bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Controlled Trial of Pulsed Nasal Nebulizer in Maximally Dissected Cadavers
Authors: Valentine Rowan J. , Athanasiadis Theo , Thwin May , Singhal Deepti , Weitzel Erik K. , Wormald Peter-John 
Published: August 2008

Background Nasal douching is common practice in treatment of chronic sinusitis and after endoscopic sinus surgery. Current nasal delivery techniques show inconsistent sinus penetration. The aim of this study was to compare sinonasal penetration of nasal douching to an optimized nasal nebulizer in an operated cadaver model. Methods Fourteen preserved cadavers were used receiving complete sphenoethmoidectomies with a Draf III, wide maxillary antrostomy, or medial maxillectomy. Seven control cadavers received nasal douching with one standardized squeeze bilaterally of a 200-mL nasal irrigation bottle and seven intervention cadavers were nebulized with 3 minutes of the PARI sinus device bilaterally. Douching solutions were stained with methylene blue. Independent observers documented sinonasal anatomy, staining intensity, and percentage area covered by dye using standardized grading protocols. Results Combined data showed a significant increase in intensity of stain (2.06 versus 0.26, p < 0.001), percentage of stain (49.96% versus 4.19%, p < 0.001), and circumference stained (76.59% versus 12.7%, p < 0.001) with the plastic nasal irrigation squeeze bottle versus PARI device. Analysis of individual sinuses consistently showed significant increases in indices of nasal douching relative to nebulization. The PARI sinus nebulizer was noted to reach the ethmoids regularly (92% incidence), whereas the other sinuses were not reached as regularly with incidences noted at frontal (43%), maxillary (46%), and sphenoid (54%). This compares to 96% of all sinuses being stained by the squeeze bottle. Conclusion In all measured indices, the nasal douching method with the squeeze bottle was superior to the PARI sinus nebulizer in highly dissected sinonasal cadaver models.
Impact of Menthol Inhalation on Nasal Mucosal Temperature and Nasal Patency
Authors: Lindemann Joerg , Tsakiropoulou Evangelia , Scheithauer Marc O. , Konstantinidis Iordanis , Wiesmiller Kerstin M. 
Published: August 2008

Background Menthol is a natural herbal compound. Its isomer L-menthol presents the characteristic peppermint scent and is also responsible for the cooling sensation when applied to nasal mucosal surfaces because of stimulation of trigeminal cold receptors. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of menthol inhalation on end-inspiratory nasal mucosa temperature and nasal patency. Methods Eighteen healthy volunteers with a mean age of 30 years were enrolled in this study. Objective measurements included the septal mucosal temperature within the nasal valve area by using a miniaturized thermocouple as well as active anterior rhinomanometry before and after inhalation of l-menthol vapor. All subjects completed a visual analog scale (VAS; range, 1–10) evaluating nasal patency before and after menthol. Results The mean end-inspiratory mucosal temperature ranged from 27.7°C (±4.0) before menthol inhalation to 28.5°C (±3.5) after menthol inhalation. There were no statistically significant differences between the temperature values before and after menthol inhalation (p > 0.05). In addition, no statistically significant differences between the rhinomanometric values before and after menthol inhalation were observed. Sixteen of the 18 subjects reported an improvement of nasal breathing after menthol inhalation by means of the VAS. Conclusion Menthol inhalation does not have an effect on nasal mucosal temperature and nasal airflow. The subjective impression of an improved nasal airflow supports the fact that menthol leads to a direct stimulation of cold receptors modulating the cool sensation, entailing the subjective feeling of a clear and wide nose.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Outcomes after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Mace Jess , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: August 2008

Background Limited clinical research exists concerning surgical outcomes for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and comorbid fibromyalgia. The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with CRS and concurrent fibromyalgia experience quality-of-life (QOL) improvement after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and whether this improvement is similar to that seen in patients without fibromyalgia. Methods An adult (≥18 years of age) population (n = 283) with medically refractory CRS was assessed using two disease-specific QOL instruments: the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and the Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS). A nested case-control analysis of matched subjects (n = 18) with and without fibromyalgia was performed to compare pre- and postoperative QOL. Results Improvement in postoperative QOL was found in patients with CRS and comorbid fibromyalgia (p ≤ 0.004). After controlling for age, gender, and disease severity, this improvement was similar to that seen in patients without fibromyalgia for all RSDI subscales as well as the CSS total and CSS symptom subscales. Patients with fibromyalgia reported significantly less improvement on the CSS medication subscale than patients without fibromyalgia (p = 0.027). Conclusion Patients with CRS and comorbid fibromyalgia showed similar improvements in QOL after ESS when compared with patients without fibromyalgia when controlling for age, gender, and disease severity.
A Morphologic and Immunohistochemical Study of Nasal Mucosa in Leatherworkers
Authors: Palomba Annarita , Iaia Tonina Enza , Biancalani Mauro , Conti Stefano , Battista Giuseppe , Papaleo Bruno , Franchi Alessandro 
Published: August 2008

Background The association between intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma and the occupational exposure to leather dusts has been widely documented, but the identification of precursor lesions in exposed workers has remained controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the histological changes and modifications in the phenotype of epithelial cells in nasal mucosa of leather workers. Methods Biopsy specimens of the mucosa of the middle turbinate were obtained from 139 subjects who had been employed in leather factories for 10–48 years (median, 29 years). Tissue fragments were routinely processed for histological examination and immunostainings for cytokeratin 20, CDX-2, and MUC-2 were performed. Results Regarding the surface epithelium, the most common histopathological finding was the presence of squamous metaplasia (64.7%), which was associated with mild to moderate dysplasia in 37 cases (41.1%), and goblet cell hyperplasia was identified in 30 biopsy specimens (21.6%). Positivity for MUC-2 was detected in goblet cells of 20 of the 30 samples with goblet cell hyperplasia (66.6%), whereas no immunostaining was observed for cytokeratin 20 and CDX-2. Presence of goblet cell hyperplasia was significantly associated with longer occupational exposure in leather tanning activities (p = 0.03). None of the alterations observed (squamous metaplasia, dysplasia, or goblet cell hyperplasia) showed correlation with smoking habits. Similarly, there was no correlation between squamous metaplasia with or without dysplasia and type and duration of occupational exposure. Conclusion Our data identify goblet cell hyperplasia as possible work-related alterations of nasal mucosa in leather workers. Additional investigations are needed to clarify the significance of these findings in the development of sinonasal intestinal-type carcinoma.
Effect of Weight Reduction on Rhinometric Measurements in Overweight Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Kemppainen Tatu , Ruoppi Pirkko , Seppä Juha , Sahlman Johanna , Peltonen Markku , Tukiainen Hannu , Gylling Helena , Vanninen Esko , Tuomilehto Henri 
Published: August 2008

Background Elevated nasal resistance and obesity predispose to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Weight loss has been shown to result in an alleviation of OSA, but its effect on nasal airflow has not been studied. Methods This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled study with two parallel groups. A total of 52 adult overweight patients (body mass index [BMI], 28–40 kg/m2) with mild obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index {AHI}, 5–15) were randomized into two study groups. The intervention group (n = 26) followed a very low calorie diet with a supervised lifestyle intervention while the control group (n = 26) received routine lifestyle counseling. The changes in BMI, total nasal resistance, total nasal volume, and quality of life scores (Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, MiniRQLQ) were assessed at baseline and after the intervention at 3 months. Results The reduction in BMI in the intervention group was significantly greater than that achieved by patients in the control group (5.4 kg/m2 versus 0.5 kg/m2). Accordingly, AHI was reduced by 3.2 events/hour in the intervention group and by 1.3 in the control group. However, there were no significant changes in rhinometric measurements despite significant weight loss. There was no correlation between the reduction of BMI and the change in nasal resistance or MiniRQLQ scores. Conclusion Weight reduction does not seem to have any effect on nasal resistance or volume in overweight patients with mild OSA. Patients with OSA and impaired nasal breathing need specific medical or surgical treatment to restore nasal airflow.
Research Themes and Trends in Health Information Systems
Authors: Nerur S. , Raghupathi W. 
Published: August 2008

Summary

Objectives:
The health information systems (HIS) field is characterized as being associated with health care and information systems. Drawing on several disciplines, a body of knowledge has come together that help define the core internal structure of the field. This study attempts to identify the emerging sub-fields using the bibliometric technique of author-cocitation analysis.

Methods:
Co-citation data for members of editorial boards of several health information systems journals for the period of 1998-2006 was collected and analyzed (N = 166). We performed numerous multivariate analyses, including cluster analysis, factor analysis and multidimensional scaling to extract the sub-fields.

Results:
Our findings indicate the presence of several strong sub-fields, including HIS evaluation, communication and e-health, and clinical DSS. In addition, we identified other sub-fields that are distinct but still emerging, such as adoption, outcome and policy, and use and impact of HIS. The study also confirms the existence of several historical sub-fields and contrasts technology-oriented sub-fields with managementoriented sub-fields. Topics on the periphery of HIS provide links to other disciplines as well.

Conclusions:
The study provides a unique perspective on the field of HIS, and the results indicate opportunities for further research that explores collaborations and social networks among the sub-fields.
Autosomal dominant isolated question mark ear
Authors: Shkalim Vered , Eliaz Noam , Linder Nehama , Merlob Paul , Basel‐Vanagaite Lina 
Published: August 2008

AbstractQuestion mark (Cosman) ear is an auricular abnormality characterized by a cleft between the lobule and the lower part of the helix, sometimes accompanied by a prominent or deficient upper part of the helix, shallow skin dimple on the posterior surface of the ear, or transposition of the ear lobe/antitragus. It can be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Only two families with more than one member with Question mark ear have been reported previously. Here we report on a female infant with bilateral isolated Question mark ear. The family history revealed a similar abnormality in her father and paternal grandfather. The similarity of the Question mark ear to the ear abnormalities described in auriculo‐condylar syndrome (ACS) is discussed. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deletion (1)(p32.2–p32.3) detected by array‐CGH in a patient with developmental delay/mental retardation, dysmorphic features and low cholesterol: A new microdeletion syndrome?
Authors: Mulatinho Milene , Llerena Juan , Leren Trond P. , Rao P. Nagesh , Quintero‐Rivera Fabiola 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe report on a 25‐year‐old male with mental retardation and global developmental delay, low levels of total and LDL cholesterol and dysmorphism, which includes macrocephaly, hypertelorism, synophrys, telecanthus, prominent philtrum, low set ears, bilateral cataracts, bilateral cleft lip with cleft palate and widely spaced nipples. While his karyotype and subtelomeric FISH studies were normal, a de novo, 5.4 Mb interstitial deletion at 1p32 [del(1)(p32.2–p32.3)] was identified by oligonucleotide aCGH. The deleted region encompasses a cluster of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and cholesterol metabolism. One of these genes is PCSK9, a key regulator for a number of cell‐surface LDL receptors. In addition to the loss of the paternal allele, our patient is hemizygous for the A443T weak loss‐of‐function mutation in exon 8 of PCSK9. Loss‐of‐function mutations within PCSK9 have been shown to cause hypocholesterolemia. Another gene also mapped to this region and deleted in this patient is DAB1, reported to be involved in brain development. Based on the findings in the current patient and in the four previously reported individuals with del(1)(p32.2–p32.3), we suggest that these patients may have a new microdeletion syndrome that may have gone undetected because of its location in a G‐negative band. However, the condition can easily be identified by array‐CGH. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Giving ourselves: The ethics of anatomical donation
Authors: Gunderman Richard B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn some European countries, such as Italy, medical education is threatened by a dearth of anatomical specimens. Such a shortage could spread to other nations, including the United States. This article addresses two ethical questions in body donation. Why might people choose to donate their bodies to education and science? What sorts of ethical appeals might anatomists, physicians, and other health professionals make to patients and family members for anatomical donation? Two models of giving, egoistic and liberal, merit close examination. Anat Sci Ed 1:217–219, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.
Asymmetric Catalysis with Metal Complexes in Nanoreactors
Authors: Yang Qihua , Han Difei , Yang Hengquan , Li Can 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRecently, the field of heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis, generally using chiral solid catalysts, has attracted much attention in the production of single enantiomers. Among versatile chiral solid catalysts, chiral metal complexes confined in nanoreactors often exhibit very unique enantioselectivity and catalytic activity compared to homogeneous catalysts. In this Focus Review, we summarize the recent advances in asymmetric reactions on chiral metal complexes confined in nanoreactors with an emphasis on the confinement effect and cooperative activation effect of the nanoreactor and new strategies for the preparation of chiral solid catalysts, such as the encapsulation of chiral metal complexes in the nanocages of mesoporous silica and incorporation of chiral ligands in the network of mesoporous organosilicas.
Utilization of N,N‐Dialkylcarbamic Acid Derived from Secondary Amines and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: Stereoselective Synthesis of Z Alkenyl Carbamates with a CO2‐Soluble Ruthenium–P(OC2H5)3 Catalyst
Authors: Kayaki Yoshihito , Suzuki Tomoyuki , Ikariya Takao 
Published: August 2008

AbstractReversible transformation of diethylamine (1) and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) into N,N‐diethylcarbamic acid (2) was confirmed by direct acquisition of 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectra. The equilibrium between 1+CO2 and 2 is strongly influenced by conditions of the supercritical state. Low temperature favors formation of carbamic acid, whereas high temperature causes decarboxylation. On the basis of the spectroscopic results of carbamic acid formation under scCO2 conditions, the ruthenium‐catalyzed formation of alkenyl carbamates from terminal alkynes, 1, and carbon dioxide was investigated to demonstrate the useful transformation of elusive carbamic acids. Selectivity toward the CO2‐fixation products over enynes obtained by dimerization of the alkyne substrates was improved by the use of scCO2 as a reaction medium. In particular, a CO2‐soluble ruthenium complex, trans‐[RuCl2{P(OC2H5)3}4], was found to be effective in affording Z alkenyl carbamates with high stereoselectivity.
Advancing public sector performance analysis
Authors: Heinrich Carolyn J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRecent reforms intended to promote more accountable and responsive government have increased public attention to performance analysis and accelerated the production and use of information on agency performance and public program outcomes. Drawing from cases and empirical studies, this presentation considers questions about what should count as evidence, how it should be communicated, who should judge the quality and reliability of evidence and performance information, and how to achieve a balance between processes that produce rigorous information for decision making and those that foster democratic governance and accountability. Promising directions are suggested for efforts to improve government effectiveness through the use of more rigorous information in decision making, along with acknowledgment of the limitations and risks associated with such efforts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of (Gd‐DO3A)n‐polydiamidopropanoyl‐peptide nucleic acid‐D(Cys‐Ser‐Lys‐Cys) magnetic resonance contrast agents
Authors: Amirkhanov Nariman V. , Dimitrov Ivan , Opitz Armin W. , Zhang Kaijun , Lackey John P. , Cardi Christopher A. , Lai Song , Wagner Norman J. , Thakur Mathew L. , Wickstrom Eric 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe hypothesized that chelating Gd(III) to 1,4,7‐tris(carboxymethylaza)cyclododecane‐10‐azaacetylamide (DO3A) on peptide nucleic acid (PNA) hybridization probes would provide a magnetic resonance genetic imaging agent capable of hybridization to a specific mRNA. Because of the low sensitivity of Gd(III) as an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, a single Gd‐DO3A complex per PNA hybridization agent could not provide enough contrast for detection of cancer gene mRNAs, even at thousands of mRNA copies per cell. To increase the Gd(III) shift intensity of MRI genetic imaging agents, we extended a novel DO3An‐polydiamidopropanoyl (PDAPm) dendrimer, up to n = 16, from the N‐terminus of KRAS PNA hybridization agents by solid phase synthesis. A C‐terminal D(Cys‐Ser‐Lys‐Cys) cyclized peptide analog of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) was included to enable receptor‐mediated cellular uptake. Molecular dynamic simulation of the (Gd‐DO3A‐AEEA)16‐PDAP4‐AEEA2‐KRAS PNA‐AEEA‐D(Cys‐Ser‐Lys‐Cys) genetic imaging nanoparticles in explicit water yielded a pair correlation function similar to that of PAMAM dendrimers, and a predicted structure in which the PDAP dendron did not sequester the PNA. Thermal melting measurements indicated that the size of the PDAP dendron included in the (DO3A‐AEEA)n‐PDAPm‐AEEA2‐KRAS PNA‐AEEA‐D(Cys‐Ser‐Lys‐Cys) probes (up to 16 Gd(III) cations per PNA) did not depress the melting temperatures (Tm) of the complementary PNA/RNA hybrid duplexes. The Gd(III) dendrimer PNA genetic imaging agents in phantom solutions displayed significantly greater T1 relaxivity per probe (r1 = 30.64 ± 2.68 mM−1 s−1 for n = 2, r1 = 153.84 ± 11.28 mM−1 s−1 for n = 8) than Gd‐DTPA (r1 = 10.35 ± 0.37 mM−1 s−1), but less than that of (Gd‐DO3A)32‐PAMAM dendrimer (r1 = 771.84 ± 20.48 mM−1 s−1) (P < 0.05). Higher generations of PDAP dendrimers with 32 or more Gd‐DO3A residues attached to PNA‐D(Cys‐Ser‐Lys‐Cys) genetic imaging agents might provide greater contrast for more sensitive detection. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 1061–1076, 2008.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Molecular dynamics simulations of Factor Xa: Insight into conformational transition of its binding subsites
Authors: Singh Narender , Briggs James M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractProtein flexibility and conformational diversity is well known to be a key characteristic of the function of many proteins. Human blood coagulation proteins have multiple substrates, and various protein–protein interactions are required for the smooth functioning of the coagulation cascade to maintain blood hemostasis. To address how a protein may cope with multiple interactions with its structurally diverse substrates and the accompanied structural changes that may drive these changes, we studied human Factor X. We employed 20 ns of molecular dynamics (MD) and steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations on two different conformational forms of Factor X, open and closed, and observed an interchangeable conformational transition from one to another. This work also demonstrates the roles of various aromatic residues involved in aromatic–aromatic interactions, which make this dynamic transition possible. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 1104–1113, 2008.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Erkältungsviren: Keine Hoffnung auf Immunität
Authors: Höffeler Fritz 
Published: August 2008

AbstractÜber 200 verschiedene Viren aus fünf Gattungen können beim Menschen eine Erkältung auslösen. Nur die wenigsten Infektionen münden in eine starke Erkältung. Ihre Symptome werden nicht durch die Viren selbst ausgelöst, sondern sind größtenteils das Resultat von durch das angeborene Immunsystem ausgelösten Entzündungsreaktionen. Erkältungen können nicht verhindert, aber ihr Verlauf gemildert werden. Da der Mensch pro Erkältung immer nur durch einen, aber meist von Infektion zu Infektion wechselnden Virustyp infiziert wird, ist eine vollständige Immunität gegen alle Viren nahezu unmöglich.
Die Evolution des Fluges und der Echoortung: Fledermäuse
Authors: Habersetzer Jörg , Simmons Nancy B. , Seymour Kevin , Gunnell Gregg F. , Schlosser‐Sturm Evelyn 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDie lange Kontroverse, ob in der Evolution der Fledermäuse das Fliegen am Anfang stand oder die Echoortung mit für uns unhörbarem Ultraschall (oder ob sich beide simultan entwickelten), wurde aufgrund eines neuen Fundes – Onychonycteris finneyi – zugunsten der “Flight first”‐Hypothese entschieden. Noch im Gestein verborgene Details der Bezahnung, des Flugapparates und der Innenohren werden in Fortführung des Forschungsvorhabens mit speziellen mikrotomografischen Verfahren untersucht und mit denen fossiler und rezenter Fledermäuse verglichen.