bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linear rank tests for doubly censored data
Authors: Tang Ming‐Xin , Tsai Wei‐Yann , Marder Karen , Mayeux Richard 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper establishes the asymptotic properties of the non‐parametric maximum likelihood estimator of the survival function based on data censored both from the left and the right. We show that the sample mean based on the survival estimator converges to a normal distribution, and we derive non‐parametric tests for the differences in survival functions. The methods are applied to a study of dementia associated with Parkinson's disease.
A program to implement a search method for identification of clinical subgroups
Authors: Marshall Roger J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA procedure for identifying subgroups that are homogeneous with respect to an outcome variable is described. The method, search partition analysis (SPAN), is formulated in terms of a numeric outcome variable y and a set of predictors, explanatory variables or risk factors x = x1, x2, …, xp. The objective is to split observations into two groups by a binary partition, specified using Boolean expressions of the predictors, x, such that y is as homogeneous as possible in the resultant groups; uniformly ‘low’ in one and uniformly ‘high’ in the other. Subgroups within each of the two groups can be identified from the Boolean expressions. SPAN implements a search for the ‘best’ partition from among a class of regular Boolean expressions. Features of the method are described, including how to measure partition homogeneity, complexity penalizing, search strategies and subgroup definition and representation. The approach is illustrated with analyses of predictors of low birth weight and predictors of impaired glucose tolerance for screening purposes.
Non‐parametric methods for analysing recurrent complications of varying severity
Authors: Lancar RÉMi , Kramar Andrew , Haie‐Meder Christine 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNon‐parametric methods have recently been proposed to take into account the recurrent nature of complications in clinical trials, by estimating the prevalence Q(t), defined as the probability of relapse‐free patients being in a complication state at time t. Recoveries are also considered. These methods have been adapted in this paper to take into consideration not only the recurrent nature of complications but also their severity through the interpretation of average weight functions. Results of a randomized trial comparing late complications following two alternative doses of pre‐operative internal brachytherapy in patients with localized stage cervix carcinoma are used to illustrate the methods.
Interval censored survival data and multistate compartmental models in the analysis of first appearance of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in infants
Authors: Gottschau Adam , Hogh Birthe 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA statistical model for interval censored data is described. Assuming a piecewise constant incidence enables us to analyse very unbalanced data in a generalized linear model. The distribution of age at first appearance of P. falciparum parasites in infants in Liberia has been estimated. A new graphical method for presentation of test results on all children was developed. In an illness—death model it is described how the proportion of undetected and detected malaria parasitemias depends on parasite rates and testing frequency. The incidence of detectable malaria parasitemia was 0·14 per month in infants under 4 months of age, and 0·60 per month in children over 4 months (p < 0001). The congenital resistance to malaria in African infants living in a highly endemic area had largely disappeared by the age of 4 months; before this age children were partly protected.
S4W: a problem‐solving environment for wireless system design
Authors: Mishra Dhananjay , Shaffer Clifford A. , Ramakrishnan Naren , Watson Layne T. , Bae Kyung K. , He Jian , Verstak Alex A. , Tranter William H. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis work describes the Site‐Specific System Simulator for Wireless System Design (S4W), a problem‐solving environment (PSE) that integrates visualization and computational tools with a high‐level graphical user interface. S4W improves the ability of wireless system engineers to design an indoor wireless system by encouraging them to think in terms of designing the system for optimal performance. Issues of computation management, data management, and location of resources are hidden from the user. The complex nature of data sets in the domain of wireless simulations calls for a customized set of visualization tools. Therefore, a number ofad hocvisualizations were developed for S4W. A study comparing the integrated system with an earlier, unintegrated version is presented. This helps to demonstrate the productivity gains that a PSE provides. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemometrics‐based XAS characterization of titanium on titanium‐oxide‐modified chromatographic silica
Authors: Goraieb Karen , Collins Kenneth E. , Bueno Maria Izabel M. S. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractChemometric procedures (PCA and PLS) were applied to x‐ray absorption spectrometry (XAS) to characterize chromatographic silica modified with titanium oxide. The XAS spectra were obtained using 3‐Win DCM software and were analyzed with the traditional WinXAS 2.3 software to obtain Ti coordination numbers and bond lengths of TiO attached to silica. PCA applied to the XAS spectra allows unsupervised classifications with respect to silica type, shapes of the titanium oxide layer, TiO bond length and Ti coordination numbers. PLS applied to XAS spectra allows the calibration of Ti coordination numbers and the TiO bond lengths. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modified Cautery‐Assisted Palatal Stiffening Operation: New Method for Treating Snoring and Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Pang Kenny P. , Terris David J. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess a new method (modified cautery‐assisted palatal stiffening operation [CAPSO]) to treat snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).DESIGNA prospective, nonrandomized trial.METHODSThirteen patients with simple snoring and mild OSA underwent the modified CAPSO under local anaesthesia. All patients had preoperative polysomnography and at 3 months postoperatively.RESULTSAll patients were Friedman stage II and III, with tonsil size 0, 1, or 2. All patients had improvement in their snoring. Eighty‐four percent of the patients had improvement in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, from 12.2 to 8.9. Objective success on the polysomnogram was noted in six out of the eight patients (75%) with mild OSA. The AHI improved from 12.3% to 5.2% (P < 0.05), and the LSAT improved from 88.3% to 92.5% (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe modified CAPSO is a simple, low‐cost, and effective office‐based method to treat snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.
Dexamethasone does not Alter in Vitro Antibacterial Efficacy of Gentamicin
Authors: Drobbin Michael T. , Phelan Sean T. , Antonelli Patrick J. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVESAminoglycoside ototoxicity may be mitigated by administration of dexamethasone; however, dexamethasone could theoretically impair its antibacterial properties. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if dexamethasone decreases the antibacterial activity of gentamicin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Stapholococcus aureus (SA).STUDY DESIGNIn vitro microbiological assay.METHODSFour separate trials of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing were performed for gentamicin against five PA strains and six SA strains, with and without the addition of high and low concentrations of dexamethasone.RESULTSMICs were not changed by more than one dilution with the addition of either high or low concentrations of dexamethasone for any of the PA and SA strains.CONCLUSIONDexamethasone does not impair the antibacterial efficacy of gentamicin for PA and SA. This supports the role of dexamethasone as an otoprotectant with aminoglycoside therapy.
Quantitative Three‐Dimensional Ultrasound Imaging of Partially Resected Tongues
Authors: Bressmann Tim , Ackloo Elizabeth , Heng Chiang‐Le , Irish Jonathan C. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVEWe sought to assess the impact of partial lateral glossectomies on tongue function and speech.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGTongue shapes of 12 patients with lateral tumors of the tongue were recorded with three‐dimensional ultrasound before their surgery and two months after. Twelve normal participants served as controls. Speech acceptability was also assessed.RESULTSPrincipal component analyses demonstrated that the flap reconstructions led to a stiffening of the operated side of the tongue. A concavity index and an asymmetry index demonstrated that the glossectomy patients exhibited decreased midsagittal grooving and increased lingual asymmetry. The change in midsagittal grooving correlated moderately with the decrease in speech acceptability.CONCLUSIONA lateral partial glossectomy affects the tongue's intrinsic deformation, in particular midsagittal grooving and symmetry. This can have a detrimental effect for speech.SIGNIFICANCEA lateral resection affects the tongue's symmetry and midsagittal groove. The change in midsagittal grooving correlates with a decrease in speech acceptability.
Feasibility of Endoscopic Sentinel Node Biopsy in the Porcine Neck
Authors: Malloy Kelly M. , Cognetti David M. , Wildemore Bernadette M. , Cunnane Mary F. , Keane William M. , Pribitkin Edmund A. , Rosen David 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess the feasibility of endoscopic sentinel node biopsy (SNB) using a tracer dye in a pig model.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGThis was a prospective, nonrandomized experimental study in Yorkshire pigs. The posterolateral tongues of three animals were injected with a one‐to‐one solution of carbon dye to methylene blue dye. Endoscopic SNB was performed and stained lymph nodes identified and retrieved, followed by an open dissection to recover any remaining nodes. Specimens were analyzed by a pathologist for staining, size, and structural integrity.RESULTSSix unilateral endoscopic SNBs were performed without complications. During endoscopic dissection, gross blue‐staining of a sentinel node was noted in four of six dissections (66%). One of six sentinel nodes demonstrated histologic evidence of carbon staining. Structural integrity of all nodes was intact upon histological evaluation.CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCEEndoscopic cervical SNB in pigs is feasible but has limitations based on lymph node size and reliability of tracer dyes. Further study is warranted to perfect tracer dyes and retrieval methods to improve this technique.
Fusogenic Vesicular Stomatitis Virus for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Carcinomas
Authors: Shin Edward J. , Chang Jaime I. , Choi Bryan , Wanna Georges , Ebert Oliver , Genden Eric M. , Woo Savio L.C. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVESThis study investigates the efficacy of recombinant fusogenic VSV [rVSV‐NDV/F(L289A) or rVSV‐F] in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGThe in vitro replication and cytotoxicity of rVSV‐F were studied in two human SCC cell lines, in one murine SCC cell line, and in human keratinocytes. The effects on tumor size and animal survival were investigated following in vivo rVSV‐F treatment of floor‐of‐mouth tumor model C3H/HeJ mice.RESULTSRecombinant VSV‐F preferentially induced rapid syncytia formation, and replicated in (P < 0.04) and killed (P < 1 × 10‐13) all three SCC lines tested. The virus had no observable effect on human keratinocytes. Tumor size was smaller (P < 0.03) and overall survival was better (P < 0.001) for treated animals than for control animals.CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCERecombinant VSV‐F confers a modest survival benefit for HNSCC in this orthotopic murine model. This oncolytic virus holds promise as a novel cancer treatment for recurrent HNSCC.
Assessment of Chinese‐Version Voice Outcome Survey in Patients with Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis
Authors: Fang Tuan‐Jen , Li Hsueh‐Yu , Gliklich Richard E. , Chen Ya‐Hui , Wang Pa‐Chun 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUNDTo develop a Mandarin Chinese outcome measure for the assessment of quality of life among unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) patients.METHODSVoice Outcome Survey (VOS) was translated into Mandarin Chinese using a parallel model. The Chinese (Taiwan) version of the VOS (CVOS) was administered to 48 patients with symptomatic UVCP in a prospective manner; the CVOS was validated according to established criteria for reliability, validity, and longitudinal sensitivity.RESULTSCVOS demonstrates moderate test‐retest reliability (r = 0.59, P < 0.001) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.63). CVOS significantly correlates with most of the subscales in the Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan) version of 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) with only two exceptions (GH, general health; VT, vitality). The standardized response mean for the CVOS total score is 1.91, indicating excellent sensitivity to detect clinical changes.CONCLUSIONSPerformance characteristics of the CVOS are equivalent to the English‐version VOS. CVOS is a valid tool to evaluate adults with UVCP‐related problems among Chinese‐speaking populations.
Age‐Related Changes in Human Laryngeal Nerves
Authors: Tiago Romualdo , Pontes Paulo , do Brasil Osíris Camponês 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVESWe sought to perform a morphometric analysis of myelinated fibers from laryngeal nerves with the aim of verifying quantitative changes due to the aging process.METHODSA 1‐cm fragment was collected from the superior laryngeal nerves and recurrent laryngeal nerves from 12 cadavers during autopsy. The sample was divided in two groups: an adult group (aged <60 years) and an elderly group (aged ≥60 years).RESULTSThe total number of myelinated fibers from the superior laryngeal nerves was similar in both groups (adult group = 9017 ± 1692, elderly group = 7918 ± 1624; P = 0.79). The adult group had a higher total number of myelinated fibers in the recurrent laryngeal nerves than that of the elderly group (adult group = 3276 ± 383, elderly group = 2381 ± 669; P = 0.005), as well as a higher total number of fibers in the laryngeal nerves (both superior and recurrent) than the elderly group (P = 0.02).CONCLUSIONSThe adult group has a higher total number of myelinated fibers in the laryngeal nerves than the elderly group.
Urgent Awake Tracheotomy for Impending Airway Obstruction
Authors: Yuen Heng‐Wai , Heng‐Chian Andrew Loy , Johari Shirish 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVEAwake tracheotomy is performed for patients with impending airway obstruction. Few studies to date have addressed the issues surrounding awake tracheotomy. We sought to review the indications, complications, and outcome of awake tracheotomy for urgent airway control.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent awake tracheotomy over a 4‐year period from 2001 to 2004 at an urban tertiary medical center. Data were obtained from inpatient records and operative charts.RESULTSWe obtained data on 54 men and 19 women, with a mean age of 61 years. The majority of patients presented with hoarseness, dyspnea, and stridor. Twenty patients had obstruction from head and neck cancers. Nonmalignant causes included deep neck infections (n = 18), bilateral vocal cord paralysis (n = 17), trauma (n = 9), and laryngeal edema (n = 6). Other causes include laryngeal cyst, subglottic stenosis, and vocal cord granuloma. Six (8.2%) patients experienced complications, including postoperative hemorrhage, pneumothorax, and chest and wound infections. There were no long‐term complications or deaths.CONCLUSIONAwake tracheotomy is efficacious and safe and has a low complication rate.SIGNIFICANCEAwake tracheotomy should be performed for impending airway obstruction and in a timely manner before complete obstruction occurs.
Health‐Related Quality of Life in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Geisthoff Urban W. , Heckmann Katinka , D'Amelio Roberto , Grünewald Stefan , Knöbber Dirk , Falkai Peter , König Jochem 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess and differentiate the health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGA prospective, open, cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study (including the Short Form‐36 Health Survey [SF‐36]) performed by a tertiary care center.RESULTSA total of 77 patients (36 females) were included. Except for one domain (bodily pain), the scores for all scales of the SF‐36 were significantly reduced in comparison with normative data. The duration of epistaxis, the presence of hepatic involvement and gastrointestinal bleeding, and the number of visible telangiectases correlated with lower scores on several scales of the SF‐36. Unexpectedly, the frequency of epistaxis did not correlate with any scale.CONCLUSIONSThe duration of epistaxis, liver involvement, gastrointestinal bleeding, and the number of visible telangiectases have a major influence on the HR‐QoL in HHT whereby the frequency of epistaxis seems to play a minor role.SIGNIFICANCEThe data presented have an impact on therapeutic decisions, medical expert opinions, and research funding.
Phosphorus kinetics in lambs fed different levels of dicalcium phosphate
Authors: DIAS R. S. , KEBREAB E. , VITTI D. M. S. S. , PORTILHO F. P. , LOUVANDINI H. , FRANCE J. 
Published: May 2007

SUMMARYThe purpose of the current work was to study phosphorus (P) metabolism in growing sheep supplemented with different levels of dicalcium phosphate using an extant mathematical model. Twelve male non-castrated Santa Inês sheep, weighing 23 (±2·2) kg, received a basal diet unsupplemented or supplemented with dicalcium phosphate to provide 1·5, 3·0, 4·5 g of P/animal per day (treatments T1 to T4, respectively). After 3 weeks adaptation, 7·4 MBq of32P was injected into the jugular vein of each animal. Samples of blood, faeces and urine were collected every day during a 7-day period and thereafter the animals were sacrificed and samples from liver, kidney, heart, muscle and bone were collected for specific activity and inorganic P determinations. The flows between gut and plasma were similar for each treatment except for T1, which showed the lowest values for both flows (P<0·05). The amount of P accreted to soft tissue (F42) was different among treatments, however net tissue retention was similar for all treatments. Total P retained was highest for T4 and lowest as well as negative for T1 and T2. Phosphorus accreted to bone (F32) was different among treatments and contributed to the different net bone retentions. The highest value ofF32was reached by animals on T4, whilst the lowest values were found for animals on T1. Despite having the highest value ofF32, it should be noted that animals on T4 excreted the most P in faeces. Considering concerns about environmental P pollution, it is important to be aware that the treatment which provided the highest value for net bone P retention and forF42also led to the highest value of P excreted in faeces. Therefore, the current study suggests that T3 provided the best P level for this category of animal since P accreted to bone and tissue indicated that P absorption was adequate to attend to P requirements.
Evaluation of plasma fibronectine level as a probable indicator for tympanosclerosis
Authors: Görür K , Görüroğlu Öztürk Ö , Polat G , Vayisoğlu Y , Talas D Ü , Güner N , Özcan C 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives:Wound healing, epithelial regrowth and collagen synthesis are very important factors in the repair of the traumatised tympanic membrane. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of plasma fibronectine in the aetiopathogenesis of tympanosclerosis.Methods:This prospective study included 58 patients with and 49 without tympanosclerosis. No inflammation or trauma was noted in either patient group. All patients underwent otoscopic and otomicroscopic examination, and the degree of tympanosclerosis was graded from mild (stage I) to severe (stage III). Following otological examination, blood samples were taken for plasma fibronectine measurement.Results:Following otoscopic and otomicroscopic examinations, patients' tympanosclerosis was graded as follows: 18 patients were stage I; 29 were stage II; and 11 were stage III. Statistical analyses revealed that the plasma fibronectine concentrations were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (p = 0.031). In addition, fibronectine levels were lowest in the patients with severest tympanosclerosis (p = 0.0001 in each comparison).Conclusion:The results of the present study show that serum fibronectine is important in the development and severity of tympanosclerosis.
What is the short term effect of perfumes on olfactory thresholds?
Authors: Robinson A M , Gaskin J A , Philpott C M , Goodenough P C , Elloy M , Clark A , Murty G E 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives:Body sprays and perfumes are commonly worn by patients attending ENT out-patients clinics. Their effect on performance in olfactory testing is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether olfactory thresholds are altered by the presence of such fragrances.Materials and methods:One hundred and sixty healthy volunteers, aged 18 to 65 years, underwent olfactory thresholds testing. Each was then exposed to one of four strong perfumes, applied in a facemask for two minutes, and the thresholds were retested.Results and analysis:All olfactory thresholds worsened after being exposed to the strong perfumes of LynxTM and ImpulseTM body sprays, with the strongest effect being on olfactory detection of phenylethyl alcohol (p<0.001).Conclusions:Strong perfumes can have a negative effect on olfactory thresholds.Significance:Patients attending olfactory threshold testing need to be advised not to wear body sprays or perfumes.
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma presenting as a prelaryngeal, air-filled structure (pseudolaryngocoele)
Authors: Korampalli T S , Belloso A , Hans P S , Irion K , Sheppard I J 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective:We report a unique case of a squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx presenting as a large pseudolaryngocoele, arising through a thyroid cartilage defect.Method:Case report and review of the literature.Case report:A 47-year-old man presented with a two-month history of hoarseness and a large, midline neck swelling. Endoscopic examination revealed a transglottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure. Fine needle aspiration of the neck mass showed it to be an air-filled structure which transiently collapsed but refilled within minutes. Subsequent computed tomography scanning and histopathological examination revealed that the air-filled mass was created by a defect in the thyroid cartilage, with formation of a pseudolaryngocoele.Conclusions:The anatomy of the anterior commissure region and its effect on the spread of laryngeal carcinoma is reviewed in order to explain the pathophysiology of this unusual presentation. We highlight the need for a high index of suspicion of malignancy if a laryngocoele or pseudolaryngocoele is detected clinically.