bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FUZZY DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Authors: Srinivasa Raju K. , Nagesh Kumar D. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTSixteen irrigation subsystems of the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project, Rajasthan, India, are evaluated and selection of the most suitable/best is made using data envelopment analysis (DEA) in both deterministic and fuzzy environments. Seven performance‐related indicators, namely, land development works (LDW), timely supply of inputs (TSI), conjunctive use of water resources (CUW), participation of farmers (PF), environmental conservation (EC), economic impact (EI) and crop productivity (CPR) are considered. Of the seven, LDW, TSI, CUW, PF and EC are considered inputs, whereas CPR and EI are considered outputs for DEA modelling purposes. Spearman rank correlation coefficient values are also computed for various scenarios. It is concluded that DEA in both deterministic and fuzzy environments is useful for the present problem. However, the outcome of fuzzy DEA may be explored for further analysis due to its simple, effective data and discrimination handling procedure. It is inferred that the present study can be explored for similar situations with suitable modifications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comet‐FISH studies for evaluation of genetic damage of citalopram in somatic cells of the mouse
Authors: Attia Sabry M. , Ashour Abdelkader E. , Bakheet Saleh A. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTDamage to DNA can lead to many different acute and chronic pathophysiological conditions, ranging from cancer to endothelial damage. The present study was designed to evaluate the DNA damage of an antidepressant drug, citalopram, at the recommended human doses in somatic cells of mice in vivo. Mice exposed to citalopram at varying oral doses of 12 or 24 mg kg–1 for 7 days exhibited a significant increase in the level of DNA‐strand breaking and micronuclei formation as detected by a bone marrow comet assay and micronucleus test, respectively. Furthermore, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with the centromeric mouse‐satellite DNA‐probe for erythrocyte micronuclei it could be shown that citalopram is aneugen as well as clastogen in somatic cells in vivo. Colchicine (COL) and mitomycin C (MMC) were used as positive controls and these compounds produced the expected responses. Both the clastogenic and the aneugenic potential of citalopram can give rise to the development of secondary tumours and abnormal reproductive outcomes. Overall, the results suggest that citalopram at the recommended human doses induces some genetic alterations, which can adversely affect the normal cellular functioning in mice. The mechanism(s) by which citalopram cause this adverse effect appear related, in part, to primary DNA strand breakage as detected by the comet assay as well as clastogenic and aneugenic events as detected by the FISH assay. Therefore, the clinical use of citalopram must be weighed against the risks of genetic damages in citalopram users. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microscopy of the umbilical cord of rock cavies—Kerodon rupestris Wied, 1820 (Rodenta, Caviidae)
Authors: Rodrigues Marcio Nogueira , De Oliveira Gleidson Benevides , De Paula Valéria Veras , Rodrigues Silva Alexandre , De Assis Neto Antonio Chaves , Miglino Maria Angelica , De Oliveira Moacir Franco 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe rock cavies (Kerodon rupestris) are rodents belonging to family Caviidae, with habitat restricted to northeastern Brazil. Current studies have shown that blood cord has stem and hematopoietic cells both with a high regenerative potential, microscopic studies about the description in rodents and other mammals are scarce. The aim of this study was to describe the structural components of the umbilical cord of rock cavies. Rock cavies embryos at different stages of pregnancy were used, three in the first third, five in middle third, and six in the final third of gestation. They were obtained at the Centre for Wild Animals Multiplication of Federal Rural University of Semi‐Arid. In rock cavies was observed that the number of vessels involved in the transport of maternal substances was represented by two major arteries, veins and an allantois duct. The umbilical cord was delimited by amniotic epithelium, formed by a layer of squamous cells, connective tissue with characteristic of the mucosal tissue, corresponding to the Wharton jelly (fetal mesenchyme), where elastic fibers were observed and intercellular spaces were arranged in concentric blades. The morphology observed in rock cavies is similar to that described in the literature for other mammals, including man. The rock cavies are well adapted to captivity and are docile, which makes this animal an important model for study within the field of regenerative medicine. The knowledge of the umbilical cord morphology represents a base point for using this animal as a model for culture and cell therapy. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:419–422, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analyzing decadal net ecosystem production control factors and the effects of recent climate events in Japan
Authors: Setoyama Yuko , Sasai Takahiro 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTo determine the mechanisms of global warming, better understand the feedback process between the atmosphere and the terrestrial ecosystem, and more fully understand the role of terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycle transitions, we must make a quantitative spatial assessment of the various, highly mutable factors that control terrestrial carbon fluxes. We quantitatively analyzed spatial and temporal net ecosystem production (NEP) factors from 2001 to 2010 at a spatial grid resolution of 1 km in Japan. After conducting six sensitivity study runs for time‐variable inputs, we calculated NEP anomaly and correlation coefficients between the default and each sensitivity study run to quantitatively examine the contribution of target inputs on NEP. The primary factor controlling the annual NEP was input related to radiation (solar radiation and albedo), and the area averaged significant correlation coefficient was 0.38, dominating 91.8% of the area. The correlation coefficient in most areas was significantly high, but in mountainous areas (>1000 m), it was low. Input related to temperature (air temperature and land surface temperature) was the second most influential factor (R2 = 0.10, area = 6.8%), and water had a significant correlation in just 28.2% of all pixels. We determined that the primary spatial and temporal NEP factors in Japan were radiation and temperature, with the dominant position gradually rotating by season among three factors. We reaffirmed the continuing importance of high spatial resolution observations to qualitatively monitor the spatial and temporal changes of the various control factors.
Expression of MCP‐1 and fractalkine on endothelial cells and astrocytes may contribute to the invasion and migration of brain macrophages in ischemic rat brain lesions
Authors: Tei Nari , Tanaka Junya , Sugimoto Kana , Nishihara Tasuku , Nishioka Ryutaro , Takahashi Hisaaki , Yano Hajime , Matsumoto Shirabe , Ohue Shiro , Watanabe Hideaki , Kumon Yoshiaki , Ohnishi Takanori 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSome macrophages expressing NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (NG2) and the macrophage marker Iba1 accumulate in the ischemic core of a rat brain subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min. These cells are termed BINCs (for brain Iba1+/NG2+ cells) and may play a neuroprotective role. Because BINCs are bone marrow‐derived cells, they are able to invade ischemic tissue after the onset of an ischemic insult. In this study, chemokine‐based mechanisms underlying the invasion of BINCs or their progenitor cells were investigated. We found that isolated BINCs expressed mRNA encoding CCR2 and CX3CR1 at high levels. Cultured astrocytes expressed mRNA encoding their ligands, MCP‐1 and fractalkine. Recombinant MCP‐1 and/or fractalkine, as well as astrocytes, induced the migration of BINCs in vitro. mRNA for MCP‐1, fractalkine, CCR2, and CX3CR1 was expressed in the ischemic core during the acute phase of the ischemic event. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that vascular endothelial cells and astrocytic endfeet expressed MCP‐1 and fractalkine, respectively, in the ischemic core during the acute phase. CCR2+/Iba1+ monocytes attached to the inside of the vascular wall at 1 day postreperfusion (dpr), and there were CCR2+/CX3CR1+ macrophage‐like cells in the parenchyma in the ischemic lesion core at 2 dpr, which may be the progenitors for BINCs. These results suggest that CCR2+ monocytes are first attracted to the ischemic lesion by MCP‐1+ endothelial cells and migrate toward fractalkine+ astrocytic endfeet through the disrupted blood–brain barrier. Thus, chemokines may play a critical role in the accumulation of neuroprotective BINCs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of fine needle aspiration feasibility and specimen adequacy for molecular diagnostics of benign vocal fold lesions
Authors: Li Nicole Y. K. , Dailey Seth , Thibeault Susan L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectives/ Hypothesis:The use of molecular testing is becoming more significant for the diagnosis and classification of disease. The application of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy as the means of sampling lesions in union with molecular testing could be a powerful combination in laryngology. The objectives of this study were to investigate 1) if FNA was feasible to sample benign vocal fold lesions; 2) if FNA samples provided sufficient RNA quality for molecular analysis; and 3) if gene expression of FNA samples matched paired surgical excised specimens.Study Design:Prospective cross‐sectional.Methods:Fifteen vocal fold specimens were obtained from adult patients undergoing routine surgical removal for benign vocal fold lesions using FNA and surgical excision. Comparisons were made between FNA and excision biopsies for RNA quality. Correlative analysis was completed for RNA expression of nine genes, including decorin (DCN), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), collagen type VI alpha 3 (COL6A3), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutathione S‐transferase (GST2), collagen type I alpha 2 (COL1A2), ATP binding cassette (ABC), and procollagen I alpha 1 (COL1A1).Results:FNA and excision samples demonstrated similar RNA quality (P > 0.05). Per gene expression, four out of nine genes were moderately correlated between the paired samples (P < 0.05).Conclusions:FNA of the vocal fold lamina propria is technically feasible to perform. Further improvement in the FNA technology is desirable to optimize RNA quality for reliable gene expression analysis.
Prevalence of clarithromycin‐resistant Helicobacter pylori in patients with chronic tonsillitis by allele‐specific scorpion real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Naserpour Farivar Taghi , Najafipour Reza , Johari Pouran 
Published: February 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate the allelic prevalence of resistance to clarithromycin in the DNA of clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori obtained from biopsy specimens of patients with chronic tonsillitis by Scorpion real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Study DesignPathologic specimens of patients with chronic tonsillitis were used for rapid urease test, and blocks of paraffin‐embedded tonsillar tissue were used for McMullen staining, rapid urease test, and Scorpion real‐time PCR test.MethodsA total of 103 biopsy samples were obtained from patients with chronic tonsillitis and examined for the presence of clarithromycin resistant H. pylori. Modified McMullen staining and rapid urease test were done on the all the samples. The DNA of specimens was extracted from the pathology blocks, and Scorpion real‐time PCR was performed on a final volume of 25 μL.ResultsOf 103 biopsy specimens, 22 samples were identified as infected by H. pylori, of which none were sensitive to clarithromycin. One had the A2143G genotype, and four had the A2142G genotype. Two had a mixed sensitive and the A2143G genotype, and five had a mixed sensitive and A2142G genotype. One strain had a mixed genotype of sensitive, A2143G, and A2142G.ConclusionsThe reported rate of resistance to clarithromycin is of great variation among H. pylori strains isolated from specimens in different countries. Our study showed that the most prevalent genotypes in our H. pylori‐positive specimens was A2142G followed by A2143G, which is different from reported results of allele‐specific genotyping of H. pylori strains isolated from gastric biopsy and may be a result of cross‐resistance to erythromycin and other macrolides.
Computer‐Assisted Assessment of Ocular Synkinesis: A Comparison of Methods
Authors: Kleiss Ingrid J. , Hohman Marc H. , Quatela Olivia E. , Marres Henri A. M. , Hadlock Tessa A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To define an objective, easy to perform, rapid method for the assessment of ocular synkinesis by employing both the Facial Assessment by Computer Evaluation software and a modification of the Glasgow Facial Palsy Scale.Study Design:Retrospective study.Methods:Fifty normal subjects and 50 patients with known ocular synkinesis were studied. Measurements of ocular synkinesis were made using the semiautomated Facial Assessment by Computer Evaluation software, and a modification of the automated Glasgow Facial Palsy program.Results:The mean resting vertical palpebral fissure width of a normal eye was 10.17 mm (standard deviation [SD], 1.63 mm), and the degree of eye closure during smile was on average 21.56% (SD, 13.38%). Synkinetic eyes had a statistically significantly smaller resting palpebral fissure width on average (8.99 mm; SD, 1.61 mm; P < .001, t test), and a statistically significantly greater degree of narrowing during smiling (32.65%; SD, 13.68%; P < .001, t test). Using a modified synkinesis‐determining application of the Glasgow Facial Palsy Scale did not consistently correlate with the Facial Assessment by Computer Evaluation program or clinical observations of eye closure during smiling (R = 0.251, Pearson correlation) and puckering (R = 0.253, Pearson correlation).Conclusions:The Facial Assessment by Computer Evaluation program yields rapid, consistent, palpebral fissure width measurements, and when combined with a subjective self‐assessment questionnaire yields a comprehensive measure of ocular synkinesis. Our modified application of the Glasgow Facial Palsy Scale did not appear to be a reliable method for quantitative ocular synkinesis assessment.
Lifestyle and Dietary Influences on Nosebleed Severity in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Silva B. Maneesha , Hosman Anna E. , Devlin Hannah L. , Shovlin Claire L. 
Published: February 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo identify factors influencing the severity of epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).Study DesignParticipants with and without HHT were recruited from a specialist service and online following advertisement by the HHT Foundation International. Both groups were asked to complete a nonbiased questionnaire.MethodsThe reported effects of specific treatments or lifestyle factors on epistaxis were assigned positive values if beneficial, negative values if detrimental, or zero if “no difference” and were summed to enable statistical analysis.ResultsEpistaxis affected 649 of 666 (97%) participants with HHT and was significantly more frequent than in control participants. Specialist invasive treatments were reported as beneficial, laser therapy more frequently than cauterization. Medical treatments commonly used for HHT epistaxis (female hormones, antiestrogens, tranexamic acid, aminocaproic acid, nasal creams, and bevacizumab) also had significantly positive (beneficial) scores. Lifestyle and dietary factors were generally detrimental, but room humidification, nasal lubrication, and saline treatments were all reported as beneficial (95% confidence intervals greater than zero). Multiple food items were volunteered as being detrimental to epistaxis. The most frequently reported items were alcohol (n = 45; 6.8% of participants) and spices (n = 26, 3.9% of participants). Remaining foods reported to exacerbate epistaxis were also found to be high in salicylates (including red wine, spices, chocolate, coffee, and certain fruits), natural antiplatelet activity (garlic, ginger, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E15), or omega‐3 acids (oily fish, salmon).ConclusionsThis study supports existing treatments and suggests lifestyle and dietary maneuvers that may also improve nosebleeds in HHT.Level of Evidence2c.
Chondrosarcoma of the Subglottic Larynx
Authors: Jackson Ryan S. , Leon Marino E. , McCaffrey Thomas V. 
Published: February 2013

Objectives/HypothesisChondrosarcoma is a rare malignancy of the head and neck with fewer than 600 cases described in the literature. Treatment typically consists of conservation surgery with preservation of airway and preoperative voice quality. We describe five patients treated with a conservative transcervical approach utilizing the operating microscope for submucosal microdissection.Study DesignRetrospective case series at a National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center.MethodsA retrospective case series from February 2004 to February 2011 was performed for all consecutive patients with laryngeal chondrosarcoma treated by the senior author with transcervical submucosal microdissection utilizing the operating microscope.ResultsFive patients with laryngeal chondrosarcoma were treated between February 2004 and February 2011. There were three male and two female patients who ranged in age from 56 to 87 years (mean, 72 years) at presentation. All five tumors were located at the level of the cricoid cartilage. Hoarseness was the most common presenting symptom (60%). Eighty percent of patients had limited vocal cord mobility. No patients required neck dissection or received radiation or chemotherapy. None of the five patients had recurrence after this approach.ConclusionsLaryngeal chondrosarcoma is a rare tumor. Conservative surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment. The use of an operating microscope can aid in successful resection of laryngeal chondrosarcoma while preserving laryngeal mucosa and function.Level of Evidence4.
Temporal bone imaging in osteogenesis imperfecta patients with hearing loss
Authors: Swinnen Freya K. R. , Casselman Jan W. , De Leenheer Els M. R. , Cremers Cor W. R. J. , Dhooge Ingeborg J. M. 
Published: February 2013

Objectives/HypothesisOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an autosomal‐dominant connective‐tissue disorder, predominantly characterized by bone fragility. Conductive hearing loss develops in half of the OI patients and often progresses to mixed loss. Findings of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the temporal bone in the largest series of OI patients to date are presented and correlated with the audiograms.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsCT images and audiograms of 17 hearing‐impaired OI patients, aged 9 to 67 years, were analyzed retrospectively. In four patients, MR imaging was performed as well. Imaging abnormalities were correlated with type and severity of hearing loss deduced from the audiograms.ResultsCT revealed fenestral hypodense foci in the fissula ante fenestram (25 of 33 ears), oval window (23 of 33 ears), and round window (20 of 33 ears). Retrofenestral hypodensities were observed, affecting the cochlear turns (16 of 33 ears), facial nerve canal (10 of 33 ears), or semicircular canals (6 of 33 ears), or appearing like the fourth turn of the cochlea (11 of 33 ears). The site of hypodensities corresponded to the type of hearing loss in 72.2% of the OI ears. The air‐bone gap and bone‐conduction thresholds showed significant positive associations with the number of affected fenestral (P < .05) and retrofenestral structures (P < .01), respectively. Gadolinium‐enhanced MR images demonstrated active lesions in three patients with mixed hearing loss or deafness.ConclusionsThe site of hypodensities on temporal bone CT images in OI corresponds to presence and type of hearing loss determined by audiometry. The more severe the hearing loss, the more affected temporal bone structures in OI.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 123:1988–1995, 2013
A prospective, randomized, double‐blind study comparing the efficacy of topical anesthetics in nasal endoscopy
Authors: Gaviola Gabriel C. , Chen Viola , Chia Stanley H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIntroduction:Transnasal endoscopy is commonly performed in an outpatient otolaryngology setting. Patients are typically administered a topical anesthetic and decongestant prior to this procedure to alleviate discomfort and improve visualization. There is no consensus on which topical anesthetic is most effective in optimizing patient experience during the procedure.Objective:To determine whether there is a difference in the efficacy between atomized 2% tetracaine and 4% lidocaine as a topical anesthetic prior to transnasal endoscopy.Study Design:Prospective, randomized, double‐blind study.Methods:A total of 99 patients received oxymetazoline and were randomized to receive either 2% tetracaine or 4% lidocaine prior to transnasal endoscopy. Immediately following the procedure, participants completed a survey assessing level of discomfort and other adverse symptoms pertaining to the procedure using a 10‐point visual analog scale (VAS).Results:There were no significant differences in VAS scores between the lidocaine and tetracaine groups. There were also no significant differences between genders in overall VAS scores and in the lidocaine and tetracaine subgroups. Older patients demonstrated significantly less discomfort or a sensation of bad taste overall. In contrast to patients receiving lidocaine, older patients receiving tetracaine experienced significantly less overall pain and discomfort, unpleasant taste, and dyspnea.Conclusion:In patients undergoing transnasal endoscopy, use of either 2% tetracaine or 4% lidocaine has similar effect. Tetracaine may be a better choice in older patients, however.
Higher Serum Levels of Interleukin 10 Occur at Onset of Acute Otitis Media Caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae Compared to Haemophilus Influenzae and Moraxella Catarrhalis
Authors: Liu Keyi , Kaur Ravinder , Almudevar Anthony , Pichichero Michael E. 
Published: February 2013

Objectives/HypothesisAcute otitis media (AOM) involves an inflammatory response to microbes in the middle ear that facilitates clearance of otopathogens. Clinically, Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) infections of the respiratory tract are characterized by greater inflammatory responses than nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Moraxella catarrhalis (Mcat). Interleukin 10 (IL‐10) plays an important role in down‐regulating the inflammatory response. We compared serum IL‐10 levels in children before onset, at onset, and after recovery from AOM caused by Spn, NTHi, and Mcat. We sought to determine if IL‐10 could serve as a biomarker to distinguish AOM caused by Spn versus NTHi and Mcat.Study DesignProspective, longitudinal study in a primary care pediatric practice in Rochester, NY.MethodsParticipants were 54 children, 6 to 30 months of age. Outcomes measured were serum IL‐10 levels when healthy, at onset of AOM, and after recovery from AOM.ResultsSerum IL‐10 was elevated when children developed AOM (P=0.013) due to infections caused by Spn (P=0.011) but not AOM caused by NTHi or Mcat. Middle ear fluid levels of IL‐10 mirrored those seen in serum but were 10‐fold higher (P=0.02). Other effector cytokines in serum: IL‐4, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐alpha, did not show the same increases as IL‐10 at onset of AOM.ConclusionOur study indicates that AOM caused by Spn elicits a significantly higher IL‐10 response compared to NTHi and Mcat and may prove to be a biomarker of AOM infections by Spn.Level of Evidence4.