bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adenoidectomy: Long‐term Follow‐Up
Authors: Joshua Benzion , Bahar Gideon , Sulkes Jaqueline , Shpitzer Thomas , Raveh Eyal 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo assess the long‐term (3‐5 years) success of adenoidectomy and reasons for unsatisfactory results.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGThe parents of all children who underwent adenoidectomy alone at a major tertiary center from 1998 to 2000 were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their child's well‐being and symptomatology 3‐5 years after surgery; some were invited for follow‐up. Symptom improvement, persistent symptoms, and adenoid regrowth were evaluated.RESULTSAmong the 206 parents who complied, 74%‐87% reported improvement in all main symptoms: nasal obstruction, snoring, chronic rhinorrhea, hyponasal speech, and obstructive sleep disorder. At follow‐up (n = 36), the symptomatic patients had significantly more anatomic nasal abnormalities (P = 0.01) and a higher rate of significant adenoid enlargement (P = 0.08), 3 patients (19%) vs none (0%).CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCEAdenoidectomy alone is satisfactory treatment for nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea in selected children. Though some adenoid regrowth is not rare, clinically significant adenoid regrowth is infrequent. Persistent or recurrent symptoms are attributable mainly to nasal pathology.
Image‐Guided Frontal Trephination: A Minimally Invasive Approach for Hard‐To‐Reach Frontal Sinus Disease
Authors: Zacharek Mark A. , Fong Karen J. , Hwang Peter H. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVESPeripherally located frontal sinus pathology may be unreachable with standard endoscopic techniques. Patients with superiorly or laterally based lesions often undergo osteoplastic flap with or without obliteration. Image‐guided frontal trephination (IGFT) can localize pathology and provide excellent exposure. We present 13 patients in whom this technique was applied.STUDY DESIGNMedical records of 13 patients undergoing IGFT were retrospectively reviewed.RESULTSThe patients' mean age was 49.2 years, (range 14‐79); follow‐up time was 29.9 months (range 12‐39). Indications for IGFT were superiorly or laterally based mucoceles (3), fibrous dysplasia or osteoma (3), type 4 frontal cells (3), and frontal recess stenosis or ossification (4). In five patients, IGFT was combined with endoscopic transethmoid frontal sinusotomy; eight patients were treated through a trephination approach, and three patients underwent trephination with unilateral frontal sinus obliteration. One patient required revision; all others remain symptom free.CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCEIGFT offers an attractive alternative to osteoplastic flap.
Disease Severity in Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis is Greater in Patients Infected with Streptococcus Pneumoniae Than in Those Infected with Haemophilus Influenzae
Authors: Benninger Michael , Brook Itzhak , Farrell David J. 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUNDStreptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are the most common causative pathogens in acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. A post hoc pooled analysis of four multinational Phase III clinical trials was conducted to compare disease severity in acute bacterial rhinosinusitis caused by S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae.METHODSPatients were evaluated for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis clinician‐assessed symptom severity and radiologic findings (total opacity, mucosal thickening, and air‐fluid levels on maxillary sinus x‐rays). Specimens for bacteriologic identification were collected by maxillary sinus tap, or by selective middle meatal cultures (sinus aspirates or swabs).RESULTSCompared with patients infected with H. influenzae (n = 106), patients infected with S. pneumoniae (n = 143) showed a statistically significant higher incidence of severe disease (39.2% vs 23.6%, P = 0.0097) and total opacity (46.2% vs 29.2%, P = 0.0085). Mucosal thickening (47.6% vs 56.6%, P = 0.1616) and air‐fluid levels (49% vs 56.6%, P = 0.2500) were comparable between the two groups.CONCLUSIONSIn acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, infection with S. pneumoniae is associated with more severe clinical symptoms and radiographic total opacification findings than infection with H. influenzae.
Herbal Medicines for the Treatment of Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Guo Ruoling , Cantery Peter H. , Ernst Edzard 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVESTo assess the efficacy of herbal medicines for treating rhinosinusitis.DATA SOURCEFive electronic databases, bibliographies of located papers, manufacturers, and experts in the field.REVIEW METHODSInclusion of randomized clinical trials (RCT) testing any herbal medicine in rhinosinusitis, as sole or adjunctive treatment. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers following a predetermined protocol.RESULTSTen RCTs, testing six different herbal products against placebo (8 RCTs) or “no additional treatment” (2 RCTs) were included. Four RCTs tested Sinupret as adjunctive treatment for either acute (3 RCTs) or chronic (1 RCT) rhinosinusitis. The quality of these studies varied, but two in acute sinusitis, including the largest and best quality study, and one in chronic sinusitis reported significant positive findings. Three RCTs tested bromelain in either acute sinusitis (2 RCTs) or patients of mixed diagnosis (chronic and acute sinusitis), and all reported some positive findings. Metanalysis of the two RCTs in acute sinusitis suggested that adjunctive use of bromelain significantly improves some symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis. Single RCTs were identified for 4 other herbal products (Esberitox, Myrtol, Cineole, and Bi Yuan Shu) as treatments for sinusitis, all reported some positive results. The median methodological quality score was 3 of 5.CONCLUSIONEvidence that any herbal medicines are beneficial in the treatment of rhinosinusitis is limited, particularly in chronic rhinosinusitis. There is encouraging evidence that Sinupret and bromelain may be effective adjunctive treatments in acute rhinosinusitis. Positive results from isolated RCTs of four other herbal products require independent replication.
Effects of Ototopic Steroid and NSAIDS in Clearing Middle ear Effusion in an Animal Model
Authors: Cutler Jeffrey L. , Wall Michael , Labadie Robert F. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVEA model of otitis media with effusion (OME) has been developed in the Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rat. This model was used to study the effects of an ototopic steroid and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced OME.STUDY DESIGNTwenty‐six rats were randomized into 4 groups: saline solution, LPS, NSAID + LPS, and steroids + LPS. Test substance was injected into the middle ear at 0, 2, and 4 hours. The effusion was collected at 2, 4, and 6 hours. Statistical analysis of effusion volume and albumin concentration was performed.RESULTSThe LPS group demonstrated statistically significant increase in both effusion volume and albumin concentration compared with saline solution. Intergroup comparison revealed significantly less effusion volume in the steroid group and less albumin concentration in the NSAID group when compared with the LPS group.CONCLUSIONSTranstympanic steroid reduced LPS induced middle ear effusion while NSAID reduced albumin concentration in the rat model.SIGNIFICANCEOur results lend support to the current use of anti‐inflammatory ototopicals in the treatment of inflammatory middle ear disease.
Objective Measurement of Vocal Fatigue in Classical Singers: A Vocal Dosimetry Pilot Study
Authors: Carroll Thomas , Nix John , Hunter Eric , Emerich Kate , Titze Ingo , Abaza Mona 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVESTo collect objective vibration dose data on singers and relate them to subjective measurements of vocal fatigue.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGSeven subjects completed a 2‐week study period. The National Center for Voice and Speech (NCVS) dosimeter recorded vocal load, soft phonation tasks, and subjective soft voice ratings. Three vocal doses (time, distance, and cycle) were measured in classical singers' larynges during an intensive practice period.RESULTSSpikes in vocal load are reflected as harsher subjective ratings on the same day as well as 24‐72 hours later. When at least 48 hours of vocal rest occurred before a vocal load, improved subjective evaluations were seen after the load.CONCLUSIONSThe NCVS dosimeter appears to be an effective tool for data collection on prolonged use of the voice.SIGNIFICANCEThis is the first multi‐day study comparing objective and subjective data on vocal fatigue in a group of professional singers.
Chemotherapy alone in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bonfils P , Trotoux J , Bassot V 
Published: September 2006

Aims: To evaluate the results of chemotherapy alone in patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx who have achieved a complete clinical response after an induction chemotherapy protocol.Methods: A comparison of results in a group of complete responders managed with a chemotherapy alone protocol, matched with those of an incomplete responder group managed with conventional modalities.Results: The survival rate of the complete responder group was significantly higher than that of the incomplete responder group. No statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups in terms of local failure and nodal recurrence.Conclusion: Our results confirm the fact that chemotherapy alone is a viable option in selected patients with carcinoma of the larynx who have achieved a complete clinical response after an induction chemotherapy protocol. This therapeutic approach allows surgery and/or radiation therapy to be reserved for the management of metachronous second primary tumours.
Prevalence of HIV infection among young adult injecting and non-injecting heroin users in Spain in the era of harm reduction programmes: gender differences and other related factors
Authors: BARRIO G. , De La FUENTE L. , TORO C. , BRUGAL T. M. , SORIANO V. , GONZALEZ F. , BRAVO M. J. , VALLEJO F. , SILVA T. C. ,   the Project Itinere Group
Published: September 2006

SUMMARYThe aims were to assess the prevalence of HIV infection among young adult heroin users, including injecting heroin users (IHUs) and non-injecting heroin users (NIHUs), and to explore the differences by gender and other factors. The design was a cross-sectional cohort study between April 2001 and December 2003, which included 961 current heroin users (HU), aged 18–30 years: 422 in Madrid, 351 in Barcelona and 188 in Seville; 621 were IHUs and 340 were NIHUs. All were street-recruited by chain referral methods. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire with computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI). Samples for HIV testing (dried blood spot) were collected and tested with ELISA and Western Blot. Bivariate, logistic regression, and classification and regression tree analyses were performed. The overall prevalence of HIV infection among IHUs was 25·8% (95% CI 22·3–29·3) [32·4% (95% CI 26·6–38·1) in Madrid, 20·5% (95% CI 15·6–25·4) in Barcelona, and 20·6% (95% CI 9·8–31·4) in Seville], whereas in NIHUs it was 4·0% (95% CI 2·1–6·7), with no differences among cities. The prevalence was significantly higher in women than in men in NIHUs (10·9%, 95% CI 4·3–17·5 vs. 1·7%, 95% CI 0·5–4·2) and was non-significantly higher in IHUs (30·4%, 95% CI 23·0–37·8 vs. 24·1%, 95% CI 20·1–28·1). HIV prevalence in short-term IHUs was 12·9% (CI 8·8–17·02), with no differences among cities. In the logistic analysis, the variables associated with infection in IHUs were ever having injected with used syringes (OR 3·4, 95% CI 2·2–5·3), ever having been in prison (OR 2·6, 95% CI 1·6–4·0), and heroin as the first drug injected at least weekly (OR 2·3, 95% CI 1·1–4·5). Factors positively associated with HIV infection in NIHUs were female sex (OR 8·7, 95% CI 2·6–29·2) and age >25 years (OR 3·1, 95% CI 0·9–11·1), while primary educational level was inversely associated (OR 0·26, 95% CI 0·1–0·9). Although there are important geographic differences, HIV prevalence in IHUs remains high, even in short-term IHUs, whereas it was almost six times lower in NIHUs. The prevalence in women is higher than in men, particularly among NIHUs. A wide range of preventive strategies should be developed, aimed primarily at empowering women to negotiate safe sex.
Support vector machines for prediction of dihedral angle regions
Authors: Zimmermann Olav , Hansmann Ulrich H. E. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Motivation: Most secondary structure prediction programs target only alpha helix and beta sheet structures and summarize all other structures in the random coil pseudo class. However, such an assignment often ignores existing local ordering in so-called random coil regions. Signatures for such ordering are distinct dihedral angle pattern. For this reason, we propose as an alternative approach to predict directly dihedral regions for each residue as this leads to a higher amount of structural information.
Results: We propose a multi-step support vector machine (SVM) procedure, dihedral prediction (DHPRED), to predict the dihedral angle state of residues from sequence. Trained on 20 000 residues our approach leads to dihedral region predictions, that in regions without alpha helices or beta sheets is higher than those from secondary structure prediction programs.
Availability: DHPRED has been implemented as a web service, which academic researchers can access from our webpage
Contact: u.hansmann@fz-juelich.de
CAPS: coevolution analysis using protein sequences
Authors: Fares Mario A. , McNally David 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Summary: Coevolution Analysis using Protein Sequences (CAPS) is a PERL based software that identifies co-evolution between amino acid sites. Blosum-corrected amino acid distances are used to identify amino acid co-variation. The phylogenetic sequence relationships are used to remove the phylogenetic and stochastic dependencies between sites. The 3D protein structure is used to identify the nature of the dependencies between co-evolving amino acid sites. Friendly interpretable output files are generated.
Availability: CAPS version 1 is available at . Distribution versions for Linux/Unix, Mac OS X and Windows operating systems are available, including manual and example files.
Contact: faresm@tcd.ie
Combinatorial Domain Hunting: An effective approach for the identification of soluble protein domains adaptable to high‐throughput applications
Authors: Reich Stefanie , Puckey Loretto H. , Cheetham Caroline L. , Harris Richard , Ali Ammar A.E. , Bhattacharyya Uma , Maclagan Kate , Powell Keith A. , Prodromou Chrisostomos , Pearl Laurence H. , Driscoll Paul C. , Savva Renos 
Published: September 2006

AbstractExploitation of potential new targets for drug and vaccine development has an absolute requirement for multimilligram quantities of soluble protein. While recombinant expression of full‐length proteins is frequently problematic, high‐yield soluble expression of functional subconstructs is an effective alternative, so long as appropriate termini can be identified. Bioinformatics localizes domains, but doesn't predict boundaries with sufficient accuracy, so that subconstructs are typically found by trial and error. Combinatorial Domain Hunting (CDH) is a technology for discovering soluble, highly expressed constructs of target proteins. CDH combines unbiased, finely sampled gene‐fragment libraries, with a screening protocol that provides “holistic” readout of solubility and yield for thousands of protein fragments. CDH is free of the “passenger solubilization” and out‐of‐frame translational start artifacts of fusion‐protein systems, and hits are ready for scale‐up expression. As a proof of principle, we applied CDH to p85α, successfully identifying soluble and highly expressed constructs encapsulating all the known globular domains, and immediately suitable for downstream applications.
Elucidation of the mechanism of the regulatory function of the Ig1 module of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1
Authors: Kiselyov Vladislav V. , Kochoyan Arthur , Poulsen Flemming M. , Bock Elisabeth , Berezin Vladimir 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe extracellular part of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor (FGFR) consists of up to three Ig modules (Ig1–Ig3), in which the Ig2 and Ig3 modules determine affinity and specificity for FGF and heparin. The FGFR isoforms lacking the Ig1 module have higher affinity for FGF and heparin than the triple Ig‐module isoforms, suggesting that the Ig1 module is involved in the regulation of the FGFR–ligand interaction. We show here by surface plasmon resonance and NMR analyses that the Ig1 module binds to the Ig2 module, and identify by NMR the binding sites involved in the Ig1–Ig2 interaction. The identified binding site in the Ig2 module was found to be in the area of the FGF–Ig2 and Ig2–heparin contact sites, thus providing direct structural evidence that the Ig1 module functions as a competitive autoinhibitor of the FGFR–ligand interaction. Furthermore, the Ig1 binding site of the Ig2 module overlaps the Ig2–Ig2 contact site. This suggests that the function of the Ig1 module is not only regulation of the FGFR–ligand binding affinity but also prevention of spontaneous FGFR dimerization (through a direct Ig2–Ig2 interaction) in the absence of FGF.
Trapping the tetrahedral intermediate in the alkaline phosphatase reaction by substitution of the active site serine with threonine
Authors: Wang Jie , Kantrowitz Evan R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe report here the construction of a mutant version of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase (AP) in which the active site Ser was replaced by Thr (S102T), in order to investigate whether the enzyme can utilize Thr as the nucleophile and whether the rates of the critical steps in the mechanism are altered by the substitution. The mutant AP with Thr at position 102 exhibited an ∼4000‐fold decrease in k cat along with a small decrease in K m. The decrease in catalytic efficiency of ∼2000‐fold was a much smaller drop than that observed when Ala or Gly were substituted at position 102. The mechanism by which Thr can substitute for Ser in AP was further investigated by determining the X‐ray structure of the S102T enzyme in the presence of the Pi (S102T_Pi), and after soaking the crystals with substrate (S102T_sub). In the S102T_Pi structure, the Pi was coordinated differently with its position shifted by 1.3 Å compared to the structure of the wild‐type enzyme in the presence of Pi. In the S102T_sub structure, a covalent Thr‐Pi intermediate was observed, instead of the expected bound substrate. The stereochemistry of the phosphorus in the S102T_sub structure was inverted compared to the stereochemistry in the wild‐type structure, as would be expected after the first step of a double in‐line displacement mechanism. We conclude that the S102T mutation resulted in a shift in the rate‐determining step in the mechanism allowing us to trap the covalent intermediate of the reaction in the crystal.
Engineered zinc‐binding sites confirm proximity and orientation of transmembrane helices I and III in the human serotonin transporter
Authors: White Kellie J. , Kiser Philip D. , Nichols David E. , Barker Eric L. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe human serotonin transporter (hSERT) regulates neurotransmission by removing released serotonin (5‐HT) from the synapse. Previous studies identified residues in SERT transmembrane helices (TMHs) I and III as interaction sites for substrates and antagonists. Despite an abundance of data supporting a 12‐TMH topology, the arrangement of the TMHs in SERT and other biogenic amine transporters remains undetermined. A high‐resolution structure of a bacterial leucine transporter that demonstrates homology with SERT has been reported, thus providing the basis for the development of a SERT model. Zn2+‐binding sites have been utilized in transporters and receptors to define experimentally TMH proximity. Focusing on residues near the extracellular ends of hSERT TMHs I and III, we engineered potential Zn2+‐binding sites between V102 or W103 (TMH I) and I179–L184 (TMH III). Residues were mutated to either histidine or cysteine. TMH I/III double mutants were constructed from functional TMH I mutants, and Zn2+ sensitivity was assessed. Dose‐response assays suggest an approximately twofold increase in sensitivity to Zn2+ inhibition at the hSERT V102C/M180C and approximately fourfold at the V102C/I179C mutant compared to the hSERT V102C single mutant. We propose that the increased sensitivity to Zn2+ confirms the proximity and the orientation of TMHs I and III in the membrane. Homology modeling of the proposed Zn2+‐binding sites using the coordinates of the Aquifex aeolicus leucine transporter structure provided a structural basis for interpreting the results and developing conclusions.
Effect of CD34+ cell dose on hematopoietic reconstitution and outcome in 508 patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Klaus Jens , Herrmann Doris , Breitkreutz Iris , Hegenbart Ute , Mazitschek Uta , Egerer Gerlinde , Cremer Friedrich W. , Lowenthal Ray M. , Huesing Johannes , Fruehauf Stefan , Moehler Thomas , Ho Anthony D. , Goldschmidt Hartmut 
Published: September 2006

Abstract Background: We analyzed the hematopoietic reconstitution and outcome of 508 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) with respect to the number of CD34+ cells reinfused at our center. Patients and methods: Each cohort of 390 patients (unselected CD34+ cell transplant) and 118 patients (CD34+ selected transplant) was divided into four subgroups. Among the 390 transplantations, 86 patients received a high dose (HD−) of ≥6.50 × 106 unselected CD34+ cells/kg, 116 patients a low dose (LD−) of <3.00 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg. Among the patients treated with CD34+ selected PBSC, 34 received ≥6.50 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (HD+) and 16 <3.00 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (LD+). Results: HD− patients experienced a reduced median time to leukocyte (13 d vs. 14 d) (P < 0.001) and platelet reconstitution >20 × 109/L (10 d vs. 12 d) (P < 0.001). Similarly, HD+ showed a reduced median time to leukocyte (12 d vs. 15 d) (P < 0.001) and platelet recovery >20 × 109/L (10 d vs. 11 d) (P = 0.058). CD34+ cell‐dose was significant for long‐term platelet recovery at day 360 (unselected transplant P = 0.015, selected transplant P = 0.023). Number of transplanted CD34+ cells had no significant impact on transplant related mortality, overall survival or CR/PR rates within 100 d. In terms of supportive care the differences of high‐/low‐dose grafts were minimal. Conclusions: These results confirm that high doses of CD34+ PBSC shorten hematopoietic reconstitution and reduce hospitalization. Nevertheless secure engraftment results from transplantation of 2.00–3.00 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg. As 60% of our pretreated patients are able to collect ≥5.00 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg within a single leukapheresis, division into two or more freezing bags allows safe tandem transplantation in the majority of MM patients.
Cancer specific Mucin‐1 glycoforms are expressed on multiple myeloma
Authors: Cloosen Silvie , Gratama JanWillem , Van Leeuwen Ellen B. M. , Senden‐Gijsbers Birgit L. M. G. , Oving Ellis B. H. , Von Mensdorff‐Pouilly Silvia , Tarp Mads A. , Mandel Ulla , Clausen Henrik , Germeraad Wilfred T. V. , Bos Gerard M. J. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryPresent therapies cannot cure the large majority of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and therefore new treatment strategies are imperative. This study analysed the different glycosylation profiles of Mucin‐1 (MUC1) on MM and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells using a series of anti‐MUC1 antibodies. Seventy‐three per cent of the MM patients had plasma cells that expressed the fully glycosylated forms of MUC1. In contrast to controls, normal bone marrow cells and AML cells, the differentiation‐dependent and cancer‐associated glycoforms of MUC1 were present on 59% and 36% MM tumour cells respectively. This indicated that aberrantly glycosylated MUC1 is a potential immunotherapeutic target in MM patients.