bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Predictors of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Pynnonen Melissa , Fowler Karen , Terrell Jeffrey E. 
Published: March 2007

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is diagnosed by the presence of signs and symptoms of CRS in conjunction with physical evidence of mucosal inflammation. We sought to identify symptoms that predict CRS. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients referred to a tertiary care rhinology clinic for evaluation of CRS. Symptom survey data and diagnoses were reviewed. Results Of 187 patients who met inclusion criteria, 112 (60%) were diagnosed with CRS and 75 (40%) were not. Chronic purulent rhinorrhea (odds ratio [OR], 2.2) and hyposmia (OR, 2.3) individually and in combination (OR, 3.8) were significant predictors of CRS. The major criteria of the 1997 Task Force in Rhinology (TFR) also predicted CRS (OR, 1.9) but the minor criteria did not (OR, 0.3). Conclusion In this preliminary study, purulent rhinorrhea and hyposmia are strong predictors of CRS. The major criteria of the TFR also predict CRS but the minor criteria do not.
Effectiveness of Topical Antibiotics on Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilm in Vitro
Authors: Desrosiers Martin , Bendouah Zohra , Barbeau Jean 
Published: March 2007

Background In vitro biofilm-producing capacity in isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected from the sinus cavities after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) are associated with a poor outcome in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, conventional oral antibiotic therapy is frequently ineffective in eradicating bacteria in the biofilm form. Increasing the concentration of antibiotics may offer a means of countering this resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro activity of moxifloxacin (MOXI) against S. aureus in biofilm form (recovered from patients with CRS at least 1 year post-ESS). Method This study was performed in a research microbiology laboratory, where five isolates of S. aureus with known biofilm-forming capacity were cultured in Tryptic Soy Broth 0.5% glucose in 96-well plates at 37°C for 24 hours. After visual confirmation of biofilm formation, plates were incubated in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or with MOXI at concentrations of 0.1×, 1×, 100×, and 1000× minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for an additional 24 hours. Biofilm from 3 wells of each concentration were collected and sonicated and the number of viable bacteria was determined by serial dilution and plating. Results After incubation, the number of viable bacteria was similar for nontreated and MOXI-treated biofilms at MIC and sub-MIC levels. However, MOXI at 1000X (0.1–0.2 mg/mL) gave a 2 to 2.5 log reduction in number of viable bacteria. Conclusion In vitro results show that increased concentrations of antibiotics, easily attainable in topical solutions, are effective in killing bacteria in bacterial biofilms. This suggests a role for topical antibiotic therapies in the treatment of biofilm infections.
Randomized, Controlled, Study of Absorbable Nasal Packing on Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Rhinosinusitis with Polyposis
Authors: Franklin Jason H. , Wright Erin D. 
Published: March 2007

Background The aim of this study was to establish the effect of absorbable dressing on postoperative discomfort and mucosal healing after sinus surgery. A prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded study was performed. Methods Patients 18–80 years old undergoing sinus surgery were enrolled in the study. Each patient's ethmoid cavities were randomized to receive either absorbable dressing or the standard nonabsorbable sinus packs. Therefore, patients served as their own control. Preoperative CT scan and intraoperative endoscopic photographs were used for staging within the Lund-Mackay system. The procedure was performed as indicated by extent of disease. The remaining absorbable dressing was removed at 2 weeks by endoscopic suctioning in the clinic. Patients completed questionnaires regarding sinus symptoms and discomfort. Postoperative endoscopic appearance was graded by a single rhinologist. Length of follow-up was 6 months. Results Thirty-five patients were randomized. There were no significant adverse events in either group. Patients’ symptom scores improved at 2 weeks and at 1 and 3 months when compared with preoperation. Both groups had similar preoperative grade of disease and extent of surgery. Endoscopic appearance of the absorbable cavity showed a trend toward improvement at 2 weeks (p < 0.05). Endoscopic appearance showed a similar trend toward improvement at 1, 3, and 6 months in the absorbable group (NS). Twenty-seven patients had a strong preference for a particular nasal packing of which 16 of 27 (59.3%) patients preferred the absorbable dressing. Conclusion The absorbable dressing showed a trend toward positive effect on early wound healing and in late results. Strong patient preference was indicated for the absorbable dressing over standard sponges.
Device Operation of Conjugated Polymer/Zinc Oxide Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Koster L. J. A. , van Strien W. J. , Beek W. J. E. , Blom P. W. M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSolar cells based on a poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) derivative and zinc oxide nanoparticles can reach a power conversion efficiency of 1.6 %. The transport of electrons and holes in these promising devices is characterized and it is found that the electron mobility is equal to 2.8 × 10–9 m2 V–1 s–1, whereas the hole mobility amounts to 5.5 × 10–10 m2 V–1 s–1. By modeling the current–voltage characteristics under illumination it is found that the performance of PPV/zinc oxide solar cells is limited by the charge‐carrier mobilities. Subsequently, how to further improve the efficiency is discussed.
A Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Monodisperse Spherical Pigment Particles with a Core/Shell Structure
Authors: Lin C. , Li Y. , Yu M. , Yang P. , Lin J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn this paper, a facile sol–gel process for producing monodisperse, spherical, and nonaggregated pigment particles with a core/shell structure is reported. Spherical silica particles (245 and 385 nm in diameter) and Cr2O3, α‐Fe2O3, ZnCo2O4, CuFeCrO4, MgFe2O4, and CoAl2O4 pigments are selected as cores and shells, respectively. The obtained core/shell‐structured pigment samples, denoted as SiO2@Cr2O3 (green), SiO2@α‐Fe2O3 (red), SiO2@MgFe2O4 (brown), SiO2@ZnCo2O4 (dark green), SiO2@CoAl2O4 (blue), and SiO2@CuFeCrO4 (black), are well characterized by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV‐vis diffuse reflection, as well as by investigating the magnetic properties. The results of XRD and high‐resolution TEM (HRTEM) demonstrate that the pigment shells crystallize well on the surface of SiO2 particles. The thickness of the pigment shell can be tuned by the number of coatings, to some extent. These pigment particles can be well dispersed in some solvents (such as glycol) to form relatively more stable suspensions than the commercial products. Apart from the color characteristics, some of pigments like SiO2@Cr2O3, SiO2@MgFe2O4, and SiO2@CuFeCrO4 also show magnetic properties with coercivities of 1098 Oe (5 K), 648 Oe (5 K), and 91 Oe (298 K), respectively.
Environmental Optical Sensitivity of Gold Nanodecahedra
Authors: Pastoriza–Santos I. , Sánchez–Iglesias A. , García de Abajo F. J. , Liz–Marzán L. M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe sensitivity of localized surface plasmon resonances with respect to changes in the refractive index of the surrounding medium is measured for small (< 60 nm side length) and large (ca. 150 nm side length) regular gold nanodecahedra (pentagonal bipyramids), and compared to rigorous solutions of Maxwell's equations for bicones based upon the boundary element method (BEM). Small particles are prepared through ultrasound‐induced reduction of HAuCl4 by N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) on presynthesized penta‐twinned Au seeds, whereas large decahedra are grown using smaller ones as seeds. Excellent agreement between experimental and calculated spectra is found for dispersions and monolayers of particles in different solvents, as well as for the effect of uniform silica layers of various thicknesses grown on them. These results are expected to be useful for the development of novel biosensors.
Inclination effects on circumferential film flow distribution in annular gas/liquid flows
Authors: Geraci G. , Azzopardi B. J. , van Maanen H.R.E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMeasurements of the circumferentially resolved axial liquid film flow rate have been obtained for a 38 mm internal dia. pipe at inclinations of 0°, 20°, 45°, 70 and 85° from the horizontal. The method employed is based on that used by Butterworth, and consists of a film extraction technique which utilizes a unit with a wall that is porous over a sector of the pipe. Liquid entrained fraction was determined from the total film flow rate. Results show that the local liquid film flow rate is not symmetrical. Flow rates are higher on the lower part of the pipe. As the inclination angle deviates from horizontal, the film flow rate becomes systematically less asymmetric. There is not a strong dependence of the entrained fraction on pipe inclination. For the case when the pipe is horizontal, the circumferential variation of film flow rate is well predicted by a horizontal annular flow model. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Causative factors and epidemiology of bilateral vestibulopathy in 255 patients
Authors: Zingler Vera C. , Cnyrim Christian , Jahn Klaus , Weintz Eva , Fernbacher Julia , Frenzel Claudia , Brandt Thomas , Strupp Michael 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the causative factors and epidemiology of bilateral vestibulopathy (BV).MethodsThis is a retrospective review of 255 patients (mean age, 62 ± 16 years) with BV diagnosed in our dizziness unit between 1988 and 2005. All patients had undergone a standardized neurophthalmological and neurootological examination, electronystagmography with caloric irrigation, cranial magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography (n = 214), and laboratory tests.ResultsSixty‐two percent of the study population were male subjects. Previous vertigo attacks had occurred in 36%, indicating a sequential manifestation. The definite cause of BV was determined in 24% and the probable cause in 25%: The most common causes were ototoxic aminoglycosides (13%), Menière's disease (7%), and meningitis (5%). Strikingly, 25% exhibited cerebellar signs. Cerebellar dysfunction was associated with peripheral polyneuropathy in 32% compared with 18% in BV patients without cerebellar signs. Hypoacusis occurred bilaterally in 25% and unilaterally in 6% of all patients. It appeared most often in patients with BV caused by Cogan's syndrome, meningitis, or Menière's disease.InterpretationThe cause of BV remains unclear in about half of all patients despite intensive examinations. A large subgroup of these patients have associated cerebellar dysfunction and peripheral polyneuropathy. This suggests a new syndrome that may be caused by neurodegenerative or autoimmune processes. Ann Neurol 2007
Development of light‐induced functionalized asymmetric polysulfone membranes
Authors: Yogesh  , Paul P. , Basu S. , Bhattacharya A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe introduction of functionality into asymmetric polysulfone membranes has widened their applicability. They are modified with acrylic acid with a light‐induced technique. Fourier transform infrared, contact‐angle, porometry, and atomic force microscopy studies have been carried out to characterize the membranes. The performance of the modified membranes has been investigated with permeation measurements. The salt rejection (NaCl and Na2SO4) performance of the modified membranes shows evidence of functionalization on them. The modification of the membranes also develops the retention of small organic molecules (glucose and 2,4‐dichlorophenol). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Crystallization behavior of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) in poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) and poly(vinyl methyl ether) mixtures
Authors: Meng Yanfeng , Li Hongfei , Huo Hong , Jiang Shichun , An Lijia 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe morphological development and crystallization behavior of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) in miscible mixtures of PCL and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) were investigated by optical microscopy as a function of the mixture composition and crystallization temperature. The results indicated that the degree of crystallinity of PCL was independent of the mixture composition upon melt crystallization because the glass‐transition temperatures of the mixtures were much lower than the crystallization temperature of PCL. The radii of the PCL spherulites increased linearly with time at crystallization temperatures ranging from 42 to 49°C. The isothermal growth rates of PCL spherulites decreased with the amount of the amorphous PVME components in the mixtures. Accounting for the miscibility of PCL/PVME mixtures, the radial growth rates of PCL spherulites were well described by a kinetic equation involving the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter and the free energy for the nuclei formation in such a way that the theoretical calculations were in good agreement with the experimental data. From the analysis of the equilibrium melting point depression, the interaction energy density of the PVME/PCL system was calculated to be −3.95 J/cm3. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Gross anatomical study of the sympathetic cardiac nerves in the house musk shrew (Suncus murinus)
Authors: Tanaka Ai , Tanaka Shigenori , Miyamoto Kensaku , Yi Shuang‐Qin , Nakatani Toshio 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe sympathetic cardiac nerves originating from the cervical and upper thoracic sympathetic ganglia in the house musk shrew (Suncus murinus) were examined using macroscopic and whole‐mount immunohistochemical methods. Based on the results, the nerves were macroscopically classified into the following three groups: nerves innervating the cervical sympathetic ganglia mainly to the arterial porta of the heart; nerves supplying the stellate and thoracic sympathetic ganglia at the level of T2–T5 or T6 for both the arterial and venous portae of the heart; and nerves innervating the thoracic sympathetic ganglia at the level of T4–T9 to the esophagus and lung and then the heart via the blood vessels within the mediastinal pleura. These findings in the house musk shrew suggest a possible primitive morphological pattern of the cervical and thoracic sympathetic nervous system that may be related to those in other mammals, including humans. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amelogenin expression in long bone and cartilage cells and in bone marrow progenitor cells
Authors: Haze Amir , Taylor Angela L. , Blumenfeld Anat , Rosenfeld Eli , Leiser Yoav , Dafni Leah , Shay Boaz , Gruenbaum‐Cohen Yael , Fermon Eran , Haegewald Stefan , Bernimoulin Jean‐Pierre , Deutsch Dan 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe amelogenin protein is considered as the major molecular marker of developing ectodermal enamel. Recent data suggest other roles for amelogenin beyond structural regulation of enamel mineral crystal growth. Here we describe our novel discovery of amelogenin expression in long bone cells, in cartilage cells, in cells of the epiphyseal growth plate, and in bone marrow stromal cells. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Up‐regulation of stromal cell–derived factor 1 (CXCL12) production in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts through interactions with T lymphocytes: Role of interleukin‐17 and CD40L–CD40 interaction
Authors: Kim Kyoung‐Woon , Cho Mi‐La , Kim Hae‐Rim , Ju Ji‐Hyeon , Park Mi‐Kyung , Oh Hye‐Jwa , Kim Joon‐Seok , Park Sung‐Hwan , Lee Sang‐Heon , Kim Ho‐Youn 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectiveStromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF‐1) is a potent chemoattractant for memory T cells in inflamed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and CD40–CD40L interaction on SDF‐1 production in RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS).MethodsSynovial fluid (SF) and serum levels of SDF‐1 in RA patients were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The SDF‐1 produced by cultured RA FLS was evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA after FLS were treated with IL‐17 and inhibitors of intracellular signal molecules. The SDF‐1 level was also determined after FLS were cocultured with T cells in the presence and absence of IL‐17.ResultsConcentrations of SDF‐1 in the sera and SF were higher in RA patients than in osteoarthritis patients, although the increase in the serum levels did not reach statistical significance. The production of SDF‐1 in RA FLS was enhanced by IL‐17 stimulation. This effect of IL‐17 was blocked by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI 3‐kinase), NF‐κB, and activator protein 1 (AP‐1). When FLS were cocultured with T cells, SDF‐1 production was up‐regulated, especially in the presence of IL‐17, but FLS were inhibited by neutralizing anti–IL‐17 and anti‐CD40L antibodies. Addition of RA SF to cultured RA FLS significantly up‐regulated SDF‐1 messenger RNA expression, which was hampered by pretreatment with anti–IL‐17 antibody.ConclusionSDF‐1 is overproduced in RA FLS, and IL‐17 could up‐regulate the expression of SDF‐1 in RA FLS via pathways mediated by PI 3‐kinase, NF‐κB, and AP‐1. Our findings suggest that inhibition of the interaction between IL‐17 from T cells and SDF‐1 in FLS may provide a new therapeutic approach in RA.
Positive association of SLC26A2 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to systemic‐onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Lamb Rebecca , Thomson Wendy ,   British Society of Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, Ogilvie Emma M. , Donn Rachelle 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate SLC26A2, the gene that causes diastrophic dysplasia, in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).MethodsNine polymorphisms across the SLC26A2 gene locus were investigated using MassArray genotyping in 826 UK Caucasian JIA cases and 617 ethnically matched healthy controls.ResultsSignificant associations between multiple single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across SLC26A2 and systemic‐onset JIA were found. In each case, homozygosity for the minor allele conferred the increased risk of disease susceptibility: rs1541915 (odds ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.4–3.7, P = 0.0003), rs245056 (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.7–4.6, P = 0.00002), rs245055 (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.0, P = 0.004), rs245051 (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4–3.7, P = 0.0005), rs245076 (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3–5.4, P = 0.0015), and rs8073 (OR 2.3, 95% CI 0.9–5.6, P = 0.04).ConclusionThese findings show the value of using monogenic disease loci as candidates for investigation in JIA. We identified a subgroup‐specific association between SNPs within the SLC26A2 gene and systemic‐onset JIA. Our findings also highlight systemic‐onset JIA as being a distinctly different disease from that in the other JIA subgroups.
Analysis of vascular gene expression in arthritic synovium by laser‐mediated microdissection
Authors: Hashimoto Atsushi , Tarner Ingo H. , Bohle Rainer M. , Gaumann Andreas , Manetti Mirko , Distler Oliver , Steinmeyer Jürgen , Ulfgren Ann‐Kristin , Schulz Andreas , Gay Steffen , Müller‐Ladner Ulf , Neumann Elena 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectiveIn rheumatoid arthritis (RA), formation of new blood vessels is necessary to meet the nutritional and oxygen requirements of actively proliferating synovial tissue. The aim of this study was to analyze the specific synovial vascular expression profiles of several angiogenesis‐related genes as well as CD82 in RA compared with osteoarthritis (OA), using laser‐mediated microdissection (LMM).MethodsLMM and subsequent real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used in combination with immunohistochemical analysis for area‐specific analysis of messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR‐1), VEGFR‐2, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α), HIF‐2α, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα), PDGFRβ, inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation 2 (Id2), and CD82 in RA and OA synovial microvasculature and synovial lining.ResultsExpression of Id2 mRNA was significantly lower in RA synovial vessels compared with OA synovial vessels (P = 0.0011), whereas expression of VEGFR‐1 was significantly higher in RA (P = 0.0433). No differences were observed for the other parameters. At the protein level, no statistically significant differences were observed for any parameter, although Id2 levels were 2.5‐fold lower in RA (P = 0.0952). However, the number of synovial blood vessels and the number of VEGFR‐2–expressing blood vessels were significantly higher in RA compared with OA.ConclusionOur results underscore the importance of area‐specific gene expression analysis in studying the pathogenesis of RA and support LMM as a robust tool for this purpose. Of note, our results indicate that previously described differences between RA and OA in the expression of angiogenic molecules are attributable to higher total numbers of synovial and vascular cells expressing these molecules in RA rather than higher expression levels in the individual cells.
Interleukin‐6 and chemokines in the neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fragoso‐Loyo H. , Richaud‐Patin Y. , Orozco‐Narváez A. , Dávila‐Maldonado L. , Atisha‐Fregoso Y. , Llorente L. , Sánchez‐Guerrero J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo define the cytokine and chemokine profile in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).MethodsForty‐two SLE patients who had been hospitalized because of NP manifestations were studied. Patients were evaluated at hospitalization and 6 months later; a CSF sample was obtained at each evaluation. As controls, CSF from 6 SLE patients with septic meningitis, 16 SLE patients with no history of NP manifestations (non‐NPSLE), and 25 patients with nonautoimmune diseases were also studied. Soluble molecules, including cytokines (interleukin‐2 [IL‐2], IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor α [TNFα], and interferon‐γ [IFNγ]) and chemokines (monocyte chemotactic protein 1 [MCP‐1], RANTES, IL‐8, monokine induced by IFNγ [MIG], and interferon‐γ–inducible 10‐kd protein [IP‐10]), were measured with the use of cytometric bead array kits.ResultsCSF levels of the following molecules were significantly increased in NPSLE patients as compared with non‐NPSLE and nonautoimmune diseases control patients, respectively: IL‐6 (32.7 versus 3.0 and 2.96 pg/ml), IL‐8 (102.8 versus 29.97 and 19.7 pg/ml), IP‐10 (888.2 versus 329.7 [P not significant] and 133.6 pg/ml), RANTES (3.8 versus 2.5 and 2.2 pg/ml), MCP‐1 (401.7 versus 257.9 [P not significant] and 136.9 pg/ml), and MIG (35.4 versus 11.4 and 3.5 pg/ml). Low levels of IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, TNFα, and IFNγ were found in all groups. All cytokines and chemokines, except TNFα, were significantly higher among the SLE patients with septic meningitis than among the NPSLE patients. Six months later and in the absence of NP manifestations, all elevated molecule levels, except RANTES, in patients with NPSLE had decreased significantly, and no differences were noted between the NPSLE and non‐NPSLE groups.ConclusionA central nervous system response composed of IL‐6 and chemokines, but not Th1/Th2 cytokines, is associated with NP manifestations in SLE patients.