bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance assessment of smallholder irrigation in the central rift valley of ethiopia
Authors: Van Halsema G.E. , Keddi Lencha Beshir , Assefa Mengistu , Hengsdijk H. , Wesseler J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe recent increase in smallholder irrigation schemes in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia has been associated with the overexploitation of water resources while the economic viability of these schemes has been questioned. This paper assesses water use efficiencies of the Haleku Irrigation Scheme and quantifies improvement scenarios. The viability of these scenarios is discussed taking into account the socio‐economic performance of the Haleku Irrigation Scheme and the nearby Dodicha Irrigation Scheme – that feature similar settings but contrasting socio‐economic performance.The irrigation efficiency of Haleku is 35% but conveyance losses and application efficiencies vary widely across the scheme. Scenario results indicate scope for improvement and reduced water abstraction. Yields and economic returns of irrigated crops were higher in Haleku than in Dodicha but yields are still lower than attainable yields. Any strategy to increase irrigation efficiency will have to include a programme to improve crop productivity and economic returns.Considering the over‐abstraction of water resources the poor irrigation performance of Haleku and the disappointing socio‐economic performance of both Haleku and Dodicha suggest that policy should focus on improving existing schemes in the Central Rift Valley instead of further developing new ones. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Interaction of glycyrol with calcineurin A studied by spectroscopic methods and docking
Authors: Peng Liqin , Qi Yao , Wu Hezhen , Wei Qun 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe have shown previously that glycyrol has an inhibitory effect on the immune response in mice by reducing calcineurin activity (Li et al., 2010, Pharm Biol 48:1177–1184). Here, we investigated the interaction of glycyrol with calcineurin A (CNA, catalytic A subunit of calcineurin) by spectroscopic methods and docking. We showed that glycyrol binds to CNA via hydrophobic interactions in a ratio of 1:1, and the main binding site is in the catalytic domain of CNA close to the calcineurin B subunit‐binding domain. Binding of glycyrol changes the secondary structure of CNA, and this effect may possibly inhibit CN activity. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(1): 14–20, 2011
High‐resolution X‐ray fluorescence core scanning analysis of Les Echets (France) sedimentary sequence: new insights from chemical proxies
Authors: Kylander Malin E. , Ampel Linda , Wohlfarth Barbara , Veres Daniel 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe Les Echets sediment sequence has recently been the subject of a high‐resolution, multi‐proxy study which revealed shifts in lake productivity linked to Greenland stadials and interstadials over the last 40 ka (Wohlfarth et al., 2008. Rapid ecosystem response to abrupt climate changes during the last glacial period in western Europe, 40–16 ka. Geology 36: 407–410). Here we present new elemental data for this sequence as acquired using an X‐ray fluorescence core scanning system which provides in situ high‐resolution, continuous, multi‐element analyses. It was found that the strength of associations between the studied elements (Ti, Rb, K, Zr, Si, Ca, Sr, Mn and Fe) varied over time with changes in lake status which are ultimately driven by changes in climate. Increases in fine‐grained, detrital input (as indicated by Ti, Rb, K and Zr/Rb) overlap with independently established periods of lower lake productivity and are interpreted to represent more arid conditions. Several of these arid periods are coincident with low diatom concentrations and the timing of Heinrich events H4, H3 and H2. The duration of the environmental impacts linked to the H events varied by proxy with elemental data (Ti and Zr/Rb) estimating shorter events than the diatom data. Periods of lower detrital input and coarser grain sizes agreed in time with periods of higher lake productivity. The elemental data provide new insights into hydrological changes and related sediment processes within the catchment, and highlight the need for multi‐element and multi‐proxy approaches when reconstructing climate change using lacustrine sediment sequences. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postcricoid vascular lesions
Authors: Roehm Corrie E. , Chelius Daniel C. , Larrier Deidre , Hicks M. John , Albright James T. , Valdez Tulio A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Postcricoid vascular lesions are a rare cause of dysphagia and stridor in the pediatric population. Currently, there is no clear consensus on what type of vascular lesions are common in the postcricoid area because adequate histological or immunohistochemistry studies are lacking. This study aimed to describe the histology and immunohistochemistry of postcricoid masses in our institutions' experience, and consolidate available data on the symptoms, management, and histology of these unusual malformations with a comprehensive literature review.Study Design:Retrospective patient and literature review.Methods:A retrospective review of patients with postcricoid vascular lesions was performed at two pediatric tertiary care institutions. Histology and immunohistochemistry studies were performed in patients undergoing a lesion biopsy. A complete literature review of the English language was completed for cases involving vascular lesions of the postcricoid area.Results:Four patients were identified in our study with postcricoid vascular lesions. All patients presented with symptoms of dysphagia and intermittent stridor. Histology and immunohistochemistry studies were performed in three patients. GLUT‐1 was negative in all three patients, and CD34 was positive in all patients tested. Lewis Y antigen was performed in one patient and was negative. A description of 19 cases reported in the English literature is included.Conclusions:Patients with postcricoid vascular lesions usually present with mild to moderate feeding difficulties, and stridor or dyspnea with agitation. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry results suggest that postcricoid vascular lesions may often represent congenital vascular malformations instead of infantile hemangiomas.
Long‐term results of calcium hydroxylapatite for vocal fold augmentation
Authors: Carroll Thomas L. , Rosen Clark A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Studies have shown excellent results for 12‐month post–injection augmentation data for calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) for glottal incompetence; however, the longevity of the material past one year was unknown. Our objective was to report the long‐term effectiveness of CaHA as a vocal fold injectable by assessing data from a cohort of patients who underwent injection for glottal insufficiency.Study Design:Retrospective chart review.Methods:Patients who underwent CaHA injection for glottal insufficiency of any etiology were considered for inclusion in the study. The change in Voice Handicap Index (VHI)‐10 scores between preinjection scores and best postinjection scores as well as between the preinjection and the most recent VHI‐10 scores were used as primary outcome measures to determine the persistence of benefit or the time to loss of benefit. Complications among the cohort were identified.Results:Ninety patients who underwent 108 vocal fold injections with CaHA were evaluated for inclusion. Twenty patients with 22 injections met the criteria for inclusion. Fourteen of 22 (64%) subjects showed loss of benefit of the CaHA material. The average length of benefit was 18.6 months, with a range of 8 to 36 months. Three complications were identified among the original cohort of 108 injections.Conclusions:CaHA remains a safe and effective long‐term vocal fold injectable with an average length of benefit of 18.6 months. Three complications were seen among 108 CaHA injections. CaHA is a long‐term injectable with an excellent track record that does not appear to warrant concern for permanent or late complications.
Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome
Authors: Campbell Adam P. , Adunka Oliver F. , Zhou Bingqing , Qaqish Bahjat F. , Buchman Craig A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To correlate imaging and audiologic findings in patients with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS).Study Design:Retrospective analysis.Methods:Thirty‐eight patients with LVAS evident on magnetic resonance imaging with available clinical and audiometric data were selected from the databases of the study institution. Images were analyzed for endolymphatic sac and duct size, evidence of incomplete cochlear partitioning, and endolymphatic sac signal heterogeneity. The endolymphatic duct was measured in two different locations: near the vestibular aperture (EDVA) and at the midpoint between the common crus and the operculum (EDMID). Imaging data were correlated with audiologic variables.Results:There was significant correlation between ears for the audiologic and anatomic variables collected. Twenty‐one (62%) patients had a fluctuating or progressive hearing loss, and 13 (38%) remained stable (four were not evaluable). At the time of the analysis, 41% of ears had a profound loss. Significant correlation was identified between the presence of endolymphatic signal heterogeneity and worse pure tone average (PTA). EDVA measures were significantly larger among ears with a progressive pattern of hearing loss when compared to those that were stable. Also, EDVA correlated with PTA and the presence of progressive hearing loss, but EDMID had no such a relationship.Conclusions:Evidence of endolymphatic sac signal heterogeneity and larger measures of endolymphatic width when measured near the vestibule (EDVA) are markers of poorer hearing in these patients. By contrast, midpoint measures of the endolymphatic duct (EDMID) have no correlation with audiometric parameters.
Increased expression of arginase I and II in allergic nasal mucosa
Authors: Cho Woo Sung , Kim Tae Hoon , Kim Ki Hyoung , Lee Heung Man , Lee Seung Hoon , Ju Young Ho , Park Euy Hyun , Kim Kang Woo , Lee Sang Hag 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:It is known that arginase may be a regulator of diverse pathways, including production of nitric oxide (NO). Increased expression of arginase has been reported in several inflammatory lung diseases, including allergic asthma, suggesting that this may be a common feature underlying the pathophysiology of airway hyperreactivity. Thus, arginase I and II may play a role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. The distribution pattern and level of expression of arginase I and II were therefore determined in normal and allergic nasal mucosa.Study Design:Controlled, prospective study.Methods:The distribution pattern and level of expression of arginase I and II in normal and allergic nasal mucosa were evaluated using RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting.Results:The level of expression of arginase I and II mRNA was increased in allergic nasal mucosa in comparison with normal nasal mucosa. In normal nasal mucosa, arginase I and II were expressed in the surface epithelium, submucosal glands, vascular endothelium, and fibroblasts. In allergic nasal mucosa, both enzymes were also localized to similar sites, in addition to inflammatory cells, and the level of expression were greatly increased compared with normal nasal mucosa. These findings were verified by Western blotting.Conclusions:These results indicate that arginase I and II may play a role in the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis, and suggest the possible role of the L‐arginine metabolic pathway through modulation of L‐arginine availability as a substrate for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and arginase in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis.
Optimal arytenoid adduction based on quantitative real‐time voice analysis
Authors: Hoffman Matthew R. , Surender Ketan , Chapin William J. , Witt Rachel E. , McCulloch Timothy M. , Jiang Jack J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractHypothesis:The optimal degree of arytenoid rotation for arytenoid adduction (AA) can be determined using quantitative real‐time voice analysis.Study Design:Repeated measures with each larynx serving as its own control.Methods:Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (VFP) was modeled in five excised canine larynges. Medialization laryngoplasty (ML) was performed, followed by AA. The optimal degree of arytenoid rotation was determined using real‐time measurements of vocal efficiency (VE), percent jitter, and percent shimmer. After the optimal degree of rotation was determined, the arytenoid was hypo‐ and hyperrotated 10% ± 2% of the optimal angle to mimic hypoadducted and hyperadducted states. Aerodynamic, acoustic, and mucosal wave measurements were recorded.Results:Mean optimal angle of arytenoid adduction was 151.4 ± 2.5°. VE differed significantly across experimental conditions (P = .003). Optimal AA produced the highest VE of any treatment, but this value did not reach that produced in the normal condition. Percent jitter (P
< .001) and percent shimmer (P
< .001) differed across groups and were lowest for optimal AA. Mucosal wave amplitude of the normal (P = .001) and paralyzed fold (P = .043) differed across treatments. Amplitude of both folds was highest for optimal AA.Conclusions:VE and perturbation parameters were sensitive to the degree of arytenoid rotation. Using real‐time voice analysis may aid surgeons in determining the optimal degree of arytenoid rotation when performing AA. Testing this method in patients and determining if optimal vocal outcomes are associated with optimal respiratory and swallowing outcomes will be essential to establishing clinical viability.
Interleukin‐8 production in response to tumor necrosis factor‐alpha by cholesteatoma keratinocytes in cell culture
Authors: Hilton Christopher W. , Ondrey Frank G. , Wuertz Beverley R. , Levine Samuel C. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Keratinocytes harvested from acquired cholesteatoma and grown in cell culture will demonstrate increased interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) production in response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha as compared with a control keratinocyte cell line. Immunohistochemical studies have identified IL‐8 and TNF‐alpha, mediators of bony destruction, in tissue samples of cholesteatoma. TNF‐alpha stimulates IL‐8 production in healthy epidermal keratinocyte cell lines. It is not known whether TNF‐alpha stimulates IL‐8 production in cultured cholesteatoma keratinocytes.Study Design:Prospective controlled tissue culture experiment.Methods:Tissue from an acquired cholesteatoma was dissociated and grown in keratinocyte serum‐free media for 8 weeks. Cholesteatoma keratinocytes and a control cell line of skin epidermal keratinocytes were treated with TNF‐alpha. Conditioned media were harvested; production of IL‐8 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and cell counts were performed.Results:At a zero concentration of TNF‐alpha, mean production of IL‐8 by cholesteatoma keratinocytes was 39,809 pg/mL/24hr/1 × 106 cells versus 1,907 pg/mL/24hr/1 × 106 cells from skin epidermal keratinocytes, a statistically significant difference (P
< .05). The cholesteatoma keratinocytes showed a 2.1‐fold increase in response to 2 pg/mL of TNF‐alpha and a 2.44‐fold increase in response to 20 pg/mL of TNF‐alpha. The skin epidermal keratinocyte cell line demonstrated a 1.07‐ and 1.13‐fold increase to respective concentrations of TNF‐alpha.Conclusions:Cholesteatoma keratinocytes appear to retain cell signaling characteristics in vitro that distinguish them from skin epidermal keratinocytes. This finding may indicate that cholesteatoma keratinocytes undergo a change in behavior in vivo that is preserved after the cells are removed from the inflammatory environment of the middle ear.
Raised intensity phonation compromises vocal fold epithelial barrier integrity
Authors: Rousseau Bernard , Suehiro Atsushi , Echemendia Nicholas , Sivasankar Mahalakshmi 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:We investigated the hypothesis that 30 minutes of raised intensity phonation alters transcript levels of vocal fold intercellular tight junction proteins and disrupts the vocal fold epithelial barrier.Study Design:Prospective animal study.Methods:Eighteen New Zealand white breeder rabbits were randomly assigned to receive 30 minutes of raised intensity phonation or approximation of the vocal folds without phonation. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to investigate transcript levels of the epithelial intercellular tight junction proteins, occludin and zonula occludin‐1 (ZO‐1), and the adherens junction proteins β‐catenin and E‐cadherin. Structural alterations to the vocal fold epithelium were further examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Results:Mann‐Whitney U revealed significantly decreased occludin (P = .016) and β‐catenin (P = .016) gene expression from rabbits undergoing raised intensity phonation compared with control. There were no significant differences in Z0‐1 and E‐cadherin gene expression between groups (P > .025). SEM revealed significant obliteration, desquamation, and evidence of microhole formation in rabbit vocal folds exposed to raised intensity phonation compared with control, whereas TEM revealed dilated intercellular morphology between groups.Conclusions:Results provide support for the hypothesis that a transient episode of raised intensity phonation alters transcript levels of vocal fold intercellular tight junction proteins and disrupts integrity of the epithelial barrier. The loss of barrier integrity may have significant consequences on epithelial defenses and compromise protection of the underlying mucosa from damage secondary to prolonged vibration exposure.
Temperature variations of nasal endoscopes
Authors: Nelson Jeffrey J. , Goyal Parul 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectives:Advances in light sources and endoscopes have improved illumination during endoscopic sinus surgery. However, these advances have also increased the temperatures the equipment reaches during the course of procedures. Limited data exist on temperature variations of nasal endoscopes and the potential risks of burns to drapes and patients. We attempt to quantify temperature variations of nasal endoscopes and light cords.Methods:Various endoscopes, light cords, and xenon light sources were used to measure temperature increases over time. Temperatures were measured with noncontact thermometers using different combinations of endoscopes, light cords, and light sources at multiple intervals up to 30 minutes over 30 trials. Variables assessed included endoscope age, light cord age, light source type, and light source age. Also, extended time trials were repeated up to 180 minutes.Results:Endoscope tip temperatures peaked at 62.5°C. Additional studies performed with the cord and light source alone reached a maximum temperature of nearly 200°C. The ages of light cords and scopes do lead to statistically significant changes in heat production. Higher wattage light sources may increase potential temperatures.Conclusions:Patient safety is a preeminent concern for all procedures. Although the endoscope temperatures appear low risk for patient injury, the light cord itself creates extreme temperatures. It is important to monitor the endoscope and light cords for extreme temperatures to avoid patient injury.
Traumatic dislocation of the incudostapedial joint repaired with fibrin tissue adhesive
Authors: Nikolaidis Vasilios 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe present a case of traumatic dislocation of the incudostapedial joint (ISJ) and a simple method for controlled application of the glue using commercial fibrin tissue adhesive. A 26‐year‐old female presented to our ENT clinic for hearing impairment to her left ear 2 months after a head trauma due to a motorcycle accident. The audiogram revealed a 40‐ to 50‐dB HL conductive hearing loss with a notch configuration in bone conduction curve on the left ear. Computed tomography of the left temporal bone revealed a longitudinal fracture line. An exploratory tympanotomy was performed under general anesthesia. The ISJ was found dislocated while the incus was trapped by the edges of the bony lateral attic wall fracture. A small bony edge that impeded incus movement was removed and a small amount of the glue was precisely applied to the lenticular process of the incus with an angled incision knife. The long process of the incus was firmly pressed over the stapes for 30 seconds with a 90° hook and 60 seconds after the application of the glue the ISJ was repaired. One year after our patient achieved full airbone gap (ABG) closure (ABG, ≤10 dB HL), while she demonstrated overclosure in frequencies 2 and 4 kHz. Fibrin tissue glue allowed safe, rapid, and accurate repair of the ISJ and resulted in an anatomically normal articulation as the mass and shape of the ossicles was preserved. Moreover, our patient achieved full ABG closure. Laryngoscope, 2011
Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia with a four‐way variant translocation originating the RBM15–MKL1 fusion gene
Authors: Torres Lurdes , Lisboa Susana , Vieira Joana , Cerveira Nuno , Santos Joana , Pinheiro Manuela , Correia Cecília , Bizarro Susana , Almeida Marta , Teixeira Manuel R. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAcute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) with t(1;22)(p13;q13) is a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) representing <1% of all cases and about 70% of pediatric AMKL in the first year of life. We present a case of a 7‐month‐old female in whom the bone marrow karyotype showed the derivative chromosome der(22)t(1;22)(p13;q13). The RBM15–MKL1 fusion transcript was detected by RT‐PCR and confirmed by sequencing analyses. FISH analyses revealed the presence of the four‐way translocation t(1;22;17;18)(p13;q13;q22;q12). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:846–849. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safety of short‐term valacyclovir as an anti‐sickling agent in sickle‐cell anemia
Authors: Ender Katherine L. , DeBellis Robert H. , Erlanger Bernard F. , Billote Genia B. , Brittenham Gary M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractTo assess safety and tolerability, we administered valacyclovir, an oral anti‐viral medication that inhibits erythrocyte sickling in vitro, to 14 subjects with sickle‐cell anemia for 1 week at a standard dose of 1,000 mg every 8 hr. No clinically significant adverse effects occurred. In 11 subjects in steady state, the mean hemoglobin concentration was almost constant while the absolute reticulocyte count decreased in eight (P = 0.1) and the overall mean fell slightly although not significantly (10%, P = 0.2). These results suggest that valacyclovir is safe and well tolerated in patients with sickle‐cell anemia and that a longer duration of therapy merits investigation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:843–845. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of acrylamide‐co‐(itaconic acid) superabsorbent polymers and associated silica superabsorbent polymer composites
Authors: Seetapan Nispa , Srisithipantakul Natsiri , Kiatkamjornwong Suda 
Published: January 2011

AbstractSuperabsorbent polymers (SAPs) were synthesized from acrylamide (AM) and itaconic acid (IA) via a crosslinking polymerization. SAP composites (SAPCs) were formed by the incorporation of silica with three particle sizes into the polymerization to increase the gel strength of SAPs. Effects of AM: IA molar ratios, silica types and concentrations on water absorbency, absorbency rate and absorbency under loadings (AUL) of the composites were investigated. The highest water absorbency of the SAP is 233 ± 8 g g−1 at an AM: IA molar ratio of 97:3 with absorbency of 149 ± 2 g g−1 within 15 min. The highest AUL of the SAPC with 0.5%–2.0% w w−1 silica is 13 g g−1 by 1.93 × 103 Pa load. A pseudo‐second‐order kinetics for water absorbency was found in both SAPs and in situ SAPCs. In situ SAPCs and the mechanically mixed SAPCs in vertical and horizontal direction yielded similar water absorbency values. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers