bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of cooking on the antibacterial activity of the dialdehyde starch suspensions
Authors: Song Le , Sang Yijun , Cai Liming , Shi Yong‐Cheng , Farrah Samuel R. , Baney Ronald H. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractDialdehyde starch (DAS) has been found to show a significant antibacterial activity after cooking. A study of the antibacterial efficiency of the DAS suspensions was performed on a Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli and a Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. After heating at 90–95°C in deionized water for 2 h, the as‐prepared DAS aqueous suspension (DAS‐AS) demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against the test bacteria, whereas the DAS granular suspension showed very limited antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity of the DAS suspension is mainly attributed to the reactivity of its dialdehyde functional groups, which is related to the dispersion and the pH values of the test media. The physicochemical changes of DAS‐AS were determined by particle size, dispersibility, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–Vis measurements. Upon heating, the dispersibility of DAS in deionized water significantly increased. Meanwhile, the granules of DAS were disintegrated with significantly decreasing the DAS particle size. The soluble parts of DAS‐AS and the as‐received DAS (DAS‐R) had similar molecular weight distribution as determined by GPC analysis. DAS‐AS had more soluble materials in GPC medium (DMSO) than DAS‐R, suggesting that DAS‐AS and DAS‐R were different. Chemical changes of DAS during cooking such as the formation of the conjugated aldehyde and carboxylic acid functions were observed by the FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis.
Elective Open versus Laparoscopic Sigmoid Colectomy for Diverticular Disease: A Meta‐Analysis with the Sigma Trial
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammed R. S. , Sajid Muhammed S. , Khatri Kamran , Cheek Elizabeth , Baig Mirza K. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundA meta‐analysis of published literature comparing open versus laparoscopic elective sigmoid resections for diverticular disease was conducted.MethodsElectronic databases were searched for data from January 1991 to March 2009. A systematic review was performed to obtain a summative outcome.ResultsTwenty‐two comparative studies involving 10,898 patients were analyzed; 1538 patients were in the laparoscopic group and 9360 were in the open group. The operative time for laparoscopic sigmoid resection (LSR) is longer than open resections (OSR) [random‐effects model: SMD = 1.94, 95% CI = (1.14, 2.74), z = 4.74, p < 0.001]. However, patients who undergo LSR have earlier return to passage of feces [random‐effects model: SMD = −1.01, 95% CI (−1.80, −0.22), z = −2.50, p = 0.013] and shorter hospital stay [random‐effects model: SMD = −7.65, 95% CI (−10.96, −4.32), z = −4.52, p < 0.001]. Overall morbidity was higher in the OSR group [random‐effects model: RR = 0.56, 95% CI (0.40, 0.80), z = −3.24, p < 0.001] and no difference in mortality rates was observed (p = 0.81).ConclusionsLaparoscopic sigmoid resection takes longer to perform than open procedures; however, it is safe and has lower overall morbidity, earlier return of bowel function, and shorter hospital stays. This approach should be considered for elective cases but more randomized controlled trials are required to strengthen the evidence.
Investigation of Nucleation Mechanism and Tapering Observed in ZnO Nanowire Growth by Carbothermal Reduction Technique
Authors: Kar Ayan , Low Ke-Bin , Oye Michael , Stroscio Michael A , Dutta Mitra , Nicholls Alan , Meyyappan M 
Published: August 2010

AbstractZnO nanowire nucleation mechanism and initial stages of nanowire growth using the carbothermal reduction technique are studied confirming the involvement of the catalyst at the tip in the growth process. Role of the Au catalyst is further confirmed when the tapering observed in the nanowires can be explained by the change in the shape of the catalyst causing a variation of the contact area at the liquid–solid interface of the nanowires. The rate of decrease in nanowire diameter with length on the average is found to be 0.36 nm/s and this rate is larger near the base. Variation in the ZnO nanowire diameter with length is further explained on the basis of the rate at which Zn atoms are supplied as well as the droplet stability at the high flow rates and temperature. Further, saw-tooth faceting is noticed in tapered nanowires, and the formation is analyzed crystallographically.
γ‐Tocotrienol Reduces Squalene Hydroperoxide‐Induced Inflammatory Responses in HaCaT Keratinocytes
Authors: Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Shibata Akira , Maruko Toru , Sookwong Phumon , Tsuduki Tsuyoshi , Kawakami Kayoko , Nishida Hiroshi , Miyazawa Teruo 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSqualene hydroperoxide (SQ‐OOH), the primary peroxidation product of squalene (SQ), accumulates at the surface of sunlight‐exposed human skin. There are however only a few studies on the pathogenic actions (i.e., inflammatory stimuli) of SQ‐OOH. Here, we evaluated whether SQ‐OOH induced inflammatory responses in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT). We found that SQ‐OOH caused an increase in the expression of inflammatory genes such as the interleukins as well as cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). In concordance with the upregulation of COX‐2 mRNA, SQ‐OOH enhanced reactive oxygen species generation, nuclear factor kappa B activation, COX‐2 protein expression, and prostaglandin E2 production. Therefore, the pro‐inflammatory effects of SQ‐OOH may be mediated in part via COX‐2. On the other hand, γ‐tocotrienol (γ‐T3, an unsaturated form of vitamin E) was found to ameliorate the SQ‐OOH actions. These results suggest that SQ‐OOH induces inflammatory responses in HaCaT, implying that SQ‐OOH plays an important role in inflammatory skin disorders. As a preventive strategy, inflammation could be reduced via the use of γ‐T3.
When there’s smoke there’s.….CCN2
Authors: Leask Andrew 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSmoking causes oral fibrosis. In a recent report, Takeuchi and colleagues (J Dent Res 89:34–9, 2010) evaluate whether nicotine can directly elevate collagen production in gingival fibroblasts. They show that CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor, CTGF) is elevated in response to nicotine and that a neutralizing CCN2 antibody reduces the ability of nicotine to promote collagen production. These data suggest that nicotine from smoking may promote periodontal fibrosis via CCN2. This commentary summarizes these findings.
Improving the letter of recommendation
Authors: Prager Jeremy D. , Myer Charles M. , Pensak Myles L. 
Published: August 2010

The selection of applicants to otolaryngology training programs is a challenging task. Applicants and their evaluators rely on objective and subjective data to facilitate the selection process. Unfortunately, data are often less helpful than either side assumes, suffering from poor validity and reliability in predicting future performance. The traditional resume‐based letter of recommendation bears some responsibility in this. It is often a lengthy reiteration of already available objective data and contains nonstandardized, superlative evaluations of personal attributes. As a result, many letters are similar, describing “excellent” candidates who have done well on previous examinations and clerkships. Research has indicated improved reliability and satisfaction as well as decreased time expenditure using standardized letters of recommendation. These letters demonstrate how basic, easy‐to‐implement improvements can create letters that provide accurate information, separate applicants, and improve the selection process. Consideration should be given to adopting these improvements at the program director and/or educational committee level.© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Utilizing computed tomography as a road map for designing selective and superselective neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Goguen Laura A. , Chapuy Claudia I. , Sher David J. , Israel David A. , Blinder Russell A. , Norris Charles M. , Tishler Roy B. , Haddad Robert I. , Annino Donald J. 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVETo determine whether computed tomography can distinguish low risk neck levels that can be omitted when neck dissection is undertaken after chemoradiotherapy.STUDY DESIGNCase series with chart review.SETTINGTertiary care center.SUBJECTS AND METHODSHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy between January 1998 and June 2008. We compared computed tomography findings after chemoradiotherapy with neck dissection pathology results; used primary location and computed tomography findings to design selective or superselective neck dissection; and determined whether these surgeries would have contained all metastatic disease.RESULTSA total of 104 patients were identified, providing 110 heminecks, 531 neck levels, and 3009 lymph nodes for analysis. Neck dissections were positive in 20 (19%) of 104 patients, corresponding to 20 hemineck dissections, 31 neck levels, and 53 lymph nodes. The negative predictive value for computed tomography was 95 percent. The negative predictive value for computed tomography per neck level was as follows: I, 100 percent; II, 96 percent; III, 96 percent; IV, 97 percent; and V, 96 percent. A selective neck dissection or a superselective neck dissection, guided by level specific computed tomography findings and limited to necks with post treatment partial response in one level, would have captured all disease in 52 (95%) of 55 and 51 (93%) of 55 heminecks.CONCLUSIONNegative computed tomography accurately predicts pathologic complete response at neck dissection. Neck dissection can be avoided in these patients. Additionally, computed tomography reliably identifies low risk neck levels that do not require dissection, permitting selective neck dissection or superselective neck dissection in partial response patients with limited residual disease.© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Esophageal pathology in patients after treatment for head and neck cancer
Authors: Farwell D. Gregory , Rees Catherine J. , Mouadeb Debbie A. , Allen Jacqueline , Chen Allen M. , Enepekides Danny J. , Belafsky Peter C. 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVETo determine the prevalence of esophageal pathology following treatment for primary head and neck cancer (HNCA).STUDY DESIGNCase series with planned data collection.SETTINGAcademic medical practice.SUBJECTS AND METHODSSubjects comprised HNCA survivors. Esophagoscopy was prospectively performed on 100 patients at least three months after treatment for HNCA. Patient demographics including cancer stage, cancer treatment, use of reflux medications, symptoms surveys, and esophageal findings were prospectively determined.RESULTSThe mean age of the cohort was 64 (± 10) years; 75 percent were male. The mean time between the end of treatment and endoscopy was 40 (± 51) months. Eighty‐one percent of HNCA was advanced stage (3 or 4). The distribution of site of the primary HNCA was as follows: oropharynx (38%), larynx (33%), oral cavity (17%), unknown primary (10%), hypopharynx (1%), and nasopharynx (1%). Treatment modalities included surgery alone (15%), surgery with radiation (34%), radiation alone (6%), chemoradiation alone (24%), and chemoradiation with surgery (20%). The findings on esophagoscopy included peptic esophagitis (63%), stricture (23%), candidiasis (9%), Barrett metaplasia (8%), gastritis (4%), and carcinoma (4%). Only 13 percent had a normal esophagoscopy.CONCLUSIONEsophageal pathology is extremely common in patients treated for HNCA. These findings support routine esophageal screening after HNCA treatment.© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Hesperidin stimulates cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator‐mediated chloride secretion and ciliary beat frequency in sinonasal epithelium
Authors: Azbell Christopher , Zhang Shaoyan , Skinner Daniel , Fortenberry James , Sorscher Eric J. , Woodworth Bradford A. 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVEPharmacologic agents designed to promote mucociliary clearance (MCC) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) represent a novel therapeutic strategy. The objectives of the present study were to investigate whether the natural bioflavonoid hesperidin 1) increases transepithelial chloride (Cl−) secretion in vitro and in vivo, 2) enhances ciliary beat frequency (CBF), and 3) exerts its mechanistic effects through cAMP/PKA‐dependent pathways.STUDY DESIGNIn vitro and in vivo study.SETTINGLaboratory.SUBJECTS AND METHODSTransepithelial Cl−transport (Ussing chamber) and CBF were investigated in primary murine nasal septal (MNSE) and human sinonasal epithelial (HSNE) cultures. In vivo activity was measured using the murine nasal potential difference (NPD) assay, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) R‐domain phosphorylation, and cAMP levels were investigated to rule out a cAMP/PKA‐dependent mechanism of activation.RESULTSHesperidin significantly increased CFTR‐mediated Cl−transport (change in short‐circuit current, ΔISC) in both MNSE (13.51 ± 0.77 vs 4.4 ± 0.66 [control];P< 0.05) and HSNE (12.28 ± 1.08 vs 0.69 ± 0.32 [control];P± 0.05). Cl−transport across in vivo murine nasal epithelium was also significantly enhanced with hesperidin (−2.3 ± 1.0 vs −0.8 ± 0.8 mV [control],P± 0.05). There was no increase in cellular cAMP or phosphorylation of the CFTR R‐domain. Hesperidin significantly increased CBF (ratio of pretreatment to post‐treatment) with both basal (1.31 ± 0.07 vs 0.93 ± 0.06 [control];P± 0.05), apical (1.72 ± 0.09 vs 1.40 ± 0.07 [control];P< 0.05), and basal + apical delivery (2.26 ± 0.18 vs 1.60 ± 0.21, respectively;P< 0.05).CONCLUSIONOur in vitro and in vivo investigations provide strong support for future testing of this robust Cl−secretagogue and CBF activator in human clinical trials for CRS.© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Clinical, histopathologic, and radiographic indicators of malignancy in head and neck paragangliomas
Authors: Chapman D. Brandon , Lippert Dylan , Geer Carol P. , Edwards Henry D. , Russell Gregory B. , Rees Catherine J. , Browne J. Dale 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVEThe goal of this study is to review our series of head and neck paragangliomas to identify factors that may help in predicting malignancy.STUDY DESIGNCase series with chart review.SETTINGAcademic medical center.SUBJECTS AND METHODSSubjects with head and neck paragangliomas at our institution from 1976 to current were reviewed. In addition to statistical comparisons of epidemiologic factors, pathologic and radiographic characteristics were reviewed.RESULTSOf the 84 subjects, there were seven malignant paragangliomas (8%). Age was found to be significantly different between the benign and malignant subgroups, with an average age of 54 ± 16 and 40 ± 12 years, respectively (P = 0.02). Pain was a presenting complaint in five patients with benign disease (6%), and five of the seven malignant patients (71%) presented with pain, showing a significant association between pain and disease type (P <0.0001). The odds ratio for a patient with pain having a malignant tumor was 36 (95% CI: 5.5–234). Enlarging neck mass was noted in all cases of malignant disease, but only in 31 percent of cases of benign disease (P < 0.0001). In a secondary analysis of carotid body tumors alone, enlarging neck mass was not found to be significant between benign and malignant disease (P = 0.14). However, pain continued to be significantly different, with 67 percent of malignant lesions demonstrating pain, compared with only 11 percent of benign lesions (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that pain, a rapidly enlarging neck mass, and younger age are predictive factors of underlying malignancy, which should prompt one to consider an aggressive diagnostic and management approach.
Sinogenic orbital and subperiosteal abscesses: Microbiology and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus incidence
Authors: Liao Selena , Durand Marlene L. , Cunningham Michael J. 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVETo assess the current bacteriology and the incidence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in orbital and subperiosteal abscesses of paranasal sinus disease origin.STUDY DESIGNCase series with chart review.SETTINGAn otolaryngology and ophthalmology specialty hospital.SUBJECTS AND METHODSFifty‐three patients were treated between 1994 and 2008 for orbital or subperiosteal abscess and paranasal sinusitis, confirmed by imaging and surgical intervention; 46 had operative culture specimens and comprise the study cohort.RESULTSThe mean patient age was 28 years; one third were younger than 18. Nearly twice as many patients had subperiosteal (n = 30) as had orbital abscesses (n = 16). In 12 patients (26%), cultures were negative or grew only skin flora contaminants (coagulase‐negative staphylococci, diphtheroids, and Propionibacterium acnes). Fifteen patients (33%) grew more than one pathogen. Streptococci were isolated in 17 of the 46 cases (37%), S. aureus in 13 (28.3%), gram‐negative bacilli in eight (17.4%), and anaerobes in nine (19.6%). Methicillin‐resistant S. aureus accounted for three (23.1%) of the S. aureus isolates and 6.5 percent of the total cases.CONCLUSIONAbscess cultures grew a mixture of bacteria, including gram‐positive cocci, gram‐negative bacilli, and anaerobes. Although streptococci were the most common genus of bacteria isolated, S. aureus was the single most common pathogen recovered and one fourth of these cases were methicillin‐resistant S. aureus. Given the significant morbidity that may result from inadequate treatment, an antibiotic active against methicillin‐resistant S. aureus should be included in the initial broad‐spectrum antimicrobial treatment regimen of orbital and subperiosteal abscesses of sinusitis origin until culture results are available.© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo secondary to inner ear disease
Authors: Lee No‐Hee , Ban Jae‐Ho , Lee Kyung‐Chul , Kim Su Mi 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVESTo contrast clinical characteristics of secondary benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (s‐BPPV) with idiopathic BPPV (i‐BPPV).STUDY DESIGNCase series with chart review.SETTINGUniversity hospital.SUBJECTS AND METHODSA total of 718 patients whose medical records were reviewed had BPPV. Sixty‐nine patients had existing inner ear diseases and thus were considered to have s‐BPPV. We reviewed demographics, concurrent causative disorders, involved area, and response to particle repositioning maneuvers for these s‐BPPV patients in comparison with i‐BPPV subjects.RESULTSFemale subjects with i‐BPPV outnumbered male subjects by a ratio of 1.9:1, but there was no significant sex difference for s‐BPPV patients. The diseases associated with s‐BPPV were idiopathic sudden sensory hearing loss (ISSHL, 50.7%), Ménière's disease (MD, 28.9%) and unilateral vestibulopathy such as acute vestibular neuronitis and herpes zoster oticus (20.2%). The posterior canal was most commonly involved in both i‐BPPV and s‐BPPV. The horizontal canal was the second most common, followed by multi‐canal involvement. However, MDassociated BPPV most commonly involved the lateral canal. The mean durations of treatment for i‐BPPV and s‐BPPV were 2.28 and 4.87 days, respectively. The mean duration of treatment was 6.28 days for ISSHL with BPPV, 5.07 days for BPPV with unilateral vestibulopathy, and 2.28 days for BPPV with MD.CONCLUSIONThe mean duration of treatment for BPPV with ISSHL or unilateral vestibulopathy was longer than for other groups. The different pathophysiologies of s‐BPPV associated with different inner ear diseases may explain its diverse clinical features and courses.© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Powers – mengist – and peasants in rural Ethiopia: the post-2005 interlude
Authors: Lefort René 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTMost of the reports about the reaction of the Ethiopian regime to the blow that it suffered in the 2005 elections focus on its institutional evolution, and conclude that it took a turn towards even stronger authoritarianism. Observations made in a rural community in south-east Amhara State reveal that it reacted first, until the end of 2009, by a whole range of the deepest reforms since its takeover in 1991. These combined a stronger grip of the ruling party in all areas with a ‘liberalisation’ of the rural development strategy and first steps towards local ‘good governance’. They were embodied in the rise of the traditional rural elite which had been ostracised for years, as if the regime was trying to build its new constituency on it. But at the end of 2009 the local authorities suddenly returned to the all-encompassing authoritarian attitude characteristic of the pre-2005 period. This ‘liberalisation’ could thus be seen as merely a tactical interlude, conceded by a ruling party still driven by its Leninist legacy and the Abyssinian ‘culture of power’.
Struggles with activism: NGO engagements with land tenure reform in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Fortin Elizabeth 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTIn 2004, a long-awaited piece of post-apartheid legislation, the Communal Land Rights Act – to reform the land tenure of those living in the former ‘homelands’ of South Africa – was passed into law unanimously by parliament. This unanimity, however, conceals the extent to which the process towards this moment was deeply contested. Exploring the efforts by land sector NGOs to secure legitimacy in their engagements with this process reveals the extent to which wider power relations and contestations have determined their positioning. Those within the non-governmental land sector who opposed the legislation pitted themselves against African National Congress politicians and high-profile traditional leaders. However, the adoption of a Mamdani-inspired discourse to contest such politics and oppose the proposed legislation contributed to reinscribing narrow readings of knowledge considered to be legitimate. Their engagements were also shaped by changes in the NGO sector. Reduced funding for land sector NGOs and an increasingly ambivalent relationship between them and government contributed to contestations between NGOs and among people working within them. Their strategic engagements in such wider and internal politics influenced both the frames within which such policy change could be debated and the ways in which individuals working for NGOs consequently positioned themselves in relation to their constituents.
Globalization and educational inequality during the 18thto 20thcenturies: Latin America in global comparison
Authors: Baten Joerg , Mumme Christina 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis paper explores the inequality of numeracy and education by studying school years and numeracy of the rich and poor, as well as of tall and short individuals. To estimate numeracy, the age-heaping method is used for the 18thto early 20thcenturies. Testing the hypothesis that globalization might have increased the inequality of education, we find evidence that 19thcentury globalization actually increased inequality in Latin America, but 20thcentury globalization had positive effects by reducing educational inequality in a broader sample of developing countries. Moreover, we find strong evidence for Kuznets’s inverted U hypothesis, that is, rising educational inequality with GDP per capita in the period until 1913 and the opposite after 1945.