bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptom Timeline Preceding Cochlear Implant Failure
Authors: Roby Brianne Barnett , Ferrello Melissa , Huang Tina C. , Rimell Frank L. , Levine Samuel C. 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveReview cochlear explants and determine the incidence of device and medical failures and develop a pattern of symptoms indicating probable implant failure.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsSubjects were selected if they underwent cochlear explantation. Data were reviewed to determine initial symptom and symptom timeline preceding implant failure.ResultsA total of 847 implants were performed from 1988 to 2008, with 128 devices explanted. Of total implants, 72% were Advanced Bionic devices, and 28% were Cochlear Nucleus devices. Overall failure rate was 128 of 847 (15%), with 51 (6%) medical failures and 77 (9%) device failures. Patients with Advanced Bionic devices underwent 102 explants (16.7% failure rate), with 35% medical failures and 65% device failures. Patients with Nucleus devices underwent 26 explants (11% failure rate), with 58% medical failures and 42% device failures. Medical failures included infected devices and wound dehiscence, with the pattern averaging 4.5 months to explantation. Hard device failures included sudden malfunction and slow decline in function, with pattern of failure over 4.2 months. Soft failures included tinnitus and discomfort, with failure over 8 months.ConclusionsThere were common patterns when evaluating both medical and device failures. By recognizing patterns of symptoms that may indicate probable implant failure, otolaryngologists can better counsel patients on what to expect with their implants when they present with certain symptoms.
Anteriorly Based Inferior Turbinate Flap for Endoscopic Skull Base Reconstruction
Authors: Gil Ziv , Margalit Nevo 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveIn the absence of the nasal septal flap, there is limited ability to reconstruct the anterior skull base because of the paucity of alternative intranasal vascularized flaps. In this article, the authors describe the anteriorly pedicled inferior turbinate flap (AITF) as a method for endoscopic reconstruction of anterior skull base defects.Study DesignA case series with chart review of the demographic, clinical, surgical, and early follow‐up data of patients who underwent endoscopic reconstruction of skull base defects by the AITF.SettingAn academic cancer center.MethodsThe nature of the arterial blood supply of the inferior turbinate from the anterior ethmoidal artery was exploited to design an anteriorly pedicled flap. Flap survival, adequacy of the seal, and rate of complications were assessed.ResultsSeven patients were suitable to undergo anterior skull base reconstruction using the AITF with or without combinations with other flaps. Each had a high‐flow intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. The reconstruction achieved covering of the anterior skull base, including the frontal sinus and cribriform plate, with no postoperative CSF leaks or any other complications.ConclusionThe AITF is well tolerated and is associated with good outcomes. Its length and angle of rotation allow reconstruction of skull base defects in the posterior frontal sinus wall and cribriform plate, especially when traditional reconstruction techniques are not possible.
Establishing a Threshold for Surgery in Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Leung Randy , Kern Robert C. , Conley David B. , Tan Bruce K. , Chandra Rakesh K. 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTreatment of recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) has 2 effective modalities: medical therapy with exacerbations or surgery to reduce the frequency and severity of infections. However, it is unclear when one therapy should be recommended over the other. This study seeks to identify a threshold number of infections where the morbidity of surgery is offset by the morbidity of RARS.Study DesignHealth economic breakeven threshold analysis.SettingClinical otolaryngology practice.SubjectsNone.MethodsA model of productivity was constructed to simulate the first 1 to 3 years after surgery using literature reported rates of medical and surgical response rates, quality of life, and productivity.ResultsBased on lost productivity, the lost time for the postoperative period balances out when patients suffer from 4 episodes per year (range, 1.8‐12.8).ConclusionBecause of possible confusion with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), the authors have adopted an approach similar to that adopted by the Rhinosinusitis Task Force (RTF). Given the average number of URTIs suffered by adults annually is 1.4 to 2.3, they suggest adding 2 to the threshold number of episodes similar to the RTF guideline for RARS. From a productivity perspective, surgical intervention may be a viable consideration if patients have suffered from 6 episodes per year. However, the effects of surgery are expected to last longer than the 19 months observed in the literature, implying that the breakeven threshold is likely lower than projected. Discussion with the patient must include a rational consideration of the burden of disease, overall patient quality of life, and risks of surgery.
HIV-1 matrix protein p17 binds to the IL-8 receptor CXCR1 and shows IL-8–like chemokine activity on monocytes through Rho/ROCK activation
Authors: Giagulli Cinzia , Magiera Anna K. , Bugatti Antonella , Caccuri Francesca , Marsico Stefania , Rusnati Marco , Vermi William , Fiorentini Simona , Caruso Arnaldo 
Published: January 2012

AbstractExogenous HIV-1 matrix protein p17 was found to deregulate biologic activities of many different immune cells that are directly or indirectly involved in AIDS pathogenesis after binding to unknown cellular receptor(s). In particular, p17 was found to induce a functional program in monocytes related to activation and inflammation. In the present study, we demonstrate that CXCR1 is the receptor molecule responsible for p17 chemokine–like activity on monocytes. After CXCR1 binding, p17 was capable of triggering rapid adhesion and chemotaxis of monocytes through a pathway that involved Rho/ROCK. Moreover, CXCR1-silenced primary monocytes lost responsiveness to p17 chemoattraction, whereas CXCR1-transfected Jurkat cells acquired responsiveness. Surface plasmon resonance studies confirmed the capacity of p17 to bind CXCR1 and showed that the p17/CXCR1 interaction occurred with a low affinity compared with that measured for IL-8, the physiologic CXCR1 ligand. In all of its activities, p17 mimicked IL-8, the natural high-affinity ligand of CXCR1. Recent studies have highlighted the role of IL-8 and CXCR1 in HIV-1 replication and AIDS pathogenesis. Our findings herein call for an exploration of the therapeutic potential of blocking the p17/IL-8/CXCR1 axis in HIV-1 infection.
Development and characterization of BAC-end sequence derived SSRs, and their incorporation into a new higher density genetic map for cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Wang Hui , Penmetsa R Varma , Yuan Mei , Gong Limin , Zhao Yongli , Guo Baozhu , Farmer Andrew D , Rosen Benjamin D , Gao Jinliang , Isobe Sachiko , Bertioli David J , Varshney Rajeev K , Cook Douglas R , He Guohao 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundCultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) is an important crop worldwide, valued for its edible oil and digestible protein. It has a very narrow genetic base that may well derive from a relatively recent single polyploidization event. Accordingly molecular markers have low levels of polymorphism and the number of polymorphic molecular markers available for cultivated peanut is still limiting.ResultsHere, we report a large set of BAC-end sequences (BES), use them for developing SSR (BES-SSR) markers, and apply them in genetic linkage mapping. The majority of BESs had no detectable homology to known genes (49.5%) followed by sequences with similarity to known genes (44.3%), and miscellaneous sequences (6.2%) such as transposable element, retroelement, and organelle sequences. A total of 1,424 SSRs were identified from 36,435 BESs. Among these identified SSRs, dinucleotide (47.4%) and trinucleotide (37.1%) SSRs were predominant. The new set of 1,152 SSRs as well as about 4,000 published or unpublished SSRs were screened against two parents of a mapping population, generating 385 polymorphic loci. A genetic linkage map was constructed, consisting of 318 loci onto 21 linkage groups and covering a total of 1,674.4 cM, with an average distance of 5.3 cM between adjacent loci. Two markers related to resistance gene homologs (RGH) were mapped to two different groups, thus anchoring 1 RGH-BAC contig and 1 singleton.ConclusionsThe SSRs mined from BESs will be of use in further molecular analysis of the peanut genome, providing a novel set of markers, genetically anchoring BAC clones, and incorporating gene sequences into a linkage map. This will aid in the identification of markers linked to genes of interest and map-based cloning.
Drug resistance mutations and heteroresistance detected using the GenoType MTBDRplusassay and their implication for treatment outcomes in patients from Mumbai, India
Authors: Tolani Monica Prem , D'souza Desiree Therese Blossom , Mistry Nerges Furdoon 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Only 5% of the estimated global multidrug resistant TB (MDRTB) load is currently detected. Endemic Mumbai with increasing MDR would benefit from the introduction of molecular methods to detect resistance.

Methods
The GenoType MTBDRplus assay was used to determine mutations associated with isoniazid and rifampicin resistance and their correlation with treatment outcomes. It was performed on a convenience sample comprising 88 onset and 67 fifth month isolates for which phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) was determined by the Buddemeyer technique for an earlier study. Simultaneous presence of wild type and mutant bands was referred to as "mixed patterns" (heteroresistance).

Results
Phenotypically 41 isolates were sensitive; 11 isoniazid, 2 rifampicin, 2 pyrazinamide and 5 ethambutol monoresistant; 16 polyresistant and 78 MDR. The agreement between both methods was excellent (kappa = 0.72-0.92). Of 22 rifampicin resistant onset isolates, the predominant rpoB mutations were the singular lack of WT8 (n = 8) and mixed D516V patterns (n = 9). Of the 64 rifampicin resistant fifth month isolates, the most frequent mutations were in WT8 (n = 31) with a further 9 showing the S531L mutation. Mixed patterns were seen in 22 (34%) isolates, most frequently for the D516V mutation (n = 21). Of the 22 onset and 35 fifth month katG mutants, 13 and 12 respectively showed the S315T1 mutation with loss of the WT. Mixed patterns involving both S315T1 and S315T2 were seen in 9 and 23 isolates respectively. Seventeen of 23 and 23/35 inhA mutant onset and fifth month isolates showed mixed A16G profiles. Additionally, 10 fifth month isolates lacked WT2. Five onset and 6 fifth month isolates had both katG and inhA mutations. An association was noted between only katG but not only inhA resistance and poor outcome (p = 0.037); and additional resistance to ethambutol (p = 0.0033). More fifth month than onset isolates had mixed profiles for at least 1 gene (p = 0.000001).

Conclusions
The use of the assay to rapidly diagnose MDR could guide simultaneous first- and second-line DST, and reduce the delay in administering appropriate regimens. Furthermore, detection of heteroresistance could prevent inaccurate "cured" treatment outcomes documented through smear microscopy and permit more sensitive detection of neonascent resistance.
Intravenous Vitamin C administration reduces fatigue in office workers: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suh Sang-Yeon , Bae Woo Kyung , Ahn Hong-Yup , Choi Sung-Eun , Jung Gyou-Chul , Yeom Chang Hwan 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Studies of the efficacy of vitamin C treatment for fatigue have yielded inconsistent results. One of the reasons for this inconsistency could be the difference in delivery routes. Therefore, we planned a clinical trial with intravenous vitamin C administration.

Methods
We evaluated the effect of intravenous vitamin C on fatigue in office workers. A group of 141 healthy volunteers, aged 20 to 49 years participated in this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. The trial group received 10 grams of vitamin C with normal saline intravenously, while the placebo group received normal saline only. Since vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant, oxidative stress was measured. Fatigue score, oxidative stress, and plasma vitamin C levels were measured before intervention, and again two hours and one day after intervention. Adverse events were monitored.

Results
The fatigue scores measured at two hours after intervention and one day after intervention were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.004); fatigue scores decreased in the vitamin C group after two hours and remained lower for one day. Trial also led to higher plasma vitamin C levels and lower oxidative stress compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). When data analysis was refined by dividing each group into high-baseline and low-baseline subgroups, it was observed that fatigue was reduced in the lower baseline vitamin C level group after two hours and after one day (p = 0.004). The same did not hold for the higher baseline group (p = 0.206).

Conclusion
Thus, intravenous vitamin C reduced fatigue at two hours, and the effect persisted for one day. There were no significant differences in adverse events between two groups. High dose intravenous vitamin C proved to be safe and effective against fatigue in this study.

Trial Registration
The clinical trial registration of this trial is http://ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT00633581.
Advancing primary care to promote equitable health: implications for China
Authors: Hung Li-Mei , Rane Sarika , Tsai Jenna , Shi Leiyu 
Published: January 2012

AbstractChina is a country with vast regional differences and uneven economic development, which have led to widening gaps between the rich and poor in terms of access to healthcare, quality of care, and health outcomes. China's healthcare reform efforts must be tailored to the needs and resources of each region and community. Building and strengthening primary care within the Chinese health care system is one way to effectively address health challenges. This paper begins by outlining the concept of primary care, including key definitions and measurements. Next, results from a number of studies will demonstrate that primary care characteristics are associated with savings in medical costs, improvements in health outcomes and reductions in health disparities. This paper concludes with recommendations for China on successfully incorporating a primary care model into its national health policy, including bolstering the primary care workforce, addressing medical financing structures, recognizing the importance of evidence-based medicine, and looking to case studies from countries that have successfully implemented health reform.
Synthesis of lipophilic tyrosyl esters derivatives and assessment of their antimicrobial and antileishmania activities
Authors: Aissa Imen , Sghair Rabiaa Manel , Bouaziz Mohamed , Laouini Dhafer , Sayadi Sami , Gargouri Youssef 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Preparation of tyrosyl lipophilic derivatives was carried out as a response to the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries' increasing demand for new lipophilic antioxidants.

Results
A large series of tyrosyl esters (TyC

2
to TyC

18:1
) with increasing lipophilicity was synthesized in a good yield using lipase from Candida antarctica (Novozyme 435). Spectroscopic analyses of purified esters showed that the tyrosol was esterified on the primary hydroxyl group. Synthetized compounds were evaluated for either their antimicrobial activity, by both diffusion well and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) methods, or their antileishmanial activity against Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum parasite species.
Among all the tested compounds, our results showed that only TyC

8
, TyC

10
and TyC

12
exhibited antibacterial and antileishmanial activities. When MIC and IC50 values were plotted against the acyl chain length of each tyrosyl derivative, TyC

10
showed a parabolic shape with a minimum value. This nonlinear dependency with the increase of the chain length indicates that biological activities are probably associated to the surfactant effectiveness of lipophilic derivatives.

Conclusion
These results open up potential applications to use medium tyrosyl derivatives surfactants, antioxidants, antimicrobial and antileishmanial compounds in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries.
Effects of long-term exposure of gelatinated and non-gelatinated cadmium telluride quantum dots on differentiated PC12 cells
Authors: Prasad Babu R , Mullins Gillian , Nikolskaya Natalia , Connolly David , Smith Terry J , Gérard Valérie A , Byrne Stephen J , Davies Gemma-Louise , Gun'ko Yurii K , Rochev Yury 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
The inherent toxicity of unmodified Quantum Dots (QDs) is a major hindrance to their use in biological applications. To make them more potent as neuroprosthetic and neurotherapeutic agents, thioglycolic acid (TGA) capped CdTe QDs, were coated with a gelatine layer and investigated in this study with differentiated pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells. The QD - cell interactions were investigated after incubation periods of up to 17 days by MTT and APOTOX-Glo Triplex assays along with using confocal microscopy.

Results
Long term exposure (up to 17 days) to gelatinated TGA-capped CdTe QDs of PC12 cells in the course of differentiation and after neurites were grown resulted in dramatically reduced cytotoxicity compared to non-gelatinated TGA-capped CdTe QDs.

Conclusion
The toxicity mechanism of QDs was identified as caspase-mediated apoptosis as a result of cadmium leaking from the core of QDs. It was therefore concluded that the gelatine capping on the surface of QDs acts as a barrier towards the leaking of toxic ions from the core QDs in the long term (up to 17 days).
Synthesis and magnetic properties of Zr doped ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Jing , Gao Daqiang , Yang Guijin , Zhang Jinlin , Shi Zhenhua , Zhang Zhaohui , Zhu Zhonghua , Xue Desheng 
Published: January 2012

AbstractZr doped ZnO nanoparticles are prepared by the sol-gel method with post-annealing. X-ray diffraction results show that all samples are the typical hexagonal wurtzite structure without any other new phase, as well as the Zr atoms have successfully entered into the ZnO lattices instead of forming other lattices. Magnetic measurements indicate that all the doping samples show room temperature ferromagnetism and the pure ZnO is paramagneism. The results of Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that there are a lot of oxygen vacancies in the samples by doping element of Zr. It is considered that the observed ferromagnetism is related to the doping induced oxygen vacancies.
Protection of primary users in dynamically varying radio environment: practical solutions and challenges
Authors: Kryszkiewicz Pawel , Bogucka Hanna , Wyglinski Alexander M 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
One of the primary objectives of deploying cognitive radio (CR) within a dynamic spectrum access (DSA) network is to ensure that the legacy rights of incumbent licensed (primary) transmissions are protected with respect to interference mitigation when unlicensed (secondary) communications are simultaneously operating within the same spectral vicinity. In this article, we present non-contiguous orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (NC-OFDM) as a promising and practical approach for achieving spectrally agile wireless data transmission that is suitable for secondary users (SUs) to access fragmented spectral opportunities more efficiently. Furthermore, a review of the current state-of-the-art is conducted with respect to methods specifically designed to protect the transmissions of the primary users (PUs) from possible interference caused by nearby SU transceivers employing NC-OFDM. These methods focus on the suppression of out-of-band (OOB) emissions resulting from the use of NC-OFDM transmission. To achieve the required OOB suppression, we present two practical approaches that can be employed in NC-OFDM, namely, the insertion of cancellation carriers and windowing. In addition to the theoretical development and proposed improvements of these approaches the computer simulation results of their performance are presented. Several real-world scenarios regarding the coexistence of both PU and SU signals are also studied using actual wireless experiments based on software-defined radio. These simulation and experimental results indicate that OOB suppression can be achieved under real-world conditions, making NC-OFDM transmission a viable option for CR usage in DSA networks.
Activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin induces functional Kinin B1 receptor in rat spinal cord microglia
Authors: Talbot Sébastien , Dias Jenny Pena , Lahjouji Karim , Bogo Maurício Reis , Campos Maria Martha , Gaudreau Pierrette , Couture Réjean 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
The kinin B1 receptor (B1R) is upregulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxydative stress, which are enhanced by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) activation. To examine the link between TRPV1 and B1R in inflammatory pain, this study aimed to determine the ability of TRPV1 to regulate microglial B1R expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn, and the underlying mechanism.

Methods
B1R expression (mRNA, protein and binding sites) was measured in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord in response to TRPV1 activation by systemic capsaicin (1-50 mg/kg, s.c) in rats pre-treated with TRPV1 antagonists (capsazepine or SB-366791), the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), or vehicle. B1R function was assessed using a tail-flick test after intrathecal (i.t.) injection of a selective B1R agonist (des-Arg9-BK), and its microglial localization was investigated by confocal microscopy with the selective fluorescent B1R agonist, [Nα-bodipy]-des-Arg9-BK. The effect of i.t. capsaicin (1 μg/site) was also investigated.

Results
Capsaicin (10 to 50 mg/kg, s.c.) enhanced time-dependently (0-24h) B1R mRNA levels in the lumbar spinal cord; this effect was prevented by capsazepine (10 mg/kg, i.p.; 10 μg/site, i.t.) and SB-366791 (1 mg/kg, i.p.; 30 μg/site, i.t.). Increases of B1R mRNA were correlated with IL-1β mRNA levels, and they were significantly less in cervical and thoracic spinal cord. Intrathecal capsaicin (1 μg/site) also enhanced B1R mRNA in lumbar spinal cord. NAC (1 g/kg/d × 7 days) prevented B1R up-regulation, superoxide anion production and NF-kB activation induced by capsaicin (15 mg/kg). Des-Arg9-BK (9.6 nmol/site, i.t.) decreased by 25-30% the nociceptive threshold at 1 min post-injection in capsaicin-treated rats (10-50 mg/kg) while it was without effect in control rats. Des-Arg9-BK-induced thermal hyperalgesia was blocked by capsazepine, SB-366791 and by antagonists/inhibitors of B1R (SSR240612, 10 mg/kg, p.o.), glutamate NMDA receptor (DL-AP5, 10 μg/site, i.t.), substance P NK-1 receptor (RP-67580, 10 μg/site, i.t.) and nitric oxide synthase (L-NNA, 10 μg/site, i.t.). The B1R fluorescent agonist was co-localized with an immunomarker of microglia (Iba-1) in spinal cord dorsal horn of capsaicin-treated rats.

Conclusion
This study highlights a new mechanism for B1R induction via TRPV1 activation and establishes a link between these two pro-nociceptive receptors in inflammatory pain.