bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
S274 – Smoker's Nose
Authors: Kjaergaard Thomas , Småstuen Cvancarova Milada , Steinsvåg Sverre 
Published: August 2008

ObjectivesDo smokers have more upper airway symptoms than non‐smokers? Despite extensive knowledge about the health‐damaging effects of smoking, little is known about whether and to what extent smoking causes complaints from the upper airway. The main objectives of our study: 1) evaluate the role of cigarette smoking in relation to upper airway symptoms, and 2) study the dose response relationship between daily cigarette consumption and upper airway symptoms.Methods2294 consecutive patients referred to ENT specialist for evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea, snoring or nose‐related complaints were included in this cross‐sectional study. Subjects completed a detailed questionnaire including Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), grading 13 upper airway symptoms. In addition, smoking habits were registered. Associations between VAS recordings and smoking status were evaluated by multivariate analysis based on regression analysis and Anova, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, asthma, and allergy. Differences of 10% or more were considered clinically relevant. The study was conducted in the period 2005–2007.ResultsSmokers had between 12 and 27% higher VAS scores in 8 out of 13 symptoms compared with non‐smokers (p<0,001). Further, VAS scores were related to the daily cigarette consumption in a dose‐dependent manner within the majority of the symptom categories.ConclusionsOur study indicates that cigarette smoking is an important etiologic factor for upper airway symptoms. The results give support to campaigns against smoking even in an upper airway perspective. Cessation of smoking should be considered, accepted, and used as a therapeutic measure when dealing with smokers presenting with upper airway complaints.
S298 – Difference of P/Ex and Severity of OSA According to Age
Authors: Kim Sanghoon , Kim Sung Wan , Jo Joong Saeng 
Published: August 2008

ObjectivesIt has been proved by many researchers that there are different dominant narrowing site of upper airway according to age and many sleep parameters change with age. We evaluate the difference of physical examination and severity of obstructive sleep apnea according to age.Methods255 male patients were subjected to this study. All of them were diagnosed OSAS by polysomnography and examined preoperative work‐up including BMI, cephalometry parameter(PAS, PNS‐P, MPH), nasopharyngoscopy with Muller maneuver before surgical treatment. We measured sleep parameters (lowest oxygen saturation, Apnea‐hypopnea index) by polysomnography and studied the difference of physical exam and sleep parameter among the 4 groups (‐29,30–39, 40‐,50‐) according to age.ResultsAmong the estimated parameters of 4 groups which were divided according to age, there were significant difference in BMI, neck circumference, chest circumference, abdominal circumference in physical exam and PNS‐P, MPH in radiologic finding. (p<0.05) AHI that reflects OSA severity was significantly different among 4 groups. Patient distribution of over 15 AHI score were 36% in the under 29 group, 72% in 30–39 group, 59% in 40–49 group and 55% in the over 50‐years‐old group.ConclusionsAccording to the ages, we found that physical exam, and radiologic finding were different significantly among age groups. AHI were significantly different among 4 groups and OSA severity was increased significantly after 30 years old, but there was no difference significantly in the over‐30 groups.
Does Early Speech Discrimination Predict Language Ability?
Authors: Ting Jonathan Y , Houston Derek M , Miyamoto Richard T 
Published: August 2008

ProblemThere is a paucity of instruments available to assess speech discrimination in normal‐hearing (NH) and hearing‐impaired (HI) infants. We assess the utility of a hybrid visual habituation paradigm (HVHP) in assessing speech discrimination and predicting later language ability.MethodsNH infants were tested with the HVHP on an easier vowel contrast or a more difficult fricative contrast. Parents completed Macarthur Communicative Development Inventories (CDI) when infants were 14,18,24, and 30 months old to assess correlations between discrimination abilities and later language ability. Similarly, HVHP and CDI measures were obtained from HI infants at following hearing aid (HA) or cochlear implant (CI) use.Results29% of NH infants significantly discriminated the vowel contrast. 6% of NH infants significantly discriminated the fricative contrast. Effect size of fricative discrimination at 9 months correlated with early gestures (n=10), r=.73 p=.02, and later gestures (n=10, r=.81 p =. 01), at 14 months of age. HI infants tested on the vowel contrast at 3 months of HA use demonstrated significant correlations of effect size of discrimination with phrases understood at 6 months of HA use (n=4, r=.96, p=0.04) and vocabulary production at 9 months of HA use (n=5, r=.90, p=0.04).ConclusionThe HVHP can be used with various contrasts to assess the speech discrimination abilities of NH and HI infants. While data collection is ongoing, it appears that performance on the HVHP may correlate with later language outcomes in both NH and HI infants.SignificanceThis study assesses the utility of the HVHP in assessing speech discrimination, and is a step towards developing clinical tools to assess the progress of HI infants following early intervention.SupportSupported by a 2007 AAO‐HNSF Resident Research Award and NIH grant R01DC6235 to Indiana University.
Guinea Pig Ototoxicity With Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen
Authors: Hughes Timothy J , Matz Gregory J , Marzo Sam J 
Published: August 2008

ProblemHuman case reports have been published demonstrating a rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss associated with overuse or abuse of acetaminophen/hydrocodone. We hypothesized that hearing loss would result in the guinea pig model if given high, chronic doses of this drug.MethodsSixty female, pigmented guinea pigs were randomly assigned to a control, acetaminophen, hydrocodone, or acetaminophen/hydrocodone group. All guinea pigs were tested with baseline ABRs on day 0, and post drug/placebo administration on days 30, 60, 90, and 120. At the end of the study 5 animals from each group were sacrificed and their cochleae were harvested for histological investigation.ResultsNo significant change in threshold (dB) was seen between the 4 groups. Histological studies of the cochleae revealed no hair cell damage in any of the groups.ConclusionHydrocodone and acetaminophen/hydrocodone do not have an obvious deleterious effect on guinea pig cochlear function or structure.SignificanceThis study may indicate that human hearing loss seen with abuse of acetaminophen/hydrocodone is multi‐factorial and not just related to the drug abuse alone.
Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct in Pediatric SNHL
Authors: Dewan Karuna , Lieu Judith C. 
Published: August 2008

ProblemCurrent diagnostic criteria for enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA), >1.5mm at the midpoint, was determined in the pre‐CT era by Valvassori. Recent research, based on 73 CTs from children with no sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), suggests new criteria for the diagnosis of EVA—midpoint of >0.9mm or operculum >1.9mm. We evaluated the proposed new radiographic, Cincinnati criteria for the diagnosis of EVA.MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study, we reviewed temporal bone CT scans of 130 pediatric cochlear implant recipients to measure the vestibular aqueduct midpoint and opercular width and 5 other temporal bone dimensions.ResultsThe Cincinnati criteria identified 44% of patients with EVA versus 16% with the Valvassori criterion (P < 0.01). Of those with EVA, 45% were unilateral and 55% were bilateral using Cincinnati criteria; 64% were unilateral and 36% bilateral using Valvassori criterion (P<0.01). Right and left side measurements of vestibular aqueduct operculum (r=0.67, P<0.01) and midpoint (r=0.58, P<0.01) correlated substantially. The Cincinnati criteria diagnosed 70 ears with EVA classified as normal using the Valvassori criterion (P<0.01). Of these 70 ears, 59 had no other medical explanation for their hearing loss.ConclusionThe Cincinnati criteria identified a large percentage of pediatric cochlear implant patients with EVA who otherwise had no known etiology for their deafness. Significant correlations between right and left side measurements suggest that EVA may not be morphologically asymmetric as previously thought.SignificanceThe Cincinnati criteria potentially alters the current estimation of the most common etiologies of bilateral severe‐to‐profound sensorineural hearing loss in the pediatric population.SupportKD is a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow, supported by the Doris Duke Foundation.
Hydrogel and Polyester Ventilation Tubes in an Animal Model
Authors: Tansavatdi Kristina , David Hoyt , Park Albert H , Prestwich Glenn D. , Hunter Lisa , Shu Xiaozheng , Britt David , Chase Shane 
Published: August 2008

ProblemDetermine the resorption rate and biocompatibility characteristics of novel cross‐linked hydrogel ventilations tubes and varied formulations of polyester ventilation tubes.MethodsThree cross‐linked hydrogel ventilation tubes (chondroitin sulfate, Carbylan‐S and Carbylan‐Sx) and 5 different polyester ventilation tubes (PLA, PLGA, and silver impregnated versions of PLA and PLGA tubes) were placed into the tympanic membranes of chinchillas. Integrity of the tubes was assessed by weekly otoscopic examination. Collar or Armstrong ventilation tubes were used as controls on the opposite ear in each animal. Biocompatibility was assessed by comparing auditory brainstem response and by examining tympanic membrane changes following tube resorption.ResultsThe PLA tubes remained in the tympanic membrane the longest (36.4 ± 5.2 days), while silver‐impregnated PLA tubes lasted for a shorter period of time than non‐impregnated tubes. The hydrogel tubes had very short resorption times (7–9.4 days) and were found on exam to significantly swell and expand the tympanic membrane perforation. Initial tissue histopathology confirmed these changes to the tympanic membrane. In contrast, the tympanic membrane and resorbable tube interface demonstrated equivalent findings for auditory thresholds and tissue histopathology at the implant site compared to nonresorbable controls for all polyester ventilation tubes with the exception of PLGA. Silver seemed to confer some stability for the PLGA tubes as tissue histopathology revealed significantly increased neutrophils and fibrosis in the PLGA tubes but not the silver‐impregnated PLGA tubes.ConclusionResorbable polyester pressure equalization tubes demonstrate predictable resorption behavior and similar biocompatibility characteristics when compared with nonresorbable tubes. Silver impregnation may confer some stability to PLGA tubes. Hydrogel tubes have very short resorption times and lack tissue biocompatibility due to increased injury and inflammation of the tympanic membrane.SignificanceThe data suggests that resorbable polyester tubes are equivalent to other FDA‐approved tympanostomy devices with regard to biocompatibility in the chinchilla model examined.SupportAmerican Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology Research Grant provided the majority of the funding for this research. Also, the USU Center for Integrated Biosystems provided additional funding. Drs. Park and Prestwich are co‐founders of Sentrx Surgical, Inc.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis Defined at Protein Levels
Authors: Deroee Armin Farajzadeh , Christian Scharf , Naraghi Mohsen , Bahador Athary , Hosemann Werner G. 
Published: August 2008

ProblemChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a leading health care problem worldwide. Although many studies have been performed on different aspects of this disease, there are still no unanimous agreement on the pathophysiology, definition and classification of the disease. Two major groups of CRS are CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and CRS without NP (CRSsNP). These 2 groups seem to have different features in pathophysiology, treatment and response to therapy. Recently, a lot of attention has been directed to gene expression and protein biomarkers in CRS. Different proteins were found in CRSwNP and CRSsNP mucosa. Studying CRS at protein level in large scale enables us to get vast information about their structure and function. In this study we investigated the protein profile of CRSwNP and CRSsNP mucosa.MethodsSamples were taken from nasal mucosa of CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients. Proteins from these samples were extracted and separated by immobilized pH gradient (IPG)‐based two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2‐D DIGE). Resulting 2D‐gel images were statistically analyzed using Delta2D software and differently expressed protein spots were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS).ResultsA reference map of approximately 1250 proteins could be established.74 proteins were significantly different (2‐fold, p<0.05) between CRSwNP and CRSsNP mucosa. Up to now several of these significantly changed proteins could be identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS.ConclusionUp to now several of these significantly changed proteins could be identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS and their biological function will be discussed concerning the pathogenesis of human nasal polyps.SignificanceKnowing the proteome of mucosa in CRSwNP and CRSsNP and biological functions of proteins can lead us to new ways of treatment and open new horizons in CRS research field.SupportThe first author received a fellowship grant for performing the research from European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.
The MD, MBA: Key to Cochlear Implant Program Survival?
Authors: McKinnon Brian J , Brace Kenneth W. 
Published: August 2008

ProblemDespite the well established clinical efficacy of cochlear implantation in children and adults, many cochlear implant programs face daunting financial challenges. This presentation reports how the application of business principles achieved a successful financial resurrection of a cochlear implant closed due to excessive financial losses.MethodsUsing currently accepted business practices of financial analysis, supply chain and cost management, and market assessment, the economic data leading up to the program's financial failure were methodically assessed. Financial assessment of a cochlear implant program performed by an implant surgeon formally trained in business methodology.ResultsIdentified during the financial exam were poor cost controls, little standardization of financial reporting, little understanding of actual and potential sources of revenue and cost, and a failure of the all parties to establish a suitable business model that would allow for the formal and accurate assessment of the program. Improved financial performance based on appropriate supply chain management, revenue enhancement, and accurate program financial reporting allowed for the cochlear implant program to reduce costs, increase revenue, and ultimately become financially viable.ConclusionNot understanding the business management of the cochlear implant program had a profoundly detrimental effect on the program's survival, despite the clinical success. Physicians must develop a business acumen that matches their clinical acumen, and use those tools to ensure that clinical success is not threatened by economic failure.SignificanceUnderstanding of the financial aspects of a cochlear implant program is as important as understanding the clinical aspects of cochlear implantation, and emphasis should be placed on developing those skills in the process of developing and managing cochlear implant programs.
R410 – Immunosuppressive Properties of Tonsil‐Derived MSCs
Authors: Janjanin Sasa , Djouad Farida , Prgomet Drago , Shanti Rabie M , Kiran Gollapudi , Joshi Arjun S , Tuan Rocky S 
Published: August 2008

ProblemWe have previously shown that stroma of human palatine tonsils contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that can be isolated and expanded in culture. These tonsil‐derived MSCs (T‐MSCs) show multipotent differentiation properties, i.e. can differentiate along multiple mesenchymal lineages, including osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and myocytes. Recent findings also show that MSCs display immunoregulatory properties. Although the exact immunosuppressive mechanisms are unknown, the capacity of MSCs to suppress T‐cell proliferation stimulated by allogeneic lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and phytohemaglutinin (PHA) is well documented. This study explores immunosuppressive characteristics of T‐MSCs and compares them with characteristics of bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs), a well‐characterized cell population.MethodsThe mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors and xenogeneic murine splenocytes was used to test the immunosuppressive properties of T‐MSCs and BMMSCs. Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically based on tryptophan‐to‐kynurenine conversion in the supernatant. Interferon (IFN)‐g in culture supernatants was quantified using a commercially available ELISA kit.ResultsAddition of BM‐MSCs and T‐MSCs both inhibited the PHA‐induced proliferative response of PBMC and xenogeneic splenocytes. The difference in immunosuppressive activity correlates with the level of cell surface interferon (IFN)‐g receptor as well as the differential ability of IFN‐g to stimulate of IDO activity by T‐MSCs compared to BM‐MSCs.ConclusionT‐MSCs share similar immunosuppressive characteristics as BM‐MSCs in MLR. The immunosuppressive activity is significant and dose‐dependent, although at a lower level than that of BM‐MSCs.SignificanceOwing to their ease of isolation, rapid proliferation in the culture and self‐renewal capacity, MSCs to date are considered an attractive candidate cell type for the development of novel cell‐based therapies. They could be relevant in a wide range of clinical applications, including tissue and organ repair, drug or gene delivery to diseased tissues, improvement of allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation, and the management of graft‐versus‐host disease.SupportSupported by NIAMS Intramural Research Program (NIH ZO1 AR 41131). Sasa Janjanin is a recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship of the U.S. Department of State.
R440 – Generation of Neuron‐Like Cells in Spiral Ganglion Cultures
Authors: Gawthrop Charles Stroud , Challagulla Kavitha , Vu Annette , Bianchi Lynne , Barald Kate F , Germiller John A 
Published: August 2008

ProblemDevelopment of the auditory nerve is dependent on neurotrophic factors. Neurotrophins BDNF and NT‐3 are critical in the later stages of development. More recently, a substance secreted by the early inner ear, otocyst‐derived factor (ODF), was shown to stimulate development of primitive auditory neurons at the earliest stages. We hypothesized that this powerful neurotrophic substance might be capable of regenerating auditory neurons in the mature animal.MethodsCultured neurons and whole explants from neonatal mouse spiral ganglia were incubated with either BDNF or supernatant from an ODF‐secreting cell line.ResultsExposure to ODF resulted in large numbers of cells which stained with neuronal markers, and had neuronal morphology. Though they appeared somewhat different from the native spiral ganglion neurons seen in BDNF‐treated cultures, they were present in vastly greater numbers, and appeared to arise from within the proliferating, migrating glial cell populations growing along with the neurons. These cells were not seen in cultures containing either control serum or BDNF. Addition of beta‐bungarotoxin, a neurotoxin, to spiral ganglia just after harvest destroyed the native neurons, which did not regenerate upon addition of BDNF. However, many of the new neuron‐like cells were observed after rescue with ODF, suggesting they represented a newly regenerated population of cells.ConclusionThese data suggest that the components of ODF have the potential to regenerate neuronal cells, possibly from precursors or stem cells existing within the supporting cell populations of the auditory nerve.SignificanceThe ability to regenerate auditory neurons would have exciting implications on the design and function of cochlear implants. Work continues in our lab to better define the properties of these new cells, and to isolate ODF's active component growth factors.SupportCommonwealth of Pennsylvania's Tobacco Formula Fund.
R456 – Managing Nasal Polyps with Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Pepe Graciela , Obregon Ricardo , Pepe Guillermo Jorge 
Published: August 2008

ProblemTo assess disease‐specific short and long term quality‐of‐life outcomes after minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with Bipolar Radiofrequency Interstitial thermotherapy (RFITT) and CO2 laser, in patients with nasal polyps.MethodsSelected nasal polyp patients, with or without previous surgery who failed at medical management, were included in a prospective observational outcome study. CT, bacteriological and histological studies were performed. We used a validated outcome instrument, the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE AOHNS) completed by the patients both before and after (1 – 12 months) the procedure. Statistical analysis ANOVA of repeated measures. We managed the obstruction using RFITT, laser and endoscopes, in office‐based procedures under local anesthesia.ResultsSignificant improvement was seen in NOSE score a month after the procedure, unchanged at month 12 (basal NOSE 93.75 ± 9.5 vs NOSE 1 month 7.3 ± 8.39 and NOSE 12 months 14.38 ± 11, p 0.0001). No differences were detected between single or multiple polyposis, or septoplasty. No pain, complication or need for packaging. Increase of secretions was referred the first week, some crusting the first month. Very high (78,04%) and moderate (21,95%) patient satisfaction. Patients with previous surgery (46%) keenly consider MIS for future treatments.ConclusionNasal polyps would be treated with MIS using CO2 laser and RFITT with significant improvement in disease specific quality of life that remains stable for the first year, and very high patient satisfaction with an almost pain free, low risk, fast office‐based procedure.SignificanceIt's a promising technique for those who are focusing in clinical outcomes, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.SupportNo grants. Supported by the School of Medicine Northeastern University Argentina.
National Ignition Facility target design and fabrication
Authors: Cook R.C. , Kozioziemski B.J. , Nikroo A. , Wilkens H.L. , Bhandarkar S. , Forsman A.C. , Haan S.W. , Hoppe M.L. , Huang H. , Mapoles E. , Moody J.D. , Sater J.D. , Seugling R.M. , Stephens R.B. , Takagi M. , Xu H.W. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe current capsule target design for the first ignition experiments at the NIF Facility beginning in 2009 will be a copper-doped beryllium capsule, roughly 2 mm in diameter with 160-µm walls. The capsule will have a 75-µm layer of solid deuterium-tritium on the inside surface, and the capsule will be powered by X-rays generated from a gold/uranium cocktail hohlraum. The design specifications are extremely rigorous, particularly with respect to interfaces, which must be very smooth to inhibit Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth. This paper outlines the current design, and focuses on the challenges and advances in capsule fabrication and characterization; hohlraum fabrication, and deuterium-tritium layering and characterization.