bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A and Endostatin Levels in Induced Sputum and Relationship to Bronchial Hyperreactivity in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Yılmaz İnsu , Bayraktar Nilüfer , Ceyhan Koray , Seçil Derya , Yüksel Selcen , Mısırlıgil Zeynep , Bavbek Sevim 
Published: May 2013

Background Studies about the pathogenesis of bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and its relationship with lower airway remodeling are extremely limited. In this study, bronchial vascular remodeling and its relationship with BHR were evaluated by measurement of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and endostatin in patients with seasonal AR (SAR). Methods The study group consisted of 30 patients with SAR (positive skin test to grass pollens) and 14 healthy controls. Induced sputum and bronchial provocation test (BPT) to methacholine (M) were performed in season. VEGF-A and endostatin levels were measured by ELISA in induced sputum supernatant. Results The percentages of eosinophils in induced sputum were significantly increased in BHR+ patients (n = 10) with SAR compared with BHR– patients (n = 20) with SAR (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between eosinophils and provocative concentration of M required to produce a 20% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second. The levels of VEGF-A were significantly higher in SAR patients with BHR than in SAR patients without BHR and healthy controls (respectively, p = 0.014 and p = 0.04). The levels of endostatin were significantly lower in SAR patients with BHR than in SAR patients without BHR and healthy controls (respectively, p = 0.020 and p = 0.014). The ratio of VEGF-A/endostatin was significantly higher in SAR patients with BHR than in SAR patients without BHR and healthy controls (respectively, p = 0.009 and p = 0.019). Conclusion In this first study comparing the VEGF-A and endostatin levels of patients with SAR in sputum supernatant, the presence of BHR was shown to be associated with the vascular component of remodeling “angiogenesis.”
Incidental Sinonasal Findings Identified during Preoperative Evaluation for Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Approaches
Authors: Laury Adrienne M. , Oyesiku Nelson M. , Hadjipanayis Costas G. , DelGaudio John M. , Wise Sarah K. 
Published: May 2013

Background The endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (eTSA) to lesions of the sellar region is typically performed jointly by neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists. Occasionally, the approach is significantly altered by sinonasal disease, anatomic variants, or previous surgery. However, there are no current guidelines that describe which physical or radiological findings should prompt a change in the plan of care. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of sinonasal pathology or anatomic variants noted endoscopically or by imaging that altered preoperative or intraoperative management. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 355 consecutive patients who underwent combined neurosurgery–otolaryngology endoscopic sella approach from August 1, 2007 to April 1, 2011. Our practice in these patients involves preoperative otolaryngology clinical evaluation and MRI review. Intraoperative image guidance is not routinely used in uncomplicated eTSA. Results The most common management alteration was the addition of image guidance based on anatomic variants on MRI, which occurred in 81 patients (35.0%). Eight patients (2.9%) were preoperatively treated with antibiotics and surgery was postponed secondary to acute or chronic purulent rhinosinusitis; two (0.7%) required functional endoscopic sinus surgery for medically refractory disease before eTSA. Five patients (1.8%) required anterior septoplasty intraoperatively for severe nasal septal deviation. Two patients (0.7%) had inverted papilloma and one patient had esthesioneuroblastoma identified preoperatively during rigid nasal endoscopy. Conclusion This is one of the larger reviews of patients undergoing eTSA for sellar lesions and the only study that describes how intraoperative management may be altered by preoperative sinonasal evaluation. We found a significant incidence of sinonasal pathology and anatomic variants that altered routine operative planning; therefore, a thorough sinonasal evaluation is warranted in these cases.
Surfactants in the Management of Rhinopathologies
Authors: Rosen Philip L. , Palmer James N. , O'Malley Bert W. , Cohen Noam A. 
Published: May 2013

Background Surfactants are a class of amphiphilic surface active compounds that show several unique physical properties at liquid–liquid or liquid–solid surface interfaces including the ability to increase the solubility of substances, lower the surface tension of a liquid, and decrease friction between two mediums. Because of these unique physical properties several in vitro, ex vivo, and human trials have examined the role of surfactants as stand-alone or adjunct therapy in recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods A review of the literature was performed. Results The data from three different surfactants have been examined in this review: citric acid zwitterionic surfactant (CAZS; Medtronic ENT, Jacksonville FL), Johnson's Baby Shampoo (Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick NJ), and SinuSurf (NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Santa Rosa, CA). Dilute surfactant therapy shows in vitro antimicrobial effects with modest inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation. In patients with CRS, surfactants may improve symptoms, most likely through its mucolytic effects. In addition, surfactants have several distinct potential benefits including their ability to improve an irrigant's penetration of the nonoperated sinus and their synergistic effects with antibiotics. However, surfactants potential for nasal irritation and possible transient ciliotoxicity may limit their use. Conclusion Recent data suggest a possible therapeutic role of surfactants in treating rhinopathologies associated with mucostasis. Further investigation, including a standardization of surfactant formulations, is warranted to further elucidate the potential benefits and drawbacks of this therapy.
Olfactory Sensitivity and Sexual Desire in Young Adult and Elderly Men: An Introductory Investigation
Authors: Ottaviano Giancarlo , Zuccarello Daniela , Frasson Giuliana , Scarpa Bruno , Nardello Ennio , Foresta Carlo , Marioni Gino , Staffieri Alberto 
Published: May 2013

Background It has been suggested that olfaction could influence human sexual behavior. Age is negatively associated with many aspects of sexuality and, with increasing age, people tend to show a declining sexual desire. The present pilot study investigated the relationship between sexual desire and olfactory sensitivity in healthy men of two age groups, young adult and elderly (≥65 years old), to ascertain whether their sense of smell could determine sexual desire and whether an age-related weaker olfactory sensitivity could correlate with the decline in sexual appetite in elderly patients. Methods Sixty-three volunteers were recruited and divided into two groups, one consisting of 48 healthy young adult men, the other of 15 healthy elderly men. All participants were tested to ascertain their odor threshold for n-butanol (Sniffin’ Sticks) and their sexual desire using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), presenting only the questions relating to frequency (IIEF1) and level (IIEF2) of sexual desire. Results Sexual desire and mean olfactory thresholds were higher in the younger adults than in the elderly men (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). There was a significant association between butanol threshold and sexual desire for the young adult group (p = 0.02), but not for the elderly group (p = 0.35). Conclusion This study found a preliminary association between olfaction and sexual behavior, in young adults at least. More studies are needed to improve our knowledge in this intriguing field, possibly using electrophysiological olfactory methods.
Immunohistochemical Dissimilarity between Allergic Fungal and Nonfungal Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ragab Ahmed , Samaka Rehab Monir 
Published: May 2013

Backgrounds Diagnosis of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is complicated because of the presence of fungi on mucosal surfaces of sinonasal passages. The objectives of this study were to define, using immunohistochemistry, lymphocyte populations associated with noninvasive fungal-related chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS; AFRS and FBs [FB]) relative to CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) as a means of diagnosing different forms of CRS. Methods Sinus CT scans, nasal endoscopy scores, and the presence of eosinophilic fungal mucin or FBs were used to prospectively define patient groups with CRS who had failed medical treatment and were undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. Four patient groups were identified: AFRS, FB, CRSwNP, and CRSsNP. Tissue specimens were studied and graded for histopathological changes. Immunophenotyping of mucosal lymphocytes was performed using anti-CD3, -CD20, -CD4, -CD8, -CD56, and -perforin antibodies. Results Nasal polyposis scores were similar between AFRS and CRSwNP. Radiological changes associated with AFRS can also be present in CRSwNP, e.g., heterogenicity in 9/30 (30%), expansion in 25/30 (83%), and bony attenuation of the ethmoid trabeculae in 19/30 (63%). Different grades of basement membrane thickness, edema, and fibrosis were observed. In both types of noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis, CD3+ T lymphocytes were most commonly identified. In cases of AFRS, most T cells were CD8+ (p < 0.001). In FB cases, CD4+ lymphocytes were dominant (p < 0.001). In nonfungal CRS cases, CD20+ lymphocytes (B lymphocytes) predominated (p < 0.001). Conclusion Although CT scans and histological examination can assist the diagnosis of rhinosinusitis, tissue immunophenotyping can be used in defining different types of fungal and nonfungal CRS cases.
The Characteristics and New Treatment Paradigm of Dental Implant–related Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Chen Yi-Wei , Huang Chi-Che , Chang Po-Hung , Chen Chiang-Wen , Wu Chia-Chen , Fu Chia-Hsiang , Lee Ta-Jen 
Published: May 2013

Background Because dental implantation and sinus augmentation are widely performed in recent years, one of their possible complications, maxillary sinusitis, has become a major concern for both dentists and otolaryngologists. This study evaluates the characteristics of dental implant–related chronic rhinosinusitis (DIrCRS) and the outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for these patients. Methods Eighteen patients diagnosed with DIrCRS from 2007 to 2012 and who were recommended for operation were included. ESS served as the first surgical choice. Dental implants were not routinely removed unless there was severe periimplantitis. All data, including CT and surgical findings, were collected and analyzed. Results All 18 patients had findings of maxillary sinus floor perforation or penetration by dental implants on CT. Fifteen of the 18 patients underwent ESS. Two patients had the dental implants removed before ESS and did not experience recurrence. Four patients had recurrence and the dental implants were removed before revised ESS. They did not experience recurrence again after the revised operation. The other nine patients had their dental implants preserved and did not experience recurrence during follow-up. None of the 15 patients required a Caldwell-Luc operation. Conclusion In patients with DIrCRS, ESS can be used as the first surgical choice with good prognosis and low morbidity. Although most cases of DIrCRS are caused by dental implants penetrating into the maxillary sinus, the dental implants can be preserved unless there is severe periimplantitis or recurrence of sinusitis. Nonetheless, the sinus mucosa above the dental implants must be kept intact during ESS.
Analyzing Serum Eosinophil Cationic Protein in the Clinical Assessment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kim Kyung Soo , Won Ho-Ryun , Park Chong Yoon , Hong Joon Hyeong , Lee Jae Heon , Lee Kyu Eun , Cho Hyun Sang , Kim Hyun Jik 
Published: May 2013

Background Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a major granule–derived protein with cytotoxic activity found in eosinophils and has been known as a useful marker of allergic inflammation. In this study, we assessed the clinical significance of ECP in chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa by evaluating the relationship between eosinophil activity and serum ECP concentration in a cohort of subjects with or without chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 492 subjects and analyzed eosinophil percentage in nasal smears, serum eosinophil counts, serum ECP concentrations, symptom scores, CT scores, the size of nasal polyp, and recurrence of CRS at follow-up. Results Elevated serum ECP concentration was closely related with higher eosinophil expression in all subject's nasal smears and sera. CRS subjects without AR had a higher percentage of immune cells that were eosinophils compared with control subjects and it was similar to subjects’ with AR only or with both CRS and AR. CRS subjects without AR also had significantly higher serum ECP concentrations and eosinophil counts compared with control subjects. Additionally, serum ECP concentration was significantly correlated with CT scores, symptom scores, polyp size, and recurrence rate in CRS subjects without AR. Conclusion Serum ECP concentration can be used as a marker of local and systemic eosinophil expression. We conjecture that although serum ECP elevation may not be specific in AR, analysis of serum ECP concentration could be particularly useful in estimating the progression and prognosis of CRS.
BACTERIAL PATHOGENS AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MASTITIS IN BLACK BENGAL GOATS IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Amin MA , Samad MA , Rahman AKM Anisur 
Published: May 2013

The objectives of this study were to isolate major bacteria responsible for and to identify the potential risk factors associated with clinical and subclinical mastitis in Black Bengal goats in Bangladesh. A cross sectional study was undertaken on 242 lactating does during January to August 2009. Data on probable risk factors was recorded by using questionnaire. Clinical mastitis was detected by gross signs of udder infection during physical examination and abnormal milk whereas subclinical mastitis was recognized California Mastitis test (CMT) Milk samples of all clinical and subclinical mastitis goats were subjected to culture for isolation and identification of responsible bacterial pathogens. Multiple logistic regression model using a backward stepwise method was used for identification of risk factors. The overall prevalence of clinical mastitis and subclinical mastitis were 4.54% and 37.19%, respectively. Bacterial pathogens isolated were coagulase negative Staphylococcus (73.73%), Staphylococcus aureus (26.67%), Streptococcus sp. (20%), Bacillus sp. (70%) and Escherichia coli (6.67%). Both clinical and subclinical mastitis were significantly associated with age (p<0.001), parity (p<0.001), lactation stage (p<0.001), litter size (p<0.05) and teat lesions (p<0.001).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v9i2.13458
Seed dispersal of the Australian cycad Macrozamia miquelii (Zamiaceae): Are cycads megafauna‐dispersed “grove forming” plants?
Authors: Hall John A. , Walter Gimme H. 
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the Study: Plants that invest in large, heavy seeds and colorful, fleshy fruits or analogous structures seem adapted for dispersal by large vertebrates. Some such plants, like Australian cycads in the genus Macrozamia, do not disperse well, which could be explained by seed‐dispersal relationships with megafauna that are rare or extinct in contemporary ecosystems. Such plants provide an opportunity to investigate the ecological consequences of low seed‐dispersal distances.• Methods: We investigated seed dispersal of Macrozamia miquelii in Central Queensland by tracking the fate of marked seeds, identifying the dispersal fauna and quantifying population demography and spatial structure.• Key Results: We found that 70–100% of marked seeds remained within 1 m of maternal females (cycads are dioecious). Of the 812 seeds recovered (from 840 originally marked) only 24 dispersed >1 m from maternal females, the greatest observed dispersal being 5 m. We found an average of 2.2 seedlings and 0.7 juveniles within 1.5 m of mature females, which suggests that most seeds that remain in the vicinity of maternal females perish. Within‐stand densities ranged between 1000 and 5000 plants/ha. The brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula was the only animal observed to move the seeds.• Conclusions: Macrozamia are adapted for dispersal by megafauna that are rare or absent in contemporary ecosystems. We argue that Macrozamia are “grove forming” plants that derive ecological benefit from existing as high‐density, spatially discrete populations, the function of megafaunal dispersal adaptations being the infrequent dispersal of seeds en masse to establish new such groves in the landscape.
Precocious progression of tissue maturation instructs basipetal initiation of leaflets in Chelidonium majus subsp. asiaticum (Papaveraceae)
Authors: Ikeuchi Momoko , Tatematsu Kiyoshi , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Okada Kiyotaka , Tsukaya Hirokazu 
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the study: On a compound leaf, leaflet primordia are repetitively formed along the apical–basal axis, with the direction varying among taxa. Why and how the directions vary among species is yet to be solved, although a change in a single factor was proposed to cause the variation. In this study, we compared two species in the Papaveraceae with different directions of leaflet initiation, Chelidonium majus subsp. asiaticum (basipetal) and Eschscholzia californica (acropetal). Because E. californica has been studied in some detail, we focused on C. majus and asked how basipetal pattern is achieved.• Methods: Since only immature leaf primordial tissue has leaflet‐generating competency, we performed histological and gene expression analyses on markers of the tissue maturation state. In addition, we performed a time‐course analysis of leaf primordial growth.• Key results: Quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR analysis demonstrated that a putative regulator of tissue maturation in C. majus, the CINCINNATA homolog, had higher expression in apical parts than in basal parts during the organogenetic phase. In contrast, expression of the CIN homolog was not elevated in either the apical or basal parts in E. californica during the organogenetic phase.• Conclusions: In C. majus, apical parts of leaf primordia have already lost leaflet‐generating competency during the organogenetic phase. We propose that precocious progression of the maturation process instructs basipetal progression of leaflet initiation in C. majus. This is not the mirror image of data on E. californica, which shows the opposite direction in leaflet formation, indicating that variation in direction is not attributable to a change in a single factor.
A highly pH-sensitive nanowire field-effect transistor based on silicon on insulator
Authors: Presnov Denis E , Amitonov Sergey V , Krutitskii Pavel A , Kolybasova Valentina V , Devyatov Igor A , Krupenin Vladimir A , Soloviev Igor I 
Published: May 2013

Background: An experimental and theoretical study of a silicon-nanowire field-effect transistor made of silicon on insulator by CMOS-compatible methods is presented.Results: A maximum Nernstian sensitivity to pH change of 59 mV/pH was obtained experimentally. The maximum charge sensitivity of the sensor was estimated to be on the order of a thousandth of the electron charge in subthreshold mode.Conclusion: The sensitivity obtained for our sensor built in the CMOS-compatible top-down approach does not yield to the one of sensors built in bottom-up approaches. This provides a good background for the development of CMOS-compatible probes with primary signal processing on-chip.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Glycaemia and Diabetes in a Population Living in a Highly Polychlorinated Biphenyls-Polluted Area in Northern Italy: A Cross-Sectional and Cohort Study
Authors: Zani Claudia , Donato Francesco , Magoni Michele , Feretti Donatella , Covolo Loredana , Vassallo Francesco , Speziani Fabrizio , Scarcella Carmelo , Bergonzi Roberto , Apostoli Pietro 
Published: May 2013

Background Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been found to be associated with diabetes in some, but not all, studies performed so far. The aim of this study was to assess the association between PCB serum levels and glycaemia and diabetes in people living in Brescia, a highly industrialised PCB-polluted town in Northern Italy. Design and Methods 527 subjects were enrolled in a cross-sectional population-based study: they were interviewed face-to-face in 2003 and also provided a blood sample under fasting conditions. The concentration of 24 PCB congeners was determined using gas-chromatography (GC/MS). Subsequently, all subjects were included in a follow-up (cohort) study. According to the Local Health Authority health-care database, subjects were considered to be diabetic if they had diabetes at interview time (prevalent cases) or during a 7-year follow-up (incident cases). Results A total of 53 subjects (10.0%) were diabetics: 28 had diabetes at enrolment and other 25 developed the disease subsequently. Diabetes frequency increased according to the serum concentrations of total PCBs and single PCB congeners, but no association was found when estimates were adjusted for education, body mass index, age and gender by logistic regression analysis. Accordingly, glycaemia increased with PCB serum levels, but no association was observed when multiple regression analysis, including confounding factors, was performed. Conclusions This study does not support the hypothesis that PCB environmental exposure is strictly associated with diabetes or glycaemia.
The Gγ‐δβ‐thalassemia and Gγ‐β°‐HPFH conditions in combination with β‐thalassemia and Hb S
Authors: Altay C. , Schroeder W.A. , Huisman T.H.J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA combination of 2 forms of thalassemia has been observed in a member of a South Carolina family. The proposita, a 34‐year‐old black female with hemolytic anemia, had over 50% fetal hemoglobin, an elevated level of hemoglobin A2, and in vitro imbalance in chain synthesis. Family studies revealed a δβ‐thalassemia heterozygosity in her mother and 2 sibs and a β‐thalassemia heterozygosity in her son. The fetal hemoglobin of the δβ heterozygotes was of the Gγ type (i.e., the γ chain had glycine in position 136). Consequently, it may be concluded that the propositus has Gγ‐δβ‐thalassemia‐β+ thalassemia; this is the first time that such a combination has been recognized. In 3 members of another family this same type of Gγ‐δβ‐thalassemia occurred in combination with Hb S, whereas Gγ‐β°‐HPFH (hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin) and Hb S were present in 1 member of a third family. Clinical features and laboratory findings were specific for each condition and permitted a clear distinction between Gγ‐δβ‐thalassemia and Gγ‐β°‐HPFH. The discussion correlates these findings with data from 80 persons in 30 families whose Hb F was elevated and contained only Gγ chains.