bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Five-year results for use of single-flanged tympanostomy tubes in children
Authors: Knutsson J , von Unge M 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAims:To assess the five-year outcome of the use of single-flanged tympanostomy tubes in children, including the time to extrusion, rate of retained tubes and rate of persistent perforation.Materials and methods:The medical records relating to 640 single-flanged tympanostomy tubes intended for short-term use in paediatric patients were retrospectively reviewed.Results and analysis:We found that 36.4 per cent of the tubes had extruded within 12 months and 71.0 per cent within 24 months. Results showed that 14.1 per cent of the tubes had been removed because of prolonged retention, with a mean time to removal of 38.9 months. The time to extrusion was longer and the rate of retained tubes was higher than those reported for several other short-term tubes. We found that 4.5 per cent of tube insertions had resulted in a persistent perforation, a higher percentage than previously reported for other tubes intended for short-term use. Within five years of tube insertion, 70.5 per cent of the tympanic membranes had normalised.
Limited impact of tuberculosis control in Hong Kong: attributable to high risks of reactivation disease
Authors: VYNNYCKY E. , BORGDORFF M. W. , LEUNG C. C. , TAM C. M. , FINE P. E. M. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYOver 50% of the global burden of tuberculosis occurs in South East Asia and the Western Pacific. Since 1950, notification rates in high-income countries in these settings have declined slowly and have remained over ten-fold greater than those in Western populations. The reasons for the slow decline are poorly understood. Using an age-structured model describing the incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease applied to notification data from Hong Kong, we illustrate that in Hong Kong, a high prevalence of M. tuberculosis infection among older individuals and a high risk of disease through reactivation (e.g. up to 17-fold greater than that estimated for infected males in the United Kingdom) may explain this slow decline. If this feature of the epidemiology of tuberculosis is widespread, the WHO directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) strategy may have a smaller impact in Asia in the short term than has been implied by recent predictions, all of which have been based on disease risk estimates derived from Western Europe. As a result, it may be difficult to meet the targets for tuberculosis control, which have been prescribed by the UN Millennium Development Goals.
Occurrence and characteristics of cytotoxic necrotizing factors, cytolethal distending toxins and other virulence factors inEscherichia colifrom human blood and faecal samples
Authors: KADHUM H. J. , FINLAY D. , ROWE M. T. , WILSON I. G. , BALL H. J. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYEscherichia coliisolates from human blood (n=266) and faecal (n=237) samples were examined for cytotoxic necrotizing factors 1 and 2 (CNF 1 and 2), cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), and putative virulence factors that have been associated with disease conditions in humans and animals. PCR showed that the chromosomally encoded, Rho-activating,CNF1(68/544, 12·5%) was more common than the transmissible plasmid-borneCNF2(3/544, 0·6%). The relative risk of having either CNF or CDT toxin genes in blood compared to faecal isolates was 3·88 (95% CI 2·36–6·38). This was highly significant (P<0·0001) and demonstrates the importance of these factors in bloodstream infections. Fifty-one of 65 (78%)E. colibearingCNF1and 11 of 21 (52%) ofE. colibearingCDTalso carried the pyelonephritis-associated pilus gene,papG. The S fimbrial adhesin gene,sfa, was found in 57 blood (21%) and eight faecal samples (3%). The F17 fimbrial adhesin gene and afimbrial adhesin geneafadid not occur frequently. Haemolysin (hly) was found in all of the isolates tested. Further studies must be designed to identify the clinical significance of these genes and their role in pathogenesis.
A comparison of four dietary assessment methods in materially deprived households in England
Authors: Holmes Bridget , Dick Katie , Nelson Michael 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectivesLow-income households in the UK concentrate factors associated with poor record-keeping such as lower literacy, numeracy and English language skills. The present study aimed to (1) compare the validity and acceptability of three dietary survey methods against appropriate reference measures and (2) identify a method which was both valid and acceptable in low-income households.DesignCross-sectional design comparing three 4-day dietary survey methods (multiple-pass 24-hour recall, food checklist and semi-weighed method) against a 4-day weighed inventory and other reference measures within subjects.SettingLondon, UK, 2001.SubjectsLow-income households were selected using a doorstep screening questionnaire in 18 of the 60 most deprived neighbourhoods in London. Results are based on 384 respondents (159 males, 225 females) aged 2–90 years in 240 households. Respondents were mainly White (48%), Black or Black British (31%) or Asian or Asian British (9%).ResultsThe dietary survey method preferred by interviewers was the 24-hour recall. Most respondents preferred the food checklist. Compared with the weighed inventory, repeat 24-hour recalls and the food checklist yielded higher estimates of energy and nutrient intakes. The semi-weighed method was least liked and yielded the lowest estimates of intake.ConclusionsBased partly on evidence presented here and partly on evidence to be presented in later publications, four multiple-pass 24-hour recalls were recommended as the most appropriate method for a national study of diet and nutrition in low-income households in the UK.
Combined Electric and Contralateral Acoustic Hearing: Word and Sentence Recognition With Bimodal Hearing
Authors: Gifford René H. , Dorman Michael F. , McKarns Sharon A. , Spahr Anthony J. 
Published: August 2007

Purpose
The authors assessed whether (a) a full-insertion cochlear implant would provide a higher level of speech understanding than bilateral low-frequency acoustic hearing, (b) contralateral acoustic hearing would add to the speech understanding provided by the implant, and (c) the level of performance achieved with electric stimulation plus contralateral acoustic hearing would be similar to performance reported in the literature for patients with a partial insertion cochlear implant.

Method
Monosyllabic word recognition as well as sentence recognition in quiet and at +10 and +5 dB was assessed. Before implantation, scores were obtained in monaural and binaural conditions. Following implantation, scores were obtained in electric-only and electric-plus-contralateral acoustic conditions.

Results
Postoperatively, all individuals achieved higher scores in the electric-only test conditions than they did in the best pre-implant test conditions. All individuals benefited from the addition of low-frequency information to the electric hearing.

Conclusion
A full-insertion cochlear implant provides better speech understanding than bilateral, low-frequency residual hearing. The combination of an implant and contralateral acoustic hearing yields comparable performance to that of patients with a partially inserted implant and bilateral, low-frequency acoustic hearing. These data suggest that a full-insertion cochlear implant is a viable treatment option for patients with low-frequency residual hearing.
An Evaluation of the BKB-SIN, HINT, QuickSIN, and WIN Materials on Listeners With Normal Hearing and Listeners With Hearing Loss
Authors: Wilson Richard H. , McArdle Rachel A. , Smith Sherri L. 
Published: August 2007

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine in listeners with normal hearing and listeners with sensorineural hearing loss the within- and between-group differences obtained with 4 commonly available speech-in-noise protocols.

Method
Recognition performances by 24 listeners with normal hearing and 72 listeners with sensorineural hearing loss were compared for 4 speech-in-noise protocols that varied with respect to the amount of contextual cues conveyed in the target signal. The protocols studied included the Bamford-Kowal-Bench Speech-in-Noise Test (BKB-SIN; Etymōtic Research, 2005; J. Bench, A. Kowal, & J. Bamford, 1979; P. Niquette et al., 2003), the Quick Speech-in-Noise Test (QuickSIN; M. C. Killion, P. A. Niquette, G. I. Gudmundsen, L. J. Revit, & S. Banerjee, 2004), and the Words-in-Noise test (WIN; R. H. Wilson, 2003; R. H. Wilson & C. A. Burks, 2005), each of which used multitalker babble and a modified method of constants, as well as the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT; M. Nilsson, S. Soli, & J. Sullivan, 1994), which used speech-spectrum noise and an adaptive psychophysical procedure.

Results
The 50% points for the listeners with normal hearing were in the 1- to 4-dB signal-to-babble ratio (S/B) range and for the listeners with hearing loss in the 5- to 14-dB S/B range. Separation between groups was least with the BKB-SIN and HINT (4–6 dB) and most with the QuickSIN and WIN (8–10 dB).

Conclusion
The QuickSIN and WIN materials are more sensitive measures of recognition performance in background noise than are the BKB-SIN and HINT materials.
An Examination of Speech Recognition in a Modulated Background and of Forward Masking in Younger and Older Listeners
Authors: Gifford René H. , Bacon Sid P. , Williams Erica J. 
Published: August 2007

Purpose
To compare speech intelligibility in the presence of a 10-Hz square-wave noise masker in younger and older listeners and to relate performance to recovery from forward masking.

Method
The signal-to-noise ratio required to achieve 50% sentence identification in the presence of a 10-Hz square-wave noise masker was obtained for each of the 8 younger/older listener pairs. Listeners were matched according to their quiet thresholds for frequencies from 600 to 4800 Hz in octave steps. Forward masking was also measured in 2 younger/older threshold-matched groups for signal delays of 2–40 ms.

Results
Older listeners typically required a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio than younger listeners to achieve 50% correct sentence recognition. This effect may be understood in terms of increased forward-masked thresholds throughout the range of signal delays corresponding to the silent intervals in the modulated noise (e.g., <50 ms).

Conclusions
Significant differences were observed between older and younger listeners on measures of both speech intelligibility in a modulated background and forward masking over a range of signal delays (0–40 ms). Age-related susceptibility to forward masking at relatively short delays may reflect a deficit in processing at a fairly central level (e.g., broader temporal windows or less efficient processing).
Auditory Performance Characteristics of the Computerized Revised Token Test (CRTT)
Authors: Eberwein Cynthia A. , Pratt Sheila R. , McNeil Malcolm R. , Fossett Tepanta R. D. , Szuminsky Neil J. , Doyle Patrick J. 
Published: August 2007

Purpose
To assess the Computerized Revised Token Test (CRTT) performance of individuals with normal hearing under several intensity conditions and under several spectral and temporal perturbation conditions.

Method
Sixty normal-hearing listeners were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 provided performance-intensity information about CRTT performance using uncompressed acoustic stimuli. Groups 2 and 3 completed the CRTT using temporally and spectrally compressed and expanded stimuli. CRTT performance functions were plotted for each group.

Results
Group 1 required minimal audibility to perform maximally on this task. As expected, Groups 2 and 3 showed significant differences across subtests, regardless of distortion condition. Mean differences in performance between successive conditions for Group 2 increased beyond 40% time compressed. There was 1 significant difference for the time-expanded condition. There were no differences across frequency compressed and expanded conditions.

Conclusion
Young listeners require limited signal gain on the CRTT to achieve maximum performance. Time and frequency compression and expansion results were consistent with previous findings with varying types of speech stimuli. The results have implications for administration and interpretation of the CRTT administered to persons from other populations and will help in the development of a normative database for the CRTT.
The Language Experience and Proficiency Questionnaire (LEAP-Q): Assessing Language Profiles in Bilinguals and Multilinguals
Authors: Marian Viorica , Blumenfeld Henrike K. , Kaushanskaya Margarita 
Published: August 2007

PurposeTo develop a reliable and valid questionnaire of bilingual language status with predictable relationships between self-reported and behavioral measures.MethodIn Study 1, the internal validity of the Language Experience and Proficiency Questionnaire (LEAP-Q) was established on the basis of self-reported data from 52 multilingual adult participants. In Study 2, criterion-based validity was established on the basis of standardized language tests and self-reported measures from 50 adult Spanish–English bilinguals. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire were established on healthy adults whose literacy levels were equivalent to that of someone with a high school education or higher.ResultsFactor analyses revealed consistent factors across both studies and suggested that the LEAP-Q was internally valid. Multiple regression and correlation analyses established criterion-based validity and suggested that self-reports were reliable indicators of language performance. Self-reported reading proficiency was a more accurate predictor of first-language performance, and self-reported speaking proficiency was a more accurate predictor of second-language performance. Although global measures of self-reported proficiency were generally predictive of language ability, deriving a precise estimate of performance on a particular task required that specific aspects of language history be taken into account.ConclusionThe LEAP-Q is a valid, reliable, and efficient tool for assessing the language profiles of multilingual, neurologically intact adult populations in research settings.
Does the Auditory Saltation Stimulus Distinguish Dyslexic From Competently Reading Adults?
Authors: Kidd Joanna C. , Hogben John H. 
Published: August 2007

Purpose
Where the auditory saltation illusion has been used as a measure of auditory temporal processing (ATP) in dyslexia, conflicting results have been apparent (cf. R. Hari & P. Kiesilä, 1996; M. Kronbichler, F. Hutzler, & H. Wimmer, 2002). This study sought to re-examine these findings by investigating whether dyslexia is characterized by poor saltation task performance and whether saltation thresholds are related to reading and phonological processing within groups of either dyslexic or competent readers.

Method
Nineteen dyslexic and 20 competently reading adults (18–64 years of age) participated. Participants completed 2 runs of a 2-alternative forced-choice saltation task, along with standard measures of reading and phonological processing.

Results
Although overall poorer saltation thresholds were apparent in the dyslexic group, the threshold distributions overlapped considerably, with thresholds alone unable to predict group membership at a level significantly greater than chance. Neither strong nor significant correlations were observed among saltation thresholds, reading, and phonological processing skills within either group.

Conclusion
The results of this study do not support suggestions of impaired ATP in dyslexia or associations among ATP, reading, and phonological processing. However, it is proposed that increased within- and between-subject variability in auditory thresholds might be a more valuable marker of dyslexia than the thresholds themselves. Implications of this observation for dyslexia research are discussed.
The Acquisition of Speech Rhythm by Bilingual Spanish- and English-Speaking 4- and 5-Year-Old Children
Authors: Bunta Ferenc , Ingram David 
Published: August 2007

PurposeIn this study, the authors investigated speech rhythm acquisition by bilingual Spanish–English-speaking children, comparing their performance with functionally monolingual peers in both languages and to monolingual and bilingual adults.MethodParticipants included younger children (3;9 [years;months] to 4;5.15[years;months.days]), older children (4;6.18 to 5;2), and adults (over 18 years). Twenty-six sentences were elicited and analyzed using the normalized vocalic and intervocalic Pairwise Variability Indices (PVIs) that express the level of variability in successive duration measurements, on the basis of E. Grabe and E. L. Low (2002).ResultsYounger bilingual children displayed distinct speech rhythm patterns for their target languages, and they deviated from their monolingual English-speaking peers. Older bilingual children also separated speech rhythm by language, and differences between older bilingual children and their monolingual peers speaking English were also found. Younger and older bilingual children differed on the vocalic PVI, but not the intervocalic PVI, providing partial support for age differences. Bilingual adults showed separation of their languages and performed similarly to their monolingual peers.ConclusionBilingual children show distinct speech rhythm patterns for their target languages but with some early equal timing bias that diminishes over time, on the basis of the vocalic measurements. Overall, the vocalic PVI is more robust than the intervocalic PVI, but further research is necessary.
Will They Catch Up? The Role of Age at Cochlear Implantation in the Spoken Language Development of Children With Severe to Profound Hearing Loss
Authors: Nicholas Johanna Grant , Geers Ann E. 
Published: August 2007

Purpose
The authors examined the benefits of younger cochlear implantation, longer cochlear implant use, and greater pre-implant aided hearing to spoken language at 3.5 and 4.5 years of age.

Method
Language samples were obtained at ages 3.5 and 4.5 years from 76 children who received an implant by their 3rd birthday. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to identify characteristics associated with spoken language outcomes at the 2 test ages. The Preschool Language Scale (I. L. Zimmerman, V. G. Steiner, & R. E. Pond, 1992) was used to compare the participants' skills with those of hearing age-mates at age 4.5 years.

Results
Expected language scores increased with younger age at implant and lower pre-implant thresholds, even when compared at the same duration of implant use. Expected Preschool Language Scale scores of the children who received the implant at the youngest ages reached those of hearing age-mates by 4.5 years, but those children implanted after 24 months of age did not catch up with hearing peers.

Conclusion
Children who received a cochlear implant before a substantial delay in spoken language developed (i.e., between 12 and 16 months) were more likely to achieve age-appropriate spoken language. These results favor cochlear implantation before 24 months of age, especially for children with aided pure-tone average thresholds greater than 65 dB prior to surgery.
The Relationship Among Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary, Listening Comprehension, Pre-Reading Skills, Word Identification Skills, and Reading Comprehension by Children With Reading Disabilities
Authors: Wise Justin C. , Sevcik Rose A. , Morris Robin D. , Lovett Maureen W. , Wolf Maryanne 
Published: August 2007

Purpose
Some researchers (F. R. Vellutino, F. M. Scanlon, & M. S. Tanzman, 1994) have argued that the different domains comprising language (e.g., phonology, semantics, and grammar) may influence reading development in a differential manner and at different developmental periods. The purpose of this study was to examine proposed causal relationships among different linguistic subsystems and different measures of reading achievement in a group of children with reading disabilities.

Methods
Participants were 279 students in 2nd to 3rd grade who met research criteria for reading disability. Of those students, 108 were girls and 171 were boys. In terms of heritage, 135 were African and 144 were Caucasian. Measures assessing pre-reading skills, word identification, reading comprehension, and general oral language skills were administered.

Results
Structural equation modeling analyses indicated receptive and expressive vocabulary knowledge was independently related to pre-reading skills. Additionally, expressive vocabulary knowledge and listening comprehension skills were found to be independently related to word identification abilities.

Conclusion
Results are consistent with previous research indicating that oral language skills are related to reading achievement (e.g., A. Olofsson & J. Niedersoe, 1999; H. S. Scarborough, 1990). Results from this study suggest that receptive and expressive vocabulary knowledge influence pre-reading skills in differential ways. Further, results suggest that expressive vocabulary knowledge and listening comprehension skills facilitate word identification skills.
Far Western: Labeling GST Fusion Proteins
Authors: Einarson Margret B. , Pugacheva Elena N. , Orlinick Jason R. 
Published: August 2007

INTRODUCTIONA far-Western blot (also known as an overlay assay) is used to detect the interaction of a recombinant GST fusion protein (produced and purified from bacteria) with a target protein on a membrane. Three methods are generally used to detect an interaction: radioactive labeling of the fusion protein, biotinylation of the fusion protein, and detection by anti-GST antibodies. This protocol describes the radioactive labeling of GST fusion proteins using a phosphorylation site that has been integrated into the fusion protein. This is rapid, easy, and because the phosphorylation site is in the fusion portion of the protein, labeling the fusion protein generally has little impact on subsequent activity. The fusion protein consists of a GST moiety, a protease cleavage site, and the phosphorylation target site for a known kinase, which are translated in-frame with the protein of interest. The purified protein is bound to glutathione beads and is radioactively labeled with 32P using a commercially available kinase. Unincorporated nucleotides are removed from the solution by washing, and the radioactively labeled protein is cleaved with protease (e.g., factor X or thrombin) or eluted with glutathione to remove the GST moiety, which eliminates the possibility of detecting proteins bound to GST during membrane probing.
Preparing DNA from Mammalian Sources for Genotyping
Authors: Sahota Amrik , Brooks Andrew I. , Tischfield Jay A. 
Published: August 2007

INTRODUCTIONThe availability of high-quality DNA from a large number of individuals is a prerequisite for the success of genetic variation studies. This requirement has spurred major technological advances in DNA extraction methodologies. Twenty years ago, large-scale manual extractions took >3 d to complete. Large-scale preparations can now be completed within 3 h using automated extraction platforms, without the need for toxic reagents and often with higher yields than in the past. This article introduces methods and considerations for the extraction of DNA for genotyping, and for the determination of DNA quantity and quality.