bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Test of Gustatory Function Including Umami Taste
Authors: Mueller Christian Albert , Pintscher Karin , Renner Bertold 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Assessment of gustatory function is a central part of the diagnosis of patients with chemosensory dysfunctions. The taste of monosodium glutamate was described as umami taste a century ago by Ikeda. The aim of this study was to extend a validated gustatory test with 4 concentrations of monosodium glutamate. Methods: The investigation included 96 subjects who reported having a normal sense of taste and smell. Taste function was assessed by 4 concentrations of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami tastes (extended version) and compared to results obtained in a control group (n = 139) not presented with umami. In a subgroup of 46 participants, the complete test was repeated within 7 days to obtain retest values. Results: Group comparisons exhibited no differences in taste sensitivity for each of the 4 taste qualities (p > 0.3) and no deviation with regard to the sum of correctly identified tastants (p = 0.81). Test-retest data from the extended version revealed a high correlation of scores (r46 = 0.77; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results indicate that the extended version of the gustatory test is applicable for experimental and clinical settings.
Implantation of an Atelocollagen Sponge with Autologous Bone Marrow—Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Treatment of Vocal Fold Scarring in a Canine Model
Authors: Ohno Satoshi , Hirano Shigeru , Kanemaru Shin-Ichi , Kitani Yoshiharu , Kojima Tsuyoshi , Tateya Ichiro , Nakamura Tatsuo , Ito Juichi 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Vocal fold scarring remains a therapeutic challenge. A new regenerative approach is needed to restore disorganized extracellular matrix. Tissue regeneration requires appropriate cells and a scaffold. Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) are multipotent and secrete many kinds of growth factors to regenerate tissues. Atelocollagen sponges have many large pores that permit cell entry. The present study was performed to evaluate whether implantation of an atelocollagen sponge plus BMSCs is effective for the treatment of vocal fold scarring. Methods: Twelve beagles underwent implantation of an atelocollagen sponge or of an atelocollagen sponge with autologous BMSCs (1.0 × 106 cells) in the subepithelial pockets of scarred vocal folds. Six months after the operation, vibratory examinations and histologic examinations were performed. Results: Mucosal vibrations improved significantly for the atelocollagen sponge–implanted vocal folds. Histologic analyses revealed favorable restoration of the extracellular matrix in the lamina propria. Increased distribution of hyaluronic acid and decreased dense collagen deposition were also noted. These improvements were enhanced by implantation of BMSCs. Conclusions: Implantation of atelocollagen sponges with autologous BMSCs into scarred vocal folds significantly increased hyaluronic acid distribution and decreased dense collagen deposition in the lamina propria, leading to better mucosal vibration.
Differential Diagnosis of Cystic Neck Lesions
Authors: Sira James , Makura Zvoru G. G. 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: In patients less than 40 years of age who present with an upper anterior triangle cystic mass, branchial cyst is the presumed clinical diagnosis. Squamous cell malignancy is the important differential diagnosis in a patient more than 40 years of age. We sought to identify the range of lesions that can be clinically mistaken for, and removed as, branchial cysts. Methods: We performed retrospective reviews of 29 neck masses removed as branchial cysts and 47 solitary neck masses diagnosed as cancer between January 2003 and January 2008 across two teaching hospitals in Leeds, England. Results: Of the 29 lesions removed, 23 (79.3%) were confirmed to be branchial cysts. The remainder comprised 2 thyroid papillary carcinomas (6.9%) and 4 benign lesions (13.6%; laryngocele, neurilemmoma, parotid gland cyst, and cystadenoma). Of the 47 cases of metastatic cancer, 3 lesions (6.4%) were clinically mistaken as branchial cysts but were subsequently diagnosed as squamous cell carcinomas. Conclusions: When presented with a solitary lateral cystic mass, clinicians should consider the possibility of squamous cell carcinoma in patients more than 40 years of age, and thyroid papillary cancer should be considered particularly in the younger age groups. In our series, 30.8% of the neck lesions believed to be branchial cysts in patients over 40 were malignant, in contrast to 5.3% of those lesions in patients under 40.
Phenotype Analysis of an Australian DFNA9 Family with the I109N COCH Mutation
Authors: Pauw Robert J. , Huygen Patrick L. M. , Colditz Gordon M. , Cremers W. R. J. 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: We studied the clinical characteristics of an Australian family with an autosomal dominant sensorineural hearing impairment (DFNA9) caused by an I109N mutation in COCH. Methods: Retrospective analyses of audiometric data from 8 mutation carriers of an Australian DFNA9 family with the I109N COCH mutation were performed. Cross-sectional hearing levels related to age, age-related typical audiograms, and speech recognition scores related to age and to the level of hearing impairment were investigated. Data were compared to those obtained in previously identified DFNA9 families with P51S, V66G, G87W, G88E, I109T, and C542F COCH mutations. Results: Deterioration of hearing in the I109N mutation carriers started before the age of 40 years. The audiometric characteristics of the I109N mutation carriers are essentially similar to those previously established in I109T mutation carriers and, to a lesser extent, in P51S, G87W, and G88E mutation carriers. Conclusions: The phenotype associated with the I109N COCH mutation is largely similar to that associated with the I109T, P51S, G87W, and G88E mutation carriers. However, subtle differences seem to exist in terms of age of onset and rate of progression.
Nasal Nitric Oxide and Lifestyle Exposure to Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Zhou Haibo , Zou Baiming , Hazucha Milan , Carson Johnny L. 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive gas generated by inflammatory cells and mucosal epithelial cells of the nose and paranasal sinuses and is an important mediator in nonspecific host defense against infectious agents. However, NO also mediates physiologic events such as vasodilation, mucus hypersecretion, and mucosal disruption that are associated with inflammatory conditions, and it is a regulator of ciliary beat frequency. In the present study, we hypothesized that lifestyle exposure to tobacco smoke, whether through active smoking or by inadvertent exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, would result in higher detectable levels of nasal NO (nNO) than are found in well-documented nonsmokers. Methods: Nasal NO measurements were obtained concomitant with assays of urine cotinine from well-documented nonsmokers, active smokers, and individuals exposed by lifestyle to secondhand smoke. These parameters were statistically analyzed to determine whether increasing levels of tobacco smoke exposure yield higher concentrations of nNO. Results: Our results and subsequent statistical analyses imply that active smokers who exhibit high urine cotinine levels exhibit significant increases in nNO levels in comparison to both nonsmokers and nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke. Conclusions: There is an increased level of nNO associated with tobacco smoke exposure that may contribute to the inflammatory processes characteristic of disease pathogenesis in smokers.
Observation of Cortical Activity during Speech Stimulation in Prelingually Deafened Adults with Cochlear Implantation by Positron Emission Tomography—Computed Tomography
Authors: Yoshida Haruo , Kanda Yukihiko , Takahashi Haruo , Miyamoto Izumi , Chiba Kenya 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: We evaluated the cortical activity of 2 successful prelingually deafened adult cochlear implant (CI) users who have been trained by auditory-verbal/oral communication since childhood. Methods: Changes in regional cerebral blood flow were measured by positron emission tomography using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose while the subjects were receiving auditory language stimuli by listening to a story. Ten normal-hearing volunteers were observed as age-matched control subjects. Results: In both cases, the auditory-related regions, when compared to same regions in the control subjects, showed hypermetabolism in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the left precentral gyrus — Similar to that in successful CI users who are prelingually deafened children or postlingually deafened adults. Both subjects had the ability to activate these areas, and this ability might be one of the reasons that accounts for such exceptionally good performance in older prelingually deaf CI users. As for the visual-related regions, hypometabolism was observed in Brodmann areas 18 and 19, and this finding might be related to the intensive auditory-verbal/oral education that the subjects had received since childhood. Conclusions: Despite the limits imposed by the small sample size and the spatial resolution of positron emission tomography, this study yielded insights into the nature of the brain plasticity in prelingually deafened adults who are successful CI users.
Role of Rhinitis in Laryngitis: Another Dimension of the Unified Airway
Authors: Turley Richard , Cohen Seth M. , Becker Adam , Ebert Charles S. 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: We evaluated the prevalence of dysphonia and secondary laryngeal symptoms among patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), nonallergic rhinitis (NAR), and no rhinitis symptoms (controls). Methods: Patients with rhinitis symptoms with positive and negative allergy tests were recruited from allergy clinics, and patients without rhinitis symptoms were recruited from an orthopedic clinic. All groups completed the Voice-Related Quality of Life survey (VRQOL), the mini-Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini-RQLQ), and the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). Results: Completing the study were 134 patients with AR, 54 patients with NAR, and 62 controls. Both AR and NAR patients had an increased prevalence of dysphonia compared to controls (32.8% and 26.9% versus 8.1%, respectively; p = 0.001). When we controlled for confounding variables such as asthma, inhaled steroid use, and gastroesophageal reflux, patients with either AR or NAR had higher odds of dysphonia (odds ratio, 4.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 17.32). Patients with worse mini-RQLQ scores had lower VRQOL scores and higher RSI scores (Spearman correlation of −0.47 and p < 0.001 and Spearman correlation of 0.6 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with rhinitis (AR or NAR) had a higher prevalence of dysphonia than did controls. Patients with worse rhinitis symptoms had worse voice-related quality of life and more severe chronic laryngeal symptoms.
Microbiology of Acute and Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis in Smokers and Nonsmokers
Authors: Brook Itzhak , Hausfeld Jeffrey N. 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: We evaluated the microbiology of sinus aspirates of smokers and nonsmokers with acute and chronic maxillary sinusitis. Methods: Cultures were obtained from 458 patients, 244 (87 smokers and 157 nonsmokers) of whom had acute maxillary sinusitis and 214 (84 smokers and 130 nonsmokers) of whom had chronic maxillary sinusitis, between 2001 and 2007. Results: A greater number of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA), and beta-lactamase–producing bacteria (BLPB) were found in the 87 smokers with acute sinusitis than in the nonsmokers with acute sinusitis (p < 0.005, p < 0.025, and p < 0.05, respectively). A greater number of these organisms were found in the 84 smokers with chronic sinusitis than in the nonsmokers (p < 0.01, p < 0.025, and p < 0.001, respectively). Eighty-five BLPB isolates were recovered from 73 patients (30%) with acute sinusitis. These included Moraxella catarrhalis, S aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Prevotella spp, and Fusobacterium spp; 40 BLPB isolates were found in smokers, and 45 in nonsmokers (p < 0.05). One hundred twenty-five BLPB isolates were recovered from 91 patients (43%) with chronic sinusitis, including M catarrhalis, Bacteroides fragilis group, S aureus, H influenzae, Prevotella spp. and Fusobacterium spp; 69 BLPB isolates were found in smokers, and 56 in nonsmokers (p < 0.001). Antimicrobial therapy had been administered in the past month to 130 patients (28%; 60 smokers and 70 nonsmokers; p < 0.025). Both MRSA and BLPB were isolated more often from these individuals (p < 0.025). However, the higher isolation rates of MRSA and BLPB in smokers were independent of previous antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: These data illustrate a greater frequency of isolation of S aureus, MRSA, and BLPB in patients with acute and chronic sinusitis who smoke.
Management of Zenker's Diverticulum in the Endoscopic Age: Current Practice Patterns
Authors: Bock Jonathan M. , Van Daele Douglas J. , Gupta Nidhi , Blumin Joel H. 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a common source of dysphagia with a well-established surgical treatment history. Variations may exist between practitioners in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of patients with ZD because of recent evolutions in surgical approach toward an endoscopic technique. Methods: An online survey instrument was prepared and forwarded to the membership of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) to ascertain the current practice patterns of its members regarding numerous care parameters for patients with ZD. Results: Data on preoperative evaluation, operative care, postoperative management, and recalled incidence of complications, including mediastinitis, were evaluated. Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant differences in multiple care parameters for those surgeons who predominantly perform endoscopic operations (more than 80% willingness to perform endoscopic operations) compared to those who occasionally perform endoscopic operations (less than 80%), including average case number, advancement of oral intake, hospital discharge, use of antibiotics, and views on the efficacy of endoscopic surgical techniques. These changes were noted despite similar times since graduation from training for the two groups. Conclusions: These data present a contemporary snapshot of clinical care patterns of the ABEA membership for patients with ZD and suggest differences in care patterns for surgeons with a higher enthusiasm for endoscopic techniques and larger case volumes.
Expression of ABC Transporters is an Unfavorable Prognostic Factor in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Bin , Li Dawei , Dong Pin , Gao Shang 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Two prominent and well-characterized representatives of adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette (ABC) transporter — Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP or ABCG2) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp or ABCB1) — Are known to be membrane transporters associated with multidrug resistance. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between ABC transporter expression and the clinicopathologic characteristics, proliferative index, and apoptotic index and their prognostic value in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Methods: Paraffin sections of 98 human LSCC specimens were investigated with immunohistochemical techniques. The relationship between ABCG2 and ABCB1 expression and clinicopathologic parameters, proliferative activities, and apoptotic activities and their prognostic value in patients' overall survival rate were subsequently analyzed. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive expression of ABCG2 and ABCB1 in 52.0% and 41.8% of patients, respectively. There was a positive correlation between ABCG2 expression and ABCB1 expression. The presence of these two proteins was significantly related to clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and overall survival in LSCC. Interestingly, up-regulation of ABCG2 expression was found to be associated with increased proliferation, but that of ABCB1 was not. Up-regulation of both ABCG2 expression and ABCB1 expression was associated with decreased apoptosis. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that the presence of ABCG2 and/or ABCB1 is predictive for malignant progression and is an independent prognostic factor in LSCC. The mechanism of ABC transporters may contribute to chemotherapy resistance by promoting proliferation and/or suppressing apoptosis.
Endoscopic Assessment of Vocal Fold Movements during Cough
Authors: Britton Deanna , Yorkston Kathryn M. , Eadie Tanya , Stepp Cara E. , Ciol Marcia A. , Baylor Carolyn , Merati Albert L. 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Little is known about the function of the true vocal folds (TVFs) during cough. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability of measuring TVF movements during cough and to obtain preliminary normative data for these measures. Methods: Sequential glottal angles associated with TVF adduction and abduction across the phases of cough were analyzed from laryngeal videoendoscopy records of 38 young healthy individuals. Results: The intraobserver and interobserver reliability of 3 experienced measurers was high (intraclass correlation of at least 0.97) for measuring sequential and maximum glottal angles. The TVF abduction velocity during expulsion was significantly higher than the precompression adduction velocity (p = 0.002), but there were no significant differences in maximum angle. No statistically significant differences were seen in maximum TVF angle and velocity when they were compared between the sexes and between the levels of cough strength. True vocal fold closure following expulsion occurred in 42% of soft coughs and in 57% of moderate to hard coughs. Conclusions: The TVF abduction angles during cough can be reliably measured from laryngeal videoendoscopy in young healthy individuals. The TVF movements are faster for expulsion abduction than for precompression adduction, but the extents of abduction are similar. To validly determine the cough phase duration, simultaneous measures of airflow are needed.
Chest Wall Kinematics during Speech Breathing in Tracheoesophageal Speakers
Authors: Bohnenkamp Todd A. , Forrest Karen , Klaben Bernice K. , Stager Joel 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to determine how tracheoesophageal (TE) speakers manipulate the chest wall (rib cage and abdomen) to speak and how respiratory compromise (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; COPD) and task variables influence those behaviors. Methods: The chest wall movements of 11 male TE speakers (5 with COPD and 6 without COPD) were measured during tidal breathing, spontaneous speech, and reading. Repeated-measures multivariate analyses were used to compare breathing behaviors across speech tasks and by respiratory health. Additional repeated-measures multivariate analyses and 1-way analyses of variance were conducted on temporal, aerodynamic, and linguistic measures. Results: There was a significant main effect of task and a significant interaction effect of COPD and task on chest wall movements. Rib cage movements varied by task, whereas abdominal movements were as predicted. There was a significant difference in utterance length by task. There were no main effects of COPD on the chest wall and no significant group differences in utterance length, aerodynamic measures, or intelligibility. The TE speakers were generally accurate in inspiring at appropriate linguistic boundaries. Conclusions: The results suggest that there is robust control for speech breathing following laryngectomy, but that there is also increased effort within the chest wall. Implications for future research considerations are discussed.
Retrograde Sialendoscopy: A New Technique for Avoiding Retained Ductal Stones
Authors: Potash Andrea , Hoffman Henry T. 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Recurrent infection from stones retained in Wharton's duct after submandibular gland resection warrants intraoperative attention to the duct remnant. Our hypothesis was that retrograde sialendoscopy would help ensure complete stone removal in submandibular gland removal for sialolithiasis. Methods: We reviewed 9 sequential cases of submandibular sialolithiasis treated surgically via open procedures at a tertiary care center by a single surgeon between November 2007 and December 2009. The review focused on the clinical history and intraoperative findings. Results: We identified successful application of a new technique of retrograde sialendoscopy performed to detect and remove stones that were retained in Wharton's duct at the time of submandibular gland resection. An index case of complications from a stone retained after submandibular gland resection is presented in a sequential series of cases in which retrograde sialendoscopy was developed. Conclusions: Retrograde sialendoscopy is a novel technique that is useful as an adjunct to standard submandibular gland resection in the management of sialolithiasis.
“Natural” Decannulation in Patients with Robin Sequence and Severe Airway Obstruction
Authors: Han Kevin D. , Seruya Mitchel , Oh Albert K. , Zalzal George H. , Preciado Diego A. 
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Airway management in infants with Robin sequence (RS) remains controversial, ranging from conservative to operative methods. In some centers, tracheostomy remains the mainstay for those infants with severe respiratory obstruction. The goals of this retrospective case cohort study were to determine the length of time to decannulation without further surgical intervention (ie, “natural” decannulation) in patients with severe RS who underwent tracheostomy and to investigate potential factors associated with successful decannulation. Methods: We reviewed all infants with RS treated at a large tertiary center from 1994 to 2010. Patients who had undergone tracheostomy were identified. Baseline demographics, complications, deaths, and time to “natural” decannulation were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier log-rank tests. Results: Of 61 infants with RS with obstructive events, 25 infants (14 with isolated RS and 11 with syndromic RS) required tracheostomy. At a mean follow-up of 4 years, the rate of tracheostomy-specific complications was 52%; the tracheostomy-specific mortality rate was 12%. Overall, 13 of 25 infants (52%) were “naturally” decannulated, with a median time to decannulation of 97 months. Patients with syndromic RS had a significantly longer median time to decannulation than did those with isolated RS (more than 73 months versus 19 months, respectively; p = 0.019). In addition, patients with long-term tracheostomy dependence had significantly higher maximum carbon dioxide levels before tracheostomy than did patients who were successfully decannulated (82.4 versus 63.2 mEq/L, respectively; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Tracheostomy in infants with RS is associated with inordinately high rates of mortality, morbidity, and long-term tracheostomy dependence, particularly in patients with syndromic RS and in those with high maximum carbon dioxide levels before tracheostomy.