bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refining indications for the use of mitomycin C using a randomized controlled trial with an animal model
Authors: Shvidler Joseph , Bothwell Nici E. , Cable Benjamin 
Published: April 2007

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of mitomycin on the repair of acquired subglottic stenosis and to define the optimal concentration of mitomycin that would minimize restenosis after repair.Study Design And SettingA randomized prospective model was used in which 20 ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) underwent simulated intubation injury that was then treated with CO2 laser lysis.ResultsComparison of cross‐sectional airway areas, after stenosis repair, showed no significant differences between control and mitomycin treatment groups. Comparison of histologic scores for both inflammation and mucosalization yielded no difference between control and treatment animals.ConclusionsMitomycin C appeared to have no benefit when placed after repair of an acquired stenosis.SignificanceThis study closely models the injury experienced by children with acquired subglottic stenosis. These data provide clear evidence that mitomycin is limited in its effect on established wounds and help further define its role as an adjuvant for surgery in the aerodigestive tract.
Biofilm formation in an in vitro model of cochlear implants with removable magnets
Authors: Loeffler Kimberly A. , Johnson Trey A. , Burne Robert A. , Antonelli Patrick J. 
Published: April 2007

BackgroundCochlear implant (CI) recesses, such as the removable magnet pocket, appear to harbor more biofilm than smooth surfaces. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of removable magnets on biofilm formation in an in vitro model.MethodsSilastic models were constructed to represent CIs with and without a magnet pocket and with and without a titanium blank in the pocket. CIs were exposed to a culture of a biofilm forming strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Adherence of planktonic bacteria and biofilm formation were assessed with quantitative bacterial counts and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsAdherent bacterial counts were significantly higher in CI models with an empty magnet pocket (P = 0.0097). Biofilm formation was significantly lower in CI models without a magnet pocket (P = 0.0121).ConclusionsCI magnet pockets harbor bacteria that can increase biofilm development in an in vitro model.
Cochlear implantation and quality of life in postlingually deaf adults: Long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Damen Godelieve W.J.A. , Beynon Andy J. , Krabbe Paul F.M. , Mulder Jef J.S. , Mylanus Emmanuel A.M. 
Published: April 2007

ObjectiveTo investigate long‐term quality of life (QoL) in postlingually deaf adults after entering the cochlear implantation (CI) program.Study Design and SettingFollow‐up study from 1998 onwards in tertiary university medical center. Long‐term CI users, patients who have not received a CI, and relatively short‐term CI users were re‐evaluated six years after initial data collection in 1998 by using three questionnaires (NCIQ, HUI3, and SF36) and speech perception tests.Results and ConclusionsIn general, the beneficial effect of CI remained stable during long‐term follow‐up, though scores on the questionnaires decreased slightly. Outcomes before and after cochlear implantation were significantly different. The group without a CI demonstrated slightly decreasing trends in outcomes. Long‐term speech perception performance improved in time.SignificanceThis is the first study to investigate long‐term follow‐up of CI patients, in all aspects of QoL combined with speech perception performance, in comparison with postlingually deaf adults without CI.
Natural history of tracheostomy‐dependent idiopathic congenital bilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Berkowitz Robert G 
Published: April 2007

ObjectiveTo identify the age at which spontaneous improvement in vocal fold function occurs that will allow decannulation to be performed in tracheostomy‐dependent children with isolated idiopathic congenital bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP).Study Design And SettingRetrospective chart review in tertiary pediatric center.ResultsThree children were identified who underwent tracheostomy between 13 and 45 days old. Two patients have been decannulated at age 5 years 11 months and 7 years 1 month, but both have persistent symptoms of upper airway obstruction. One patient remains tracheostomy‐dependent at 4 years of age with only minimal vocal cord abduction.ConclusionsSpontaneous improvement in vocal fold function sufficient to allow decannulation appears to occur during the second quinquennium of life.SignificanceConservative treatment could be considered as an alternative to surgery in severe idiopathic congenital BVFP.
Absorption and metabolism of bioactive molecules after oral consumption of cooked edible heads ofCynara scolymusL. (cultivar Violetto di Provenza) in human subjects: a pilot study
Authors: Azzini E. , Bugianesi R. , Romano F. , Di Venere D. , Miccadei S. , Durazzo A. , Foddai M. S. , Catasta G. , Linsalata V. , Maiani G. 
Published: April 2007

The current growing interest for natural antioxidants has led to a renewed scientific attention for artichoke, due not only to its nutritional value, but, overall, to its polyphenolic content, showing strong antioxidant properties. The major constituents of artichoke extracts are hydroxycinnamic acids such as chlorogenic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acids caffeic acid and ferulic acid, and flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin glycosides.Invitrostudies, using cultured rat hepatocytes, have shown its hepatoprotective functions andin vivostudies have shown the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in human subjects. Several studies have shown the effect on animal models of artichoke extracts, while information on human bioavailability and metabolism of hydroxycinnamates derivatives is still lacking. Results showed a plasma maximum concentration of 6·4 (sd 1.8) ng/ml for chlorogenic acid after 1 h and its disappearance within 2 h (P < 0·05). Peak plasma concentrations of 19·5 (sd6·9) ng/ml for total caffeic acid were reached within 1 h, while ferulic acid plasma concentrations showed a biphasic profile with 6·4 (sd1·5) ng/ml and 8·4 (sd4·6) ng/ml within 1 h and after 8 h respectively. We observed a significant increase of dihydrocaffeic acid and dihydroferulic acid total levels after 8 h (P < 0·05). No circulating plasma levels of luteolin and apigenin were present. Our study confirms the bioavailability of metabolites of hydroxycinnamic acids after ingestion of cooked edibleCynara scolymusL. (cultivar Violetto di Provenza).
‘Human understanding’ in imagining and organising sound: some implications of John Locke's Essay for ecological, cognitive and embodied approaches to composition
Authors: Dean Roger T , Bailes Freya 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe discuss John Locke's ideas in his essay of 1690 on sound and its cognition and relation to bodily motion. The ideas have interesting implications for the construction of organised sound. We argue that our ecological and statistical experience of sounds in our natural (and man-made) environment is in several respects critical for our choices as soundsmiths and our impressions as listeners. Sonic repetition, both sensory and imag(in)ed, contributes to that environment. Input sounds may be ‘coupled’ to output sounds; and in some cases the physical processes generating sound and the cognitive processes of receiving them are joined. As music technologists we may think of the computer, our sonic vehicle, as a joined bodily sonic-prosthesis. ‘Simple’ sonic ideas may associate with each other through shared biological bases, and become tools for creation of ‘complex’ ideas, as Locke cogitates. Furthermore, we now have new routes towards such complex sounds, including our computer prostheses.
The process of ‘collective creation’ in the composition of UK hip-hop turntable team routines
Authors: Smith Sophy 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis article looks at the compositional processes of hip-hop teams based in the UK, focusing on those that have emerged from the practice of creating team ‘routines’. Turntable teams, such as the Scratch Perverts, the Mixologists and the DMU Crew, do not create their original compositions from within the Western art tradition of an independent artist creating work in isolation, which is then communicated to performers through staff notation. Instead, turntable teams compose and perform as a collective to create original compositions from existing records, and in doing so have developed innovative compositional strategies.To be able to analyse and discuss the creative processes of hip-hop turntable teams it has been necessary to construct my own model framework to enable me to identify similar patterns in the creative processes of the teams discussed. In the article, I discuss and analyse one routine from each of the three teams using this framework, focusing on the emergent process of ‘collective creation’. The article concludes by establishing a number of characteristics of the compositional processes used by UK turntable teams. Until now, scholarship has neglected the music of hip-hop. Previous work on hip-hop music has been concerned with either sociological or cultural and historical aspects. This article offers a new approach to hip-hop scholarship because it focuses on the actual music of turntable teams and the emergent processes that have developed to create it.
Periconceptional use of folic acid in Shanxi Province of northern China
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Ren Aiguo , Zhang Le , Liu Jianmeng , Li Zhu 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo understand the periconceptional use of folic acid and its association with selected characteristics in northern China.DesignAs part of a population-based case–control study on external structural birth defects, we analysed periconceptional use of folic acid among control mothers.SettingThe study was conducted in four counties (Pingding, Xiyang, Taigu and Zezhou) in Shanxi Province of northern China.SubjectsThe subjects in this study were the control mothers, who were interviewed between January 2003 and May 2005.ResultsOf the 480 respondent mothers, 49 women (10.2%) reported ever using folic acid supplements, and only 16 women (3.3%) used it periconceptionally. The rates of any use and periconceptional use did not change significantly with study year. Periconceptional use of folic acid was significantly increased among women with more than high school education (odds ratio (OR) = 4.57, P < 0.10), women who were not farmers (OR = 4.72, P < 0.05), women with a history of birth-defect-affected pregnancy (OR = 32.73, P < 0.05) and women who planned their pregnancy (OR = 7.88, P < 0.10).ConclusionThe rate of periconceptional folic acid use was among the lowest of those reported from other countries. More work should be done to improve preconceptional use of folic acid with special attention on less educated women and women farmers.
Educational variations in the consumption of foods containing fat in Finland and the Baltic countries
Authors: Petkeviciene Janina , Klumbiene Jurate , Prättälä Ritva , Paalanen Laura , Pudule Iveta , Kasmel Anu 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo examine educational differences among people who consume foods containing fat in Finland and the Baltic countries.DesignData were collected from cross-sectional postal Finbalt Health Monitor surveys that were carried out in 1998, 2000 and 2002.SettingEstonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania.SubjectsFor each survey, nationally representative random samples of adults aged 20–64 years were drawn from population registers (Estonia,n = 3656; Finland,n = 9354, Latvia,n = 6015; Lithuania,n = 5944).ResultsDifferences were revealed between the countries in the consumption of foods that contain fat. Finnish people consumed butter on bread, high-fat milk, meat and meat products, and vegetable oil for cooking less frequently than people in the Baltic countries. Cheese was most popular in Finland. Educational differences in fat-related food habits were examined by applying logistic regression analysis. A positive association was found between level of education and consumption of vegetable oil used in food preparation. Drinking high-fat milk was associated with low education in all countries. People with higher education tended to consume cheese more often. Educational patterns in the consumption of butter on bread and in the consumption of meat and meat products differed between countries.ConclusionsThe consumption of foods containing fat was related to educational levels in all four countries. The diet of better-educated people was closer to recommendations for the consumption of saturated and unsaturated fats than the diet of people with lower level of education. The educational gradient was more consistent in Finland than in the Baltic countries. These existing educational differences in sources of fat consumed should be taken into account in the development of national cardiovascular disease prevention programmes.
Determination of coefficient of friction between the equine foot and different ground surfaces: anin vitrostudy
Authors: Vos Nicolas J , Riemersma Dirk J 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSlippery surfaces are a continuous concern in equine veterinary practice during both treatment and orthopaedic work-ups, especially when horses have to trot on circles. Sliding of the equine foot on the ground with the potential of injury is prevented if the horizontally acting accelerating or decelerating forces on the foot do not exceed maximal friction. Friction can be calculated and therefore anticipated if the coefficient of friction (μ) between the foot of the horse and the particular ground surface is known. Friction between shod and unshod cadaver equine hooves and different ground surfaces (concrete, tarmac and rubber) was determined by pulling the hooves horizontally in a uniform motion. Horizontal forces (Fh) were measured on a force plate and with a portable digital electronic force meter. The coefficient of friction (μ) was calculated as the quotient betweenFhand the gravity force (N) of the object, hence:μ = Fh /N. This study has shown that the coefficient of friction between equine hooves and a specific ground surface can be determined using a portable digital force meter or a force plate. Friction significantly depended not only on the type of surface but also on shoeing of the equine foot. Bare feet showed more friction with the hard surfaces (bricks and tarmac), the shod feet showing more friction with the rubber surfaces. Coefficients of friction could be used to estimate the possibility of injuries occurring in the equine industry during exercise and/or lameness or pre-purchase examinations.
Management, presentation and interpretation of genome scans using GSCANDB
Authors: Taylor Martin , Valdar William , Kumar Ashish , Flint Jonathan , Mott Richard 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMotivation: Advances in high-throughput genotyping have made it possible to carry out genome-wide association studies using very high densities of genetic markers. This has led to the problem of the storage, management, quality control, presentation and interpretation of results. In order to achieve a successful outcome, it may be necessary to analyse the data in different ways and compare the results with genome annotations and other genome scans.Results: We created GSCANDB, a database for genome scan data, using a MySQL backend and Perl-CGI web interface. It displays genome scans of multiple phenotypes analysed in different ways and projected onto genome annotations derived from EnsMart. The current version is optimized for analysis of mouse data, but is customizable to other species.Availability: Source code and example data are available under the GPL, in versions tailored to either human or mouse association studies, from http://gscan.well.ox.ac.uk/software.Contact: Richard.Mott@well.ox.ac.ukSupplementary information: The GSCANDB database of mouse genome scans is accessible from http://gscan.well.ox.ac.uk.
SCEPTRANS: an online tool for analyzing periodic transcription in yeast
Authors: Kudlicki Andrzej , Rowicka Maga , Otwinowski Zbyszek 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSummary: SCEPTRANS is designed for analysis of microarray timecourse data related to periodic phenomena in the budding yeast. The server allows for easy viewing of temporal profiles of multiple genes in a number of datasets. Additional functionality includes searching for coexpressed genes, periodicity and correlation analysis, integrating functional annotation and localization data as well as advanced operations on sets of genes.Availability: Available online at http://sceptrans.org/Contact: andrzej@work.swmed.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Activity/Stability of Human Pepsin: Implications for Reflux Attributed Laryngeal Disease
Authors: Johnston Nikki , Dettmar Peter W. , Bishwokarma Bimjhana , Lively Mark O. , Koufman Jamie A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: Exposure of laryngeal epithelia to pepsin during extra‐esophageal reflux causes depletion of laryngeal protective proteins, carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme III (CAIII), and squamous epithelial stress protein Sep70. The first objective of this study was to determine whether pepsin has to be enzymatically active to deplete these proteins. The second objective was to investigate the effect of pH on the activity and stability of human pepsin 3b under conditions that might be found in the human esophagus and larynx.Study Design: Prospective translational research study.Methods: An established porcine in vitro model was used to examine the effect of active/inactive pepsin on laryngeal CAIII and Sep70 protein levels. The activity and stability of pepsin was determined by kinetic assay, measuring the rate of hydrolysis of a synthetic pepsin‐specific substrate after incubation at various pH values for increasing duration.Results: Active pepsin is required to deplete laryngeal CAIII and Sep70. Pepsin has maximum activity at pH 2.0 and is inactive at pH 6.5 or higher. Although pepsin is inactive at pH 6.5 and above, it remains stable until pH 8.0 and can be reactivated when the pH is reduced. Pepsin is stable for at least 24 hours at pH 7.0, 37°C and retains 79% ± 11% of its original activity after re‐acidification at pH 3.0.Conclusions: Detectable levels of pepsin remain in laryngeal epithelia after a reflux event. Pepsin bound there would be enzymatically inactive because the mean pH of the laryngopharynx is pH 6.8. Significantly, pepsin could remain in a form that would be reactivated by a subsequent decrease in pH, such as would occur during an acidic reflux event or possibly after uptake into intracellular compartments of lower pH.
Transcript Profiling of Poplar Leaves upon Infection with Compatible and Incompatible Strains of the Foliar RustMelampsora larici-populina
Authors: Rinaldi Cécile , Kohler Annegret , Frey Pascal , Duchaussoy Frédéric , Ningre Nathalie , Couloux Arnaud , Wincker Patrick , Le Thiec Didier , Fluch Silvia , Martin Francis , Duplessis Sébastien 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTo understand key processes governing defense mechanisms in poplar (Populus spp.) upon infection with the rust fungus Melampsora larici-populina, we used combined histological and molecular techniques to describe the infection of Populus trichocarpa × Populus deltoides ‘Beaupré’ leaves by compatible and incompatible fungal strains. Striking differences in host-tissue infection were observed after 48-h postinoculation (hpi) between compatible and incompatible interactions. No reactive oxygen species production could be detected at infection sites, while a strong accumulation of monolignols occurred in the incompatible interaction after 48 hpi, indicating a late plant response once the fungus already penetrated host cells to form haustorial infection structures. P. trichocarpa whole-genome expression oligoarrays and sequencing of cDNAs were used to determine changes in gene expression in both interactions at 48 hpi. Temporal expression profiling of infection-regulated transcripts was further compared by cDNA arrays and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Among 1,730 significantly differentially expressed transcripts in the incompatible interaction, 150 showed an increase in concentration ≥3-fold, whereas 62 were decreased by ≥3-fold. Regulated transcripts corresponded to known genes targeted by R genes in plant pathosystems, such as inositol-3-P synthase, glutathione S-transferases, and pathogenesis-related proteins. However, the transcript showing the highest rust-induced up-regulation encodes a putative secreted protein with no known function. In contrast, only a few transcripts showed an altered expression in the compatible interaction, suggesting a delay in defense response between incompatible and compatible interactions in poplar. This comprehensive analysis of early molecular responses of poplar to M. larici-populina infection identified key genes that likely contain the fungus proliferation in planta.
Rice UDP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase1 Is Essential for Pollen Callose Deposition and Its Cosuppression Results in a New Type of Thermosensitive Genic Male Sterility
Authors: Chen Rongzhi , Zhao Xiao , Shao Zhe , Wei Zhe , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhu Lili , Zhao Jie , Sun Mengxiang , He Ruifeng , He Guangcun 
Published: March 2007

AbstractUDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) catalyzes the reversible production of glucose-1-phosphate and UTP to UDP-glucose and pyrophosphate. The rice (Oryza sativa) genome contains two homologous UGPase genes, Ugp1 and Ugp2. We report a functional characterization of rice Ugp1, which is expressed throughout the plant, with highest expression in florets, especially in pollen during anther development. Ugp1 silencing by RNA interference or cosuppression results in male sterility. Expressing a double-stranded RNA interference construct in Ugp1-RI plants resulted in complete suppression of both Ugp1 and Ugp2, together with various pleiotropic developmental abnormalities, suggesting that UGPase plays critical roles in plant growth and development. More importantly, Ugp1-cosuppressing plants contained unprocessed intron-containing primary transcripts derived from transcription of the overexpression construct. These aberrant transcripts undergo temperature-sensitive splicing in florets, leading to a novel thermosensitive genic male sterility. Pollen mother cells (PMCs) of Ugp1-silenced plants appeared normal before meiosis, but during meiosis, normal callose deposition was disrupted. Consequently, the PMCs began to degenerate at the early meiosis stage, eventually resulting in complete pollen collapse. In addition, the degeneration of the tapetum and middle layer was inhibited. These results demonstrate that rice Ugp1 is required for callose deposition during PMC meiosis and bridges the apoplastic unloading pathway and pollen development.