.0) and without (8.5) tympanostomy, tympanosclerosis (20.5), mastoiditis (5.5), middle ear fibrosis (6.0), dysgeusia (7.5). With a range of 0.25 to 6.5 years, the median times for detection of MEM varied from 0.95 to 2.3 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that dose to middle ear was significant for all MEM, but age (>60 years), gender, and race were not. Significance of dose fractionation (daily/twice daily) for OME was marginal (P =. 0498). Adjuvant chemotherapy was significant for incidence of OME, TMP (P <. 05).ConclusionIncidence of post‐RT MEM is proportional to the radiation dose received by middle ear. Adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with MEM, but further investigation into this risk factor is needed.
Neural Response Telemetry in Pediatric Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Heubi Christine H. , Ida Jonathan B. , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Scott Michael P. , Greinwald John H. 
Published: February 2015

Objective1) Evaluate the neural response telemetry (NRT) of patients with inner ear anomalies, and determine correlations between NRT and postoperative speech recognition thresholds (SRT). 2) Determine if higher incidence of negative intraoperative NRT exists in pediatric patients with inner ear anomalies, namely enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (EVAS).MethodRetrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent cochlear implantation at a tertiary care pediatric referral center from 2001 to present. Patients with inner ear anomalies were age matched to controls without anomalies. Associations between abnormal NRT and perilymphatic gusher and correlations between NRT and audiometry were assessed.ResultsTwenty‐seven subjects with radiographic evidence of EVAS were evaluated; 35 ears implanted. Median age of implantation was 77.5 months. NRT was normal in 69%, abnormal 11%, marginal 6%, missing 4%. Intraoperative data revealed a perilymphatic gusher in 8 patients (23%); of which 50% had abnormal NRT compared to 8% among patients without gusher (P =. 03). Postoperative audiometric data were available for 8 out of 35 ears. No significant correlations between intraoperative and postoperative NRT with postoperative SRT at 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz (P >. 2). There appeared to be a correlation between intraoperative NRT and postoperative SRT at 500 kHz (ρ = 0.68, P =. 14); this was not statistically significant.ConclusionThe presence of perilymphatic gusher at the time of cochlear implantation in patients with enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (EVAS) seems to be related to abnormal NRT. There is no significant correlation between intraoperative and postoperative NRT and speech recognition thresholds (SRT) at 1 kHZ, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz in patients with EVAS.
Persistent Activation of Nrf2 through p62 in Auditory Cells
Authors: Hayashi Ken , Goto Fumiyuki , Kanzaki Sho , Ogawa Kaoru 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveOxidative stress affects auditory cellular functions. The Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway is the main pathway responsible for cell defense against oxidative stress. The purposes of this study were to elucidate how Keap1 and Nrf2 provide molecular foundation for a possible crosstalk between autophagy and necrosis pathways in auditory cells.MethodWe used auditory cell line (HEI‐OC1) in this study. The viability of HEI‐OC1 was determined by cell viability assays. The samples after treatment of HEI‐OC1 were analyzed by a flow cytometer. Immunofluorescent confocal laser microscopy was used. Western blot was performed. HEI‐OC1 was transfected with Nrf2, Keap1 and p62 siRNA.ResultsH2O2 treatment resulted in time‐dependent accumulation of LC3‐II and the expression of GFP‐LC3 in HEI‐OC1 cells. Autophagic vacuoles were confirmed under transmission electron microscope in H2O2‐treated HEI‐OC1. Necrosis and autophagy were coincidentally identified in H2O2‐treated HEI‐OC1 cells. There were significant differences of cell viability between H2O2 only and H2O2 and Rapamycin‐treated cells. The knockdown of p62 by siRNA, which loses its ability to interact with Keap1, had no effect on Nrf2 stability, demonstrating that p62‐mediated Nrf2 up regulation is Keap1 dependent. These findings demonstrate that p62 could be a molecular hub of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway in auditory cells.ConclusionWe demonstrated a promotion of autophagy through the mTOR signaling pathway to enhance cell survival in auditory cells under oxidative stress. A crosstalk between Nrf2/Keap1 pathway in the autophagy related‐p62 are also presented. The selective autophagy substrate p62 activates the oxidative stress responsive factor Nrf2 through inactivation of keap1.
Robotic Tremor Suppression: A Tool for Stapes Surgery?
Authors: Knisely Anna J. , Hirsch Barry E. , Becker Brian C. , Riviere Cameron R. 
Published: February 2015

Objective1) Create a custom micropick for Micron, a fully handheld robotic micromanipulator. 2) Demonstrate phenomenon of physiologic tremor and evaluate bracing technique in simulated otologic surgery. 3) Evaluate feasibility and efficacy of Micron, to decrease surgeon tremor, positioning error, and force applied in tasks simulating otologic surgery.MethodTwo positioning conditions tested: hovering mid‐air and lightly contacting surface. 3D axes error, tremor, and force measurements. Experimental conditions: 1) unaided, 2) unaided with bracing, 3) Micron alone, 4) Micron with bracing. Tremor and position error were analyzed with a high‐pass filter. Significance (P <. 05)(*) via 2‐tailed t test.ResultsPositioning Error: Root mean square (RMS) and maximum error (ME) are reported. Reduction in ME was seen in the surface task, with bracing alone and Micron alone. However, the hover task showed significant benefits with only Micron + bracing. Force Error: RMS and maximum force error showed no difference between conditions. Tremor Error: Positioning error contains tremor and overall drift from the goal position. Statistically significant reduction in tremor both in RMS and ME is seen with Micron, bracing, and the combination. Micron + bracing produced the largest reduction in tremor.ConclusionOur initial results demonstrate Micron significantly reduced maximum positioning error (tremor) in simulated otologic surgery. Additionally, we confirmed bracing significantly dampens tremor. Interestingly, the use of Micron and bracing yielded the largest reduction in tremor, suggesting an additive effect. No difference in force applied was found.